My take on Yugi and Yami's reunion after the fire in Otogi's game shop, between chapters 133 to 145. Enjoy!

Title: In My Hold

Rating: T for mentions of potential death

Warnings: Near death experience, spoilers from chapters 133 to 145 of the manga

Yuugi recalled the intolerable, suffocating smoke that had surrounded him as he clutched the newly formed Millennium Puzzle between his hot, blistered hands. He had lost consciousness after that, at peace with the thought of death. He had completed his only mission at the time; to once again piece together the Puzzle and save his other self. The young Duel Monsters champion knew he couldn't have lived with himself if he had left his precious friend, the ancient spirit of the Millennium Puzzle, to die in that fire. But now as he hovered between the conscious and unconscious worlds, the immediate danger had passed and Yuugi grasped the closeness with which he nearly lost his life. The idea of death, while a afterthought in the midst of a dire moment, frightened him profoundly. The young man wasn't even aware of the extent of his injuries yet, as he remained unconscious in a hospital bed in Downtown Domino city.

Yuugi was unaware of the length of his sleep, but a day after the fire he awoke groggily to the sight of his friends, grandfather and mother at his hospital bedside. They were relieved to see him awake, as he was. They assured him that his injuries were minor and explained what happened at Otogi's game shop after the firefighters had arrived on scene. Yuugi was immensely grateful and relieved that, all things considered, everything was going to be okay. Otogi was remorseful for the incident and Yuugi was alive, left only with fading scars and ever-vivid memories. After an hour of chitchat, Yuugi yawned tiredly, exhaustion floating to the surface of his mind. His mother, Mrs. Mutou, insisted that he return to sleep while his friends promised to save the various homework assignments he would miss. Thanking them, Yuugi smiled reassuringly and waved as all but his mother left, the latter content to sit by a window and read. He found himself quickly falling back asleep to the quieting hum of the recovery room and expectantly found his mind drawn to his soul room, inside the Millennium Puzzle. He wanted to see his other self, his dear nameless friend. The younger boy had been so concerned and terrified during the fire, but he could only imagine what the spirit of the Puzzle had felt.

Yuugi opened his eyes slowly and found he was lying on the bed in his soul room, covered with a blanket. His hands and face were bandaged the same way they were in the physical world. He felt tired, but happy to be in this place. The spiky haired boy turned his head gingerly to survey the room, hoping to call out to his friend; but Yuugi was taken aback to find his other self already kneeling beside the cot. The spirit's head was bowed, his dark eyes hidden his long, blond fringe. His strong, tanned hands cradled Yuugi's, mindful of the gauze wrapped around them. Yuugi choked back a lump in his throat and whispered, "Mou hitori no boku..." His voice broke on the last syllable; perhaps from the smoke inhalation, perhaps from residual emotion and fear. He then gently squeezed the hands holding his. His other self looked up instantly at the sound of his partner's weak voice and Yuugi felt his eyes swell with tears at his expression. His other self had been crying... He could tell by the wetness on his high cheeks and the rich depth of his maroon eyes, intensified by tears. His typically strong, stern face held a pained expression and a tiny hint of fear. Terror was something Yuugi had never seen in the spirit's eyes; his formidable, unshakable partner had never shown an ounce of fear, except when Yuugi's own life was seriously threatened... "Aibou?" The older of the two spoke softly and Yuugi sniffled, sitting up on the mattress. He looked intently at his other self as the older boy stared back, new tears clinging to his lashes while his seemingly calm composure cracked a sliver. "I thought you were going to die... I thought you were leaving me... Why did you stay in the fire, aibou? Why..." The spirit asked, his voice low and heavy with feeling.

Yuugi realized in that moment that he had to be the stronger person, for both of them. He had to hold up his friend as the other boy had done for him so many times before. He had to soothe and reassure him that yes, he was alive. Yes, Yuugi was going to be okay and so was his other self. They wouldn't be separated, even by the threat of death. Yuugi reached out and cupped the spirit's damp cheek, smiling a little. He stared into the face that was so similar to his own, but whose features were sharper and wiser, more mature. "We're partners... and friends. I couldn't leave you in that fire. I was so afraid I would lose you, mou hitori no boku... I couldn't leave you; you're part of me." The younger man bit back tears as the heartfelt words left his mouth, but he meant every one of them.

Yuugi glanced down, momentarily overwhelmed, before feeling his other self cup his hand, still resting on the latter's tanned cheek. The ancient spirit closed his eyes and whispered, "Aibou, I have never felt as fearful as I did in that moment. Even with my limited memories, I am positive I have never experienced fear like that... I thought you would perish." Yuugi looked up through his own tears as his other half gently squeezed the hand resting on his cheek. The older boy was no longer crying, but his intelligent maroon eyes still shone, full of raw emotion. He then surprised Yuugi by wrapping his arms around him in a tight embrace. Yuugi gasped gently, surprised at the unusual affection from the Millennium Puzzle's inhabitant; but the younger boy returned the contact gladly. The two remained locked in a hug for a long time; maybe for hours or days, who knew. They were both alive, though perhaps only in spirit in the case of his other self, but Yuugi soaked in the moment. He was here with his other self; in this time, inside the sanctity of the Millennium Puzzle, they were both real and breathing. Yuugi was enveloped in his other half's scent and warmth, in his strength and steadiness. It comforted him beyond words. By the way the taller man buried his face in the crook of his partner's neck and whispered 'Aibou' in quiet relief, Yuugi knew he also provided the same reassurance to the ancient spirit kneeling beside him.

They were together again. They were united and strong. They had nothing to fear.