Yugi sat down on the edge of the bed with a concerned look. Yami was pale and listless, something Yugi wasn't used to when it came to the former pharaoh. The young duelist placed a hand on Yami's forehead and sighed.

"You have a high fever. How do you feel?"Yugi's concern was audible. Yami didn't reply, he simply closed his eyes. His entire body ached. The heat from his fever only added to the discomfort. He moaned softly at the churning and pain in his abdomen.

"Hey, do you want me to stay home today,you look really-"

"No. I can manage, Your grandfather needs you to help him-"

"He'll understand."Yugi insisted not wanting to leave Yami in his current condition.

"That's not necessary It's not as if-"

"I know, it's just that you're important to me and...I want to take care of you. I don't like to see you sick like this."Yugi took his hand, stroking it lovingly with his thumb. "If he needs some help, maybe I can ask Joey or Tristan if they can stop by and help him for the day. I should be here with you today."He insisted, before Yami could reply a soft knock at the door caught their attention.

Solomon stood in the doorway, a look of concern in his eyes.

"Are you two alright?" He asked moving closer to the bed.

"Yami's sick. He's got a fever." Yugi informed the man before Yami could reply.

"Is that so, you do look pale, how are you feeling?" he asked kindly, gently pressing a hand to Yami's head.

'you have quite a fever."'

"I'm-"

"Yami, it's alright, everyone gets sick at some point in their lives. When that happens, it's okay to say so. Tell me what's wrong."

"everything hurts, I feel as if I'm going to be sick."

"I see, it sounds like you might have the stomach flu, I think it's best for you to stay in bed and rest until that fever comes down. If it's not down by tomorrow, I'll take you to see the doctor. Yugi, you should stay with him today, He'll need to be looked after, I can manage at the shop today."

"Really, I'm-"

"The matter has been settled, I won't hear another word about it. Rest is the best thing for you right now."Yami sighed, there was no point in arguing.

"I need to be going now, if you boys need anything, call me and I'll come home. I'll see you both tonight."

"Bye Grandpa, don't worry, we'll be fine." Yugi and Yami watched the man leave.

"Do you need anything, do you want some toast?"Yami shook his head.

"I don't think I can take anything at the moment. If I need it, I can get it myself, you don't have to concern yourself."

"I want to take care of you. You're the reason I have my Grandpa, it's the least I can do." Yugi said with a reassuring smile.

"And you were kind enough to have me stay here, to treat me like family. I'd go so far as to say that-"

"I love you, you know that. I want to do this, you're not a burden to me. When you love someone, you make sure they get what they need. You need rest and you've more than earned the right to. You don't have to be so strong all the time." Yami seemed to think it over silently, gazing into Yugi's eyes and finding sincerity and love reflected in them, he settled himself back against the pillows.

"Alright Yugi, I'll try." His temperature was getting to him and his vision was beginning to blur. Yami closed his eyes.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"It's too warm in here." Yugi frowned.

"It's your fever, Do you feel good enough for me to leave the room for a few minutes?" Yami nodded and felt Yugi stand up.

"I'll be right back, just lie still and try to relax."

who can rest with this level of discomfort? Yami thought to himself as Yugi exited the room. The ill boy couldn't stand to be under the cover any longer and kicked it off. He was snapped back into awareness by the nausea and soon found himself in the bathroom with mere seconds to spare, unaware that Yugi had been on his way back.

The sound of retching reached Yugi's ears, He hated it when Yami wasn't well. Yugi carried a tray into the bedroom, on it was a bowl of water, a pitcher and several cloths. He placed the items on the bedside table and walked to the bathroom door. It was silent now.

"Hey, are you alright?"He called.

"I-I'm fine, I'll be out shortly. I just need-" The voice was weak and strained.

"did you finish?"

"Yes."

"Yami-" Yugi placed his hand on the doorknob. "Are you away from the door?"

"You don't need to come in here, just give me some time."Yugi was already entering. His heart broke at the sight of Yami sitting on the floor, leaning his head against the cool tiled wall, his arms wrapped around his stomach. Yugi knelt down next to him.

"Oh Yami, you must feel really sick. Do you think you can get back to bed?"

"Not yet, I-I'm not sure I can stand." Yugi moved to the sink, taking one of the wash cloths from the counter and ran it under cool water, squeezing out the extra and returning to Yami.

"Lie back, we'll go back when you're ready." Yugi said sitting down next to him and pulling him down to rest Yami's head on his lap. He put the cloth on Yami's forehead

Yami relaxed as the cool object touched his heated skin.

"That's better isn't it, it's a good thing I didn't go with Grandpa today. Just let me know when you're ready to get up, but don't push yourself,I'll sit here as long as you need me to." Yami shifted uncomfortably, the action didn't go unnoticed.

"What's wrong?"

"It's nothing, it'll pass."

"Is it your stomach, you could've pulled a muscle when you got sick. You should talk to me about this so I know how to help you."Yugi encouraged.

"Moving hurts, breathing in , everything hurts." Yugi reached out, covering his friend's hand with his own.

"When we get you back to bed, I'll bring you the heating pad." After resting a while longer, Yugi and Yami attempted to get back to their room, resulting in Yaami leaning on Yugi for support, trying to ignore the intensifying pain as they walked.

"I'm sorry Love, I know it hurts. We're almost there."Yugi said sympathetically. After what felt like an eternity to Yami, they managed to get him back in bed.

"I'll be right back, try not to move around too much. After I get the heating pad, I'll call grandpa and see if we can-"

"It can wait until he comes home" the ill boy insisted. Yugi nodded, not wanting to make the situation worse. "Don't worry about anything, I'll take good care of you."

"I know you will, I'm just sorry you have to."

"Don't be. I love you Yami."Yugi leaned down to kiss him only to have Yami place a hand on his chest.

"I love you too Yugi. I don't want to make you sick." Yugi smiled, taking hold of his hand and pressing his lips to Yami's.

"I'm not worried about it and I don't want you to be either. Rest now," He said before setting about the task of finding the required object, he felt bad for Yami, this would be a difficult experience for both of them.