Pharaess Cleopatra: Holy s***! I just realized something! This story I'm writing is totally based off a song I found! I was so amazed and happy at the same time and just thought you guys should know. Anyone hear of Vocaloid? I sure as hell hope so otherwise why the hell are you here? Take a listen to "Hello, Worker" by Luka Megurine. Either read the subtitles or listen to the English version by Razzy and Lucy. That's all for now! Hope you guys will enjoy this chapter!

*Whispers* I almost cried a couple times while writing this...


Chapter 7: My Doubts and Fears


Yami, for some strange reason, felt warm. It was odd, but he found he liked the feeling. You see, the ride back to the apartment was rather silent, and awkward, considering the two hadn't spoken at all. But when they went to bed that night, they hadn't fallen asleep together, like they usually do because again, due to the awkwardness of the whole situation. Strangely enough though, when Yami allowed his eyes to slip open, he found none other than Yugi Moto cuddled up against him. Granted, he didn't complain, finding he liked the feeling. Oh yes, the attraction was most definitely there, that much was certain. Yami let the thought go and allowed his eyes slip closed again, seeming to fall back asleep with Yugi cuddled up against him. However, while Yami blissfully fell back asleep, he was completely unaware of the younger male who let out a low sigh, or commonly referred to as a moan, though it was very low indeed. It seemed harmless, until he gave off another, and another, but Yami was too busy sleeping to care, or notice at that. It was then Yami began to stir when Yugi began to rub his hips against the elder man. More low and soft – almost inaudible – moans escaped his lips, clinging onto Yami like a lifeline. Yami's eyes slipped open again when Yugi suddenly murmured his name, tensing for a long moment before relaxing, almost climbing on top of his host. As if Yami wasn't stirred up enough by this, he gazed, a bit shockingly, at the younger male's face, somehow understanding what just happened. His flushed face, parted lips that just begged to be kissed, clinging desperately onto Yami. Oh dear God, no... If his hunch was right, and it usually was, Yugi had a dream, about him. Oh, by the Egyptian Gods, that wasn't good, or it could be, but Yami was too shocked to really put his thoughts together at the moment. How he wanted to ravish that man, take him right then and there, but he knew he couldn't. His mind was in a never-ending battle with himself, debating on what he should or shouldn't do. Oh Ra, why...? Why was this man toying with his emotions so?

Did...did he just have a dream about...me? Is that why he mumbled my name? His face is flush, his lips just asking to do something, and he's clinging onto me in a rather intimate way, if that's what you could call it... Oh Ra, how I want to ravish him, but I can't... But that face... It is practically begging me to... No! Do not give into your wants! It will be your doom! And yet, he most likely would not mind... Urgh! No! Stop this at once! Do not make a move on him! He is still asleep! That will be the end for you! Oh my Egyptian Gods...

Yami began to shift as much as he so dared without waking Yugi, however, it did not last, for the younger male began to stir. The elder spiky haired man froze on sight as Yugi's violet eyes slipped open. He blinked sleepily as he gazed up at Yami, seeing the shock and confusion clearly written on his face. Yugi seemed to only be half awake to fully process that look, until he remembered something. He and Yami had fallen asleep last night away from each other, and here he was, cuddled up against his host like it was nothing. It was then Yugi was finally able to understand that look of shock and confusion on Yami's face. His own face turned the brightest shade of red Yami had ever seen before he spoke in a very small, sheepish, and stuttering voice.

"I-I'll b-be in the b-bathroom..." He then practically jumped out of bed and ran into the bathroom, slamming the door shut with a loud 'bang,' leaving a very stunned and confused Yami.

He was unable to move for a moment before the elder man slowly slipped out of bed, heading down the steps and into the kitchen to make some breakfast before Yugi got out of the shower. Yugi, on the other hand, stood in the bathroom, his back against the door, red-faced, hand over his mouth, and body trembling violently. The shock and embarrassment was plastered on his face clear as day, and he just couldn't get rid of that twisting feeling in his stomach. He'd had a dream about him...and Yami, a very intimate one at that. He felt so embarrassed, realizing he'd most likely had done something in his sleep, causing that look of shock on his host's face, and the shitty part, was that he couldn't turn back the hands of time to prevent that from ever happening in the first place. Oh God, how he hated himself for doing something like that, but he couldn't help it. He couldn't control his body when he was sleeping, it was completely out of his power to do so, as much as he wished it was, or at least in that moment. Yugi shook where he stood, and he just couldn't stop. He wanted to cry, but found he couldn't do that either. He needed something to calm him down, vent his emotions, and then he remembered he'd ran into the bathroom, so without a second thought, he turned the water on and grabbed a towel, setting it on the towel. He stripped out of his clothes, finding himself blushing again at what he realized had happened in his sleep.

Seriously!? Why is this happening to me!? Out of all times, it had to be now to do this!? Oh God... What am I becoming...?

Yugi quickly stripped out of his clothes and put them in the basket, climbing in the shower. He wrapped his arms around his trembling body as the hot water hit his back, practically burning himself, but he didn't seem to notice, nor care. He wanted to wash it away, wash that damn dream away, erase any trace of it from his body. Yugi hadn't even noticed he'd been digging his nails into his arms until he released them to wash his hair, finding them to sting since he'd broken some skin. After washing his hair, Yugi got ready to wash his body, until he stopped. He suddenly collapsed to the bottom of the shower on his knees, covering his mouth as he let tears fall from his eyes. He didn't know why, but he needed some sort of release, and crying was usually the first thing he did in every situation. He just cried for a few minutes before sniffling, slowly getting back to his feet, with the support of the walls, since his knees felt a little weak. Though a thought did cross his mind... He'd wondered why Yami hadn't come knocking yet, wondering why he was taking so long. He then figured it was because he wanted to give him the privacy he needed to calm down his raging nerves. And it wasn't that Yami hadn't been worried, because he was, often glancing back to find Yugi coming down the stairs or into the kitchen with his usual tired smile, though when he didn't see him each time he did look back, Yami would let out a sad sigh.

Yugi quickly washed his body before turning the water off, grabbing the towel to rub the water from his hair, leaving it damp, until he dried his body off. He then cautiously opened the door, seeing if Yami was in the room. When he wasn't, Yugi let out a small, but sad sigh as he got dressed in a simple pair of jeans; a white belt; and light blue sweater that was a little big on him, but he didn't really care. When he made his way downstairs, Yugi went into the kitchen to see Yami making pancakes – he'd looked up a recipe for them. Yugi, though still feeling embarrassed over what just happened not too long ago, slowly walked up to Yami. The elder male tensed up a bit when he felt Yugi lean against his back before relaxing, finding he didn't mind, and was too focused on breakfast to really pay attention.

"Y-Yami..." Yugi slowly began. "I...I-I'm really sorry about...earlier... I had a really strange dream, and I...I couldn't control my body... I-I didn't mean to shock you like that, and I understand if you hate me—" Yugi said in a rush, but couldn't finish as Yami had turned around and pulled him into his arms.

"It's...it's okay..." He said a bit quietly. "I know you couldn't control it, and I don't hate you either... It doesn't matter... Just..." He paused, trying to find the words to say. "Let's just forget it ever happened, if that will make you feel better, okay?"

Yugi nodded as he returned the embrace before Yami drew back, turning back to the pancakes as he flipped them, Yugi resuming his previous position he had started in. "Do, umm...do you feel a little better now that you showered at least...?" Yami asked hesitantly.

Yugi nodded, Yami able to feel his head move. "Yeah, I guess..." He seemed unsure of that answer himself. Did he feel better, even if only a little? He didn't really know... "I, uhh...need to go to the store later, if that's alright..."

Yami hummed in response before he spoke. "Take my car then."

"Are you sure...?" He asked quietly.

"I say again, as I have before, I would not have offered it if I was not sure. I am more that certain you can handle going to the store in my car. You're not a child, so I have faith you can do this on your own. Besides, it will give you time to clear your mind... You seem like that's what you need... So I will let you go when you're ready."

"Alright..." Yugi tensed up a bit, lightly gripping Yami's shirt before a mug was held up.

Yugi lifted his head and took the mug Yami held up for him. "That tea should help you calm your nerves... I did a little research while you were in the shower and found that tea was for calming... Hopefully that will help..."

Yugi sighed though his nose. "Thank you..." He then took a sip, receiving a hum in response as a "you're welcome."

When breakfast was ready, the two ate in silence, Yugi finding the pancakes were actually really good, considering Yami found a recipe for them. He made a small comment that they were very good, Yami just mentioning he found said recipe to make them. But again, they ate in silence, and when Yugi had gotten everything we would need, wallet included this time, he said that he would leave after helping Yami with the dishes. Yami nodded and gave Yugi the car keys, allowing the young man to make his leave. Once out the door, Yami glanced out the window and watched his red Mustang take off, letting out a low sigh. The two did need some time away from each other, clear their minds... It was then as Yami stared at the window into the cloudy sky of Domino, did he remember his mother. She was always so kind and caring... She would always comfort and support Yami when he needed it the most as a child – some of the few things he missed about her. Every time he would cry, she would always wipe those tears away, and whenever he needed a shoulder to lean on, she was there with open arms. But right now, Yami needed advice... He's been locked away for so long, he was doubting himself. Yugi, no... Himself. Yugi wasn't the problem, it was himself, and he knew it too, but he was just too afraid to share his feelings, much less what was bothering him. He was afraid of giving him his heart only to have it shattered like all the other times, leaving him to pick up the pieces all over again, and that fear always lingered with him wherever he went. Yami didn't want Yugi to leave, no, but that fear was still there. He knew he wouldn't leave him, and yet, somehow, doubted those words...

Yami directed his attention over to a shelf on the other end of the room where more books, figures, and some photographs lay. Among all of it, Yami saw a picture of his mother and himself when he was child. There were many pictures on the top of the shelf as he stalked over to it, gazing at each one for a few minutes. The first one was of course, of him and his mother, with Yami in her arms as a child, both smiling happily. The next was of his whole family, his grandfather, young sister, and father included in this one. They all seemed happy. Another one he noticed was of him, his sister, and his two cousins, Seto and Mokuba when they were just teenagers after their grandfather had passed away. They seemed happy, Seto actually smiling in this one since he usually has a stone face. And the final picture was of him and Hikari when they were in their earlier twenties. Hikari had her arms around her brother, smiling while Yami had his around her, both seeming happy. Yami then went back to the first picture of him and his mother. He reached up and grasped the photograph, staring at it sadly.

Mother... How I could use your advice... What am I supposed to do? I'm terrified... I want to give Yugi my heart, but...I'm too frightened that it will only be shattered again, and if that is to happen, I don't think I could recover this time... I know I've known him for a week, but I've fallen in love with him... I don't know what to do... I need your guidance...

Yami stared at the picture, not expecting an answer. He knew he wouldn't receive one, but the thought still remained. Yami wanted an answer, yet he knew he wouldn't get one, though he slightly expected to get one as well... He let out a sigh as he stared at the picture for a long while. He was frightened, terrified even, of giving up his heart to the man he loved, because the attraction was certainly there, there's no doubt about that, but even so, he felt he couldn't. Yami had been heartbroken so many times in the past, all because he wasn't loved for who he was, only for what he has, and he hated that. He knew Yugi wasn't like that, but the thought was still there that he would leave him to pick up the cracked fragments of his broken heart. That feeling dwelled, and he just couldn't shake it. He couldn't shake the uncertainty that swirled in his heart, and he despised that. Yami wanted desperately to be rid of that feeling, yet he couldn't. It remained, plaguing his heart and mind that Yugi would leave him with nothing but a broken heart and shattered memories.

"Yami?"

The elder male damn near leaped out of his skin at hearing that voice as the picture in his hand hit the carpet due to the jump scare he unintentionally received. Yami quickly turned, gripping his chest to see Yugi, a worried expression on his face. His heart raced in his chest, pounding against his ribcage, and it didn't seem to want to slow down any time soon. Yugi quickly put the things he had on the kitchen table before running up to Yami, desperately apologizing over and over again.

"Yami, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to startle you!" He said in a rush, gripping Yami's free hand.

Yami's panting had finally calmed down when he heard Yugi apologizing, though it wasn't his fault he scared him, Yami was just so wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn't hear Yugi come in. The elder man let out a sigh, indicating he had calmed down as he gazed down at Yugi, worry and concern still shining in those violet eyes Yami had fallen so goddamn hard for. "It's alright... I didn't hear you come in... No need to apologize, Yugi, it wasn't your fault..."

"Still though, I didn't want to startle you, but when I came in, I saw you staring at that picture and was a little concerned..." Yugi released Yami's hand and leaned over, picking up the fallen photograph Yami had dropped when he stared at it for a moment. "Was this your mother when you were younger?"

Yami nodded.

"You look a lot like her..." He said, setting the picture on the shelf.

"I apologize... I was merely...lost in old memories, I suppose..."

"Is that why you're crying?"

"What?" Yami looked up at the younger male with confusion until Yugi lifted a hand, wiping the stray tears from his face. He hadn't even noticed he was crying... Did it happen when he stared at the picture unknowingly?

Yami went to wipe his eyes with his arm when Yugi lifted his other hand, wiping away those tears from his handsome face with those soft hands of his. It reminded him so much of his mother, how soft her hands were whenever she would wipe his tears away. Yami hesitantly placed a hand on top of Yugi's, staring back into those amethyst orbs for a long moment. Yugi's hands gently caressed Yami's face, staring at him with a sort of warmth in his eyes, something shining that Yami could clearly point out. It wasn't sympathy – not pity – but empathy, understanding. Finally thought, Yami couldn't hold his emotions back any longer and practically threw himself into Yugi. He was surprised at first, until he felt the host cling onto him, sobbing into his shoulder. It was then he understood what had to be done. Yami hadn't even noticed he'd been led to the couch until he began to sob into Yugi's lap, but through it all, Yugi sat there, comforting him, just like his mother did whenever he cried. Yugi gently caressed Yami's arms and back, sometimes his face to try and wipe away his tears, though more would soon follow. The younger male let his host cry, not stopping him from freeing his pent up emotions. A light smile crossed his face as he leaned over, lightly laying his head against Yami's back as he continued to comfort him, whispering sweet nothings into his ear. This seemed to ease Yami a bit as his sobbing slowed down some, but still kept on, and Yugi still comforted him in any way he could, doing everything in his power to show Yami he was there, that he wouldn't leave him, and that he was there to stay. The minutes passed, almost a full hour going by before Yami was finally able to compose himself. He hadn't cried like that ever since his mother passed away, so he felt better knowing he was able to let his emotions go after, what, sixteen years? He slowly sat up, Yugi lifting his hands to dry Yami's face with his sweater sleeves. He didn't mind, just so long as he could wipe those tears from his face, because Yugi didn't like to see Yami look so crushed, and he wanted to replace that with love and happiness.

"Do you feel a little better now?" He asked in a kind and comforting tone.

Yami slowly nodded, wiping his eyes with his shirt sleeve. "I suppose so..." He croaked in a hoarse voice, all of the sobbing he did being the cause of this.

Yugi smiled, though it was small. "Why don't you go shower? It'll help you relax, then...we should talk. I at least owe you that much after yesterday..."

Yami nodded again.

Yugi gave a sad smile as he leaned up and gave Yami a gentle kiss upon his cheek before sending him on his way. "I'll have some tea ready for you when you come down." He said as his host made his way up the steps.

When Yami got into his bathroom, he closed the door and grabbed a towel, setting it on the counter before turning the water on. While he waited for the temperature to rise, he undressed himself, putting his clothes in the basket, not even caring that Yugi's were there as well. But before Yami stepped into the shower, he looked up at the mirror. His eyes were puffy as well as red and bloodshot from all his crying, but it was then he noticed something. He turned in the mirror, revealing various jagged scars littered all over his back. Some were large while others were small, this being due to Gozaburo Kaiba, Seto and Mokuba's stepfather. Whenever Mokuba or Hikari had done something wrong, both of them would take the blame for their siblings, taking on whatever punishment was in store for them. More often than not though, it usually ended in whipping to say the least... If not whipping, then either a horrible beating, stab wounds – though not severe enough to kill – or burn marks. You name it, because Yami had it all, but only on his back. Reason being because it would never show, only if he removed his shirt, which – luckily – he never did, only when he was alone or around his cousins or sister. She still feels guilty about the marks on his back, but Yami always dismissed it, saying he did it just to protect her and whatnot. Yami let out a soft sigh before climbing into the shower, the hot water hitting the scars on his back. At times like this, Yami was glad Yugi hadn't seen those scars yet, simply because he didn't want him to. Yami didn't want anyone to see his scars in fear of what they might think of him. Sure, he was handsome and had wealth, fame, and fortune, but all that might change if someone saw those horrible blemishes marring his back. Yami had wrapped his arms around himself, flinching every time one of those hellish memories flashed in his mind. All he could remember from those days was the pain, agony, and torment he suffered through, and it hurt, caused him to ache even more than he already did... Regardless, Yami forced the memory down and put it aside, even if for only a little while before he began to wash himself, for he needed it to help him relax.

When Yami had finished in the shower, he dressed himself in a pair of black jeans; a black belt; and a dark blue sweater before heading back downstairs. He saw Yugi exit the kitchen upon hearing his quiet footsteps as he gave him a small grin. Yami returned it, but with a sad one, as small as it was. When his host reached him, Yugi handed the elder man a mug with some calming tea before having him sit down at the table. Yami stared at the cup for a moment before taking a sip, Yugi doing the same, his voice sounding once he set his mug back down.

"Well," He started. "I guess I should start by saying I'm sorry, and don't scold me for it either." Yugi knew Yami was about to say something when he lifted his gaze a bit, not giving him a chance to voice it. "I don't usually talk about my family, for good reason. They're cruel people, as much as I don't want to admit that... I've always tried not to talk about my family because I've lost a lot of friends that way, except for the ones I have now. I'm surprised they've stuck around with me for so long, though that's probably because they don't care what my parents think of them, which doesn't surprise me either. My sister left the house, yes, but she did it because my parents only gave her two options. Either she forget about what she was doing or get kicked out."

"Why did they kick her out, if you don't mind my asking, that is...?" Yami spoke up, his voice still a bit hoarse.

"She was bisexual." Yugi answered. "Because of this, my parents rejected her, and she wasn't even subtle about it either. No, she intentionally told them because she wanted to piss them off. Akame has never liked the way my parents were, so when the chance came to challenge their love for her, she obviously took it. In the end, when she was eighteen, she finally chose then to do it. She flat out said "I'm bisexual. I don't care if you have a problem with it because it's who I am, and right now, I'm with a girl. But if you really love me, you'll let me stay the way I am." Now that didn't sit well. Dad started throwing things, which Aki easily avoided whenever they came her way, and Mom was trying her best not to flat out beat her on the spot, but she sure as hell got an earful... So, my parents gave her the ultimatum. Either give up her so called "lifestyle" and be loyal to the family, or leave and be disowned. In the end, she chose to leave, and I can't blame her. She wanted to take me with her, but my parents wouldn't allow her; said she would "poison my mind with her nonsense." I left as well, and live with my grandfather since him and my father aren't really on speaking terms, though I don't know if I should be happy or sad about that..."

Yami was silent, often taking sips from his tea. He watched Yugi let out a long sigh before taking a sip from his own mug, continuing on after he set the tea down again.

"However, I do still stand by what I said yesterday. My parents have run my life for far too long, and now, I think it's time I show them that they can't control me anymore, or at least my father. Dad is a control freak, always wanting things his way otherwise he doesn't like it. He despises anything "different," as he puts it." Yugi rolled his eyes at the comment. "My father only sees in black and white, never in color all because he's so arrogant and self-centered... Don't get me wrong, I don't hate my parents, I just hate who they are – cynical tyrants who always get their way no matter what means they have to take to do it. But regardless of that, I don't care what they say or think of me, because no matter what, I won't leave your side, Yami."

Yugi lifted his gaze to stare back at the elder man, and Yami seemed to be in shock at that statement, but couldn't form the words. However, the younger male kept his eyes on Yami as he continued.

"Ever since I met you, I knew there was something special about you, Yami, something I wanted to get to know. I know you've have a hard life, harder than my own, but through all of that, I won't leave your side, not willingly at least. I don't care what anyone has to say about it, because in the end, I fell so madly in love with a man who was so kind to me and accepted the madness I dragged him into that the thought of leaving him just isn't an option for me. I fell in love with a man who seems to have everything, but beyond all the fame, the fortune, and the wealth, he's just a kind and caring man who's been searching for love, something that just seemed so out of reach for him, until now."

Yami's eyes were wide with shock. It was as if Yugi was reading him like a book. Yes, it was true, Yami did have everything anyone could ever want, but through it all, he was always missing something – someone to love, who loved him for who he was, not for what he has. It all seemed too much for him to handle, so Yami stood up from the table and walked over to the couch, placing a hand over his face to try and piece together his thoughts and emotions. It was all hitting him at once, every emotion imaginable, and it seemed to be unbearable. Yami's head began to spin and he was starting to get a headache, feeling dizzy from it all, until he felt warmth on his back. He lowered the hand over his face to glance back at Yugi, who leaned against him in an attempt to comfort him.

"I know it's a lot to take in, but don't worry, it'll all sink in soon enough."

"It's not that..." Yami said.

"If not that, then what?" Yugi asked.

"It's just..." He sucked in a short breath, trying to keep himself calm. "I have been hurt so many other times in the past, everyone else always leaving me to gather up the shattered fragments of my broken heart... I just... I'm just so—"

"Scared?" Yugi cut in, Yami's eyes widening for a moment before he realized what had been said.

"Yes..."

"Of what, exactly?"

"Everything..." His voice shook slightly as he spoke this, trembling hands gripping the back of the couch. "I'm terrified of giving up my heart only to have it crushed once again so that I am left to pick up those shattered pieces in that never ending cycle I am unable to escape from... I fear that if you were to leave, that if I gave you my heart, I would not be able to recover this time... I don't think my heart can take another heartbreak after so many other failures..." He could feel the tears brimming his eyes, threatening to fall, yet he continued. "I don't want to suffer anymore... I've suffered for far too long, and I don't want this to be another repeat of all my others... I don't think I can take that much pain anymore... I fear that if I fall, I will not be able to get back up again... I just... I can't handle another heartbreak like all the others before... I don't..." His voice trailed off, the tears suddenly sliding down his face.

"Yami, look at me please..." Yugi stood up straight, Yami glancing back for a moment before the younger man turned him so that they could face one another. It was then that Yugi lifted that gentle hand of his, wiping the stray tears from his face before leading Yami around to seat him on the couch with the younger male in front of him, sitting on his knees to stare back into those teary crimson eyes. "It's alright... I understand you're afraid, but please know that no matter what happens, I won't leave your side. They'll have to rip me out of your arms or kill me before I'll let them take me away from you... But know that I'm here, by your side. I know that you're terrified of me leaving, but I'm not going anywhere, okay?" He smiled warmly as he caressed Yami's cheek. "And even if you fall, even if you can't get back up on your own, I'll be there, helping you back on your feet, because I won't let go of you, not now, not ever... I'm here to stay..."

More tears filled Yami's eyes, not only hearing the truth in Yugi's voice, but seeing it in those violet hues of his. He quickly wrapped the young man up in his strong arms, those tears sliding down his cheeks. Yugi smiled and held Yami tightly, leaving light kisses on his neck to show he wasn't going to leave.

"Th...thank you, Yugi... Thank you so much... " Yami whispered in a shaky voice.

"Everyone deserves happiness, especially you, Yami..." Yugi whispered in return before he pulled back, wiping those stray tears away from the elder man's handsome face and gently pressing his lips against the other's in a tender kiss.

Yami melted in Yugi's arms, returning the kiss with just as much love and passion. When the two parted, Yugi had his host lay down on the couch before practically climbing on top of him, the two cuddling in each other's arms. As they laid there on that plush couch, they would often share a kiss every now and then, but for the most part, they were just enjoying each other's company, happy to be with their companion. And in that moment, Yami felt happy, nothing able to ruin that moment for him, even if only for the time being...