I headed inside without wasting too much time and grumpily slipped Yugi's shoes off with the rest of them. The gang was still here, evident by their shoes and their chatting upstairs. I hope they weren't being too loud, Yugi was asleep when we left.

I appreciate them looking after him but I do hope they might wish to return home soon. I look forward to a shower and snuggling next Yugi with a movie on until he wakes.

"Is that you guys?!" I heard Joey shout from upstairs and my heart skipped. What is he thinking being so loud?!

I took the stairs two at a time to quickly hush him only when I reached the living room where everyone was my mind ran away as I saw Yugi sitting up on the couch, wide eyed and seemingly perkier. He smiled at me when he saw me and for the longest moment I just stared back at everyone dumbly.

"Yugi… you're awake!" I exclaimed finally, ignoring everyone else to approach him. His hair was damp but he wasn't hot. In fact he's in different clothes now… he must have showered. He must be feeling better. "How are you feeling?" I asked him, exasperatedly eyeing him up and down.

"I feel much better. I was a bit foggy before a shower but now I'm feeling way clearer than before. How are you? Where's Grandpa?" He asked. He was sucking on something … must have been a cough drop. His breath had a certain fruity scent to it and the way he rolled something in his cheek was almost alluring.

"He said he wanted to go get something. I don't know when he'll be back. I'm glad you're feeling better. Thank you guys for looking after him." I said to everyone.

"No problem man." Joey winked at me.

"What'd the doc say?" Tristan asked.

I tsked by accident, feeling immediately everyone staring at my instant change in expression.

"I don't like going to the doctors either. I'm sorry he made you go." Yugi said sheepishly, pulling me down to sit beside him.

"I know it's for the best. I feel fine though. He gave me some kind of needle and took my blood for testing. I'd rather not go into it if it's all the same." I said, trying my hardest not to let the disdain hit my tongue.

"Thats rough bud." Joey grimaced.

"It was probably a flu shot. Those are pretty deep but with winter approaching it's good to get it done." Tea said approvingly.

"I still need to get mine." Tristan sighed.

"Yep, me too." Joey agreed.

"Me three." Yugi said somewhat begrudgingly.

"You haven't… will they take your blood too?" I asked them all.

"Nah, it'll just be the injection. Still sucks." Joey waved me off.

"Why'd they take mine then?" I pouted.

"You're body is 5000 years old and we have no family record of what your medical history. They'll probably check to see if your body is immunised from certain diseases etc that have come and gone and maybe check to see if you have any allergies we should know about." Ryou said reasonably. I suppose that made sense but I still didn't like it.

"Are you allergic to anything?" Tea asked me.

I blinked at her, actually unsure on how to answer.

"I … don't know. Not that I am aware of. The only reaction I've ever had to anything is cobra venom but that's not the same by a mile."

"Cobra venom?!" Tristan asked, shocked.

"Yes. We had cobras everywhere, even inside the Palace walls. Mahaad rescued me once from such a bite but it was not the only time I've come close to one. I was bitten once when I was playing with Mana in the reeds. That time my father was watching us and he was the one who sucked the venom out." I said sadly. That was one of the few times my father acted as one and not as our King. I was young then, barely a princeling and he was not under the watchful eyes of our people. He saved my life that day.

"Wow! Thats so cool. I'm glad your dad was there." Tea said happily.

"Me too." I said quietly yet happily. "Enough of me. Yugi, guys, is there anything I can get you? Something to drink, eat perhaps?" I asked, hoping to shift the topic.

"Nah we're good. We helped ourselves before." Joey smiled.

"Yep Tea bought snacks." Tristan grinned.

"Yes and they were supposed to be for everyone." Tea growled.

Yugi laughed but it quickly turned into tiny coughs that went mostly ignored.

"Well I think that it's probably best I start making tracks home." Ryou said, standing to stretch.

"Are you sure? You don't have to go so soon." Yugi asked him and Ryou gave him a sincere, touching smile. The look between them was something. I don't know what but it was almost as if they were having a silent conversation that went unnoticed to everyone else.

"I've got some homework to catch up on and it'll be dark soon. I don't wanna get your cold Yugi." He laughed weakly.

"Okay…" Yugi said sadly. "But you'll come around tomorrow right?" He asked, perking up in some kind of hope.

My heart hurts.

Why?

"If I can. And if you're up to it."

"I'll be fine. Maybe not tournament fine but hanging out and talking fine." Yugi smiled happily, not a care in the world for his sickness.

"Okay." Ryou laughed. "Well then I'll see you guys tomorrow. Keep getting rest Yugi and Atem, it was nice seeing you again. I hope your arm doesn't bother you too much." He said happily.

"Thank you. I hope you have a good night Ryou." I said politely. (bitterly…)

He left with a happy wave and now it was just us - the main gang.

"So who's up for some games!" Joey asked excitedly, holding a controller in each hand.

Tristan and Tea cheered happily, enthusiastically taking a controller each when I heard the downstairs door close gently and Yugi followed with asking them to wait.

"Huh? What's up Yug?" Joey asked, confused.

"It's Ryou. I didn't wanna say anything in front of him cause I don't know how much he's trusted you with what's going on. It's not my place to say but he's going through a real rough time. Since I won't be in school until I'm better I'd like to try see him whenever possible. He might push us away and we kinda have to respect that but while I'm not at school can you guys keep an eye on him? Just.. try to include him, distract him, maybe even just let him know he can talk to you guys? He needs a lot of support right now and to be honest I don't even know if we're capable of giving it to him but I don't want to ignore it." Yugi said.

So that's what it was? Of course! Yugi went over to his place before he got sick, he stayed late talking and just after that he's been so out of it that he's not had the chance to let us know something was up. I haven't had the chance to notice anything but Yugi must have.

I'm such a fool for feeling so … jealous. I can't believe I was jealous even for a second. Stupid!

"Of course Yugi. I thought he was a bit quiet." Tea surmised.

"Yeah no problem Yug." Joey said happily.

"We got our eyes on him." Tristan gave a thumbs up.

"Is that why you went over to his place? Did he tell you whats going on?" Joey asked.

"Some of it. It was a lot but I think he's still remembering bits and pieces of what Bakura was like when he was with him. What he does remember is nasty enough but I noticed at school and this afternoon that something's eating at him." Yugi said. He turned to me and smiled before he looked back to everyone else happily. What was that? I missed something. I know I did and by the look of everyone else, there was nothing to miss. No I missed it. That was a look, a silent message. Did he forget we don't have a mind link?

"Lets play!" He announced.

As everyone was setting up the console and deciding which game to play Yugi leaned over to me to whisper, touching my hand lightly and in a way they wouldn't notice if they turned around. My heart raced and I felt my body tense immediately. I wanted to hold his hand but no… I'll restrain myself. I must act casually.

"I really appreciate you." He whispered.

I cannot breathe.

"You do?" I asked quietly and he nodded.

"Thank you for being you." He winked and returned to his natural relaxed position, leaving me to lul over those words in confusion.

I used to know him so well. I knew every thought. I knew every emotion. I knew every instinctive reaction. Now … it's hard to keep up. He's a mystery to figure out. He's the same boy I got to know and yet a completely new person to figure out. He mesmerises me. Perplexes me. Leave me breathless with such intense intrigue.

I wish our friends would go home so I could try and puzzle out the mystery that was Yugi. I just want to spend every second with him, getting closer to him, figuring him out and maybe even letting him see a little of what I've been hiding from him.

Tea gave me a controller and smiled, sitting beside me eagerly.

"I wanna see the King of Games in action." She said as if ready for a challenge.

"Careful Pharaoh, looks like she's coming for that title." Yugi giggled into a cough again.

I got home, locked the door and slinked down to the floor, feeling the tightness in my chest squeeze until I couldn't breathe. Tears streamed down my cheeks like a river and after a while I choked on some air trying desperately to push past my throat.

Finally able to breathe I sobbed loudly, not entirely letting the dam break but more being swallowed by the water that crashed. I almost couldn't bare it any longer. Watching Yugi sleep so tiredly and then seeing him wake so weakly … it was my fault he was so sick. It was my fault he was forced to feel this bad. Yes he seemed better after his shower but it was still my fault. I never should have asked him to come over in the rain. I'm not worth getting sick over. Especially with everything I've done. I … don't deserve it. I don't deserve such good friends!

I cried so heavily I couldn't stop but I didn't care. It felt good to scream, and I hated every second of it.

But what I hate the most: was seeing how much Atem - the Pharaoh - loves Yugi. He cares for him so much. I've never seen such tenderness. It wasn't fair! What did I do to deserve such cruel treatment! Why did the Spirit of the Ring come to me! Why couldn't I have gotten stuck with someone like the Pharaoh! Someone who would care for me like that and not torment me, not force me to do such horrible things! Turn me into a monster!

"IT'S NOT FAIR!" I screamed, throwing my bag across the hall to smack against the wall.

I hate everything. Everything!

"Kids I'm home!" Mr. Moto called from downstairs.

Yugi and I were not playing this round so it was natural for us both to get up and greet him. Yugi practically bounced over to him as he got to the top of the stairs. It was nice to see he had so much energy again.

"Welcome home Grandpa!" He sang happily, throwing himself into a hug.

"Ah Yugi! Good to see your feeling better." He said pleasantly.

"Mhm." Yugi hummed and triumphantly he snatched the plastic bag Mr. Moto was holding.

"Oh you just wanted your treat am I right?" Mr. Moto asked as Yugi sifted through the bag. I had to laugh at his cheek as he pulled out the tub of chocolate ice cream Mr. Moto purchased.

"I also missed you!" Yugi snapped playfully before skipping into the kitchen. I loved this boy so much.

"Well if you're feeling that much better perhaps you don't need recovery ice cream." Mr. Moto said, following him.

"Oh no! I feel awful. I think I'm at the peak of my sickness and I'm gonna crash any second. All the more reason I should have some now before it gets worse." Yugi said, trying his hardest to pry the lid open with a spoon.

I leaned on the door frame, arms crossed and smirking as he struggled, watching him in pure amusement. Mr. Moto shook his head and began unpacking the rest of the bag. He took out a plastic container and beckoned me over. Perhaps he wanted help unpacking.

"These are for you. For all your help looking after Yugi and for being a good sport today at the doctors." He said kindly, sliding the container over to me.

I was taken completely by surprise but slowly I opened it to see: packed away inside 7 neatly placed, perfectly round, perfectly cooked, perfectly golden Falafels. They smelled so good and looked amazing. My stomach woke from their scent, threatening to climb its way straight to them and my mouth was watering already. I'm pretty sure my eyes gave me away but for the life of me I couldn't comprehend this kindness.

These were my favourite. I haven't had them in thousands of years. Even from memory Yugi had never tried them… at least I don't think he did … and now I have some. Oh my gods.

"Thank you." I whispered, feeling dumb for not thinking of anything else.

"What are they?" Yugi asked curiously, sneaking in between us to glance at the little golden treats.

"They're falafels Yugi." Mr. Moto said proudly. I don't blame him, I'm proud to behold them too.

"What's a falafel?"

My heart could barely contain the excitement I had this second. These were my absolute favourite thing to eat in the entire world and Yugi - my dearest Yugi- is about to try one if it's the last thing I do tonight.

"You're having one." I stated, gingerly picking one up. The texture was just as I remember and the temperature wasn't too hot. A quick blow or two before he touched it and it would be delicious.

"I am?" He asked as I held it over my hand and offered it to him to bite, pure joy in my eyes I'm sure.

He blushed, smiled and took a bite. A small one, careful not to nip my fingers and the moment he tasted it's explosion of flavours his eyes lit up to match mine. Not once did he break his eye contact with mine and I knew immediately he was processing everything he just tasted. I waited patiently in eager excitement to hear whether or not he liked it but as he didn't scrunch his face, nor did he recoil I can only assume he liked it.

He swallowed and looked down at the half eaten ball in my fingers.

"Wow, what is that?" He asked.

"My favourite dish in the world. Ground chickpeas and fava beans served in bread and fried. I used to have this on special occasions back home and it was my absolute favourite. I could have lived on this every day." I said happily, offering the rest to him.

"Why didn't you?" He asked, gratefully accepting the other half.

"My court had a wider variety of things they liked to eat and since I never dined alone it wasn't befitting for a King to eat only one type of food. As Prince it mattered less." I said happily, taking one for myself.

"Hey what are you guys doing?" Joey asked from the doorway as the others came in.

"Ooh whats' that?" Tristan sniffed over my shoulder.

"Are they falafels!?" Tea asked eagerly.

"May I try one?" Joey asked.

I half wanted to say no but I was kind and gave them each one - leaving me with two to protect. Tea really loved hers but Tristan and Joey weren't really fans of theirs. They ate it but still they didn't really like them. Shame, I would have loved more.

"They're not for everyone." I agreed. The peppers were sometimes not to everyone's liking but secretly I enjoyed that they didn't like them: it meant more for me next time.

"Here you go Yugi." Mr. Moto said, handing him a full bowl of icecream.

"Yay! Thank you!" Yugi said happily. I had completely forgotten about the ice cream he struggled to open. Mr. Moto must have served him some during the commotion. He swooned at the taste and then offered me a spoonful.

"For me? But I already know the taste of icecream." I said, dumbfounded.

"Yeah but you gave me one of your favourites so I'm giving you a bit of mine." He said happily.

My heart!

Gratefully I took the spoonful, letting the ice cool treat coat my throat and send shivers through my body. I have to admit, the sweetness of his treat was a vast contrast to the savoury flavours of mine but well welcomed.

"Thank you." I hummed. He looked very pleased with himself and swayed cutely as he ate some more.

"Anything for us in there?" Joey asked, peering over Mr. Moto's shoulder.

"No boys. And I'm about to start dinner so you kids should decide what you're doing."

"Right. We should be getting going too." Tea said to which the boys groaned in agreement.

They left happily and Yugi and I settled in front of the TV watching a news channel as Yugi lapped up every last evidence of icecream from his bowl. I waited patiently, though my leg was bouncing in anticipation. Not even the news about a string of random break ins and one attack couldn't distract me. Inside I was bubbling. He's awake! And feeling fine! Maybe we can play a game together, or watch movies, or just talk! I still haven't told him about my time helping in the store, or chatted to him about the new cards coming out, or talked about his time at school, or told him relatable stories about our favourite foods. I wonder what else was his favourite I didn't know about.

"Mmm that was yummy!" Yugi sang happily.

"I'm glad you're feeling better." I said happily. "Would you like me to take that?"

"Nah I'll take it out later." Yugi said, going to place it on the coffee table before us.

"Don't you leave that Yugi! Rinse it out now." Mr. Moto called from the kitchen. Some times his hearing was on point. He sighed and I took it from him before he could stand.

"Hey!"

"I got this. You relax." I said proudly and sauntered off.

"You know I feel fine enough to do that myself!" He called after me. I smirked as he broke into a fit of small coughs. Poor thing wasn't completely better yet and should know better than to strain his throat.

I returned shortly after to him kneeling before the TV looking through a stack of games and my heart leapt. We're going to play something! Yes!

"What are we playing?" I asked cooly. Sauve on the outside, absolutely jittery on the inside.

"I thought we'd play this." He said happily, showing me some kind of fighting game.

It was a fun game to play. We each picked a hero and each hero had a range of different abilities but instead of fighting each other, we teamed up to complete objectives and in each level we had hordes of bad guys to defeat - and I mean hundreds of them. It was real time action too so we were very active, often on different ends of the map to try and complete objectives in the most timely manner.

He was very good at this game and after a while I found a character I enjoyed playing and was able to hold my own with. The attacks were most enjoyable to watch and very accurate. The creators certainly knew how to make their characters look like they were really fighting but the most fun part was doing a combination that would take out several hundred in one go, clearing a wide, clean area where enemies had once been: that was very satisfying.

We gained several levels and cleared some of the missions Yugi wanted to complete before he started feeling fatigued again. We decided to take it easy and watch a movie instead and as much as I enjoyed playing the game with him, this was my favourite because he made himself comfortable against me.

He rested his head on my lap and curled up cutely after I fetched him a blanket and we put on the movie he slept through earlier, only this time he stayed awake to watch it.

When the credits rolled he stretched until he coughed, needing to sit up to settle himself after a while and by then he had exhausted himself. I rubbed his back soothingly and when he was able to breathe he leaned into me.

"I think it's time for bed now." He said. His words slurred just a little with the obvious difficulty he had with speaking. His throat must be sore again.

"I'll get you some cough medicine and a lolly to suck on, you go get dressed." I told him gently. He nodded and we went our separate ways.

Mr. Moto had been kind of enough to write out instructions for me for Yugi's medicine and I followed it to a T, scrunching my nose at the horrid, strawberry smell of the medicine. I'm glad I don't need to take this stuff, I don't think this tastes like strawberry.

I found him in the bathroom washing his face and with a sigh, some minor hesitation and a deep breath he took the shot of medicine and quickly washed it down with water, showing his tongue several times from the taste. I knew it tasted foul but it would be good for him.

"That tastes awful." He complained.

"I'm sure it does, but it's good for you to get a good nights sleep." I said sincerely. Sincerely glad I didn't need it.

"I know." He sighed, politely taking the lolly I offered and leading the way out.

"Hey…" He said as he climbed into bed. I waited patiently by his wardrobe, ready to fetch a new pair of clothes to wear to bed. "Thank you for looking after me. You've been doing so much since you got your own body and I want you to know how much I appreciate you." He said. There was something in his voice I'm sure I missed. Something deeper like he might have had something on his mind he was trying to ignore … or hope I would notice. Regardless, this is the second time today he's told me he appreciates me... if his tone was suspicious then his words were.

"You've been thanking me a lot recently, are you sure you're okay?" I asked, half a joke to try and lighten his mood.

"I've got a lot to thank you for. I mean … you could be anyone else but instead you're a kind, hard working, honest… I could go on…"

"Please do." I laughed to hide the blush.

"What I'm saying is I'm very lucky that you were in the puzzle and not someone else." Yugi said finally.

Now it made sense. He must be referring to Bakura and Ryou. I feel like such a horrid person for how I felt toward him earlier. Was that actual jealousy? But he's going through a rough time and I didn't even think about that; all I could think of is how Yugi ignored everything but him, had only attention to him. For all Yugi's praises I didn't feel too good a person right now.

I'm lusting over my best friend, I'm jealous because he looked at someone else when all it was was concern for his wellbeing and I'm terribly hurt because he loves someone else. I should be happy for him, encouraging him to seek what he's obviously blind to but I don't because I want him all to myself.

I'm not kind, I'm selfish. I'm not hard working, I'm deceitful. I'm not honest … I've been lying to you everyday.

"I think you have the wrong person in mind, Yugi." I said quietly, turning my back to him to search for anything else to wear to bed tonight.

"You have one drawback though." Yugi admitted and against my better judgement I curiously looked at him. "You're much too modest." He said kindly. Too kindly.

I couldnt muster words… I felt my emotions trying to betray me and if I wanted to keep these feelings hidden then I needed to leave, right now. So I gave him a smile, collected some clothes and slipped out of his room to hide in the bathroom.

That was weird.

I complimented him and he just completely shut down. I expected a little joking, even some bashful denial but, no he… felt sad I think.

What was that about?

I have to find out.

Climbing back out of bed I crept out of my room to the bathroom, hesitating to knock on the door. Perhaps he wants to be alone … but that idiot knows he can't be alone while I'm around… right?

But what if that's the problem? What if now he has his own body now he's free to do as he chooses, but he's been stuck here looking after me.

Crap what if I said something I don't remember! I remember being somewhat delirious but I don't think I'd have said something that could upset him.

Don't be stupid Yugi. If he was upset at you then you'd have known before now. So what is it? This would be a time he'd escape into the puzzle and shut me out. In that case, maybe he'll come to me when he's ready.

This sucks. I just wanted him to know how lucky I am to have him in my life. Considering Ryou was tortured by Bakura, I could have had an evil spirit locked in my puzzle instead of such a warm and generous one.

I heard the shower turn on then and it broke me out of my thoughts to new, lewder ones. I know my bathroom by heart, and I knew just behind this door was a bare, naked Pharaoh about to climb into my shower and have the hot, steamy water wash down his skin and through his hair and …

Stop it!

Go back to bed and stay there!

I did as I commanded as swiftly as possible, hiding beneath the sheets and facing the wall but the imaginary image fleshed itself out the longer I laid here. I felt my fingers brushing against the top of my own thigh and I wondered what it would be like to have him touching me like this.

Oh my god what is wrong with me?

Why does this excite me so much? If he knew I was thinking these things he'd never come back.

Wait! Is that why he ran off? Were my compliments too much? I honestly meant them in a friendly and grateful way. Oh god what if I made him nervous? What if he took it the wrong way? Maybe I should explain what brought it up. I don't have to break Ryous trust, all I need to do is tell him that he could have been Bakura but isn't… he'd understand… right?

What if it's too late? What if I made him really uncomfortable. What if I can never compliment him again? Or worse, what if he wants to leave? Would he just go? He can't… He doesn't have a job, or ID… would he get one? Would he go that far?

I don't want him to leave. Shit what do I do?

Do I play it cool? Act like it's fine, or do I press the matter and try to explain? Playing it cool is probably the better option. I Just won't compliment him that much anymore… yeah… that'll work… right?

But he deserves praise where earned… Oh god what do I do? Why is this so complicated?

Go to sleep Yugi. Just go to sleep.

…

….

…

He's so hot though…

Oh my god why won't my brain shut up!