WARNING(S): Some character ages have been modified for the story. Some family relations and relationships have been altered to fit the story line better. Mild Violence, Mild Sexual Situations

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Business at the Game Shop was decent year-round, but like any other business it had its ups and downs during the seasons. School breaks such as summer, spring and winter were good pick-ups for sales. Today was rather a slow day though. Grandpa was boasting about the shop, dusting this and nearly knocking over that - he was a busy man on the whole. "Ah, there we go. The Capsule Monster section is dusted and looking brand new haha." The happy old man said aloud, very satisfied with the work he'd put in dusting every nook and cranny.

Yugi was sitting behind the counter, not really present today as he was trying to get his assigned questions completed. Today was to be a relaxing day, especially at the game shop. Not everyone and their brothers were going to flock to their little shop to add to their decks on a weeknight. He missed dueling sometimes, but his schedule was way too busy and hectic to get back into it as much as he used to. He had to balance school, work here at the game shop, his grandfather and his love life. Yes, Yugi Muto had a love life, or what resembled one anyways.

He wasn't the bragging type, it wasn't really one he was proud of either... but it was a love life nonetheless. He wasn't so sure it was better than having none though. Because if he didn't have one, he wouldn't have to worry so much about anyone seeing through it...

"Now my boy, what has all the gears in your mind turning?" He asked the younger.

"Oh, uh... nothing Grandpa, I'm fine." He wasn't a very strong liar - but he could get away with it a little bit here and there. He broke his pencil lead and cursed. It was the only pencil he had right now too. He could always walk into town to get a full pack but... it was too far for him to want to go right now.

After a few moments of stressing out over an HB no.2 being broken... another one appeared in front of him, a strong but pale hand attached. His amethyst eyes followed until he met up with crimson colored ones. "O-oh, um... thanks?"

A deep chuckle from Yami, "Don't worry about it." He smiled ever so slightly after Yugi took the pencil. "I never saw a broken lead create so much stress and tension in one person before." He mused, having a seat.

Grandpa proceeded to try - being the key word - to mind his business, but these two made it so hard sometimes.

"Oh, it's ah, it's nothing, really." Yugi smiled, a slight blush creeping up his face as the other gave him a calculating stare.

"Now, now... just because the boy actually has to look through text books for his answers instead of asking his grandfather, who's lived so long I had a pet dinosaur... similar to someone else I know, hmm?"

Yami sighed, "No Grandpa, I was asking your opinion on a historic topic - not scrounging you for answers."

Grandpa laughed, "Either way, I think it's less stressful than this stuff. To me it's just a waste of trees. You want to learn things, ask your old Grandpa Yugi."

Yugi rolled his eyes despite the slight smile on his face.

Yami took his seat right up on the counter top. "So... what do they teach you in this... academic class you're stressing over, hmm?"

Grandpa smacked Yami with his feather duster in hand, "This counter top is not displaying family jewels!"

Yami hopped off the counter, narrowing his eyes and Grandpa dusted and washed the top of the counter yet again.

"Oh, uhm…" Yugi had to think, after all, he was doing really well in his classes. "Math." He called out quickly before mentally cursing himself. He wasn't even in a math class! He gave a nervous laugh and scratched the back of his head.

Before Yami could really say anything, both he and Yugi were being shooed from the counter. "Don't you have some video games to be wasting time with? I gotta do some inventory and then pack it up, lock it up and get started on some dinner."

The door to the Game Shop opened quickly, Marik Ishtar walked right in - no knocking or anything and he shoved Yami to the side before grabbing Yugi forcefully, pressing his lips to the smaller.

Grandpa had swept the same spot over and over, just keeping his eyes on this Marik character - he didn't trust him as far as he could throw him, and he wouldn't even touch the guy. "I've missed you." He breathed, kissing Yugi's cheek, tightening his grip on the other's arm. "Haven't you missed me too?" His grip tightening even more.

Yugi flinched and avoided the other's eyes. "O-of course, Marik! How couldn't I?" He gave a very forceful smile, his lips twitching as he tried to relax his body.

Grandpa had to drag Yami away before he did anything he might've regretted. Or damages in the store when it looked so nice. He couldn't afford that.

"What are you doing tonight?"

"He's busy." Yami cut in, despite all Grandpa's efforts - although he hadn't brought out duct tape yet...

Marik's eyes darted towards him, "I wasn't speaking to you." Turning his eyes back to Yugi, his Yugi. He knelt down looking up at his boyfriend. "Now... before we were interrupted..."

"I-I have to pee!" Yugi yelled out. Ever since he was six it was his automatic response when he got scared and needed out of a situation. He glanced at Yami, feeling ashamed at the same time. He was dragging him into this situation when it was Yugi's alone to deal with.

Marik sat in Yugi's previous seat. Skimming through his homework so far. As if he belonged right where he sat. "So Gramps, what's for dinner?"

Yami felt a twitch or two, but held it in for the most part.

"Not sure yet, got any suggestions? Since you're... apparently staying over and all." He told Marik, despite Yami growling under his breath.

Yugi rushed to the washroom, gently brushing his hand against Yami's in the process, silently asking him to stand down. He quickly closed the door and cranked the tap, splashing water on his face and trying to push his jitters out. He knew damn well Marik saw his response to Yami but if Yami kept defending him, it would only get worse when the lights went out.

God he hated it when the lights were off and the sun had gone down in that cold, damp basement apartment. He straightened up and tapped his cheeks before shutting off the tap and heading back out with a fake smile.

"Hey, sorry about that." He walked over to Marik and placed his arm around the sitting boy's shoulder.

Marik put a hand on Yugi's, "Don't be sorry love, now... did you want to hang around this lame place or-"

"Hey..." Grandpa sulked, sweeping another spot not too far off from where he was.

"-maybe I can take you out to dinner? We can have all sorts of fun when the moon comes up."

Yugi felt a shiver run down his spine. No, not the good kind of shiver, the one that hints when danger is around the corner.

"Oh, I already promised Gramps I'd stay for dinner tonight and show him my score on my latest pop quiz." Yugi gave a nervous laugh. He really was a terrible liar. However, if there was one thing he knew, it was that he'd rather get punished in the daylight than when the moon rose.

Grandpa grinned and Yami leaned on a display, knocking a couple pieces off it and catching them before the poor old guy broke a hip trying to dive for merchandise.

Marik nodded, "Well... you text me later and we'll make plans for another evening alright? I can't go too long without seeing my Yugi. You know that." Standing up, pulling Yugi towards him tightly.

"Of course. I'll text you before bed and let you know." He hesitantly patted the taller's chest.

Marik seemed satisfied for now. "Alright, later 'gators!" When the door to the game shop opened and closed - Grandpa decided it would be for the evening until a younger boy showed up. "Hi Mr. Muto, I was in the area..." Solomon noted the limo in the background. "and I wanted to check out your legendary Game Shop!"

"Well then, we're open - come on in my boy!" He welcomed in the young boy and shut and locked the door behind them - just in case that Marik boy came back.

Yugi sighed and leaned against the wall, finally relaxing. He felt like he was watching a suspenseful movie and he was at the part where it calms down. However, after every calm, comes the storm. He glanced at Yami and looked away quickly. His shoulders slumped and his eyes started to sting. Yugi cursed under his breath and quickly dashed up the stairs to his room, sitting on the bed, turning on the lamp. He hated the dark.


A sigh of relief left a short boy as he left his class. Today's seminar was brutal. Today he leaned what a 'battered wife' was and felt a little ashamed of himself. He slipped out of the class and blinked surprised when he noticed Yami. Did he leave his Ancient Civilizations class early?

"Hey Yami!" Yugi grinned and walked over to him, his books in front of his chest as he hugged them to himself, keeping the lesson away from the smart man.

He gave the younger a smile, "Hi Yugi, how was class?" He asked him genuinely, waiting for the other to catch up and soon they were walking side-by-side. He truly could listen to Yugi go on and on forever if he was given the chance.

Yugi blushed and gave a small smile. "Alright. A bit emotional though. Some girl ran out in tears part way through." He replied quietly. He shifted his books, walking closer than necessary to the taller teen.

He gave a single nod, "Logically speaking, some people have a fight or flight instinct. I think it proves in emotional situations. For a given example, some people cannot face the solid truth or... as Tristan might say, they 'can't handle it' and chose the flight, where as others become ignorant to it... not believing it - which would be fighting just, not with physicality."

Yugi stared in awe. He always loved talking with Yami, hearing him go on about a passionate subject. They slipped outside and into the bright sunlight.

Even though he was so pale, Yami embraced the warmth of the sun upon his skin. It was such a familiar feeling and he couldn't put his finger on it as to why it felt that way, but he enjoyed it greatly. "So, what's next in the day for you?" Making generalized conversation with the younger of the two.

"I dunno really. Thinking about some shopping later. Marik keeps trying to push me to move in, and what not."

Just thinking about that lowly existence, he tensed up. In fear that Yugi would sense the tension, he released just as quickly as it built - the last thing he wanted to do, was scare him. "You don't want to?" Not that it came a surprise, but talking things out in a non-bias manner would be most beneficial. He was sure Yugi could be delicately influenced in any direction if the right words were used.

Anyone who knew this, could manipulate that knowledge, to reach him inside and rip him apart from the inward out.

"I don't know really." He lied, clearing his throat. "I-I mean, we've been together since I was sixteen and all. It's just…" He paused. "I don't like the dark, as you know. You leave a light on for me, but Marik… I don't like what happens in the dark." He muttered the last part. He never told anyone what happened when the lights would go out. If he had it his way, he never would. He'd never tell anyone how, when it started, Marik made him feel good really good. But now? Now it just hurt.

Yami put his hand on the other's, "Is it really just about a light being on or off?" He then stopped himself. "My apologies for being so rude, you don't have to answer that. I would just, like you to know that I'm right here and never too far if you need me."

Yugi blushed as Yami led him around a corner to a slightly secluded area.

"I found this place the other day and thought you'd want to see it." His deep voice said softly. Yugi looked around in awe. There were flowers everywhere, trees providing shade by a couple of park benches. A small pond with a fountain in the center. Yami motioned the shorter to follow and Yugi did so happily.

"It's so beautiful Yami." He breathed, sitting on one of the provided seats.

"I thought you'd like it." He winked and the shorter blushed, giving a nod. "Yugi, look at me?" At first, no response. "Please?" He whispered, then he slowly looked up, meeting the other's gentle gaze.

It was inevitable, Yugi wanted Yami to connect with him in a way he'd never dare to want before. Should he be feeling like this? Probably not. Did it matter what his boyfriend thought? Not right now. Later it would, and it would come with consequences - but right now nothing else mattered. Nothing else but this wise, intelligent, beautiful man in front of him. He wanted this moment to stay for eternity, but it couldn't. It wouldn't.

Looking into his eyes was deadly, but he'd never experienced so much bliss in hues of crimson. Nor had Yami felt such sincerity in the hue of amethyst.

He caressed the younger's face, bringing him closer until his soft lips met Yugi's slightly chapped. It was now happening, and it felt so real.

Yugi shivered as tingles shot up his spine, wrapping his arms around the other's shoulders, pulling him closer. Yami's arms slipped along his waist, embracing him as their mouths opened slightly, tongues brushing. The smaller teen moaned and gripped the older tight, his breathing becoming labored as a need filled his body. God he wanted Yami.

He straddled the taller's waist, the kiss becoming more desperate, quiet noises surrounding them.

"Yugi… Yugi." Yami whispered, gently pushing the other's chest. "Slow down." He cupped the younger's cheek again and the shorter blushed, a smile on his face.

"Sorry. I got carried away." He admitted.

"Really? I hadn't noticed." He chuckled breathlessly, it nearly killed him to push the young male away, but he had no other choice.

A figure, hidden in the shadows watched carefully, a look of pure disgust on his face. 'How dare he?!' an estranged Marik thought to himself. He normally came to this spot to think and it was being christened by the act of ultimate adultery in his eyes. Yugi was his. His property, he owned him! Did he forget that?

No matter, a smirk came upon his face as he thought of a plan. He would force Yugi to realize how bad this was, and he'd have him back in no time. 'Just gotta put him back in his place... my naughty little Yugi... you'll see.'

:: Yu :: Gi :: Oh ::