Masami: Thank you everyone who read and reviewed our last filming session and thanks to all my actors and Damion.
Damion: uh huh
Yuugi: So what's on the agenda for today?
Masami: (whispers in Yuugi's ear)
Yuugi: O.O
Yami: Oh no! Don't tell me we're starting act IV!
Masami: YUP! n.n
Yami: Damn it.
Yuugi: uu let's just get it over with.
Masami: OK! places! Quiet on the…..oh screw it, ACTION!
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Duel 4: The Life Giving Air
Thursday
Yami sighed. 'Another hour and school will be over. Yuugi and I really need to work on our projects for history. Those damn textbooks did jack shit for us!'
He supposed that wasn't completely true. That last textbook let him sit really close to Yuugi with an excuse. He could tell Yuugi didn't mind, and maybe he even enjoyed it.
But he wasn't sure about the boy's feelings just yet. He had his suspicions, but had no real proof to support it. So until he knew for sure, he would just have to hit on him in a secretive way.
Like with the textbook. It gave him a reason to sit with him like that. If Yuugi didn't feel the same, then he would have backed away or got off the couch or something. But . . . maybe he didn't feel the same and thought Yami was just sitting with him.
'Oh hell, that can't be it. Yuugi doesn't seem like that kind of person. But . . .'
He sighed. Lazily, he picked up a ball and threw it at Jou. It connected with his lower leg.
"Katsuya's out! Blue team wins!"
He growled. "Damn it!"
Yami groaned. 'What the hell am I going to do? Mai would never let Yuugi come over to my house where we have a computer! So now what?'
"Yami, you're really good at this."
The teen smiled. "Thanks, Yuugi."
Sakamoto-san blew her whistle and called everyone over. "All right, minna-san. Tomorrow we're starting a badminton tournament. Pick your partners now and I'll write it in."
Immediately, Yami asked Yuugi to be his partner.
"Of course! I would love to!"
Yami heard Ushio grunt just behind him. "Faggot."
He turned and fiercely glared at the boy three times his own size. Ushio was unfazed and smirked.
"You got something to say to me, Atemu?"
Yami took a step towards him, but Yuugi stopped him.
He had a tight grip on his partner's arm. "Yami, don't. It's not worth it. Don't justify him with any kind of reaction."
Knowing Yuugi was right, the teen backed off. He took Yuugi's hand and walked over to Sakamoto-san.
"Yuugi and I will be partners for the tournament."
She nodded. "Very well."
After she wrote it down, Yami looked at the list.
Jou was paired with Seto and Honda was with Otogi. Mai, however, wasn't with anyone.
Yami noticed that Mai never participated in any sport. Accept for that one time in dodge ball. But aside from that, she would just sit on the bleachers watching over Yuugi like a hawk. It was odd, but he wasn't about to tell her what to do.
"Yuugi!" Mai called out from her spot on the bench. "Come here."
He nodded. "I'll be right back, Yami."
The teen released his hand and watched him leave.
"Oi! Yami!" It was Honda. "What happened?"
He turned to them. "Nani?"
Jou shoved his hands in his pockets. "Ushio. We saw what happened. What the hell did he say to ya?"
"Forget it. It doesn't matter."
Honda shook his head. "It does if you're still mad about it. What did he say?"
Yami looked away from them out of the corner of his eye. "What does he always say about me?"
Jou growled. "That bastard!"
"Yami, you should tell the principal about him." Seto said. "He could get Ushio expelled and we wouldn't have to worry about him any more."
He shook his head. "I won't let someone else deal with my problems. I won't hide behind a figure of authority like some coward. I'll handle it in my own way."
Though reluctant, the three agreed.
Yuugi came running back with a big smile on his face.
"Yami! I have good news!"
He took a deep breath and turned to the shorter version of himself with an identical smile. "And what would that be?"
"Mai has to work late tonight so she said you and I could go to the library and work on our project!"
He looked over Yuugi's head (Me: x.x he's so short!) to see Mai looking at them from across the room. Yami smiled and politely nodded as a way of saying thank you.
She nodded once and walked out the door to the girl's changing room.
Seto blinked. "Mai works?"
"Um . . ." Seeing his mistake, Yuugi froze. He knew students at this school weren't allowed to have an after school job. But it's not like he could deny it now. "Yeah. Please don't tell any one."
They nodded.
"She works as a waitress at some fancy restaurant. I don't remember what it's called. Any way, Mai usually has to clean up at the end of the day. Today they're open really late and she has to clean up."
Honda grunted. "Ouch. It must be hard. Hey, when will she be back at your place?"
He thought for a moment. "Not 'til late at night. But she'll be back before midnight for sure. Anyway, Mai told me there's a library near here so we have to go there after school."
"That's great, Yuugi. Maybe we can actually work on our project today." Yami turned his head to look over his shoulder. "How 'bout you two? Jou? Honda?"
"Uh . . . hey come on! We got it covered!" Jou said.
Honda nodded. "Yeah. It's a work in progress."
Yami cleared his throat. "I'm sure it is. Any way, let's get changed. Jou's starting to stink up the place."
--
For the second time, Yami and Yuugi were paired up to clean the halls at the end of the day.
Morita-san told them it was because they did such a good job last time, he figured they should do it at the end of every day.
Yami was slightly annoyed, but he was glad he could do it with Yuugi. (Masami: n.n haha! Yami's a pervert! ) He could spend time with Yuugi and he could also keep an eye on him.
It's no wonder Mai never left him alone. Yuugi was so innocent and naïve that . . . well, Yami didn't even want to think about that.
"Yami? Are you ok?"
He looked over at Yuugi and smiled. "Un. Sorry, I was just thinking."
The boy nodded and returned to cleaning the glass of the trophy case. "What about?"
Yami blinked. This would be a perfect opportunity to do a little flirting. He grinned. "Actually, I was thinking about you."
He suddenly dropped the bottle of cleaning solution. "R- . . . really?" He bent over and picked it up. "Um . . . Anything . . . in particular?"
Yami paused to keep Yuugi on the edge. He dropped the mop back into the bucket and dragged it along the floor again. "Maybe."
Out of the corner of his eye, Yami could see Yuugi blushing like mad. 'Is he thinking about what I think he's thinking about? If he is he has a dirtier mind then Jou!'
Yuugi gripped the cloth he used the clean the glass so hard he swore he heard it rip. 'Does that maybe mean what I think it means? He has a bit of a dirty mind if it does mean what I think it means.'
The teen mischievously raised an eyebrow. "Are you all right, Yuugi? Your face is all red. Are you sick?"
"Um . . . no . . ."
'Damn it!' Yuugi cursed. 'Now he'll think I'm some kind of pervert! I should have said I was sick! . . . but then Mai wouldn't let me go.'
He took a deep sigh and lost his blush.
Yami grinned. 'I've got to tell Kaiba about this!'
He continued to clean the floor as if nothing had actually happened.
Yuugi took a silent deep breath. 'All right. Calm down. I'm sure he doesn't think like that. Just keep cleaning. That's the goal for right now.'
Yuugi walked over to the window on the other side of the hall. But the floor was wet there and his feet slipped from beneath him. Yuugi yelped as he felt himself begin to fall.
He closed his eyes and waited for impact . . . but it never came.
"Yuugi?"
When he heard his name, Yuugi opened his eyes to see Yami's face just above his.
"Are you all right?"
He nodded.
Somehow, Yami had caught Yuugi securely in his arms before the boy could fall on his back.
Slowly, the teen helped him stand on his own feet. But the arms around his body wouldn't leave.
The two were completely locked in a gaze of love. Neither could move nor did they want to. This was a moment that could have lasted forever for all they cared.
Yuugi couldn't help but notice how close Yami's lips were to his. He suddenly lost his breath when he thought about actually kissing him.
His cheeks turned a light pink. "Yami . . . I . . ."
"Shh . . ." He put a finger to Yuugi's lips. "Don't . . . Just . . ."
Yami slowly dragged his finger across the boy's smooth, full lips and gently cupped his cheek.
Yuugi's eyes were now only half opened. He couldn't breath at all now but he didn't care. This was what he wanted after all.
The two slowly leaned forward, desperately wanting to kiss the other. They could almost-
"Yami-chan! Where are you?"
Yami gasped. 'No. Not her. Anyone but her!'
The teen quickly stepped away and took a deep breath.
Yuugi could feel his body trembling. Whether it was from the saddened disappointment that Yami pulled back or the excitement that spread through his body from what almost happened, he didn't know. And on some level, he didn't care.
'I almost kissed Yami! He's the most gorgeous guy in school! I shouldn't be complaining!'
Then a shrill voice rang in his ear. "Yami-chan! Where are you?"
A girl came around the corner and shrieked. "Yami-chan! There you are!"
She ran up and hugged him. "I've been looking for you everywhere! Where have you been lately?"
Yami pushed her off and straightened his shirt and jacket. "I've been a little busy lately, Anzu. Why?"
She held her hands behind her back and tilted her head, looking at him in a bashful way. "Well, I've missed you, Yami-chan."
He rolled his eyes.
Anzu suddenly noticed someone else in her presence. "Yami-chan, who's this?"
"Uh . . . this is Motou Yuugi. He's a . . . a . . ." Yami had absolutely no idea what to call him. They weren't boyfriends just yet. They were certainly friends, but-
"I'm a friend of Yami's."
She smiled. "Well, my name's Masaki Anzu and it's very nice to meet you."
"You too, Mazaki-san." Yami heard Yuugi's voice crack. He saw the hurt in his amethyst eyes.
Guilt was all he could feel. 'Does he think Anzu and I are together?'
Yuugi's chest started to feel tight. It was hard to breath and he was starting to panic. Anzu was calling him Yami-chan. Why would she say that if they weren't together? He started to shake from fear. Could his secret love already be taken? 'I have to get out of here. I can't take it.'
He politely smiled. "Excuse me for a moment."
Yuugi quickly left the hallway then ran to the bathroom.
Anzu put her hands on her hips. "Well that was rather rude."
Yami shoved the mop into her hands. "Anzu, please finish up for us."
He then ran after Yuugi. Yami didn't exactly know where the boy had ran off to, but he had a feeling. Almost as if he could sense where Yuugi was.
Before he knew it, his feet had led him to the bathroom. Through the door, he could hear someone trying frantically to breathe.
He burst through the door. The first sight to meet his eyes was Yuugi's hunched over back.
The boy was on his knees clutching his chest, wheezing and coughing as he attempted to breath properly.
'Oh no! He must have asthma!'
Yami sat on the floor against the wall. He pulled Yuugi into his lap and leaned him forward a bit.
"Yuugi, listen to me carefully. I can help you. Ok? Will you let me help you?"
He slowly nodded and coughed a few times.
"Good." Yami placed his hands over the small of Yuugi's back and just below the rib cage. "Breath slowly in through your nose, and down to my hands. Try and keep your shoulders still. Try not to move your chest if you can. Just breath in slowly down as far as my hands."
Yuugi obediently closed his mouth and inhaled through his nose. He tried hard to do as Yami told him. At first, he was unsuccessful, but after a few tries, Yami told him he was doing it right.
"Now breath out slowly. Not too fast. Breathing out is the hardest part of all. Keep it slow, and don't breathe in till I tell you to."
He paused for a few seconds after Yuugi slowly exhaled. "Now breath in again, slowly."
Yuugi was doing very well. After a few more times of this exercise, his breathing was becoming more under control. Now, Yami was massaging the back of Yuugi's neck, saying,
"Good. You're doing great. Now breathe in and then out. But don't breath in again while I count to ten and say breathe."
He inhaled then exhaled just as he was told. Yami counted to ten in a steady beat. The first time, Yuugi inhaled at eight. Yami told him it was all right and started his countdown again.
This time, he made it to ten.
As time went on, Yami increased the count to twelve, fifteen, twenty and even thirty. After being able to reach thirty twice, he knew Yuugi's breathing was now under control.
He started massaging the back of his neck more while Yuugi took slow, steady breaths.
"Yuugi, are you ok now?"
He mutely nodded.
"What happened? Why couldn't you breathe?"
Yuugi took a few breaths before speaking. "I was scared. I thought . . . I thought someone was after me. I . . . I guess the fear . . . overwhelmed me."
Yami sighed. "Yuugi, I know that's a lie. Please tell me the truth."
'He's right. I'm lying. But not all of it was a lie. I really was scared. I love Yami so much. But if he belongs to another . . . if he's not even . . . but why would he try to kiss me if he wasn't? That's what I was afraid of. I thought . . . maybe . . . he was just going to use me for what ever he wanted then throw me away. But I can't tell him that.'
Yami didn't understand. Why wouldn't Yuugi trust him with the truth? 'Perhaps I shouldn't ask him. I don't want to intrude on his personal life. But I'll find out someday.'
"Yuugi, it's ok. You don't have to tell me. For now. Just stay calm."
He nodded. "Thank you."
Yami smiled. "You're very welcome."
They sat in silence momentarily.
Yuugi's mouth was so dry from trying to breathe before Yami came to help. He slowly kneeled and grasped the sink.
Yami stood up. "Wait. Let me help."
"No. It's ok. I'm fine."
He was still a little weak, but Yuugi was able to stand all on his own. He turned on the cold water and cupped some of it in his hands. He noisily sipped it and swallowed the liquid. It soothed his soar throat and helped him to feel refreshed.
He turned off the tap and looked at Yami. "How did you do that?"
"Health class last year. The only reason I remembered it is because every once in a while, my old health teacher would randomly quiz us in class about CPR and what I just did. But she retired after that year."
He smiled. "Well, thank goodness she kept nagging you like that. You could have saved my life Yami. I'm in debt to you because of this."
The teen laughed. "Yuugi, I don't want you to repay me for helping you. I care about you and I don't want you to be hurt or sad."
He blushed. "Thank you. But still, I feel like-"
"Well don't. I don't need any kind of payment."
Yuugi smiled. "All right. Well, I guess we should head to the library now."
Yami put his hands on Yuugi's shoulders. "Are you sure you're ok to go?"
He nodded. "Un. I'll be fine. I promise."
The walk to the library was longer then either of them thought.
But this gave Yami an advantage. He could talk to Yuugi and maybe get a few answers out of him.
"Yuugi, how long has this been going on?"
He shrugged. "I don't know."
"Do you remember when the attacks first started?"
Yuugi gave him the same answer.
He paused. "Does Mai know about this?"
". . . Sort of. It's never been this bad before . . . so we just dismissed it as nothing."
Yami stopped walked and held Yuugi back. "Yuugi, you can't just ignore it. Asthma can be very dangerous. You need to see a doctor about this."
"We can't afford a doctor right now, Yami."
He blinked. "Why not? Don't your parents-"
"Don't talk about my parents!" He paused. "I'm sorry. Please, just don't talk about them."
He nodded. "It's all right. I understand. I shouldn't have asked."
They continued on their way in a semi awkward silence.
Yami thought he should say something . . . only the question was, what? What could he say that would make the tension melt away?
"Yami?"
He blinked. "Yes, Yuugi?"
Yuugi paused before he spoke again. "What's kink?"
(Me: lmfao! Thanks soooo much Kim! )
"Uh . . . where did you hear that?"
He shrugged. "Mai said something about it yesterday and I don't know what it is."
"Oh . . . Mai told you that huh? Well . . . see . . . kink . . . is uh . . ."
Suddenly, Yami felt his pocket shaking. "Oh. It's my phone. Hold on a second."
Pressing the 'talk' button, he held the cell phone to his ear. "Moshi moshi."
"Hey Yami-chan!"
He pulled the phone away for a second while his eye twitched. "Hello."
"Yami-chan why did you just leave me at the school like that?"
The teen rolled his eyes. "I had something more important to take care of."
He winked at Yuugi, causing his to blush.
"WHAT! More important then me!"
Yami sighed. "Yes."
"Yami-chan! How could you-"
He suddenly made a noise that sounded like static. "What? Kshhh! You're kshhh up! Uh . . . I'm going through a tunnel! Ksshhhh! You kssshhhh!"
"Yami-chan you're not even in a car!"
"Kshhhhh! I can't hear you! Kssshhh! You're-"
He hung up and sighed.
Yuugi was holding his sides as he leaned forward. He couldn't stop laughing.
"Y-Yami! . . . That was . . . so mean!"
He shrugged. "What?"
His laughter intensified. Yami was almost concerned that Yuugi would have another attack.
"Ok, Yuugi. Calm down. Just take it easy."
Yuugi took a few deep breaths. "Don't worry. I'm all right. Sorry, it was just so funny! I can't believe you did that! Who was it any way?"
"Uh . . . It was Jou."
Yuugi frowned. "Why did he call? Am I keeping you from something?"
"Oh no, Yuugi. Not at all."
"But you said-"
He held up a hand. "Yuugi, really. It's all right. There's nothing else I had planned today. I only want to spend my time with you today."
The boy blushed. "Really?"
"Of course. No one is more important to me then you."
Yami started to walk forward and corner Yuugi to the tree that stood behind the boy.
He gasped. "Y-Yami . . . what are you doing?"
Their bodies were lightly pressing against each other. Yami put his left arm above Yuugi's head.
"Well . . ." The hand of his other arm gently held Yuugi's cheek again. "I figured we should pick up where we left off before we were so rudely interrupted. Don't you?"
He whispered in a sultry voice against Yuugi's ear.
The boy gasped and couldn't hold back a tiny mewl of pleasure.
Yami grinned. 'If he didn't like me then there's no way he would let me do this in public!'
Yuugi could feel his face burning. 'Why is Yami doing this in public! Someone's going to see us! I . . . I can't!'
Yuugi quickly ducked under Yami's arm and ran a few steps away from him. Then he continued slowly walking.
'Why did he pull back like that?' Yami frowned. "Yuugi, wait!"
The boy hesitated in a step and froze. He clenched his eyes shut. 'Please don't be mad, Yami. Please don't be mad! I don't want to lose you!'
There was a hand on his shoulder. "You almost stepped in dog shit."
Yuugi slowly looked at the ground. A small pile of feces lay in the spot where he would have taken his next step.
"Oh. Thanks."
Yami smiled. "No problem."
Again, they continued on their way in silence, forgetting what almost happened back at the tree.
( Yami: STOP! Hold it! Masami: Cut! What now? Yami: how far away is this library! Masami: n.n' oh yeah….i forgot about the library Yami: -.- Masami: ok! Let's pick it up from Scene III! Action!)
They turned the corner and Yuugi gasped. "Is . . . is this the library! It's huge!"
Yami stared at the familiar grey building. "Well . . . actually, that's an apartment complex." He pointed to the beige coloured structure just beside it. "That's the library."
"Oh . . . it's huge!"
Yami laughed. "Yeah, it's pretty big. You know something? It's got the best selection of books but there's a bigger library on the other side of town."
"How does that work?"
He shrugged. "I don't know. Plus the librarians here are a lot nicer."
"Then let's go!"
Together, they ran to the door and opened it. Inside, Yuugi blinked a few times to see if what he saw was real.
"I don't believe it! There are so many books!"
Yami smiled. "Yeah. This is why I'm glad Mai let us come here. There's a huge history section at the back and there, we can get all kinds of information. You do know what we have to look for right?"
He nodded. "I have the outline in my backpack."
Yami blinked. "Morita-san never gives us outlines."
"Morita-san said since I'm new I wouldn't know his criteria for a project." Yuugi smiled.
"I know the criteria for his projects."
Yuugi laughed. "That's not what he said."
A few minutes later, Yami and Yuugi were buried in books about Japan's agricultural past.
Pens were constantly moving, writing important, crucial, and useful facts they found. Soon, both boys had hand cramps and were forced to take a break.
Yami sighed. "Remind me to never write for thirteen pages with out stopping."
"Remind me to remind you first and we've got a deal."
They laughed.
Someone at another table hissed at them to be quiet.
"Sorry, miss."
Yuugi buried his head in his arms on the table. "I am so tired."
"How come?"
This time, they made sure they spoke in whispers to not disturb other people.
He shrugged. "I don't know. I haven't been getting much sleep I guess."
"What's keeping you up?"
Yuugi sat up straight. "The air conditioner in our apartment isn't working right. It keeps groaning and hissing and squeaking like mad! I hear it every night because we have to sleep in the same room as the air conditioner. No one could sleep through something like that. One more night with that noise and I'll become an insomniac!"
He chuckled. "You know, you could spend the night at my house if it's troubling you."
The boy quickly hid a blush. "Um, thank you for the offer but I couldn't. Mai wouldn't like it and I would just be in the way."
"Not at all, Yuugi. We could work something out with Mai and my parents wouldn't mind. My friends are always over at my house. They won't care."
Yuugi half smiled. "I'm sorry Yami. It's just . . . Mai would get mad if she knew I was with you at your house."
"What's wrong with Mai, anyway? Why doesn't she like me?"
He bit his lip. "Um . . . I . . . don't know."
"Did I do something wrong?"
Yuugi sighed. "No. She's just . . . afraid that you will do something."
Yami blinked. "What's that supposed to mean?"
He knew why. Mai had told Yuugi all of her feelings about Yami to him. But all he could do is shrug. "I don't know. She never really told me what she meant by that. I think she only has to get to know you like I have. Then she'll see what a kind, caring, sweet . . ." Yuugi blinked, realizing that he had started to space out. "Uh . . . person you are."
"Is that really how you see me, Yuugi?"
The boy blushed a bit. "Well . . . yeah. You're always there for me. You care about all your friends so much, you're ho-"
He gasped. 'I can't believe it! I almost said he was hot!'
Yami raised an eyebrow. "I'm what?"
'Uh oh!' He gulped. "You're . . . ho- . . . onarable."
The teen stared at him with a confused expression. "I'm honorable?"
"Yeah!" Yuugi was unsure of what to say. But since he couldn't think of anything else, he decided to just go along with it.
Yami chuckled. 'That's got to be the worst cover up I've ever heard of.'
"Thank you, Yuugi. That's very kind of you."
He paused. "Um . . . You're welcome."
Yami smiled. "Well, I think we should get back to work. There's still six more books to go through."
"Uh . . . actually, there's seven."
He groaned. "Aw, crap!"
Again, the woman hissed at them to be quiet. Yuugi apologized and tried not to laugh.
They resumed reading and writing facts for their project. Soon, Yami reached a section in one book that was smudged and nearly impossible to read.
"Yuugi? Could you help me with this part? I can't see what it says."
He looked up. "Sure." Yuugi pulled his chair right up next to Yami's. He leaned over and squinted his eyes.
While Yuugi was busy trying to decipher the text, Yami slowly put his arm around Yuugi's shoulders and pulled him a little closer.
Yuugi blushed but tried to make it look like he didn't mind. It wasn't that Yuugi didn't want Yami to do this, because he did. He just wished he wasn't so bashful about being close to someone so then he could stop blushing all the time.
He wanted to be comfortable with Yami. There was never a time when he felt awkward or scared in his presence (aside from when they first met). But he wanted to be even closer to Yami. Closer then friends or even best friends.
Yami smiled. He adored Yuugi's cheeks when they turned a shade of scarlet. He was so lovely with scarlet outlining his face.
With great skill, Yami quickly pulled Yuugi parallel to his body. Their thighs were rubbing against each other as Yami slide even closer to Yuugi. Now the sides of their bodies were squished together.
Yuugi's felt his face burning from the lover's embrace Yami was sharing with him. With each movement, Yuugi knew that Yami was trying to imply something. They were all suggesting a certain thing, but Yuugi was unsure if it was that he wanted to be with him as a boyfriend, or it meant he was only attracted to him physically.
He was so uncertain, but on some level Yuugi didn't really care. He loved that Yami always wanted to be so near him all the time. He hadn't felt like this in a long time so it's best if he didn't question it or else the opportunity would slip through his fingers.
Yami smiled. He quietly smelled Yuugi's hair again and held back a moan.
'Oh Yuugi, I love how you smell of lilies. I love how you blush whenever I touch you and I love how you don't turn away when I do. I really hope you love me as much as I love you. I can't be sure yet, but-'
Yami's musings were interrupted when two boys at the table just behind them were whispering. He only paid attention to them because he heard them talking about Yuugi and himself.
"Ugh. That's so gross." One of them said. "I mean look at them! He's all over that kid!"
The other grunted in agreement and in disgust. "How often you think that one on the right fucks the kid on the left?"
Yami growled. He stood up and walked over to them with a fierce glower on his face. "If you have something to say to me, why not say it to my face instead of some coward?"
"Yami, what's going on?"
He heard Yuugi's concerned voice, but couldn't answer him right now. If he looked away it would be showing weakness.
The first boy stood up. He was two feet taller then Yami and looked to be much stronger.
"Yeah, I got something to say. If you're gonna feel up your bitch do it somewhere private!"
Yami pulled back a fist. It connected with the boy's cheek and sent him flying back into a rack of books.
Yuugi latched onto his arm. "Yami, stop! It's not worth it! Don't-"
"Yuugi, I won't let them walk all over us and insult you like that! They shouldn't be allowed to get away with that!"
The boy stood between him and the bully. "Yami, I know that. But please don't fight them. You'll get in trouble and I don't want that to happen because of me."
"It won't be because of you, Yuugi. It's their fault!"
The first boy finally stood up. "Hey! Don't blame us for not having any self-control, asshole."
Yami growled. Before he could speak, Yuugi turned around and took a step forward.
"Please, sir. There's no need for such anger and violence. We-"
The second boy interrupted. "We don't need no fuckin' lecture from no faggot!"
He punched Yuugi in the left temple. The boy was sent sideways into his and Yami's table. Papers flew everywhere as it was knocked over. He hit his head against the corner of a chair as he fell to the ground.
Yami gasped. He heard a few others gasp when Yuugi limply landed on the floor. There was a small audience around them. They were attracted there by the commotion and wanted to know what was going on.
Yami growled. "You bastards!"
He charged forward, fists ready to knock their blocks off. When suddenly, they started running away.
"This ain't over, Atemu!"
"Yeah! Just wait til Ushio hears about this!"
Yami cursed. 'Knowing them, they'll say I was having sex with Yuugi! But I'll deal with that later.'
He looked behind him to see what had scared them off. A tall, burly, dark skinned man stood there. He definitely looked intimidating so it was no wonder why they ran.
But the man looked down at Yami and gave him a friendly smile. "Well, they won't be back here for a while."
He nodded. "Yes. Thank you for your help, sir."
They introduced themselves and Masuyo (the man) said it was no trouble.
"Excuse me!" A woman cried. "I think this boy needs help!"
Yami gasped. "Yuugi!"
He and Masuyo ran to the fallen angel and kneeled beside him.
"Yuugi, are you alright!"
He slowly nodded. "Un. I'll be ok."
"My name is Masuyo. I'm a doctor so I can help. Tell me, where are you hurt?"
Yuugi raised his hand and covered a spot on the right just above his ear. "Right here. I . . . I think it's where I hit my head."
Masuyo nodded. "Right. Let's get him to sit up, ok?"
Yami agreed. Together, they lifted Yuugi into a seated position.
"Now, let's see where you hit your head." Masuyo said. "Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you. I'll be very gentle."
Yuugi slowly nodded and turned his head, giving Masuyo access to his injury.
Being as tender as he could, Masuyo brushed away Yuugi's hair that covered his wound.
Yami held Yuugi's hand to reassure him and keep him calm. He didn't want Yuugi to have another asthma attack especially with the blow to the head he suffered.
Masuyo inspected the injury and smiled. "Well, my boy. You have nothing to worry about. It's not very serious at all. It might swell a little and there will be some bruising, but you don't need to go to a hospital."
Both Yuugi and Yami sighed in relief.
"I do suggest you put some ice on that though. You'll be all right, it's just so it'll heal faster and keep the swelling down. You should also lie down for a while and take it easy just incase you feel dizzy."
Yuugi gratefully nodded. "Thank you so much, Masuyo-san."
"You're very welcome . . . um . . ."
The boy knew that Masuyo wanted his name. "Motou Yuugi."
He nodded. "Motou Yuugi. I'll make sure to remember you. And you as well, Atemu-san."
After saying goodbye, Yami and Yuugi gathered their things and left the library. After turning the corner again, Yuugi stopped walking.
It took Yami a few seconds to realize this, but he was instantly at his side. "Yuugi? What's wrong? Do you feel dizzy? Are you ok to walk?"
He nodded. Then slowly, Yuugi looked up at Yami with pleading eyes. "Yami, I'm going to ask you something impossible. But please. I need you to do it."
"What? What is it?"
He paused and took a deep breath. "You can't tell Mai about what happened."
"Yuugi . . ."
"I know she should know what happened . . . but I don't want her to worry about me. She had enough to worry about and a few bullies isn't what she needs right now. Please, for both our sakes. Don't tell her."
Yami frowned. He didn't like that idea at all. Mai was Yuugi's stepsister. And so far, it seemed she was Yuugi's only family. It didn't seem right to keep something like that from her. But he also knew that he should respect Yuugi's wishes.
He sighed. "All right. I won't tell her but on one condition. I stay with you over at your apartment. I just want to make sure you'll be all right until Mai gets back."
Yuugi smiled. "Deal."
The walked back to Yuugi's apartment. Along the way, they talked about school, things they saw on the street, anything really.
Suddenly, Yami realized something. 'This is our first real . . . talk. We've never had a chance to talk about anything before. Mai was always with us and she barely let us say a word unless it was about the project.'
"Huh . . ."
Yuugi tapped Yami's shoulder. "Are you ok, Yami?"
He smiled. "Yes, of course. Why?"
"Well, you just went so quiet all of a sudden." He shrugged. "I don't know . . . it just seemed so unnatural."
Yami laughed. "Sorry. I just thought of something."
"What?"
He smiled. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it."
"Are you sure?"
Yami nodded. "I'm quiet sure."
Yuugi decided to leave it alone if Yami didn't want to talk about it.
They entered the building and made it safely to Yuugi's apartment. Upon entering, Yami ran straight to the couch and lay down on it.
"Oh yeah. That's good."
Yuugi laughed. "Do you want something to drink? We only really have . . . well, water. But . . ."
"No thanks. I'm good."
Yuugi sat down on the floor beside Yami's head.
He immediately sat up. "Oh, I'm sorry. I'm hogging the couch."
"Oh don't worry. I'm fine."
Yami shook his head. "No. Remember? Masuyo-san said you have to lie down."
"But-"
Not taking no for an answer, Yami grabbed Yuugi's arms and lifted him up to the sofa. Yuugi was now lying on the cushions. Yami started to crawl over his legs to get off but suddenly stopped.
"Are you- . . . what?"
Yuugi was blushing furiously and almost seemed to be afraid. Yami looked down and realized why.
He had straddled Yuugi's waist and was still holding his arms at his sides.
'Yuugi must think I'm . . .'
Yami quickly hopped off the couch and cleared his throat. "Uh . . . sorry. I was just going to ask if you were comfortable."
He shakily nodded.
"Good. Well . . . I guess I'll get going now."
Again, he unsteadily agreed. In a way, Yuugi didn't want him to go. But with what just happened . . . then again, how was he sure Yami would actually do that?
For now, it would be better if he just left.
Yami sighed as he shut the door behind him. 'Yuugi was afraid of me. What did I do to scare him?'
Taking out his cell phone, he selected Seto's number and put the phone to his ear.
It rang a few times before someone picked up.
"Moshi Moshi."
He blinked. "Mokuba-kun?"
"Oh hi, Yami-kun! What's up?"
The teen cleared his throat again and spoke up. "Well, I was actually hoping to talk to your brother. Why do you have his cell phone?"
Mokuba's laugh carried through the line. "Sorry. He's in a meeting. I have it because he gave it to me just incase someone called for him. Nii-sama said he wouldn't be long. Want me to tell him to call you?"
Yami sighed. "No, that's ok. Just tell him to meet me at the coffee house."
"Ok! Later!"
He hung up and put the phone back in his pocket.
"Yami?"
Caught off guard, he jumped up and yelped. He turned around and sighed. "Yuugi . . . what's wrong? Are you all right?"
The boy was looking just out of a crack of the door. He was still afraid but was slowly overcoming it. He nodded, finally answering Yami's question.
"It's just . . . well . . . I . . ."
Yami gently walked up to him. "Yuugi, what ever it is you have to say, you can tell me. I'm not going to be angry or upset no matter what. If there's ever anything wrong you can always come to me and talk about it."
He bit his lip and opened the door a little bit more. Yami could see his body shaking. If there was something he wanted to say, he was struggling with himself to get it out.
"Yuugi, you shouldn't keep your feelings inside. Let it all out. It eats you alive until it breaks your spirit. After that, you just feel so empty inside. I know because I let that happen once. But then, my friends approached me and forced my anger and sadness out. Then I was happy again.
Letting something off your chest is the best feeling you'll ever get. Knowing someone's there for you is great too. And I swear I'll always be there for you. You can tell me anything."
Yuugi suddenly burst into tears. He ran into Yami and grabbed fistfuls of his shirt.
The teen wrapped his arms around Yuugi and held him close. "Easy, Yuugi. Just take it easy."
"I can't take it any more, Yami! It hurts so much! It's too much to bear!"
Yami gently rubbed his back. "What is? You can tell me. I swear no one will ever find out from me."
Yuugi sobbed. "I-I want to tell you so badly! But . . . I don't think I can!"
The teen noticed someone was watching them. He picked Yuugi up like a bride and carried him back inside, closing the door with his foot. Then with Yuugi in his lap, they sat on the couch while the boy slowly stopped crying.
"Yuugi, why is it you think you can't tell me?"
He sniffed. Yuugi refused to look at Yami straight in the eye. He just pressed his cheek to Yami's solid chest and kept a firm grip on his shirt.
"I can't tell you . . . because . . . well, Mai said I could never tell anyone. Also . . . I know you would hate me for it."
Yami held him closer. "Yuugi, I could never hate you. I care about you so much. You're the most important person in my life! If there's ever a way I could help you, even if it's something so trivial, I don't care. I would do it just to see your beautiful smile."
"But . . . how could you care about a piece of dirt like me?"
Yami could feel his tears overflowing. "Yuugi, please don't speak so ill of yourself. You're not dirt! I don't know why you would ever say that, but it's a lie. You're above dirt. You're . . ." He smiled. "You're the air."
He blinked. "I'm what?"
"That's right. You're the air. You're everywhere I look. You surround me and make me feel so happy. You're laughter is like a warm summer breeze. The air is calming, sweet, and beautiful. Air gives you life. Without it, you couldn't breath. No one can survive without air.
You are my air, Yuugi. Without you, I wouldn't be happy. I wouldn't be here, with the one I lo- . . ." He froze trying to think of something. ". . . the one I care about. You're what gives me life."
Yami couldn't see, but Yuugi was smiling. 'He really thinks that. I've never heard someone say something so nice about me.'
"Thank you, Yami. I care about you too." He sighed. "I just can't tell you. I can't betray Mai. I've already done it once before . . . and I can't do it again. I care about her a lot too. The both of you mean so much to me. I could never hurt either of you. I might be able to tell you someday . . . just not today."
Yami nodded. He lifted Yuugi's head so they could stare into each other's eyes. "I understand. I'll wait until you're ready."
"Thank you for being so tolerant. I must be a pain to-"
The teen cut him off by covering his lips with his index finger. "Never. You could never bother me. I just want you to be happy. So I'll wait forever for you."
He blushed. "Thank you so much."
It then came time for Yami to leave. He had to meet with Seto and tell him everything that's happened.
Yuugi was sad that he had to leave, but wasn't about to make him stay.
"Um . . . Yami?"
He smiled. "Don't worry. I won't tell Mai anything that's happened today. I promise."
Yuugi nodded and thanked him once more. "I'll see you tomorrow. Maybe . . . we could have lunch together?"
"Defiantly. Until then, ja ne, kuuki!"
He shut the door behind him and sighed. "Phew! That was an adventure and a half! Wait 'til Kaiba hears about this!"
Yami quickly ran down the steps and zoomed out of the building.
--
Yuugi blushed like mad. "Did . . . did he call me . . . kuuki?"
Realizing he did, Yuugi ran into his room and smothered his face into his pillow. He screamed as loud as he could and couldn't stop laughing.
'I can't believe it! He said- I mean! He's so amazing! I can't believe it!'
He removed his head from the pillow so he could breath properly. "Yami, I can't wait to see you again. I don't care what anybody thinks! I just wish you knew how much I loved you."
Perhaps there would be a day when he knew. Yuugi made sure to hold his breath until then.
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Masami: CUT! Ok, thanks everyone! We're done for today!
Damion: Hey I forgot, what does Kuuki mean?
Masami: It means air, Damion. Now get the film to the editing room and I'll see you at home.
Yami: and when you say I'll see you at home, you mean I'll see you in my head seeing as how that's where he lives.
Masami: of course! Where else would home be?
Yami: -.-
Yuugi: just don't even bother Yami. Come on, I have to work the register at the Kame Game Shop tonight.
Masami: have fun, Yuugi!
Seto: So how come it took you so long to get us together for this filming session?
Masami: didn't you get the memo?
Seto: No
Masami: well, go look in my profile. I'm tired and I want to go home.
Jou: Masami? This is where you live.
Masami: oh right. Get out of my house!
Seto, Jou: -.-
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