AN: No mistakes and no struggles would lead to really boring people, but moving forward afterwards? That's the challenge for everyone at the moment…hence the quotation, it seemed apt for this chapter…

So on in to 2013, I hope everyone had a great break/ good holidays :)

Special thanks this week to: Nenya85 (He will profit from the learning eventually); Yuki-Chan (thanks so much!); Acirederf (wow- lots of effort to review all the chapters catching up x); Bella (read on to see); Mad As A Hatter 13 (really happy to have you on board); Lovemondotrasho (awesome car review – I'm grateful you would make such an effort); Janders (more hotting up to come) and Bill (he's just going to have to wait – but maybe not much longer).

To all the above and as usual to everyone who is reading/following and especially reviewing…thank you, thank you, thank you :)

"Our scars make us know that our past was for real." Jane Austen, P&P

Chapter Seventeen

The following morning at breakfast, Solomon and Arthur discussed their thoughts about Tristan's new home with Yami. Marik and Ryou (who had both come in during the conversation) listened with interest, occasionally asking questions.

Both parents were far more at ease now they had seen Tristan's situation for themselves. Like Yami, they had seen how much effort had been put into the premises and the hard work both Duke and their son were doing to make the business a success. They had also observed Duke carefully and his attitude towards Tristan had reassured them. His evident value and affection for Tristan had been clear to see, and the pair were working well together…their son seemed well situated and very happy.

Reassured by all they had seen and pacified by the sincere apology Tristan had made for worrying them, Arthur and Solomon were inclined to feel positive about the future of the wayward pair. That Yami felt similarly gave added comfort and the breakfast table atmosphere was cheerful as all felt fully relaxed for the first time in several weeks.

"Is Joey still asleep?" Ryou asked after a few minutes. He looked enquiringly at his father who had laughed.

"Possibly…we didn't feel it would be a good idea to check," Arthur smiled. "Mai stayed over last night, "…are you okay Marik?" He asked their youngest son who had sniggered loudly and now appeared to be having a coughing fit.

"Crumb…," Marik managed weakly, still struggling for breath and glaring at both his brothers - who were grinning at his discomfort.

"Serves you right," said Yami smirking, "payback for all the teasing you've given Joey."

"Do you want some juice?" Asked the softer hearted Ryou, but he too was unable to hide his mirth.

"No thanks," Marik muttered, "You seem surprisingly okay with it?" He said to Solomon, ignoring his brothers with an attempt at wounded dignity and returning to the previous conversation as he picked up another piece of toast.

"Why wouldn't we be?" His father responded with a raised eyebrow, "it's not like we've ever expected you to be monks…besides, I think we all know this is serious."

He and Arthur met eyes at this point, whilst both were somewhat concerned by the intensity of the resumed relationship and would have preferred a longer dating period after the previous estrangement - they had talked this through the previous evening. Joey was clearly besotted and Mai appeared to be the same, his parents could sense a growing determination to make a real commitment.

They knew their son; he could be impetuous but was also stubborn and fiercely loyal. Despite this, they had never known him to be so unswervingly devoted to anyone as he was with Mai. His suffering over the months of their separation had been genuine and unceasing. Besides – he was twenty eight years old and would make his own decisions. They just wanted him to be happy and both were growing fond of Mai, if they made things work – they would be good for one another.

Arthur added to the conversation, "Have you ever known Joey to feel this much for someone…and for such a long time now?" He looked meaningfully at Marik who winced.

"Okay, okay…I get the point. You're right about him and Mai too, I like her – she's fun," he grinned. "So you think it's a permanent thing?"

A movement at the doorway caused him to glance that way and then wince as he encountered two pairs of eyes…Mai and Joey had arrived for breakfast.

"Take a seat my dear," Arthur said immediately, welcoming Mai to the table and ignoring both her own blush and Marik's discomfiture as Joey gave him a stern look before sitting down.

Looking across the table at Mai, he was unable to hold the severe expression and his face relaxed into what Marik privately dubbed 'a sappy grin' before he spoke.

"It seems we came in just at the right moment actually Marik…so you're off the hook – this time," he added with a poke to the ribs which made his younger brother squirm in his seat.

Everyone paused to look at him questioningly; it was left to his father to ask what they all wondered, "right moment?" He prompted.

"The 'permanent thing' remark," Joey answered, taking Mai's hand and meeting his father's eyes. "The answer is yes, it's definitely permanent because we're moving in together…we're both going to live at Mai's place for a while – until we find somewhere else. I'm the luckiest guy alive," he finished, his elation apparent.

For a moment everyone was still as they absorbed the news and Marik dropped his toast from suddenly slack fingers, then they all spoke at once.

"That's great news," Arthur said as he embraced Mai, "I think you'll be very happy together."

Similar sentiments were expressed by Solomon who kissed her cheek, then Ryou who hugged her shyly before being elbowed aside by Marik. His hug was considerably more enthusiastic…and went on for far longer…

"Hey! Find your own," Joey declared as he put an arm around her, sharing a smile with Yami - who added his encouraging words to those of the others.

The family listened to their plans for some time over breakfast before they dispersed.

Mai left to fetch her things from the hotel - having been invited to stay by Solomon while they made arrangements for Joey's move. She also wanted to call her sister, so told Joey she would be back in an hour as they had decided to visit Tristan that afternoon.

The men all had things to attend to which left Yami and Joey together to chat comfortably over coffee and catch up on each other's relationships. Whilst they initially discussed Joey's current happiness – he also wanted to question his brother about Kaiba. They had plenty to discuss and lingered for some time.

Even more than their parents, Yami was aware how deeply Joey cared for Mai and though he too knew their time together had been relatively short, he felt the relationship had been tested severely. If they had each cared sufficiently to weather that storm - it boded well. They already knew that they wanted each other enough to let go of their previous hurt and anger…and that was a good start.

Later that evening Yami decided to accompany Ryou and Marik to the dice club, his earlier conversation with Joey had roused an impatience to see Kaiba again and since he didn't yet know when that would happen, he felt the need to be doing something.

All three brothers also intended to continue spreading positive news about Duke, his relationship with their brother made it likely he would return to town at intervals and they wished to ensure there would be no unpleasantness for either in the future.

As Solomon had prophesied, the initial storm of ill-will had largely passed – helped on its way by the furtive examining of consciences following Tristan's outburst. Whilst not precisely welcomed, news of Duke's game was listened to with interest and the news that Tristan was now in business with him provoked still more as despite some resentment over his championing of Duke – he was well liked.

Partway through the evening, a slight stir amongst the usual hubbub announced an unusual arrival. Yami raised his head to glance towards the door in casual interest and was surprised to see Bakura. As their eyes met he raised a hand in acknowledgement and received a nod in return as Bakura made his way towards him.

"It's good to see you Bakura, are you back in town for long?" Yami was genuinely pleased to encounter him and smiled as he added, "I still owe you for your honesty with me at our last meeting…can I buy you a drink?"

Bakura was inwardly surprised all over again at the innate candour of the man before him. Somehow, even as he admitted his gratitude – and plainly he felt it an obligation to do so – self-confidence and pride still shone from him. Yami was also clearly pleased to see him…evidently his declaration of friendship at their last meeting had meant more than polite words and Bakura felt a small stab of something as his mind flashed to the deal he was preparing for Pegasus. He shrugged the feeling aside, ridiculous to feel doubt over that…it was business after all.

None these rapid thoughts showed on his face as he replied, "Thanks, bourbon would be good right now - on the rocks…but you don't owe me anything. I make my own decisions and telling you cost me nothing, it was none of my business."

"Precisely," Yami countered with a quirk of his lips, "but we can call it a drink for a friend if you prefer?"

The two threaded their way to the bar and took stools as they continued to talk. A lengthy discussion of gaming developments and virtual technology ensued and over the course of this - Bakura found himself recalling just how much he had come to like Yami during their previous meetings. It was something of a shock when he was reminded of the current situation by a simple question.

"So what brings you to town?" Yami asked guilelessly, "Business with KaibaCorp or has Pegasus got you investigating some other deal?"

His relaxed smirk fading somewhat, Bakura met the clear purple gaze with an indecipherable look of his own; he could read nothing but idle interest however. In fact, Yami chuckled as he recognised the searching look being directed at him, "State secrets? Forget I asked."

"Hardly that," he replied – careful to appear nonchalant and mentally chastising himself for letting down his guard, "just a few potential deals Pegasus wants me to look into." He led the conversation back into safer channels and was taken aback when Yami casually mentioned that his brother had opened a new gaming shop. There was a hint of consciousness when he added that Tristan was in partnership with Duke Devlin, but nothing which would not be explained by his knowledge of their previous fling...

Bakura found this unfathomable. Why, if he was involved in arranging a deal between his brother and KaibaCorp - would he mention anything about it to a business rival? Unless he was playing deep? Perhaps he was preparing the ground…competition between Pegasus and Kaiba might garner a far better deal after all. How foolish - to neglect the necessary paperwork before making such a move, Tristan must feel very sure of his standing with Devlin. It was fortunate he had already arranged to see Duke alone; he might need to move quickly on this.

However much he might like Yami…and privately Bakura was forced to admit – he did like him, he would not allow this friendship to affect his professional judgements. This vague sensation of disloyalty he felt was absurd, and he forced it to one side as he parted from him amicably, turning to survey the room as Yami declared he was about to go home.

Yami had enjoyed seeing Bakura again. Around his own age; dryly witty and well informed on subjects in which they had mutual interest, he found him entertaining company. He also felt the other man had proven to be undoubtedly honourable. Being wholly unaware of Pegasus' current machinations, Yami merely speculated idly on why Bakura had looked so uptight when his current business here was mentioned - before forgetting all about it.

Ready to leave, Yami looked for his younger brothers; Marik too - was happy to depart but Ryou decided to remain a while longer and the two left without him, saying they would see him later.

If he had looked more closely, Yami might have added a caution about alcohol consumption or more likely have insisted he come home, but since Ryou was not normally much of a drinker it didn't occur to him to do so. Neither did he notice the slightly flushed cheeks or overly bright eyes which would have given him a clue. Ryou wasn't drunk…but he had gained himself more than a little…'Dutch courage' – as the saying went.

When Bakura had entered the room an hour previously, Ryou had responded immediately to his arrival – a frisson of awareness running across him at the sight of that nonchalant, enigmatic figure. His unaccountable attraction for this older man had him firmly in its thrall and his pulse began to race as he looked at him.

Part of Ryou knew this fascination was unlike him and could prove dangerous, but he covertly watched – mesmerised as Bakura conversed with his brother. Despite himself, his eyes repeatedly lingered, noting his trademark tumbled hair, the decisive manner and watchful eyes. He became captivated by the slight smirk which seemingly hovered continually about his lips – and he came to a decision. He just didn't care.

The only problem was - he didn't really know how to go about this. Ryou had never felt so strongly and immediately attracted to anyone before. His previous experience consisted of teenage love affairs, sweet while the interest lasted but few in numbers. All had been short lived and ultimately unsatisfying...there had been nothing to prepare him for how he felt now.

As he ordered and consumed a drink, he could think of nothing which gave him any clue of how to approach Bakura. The only thing which gave him any encouragement at all was the remembrance of that instantaneous connection the first time they had met. He knew it had been mutual, had seen it in those predatory eyes…used to being disregarded or overlooked, for Ryou - the contrast had made it obvious, but... Nervously he ordered another…

By the time Yami left with Marik, he felt far less uncomfortable about the whole idea.

Bakura had been conscious of Ryou's presence throughout. What it was that drew him to the solemn faced and unobtrusive younger man, he wasn't sure. Certainly he was attractive, those huge dark eyes looking shyly out from a face which was softly framed by hair as pale as his own…but he'd never been drawn to someone so guileless before. Wit, vivacity and charm those were the characteristics which usually caught his flickering attention…and that had never been for long.

Yet he had not forgotten about Ryou – despite the fleeting nature of their first meeting and here he was again…aware of him in every pore. He could feel those eyes on him now - the awareness like a soft caress.

Unlike Ryou however, he had decided it would not do. Bakura knew he was no good at relationships – could never let anyone that close – had never cared enough to even want to try. Whatever this kid thought he wanted – and he must be four or five years his junior – it wouldn't be fair to raise expectations which would ultimately lead to disappointment.

Bakura was angrily aware of the effort required to make that decision…because he wanted him…badly – but he had his own ideas of morality, whatever others might think and they didn't include the seduction of an innocent like Ryou. There was also Yami to consider, despite himself, he acknowledged that he liked and respected him…and this was his brother.

Decisively, Bakura finished his drink and prepared to leave.

"I hoped I might see you again." The soft voice at his elbow arrested his movement and unwillingly he turned to meet Ryou's gaze.

"Did you? And why is that?" He asked the question flatly, attempting to discourage further temptation but Ryou surprised him.

"I haven't stopped thinking about you…over and over…ever since we met before, and Yami's spoken of you many times – he likes you and he's a good judge of character…that just made me even more interested…"

Abruptly narrowing his eyes, Bakura examined him more closely - noting the dilated pupils and slightly slurred diction…he was drunk! Or well on the way to that state at any rate. He cursed under his breath, no wonder he was uncharacteristically forward and no matter that he looked muzzily…desirable. What he needed - was to be sent home, preferably before this bottled bravado put them both in an embarrassing public situation.

Bakura decided that the best move would be to get him out of here, away from the eyes of people who knew him and then set him straight. "Why don't we continue this conversation outside?" He asked with a slanted smile as he watched Ryou process this idea.

Despite a slight hesitation, Ryou swallowed nervously and then nodded. Inwardly Bakura was furious, that kind of naivety could get him into serious trouble, but he merely pushed away from the bar and getting to his feet led the way out of the club.

As they emerged into the cool evening air, Ryou swayed slightly and putting a hand under his arm, Bakura guided him to one side – out of sight so they could talk.

He never got the chance…taking advantage of their proximity and throwing caution to the winds in his alcohol induced bravery; Ryou threaded slim fingers into his hair…and kissed him.

Bakura was unprepared for the torrent of desire the touch of those lips unleashed within him…

For a moment their mouths clung fiercely and a flare of passion rose within Ryou so strongly that his whole body shook with the force of his desire, he thought he felt Bakura gasp against his lips.

Then abruptly strong hands clasped his shoulders and jerked him roughly away. Senses dazed he could barely process what was happening and looked into the blazing dark eyes above his own with a hungry, naked longing.

Bakura looked wordlessly down at him, his own expression shocked…then his face changed, becoming stern and remote. He spoke, and the words hit Ryou like a douche of cold water, shocking him into unwelcome sobriety, "I don't think so," he drawled, stepping back slightly into the shadow of the building. "Naïve and drunk…hardly irresistible," he made a slight movement and a small flame briefly illuminated him as he lit a thin cigar. With his eyes closed against the burst of light he looked...weary.

Ryou noticed nothing, feeling as though all warmth was draining from his body – he was wordless…lost in his own hurt and humiliation. Body still, he regarded the indistinct face mutely, his own vulnerable and reflecting his emotions.

Bakura spoke again, his words harsh, "You should go home – you're clearly not sure what you're asking for." He observed impassively as Ryou turned and almost stumbled away, head lowered so that his hair fell forward to obscure his face.

For several long minutes he watched as the slight figure receded, then he let out a bitter sigh and ground the butt of the cigar savagely beneath his heel, "fuck," was all he said as he followed at a distance, seeing him safely home before turning in the direction of his own apartments.

The next morning, Bakura sat alone nursing a coffee and wearily contemplated his actions of the night before. He had been right, he knew it – it had been the right thing to do – to reject Ryou's advances but the way his face had looked as he did so…stuck with him...and he was troubled.

Why this one encounter should affect him so deeply was beyond him. He was not unused to such attention; even though rarely sought - it came his way with somehow depressing regularity. Refusals, demurrals, occasionally the odd transitory affair – these were nothing new so why should this be any different? Why did he feel as though he might be missing out on something that might finally be worth having? He wasn't looking for a relationship with anyone and didn't even know him…

Eventually he shook off his unaccustomed feelings of doubt and went to take a much needed shower and get himself together…he had a call to make…

"Bakura? I thought you were awaiting my call?" Pegasus sounded unusually snappish, but then – he wasn't really a morning person and sometimes felt the need to establish his seniority.

"I felt I should make you aware…," Bakura drawled the words easily; it really wouldn't bother him at all if this deal came to nothing. He refused to examine the why of that…one must be professional after all. "I encountered Yami last night and got a feeling – you might need to move quickly on this…if you're still interested?"

"Well in that case dear boy…of course I'm glad that you called." Ever mercurial, Pegasus returned as quickly as that to his habitual smooth tones. "As a matter of fact, I've had a few ideas…I seem to recall you had a brief liaison with dearest Duke? Come now…don't be shy."

Bakura gritted his teeth silently; trust Pegasus to know about that. Not that he particularly cared about the Duke thing, but it was galling to know that his every movement had been scrutinised. "What of it?" He responded.

"It occurred to me…that if you could…rekindle the fires, shall we say – it could prove useful in the current negotiations."

"Let's get this straight," for once the normally composed Bakura sounded sharp, "I'm not prepared to be your prostitute, if that's what you're implying."

"Dooo calm down my dear, exactly how best to handle things is of course…up to you. I merely imagined it might ease your path," his voice hardened, "You seem to be taking a strangely moral tone all of a sudden, as I recall you're the man who gets things done for me – whatever it takes. The ultimate example of ends justifying means and one of the main reasons you're such a valuable employee. You've never been noticeably squeamish about using your charms…or anything else that might give you an edge. Has something changed?"

The question hung between them and Bakura hid his own shock behind a mocking laugh, what had changed? It was certainly unlike him to react so negatively to a perfectly sound strategy – but no way was he going to do it. That thought bore further examination but for now he needed a feasible excuse…

"Prudish qualms? Hardly…but I don't recall you ever ordering me to serve up sexual favours…if I decided to employ them…that would of course be quite different."

Frowning, Bakura waited tensely for Pegasus to respond to this…

There was a moment of silence before the reply came, "Hmm…well if that's your issue, feel free to decide – but decide wisely - I just want results - and I've decided that I do want this game…without the price being driven up by Kaiba."

"Very well," Bakura was not fooled by the apparent mildness of this reply, Pegasus was displeased. Deciding on professionalism, he spoke in a cool and clipped manner, "then I'll have to get it for you."

"I just knew I could depend on you," as they ended the call, Bakura regarded phone grimly; the dulcet tone of his final remark meant nothing. Refusal to go along with his employer's idea meant he had better find a way to make this deal favourable.

He thought back over the substance of their disagreement and barked a harsh laugh, the sound failing to contain any amusement. It seemed he was a fool after all – couldn't stomach the idea of anyone else – even though he had refused to take advantage of what Ryou had freely offered.

Duke felt anxious as he waited impatiently for the elevator, finally…finally! His ambitions might be going to be realised in full, if he could just get this deal – the response to even the small start his game was getting had been overwhelmingly positive. With backing…things would take off, surely Pegasus had realised that?

He was twitchy all the way up, running figures over in his mind in anticipation of the need to present a convincing argument and arriving at the door, he pressed the buzzer with his heart in his mouth.

As Bakura opened the door to him, he smirked…Duke was transparently easy to read. He was plainly desperate for this deal so evidently Kaiba hadn't offered anything yet. That meant Bakura had the current advantage; casually he offered Duke a coffee and chatted idly - wanting to appear in no particular hurry to discuss business.

Eventually – as he had known would happen – Duke could stand it no more and broached the subject of Dungeon Duel Dice.

"Since you asked me to come here for a meeting, I take it Pegasus is interesting in marketing my game after all?" Duke had meant this to be a statement but it had come out much more like a question.

Bakura sat back in his chair and took control of the discussion…

"You're quite correct Duke – as long as we can come to an agreement," he began. "When I reported the initial success your game seems to be enjoying, Pegasus decided he could see value in backing you to extend your initial sales over a larger area. If those figures confirm the popularity, which I for one don't doubt that they will – he intends a national release with full publicity and advertising."

He paused to give Duke a moment to assimilate all this, inwardly triumphant at the dawning delight on his face. "He wants to move quickly, so it was lucky I already drew up the necessary paperwork." Smoothly he drew out a contract which he slid across the table to Duke. "Read through it and check out the terms."

Unsurprised he watched Duke scan the documentation perfunctorily; he was far too casual – so obviously had very little business acumen - although the deal was actually not bad. As desperate as Duke had been to gain backing, Bakura was convinced he would jump at it – just so long as Tristan could be kept out of the picture. Yami's presence at the store had convinced him that this 'partner' was how Kaiba had become involved and the last thing he wanted was to allow the possibility of the deal being bid up. He had an edge however, unless things had changed – Tristan had nothing on paper, this was Duke's obsession - and he had never been the caring, sharing type.

Duke's initial reaction was just what he had expected, "This is brilliant Bakura," were his first words. "At last it will all pay off," he said quietly closing his eyes for a second, as he savoured the moment, "of course I want to make the deal."

His next words however were more surprising, "thank you," he added, "for putting in a positive report…and something else. I know I behaved badly towards you in the past and I owe you an apology for that." As he said the last words he flushed and met Bakura's amazed gaze briefly before looking away.

Bakura regarded him with narrowed eyes, incredulous at the seeming change in Duke's outlook; this wasn't the character he remembered…unless he was trying to play him? As he handed Duke a pen, he confined his response to a nod of acknowledgement but he was destined for even more of a shock…

Duke regarded the pen – without taking it and then looked up at him with a puzzled, anxious expression, "Wouldn't you need both of us here if you need signatures now?" He asked.

"Both of you? I know you have a partnership on your premises, but this is your game surely?" Bakura questioned, before voicing the tempting realities of the situation, "You told me there was nothing legally binding Dungeon Duel Dice and you've been working towards this moment for years, waiting…hoping. Are you really prepared to risk losing this deal?" He sounded implacable.

Inwardly he was utterly astonished, he had noted at their premises that Duke had seemed to actually care about Tristan, but he had thought that away from his influence…this lure would be irresistible. Could Duke really have altered so much, care for him so deeply?

Duke closed his eyes for a long moment, clearly agonized at the prospect of letting it all slip away, when he opened them they were suspiciously bright…but his voice was firm.

"You're right about the legalities, I should have sorted out the paperwork before now – but I'll do it today while I'm in town." Taking a shaky breath he continued, "I'm sure Tristan would be as keen to sign this deal as I am…but I won't enter into it without him. Please let us know what Pegasus decides and thanks for speaking to him on my behalf. Placing the contract gently on the desk, he turned and went quietly from the room leaving Bakura to stare disbelievingly after him.

Looking out across the city below - his blue eyes unfocused and thoughtful, Kaiba sighed. As always he had plenty of things requiring his attention, but instead here he was - wondering how best to proceed following his last exchange with Yami. He was impatient to see him again but was unsure how to approach this, the situation between them had evidently altered – but how much, he still didn't know. Should he call?

His musings were cut short when his assistant apologetically came into the office.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you," she began, "but I received a call from reception. There's someone downstairs asking to see you and I recognised the name. It's Mr Devlin – I wasn't sure what you would want done?"

Kaiba narrowed his eyes in irritation; he had a nerve coming here! Had it not been for the recent occurrences he would probably have denied him admittance. But now he hesitated, his curiosity piqued - what could bring Devlin to approach him? Could this be some problem which would involve Yami? Abruptly he reached a decision, "Send him up…but have security standing by – in case I want him removed."

Several minutes later he was confronting Duke across his desk, "To say I'm surprised to see you here – would be an understatement," he began. "What could you possibly want from me?"

Duke looked at him a trifle blankly, his previous charm and poise were missing – even his nervousness of the other day was absent. "I knew you wouldn't be pleased if I came here," he replied, "but I wanted to find a contract lawyer. I thought you would be bound to know some…and I didn't know who else to ask. Please, if you can tell me where to find one, I'll be out of your hair immediately."

Kaiba regarded him over steepled fingers, "that depends what kind of service you need – you said a contract lawyer? Trouble in paradise already? I wish I could say I was surprised but if it's only a lease you need to dissolve, I would have thought…"

"It isn't that!" Duke burst out, a spark of anger was evident, but he seemed almost desperate, "I want to change all the paperwork for Dungeon Duel Dice…to joint names…and I want to do it straight away."

"Arching an eyebrow at his odd manner, Kaiba leant back in his chair, "I confess I'm surprised that you really mean to go ahead with that," he drawled watching Duke pace the floor in evident agitation. "But if that's all you need to do – then why the rush? You mentioned this yesterday but you weren't so…agitated…about it - then?"

"I want to do it today…as soon as possible," Duke said the words fiercely, but his voice dropped as he continued, "I won't let Tris down and he wouldn't think it was necessary. I need to make things legally binding - he trusts me…and I don't deserve it."

"What have you done?" Kaiba queried, "Had old habits led Duke to do something disloyal, which he now regretted?

"I didn't do it!...but I was so tempted…and I shouldn't have been…not when I love him," Duke sounded full of self-loathing and despite himself, Kaiba felt a stirring of pity as he saw his distress, he understood what that felt like.

"Sit down," he said finally.

As Duke complied, putting his head in his hands. Kaiba picked up the phone and issued instructions in a crisp voice. Completing the call, he returned his attention to his unwelcome visitor, "I've asked for someone from the legal department to see you…but I still don't understand what's got you so worked up. You haven't made much sense?"

Still looking down, Duke took a deep breath and explained, "I just had a meeting with Bakura…Pegasus wants to invest in my game and offered me a contract."

Kaiba sat up at this, sucking in his breath sharply, but with an effort he kept his face blank. 'Pegasus was trying to cut a deal behind his back?' "After all your…efforts to get a deal for that game – I fail to see how that causes you a problem," he snapped.

Duke looked miserably at him, "They wanted me to sign a contract…but only me…they want to cut Tristan out. I won't do that - so I turned it down…but I wanted it and I thought about it – I could have…" He looked away, leaving Kaiba to stare at him in disbelief.

This was what he was so agitated about? That he had considered taking a potentially life-changing deal which he had schemed over and wanted for years? A deal he had…turned down for Tristan?

It was almost inconceivable to Kaiba that he could have altered so much.

A knock at the door interrupted these thoughts and his attention returned to Duke. "I think the main point is – you didn't sign. That's what matters," he commented shortly, inclining his head towards the door, "but go make it all binding if it'll make you feel better."

"Thanks for helping me…I wasn't expecting it." Duke hesitated, and then added, "I really am sorry you know – for what I did to you both…there's nothing I regret more."

As he left the room, Kaiba realised – he actually believed that.

Again he gazed out of the window for some time in thought, but this time as he turned back - his movements were decisive.

He picked up the phone.

AN: For some reason this chapter ended up being particularly long – I hope you enjoyed it :) Please let me know!

Poor Ryou :( waking up will not be fun…all that fallout and Kaiba making the call in chapter eighteen - next Friday as usual.

Hope you join me.

EvilMidget6 ;)