A/N: Merry Christmas everyone and please have a very safe holiday! This one's a little longer than the others filled with dorky moments, dorky boys and not too much drama. 3 Love you guys and see you guys soon x

Ugh… I feel like absolutely crap. Mornings with colds are always so bad. My throat is dry, my nose is blocked, my eyes feel swollen and I feel like my bloods been drained leaving me with nought but skin to warm my bones.

Lazily I look around to see my room empty. My alarm had been switched off to let me sleep and the futon was made neatly. Atem must have already woken to start his day. I didn't even hear him come in last night… but he had been in here. The clothes he wore were folded neatly and some of his jewellery was gone. Not all of it but some. Come to think of it I dont even recall him wearing it lately. Then again Ive been dead to the world with this cold.

Sniffing turned into violent coughing and after a while I sat up and focused on carefully breathing before heading in for a shower. Normally Id go downstairs to say good morning but I really wanted to clear up.

And clear up I did. Showers had healing properties I'm sure. Half an hour just standing under the hot water really did the trick. I was clearer, my blood returned, I had energy to burn… i feel so much better I practically skipped downstairs only to freeze immediately.

A lot of things has happened this week that I never expected to happen. The Spirit of my Millenium Puzzle not only learned who he was but gained his own body and is now living with us. Bakuras Spirit was all free and has stolen most of my Millenium Items. I got a cold from being caught in the rain twice. But nothing could have prepared me for seeing a 5000 year old Pharaoh being taught how to make what I think is pancakes… wearing my grandfather's apron…

This … was… weird.

"Now it only takes a few moments for it to solidify enough before you flip it but not too soon or you wont get the result you want. Too long and itll burn." Grandpa coached from beside him. He was a good head shorter than Atem which only helped to make this image stranger.

"How do I know when it's ready to be flipped?" Atem asked him gently. He is so invested in this. Ive seen him use the same amount of concentration in learning a new game. To him this was important to get right … but he's in an apron…

My Pharaoh… is in an apron.

"You'll learn to judge the timing for yourself. It takes practice and instinct. But generally when you start to see it bubble. Like that one."

Atem followed his instructions, flipping the pancakes as needed and smiling to himself with his results. My heart slowly warmed to the idea of him making such a wholesome breakfast and the idea of him eagerly learning these life skills, so without disturbing them I came into the room quietly and sat by the counter, watching them politely with my head in my hands. Grandpa looked to see me first, smiling happily.

"Good morning Yugi, how do you feel?"

Atem looked at me then, blushing but he gave me a smile and returned to his cooking.

"I feel great after a shower. Colds are the worst in the morning." I said simply. "How are you both?" I ask, trying to hide my amusement.

"Your grandfather is teaching me how to make pancakes." Atem said fondly.

"I can see that." I said with a soft giggle. I caught the smile before he could hide it and the less than obvious catching of his breath. He was so happy underneath that intense concentration. Perhaps I can let him off the hook for wearing an apron if it means he gets enjoyment out of cooking.

"Okay, they look ready. Let's plate them up and eat." Grandpa said.

I watched Atem carefully scoop them up, stacking them neatly upon a plate for us all to take from while Grandpa got out some syrup and cream.

"So I may need to borrow Atem today for the shop if you dont mind Yugi. You know how weekends can get." Grandpa said.

"If he doesn't mind then sure." I said happily.

Atem came up beside me with a plate of stacked pancakes, brimming with nerves and excitement.

"I made these ones for you. Mr. Moto told me you like chocolate chips in yours."

No words.

None.

My mind went blank and all I could see was Atem, standing before me in an apron with my favourite pancakes he made himself. This was like a bad romance idea of a wife presenting a hard earned meal only instead of a wife it was an Egyptian Pharoah. MY Egyptian Pharaoh.

Suddenly I wished grandpa wasn't here and Atem would have chosen to wear nothing under that apron.

I blushed so hard I almost forgot how to thank him, gratefully taking the plate while avoiding all eye contact with him. I'm sure he noticed but I cannot look at him like this.

"Thank you." I mumbled.

He stood by me, waiting, probably hoping for a verdict on if they were good or not. They looked and smelled delicious and with just a little bit of cream I tasted a small bite.

My heart leapt! My tastebuds danced and my entire body was overcome with a warn shiver I could barely contain. This was delicious! I had no idea he could cook this well! This was his first lesson in cooking anything and it tasted as good as any 5 star chef!

"Mmm! This is delicious!" I squealed, going for an even larger mouthful.

"Really?" He asked me in pure excitement and bated breath.

"Mhmm! You've been practicing without us havent you?" I asked and he laughed something so beautiful it rivalled how good these were.

"No but I'm glad you like them." He hummed bashfully.

Looking upon the very genuine smile he wore I felt foolish for over thinking last night. I think he is really happy here. Last night must have been something else; something he's recovered from and something I don't have a mind to investigate right now. Not with these before me and a smile so bright on his face.

"I love them. Are there more?"

"Not with choc chips Yugi. Plenty of plain ones though." Grandpa said as he came to sit opposite me.

"Oh well. I'm sure they're just as good. Im gonna have to get you to make me these every morning you know." I said cheekily and he smiled and turned from me.

"Stop Yugi. You're embarrassing me." He said with a giggle as he busied himself with his apron.

I chuckled but let him be. I was satisfied enough and had amazing pancakes to dig myself into.

After breakfast Grandpa gave us permission to rest and do whatever we wanted until Atems services would be required. So we spent the morning playing games and talking about his time in Egypt. He told me of this really old board game he used to play and it came to no surprise that no one could beat him in that either.

"Thats it there." He said happily, pointing at the screen of my laptop. We've been laying on the floor for ages now looking stuff up from his time and I loved every second of it. Not only did I get to learn more of where he came from and what he did but his happiness was incredible. I watched and adored the way his eyes would sparkle upon seeing something he recognised. I loved the way his lips would twitch as a fond memory would flash in his mind and he would explore it as if it was new again, telling me of his discoveries as he came across them. He knew his history now, but as the specific memories would come to him it was like he was learning them with me. He would feel excited if it was happy, hurt if it was sad, adorably pouty if he had been salty in the past. When it came to this board game, I saw excitement, pride and longing. He wished to play it again, to behold it ... unfortunately the closest he might get to one these days is in a museum.

"It says here that no one really knows how to play it but theres enough evidence to prove that this was a favoured game among all Egyptians." I read.

"Shame there isnt any around now. I would teach you how to play and youd be one of the few humans alive today that would know." He said pleasantly.

"Hmm. Well we might not be able to get one. But we could make one? Youd know it inside and out right?" I asked.

His face said it all but after a second he composed himself.

"I do. But how would we make it?"

I smiled. This would be so fun and that excitement of his will be through the roof. I can't wait to do this for him!

"Well I've got some pocket money saved up. When I'm all better we can go shopping. After all you have been cooped up here all week." I shrugged innocently but hoping very much he'll say yes.

"Shopping…" He said quietly. Oh no. Was that wrong? Did he not want to?

He readjusted himself, staring at the screen but quite obviously in his own world. It made me nervous to say the least. What could he be thinking about?

"Atem?" I probed gently, half nervous.

"Sorry I was just thinking." He said with a half smile. He rolled onto his side to face me, putting all his weight on one arm while his other rest lazily on his hip. "I was wondering earlier about finance. I was thinking it might be good if I find a job to earn some money of my own but I'm unsure of how I would go about accomplishing this. So, I was hoping you might be able to help point me in the right direction?"

He wants a job. So he can earn money. First comes earning money then comes moving out. Oh my god! Does he want to leave? Was I right? No! I don't want him to go! Have I pushed him after all? Why does he want to go? Where does he want to go? Away from me? How far? Will I see him again?

Wait! What if he finds someone he likes at this new job? What if he doesn't want to hang out with us anymore? What if he moves on just like in my nightmares?

"Yugi?"

"Huh?"

He's staring at me, brows furrowed slightly in some form of concern.

Don't be ridiculous Yugi. What you have with him doesnt mean that little. Play it cool. Play it cool Yugi.

"Sorry, did you want to find a job?" I ask stupidly.

"I do. Do you think that would be a problem?" He asked, genuinely concerned.

I can't hold him back from what he wants to do for my sake. It would be wrong of me. He's not a Pharaoh anymore. Hes free of the Puzzle and yet hes still kinda just trapped here. Im scared of losing him but what kind of a friend would I be if I purposefully hold him back? Besides... maybe I'm letting my fears get the better of me. He's not inside my mind to keep me grounded anymore. Thats probably it... right?

"I don't think it'll be a problem. But we would need to get some kind of ID for you. You also need an Individual Number so that whoever employs you can pay you legally. You can do cash on hand jobs for now but they're not taxable and often shady. Id be careful with what you pick. But we can start looking and in the meantime ask Grandpa to help with your documents. Youll need ID at some stage regardless."

"An Individual Number and ID. I see. How do I go about getting these? do you have these?"

"I do. I got mine about a year before you came into my life. Most kids do around that age. Youll need to get a foreign one probably. Im not sure how though, I think we'll need help with that. Grandpa might know someone or Ishizu." I suggested. This would be tough. He doesn't even have Egyptian ID so I dont know how to prove who he is but maybe we can figure something out.

"I'd greatly appreciate that thank you." He said and I smiled.

Truthfully I wasn't keen on potentially opening the door for him to leave but I want him to be happy. This is a brand new life for him and he seems real eager to take it on. I can't get in the way of that.

"Atem! Come down when you're ready please!" We heard grandpa call. I checked to see the time read 11:05 and I sighed. I guess he's gotta work now. I wonder if he felt this lost when i went to school… probably not. He had grandpa keeping him busy afterall.

"Guess that's me. Will you come with me?" He asked, sounding hopeful.

My instinct and intense desire to be near him said yes but I felt no on my tongue… but before I could voice one or the other Grandpa called out again.

"Yugi! Ryous here to see you."

"Huh… I guess that's me too." I said simply and internally grateful for the third option.

We both went downstairs to greet them. To my surprise the store floor was quite busy today so it was no wonder Mr. Moto had called me down.

Ryou stood by the counter with his arms close to his chest and doing his best to stay out of the way of everyone else. He looked nervous which, considering what Yugi said yesterday made sense. I still feel awful for how I had felt towards him, especially knowing that what hes going through is partially my fault but until he says anything to me then I think I have to act like I don't know or else I'd be not only betraying Yugi's trust, but Ryous trust in Yugi too.

"Good morning Ryou." I said cheerfully, joining Mr. Moto behind the counter.

"Ah, good morning Atem. Yugi. How are you feeling?" He asked him.

"I'm feeling much better today. Wanna come up stairs?"

"Please. Ummm but -"

"It's okay. I promised I would help. Yugi please take care of yourself up there. Don't push your limits just cause your feeling better." I said affectionately. I know I said I'd help and I'm happy to but I cant deny Id like nothing more than to go up there with them and hover.

Gods, who knew I could be so jealous. Such an unbecoming trait for a King to have.

"Okay. Well then, thank you for having me." Ryou said nervously and followed Yugi back upstairs. I watched them go, sighing to myself. Realistically I know Ryou probably needs company and Yugi is the best person to help him but.. I don't know. I think I'm just being needy. I'm really not doing great at this 'reigning it in' thing.

"Hey. Pay attention. I need you to serve while I tend to customers." Mr. Moto said, pulling me in front of the register to handle on my own. This was a surprise. He's taught me to use it but never unsupervised. Okay Atem… you've handled a country before, you can handle a shop.

"Can I get you a drink or something?" I asked once we got to the kitchen. I know he'd like a tea and to be honest I could do with one too. I've been sucking on lollies all day, a hot drink would be nice on my throat.

"Um... sure if you're making one." He said kindly.

"Lemon and honey good for you?"

"Sure. Thank you."

I set to preparing it as he took a seat at the Island. I know something's bothering him but to be honest I expected no less. In fact that's kind of why I was hoping he'd come here so we could keep talking about it. I just hope I don't push too hard. I'll have my feelers out and take it slow… it's the least I can do right now.

"So, how are you feeling today?" I ask carefully.

"I don't want to bring you down Yugi. Not when your finally feeling better."

"Nah it's cool. What are friends for? Besides I wanna do everything I can for you. I'm worried about you." I said genuinely, hoping he would be responsive.

He was quiet for a long while after that and I thought not to push. Clearly he was debating how much he should say or if at all and the last thing I wanna do is scare him off. So gently I handed him his tea and I lead him further upstairs into my room where he might be more comfortable talking.

"Mind the mess. We've not been bothering to pack up the futon every day." I said sheepishly, setting my tea down to do just that. I wont pack it up completely; leaning it on the wall should be fine.

"Its fine Yugi. You should see my apartment. Ive not had the motivation to keep it clean either." He said.

I know what he means. I've felt depressed before too. This was before I had any friends of course but I remember the emptiness it makes you feel. I offered my bed for him to sit and sat comfortably in my chair for the first time in a week.

"So I wont push. I know how trapping it can feel to be pushed and I want you to feel comfortable here. But I do want you to know that Im open to listening. We can be mid conversation about puppys if thats when you feel like talking, or we don't even need to talk about anything. What I'm saying is-"

"Thank you Yugi. I want to tell you everything, I do its just… its hard. Im learning so much about what he did when he was in control that it makes me sick to think about. I can barely look at myself now without wanting to … I dont know how to forgive myself for what Ive done. I did things I should be put away for and who knows, maybe I should."

"Why do you say that?" I ask. This is so worrying. Hes talking like hes some kind of criminal but hes not. Bakura is a terrible person but Ryou isn't. No matter what that thief made him do.

"Well not because im a danger to anyone else but to bring closure to the families I've hurt. They'll never believe I was possessed by some 5000 year old spirit that was feeling restless at the time." He sighed.

Thats true. Proving that would be impossible … unless Atems blood work comes back proving hes far older than 17..

Oh my god. What if it does? Will they take him away? Surely the military would get their hands on him and scientists would love to find out how hes 5000 year old. They'd do god knows to him. Oh god this isnt good.

"Yugi?"

"Hmm? Sorry, I got to thinking about...it doesn't matter. Look, what matters is that you know who you are and that your friend's are behind you no matter what. I know you would never hurt anyone intentionally and you do too. Hell I would get into a brawl with someone sooner than you would and I used to run from people saying hello."

"True… not about the hello bit but the rest. But the families Ive hurt by -"

"For starters I doubt they know it was you. But secondly if we can catch Bakura then we can hold him responsible. Hes the one that did it after all." I said and I swear I caught a glimmer of hope in those eyes.

"Catching him wont be easy. Hes a master at hiding. Say what you will about him but he is very good at what he does."

"I dont doubt that. But as long as we stay together we can overcome anything." I said happily. I know the future looks grim but we've overcome tough trials before and we'll overcome this one. Im sure of it.

"I want to believe that…" He said and then sighed before he seemingly found a new strength to boost himself. Good! This is great! "You know what, I'll choose to believe that. The Pharaoh defeated him once before and with all of you, you managed to save the world and your loved ones. It wasn't easy but you did it. Hes not attached to me any more. He can no longer use me to hurt anyone else ever again, so Im going to do everything in my power to make it right by the families he hurt using me and that starts with making sure he can't hurt anyone else, ever again."

"Good for you! Your absolutely right! And we'll be there by your side and on the front line helping to take him down."

He smiled and gave a me a firm nod, a silent pact between us that we would see this done. I feel so inspired now. I don't even know where to start but for now, counting our blessings probably a good a place as any.

"So what do you wanna do? The world is ours today!" I said brightly.

"Well, i had the thought that if on the off chance i felt up to it I might buy some new cards while im here. I can't look at mine without thinking of him so … do you want to help me make a brand new deck?" He asked.

My heart fluttered! Of course! I love any chance to help someone build a deck jus right for them. And I haven't had the chance to watch Atem work yet …

Work… right.

"Id love to! It sounds like fun, but first… can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"Umm...its Just… Atem asked me about the idea of him finding work and it got me thinking, probably too much. I don't know but it kind of … concerns me that he wants to do this."

"Why?" He asked simply… as if it was that simple.

"I don't know." I lied. "I think … maybe I'm worried that if he gets a job it'll take him away."

"He lives here, he'll come back Yugi." He laughed but that wasn't what I meant, still I appreciated the humor.

"I mean for good. What if he saves enough to move out, what if he meets someone and leaves… what if he forgets us because he's got his own life now."

"Yugi, you are thinking too much." He said. I know he's right but then why can't I shake this? "Atem loves being here with you. With everything you've been through together he couldn't just leave as if what you have is nothing. Out of interest, have you asked him?"

"Asked him… no. He only brought it up this morning but I got this idea last night. But it's not the first time I've wondered about the possibility of him leaving." And it wasn't. I've dreamed about it. Him leaving, everyone else too. I'm always left alone and I'm afraid that with him out of the puzzle, the wish I made on it will disappear.

He nodded and thought a moment before meeting my gaze again.

"It seems to me you're worried about this because he's no longer bound to the Puzzle. He can come and go as he chooses without relying on you to transport him. You're feeling insecure now because you lack respect for yourself and fear that he will leave because in time he will see that he can. Am I right?"

"Too right. Stop it." I said half sternly. He was way too good at analysing these things. While I hadn't come to these observations myself I couldn't deny I cannot word my feelings better than this. It was too accurate… and made me feel stupid for feeling this way. "So it's all in my head then?" I ask.

"Ask him yourself why he wants to get a job and I think you'll feel a lot better. I haven't spent a lot of time with the Pharaoh but I saw him while you were asleep and I think I can safely say he deeply enjoys being with you. You're never far off his mind." He said, almost cryptically, as if far away himself.

"Thank you. I'll ask him tonight. Now how about those cards?" I ask quickly, hoping to pull him back here before his thoughts get too dark again. I know that look afterall and it's my job to intercept.

He smiled, looking at me brightly: mission accomplished.

I sighed heavily as the last customer left and the store was finally quiet save for the soft music in the back ground. That was insanely busy. But I think we managed alright.

"Good job." Mr. Moto said to me, clapping me on the back in praise. I felt so much better now. I'm glad he was happy with that.

"Thank you." I said happily in time to spy Yugi and Ryou coming down stairs. My heart swelled upon see him and when he smiled at me I tried my hardest to hold my breath.

"Hey! I see the rush is over." Ryou said approvingly.

"Just in time for their next customer." Yugi said with a bit of cheek to his tone. He shared a wink with him but before they could go any further Mr. Moto handed Yugi some coloured chalk.

"Be a good lad and change the sign outside. We're out of the sale items now." He said.

"But I was gonna help Ryou pick out some cards." Yugi whined adorably.

"I don't mind stepping out to do it Mr. Moto." I suggested.

"Nah he can pull a little weight around here. Now what is this about cards?" Mr. Moto asked happily.

"Ryou wants to build a new deck of his own. From scratch so I was going to help him." Yugi pouted.

"Ah! Well then you've come to the right place! Yugi, sooner you do change the board, sooner you can come help. After all building a deck is no easy task!" Mr. Moto said enthusiastically.

"Actually… why don't I try out Atems customer service skills?" Ryou suggested.

This struck me as curious.

"Sure. Actually you've spent all this time behind the counter, it'll be good to see you mingle. Alright, bring what you find back here and we'll go through them together. Yugi, go on."

"Fine." He huffed in obvious annoyance and left. I held my amusement, knowing he'd be fine once he came back. His pouting was so cute though.

Alright… task at hand. Helping Ryou.

"So what kind of cards are you looking into?" I ask him, coming around the corner to show him where all the duel monsters cards are.

"Well… Bakura themed my deck around the grave and fiend monsters. I don't mind so much but I just can't look at them now without thinking about how violently and sadistically he used to use them… so I was thinking of something a bit lighter perhaps, maybe even mirroring what mine used to be."

I see. Of course. He's lived with Bakura for so long that it must be hard to move on from his memory without being reminded of him at every turn, especially if what Yugi said was true in that Ryou's been tortured by him. I would be more surprised if he hadn't… I know the lengths that this curr will go to for the sick pleasure of watching his victims squirm…

"There are a lot of light based decks you can try. The trick is finding where to start and which cards will resonate with your personality. You strike me a kind, generous soul with surprising power. Personally, I believe this starter deck would be good for you to build upon. I know Yugi has quite the collection upstairs he can help you with but if you were to purchase this one and build upon it, I believe it would help you in more ways than you know." I said, handing him a light/fairy structure deck. This would be one I'd recommend to Tea as well if she were interested. On the outside it's a very innocent looking deck, made more for preserving and building Lifepoints but what most duelists miss is the hidden power in these cards.

"Thank you. What's so special about this one?" He asks as he reads the back.

"There's a number of monsters and spells that will raise your LP past the starting cap and also focuses on recycling these monsters from the Graveyard to your deck so effectively you can keep building. But there's one card in there that isn't the easiest to summon with the cards you have, but if you can summon it towards the end of the game, all the life points you've gained will increase it's power for a turn before it's sent to the graveyard."

"That sounds tricky."

"It is. But with some booster packs and a few cards I know we have upstairs, it's easier to get him out when you need to. But … and I'll let you in on this secret, most duelists don't know this and if they did they'd probably be more interested in this deck, but his power isn't a 'once per duel' effect. Once he's in the Graveyard he keeps gaining power. If you can get him back out into your deck, draw and summon him again, he'll be stronger still. So if you fail to use his ability the first time you summon him, you still have more chances to do so."

"Oh wow!"

"Yes and there's still some decently strong monsters there too in case you can't get him out when you need to. It's a deck meant to lul your opponent into thinking it's weak and all about defence rather than attack, but really it's a ruse because if played right this is a powerful deck."

"I see. Well I'm up for the challenge of learning it. Any booster packs you'd recommend?"

"I would take 3 of these and 1 of these." I said, handing him 3 fairy booster packs and one spellcaster pack. "The Spellcaster pack should have spells in there to help power up your weaker monsters so you can at least keep them alive a little longer, or you can use them to power up your already powerful cards."

"Great thanks! I didn't think this would be so quick."

I smiled, actually wishing I could watch them play with these cards. Watching people put together a deck was fun and very rewarding - but I guess that will be Yugi's pleasure soon.

The phone rang then and Mr. Moto left to answer it. Yugi's still outside… I wonder how long he'll be. It's just me and Ryou now. I suppose I should finish his purchase so he can go talk to Yugi again.

"Shall I put this on the counter for you?" I ask politely, as I've been taught.

"Actually… while it's just us. I have a rather personal question."

"Yes?" I ask curiously. Was there an alternate reason for this today? I wonder if this question has anything to do with Bakura. Aside from him I'm the only one who knows him personally, it wouldn't surprise me if he wanted to know more about his torturer. This would be uncomfortable.

"You don't have to answer. And I mean no offence at all, it's just I know how close you are with Yugi and well… I never had that. It just got me wondering… your relationship with him… may I ask what it is?"

My relationship… with Yugi?

I was not expecting this. Questions about Bakura yes, about myself as Pharaoh of course but … Yugi? Why is he asking? What do I tell him? The truth? How much of it? Will he tell Yugi? Will he disapprove? Why does he want to know? Could there be more between them than I thought? No! No no please… I already have to contend with Tea, please Gods do not make me compete against Ryou too.

"Like I said, you don't have to answer and if it's too personal I understand. I was just wondering because the way Bakura looked at me and the way you look at Yugi is completely different." He went on and I listened, completely afraid of what I will answer with. What if Yugi comes in right now? Should I answer him and be done with it? I should end this conversation. Handle his transaction, tell him we're friends and leave it at that … but I can't stop listening to him compare his relationship with Bakura to mine and Yugi's…

"... I don't think he hates me. To be honest I don't think he cared enough to even think of me and I don't even know what hurts more: that I got stuck with a spirit that hates me or that I got stuck with one who doesn't even care to notice me. I was a tool to him. Literally all I was is a means to an end but you and Yugi… You're a partnership. You look at him and see a person, someone you shouldn't take advantage of and should respect, someone you owe and admire. I've never seen such … love in anyone's eyes than I do when I see you look at him. So… I guess my questions is: do you love him?" He asked and I almost choked on the saliva I swallowed.

My blood felt frozen, my skin prickled under the warm clothing I borrowed, my hairs stood more on end than I'm used to and I don't even know if my heart is beating anymore, I lost track of it's thumping somewhere between my throat and my ears.

I am … actually afraid now. Because I cannot deny that I love him but I must to protect him. But if Ryou knows then what about everyone else? Mr. Moto… what would we he do if he knew I loved his grandson? Would he kick me out? His friends, would they reject me? Tea - would she distance herself from Yugi and ruin his chances of finding love with her? Yugi… would he denounce me, throw me away like some discarded card wrappings?

He's staring at me, waiting, watching every micro movement and I have no idea what I'm displaying but I do not have control over it. What do I do? I have to do something, anything to end or move this conversation.

"Yugi and I are … best friends. We're very close, it's true. But we are not more than that." I said stiffly. Please let him be satisfied with this.

"But do you love him?"

"Does it matter?" I ask quickly. I should not have said that. I might as well have said yes. Too late now.

"It does. Because Atem… he's a really special guy. He's too kind for his own good and I fear that will get him in trouble. I know he's done a lot of growing but there's more still to do so that he doesn't get hurt by those around him." Is he implying I'll hurt him?

"I will never hurt Yugi. I will always do everything in my power to protect him from anything." I said firmly. He seemed to think about this a moment, before sighing and leading me to stand.

"Good. Look if you love him, great. I won't tell a soul, not even him. I believe that should be your job to let everyone know when you're ready. But I do want to look out for him. So.. no matter what happens, just promise me you won't hurt him. Like I said, he's special; but if you love him then I'm sure you already know that." He said with a wink I could not respond to.

I think he just called me out, gave me his wishes and threatened me all at once. What just happened? I have literally no idea what to do right now.

"So can I buy these now?" He asked innocently and I jumped at the opportunity to busy myself. I said nothing during the transaction and as I passed him the brown paper bag I finally had some form of words to use.

"Does anyone else know?" I ask stiffly.

"I don't think so. Least of all Yugi. But then… I don't think they've been looking. I can't get my interactions with Bakura out of my head and seeing you with Yugi… well I can't help but see what is so painfully obvious to those who have never felt that devotion." He said.

I understand where he was coming from and how he came to ask … but it stunned me so much that I was so careless. My mind just keeps playing the same conversation, trying to comprehend what just happened. I feel so exposed right now and I don't think I like this.

"Done!" Yugi called as the door dinged open. "Where's Grandpa? Oohh did you make your purchase already?!" He asked excitedly, completely unaware of anything that just happened. Ryou watched my face as I watched Yugi and I caught the wink before he turned back to him, all cheerful now without a hint of serious tones. I must be more careful.

"Atem helped me pick out a Light Fairy deck and some boosters. He also said that you have some cards he believes will help."

"You're quick to offer my cards." Yugi winked at me but I knew he was joking… still I felt so ashamed right now I just wanted to go back up stairs, or for them to go up stairs, or for Mr. Moto to tell me to get lost in the store room for a while. Anything, just so long as I wasn't under Ryou's watchful gaze and Yugi's adoring presence.

Instead, I smiled nervously and prayed something would happen. Anything! Bakura would even be a welcome distraction.

"Ah Yugi. All done?" Mr. Moto asked as he came back in.

"Yep. We'll need more chalk though." He said, handing him the tiny remains of what was left of an entire stick.

"What did you do?" Mr. Moto asked him, stunned.

"I drew some pictures to flare it up a little." He shrugged innocently. "Come on, lets go check out your cards. Gramps, can Atem finish soon?" Yugi asked. My heart melted and froze all at once. This is so damned confusing.

"He just started and there's still an evening rush to go. And if he wants that payment he's gonna have to work for it."

"Payment?" The three of us asked in sync.

"Yes. We talked about this the other day and I've decided that I will give you some pocket money for the hours you work here."

Was he serious? But what about Yugi's allowance? I should not be receiving this instead of him. But … if I do this then I can afford my own clothing and buy Yugi ice cream when he needs it, or new cards when he's down. It's Christmas soon and I believe I'll be able to buy him a gift this year… But Yugi… I don't want to take this away from him… do I?

"Well would you look at you? Got your own cash in hand job sooner than we thought huh? You'll be rich and independent in no time." Yugi said but I heard the sadness at the end there. I definitely heard it. I caught Ryou nudge him and Yugi smiled at me… to Ryou's disappointment. What is going on?

"I don't know about rich Yugi, but at least he can reward himself with Falafels when he wants." Mr. Moto said.

Falafels. Oh my god if I buy my own clothes and Yugi gifts then I can also treat myself to Falafels? I mean… Yugi would only spend this money on us anyway, it's only in a different hand… right? I'll buy him whatever he desires and work hard enough to do so… he can't complain about that can he?

"Well now he's sold. I don't think we'll be able to feed him anything else now." Yugi laughed.

He's hiding.

I'll expose him later. Something is bothering him deeply and I will find out what it is.. But not now. Not with everyone present. Later, when my shift ends and Ryou goes home I will ask him whats bothering him.

"I did say I could eat them every day and soon I can." I shrugged cooly.

"Alright. Well let's leave the Pharaoh to imagine what else he can buy now that he's no longer in poverty and go up stairs to see what you got." Yugi smiled, leaving with a wink to me and a nod to Ryou to follow.