Yugi stood frozen in place as he heard the news leave his mothers lips. He couldn't believe what she had said- it was as if he had to remind himself to breathe from the disappointment. After a moment of pure mystification Yugi found his voice and persisted to question his mother.

"But, they left not a week ago. Why did they not stay if they would be returning-"

"Gozaburo must travel to Greece with your Grandfather. Now that they're going to share an empire they must make decisions that will make our nations stronger. "

"Shouldn't I be going to? I will have to do the same… once I am king." Yugi didn't realize the resentment of the title in his voice.

Yugi's mother looked over to where he stood in her doorway. "You have your training. There will be no travelling for you this time." When she paused she knew Yugi was going to protest about Yami's probation and that he wasn't training and she continued- "And just because Yami is not allowed to teach you for another week doesn't mean you can go gallivanting off to Greece. Your Grandfather wants you to run things while he's gone. Think of it as a kind of test."

Yugi's eyes rolled away and concentrated on a patch of carpet. When Yugi's mother gently pulled his chin up she smiled at him- she felt a little badly that this time she couldn't give Yugi what he wanted. She was so used to saying yes to whatever he wanted and he was accustomed to hearing it. She wondered if this would be good for Yugi, for someone to tell him that he can't have everything he wants. Even the thing he wants most. Her heart sunk and she kissed him on the cheek.

"and you need to be here, for Teá." She said, then giggled "I can't run everything by myself."

Yugi sighed and followed his mother to her closet "I know, and I don't mean to turn down what path you've chosen for me I just- I don't think I'm good enough for that family."

Yugi watched his mother carefully put away clothing and items special to her in the closet, as she deliberately did not respond and he caught a glimpse of something dark at the back.

"What's that?"

"Hmm?" she said looking over "Oh, that was your fathers. He wore it on our wedding night."

"Why have you never shown me before?" Yugi asked.

"I was going to give it to you for your wedding night," she said "Your father had Joseph's mother hand make it. He paid them six times what it was worth to get Serenity into school. Joseph has always felt indebted to your father. That is why he works for us, for you… Your father loved the Wheeler family and thought of Joseph's father as a brother."

Yugi smiled and dropped the sleeve of the hanging garment. "I will wear it to my wedding then."

She returned the smile "And I can't wait to see it."

Downstairs Solomon sat at the large dining room table with books and papers mercilessly scattered in every direction. He studied each paper carefully in hopes of refreshing his memory of Grecian traditions and customs. He had been there once before with his father but that was so many years ago that Solomon could barely remember how the air tasted in Greece. Lost in thought and parchment Solomon was so deep in his work he didn't hear Yugi enter and the boy was so light on his feet in the first place. Solomon flipped a page sending dust flying into the rays of sun creating solid lines across his sight. As the light caught the dust Solomon took a double take to see his grandson. Solomon cleared his throat and stood in front of him.

"Ah Yugi my boy," Solomon greeted "Up and about I see?"

Yugi smiled "It's the middle of the day."

Solomon smiled and let out a hearty laugh "Leave it to long books and my old age to lose track of time." He cleared his throat again; obviously he was still deep in thought. "You look troubled Yugi I'm assuming of course you heard of the Kaiba's returning."

Yugi let out a small smile, thoughts in the back of his mind dissatisfied with the conversation held with his mother. These logged away thoughts managed to escape "Yes, mother told me of their return and of your trip to Greece. I know it is not my place to even ask but-"

"Out of the question-" Solomon said returning to his seat "Greece is no place for you at the moment. There is no peace there, you are not fully trained."

"It has been three months-" Yugi protested.

"Three days, three months or three years wouldn't make a difference in this decision to keep you here. If we were both to go and were both to die then this land would have no king. Your mother, Serenity, Teá- mothers and daughters- your people could be sold into slavery or worse. Joseph and Tristan with no leader? They may be slaughtered and our land ravaged all because present and future kings died for nothing."

Yugi stood up straight, feeling foolish again for even daring to ask. He knew he couldn't go. His eyes wondered onto the table- finding the fine print of marked maps and territories.

"I apologize for even thinking of asking-" Yugi said.

Solomon shed a sympathetic look and placed a hand on his shoulder "You're young, you dream of excitement and adventure, but war- now for that you are too young. And during the time I am gone you will be given kingly duties, and who better to fill my shoes."

"Mother told me that too..." Yugi nodded, the corner of his lips daring to grin.

Solomon turned back to his chair and pressed his hands together "Business before pleasure Yugi. First of all you know the Kaiba's are blessing our home with their presence and I'm sure you have much training to finish today and that training alone is difficult but you must do what you can. Secondly- you must return before supper. I have a feel that Gozaburo will be stingy with his time and your punctuality although seemingly unimportant is imperative for the Kaiba family."

Yugi bowed "I understand."

"Yugi, don't forget." Solomon warned "you must return before supper. And if you need to go into town to pick up inventory that Yami had laid out for you then you have my permission- but he is still on probation and you are not to see him."

"I know. Please excuse me- I will attend to my training and I will return tonight for the arrival of my fiancee's family."

Yami opened up the creaky wooden closet door and peered inside. His shoulders slumped- whatever was worth taking was eaten by moths and what he never wore was perfectly fine. Yami clenched his fists- isn't that always the way. Yami was wondering if perhaps he should really move out of this cheap dump and find a place made out of stone not a rotting, deteriorating wooden home. Grumbling slightly he grabbed whatever fit him and threw it across the room, onto the uncomfortable patched up bed, missing the bag he was hoping the clothes would fly into. Yami reached down to grab a belt he'd dropped when the skin on his back stretched pulling the healing scabs apart. He grunted with the pain and picked the belt up. Nine days it had been since Yami's twenty lashings and in those nine days summer had ended and the kingdom welcomed the first month of autumn- the time of year when the streets were calm with children in school, the time of year when sweet Persephone retreated to the underworld leaving people in a dying wintery land. Yami generally loved autumn but at the moment his scarred and still wounded back was giving him much frustration.

The anger of the day that caused all this trouble ran through his head, the thought of how Mai smiled so deliciously luring him, leaning up to tell him that he would regret ever denying her. Yami was so furious with how the past month has set him and Yugi apart, how his face was such shame to a family he cared so much about. He hadn't even been able to thank Yugi for saving his life. Gozaburo wanted him dead and as grateful as Yami was for still being alive today- Gozaburo's shame on him was worse than death.

In perfect honesty Yami didn't want to die- his last want would to be to leave Yugi- not for his own selfish reasons but for Yugi's. The young prince seemed to finally open up to someone, even the Prince's mother told Yami that she had never seen Yugi so close to someone before- that he was so lucky to have Yami as a friend who cared so deeply for him. Yami wasn't afraid of death he was afraid of what his death would do to Yugi.

You haven't even told him the truth- you haven't even told him how you really feel.

A rapping at Yami's door came and with a red rain cloud of rage above his head he looked from his closet door towards the kitchen, to which the door was nearby.

"Not now Tristan you know that I was to spend all day packing." Yami yelled at the door, following this under his breath "no thanks to Gozaburo."

There was no response at the door and after Yami tossed another shirt into his limp bag. He waited for a moment and swore he heard the door open and shut quickly. Yami reached for the sword he kept behind his bedroom door.

"Tristan, this is no time for games. I am not in the mood." Yami called moving slowly towards his bedroom door.

"You don't want to see me?" Yugi smiled sitting at his table when Yami came into view.

Yami sighed and leaned his sword up against the wall "Yugi, What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to see you-"

"You know you're not allowed to do that."

"I'm not allowed to do a lot of things" Yugi grinned walking over to Yami and he placed his arms around his neck giving him a kiss on tender lips.

Yami blushed and smiled "What's gotten into you?"

Yugi laughed "Nothing. I just really wanted to see you before you leave. You don't look happy to see me."

Yami crossed his arms and looked down at the boy "You should be training; besides you know I have to pack- I can't afford any distractions."

Yami turned and returned to his bedroom, Yugi followed instinctively- Yami knew he would.

Yugi entered the fairly poor looking bedroom. Curtains amazingly thin hung from the one medium sized window, they looked slightly off white, coloured due to age and were crooked to say the least. The furniture looked like a dark wood- dull and scratched matching the markings on the floor where it had been moved around. Yugi noticed a small trap door with a rusted iron handle underneath the tall armoire. Beside the armoire, across from the window was a small and broken looking closet- Yugi wasn't sure why but he thought the best way to describe Yami's house was to describe an old dusty book cover. On the bed sat three novels scattered with a few pieces of parchment paper and an open duffle bag for Yami's travelling clothes and toiletries. Yugi walked over and sat on the side of the bed nearest the closet door where Yami was.

Yami turned his head and noticed Yugi bounce a little on his bed, like he was testing the springs. He noticed the look on Yugi's face it was a like pity but softer.

"Is something wrong?" Yami asked

Yugi smiled bashfully "I don't want you to go to Greece."

Yami smiled and touched his porcelain face "I have to- plus I'll return with presents. I never did get you an actual gift for your birthday."

Yugi pulled Yami down by his collar and kissed him lightly again "Yes you did-"

Yami blushed and he pulled away from Yugi, his lips still interlocked with him "Yugi- I hamfve to pack sftill-"

Yugi let his lips go and Yami stood up, tall and in the light before Yugi- just a pillar of pure poignant masculinity. Oh god he was beautiful.

"Well since you're here, you may as well help me pack. Here hold this-" Yami said handing the shirt off his back to Yugi.

Yugi held it and felt the warmth from the fabric leak onto his hands like warm honey. He smiled and looked up to Yami who was just putting on another shirt. Yugi noticed the scars on Yami's back and his eyes wandered down the sculpted and marked skin. Yami turned as the lighter tunic fell over his toned stomach and chest. He saw Yugi looking at him and the look in his eye made Yami wonder what Yugi could possibly be thinking.

"Yugi-" Yami started.

"What happened the day you were late?"

Yami frowned, searching his mind for the day. He also managed to find his sense of humor "Yugi that was almost three weeks ago."

"I know but, I was just thinking of what happened. Before you and Mai fell into that pond-"

Yami looked at Yugi, he never fully did explain what happened. "Mai grabbed my wrist and pulled me in, I know no one saw it but that is what happened."

"I believe you and I know what happened. But that's not what's bothering me. Why would Mai do that if she had no reason? Why would Mai be so vengeful against someone he doesn't know?"

Yami turned "I suppose she just doesn't like me."

"You're a bad liar" Yugi said.

Yami took some more clothes from the closet and placed them on the bed beside Yugi who was still scanning Yami's face for some kind of answer.

Yami finally spoke "I don't know what else to tell you."

"The truth would be a start." Yugi said coldly.

"What do you want to know exactly."

"I want to know why you were late that rainy day. I deserve to know."

Yami inhaled softly "I was on my way to the training yard- I figured it would be faster for me to pass through the castle. When I did Joseph told me that Mai wished to have an audience with me immediately. I felt it wasn't proper but Joseph insisted that I see her. So I did. I went to see her in Teá's bedroom. She explained to me that she wanted another child and the Gozaburo denied her. She was not thinking clearly and she offered herself to me. I attempted to leave when she persisted that I have her. I declined and left."

"And that's what happened- that's the truth."

"Every word."

Yugi looked away "Then, why did you lie to me."

"I was more concerned with your safety at the time Yugi. I never thought it would bother you as it has-"

"Did you not trust me to understand?"

Yami was confused. Not five minutes ago Yugi was a needy little boy looking for attention and approval and now he was accusing Yami of some horrible deed that was just a misunderstanding. "What do else do you want me to say?"

"I want to know why you didn't tell me before."

"I don't know- it didn't seem like that big of a deal."

"I waited for you. I was attacked by Gozaburo's guards and it wasn't that big of a deal because you were with Mai. That's not good enough!"

Yami was taken aback by the authority in Yugi's voice- he sounded like him.

"You were attacked by Gozaburo's guards? You told me you fell." Yami frowned "Looks like I'm not the only bad liar"

Yugi stood up "Don't turn this around. What you hid from me was worse-"

"Why! Nothing happened between me and Mai, why are you making it sound so terrible?"

"If you lied to me about something that simple how do I know you're not telling me the truth about other things! I suppose after all this training I'm still not strong enough for you."

"You imply that I did in fact have relations with Mai. And I did not. I've never gotten on your case about you and Teá. They way you two prance about the castle, the way she swoons over you and the gifts and flowers. Why don't you tell her the truth! Why don't you tell her you're nothing but a fag?"

Yugi gripped the shirt in his hands and stood up with his head down. Yami felt sick suddenly and Yugi looked mortified. Yugi threw the shirt at him and Yami caught it as it bounced off his face, by the time he had pulled the cloth away and realized his own stupidity. He threw the shirt on to the floor and followed Yugi to the door.

"Yugi wait-" Yami called "Yugi, Listen!"

Yugi still hung his head and pulled the front door open- before Yugi had it open a foot Yami slammed it with his hand as he stood close to the prince. Yugi didn't move and his hand slipped from the doorknob to his side.

"You can't leave like this." Yami said gently reaching for his coat so Yugi could hide himself from the public, his voice was quiet. "God knows if Gozaburo has spies everywhere."

"Let me go please." Yugi said softly.

"Take the coat."

"I don't want it" Yugi replied.

"I don't want you seen leaving my house- What will people think."

"It doesn't matter-" Yugi said spinning around snagging the jacket from his hand "- I'm just a fag."

Yugi pulled on the door- he'd forgotten how much stronger Yami was. As he rattled it with futile effort Yami began speaking again. Yugi was so embarrassed- so angry with himself and Yami that he didn't want to hear him at all. He wanted to go, he wanted to go home. He wanted to grab his horse and just run, run away. Run away from everything but why- why did he know that even if he ran the only one to find him would be Yami. He couldn't escape him he was like a sexual poison- a toxic chemical breeding making Yugi want more and more every time they touched. Damn him!

"Yugi please. Nothing happened to between me and Mai- this I swear to you. I would never ever jeopardize what we have. I've always felt like it was something… remarkable."

Yugi pulled on the door again "So did I."

"I didn't tell you because I didn't want to hurt you- I feel like that's all I'm capable of doing to our relationship- I'm always doing something wrong." Yami grumbled "I hate it- I hate watching you around with Teá, I hate the Kaiba's so much. Yami gets frustrated and sighs "I don't want to hurt you anymore."

Yugi was so scared, "Let me go please."

"Listen to me!" Yami said- the pleading in his voice surprising "Ever since you walked into my life- everything's changed, I don't feel lost anymore - the air is sweeter… colours are brighter. Yugi…"

Yugi bit his bottom lip trying to do anything to stop himself from crying. You've cried enough why can't you be strong- why can't you be like Yami.

"Yugi…." Yami started and let his hand go from the door "I… think I'm in love with you."

Yugi held the doorknob tightly, said nothing, and thought nothing. He raised his arms to put the coat on when Yami spoke again.

"Yugi… you're not saying anything."

When Yugi placed the hood up over his head, he gave a small glance back at Yami to see his face. His eyes and nose a reddish colour from the rush of emotion that had filled him. He hadn't shed any tears but they came to him. He looked back to the door and left as quickly as he came.

Yami stood, lips apart, in front of his door- he felt the time of an entire year pass before him before he reminded himself to breathe. An uncontrolled hand brought itself up to his head and ran through his hair before Yami had any coherent thought. Nothing came to him- all he knew if he felt exposed and humiliated and angry. He turned around on the spot, his hand still in his hair then he whipped to face the door, he raised his arm pulling back and punched in the middle part of his door in a split second. Wood crackled under the force and created a clear dent on the other side while inside the broken wood stabbed and stuck through his skin like needles. He wiggled his arm twice before he brought his arm back and more of the door with him. He opened his fist stretching the wounded skin, tightening the cut around the wood and shifting the needle sharp wood poking out of muscle. He grunted and thought his first thought. Great- now you're humiliated and bleeding.

Teá's head bobbled lightly as she felt the carriage shift over uneven ground. The rough terrain caused her to awaken from her nap. Her eyes glittered open and she sat up lightly- the sleep in her throat uttering.

"Mmm, mother?" Teá asked lightly.

"No, it's me." Seto said sitting across from her.

"Seto." Tea uttered "Where are we?"

"We're about twenty minutes away from Yugi's castle." Seto replied "Our last stop took longer than expected. I told mother to let me stay with you- you've been sleeping for five hours."

Teá smiled, happy to know that Seto was watching over her, but there was an unfamiliar coldness in the carriage. She shifted her eyes past Seto to see that white haired man again. She was leery of him since she had traveled with this man only once before. But she knew his name and she knew his role in Seto's plan.

"Bakura." Teá said

"Good afternoon your highness." Bakura said turning his head from the window, his devilish eyes piercing her flesh. She dared lock eyes with him, only for a moment- just his presence made her nervous and then she looked back at Seto vying for protection.

"I thought we should have a talk Teá, before we arrive at Yugi's." Seto said, after Teá and Bakura gave him their full attention. "You remember the plan Teá?"

"I do, but I don't know if-"

"You have to Teá- keep leading Yugi on the leash we've provided and let Bakura and I worry about Solomon."

Bakura leaned back in his seat, putting his foot up on one of the doors "When do I kill him?"

Seto grinned "On the way home. Doing it here would be stupid and if I was to be accused then everything would be ruined and you'd never see your family again. Bakura- I think you'll find it in your best interest to do as I say."

Bakura laughed "Does your arrogance blind you Seto Kaiba? Don't tell me what I'm fighting for. You've had your life handed to you on a platter- I've killed to feed my family."

"Yes yes, cry me a river" Seto said insulting Bakura.

There was a tapping at the door and it caught Teá by surprise. Seto remained placid and immovable and he turned towards the sound.

"What is it."

A nameless face opened the door, bowing. "Please excuse me your majesty. But you have arrived at the Motou Castle."

Solomon came down the stairs to greet his guests with Yugi's Mother, Joseph and Yugi himself. He promised Solomon he wouldn't be late and for once he seemed to keep his word. The carriages pulled up one by one all in perfect order and sequence like it had been practiced a thousand times before. Another unnecessary royal custom that made absolutely no sense to our young Prince Yugi- it was utter rubbish. Then again the little things about the royal family may not bother him so much if he hadn't been so upset about Yami's insensitivity. Yugi wondered if maybe perhaps he had overreacted- for God's sake he told him he loved him.

And you just stood there. He hurt you- but he loves you. You're so stupid.

Yugi watched as the servants assisted the family out of the carriages and Yugi brought his hands up to his forehead. He was yelling at himself inside for being so stupid. So much wanted to run back there burst through Yami door and tell him everything was alright. But at the same time he didn't- he didn't even want to speak to his teacher. He was holding himself back and he didn't even have to. But why? What the hell was this?

"Are you alright Yugi? Are you feeling well?"

Yugi brought his left hand down and turned to his mother who had cast a protective arm on his shoulder and spoken with nothing but plutonic love in her voice.

"Yes, I'm sorry. I am a little distracted aren't I?"

Yugi's mother smiled gently "Love does that."

Yugi looked at her sharply, as if she was insinuating a relationship hidden from her eyes. Hidden from all eyes.

"Even if it always doesn't feel like love." She said as Teá and Seto approached them carefully with Bakura behind them.

Mai greeted the First Lady of the Motou kingdom with two friendly kisses on the cheek and Solomon gave Gozaburo a hearty handshake. Yugi reached out for Tea's gloved hand and kisses it polity while he received no greeting from Seto. Those eyes, those sharp cold eyes haven't changed- it is like there were glassed over to look the same since he first met him. That same shameful stare he received after Yami had given Yugi his first kiss.

His face flushed of all colour and he cleared his throat.

"How are you my lady?" Yugi smiled "are you tired? If you wish I may show you to your room."

She playfully swept her hand across his shirt sleeve "Oh no, I am quite alright. I must be here to see my father off. It is such a shame that they must leave so quickly."

Seto looked down at his sister with a small grin, she hid it so well. What a great little actress she was. "Business is business Teá. You know both father and honorable king Solomon must not waste time with their family when a future allying country is in peril."

Teá looked surprised slightly and brought her finger over her lips "Oh yes of course. How silly of me."

As Teá finished speaking, all of Gozaburo and Solomon's men lined up in front of the castle behind where Yugi and his mother stood. They were broken into two lines where the stairs led to the castle's heavy front door and as Yugi took a small glance backwards his eyes soon found Yami's. Yugi found his own face showing a sort of worried sadness- Yami could die in the Grecian battle and this is how it would end. As soon as Yami found Yugi's glance he looked down at his feet, ashamed to be in his presence. Yugi turned back to Teá who hadn't noticed anything happen at all. Yugi lowered his head slightly. Yami looked so sad, he looked horrible, like he hadn't slept in weeks and Yugi thought if maybe that was his fault. He had made Yami cry- he'd never seen him do it and it was hard to believe that he could.

Gozaburo snapped his fingers and Bakura approached his side as Yami came to Solomon's. The two lines of soldiers then stomped together and turned towards the street leading down into the soft, breezy, salt scented harbor. Gozaburo placed his hand on one of Bakura's shoulders.

"Solomon I would like you to meet the newest official member of the Kaiba army. Trained and recommended by Seto himself. He had not been knighted until just recently and he will be accompanying us as well." Gozaburo looked over to Yami and he cleared his throat "And I see you are still choosing your most prized knight, are you really very sure that his man can be trusted."

"He has never given me reason not to Gozaburo. Now please we really must be heading out to the Harbor- Greece is on the brink of destruction. If that great nation is not standing when I arrive I do not wish it was because of our lack of punctuality."

"I do not understand how you win the wars you do- have you always fought for the weak?"

Solomon had no reply and he summoned Joseph to bring him and Yami their horses which were waiting not far away. The noble and righteous king then turned to Yugi and his daughter in law. He gave them both carefree hugs of warmth and comfort. The kind of hugs you receive from a revered uncle who doesn't visit often enough. As Solomon parted from Yugi he touched him lightly on the nose.

"You keep up with your training young man, and you take care of your mother. I will not be gone longer than a few weeks or so."

Yugi nodded "Come home in one piece."

Solomon smiled and then threw himself up onto his horse as Gozaburo was brought his own tough, strong looking war horse. Tea ran to the side of it as Gozaburo seated himself on the giant mare and she spoke.

"Be careful daddy, please come back to us."

Gozaburo looked down at her and without a reply he kicked his horse lightly and headed off down the road with Solomon not far behind. Bakura watched as Joseph brought another set of horses for himself and Yami. Yami received his usual white champion and Bakura a honey coloured black footed gelding. Before assuming to take the horse Bakura offered Yami his hand.

"So you are the infamous Yami Atem are you? I hope tis not to bold to say but I have heard many a story about you and I am honored to indeed finally meet you in the flesh. Face to face."

Yami took his hand and felt it to be cold, like Seto's eyes, but Yami smiled as best he could in return "It is not at all too bold to say. I am honored to meet you as well although I must say I have not heard any stories of you yet. I hope to witness your abilities first hand."

"Well if boredom strikes on the sailings of the seas perhaps a friendly sparring is to be in order."

Yami smiled "I'd be most privileged."

Seto, after attending to other business, approached the two royal fighters- mainly Yami. He brushed his hands on his coat lightly and stood beside Bakura smiling down at Yami.

"I'm sorry to interrupt but I couldn't help but notice my father's discourteous manner towards you and I honestly apologize he has not thought well of you recently."

Yami raised a hand "and he has every reason to. I do hope however he and I one day can see eye to eye."

"Indeed," Seto said "But, the two of you must be off. And Yami, don't you worry about a thing I shall be staying to tend to my brothers and Teá. Your poor Queen should not have to deal with our nonsense when she has so much work to do. I do hope the poor dear doesn't work herself to death."

"I am sure she will appreciate the help" Yami replied to him a little warily after settling upon his horse.

Teá waved gently to them "Good luck, pleased keep my father safe."

Yugi and his mother then proceeded to wave as well.

"Be careful. Goodbye Yami, travel safely." She said standing close to her son.

"Goodbye my Queen." Yami answered, shifting his eyes to Yugi.

Yugi looked up at Yami, once again this beautiful pillar of a man stood powerfully before him and Yugi couldn't get the words out of his throat "I will train hard in your absence, I hope you work just as hard to bring yourself back to us alive."

Yami smiled. And here he thought Yugi would never speak to him again. With his reply being a smile as lovely as sun shower kisses, Bakura and Yami rode off into the fading evening where a ship was waiting to take them across lands, countries and leagues into a new world where they would be unsure if they'd ever see home again.

The ship sailed easily over calm waters for the first week of their journey and on the seventh night Yami found himself hunched over the longest letter he'd ever written. Maybe it was so long because he's thrown into the sea at least eight different badly worded apologies that were sappy and suffered poor penmanship. Then again Yami was never been much of a writer. Yugi's father did teach him more than the ways of the sword but not much of the written word- he'd remembered the basics, for that was all that was taught before his sudden death. Yami had practiced writing, though time between training, eating and sleeping was too short and when he had finally finished he went to war. He kept a small notepad to write down thoughts and wishes, dreams or goals but he had never written so much in the last ten years of his life then he had in the past seven days. Yami wanted to tell Yugi more than just his contrition in the letter; he wanted to tell him of everything of how he and Bakura actually got along and how Tristan had showed him in confidence a sonnet he'd written for Serenity. He had so much to tell him but so little words. Every time he saw his cursive writing on the parchment he crumpled the paper and fed it to the sea. Reluctantly he'd always start a new one without much time elapsing. He was so into this new letter of guilt and apology to Yugi that he hadn't noticed that everyone had left the galley. Everyone but Gozaburo.

"Are you enjoying this little excursion?"

Yami was surprised by his lordships' casual speech and he quickly tucked his secret letter into his pocket "Yes, very much. Are you enjoying all that this expedition has to offer… my lord?" Yami finished moving over to the ship's windowsill.

Gozaburo leaned back in his chair, raising a cold finger to his chin "Enough, I suppose. I hate travelling."

"I'm sorry to hear that your highness." Yami replied turning to the side, leaving one arm on the sill.

"Ah well, don't worry it's not your fault" Gozaburo said standing.

Yami watched him carefully, worried that this friendly face he was putting on to be a charade. Gozaburo eyed him up and down and began leaving the room.

Yami felt cornered and spoke "Your highness, I must thank you again for giving me a second chance. I never intended to hurt Mai or you my lord. Again I sincerely apologize. If I can do anything my lord-"

Gozaburo raised his lazy hand and smiled with a gruff "Actually if you don't mind indulging me something has been on my mind."

Yami could feel that evil seeping out of his perverted voice again and carefully spoke "What is it my lord"

"I've always wondered how you managed to get yourself unchained from the wall- back in the dungeon? How did you get down… all by yourself?"

Yami watched Gozaburo cross the room.

"My lord are you suggesting-"

"There's no need to get cross knight. And I'd watch your tongue if I wear you." Gozaburo's kindness shattered like glass and his voice became threatening and dark. "My patience wears thin and your presence is beginning to bother me." Yami watched as Gozaburo passed him and like a snake darting out of hidden grass Gozaburo's arm slithered out of his robes and grabbed Yami right above the elbow bringing him close "Do you think I'm a fool? Do you think I'm so blind that I can't see how you treat Yugi-"

Yami's heart started to snap "My relationship with Yugi is nothing but professional!"

Gozaburo's arm squeezed harder "You treacherous dog. You may have everyone else fooled but not me and I could kill you right here right now."

"You would stain your hands with commoner blood? Why not have some on else do it. Why not Seto- you didn't seem to have any trouble letting him fight your war!"

Gozaburo pulled Yami forwards and then back releasing him throwing the knight back towards the ship's window. "You just remember- the only thing stopping me from killing you is Solomon and the unity of our kingdoms. Mark my words peasant- when Yugi is married you will be the first die."

Note: whew this chapter took everything out of me. I'd like to apologize for how long this took to put up. My computer went into the shop and I was going to post just before it went but the site was down and I couldn't put it up T-T. I really hope this chapter satisfies you until next week. It was an extra long 12 pages, plus a read over with some editing- I hate editing my work XD I always think my timelines are screwed up and I get so literal that I want to throw myself out windows. The Yugi X Yami argument- that took so long, it became like the improv. game you play where all you do ask questions. I had fun writing this chapter and I am still so flattered by everyone's reviews it makes me so happy- You guys are breaking my habit of second guessing myself -.