Alright, get out your tissue boxes, you're going to need them. I do not own Yugioh or any of the songs used in this chapter. Enjoy!
Chapter 8
Yugi had spent a week and half in that place until he finally found the opportunity to escape. Finally took control, and ordered three of their underlings, to help him escape. He didn't try calling out to his mates once during this time period. These two, they were on a whole new level of dangerous, and he didn't want them to get hurt.
He knew Atem would probably scold him for this later, but for now, it was the best decision. After finding out that Adaline was actually a werewolf, and married, he found out from Carissa and Jacob why they wanted him to stay. They were afraid he'd give their location away to their older brother.
You see, they'd searched for him as much as he'd searched for them. They had passed each other once, by chance, but both had grown up so much neither recognized the other. When they passed each other again in the same way, they recognized him, but he just brushed past them like they were just another random face in the large crowd. Even after screaming his name at the top of their lungs, he still never turned, probably thinking they were just more Queen Fanatics.
They'd held a grudge against him ever since. It was sad to Yugi, but a fact. He left a note saying he would not tell anyone they were here, but that it was instead a dead end, and he'd keep trying to find them. However, he was going to tell everyone he'd gone to Andorra.
On top of this, he'd left two invitations to the Christmas Eve Ball they held every year. They were welcome to come or not, it was their choice entirely. Yugi did hope that they would come though. Come to bury this hatchet of hatred. For all of them, really it was a stupid thing to get angry over. He'd know, he'd been mad over plenty of stupid things.
Yugi sighed as the plane landed in Tokyo, Japan, and he ran through the airport to get to the terminal, where he called a taxi. He told them the address of the Grey Stone Palace, and they were off to the location.
He needed to see them. See them, smell them, touch them, kiss them, and hope, beyond all hope they forgave him for just disappearing. That was his biggest fear, that they wouldn't forgive him. They'd had rougher patches than this though, right? So he was sure they could get over it. They could climb this new wall and get over it.
Yugi threw some money at the driver, and ran into the Palace. He ran up to his room, to see the two of them nestled in the bed, fast asleep. Oh, they were here, they were here. He'd been afraid they wouldn't be, but they were, they were where he needed them to be the most.
He dropped his jacket on the ground, and slid into the bed, cuddling up to Atem, who awoke at the change of pressure on the bed. He blinked a couple of times before looking down. Yugi was already looking up at him with love filled eyes. Instead of that look being returned though, they just became very sad, like the man was dying of heartbreak.
"Yami, wake up."
"Why? I'm having a very pleasant dream that doesn't have a single Yugi Rida Mutou in it."
"Yeah right, get up! I don't want to suffer through another one of your hopes."
"Ugh, why'd you hit me?" Yami asked getting up. Atem gave a small grin and looked down, only to find Yugi still there looking at the two of them in confusion.
"I'm sorry," Yugi whispered gaining both of their attentions.
"Oh no, not one of your dreams. Atem please, no, not one of these again."
"It's not a dream. I'm really here," Yugi said cupping Atem's cheek.
"Yeah right, the moment I wake, this will all vanish and all that will be here is thin air."
"Okay, just tell me one thing, does this hurt?" Yugi asked gently before lifting his hand from Atem's cheek, and bringing it back with an alarming force.
SMACK!
Atem's eyes were wide open, as he stared at the human in front of him. Who leaned up and kissed his red, tingly, and now hurting, cheek. The same side he slapped. That had indeed hurt. This was real, he was real, and he was here. He was here. Atem shoved him away and off the bed in pure anger.
Yugi sat up rubbing his back. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, so sorry. I just had an opportunity to find out the truth, so I took it. Andorra, it was a dead end."
"Andorra? What's that?" Yami asked anger lacing his voice.
"A place, a country. I thought I could find your sisters, but I failed. I'm sorry."
"Yeah right, what a bullshit excuse," Yami said throwing off the covers, and walking towards the balcony.
"Yami, I'm sorry!" Yugi said jumping up and grabbing his arm. Yami chucked him away as if he meant nothing to the vampire.
"Get off of me, you heathen!"
"Y-Yami?"
"Go away, Yugi, you're not wanted here," Atem said coldly.
Yugi turned to look at him, tears forming in the corners of his eyes, "I'm sorry. Please forgive me, please. I'm sorry I slapped you, I was just trying to show you this wasn't a dream. Please, I am so sorry."
"I said get out!" Atem roared. Yugi scrambled away from him, his back planted firmly against door.
"I see. I am truly sorry for disappearing on you both. I was hoping you could forgive me, but clearly this was a fool's dream. My own foolishness. Let me know when you want to talk, like civilized beings, I'll be at the University. I'll be where it's easy to find me."
Yugi then turned and ran from the room. He followed the staircase into the garden, where he ran until he was behind the palace in the big open grass area where they held all of their children's parties. He face planted into it, and just cried.
He'd lost everything, and gained nothing. All because of his own foolish naiveties. His mates, the possibilities of reuniting Yami with his sisters, and possibly his children too. No doubt they would side with their Fathers, for he'd run out on them too.
They had no idea of the risks he had taken just to get back to them. Of everything he'd done to make sure he could. Maybe he should've just stayed there as a prisoner, to save him the heartache when he returned to what he thought was home.
"Go cry on someone else's lawn, you sniveling baby. No one here wants to see or hear it," Yami's cold voice spoke up from behind him.
The words only made more tears spring up to Yugi's eyes, as he pushed himself up from the ground, and walked away without another glance behind him. He walked all the way to the University, where it seemed only Marcus was happy to see him. One look at his face though, told Marcus all he needed to know, and held open his arms.
Yugi gave him a soft, sad smile, and just pushed them away. They weren't the arms he wanted nor needed. He laid down on his bed, and just stared up at the white ceiling.
"They're just mad, that's all," Marcus babbled. "Give them some time to calm down, and they'll be able to think more clearly."
"You didn't see them, Marcus. He roared at me, Atem, actually roared at me to get out."
"Give them some time to calm down, they'll come around, you'll see."
"I hope your right, because I told them I wasn't going back. If they wanted to talk, then they'd have to come here."
"Probably better that way, it will give you all less of a reason to shout."
Yugi gave him a halfhearted smile, as he turned onto his side, and just hoped that sleep would come. So he could leave this heartache, the same they were feeling, for only a little bit. He already knew what the chances were of them calming down, and they weren't very high. He'd ruined it, everything.
[Time skip]
Yugi put on his best fake smile, as his kids dragged him around their classroom, showing him all of their drawings. They were here of course, but they had barely spoken two words to one another besides a simple hello, and a nod of head in acknowledgement.
It was an open house at Marchelle's and Daniel's private school. They'd both already made so many friends, and had forgiven him for disappearing much more easily than their Father's. Yugi found it hard to believe that it was already October 12th. It felt as if it had just been September yesterday. He was still unforgiven, and was afraid it would stay that way for the rest of his life. Looking towards the door, he saw that they were still standing there, glaring at him. As if they could make him disappear with just their eyes alone.
"Momma, Momma, why're you so sad?" Daniel's voice cut through his thoughts.
"Huh? Oh no, Momma's not sad."
"Yes you are, it shows in your eyes."
"Oh, it does? It's nothing to worry about my babies, nothing to worry about at all."
"Come say hi to Daddy with us," Marchelle begged tugging on his hand.
"Oh no, I don't think that's a very good idea. You're Father's and I are going through a rough patch right now, we both just really need our space from one another."
"I think you've had enough space. You need to be close again."
"No, I can't push them. That wouldn't be nice. And what do I always say?"
"Niceness is better than meanness," Daniel quoted perfectly.
"Very good. No, I think I better be going. You two go to your Father's," he said giving them a small push.
"Not without you, Momma."
"Please, Marchelle, just go to Atem," Yugi said giving them both a kiss on the head, and giving them a firm push in their direction. Both of his kids sighed as Yugi left out through the other door. He had to pass them from behind, and though he was wishing one of them would reach out an arm and pull him to them as he passed, this was far from what happened.
Yugi passed by with no hindrance except for his child's own words. "I tried, Daddy, I tried to get him to come over, but he insisted we come to you alone."
"A smart decision on his part," was Atem's reply.
Yugi ran, just barely managing to get to his truck before the tears came. He leaned his forehead against the steering wheel, and cried, just cried. He heard someone open the other door and climb in next to him. He looked over with no hope in his eyes knowing it would be crushed in an instance anyway. Marcus sat there, a very worried look on his face.
"I'll drive us back," he said.
"Okay," Yugi agreed moving over and allowing him to crawl over him and into the driver's seat.
"Are you okay?"
"Do I look okay?"
"Right, stupid question, sorry."
"It's alright."
"Wanna skip class tomorrow?"
"No."
"Alright, what can I do to help?"
"Nothing, unless you know a way to turn back time?"
"Sorry, no."
"Then there's nothing you can do to help."
"I'm sorry, Yugi, everyone is. It seems like everyone can see your relationship deteriorating except for those two idiots. I mean what they do they want you to do? Beg? Get down on your hands and knees and lick their boots clean?"
"I already tried begging. Do you think the boot thing might actually work?"
"Don't, Yugi, just don't. You deserve better treatment than that."
"They'd probably think I was pathetic anyway, if I tried something like that."
"How's the student study going?"
"The what?"
"You know, the thing where you're learning under that one teacher."
"Are you talking about my student teaching class?"
"Yes, that!"
"Fine, it's going fine."
"Good. That's good."
Yugi opened the car door and got out. He walked back to their apartment with his hands shoved deep into his pockets. It'd become home to him. He didn't have another one, not anymore. He'd been kicked out indefinitely.
Tears formed in his eyes again, but he just rubbed them away. It was his fault. All his stupid selfish fault. He was the only one to blame for the situation he was in. Only him.
[Time skip]
Yugi stood at the head of the steps, with both of his children's hands tucked into one of his. He heard them announce the Royal family and led the way down the stairs, a smile the most present thing on his features, it was all going to be the perfect act. Perfect to all but those who were close to him. They knew the truth of what had been happening since September, now December.
Many were angry with him, but others, like Marcus, were upset with the King and Queen. He'd gone back in November to beg again for their forgiveness, but this time they had had him bodily handled out the door. Just not by them, by two guards that had taken their side in the matter. He had been tossed out on his face, the doors slammed behind him without a second thought. Barely keeping the tears at bay, he greeted Seth, Kaiba, and Jou with a big hug. Seth told him he deserved this pain, while Kaiba and Jou told him they were so sorry.
Yugi just smiled and straight up lied to all of their faces, telling them that they were coming to the end of their long fight. They were ever so slowly coming back together. Not a single one of them bought it. However, Seth's eyes did flicker with a new emotion at the desperation and fake happiness behind Yugi's. Maybe, just maybe, he didn't deserve this pain. Perhaps all of it was unnecessary, and they were blowing it out of proportion like Isis said they were.
He had said he was sorry, twice, and they just told him to get lost. Both times. The second time though, they'd tossed him out like he was no more than common trash. He dropped his head onto Jou's shoulder after Yugi had walked away already.
"I'm sorry, can you two forgive me?"
"I suppose, blood sucker," Kaiba said.
"Yes, we forgive you," Jou said.
"Are you ever going to stop calling me that?" Seth asked Kaiba.
"No, it's your nickname. It's never going away."
"Whatever, cold one."
Yugi walked up to Malik, and gave him a hug. Marik stood by keeping watch, actually hissing at Atem and Yami when they came too close. Yugi squeezed Malik harder, before turning around to face them.
"My Lords, what can I do for you?"
"You can drop the act for starters," Atem said.
"Someone has to act like there's nothing wrong. Like there's no drift between us. Since you two don't seem up for the job, I suppose the responsibility lands on me."
"Watch your tone," Yami hissed.
"I'm sorry, you're right, I was out of line," Yugi said bowing again, before disappearing into the crowd to find Ryou.
"Oh would you two just grow up already?!" Marik shouted behind him. "He said he was sorry! He even begged for your forgiveness. Still you deny him it!"
"Ryou," Yugi said coming up behind him.
"Oh, Yugi, how's the student teacher?"
"Better than ever."
"Don't do that, don't fake in front of me," Ryou said with a pained look.
"I'm not just in front of you though, I'm in front of many."
"Ce'mere," he said pulling Yugi into a hug. "I can always sick Akeifa and Bakura on them, if you want?"
"No, that'll just make things worse."
"Yeah, probably."
"What's their problem?" Bakura asked coming up from behind them.
"Yeah, you'd think the three of you had never fought before," Akeifa scoffed.
"Please," Yugi begged turning to them.
"Huh?"
"Don't do anything. I don't want to make things worse than they already are."
"Yugi, something needs to be done. They're acting like spoiled children."
"Please, Akeifa, I'm asking not as a person who's a friend of your boyfriend, but as a friend of you myself. Please, don't make this any worse than it already is."
Akeifa kneeled before him, grabbing the back of his head, and putting it in the crook of his neck. "Very well, we won't intervene, but only because you said please."
"Thank you."
"I don't know how they can't see your pain, clear as day, is the same as theirs. Bloody bakas."
"Thank you," Yugi said again before walking off. Heba was on him in moments, grabbing him and pulling him close.
"I'm sorry, cousin. I'd slaughter them for you if I knew that that wouldn't hurt you even more than the pain your feeling already."
"Is everyone trying to make me cry tonight?" Yugi asked.
"I'm sorry. You're trying to keep up a brave front, and all we're doing is making it worse for you, aren't we?"
"Very."
"Come dance with your sister."
"I can't."
"Uh, why not?"
"Mahad will rip me away again. I deserved it, I deserve it all!" Yugi cried before hitching up his skirt and making a beeline for the balcony doors.
"Yugi!" Heba shouted.
He didn't stop though, not until he reached the fountain, where he collapsed against the edge and just cried. It was five minutes later that he was yanked roughly to his feet by Atem. His eyes were hard and cold, just like Yugi had come to know them to be.
"Dry those pathetic tears, it's time for the first dance."
"Yes, King," Yugi said bowing to him, and wiping the tears at the same time. He never saw Atem's eyes flash with a hurt look at being called King by him of all people. When Yugi raised his head though, that cold hard look was back again, as he turned sharply on his heel and walked back to the party.
It was all just a show, Yugi kept reminding himself. Just a really good show. Every touch, every look, every smile, just one good show. And all three of them played it flawlessly the rest of the night. Though most of the guests found Yugi's very submissive behavior odd, they didn't question it. None of them felt they had a right to.
When the night was over, Yugi kissed his children, and left. He'd opened his presents with them earlier in the day. Atem and Yami would open their presents with them tomorrow, on the actual day. He wished them a pleasant Christmas, before turning to leave.
"Oh, it will be. We won't have to worry about seeing your ugly mug there," Yami said to his back. Yugi faltered and almost tripped over his own feet. He caught his balance though, and nodded at him over his shoulder, before walking out as if there was nothing wrong.
"Ha ha, did you see that, Atem? Did you see him almost trip?"
"Yes, Yami, I did," Atem responded turning away from him. He wanted nothing more, than to call him back, and beg that he forgive them. For their selfish, rude, and mean behavior. But he knew by doing so that Yami would just say that he was giving into those baby eyes of his too easily again.
Still, the pain of not being able to hold him was becoming too unbearable. His hunger was growing worse, and he was afraid to let Yami loose around him alone. Afraid he'd go into a feeding frenzy and kill their mate. He wanted most of all though, to see him smile again. He already knew that that was a lost cause though, a ship that had come and gone already.
A single tear slipped from his eye, but he quickly wiped it away before Yami could see it. He may not feel the raw pain anymore, may have shut it out, like Yugi bottled up his emotions that one time, but Atem felt it every day he opened his eyes. He could barely feel Yugi's anymore though. His thoughts were becoming whispers in their minds. This more than anything else, worried Atem. Their bond was dying. And if it did, he was unsure if they'd be able to rebuild it.
In the distance, he heard a truck engine start, and the truck itself pull away. He was gone again. No surprise there. He'd told them, hadn't he? When they wanted to talk, they knew where to find him.
He'd come back though, and Atem had wanted to patch things up. But Yami had told him to get lost. Before he could tell Yugi he was forgiven by him, Yami had had a couple of guards toss him out. They'd watched him run away with dirt on his face, and tears racing from his eyes to see which one could make it to the ground first.
Yugi had begged, on his hands and knees, begged for their forgiveness, but it was just all tossed back into his face. He was never going to come back now. Atem knew it, and so did Yami. Yami couldn't be happier, but for Atem, it was a devastating blow.
Atem looked over at the tree. He knew Yugi had put presents under the tree for them, had seen him do it. They'd gotten him nothing though. Even when they seemed to hate him, he just showed them an undying love. The pain that child must've been feeling was larger than theirs. It had to be. Another tear slipped down his face.
"What's wrong, Atem? Why're you crying?" Yami asked.
"Get away from me!" Atem growled pushing the other man away.
"It's his fault isn't it? He said something to you, didn't he?"
"Why? Why can't you just get over your little problem already!? I want him back in our lives!"
"If you want him, go get him! But I can never forgive him for making up such a horrendous lie as 'searching for your sisters' just to get himself out of trouble."
"But he was looking for them, you idiot," Atem said grabbing him by his shoulders.
"No he wasn't! He's lying! He's a liar!" Yami shouted shoving his hands off and running away. Atem sighed before running after Yami. He'd already lost one of his mates, it'd kill him if he lost the other.
Catching Yami, he held him close. The younger vampire struggled against his grip, but it was in vain. Atem had always been stronger than him, and that was something that hadn't changed over the years. Yami finally gave up in his struggles knowing he was only wearing himself out.
"Would you like me to show you the proof?"
"What proof?"
"The one on Yugi's computer."
"No."
"Why not?" Atem asked his grip loosening slightly.
"Because then we'd have to go near that beast," Yami responded breaking free of his grip and walking away.
Atem didn't bother going after him this time. There didn't seem to be a point. Instead, he just stood there until he fell to his knees, beating a fist upon the ground. A soft hand touched his back, and Atem perked up. It was only Isis though. Of course it wasn't Yugi. Why would it be? What reason did he have for coming back? They'd given him none.
"If you're hurting this much then you must go see him. Forget about what Yami will think of you. They're both your mates. They deserve your equal love and attention."
"You're right. But how do I face him after I just stood by and let Yami do all that he did? How do you say sorry, and ask for forgiveness at the same time?"
"You just man up and do it."
"I am no man. I am a coward. So stuck in the ways of being Pharaoh, I don't know how to be anyone else."
"And Yami was used to being an abused child until he met you. You showed him that he could be confident, and useful for more than just sex. You showed him that you cared. The same Yugi has been doing for you, but both of you just turn a blind eye to it. So lost in your own pain, you can't even see that his is the same as yours."
"What about Yugi? Who did he used to be?"
"Actually he hasn't changed one bit. He's still a too selfless, self-blaming, and compassionate man. Something you both needed, but take for granted. And now…now you're losing him. The saddest part? You don't care."
She gave him a sad look, tears brimming in her eyes, before turning and walking away. Atem watched her go. She was wrong, he cared. Yami…Yami did not. Tears fell from his eyes as he bowed his head in shame. To throw away something so precious. Losing him, it would be the only fitting punishment that they could receive from their crime of being so heartless. Truly, the punishment would be befitting of the crime.
[Time skip]
Yugi stood in the airport, standing in a big crowd of people sending off the King and Queen of the vampire race. He knew they'd seen him, had connected shocked eyes with him. He just waved though, and then moved back further into the crowd.
They'd moved away from the crowd though, throwing a look in the direction that he had disappeared in. Thinking they wanted him to follow them, he did, making the worst mistake he could've in this situation. They were around the corner when he heard them talking in loud hushed tones.
"What's that cretin doing here?" Yami asked.
"Sending us off, what did it look like?" Atem responded.
"Why? We didn't ask him to come."
"We didn't ask him to come to the Christmas Eve Ball either, but he still showed up."
"Whatever, I hate him. I wish he'd just die already."
"You don't mean that," Atem said back in a scared tone. "You can't."
"I mean every word," Yami responded back vehemently.
Yugi clutched his chest, feeling as if his heart had just shattered into a million pieces. Like something else had happened when those words had registered in his head too. Like someone was ripping out his insides and making it hard for him to breath. Yami, he wanted him dead? Well, now, he was going to get his wish. One way or another, he would never enter their lives again. He wasn't wanted by either of them anyway, so why bother?
He pushed off the wall and ran through the crowds, pushing his way through them to get out of there. He needed to. Yami hated him. Atem hated him. They wanted him dead. Dead, dead, dead, dead, dead, dead, dead, dead. The word was on a repeat in his head.
Marcus was waiting on the terminal for him, but he just blew right past him. The school was only 20 miles away, how far could that really be? Marcus barely let him get a mile though, before he drove up to his side and had another pick him up, as they passed.
It didn't matter to him who this person was he just broke down crying in their arms. This startled them, but they just rubbed his back, and tried to calm him down. It wasn't working though, nothing ever would again. Dead, they wanted him to die.
[Time skip]
It was happening quickly. The effects of having not only his bond, but his heart, broken as well. It was scaring Marcus to the point of where he was actually afraid for Yugi's life. More than he had been when he was throwing up all that blood.
First he hadn't been sleeping. That was the first week. He just wasn't sleeping. And yet, it seemed to have no effect on him.
Then he wasn't eating, but he could still drink water. He hadn't taken the drug in months. There had been no point for him to do so. He wasn't feeding anyone. This worried him even more though, because he still wasn't sleeping, and now he was losing weight because of his loss of appetite. He had tried forcing a ground up food smoothie down this throat one night, but it had just come back up half an hour later. It had taken three of them to get that into his system, and in the end all of it had gone to waste.
They had come back yesterday, and he'd tried to go to see them, to try to get them to do something. But every attempt had been blocked. Did they not understand that he wasn't even drinking anymore? He couldn't. It was regurgitated the same way the food had been the previous week.
Not to mention that Yugi looked like a walking zombie. He either went to TU or the HS, came home, did his homework, and then went up to the roof where he laid on the edge of the roof staring up at the stars all night. Until the sun came up, and then he'd begin this boring day all over again.
He was dying in one of the most horrible ways, Marcus had ever seen, and there wasn't a single thing any of them could do but stand by and watch it happen. It was killing them to see their sweet Prince in such a state, and doing nothing to help him. He'd heard more than once on campus about how they should raise a mutiny against their King and Queen, for killing their Prince. Marcus knew no good would come of it, but sometimes he wanted to join in with them. To get revenge for Yugi, and the way he was being treated. It would be the last thing he'd want though. Yugi was a lover, not a fighter. He'd always been that way. Would've died that way too. Would die that way, at the rate he was going, he'd be dead before February was over.
"Just give them these," Marcus said shoving the pictures into the other's hand.
"And why shou-" his own words were cut off as he looked down at the one on top to see Yugi looking like a living skeleton. "What have you been doing to him?" he asked looking back up at Marcus.
"Me? I've been trying to keep him alive. They? They've been killing him. But you can't really tell can you, Caleb?" Marcus asked vindictively.
"I will personally put these in their hands."
"May Ra help you brother. If they ask, tell them all he does is stare at stars on the edge of the roof these days. As if he's hoping that someone will come along and push him off, if only to end the misery he's going through."
"I doubt they will, but if they do, I'll have something to tell them, yeah?"
Marcus just nodded and walked away. Hoping Caleb kept his word. It was their last chance to save him. If he could only smile again, that bright cheerful one, that alone would put him at ease.
Caleb watched Marcus walk away before turning and barging into the meeting. The King asked him what the meaning of his intrusion was. He didn't respond, just threw all the pictures across the table at them. They slid across it, the first one coming to a stop in front of the King and Queen.
"What's this?" Yami asked the first bit of emotion that Atem had seen in months crossing his face as he picked up one of the pictures.
"The fruits of your labor, I hope you rot in them," Caleb snarled as he turned on his heel and left.
Yami turned fear filled eyes on Atem. "I-I didn't mean it. I don't actually want him dead. Do you think we can still save him?"
Atem was at a loss for words as he picked up another picture of Yugi. In this one he was smiling, though even someone who didn't know him could tell it was fake. His face though, it was gaunt, there were bags under his eyes that were darker than those beautiful amethysts. He wanted to drop to his knees and just cry. Instead he adjourned the meeting, and just ran. He needed to get to his mate. Before they lost him…forever.
Atem was a blur of speed as he ran through the streets towards Tokyo. He could barely see as his tears started to blind him. Brushing them away he continued to run. He was more aware of the danger that Yugi was in than Yami did. Of the danger they were all in. It had been four months already since they had last fed from him. If they let six go by, they'd never be able to again.
He didn't think they'd be able to anyway. Not with the condition that Yugi was in. The last two months would pass before he was healthy again. It was what they deserved though. Breaking the bond like this, they deserved it. It was the only explanation for Yugi's current condition. The bond between them breaking, and with it his heart as well.
Atem was rushing through the apartment building where Yugi lived now, when he screeched to a stop. Yugi stood outside his door, key in hand as he prepared to open the lock to his home. He dropped it though, along with his backpack, at the sight of him. Only the headphones in his ears remained on his person.
"S-stay away from me," Yugi stuttered backing up away from him.
His condition it was so much worse than the pictures. Like they'd been taken weeks ago, but he knew it had probably only been a few days ago. He took a step forwards, hands raised, as if he could erase all the tension by doing so. It only ended up in making him run. Atem tried to snatch his wrist, but he was too slow, and Yugi too scared, to do anything more than come up with empty air.
He bolted up the roof steps, slamming the door behind him. How? Why? Why was one of the last people he wanted to see on this earth here? Was he trying to kill him faster? Squeeze the life out of him? He walked over to his favorite spot on the roof. The ledge that he could lie down on. He didn't this time though, he just sat on it, looking down at the ground.
The song he'd been playing all week filled his head again, and he sang the chorus along with it. Atem had probably already taken off, so what was to stop him?
Without you I feel broke
Like I'm half of a whole
Without you I've got no hand to hold
Without you I feel torn
Like a sail in a storm
Without you, I'm just a sad song
I'm just a sad song
"You can't even hear my footsteps anymore, can you?" Atem asked from behind him. Yugi gasped whirling around, and almost losing his balance, but Atem quickly caught his shirt and pulled him back up. He pulled the headphones from his ears so they could have a semi-proper conversation.
"Go away," Yugi cried his eyes instantly filling up with tears. "Haven't you hurt me enough? You and Yami both? I get it, we're done okay? I understand, you'll never have to see me again, but why must I face the torture of seeing you?"
"No, Yugi, that's not what I want."
"Liar! You're a liar! You hate me and want me dead! Am I not dying fast enough for you? Is that the problem?"
Atem dropped to his knees in horror. The sudden deterioration in his appearance. Not wanting to even talk to him. Not wanting to see him. It made sense, a horrifying sense. He'd heard their conversation. His and Yami's at the airport, but he'd only heard the worst of it. Not what was said after. He thought he'd heard someone run off. He should've investigated, if he had… Atem put a hand over his mouth as he just cried.
"Why're you crying? You should be happy! You're getting your wish!" Yugi yelled before getting up and running back to the door. Opening it he disappeared down the stairway.
No, he would not allow Yugi to get away again. Not again. He needed that child in his life. He bolted after him, capturing him and holding close just as his fingers brushed the handle to the door of the hallway.
"You're forgiven, I forgive you. I forgive you, I forgive you, I forgive you," he repeated this over and over again. It was what they both needed to hear.
Yugi cried harder, as he clutched Atem's arm like he would vanish at any moment. That would hurt more than the contact did. This was how Yami found them, both crying, but the minute Yugi took notice of him, he was struggling to get away again.
"No, please, don't push me away," Atem begged, "I can't handle it anymore. Don't push me away, please, don't."
"I didn't…mean it," Yami said in a shuddering gasp falling to his knees in shame. "Didn't mean it. I'm sorry, Yugi, I didn't mean it," he shuffled closer as Yugi tried to disappear into Atem.
This man. He'd actually said the words. He broke him, killed him inside, and had been going out of his way to hurt him. This man, Yugi could not let him touch him. He'd done too much damage to him. And yet, if he didn't forgive him, he'd be just like him. But how could he, when he hadn't forgiven him?
"Saying sorry will get you nowhere," Atem growled. "You know what he needs, what he's been begging for."
"Yugi, I forgive you. Forgave you the second time you begged for forgiveness, we both had. We were just too proud, too stubborn, to admit it. I forgive you," Yami said as his own tears started to escape his eyes. He rested his forehead against Yugi's, staring into those once so beautifully cheerful amethyst eyes. Now though, they looked like someone on the brink of death was staring back at him. And then they closed as Yugi fell asleep for the first time in weeks.
His bond with his mates started to reform itself, having most of what it needed to do so. Forgiveness and apologies. It wouldn't completely form without the other sorry it was waiting for though, and if that didn't happen within the next couple of days it would break again. And this time, there would be no repairing it. There'd be no point, and the little human nestled between them would die. For it was that bond that was tethering him to life, and if it was gone, then he would be too.
"What have I done?" Yami asked as he cupped Yugi's cheek.
"You didn't do this alone, Yami. I helped with my fair share of it. We're both to blame," Atem said shifting the delicate bundle in his arms, into a bridal hold. He took him back to his apartment, and had Yami open the door so they could get inside. They both nodded at Marcus as they passed him on the couch, on the way to Yugi's room.
Marcus sighed in relief, his head falling back onto the couch. It had worked, it'd actually worked. They came, finally. Funny, that it took them to see Yugi on death's door to get their attention. Just like last time when he jumped off the high tower.
Atem set Yugi down on the bed, and then climbed in with him. Yami did the same on the other side. Both were so scared to touch him. He looked very weak, very thin, but they knew they needed to see the entire damage of their actions. Ever so carefully they took off his coat, shirt, and pants.
He wasn't human, they didn't even know how he was alive. He was merely a bunch of bones in a sack of skin. How his bones did not snap at every small touch was a wonder to them. They carefully tucked him under the blankets.
"I know you probably can't hear me, but I'm sorry, so sorry, for putting you in such a horrible state," Atem cried his head bowed in shame.
"And I'll apologize as long as I need to until you forgive me. I don't deserve it though, I never will," Yami added.
The bond sealed itself. Two sorrys and two I forgive yous. Tomorrow he'd be able to eat and drink again. Tomorrow, he'd already be feeling better. Perhaps tomorrow, he could forgive them too. It was after all in his nature to forgive more easily than he expected forgiveness.
[Time skip]
Yugi awoke feeling squished and trapped. It was a very odd feeling, one he hadn't felt in ages. Like something heavy was pinning him to the bed. He opened bleary, weary, eyes to look straight into red violet ones. They looked concerned and unsure. Yugi simply yawned, and closed his eyes again, snuggling deeper into his blankets. A second later his eyes snapped back open with fear filling them at an alarming rate as he opened his mouth and screamed.
"MARCUS! MARCUS! MARCUS! MARCUS!"
BANG!
"What? What's wrong?"
"Wake me up! Wake me up! Wake me up!" Yugi cried reaching out for him.
"Oh," Marcus grimaced as he jumped up onto the bed, and hovered over him, seizing his chin and forcing him to look at him. "Yugi, look at me. No look at me!" Marcus ordered again as he caught sight of Atem. "They're here. They're right here, and not going anywhere until you're all better."
"Then I don't want to get better," Yugi said his eyes starting to fill with tears.
"Wha-? Why not?"
"They'll abandon me again!" Yugi cried throwing himself at Marcus and clinging to him. He fell back onto his butt as he just held him, and rubbed his back. He glared over Yugi's head at the King and Queen. They had done this to him. It was their fault.
"Hey, Isis is here, do you want to see Isis?" Marcus asked rubbing a hand through his hair.
Yugi looked up and nodded. He clambered off of Marcus and the bed, and went out into the living area. They heard him squeak, and he came rushing back in to grab his robe, and put it on before going back out.
Marcus chuckled following him out. "What's the matter, Yugi, you didn't want to be seen in your Superman boxers?"
"Actually it's Supergirl," Yugi said blushing slightly. "A gift from my son. He's still infatuated with her, you know."
"Yugi," Isis said standing up from the couch, her arms opened wide.
"Hi, Isis," Yugi said looking down. He knew how he looked, and that she would be very disappointed in him.
"Come here, Yugi."
He sighed and walked forward. Isis lifted his head with the gentlest of touches. She undid the robe, taking one simple look at his body, before sighing and tying the robe back up.
"I need you to try to eat something," she said gently.
"It'll just come back up," Yugi sighed. He really didn't want to feel the burn of acid come back up his throat, nor the taste that came with it.
"Please, just try," she begged.
"Okay, but only because you said please."
She smiled a soft sad smile, before catching movement over his shoulder. Her eyes went from soft and kind to pure anger and hatred. "You bastards!" she yelled. "Have you seen what you've done to him? This is your fault, all your fault!"
"Isis," Yugi said softly. She looked down at him, her eyes softening immediately. "No, it's mine. It's my fault. I was being selfish, and this…this is my punishment."
Then he walked off to the kitchen, and got out some juice and a bagel. He consumed both before going to sit in the bathroom, and wait for it to come back up. Atem and Yami sat outside of it, both thinking it was a good thing it was a Saturday.
After a 30 minutes, 45, and hour passed, Yugi came back out of the bathroom. He saw that both vampires were sitting outside the door, and he slowly crawled past them. Hoping neither would try to touch him. They made no attempt to, and Yugi sighed in relief.
"Hey Marcus, I think I can eat and drink things again."
"Really?"
"Yeah, which is great, because I'm starving,"
"Well, come and sit, and I'll make you something."
"I can cook my own food."
"No. You set the kitchen on fire last time."
"It was only the chicken."
"No."
"Move, it's our job to cook for him," Yami ordered giving him a light shove.
"Really?" Marcus asked in fake surprise. "I had no idea. Cause I could've sworn your job was acting like frigid bitches who cared for no one but yourselves."
Atem growled at him, baring his teeth.
"Go ahead, growl at me, your Grace, I don't care. But you can't deny that the truth hurts, can you?"
"Marcus," Yugi said in a warning tone. He backed off immediately.
"Make whatever you want, I'm still cooking him eggs in a basket."
Yugi sighed, it was going to be a long week, he could already feel it. Scratch the week part. It was going to be a long weekend. Yugi laid his head down on his arms, at the same time that someone touched his shoulder. Yugi was against the opposite wall in a millisecond, breathing heavily as if he had just run a race.
Atem looked around the room for a second before finally spotting him. He pushed the chair in and approached him slowly, hands raised as if he was approaching a scared animal. Yugi scooted along the wall, trying to find the door that led out onto the balcony. He knew it was here somewhere.
He found a handle, opened it and zipped outside, or rather inside. He was in the closet. Marcus could be heard laughing on the other side.
"Wrong door, Yugi!" he shouted.
"Shut up!" he yelled back.
The door opened and Yugi flattened himself against the wall in the back of the closet. Atem clicked on the light, "easy, Yugi."
"Go away."
"I can't do that."
"Sure you can. I mean I-I did."
"I know, and Yami and I will regret that for the rest of our lives."
"LIAR!"
"Yugi, please," Atem almost begged reaching out to brush his wet cheek with his fingertips. He squirmed, trying to get away, but it was to no avail. He was trapped and they both knew it.
Acting fast, Atem grabbed the back of his head, and pulled him into his chest. Atem dropped to his knees, and held him close. This tiny frail being, it pushed at him, trying to get him to let go, but he never would again. This human, they'd claimed it was theirs, over and over again. And over and over again they continued to ruin and hurt it. It was no wonder as to why Malik glared at them every time he saw them, or Akeifa had punched him at the Ball. At least when Bakura had scratched Ryou, he'd been there for both, not chosen one side over the other. It was what made him the better man, better than him anyway.
"Yugi! Today's the day! Are you-what're you doing here?!" Jonah shouted through his home, after slamming the front door against the wall, again.
"Who're you?" Yami retorted back.
"JONAH! HELP!" Yugi screamed in Atem's ear making him wince.
"Yugi. Get off of him!" Atem was yanked away by the back of his shirt to come face to face with a man he had never met before. He was tall with slicked back black hair, grey eyes that could almost be considered silver, and pale skin.
"Jonah, meet Atem and Yami. Atem and Yami, meet Jonah. He and Yugi have a date today." Marcus stated as clearly as the sky was blue.
Atem and Yami blinked as Jonah put his arms protectively around Yugi. "I'm sorry, what?" Atem asked turning to Marcus.
"You heard me. Yugi was sure your relationship was over, so he finally gave in, and told Jonah yes."
"Come, Yugi, let's go."
"Uh, can I get dressed first, Jonah?"
"Oh, would that be helpful?"
"Just a little."
"Sure, I'll be waiting right here."
"Okay, I'll be quick. I want an apartment when I come back out."
Yugi ducked back into his room, and closed the door. He slid down the wood, oh, that was so awkward. Why couldn't Marcus have just introduced him as a random friend, why did he have to introduce him like that?
"I'm not the one who made him feel like crap! I actually stopped to ask him if he was alright! And you know what he said? He gave me the saddest smile I've ever seen. The saddest and fakest, and told me he was fine, just having relationship issues."
"That he was."
"Shut up, Muhtaram!" Yami shouted.
"No! I live here! I don't have to shut up! If anyone should shut up, it's you! Or did you forget that no one wants your ugly mug around here? Either one of yours!"
"What do you mean he was?"
"I think you might hit a little snag here, Jonah. With these two here, it means that they're going to be trying to get back together with sweet, sweet, Yugi."
"Heh, well, that's too bad. They had their chance, and now they can suck on their defeat and failure. I mean honestly, what kind of sane person, no matter the species, gives up that piece of delectable ass?"
"What did you call him?" Atem asked in a dangerous tone.
"Ooo, don't we sound scary?"
Yugi gulped, before jumping to his feet, and going into his closet. He threw on a pair of purple skinny jeans, a black tank, with a white leather jacket, and his black low heeled boots. Yugi knew they were probably going to stalk them all day on their date, but whatever. After what he just heard Jonah say, maybe that wouldn't be an entirely bad thing. Grabbing his wallet, he threw on a couple of belts, and opened the door to see Atem grab Jonah by his throat and lift him into the air.
"DROP HIM!" Yugi screamed.
Atem looked over at Yugi before dropping him. Yugi huffed in annoyance, before grabbing one of Marcus's eggs in a basket, Jonah's hand, and walking out the door. It didn't take long for him to sense them walking behind them. But, oh well, it was something that just couldn't be helped.
"Come on, Yugi, I have a great day planned out for us," Jonah said throwing an arm around his shoulders.
"Really? What are we doing?"
"It's a surprise."
"Um, okay."
The day itself was perfect. He took Yugi to the park where they walked around on the path just talking about themselves. Yugi almost smiled when he saw that one of the benches was still painted pink. The Aquarium where they watched some whale show. And last, he took him to a private club for dinner. Yugi was the only one who noticed that the two people who came in behind them were far from human, and had hypnotized the bouncer into letting them in.
Jonah had paid for a private room, and two shadows slipped in before the door was closed completely. Yugi sat down and stared into the dark corner where they were sitting. He could see them, as if they were sitting in a bright spotlight.
"Yugi, what're you looking at?"
"Nothing," he replied turning away from the corner to look back at Jonah. "I was just thinking about how perfect this day has been, that's all."
"Well, you'll be glad to know that it's only going to get better."
"Oh?"
"Yes, because you and I are going to get married, tonight."
"I'm sorry?"
"You see, the only reason why I picked up a loser like yourself was because I heard you were rich. And you're going to hand over that inheritance of yours to me. This is nonnegotiable of course. You're going to put me in charge of your funds. You're going to be my rich bitch, understand?"
Yugi simply crossed his legs, put his arms up along the back of the couch, and laughed. He actually laughed at this man, like he hadn't in weeks. His proposal was so amusing to him, it was ridiculously funny.
"Why're you laughing? Stop laughing!"
"Didn't you hear? I was dying. So I wrote up a will, and left all of my accounts, and properties to my children. I left the truck to the two in the dark corner over there."
"Huh?" Jonah asked confused as he looked over at the dark corner that Yugi had nodded to.
"And another thing, has no one ever told you that vampires are extremely territorial?"
"Yeah, I've heard that once or twice. What does that have to do with you?"
"Ever heard what they're territorial over?"
"Does it matter?"
"In your case? Very."
"Oh, then do enlighten me."
"Walking, talking, breathing blood bags, and their bond mates."
"And?"
"I am of both, to them," Yugi said pointing to the corner again. Only this time when Jonah had looked, the two had come out of the shadows, and it was clear to see that they were very, very, angry.
"Uh, how much did you hear?"
"Try not to leave too much blood, this place is very high end," Yugi said getting up and walking out.
"Uh, wait! Wait! They said you were a lover, not a fighter! Wait! Wait!"
"Yeah, but that was three weeks ago. It's hard to love others when you feel as if someone has ripped your heart out, played soccer and hockey with it, and then put it back in your chest. A crushed squished organ that can no longer feel anything but its own pain. Don't play with your prey, your Highnesses," Yugi mocked bowing to them before officially walking away.
As soon as he was out of the club, he ran for it. He ran all the way back to the apartments, and into his own. Carefully taking one of the chairs, he put it up under Marcus's handle. He needed to see if Isis's prediction was true, and that was easier done if Marcus wasn't around to witness his stupidity. Grabbing two knives, he sat on the island, and started to flip them, just as Luke had taught him to do.
They came in arguing amongst themselves, throwing something that was barely breathing on the couch. Yugi had a good feeling it was Jonah. Hm, maybe he had rubbed off on them after all, and they saw that violence wasn't always the answer to everything.
"It happens sometimes, Yami. I can't explain how, it just does."
"What are you doing?" Yami asked not having heard a word Atem had said, he was too busy staring at Yugi.
"Luke taught me this trick. I can throw them into the air, and catch them by the handles every single time. Neat, right?"
"Not the exact term I would use. Why don't you put those down?"
"I'm afraid I can't do that."
"Why not?"
"I need to know if her theory is true."
"If who's theory is true? And what theory is this?"
"The person doesn't matter, and I'm talking about this one," Yugi said as he angled the sharp ends of knives against the side of his wrists.
"No!" They both shouted at the same time, jumping forwards to try to grab the knives. Yugi was quicker though, and slashed them open. They had no choice now. They would have to seal him up, or he would die. If he didn't from them going into a blood frenzy first though. Throwing the knives aside, he held his wrists up to them.
They were seized in tight grips, as he was yanked forwards slightly. He felt Atem suck at his wrist twice before sealing it with his tongue. Yami only sucked once, before sealing it as well.
"What're you trying to do, Yugi?!" Atem yelled. "Send us into a blood frenzy?!"
"No, I wanted to know if you could control it. I wanted to prove Isis wrong."
They stood there shocked, dropping his wrists. Yugi gave them a small smile. He pulled his wrists in close, wrapping his arms around his stomach as it gave off a loud growl.
"Would you like us to make you something?"
"No, I can make a sandwich, thank you though."
Yugi hopped off the counter as Marcus climbed in through the window above the sink.
"Why is it that whenever you're doing something you know you shouldn't be, you put a chair under my door?" he asked.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about."
"Right, sure you don't. How'd the date go? Was he a bastard just like I told you he'd be?"
Yugi sighed taking out his wallet, and handing the other $30. Perhaps it was just betting with Marcus that they should all stop doing. They always seemed to lose, no matter the stakes.
"Is that his corpse?"
"Not yet," Yami said giving the bundle on the bed a small kick, "if it doesn't get medical attention soon though, it will be."
"Then…you should probably do that," Yugi said looking at his feet.
"Very well," Yami said picking up Jonah's body, and leaving with it.
"20 minutes ago, you wanted him dead," Atem said.
"I didn't say dead, I just told you not to make a mess."
"Ah, I see."
"I'm not hungry anymore. I'm just going to go to-" Yugi started to leave the kitchen when Atem slammed his hand in front of him, against the wall, "bed."
"You will eat. Even if I have to grind it up, and force it down your throat. You are going to eat."
"As much as I hate to admit it, I'm going to have to agree with his Grace. We will hold you down again if we need to, Yugi."
"We?"
"Yeah, me and our two neighbors."
"But!"
"No buts, now cook something up, King. World knows he loves your cooking better than mine."
"Well duh! You overcook everything!"
"I'm just trying to make sure it's not raw!"
"Oh believe me, it's not. He once fed me a steak that was as hard as a rock. It was ridiculous!"
"Well, it's better than your cooking! At least I don't try to set everything on fire!"
"It was one chicken! Are you ever going to let that go?"
"No."
"Here, your sandwich," Atem said.
"No! If you're going to cook, then I want real food! I mean, please cook some real food for me?"
"Okay, under one condition."
"What's that?"
"Stop being so damn submissive! It's getting really annoying!"
"Sandwich is fine," Yugi said picking the food up.
"Gimme that!" Atem said grabbing it out of his hands before he could take a bite. "What's wrong with you?"
"I thought I wasn't being submissive enough. I mean the last time I tried standing up for myself, I was thrown out, and my face made a beautiful skid mark in your front driveway."
"The blood was a nice finish too," Marcus added.
"Shut up, Marcus," Yugi ordered quietly.
"My Prince," he said with a small bow of his head.
"They cut you open?"
"Isn't that what usually happens when open skin connects with the ground?" Yugi asked heatedly as he jumped off his chair and ran out of the apartment just as Yami was coming back in.
"Uh, Yugi?"
"Leave me alone!"
"What happened?"
"Damn it," Atem cursed pushing off the counter and going after him.
"Damn it is not an answer," Yami said before going after Atem and Yugi.
"And here I thought we might actually have a quiet weekend. How silly of me."
Yugi was sitting on the roof's ledge again. Swinging his feet back and forth as he hummed Hold Me Now by Red. A sandwich was put in front of him, and Yugi took it and started to eat the peanut butter and jelly.
"Mind coming down from there?" Yami asked.
"Yes," was the response.
"Yugi, we're sorry."
"Sure."
"Can you forgive us?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because you hate me, and want me to die!"
"You weren't supposed to hear that."
"Then why'd you look at me? Both of you? I thought you wanted to talk, so I followed you. I followed you, and heard you say that. Atem said you didn't mean it, and you responded by saying you did."
"I was angry!"
"Really? I had no idea."
"Please, Yugi."
"No, you made your choice, now live with it!" Yugi screamed down to the people who passing on the sidewalk. "Just like I made mine. It's something I have to live with. And if it means losing you two…I'll try to bear it. I'll try."
"No one's losing anyone," Atem interjected before Yami could open his mouth again. He pulled Yugi off of the ledge, with little protest on the other's part. "We are sorry."
"I don't believe you. I don't trust you. I can't. The hurt goes too deep this time."
Yugi bowed his head in shame. No one said anything for a short period of time. The vampires were in shock. He didn't trust them, not anymore.
"Do you know what it feels like to see hatred in the eyes of the person you love every time you look at them?" Yugi asked.
"Not really," they both answered already not liking where this was going.
"That's what you subjected me to. Anytime I looked at you, all I saw was that I was a nuisance, a problem, scum, ugly, not worth the time, and believe me the list goes on and on with how I felt." Yugi stood up. "It's going to take a lot more than an I'm sorry, and a giant teddy bear to get back into my good graces. You need to earn my trust back first. It's going to be a long road, but if you're serious, I think you can make it to the end okay."
"You're giving us a second chance?"
"Oh no, you're way past second. It's more like 8th or 10th, I don't know, I haven't been keeping score."
"Thank you, Yugi," Yami said grabbing his hand and kissing it. Yugi's whole body tensed up, and he started to shake. Yami released the hand immediately.
"Uh, yeah, welcome," Yugi said before bolting back down stairs.
"A long road indeed."
So, I would to thank everyone who reviewed User and Guest alike. I would also like to thank everyone who are/have following/favorited this story. Please review. Midnight ;p
