A/N: Welcome to chapter 14 of Overcoming Differences!

This chapter reminded me of a very old song I used to listen to all the time when I was still a kid. I even looked it up on Youtube. It still manages to give me the chills, because it's so beautiful. It's about a girl who has a friend in a wheelchair. But even though she wishes things were different, he keeps on telling her she shouldn't. He also knows another girl who's also in wheelchair, but not since recently and is still struggling with it. If you read the chapter you'll see the similarities. The song is in Dutch, but if you're interested you can find it by looking for 'Ik wou dat alles anders was' (I wish that everything was different) by 'Snotneuzen'.

Without further ado, I'll let you get to reading this new chapter. Remember that I don't own Yu-gi-oh! or any of its characters, that mobiumshipping rocks, and that I love reviews.

Enjoy!

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Tearful request

Yami had fallen completely in love with Pharaoh Music Studio. Not even the smell of Yugi's meatballs, which was one of his favourite recipes, wafting through the house could lure him out of the room. Every time he told himself he was going to take a quick look to see how the preparations for his party were going, and maybe even snag a meatball or two while Yugi wasn't watching, he found another feature that he just had to check out first. Even though this was just a demo and far from complete, it could already satisfy him for a couple of hours.

However, he wasn't just trying out the programme. The more he learned about its potential, the more he thought about whether he could use it. Since the programme would contain the ability to create songs and share them online, Yami was thinking about holding a contest of sorts. People could send in their song and he would create a single out of the winning song. This was only one possibility. There was so much more that could be done. It would be a great way for him to connect with his fans, something he sometimes missed due to him having to keep his identity a secret. He would have to talk to Dartz about the possibilities as soon as he had worked out some ideas.

His testing and planning was interrupted when Atem walked into the room and embraced him from behind, "I see you're enjoying yourself." He noted with amusement.

Yami smiled and nodded, "I am. This is really great Atem, and I think this programme has so much potential. I was thinking that I could perhaps use it to hold contests and stuff like that."

Atem hummed as he thought about the idea, a smile also gracing his lips, "I hadn't even thought of that, but it sounds like a good idea. We might even hold a contest as a promotional event when it comes to the market."

"Yeah! That's what I thought!"

Small vibrations ran through Yami's body as Atem chuckled at his enthusiasm. The game developer then leaned in to press a kiss to his boyfriend's cheek, "I'll discuss it with our marketing department, but for now I hope you can pull yourself away from your newfound obsession. The first guests have arrived."

"Is it that late already?" Yami wondered as he looked at the clock, seeing that it was already seven in the evening. He sighed, not really wanting to stop right now.

"Yes it is. Now come on." Atem said brusquely, reaching out with his hand to close the laptop.

Yami pouted a bit, but allowed his boyfriend to lead him out into the living room. Once there he saw his parents talking to Yugi. They looked up when their son and his other boyfriend entered the room and gave them both happy smiles.

Looking at those smiles Yami suddenly felt very lucky. Not only did he have two amazing boyfriends, but he also had two amazing parents. He remembered back when he told them he had gotten another boyfriend besides Yugi that they had been disappointed in him. They thought that he was cheating, and that he felt no shame about it. Luckily it hadn't taken him long to explain what was really going on. They had been quite sceptical at first. They had no problem with their son being gay, especially since they really had liked Yugi even before their son had gotten into a relationship with him, but they weren't sure whether they could accept their son being in a polyamorous relationship. They had voiced their doubts, but allowed him to see where it would take him. He had been happy about that. It would have been difficult for him had his parents adamantly not agreed. He had always loved them dearly and had a great bond with them. To have something like this put a strain on it would have been agonizing. Thankfully his parents were honest in their willingness to accept the situation. They had soon grown to love Atem as another son once they'd met him, and wouldn't want him to go. Yami was glad he never had to make a choice between his family and his love life.

Soon after his own parents had arrived other people started flooding in as well. Yugi's parents were next. They greeted their son and the pop singer warmly. Atem on the other hand received an odd look. Unlike Yami's parents Yugi's were still quite uncomfortable with the relationship. They didn't dislike Atem personally, but favoured Yami since he was their son's first boyfriend. They were civil, but that was everything the game developer could expect from them. It hurt him sometimes, but he had grown to accept it. He should be lucky that Yugi and Yami accepted him, and that most of their friends and families accepted them, and that the Muto's weren't the type to openly oppose and cause a scene.

His own parents were yet another story. Atem's mother loved Yugi and Yami as if they were her own sons, and his father had never had any problem with them being together as long as Atem did his part for the family business. He'd never feared that his son's unorthodox relationship could harm the company as long as they were open about it, "If we've got nothing to hide, nothing to be ashamed of, then the rumourmongers have nothing on us." Was his disposition. That said, it didn't stop him from joking around with his son about him finding a girlfriend. He would jokingly claim that the possibility of getting grandchildren would keep his wife off his back. Atem would always joke along, knowing that his father wasn't really serious about him getting a girlfriend.

Joey had actually managed to drag along Seto. The latter seemed to be uncomfortable at being there, not being used to social gatherings. The fact that Joey's attention was soon turned solely to the long table laden with the food that Yugi had prepared wasn't really helping. Luckily he at least had his aunt and uncle as familiar faces to talk to.

Serenity was there as well, mingling effortlessly with the crowd while also keeping a vigilant eye out to her brother. Though she had some help this year in the form of her brother's new boyfriend, she was still making sure her brother wasn't going to eat up everything before the other guests could get some. A challenging feat on its own, since Joey was never far away from the food.

Naturally Rafael was there as well. He was mostly catching up with Atem. Much to Yami's annoyance the security guard also took this opportunity to share some of the more embarrassing stories that happened during Pharaoh's tour with his best friend. The singer would shoot them a destructive look whenever the two were roaring with laughter, knowing that it was at his expense.

The house was getting quite packed, but the atmosphere was great. There was plenty of good food and conversation. Several hours in everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, and the trio was glad for it. That was until Dartz suddenly showed up. Yami had wondered where his manager had been. Despite his reservations towards his choice of relationship the manager had always attended these welcome home parties to wrap up another successful tour. He would even bring along his wife and daughter, but now he was alone. His face was set in a troubled expression, and those who saw him could tell that the man had had little sleep last night. Yami was about to walk up to him to ask him what was wrong, fearing the worst, but the man went straight for Yugi.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" He asked, his voice wavering slightly with whatever emotion the man was feeling right now.

Yugi too noticed the state the man was in. It confused him, but it made him realize that Dartz would most likely want to speak in private, so he nodded and led the way to their home office. Yami made to follow, but Yugi shook his head at him. He didn't know what Dartz wanted, but he could tell that he wanted to talk to him alone. Yami nodded and let them go, though his mind didn't. He had no intention to eavesdrop, but still kept himself close to the office so he could get there quickly should it be necessary. He didn't think that Dartz was out to hurt Yugi, but the situation was simply too confusing to make him shrug it off. Better safe than sorry.

"You look like you haven't slept at all." Yugi noted before Dartz could speak.

With a long sigh Dartz sank down into the desk chair, slumping forward and holding his head in his hands. Gone was the proud manager of Atlantis. Instead there was a tired and defeated human being in his place, "I haven't." He admitted, but fell silent after that.

Feeling worried and sympathetic to the man Yugi rolled close so he could place a gentle hand on his shoulder, "And why is that?"

Dartz heaved another sigh and lifted his head to turn his sleep deprived eyes on the disabled young man, "My wife has been lying to me."

Yugi frowned, not really understanding what Dartz was hinting at though many possible answers went through his head. Yet for none of them it made any sense that the manager would specifically seek out Yugi. Not even Yami would be a logical choice, since his relationship with his manager was purely professional. This problem seemed to be more personal with Dartz talking about his wife. Surely he had his own friends to discuss this with if he was having problems at home? Why would he want to specifically talk to him about it?

Dartz noticed the confused expression on Yugi's face, and knew he had to elaborate, "She lied about my daughter Yugi."

Still the frown did not leave Yugi's face. Neither Atem nor Yami had told him of Chris's unfortunate accident on the day they left to go on the tour, so he had no idea what the man was talking about.

Dartz again noticed this, and frowned as well, "Did your boyfriends not tell you what happened?"

"No. Is there something wrong with Chris?"

Another pained expression flashed on Dartz's face as he thought about his daughter. Yugi almost felt bad for asking it, but if he wanted to help the man with whatever he wanted to talk to him about he had to know.

"She got in a motorcycle accident four months ago, right before Yami's tour started."

Yugi gasped, "Oh my god! Is she all right?" He asked with worry in his tone.

"No, she isn't." Dartz sighed and slumped forward again, "I wanted to break off the tour, but my wife assured me that it would be all right. During the past four months I've been calling her every day to keep myself updated on her condition. My wife kept on telling me that Chris was recovering, albeit slowly. Trusting her I thought it would be all right and kept the tour going. Now it turns out that she's been lying all this time."

Yugi's heart wrenched as he heard the man explain. He truly felt for him. He couldn't imagine what it was like to be away from your family while they were in trouble. But to even have said family keep you away was unimaginable. What guilt must this man feel right now?

But more importantly, Yugi feared for the truth. If his daughter wasn't all right, then what was she? "She…she's not dead, isn't she?" He asked softly.

Dartz's eyes grew as he looked at him in shock, "No!" He exclaimed, his voice filled with denial.

Silence fell as Yugi tried to get over the shock of Dartz's fierce sudden answer. He instantly felt guilty for jumping to such a conclusion. But it still didn't provide him with an answer. He swallowed and pressed on, "Then what?"

Dartz slumped forward again with a sigh, "She's still very much alive, but she often wishes that she wasn't." He paused and tightly shut his eyes to keep his tears away. He didn't allow Yugi to interrupt him, since he feared that he wouldn't be able to continue should he stop right now, "She suffered severe brain damage. Over the past four months she's been struggling to do even the most basic things. She's mostly regained her ability to talk, but she can't walk anymore, and her memory often fails her." Salty drops were now peeping though his eyelids, unable to be held back any longer, but still Dartz continued, "My wife says that the doctors say that there's still hope if she keeps on fighting, but I can see that she's tired. She told me herself that she doesn't want to live like this."

The tears now ran freely over the man's cheeks, and sobs racked through his body. He didn't even try to hold it back anymore, knowing that it was pointless. He was defeated. Yugi had trouble keeping his own tears away. To see a proud man like Dartz crying before him over his daughter just went straight to his own heart. He also thought about Chris, the young, strong-willed but friendly girl he had met in the past. It was difficult to imagine her all broken and defeated. But then again he could say the same thing about her father, and here he was in such a state.

As a response Yugi put an arm around Dartz, rubbing his back in whatever comfort it could provide while he allowed the man to calm himself down. He didn't want to say much right now, especially since he was still having more questions, and Dartz wouldn't be able to ask them until he'd calmed down a little. Yugi still didn't know why Dartz had come to him out of all people to break down in front of. He hoped that Dartz didn't think Yugi could fully understand the situation just because he had a medical history and was in a wheelchair. As a matter of fact, he would be greatly offended if that were to be the case. He was very young back then and couldn't even remember most of that period. On top of that there was only ever the question of how much his neurological disorder would eventually come to affect his motor skills. It was far from what Chris had to be going through right now.

After a while Dartz's sobs died down, and he became quiet. His body was still trembling occasionally as he fought to regain control over his emotions. He didn't lift his head for a while yet, and still Yugi didn't say anything either. He just continued soothingly rubbing the manager's back .

"You must be thinking I'm a horrible person." Dartz eventually said dejectedly, surprising Yugi for he hadn't expected him to say something yet.

Yugi sighed and took his hand back, "Why would I think that?"

Dartz removed his hands from his face and turned his head to look at Yugi. Yugi swallowed thickly at the pained expression he was wearing. It was even worse than his crying just a moment before. The man's entire soul was laid bare right in front of him there. And it was a mess.

"I should have called off the tour despite my wife's words. I should have been there for my daughter."

"You cannot change the past." Yugi tried to reassure him, stopping the man when he was about to protest to his words, "It's not your fault. You were misinformed and based your choices on that information. If you had known Chris was in a really bad condition you would have done as you said. That does not make you a horrible person."

Dartz sighed, "I know that. I've been trying to tell myself the same thing, but it just doesn't take away the guilt I feel. I hate my wife for lying to me, but I hate myself even more for allowing her to lie to me. I feel like it wouldn't have mattered whether Chris had died or only had a broken arm, I still should have been there."

"I guess so." Yugi agreed hesitantly, not really knowing what to say anymore. The question about why Dartz had come to him specifically came back to mind.

But before he could ask, Dartz continued to speak, "But you're right that I can't change the past. I can only work on the present to a better future, which brings me to why I came to you in the first place."

"I've been wondering the same thing." Yugi admitted as he crossed his arms.

Dartz smiled a sheepish smile, "I didn't come over here to wallow in my misery if that's what you think. I did have something I wanted to ask of you, and you're the only person I know who I can request this from."

"What is it?"

"Would you talk to Chris for me?" The sudden pleading look in his eyes were unmistakable for Yugi.

His earlier thoughts about him being able to relate for being in a wheelchair resurfaced. Though Yugi would love to help out if he could, he couldn't see how him talking to Chris would make any difference. He even had to make an effort to keep himself composed because of the possible reason behind Dartz's request. But before he could get really angry, he thought it would be best to voice his thoughts, "I this because I'm in a wheelchair?"

Dartz nodded firmly, "Yes. You see, she's so angry that she can't just stand up and walk away anymore. She thinks there's nothing she can do anymore. I'm hoping that by talking to you she will realize that this is not true."

Yugi's earlier anger dissipated. Now that he finally and fully understood why Dartz had sought him out he realized that he had been jumping to conclusions inside his head. The manager didn't think that Yugi could relate to Chris's situation, but he did think that Yugi could relate to her being in a wheelchair. This was partially true. The difference being that Yugi had been in a wheelchair ever since he was two, and thus didn't know any better, while Chris had been a walking, running and jumping individual until four months ago. He couldn't imagine what a person would go through by having something like this happen at a later age. It would be like him becoming suddenly blind or deaf, which was hard to imagine. However, he could help Chris in showing her what she could still do even though she was now in a wheelchair. In that Yugi was as experienced as they come. Besides, thinking back on what Dartz had told him, if it was true that Chris even claimed that she didn't want to live anymore then Yugi definitely wanted to do something to help her out.

"All right, I'll talk to her."

The gratitude on Dartz's face was unmistakable, "Thank you Yugi."

0o0o0

Yugi was already waiting in the park when Dartz arrived with Chris. He had to swallow when he saw her father roll the teenage girl down the path towards the bench where they'd agreed to meet. She was paler than he remembered, and held a sad look on her face that made her seem much older than she was. She wasn't even really looking around her, but instead she stared at her lap, where she tightly held on to a small, white stuffed animal in the shape of a wolf.

Dartz smiled and nodded briefly to acknowledge the young man, though it was clear for anyone to see that he was suffering along with his daughter. Without a word he parked his daughter's wheelchair next to Yugi's and put it on the brake. He then walked around to stand in front of her and squatted down in an attempt to meet her eyes. Yugi could see that Dartz was relieved when Chris lifted her eyes a little to look at her father.

"I'm going to take a walk around the park all right? I'll come and pick you up in half an hour, but Yugi'll keep you company." He said softly.

Chris nodded slightly. Dartz stood back up and turned to Yugi. He briefly gripped his shoulder in his untold appreciation for doing this before he let go and walked off. Now it was just the two of them.

Yugi turned to Chris, who was fiddling with her stuffed wolf, obviously uncomfortable with starting the conversation. So instead Yugi decided to start light-heartedly, "Hey Chris. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Chris didn't say anything, but she nodded once as her answer.

Yugi bit his lip, but continued, "How are you today?"

Again Chris didn't say anything, but this time she shrugged.

Yugi sighed. This was going to be harder than he thought. It would be difficult talking to her about being in a wheelchair if she was going to be so unresponsive of him. Then again, he couldn't blame her. Her father had brought her here hoping she would become a little bit more accepting of her situation. She probably didn't even want to be here if her whole demeanour was any indication. And on top of it they didn't even really knew each other asides from the few welcome home parties for Yami that she had attended. But then a thought popped into his head. Maybe instead of talking, he could just show her that her life wasn't over now that she was unable to walk.

"Come on, let's go for a roll." He said as he took his own wheelchair off its brake and started rolling down the path.

He watched as Chris suddenly looked up with a confused and slightly fearful expression, "W-what?" She stuttered, having a bit of a problem forcing the syllable past her lips.

"I said, let's go for a roll. The weather is too nice to just sit still." He repeated before really rolling away from her.

Chris watched him go, unsure of whether to follow. She looked around her, but didn't spot her father anywhere, so she couldn't call for him. If she didn't make a decision fast she would be all alone. That thought terrified her even more. She didn't really want to be here, but she also didn't want to be left alone while she waited for her father to return, "W-w-wait!" She called out to Yugi.

Yugi stopped and turned around, watching the girl with a curious expression on his face. Chris hastily took the brake off her own wheelchair and tightly gripped the push ring on her wheels. Carefully she rolled after Yugi, being careful since the path sloped down a little bit, and she didn't want to lose control. Yugi waited for her patiently, glad that he got that reaction out of the teen. Maybe now she would open up to him more.

Yugi smiled once Chris had reached him, and took off again. Chris struggled to follow him. She wasn't very used to rolling herself around in a wheelchair yet. Her arms weren't that developed yet and she was conscious of every little bump and hole in the path. She was scared to fall over, and didn't dare to go too fast.

Yugi noticed after a while that she was falling back. Looking over his shoulder he saw her obvious struggle. He slowed down his pace and allowed her to catch up. His goal was to take a page out of Atem's book and make her see that she could reach higher, but it wouldn't do to set the standard too high. That would only cause her belief in that she couldn't do anything anymore to strengthen. He would have to take it slow.

0o0o0

A/N: Oh dear. I thought this was going to be the last chapter, but it turns out I had more to say than I thought. I really want to spend some proper time on Yugi and Chris being together, since it'll be an integral part to finishing this story. So there'll be another chapter I guess. I'm going to end it at 15, which is a nice number, so I'm not complaining :).

Next chapter: Will Chris regain her strength to fight against her problems? And wrapping up this story.