Hello everyone ^-^/

Here we are with Chapter 2! I'm so happy to write again after my vacation. And I decided to try and upload in a 2-week-rhythem. I hope you don't mind, but I want to give me some time to rewrite the chapters and also finish the draft of this story. To prevent prevent logical mistakes I sometimes read the whole fic again – and this takes it's time too ^-^"

I'd like to thank you for stopping by and reading this fic, and also for the nice reviews you gave me, especially Werezoroark. I'd really liked your review! ^-^

This Chapter has a slightly Emo-Yami inside it, but it fits his character in this fic. If you don't like it, well… I belive this won't be a story for you ^^'

Have fun reading! ^-^

Chapter 2 - A broken Man

In front of us the apartment blocks slowly came to sight as we walked together to my home. Along the street stood a few trees and a lonely lantern which gave some light. Normally you could see the small park in between those 4 apartment houses but it was covered with snow. The houses were quite huge – I had my flat on the tenth floor, and they had 15 floors in total. My flat wasn't huge and there were always a lot of noise, but you cannot beat the view and the price.

We walked on the snowy path to the first house and I unlocked the door. "Mind if we took the elevator?", I asked Yami.

"At which floor do you live?"

"My flat is on the tenth floor. But normally I would walk up. Some movement is good when you're sitting at the bureau the whole day."

I got nervous as we came closer to my flat. In my head I went through it just to be sure that it was tidied up. Yesterday I cleaned everything, but I think that my bedroom is still a mess. I hoped Yami would still like it…

On the other hand, I didn't know if he will be with me tomorrow.

As we approached my flat my hand began trembling. But I managed to unlock my door without any shakings or missing the keyhole.

"That's my flat", I introduced Yami as we got in. We took of our jackets and shoes and then I went straight to the kitchen. I put down my bag and began unpacking the groceries I did before. Baya was at my feet and roamed through my kitchen with her nose glued to the floor. Yami looked carefully through the doorframe.

"Do you like hot chocolate?" I asked while I put the things I bought earlier into the fridge.

"What? Of course!" he answered and I got us two cups and started to heat up some milk at the stove. Instant Hot Chocolate with water was delicious, too, but it cannot beat the smooth taste when it's done with milk!

"Come with me, I show you around", I said and he followed me into my living room. "This is where I spend most of my time when I'm home", I explained and Yami was looking curouisly. There was my comfy couch placed in the mid of the room with a direct view to my TV. My entertainment system was standing next to it. Right beside us where a corner with my huge bookshelves full of books and games – I really love to read when I'm not playing any games! I'd like to get lost in a different world, where you can distract yourself from your own mess sometimes…

"You like to play a lot, do you?" Yami asked as he was standing in front of my shelf and looked through my games. Also he took a glance at my desk with my PC on top which stood on the opposite of my bookshelves. Sheepishly I scratched my head.

"Yeah, it is one of my great hobbies. My grandfather owns a game shop in Domino and I usually helped him in my free time."
I saw him tense a little, but it was gone in the same second I realized it. He turned around quick and looked on the other side of the room. There was a dining table with 4 chairs around it, so you could sat down and have a good dinner with some friends or could play games proberly. Next to it was an old rocking chair with some blankets and comfy cushions that was directed to the huge windows that showed to skyline of Tokyo. On the wall behind it where pictures of me and my friends and my grandpa. Right next to it was a huge poster of my favourite game. Yami turned around to me. "Do you still play it?"

With a smirk I nodded. "I do, but not as much as before. I mostly played during schooltime. While I was at the university it first increased and I got the possibility to play at some competiotions, but now I don't have any time to play." I explained while I glanced over to the poster. "I won this at a local tournament here in Tokyo."

Together we looked at the poster. It shows my favourite monster from the game 'Duel Monsters': The Dark Magician. I'd rather not mentioned that I was quite a good gambler – I was even declared the 'King of Games' once, but I gave the title up. My grandfather was indeed proud of me, but he insisted that I should claim a more profitable job. So I started to study and lacked gaming a lot. I missed it, but what should I do?

"How do you know? Did you play too?"

He nodded. "Yes, but I nearly have to sell all of my cards. Needed the money… And Duel Monsters Cards aren't that nutritious."

I had to laugh a little at this and went back to my kitchen. It was a small one with the counters on the one side and a table with two chairs on the other. I looked after the milk and decided that it was now the time for Hot Chocolate! So I poured it into our cups and put the powder inside them. As soon as the sweet scent of warm chocolate reached my nose I sighed in delight. I walked over to the two cups and handed one to Yami. Together we sat down on my small kitchen table.

"So, do you like my place so far?" I asked cautiously. He drank some of the delicious hot choclate and just nodded. His eyes were closed and through the beard I could guess that he was smiling. I couldn't help but smile too as he tried to empty his cup fully as if it was some magic potion and he needed every single drop of it. "If you want I can make you another one" I offered, and all I needed were his beaming eyes to stand up and drew him another cup in.

"Thank you so much Yugi. You cannot imagine how much this means to me" he answered and looked into my eyes as I sat down again. The sadness was nearly gone, there was only gratitude left. But it seemed that there was still something bothering him. Maybe he felt… uncomfortable?

"It's ok Yami. As I said, you seem okay to me. I don't think you will get up at some point and rape me or something like that"

"Well I would be really stupid if I would harm you in any case – who would make me such a good hot chocolate then?"

We both laughed at this. It was a nice thing to hear him laugh. I wondered when someone has heard that rich laugh last time...

Baya entered the kitchen. She was apparently finished with the investigation of my home. Slowly she made her way over to Yami and lay her head on his leg. With big eyes she looked up to him as he began stroking over her head. "Now little girl, what do you need from me?" he asked her. A low wince was heard as she began relaxing.

"Yugi, I don't assume that you have dog food here in your appartment, have you?"

"Uhm, no. As you can see, I apparently have no dog, so I don't need to buy anything... But my neighbour has a dog, maybe she would lend some food to me."

I stood up and Baya was watching me as she might know that I will get something for her. I bent down and began stroking her head. "I will be back soon little girl!"

As I was heading for the front door, Yami called me back. "Yugi? Do you mind if I use your bathroom?" he asked with a shaky voice. I turned around. "Sure you can. If you're lucky I have everything you need twice."

Together we got to my small bathroom. It was really small, but I got a good ventilating system and a bathtub, so I cannot complain. I gave Yami everything he might need: a toothbrush, a comb, a tube of toothpaste, soap, showering supplies and fresh towels. Luckily I'll always had everything in stock. Once it happened that I was late for work and my toothpaste was empty, my shower gel opened itself and spilled everything and my only towel was dirty. After that I decided to have everything twice or even more, because you won't know what might happen one day.

The only thing I have once is my shaver. But this is just because I don't need to shave myself that often. Yami looked at me: "Can I use it?"

"Sure. If you don't mind that I used it already. But the razors must be sharp. I... I don't need to shave that often…" I admitted shyly. He just chuckled and said "Lucky one. You cannot imagine how happy I am to put that thing down!" he said and stroked his beard. He smiled at me. And I cannot deny that I was curious on how Yami would look like without that beard and that messy hair, and without the dirt... I blushed as my imagination got too far and I left rather quickly.

"I-if you need something just call me. But for now I will go over and ask for something for Baya" I said and nearly bumped into the doorframe. I could hear Yamis little laugh as I closed the door.

A heavy breath escaped my mouth as I tried to relax. The Image of a beardless Yami just shot through my head and it distracted me more then it should...

Keep it down Yugi. You gave shelter to this man for this night, but maybe he will leave in the morning and you might never see him again. My heart sank at this thought, but I shook my head just to get rid of these negative thoughts. 'Just wait for the morning...' I told myself and headed again for the front door. I watched out that I grabbed my keys and that Baya won't leave my flat, but she was sitting in front of the bathroom door and waited for her master to get finished.

I walked over to my neighbours flat. I knew that she had a small dog and that she will stay at home for christmas, so maybe I was lucky and she really could give me something.

As she opened the door, I greeted her kindly and tried to explain her my situation. I came up with a story that Yami was a friend of mine and that he stranded in Tokyo due to the weather and that I would give him a sleepover, but that he brought along a dog weren't on my thoughts and that I needed some dogfood. It seemed that my story wasn't that bad because she just excused herself into her flat and as she came back she handed me 5 cans of food. She explained that her mother sent her the dog food as a gift for her dog, but it was the wrong food and that her little dog couldn't eat it anyway, so she won't mind if I took it. There were also some more cans left, so if I needed more I just can come over and ask for more – otherwise would she threw them away anyway. Thankfully I bowed in front of her and wished her a nice evening.

As I came back into my flat Baya watched over to me and wiggled with her tail as I walked to her and ordered her into the kitchen. I searched for a bowl and opened the can of dog food. Baya watched me with eagle eyes but never attempted to jump on me or hastliy went over the bowl. As I placed it down she sniffed at it before she began eating. At first she was careful, but then her hunger won over her mind and the bowl was empty in a minute. She licked to bowl until every piece of food was gone and I took it away to clean it up properly. I also started cleaning the cups and took away the hot chocolate, alongside with the other cans of dogfood. But Baya kept starring at me and even began scratching my leg cautouisly. "What do you need now Baya?" I asked but then it hit me. Of course she needed something to drink as well, so I filled a bowl with water and placed it down. Again she sniffed but then began drinking. I sat down at my chair and watched that scene. It was nice seeing her drinking with her wiggling tail. But Baya needed a bath soon if she wants to stay here...

Again I sighed. I'm already thinking again that Yami might stay here with me. But I just met him and after all he was... still a homeless man. He may have no place to go to, but why am I assuming all the time that he would maybe stay with me? Ok, it was nice having him and Baya around, not to be alone anymore. But I couldn't decide for him...

Baya came over to me and layed her head on my leg just as she did before at Yami. I began stroking her head as I sighed. "I just wish not to be alone anymore..."

I sat there and watched Baya relaxing against my leg. It was nice petting a dog and feeling it's warmth. In the past I always wanted to have a dog, but my grandpa denied it, because he was afraid I would neglect it and it maybe would cause chaos in our small house, or even the game shop. And now I won't have the time or space to keep a dog. So I tried to enjoy the time with Baya as long as I can.

At some time, the bathroom door opened and I could hear Yami calling for me. I stood up and went into the hall to find him standing there.

With nothing more than a towel around his waist.

With no beard.

And no messy hair.

And still a little bit wet from the shower.

I blinked and my mouth fell slightly open. And I hoped that he won't realize that I felt into a stare. My breathing stopped and by the heat in my face I would assume that I must be blushing heavily.

He looked gorgeous. His crimson eyes seemed to burn he looked shyly to me. His lips were broken, but I could imagine their smoothness if they were healed. His cheekbone was visibly after the beard was gone, and you could now easily see that his ebony hair had red tips at the end. He also had blond bangs surrounding his face – now clinging to his skin due to the wetness. He was slightly taller than me and had a slightly tanned skin.

He was indeed a handsome man. But I looked worriedly at his stature. Now you could easily see his ribs under his skin, and his arms were quite thin either. There were also some wounds that weren't healing well and some places were covered with bruises, so as he were hit or something.

I felt sorry for him. And all of my doubts were washed away at his sight. I wouldn't let this man go until his wounds were healed and he would gained some weight. I promised this to myself.

"We nearly have the same height…" He whispered and I just nodded. "Yeah. And you could be my doppelganger. How is it even possible?" I asked without expecting an answer.

He began to shiver and asked for a dryer. I showed him were it was – due to my small bathroom I kept it in my bedroom. He followed me and looked curiously inside it. There was a queen-sized bed with bed-side tables on each side, a dresser in front of the bed along with a little TV. On the other wall was my wardrobe and a big mirror. On the opposite side – the one we were facing currently – was a window that showed a sleeping city with an ocean of lights. It was nice to watch over it when you're drifting to sleep. I stepped over to my dresser and opened a drawer to get out my dryer. As I handed it over to him he was still looking out of the window. "What about your clothes Yami?"

"Hm?" He was drown into the view in front of him. "Oh, I tried the wash the dirty parts, and they are currently drying. I would just give them some time…" He scratched his head and looked to me. "B-But if you want I can put them on now, I don't mind if they are wet."

I shook my head and looked him into his eyes. They were so beautiful; I could keep staring into these deep red oceans for hours. Just like a sunset over the ocean... If they weren't so dull. "Just go on and do your hair. Come here again when you're finished and let your clothes hang dry, ok?" I said and manoeuvred him back into the bathroom.

Last week I thought about giving some clothes away that won't fit me. My grandfather bought me some clothes years ago which were too big for me, and sometimes I bought them myself. I'm not the type of man who stays in a clothing store for too long. It made me uncomfortable to try new clothes on and thinking about that there is just a small curtain giving me some privacy. And so it happened that I bought something and as I tried it at home it wasn't my size. Sometimes I could return it, but those clothes that I forgot would still rest in my dresser. Now it is so full of clothes that I couldn't close it properly and it was time to give all those things that I never wear away to people who needed it. People just like Yami…

I didn't know his exact size, but I guessed that it would be near mine. So I picked up those clothes that were just one size bigger than my usual clothes and put everything on my bed. There were shirts, pullovers, socks, shorts, trousers, jackets… After I finished I was happy that my dresser was half-empty and closing it was no longer a problem – but I jumped as I looked at this clothing pile on my bed! Holy, you could think that I'm a clutterer or something!

As Yami returned to my bedroom I managed to sort the cloths. "What have you done?!" he simply asked and his jaw dropped – as did mine. He made his hair and it nearly looks like mine, beside the red tips and the blond bangs. Even the shape was nearly similar – his hairstyle seemed still a bit messier then mine. But Nonetheless… My heart started to beat a little bit faster when I looked at him.

I fumbled with my hands and smiled sheepishly at him. "Well, I wanted to give those clothes away anyway, because they are too big for me. If you want, you can look through it. But first -" I moved to a chair that stood in one corner and placed it in front of him. "Please sit down."

He looked puzzled but did as I said. He was now sitting between my dresser and my bed, so he could look at the pile of cloth or outside the window if he wanted to. But he couldn't see that I grabbed my first aid kit and placed it upon my dresser next to my TV. "What are you doing there Yugi?" he asked as I was standing next to him.

"Just hold still. It may burn a bit but it will help you" I said as I cleaned one of his wounds. He hissed and closed his eyes, tensing. But he held still. "Why are you doing this?" he hissed through gritted teeth. The wound was quite big and seemed fresh; I could imagine how bad it hurts.

"I… " I stopped while I got some bandages. His question stuck into my head. Yeah, why did I do this? I only promised him some shelter, and I vowed to myself to wait until his wounds were healed. And now I was nursing him. I bandage his wound along with some ointment and sat down on my bed, so I could look into his face. He opened up his eyes and waited for my answer. "I… felt sorry for you. I never suspected that you were hurt physically that much. And as I saw your wounds I acted on autopilot and wanted to help you. I'm sorry if it is too much for you…" I said as I saw into his eyes. They were half lid due to the pain, but I could still see a glimpse of those red oceans. His emotions were hidden for me. I could not tell if he was angry with me or not.

"Ok – but why?" he asked and looked suspicious at me. "I mean, you just picked me up from the streets, giving me a real shelter for the night and caring for me that much… What do you really want Yugi?"

I blinked. "Uhm… nothing? Nothing valuable if you meant that" I sighed. "As I said, you seem ok to me. I would go so far and say that I like you already, Yami… I just want you to feel comfortable, that's all."

He stayed silent after that and just looked at me. He looked at my eyes, my mouth, my body, and then again at my eyes. I got nervous under his stare and was shifting my weight slowly from side to side. What was on his mind? Was it so bad to… care for him? I had to admit, it seemed strange – just finding a man and care for him in hours. But it was true. Ever since I talked to him I felt comfortable and enjoyed every minute of it.

I realized that I sat there rather tensed and tried to relax a bit. Maybe Yami was still expecting something from me, that I wasn't finished with my speech? I put on a little smile on my face and tried to catch up to him.

And it seemed to work. He opened his eyes a little and with every inch the dullness vanished. He breathed out hearable and he let hang his head. "I'm sorry, I didn't want to questions your intentions. It's just… I still cannot believe what's happening…" he said and looked back up to me. His eyes were sparkling again – although it was different than before. Was he on the verge of tears?

"Since I lived on the street no one cared for me. I was invisible for all those people around me. And then there is you, who just pick me up and… care for me. Pardon me if I'm… confused now and then…"

I slowly get forward and put his trembling hand in mine. My thumb runs over his now dry skin in comfort. It felt hard due to the lack of care. I wonder if he used my lotion after the shower…

A small sob was heard and I looked up to see his eyes shut and hidden under his bangs. So I was right and… I thought now I understand. Life on the streets were harder as I expected. At first it meant that you lose everything you once owned – your flat, your beloved things, everything you worked for is gone. After that you just try to survive. Hunger and thirst were coming for you, and yet you didn't know how to fulfil those needs. Then it's hard to find a place to sleep – and you won't know if you're safe there. This goes on and on – and then it will get on your mind. You're going to be 'no one', be invisible for everyone else. People running by and won't give anything about you. You slowly lose your self-esteem, your personality, your dignity…

You'll be nothing and no one cares.

Even those with a strong heart will suffer and cannot stand a treatment like this for long.

Yami seemed strong to me. But now I saw that it was only a façade. Deep down he was broken. I wanted to move forward and embrace him; try to comfort him. But I stopped in my tracks and just watched his shaking form. Normally I wasn't the one who gave comfort – and my shyness hold me back. Soft and silent sobs were coming from him and released some of the sadness that was buried inside. I know that feeling all too well… All this time my thumb runs over is skin in a comforting manner. But I stayed silent – I didn't know what I could tell him. My grandpa would always tell me that everything was going to be alright, that it was ok to cry and that I would feel better soon. However, I had the feeling inside that this wouldn't help him…

"I'm sorry…" he whispered as he raised his head and whipped the tears away from his face. I also stood up and shook my head. "For what?"

"That I cried like a baby… And that I -"

"It's ok Yami. I can understand your point there…" I said and began to look after his wounds again. "Mind if I go on now?"

"No, but please let me help you" he said and grabbed for some bandages as well as I put the first aid kit into his range. Though one thing was still bothering my mind.

"But tell me Yami, what were you suspecting from me before?" I asked curiously. He tensed and I could see redness around his nose. If it weren't so severe right now I would have start giggling.

Yami was bushing! And it looked so cute!

Wait, what?

"Do-Don't get me wrong here Yugi, but I was suspecting that you wanted some… repayment" he said and moved to his wounds down on his ankle to avoid looking at me.

I could sense that he didn't mean money as a refund – but what else? Now that he was bending over I could reach a wound on his back easily, so I moved to that and asked: "Wh-What kind of refund do you mean?"

"Well – s-sleeping with you, for example."

I stopped at my actions and turned into a statue. My eyes widened and I had to blink several times.

What?! Sleeping with me as a repayment for shelter? And food? Wait - wasn't Sex as a currency… prostitution?

I finished his wound on as back rapidly and got up. As I moved Yami did to and looked up at me. "I'm truly sorry! I-I'm just confused!" he begged and grabbed my hands. I tried to sooth him right away.

"It's ok Yami, I'm not angry with you!" He breathed out heavily and sunk back into the chair and closed his eyes. Without his red seas as disturbance I saw this little wound on his forehead and left one hand on the side of his head. "Hold still" I whispered as Yami moved - I thought I startled him.

"I'm just… shocked that you really assume Sex as a currency" I whispered as I placed a patch over his wound.

"Don't get me wrong – I never did that before", he said and looked at me as I sat back on my bed again. "I just grabbed that up from the streets, that some of the others would… well, prostitute themselves for getting a bed to sleep. Or that they would be picked up randomly and have to sleep with those giving them shelter, otherwise… I'd never assumed you to be such a person… but you never know."

A small sigh left my lips and I smiled at him. "Yeah, you can never know what other people are thinking. And I'm glad that you never had to… well, you know…" I said, too shy to say aloud the obvious. But it's making me sick to think about that some people took advantage of the miserable situation of others. This world is so cruel…

A sneeze ripped me out of my thoughts and I looked up at a slightly shivering Yami in front of me. "Are you cold?" I asked and get over to the pile of warm clothes I stacked on my bed.

Well, of course he was cold. It wouldn't have astonished me if Yami was sick too. I mean, he spent the nights outside for the last… weeks? Months?

"Here, try on those while I will grab you something" I said and left my bedroom and head to the kitchen.

The clock on the wall told me that it was nearly 10 in the evening. It wasn't like I had other plans for the night, on the other hand, I was surprised how time flew by.

I made some tea for the both of us and picked up some medicine. Thank god a cold wasn't a big thing anymore and you could cure it quite fast. I just hoped that Yami only got a cold and nothing more severe like a flu there.

As I waited for Yami to get finished I searched for Baya, only to find her lying on their blankets in the hall. She looked up to me as I came closer and wiggled with her tail. I stroked her head, realized that her fur was a mess – just like Yamis hair before. I made a mental note to ask my neighbour for a dog brush on the next day. Also I realized that I started to shiver – the hall was quite cold. "Come on Baya, I give you a more comfortable place", I said as I pulled slowly on the blankets. She got my intentions and stood up, following me close as I moved the blankets into my living room next to my TV where a little room was left. She sniffed at first but then sat down and looked up to me. I stroked over her head and smiled. It was definitely nice to have a dog! Maybe I would think about my decisions…

"Yugi?" I heard Yami call for me and it sent a small shiver down my spine. The way he said my name is… Wow. A huge smile emerged on my face as I walked over to him. The clothes he picked up really fit him – only it hung loosely on him due to his thin stature. He wore a dark blue t-shirt along with a black comfy jacket, black trousers and black socks as far as I can see.

"I made us some tea. I hope you don't mind?" I said and went into the kitchen. He followed me and sat down on my small table. As I served his steaming cup I also put down some medicine. "I give you the fresh packages so you can be sure that I won't drug you" I said with a smile, but Yamis laugh still sounded miserable. With a thanks he took the painkillers and the medicine and looked at me. "Hey, as I said, everything is ok. I can understand you – after all, I'm a stranger for you too" I tried to cheer him up a bit. And it seemed to work as Yamis eyes lit up a bit again. "I'm still sorry for those things I said before."

"Nevermind. I just want you to feel comfortable again, ok?"

He smiled at me and nodded. But after this a yawn escaped him and I couldn't help to feel tired myself. This had worn me out more than I expected. But I wanted to know more about Yami. So I engulfed him into a chat about his life and mine. I got to know that Yami once had a job as a cook in a hotel here in Tokyo, but the hotel was closed due to hygienic problems in the kitchen. And that was the reason why Yami couldn't find a job as a cook anymore – who wants an unhygienic cook? So it happened that he was so into finding a job that he didn't realized that he ran out of money and couldn't afford his flat anymore and lost it. He tried to move in with some of his friends, but it wasn't permanent and so he became homeless. That was in Spring, so it wasn't that hard to sleep and live outside, but he couldn't prepare for winter much. After that I told him something about me. That I was from Domino and work at a bank in Downtown, but haven't got many friends since my high school-friends now live all over the world. As I mentioned that I was 23 he said that he was nearly my age, with him being 25. I shivered at this – so young and being homeless is hard. And it shows that it could hit everyone…

While our talk we got more tired and Yamis cold got worse. He sneezed and coughed more, but I think it is because the medicine is working. On some point I got up and said that it will be better to go to bed soon. Yami agreed and followed me into the hall. At that point I asked myself where I let Yami sleep tonight?

"What is Yugi?" he said quietly as I stood in my hall and looked between my bedroom and my living room. At first I thought about to let Yami sleeping on the couch, but it was too small for him. Also everything that is valuable in my flat is in my living room: my electronics, my documents, even my money… But let him sleep with me in my bed is also no option. Even if I like him, I didn't know him well enough to share a bed with him.

"I'm just thinking about on where you will sleep…" I said and looked up to him. He tilted is head to the side and looked questionable down to me. "Well I thought that I would sleep on the couch?"

"Yeah, I assumed that too…" I nervously shifted from one foot to another again and avoided his gaze. "But… the couch is too small for you…"

A low chuckle got my attention and I shyly dared to look at him. "This is no problem for me, believe me" he said with a smile. I just nodded and went in the living room with him. Baya got up as we entered the room. "If it's ok I would got out with her first, so she won't make any mess while we're sleeping" Yami said and grabbed a thin rope. Again I just nodded and watched both walking down the hall. As they were about to leave my flat, I chased after them. "Wait!"

Yami looked at me curiously as I came to a stop in front of him. "Yo-You will return, will you?" I asked with a shaky voice. Nervously I fumbled with my hands on the hem of my t-shirt and looked up to him with timid eyes. I cannot tell where this feeling just came from, but as I watched both walking down my hall I felt so afraid of never see them again. To be alone again…

Yami closed his eyes shortly, just to look directly into my eyes and giving me a sweet smile. "Of course I will", he said and turned around, heading for the elevator. I stood there and waited until they were out of sight before I returned to my living room, closing the door behind me. All the way I had this warm, fuzzy feeling around my heart. And this smile… I couldn't get it out of my head. I couldn't help myself, but I smiled all the way as I made Yamis bed on the couch.

A soft knock got my attention and I walked down my hall again to open the door. Baya and Yami entered it, covered with smelting snow. "Oh my god!" I said and rushed into my bathroom to get both a towel. While Yami whipped himself dry, I rubbed Baya's fur so she won't be wet anymore – and won't smell like wet dog that much…

"This storm is really bad", Yami said while he rubbed through his hair. "The wind is so harsh and I have never seen so much snow before."

"Really? Oh man, this is bad… I hope it will get better tomorrow…" But I get the slight feeling that we'll have this storm will last until after Christmas. Great! I hope that nothing bad will happen...

"I get yourself a glass of water. If you want to have an extra blanket, just call me. I will leave the door open so I could hear you", I explained while Yami sat down on the couch. He looked at it strangely – no, not strangely. He was in his thoughts again. "Is everything ok Yami?"

"Hm? Oh yeah. Sorry, I just thought about something…" he said and stood up. "I… I cannot say how thankful I am Yugi…" he said and avoided my gaze. And sneezed.

I had to giggle. "Bless you, Yami. And as I said, it's ok. I have to admit, as I watched out the window, I don't know if I could've stayed here in my flat with me knowing that you would rest at the bus station… I believe I would've come for you…" I admitted and looked away.

He did something I never suspected and caught me unexpected.

His answer was a tight embrace he took me in. My blush returned heavily as warm shivers were running through my body. My breathing stopped shortly and I got Goosebumps all over my body. It was a long time since somebody embraced me… Slowly I wrapped my arms around him too. Along all these fuzzy feels in my body worry was also spreading again. My head rested on chest and I could feel his bones under my cheek. My arms could easily touch each other, aware of Yamis thinness more than before. I was careful in my movements. He seemed so easily to break… His heartbeat soothed me, astonished that it was so strong. I could smell my detergent and my shower gel, but beside this I could sense his scent. I didn't know how long we stood there, feeling each other and sharing the heat. …

Vibrations brought me back to me senses, and I realized that these vibrations were soft chuckles from Yami. But it was too comfortable to move… And then I noticed that I snuggled up in his embrace. "I-I'm sorry…" I whispered as I slowly moved away from him. "But it was so comfortable…" I yawned and looked sheepishly up to him, as I did often this evening. He was still smiling, and it suits him better than the frowns or the sadness in his face. It brightens everything up and underlines his southern nature; his tan skin, his ruby eyes, his red tips… A smile definitely fitted him better.

"I wish you a good night, Yugi…" he said and sat down on my couch. I nodded. "Yeah, I wish you too…"

Back in my bedroom I realized that the pile of clothes still rested on my bed. Along with a groan a moved them onto my chair, my dresser or on the floor, got myself in my sleeping clothes on fell into my bed, fast asleep.

I woke up due to some noise coming from the kitchen. I tried to turn around and just block the noise out and go back to sleep, but it doesn't help. Even as I put my pillow over my ears I could still hear the noises. And as it wasn't enough my phone began to ring in the hall and so I stumbled out of my bed with a groan and got to the phone.
"Hello?"

"Hi Yugi! Here's Ayno. Did I just wake you up?!"

"Ah hey Ayno. Uhm, yeah… What's up?"

"Naw, I'm sorry sleepy head! Well, is your grandfather at your home already?"

"Uhm, no… He won't come due to the snow. He stays in Domino."

"Oh that's sad news Yugi, I'm sorry. I just wondered if you would come over to us? We could drink some chocolate, so you won't be alone."

"Oh that's really nice of you, but I have a visitor a… friend of mine, yeah… He dropped by yesterday and stays with me, so I cannot leave now, if you understand."

"Ah alright. Ok Yugi – at least you're not alone! I call later, or do you want to call me if your friend is gone?"

"I'll call you Ay, ok? Don't know when he will leave and I won't leave you hanging. Until then!"

"Bye!"

"So, a friend of yours, hm?" a dark voice behind me said, and I was so surprised that I nearly dropped the phone.

"Woah, Yami, you scared me…" I grabbed my heart on and turned around. Yami stood there smiling. He looked so much better then yesterday! Somehow… fitter, and relaxed. I couldn't help it, but my heart won't slow down...

"I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention" He said and scratched his head. "Are you hungry? I made us some pancakes."

As I heard that, everything inside me dropped. My eyes grew bigger, I could feel how my lips crawl up my face, my mouth watered. "Pancakes?!" I howled with glittering eyes, and Yami had to laugh hard as he saw my gigglish and childish face. I love Pancakes! But I was too lazy to made them only for myself. And the last time I tried to make pancakes it ended up in a mess and with a very sad me. All I got than was a black, hard… thing. You couldn't even tell that it was supposed to be a pancake! I was so devastated at that moment that I never tried to make them again. And now Yami had make us a-so-wonderful Pancakes for breakfast! I must be in heaven…

It was long ago that I ate breakfast with someone - even if it was 1 pm, as I had realized with a shock as I entered my living room. But Yami had thought about everything. There was bread, pancakes, marmalade, buns that looked like they were freshly made, pancakes, juice, tea, cooked eggs, pancakes, cheese… everything you need for a good breakfast stood in front of me! And have I mentioned pancakes? My jaw dropped open as I saw this. Never had someone made me such a great meal, even my grandfather never had done this.

I slowly sat done and couldn't leave the gaze from the table. "I hope you like it" Yami said as he sat down in front of me. "This is awesome…" I just said and began eating. At first I just had to try the pancakes. Along with some strawberry marmalade I took a bite…

And there was an explosion in my mouth. It tasted wonderful! The pancakes were just perfect – not too sweet, but the right amount of sugar, not so fat and along with the fruity marmalade… I couldn't help but moan.

"God Yami, they are sooo good. It's the best thing I ever tasted. It's perfect!", I praised between the small bites.

After I finished my pancakes I relaxed in my seat and felt like I was in heaven. A small chuckle brought me back, and I looked over to Yami. He looks amused by the sight of me. His eyes had this amused sparkle again – it was just nice to see it.

"I'm glad you like it", he said. "Like? I LOVE them Yami! I cannot believe that nobody wants you as his cook. If every single meal might be as delicious as your pancakes… God, you could be a gourmet cook or something!"

As I said this Yamis expression changed again. I regretted saying this at the moment it came out of my mouth, but it was too late… He looked sad again. "Yeah, I know… My parents also said this, and everyone who has eaten one of my meals. But you can cook perfectly, when you were fired because of unhygienic than you will hardly find a place to work…"

He let his head hung and put away his cutlery. In an instant my hunger was also gone. 'Damn, I ruined everything…' I thought, and my appetite was gone instantly.

I couldn't believe that nobody won't give Yami a chance. Even if he was fired because of this – it wasn't his fault, was it?

"But – it wasn't your fault, that the kitchen was unhygienic, was it?" I asked. Yami shook his head, but let it still hung loosely. "No, but I was responsible for it…"

A heavy silence fell over us and made me uncomfortable. I wanted to chat along with him, ask him how he felt and how he slept, but the mood was gone. All I have in my head was his bad situation – which I couldn't accept.

"But there must be a possibility to show that you're not – "

"God Yugi, do you believe I didn't try this?" Yami interrupted me harshly. He was trembling as he stared me down. "Do you think I'm so lazy and just give up after the first rejection? I tried it in every single kitchen here in Tokyo! In. Every. Single. One! But everybody told me the same thing: You are unhygienic, I don't want you as a cook, and now leave my restaurant, because you're scaring away my customers!"

I was shocked on his sudden outburst. You could see the anger glittering in his eyes. Although I believe that this anger was not against me, I felt guilty. Guilty for reminding him. But all I wanted was to help him!

"M-Maybe you didn't try – "

I couldn't finish my sentence, because Yami got up very angry and with a shaking head went out, heading for the door.

"What? Yami, where are you going?" I got up and followed him. My voice was shaking... I was afraid.

"You are just like the others! You think we haven't done enough to change our lives and just accept our fate! You don't know anything about this!" he screamed and shut the door tight.

And then he was gone. I stood there, unbelieving that we just sat happily together in my living room and ate breakfast, and now he has just left screaming. The guilt was boiling up inside of me, and I could feel how tears were forming in my eyes. All I wanted was to help him, and he never told me how hard he tried. This man has a hell of a temper…

I couldn't help myself, now I was alone again. A small tear dropped from my eye. And he didn't even said goodbye… At that moment it hit me that he left all of his belongings here in my flat. Baya was also still here and was now looking at my confusingly. I bent down on her and stroke her head. I looked over to his bag, his blankets, shoes, jacket…

My eyes turned wide. I rushed over to the window only to see nothing but white. The snow was falling heavily; you couldn't even see the city anymore. The wind blew hard around the house – and he left with nothing on himself besides the things I gave him. But that won't protect him from this storm! I cannot leave him there; I have to find him quickly! I bend down to grab the rope for Baya. She came instantly over to me with a wiggling tail. Did she understood what just happened?

"Come on Baya, we have to find your master!"

So this was the second Chapter. I hoped you liked it! I would be pleased if you would leave a review and tell me what you think about the chapter ^-^

Until then - have a great time!

Yours,
Sunny