Treska:*Walks in* All right and now . . .
Yami: *Stomping in and completely naked and very, very pissed* Treska where the hell are my clothes!!!!!
Treska: *Stares in utter amazement* Uuuuuuu. . . . .
Blue: *Wanders in* Um, Yami you're naked.
Yami: I know that I want to know where my clothes are!
Blue: Let's just say the Chinchilla hit Curtis Zidane Ziraa with Bob the Hammer of Veritable Truth in the last chapter. Hence, no clothes.
Yugi: *Come running in and wraps pink fluffy bathrobe around Yami* Quick before they come!
Yami: Before who come?
Offstage: *Rumbling of stampeding fangirls can be heard*
Yami and Yugi: *Sweat drop and run. Stampede of fangirls runs by.*
Treska: *Still very glazed look in her eyes* Uhh . . . . .
Blue: Okay. Disclaimers and they are: Treska doesn't own anything. The Dragons and what minuscule plot line this story has are her's. There is mention of rape, beatings and anything else her sick and twisted mind can come up with. There is boy/boy pairings in this so if you don't like don't read. And if you complain I'll sick Petit on you.
Red: *Off stage* And she's got the cheese grater and peeler out so you'd better watch it!
/aibou to yami/
//yami to aibou//
((telepathy))
~ (scene change or POV Change) ~
'Personal Thoughts'
On with the story.
* * * * * * *
The midnight blue of the night sky wearily gave way to the encroaching purples and pinks that oozed across the landscape. Slowly the night retreated to let the dawn come into the world. In a secluded oasis the night peepers gave one last song before taking a much needed rest. The gentle night breeze settled down as the golden rays of Ra spread across the land.
Curled up on a worn cotton blanket a petit young teen scrunched his eyes as he tried to deny the rising sun. Unruly ebony spiked hair tipped in crimson rustled gently as the thin scrap of humanity shifted. Golden bangs framed a gentle face that was lightly speckled in bruises. Slowly the pair of amethyst eyes blinked open. At first those kind orbs radiated confusion at the presence of the blanket, but memories of the night before soon brought fearful clarity to them.
Yugi lay as still as possible when his eyes finally focused on the mound of icy blue scales several feet away from him. Quietly he let out a breath when he realized that the great beast was still asleep. Sitting up he glanced around the clearing. Not immediately spotting the person that brought him here the teen let out a grateful sigh. Hopefully he could avoid a beating first thing this morning.
Yugi's thoughts turned dark as he thought about his new situation. The stranger had said that he was safe. Yugi snorted at that. He was never safe. He had had several masters throughout his life. Several of them had promised to treat him fine if he did his work correctly. Yet they always resorted to hitting him. He was just to weak, to stupid, to clumsy, to something or other. Unnoticed a crystal tear slid down his cheek.
"It'll never change." Yugi whispered to himself wrapping his hands around his knees. "I'm just useless and weak. Oh Grandpa I don't know how much more I can take!"
Something gently bumped against his elbow. Startled Yugi jerked his head to find himself staring face to face with the dragon. The great beast let out a gentle croon and bumped his elbow again. Yugi could do nothing for a moment. Then slowly he extended a hand and placed it on the creature's snout.
"So soft?!" Yugi stated in awe. The dragon's scales were tough, but felt like soft worn leather under his slim hand. "Are you trying to make me feel better?"
The dragon crooned again and twitched its head in an imitation of a nod. Yugi giggled thinking it the oddest sight. "My name's Yugi. I'd ask you what your name is, but you wouldn't be able to answer me."
((Oh I wouldn't think that young one.))
Yugi jerked his hand away and looked around fearfully for the source of the voice. It wasn't the stranger from the night before. He would recognize that voice anywhere. Seeing no one he started to tremble, waiting for the unexpected.
((Don't be afraid little one; no one here will hurt you. Look at me and know what I say is true.))
Trembling Yugi looked around again. Then his eyes rested on the dragon. Looking into the beast's eyes he could see compassion, kindness and protectiveness in those icy depths. "You can speak?"
((In a way. My name is Blue.))
"Nice to meet you. I guess we can keep each other company. Where is our master?" Yugi rested his hand on the dragon's snout again.
((Oh little one we have no master. You might become a servant if you choose, but never again will you be a slave. As for Yami he's still sleeping.))
Yugi glanced in the direction the dragon jerked her head. Sure enough another from was dozing in the sand, soft rumbling snores drifting on the breeze. The ex-slave watched as Blue shifted back over to where her friend was. For a moment she just watched him then she lowered her head and sent a gentle puff of air in his face.
The figure didn't stir.
The dragon gave a slightly more powerful puff of air. Again there was no response. The creature glared cross-eyed at the figure (causing Yugi to giggle because dragons were not meant to look cross-eyed) and gave an even stronger puff of air with a growl inserted.
No movement and the snores continued.
The dragon growled, put her mouth near the sleeping figures ear and chattered loudly. The response was a very weak slap of a lazy hand. Yugi now had to keep both hands over his mouth from bursting out laughing. This time the dragon grumbled and let out a shattering squawk.
Nothing happened.
Blue was apparently fed up at this point. She sat back on her haunches and took a deep breath. Yugi clapped his hands over his ears just in time. An all out roar came from deep within the dragon, causing bits of sand to jump and a few bugs to fall out of their nesting places.
The figure snorted, grumbled inaudibly and rolled over.
At this point there was a stead stream of giggles coming out of Yugi. He knew he shouldn't be laughing, but the whole scene was extremely funny. Plus it started hitting home that if the dragon could do this to the other teen and not be worried, then maybe he shouldn't be either. But then he was a lot smaller than a dragon and didn't possess nearly as many sharp pointy teeth.
So, with this newest observation, Yugi's jaw promptly came unhinged when the dragon gently snatched one of the legs of the comatose figure. Then with a deft flick of her head she sent the slumbering teen sailing into the oasis. There was a splash, a very startled yelp and a veritable stream of curses as the now awake teen floundered in the warm waters.
Blue sat back again admiring her handy work, a very dragony grin on her face. Yugi however was in shock as a very wet duplicate of himself came wallowing out of the water. Yet even as he wondered why they looked so much alike Yugi caught several differences. This teen's eyes were a furious crimson; he was taller with skin a glowing bronze. He also had a few more locks of golden hair that was framed by his now wet black and crimson crown of spikes.
"Ra damn you Blue, you couldn't find a better way of waking me up??!" The teen stomped up to the dragon stopping about a foot away from her.
((I tried, but you just refused. Besides we found it quite entertaining.)) The dragon answered smugly.
Those crimson eyes snapped to Yugi and the smaller boy suddenly found himself frozen in terror. He gulped and quickly got into a kneeling position, noticing that he was still on the cotton blanket. He trembled at the sound of quickly approaching feet. The sound halted and Yugi resisted looking up at the figure before him.
Some one knelt before him; a deep strong voice penetrated his terrified mind. "Little one look at me."
Yugi looked, right into those hard ruby eyes. "I'm sorry master I didn't mean any disrespect."
"Yugi I am not your master. That life is over with and I will never let anyone harm you ever again." Those eyes softened a bit, Yugi shivered as that warm, velvet voice washed over him. "You can choose your life Yugi. We'll talk about it later. My name is Yami."
"I'm free?"
"Yes. Is that so hard to believe?"
Yugi hung his head again. "I haven't been free since I was five. I don't know what it's like anymore. All of my masters have hurt me. Some promised to set me free if I did what they wanted. But it never happened. They loved to squash the hope out of a slave. This might be a dream. Something that my mind came up with to keep me alive. How do I know that you aren't lying? That you won't take this all away when the mood takes you, or when I fail in some sort of task?"
((There is no way of knowing Yugi. Those doubts will always come. All we can give you is our word and hope that you will let us have what little trust in people you still have.))
Yami watched as the smaller boy glanced between him and the dragon. Those beautiful violet eyes shone with the spark of trust and hope. But doubt still clouded them. Yami wished that there was something that he could say that would make the youngster trust him. Then he remembered something from a week ago.
~ ~ (Flashback One Week)~ ~ ~ ~
Yami was sitting on the rim of the fountain in one of the royal gardens. In his hands were several forms that he needed to look over and approve. He frowned at the parchment in his fists. He could think of many other things he would rather be doing.
A few feet away from him dusty haired and demon eyed Red was sitting under a tree. In his right was a block of wood that had a half formed figure creeping out. The left hand held a small knife that Red used for whittling. A small frown graced the darker teen's face as he contemplated the wood.
Jou was sitting just to the right of the Guardian watching warily. The blonde was still nervous around everyone. He was there because he had delivered the papers to Yami, but since the teen ruler had not told him to leave he had stayed. Of course they had to basically order him to sit after ten minutes.
"Are you interested in learning, Jou? Yami asked, putting off going over the papers.
"I don't know. Why would ya let a slave hold a knife?" Jou glanced nervously at Yami.
Yami sighed and tried to keep the irritation out of his voice. "Jou if you are interested Red would teach you. And you're no longer a slave. Besides I trust you wouldn't do anything wrong."
Jou looked at Yami as if seeing him for the first time. A small, sad smile crept onto his face. "When I was six I snitched a knife from the kitchens. I was trying to get me and my buddy free. I didn't know what I was doing and broke the knife. Our master heard and came. He thought that we was going to stab him in the night. He beat me for having it and he beat my friend just cus he could."
Red looked up at the teen, his face immobile. "This friend you keep talking about, what's his name?"
"Yugi. We were separated about a year ago. Our master sold me to Lugize because I kept protecting Yugi from 'im." Jou shuddered. "We didn't even realize what was going on until he came up and bashed me on the head so I wouldn't fight. I hope that Yugi's all right, but I also hope he's dead."
Yami and Red glanced at each other, the horrible implication of Jou's words hanging in the air. Red's scowl became a little deeper. "What does Yugi look like?"
Jou looked up a crooked smile on his face. "That's the scary part. He looks just like Yami, only shorter and with violet eyes."
Red and Yami glanced at each other. "Don't worry Jou, we'll keep and eye out for him."
"Thanks."
~ ~ (End Flashback)~ ~ ~
"Yugi, when you were six your friend Jou stole a knife from your master's kitchen. He tried to break you out. Do you remember?"
"Yes." Yugi's eyes got as big as dinner plates. "We were both beaten for that. How did you know?"
"Jou is a servant at my house." Yami grinned. "He's doing fine, although he's taken to hanging around the kitchens."
Yugi smiled something that seemed to dull even Ra's bright light. "He's always had a big appetite."
((That and Mia's there.)) Blue added dryly.
"Who's Mia?"
"Just someone your friend has taken an interest in. I know its hard Yugi, but will you trust us?"
Yugi looked between the two. Could he trust them? They knew about the time he and Jou tried to escape. No one knew about that and Jou just wouldn't tell anyone. Plus there was something about Yami that he knew he could trust. Yugi didn't know just what it was. Yami was so dark and mysterious. Maybe it was his eyes, deep pools of crimson swirling with hidden power.
Or maybe it was the way his hair was still clinging to his head dripping wet.
Yugi's stomach rumbled and a deep blush crept across his cheeks. "Umm. . .there isn't something to eat is there?"
Yami straightened with a chuckle as Blue proceeded to berate him on his lack of manners. Yugi just watched the two banter back and forth as Yami started setting up for breakfast. Still nagging her friend, Blue gave Yugi some soap, a towel and some new clothes.
((The water is cool and I'm sure you want to wash up. Just toss the old clothes, we always have several sets.)) Blue said gently.
Yugi grinned and trotted over to the oasis. Quickly he stripped down and tossed the rags he had worn distastefully to the side. With a sigh he waded into the warm silky water. After the initial soak he lathered himself up, scrubbing with the soap and the sand. Water stung his very tender back, but in a way it was a good sting.
'I'm free.' Yugi thought as he washed his old life away, letting the sting of the new one awaken his troubled heart. 'They said I can choose, and they know Jou. I'll choose after I see him again.'
Even after washing Yugi stayed in the water longer than necessary. Happily he splashed around in the crystal liquid, laughing for the first time in many years. Hope and trust starting to grow again in his heart. Finally he climbed out of the water and dried himself off. He pulled on the new clothes except for the tunic. He didn't want to get blood on it.
"Um. . .Yami, is there anything that I could get for my back?"
Yami, who was flushed for some strange reason, nodded. Quickly he trotted over to the pack and rummaged around. Yugi watched for a moment and then turned to Blue. The dragon had a ladle clutched carefully between two claws and was stirring the contents of a medium sized pot. She was humming to herself slightly, a very smug smile revealing some of her teeth.
"Here it is." Yami returned with a small brown jar and a roll of bandages. "Sit down Yugi and I'll take care of your back."
Obediently Yugi sat down. Strong, gentle fingers flitted over is back. Yugi let out an involuntary hiss of pain. The fingers stopped for a brief moment then continued. Moments later Yami started to wrap the bandages around Yugi's slim chest. Yugi felt his breath catch in his chest as the nearness of Yami pressed against him. Then just as suddenly that presence was gone.
"There all done." Yami said, standing hastily.
"Thank you." Quickly Yugi pulled the tunic over his head hoping to hide the blush that infused his cheeks.
((Breakfast is ready.)) Blue's voice cut through the two teen's head. Yami couldn't help but notice the hint of laughter in the dragon's mental voice.
'This is going to be an interesting couple of days.' Yami thought as he walked over to the food. Then he noticed Yugi getting a two bowls of food. The petit teen brought one up and handed it to Yami, giving the teen ruler that heart stopping smile. 'A very interesting couple of days. Oh Ra.'
* * * * * * *
Treska: *Jumps in* Tada. Be proud of me!
Blue: Why?
Treska: Because my wrist is acting up again and I can't move it. So I probably shouldn't have been typing for the past several hours.
Blue: Boohooo. And we should feel sorry for you for what reason?
Treska: Don't make me put you in a frilly pink dress.
Blue: *Pales and runs off*
Treska: Okay read and review please.
Yami: *Off stage* Curtis Zidane Ziraa give me back my clothes!!!!!!!!!!!!
Treska: *Whistles innocently and hides Yami's clothes under couch*
Yami: *Stomping in and completely naked and very, very pissed* Treska where the hell are my clothes!!!!!
Treska: *Stares in utter amazement* Uuuuuuu. . . . .
Blue: *Wanders in* Um, Yami you're naked.
Yami: I know that I want to know where my clothes are!
Blue: Let's just say the Chinchilla hit Curtis Zidane Ziraa with Bob the Hammer of Veritable Truth in the last chapter. Hence, no clothes.
Yugi: *Come running in and wraps pink fluffy bathrobe around Yami* Quick before they come!
Yami: Before who come?
Offstage: *Rumbling of stampeding fangirls can be heard*
Yami and Yugi: *Sweat drop and run. Stampede of fangirls runs by.*
Treska: *Still very glazed look in her eyes* Uhh . . . . .
Blue: Okay. Disclaimers and they are: Treska doesn't own anything. The Dragons and what minuscule plot line this story has are her's. There is mention of rape, beatings and anything else her sick and twisted mind can come up with. There is boy/boy pairings in this so if you don't like don't read. And if you complain I'll sick Petit on you.
Red: *Off stage* And she's got the cheese grater and peeler out so you'd better watch it!
/aibou to yami/
//yami to aibou//
((telepathy))
~ (scene change or POV Change) ~
'Personal Thoughts'
On with the story.
* * * * * * *
The midnight blue of the night sky wearily gave way to the encroaching purples and pinks that oozed across the landscape. Slowly the night retreated to let the dawn come into the world. In a secluded oasis the night peepers gave one last song before taking a much needed rest. The gentle night breeze settled down as the golden rays of Ra spread across the land.
Curled up on a worn cotton blanket a petit young teen scrunched his eyes as he tried to deny the rising sun. Unruly ebony spiked hair tipped in crimson rustled gently as the thin scrap of humanity shifted. Golden bangs framed a gentle face that was lightly speckled in bruises. Slowly the pair of amethyst eyes blinked open. At first those kind orbs radiated confusion at the presence of the blanket, but memories of the night before soon brought fearful clarity to them.
Yugi lay as still as possible when his eyes finally focused on the mound of icy blue scales several feet away from him. Quietly he let out a breath when he realized that the great beast was still asleep. Sitting up he glanced around the clearing. Not immediately spotting the person that brought him here the teen let out a grateful sigh. Hopefully he could avoid a beating first thing this morning.
Yugi's thoughts turned dark as he thought about his new situation. The stranger had said that he was safe. Yugi snorted at that. He was never safe. He had had several masters throughout his life. Several of them had promised to treat him fine if he did his work correctly. Yet they always resorted to hitting him. He was just to weak, to stupid, to clumsy, to something or other. Unnoticed a crystal tear slid down his cheek.
"It'll never change." Yugi whispered to himself wrapping his hands around his knees. "I'm just useless and weak. Oh Grandpa I don't know how much more I can take!"
Something gently bumped against his elbow. Startled Yugi jerked his head to find himself staring face to face with the dragon. The great beast let out a gentle croon and bumped his elbow again. Yugi could do nothing for a moment. Then slowly he extended a hand and placed it on the creature's snout.
"So soft?!" Yugi stated in awe. The dragon's scales were tough, but felt like soft worn leather under his slim hand. "Are you trying to make me feel better?"
The dragon crooned again and twitched its head in an imitation of a nod. Yugi giggled thinking it the oddest sight. "My name's Yugi. I'd ask you what your name is, but you wouldn't be able to answer me."
((Oh I wouldn't think that young one.))
Yugi jerked his hand away and looked around fearfully for the source of the voice. It wasn't the stranger from the night before. He would recognize that voice anywhere. Seeing no one he started to tremble, waiting for the unexpected.
((Don't be afraid little one; no one here will hurt you. Look at me and know what I say is true.))
Trembling Yugi looked around again. Then his eyes rested on the dragon. Looking into the beast's eyes he could see compassion, kindness and protectiveness in those icy depths. "You can speak?"
((In a way. My name is Blue.))
"Nice to meet you. I guess we can keep each other company. Where is our master?" Yugi rested his hand on the dragon's snout again.
((Oh little one we have no master. You might become a servant if you choose, but never again will you be a slave. As for Yami he's still sleeping.))
Yugi glanced in the direction the dragon jerked her head. Sure enough another from was dozing in the sand, soft rumbling snores drifting on the breeze. The ex-slave watched as Blue shifted back over to where her friend was. For a moment she just watched him then she lowered her head and sent a gentle puff of air in his face.
The figure didn't stir.
The dragon gave a slightly more powerful puff of air. Again there was no response. The creature glared cross-eyed at the figure (causing Yugi to giggle because dragons were not meant to look cross-eyed) and gave an even stronger puff of air with a growl inserted.
No movement and the snores continued.
The dragon growled, put her mouth near the sleeping figures ear and chattered loudly. The response was a very weak slap of a lazy hand. Yugi now had to keep both hands over his mouth from bursting out laughing. This time the dragon grumbled and let out a shattering squawk.
Nothing happened.
Blue was apparently fed up at this point. She sat back on her haunches and took a deep breath. Yugi clapped his hands over his ears just in time. An all out roar came from deep within the dragon, causing bits of sand to jump and a few bugs to fall out of their nesting places.
The figure snorted, grumbled inaudibly and rolled over.
At this point there was a stead stream of giggles coming out of Yugi. He knew he shouldn't be laughing, but the whole scene was extremely funny. Plus it started hitting home that if the dragon could do this to the other teen and not be worried, then maybe he shouldn't be either. But then he was a lot smaller than a dragon and didn't possess nearly as many sharp pointy teeth.
So, with this newest observation, Yugi's jaw promptly came unhinged when the dragon gently snatched one of the legs of the comatose figure. Then with a deft flick of her head she sent the slumbering teen sailing into the oasis. There was a splash, a very startled yelp and a veritable stream of curses as the now awake teen floundered in the warm waters.
Blue sat back again admiring her handy work, a very dragony grin on her face. Yugi however was in shock as a very wet duplicate of himself came wallowing out of the water. Yet even as he wondered why they looked so much alike Yugi caught several differences. This teen's eyes were a furious crimson; he was taller with skin a glowing bronze. He also had a few more locks of golden hair that was framed by his now wet black and crimson crown of spikes.
"Ra damn you Blue, you couldn't find a better way of waking me up??!" The teen stomped up to the dragon stopping about a foot away from her.
((I tried, but you just refused. Besides we found it quite entertaining.)) The dragon answered smugly.
Those crimson eyes snapped to Yugi and the smaller boy suddenly found himself frozen in terror. He gulped and quickly got into a kneeling position, noticing that he was still on the cotton blanket. He trembled at the sound of quickly approaching feet. The sound halted and Yugi resisted looking up at the figure before him.
Some one knelt before him; a deep strong voice penetrated his terrified mind. "Little one look at me."
Yugi looked, right into those hard ruby eyes. "I'm sorry master I didn't mean any disrespect."
"Yugi I am not your master. That life is over with and I will never let anyone harm you ever again." Those eyes softened a bit, Yugi shivered as that warm, velvet voice washed over him. "You can choose your life Yugi. We'll talk about it later. My name is Yami."
"I'm free?"
"Yes. Is that so hard to believe?"
Yugi hung his head again. "I haven't been free since I was five. I don't know what it's like anymore. All of my masters have hurt me. Some promised to set me free if I did what they wanted. But it never happened. They loved to squash the hope out of a slave. This might be a dream. Something that my mind came up with to keep me alive. How do I know that you aren't lying? That you won't take this all away when the mood takes you, or when I fail in some sort of task?"
((There is no way of knowing Yugi. Those doubts will always come. All we can give you is our word and hope that you will let us have what little trust in people you still have.))
Yami watched as the smaller boy glanced between him and the dragon. Those beautiful violet eyes shone with the spark of trust and hope. But doubt still clouded them. Yami wished that there was something that he could say that would make the youngster trust him. Then he remembered something from a week ago.
~ ~ (Flashback One Week)~ ~ ~ ~
Yami was sitting on the rim of the fountain in one of the royal gardens. In his hands were several forms that he needed to look over and approve. He frowned at the parchment in his fists. He could think of many other things he would rather be doing.
A few feet away from him dusty haired and demon eyed Red was sitting under a tree. In his right was a block of wood that had a half formed figure creeping out. The left hand held a small knife that Red used for whittling. A small frown graced the darker teen's face as he contemplated the wood.
Jou was sitting just to the right of the Guardian watching warily. The blonde was still nervous around everyone. He was there because he had delivered the papers to Yami, but since the teen ruler had not told him to leave he had stayed. Of course they had to basically order him to sit after ten minutes.
"Are you interested in learning, Jou? Yami asked, putting off going over the papers.
"I don't know. Why would ya let a slave hold a knife?" Jou glanced nervously at Yami.
Yami sighed and tried to keep the irritation out of his voice. "Jou if you are interested Red would teach you. And you're no longer a slave. Besides I trust you wouldn't do anything wrong."
Jou looked at Yami as if seeing him for the first time. A small, sad smile crept onto his face. "When I was six I snitched a knife from the kitchens. I was trying to get me and my buddy free. I didn't know what I was doing and broke the knife. Our master heard and came. He thought that we was going to stab him in the night. He beat me for having it and he beat my friend just cus he could."
Red looked up at the teen, his face immobile. "This friend you keep talking about, what's his name?"
"Yugi. We were separated about a year ago. Our master sold me to Lugize because I kept protecting Yugi from 'im." Jou shuddered. "We didn't even realize what was going on until he came up and bashed me on the head so I wouldn't fight. I hope that Yugi's all right, but I also hope he's dead."
Yami and Red glanced at each other, the horrible implication of Jou's words hanging in the air. Red's scowl became a little deeper. "What does Yugi look like?"
Jou looked up a crooked smile on his face. "That's the scary part. He looks just like Yami, only shorter and with violet eyes."
Red and Yami glanced at each other. "Don't worry Jou, we'll keep and eye out for him."
"Thanks."
~ ~ (End Flashback)~ ~ ~
"Yugi, when you were six your friend Jou stole a knife from your master's kitchen. He tried to break you out. Do you remember?"
"Yes." Yugi's eyes got as big as dinner plates. "We were both beaten for that. How did you know?"
"Jou is a servant at my house." Yami grinned. "He's doing fine, although he's taken to hanging around the kitchens."
Yugi smiled something that seemed to dull even Ra's bright light. "He's always had a big appetite."
((That and Mia's there.)) Blue added dryly.
"Who's Mia?"
"Just someone your friend has taken an interest in. I know its hard Yugi, but will you trust us?"
Yugi looked between the two. Could he trust them? They knew about the time he and Jou tried to escape. No one knew about that and Jou just wouldn't tell anyone. Plus there was something about Yami that he knew he could trust. Yugi didn't know just what it was. Yami was so dark and mysterious. Maybe it was his eyes, deep pools of crimson swirling with hidden power.
Or maybe it was the way his hair was still clinging to his head dripping wet.
Yugi's stomach rumbled and a deep blush crept across his cheeks. "Umm. . .there isn't something to eat is there?"
Yami straightened with a chuckle as Blue proceeded to berate him on his lack of manners. Yugi just watched the two banter back and forth as Yami started setting up for breakfast. Still nagging her friend, Blue gave Yugi some soap, a towel and some new clothes.
((The water is cool and I'm sure you want to wash up. Just toss the old clothes, we always have several sets.)) Blue said gently.
Yugi grinned and trotted over to the oasis. Quickly he stripped down and tossed the rags he had worn distastefully to the side. With a sigh he waded into the warm silky water. After the initial soak he lathered himself up, scrubbing with the soap and the sand. Water stung his very tender back, but in a way it was a good sting.
'I'm free.' Yugi thought as he washed his old life away, letting the sting of the new one awaken his troubled heart. 'They said I can choose, and they know Jou. I'll choose after I see him again.'
Even after washing Yugi stayed in the water longer than necessary. Happily he splashed around in the crystal liquid, laughing for the first time in many years. Hope and trust starting to grow again in his heart. Finally he climbed out of the water and dried himself off. He pulled on the new clothes except for the tunic. He didn't want to get blood on it.
"Um. . .Yami, is there anything that I could get for my back?"
Yami, who was flushed for some strange reason, nodded. Quickly he trotted over to the pack and rummaged around. Yugi watched for a moment and then turned to Blue. The dragon had a ladle clutched carefully between two claws and was stirring the contents of a medium sized pot. She was humming to herself slightly, a very smug smile revealing some of her teeth.
"Here it is." Yami returned with a small brown jar and a roll of bandages. "Sit down Yugi and I'll take care of your back."
Obediently Yugi sat down. Strong, gentle fingers flitted over is back. Yugi let out an involuntary hiss of pain. The fingers stopped for a brief moment then continued. Moments later Yami started to wrap the bandages around Yugi's slim chest. Yugi felt his breath catch in his chest as the nearness of Yami pressed against him. Then just as suddenly that presence was gone.
"There all done." Yami said, standing hastily.
"Thank you." Quickly Yugi pulled the tunic over his head hoping to hide the blush that infused his cheeks.
((Breakfast is ready.)) Blue's voice cut through the two teen's head. Yami couldn't help but notice the hint of laughter in the dragon's mental voice.
'This is going to be an interesting couple of days.' Yami thought as he walked over to the food. Then he noticed Yugi getting a two bowls of food. The petit teen brought one up and handed it to Yami, giving the teen ruler that heart stopping smile. 'A very interesting couple of days. Oh Ra.'
* * * * * * *
Treska: *Jumps in* Tada. Be proud of me!
Blue: Why?
Treska: Because my wrist is acting up again and I can't move it. So I probably shouldn't have been typing for the past several hours.
Blue: Boohooo. And we should feel sorry for you for what reason?
Treska: Don't make me put you in a frilly pink dress.
Blue: *Pales and runs off*
Treska: Okay read and review please.
Yami: *Off stage* Curtis Zidane Ziraa give me back my clothes!!!!!!!!!!!!
Treska: *Whistles innocently and hides Yami's clothes under couch*