Sorry for the delay, but the school doesn't care about me wanting to write. (Let the homework go to hell)

A double thank you, to those who stopped by and read the story. And a triple thank you, to those who reviewed it. An author's feedback is a perfect way to improve your writing. (Hugs them all)

I'm seriously thinking of making this story Yugi/Yami, but we'll see how it develops.

Anyway, here's the second chapter, hope you like it.

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!

"Bla bla bla": Normal dialogs

Blab bla bla: Thoughts

Chapter Two: Soapy Musings

Yugi stood dumbfounded as he watched Yami emerge from the shadows, his full-height dominating the small frame lying on the bed. Those features so similar to Yugi's, yet so different, showed a hint of amusement and concern. The dark half had spoken softly, but his crimson eyes were full of determination. Yugi knew he had talk to much, and now Yami would accept no excuse.

"Hey, Ya-Yami. I thought you were asleep", stuttered Yugi.

"Well, aibou, you got it wrong. I was about to go out and look for you. As you might've noticed, it's raining like hell, and your umbrella is inside the closet. Fortunately, you arrived before I even put my coat on, so I decided to give you a surprise. However, you gave it to me first."

"Wh-what are you talking about?" asked the light, as he shivered uncontrollably.

"Don't play dumb with me, Yugi. I'll go downstairs and make some soup to warm up your body. Meanwhile, change your clothes. You look as if you've crossed Domino City by swimming. It's getting pretty chilly in here, and I don't want you to catch a cold. Then we'll talk. Don't even think on locking the door because I won't let you get away until you tell me the truth, not even then. I promise"

With that, Yami exited the room, leaving Yugi to his own mind. I wonder if things can get any worse. Cursing his luck for the second time that day, the soaked teen turned on the light and went to his closet, looking for some pyjamas. There it was, lying down in the top shelf, that stupid, green, and most of all, DRY umbrella, as if making fun of its owner's condition. Glaring daggers of pure hatred at it, Yugi took out a pair of dark purple PJ's given to him by Yami. "It brings out the colour of your eyes, aibou", he had said.

What they bring out is my bad mood, dear Yami. I swear that stupid umbrella is going to end in the garbage very, very soon. But till that day arrives, I'll take a hot bath. Grabbing a towel from the bottom drawer, Yugi headed to the bathroom, took off his damp clothes, and filled the bathtub with water. Soon the fluid's crystalline surface turned white, as Yugi poured a great amount of bubble soup into it. He really loved bubbles: their perfect but fragile shape, the way they floated in the air, the way they reflected the light, the way they would pop if anyone touched them... just like himself. When a bubble "pops" its short existence ends. Will my pain go away if I "pop" myself?

Closing his eyes, Yugi entered the bathtub and smelled the sweet vanilla scent given by the bubbles. The hot water made the teen flinch as it touched his wounds. Wounds, which Yami knew nothing of. Yugi couldn't bring himself to confess he was being bullied again. Every Friday, after school, he would be dragged into a corner and forced to beg for mercy. No matter how long he pleaded, wailed, or cried, the bullies wouldn't stop until Yugi was all worn out. That's when they'd give their final strike, by knocking the young boy out. When Yami questioned him about his late arrivals, Yugi said he had to stay after school, for some remedial classes.

Where were his friends when he needed them? That question plagued Yugi's mind always, although he already knew the answer. They shied away from him the moment they discovered his light was suddenly flickering. They needed the brightness in their lives and Yugi wouldn't provide it, so they went seeking for it in other places. At first, Tea, Tristan and Joey had tried to get closer to their buddy, but they felt rejected and gave up. They hoped Yugi would regain his senses sometime soon, and then things would go back to normal.

Normal for whom? For me? For them? For Yami? Normality has been out of my life so long that I don't know how it feels or tastes like anymore. I'm such a crap. Yugi's eyes filled with tears as he surrendered to the darkness oh his thoughts; a painful sob echoing through the tiled bathroom walls. Just as he was about to cry, Yugi stopped himself: Yami would hear everything, and he didn't feel like confronting his dark's gaze. Getting himself more comfortable, the short teen rested his head on one of the tubs edges, looking at the ceiling and sliding further into the water, so that it now covered all the way up to his neck.

The gentle "popping" of bubbles, mixed with the sweet vanilla scent and the warmth enveloped in the bathroom, made Yugi's eyelids very, very heavy. He hadn't realized being so tired. Yugi changed his position and tried to focus on his surroundings . . . but it was all a blur, his body felt so relaxed, so right. Maybe if he closed his eyes a little he'd recover himself. Yes... He would only rest his eyes; he wouldn't succumb into slumber. No, he wouldn't fall asleep...but the web knit by tiredness wrapped itself around Yugi, and held him tight, not acknowledging the sound of water running.

Meanwhile, Yami had just finished making soup. He was now placing everything on top of a silver tray. Yami had felt very bored at home while Yugi was at school, so he decided to conquer the kitchen. He had a natural talent for cooking, and was now in charge of daily meals. Yes, he would cook anything as long as he didn't have to use the microwave. The almighty, powerful, great, and most of all, brave pharaoh didn't get along with new technologies... but hey! he knew how to cook on a stove and was proud of it. Surely, his priests and advisors would have a fit if they could see him now.

Balancing the tray over one hand, Yami made his way up to Yugi's room. The dark spirit was very worried about his little Hikari. His worst fears seemed to be confirmed by Yugi's words. He knew his light had been hurt, but he ignored the depth of the injury.

...........In the bathroom, the water was slowly caressing Yugi's upper lip, as if kissing it, while his body had slipped some more inside the tub ..........

When Yami entered the room, he was surprised by the absence of Yugi. He looked at the closet and found that the drawer where the towels were kept was open. Standing in the hall, the former pharaoh heard the sound of water and saw a golden glow from the bottom opening of the bathroom door. So Yugi was taking a shower uh? Well, he just hoped he didn't take too long or the soup would surely get cold.

...........Eyelids closed, hiding purple irises, protecting them from the water that had just reached their level. Eyes that wouldn't open due to weariness. Amethyst orbs that might never reflect the light again..........

Looking out the window, Yami wondered the best way to confront his light half. He knew that the teen's emotional state was very fragile, so he'd had to handle the matter very carefully. If not, he might lose Yugi, his light, and return to the darkness where he was born. No, he wouldn't let it happen, even if he had to give up his happiness.

...........The bubbles wanted to touch every inch of Yugi's face. Now his forehead was the last obstacle that stopped them from getting their achievement...........

Ten minutes. Was Yugi so cold to stay under the pouring water for ten minutes already? He should have taken the umbrella with him.

........... The soapy substance has reached its goal. Black hair with purple spikes was the only thing visible from the sleeping angel beneath........

The spirit grew impatient. How long can it take aibou to finish that damn shower? ... Shower????? The bathroom doesn't have one, but then... what is that sound of water running? Pieces inside Yami's mind fitted together, and never had he despised more the resulting puzzle.

¡¡¡¡¡¡ YUGI !!!!!!

What happened to Yami? Did someone stomp over his feet? Did he burn his hand with the hot soup? Or does he need to go to the W.C.? If you want to know, stay tuned for the next chapter.

Any comments, suggestions, and/or critics will be welcome. (Flames will be used to warm soapy Yugi's soup).

Read and Review if you wish.