Hi Everyone! I'm so sorry for not updating this sooner, I was struck with a form of writer's block, but if everything goes according to plan, I should be back in action! Massive thanks for your patience, as well as a massive thanks to Pharaohs Girl18 for reviewing the last chapter! I hope this chapter will be just as good!

Enjoy!

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Blind Date – Part 21

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As the car came to a soft halt in the parking lot, Charles turned the engine off and glanced over his shoulder at the sleeping male in the back seat. His employer had requested he would drive Yami to the hospital in Domino City for his check-up as well as drive the young man towards his friends, before picking up the other Muto sibling before they would head back to New York. The older man was completely fine with the request, especially considering his employer would be at the main office today and would not need him. In fact, ever since his employer wished to see the pale man as much as he could, Charles hadn't been happier. He'd been behind the wheel more often, instead of at the garage or his small office awaiting a call from his employer. Truth be told, the older man was happy with gaining more work. Especially because said work would make his employer smile like he hadn't done in a few years.

Today, however, he felt slight worry as he gazed at the younger male in the back seat of the expensive car. Yami was still sleeping, even though the car had come to a complete stop. The man looked like he needed it, but Charles knew he also had to go to his appointment. Sighing softly, he undid his seat-belt and turned a little more towards the sleeping pale man.

"Young sir?", he asked softly, his professional side unable to call Yami by his name. The older man would never do so, not even while Yami was younger than him or not his employer. It was expected of him to treat the love-interest of his employer with the same respect as he did to the tanned man, someone who held him in high regards and Charles was duty-bound to uphold those expectations. "Sir?", he asked again, a little louder and he smiled at the soft murmuring sounds escaping Yami's lips. The older man understood why his CEO had taken an endearing interest in the pale man. Yami was almost a softer version of the employer Charles knew, yet still as strong and confident, ready to take on the world.

Except for today, it seemed. The younger man looked tired and he had a worried frown upon his brow even as he woke with a deep breath when Charles called him for the third time. The older man watched how the pale youth took a deep breath and stretched slightly, blinking awake slowly. As crimson eyes fell upon Charles, Yami straightened immediately and rubbed his face with his hands.

"I'm so sorry, Charles", Yami whispered in embarrassment as he finally found his bearings. The older man merely smiled at him, though there was a worried gleam in his older eyes.

"It's quite all right, young sir. Do you not sleep well at the hotel?", was the gentle question, but Yami shook his head in answer.

"The hotel is perfect, Charles. Even though New York brims with life every hour of the day, I don't hear much of it. No, there are other thoughts on my mind which enjoy haunting me during the night. Because of them, I don't get much sleep, but I'll be fine", the pale man answered, smiling ever so slightly, yet he seemed confident.

"Very well, young sir", Charles said as he nodded slowly and then left his side of the car to open the door for Yami. As the younger man exited, he continued: "Just know that mr. Sennen wouldn't mind hearing of your troubles". Crimson eyes turned to the older man, a loving gleam within them.

"I can't, Charles. Atemu needs to work and I am already glad he has been able to join me for dinner these past two days. Seeing him and reading his messages take away the slight loneliness I have felt, which I am very thankful for. I can't ask more from Atemu and for the moment, I don't want to because these are problems I have to fix myself and I will. I promise", Yami answered in return and for a mere moment, the older man could only watch with growing pride at the younger man who left his side.

/\/\/\/\/\

"Yami! Over here!" Smiling as he spotted Ryou waving at him, the pale man rose his own hand in greeting, quickening his step a little to reach both the white-haired man and Malik at the small lunch table in the bright sunshine. "Hi!", was the next greeting in his ear as pale arms hugged Yami tight. Malik chuckled as he patted his boyfriend on the shoulder gently.

"Calm now, Ryou. As you can see, he's not dead yet", the tanned man joked and Yami chuckled softly. Ryou pouted, a slight angry glare in his doe-brown eyes as he stared at Malik while finally releasing his slightly taller friend.

"Don't listen to him, Ryou. I'm glad to see you too", Yami said, before the trio sat down at the lunch table and plum-purple eyes turned to him.

"We're glad to see you too. What did the hospital say?", Malik asked and he received a smile in return.

"All cleared. I don't have to come back for oxygen therapy anymore, unless problems arise. The stitches have been removed as well, the examination didn't point out any major damage from my concussion, so they think I had a really minor one. Again, no need to be seen to unless something doesn't feel right. All I hope for is my hair to grow back soon", Yami muttered as he gently stroked the back of his head where the stitches had been. A small spot had been shaved off and he looked really ridiculous. For now, there were two small plaster strips covering the tender area, but they would fall off eventually and leave him with a bald spot and no explanation.

"Yeah, you do look pretty stupid right now", Malik commented, a teasing grin upon his lips, before he grew serious again. "I'm glad you're all cleared though. It wasn't a nice thought, knowing you could have died at The House. Ryou and I have been there after the fire, nothings left. Have you seen it?" Yami nodded in answer at the question.

"Yeah, I asked Charles if he could drive me passed the building so I could see it. The sight was horrible, they're still investigating it too", he said and Ryou gently touched his arm.

"How are the investigations?", was the soft question and Yami sighed while nibbling his lip.

"They're going well, actually. Marcus has been arrested and he will remain in prison until he's proven innocent, which he is not, so that's one rest assured. Both Atemu's and Mai's lawyers are suing him for collateral damage, while he's also being charged for arson and attempted murder in federal court. They are still hearing him and trying to see if they can press other charges. One of the investigators said he committed a premeditated crime, so they can sentence him with the death penalty", Yami explained, before he tilted his head to the side slightly. "But, she also said Marcus might go for a plea bargain in which he'll gain a more lenient sentence. Though it would still be life without parole. He'll never get out again".

Slowly, Malik nodded at his words. "He hangs either way", was his soft answer and Yami agreed. To him, either sentence meant he would be safe from Marcus for the rest of his life. Which was what he really wanted. He didn't want to see the man ever again, he didn't want the man to ever walk amongst the normal people again, because if he did... Sighing softly when his mind turned into a dark alley, Yami snapped out of it as the waitress came towards their table to offer them the menu. As they each ordered something to drink, Ryou touched Yami's arm again when she was gone.

"Now... how are you?", he asked and crimson eyes turned to the white-haired man. Truth be told, Yami wasn't sure how he felt. He was relieved he had been cleared by the hospital, but he was also lonely and lost. He was confident everything would fix itself, but ever since he had gone to New York he'd have these horrible nightmares. They were eating at him and he felt lonely because for the first time... he was actually alone. Sure, Atemu would still come by every evening to have dinner with him and every morning Yami woke to a Goodmorning message upon his phone, but it was not the same. He was used to living in a house with his grandfather and Yugi. He missed the thundering footsteps upon the staircase, while he had cursed them often enough as he had finally been allowed to have a lie-in. He missed going to work, he missed working at the Kame Game Shop, he missed breakfast with his family. Plus, he didn't like the way he had gone to New York... What he also missed, surprisingly more than he had anticipated, was Atemu. He hadn't realised he had grown so used to having the older man around him while staying at the hospital. Yami missed the strong arms, the warm chest, the sound of Atemu's voice, the soothing touches whenever he had been distressed.

At his continued silence, both of his companions looked at him with growing worry. "Don't tell me you're fine", Ryou said as Yami finally looked up at him and inhaled to speak up. At his words, crimson eyes glanced down at the table and the pale man exhaled with a soft sigh.

"Physically, I'm fine", were his words, but Ryou pursed his lips.

"Not really. Even we can see you're tired", the white-haired man countered and Yami leaned back against his seat. He allowed for his eyes to settle upon his hands as they lay upon his lap.

"I don't sleep well", he admitted, frowning in slight bitterness. "At night, I have these livid dreams wherein gramps continues to fight with Atemu. I can't shake the dreams, I can't shake the feelings afterwards. I am furious when I wake up and it takes me a while to calm down, while trying to come up with an answer". He stopped speaking when the waitress brought them their lunch, sandwiches with melted cheese, salad, cucumbers, tomatoes, grilled chicken, mayonnaise and a baked egg on top of everything. They thanked her, before Yami could feel the attention being drawn back to him.

"An answer? To what?", Malik asked softly, though he could guess. Both Ryou and him had been informed about Sugoroku's anger towards Atemu. They didn't know all the details and they hadn't asked as the subject had clearly distressed Yami at the time. It apparently still did, which the tanned man understood.

"As to why gramps is against Atemu so much. Why can't he accept me being with him? Why can't he see that... if Atemu had been any normal guy, he could also break up with me and make it hurt real bad? Why does he say all the bad things? I never wanted to leave Domino like I did, but I don't want to give up the relationship I'm still developing with Atemu. Not while realising I miss him even though I still see him at dinner and I'm so embarrassed at the same time. Gramps said awful things, I'm surprised Atemu didn't leave me right there and then", Yami said and he sighed softly as he played with his food.

"It shows he loves you in return", Ryou offered kindly, but it didn't seem to alleviate Yami's sadness. Malik shrugged slightly.

"From what I have seen while we visited y ou at the hospital, the guy seems to be all right. He's older than you, maybe that's why Sugoroku can't accept it that easily?", he asked, but Yami shook his had slowly.

"Atemu is the man I met when Yugi needed money for his tournament last March. Yugi kind of set me up to a paid blind date with him", he whispered, receiving two surprised stares. Ryou opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. Malik inhaled softly.

"Wait, what?", was his very intellectual question and Yami smiled ever so slightly, though it was tainted by the sad glint in his crimson eyes.

"That's why Yugi had to undergo the house arrest. It was an accident, really. He had planned on setting himself up, but instead of sending a photo of himself... he sent one of me. When I got there, having sort of figured out what the date actually was, I wanted to stop and leave, but Atemu was kind as he offered to continue the dinner. I couldn't say no, as he was a real gentleman and he even walked me home. As we talked... I don't know, there was something nice while being with him and when he began to send me hand-written letters, we were able to continue our conversations. I developed a crush on him, a big one, which was returned and we decided to give a long-distance relationship a try. That was before gramps had to explode when he found out who Atemu really was. He didn't even give either one of us a chance to explain. He jumped to a conclusion and that were his final words on the matter".

For a moment there was silence, before Ryou sighed softly. "It's because I know you, that makes me say that I know Atemu didn't hurt you. When I saw him kind-of kiss you the first time... You would have never allowed for it if the truth had been different. You wouldn't have defended him when I asked you about it, not the way you did at least", the white-haired man said, trying to put his thoughts into words. To say he was surprised was an understatement, but deep down he could understand Sugoroku. He did not agree, perhaps, but very deep down... he understood where the older man was coming from. If Atemu paid for dates in the past, he might as well have hurt Yami and his friend had taken a great risk in going to the date while having a feeling of knowledge about what it really had been about.

"Look, not that I know anything, but you took a risk and it turned out okay. You would not have looked all love-struck if the messages had been different between you and this guy, so you know... I guess it's fine", Malik offered, sipping his drink. Yami smiled at that. To know that neither Yugi or him where the only ones to believe being with Atemu was all right, lifted his spirits somewhat.

"Why the nightmares though?", he whispered softly, sighing as he remembered last night's dream. Every time Sugoroku had said Atemu would hurt him, he had felt pain and had woken up crying. Which was almost usual ever since Monday-night. He had been relieved to know Friday-morning had come around, considering he'd see his friends and pick up Yugi later that day so they could go house-hunting tomorrow. Deep down, Yami was hoping Yugi could ease his mind.

He watched Ryou tap his finger against his chin slightly and he tilted his head curiously when the white-haired man nibbled his lip. "I think I could have an answer, but you won't like it", were the soft words and Yami rose his eyebrow in question. He didn't say anything, however, indicating for Ryou to continue either way. The white-haired man sighed softly, but then said: "What if you feel guilty? What if, deep down, you're wondering if Sugoroku is right? I'm not saying he is, but what if unconsciously you're afraid he might be?"

Crimson eyes stared at the other man, before they lowered back towards his lap. Malik nibbled his lip as well, as if he was afraid Ryou had said something wrong. Yami sighed. "That's all I could come up with too", he murmured, before he rubbed his face with his hands gently.

"Oh", Ryou muttered in response, but Yami shook his head.

"No, it's all right Ryou. If you think that's the problem as well, it might as well be. To me, it was the only answer as to why I have these nightmares. I am afraid gramps is right, because I don't want to admit he could be. I am afraid Atemu will still leave me, but not because of the reasons gramps said. I'm afraid he'll leave because I keep distracting him from his work or because I keep asking for his time or because my grandfather said such horrible things or simply because he thinks I am using him for his money. Which I'm not, but I can't help think about it when I'm alone", Yami ranted, before he seemed to deflate. "Afterwards, I am angry at myself for being so stupid". Malik tilted his head slightly at those last words.

"Not really. Every relationship is different, yours has a pretty wild road at the moment. Insecurities exist, but they are only resolved if you talk about them with the person who creates them. I don't think Atemu is a horrible guy, Yami. Sure, he's rich and perhaps a little too lonely, but he's still with you. The things you just said to us... are the things he needs to hear", the tanned man said and Ryou nodded his support.

"You're not stupid, Yami. When we started dating, Malik and I had plenty to talk about and we still do. Sugoroku is afraid, yes, but just because he feels that way... doesn't mean he's right. It means that he cares for you, albeit he shows it a little wrong. Plus, it also means you and Atemu can prove to him he's wrong. Who knows what will happen? Nobody does, but if you're happy with that man, you should go for it", Ryou offered and Yami smiled, gasping softly when a pale finger poked against his shoulder.

"Unless he hurts you. Then you hurt him back", was the fair warning and Yami chuckled.

"Atemu won't hurt me. At least... I don't think he will", the pale man answered truthfully and Ryou smiled at him warmly.

"You really love him?", he asked and Yami nodded.

"Yes Ryou, I love him. I want to be with him, I want to see him, I want to read his messages, I want to write messages to him. When he's with me, I feel safe", he answered and he received a beaming smile in return.

"Then that's your answer. It won't be easy and you'll love Sugoroku again when all of this is over, but if Atemu can make you feel safe... That's the kind of love you're looking for".

/\/\/\/\/\

Drumming his fingers against the glass top of his desk softly, Atemu couldn't help but purse his lips slightly while he stared at the screen before him. Not that he was reading any of the documents, neither the digital or printed versions. The tanned man was simply staring ahead of himself, nibbling his lower lip slightly as his rose-red eyes fell upon the photo next to his screen. A warm smile graced his lips as he once more enjoyed the sight of the pale man sitting at the Koi pond, radiating peace and tranquillity. It was quite different from how Atemu had seen the other man at dinner these past few days.

There still had been the loving, kind and warm smile. The gentle touches, the leaning against Atemu's frame, but there had also been a swirl of trouble brewing in the crimson eyes. The kind that said Yami was troubled by something, joined by a tired look upon his face. Atemu had asked if the hotel was all right, if Yami slept well, but the pale man had said he was fine. That there was indeed something on his mind, but that he couldn't name it yet himself. It worried the tanned man to know something was wrong, but not knowing what it was. Had Yami second thoughts? After all, it had been him who had torn the Muto family apart. Atemu knew he was the one who had forced the pale man to move to New York, only to leave him on his own because an office called his name. Was Yami realising Atemu was hard to love, hard to reach in the first place? Was the other man realising they shouldn't worry about a long-distance relationship, but about a normal one first? Atemu knew it was his fault, he couldn't be with the man he loved because there was work to do. He couldn't be with Yami right now, even if he wanted to be. There was a major contract coming up, meetings, video conferences, paperwork to sort through...

Leaning back in his chair, Atemu rubbed his face to try and still his raging thoughts. Had his father felt this way whenever he hadn't been able to be with Atemu or his mother? Had he felt this way when he had nearly missed another birthday, even if the man had tried not to? The tanned man had always promised himself he would not let that happen, yet... look at him now. Leaving his lover in the middle of New York, while he sat high up in his tower and would be away this weekend. Luckily Yugi would come over until Sunday-evening, even if that brought another trouble to Atemu's musing mind. He had wished for everything to be arranged, but Yami had denied it, except for Charles driving him and his brother. No extra hotel room or anything. Why not? Why would the other man not accept Atemu's help? Was the tanned man rushing things or was Yami afraid his grandfather would eventually be right? No, Atemu's mind bristled and he glared at his screen. The elder was not right and Yami knew that. That's why the pale man still leaned against him, still enjoyed his touches and had kissed him again. The memory of those sweet lips against his own, made Atemu smile as he gently picked up the photo and stared at the serene face. The tanned man believed Yami knew he would never disrespect him, would never treat him as the elder had suggested. It was a good thing Sugoroku wasn't around at the moment, this way he could no longer interfere with their relationship.

Or could he?, was the given thought and Atemu closed his eyes slowly. He sincerely hoped not... Was he truly not rushing things, though? Was he not pushing Yami to kiss him in return? Maybe he should slow down a little and let the other man adjust to the fact he was in New York, away from his family as well as away from Atemu. Gently, the tanned man stroked the photo. Should he give Mahado a call to ask for advise? No, his mind offered. It was very late in Egypt and he couldn't disturb the man with his tumbling thoughts. He just had to solve them himself, like he always did. A little more distance then, Atemu decided, to prove he was not as Sugoroku had said he would become. He would not take advantage of Yami, he would let the other set the pace for their relationship and perhaps everything would sort itself out. He loved the other man dearly, but maybe... There simply wasn't much to love about Atemu.

/\/\/\/\/\

Even before Charles had opened the door, Yami had seen Yugi waiting for the car to arrive. Embracing his younger sibling the moment he could, the pale man could feel himself relaxing. Yes, he could admit that the talk with both Ryou and Malik had been something he needed, but seeing Yugi was even better.

"Hey", Yugi said softly and Yami smiled.

"Hey", he greeted back, before he looked back at the Kame Game Shop. Yugi followed his gaze, a soft sigh escaping his pale lips. "Gramps' not waving you goodbye?", Yami asked softly, a worried frown playing on his brow as Yugi shook his head.

"No, he's not. Thank you Charles", Yugi said as the older man opened the trunk for his suitcase. Gently, he placed the brought item inside, before he followed Yami upon the seats in the back of the car. As the door closed behind them, amethyst eyes turned to the older sibling. "Gramps doesn't like me taking your side", were his soft words and the teen lay a warm hand upon Yami's arm as he gazed at him, the other man closing his eyes slowly in sadness. Why did it come to this? What was the point Sugoroku tried to make? To hurt him through Yugi?

"It's all right, Yami... I told him I wouldn't change my decision. Exactly as I'm telling you right now. Atemu has not ever done something wrong and I can't see why gramps is so stubborn about it. I tried to ask him, but all he says is we wouldn't understand, but as long as he doesn't talk, I can't agree with him. I stand with you, Yami", Yugi said softly and crimson eyes turned his way.

"I just wish he wouldn't hurt you because of it", Yami admitted and Yugi nodded. They had always had a good relationship with their grandfather, aside from stupid mistakes they made in life. House arrest would occur every now and then, gramps could be stern, but they had a loving upbringing overall. There had been disagreements before, but not like these. Not the kind where they were almost estranged from each other, or had to take sides so drastically.

"Neither do I, but I'm sure he'll turn around. He can't be angry at Atemu forever. Besides, speaking of him, how was your date yesterday?", Yugi asked, hoping he could turn the conversation around. Even if only slightly and he almost patted himself on the shoulder when a small smile appeared on Yami's lips, while crimson eyes gleamed with a warm softness.

"It was actually very nice. Atemu was so kind and gentle, we had such a lovely dinner at this small restaurant and the food was delicious. The people were very nice, but all I could think of was that I had Atemu to myself again for an evening. I've grown spoiled at having him at the hospital all the time, Yugi", the older sibling admitted softly and Yugi chuckled softly.

"I bet you are", he agreed, almost sure his brother was pouting after he had spoken up. He chuckled again and Yami followed him in his mirth.

"I am", was the next admittance and Yugi nodded. "But that's all right. It has kind of become a tradition to have a date before he leaves for work, but that's something I love about us. Besides, our last date was kind of disturbed rather rudely, so we had to go out properly again. How are Jonouchi and Anzu? When is your next tournament actually?", Yami asked, trying to be considerate of Yugi as he didn't want to gush over his date with Atemu all the way towards New York. Truth be told, he had had an amazing time with the tanned man. A wonderful dinner, talking about Atemu's upcoming days because Yami had been curious to the meetings, while holding hands. Another walk through New York, their arms linked and his body close to Atemu's. Remembering all of that made him realise Ryou and Malik were right, even though he couldn't shake the feeling of Sugoroku not even waving goodbye to Yugi. Was his anger at such levels, Yugi no longer mattered?

Yugi happily chatted about his friends, even though Yami had seen them last week while he had been at the hospital. Not that it matter, at the time they had only worried for him and Yami hadn't really been up to any kind of conversation from anyone. He was happy to hear from Yugi that Jonouchi was apparently doing well, having gone on a holiday this year for the first time since his parents divorced. Ever since he had moved away from his drunk father, the blond had been doing a lot better and everyone was glad he did. Anzu was following all the dancing tournaments since the start of the holidays while competing with other girls to gather enough "fame" to hopefully get a sponsor. One like Yugi had, considering Sugoroku ended the contract with Sennen Corporation as soon as possible. Yami knew he'd done it because he had heard the news from Atemu and that the latter hadn't done anything about it. Nor that he would do, as bfor Yami alone, he'd possibly accept everything. That worried Yami, but made him realise there was much more to Atemu he hadn't seen just yet.

"Oh, and my next tournament will be in about six weeks time from now, though I hope they'll plan it during the weekends, considering everyone has to go back to school again. Well... I have to go back to school", Yugi said, pouting ever so slightly. "Can't believe school starts back up again in nearly three weeks". Yami nodded at that.

"Yeah, I hope I can find a home before that", he said, but he watched the teen nod confidently.

"I'm sure you will. We'll go on a hunt tomorrow and find something nice. And if we don't, we'll turn the hotel room upside down. Which we'll already do, considering you didn't want me to book a different room", Yugi commented as Charles parked the car next to the hotel. Yami chuckled.

"There are two queen sized beds in the room, I asked Atemu if he could arrange a room like that, considering I wanted to make sure you could sleep over", the older sibling said and Yugi smiled.

"Well, that makes sense", he answered, stepping out of the car as Charles opened the door for the both of them. Checking in at the hotel was rather easy, especially because Yugi wasn't swarmed this time by fans. After they had brought the teens suitcase upstairs, they were even able to make it in one piece towards the Burger King they had eaten at a few weeks ago when Yugi had won the tournament. It was just as busy back then too, but they both happily chatted away as Yami showed the teen photos of the apartments they would visit the following morning.

"There are four in total and most of them are in walking distance. Though we need to take the bus from the second to the third viewing. The first one has open house between ten and eleven, the second one I have made an appointment for at twelve, then at two we'll visit the third and the last one is scheduled at four o'clock. I'll take you out to a Subway for lunch, I checked and it's close by to the third apartment", Yami said as he explained to Yugi how they would travel and where they would walk to. Yugi nodded impressed.

"Leave it to you to have everything organised", the teen said and Yami chuckled softly. Not that he minded the compliment, he rather had everything in order in case something would go wrong. He had the phone numbers of the people who had listed the apartments for rent written down and he knew where to go as he had studied the map several times beforehand.

"But what if we find one? Will you be able to move in straight away?", Yugi asked and Yami tilted his head slightly.

"Not immediately, obviously, but somewhere these weeks definitely. I looked for apartments that were available straight away, but because it is a Saturday, I do think I'll have to wait until Tuesday to get everything arranged. Besides, I asked Atemu if he could look over the contract for me and he won't be back until Sunday evening. I hope he can look at it for me on Monday, but I don't want to pressure him, which means I'll just have to wait and see", Yami explained, showing some more photos as they finished their quick dinner. After deciding to head back to the hotel to watch a film on Yami's laptop, both men got themselves comfortable on one bed like they used to as kids.

Not that Yami saw a lot of the film. He was fast asleep a little half an hour later and Yugi shook his head with a roll of his eyes. He knew he could've left it to his brother to fall asleep, but he was glad Yami had done so. Yugi had seen him being tired, he had seen him yawn every so often and he had seen the worried frown upon his brow even if Yami didn't want to talk about it. He sighed softly as he left the bed and helped Yami shift to get into a more comfortable position. He knew his brother would talk to him about it eventually, even if Yugi had to start fishing for an answer. Yami had talked about Atemu too, at some point when he could no longer deny it. Talking about their troubles, however, was much easier. They had shared different troubles since they were kids, it was what made their bond so strong.

The teen had never been angry at Yami for trying to hide he loved Atemu. For trying to hide who the tanned man really was. Sure, he had been worried, curious and perhaps a little annoyed, but once he understood why... all of that meant nothing anymore. Especially not as Sugoroku was overreacting while the love Atemu and Yami shared was sweet. Yugi knew he was quite possibly the silliest brother in the whole wide world for thinking such ways, but he didn't care. Yami had always looked out for him and it was high time Yugi paid him back for that.

Stroking through Yami's hair kindly, Yugi placed the laptop atop the desk afterwards and turned the lights off before he settled down upon his own bed. When they had been kids, they had often slept in each other's rooms. With Yami gone, Yugi missed those times dearly. He missed his sibling's laughter and his cooking. He missed the nerdy presence, but also the great advise and the fun they had together when playing games. Yugi hated the fact Yami had to move to New York, but he also understood. Yami wouldn't be able to live at the Kame Game Shop at the moment. Truthfully, Yugi was glad he was away for the weekend as well.

"I miss you", he whispered softly, huddling underneath the blankets as he closed his eyes. Yami never answered, but that was all right. Perhaps Yami hadn't said it, but the embrace he had given Yugi at seeing him had been more meaningful than any words could have been.

/\/\/\/\/\

Why? Why couldn't he wake himself up? Yami knew he could, the moment he realised he was dreaming he had tried, but it didn't work. He was forced to hear arguments and shouting, he was forced to listen to Sugoroku forbidding Yugi from seeing him ever again.

"Stop it!", he cried out, covering his ears with his hands and once again closing his eyes in an attempt to wake up from the horrible nightmare. The voices turned louder however. "You can't control my life!", he screamed at the top of his lungs, opening his eyes in hopes of finding a different scene. There was none. Door after door closed around him and he tried to open one.

"Yami!", Yugi called out and the pale man pulled at the doorknob as much as he could.

"You won't see him again! I won't let him hurt you!", Sugoroku yelled at him and as if he was burned, Yami released the knob.

"Stop it! Leave me alone! Get out!", he screamed, seeing himself at the hospital where Yugi steadied him and he pointed at the door. Things were falling down and as crimson eyes focused on them, Yami saw they were roses. Sugoroku was holding one, blood covering his hands as the thorns cut into his flesh, before he tore the flower from the stem.

"He'll only hurt you", were the echoing words, but all Yami could look at were the falling roses around him. He gasped as his hand stung and when he looked down, thorns were cutting in his hand. No... No... None of this was real! Atemu loved him and he did so in return. His fury flared and Yami frowned in anger, before closing his eyes one final time to wake himself up.

"Yami, wake up!", Yugi screamed in his ear and Yami jolted awake, gasping for air. His hand hurt, he was disorientated, before he looked at the teen next to him. The lights were on and the older sibling could see how worry clouded Yugi's chubby face. Soft pale hands touched his cheeks and Yami jolted as they did, but Yugi held on as he wiped at the tears streaming down Yami's cheeks.

"You had a nightmare", the teen whispered, stating the obvious, but Yami nodded anyway. Like he did every night, but this time... This time Yugi was taken from him. This time he had been truly alone as not even Atemu was there. Shuddering, the pale man could feel how his sibling pulled him into a hug and he simply let go. Why? Why did he have these terrible dreams? Why did they continue? When he felt Yugi patting his back ever so softly, Yami felt himself calm down from his sobbing.

"It's all right, it was a nightmare", Yugi muttered, but slowly released Yami when the latter asked for it. He stared at his brother, knowing his sibling could have pretty livid dreams and he probably had experienced one just now. He watched Yami shake his head.

"Not just a nightmare", the pale man started, wiping his face with his hands. He was long glad he didn't feel as angry as he had done the other nights. Sad, yes, angry... not so much. Scared, a little. Even though he knew none of it was true. "I've been having them since Monday night. Gramps is haunting me in my dreams and tonight... he decided to keep you away from me. Just because I'm dating Atemu". Amethyst eyes widened slightly, before Yugi sat back a little and took a deep breath.

"You're worried everything will fall apart because you decided to stay with Atemu?", he asked and Yami almost winced. It didn't sound like what Ryou had said, but it came pretty darn close. Slowly, he nodded.

"At first, I wasn't sure... I talked to Ryou and Malik about it because Ryou noticed I wasn't myself. He deducted pretty much the same as you just did", the pale man admitted, silence falling between them as Yugi didn't answer. He listened though... apparently Yami was ready to talk and the teen would be there for him. He had been scared when he couldn't wake Yami up after calling his name and he knew his brother needed to get it off his chest.

When Yami didn't continue, however, he sighed softly. "Will you tell me?", he asked and crimson eyes looked up at him. They turned down at the sheets when Yami seemed to collect his thoughts.

"I was afraid", he whispered, drawing his knees up against his chest so he could lean his chin upon them. Yugi mimicked his position, leaning against the wall as he looked at his brother. "I'm still sorting through my thoughts and slowly I'm not afraid anymore. Gramps hurt me more than I realised at first and I was afraid I would lose Atemu because of it. It pains me to know he hurts your feelings because I am dating someone he does not agree with. I'm conflicted, because I love you and gramps, but I also love Atemu".

Sighing softly, Yugi stared at Yami. "Gramps will turn around", he whispered and Yami stared at him.

"Not straight away, but I know I can prove to him Atemu is a good man. I'm trying to scream it at him in my dreams, but I guess it's no use. Not with words... I'll have to show him. My dreams just tell me I'm afraid to realise gramps might be right in the end. At least, that's my deduction since talking with Ryou. When both Malik and him left and I had to wait for your shift to finish, I wrote everything down in the car. My mind is still jumbled, but it worked sort of. I just don't understand why I have these nightmares", Yami whispered and Yugi tilted his head slightly.

"Maybe you're working on it a little too much? I understand why and I'm sure you'll figure it out in the end and be happy with the choice you've made. Yes, I miss you at the Kame Game Shop, but I can see how much you love Atemu. I'm actually glad you didn't listen to gramps, if it's of any help", the teen muttered and Yami stared at him.

"You're glad?", he asked softly and Yugi nodded.

"Yeah. You're mr. Perfect, but finally you do something you like. I mean, you've stepped out of line before... beating up my bullies for example, but this time you truly followed your heart. You're rebellious and it's... Refreshing?", Yugi mused out loud and Yami couldn't help himself as he chuckled softly. Maybe he was over thinking all of this, maybe he just had to wing it and see where it would end. As Yugi laughed sheepishly, though with mirth gleaming in his eyes, the pale man knew he would still need time to sort through this thoughts... but it would be worth it.

"You can see I love Atemu?", he asked softly, blushing in embarrassment and Yugi snorted.

"Everyone can see it. I mean, at the hospital, you wouldn't let him go unless absolutely necessary. There was this one time you had fallen asleep and wouldn't let go of his vest so he left it with you in order for him to go to the bathroom", Yugi said, laughing as Yami's blush turned a lot more red. When even the tips of his ears were glowing, the teen grinned. "When you talk about him, you seem to drift away on cloud nine to places I don't want to venture".

"Yugi, stop!", Yami pleaded, but the teen laughed at him and his embarrassment. He knew he shouldn't have asked, but it did alleviate the depressing thoughts after his nightmare. Yugi still grinned at him.

"I'm sorry, was that embarrassing?", the teasing tone eluded all thoughts the teen tried to go for an apology. Not that Yugi would mean it, he was long glad he could tease his brother like this.

"No, it's not", Yami lied, sticking out his tongue, which was returned. "Thanks though. Now I know how to make you scream in fear", the older sibling muttered and Yugi mock-glared at him.

"Never", the teen countered, before he cried out as Yami jumped him and pressed him down to the bed.

"Really?", the pale man asked, poking his fingers against Yugi's side gently. As the teen started to shake his head and made an attempt to fight his brother off of him, the battle was on. Fingers poked and prodded, tickling his sensitive sides and Yugi laughed while he tried to beg for Yami to stop.

Gasping for air, Yugi clumsily kicked Yami as the latter finally released him from his torture. "I was trying to help", he muttered and Yami smiled.

"You did", he answered, though Yugi snorted softly.

"Next time you're on cloud nine, I'll be there to make sure everyone sees it", the teen countered, though he was long glad Yami felt better. He was glad they had talked, like they used to do. It meant their separation... didn't mean anything at all. All was good between them, just as Yugi had hoped it still was. Yami chuckled.

"You can try", he muttered, "I will extract my revenge for you spying on me and Atemu first, Little One". Yugi stared at him, amethyst eyes calculating, but Yami merely smirked eerily and the teen decided he didn't want to know. Not now... not ever. Maybe his brother would forget about his revenge eventually.

One could hope, couldn't they?

/\/\/\/\/\

Thanks for reading! Again, I'm really sorry it took so long, but I hope the wait was worth it. Next up is house-hunting, though I'll be job-hunting. See you in the next part!