AN: OK…here comes the second half of the evening and lots of fallout.

Special thanks this week to: SmellyBelly69 (always great), Nenya85 (for continuing constructive support), Jane, Acirederf, Bella, Jackie, Bill & Bill's Wife (I'll have to see what other 'mood-setters' I can come up with for you two – lol) and the recently evolved Enshrouded Guest (yes – was deliberate, glad you enjoyed it! An account would mean I could PM you on this – thanks for the lovely review).

To all the above and everyone else who is following or reading my story, thanks so much - I really appreciate you all :)

"I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for." Jane Austen, P&P.

Chapter Six

Kaiba and Yami had not long parted following the aftermath of their duel. Kaiba, mentally kicking himself for his unaccountable fixation on this nonentity, felt anger that his integrity should be so clearly doubted. Unfortunately for him, as he was discovering – his emotions were not as easy to control as the rest of his environment and these were still ensnared despite his best efforts to free them. Thwarted by the perversity of this regard (he didn't trust his inner self any more than he trusted anyone else and was determined to fight it) his fury was soon directed at another.

Kaiba had also noticed the Mai/Joey vacancies from the duelling roster and wondered where they had gone…the absence of both was clearly no coincidence. About to pursue the mystery of their whereabouts, he was delayed by one of the spectators from his duel with Yami.

"My dear sir, I was most gratified by the spectacle of your duel, such very superior play is seldom seen, it was evident you are amongst the foremost strategists of this game," he began, ('oh my god, another sycophant,' thought Kaiba).

"Allow me to say however that your partner was of similar stature, what an indulgence for the rest of us to witness such an amazing display." Here he received a glare for his compliments, the startlingly blue eyes – winter cold - as Kaiba assimilated the fact that throughout the room Yami was now considered his equal. Clearly the outcome was believed to have been in doubt, he had a rival for supremacy and inwardly snarled…squashing the small spurt of lust he also felt (at the thought of someone who could challenge him on every level), it was unwelcome.

He realized the bootlicker was still talking, "We must hope to see a re-match, surely that will be a likely occurrence since your beautiful associate ('Mai', Kaiba thought) will undoubtedly soon have a much closer relationship with the family." He finished insinuatingly and Kaiba grimly realized that speculation about Mai and Joey was abounding, he had allowed the level of this infatuation to escape his notice but other eyes had possibly been more discerning. Failing to arouse any warmth from the subject of his flattery, the toady moved off and Kaiba looked about the rooms for Mai.

The misery of being forced to accept the unwanted attentions of other guests was clearly not over and Kaiba bit his lip in aggravation as another approached, this one a girl with brown hair and a sprightly air. 'Wannabe cheerleader', he thought derisively and opened his mouth to issue a blighting comment designed to repulse her. He didn't manage to get the words out though as she immediately rushed into speech, "I just found out that you are closely connected to my patron (reverentially) Maximillian Pegasus and I just had to talk to you."

"How fortunate," replied Kaiba, in his most sarcastic tone, but this was lost on Tea.

"Yes, isn't it," she replied sincerely, "Never leave a possible friend behind is what I say. Friends are all we have to get us through this world. I'm so glad I discovered you were here."

Kaiba stared at her incredulously, "What do you hope to get from me?" He asked contemptuously and Tea was flustered by his air of distant formality.

"Get from you?…Nothing…I only wanted to talk to you, since I thought we would have a mutual interest in Mister Pegasus, he's been such a good friend to me…", she didn't seem to know what else to say and stared at him.

Over her shoulder, Kaiba suddenly noticed a horrific vision approaching. It wore an eye-wrenching combination of pink cloth and garish gold jewellery, a tasteless amount of flesh was displayed and a tacky pierced navel (was that an ankh?) completed the ensemble.

"My dearest cousin," the vision declared, as it drew nearer, "I was thinking…this would be the perfect place to showcase that routine you taught me." He actually produced two batons, handed one to the girl, no – the one he held was some kind of rod – and gave it a twirl.

Kaiba recoiled, this was a nightmare…who were these people?

"Great idea Marik!" Tea answered, "I bet Kaiba would love to see just what it is I do for Pegasus." The two began to move in unison, arms pumping…

"You people must be insane," Kaiba declared nastily, "I'm out of here."

He walked swiftly away, his ever-present trench coat swirling about him as though to prevent further invasion of his body space. The dancers however, failed to notice his departure being far too intent on their timing.

"My god, what a family," Kaiba muttered to himself as he strode away, having finally recognized Marik as one of Yami's brothers.

As he recommenced his search for Mai in another room, he chanced to walk past a table which he noticed contained the 'parents' of the disreputable bunch.

Yami, upon quitting Kaiba was immediately accosted by Vivian (so unlike her sister in disposition, he thought), she was civil but both face and voice were malicious and disdainful as she spoke, "So Yami, rumour has it you are quite delighted with Duke Devlin. Let me recommend you, however, as a friend, not to implicitly believe all of his assertions; as to Kaiba using him ill, it is perfectly false; for, on the contrary, he has treated Kaiba in a most infamous manner. I do not know the particulars, but I know very well that Kaiba is not in the least to blame and that he cannot bear to hear Devlin mentioned. Indeed my sister told me that he wished he could have excluded him from the general invitation to all gamers he had already made, he was excessively glad to find that he was not present. His coming here at all is a most insolent thing, indeed, and I wonder how he could presume to do it. I pity you, Yami, for this discovery of your favourite's guilt; but really, one could not expect much better from a low-bred dicer."

"His guilt and his low-bred dicing appear to you to be the same thing," replied Yami angrily for I have heard you accuse him with evidence of nothing else."

"Oh, I'm sorry to have insulted so clear a favourite of yours," said Vivian, turning away with a sneer, "excuse me, I meant only to warn you."

As he watched her stroll away, Yami caught sight of Tea descending on Kaiba himself and was a witness to all that followed. Embarrassed by the inappropriate behaviour of Tea and Marik, he looked for his parents in the hope they could at least curb some of the enthusiasm.

'What a difference,' he thought disconsolately, 'between my hopes for this evening and how it is turning out.' He had looked forward to the event with much anticipation, but it had so far brought nothing but discord and disappointment. He hoped that for Joey at least, things were going better.

Arthur and Solomon had watched the duels with great interest. They had seen Yugi play an excellent duel against Weevil Underwood and various other matches well-worth-the-watch, but like everyone else at this tourney their primary focus had been the contest between Yami and Kaiba. Once the duelling was over they had found a table to sit and discuss the event over a glass of wine.

"The standard of play tonight was very high," Arthur commented, taking a sip from his glass.

"Yes, indeed," replied Solomon, swirling the wine in his glass in a contemplative fashion. "Yugi in particular was on very fine form, his use of Buster Blader against Weevil's Insect Queen was both well-timed and cleverly set up."

"Weevil certainly didn't see it coming," said Arthur with satisfaction.

The two sat for a moment enjoying a companionable silence, then Solomon continued. "What do you think about those boys of ours?"

"Which do you wish to discuss first? One was conspicuous by his actions, the other by his absence." Arthur looked a trifle anxious at the thought of either, though Solomon knew how proud he had been of Yami's display.

"I take it you too were aware of the electricity during that duel?" There was no need to say which one Solomon referred to.

"I don't see how I could have missed it; I didn't like to see such anger in Yami. It felt like he would have done anything to defeat Kaiba and that's not the way I want him to duel…no matter how inspired his play."

"He won't forget the heart of the cards Arthur, don't worry. I was more concerned about the supressed passion I could sense between them. I am aware of the dislike Yami feels for Kaiba, but there's a fine line you know…I wouldn't want him to end up hurt. You know Kaiba's attitude to duelling."

Arthur thought this over, and then replied, "He plays with his heart even though he doesn't realize it, you must have noticed the way he looks at those dragons. But I honestly don't think you need to worry about anything else, I'm aware of Yami's interest in this new Devlin chap even if you haven't noticed it and he's positively scathing about Kaiba. What about Joey? Were you surprised he didn't play?"

"No, I wasn't surprised…he's been on edge for the last few days, he's serious about this girl Arthur, do you think Mai feels the same? I don't see him recovering easily if it all falls through."

"From what I have seen, she appears equally committed to the relationship," Arthur said soothingly, "they need to work this out together Solomon, interference never does any good, you know that."

"Yes, but it's hard to see your children vulnerable," Solomon sighed.

After a short silence, Arthur tried for a lighter note.

"If Joey and Mai end up in a permanent relationship it will do wonders for his and Yami's duelling credentials, they will have access to all the best tournaments with Mai's contacts and once they get the breakthrough their undoubted talents will do the rest. Who knows, perhaps Tristan, Ryou and Marik will gain more agreeable contacts too."

He was trying to divert Solomon, to assuage his worries for his son, and engrossed in their conversation neither noticed the proximity of Kaiba (or that of Yami who was just coming over to ask that they intervene in the display currently being enacted by Tea and Marik, Marik was definitely getting carried away).

Kaiba overheard only Arthur's final statement. His expression passed from indignant contempt and loathing, to a composed and steady gravity as he continued on his way and Yami who had heard enough of the prior conversation to put the correct interpretation upon it, was dismayed. He said nothing of Kaiba's passing to his parents, not wishing to upset them, but he had a fairly clear idea of what had been thought and was mortified. Yami loved his family very much and was aware that only unfortunate circumstances had conspired against them. The timing was what had caused them to appear to such a disadvantage but it was typical (he thought resentfully) that Kaiba should be the one before whom it had all been displayed.

"Father, I think you'd better check on Marik, ancient relics are getting out of hand again," was all he conveyed to Solomon, and torn between laughter and annoyance his father at once got to his feet to go and check the high spirits of his youngest son.

It took some time for Kaiba to discover the whereabouts of Joey and Mai, he was forced to check out several other conference rooms before finally locating the one which held them and by this time he was in a vile temper. Never trusting that intentions could be good at the best of times (his experiences under a foul adoptive parent had taught him otherwise years ago), and following from the other annoyances of the evening, he had put the worst possible interpretation upon the snatch of conversation he had overheard. He was thus extremely displeased upon entering the room to find Mai – extremely dishevelled, seated upon Joey's lap, laughing and murmuring intimately with him. The pair jumped to their feet guiltily; clearly there had been illicit behaviour, as Kaiba's scorching once over revealed Joey's clothes to be in equal disarray.

Mai at once perceived Kaiba's temper. His expression – sour when he entered the room, had darkened during his top-to-toe scrutiny and she attempted to shield her lover from the explosion she could feel was coming. "Joey, go check in with Yami and see how his duels went," she said. "Let me talk to Kaiba and I'll catch up with you afterwards."

"Are you sure Mai?" Joey asked, also correctly interpreting the signs of an 'approaching storm', but assuming the cause was Mai failing to attend the evening's event.

"Positive," she affirmed, and after pausing to kiss her with a slightly defiant look at Kaiba, Joey left the room, adding a little self-consciously, "don't be too long; I'll be waiting for you."

As the door closed behind him, Mai's softened expression changed to one of assured, though placatory composure, "You surely weren't that bothered about me competing?"

"I'm more concerned to see you wasting yourself on that loser!" Came the uncompromising answer. Mai blinked, taken aback, and opened her mouth to demand why Kaiba thought it any of his business, but he was still talking…

"I always thought you gave that Mutt too much credit – so he cottoned on fast to your scented card routine…all dogs have a heightened sense of smell, or didn't you know that?"

"Kaiba! How dare you barge in here just to give insults? I consider you a friend but you go too far." Mai raged, her ire immediately roused at the slur to Joey. "You must have realized how much I was coming to feel for him before now? If not, it's too late, I love him and he loves me…I won't listen to you putting him down."

"Really," Kaiba retorted, his tone stinging, "Wake up Mai, none of that's real! I'm amazed you would consider anyone from that family – but let me share with you the conversation I just overheard between the parents…"

As he related the incident, his own interpretation shading every nuance, and shared his views of what he had seen and heard of the family. Mai's previous lack of belief that anyone would ever permanently be there for her rose up inside her, her confidence in a newfound view of the world, it's very freshness giving it fragility…was shattered.

"He asked me to marry him," she whispered, hands going to her ears as though she wanted to block out what they had already heard. "Please…don't say any more." Shoulders shaking she turned her back to Kaiba. As he looked at her, huddling into herself, his softest expression (which she had never seen – it was seldom seen by anyone) swept fleetingly across his face. It transformed his features, this look of understanding for her pain, giving them a poignant sweetness, but by the time she turned back to him he had regained his customary sternness.

"I'm sorry to have to break it to you Mai, but better to know the truth." Was all he said, folding his arms, his concern for her hidden behind a shuttered expression. "What will you do?"

"I need to go away," Mai replied, brokenly. "I can't face him…anyone…here tonight. I need some space to think but I don't want you to get involved – don't say anything to him, or anyone…please…," she forced out. "Let me have the dignity of dealing with it myself when I'm ready."

"Very well," Kaiba agreed, understanding her need to be self-sufficient. "The KaibaCorp jet is at your disposal…immediately, if you want it and I'll stay out of your business too - although it goes against the grain to do so." By the last statement, the venom was back in his tone, as little though Mai knew it, he cared for her. He admired her spirit and independence and his intimate knowledge of mental pain made him angry on her behalf for what she now suffered. "Stay in touch Mai – I'll need to speak to you about the Beta tests," was all he could manage to say, to ensure he could keep tabs on her welfare.

"I will Kaiba, and thanks for the jet," said Mai, "I'm leaving out the back way…," and pride stiffening her spine, she quietly left.

Upon returning to the tournament rooms, Joey had sought out his closest brother immediately. He eventually found him watching approvingly as Solomon was confiscating something from a petulant Marik.

"Hey Yami," he said by way of a greeting, he wanted to pour his news into his brother's ear, or possibly to shout it from the rooftops – he felt so elated, but their surroundings caused him to hesitate. "Can we have a word where it's quieter?" He asked instead, and led the way to a table in one of the more noiseless rooms as Yami nodded.

Sitting down before he almost burst from having to hold in his happiness, he looked at his brother and started to speak. "I'm so happy…," was all that came out.

Yami forestalled him from trying again, his pleasure at Joey's transparent joy evident, "You've told her how you feel and she feels the same way?" He surmised, and Joey nodded, wanting to say more, but momentarily unable to, due to the powerful feelings of relief and bliss at war within him.

"Where is she?" Yami asked, and felt faint apprehension when informed of her meeting with Kaiba. He supressed it, not wanting to spoil the moment but was alarmed shortly afterwards by catching sight of Kaiba, who stalked past with a fleeting look of haughtiness (and ferocity?) at Joey.

Twenty minutes later his worst fears were confirmed. Joey, with increasing panic had been unable to locate Mai, many people had now left in the wake of Kaiba and the clearing staff were beginning to appear. Finally admitting to himself that Mai was no longer in the building, Joey turned to his brother, his face white and desperate. "I've blown it Yami," he ground out in distress, "I rushed it…pushed things too far and frightened her off."

Yami had another possible interpretation for these events which he acknowledged with a sinking heart, but felt it should be shared at home when they were alone. He spoke quietly to Arthur and Solomon, who made their love and concern apparent to Joey but tried not to intrude and the family departed. Upon arrival at the shop, Yami attempted to share what he knew with his brother but Joey was too distraught to listen to him for the moment.

"I asked her to marry me Yami!" He cried, agony branded across his face, "I can't talk to you now, leave it until morning."

Devastated by his brother's misery and outraged by his suspicion that Kaiba was behind it, Yami spent most of the night worrying and unable to help…hearing his brother pacing back and forth in the room next door.

AN: Although Lydia is the youngest in the original P&P, I have made Marik (Mary) the youngest in mine, it just felt right.

If you keep reviewing perhaps Kaiba will pay you a visit after he gets out of the lake ;)

More new (well new to this fic) characters in the next few chapters, hope you continue to read/follow.