AN: Yami has gone to spend a long weekend with Ishizu, Kaiba is wondering what his motives are and Joey and Tristan await developments of their own…
A great big yuletide sack-full of thanks to all who are reading and/or following and/or reviewing.
As ever particular gratitude goes to my reviewers – it's you who keep me feeling so positive about what I am trying to do:
SmellyBelly69 (I particularly needed the lift this week – thank you for it), Nenya85 (Always thanks for your support-and a potential 2nd 'ghost' present too!), Kaibasbigbluedragon (I'm starting to wait for yours after I update, you tend to be my first feedback – thanks so much), Deck Divination (Hope your day stuff less stressy than mine at the mo' :)), Lovemondotrasho (an awesome reviewer – you give so much time), Bella (well here it comes…), Janders (glad you enjoyed Mokuba), Acirederf (always such a support to me), The guest around (we'll have to see if he's convinced…), Bill (and wife, more relationship stuff coming, if you console yourself again with B&J, the butt may look bigger :), nan – more coming for you too).
Hope you all enjoy this week's chapter :)
"You must learn some of my philosophy. Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure." Jane Austen, P&P.
Chapter Thirteen
Arriving at his cousin's home, Yami was greeted by a warm embrace from Ishizu and a welcoming handshake from Raphael. Then Rebecca flung her arms around his waist, smiling up at him, "Hi Yami," she beamed, "you're coming to the fair tomorrow, aren't you?"
Her mother intervened in exasperation, trying to hide a smile at her daughter's enthusiasm. "Rebecca! You know I said we'd ask him…later – when he's had a chance to get through the door."
She turned to her cousin, shaking her head ruefully, "I'm sorry Yami, there's a local charity fair tomorrow, followed by a parade and she has been talking about it for days. We were supposed to be inviting you to come with us – later, (here she gave Rebecca an admonishing glance). It should be fun but there's no pressure – we'll only be gone a few hours if you'd rather stay here or do something else?"
"Of course I'll come with you," Yami smiled at Rebecca, "I'd love to."
"See – I told you he would," Rebecca twinkled incorrigibly at her mother, taking Yami's hand. "Come into the house Yami, there's tons of food ready."
Meeting eyes with Ishisu (who rolled hers expressively), Yami laughed and allowed Rebecca to lead him indoors. 'We'll talk later,' Ishizu mouthed to him as she and Raphael moved to follow.
Later that evening they finally got the chance and were able to talk over all that had occurred since they last met. From their regular contact, Ishizu was aware of all that had happened (apart from Kaiba's 'proposition') but that was just not the same. Kaiba and Duke, Duke and Tristan, Yugi and Tea and Joey and Mai – there was plenty to discuss and it was several glasses of wine later before conversation became more desultory. Yami found that he felt a surprising amount of relief at having talked over it all, it had helped to clarify his own thoughts and emotions. As ever though, Ishizu sometimes knew him too well…
"I notice you've said very little about why Seto Kaiba would disclose such personal information to you?" She noted with a wry smile and arched eyebrow, "in fact, aside from your clearly burning desire to clear his name – you haven't said much about him at all…"
Yami squirmed a little feeling awkward, Ishizu was always so damned perceptive, but then he thought, talking through the rest – had helped – perhaps this would be the same?
Aloud, he sighed, before speaking, "I feel awful about how I treated him Ishizu...I always thought he was the arrogant one – but I was the same – worse in fact. I thought I had all the answers and I judged him harshly." Here Yami looked across at his cousin shamefaced, "I know many people already disliked him because he seemed so aloof but that story of Duke's…it really fuelled those feelings and I don't know if it would have been so widely believed…if I hadn't been championing him."
"You trusted Duke, Yami," Ishizu said gently, "You had no reason not to and he was very plausible and charming – I met him remember? You thought Kaiba was responsible for some dreadful behaviour so you shouldn't blame yourself for the hidden lies which you knew nothing about."
"It's not what I believed that bothers me so much," Yami continued, "It's who and why that's the problem. I was flattered by Duke and felt resentful towards Kaiba, I had heard of him before we met and was impressed by what I knew of his intellect and tenacity…then he was so rude…I was hasty and I misjudged him badly. He may not be pleasant company but I wronged him Ishizu."
"You are being too hard on yourself Yami," his cousin answered. "You made a mistake but I know you're trying to correct that and trusting someone you care about isn't a bad thing to have done."
Yami laughed somewhat bitterly, "When Kaiba and I argued…before I knew about Duke, I accused him of trusting nobody," he said, "While all along I was trusting too blindly myself."
"What do you think of him now?" She asked.
Yami hesitated.
"Talk to me," Ishizu encouraged softly. "You haven't said…"
"Maybe that's because I'm not sure what I think about him now, it's difficult to reassess him when everything which has happened was so coloured by my misapprehensions at the time."
"Then why not keep a more open mind for now?" Ishizu said decisively, "but don't overthink the past Yami, the misunderstandings were not caused by you and he clearly didn't behave well either. Take the Joey and Mai situation for example – he jumped to conclusions too. The main culprit in all this was Duke and from what you tell me he's doing his best to reform. You can't expect to be right all the time and you're clearing Kaiba's name - I'm sure he'll appreciate that."
"I don't suppose we're likely to meet again, so it's all academic now anyway," Yami concluded.
Ishizu was not so sure of this, but she kept her reflections to herself.
The next morning was unusually hot and sunny, Rebecca was delighted – the fair and parade would be brilliant and it was sure to be busy on a day like this.
Yami set out with her and Ishizu in a far lighter frame of mind; he still had some thinking to do but the guilt he felt had been put more in perspective. Impulsively he gave his cousin a quick hug, "Thanks for listening," he whispered, "You always give such great advice."
Ishizu gave him a smile, "Always happy to lend an ear," she responded.
The three wandered through the stalls and displays for some time and then found a good vantage point to watch the parade which was due to commence shortly. A mile or two away across the fields stood a large house, its' grounds surrounded by a wall. Yami noticed it and realised that it belonged to Kaiba, he recalled that he had been told so on one of his previous visits to his cousin's home but it had not had the same significance at that time. Now however, seeing the place brought its' owner again to his mind.
After watching the first few ranks of the parade, Yami leaned across to Ishizu, "It's really very hot, would it be ok if I wandered off for a while? I've got a lot to think about and things have been so busy at home."
Ishizu warmly hugged him and waved him away, "Go…we won't worry if we don't see you until later, we'll watch the rest for you and see you at home this evening."
Yami set off across the fields, hands in his pockets and deep in thought. Since these drifted often to its' owner, it was perhaps not surprising that his course drifted gradually until he was moving in the general direction of the house.
After walking for a short while Yami realised how hot he was and looked about for somewhere he could sit in the shade with his reflections. Off to one side he noticed a small cluster of trees and he immediately headed towards them. 'Perfect,' he thought as he neared, the trees were situated near the edge of a small lake and as he seated himself in the shade he realised that this too reduced the heat. Lazily he leaned back against a convenient tree and lost himself to his musings.
The long black car crawled slowly down the road; it's previously rapid progress having been brought to an end as the tail of a parade made its leisurely way past.
"I'm afraid we may be stuck here for a while Sir," the driver announced, apologetically.
Kaiba leant back in his seat, his blue eyes gazing 'blindly' through the window of the limousine. The meeting had seemed interminable, it was just so depressing that after all this time - loose ends from the regime of his foul adoptive parent still remained to be rooted out and destroyed. He shook his head to dispel the lingering sense of disgust, feeling soiled and sticky as though even that remote contact with the long dead Gozaburo could somehow infect him. His impatience to be home was an almost tangible force and across a couple of fields he could see it, so close but tantalisingly still distant with all this 'traffic'. 'Damn, I need a shower, why does this have to happen now, when we're so close?' Almost as he had that thought, the glint of sunlight on water caught his attention. The lake a few fields over - lay close to his property and he came to an abrupt decision.
"Stop the car," he called to the driver, "let me out…I'll walk back from here."
As he walked across the fields, the noise and fumes of civilisation receding behind him, Kaiba loosened his tie and slung his jacket over his shoulder. This had been a good idea – leaving all that mayhem behind and moving towards where he wanted to be – he was not consciously aware of the symbolism, but his mind began to relax and a slight smile curved his lips. Taking control of a situation always made Kaiba feel better and back in the car, dark thoughts crowding his mind he had felt – stifled. Out here alone, the sun warmed his back as he continued towards the beckoning lake ahead and he felt some of the tension leave him…but he still wanted that 'shower'.
Reaching the edge of the water, Kaiba walked on to a small jetty overhanging the edge and contemplated the clean green depths for a moment before tossing both jacket and tie to the grass nearby and kicking off his shoes…this was going to feel so good.
His body broke the surface smoothly; the water cool but not cold after a morning in the warm sunshine. The sensation was blissful as it slid softly across his skin taking with it the feelings of contamination. Languidly, the waters of the lake caressed him as he swam, cleansing and purifying, the gentle lapping an almost sensual experience. As he broached the surface Kaiba breathed deeply, this felt amazing, even though arriving at the house in this unfamiliar manner and dripping wet, might raise a few eyebrows.
Kaiba floated for several moments with the sun on his face, all cares for the time being – suspended in the weightless embrace of the lake. Too soon however, that spell was broken as, having banished the business issues which had been troubling him for the past several days, his busy mind returned again to its' other preoccupation. A now familiar face impinged upon his thoughts and for once he made no attempt to eject it, 'what was the truth of that perplexing behaviour?' His mind's eye considered the clear purple gaze of the face it envisaged as he swam leisurely back to the edge and climbed out, water cascading from his sodden clothing.
Picking up his things, Kaiba moved around the edge of the lake and skirted a small stand of trees, intending to complete his unexpected journey home as quickly as possible. He felt wonderfully refreshed but was still preoccupied with his frustrating thoughts.
His distraction was such that when a sudden movement to one side brought him face-to-face with Yami in reality, for a moment he was stunned and reached out a disbelieving hand to trail wondering fingers gently along the jaw of this 'phantom' before him.
When Yami spoke, dispelling his reverie, he dropped his hand, flushing and abruptly angry at having been surprised in this way, "What the hell are you doing here?" His tone however, was not as harsh at it would normally have been.
Yami was equally mortified.
When he had glimpsed Kaiba approaching the lake from his seat beneath the trees, Yami had been aghast but there had been nowhere to go and he had only been able to move deeper into the shade. From this vantage point he had watched, unobserved and transfixed by the sight of him - unselfconscious and unguarded as he floated in the water.
The vision of Kaiba as he left the lake, his hair dripping and the wet shirt almost transparent had similarly immobilised him. His clothes clung to every line of the long, elegant figure and leanly muscled yet strong, his body was tantalisingly outlined by the pale fabric.
Kaiba looked…exceptional, and it took his breath away.
Now - confronted by an accusatory blue stare, heart hammering and the sensation of that gentle caress still lingering, Yami sought desperately for something to say.
"I didn't expect to see you…I'm staying the weekend – nearby - with my cousins," the words seemed distinctly inadequate and to his dismay Yami felt colour flood his cheeks. "I apologise for interrupting your peace."
The blush had not gone unnoticed and Kaiba relaxed slightly, "I don't own this land," he shrugged, "my car got stuck in traffic near the parade."
"Oh…the charity event," Yami managed, "I was there earlier, that's why I'm around here."
Kaiba scrutinised the face before him, Yami's evident discomfort at being here and clearly caught watching him caused his lips to twitch. His mood lightening, he bent to slip on his shoes and upon straightening he glimpsed a furtive glance at his body and his own pulse began to race.
"I'd better go," Yami said stiffly, "again I'm sorry…"
"Don't," this unexpected meeting having occurred while his defences were down, Kaiba for once bypassed his habitual caution and reserve. "I'd really like you to meet my brother; do you have to be anywhere right now?"
Yami considered. He had been horrified to encounter Kaiba so unexpectedly, but this meeting had not been as difficult as could have been expected (bearing in mind their last encounters). He was also curious to meet Kaiba's brother of whom he had only heard. Besides, Kaiba himself was clearly not shrinking from this situation so he certainly didn't want to give the appearance of retreating.
"Sure," he said, trying for (at least the appearance) of nonchalance, "lead the way, I'd love to meet him."
They crossed the final field side by side, neither speaking of anything much and each wondering what the other was thinking.
Back home at the game shop, Joey was somewhat dispiritedly sorting through some new stock which had been delivered. He had promised his father it would be unpacked and displayed before the local kids came in on their way back from school. However his progress with this task was distinctly hampered by the frequent glances he cast towards his mobile phone, which lay on the nearby counter.
Each time he glanced away from the invoice he was checking, he lost his place and had to start again…and the small screen stayed stubbornly dark – no calls incoming no matter how much he willed it to ring.
Exasperated with himself as he re-read the list for the fifth time, he finally gave up for the moment and massaged his temples wearily.
"Face the facts you idiot," he said aloud to himself, "if she hasn't called by now, she probably isn't going to." His thoughts continued bleakly, 'You had one chance to convince her – and you screwed it up – it's over.'
His eyes stung at this thought and he squeezed them shut, swinging quickly to face the rear of the shop when the bell jangled to announce a customer. Gathering his composure, he took a deep breath and spoke as he turned, "be right with y…," his voice died in his throat.
It was Mai.
For a long moment neither spoke. Joey could barely believe his eyes and drank in the sight of her. As he gazed at her face he could see tell-tale signs of strain and unhappiness and was torn. Part of him ached that she had clearly been suffering too but he also rejoiced, she had cared…and she was here.
"It's good to see you Mai," he said slowly and carefully, it felt inadequate.
Mai hesitated near the door, unconsciously shifting her feet, she looked ready to bolt but as her eyes took in his similarly worn appearance they softened and finally met his own.
Straightening her shoulders as though marshalling her defences she walked towards him, "I thought about what you said the other night…that we should talk in person…so here I am."
There was more than a hint of challenge in her tone but also a suggestion of questioning and her eyes searched his. Joey took courage from this and moved around the counter to stand before her. He could smell the light scent of the floral perfume she always wore and longed to wrap his arms around her but he knew now was not the time.
"I'm glad you came," he breathed, his sincerity evident as he looked at her. "I've missed you so much Mai, I'd give anything in the world to have you back…anything."
Mai looked at him, almost in amazement. Her previous experiences of relationships giving her no help at all. 'How can he still feel that way about me after everything I've put him through? Why doesn't he give in to his anger like everyone else?' She thought.
"Tell me what you're thinking?" Joey asked.
"After I spoke to you I knew we had to talk in person - you were right about that…," she hesitated and then added – in a rushed lower voice, "I hadn't been able to forget about you either, though I tried."
"Maybe you don't want to hear it? But I'm glad," Joey interposed, his expression lightened slightly but the tension was still evident in the set of his shoulders.
Mai glanced at him and then quickly away, they needed to talk but seeing him again was affecting her strongly. "This morning before coming here…I spoke to Kaiba."
This was not welcome news and Joey sucked in his breath sharply, tonelessly he asked, "And he said..?"
"I told him I was coming to see you and he said that was my decision – which I already knew." The last was said with more of her usual spirit, but then her tone altered to contain puzzlement, "I expected him to tell me I was a fool – but he didn't. He did say he still was not convinced, what he heard was despicable and I should be careful, but he was less…adamant? He's heard some things about you all which made him feel less certain, I don't know what, do you?"
Joey told her that he did not know for sure but that the only thing he could think of was what had happened with Duke - and he told her all that had occurred (respecting Yami's confidence he did not disclose what had started the argument with Kaiba).
Explaining that situation gave him the opening to describe what had transpired on the fateful evening all those weeks ago, what Yami had heard and discovered and what they had surmised.
As the two spoke, the discomfort between them gradually lessened and their eyes met more frequently. Each tried to assess the words and feelings of the other.
'Maybe Joey really is different,' Mai thought, 'it seemed really obvious at the time but could it all have been just a ghastly mistake? If Kaiba was wrong then this is all my fault, I didn't trust him and gave him no chance…,' impetuously she interrupted what Joey was saying.
"I should have talked to you Joey, I should have asked! I was angry and confused but… how could I be so selfish…"
"It doesn't matter now Mai," he replied, "you didn't know and it was pretty incriminating out-of-context. Even Yami had to admit that…eventually. All I care about is what we're going to do now? How about it? Can we give it another chance…maybe take it slow?"
Mai looked at him, and her heart was in her eyes, "I'd like to try…"
This time - as he inhaled that intoxicating floral scent, she was enfolded in his arms as they hugged.
The shop bell rang again as Solomon entered, his face lighting up as he saw the pair together.
"Mai, it's so good to see you my dear!" Voice suspiciously gruff as he held his emotions in check, he turned to Joey, "that stock isn't unpacking itself you know." But his heart wasn't in it, and his hands shook as he gave his son a hug and went out through the back…leaving them together.
When Yami returned to his cousin's home later that afternoon he was very thoughtful.
Meeting Mokuba had been enjoyable; the younger Kaiba was open and friendly – clearly delighted that Kaiba would bring a 'friend' home to meet him. Yami did not think him totally naïve however; he had caught Mokuba sneaking considering looks at him several times and was inwardly amused and touched. Clearly Mokuba watched out for his brother as much as he could and was protective of him, 'shades of Seto,' he thought – it was plain that this young man both looked up to and adored his elder sibling.
What had been even more fascinating had been seeing Kaiba's relationship with his brother. It went beyond a usual sibling bond, sometimes containing elements of almost father-son concern for his welfare, and Yami knew he was Mokuba's (longstanding) sole guardian. It was obvious that Kaiba was – in his own fashion – devoted to him. By turns Yami saw him amused, exasperated and indulgent and his eyes often softened when they rested upon Mokuba in a manner Yami had not seen from the taciturn Kaiba before.
More relaxed (although this was mainly by comparison to his normal 'uptightness') in his own home and in the company of his brother, Kaiba had actually been pleasant company…in fact very pleasant. As Yami had surmised (before encountering the reality), he was extremely intelligent and was obviously expert in many areas where they had common interests.
Inevitably the conversation turned to duel monsters and Yami had at last expressed his admiration for the duel disk system which Kaiba designed. Flushing slightly, Kaiba first recited the technical specifications which made them currently the pinnacle of their type and then moved on to enumerate improvements he envisaged and associated virtual designs he had planned.
Whilst this was all interesting, Yami had wanted to ensure his main point was clearly understood. "I want you to know how marvellous they are Kaiba," he had said sincerely, "you captured the essence of the heart of the cards and turned them into creatures of beauty and power…you made them live before us…and it is truly amazing."
Again Kaiba had turned the compliment, this time using a boastful retort as his armour but Yami had not been deceived, the deepening flush had betrayed his pleasure in the compliment. What an enigma he was.
Little did Yami know it, but Kaiba was having similar thoughts about him and longed to ask outright about the Duke situation – but the moment just did not arise. He therefore made a decision as Yami got ready to leave and invited him to bring his cousins (and their daughter) to lunch the next day. Since it would be a Sunday – he would be at home and perhaps then he would find an opportunity.
When the chance meeting and invitation to lunch were relayed to her, Ishizu was filled with speculation but she struggled with herself and swallowed her questions. Merely arching an eyebrow and commenting "how coincidental," as the tale unfolded and gracefully accepting the offer of lunch, but she wouldn't have missed it for anything.
"Oh…by the way, Joey called…he said can you call him as soon as possible…he's got great news…"
Yami snatched up his phone and began to dial, incredulous hope for Joey filling him…
That Sunday evening, Tristan was growing very anxious.
He regarded his mobile thoughtfully, Duke had just called to put him off again – he had been due to see him this evening but for some reason Duke was now asking him to leave it until the morning. For the past two days Duke had refused to go out of his home and was showing signs of concealing something, abruptly his jaw firmed – Duke had some explaining to do and he could do it now. He left the house decisively.
Arriving at Tristan's flat, he was about to knock when the landlord came out of the front door from his flat below. "Hi Tristan, Duke said you wouldn't be around until tomorrow but this saves me from having to catch you then. I've got something for you if you hang on a minute."
Tristan looked at him in surprise and then walked over to wait by the door, 'what on earth?' He thought...as an envelope was pushed into his hands. "Thanks," was all that he said however.
"No problem, as I said it was handy to 'run into you' tonight," and the door closed.
Tristan's heart began to beat faster and the blood roared in his ears, what had Duke done? With trembling fingers, he hastily tore open the envelope and moved closer to a streetlight so he could read…
Tristan,
I feel so much regret for having to write this to you and for letting you down yet again but this situation just can't go on. The way things are here at the moment, no-one is prepared to give me the chance to start again, you shouldn't really blame them – I haven't shown myself to be very trustworthy.
I have found a game shop which I can lease about an hours' drive from here and I am going to try to start Dungeon Duel Dice on a small scale, I have enough money if I start small…it's what I should have done in the first place.
The previous manager had to leave on short notice so it's all up and ready to run - I'll be starting tomorrow. I'll let you know how things are going very soon.
I am leaving you a note so you get this after I'm gone because I have finally come to realise just how amazing you are – and I don't want to drag you down too. I know how loyal you are and you've done so much for me already.
Please believe me when I say I will get things right this time, maybe I can make you proud.
Many, many thanks for all you have done for me; I'm sorry I can only write it.
Love, Duke
As he read the last lines, they blurred before his eyes and he looked up at the flat door hopelessly – Duke had gone and he didn't know where…a sob rose in his throat.
Just as he was about to leave, a taxi drew up and before his disbelieving gaze the door opened and Duke walked out with a bag in each hand. As he turned to the taxi, he caught sight of Tristan and even in the streetlight his face visibly paled. Momentarily he closed his eyes in anguish, "Tris…I didn't want to do this, what are you doing here?"
Voice shaking Tristan replied, "I got your note early…why didn't you tell me? I won't let you go alone."
"It's not right Tristan," Duke replied dully, I already owe you so much and I'm just not worth it."
"Don't talk about yourself that way!" Tristan snapped, "You are to me, of course I'm coming…unless…you don't want me?" Abruptly he flushed.
Duke laughed wryly, "Even I'm not that big a fool…are you sure? I'm not disciplined enough to give you up twice."
"Damn straight," Tristan replied, "I'll call home tomorrow." He was not about to risk any other stupidly noble gestures.
"Thanks for always standing by me," gently Duke cupped his cheek and the two embraced before entering the taxi which sped off down the street into the night.
AN: Well, after all the anticipation – I hope you thought wet Kaiba was worth-the-wait, and enjoyed the rest of the update :)
I have also uploaded a short story (oneshot) for Christmas. It's called 'It's a Wonderful Life (but only with Kaiba)', if any of you fancy something festive-ish ;)
I will be updating as usual next Friday, chapter fourteen and Kaiba's guests are coming for lunch. Hope to see you then.
EvilMidget6 :)