Breathe In

by tani-chan

Set after the end of the series, Yuugi faces the depression after the group disbands and goes their separate ways. Sitting alone in a hospital bed, he gets visited by an odd girl on a bleak day. Maybe, he can learn to finally breathe in himself. [On Hold]

4. Don't Panic

Breathe In

By tani-chan

Chapter Four: Don't Panic

Disclaimer: If I owned YuuGiOu, I'd be animating this. And be stinking rich.

Genre: Drama/Humor/Romance

Rating: PG-15/T/M

Note: Well, this is my first YuuGiOu fanfiction. :sighs and shrugs: Not sure if I quite like it so far, but I love the original character that I made for this whole idea, and decided to try and write it out. Hate it, love it, just tell me what you think. Maybe I'll actually complete it someday. XD; (Warning: Pretty severe OOCness on most accounts. And cheesiness at times. You have been warned.)

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I grumbled to myself the whole way over to my house, gaining odd looks from some people as I passed, probably looking as if I was torn between vomiting and murdering multiple people. Maigo just continued along her way, just shaking her head at me a bit whenever she turned around to look at me.

I just grumbled back at her, a part of my mind praying for either a way to escape or just that no one would be at home, minus jii-chan. Mom I could stand, as long as she didn't break out crying like she had last time. She was upset over what was happening to me, and I still wasn't sure if jii-chan had even explained what had happened to me. She knew something odd had been going on, but that's not the point. Her 'baby boy' was depressed and in and out of the hospital, and she believed it was her fault. And dad was not being help at all. Quite frankly, as long as he wasn't at home when I got there, I would be fine. Besides, I needed clothing and stuff, let alone telling my mom that I'm not stuck in a hospital anymore.

I sighed heavily again, earning another eye roll from Maigo as we continued on our way. We weren't far from the Game Shop now, so there weren't many people, minus the ones who went to the park nearby and customers to the Game Shop and such most likely. Quite frankly, I was glad we were out of the busy crowds, mainly since I was getting stared at, either because of the look on my face, the fact that I was limping somewhat, or that I was just rather recognizable still. I groaned a bit, glad that crazy people wanting to duel me or just kids begging for an autograph or something hadn't swarmed me. That had been embarrassing enough when I had Anzu, Jounouchi, and Honda with me, let alone Maigo.

She had just chuckled at me though as some people had gaped at me as we passed by, but I could have sworn that at least a few of those people were gaping at Maigo, not me. Again, that annoying itching feeling of me recognizing her name from somewhere popped into my head and I grimaced, feeling stupid that I just couldn't remember where I had heard her name. Maigo apparently had turned around to look at me then and I heard her soft chuckle coming from her, looking up to see her shaking her head.

I rolled my eyes, but continued to trudge slowly after her, my legs still not agreeing much with walking, let alone the fact that I didn't exactly want to go where we were going anyway. Looking up again from staring at my slow feet, which I had been doing a lot, part of me fearing that they would get tangled somehow and I wouldn't notice, I saw the Game Shop about twenty feet away, the sun glinting off of it almost mockingly.

I sighed yet again, willing my legs to walk a bit faster as we neared it, Maigo slowing down a bit to walk closer to me, giving me a small glance every now and then as if to make sure I was alright, or just not turning around and running away. Stopping about five feet from the door, I turned and looked at her sighing. I didn't really want her to come in with me, one reason being that I didn't really want to explain who she was to my family, or let her see the state that my family was in.

I scratched the back of my head, trying to think of how to put it without insulting her in someway shape or form. "Errr… Iteya-san… um…" I started, dumbly, the familiar feeling of a nervous blush creeping up onto my face. Great, I must look completely idiotic. Maigo just laughed softly and stepped back, leaning against the side of the building. "I'll stay here, don't worry," she said simply, her soft smile forming on her face as she gave me a small wave.

I just blinked and shook my head, at least glad that she had gotten what I meant without me saying something completely stupid, or upsetting. I just nodded and went in, returning her wave with one of my own, my heart pounding a bit as I opened up the door, a bell ringing in the distance to mark the arrival of a customer. I breathed in a bit, secretly glad to be back, the comforting smells and feelings of home greeting me after such a long absence from it.

Soon enough, I heard the small scuffling of my grandfather coming up from the back, announcing that he was coming shortly. I just blinked and stood there, feeling nervous all of a sudden. "I'm coming, I'm coming!" Jii-chan said as he popped out of a door leading to the back, closing it behind him. "So, what are you here for? We've got tons of gam…" he started, looking up to greet me like he would a customer, but stopping dead when he saw who it was.

I shifted uncomfortably and looked away at nothing in particular, feeling nervous and somewhat sad at the same time. "U-umm… hi, Jii-chan. I-I'm home," I said, feeling myself shake a little bit, but I continued to stand there, again feeling a nervous blush creep. I didn't hear any response and didn't dare to look up, afraid to see how my grandfather was looking at me. 'Probably some look of contempt or horrible shock,' I thought, bitterly. 'I haven't been home in ages, just wasting away in a hospital bed, instead of facing stuff like a man…'

I was surprised though to feel my grandfather hugging me though, giving me a small whisper of 'welcome home' before looking at me. I looked up, the surprise probably evident on my face, since he chuckled at me, his usual cheery smile forming onto his face. "Oi! Yuugi! Why the look? Aren't you glad to see your old grandpa?" he said teasingly, patting me on the back, shaking his head jokingly.

I let out a small chuckle, still feeling nervous, but nodded, giving him a small smile of my own. "Of course, jii-chan," I said, hugging him back a bit. He just chuckled again and nodded, saying jokingly, "Well, that's good. I was scared there for a minute that you were appalled to see me!" This time, I really did let out a laugh and smiled more strongly, feeling a lot less nervous.

"Your mom's back in the kitchen if you want to talk to her," Jii-chan said, giving me a knowing sort of look as he scooted behind the counter to the store. I just nodded a bit, throwing a small look to the stairs. "Oh, and don't worry about your father. He already came for the day," he said simply, pulling out some cards from behind the counter and shuffling them idly. "I won't keep you though. Go and get your clothing and stuff," he said, throwing me a grin as I made my way over to the stairs, giving him a small grin of my own.

"Thanks, jii-chan," I said, climbing up the stairs slowly, that comforting feeling of being home growing now that I was a lot less nervous. I threw a glance at my mother's room before entering my own, noticing that it had recently been cleaned, a hamper containing clothing sitting in a corner with a note on it. I ambled over to it, noticing my mother's handwriting, stating that these were clean and out so I wouldn't have to dig for them like I always did. I chuckled bit; pulling out some before dumping my dirty clothing that had been in the bag I was carrying over down the laundry chute, glad that I didn't need to be carrying that around anymore.

I changed quickly, only throwing on a few wristbands and my old chocker before just cleaning up my hair and face. While I was in the middle of just grabbing a few things, such as my deck holder, my mom burst into my room, looking like she had just ran a marathon without any breaks.

"Yu-yuugi…!" she said, a few tears welling up into her eyes. Ooooh crap. Please do not tell me she is going to start sobbing. But, she just ran over to me, apparently tears of happiness in her eyes as she pulled me into a huge hug, rocking me back and forth a bit. I quickly realized that this hold was going to have problems with me needing to breathe and all that good stuff. But, all I could make is a small choking noise as my mom tightened the grip around me.

"Oooh, Yuugi! I had gotten a call from the hospital that you were let out, but oooh, I didn't want to go looking for you out there or anything and… and… Oh, you're home!" my mom said, practically squealing and tightening the grip in the hug again. Well, her being happy that I was home would be an understatement. I made the small choking noise again; since that was all I really could make in the hold she had me in. Luckily, my mom heard it this time and let go, apologizing for it.

"I-It's okay… I just… couldn't breathe," I said, taking in some big gulps of air since I still felt like my lungs were going to burst. She just chuckled oddly and gave me another hug, a softer one this time, and I smiled a bit and returned it; secretly glad to be feeling her hug again. Both of us letting go, she looked at me happily, straightening my shirt and my collar, making my eyes roll. She hadn't done this for me since I was in middle school, but it's not like I really minded actually. She just smiled at me and made my way towards my door, picking up some of the dirty clothing I had put on the floor.

"Well, I'll be downstairs if you need me. I'm making lunch, so if you want anything, feel free to come down," she said, some of those happy tears still in her eyes. I just smiled at her and nodded, bowing a bit out of habit. "Naw, I'm okay mom. Already ate. But I'll be sure to come down for a bit," I said, grinning back at her. My mom just smiled at me and nodded, closing the door shut behind her.

I sighed, feeling a lot better. My legs were still slightly stiff, but at least I wasn't limping as much as I had been about an hour ago. I finished grabbing my stuff, including my deck case, looking quickly at my cards before putting them into it. Seeing nothing else to do, I walked out of my room, giving it one final glance before I closed the door, walking down the stairs briskly.

Walking back into the main entrance area, I made my way over to the back of the store and where the kitchen is. Jii-chan was still there, still shuffling the deck of cards idly. I smiled at him a bit before I pushed on the door to go to the back, but he shot me an odd look, that seemed to be coupled with a sort of warning. I raised my eyebrow, but he just shrugged, going back to shuffling the cards. "Tell your friend I said hi," he said, not taking his eyes off the cards, but I just nodded, not quite sure what he meant, but opened the door, finally going back into the kitchen.

My mother was bustling around the counters, apparently fixing up some sandwiches. Even though I had already eaten, my stomach growled in response to the sight of the platter of sandwiches. She noticed me and giggled, nodding over to the table, where she sat the sandwiches down. I just nodded and followed her, rounding the corner to get a full view of the table, which, like so many things, I wish I hadn't done.

Maigo was sitting at the table, and she gave me a small wave before thanking my mother and taking a sandwich off of the platter. I gaped a bit at her, just looking between her and my mother before scoffing a bit and sitting down, giving her a quick glare, which she mockingly returned. I just gave her another glare and grabbed one of the sandwich halves, stuffing most of it in my mouth, trying to focus on the chewing. Why had she come inside! Even she agreed that she shouldn't. I just continued my slow chewing of the large wad of sandwich I had in my mouth, hoping that she had a good reason to be in here. I just hope mom or jii-chan didn't get the wrong idea.

"So, how long have you been dating my Yuugi?" my mother suddenly asked, making me near choke and have to quickly gulp down the remains of the sandwich wad I was chewing. Of course, she did. "M-mom!" I said quickly, gripping the table as I heard Maigo chuckle opposite me. "We're not dating, ma'am, but I'm flattered that you think we are," Maigo said serenely, her usual glossed words coming out again. My mom just looked at the both of us, before nervously chuckling, setting down a glass of water for each of us.

"Well, it's just…" my mom began, looking between both Maigo and me again. Maigo just chuckled though and smiled at her, making my mother blink confusedly. "I'm the first one you've seen with Yuugi-san since he's been in the hospital?" she asked simply, another brief flash of emotion twinkling in her eyes. My mom relaxed a bit and nodded, returning Maigo's smile nervously. "Yes… and Yuugi's friends have been… out of town for so long, minus a precious few, but they've been busy… what with wedding planning and all," my mom said, obviously starting to feel a lot less nervous, judging by the fact that she was beginning to get into her rambling mode.

Maigo just smiled at her and nodded, listening to her ramble on about how she thinks it's so cute that Otogi and Shizuka-san are getting married, and how she wondered if everyone would return here soon, minus the fact that they were all invited to the wedding. I just grimaced and ate some more of the sandwiches, not really caring to join into the conversation. Maigo was handling it gracefully, only adding a few points to support my mother's opinions here and there, otherwise just eating a bit herself and politely nodding. I really must remember where I remember her name, considering she herself said it tied into her… 'Job.' Whatever that was, she was apparently damn good at it.

"So, how has Anzu-san been?" my mom said suddenly, turning her attention to me and catching me by surprise. "Oh… uh… busy. I haven't heard from her in a few months," I said, grimacing at my mother's frown. It wasn't that she didn't approve or disliked Anzu, it was just she didn't like me continuing to dwell on her now that she was so far away. She's told me multiple times, sometimes even just as jokes, that I should go out and find myself a girlfriend. 'Anzu can always wait,' she had said, patting me on the back. But, as much as she or anyone else hates it, I just can't. …Stupid feelings.

"It's okay mom. That means her dancing career is picking up," I said, smiling somewhat against myself. As much as I was happy that Anzu was fulfilling her dream, I hated that now she was too busy to even write me a letter or just talk to me on the phone. 'I guess old crushes die hard… especially if they grow like that,' I thought to myself, feeling bitter again as I took one more sandwich half and bit into. Maigo seemingly noticed and shot me another look, taking a sip of her water. I just rolled my eyes back at her, thankful that my mom had turned her back to rummage around in the fridge.

Checking to make sure my mom was busy, I turned to Maigo, giving her another look, as I hissed, "What are you doing here?" She just gave me a small grin and shrugged, mouthing something akin to 'You'll see.' I just 'hmphed' and sat back in my chair, now full, my stomach gurgling in thanks.

As I took another sip from my water, I heard the store bell ring and the door shut closed, jii-chan's usual greeting ringing out as well. Sighing, I listened in, trying to distinguish what they were saying, but the voices were muted, even though I could hear that jii-chan seemed pretty happy.

Suddenly, the door to the kitchen burst open and all I could see was a bright yellow haired glow before I was thrown into another bone-crushing hug. "Yuugi!" a familiar voice called from above me, one of the arms wrapped around me coming to noogie my hair. I blanched, my mind instantly knowing who it was but I was still very much at a loss for words. It couldn't be him…! Could it?

"Jou-Jounouchi-kun!" I said nervously, looking up to see none other than Jounouchi Katsuya himself, grinning like he was the luckiest guy in the world. I heard Maigo chuckle at the table, and I swear I could feel my eyes spin slightly.

Yep, this was a confusing day. And I blame Maigo.

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Holy crap, fourth chapter. :O Record for me, sadly. XD

Again, sorry for the slowness in the updating. / With school starting up again here soon, and just random stuff in general (like seeing friends and the fact that I've gotten obsessed with icon making XD;), I've just been too lazy and tired to write. /; I know, I'm horrible.

I think this is actually one of the longest chapters so far. :o Yay for me. XD It's not the best, and rather slow moving, but I wanted to step up for what Yuugi view people as, how he reacts to them, stuff later on… all that good stuff. / And w00t, Jou finally comes back. XD

Originally, I was going to have Yuugi's father pop up, and then have Maigo somehow worm their way out again, but I didn't really like how it worked out. / I think I'll have Yuugi's father pop up later, if at all. Besides, I wanted Jou to pop up soon, and I thought now was as good as ever. XD (How Maigo's going to react with him is a completely different story. / He's only going to pop up for a bit right now though… I just need for a few more people to 'come back' before I get on to who Maigo really is and such. XD)

Title of this chapter come from 'Don't Panic' by Coldplay. Thought it'd work, quite frankly. / No other reason, other than it played while I wrote. xD Coldplay roxors though. :D Check them out if you haven't already. :P

More of a focus on Yuugi this chapter than anythink. / Nothing to really focus on, but next chapter it'll be more Maigo and now Jounouchi. :P But like I said, not much. I'm lazy. XP And yes, if you haven't noticed already, I like the Yuugi/Anzu pairing. Don't like it? Don't read this, or just deal with it. XP That's all I've got to say.

And w00t, more reviews:D :happy Tani: XD

In response to Strawberry Sweet Snow- Awww… thank you. :D 3 I'll try my best to continue working on this, despite the fact that my laziness and work usually gets in the way. :P Glad you like it so much though. :D

In response to Seething-Z- You're offering to beta, yes:DD Thank you. Ugh, I'm such a horrid person at double-checking, and if you would beta for me, I'd be eternally grateful. (Well, maybe not that much, but you get the picture. :P) Alright, I suppose the easiest way would be sending it through email. / (Unless you have another method.) My email address is kawaii underscore mouse9 at yahoo dot com. (With an underscore, the 'at' symbol, and a period in there of course. :P And without all those nice spaces.) Send me a response if you still want to beta-read for me, or just leave a way to contact you through a review or something. :D Thanks uber lots.

Favourite Line: 'I quickly realized that this hold was going to have problems with me needing to breathe and all that good stuff. But, all I could make is a small choking noise as my mom tightened the grip around me.'

Heh, my friends enjoy hugging me quite a bit. :P I've gotten hugged so hard after a long absence that this is what basically happened. XD; I never heard my friends apologize and laugh at the same time so much. ;;

Well, that's all I'll comment on for now. :P (Since I tend to ramble. XD;)

As always, hope you liked it, and do note that flames will be used to toast bread and make tea.

Thank you for reading and please review.

tani-chan