Close to the flame

Chapter One:

What's up with Yami?

The kiss sweetest and touch so warm The smile kindest in this world so cold and strong

The arms safe stand words all good The faith deepest in this world so cold and cruel

We're so close to the flame burning brightly It won't faint away and leave us lonely

The bright light of the sun shone through the windows and gave the whole room a heavenly appearance. Yami sat in the last corner the sunlight had not reached yet. His head leaned against the wall and he had brought his knees to his body, encircled by his arms.

The last days of February had brought snow again and the weather outside was icy. "There was never snow back in Egypt", Yami thought watching the dancing snow-flakes outside the window, "although I'm sure all would've liked it." A sad smile appeared on his handsome face when his thoughts wandered through his memories of the time of the pyramids and shadow games, the time when he was the pharaoh, with his foreordained destiny to save the world.

He had won the ultimate battle against Marik a few months ago. Since then, he not only had an own body, but also his lost memories back. Now he remembered everything that happened 3000 years ago, the happy and the sad, the light and the dark. Every single moment he had gone through was in his head now and, for Ra's sake, he wished he had never remembered.

Yugi Muto sat in his always boring maths-class and yawned. It was impossible for him to follow his teacher's words longer than five minutes. He never liked maths and in the last weeks his mind was full of thoughts that oppressed him. He was so worried about Yami. Since the former Pharaoh had his own body and his memories back, he was not the same anymore. He barely talked and never smiled, his face always held a sad expression. Yugi was sure it had to do with his past, but what memory could be so painful? Yami had not told him a single word about ancient Egypt and Yugi had not dared to ask his partner. The short boy sighed and looked towards the window.

"When I get home I have to ask him. I will not just watch Yami suffer in his pain. I have to help, like he helped me countless times. And why the hell can't that stupid lesson be over right now?" Yugi thought angrily and glanced to his watch. "Great just five minutes till break. Then history and then free for the next four days."

The Domino-High students were glad to have an extra-large weekend because the teachers would go on a trip from Friday till Monday and Yugi had made sure that he would spend all the time with Yami. Grandpa wanted to visit Prof. Hawkins and Yugi had his friends told about his plan of helping Yami and so they had agreed in silence not to disturb the two look-alikes.

It was two ours later when Yugis history teacher Miss Sakurai told her class the homework for the weekend. "I want you to choose an ancient culture and write an essay about it. Please think well about your theme and tell me in ten minutes your choice." Yugi didn't need any time to think, he knew what he would like to deal with: Ancient Egypt! That was the best excuse to ask Yami about his past. Who could tell you more about Egypt than the Pharaoh himself? So Yugi went after just three minutes to Miss Sakurai's desk. "I would like to write about Ancient Egypt, Miss." Yugi told her politely. She smiled at him. "Good choice, Mr. Mouto. You are dismissed now. Have a nice weekend and do a good job." "Thanks Miss Sakurai, see you next Wednesday." Yugi played with the chain of the Sennen-Puzzle which he wore habitual when he made his way towards the Kame-Shop. He was nervous. How would Yami react? Would he tell Yugi? On the other hand they were partners and normally shared every secret with each other. The boy sighed and clenched his fists. "Just stay strong Yugi."

It was three o'clock in the afternoon when Yami heard the doorbell. "That must be Yugi. Forgotten the key as usual", Yami thought and headed towards the door. "Hello Yami!" Yugi chirped cheerfully after his partner had let him in, "I've got great news! School's out for the next four days. Gramps wanted to visit an old friend of him and the others have several things to do. That means: You and I have time for each other. We can make a lazy weekend with films and popcorn. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?" Yami just looked at him. He wasn't in the mood for films and popcorn. "I'm not sure Aibou." he said carefully not wanting to hurt his little look-alike. "Ah come on Yami. Let's have a little fun. But at first we have a job to do. Gramps thinks he gets to old to do all the work in the shop alone and so he wants to find somebody who helps. He supposed us to draw a bill. So, why don't you go upstairs fetching us some paper and markers and I make sure, we have something to eat after work?" Yami didn't give an answer. He turned around and did what Yugi told him to do.

"God, I'm full!" Yugi patted his stomach when his glance wandered to Yamis plate. The Pharaoh had barely eaten something of his Pizza and looked absentmindedly. "Aren't you hungry Yami? Well, it doesn't matter. What about a funny movie now?". Yami sighed. "I'm sorry Aibou. Not today, I'm rather tired. Good night." Yami went around the table and squeezed Yugis shoulder lightly, before he went upstairs and locked himself in his room.

Yugi looked after him with a worried expression. "What on earth is wrong with you?"

End of chapter.

This is my first YGO-fic, so be kind. I'm not from England or America, so don't be mad with me if I made to many mistakes. In the next chapter Yugi asks Yami to tell about his past. What will Yami do? Please review and tell me if you liked the first chapter. Thanks