AN: So where did Duke and Tristan go and what now for Yami and Kaiba?

Extra festive thanks this week to: Nenya85 (two chapters in a few weeks was brilliant!), Deck Divination (yay-Friday!), Lovemondotrasho (thanks for all your correspondence), xLightningx (glad you enjoyed it), Janders (glad you think the slow progression works), Bella (tension indeed & more coming), Cardiaca (&Mae) Guest (so pleased to hear from you-would like to reply…) and Bill (thanks! The serious still made me lol tho', they may have been tempted ;).

As always, my gratitude to everyone reading/following/reviewing my story. All of your responses are deeply appreciated, the two-way experience you give me is one of the best things about doing this. :)

Happy holidays and a great new year to you all!

"She was humbled, she was grieved; she repented, though she hardly knew of what. She became jealous of his esteem, when she could no longer hope to be benefited by it. She wanted to hear of him, when there seemed the least chance of gaining intelligence. She was convinced that she could have been happy with him, when it was no longer likely they should meet." Jane Austen, P&P

Chapter Fifteen

When Yami came into breakfast the next morning he looked exhausted and his cousin greeted him with an arch look, "Didn't you sleep well?" She enquired teasingly, "What was the problem? Awake all night trying to decide how you feel?"

Yami looked at her a trifle blearily, he had indeed spent several hours in contemplation of Kaiba and his colour rose at the accuracy of Ishizu's insight, she could read him too well.

"It's far too early for making me blush," he declared, "at least give me coffee you wicked woman."

Ishizu laughed and took pity on him, declaring she had things to do and would leave him to enjoy his breakfast in peace. As she gave him a parting hug, she was unable to resist one final remark, "Just remember what I said about overthinking, everything about his behaviour showed me he cares about you and I can tell you feel much more than you realised, whatever you're both saying."

Yami regarded her with exasperation and she left to make sure Rebecca was dressed, still smiling to herself.

As he slipped his drink contemplatively, the sleepy fog dissipated and he returned to his musings of the previous night.

Kaiba was so much more remarkable than he had previously realised - intelligent, complicated and yes, very frustrating but these things just made him a challenge. Yami smiled to himself, remembering some of their encounters – that love of a contest was an inclination they seemed to share.

As he thought over what Kaiba had inadvertently revealed of his past the smile died, replaced by a gathering frown – if his speculations were anywhere near the truth it was a good thing that creature was dead. What sort of monster would take an already traumatised child and then mistreat him further?

Both Kaiba's words and even more – that brief glimpse of his remembered pain as he spoke…many things were now revealed to Yami. Kaiba's isolation and guarded nature, his distrust of people and their motives…these previously incomprehensible attitudes now made sense and Yami's respect for all he had become and achieved was also amplified.

He was stubborn and impossible but also increasingly desirable and remembering him as he emerged from the water two days before, Yami closed his eyes and inhaled…yes, for the first time he was truly looking forward to their next encounter.

This proved to be fortunate as not an hour later, Kaiba was ringing the doorbell.

Ostensibly, the reason for his visit was the brand new duel-disk which he presented to Rebecca. "With Mokuba's compliments for a convincing win," he told her and the hint of a smile gave warmth to his usually stern features. "He wanted you to have it first thing."

Although on his way to the office, Kaiba lingered, accepting the coffee offered by Ishizu and the three chatted briefly. Ishizu then excused herself as she needed to drive Rebecca to school but she left saying that she wouldn't be long.

As they departed, Yami wondered, 'would he now discover what Kaiba had been about to say the previous day?'

Unfortunately this was again destined not to be the case.

Almost as they began to talk, the insistent ring of Yami's phone interrupted the conversation. Looking at the display, he saw it was Joey and for the first time he could remember – he was tempted not to answer.

Something of his thoughts was visible in his face and Kaiba gave him a wry glance, "Go ahead," he said, "It's usually me…makes a pleasant change."

Yami's amusement lasted only until he heard the anxiety in Joey's voice. "Yami? You need to come home right away, something's happened."

"Slow down Joey," Yami answered, his brow furrowing, "What on Earth…?"

"It's Tristan – he didn't come home from Duke's last night."

"Well he's a grown man and surely old enough to make his own decisions without any of us interfering; I don't think he'd thank us for it…do you?"

"No Yami – you don't understand, he said he would be back and when it got really late Arthur tried to ring him but his phone was off. You know how uptight that kind of thing makes dad…when they still hadn't heard by this morning, he and Arthur drove over and spoke to the landlord downstairs. Duke's gone."

"Gone? What do you mean gone? Running away! That's not 'putting things right!' And where the hell is Tristan?" Yami's voice had risen with anger throughout his last words and he paced the floor in agitation as he awaited Joey's reply.

Kaiba watched him in growing consternation. Recalling Yami's words about both his brother and Devlin from the day before he gathered they were involved in some problem and wondered what it might be.

Joey sounded tired as he replied, "We don't know and it's no use shouting at me Yami! The landlord said Tris was there yesterday evening – he gave him a message from Duke apparently, but he doesn't know if Duke had left by then. Dad and Arthur were up and down all night and his phone's still off. Dad's really angry but he's worried, Arthur too – it's not like Tristan to be unreliable."

This gave Yami pause for thought, it was unusual for Tristan to cause worry like this - he would kill him when he turned up! "Damn Duke Devlin," he said aloud, "Okay Joey, I'll get a train straight away and I'll see you in a few hours. Tell dad not to worry too much, I'm sure he's alright."

"Yea I know, he's trying not to – but you know dad, maybe because for years he was on his own taking care of us – he worries for two. He'll be really glad you're on your way back, I'll see you later," and the two hung up.

Yami turned to face Kaiba, his expression troubled; how would he react to this?

"Duke's disappeared and Tristan may be with him," he said flatly, "he said he was coming home last night but didn't…and his phone's off…my parents are really worried. I need to grab my stuff and get the train." He searched Kaiba's face, trying to gauge his reaction, but the still expression gave nothing away.

For a few seconds (which seemed an eternity to Yami) neither spoke, then Kaiba sighed and stood up, "Of course they are, and you don't need to get the train, my driver can drop me off and then take you."

As Yami began to protest, he held up a shapely hand in negation, "Don't be stupid about this Yami, it'll be much quicker – and besides - I don't pay them to sit around."

As he thanked Kaiba, Yami's mood plummeted…after all they had said yesterday, he thought perhaps he had started to convince Kaiba that not everyone was as untrustworthy as he'd thought. Now he heard this. It would hardly inspire any confidence…and where could Tristan be?

Although most of Yami's brain told him that his brother was usually sensible and would be fine, the very fact that this seemed so out of character was worrying and Yami's emotions ignored any rationality. A creeping anxiety nagged at him incessantly and he knew he would feel that way until he knew for sure Tristan was safe. Then he just might murder him.

Rapidly, Yami packed up his things and by the time he was done, Ishizu had returned. Yami quickly put her in possession of the few facts he had, and promised to call as soon as there was news, then he climbed into the waiting limousine beside Kaiba.

The drive was largely silent.

Besides thanking Kaiba again, Yami for once had little to say. He sat for a few minutes, eyes closed and his brain buzzing with agitation, both on the subject of Tristan's whereabouts and over what Kaiba's reaction would be. At one time he would not have cared, but now he feared it.

Opening them he glanced sideways at Kaiba and found himself the object of an indecipherable stare. As he looked away, Kaiba spoke, "I'm sure your brother will be alright," he said almost brusquely, "that's just what they do…"

Yami arched a querying eyebrow, "they..?"

"Younger brothers – they worry you – because you don't want anything to happen to them."

'Because you care,' thought Yami and wondered if Kaiba was back where they had started.

"It's still better to have people you feel that way about," he tried, "Family, friends…without them, life would be bleak."

"Are you still glad your family tried to help Devlin?" Kaiba asked suddenly.

"Yes," Yami replied without hesitation, "It was the right thing to do. Even if he proves to be unworthy of the effort…but I'm angry," he admitted, "with both of them."

Kaiba merely grunted and both lapsed back into silence.

Arriving back at the game shop, Yami hurried inside and was greeted immediately by his father who was tight lipped and angry.

"It's okay Yami, slow down," he said shortly, "the panic's off – he just called."

"Where is he? What was he playing at to make everyone so worried?" The sudden relief from anxiety felt fleetingly wonderful, but it was quickly succeeded by fury at such thoughtlessness. Looking at his father, Yami could see signs of the same feelings warring within his mind also.

As Solomon relayed the substance of Tristan's phone call, he was clearly very annoyed with his son.

Quickly, he outlined what they now knew…Tristan had encountered Duke as he was leaving town – Duke couldn't take any more – the ostracism at the club had been the final blow – Tristan had refused to let him go alone and jumped without thought into the taxi…

"He says they're running a game shop, that Duke's still intending to start over and has leased it – that's where they've gone. By the time they arrived it was the early hours of the morning and he thought we'd all be asleep. He said he's desperately sorry for the worry he caused…although he still won't say where they are…that he's not leaving Duke and he wants them to make this work. Until things are up and running, he doesn't want us to be interfering or trying to make him come back, but he's going to call every day."

Yami was astounded by all this and the two joined the others in the main room where the family continued to talk over the events of the past hours. After the initial explosion of wrath where they all vented their rage at the panic Tristan had caused, everyone felt a great deal better – but they all wanted to know where he was.

Duke had not thus far proven to be either reliable or tenacious and without more knowledge of how they were situated no-one would feel comfortable. However, they knew how stubborn Tristan could be…and without more information there didn't seem to be anything more to be done…only continue to worry.

After the family conference broke up, Yami realised he had an unpleasant call to make. After his assistance that morning, Kaiba should be made aware of the changed situation, but this was not a state of affairs he was happy to share. Steeling himself, he called the company – expecting to leave a message, but to his surprise - upon giving his name he was immediately transferred to Kaiba himself.

Kaiba's reaction to the events was difficult to assess over the phone. His tone was non-committal and the conversation fairly brief. Yami explained the current position and thanked him again for his help of the morning but was not optimistic at the end of the call. Kaiba had seemed distant and Yami could not tell what he thought of all this, it was certainly not a good advert for the trust he had been trying to promote.

Where that left things…he just didn't know.

After a couple of days had passed with regular phone calls from Tristan (who was reassuring and said things were going well) the family anger began to subside and though they were all still anxious (there had been arguments about revealing his location), daily life returned more or less to normal. They knew that at least he was safe and could now only await further developments.

Joey and Mai seemed to have largely overcome their problems, they spent most of each day together and Mai was becoming a firm fixture within the family home – only returning to her hotel at night. Speculating how long that would last had earned Marik another 'dead arm' from his brother.

Yami had shared the news of the visit to Kaiba's mansion with the family and entertained them with the tale of Ishizu's resounding defeat of Vivian. Privately…and very carefully, he had also spoken to his parents about his suspicions concerning Kaiba's foster father. He knew they would not repeat such sensitive information and had already heard some hints of it previously. Yami did not intend to confess his own developing feelings – but he wanted them to have more understanding of Kaiba and his attitudes.

Like Ishizu before them, Arthur and Solomon saw far more than he realised – although they kept their speculations to themselves.

Yugi had come back to visit his family for a few days, his relationship with Tea was still thriving and he had now accepted a permanent job near to their flat. Whilst Yami was genuinely pleased that his closest friend had found such happiness, they both missed the casual intimacy of their former regular contact and were delighted to have time together. As was always the case, Yugi's calm good sense and generous nature made him a soothing presence - and with his best friend, after catching up on Yugi's news; Yami went into far more detail about his developing feelings for Kaiba.

After his initial surprise, Yugi looked at him thoughtfully, "You know I can see it," he said considering his friend, "You and Kaiba I mean…there's always been something about the two of you when you're together. Lots of friction of course, but a chemistry too…and if he's letting down his guard with you…"

"That's just it," Yami replied gloomily, "I thought that was starting to happen, I hoped he was actually beginning to question his utter lack of trust. That some people are different and deserve a chance to prove it, but then all this happened. Doesn't really help my case does it?"

"Just give him a chance," Yugi advised, "One thing about Kaiba – he's very smart, he'll think things through." Shaking his head at his friend, he gave his familiar sweet smile, "You're too impatient Yami, that's something else you two share, wait and see what happens. You can't force trust upon him…you have to be the one who gives trust for now – believe that he'll get there."

With these words of wisdom he hugged his friend tightly, trying to convey his encouragement and support. After a moment, he felt Yami relax slightly and stepped back, "You're always so intense Yami, things will work out…I'm sure of it." And he was. He felt a sense of rightness about what was clearly building between the two. He had never sensed such strength of feeling for another from Yami, but he recognised that it was developing here.

Inwardly Yugi was delighted at this change, he had known Yami was lonely and hoped he would find the right person. In a warm corner of his mind, he gave fervent thanks for having met Tea.

Duke shaded his eyes in the strong sunlight as he admired the vivid paintwork of the new shop front.

"How does it look?" Tristan called down from the top of the ladder.

"It's great Tris," was the enthusiastic response, "You were right about the colour – that red looks fantastic and it's really eye-catching."

Slinging his T-shirt over his shoulder and carefully lifting the can of paint beside him, Tristan began to descend, "It announces there's been a change," he said over his shoulder to the waiting Duke, "Our first few days have gone pretty well – but hopefully this will attract even more attention and that's bound to be good for business."

As he watched Tristan climbing down, Duke's eyes lingered on his tanned back – broad shoulders bare in the heat and glistening slightly under a faint sheen of sweat, his muscles flexing as he moved. Reaching the ground, Tristan put the can carefully aside and began to pull his shirt on over his head, "I really need a shower," he said, "it was so hot up there, but I'm glad it's finished. It feels like another step towards making this business our own," he concluded with a satisfied smile.

Duke smiled warmly back at him, he still couldn't believe how lucky he had been that Tristan had insisted on coming with him. Deciding he ought to leave without him – when he had just discovered how special he was, had felt almost like another price he had to pay for his past actions. The hardest of all in the end, but he had failed in that as in so much before – only this time it had proved a blessing.

Over the past few days they had discovered they made a really strong team. Whilst Duke had creativity, flair and was a natural at dealing with customers, Tristan had tenacity, patience and had a certain hard-headedness. Where Duke might get carried away by his enthusiasm, Tristan could ground him - and if Tristan became worried, Duke could always lighten his mood – they balanced each other almost perfectly.

Tristan had insisted upon an equal partnership, investing all of his own savings into making their venture work and this vote of confidence, on top of all he had done before, had finally made Duke realise how much he valued what they had found together.

Previously, he had always treated relationships lightly; an easy lover - he didn't get too deeply involved and had been careful to date only like-minded partners.

Unfortunately this now caused him a problem, he had no experience of how to approach matters when he wanted more than a transient romance; when he did want a future – and that was how he felt about Tristan. They had grown closer and closer over the past weeks and since coming here - they lived almost like a couple – and Duke found himself loving it. He now wanted the reality and it was time he committed himself…

As Tristan turned from surveying his handiwork again, Duke spoke, "I've just closed up for lunch, you could have that shower…" Stepping closer, he smiled tentatively and with his heart beating rapidly, he took a risk, "I wondered if you'd care for some company?" Dry mouthed, he waited for the response, 'would Tristan want this too?'

Tristan looked deeply into the green eyes for a long moment…then wordlessly, he held out his hand.

A few days passed with no further change and then a wholly unexpected development occurred.

Manning the shop for a few hours and pessimistically contemplating the current state of affairs, Yami glanced up as the bell above the door jangled…and he stilled…it was Kaiba.

The burst of emotion he felt at the sight of that tall, elegant figure was a further confirmation of how far his own feelings had changed but was his revelation too late? Why was Kaiba here? "Kaiba..?" Was all he managed to say, the name a question as his usual assurance deserted him.

Without preamble, Kaiba spoke brusquely, "I've found out where they are," he stated baldly.

Yami gasped in twofold shock, Kaiba knew where Tristan was and presumably that meant he had searched on his behalf. He swallowed the sudden lump in his throat. "Where are they?" He asked, eyes searching Kaiba's face for some clue to his feelings. "Thank you for doing this."

"They are running a gaming shop – apparently the first week was very successful. It isn't far away, less than an hours' drive. I can take you there, now if you want? I know what it's like to worry for a brother," he concluded.

"Come on through with me," Yami urged, leading Kaiba towards the entrance to the family home. "My parents need to hear about this." Inside he wondered, 'was fellow feeling the only motive for this act of generosity?' He now urgently hoped the reason might be more than that.

Kaiba felt uncertain as he followed Yami into his home, wondering what his reception would be, this family had reason to resent him. Automatically he braced for recriminations, his mental defences rising and his face mirroring this attitude as his expression became remote. As Yami excused himself to fetch his parents he noted this and his heart sank within him, there was no warmth in that face – nothing to encourage him to hope.

Pushing his own concerns aside, Yami quickly found his father and relayed the startling news about Kaiba's discovery of Tristan. Solomon paused momentarily and sighed in relief, however old his son might be and despite the regular contact – not knowing where or exactly how he was situated had been a constantly nagging source of anxiety.

"Is Kaiba in the family room?" He asked, "I must thank him." At Yami's nod he moved in that direction.

As Solomon entered the room Kaiba regarded him warily, his uncertainty was concealed by his customary demeanour but he listened guardedly as the older man advanced and began to speak. "I have two things I must say to you immediately young man," he began. "Firstly I must thank you for the trouble you have clearly gone to on behalf of my family, we owe you a debt of gratitude – Tristan has made us so worried."

Kaiba waited, expecting the second topic to be far less pleasant, but received a shock.

"You must tell me what you have discovered, and then you must allow me to apologise to you." Solomon continued.

"Apologise?" Kaiba asked in disbelief, "For what?"

"I implicitly accepted all of the untruths which were spread about you and was far too ready to accept that tale – without any proof of its' accuracy, I am deeply sorry for that. What else would I have to say?"

Kaiba spoke tersely; he would not accept this welcome under false pretences, "You must be aware that I urged Mai not to involve herself with your son." Kaiba's abrupt tone made this a statement, but nevertheless there was a hint of a question in the words.

Solomon regarded him seriously, "Yes," he said simply, "I am aware of that fact, and the rupture caused Joey a lot of pain…but ultimately the two of them must make their own decisions and Mai is your friend. You clearly thought you were protecting her…and besides," he gave a sudden smile, "they seem to be resolving their difficulties. Perhaps we both made mistakes but you have still done us a great service by locating Tristan. Please take a seat."

"Indeed he has," added Arthur who had entered as Solomon began speaking, "allow me to add my own thanks and apologies my dear boy, this will be such a weight off our minds." He came to stand next to his partner, briefly squeezing his shoulder as he did so. "Can I offer you a coffee? Or tea? While you tell us what you have found out."

"Coffee thanks," Kaiba was privately confused; this was not at all what he had expected. As the four discussed what he had found out about Duke and Tristan's whereabouts, the others gradually drifted in…each adding to the gratitude he received. Looking about him at the evident warmth of the bonds this family shared and the hominess of the somewhat cluttered but comfortable, family room in which they sat, he considered the implications of his reception.

He had begun to believe after his latest encounters with Yami, but now…Kaiba was finally convinced, he had misjudged them. For once his low expectations were proving incorrect and he was at a loss for how to proceed – this easy camaraderie was completely outside his experience.

Despite his display of outward calm, both Arthur and Solomon perceived something of his uncertainty and tried their best to put him at ease. In their previous encounters he had seemed such a difficult young man, but they knew more of him now and had sympathy for the underlying causes of his former rudeness and frustration. He had also clearly made an effort to help them with Tristan and then there was Yami…

The last to arrive were Joey and Mai, Joey was somewhat more - stiff - with his own thanks, but this was unsurprising to Yami. Besides himself, Joey was the only one who knew the full details of Kaiba's intervention with Mai and the entirety of the offensive suspicions he had harboured; he had also suffered greatly because of those actions. Mai herself was clearly pleased to see her friend and immediately seated herself beside him.

Whilst the others were all engaged in conversation about Tristan's whereabouts, Yami seized a moment to speak quietly with his closest brother. Joey's preoccupation with Mai had prevented him from having an opportunity to share the changed situation (as he had done with Yugi).

"Well at least it's a relief, finally knowing where they are, hopefully dad and Arthur will feel more relaxed," was Joey's opening remark. "Although Tristan may be a lot less comfortable when I next see him – I still can't believe he would put dad through this."

"Get in line," Yami muttered, "but you're right, and if I go to see him – they would be even more reassured. Kaiba's offered to take me…"

"Why would he put himself out so much for us?" Was Joey's next comment, "unless it's still because of you Yami?" He gave his brother an amused glance, "he must have it bad if he's prepared to go to so much trouble, can't see the allure myself," he joked.

"Things have changed," Yami murmured, "I hope…," he added, "I know it won't be easy to put aside what's happened Joey – but will you make an effort – for me?"

His brother's jaw dropped in shock, "You're kidding me? Bro' we need to talk."

"Yes, but not now…and I wanted to make you aware..," Yami tailed off and looked across at the subject of their conversation. At that moment Kaiba glanced across and their eyes met briefly, Yami's breath caught – had that closed expression lifted? Maybe just a little?

Looking from one to the other, Joey sighed, "Okay Yami, I can see there's a lot I don't know. For you, I'll try to get on with the uptight son-of –a-bitch…but I don't know what you see in him."

With a final warm glance of thanks, Yami strolled back to the group, "Did you say something about going to see them?" He asked and Kaiba nodded, "Then let's go."

It wasn't quite that straightforward of course, but after further discussion it was agreed that since Kaiba was willing to leave immediately, Yami should go with him to investigate the situation and perhaps talk to Tristan. He would report back to his parents so they could decide how best to proceed from there.

The drive was occupied by Kaiba's more detailed explanation of how he had discovered the whereabouts of Tristan and Duke, and what he had heard of their progress. This conversation was beneficial, once they were alone Kaiba had gradually become more relaxed and whilst he was concentrating on his brother Yami was able to ignore his personal worries. As they neared their destination, Yami felt considerably more at ease and he wondered what Tristan would feel about their arrival.

AN: Hope you enjoyed this update – chapter sixteen next Friday. The outcomes of the visit unfold and people we met earlier in the story begin to reappear…

Still no SmellyBelly69…withdrawal symptoms now…lol :)

Best of good wishes to you all this week – have a wonderful time!

EvilMidget6 ;)