Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh

The next three days passed by in a blur for Yugi. The teachers at Domino high seemed pretty damn determined to cram as much information and homework down their student's throats before the upcoming Christmas break was upon them. Yugi resisted the urge to groan, there was literally so much school work he needed to do he hardly was going to have any time to do anything fun with Yami and his friends for the next week at least. And it was only Thursday, he still had school tomorrow to further add to his never-ending workload.

That was really putting Yugi into a quandary. The nightmare about Yami hating him and walking away to never come back had persisted every single night since Atemu's return. Yugi felt terrible about it but Yami had literally just crawled in bed with him last night instead of even trying to sleep in his own room because of the persistent nightmares. And quite frankly the nightmares were starting to get worse.

Last night he had woke up sobbing because he'd dreamt that Yami, on the grounds that Yugi had thrown the duel was able to request a second ceremonial duel. The gods however, had said that was not necessary given the fact the first duel was not a true test they had decided to give Yami the opportunity to decide. And Yami had walked into the light without the slightest hesitation, Atemu following him.

It had taken Yami almost two hours to get Yugi to stop sobbing after that particular terrible dream and Yugi could tell that Yami was really starting to get worried about Yugi's nightmares and he also was beginning to connect Yugi's nightmares with Atemu's resurrection. He had started asking about what the price was that Yugi had agreed to pay. Yugi had of course refused to tell him and Yami had relented but he did say, 'this really needs to stop Aibou. It's not healthy for you to have night terrors like this. But I can't help you if you don't tell me what is going on. If Osiris is tormenting you in your sleep than I need to know that Aibou.'

Which did get Yugi thinking, what if the nightmares were from Osiris reminding him about what he still needed to do and what he was risking as a result. Did that mean until he told Yami the truth the nightmares would persist?

"Hey, Yugi are you alright?"

Yugi glanced up to see Anzu standing next to him, biting her lip in clear concern. Yugi sighed, they were supposed to be discussing their group English project but he'd gotten lost in his thoughts which really wasn't fair to Anzu at all.

"Sorry Anzu, I guess I've just got a lot on my mind lately." Yugi mumbled.

Anzu nodded, "I gathered as much. But seriously Yugi, I want to help you but I can't help you if you don't tell me what is going on." Anzu prompted, resting her hand lightly on Yugi's shoulder.

Yugi gave Anzu a wry smile, "You sound like Yami."

Anzu grinned, "That is quite the compliment. But seriously Yugi, you look terrible. What's going on?" Anzu asked, giving Yugi's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

Yugi sighed, "Anzu, ever since we resurrected Atemu I've been having nightmares. Bad ones and they have been getting worse. Yami has been sleeping with me to try and help but unfortunately he's not enough to keep the nightmares at bay and all he can do is spend hours afterwards trying to calm me down." Yugi said.

Anzu frowned, "What are the nightmares about? Or can you not tell me?" Anzu asked.

Yugi sighed, "The nightmares are about how Yami is going to react when I tell him the truth about the Ceremonial Duel. In every one of the dreams Yami hates me Anzu. In the one last night he literally was able to contact Ishizu and request a second duel. The gods waived the request and let him choose to pass on. And that's what he chose Anzu. He left." Yugi said, his voice cracking as he voiced what was becoming his greatest fear. This was stressing him out so much that there was a chance that it might really end up making him sick.

Anzu sighed, "Oh Yugi." Anzu whispered before she pulled her friend into a tight hug. She was at a loss of what to say. The only one who would really be able to reassure Yugi about this was Yami, and that wouldn't mean anything if Yugi didn't tell Yami the truth and Yami reacted well.

Yami was always pretty understanding where Yugi was concerned. But, at the same time the Ceremonial Duel was a unique entity and given the emotional turmoil Yami had gone through because of Yugi's actions Anzu wasn't really sure how Yami was going to react. Would he be angry? Most likely. Would he be hurt? Absolutely. But beyond that Anzu had no guess how Yami would respond. But she didn't foresee Yami just sitting there and listening to what Yugi had to say and then just pulling him into a hug, telling him everything was alright and moving on. Even though that was the result that Yugi was really hoping for, Anzu didn't think that was very realistic.

Yugi groaned, "I don't know what to do Anzu. I know these nightmares aren't going to stop until I tell Yami the truth. But at the same time I'm terrified to tell Yami the truth because the truth might cost me Yami forever." Yugi said.

"I understand how you feel Yugi. I really do. I know Yami means the world to you, I mean look at what you were willing to give up to try and make Yami happy again? You didn't blink an eye at the possibility of losing ten years of your life or your future child or something major like that. That has to mean something." Anzu said.

"But what I did after the fact isn't going to mean much to Yami once he knows what I actually did." Yugi said.

Anzu sighed as her mind raced, "Yugi, didn't you forgive Yami for losing you to the Orichelcos?" Anzu asked.

Yugi nodded, "Of course I did. Yami did everything he could to rescue me. He fought so hard, overcoming the darkest aspects of himself. How could I not forgive him?" Yugi said.

"But technically Yami betrayed you by playing that card. And yet, you still found it in your heart to forgive him. How can you be so certain that Yami won't be able to find it is his own heart to forgive you as well?" Anzu said.

Yugi groaned as he rested his head on top of his notebook, "It's not that cut and dry Anzu." Yugi mumbled.

Anzu sighed once more, "Yugi, I think you need to skip school tomorrow and work everything out with Yami. You're not going to be able to really focus on anything unless you take care of things between you two. And the longer you put off telling Yami the truth the worse things are going to get." Anzu said.

Yugi sighed, "I guess I can try that." Yugi muttered.

"You really need to Yugi. Now, since you're going to be skipping school tomorrow what do you say the two of us really crack down on all this school work? That way you won't have this hanging over your head on top of everything else." Anzu said.

Yugi smiled, "Okay Anzu, now where were we?" Yugi asked.

Yami smiled as he made his way back into the house portion of the Game Shop. He had a meeting with Kaiba earlier today regarding some help with his gift for Yugi. On Tuesday when he'd met up with Kaiba at Kaibaland he'd managed to pull the brunet aside and ask for a favor of his own. He told Kaiba about what he wanted to get Yugi for Christmas and that he was wanting Kaiba's perspective on the business program offered at Domino University.

Kaiba had told him that he would think about it and that had been the end of it. Until about noon today when Kaiba had called him and told Yami Isono would be picking him up in fifteen minutes and that they had a meeting with the Dean at Domino University.

That was almost four hours ago. Kaiba and him and spent almost four full hours at Domino University. Yami was given a full tour of the campus, and even got to witness Kaiba interrogate a few of the professors in the business department. He would be lying if some of the things Kaiba and the professors discussed didn't go over his head.

But once they had climbed back into the limo Kaiba turned his attention back onto Yami, "The program is adequate. I certainly wouldn't send Mokuba there to study since there are schools that are much be able to prepare him more. However, based on what you are looking for it is a decent program close to home. Domino might be a good is fit. However, I also would suggest that you explore a couple of other universities nearby. There is an excellent school of business in the capital region, which is only a two hour train ride away from Domino. It's actually where I acquired my own business degree albeit I did it online." Kaiba had said.

Yami had agreed to look into the business school Kaiba had mentioned and agreed to discuss the matter with him further at a later date. After all, he had at least until Christmas to make his decision and if he hadn't decided by then he could tell Yugi what he was planning on doing but that he hadn't decided on the perfect university quite yet.

"I trust you and Seth had a good meeting." Atemu greeted from his spot on the couch.

Yami chuckled as he made his way over to sit beside Atemu. Grandpa had reacted relatively well to Atemu's unexpected arrival to the Game Shop and had said he was more than welcome to stay as long as he needed to. Mobility wise Atemu was getting better, albeit slowly. He could navigate the stairs now and walk for relatively short distances before his legs started to feel the strain. Yami could tell it was frustrating his brother to feel so weak but he was confident it would come back to his brother in time. The body hadn't been used for millennia, it only made sense that he had to build up his muscles once again.

"Kaiba and I had a good meeting yes. We went and spoke to the school I was looking at for Aibou and he was helping me to evaluate their program." Yami replied.

"And what of your own life beloved?" Atemu asked.

Yami sighed, that was the second time Atemu had asked him that same question. The first time had been when he told Atemu about what he wanted to get for Yugi as a gift for the upcoming holiday. Atemu had immediately asked Yami about what he wanted for his own life. And to be perfectly honest Yami had no answer to provide since he had never really thought about what he wanted.

"I don't know Ate. I'll figure that out when the time comes. For now Aibou still needs me. That is my priority." Yami said.

Atemu sighed, wrapping his arm tightly around Yami's torso pulling him close. "Beloved, I did not mean to upset you. What you are doing for your other half is admirable however, at the same time there will come a time where your two paths no longer cross. The boy will grow up, marry and start his own family and earn a living. You will need to navigate your own path once the boy no longer needs to you to protect him." Atemu said.

Yami nodded, "I know that Ate. Believe me, I know that. But, how would Yugi respond if I started trying to make plans for life on my own when he still needs me here? I don't want Aibou to think I'm trying to run away from my responsibilities towards him." Yami said.

Atemu snorted, "You have never run from anything in your entire life to my knowledge brother. You stand tall and fight no matter how unwinnable the battle may appear. Your other half will understand that even if you have your own life he will always be a part of that life. Even if you move in different directions, if he truly needed you, you would be there for him. Because that's just who you are brother." Atemu said.

Yami chuckled, "I'm glad you still have that much faith in me Ate." Yami replied.

Further conversation was cut off by the sound of the front door slamming open and Yugi sprinting into the living room. Yugi came to a skidding halt in front of the pair on the couch. Atemu was wearing a pair of Yami's black sweat pants and a red sweater whereas Yami was dressed in a pair of black dress slacks and a purple silk dress shirt which was tucked in complete with a black tie.

"Do I want to know why you are dress up Mou Hitori No Boku?" Yugi asked.

Yami chuckled, "I had a business meeting with Kaiba earlier today. He picked me up at noon and I've just gotten back home." Yami said.

Yugi bit his lip slightly, "Say Yami, what do you think the odds are the Kaiba won't call you tomorrow for another meeting?" Yugi asked.

Yami chuckled, "I can almost guarantee he will not. Why? What's going on tomorrow Aibou?" Yami asked.

Yugi awkwardly toed the carpet with his sock, "Well, I was talking to Anzu earlier this afternoon and I've kind of decided to play hookie tomorrow." Yugi said.

Yami sat up a little bit straighter and fixed Yugi with a pointed look, "Aibou." Yami growled, his tone taking on a slightly warning edge.

Yugi sighed, "I was thinking that you and I could spend the day together just the two of us." Yugi said.

"And you think that spending the day with me is important enough to justify missing school? I disagree Aibou. You need to go to school. I will be here when you are finished for the day." Yami said.

Yugi gave Yami a pleading look, "Mou Hitori No Boku, it's really important. Please, I don't skip school for the hell of it. Please Mou Hitori No Boku." Yugi pleaded.

Yami sighed, although he looked far from convinced. "I'll tell you what Aibou. I will agree to this ridiculous idea of yours on two conditions. Condition number one you convince your grandfather that you need to skip school and I want him to confirm this to me himself. Not that I don't trust you Aibou, because I do but I want to hear him say it. The second condition Aibou, is that all of your assignments need to be done. Everything that would have been due tomorrow is to be completed and Anzu can turn in your work for you, she can also pick up all the work you will miss tomorrow and you will have all of it done to turn in on Monday. Is that agreeable to you?" Yami offered.

Yugi sighed before he nodded. It was as good as it was going to get and he really needed to talk to Yami. On the bright side, if he was up all night working on school work then he wasn't going to have to worry about having another nightmare. "You have a deal Yami." Yugi said.

"Okay, then go talk to your grandfather Aibou." Yami said.

Yugi quickly scampered off into the kitchen and Yami leaned back against Atemu. "Do you want to tell me what that was about beloved?" Atemu asked.

Yami sighed, "Aibout wanted to skip school tomorrow. I agreed on the grounds he completes all his work and his grandfather agrees it's okay. I just, I don't like the idea of Yugi missing school unless there is a good reason for it. I feel bad enough that because of me and all the madness surrounding the millennium items Yugi missed school several times. I just…" Yami trailed off with a sigh, he wasn't even sure what he was trying to say anymore.

Fortunately, it seemed Atemu understood him perfectly. "You want what's best for him. Nothing more nothing less and you feel that by letting him neglect his education you may be doing him harm in the long run." Atemu said.

Yami nodded, "Precisely. But Yugi is not my son and it is not my decision what Yugi does or does not do. Which was why I said he needed to get his grandfather's consent."

Atemu pressed a kiss to Yami's brow, "You have undoubtedly laid out fair conditions regarding your other half missing school. You have done everything you can." Atemu reassured once again.

Yami snorted, "Well, at least you think so Ate. I guess that's something." Yami mumbled.

Atemu chuckled, "Well, the only downside to your other half missing school tomorrow is that you and I don't get to have a lie in." Atemu replied.

Yami snorted, "And yet somehow you will survive without my presence." Yami muttered. Atemu just laughed.

Yugi walked into the Game Shop and saw that his grandfather was perched behind the counter reading the newspaper and the shop, at least for the moment was empty. There probably wasn't going to be another opportunity to talk to his grandfather again until after the shop closed tonight what with so many people doing their Christmas shopping.

"Hey Grandpa, can I talk to you for a minute?" Yugi asked.

Grandpa set the newspaper down and turned towards Yugi, giving Yugi his full attention, "Of course. What can I help you with Yugi?" Grandpa asked.

Yugi sighed, "Well, I was actually hoping that you would be okay with me skipping school tomorrow." Yugi said.

Grandpa snorted as he went to pick back up his paper, "No, absolutely not." Grandpa said.

Yugi jogged over to the counter, lightly resting his hand on top of the paper, stopping his grandfather from picking it back up once again. "Please, Grandpa, can you just hear me out first before you say no?" Yugi asked.

Grandpa sighed and released his grip on the paper, "Fine. I'll hear you out. But if I hear you telling me that you want my support in skipping to go and goof off with your friends the answer is no. And if I find out you did it anyway you'll be grounded until you're as old as Yami's soul." Grandpa threatened.

Yugi snorted at the ridiculous threat before he straightened his face. This was a serious discussion and his grandfather was not going to agree if he didn't think Yugi was taking this seriously. "Grandpa, as I'm sure you know I've been having terrible nightmares since Sunday night." Yugi said.

Grandpa nodded, "Yes, I know. Yami and I are at our wits ends about what to do to help you. Although I am glad Yami moved back into your room to try and help. He certainly seems to have more luck calming you down after the nightmare then I do." Grandpa said.

Yugi sighed, "I think I know how to get rid of the nightmares for good." Yugi said.

"Oh? Please, explain that to me Yugi." Grandpa said.

Yugi bit his lip slightly, "The nightmares come from a secret of mine. A secret that I promised to reveal as a condition of Atemu's return to the living. Osiris set a deadline on my revealing this secret by midnight New Year's Eve. My nightmares are about what could happen if I tell my secret and things go badly. I plan to tell my secret tomorrow to the person I've been keeping it from. That's why I need to skip school. I want to spend the day with them and tell them my secret where we will have all the time I need to discuss things completely and get this resolved." Yugi said firmly.

"And may I ask who you have been keeping this secret from Yugi?" Grandpa asked. It made him feel marginally better to know why Yugi was being plagued by these terrible dreams but he wouldn't feel completely at ease until the nightmares were gone and his grandson was sleeping through the night once again.

"Yami. It's a secret I've been keeping from Yami. And it's Yami who I have to tell. I'm really worried about who Yami is going to take my confession. Anyway, Grandpa I already asked Yami if I can skip school and spend the day with him tomorrow. He doesn't know anything about a secret or something I have to confess. All he knows is that I want to spend the day with him, just the two of us. He agreed on two conditions. The first one being that I asked you and you told him yourself that you were okay with me missing school. The second being that I get all my homework done and give it to Anzu to turn in for me tomorrow and that I also have all the work Anzu picks up for me completed to be turned in on Monday." Yugi said.

Grandpa sighed, "Do you really think talking to Yami tomorrow will help with your nightmares Yugi? Please, be honest with me." Grandpa asked.

Yugi nodded, "I'm positive it will. Tomorrow can go one of two possible ways. Either Yami can permanently lay my nightmares to rest or my nightmares can come true. And I will admit I'm terrified to tell Yami the truth but I'm not going to run away from it. Yami wouldn't run, he would own up to what he did. I want to do the same. And I owe it to Yami." Yugi said, his eye gleaming with determination as he looked Grandpa square in the eye. It was times like this that Yugi reminded him how grown up his grandson was now. Gone was the little boy who used to hide in his room playing games by himself. Yugi had become a strong young man who had proven that he can overcome great adversity. Yugi may not be planning on saving the world tomorrow as he had done in the past, but in his own way Yugi might be saving his own world.

Grandpa nodded once, "I'll tell Yami after I've closed up the shop that I've given you permission to miss school tomorrow Yugi. Now, why don't you go and get started on your homework." Grandpa said.

Yugi smiled before he walked around the counter and gave his grandfather a big hug, "Thank you Grandpa. You have no idea how important this was to me." Yugi whispered.

Grandpa chuckled as he returns his grandson's embrace, "No problem Yugi. All Yami and I want is what is best for you and both of us would agree putting an end to your nightmares is very important. Now, go on Yugi. You have homework to finish." Grandpa said.

Yugi slipped out of his grandfather's grasp and turned heading back up the stairs and straight into his room. He had a lot of work to get done tonight.

Yugi glanced up from his history essay when he heard a light knock on the door. Grandpa had come up over an hour ago to grab his plate since Yugi had said that he wanted to eat dinner in his room so he could work on his homework without any distractions.

"Come in." Yugi called out as he picked up his textbook and started rescanning the relevant section. He needed at least two more points to complete his essay on the feudal system in Europe.

"Aibou, I was just checking to see if you were planning on heading to bed." Yami asked. Yugi glanced back over his shoulder to see that Yami had already changed into his sleepwear.

Yugi gave Yami a smile, "Thank you for the offer Mou Hitori No Boku, but I still have some homework that I need to get finished. Go sleep with Atemu tonight. By the time I'm finished up here I'll probably be too tired to even have a nightmare." Yugi said.

Yami quirked a brow as he made his way into Yugi's room, perching on the edge of Yugi's desk, "I didn't realize you were this far behind on your school work Aibou." Yami said.

Yugi chuckled, "I'm actually not. I've already finished everything except my history essay that is due tomorrow. I have two more points and then a conclusion to write and then I'm finished with that. Then I wanted to get some more work done on an English project that's due next week and I also have a science paper due on Tuesday, plus I want to study for math." Yugi said.

"Well, I'm glad you're getting your work done Aibou. But, at the same time I don't really want you staying up all night." Yami said.

Yugi chuckled, "Don't worry about it Mou Hitori No Boku. I'll probably end up crashing at some point but after tomorrow I'll be able to sleep like a baby. I promise." Yugi said.

"Oh? And what about tomorrow makes you so certain of this?" Yami asked.

Yugi grinned, "Let's just say I'm going to put my nightmares to rest. And you're going to help me do it." Yugi said.

Yami sighed although he did playfully ruffle Yugi's hair, "If you're certain Aibou then I will leave you to your work. If you need me come and get me." Yami said as he slowly climbed back to his feet.

"Are you seriously saying I can just wander into your room Yami? What if you and Atemu are in a compromising position? Do you really want to risk scaring me for life Mou Hitori No Boku?" Yugi teased.

Yami snorted, "Aibou, let me assure if Atemu and I had gotten up to any compromising activities it would have been with the door firmly locked. Besides, not that it is any of your business but Atemu is still recovering from his rebirth. He is still easily winded and as such those particular activities are not something he is ready to partake in." Yami replied although he chuckled at the deep blush that colored Yugi's cheeks.

"MOU HITORI NO BOKU!" Yugi sputtered.

Yami shook his head fondly, "You did ask. I merely answered your question Aibou." Yami said.

Yugi just shook his head, "Are you trying to give me a different type of nightmare Mou Hitori No Boku?" Yugi muttered.

Yami rolled his eyes, "Believe me there are worse things I could have suggested to traumatize you. Imagine, if you will I had mentioned a romantic rendezvous with Kaiba perhaps?" Yami teased.

Yugi shook his head, "Yami, that's beyond gross! I know I said to each their own but the majority of the time Kaiba has known you and built his obsession it was when you were inhabiting my body. And I really don't want to follow that particular nightmare inducing train of thought."

"And on that lovely note I'll bid you good night Aibou." Yami said, a mischievous grin upon his face as he wandered back out the door heading into his own room.

Yugi shuddered as he turned his attention back onto his work. Yami was such a tease, but that kind of stuff did remind him about their conversations on how he would best impress Anzu back before Battle City. His feelings for Anzu may have since faded but the memories of those conversations with Mou Hitori No Boku still made him smile.

Hopefully tomorrow wouldn't mean those particular kinds of conversation didn't cease to exist. He still liked being teased by Yami almost as much as he enjoyed having the former spirit take care of him and make sure he was doing all his homework and eating his flavorless vegetables. He could not imagine what his life would be like without Yami in it. And to be perfectly honest with himself he really didn't want to try and imagine what that would be like.

Yugi felt his eyes start to grow heavy as he continued to try and study for math. It was now almost 3 am. He had finished his history essay and wrote his outline for the English paper and even wrote out a proposal of what he and Anzu could do for the visual portion of the presentation. He had also wrote his entire rough draft for his science paper that he would hopefully be able to revise later this weekend. Now, he was just studying math to have something to do but all these numbers were really starting to blend together.

Yugi sighed as he closed his math book and sleepily stumbled over to his bed a couple hours sleep wouldn't hurt and as tired as he was he probably wasn't even going to dream. And with that thought in mind Yugi flopped down on his bed, still fully dressed falling asleep minutes later.

"Aibou, aibou, shhh you're okay I've got you." Yugi sleepily blinked his eyes open to see that Yami was perched on the edge of his bed with his arms wrapped tightly around Yugi's trembling frame. Over Yami's shoulder Yugi could see it was 510 am, which meant he'd been able to sleep for little more than two hours before he started screaming and waking up the entire house.

This last nightmare had implied that none of the other terrifying images had even really tried. This one had him telling Yami the truth only for Yami to storm off in anger. Yugi had ran after him begging for him to stop so they could try and work this out. Yami was so angry that he wasn't even paying attention to his surroundings and crossed the road without looking, only to be hit by a tractor trailer right in front of Yugi.

Yugi had rushed over to Yami' cradling his broken body in his arms as he begged and pleaded with Yami to be okay. But he wasn't. Yami literally died in his arms. Yugi clutched Yami tighter as that terrible image replayed itself in his mind.

"I've got you Aibou. You're safe. It was just a dream." Yami soothed.

Yugi didn't really care about the possible consequences of his actions he just acted. He leaned up suddenly, without warning and captured Yami's lips in a kiss. Yami groaned in apparent surprise but did not pull away as Yugi continued to press his lips against Yami's. The kiss wasn't romantic and it certainly wasn't sexual in anyway. Yugi just needed that additional reassurance that Yami really was here. His crazy actions might have been blamed on not getting enough sleep for the last four nights in a row but right at this very moment he really didn't care. Yami seemed to understand that because he pressed his lips back against Yugi's in return neither seeming to care that Grandpa and Atemu were both standing in the doorway having been awoken by his screaming once again.

After what seemed like an eternity Yugi finally pulled his mouth away from Yami's, leaving them both gasping for breath. Once the kiss had been broken Yami tightened his grip slightly around Yugi's body and resumed rubbing soothing circles on Yugi's back. "You're safe. I'm right here Aibou. I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere. I promise." Yami soothed.

Yugi said nothing, and just rested his head on Yami's chest letting his other half cradle him. Yami was here right now yes, but the question was would he still be here tonight after their conversation. That remained to be seen.

The next time Yugi opened his eyes it was after 7 in the morning and he was still clinging to Yami like he was the only thing keeping him afloat. He was still so tired Yugi vaguely wondered what had woke him up this time before he turned and saw Anzu standing next to his desk shifting through his work.

"Anzu? What are you doing here?" Yugi sleepily muttered.

"Getting your homework Yugi. Remember, I promised to turn it in for you today. Go back to sleep, you really sound like you need it. Grandpa said you were up at 5 because of another bad nightmare. I'm sorry I woke you up I was trying to be quiet." Anzu stage whispered.

Yugi smiled, "Don't worry. I need to be getting up anyway. Yami and I have a big day." Yugi said.

Anzu nodded, "That you do. Now, where did you stick your history essay? I can't seem to find it." Anzu asked.

"In the green folder." Yugi said.

Anzu picked up the green folder that Yugi had indicated and sure enough his history essay was inside. "Alright, that was the last piece I needed to grab. I'll get these turned in for you."

Yugi smiled, "Thank you Anzu. You are the best." Yugi said.

Anzu chuckled, "I know." Anzu said before she turned and headed for the door, she paused briefly at the doorframe before she glanced back over at Yugi, "And Yugi, good luck today." Anzu said.

"Thank you Anzu. I'll let you know how it goes." Yugi said.

Anzu nodded before she made her way out of Yugi's line of sight, presumably heading to school like Yugi normally would have been at this time. It was tempting to go back to sleep, snuggling up close with Yami and try and put off what he needed to do today however Yugi knew he needed to ignore that desire. He was going to tell Yami the truth today.

"Wake up Mou Hitori No Boku." Yugi whispered, lightly shaking Yami's shoulder.

Yami groaned slightly shifting his neck slightly before he blinked his eyes open slowly, "What time is it Aibou?" Yami asked with a yawn.

"A little after 7. You and I both need to get up, get showered and dressed and head out. We have a lot that we need to get done today." Yugi said.

Yami sighed but nodded and released his hold on Yugi, allowing the younger boy to climb out of bed and head into his closet. Yami slowly sat up and stretched before he climbed to his feet, padding towards Yugi's bedroom door. "See you in a bit Aibou."

Yugi quickly grabbed his outfit for the day and headed into the bathroom to jump into the shower. Yugi had intended to take a quick shower but he had lingered a lot longer than he had anticipated as tired as he had been. He ended up turning the shower closer to cold because the warm water was actually helping to lull him back to sleep, not wake him up.

Finally Yugi was showered and dressed and headed down the stairs into the kitchen where he saw Yami was sitting nursing a cup of coffee. There was a plate of bacon, eggs and toast sitting in Yugi's spot as well as a big glass of milk. Yugi plopped down into his seat and dug in, his breakfast might not have been piping hot anymore but it was still good.

"So tell me Aibou, what is it you had in mind for the two of us to do today?" Yami asked as he surveyed Yugi over his coffee cup.

Yugi paused midchew as his mind raced. What were he and Yami going to do today? Yugi had their huge talk planned but there had to be more to their day than just that. If that was all they were going to do then they could just stay here and talk.

"I was thinking you and I could go and do some Christmas shopping for the gang as well as Grandpa and Atemu." Yugi said.

Yami sighed as he set his now empty coffee cup back down on the table top, "If that is what you want to do Aibou, then that's what we'll go and do." Yami said. Yugi could tell by Yami's tone of voice that he was already regretting agreeing to let Yugi skip school.

"That's not all that we're going to do today Mou Hitori No Boku. I also need to talk to you about something really important. I'll do that too while we're out." Yugi said.

Yami nodded once again, "Yes, your big secret whatever that is. The one that is causing you to have terrible nightmares." Yami said.

Yugi gaped at Yami in shock, Yami gave Yugi a smile in return, "Aibou, I'm not stupid. I know that something has clearly been bothering you a lot lately. The fact that you won't tell me what your nightmares are about tells me that there is a secret you're keeping from me. That combined with the fact that almost every night when you wake up screaming, it's my name you're screaming. Plus, your grandfather told me that there is some big secret that you needed to tell me and that once you did the nightmares would stop. I can put those pieces together Yugi."

Yugi groaned, "Great. Just great." Yugi muttered.

Yami wrapped an arm around Yugi's shoulders, "But, we'll do this your way Aibou. I won't press. We'll go and do the Christmas shopping like you want and you can tell me your secret when you're ready to do so. Sound like plan?" Yami said.

Yugi gave Yami a relieved smile, "Just let me finish up my breakfast Mou Hitori No Boku and then we can be on our way." Yugi said.

"Take your time. I'm going to go and tell Atemu that we're going to be leaving shortly. Okay?" Yami said.

Yugi nodded as he swallowed another mouthful of eggs, "Yup, you can tell your lover boy where you're going. I don't mind." Yugi said.

Yami snorted but said nothing further as he headed out of the room. Once Yami was gone Yugi started pushing his remaining breakfast around his plate as the nerves began to settle in. So, Yami knew something was going on which meant that he had no options at all to not tell Yami the truth.

Yugi cleared his plate, scraping the remnants of his breakfast into the trash and putting the dish in the sink. Christmas shopping should be fun at least. It didn't take Yami long to join him before the two boys headed out the door. It was a mild day, actually in the low 40s which meant it wasn't unpleasant to walk down the street side by side.

"So, who do you want to shop for first Aibou?" Yami said suddenly as his eyes scanned the different window displays they walked past.

Yugi shrugged, "I don't know. Maybe Joey?" Yugi suggested.

Yami snorted, "And what did you have in mind to get for Joey?" Yami asked.

Yugi shrugged once again, "I don't know. Do you have any ideas Mou Hitori No Boku?" Yugi asked.

"Do you mean other than food or duel monster cards? Not really, no." Yami replied. Yugi laughed.

"I'm serious. Joey loves his food and he loves to duel. Why would neither of those things be a suitable gift for Joey?" Yami asked.

Yugi's laughter slowly wound down and he slipped his arm around Yami's. "You're terrible Mou Hitori No Boku." Yugi said.

Yami chuckled, "No, terrible would be buying him a horror movie and switching the case with a porno one so he has no idea what is going on until he starts to watch it. That would terrible." Yami said.

Yugi snorted again, "How do you even come up with this stuff Yami?" Yugi asked.

Yami shrugged, "Some could call it a gift Aibou." Yami said.

Yugi laughed, "Okay, well why don't we agree to leave Joey for later. Why don't we start with finding a gift to get for Atemu? How about that. Maybe you'll take that seriously." Yugi said.

Yami sighed, "There are a couple of different things I've thought about getting for Atemu. But I have a feeling you are more fishing for ideas of what you can get him yourself, am I right about that Aibou?" Yami asked.

Yugi nodded, "Dead on. You can do your own Christmas shopping on your own time Yami." Yugi said.

"Duly noted Aibou. Now, as for something you can maybe get for Atemu. Perhaps a warm jacket? A nice sweater? After all, right now he's still just sharing my own clothes."

Yugi nodded, "That's actually a pretty good idea. Thanks." Yugi said.

Yami shrugged, "No problem Aibou." Yami replied.

The two shopped for the next couple of hours. They ended up buying Atemu three sweaters as well as a couple pairs of jeans which Yami tried on to check the size. They bought Honda a book on Motorcycles because he was absolutely obsessed with motorcycles. For Ryou, Yugi picked out a new horror novel which had been released. Yugi had finally caved and ended up going with Yami's idea and buying Joey a gift certificate to Burger World. He still wanted to get something else for Joey, but he did agree that was a good starting point. The two had just stopped to grab a bite to eat themselves before agreeing to tackle the remaining people on Yugi's shopping list.

Two sat down at a booth in burger world. Yami had taken a bite his burger before Yugi decided that now would probably as good of an opportunity as he was going to get. He needed to tell Yami now.

"Mou Hitori No Boku?" Yugi said.

Yami glanced up from his food to lock gazes with Yugi, "Yes Aibou?" Yami replied.

"I have something that I need to tell you." Yugi said.

Yami set his burger back down on the tray and leaned back give Yugi his undivided attention, "Go ahead Aibou. I'm listening." Yami said.

Yugi nodded, now he just needed to say it. Well, here goes nothing. "Yami, do you remember the conversation we had back on the boat when we were heading to the Ceremonial Duel? The one where we decided that it would be me who faced you and not Kaiba. That I was going be the one to set you free." Yugi said.

Yami nodded once, "I do Aibou. What about it?" Yami asked slowly, his brow wrinkled slightly in confusion.

"You and I promised to fight with everything that we had. No holds barred. And I promised you that I would do the best that I possibly could to send you to the afterlife." Yugi said.

Again Yami nodded, "Yes, Aibou I remember all of that. I will admit I'm not certain where you are going with this." Yami said.

Yugi bit his lip, "I didn't keep my promise." Yugi said. For a moment it seemed like the world had come to a complete stop. The fact that Yami heard what Yugi said at all was only noted by the sudden intake of breath, but other than that Yami said nothing.

Yugi decided that he should probably just plow ahead before he completely lost his nerve, "When the time came for us to actually face each other and you were standing opposite me I just, I couldn't do it Mou Hitori No Boku. I couldn't send you away. I know I promised you that I would, but I just I couldn't do it. When I played Gold Sarcophagus I had planned the night before to seal monster reborn but when I actually played the card I sealed my Kuriboh instead. I did that because I knew you wouldn't need to play Kuriboh. So, when you played Monster Reborn and resurrected Slifer the Sky Dragon I could have stopped you. I could have won the duel and sent you to the afterlife to be with your family like you wanted but I chose not to. I chose to keep you here." Yugi said.

Yami was silent for a long time. Yugi glanced up at him hoping to get some idea of what his other half was thinking, but Yami's face betrayed nothing.

"Mou Hitori No Boku?" Yugi said slowly. The silence was killing him. Yami needed to say something, anything.

Yami blinked before he looked away from Yugi as he rose to his feet, "Aibou, I don't think I'm really hungry anymore." Yami said as he started to walk away.

No, no no this is not happening. "Yami, Yami no please." Yugi pleaded.

"Finish your lunch Aibou. I just, I just need some space to think about this." Yami said before he walked out of Burger World.