NEW Review Responses:
Charmeleon: Well, as I'll explain below, this is a repost, but I decided not to edit my original documents and instead I'm reposting them as I originally wrote them. Sorry for confusing you.
Nek0-chan: Thanks for your review. I'm pretty much over the whole thing and just want to get on with my writing. I dun remember if you've reviewed either (this *did* have quite a lot reviews) but sooner or later the responses to reviewers will show up and then you could find out (I really dun feel like looking through every document, kinda tedious) but they'll appear soon.
Katya Motou: o.o;; Like I said, I'm over that and just want to ignore it. My account wasn't deleted, it was hacked into and the people deleted my stories. I am also very saddened that Edmondia Dantes also had her account taken because I love all her stories. Thank you for your review, I'm glad you think I do a good job ^_^
Pachelbel: Thank you (dang, I've saying that a lot... I wish there were other synonyms for that phrase). And the rage has passed so I'll be happily updating (and adding a new story soon ^_^V) and hoping I can at least get half the reviews this story had previously. But I've seen with other writers who are forced to repost that the second time around hardly does justice. But I appreciate it. ^^
Sabby^_~: Lol... thanks, I'll try my best ^_^V
Koishii No Tenshi: Arigatou (ok, maybe not a synonym for 'Thank you,' but I think a foreign language counts) Your review did cheer me up (although it took me this long to update) but all the reviews I got were nothing but support and I'm really thankful for that ^^
Tefla: ::glomps:: YAY!!!!! Okies... I'm done now... ::points:: she was my 1st reviewer for this story. Okies, now I'm really finished. I can't really call your review a review tho... oh well, I enjoyed it just the same ^_^V
Mish: Yesh, I was very happy when I found that out. I reported many times and I'm glad action was taken.
Hime no Ichigo: ::nod nod:: I did do a bit of revising and adding in scenes, but I'm not going to anymore (only the first 2 or 3 chappies were re-worked on) because of a certain incident.
Sherry-chan: OP me! (as I'm writing this I am currently not OP-ed and you're not in the main channel... it's quite lonely in there) Anywho... thanks for reviewing ^_^ And here's the update ^^
Y-n-Y: Hey, everyone, just wanted to add a little thing thanking everyone for reviewing; it was quite a disappointment to lose this story, but now I'm happy it's getting a good response from readers. Remember this is a REPOST, due to my account being stolen, so anything that has deadlines and etc... obviously do not count. That includes suggesting/voting on chapter titles. This story (and the next two that take place after this) have been completely written, so I'm most likely going to do weekly updates and I'll eventually get through everything once again. Thanks for your patience and positive feedback! And now, on with the original post:
Yami-no-Yugi: Well, it's night, so you know what that means!
Yuugi: No, what?
Yami: Yuugi, it's means Yami-no-Yugi's mind is in the gutter.
Yuugi: Huh?
Yami: //too innocent//
Yami-no-Yugi: Yep! Yep! It's time! The rating of the story may have to go up in the next chapter. He. he. I'm not a good lemon writer so don't expect any from me, but I AM good at giving hints and making a story all fluffy 'n' nice. At least I think I am. the last chapter sorta ended day one and now there's three more days to fill. I'm in a really evil mood, so excuse some of the angst you find in here. But it's still gonna be on the fluffy side. So, go! Quit reading this stupid author note and read my story.
Yuugi: What, no disclaimer?
Yami-no-Yugi: Yuugi, do you and Yami make out on TV?
Yuugi: ::blushes:: no.
Yami-no-Yugi: There you go. I DON'T own Yugioh. If I did they'd have to make a special hentai channel for it to be on TV.
Translations:
Anata wa aishiteru = (literally) As for you I love. I -kun = addresses someone as an equal Ojii-chan = Grandpa
Words From The Heart (thanks Burning-Yami-Rain)
Chapter 4
That night Yuugi and Yami slept once again sharing the same bed. Neither would have complained. Yami enjoyed feeling Yuugi's warmth and Yuugi felt extremely safe near the Pharaoh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yuugi woke up before Yami did and realized he had once again grabbed Yami. /I don't think he minds./ The younger boy buried his head in Yami's back and breathed in. /He smells good./
"Yuugi."
He stiffened. /Oh, no!/
"Anata wa." Pause. "Aishiteru."
Yuugi pulled his arms back. /No. He can't! He can't love me!/ He got out of bed and stood by the window. /Yami, how could you do this? I thought it would be so easy to leave here. I thought I could leave, live with a broken heart for a while and then get on with my life. But now that I know I have a chance. it's not fair!/
"Yuugi? What are you doing up?" Yami mumbled from the bed.
"I c-couldn't sleep." /He doesn't even realize he said it./ "Sorry to wake you."
The Pharaoh got out of the bed and walked to Yuugi. "The sunrise always calms me. It shows a new beginning. But which each new beginning is a new choice." Yami smiled mischievously. "And since there are no meetings today, we have some choices to make." Yuugi showed no interest. He was still thinking about what Yami said. "We can go back to the city or we can hang around with everyone inside the palace."
The younger boy paid no attention. "Say, Yami," Yuugi said, all of a sudden. "Do you l-" Yuugi was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come in," Yami commended.
Bakura walked in and looked at the Pharaoh and Yuugi. "Was I interrupting?"
"No, what is it?" Yami asked.
"Well, you know the immigrants that are supposed to be coming at the end of the week?"
"Yes."
"Well, they're here."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yami and Yuugi got dressed quickly. "Yuugi? Are you done?"
Yuugi put on the necklace that Yami had him wear to protect himself. "Yes."
Yuugi entered into the bedroom and his jaw almost dropped. /He has more gold on than I could ever dream of!/
"Let's go, Yuugi."
Yuugi followed the Pharaoh. "Where are we going, Yami?"
"We're going to meet the immigrants. They have explaining to do. They are not supposed to be here until the end of the week."
"What's so bad about that? So they're three days early."
//Yes, but I wanted to spend those three days with you, not negotiating. Well, the sooner I see them, the sooner I can be rid of them.// "They've been very difficult these past weeks."
The two boys reached the palace gates and saw a group of people on the other side. Guards stood between Yami and Yuugi and the immigrants when the gate was opened. It was then that Yuugi saw them. His eyes widened and a smile spread on his face. "Jounouchi-kun?!" He ran pass the guards. All of that morning's questions faded away.
"Yuugi!" Yami called after him, but the boy paid him no heed.
"Yuugi?" the blonde asked in amazement as he saw the tri-hair colored boy run to him. "You're alive?!"
Yuugi stopped right before Jounouchi. "Yes! I didn't expect to see you here, Jounouchi-kun."
Jounouchi smiled. "Not just me, Yuugi! Anzu and Honda are here. Even Marik journeyed with us. And you know how he loves to travel."
Yuugi giggled. "What about Ry-?"
He smiled. "Yep! He returned a week ago."
"He was gone for that long?"
Yami looked at the two boys confused. //These are Yuugi's friends?// Yami smiled sadly. //Well, there goes the three last days. He'll want to stay with them.// Yami walked up to them, but didn't acknowledge him. That hurt the Pharaoh.
Finally, Yuugi realized Yami's presence and the proud Pharaoh offered a forced smile. "Oh! Jounouchi-kun, this is Yami, he rescu-"
Yami cut him off. "It's okay, Yuugi. I already know him. These are the people I was talking about."
Yuugi's friend frowned. "Really and what did he say, Yuugi?"
The short boy looked uncomfortable. "Not much really. Just that he was surprised you showed up early."
"Uh-huh. Well, you can't blame us. He's been dodging this meeting for a long time now."
/Jounouchi-kun was always more involved with our town's politics and stuff. Everyone else was, too. I just didn't get it./ "So, where is everyone?"
"They went to go look around. They said that they'd return at mid-day."
"Well, until then, why don't you come join us?" Yami asked.
Jounouchi looked surprised. "In the palace?"
"Where else?"
"C'mon, Jounouchi-kun! We could show you around. You can meet Mai and Seth, even Malik! Say yes, please?" Yuugi begged.
"Sure, sure, Yuugi. We need to catch up on lost time."
The three of them walked into the palace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
".and so now, Yami's letting me stay with him till the weekend," Yuugi said excitedly.
"So you still plan on staying for that long?" Yami asked, surprised.
Yuugi nodded. "Yeah, I told you I would right?"
Yami nodded. "Come, Jounouchi, I'll show you to your room." //Yuugi looks so happy right now. A lot happier than I've seen him.//
They reached a room not far from Yami's and Yuugi's. Jounouchi opened the door and gasped. "Thank you, Pharaoh!"
The Pharaoh just smiled. "Don't think of it. Now, I'll leave you two here. You must have lots to talk about."
"But, Yami." Yuugi started.
Yami shook his head. "It's okay, I have things I need to do anyway. I'll come get you when your companions arrive." And he left the room.
//I should have just let him go on the first night. He'd be with his friends a lot sooner.// Yami walked into his throne room and sat heavily in his throne.
"What do we have here? A sulking Pharaoh? I haven't seen you done that since you were a kid."
"Bakura, I am not in a happy mood."
Bakura recognized the seriousness in his friend's voice. "I'm missing something, aren't I?"
"Yes. Those immigrants are Yuugi's friends."
"And you've given up on him?"
"What else am I to do? I love him too much to deny him his happiness."
Bakura frowned. "So, what are you going to do?"
Yami looked away.
"You're gonna push him away? Is that it?" the white haired man said.
"It's easier for him to forget me. I can't just be his friend. It would hurt me too much. I'm not prepared to take another stab a pain from a loved one. My parents' loss was enough for me." Yami closed his eyes. "Yes, this is the best way."
Bakura walked up to him and grabbed Yami by his cape and pulled him to a standing position. The Pharaoh's eyes snapped open. "Bakura."
"Listen to me, Yami. You need to understand something. Love is a scarce thing in your position. If you pass this chance up, what are the chances something this wonderful is gonna happen again? I don't think you've looked at the whole picture yet, Yami, because if you did you'd see what I mean. No matter how far you push him away, you never forget those you love." Bakura dropped his hold. "Make the right decision, Yami." And then he left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So, what happened to you, Yuugi?" Jounouchi asked.
"I already told you, I was caught and thrown into prison. But Yami rescued me."
Jounouchi sighed as he saw the look in his friend's eyes when he mentioned the Egyptian ruler. "Yuugi, are you in love with the Pharaoh?"
His friend's eyes widened. "No. Well, yes." Yuugi look down. "I know I don't have a chance with him, Jounouchi-kun. You don't have to tell me."
"Oh, come on, Yuugi! You're gonna give up? That's not like you."
Yuugi shrugged. "I know when to give up before I lose." /And lose the rest of my heart to him./
"How can you be so sure?"
Yuugi thought about that morning.
*~*~*FLASHBACK*~*~*
"Yuugi. Anata wa. Aishiteru."
*~*~*END OF FLASHBACK*~*~*
"I just can't."
"Can't what? Love him?"
"Yes. I can't let myself love him," Yuugi said sadly.
"Yuugi."
"Just drop it, Jounouchi-kun, please?"
His friend looked doubtful. "Fine. You'll let me know if you need my help, right?"
"Of course." Yuugi looked through the window in Jounouchi's room. "So, how was the funeral?"
"It was very beautiful. The survivors decided to make a big ceremony for everyone who died."
"What about Ojii-chan? Did he make it?"
"Yes, but he didn't travel with us here."
"Why not?" Yuugi asked. His Grandpa was active for someone his age, he could have easily made it.
"He's sick."
Yuugi leaned forward. "Is he gonna be alright?"
The blond nodded. "Yeah, the doctor said he needed some rest."
Yuugi sighed. "Good. I can't wait to see him."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The others arrived as planned and Yuugi was excited to see them all. Everyone eat lunch together at the palace. Marik and Malik ate side by said with Ryou and Bakura across from them respectively. (AN: Meaning Marik and Ryou sat across from each other and Malik and Bakura the same way.) Yami and Yuugi sat next to each other and the rest just huddled together.
Everyone decided not to do any business until the weekend as planned because they wanted to talk to Yuugi and get caught up. And Yami, conveniently, disappeared from sight.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Soon the day turned into night and Yami waited for Yuugi to show up. But even after the first stars came out, Yuugi did not enter their room. Yami gave up and got undressed and into bed. After the first couple minutes, Yami began missing Yuugi's warmth beside him. He closed his eyes in shame. Not since his parent's death has he shed a tear and he wouldn't start now. //I knew this would happen. That's why Yuugi must go. And soon. I'm just hurting myself.// Yami opened his eyes to realize that shutting them did not stop the tears from falling. He quickly wiped them away. He couldn't fall asleep though. He had grown accustomed, even with just two nights, to having Yuugi in bed with him.
The Pharaoh, too caught up in his thoughts, did not hear his bedroom door open. Yuugi stood in the doorway. "Yami?" He saw the body in the bed stiffen. "Sorry, I didn't realize how late it was."
"It's okay, they're your friends and you haven't seen them, in a long time."
Yuugi heard the strained voice as he closed the door behind him. "Where you waiting up for me?" Yuugi asked as he undressed.
"No, it's just been a busy day and I have a lot of things on my mind."
"Oh." The boy got into the bed next to Yami. "What were you thinking about?"
//You.// "Your friends. They seem nice and loyal to you."
"Where were you? They all wanted to talk to you."
"I was here. Thinking."
Yuugi giggled. "That's all you seem to be doing today, Yami. You've got to lighten up." There was no reply. "Yami, remember when I was talking this morning, but Bakura interrupted me?"
"Yes."
"I wanted to ask you something." /I need to know. Did he really mean it? Or was it just one of those crazy dreams you never remember having?/
"Go ahead, Yuugi. I won't lie to you."
"Do you love me?"
Yami stared at the wall in front of him. "Why do you ask?"
"This morning, before you woke up, you talked in your sleep. And you said you loved me. Is it true?"
Yami was stuck. He just told Yuugi he wouldn't lie. But the truth could hurt. The fear of rejection was something not even the Pharaoh was immune to. //I can't lie to him.// Yami closed his eyes and waited for the pain to come. "Yes. It's true."
He felt Yuugi scoot closer. "Yami, can I tell you something, too?"
"Yes." //Just don't hurt me, please.//
"I love you, too." And that was all it took for Yami's heart to break.
Yami-no-Yugi: ::wipes tears away:: I'm so sad! It wasn't supposed to go that way! It was supposed to be-
Yuugi: What are you complaining about? YOU wrote it.
Yami-no-Yugi: I know, but I can't help the way my mind works.
Yuugi: Why doesn't that sound right?
Yami: Because it doesn't make any sense.
AN: Hey, so far, if you can tell, he pairings I've decided on are YY/Y YB/R YM/M, but I don't know what I should so about Seth, Jounouchi, Mai and Anzu. Should it be S/J and M/A or S/A and J/M? I don't really pay much attention to those people. I'm mainly a hikari/yami writer. So I'll take a vote. You have until 11-22-02 to vote after that no one counts. I have to make a deadline so I can actually write the next chapter.
I hope you liked this chapter. I think it's gonna be one of my favorites for this story. So, review please, I really enjoy reading what you have to say and knowing that you all want more. I accept flames. Hey, what else am I supposed to use to roast my marshmallows with in this cold weather?
And also instead of deleting my rant, I'm gonna add it to the end of this chapter.
::Yami-no-Yugi's rant::
Okay. I don't know how many of you reading this lives in America. but this morning they had the first episode of Yugioh with Malik in it. I was SO excited, but guess what the dubbers just HAD to do? They went and ruined Malik's voice! ::Wildly screams:: If you've ever heard Malik in Japanese, you'll know what I'm talking about. I've heard all the characters in Japanese and some of the dubbing is good, but I just feel sorry for Malik. And for Otogi or "Duke" as he's gonna be known in English. Dubbers just really know how to mess up great vocal talents don't they? Anyway. I just needed to rant a little. sorry if I disturbed your reading.
To Lirial Raito: I agree! The fans SHOULD have a choice on the people who dub animes.
To hecate-19: Whew! I'm glad they decided to keep his name a Malik! I didn't hear a lot about the name changes except the Terrance one. But I'm glad someone told me it was gonna be his Japanese name.
To KaTyA: No, they didn't call him Terrance. They didn't call him anything, infact. But as I said above his name's gonna be Malik.
Yami-no-Yugi: It seems to me that the people who reviewed agree with me on Malik's voice. I HATE it! I'd rather watch the Japanese episodes WITHOUT subtitles then listen to Malik's English voice! And I will be VERY upset if Malik's name is gonna change to Terrance! This is the second time I heard it! If his name gets changed to Terrance I am going on a Yugioh strike!
Yuugi: Don't you think that's a bit drastic?
Yami-no-Yugi: NO!
Yuugi: You'll still write, right?
Yami-no-Yugi: Of course.
Yuugi: Oh, that's okay then.
Charmeleon: Well, as I'll explain below, this is a repost, but I decided not to edit my original documents and instead I'm reposting them as I originally wrote them. Sorry for confusing you.
Nek0-chan: Thanks for your review. I'm pretty much over the whole thing and just want to get on with my writing. I dun remember if you've reviewed either (this *did* have quite a lot reviews) but sooner or later the responses to reviewers will show up and then you could find out (I really dun feel like looking through every document, kinda tedious) but they'll appear soon.
Katya Motou: o.o;; Like I said, I'm over that and just want to ignore it. My account wasn't deleted, it was hacked into and the people deleted my stories. I am also very saddened that Edmondia Dantes also had her account taken because I love all her stories. Thank you for your review, I'm glad you think I do a good job ^_^
Pachelbel: Thank you (dang, I've saying that a lot... I wish there were other synonyms for that phrase). And the rage has passed so I'll be happily updating (and adding a new story soon ^_^V) and hoping I can at least get half the reviews this story had previously. But I've seen with other writers who are forced to repost that the second time around hardly does justice. But I appreciate it. ^^
Sabby^_~: Lol... thanks, I'll try my best ^_^V
Koishii No Tenshi: Arigatou (ok, maybe not a synonym for 'Thank you,' but I think a foreign language counts) Your review did cheer me up (although it took me this long to update) but all the reviews I got were nothing but support and I'm really thankful for that ^^
Tefla: ::glomps:: YAY!!!!! Okies... I'm done now... ::points:: she was my 1st reviewer for this story. Okies, now I'm really finished. I can't really call your review a review tho... oh well, I enjoyed it just the same ^_^V
Mish: Yesh, I was very happy when I found that out. I reported many times and I'm glad action was taken.
Hime no Ichigo: ::nod nod:: I did do a bit of revising and adding in scenes, but I'm not going to anymore (only the first 2 or 3 chappies were re-worked on) because of a certain incident.
Sherry-chan: OP me! (as I'm writing this I am currently not OP-ed and you're not in the main channel... it's quite lonely in there) Anywho... thanks for reviewing ^_^ And here's the update ^^
Y-n-Y: Hey, everyone, just wanted to add a little thing thanking everyone for reviewing; it was quite a disappointment to lose this story, but now I'm happy it's getting a good response from readers. Remember this is a REPOST, due to my account being stolen, so anything that has deadlines and etc... obviously do not count. That includes suggesting/voting on chapter titles. This story (and the next two that take place after this) have been completely written, so I'm most likely going to do weekly updates and I'll eventually get through everything once again. Thanks for your patience and positive feedback! And now, on with the original post:
Yami-no-Yugi: Well, it's night, so you know what that means!
Yuugi: No, what?
Yami: Yuugi, it's means Yami-no-Yugi's mind is in the gutter.
Yuugi: Huh?
Yami: //too innocent//
Yami-no-Yugi: Yep! Yep! It's time! The rating of the story may have to go up in the next chapter. He. he. I'm not a good lemon writer so don't expect any from me, but I AM good at giving hints and making a story all fluffy 'n' nice. At least I think I am. the last chapter sorta ended day one and now there's three more days to fill. I'm in a really evil mood, so excuse some of the angst you find in here. But it's still gonna be on the fluffy side. So, go! Quit reading this stupid author note and read my story.
Yuugi: What, no disclaimer?
Yami-no-Yugi: Yuugi, do you and Yami make out on TV?
Yuugi: ::blushes:: no.
Yami-no-Yugi: There you go. I DON'T own Yugioh. If I did they'd have to make a special hentai channel for it to be on TV.
Translations:
Anata wa aishiteru = (literally) As for you I love. I -kun = addresses someone as an equal Ojii-chan = Grandpa
Words From The Heart (thanks Burning-Yami-Rain)
Chapter 4
That night Yuugi and Yami slept once again sharing the same bed. Neither would have complained. Yami enjoyed feeling Yuugi's warmth and Yuugi felt extremely safe near the Pharaoh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yuugi woke up before Yami did and realized he had once again grabbed Yami. /I don't think he minds./ The younger boy buried his head in Yami's back and breathed in. /He smells good./
"Yuugi."
He stiffened. /Oh, no!/
"Anata wa." Pause. "Aishiteru."
Yuugi pulled his arms back. /No. He can't! He can't love me!/ He got out of bed and stood by the window. /Yami, how could you do this? I thought it would be so easy to leave here. I thought I could leave, live with a broken heart for a while and then get on with my life. But now that I know I have a chance. it's not fair!/
"Yuugi? What are you doing up?" Yami mumbled from the bed.
"I c-couldn't sleep." /He doesn't even realize he said it./ "Sorry to wake you."
The Pharaoh got out of the bed and walked to Yuugi. "The sunrise always calms me. It shows a new beginning. But which each new beginning is a new choice." Yami smiled mischievously. "And since there are no meetings today, we have some choices to make." Yuugi showed no interest. He was still thinking about what Yami said. "We can go back to the city or we can hang around with everyone inside the palace."
The younger boy paid no attention. "Say, Yami," Yuugi said, all of a sudden. "Do you l-" Yuugi was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come in," Yami commended.
Bakura walked in and looked at the Pharaoh and Yuugi. "Was I interrupting?"
"No, what is it?" Yami asked.
"Well, you know the immigrants that are supposed to be coming at the end of the week?"
"Yes."
"Well, they're here."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yami and Yuugi got dressed quickly. "Yuugi? Are you done?"
Yuugi put on the necklace that Yami had him wear to protect himself. "Yes."
Yuugi entered into the bedroom and his jaw almost dropped. /He has more gold on than I could ever dream of!/
"Let's go, Yuugi."
Yuugi followed the Pharaoh. "Where are we going, Yami?"
"We're going to meet the immigrants. They have explaining to do. They are not supposed to be here until the end of the week."
"What's so bad about that? So they're three days early."
//Yes, but I wanted to spend those three days with you, not negotiating. Well, the sooner I see them, the sooner I can be rid of them.// "They've been very difficult these past weeks."
The two boys reached the palace gates and saw a group of people on the other side. Guards stood between Yami and Yuugi and the immigrants when the gate was opened. It was then that Yuugi saw them. His eyes widened and a smile spread on his face. "Jounouchi-kun?!" He ran pass the guards. All of that morning's questions faded away.
"Yuugi!" Yami called after him, but the boy paid him no heed.
"Yuugi?" the blonde asked in amazement as he saw the tri-hair colored boy run to him. "You're alive?!"
Yuugi stopped right before Jounouchi. "Yes! I didn't expect to see you here, Jounouchi-kun."
Jounouchi smiled. "Not just me, Yuugi! Anzu and Honda are here. Even Marik journeyed with us. And you know how he loves to travel."
Yuugi giggled. "What about Ry-?"
He smiled. "Yep! He returned a week ago."
"He was gone for that long?"
Yami looked at the two boys confused. //These are Yuugi's friends?// Yami smiled sadly. //Well, there goes the three last days. He'll want to stay with them.// Yami walked up to them, but didn't acknowledge him. That hurt the Pharaoh.
Finally, Yuugi realized Yami's presence and the proud Pharaoh offered a forced smile. "Oh! Jounouchi-kun, this is Yami, he rescu-"
Yami cut him off. "It's okay, Yuugi. I already know him. These are the people I was talking about."
Yuugi's friend frowned. "Really and what did he say, Yuugi?"
The short boy looked uncomfortable. "Not much really. Just that he was surprised you showed up early."
"Uh-huh. Well, you can't blame us. He's been dodging this meeting for a long time now."
/Jounouchi-kun was always more involved with our town's politics and stuff. Everyone else was, too. I just didn't get it./ "So, where is everyone?"
"They went to go look around. They said that they'd return at mid-day."
"Well, until then, why don't you come join us?" Yami asked.
Jounouchi looked surprised. "In the palace?"
"Where else?"
"C'mon, Jounouchi-kun! We could show you around. You can meet Mai and Seth, even Malik! Say yes, please?" Yuugi begged.
"Sure, sure, Yuugi. We need to catch up on lost time."
The three of them walked into the palace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
".and so now, Yami's letting me stay with him till the weekend," Yuugi said excitedly.
"So you still plan on staying for that long?" Yami asked, surprised.
Yuugi nodded. "Yeah, I told you I would right?"
Yami nodded. "Come, Jounouchi, I'll show you to your room." //Yuugi looks so happy right now. A lot happier than I've seen him.//
They reached a room not far from Yami's and Yuugi's. Jounouchi opened the door and gasped. "Thank you, Pharaoh!"
The Pharaoh just smiled. "Don't think of it. Now, I'll leave you two here. You must have lots to talk about."
"But, Yami." Yuugi started.
Yami shook his head. "It's okay, I have things I need to do anyway. I'll come get you when your companions arrive." And he left the room.
//I should have just let him go on the first night. He'd be with his friends a lot sooner.// Yami walked into his throne room and sat heavily in his throne.
"What do we have here? A sulking Pharaoh? I haven't seen you done that since you were a kid."
"Bakura, I am not in a happy mood."
Bakura recognized the seriousness in his friend's voice. "I'm missing something, aren't I?"
"Yes. Those immigrants are Yuugi's friends."
"And you've given up on him?"
"What else am I to do? I love him too much to deny him his happiness."
Bakura frowned. "So, what are you going to do?"
Yami looked away.
"You're gonna push him away? Is that it?" the white haired man said.
"It's easier for him to forget me. I can't just be his friend. It would hurt me too much. I'm not prepared to take another stab a pain from a loved one. My parents' loss was enough for me." Yami closed his eyes. "Yes, this is the best way."
Bakura walked up to him and grabbed Yami by his cape and pulled him to a standing position. The Pharaoh's eyes snapped open. "Bakura."
"Listen to me, Yami. You need to understand something. Love is a scarce thing in your position. If you pass this chance up, what are the chances something this wonderful is gonna happen again? I don't think you've looked at the whole picture yet, Yami, because if you did you'd see what I mean. No matter how far you push him away, you never forget those you love." Bakura dropped his hold. "Make the right decision, Yami." And then he left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So, what happened to you, Yuugi?" Jounouchi asked.
"I already told you, I was caught and thrown into prison. But Yami rescued me."
Jounouchi sighed as he saw the look in his friend's eyes when he mentioned the Egyptian ruler. "Yuugi, are you in love with the Pharaoh?"
His friend's eyes widened. "No. Well, yes." Yuugi look down. "I know I don't have a chance with him, Jounouchi-kun. You don't have to tell me."
"Oh, come on, Yuugi! You're gonna give up? That's not like you."
Yuugi shrugged. "I know when to give up before I lose." /And lose the rest of my heart to him./
"How can you be so sure?"
Yuugi thought about that morning.
*~*~*FLASHBACK*~*~*
"Yuugi. Anata wa. Aishiteru."
*~*~*END OF FLASHBACK*~*~*
"I just can't."
"Can't what? Love him?"
"Yes. I can't let myself love him," Yuugi said sadly.
"Yuugi."
"Just drop it, Jounouchi-kun, please?"
His friend looked doubtful. "Fine. You'll let me know if you need my help, right?"
"Of course." Yuugi looked through the window in Jounouchi's room. "So, how was the funeral?"
"It was very beautiful. The survivors decided to make a big ceremony for everyone who died."
"What about Ojii-chan? Did he make it?"
"Yes, but he didn't travel with us here."
"Why not?" Yuugi asked. His Grandpa was active for someone his age, he could have easily made it.
"He's sick."
Yuugi leaned forward. "Is he gonna be alright?"
The blond nodded. "Yeah, the doctor said he needed some rest."
Yuugi sighed. "Good. I can't wait to see him."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The others arrived as planned and Yuugi was excited to see them all. Everyone eat lunch together at the palace. Marik and Malik ate side by said with Ryou and Bakura across from them respectively. (AN: Meaning Marik and Ryou sat across from each other and Malik and Bakura the same way.) Yami and Yuugi sat next to each other and the rest just huddled together.
Everyone decided not to do any business until the weekend as planned because they wanted to talk to Yuugi and get caught up. And Yami, conveniently, disappeared from sight.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Soon the day turned into night and Yami waited for Yuugi to show up. But even after the first stars came out, Yuugi did not enter their room. Yami gave up and got undressed and into bed. After the first couple minutes, Yami began missing Yuugi's warmth beside him. He closed his eyes in shame. Not since his parent's death has he shed a tear and he wouldn't start now. //I knew this would happen. That's why Yuugi must go. And soon. I'm just hurting myself.// Yami opened his eyes to realize that shutting them did not stop the tears from falling. He quickly wiped them away. He couldn't fall asleep though. He had grown accustomed, even with just two nights, to having Yuugi in bed with him.
The Pharaoh, too caught up in his thoughts, did not hear his bedroom door open. Yuugi stood in the doorway. "Yami?" He saw the body in the bed stiffen. "Sorry, I didn't realize how late it was."
"It's okay, they're your friends and you haven't seen them, in a long time."
Yuugi heard the strained voice as he closed the door behind him. "Where you waiting up for me?" Yuugi asked as he undressed.
"No, it's just been a busy day and I have a lot of things on my mind."
"Oh." The boy got into the bed next to Yami. "What were you thinking about?"
//You.// "Your friends. They seem nice and loyal to you."
"Where were you? They all wanted to talk to you."
"I was here. Thinking."
Yuugi giggled. "That's all you seem to be doing today, Yami. You've got to lighten up." There was no reply. "Yami, remember when I was talking this morning, but Bakura interrupted me?"
"Yes."
"I wanted to ask you something." /I need to know. Did he really mean it? Or was it just one of those crazy dreams you never remember having?/
"Go ahead, Yuugi. I won't lie to you."
"Do you love me?"
Yami stared at the wall in front of him. "Why do you ask?"
"This morning, before you woke up, you talked in your sleep. And you said you loved me. Is it true?"
Yami was stuck. He just told Yuugi he wouldn't lie. But the truth could hurt. The fear of rejection was something not even the Pharaoh was immune to. //I can't lie to him.// Yami closed his eyes and waited for the pain to come. "Yes. It's true."
He felt Yuugi scoot closer. "Yami, can I tell you something, too?"
"Yes." //Just don't hurt me, please.//
"I love you, too." And that was all it took for Yami's heart to break.
Yami-no-Yugi: ::wipes tears away:: I'm so sad! It wasn't supposed to go that way! It was supposed to be-
Yuugi: What are you complaining about? YOU wrote it.
Yami-no-Yugi: I know, but I can't help the way my mind works.
Yuugi: Why doesn't that sound right?
Yami: Because it doesn't make any sense.
AN: Hey, so far, if you can tell, he pairings I've decided on are YY/Y YB/R YM/M, but I don't know what I should so about Seth, Jounouchi, Mai and Anzu. Should it be S/J and M/A or S/A and J/M? I don't really pay much attention to those people. I'm mainly a hikari/yami writer. So I'll take a vote. You have until 11-22-02 to vote after that no one counts. I have to make a deadline so I can actually write the next chapter.
I hope you liked this chapter. I think it's gonna be one of my favorites for this story. So, review please, I really enjoy reading what you have to say and knowing that you all want more. I accept flames. Hey, what else am I supposed to use to roast my marshmallows with in this cold weather?
And also instead of deleting my rant, I'm gonna add it to the end of this chapter.
::Yami-no-Yugi's rant::
Okay. I don't know how many of you reading this lives in America. but this morning they had the first episode of Yugioh with Malik in it. I was SO excited, but guess what the dubbers just HAD to do? They went and ruined Malik's voice! ::Wildly screams:: If you've ever heard Malik in Japanese, you'll know what I'm talking about. I've heard all the characters in Japanese and some of the dubbing is good, but I just feel sorry for Malik. And for Otogi or "Duke" as he's gonna be known in English. Dubbers just really know how to mess up great vocal talents don't they? Anyway. I just needed to rant a little. sorry if I disturbed your reading.
To Lirial Raito: I agree! The fans SHOULD have a choice on the people who dub animes.
To hecate-19: Whew! I'm glad they decided to keep his name a Malik! I didn't hear a lot about the name changes except the Terrance one. But I'm glad someone told me it was gonna be his Japanese name.
To KaTyA: No, they didn't call him Terrance. They didn't call him anything, infact. But as I said above his name's gonna be Malik.
Yami-no-Yugi: It seems to me that the people who reviewed agree with me on Malik's voice. I HATE it! I'd rather watch the Japanese episodes WITHOUT subtitles then listen to Malik's English voice! And I will be VERY upset if Malik's name is gonna change to Terrance! This is the second time I heard it! If his name gets changed to Terrance I am going on a Yugioh strike!
Yuugi: Don't you think that's a bit drastic?
Yami-no-Yugi: NO!
Yuugi: You'll still write, right?
Yami-no-Yugi: Of course.
Yuugi: Oh, that's okay then.