Hi everyone and welcome back to another chapter! It took some time and I'm really sorry for that, but I was very distracted with other things and truthfully, I still am. I'm grateful for finishing this chapter though, so hopefully you'll like it too.
Enjoy!
/\/\/\/\/\
Chapter 12
/\/\/\/\/\
Grinning slightly, Yugi had to admit he was excited for tonight and definitely more so than any other time he'd go to a dance club with his friends. After all, Yami would join them this evening and that made everything a whole lot better. Which was silly, he knew that, but a part of him longed to spend some time with his roommate and Yugi more than happily obliged his desires. Hence why they had worked out together at the campus' gym and yes, the shorter man had to say he didn't regret that at all. Being pushed into a weekend with sore muscles had never been this good, considering the sight he had been given for it in return, and Yugi once more grinned while he added the finishing touches to his outfit.
As usual, skin-tight leather adorned his legs while he wore a fitting top and a few choice jewellery around his upper arm and wrists. It didn't matter the trousers were a pain to get off much later when he'd be more than a little tipsy, as they would hopefully help in convincing Yami he was a fine piece of man himself and more than willing to share some of it too. Which he knew, deep down, was ridiculous, but Yugi didn't care as he picked up the Sennen Puzzle and looped the chain he had added to it months ago around his neck.
"Unfortunately", he started with a small frown, "you'll have to come as well, because I can't guarantee I'll be back home within the forty-eight hour mark", Yugi finished while he looked at himself once more within the mirror of his bedroom, prior to approving his look. Perhaps the Puzzle was a little much, but it would definitely help in attracting attention, even though some weren't as well intended as they should be.
"Delightful", was the mere comment from deep within the object and Yugi rolled his eyes as it resonated inside his mind with the apparent dread Atemu felt, but none of that would matter soon. Then, he'd be on the dancefloor with his roommate and the moping spirit wouldn't be important to Yami or him any longer. It would be just them and amethyst eyes gleamed in excitement as their owner liked the thought of that, before he made his way into the living room. It was still empty, which meant Yami was still getting ready and Yugi couldn't help but roll his eyes slightly at that. His roommate would look good in anything he'd wear for the night and it was why he sat down on the sofa to get the extra good view in case the other man would ever show up from his bedroom.
Which was definitely worth the wait as Yami eventually stepped into the living room wearing hip-hugging jeans and a black dress shirt with a light blue dragon stitched upon the left side of his chest. The buttons were open just beneath the line of his roommate's collar bones and Yugi almost nibbled his lip as he wished to undo another. Just one for the evening, although that would probably attract a horde of other suitors, which was why the amethyst-eyed man kept his twitching fingers in check at the same time he smiled at Yami with an approving nod. "Very nice", was his gentle comment and crimson irises gleamed slightly while the pale man gave a small smile in return.
"Thank you, especially as I wasn't sure what to wear to this dance party. It's not something I generally do", Yami answered, before his eyes fell upon the Sennen Item around Yugi's neck. "You're taking the Puzzle with you? Isn't that dangerous?", was his soft question, prior to his eyes falling upon Atemu who emerged from the object as well. Rose-red eyes glanced at him and they were warm as they couldn't help but take in the pale man's new look, before their owner seized back control so his gaze wouldn't linger inappropriately. Still, the tanned spirit couldn't help but admire Yami, although he had to smile as well when the latter started to blush ever so slightly.
"Well, it will definitely attract some attention, but I'll be among friends so I dare to say it will be all right and not something you'll have to worry about. Plus, I have to take the Puzzle with me as I'll be spending the weekend at Ryou's place and I'm not sure if I'll be back before Monday. It might be later", Yugi answered in return as he got off the sofa and walked towards the front door where he grasped his keys and jacket, as well as a bag filled with spared clothes.
"You'll skip class again?", Yami couldn't help but ask while Atemu came to stand beside him and amethyst eyes glanced at them for a moment, before Yugi smiled and nodded.
"Yes, as I only have English on Monday and will attend an extra class upcoming Thursday. It has been arranged with my teacher", the shorter man answered, even though his roommate really shouldn't worry about that either. Not everyone was a bookworm, Yami should know that, right?
"Of course, I was just expecting for us to have English together, that's all", was the soft answer in return and amethyst eyes gleamed as their owner almost swore he'd be back Monday morning early, especially if Yami wished to have English class with him, but the thought was quickly shaken from his mind as they had some place to go and it was why he grasped his car keys too prior to opening up the door.
"I guess it's too late to fake a migraine, is it?", Yami whispered as Atemu glanced at him for hesitating and the tanned spirit couldn't help but wince, prior to chuckling softly when the other man did.
"I am afraid so, although I could always try to swap bodies with Yugi and make him stay home?", Atemu offered with a questioning frown of his brow, although Yami returned it with one of confusion.
"Try?", he asked as he slowly grasped his car keys as well, prior to following Yugi into the hallway where the latter was already pressing the button for the elevator.
"Yes, considering Yugi can stop the switch if he wants to, unless I use enough force or when it's an emergency. He can't fight the Puzzle if it wishes to protect itself", Atemu answered, before he fell silent as Yami joined his host within the elevator and although amethyst eyes glanced at them curiously, neither man was willing to share their conversation. Which annoyed Yugi, he had to admit that as the dead spirit had already hogged his roommate enough ever since yesterday. Sure, it could be about the topic of Atemu's past and perhaps he had shown it didn't interest him enough, but them falling silent around him was even worse than hearing them talk.
"Have fun", Atemu merely said as the elevator opened up and Yami smiled at the encouragement, prior to the spirit leaving their presence. It was immediately missed, although he knew that didn't make sense and it was why he tried to shake the thought as he followed Yugi through the city. Not that he could get rid of the thought immediately, as he still remembered the feeling of earlier this morning after what quite possibly had been the best sleep-filled night of his life. Although he still wasn't sure how that had happened, Yami was more than grateful for it, especially as he hadn't liked the looks given to him by Yugi at the gym. Sure, he knew they shouldn't bother him, as he needed his roommate in order to see Atemu and talk with him... but it had been a little uncomfortable and he was sure tonight would be just the same. It was just too bad Atemu couldn't join them and Yami sighed softly as he lingered on that thought for a moment instead.
Simply because it was an exceptionally creepy one, even in his own mind, but the pale man had to admit he liked seeing Atemu. He truly enjoyed their time together and Yami sighed as he parked his car and wished he could bang his head against the wheel for a second. Just to set his mind straight again, considering he sounded like an obsessed idiot... which was theoretically true as he wanted to find out everything there was about the Sennen Items and currently, that entailed a spirit as well. Perhaps it was just because they were both connected by the same interests and Yami nodded to himself as he left it at that for now. He could always try to figure it out while both Yugi and Atemu would be gone from the apartment and the taller man smiled as he got out of his car and followed his roommate into the noisy club where they both paid their entrance fee.
"We decided to meet up at the bar, so we might as well head over there and see who's here like an early bird!", Yugi called out over the music and Yami nodded his agreement, as meeting up with Ryou again was something to look forward to as there was plenty to chat about with the white-haired man. Plus, they had to make a new arrangement too for another night of gaming, as he had enjoyed himself thoroughly with both men last week.
"Yugi!", was the call they could sort of hear while the DJ switched songs and amethyst eyes caught Ryou waving at them which made him grin. Grasping Yami's arm so they wouldn't get separated, he dragged the other man through the crowd, prior to releasing him so he could give his white-haired friend a sweet kiss on the cheek.
"Hi! Good to see you again!", he called out and luckily the music was quieter near the bar so drinks could be ordered in a somewhat normal fashion, but Yami had to admit he didn't mind at all. He greeted Ryou with a wave and smile, as he did like the current song playing, before his face slackened in surprise as another man joined their little group. He received quite the same expression in return at the same time when plum-purple irises took notice of him and the older man with his gently tanned skin felt his greeting die on his lips instantly.
"Malik?", Yami asked with a confused frown, although he truly didn't need to ask. He knew this man, he knew who this was without a doubt even though they hadn't seen each other for nearly six years...
"Good Heavens... Yami, what are you doing here?!", the tanned one asked in return while his mind clearly short-circuited, before he pulled the crimson-eyed maman into a tight embrace; one Yami returned with a soft laugh of relief and equal surprise. "My God, you've grown!", Malik continued as he laughed at the same time their other two companions glanced at each other in apparent confusion.
"Why yes, luckily I've grown. Last time we saw each other I was twelve! What are you doing?", Yami asked in shock and he pushed away from Malik slightly to look at the other man in order to see him smile in good health while plum-purple eyes assessed him as well.
"You two know each other?", Yugi interjected with raised eyebrows in question before the tirade would more than likely begin between the two men about their lives and he was stared at shortly until they both started to laugh rather sheepishly for ignoring their companions.
"Yes, we do. Yami is my little brother", Malik called back over the loud music, although he continued to laugh when that didn't alleviate the apparent confusion. "You guys know I ran away from home and that's where he's from. We grew up together until I took off", the tanned man continued and only then did the information click inside Yugi's and Ryou's minds as they both nodded in understanding.
"Talk about a small world", the white-haired man laughed and they all did while agreeing with the statement, before Malik glanced at Yami once more.
"Small, yes, but what the hell are you doing here?", he asked and Yami smiled prior to answering.
"After you left, I was moved to Valencia to study at another Keeper's location and later on I was relocated to the Aziri Regions. Currently though, I study here in Domino for a degree in Arts", the pale man answered and he waved to Yugi briefly while smiling. "Yugi and I share an apartment together as well as a few classes", he continued and Malik chuckled as he couldn't believe it, but had to as the evidence was standing right in front of him.
"Why the hell are you studying Arts? Especially here? Aren't you supposed to be at some library?", was the returned question and Yami sighed as he wished it would have been that simple, but if it would have been... He would have never met Atemu or seen Malik again and he couldn't wait to tell Mana about it too.
"I already have that degree, but I needed a different one because the council wanted me to have something else than just literature mission-wise", Yami answered and he laughed as his older brother rolled his eyes and gave a deep groan.
"Yes, they always were the demented part of the organisation, although it's good to see you again. How have you been? What have you done these past six years?", Malik asked with a chuckle and he was glad the younger man laughed too for insulting the people he had ran away from. Still, an answer didn't come as crimson eyes focused upon the two men approaching them, before they fell upon a golden ring gleaming against the white-haired man's chest at the same time the engraved eye on its front stared back at him.
"Malik, what's taking you so long?", was the question while Yami thought he was seeing double for a second. Not as bad as Atemu and himself, but there definitely were two evil twins who had joined them in regards to both Ryou as well as Malik and it took the pale man another moment to get over his shock while his eyes were pulled towards the Sennen Ring constantly. It was gleaming at him, as much as the Puzzle did around Yugi's neck and he had to swallow thickly while his brother greeted both men.
They both had tanned skin and Malik's near-duplicate had spikier hair than either Atemu, Yugi or him, which surprised Yami even more while he stared into the cold-blooded purple eyes. They were nothing like the warm plum-purple ones of his brother, although seeing the white-haired man... it wasn't much of a surprise. Blood-red eyes glared at him while a large scar disfigured the older man's face unpleasantly as he continued to glare with his white hair falling down his back. They both wore expensive clothes, but it was the Sennen Ring which Yami was lured to look at once more.
"What are you looking at?! Trying to steal the gold around my neck, are you boy?", the white-haired man asked and once more, crimson eyes met blood-red ones, although Yami could almost feel himself growl in anger while the Ring flashed again.
"As it is, there is no gold around your neck, as that is just a simple rope, but I'm sure it weighs heavy", was his comment and Yami could feel himself burn as he straightened his back in confidence. Especially as his words were answered by an immediate growl at the same time the scar contorted the marred face even more with a fiercer glare.
"Trying to be smart, eh? You've got guts", the white-haired man snarled, although Yami merely smirked with a snort escaping him.
"I don't need to be smart, considering you're my opponent!", he replied rather cocky, but he meant it. This man who oozed the fact he was a criminal of some kind was really no match for him. Not that he had any weapons by hand currently, but Yami didn't care as he met the glare and answered it with one of his own.
"Insolent little punk!", was the immediate insult upon his words at the same time the white-haired man took a step closer into his direction.
"I'm not afraid of you!", Yami called out over the music and he wasn't. He truly wasn't while a tanned hand shot towards a hip as the taller man snarled in anger, but all the pale teen saw was a child with a temper tantrum while he held his ground.
"Woah, Akefia, it's all right! Yami, stop it!", Malik called out as he quickly stepped in between and poked his little brother's chest, before he held his hands up in defence while facing the furious blood-red eyes. Plum-purple met the much colder variant at the same time and in a matter of moments, a tanned hand descended upon the white-haired man's shoulder with a certain annoyance. "Akefia, please, this is my little brother and as I haven't seen him in six years, I'd like to keep him alive", Malik continued as he tried to overcome the music, but the mentioned man did seem to calm down as he straightened his back as well as his jacket to hide the gun from view.
"Little Ones should be taught their manners", Akefia growled out, before he shook the other man's hand from his shoulder. "Marik and I are up in the booth. If you're done talking, come see us", was the invitation, but Yami wished his brother didn't have to go up there any longer. Still, he didn't reply for Malik's sake, before the latter nodded and practically dragged him outside of the club where the summer wind hit his face immediately. It calmed him down somewhat at the same time the music was also dimmed to near silence while they stood in the alley.
"What the hell, Yami? Out of everyone going mad inside that library, I would have never expected for it to be you, but you thought it would be a wise idea to insult a man with a gun?", Malik asked as he released his younger brother as well as a large breath of air.
"Does it matter?! He's wearing the Sennen Ring like some fashion item, just like Yugi does with the Puzzle, but your friend is far more arrogant in showing off than my roommate! I was just surprised at seeing it here, just like I am surprised to see you, but he started to insult me first and I don't do very well with that", Yami bit back, prior to running a hand through his hair while he leaned against the wall and muttered something under his breath. Malik merely rose his eyebrows as he recognised the words as an insult in their arcane language, before he chuckled softly and bumped his shoulder against Yami's gently.
"Well, let's just say I'm glad I was there, but I'm also glad to see you standing up for yourself like you just did. Then again, I shouldn't have been surprised considering you've always been a feral kitten to handle when you didn't get your way", the tanned man answered and although he received a dark glare in answer, he laughed again at the good memories. "But, Akefia is the owner of this club and it would be best to keep your claws in, Yami... Especially as I don't want to lose you through murder. I've already lost sight of you because of what I did, so don't let something silly as the Sennen Ring get between us meeting up again?", Malik asked, although that made crimson eyes look away while the pale man sighed softly.
"The Sennen Ring is not something silly and something to be toyed with. It houses dangerous magic and your friend would do well to take it off", Yami answered in return, although he bit his tongue when he wanted to say the Item should be given to him instead. Malik merely smiled in return, prior to him sighing softly as he stuffed his hands in the pockets of his cargo pants.
"Akefia and Marik are not just 'friends', Yami, they are my family now. Trust me, I told Akefia to get rid of the cursed Ring the moment I saw it, but that was apparently his cue to tempt fate even more than he already does. Even Rishid said it was stupid once we were in privacy, which means something as he doesn't talk about either one of them if he doesn't have to. Still, they are my family right now and they have treated me better than the one I had back at Kul Elna. Well, aside from you and Ishizu that is", Malik replied gently and for the first time, Yami could feel himself truly calm down as he listened to what the other man had to say. After all, he had always wondered and worried what had become of his older brother, considering contact with him was difficult. Sometimes, they'd get a small letter from Rishid saying all was well, although his sister as well as himself had always surmised they were written in secret. It was why he didn't mention them while he straightened his back against the wall some more and sighed.
"To be fair, I'm simply glad you're still alive after these six years. What happened after you left?", Yami asked as he had only been twelve at the time and aside from the reason as to why Malik had left, he remembered little of how Ishizu had apparently smuggled him out of their town together with Rishid.
"After our escape, Rishid and I travelled around the globe which made me feel my freedom immediately. It was a different kind than I had ever experienced before, even though I was held back by what I had done. Akefia and Marik helped me with that, they took me in while accepting Rishid. Together with him, they became my family and they taught us about the outside world and how to deal with it. Thanks to them, we are still alive", the tanned man said softly and he gave a small shrug. "Yes, they are not the best kind of people, but they did help me and for that, I'm incredibly grateful", were his next words as if he tried to make sure Yami knew what both men meant to him, although the younger sibling still had a hard time in believing that after he had witnessed the gun and the extreme temper.
"I'm glad there were people who could help you, Malik, especially because all we could do was get you out of the village", Yami replied either way, because he didn't want to be insulting. Not while he could finally hear how his brother had fared through his life and what had become of him after he'd left.
"Which is all you could have done for me and what I am still very grateful for. Now, come on back inside and loosen up a little. It's time to dance, not study", Malik answered and he chuckled when his younger brother sighed with dread.
"Very well", Yami answered in return, before he made his way back inside the club where the loud music definitely did not beckon him. Still, he followed the tanned man all the way back towards the bar where both Yugi and Ryou were enjoying a drink while gently swaying their hips and Malik greeted them properly this time as he walked up to them with a grin on his lips.
"Hi guys! Sorry about that!", he called out over the music, but he was greeted back just the same with a small kiss on each cheek. He returned them as well, before he turned to his younger brother and smiled some more, albeit almost in apology instead of cheerful.
"Don't worry, I know about Yugi and Ryou", Yami called out and he smiled as a look of relief spread out across his brother's face. Although he didn't want to know, truly, and he was glad they didn't feel the need to elaborate upon their 'special' way of being friends.
"Good! Now, come on and dance a little", Malik called back and the other two friends grinned as they stepped away from the bar in order to mingle among the crowd. Knowing he absolutely had to, Yami followed and tried to dance as well at the same time he suppressed his discomfort. If he hadn't come, he wouldn't have met Malik and he held onto that mantra while he watched the group of friends from a slight distance the more they had for drink. He rebuffed an advance as well, before he made his way back to the bar where he could see Atemu lingering and the latter rolled his eyes up to the ceiling when their looks met for a moment. It actually made Yami laugh and the spirit chuckled as well.
"Drinks on the house sir!", the guy behind the bar called out over the music as Yami approached and the pale man looked at what was to offer and he smiled as he spotted the soda.
"Just a glass of soda please, I'll be driving back home", he answered with a raised voice, before he nearly jumped out of his skin when Yugi approached him from behind. Turning to the other man, he had to resist to roll his own eyes when his roommate chuckled as his intoxicated brain clearly thought it was funny for Yami to be freaked out like that.
"Silly, it's just me, although I understand. Have you seen the looks you're getting?!", Yugi asked while clacking his tongue, before he ordered another drink as well. As he did, Yami turned towards his own glass, but was stopped when Atemu reached out for him and shook his head.
"Don't... there's something in it", was the warning and crimson eyes gleamed as Atemu didn't even need to raise his voice in order to be heard. Yet, Yami pulled his hand away from his glass whilst turning to Yugi at the same time he tried to come up with something to say.
"So, how long have you known Malik?", he asked, which made amethyst eyes fall upon him, before Yami ushered Yugi away from the bar. The shorter man spluttered something while ignoring Atemu completely, but he let himself be turned towards the dance floor again where he started to sway his hips. Crimson eyes were quick as they caught the golden gleam upon the spirit's forehead for a mere second and he could even see the glass shattering, before the mob of people obscured the bar from view.
"A few years, but if I had known he was your brother, I would have invited him over much sooner! Can't believe you two are related!", Yugi called out over the music and Yami smiled as he understood Malik had never talked about him. It merely made him wonder how much the past truly hurt the tanned man and how much he was hiding it from his friends.
"I know you would have, but Malik can keep secrets. Plus, not talking about our society only protects you as well as him from weird looks. You wouldn't have believed him either way, not without the Puzzle as his evidence", Yami answered and he saw Yugi nod, before another thought hit the shorter man.
"He was the one who told me what it was called! By accident, yes, but he told me!", was the returned answer while Yugi seemed awfully proud of himself he even remembered and Yami chuckled while wincing mentally. If his roommate would keep this up, he would definitely not come home alive after driving his car and the pale man almost wished he could take the keys. Especially as Yugi danced even closer to his side, which made him tense up while a hand touched his hip daringly. "Now, will you dance with me?", Yugi asked as he seemed completely oblivious to Yami's tremble and crimson eyes gleamed as their owner tried to take a step back.
"Yugi, you're drunk", he tried to reason with the other man, but his roommate merely frowned prior to tilting his head.
"Not drunk, just a little tipsy and you're spun way too tight. Come on, dance with me and try to forget your worries for a moment... Atemu has taken up enough of your time as it is", Yugi answered in return, before he set his glass aside upon a nearby table and pushed Yami even further upon the dance floor. Crimson eyes gleamed darkly as their owner wished to object, but a small part of his mind rang clear with one thought: if he would, the Puzzle could be taken away from him too as Yugi would simply move out of the apartment and that would mean the end of his self-proclaimed mission.
Fighting against the urge, however, was harder than he thought it should be and he gently removed the pale hands from his hips while smiling. "We can dance, but not that close. You're my friend, Yugi, but I'm not like Ryou or Malik. All right?", he asked as he tried to make his roommate see sense in this uncomfortable situation and although the latter pouted, he accepted the proposal.
"All right, just dance!", Yugi returned with a laugh, even though he couldn't help himself as he let himself go to the beat and tried to be as close to the taller man as possible. Yami had to lighten up, it wasn't as if he was touching forbidden places, although he would gladly pet the delectable bum any time. No, he wished he could to more to it than just some petting, but he'd restrain himself. Slightly, Yugi thought with another chuckle, before he bumped his hip against Yami's playfully. It wouldn't harm him to at least try, right?
/\/\/\/\/\
Thank you all so much for reading and if you have the time, please leave a review. I promise there will be a time in which Yugi's behaviour will make sense and there will be a time in which all of this makes sense. But that time is not yet, so until the next chapter. Byebye!