Yugi stood beside the examination bed where Yami sat silently. The former Pharaoh detested going to the doctor, Yugi and Yami often argued about the subject when Yami would show signs of illness. In the end, Yugi would get his way after going to his friend close to tears and asking him to go.
"Please, if you won't do it for yourself," the teen would plead. "then for me and Grandpa. We love you and want you to feel better."
Yami felt a hand on his own and turned to his friend.
"I know you don't want to be here, but I'm glad you came. You'll be feeling better soon."Yugi assured him. Yami didn't reply, the sharp pains in his throat were too much for him. "
Solomon watched as his grandson kissed Yami's forehead gently, it was easy for those around the pair to see how much they cared for each other. Solomon had opened his home to Yami immediately after they returned from Egypt. It hadn't taken long for Atem to become part of their family.
"The doctor should be back soon and then we'll take you home and get you back to bed, Yami. Just be patient a little longer." The old man added. Yugi's heart was breaking, Yami's eyes were no longer shone with confidence, they now held a look of unhappiness and pain.
When at last the door opened and the doctor returned, Yami turned his attention to the man.
"Yami," The doctor lowered himself onto his chair. "You've been to see me quite a lot in just a short amount of time for your throat. You have a bit of a fever, and there's some tenderness when I was examining you. The good news is that it's not really serious. But I do want to make a suggestion."
"What is it?" Solomon asked, though he was sure he knew the answer.
"Well Mr. Muto, The trouble's the same as the last several times, his tonsils. We've tried antibiotics and nothing seems to work long. I suggest Yami gets his tonsils taken out. It'll be better for him if-"
"No." Yami said softly, doing his best to ignore the pain.
"You have to, if the doctor thinks it's the best thing for you." Solomon said sternly, earning a sharp glare from the ill teen.
"It's a simple operation and you'll likely be home the very same day. An operation is the best thing for you."
"No." Yami repeated more forcefully.
"Yami, I don't like it anymore than you do, but you have to, you'll feel so much better." Yugi gave Yami's hand a comforting squeeze.
"I don't like it when you don't feel good," the young duelist continued. "And I'll do everything I can to make you feel better, but you have to do the same."
"I'm not going to-"
"I'm sorry Yami, but whether you like it or not, I'm afraid we'll have to take the doctor's advice." Solomon said. "I told you before that you are as good as my own grandson to me and I would do the same with Yugi. That's my final word." The knowledge that both Solomon and Yugi were doing this for his own good was outweighed by his dislike for the fact that what he wanted didn't seem to matter.
"Is there anything else that can be done?" Yami asked.
"The medication isn't helping you, and you shouldn't let it go untreated. There can be complications." Instantly, Yugi turned to the doctor.
"Complications, like what?" The doctor sighed.
"You can develop breathing problems, the infection can spread, it can form an abscess that will need to be drained. This particular strain can cause Rheumatic Fever and it can get into your blood stream, effect your kidneys." Yugi's heart dropped.
"All that from tonsils?" He asked.
"From the untreated infection, yes. Right now, that can be avoided."
"How would we go about setting up an appointment?"
"We'll get you all the paperwork before you leave, the receptionist can walk you through it."
"Thank you Doctor." Solomon shook the taller man's hand and soon, Yami found himself seated in the waiting room next to Yugi, the two boys watched Solomon talking to the dark haired woman at the front desk.
"Doesn't any of this scare you?" Yugi sniffled.
"No." Yami answered truthfully.
"I don't want to lose you."
"You won't, the appointment is being made, I have no say in this." Yami winced in pain.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes." the former Pharaoh answered. "I'd just like to go home and rest." Yugi rested his head on his friend's arm. They sat silently until Solomon returned to them.
"Alright my boys, we can go now." He said, the teens stood up and followed him outside.
"So what did they say, Grandpa?" Yugi kept a hold of Yami's arm.
"Maybe that's best left for when we get home and get him to bed. He'll need his rest."Atem, sensing Yugi's pain, wrapped an arm around him.
"Everything will be alright." he promised. Yugi wished he could be that confident, it would be a long night ahead of them.