AN: Kaiba and Yami visit Tristan and Duke and some old faces re-appear…

To everyone who is reading and/or are following my story, many thanks and I hope you are having great holidays. :)

Extra thanks to all who review – it adds such a lot to the experience of writing to get your feedback.

In particular *huge hugs* to the following – I am especially grateful you managed to catch up with this during such a busy period: Smellybelly69 (hope your holiday has been great despite noise levels), Nenya85 (always so constructive & positive), Deck Divination (more Duke & Tristan on its way-so let's see), Acirederf (he may not be clear of it yet), Janders (thanks – slow is the only way I could see to do it), Lovemondotrasho (v impressed you still read while away – thanks) and Bill (Lol - think he just might! You can reassure Mrs Bill :)

Happy New Year everyone – next update in 2013!

"She certainly did not hate him. No; hatred had vanished long ago, and she had almost as long been ashamed of ever feeling a dislike against him, that could be so called. The respect created by the conviction of his valuable qualities, though at first unwillingly admitted, had for some time ceased to be repugnant to her feelings." Jane Austen, P&P

Chapter Sixteen

Arriving in the vicinity of Tristan and Duke's business, Kaiba instructed his driver to wait until he returned.

"I thought you might want to see what they're doing before meeting your brother?" He explained. "Getting a clearer picture of this set-up might not be a bad idea, at least then you'll know how things stand for him. There's a bar just across from their shop where we could sit?"

Yami hesitated, the urge to see Tristan both for reassurance and to confront him about his behaviour was strong, but after a moment he nodded. "That's a good idea Kaiba, much better to have a realistic view of how they are progressing and besides – I don't want to barge in and set Tristan's back up. He can be pretty stubborn if he's pushed, I should at least try to approach him in a diplomatic way."

Making their way down a short street, the pair crossed the sunny square at its' end and immediately found the bar Kaiba had mentioned. A number of small tables and chairs were clustered about the entrance for the use of customers and many were occupied. Unsurprisingly however, Kaiba was able to secure one for them after using a fierce glare to good effect on a couple who attempted to dive in first - encountering that confident, haughty gaze they thought better of the tactic and moved sheepishly to one side.

As Yami seated himself, he laughed softly, "That manner you assume can be useful at times, I must confess."

Raising a scornful eyebrow, Kaiba snorted dismissively, "They need more than bravado if they want to try a stunt like that with me." Inclining his head, he looked meaningfully across the square and following his lead Yami finally saw the place where his brother was living.

The store front was painted a vivid red which attracted the eye and bright displays were visible through the windows, alongside monitors which showed changing screens, promoting various products. 'Console Yourself' was emblazoned in bold lettering and the whole appearance was modern and vibrant, a fact that was clearly drawing customers as a good number could be seen inside, with others coming and going.

"Interesting name," Yami said, smiling faintly, "I like the play on words."

"What's interesting…is that according to my information this was a fairly drab premises with a limited but regular customer base a few weeks back," Kaiba commented, sounding faintly disbelieving.

"You did say you'd heard they had a surprisingly good first week…," Yami responded. "Could they really have achieved so much in less than two weeks?"

"Well it certainly looks that way…quite impressive I suppose," Kaiba grudgingly admitted. "But we don't know the sales figures – easy to look exciting if your expenditure exceeds your income regularly."

The two ordered a beer and watched for a while, the location was clearly good and patrons continued to come and go – a fair number leaving with bags containing merchandise. Duke and Tristan could be seen from time to time, chatting animatedly with customers or at the checkout completing a sale.

"It doesn't look as though sales are a problem," Yami commented dryly, eliciting a grunt.

As Yami watched, he unwillingly found a large part of his own anger begin to drain away. Tristan looked so happy and the two were evidently working well as a team – at least thus far. If Kaiba's information was correct (which he didn't doubt) – a huge amount of effort had been directed into making this a success. Whilst Tristan needed to be made aware of how anxious everyone had been – particularly their father, it was better that he dealt with their parents himself. Yami just didn't want to spoil this for him.

As he finished his beer, Kaiba turned enquiringly to Yami, "Seen enough? What do you want to do now?"

"I want to go in and talk to him, but I'm not as furious as I was – seeing him…this looks right for him and although it's early days, things look promising to me. What do you think?" Yami responded.

"So you're prepared to turn the other cheek? Why does that no longer surprise me?" Kaiba spoke almost to himself, before adding, "From a business perspective? As far as can be told without seeing the books, I'd say they'd made a good start. I don't know your brother; so it's the level of commitment long-term that his partner is prepared to make that would concern me the most. Will he stick with it if things get tough? History says he doesn't face up to anything."

"Well, that's what he's supposed to be fixing," Yami responded, "the chance the family agreed to give him…I hope he's really changing – for Tristan's sake as well as his own…we'll have to wait for the answer though."

Kaiba shook his head slightly, he might have come to accept that Yami's family were now among the few people he regarded as truly decent – but that their idealism could reclaim Devlin? He would never believe that unless he saw some tangible and incontrovertible evidence.

"Shall I wait for you here?" Was all he said however.

"No. I'd like you to come, if you can stand to face Duke?" Yami replied, "I know it's asking a lot…"

"Why should I care about seeing him?" Kaiba replied shortly, "You put right the last of the damage he tried to do to me and he's the one who should be bothered."

They rose from the table and moved towards the shop, neither thinking to look deeper into the bar itself, but if they had – they might have seen a familiar face.

Dark eyes hooded and thoughtful, Bakura watched them approach the shop and speculated…Kaiba's interest in this new game clearly wasn't as dead as he had indicated to Pegasus previously. Sources within KaibaCorp had indicated he had some interest in this business and Pegasus had sent him here to observe - once he had recognised the name of the proprietor. Sitting back in his chair, Bakura ordered another beer and sipped slowly as he waited, wondering why Yami would be here with Kaiba.

As the two crossed the square towards the store, they saw that customers were beginning to exit and a sign reading 'closed for lunch' was now facing out of the door. Ignoring this and opening it Yami went in, stepping to one side as a last couple left – talking about their purchase – he caught the words 'Dungeon Duel Dice' and was further astonished.

"I'm sorry we're just closing for lunch but we'll be opening again in an hour, perhaps you'd…," the words trailed off as turning, Duke realised whom he was addressing. He looked quickly towards Tristan - but he was plainly already aware and was standing behind the counter regarding his brother with narrowed eyes.

"How did you find us so fast? Oh…I see," he finished abruptly as Kaiba entered behind his brother. "At least, I don't entirely…why are you here?" He added to Kaiba, coming around the counter to stand protectively behind Duke and folding his arms.

"It's okay Tris," Duke interposed quietly, "Whatever the reason, I'm glad to see him." He turned to Kaiba who was regarding him disdainfully as he leant against the door and took a deep breath. "I realise it doesn't mean much after what I tried to do - but I need to apologise to you," he began. "There's no excuse for it, so I won't try to make one, but I want you to know how sorry I am…for everything and to tell Mokuba too. I feel even worse about him, I really liked him…but that didn't stop me from trying to use him…and he's just a kid."

Walking to a prominent stand of vibrantly coloured boxes, he lifted one and returned – holding it out to Kaiba with a hand that trembled a little. "Would you give him this? With my deepest regrets?"

For a moment Kaiba was still, regarding the outstretched hand with narrowed eyes. His first urge was to knock it aside but in his mind he heard Mokuba's words about how much he had liked Duke…and he knew the gesture would mean a lot to his brother.

Looking at Duke, he assessed the sincerity in his face and was stunned to belatedly realise that maybe this was a tiny bit of evidence - suggesting a change he had not expected to see – a first step on a different path. At least he was admitting his behaviour had been grievously wrong and apologising, rather than running or lying – it wasn't enough and nothing could erase the past – but it was something and gave him an unexpected pause for thought.

Contenting himself with a slight inclination of his head in reluctant acceptance, Kaiba took the box…and as he did so, he realised that it was a Dungeon Duel Dice set.

"You're trying to go ahead with the game?" He asked abruptly.

"In a small way to start with," Duke responded, still apprehensive but clearly relieved that his apology had not been rejected out of hand. The faint flush of his discomfiture still lingered in his face as he moved to stand by Tristan, unconsciously taking reassurance from leaning against him. Looking at his partner in approval, Tristan put an arm about his shoulders and pulled him closer for a brief hug, murmuring something supportive as he did so.

Turning to his brother, Tristan now visibly braced himself. "I'm not coming back with you," he began flatly, "we're going to make this work – I've made my decision."

Yami sighed, moving towards his brother, "I can see that Tris," he said. "I'll be honest, I've been wanting to kill you for the worry you caused – you really owe dad and Arthur an apology, what you put them through - that wasn't fair of you. But that's between you and them…what you're doing here…it looks amazing and I really hope it works out. If you'd gone about it in a better way, everyone would be proud…when they see this place? I think they'll be proud of you anyway, I am – you must both have worked so hard."

At Yami's opening words Tristan looked very uncomfortable and mumbled that he knew he needed to sort things out with their parents, but he brightened as he heard the rest of the comments.

"That means a lot Yami," he responded in a thankful tone, "it has been a slog – and we're really busy, it needs two people here pretty much all of the time to cope. We're going to get a temp for a couple of hours a day from next week so we can stay open over lunchtime. If things stay the same, that will become permanent and Duke's game is starting to sell in a big way too." He gave a proud look at his partner, "People love it, this may be a small start-up but it's going to grow."

At this point Kaiba interposed a remark, "And if it does? What then Devlin? Will you still need a partner?" He evidently mistrusted Duke's rehabilitation and doubted he would withstand temptation.

Duke flushed, "As far as I'm concerned, everything belongs to both of us now, the game as well…Tristan was prepared to put everything into making this work and all his savings were what meant Dungeon Duel Dice could become a reality now…it was his belief in me. This will be as much his success as mine. I swear I won't let you down Tris." As he spoke the last words he looked at Tristan fervently, his sincerity plain. His partner smiled at him, but the moment was not destined to move everybody.

"Well I hope he's got that in writing," was the unimpressed response from Kaiba.

"He will have soon!" Duke declared emphatically, right on top of Tristan's, "That's not necessary!"

Kaiba merely snorted and Yami decided to intervene, "I'm just glad to see things seem to be working out for you both, it's great to see you so happy Tris."

His defensive manner finally abating, Tristan pulled his brother into a hug, "You too," he muttered - fighting his emotions, "and I'll sort things out with dad – I know I owe him an apology. This was just too important to me…but I haven't been fair to him, I'll ring him today."

The situation did not encourage extended conversation, Duke was clearly uncomfortable and Yami felt that enough had been asked of Kaiba – he had already been so generous with his time and resources…finding Tristan and coming here. So after a little more conversation, the brothers said their goodbyes – Tristan promising faithfully to ensure regular and more open contact with home.

As they left the shop, Yami glanced back…and smiled, Duke had his arms about his brother's waist as he was enfolded in a hug, plainly more than just the business was working out for Tristan.

Not long after reopening from lunch, Tristan was surprised to see Bakura enter the shop. This seemed to be a day for familiar faces and if he was honest, this one was particularly unwelcome to him.

He recalled all that Yami had told the family of the tentative friendship which had developed between himself and this man…but still…it was not long since Duke had been more than interested in the charismatic Bakura. Though he didn't want to admit it to himself, Tristan still had lingering feelings of jealousy over that interlude and their own relationship was new and untested. 'What if Duke was still attracted to him?' The unwanted thought was quickly squashed but the feelings of insecurity lingered and he watched Bakura approach Duke with inner apprehension.

"Well, well…it seems you may see your game prosper after all…"

The deep voice behind him caused Duke to jump and turn in surprise, his wide green eyes flying to meet the compelling gaze of the owner of that familiar, mocking voice. A slight flush rose in his face at the memory of their liaison and the awkward manner in which it had ended. "Bakura! What are you doing here?"

Bakura seemed unconcerned; standing confidently before him with a sardonic look on his face and the suggestion of a smirk about his lips, he certainly did not appear troubled by awkward memories of their shared history. "Pegasus heard you had opened a business and sent me to check it out, he may still have some interest in developing your game you know - and he wanted me to assess the initial reaction of your customers." He responded carefully, watching the reactions of the face before him, "unless you've already gained a deal that is?"

"No, no! I haven't made any deal, we're starting it small – on a budget – but the reception has been amazing already. People are giving great feedback…I can't believe that after all this time he might still be interested," Duke finished, looking slightly dazed by the prospect.

A shadow passed fleetingly across Bakura's face and he stiffened slightly, unnoticed by Duke, "we're starting?" He queried, "I thought you said you hadn't made any deals?"

"Not officially I haven't, but I do have a partner in this business. We started it together and he put up half the money. As far as I'm concerned - that includes the game since I wouldn't have been able to do anything yet without him. I'll introduce you…," Duke turned, beckoning to Tristan and his enthusiasm was evident.

"But there's nothing on paper with anyone yet?" Bakura pursued, "about the game I mean?"

"Not yet," Duke replied vaguely, most of his attention focussed on the tall, dark eyed man who approached them. By now, Bakura had recognised him as being one of Yami's brothers, 'so that was why Yami was here earlier,' he thought; 'looking after his brothers' interests with Kaiba.'

Tristan had seen Duke's blush as he unexpectedly encountered Bakura, with a sinking heart. He was aware of the magnetism which Bakura exuded; that tousled bedroom hair and brooding look didn't hurt either…already several customers (of both sexes) had cast speculative looks in his direction and Tristan watched the pair carefully. He hated himself for reacting like this, but was unhappily conscious of how much he felt at a disadvantage beside the older man. He was relieved to see Duke gesture to him and went straight over to join them, trying not to worry about why Duke looked so excited.

"Great news Tristan…well…the possibility of future great news anyway," Duke declared impetuously, "Pegasus is still interested in the possibility of launching Dungeon Duel Dice."

Tristan looked interrogatively at Bakura who nodded, though he interjected a word of caution. "He hasn't made a firm decision yet, but he's asked me to come - to see how things are going – and check whether you'd entered into any other deals yet?"

"I already told you we haven't," Duke said, brushing the query aside impatiently, "What happens now?"

"Well, I have to contact him and give my report – which will be that things look positive – then he'll make a decision. I'll be staying at the Industrial Illusions base in town near KaibaCorp…Pegasus has a penthouse there. I should know something in a few days…if I contact you then Duke, perhaps you can come to discuss any proposal he might have?"

Bakura noticed that Duke looked enquiringly towards Yami's brother, awaiting his decisive nod before agreeing and narrowed his eyes in thought. 'This was new…,' he would have thought Duke would jump at the mere possibility…in fact he knew he would have. A good thing they would meet privately – Bakura was sure that alone, Duke was far less likely to cavil at whatever terms Pegasus offered…and that might be needed, this serious faced brother of Yami's seemed wary of him.

Tristan took a deep breath and spoke reluctantly, "You have to do this Duke. It could be the making of your game." He gave Bakura a tight smile, trying to assess his attitude but the other man's expression was neutral, eyes hooded. "Let us know when you hear?" He wasn't entirely happy with the arrangement, but one of them would need to mind the shop after all.

"It's our game," Duke interposed insistently, just as Bakura inclined his head in response to the question and took his leave of them.

As he re-crossed the square, Bakura thought about that last exchange, it seemed Duke may finally have found something more important to him than his previous obsession. That might be inconvenient as far as Pegasus was concerned but despite himself, part of Bakura actually felt glad - he had found himself unexpectedly liking Yami and this was his brother, there was also another - frankly ridiculous concern….

Resolutely, he put out of his mind the memory of another brother, one who seemed to drift into his thoughts without his volition – really it was absurd...the young man had been entirely gauche and ought to have been easily forgotten…only that just hadn't happened.

Irritably pushing such irrelevances aside, he sought somewhere quiet to call Pegasus and report his findings.

The return journey felt very different.

On the way to finally see where Tristan and Duke were established, Yami's thoughts had been preoccupied with his brother and the conversation had naturally been largely concentrated upon this topic. Kaiba's explanation of the manner in which he had managed to discover their whereabouts had also occupied them both.

Now however, with nothing to distract him from the proximity of his silent companion, Yami was strongly aware of him and of the privacy afforded by this car. Enclosed together in the luxurious yet confined space, the driver behind a privacy partition - it felt…intimate.

As he glanced towards Kaiba, he noticed the game Duke had given him for Mokuba which had been carefully placed to one side. As he considered the ramifications of that 'gift' and Kaiba's acceptance of it, Yami felt tentatively optimistic.

Duke's response to Kaiba's presence and the unasked for apology were encouraging signs that his remorse was genuine and went more than skin deep. His attitude towards Tristan was also indicative of deeper feelings than his past history had shown him to feel for anyone…Yami felt hopeful that his brother's faith might be rewarded.

Kaba's reaction had also been less overtly negative than he had expected and looking at him Yami saw that he too was regarding the game, his expression indecipherable, "Will Mokuba be pleased?" He asked quietly, "how will he feel about the game?"

"He liked Devlin," Kaiba said flatly, "that made what he did even more of a betrayal. I don't often let business contacts that close to Mokuba but he met him at KaibaCorp and they got on well. It hurt his feelings that Devlin tried to use him, he wasn't scared though," he added with a hint of pride evident in his voice. "This will make him happy," he indicated the box, "somehow despite everything we've seen, he still shares your optimism about people, that's why I accepted it."

Yami nodded in understanding, "You're not convinced though? That he's capable of changing?"

Kaiba's reply held surprising candour, "It'll certainly take more than glib words and easy gestures for me to feel differently. I will say this much…after all this time – finally knowing you and seeing how your family behave…you've made me question my views on reality. Perhaps not everyone is corrupt. I can't bring myself to believe in Devlin," he gave a short laugh in self-derision, "but I would actually like to be wrong – for all your sakes. Are you so certain?"

"Certain? No…but I'm hopeful," Yami responded, "his attitude towards the game didn't seem so obsessive and mercenary and he felt less…self-obsessed perhaps. For Tristan's sake, I hope that proves to be the case."

Kaiba shrugged noncommittally, "I must be losing my mind, but I'm reserving my opinion – maybe I've been around you too much…I would previously have considered the outcome a foregone conclusion."

Regarding Kaiba as he frowned to himself, inwardly considering the possibilities of the current situation – Yami felt a rush of pride in him. His drive and indomitable will were accompanied by such courage. He was confronted by the challenge of considering that an alternate viewpoint, perhaps even a different way of life might be possible. Yet despite his past experiences - which must tell him that to open himself was to risk more pain…still this man strived to move forward…

…and understanding this, Yami desired him.

Pegasus sighed theatrically as he took the incoming call, "I dooo so hope you have news for me that warrant the interruption of funny bunny…such genius deserves my complete attention…"

Bakura repressed a sigh; he had little patience with melodramatics but supposed that when they came from one's employer they must be tolerated. He had found that this position suited him in many ways - the jobs were usually interesting and often challenging and he was usually given a free hand to use his own discretion in carrying them out.

Then there was Pegasus himself…beneath that flamboyant exterior he was highly intelligent and ruthlessly manipulative. Bakura respected his quick wits but at times the mannerisms became tiresome – this was one of those times and his tone was clipped as he responded.

"Your KaibaCorp sources were correct," he began, "I went to the premises today – initially to observe and fortuitously saw Kaiba himself arrive."

"Oooh, do tell me more," a faintly malicious note shaded the ostentatious reply, "such dear friends as they are, perhaps it was merely a social call."

Bakura repressed a derisive snort with difficulty, both were aware of Kaiba's history with Duke Devlin. "Interestingly, Yami was with him – I wondered why until I went in after they had left. It appears that Devlin is not the sole proprietor, he has a partner…one of Yami's younger brothers in fact."

"…and so his presence with Kaiba is explained. How very secretive of Kaiba-boy, not to share his rekindled interest with me…I protest I am wounded…positively heartbroken in fact." Despite the flowery words, the tone was now slightly terse. Pegasus had suspected that he was being cut out of a potentially lucrative deal but finding this appeared to actually be the case clearly displeased him. "You say you went in?"

"I did indeed, he's already selling the game in a small way – it appears very popular." Bakura hesitated, before continuing, "…we may have a problem though. Devlin assured me he has not signed anything yet and was obviously eager for your interest…"

"Then how is there a problem my dear boy?" Sharply.

"The brother seems more hard-headed and he was definitely wary of me. Yami's presence with Kaiba also suggests that this Tristan may be involved in promoting an agreement with KaibaCorp. He seemed to have a fair amount of influence with Devlin and our potential deal could become far less advantageous if he's involved…"

"Hmmm…a second partner might be inconvenient indeed. Devlin is so delightfully…rash."

"I believe they only have a verbal contract regarding the game…at present…," Bakura noted.

"Aaaah, how careless of Tristan…," this news clearly pleased Pegasus. "How have you left things?"

"I dangled the possibility of a deal and arranged to meet Devlin at Industrial Illusions if you decide to pursue your interest…alone." Bakura knew this news would please his employer and his habitually dry voice held a hint of triumph. "He's waiting for me to call over the next few days and naturally I left him eager."

"Clever boy…," Pegasus gave an amused low laugh. "I shall decide how I want this handled, meanwhile you go back to town. We need to move fairly quickly to frustrate Kaiba-boy but I want the best deal possible…I shall give it my full attention. After funny bunny of course…there are priorities after all…I'll call you."

Bakura regarded his phone thoughtfully as Pegasus terminated the call. Usually he felt adrenaline at this stage…there was a certain thrill which came with manoeuvring a deal into place. This time however, he felt a little flat. Irritated with himself, he thrust the phone into his pocket as he walked to his car. He didn't understand what could be different – this was just another job after all.

The limousine pulled smoothly to a halt outside 'The Game Shop' but still immersed in conversation, for a moment – neither occupant noticed they had reached their destination.

Yami felt that Kaiba's last words were encouraging and now he spoke, "I'm glad that you consider there's a chance for Duke and Tristan but I understand why you feel the way you do. I've seen how much you care for your brother. That's why you knew how worried I would be for mine - I need to thank you again for everything you've done…finding them and bringing me here."

"Which are you putting it down to, fellow feeling or altruism?" Kaiba enquired sarcastically, but as was so often the case Yami surprised him…and upped the stakes…

"Well if I'm honest, I'm hoping it was neither of those things, but I don't know for sure…" he replied, lifting his chin almost defiantly and meeting the blue eyes steadily.

Kaiba looked piercingly at him as though trying to ascertain what he would say next, but it was inevitable that he would respond to any challenge Yami presented him.

"I've been wanting to ask you something for several days now…," he began, but he got no further as the side door was opened smoothly by the driver, who stood to one side – revealing to both that they had arrived.

Perceiving the look of intense frustration which appeared briefly on the face of the man beside him, Yami gave a low laugh. "Eventually you'll have to let me know what that is…," he commented as he eased himself out of the car.

A hand about his wrist momentarily arrested him. "I fully intend to," Kaiba replied, his look intent. As he released his grip and settled back into the seat, Yami found his mouth was dry. "Thanks again for all your help," he said by way of a farewell (but also for the benefit of the carefully blank faced driver).

"I'll be in touch," Kaiba replied and the driver closed the door.

As the limousine moved away, Yami watched it and gave his own groan of frustration. These continual interruptions…turning to enter, he realised the store door was locked and moved around the building to a side entrance – taking out his keys.

Moving through the ground floor, Yami was surprised to find no-one home until he caught sight of a note on the kitchen table.

Joey,

Tristan called and we've gone to see him, such a relief - Yami's visit clearly had an effect. Marik and Ryou won't be back until later but hopefully you won't have been long. Can you and Mai please man the shop for the few hours until closing time. I would have called you, but your phone is off? You know how irritating and unreliable that is!

See you later,

Dad

Yami's brow furrowed in perplexity, well that explained why the shop was closed but clearly Joey had been expected and there was no sign of him. A slight sound from upstairs caused his frown to clear, so he was back and getting changed, 'he would want to know about Tristan,' Yami thought.

As he began to climb the stairs, more…unmistakable noises reached him and he retreated in a hurry… Joey and Mai were clearly celebrating their reconciliation…perhaps he'd just leave a note of his own.

AN: So what impact will Pegasus and Bakura have on everyone else… chapter seventeen as usual next week, lol.

Hope everyone has a great week… 'Auld Lang Syne' and all that :)

EvilMidget6 ;)