Through the Mirror – Chapter Eight
By Tara B Amy
Hiya, People!! I'm back!
Here is the next chapter (makes a dance of joy) Review replies are at the end of it (like every time) and besides that it's a slightly longer one, because I didn't want to cut the last scene in half. It would have ruined the effect of it. Wooohee! Enjoy!
"BlaBla" Normal speaking
---Blabla--- Yami speaking
::BlaBla:: Yugi's thoughts directed towards Yami
One more thing: I improved my punctuation in connection with direct speech a bit. If there are errors still, please tell me.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Confused Yugi walked home, Yami near by his side. The pharaoh was silent since they had left the school behind and just followed him now. He wondered why he was there, why he did what he did, why he really had left his home behind and why he had thrown himself into the complicated life of a future teen. Into his life.
Yami didn't answer. Yugi was sure he heard him think right now and he expected him to answer like he every time did. Nothing came. Yugi glanced sideways worriedly and looked at Yami, whose eyes were cast down. He seemed to be deep in thought, somewhere far, far away from everything around him. It was unusual for him to be so quiet and distracted.
"Yami," he asked, his voice shaking slightly. Before he could say anything else though, he stumbled, almost falling to the floor. As he had caught himself, he turned around to look down at... Jounouchi Katsuya?!
---Are you okay,--- Yami asked, one hand touching his shoulder and travelling through his hair. Yugi shuddered at the delicate feeling.
"Yes, I'm fine." He murmured, kneeling down beside the unconscious form of Jou. "But he seems to be hurt. Jounouchi-kun? Do you hear me?" He shook the still body carefully and was relieved as Jou turned and blinked his eyes open. Yugi stood up, looking at Jou cautiously. He had no good experience with the other teen so he kept his distance.
"Man, my head kills me," The blonde groaned, sitting up. "I'm sure he has iron where other's have hands... Hey! What the-"The moment he spotted Yugi and Yami he stiffened and slid back on the pavement as if they had bitten him. "What are you doing here?"
---Yugi?--- Yami's voice sounded alarmed in Yugi's head.
"Don't do anything, Yami," Yugi whispered warningly to him. "I know what I'm doing. It's okay. No need for interference." He stepped closer to Jou, feeling Yami near his back all the time like a guardian, and held out a hand for the blond boy. "I just came around and saw you lying on the floor. Let me help you up."
"Forget it!" Jou slapped the offered hand away, not hearing Yami's hiss of anger and tried to scramble to his feet, but failed miserable. "I don't need any help, especially yours! Sod off!"
"I think you need help. Very much of that." Yugi held out his hand again. "All the bruises you sport cannot be the results of harmless fights. Come on, let me help you up already."
"Forget it, little shrimp," Jou growled, repeating his previous action and slapping Yugi's hand away.
---Yugi.--- The addressed teen saw Yami grit his teeth, barely able to hold himself back. ---He's hurting you.---
::No, you don't understand,:: Yugi thought, knowing Yami would hear it. ::-He- is hurt and he is too proud and too bitter to accept my help... or my friendship for the matter. Look into his eyes. He wants to but he can't. So I will try until he gets over himself and over his pride. He doesn't hurt me.::
---But...---
::You have to see the signs more clearly,:: Yugi explained for only Yami to hear. ::You just take in the outer appearance, but don't look behind the faces. It's the most important thing to do. It's like reading thoughts, only then you have to use your eyes and your other senses. What do you see in Jou's eyes?::
---I...--- Yami came even closer to him, until his body touched Yugi's back. ---I see nothing but... anger. And.... and...---
"Do you want to stand there all day watching me," Jou spat out, drawing his knees up to his body and hugging them in order to take a defensive stance. "Sod off, I said! Let me alone already!"
Then something unexpected happened. Suddenly Yami stepped in front of Yugi, reaching down and grabbing Jou's arm, yanking him to his feet not at all careful. Jou gave a short cry of pain and shock, stumbling as Yami released his grip.
---Tell him I think he's pathetic.--- He sneered unconvincingly, his eyes showing a sort of understanding. He backed off until he was behind Yugi again, hugging him as if seeking shelter.
"He wants you to know that he thinks you are... pathetic." Yugi said, shrugging. Alone he would have been afraid but somehow Yami made that all vanish with just being at his side.
"Pathetic?!" Jou tumbled dizzily, nearly falling back to the ground. "How would he know anything about me?"
---What did he say, Aibou?--- Yami hid his face in Yugi's hair, sighing contentedly, his arms sliding around Yugi's waist casually. Yugi blushed, but answered anyway.
::He asked how you would know he's pathetic.:: Being the mediator in this kind of situation made Yugi feel extremely uneasy.
---Then tell him I know that because it's obvious that he's weak. So weak in fact that I can't see him as a threat anymore. Pathetic.---
Yugi repeated Yami's words, leaving out the last bit though.
"Weak?" Jou's mask of self-consciousness faltered, making place for utter shock. He shut his eyes tightly. "I really am, aren't I?"
He choked out a quiet sob, then turned around and ran, his bruises causing him to limp a bit. The retreating sound of his heels on the ground could be heard for a while, then silence settled in, the two left teens staring down the street after Jou.
"You hurt him," Yugi said in a whisper.
---Your gentleness isn't helping him, is it?--- Yami let go of him and walked further on the sidewalk, already knowing the way to the Game Shop. ---In my opinion sometimes you have to be a bit rough. Sometimes it has to hurt.---
"Why should my help hurt him?" Yugi didn't follow Yami, so the pharaoh stopped after a few steps and turned around to him, his eyes a clear ruby red. "I want him to feel better, not to cause more pain."
---But sometimes pain is a way to sober the mind. It makes it easier to realise what has to be changed, what is missing.--- Yami smiled softly. Yugi could practically see how he let his guard down now that Jou was gone. ---The boy you want to help so desperately is drowning in his self-pity. He needs to notice and change that first before you are able to befriend him.---
"How do you know all that?" Yugi cocked his head to the side confusedly. "You seemed to judge Jou from outer appearance at the beginning and now you know how to make him feel better. Explain that to me."
---I just didn't try to see his pain until you told me to do so.--- Yami's smile didn't fade. --- I wanted to make sure you're safe. Nothing else mattered to me... but I am very able to see and I know very much about pain. How to inflict it and how to make it better. Though I'm not used to do the latter. I never really thought about doing so.---
"And now you do," Yugi asked, eyes wide in wonder.
---Maybe.--- Yami adverted his eyes, the smile still on his lips. ---Yeah, maybe.---
Yugi sighed, letting a small grin spread over his face . "It suits you better than carelessness."
---You think so?--- Yami's smile grew more playful and he shifted his gaze to the boy beside him. ---I do care about certain things. For example I care about having a bath or even better having a bath and you scrubbing my back. Or I would like to eat something. I'm starving.---
Blushing Yugi shook his head to get rid of the image of Yami in a bathtub and quickly stormed passed the other and in the direction of the Game Shop. He heard his look-alike laugh softly behind him, which made the red colour on his cheeks even darkening.
---Wait for me, Aibou.--- The mental voice was laced with amusement. Yugi figured he had read his thoughts again. This only served to make him feel even more embarrassed.
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"Grandpa, I'm home!" Yugi walked into the Game Shop, immediately spotting his grandfather at the counter. Yami behind him stiffened. He could almost feel his facial expression hardening. He briefly wondered why.
"Hey, Yugi." His Grandpa waved slightly, most of his attention on the paper in his hands though. Then he looked up in confusion. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at school?"
"My teacher..." Yugi looked down to the floor. How could he lie to his grandfather? He hated lying. His grandfather always knew when he was lying.
---Tell him the truth then.--- Yami's voice was suddenly cold as ice. ---I don't care, he can't do anything to shield you from me. I will stay right by your side. He has no power over me.---
Shocked Yugi looked at the other boy. What was that supposed to mean? Power?
---Tell him.--- Yami visibly gritted his teeth. ---He can't do anything. He can't. He can't. He has no power over me.---
::You are afraid of him,:: Yugi thought, knowing that Yami would hear it.
---No, no!! I'm not!---
"Yugi, what about your teacher?" If his grandfather noticed the looks they had shared, he didn't tell it.
"My teacher died of a heart attack today, so we were sent home..." Yugi's voice shook slightly. "This is... Yami. He... he... well, he is new here and he can't speak our language. So I asked him to come over."
"Yami, you say?" Sugoroku blinked, then smiled. "Well, he shall come in. I'm happy to see that you finally made a friend. Where did he come from?"
"Erm..."
---Egypt.---
"Egypt." Surprised Yugi turned around and looked at Yami. Egypt?
They went inside and sat down at the counter. Well, Yugi did. Yami seemed to prefer standing, stance and expression on guard all the time. Sugoroku leaned over to Yugi slightly.
"He isn't that friendly a companion, is he," he whispered, looking up at the other boy warily.
"He's just not used to Japan." Yugi grinned, turning his head and noticing that Yami was looking at him intently. He blinked, his face flushing a bit. Coughing slightly to get his voice clear, he continued. "Everything is new for him. It's not easy. I think he will relax when he feels comfortable here."
"Alright," Sugoroku murmured, now turning to the other teen. "Welcome in Japan, Domino. I hope you get used to your new surrounding soon."
---I feel comfortable.--- Yami's voice showed a bit of irritation. ---I just don't like your grandfather to be here, because he... he can tell you what to do.---
::I don't understand,:: Yugi thought, listening to his grandfather only half-heartedly now, while the old man waved with the paper in his hand, telling him how their shop was getting more and more successful.
---He is your grandfather, so you have to obey him.--- Yami stepped behind his chair, a hand falling casually to his shoulder. ---And if he wants you to tell me to go...---
::...then I would have to obey,:: Yugi finished, slowly understanding Yami's way of thinking. ::You think I would chase you away without another glance, just because he tells me to.::
---Well, yes, I do.---
::You're right. Probably I would have done just that,:: Yugi thought hesitantly, feeling the hand on his shoulder tightening its grip almost painfully. He hurried to continue. ::But now I have several reasons not to. I promised you to give you a second chance. Beside that...::
---Beside that,--- Yami whispered, the other hand coming up to lie down on his other shoulder possessively. Yugi had the sudden feeling Yami was never going to let go again. It was frightening.
::Besides that... I'm kind of... curious.:: Yugi shook his head. ::I can't explain why. I want to know more about you and you're strange mind.::
---Curious?--- The hands relaxed, releasing the pressure from his shoulders. ---Strange mind?---
Yugi suppressed a small giggle, leaning backwards to look up at the boy behind him. Yami indeed had a strange mind. The way he tilted his head now like a puppy while learning a new trick, paying attention to each and every movement, was just plain weird. No other person he had seen in his life had a facial expression equal to Yami's. And the strangest fact of all was... he liked it. He liked those imploring looks, directed towards him all the time, searching for something unknown to him. Liked them...
Before he noticed that Yami was moving, he was pinned beneath him, Yami sitting down on his lap easily, his eyes fixed to his face as if they were drawn to it. Yugi let out a squeal of shock, feeling two steady arms sliding around his neck.
---You like,--- Yami asked adoringly, nuzzling his hair now and purring like a cat.
The clatter of books and a sound akin to a cough caught Yugi's attention and he blushed as his eyes fell onto his grandfather. He tried to pull away with no real success.
"Yugi?" The old man appeared to be in a state of shock.
"Yami suddenly fell and I could barely catch him before he hit the floor." Yugi lied for at least the third time this day. "I think he doesn't feel very well. The journey to Japan must have been exhausting. I will take him to my room to rest."
The relief on his grandfathers face was clearly visible. "Phew, I thought for a second here that he attacked you or something."
::Or something,:: Yugi repeated dryly, standing up and leading the grumbling Yami out the door. Luckily for him the boy played along or simply didn't care.
---Why do you want to keep this a secret,--- Yami asked slowly, not pulling back from him.
"What do you mean," Yugi whispered, having a good idea what Yami was trying to tell him.
---This.---
Suddenly something soft and wet touched his throat, tickling the sensitive skin there and confirming Yugi's idea. He gasped, gripping Yami's arms, fighting with himself. To Push away? Or not to push away? Do or don't?
The touch vanished, just to be followed by a sharp pair of teeth closing over the caressed spot lightly, being quickly followed by lips and tongue again. Yugi did nothing to stop Yami, but didn't encourage him either. He didn't want that, did he? His look-alike was a mere stranger and he was not the right person to do such things with... He had killed his teacher. It wasn't right. He wasn't ready for that yet... But why did it feel so good? He sighed, tilting his head back a bit without noticing it, creating more space, exposing more skin to explore.
---Tastes so good.--- Yami shifted closer to him, directing him backwards until his back was pressed against the wall. Then he looked up into his eyes seriously. ---Why do you want to keep this a secret?---
"I... I don't know..." The floor seemed to be very interesting all of the sudden. Yugi bit his lower lip uncertainly. "I think... I fear Grandpa's reaction. It's all new to me and I want to know what I feel first, before I go and tell him. I never... never kissed anyone before you. I don't know how to evaluate my feelings. I don't know what I feel."
---Never kissed anyone?--- Surprise flashed through Yami's eyes. Then it made place for a smug expression. Seemingly Yami enjoyed his new knowledge.
"What," Yugi asked after a moment of hesitation. The other boy simply moved further toward him, bringing their faces extremely close together. Yugi shifted against the wall at his back, not knowing what to do or say. They were so close...
---My mother used to say that the first kiss is the most important in one's life,--- Yami whispered into his mind, his eyes never leaving his look-alike's. ---The person who gives you the first kiss owns your heart and soul. You will remember this person forever and belong to them until you die.---
"Then I belong to you and you... you belong to someone else," Yugi said quietly. A pang of something unknown to him struck his heart, something painful.
---No, I -did-.--- Yami smiled warmly. ---If you dare to steal another one's first kiss, you lose your heart and soul to them. My mother told me that you can't take a first kiss without losing something in return. I'm in your hands, little Aibou. You have my heart. You have my soul.---
"In... my... but..." Shivers ran up Yugi's spine. Yami's body leaned onto his, giving him the feeling of a comforting weight covering him like a blanket. He figured he could get used to this. If it weren't for a few simple facts. One being that Yami was the person who killed his teacher without any regret. Another reason was that he... "But I'm absolutely inexperienced. I have no clue of what to do... How can I... make a kiss feel good to you?"
---I'm already as happy as I can be like this, Yugi.--- Yami's eyes shone like clear red pools, giving proof of his words. ---As long as you are willing to be with me. As long as you give me a chance to learn. As long as you try to trust me. I'm happy.---
"Y-Yami..." In a mixture of laughing and crying Yugi put his arms around the taller teen and hugged him tightly, making Yami almost lose balance. He caught himself before falling onto his back with Yugi on top of him (though the idea of falling sounded not at all bad with Yugi attached to it) and steadied himself.
---And now...--- Yami grinned devilishly down on Yugi. ---I want my bath. And you -will- scrub my back.---
Yugi blushed a bright red and shook his head with a small smile. "No, no, no. You are young and still very able to reach your own back. If Grandpa were the one to ask me I wouldn't complain, since he has problems with it. But you..."
---So you wash your grandfather's back and refuse to wash mine?--- Yami pouted while they went up the stairs. ---Ow, my back!--- Suddenly Yami cringed, making a pained face, but his eyes kept twinkling with joy.
"You can't fool me," Yugi said chuckling.
---Oh, come on,--- the taller one pleaded, snuggling up to his arm. ---Pretty please?---
"I said no." Patting Yami's head Yugi opened the door to his room with his free hand and walked in, Yami still hanging on his arm.
---Pretty, pretty please?--- Yami stepped in front of him and looked at him with dazzling puppy dog eyes. ---Where I come from I'm used to it... it would be something familiar.---
Yugi's resolve faltered. "Well, maybe. Under the condition that you behave and keep your hands on yourself."
---Sure, I will keep my hands -on myself-.--- Yami whirled around, letting himself fall onto the bed.
"Yami..." Yugi's cheeks warmed at the innuendo and because of the way Yami had spoken the words, making sure Yugi noticed the hidden meaning in them.
---Just a joke.--- Grinning Yami rolled onto his side and stared up at Yugi, his hair slightly out of its usual order, warmth radiating from his eyes.
Beautiful.
---Aibou?--- Confusion and a small appreciating glint replaced the relaxed expression.
Cute.
---Did you just call me... cute?!--- Yami blinked, confusion changing into disbelief. ---I'm not cute!!---
"I didn't... erm... darn... I did." Yugi looked to the ceiling innocently. "Well, you kind of are cute when you look confused... Would you please stop reading my thoughts? They are private!"
---But I like them.--- Yami sniffed, crossing his arms behind his head and stretching his legs.
"Then let me read yours as well." Yugi demanded, hands at his hips and a defiant look. "It's not fair to read one's thoughts and hide your own."
---You can't read my thoughts unless you wear the Millennium Puzzle,--- Yami explained. ---Besides that I would have to give you access to them, because your power isn't enough to surpass the mental barriers like me.---
"Then do that." Yugi went to his drawer and took out the Millennium Item, putting it around his neck.
---I... don't want to.---
"You don't want to?" Yugi almost growled. "What kind of logic is that? You are able to read mine, but hold your own back?! I want to know how you think, what you want, how you feel!"
---I still don't want to.---
"Why?" Yugi tried to hide his anger and disappointment but knew too well that Yami felt it. It wasn't fair. Yami felt it. And he didn't stop to read his thoughts, even though he had told him to do so all the time. "You tell me to trust you?! How can I trust you if you block me out like that? How can I trust you if YOU don't trust me?"
Yami sighed, then silence settled in. Only after a few minutes of deep thinking on both sides, did one of them speak up again.
"You don't trust me, right?" Yugi forced a nervous hand trough his hair. "I knew all along that you don't. Although you try to be near me, you hold back all the same."
Again silence. Yami didn't look in his direction once, just kept being quiet.
"Come, on. Say something," Yugi pleaded, now desperate. "Anything."
---You're right. I..." Yami turned his head, uncertain ruby eyes gazing over to him. "I'm not used to show other people my weaknesses, but... I should trust you. I really should, shouldn't I? It's just... I can't.---
"But you want to?"
---Yes.---
"Then show me," Yugi whispered.
---Not yet.--- Yami closed his eyes. ---Come here first.---
"Okay." Suspiciously Yugi walked up to the bed until he stood directly in front of it, waiting for Yami to continue.
---Sit down.--- His look-alike opened his eyes and looked at him almost grimly, patting the spot beside him.
Yugi wordlessly did what Yami wanted him to do. "And now?"
---Now give me your hands.--- The taller one sat up, taking the offered hands in his own and putting them onto both puzzles, one onto his own and the other onto Yugi's, holding them down there. ---You'll have to trust me as well as I will learn to trust you. It will hurt, because you're not used to the dark powers. I'll give you access to my mind, but it won't be easy. Are you sure you really want that?---
Yugi's suspicions faded and he smiled at Yami. "Yes, I'm sure."
---Good.--- Yami closed his eyes again, a frown of concentration crossing his features. Immediately Yugi felt a tingling sensation crawling all over his body. The tickling grew stronger and soon he squirmed uncomfortably. It didn't hurt, but it also didn't feel very good.
Slowly the tickling changed, as if suddenly needles surfaced and poked at his hands, wandering up his arms and over his shoulders. Automatically Yugi tried to pull his limbs back to break the painful contact, but Yami's grip on them was stronger.
---You have to relax,--- Yami told him, voice soft but serious. ---I have to create a link between our minds, so you have to let your mental defense down as much as you can. Don't fight it, let it to your mind. It won't hurt that much then.---
"I can't..." Yugi grit his teeth, trying to force the pain away from him. "It's like electricity, it hurts... so much..."
---Tell me if I should stop.---
"Don't," Yugi panted, leaning onto Yami for support who in return leaned onto him. "Don't stop."
The stitches of the invisible needles reached every single spot on his body and as much as he tried to calm down and open his mind to the intrusion, it didn't work. It was as if running into a blade and who wouldn't back away instead of running into it? But he had to... Yami needed him to do that sacrifice. He forced his body to relax and let the pain stream into his mind freely. Involuntary he suppressed the urge to scream out loud. It hurt so much.
---I'm almost through the barriers,--- Yami told him. ---Just a bit more. You're doing a good job.---
Yugi winced in response, biting down on his lips hard. Sweat trickled down the side of his face and his hands on the puzzles felt sticky. He wasn't sure how long he would be able to last, but like Yami had said, the pain had become more bearable than before, though it had been hard at first.
Then all of the sudden he could feel something inside him snap and the pain stopped. Completely.
---Are you okay, Aibou?--- Yami's concerned voice filtered through his foggy thoughts.
"I didn't know how good it feels to feel normal," Yugi panted, leaning onto Yami weakly. "Are you done?"
---Yes, I am.--- The other boy stroked his hair soothingly. ---But you will have to be careful for a while now. Your mental defense will be very weak. But don't be afraid, I will take care of you.---
"You will?" Yugi sighed.
---You should be able to read my mind now.--- Yami grinned back, but he looked a bit uncomfortable with such an open weakness.
"I'm too tired," Yugi murmured, letting himself sink completely against Yami, showing him that he still had the control he seemingly needed over his actions, especially now that he had given some of it away. "I think if you want a bath, you will have to scrub your back yourself now."
---Oh, no, I won't let that one slip.--- He pulled the other onto his lap and leant back on the bed. ---I can very well take a bath tomorrow. I need rest as well.---
"Just for an hour though." Yugi yawned tiredly. "I have to cook today. It's my turn."
---You cook?--- Yami chuckled out loudly, making Yugi jump in shock. He had heard his voice only once, before the death of his teacher. It sounded deep and had an alluring tone to it. He blushed as Yami clutched him more tightly. Did he read those thoughts?
"Yes, I can cook." They both closed their eyes, slowly drifting off. "I learned it from my mother."
---I'm exited to taste your food.---
"...Yeah."
To Be Continued...
Now, there you are. Another chapter ready. How do you like Yami's lighter side? He's warming up to Yugi and he shows him a bit of his honest humour. It's a nice change, I think. Though the problem isn't solved yet and I will come back to that next chapter. Yugi doesn't trust Yami completely, it was just a beginning. And I hope I made sure how important not only Yugi's trust in Yami is, but Yami's trust in Yugi as well.
Tara's Nonsense:
The Manga of Yu-Gi-Oh is completed in Japan, but someone else (that means in fact NOT Kazuki Takahashi) is going to continue it. The style of drawing will be the same, I think (I saw a bit of it, thanks to Sansi (hugs Sansi)), but will the characters and the atmosphere be the same as well? What do you think of the issue? Should there be a continuation like with Dragon Ball GT?
Tara's Nonsense - End
And now up to the
Review Responses(they get way too long):
Yana5: You think it was sweet? Well, thank you! (smile)
Laryna6: You're right about Yami's way of thinking. He tries to change himself for Yugi though, even if it can't work out smooth all the time (sings innocently) But now there's a base of trust between them (sort of) and they are quite close with the link. I liked that review, thanks. I will look at your fics surely. Yay!
Sansi: Dein längster Kommi? Wow! Danke! Was die Sache mit den Gefühlen angeht, dass jemand etwas fühlt, es aber dem richtigen Gefühl nicht zuordnen kann: Ja, so ähnlich meinte ich das. Yami fühlt den Schmerz, bemerkt ihn aber nicht einmal wirklich, sondern denkt, er fühlt ihn, weil er es nicht schafft, ihn zu fühlen. Es ist sehr verwirrend, aber so ist es. Er hat das Gefühl, Yugi zu enttäuschen und somit keine Chance zu haben, ihm näher zu kommen und sein Vertrauen zu gewinnen. Und ja, er ist sehr besorgt um Yugi (grins)
JSR: Yeah, I didn't want Yami to come back from his experience with the dead woman and the child and him having understood everything, being nice and civil either. In German I would say now it would have been a kind of 'Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen'-situation, which would mean a Happy End. Literally translated it would mean 'Peace, Joy, Pancake'... (it doesn't sound right in English... (coughcough)) Well, anyway, the story would have been over then and there's so much bound to happen. Thank you for the nice review.
Rikainiel: Well, there were lots of Yami/Yugi bits in this chappie (grins) Couldn't help it. First I just meant to build up the base of trust between the two a bit more – the rest came just along with it. Thehe. I love to write them too much (twinkling eyes) For the real lemon... I'm not sure if I will do that. We'll see. Thank you for the review. More Yami/Yugi bits are sure to come.
Sozoku: 'Passion' is a word I really like (thanks for using it) Though I myself never really use it. Just like the word 'devotion'. That's the English word I like most. I never use it, I don't know why. Well, so you could feel the passion between Yami and Yugi? Just great! Now I'm a very happy authoress. Thank you for the review.
Pharaoh Atemu's Angel: The scene where Yami went to see the dead teacher wasn't at the funeral. The family just came to see her, most people need that to understand that the loved one is really dead. Anyway, you liked that scene? (smiles happily) And I bet you liked that Yami/Yugi-stuff as well (grins) Yami really IS possessive. And I like him that way. Though I also like him as the normal teen... (cough) My Yami isn't normal... Thank you for the review
SoulDreamer: You say you like a killing, insane Yami and are crazy and don't care? Hm... I momentarily think of what -I- am, if you (as the reader) are crazy... I wrote all that stuff... Ow, I think I'm doomed. Nevertheless I will continue! Muahahahaha!! Thank you for the review.
SilverWing147: Thank you! You really, really liked it? Cool (chuckles) Erm, one question though. What is D and M? (looks curious)
Strega: You make a point when you say there has to be an eternal conflict. Yeah, I really thought about it. It won't be Marik though. And not Bakura as well. Too evil. Bad. Hehe, not the right thing for this story. One evil person (points at Yami) is enough for now. I thought about adding Yami's family or a rival. Both are tempting. Someone who wants Yugi? Someone who wants Yami? Don't know yet. But one thing is for sure... It will be complicated as hell. Yay, that's how we like it.
I think it's great that you mention Yugi's principles. He won't let Yami do anything with him, before he isn't absolutely sure about it (though he can't resist all the time, heh)
The thing with Anzu and Yami has another explanation. It isn't as if Yami just doesn't want to touch her, because she is Anzu (tough that'd be enough for a lot of people) Yami won't ever touch people (besides Yugi, but that's a different thing), because touch is a weakness for him. If you touch someone you show them an emotion, even if just briefly. You remember the scene with Jou in this chapter? Yami shying away after helping Jou up? Well, it's just like that. Through touch he shows that he cares. It's difficult to explain. He doesn't care about Jou much(or not at all), but he understands him. He's trying out the word 'compassion'... mostly for Yugi, but also for himself, because he wants to understand. Waah, I'm babbling. It was just nagging at the back of my mind all the time. Well, I love, love, love your reviews. Thank you very much. You help me a lot!
Osiris-Lee: Oh, the two of them were in public. But I couldn't write the reaction of the people around them, because they were absolutely fixed onto each other. I really wanted to and I tried at one point, but it just didn't fit in so I erased it. It will come up later on though. Yugi has to go to school after all (winks) Thank you or the review.
YumeTakato: Oooh, thanks!! (laughs happily and dances around) That's what I tried, to get some in-depth. It worked? Yeah!! Thank you, thank you!
Amber Eyes: You want to be my beta-reader? Really? That'd be great! Then I could send you the chapter before updating, you simply look over it and correct possible mistakes. I don't know what a beta does as well, I think that's it (smiles) If you are interested still, tell me in a review, then you'll get the next chapter first of all people. Waiii, I'm happy. Thank you for the review.
Hakiri-Nefertiri: Yeah, sometimes it's difficult to tell if someone cares or not. In Yami's case, I think doesn't care about some things because he never thought of the consequences. He has to learn evaluate his feelings. Sort of (grins). I'm glad you liked the chapter. Thank you for the review.
Cattypatra: I don't think that Yami is In-Character, but I am glad that you find him believable. I work on the characters very hard and think a lot of their reactions. I admire a lot of the other author's for their works and hope they write some more YxYY stuff. Figures, they died. T.T
Thank you for the suggestion of the fic. I will take a look at it, seems you liked it a lot. Then it has to be good (grins) Thank you for the review.
Throws chocolate cookies to all the readers. THANK YOU!!