AN: Since I previously updated very regularly with this story every Friday, I am aware some readers have been wondering at the sudden delay in my posts. I was unable to write for quite a few weeks - we had a sudden family bereavement which was very hard to cope with and my head was just not in the right place. I know you will understand.

Coming back this week to both reading and writing has been wonderful; I hope you enjoy the chapter.

Apologies for the delay in responding to my fabulous reviewers (for their comments on the last chapter) I always appreciate your responses, it makes this experience so rewarding. I will do so over the next couple of days.

Meanwhile, my huge gratitude to: Nenya85 (for all your support and your own stories – which I love – the latest chapter was a real treat), Lovemondotrasho (thanks for your concern and your great reviews), Bill (I hope you notice I am posting again – wait for the wake up), Deck Divination (yep – a different source of annoyance for Pegasus indeed), Mad As A Hatter (glad you're enjoying it so much), Erik's Champion (I hope you think things altered in later chapters), Bella (read on to see) and Janders (he's squirming too).

To everyone else who has been following/reading and especially reviewing – as always, huge thanks for your support :)

"You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged; but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever." Jane Austen, P&P

Chapter Eighteen

There are definitely days when waking up is a pleasant experience…the slow slumberous dawning of consciousness, the feeling of rested wellbeing and the temptation to burrow back into that comforting warmth for just five more relaxed minutes…

Unfortunately there are other mornings…and Ryou was having one of those…

He woke groaning, with a dry mouth and nagging headache. For about a second those were the worst of his ills – then it all came flooding back with relentless clarity and he tried the burrowing thing, but not for relaxation.

Curled into himself - a miserable shivering ball under the covers, he couldn't decide whether it was the hangover or the memories which were causing more nausea. He had made a fool of himself in spectacular style and as he recalled the words he had spoken, "I've thought of you…over and over," and the damning statement, "Naïve and drunk – hardly irresistible," he groaned again in mortification.

Gradually…as he thought over the events between himself and Bakura, humiliation gave grudging ground to sadness. The one thing he didn't regret was that he had experienced that kiss…no drunken mist obscured that – he recalled how it had felt with absolute clarity – how it had burned through him. Even the memory of it caused his body to stir, (quite a feat considering how sorry for itself it was feeling) but he had to face facts – it had clearly been one-sided.

The feeling that they had shared a mutual instant attraction and the connection he had imagined was between them – had been just that…imagination.

As he dragged his protesting body to the shower, he wondered why he had been such an idiot, what on earth had made him suddenly believe that he would attract that much notice?

Unusually, Ryou was the last down to breakfast but this proved a blessing as only Marik was still at the table. Helping himself to juice and coffee, he thinly buttered a slice of toast -ignoring the threats from his stomach about putting anything more into it and as he had hoped – the first few bites caused the protest to die down to a sullen mumble as it settled somewhat.

Still lost in his own misery, Ryou jumped as something landed next to his plate…Tylenol. He looked up to see Marik grinning at him unsympathetically, "Heavy night? That's unusual for you, but you do look like crap, you should see yourself."

As Ryou mechanically took a couple of the pills and swallowed them without comment, Marik absorbed the air of misery surrounding his brother and his tone changed as he looked at the pale face. "You okay Ryou? Is something wrong besides the hangover…what's up?" Ryou looked at him considering, and he encouraged quietly, "talk to me…"

Haltingly at first, Ryou told him all of it…the initial unburdening feeling such a relief that it was like removing a cork from his bottled up emotions. As Marik listened, he described their first meeting and blushing, admitted his on-going fascination – after all - that was what had led him to delude himself. Describing the events of the night before, Ryou cringed and was hurt when Marik sniggered.

"I'm sorry Ryou, I'm not laughing at you. I promise! It's just…so unlike you to lose it like that." Sobering he looked closely at his brother as he continued, "you're clearly pretty hung up on him…and from what you say – it sounds like you had reason to think he was interested…are you sure he's not?"

Engrossed in conversation, neither had noticed Yami passing the doorway on his way to the other room. Catching Marik's last - unguarded words, he paused frowning and also heard the reply…

Ryou shuddered as he recalled the words again, "Bakura said I was, 'Naïve and drunk – hardly irresistible,' that I didn't know what I was asking for and then he sent me home. I'm so embarrassed Marik, he knows exactly how I feel – I put it all on the table – and he obviously didn't feel the same. I made such a fool of myself."

Quietly, Yami continued on his way – but he was now thinking furiously – shrewder and more experienced than either of his brothers, he knew he had something else to thank Bakura for.

Back at the table, Marik was now trying to be helpful and offering advice. "Well you can't hide in the house every night, you'll just have to live it down - unless…you could try a different look…see if something flashier floats his boat? I've got a crop top and accessories which would look great on you…or how about leather trousers and some body glitter?"

Realising that Ryou was looking at him in disbelief, he grinned ruefully, "Yea okay – I can't really see it either – it just wouldn't be you. I really want to help you Ryou…I could use the rod?" He offered hopefully.

Despite his unhappiness, Ryou managed a smile for him as he rose from the table, "You have helped Marik – by listening. Thanks for that - I needed to let it all out. You're right that I can't hide either…I'll just have to stay in the background. That shouldn't be too difficult," he added with a slight smile, "I expect he'll ignore me now anyway."

"You still up for going tonight?" Marik asked doubtfully, "we could just give it a miss – Yami wouldn't care."

"No," Ryou replied, pausing before he went out of the doorway, "I don't want anyone to ask questions and better to get it over with…I'll see you later, okay? And Marik…thanks again."

This call was not going to be easy.

Somewhere Bakura had miscalculated badly…he had been so sure that Duke would go for the deal. In fact he still couldn't reconcile that refusal to sign with the character he had known…intimately…albeit briefly - only a matter of months previously.

There remained another problem, despite the fact that he was positive it wouldn't have made any difference – to let go of his obsession Duke had to be crazy about this Tristan – he had refused to attempt a seduction. He doubted Pegasus would accept the truth, which was that it would have merely compounded the problem. Bakura was confident that Duke would not have signed – but Pegasus was convinced of his own cleverness – and he was going to be looking for something to account for this failure.

Besides…as Bakura himself knew…it was going to be hard to sound convincing when it wouldn't have mattered anyway. He was losing his edge and couldn't have done it. Those were the facts.

Bitterly, he wondered what would happen now…could things get any worse? He seemed to have developed an extremely inconvenient weakness for this family and perhaps it had undermined his effectiveness. Yami – he particularly liked and enjoyed his company, Tristan – part of him actually felt glad that Duke wasn't going to let him down and Ryou…he still couldn't forget what that kiss had felt like. In fact, his body betrayed him like a teenager every time he thought about it – what next? Wet dreams and cold showers?

However much he convinced himself that he had acted correctly, he still felt bad about the humiliation he knew he had inflicted…and he had played out mental scenarios of alternate outcomes – where he hadn't been quite so honourable…okay , that was wet dream territory again…and he needed to focus.

Bakura regarded the phone in his hand, preparing himself to deal with Pegasus. There was no doubt about it – he was definitely going to be pissed…

…approximately four minutes later, he was regarding the phone again. He had been correct – in fact, he might have understated the case. Not only was Pegasus spitting mad…he was still adamant that seduction would work…and he was coming to town.

Apparently, he no longer trusted Bakura to handle this alone – and he was coming here with Serenity. He fully intended to supervise the successful completion of this deal…personally.

As he approached Kaiba's office, directed by abossily efficient PA - Yami felt a mixture of anxiety and anticipation.

He had been waiting for an opportunity to see Kaiba again, but had expected to need some pretext to contact him despite his final words having been that he would be in touch. Once he had the space to reflect and to doubt, it had seemed all too possible that he might return to his isolation…rebuild those emotional walls until he was once more remote and inaccessible. Yami was determined not to allow time for that to happen but had not yet thought of anything plausible…now it seemed that would be unnecessary...knocking to announce his arrival,he opened the door.

As he entered, Kaiba looked up, a distinct gleam in his blue eyes and that perpetual smirk hovering about his lips – perhaps - Yami thought, he had been more wrong than he had realised? Looking at him…his slim, elegant figure dominating the room with its presence, his pulse began to race.

Unfortunately, Kaiba's opening words indicated that however he felt…there was indeed a reason he had called. "Take a seat Yami…I have news for you," he began abruptly. As Yami seated himself in the chair opposite he continued, "I received a surprising visitor earlier today and I thought his reason for coming here was something you should know about…since it concerned your brother."

Concealing his disappointment, Yami arched an enquiring eyebrow, "Which one?" He asked wondering what this could possibly be now…the answer drove his own affairs to one side – for the moment.

"Tristan," Kaiba replied briefly, "Duke Devlin turned up – asking for a lawyer…" As he elaborated further, reporting the details of their conversation, Yami felt a mixture of emotions: anger on Tristan's behalf; disgust at the manoeuvre Pegasus had apparently attempted; disappointment that Bakura had been involved and delight which warred with relief - Duke had undoubtedly changed – he had justified the faith which had been given him.

As far as Yami was concerned, the outcome had been positive (although he would need to investigate Bakura's role further) and Kaiba clearly felt this too. Pegasus had tried to reopen a deal in which they had both been involved – behind his back – but his fury was soon replaced by the pleasure he felt at having caught him.

As he mused on all this, the thought which was most prominent in Yami's mind was the change all this seemed to show in Kaiba himself…that was what he most wanted to investigate.

"You saw him," Yami prodded, "even before you knew all this – you agreed to listen…to Duke!"

Kaiba glared at him defensively, "I thought it might concern you," he muttered, looking immediately surprised at the ease with which he had admitted this - and flushing slightly.

"Thank you," Yami breathed, leaning forward slightly to look him directly in the eyes, "it means a lot, that you would do that for me – I know that decision would not have been easy for you."

Kaiba shrugged uncomfortably, "Well as it happens…we both benefitted, so it was a wise move…" he began.

"Don't do it Kaiba…," Yami said, looking at him intently, "Don't try to diminish what you did…you exposed yourself for me…again."

Kaiba looked at him almost fiercely, but there was wariness behind the look that Yami could see, "What do you want me to say Yami? You can spare me the approval."

There it was…the lashing out when things came too close. Yami didn't hesitate...

"At this point I don't think you need to say anything," he replied, "but I do. I need you to know how much I admire your willingness to question…"

He stopped as Kaiba flung up a hand, "Right from the beginning you've made me question…and recently you told me…'never exposing yourself is just a different weakness,' I understand…but I'm not you."

He took a deep breath, before continuing almost viciously, but his face revealed his torment, "My step-father showed me…repeatedly, caring for someone is a weakness, it lets others control you - and trust? That just means you don't see a knife in the back before it comes. I loathed him and I won't become like him - but he knew how to stay on top and those lessons I can use."

"You despise him that much, but you still want to live by his philosophies?" Yami asked urgently, wishing he could put his arms about him even as he knew how impossible the idea was.

"Don't you see that would turn you into some version of him…," at this Kaiba stiffened. "You're so much more than that Kaiba…I've seen how you care for Mokuba." His outrage and distress at this further evidence of Gozaburo's corruption and cruelty to his step-son was visible in his face.

"Don't you dare pity me!" Kaiba snarled.

"Pity you? You don't have my pity…you have my respect – for all you've overcome…to still be who you are…so unflinching and determined - so worthwhile! But I will pity you…if you become this thing you describe. You can't move forward Kaiba, can't have a different future if you're afraid to change."

"I'm not afraid of anything," Kaiba hissed, he looked on the edge of losing all control.

"Aren't you? Then prove it," Yami challenged, "you've always refused to accept half-measures…especially from yourself, are you prepared to go all the way Kaiba? To admit that you care and risk exposing yourself? Or do you want to stop?"

The question hung in the air as they stared at each other.

Inevitably, Yami had more to say…he lowered his voice and kept going…

"Lately I've come to realise how little I knew you - when I misjudged you all those weeks ago," he sighed in regret but then continued to speak. "I know differently now and my feelings have completely changed."

Yami's eyes searched the still, contained face before him, trying to discern what response his words were having.

"What I desire now couldn't be more different. We drive each other crazy and I don't know how we would be together but I want you Kaiba, the whole package… if you've changed your mind…one word from you will silence me on this subject…what do you want?"

Kaiba regarded him steadily for what seemed a long moment as his heart raced, then his eyes seemed to kindle and burn. Something about Yami just called out to him, cut through all his defences and reached him inside. Despite all his carefully rational caution, instinctively he wanted him - and he was tired of restraint.

"You know sometimes…you talk way too much…I find actions more effective...," he spoke – even as he moved decisively.

Yami felt himself seized fiercely and for a second time that demanding mouth met his own in a passionate, searching kiss. Only the result was different. Now…it was Yami who was pressing himself closer, returning the kiss almost wildly as his heart thundered within him. This time…the desire consumed them both.

The club was pretty busy this evening Ryou thought as he and Marik made their way to the bar. He supposed that had a good side, in a crowd there was much less chance that he would find himself accidently face-to-face with Bakura…he could just be inconspicuous.

This was possibly less likely than Ryou thought if you took into account his companion. Marik was in a lively mood and called out joking comments to several friends as he crossed the room, although he stayed with his brother. He had also decided that the body glitter idea was really too good to go to waste and in addition to his favourite Egyptian accessories appeared noticeably sparkly whenever he passed through a pool of light. Not discreet at all really, in fact – pretty eye-catching.

As the two got drinks, a crowd of Marik's friends gradually surrounded them. Ryou smiled to himself as he drifted discretely to the edge, he didn't want to be 'babysat' until Yami arrived, although he appreciated the intention and this gave him the perfect opportunity to slip away. He really wanted to sit and think…and if he found a quiet corner - he could fade into the background.

Ryou was mistaken in thinking that he had only to avoid bumping into Bakura to escape his notice. As he slipped quietly out of the group and made his way to a dim table, one particular pair of dark eyes was following his every movement.

Bakura smiled grimly to himself, 'how like him,' he thought as he watched that unobtrusive withdrawal and inconspicuously continued to observe him in his chosen isolation.

Despite his very different temperament, Bakura understood loneliness.

After the deaths of his entire family in a house fire, a twelve year old Bakura had been utterly isolated. They had not long before moved to the area and he had not yet had time to make any real friends. Following the tragedy, he had wanted to - but initially had been too grief stricken. By the time he had a more stable mind-set; he was used to being alone and no longer cared. The ill-concealed fascination of many others was worse than solitude. He knew he was pointed out and whispered about in hushed tones - to be notorious for being the victim of disaster, his pain scrutinised and discussed was unbearable, particularly when no one ever spoke about it to him directly.

As he drifted through the care system and various foster homes, no one had been able to reach him; he was polite but unfailingly remote. Once he grew older he was more able to discern that many people felt genuine sympathy, but he felt no desire to be exposed to such loss again. Better to choose solitude than to have it take you for its own.

By the time he reached adulthood the pattern had been fixed. He had however, found he had a talent for many aspects of business…he was able to make cool pragmatic decisions, uninfluenced by emotions. Thus he had finally wound up working for Pegasus, a position which had suited him in many ways. He respected Pegasus' business acumen and found much of the work fascinating; moreover his employer had seemed to understand him. Perhaps because of his own loss (although he doted fiercely upon his daughter), he seemed to recognise Bakura's desire for emotional isolation and had in addition, a ruthless streak which made him prepared to find a use for it.

Aware of this, Bakura had never cared - occasionally he had found himself involved in situations he found a little…uncomfortable, but he had always been able to be logical and had sometimes used himself just as ruthlessly as Pegasus might have. Only rarely had he met others he genuinely respected or found honourable and he had had purely physical lovers but very few friends. Nothing had really dented his reserve…until now.

Why that should have changed – he didn't know, but looking across the room at the solitary figure of Ryou and remembering his look of pain the previous evening…something about him again pierced through his defences.

Lost in his own dismal thoughts, Ryou was unaware of his approach until Bakura reached his table then he glanced up and froze momentarily before looking away, a slow flush mounting his cheeks. Internally, his heart raced at the proximity even as he wondered what Bakura might still have to say. Surely…he'd said enough yesterday to realise he'd have stayed out of his way. Miserably Ryou waited, bracing himself for a repeat of the rejection only to be astonished when Bakura sat down next to him and regarded him steadily.

"I wanted to talk about what happened, now you're more…coherent," he began.

Ryou winced but was surprised when Bakura continued more gently.

"It's not my practice to take advantage of drunken young men," he paused to assess the response to this, although Ryou had averted his face. "You really should watch how much you drink you know, I followed you home to make sure you got there."

At this Ryou finally looked at him in amazement, "You followed me? What are you…my brother?" Abruptly he felt a spurt of anger, what was he – a charity case? "You made your lack of interest quite plain already," he said stiffly, then added more loudly, "you don't need to patronise me, I'm not a child."

"Patronise you? Perhaps you are a child. My lack of interest - as you put it - was in jumping the bones of someone several years younger than me who was too full of drink to make a rational decision." Now angry himself, Bakura spoke in a low tone, regarding him through narrowed eyes. "If you really want to argue about this, we should do it outside where it won't attract attention."

"I have no desire to go outside with you," Ryou lied. "What else is there to say?"

"That's not what you said last night," his tormentor retorted sarcastically, "and that's another reason you need a keeper…don't you know the risk you took?"

Crimson faced with mortification and goaded to action, Ryou stood up. His brief flare of temper was receding and he desperately wanted to get this over with. To have roused the disdain (he thought) of this man, when he longed for an outcome so different, was a nightmare. Why on earth had Bakura sought him out? He'd thought he would just ignore him and miserably wished he had stayed away tonight after all. Whatever else Bakura was going to say, he was fairly certain it was not going to be something he wanted overheard, "the foyer then…" He managed as he moved in that direction.

Bakura had glimpsed the misery in his eyes as he turned away and cursed inwardly as he rose to follow, this wasn't going at all as he wanted. Not that he had planned to approach him at all, but seeing him looking so forlorn he had found himself at the table almost without realising he had moved and something about Ryou made him lose his normally detached composure.

Reaching the foyer, Bakura was again faced with the question, what was he trying to do? He had already decided that he couldn't pursue this so why had he even started the conversation? Ryou turned to look at him, wary resignation in his stance but his eyes unknowingly revealed a mute appeal for an understanding he clearly did not expect to receive. "What is it you wanted to say?" He asked raising his chin.

Bakura ran a hand through his hair in exasperation, "I probably shouldn't have started this conversation at all…," he said sighing, "but I didn't want you to think I wasn't tempted – I was…am in fact…but I wouldn't be good for you."

The reaction to this was not at all what he expected.

Ryou looked at him incredulously for a moment his expression shifting with his emotions, surprise and pleasure were briefly visible but they quickly gave way to anger. "Let me get this straight," he began, "I could understand you turning me down because you weren't interested but you're trying to tell me it's some great moral thing…and you expect me to feel better about that? Funny, I didn't hear about your code in connection with Duke Devlin, or any of the other flings I've been told about." The tone was definitely sarcastic as well as angry.

Bakura flushed slightly, 'what else had he heard and how many others were going to bring up that damned unfortunate fling?' He was actually taken aback and felt faintly injured, for once he had good intentions – had thought about Ryou, not himself…he attempted to say something of this but was interrupted as the normally quiet Ryou was goaded into revealing his feelings.

"What do you want? A medal?" Ryou demanded. "Don't you see how insulting that is? Yes, I was drunk…a rarity by the way…in case you were wondering – because I didn't know how to approach you. I wanted to do that because I had made a decision about you, not because of the drink. I can make up my own mind who I'm interested in; I don't need any more people looking out for me. I already told you I'm not a kid and you're only a few years older for God's sake. Get over yourself."

Abruptly his anger left him and he seemed to regret having revealed so much, speaking more quietly, he added, "I get it that you don't want this ok? Please…spare me any more of the lame excuses; I really don't understand why you bothered. I think it's time I left and I need to let my brother know I'm going."

As he turned towards the door to find Marik, his wrist was grabbed roughly and startled, he looked up to see Bakura glaring at him, tight lipped and eyes blazing. "You haven't listened to me at all," he hissed.

"Actually I have," was the calm reply, "you just haven't told me anything I needed to know. Please let go of me."

It was doubtful that Bakura would have complied had another voice not spoken at that moment from behind him.

"What have we here? Surely you're not neglecting my affairs for one of your own dear boy?" Although the words were chilly and carried a definite hint of annoyance the tone was as effusive as ever…it was Pegasus.

As Bakura spun around in shock to face his employer, Ryou seized the opportunity to slip away and went back through the doors to find his brother.

Pegasus lifted one eyebrow questioningly, awaiting a response. His manner was distinctly chilly and his gaze cold as he regarded his previous favourite, he did not look kindly upon failure of any kind and the Devlin deal appeared to have been just that.

"Well dear boy?" He prompted sarcastically, "It doesn't seem to me you should be rewarding yourself with a diversion at present, or do you have an ulterior motive? He did look a little naive and dreary, not your usual type …sweetly dull in fact…some ploy I don't know about?"

"No," replied Bakura shortly, he found himself inwardly furious at these insults about Ryou and fought to keep his face impassive.

"No." Pegasus repeated flatly, "and you have nothing more to say after your utter failure here?" He continued to speak - the words now flung like the flick of a whip, "I believe you promised results? In fact you were sooo confident that you dismissed my suggested plan of action out of hand…a mistake wouldn't you say…in retrospect?"

Bakura bit back a sharp retort of his own and replied evenly, "Your scheme would not have worked either," he began, "in fact I think the outcome would have been worse, Devlin is serious about this relationship. He's actually prepared to lose the deal over it."

"Worse? How could it possibly have been worse? You bungled this whole affair and should have taken my…advice." Pegasus could never accept that his own interpretation might have been incorrect and was further angered by the response.

"You seem to forget that you act as I direct dear boy," he sneered patronisingly, "I expected to find you attempting to correct your blunder…directing your undoubted talents to Devlin as I suggested - not wasting your time manhandling some unimportant colourless nothing in the doorway of a club. I assume you still value your position?"

Bakura lost any semblance of calm. The spiteful words about Ryou and the disregard of his professional opinion despite many previous successes stung. However, the implication that he would act like some kind of trained dog was way beyond anything he would put up with. He looked at Pegasus through a haze of fury, never had he made that kind of assumption before this week; but then, he realised – a situation like this had not arisen before. He had always been so successful that this face of his employer had never shown itself, the malice had never been directed his way.

"I'm afraid you overestimate my desire to work for you," he spat, "I find that has passed so I suggest you look for someone else to fill my position. I quit."

Pegasus whitened in anger at the words, disbelief in his face, "You think I can't replace you easily? You'll regret this decision, I guarantee it," he promised.

"I don't think so," Bakura drawled, concealing his continued fury, "your arrogance is starting to bore me…and by the way, although I'm no longer acting in your interest I'll give you a last piece of advice for free. Make Devlin a joint deal – he won't sign otherwise and together they'll actually be a better investment."

As he turned away he provocatively added, "Personally, I'm glad to see them work out," knowing this would further infuriate his former boss.

He stopped abruptly. Unnoticed by either in the heated exchange, Yami had entered the building and now stood to one side regarding Pegasus scornfully. Clearly he had overheard some, if not all of the argument - a further annoyance to the enraged owner of Industrial Illusions. He made no attempt to speak and after glaring at him for a moment, Pegasus merely nodded curtly to him and left the club.

As the door closed behind him, Bakura regarded Yami wearily, "I'm sure you have more to say on behalf of your brother?" He said quietly.

"That depends which one," came the surprising reply.

Bakura looked at him in wary silence and Yami moved towards him. "I confess I was glad to hear your final words about Duke and Tristan," he continued. "I was disappointed to be informed of your previous actions on Pegasus' behalf and intended to ask you about it…but there's clearly no longer any need and I already knew you had been honest. It actually worked out for the best anyway."

"I'm glad you think so," Bakura commented drily. "I'm now unemployed of course, but I suppose I don't feel that's such a disadvantage at the moment. I'm touched by your concern though."

Yami snorted. "You can do better, it's Pegasus' loss - I've seen the honour in you…and heard about it."

"You overestimate me I'm afraid," Bakura interrupted with a mocking smile, "I told you before…I won't be used - unless it suits me. Not by him or anybody else, it's pure self-interest so hardly the noble nature you'd like to portray."

"I don't believe that's the only motive and there have been other instances…"

"Telling you about Mai cost me nothing."

"What about Ryou?" Yami watched with satisfaction as the smile slipped from Bakura's face, he looked wary again and narrowed his eyes – searching Yami's face carefully.

"You made your feelings about my previous…interest quite plain, and I realised you were correct," he replied.

"I know exactly what you did, or rather didn't do," Yami responded, "and I understand your…restraint. He doesn't know it but I overheard him telling my brother. He was devastated by the way, as well as embarrassed – he clearly thinks a lot of you and he's very seldom been interested in anyone, he's usually very cautious."

"He's naïve and I thought you agreed, too young for me," Bakura tried to appear unconcerned by the report of his importance to Ryou, but again – where he was concerned his defences were weak.

"I just want him to be happy, age wasn't the factor – I didn't trust you then, and I didn't want him to be hurt. Now…I think he has good taste."

Yami smiled to himself at Bakura's look of disbelief and moved towards the doors to the gaming rooms but just as he reached them, one opened and Ryou himself came out.

"Yami!" He exclaimed, "I wasn't sure you were still coming, Marik's inside but I was just leaving…" He trailed off as he saw Bakura standing further back.

"Yes, I'm sorry Ryou, I got held up." Yami smiled to himself, remembering just how amazing that had been…a pity Kaiba had to leave to collect Mokuba, but then – they had been in his office too, hardly ideal surroundings. "Are you still want to go?"

"Yes," Ryou declared hurriedly, he darted another glance at Bakura, "I think I've had enough of this place tonight, I'll see you later."

"Okay," Yami replied, "I'll see you at home."

He watched as Ryou walked quickly to the outer doors and left the building then transferred his gaze to Bakura whose hooded eyes had also followed him. As though he had reached some decision, he too went outside. "We hadn't finished our discussion." Yami heard him say before the door closed behind him.

Thoughtfully, Yami took out his phone to call Kaiba…he would be interested to hear of the latest developments regarding Pegasus – and it was a good excuse to hear his voice.

As he completed the call a short while later, he strolled to the door and looked out. A little way down the road he could see Ryou and Bakura. From the way they kissed it appeared they had resolved at least some of their differences.

Yami smiled, now that he knew Bakura - he felt strongly that the two were compatible and was hopeful this would work out well for his brother.

For himself…he looked forward to seeing Kaiba again with anticipation.

AN: I am expecting to be back to updating next Friday as previously – although I think there are probably only two more instalments to come.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter and will join me next week; the story will be changing to M rating for content.

EvilMidget6 ;)