Sup' dudes and once more thanks for the reviews! I really feel good about this story and well I hope I continue to give you a story to enjoy! No flames, and more reviews and the other junk! If you have any concerns or comments just tell me! I'm all ears! And I do think the end of the last chapter was kinda icky!

Last Time: In a blink of an eye Yami seems to jump to his senses, but he's still on a dangerous balance beam between depression and insanity! Now Yugi's noticing something physically wrong with him making Yami wish for solitude… but not even the familiar CEO, Seto Kaiba, takes this wish seriously.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh nor am I copying any other fictions I've read in the past.

Title: Left Behind

Author: Yuzume Mikien

Pairing: Seto/Yami, Slight Bakura/Yami

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: Yaoi, mpreg… or yeah language!

On your mark, get set, READ!


Left Behind Chapter Three: I Pray to be Alone

Normal POV

It had been hours, no just a few minutes, since he had started racing down the street, Yami couldn't tell. He hadn't stopped running for anything, but red lights, yet even then he restricted the ability to catch his breath. His body was struck numb as he continued on, steps slowing to a jog and breathe coming in gasps. The park had passed a while back and he found himself in an area of Domino that gave him a feeling of nostalgia for something he knew in his heart he could not have. The sun was high in the sky giving the city a sparkling look as windows of shops and buildings reflected its rays. Along with giving the city light it warmed the people of Domino causing the scene of many in tops and light shirts. The heat bore down in strong waves making Yami's being begin to sweat and slowly exhaustion started to set into his form.

The ex-pharaoh stumbled for another block or so and finally stopped in the shade of a large apartment complex. He collapsed against it and used it for support as he panted. It took his numb body and mind a few moments to acknowledge the sudden and intense pain of his suffering abdomen. He yelped, clenching his fists as he bent over trying to ease the pain that ran throughout his body. Yami bit his bottom lip so hard it started to bleed as another throbbing wave of pain and nausea washed over him. He shut his eyes for a brief moment to make an attempt to stop the dizziness that assaulted him, yet it made no progress. It felt as if his stomach was being ripped open as he grabbed his stomach and groaned.

Opening his eyes he found his prayers had finally been answered as he found himself alone on a deserted road. No sounds could be heard, but the wheezes of his own breathe. He found his body trembling more than ever and he tried to get to his knees. As he bent over the nausea overtook him and he vomited a mix of what seemed to be the apple he had recently eaten and blood. He swallowed his burning throat and crawled away from the spot trying not to fall over as the pain continued to weaken him. I've gone through worse… he reassured himself, this is nothing… I'll be fine…

The words gave him a false sense of security as he stood up using the building greatly as a support. His head was still swimming as he tried to travel away from his current area tripping over an uneven piece of the sidewalk.

After a good while of stumbling and tripping Yami was finally able to recognize his surroundings. Just as he had finally calmed down the dread fell upon his being once more. He found himself in front of what had once been the apartment he and Bakura had shared. Oh gods no! Please why now? In a flash he was attacked by an emotional swing of depression as he stared off at the building that persisted to curse his dreams.

Seto's POV

There are advantages and disadvantages to driving in a city. An advantage is that one doesn't have to think about idiots gawking at you everywhere you go just because of you're multibillion dollar company. Unfortunately a disadvantage is a damn limo's size and the fact that you have a higher chance of getting stuck in traffic at the most stupidest of times. I had been following Yami with the best of my abilities aside the fact that rush hour wasn't the wisest of times to take a limo on a drive after someone.

I yelled at my driver for being too incompetent to not take a more reliable route and I scanned the sidewalk again for any sign of Yami. It had been a while since I had last seen him, months I believe. When he got together with that other spirit, Bakura, he didn't really have time for anyone, but his boyfriend anymore. It was as if Bakura was the only person worth anything and this stupid love act went on even to the point Yami had no time to duel with his rival… me!

Mokuba said I was jealous of Bakura because Yami was giving him all the attention, but I know that that's all bull. Like I care if Yami had had a stupid lover, just another bastard to keep him busy and to listen to the destiny and 'I'm a Pharaoh' crap he goes on about. I felt no regret against the fact that Yami was no longer making an attempt to persuade me of my origins as a high priest, whose power rivaled no one, but the pharaoh himself. In truth I was more relieved than anything else that I didn't have to ask for duel rematches and hear his lectures on how stubborn I was and power hungry. The way he would glare at me with those crimson eyes of his from his dueling platform and tell me off for being an inconsiderate fool in a strong yet respectful tone. I didn't miss the way he was patient enough when I purposely used him to relieve stress by yelling back at him for being a waste of my time and effort if he was going to do nothing, but talk about my flaws. Besides, dueling him just took my mind off work for a few hours, what's the good thing about that? Yes, it did relax me for a moment and I actually did have fun… at times I admit, but I don't really care anyway.

Ha! And Mokuba now believes I'm worrying about Yami and his little breakup that, so I've heard, broke Yami's heart! Like I have enough things to worry about than the only person I have any respect for aside from my younger brother! Really, it's not like I'm obliged to take care of him when his so-called love of his life kicks him out of their apartment for no apparent reason. There's no need to be concerned about Yami, he can take care of himself! It's not like he's changed or anything!

By now I had gotten pretty irritated, the traffic is still moving slower than anything and I had been stuck deeply thinking on topics that were not Kaiba Corp related. "Pull up there, now!" I barked at the driver, pointing at an empty parking lot, and when he did, I jumped out of the limo. Walking was the only way I could achieve my mission of finding out to where Yami headed. I didn't understand, why my the thought kept nagging at my head, why I felt… worried about the King of Games, who should be able to protect himself.

As I exited the vehicle my driver stopped me, "Wait Mr. Kaiba! Where are you going?"

I snapped back my answer while walking away from him, "Where do you think I'm going? Leave me be!"

"But Sir you have a 1:00 meeting!"

"Cancel it! You have a phone!"

I didn't hear anymore as I had broken into a run after Yami. He had gotten quite ahead of us, but I had a good feeling that Yami hadn't traveled far. I hoped my premonitions were right, for I had wasted enough of my time in traffic to waste any more time to chase after a friend… Hold on… friend?

Now I really wondered what else Mokuba put in my coffee this morning. I'm running through the city after someone I haven't spoken to in months and I'm calling him my friend! Confusing enough, I thought, but continued to run, I'll let it slide for now.

Yami wasn't at the park as I had guessed, but from a fortunate source (an old lady, whom I don't know why she dared to talk to me) I was sent into another direction. To a place that I had been to once before, only because Yami used to reside in the area. Strange dread filled me as I remembered the reason why he had lived there and why he no longer did. It wasn't my fault that Bakura dumped him! Even I believe it's better that Yami isn't with him anymore. Yami should remain single until someone superior comes along; someone that he trusts, that trusts him, and can support him. Someone, who has a job, doesn't need help from anyone, who is independent, and knows what he wants. Bakura was the exact opposite of this for even I could be a better candidate to be with Yami.

I shook my head, my stomach making a strange somersault in my gut. For some reason I had been thinking of the weirdest of things… That's it Kaiba… no more reading Mokuba's fiction/romance novels for the heck of it…. Damn you Tea for giving him that collection of love stories for his birthday!

One could think I was crazy, quietly muttering to myself as I hurried down the sidewalk. People stared at me as usual, watching me with strange looks on their faces. I felt liberated from their looks when I walked onto a deserted lane into an almost deserted neighborhood with several apartment complexes. That's when I spotted the familiar tri-colored hair of his as he stood in front of a certain building that made me think of one thing… Bakura. Was Yami getting back together with Bakura?

His back had been facing me and I could've remained unnoticed if my mouth hadn't suddenly blurted, "You can't do that!"

All I wanted was to see him after so long, just to see what he was doing after everything that had happened. I was not worrying about him! I was not trying to make sure he was doing alright. Why was I thinking this way, so awkward and unlike me! Damn it Kaiba you're losing it!

I had to duck behind the corner of another complex for Yami had spun around. I held my breath so not to be heard as I waited for any sign of his knowing of my presence. No sound came and I sidled against it turning my head slightly so I'd be able to see him and him not me. My stomach made another somersault as I looked into his face. I could see pain… lots of it… and sadness!

He was glancing around almost in a panicky state, so unlike the King of Games that dueled me so long ago. Luckily he hadn't seen me and I continued to observe him closely. In only a few months drastic changes had befallen him and he didn't even look like the same person I knew. He seemed to have a lost so much weight and had gone pale. I could admit I was starting to fear Yami's stability then and there…Was having your heart broken really that life changing? I've had my mind crushed once before, but I was still able to bring myself back up pretty quickly.

Yami looked slowly with glazed eyes and started off again, yet this time his strides were jittery and weak, exhaustion taking their toll on his legs. I watched him go and started to follow at a far enough distance so not to get his attention. His movements were almost robotic as he continued to walk almost in a trance-like state. He traveled on and soon I found myself back at the park. For a moment I lost sight of Yami and I quickly searched around again for the spirit that was now ambling over through the grass and to a park bench.

For a moment I dared to pursue him further, but the next thing that happened made me stop and change my plan. Head in one hand as he leaned over Yami started to cry… my rival had actually begun to cry in public. From my unnoticeable place from behind him I could only gawk in confusion. Strangely I wanted to yell at him for showing weakness, but I knew in the back of my mind that such action would be cruel in the current situation. I wondered why Yami was so different now and why this had happened to him. I also wondered why I thought of these things at the moment for I had more important things to do than worrying about one of my rivals.

Yami's POV

My vision was foggy with all the tears that arrived that I could not control. Normally I would be able to control such emotions such as pain and sadness with ease especially when around Yugi, but being with child and 'hormones' it wasn't easy anymore. My head was throbbing painfully and I felt like vomiting again yet I had to control the urge to protect my reputation in a public area.

I sat up straight on the bench and wiped my eyes sniffling. With all my emotional strength I fought the tears once more. Instead of halting the cries another wave of distress tackled my senses and I was bent over again bawling. So many things were running in my head from my current problem to how I should tell Yugi about my 'problem'. Should I even try telling him, I wondered and continued to cry…? Would he think I was a burden like Bakura had? Would I be kicked out of the game shop like I was from my apartment? Suddenly a familiar sound of a cell phone ringing ripped me from my thoughts as I looked around to find myself staring at a very alarmed CEO. By the looks of it he had been spying on me for a good while. His trench coat pocket was ringing and he looked at it and then moved his gaze to me.

Eyes narrowing he pulled his eyes away and took his phone from his pocket as if he hadn't seen my tearstained eyes. I stood quickly and walked away from him doing my best to keep myself calm even if the Kaiba had seen me in a very bad embarrassing situation. Leave me alone Kaiba…. I prayed… Please leave me alone! For once I didn't want Kaiba to even look at me or acknowledge me as someone other than a rival and I would do anything to do so. Yet nothing was coming in my favor so the chances of my prayers being accepted were slim to nothing. "Yami! Wait, where are you going?"

My body stopped on its own even if my mind urged it to go. The nauseating feeling was coming back in waves and I gulped the bitter taste in my mouth. Wincing at the sudden clenching of my abdomen once more I stood stock still, "What do you want Kaiba?" I spat, taking in mentally that I sounded a lot like the CEO on other occasions we've met.

I could hear him step forward as he started, "Uh… Where- I mean… It's been a while…"

Along with the clenching of my stomach, I felt it flip at the sound of the Kaiba's voice unusually gentle. Emotions seemed to roll within me for my heart started to beat fast and my eyes began to leak with tears. The only relief I could sense was the fact that he could only see my back and not my face. I sighed trying to pull myself together and cursing every god I could remember for giving me unstable hormones. "Sure…" I murmured back.

He was getting closer I knew it… He was towering over me from behind, but I resisted looking up at him. "We haven't talked for a long period of time, aside from duel. Been busy?" His lack of ability to start a conversation made me want to yell at him for making his appearance before me after all this time. Why did Seto Kaiba want to say hello so suddenly… I just had no time, no will to do so. Was he here to ask for a duel? I shivered, fearing that he did so. I didn't want to duel with the Kaiba because I had a good idea that my unborn child would be threatened in the process of direct attacks and decreasing life points.

"Yeah… been… busy." I answered half heartily.

"Oh… I see… Well you could say I've been busy too, with the company and all." His voice gave signs of hidden nervousness causing my moods to change again.

"Really? I had a feeling that was the reason… that's the only thing you talk about anyway." It was as if I was watching from the sidelines of my own body. I wanted to keep everything inside and yet I couldn't control what my lips were saying or my body was showing. "So what do you truly want, a duel for your precious reputation as usual?" My voice dripped of sarcasm. Why was I being mad at him?

"Yami?" He was confused now… but I wanted to know what he was getting at. "I never said anything about a duel, nor have I been talking about Kaiba Corp. Don't I have the freedom to speak with someone I know?"

I had touched on one of his very few nerves, "Then talk to one of your clients. With all the time you spend working in your company I have a feeling you have more than enough people to talk to…"I wanted him to go away if he was just going to use me for a pastime. "Some people actually have personal matters to attend to…"

"Personal matters? What the hell do you mean personal matters? Do you call playing games with your friends a personal matter? At least I came to talk to you! It's not like I've been trying to ignore you this whole time while you go around with your personal matters!" The weak emotional defenses that I had left were falling apart as he spoke. I didn't mean to get him mad. I had already done that to Bakura and it wouldn't help if I got Kaiba to hate me too. "You know personal matters aren't everything. What about everyone else, wasn't it you who told me to have compassion for others? Have you gone selfish or have you been lying about everything this whole time? Burdening people with guilt and making them think that they aren't good enough. Is that i-"

"SHUT UP!" I yelled back at him yet not turning around to face Kaiba for I had been crying for a good while. "If I'm really wasting your time then why don't you shut the hell up and let me leave!" My voice cracked and I bit my tongue to keep my self from whimpering. It was quite amazing that no one had noticed us and I didn't want to stay like this any longer. I moved my stiff body away from him getting ready to sprint if need be.

I could hear him sighing and his words came out gently again, "You're different… you know…? I've noticed something's changed Yami and you can't hide that. I wonder if your weakness is due to the fact that Bakura broke your heart… or if you just finally lost it." Frozen once more, I did nothing when he came and touched my hand hesitantly.

"I have one thing to add to that Yami… You may feel pain now, but you will never be able to experience the act of being alone. You'll never go through being alone while supporting someone close to you without help of some kind. It isn't easy… I know that… You'll still have your friends to be with you even if it isn't intimately and some might even break away from your 'happy' circle of friends, but strength can be gained from being alone too… Even I believed you understood that, but maybe I was mistaken."

He was right I thought… I didn't understand what being alone meant… I had been with my friends and took my strength from them. This just gave me just the more reason to depend on myself, because I needed to, for the infant and for my own acceptance as well. I knew that the news of my child should not be shared, that it was now time for me to survive on my will power and strength alone…

"You're right… Seto Kaiba… I don't know how to survive on my own, but I believe it's time I learned I did…" I pulled away from him, finally revealing my tear streaked face and trembling figure. He stepped back from me surprise on his own expression for he hadn't planned to see me like this. Narrowing my eyes I bowed my head slightly, "I need to learn to stand alone like you do Kaiba… Life's going to be hell if I don't… for the 'both' of us."

There was no chance that he would understand my last statement, which if recognized correctly, was about the well being of both the child and I. But nonetheless he wasn't a part of the problem and he wouldn't become part of it either. As he looked at me with confounded eyes I gave him one last glance and strode away leaving him to his own thoughts.

? POV

"Please, tell me what happened?"

"No…"

"But you hurt him so much, don't you realize-"

"It's his problem, not mine!"

"But why did you-"

"He deserved it! He hadn't been careful enough!"

"Careful? With what?"

"Ask him yourself… his problem…"

"He won't tell anyone! What is wrong with him?"

"How should I know?"

"But it was your fault!"

"It was his fault, not mine that this happened. That makes it his problem that he's falling apart, I've already tried to fix the situation."

"By hurting him?"

"He wants to suffer, get that through your thick head! Stop asking me why any of this happened because I'm not giving you answers. If you really want to know why any of this happened gut him now and ask your questions. Maybe then he'll give you answers when he really sees what type of freak he is."

"Please… if you could at least give me one answer! Yami is in so much pain and we've tried so much to help him!"

"Try harder!"

"But… we're about to give up-"

Click!

"Hello? What? Don't hang up! Damn it! Why are you so cruel? How am I supposed to help them now!"


There a good lengthy chapter… Oh yeah! Hope you enjoyed! Please review as usual and thanks for reading again! Have any questions or concerns tell me and I'll answer the best I can!

Next Time: Yami is now determined to separate himself from everyone he knows, deeply positive that he needs to learn to live alone for the sake of his unborn child. Even as he starts to drift apart, Kaiba still hasn't finished with the ex-pharaoh and someone else is determined to help too, but unfortunately doesn't know how.

Who knows what'll happen…? Oh well, until next time! Thanks!