all general disclaimers apply

Author's Note: I've noticed in reviews/comments that some of you may be getting technical or detail-oriented in terms of specifics from the anime/manga (such as heights,etc.). Please don't. This story is fiction meaning I can change whatever I want to suit the needs of my story. I keep true to the series in general, not necessarily in detail. So please take this into account when reading any of my fics. Just enjoy them for what they are rather than nitpicking for what they're not.

For those unfamiliar:
/ =means Yami is speaking from within
//=means Yugi is speaking internally
(This may vary from chapter to chapter depending on who I have dominant in each chapter. But reading the conversations will allow you to figure out who's who easily enough)

Aww, Craps! Part 10

Yugi fiddled outside Tea's hotel room door, hesitating to knock. He was uncomfortable with his clothes and worse yet, this unexpected date.

/Partner, You must knock upon the door if she is to know you are here./

//To use a phrase of yours,Yami, tread cautiously. I also know how to play games.//

Yugi could hear Yami chuckle from within his soul room. But, the pharaoh heeded his partner's warning and remained silent. He himself was training Yugi afterall. It was wisest to avoid challenging such a threat...even for a master of them.

With a deep sigh of nervousness, Yugi gathered up his courage and knocked upon Tea's door.

Tea answered with a gentle smile. She could tell her usually shy Yugi was struggling with himself...and this did not include the potential prodding from the ancient pharaoh in the puzzle. "Hello Yugi. My, my, you look very dashing." Tea complimented.

Yugi blushed as he usually did when he was the subject of a conversation. But, his hormones took in the view of the young lady standing before him. Dressed in a form-fitting sleeveless black evening gown that had subtle glisten to it and a rather high slit along the side of one leg, Tea registered unusually high on Yugi's hormonal scale. "Y-you look--"

/Simply ravishing./ Yami said from within the soul room. He wasn't about to retreat fully until he knew Yugi was totally committed to the date first.

Yugi shrugged off the phrase from the pharaoh though those words were indeed fitting. "Tea, you look very beautiful." Yugi managed to choke out.

"Thank you Yugi. I've been wanting to wear this dress. I just never had the right occasion for it...until now." she said though within her mind, she was wondering about the pharaoh. Was he still near or had he retreated deep within the puzzle. She hoped he would see her in the gown.

"Yami likes it too." Yugi said almost as if he was reading her mind.

Tea blushed at that remark. Though she wanted to focus entirely on Yugi, she couldn't help but wonder about the ancient king's tastes. Still, this was Yugi, NOT Yami. "He's present?"

"Not really. I think he's just paying attention until we leave...as if to make sure we go on this date." Yugi replied, though it was intended for his partner.

"Oh, I see. Well, are we ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." Yugi replied as he actually remembered a nice gesture. He offered his arm and led Tea to the elevator.

//Nice touch partner.// Yami said as a silence developed in the elevator.

/I thought you wanted to sleep./

//Indeed. I will retreat then and leave you two in privacy.//

/Wait. Not yet. I may need your savvy ways of courtship./

//Courtship? I do not recall royalty having to worry about such things. A pharaoh could have any woman of his choosing, whether she's married or not. THAT was in YOUR history text. //

/Just stick with me here. Okay? I'll cue you when I feel I need privacy./

//As you wish. Just do not keep me awake too long. I do require rest.//

/You worry too much Yami./

"Earth to Yugi!"

"Wha, huh? Sorry Tea, did you say something?"

"Yes, but I presume you were speaking with Yami?"

"Yeah, but he's very tired. He'll be leaving us alone very soon. I just wanted to ask him a question."

"Oh, I see. About our date perhaps?"

"Well uh, kind of." Yugi said with a blush as he nervously rubbed his head.

"Don't worry Yugi. I won't bite."

"I know. It's just, well, I'm new to all this. Yami may be more skilled at matters of love, him being a little older and all."

"Yugi, Yami was a king. He could have any woman he wanted, any time he wanted. That was even in our history lessons."

"Heheh, he said the same thing."

"He reads our texts?"

"He's a sponge for knowledge. He reads everything in the house. And no, I do not wish to elaborate on that." Yugi mentioned with yet another blush.

"That explains how he knows so much about modern times too then."

"I suppose so." Yugi finished as the elevator door opened to the main floor.

"So where to?" Tea asked.

"Uhh, let's see, would you like dinner first?"

"Sounds good to me."

"Okay, now we just gotta figure out a good place to eat..."

//The Venetian.//

/I thought you didn't like Roman places./

//It's not for me. It's for you. Easy romance partner. The setting, the atmosphere, every restaurant. Even you can pull off a decent courtship there.//

/OKAY...eeessh. Yami sometimes I really do wonder about you./

"Say Tea, how about dinner at the Venetian?"

Tea's eyes lit at the mention of the fancy casino-hotel. For ladies, it was one of the most romantic places in all of Vegas. The fact that Yugi thought of her first, struck a chord in her heart. She was curious about what more her close friend had in store. He might turn out to be quite the romancer afterall.There were traits Yugi would show now and then that indicated his growth and maturity were well beyond what people could see on the outside. But then again, it could be Yami's advice. Yami was once a king, but he possessed traits that broke away from a stereotypical king. Yugi and Yami combined made for the perfect man in her book. Which is why she knew she could never really choose between them. She wanted them both...plain and simple.
"Sounds terrific Yugi."

Meanwhile, Mai was treating Joey and Tristan to dinner. Without even knowing so, all throughout the dinner, Joey and Mai were sending each other messages in their body language. It made Tristan uncomfortable...and the third wheel. He wished Serenity could have come along, but she was away enjoying a semester of school in Europe.

"That was delicious! Thank you Mai. I think I will be going. I want to return to the hotel and finish my letter to Serenity."

Joey gave Tristan a slightly disgusted look, but said nothing. His little sister and best friend were falling in love and there was nothing much he could do about it. "See you later then. Don't wait up for me Tris." Joey replied smugly. He received a kick in the shin from Mai. "HEY! OWW!"

"Don't worry Tristan, I'll have him back to the room by 9pm." Mai teased.

"9pm!? Geesh, even kiddies stay out later than that!" Joey protested.

Mai and Tristan got a good laugh at Joey's expense as Tristan departed, leaving two potential lovebirds in his wake.

At the Venetian, Yugi and Tea found a nice semi-casual restaurant that required no reservations. While they awaited their main dishes, an Italian singer approached and sang a romantic melody to the two though they couldn't understand a single word he was saying since neither knew Italian. It was a touching gesture though both were slightly embarrassed. They could also hear other occupants of the restaurant commenting on how adorable they looked. Both were grateful when their dishes were served and they were allowed to eat their spaghetti in peace.

The peace, however, was uncomfortable. Although the two had been best friends for so long, both were having difficulty finding topics for conversation. Yugi knew that Yami was a better conversationalist. But, Yugi had cued Yami to retreat deep within the puzzle just prior to dinner. The spirit was now fast asleep and of no use to his struggling partner.

"So, Yugi, how's your grandfather enjoying Vegas?" Tea said in a desperate attempt to try anything for conversation's sake.

"He comes in later than I, err Yami. I think he's sweeping the convention halls and hotels in search of ladies who'll give him the time of day. Granpa can be worse than Joey and Tristan when it comes to females."

"Games n girls. I remember him saying that to Joey once. Poor thing."

"Which one?"

"Joey of course." Tea giggled.

"Heheh, yeah, grandpa has some strange habits. Though he treds cautiously when around Yami. I'm not sure why."

"Yami does that to a lot of people. His mere presence seems to command respect."

"Guess it's a king thing."

"Maybe so. So what next Mr. Motou?"

"Hmmm, shall we take in a show? Across the street is Treasure Island. They have that pirate show right outside."

"Sure."

As Yugi paid for the meal courtesy of Mai's meal card, he then lead Tea back into the Vegas night. Of course with all the lights, noise, and people milling around, it didn't feel like night. Only the darkness of the sky with its own dotted lights confirmed the time of day. Like everyone else, Yugi and Tea waited at a crosswalk's signal. The main street was too busy to try otherwise. Being in the back of the group, Yugi and Tea opted to try to cross upon the next signal. As it signalled for pedestrians to cross, the group meandered across. The signal changed just as Yugi and Tea reached the middle of the street. Laughing, the two altered their gait to a little jog. Tea reached the other side first and as Yugi tried to clear the curb, he tripped over it in typical Yugi-style.

"Yugi! You okay?"

Yugi righted himself and stood, rubbing his left elbow which had absorbed the impact first. "Uh, yeah, Just a little clumsy I guess." Yugi replied with a hint of red across his face.

Tea shook her head with a gentle smile. Yugi had a knack for stumbling, tripping, falling, and any other type of gravity induced feat. It was yet another way to tell if Yami or Yugi was in charge of the body. Yami never faltered in his gait unless he was forced by some other reason. He walked with the confidence and stride of a king. Yugi walked with uncertainty of his own body. At first Tea thought it to be a typical teenage boy issue and would hint at growth in the height-challenged boy, but there was never a change. She simply shrugged it off as one of Yugi's endearing traits.

They made it to the outskirts of Treasure Island without any further incidents. The two took in the awe inspiring in-water battle between two pirate ships, complete with cannon fire and a sinking of one of the ships. All this took place in the front yard of Treasure Island casino-hotel. If one waited a bit longer,they'd see the sunken ship arise from the depths and set up for the next show.

Yugi led her down a walkway that turned into white pillars and sculptures wearing wreaths upon their heads and togas. It was the walkway leading to Ceasar's Palace. There were few upon the walkway as most were taking in a show or some other activity. Tea could feel the romance in the air as she realized they were alone in such a romantic setting under a starry sky. Did Yugi notice the same? Was this his intention? Rather than try to figure it out, Tea decided to live at the moment and see where it took them.

Yugi found a little cove that contained a bench beneath an atrium lined in ivy. He and Tea took a seat and gazed at the views around them. For Yugi it was awkward. He felt like he should be doing something other than sitting there in silence, but he couldn't put a finger on it. He really wished the spirit of the puzzle was awake and nearby to give him a little advice.

It was as if Yugi's heart relayed Yugi's thoughts to the puzzle. Yami heard his partner's pondering and awoke from his slumber. Yugi could detect the presence of his other once again. //Yami?//

With a yawn, Yami replied. /Yes partner?/

//I'm stuck?//

/What do you mean by stuck?/

//I'm alone with Tea and it's quiet and we're alone and--//

/Put your arms around her and kiss the girl!/ Yami interrupted.

//I can't do that, it's TEA!//

Yami groaned. Was his other EVER going to get it! /It's Tea, that is precisely WHY you should!/

//But I don't know how?//

/There is no manual Yugi. Just give in and let your heart and soul lead your body. It knows what to do./

Yugi tried to cooly slide an arm around Tea's shoulders, but his lack of height and increase in nerves made it awkward. Yami immediately realized the problem. /Yugi, forget that cliche move, just hold her hand tenderly in yours./

Yugi found this a little easier and less nerve wracking. As he did so, his eyes locked with Tea's. Both leaned forward towards one another. As Tea closed her eyes and prepared for the kiss, Yugi gave her a little peck on the cheek and pulled away.

/What in Ra's name was THAT Yugi!?/ Yami yelled from within.

Tea was a bit stunned and disappointed. She couldn't understand why Yugi pulled away and turned it into a kiss a grandson would give his grandmother.

Yugi's face was as red as a rose. He could use a rose at this moment. "I-I'm sorry Tea. I wanted that to be special, but I got scared."

Tea realized Yugi was squirming worse than a worm trying to escape a hook. "It's okay Yugi. You tried. It's the thought that counts."

"Y-you wanted me to kiss you?"

"Yes silly." Tea said coyly with a wink.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. So, how about we head over to that wax museum we passed by?"

"Sure." Yugi replied as he perked up at the sound of something a little more distracting.

/I'm returning to my slumber Yugi. I think you can handle these matters on your own./

//You sound disappointed.//

/I'm not. You had the courage to try. Perhaps you are not ready for such things yet. It's understandable./

//My apologies for awakening you. Rest partner.//

Without another word, Yami returned once again to the depths of the puzzle.

Elsewhere, Mai and Joey, who had opted for a quiet walk alone after dinner had witnessed the little scene at the walkway. They had not been too far from that location themselves.

Joey was grinning and kneading his hands like a mad scientist. He had some major blackmail material now. Like brothers, Yugi and Joey enjoyed toying with each other. It wasn't uncommon for teenage boys afterall.

"Joey stop. That was a very touching moment they had."

"Yugi blew it. He wussed out at the last moment."

"And you wouldn't?"

"Never." Joey said confidently.

"Really now."

"I'm totally a lady's man. I can handle anything!"

With narrowed eyes, Mai snaked an arm behind Joey. He was too preoccupied with his ego to notice. With a firm hold, Mai grabbed Joey's butt and squeezed. It caught Joey completely off guard.

"Eeeeeooowwww!" Joey yelped as the surprise caused his body to leap skyward. He lost his footing and fell into a nearby fountain.

"You can handle anything eh? Oh you're the romancer all right." Mai repeated as she watched water stream onto Joey's head. "I rest my case." Mai said as she grabbed a camera and snapped a picture of Joey's demise. "This one's for the next dueling tournament. Joey Wheeler--man of action!" Mai teased.

Joey snuffed. For some reason, Mai always had the upper hand when they were together. Perhaps it was love. He was falling head over heels for her, both figuratively and literally. He leapt out of the fountain as he and Mai decided it was time to call it a night.

At the wax museum, Yugi and Tea were thoroughly enjoying themselves. They had purchased disposable cameras and were taking pictures of each other standing near wax relpicas of all sorts of famous people.

"Oh Tea, you and Harrison Ford are so the couple!" Yugi laughed as he watched Tea pose so he could take a picture.

The next one was Yugi and the band, KISS. "You are such a PUNK Yugi! You have the look without even trying!" Tea giggled.

After the wax museum, it was rather late. Yugi and Tea decided it was time to return to The Luxor.

"I really enjoyed this evening Yugi. Thank you."

"I did too Tea. Thanks."

Tea then bent down and gave Yugi a little kiss on the cheek before heading into her room. Perhaps someday he would be ready for more. She would be there waiting.

Yugi returned to his room. As he quietly closed the door, he was met with a grandpa that was grinning from ear to ear and snickering. Obviously he knew what was going on. Yugi knew he was going to get interrogated by his overly curious grandfather. He wished he could call upon the pharaoh once again, but he couldn't hide behind the ancient ruler every time.

"Granpa, it's late, I'm tired, and I don't want to discuss it."

"You and Tea eh?"

Yugi rolled his eyes. The easiest way out was to get a door between him and his grandfather. So, he made his way into the bathroom, closed the door, and locked it. He'd sleep in there if he had to. With one final full day left in Vegas, he wanted a good night's rest. Yami had some serious gaming to deal with. He'd been distracted from it for most of the trip. It was time to allow the King of Games a chance to utilize his talents to the fullest and show Sin City what a mistake it is to allow such a gamer into its fold.

to be continued...