New upload notice:

Alrighty, I finally finished the lemon. I said I would a month and a half ago, but… Ah, better late than never, right? ^_^;; And I also fixed the title, as Strawberry Princess pointed out.

Anyway, I put the link for the lemon at the bottom. *nods* Please read it. It took me a loooooooooong time, and I'm quite proud of how it turned out. And it's LOOOOOOOONG. O_o More explanations at the bottom.

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Original A/N:

Lookies! I updated! I'm not dead! Aren't you all so glad? *wide grin* Thank you to all who reviewed! ^_^ See? I'm alive! And I'm updating! ^_____^

Hyper? Me? Oh no. Whatever ARE you talking about?

Well… This chapter has been longer than I had at first anticipated, that it has… Hope you enjoy it, ne? ^_^

Hmmmmm. Too tired to rant much. And I'm sure you would all much prefer to move onto the fic.

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh or The Little Mermaid, etc, etc, etc. I hardly own anything, meh.

Warning: Yaoi! Pretty pretty yaoi! ^_^ I don't know how you could possibly not know this yet… unless you're one of the people who jump into a middle chapter and poke around there… O_o

Notice: Genre changed to angst, rating upped to R. You'll find out why later. But don't worry, no lemon HERE.

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Chapter 3 – One Chance at Life

   Warmth. Warmth, like nothing he had felt before. That was the first feeling that greeted him as his mind left the land of dreams, to a sweet reality hiding bitter truth. The warmth flowed through him, caressing, nurturing, sending so much love that, for a moment, it seemed as if everything would turn out alright. Yugi sighed soundlessly, happily, and snuggled closer. He was aware, now, of the touch of silky skin against his cheeks; soft skin concealing hard muscles. As his senses began to awaken, he could smell sweet spices mingled with a slight bit of sweat, the fragrance that had lulled him to sleep. Now, he could hear the even breaths, feel them. The prince's chest was rising and falling slowly. He was still asleep, despite the light of the bright morning sun, promising a fair day.

   Slowly, Yami stirred, woken by the change in environments, by the feeling of a pair of eyes gazing at him. All of a sudden, he remembered the night's events. Now, only now, did he realize the reason he felt so warm, so comfortable. Only now did he notice the soft bundle that he held in his arms -- a soft, warm bundle with milky-white skin, feathery soft hair, and large amethyst eyes. He froze in shock as he realized how close he had come to Yugi during the night. both boys were virtually naked, wearing only a pair of sheer white pants. warmth flowed through, leaving him tingling with pleasure. The sensible part of his mind screamed at him to move, to get away, but he could not. And that was not only because he did not want to, because he enjoyed being close to the younger boy. No, it was mostly because of the pair of slim arms tightly encircling his waist.

   "Yugi..." The word was barely audible, nothing but a gossamer breath born on the slightest breeze.

   The boy looked up, violet eyes questioning. Unconsciously, he drew closer to the prince, as if fearing to lose him.

   Yami shook his head, placing his hands on the younger boy's shoulders and gently pushing him away. "I must go get something. Dark will take care of you while I am gone. He will introduce you to my friends. Trust only them..."

   Yugi nodded, eyes wide with trust, reminding the older teen of a new-born kitten. Yet... not so. There was something else there. Something fiery and passionate, fighting to burst out. It was so intense that it was terrifying.

   As the prince dressed, Yugi could not help but stare at the smooth, tanned body, glistening in the light. As he turned, the mer-boy's eyes followed lithe muscles sliding under the skin with the grace of a cat. Gorgeous...

   After Yami left, Yugi sat in silence, thinking. Was it truly love...? Or was it merely lust? He wanted to touch him, hold him, press their bodies together... allow the incredible heat to seep through. But, more than that, he wanted Yami to be happy. Happy, even if he was not. To live, even if he could not. To love, even if the person loved was not him.

   "You are quite taken with my prince, are you not?"

   The boy jumped at the voice, and spun to face a lean face framed by violet hair. Hesitantly, he nodded. 'Hai... I love him...'

   Dark's expression softened at the look of wistful longing on the amethyst-eyed face. "There is something about you that none of us knows. I cannot help with what I do not know, but I will tell you this. He cares more than you think, even if he has not admitted it to himself."

   Yugi looked up hopefully, eyes wide and shining. 'Maybe... Maybe we could be together after all... maybe I could live... with him...'

   "Come," the magician beckoned. "Put on your clothes and meet me in the hallway. Prince Yami has asked me to introduce you to his friends."

   The young teen nodded. Yami's friends... The only people he could trust... As soon as Dark left, he began to dress. As his fingers brushed over the fluttering silk, he was reminded of the ruby-eyed prince's soft skin. How he longed for Yami's touch. 'Yami-Chan...'

   A smile, albeit a sad one, graced his lips for a second. 'At least...at least I can have him for two more days, whatever happens...'

   The lovestruck prince hurried through the market, searching out the stand he had been at the day before. It was not difficult, of course -- it was run by one of his loyal subjects, after all -- but he had not visited for months before the previous afternoon. Yami hesitated, considering the labyrinth of roads and alleyways. Left, left, right... He ducked aside as a crowd of children ran past, laughing and playing in their element. His people... the people he barely knew but would soon rule...

   Wait a second... Yami doubled back, confirming what he caught from the corner of his eyes. There it was... shining from the bright eyes of the children, evident in their laughter... Joy. It was missing -- or at least covered -- from Yugi. However, something else radiated from the young beauty; a soft tenderness and need. The same expression that the prince had seen amongst his friends, passing between Bakura and Ryou, Seto and Jou... That expression was...

   The crimson-eyed teen shook his head. It was not possible. Not possible...

   "My prince," a voice interrupted his thoughts. "What brings you here so early in the day?"

   Yami was not surprised to meet two reflective azure eyes. His reply was a simple question. "Is it ready?"

   A slight smirk touched the man's lips. "So eager, my prince? Would you care to tell me who the lucky recipient of the half of your soul is?"

   The cardinal-eyed prince blushed. "He is... a rare beauty... A diamond amongst the coals, shining with the sun's own light."

   The owner of the stand raised an eyebrow. "And he seems to have the power to make Your Highness turn poetic."

   Yami scowled at the teasing. "Just tell me if it's ready or not, Shadi! I need the Sennen Puzzle to communicate with him."

   The merchant nodded, tilting his head slightly. "It is, my prince. May you have the best of luck with your little beauty." Bowing once, he reached under the stand and pulled out two objects, each the size of an adult's fist. One was clearly pyramidal, but the other seemed to be in a box. Respectfully, he handed them to his liege. "My prince, be careful. They are quite heavy. The boxed one is for you to give to your little beauty. His heart -- both its strength and its truth -- must be tested before he could share your soul."

   The prince nodded, taking his possessions and paying his subject. "I understand. And he will pass. I have no doubt of it." Finally... Finally, Yugi, I would know who you truly are...

   In a fair day holding such promises, Yami hurried back towards the castle, completely unaware of his little guest's fate. He should finish in, what, a week? Two weeks? I can wait... Even if it takes years, even if it takes forever, I will wait...

   Little did he know that, not to speak of two weeks, he did not even have two days left...

   Sometimes, ignorance truly was bliss. However, poor Yugi had no such liberties...

   "Your Highness! Where were you? His Majesty was looking for you this morning."

   Yami groaned inwardly at the frantic voice that greeted him as he entered the castle, his arms quite weary from the heavy weights that he had to bear for the past hour-or-so. Right now, he did not want a conference with his father. What he wanted was to find the violet-eyed Yugi and crawl into a bed with him...

   Woah! The prince's mind did a double-take. What was that? I could have sworn I thought...

   Ah, shush. The other side of his brain waved it away mentally. I did that last night, and it was perfectly fine.

   However, in his mental discussion, he had momentarily forgotten to walk. The servant, stiff as a pole and bearing castle liveries almost smugly, was starting to look at him strangely. He supposed no one else argued with themselves in their head...

   "Ah... pardon, Your Highness?" The servant was trying very hard not to look impatient. "The King awaits..."

   "Yes, yes." Walking briskly towards his father's study, Yami dispatched the servant on another errand. "Go find Dark -- uh, Mahaado, that is -- and tell him to wait for me outside my father's study, along with the new arrival, Yugi."

   The servant bowed. "Yes, Your Highness. I will do so immediately."

   Completing his short walk, the prince knocked on this father's door. "Father, I have come. May I enter?"

   "Ah... My son... Yes, please do so." The King's voice was excited about... something.

   Respectfully, Yami obeyed, stepping in and quietly closing the door behind him. The aged King sat facing him, hands folded across the top of an oak desk, large stacks of parchment on either side.

   Stopping a few steps away, the youth bowed, looking up questioningly. "Father, you wished to see me...?"

   The King nodded and slumped down, fatigue dimming the pride that once shone on his visage. Suddenly, he seemed so old, so vulnerable. "It would soon be time for your coronation. I am old... dying. I wish to hand this throne to you, my son, ere disputes arise. Thus... it is my wish that you marry."

   "M-marry?" Yami's crimson eyes widened slightly in surprise. He had never really considered marriage before, and now, the very mention of that word brought to his mind the image of a violet-eyed, fair-skinned little beauty.

   "Yes, marry," the King chided. "You know, take a wife, produce an heir... All that stuff."

   "B-but..." The teen tried to hide his blush. "Why so soon?"

   "You are old enough."

   "And... who?"

   "Ah, that is the matter I wished to discuss today." The King sat up, regarding his son gravely. "I wish you to visit the daughter of the Count of Domino. (A/N: Yes, I can't think of a name, thus, from Domino City.) She is a kind and fair lady, one year of age less than you. We have already arranged your betrothal when you were both only infants. I hope you will not make too much of a fuss about this..."

   Yami was in a state of mild shock. Betrothal... Marriage... Count Domino's daughter? But... But Yugi... Visions flashed through his mind of the younger boy hurting, crying... Pain clutched his heart.

   "Father, I cannot!" the prince burst out. "With all due respects, I cannot... For I love another."

   Love? His mind marvelled at this new revelation. Love Yugi? Yes... Love Yugi, more than anything else...

   The King shook his head sadly. "I am afraid you may not refuse, my son. Such are the fetters of royalty, that we may not freely choose much in our lives... that we may not marry for love... Maybe you will learn to love her some day. It is not that difficult a task. She is quite a flower, dainty and clever."

   The youth looked away, refusing to meet the severe rebuke in his father's eyes. "She is a weed compared to my love."

   A soft, nostalgic smile touched the aged man's lips. "I am sure she is, to you. But..." His berating expression was back. "You will meet her and bring her here today, and you will marry her as soon as possible. There is no choice."

   "N-now?!"

   "Yes. I am old and weary..." The King lifted his right hand, staring at it in disgust, before letting it flop onto the table again. "I have no strength left. Soon, you must be King."

   The young prince looked away. Duty... He was born into duty, and denied much. Perhaps he had an abundance of wealth in gold and silver and jewels, but that was all he had. Now, after finally finding love, he must toss it away, because his position demanded that he marry this... countess. "I... I will do as you say, Father. I will marry this lady. However... Do not expect me to ever love her. My heart has been given to another already."

   "And that is all I ask."

   Bowing again, Yami strode away, his heels clicking angrily. "I will now take my leave."

   The prince was not entirely surprised to find two people waiting for him outside. His cold, azure-eyed attendant was calm, but his face held a hint of question. The young boy at his side, clothed in lily-white silk, was staring with open curiosity, tugging on the prince's sleeve to get his attention... as if he did not already have all of it.

   "My lord...?" the violet-haired magician prompted, when Yami made no move to speak.

   The youth sighed, leaning against a wall. His words were slow, heavy. "My father... wants me to marry. The daughter of the oh-so-wealthy and powerful Count Domino, to be precise."

   "And... you do not want to?"

   "No, I..."

   Dark raised an eyebrow. "You what, my lord? I have heard she was a rare beauty."

   It was a strange sight, to see the prince out. "I... I love another." Of their own will, his eyes darted to his young charge, hoping his attendant would not notice. That was when he noticed the held-in tears. "Yugi? Yugi, what's wrong?"

   The boy blinked innocently and shook his head, as if indicating that no, nothing was wrong. But he knew the prince could see through the act. He wondered why Dark said that, knowing that he loved Yami. He wondered if the one Yami loved was him... He just met me yesterday! Yugi's mind scolded. Why would he love me? And I... I will die...

   "Yugi, please... Tell me what's wrong..." The prince hesitated, realizing the ridiculousness of that statement. "Er... I mean..." He sighed, and, not knowing what to do, pulled the boy into a hug. He knew how hard it was going to be, to control himself in the presence of the one he loved. The soft, warm, frail body pressed against him, their thin summer garments doing nothing to stop the transfer of heat and the texture of the other's body to seep through. Yami buried his face into the younger boy's sweet-smelling hair. No one could possibly be as beautiful or as gentle as the strange boy his heart had chosen. No one.

   He smiled as the boy's arms reached for him...

   "Your Highness?" A timid servant approached the three. "Your Highness, your carriage awaits."

   The prince stood up, slowly untangling himself from the younger boy. "All right. Dark, Yugi, let's go."

   "Y-your Highness!" The servant's face was flushed. "There is only room for you, besides the driver..."

   "Nonsense!" Yami grinned widely, terrifying the poor servant. "Mahaado can drive just fine, and I am certain that Yugi can fit somewhere. Or..." The prince sent him a half-glare. "...Do you meant to say that I am wrong?"

   The servant gulped, rapidly trying to break away without looking like he was doing so. The first rule that any of them learned was, "Unless the King says otherwise, the Prince is never wrong." "N-no, Your Highness. Of course not."

   "Then I presume I may leave?" The youth's polite question contrasted sharply with his narrowed eyes. "There are no problems with my arrangement? Good. You may inform the driver that he is to serve my... friends... instead today."

   "Y-yes, Your Highness. Straight away." The servant bowed hurriedly and scrambled away.

   Mahaado smirked, voicing Yugi's thoughts. "Sadistic much, my prince? I almost feel sorry for him."

   "Ah, he deserved it," the prince declared cheerfully. "And Jou would make good use of that driver."

   Indeed, half an hour later found the aforementioned golden-haired teen with his lover and friends, chattering happily -- and somewhat traumatizing the poor driver with their suggestive bickering -- on their way to a fair.

   Meanwhile, Yugi tugged on his prince's sleeve again, a question evident in his eyes. 'Where are we going?'

   "Oh... you what to know where we're off to?" The prince grinned at the boy's eager nod. "Well... We're going to see Count Domino and his daughter... but don't worry! I'll make the visit as short as possible. Then, we can come home and... um..." And sleep together! Yes, what a wonderful idea-- What am I thinking?!

   The shorter boy nodded, his excitement dulled. He was sure this girl was nice and all, but Yami was supposed to be his! Their destinies became entwined at that meeting. If... if his prince were to marry her... He would...

   But I knew I was going to die already... didn't I? And... if I didn't, someone else will. I would rather it be me...

   "Oh, come now, it can't be that bad." Yami wrapped an arm around the boy's thin shoulders, pulling him close. "Please, sweet Yugi, don't' look like that... Please, smile for me?"

   Smile, he did. A bright light seemed to bloom from his porcelain face, gentle, beautiful. In the deep, cold shadows of his heart, however, there yet dwelt tears, piercing his mask of fragile joy like icy shards.

   I will smile. Even upon my death, I will smile for him. No more tears... no more... He needs not be hurt.

   The prince clapped in delight, not knowing of the little beauty's plight. "You are so radiant like that!"

   Only the shadow mage Dark understood, as he closed his steely cerulean eyes and shared in the mer-boy's pain.

   And still, Yugi smiled, just for his love. Were the world to know, it would weep its heart out...

   The eternal smile remained upon the boy's face during the carriage ride. Some of it was actually real, for, to accommodate Yugi in the crowded space, the prince set him on his lap. The mer-boy figured, in a desperate manner never before seen in him, that if he were destined to die, he might as well enjoy himself now. Right...?

   "By the way, Yugi..." The prince fiddled with a package beside him nervously, a light blush rising in his cheeks. "I um... have a present for you. It's... ah... here." That being said, he shoved the package that he retrieved that morning from the merchant at the shorter boy.

   'Hmmmmmm?' Yugi poked the wrapped-up bundle curiously, feeling a rectangular box that shook as they rode along. It was rather heavy, too. Giving into his curiosity, which poked him in the same manner, he unwrapped the cloth bag, to find... a box, just like he had suspected. Sunlight and onyx, it glimmered mystically, entrapping his soul.

   The boy looked up questioningly, wondering just what was in the little box.

   "Open it," the prince urged, smiling softly at his little guest. "If... if you could complete it, we could hear each other's thoughts..."

   'Thoughts... Mind... Heart... Love...'

   The younger boy smiled, for a moment taken by actual joy. Gratitude shone from his features, for more reasons than the young prince could suspect. His thoughts... His thought could grant him his life... Hope replaced the despair, the dark acceptance of his fate.

   However... If he did not die...

   If he were to live, then who would die?

   A gentle hand reached up, running long, slender fingers through Yugi's silken hair, and the crimson-eyed youth sighed in content. In his own mind, he was almost purring. There was his beauty, sitting on his lap, and starting already the task of completing the Sennen Puzzle, the object granted only to the few Chosen.

   Chosen by who...? For a moment, the prince considered the question. Chosen... for what purpose? Why am I one...? What is in store for me? What is expected of me?

   Figuring that all that was pointless, he shook his head, setting aside his musings for the here and now. And he knew, that he would be one of the few fortunate ones, who would be able to say that they enjoyed reality, enjoyed the time they were given. He would be one of the few to say that he was now satisfied with what life had given him, that he no longer needed to dream.

   But why? Why was there such a deep sadness that he could sense within the younger boy? Why did he seem to cry within, even while his silent laughter seemed to ring out? What was his secret... and why did it bring Yami such fear as he had never before felt? It was the only thing that had ever shaken his ever-present confidence, though only a little.

   As the prince pondered these questions, Mahaado, royal magician and the prince's own attendant, studied his liege lord and their newly-acquired guest. The attraction between the two was simple enough for even a child to see... yet they could not understand it... did not dare to believe it, lest it proves false. Such, he had heard, was the fate of the emotion called "love".

   However, he knew something his prince did not... or, perhaps as the love, simply could not believe. He knew who -- and more specifically, what -- the child-like boy was.

   Mermaid.

   Child of the Sea.

   Treasure of the Sea...

   A dangerous match, they were. The heir of both kingdoms... the kingdoms secretly at war. He did not know by what sorcery the mer-prince was turned into a human peasant boy, but he could tell easily enough that their King was not going to be pleased.

   In fact, even open war may break out. What would the prince do, then? Would he return his lover to save his people? And more importantly... How would the mer-boy react? How far was he willing to go for his next-to-impossible love? How much was he willing to sacrifice?

   Everything.

   I know... I know he would...

   For a moment, cold cerulean eyes shut, as crystal droplets were quickly blinked away, as if they had never existed in the first place. He was a magician. He had long ago learned to control his emotions at the premonition of death. He had seen the blood moon, on that day, seemingly so long ago. He, too, knew its significance. However, he had realized, too late, which mermaid had come to visit his master...

   It should not have been possible, he knew. The guarded Treasure of the Sea... the ocean King's beloved grandson... He should never have been allowed to come to the surface. It was for the humans' protection as much as for the aquatic creatures'. Too many threads of magic lead to him, too many destinies...

   I could see the magic as well as the witch who bespelled him... If I could foresee the tide of doom, so could she. Why did she not stop him...? Why...

   However, the answer was there already. He knew that there was little choice. No choice.

   It brings hope. It is the only path that leads away from the certainty of death.

   He sighed. They could but wait and see... see if hope holds true, if hearts holds sway over mind, if, for once, love would not be shattered into dust scattered upon the four winds.

   Hope. What joke. Lessons in his skill had taught him to never hope, to trust only what he could attain with his own skills. But this... This was far beyond him, far beyond the skills of any who live upon this earth.

   Hope. What else was there...?

   Yugi stared intently at the delicate flower in his hands, running deft fingers gently over its petals... petals like trails of blood... He had found it within a pile of other floral plants at the back of the royal carriage, and had taken it to occupy himself while his prince was busy greeting the Count of Domino and his daughter. He had wanted to work on the puzzle that his prince had given him, but, somehow, it felt out of place here, as if it did not belong... as if it should not be brought into this household.

   Idly, almost of their own will, his slim fingers gently tugged free one of the scarlet tendrils, letting it scatter into the wind. He loves me...

   He had seen children play this game before, during one of the few times his sister had helped him sneak to the shore, allowed him to view the human world in the light of the sun, to view their children... singing, playing... It was a game of sorts that he had seen many young girls play, gently picking petals off of a daisy, trying to tell, as if by some mystic, if their chosen one loved them. He loves me not...

   Though this was no daisy, the young mer-boy figured it would do. He loves me...

   Amaranth, was it? That was what his sister had said, when she showed one to him that day, less than an hour before his meeting of the human prince. He loves me not...

   The "ever-flower", she had called it. What did that mean? What magical qualities did it have? He wondered if perhaps, it could make his dream come true. He loves me...

   She had said that it grew only in the royal garden... or was that what Dark had told him, noticing his interest? It would not grow anywhere else... He loves me not...

   Feeling a sudden fear seize him, Yugi wondered, as pain gripped his heart, what would happen if the flower told him that Yami did not, in fact, love him. Of course, he knew that it was absolutely ridiculous to listen to what a flower said, but... still... it was sure to be a dark omen. And, after seeing himself under a spell, he was no longer doubting the existence of magic... He loves me...

   "Hmmmmmm, Yugi? What are you doing?"

   The violet-eyed boy spun around in surprise at the deep voice, its tone amused. Amethyst met ruby, one shocked, one laughing. How long had the prince been watching him? Could he tell what he had been doing? For once, the boy was glad of the loss of his voice, glad that he could not speak aloud to himself and be overheard.

   The taller youth took a few steps forward, cupping the mer-boy's hands in his own and bringing them closer to his face to inspect their contents. "A flower?" A soft smile graced his lips, a secret smile shown only to his little beauty. "Do you like these? I should take you to the garden some time, where these bloom..."

   Yugi nodded, unconsciously scooting closer.

   "The Amaranth..." the prince murmured, his arms moving to wrap around the child-like boy, as if protecting him from the harsh world. "The ever-flower of legends, which never fades or dies..." His lips twisted a little, almost into a slight sneer. "My father planted them to symbolize that our power will never fall. But these are not from poets' tales... These are living, growing plants. Each winter, they wither, and each spring, they return. My father spends much of his wealth on them. They are hard to come by, and harder still to raise, requiring the best soil and a very precise amount of water and sunlight."

   The shorter boy nodded again, indicating that he was listening. So these flowers were not magical after all... He wished that they were... that there was some form of miracle he could believe in...

   'Meep!'

   Yugi would have squeaked out loud had he been able to, as he was lifted off of his feet.

   "So light, almost like a feather..." the prince murmured, cradling the mer-boy close. "I bet you could fly upon the wind..."

   Without warning, spun in place, laughing softly as his young charge was airborne. The boy's face was flushed with excitement, with genuine cheerfulness. Slowly, at first hesitant, he spread his arms like wings, trusting his prince to hold on, to keep him safe. He could feel the breeze rush by him, bringing a welcomed chill in the hot summer. Free! He could fly... fly... upon the air as he had once done through the water... For a moment, that reminded him of his fate. No matter what happened now, he could never return to his home... Though he flew free, his life was not...

   Gently, Yami slowed down, waiting as the lavender-eyed boy fell again to the earth, his movements lithe and graceful. At the gradual sadness in his eyes, the prince reached down, cupping his chin in one hand and turning his view upwards.

   "What's wrong, Yugi...? Why so disheartened all of a sudden?"

   The boy shook his head, silently berating himself. No tears... No tears... He must give only smiles to his prince. He would take all the pain for his love...

   When he turned back, the sweet smile that held behind it a touch of the sadness of its origin was back upon his lips.

   A head popped into the room, after its owner knocked on the door softly. "Your Highness...? My father said to tell you that the carriage is ready. If it would please Your Highness to return to the castle now...?"

   The prince nodded, the mood suddenly quieting. His hand searched out that of the shorter boy, holding it firmly, with just the slightest hint of one clutching a lifeline. "Come on, Yugi. It's time to go back. We have achieved what we need to here."

   The mer-boy nodded, though his gaze was fixed upon the girl who had come to get them. He tugged on his prince's sleeve curiously.

   "Hmmmm?" Yami blinked, realizing the direction of his gaze. "Oh... I suppose we would need introductions."

   The girl stepped forward, extending her hand with a cheerful smile. "Hi, I am Anzu, the Count's daughter. It's nice to meet you. And you are...?"

   "He is Yugi," the prince answered, as the boy shook her hand. "My guest. He... cannot talk."

   Anzu nodded, accepting this fact, and noting the way the prince acted. Soft... Gentle... Tender. Is that boy the reason why the prince could not -- would not -- marry her for love? From a physical point of view, he was, indeed, immensely beautiful, much more so than her... In fact, exceeding even most -- if not all -- of the women she had ever seen. He combined the best of child and adult, with a pure, naïve innocence, and a slim, shapely body. Pale skin seemed to glow on his slender figure, hinting at soft flesh underneath with the slightest bit of muscles. Amethyst eyes, ruby lips, hair of sun-kissed gold and ebony like the night sky without stars... And when he moved, it was with the practiced grace of a dancer... with the choppy rhythm of an infant. He was of precious gems and sharp contrast. (A/N: Heh, had to describe something, and furniture was just not interesting.)

   However, she knew for a fact that the prince, well-spoken of by almost everyone, was not as superficial as this. So what else did he see in this youth, this whirlpool of innocent seduction, this timid beauty?

   And the funny thing was, he did not yet seem to know of the prince's attraction.

   So... She is the one who would, though unintentionally, take my Yami away from me...

   He studied her, even as she tried to figure out his mystery. Though no great beauty, she was certainly pretty, with a touch of his own innocence. Her heart-shaped face, framed by short auburn hair, was beset by wide azure eyes that bespoke kindness and understanding. She would lead the people well, he knew, with wisdom and justice. (A/N: Sorry, not as prettily descriptive as Yugi-chan. I'm not entirely interested in describing a girl.)

   The prince shook his head, his sigh breaking the silence. "Come on, let's go back now..."

   At the prince's arrival, the castle servants near the gates scurried to greet him in a flurry. One, probably of a slightly higher rank than the others, opened the carriage door, leading down the countess Anzu. Inside, Yami sat cradling the mer-boy against his chest. During the course of their short "journey", he had fallen asleep, and the prince was very reluctant to wake him.

   The ruby-eyed youth made an easy decision. It gave him more time to stay with Yugi, and also meant he did not need to escort "his lady" everywhere. In fact, if he was lucky, he would not have to see her again until the next day, and never again after that.

   He rolled that thought around in his mind. Perhaps it was a bit harsh. He was sure he would have liked her a whole lot more, if she weren't interfering with his love life. In fact, he would be glad to have her as a friend... but only as a friend. His heart had already been given.

   "Your Highness...?" Everyone waited for his command.

   Yami spoke curtly. "Take the countess to my father, and inform him that I have brought her here. I am going to stay here and watch over my guest until he has awaken. By then, the countess would probably be occupied already, and thus would have no need of my company. Inform all the servants that I am not to be bothered."

   "Yes, Your Highness."

   As they walked away, the prince glanced down at the figure resting in his arms, and a soft smile broke his stern demeanour. Gently, he brushed a stray bang from out of the boy's eyes, veiled behind dark lashes. Delicate, fragile... and so very strong. Though he did not know the reason for the boy's sadness, the youth knew that it existed. Especially now... in his sleeping form... peace and tranquility covered him, tainted by undeniable pain.

   I wish you could tell me, Yugi...

   His vision blurred.

   I wish I could help you...

   He wondered, for a moment, if it was wrong... this attraction for this teen. Oh, he did not care at all that the object of his affection was a boy. That was not important to him. What was, however... was... the mermaid child who had saved him...

   They look so similar... They move with the same shy grace...

   Could he merely be thinking that he was in love...? Could he be feeling this emotion only because he was so desperate to repay his rescuer, that he would try to be with someone like him...?

   "Dark..." He turned, as he always did, to his most trusted friend, the one he always went to for counsel.

   "Hmmmm?"

   "Dark, do I love him?"

   "Do you think I could look into your heart?"

   A twisted smirk accompanied the prince's bitter laugh. "Yes. I know you could... can... So please, look within me and tell me if I love him or not."

   The magician shook his head, piercing steel-blue eyes hiding behind his curtain of violet hair. "You already know."

   "No I don't!" Yami seemed, almost, to throw a princely tantrum. "If I knew, why would I be asking you? Tell me! Tell me..."

   The taller of the two looked away with a curt chuckle. "My prince, if I told you that you do not, would you believe me? If I told you that you do not, would you suddenly stop loving him...?"

   The prince could only stare as his attendant bowed and left.

   "Magicians!" He pitched his voice into a stage whisper, knowing it would carry. "Always like that, never giving a straight answer."

   "If we always gave straight answers," Dark replied with a laugh, "then who would come to us for advice...?"

   The prince was left to stare and blink at the magician's back, trying to figure out how that logic worked.

   Almost as if on cue, the bundle in his arms moved, trying to burrow closer to him. However, the mer-boy soon figured out, even in his half-asleep state, that it was much more difficult to burrow into humans than soil, especially the warm body pressed against him. It was even more firm and muscular than most people.

   Warm body...? Firm muscles?

   Something was not adding up, and the amethyst-eyed boy was determined to find out what, all without opening his eyes. That seemed to be one of his favourite activities of late.

   A soft chuckle broke Yugi's concentration, and he pouted in slight annoyance. Could the person not see that he was trying to figure something out? Something like... who he was half-lying on, and why his "pillow" rumbled a second ago.

   "Tired, Yugi...?"

   The boy took a while to ponder this question. Was he tired? Tired... What was "tired"? However, considering that he could not even remember something as simple as that, he decided that he probably was, indeed, tired.

   "Yugi...?"

   Violet eyes, open just a slit, stared up in confusion. What now? Did he forget to... Ah, answer. He forgot to answer the man's question. He nodded. He felt as if he should be nodding... In truth, he had no idea what he was doing.

   "Just hold on a short while, Yugi," the person holding him murmured, voice husky and beautiful. "I'll take you back to my room. You'll be more comfortable sleeping in a bed than like this..."

   The large, gentle eyes fluttered open again, as their owner absently nodded. Bed. Comfortable. Right. Sleeping... Sleep...

   The last thing he remembered before drifting off again was a field of crimson... Pools of blood... Pools of amaranth petals...

   "Tomorrow? What do you mean, tomorrow?! I will not...!!"

   "Y-your Highness, I apologize. Your f-f-father c-commanded this. I cannot..."

   "I don't care! I'm not doing it tomorrow!"

   So loud... They were so loud... The boy lying in bed pulled up his sheets, buried his head under the many pillows strewn around him. What were they arguing about? He could not understand.

   "P-pl-please see reason, Your H-highness... Y-your father only wants th-the b-b-best for you..."

   A deep breath, a long sigh. The voice was calmer now.

   "I understand. But please, ask my father to reconsider. So soon... I know he said that it would be soon, but I never though...! Tomorrow! I am not ready. Not yet. Not ever..."

   "I will relay your message, Your Highness. However, His Majesty seemed determined that it be tomorrow."

   A door opening, closing... Ragged breaths, low growls...

   Letting his curiosity get the better of him, Yugi peeked out from his position of safety, his protection against noises. There was his prince, his back turned to the bed, staring at the door, his fists clenched tightly. The boy wanted to call out, but no voice came. For a moment, he was confused, before remembering who he was.

   Child of the Sea... Forbidden spell, forbidden land, forbidden love...

   Still, he had to get his prince's attention, to sooth his anger... and pain, it appeared.

   Deciding the only course of action was to go over, the mer-boy climbed out of bed, wincing as his feet hit the ground. Putting the pain into the back of his mind, like he did so many times before, he pattered over to the object of his affections, wrapping slender arms around the slim, leather-clad waist, resting his head against the taller youth's back.

   "Ah... Yugi..." The prince turned, so that he was face-to-face with his little beauty, tangling his hands into the smaller boy's hair and pulling him close. "You have awaken...?"

   The boy nodded, lilac eyes staring up, wide with trust. He gestured towards the door, mimicking yelling and the prince scowling, bringing a laughter from the royal teen.

   "So, you want to know what happened?" He did not need to wait to know the boy would nod. "A servant came with a... message... from my father. I am to wed the Lady Anzu. Tomorrow."

   Yugi stiffened, shock coursing through him. What curse was this? Tomorrow... The last day he had with his prince... Must even that be ruined? Must even that little bit of his happiness be destroyed? One day... Just one day left... And on that day, his love would belong to someone else...

   "Please believe me, Yugi," the prince beseeched, pulling him close. "I do not want this. I would never want that. I... I can't believe this... I only had two days... Only two days with... you..."

   The boy tilted his head, peering at the taller teen through his ebony lashes. With... me...? Does he want to spend time with me? Does he, would he, could he...

   The youth shook his head. "No, it's nothing. Forget that I said anything. I... But I still... don't want to marry her..."

   "Then who do you want to marry?"

   Both boys spun around, towards the new voice. The door was still tightly shut, and they had heard no footsteps. But there, casually leaning against the wall, was the violet-clad magician, piercing azure eyes seeming to look straight into their souls.

   The prince blushed. "D-dark, what are you..."

   "Have I lost the privilege enter in the prince's chamber?"

   "No, of course not. But why...?"

   "Because..." The magician smirked. "Someone has to knock some sense back into your head."

   "Knock some sense into my head?" Yami blinked, instinctively pushing Yugi behind him, fearing a fight with his own protector. "Are you here, too, on my father's orders? Are you also trying to convince me to marry Anzu?"

   "Oh, is that the impression I gave?" Dark raised an eyebrow. "Then I apologize, my prince. But fear not. I have never -- and would never -- follow anyone's orders above yours. My liege is you."

   In a moment, the tension left the room, and the prince relaxed, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Then... what have you come for? What type of sense are you going to 'knock back into my head', as you oh-so-sophisticatedly put it?"

   "That is for you to figure out."

   "...What?"

   The court mage bowed. "My job is done, Highness. Consider my questions, that you do not make an incorrigible mistake... lose an irreplaceable possession."

   "Daaaaaark." Yugi was amused to notice that the calm, composed prince could pout.

   The magician smirked, answering in the same, childish fashion. "Whaaaaaaaat?"

   Yami pouted again, crossing his arms over his chest and turning his back. "Fine, be that way."

   Dark grinned. "I will, Highness. Always." As he left, he threw one more comment over his shoulder. "By the way, my prince, your friend Jounouchi sends his regards."

   "Wha?"

   A lock clicking shut was all he heard; a door gently shutting all he saw as he spun around.

   Yugi, watching at the side, giggled at the prince's plight. He was met with a sour look.
   "It's not funny!"

   The shorter boy nodded, still laughing, as if to say, "Yes it is."

   The prince sulked, stalking over to his bed and plopping down, turning away. "Hmph. It seems that everyone knows what's going on except for me. Dark certainly does, and by his parting comment, so does Jounouchi. And if Jou knows, I would bet that the rest of my friends do too."

   Yugi blinked curiously, scrambling onto the bed beside his prince and resting his elbows on the older teen's side, leaning over to look at him.

   "I bet you know too, don't you?"

   The boy tilted his head. 'Know what?'

   "What Dark was talking about. You know, don't you? Else, why were you laughing?"

   The violet-eyed boy shook his head. He was just as lost as his prince in this matter. The laughter was merely amusement at his prince's antics.

   "If you say so..." The prince was feeling a little uncomfortable right now. No, scratch that. Very uncomfortable. And it was due to his beauty's presence beside him. It was almost unbearable, that feeling. "Y-yugi... Can you, ah, not be so close? I'm sorry, I..."

   Like a startled deer, the boy all but leapt off, fighting back tears. What have I done...? I... I should have tried to suppress this love when it started. I should have never... I should not have hoped... I... He... Of course he wouldn't want me around.

   Ouch. Yami clenched his teeth. I didn't mean... for him to leave like that... I didn't want to...

   "Because... Someone has to knock some sense back into your head."

   Why am I thinking that?! What does that have to do with anything... What am I doing? What... Yugi... Why is Yugi crying...?

   "Yugi?"

   The mer-boy backed away, staring at the ground in... shame?

   "Yugi, wait, I didn't mean..."

   For every step forward the prince took, the amethyst-eyed boy moved backwards.

   Fool. I was a fool. I believed... I wanted so much to believe...

   "Yugi, wait."

   It was no use.

   "Yugi, please! Stop and let me explain!"

   The boy paused momentarily, slightly shocked by the firmness, the strength, the... passion... of that voice. Tears continued to run down his cheeks, a torrent of diamonds. Tears that should have been impossible for him... as it was for the rest of his people...

   In a few quick strides, the prince was over, wrapping his arms around the tiny body and pulling his beauty close, securely entrapping him. "Yugi… Listen to me…"

   The shorter boy looked up, eyes still glistening, pools of liquid quartz. Listen… He could listen… Right…?

   "I didn't mean for you to leave like that," Yami murmured softly, reaching up with one hand and running it through the boy's silky hair. "I just wanted you to step away a tiny bit, because it was a bit uncomfortable, um, in a, ah, certain place."

   Yugi blinked, tilting his head in question. 'Certain place…?'

   "Uh… It's…" The older teen shook his head. "No, no, you're too innocent for this anyway. I shouldn't have said anything. Forget everything… And… and… don't leave again."

   As distraction, he leaned down, gently kissing the mer-boy's eyes, kissing away his tears. They were salty, of course, but… somehow different. Clearer. Purer.

   Too innocent for… The boy blinked, eyes widening as he felt something dig into his body. Finally realizing what the prince was talking about, he blushed brightly.

   "Ah, so, you… figured it out?"

   Yugi nodded, resisting the urge to giggle.

   So he does love me after all… doesn't he…?

   The prince looked away, hesitating. "I… I'm… sorry. I didn't mean to bring this trouble upon you. I can't help it! I… How can I help what I feel? But don't worry, I won't do anything to you that you don't want, and…"

   He was completely unprepared to meet petal-soft lips upon his. Sweet, beautiful, breathtaking… Yami felt his spirit lift up. It took a while for his intoxicated mind to see what was happening. He was being kissed. By Yugi. By the object of his dreams, his affections.

   If there was one moment that he could wish would last forever, it was this. The moment of realization, of love, of pure unbound emotions. The prince could feel the soft, warm body of the boy he loved pressed against him, arms entwined around his neck, clutching his hair, pulling down his head, pulling him deeper into the kiss. The lips… silky, crimson, slightly swollen and bruised… beautiful. They tasted sweeter than honey, purer than the crystal air over the mesmerizing ocean. Looking into those eyes, he knew he had fallen deeper into this trap than any other. He would never get out again… from this trap called "love".

   Purring like a great cat, the prince advanced, driving his beauty back, ever guiding him towards the canopy bed, decked with silken sheets. Love. They were both in love. So why not… why not have the night together… as lover truly were meant to be…

   "Yugi… would you… could you…"

   The small head nodded, violet eyes wide and trusting. The agreement was made. There was no more need for words.

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You want to know what's next? Well, what's next is a lemon. Which isn't gonna be posted here. Which I haven't written anyway.

Alrighty, when the lemon's up (I'll get it up before Valentine's Day, I promise), it's gonna be at w ww.geociti es.c om/king offics/amaranth_lemon.htm. Just take out the spaces. *nods* Um. Anyway… For those of you who DON'T wanna read a lemon… Basically, what happens is that Anzu happens to walk in, and Yami declares that though he would have to marry her, though he may tolerate her, his love is given to Yugi alone.

And I've decided I like the lemon's ending much better than the normal one, so I'm keeping that ending. I suggest you read it. The first half is pretty much safe. It took a page and a half to get them to take off their clothes. *sweatdrop* After Anzu breaks in (er, I mean walks in ^_~) and gets thrown out (leaves), then… the lemon kinda starts. Except not for another bit. Because I'm shy about lemons and I was "delaying the inevitable", as Sage puts it. -_-; Anyway, yes. I like how my lemon ended. If you don't wanna read the lemon, the last three paragraphs are safe, and form the nice ending with which I'm rather satisfied. ^_^

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Hope you enjoyed that. Took me long enough to write, ne? ^_^;;

Please R&R!

Yugi: And she's updating "What is Gentleness" next. ^_^ She's FINALLY completing that half-chapter she had up a few months ago. ^_^;