NOTICE:

I will post this at the end of the chapter as well. I'm in desperate need of a BETA.

(...continued at the end of the chapter...)

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Chapter Title: Forgiving

Chapter Summary: The Yami's and their lights finally find out what happened to the gang, Duke is filled in, Jou tries to start over (with almost everything in his life), and it's almost senior prom!

Chapter Genre: Drama/Comedy

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh

Dedication:to you people who reviewed me, to keep this story going! You are simply the best!

Notes: I wrote this chapter (11) the day after Chapter 10, I think I'm getting over my major writer's block! Yay! Enjoy as always...

Chapters 10/11 Reviews:

Miyo Yukimora: Where have you been?! Nah...I'm just kiddin ya...I really appreciate the review, and the hug. -glomp- I was like half-way through the chapter 11 before I put up the note. I was just making sure, I still had an audience. -smile-

Kuraiseiryuu: I hope I spelt your penname right, teehee. Don't worry about me posting an author's notes like every 5 chapters. I was just making sure, I still had an audience. Even though I post it, I will take it off, and replace it with a chapter. Thanks a lot for the review, it is very well appreciated.

Mercedes: I will finish it, that's for sure. Thanks a lot for the review. Would you like me to e-mail you when I update? Tell me in your next review. Or I might just e-mail you.

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Senior Prom posters hung from the walls, prom king and queen posters hung also. Jou scoffed at the idea I'm probably not going to prom this year, I have no one to take anyway...hethought, packing up his stuff, it was the end of the school day. He was still in Art trying to finish up a personal project he'd been working for over 2 weeks. Art was always his favorite subject, and also writing (believe it or not). It always helped him get stuff out of his mind, especially the swirls of colors (or lack there of) always displayed his emotions, and the contrast put his emotions out there on the canvas.

Jou carried two text books, it seemed he'd been spending more time in the library hitting the books than hanging at the arcade. Duke joined him on his trip to the library "hey, what's up?"

"I'm fine, I just got a lot to do Duke, sorry can't talk" Jou responded opening the doors to the library. Duke stood there dumbfounded and looked at Jou. Jou at the library? What is this world coming to?

The blond put his stuff on a desk near the computers, he pulled a chair close to the computer: checked his mail and cracked down on several projects that were due that week, finals were coming up damn! He thought

Duke swerved Jou's chair to face him, "Dude, since when have you started studying?"

Jou glared at him "Duke, there's a first time for everything, and there's a time in your life, that you just want to put all your problems aside, and start over, in my case, it's the same, now was that so hard?" Jou said patting Duke's head

Duke blinked repeatedly and walked over to Jou's desk "Jou I know some thing is wrong with you and the gang, I can feel it, what happened?"

at that statement Jou stiffened "Duke, I don't wanna talk about it, find another subject or just go"

Of course, Duke didn't just drop the subject "So, something did happen"

"Duke, I'm not in the mood..." Jou's jaw tightened "As I said before, change the subject, or just go!"

"I guess I'll find it out myself then..." Duke said smirking. "Whatever Duke..." Jou said sorting through some papers, he needed for his assignment.

At some distance, a curious ear heard everything that transpired between Jou and Duke, then chuckled quietly.

--

"Ok guys we definitely know something is wrong with the gang, the party just proves it" Malik said munching on his biscuit

"Not just the party..today at lunch since when we came back, I haven't ever seen them together! Their always together!" Ryou said, holding hands with Bakura

"True True...we could always find out, without asking..." Marik pointed in, smirking. Malik wound his arm around his light "I've taught you well beloved" Malik stated, and pecked him on the lips.

"Guys we always use the millennium rod, it doesn't only control minds you know..." Malik stated waving it around smirking

They suddenly all smirked, which was rather creepy...

--

Kaiba stayed in his so called "hiding spot" and just peered at Jou. He looks so serious, this is definitely not the Jou I knew all those years ago, I mean he looks so tempting in those rectangular glasses! Wow...did I just say that? But seriously damn! I don't think I've ever seen him look totally serious and tempting at the same time...Kaiba stopped his perverted thoughts and looked at Jou some more admiring how totally molestable he looked.

Probably doesn't even know...there's some strong energy radiating from him, it's like he's a new person!...I kinda like it!

Kaiba's legs carried him and next thing he knew, he was standing close to Jou, he could almost smell his shampoo: Vanilla he smells good and probably tastes good, damn hormones! Kaiba thought.

The fine hairs on Jou's neck stood at attention, and almost immediately he turned, to face an unsure Kaiba "Can I help you?"

"Since when did you start wearing glasses?" Kaiba blurted since when did I start being nervous around the mutt?

"Since when do you start making normal conversation, with those beneath your stature?"

Kaiba winced "Ouch Jounouchi! That hurt" Jou didn't respond "what do you want Kaiba?"

"When I come up to have a conversation, does it always mean I want something?"

"Yes" Jou answered bluntly, packing up his stuff and then turned around removing his glasses, rubbing at the bridge of his nose "Look Kaiba, I'm not in the chatting mood, so I'll just come out and say it, get the hell away from me, I don't want to ever see your sneering face, it's been long enough, I'm sick and tired of our...routine and bickering, so it's a truce of sorts...deal?" Jou said tiredly still rubbing at the bridge of his nose, he carefully placed his reading glasses inside the case and looked up at Seto for his response.

"No deal Jounouchi, what the hell is wrong with you?" Kaiba said grabbing at Jou's arm

Jou peered at the touch and raised a brow "that question should be directed at you"

"Ever since last night, I was thoroughly impressed with you, Jounouchi and I can't seem to get you out of my mind, since today"

Jou almost fell for that line "Kaiba, please don't do this.." Jou stated, lowering his eyes and reluctantly disconnecting their touch

"Do what?"

"Act as if you hate me and then the next like me" Jou said walking out of the library towards down the hall.

Kaiba stood dumbfounded for a few minutes, then running, to catch up to Jou.

"Wait! Jounouchi what are you talking about?"

"I don't have to talk to you Kaiba, as far I know, I don't know you, more than you know me" Jou said, walking away from Kaiba again.

Kaiba stood there, his mouth agape with confusion.

--------

Jou dropped off his stuff quickly at home, changed into work clothes, thanks to Kaiba, he was 5 minutes late!.

Jou wiped at invisible tears damn I can't believe I almost fell for Kaiba's crock shit! He almost got me! I hate him! God, but I love him so much! I tried to start over, but it seems I can't quit Seto Kaiba, I can't quit love...no matter how many times it gives me shit!

By the time he was done, it was 6:30pm. He went out for a smoke, still thinking back at the scene in the library.

He saw a jaguar pulling up to coffee shop, oh god let it not be him? Who else has a jaguar? It could be Duke! But he knew it wasn't.

Jou decided to work until 10, anything that didn't allow him to go back home, besides he would be bored, (he already finished his homeworks, and few projects...) the apartment would be so quiet and lonely.

The door jingled, Jou squashed the butt of his cig and lighted another, when a familiar pierced through his musings

"I told you I hated that habit of yours"

"Back off Kaiba, I don't feel like talking..."

Kaiba sat down anyway, "what do you want from me Kaiba?" Jou asked sighing

"I already told you, for some reason you've been on mind lately and it's bugging me, so I went straight to the problem"

Jou scoffed "Now I'm a problem? I'm so flattered I've been on Seto Kaiba's mind" Jou said almost sarcastically. Kaiba chuckled. "You always amuse me Jounouchi"

Jou sighed and puffed the waft of smoke on Kaiba's face "What do you want now Kaiba?" Kaiba coughed and glared "Okay here's the deal, since you gave me a lecture last night, I cut down Mokuba's grounding for a month"

Jou took a long drag "oh like that makes it any better..." he said sarcastically "but it's better than two months"

"Whatever, here's the deal, Mokuba has this idea that I should ask you to a function, that my company has set up" Jou raised a brow and Kaiba continued "and it's June 8th"

"Sorry to bring you down, Mr. Big Shot, but it's the same day as the senior prom, and I already have a date" Jou said matter-of-factly

Kaiba raised a brow "really now? Who do you have so great, you would turn down an opportunity to go out with me?"

"Kaiba sorry to burst your bubble, but your not that handsome, so come down from your ego high" Jou stated, smirking

"Jounouchi, don't push my freaking buttons! Just accept it, and make Mokuba happy!"

"So that means all the stuff you just said know, was for show?" Jou said, a trace of irritability and hurt lacing into his voice

"Yes...and no..." Kaiba muttered

"So which is it Kaiba because I'm getting sick of your games! First you like me then next you hate my freaking guts!, pick one dam-" Kaiba planted a chaste kiss on Jou's blabbing lips, Jou was about to protest, but it gave Kaiba more of a chance, by deepening the kiss. He slipped in his tongue, and met tongue with tongue, teeth with teeth. Eventually, Kaiba won. Jou grabbed the back of Kaiba's head, tilted his head, deepening the kiss even more so. He was careful not to drop some ashes on the mahogany tresses. They kissed for a while, before their breathing became labored.

Jou looked at Kaiba horrified, he didn't know how he felt, so he did what his brain felt rational at the moment, he slapped him and bolted "wait Jounouchi...Katsuya!"

"...Damn it! That mutt is gonna make me run after him...!"

By that time, Jou already ran far away and huddled near an alley and cried his little heart out why did he kiss me? Is this some kind of joke? I hate him so much!

He didn't get to finish his hours of work, he took of that night, Jou didn't bother with school the next day.

He wore painting clothes, and re-decorated the extra room in his apartment, and turned it into a mini art studio.

He smiled at his work and even started on a new painting. He painted his emotions mainly, how kaiba made him feel, with a blob of red and black with tinges of pink, his yesterday with other blob of colors, such as blue and orange etc...

When he was done, he hung it on the white wall. Later that day, he called Duke for the homework and something else, that totally strayed from the matter of homework "Hey Duke what's up?"

"Hey Jou, why aren't you in school today?"

"Didn't feel like it...anyway...I want to ask you a favor..." Jou casually said, side stepping the question. Duke was a very curious human being, and he had to know everything.

"So why weren't you in school today...don't avoid my question Jounouchi!" Duke said sternly. There was a pregnant pause before Duke asked another question "Does it have to do anything with Kaiba?"

Jou didn't respond for a long time "Duke...there's nothing going on between me and Kaiba! Do you hear me?"

"Fine! I was curious is all..."

"Well stop! It's annoying! Great! You got me in a bad mood, and I've been in a fairly good mood, ever since.."

"Sorry man..what was the favor...?" Duke asked his voice apologetic

"First off, have you asked anyone to the prom?" Jou asked nervously

"Well a couple of girls asked me...hold on...why are you asking?" Duke said suspiciously

Jou was silent for a minute "well, I wanted to ask if you wanted to be my date for the prom?"

There was silence, before Duke answered trying to muffle his laughter "Jou! Don't be so nervous! Were friends! Sure, when should I pick you up?"

Jou sighed, smiling "7 should be fine, thanks man, I owe ya"

"Big time! G'bye I gotta go!"

Jou chuckled "bye!"

Since that phone call, Jou was an incredibly good mood, he even picked up his white cat: Snowhite and twirled her around with his black cat Shadow, giggling "Baby man we got a date for the prom!" Jou said speaking to his black cat.

He cradled the two cats on both arms and dropped them on the kitchen counter, and gave them both special treats "eat up my babies, and we'll celebrate with a movie!" Jou said waving a DVD in the air

Jou made the popcorn and the cat treats, with both of his cats to the living room screw the homework! I actually got a date at the last minute! Kaiba is gonna be so jealous...! after the last thought, Jou frowned am I really using Duke just to make Kaiba jealous? I'm sure he won't mind, besides were just going out as friends right? He'll probably like to help out...I feel bad though...whatever! I don't feel like thinking about this shit!

Jou popped in the movie and sighed great...! I just had to rent a chick flick!

At least the movie was partly funny, the rest romantic. Jou sighed and slept of on his couch, with his arms wound about both of his cats.

They whined and purred then hopped of the couch, leaving Jou to his dreams...

--

Great...I have to go to school today...god I hate that place...Jou thought while freshening up for school

When he was done, he grabbed his stuff and left for the wretched walk to school.

Okay this day has been going fast and that's good...I bet something is about to happen! There just has to be something that ruins my perfectly good mood! And as if on cue, the Yami's and their lights captured him and dragged him on the roof

"what do you want?" Jou snapped

"Well someone is in a bitchy mood..." Malik sneered

Jou scowled "what. do. You. Want? I know this ain't a social call..." Jou punctuated expressing more of his irritation

"I know what went on between you and the gang, and it's annoying me that you guys aren't talking, usually it's heart of the cards this and heart of the cards that... or Yugi being overly happy that it makes everyone sick...anyway...we want to fix it..." Bakura said circling Jou slowly, observing his body language

"Why would you want to fix it? Yugi—or Yami--started it! They suddenly acted like I didn't exist since my first date--since they knew I was gay, alright? I noticed and backed of! And they tried to start with me in the movie theater and I showed them that I didn't need them and their bullshit! They started it!"

"What do you mean by Yami started it?" Ryou asked looking into Jou's sincere hazel eyes

"Well whenever we had a fight, I always saw Yami not Yugi, because I know Yugi would never tell me all those things! I bet he's even controlling Yugi too much, with the whole magical puzzle thing--" Jou said, Bakura rolled his eyes

"--and the rest well they always followed what whatever Yugi-or Yami-says so they ignored me as well...so I guess we broke up and...you probably know all this..." Jou said tiredly

Marik hugged him "I'm sorry Jou"

Jou didn't know when tears leaked from his eyes, he only knew that he was furiously swiping at them, hugging at Marik tightly "it's fine...I survived didn't I?" Malik growled low in his throat and Jou knew that was the cue to leave his light alone

"Well we gotta fix this, right here right now!" Malik said irked at the situation

After 20 minutes of trying to drag Yami, Honda and the rest...on the roof. Jou scowled when they arrived, but ignored them

"What is going on?" Yami began

"We know what went on between this little...group of yours...fix it, it's totally irking me, before I force some peace between you people!" Bakura exclaimed holding Ryou close

Yami saw the display of affection and snorted then looked away "Since when did you want peace? You were the one that almost took over the world, what you say now means nothing to me!"

Bakura frowned "just shut the fuck up pharaoh! Stop taking control of your light, and give him some damn freedom already!"

Yami seemed aghast "I don't know what your talking about"

"Of course you do Yami, you've been 'shielding' Yugi in your millennium puzzle, for more than too long! COME OUT OF THERE YUGI!" Jou yelled in hopes of getting back the real Yugi. Nothing happened for a moment, Jou was about to yell again when Bakura held him back "that's not gonna work, so stop wasting your breath" tears were spilling over Jou's cheeks without him knowing. After he furiously swiped at them, they still came down hard. Marik hugged him and calmed him down before, they tried to get back the innocent Yugi.

"Pharaoh, I'll say this one more time, bring Yugi out of there!"

Yami glared at him and scoffed "Why should I?"

They all glared even Tristan and Tea. Suddenly Yami felt so alone. He didn't want to be alone. He hated being alone. So he reluctantly called out his light.

.:Soul Room:.

"Yugi?"

"Yes?" Yugi looked slightly haggard and worn, it seemed staying in the puzzle had it's effects

Yami knelt by him, picked him up. Petting at Yugi's hair "I'm sorry"

Yugi's tears were pouring down Yugi's pale face, hitting at Yami's chest lightly he sobbed "why? Why did you do it Yami?"

Yami closed his eyes and placed Yugi's hair under his chin "I'm sorry, Aibou. I have no idea what came over me...I guess I like the idea of having my own body so much..." he sighed "Bakura, Ryou, Malik and Marik have their own bodies...why can't I?" at that point Yami's voice cracked.

Yugi flung himself on Yami, crying his heart out, muttering a series of apologies. Yami cradled him, whispering comforting words in his ears, trying to calm him down. Eventually, it worked. Yugi managed to calm down enough to go back into his body and the real world.

Finally after some silence, a bright light flashed then Yugi emerged "What's going on guys?"

Jou eventually got over his tears, ran over and hugged him "I miss you so much"

Yugi smiled "I'm okay now guys, really" he smiled at all of his friends, he really missed them, their smiles and especially his own body.

In a sudden rush everyone hugged little Yugi, until he felt like he couldn't breathe, but he was so happy. Even though in the soul room he saw everything that was happening, Yami still wouldn't let him have his body, it was frightening and disturbing. Yugi thought with a frown about what would happen if he stayed there longer than necessary...

He shook his head, clearing the unwanted thoughts out of his head.

--

They ended up going to Jou's apartment "I almost forgot how this place looks like" Yugi said going through his text messages

"Well, you should see how the extra room looks like!" Jou led them into his art room

"Cool! I wanna help paint the walls!" Yugi cheered and cooed at the painting Jou started of his favorite duel monster. He was about to reveal a cloth covered canvas, before Jou reprimanded him "Oi, don't touch that! It's not done yet!"

Yugi pouted "but I wanna see..."

"Ya can't until I finish...besides I've got loads to tell ya" Jou winked and Yugi giggled. Jou peered at him at the corner of his eyes it's good to have you back Yugi...

TBC

A/N:It was a sudden end, but I don't care. Thanks a lot for the reviews! They helped me finish this chapter, I was gonna go on...but at that time I didn't have any reviews...so...

(...Here's the rest of the message at the beginning of the chapter...)

So if your willing to BETA this particular piece of (eventually) steamy and drama ridden Fiction, please e-mail me at ---anessavanella (at) aim (dot) com---