'...' Yugi's thoughts
-...- someone else's thoughts
/.../ Yugi to Yami
(...) Yami to Yugi
... annoying interruptions by Sansi

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HE IS SPOILT FOR CHOICE
by Sansi
Chapter 3: Rivalry
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This was the kind of thing Yugi had only imagined in his wildest dreams and even then they couldn't compare to this. He wished that he could freeze this moment forever or at least engrave it in his mind for all eternity. The two halves of the same soul were currently sitting, or more like cuddling, on the couch in the living room. It was a special occasion for the light as his guardian spirit rarely showed affection towards anyone. Though the hikari knew that his yami cared for him and their friends, it was nice to see Yami as anything else as the solemn protector.

After the poor excuse, Yugi called dinner, the light suggested they watch a movie to pass the time. In his eyes there was nothing more boring than staying in bed the whole day. Of course, the hikari wouldn't mind so much if it meant having his yami beside him in said bed, but that wasn't something that would happen anytime soon if at all.

The hikari was slightly upset that he had absolutely no cooking skills, so he hadn't the chance to sweep his secret love off his feet with a decent meal. Sure, the darkness wasn't superficial like that, but an old adage replayed in his mind: 'The way to a man's heart is through his stomach'. Pouting, Yugi admitted silently that it wouldn't work if his darker and in Yugi's opinion more attractive half hadn't this sort of feelings for him, but the hikari was willing to try anything and everything.

While thinking that over, Yugi noted protectively that Yami was slightly cold and shivered, but the stubborn man refused to admit that fact. The pharaoh would rather freeze to death than letting his guard down, especially in front of his charge; another thing that the lighter half loved about the pharaoh. The yami did everything for him. 'Even loving me?' asked himself hopefully.

Yugi, the caring light he was, get some soft blankets. Naturally the hikari assured the once pharaoh that they were for himself. That, of course, didn't reflect reality, because Yugi was so hot that he felt like he was running a marathon in a desert. Though his friends and grandpa always told him what a terrible liar he was, the innocent light kept the little lie well hidden. 'Hiding emotions all the time isn't so bad after all. Might as well see it as practice.'

Halfway in the movie, Yami drifted away, unconsciously leaning against his chibi hikari for comfort, much to Yugi's delight and tenseness. Nobody could argue with him that it wasn't great to have his protector close to him, but now the little light had problems to keep his hormones in check. Oh man, he was so screwed, if his yami ever found out.

Looking at his peacefully sleeping other half, his mind flew in the clouds. The hikari wanted to squeak in adoration. His yami was so awfully cute when he was sleeping and there weren't many chances for Yugi to see him that way. The darkness was always up before him and went to sleep far after the light's sleeping time. Granted, Yami was hot all the time, but in sleep he looked so much more innocent.

The ring of the doorbell spoilt the wonderful moment. Frustrated that he had to leave his cosy position on the couch, Yugi tried to lay his yami down on the sofa without waking him. He hoped to spend more time with his darkness, once he got rid of the undesirable visitor. As always, luck wasn't on his side and the spirit of the puzzle opened his gorgeous crimson eyes to the world. Yugi's plans were once again screwed.

Sure enough, there wasn't just one person outside. Yugi regretted instantly telling somebody that his other half was ill, because now he had the whole bunch of friends standing outside. The hikari loved to hang out with them, but was it too much to ask to have some time alone? Right now he would like nothing more better than sending them to the shadow realm.

"Hey Yugi! Are you standing here all day or are you going to let us in?" the always cheerful Joey mock-scolded his best friend.

Smiling apologetically, the chibi hikari invited them in, greeting them with fake words.

"It's nice that you guys came over!"

Unsurprisingly, Tristan and Tea tagged along, but nothing shocked him more than seeing Seto Kaiba coming in as well. Weren't they rivals? Since when did the CEO care enough for, anyone except Mokuba, to visit? Yugi shrugged it off and decided that Mokuba's influence over his brother was too strong for the cold-hearted Kaiba to fight.

Other than that, the hikari was relieved that Yugi's shadows, aka Miho and Rebecca weren't visiting too. Nothing was worse than having those two over you all day.

Meanwhile, the gang greeted Yami, who was sitting on the couch, wrapped up in a blanket. Even Seto offered a small nod, what was much more than one could expect. Mildly, Yugi wondered if Kaiba was planning to challenge the pharaoh to a Yami-no-Game, though he put this thought quickly to rest. 'He could be warming up to us. Maybe he starts to see us as friends and not only as enemies.'

Tea went to the kitchen, offering to cook something for yami, much to the spirit's delight. Shaking his head in amusement at her mother instincts, Yugi was a tad bit jealous. Yugi wanted to be the only thing Yami needed and care for him, but the teen couldn't even provide him with food

Kaiba kept the distance from the group, only watching them from afar.

Joey and Tristan were busy informing the ancient pharaoh of the happenings of this day in school. Yami seemed really enjoying himself while chatting around with the two and in Yugi's eyes that was all that mattered. As long as his darker half was fine and happy, nothing else mattered.

Though Yugi kept this thought in his mind, he had problems to hide his protectiveness towards Yami. Joey challenged the king of games to a duel, but the hikari contradicted, telling them that Yami was still not up to any effort. The pharaoh watched his light stunned, but didn't comment.

Yugi blushed and averted his eyes. He couldn't have been more blunt, could he?

Before questions could be asked, the shadow excused himself to go upstairs. Jounouchi and Honda didn't complain when Yugi glared at them, daring them to say a word. At the same time, Yugi pondered if he should go with his yami or stay downstairs as he already gave far more away as he should.

Suddenly the pharaoh swayed a bit, obliviously overestimating his strength. If it weren't for Kaiba's fast reflexes, the darkness would have hit the floor. The CEO caught him swiftly and picked him up. Yami murmured an embarrassed 'thank you', his cheeks softly turning pink.

Yugi wasn't sure if he should be relieved or jealous. Yami never blushed. He, Yugi himself, needed years of practice so that he could read a few of the pharaoh's expressions on his face.

/Are you alright, Yami?/ the hikari asked worriedly, hiding the hurt in his voice rather well.

(Ahem ... I'm fine, don't worry)

The normal cheerfulness left Yugi's face. Yami NEVER stuttered.

Again, before anyone of them could react, Kaiba disappeared with his package upstairs, leaving the friends starring after them in wonder.

Anzu chose this moment to make her reappearance "What have I missed?!

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Minutes past and there were no signs of either Kaiba or Yami. Fidgeting with his shirt nervously, Yugi bit his lip in deep thought. 'What was that all about?'

Glancing at the stairs for what seemed the hundredths time, he lost his inner battle and let his jealousy and worry get the better of him.

"I'm going to check on Yami, guys!" Yugi didn't wait for an answer and went upstairs.

Standing in front of Yami's room, he hesitated only a moment before Yugi opened it soundlessly.

What Yugi saw was something he would never be able to forget. He froze and his heart nearly stopped as his blood ran cold.

Yami laid in bed, what seemed fast asleep and Kaiba was leaning over him. OVER HIM! Realization hit him at full impact. Now he understood Kaiba's visit and heated glances. Yami. Kaiba wanted his yami. The thought alone made the lighter half nearly sick, not to mention the sour feeling in his stomach.

Snapping out of his thoughts, his eyes went impossible wider when Kaiba moved closer to Yami, shutting in eyes in doing so. 'He is going to kiss him!!!!'

Only then did Yugi register it. "Kaiba!" he shouted darkly, not leaving his eyes from the CEO. Yugi's outburst had the desired affect. Kaiba didn't suspect somebody else in the room and backed away from the unsuspecting sleeping man.

"I think you're going. NOW!" Yugi hissed furiously, while shoving the unwanted guest out of the door. Swiftly, Yugi closed and looked the door and banged his head hard against the wood.

There was someone else fighting for Yami's affection.

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TBC – If you read it, please be nice and review too! Suggestions and questions are always welcome!

Should I put the rating up? I'm unsuspecting, because we don't have ratings in Austria. Ahem some hentainess in here, but I couldn't help it. Yugi isn't as innocent as he wants us to believe.

Not my best chapter, but here you go. I decided to update this or people are going to kill me in my sleep or worse sue me! –glances at Rikainiel-

Thanks to my GREAT reviewers: Dagger Maxwell, jkateel, Pharaohs Angel, Koishii No Tenshi, Rikainiel, Misura and ryuuhikari.

Silentia: Ehrlich gesagt, habe ich noch kA wie viele Kapitel dieser fic haben wird. Das hängt von meiner Kreativität ab.

Owaranaimono Aite: No, no angst here ... at least not much

Applause for my beta silvershadowfire for putting up with me the whole time!