Yugi couldn't believe it. Six months had passed since he had said what was supposed to be his last goodbye to the one who had taught him so much. And now, he was back?! Well, going to Egypt for free is pretty cool, he thought. And if it turns out he is back, I'll see it for myself.

With that, Yugi thought back over the last few months. He had been so depressed that he had only left the house when absolutely necessary. He even stopped helping the customers at the shop. He would still help with inventory and finances, he just couldn't stand people asking him about Duel Monsters anymore. Everyone had tried to help, even Seto Kaiba. Although, Tristan and Serenity hadn't been much help, getting together (finally Joey let that one happen, Yugi thought), but breaking up mysteriously a couple months later. They still ignored each other completely when forced to be in the same room.

Then there were the other weird things that kept happening. Joey got sick, and ended up in the hospital, with Seto Freaking Kaiba taking care of him. Kaiba barely let anyone but the nerd herd into Joey's room. That and occasionally one of Joey's parents. They never came in together, since they couldn't be trusted to not fight, and Joey just couldn't deal with that right now. Joey and Kaiba had never given any indication that they liked each other, but damn if they weren't good for each other. Kaiba seemed way more relaxed when he was with Joey, and Joey's habit of speaking in street slang was slowly disappearing with his temper. Still can't believe Kaiba is the one who tamed the wild animal that is Joey Wheeler. Yugi thought, amused. Joey was the only one who had still managed to make him smile all this time.

Now Tea was moving to freaking New York City, of all places. It was great for her, getting into her dream dance school and all, but Yugi couldn't help but be a little put out by her leaving so soon. Oh well, she had been in love with Yami after all. Not like I stood a chance with him around, or after he left… Why is it that doesn't bother me so much anymore? The only thing I can seem to think about for long is him. His face, manners, all of it. He was such a huge part of me for so long, and now he's gone. Yugi found himself wondering why the thought of never seeing his "Mou Hitori No Boku" (other me) again bothered him so damn badly. It was almost like he was in love with him or something!

Unlike a certain spiky-haired 19-year-old shorty, all of his friends had moved on in some way. He knew they all missed Yami, but none of them understood his all-consuming sadness. Well, Ryou did to an extent. It seemed that he sort of missed his darker half as well. Strange that Ryou would miss that guy, but I can't blame him. It's lonely without them. Yugi pulled out his iPod, hoping to drown out his thoughts on his way to the airport. Mom will make sure the Game Shop is okay while I'm gone. She hates it, but loves Grandpa for everything he's done over the years. Losing Dad like that was hard… I'm just glad Grandpa was there to take us in back then. At 8 years old, Yugi's father had just suddenly left, leaving his mother to raise Yugi on her own… Not an easy task. Yugi had been a bit of a handful back then. Grandpa Mutou had graciously taken in his son's ex-wife and child, so that they were not left to freeze on the streets. Grandpa had found the sweet innocent, child locked inside Yugi and nurtured it, creating the young man that his friends knew.

Turning on his iPod, Yugi decided to let it randomly pick a song. Suddenly, "Taking Over Me" filled his ears.

You don't remember me, but I remember you

I lie awake and try so hard not to think of you

But who can decide what they dream, and dream I do

I believe in you, I'll give up everything just to find you

I have to be with you, to live, to breathe, you're taking over me

This song says it all, Yugi thought sadly. Everything I felt, no feel.

Have you forgotten all I know, and all we had?

You saw me mourning my love for you, and touched my hand

I knew you loved me then

I believe in you, I'll give up everything just to find you

I have to be with you, to live, to breathe, you're taking over me

I look in the mirror and see your face, if I look deep enough

So many things inside that are just like you are taking over

I believe in you, I'll give up everything just to find you

I have to be with you, to live, to breathe, you're taking over me

(Taking over me), You're taking over me (Taking over me)

You're taking over me

Ugh, well, it can't get much worse than that song. Man I miss him. Wish I could have joined him, or he could have stayed here. That would have been nice. Even if we didn't share a body anymore, I know him inside and out. He's just a stronger, more confident me.

The rest of the trip went well, and before he knew it, Yugi was descending into the Land of the Pharaohs. Suddenly, he wished Ryou was there. It would be nice to have someone there who understood the sudden emptiness in his mind the past few months. Sighing, he stepped off the plane, a KaibaCorp jet of course, and spotted Malik, Odion, and Ishizu easily. They greeted him and took him to their car waiting out front. Sensing his reluctance to speak, no Ishtar spoke during the ride to their home.

Yami paced impatiently at the Ishtar residence. He simply wanted to hold his Aibou. It had already been a week, since his return and Yugi had not seemed to want to come at first. Malik had forbidden Yami to speak to Yugi until he arrived, meaning Yami had not even heard his little one's voice since leaving. Has it really been SIX MONTHS here? He thought to himself. It is hard to believe I was gone that long. It seemed only a few hours to me. Sadly, he remembered almost nothing about the afterlife, and had no idea how he had come to return to the modern world in his own body. Although, if he cared to admit it, he didn't really care how it happened. It was, and it would be a wonderful thing to see the shy, sweet smile of his beloved Hikari. Did I just think of him like that? I honestly miss him so. That little smile when he is lost in thought, those beautiful full lips… WHAT?! Am I thinking this for real? He must be out of his mind. He wasn't gay, but yet the only one in this world who had ever enticed him was Yugi. He knew that Yugi had had feelings for Tea for several years now, and was likely with her now that Yami had crossed over.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Yami cautiously looked around the corner into the entryway of the apartment. There he was! Little Yugi was here at last. Something isn't right though. Why isn't he laughing and smiling? Why does he look so lost and sad? Did I do that by leaving him here?

Then Yugi looked up, as if feeling the former Pharaoh's stare. Eyes widening in shock and recognition, Yugi seemed unable to form a single coherent word, merely mumbling something unintelligible. Then, "Yami? Is th-that y-you?"

"Yes, Aibou. I'm back with you again." Yami said gently.

Suddenly, Yugi looked enraged. Hatred and pain filled his big violet eyes as they brimmed with tears. "How could you! You left me without even saying a proper goodbye! And now you dare come back like nothing happened?! I suppose you expect me to act as if it's alright now because my protector is back!" He practically spat out the word protector, such venom was in the young man's voice. He was panting a little from his outburst, crying freely as he was unable to hold back the pain that had overtaken him these past months. He dropped to his knees as if the weight of the world suddenly dropped on his shoulders and sobbed. Yami had no idea what to do. He quietly stepped over to Yugi and said softly, "I'm sorry, little one. I'm sorry for leaving so quickly, but the pain I saw in your eyes then nearly overwhelmed me. I thought if I left quickly, then you would be able to heal. I was foolish and selfish. I realize now that all I want is to be by your side, however you will let me." SMACK!

All eyes popped wide open, as Yami's jaw dropped. A bright red mark had already formed on his cheek where his Aibou had smacked him. The pain barely registered physically. All Yami could think was that his Aibou was crying, and so was he. It hurt, oh Ra, it hurt. The pain in his chest, the ache that would not stop until Yugi forgave him. The very thought of Yugi hating him made him cry even harder. Yugi was simply staring at him. "Mou Hitori No Boku? Why? Why did you come back at all?" It was all barely a whisper, but it might as well have been shouted for Yami's reaction. Flinching, Yami pulled back, afraid to hurt his beloved anymore. Yugi had been his only friend for a long time, and then, even after he had been introduced to Tea, Tristan, and Joey, they had remained closer friends than any other pair. Now, it seemed gone forever.

The Ishtars had never moved or made a sound. Malik seemed the most upset by this entire turn of events. Of the three Hikaris, Malik was the only one who had not missed his dark half once gone. Ryou had admitted that it was very lonely now for him, and Yugi had been obviously shattered by the loss of his other half. Malik wasn't sure what to think. He had thought Yugi would immediately go back to more of his old self, but that didn't seem to be the case at all. Just what was going on it the smaller one's head?

I want to hold him, let him hold me, but I can't. Why can't I just let us be together? I've wanted this for so long now. Even before he left, I loved him. I loved him more than Tea, more than anyone. I would have easily given my life if it meant that he would live. I did it once! With the Orichalcos thing. It was going to take him, but I pushed him out of the way and took his place. Why can't I just reach over and wipe the tears off his face? Wait. Yami's crying?! I made him cry, I never thought he could seem this vulnerable. I definitely never thought he would cry over me. Yugi's mind was racing. Ra, I can't stand it anymore! Stop crying, Yami! Gods, it hurts to see you cry! Why won't you stop? Can't you hear me?

Suddenly, Yami seemed you hear Yugi's thoughts. Oh, Aibou, I wish I could tell you the pain I feel seeing you so sad. He thought. I must stop this weakness. It must be painful for him to see me cry. Just STOP already! With a heavy sigh, he wiped the last of his tears and stood. Yugi was suddenly wrapped around his waist, knocking the taller one off balance. "I"msosorryI'msosorryI'msosorryI'msosorry! Pleasedon'tleavemeagain! Ican'ttakeitifyougoawayagain!" It was so rushed that Yami couldn't understand any of the words, but he knew what his beloved Aibou was asking. "I forgive you, Aibou. I honestly can't blame you for being angry with me. I would never choose to leave you willingly again." At that, they both relaxed and simply held each other. Finding their other halves again was the most beautiful feeling in the world. All was right with the universe again. The gods were smiling on them again! Oh, Ra, how good Yugi felt in his arms!

A small cough brought the two back to reality. They stumbled apart, blushing madly, and looked sheepishly at the three who had brought them back together. "Thank you, all of you." Yugi said softly, the light seeming to come back in his eyes. "Yes, I agree." Yami breathed. It was a wonderful feeling to see his little one smile like that. And at him! "Yugi, you must be tired after that long plane ride. Why don't we show you where you can sleep for the night?" Malik said softly. "Is it with Yami? I just… want to be close to him right now…" The blush rose in his cheeks until his face was the color of a ripe tomato. "Of course, Yugi." Ishizu said kindly. This received the biggest smile Yami had ever seen Yugi give. Yami smiled too, glad that Yugi wanted to be close to him. It was all Yami could seem to think about anymore.

"Let's go, Aibou. I'll show you where I've been sleeping the past few days." Yugi quickly grabbed Yami's hand and followed him to the spare room in the back of the apartment. The bed was small, a twin, but both boys fit comfortably enough, the taller cradling the other in his arms, basking in the feeling of actually holding Yugi for the first time. Yugi's even breathing told Yami he was asleep, and soon, Yami was too, bathed in the scent and feel of his beloved partner and light.