DISCLAIMER: I don't own Yugioh. Just the plot. You know nothing important XD
Heba: Again she didn't let us do the fucking intro.
Wait I've told him this? When? Where? More importantly why? And what the freak is an aibou? As my mind whirls and twirls the spiraling thoughts, I didn't realize the scenery had changed. I glance around the room I'm in.
A double mirror door with the foot of a- no my bed I realize next to it and my nightstand. The bed sheets are dark violet. Beside the nightstand is a neat and organized desk with an upside down pyramid, a lamp and duel monsters deck holder on top of it. How did I get back into my room?! Wasn't I just in Yami's? This isn't funny! Did I pass out again?! Then I saw myself and a transparent Yami, our hands clasped around the puzzle necklace. Why is it so important? Tears clearly showed on my pale face, illuminated from the moon in the window above us. The moment was so touching. Is this real? Or just my imagination? What's going on?!
"Are you saying you want to learn the truth of everything?" A voice called from behind me. Turning around to face the voice I see another me. Again. Wait, there's something different. He-I seems darker and miserable. Is that what I used to be? Slowly I responded.
"Yes. I'm ready. Help me remember." I state quietly.
"And reopen the wounds. Let's start from the beginning." He waves his hand and I see a boy with a small golden box. Is that th-
"Yes it is. The box the puzzle came from. Maybe it would've been better if I-we had never figured it out." He says monotonously.
"Why d-" he cuts me off again.
"Just be quiet and watch." He commands. Slightly nodding I went back to the images before us-me. Whatever you wanna call him and me. I watch as I put the pieces together in amazement, until there was one part left.
Then it changed to an island and a boy in a white trench coat, ice blue eyes, black clothes and longish brown hair to contrast his pale skin started threatening to jump off the building. I think his name is Kaiba Seto. He's cold, indifferent and considers me as a rival. Then suddenly I watched as I collapsed feeling foreign in my own body. What the chocolate cards is going on? Then all the images started flooding by and overwhelming me. Yami used to be a spirit in the puzzle necklace aka the millennium puzzle. Which was wanted by many people. I didn't realize until after duelist kingdom that he was even there. After duels and duels to protect the puzzle, my feelings grew and grew for Yami. Then I was taken away with the seal of orichalcos. I felt empty and afraid. I had given my soul to save the 5000 year old spirit. When my soul was freed and I returned back to my body, I finished helping Yami remember who he was. It turns out that he was the 'Unnamed Pharaoh' of Egypt. Then came to the end of the ceremonial duel, in his old tomb. I had won. It was odd not seeing him as a spirit. But to be honest I loved it. He started walking towards the door to the afterlife. I couldn't just let him go, so I grabbed him and sobbed into the back of his shirt.
"You can't leave! I won't lose my closest friend! My first friend." I opened the eyes I didn't recall closing. A flash went off through the entire tomb. It wasn't suddenly just Yami here on the stage with me. There was Marik as well as Bakura, another man that looked a lot like an Egyptian version of Yami, except he only had one lightning strip shoot up his hair. There was one last figure that looked to be someone with the face of some sorta dog.
Anubis maybe? Yea I'm sure it is. The Anubis look-a-like spoke clearly and looked not only at me but also my friends, "The gods have heard your pleas. And it has been granted. But don't make us regret this." His honey silken voice rang.
Then Joey spoke up, "But who's that last guy? And why does he look a lot like Yami?!"
Anubis sighed and glared his silted gold orbs at him. "It's because this is Atem," he gestured over the darker version of Yami, "he's the past brother of Yami. I'm not surprised he didn't say anything. Bye now." And with a small poof of smoke he vanished. Then for some reason I was numb. My brain felt like jello. Squishy, soft and easy to squash.
Then I see my haunted looking self again. "There's more so be prepared. But for now you need to rest. And get out of 'our' soul room." He spoke. Taking the room I was reminded that with the puzzle I can come here.
"YUGI! HELLO?! ARE YOU OK? CAN YOU HEAR ME?!" I hear Yami yell. Suddenly I'm staring straight into those precious crimson deep eyes of his.
Blinking I nod slightly. "Yea of course I'm fine." I lied smoothly. Wait when could I lie so easily?! Oh well what's done is done. I can't let him know I've gained most of my memories until I get them all back. "I just kinda zoned out. You know the usual as of late, considering." I didn't finish. I could only hope he caught my drift. He nods and let's go of my hands. Wait how long has he been holding my hands?!
Walking out into the hall I glance back at Yami. "I'm going to rest. I feel really tired if anyone needs me." With out waiting for an answer I left. I don't care what time it is. At least it'll give me time to clear my head. I thought as I laid down in my bed. Sleep took me fast.
Though sleep came easily, it was hard not to toss and turn figuratively speaking when the whole household was awake. Seriously busting in and out of my room every so often is enough to bug anyone! Then it was quiet again, I give a slight peak out from under my blankets towards the red number on the alarm clock. It read 7:15 am. Taking the rest of the small but cozy room into view I let out a sigh. Nothing has really changed since I remember what it used to look like. Bed across from the dresser, and the desk a little ways off from there. Posters hanging in the room. And a nightstand next to the bed. No use trying to sleep now. Might as well see who's all still here. Gently lifting the covers I slid out, my fee touching the small rug softly. I guess that's new. I wonder who... Eh it was probably Heba or Joey.
After making the bed again I pulled socks and shoes over my feet. I made sure my laces were secured. Somehow I always, no matter how many times I tie them, have a shoe that keeps untying. It's like pranksters untie it when I'm not looking. Moving silently through the halls I notice that no-ones upstairs. Moving to the top of the stairs, Atem's voice rings up in a hushed quietness. Wonder who he's talking to. Peering over the railing I see Atem sitting in the same chair he slept in, but he was wearing a clean black shirt with a little kuriboh on it and leather pants. Yami was in the same kind of pants, whilst his shirt was dark red with the dark magician girl on it. Glancing down at my outfit I realized that Yami and I were wearing similar shirts. I wore my dark blue shirt with the Dark Magician on it and dark blue jeans. It was a little creepy to say the least. But on some level a little sweet I suppose. They were discussing something intently. My ears strained to hear what they said, hoping I wouldn't be noticed I stepped down a couple steps, careful not to make them creak.
"Atem, what do I do?! I know I guess I deserve him not knowing me and stuff but what if the first thing he remembers is what happened before that- that- you know what I mean!" Yami's voice sounded angry but fearful. Who is he talking about? What does he mean by that?
'You know you are the only one he could possibly be talking about.' The thought appeared. Brushing it aside I leveled my breathing and focused on hearing what was being said.
"Well Yami, if YOU would have listened to me, then it probably wouldn't have happened. Seriously you and Heba don't listen to me on the best strategies at the time. If he does indeed remember how much of an ass you were being then he might have the right to be cautious around you." Atem repositions himself to face Yami completely, "I know it wasn't completely your fucking fault, but if you would have kept trying to talk to him instead of being a stubborn butt head! But if you stop worrying about it, you may have a fresh start to work with. Just don't blow it Yami." Atem finishes his lecture. You can't tell me it wasn't one.
Yami sighs nodding his head in agreement. I need to leave. Now! I think as my head starts pounding again. I made my way to the other set of stairs leading to the shop area. No surprise it wasn't open. But then where's Heba? I didn't care at the moment. After unlocking the door I made my way down the street. Hopefully it's still there! Hopefully I remember how to get there! I need to get away! I can't stay here! My chest heaving heavily as the sound of tapping hit the hard concrete road. Isn't this just great?! I'm starting to panic. I just need to calm down. Air tickled slightly as it expanded my lungs. I think it was this was the right way. Twisting with the path that looked as straight as a sloppily drawn circle, it reminded me of something else. But I'm not gonna even pursue that as of this moment until I get to my tree. The tree where I built a small little tree house. My special hiding place. Upon reaching the opening of the abandoned park area I continued to move forward, to the opposite side of the park. Just a little further.
"Ah so I see you're ready for more." a voice spoke gently. Slowing my pace back to a walk, and I glanced back at the me who I know is a hallucination. Of my past.
"Yes. I believe I'm ready. Just let's get up there first." I replied staring at my cracking creation. I never thought I'd come here again. This used to be my hide-out to get away from everything when it was overwhelming. I don't remember coming here since right before I solved the puzzle. It was a basic little box with a whole and windows for me to get in and out of. Though of course I liked climbing this cherry blossom tree when I was younger, so there isn't even a ladder. My back burned slightly as I climbed up the tree. Why'd I have to build it so high?! Oh wait that's right, it was so it wasn't spotted easily. After seating my-self comfortably and wrapping the fluffy folded blanket, that I just knew was there, around me. My vision altered and again images I know as past events flashed by, in a jumbled mess. Incomprehensible. And then it stopped on a darker scenery.
From what I could tell, it was a bit of a cloudy night. The way I could see my past-self crouched over taking deep breaths and forcing the chilly air back down as my heat escaped his mouth. Even though he looked exhausted, he was smiling. Why the hell would we be smiling?! He lifted his head more and I could see a slight start of a bruise on corner of his cheek. Ouch that must've hurt like a brick. Watching him sigh, another sounded near me. I saw the me I think is my past-self. Or at least a more complete entity of who I was, than the little glimpses I keep receiving. He didn't look happy with his lips pursed, arms crossed and eyes becoming watery. Tearing his eyes away from the memory he's sharing and towards me, he speaks in his pained filled voice. "It all goes downhill from here."
I don't even want to know what he/I means yet. I turned back to the memory, watching as the boy stood up, somewhat delighted. 'How can you friggen smile when a bruise is forming?!' I know he didn't hear me, why would he? His hand pulled a small bouquet of flowers out of his black, hooded jacket. I guess he's content with the fact he saved those lilacs and roses. He let out a quite sigh, as his feet hit the pavement softly but fast, carefully grasping the flowers to his chest.
As he moves, slowly I mold into the memory. Remembering what was happening as the scene played out. Clutching the flowers as I made my way to Domingo's Lingo, a little restaurant that wasn't extremely expensive but wasn't exactly cheap either. They had many items that weren't common anywhere else in Domino City. I'm glad the bouquet is fine because I'd rather give them to Yami in one piece, seems how I'm late!
If only that Ra damn idiot Ushio would have left me alone. It's a good thing I pretended to call Joey and Tristan. Probably scared they'd tell Yami he was back to bullying me. Either way he's gone and I'm practically unscathed. I knew he hit my jaw pretty hard because of the slight sting it held. I better hurry before this cold and cloudy night starts crying on me! Picking my pace up as I reached the corner shop right beside the restaurant and tried to breathe through the sharp pain it caused in my chest. I know he said we had to talk but I certainly can't go in there looking horrible and disheveled.
Gazing at the window I set the flowers on the bench, and reached my hands up to my tri-colored hair and straightened it the best I could, feeling the softness as my fingers easily slid through it. Then I dusted my black slacks and jacket off with my lilac button-up hung somewhat loosely around my slender but fit body. As Malik says, "swish, swish move you tush it's sexy!" And I better do that, Yami has been waiting long enough. Slipping the jacket on as I opened the door, which soon shut just as quickly as I hurried to grab the flowers I had left on the bench. Phew I almost forgot these!
Entering the restaurant I was approached by a nice looking young man with long above shoulder length ruby hair and forest green eyes, and an ivory skin-tone to pull it all together. He wore a nice vest-suit and appeared to be the shift-manager also known as Tony. Or at least that's what his name tag said.
"Welcome to Domingo's Lingo sir! How may we service you?" He asked, his voice almost smooth. What I can gawk at a hot looking guy. Sadly though, he isn't my type. I guess my 'Type' is under ancient pharaoh and mind-linked. Shit! I hope Yami didn't hear me! But I knew I needed to answer this guy before checking.
"Uhm yea, I'm supposed to join a Y-Yami Sennen here, would you mid telling me which table he's at?" His eyes scanned a clipboard for the name. Yami and Atem needed a last name for school and it just popped into mind ha-ha, speaking of which, I concentrated to check the link. Nope still secure on both ends. I guess he doesn't want me to know about why we're here.
A hand brought me out of my thoughts. Oops zoned out ha-ha.
"Oh uh sorry, I kinda zoned out," I started shyly, "something I do quite often."
"Oh that's perfectly understandable with Christmas in a few months. It's right this way and be sure to comeback for Halloween."
I nodded in agreement. Following him towards the backend of the restaurant, everything stopped. That pain I got from running was back, but worse. My breathing hitched as my vision blurred and my hands were freed from all objects. Discarded and soon to be forgotten. I could see Yami, but there was someone on the other end of the booth. Yea, you called it right if you said Tèa. Normally it wouldn't have bothered me had it not been for the fact I saw her slither her hand across the table to grasp his hand, and move closer across the table.
Everything blurred more as I ran. I debated going to the park but he would know, because I showed him that place. The pain in my chest grew as I thought about the things we did. The kisses and hugs. The late-night cuddles when I couldn't sleep. The intimacy we shared a little over a two weeks ago during fall break. How could I have not seen he was two-timing me!? And with Tèa of all people?! I continued running as cold droplets hit my face and hit the ground with a fast "pitter-patter" rhythm. I didn't stop running until I saw the game-shop. Taking my muddy boots off and leaving them on the front steps, I snuck into the house.
I'm not ready to face Grandpa or Atem yet. I need time to think before I talk to anyone. Hurriedly I entered my bathroom across from my room. Yami sometimes used it if Atem hogged theirs. Locking the door I gazed into the face of someone who was drenched, had a bruise on his lower left cheek, and had pain etched into his features, nothing like the young man that was seen this morning. The young man who had been confident, happy and as Ryou said 'glowing with sunshine'. After what seemed like ten maybe fifteen minutes of shorts hallow breathes I turned the bathroom fan on and filled the tub as I stripped. I grabbed my indestructa-phone out of my back pocket glad to see it was fine.
It vibrated as a text from Ryou came
How'd the date go ;} or is it still going?
I threw the phone in the sink and finished stripping. After becoming naked I slipped into the tub, whilst shutting the water off. Even though the water was extremely hot it felt nice, better to feel pain than nothing at all right? Why didn't I just keep my mouth shut that day? If I hadn't confessed to Tèa that I really liked Yami and if he hadn't walked through the front door at that distinct moment, I wouldn't be a mess now. I should have known he didn't like me! There's no way he loved me like he said! It hurts more because I trusted those words! Is that why he wanted me to come tonight?! So he could tell me he was cheating on me?! What did that night by the lake and willow trees mean?! Nothing to him I guess.
Why would he hurt me this much?! I wish I still had those flowers, so that I could slap him hard multiple time in the face! Who would give a flying kuriboh's ass why! I felt the liquid drain from my eyes as I rubbed them with the back of my hands. My thoughts began swirling as the heat began to make me dizzy. I suppose it's time to get out. I grabbed my still soggy clothes and threw them into the tub as the bath was sent down that swirly underwater tornado of doom. Putting the robe I got from Egypt on and putting my hair in a towel, I left to my room. I didn't bother with the light. I already had clothes that I hadn't put away on my desk. Mostly underwear and pajamas. I dressed in random stuff that felt comfortable enough for me to sleep, I put the rest away. Socks and undies in drawer 1, shirts in drawer 2, shorts in 3(not many there) pants in 4 and last but not least, pajamas in drawer number 5. I only had my school outfits and a couple tuxes in the closet.
Putting the last of the clothes away I saw an object I forgot about. An object sent by my Egyptian grandmother, who was probably forced to by Heba, along with pencils and paper, was a knife. Not just any knife, but a precision art knife to be exact. I used to be into art and that's probably why she sent it, but I didn't think I had anything to use it for. Grabbing it and moving to sit on the bed I gaze upon the new beauty who will now control my pain. Her silver blade connected to her shimmery black handle and the way she felt in my hand. It brought chills as I thought. Just a few little thin cuts will help. I've heard from others it really helps. Why not add more scars to what the bullies gave me. They will be my new battle scars. Right before I got the cap off of the knife a loud knocking boomed off of my door, almost sending me into the ceiling. Hiding it under my pillow I opened the door slightly. A face I didn't want to talk to but also didn't mind seeing popped in to view.
Atem stood out in the hall with his arms crossed. He looked a little upset to be honest. But it quickly came into view as he saw me. Hmm I guess my eyes are puffy. "Yugi, is something wrong?! What happened to your chin?" He asked concerned. I'm not telling him what I saw. I can't. No matter how much it hurts I have to put a smile on.
Raising the corners of my mouth slightly I replied "N-nothing much. I'm fine but I hit a rock when it started raining because I got sidetracked chasing a pure white Persian cat on the way. And I slid in the mud ad hit a bench arm as the cat escaped. I couldn't face Yami knowing I looked a mess." I explained, hoping he bought my lie. "But tell him to have uhm - to have fun. I don't wanna ruin his night because of that stupidity. Good night." I shut the door without even waiting for a reply and heard a muttered curse as he left.
Tears brimmed my eyes again. I couldn't let Yami know that I know. I just don't think I can face him. I can't do it! Especially if he only acts upset for me missing our 'date'. Ugh I don't know what to do! I scream mentally throwing myself onto the bed. My hands came across my new paint brush.
I slid my boxers and pajama pants out of the way as I hesitantly made the first slice. More salty sadness made its way down my face as I did more until I was numb. I-I couldn't take it! It felt so good to finally be able to take the pain away. I almost did it once my freshman year. But I was too scared. Actually it was right before I became friends with everyone.
Feeling calmer I hid the knife into my nightstand and taped it to the inside top of it. No-one will ever find out. I checked my right hip to be sure it wasn't bleeding all over the place. Phew just swollen bright red lines covered it. They were small and thin. I pulled my pants back the proper place and it hurt like a brick! Oh well at least I can poke there until it's time to make fresh cuts. Soon I curled up under the comforter and feel asleep quick as my head pounded. The next morning I awoke to Yami making sure I was okay. He probably thought I was sick again. It irritated me to no ends.
"Leave me alone Yami!" I yelled and hid under the blankets. "CLATTER!" I heard as the chair fall and he got up muttering. Yea probably upset about last night. Then he spoke a bit louder.
"Aibou! What's wrong with you!? Are you feeling alright? Is there anything I can do to help?!" He asked in a strained voice. When I thought I couldn't get worse, I sat up and uncovered my face, burning up with rage.
"Yea Yami there is something you can do to help!" I started with a glare and as much annoyed attitude as I could, his face slightly fell as he listened eagerly, which made me even more upset to the point of yelling, "YOU CAN HAVE A STICK SHOVED UP YOUR ASS AFTER YOU LEAVE MY FUCKING ROOM! IM PERFECTLY A-OKAY YAMI! NEVER EVER CALL ME THAT NAME AGAIN AND EVEN I SOMETHING WAS WRONG WHY WOULD I TELL A SELFISH BASTARD LIKE YOU?!" He was shocked, hell, even I was shocked! Way to play it cool YUGI!
His face fell from a strained smile into a humorous wounded frown. Hiding the smirk I wanted to show. His eyes widened big as saucers as he shouted back "Well fuck you too! At least I didn't abandon my date at an extremely romantic dinner! OH WAIT YOU DIDNT SHOW BECAUSE OF RA DAMN CAT! AND IM THE SELFISH ONE!" He stormed out slamming the door. I brought my legs closer to me. There's no way we could make this worse. Laying my eyes to sit on my knees I started to silently cry. I'm not talking to him until he apologizes and tells me what I already fucking know!
I awoke in the tree house again, my face sticky from crying I guess. The entity of the past me had a tear stained face as well. I couldn't bring myself to talk yet. But he could. "Do you want to hear the rest? You really haven't remembered how we started to date Yami yet, but I'm not going there. It hurts too much. If you can muster enough strength to ask him, then so be it. But after this I doubt you will. Just don't be as angry as I was. I should have just suffered alone." I nodded for him to tell me. I wanted to hear. It's alright I need to remember. And so he did.
"Weeks went by before I attempted to even try to apologize for being childish. I mean it was awkward living under the same roof and going to school together with the nearly the same classes. Everyone noticed and kept some distance when we were next to each other. And by everyone I don't just mean our little circle of friends." he paused tearing up again. He swallowed and continued once more.
"Although Ryou, Joey, Malik and Atem were the only ones willing to talk to me. I wouldn't tell them the situation but they advised me to apologize soon. I guess it was already too late. By the time I went to apologize Yami just continued to ignore me. Everyone else joined. It was like I was being shunned. I guess I deserved it." He gazed into my eyes starting to fade again.
"At least Atem and Heba still talked to me. This is all that can be shared right now. You might not see me again. It depends on if you want to know more." his voice broke halfway though. And he was gone in an instant. My back was burning again. I think I broke a stitch or two. I need to return back to the house. I wonder if anyone noticed I wasn't there. After what I saw it wouldn't surprise me. Climbing down the tree again, I had to tell someone. Heba! He might be able to help me!
I quickly made it back to the house praying to Ra, that Yami and Atem weren't home still. Actually I hope it's only Heba that's there. Watch my luck and everyone will still be there. And can I even trust Yami? Or even Tea? I'm scared it'll happen again. Braving myself I opened the door and found Heba asleep on the couch. I don't wanna bug him! But the instant the door clicked shut he was wide-eyed and alert.
"YUGI FUCKING MOUTO! WHERE THE FUCKING HELL HAVE YOU FUCKING BEEN?! DO YOU KNOW HOW WORRIED WE ALL WERE? I TAKE RYOU AND MALIK HOME WITH JOEY ONLY TO FIND THAT YOU'VE DISAPPEARED?!" Starts ranting, but before he could continue I looked at him tear-stained face probably shut him up.
"Heba, W-we need to talk."