Hey readers, wonderful to be back! Things have been going well so consider this a little Christmas present! Thanks for all the support; I love you all. I hope you enjoy the chapter. It's longer (hopefully the wait was worth it) and a little calmer and with room for romantic fluff! Sadly, we all know the worst is yet to come, so brace yourselves.

Hope all reviewers got their responses through this new system, if not tell me and I'll try and amend that. And please, no one sue cause I used a song title for my Chapter title. Wonder if anyone knows where it's from? I doubt it since my taste is odd, but we'll see. For those who know what type of music I love the most, it's a bit of a clue.

I don't own that song title anyway, nor do I own mystery character that will be coming back for the cameo appearance introduction. (Hope you're pleased DJ) Also a poem in here I don't own, it belongs to the original Kitty, the1koolkitty, who rocks you must know! I thought appropriate to use in a lovely fluffy situation, hope you don't mind dear!

One more thing, warning for those who read "Inner Scars, Deep Emotion", there will be a few spoilers of what will come later in that story.

On with the chapter!

Chapter 17: One Day More

The once quite eerie atmosphere was filled with slight bustle and the drone of sirens. As the paramedics dragged away the lifeless forms of the two bikers to place them in the ambulance, they couldn't understand how they were just found in the street, with no serious wounds, but were in what seemed to be comatose states. It just was a complete mystery…

Well, since when do doctors know anything about souls being banished to the Shadow Realm?

It was in seeing the authorities trying to clean up the mess, and a tow truck arriving to remove the disembowelled limousine, or what was left of it, that Yugi sighed in some form of relief before pulling the curtains on the front window of the apartment closed. Now visibly easing away the tension that had ensued earlier, he relaxed his aching limbs while he leaned against the wall.

'Safe…for now at least…' he thought to himself, letting the soothing warmth in the air unwind his concerns. Feeling at last contented; he straightened up, just as Yami appeared out of the puzzle in transparent form next to him.

"They're gone Young One, safely locked away for eternity. Just pray they learn to like their new permanent residence." the spirit chuckled lightly, watching his other half carefully, noting how despite the calm demeanour, there was still worry in the youths mind.

'Who can blame him? It was a rather frightening moment, and if those two are only messengers, then it shows how powerful Drake must be. Yugi wants so much to protect the one he loves most, and not let any harm come to her, but with such a fierce opponent, it will not be easy. He just has to believe in himself, like we all do.' he considered, smiling softly at the young man.

"It'll work out, you know that Yugi. We've face all this before, we can do it again…"

"No."

"What? Yugi?" the spirit stuttered incoherently as his other half contradicted him mechanically, lost in his own worried haze.

"It's different this time Yami, it's so much worse! I…have my doubts if I can handle things this time. I promised…I promised her! I swore nothing would happen, she wouldn't have to be in fear anymore! But…I nearly lost her today, what if…"

"Enough, everything went fine, you were all brave!" the Pharaoh protested, crimson eyes boring into the boy, but smiled softly at seeing how his other halves eyes were brimming with a few tears.

Reaching out, he touched the others shoulder lightly, careful that his hand would not pass right through his skin. No other words needed to be said; this was more than enough comfort. Everyone was still slightly edgy over matters, but now they had to stay calm, and think of a plan of action for the perils ahead. In understanding, the pair smiled at each other, and Yugi watched as the spirit disappeared again. Turning away from the window he headed through to the living room.

On entering he saw Joey resting, more like close to falling asleep, on the couch, while on the floor Mokuba was playing with the two small Chinese children, who once again seemed innocent and lively despite the ordeal. Seto was sitting in an armchair watching them, and though his expression seemed uncaring, he clearly was a lot more relaxed at the sight of his family safe and sound. He noted that the young woman who had been in the limousine, who he now knew as Melisanne was no where to be seen, and was probably upstairs still cleaning up her wounds.

Just then he saw Kitty walk in from the kitchen as well, giving juice to the three youngsters, while offering Seto a cup of coffee, which he took with a curt nod. She only rolled her eyes and turned towards her boyfriend, nearly jumping into his arms, holding him tightly, which he returned, accompanied by a kiss on the forehead.

"You sure you're okay Kitten?"

"Fine, don't worry so much. You can be so fussy Yugi…"

"Only when it comes to you." he teased, burying his face in to soft auburn hair, while she leaned on his shoulder. "That was just a bit of a scare, you had me worried."

"Oh behave yourself, I'm used to this, I can handle myself." she joked, tugging at a blonde bang playfully. It really did astound Yugi how she could be so pleasant and free spirited, even only a few hours after such a terrifying incident. Cuddling her even closer, he sighed, her smile finally put him at ease for the most part.

Ease turned to catastrophe in that second when the children, in their excitement, bounced up onto the couch, waking up a startled blonde male and causing him to roll off the sofa and crash to the floor with a thump. The kids giggled playfully at seeing Joey sprawled and twitching on the carpet, while the CEO sniggered from the armchair. This of course, caused his rival to fume.

"OK, remind me WHY rich boy has any right to be hanging around and making a fool of me!"

"I didn't do anything mutt, you were made a fool of by three children, and I'd say that's much worse." the executive smirked. It took both Yugi and Kitty to hold the other teen from going to strangle the businessman.

"Easy Joey, this is not the time to be fighting." the Game King reasoned, loosening his grip now that his friend was paying attention. "Kaiba's just waiting for Melisanne to sort herself out, then he'll be on his way…"

"Actually I need to ask a few questions before I consider leaving." Seto leered as he stood up. "Like how you geeks are involved with the same thugs that I plant on reprimand." he growled, the last statement causing deadly silence.

"What have you got to do with this moneybags? Why do you suddenly want involved with our plans on getting rid of these bikers?" Joey yelled.

"First of all, I don't need you losers, I can handle things myself, I just need information from you; and secondly, that's no ones business but mine."

"Yeah right, you can't treat us like we're unimportant Kaiba! Especially now we know these rumours about you are all true! That girl is the one the press has been raging about, the same one who you've been dodging your company business to meet with!" the blonde shouted triumphantly, though the CEO looked less than impressed.

"I've already taken care of the pestering paparazzi Wheeler, they won't be bothering me or my family over this, as I plan to release enough information to keep those tabloid vultures satisfied for the time being. As for these bikers, I will handle the situation, so stay out of my way, as once you tell em what I need to know, I'm out of here!"

With that remark, the businessman stood up and stormed out of the room. Everyone heard footsteps on the stairs, and then a door slamming shut before silence fell over the house. Joey just huffed and went off into the kitchen, grumbling about how they shouldn't have to bother helping Kaiba in any way, with Yugi following him. Kitty was about to do the same, but glancing at the floor, she noticed Mokuba and the two Chinese children, Jun and Zi, looking at each other with solemn expressions. Letting her eyes drift towards the route to the upstairs rooms, the girl found herself deep in curious thought.

'There's more to Kaiba wanting action against the Death Riders than he's telling us. Maybe he isn't being stubborn or arrogant, perhaps…' she considered, before deciding to investigate for herself and walked towards the staircase.

-

"Are you sure you want to get involved?" a hushed whisper questioned, making Seto glance up from the bandages he was soaking. "They're gone now, there's no more need for fighting is there? We could just forget…"

"It's not that simple." he replied dryly.

"What do you mean?"

"You have to trust me Melisanne, this can't be discarded. The individuals who assaulted you and the kids are just working for the real mastermind of the gang. It's him who must pay…"

"It was only senseless destruction, we were not pacific targets Seto. The ones who acted are gone now, they won't come back. You had your revenge on them by practically using that…creature as a human speed bump, isn't that enough?" she murmured wincing slightly when the bandage, soaked in sterile ointment made contact with her skin.

The man looked at her and noticed her flinching at the touch. That was to be expected, with the amount of injuries that had been received by the young woman over the years, and old wounds constantly being reopened in that time, the scarring was severely sensitive. Melisanne had sometimes gone years without treating any of the wounds, and infection had been pretty common, sometimes so badly, limbs had come close to need for amputation. This is why it came to no surprise that it was painful for her to take any antibiotics or disinfectants, since her body had been so badly abused from a young age. It was considered a miracle she had lived this long; he hated that she had suffered, but was glad she had lived through it. If not, he would never have met her.

"You expect me to let this slip?" he remarked, stroking the marred flesh softly in comfort. "I didn't go easy when it came to Wang! Or your beastly bitch of a mother! And by Hell, I refuse to allow any sort of mercy towards these thugs either!"

"We're safe though, isn't that what matters?"

"But you won't be as long as these men are free to roam the streets! That's why I have to make sure they leave town and never come back! It's on principle; I will protect the kids and you from any harm!" he fumed, looking like he was close to punching a hole in the wall.

The oriental girl perched on the bed and pulled down her long sleeves to hide the extensive bandaging on her arms. She was used to this now, it became a ritual after so many years of physical and mental abuse, and with the belief she had deserved every blow made the pain even worse. Still, her crystal coloured eyes were close to shedding tears at the sight of the man being so infuriated. She knew it was not her fault really, but she always blamed herself despite this. If only she was stronger, he wouldn't always have to protect and worry over her!

Standing, she walked up behind him as he stood looking out the window at the destroyed street below. Her lip trembling, she wrapped her arms round his torso from behind, burying her face into the back of his shoulder, as if trying to apologise for all the trouble she had caused by coming into his life. Things would have been so much easier for him if he didn't have her to cope with, always being a burden to him. As her tears trickled onto his coat, she felt him pry her hands off him.

He turned around, and as icy blue met shattered crystal, he brought her into a tight embrace. Soon she stopped quivering and relaxed into the hold. He didn't need to use words; he was just explaining silently why he had to act so drastically, why he was so quick to temper in the situation; out of love for her.

This was not just obvious to the couple, but to the hazel eyed spy peeking through a gap in the door. Moving away and walking back towards the stairs quietly so she wouldn't be caught, a small smile found it's way on her lips. It was understandable now. Kaiba may have been a pain in the ass at times, and just bloody arrogant in others, but in this case it was neither of the two. He was being devoted and loving towards those he cared about, even if he didn't want to show it publicly. He did care for this woman he was with, he really loved her, a bond she could relate to well enough; the one between her and Yugi.

The smile soon broke out into a grin. Anyone who wanted to kick Drakes ass into prison where he belonged was a valued ally through and through.

-

When Seto and Melisanne reappeared downstairs, the children immediately stood and ran up in welcome. Mokuba nearly tackled his brother to the floor, while Jun and Zi curled around their sister's legs in a hug, mumbling in Chinese which no one except the girl herself could understand perfectly. As soon as they were seated on the couch comfortably, Kitty looked up and broke the silence.

"Kaiba," she muttered, causing the CEO to look up at her with a steely stare.

"What?"

" If you want to go up against Drake…then you can work with us to take him down."

"WHAT!" Joey shouted, nearly tumbling out of his chair. "Why are we letting him do anything? He's got nothing to do with this; he's just wanting to cause more problems by making scene out of everything! You agree, right Yug?"

Turning from his exasperated friend to the woman he loved, Yugi noted Kitty must know something about his rival's wishes to take revenge on the Death Riders, and she saw it as a valid reason to give him a chance. He also noticed how tightly Seto seemed to be holding the young woman's hand, acting protective yet gentle, a notion he had grown accustomed to feeling himself in the past few months he had been with his Kitten. After all, they needed all the help they could get.

"Welcome to the team Kaiba." he nodded, causing his blonde friend to fall off his chair in shock, but growled in some form of agreement knowing he was outnumbered.

The tall businessman was quite surprised they agreed to his request, and looked at the young woman who looked t him with solid unity. He hadn't been particularly nice to her; they barely held any conversation whatsoever, not to mention that generally speaking, both being quite intellectual they had a fair share of disagreement, but here she was giving him an opportunity.

He smirked, as no matter how ill matched he found her, she was indeed the perfect Queen for his old competitor, and somewhat friend, (though he would never say it) the King of Games.

He gave small grunt in the girl's direction, which she took as a form of thanks, however insincere it appeared to be. Just at that, the jingling of bells interrupted everyone's thoughts; someone was downstairs in the shop.

Yugi was first to rise; glancing at everyone else in warning the rest of the group to stay put while he checked downstairs. They watched as he went towards the small set of steps that led out of the apartment, closing the door behind him. The stairs creaked as walked down, until he could make out someone standing in the doorway looking around cautiously. The noise of Yugi coming down into the store caught the person's attention, making them turn towards the counter where the teenager appeared.

'If you need help Yugi, I'm right here just in case.' the Pharaoh whispered in his mind.

Wearily, the youth walked from behind the till towards the front of the shop, as the figure watched without moving.

"Who are you and what do you want? The sign says we're closed…" he spoke, trying not to show his nervous state. The figure didn't move, but then began to speak.

"I'm looking for the young woman living here, Kitty Carson…" the voice was definitely male, Yugi instantly alert and protective over anyone who perhaps was a threat to his Kitten.

"What do you want with her? Look, you can tell Drake to leave her alone, because if he doesn't he's going to pay dearly! So you can just-"

"Woah, wait a minute! I'm not working for Drake! Hear me out will you!" the man reasoned, walking towards the youth so he could see him properly.

The man was a bit older than Yugi and the others. He was of average height, with dark brown skin, seemingly Hispanic in nationality, with wild dark hair and deep brown eyes that almost seemed black. He wore neat dark jeans with loose belt a black shirt. Looking closely you could see a tiny green Godzilla stitched into the shirt pocket, and he held a black leather jacket, which he had casually slung over one shoulder. To Yugi he seemed safe; friendly, clean cut, not weird tattoos, piercings or dirty bandannas.

"If you're not working with the Death Riders, who are you?" he asked. The man looked at him before pulling something out his jacket pocket, opening it for Yugi to see: a badge.

"I'm Rodriguez: Lieutenant Daniel Rodriguez Junior, Detective of Kyoto District Police. I'm an investigator brought in by local authorities to look into this case concerning this group of Bikers. I told you I was coming, didn't you read my note?" he questioned.

Yugi blinked, then remembered the fight, the man who had protected the children from one of the Suicide Brothers, but had ran off only leaving them a small slip of paper, which he had left in his coat pocket without looking at it.

"I'm sorry officer, it's just been so chaotic, I completely forgot to read your note."

"Hey, forget it, no big deal. I'm sorry I had to run off so quickly, but I couldn't risk my cover being blown. And no 'officer' stuff please, makes me sound like an old chief inspector that spends half his time sleeping and scoffing free donuts. Just call me DJ." he smiled, putting out a hand which the other male shook politely.

"You seem, young to be a detective DJ…" he commented, which made the man laugh a little.

"Yeah, I know. I advanced quickly because they needed younger guys who have the energy to run after crooks without having a stroke. Anyway, since the local police are too weary to do anything they called me in, though they aren't taking me that seriously since they think I'm should still be an intern."

"Well you seem pretty capable…you said something about speaking to Kitty?"

"Yes, I heard she ran away from the gang, wanted to ask her some questions since she might be the reason they came here in the first place, am I right?"

Yugi nodded, trying not to think about the thugs to still trying to find his beautiful Kitten just to hurt her brutally. He didn't need to lose his temper at the moment; it was not a good idea.

"Yug, what's going on down there? Everything okay?" Joey's voice rang out as several people came down the stairs into the shop.

"Everything's fine guys, this is DJ, he's a detective who wants to help us out."

The Hispanic male nodded to the group as they introduced themselves. When it came to Kitty though, he went forward and shook her hand gently to explain to her his need for interrogating her. The young woman was a bit startled, as if having to go see the police would have been bad enough, but having them appear to talk to her made her feel even more nervous.

It was only when her boyfriend noticed how frightened she looked did he come behind her and snake his arms around her waist to soothe her, whilst planting small kisses or her shoulder and whispering it was going to be okay. It made her feel better, and she was willing to answer anything she could about Drake and his group to DJ.

The young investigator seemed to respect this, but he did have a request to make of them.

"I would ask you to move out of here until this thing is over and we have drake safely behind bars. He knows you're here so you could be in danger. Is there any place you could live temporarily, preferably with tight security around for a bit more protection? I'd book off some secluded place for you, but the department are being so tight with me they won't listen to what I have to say."

"What about with us Seto?" Mokuba suddenly chirped. "We have the room, and our security is so advanced no one will be able to get through. You guys will be well protected there."

"Mokuba…" his brother warned.

"Seto, they are nice enough to let you get a chance at Drake, it's the least you can do. And Kitty was the one who got us out safely from the limousine wreck."

Gritting his teeth, Seto sighed. He was somewhat indebted to the others, and he hated owing anyone anything. If this meant he would be able to get the answers he needed, then he had little choice. Pulling out his phone, he arranged for a car to pick them up. That way DJ could come with them and question Kitty at the mansion before they settled for the night. He also made sure the maid knew to make up extra beds for the visitors, but when the number of rooms was asked…

"Make it two rich boy."

"There's three of you mutt, or can't you count?"

"I know that, but I think the lovebirds would like to share, since I doubt they'll be doing much sleeping anyway…"

"That's it Joey, you're dead!"

They spent the rest of the time waiting for the car to arrive, and restraining Kitty from hitting Joey over the head with her notebook…well, more than once.

--

It was later in the day that the sun was setting over the Kaiba Mansion. In one of the eastern guestrooms, Yugi was perched on the edge of the bed unpacking his stuff from his small suitcase. Thankfully he didn't have to endure anymore teasing from Joey on the account that he was sharing a room with Kitty, as the blonde was distracted between eating half the Kaiba house pantry's contents and trying (but failing) to beat Mokuba in video games downstairs. Jun and Zi were apparently watching, and he had seen Seto go out into the gardens with Melisanne.

He was just waiting for Kitty to come back from her talk with DJ. She was quite worried about it in the car ride on the way over, and he had offered to stay with her since DJ didn't object, but she had put on a brave face and insisted she would be fine and that it wouldn't take too long. She obviously didn't want him to be worrying over her, so independent and kind, more qualities he could use to describe how he had fallen in love with her.

Looking outside, he noticed everything was bathed in the orange glow of the sunset. He continued watching as he put away the last of his belongs in the wardrobe. He had asked Yami to just rest inside the puzzle, so he could talk to Kitty in private when she came upstairs. The spirit had agreed, not wanting to interrupt their conversation later, plus he had felt rather tired himself. Of course, he did tell Yugi to get some rest, as tomorrow would no doubt be a big day.

"That means sleeping Yugi, so try not to let your desires get the best of you tonight, otherwise you will have no energy tomorrow."

The young man shook his head the thought of the Pharaoh's words; he was as bad as Joey when it came to teasing him about Kitty. Not that he cared too much, and not just because his girlfriend was not shy about flattening anyone who joked about their relationship, (last time he had seen Joey downstairs, he still had an ice pack on his head) but because he could not be happier being with her.

Everything was so perfect when they were together, every smile, touch or kiss. Thinking back to the previous night, he smiled. That had been perfect. He had admitted he loved her, and she had felt the same, which had lead such wonderful things, quite sensual things…

Yugi tried to ignore those thoughts so as to stop his cheeks going even redder. To distract himself, he decided to put away some of Kitty's things while he waited. As he lifted her bag, it tipped slightly, causing something hard to tumble out which landed on the floor with a thud. He bent down and picked the item realising what it was: Kitty's notebook.

He realised that when it had fell out the bag, on of the pages had been creased. He opened up and smoothed it out, and would have closed it over but he noticed what was written down. It was a new page, written quite recently, but instead of a diary entry, there was a poem. A poem about him! Curious, he began to read.

When we first met, my friend,
It was hard to have a soul…
I was but a dark specter
With a heart as black as coal…

But as our eyes lock together,
You help me through the maze …
Everything becomes alive,
With your subtle gaze…

Your eyes like blooming violets,
Mine like the ghost I'll always be…
You've got so much, so much more,
Than you could ever hope from me…

You must have been born of love
At the sound of a church bell…
Me? I'm born from a bastard,
Driven mad in a living Hell…

I'm just a small, helpless kitty
In the dark shadow of Satan…
You brought me in from the cold,
Could you really be a man?

You're so different from the world
In which I'm born and found…
You heal me with love and amity,
When the others have kicked me down…

You are like an angel saving me
Trying to heal my "Hell-born" brand…
Whether you'll succeed, I've yet to know,
But angel, please take my hand…

"Yugi, DJ said he'll write up a report tonight and get the guys at the station to listen, but we have to go tomorrow morning to clarify my story so…" Kitty's voice stopped suddenly as she walked in to see her boyfriend sitting on the bed reading her notebook.

"Yugi…" she uttered, getting the males attention, as he realised he had been caught.

"Kitten, I'm sorry! I didn't mean…I just…"

She didn't say anything, but walked towards him and leaned over to see what page he was looking at. When she could tell what he was reading, she was not angry, but her cheeks turned quite pink.

"What's wrong Kitten? Please don't be mad at me, you know I wouldn't…"

"I'm not angry Yugi." she replied, leaning closer to him so she was curled up next to him on the bed. "I just…wasn't sure about letting you see some of the stuff in there." the girl explained, gesturing to the notebook.

"But you didn't mind what I read before. Why is this time different?"

"What I've added since then…well," she stumbled over her words, face now turning tomato red. "I thought you would think it was stupid, meaningless…like that poem."

"Kitty…"

"It was just a silly idea, you know how I like to write sometimes! I was just thinking a lot, and I wanted to put the thoughts down, so maybe I could remember them years from now, when this is all over. Years from now, either if we're happy and settled down…or if, well, there's a chance…"

"A chance of what? What is it love, something wrong?" he asked in a worried tone, raising a hand to stroke her cheek so her hazel eyes would look up at his amethyst ones.

"That maybe, you…we…might go in different directions, different lives…you might even…find someone else to love…" she whimpered, sighing sadly, the pessimistic part of her personality that she had not thought about in all the time she had been with Yugi rising to the surface again.

He didn't say anything, but look straight at her, large amethyst orbs boring into her. Both hands were now on either side of the girl's face, trailing softly down and resting on her waist, arms curling tightly around her figure. Next thing the young woman knew, Yugi had bent his head down and pressed their lips together in a soft gentle kiss. The tenderness felt between them was warm and light hearted, making them both shiver pleasantly. Parting for air for only moment, he nuzzled his face into her soft sweet scented hair before kissing her again, only deeper and more passionate, to which the girl responded lovingly. Neither realised that during this they had fallen backwards onto the bed so Kitty was pinned underneath Yugi. It wasn't until they had to separate for air and he was nibbling her neck affectionately that Yugi spoke.

"I hope this makes you rethink that last comment." he stated, rolling to the side so he could cuddle her close, but still be able to shower her skin with soft kisses. "I couldn't love anyone else like this. I promise my Kitten, we'll be together forever. No one will separate us. Not Drake, not anyone. I'll love you through this life and the next, no matter what."

"I love you, only you." Kitty smiled through her tears of happiness. "I meant every word I wrote. I just thought you might say it didn't mean anything."

"How can it not mean anything when you're showing me how much you care? I read it, and it was beautiful…almost as beautiful as you look right now."

She smiled at him, moving forward a little so their noses rubbed together softly, making them both giggle. Yugi kissed the tip of her nose before trailing his mouth down to nip her neck playfully, making her gasp and squirm.

"You are so beautiful," he mumbled in between butterfly kisses and nibbling. "In fact Kitten…"

"Yugi we have to go to the police station tomorrow. I won't be able to get up if you get any ideas." she scolded, causing the young man to pout.

"You're starting to sound like Yami. Could we just…"

"No"

"But…"

"No Yugi, not tonight."

"Not fair." he muttered, trying to look angry, but of course Yugi could never look really mad at his little Kitty-Kat. She just laughed at his expression before sitting up beside him, wrapping her arms around him, one hand playing with a blonde bang of his hair, while she was rubbing her face against his cheek, purring in between giving small licks to his face.

"Aww Yugi, I promise I'll make it up to you. " she whispered teasingly, taking the blonde bang she had been playing with between her teeth and tugging at it cutely. That melted any resentment her boyfriend had held, as he once again cuddled up next to her.

"You really are my playful little Kitten aren't you?"

"Yours and only yours."

They both smiled, yawing slightly, before curling up together and pulling a blanket over themselves.

"Night, love you." Kitty whispered and she drifted off to sleep, as the young man beside her kissed her forehead one last time.

"Love you too." Yugi replied, soon falling asleep after her, as they rested for the very dangerous day that lay ahead of them.