Is everyone hoping that 2021 will be better? I know I do! Fingers crossed that things will get better, and no more COVID-19! So for now, enjoy part 2 of the Red Thread of Fate!

He couldn't believe he fainted, and right in front of his other half. Not only that, he landed in his arms when he passed out. And he felt so warm and soft that Yugi's mind is telling him to stay in his arms forever. However, he had to control himself and after waking up, got out of Yami's grip and apologized for fainting in front of him.

Yami just chuckled, and told him it was all right. Shadow the black cat is busy licking his fur, so Yugi opted in stargazing. It was a good choice since he isn't ready to see Yami's face yet. He doesn't want to risk fainting again. Luckily, Yami got the hint and also watched the stars with him. So right now, there's silence between the two of them.

What should Yugi say? Besides telling Yami his name and calling him an angel, he has no idea what to say next. Should he ask what his family is like? What school he goes to? What kind of games does he like? And not only that, does he has a huge soft spot for animals? Besides his cat Shadow, does he have a lot of friends?

Gulping, he slowly turned his head as his cheeks turned pink. "A-Ano… Y-Yami-kun?"

Turning his head to look at him, Yugi thought he saw Yami's eyes lit up when he called him by his name. "Do you have a question for me, Yugi-kun?"

Fiddling with his fingers, Yugi glanced at him. "W-Which school do you go to?"

"Domino Academy."

"A-A private school?"

"Correct. It's a little different from public schools, but it's an okay school."

"Then you must have lots of friends there."

Yami shook his head. "Only a few I can trust as friends. The rest of the students are shallow, haughty, or stuck-up. It's like a school for rich people, and those who hail from a wealthy background believe they are better than the lower class." A frown appeared on his face. "I prefer going to a public school, but my father said its best I get an education from there since private schools have the best teachers who care for their students."

"Then you must be really smart!" Yugi looked at him in awe.

Yami's frown changed into a small smile, and chuckled a little. "I guess you could say that. I do make good grades, and I have to make sure my rowdy friend doesn't try to blow the school up so he wouldn't get expelled."

Yugi giggled. "A couple of my friends felt the same way, and one made an excuse by saying he was on maternity leave."

"Maternity leave?"

Yugi told him the story of how his friend Honda wrote that excuse to care for Miho's digital pet, during the time digital pets were popular. A Digital Pet competition had been held, and the winner will win a holiday to Australia. Since Miho wanted to win the contest, Honda volunteered to help her by caring for her pet so not only would she win the contest, but also wanted to go to Australia with her.

"He did not sleep for 3 days, and when he finally came back to school, Ichigo became Super Ichigo, who likes to sweep and clean things with a broom. She was a lot like Honda-kun, since he's in the cleaning committee," Yugi finished.

Yami chuckled. "How interesting. So did he win the contest?"

"I'm afraid not. Someone else won the contest, and Honda-kun couldn't stop sulking. He locked himself in his room for 3 days after that, but we were able to coax him out with okonomiyaki and many of his favorite dishes from a nearby restaurant."

"For him, food is his cure?"

"Both he and Jonouchi-kun love food, so its usually the answer whenever they're upset."

"I see."

"What about you, Yami-kun? What are your friends like?"

Yami hummed a little, and glanced at the sky. "One friend I have is known as the school's devil, but I usually call him Bakura. He can be a little scary to everyone, but is actually not that bad once you get to know him. You just need to be careful in not angering him."

Yugi blinked. "Bakura? Does he happen to have white hair with bangs that look like devil horns and eyes that have purple and red in them?"

Yami looked at him and arched his eyebrow. "Have you met him before?"

Yugi nodded. "My friend Ryou-kun introduced me to him at the festival today. It turns out both my friend and your friend are destined soulmates. The red string of fate brought them together."

"I pray that your friend can survive Bakura's crazy antics."

"I'm sure he'll be fine. Plus, Bakura-kun is treating Ryou-kun nicely and respectfully."

"Good. I warned him not to scare his other half. I'm glad he heeded my advice."

"You're a nice person, Yami-kun."

"Arigato, Yugi-kun."

"Meow."

Yugi saw Shadow jump on the railing, and sat on it. He petted Shadow, who purred. "How long have you and your cat had been together?"

"When he was a naughty kitten," Yami chuckled. "Though he learned a lot from me, so I make sure he isn't too naughty."

"Awww, you're a good daddy to him!"

"Meow."

"Would you like to be his mommy?"

Yugi nearly yelped, and felt his face heating up at his question. "N-Nani!?"

Yami smirked, and leaned forward until his lips hovered near his ear. "You can help me raise him to be a good cat. Besides a father figure, he does need a mother figure, and he really likes you."

Yugi quivered, and it isn't from fright. He could feel Yami's hot breath fan against his ear, and it's making his heart thump too much. "T-Then he can meet my mama. S-She can be a mama figure to your cat."

"Does this mean Shadow and I can meet your family?"

"Y-You want to meet them?"

"I do," Yami said. "It would be an honor to meet my aibou's family, who will also be my future in-laws."

"W-What about your family?"

"My father and guardians will be happy to meet you."

"W-What about your mama?"

"She passed away when I was little, so it's just my father and me along with my guardians."

"G-Gomen. I shouldn't have asked."

Yami held his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Don't apologize, hikari. You didn't know."

"I should've been careful though. I didn't want to make you sad."

"Like I said, its okay."

"I-If it makes you feel any better, I live with my mama and grandpa. My papa travels around for business, so I never get to see him that much."

"Do you ever miss him?"

"Sometimes, and I would usually wait for his calls since the time zones are different from here."

"It's a good thing he does think of you," Yami kissed his hand. "Once he comes back home to see you, I'd like to meet him."

"I'm sure he won't mind," Yugi blushed, remembering the feeling of Yami's soft lips against his hand. "Since the red string of fate connected us, I need to prepare in meeting your family."

"You'll like them. They're all good people."

"Are they angels like you?"

Yami pulled Yugi into a hug. "Little one, you are way too sweet and adorable."

Yugi blushed, and hugged him back. "A-Arigato, Yami-kun."

"Doitashimashite, Yugi-kun."

They continued to hug, not wanting to let go. Yugi liked how warm and soft Yami is, and he felt so safe whenever he's near him. Plus, he smells really good and his yukata is soft and silky. This must be how Ryou feels whenever he's near Bakura. Neither wants to let go of each other, and like to stay close. The red thread of fate knows which couples are fated to be together.

"Yugi-kun?"

"Hmm?"

"I believe the fireworks have started."

"C-Can we continue to stay like this, please?"

"You've read my mind, little hikari."

As the fireworks exploded in the sky, they continued to embrace each other, basking in their warmth and comfort. Shadow licked his paw, ignoring what they're doing while lying down on the floor. Both Yami & Yugi were too busy hugging one another that they didn't realize they attracted an audience, mostly their friends who found them.

The next day

"Oi Yugi! Someone is here to see you!" Solomon called out for him.

"Coming, Jiichan!" Yugi ran down the stairs, and over to the counter. "Who's here to see me?" His eyes scanned the game shop, and it landed on someone. "Y-Yami-kun?"

"Yo!" Yami greeted.

"So you two know each other?" Solomon asked. "Is there something I should know?"

Yugi flushed, and rubbed his right arm. "H-He is the other half of my soul. M-My red thread connected with his." He showed his grandfather his pinky, where the red thread is tied and connected to Yami's thread. "W-We found each other yesterday at the festival."

"And accepted one another," Yami said, and politely bowed to Solomon. "Hello, my aibou's grandfather. It is an honor to meet you."

Solomon chuckled, and patted his back. "It is an honor to meet you too, young man." He then winked at Yugi. "Aibou, huh? You got a good one, boy."

"J-Jiichan!" Yugi turned red at his comment.

"If you're here to take my grandson out on a date, then be my guest. Just remember to bring him back home before it gets dark. He has a curfew."

"H-Huh!?"

"Once you two come back here, please stay for dinner. My daughter-in-law and I would like to learn more about you, Yami."

Yami smiled, and gave him a firm nod. "I'd be happy to join you for dinner."

Yugi looked back and forth at them. "H-Hello? I'm also right here!"

"Hikari, let us go to the zoo for our date. They are showing an exhibit on turtles."

"Y-You remembered about me liking them?"

"Yes, and you remembered my love for games. Arigato for giving me the name of your game shop."

"N-No problem, Yami-kun."

Solomon gently pushed them out the door, ushering them to hurry along and enjoy their date. Waving goodbye to him, Yugi and Yami started their journey to the zoo. Yugi realized Yami is wearing a different outfit, consisting of a leather tank-top with belt designs around it, a blue school coat worn over the top, leather pants with a belt hung around his hips, leather boots, choker, and a necklace holding an upside down golden triangle with a symbol on it.

As for Yugi, he wore his school uniform consisting of a white button up shirt, blue pants, black and white sneakers, and a choker around his neck. He wished he had more time to change into different clothing, but it was too late. Hopefully, he'll change into a new outfit the next time he and Yami go out on another date.

Wait… He's out on a date with Yami! His first date starting today! And they're going to the zoo!

"Y-Yami-kun?"

"Hai, Yugi-kun?"

"W-We're really going to the zoo?"

"Of course we are. If you wanted to go somewhere else, we can-

"N-No!" Yugi shook his head. "I-I don't mind going to the zoo at all. It's been a while since I've went there."

"Good thing I chose the zoo. They have a new turtle exhibit, and I wanted to see it with you."

Yugi blushed at his comment. "W-With me?"

Yami nodded, and held his hand with his own. "The exhibit just brought in a rare, elderly tortoise from the Galapagos Islands. The first 100 people who visit the exhibit can choose a name for the elderly tortoise."

"That does sound fun. Do you have a name for the tortoise?"

"I'm stuck between two names."

"I'll decide once we see the elderly tortoise. Is it a boy or a girl?"

"Boy turtle."

"How neat."

Soon, they arrived at the Domino City Zoo, and went towards the turtle exhibit. There was a small crowd, but were lucky to find a spot where they got a good view of the elderly Galapagos Tortoise. Yugi is surprised that the elderly tortoise is huge, and it looked like he weighed a ton. "He's bigger than Jiichan."

"Even bigger than my grandfather," Yami said.

"Maybe that's why my Jiichan named his shop 'Kame Game Shop'."

"He does remind me of a turtle."

"Along with Kame-chan."

"Kame-chan?"

"My stuffed turtle. Jiichan gave him to me as a present when I was a baby."

"Now I'm curious."

"Of my stuffed turtle?"

"That and what you look like as a baby."

Yugi squeaked, as he felt his cheeks heating up in embarrassment. "S-So what are the two names you wanted to name the tortoise!?"

Yami chuckled, and gazed at the elderly tortoise resting in his shell. "One name called Sheta, which is Egyptian. The other is Kaiyo, which means ocean."

"I like the first one. He does look like a Sheta."

"Me too. What about you, Yugi-kun? Do you have a name for him?"

"I-I was thinking of calling him Kame-chan, right after my stuffed turtle."

"Good choice. He'll be happy to have an elderly tortoise named after him."

"A-Arigato."

They saw a stand where they can write down the name for the elderly tortoise, fold the paper, and place it inside the box. Yami & Yugi did that, and then went to get a closer look at the Galapagos tortoise. Even though he's sleeping, Yugi felt bad for him since he's no longer in the ocean or at his island. Instead, he's trapped in a zoo.

"Do you think he misses his home, Yami-kun?" Yugi asked him.

"I believe so. It pains me to see fascinating creatures such as him to be used as nothing but main attraction for these visitors," Yami frowned. "They may have fixed the environment to suit him, but its not enough. This doesn't feel like home to him."

"He probably misses his family and friends. I wish there was a way to help him return back to the ocean."

"I'll ask my cousin if there's a way he can return back home. For now, let us enjoy this date and admire this beautiful tortoise."

"Okay…"

Soon, the worker announced the name will be drawn from the box, and the paper they drew out is unfolded to reveal the name 'Kame'. Yugi smiled that his name for the tortoise is picked, but hoped the tortoise is okay with that name.

Yami sensed his apprehension, and pulled him into a side hug. "I'm sure he won't mind that name. Its probably better than whatever name the audience picked out for him."

"Kame-chan will be happy to hear that his people is named after him," Yugi hugged him.

"Now you're making me wanna meet your stuffed animal already."

"Or we can get you a Kame-chan so you'll never feel lonely."

"I'm not lonely. You're with me, and the same goes for Shadow and my loved ones."

"Didn't you have a stuffed animal who kept you warm and safe when you were little?"

"I did, and I believe he's somewhere in my closet."

"A messy closet?"

"You could say that."

"Do you need any help finding him?"

"Only if you promise not to tell anyone about him."

"I won't. I know how to keep a secret."

"Good."

After they finished gazing at the newly named Galapagos tortoise Kame-chan, Yugi and Yami decided to explore the other exhibits. Seeing the other animals were amazing, but Yugi's favorite part is when he and Yami will always hold hands or stay close to each other. They even got some lunch, and decided to learn more about each other. Yami asked Yugi what type of games his grandfather owns in the shop, and Yugi listed many games the shop has.

Yugi asked Yami what his father does, and Yami explained his father is a wealthy businessman who owns many companies. Yugi had a feeling Yami would be a rich boy, but is actually kind and caring. Hopefully, his family won't mind them being together. Even Jiichan appeared to like Yami after their first meeting at the game shop.

Yami placed a hand over Yugi's hand. "Don't worry. My father and mother were able to get together thanks to the red string of fate. He'll accept you, and cares for my happiness. He's a kindhearted man, and believes in the red thread of fate."

"A-And your guardians?"

"They too will like you. Once they see your adorable face, they'll be fighting over who gets to hug you first."

Yugi blushed at his comment. "I-I'm also handsome, you know?"

"I know. However, seeing your cute face is making it impossible for me not to hug you."

"Y-You're also cute!"

"And only you can call me cute."

Yami kissed his knuckles, causing Yugi to cover his blushing face. Yami chuckled, and removed Yugi's hands. "Do not cover your face. I like seeing you blush."

"H-How come you don't blush!?"

"Its impossible to make me blush."

"You will once Jiichan and mama meet you and hug you tightly!"

"I doubt it will happen."

Yugi pouted, and looked away with his arms crossed. He has an idea on how to make Yami blush, but for now, he'll wait. His eyes then spotted something in the distance, and an idea came to him. "I'll be right back! Wait here, Yami-chan!"

Quickly getting up and running towards his destination before Yami would realize he called him Yami-chan, Yugi arrived at the nearby gift shop and found what he was looking for. After he paid for it, he rushed back to their table, holding what he bought hidden behind his back.

"You called me Yami-chan," Yami said. "And what are you hiding behind your back, aibou?"

"Nothing~" Yugi giggled mischievously.

"Did you get me something? I saw you going into that gift shop."

"You'll have to wait until after the date is over, Yami-chan~"

"Now I'm curious, Yugi-chan."

They continued their date, and Yugi made sure he hid his present for Yami from plain sight. No matter how many times Yami would plead or bribe Yugi to see what it is, Yugi would make him stop by giving him the puppy dog look. Luckily, it would work and Yugi could tell Yami is trying not to blush from that look.

Then, it was starting to get late and they now just left the zoo. Yugi decided it was time to show Yami what he bought for him by pressing the object against his cheek, causing Yami to blink as he held the object and looked at it. "A turtle plushy?"

"We all need a Kame-chan in our life to keep us safe and happy," Yugi winked at him.

Yami pouted. "I thought you were gonna give me a Yugi plushy. You would've kept me safe and happy forever."

"I'm afraid they don't have plushy versions of me, Yami-kun."

"I think they should."

"Not at a zoo, Yami-kun."

"Call me Yami-koi."

"Yami-kun, this is our first date. We still need to learn more about each other better before we are ready to call each other koi."

"Then when should we have our next date?"

"We can decide after you have dinner with my family and me."

"Maybe they can give me ideas on what our next date would be like."

"Dinner first, Yami-kun."

"Okay, little hikari."

Finally arriving at the game shop, Yami did something Yugi never thought he would do in front of his door. Spinning him around so he would look at Yami, he felt warm lips pressed against his own. The lips then left his mouth, causing his face to turn red as Yami winked at him while placing one hand in his pocket as the other held the turtle plushy. "I forgot to mention that my lips were feeling lonely, and they wanted your lips to keep them company."

Yugi wasn't sure whether to faint, or to call him a baka for doing that. Instead, he pouted cutely while glaring at him. "N-Not fair! You were supposed to blush, not me!"

"You can always make me blush by kissing me~"

"I-I'll find a way to get you blush! And it's just the beginning!"

Yami laughed as Yugi stomped inside the game shop, hearing Yami following him from behind. Since the turtle plushy couldn't make him blush, then he has another idea on how he can get Yami to blush. Luckily, Anzu and Miho were the ones who gave him the idea after they saw him and Yami together at the festival.

Yami-kun will definitely blush once he sees Yugi wearing a kimono that would make him look stunning and sexy while posing on his bed. Hopefully, it'll make Yami blush and not make him pounce on Yugi. They still need to go on a few more dates before they are ready to take the next step in their relationship. Who knew the red thread of fate would lead them to each other as long lost soulmates?

All done! Hope you all liked it! Don't forget to review and comment!