A/N: Hah, I updated! Apologies can be found both in the Epilogue and the Authoress' notes at the bottom of the chapter.

Disclaimer: Don't own Yu-Gi-Oh. Here's hoping Takahashi doesn't come and flog me for stealing one of the Shadow Game stories from his manga – at least the story is how it should have been, now. :P

Part III – Turning Point

Security Alert, Security Alert! Prisoner NP3228 has escaped! Proceed with emergency lockdown!

Hollow footsteps echoed down the hallway, the metal voice blaring like a siren.

Security Alert! Security Alert!

He chuckled lightly at the announcement. So much for their foolproof containment system. Maybe if they had left an experienced guard at his post, this would have been more of a challenge.

Prisoner NP3228 has escaped!

Was that his name? No. He had a real one once. But they had wiped that from his memory, along with everything else he knew. They thought it would subdue him. But in the end, it only made his hatred stronger.

Proceed with emergency lockdown! Security Alert! Securit-BAM-jhblkfjg…

He blew the smoke away from his gun, stopping to fancy the new hole where the intercom had once been. Smirking, the convict stepped over the once-commanding officer of the base, as he proceeded on his trek down the abandoned hallway. He walked out the door and into the free air, stopping to notice the crimson sunset in the distance with cruel amusement. It matched the blood-stained corridors perfectly.

Red had always been his favorite color.

"Our top story this afternoon - Kurenai Eimin has escaped. Reported this morning, the world-renown murderer of over 100 people managed to free himself from Federal Prison, supposedly after a security guard opened the door to deliver his meal. He has left 32 men dead as a result of his escape; police are still investigating. He is currently sentenced to solitary confinement, and is awaiting termination on Death Row."

Yami stared at the television, listening to the breaking news as they flashed scenes from the compound across the screen. The building itself looked disheveled, the stone walls covered in blood and blast marks, like some sort of cruel, sadistic mural of death. The massacre the broadcast was referring to happened when he was two years old, two states away from where he lived. Though the prison was only 50 miles out from town, the whole event felt removed from reality, almost as if it were in a different country altogether.

Letting his attention wander, Yami found his thoughts turning to dwell on better subjects, such as a certain amethyst-eyed angel of his. Almost two months had past since Yugi had come to school with him. Too long, in his opinion. But considering how much time they spent together after classes were over, it didn't really matter. Every day he found it harder to leave the boy's side, their adventures and escapades sometimes lasting until the wee hours of the morning.

He sighed as he picked up the TV remote.

[Yugi, what are you doing to me?]

He clicked off the television before getting up, walking over to the window as fluffy flakes of snow continued to descend from the gray sky above. Yami smiled as he remembered one of their more recent excursions – Yugi had gotten off work early, so the two of them had decided to walk around and admire the Christmas decorations that lined the streets of the city. Or rather, they were, until the shorter boy decided that Yami would look better with a couple of snowballs plastered to his head. Two hours later, both of them were cold and soaked to the bone - they grinned from ear to ear at each other, joking and laughing all the way home.

Yami shook his head. And to think that here it was, Christmas Eve, and Yugi had to work? What kind of present was that?! He tried to persuade the boy to take the day off, if not the whole week, but it was no use. Chivetta's was a new restaurant, and didn't know what business would be like during the holidays. Since they were probably going to be the ONLY restaurant open during Christmas, Yugi was pretty much stuck working for the entire season. Yami sighed as he leaned against the window, watching the snow pile up around the tacky, light-up Kris Kringle in the neighbor's front yard.

It was almost pathetic how much he missed him; with both close and distant relatives here for Christmas, Yami hasn't seen Yugi in days. He hated it with a passion. He didn't want all the commotion or merry-making – all he wanted was to sit near Yugi, the two of them alone, possibly cuddled by the fire place. His sighed heavily.

[I love him.]

Yami blinked. Where had that come from? He blushed slightly, shocked at the sudden realization. But it was true.

On reflection, Yami couldn't seem to get the image of Yugi out of his head. He never stopped thinking about him, and he found their encounters were starting to become much more personal and intimate. There was hardly anything that Yugi didn't know about him, and Yami was sure it could be said vice-versa as well. In that instant, the teen suddenly knew that, if given the chance, he would rather die than spend the rest of his life without Yugi.

Yami's heart became overwhelmed, both shocked and thrilled by such a revelation; it fluttered within his chest, excited as it was filled with longing for the boy who had captured it. It was unlike anything he had ever felt before. As he continued to think on Yugi, that same desire suddenly turned into a need, a need to tell him once and for all how much he loved him.

All else forgotten, he whirled around, grabbing his leather jacket before walking out into the sparkling fluff that lined the streets.

[Just wait, Yugi; just wait.]

"Hey Yami, how ya doin'?"

"Just fine, Steve. How are you?"

"Enh, wish I was home, instead of waiting on cranky customers. But that's kinda my own damn fault. At least we know for next year."

Yami shrugged as he looked around the restaurant, the walls practically drowning in red and green tinsel. Many of the knickknacks around the rooms had been taken down especially for the occasion; bright red sleighs and candy-cane street poles were placed in strategic spots, while fake presents and other decorations littered the room. The old guitar now sported an amusing attempt at gift wrapping, a big red bow on the upper fret board to complete the look. Even the old canoe, which hung from the ceiling, had a Santa Clause paddling away inside of it.

"Still, you seem to have a lot of customers."

Yami involuntarily shivered, as another couple entered the restaurant, letting a cold breeze in to pollute the warm atmosphere within the restaurant.

"True," Steve replied, as he ran a hand through his onyx hair. "It's not bustling, but enough to make a profit, I guess. Anyway, Yugi's over in section B right now – I assume that's why you're here?"

"Well, it certainly wouldn't be for the food – your stuff always did taste like road kill." He smirked at the young manager beside him. Steve smiled back, both of them well aware that since Yami had met Yugi, the former was probably Chivetta's most reliable customer.

"Yeah, yeah, quiet you. You're going to ruin my business."

"What business?"

The shorter teen grinned as the owner lightly punched him in the shoulder. "That's for blasphemy, dude."

"I'm sure. See you later Steve," he remarked as he turned around making his way over to see Yugi.

The blond-haired man stood in the heart of the city, slightly surprised. Had so much really changed since he last saw the free world? He walked down the streets, unheeded; the .45 Magnum concealed under his worn leather jacket sat at the ready – a 'parting gift' from one of the police officers he met earlier. He passed a homeless man on the sidewalk, kicking a boot load of snow at the shivering form as he passed. Despite the surprisingly new developments of the city, he was bored. The carols, the lights, the festive cheer as people walked about, enjoying the atmosphere or rushing to buy presents – it was happy. Too happy. So happy and gay that it disgusted Kurenai to no end. There was no excitement around here - he had tasted from Death's cup, and found it much more enjoyable. He looked around briefly, before spying a brightly-colored building, not three blocks from where he stood.

He gripped the gun under his coat, a plot and a threat growing in his mind.

Good thing he always had his weapons fully loaded.

"Yugi!"

Smiling at the sound of his name, the boy finished taking the last order from a young couple in the corner. As he turned around, his curious look morphed into a wide-eyed, happy expression as he saw his best friend walking towards him.

"Yami! What are you doing here?"

The approaching teen smiled, hands dug deep into the pockets of his faded, brown leather coat. His spirits lifted instantly, knowing that Yugi's happy expression was due to his arrival. Yami gave the server a pat on the shoulder for good measure.

"You were taking too long – I'm here to kidnap you."

Yugi laughed aloud, the elf cap he wore jingling with the motion. His face was full of merriment as he replied, "Oh, you are? Well, you'll never take me alive!"

Yami smirked. "We'll see about that, little fern-head."

"If I'm a fern-head, what are you – a porcupine?"

"That's harsh," he replied, his eyes twinkling.

"You're right – how could I say such a thing! Any porcupine has got to be better-looking than you."

"Ok, now I'm mad. You're going to get it, just you wait." Yami waved his fingers in front of the boy's face, grinning at the horrified reaction he received.

"You wouldn't!"

"Oh but I would," he purred good-naturedly. "Proclaim my greatness or I shall be forced to begin your torture."

"Yami, I'm on duty right now!"

"So?" He moved forward, like an animal stalking his prey, his eyes laughing at Yugi's predicament. Several customers had turned their heads to see what the commotion was about; they watched amusedly as Yugi found himself cornered against the side of a booth. Yami closed in a little more, then quickly struck out at the boy's sides. The attackee burst out laughing as he tried pitifully to stop his friend's assault, every attempt to block the attack leaving another spot wide open.

Pausing briefly, Yami looked at Yugi as he continued to laugh, a tear or two trailing down his cheek. Only he had the power to make Yugi's spirits lift like this, he knew – and he was forever grateful for it. Soon after they had gone to school together, he had stopped by the house again to visit. Though Yugi hadn't been home at the time, his grandfather had thanked him for befriending the boy. Apparently, between work and taking care of his grandfather, Yugi had little time for friends. With Yami's arrival into his life, Mr. Motou reported that his grandson's spirits had lifted dramatically, and that he was finally 'acting his age', instead of trying to play the role of an adult too early in life. Yami felt his heart once again swell with love for the boy, touched that Yugi would ever have needed him that much.

He smiled as Yugi gasped, finally recovering from the last attack. "So, what now?" the boy inquired, still plagued with small bouts of laughter.

Unfortunately for Yami, that 'swelling-of-the-heart' feeling was suddenly replaced by a much more urgent one.

"Uh, actually, I need to go to the bathroom real quick," he stated, almost a little sheepishly. "I'll be right back – same spot as usual ok?"

"Sure," Yugi replied, still chuckling. "Let me just tell Steve that I'm taking my break right now, 'k?"

Nodding, Yami watched as his friend went to talk to the resident manager, admiring Yugi's retreating form. Realizing what he was doing, he suddenly turned in the direction of the bathrooms and started walking towards them quickly, hoping that the blush that had risen on his face wasn't too noticeable to the rest of the customers (not to mention other things rising that he would rather keep unmentioned).

Anzu sighed as she stopped walking through the restaurant to look in a mirror. Adjusting her hair, she prayed that the end of the day came soon. Being a hostess was no easy task; between running errands, side work, and keeping track of the customers, her head felt ready to explode. Six hours down, two to go.

Pasting a smile onto her troubled face, she turned around and began walking back to her station. As she stepped up to the podium, the door chimed, signaling that someone had entered the restaurant.

"Hi, and welcome to Chivetta's! Are you here by yourself today?"

Anzu smiled with fake cheerfulness as the blonde man grunted a response.

"Wonderful! Where would you like to sit sir; smoking or non?"

"Go to hell."

"Wha?"

The room erupted in a collective scream as they heard the shot being fired. Half a second later, the hostess fell over backward, unmoving; her skin deathly pale as a small stream of smoke rose from her forehead. The other occupants froze from shock, the man letting the gun fall to his side.

"Anzu!"

Kurenai watched as a short, spiky-haired teenager rushed forward, obviously the first to recover. As he got a closer look at his colleague, however, he stopped short. The convict smirked. Yeah, a bullet to the head would do that. He looked down at his own shirt, splattered with blood.

Damn. That wasn't about to come out. He'd need a new shirt before the day was over. Too bad, too – he really liked that shirt. A lot.

He blinked and looked up, realizing that the server was still standing there, staring. Whether the teen was shaking with anger or fear, he couldn't tell. But that didn't matter – in any case, his thin, short stature would make him a great hostage.

Acting swiftly, the murder leapt over the cold, stiffening body on the floor, grabbing a shocked Yugi with his left arm. Bringing the gun up with his right, he started barking orders to the rest of the people staring at him apprehensively.

"Ok, listen up! I want all you fuckers on the ground now, ya hear? Do it, or the kid gets it!" He changed the grip he had on the server's waist, moving his arm into a stranglehold around Yugi's neck. As if to emphasize his point, he pressed the open barrel of the gun against the teen's face, the captive wincing from the pressure. "Didn't you shits hear me?" he yelled to the stunned crowd. "On the ground, NOW!"

The man smiled cruelly as he watched the people slowly lower themselves to the floor. Sounds of whimpering and muffled sobs could be heard from several of the women, while the men looked at him with a burning hatred. He loved seeing their terrified expressions, their fear and loathing mixing together in a contorted expression of pain. Oh, how he had missed this feeling of power, being able to make people bend to his will.

He smirked as he noticed a slight movement out of the corner of his eye. Some people just didn't know when to quit.

The customers screamed as another shot rang out. Steve winced, obviously biting back a large amount of pain as he grabbed his own arm in a vice-like grip. In a desperate attempt, the manager had gotten up, quickly moving in order to hopefully catch the convict off guard and disarm him. Unfortunately, Kurenai was faster; he looked down at Steve with slight amusement as the young man tried to stop the flow of blood.

"Damn; I missed," he remarked passively, putting the gun to Yugi's head once again. "Right, let that be a lesson to you all," he shouted, his voice deep and harsh. "Next time, I promise to have better aim."

Dragging the wide-eyed server, he moved forward, grabbing the keys Steve had dropped during his failed revolt. Once Kurenai finished locking the doors and ordered some customers to close the shades, everyone was herded into the main dining room. He had thought about tying all of the hostages up, but found it too opportune for someone to attack him – not to mention it'd take forever. Instead, he settled for restraining his primary captive and using the boy's life to keep everyone else in line. He dragged the teen over to a nearby booth, quickly picking up a cloth napkin and pulling it tight across his head, making for an effective blindfold.

"Now, sit," he commanded, pulling his sightless captive into the booth with him. "And if you even think about running off, I promise I'll give you a front-row seat as I blow your friends to bits, one-by-one. Got it?"

Kurenai smiled evilly as he watched Yugi nod ever so slightly, his head hanging with resignation.

"Good."

No one could stop him now.

Yami watched the proceedings from behind the alcove, his heart beating furiously.

[Someone should have paid more attention to the news today.]

[Shut up!] he mentally berated with himself – the last thing he needed right now was for his conscience to start making snide comments. What was he going to do? He turned around and leaned on the wall, staring blankly at the door in front of him. His mind raced, listening to the whimpers of scared bystanders in the other room. How on earth would he be able to get Yugi and the others out of there? Yami was pretty confident that he could take him in a fight, despite the convict's towering presence. However, the man had two advantages – one, he had a weapon, and two, he had Yugi prisoner. No experience he had with school bullies and street fights were going to help him here – at least not directly. There was nothing he could do – if he walked out there now to try and save his friend, they'd probably both be shot on sight; that is, once the bastard had gotten over the shock of seeing two 'Yugis' in the same room. There was no phone nearby, and the only doors he could reach without being seen led to the kitchen and bathroom. He was trapped.

Yami blinked as his vision refocused on the door in front of him. [Wait – the kitchen?] Suddenly an idea began to take form as he walked towards it, pushing the hinged piece of stained mahogany open to reveal the sparkling white interior. Walking quickly, he passed colonies of ovens and cutting tables until he reached a brown wooden cabinet. Grabbing the small brass knobs, he swung the doors open to take a look inside, a calculating smile appearing on his face.

Kurenai Eimin was not happy. Not happy at all. Sure, he had busted into the restaurant, popped a few heads, and managed to obtain a handful of hostages in the process. He had everyone trembling in fear of him, quivering on the floor in a small, huddled mass like the sniveling dogs they were. The convict sighed, twirling the gun around his trigger finger. This was just the problem. He much preferred it when he had some resistance from his captives. Not only did it give him an easy excuse to empty another clip, but he liked the sensation of imposing his will on others, playing God.

[Of course, there are a few perks in this business,] he thought. A small smile passed his lips as he turned his head to look at the boy sitting next to him, trembling slightly. Though he was male, he had a perfect complexion; with pale skin and a delicious thin form, the convict's thoughts abounded with pleasure. Besides, it would be a shame to kill such beauty and handsomeness before it could ever be used.

Grabbing Yugi's face, Kurenai pulled him close as he leaned over to whisper in his ear. The gun continued to wave in the air dangerously; the other captives anxiously watching the murmured, one-sided exchange. The captive teen seemed to be paling by the second as the man kept talking, the words like poison as he began to shake with fear and revulsion. When the convict closed in to grab the boy's mouth greedily with his own, however, he was greeted with a shock when Yugi managed to place a well-calculated bite on his nose. Howling in pain the man recoiled, attraction forgotten as he sneered at his hostage. In retribution, Yugi earned a punch to the head so hard, it could be heard on the other side of the room.

Infuriated and wincing with pain, Kurenai shouted, "Someone get me somethin' ta drink! Don't you bastards carry liquor or nothin'?" The convict's request was greeted with silence, nobody daring to speak up for fear of him. The man sighed with annoyance – once again, the only problem with intimidation was that it could work too well. He brought a hand to touch his nose, wincing from the throbbing pain. As he felt one or two drops of hot blood leak from where he was bitten, he calmly reached into his pocket. Pulling a handkerchief out and dabbing his nose, he placed the linen away before grabbing his gun and firing 5 rounds into the ceiling. Kurenai remained silent as he watched the canoe, which had been suspended in the air, suddenly came crashing down, barely missing several captives as they scrambled to get out of the way. Fresh sobs could be heard from the crowd as the man began to shout furiously. He grabbed Yugi once again, sticking the muzzle of the gun under the boy's chin. "Well?! Do you shits have any booze or not?!"

Yugi answered the man, his voice shaking slightly. "Y-yes…."

"Well then WHERE the fuck IS IT?!"

"Sorry to keep you waiting, sir."

Everyone's heads turned towards the sound of the new voice. For once, the convict had nothing to say, as he stared at the confident young man who stood in front of him. He was almost the spitting image of his captive, right down to the spiky, tri-colored hair. Kurenai's attention quickly shifted back to his captive as the teen suddenly shot up, yelling at the look-alike.

"Yami! What on earth are you doing?! Are you ok? Get out of here, you-"

"Quiet, you sonofa bitch!" Yugi suddenly slumped back down into his seat, as Kurenai cracked the butt of his Magnum over the boy's head. "Who do you think you are, ya little snot – the fuckin' Prince of Egypt? And you," he snarled, turning towards the double, "what kind of cheap trick is this supposed to be?"

Yami deliberately paused before replying. He could barely stand to see Yugi treated the way he was, furious that Kurenai dared to mess with his friend. The boy was currently slouched in his seat, looking somewhat limp – he couldn't see any blood from where he stood, but what if he had a concussion, or perhaps bleeding from the back of the head? If it wasn't for the gun, Yami would have punched the convict out hours ago. However, as Kurenai continued to play with the safety on the weapon, Yami forced himself to remain calm.

"No trick, sir. Honestly, it's mere coincidence."

Kurenai moved to say something, but stopped as Yami pulled out a bottle of Russian vodka and a pack of cigarettes, placing them on the table in front of him. The man looked at the liquor as Yami also pulled a shot glass from his pocket and placed it next to the bottle. Looking back up, he saw Yami standing silently with his hands clasped behind him, as if waiting on the man. Kurenai laughed aloud. "Well it's about damn time!" he shouted as he went for the bottle, unscrewing the cap with one hand as he pointed the gun at Yami with the other. "You know, I think maybe I'm starting to like this place." He gave a smug look; things finally seemed to be turning out the way they were supposed to be. "All you folks need is a little persuasion and I'm golden!"

The laughing stopped, however, as Yami sat down opposite him, propping both feet up on the corner of the table. He smirked as the man furrowed his brow, re-aiming his gun at him. "What the hell? Who said you could sit down, asshole?"

Yami's smirk widened in reply. "I just thought you might like to play a game to pass the time; that's all."

"Ok, I've got a game for ya – it's called 'Kill The Kid If You Don't Shut Up." Kurenai pointed the gun at Yugi again, as Yami fought to keep down his rising panic. "You two look almost identical – wanna see if your insides are the same as well?"

Staying calm, Yami lightly drummed his fingers on the table. "I was thinking of a game with higher stakes, actually. A match of wits; if you win, you get to kill me. Fair?"

The man let out a scoff. [I could kill him right now if I wanted. This kid is either insane or suicidal.] "Hah, nevermind that I'm armed and you're not; what happens if you win?"

"You let these people go and quietly hand yourself over to the authorities."

Kurenai burst out laughing, his whole frame trembling with laughter at the preposterous proposal. Him, give up? What kind of psychotic drugs was this kid on? There was no way he could lose – even if this freak got the upper hand, no matter what the game was, he was still the one with the Magnum .45 in his hand. "Sure, why not; you must sure have a death wish, kid."

Yami turned to look at Yugi one last time before they started. If things backfired on him, it would probably be the last time he saw his friend again. The boy was definitely conscious now, as the blindfold was becoming soaked with tears. Had Yugi heard everything then? To his surprise, the shorter teen suddenly shot up again, shouting.

"Yami, are you crazy?! What in God's name are you doing? I don't want you getting hurt; don't do this!" Forced to remain impassive, Yami watched as Yugi's knuckles turned white from gripping the table.

"Shut UP, you little prick – how many times do I have to tell you that, huh?" Kurenai muttered, grabbing a fistful of the server's shirt and yanking him back down. Weary of having to beat up his captive every 5 minutes, the man settled for a cuff about the head. "Next time you do that, I WILL shoot you – understand?" Seeing Yugi nod quietly, he turned back to Yami.

"So," he stated, grabbing the pack of cigarettes as he ripped it open. "You're in a hurry to die. Far be it from me to deny you that." He flipped the lid, pulling one of its contents from the box and sticking it in his mouth. His eyes never left the teen in front of him as he played with the gun's safety lock, idly. "What is this game; how we playin'?"

"It's simple. Both of us are only allowed to move one digit on our hand. Whoever kills the other player first wins." Several eavesdroppers gasped in unison at the statement, suddenly wondering about the sanity of this boy. The man had a gun – what was he thinking?

"No contest there, then – one twitch of my index finger, and you're finished." Noticing that the large shot glass was still empty, he reached for the vodka to pour himself a drink. "You've already lost, kid."

Yami stared back at him, impassive. "Fine, then – I choose my thumb. Once the game begins, we're allowed to do anything we like – you can even shoot me."

He paused. "The game starts…now."

Kurenai chuckled. "This is so easy, I almost feel sorry for you, kid. Almost," he repeated as he began pouring his drink. "Tell ya what – got any parting words before I send you to Hell?" Wordlessly, Yami dug into his pocket to produce a lighter. "Eh? What're you doin'?" The man watched as he flipped the metal cap with his thumb, scraping the miniature wheel against the flint as a small burst of flame shot forth.

"Care for a light?"

Kurenai grinned. [Hah, must be tryin' ta' sweet-talk his way out of this one. Fat chance.] He looked down at the cigarette that was still hanging in his mouth. [Then again, I could use a light; forgot they don't let us have cigs in prison.]

"Sure, why not? I'm a patient man; I can give you a few more moments before you die."

Yami leaned over the table carefully, sticking the flame under the cigarette in the man's mouth before placing it down. Bewildered, Kurenai looked where he had put it; his eyes widened as he saw the lighter sitting on the back of his own hand, the one which currently was holding the bottle of vodka, still pouring. His heart jumped as the shot glass was now overflowing, the alcohol spilling onto the table and soaking his clothes.

[I-I can't move! If I do-]

Yami stood in front of him now, smirking. "You do know that's 180 proof vodka, right? If you try to move, you'll drop that lighter for sure."

[No way, there's no way he can get away with this!]

"Come on Yugi," Yami stated, breathing a small sigh of relief as he pulled him out of the booth and away from the convict, holding him at his side. "We'd better get these people out of here."

As the two turned to leave, Kurenai suddenly snapped. Whirling around, the man roared at the top of his lungs, furious at the trick Yami had played on him. In his fury, he brought up his gun at aimed straight for the taller teen. "You bastard! I hope you rot in Hell!" With the sudden movement, the lighter fell into the alcohol and ignited, quickly engulfing him in flames.

People screamed as the convict pulled the trigger. Yami blinked as he saw the bullet come and go, just grazing the side of his head – thankfully, the fire had distracted Kurenai enough to throw off his aim, or he would have been dead. Yami stared at the man as he starting flailing, the fire feeding off of him like a leech. Turning his attention away from the scene, he could now feel Yugi's vice-like grip on his arm as the boy shook slightly.

"Yami, are you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, wincing at the stinging pain in the side of his head. Come on, we'd better get out of here."

The two walked over to the rest of the captives, now standing and smiling at their hero. Yami looked with concern at Steve, who was currently being helped up by two of his employees. "Hey, you ok?"

"Yeah," he said with a sigh, looking over at the look-alikes. "You?"

"We will be. We should get out of here."

No sooner had Yami uttered those words, when suddenly a startling explosion set off behind him. Turning around quickly, his eyes widened at the sudden growth of the flames. The alcohol which Kurenai had been pouring had overflowed off the table, creating a small river of fire which was spreading rapidly. His eyes widened, realizing that if this flame made it all the way to the kitchen or the gas tanks, they could be in serious trouble.

"Quick, everyone out – this fire is spreading like crazy. Someone call the Fire Department!"

There was mass of confusion as the group, now frightened by the growing flames, scrambled for the front door. Bringing up the rear, Yami finally ran to the foyer where everyone huddled nervously. "Someone open the door!"

"We can't – it's locked!"

"What?!" Yami asked, both bewildered and shocked. "Why?" Pushing and shoving through the crowd, Yami made his way to the front, Yugi in tow. He grabbed the handle, jerking it violently, but no budge.

"That won't work Yami – the doors are locked." The teen turned around to look at Steve, who stood by watching anxiously. "That guy – he took the keys and locked all the doors in here. The guy we kinda just set fire to."

Yami's eyes were steeled, his mind racing as he tried to figure out a solution to get them out. There was no time; the smoke was starting to become a problem, and there was definitely no way he could get the keys back. Even if he did, the flames were already spreading too rapidly – he might not get to the foyer in time. Their only choice was to break down the door. Three of the employees were already attempting said plan, with no success; several others watched as Yami looked around, suddenly pushing and shoving to get to an adjacent wall.

"Yami? Dude, the exit's this way-" started Steve, panic beginning to seep into his voice. The door had yet to budge, and now several people were beginning to cough and hack from inhaling all the smoke.

"I know." Finally reaching his destination, he grabbed the machete that had been nailed there. Propping a foot up against the wall, Yami let out a grunt of frustration as he put all his force into pulling. The paneling protested as it felt the object being ripped away until finally it gave up, sending Yami to the floor, axe in hand. Temporarily dazed, he looked up. Smoke was everywhere; if they didn't get out soon, they might end up suffocating in the grey pitch.

"Everyone stand back!" he yelled as he got up, rushing to the front door. Hearing his voice, everyone immediately parted as Yami heaved the machete into the door, trying to break the lock. Seconds later, a mangled-looking handle fell to the ground, defeated. Yami turned around to see the flames becoming dangerously close. "Ok, time to go!" Grabbing Yugi, he gave a swift kick to the door. It swung open wildly as sunlight and fresh air filtered through the room. Running outside, he waited as he watched the hostages flood out, making sure everyone was accounted for.

When the last person finally made it out, the fire crew had already showed up. Firemen ran here and there, pushing people out of the way while they frantically attempted to put the fire out. Yami stepped back in awe. Nearly the entire restaurant was now engulfed in flames. He wasn't quite sure which surprised him more – the fact that they all got out alive, or that the fire got so big to begin with.

Yami's eyes widened, realization dawning on him. Turning around, he went to find the nearest police officer, who was currently barking out orders over his radio. Not waiting for the man to finish, he reported in a breathless voice, "Kurenai Eimin is in there – he was holding the customers and employees as hostages, but managed to set himself on fire – I don't know if he's still alive or not."

Quickly recovering from the shock of this new information, the police officer put the report in hurriedly. Yami watched as suddenly a mass of police officers got out of their cars and approached the building, the fire fighters still struggling to get it under control. Minutes passed, when finally a hesitant voice met the teen's ears.

"Uh, Yami – can you help me take this thing off? He got it on pretty tight…."

Blinking, Yami turned to see Yugi, whom he had been dragging all over the place, fiddling with the blindfold still tied around his head. Mentally smacking himself, Yami grabbed his hand again. "Sure, Yugi – lets just make sure we get out of the way first."

"But shouldn't we stay here?" the boy asked, as he was led out of the commotion. "The police will probably want to talk to us about what just happened."

"It's ok – they're busy right now. They've gone in to apprehend the guy that did this. Or what's left of him."

Yami held the boy close as they crunched their way through the snow, amidst the mob of people; firefighters, policemen, and EMS crews were running back and forth to and from the building like ants in a colony. Finally, he found a small spot, a little removed from the whole scene. He stopped and turned around, reaching behind Yugi's head to undo the knotted fabric.

"Hold on Yugi, I've almost got it." No sooner had he spoken did the blindfold become loose. Pulling the fabric away, Yami looked down to see a pair of wide, sparkling eyes stare back at him gratefully. Moving forward, he grabbed him in a fierce hug. Yami could feel it being reciprocated with the same energy; worry and concern washed over Yami as he felt the teen shaking in his arms. After everything that had happened – the break-in, the hostage situation, the fire – he tightened his hold on him, almost enveloping Yugi as if to say, 'It's ok, you're safe, I'm here now.'

Minutes passed as he allowed Yugi to rest in his embrace. For the first time, the teen no longer felt nervous or embarrassed – he rubbed the younger's back comfortingly, trying to warm him up from the cold outside. Finally, Yami released his friend only slightly, bringing a hand up to gently inspect Yugi's head. With the amount of times he'd been hit by that convict, it was a wonder he was conscious at all, let alone standing. The teen frowned as he felt his hand brush over two or three bumps under the teen's soft, silky hair; he stopped when he heard Yugi take in a breath sharply, the areas on his head still very sore. He let his hand drift to they boy's face now, his thumb brushing against a bruise that had already begun to form.

Cupping Yugi's cheek, Yami looked into pools of amethyst as he whispered apologetically.

"I'm sorry, Yugi. None of this should have happened."

"What are you sorry for?" came the reply, voice wavering. "You saved me and everyone else in that restaurant from being killed – twice – even if your first plan was incredibly stupid, reckless, and idiotic." Yugi fought for breath, shaking once more as he leaned into Yami for comfort.

"I was so afraid that I might…lose you…."

Yami smiled down at the youth in his arms, brushing away a tear that threatened to fall from his violet eyes.

"Never, Yugi – I love you too much to let that happen."

Yami was surprised at how easy the words came to him. Turning introspective, a part of him was frantically trying to push the 'Escape' key, horrified at what he had just done. However, a stronger, more reasonable voice told him to stay. Even if Yugi didn't reciprocate his feelings, he needed to hear this, to know everything was ok after this whole ordeal. He stroked the teen's hair affectionately, enjoying the feel of it entangled between his fingers, admiring how the melted snowflakes caused it to glisten in his hands.

Yugi looked up at him again; his eyes like scapolite jewels as they sparkled with fresh tears, silently holding a bit of shock, surprise, and…joy?

"Did you just say….?" His voice trailed off, almost as if he didn't believe him.

"I love you, Yugi. Since I first met you, in fact. It just took me a while to admit that to myself. I'm sorry."

Embracing him again, Yami buried his head in the teen's shoulder. Nuzzling his neck, he barely heard Yugi's soft moan as he sighed. He didn't know what else to do but stand there, resting his head and enjoying what would probably be the last time he saw Yugi again. The boy would most likely disappear soon after, unnerved by Yami's statement but too kind and shy to say anything.

Yami shivered with pleasure as Yugi copied the gesture, his warm breath tickling his neck. Giving a reassuring squeeze, the teen turned his head slightly and whispered into his friend's ear.

"I love you too, Yami."

A wave of happiness and relief washed over Yami as he smiled into the server's shoulder, his heart beating with excitement from Yugi's confession. He tightened his hold on the teen, unwilling to let him go now that he knew the love was returned. Yami's nerves tingled as the other teen let go with one hand to turn his head towards him. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything sooner…I was too afraid of losing your friendship, of what you might think of me. I'm sorry."

"Don't be."

"Yami."

Quietly, Yami reached over and took Yugi's free hand in his own, fingering and enjoying the soft skin against his own. He smiled, enjoying the reaction as Yugi blushed profusely, making him even more beautiful. He took the hand as if it were precious, gently placing it against his chest and covering it with his own. Yugi's eyes sparkled like the heavens…he truly must have been an angel sent from above.

No more words needed to be spoken. Yami and Yugi simply stood there, basking in the glow of each other's affections, enjoying the embrace as the snow fell gently around them. Both pairs of eyes sparkled with overwhelming love for each other as they leaned forward, finally coming together in a powerful, passionate kiss that warmed them both, heart and soul.

Merry Christmas.

Epilogue (aka, the behind-the-scenes look, or something.)

A figure from atop a nearby hill watched as the flames continued to lick the air, greedily. Hues of red, orange and yellow seemed to dance with the setting sun, casing a beautiful, romantic shroud of color on the couple down below. Giggling slightly, she took out a pad and paper and began to write, sealing the scene between the two teens in prose.

Looked down again, she noticed as two figures, a guy and a girl, began their ascent up the hill to rejoin the others. As the flames died down the police finally merged on the building, the duo finally reached the top – the brunette picture-taker from before, and her male companion. The blonde smiled as she walked over to help the girl up, leaving the spiky-haired teen to help himself, despite his yelled protests.

"Finally - mission accomplished!" she stated, grinning at the brunette. "But tell me – did you really have to go that far, Merodi?" She eyed her friend, who simply grinned and scratched the back of her head nervously. "I mean, I understand the whole point of this was to get those two together – but honestly, breaking into Federal Prison?"

Merodi looked at her, camera dangling from her wrist as she pouted slightly. "Awwoo, but I thought it'd be more dramatic that way, Wolfy-chan. Besides, it gave Naito something to do." She did a silly little turn before continuing, still caught up in the Y/Y moment that had occurred. "First we had the fluffy, fairy-tale meeting, then the comedic example; all we needed was some angst to tie the knot! Don't you agree, Ko-chan?"

Merodi face-faulted as she looked down at her friend, sitting on the ground while her pencil continued to scribble furiously over her drawing pad.

"Uh, Ko-chan?"

"Yeahsureyoubetcha."

The brunette sighed, looking to Ko-chan's twin, imploring her for help. "Ya-chan, fix your hikari, would you?"

The twin who stood beside her turned to blink, assessing the situation. "Ah, gomen, but she's gotten into one of those 'phases'. Last time it took me 3 days to snap out of it, and that's only because our pocky stash had finally run out." She shook her head, her hair swaying with the motion before looking at Merodi again. "What took you guys so long, anyway?"

"Huh?"

"To get those two together? We could've done it in a week, tops."

"Yeah, I'd like to know too, actually," Wolfy-chan (or Wolfspeaker) added, curious.

"Ahh, gomen, gomen – I was incredibly busy with school. Between homework and tests and projects and practicing, I had absolutely no time whatsoever. That, and it took me forever to get Naito to help me out."

She gestured over to the only male member of the group, sitting on the grass in a cross-legged position. Yes, sitting in the grass, because the authoress has the power to change the seasons at will - stop laughing at me. He stared forward with an annoyed look on his face, brooding over the fact that he had actually succumbed to his hikari's plans.

"Baka. Remind me never to help you or that brother of mine again." The teen sulked, blowing a golden bang away of his face. Indeed, he looked suspiciously like Yami, save that he was slightly shorter, and red eyes and hair were replaced with cerulean. And perhaps a quicker temper.

Merodi stared. "Jeez, what's the matter with you? You got to break into the prison and help set the restaurant on fire – what more do you want?!"

"A paycheck."

"Yeah, well, when you find someone who actually wants you to wreak havoc and destruction as you see fit on a regular basis, let me know – then I might pay you."

Wolfy-chan stood, watching the dialogue amusedly. "Ya know, Merodi, you could always just turn him into a sex slave and sell him out to people." She looked at the two of them innocently as they stared back in shock. "Just think about it – you could always get some fringe benefits on the side too – I mean he is YOUR yami."

"Actually, I'll agree to that," stated the scribbling girl, finally getting up. "Sounds like a great idea! You can let Dai have first dibs."

"Hey! You keep your maniac muses away from me, Ko-chan!" Naito yelled as he started to back away. The twins and the blonde had sly grins on their faces, walking towards him as if stalking their prey. Panicked, the teen took shelter behind his hikari, who gave him with a strange look.

"Naito?"

"Hikari, tell them that I'm not a slab of meat to be served up! That's Yami's job, not mine – why don't they go hunt that couple down instead of me?"

"Because you're convenient."

"Oh, thanks," he replied dryly. "Now will you call your creepy friends off?"

"Actually, I think it's a good idea, Naito," Merodi replied, turning around with smirk.

"WHA?"

"We could certainly use the money…and I certainly wouldn't mind seeing you walk around like a sex god."

Naito's eyes widened. Stepping back, he faced all four girls with a look of defiance.

"Well then – I guess there's only one thing left for me to do."

"Oh, and what's that?" Wolfy-chan inquired.

"…run away!" he yelled as he retreated into the forest, in an attempt to escape as the group chased after him.

"Hey, get back here!"

"Naito, we just want make you look sexy!"

"Come on, you know you like leather – come back!"

And so, the story finally comes to its conclusion. I really am sorry about the lateness, people – fortunately, I'm going to be out of commission for most of the summer, so hopefully I'll have things for you to read again (cross your fingers).

And so, now I believe a quick thanks is in order to the following people:

Rox

Ko-chan to Ya-chan (I finally got on the Gaia thing – though Naito wanted me to use him as an avatar, and so now there are two accounts instead of one…oh well.)

Yami Yami Yugi (I still owe you a story! I'm sorry it hasn't gotten done, but I'm really excited about writing this one…I hope you like it…look for an email from me, I have a few questions about your character.)

Wolfspeaker ( Love ya, Wolfy-chan!)

Mittens no Hikari (lol – the stick figure drawing? Yeah, I have it, actually. I need to find someplace to post it, though….)

Mel Gods

Evil Chibi Malik

Vanilla Fox (Haha, well, thank you! I'm flattered that you changed your mind about Yaoi because of this! As long as you guys liked reading it, that's all that I care about….)

The Chaotic Ones

Li

Hime no Ichigo

Titanicbabe

Silver Draggon (Did someone say Chocolate Martinis?)

Dagger Maxwell

Mikomi Rae( I like rootbeer too. )

Hakiri-Nefertiri

Rikainiel

Yaoi-Rules

Metallicbubbles

Cheria

Twinklefaerie

HumorNut (I'm sorry Joey wasn't in this one, I know how much you like him. ;)

….as well as to everyone else who has been enjoying this 'series' so far. I honestly did not realize how long I had been away from writing and my Y/Y stories until people actually started emailing me, asking me if I had stopped and pleading with me to continue. Eh heh.... You guys rock, yo.

This story was supposed to be posted as a Christmas present for you all, hence the winter setting. Didn't do to well with that, did I? In any case, let me know how I did, and hopefully I should be replying much quicker this time...hopefully.

Bai bai! Hope you're all doing well!

--MnY

P.S. – I definitely won't be posting this week, just so you know – I'm getting surgery done on my foot this coming Tuesday, and will probably be out of it for most of the week. 6 weeks in a wheelchair and 2 more on crutches…what a wonderful way to spend the summer, huh? -Sigh-

P.P.S. – Oh, and honorable mention to anyone who knows what anime 'Prisoner NP 3228' is taken from, and which character it refers to.

P.P.P.S. - Stupid FF.net, changing it's format and junk. Whatever happened to simple uploading, huh? Grrrr...