A/N : Hello! Happy the beginning of December! I don't know about anyone else, but our Christmas Dec's are up already! Gotta Love Christmas! Anyway, I've got round to writing again! Yay! About time too, I was doing my head in with my lack of creative flow. As ever, any thoughts are always appreciated whether containing positive stuff or constructive criticism. I found it very difficult to write the aftermath of the explosion as i figured things would move pretty fast, so it feels like it moves pretty fast too, not sure if that's good or not. anyway, please enjoy! Xx

Disclaimer : I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!

Chapter Ten

In an instant, Kaiba had pulled Yukiko against him, shielding her from the blast as pieces of alight rubble showered onto the room from the force of the explosion. Yukiko's ears were ringing at the loud noise and her heart was beating frantically with shock. What was happening? What had happened? It took her several moments to understand and recognise the on-going sound around her as screams and shouts, as the room turned into a riot. The guests were pushing in every direction, trying to get away from the fiery hole in the wall. Kaiba pulled Yukiko away from his torso and gazed down at her, examining her for any injuries, ignoring as people shoved past them in a desperate attempt to escape the attack. When he determined she was fine, he shook her, forcing her eyes to meet his and avoid wondering over his shoulder to the source of the explosion.

"Kaiba!" A voice shouted over the screaming as two hundred people tried to press out of the room. Kaiba looked up and saw the 'dweeb patrol' shoving their way through the crowds towards them. He was glad to see Mokuba was safe with them. As they reached them, Kaiba gently pushed Yukiko into the groups arms.

"Keep her and my brother safe, Yugi." He ordered before disappearing into the crowd.
"Seto!" Mokuba shouted, attempting to run after him, but the gang held him back. The scent of burning was filling the room along with heavy smoke. They needed to get out of there. Yukiko gazed back over to the hole in the wall and saw several of the tables close by had been tipped over from the force of the blast or had set alight. There were also bodies. She felt sick to the stomach but she couldn't take her eyes of the slumped figures. Yukiko grabbed hold of Mokuba, turning him away from the sight. He didn't need to see this, no one did.

"Yukiko, you alright?" Joey shouted to her over the noise. Yukiko nodded at him, not sure she could answer. What was happening? Why had someone attacked the party? Just as she thought that, another explosion shook the entire building. She felt the blast from behind her and the force almost threw her off her feet. She screamed out as everyone else did. Still holding onto Mokuba, Yukiko tried to shield her head and his. Why were they been attacked? The heat in the room was growing ridiculous as more things set alight as the fire spread round the room engulfing everything in its path like a ravenous demon. Yukiko knew the true reason behind the attacks with a sickening certainty. They were here for her and Mokuba. She straightened up and saw the room had become a frenzy as people dashed to escape.

"We need to get out of here," Yukiko whispered gazing around still clutching onto Mokuba's shoulder, suddenly suspicious of everyone. Anyone here could be here to get them. The explosions, what if it was a distraction?

"Miss Yukiko!" A voice shouted over the screams as they were shunted along with the crowds trying to get out. They needed to get out of the crowds or risk been crushed. Without another thought, Yukiko pulled Mokuba and led the way over to Kenta who had shouted her, once out of the bustle; Kenta quickly checked them all over.

"Miss Yukiko, Master Kaiba, we need to get you to safety, we have a car…" Kenta spoke to them.

"No… They'll be expecting that," Yukiko muttered glancing around nervously.

"But… Mr Kaiba has put it in place, the limo is waiting…" Kenta spoke. Yukiko considered for a moment. If Kaiba had prepared the car just in case, shouldn't they be fine? A part of her wasn't sure and there was a bad feeling deep in the pit of her stomach. She might just be been paranoid, but better paranoid and alive, right? As she was still debating with herself, Mokuba spoke.

"Yukiko's right, that's what they'll be expecting." Mokuba agreed. He had apparently come to the conclusion she had.

"Kenta, could you… why are people still in here?" Yukiko asked unable to hear herself think at the noise as people tried to shove their way out screaming in terror.

"We've limited the flow until we get you to safety," Kent said.

"No… could you, you need to usher two people into the car waiting and leave, that could be a… a decoy," Yukiko spoke quickly, not even allowing herself the time to blush as she tried to think as analytical as Kaiba. It was hard work trying to think every possibility through, but she'd been living with the best at it for several months. She was bound to have picked up some tips.

"Then, Joey, do you have your van?" Yukiko asked suddenly having an idea and turning to the blonde boy. He grinned puffing his chest out.

"Course! Its outside!" He beamed. Yukiko nodded,

"Then, you need to let everyone out as quickly as possible and we'll blend in with the crowd and get to Joey's car and… and get out…" Yukiko concluded her plan. Kenta made as if to argue but seemed to think better of it. He nodded and turned away speaking into his radio. Yukiko hadn't let go of Mokuba at all through this and hadn't noticed the group had crowded around them, hiding them from sight. She noticed now and looked horrified. If any of them got hurt because of this… she'd never forgive herself. Kenta turned back to them and nodded. It was obviously been done now and a few tense seconds later, the flow of people leaving the room increased. Yukiko pushed her way into the crowd followed closely by Kenta and the rest of the group. They were pushed along with the terrified crowd through the hall and out into the entrance hall, the door was wide open and people were shoving to get through. Yukiko pulled Mokuba closer to her and felt the others pressing around them protectively. She hated putting them in danger, but knew there was no reason to try and stop them. It was horrible trying to get away, there were screams and shouts as people were battered into as others elbowed their way through. Soon they were out the door, the cool air providing some sort of comfort and Joey took the lead, heading over to a beaten up looking maroon coloured van. He hurriedly opened the door up and they all bustled to get in. As they took their seats, Kenta sat next to Joey in the front. Yukiko gazed back out at the house and the people fleeing terrified from it. Suddenly, Kenta's radio buzzed, breaking the silence.

"Yes." He spoke into it and waited, listening to the reply. After a few moments, he turned and gazed at Yukiko.

"It seems you were right, the car is been followed," he spoke looking alarmed.

"Let's get outa here," Joey muttered putting the car into gear.

"Wait, what about Seto?" Mokuba cried out, his eyes staring up at the Kaiba mansion.

"There's a team of security with him, he'll be fine. I'll let him know when we arrive at our destination," Kenta spoke

The drive was thankfully uneventful and they arrived at Yugi and Joey's apartment within half an hour. Kenta seemed rather uncomfortable throughout the journey, probably at the amount of times the vehicle stalled, but they arrived safe and sound. As Joey pulled up, Mokuba jumped out first.

"Your driving's improved since last time Joey!" Mokuba smiled standing on the pavement and staring up at the building. Kenta quickly joined him, followed by the rest of the group.

"Come on, let's party!" Joey grinned starting forwards, and the rest of them followed. Walking up the several flights of stairs to get to the right floor, Yukiko had to take her shoes off. The heels were killing her and she was pretty sure she was getting blisters. They eventually reached the flat and it was just the same as last time. The fair sized living and dining room was as she remembered with three sofas in front of her, a wooden coffee table between them and a large TV hung on the wall before them. The walls were painted a light neutral colour. Four doors led off from the main room, two to a couple of bedrooms, the other a bathroom and the last to the small but compact kitchen. She remembered with difficulty her time here. All she knew was that was the night she'd had a considerable amount of alcohol and it was the night she'd kissed Seto for the first time. The memory alone made her blush. Yukiko stood in the door way feeling suddenly very uncomfortable. In the heat of the moment she'd sort of forced her and Mokuba's presence upon the group.

"I'm sorry for inviting myself here," She muttered suddenly very nervous.

"Don't be silly, Yukiko!" Joey exclaimed instantly.

"Joey's right, you're our friend," Yugi spoke smiling at her.

"That's what friends are for!" Téa beamed linking arms with her and pulling her further into the room. Kenta stood by the door way, still as professional as always. Mokuba had already plonked himself down on the sofa gazing around. Téa dragged Yukiko with her down onto one of the three sofas and smiled at her.

"We were all having a sleepover here tonight, anyway, the more the merrier!" She said.

"As long as you're sure…" Yukiko muttered her cheeks already flaring up.

"Don't sweat it! As long as you guys are okay, it don't matter to us!" Joey grinned before disappearing into the kitchen.

"Come on, Yukiko, I have a spare set of clothes you can borrow for tonight!" Téa spoke suddenly, pulling Yukiko back off the sofa and towards one of the closed doors. They disappeared into the room and Téa switched the light on bathing the room in a soft glow. Yukiko took the opportunity to gaze around as Téa rummaged through a bag. The room was small and there was barely enough room to walk freely around the double bed. All around the room though were shelves packed with games and books on games of various shapes and sizes. There was a whole wall dedicated to Duel monsters with posters and books on strategy and figurines. Yukiko was impressed.

"I'm guessing this is Yugi's room," Yukiko spoke as Téa straightened up a pink top in her hands along with another pile of clothes.

"Yeah, great guess!" She laughed as Yukiko took the clothes from her. She set them on the bed and began to undress. Soon enough, she was dressed for the night and all though she wouldn't admit it, she felt a little uncomfortable. The pyjamas she'd been lent consisted of tiny cotton shorts with a loose crop top and Téa's signature thigh high socks along with comfortable slipper boots. Yukiko turned and saw Téa was wearing almost the exact same. That made her feel less uncomfortable.

"How come you carry around a spare set?" Yukiko asked interested as Téa packed her dress away. Yukiko picked hers up of the floor. She'd put hers near Kenta, so she wouldn't forget it when leaving.

"For emergencies like this one!" Téa beamed straightening up. Yukiko smiled back.

"Do you think Seto's alright?" Yukiko asked suddenly. She hadn't voiced it up until now, but she was worried about him, not just about tonight, but in general. There was so much she didn't know about him.

"Yes, I'm sure he's alright," Téa spoke confidently.

"There's a lot I don't know about him." Yukiko admitted her cheeks reddening already. Téa gazed at her, understanding dawning on her face. She sat down on the bed and patted the spot next to her. Yukiko sat next to her nervously.

"Kaiba has a past, like the rest of us, I'm sure if you ask him…" Téa began positively.

"I was just thinking. These people seem hell bent on getting some leverage over him, I just wondered why," Yukiko replied, knowing she could trust Téa.

"He's one of the richest men on the planet, using you or Mokuba to either get at his money or his business is my best guess!" Téa spoke standing up. Yukiko nodded and also stood.

"Thanks Téa," Yukiko grinned bowing her head slightly.

"Don't be silly, what are friends for?" She replied, linking arms with her and leading the way out of the room.

Yukiko had forgotten she had to be seen wearing this rather short pyjama set. As they walked back out into the room, she felt eyes turn to them. They were all sat in front of the TV, watching an action film from the looks of it. All of them had dressed into their night wear, apart from Yugi and Mokuba. Yukiko almost giggled when she saw Yugi blush as he took in Téa's appearance, but quickly caught hold of herself as she realised Téa wasn't the only one been looked at. Her face reddened immediately which luckily went un noticed as the only light was that from the TV. Téa lead the way over to one of the vacated sofas and pulled Yukiko down onto it.

"Come on Mokuba, I'm sure we'll be able to find something for you to wear tonight," Yugi spoke. Mokuba jumped up.

"Thanks Yugi!" Mokuba cried out as they headed into his room. Yukiko placed the dress she was still holding over the back of her seat. She saw Kenta was sat by the door on one of the wooden chairs from the dinning set.

"Kenta, don't you want a soft seat?" Yukiko asked gazing at him. He looked up and smiled politely at her.

"I'm fine, Thank you Miss Yukiko," He spoke gently.

"You'll get stiff," Yukiko muttered

"I'm sure I'll be fine," He replied. Yukiko frowned and turned back in her chair to watch the movie.

It was way past midnight when Yugi stood up and announced he was going to bed. Joey who'd been snoring loudly for the last twenty minutes of the film jolted awake. He murmured something incoherent and Tristan had to drag him towards his room.

"Yukiko, you and Téa can take my room, if you want." Yugi smiled. Yukiko sat up and shook her head.

"No, I really can't put you out any more than I already have tonight," Yukiko said.

"It's no problem," Yugi went on.

"No, the sofa will be fine for me!" Yukiko insisted smiling.

"If you're sure, well, night!" He called out to mumbled replies. There were already covers ready on each sofa and Yukiko pulled hers over her now, stretching out on the now empty seat. Mokuba was already asleep on the left sofa, a thick blanket draped across him. Téa and Yugi were in Yugi's room and Tristan and Joeys in the second bedroom. That left Ryo on the third sofa. They exchanged glances awkwardly. Since the evil spirit had taken over poor Ryo, she hadn't been alone with the boy. There was no reason for it as she held no grudge against him at all. She knew without any doubt it had never been him who had taken her or twisted her mind.

"It was a good film," Yukiko said as she snuggled down, kicking the slippers off her feet.

"Yes," he replied. Silence fell between them, rather uneasy. Yukiko decided to take the plunge and approach the subject head on. There was no point messing around and avoiding it when it was still clearly on the boys mind.

"Ryo, you do realise I don't blame you at all, don't you?" She said rather forcefully for her usual self. She realised immediately and felt the colour creep into her cheeks as it always did. She sat up and stared at the white haired boy. He was avoiding her gaze his own cheeks pink.

"I mean… I know everything that happened with… with him… it wasn't you," She continued softly, staring at her feet.

"I… I know… I'm just… I'm sorry," He replied quietly. Yukiko glanced up at him and saw real remorse on his face.

"But… it wasn't you, so… so there's no reason for you to apologize," She exclaimed rather forcefully.

"I… I never expected him… to find a way back," Ryo muttered gazing at the floor. Yukiko suddenly felt desperately sorry for him. She'd duelled her own darker self in order to save Kaiba and that was horrible enough, but this boy had dealt with that evil spirit for years.

"Can I ask you a question?" Yukiko asked nervously, ringing her hands.

"Sure," Ryo replied looking up at her.

"Were you ever awake while he took control?" She asked

"No, never. He'd take over and I… I'd black out," Ryo replied.

"oh," She responded as a silence fell between them again. Yukiko wasn't sure what to say, she wanted him to know but to also truly believe it wasn't his fault, but she wasn't sure he did believe it. That was the worst part, not knowing if he blamed himself.

"I'm sorry for bringing it up, I just wanted you to know, I never once or ever will blame you for what he tried to do, I hate him even more for what he put you through, I just… I needed you to… to know that," Yukiko felt her face grow hotter as she continued and forced herself to stop. She was about to settle back down when Ryo spoke again.

"Thank you," He whispered. Yukiko smiled at him before lying back down and shutting her eyes. Today had certainly been a tiring day.