AN: It's the following morning and yet more shocks are in store…

Many, many thanks to the following reviewers for all their time and support:

Smellybelly69 (still finding righteous speech comment funny), Nenya85 (fabulous chapter in 'ghosts' – glad you're still on board with mine), Kaibasbigbluedragon (yea – bring on the ravishing – lol), Acirederf (thanks for your awesome support), Deck Divination (scents info was really great – thanks), Darkness Thief (glad you're enjoying my version), Bill and Bill's Nan (Kaiba's taken both offers under advisement), Bella (just wait for chapter thirteen), Jackie (regards from Bakura), Tez (perhaps a bit of cohabiting would have loosened him up!), Guestively plump (you're gonna have to watch that – weeks yet until xmas – lol, more smokin' stuff later!).

To all the above and to everyone else who is reading or following my story – huge kisses from all the cast, they and I are deeply appreciative. I hope you enjoy this week's update :)

"Had I been in love, I could not have been more wretchedly blind. But vanity, not love, has been my folly." Jane Austen, P&P.

Chapter Ten

Yami awoke the next morning feeling gritty eyed and tired. He had been unable to sleep for some time the night before as he was too agitated by the events of the previous day. The revelations made by Bakura and Kaiba, followed by the shattering scene with Kaiba himself had blown away his customary composure and it had been a long time before he had been able to regain any semblance of calm. He had replayed the entire scene - many times - in his mind and had ended by tossing and turning for most of the night even when sleep had finally come.

It was again, immediately in his thoughts when he awoke and he groaned, shifting one arm to cover his eyes as though that would block out the memories. Eventually he roused himself, this was the last full day of his stay with Yugi and Tea and he wanted to enjoy their final evening so he needed to clear his head and decide how much of the disclosures to share with them. While his friends were at work, he decided to go for a walk to get some air.

Lost in thought, Yami ambled in the general direction of the game shop. His gaze was largely unseeing and fixed on the pavement as yet again he considered what had passed; he thus collided with the body which suddenly appeared in front of him, before he had even realized its' presence. Having been almost completely unaware of his surroundings, Yami staggered slightly and a strong, shapely pair of hands steadied him. He began to utter an apology and raised his head – only to find himself staring into a pair of familiar blue eyes, it was Kaiba.

There was a moment of frozen embarrassment and a faint flush mounted those high cheekbones but the mouth was set in an uncompromising line, the expression was remote and he exuded an air of haughty composure. As Yami regained his balance – physically at least – the hands dropped from his arms and Kaiba spoke rapidly.

"I was hoping to see you today; I have sent you an e-mail…please do me the courtesy of reading it." He paused, assessing the reaction to this and Yami nodded his head slowly, reluctance clear upon his face. Seeing this – he continued, "You needn't worry about it containing any repetition of the desires which were last night so disgusting to you."

The last was uttered in a venomous tone, although a hint of bitterness was audible. Kaiba did not linger however – instead he abruptly turned to stride away, his head held high and posture as upright as ever.

Yami returned to the apartment immediately. He had no expectation of enjoying the e-mail but was extremely curious about what more Kaiba could have to say; impatiently he clicked open the inbox and characteristically the communication began abruptly…

Yami,

I am writing without any intention of hurting you, or humbling myself, by dwelling on desires which I am sure for us both - cannot be too soon forgotten. I would not have done so or wanted to approach you in any way, had I not felt that I needed to clear my name. You must, therefore, forgive me for demanding your attention; your feelings - I am sure, will mean it is given unwillingly, but I demand it of your sense of justice.

Two things you accused me of last night. They were offences of very different types, and certainly not of equal magnitude, but I wish to explain my reasons for both.

The first was that, regardless of their feelings for each other, I detached Mai from your brother and the other, that with no regard for honour or humanity, I ruined the immediate prosperity and blasted the prospects of Duke Devlin. You (and many others) believe me to have deliberately cheated him and stolen his ideas for financial gain. Had I done so, that would have been criminal and far more serious than the other issue. The separation of the Mai from Joey, their relationship having only lasted a few weeks, could be nothing in comparison. I am mentioning both, only because of the manner in which you accused me last night. I will - on this one occasion, explain my actions. However much you dislike me, you should at least know the truth, I will not allow you to believe that I am the honourless bastard you seem to think me. If reading my reasoning gives you offence, which is possible - since it seems I must reluctantly explain my thoughts in order to clear my actions, I can only say that is not my intention. There is no way around it and further apology would be ridiculous.

It was not long after they met, that I noticed the flirtation between Mai and your brother but I thought it was just a passing amusement; only on the evening of the demonstration duels did I realise it was becoming serious. I have seen Mai attract attention many times - but rarely has she returned the interest. That night I became aware of the gossip which made me see - they had clearly become far more involved than I had first believed. I went in search of Mai; I freely admit it - to advise her against getting too involved with someone I consider beneath her. My objections to the relationship were not only those which I last night explained, although as I told you - they caused me to fight my own desires and would also apply to Mai.

For myself, I had tried to forget them because I couldn't see any alternative but I must write them here - if briefly. You will have to forgive me as I am sure what I say will cause you pain, but the conversation I overheard between your parents that evening filled me with disgust. The manner in which they were clearly expecting to gain advantage through Mai, the callous disregard for her feelings and the devious and grasping nature of people who would try to use her this way was fully revealed. I wish I could say I was shocked, but I have met such types before and had seen your family several times previously. I was only surprised later, that even when watching closely - I never saw the same in you.

Because of your attitude last night (since I do not otherwise understand your resentment), I now wonder if I was wrong about your brother but I had no reason to think so at the time, and I am still not convinced. That I was expecting such a mediocrity to be the same as the rest - I admit, I thought then, that you and he would have the same attitudes as the rest of your relations. I must say here - I did not invent these sordid notions, I heard them at first hand! I will only say that from what passed that evening, my opinion of all parties was confirmed and every reason I had for wanting to protect Mai was increased. I told her the whole of it and she left town immediately, only her request prevented me from punishing your brother and that was the one part of the whole situation where I felt dissatisfied - he got off too lightly. If I have wounded your brother's feelings, it was done in ignorance and though you may not like me mentioning my motives, I am still not sure I was wrong.

The other - more serious accusation, I can only disprove by telling you about family matters. I try to keep my family business private but what I tell you can be confirmed with Pegasus among others - if you doubt my word. I was approached by Devlin, several years ago regarding the development of a game he had created. He was hoping for both my own backing and for an introduction to Maximilian Pegasus since he had been unable to gain access to him at Industrial Illusions through his own connections. I was impressed by the concept he explained to me, thought his idea had potential and agreed to discuss the possibility of a three-way partnership with Pegasus on his behalf. Since he had no finance of his own to put forward, this would have been the best business solution. Devlin provided me with all the relevant paperwork and patents and was supposed to wait for me to contact him regarding my progress, once I had spoken to Pegasus.

I do not wish in this e-mail to go into the details surrounding the death of my foster-father which had occurred about a year previously. However, I was still at that time, encountering occasional problems with his former contacts which necessitated my personal attention. One such matter had arisen and Devlin was informed that there might be a lengthy delay before I was able to forward the matter of his business proposal.

What his reasoning was I do not know, but it transpired that he was not prepared to wait. He had visited my home outside the city on several occasions to discuss the details of his plans and had met my younger brother Mokuba; I am his sole guardian as we have no other family. While I was out of town to deal with the problems I have already mentioned, Devlin used his knowledge of my affairs in an attempt to gain leverage and kidnapped my brother. He apparently cared nothing for the ordeal he inflicted or the distress his actions would cause. I shall not bore you with all the details of the event, suffice it to say that I was able to get Mokuba back and avoid being blackmailed.

At the time, I wanted the whole situation kept quiet; I feared publicity - until I was sure that my brother's security would not be compromised by copycat attempts. Tighter measures are now in place, but I refuse to demean myself by explaining my past actions publically unless I consider the reason adequate. Why should I care what people think of me - I know my behaviour and motives were honourable. Needless to say, I refused any further contact with Devlin and returned all his paperwork; my only act of 'retaliation' was to advise Pegasus about him - in case his behaviour should be repeated.

Devlin's recent allegations must be made from spite and his confident awareness that I do not publicise my affairs. I am a private person and ill-at-ease with strangers, I am sure he felt his version of my character would be very easily believed, as indeed has proven to be the case. I hope that you will at least acquit me of cruelty towards Devlin, exactly what he told you I can only guess, but without knowing either of us I am not surprised that you accepted his story. His plausibility and charm of manner tends to encourage a positive response from others.

I was not in control enough – last night to be able to tell you any of this coherently, hence the writing of this e-mail. You have made it quite clear how much you detest me but I could not leave the matter before sharing with you, both the truth of my past actions and of Devlin's character. I shall not bother you any further.

Regards,

Seto Kaiba

After his meeting with Kaiba, Yami had not expected the e-mail from him to contain any repetition of desire. He had however felt an intense curiosity about what Kaiba might want to tell him. The contents left him feeling staggered, his emotions see-sawing wildly as he read each section. The opening statements amazed him – how could Kaiba think that anything would justify his behaviour? What could he possibly have to say which would clear his name?

Yami had initially begun the e-mail with a strong prejudice against anything Kaiba might have to say. As he read all that Kaiba had written in the first half of the message, it seemed his feelings had been justified. Kaiba's comments about the relationship between Joey and Mai, particularly the detestable aspersions cast on his family, made Yami too angry to care about doing him justice. Kaiba still believed himself to have been correct and had no remorse for jumping to conclusions, everything he said betrayed his arrogance and insolence!

Next however - that subject was followed by Kaiba's version of the events between himself and Duke Devlin. When Yami read the description of actions which, if true, revealed Duke to be truly dishonourable, (and which had an alarming similarity to Duke's own story) his feelings were extremely painful and even more confused. Astonishment, uneasiness, and revulsion beset him, at first he wanted to disbelieve it entirely, and exclaimed, "Kaiba must be lying! This cannot be true!"

When he had read through the whole e-mail, almost scanning the last lines, he sat for a few minutes in stunned dismay. Shaking his head and trying to summon his normal composure he read the second half again, determined to consider it logically. He re-examined the whole story carefully…the explanation of Kaiba's initial contact with Duke was almost exactly what Duke himself had described; it was what occurred next that was so different.

As Yami recalled Duke's manner when telling him of his troubles, for a second he thought Duke must have told the truth but he then recalled his behaviour with Bakura. That had shed a different light on his character and at the time Yami had excused it as desperation but now…one of them was certainly lying. He tried to be impartial, on both sides it was down to their word after all, but as he re-read, he was forced to realise that while he had thought there was no possible reason which could excuse Kaiba's conduct towards Duke – he might have been wrong.

Yami leaned back and thought about Duke. Before meeting him that night at the dicing club, he had known nothing of him…he had taken his character at face value. Yami felt wretched as he acknowledged to himself that the attractiveness of that face had influenced him. As he now looked back he could think of no good deed or example of integrity which could act as evidence for Duke's personality. He certainly had charm; everyone who knew him felt the force of it and enjoyed his company, but Yami himself had been conscious that something was lacking. He suddenly thought of how quickly Duke had told his story – they had only just met – it was only now that he realised how odd it was to tell such private business to a near stranger.

Yami felt further mortification as he realised that his own piqued vanity at Kaiba's initial remarks about him had made him all too keen to believe the tale. Duke had boasted that he would not be driven away by Kaiba, but had avoided him the very next week at the tournament. It was also noticeable – in retrospect – that he had only publicised the tale of his mistreatment once Kaiba had left town. The inconsistencies were plain and Yami's conscience was in deep trouble, how differently everything now seemed regarding both Kaiba and Duke.

Duke's character was exposed – both through trying to use Bakura and in this dreadful tale of kidnap and attempted blackmail – it seemed that a duplicitous core lay beneath that alluring exterior. Kaiba on the other hand, however repulsive his arrogance and haughty manner, had never behaved immorally. 'It must all be true!' He thought.

After realising this, Yami was forced to re-examine what he said of Joey and Mai and thought of the unfortunate comment Kaiba had heard out-of-context…Yugi had always maintained that he could understand misinterpretation of it. Certainly Kaiba had attributed the worst possible motives to that – and to the rest of the family, but he spoke of having encountered such behaviour before and had clearly acted to protect Mai…Yami could now comprehend his behaviour, even if he did not agree with his conclusions.

Yami felt ashamed of himself and buried his face in his hands. "What an idiot I am," he muttered. "I, who have prided myself on my judgment! Who have been so sure of my own decisions, yet have been so quick to jump to conclusions." Yami felt humiliated, but he knew that it served him right! "I could not have been more horribly blind. Vanity has been my downfall. At our first meetings, I was pleased with the attention of one, and offended by the neglect of the other. I have misjudged them both and until this moment I never knew it."

Feeling more depressed and self-loathing than he could ever remember, Yami lay on his bed and stared at the ceiling. He stayed there…considering…until Yugi and Tea returned home.

That evening over several bottles of wine, Yami explained the whole situation to Yugi and Tea. He left out Kaiba's declaration of desire – explaining what he had been told as the outcome of an argument and both were shocked and dismayed at the revelations about Duke. Yugi (kindly) refrained from even hinting at saying 'I told you so,' and the three discussed the implications of what Yami had been told.

There was only one thing of which Yami was absolutely sure…whatever Kaiba said about not caring for public opinion, he was going to make it his business to set the record straight. It made no difference how matters now stood between them; it was not right than he should be believed dishonourable. Kaiba deserved better.

The next morning Yami was to travel home. Yugi and Tea saw him off at the train station and his last view was of her waving madly while still clutching Yugi's hand.

Yami felt terrible, he had a shocking hangover (he never drank like that), felt saddened at the recent parting from his friends and was still struggling with the implications of Kaiba's e-mail. He was however, looking forward to seeing his family, particularly Joey – although he dreaded sharing the news.

Whilst he did not regret turning him down, Yami found himself wondering what Seto Kaiba thought of him now.

Kaiba had also returned home to his mansion outside of town.

At that moment he was lying in bed, having slept very badly, angrily contemplating (for about the tenth time) his rejection of the day before. Eventually he dropped into an uneasy slumber…only to jerk awake a short while later – his body trembling and Yami's name on his lips. What was it going to take to dislodge Yami from his mind!

Grumbling to himself, Kaiba gave up on trying to rest and stalked to the bathroom, he might as well get some work done downstairs before Mokuba got up. Cupping his hands he splashed cold water onto his face to dispel the last vestiges of sleep, but as he raised his head, he stopped abruptly – staring at his reflection in the mirror. For someone who came from a family Kaiba had considered so grasping, Yami had shown a distinct lack of desire (unfortunately) to grab for his own wealth. An unwelcome idea was forced grudgingly upon him…perhaps he had been wrong.

No…no - it couldn't possibly be so; but even as he thought this, he remembered Joey's face as he had self-consciously kissed Mai that evening. At the time he had been too angry to notice but the memory had apparently been recorded and chose this moment to make an unwelcome appearance. 'That stupid mutt,' Kaiba thought angrily, 'no way could he have been genuine'.

Deliberately, he recalled the conduct he had witnessed on that infamous evening, dwelling stubbornly on the incriminating conversation. It was no use wishing things were different, life was what it was…full of disappointments and largely spent alone.

As he left the bathroom, he slammed the door – both literally and mentally…he was hoping the latter would stay that way.

AN: Well - so nobody is perfect…and a good thing too – how incredibly dull things would be ;)

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter, will be updating as usual next Friday (chapter fourteen now in progress – dripping wet Kaiba is firmly in place in thirteen).

Thanks for all the great reviews! Please continue to feedback – I just love hearing from you all.