-Yami to Yugi-
=Yugi to Yami=
Yugi Moto had mastered countless games over the years. Unfortunately he had never found the time to master his own fear.
The young man with tri-colored hair closed his eyes tight and wished for the hundredth time that he had bought the noise-cancelling headphones he had planned to buy last week, instead of spending his allowance on more Duel Monsters booster packs.
It was common knowledge that Yugi was generous to a fault – and the spark of interest he felt from Yami through their bond as he passed the display of cards was too much for his gentle heart to resist.
Maybe Grandpa would give him an advance on his allowance if he helped -
CRASH
At the sound of the thunder, Yugi's entire body clenched.
I am too old for this!
From outside his fortress, a deep baritone voice - "Aibou?"
Yugi groaned and considered remaining silent... but he knew Yami's curiosity would be his inevitable downfall.
Carefully extracting himself from the fort of blankets and borrowed chairs from the kitchen, Yugi peeked his face outside the fortress of safety.
The translucent form of his other self stood in the middle of the room, his back to Yugi, arms crossed.
"Where are you aibou?"
Yugi cleared his throat,
"Down here, mou hitori no boku"
Turning to face the fortress, Yami knelt and raised the blanket above Yugi's head to peer inside. As his gaze swept the interior, Yugi felt the emotions of his other self through their bond.
Affection. Confusion. Amusement.
"What are you doing?"
Yugi flushed and pulled his head back under the blankets.
"It's called a pillow fort" He muttered, wrapping his arms around his legs and resting his chin against his knees.
"Fort?" Yami chuckled.
"It just – helps."
Yuugi winced as his voice caught and hoped Yami had not noticed. A pulse of concern felt through their bond proved his hope was in vain.
-What is it that frightens you?- Yugi heard in his mind.
=I don't like thunder= He replied, flushing in embarrassment.
-The noise cannot harm you, aibou- Despite his confidence, Yami seemed a trifle unsure.
=I kn-=
CRASH
Yugi slammed the link shut and remembered his grandfathers words – breath deeply, five in, five out.
Gathering his courage around him like a cloak, Yugi took in a deep breath and counted -
1..2..3..4..5..
Suddenly, the translucent form of his other self materialized in front of him, legs crossed, a look of satisfaction on his face.
"Can I help?"
Yugi felt his lungs burning and belatedly realized he had forgotten to release his breath. Yami continued to watch as Yugi exhaled in coughing gasps, heart pounding in his ears.
"It – it's nothing"
"Nothing."
Only Yami could say a single word with so much meaning. Yugi looked away as his throat began to close, tears gathering in the corners of his eyes. Empathy and caring poured through their link.
"It is alright, aibou."
Yami scooted forward and reached out, plucking Yugi from the ground and placed him on his lap, facing his chest. How he was able to do this in his spirit form was of little concern to either.
Speechless, Yugi felt his face grow hot as tears began to fall – a protest on his lips -
CRASH
Diving into the warmth and safety of the larger boy's arms, Yugi forced all thoughts of embarrassment from his mind.
"I am here"
The deep baritone of Yami's voice and the rumbling of his chest as he said the words were as soothing as a child's lullaby.
CRASH
Yugi trembled as he fought to control the tears, the fear, the overwhelming desire to cling to this source of protection and warmth.
It was a battle he was destined to lose.
"Shhh..."
The gentle, awkward pats on his back pushed Yugi over the edge. A mewling noise was all Yami heard before Yugi wrapped his arms tightly around his other self and pressed his wet face against the coarse fabric of his shirt to muffle his sobs.
"Aibou..."
Yami felt his heart contract painfully and he returned the embrace, resting his chin on the soft, spiky hair of his host.
"We will face this challenge together"
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