:Forgotten Feelings:

-Chapter 1-

Glimpse

Perfect.

Nothing else could come close to describing the day. Sunshine lazily invaded every nook, overpowering the chill wind of fall. Labeled as summer's farewell, it was a great time to gather friends and mingle outside. As they walked along the storefronts, sliding through cracks in the moving masses of people, he briefly wondered if the entire city had decided to do just that. He was probably the only one that wanted to stay indoors. The way his friends painted it, he was just a few levels short of being a hermit.

"You're making that face again."

His focus shifted outwards, gaze landing on the youth. Briefly, he marveled at how much they looked alike, minute differences aside. Perhaps this boy was his reincarnation. Although that would not explain how he was alive. He should be just another part of the soul. Why, then, was he a separate entity with his own personality, thoughts, beliefs?

"You're worrying me, Yami."

The name finally forced him out of his thoughts, the questions shelved for another time.

"There's nothing to worry about, Yugi," he answered. "I'm simply thinking."

"Aw, come on, Pharaoh. It's a nice day! You don't have to think of anything but what you want to eat."

"Isn't that just like Joey? Always thinking with his stomach. Can't you see Pharaoh's got something important on his mind?"

"Like you would know, Tristan! Who was it that decided we should check out that new restaurant, huh?" As the two friends began their bickering, Yami ushered the group onwards, speaking of schoolwork in an effort to shift the attention away from him and his musings.

It was not that he didn't trust them enough to broach the subject; rather, it was that he knew they had tired of magic and wanted no more to do with it. His friends had valiantly fought by his side in his quest to learn who he was. After the last trial, they considered the book closed and done with, despite the surprising twist of his remaining. As such, there had been no problem accepting his new fate.

Certainly they had tried to help in the beginning. They listened to his ponderings and questions, but they had no answers. It was simply above their heads. Realizing this, he thanked them and kept quiet.

"Do you want me to listen later?"

He smiled slightly. Although he was damn good at keeping things hidden, nothing truly got past Yugi. When everyone left, Yugi was the one to remain supportive. While he did not always understand, he was willing to listen and offer input wherever he could. It was during these sessions that quite a few ideas came to life.

"I'd like that." Yugi seemed to contemplate this for a moment before nodding and guiding the conversation in a new direction.

For better or for worse, the majority of Domino City's population knew the faces associated with the names Seto Kaiba and Yami & Yugi Mouto, largely due to the success of Duel Monsters. Hosting the top three Duelists in the world, the city had seen an increase in tourism and opted to play up their resident stars. As such, every so often, when one of the three walked into an establishment, they would be treated to a small speech and encouraged to participate in events.

It appeared such was the case with the restaurant Tristan had chosen. The group was usually tolerant of the whole thing, but the day had been draining. Thus, the attention they received during dinner was not appreciated. Night had fallen when the group exited the restaurant. Although they had planned to gather at the game shop the Mouto family called home, they opted to go in different ways. Téa, helpful as always, had reminded them of an upcoming project due date. Ever the late workers, Joey and Tristan escorted her home in exchange for some help.

"You don't need help on your project, do you?" Yugi teased as they walked home. Yami shook his head no and suggested that they stop at their favorite café.

While Yugi debated purchasing a small treat for his grandfather, Yami looked through a magazine, grinning as he read an article on Seto. How he must like his personal relationships be labeled as gossip.

He turned to show Yugi and was caught off guard at the sight that greeted him.

The young man was talking away with a girl. He quickly chose a seat and made to look casual as he observed his partner.

It wasn't often that Yugi easily talked to a fan, much less a stranger. He wondered to which group the girl belonged.

It was a good sign, all in all.

Then again, how could he not have gained self-confidence from their quest?

Certainly, all they have faced had taken its toll and marked each and every one of them.

At times, Yami wondered if the group hated him for it.

Did they curse him for the harm he had unknowingly brought upon them?

Perhaps they were actually still upset he lived on instead of passing into the arms of history.

One moment he was falling into thought's embrace; the next he was fighting and devouring the wave of peace that viciously invaded him.

Struggling to control himself, he glanced around, trying to find the source.

"Hotaru, we'll be late."

The girl at Yugi's side reacted predictably at her friend's beckoning, thanking Yugi for the coffee he had bought her.

The one next to Yami stood calm, regal as she watched for Hotaru.

He clenched the magazine tightly in his grip.

The urge to dominate this strange girl he knew was the reason behind his predicament was frightening.

Not since the incident in which he gave into the Orichalcos had he felt anything of this caliber.

Cursing himself, he turned his head slightly in order to examine her.

She was petite, probably around Yugi's age. Her hair was a stunning bright gold, the length far longer than Mai's. The eyes, however, captured his attention.

Bright blue, hiding the whisper of something powerful – menacing.

He was about to stand and – stupidly – communicate with this very real problem when Hotaru cheerfully bounded over and led her out.

Moments later, Yugi took their place, smiling.

For his sake, Yami plastered a curious look on his face and listened amiably as the young man told of meeting a new friend.

Making sure to comment at the right places, Yami lead the way home and almost sighed in relief at seeing the shop when Yugi made his last statement.

"Hopefully we see each other again."

He wasn't sure how to respond.

CosmosAngel1

Make your limit the stars