A/N: I forgot how fun it is to write first person. I hope you enjoy this chapter too. I have no idea what Im doing, I'm just letting the words do their thing :D

His laughter was everywhere. I cant escape it. No matter how far i run or where i turn its there. I cant get away.

Its getting hard to keep running. I cant breathe. It hurts.

Everything hurts.

My chest feels so tight. If i keep running ill die.

But he's behind me. Around me. Above me. Everywhere.

My foot hooks onto my other and I fall heavily onto the ground. It feels as if im sinking, being smothered by the world and all i can hear above my own screams is his laughter.

"Hahahaha Yugi…" His voice echoes in my mind and i feel him wrapping his hands around my neck. He'll choke whats left of me. Hes going to kill me.

I don't want to die.

Please!

Please don't kill me!

"Yugi!"

Violently I push him off me and to my surprise he went away. He fell backwards and as I heard the thump and cry of fright I dared to open my eyes to …

My room.

It's dark but the moon lit up my room and the laughter had stopped, replaced by groaning coming from the floor.

Oh my god. Atem!

I hurried to the side of the bed to watch him pushing himself back up, rubbing his head tiredly where he must have hit the bookcase.

"I'm sorry." I squeaked quickly, rushing off the bed to reach him. He seemed okay and I tried my hardest to focus on him but the nightmare was returning. I could feel my body shaking as my heart raced. I felt the looming overhead as my mind played its cruel tricks on me.

"Its okay. Are you alright?" He asked me and I wanted to cry. No I was not alright but I just pushed him, and hard too.

"I'll be okay. I'm so sorry for pushing you, I thought - your not hurt are you?"

I'm crying.

I'm bloody crying.

Stupid.

He pulled me into a tight embrace, securing his arms around me so I had no choice but to relent. I couldn't stop myself from crying even as he ran his hand through my hair, hushing me gently to calm me down.

I'm such an idiot. This is stupid, stop crying!

"Its okay Yugi. Your fine, your safe now."

"I don't care about that!" I mumbled into his shirt but with the fabric and the sobbing i dont even know if he heard me. I dont care about that either. I felt his heart beating rapidly against me, smelled his sandalwood scent filling my mind and I couldn't get enough of it. I held onto him tighter, clutching at his shirt and nuzzling into his chest so deeply I was practically sitting in his lap. I didnt care about that either … all I wanted was to feel so wrapped into him that I'll finally stop crying.

"Its okay. Hush Ife. It's alright." He cooed softly over and over again.

It worked.

Finally.

His voice, his scent, the gentle rubbing on my back finally settled me down. Now all I had was the drowning shame of having another nightmare and of pushing an actual Pharaoh off my bed.

Gently he pushed me off him just enough so he could look at me. I welcomed it, as much as I wanted to hide, because I wanted to see his face. I heard Bakura laughing for so long that I needed to see a friendly face before me.

What I saw was friendly: the handsome face of a gorgeous King, but he was far from happy. His eyes were rich with concern, sadness and maybe fear even after he stroked my cheek with the back of his fingers, wiping the tears away with his thumb. A small smile pulled at his lips but it was pained … which stung. I was hurting him like this.

Stupid.

"I'm sorry for what you're going through. None of this should have happened." He said, his voice low and almost a whisper.

I moved on my own, leaning toward him to rest my forehead on his. I heard his breath catch and felt him tense but he quickly returned to stroking my cheek and rubbing circles on my back.

"You don't need to apologise. I'm sorry for worrying you. I need to have better control -"

"You cant control everything you feel Yugi."

"But this is stupid. I'm not dying and -"

"Is that what you felt?" He asked me, stealing my focus to him. He must have read my mind because with a grimace he gently took my head in his hands and made me look into his eyes. I said nothing, not trusting my ability to speak and he seemed to fill in the silence himself.

"I don't think what your feeling is stupid. I think it's natural to be afraid of death, especially since you've been so close to it. This is your mind's way of coming to terms with yourself, to strengthen and protect yourself in preparation for the future."

"Well can it not? I feel weaker than I've ever felt and I've had some pretty low points in my life, I really don't want to feel like I'm dying every night." I complained, seeking the comfort of the crane of his neck. He held me close and I could have purred. He was so warm against me that I tucked my arms between us and curled my legs under his.

He chuckled lightly and rested his chin atop my head.

"I know. It will pass in time but Yugi, listen to me. Really take in what I'm about to say because I promise you, and Ive promised you before but I truly mean it - I promise you I will not allow anything to happen to you. So long as I breathe I will always protect you."

I know he'll try. I know he means it. But he cant protect me from everything. Bakura is dangerous.

Too dangerous…

But I want to believe him. I want to put my faith in him. I don't want him to despair, or feel useless or feel like he's not getting through to me.

"Thank you." I mumbled.

He moved me back again, taking my head in both hands and locking his eyes with mine again, only this time he was more confident, more sure of himself than I've ever seen him. The fire in his eyes made my skin tingle and I became chilled under that hot stare of his. It was like he was piercing my soul, trying to crawl inside so he could light a fire to keep me warm against the dark feelings currently swirling around.

But… how can he be so confidant when the person we're up against is so evil, so powerful and well above several steps ahead of us?

"I vow to protect you Yugi. I swear this."

He said as if reading my mind.

I chewed my lip, sighing inwardly as I stared into those beautiful, strong eyes of his, wishing I could be half as sure as he was. Where did he find this confidence and faith?

"I believe you. I do. Im just not so sure. This feels different to the other times. I feel like Bakura is playing with us like mice. I feel like … whatever is coming is more dangerous than anything we've ever faced and thats saying something. I just… don't want to lose anyone."

I caught his smile, his eyes soften and curiously I felt my insecurities being hushed the longer I stared at him.

"Then we'll fight to protect them, just as we always do; and just as we always do we'll come out on top, as a team." He said strongly.

It was hard to argue that and I didn't want to. I want to be as strong as he is, as sure as he is … and perhaps that starts when I stop arguing.

I smiled finally, feeling lighter already and he let his hands fall to my own. Of course it was painfully obvious now the position we are in. I'm straddling his lap and practically have him pinned against my dresser. I'm basically riding him … all I'd need to do would be to move my hips… or lean forward just a little bit...towards those soft, kissable lips ...

No. Stop it.

Get off him Yugi. Just get off him.

"Uhh… thank you for talking and I'm sorry to get you up … awake I mean, of course. We should probably sleep … not together, I mean in our own beds. Its probably big … gonna be a big day tomorrow and we'll need our energy… to take on the day of course, certainly nothing else but the day. I mean gramps will probably work your hard … YOU hard and I've got school. I don't want to stay on my back… stay back, I mean, cause detention … so we should sleep! Now!"

I'm. A literal. Idiot.

Quickly I scrambled off him and into my bed, facing away from him and staying perfectly still. I'm painfully aware of the hard on in my pants right now, i just hope Atem wasn't, though with how good my acting is I'm sure he doesn't suspect a thing …

…

Idiot, how could he not?

I blinked several times, completely dumbfounded as Yugi scrambled off me to hastily climb into bed. I have no idea what just happened but all of a sudden he was nervous …

Could it have been the way I touched him? Was that too weird? Did I make him uncomfortable? I bet I made him uncomfortable. Idiot. I should know better. Yugis never had that kind of intimacy with anyone yet… and to be fair nor have I but that's not the point. I should know my boundaries by now. I'm such a fool. There are plenty of ways of relaying how much I intend to protect him without touching him that much.

But then… He was the one sitting on me … crap!

I quietly felt my crotch, relieved that any stiffening there might have been would have gone unnoticed … thank the gods it wasnt that. I cant even imagine how I would begin to explain that.

Either way Yugi was definitely nervous. If it wasn't obvious by how quickly he got up then it was definitely obvious by how he stumbled over his words.

I'm sure it's my fault. He wasnt nervous until I told him we'd take care of it as a team. Perhaps I said something wrong, or maybe it was the way it was said, or maybe he noticed I was lost in his eyes… but how could I not be? Even distressed as he was he is still so beautiful.

Perhaps I should apologise tomorrow… if he's still nervous around me then I will.

It's dark, raining and the feint rumble of thunder rolled in the distance. My footsteps splashed in the puddles I strolled in without a care in the world only it wasnt me who is strolling. It's my body, i can feel the water droplets falling on my skin and washing through my hair; but I'm not the one telling my legs to move or directing where Im going. If it were me I'd be inside my apartment drinking a hot tea, but instead I'm dredging through the rain, following some poor fellow I don't know, with nothing but my Millenium Ring lighting my way.

Ive felt this malice before, rising in my blood like a fever. I don't know what happens exactly but I do know its not good and more than once I'm normally needing to wash blood off my hands that doesn't belong to me.

But I've never seen the moments before. I'm normally unconcious as the Spirit takes over out of boredom. Could it be … is this poor gentleman going to be tonights victim?

If only I could call out to him or better still stop following. But I cant. I have no control right now. All I can do is watch and feel as I take a corner out of sight of him. Good. Maybe I'm not going to hurt him afterall. Thank God for that.

Wait…

NO STOP!

I scream at myself, pulling desperately at the corners of my mind for control but I was powerless to stop myself from surprising the man further up, pulling a knife out of ...somewhere and … ugh… burying it deep in his stomach.

He yelped in surprise until he felt the blade enter him to which he gargled blood and choked, grasping at my shoulders as tears formed in his eyes.

I could feel the warmth trickling down my hands and I could feel his muscles contracting around the blade as he moved. Weakly he tried clawing at my face, tried pushing me away but the rumble in my chest from the dark chuckling distracted him and I felt my hand twist the blade. His eyes shot wide and as his energy left him he fell.

I screamed so loudly the raining world became the dry darkness of my room. I shot up, clutching at the wind to try and catch the man but I was alone now, and myself.

I looked around frantically but saw no one. I clutched at my chest but the Ring was gone and finally i turned on my lamp to stare at my hands but they were clean. Not a single drop of blood on them, dry or otherwise.

I began to shake, my skin prickled with the ice in my veins and my stomach turned and churned. My mouth watered as the memory of what happened that night became so real. That was no dream… that happened… I remember his face. I saw him in a news article 8 months ago. He was found dead in an alley with no witnesses, no murder weapon and no suspects. I had always wondered.. it wasnt the first time I had awoken covered in someone elses blood, but I never knew who it belonged too.

I had killed someone … in cold blood… for sport.

No. It wasnt me… it was the Spirit of the Ring … but that would never defend me in court. I still did it… with these hands…. And now I remember one.

I did it.

I killed someone.

Someone who had a family and friends. I took his life in cold blood.

Murderer.

No. No no no!

I cant control the shaking now or the tears that followed. I sobbed hard; probably as hard as the widow I made.

My heart was breaking, stabbing me repeatedly. It hurt so much….but not as much as I hurt him.

Oh my god. What have I done?!

What have I done?

"Alright you have your umbrella this time Yugi?" Mr. Moto asked him for the third time this morning and for the third time this morning Yugi nodded and showed him.

"Yes Grandpa, keep asking me and I'll have to organise a visit to the doctors." He joked. He seemed to be a good mood this morning, and not at all nervous around me … maybe he's forgiven me for last night. I won't press it now in any case.

"Oh hush. I'm just making sure you didn't leave it somewhere cause if you get caught in the rain again I'll be arranging visits to the doctor for you Mr." Mr. Moto laughed.

"Aright, we have to go. See you later Atem, bye Mr. Moto!" Tea waved at us as she turned to leave with Yugi.

"I'll be coming home this afternoon!" He called back to us and I giggled.

"Come on Mr. I've got different tasks for you today." Mr. Moto said, lightly tapping my chest on the way back inside. I followed obediently, eager to start another productive day I can wow Yugi with.

"So how's Atem fitting in?" Tea asked me on our way to school. I blushed when I thought of last night but quickly shifted to anything else.

"Good. Great actually. He helped Grandpa with the shop yesterday and did all my chores for me. He was really excited about it. It's kinda cool and refreshing though. It's like the smallest things brings him so much joy. I normally don't mind minding the shop for Grandpa but he loved doing all those odd little things that I normally I don't like."

"Well everythings new to him. He's used to duelling in your body but not much else in this era you know? I think I know what you mean though. When you … um… went away and he was with us instead, when he wasn't lost in his own grief he kinda just followed our leads for everything. Getting on the train, eating breakfast. He watched us do the dishes once and after that he did his own. I think there's actually so much about this world he doesn't know yet." Tea said. It blew my mind how right she was.

"I think you're right Tea. I mean when we went to the hospital to see Ryou he had car sickness. When I was on the couch recovering from Diabounds attack he burned his hand trying to get cold water but he was actually kind of happy about it. He had so much enthusiasm talking about the precount of stocktake and taking out the garbage. I suppose everything feels especially different because not only can he do these things on his own now but he also has his memories from 5000 years ago too. Everything he did when he was alive before is 100% so different to everything he's doing now, even if he wasn't a Pharaoh." I said.

"Yeah! This is the first time he's ever had the opportunity to live as a normal human being. I'm glad he's not taking this for granted. It's great he's enjoying these things." She beamed and I laughed at my next thought.

"Well if he enjoys these things so much maybe he can take my place in school tomorrow."

She nudged my arm playfully, giving me a mock stern look but she knew I wasn't serious.

"Hey guys!" Joey called to us from the front gate by Tristan. Weird, hes not usually so early.

"Joey! Tristan! You guys are early." Tea said as we got to them.

"Yeah Tristan here was doin some charity work and decided to get me early."

"Charity?" I asked curiously.

That's when someone walked out from behind him wearing a hoody to hide himself. It wasnt until he lifted it just a little that I saw it was Ryou.

"Ryou?" Tea asked to which they immediately hushed her.

"I'm sorry."

"What's with the hoody? Whats going on?" I asked.

"I don't feel like getting swarmed today." He said meekly.

Somethings wrong. He seems… more meek than usual. Maybe it's about what we talked about yesterday.

"Are you okay?" I asked him. His eyes were red and puffy like he'd been crying, just like yesterday.

"We've got some time before class do you wanna talk?" I asked him, gently touching his arm.

He thought about it but eventually smiled and shook his head no.

"Thank you but I'll be okay. Maybe later though, if you dont mind." He said quietly.

"Of course. Any time. Middle of class is fine too."

Tea nudged me again and we laughed. Even Ryou chuckled.

"Alright well let's head in then." I said.

"I finished sweeping the paths Mr. Moto and clearing the drain from the leaves." I said happily. He smiled at me and stopped what he was doing.

"Good man. Go put that away and come back. I want your opinion."

"Mine?" I ask as I pass him.

"Yes. There's a new shipment being released soon but there's been a rise in popularity of zombie and dark cards. I only have enough budget to choose one or the other. So, in your opinion, what would you prefer to see in the store?" He asked.

"Uhhh… I mean new cards are always exciting and it might be profitable to stay up to date with the current trends." I said, standing beside him to look over his shoulder at the screen. It looked like the new cards coming out were very science fiction based, around machines and something called elemental heroes? They're completely new. Looks kind of bizarre.

"I agree, but these cards are selling out fast in other stores, it'd be risky not to buy them." Mr. Moto said.

He was right about that too. If they're selling out else where then having them here may attract more business, and more business means he can buy the new cards later. But if he buys the new cards now then perhaps they'll bring him even more profit when people come flocking for the new cards.

"I see your dilemma. Are you able to buy a small amount of both instead?" I asked.

"I can but if I do that I won't get the display which will really attract customers."

"Hmmm."

This was harder than he thought it would be. Either way it's a gamble. Buying the dark cards is almost guarenteed to earn him some profits, at least until the bigger stores release the new ones but the new ones means he'll be competing with the larger stores. If this were my Kingdom then always staying on top of any trend proved most prosperous. We had the best there was to offer in the world but we werent a small country with many larger competitors.

"I'm sorry but I'm not sure what you should order. Perhaps asking for a third opinion will help. If it were anything like my reign, then choosing the new cards would be my opinion. But running a country and running a game store are two very different things." I said, hoping that would help.

He hummed, seemingly lost in the screen but I believe he listened.

"Okay. Thank you very much my boy. Ill think more on it and keep an eye on the trends. Okay, why dont I teach you customer relations."

This class was always boring but never have I ever wanted to sleep on my desk more than right now. I'm so tired but I'm sure I got enough sleep last night even with the nightmare. Unless the excitement of the last few days is catching up with me. But no, this feels different. I know this feeling but maybe if I wish hard enough it'll just pass.

But as the minutes dragged on I felt my energy sapping away with every pointless word my teacher spoke. Holding my pen tired my fingers and concentrating on my paper made my eyes water, especially as so can't seem to focus on writing anything. I don't know how long I've been staring at the faint blue line in supposed to write on trying to remember what word Im even supposed to be writing.

I cannot focus.

I put down my pen to rub my eyes and honestly the cool touch of my fingers was so refreshing. I didnt even notice my forehead was damp or how hot I felt but now I'm painfully aware of the fever creeping on.

If there could be a reason to stop school now would be great. I looked up at the clock and stared at it dissecting the minute hand from the hour hand to try and calculate what time it was. I think its almost 10 … which means I still have several hours left to go.

I need a drink.

Maybe I'll just rest. At least if im holding my pen i can look like im writing.

When the bell rang though I thought I dreamed it. It wasnt until Tea touched my arm did I start packing my things up slowly.

"You okay Yugi?" She asked.

"Tired. In fine." I mumbled clear enough. But everything was heavy and struggling to close my books without dropping them was irritating. I'm so tired.

"I bet it's staying up late with a certain someone. You've gotta get more sleep Yugi." She said in that mothering tone of hers. If only she knew I was trying to get some sleep. It's not my fault I'm having nightmares every night.

I ignored it. I'm too tired to argue right now and she's just trying to help.

Getting outside was nice. The cool air wasn't enough though and I spent most of recess laying against the metal fence of the roof with a cold water bottle against my cheek. Everyone else talked among themselves save for Ryou, who sat comfortably beside me. He had barely spoken at all and he kept his hood up. I understand why everywhere else but there were no fangirls up here.

Whatever. I'm too tired to ask.

"Yugi?"

"Hmm?" I shoot up to the voice of Ryou peaking around to look at me. They're all standing now, bags hitched … I missed something.

"You okay Yug, you look exhausted." Joey asked me. I am exhausted.

"I'm fine. A bit tired but im okay." I lied. I lied because ive missed so much school already. I lied because i dont like the attention. I lied because i dont want to be the subject of their concern.

They seemed to buy it… at least they didn't question it and together we trudged to the next class.

"Thank you, please visit again soon." I called happily as they left, politely closing the door behind them. I felt positively buzzing right now with another satisfied customer leaving and a very pleased Solomon beside me.

"Very good. You were born for this." He praised with a chuckle. How amusing. A 5000 year old Pharaoh being born to serve people in a small, foreign game shop in the distant future. The notion could have been a comedic plot for one of Yugi's movies.

"Thank you sir, you're too kind." I said pleasantly.

"Now. Why don't you go have lunch? Your finished for the day." He said happily.

"I am? Does Yugi have chores this afternoon i can do?"

"He's always got chores." He laughed cheerfully. "But today he's got dishes and laundry."

"Right. I can do those for him, it's no problem."

"Mmm.. if your sure you can handle it. I've not taught you the washing machine yet."

"From what I saw there instructions on it, it shouldn't be too difficult to master. But if it is I'll just prepare things for him instead if that suits?" I asked.

"Very much. Thank you Atem, you've been such a great help. If only this sense of duty rubbed off on Yugi I wouldn't have to work another day! Oh the places I could go see!" He cheered. I smiled at the thought. It would be nice to go and explore. If I could I'd like to see Egypt again. I wonder how much has changed.

I thought these things while I collected the dirty dishes from this morning. From what I understand of Yugi's time Egypt is run very differently now. No Pharaoh governed its people but a president, they believed in one god now instead of many, and many of the cities in my time were now either tourist destinations or ruins. It's a true shame the great Kings of my time were left abandoned.

...I wonder what happened to my City. My people after High Priest Set was handed the throne. Set … Isis … Mahaad...Mana…. Shimon …

I miss them. Isis and Mahaad, Shada …. They never made it against that fight with Bakura - but they never abandoned me either. Mahaad is with me always when I play the Dark Magician … and so is Mana. Loyal to the last.

I miss them so much.

I felt something warm slide down my cheek and my eyes stung just a little. Using my arm instead of the soapy water I caught the tear before it could fall and took a deep breath to calm me. It does not do for a King to cry.

Thats what they would say. Each of them. A King is strong and only behind closed doors does he leave his Crown to become man.

Besides, they were 5000 years gone now, departed for their eternal rest long ago. I can breathe again, live again … it would be ungrateful to wish to see them after coming so far and achieving what I have, or to pull them from their slumber because I want to see them. They deserve rest and unnerving their souls would not do.

I shook it from my mind and focused hard on finishing the last dish, copying Yugi's directions to a T. After that I actively went in search of dirty clothes, of which there were only a few and put them in the laundry but it was now my body seemed to think that in this small space it was safe enough to relent.

I felt my body shake just enough to make grab onto the machine and the tears that fell, fell like a gentle warm stream. I sobbed once, not fully allowing myself to feel yet and quickly reigned myself in. What did I just finish telling myself? This would not do.

Oh Yugi… I wish you were here to distract me.

… I could really use one of your hugs about now.

Drying myself off once again I carefully examined the instructions, putting them in the forefront of my mind. This always looked so confusing but whenever I spied Yugi doing it he seemed to just throw the clothes into the hole and then press two buttons… but which ones. There were about 10 here.

I suppose warm water would be good… not too hot and not too cold. Then… what is a spin dry. This machine dries too? But Yugi always hung them out to dry. Maybe I should pick rinse to rinse them off once the soap is through… soap! Of course, I forgot the powder he put in.

Okay...I think this is it. Opening the box a puff a powder tickled my nose and I really didn't like the smell of it. I almost dropped it, causing more of it to puff out at my face but closing the lid again I was able to read the box. But there was so much information and pretty words describing it's scent but nothing describing what to do with it. There was a small cup inside though, maybe filling that up is what I'm meant to do. Okay… there's only Yugi's clothes that he leant me, his night clothes and Mr. Moto's night clothes in there so one cup should be enough.

Alright… soap, warm, rinse … what is water level? I obviously want them to be washed thoroughly, what if low and medium isn't enough? High … and finally Heavy, Medium and Delicate… what?

Well…. They're not heavy clothes - they're actually quite trivial in terms of weight so Delicate? Okay… start.

It whirred to life with a small rumble and then hissing as the water began to fill the machine. I watched it for a little while until I was satisfied it would keep running. This wasn't too complicated.

Okay… what now though.

I checked Yugi's alarm clock but he's still got 3 and a half hours left to go.

I felt my heart sink at the revelation that it would be so long before I could see him. Mr. Moto no longer needed help in the shop and Yugi's chores were being done. When the machine is finished I hang the clothes but that could be an hour or so. Surely it doesn't take that long to wash 3 pairs of pajamas though. It'd be quicker to do it by hand like we used to in my time. But then, with my hands … I never had to wash by hand, that too was also completed by someone else.

Infact all of these chores were tasks completed by someone else. I never need to lift a finger except to govern my country.

So much has changed.

Suddenly I feel very uncomfortable here. I know Mr. Moto but he barely knows me. All my friends are either dead or 'dying' at school as Joey would say. I wish there was some way I could see Yugi sooner.

I heard the phone ring then and curiously I listened out. It was probably just a customer but heart still panged with some kind of hope. It was lunch time after all, perhaps Yugi was calling.

I didn't hear anything though and as I crept closer to the shop I finally heard the jangle of keys.

"Atem!" He called out to me.

I panicked. He was coming up the stairs and I was quite obviously eavesdropping. I scrambled away to stand somewhere off in the loungeroom and called back.

"I'm closing the shop early, stay here for me, I won't be long." He called.

Closing early… he was leaving me here? Why?

"Sure, is everything okay?" I asked and met him at the stairs.

"Yes. Yugi's not feeling well, I'm going to go pick him up. Do me a favor and turn the kettle on. Everything should still be ready from this morning." He said.

The Gods heard me.

He's coming home early! Yes!
But… he's not feeling well.

To the point he has to be brought home early. Thats not good. Not at all! Yugi's more stubborn than my Guardians were, it takes a lot for him to admit he needs rest.

"It's alright. I'll go get him and he'll be up and about quicker than you can draw a card." Mr. Moto said, touching my arm firmly. I must have shown my alarm but it was reassuring to know he wasn't too worried.

"Okay." I said, nodding. He smiled and left and only when I heard the door lock did I race to the kitchen to turn on the kettle as instructed.

I paced around after that, watching occasionally outside for them to pull up. His school wasn't that far away but it felt so long to wait.

He seemed fine this morning. Nothing out of the ordinary. He had energy, life in his eyes, a spring in his step… he was fine. So what's wrong? Did Bakura attack him? Why would the school call if that happened, surely it would have been Tea or Joey.

What if he's more injured than I thought? What if his injuries from Bakura are taking a toll on him?

Should we take him to the hospital instead? What if he does and I'm still here waiting!

Looking outside once more, but still nothing. Where are they? What's happening? Why didn't I go with them? Am I in the way? There's room in the car for me too.

If only I was still in the puzzle at least then I'd know whats wrong with him. I'm so used to knowing when he has even the slightest ailment. It takes a surprising amount of energy not knowing everything that's going on.

The purr of a car and the handbrake being pulled alerted me to their arrival. Finally! Racing outside to help I was only slightly surprised to see Joey had come along for the ride. Anything to get out of school early I guess but it did mean Mr. Moto didn't need help getting him inside.

Speaking of he looks asleep. Thats not good. Why is he unconscious? Was he attacked afterall? His injuries… what's happening?

"Hey buddy, help me with him." Joey said cheerfully. How could he be so cheerful at a time like this? Whatever… I did as I was told, helping him drag Yugi's sleeping form from the backseat and draping his very light arm around my neck. He was frowning, likely in discomfort and breathing through his mouth even with his head lolled forward. His hair was damp and clinging to the frame of his face but otherwise he didn't appear injured.

"What's wrong with him?" I ask as Mr. Moto held the door open for us.

"Upstairs, in his room. Lay him down on his bed. Atem did you boil the kettle like I asked?" Mr. Moto asked me, ignoring my question but he didn't seem too stern about it.

"I did… it's ready. What's wrong with him?" I asked again.

"He passed out at school dude. He looked exhausted and he's been spacing out all day. We noticed he had a temperature after he fell over."

"Temperature. Fell over." I breathed quietly. None of this made sense. He was fine when he was here; he wasn't hiding anything was he? I think I would know but then … he was acting strange last night.

"Yeah. Think he's coming down with a cold, probably from the rain yesterday."

Thats when it clicked. The alarms ceased and everything felt right again. A cold. Of course. He was caught in the rain twice yesterday and sometimes these things can come on quickly. He's had a cold before and it normally does hit him this quickly… but he's also strong, he gets over them quick too. I hope thats what this is. He's never passed out from one before though, I hope this isn't more serious.

We got him to his bed and together we took his shoes off. Not once did he stir, even as I asked Joey to hold him up so I could take his jacket off. I was tucking him in when Mr. Moto came in with a serving tray holding a glass of water, a wet towel, a thermometer and two little white tablets. I stepped aside for him, curious as to why he asked me to boil the kettle if he wasn't getting him a hot drink but I said nothing and watched.

He dabbed his forehead with the towel and thats when he stirred to life, groaning and tilting his head away from the contact.

"Yugi. I need you to hold this in your mouth." He said softly.

Without opening his eyes Yugi cooperated, taking the thermometer under his tongue. I knelt close, holding his hand over the blanket to let him know I was here but also because I don't know how else I can be close to him right now. I'm so worried but all I can do is just watch intently for the slightest signal he needs me closer.

The thermometer beeped and Mr. Moto removed it, hummed and then gestured for me to lift him up.

"Alright, I need you to swallow these, then sip the water regularly. Gently now." He said. Once he was seated he swayed just a little but I was quick to catch him. I climbed in beside him to keep him steady and to help him grasp the glass he failed to find. This was not good at all, he has absolutely no energy to spare. How can he swallow two tablets if he can barely hold a glass?

Somehow though, after a few long moments of strength gathering he managed and only once he was done did he push the glass away and allow himself to slide back down. Sleep took him quicker than I've ever seen it take him but this time he didn't wake when Mr. Moto placed the wet towel on his forehead. It dripped slightly but I caught it and he slept soundly.

"There we go. Let him rest. He'll be alright." Mr. Moto whispered.

"Whats the prognosis doc?" Joey asked him, a little quieter than his usual speaking voice.

"He's got a cold. We'll see how bad it gets but knowing him he'll be up in a few days. Serves the boy right for galavanting in the rain. He should have let me drive him." He shrugged, leaving us alone with him asleep.

"Lucky bastard gets off school again. Oh well, I suppose I did too. How are ya buddy?" He asked me.

I was taken by surprise at how carefree everyone was about this so for a moment I appeared a stunned sheep but I shook it off, looked down to Yugi's sleeping face and sighed.

"I'm a bit taken to be honest. I've never seen Yugi sick before without feeling it myself. Usually he's too tired to maintain much of a connection so I'm within the puzzle while he rests but to see him so weak… its unnerving." I said quietly.

"Yeah this has gotta be weird for you. Don't worry, he'll be fine. It's just a little cold. Yug's normally knocked down quick but he's also quick to get back up. He'll be fine. Come on, lets let him rest." He said, tilting his head for me to follow.

"What if he needs us?"

"He'll be asleep for a while. That medicine Gramps gave him is sure to keep him down for a few hours."

"Right…" I followed, but I wasn't too sure. I feel like I need to stay with him but I suppose it would be rude to not be with Joey while he's here. I looked back to Yugi before closing the door. He was breathing calm enough ... I kinda wish I could stay with him though.