AN: Can you guess what I'm doing? Planning another multi-chapter Yu-Gi-Oh! fic, that's what. Only this time I'm co-writing it with MissYennon. These first two chapters were written by me, but there is much of this story still in the planning process and she'll be making more and more writing appearances as we go on.
Thank you, Yen for letting me have the first two chapters ^-^ You KNOW I enjoyed it! Thanks too for your suggestions and beta-ing.
This story is LOOSELY inspired by "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell. A short story I read in high school that was one of the few required readings I was interested in. I do not claim credit for that story or it's initial ideas, that credit belongs to the author...who I believe it deceased now but I can't remember.
I also own no part of Yu-Gi-OH! as we all know, and this is made solely for our enjoyment with NO profit or copyright intentions what-so-ever. Random story details are ours (and I like to claim full credit for this opening scene ^-^) but other than that, we''re just goofing around.
Oh, btw, this is written under the pretense of the yami's having their own bodies and NOT depending on the Millennium Items like they usually do. No actual relationships are established at this point, except for the obligatory extra-close friendship between Yami and Yugi. This is also an AU post-Battle City under the pretense the Pegasus is NOT out of the picture, nor was his eyeball taken out. There, I've completely messed with everything XP lol.
This is rated "M" for language, and eventual peril and sexual themes. Contains hetero AND yaoi pairings. Multiple shippings.
"The Most Fabulous Game"
...
Ch1: The Feast
"Um…thanks," Yugi said quietly as the waiter placed a plate of fancy pizza spice rolls in front of him. Some kind of rich garlic potatoes lined the edge of his plate, along with roasted sausage pieces. It smelled amazingly good, but he had second thoughts about digging in. He looked to his left where Yami was presented with a plate of luxuriously cooked pheasant, the past Pharaoh nodding his thanks to another waiter who poured a glass of white wine for him. On Yugi's right, Ryou hesitantly dipped his fork into his beautifully arranged fruit platter, as though he were afraid to ruin such an elegantly floral display. He exchanged a glance with Yugi, gave a shy smile and helped himself. Everyone was offered their choice of rather foreign-sounding salads, each glistening with his or her chosen dressing in the light of the table candles. Serenity sat on the other side of Ryou, also looking eagerly at the fancy glass holding a multi-flavored parfait, a plate of several jelly pastries, and silver bowls of gelatin. On her other side, Duke was presented with pork ribs and roasted chicken, all generously coated with multiple barbeque sauces. His dishes also accumulated samples from the various vegetable dishes the table offered.
Across from Yugi, Tea eyed her fish and chip strips before helping herself to another plate of cheeses and biscuits. To her left, Tristan and Joey had ignored their ham and brisket to indulge in the already available desserts. Puddings and mini cakes were soon piled high onto their plates.
To Joey's left, the Ring Spirit Bakura cut into his saucy bacon over steak sided with crab-stuffed mushrooms; his glass of golden beer already half gone. Next to him, Marik was staring intently at his enormous plate of Carbonara pasta. Tiny flecks of black olives and mushrooms were hidden among the rich sauces, and he reached into the basket of freshly baked breadsticks; breaking apart a piece and dipping it into the sauce before putting it to his lips. His eyes widened after only one bite and he quickly repeated the action. Next to him, Mai added pre-shredded cheese to her plate of saucy Penne all'arrabbiata, before reaching for a dish of assorted olives.
The remaining guests consisted of Mako Tsunami, who was presented with two lobsters, calamari, and three kinds of fish; and Rex and Weevil, who'd ordered some kind of thickly-packed quesadilla and burrito salad. Their plates also consisted of many early desserts. Mokuba had decided to dive straight into the available chocolate mousse pie, while his brother Seto sat at the very end of the table, hands folded; ignoring the steamy gravy covering his plate of beef fillet and seasoned sausages.
Colas, wines, juices, milk, and of course water was available to everyone - and glasses were scattered all over the table.
At the head of this generous feast, between Yami and Tea, sat a very smug looking Maximillion Pegasus. His hands hovered in front of his face, fingers delicately interlaced, as he watched his guests tuck into their special meals. It amused him to see just who was suspicious and who was brave (or arrogant) enough as to dive right in. It was the littlest things that defined people the most. Pegasus smirked to himself.
"Please eat to your fill, everyone," he said pleasantly. "No one goes to bed hungry tonight."
Yugi exchanged a look with Tea, raised his eyebrows in a, "Well... alright" fashion and looked around for some salt. Yami watched sidelong as his hikari sampled his supper; idly picking at his own dish, looking less than enthused. Tea sipped meekly at her glass of orange juice, glancing down the table. The boys next to her were blithely stuffing themselves with desserts while Tristan poured some red wine into a narrow glass.
He tasted it, "Hmm," and swished it around in his mouth thoughtfully before swallowing. His eye twitched slightly, and he offered it to Joey. "Dessert wine?"
"We're allowed to drink?" Joey asked, eyes wide.
Pegasus shrugged, "Who am I to deny anyone pleasures of taste. I'm certainly not your parent."
"Score," Joey said, taking the glass and swallowing a gulp full of it. He quickly gagged and smacked his lips. "Man, dat's bitter!"
"Mix it with this," Tristan offered a pitcher full of cola, adding a little more wine to it. Tea groaned and put her hand to her head, the guys had no tact. Joey quirked an eyebrow but tried it. "Mm… It's better. Still not dat great."
Yugi blinked at them oddly before looking to Yami. Yami shrugged and sipped his white wine respectfully.
"You'll want some meat with that," Bakura said to his own hikari across the table. Ryou looked up curiously, having just helped himself to more star fruit. "Or else it could backfire later," the Spirit smirked. Ryou stared intensely at his counterpart, a blush staining his cheeks as he glanced around to see who had heard that. Rex and Weevil snickered to themselves, while everyone except Joey pretended they hadn't heard. Ryou looked shamefully at his plate, but Serenity reached out and pulled a plate of hot bratwursts closer to him.
"There you go," she said kindly. "This looks like it'll go good with some of that garlic bread, huh?"
Ryou smiled appreciatively at her and took a helping onto his plate, his pleasant aura returning. Serenity looked forward again, her face relaxing as she saw Marik. Bakura turned to see his comrade halfway through his pasta plate already, as well as with several more breadsticks added. The Egyptian stopped only to drink from his glass of blush wine, glancing at Bakura - who raised his own eyebrows in mild amusement before going back to his meat. Mai ate into her own pasta, watching Marik's eating habits with undisguised interest.
Mokuba took a long draught from his glass of milk, leaving chocolate smudged on the glass, before pulling a tray of pastries closer. "Seto, your food's gonna get cold. Aren't you hungry?" he asked with his mouth full. The older Kaiba ignored him, still sitting stone still with his arms crossed. His gaze turned with annoyance toward the loud cracking sound, as Mako took the shell-crackers to his lobster. The fisherman then used a fork to tear at the steaming meat as he used his other hand to maneuver his seaweed-wrapped fish with chopsticks.
"Are you going to tell us why we're here, Pegasus?" Yami asked.
Pegasus held up a hand and smiled, "All in good time, Pharaoh. For now let's just enjoy one another's company, shall we?" He sat back and took up his own glass of red wine, "This is nice."
"Hmph," Bakura mumbled quietly to himself, taking another hefty gulp from his beer. Mai poured herself another glass of blush wine, stopping as Marik offered his empty glass imploringly. She obliged and refilled his as well, to which he gave a muffled "Hmm hmm," in thanks; as his mouth was full.
"Sure thing… Settle down there, hun. You're gonna bust a gut if you keep eating like that."
"More like gain a gut," Bakura teased. Marik glared at him as he drank from his glass.
"Yeah right," Joey said between bites of cupcake and pastry. "I don't think Marik could mess up dat midriff if he wanted to."
"Unlike you," Tea muttered.
"'Ey!" Joey shot her an angry look. Tristan smirked with his lips pursed around his mouth-full, pouring himself some water in another glass.
"Nothing wrong with a healthy appetite," Pegasus said in a mellow tone, his eyes closed thoughtfully.
"Indeed," Yami said.
Yugi cocked his head to inspect Yami's pheasant. "Can I try some of that?" he asked quietly. Yami willingly turned his plate to grant better access, and Yugi took a fork full of loose meat, "Thanks."
Tea couldn't help but smile as she watched. She loved getting to see the bond those two shared, even if subtly so. She went back to her own meal, continuing to watch them side by side.
Ryou gave a tiny burp and covered his mouth, "Excuse me, I'm sorry." Serenity giggled and scooped the berries from the bottom of her parfait glass. She looked over to Mai who smiled back at her, amused. Ryou smiled shyly then looked across at his yami who'd raised an eyebrow at him as he cut a larger chunk of meat off and slid it into his mouth. He raised his head and sighed as he chewed the juicy entrée, turning to look down the table at Kaiba. The CEO still hadn't touched his plate. Bakura swallowed and leaned forward to get a better look at Mokuba, who'd found the marshmallows.
"That boy's going to be running around like a mad thing all night," the Spirit said with a smirk. Kaiba gave Bakura a look but said nothing. Duke turned his attention to Mokuba as well.
"Covered some ground there, have you kiddo?" Mai asked.
"Yeah, and I'm way ahead of my big brother," Mokuba pointed his fork at Seto's plate. "He hasn't even touched his food yet."
"He doesn't know what he's missing," Marik finally piped up, taking some olives from the dish. Bakura looked down at Marik's pasta and frowned. He leaned down for a better look. "…Marik."
"What? You want some?"
"No..." Bakura said with an unfinished tone.
Marik shrugged and took another bite, "You don't know what you're missing either." He stuck his fork into something and bit into it, taking the end and pulling it off as he did. Bakura's eyes widened and he looked around the table to see if anyone else was seeing what he was seeing. Yugi was frowning curiously at Marik's plate, but no one else seemed to notice. Bakura looked back at Marik's plate and watched at the blonde stuck his fork into a chunk of chicken, twirled it up with some noodles, then ate it. Bakura raised his eyebrows, watching as Marik then grabbed another sauce-smothered shrimp and tugged the tail off as he eagerly gobbled the meat.
"Marik, you do realize that you're eating-"
"Uh uh," Marik shook his head matter-of-factly, keeping his eyes forward as he ate more bread.
"But Marik, that has-"
"Uh uh!," Marik shook his head stubbornly and finished his wine again, looking everywhere but at Bakura.
The Spirit smirked and passed an amused glance across to his hikari, who was now frowning in his own puzzlement; fork paused halfway to his mouth.
"You sure about that?" Bakura asked, turning back to his comrade.
"Mm hmm," Marik nodded, chewing more bread before turning to look Bakura dead in the eye and daring him to take it any further. Bakura grinned in his attempt not to laugh, and simply nodded. "Alright then." He cut more off his meat, still grinning to himself. He then turned to the other side, noticing Joey's brisket remained unscathed. Joey leaned over Tristan's plate to get at another glass as Tristan poured more wine.
"Here, mix it with dis," Joey was saying, as Bakura moved his knife over and claimed a brisket for himself, moving it onto his own plate. Ryou caught him and widened his eyes accusingly, but Bakura just frowned at him as if to say "what's he going to do about it?" He then smacked Marik's hand as the Egyptian tried to make away with one of his stuffed mushrooms. Ryou gave him a reprimanding look but went back to his own meal. Yami, who'd also seen the thief at work, just rolled his eyes and shook his head at Joey's carelessness. Yugi was frowning at the growing line of glasses Tristan had arranged in front of himself, each filled with a different beverage. There were at least five of them already; he couldn't tell where Tristan's ended and Joey and Tea's began. No wait, Tea was holding her glass, so those two on the far side must be Joey's. That means five were definitely Tristan's and possibly a sixth was soon to come. He sighed and made a slight surrender gesture with his hands. It couldn't be helped.
He decided to just enjoy his pizza rolls. They weren't any kind he'd had before, much too fancy. But they were very good. He started another and looked up at Tea.
"Is that any good?" he asked in a subtle voice. She smiled and nodded, "Never had anything like it." She smiled at Yugi, her eyes darting to Pegasus as the host turned and smiled at her. She simply lowered her eyes and continued her meal as best she could, despite his gaze and the obnoxiousness at her other side. Yami kept his eye on Pegasus as he ate his pheasant. At the end of the table, Kaiba's eyes were still locked on Pegasus, clearly also waiting for an explanation of this gathering. He continued to ignore his little brother's actions as Mokuba began to pile excess food onto Kaiba's plate. "Here you go, Seto. Have some of this, it's good."
Mai smirked to herself as she looked at Kaiba, then at Marik. "Well, we just have a whole variety of appetites, don't we?" She looked across at Mako, who looked around as if he hadn't noticed anything odd from anyone.
Rex belched loudly, "I'll say." Weevil cackled at this. Mai scowled at Rex and Mako shook his head.
"Sheesh," the fisherman muttered.
Marik finished yet another glass of blush wine before sighing contentedly and sitting back in his chair. Mai and Bakura both turned to him; his plate had been wiped clean of all sauce.
"Finally had enough, have you?" Bakura asked. Marik closed his eyes and nodded, licking his lips.
"Here ya go, hun," Mai offered him a cloth napkin.
"Thank you," Marik said quietly.
"This is good too. And you'll want some of this. All the food groups are important, right Seto? Except vegetables. You don't have to have any of those. I didn't want any, they're gross." Mokuba said.
"You'll change your mind when you get older," Mai said.
"Fat chance," Mokuba said. "I'm never touching vegetables. Seto lets me have only good things to eat."
"Vegetables can be good too, Mokuba," Serenity said, "There's lot's of different kinds. Many of them are quite tasty."
Duke nodded agreement, helping himself to some at that very moment.
"Heh," Rex sneered. "Greens are gross. The kid's got a good thing going."
Marik rolled his head from one side to the other, fidgeting slightly and running his hands over the tops of his thighs. He turned to see Bakura looking at him. He smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "How's your beer?"
Bakura glanced at the half-empty glass then back to Marik, "Fine."
Marik nodded and stretched ever so slightly under the table.
"You want beer?" Bakura asked.
Marik shook his head, "I'm good." He looked across to Ryou and smiled happily at him. Ryou perked up and smiled back, though he wasn't sure what they were smiling about.
"I bet," the thief said. "How much wine have you had?"
"I can handle wine, Bakura," Marik said softly.
"Mm hmm."
Yugi looked idly from one person to the next, turning again to Pegasus who was picking lightly at his own cob salad and dabbing at his mouth with a napkin every other bite.
"Okay, okay, I think you guys have had quite enough fun with all that," Tea said, moving the pitchers and wine bottles away from Tristan and Joey.
"Aw, come on," Tristan whined.
"Party-pooper," Joey said at the same time.
"Looks like Mokuba's not the only one who's going to be razzled all night," Duke said. Serenity turned to him.
"What's 'razzled'?"
He winked at her, "It's a Devlin-ism."
Bakura scoffed and rolled his eyes. He held up his beer to take another drink but paused when he saw Marik gazing at him through half-lidded eyes. He turned to look at the blonde directly.
"Can I help you?" Marik only smiled more, not saying anything. Bakura frowned and Marik just turned forward, still smiling to himself. Ryou watched from across the table as the Egyptian sat smugly for a moment before turning back to the thief and leaning in to whisper something in his ear. Bakura scrunched his face uncertainly for a moment, then his eyes widened with disbelief. Marik looked quite satisfied as he sat back in his chair, looking sidelong at the thief. Then he leaned forward and asked Pegasus, "Restroom?"
"Down that hall over there, second door," Pegasus answered without looking up, waving his hand in the given direction.
Marik stood up, pushing his chair in before heading down the hall; Ryou didn't miss the swift glance he passed over his shoulder to Bakura. Looking back at his yami, Ryou noticed the thief seemed rather baffled about something. Bakura took his time finishing the rest of his beer, smacked his lips, then sat stiffly in his chair; strumming his fingers on the table's edge. Ryou cocked his head to the side curiously, but Bakura simply rose, excusing himself quietly, then made his way steadily toward the hall.
"Hey, Weevil, check it out," Rex held up a stick figure-like thing made from sticking narrow pastries together with silverware. He was blunt enough to toothpick two doughnut holes on for breasts.
Weevil giggled wickedly, "That's nothing." He worked on his own, morphing it into a stick figure-like thing posed on all fours. Mai glowered at them as he took two crème puffs and added them to the chest area. Rex hollered with laughter and made his figure stand at the back of Weevil's.
"You got more crème in there?" He pressed down on the figures so hard that one of the doughnut holes popped off, then the crème puffs squeezed filling out right in the front. The two boys howled with laughter and slammed their fists on the table. Mako looked puzzled and cocked his head to see what they were laughing at, while Duke leaned forward to see what the noise was.
Kaiba lost it then, slamming his hands down on the table and rising to his feet.
"Enough of this! Pegasus, I demand you tell us what the hell we're doing here this very minute!"
Mokuba, stunned by his brother's sudden outburst, eased his arm back to his side of the table.
The cackling stopped and all heads turned to their host.
"Why, eating dinner, Kaiba. Of course."
"You know what I mean, you flamboyant sadist!" Kaiba hissed. "Why did you call us here tonight?"
All heads turned back to Pegasus, as the man simply sipped his wine and smiled.
"It's simple really," he said, pausing for effect. Everyone was listening. Pegasus opened his eyes and looked at Kaiba. "To invite you all to play a game."
"Wha-?" Joey asked.
"Not to worry, boys. It's a simple enough game. More than anything, it's a test of how clever you are versus how creative you can be."
"Heh, no problem," Joey sat back in his seat, slurring slightly. "I'm plenty clever and creative."
"Why would I agree to something as stupid as that?" Kaiba demanded.
"What's wrong, Kaiba boy, you can't handle a little fun?" Pegasus teased.
"Don't test me, Pegasus," Kaiba hissed through clenched teeth.
"But that's the whole point of this gathering is to test you. Each of you. I have my assumptions of course, but I've been surprised before."
"What are you talking about?" Tea asked.
"I'm talking about which of you has what it takes to be victorious," Pegasus smiled playfully.
"But what would we have to do?" Yugi asked.
"Very well. Everyone shall be given a card -"
"A duel monsters card?" Joey asked. Everyone shushed him. "Sorry, jeez."
"Everyone shall be given a single card with instructions on it," Pegasus said. "Follow the instructions correctly, and you shall prevail."
"Ha!" Rex barked. "Piece of cake!"
"Hold on, there's gotta be some catch to this," Mai said.
"What sort of instructions?" Yami asked.
"That's where your cleverness and creativity are put to the test, Pharaoh boy," Pegasus chuckled.
"I don't understand," Serenity said. Ryou nodded in agreement.
"Oh you'll be given plenty of time to see what I mean, my dear. Plenty of time, not to worry."
"This is stupid," Kaiba stood up straight. "I'm not sticking around for this. Come on, Mokuba, we're getting out of here."
"Poor Kaiba boy, always so impatient. I wonder how many other marvelous things you've missed out on in life because of your anxious skepticism."
"I am not anxious," Kaiba said.
"Not even a little curious? I can promise you the reward for passing this test is something you'll value greatly," Pegasus laughed to himself. "Indeed, I think you'll find you won't be able to live without it."
"I doubt that."
"Do you?" Pegasus's hair parted enough for the light to glint over his Millennium Eye.
There was a pause where no one said anything. Hardly anyone even moved. Pegasus had promised such things before, and his proclamation of the "prize" worth had been accurate back then too. This didn't help to settle nerves around the table.
"So these instructions," Yami said finally, "They are like riddles?"
"Think of them more as … puzzles. You like puzzles, don't you, Pharaoh?" Yami narrowed his eyes at him. "By this I mean the pieces will come together as the game goes on."
"And what is the game?" Yugi asked.
"Mmm," Pegasus grinned. "That's the best part of all. But more on that tomorrow. I'd say it's a perfect time for everyone to get some sleep. You'll all want to be good and rested before the fun starts."
"What about the cards?" Duke asked.
"They'll be given to you first thing in the morning. Each card is different so you'll want to be very thoughtful before you share it with anyone."
Everyone made their hesitant way out of their seats as though unsure how to proceed. Kaiba stood still, staring at Pegasus. The host waved his hand politely.
"Until tomorrow then, friends. Pleasant dreams to you all. Enjoy your stay." With that, he left them.
Kaiba sighed and turned to Mokuba. The younger Kaiba looked forlornly at the full plate he'd made for his brother that hadn't even been touched. He looked up at his brother, the chocolate around his mouth just making him look more like a pathetic child. Kaiba relaxed and gave in, taking his fork and scooping a big bite off the top, giving his little brother a quick wink while no one was looking. Mokuba smiled at him.
"Coming, Aibou?" Yami said.
"Huh? Yeah, sure. In a minute," Yugi said.
Yami nodded and made his way to the room he'd be sharing with his hikari.
"I ain't worried," Joey said, a little too loudly. "There's nothin' Joey Wheeler can't do."
He and Tristan began to holler premature victory while Tea coaxed them (wobbling) toward their room, rolling her eyes.
"I'm not even sure what we're suppose to do," Serenity said.
"It'll be fine, he's gonna explain everything tomorrow," said Duke.
Ryou sighed as he pushed his chair in, muttering to himself, "Leave it to Bakura to take off right as we get information."
"What 'information' did you hear?" Mako asked curiously. Ryou nodded agreement; they hadn't been given much of an explanation at all.
Yugi lingered behind as Rex and Weevil continued toying with the sweets, spilling crumbs and filling over the carpet as they went, laughing rambunctiously.
Yugi put his hands in his pockets and looked at the rug as he walked by. He had an odd feeling about all of this. But he knew he wasn't the only one… Could Pegasus really just be playing some kind of game? He didn't make it sound as glamorous as he had when Duelist Kingdom began. And what in the world were they going to be doing without trading cards? 'Well,' Yugi thought to himself, 'He didn't actually say we wouldn't be dueling. But he didn't say we would either.' Maybe it was all the not-knowing that was getting to him. That and the supper had made him awfully drowsy.
Yugi stopped walking as he heard a sudden thump. He raised his head looking around. There was a small vocal sound, almost like a yelp. Yugi looked but didn't see anyone. Then there was another small thump and a dragging sound. A quiet clatter. Yugi frowned. It was coming from behind a closed door in the hall but - wasn't that a closet door? He moved closer and held out his hand to grab the doorknob, freezing as he heard whispers.
He listened. Yes, hushed whispers… and heavy breathing. Yugi withdrew his hand, uncertainly. He took a hesitant step closer, then another, turning his head close to the door.
There was definitely quieted movement happening in there. And it sounded like, Yugi swallowed... moaning.
He thought in the back of his mind that he should just walk away but he was glued to the spot. He heard a low grunt, and another higher groan. There was some kind of thumping sound and Yugi wiped his palms on his pant legs. There was another yelp which was quickly muffled and followed by a shushing sound.
"Do you want the whole house to hear?" a gruff voice said breathlessly. Yugi's eyes widened. Was that Bakura?
Another moan and heavier breathing. "Ba-kura…"
And was that Marik? Yugi's mouth fell open and he stared at the door, stunned. He second guessed himself. The noises were awfully muffled, maybe they weren't doing what it sounded like.
"Oh gods, harder- do it harder! Ugh!" There was more panting from both voices and Marik began to whimper. "Hah! Yes… yes!"
'Then again,' Yugi's face suddenly felt flushed.
"Yugi?"
Yugi gasped loudly and spun around. Mai had passed him and was looking at him curiously.
"What are you doing?"
"Nothing!" Yugi said quickly in a hushed voice, hurrying away from the closet door.
He walked by her and looked back as she walked with him.
"Weird night, huh?" Yugi said, a little flustered.
"You're not kidding," Mai agreed. "That was some of the most useless information I've ever been given. And that's saying something."
"Well, I don't know if it was entirely useless. But it was too vague to do a whole lot with."
"It almost doesn't seem like Pegasus to avoid making a big show of things like that, does it?" Mai asked. "I mean, the feast was certainly a show, but when have you ever known that man to skimp on any chance to flash his glamour?"
Yugi's eyes widened as his mind went uncontrollably to somewhere he didn't want it to. He shook his head; stupid closet. "Uhh… Maybe he's saving the big show for tomorrow?" he suggested.
Mai didn't answer, just looked at him.
"You know, like, maybe he wants to test our cleverness and creativity by shocking us into something then seeing how well we can do after… that, I don't know." It had made more sense in his head.
Mai smiled at the boy's evident fatigue, "Well, whatever he's planning, I'm sure you and I will come out of it no problem." She winked at him, stopping at a door.
"Yeah, I'm sure you're right."
"Get some rest Yugi, we need to be sharp for tomorrow."
"Okay, you too. Goodnight, Mai." She smiled at him and entered her room. Yugi made his way to his and Yami's room. He didn't expect many people were sharing a room tonight, but he and Yami both agreed they'd rather stay close by each other while in Pegasus's hospitality.
"Are you alright, Yugi?" Yami asked. He was half dressed, putting on his night shirt.
"Yeah, fine. I think I'm just worn out," Yugi rubbed at his eyes.
"It's been a long day," the Pharaoh agreed.
Yugi was quiet as he changed into his own pajamas, debating what to do with his Millennium Puzzle, and deciding to wear it to bed.
"Does any of this seem weird to you?" he asked.
"All of this seems weird to me, Yugi," Yami admitted, turning down the crisp covers. They both slid into bed and got settled. "But then I expect nothing less from Pegasus."
"That's true," Yugi mumbled, holding his puzzle protectively. They lay quietly for a few moments.
"I've never had Pheasant before," Yugi said thoughtfully. "It was good."
"I use to eat it, or some kind of relative, in my old palace."
Yugi smiled. "I like that. The thought of you with your own palace," his voice became drowsier and Yami turned to him. "I think you'd make an excellent ruler."
Yami gave a small smile and smoothed back his hikari's bangs. "Sleep now, Yugi."
"Goodnight… my Pharaoh," Yugi whispered.
"Goodnight, Aibou." Yami lay quietly, watching as Yugi quickly succumbed to his fatigue. He carefully reached down and interlaced their fingers before closing his own eyes and doing the same.
...
In his master suite, Pegasus sat up in bed, wrapped snuggly in his night robe, a mountain of fluffed pillows at his back, smiling down at his book, "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell. The candle light glimmered over his Millennium Eye. Oh, tomorrow would begin a Most Fabulous Game. Pegasus chuckled inwardly and turned the page.
…
AN: Just for the record, I had WAY too much fun writing that dinner scene XD I was up to all hours last night, literally laughing to myself as I did it, and Yen kept looking up from her book laughing at me as well.
It was inspired a long time ago by a trip to Olive Garden I took where all the other dinner guests were ignoring me so i enjoyed my chicken and shrimp carbonara with blush wine. I've never felt so euphoric in all my life as I did with all that heavenly taste in my mouth. (No I didn't have passionate hunger sex with Bakura afterward. Haha, I wish!) XD
And Tristan's glass arrangement is based off the one Thanksgiving I spent at my best friend's house. She, her bf and i were all over 21 but we were still the "kids" of the group so we had the corner of the table to ourselves. The more drinks were offered to me, the more glasses and cans I ended up with so I arranged them around my plate from shortest to tallest and took turns drinking them between food helpings. We were laughing about it all through dinner, and my friend's grandparents kept looking curiously at me wondering what I was doing with so many beverages XD Haha! I love it.