Wah, long chapter ahead. Got a little carried away, I guess :p. Consider the extra length as something to make up for the rather slow updates.

I'll tell you now that summer vacation has just started here so I have a lot of free time on my hands. BUT, I'm not going to promise lighting-fast updates though (since that would be stupid of me).

Anyways, a lot of talking in this chapter, but they're all fun, I assure you. Hope you enjoy reading!

------------------

Chapter 9:

Let's Play Pretend

-----

Ryou began to get worried when Bakura went absolutely silent after being told by him to 'shut up' (to quote his exact words). At first he thought the other was going to blow up and smack him on the head or something. But all Bakura did was stare at him in what may seem like horrified fascination, which he was continuing to do so now, unblinkingly.

Needless to say, Ryou wasn't exactly comfortable with this, and was trying very hard not to make any sudden movements, as this might suddenly trigger Bakura to lash out and bite his head off in a frenzy.

"Eh…hey, Bakura?" he said, keeping his voice carefully even.

Bakura did nothing except stare at him even more.

Ryou, after a bit of deliberation, leaned forward a bit and shook Bakura's shoulder gently. "…Bakura…?" when the other still remained unresponsive, he shook him a bit harder, "Hey, come on. I'm sorry for snapping, okay? You…could, eh, go on and talk about whatever you like! Eh, like the hair-plucking and nail-pulling…thing you were saying before…"

And then Ryou heard him say, softly, "Y-You told me to—"

"Gah, i-it's nothing, Bakura! Eh, I mean…I was just getting irritated with all the…noise, yeah…"

Bakura regarded Ryou for a moment, eyes slightly narrowed. Finally, he said, "Well, okay…as I was saying, I've read about this torture device, Ryou, and damn, it's perfect for the pharaoh! There's this iron casket see? Kind of like a sarcophagus, actually…with these spikes on the inside, placed in strategic positions. So that when you close it, with the person inside, it specifically targets the two eyes, the heart, the—"

Stopping himself from groaning in despair and covering his ears, Ryou dutifully endured Bakura's lecture. Next time, he said to himself, he's not going to care for Bakura's ego; no…he valued his innocent mind more.

"You look entertained…" Seto's voice registered in his mind. He looked up from his stupor and saw said boy gazing at him with mild curiosity. He also noticed that Bakura was glaring at Seto slightly, probably upset for interrupting his rant, he supposed.

"We're talking here, Kaiba," Bakura said, "Mind moving your ass to another table?"

------

So far, Marik remained strong under Malik's scrutinizing gaze.

"What are you two planning?"

"Nothing, Lightside," he said, making sure his voice was even.

Malik's eyes seemed to intensify, "I'll say it again; what are you two planning?"

Marik's own eyes hardened, "And I'll say it again, as well; Nothing, Lightside."

Both Egyptians were not quite gifted with patience, and it was obvious to anyone who would be looking that both boys were at the verge of blowing up, Malik more so than his dark. Marik blinked in surprise when Malik rose from his chair and with both palms on the table between them, leaned forward so that his face was probably no more than three inches away from him.

Despite himself, Marik gulped when Malik spoke, "If you and Bakura are…playing around with us for your fucking twisted pleasure—and I find out…I'll make sure to return the favor…tenfold."

Marik mentally gave himself a pat on the back when he, though a bit shaken, managed a sinister smirk, even going as far as to lean even closer to the other. His smirk widened when he noticed a flicker of fear pass through Malik's eyes, and felt satisfied with his 'performance' when Malik actually shrank back when he himself mimicked the other boy's previous actions, rising up and leaning forward like Malik had done so before. "Well…I suggest you start sniffing around, Lightside. Because you'll find nothing, no matter how hard you look…"

Malik's expression was a mixture of self-doubt and anger, and once more, Marik congratulated himself for his superb acting.

"Well…I must say that sparks are definitely flying in this table…"

The two Egyptian boys turned their heads to the side to see Seto looking down at them in unmasked amusement. Being dismissed rudely by Bakura, he had decided to grace the two Egyptians with his presence. Unfortunately, he wasn't welcome here either.

"Didn't you get the 'leave me alone' message I so blatantly displayed before?" Malik said not too nicely. "Me and my dear dark are having a conversation here, if you please…"

"Yeah, Kaiba," Marik had a look of mock-disappointment on his face, "And can't you see?" he jerked his head at Malik slightly, "Just a few more inches and we would've been kissing! You ruined poor Lightside's fun!"

Malik paled so fast, and Seto couldn't hold back a snicker, which he turned cleverly into a cough, "Well, ahem…forgive me, for…that…"

"Y-You—!" Malik was speechless as he scrambled to get his face away from Marik's smirking one. "T-That's…ugh!"

"I guess a hug just wasn't enough for you, eh, Lightside?" Marik teased mercilessly, "Oh no, you wanted more!"

The little patience Malik had went down the drain and with fierce glaring eyes he managed to compose himself, and then hit Marik so hard at the side of the head that the sound made by the impact attracted Yugi, Yami, Ryou, and Bakura's attention.

"Damn!" the white-haired dark exclaimed, while the rest of the boys stared in shock.

Seto appeared unfazed and merely turned to look at Pegasus who was at the other side of the room. "This is getting us nowhere," he said loudly, making sure that the other heard him.

Pegasus, who appeared to be sampling one of the sandwiches in Yami and Yugi's table, frowned, "Well…we could try and improvise…" and his single visible eye seemed to shine with an idea.

------

"This is stupid…" Bakura voiced out. Marik would've agreed with him but he was too busy glaring at Malik, while holding a packet of ice on the side of his head.

Yami decided to give his own input, "It's not stupid, Bakura," he said, "It's similar to a play, actually, and weren't you bragging about your acting skills not too long ago?"

Bakura gave him a dirty look but remained silent. Yami allowed himself a triumphant smirk.

All six boys where currently seated at a rectangular dining table, along with Seto and Pegasus, making them eight in total. Seto had ordered a few of his mansion's servants to prepare the large table with silverware and an appropriate course (complete with dessert). When the individual partner-to-partner interaction weren't working so well, Pegasus came up with a different approach, which he was explaining now.

"Alright, now, as I said, you," he waved his hand towards the six boys, "are who you really are. I," he pointed at himself, "am Mr. Dream. And Kaiba-boy here," he patted Seto on the head (said boy reacting with a warning growl), "is my gay son, the celebrant of…whatever reason they're hosting the party. Clear so far?"

Yami snickered, "Hehe, Kaiba's gay."

Seto coolly answered, "I guess we're all one and the same then."

Yami shut up.

Pegasus continued, "We're going to pretend we're at the party. The food's been served, and we're going to start eating. Now, we're going to make this as real as possible, hence the silverware and food. Hopefully, we'd be able to hit two birds with one stone and tackle your table manners as well."

"Uh…as long as I eat without making a mess, I should be fine, right?" Yugi asked timidly. He was rather intimidated by the vast array of different-sized spoons and forks set before him, not to mention the two glasses…and the three plates.

"Yes, yes…" Seto sighed. "I'd rather that I teach you how to proceed throughout the full course of the meal, but I personally think it would be a waste of my time," his eyes seemed to look in Bakura and Marik's direction as he said this.

"Alright, now," Pegasus said, "as we're eating, I expect you all to follow the conversations going on around you, and take part in them. Remember, I'm Dream this moment, and Kaiba-boy is my son—" Seto cringed a bit at this "—and you're our guests. Be sure that you're polite, avoid inappropriate…conversation topics, and everything should go smoothly."

Yugi, Yami and Ryou nodded to show that they understood, Bakura gave a dismissing snort, Malik was busy keeping an eye on Marik (who was sitting beside him), totally aware of the other's murderous gaze, to do anything.

Pegasus appeared to smile as he said, "Well then, let's start!"

------

Seto only became aware of his mistake of allowing Pegasus to go through with his idea once said white-haired man started to speak.

"Alright then boys, ladies—and gays," he nodded at the others' direction, "It's time for our feast! I'm sure all of your stomachs have been growling for food ever since you came here, eh?" he laughed heartily, "Well, before that, let's have a toast to my beloved son," he took the wine glass in front of him and raised it up.

Raising an eyebrow, Seto played along as they had agreed upon, taking his own glass with practiced ease and raising it slightly above his head. Yugi and Ryou observed him carefully, and imitated Seto's actions. Yami, strange enough, appeared to know exactly what he was doing and raised his glass at the same time Seto did. Malik followed soon after, still keeping a close eye on Marik (who made no move to even touch his wine glass). Bakura, on the other hand merely took the glass and proceeded to chug it down his throat, ignoring Ryou's disapproving look.

"To, uhm…Kiba!" Pegasus continued, making up the name as he went on, "May you find the love of your life, among the gays gathered here today, and end this blessed celebration tonight, on your bed, having steamy hot sex."

"PLEGH!" Bakura spat out the wine he had been drinking, spraying the red liquid all over the food in front of him, as well as Yugi, who was, unfortunately, sitting across the now-coughing former tomb robber.

Yugi blinked, hand still posed in mid air, completely caught off-guard by the sudden spew of wine that was now dripping down his face. Yami wasted no time and took his own table napkin and proceeded to wipe the poor boy's face, saying, "Eh, Yugi? You alright? Are you sure?" and so on. He would've retaliated and thrown his wine glass at Bakura (never mind that Bakura didn't exactly mean to choke and spit his drink everywhere), but he reminded himself that they were supposed to be at the party, and so far, neither Seto nor Pegasus seemed to have dropped their 'characters' still.

Ryou was hitting the back Bakura who was still coughing uncontrollably, saying something like; "Freaking hell--! I…guh…my nose! Shit—I think…inhaled that fucking--!" in between his sputtering and choked sounds.

Only Pegasus seemed unaffected by the spectacle before them. Seto hadn't noticed that he had tipped his glass, allowing the red wine to dribble down his arm (therefore staining his expensive shirt). Malik was looking at Bakura and a smile was tugging at his lips, he was obviously holding back a guffaw. And lastly, Marik had finally taken his eyes away from his light and was now drinking in the priceless scene before them.

When Ryou noticed that everyone was looking at him and Bakura, he struggled to come up with some kind of suitable explanation. "Eh…pardon Bakura, he's just….eh…hasn't had the chance to erm…drink wine in a while…he must've been unable to help himself!"

Yugi waved it off, "It's fine, Ryou…" he said, dabbing the now-pinkish napkin on his front. It didn't appear to have stained his leather clothing, but he could tell he'd smell 'wine-ish' afterwards.

Yami wasn't so lax, "Yeah, Bakura could apologize later…"

If Bakura hadn't still been hacking his lungs out, he would've protested on this.

Pegasus started laughing good-naturedly, "Ah…what a fine start for our meal, eh? Good boy, Bakura, good boy!"

Bakura managed a glare, his coughing finally dying down.

"Now," Pegasus stretched his arms, "Let's eat!"

A bit hesitantly, all boys started to pick at their plates (except for Marik and Bakura, who started piling their plates without any second thoughts). Seto observed them at the corner of his eye as he sliced a piece of steak.

So far, no one seemed willing to start any conversation. Yugi and Ryou looked like they wanted to start one, but knowing those two, they were probably too shy to do so.

Thankfully, or was it unfortunately? Seto couldn't be so sure, Pegasus made the first move, or in this case, the first word. "Ah…well…we haven't had the time to mingle while you boys were frolicking around earlier…so, mind telling me, and my son here, about yourselves?"

Seto hid a smirk, deciding he should enjoy the show for what it's worth and added, "Yes, I would love to hear about you. Father's been keeping me on a leash lately, and… I just haven't had the time to spend some time with people my age," he then turned to look at Yami, "You're name…'Yummy', wasn't it?"

Yami limited his reaction to a glare. Remember, he said to himself, this is Mr. Dream's son (and not Seto Kaiba), at least for the moment. He ignored Bakura's guffaw and Marik's snickers as he replied, "Sorry, no, Kiba," Seto slightly cringed at the name Pegasus had bestowed upon him, "My name is Y-A-M-I. Say it with me; Yaaaa-meee."

"Alright then, Yami," Seto said lowly, "I'm in the mood for romance—why don't you tell me how you and dear…Yugi…? Yes. Yugi here, met, and fell into blissful lusty love?"

Pegasus clapped his hands joyfully as Yugi went red in the face, "Oh, yes! Ah, I do so love hearing about young love," he said with a dreamy air, "And until my son here rounds up his own stallion, I guess I have to satisfy myself with you boys!"

Seto laughed mockingly, "Yes, yes, father does love romance. So, come on, Yami, share!"

Bakura and Marik didn't put any effort in stifling their laughter, Marik even going as far as to hit the table with his fist a couple of times shouting, "Yeah! Come on, leather-boy! Share us your escapades!". Clearly, he had forgotten about his and Malik's little fight earlier.

Ryou pitied Yugi, but could do nothing but try his best to not encourage or make the situation more embarrassing than it already was.

Malik appeared unaffected by what's happening around him and seemed to be perfectly happy devouring his plate of salad, though his eyes did seem to convey a hint of amusement as it glanced at the others every now and then.

"I…ugh…." Yami stammered, "Me and Yugi—we, err…we met at..."

"A bar!" Bakura exclaimed, laughing his head off.

"And Yami here's the bartender!" Marik joined in.

Yami blushed helplessly, and inwardly he reminded himself to get back at the other two darks when it's their turn to be humiliated later. Especially Bakura, he thought, since the white-haired boy was his primary target.

"Yes, we did meet at a bar," Yugi's slightly timid voice suddenly cut through the myriad of laughing voices. "Some of my…friends brought me with them…and I met Yami there. He made sure I didn't get drunk, I don't take alcohol too well, you see. I…kind of spent the whole night talking with him…" he trailed off and blushed.

Seto was quite impressed with Yugi's story. After all, the boy did come up with it on the spot. However, that didn't mean he was happy about Yami slipping away from the spotlight of humiliation. Well, he thought, there were still the Bakuras and the two Egyptians…plenty more to get entertained with.

A smile spread on Yami's face. He could always count on his partner. "Yes…I remember that night," he took over, ideas going through his head, "Yugi was a bit intimidated with the other customers. It's his first night in a club after all…I found him sitting at the corner and well…that's how it started! I'll tell you though, that…it's his looks that really caught my attention…"

"Yes…the resemblance—amazing!" Pegasus said in delight and awe. "And what a coincidence!"

Yami laughed, Yugi joining in with him. "Yes," Yami said, "A fortunate coincidence, if I may say so. Otherwise, I would've never met my dear Yugi," he brought his arm around the smaller boy's shoulders for effect. Yugi smiled at this and said, "We were both lucky that night."

"You two are so sweet!" Pegasus said faintly.

Seto gave him a strange look and then, looked back at the pair, "Yes...like honey…" he gritted out.

Yami smiled, relishing in his obvious victory, before leaning a bit to whisper in Yugi's ear, "Thank you for that timely save, Yugi."

Yugi grinned back, "Anytime."

"'Lucky that night'?" Bakura sneered, catching the two boys' attention, "Did said night end with a screw…or two?"

Yugi flushed, but his other was unaffected. "Now," Yami said, his eyes glinting, "Let's see what Bakura could come up with," he said in a whisper once more, so only Yugi can hear him.

"Two, I guess," Yami said nonchalantly, looking up, gaining shock stares from all over the room. He continued, "But actually, it wasn't Yugi and I," he grinned now, "In fact, the deed was done by Bakura here, with…two different participants."

A "Whoop!" came from Marik. "Damn, Bakura! Two screws, with two different persons in one night!"

Ryou was getting uncomfortable by now, predicting that it was probably his and his dark's turn to be put under the microscope. He could do nothing about it though.

"Oh yes," Yami said, drinking in Bakura's horrified expression, "I caught him in the act, under one of the tables, near closing time. I was cleaning up and, well, I pulled off the tablecloth since some of the customers stained it pretty badly then, and lo and behold!"

Marik was still laughing, "Under the table! Damn, Bakura! Can't wait anymore, could you?"

A very malicious grin appeared on Yami's face, he said, "That's right. He was with Marik here."

"WHAT?" Marik stopped laughing immediately. Meanwhile, Malik was letting out stifled snickers.

"Amazing…" Seto said, "All…four of you have a connection. Made on the same night," he nodded in a knowing way.

"Yes," Pegasus said, "However, how about you two fine young boys?" he looked in Ryou and Malik's direction. "Eh…who are you with again?"

Blushing, Ryou answered, "I…I'm with…Bakura…" he managed to grind out. He couldn't help it, saying those few words just felt…unnatural.

Malik felt like throwing one of the knives laid out conveniently in front of him at Pegasus, but stopped those particular urges from turning into actual actions. "I'm with…eh…" he jerked a thumb at Marik's direction.

"How did you end up together then? If these two here were…intimate?" Seto said with a questioning look. Oh, he was so enjoying this.

Suddenly, Bakura saw an opportunity to stir up a little bit of trouble, "Oh, it was all physical, trust me. You see, Marik here, was stalking a certain stripper…the only reason he went to that bar. And after a rather…pleasing performance, he just had to…you know."

"A stripper?" Seto said in mock-shock, hiding just how much he was enjoying this, "You mean to tell me…"

A grin broke on Bakura's face, "That's right. Malik's a stripper! You should request a performance."

Now, both Marik and Malik were shouting obscenities at the tomb robber.

"FREAKIN' FUCKING—BAKURA, YOU SON OF A BI—"

"STRIPPER? I'LL FUCKING STRIP YOU! I'LL RIP OUT YOUR FREAKING HAIR, AND YOUR SHITTY STRIPED SHIRT—"

Ryou knew there was nothing that could be done to stop the two Egyptian's outrage (something he learned from experience). And yet he still tried, "H-Hey, come on guys! Bakura was j-just…eh, making stories up from his…nose—you know how he is!"

"Haha, oh come now, Marik! If you want Malik's performance all to yourself, we won't hold anything against you!" Bakura shouted.

"THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT!" Marik shouted back ferociously, now rising up from his seat.

"A little to possessive, aren't you?" Pegasus said casually, as if all was fine and peaceful.

Marik grabbed the knife he had been using to eat, and upon seeing this, Bakura grabbed his own weapon. Everyone scrambled under the table just in time before hell broke loose. Not that it did them any good though.

-----

Seto was not a happy person that night. Even his brother, Mokuba, couldn't get his spirits up (or quell his bottled temper).

So far, Seto thought, that was the worst session they ever had. Marik and Bakura had completely trashed that room (laying to waste all his valuable antiques present there). And he was even nursing a bleeding lip and a swollen cheek, courtesy of Yami (who said that he didn't realize it was Seto he was punching because of all the commotion). The others were in bad shape as well, especially Malik, who Marik had decided to make a human shield. Useless, since Bakura kept hitting and slicing at him anyway.

Thankfully, Yugi and Ryou managed to stop the fighting before anyone got seriously hurt by hitting the fighting darks with two vases on the head, enough to knock them out. It was also almost enough to make Seto cry, said (imported) vases costing around two thousand dollars each.

He rubbed his forehead wearily, trying to convince himself that things could only get better after this.

The phone rang, and Seto answered in a tired voice, "Who is it?"

"A…Mr. Carlos Dream on the line, sir. Should I put him through?" he heard his secretary say.

"Dream? Yes, go on…"

He waited for a moment and was soon greeted by said man's voice, "Ah! Seto! Well, you've been well, I hope?"

Seto managed to conjure a laugh, "Of course! Anything I could do for you?"

"Yes, straight to the point," Dream said, "My son, Prince, well…he's been awfully bored these last few days. He's excited for the party, but it is still quite a while…anyways, he said he'd be visiting you…tomorrow probably. He left earlier today. He seemed really eager to meet those friends of yours!"

Seto was struck dumb, "W-What?"

"I just called so that you'd be aware that he's going to drop by. So…I'll see you soon then! Take good care of my son!" and the line went dead.

Seto's mind was in utter chaos. What were they going to DO?

-----------

Well, hope you didn't sleep through that…since it's pretty long and all.

I like (reading :p) long chappies personally, but I don't know about you guys.

Hopefully, all characters had their share of the spotlight. I can't help but feel I'm leaving some of them out every now and then, you know. Terrible feeling for me.