It's Gonna Be Love
Disclaimer and the likes: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh (gee, isn't that surprising?); never have and never will. This fic was written for purely entertainment purposes and believe me, I won't be making any profit off of it. So, lawyers, stay back! I know over 50 ancient Egyptian curses that will do absolutely nothing!
Summary: Everybody wants to find that special someone. But when true love may finally be at hand, tragedy strikes, leaving those left behind questioning their decisions. Pairings include: Yuugi/Jounouchi, Shizuka/Seto/Isis, Honda/Shizuka, and one-sided Anzu/Yuugi and Mai/Jounouchi.
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Yuugi sat impatiently on the edge of his bed, swinging his legs. Even though everything was over, he hadn't been able to get a good night's sleep in weeks. He figured he was still paranoid that something was going to happen in the middle of the night. //You know what the solution to that is, don't you?// his other half chided gently.
Yuugi thought about it for a moment, but couldn't even begin to understand what his other half was hinting at. It wasn't like he could go back in time and delete the source of his paranoia. If only things could be that simple in life. /No,/ he responded, confused.
He heard his other half chuckling and felt slightly offended. Maybe if he wasn't always trying to be such an enigma all the time, Yuugi would be able to understand what he was talking about. //Call Jounouchi-kun and ask him if you can spend the night.// Yuugi flushed, looking down at his feet and wondering what good that would do. Of course, his other half always had an answer ready for all of his questions. //Maybe being with him will help you feel safer,// the spirit suggested slyly.
Yuugi flushed deeper, pondering ways that he could avoid his other half's careful scrutiny but also thinking about the suggestion. The more he thought about, the more appealing the idea became. /Maybe that's not a bad idea,/ he responded after a few moments. Besides, he didn't have a lot of time to spend with Jounouchi lately and this would be the perfect opportunity for him to... Yuugi picked up the phone and dialed Jounouchi's number, all under the amused supervision of his "guardian spirit." Yuugi didn't see why the situation was so amusing; after all, he was seriously having problems sleeping and maybe Jounouchi would have some helpful solutions.
He blushed again as his other half so helpfully projected detailed images of what those ideas might be. Not for the first time he wondered what types of things his other half got into when he wasn't paying attention... "Hello, Jounouchi residence."
"Jounouchi-kun!" Yuugi greeted him cheerfully, grateful for the break in the torturing session. He smiled, trying to forget the embarrassment he had felt when his other half had been providing those images.
"Yuugi!" Jounouchi exclaimed happily, causing the smaller teen to giggle slightly. Maybe Jounouchi would be able to make him feel better, and maybe, just maybe, he would be able to sleep easily. "What's up?"
"Umm," Yuugi hesitated, slightly embarrassed. How was he supposed to ask him about anything when his other half kept filling his head with ideas on exactly how Jounouchi could help him get some sleep. Yeah, so he had a crush on his best friend. Big deal. The attraction had been there since he had first laid eyes upon the taller blonde boy. Sure, Jounouchi had always been picking on him at the time, but eventually that had all changed and they had become best friends. Still, he never told anyone about his crush, so naturally, his other half had found out.
Thankfully, Jounouchi had been blessed with the gift of telepathy, or something along those lines. "Hey, Yuugi, my dad's away for the weekend. You want to come over and spend the night?"
Maybe Jounouchi didn't have telepathy; maybe he was just feeling a bit lonely because he had no one to keep him company. Either way, at least Yuugi didn't have to worry about bringing up the subject. He felt bad for Jounouchi. Half the time his dad wasn't there and when he was there, he was drunk and usually beating the hell out of his son. "Sure," he agreed, perhaps a bit too eagerly. Oh well, he was desperate for some much needed sleep. At least that was what he was telling himself. "I'll be over in a few minutes," he added, hanging up the phone.
He quickly gathered some things together, trying to ignore his other half's smug, 'I told you so,' attitude he was projecting from inside the Sennen Puzzle. Thankfully, he decided not to say anything about the episode with Jounouchi. He resolved he was not going to worry about how obvious his attraction to Jounouchi was at the moment. He didn't need to worry about something like that right before he was going to be spending the night at his friend's house. "Grandpa, I'm going to be spending the night at Jounouchi-kun's," he called as he went out the door.
On the way to Jounouchi's apartment, Yuugi had plenty of time to think. Mainly he thought about his relationship with Jounouchi and his feeling for the taller teen, since his other half had so kindly brought up the topic earlier. He didn't see why he had to make such a big deal over a stupid crush. //I thought it was obvious, aibou.// Yuugi stopped in his tracks, ready to scold his other half for peering into his thoughts. However, the spirit had different ideas. //Not only is he perfect for you, I'm positive he feels the same way about you.//
Yuugi started walking again, turning this new idea over in his mind. For one thing, it was amazing his other half actually approved of Jounouchi. Then there was the possibility that Jounouchi actually liked him as more than a friend. The thought hadn't occurred to him before, but now that he was thinking about it... Jounouchi always did seem to save his special smile just for him. Then there was the way Jounouchi looked at him, with those beautiful brown eyes shining with a tenderness that he didn't show anyone else. Or maybe he was just imaging things. Oddly enough, his other half stayed quiet while Yuugi mulled these new thoughts over. It was quite possibly a blessing in disguise.
Still pondering his relationship with him, Yuugi knocked on Jounouchi's door. Maybe it was time he told someone about his crush, namely the object of his attraction. Of course, the ancient spirit could be completely wrong and telling Jounouchi might create a irreparable rift in their friendship. Lost in his own thoughts, he barely registered the fact that Jounouchi had opened the door. "Yuugi, are you okay?"
Yuugi realized he probably looked like a complete idiot, standing there and staring at his friend. "I'm fine," he insisted, making his way inside. After throwing his stuff on the couch, he turned to look at Jounouchi, who was still standing by the door, looking at him. What was that he saw in those eyes, something that didn't seem to be there when Jounouchi looked at anyone else? Maybe he really was imaging things. Jounouchi shook his head, turning to close the door. "So, Jounouchi-kun, I guess you're feeling a little lonely with no one here to keep you company."
Jounouchi laughed, making his way over to plop down on the couch. "Sorry, Yuugi, but the TV has replaced you as my best friend," he joked, picking up the remote. His laughter died off and he ran his hand through his hair. "Don't you sit down?" Jounouchi asked, and Yuugi noticed there was a certain tone of annoyance in his voice.
//How cute. He's feeling insecure,// his other half told him, sounding, once again, highly amused at all this. Yuugi flushed as he sat down next to Jounouchi, so they were barely touching. Jounouchi glanced over at him, looking cutely embarrassed. Yuugi kept his eyes fixed on the TV, though he never really did figure out what was on. The last thing he needed was to be seeing things that weren't there. He was sure the look earlier had been a product of his overactive imagination, brought about by his other half's earlier statement. He barely saw Jounouchi nod before the blonde boy placed his arm across the back of the couch. //He smells good, too.// the ancient spirit commented.
Yuugi flushed deeper. /Stay out of this!/ he ordered. He really didn't need the King of Games interfering in his love life with his best friend. Though hopefully, someday Jounouchi would be so much more than that. Yuugi glanced over at his friend who was now staring intently at the screen. Yuugi took the opportunity to study his features: the golden hair that fell over gorgeous chocolate brown eyes, his lips which were slightly parted at the moment, the hard muscles of his body... As if aware of Yuugi's careful scrutiny, Jounouchi looked at his small friend. Yuugi flushed, instantly turning away. All he needed was to scare him off. Yuugi didn't notice the slight half smile Jounouchi gave before moving his arm so that it was barely touching Yuugi's shoulders.
Faintly smiling, Yuugi kept his eyes fixed on the TV screen through some great effort. Though he still didn't know what the hell was playing or even what it was about. The only sounds he could hear were Jounouchi's steady breathing and the rapid beating of his own heart. Quite disappointingly, Jounouchi didn't do anything else over the next few hours. //I told you earlier, he's feeling insecure,// his other half insisted.
Well, whatever the reason, it was time for bed. Yuugi left the Sennen Puzzle sitting on Jounouchi's desk while he went into the bathroom to get changed. He sighed as he began to mechanically take his clothes off and replace them with his pajamas. He wished he had a bit more confidence, so he could just go up to Jounouchi, press his lips against his and whisper, "I love you," over and over again. It didn't seem he would be getting that confidence anytime soon, not unless Jounouchi made the first move.
He made his way back into Jounouchi's room, throwing his bag in the corner. He noticed Jounouchi had gotten changed while he was gone and had made himself comfortable on his bed. However, the other teen had obviously decided that pajamas were too good for him was clad in only his boxers. Yuugi couldn't help but admire the strong muscles in his arms, chest, stomach... "So, Yuugi, where are you sleeping at?"
It was an innocent question, one Jounouchi always asked when Yuugi came over to spend the night. Yuugi had a choice as to whether he wanted to sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag or hop on the bed next to Jounouchi. Of course, the answer had always been the same. Then again, that was before he had realized how strong his attraction was for Jounouchi. Still, if he changed his answer now, Jounouchi may get suspicious and that wouldn't do at all. At least his other half couldn't offer smart remarks from across the room. So, after a brief hesitation he sat down on the edge of Jounouchi's bed. Jounouchi obediently moved over to make room for Yuugi next to him. "Umm, Jounouchi-kun, could I ask you a favor?" Yuugi asked, a faint blush creeping across his cheeks. Well, maybe in the dim light Jounouchi wouldn't be able to see.
"What is it, Yuugi?"
Let's see, how to put this? Was there anyway he could without sounding hopelessly pathetic and desperate? Not likely. It was funny how Jounouchi was always vying for his other half's approval and then there was Yuugi who wanted nothing more than for Jounouchi to approve of him. "Well, here goes nothing." "You see, Jounouchi-kun," he began, successfully avoiding his friends intense eyes. "I've been having trouble sleeping at night and I was wondering if... I thought maybe you could..." he trailed off, unsure of how to ask for what he wanted.
However, in the next moment,. Jounouchi proved that he must have some sort of ESP connection with Yuugi. He pulled his smaller friend down next to him, wrapping his arm around him. "I see. And you think this will help you sleep better?"
After his initial shock was over, Yuugi rested his head on Jounouchi's bare chest, breathing in his sweet scent. Jounouchi's hand was idly rubbing his back, making him feel safe. That was something he hadn't felt in a long time. Well, that was all over now. Besides, Jounouchi would be able to protect him. The steady sound of his beating heart and the gentle rise and fall of his chest was threatening to lull Yuugi to sleep within a matter of minutes. Well, a good night's sleep was the whole purpose of coming to spend the night at Jounouchi's in the first place. "G'night, Jounouchi-kun," he murmured sleepily.
"Goodnight, Yuugi," he heard Jounouchi whisper so softly it was a wonder Yuugi had heard him at all.
Or maybe Yuugi was already that far asleep. He felt warm, safe, and... loved? Cared about, most certainly. There was something oddly comforting and peaceful about listening to his friend's heartbeat, and feeling the rise and fall of his chest with his gentle breathing. Yuugi felt like he could stay there forever, being held safe in Jounouchi's strong arms. Until the peace was broken by Jounouchi's restless shifting beneath Yuugi, effectively waking him. "Jounouchi-kun?" he asked, lifting his head and giving his friend a quizzical look.
"Sorry, Yuugi," Jounouchi quickly apologized, making himself comfortable again. Yuugi couldn't help but notice the way Jounouchi avoided looking at him, and he wondered what he could have possibly done wrong. Maybe he was too heavy to be sleeping on top of Jounouchi like that but he found that hard to believe. Besides, Jounouchi hadn't shown any discomfort in that aspect. It was quite possible he was trying to make himself comfortable before he fell asleep and woke up with a sore... whatever. "Yuugi, could I talk to you about something?" he asked after a few minutes of uncomfortable silence.
"Of course, Jounouchi-kun. You know you can talk to me about any-" Before he could finish, Jounouchi leaned down and captured his lips in a tender, loving kiss. Yuugi's eyes widened in surprise; he really hadn't been expecting this, but soon he gave into it, wrapping his arm around Jounouchi's neck. It was better than he had expected it to be, and, with the help of his other half, he had been able to come up with some pretty wild fantasies. For a long time, he had been wondering what it would be like: who would make the first move, where they would be at, what Jounouchi's lips would taste like... This wasn't anything like the fantasies. This was real which made it infinitely better than all of the fantasies combined. He decided this was much better than just lying in Jounouchi's arms, though he doubted he would be getting any sleep anytime soon. All too soon for Yuugi, Jounouchi pulled away from him, his beautiful eyes were staring questioningly into Yuugi's. "That certainly said a lot," Yuugi said, panting softly. He missed the touch of Jounouchi's lips against his.
"Yuugi..." Jounouchi breathed, looking a bit worried as he searched into Yuugi's eyes. Yuugi's head was spinning, but he was still thinking clearly enough to realize Jounouchi needed a response and if he didn't get it soon, the poor boy would probably suffer from a severe nervous breakdown.
Yuugi's idea of a response was to kiss Jounouchi again, his arm wrapping tighter around Jounouchi's neck, bringing them closer together. Jounouchi responded eagerly, his free hand coming up to cup Yuugi's face, the other tightening it's grip around Yuugi's waist.
Yuugi was in heaven. If he could have preserved the way he felt at that moment, maybe life would be perfect. He ran his fingers through Jounouchi's hair as his taller friend slowly deepened their kiss. Jounouchi broke the kiss for a moment, smiling down at Yuugi. "You're wearing too many clothes," he scolded gently.
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In the Kaiba household, the majority of the servants had retired for the night and Mokuba had been safely tucked into bed about an hour ago. However, Seto Kaiba was still wide awake, sitting at his desk, working on his computer. The lights were off, though his face was illuminated by the light from his computer screen. "Access the data files from the Battle City Semifinals," he told the computer.
"Accessing Battle City Semifinals," the computer responded. Seto sat impassively, watching the computer screen as it searched through its memory banks. It could take as long as it wanted to. He had all night to wait for the files. "Files found. Round one; Yuugi Mutou vs Ryou Bakura." As the computer said the names, pictures of the duelists appeared on the screen. "Round two: Katsuya Jounouchi vs Rashid Ishtar." Seto had changed the names in the database once the truth had been revealed. It only made sense. "Round three: Mai Kujaku vs Malik Ishtar." It was coming soon. He sat patiently, showing no emotion as he continued to stare blankly at the screen. "Round four: Seto Kaiba vs Isis Ishtar."
For a few minutes he sat there staring at the screen, It had been a while since he had thought about anything of this nature. However, it was time for it to return to the surface. "Access round four," he commanded sternly. Odd, considering the computer would obey no matter what tone he took.
"Accessing Battle City Semi-Finals round four. Duelist number one, Seto Kaiba, versus duelist number eight, Isis Ishtar. The victor, Seto Kaiba." All meaningless information that he already knew. After all, it was his duel. "Shall I proceed to your next duel in the tournament, sir?"
"No." His eyes flickered across the screen, from his picture to hers, to the final stats of the match. Her and her fate, which he had somehow managed to turn about. "The future has changed... You've given me hope..." It affected him no more now than it had then. His eyes roamed back to her picture, looking at a face he hadn't seen in a while. Well, only a few weeks. She looked angry, but then again, most of the time he had felt that she was angry with or disappointed in something. More often than not, it was him. "Search for Isis Ishtar's dueling history."
"Yes, sir." The computer obviously felt the need to display her picture while searching for the information. His face was impassive as he watched the screen. It was foolish to reveal emotions. "No information found," the computer responded after a few minutes.
Well, that wasn't at all surprising to Seto. But he wasn't CEO of Kaiba Corporation for his good looks and he still had a few tricks up his sleeve. He smirked, knowing the solution to their little problem. "Look in archaeology in Egypt," he said, a smug tone to his voice.
"May I ask what it is I'm looking for?"
"Any reference to the name Isis Ishtar."
"Okay." Seto sat patiently as the computer ran its search. Patience, in dealing with this type of thing, was a very valuable asset. He might as well get accustomed to it now. They would be proud of him, if they knew what he was doing. Of course, he wouldn't tell anyone; it was far too dangerous. "Here's something. Isis Ishtar is the twenty year old Head of the Archeology Department in Egypt. She's responsible for most of the findings relating to Duel Monsters."
Once again, meaningless information that he already was aware of. "Any mention as to where she's from?" That was what he was after tonight, and , by the gods, he was going to find it out.
"Well, there is something mentioned here..."
"And?" he prompted. Stupid computer didn't remember its manners at times.
"I don't believe it. It's a small backwater town in the middle of the desert."
Exactly what he was looking for. Now he could start looking into more serious research. "So?"
"So, I find it hard to believe that such a prestigious young woman could have evolved from such a place."
"Prestigious?" Somebody must have been messing with the programming again. He laughed, swiveling his chair to the side. "I daresay, you don't know Miss Ishtar at all."
The computer, unfortunately, had a smart answer in reply. "I daresay, you seem to know Lady Ishtar quite well indeed. Or at least you want to."
It was stupid really. He knew it was quite foolish before he said it. There was absolutely no point in telling that computer to shut up. But he did it anyway.
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Shizuka let out a soft, low sigh, placing her pen down and closing her diary. It was late, she knew that and she also knew she should have been in bed by now. However, she couldn't sleep, not when she was constantly thinking about him. She hadn't been able to get him off her mind for several weeks now. Those wonderful fierce eyes that also seemed to carry a great sadness. There was a light knocking on her door and Shizuka quickly put her things away. "Come in."
Her mother came inside, closing the door behind her. "Shizuka, honey, what are you still doing up?" her mother asked, with obvious concern in her voice.
"Nothing really," she responded briskly, moving to sit on the edge of her bed. "I just can't sleep."
Her mother came over and sat down next to her. "Would you like to talk about it?"
Would she? Yes. It would be nice to have the opportunity to share her emotions with someone. "Well... There's this guy..." Hmm, where to go from there?
"One of Katsuya's friends?" her mother asked.
Friend? That was a joke. "No, not really. He knows him though." She paused, wondering exactly what she would tell her mother. She wouldn't give her a name, no. That would not be a good idea at all. But she could tell her mother a little bit about him. "I've only spoken with him a few times, but when he looks at me, I feel like I'm the only one in his world." She turned to face her mother. "Does this make any sense?"
"Of course it does," she told her, giving her daughter a quick, reassuring hug. "I'm glad for you." Shizuka smiled, glad that her mother was so understanding but wondering if she would be once she knew who it was. "Maybe you could convince your brother to start dating."
Shizuka laughed. "Onichan? He has two major prospects for a relationship. One wants him and he wants the other one." Once again, she wondered how much she should tell her mother. It wouldn't hurt to tell her a few things, considering he didn't live with them. Shizuka was the only contact between the two of them. "Miss Kujaku is the one who wants him. She's really nice; I think you'd like her. Though I think he's saving her as a last resort." She looked away. "I can't tell you who he wants. I swore I'd keep it secret and I'm the only one who knows."
Her mother smiled in understanding, although Shizuka was sure her mother was upset that she couldn't learn anymore information about her son. Well, she did promise... "I don't care who it is, just as long as he's happy. Goodnight, Shizuka." She leaned over, giving her a kiss on the forehead.
"Goodnight, mom," she responded. However, it was a long time before Shizuka actually managed to get some sleep. She was still thinking about him. Maybe she would be able to talk to him again sometime soon. Though if Honda wouldn't leave her alone, she would never have the chance. Honda was a sweet guy, and she was sure her brother was very fortunate to have him as a friend, but Honda couldn't even begin to compare with him. Those startling blue eyes that seemed to read into her soul. She eventually fell asleep, dreaming of a time when he would hold her safe in those strong arms.
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Yuugi once again lay with his head on Jounouchi's chest, content and safe wrapped in the blonde teen's strong arms. Well, maybe his other half had been right about a few things. He sighed in contentment, his arm wrapping around Jounouchi's neck. Jounouchi kissed the top of Yuugi's head. It wasn't quite as peaceful as earlier, considering his pillow was now sweaty and breathing heavily but.... "You know, Jounouchi-kun," Yuugi started, raising his head to look at him. The taller boys eyes were closed and his lips were parted softly. One eye cracked open at the soft sound of Yuugi's voice. He continued, "I may have effectively ruined my chances with anyone else, but I'm happy."
He rested his head on Jounouchi's chest, hearing Jounouchi chuckle softly. "I'm happy too, Yuugi," he heard Jounouchi whisper as his former best friend now lover wrapped his arms tighter around him. Yuugi smiled as he drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
~ Remember, it's always considered good taste to review, especially if you want me to continue the story.