Honey and Vinegar

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Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh or any of the characters used in this fic. To the best of my knowledge, though, the plot is mine. Know that I've had this idea for months; I wrapped up a different project and decided to run with this idea. Any similarities to other stories are unintended.

Notes: This is one of my few attempts at a very canon story. This follows the dub (yes, I know, dub-canon is a paradox ), so Domino is in California (only because I know more about America than Japan and am less likely to screw up). (Using the facts from up to Battle City)

One thing I'm slightly pushing is that, if you didn't pick up on it from the summary, Yami and Yugi will gain separate bodies. Don't worry; I tried to make it as realistic as possible. While they still share a body: /…/ = Yugi to Yami; //…// = Yami to Yugi.

Without further ado:

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Chapter 1

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His grandfather was organized, but not efficient. His best friend, Joey Wheeler, was neither.

Téa Gardner's parents, Yugi deduced, were not only organized but highly efficient. He'd arrived at their house an hour ago, intending to help with any last minute packing. Upon entering through the front door, he found the Gardners sitting calmly around the kitchen table; Téa was drinking orange juice while her parents were sharing a pot of coffee. Three immaculate suitcases were lined up in the foyer and their respective backpacks or purses sat atop them.

So Yugi had helped Mr Gardner load the suitcases into the trunk of the station wagon, climbed in the back next to Téa, and they were off. After making sure that Yugi could catch a bus home from the airport, Mrs Gardner turned the radio on low and began chatting with her husband about the exciting week ahead.

Domino schools were breaking for a week, and the Gardners had planned a trip to Vermont to ski in the mountains and visit family. Téa's friends were understandably depressed that she wouldn't be in contact- her parents hadn't seemed thrilled at the prospect of long-distance calling, so phone time would be limited- and had given her a 'farewell party' Friday night. Saturday morning, Yugi had gotten permission from their respective parents and grandfather to accompany Téa to the airport and see her off himself.

They were quiet, but after a while Yugi reached over and put his hand over Téa's. She turned her head slightly to see him smiling at her.

When he was like this, it was impossible to tell him apart from Yami. That was how he was on their second real date; it was how he was when they kissed; and it was how he was when he first told her he loved her.

"What are you doing with the dogs?" he spoke, and his voice was a mixture of Yugi's sweet and Yami's husky. It never failed to send shivers up Téa's spine, and she was so caught up in the voice it took her a moment to register the words.

"Oh- we got someone to come in twice a day to feed them, walk them, play with them. Mokuba."

"Mokuba Kaiba?" Yugi asked, and she nodded. Yugi chuckled, but Yami's presence was felt in the laugh. "He'll be by more than twice a day."

"I thought so," Téa admitted, turning her palm over so they were holding hands. "I'm glad; somehow, I don't trust Hannah to hold her bladder all day. Come to think of it, I doubt Benji could either."

"Hannah's not due to have her puppies while you're away, is she?"

Téa shook her head. "No, she's not due for about two weeks after we get back."

Their small talk continued through the short ride to the airport. Once, Téa caught her mother turning around slightly to peer at them with a smile; Téa was caught between embarrassment and fond exasperation. She was glad that her parents approved of Yugi; he was the first boy she'd begun dating seriously. Of course, they didn't know about Yami. Téa didn't want to try and explain to them what she barely understood herself; besides, they might object to the fact that she was, in essence, dating two different boys.

It had taken a lot of thinking on her part to come to terms with that after their first date. She felt strange and faintly guilty; but it just seemed so right! Yami and Yugi shared a body, along with bits of their souls. At times, they could merge so completely it was like a new, single person. To be completely honest with herself, it was that union Téa had fallen in love with…

At the airport, they fell silent again. Téa found herself partially drawn into her parents' conversation. She tried to include Yugi, but he seemed to prefer listening quietly, with a thoughtful expression. He silently followed them through the check-in line, and walked with them to the security screening.

"Bye," Téa said awkwardly as her mother headed through the metal detector.

"Next!" yelled the security guard, and an elderly man walked through.

"I'll miss you," Yugi/Yami said, smiling sadly at her.

"Next!" The older man's wife moved through on shaky ankles.

"I'll miss you. I'll miss all of you guys. Tell them goodbye for me, will you? And thanks again for the party."

"Next!" Téa's father walked steadily through the metal detector, setting it off. He grimaced and headed to the corner, under the eye of a watchful security guard.

"Of course." Yugi/Yami hesitated, seemingly unwilling to kiss her while her parents could still see. He settled instead for embracing her. She leaned her smooth cheek against his affectionately.

"Next!"

Téa broke away. "Gotta go," she said, smiling beautifully. "See you in a week."

"In a week," Yugi/Yami saluted, and she trotted through the metal detector. She didn't set it off, and rejoined her parents; her father was putting his shoes back on, grumbling at the metal buckle.

Yugi moved off to the side, letting people pass by him. He leaned against the wall, watching Téa pick her backpack up from the conveyor belt. She shrugged it on and started to follow her parents. As they were about to disappear behind a corner, however, Téa sensed him watching and stopped. She gave him another quick wave and a wink, then was gone.

He sighed a little, depressed, and felt Yami's hand on his shoulder. /Hey/, he sent, unsure of what to say. It didn't matter, really; Yami could tell whatever he was thinking. Right now, both of them were feeling down. /Before we leave, maybe we could stop and get ice-cream? I think it might cheer us up/

//If you wish to, Yugi// Yami responded. //They have ice-cream in this place?//

He felt Yami glancing around through his eyes. He suddenly realized how new this was to the former Pharaoh; could sense his wonderment.

/Over there/ He inclined his head at one of the several fast-food joints in the airport. /I'd bet they have milkshakes there, at least/

He felt Yami's agreement and went to stand in line, digging through his pockets for a crumpled five-dollar bill. They sat at a small table, moodily sipping, seemingly alone to passer-bys. Yugi's mind was fixed on Téa.

For two months after Battle City, he'd been skirting around a direct confession. She'd noticed, of course, but had uncharacteristically stayed silent. It was only after he invited her on another date, this time to the park to roller-blade, that she'd spilled all her feelings to him. He hadn't said a word through her five-minute monologue, her blue eyes flashing passionately. Only after she looked him straight in the eye and demanded a response did everything come rushing out, the feelings coming from deep inside him. He had a peculiar feeling that he was sitting in the back of his mind, a bit like it was when Yami was in control. But he sensed his other half's presence next to him. This declaration of love was a new kind of automatic, emotions completely taking control of his body.

As Joey had so eloquently put it: 'Man, Yug, you're head-over-heels, aren't you? Lucky you it's Téa, and not someone more self-centered.' His amber eyes flashed, and Yugi understood that he was referencing Mai, who Joey was sure would laugh in his face if he ever told her he loved her.

Head-over-heels… Yugi mused. Oddly appropriate phrase, for a sensation of tumbling and falling and unable to catch himself.

Joey was right. It was lucky he'd fallen in love with Téa, who was kind and sweet and gentle and caring and would never betray him or let him down. He finished the milkshake and stood up, stomach and heart content again.

Seven days until he could kiss that sweet mouth again.

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The keychain was pink.

That was Mokuba's only complaint, really. He had been bouncing off the walls when Téa requested that he dog-sit for her two beagles while she was away. Seto wasn't overly fond of animals, but Mokuba loved them. He secretly wanted to run his own zoo someday, although Seto had his heart set on Mokuba becoming a joint owner of KaibaCorp. He was already plotting the best way to break the news to his big brother.

Not only was he thrilled to be taking care of the dogs, he was overjoyed at the responsibility placed in his hands. He had his very own key to the Gardner's house- they trusted him with that, with their mail, and their pets. The only person to trust him this much was Seto, who had made his little brother Battle City Commissioner. It was funny how Seto trusted him with that huge task, but not with a simply thing like the cookie jar, now locked safely away in a drawer in Seto's office.

The only downside to this deal was that the keychain Téa handed him, with the key to the front door and, just in case, a side door in the back, was pink. Clear, neon pink plastic. He suspected that it had once been her keychain. While Mokuba wanted to walk down the street with the keys dangling from his hand, showing the world that he was in charge of the Gardner's house, it would be kind of embarrassing now.

Utilizing a cool technique he'd seen on TV, he stuck the keychain in his pocket and let the keys dangle proudly. By the time he'd decided to do this, however, he'd reached the appropriate address and took them out again. He stuck the neatly labeled 'Front Door' key in the lock, and it opened smoothly for him. Before Mokuba entered the house, he scanned the neighborhood, and waved politely at an elderly woman out for a stroll. She gave him a respectful wave back, and his heart swelled with pride.

"Hiya, Benji!" he said happily as Téa's very energetic beagle bounded up and jumped on his knee. Benji took up the edge of his shirt in his mouth and proceeded to tug Mokuba in no particular direction. Mokuba giggled and dropped to his knees, rubbing the dog's back. Benji succumbed for a few seconds, then bounded away again.

Mokuba stepped into the kitchen and immediately spotted Hannah; she was lying in the dog bed in the corner. Her head lifted lazily at his approach, and she looked like she was considering getting up. He made the decision easy for her and moved over, patting her stomach gently. It was slightly swollen with her pregnancy. Mokuba had extracted a promise from Téa to call him the second Hannah was ready to deliver. He couldn't wait to see the puppies.

Lying on the table was a note for him, written in Téa's neat and precise handwriting.

Mokuba

Thanks, kiddo! Hannah and Benji are well-behaved. Just let them out a few times a day to do their business in the backyard. Don't worry; they know to head off to the side so you don't have to clean up after them. Hannah's very straightforward, but Benji likes to sniff around a bit first. Just call out to him if he dawdles too long. Their toys are scattered around the yard, if you want to you can play fetch with them. Benji will probably be more willing than Hannah. She likes to sit on the porch and chew on her rubber bone. Benji, on the other hand, won't want to stop playing!

Feed them once a day, in the morning. Their food is in the cupboard to the bottom left of the sink. They each get one cup of dog food. Benji's bowl is the blue one, and Hannah's is red, but it doesn't matter. They share a water bowl.

Bring in the mail and the newspapers each day. You can leave them right here on the table.

See you in a week!

Téa

He read it twice and put it back neatly, then walked over to the sliding-glass door and opened it. Benji rushed out into the yard with a bark, and Hannah slowly got up and padded over. Mokuba followed them out, sitting on the porch next to Hannah and throwing a yellow ball for Benji, who kept bringing it back and depositing it in his lap. He basked in the sunlight and daydreamed.

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"Thanks, Grandpa. I'll be home by seven."

Yugi hung up the phone and spun around, trotting toward Joey and Tristan. They were locked in a desperate combat against the evil green aliens from Mars.

"Got one!" Joey crowed, firing the gun at the approaching demons. "My score is higher than yours!"

"Oh yeah?" Tristan demanded, spinning around and shooting wildly. "Not for long, it isn't!"

Yugi joined Bakura, watching their friends play the video game. The four of them had decided to spend the afternoon at the arcade after Yugi got back from the airport, and Yugi had just elicited permission from his grandfather.

"How was Téa?" Bakura asked in his soft voice.

"She was excited, I think," Yugi said thoughtfully. "She told me yesterday that they haven't seen the cousins in Vermont in two years. And she's looking forward to learning to ski."

"At the party, she mentioned something about coming back with a broken leg," Bakura commented, laughing softly.

"Yeah, she was just joking around," Yugi grinned. "She's up to any challenge."

"You know, I don't think I've ever heard you say anything negative about Téa," Bakura pondered.

Yugi looked blank. "What's there to say that's not positive?" he asked rhetorically. "Téa's the best person I know."

"She thinks the same about you too," Bakura said loyally. Yugi flushed, pleased. "You two look so in love," Bakura continued.

"Really?" Yugi grinned. "We are in love."

Joey's voice floated into the conversation: "And people can tell a mile away, Yug, by that goofy smile you always wear around her." Tsss- tssss- the laser guns sounded. "Die, you alien monkey!"

When Yugi made it home later that day after listening to Joey threaten the aliens in at least twenty different and creative ways, there was a note on the counter for him.

Yugi- call the Domino Museum. Ask for Ishizu Ishtar.

"Really?" he asked his grandfather, who was sweeping the floor. "What did Ishizu want?"

"Didn't say," the elderly man shrugged. "She said it was 'in your best interest', though."

"Oh." He looked at the clock. "I think the museum closed at six. Do you think she'd still be there?"

"It might be more polite to wait for morning," Solomon suggested, and Yugi nodded. "Good," Solomon said, mischievous glint in his eyes as he handed Yugi the broom. "As long as you're not doing anything, you can help me with the chores."

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Seto had barely emerged from his office all day. He felt a slight twinge of guilt as he made his way downstairs for dinner; he hadn't even seen Mokuba. Usually the boy would come and find him and try to convince him to stop working- or at least to unlock the infamous cookie jar- but his little brother hadn't stopped by. He supposed Mokuba was outdoors, and that he should be glad.

He entered the kitchen and opened the fridge to see what the maids had left him. His eyes landed on the spiced pork, neatly wrapped. He pulled it out to see the note, 'Cook at 400º for 20 minutes'. That was easy enough; he stuck it in the oven and started to search out Mokuba. His eyes fell on something decidedly out-of-place on the counter, however; a brilliant pink keychain. He picked it up; two silver keys dangled from the ring. He doubted one of the maids had left it, they wouldn't be that careless. It must be his younger brother's, who was always leaving his things strewn around the house, for whatever reasons.

"Oops! I forgot I left that there!"

Seto turned to see Mokuba trotting through the doorway, looking faintly guilty. "I can't believe I almost lost it already," he said dejectedly, accepting it from Seto. "I'll be more careful."

"What is it?" Seto inquired, leading the way into the next room. He took a seat in a high-backed chair, but Mokuba bounced excitedly on the couch.

"Oh, I didn't tell you?" he asked in a would-be casual tone, except that his older brother knew him well and could tell that Mokuba was nearly bursting with this 'big news'. "Téa's family is on vacation, and they chose me to house-sit and dog-watch for them."

"Hmm," Seto said, trying to sound approving of his little brother while masking his dislike for Moto's girlfriend. "That sounds like a big job."

"It is," Mokuba said, jumping from one cushion to the other. "I have to get the mail and feed the dogs and play with them and let them out to go to the bathroom and make sure everything's all right with the house!"

"They must think you're pretty mature then," Seto said casually, watching Mokuba leap in the air and land on his rear.

"I am," Mokuba said, straightening up and grinning.

"If you're so mature, maybe you can start cleaning your own room instead of making poor Shirley do it," Seto suggested, hiding a mischievous grin. Mokuba looked like someone had just suggested he lay off chocolate for the next few months.

"Come on, kiddo," Seto said, sliding off the chair and ruffling Mokuba's hair. "Let's set the table for dinner. It should be ready in about fifteen minutes."

"Okay," Mokuba said, also hopping off the couch and trailing after his brother. Seto opened the kitchen cabinet and pulled out two dishes, stacking them in Mokuba's arms. Yanking open a drawer, he haphazardly balanced two sets of utensils on the plates.

"So, are the Gardner's paying you?" he asked, taking out two glasses and holding them himself. Perhaps he'd let Mokuba have soda for dinner, although he'd end up regretting it.

"They offered a couple times, but I said no," Mokuba said sheepishly. "I guess Téa figured out I didn't need any more money, so she let it go after a while. She promised to bring me back a present though."

"That's nice," Seto said reluctantly. His brother caught something in his voice and giggled.

"Téa's really great, Seto! I bet you'd like her if you got to know her!"

"Perhaps," Seto acknowledged, knowing from experience that it would get Mokuba off his back sooner.

"Joey too," Mokuba added. When Seto whirled around, nearly dropping the glasses, he caught the mischievous glint in Mokuba's eyes.

"I'm sure," Seto said dryly, steering his little brother over to the table so he could set his armload down. "What would you rather have to drink, milk or soda?" he joked, deliberately changing the subject.

Mokuba's face lit up. "Milk!"

"Kidding," he added a few seconds later, after Seto shot him a disbelieving look.

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Notes: Unlike most of my other stories, I have no fixed schedule for updating this. Sooo, no promises. I'll try to hurry... that is, if people want me to... Is it worth continuing?

By the way, if you choose to review (which would be wonderful), constructive criticism is much appreciated. I'd especially enjoy comments involving OOCness, which I wish to desperately avoid. Oh, and could you let me know what you think of the title? I might change it; I'm not too fond of it now. (It's a play-off a common phrase; anyone know what that is?)

Thanks and ciao!