Disclaimer: I do not own Yugi or any of the characters
===== present (Yami and Joey
............present (Yugi)
past
::::::flashback
/Yugi to Yami/
[Yami to Yugi]
Chapter 4
...........................................................
Yugi slowly came back to consciousness. He tried to rub his eyes but found he couldn't move his arms. Panicking, Yugi raised his head to try and see where he was, or who he was with. All he could tell was that he was laying on a bed with his hands and feet tied to the bedposts. He noticed he was in a room, and a dingy one at that. It had no windows so he couldn't tell where he was exactly. Yugi also noticed that he didn't have his puzzle with him. He started to panic 'Where am I? Thought Yugi 'The last thing I remember is walking behind Yami and Joey' Yugi shook his head trying to clear it so he could think. 'Oh yeah! Someone grabbed me from the alley and dragged me away.' Tears started to form behind his amethyst eyes. 'Yami will find me' Yugi thought determinedly, then he saddened 'That is, if he still wants me, we haven't talked since our fight' With that thought tears started to fall down his soft face.
::::::::::Flash back::::::::::
After getting caught and beaten up by Tai again, Yugi ran home crying. He didn't stop till he saw the game shop straight ahead. The jingle of the bell was the only warning Yami had before Yugi came storming in the door, past Yami and up to his room. Slamming his bedroom door.
Yami was so startled by this that he fell off the stool he was sitting on behind the counter.
"Was that Yugi that came storming in here?" Grandpa asked.
Yami got up off the floor. "Yes it was, will you please watch the shop for me? I know that you were doing inventory, but I have to find out what's wrong with Yugi." Yami asked. Grandpa nodded and Yami took off out of the shop and into the house. He made his way upstairs and stopped at Yugi's door. He could hear Yugi sobbing on the other side. When Yami opened the door, he saw Yugi on the bed. His shoulders were shaking uncontrollably with his heart wrenching sobs. Yami hated to see his light in so much pain. He slowly walked over to the bed and put a comforting hand on Yugi's shoulder. As soon as Yugi realized who was there, he flung himself at Yami and cried into his chest. Yami wrapped him in a warm embrace whispering comforting words in his ear trying to calm the upset boy. They stayed that way until Yugi's sobs quieted down and he quit shaking. Yami gently lifted Yugi's chin up till there eyes locked. Yugi tried to duck his head again, but Yami wouldn't let him. Once they were eye level Yami decided to try and get Yugi to tell him what's wrong.
"Yugi? What's wrong?" Yami asked.
Yugi didn't reply, he just once again buried his face into Yami's shirt.
[Yugi please tell me what's wrong.] Yami was starting to get worried.
/Yami/ came the soft reply /You'll never leave me, right?/
[Of course not] Yami answered [What happened?]
Yugi didn't answer. It was only then that Yami noticed the steady breathing. Yugi had fallen asleep. He cried so hard that he wore himself out.
Yami just gently pushed Yugi down on his bed and covered him up. Just as he was about to leave, Yugi unconsciously grabbed his arm. Yami turned around and saw the pained look on his lights face. He tried to pull away but Yugi started to whimper. Yami sighed and crawled into the bed and held his light while he slept. 'I wish you would tell me what's bothering you' Yami sighed again and then fell asleep also.
For the next few weeks Yugi still wouldn't tell Yami what was wrong. Every time Yami tried to get him to talk, Yugi would just ask if Yami would ever leave him and every time Yami said no. After what seemed like the millionth time of Yugi asking, Yami got mad and yelled at him.
"Yami, you'll never leave me right?" Yugi asked softly when, once again Yami asked what's wrong.
"Yugi! I must have told you a million times! I said NO! Why can't you just quit asking me!" Yami yelled.
Yugi winced and started to cry.
"When are you going to grow up?!" Yami yelled again "I am sick and tried of telling you the same answer over and over. I can't believe you won't just take my word as truth and QUIT BUGGING ME WITH THE SAME STUPID QUESTION!!" Yami bellowed. Annoyed Yami turned around and left Yugi's room.
Yugi just fell onto the bed in uncontrollable sobs.
::::::::::End Flashback::::::::::
After remembering the fight, Yugi just lay back and started to cry all over again. 'Yami won't come and find me' Yugi thought sadly 'He breaks his promises just like everyone else, well at least he didn't beat me up like all the others did' Eventually Yugi ended up crying himself to sleep unaware of anther presence in the room lurking in the shadows.
'That's right little Yugi, You have no friends and no one will ever find you. Not that anyone is looking for you' Thought a sinister man while laughing evilly. 'I have plans for you little Yugi, big plans. I only wished that you had that blasted puzzle with you, instead, I have to find it myself.' After that thought, the mysterious man crept back into the shadows waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
Yami and Joey looked everywhere they could think of where Yugi could possibly be. They asked all their friends and no one has seen Yugi since school ended. Defeated for now, Yami and Joey decided to go to the game shop and come up with plan. As they passed an alley, Yami noticed something shiny on the ground. He stopped walking so suddenly that Joey ran right into him.
"Yami.." Joey said while rubbing his head "..next time warn me before you do that kay?"
"Sorry Joey, I noticed something in the alley, lets check it out." Yami explained.
Yami ran up to it immediately upon recognizing it. 'It's Yugi's puzzle' Yami thought 'But why is it in the alley? And more importantly where is Yugi?' Yami knew that since the puzzle wasn't with Yugi, it would make it harder to find his lost light. That thought made Yami even more depressed. 'Its my fault Yugi is in this mess to begin with' Thought Yami sadly 'If I wouldn't of fought with him over something so stupid, he would be here beside me and not missing or possibly hurt and scared somewhere. I feel even more guilty now that Joey has been telling me about Yugi's life. That explains his constant need for reassurance, three people had broken Yugi's trust and went back on their words, and what do I do? I yell at him and call him a baby. I'm worst than all of them. I'm his other half, I should of been there for him no matter what. I have to find him and apologize to him now.' Now Yami was more determined to find Yugi. 'I can only hope that he can forgive me for being so insensitive to him.' Yami thought sadly. 'Well forgiveness or not, Yugi, I will find you and bring you home. I promise.'
Joey could see the internal battle going on in Yami's mind. 'He is really taking this hard. No wonder Yugi didn't want to tell him.'
.........................................
Then next time Yugi woke up, he felt a hand running along his stomach. Yugi awoke with a start. "Hello little Yugi.." The voice replied "..nice of you to join us again." He chuckled when Yugi tried to flinch away from his touches.
"W-w-w-what do y-y-you w-w-want?" Yugi asked fearfully. He was still drugged so he couldn't see the mans face yet.
"I want your puzzle, little Yugi, and you're the key to getting it." The voice said.
"H-h-how? I lost it." Yugi answered.
"Well then, I will just have to have the pharaoh bring it to me himself, unless he wants you killed he will bring it right away."
"Yami wont come.." Yugi replied sadly "..he doesn't care for me anymore. 'He's just like all the others.' Yugi thought. "So now you have no chance of getting it." Yugi tried to be brave like Yami would, but inside he was trembling.
"Don't worry little light, he will come and he will bring the puzzle. You may not have the link anymore but he can still sense your feelings.." Then he said very cruelly "..That is if the emotion is strong enough."
Yugi started to shake violently. He was terrified. 'What does he mean by that? I am not sure if I really want to find out.'
Just then, Yugi felt a sharp pain in his side. He could feel a knife cutting him. He cried out. Then there was a sudden kick to his head and he started seeing stars. Yugi cried out again, wanting the pain to go away. The emotion was so strong that even without the puzzle for some reason the mind link opened for a brief second.
/YAMI/ Yugi cried.
Yami and Joey were sitting in the living room trying to think of what to do next when Yami suddenly fell over when a shooting pain went through his side. Then he heard it
/YAMI/ even though Yugi was yelling, Yami had to strain to hear his voice.
[YUGI! CAN YOU HEAR ME? WHERE ARE YOU?] Yami listened carefully, but he received no reply.
Joey noticed the jerk of Yami's body.
"Yami, what's wrong?" Joey asked worriedly.
"I heard Yugi for a brief second, but now its gone again." Yami replied quietly. "Did he say where he was? How is he? Is he okay?" Joey could stop the questions from coming. He was really worried about Yugi.
"No.." Yami shook his head sadly "..I only heard him call out for me."
[Yugi, please be okay. I will find you] Yami promised [and whoever took you will pay dearly for this.] Yami wasn't sure if Yugi could hear him or not so he tried to send his reassurance through the link to Yugi. He was surprised and relieved when he suddenly felt hope coming from Yugi.
/yami/ Yugi said weakly. /please help me/
[Yugi, I can hear you] Yami was so happy [Please can you tell me where you are?]
small room...no window...cold...scared/ Yugi whispered /NO PLEASE! HHHEELLPP/
[YUGI!] Yami yelled. He received no reply. The link was closed again.
"Yami?" Joey yelled, shaking Yami "..come on man, answer me." Joey was really starting to worry suddenly, Yami jerked awake and looked at Joey.
"I heard Yugi. He is really scared. He said he is in a room with no windows and its cold."
......................
[Yugi, please be okay. I will find you] Yugi jumped when he suddenly heard Yami. [and whoever took you will pay dearly for this.] 'Does Yami care?' Yugi thought.
/yami/ Yugi said weakly. /please help me/
[Yugi, I can hear you] Yugi felt happiness coming from Yami [Please can you tell me where you are?]
small room...no window...cold...scared/ Yugi whispered. Just then Yugi saw his captor come towards him with a large knife.
/NO PLEASE! HHHEELLPP/ Yugi screamed with the last of his strength.
[YUGI!] Yugi could hear the desperation in Yami's voice. He tried to reply, but a stinging pain prevented him from saying anything.
His captor wouldn't let him talk to Yami. He continued to kick, hit and punch Yugi till he could no longer scream. A final kick to the head and Yugi saw white. He tried to send one final message.
/Yami/ Yugi whispered /please help/ that was the final plea Yugi said before he fell unconscious again.
=== /Yami/ Yami had to strain to hear the quiet voice /please help/ Then the link went dead.
[YUGI?!?!] No reply. Yami hung his head in shame.
"Yami? What happened?" Joey asked.
"Yugi is really hurt. I can barely hear him through the link. I am surprised I can hear him at all. Usually without the puzzle we can only feel each others emotions." Yami answered.
.............................
"WAKE UP BRAT!"
Yugi was kicked in his side that was cut. Yugi cried out and looked tearfully at his captor.
"Now its time to exchange you for your puzzle." The voice sneered. "Open your link and tell Yami EXACTLY what I tell you to say. Say the wrong thing and I will punish you."
At the mention of punish Yugi winced and started to cry. He was slapped violently and thrown in to the headboard of the bed painfully. He tearfully nodded.
/Yami/
[YUGI]
/He said he would exchange me for the puzzle/ Yami heard the weakness in Yugi's voice and silently vowed revenge against whoever caused his light so much pain.
[I will do anything to get you back. Tell him yes]
'Who would want the puzzle?' Yami questioned 'Since I have my own body the puzzle is useless, there is no more power in there. The only reason we kept it is because of the sentimental value of it to Yugi.'
[Where are you?]
/abandoned warehouse/ came the weak reply /by the canal/
[Don't worry Yugi, I am on my way now. We will have you home in now time]
Yami could feel Yugi's relief and it made him smile.
"Joey! We have to go NOW." Yami grabbed Joey's shirt and dragged him out of the game shop.
"Yami, Where are we going?" Joey asked while being dragged down the street.
"I know where Yugi is. They will return him in exchange for the puzzle." Yami replied while quickening his pace.
'Don't worry Yugi. I am on my way.' Thought Yami determined to severely hurt whoever did this to Yugi.'
.................
"Good job little Yugi. Now Yami will come running and all the power of the puzzle will be mine."
'But Yami solves the riddles of the puzzle, there is no more power left.' Yugi wondered 'He must not know that. The only reason we even kept it was because it means a lot to me. Well let him think what he wants. He can have it if it means I can go home.' Yugi was so exhausted that he fell back into unconsciousness.
===
Yami and Joey were at the warehouse. Yami could feel his light slip away again.
[Yugi can you hear me?] No reply [I am here. Joey and I are here. We will get you away from this place and back home where you will be safe.]
Yami and Joey made there way into the building. Trying to find any sign of where Yugi and his captor may be. They came to a large room and found Yugi dangling from a chain connected to the ceiling unconscious. He was hanging over a vat of something Yami couldn't tell what it was, but he knew it could not be good for Yugi if he fell in. He had blood and bruises everywhere on his body. Yami could feel his anger rising at the sight of his poor light. He made his way to Yugi while Joey kept a lookout for whoever did this. Just as Yami was almost to Yugi a voice made him stop.
"THAT'S FAR ENOUGH." The voice yelled "HAND OVER THE PUZZLE NOW OR THE RUNT GETS IT."
Yami glared at the man. ' I know that voice.' Yami thought.
Just than Merik came out of the shadows with some kind of controller in his hands. "I said hand over the puzzle now, unless you want little Yugi hurt." Merik sneered.
Yami took a quick glance at Yugi's unconscious form. He gave Merik and evil look and threw the puzzle at him.
"Let Yugi go NOW. You have the puzzle, now release him." Yami glared at Merik.
"As you wish, Your Highness." Merik bowed .And with that he pushed the button on the controller and laughed as Yugi started descending towards the vat. In it was a chemical that would horribly burn the skin. He made his escape while the pharaoh was busy rescuing his light.
Yami heart stopped as he watched Yugi fall. Then with speed he didn't know he possessed, he ran towards Yugi and caught him inches above the burning liquid. He saw Merik escape but that didn't matter. Yugi was the only thing that mattered to him. Yami slowly and carefully lay Yugi on the ground and gently shook him.
"Yugi?" Yami whispered "Come on now, little light, please wake up." Yami almost jumped for joy when he heard a soft moan coming from Yugi. Yami sat on the ground and brought Yugi into his lap. Yugi's head was resting on Yami's shoulder. Yami shook him again gently.
"Yugi please open your eyes." Yugi moaned again and opened his eyes. Soft violet eyes meet sharp crimson.
"Yami?" came the soft whisper "Are you really here?'
Yami held him close. "Yes, Yugi its me. Your safe now."
Yami stood up with Yugi still in his arms. Yugi smiled at Yami and then fell back asleep. Finally feeling safe in his Yami's arms.
Yami smiled at him and motioned for Joey to follow.
"Is he going to be okay?" Joey questioned.
"I don't know, Joey. Lets just get him home so I can take care of his injuries." Yami replied.
They made there way back to the game shop.
Joey had to go and pick up his sister, so he said good-bye to Yami and told him to take good care of Yugi. Yami agreed.
Yugi slept the whole time which was fine for Yami. He couldn't think of anything better than having Yugi in his arms.
They finally reached the game shop and went into the house part of the shop. Yami gently lay Yugi in his bed and checked him over for injuries. He had a large gash in his side and a couple of broken ribs. His head had a large bruise on it where Merik kicked him, but it didn't look too serious. Yami carefully cleaned up Yugi's cuts and wrapped up his ribs. Yami then brought Yugi's desk chair over to the bed and sat with Yugi till he woke up.
A few hours later Yami heard a soft moan coming from Yugi, He quickly grabbed Yugi's hand and waited for him to open his eyes. Yugi moaned again and then opened his amethyst eyes. At first his vision was blurry but then he saw Yami coming into focus. He sat up quickly and grabbed onto Yami and held him tight, like he would never let him go. He started crying. Yami wrapped his arms protectively around Yugi's small, shaking body and whispered comforting words to him. After a few minutes Yugi finally calmed down. He raised his tear filled eyes and looked Yami straight in the eyes.
"Yami" Yugi whispered. "You came for me, you really came for me." Yugi was amazed. He though Yami hated him, never wanted to see him again.
"Of course I did. I would never leave you." Yami rubbed his back soothingly. Yugi had tears in his eyes again except this time they were tears of joy. He latched onto Yami tightly again and buried his face in Yami's shirt.
"Yugi?" Yami questioned. Yugi raised his head and looked at Yami. "I am so sorry that I yelled at you. I didn't mean any of it. Can you forgive me? Even though I don't deserve it."
Yugi smiled. "I will always forgive you." Then he lowered his eyes again. "I want to tell you about what happened the day I ran home and slammed my door."
Yami held him tightly. "You don't have to explain. Please don't get mad, but Joey told me what happened."
Yugi raised his head quickly, fear once again in his eyes.
Yami held him close again. "I would never leave you Yugi, I promise. I will always be here for you."
Every thought of Yami leaving him vanished from Yugi's mind. He looked up at Yami and smiled.
Yami smiled back. "I love you Yugi, I always have and I always will." Yami leaned down and placed a small soft kiss on Yugi's lips.
"I love you too, Yami." Yugi smiled. For the first time in his life he felt complete, not alone or scared. He snuggled up to Yami and fell asleep. Yami smiled at his light and held him while he slept. He would protect Yugi with every ounce of strength in his body. He wrapped his arms protectively around Yugi, and finally, he also drifted off to sleep with his light safe and secure in his arms
They stayed the rest of the night like that. Both asleep in each others arm, with smiles on their faces.
The next morning Yami awoke to something soft and warm on his chest. He looked down and smiled. Sometime during the night Yugi shifted and rested his head on Yami's chest using him as a pillow. Yami wanted to get up, but he didn't want to disturb Yugi. So he just held him close and watched him sleep. 'He looks so innocent. Like an angel.' Yami though. 'I can't believe I almost lost him over a stupid argument. Yugi started to stir in his sleep. He started mumbling, but Yami couldn't understand what he was saying. Yugi started shaking almost like a nightmare was taking hold on him. Yami tightened his grip on Yugi, letting him know that he was still there. Yugi settled down again, once again resting peacefully. Yami continued watching him sleep, until Yugi started to stir again. He slowly opened his violet eyes. He lay there for awhile still not fully awake. Then he stretched and yawned. He looked up at Yami and smiled. Yami returned the smile.
"Good morning Yugi." Yami said quietly. He knew Yugi still was not fully awake.
Yugi tilted his head in confusion then and looked at Yami and he smiled.
For a second he was quiet then he said just as quietly. "Morning Yami." At first Yami was confused by Yugi's action till he remembered what Joey told him. Then he realized what side Yugi was laying on. It took Yugi a second to read Yami's lips to understand what he was saying.
"Yugi?" Yami questioned "Why didn't you tell me you couldn't hear out of one ear? Or about your past?"
Once again Yugi took a second before answering. Yami couldn't tell if it was cause he had to read his lips or if he was thinking of what to say. So Yami stayed quiet and let Yugi think.
Yugi lowered his head and rested it against Yami's chest once again.
"I was scared" Yugi whispered. Yami was confused by that answer. He wanted to ask another one but with the way they were laying he knew Yugi wouldn't hear him. So he raised Yugi's head and looked into his eyes. There were tears forming behind his beautiful violet eyes.
"Scared of what Yugi? You can tell me anything?" Yami questioned. Once again Yugi lowered his head before answering.
"I thought if you knew, you would leave me like everyone else did." Yugi whispered again. Yami could tell by the way Yugi's shoulder were shaking, that he was crying. So Yami just lay there and held him close.
Suddenly from downstairs he could hear Solomon calling. "Yugi? Time to get up now. Its breakfast time." Yami looked at the clock. It read 8:30am. Yami decided to answer for Yugi.
"We'll be down in a second Grandpa." Yami replied.
"Okay Yami, hurry up though before your breakfast gets cold." Said Solomon. He figured either Yugi was still sleeping or laying on his side. Yami didn't want to disturb Yugi but he knew they had to get up, so he gently shook Yugi's shoulders. Yugi raised in head, a questioning look in his eyes.
"Grandpa said its time to get up now." Yami answered Yugi's unasked question.
"Okay Yami." Yugi got up and grabbed some clothes.
"I'll see you downstairs." Yami said. Yugi nodded and headed to the bathroom to take a shower. Yami quickly got dressed and headed downstairs. When he entered the kitchen he saw Solomon by the stove finishing up breakfast.
"Grandpa?" Yami asked. Solomon turned around and nodded at Yami. "Why does Yugi not talk about his past? I had to hear it from Joey. Why didn't Yugi tell me.?"
Solomon sighed. "Yugi's had a hard life. He doesn't like to burden people with his problems." Solomon replied. But he saw that Yami was not satisfied with that answer so he decided to answer Yami's questions.
"Yami, come here and sit down." Solomon said while sitting at the table. Yami nodded and joined him at the table.
"You see Yami.." Grandpa started "..before you came Yugi had a very hard life. He had no friends, his father wasn't ready to be a father and he really didn't want to be one. That's why he did those cruel things to my poor grandson. For almost his whole life people made him promises and then they broke them. Yugi didn't trust anyone but me, and it took me quite awhile to gain his trust. At first, when he solved the puzzle he was extremely scared of you also.."
Yami was shocked. He knew Yugi was nervous around him at first, but not that he was that scared. Solomon saw the look on Yami's face, so he quickly continued.
"Don't take it the wrong way Yami, I told you he lost all trust in people. Then after awhile he started to open up to you. I was so happy for him. He found out that all people are not like his father and others that were cruel to him. I have never seen him so happy. But I think he was still scared that if he told you about his life, you would either treat him different cause of his hearing or just get disgusted with what happened to him and leave. He's had too many disappointing things happen to him that if one more happened, I am afraid of what it would do to him. I think he would just emotionally die."
Yami listened carefully to what his grandfather was saying to him. 'Poor Yugi, I guess I never realized all the pain Yugi went through in his life.'
Yami was about to ask another question, but just then Yugi walking in the kitchen.
"Morning Grandpa." He said happily.
Solomon looked up and smiled at his grandson. "Morning Yugi, sit down and I will finish breakfast.
"Okay Grandpa." He replied, then he sat down next to me. Just then Grandpa set two hot plates of food in front of both of them. Yugi looked at Yami and grinned before he started eating. Yami returned the grin and started eating also. Yami glanced up from his plate at looked at Solomon, he wanted to finish their conversation later when they were alone. Solomon understood the look and nodded at Yami. Yami nodded back then went back to his breakfast. Yugi looked up and caught the look the two exchanged with each other but he didn't understand what it meant. 'I'll have to ask Yami about it later' Yugi thought. When he finished his breakfast he went into the living room to watch TV. Yami looked at Solomon and then asked him to continue with what he was saying
"So Yugi didn't even trust you at first? I find that hard to believe considering how close you two are now." Yami said.
"Not at first he didn't trust not even me, after his father.." Solomon stopped unable to continue. He took a deep breath then continued "..anyway, when he first came here he refused to leave his room, not even to eat. I was so worried about him I almost took him to a doctor, but then he slowly started to open up. At first it was just one or two words and even when he talked to me he stuttered so badly, then after a couple of months he started acting like my little grandson again. He even quit stuttering around me, that's when I knew he trusted me. Now the only times he stutters is when he is either really nervous or scared. That's how I learned to read him so well. When he stutters I know he is uncomfortable and I either get out of that situation quickly or comfort him till he calms down. At first I was the only one who could comfort him he would shy away from anyone else who tried, but I am glad that he trusts you enough to take over that job." Solomon smiled "I am very glad he was able to solve the puzzle, he needs more positive people in his life.
Yami smiled at this 'I guess I never understood how far Yugi and I have come in our friendship'
"I wouldn't trade my time with Yugi in for anything. Now that I am here, I will never leave him."
"Yami, you don't know how happy it makes me to hear you say that." Solomon smiled. "Now why don't you watch TV with Yugi while I clean up in here, then maybe you two could run some errands for me."
"Okay Grandpa." Yami said. Then he left the room to find Yugi. He found him sitting on the couch watching TV. Yugi looked up from the TV and smiled at Yami, patting the spot next to him. Yami happily sat next to him.
"What are you watching Yugi?" Yami asked.
"A movie." Yugi replied not taking his eyes off the screen.
Yami watched him for a few minutes before turning his attention to the screen. Then Yami wanted to talk more to Yugi about his past. He glanced over at Yugi, not really sure if he wanted to ask him anymore questions he didn't want to upset him.
"Yugi? Can I ask you a question?" Yami asked. Yugi turned to look at him.
"S-s-sure Y-Y-Yami." Yugi stuttered.
'Oh no, I made him nervous' Yami thought thinking back to his conversation with Solomon. Yami swallowed.
"If Joey threw the puzzle piece in the canal how did you get it back?" Yami asked. He watch as Yugi shifted nervously in his seat. At first Yami didn't think he was going to answer. Then Yugi sighed.
"Well.." Yugi started "..After I ran away from Joey I ran behind the building to think. Then I heard fighting so I went to check it out. I saw Joey and Tristan in a fight with Tai's gang. Even though Joey was mean to me, I can't stand to see people get hurt."
"And then what happened?" Yami said trying to get Yugi to continue.
Yugi sighed again. "Well I ran up to them and pushed Joey out of the way of Tai's fist and ended up getting punched in the stomach." Yugi looked down to avoid Yami staring open jawed at him.
"Well when I did that Tai seemed to forget about Joey and Tristan and concentrated on me. He dropped me to the ground and started to kick me. Joey and Tristan tried to stop him but his gang started to attack them so they couldn't help me." Yugi had to stop for a second.
He started to shake at the memory. Yami held him to try and comfort him. Yugi stayed in his embrace and buried his head in Yami's chest before continuing.
"Tai suddenly kicked me in the head, and then his gang and him left laughing. I don't remember much after that, cause the next thing I remember is I woke up in the hospital with broken ribs and a concussion. The first thing Joey asked me is if I was crazy..."
Yugi laughed at the memory "..Then he asked me to forgive him. When I was unconscious, Tristan watched me while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Joey ran back to the canal, jumped in and found the missing puzzle piece. He gave it to me when I woke up and asked if we could be friends. At first I was nervous around them and didn't fully trust them, but over the years they became the best friends I could ever have."
Yugi paused again and Yami noticed he was blushing. "Till I met you anyway." Yami smiled when Yugi said that.
Yami tilted Yugi's head so he could look into his eyes. "You're my best friend too, Yugi." Yami whispered. Then he leaned over and gently kissed Yugi. When he pulled away Yugi was bright red from blushing and Yami had to laugh.
"I love you Yugi." Yami said. Yugi leaned into him. "I love you too Yami." They both stayed that way for the rest of the day.
The End.
Well, how did you like it? Thanks again to everyone who reviewed.
===== present (Yami and Joey
............present (Yugi)
past
::::::flashback
/Yugi to Yami/
[Yami to Yugi]
Chapter 4
...........................................................
Yugi slowly came back to consciousness. He tried to rub his eyes but found he couldn't move his arms. Panicking, Yugi raised his head to try and see where he was, or who he was with. All he could tell was that he was laying on a bed with his hands and feet tied to the bedposts. He noticed he was in a room, and a dingy one at that. It had no windows so he couldn't tell where he was exactly. Yugi also noticed that he didn't have his puzzle with him. He started to panic 'Where am I? Thought Yugi 'The last thing I remember is walking behind Yami and Joey' Yugi shook his head trying to clear it so he could think. 'Oh yeah! Someone grabbed me from the alley and dragged me away.' Tears started to form behind his amethyst eyes. 'Yami will find me' Yugi thought determinedly, then he saddened 'That is, if he still wants me, we haven't talked since our fight' With that thought tears started to fall down his soft face.
::::::::::Flash back::::::::::
After getting caught and beaten up by Tai again, Yugi ran home crying. He didn't stop till he saw the game shop straight ahead. The jingle of the bell was the only warning Yami had before Yugi came storming in the door, past Yami and up to his room. Slamming his bedroom door.
Yami was so startled by this that he fell off the stool he was sitting on behind the counter.
"Was that Yugi that came storming in here?" Grandpa asked.
Yami got up off the floor. "Yes it was, will you please watch the shop for me? I know that you were doing inventory, but I have to find out what's wrong with Yugi." Yami asked. Grandpa nodded and Yami took off out of the shop and into the house. He made his way upstairs and stopped at Yugi's door. He could hear Yugi sobbing on the other side. When Yami opened the door, he saw Yugi on the bed. His shoulders were shaking uncontrollably with his heart wrenching sobs. Yami hated to see his light in so much pain. He slowly walked over to the bed and put a comforting hand on Yugi's shoulder. As soon as Yugi realized who was there, he flung himself at Yami and cried into his chest. Yami wrapped him in a warm embrace whispering comforting words in his ear trying to calm the upset boy. They stayed that way until Yugi's sobs quieted down and he quit shaking. Yami gently lifted Yugi's chin up till there eyes locked. Yugi tried to duck his head again, but Yami wouldn't let him. Once they were eye level Yami decided to try and get Yugi to tell him what's wrong.
"Yugi? What's wrong?" Yami asked.
Yugi didn't reply, he just once again buried his face into Yami's shirt.
[Yugi please tell me what's wrong.] Yami was starting to get worried.
/Yami/ came the soft reply /You'll never leave me, right?/
[Of course not] Yami answered [What happened?]
Yugi didn't answer. It was only then that Yami noticed the steady breathing. Yugi had fallen asleep. He cried so hard that he wore himself out.
Yami just gently pushed Yugi down on his bed and covered him up. Just as he was about to leave, Yugi unconsciously grabbed his arm. Yami turned around and saw the pained look on his lights face. He tried to pull away but Yugi started to whimper. Yami sighed and crawled into the bed and held his light while he slept. 'I wish you would tell me what's bothering you' Yami sighed again and then fell asleep also.
For the next few weeks Yugi still wouldn't tell Yami what was wrong. Every time Yami tried to get him to talk, Yugi would just ask if Yami would ever leave him and every time Yami said no. After what seemed like the millionth time of Yugi asking, Yami got mad and yelled at him.
"Yami, you'll never leave me right?" Yugi asked softly when, once again Yami asked what's wrong.
"Yugi! I must have told you a million times! I said NO! Why can't you just quit asking me!" Yami yelled.
Yugi winced and started to cry.
"When are you going to grow up?!" Yami yelled again "I am sick and tried of telling you the same answer over and over. I can't believe you won't just take my word as truth and QUIT BUGGING ME WITH THE SAME STUPID QUESTION!!" Yami bellowed. Annoyed Yami turned around and left Yugi's room.
Yugi just fell onto the bed in uncontrollable sobs.
::::::::::End Flashback::::::::::
After remembering the fight, Yugi just lay back and started to cry all over again. 'Yami won't come and find me' Yugi thought sadly 'He breaks his promises just like everyone else, well at least he didn't beat me up like all the others did' Eventually Yugi ended up crying himself to sleep unaware of anther presence in the room lurking in the shadows.
'That's right little Yugi, You have no friends and no one will ever find you. Not that anyone is looking for you' Thought a sinister man while laughing evilly. 'I have plans for you little Yugi, big plans. I only wished that you had that blasted puzzle with you, instead, I have to find it myself.' After that thought, the mysterious man crept back into the shadows waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
Yami and Joey looked everywhere they could think of where Yugi could possibly be. They asked all their friends and no one has seen Yugi since school ended. Defeated for now, Yami and Joey decided to go to the game shop and come up with plan. As they passed an alley, Yami noticed something shiny on the ground. He stopped walking so suddenly that Joey ran right into him.
"Yami.." Joey said while rubbing his head "..next time warn me before you do that kay?"
"Sorry Joey, I noticed something in the alley, lets check it out." Yami explained.
Yami ran up to it immediately upon recognizing it. 'It's Yugi's puzzle' Yami thought 'But why is it in the alley? And more importantly where is Yugi?' Yami knew that since the puzzle wasn't with Yugi, it would make it harder to find his lost light. That thought made Yami even more depressed. 'Its my fault Yugi is in this mess to begin with' Thought Yami sadly 'If I wouldn't of fought with him over something so stupid, he would be here beside me and not missing or possibly hurt and scared somewhere. I feel even more guilty now that Joey has been telling me about Yugi's life. That explains his constant need for reassurance, three people had broken Yugi's trust and went back on their words, and what do I do? I yell at him and call him a baby. I'm worst than all of them. I'm his other half, I should of been there for him no matter what. I have to find him and apologize to him now.' Now Yami was more determined to find Yugi. 'I can only hope that he can forgive me for being so insensitive to him.' Yami thought sadly. 'Well forgiveness or not, Yugi, I will find you and bring you home. I promise.'
Joey could see the internal battle going on in Yami's mind. 'He is really taking this hard. No wonder Yugi didn't want to tell him.'
.........................................
Then next time Yugi woke up, he felt a hand running along his stomach. Yugi awoke with a start. "Hello little Yugi.." The voice replied "..nice of you to join us again." He chuckled when Yugi tried to flinch away from his touches.
"W-w-w-what do y-y-you w-w-want?" Yugi asked fearfully. He was still drugged so he couldn't see the mans face yet.
"I want your puzzle, little Yugi, and you're the key to getting it." The voice said.
"H-h-how? I lost it." Yugi answered.
"Well then, I will just have to have the pharaoh bring it to me himself, unless he wants you killed he will bring it right away."
"Yami wont come.." Yugi replied sadly "..he doesn't care for me anymore. 'He's just like all the others.' Yugi thought. "So now you have no chance of getting it." Yugi tried to be brave like Yami would, but inside he was trembling.
"Don't worry little light, he will come and he will bring the puzzle. You may not have the link anymore but he can still sense your feelings.." Then he said very cruelly "..That is if the emotion is strong enough."
Yugi started to shake violently. He was terrified. 'What does he mean by that? I am not sure if I really want to find out.'
Just then, Yugi felt a sharp pain in his side. He could feel a knife cutting him. He cried out. Then there was a sudden kick to his head and he started seeing stars. Yugi cried out again, wanting the pain to go away. The emotion was so strong that even without the puzzle for some reason the mind link opened for a brief second.
/YAMI/ Yugi cried.
Yami and Joey were sitting in the living room trying to think of what to do next when Yami suddenly fell over when a shooting pain went through his side. Then he heard it
/YAMI/ even though Yugi was yelling, Yami had to strain to hear his voice.
[YUGI! CAN YOU HEAR ME? WHERE ARE YOU?] Yami listened carefully, but he received no reply.
Joey noticed the jerk of Yami's body.
"Yami, what's wrong?" Joey asked worriedly.
"I heard Yugi for a brief second, but now its gone again." Yami replied quietly. "Did he say where he was? How is he? Is he okay?" Joey could stop the questions from coming. He was really worried about Yugi.
"No.." Yami shook his head sadly "..I only heard him call out for me."
[Yugi, please be okay. I will find you] Yami promised [and whoever took you will pay dearly for this.] Yami wasn't sure if Yugi could hear him or not so he tried to send his reassurance through the link to Yugi. He was surprised and relieved when he suddenly felt hope coming from Yugi.
/yami/ Yugi said weakly. /please help me/
[Yugi, I can hear you] Yami was so happy [Please can you tell me where you are?]
small room...no window...cold...scared/ Yugi whispered /NO PLEASE! HHHEELLPP/
[YUGI!] Yami yelled. He received no reply. The link was closed again.
"Yami?" Joey yelled, shaking Yami "..come on man, answer me." Joey was really starting to worry suddenly, Yami jerked awake and looked at Joey.
"I heard Yugi. He is really scared. He said he is in a room with no windows and its cold."
......................
[Yugi, please be okay. I will find you] Yugi jumped when he suddenly heard Yami. [and whoever took you will pay dearly for this.] 'Does Yami care?' Yugi thought.
/yami/ Yugi said weakly. /please help me/
[Yugi, I can hear you] Yugi felt happiness coming from Yami [Please can you tell me where you are?]
small room...no window...cold...scared/ Yugi whispered. Just then Yugi saw his captor come towards him with a large knife.
/NO PLEASE! HHHEELLPP/ Yugi screamed with the last of his strength.
[YUGI!] Yugi could hear the desperation in Yami's voice. He tried to reply, but a stinging pain prevented him from saying anything.
His captor wouldn't let him talk to Yami. He continued to kick, hit and punch Yugi till he could no longer scream. A final kick to the head and Yugi saw white. He tried to send one final message.
/Yami/ Yugi whispered /please help/ that was the final plea Yugi said before he fell unconscious again.
=== /Yami/ Yami had to strain to hear the quiet voice /please help/ Then the link went dead.
[YUGI?!?!] No reply. Yami hung his head in shame.
"Yami? What happened?" Joey asked.
"Yugi is really hurt. I can barely hear him through the link. I am surprised I can hear him at all. Usually without the puzzle we can only feel each others emotions." Yami answered.
.............................
"WAKE UP BRAT!"
Yugi was kicked in his side that was cut. Yugi cried out and looked tearfully at his captor.
"Now its time to exchange you for your puzzle." The voice sneered. "Open your link and tell Yami EXACTLY what I tell you to say. Say the wrong thing and I will punish you."
At the mention of punish Yugi winced and started to cry. He was slapped violently and thrown in to the headboard of the bed painfully. He tearfully nodded.
/Yami/
[YUGI]
/He said he would exchange me for the puzzle/ Yami heard the weakness in Yugi's voice and silently vowed revenge against whoever caused his light so much pain.
[I will do anything to get you back. Tell him yes]
'Who would want the puzzle?' Yami questioned 'Since I have my own body the puzzle is useless, there is no more power in there. The only reason we kept it is because of the sentimental value of it to Yugi.'
[Where are you?]
/abandoned warehouse/ came the weak reply /by the canal/
[Don't worry Yugi, I am on my way now. We will have you home in now time]
Yami could feel Yugi's relief and it made him smile.
"Joey! We have to go NOW." Yami grabbed Joey's shirt and dragged him out of the game shop.
"Yami, Where are we going?" Joey asked while being dragged down the street.
"I know where Yugi is. They will return him in exchange for the puzzle." Yami replied while quickening his pace.
'Don't worry Yugi. I am on my way.' Thought Yami determined to severely hurt whoever did this to Yugi.'
.................
"Good job little Yugi. Now Yami will come running and all the power of the puzzle will be mine."
'But Yami solves the riddles of the puzzle, there is no more power left.' Yugi wondered 'He must not know that. The only reason we even kept it was because it means a lot to me. Well let him think what he wants. He can have it if it means I can go home.' Yugi was so exhausted that he fell back into unconsciousness.
===
Yami and Joey were at the warehouse. Yami could feel his light slip away again.
[Yugi can you hear me?] No reply [I am here. Joey and I are here. We will get you away from this place and back home where you will be safe.]
Yami and Joey made there way into the building. Trying to find any sign of where Yugi and his captor may be. They came to a large room and found Yugi dangling from a chain connected to the ceiling unconscious. He was hanging over a vat of something Yami couldn't tell what it was, but he knew it could not be good for Yugi if he fell in. He had blood and bruises everywhere on his body. Yami could feel his anger rising at the sight of his poor light. He made his way to Yugi while Joey kept a lookout for whoever did this. Just as Yami was almost to Yugi a voice made him stop.
"THAT'S FAR ENOUGH." The voice yelled "HAND OVER THE PUZZLE NOW OR THE RUNT GETS IT."
Yami glared at the man. ' I know that voice.' Yami thought.
Just than Merik came out of the shadows with some kind of controller in his hands. "I said hand over the puzzle now, unless you want little Yugi hurt." Merik sneered.
Yami took a quick glance at Yugi's unconscious form. He gave Merik and evil look and threw the puzzle at him.
"Let Yugi go NOW. You have the puzzle, now release him." Yami glared at Merik.
"As you wish, Your Highness." Merik bowed .And with that he pushed the button on the controller and laughed as Yugi started descending towards the vat. In it was a chemical that would horribly burn the skin. He made his escape while the pharaoh was busy rescuing his light.
Yami heart stopped as he watched Yugi fall. Then with speed he didn't know he possessed, he ran towards Yugi and caught him inches above the burning liquid. He saw Merik escape but that didn't matter. Yugi was the only thing that mattered to him. Yami slowly and carefully lay Yugi on the ground and gently shook him.
"Yugi?" Yami whispered "Come on now, little light, please wake up." Yami almost jumped for joy when he heard a soft moan coming from Yugi. Yami sat on the ground and brought Yugi into his lap. Yugi's head was resting on Yami's shoulder. Yami shook him again gently.
"Yugi please open your eyes." Yugi moaned again and opened his eyes. Soft violet eyes meet sharp crimson.
"Yami?" came the soft whisper "Are you really here?'
Yami held him close. "Yes, Yugi its me. Your safe now."
Yami stood up with Yugi still in his arms. Yugi smiled at Yami and then fell back asleep. Finally feeling safe in his Yami's arms.
Yami smiled at him and motioned for Joey to follow.
"Is he going to be okay?" Joey questioned.
"I don't know, Joey. Lets just get him home so I can take care of his injuries." Yami replied.
They made there way back to the game shop.
Joey had to go and pick up his sister, so he said good-bye to Yami and told him to take good care of Yugi. Yami agreed.
Yugi slept the whole time which was fine for Yami. He couldn't think of anything better than having Yugi in his arms.
They finally reached the game shop and went into the house part of the shop. Yami gently lay Yugi in his bed and checked him over for injuries. He had a large gash in his side and a couple of broken ribs. His head had a large bruise on it where Merik kicked him, but it didn't look too serious. Yami carefully cleaned up Yugi's cuts and wrapped up his ribs. Yami then brought Yugi's desk chair over to the bed and sat with Yugi till he woke up.
A few hours later Yami heard a soft moan coming from Yugi, He quickly grabbed Yugi's hand and waited for him to open his eyes. Yugi moaned again and then opened his amethyst eyes. At first his vision was blurry but then he saw Yami coming into focus. He sat up quickly and grabbed onto Yami and held him tight, like he would never let him go. He started crying. Yami wrapped his arms protectively around Yugi's small, shaking body and whispered comforting words to him. After a few minutes Yugi finally calmed down. He raised his tear filled eyes and looked Yami straight in the eyes.
"Yami" Yugi whispered. "You came for me, you really came for me." Yugi was amazed. He though Yami hated him, never wanted to see him again.
"Of course I did. I would never leave you." Yami rubbed his back soothingly. Yugi had tears in his eyes again except this time they were tears of joy. He latched onto Yami tightly again and buried his face in Yami's shirt.
"Yugi?" Yami questioned. Yugi raised his head and looked at Yami. "I am so sorry that I yelled at you. I didn't mean any of it. Can you forgive me? Even though I don't deserve it."
Yugi smiled. "I will always forgive you." Then he lowered his eyes again. "I want to tell you about what happened the day I ran home and slammed my door."
Yami held him tightly. "You don't have to explain. Please don't get mad, but Joey told me what happened."
Yugi raised his head quickly, fear once again in his eyes.
Yami held him close again. "I would never leave you Yugi, I promise. I will always be here for you."
Every thought of Yami leaving him vanished from Yugi's mind. He looked up at Yami and smiled.
Yami smiled back. "I love you Yugi, I always have and I always will." Yami leaned down and placed a small soft kiss on Yugi's lips.
"I love you too, Yami." Yugi smiled. For the first time in his life he felt complete, not alone or scared. He snuggled up to Yami and fell asleep. Yami smiled at his light and held him while he slept. He would protect Yugi with every ounce of strength in his body. He wrapped his arms protectively around Yugi, and finally, he also drifted off to sleep with his light safe and secure in his arms
They stayed the rest of the night like that. Both asleep in each others arm, with smiles on their faces.
The next morning Yami awoke to something soft and warm on his chest. He looked down and smiled. Sometime during the night Yugi shifted and rested his head on Yami's chest using him as a pillow. Yami wanted to get up, but he didn't want to disturb Yugi. So he just held him close and watched him sleep. 'He looks so innocent. Like an angel.' Yami though. 'I can't believe I almost lost him over a stupid argument. Yugi started to stir in his sleep. He started mumbling, but Yami couldn't understand what he was saying. Yugi started shaking almost like a nightmare was taking hold on him. Yami tightened his grip on Yugi, letting him know that he was still there. Yugi settled down again, once again resting peacefully. Yami continued watching him sleep, until Yugi started to stir again. He slowly opened his violet eyes. He lay there for awhile still not fully awake. Then he stretched and yawned. He looked up at Yami and smiled. Yami returned the smile.
"Good morning Yugi." Yami said quietly. He knew Yugi still was not fully awake.
Yugi tilted his head in confusion then and looked at Yami and he smiled.
For a second he was quiet then he said just as quietly. "Morning Yami." At first Yami was confused by Yugi's action till he remembered what Joey told him. Then he realized what side Yugi was laying on. It took Yugi a second to read Yami's lips to understand what he was saying.
"Yugi?" Yami questioned "Why didn't you tell me you couldn't hear out of one ear? Or about your past?"
Once again Yugi took a second before answering. Yami couldn't tell if it was cause he had to read his lips or if he was thinking of what to say. So Yami stayed quiet and let Yugi think.
Yugi lowered his head and rested it against Yami's chest once again.
"I was scared" Yugi whispered. Yami was confused by that answer. He wanted to ask another one but with the way they were laying he knew Yugi wouldn't hear him. So he raised Yugi's head and looked into his eyes. There were tears forming behind his beautiful violet eyes.
"Scared of what Yugi? You can tell me anything?" Yami questioned. Once again Yugi lowered his head before answering.
"I thought if you knew, you would leave me like everyone else did." Yugi whispered again. Yami could tell by the way Yugi's shoulder were shaking, that he was crying. So Yami just lay there and held him close.
Suddenly from downstairs he could hear Solomon calling. "Yugi? Time to get up now. Its breakfast time." Yami looked at the clock. It read 8:30am. Yami decided to answer for Yugi.
"We'll be down in a second Grandpa." Yami replied.
"Okay Yami, hurry up though before your breakfast gets cold." Said Solomon. He figured either Yugi was still sleeping or laying on his side. Yami didn't want to disturb Yugi but he knew they had to get up, so he gently shook Yugi's shoulders. Yugi raised in head, a questioning look in his eyes.
"Grandpa said its time to get up now." Yami answered Yugi's unasked question.
"Okay Yami." Yugi got up and grabbed some clothes.
"I'll see you downstairs." Yami said. Yugi nodded and headed to the bathroom to take a shower. Yami quickly got dressed and headed downstairs. When he entered the kitchen he saw Solomon by the stove finishing up breakfast.
"Grandpa?" Yami asked. Solomon turned around and nodded at Yami. "Why does Yugi not talk about his past? I had to hear it from Joey. Why didn't Yugi tell me.?"
Solomon sighed. "Yugi's had a hard life. He doesn't like to burden people with his problems." Solomon replied. But he saw that Yami was not satisfied with that answer so he decided to answer Yami's questions.
"Yami, come here and sit down." Solomon said while sitting at the table. Yami nodded and joined him at the table.
"You see Yami.." Grandpa started "..before you came Yugi had a very hard life. He had no friends, his father wasn't ready to be a father and he really didn't want to be one. That's why he did those cruel things to my poor grandson. For almost his whole life people made him promises and then they broke them. Yugi didn't trust anyone but me, and it took me quite awhile to gain his trust. At first, when he solved the puzzle he was extremely scared of you also.."
Yami was shocked. He knew Yugi was nervous around him at first, but not that he was that scared. Solomon saw the look on Yami's face, so he quickly continued.
"Don't take it the wrong way Yami, I told you he lost all trust in people. Then after awhile he started to open up to you. I was so happy for him. He found out that all people are not like his father and others that were cruel to him. I have never seen him so happy. But I think he was still scared that if he told you about his life, you would either treat him different cause of his hearing or just get disgusted with what happened to him and leave. He's had too many disappointing things happen to him that if one more happened, I am afraid of what it would do to him. I think he would just emotionally die."
Yami listened carefully to what his grandfather was saying to him. 'Poor Yugi, I guess I never realized all the pain Yugi went through in his life.'
Yami was about to ask another question, but just then Yugi walking in the kitchen.
"Morning Grandpa." He said happily.
Solomon looked up and smiled at his grandson. "Morning Yugi, sit down and I will finish breakfast.
"Okay Grandpa." He replied, then he sat down next to me. Just then Grandpa set two hot plates of food in front of both of them. Yugi looked at Yami and grinned before he started eating. Yami returned the grin and started eating also. Yami glanced up from his plate at looked at Solomon, he wanted to finish their conversation later when they were alone. Solomon understood the look and nodded at Yami. Yami nodded back then went back to his breakfast. Yugi looked up and caught the look the two exchanged with each other but he didn't understand what it meant. 'I'll have to ask Yami about it later' Yugi thought. When he finished his breakfast he went into the living room to watch TV. Yami looked at Solomon and then asked him to continue with what he was saying
"So Yugi didn't even trust you at first? I find that hard to believe considering how close you two are now." Yami said.
"Not at first he didn't trust not even me, after his father.." Solomon stopped unable to continue. He took a deep breath then continued "..anyway, when he first came here he refused to leave his room, not even to eat. I was so worried about him I almost took him to a doctor, but then he slowly started to open up. At first it was just one or two words and even when he talked to me he stuttered so badly, then after a couple of months he started acting like my little grandson again. He even quit stuttering around me, that's when I knew he trusted me. Now the only times he stutters is when he is either really nervous or scared. That's how I learned to read him so well. When he stutters I know he is uncomfortable and I either get out of that situation quickly or comfort him till he calms down. At first I was the only one who could comfort him he would shy away from anyone else who tried, but I am glad that he trusts you enough to take over that job." Solomon smiled "I am very glad he was able to solve the puzzle, he needs more positive people in his life.
Yami smiled at this 'I guess I never understood how far Yugi and I have come in our friendship'
"I wouldn't trade my time with Yugi in for anything. Now that I am here, I will never leave him."
"Yami, you don't know how happy it makes me to hear you say that." Solomon smiled. "Now why don't you watch TV with Yugi while I clean up in here, then maybe you two could run some errands for me."
"Okay Grandpa." Yami said. Then he left the room to find Yugi. He found him sitting on the couch watching TV. Yugi looked up from the TV and smiled at Yami, patting the spot next to him. Yami happily sat next to him.
"What are you watching Yugi?" Yami asked.
"A movie." Yugi replied not taking his eyes off the screen.
Yami watched him for a few minutes before turning his attention to the screen. Then Yami wanted to talk more to Yugi about his past. He glanced over at Yugi, not really sure if he wanted to ask him anymore questions he didn't want to upset him.
"Yugi? Can I ask you a question?" Yami asked. Yugi turned to look at him.
"S-s-sure Y-Y-Yami." Yugi stuttered.
'Oh no, I made him nervous' Yami thought thinking back to his conversation with Solomon. Yami swallowed.
"If Joey threw the puzzle piece in the canal how did you get it back?" Yami asked. He watch as Yugi shifted nervously in his seat. At first Yami didn't think he was going to answer. Then Yugi sighed.
"Well.." Yugi started "..After I ran away from Joey I ran behind the building to think. Then I heard fighting so I went to check it out. I saw Joey and Tristan in a fight with Tai's gang. Even though Joey was mean to me, I can't stand to see people get hurt."
"And then what happened?" Yami said trying to get Yugi to continue.
Yugi sighed again. "Well I ran up to them and pushed Joey out of the way of Tai's fist and ended up getting punched in the stomach." Yugi looked down to avoid Yami staring open jawed at him.
"Well when I did that Tai seemed to forget about Joey and Tristan and concentrated on me. He dropped me to the ground and started to kick me. Joey and Tristan tried to stop him but his gang started to attack them so they couldn't help me." Yugi had to stop for a second.
He started to shake at the memory. Yami held him to try and comfort him. Yugi stayed in his embrace and buried his head in Yami's chest before continuing.
"Tai suddenly kicked me in the head, and then his gang and him left laughing. I don't remember much after that, cause the next thing I remember is I woke up in the hospital with broken ribs and a concussion. The first thing Joey asked me is if I was crazy..."
Yugi laughed at the memory "..Then he asked me to forgive him. When I was unconscious, Tristan watched me while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Joey ran back to the canal, jumped in and found the missing puzzle piece. He gave it to me when I woke up and asked if we could be friends. At first I was nervous around them and didn't fully trust them, but over the years they became the best friends I could ever have."
Yugi paused again and Yami noticed he was blushing. "Till I met you anyway." Yami smiled when Yugi said that.
Yami tilted Yugi's head so he could look into his eyes. "You're my best friend too, Yugi." Yami whispered. Then he leaned over and gently kissed Yugi. When he pulled away Yugi was bright red from blushing and Yami had to laugh.
"I love you Yugi." Yami said. Yugi leaned into him. "I love you too Yami." They both stayed that way for the rest of the day.
The End.
Well, how did you like it? Thanks again to everyone who reviewed.