AN: We start on the day of Tristan' departure – backtracking to Sunday morning - a number of other things occurred elsewhere – earlier that day…
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who read my Christmas short story this week. Particular thanks to: SmellyBelly69, xChaoticDawnx, Lovemondotrasho, Bella, Janders and K5Rakitan for their really fabulous reviews.
As always a huge dose of gratitude to everyone reading/following/reviewing this story, all of you are wonderful and deeply appreciated :)
Extra thanks to: Nenya85, Yuki-Chan, Deck Divination, Lovemondotrasho, Bella, Janders and Bill (and nan) – for all your continued support! xxx
"But people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them for ever." Jane Austen, P&P.
Chapter Fourteen
A number of important events occurred earlier, on the day Tristan received Duke's farewell letter…
"What are you boys up to this afternoon?" Arthur asked as the family ate lunch together on Sunday. "Solomon and I are attending a lecture on Egyptian artefacts at the museum if you're interested Marik. I know some of it will concern jewellery as they've an exhibition entitled 'Treasures of the Dead' opening which apparently contains a number of pieces. I believe one of the speakers is a specialist in the use of Egyptian Faience and there are some photographs of Carnelian and gold scarabs, take a look." He tossed a pamphlet to Marik (who pounced on it) as he spoke.
"I've got some things to get done this afternoon and I'm seeing Duke later," Tristan spoke up, "I might be late back."
"How is he?" Solomon interjected looking concerned, "I thought he looked a shadow of his usual self when he was with you the other day. He's clearly suffering for his behaviour; do you think he can cope? "
"Well he doesn't want to go out at the moment," Tristan replied worriedly.
"Things like that disgraceful business at the club the other night won't carry on forever you know…people forget and move on to something else." Arthur interposed, "It just takes a little time – what you said may help too – they'll realise it was true when they think it over."
"I hope so, maybe he'll see that too – I'll talk to him tonight about it," but Tristan still looked anxious, Duke could be so impulsive…hence his current difficulties.
"What about you Joey?" There was no immediate response and Solomon nudged his partner with a smile, indicating him.
Joey had been lost in his own thoughts, which for the first time lately had been pleasurable. Mai had come back to him and she filled his mind.
"Maybe I need long blonde hair," Solomon muttered causing laughs from the others, "JOSEPH!"
"Huh?" Snapped from his reverie, Joey focussed a questioning look on his father.
Both parents regarded him with amused smiles (which held a large dose of relief – they had been so worried about him), "I take it you're spending the day with Mai?" Solomon asked and Joey's enthusiastic nod caused laughter as he blushed.
"We've still got a lot of talking to do," Joey said defensively, "but I think we're going to be okay. Yami said it when I spoke to him last night…how much we both suffered says a lot."
"Yea…talking, right," Marik scoffed, "Ow!" (Joey had given him a punch for that).
Rubbing his shoulder and grinning wickedly, he continued, "I totally want to see this stuff," here he indicated the leaflet. "I've needed an amulet of Thoth for ages, it would complement the rod – and there's one in this picture – I want to see it. Come with me Ryou? Then we could go to the club after, if you want?"
"Sure," his softly spoken brother answered agreeably, "maybe we can continue what you started Tristan and put in a few positive thoughts about Duke, besides - I could do with getting out."
"Thanks Ryou," Tristan smiled warmly at his brother, glad of the support.
"Well then boys, we'll see you all later. Joey and Tris…have a good time and Marik – make sure you're ready on time. No getting side-tracked or we'll go without you."
Lunch over, the family dispersed to follow these various plans.
At Kaiba's mansion, lunchtime was also underway.
Things had started well; Kaiba had been a courteously welcoming host and Mokuba was plainly delighted to have guests and greeted them enthusiastically.
As they sat in a comfortably appointed and beautiful room (opening onto a sunny terrace) and engaged in the inevitable small talk, Ishizu cast an appraising eye over the handsome figure of the young man of whom she had heard so much lately. Her timing was fortuitous as she intercepted a covert glance at Yami, there was more than warmth in that look, considerably more in fact.
Ishizu smiled to herself and then at her cousin, 'very nice' she mouthed with a meaningful look.
Yami frowned her down direfully and cast a quick look at Kaiba, hoping nothing had been noticed but a faint betraying flush indicated otherwise and annoyingly he felt his own colour start to rise. 'What was Ishizu playing at?' This time he sent her a repressive scowl and she subsided (but she did not look contrite, instead downright mischievous – damn her).
Looking back towards Kaiba he braced himself for the expected response of quelling hauteur but instead a considering and somewhat quizzical glance was cast his way as Kaiba offered drinks in a noncommittal tone.
Rafael was a local manager within a social media, marketing and distribution company which was one of the largest in the country. They had departments which specialised across every major category of the interactive entertainment industry (and associated hardware/software products) and Rafael himself was a key figure within the Duel Monsters section for this area.
He and Kaiba clearly had plenty to talk about and became very quickly involved in conversation about the potential of the duel-disk systems. The words "analysing data" and "utilising statistics" were warning enough to the others to leave them to it for the moment.
Mokuba was clearly feeling important in his role as co-host and chatted animatedly to Ishizu, Rebecca and Yami. He was some years older than Rebecca and (rather unwisely) adopted a slightly indulgent air towards her, 'kindly' explaining that his big brother was a top-ranked duellist in the game which gave her father a lot of business. It was noticeable to Yami that his youngest guest developed a distinct glint in her eye at the somewhat patronising tone. Mokuba then went on to discuss the duel-disk systems a topic in which all three of his auditors were genuinely interested.
When this topic came to a conclusion, Rebecca spoke, "Wow, a top-ranked duellist and duel-disks…I wish someone would let me have a go." She sent a piteously appealing look at Mokuba as she spoke which caused Yami to chortle inwardly, 'little minx,' he thought.
"I could duel you after lunch if you like?" Mokuba offered, "we have some of the prototypes here…don't worry – I'll go easy on you."
Yami supressed a wince, he was really asking for trouble now – little though he clearly knew it.
"Oh yes please," she responded in a demure tone and Mokuba left them, saying he would be back shortly but would make sure everything was organised for after the meal.
"Rebecca, you need to remember you're a guest," Ishizu said in a warning tone, "Mokuba meant to be kind."
"I don't like people talking down to me as though I'm a baby," was the mulish response, "I'll show him going easy." Unnoticed, Yami turned away to hide his smile, his cousin would not appreciate it if he started laughing, but his shoulders shook.
As Ishizu remonstrated with her, clearly about to exert her motherly authority, another voice unexpectedly entered the conversation, "I think she should go ahead, maybe it'll teach him to get his facts straight before committing himself."
Both Rafael and Kaiba had evidently caught the tail-end of the youthful conversation; her father was grinning and a faint smile hovered about Kaiba's lips also.
"State champion in the pre-teen league I believe," he nodded to Rebecca, "unlike Mokuba, I know who you are. I just didn't know you were related to Yami." He continued, "What do you say Yami? I'm sure you agree people should be careful of their assumptions?" Here he gave Yami a direct look, arching an eyebrow, "perhaps even me – maybe it runs in the family?"
As Ishizu and Rafael ushered their daughter to one side to discuss the difference between a good-natured joke and potential bad manners, wishing to ensure her good conduct. Yami regarded Kaiba with wary surprise, he had begun to stiffen at the opening remark – sure it was at his own expense…but it had ended unexpectedly. What was Kaiba trying to say?
Cautiously he responded, "Nobody's perfect, certainly not me that's for sure," he shrugged fatalistically; he had known he would need to do this at some point. "I owe you an apology Kaiba," he said looking him straight in the eye and outwardly unflinching. "I misjudged you badly and I was wrong, it has troubled me ever since I read your email."
Kaiba looked at him with an unreadable expression but inwardly he was admiring of both Yami's resolution and how he appeared as he spoke. He was obviously sincere but could scarcely have looked less humble as he admitted his error; pride etched his every feature giving his face sternness as he awaited a response. Unsurprisingly – he was coming to realise it was inevitable, Kaiba's body responded to the sight of Yami like this, the mental challenge he represented in so many ways – a fuel for his continuing desire.
"Thank you," he replied simply, unable to entirely supress a small smirk before he added decisively, "but there's more we need to discuss, we can talk after lunch?"
Yami regarded him steadily, then nodded in acquiescence…there had been a note of entreaty in Kaiba's tone, for all his request was couched like a demand, and he wondered what lay behind it. Before either could say anymore there was a stir in the doorway and a clearly reluctant Mokuba entered, apparently escorting another guest…it was Vivian.
"My dears," she gushed as she swept across the room, "I'm so sorry to crash in on you this way, I was in the neighbourhood and just thought I'd pop in. Of course when Mokuba told me you had guests for lunch I knew it was terribly naughty of me…but now I see it's only Yami after all…so I'm so glad I came."
Nobody else appeared to share her enthusiasm; in fact Kaiba was regarding her in wrathful incredulity – since when did she 'just drop in' to his house? He eyed her resentfully, she had clearly ambushed Mokuba into bringing her in and he thought furiously. The woman had gall, a hide like a rhinoceros and a temper to match. If he repulsed her immediately she would undoubtedly create a scene, she had made her dislike for Yami quite plain during her stay at the penthouse and besides she was Mai's sister however tedious she was.
With surprise, he realised those were not his only reasons for avoiding a confrontation, his over-riding feeling was that he didn't want Yami or his family subjected to it. With an effort Kaiba forced down his anger.
"What a delightful surprise," he uttered in a clearly sarcastic tone. Vivian chose to ignore the inflection and responded to the words themselves. Having carried her point she felt triumphant and she had further - a knack of hearing only what she wanted, at any time. "I just knew you would think so," she cooed flirtatiously, pouting as Kaiba failed to respond.
Ishizu eyed her frostily, the dismissive way this woman had spoken of her cousin had 'raised her hackles' immediately and she was on the alert for any further barbs from this madam.
Clearly displeased, Kaiba performed the necessary introductions and by the time this was completed, lunch was announced.
The meal was not a success.
Only Mokuba and Rebecca at the far end of the table were able to eat in comparative equanimity.
For the others, the relatively relaxed and easy conversation of the pre-luncheon drinks had virtually disappeared, withering under the blight of Vivian's presence.
Vivian herself dominated much of what conversation there was and having stationed herself at Kaiba's right hand did her best to monopolise his attention. She was doing her utmost to appear vivacious and amusing but was unable to supress the antagonism she felt towards Yami, which entirely defeated her object.
The admiration she had previously suspected Kaiba felt for him - again wound tendrils of jealousy around her. On several occasions she attempted to direct poisonous shafts towards him, but each time was frustrated by Ishizu who had clearly constituted herself as his champion and turned each such remark - cleverly aside.
The atmosphere within the room was also not improved by Kaiba himself who was holding onto his temper by a shred and looking like a thundercloud, (he was unaware how much his own buried feelings for Yami were influencing him). Vivian did not realise how lucky she had been.
Fortuitously, Kaiba had intercepted a laughing glance from Yami to his cousin as she calmly defeated Vivian at every turn. She did so - seemingly with utter ease, remaining poised, unfailingly polite and aloof. Raphael also raised a silent toast to his wife and the clear amusement between the three had prevented further escalation.
Nevertheless, Kaiba felt mortified and remembered with irony that he had cast aspersions on Yami's family…not that Vivian was family, but this was his home and he couldn't wait to get her out of it. Almost grinding his teeth in frustration he heard her try again…
"I almost forgot to enquire after your brothers Yami…how remiss of me. I particularly recall the one with all the jewellery," she gave a fake titter; "one could hardly miss noticing him."
"Such a dear boy," Ishizu responded immediately, "he and I have that interest in common you know…Egyptian jewellery. He really has a very fine eye for it and has some fantastic pieces. Of course he can get a little carried away with wanting to show it off…but then - he's only nineteen…I'm sure you can think back to what that's like if you try hard enough."
Vivian's complexion darkened and she bit her lip in aggravation but seeing that everyone had finished their lunch, Kaiba was already suggesting they take coffee in the terrace room so she hastily rose to follow.
Everyone else was delighted as Ishizu next frustrated whatever plans she had had for continuing to dominate conversation.
"Vivian my dear," she called, "since you clearly find Egyptian ornaments so compelling, I thought we could have a cosy chat about the subject – do come and sit here with me."
Left with no graceful way to refuse and hoist by her own petard, Vivian had no choice but to acquiesce with at least the appearance of good humour and seated herself near to the other woman. Mokuba and Rebecca indicated that they were going to play their agreed duel and Rafael declared he was going to watch. Yami was just beginning to say he would also enjoy observing when he was interrupted by Kaiba.
"Actually Yami, I was hoping to have a word with you…," he began, "perhaps we could take our coffee on the terrace?"
"Of course Kaiba," Yami agreed and nodded to the others to go on without him as he followed Kaiba out into the sunshine.
It was a beautiful day and Yami looked with pleasure across the gently sloping lawn, trees and well-tended banks of flowers. Taking a seat, he leaned back and felt the warmth of the sun on his face with pleasure, "You have a lovely home Kaiba, as hard as you work you must find this peace very welcome afterwards."
"Usually – that's true," Kaiba agreed, then continued with more of a bite to his tone, "not very peaceful today though, I hope you realise she wasn't invited?"
Yami began to laugh softly, "Oh I think we were all aware of that, but you must confess she has plenty of nerve…even if she was fighting a losing battle against Ishizu. She didn't give up trying…and she was getting so frustrated."
The laughter was infectious and despite his irritation over the whole business, as Kaiba recalled one or two examples of the finesse displayed by Yami's cousin he found himself reluctantly amused and began to relax slightly.
"Your cousin was a notable adversary," he conceded, "however Vivian has taken up enough of my time for one day; I wanted to ask you about something else." He paused, seeming to consider his next words but then shrugged abruptly and looked piercingly at his guest. "I've been informed of some rumours concerning my dealings with Duke Devlin."
Somewhat uncomfortably, Yami met that questioning blue-eyed stare and sighed, "Yes – they started with me if that's what you're asking? I know that you value your privacy Kaiba and I hope you don't think I violated your confidence – but it was necessary."
"That's not why I'm asking," Kaiba replied, to his surprise he realised he had not even considered that Yami might broadcast more personal information and tucked that thought away to be examined later. "What I don't understand is why you did this?"
"I've already told you," the purple gaze dropped and Yami's expression became troubled. "I know that I misjudged you and it was equally wrong that you should be incorrectly blamed for the faults of another." His deep voice held utter conviction and as he spoke again he looked up as though to impress his sincerity upon Kaiba, "You deserve better."
Kaiba regarded him silently and then sipped from his drink to give himself time to respond. 'Could Mokuba have been correct?' It certainly seemed that way. As he pondered, his chestnut hair fell forward to partially shield his expression as though sensing a hint of vulnerability might have appeared and wishing to guard him.
Gathering his thoughts and sitting forward, Kaiba pushed on, "I wasn't asking for favours," he began stiffly, "and you seemed to be on very good terms with Devlin – why would you expose him?"
Greatly as he would have disliked it had he known, much of Kaiba's confusion was evident to Yami – at first he misunderstood it however.
"Are you suggesting that I would lie about you? Is that what you think of me?" He asked in a dangerous tone.
Kaiba gestured impatiently, "No, that's not what I'm saying…you didn't need to say anything at all and you had no reason to care about me so why did you?"
He was obviously tense as he asked and the enquiry was imprecise – did he refer to what was said or to the fact Yami evidently had cared? He would never reveal so much consciously, but it was both.
As Yami regarded him, turning the words over in his mind he perceived this and his voice dropped to its normally composed timbre.
Considering the implications of the question he suddenly understood the things it unknowingly revealed. His father had mentioned a harsh upbringing - had Kaiba ever really cared for anyone but Mokuba or been valued for himself in return? If he was unable to comprehend the motives for such a comparatively small act of redress it certainly seemed that way, and this shed new light on his previous behaviour.
"Hasn't anyone ever done something for you just because they should?" Yami asked carefully, "Just because it's the right thing to do?"
Kaiba gave a bitter laugh, "Most people do what's expedient, whatever works out best for them. Come off it Yami, everyone wants to get ahead and most people will do whatever that takes."
"Even your family?" Yami whispered, fighting to show no signs of his shock.
Kaiba sneered, his expression was harsh, but the look in his eyes…, "My parents died when I was barely old enough to remember them, there's Mokuba and maybe Mai…but the rest? Absolutely. Then Gozaburo emphasized the truth for me personally…never expose yourself…if you're weak, people will exploit you. It was a valuable lesson and whatever else I may despise him for, I can thank him for teaching me that much. I didn't get where I am now because I allowed people to use me." Abruptly he seemed to realise he was revealing more than he meant to and his expression became tightly shuttered, his lips compressed.
Yami knew better than to comment and returned the conversation to Duke. Instinctively he was aware that he needed to be similarly open if Kaiba's revelation was not to cause him to withdraw. He had no time to analyse his response or consider why he wanted desperately to prevent that, but the emotions drove him to speech.
"I was wrong Kaiba," he began forcefully; "I was flattered by Duke and accepted him at face value. I had no reason to believe him dishonourable but no real basis to assume otherwise either, and at the time," he smiled faintly, "my ego was bruised. We were only ever friends, something just wasn't right and when I read your email, I knew it was the truth. You want to know why I exposed him? Because people had to know they were wrong about you. You are an honourable man Kaiba and that should be acknowledged, anything else would be immoral. Am I happy about exposing Duke? No. Although I am very angry that I was taken in by his tale, and relieved that something held me back from a relationship. Does that answer your questions?" He looked challengingly at Kaiba as he finished, then unable to be still – stood and walked to the edge of the terrace, looking out across the gardens as he sought for calm.
When Kaiba spoke again, it was from close behind him and an unexpected shiver ran through him at the proximity.
"That was pretty comprehensive…you're exposed when you use yourself to prove a point you know, and you don't have any caution," but the tone held a hint of grudging admiration alongside acceptance and Yami shrugged.
"Never exposing myself would just be a different weakness, and of the two I'll take the risk. The other way would cost too much: the trust that many people are decent, friendship, love…these things are worth it to me." Turning, Yami smiled defiantly, "besides – I think I can cope."
'Just a different weakness,' those words resounded in Kaiba's mind…but his expression was controlled.
Briefly they stared wordlessly at one another and the blue eyes could read nothing but honesty and conviction in the clear gaze of the other. All cards were on the table at last.
Yami was the first to turn away, his mind felt somehow lighter for what had passed between them, it felt cathartic. As he strolled back to the table he realised that he needed to do some serious thinking – there was a lot to assimilate. He also realised there was something else that Kaiba should know…
"Another thing I've just thought of which you may not have realised," he began as Kaiba approached. "Duke's still in town, but he's admitted his behaviour and he's trying to change. That has a lot to do with my brother so I hope he succeeds."
Kaiba raised an enquiring eyebrow.
"Tristan cares a lot about him…really cares. If it doesn't work out he's going to be hurt. It was him who made us all realise…however much we condemn his behaviour, Duke has been a friend – we can't just dump him because he made a grave mistake. If he's willing to accept that and try to change he's going to need help, but it's not easy for any of us." As he said this, Yami betrayed a measure of his own uncertainty and stopped, clearly thinking unpleasant thoughts.
He was unaware that he had dropped another bombshell for Kaiba to consider.
So the reports he had had were completely correct, and this was the reason…loyalty to a friend and commitment to an ideal. Again Kaiba was forced to re-examine his preconceptions about this particular family, he no longer doubted Yami and for him to be what he seemed gave weight to the idea that the others might be genuine also. Yami was not the only one with some serious thinking to do.
Kaiba spoke, giving no outward sign of the turmoil raging in his mind, "You seem to have some troubling thoughts about all this?"
Yami sighed, and spoke with a hint of bitterness, "I didn't realise how difficult I would find it to overcome my own intolerance and resentment when it's so clearly the right thing to do. Lately, I've been forced to see that I have a lot more faults than I realised."
"You're not the only one," Kaiba replied dryly and meaningfully, but there was no accusation in his tone and Yami's eyes flew to meet his, even as a slow blush mounted his cheeks.
A short silence fell between them.
Just as it began to grow awkward, Kaiba spoke again, "Yami, I want to…"
He did not get to complete that sentence, as whatever he had been going to say was interrupted by Vivian's arrival on the terrace. She had a distinctly petulant expression and glanced sharply from one to the other, suspiciously detecting the intimacy of the moment and waspish because of it.
"So Duke wasn't enough of a catch and you're changing your target to Kaiba," she sneered with a pout, as she again clumsily attempted to put Yami at a disadvantage. She intended to seem sophisticated as she tried to demean this possible rival for Kaiba's attention but she mistook her object. Kaiba's lips tightened in irritation, he had had just about enough of this and opened his mouth to issue a blighting comment but Yami forestalled him.
"You clearly think I have good taste," he almost purred the words – a spark of anger in his eyes, "are you asking if Duke is available? The answer is yes, but I should warn you – I don't think you're his type, and I know you've got competition."
Vivian paled with anger.
As she prepared to retort in kind, Kaiba intervened – however much he might be privately enjoying Yami's quickness of mind and audacity (that indomitable will was always exciting). Vivien had no discretion, a low mind and a mean, spiteful streak lay beneath her outward prettiness. He didn't want to give her the chance to say anything really harmful or embarrassing and the woman had no subtlety – if it wasn't for Mai…and there was a limit to how much of this he was prepared to tolerate – even for her.
"It was nice of your to drop by Vivian," he said flatly, the pointed words 'a splash of cold water' upon their object. "It's a pity to cut your visit short obviously, but I think you mentioned an appointment this afternoon?"
Left with no graceful manner of remaining, and perceiving she had made a serious error with Kaiba, Vivian was obliged to take her leave. She exchanged somewhat stilted goodbyes with the others and received tight smiles from both Ishizu and Yami that sent her, still bristling to her car.
As he re-joined the others, Yami wondered what Kaiba had been about to say before they had been so crudely interrupted…but he had no opportunity to find out.
Not long after Vivian had made her exit, Raphael re-joined them, a triumphant Rebecca and chastened Mokuba trailing behind him.
The latter went straight to his brother, "I owe her a duel-disk for beating me," he confessed. "It was fairly even at first…but I think she was toying with me," Here he gave Rebecca a baleful look, "all of a sudden something changed and she wiped me out in a few turns."
Kaiba looked at the diminutive girl speculatively, "Did she now? I would like to see you duel," he commented to Rebecca, "don't worry about the disk Mokuba, I'll organise it."
In the common way of a long-term relationship, Ishizu's eyes had wordlessly signalled to her husband that she was ready to leave. Rafael thus murmured the necessary phrases and the family prepared to depart.
As he ushered his guests to the door, Kaiba inadvertently brushed against Yami, and their eyes met. Kaiba's pupils were dilated and Yami felt his body tense before he looked quickly away, confused by his strong reaction to the longing he could see there. He really had some soul-searching to do in order to reassess what he felt about this man.
As for Kaiba himself, it was some time after his guests had departed before his body forgot the brief sensation of that lithe form against him, or his mind - the answering hunger which he thought he had glimpsed.
AN: Some serious reassessment is plainly required on both sides, but perhaps each is finally moving to a clearer perspective…
SmellyBelly69…wherefore art thou? I missed you this week (well – from this story, lol :)
…and no guestive fun either…XD
Chapter fifteen next Friday – more from Yami/Kaiba and Tristan & Duke have left town…hope you enjoyed this update and return next week.
EvilMidget6 ;)