A/N: Okay, people, two things: (1) GOMEN NASAI! I didn't mean to make you guys wait so long for this chapter to be posted. I swear! I've been very busy; not to mention stressed out about a lot of things. I've also been getting no sleep lately. So, I've been kind of a mess, as you can plainly see; and (2) Beware of this chapter! It has quite a bit of rambling and I was afraid of how you guys would respond to it. If it's bad, then please tell me, okay? The next chapters will be better, I promise! Don't hate me for this chapter. :sits in a corner, nervously twitching her fingers:
Summary: Malik is done with Yami, but what about Seto? Jou has some rather bad news for Yami, which leads to a breakdown.
Disclaimer: Same as always, but in this one, I don't own the Tootsie Pop. Don't ask, just read.
Okay, I know I usually thank everyone for their reviews, but this time I want to ask you all something. Does the fact that I take up space to write thank you messages bother you guys? If so, I'll stop immediately! One thing, though, this chapter is still dedicated to my hikari, Hitomi-chan! Demo, this chapter is dedicated to tears of a mermaid! She's helped me through thick and thin and has been a huge supporter! Arigatou, Malik-chan! Daisuki!
Walking out of the store after what seemed like an eternity, Malik surveyed their spoils. "Damn, we raked, Yami! But, then again, I always go overboard when I come here."
Yami smirked at his golden haired friend who had about ten bags dangling from his thin hands, "You're not the only one who went crazy. I can see why you come here so often. I think you can officially call me a regular customer. Thank you for bringing me here. This has been a really fun day."
"No problem. We'll definitely do this again sometime. I only hope that by that time, they'll have restocked their shelves with new items, cuz I think we wiped them out."
Both boys laughed before focusing on the pressing matter that lay before them. Looking around, Yami, once again, became annoyed, "Jou strikes again! What the hell could he be doing now? I'm really gonna chew his ear off this time. First, he decides to come extra early when picking me up from the mall, then he shows up late... twice in one day! Jeez! What am I gonna do with that boy? What time is it, Malik?"
"Quarter past seven. Should I give him a call?" Malik took out his cell and prepared to dial.
The pharaoh raised a hand, "That won't be necessary. The longer he makes us wait, the more reason I have to send his mind to the Shadow Realm."
Malik laughed warily as he put his cell away, "You're a pretty scary person, sometimes. You have a really short fuse that sets off when we least expect it. You know, Jou told me about the whole Anzu incident."
Crimson eyes grew wide, "How did Jou know about that?"
"Ryou called him last night and told him everything."
A pissed and extremely annoyed expression fell upon Yami's face, "Damn that Ryou! He's always had such a big mouth. I guess Jou will have some company in the Shadow Realm."
Violet eyes held concern and worry as the ancient Egyptian tried to calm the enraged pharaoh, "Calm down, Yami! Ryou didn't mean any harm. I think it's better that the whole group knows about the incident. He did tell her to stay away from all of us, so don't you think we have a right to know what's going on? Wouldn't we be wondering why Anzu suddenly stopped bugging us and want an explanation? Now, relax and take it easy. Let's go sit on one of those benches while we wait for Mr. Late."
Looking over at his concerned friend, Yami lowered his head in shame as he headed over to a vacant bench. "Sorry, Malik. I do have a rather hot head, not to mention a one track mind. I always tend to focus on insignificant little things; more so until they grow way out of proportion. To tell you the truth, I'm just really anxious to get this whole plan done so I can give this to Yuugi." He pulled out his precious gift to stare longingly at it once more. "... I can't wait to see the look on his sweet face. This'll be one unforgettable Christmas."
Malik smiled at Yami's dazed expression, "You got that right! I'm really looking forward to it. It's going to be so exciting! How could it not be? It's the night you and Yuugi finally confess your love and become a couple." He sighed dreamily, "Oh, how romantic! I wish Tozokuo would at least do something remotely similar to this. It kinda makes me jealous, you know?"
Seeing his friend suddenly become so melancholy, the ancient pharaoh put his hand on Malik's, "I'm sure he wants to. I just don't think he knows how. I have an idea! Why not bring him to the confession so that he can get an idea about how it's done? Come on, Malik, what've you got to lose?"
Sullen amethyst eyes looked up as Malik managed a small smirk, "Yeah, maybe. I'll ask him, but I don't think he'll agree to go. You know how he is."
"Just show him that you really want him to go. If he really does care about you, he'll agree to tag along. If anyone was destined to melt Tozokuo's icy heart, it's definitely you. Everything will be just fine. You'll see."
"Thanks for the helpful advice, Yami. You're a good friend. I'll give it a try."
"I'm glad. And I'm also glad we ended this conversation so quickly, because here's Mr. Late now... speeding around the parking lot like an idiot..."
Both boys sweat dropped as Jou pulled up with a screeching halt. "Sorry, sorry, guys! I didn't mean to be late again. I was trying to get a hold of Seto, but I never got through. His answering machine kept picking up, so I left about twelve messages telling him that I need to discuss his part in the plan, since it is one of the more crucial ones. Let's go, Yami, so I can talk to you about this. We'll see you later, Malik!"
Yami hugged his dear friend goodbye as he whispered in his ear, "Don't worry. Everything will be fine. Just be strong and let him know your true feelings. I'm right here for any support you may need, okay? Thanks again for today. Love ya, Malik!"
Tan arms held the timeless pharaoh even closer, "You're very welcome! Thanks again for helping me. Love you, too, my friend. Good luck!"
A kiss on the cheek from the two Egyptians marked the final farewell. Yami stepped into Jou's car and waved as he sped out of sight.
Jou looked unusually anxious as he stared at the road without blinking. Wanting to break this unfamiliar mood, Yami cracked a smile, "So, Jou, what is this very important thing you wanted to discuss? Is it about the next part of our plan? Do you-" the pharaoh felt his heart twist in knots as Jou looked over at him with eyes that held such remorse and guilt.
Sighing, Jou looked back at the road and spoke seriously, "Look, Yami, ... I don't know if the whole plan can become a reality."
Taken aback by this, Yami quickly questioned this sudden change, "Why? I thought everything was going according to plan. What's changed? ... Jou, please answer me!" Heartbroken and confused, the defenseless pharaoh looked on in desperation. He searched in vain for answers in his friend's honey glazed eyes.
Knowing that what he was about to say would hurt his dear friend even further, he decided that being upfront would be the best method. "Listen to me, Yami. I'm going to be brutally honest with you..." he took a deep breathe before continuing "... I don't think the next and second most important part of the plan can be fulfilled unless Seto cooperates. I wasn't going to tell you about this part of the plan until Christmas Eve, but I guess, since it might not work out anyway, I'll tell you now. I don't have all of the details laid out, but I was planning on having a sort of virtual scenery created for the two of you. I guess you could call it a Christmas present from me, Seto, Otogi, and Honda. You see, since Otogi has great skills in virtual technology, I thought he and Seto could work together to create this specific arena. But, ever since I mentioned working side by side with Otogi, Seto's been extra cold and distant to me. I know he doesn't like working with other people on projects that he could very easily do himself, but I thought that maybe, just this once, he could put his pride aside just for a little while and do this one thing for me. But... I don't think that's gonna happen. I'm so sorry, Yami!"
Tears began flooding from Jou's eyes, so much in fact that it became hard for him to see the road ahead. Yami reached out his hand to wipe the tears from his precious friend's eyes and smiled. "Why are all of my friends having relationship problems lately? Jou, you know Kaiba as much as I do... no, actually, you know more about him than I ever will because you're his lover. He loves you from the bottom of his heart. He told me himself, face to face. You know how stubborn he is. He'll play it tough for awhile, but in the end, he always comes through. I know you know this, Jou, so why are you getting so upset?"
The blond tried sniffing back the onslaught of tears, "Because this is important to me! The one time that I really need his help, he decides to act as if it's another one of my lame-brain requests. It really hurts, Yami! I love him so much and, yet, I hate him for treating me this way! No, it's not only me he's hurting! He's hurting you, as well! All of this was supposed to be for you... for your happiness with Yuugi. Yet he acts as though it's meaningless! Why? Why? Why, dammit!"
That was it. Knowing that his driving would now become impaired, Jou pulled the car over, turned off the engine, and sobbed into the steering wheel. This was Yami's first time seeing Jou so emotionally broken. He felt his spirit break along with his friend's. Tears resurfaced as he continued to witness the heart wrenching sight that lay before him. Filled with love and sadness, the misty eyed pharaoh slowly inched towards Jou, wrapping his arms around him in an embrace that seemed to make time stand still.
Yami sobbed in unison with his distraught friend, "I had no idea. I didn't realize how much this meant to you. I'm so sorry, Jou, for every insensitive thing I've said to you these past few days. All you've done is be the kind, sweet, and caring person that you are and yet all I've done is yell in your face about the stupidest things. I'm so sorry, Jounouchi! Please forgive me for being so blind."
Although somewhat shocked by Yami's sudden outburst, Jou continued to sob on his friend's shoulder while returning the embrace with an even tighter grip. "Yami, none of this is your fault. You shouldn't apologize for something no one is blaming you for. Please stop crying. I'm sorry about all of this. This is supposed to be the biggest and happiest moment of your life, but all I ever seem to do is make you either mad or cry. I don't know how I'll be able to make it up to you or Yuugi. I'm truly sorry! I'll-"
Suddenly, Jou felt Yami's lips touch his cheek and became frozen in place. His tears stopped the minute the pharaoh's lips connected with his soft skin. After Yami reseated himself on the passenger seat, Jou placed a hand on the now moist spot of his cheek and stared in disbelief. A deep red hue now encompassed his face.
Yami only smiled softly as he spoke, "I love you very much, Jou. Don't apologize for being such a wonderful person. The only thing you need to be focusing on is getting Kaiba out of his icy shell. Here's an idea: try talking to him in person. He'll have no choice but to listen to you. Give him your signature puppy dog treatment. You know he can't resist that. Stress to him that there are only three days left before Christmas, so an immediate response is necessary."
Jou wiped the remaining tears from his hazel brown eyes and attempted to smile, "Okay, Yami. I'll give it a try, but I can't promise you a happy outcome. The only thing I can promise you is that I'll try my hardest to convince him. Right after I drop you off at home, I'll head over to Kaiba Corp."
"Thanks, Jou. You're the best! I know everything will turn out okay. Just remember that Kaiba really does love you. He's just really rough around the edges. You have to chisel through the hard exterior to get to the soft center."
Jou couldn't help but giggle, "You make him sound like a Tootsie Pop. But, you do have a point. The only problem is that no amount of chiseling will get through his tough exterior. I'll have to bring my chainsaw."
That very thought made Yami laugh, "Yeah, that's true. But, that's why we love him. You know, Jou, we'd better get going. It's almost 8:30 and Kaiba closes his doors at 9."
Quickly realizing that they were still parked on the side of the road, Jou scrambled to get the engine started. "Oh, shit, you're right! Dammit, I completely lost track of time! Sorry about this, Yami! Let's get going." With that said, the smell of exhaust and rubber were the only remaining elements of the car that sped off only but a second ago.
Yami shushed Jou as they pulled up to the game shop with a screeching halt, "You might wake up Sugoroku, so keep it down! Now, hurry on over to meet Kaiba and don't forget what we talked about. Be firm, but also a little passive. He needs to see how devoted you are to this plan and how much we need him in order for it to become a reality. Oh, and don't forget the puppy eyes. They're very important. Think you can handle all that, Jou?"
The blond teen winked and gave him a thumbs up, "Roger that! I'll make him help no matter what it takes. Trust me. See ya, Yami! Get some rest."
"You, too, Jou! Good luck!" Yami waved as he saw his friend speed off into the distance. I hope he'll be okay. But, more importantly, I hope Kaiba comes through. I'm really nervous about this unpredictable outcome.
to be continued...
Owari
So, how was this chapter? Too much talking between characters? Sorry about that! I just couldn't stop once I got started! Please review! I love you guys!