A/N: I must apologize to those of you who have reviewed this fic up till now. I have my reasons for stalling the continuation, but I will not get into that. I'm sure you all have forgotten about this fic and that's understandable. I am deeply sorry for the delay and hope the remaining 4 chapters are to your liking. If the need arises, please go back and read it from the beginning to refresh your memory. Thanks again for all the wonderful reviews! I'm still amazed at how popular this little fic of mine became so many years ago. Whether it retains that is to be seen. Honestly, I'm just glad to see it done.

So, without further adieu, please enjoy the rest of the story. I will be updating the final chapters when I have time. Just so you're aware, there are a total of twelve chapters.

8:45 pm

"Are we almost done?" Yami whined as his arms felt like giving out. "How long does it take you to measure me? Jeez! I feel stupid standing here looking like a towel rack."

Otogi laughed while Seto sneered at the pharaoh coldly, "Oh shut up, Yami! I swear, I would think you'd be a little bit more appreciative considering that we're all wasting our winter break helping your clueless ass. If you had told Yuugi how you felt a LONG time ago, I would be working on my latest invention right now and you wouldn't be standing there looking like that chick from Titanic."

All three boys laughed while Yami gave them death glares. Honda got behind him and held his arms, "You can fly, Rose!"

Yami flung his right arm behind him in an attempt to knock Hiroto off his feet, but failed as it flew over the crouching teen. "Shut up, Honda! And quit dodging my attacks!"

Honda simply smirked, "Oh, so I'm supposed to just let you hit me? Dream on… Rose." He ran off laughing while the enraged Egyptian made chase.

Seto sprung up from his chair and pointed accusingly at Yami, "Get your ass back onto that platform, Yami! We only have 10 minutes to get as much done as we can before Katsuya gets here. Play on your own time, because while you're here taking up my time, I'm the boss. Got that?"

The two teens stopped dead in their tracks. Yami realized how much time was being wasted getting nothing accomplished.

"Sorry, Kaiba. Let's finish this up." He walked back over to the center of the platform and outstretched his arms once more.

Honda walked over to Otogi and held him close, "Sorry, Otogi. I don't mean to be wasting more time."

The raven-haired boy lifted his boyfriend's chin and looked at him softly in the eyes. "It's okay, love. Kaiba and I have wasted a lot more time arguing than you two. So no worries." He closed the gap between them with a gentle kiss.

"Hey, Otogi, if you have time to make out with your idiotic boyfriend, then use it wisely by helping us with this project. I need you to get some measuring tape." Kaiba ordered in a rather irritated tone.

Otogi pulled away from Hiroto to stare at Kaiba queerly, "What the hell for? Your computers should be able to get Yami's exact measurements."

Seto's brow twitched in annoyance, "I know that, you alien eyed freak! I just want to be sure everything is correct. Got a problem with that?"

Otogi sneered, "Whatever you say, tight ass! Where the hell do you keep it?"

"In that filing cabinet, top drawer, fucktard!" Kaiba snapped back.

Otogi walked over to said location, opened the top drawer, and pulled out a rather large measuring devise. "You mean this monstrosity?" He held it up for Seto to see.

The brunette clapped his hands mockingly, "Good job, Sherlock! I was beginning to question if you even knew what one looked like."

Arms flailed aimlessly in every direction as the raven-haired teen became exceedingly angry, "Shut the fuck up, asshole! I know what measuring tape looks like, dammit! I've just never seen one this big."

The young CEO crossed his arms, "It's expensive, so quit waving your arms about like an infant. You might drop it, thereby giving me just cause to shove my foot up your ass. It's worth more than your useless life, so treat it like a crown jewel. Now get over there and measure away, dice boy." He pointed in Yami's direction with authority.

Otogi just snorted as he walked over to the impatient pharaoh, "Don't order me around! I know what I have to do."

As soon as all the measurements were tested and completed, everyone was ready to call it a night. Ironically, Jou showed up a mere minute after everything was cleaned and stashed away. As soon as the elevator doors opened, he ran at full speed towards Seto, latching on to him with so much force it knocked him to the floor.

"Seto, my love! Oh how I've missed you!" His tone and personality changed in a matter of seconds as he seductively purred into Kaiba's ear, "So, have you been a good boy tonight? Or do I have to head straight home?" He nipped and licked at the brunette's neck teasingly, causing the young CEO to gasp slightly.

In a somewhat labored voice, Kaiba responded, "I-I've been… good…"

Jou cooed curiously, "Oh really? Then you wouldn't mind if I asked everyone else their opinions, would you?" He got off the flustered ice king to address his friends.

Seto sat up with a jolt to protest. His azure eyes were now wide in worry and desperation. "Wait, Katsuya! You needn't go to that extent. Trust me. I've been exceptionally good today." He pleaded for his lover to believe him, only to receive a meek smile in return.

"That's why I can't trust your word, Seto. Right now, you'd say anything to get into my pants… or, to be more precise, letting me get into yours. I know you're more than anxious to see what I have in store for you. I am, too, but I can't go back on my word. I specifically said that I wouldn't go through with it if you were your usual cold self to everyone and I'm sticking to it."

He turned his attention to his friends who were eavesdropping on the conversation, "So, guys, was Seto being a good boy tonight?"

While Otogi and Honda frowned and shook their heads, Yami was particularly quiet and unresponsive. He stood with his head slightly lowered, eyes shadowed by his long blonde bangs.

Jou, who was perplexed at this odd response from his friend, tried to better understand why Yami looked the way he did. "Hey, Yami, what's wrong? Was Seto treating you bad? Is that why you look so upset?" He looked back at the perpetrator with a disappointed glare. Seto just stood, stunned by the whole scenario. "Seto, I thought I made it perfectly clear that-"

"He was…" Yami spoke up in a small deep voice. He then lifted his head to reveal soft gleaming crimson eyes and a warm smile. "… He was the perfect gentleman."

Everyone, except Seto, did a classic fall to the floor. Seto simply stared at Yami perplexed and in shock. Jou shot up and stomped over to the happy Egyptian.

"Is that all you have to say after looking like you were about to kill someone? You scared the crap outta me, man!"

Yami sheepishly grinned while scratching his cheek, "Sorry about that. Guess I was overly dramatic, huh? Hehe!"

Katsuya sighed in defeat, "Yeah, whatever. Anyway, Mr. Happy, were you serious about Seto being a perfect gentleman? I mean, I've never thought such words could describe him."

Kaiba sneered, "Hey, I resent that remark."

Jounouchi turned to him and smirked, "Sorry, Seto, but it's true. You hardly ever act like anything close to being described as a gentleman, even around me."

Seto opened his mouth to retort, but withdrew knowing he couldn't argue against facts; no matter how tempted he was to try.

Yami placed a hand on Katsuya's shoulder, "Trust me, Jou, Kaiba was a great help today. When I said that he was a perfect gentleman, I meant he was playing the part as much as he possibly could. I think he just lacks a certain charisma, you know?"

Seto was becoming more and more irritated with where this conversation was going, "Hello! I'm still in the room, ya know! If you wanna bad mouth me, at least have the decency to do it behind my back."

A sweat drop could be seen on everyone's head after they heard that last sentence. They wondered if Seto had any idea as to what "decency" meant.

Yami decided that bringing the main subject back into play was a good idea. "Anyway, my point is that Kaiba was being exceptionally good this afternoon. So, Jou, why don't you and Kaiba have a great time tonight, alright?" He grinning slyly and winked.

Both Seto and Jou blushed, for they suddenly remembered what they had agreed upon for the upcoming evening. Now, filled with a desire to fulfill said agreement, Katsuya grabbed Yami by the arm and led him forcefully towards the elevator.

"Well, Yami, if you say Seto was behaving himself, then it must be true. Oh, gee, look at the time! We'd better get you home before Yuugi begins to worry. See you later, Honda, Otogi! Seto, dear, I'll be back in a little while. Please wait for me. Bye!"

Hiroto and Otogi yelled after Jou in discontent, "Hey, Jounouchi! We both said Kaiba was being a dick! It's two against one! Don't our opinions matter?"

Seto and Katsuya glared at the other two and, in unison, shouted, "NO!"

The elevator doors soon closed, leaving the other three to reflect on what just transpired.

Otogi crossed his arms, "Now, is it just me, or did that seem completely unfair? Jou just brushed us off like dust on his jacket."

Honda nodded in agreement, "I'm with you there. That was totally rude on his part. I'm gonna have a serious talk with him later."

"Hey morons!" Kaiba spat. Both boys turned around to see the tired CEO staring at them in complete annoyance. "If you two haven't noticed, we're done for the day. I advise you both to get off the premises before I have security do the job for you."

Hiroto, though used to Seto's cocky attitude, still got irritated whenever he had to bear witness to it more than a few times a day. "We were only standing here an extra minute after Jounouchi left. We weren't planning on staying here, ya know?"

Seto's expression hadn't changed one bit as his azure eyes continued to stare the two boys down. "And within that minute, you two could've been taking your sorry asses out of my building. The ironic part is that you two eyesores are still here."

Otogi had heard enough. "Look, Seto, just because you want to screw Jou's brains out tonight does not mean you can treat us like street trash. Do you honestly think you're the only one who has a passionate night ahead of him? I've been working my ass off on coming up with new positions in which to make love to Hiroto. Do you have any-" he glanced over at Honda who had been tugging at his sleeve for quite some time. "What?"

His boyfriend was pointing apprehensively in Kaiba's direction. Upon returning his heated gaze back on the CEO, he realized what his eyes had failed to show him during his episode of rage. He took careful notice of Seto's twitching eyebrow and how his index finger was hovering dangerously close to the security button.

Hiroto waved his hands frantically in the air, "There's no need for that, Kaiba! We're leaving now." He grabbed Otogi's hand and quickly ran to the elevator.

After he was sure they were gone, Kaiba fell back into his chair with a heavy sigh. "Finally! I thought they'd never leave. Now to wait for the mutt." A grin of anticipation surfaced. Thoughts of oncoming events flew through his mind, causing him to slowly drift to sleep.

In Jou's Car

"You know, Yami, you really didn't have to say those things for my sake. If Seto was being a total ass, you should have been honest." Jou smirked at the worn out pharaoh.

A half-closed crimson orb looked in the blonde's direction. "I was being honest. If Kaiba didn't act like his normal bitchy self, it would be kinda weird, ya know? He was very helpful and authoritative. If it weren't for him ordering us around, nothing would've gotten done. See my point?" That same lazy eye managed a small wink.

Katsuya thought about what Yami said and realized how odd it would be if Seto was any less of a jerk than usual. He giggled half-heartedly, "Yeah, I got ya. Thanks Yami. But, putting aside Seto's usual self, it's a real wonder seeing his softer side." He recalled the previous night in which Seto was uncharacteristically sweet to him. He smiled softly and felt his heart flutter.

Yami raised a curious eyebrow. Kaiba's soft side? He pondered this notion. He knew that Seto had a big heart, especially when it came to Mokuba, but for Jou to get all flustered like that must mean he witnessed some other side to the ice king. Yami shuddered a little at the thought of Kaiba acting all mushy and lovey-dovey.

Seeing that his blond friend wasn't paying attention to the road, he put his hand on the dazed boy's arm and shook it a little. "Hey, Jou. Jou…" Still no response. He sighed knowing that there was only one way to get him to come to his senses. He positioned his mouth right next to Jou's ear and yelled. "Hey numbnuts, the light is green!"

Auburn eyes went wide and Jou gasped as he was suddenly brought back to reality. In a state of panic, he quickly slammed down on the gas pedal. After a few moments, he regained his composure, took a deep breath, and then pulled over. He glanced over at Yami who was hanging on to his seat for dear life looking petrified.

He put an apologetic hand on his friend's shoulder, which caused Yami to jump in his seat a bit. "Sorry I scared you. I know it was dangerous of me to space out like that while driving, but next time, don't yell at me to get my attention, okay? When I freak out, rational thoughts become obsolete for a short period of time. But, again, I'm sorry for scaring you."

Upon releasing his vice grip on his seat, Yami took a deep breath and attempted a meek smile. "Apology accepted. I'm sorry, too, for yelling in your ear. Just remind me to never get anymore rides from you."

Jou smirked. "Sure thing." He looked outside and took note of the familiar surroundings. "Well, thanks to my temporary impulse to drive faster, we've now made it to your home in less time than expected." He chuckled a bit.

Yami fell back into his seat and breathed a huge sigh of relief. "Thank Ra! With all that's happened today, I'm ready to call it a night." The exhausted pharaoh got out of Jou's car and said his farewells. "I'll see you tomorrow… oh, wait, I almost forgot that tomorrow I have to spend time with Yuugi while you guys work on the finishing touches. I hope he's willing to talk. If he's still mad at me, there's a slim to none chance I can get him to come to Kaiba Corp. on Christmas." Crimson eyes shook slightly as worry and fear once again became the dominant emotions.

Jou gently cupped his hand around the one the pharaoh was resting on the passenger door. "It's gonna be okay. Trust me. I'm sure he's forgiven you by now. Yuugi's not the type to hold grudges. He loves you very much, Yami."

Darkness fell over the pharaoh's eyes as he moved his hand away from Jou's. "He may love me, Jou, but it's not the same as the love I have for him. I'm taking a big risk just going through with this whole selfish plan of mine. But… in a way… it's all I can do. I can only cling to this false hope that the one I love could possibly share the same feelings. I'm really setting myself up for heartbreak, aren't I?"

"Not at all." Jou's unexpected response forced Yami's face to lift, revealing bright red shimmering eyes that shook with a layer of crystal tears. "What you are doing is very brave, not to mention very romantic. I believe that you will receive the answer you are so desperately seeking. I may not be the brightest crayon in the box, but I can tell when two people love each other. Have faith, my friend. It'll all work out." He smiled sweetly at the unnerved Egyptian.

A defeated sigh and meek smile were the only responses the pharaoh could muster. "Thanks, Jou, but… I'm not the type of person that puts his faith into something so unrealistic. You know… this whole time, no matter how pessimistic I pretended to be, doubt and fear were my dominant feelings. And, for some reason, those very feelings are stronger now, as I stand here, than they were when we first planned this whole thing. I'm really frightened, Jou. Am I doing the right thing?" Tears finally found their way down his flushed cheeks.

Katsuya, almost forcefully, grabbed Yami's hand again and spoke sternly. " Look, Yami, this whole plan will not go to waste. I know Yuugi. I can guarantee he's forgiven you. He may act stubborn, but his heart is always in the right place. Come on, Yami, snap out of this depression. It'll get you nowhere. Okay?"

Though still inwardly doubtful, Jou's unyielding confidence somehow gave Yami a sense of comfort. "Thanks, Jou. You always know what to say to cheer me up. I'll try to be more confident about this whole situation. I just hope Yuugi's willing to listen to what I have to say tomorrow."

Katsuya playfully poked the tip of Yami's nose. "Dork! Don't think too much about it. He'll listen to anything you have to say. Need I repeat the fact that he loves you? Just relax and take things slowly. You should get plenty of rest tonight. 'Night, Yami! Good luck tomorrow." The smiling blond waved his final farewell before driving off.

The Egyptian happily waved in return until the car was out of sight. He bit his bottom lip as he slowly made his way to the front door of the Kame Shop. The keys rattled as the knob turned, causing the hinges to creak as the door was slowly opened. His eyes squinted when he heard the horrid noise, for he did not want to wake anybody. He quietly tiptoed past the threshold and slowly closed the creaky door behind him.

"Another late night with Jounouchi?"

Ruby eyes widened in shock when he heard the small familiar voice pierce the haunting silence of the pitch-black room. He slowly turned to see a faint figure standing by the foot of the stairwell. Even though he could barely see, he could feel the knife stabbing glare his little aibou was bestowing him. As another night of deceit and lies lay before him, the physically and mentally drained pharaoh walked over to the small figure before him.

Irritated at the lack of response, Yuugi raised his voice. "Answer me, dammit! I'm sick and tired of you ignoring me! I want answers and I want them NOW!" In an attempt to prevent his tired dark half from escaping to his bedroom, he positioned himself in front of the staircase and outstretched his arms. "I won't let you go to your room until you answer my questions. So let's have it. Why have you been ignoring me this past week? And why have you suddenly been hanging out with Jounouchi more than usual? Have I done something to upset you? Are you-"

It was now or never. Yami had to clear things up with Yuugi tonight or he could kiss his dream Christmas goodbye. Now that his eyes had adjusted to the darkness, he could see his enraged aibou on the first step of the stairwell, glaring down at him as if he was some kind of criminal. He placed a tired hand on Yuugi's shoulder and spoke softly. "Yuugi…"

"Oh, so you're finally going to talk to me? It's about damn time!" His words stung Yami's heart like needles. In the back of his mind, he wondered if anything he had to say would make the slightest difference in how his beloved felt about him.

"Are you doing anything tomorrow?" His words came out strained and doubtful.

Upon hearing something so unexpected, Yuugi suddenly found himself at a loss for words. "Uh… am I doing anything? Why?"

"Because I want to answer your questions and explain, to the best of my ability, what's been going on these past few days. I may not be able to tell you everything, but I promise to tell you all that I can. Is that okay with you, aibou?" He wanted to cry, but he was far too tired and emotionally distraught for such an emotion. All he wanted was to walk up to his room and collapse on his soft bed. He hated leaving Yuugi in the dark another night, but if the little one agreed to tomorrow's arrangements, he'd be somewhat satisfied.

Yuugi could see and sense that Yami was exhausted from whatever activities he encountered earlier that day with Jou. He cringed again at the thought of his best friend and secret crush becoming anything other than friends. He took a deep breath before lowering his arms. "Sure, we can talk tomorrow. I can see that you're pretty tired, so you'd better get some rest. I have a lot of questions, so I hope you'll be prepared to answer every one of them. Good night."

The little disgruntled teen walked up the creaky stairwell and into his room, where he mentally noted all of the questions he'd be asking his darker half on their outing tomorrow.

The ancient pharaoh wasn't too far behind as he slowly made his way to his room where he threw himself on the bed and fell asleep almost immediately.

TBC