A/N: I'm so sorry everyone! There shouldn't be an excuse for my lack of updating. I've been rather busy with schoolwork, personal issues as well as a writer's block period of time, which prevented me from writing anything. I apologize sincerely for those of you waiting for so long. Here's a new installment of "He's the One". Thank you to everyone who has been reviewing, I really appreciate it! As per usual, please enjoy and R&R! Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN YUGI-OH! Oh how saddening it is for me to say so…


Would he really be able to pull this off? The thought ran through his head in hundreds of sentences as he glanced over to Ryou, who gave him a look of reassurance as well as slight fear for Bakura. It seemed that it had to be today or never…

Yumi's eyes shone with excitement as she waited for Yugi to say what they were to do first. Yugi could feel a shiver of more guilt crawl slowly up his spine as he looked between both the doll who held his affections and the young girl who adored him like he was her own brother. His eyes stung with tears that threatened to spill as he gave Yumi one of his best smiles, trying to make it as genuine as he could.

Ryou watched his friend sympathetically. He didn't have it so hard when he had met Bakura, so why did Yugi have to struggle so much when it came to this doll? Briefly the white haired boy wondered if their dear friend Malik had any personal issues with himself as well, though he quickly brushed the thought away for another time.

Ryou's eyes trailed over to his kleptomaniac of a bunny who thumped his leg against the cage floor ever so softly. The bunny's eyes were focused on… Glaring, laughing even, at the doll in Yumi's arms, that had yet to take in anyone but Yugi's presence and the strangling hold the demon of a young girl held him in.

Yugi let out a shaky breath as he clapped his hands together and looked over to his British friend. "Well Yumi we got a lot of things we can do today, like play with a bunny and I brought some stuff from the craft shop earlier so we can even make twisty tie figures with eyes and so on." Yugi babbled nervously, though only Ryou really took in the tone of his friend, giving him another reassuring smile.

Yumi beamed yet again as her small body bounced up and down, ready to play and be creative. Luckily for Yami, her grip on him had loosened enough for him to actually be slightly comfortable… Slightly. Yugi let out a sigh of relief as he saw a familiar shine in the dolls eyes come to life again. He smiled with more ease this time, much to Ryou's relief.

Yami gazed at Yugi, elated to see the boy once again. Had he come to get him this time? The doll couldn't help but to hope that that was the case. His little button eyes shone with a tiny light. However something felt weird to the little doll as he reluctantly took his eyes off the larger tri-haired boy to survey his surroundings. As he looked around his small cloth made ears picked up a faint thumping sound that seemed to get louder with each passing second. What in the name of Ra was that sound? His eyes picked up the sight of another boy with silvery white hair and liquid brown eyes. Was that the boy who had come in earlier with Yugi? Yami shrugged it off, figuring he would deal with it later as he continued to look for the source of the sound. He didn't have to look much farther when button eyes met with glaring, laughing eyes of a large bunny thumping his leg.

Bakura had been thumping his leg against the cage floor again, calling more attention to himself this time, something that he seemed to want to happen. The white bunny twitched his nose in satisfaction as his eyes met with confused yet upset button ones. Internally the bunny smirked. A doll? The great pharaoh had this curse really bad if that was the form he had been given. Bakura pointed his nose in the air, giving off a view of his teeth as he squeaked in laughter.

If Yami could move, his eye would have twitched. How DARE that thief of a bunny laugh at him. Had he looked at himself in the mirror since he had been put under the spell? Yami wasn't the only one who had it bad…

Ryou and Yugi watched the small exchange curiously. Bakura was… laughing at a… upset Yami? The two boys exchanged an awkward, confused glance. Was it weirder that they could read these emotions or the fact that something compelled them to actually realize that this was going on? They shook it off, choosing to ignore it for the moment and turn their attention to the surprisingly still bouncing girl.

Yugi laughed as he reached a hand out to ruffle Yumi's hair. She squealed with laughter at the action, causing her to hold onto Yami just a tad bit tighter.

"Alright, Yumi, what do you want to do first? Play, eat or create?" Yugi asked, tilting his head to the side as he waited the girl's response.

Yumi tapped a finger to her cheek, thinking seriously, much to the two older boy's amusement. Finally she threw her hand up. "I know! Bunny! Yumi wants to play with Bunny!" She squealed, looking at Bakura with an almost predatory look. The bunny took a step back, his fur rising along his spine. The doll's eyes shone with smug amusement at the bunny's expanse. A silent snicker filled his stuffing, cloth covered body,

Ryou was panicking quite a bit and he looked quickly between both Bakura and Yugi. Did she HAVE to choose to play with Bakura so early? The British boy wrung his hands in his lap nervously as he tried to calm his panic. Bakura's ears went back, said bunny wishing he had at least the ability to hiss, both at the infernal little girl and that darn laughing doll!

Yugi looked sympathetically at Ryou, giving his friend a moment to recompose himself. Bakura meant a lot to Ryou and if anything were to happen to him… Well the poor boy to say the least would more than likely suffer a heart attack. Finally after a few breathes Ryou looked to Yugi and nodded his head okay. Yugi smiled at him in thanks before taking the young girls hand and walking towards the cage.

As this went on, Ryou worked on unlocking and taking his bunny out of his cage, holding him in his lap after the deed was done. Yugi released Yumi's hand when they stood in front of Bakura and Ryou. He knelt down to look her in the eye. "Now Yumi, I want you to promise me to be EXTRA careful while playing with Bakura. He's really special to Ryou and he's also a living being. We wouldn't want to hurt him now do we?"

Yumi took in what Yugi said, mulling it over in her mind carefully before nodding slowly. "Okay Yugi!" She beamed up at him before facing Ryou. "Can I play with your bunny please, Ry-ou?" Yumi said cutely, tripping over Ryou's name. Ryou couldn't help but smile at the girl before looking down at Bakura. The bunny stared back at his owner, demanding in his eyes. Ryou wouldn't dare hand him over to that infernal demon of a girl… Would he? Before he knew it, Bakura was being picked up from his spot on Ryou's lap and handed to said demon girl.

"Please be careful with him. His name is Bakura." Ryou said gently, smiling at the girl, though his eyes held a shine of unease as he was handing Bakura to Yumi.

"Wait Ryou." Yugi said before Yumi attempted to hold Bakura. "Yumi, you have to put Yami down if you want to hold Bakura. Here let me hold him" Yugi said, putting his hand down. Yumi enthusiastically nodded her head, plopping Yami down into Yugi's hand and immediately setting her sights on the bunny before her. Yugi smiled down at the doll in his hands, after near gasping at his bad treatment. Gingerly he placed Yami on his shoulder, in a way that he wouldn't fall if Yugi were to move.

Yumi reached out towards Ryou, her smile wide as she felt the animal's fur on her palms. "Baka!" She squealed as she held Bakura for the first time. Yugi's eyes widened along with Ryou's as they assessed what the young girl had said. Yumi held Bakura in her arms like a baby, much to said bunny's chagrin. Yumi twirled around to face Yugi, almost causing Ryou to have a panic attack at the action. "Yugi! Baka' so cute!" Yumi squealed, making Bakura flinch from the noise. She was near his blasted ear for Ra sake!

Yugi couldn't suppress a giggle that slipped from between his lips at the nickname, Ryou eventually doing the same. Yumi looked between the elder boys, a look of adorable confusion on her face as she tried to figure out what she had done that caused them to laugh. This passed however, a large smile gracing her features as she figured that it wasn't a bad reaction.

Yami was laughing internally as well, though more mockingly, much to a fuming bunny's humility. Oh how the doll wished he could at least voice his amusement to the bunny being put into such an embarrassing position, though he had to admit, it was thanks to that darn thief of a bunny that he was able to be so close to his Yugi…

Slowly time passed, taking the day with it soon enough. The trio of humans had done a large amount of fun things that made the young girl being baby-sat laugh. The two older males even partook in some of the laughter themselves, all the while Yami and Bakura both trying to find reason to laugh at the others' humility when given the chance.

However, Yugi could not help but be reminded of the guilt that plagued his mind whenever he thought of the plan at hand. It didn't help that the day was nearing its end, even as the tri-haired boy sat at the kitchen table fixing the dolls that were brought to ruin by the young girl currently attempting to dress Bakura in a frilly pink hat and dress. Yami had remained within his sight most of the day, which delighted him to the point it sometimes eased his negative feelings, but each time he saw the young girl hug said doll, it brought not only a small amount of jealousy, but made him think about what he was doing. Could he actually continue through with this plan, knowing he may be taking a bit of happiness away from the girl…?

It was this thought that haunted Yugi the most.

As he continued with his stitching, he failed to notice as his white-haired companion took a seat beside him, Yumi within sight as well as Bakura and Yami, both of whom refused to take their eyes off one another or their respective objects of affection.

"Yugi, are you alright?" The British boy asked softly, startling the boy in question.

"Ryou! You startled me!" Yugi pouted; face slightly tinted pink from the embarrassment at being caught off guard, though it was short lived as he sighed. "But… to answer your question… I'm worried about…. Y'know…" Yugi hinted with his eyes though Ryou had already understood his friend's meaning. Ryou nodded in response.

"I understand but… This is something you want, is it not? I only want to see you happy Yugi, so if going through with it does, I'll stick by you till the end. But if it haunts you so badly, it's alright to say so and… Leave it be, I suppose. You can find other ways, but you'll find that you have right to be happy too. And that's all I really care about Yugi, your being happy." Ryou explained this to his friend, as he did so his hand had stretched out to touch Yugi's arm lightly, making said boy blush slightly and tear up just a bit.

"Ryou…" Yugi mumbled, his free hand swiping at his eyes to cleanse them of any moisture. "You're too nice sometimes." The smaller boy laughed a bit, though he ached in his heart, mind unconsciously thinking thoroughly about the plan. Ryou laughed.

"You're a dear person Yugi, and I can't help it, I know you would say the same to me if it were me instead."

The two boys sat in a comfortable silence, though they were being watched. Yami seethed, unhappy by the sight of Yugi seeming to cry and by that hand which was touching him. Yami didn't like it one bit, nor did Bakura. Ryou was too close to the tri-haired boy he now considered a 'brat' and Yugi's reactions weren't something to be too happy about either. His leg thumped harshly against the floor to sound out his displeasure. Bakura was not amused.

Luckily for the two however, Ryou seemed to hear Bakura's foot thumps and moved away from Yugi to focus his attention on Bakura, much to said bunny's smug contentment. Yugi wiped at his eyes a bit more before continuing with his original task as Ryou entertained Yumi. Again time ticked by slowly, but it was nowhere near slow as soon it came time for the two boys to begin packing their belongings as Mr. and Mrs. Tenshi informed them, through a phone call, that they were to be back within a five minute time frame.

By this time, Yumi had been witness to Yugi's handiwork as she was quite delighted to see that many of the dolls she was unable to play with before were now in a suitable playing condition once more. She had squealed an excited 'Thank you' to Yugi as she held the doll he had gifted her with some time back. It made Yugi feel good that he was able to make her so happy, but the plan to steal Yami had never left his mind…

Yami sat upright, leaning against a cup the young imp of a child had placed him by. He had been finally given a break to enjoy not being squished painfully by Yumi as she paid attention to other dolls of an assorted variety. Yugi was right beside him the entire time, as they both watched her, Yugi engrossed with his thoughts and Yami simply pleased to be in the presence of Yugi, though he secretly hoped, desperately that today would be his last day with the demon child. Yugi had to have come for him… Right?

Slight panic surged within the doll's stuffing for a moment as the possibility of being separated from Yugi once again worried Yami…

The sound of a gate being opened resounded within the house, catching everyone's attention. Yugi was thrown out of his thoughts as Ryou began to put Bakura away and Yumi was running in circles, inching toward the front door.

It was now or never for Yugi to make the decision…

Quickly yet gently, Yugi reached for Yami and hid him within a roomy pocket of his hoodie sweater. This eased the doll's worry significantly and raised his hopes; he could feel it throughout his stuffing filled body.

"You ready?" Ryou asked, directing the question towards his friend. All his belongings had been checked and packed. Yugi hesitantly nodded and stepped forward to stand next to his friend before both began heading towards the front door, which was now being unlocked. Yumi took a moment to totter behind them, an unknown confusion within her as her eyes wandered as if searching for something.

The door opened revealing Yumi's parents just as Ryou and Yugi reached the front room. "Yugi, thank you and your friend so much for watching Yumi." Mrs. Tenshi said gratefully after greeting the two boys. Mr. Tenshi nodded in agreement as he stepped in beside his wife. Yumi tottered into the room just then.

"Mommy, Daddy! You're here." The young girl greeted, "Yumi was a good girl!" which earned two nods of agreement. With that both Yugi and Ryou bowed, as they made their way to leave, but was quickly stopped. "Yugi… Have you seen Yami? I don't see him.." Yumi called out, sounding severely troubled.

Yugi's heart beat halted for a moment before it's pace picked up twice as fast. Ryou had sent a panicked look toward the smaller boy, wondering what he was going to do.

A moment passed as Yugi contemplated what he should do. Guilt flooded him, worse than before as he thought over his possibilities. He was suddenly brought out by Mrs. Tenshi's voice. "Yugi, I'm so sorry but would you mind helping us to look around for it?"

Yugi gulped, passing Ryou a look before he slowly turned around, fixing his face with as real of a smile he could conjure up, before answering, "Of course Mrs. Tenshi." With that said, Yugi walked back into the house and helped them look for a while.

By this time Yugi had come up with various scenarios and was on the verge of panic. Yumi on the other hand was close to tears. "Mommy, I want Yami…" Her chocked up voice forced out, breaking Yugi's heart and filling him with even more guilt if that was even possible.

"I'm so sorry honey… But he doesn't seem to be anywhere. But you have so many others and Yugi fixed a lot of them too, so you have even more to play with now!" Mr. Tenshi had stepped in, attempting to cheer up his only daughter. However Yumi simply shook her head, a rough look painting her face.

Her tiny hands swiped at her eyes as tears began to stream down her face, though she said nothing, rather choosing to simply nod her head and walk away dejectedly. Mr. and Mrs. Tenshi shot each other worried looks before looking at Yugi. "I'm so sorry for making you stay longer Yugi." Mrs. Tenshi said, a partial smile on her face to express her gratitude.

By this time, Yugi had been beaten. He was over flooding with guilt and on the verge of tears himself. How could he have caused this? Nodding he began to walk away before discreetly pulling a surprised Yami out of his pocket.

Yami was confused, why were they still within this infernal house? Why did Yugi take him out of his pocket? What was going on? Dark button eyes scanned the area before coming to look up at Yugi's face which immediately made his button heart ache in despair. Yugi had a pure look of anguish written all over his features, something which troubled Yami greatly. But what was worse was the look in Yugi's now dulled eyes, which made Yami both scared yet the doll understood. Although it pained him to do so, he resigned himself to whatever it was Yugi decided to do, but he sent out reassuring vibes, in hopes of easing the boy. There was no way Yami could ever bring himself to hate Yugi, despite his actions…

Yugi looked down at Yami, staring at him painfully. Although he could FEEL the reassuring vibes that Yami seemed to be sending him, he still felt terrible for what he was about to do. Taking in a deep breath to both calm himself as well as to hold back his tears, Yugi spoke, uncaring of whoever may have heard him, "I'm so sorry Yami… I thought, I thought I could do something for us… But, it seems I just can't. I'm so sorry; please don't hate me for this… I care for you deeply but, I can't do this to her…"

Feeling the waves of understanding, Yugi bent down, briefly placing Yami on the ground before once again picking him up. He stood and took another breath to compose himself before turning around. "Yumi!" He called, "Look who I found!"

Rushing footsteps could be heard a moment later and soon Yumi was stumbling into the room. "Yami?" Her voice cracked as she reached Yugi. Yugi nodded and bent down to give Yami to her, albeit reluctantly. The young girl gasped before snatching Yami up and hugging him tightly to her, murmuring out various forms of thanks to Yugi. Yugi simply nodded to them all as he watched her.

"I'm leaving now… Yumi… Just promise me… Promise me you'll take really good care of him and that he doesn't get hurt…" Yugi whispered, leaving before he got an answered.

When he got out of the house, Ryou was right there for him. "You did well." was all the albino said as they both walked home.

That night, Yugi cried without sleep…


A/N: Okay so there you have it, the ninth installment of "He's the One". I hope you all enjoyed. I feel as though my style of writing has changed somewhat within this part, especially towards the middle since originally I had half of this written before having to put it down for quite some time... For those of you who reviewed/ Favorited/ alerted this story thank you! Was it good? Bad? In between? Please R&R!

I deeply apologize for the wait, but now that summer has rolled around I SHOULD be able to finish things a bit more, though I cannot make any completely definite promises, I do apologize... But please don't lose faith. It shall be completed.

Also, I would like to acknowledge the fact that this story, which I have come to adore as it went on, shall very soon be coming to an end. Either the next chapter or perhaps the one after it, should be the last chapter which wraps up this 's kind of sad, but I'm happy for it in the long run... Thank you and until next time.