Yugi Tachi

by Locondra Timbernova

A love story between Yugi and Yami. How they develop and test the boundaries that both both tie them together and keep them apart. Yaoi.

7. Part 7- Little Light of Love

Disclaimer: I do not own this story, anime, manga, etc. Created for entertainment purposes only.

Part 7

Little Light of Love

As he sat on the edge of a retaining wall sipping at what was left of his soda, Yugi thought to himself that the universe must be taunting him in some kind of karmic retaliation for what went on inside his head. All day long, as he hung out with Joey and Tristan doing their usual geek things, he noticed what seemed to be unusual numbers of happy couples publicly displaying their affection, and it was starting to get on his nerves. It was bad enough when he was just a single highschooler, though he hadn't really cared then and dismissed such people as shameless annoyances. Now, even though he had Yami's love, he had nothing else, and the pharaoh's stern warning at the start of their relationship looked like it was coming back to bite him. The more snuggling and smooching he witnessed in the malls and on the streets, the more he longed for his own share until it became painful to endure. Yet another giggling couple walked past him, making him groan in disgust and roll his eyes. Do they have to keep parading in front of me? This is hard enough as it is!

A masculine voice drifted across his mind. "What's the problem, Yugi?"

Yugi sighed as a faint vision of the pharaoh materialized beside him, one of those visions only he could see thanks to their connection. "Nothing," he mumbled, gnawing on the straw from his soda to cover up the fact he might look like he was talking to himself.

"Are you sure?" Yami observed the world from over Yugi's shoulder. "You seem bothered by something."

"No, no, it's all right." The boy looked quickly around to make sure no one was near enough to hear him, but whispered the rest anyway. "Can I visit you tonight? Inside the Puzzle?"

Yami's voice practically purred with good humor. "You're welcome to see me any time, Yugi."

"Yeah, but I don't want to intrude. I want to make sure you know I'm coming, first."

"Fine, then. I will be waiting for you." The vision faded, leaving Yugi alone to watch the crowds again. He managed to catch sight of a pair of schoolmates walking by hand-in-hand and grimaced.

Joey finally returned from wherever he had disappeared to, smacking Yugi in the knee as he walked past. "All right, come on, let's go."

Yugi hopped down off the wall and followed his friend away. "What happened? Did you find it?"

"Yeah, but it wasn't the one I was looking for. No matter." Joey shrugged. "That's enough for me today, I'm beat. Unless you wanted to do anything else?"

Parting with his best buddy now would mean getting to Yami more quickly, Yugi's brain reminded him. "No, I'm kind of bored," he said airily. "I don't mind if we call it a day and head home."

"Even though your grandpa's probably got a pile of chores for you to do," Joey teased with a grin. "If you really want to rush home to that, be my guest. I'll walk with ya."

The boys noisily crashed the game store and hung around for a bit getting underfoot as a means to a long goodbye, but eventually Joey reminded himself to go take care of things at home and left. After all, Yugi did have chores to do, as predicted. But the promise of escaping reality and spending some time alone with the spirit of the Puzzle lent speed to his efforts, and Grandpa Muto marveled at how quickly and diligently his grandson was doing as asked. Blaming some kind of last-minute homework for tomorrow, Yugi excused himself to his room after dinner and closed himself away, sprawling out on his bed without even bothering to change into pajamas. He and Yami had done this several times now, at first only when Yugi had the time between schoolwork and chores, but increasingly more often until they visited almost every night. At least, they had up until exams began a week ago – it was tough to keep his mind awake when he was so busy wearing it out with studying and preparing. Now that exams were over and he had spent the day with Joey wiping their brains clean of all that learning, Yugi could think of no better way to celebrate than to revel in the presence of his spiritual partner. By now he had grown so accustomed to falling into a lucid, meditative state while his mind detached from reality and roamed inside the mystical Millennium Puzzle, he could do it almost without effort. Pushing open the door that separated his mind from Yami's, he found the opposing door standing a crack open, an invitation to enter. Yami sat just inside, on the edge of a stairway, and glanced back with a smile when he heard the soft step on the stone. "There you are," he said. "Everything taken care of?"

"Yep. I'm all done with the housework so I'm all yours." Yugi dropped to a crouch behind Yami and wrapped his arms around the spirit, snuggling him with his cheek against one strong shoulder. Yami chuckled deeply but did not resist. "Oh, I missed this," Yugi sighed.

Yami placed one hand over Yugi's. "You have been rather busy, haven't you?"

"Yeah, but not anymore. For a little bit, anyway." Yugi lifted his head and looked up into the spirit's sly, elegant eyes, which were shifted over his shoulder to regard him. "I was just so tired. Studying takes a lot out of you."

"I could see that." Yami shifted in order to wrap an arm around his partner, who flopped to a seat beside him and leaned against his shoulder. "But I can afford to be patient. It's not like I have anywhere else to be."

"You're not bored in here, are you?" Yugi wondered. "I hadn't thought about it before, but…"

"How could I be bored?" Yami responded. "It's not like this all the time, you know. Only when I'm active, trying to uncover my memories or explore the secrets of the Puzzle. I observe the world through your eyes as well, and when I need rest, I simply become dormant. I don't think I've ever been bored here."

"Oh. That's good," Yugi murmured. "I'd hate to think that this was some kind of prison for you, a place you hated to be."

"I neither like it nor hate it. I've not really thought about it, actually." Yami hugged Yugi to him, ruffling his hand through the youngster's hair. "You come from a world where something always has to be happening, day and night. I'm not accustomed to that, I don't concern myself with needing something to 'do' all the time." He glanced sidelong at his partner. "You're not bored, are you?"

Yugi lifted his head with a little purr. "How could I ever be bored around you?" He stretched his head up and brushed a yearning kiss across the pharaoh's lips. "I like this. Not having to do anything except be with you, talk to you."

"And kiss me," Yami said knowingly.

Yugi grinned. "Well…yeah…"

Yami pulled him even further into his arms, giving him a soft, loving smile before bending his head and kissing him deeply, not letting up until he could feel Yugi tremble and heard the tiny, desperate moan in his throat. Yami opened his eyes slowly and whispered, "I like that, too."

Yugi gasped lightly, sinking further into the strong arms holding him and curling up in the pharaoh's lap. His imagination made it possible for his spirit-body to react exactly as his real body would in the same circumstance; he breathed a little more heavily, and his face felt hot as he lifted his eyes to Yami's beautiful, waiting expression. "You're…really good at that," he whispered back.

"Surprisingly." Yami chuckled lightly. "It's not as if I've gotten a lot of practice. Outside of your visits here to me, that is."

Yugi smiled shyly. "I wasn't sure if it meant you remembered something from your past, if you could remember how to kiss someone so…well."

The pharaoh shook his head slowly, the blond locks framing his face swaying gracefully back and forth. "I remember absolutely nothing about my personal relationships, or even if I had any. It's all blank."

Sympathetic eyes gazed up at him. "You must feel so…alone…"

Yami only smiled, rubbing his hands comfortingly across Yugi's back as he held him. "Not at all. I have you. Since you awakened me, I haven't been alone."

"And you won't be, ever again." Yugi slid his arms around Yami's lithe body and hugged himself into his chest, resting his cheek on the spirit's collarbone. He could feel Yami gently stroking the hair at the back of his neck, and decided he was too content sitting there wrapped up in his companion's arms to even think about talking or doing anything. They sat together for a long time in silence, forgetting that anything else existed outside the realm of the Millennium Puzzle where they could feel each other, breath and warmth and solidity of bodies and limbs, softness of skin, tenderness of lips. Yugi wanted to stay there forever, secure, protected, and loved. Eventually, he stirred enough to lift his head, sharing a warm, lingering look with Yami before they leaned in for another long kiss that started slow and gradually built in intensity. Swept up in the moment, Yugi pushed forward, kissing as hard and as deeply as he knew how, hungering for as much of Yami as he could get. The pharaoh yielded to his companion's pressure and parted his lips just enough, letting him in. The heat and the pleasure only increased further, the younger practically devouring his elder spirit in his eagerness and desperation, breaking off only for a quick breath before diving in again. With his mind a blur of passion, Yugi clutched his true love to him and kissed him insatiably, neither of them willing nor able to stop.

At last, Yami broke away with a breathless groan, blinking his eyes open. "Well. You're rather… enthusiastic tonight."

Yugi slowly let his hands ease from where they were clenched on Yami's shirt. "Have I overstepped my boundaries?" A quick shake of the pharaoh's head was his answer. "I can't help it," he continued softly. "Every little bit of you I can get just makes me want more. I don't want to stop."

Yami's eyes widened slightly. "Really?"

"Mhm," Yugi nodded. "Being with you is more than just being in your presence, because I can sense you with me every minute I'm awake. I've gotten so used to you being there, ready to fuse with me at a moment's notice, it's normal to me now. But that's not why I come here." He bowed his head for a moment and sighed. "You asked me this afternoon if something was wrong. Well…it was just, I kept noticing people in love all around me, being all touchy-feely, and it kept making me think of you."

Yami looked confused. "And that bothers you?"

"Well, no…you see…" A hint of red crept into the young man's cheeks. "What I mean is, when I think of you, I think of…things that I…I want to do with you. The sort of things I can't have, because you can't exist outside of the Puzzle." The blush intensified as he looked sharply away and lowered his voice to a bashful murmur. "I've been thinking about that a lot these days. Fantasizing…"

The pharaoh's brow twitched with surprise. "I see. You fantasize about me?"

Yugi felt as though the skin on his face would burn right off with the force of his blush. "Is that so hard to believe?"

Yami smiled, quite amused by his partner's reaction. "Maybe. You have to remember, this is all new to me. As I don't remember whether I've been in love before, likewise, I don't recall having anyone in love with me. It feels…nice, to be wanted so."

"But do you…do you want…me?" Yugi stammered, shyly lifting his eyes.

Yami brushed a fingertip down his cheek. "Did the way I kissed you not tell you that enough?"

The boy smiled wistfully. "I guess so. This is new to me, too. Bakura and I…" He caught himself and changed the wording, not wanting to remind himself nor his partner of his past relationship. "…what I felt then never even came close to what I feel now, when I'm with you."

A shadow of seriousness came over Yami for a moment. "Bakura offered you what I cannot."

Yugi squeezed his eyes tightly shut, wishing that his fling with Bakura would just go away. "I already told you, I don't care about that. As long as I know that you love me, that's all I need."

"No, it isn't." Yami placed one fingertip beneath Yugi's chin and forced him to look up and meet his eyes. "You have fantasies of being with me. You want more from me, I can see it in your eyes, and feel it when you kiss me. You don't want to stop there."

Unable to look away, Yugi's eyes swam with emotion. "I want to give myself to you," he whispered desperately.

Yami's brow furrowed in pity. "You have already shared yourself with me to the depths of your soul. I can't have your body. What more can you give me?"

"But I haven't shared everything of my soul with you." Yugi sat back a little, placing a hand over his own heart. "Even though there are times when we bond, and you can act through me, our minds and our souls are still separate. That's why we can still talk to each other, and have dreams and fantasies that the other doesn't know about. If you and I…if we…if we can be together, then I would feel like I'm opening up the last part of my soul that you haven't touched yet. The one thing I've still kept to myself, privately."

The pharaoh's spirit only sat there for a while, silently absorbing the words and pondering them. Yugi remained in his arms, his hand falling into his lap as he waited for a reaction. In truth, Yami feared the powerful emotions that threatened to break through his walls and smother him, should he open himself to true intimacy with his companion. He was already responsible for nearly getting Yugi killed or destroyed several times, not to mention what the boy's friends had gone through just for being close to him. His heart had finally surrendered to love, and it was wonderful, but he was still holding back, afraid to immerse himself completely in the unwavering, unconditional love Yugi held out to him simply because it was so much more powerful and consuming than anything else he ever felt. He feared losing himself in it, feared the pain and anger and jealousy should he ever find that love taken away from him again, should someone with flesh-and-blood arms to hold Yugi come along and prove more attractive than intangible spiritual connections with himself. It was then he realized, despite what he had said, that Yugi was right – they hadn't shared everything with each other yet. He had hardly shared anything with Yugi except his acceptance of love. He looked down at the boy in his arms, with the downcast face and deep, expressive eyes, and found the heart within him clenching like a fist at the thought that he could actually be afraid of this person, this soul who had become so close to him, who had given up his body and even his life for the sake of the spirit of the Puzzle. It could not go on. He had to let go of his fear and open himself to Yugi, or all his grand advice about trust and bonding and sharing would be a waste.

Yami lifted a hand to cup Yugi's cheek, and realized it was trembling. Violet eyes turned upward toward him when the touch registered. "Then, this desire of yours," he murmured uncertainly, "it can't be purely physical. Since I have no physical presence."

Yugi shook his head. "I've always believed that…such a thing should only be shared between two people who really loved each other, who trusted each other with their hearts. I don't think I could let anyone be that close to me unless I truly loved them. And I love you, Yami."

"I love you also, Yugi," the spirit said quietly, meaning it more than ever. "I have loved you for a long time, and even desired you, but I kept it all hidden for far too long. These emotions are very strong, sometimes I think too strong for a spirit like me to handle. But by locking them away, I lose everything you have helped me to find. I won't do that any longer." He rested his hands on Yugi's small shoulders, giving him as square and honest a look as he could. "It's time I let you be close to me."

Though he didn't quite understand the pharaoh's sudden burst of serious sentiment, Yugi nodded his acceptance. He thought Yami had already entrusted him with everything he possibly could, what with most of his memory still imprisoned, but if there was more he wanted to share, Yugi would willingly take it. "Wait," he said, seizing on one small word among the confession, "you…desired me?"

Yami found himself smiling again. "Of course I do. You're adorable."

A blush as fierce as ever lit the youngster's face. "Yami!"

"What?" He chuckled deeply. "You're a perfectly beautiful young man. And I don't just say that because you look a little like me."

Yugi ruffled a hand through his wildly spiked hair. "A little?"

"Hey. There are differences. You've noticed."

"Yeah, I have." Yugi bashfully regarded the pharaoh sitting entwined with him, from his face to his toes. "You're taller than I am. And…" He coughed in embarrassment to be saying the word. "…sexier."

Yami blushed just as powerfully. "What?"

"You are." Yugi drew one hand slowly down the pharaoh's bared arm. "You're kind of muscular, thin…you've got the kind of body I wished I had. Or maybe I will have, if I ever grow up a little."

"You do have it," Yami encouraged, leaning down to kiss him gently on the cheek. "It's there, it just hasn't been brought out yet. You're a maturing young man, and I'm quite surprised that the girls aren't all over you yet."

Though he was still blushing like mad, Yugi giggled and leaned in closer. "I don't know. I'm starting to think the boys are smarter than the girls, since they're the ones all over me."

Yami shared his laughter, wrapping his arms more tightly around the young one and pulling him into his chest until the Puzzles around their necks protested with a clink. "Maybe so. But the answer to your question is yes. I do desire you, Yugi, and what you want of me is rather…enticing. I admit I haven't thought much about it, because I didn't know if it was possible. But, considering the way I felt myself respond when you kissed me so deeply tonight, I believe it can be done."

Yugi's eyes widened as he sat up excitedly. "Really?"

"I promise you, I'll look into it. Not tonight, though." Yami gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "We've talked so long, it's getting late. And you have school tomorrow."

The boy groaned. "You had to remind me. Can't I just stay here all night? It's sort of like sleeping, isn't it?"

"I don't think so. You won't be very well rested." The pharaoh's smile deepened, growing almost sensual. "But you don't have to leave just yet if you don't want to."

Yugi threw his arms around his companion's neck and kissed him hard. "Good," he murmured when he paused for breath, "because I don't think I've gotten enough of you to last me through the day, yet."

The subject did not come up again for a while, though Yugi and Yami resumed their habit of visiting nearly every night to spend time together and indulge in gratuitous tactile contact. This time of peace with no evil spirits breathing down their necks nor shadow games threatening to waken the dark past gave them far too much free time, which they spent simply growing closer, solidifying the relationship. It had taken Yugi a few weeks of studiously thinking about it to accept himself that he was more in love with the spirit of the Puzzle than he had ever been with any living human, so now, he was able to go around every day with a cheery smile on his face, thinking privately of Yami and marveling that he finally had the soulmate he had been longing for. His happiness was not lost on his friends, but they merely thought he had done well on his exams or gotten some cool Duel Monsters cards, something that made him happy after that brief bout of depression some time ago. Yugi didn't think it right to tell them the real reason for his joy, not yet. He wasn't sure how accepting they would be. After all, embarking on an intimate relationship with a disembodied spirit housed within a Millennium Item was not exactly normal, even for him.

One evening, upon pushing open the door that linked the two separate minds, Yugi gave a start to see Yami standing there in the corridor waiting for him, something he usually only did under anxious or desperate circumstances. Though his face was serious, he didn't seem alarmed. "Yami," the younger one greeted him. "Is something the matter? I'm not late, am I?"

Yami cracked a smile. "No, it's nothing like that. I merely wanted to meet you here." The smile glowed in his eyes. "I have a surprise for you."

"Oh?" Yugi perked up. "What kind of surprise?"

"You'll have to see it for yourself," the pharaoh said, turning and holding out a hand to invite his partner into the realm of the Puzzle.

Yugi followed willingly, though he peered curiously into the labyrinth as they entered. It didn't look any different, so he wasn't sure what was meant by "seeing it." "This is all very mysterious, Yami," he noted. "What's going on? Just tell me!"

Yami stepped up beside him and took his hand, still smiling in his peaceful way. "I found a room inside the Millennium Puzzle that didn't exist here before," he explained. "It's entirely unlike any of the other chambers here."

Yugi's eyes flew wide open. "A new room?" he repeated. "What is it? What's it like?"

"Come. Let me show you." The pharaoh only had to tug slightly at the hand in his to get Yugi to join him, bringing him through several dark corridors and down a few levels. He knew the way without pausing, leading Yugi to surmise that he had visited this room several times just to make sure it wasn't a one-time appearance to trick him. The path was not confusing at all, but rather straight and common compared to the rest of the Puzzle. Ahead of them, a wall rose up to signal a dead end to the corridor, but warm light spilled from a wide doorway to the right. Yami paused just before entering. "This is it. This is the room I discovered a few days ago."

They passed through an arched doorway into a spacious, tiled room lit dimly by torches and candles. Unlike the rest of the passages of the Puzzle's labyrinthine interior, it had a smooth, polished look, with elegantly carved and painted furniture and friezes, appearing as a palace rather than a dungeon. Yugi let out a little gasp as he looked around. The beautiful white stone comprising the walls reflected the torchlight and gleamed like ice, inlaid with jet and gold. The décor was clearly Egyptian, but to Yugi, it looked nothing like what he had seen in museums or school textbooks on ancient history. It was so clean, so sharp and regal, not overdone at all. It was as if the pharaoh had never slumbered for five thousand years – the room had an air of being lived in. "You just…found this place, all of a sudden?" Yugi asked his companion in awe.

Yami had his back to him, as he walked slowly across the room toward a large window set in the far wall. Black night lay beyond it. "Yes. It's strange. I know this place…" he said in a hushed voice. "This is the pharaoh's chambers…my chambers."

Yugi looked sharply at him, daring to smile in hope. "You remember it?"

"Mostly." Yami looked out the window, and his shoulders heaved in a sigh. Yugi came up beside him to find that there was nothing out there to look at, no buildings, no landscape, only a half-moon in the flat black sky. "You see," the pharaoh pointed out, "there is a limit to my memory, still. But this room came back to me." He turned and leaned on the windowsill, a faint smile reawakening on his elegant face as he beheld the room. "Perhaps because I wanted a place to come with you, a safe place, warm, comfortable. Not like the rest of the Puzzle's chambers. Suddenly, I remembered my room. It was the only place I could go and not be disturbed, not even by servants or priests if I didn't want them around."

"Really? Wow." Yugi smiled up at him. "Maybe you're right, all you had to do was want to remember."

Yami chuckled deeply. "If that's all it took, I would have long since regained all of my memories, Yugi. But, I believe that did play some part in it." He laid a hand over one of Yugi's, glancing at him. "I wanted this place for you. The Puzzle's world is so dark and cold. I didn't want to ask you to come here, to see me, unless I could make you comfortable."

"Aw, that's sweet of you, Yami," Yugi said shyly. "But you know I'd come here to see you even if we did have to sit around by those weird stairways and stuff. I don't care."

"You're too kind." Yami gave him a bright smile, and then nodded toward the rest of the room. "Go ahead, take a look around."

Yugi hesitated for a moment, but then straightened up and crossed the room, his eyes raised in wonder at the vivid Egyptian murals painted and carved along the walls. There was a stark efficiency to the room's furnishings, as if the pharaoh had stopped just short of lavishing himself with excessive collections of wealth. A finely-carved Hounds and Jackals board sat on one of the low tables, and many of the implements laying out on the mirrored vanity bore jeweled handles. Sheer draperies of silk hung from the tall mahogany posts of the bed, which were carved on the tops into jackal's heads holding the draperies in their teeth. The room was clearly divided into a sitting area and the pharaoh's absolutely-private sleeping quarters, though nothing physically separated the two. It was merely a matter of how the furniture was arranged. Yugi reached out to touch the bed's curtains, running the delicious silk through his fingers. "Wow, it's all so…royal," he breathed. "I have no problem believing this place belonged to you. It's a pharaoh's palace, all right."

"It always felt a little too…opulent, to me," Yami demurred. "But in Egypt, kings were revered on the level of gods, and even if the people suffered under droughts, floods, or God monsters invading and destroying their homes, they expected a certain level of decorum out of their pharaoh. I could no sooner have shed these pointless trappings and walked in the streets in common clothes than make the Nile flow backwards."

Yugi laughed. "It reminds me of…hmm, the time Grandpa and I went on a real vacation, and they lost our room reservation so to make up for it, the hotel gave us one of the fancy suites for the price of a regular room. It was so pretty, I didn't want to touch anything, but it was expected of us to actually use it, since we were guests." He couldn't stop touching the silky drapery, idly caressing it as he thought. "But I got used to it. I mean, as long as I had to have it, I figured I may as well enjoy it."

Yami chuckled again. "Yes, that was what I did. I never took advantage of my position, but I accepted the beautiful things that craftsmen and tradesmen were so willing to create on my behalf. That bed especially." He left the window and came over to Yugi's side, gazing up at the jackals atop the bedposts. "The wood was a gift from the Middle East. One of my young servants' father was a wood-carver, and shaped it at my request. I distinctly remember the look of shock on his face at the pile of gold he was paid for his services." He smiled up at the jackals, and then realized what he had just said, sobering instantly. "I…remember…"

"You do? That's great!" Yugi seized his hand in excitement. "You see? It's starting to come back to you. Maybe not the parts you need to remember the most, but every little bit counts."

Yami nodded, giving the hand a squeeze. "You're right. And I have you to thank for it."

"Aw, I haven't done anything," Yugi said with a blush.

"Yes you have." Yami pulled him closer, clasping his hands and bending down to whisper in his ear. "All of this started when you told me you wanted to be with me, when you said you dreamed of giving yourself to me. I couldn't ask for such a thing of you before, I couldn't accept such a beautiful gift offered in the darkness. You deserve better."

The sensual murmur only made Yugi blush more fiercely, his heart quickening. "I…I hadn't really thought of that," he breathed, lifting his eyes to Yami's face. "I'm honored that you wanted to…make a nice place for us." His gaze drifted to the regal bed, covered in smooth, white linen and shrouded in silk. "So, you…want to share this bed with me."

"Only when you're ready. I know it is just within our minds, but…it's still momentous. I won't push you."

Yugi returned his gaze to Yami, straight into his eyes, in a most serious and acquiescent way. "I'm ready," he said softly. "It's all I've been able to think about for days. I want to do it…" He caught himself blushing and smiled faintly. Yami thought it positively adorable. "I want you to have me. You already know me inside and out, you have my heart and share my body. I want you to have every last part of me. This is the only thing you don't have yet…you've never known my 'intimate' thoughts."

"That's because they are one of few things that are truly yours, and not mine to intrude upon," Yami pointed out. "But joining with me in this way, in this realm of the mind, is as intimate as it can get. Without being able to touch you physically, this is the last and greatest way I can share myself with you." His dark eyes grew serious for a moment. "At least, what there is of me to share."

Yugi gave a little whine of sympathy and seized Yami around the waist, hugging him tightly. "It's okay," he assured the taller pharaoh. "I love you just as you are, Yami. Even if you can't remember everything about your life, it doesn't matter. You're already complete, to me."

Yami gave a soft sigh and rested his hands on the thin shoulders of his young love. "Thank you, Yugi."

They stood there together for a moment while Yugi mustered his courage, so he could lift his head and meet his companion's eyes despite the thoughts racing in his head that made him want to blush even more. He swallowed hard and faced Yami. "So…you…are you ready? Because I don't want to rush into anything if you're not…"

Yami chuckled softly. "It's all right, Yugi. I'm nervous too."

"You are?"

"I know in principle, what to do. But I've never done it, either. Not that I can remember. I think it's natural for us to be a little apprehensive." The pharaoh let his hands drift lower, down Yugi's arms and around his back. "I don't see a reason to wait until another time, if we have both been thinking about it and this room appeared in my memory as a result. But, we can move slowly."

"Yeah," Yugi nodded, comforted by the confession that his lover was just as nervous as he. "I like that idea." He glanced around the room once more, as if it had more to tell him about the pharaoh or their connection. "Are you sure…it can be done? We can really…" More stammering and blushing, but it had to be said. It was the only way to break the ice. "…make love, here?"

"There is only one way to find out." Yami raised an eyebrow. "We must simply try it."

Yugi blinked at him, astonished. "Yeah, I guess you're right." He smiled. "You don't seem nervous. You're always so…controlled. Like you know what you need to do and you're just going to do it."

"Just because I can hide my fears doesn't mean I don't have them," Yami said wryly. "You'd be surprised. It's actually taken me some time to accept the idea, to understand what it is I want and how to meet your needs."

"What?" Yugi frowned slightly in confusion. "But…why? I thought…I thought you desired me."

"I do. But it's not so simple." Yami gazed down at his questioning young love and sighed, realizing that if he had been serious about truly letting Yugi be close to him and share everything with him, he could hold no secrets back, not even the painful ones. He hoped this would not be the end of their visit tonight, but still took a deep breath to begin. "Yugi…I'm not always the strong, noble pharaoh you expect me to be. I have weaknesses, too. I've been foolish, and there is no excuse for it."

The boy's brow furrowed even further. "What do you mean? Yami…"

Yami's eyes closed. "My greatest weakness right now lies in precisely what you want of me, what we both want of each other. You want to make love to me, to give yourself to me. But I fear that it will not be enough, that without a physical touch, I can only fall short of your expectations. And then, I might lose you to someone who can offer you what I cannot."

Yugi shook his head furiously. "That's not going to happen! I don't want anyone else, I just want you! My heart is the key to the rest of me, I won't just give my body to anyone who can touch it. Only you have my heart, Yami. Please understand!"

"I do," the pharaoh said quietly, remaining still with his arms around the young one. "But that doesn't mean I can't fall victim to my fears and petty jealousies. It's all right, Yugi. You've opened my eyes, you've helped me to see where I was wrong. I won't push you away. You have my heart as well, and with it comes the rest of me, if you're willing to have it."

Yugi met his eyes, understanding at last and giving a small nod. "I am. I'm…glad you're able to push past your fears." He squeezed his arms around Yami. "What…were you jealous of? Or is that just a hypothetical thing?"

Yami made a pained face and blushed. "No, I…I was jealous when you and Bakura first came together. I didn't want to believe that I was capable of such a thing, but…it's true." He gave Yugi a hopeful look, wishing for forgiveness. "I thought I would never be able to have you like that. And I'm afraid at first that may have colored my judgment of whether you and Bakura should have been together."

Yugi gazed sadly at him, finally seeing how deeply his indiscretion had hurt his companion spirit. "Then it's probably a good thing I didn't ask you, then."

"Probably." Yami placed his hands gently on either side of Yugi's face, looking into his eyes for signs of a negative reaction. "After that, I…I needed time to heal, to see your love for what it is and accept that you want to be with me. I know better, now. Can you forgive my weakness?"

"Of course," Yugi said immediately, looking up at Yami with an expression of pure tranquility. "I don't think it's a weakness at all. It's only natural. We just have to promise not to do that to each other again."

A relieved smile broke out on Yami's face. He had no further words to say, and did the only thing he could think of – he leaned down and kissed Yugi powerfully, eager for the feel of those soft lips against his. Yugi clutched him tightly around the waist and kissed back, glad to feel the change in the air that signaled that both of them were truly ready. Yami dropped his arms around Yugi's shoulders and caught him up, pulling him as tightly into the kiss as he could until they were both moaning and gasping for breath – and still they didn't stop. Though it seemed silly, the pharaoh wanted only to prove by his actions that his words were not in vain, that he meant it when he spoke of love and trust and desire. He finally understood Yugi not wanting to stop at a kiss, because he felt the same now, and would do anything to please his young love. He kissed him until he could feel Yugi melt in his arms, needing to pull back for breath. Neither of them felt the need to speak as they stood for a moment relishing the connection, violet eyes and tender smiles focused on each other as they slowly disengaged in preparation for the next move. Yugi lowered his gaze demurely, silently giving his partner permission to proceed. Gently smiling in acceptance, Yami deftly unbuckled the collar around Yugi's neck and pulled it away, reaching up to smooth one hand over his bared throat. "You shouldn't wear these all the time," the pharaoh murmured as Yugi's eyes closed in rapture at the feel of the soft caress. "You have such a nice neck, you shouldn't hide it."

"Yeah, but I like the way it makes me feel," Yugi said quietly, lifting his eyes to Yami with a bit of a smirk. "They don't really let you express yourself in school, it's about all I can get away with."

Yami dropped the collar on the floor and continued to trace his fingertips up and down the line of Yugi's graceful neck, holding his gaze. "And how does it make you feel?"

Yugi leaned forward a little, tilting his head upward to let the pharaoh's hands have free access. "Kind of…sexy," he breathed, blushing a little at the word coming off his lips. "And tough. I know, it doesn't seem like me, but…I like that style."

Yami chuckled deeply. "I see. Is that why you wear the Millennium Puzzle on a chain now?" He hooked the chain with a finger to make it jingle in proof.

Yugi chuckled back. "No, that's for security. A chain is stronger than a cord. But…it does kind of work with my style, doesn't it?"

They smiled at each other for a moment, Yami still brushing Yugi's neck with his fingers, and then leaned in for another kiss. Feeling the strong, delicate hands encircling his neck, teasing his throat and up behind his ears, Yugi couldn't stop the small moan of pleasure that whispered out over his lips. Yami broke off the kiss shortly, instead bestowing small kisses on Yugi's brow and eyelids, as if blessing him with each one. Yugi's hands clenched into fists on his shirt, particularly as Yami lowered his head and began to kiss along the neck he professed to like so much, slowly and gently. It was such an exquisite feeling, for a moment Yugi thought as he tilted his head back that perhaps he should listen to Yami's suggestion and leave the collar off for a while. Warm hands and warm lips on his skin, that mouth brushing over the spot where his racing pulse could be felt…

Yami murmured quietly in his young companion's ear. "Is this…enjoyable? Am I pleasing you?"

"Yes, oh yes…" Yugi whimpered, his eyes opening to regard Yami's delicate look. "Don't stop. Please."

Yami smiled in amusement. "All right. I was just concerned. You got quiet all of a sudden."

"That's because I'm at a loss for words," Yugi quickly assured him. "You…you take my breath away."

The pharaoh slipped his arms around Yugi's lithe body and pulled him close. "I see. Just promise me you will tell me if anything I do doesn't meet your approval."

Yugi rested his hands on Yami's firm chest, sighing contentedly. "I'm sure I won't have to."

Smiling kindly, Yami reached to Yugi's neck once more and took hold of the chain of his Puzzle, beginning to lift it over his head. "Wait," Yugi worried. "Can you…do that? What happens if we take off the Millennium Puzzle? Won't it break the bond between us or something?"

"Yugi," the pharaoh patiently explained, "the Puzzle you and I both wear here, along with anything else on us, is only a representation. We are essentially inside the real Millennium Puzzle, where our minds are fused. Believe me, I wouldn't have proposed we meet here and…do…what we intend to, if removing the Puzzle would pose either of us any danger. Besides." He smirked and chuckled. "Which of us wears the real Puzzle, hm?"

Yugi looked down at the identical image of the Puzzle around Yami's neck. "Oh, good point," he sheepishly laughed. "That's right, I remember now. Whatever I'm wearing on the outside, whether I have the Puzzle around my neck or not, you're wearing the same thing in here." His face took on a slightly confused shade. "Can we actually take anything off, then? I-I don't know how this whole mind thing works."

"There's only one way to find out." Yami completed his move, carefully lifting the chain over Yugi's head and wild hair. The chain jingled merrily as he reverently cradled the pyramid-shaped pendant in his hand and looked closely at it. "You see?" he purred. "Nothing changed. You and I will be fine."

"Okay," Yugi giggled, letting go of Yami so he could step over to one of the tables and lay the Puzzle down. While he was there, he also took off his own Puzzle, setting them side-by-side. The twin Puzzles gleamed in the dim torchlight as if they knew what they were about to witness with those mystical Eyes inscribed on their fronts. The pharaoh turned slowly back toward his partner, the same knowing gleam in his elegant eyes. A small gasp of wonder caught in Yugi's throat as he beheld the sultry, smoldering look being directed at him. He loved Yami, their hearts and spirits had been entwined for so long now, but he was beginning to realize how much he wanted him. That lean, tough body, those graceful hands, those gorgeous eyes. He wanted to wrap his arms around the slender pharaoh and feel that firm chest against his, run his hands over soft, pale, naked skin… Yugi shook his head, realizing how far his thoughts had wandered, leaving him staring at Yami. But Yami hadn't noticed, or at least hadn't cared, as he slowly glided back across the palatial room to Yugi and stopped in front of him. Yugi glanced up into deep, tender eyes reflecting the firelight. "So," he began, somewhat nervously. "Um…now what?"

Yami tentatively took one of the youngster's hands in his. "What do you want?" he murmured.

Yugi gave a whispery sigh. Such a loaded question! He closed his eyes as he answered dreamily, "I want you to touch me…I can just imagine your hands on me and I…I want it so much."

He felt a light tug on his hand, and looked to see Yami turning toward the bed, towing him along. "I can do that," he said in a low voice. "In fact, I want to do that. I want to know everything about you, Yugi, from your head to your heels."

A shiver of delight passed through Yugi, making his whole body flush hot. The anticipation made him forget his concerns about any differences in how their spirit-bodies inside their fused minds ought to behave, he felt exactly as he would in the real world down to the racing of his heart and the ache deep in the pit of his abdomen. Nervous and impatient at the same time, he decided to let Yami lead, now that the pharaoh had regained his confidence in himself and his feelings and seemed inclined to initiate this moment of moments. "Please," Yugi found himself saying. "Anything. I'm yours, Yami."

"You really do wish to give yourself to me," the ancient spirit observed. He faced Yugi once again, though now the youngster's back was to the bed, and stepped as close as he could so their bodies touched temptingly. "I accept, and you'll have me in return. I promise you."

Yugi looked up to him with a small gasp. "Oh…yes. Gladly, Yami. I…I forgot. This is your first time, too." He found arms encircling him again, and laid his hands on the wiry muscles of Yami's upper arms, delighting in the feel. "You…know what to do?"

"Yes," Yami nodded. "It's mostly common sense, but…there is some instinct guiding me. Perhaps another buried memory, I can't tell. But, I don't have to think about it." He reached up behind Yugi and parted the sheer curtains that hung around the bed. "We will simply indulge in one another, and let it happen. All right?"

"O-okay." Yugi met the kiss bending towards him, his hands sliding up to Yami's shoulders and then around his neck as the pharaoh leaned in, his own hands roaming lower behind Yugi. With their lips still pressed hard to each other's, Yami clasped his hands together beneath his lover's ass and picked him up off his feet, taking one step forward to lift him onto the edge of the bed without breaking the kiss. Yugi tensed against him, his excitement and apprehension doubling as he considered where he was now, and the ramifications of it. We're really going to do this! Oh… He tilted his head back with a gasp, settling more comfortably onto the bed with his feet dangling over. Yami stood patiently before him, letting him decide when to continue, resting his hands on Yugi's slim waist. Yugi gazed up at his companion for a moment before reaching to the collar around his neck, wanting to free him just as he had done. Yami closed his eyes and lifted his chin to allow it, breathing a quiet sigh of pleasure when the collar fell away and exposed his neck to cool air and soft fingertips. Yugi traced down his throat and over his collarbone, stopping at the edge of his shirt. "You really are…beautiful," he whispered.

Yami slid his hands down Yugi's thighs. "Thank you," he quietly said, smiling in that way that made his eyes gleam. "I'm honored that you think so." He took a step back, then, untucking his shirt and pulling it swiftly over his head to expose his lean, muscled body. Yugi could only sit there and stare, unused to seeing the pharaoh like this. The golden firelight played teasingly over the planes of his chest and stomach, defining every muscle with shadow and highlight, turning him into some sort of god in tight jeans. Yami tossed aside the black shirt and stepped up between Yugi's knees again, his touch gliding lightly along the boy's legs to his hips. "You see me now, as I am," he murmured. "Is this what you want?"

A young lifetime of chasing girls flew completely out the window. Yugi hesitantly reached to touch the chest displayed before him, as if Yami were once again nothing more than an ethereal vision that would yield like fog to his fingertips. Instead, he met warm, smooth flesh, and saw a smile awaken on the pharaoh's lips at the feel of his caress. "Yes," Yugi finally managed to answer. "Oh…yes…"

Yami gave him a moment to just touch and admire before leaning down and pressing a quick kiss to Yugi's forehead. "Allow me to do just one thing, and we can begin," he said kindly, stepping back.

A haze of wonder and anticipation still clouded Yugi's mind, rendering him unable to properly react until Yami had gone around the end of the bed and over to the regal vanity against the far wall. "What, what is it?" he asked.

Yami hunted around the bejeweled implements and, to his surprise, found exactly what his instinct told him to look for. He didn't have time to ponder what that meant, though, he merely picked up the small vial from among a collection of similar containers and pulled out the stopper. Of his senses, only scent and taste were muted or weak inside this world of the mind, but just enough remained from his incomplete memory to tell him that he had what he wanted. He gave it a satisfied nod and brought it with him back to the bed, setting the vial on the ivory stand near the head of the bed. "We may need that later," he answered his young love. "Granted, our bodies here are not physical, but considering that they react in the same way a corporeal body would, we ought to treat them as if they were real."

Yugi sat back with his weight on his hands, watching Yami over his shoulder as he stalked around the bed and returned to where the curtains were parted to let them both climb inside. "I'm not sure I understand."

"You will soon enough." Yami paused only to pull off his socks and then swept the sheer curtain aside with his hand, making room to sit down beside Yugi. "I don't know why, but my instincts are telling me to expect this. And I don't like to ignore my instincts."

"Oh, of course. I trust your instincts, too." Yugi looked away shyly, finding it hard to make himself do what his inner spirit was screaming for. "You'll…be gentle with me, right? Because…I'm not sure what it'll feel like. I don't know if I'll like it."

Yami sidled closer and ran his hand through Yugi's hair, brushing his bangs back from his face. "If you don't, I will stop. Anything you want, you must simply tell me."

"Okay." Yugi looked up into Yami's hopeful face, finding the courage at last to move from his comfortable spot on the edge of the bed. He scooted back enough and laid down, stretching himself invitingly along the length of the bed with his arms over his head, holding the spirit's gaze the entire time. Yami crawled up alongside him, letting the curtain fall back to enclose them in a dim, gauzy world of their own. Yugi gave a little nervous laugh, completely thrilled to be where he was but unable to shake the fear born of his inflated expectations. It was only momentous because he wanted it to be so, but he preferred it to reducing this encounter to some meaningless hot coupling of bodies. As long as his spiritual body continued to shiver and heat in excitement, as intensely as his real body would, he was going to treat this in the same way he would with a physical partner – and that meant understanding that he was giving himself to the person he loved with all his soul. Yami laid next to him on his side, watching the young one's face grow gradually solemn and willing as he accepted that he had laid himself out for this reason. Seeing that he was ready again, Yami bent his head and kissed Yugi deeply, gliding one hand over his stomach and sneaking up under his shirt to lie flat against his skin. Yugi whimpered into the kiss, his body arching subtly toward the touch roaming across his chest and abdomen. The soft sound encouraged Yami to keep pressing further, stroking Yugi's lips with his tongue and then slipping inside, his hand continuing to trace wide, sweeping circles beneath the boy's shirt. Yugi returned the kiss as fiercely as he could, though the sensual touch was driving him insane and making it hard to keep his concentration. His hands, flung into the collection of bolsters and pillows above him, involuntarily clenched into fists. Yami gradually pulled away and began to kiss more of his lover, his cheek, his throat, his neck, his ear, slowly and with relish, until Yugi laid there gasping desperately for breath. "You weren't kidding about wanting to know every bit of me," he moaned.

The pharaoh tilted his head up enough to let his lips graze across Yugi's neck. "There's so much to know," he murmured. "Having you to myself like this, I hardly know where to begin."

Yugi gazed at him through half-closed eyes and smiled. "Whatever you're doing, don't stop. It's so…good…"

Chuckling to himself, Yami pushed himself up and took hold of the hem of Yugi's sleeveless shirt, receiving no resistance as he pulled upward to remove it. Yugi even shifted his shoulders and arms to help, sitting up a bit to catch his breath as he watched Yami toss the black shirt aside. It hit the silken curtain and fell down over the edge of the bed. The pharaoh's spirit regarded the rippling curtain for a moment. "Hm. It looks like there are going to be clothes strewn everywhere in here. Maybe I should have rethought the drapery."

Startled, Yugi blinked at him, and then burst out laughing. Yami grinned back, glad to see his remark had the intended effect on his young lover, getting him to relax. "No way," Yugi said brightly as he laid back down, smoothing his hands over the soft blankets. "I like it. It's…romantic."

Yami stretched out alongside him again, curling his arms around him. "I see, now. You really are a hopeless romantic at heart."

Yugi smiled coyly up as he wrapped his arms around the pharaoh's shoulders. "I guess I am," he said with a little laugh. "I believe in all those lofty and completely unattainable ideals."

"They're not completely unattainable," Yami said encouragingly. "Look at where you are now."

The coy smile turned even more dreamy. "In the arms of the one I love?"

"And that's only the beginning." Yami pulled him closer and kissed him again, catching him up so that their bare chests came into contact. The sensation made Yugi heave a long sigh of delight and kiss back all the harder, splaying his hands flat across Yami's back and holding him tightly. Yami began to roam lower, pressing firm, hot kisses to his partner's throat, collarbone, and then chest. Yugi's sighs became light cries, his hands moving into Yami's wild hair out of need to cling to something while shivers of pleasure rippled through him. The pharaoh settled with his arms around Yugi's waist and spent a good while covering his chest and stomach in kisses, enjoying every little reaction his handiwork provoked – every breathless sigh, every whimper, every twitch of Yugi's slender body beneath him. He traveled the lines of the young one's muscles with his lips, moving to the flat, solid center of his chest and then slowly to one side. Yugi sucked in his breath sharply at the feel of Yami's warm, wet lips encircling his nipple, and laid there gasping as mouth and tongue caressed him relentlessly. He glanced down to the spirit lying half on top of him, lapping sensuously at him, and gave a low moan as he felt his body respond with a clear sign of his desire, a certainty that their spirits could indeed make love to each other inside the world of the Puzzle. Yami felt the hardness against him and lifted his head. "Is that…? Yugi…?"

Yugi clenched a fist in Yami's hair without thinking. "You're…you're really turning me on," he groaned under his breath, letting his head fall back into the pillows, eyes closing. "How can this be…real?"

Yami smiled to himself and stretched to kiss Yugi's trim stomach. "It's as real as I am," he murmured encouragingly. "Your body knows it. You don't have to think about it. Just trust me." He hesitated for a moment, and then reached to undo the button of Yugi's jeans. That got the young one's attention, making him look up sharply. Yami only continued in a slow and gentle manner, simply resting his hand on the front of Yugi's jeans and feeling the hard sensation beneath. "This…means that you want me, and that feels wonderful to me."

"Of course I want you." Yugi could hardly move, though he wished for the hand on him to do more than just lay atop his opened fly. He blinked absently at the canopy above them. "I've wanted this for so long…"

The pharaoh pushed himself up and reclined beside Yugi again, sliding his hand across the boy's bare chest and roaming over every inch of exposed skin until Yugi was practically purring, his head falling against Yami's shoulder. Yami traced the curves of his shape with light fingertips, doing his best not to tickle as he glided over Yugi's ribs and swirled delicately around his navel. He had always been able to see Yugi's physical form anytime he liked, through his own eyes, but this was the first time he had been able to touch it, to be so close and explore at will. Though he was still shorter than most of those around him, Yugi was growing into a beautiful young man, slim and willowy with the muscles starting to become defined on his slender arms, chest, and stomach. Perhaps in another year or two, he would be the spitting image of the pharaoh. Yami gazed tenderly down at him while he continued simply to touch, taking uncommon joy in Yugi's response. Yugi gazed back through heavy-lidded eyes, cooing softly in pleasure at the feel of those hands on him, exactly as he had asked for. Though he didn't want to disrupt Yugi's obvious bliss, Yami let his hand drift lower and slip into the open jeans, into his briefs, giving him a teasing brush of his fingertips. Yugi's eyes flew wide open with a gasp, leaving him staring up into Yami's sultry face. "Did you like that?" the pharaoh murmured with a smile.

Yugi only laid there stunned for a minute or two, breathing heavily. That warm hand was still resting on his abdomen, just inside his pants, as if waiting for another chance to pounce. When he was able to, he simply whispered, "Please…" and placed his hand on top of Yami's, hoping his signal would be read correctly. Yami brushed a kiss against Yugi's forehead, and then moved his hand deeper, fighting under the clothes for a chance to clasp his lover in his fist. Yugi gave a light cry and twitched his hips, trying to move himself closer to the touch he yearned for. "You…you don't have to move so slowly," he offered, meeting Yami's eyes.

"Patience, Yugi." Yami smiled in amusement and withdrew his hand, clasping Yugi's which still lay upon his chest. "I promise you, we'll get there. There's no need to hurry." Even so, he sat up a little and tugged at the young one's jeans, trying to pull them down. Yugi rushed to help, sliding out of them and kicking them over the side of the bed, making the sheer curtain swish again. His socks immediately followed. Yami placed a hand on his shoulder and gently pushed him back down into the bed, making him relax so he could attend to him. As it was, Yugi laid there panting lightly, desperate to be free of his briefs so Yami could have him once and for all. Yami squeezed his shoulder and drew his hand slowly down Yugi's chest, caressing him in preface to removing his last stitch of clothing. Yugi tilted his hips to aid him, his breath quickening again as he found himself exposed, hard, and wanting with the pharaoh's eyes silently taking him in. Yami did his best not to stare, even though seeing Yugi this way was all new to him. He rested a hand on his young love's knee, caressing slowly inward along his thigh until Yugi trembled with anticipation, his lips barely parted to let every gasp through. But Yami stopped short, and drew back so he could sit up fully. Yugi looked up with a perplexed frown until he saw why; the graceful spirit was undoing his jeans, writhing out of his own clothing so that he would be just as naked as his lover. Yugi clutched a handful of blanket as he watched Yami reveal himself, letting out a low cry as the pharaoh stretched himself out beside him once more, his own arousal plain to see at last. "There," he purred. "Now we're on even ground. I hold nothing back from you, Yugi."

Yugi blinked in wonder at him, unable to keep from looking at Yami's erection. It's real. He's really… He turned slightly toward his companion and cautiously reached to touch him, as if to prove to himself that this wasn't a dream. Yami moaned softly at the touch, closing his eyes. Yugi hesitated. "Is it…all right? Do you want me to do this?" he timidly asked.

Yami's eyes opened slowly. "Yes," he murmured. "Please, Yugi."

Nodding, Yugi rolled onto his side so he could face Yami and touch him, trailing his hand along the taut stomach first before descending to trace the pharaoh's shape with his fingertips. Yami laid quietly beside him, his head pillowed on one arm, eyes half-closed, giving a breathy moan every now and then as Yugi's hand nimbly encircled him and explored, getting more bold as time went on. Yugi held him, stroking lightly, just wanting to feel him for now without deliberately pushing him further. Then, Yami stirred slightly and reached down, closing his own hand on Yugi's erection. "Yami…!" the young one whimpered involuntarily.

"Both of us, together," Yami intoned in his deep, regal voice.

Yugi let out a quiet gasp, briefly going still as he considered the idea. Yami gave him a moment and then began to stroke him gently, encouraging him to reciprocate. After a pause Yugi did, though more hesitantly because his hand was shaking. Yami's firm, steady touch worked well, making him even harder, leaving him panting raggedly, but he forced himself to match his partner's pace, wanting to keep up with him and give to him the same as he was receiving in turn. And it seemed he was, for he watched Yami's eyes fall closed and his own breathing become significantly labored, though he didn't stop his actions for a second. They fell silent but for an occasional moan, stroking each other relentlessly, their bodies continuing to tilt further and further toward each other. Yami even reached his other arm out and slinked it beneath Yugi's head and shoulders, pulling him closer so their chests almost touched, so he was nearly falling on top of his lover. As one they both sped up their actions, driven to higher need by the intimate embrace and the feel of each others' panting breath on their faces. Yugi began to cry in between every gasp, his whole body shaking now and rendering it almost impossible to keep his grip on Yami. Just when he thought he was going to lose control, the pharaoh stopped, his hand falling away, though he remained leaning over Yugi and clutching him to his chest. Yugi struggled to look up at him. "Why…?" he whispered. "Why are you stopping?"

Yami took a moment to regain his breath, blinking down at the boy in his arms. "You were close, yes?"

Yugi groaned long. "Yeah…real close…"

Yami kissed his forehead. "Not that we can't do it more than once, but I wanted your first time with me to be…well, everything and more. I want to hold off until we…" He paused and faintly blushed, unsure how to phrase his intention in a way that sounded remotely romantic.

Fortunately, Yugi understood. "Oh. I get it," he breathed, starting to smile. "Yeah. I like that." His hand had also stilled, but remained on Yami, simply holding him gingerly. He glanced down at it and giggled at the sight, amazed to find himself in this position. Yami's hand moved around his hip and caressed the curve of his ass, giving them both a chance to calm down just enough, though they remained ferociously aroused. After a bit, Yami grasped his young lover by the shoulders and pushed him over onto his back, shifting on top of him. Yugi stared up at him, intimidated, even if the pharaoh's eyes were soft and loving. "What…what are you doing?"

"I only said I was holding off, not waiting," Yami chuckled slyly. He knelt straddling his partner's legs, but only for a moment as he shifted completely to Yugi's other side and reached for the gap in the bedcurtain. Yugi watched him admiringly as he stretched toward the little table beside the bed and retrieved the vial he had set there earlier. Yami sat back and uncapped the vial, dipping his finger inside to verify the nature of the contents. Seeing Yugi's questioning look, he held the vial out just under the boy's nose. "Palm oil."

Yugi gave a cautious sniff. "I don't smell anything."

Yami sighed. "I thought as much. I find there is no sense of smell here in the realm of the mind, unless it's something contained in your memory already. I know the scent of palm oil, but dimly, as if by instinct."

Yugi still fixed him with a perplexed frown. "And what are you going to do with it?"

The pharaoh poured a small amount of oil into his hand and rubbed it between his fingers, raising an eyebrow at his lover. "You…don't know?"

Yugi felt his face grow hot. "Well…I can guess," he said shyly.

Covering the glass vial with his thumb so as not to spill it, Yami reclined with his weight on his elbow and gave Yugi a thoughtful look. "I don't want to hurt you. I have no idea how your body will react here, or if I'm merely being overprotective. But I would rather take the precaution. Besides." He smiled kindly. "The oil won't feel bad. Maybe strange, but only at first."

"I-I trust you." Yugi shifted toward his companion, spreading his legs just a bit in invitation. "Do whatever you have to."

Yami nodded, and bent his head for a long, sweet kiss before proceeding, reaching down between Yugi's legs and rubbing his oil-slicked fingers along the cleft of his ass. Yugi gasped hard at the strange new feeling, grabbing onto Yami's shoulder with one hand to steel himself, although the touch was light and gentle yet and posed him no threat. Yami sidled closer to him and slid his other arm around him, cradling his young love so as to look into his eyes while his hand delicately explored heated flesh and prepared to enter for the first time. Yugi looked uncertain but earnest, his large eyes wide as they focused on Yami's face, soft sighs escaping him now and then as the fingers probing him met a sensitive spot. When he felt the time was right, Yami pressed one oiled finger to the tight opening, paused to make sure there was no protest, and then pushed inside. Yugi recoiled with a gasping cry, his grip on the spirit's shoulder tightening briefly. "Shh," Yami beseeched, bowing his head to nuzzle his partner's warm cheek. "Is this all right? I haven't hurt you, have I?"

Though panting heavily, Yugi managed to shake his head. "It just feels…different," he stammered. "It's okay. I'm okay." He moved his hand to cup Yami's cheek, holding his attention. "Please…keep going, Yami."

Smiling, the spirit nodded and pushed a little further inside, holding on to Yugi as his body arched up into his. Yami retreated and pushed back in, reaching a little deeper this time, while Yugi clutched at his shoulder for stability. When it seemed his body had gotten used to the intrusion, the pharaoh withdrew and repeated his action with two fingers, provoking even more cries of surprised pleasure. It took time and gentle probing to get the young body to relax and permit him entry, but Yami had the patience to keep it up, taking delight himself in simply watching Yugi react. The boy laid in his arms whimpering softly, eyes closed, fingers digging into Yami's bare shoulder every time he pushed too deep. It felt so good, beyond anything he had ever felt before, Yugi thought as he gave up trying to keep his composure and surrendered completely to Yami. "Please," he began to whisper between each stroke of the pharaoh's long, nimble fingers. "Please…please…"

Yami purred in his lover's ear, "What do you want? Just tell me. Don't be afraid."

Yugi wasn't so sure he could, as he was starting to forget how to form words. He clutched at Yami's neck, threading his fingers into the short black hair there. "I…I want you inside me," he finally managed to whisper upon a trembling breath. "You, all of you. I want you to have me…"

He opened his eyes slowly, meeting the eager, burning gaze of the pharaoh holding him. For a moment neither moved as they silently accepted that it should happen, and then Yami stretched to kiss Yugi, firmly and deeply. He removed his fingers and wrestled to a sitting position, letting Yugi lie back for a bit and catch his breath, which he certainly needed. His cheeks were flushed and sweat stood out on his brow, but a hazy smile crossed his lips as he gazed up at Yami pouring another handful of palm oil. "What?" the pharaoh wondered with a small chuckle.

"You're so gorgeous," Yugi mumbled. "I can't believe how lucky I am."

Yami smiled sensuously in return as he set aside the vial of oil and turned toward his lover, carefully balancing the puddle of oil in the palm of his hand. "I like to think I'm the lucky one. To have someone so sweet and pure of heart love me as deeply as you do." Yugi gave him an embarrassed little purr in response. Yami crawled across the bed to position himself between the young one's legs, and only then tilted his hand to let the oil pour over his body, onto his heated erection, in a shameless display of eroticism. Yugi groaned impatiently, wishing he could will his body to sit up and take part in slicking Yami up for entry, but lying there watching was delicious enough. The pharaoh's spirit wore a playful half-smile as he curled his hand around himself and ensured the oil covered every inch of him, and then reached forward with his dripping hand to wipe the rest all over Yugi, his arousal, his cleft, his opening. Yugi's hands clenched into fists as he let his knees fall apart, spreading himself as open as he could to allow the glorious touch to reach every bit of him. Yami prowled forward, then, caressing Yugi's thighs and hips and stomach as he settled down between his lover's legs. Yugi gazed yearningly up at him, able only to nod his approval as breath and heart began to race again. Yami held him around the waist and pulled him closer, up into his lap, so that Yugi's short legs wrapped around his waist and his body fell into position against the desperately waiting erection. Feeling Yami just brushing against his ass made Yugi tighten in apprehension, all his nervousness returning now that the moment had finally arrived. The pharaoh leaned forward, repositioning them both to be more comfortable, and stretched to kiss the center of Yugi's chest. "It's all right. You have to relax, Yugi. I promise you, I will be gentle. If it hurts, I'll stop."

"I can't imagine it hurting," Yugi murmured faintly. "Not here. Please, don't stop. I…I'm ready."

Resting his weight on one hand, Yami cupped the other beneath Yugi's ass to tilt him just-so, bringing him back into position. The boy absently crossed his ankles behind Yami's back to hold himself there, but Yami's knees braced his hips enough to allow him to relax his body a bit. With eyes locked trustingly on each other, Yami moved forward, feeling his way, pushing until he met resistance. Gritting his teeth, he took a deep breath and forced himself to push harder, ignoring his fears of what it might do to Yugi. The resistance gave way, and he fell inside with a groan.

Yugi threw his head back with a loud cry, grabbing hard onto Yami's arms. He could feel him inside, so thick, so hard. He realized then that he was not ready at all, it was nothing like he expected. Yami was only partly inside as it was, taking it slow, but Yugi understood his caution. It was uncomfortable, unusual, but something about it made him only want more. Though his body shook in his lover's arms, he tried to force himself to relax and let Yami further inside. The pharaoh braced himself and gave a little more, sparks of pleasure tingling through him at the feel of being squeezed inside Yugi. A shudder rippled up his back, making him pause even while Yugi held desperately onto him, chest heaving for breath. The long blond locks fell around Yami's face as he bent low for one last push to bring him completely inside, both of them giving a cry at the sensation. Yugi looked weakly up into his partner's face, unable to speak for a short time. Yami gazed back, both hands falling to the bed on either side of Yugi to prop himself up. "Are you all right?" he murmured.

Yugi nodded absently, still breathing too hard to speak.

"Does it hurt?"

The boy shook his head. "Not…much," he managed to reply. "I just…have to get used to it…"

Yami brushed the hair back from his lover's face. "Don't let me continue if it hurts you. You won't hurt my feelings."

"Please…" Yugi's hand grasped Yami's shoulder and squeezed it as he looked up with wide, desperate eyes. "Please don't stop. I want this."

Searching his eyes, Yami could see that he meant it, and nodded. "I want it too," he purred, caressing Yugi's cheek before bracing both hands beside his shoulders. Yugi's hands moved to Yami's wiry upper arms as the pharaoh leaned back and thrust forward slightly, just enough for a start. It made Yugi shout, but not in pain. After a pause Yami did it again, a little harder, feeling his lover's body grip him tightly. Each time it got a little easier, until he was able to fall into a steady rhythm, forward and back, grunting a little under his breath. Yugi's cries trailed off into breathy moans, his eyes half closed as he watched Yami rock into him, watched beads of sweat run down the pharaoh's neck. So good, he kept telling himself, too good to be real. I love him so. I love him. The pace quickened slightly, and Yugi's eyes widened as he felt something deep inside him, almost a tickle, at the apex of each thrust. Yami noticed the change in his expression and faintly smiled. "Is that good?"

"Yami…" the boy breathed. "Oh…yes…" He swallowed hard, his mouth dry. "What…what are you doing to me…?"

Yami leaned into his thrusts, his fingers curling into fists on the white blanket. "I…love you, Yugi," he stammered in return. "I want you…to be happy…"

Yugi held on for dear life and began to lift his hips up into each forward movement, meeting his lover halfway. The tickle inside him grew to a spark and a flame that wouldn't die. "Yami…ah! I am. I am," he vowed, smiling up at the pharaoh's spirit. Then a particularly deep thrust made him cry out.

Yami's whole body trembled now, demanding release, but he held himself back until he could see the beginnings of climax in his lover. The smile gradually faded from Yugi's lips as he couldn't stop himself from giving a cry at every thrust, his eyes shimmering with emotion, his mouth falling slack. His hands tightened on Yami's arms until his fingers left white imprints in his skin. Yami slumped further down so he could wrap his arms around Yugi's slender shoulders, catching him up into a loose embrace as he continued to rock forward faster. It forced the young one's hips to bend further so as not to lose their coupling, but he was spry and flexible, he could withstand it. Yugi's cries escalated until they echoed in the stone-walled room. He pressed his head back into the pillows, tensing in anticipation of the feeling threatening to wash over him at any minute now. Yami groaned with every breath, his face flushed and his hair swinging past his cheeks in rhythm with his movements. He managed to pick one hand up off the bed and wrap it around Yugi's erection prodding him in the stomach, stroking the underside roughly with his thumb. "Yugi," he groaned softly, "let go. I want…you to come. You can do it. Just let go."

Yugi whimpered in reply, feeling the sparks inside him grow ten times more intense from the renewed touch. "Yami," he moaned, "I'm…I'm close…Yami…"

The pharaoh closed his eyes and pushed harder, his hand giving Yugi a few long strokes in time to his thrust. The whimpering voice beneath him suddenly became a scream, and he looked to see Yugi's body arch violently into his, as he shook and exploded with orgasm. Inside him, Yami was gripped so hard he couldn't hold back anymore, and he came a second later, eyes wide and mouth falling open with a shout. He held himself pressed deeply into Yugi for a few moments, until the waves of pleasure subsided and released their bodies. Yugi slumped back into the bed, his hands falling away on either side of him, and Yami collapsed on top of him. They were both coated in sweat and breathing hard, sticky, hot, but as they cooled down and regained their wits, they forgot all of that and lifted their heads to meet each other's eyes. Yami had to pull out, at which Yugi gave a tiny cry and reached for him. The pharaoh stretched out on the bed and enfolded his arms around his young love, the two of them curling up against each other in the hazy silence.

When at last he felt able to, Yugi tilted his head to give Yami a soft kiss, nibbling at his lips. Yami purred quietly in delight. "Yugi…"

"I love you, Yami," the boy said immediately, needing to say it. "I'm…all yours, now. You've taken all of me that I can give."

Yami hugged him to his chest and kissed his forehead. "It is a precious gift. I won't take it for granted."

Yugi sighed with a hint of a groan. "I just wish I could give you everything. My real body. My…virginity."

Yami nuzzled his ear, giving a slight chuckle. "Consider it lost to me. I don't care if it wasn't your physical body, it means just the same to me."

"It sure felt like it was," Yugi admitted.

Yami ran a fingertip along the youngster's chin, encouraging him to look up at him. "Was it good?" he asked hopefully. "Was it anything like your fantasies of me?"

"That and more," Yugi moaned. "I thought I knew what it would be like, but…it's so much more. It's so powerful. So…" He closed his eyes and giggled a little. "Yeah, it's good."

The pharaoh kept absently tracing his finger along Yugi's cheek, his energy gone. "As are you," he murmured. "You are so sweet and beautiful. I can hardly believe I'm here, in your arms, having shared what we did."

"I know what you mean." Yugi nestled comfortably in his lover's embrace, feeling weak but not sleepy. "It's like a dream, only it's not. I can't explain it, but…I know it's right." He stretched up to kiss Yami once more. "This is right, for us. We did it. We can make it work."

"That's right. We did." Yami gazed seriously into his young partner's eyes. "Is this what you want, then? A relationship, with me?"

Yugi squeezed him. "We already had a relationship. It just lacked that one thing." He glanced shyly away. "If you're willing, then…yes. I want to continue this. I want to be yours, Yami, and yours alone."

Yami sighed quietly and hugged him back. "On one condition. You won't sacrifice your life in order to stay here inside this realm of the Puzzle with me. You must go on with your life as usual."

"Oh, yes. Don't worry! I wouldn't do that," Yugi promised. "You can be my guardian. If I start acting like an idiot, you can just tell me not to come here to see you. I'll be good, really."

Yami chuckled. "You don't have to try so hard, Yugi. I believe you. And I will watch over you, as I always have." He kissed his young love deeply, feeling soft lips yield completely to his control. When he broke away, he added, "We have come so far, you know. There was a time when you hardly knew me, when you even feared me."

Yugi met his gaze with solemn, violet eyes. "I remember," he whispered. "But that was before we got to know each other, and learned to trust each other. Before our bond. Now, I know you would never hurt me or force me to do something I wouldn't. We've always been partners, Yami. Now, we're connected forever."

Yami held him to his chest. "Yes. Forever. I like that."