I sighed heavily as the clock ticked loudly in the empty shop. The sun was setting, leaving the world outside painted a deep orange and slowly the streetlights started to come on. Grandpa had closed the shop an hour ago and was upstairs making dinner and I had to assure him Atem had said he'd be back for dinner… but the minutes tick away obnoxiously loudly and as the hour grew long I couldn't help but sink with how long this was taking.

He said he was helping Ryou with his shopping. I don't doubt they did this and Ryou said he'd make sure he'd get him home safely and I have no doubt of this either. But there's only two things I can think of that the reason why this is taking so long and neither of them are desirable. One, he stayed at Ryou's to talk and maybe even bitch about me being so … intrusive. Or two he was attacked on the way home with no way of letting us know. Either is not good and until he gets home I don't know what to think.

My heart is reeling with the possibility that I have inadvertently ruined what we have. He was so kind to me last night, so close too I could smell the hint of his intoxicating scent luring me into the trap that was his lips. I wanted him to kiss me so much, especially after he said our friends loved me. He stumbled on something, caught on a thought he didn't want to release and I know the words he spoke after was a hasty escape plan. I dared to think he would tell me he loves me but … then today. I don't know. Maybe I read too much into it. I didn't mean to touch him like that but obviously he didn't like it.

Of course he didn't. He's my best friend but above that he's also a former Pharaoh. He might not be like other royals but he can't deny his entire life being brought up not being touched like that.

"Where are you?" I whisper sadly, resting my head upon the cold counter.

No sooner had I said this did the shop bell ring and I instantly snapped up to see him walk through that door. I wanted him home so badly but now that he was I wanted to run upstairs and hide before he notices I'm here. I'm just relieved he wasn't attacked but… that means… he stayed back to talk about his discomfort towards me.

"Yugi." He said in quiet surprise when he saw me sitting here, alone in the darkening room, obviously waiting for him. He left earlier to get away from me… now I realise me waiting here for him like some dog is probably not doing me any favors.

"Hey… sorry for waiting here… I got worried. Did you and Ryou manage okay?" I asked nervously.

He closed the door, locked it for us and slipped off my my shoes, gently putting his bags down to the side before coming over to stand on the other side of the counter. He grimaced, only locking eye contact with me for the briefest second before his gaze fell upon the small white box beside me. He must have wondered but to him it wasn't important right now because half a second later he was lost in thought, trying to find words.

"We managed fine. He knew exactly what to look for so the toughest part was walking it home with the bags I already had. Did you have fun with the guys?" He asked.

"I … actually didn't stay."

He looked at me then, really looked at me. In surprise but at least he was looking at me.

"Why not? Are you okay?"

No.

You must hate me right now how could I be okay?

"Yeah just … I wanted to pick up something and I didn't wanna push too hard. I'm still technically sick, remember?" I half lied.

"Oh… are you feeling okay though? We didn't over do it today did we? You're not going to feel worse are you?" He's … worried? But…

Why is he so damn confusing?!

"No I'm fine." I said but now my words are in my throat. I'm choking… and it's painfully obvious.

"Atem I'm really sorry for touching you like that earlier. I didn't know where my hands were while we were all squished up like that and I never would have touched you like that otherwise. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable and I want you to know that I will never intentionally make you feel uncomfortable again. Just say the word, if I do anything even as an accident the please tell me. I don't want you to hate me for things like this. I swear I didn't mean to -"

"Yugi." He interrupted me with a single finger to my lips. He's giving me a sincere, pitying smile that makes me feel like putty and a fool.

"I'm not mad at you. I'm not uncomfortable. What happened in the booth is not even on my list of things I'm worried about."

What?

He's not mad at me? I didn't … what?

Have I been fretting about this for nothing!?

"You're not? Then whats on your list of things to worry about?" I ask, gently moving his finger from my lips.

He looked down and sighed, leaning on his crossed arms but I could see him pressing his fingers into his skin.

"Joey and Tristan got on my nerves a little bit today." He said. There's more to it but I'm just stuck on the fact that of all the things I thought were bothering him, Joey and Tristan was not among them.

"I don't want to cause any drama among us but I don't want to mislead you either. I don't know if you noticed but they're trying very hard to push you and Tea together and while I'm not entirely bothered by this, what bothered me was that they were meddling in your affairs. They asked Ryou and I if we wanted to help them but I don't believe it's our place to do so. I know your feelings towards Tea and if you want to pursue anything with her then I believe that should be your decision, not ours." He said.

Wait… what?

What?!

"Then… why did you want to do Ryou's shopping without me?"

"I was genuine in my suggestion you hang out with them. While they might have upset me earlier you haven't been able to spend that much time with them since I was freed from the puzzle. Despite my knowledge of what they were trying to do I was intending you to hang out with them as you use to." He said sincerely.

I can't believe how much of an idiot I am.

"Yugi?" He asks me but I am just so done in my own head that I fail to register him.

I spent hours thinking he hates me, thinking I royally fucked up and it turns out it was as simple as this.

What the hell is wrong with me? First I overreact to him wanting a job, then I overreact to this… after everything he said to me last night you'd think I'd have learned a thing or two.

"Yugi?" He asks again.

"I'm sorry it's just… I am an absolute idiot right now." I said angrily.

"Why do you say that?" He asked carefully. He stood up from his lean, obviously picking up on the irritation I'm not hiding.

I feel my jaw setting but all I can manage is to exhale slowly.

"I actually thought you were mad with me."

"Why would you think I was mad with you? For the photobooth?"

"Yes for the photobooth!" I snapped but I'm not mad at him. I'm mad at myself, and now a little more so for snapping at him. "I thought I had made you so uncomfortable you didn't want to be around me, and then I thought you had taken so long because you were trying to find ways of staying away from me, or discussing how much I must have made your skin crawl from it. Despite everything you said to me last night I still over reacted. So for the last several hours I've been waiting here, berating myself, trying to word my apology to you so you might forgive me and it was all for nothing."

He was quiet after that, likely registering how much of a moron I am. God I'm an idiot. Whats more is that Joey and Tristan were actually trying to push Tea into me like that? I never thought they'd interfere like that. Does Tea know? I don't want her to think I'm some kind of pervert. What the hell?

"If it makes you feel better I can pretend to be mad with you?" He said coyly. I disliked that at first but looking at the genuine and painfully sincere smile he wore with those big red eyes and warm, warm aura… Yeah. I'm an idiot. But thats why I can relax.

"Yeah that would help." I said. I really wanted a smile from him but I think I'm about to get something better. He grinned briefly before he stood up straight.

"Okay." He cleared his throat and took a deep breath before he frowned.

"Yugi… I've never been so close to my best friend before, not even when I resided within his body and was privy to a lot of things I probably shouldn't have been privy to. From now on, please, don't ever get that close to me again. I might not be a Pharaoh any more but I have boundaries that were set upon me since I was a prince and I will not have you crossing them." He said but that was … terribly delivered. I bought his act yesterday but that… the blind and deaf could see through that act.

"That's the best you can do?" I asked, giggling to myself.

"Yeah I really didn't mean a single word of that. I honestly don't mind how close we are."

My heart just skipped. No it leapt. No, more it just jumped off the world. I don't know what my face is doing but the smile he's wearing is doing so many incomprehensible things to my heart and my mind I can't even…

He doesn't mind how close we are? Does this mean I can flirt with him a little? Test the waters maybe? He's been giving me signals for a while now but its so up and down its been hard to tell if he even knows what he's doing.

But last night… he was so close.

"I'm sorry for giving you the impression that I was mad at you. I should have pulled you aside and told you then why I was bothered. I should have known this beautiful mind of yours would run away with you." He said, scrambling his hands through my hair playfully. There goes that chance to find out.

"Its not your fault. I shouldn't jump to conclusions. I should have pulled you aside and asked or trusted you to come to me if something I did was bothering you. You will tell me if I do something that bothers you right?"

"Yes." He giggled and it was so cute! "Though I doubt you could ever bother me."

Do it now. Just try.

"So then…"

I am so nervous. Flirting with him usually comes naturally but doing it on purpose, and so directly ...the hell am I doing?

"Yugi! Is Atem home yet?" Grandpa called from upstairs. Damn it!

"Y-yes!" I called back, regretting every sound of the word. I should have done it sooner.

"Dinners ready then, come upstairs!"

"I'm… actually quite hungry." Atem said cutely, chewing his lip and looking at me as if asking permission to go up stairs already. Well, if he's not mad with me then maybe I can try later.

"We should go eat then."

He bounced happily but as he got to the stairs I touched his arm.

"But don't fill up. I got you something you're going to like for later." I said behind him. He turned to face me, confusion clear in those beautiful eyes before he spied the white box in my hand.

"You didn't?"

"I did. You didn't get any earlier and I know how much you were looking forward to them."

He beamed at me, the visible excitement welling in his chest and all thought of dinner were forgotten. He pulled me into a tight hug so quickly I had to hastily move the box away so he wouldn't squash it.

"You are my favourite person!" He said, nuzzling into my neck and hair affectionately. Oh yeah… this was so worth it. His scent is making my mind go numb and I have half a mind to breathe him in…

"Boys!" Grandpa called impatiently again.

I sighed and Atem gently let me go, petting me down in apology for his sudden outburst.

"We shouldnt keep him waiting. But thank you so much."

"Your welcome. You can have them after dinner. Im not sure if you fridge them or not though, they've been sitting next to me for a while."

"Yes, they should be able to be heated up later." He smiled, starting back up the stairs.

"Good." I said but I lingered, watching him walk up each step, admiring how my leather pants shaped to his legs and showed over every contour…

If I don't move soon they'll think somethings wrong with me and I won't be able to tell them that I have a case of Egyptian fever.

"So what did you boys get up to today?" Grandpa asked us pleasantly. Atem was new to curry by the looks of it. Come to think of it since I've been sick he's been having nothing much more than soup with me but tonight Grandpa thought to make curry and now, I was watching in pure amusement as he sniffed and scrunched his nose at the strong aromas.

"We bought some new clothes, met up with the guys and then had some fun at the arcade. Nothing too special." I said, never once looking away from Atem. I didn't want to miss his reaction.

"Atem it's not going to taste itself." Grandpa said eventually.

He grimaced and instead of tasting it, just putting a small amount on his tongue, he took an entire fork full of curried flavoured rice and pork. I froze, waiting and watching for the sudden reaction that would take him. Even I know not to take a whole mouthful when trying something spicy for the first time.

His eyes went wide and immediately he dropped his fork, hands to his mouth as he breathed out through his nose, almost face planting the meal before him. He slammed the table once with an open hand, whimpering from how hot the flavours were. I felt bad for him but … it was kind of funny too. I tried not to laugh though and quickly handed him my own glass of milk I had already prepared for this which he took greedily.

"Should have tested it first." I said, snickering. He leered at me over the glass, giving me a look that told me to shut up and in one go the glass was gone. He breathed hard, hanging his tongue out as he practically panted and fanned himself with his hand. His cheeks were bright red even with his complexion and his eyes were watering. I could make out a soft sheen over his brow… that must have been much too hot for him.

"It's not that hot." Grandpa shrugged, pleasantly eating his own as if it had no flavour at all.

"He's not used to spicy foods though grandpa." I said in his defence.

"I think he just wants the treats you got him." Grandpa said, quirking his brows at him playfully.

Atem glared at him as he rolled his tongue around the inside of his cheeks, probably making sure his mouth wasn't on fire.

"My tongue is numb." He complained quietly.

"Okay, give it here." I giggled. I scooped up the side of his plate with curry on it and put it on mine, only to replace it with the unflavoured rice from mine.

"Don't mother the boy Yugi, he's gotta get used to it if he's living in this house." Grandpa complained.

"Maybe we can try something on the mild side next time?" I suggested with a grin.

"You didn't need to give me yours…" Atem said quietly but appreciatively.

"I love curry so this is fine." I grinned, eagerly taking just as large a helping as he did but with no problems at all.

"Don't you need a drink too?" He asked, surprised.

Shit… I gave him my whole glass.

"I'll go get you one." He laughed.

After that fun experience we helped Grandpa with the dishes and settled in front of the TV with the news on. It wasn't a surprise that overseas politics was still rocking parts of the world, particularly the US but it was a little unsettling to hear that reports of breakins and street attacks were still happening in town.

"Still haven't caught the guy I see." Grandpa said.

"The guy? Do you think it's the same person?" I ask.

"I'd put money on it." He shrugged.

"But there doesn't appear to be any relation. The people attacked on the streets are not being robbed and the people being robbed are not being attacked. It seems like two different criminals." Atem said curiously.

"I agree. If it was the same person why would the thief not rob the people he's attacking on the street?" I ask.

"To throw off investigation. The attacks are all happening in the same area before they move on, almost as if the robbery and attacks are in line with each other. It's very unlikely that there would be two criminals working out their schedule of who and when to assault before moving onto the next suburb. Maybe I'm out of the loop but I don't think they have an app for criminal meetups." Grandpa said.

"I mean… yeah that makes sense." I said slowly.

After a quiet while of watching the rest of the report Grandpa eventually got up.

"I'm going to read a bit before bed. Don't stay up late tonight Yugi, you're going to school tomorrow." He said.

"K, g'night Grandpa."

"Good night Mr. Moto."

"Goodnight boys."

Once he was gone I crawled off the couch to sit beside Atem cross legged before the TV. He was fixed on the story it seemed, which is fitting because I'm curious.

"You don't think it could be Bakura do you?" I ask, watching for his response. I saw a flicker in his eyes, the slightest twitch of his lips at the name and knew: yes he did wonder if it was.

"It would fit his description. If this is one person then he is smart, calculating, responsive, quick… he's good at sneaking and resourceful. He must be enjoying himself right now having so much to steal and so many people he can play with. The only thing I don't understand is that if it is him then why these people? Is it purely random or is there a message he's trying to deliver?"

"If it was him then why not attack us or the rest of our friends? Wasn't he supposed to be going after the Millennium Items? Petty theft is more fun?" I ask hypothetically.

"Hmm." He hummed, staring at the TV with the concentrating frown he used to wear whenever things got serious.

This is getting us no where and I'd really prefer not to think about Bakura. I sighed and began quietly rummaging through the cupboard for a movie to watch instead. Atem seems engrossed in the news right now but maybe when it switches to sports he'll watch a movie with me.

"What are you looking for?" He asked curiously. Or… maybe he'll watch one with me now…

"A movie. Wanna watch one?" I ask, looking back to see the happiest little smile on him. Maybe he really will watch one now!

"Yes. You pick one I'll be right back." He said hurriedly and left. A moment later I heard the fridge followed by the opening of something and then the microwave door. I giggled to myself, a small blush creeping on my cheeks. He is so cute.

When he came back I had the Mummy picked out and ready to play, as well as a blanket for us and plenty of cushions to snuggle into. I let him get comfortable first before I took an excited breath to steel myself and then quickly got comfortable beside him, laying my head on his lap and snuggling under the blanket before he could protest. I've layed like this before but this time I'm testing. He said he didn't mind being this close to me… so now I want to know if that's still true after everything we talked about.

He sat frozen, hands in the air looking down at me all surprised. I smiled and nestled further in, really pressing against his thigh and pushing against him.

"You said you didn't mind being this close right?" I asked coyly. There was a moments pause and then he giggled, relaxed and with his free hand he tucked the blonde in my hair around my ear so now my cheek was exposed to him, and he could surely see the smile I can't hide.

"That I did Ife." He said warmly. I hummed and pressed play.

"What are we watching?"

"The Mummy. It's an American movie based in Egypt. Grandpa used to show this to me as a kid." I said happily.

"I see."

I felt his breath catch when the music played and felt him breathing slowly when the scenes of Ancient Egypt came to life. With all its beautiful braziers and fresh murals, scenes of Egypt when it was young - I wonder what he could be thinking? I bet this brings back memories. I wonder how well they captured it?

We made it to the scene with the Pharaohs mistress waiting for him only when it came to the betrayal I felt him tense.

Hmmm…. Maybe watching a Pharaoh be betrayed by his mistress was not a good idea.

"Did you ever have women painted like that for you?" I ask curiously.

"My council tried. Often I would be offered women dressed in practically nothing, wearing gold paints and lavish jewels to impress me."

"Lucky guy. You must have loved it." I said with a smirk and a blush.

"Actually not really. My father taught me faithfulness and loyalty. I felt disgraceful being offered such women and weak after turning them away. It's not that they weren't beautiful or I was not attracted to them but when it came to choosing a partner I wanted that connection… not just attraction."

"I get that. Must have been pretty outrageous in your time though."

"It was for the King. I was ascended to the Throne and expected to take a Queen. By my age I'd have already wed and been trying to produce an heir. I was the King though and if I wanted to wait then I did."

I don't think he ever did take a wife… or even a mistress. It doesn't sound like it but still… he was King after all. He could have any woman in the country even just for fun...

"...did you?"

"Did I what?"

"Wait? I mean, it didn't need to be public you were seeing anyone but you were the King."

"Yes I waited. Bakura attacked my people not long after my coronation and with the stress of that, finding a suitor wasn't exactly high on my priority list even if it was high my councils."

"Sounds like you had fun fighting them off." I laughed.

"Yes if you include turning back several women every night a fight."

"Why not just spend time with them? You never know maybe one of them would have been suitable for you."

"Why don't you ask Tea out? Or Rebecca? You know they'd say yes if you did." He asked me but there was a bite to his words. He knows I get flustered whenever that kind of interaction comes up but he's no where near as socially awkward as I am.

"Point taken." I said grumpily.

He giggled and washed away any grump I had with a few gentle strokes of my hair. I loved the feel of it but now that it was brought up …

I can't believe Joey and Tristan would meddle. And Tea… did she know what they were doing or was she just as out of the loop as I was? If she does know then what does that mean? Does she like me? After all this time it's finally come to that? What if she does? What if she asked me out? What would I tell her?

I … don't think I have feelings for her anymore. If she had asked me several months ago, even 2 weeks ago my answer might be different but … I don't know when it happened but I think I love Atem now. If Tea likes me then it's too late for us. I can't deny my attraction to her, but she doesn't make me feel giddy or cared for or cherished like Atem does. Atem makes me feel warm and daring and exposed and safe … Tea makes me feel loved but not more than anyone else.

When I think about the two of us together it makes me feel guilty. When I think of Atem and I together it makes feel alive. I can barely contain the vice like grip on my heart when I think about him caring for me like that. It almost broke me this afternoon thinking I had thrown it all away because of a stupid accident.

I wonder if I should talk to Joey and Tristan about this. At least confirm they're doing what I think they're doing. Atem would never lie to me but if I can get them to confess their plan then maybe I can ask them not to. I don't want them putting thoughts into Tea's head only for me to have to turn her down… I've never turned down anyone; mostly because no one's ever liked me like that before, I'd hate for the first time it happens it be on my terms. I don't want that kind of pressure.

I zoned back into the movie some time later … well later … we're at the scene where Winston's gone down with the plane and soon quick sand's gonna swallow it whole. I can't believe I zoned out this long thinking about this.

"Quicksand wouldn't swallow a plane that large." Atem said simply.

"It wouldn't?"

"Oh you are paying attention."

I glared at him and he chuckled.

"No. It's usually only a few feet deep. It can be dangerous but it would not swallow something that large to that extent. Winston wouldn't have even touched the sand even with the nose of the plane buried."

"I see. Well points for creativity. Pretty sure this movie is the reason a whole generation is more scared of Quicksand than they should be." I said with a laugh.

"I can see why if you were shown this as a kid." He laughed. "What were you thinking about?"

"Hmm? Oh… um… just what happened today. What I'm going to do about it."

"Oh."

"What exactly did Joey and Tristan ask you?"

I felt him shift uncomfortably but I don't think he'll avoid the question, so I wait patiently.

"He said that they had spoken to Tea and got out of her that she likes you but hasn't wanted to do anything about it because you and I were connected. So they're thinking before she leaves to go to America it would be a good idea for you both to do something about your relationship with one another, and they wanted to know if Ryou and I would like to assist in making it happen."

"And you said you didn't want to?" I asked.

"Yes. Don't get me wrong though Yugi, if you want a relationship with her then I will support you, of course I will, I'll even help if I can and if you ask for it - but I'm not about to push you towards something thats a: not my place and b: you may not be ready for. Going into a relationship is something you should do on your own and in your own time, not something that should be guided and pushed like a horse to water."

"Please don't liken me to a horse." I laughed and he did too.

"You know what I mean."

"I do… and thank you. For not stepping in. I appreciate that. I assume Ryou took the same stance?"

"He did. He doesn't believe it's his business to get involved."

"It's not theirs either." I said gruffly.

"So what do you want to do?"

I sighed tiredly but somehow that didn't help the frustration.

"I dunno. I don't want you two to get in trouble for telling me, but I don't want them pushing me towards her only for me to let her down."

"You'd… let her down?" He asked. There was something in his voice… what is it? Surprise?

"Yeah…? Tea's great and all, she's pretty, kind, talented … she's one of the most devoted people I know. She'll stop at nothing for her friends, even put herself in danger to protect or stand up for them. She's a catch thats for sure."

I felt him shift again but with my head planted firmly on his thigh he wasn't going anywhere.

"But I'm not romantically interested in her." I continued.

Did… he just stop breathing? I glanced up at him and he is fixed on the TV ahead of us. His chest is barely moving and the fingers he has to his lips are curled into a ball to hide his mouth. He is incredibly tense right now but heavens knows why…

"You okay?" I asked and he seemed to draw in a deep breath, snapping out of whatever trance he was in. He smiled at me with a sharp nod and flexed his fingers.

"Go on." He said.

Okay…

"I used to be but that was a while ago now. There was so much going on I guess I just missed any chance there was. If they're right and she does like me… not that I can see why, but if she does then… well that sucks but I don't think I can just summon those feelings back up again."

"You'd be surprised what confessions can do."

"You say that like you have experience. You said you waited." I grinned and he smirked.

"I did. But that doesn't mean I've never confessed anything before."

Oh now thats interesting. I got up on my arms to face him, drawing his attention immediately. He grinned widely, giggling behind his own embarrassment as he tried to ignore me but I waited, not so subtly for him to explain.

"I'm not telling you. We're talking about you here."

"And I want to know what you confessed to."

"Nothing."

"Atem."

"Nothing." He laughed.

I leaned closer, making a point of getting in his way. "Pharaoh."

"When did you stop liking Tea in that way?" He asked me softly. I know he's avoiding the topic but something beneath his patience was an urgency I couldn't ignore. If I don't answer him then the curiosity would eat at him… alright. I'll relent… for now.

"I don't know."

"Yugi…"

"No really. I don't know. I know I had feelings for her in Battle City, I know I felt protective of her when we were taken by Noah and she had to duel Gangsly. I was so scared for her but … I don't know. Maybe between then and now I sort of … lost the feeling. I think she'll always be important to me, I'll always be somewhat protective of her but she doesn't invoke the same feelings as she used to. Thinking about her used to make me feel all giddy inside and I couldn't wait to go back to school just so I could see her. Now… I don't want to go to school tomorrow or the day after or the day after that because I wanna stay home and spend time with you instead. You were always with me … now you're not it feels… wrong to be away from you for so long."

"You… don't think that has anything to do with your feelings changing towards Tea does it?" He asked carefully.

"Maybe. But I mean it's not like I mind. I think of Tea and feel content that our friendship is what it is. I don't regret missing a chance and I don't think I'll be heartbroken if I did. The only thing that worries me is if she does have feelings for me then it's going to suck letting her down."

"What will you tell her?"

"If it comes to that? The truth. That she's my best friend and I used to have feelings for her but I don't want to ruin the friendship we have if I can't return them." I felt good about that answer but the silence between us unnerving, and it kind of made me wonder if that was a good answer. What would he do? "Is that… a good answer? What would you do in this situation."

He gave me a small smile, sighed gently as he thought, even looking off to the side and I waited patiently.

"Probably the same. Staying true to yourself is the best thing you can do. If you need time to think before giving her a definite answer then I think she'd understand if you asked for it. But this is all assuming she asks you like… tomorrow. She may wait for you to ask her."

"Do you think I should talk to her myself then? I mean if she waits for me then she'll be waiting a long time. I dont want her waiting for me."

"Perhaps. It might be a good idea in any case to see if she knows about what the boys are up to."

"Hmm… I feel like I'm not supposed to know about that. I dont wanna get you in trouble for telling."

He shrugged it off as nothing, giving me that confident yet somehow smug grin of his. "Eh. They should have known better than to tell me then. They should know there's little we don't share with one another."

"Right." I said happily.

I know I'm staring at him but I'm so lost in his expression to care. I can't read him right now. He's smiling at me so softly I don't know if he's happy or sad. His eyes are so kind and yet somehow so far away from me I want to delve into his mind and search for him. There isnt a single crease of worry upon his skin and his breathing is so soft its as if he's in some kind of trance. He's mesmerisingly beautiful as he holds my stare for what feels like an eternity. It's only when a loud explosion from the movie jolts us back to reality that I have the nerve to move, settling back down onto his lap to watch the rest of the movie. But I don't watch… I think and wonder what it was he could have been thinking. I examine and replay our conversation, noting every reaction or non reaction he had and I pray that my heart isn't falling for a trap, that I'm not hoping for something not there. I pray that he's not just being kind and that maybe, just maybe there might be something behind his words, behind his tension, behind his lost glances and gentle sighs, behind every stroke of my hair. I tell myself not to hope, because if I'm wrong then what am I to do? I need him to make the first move… but I don't know if he will.

The next day I was very happy to be wearing my own clothes. It was particularly cold today so I chose the purple turtle neck and jeans, loving how warm they were. I didn't even need Yugis massive jacket to sweep outside this morning. I was up, bright and early, well before anyone because why not?

Today was going to be a good day, I'm sure of it. Yugi would go to school, I would work with Mr. Moto and when Yugi comes home he said he had plans to share with me regarding the art stuff he bought yesterday, which meant he wanted to spend the afternoon with me today. Assuming our friends don't come over it will just be us.

That is.. a big if though. Joey and Tristan may still try to push Tea and Yugi closer, but I think Yugi will talk to them… maybe. If not he at least is aware of their scheming and regardless, he doesn't have feelings for Tea like I thought he did! I can't believe I didn't know this! I fully believed he did. I dont remember him not feeling anything for her… then again it had only been a couple of months since we got back from defeating Dartz… and between that was a good amount of time he wasn't with me… so …

It doesn't matter, the point is I was wrong and I've never been happier to be so. It might not mean anything for us, but for me it means I can have him to myself for just a bit longer. I know how selfish that sounds but I honestly don't care. I love him so much and I'll take as much time with him as I can steal.

"Oh! Atem, good morning!" Its Tea. She's early. Oh well.

"Good morning Tea. You're early. Yugis still getting ready." I said pleasantly. Not even her apparent desire for Yugi can bother me today. Not knowing he doesn't return the feelings. Still, I do feel a little pity. If she does love him, its going to suck to find out he doesn't. I do feel pre-emptively bad for her.

"Oh good, he is coming today. I wasn't sure. He left in a bit of a hurry yesterday, I wasn't sure if he was feeling okay."

"He's feeling better now. Mornings and nights are still rough but for the most part he's as good as new." I said happily.

"Thats good." She said pleasantly and silence fell between us. I'm not unfamiliar with this. It was like this before when Yugi forced us on that date ages ago, but at least since our trip to America the silences have become more bearable. It's more of a pleasant wait than an awkward silence.

"So - are they the new clothes you bought?" She asked.

"Yes! They helped me pick these. It's perfect for mornings, I'm not used to the weather chilling this early."

"Right yeah cause Egypt. They look great on you!" She said happily.

"Thank you!"

"Do you guys have plans this afternoon?" She asked.

"Yes actually! Yugi bought some supplies yesterday and he said he'd like my help making whatever it is he's making." I said happily.

"Oh? Do you know what it could be?"

"I've got an inkling it might be a boardgame from my time. We were talking about it a few days ago and he said we should make it. If it's not that then I have no idea."

"Well that sounds like fun." She said happily. I wonder if I should ask her if she would like to join. I'd prefer it just be Yugi and I but under the guise of nothing out of the ordinary I should ask right? Would that not be normal and innocent in this situation? What would Yugi do?

"What about you? Do you have plans this afternoon?" I ask instead. If she's busy I won't feel so bad for not asking.

"Oh no. I'm free. I start a 10 week dance course this week though. Tomorrow. Well technically Wednesday but tomorrow after school I'll go complete my registration and get my booklets, meet my teacher."

"That's wonderful Tea! Is this to help prepare you for America?"

"Yep. It'll look good on my application and it can't hurt to learn a few things to take with me. I'm really looking forward to it. Maybe… I can show you what we learn."

"I'd love to see. I'd be honored if it helps you." I said kindly. She giggled and looked away, clearly embarrassed. She's got nothing to embarrassed about though; I've seen her battle Johnny Steps before, she's got talent. Yugi's right - she will go far.

"Hey guys." Yugi said behind us. I turned to him and felt my heart try to race to him. He does this to me every time I see him and he has no idea.

"Good morning Yugi." Tea sang happily.

"Good morning Tea. Ready to go?"

"Uhh if I wasn't would I be standing here? Are you ready to go?"

"Mmm, I think I left my desire to learn inside." He said, pretending to leave for the house again when she took him by the ear and pulled him back. "Ow ow!"

"You've gotten out of enough school work. Come on. See ya later Atem! I hope you have fun today."

"Goodbye." I waved at her, watching Yugi wave back at me as he was dragged away.

"Remember we're doing things this afternoon." He called back to me and I could help but giggle. How could I forget?