Rebirth
Warning: Fluffiness and a tad shounen-ai abound. Beware.
Chapter 4: A little Romance
Yuugi yawned sleepily as he got up from his bed. He sat up in bed and stared at the clock seeing that it was only six in the morning. It wasn't like him to wake up so early, especially on Christmas Eve, but he hadn't been able to sleep at all. There were too many thoughts plaguing his mind. For the first time, memories of his childhood and his mother were returning to him, but also memories of being bullied and being misunderstood also haunted him. It was hard having no family except his grandpa and constantly trying to help him in the game shop so they'd have enough money to eat. It wasn't until Yuugi became a famous duelist that they finally had plenty of money to keep the game shop going, put food on the table, take trips to Egypt and other places and still have extra left over (even from paying taxes). It had taken awhile though…And while Jou and his others friends understood it still hadn't been easy.
Why can't I just be honest with Yami? I want to tell him of my hardships. I want him to know everything about me. I know so much about him and his past but he doesn't know much about me. But why would he want to? I've grown up so poor and alone and sad…I don't want Yami to be burdened with guilt at my past. He's so kind-hearted I know he'd want to help grandpa now, but I can't tell him we're in need of money again.
Yuugi sighed heavily and untangled the sheets from around his lithe body. He had known for some time that his grandpa was again losing money over taxes. Not only was it because taxes had increased in the area since the near disaster a year ago when Kaiba's new facility had been taken over by some maniac claiming to be Kaiba's brother, but also his grandpa had saved up money to spend on specific archaeological digs to try and uncover ancient secrets, such as the mystery about the lost city of Atlantis on the island of Crete or why Cleopatra was the last supposed pharaoh of Egypt. Yuugi especially didn't want to tell Yami that his grandpa had spent quite a bit of money trying to figure out about the lost pharaoh and his history and why his family line was kept a secret…
That was the reason why Yuugi wanted to participate in the dueling tournament coming up. He needed to earn more money for his grandpa. He had taken a break from dueling after defeating Pegasus (though most of the money when to Jou's sister's operation, but Yuugi had kept some to help his grandpa) and winning a lot of money on the side in other tournaments. After all of that exhausting work, along with school, Yuugi had wanted to focus on his studies. During the trip when Yuugi had discovered Yami's tomb, his grandpa hadn't had to pay anything because Professor Hawkins had all ready paid for them. Now that his grandpa had been going on several excursions and paying money to travel to try and help Professor Hawkins out of his predicament, it had put them in partial jeopardy since his grandpa had to pay taxes soon.
Why doesn't grandpa ask Professor Hawkins for help since he's helping him with this big problem? Or maybe Professor Hawkins can't help him right now because he has to keep a low profile. Why didn't grandpa tell me that he's beginning to run low again? I had to find out from noticing that note from the government underneath some papers on his desk.
That was the reason why Yuugi hadn't felt like himself all the day and the day before. Yami had suspected that he was feeling upset, but hadn't questioned him. Hopefully Yuugi would be able to keep it a secret from Yami and his friends for as long as possible. He didn't want any of them having to worry about it; after all it wasn't their problem and Yuugi certainly didn't want to put that burden on them. He knew his grandpa and he had been close to losing their house before and they had gotten through it. He also knew that Yami, being as generous as he was, would most likely want to help, but it just wasn't fair…
He knew his grandpa would feel extremely upset about having to involve other people in their affairs, especially personal ones like financial problems. Yuugi knew Yami was rich, being the king of Egypt and although it would seem like no problem for Yami to help them out, it would be a problem for both he and his grandpa. They couldn't rely on Yami forever and they'd only get farther in debt with him. Yuugi wouldn't ever be able to face Yami again if they had to borrow money constantly. It just wasn't something that would make him feel good about himself. What would make him feel good is if he earned the money himself for his grandpa, which would leave his friends out of the problem.
Tonight is the Christmas Eve party at Ryou's! I hope grandpa remembered to pick up the supplies I needed for the cake and the presents for my friends. I'm glad I saved up money for this.
Yuugi sighed again but lifted himself off the bed and began to dress. Although it was still early he decided to get a head start on baking the cake. He walked down the steps quietly so as not to wake up Yami but suddenly stopped cold as he reached the bottom of the stairs. There on the kitchen counter was another vase of fresh flowers beside the other vase still holding the exotic flowers. This time Yuugi was sure it wasn't for his grandpa. There were pink, white and yellow flowers bundled together that looked just like the flowers in his locker. Yuugi's eyebrows furrowed and suddenly it dawned on him. It couldn't possibly be from Yami because if he had wanted Yuugi to have flowers he would've given them to him or left a card, but Yami was upstairs sleeping and had been with Yuugi all night. The flowers hadn't been there the previous night so they must have arrived in the morning.
This is too weird…Who are these flowers from? Maybe it's just from a fan or something.
Yuugi stared at the flowers for a little longer before entering into the kitchen to finish the cake. Again he stopped still as his eyes caught sight of the finished cake sitting on the counter with a plastic cover over it. His grandpa must have had free time to spend cooking, which meant now Yuugi didn't have to do anything except wait for his grandpa to return with the gifts and then later in the evening go to the party.
"I suppose I could go out and look in the store windows to see if I find anything for Yami. I don't know what he'd like or what he'd want but I have to get him something. And I only have until tonight to find him a good gift. Grandpa got several gifts for him for Christmas day, but I need something for the party tonight," Yuugi thought aloud.
He grabbed his jacket quickly and walked out the door, deciding that walking downtown was his best bet. The shops were open early due to the holiday, but they'd be closed early in the evening. Yuugi walked on the sidewalk looking into windows as he passed wondering what he could possibly get for the pharaoh of Egypt. He sighed and looked down, unable to think of anything. What could Yami possibly want?
"Ooof!"
Yuugi stumbled backward as a young girl gasped as they bumped into one another. The girl's purse slipped out of her hand and landed on the sidewalk, nearly dumping several contents. Yuugi blinked and hurriedly rushed to his feet.
"I'm so sorry, are you all right?"
The girl rubbed her leg and looked up at him, her blue eyes widening in surprise. She rushed to her feet, lowering her eyes as she brushed herself off.
"Yes, I'm fine," she said quickly.
Yuugi studied her carefully, noting that she seemed rather nervous around him. Nodding, he reached to pick up her purse.
"No don't!" she exclaimed.
Yuugi had grabbed the purse but was startled and dropped it again. This time a couple things did fall out of the purse. Yuugi's eyes widened as he stared at the beautiful, exotic flowers that looked slightly crumpled from being inside her purse. Yuugi stared at it for several seconds, trying to understand exactly what he was seeing. The girl quickly snatched up her purse and ran in the opposite direction.
"Wait, please!" Yuugi exclaimed.
The girl was all ready disappearing around the corner as he stood up watching her go. There was something strange about the way she reacted to seeing him. She had the same flowers that had been in his locker. Did that mean she put them there? If she had put them there because she was a fan or because she liked him then why did she seem so afraid of him? Yuugi shivered from the frigid air and decided for the time being that he wouldn't worry about it. Perhaps she would come to him and explain when she was ready. Yuugi was fairly certain he had seen her around school at some point, though he didn't know her name.
I guess I could find out her name in the yearbook and ask Jou or Anzu if they know her. Or maybe she's in Ryou or Honda's class or something, if she's even in our grade. She looks younger.
Yuugi was so distracted by figuring out why she would give him flowers that he didn't even realize there was a sign in front of him until he nearly crashed into it. He blinked, staring at it and read the sign. It was an advertisement for a new gift shop opening down the street. Feeling curious, Yuugi walked a little ways to the door to the new shop and stepped inside. A nice aroma filled his nose, probably from the scented candles that lined the wall to his left. There were tons of Christmas presents all around, including candies and big stuffed animals. Many people were searching around and Yuugi felt drawn to a certain isle as he walked down it and looked at the gifts. There in front of him was a glass case full of friendship bracelets. They weren't the cheap kind either. Some of them were real gold and silver, others had gems in them and some even had fancy writing on them. There was a note that said a friendship bracelet could be customized by the buyer's preference and immediately Yuugi knew he had found the perfect present for Yami.
He walked up to the counter and talked to the woman there, telling her exactly what he wanted. She told him to come back in a few hours and it should be ready. Smiling gratefully, Yuugi walked out of the store in a brighter mood. He walked back to the game shop thinking about the bracelet and how Yami would react to it. When he stepped inside, he was greeted by Yami who was sitting at the game shop counter.
Yami glanced up at him, "Did you take a walk, Yuugi?"
Yuugi smiled serenely and nodded, "Yes, sorry I didn't leave you a note. I guess I was a little distracted."
"Is everything all right?" Yami asked, his ruby-red eyes staring at him deeply.
Yuugi suddenly stood still and stared back at Yami. There was a funny feeling in the pit of his stomach and he was sure…he was sure Yami could see right through him. Yami hadn't believed Yuugi entirely when he had told him he was sad for other people who couldn't celebrate Christmas the other day. He had obviously suspected Yuugi was hiding something and now he could feel something between them. It was as if they were truly connected—like they could feel each other's emotions and at that moment Yami could sense Yuugi's underlying guilt that he hadn't talked to Yami about what he was feeling.
"Yami I…," Yuugi trailed off, his eyes dimming.
Yami stared at him silently before shaking his head, "If you're not ready to talk I won't force you," he said kindly.
Yuugi nodded, feeling the guilt well up even higher. "I promise you Yami, I'll tell you during the party just not right now. I need some time to think about things."
Yami nodded in understanding and got down off the stool and approached him. With a soft smile, Yami pulled out a bag and showed it to him.
"I wrapped all the presents. Your grandpa stopped by while you were gone and dropped everything off. He told me that he has some work to do with Arthur so he won't be back until tomorrow," Yami said.
Yuugi's eyes dimmed again and he nodded. He was certain his grandpa was trying to find small jobs to do while helping Arthur in order to earn some extra money. Softly, tears began to well up at the corner of his eyes and drip very slowly down his cheeks.
"Yuugi…," Yami started, his eyes filled with worry as he began to approach him.
Yuugi shook his head and stepped back, wiping his tears away. "We need to finish getting ready for the party," he said quickly before slipping past Yami into the kitchen.
Once in the kitchen, Yuugi managed to keep his composure. He could feel Yami's eyes on him occasionally as he worked at helping Yuugi get things ready. They didn't say a word to each other and Yuugi began feeling worse by the minute. He just needed some time to himself for a little bit before he completely opened up and told Yami everything. There were things he didn't want Yami to hear because he didn't want pity or for Yami to judge him…and although they were friends Yuugi was still self-conscious at times.
I'm sorry Yami…I'm so sorry. I promise you I'll be ready by tonight. I'll tell you everything.
Yuugi held in his tears as he finished packing up the food and presents into several bags. Ryou's house wasn't too far so they'd have to walk since his grandpa wouldn't be around. Once again, Yuugi wished he was back at Yami's palace having a good time being by his side without any worry about his life, his past, Yami's past or anything bad. It was nice to get away from everything and have no worries, but of course it couldn't last; that just wasn't life. Yuugi also decided that he would hold off telling Yami about the girl with the flowers, at least not until he knew more. Yami had enough of a burden being pharaoh and keeping everything together since that last battle with Kontar. He was also still healing both mentally and a bit physically and Yuugi didn't want to put any more emotional strains on him. However, keeping his feelings from Yami seemed to put a different kind of emotional strain on him, which was why Yuugi was finally prepared to tell Yami about his past at the party.
XXXXXXX
Several hours later…
The walk to Ryou's house wasn't bad. It was still silent between him and Yami, but it was a more comfortable silence. As they approached the door, Yuugi glanced at Yami noting that his eyes were still sparkling with life at the prospect of celebrating Christmas for the first time. Sighing heavily, Yuugi knocked on the door. It opened and Ryou stood there smiling at them with a Santa hat on his head. His eyes caught sight of Yami and his eyes widened.
"Yami! You're back!" Ryou exclaimed, ushering them inside.
There was music playing in the background and many people chatting away. Anzu was talking with Mai and a couple other boys and girls from school who Yuugi didn't know but was sure were friends Ryou made in his classes. Honda and Jou were there too. Jou of course was at the food table trying to sneak some snacks into his mouth before the party began and Honda was trying to impress the girls. Yuugi watched as Ryou showed Yami around and introduced him to many new people.
Yuugi walked off a few minutes later and put the presents down under Ryou's Christmas tree. He sat down on the couch out of the room where most people were hanging around. He listened to the music and let it calm him down as he sat in silence. He heard something nearby and turned to see Yami standing there. Without a word, Yami walked toward him and sat next to him. Yuugi couldn't stand the next few seconds of silence so he turned toward Yami, who was staring up at Ryou's Christmas tree.
"I thought you were with Ryou," Yuugi said quietly.
Yami turned and stared at him thoughtfully, "I was. He introduced me to some of his friends."
"Did my friends see you too?" Yuugi asked.
Yami nodded with a small smile, "Yes, but I told them I needed to see you for a minute."
Yuugi blinked, "Why?"
Yami's eyes narrowed in worry, "Because you're sad. And Christmas seems like a holiday in which everyone is happy."
Wringing his hands nervously, Yuugi swallowed. "Yami…if I tell you everything, will you promise that nothing will change between us?"
He felt Yami's warm hand on his and looked up into his kind eyes. "Of course."
Yuugi's lip trembled and he bit on it to keep from crying. He nodded and took a deep, shaky breath and began telling Yami about his past: how his mother died, how he was bullied and didn't have friends for some time because he kept to himself, how he distracted himself with studies and dueling, how he made friends and became a famous duelist but hid the fact that he and his grandpa struggled at times and then finally he told him about how his grandpa was struggling now and he needed the money from the tournament. He didn't realize how much he was holding in or that Yami had wrapped his arms securely around him when he had stopped talking, unable to say anything more. Yuugi finally pulled away and wiped at his eyes, thankful that there wasn't anyone in the room with them. Yami's warm eyes were filled only with understanding as he stared down at Yuugi.
"You needn't be afraid to tell me these things," Yami said gently. "We're friends after all."
Yuugi locked eyes with him, his amethyst eyes still brimming with tears as he thought about everything they had been through. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest and knew that it was time…
"Yami…," Yuugi whispered, afraid to speak any louder despite the loud music in the background and the constant chatter of voices. "I have something for you."
Yami blinked at him curiously and Yuugi tugged on his hand, gesturing for him to follow. Heading to the family room with the fireplace, which was across from the living room that the Christmas tree was in, Yuugi found his bag that he had placed on the elegant oak table. Inside the bag was the present he had gotten for Yami. He managed to pick it up by telling Yami he had to run to get some more milk and needed him to stay and watch the shop. Walking over toward the warm fireplace, Yuugi smiled nervously and held out the present wrapped in a shiny deep red paper with Christmas ornaments on it. Yami walked toward him and stared down at the outstretched gift, his eyes shining with warmth and compassion.
"This is for you," Yuugi said, lowering his eyes as he handed over the present.
Yami gently grasped it, his warm fingers brushing against Yuugi as he did so. A soft smile stayed on his face as he carefully opened the gift. It was no bigger than Yuugi's hand, but held something that represented everything they had gone through together. A velvet red box was beneath the wrapping paper and Yami opened it, his eyes widening as he lifted the gorgeous silver chain. On the chain were several charms: a pyramid, a flower (which Yuugi thought looked very pretty and similar to the flowers he had received), a palace (which kind of resembled Yami's in Egypt) and finally a heart. The heart was in the center and inscribed into it in cursive was: Love is eternal. And on the little card that came with the bracelet was the message: A rose may only bloom for the summer, but the love one has for the rose is eternal like my love for you. Yuugi's name was scrawled at the bottom of it and in the card he wished Yami a merry Christmas. Yami's eyes dimmed as his soft smile widened. His eyes shimmered as they landed on Yuugi, who fidgeted with anticipation as his cheeks heated up. Yami was his dear friend, but Yuugi had only told Yami he loved him once and that was when Yami was leaving the palace to help the people who had been victims of the fire. It had just come out then because Yuugi was scared Yami might not return, but he hadn't thought on it until recently. He really loved Yami; as a friend, as much as a brother, as an idol and protector, and as a…
Yuugi blinked as he saw Yami come closer. He saw that he had slipped the bracelet on and had set the empty box down on the table. The luminous silver contrasted with Yami's bronze skin tone and looked even more alluring against the light from the fireplace. Yuugi's eyes were hooked to his arm as Yami drew nearer and he couldn't look away until Yami was less than a foot in front of him. Yuugi's eyes lifted to meet Yami's and he saw love reflecting in his eyes.
"This gift is the most treasured gift I have ever gotten, Yuugi," Yami smiled kindly, reaching out put a warm hand against Yuugi's cheek. "I love it."
Yuugi's eyes shimmered with joy, thankful that he ended up finding the right gift.
"I have a gift for you as well."
"You do?" Yuugi blinked, wondering when Yami had time to get a gift and with what money.
Yami's rich chuckle filled the silence in the room as he went into the other room and picked up his velvet cloak which he had worn there. He pulled out a rectangular shaped present and walked toward Yuugi.
"I was going to give this to you for your birthday," Yami said gently, setting it gently in Yuugi's hands, "but we never celebrated it and my viziers didn't have enough time to finish it."
Yuugi blinked, wondering what his viziers could possibly make for him. Smiling, he removed the wrapping paper and found a gorgeous marble box incrusted with gold and silver. The lock on it was entirely made out of gold and Yuugi saw that Egyptian symbols had been engraved into the box. The symbols were beautifully hand-crafted—so much that Yuugi couldn't stop staring at them. He couldn't read very much of it, but Yami smiled and traced the symbols as he spoke.
"You are my savior, my friend, one whom I trust and love with all my heart. You have become a part of Egypt as you have become a part of me. Cherish this always."
Yuugi looked up at Yami with wide eyes, sparkling with unshed tears as the phrase touched his heart. Yami cared for him as much as he did. Although Yuugi knew it in his heart, it was quite another feeling to hear it aloud. Swallowing, Yuugi used the key that was all ready in the lock and opened the box, lifting the lid. His heart nearly stopped in his chest as the light from the fireplace reflected the golden crown sitting atop velvet fabric. It was not as thick and not as prominent as Yami's and didn't have as many rubies to indicate it's the pharaoh's crown, but it was just as extravagant. Yuugi traced the curve of it smiling at the smooth feel of the polished gold. There were diamonds encrusted in either side next to the small dash of silver that spelled out Yuugi's name on one side and then Yami's on the other. It was more than anything Yuugi could've ever asked for.
"It's so…beautiful Yami. My gift doesn't compare," Yuugi whispered still awe-struck.
Yami shook his head and bent down a little as he captured Yuugi's hands in his. "It means just as much, Yuugi. This gift you have given me would never be exactly like this even if my viziers had been instructed to make it. This is unique because you have put it together to represent the bond between us. That is what I have done as well. With this crown, you can wear it on your forehead and the smooth gold edges at the ends will tuck around your head beneath your hairline. You don't have to wear it around here if you don't want to. There is a way we can make it less noticeable," Yami smiled gently, his lips curling softly as he slipped the crown onto Yuugi's forehead. "But when you come to Egypt to visit me over the summer and holidays when I cannot visit you, you will of course need to wear this to remind my people what you mean to me."
Sniffling slightly, Yuugi's eyes welled with tears feeling more emotions stir within him. He was sure Yami could sense some of them as their hands remained locked together. Something between them—their bond—had altered again, metamorphosing into something more powerful but continuing to keep the balance of friendship, family love and the respect and admiration of a partner or guardian. It was so strong it actually felt as if it were flowing throughout his entire body; his veins were tingling from this unknown sensation and his heart felt overloaded with all sorts of feelings. He was confused and torn between wanting to share absolutely everything with Yami, but yet feeling so self-conscious about how Yami viewed him. He lost all control over his body movements and found himself closing the space between them until his body pressed up against Yami's. Their eyes were gazing intensely into each other's, never blinking and holding so much there despite their little time together.
Yuugi's breathing was becoming slightly more erratic as his heartbeat quickened. His face was beginning to feel hot again as his cheeks turned pink out of reaction, but he was no longer aware of what his body was doing. He had managed to set the box down on the floor with one hand while the other stayed clasped in Yami's. His free hand wound around the pharaoh's middle to his back as if he were trying to give him a one-armed hug, but instead pulled closer and stood on tip-toes so their eyes were evenly matched. The love radiating from Yami's eyes sent shivers down his spine and slowly Yuugi tilted his head, his eyes never wavering from the ruby depths before him. He moved in closer, watching Yami's expression and noting that it never changed. His lips were still in a soft smile and his eyes sparkling with love and affection and complete trust.
It was like a magnet that was drawing them closer and closer, as if electricity was flowing brilliantly out of Yami's mouth and pulling Yuugi's lips toward his. Yami's eyes began to dim as his eyelids slowly began to close. Yuugi's eyes fluttered closed instantly as their warm breaths mingled together. Yuugi could feel his lips tingling in anticipation, wanting to feel the warm, soft flesh on his own, pouring love, compassion and strength inside of him. Yuugi's lips brushed ever so gently against Yami's, feeling the smooth, soft skin beneath his and wanting to press against it forever. It was like being shocked as their lips gently caressed, never really touching, but never straying too far. Yuugi was ready to lean down and press his lips fully to Yami's when his dream daze was stopped.
"Yuugi! Where are you?" Ryou's voice called out from another room.
Yuugi's eyes fluttered open and he lowered his feet, but didn't unwind his arms from around Yami. Ryou stepped into the room and saw them hugging and smiled, stepping forward.
"I see you two have all ready started with opening gifts," Ryou chuckled, seeing Yami's friendship bracelet and Yuugi's crown.
Ryou was the kind of person to easy take in a situation and understand what had happened without being there. Although he could see the love reflecting in both their eyes he remained passive as others filed in behind him. He had constantly been thinking about Bakura and what had been said to him. He knew he'd have to confront Yuugi about it. Since Bakura had left Ryou had been trying to figure out how he had just vanished into thin air and realized finally that Bakura was never really there. It was an apparition of him used by the power of the Millennium Item, but Bakura did say he would come back and update Ryou on anything so he was expecting a message sooner or later. Still...he wondered why he was feeling so close to Bakura in the first place while not actually knowing him very well. Looking at Yuugi and Yami made him think that perhaps the Items did more than find those that would control them…maybe they did more than protect Egypt. Maybe they brought certain people together; just a specific couple or few that possessed qualities for harnessing the Item's power, but it might have done more than just bring the people to the Item. It seemed to have brought the specific individuals together.
Ryou had been thinking on it for some time. It was easy for him to assess other people's emotions and while learning about the Items a bit in Egypt he began piecing things together. Bakura had come to him the previous day for only a second to tell him how to accept the power of the Item and that he had heard that Isis was missing. Ryou wondered if Yami had heard the news yet. Judging by the way he seemed entirely content, he figured it might just have to break the bad news to him. Ryou cleared his throat and smiled at them.
"While everyone is gathering up the presents to hand out to people, can I talk to you two alone?" Ryou said.
Yuugi blinked surprised and unwound his arms from around Yami's waist completely. They had been in a partial hug since Ryou had approached them and others had come through the room to get to the Christmas tree. Ryou led them out into the hall and waited to make sure no one was listening.
"I'm sorry to ruin the Christmas spirit, pharaoh, but I got a message from Bakura," Ryou said.
Yami blinked with wide, red eyes, wondering why Bakura had gone to Ryou. "Oh? I would've thought that with the Item entirely his he would be out causing trouble," Yami said with a soft smile.
Ryou smiled back and shook his head before his smile faded, "Pharaoh…"
"There's no need for titles," Yami smiled again, his eyes dimming gently, "we are all friends after all."
Ryou nodded, "Yami…It seems that you have not heard the news. Isis has been reported missing. She was last known to be at her temple. Her cloak was found there but there was no sign of her."
Yami's smile faded as his eyes narrowed, "Isis is missing? How could this have happened in such a short time?"
"I don't know," Ryou said gently, as Yuugi stared up at them with wide, sad eyes. "All I know is she was trying her best to get a vision of what was to come next. She feels that the prophecy is not yet fully completed. From what Bakura told me, becoming human again to take up the throne was the first step. There seems to be a second part to the prophecy but no one knows what it is. Isis might have figured it out and that's why she was captured, but by whom they don't know."
Yami nodded gravely, his eyes taking on a powerful stare as he contemplated what Ryou had told him.
"I suppose Fidil will be getting a hold of me very shortly. I told him to contact me only by mail so that no one around here will become suspicious in case there is an underlying shadow."
Yuugi glanced up at him, "What do you mean? Did you think this whole time that it wasn't over yet?"
Yami's eyes saddened as he stared down at him, "It's never over Yuugi. There are times of peace but there's always something billowing beneath the surface; always someone out there who wishes to destroy the peace. That's just the way of life. It's how we evolve. I promise you I am more prepared this time around and I will not subject you or your friends to any more danger."
"But Yami!" Yuugi exclaimed, grabbing onto his arm. "I'm not going to let you fight alone! You're still healing!"
"Last time they used you for bait Yuugi," Yami said gently, taking his hands in his again. "I will not let them do that again."
"Yami…," Yuugi pleaded, his eyes dimming.
Ryou smiled sadly, "If you two wish to leave it's all right."
Yami shook his head, "We'll stay. After all, you kindly invited us here and we haven't been here for long. There's nothing I can do now anyway. I'm sure my viziers are doing everything they can right now, but until they get a better lead I can do no more than them."
Ryou nodded, "I'll leave you two for a minute then and meet you in the next room."
Once Ryou left, Yuugi turned his worried eyes onto Yami. "Please don't keep me out of your problems. I know that I wasn't strong last time…I…," Yuugi's lip quivered, "I'll try and be stronger this time…"
Yami placed a finger on Yuugi's lips and shook his head, "You were strong, Yuugi, much stronger than I could've ever asked you."
"So please let me stay by your side! I won't run head first into danger; I just want to be there for you. Please let me help!"
Yami sighed heavily, "I suppose since it's all ready known that you helped me before it means you all ready are involved in some way. As long as you stay by me, or inside my palace or some safe sanctuary with the rest, I will allow you to help me."
Taking this as a careful yes, Yuugi nodded smiling just a bit. "I'm sure she's fine. She's a strong woman."
Yami nodded and smiled ever-so-slightly, "Yes, you're right. I just wish I had an idea of what we are up against this time around."
"You don't think…," Yuugi trailed off.
Glancing down at him, Yami's eyes stared at him knowingly and he shook his head. "No Yuugi, there is no way Kontar survived that time. I could feel his mind, body and soul being sent to the Shadow Realm. He will not return."
Yuugi shivered inwardly but stepped closer to Yami, knowing that despite how horrible Kontar was Yami hated killing anyone. Luckily, it was all in the past and Yami was beginning to heal emotionally. Yuugi looked up startled as he felt Yami grasp his hand.
"Let's go open the gifts and eat some dessert and try to have a good time," Yami said softly. "We'll talk about this later."
Yuugi nodded and let Yami lead him into the next room where everyone was opening presents. Jou was tearing at his while Anzu was telling him to slow down and enjoy it. It seemed that all the presents were passed out and now everyone was opening their gifts and thanking those around them. A small pile was left for both Yuugi and Yami and they joined in the gift opening, momentarily forgetting what might lie ahead.
Yuugi tried his best not only to not think of Isis and who could be against Yami this time, but also about their near-kiss. They had kissed before, but it hadn't been a full-blown kiss. It had been experimental, something to ease Yuugi's nerves that night when Yami was going to leave him, but now…now it was different. There was something stronger about it, something more concrete and Yuugi wasn't sure what it was. All he knew was that he had wanted to kiss Yami deeply, though he didn't know how Yami would react. He seemed completely fine when Ryou came in so perhaps he hadn't been disturbed by it. Yuugi didn't want to ruin their friendship or cause any discomfort, but he also couldn't help the emotions that were stirring within him.
The party lasted a while longer as they played games, ate cake and examined their new gifts. Yuugi had almost forgotten about all his worries while chatting with new friends he met and old ones. Yami was having a good time as well learning how to play games such as Twister. Jou taught him how to throw M M's in the air and catch them in his mouth. It had been funny watching Yami learn how to do it. Several times he managed to swallow the M M whole without chewing. No one seemed to notice Yami was from a different time period, luckily. It finally ended with Ryou in really good spirits, despite the bad news, and happily waving goodbye to people as they left. Yuugi hugged Ryou goodbye, thanking him for the party as he left with Yami.
The walk back to the game shop was slow but calm. Yuugi was too lost in thought to say much to Yami, but it appeared he was just as silent. The two of them reached the house and noticed that Sugoroku had left them some money. Putting it away in a safe place, Yuugi merely glanced at the flowers on the counter remembering the girl before taking off his jacket. He looked around and noted that Yami had gone off someplace. He walked up the stairs into the hallway and stopped as Yami stepped out of his room. A crumpled letter was in his hand and Yuugi could feel his stomach flip.
"Is that from Fidil?" Yuugi asked quietly.
Yami nodded, "Yes. I didn't think to look at the mail that was brought in today so I'm glad Ryou told us. Fidil said in the letter that they may have a lead from the pattern of disappearances of the Millennium Items."
"What do you mean by that?" Yuugi asked curiously.
Yami looked at him thoughtfully, "It means that the order of Millennium Items that disappeared may be relevant to finding out who is behind this."
Yuugi nodded and looked down at the carpet. He was incredibly worried about Isis and what was going on, but was more worried that Yami would leave him to go back to Egypt and want him to stay there. Although he said he would allow Yuugi to help, he also said they'd talk about it later. Yuugi bit his lower lip, trying his best not to show his worry. Yami's gaze softened and he slowly approached him, putting a warm hand on his shoulder.
"Yuugi, you don't have to be concerned. My viziers were still prepared that something might happen so we are not at as much as a disadvantage as you might think," Yami said.
Nodding slowly, Yuugi glanced up at him. His eyes were wide and bright but still held concern in their depths as he stared at him. Yami's other hand reached out and caressed Yuugi's cheek. Blushing, Yuugi automatically reached up his hand to touch the one on his cheek.
"Yami, I…," Yuugi trailed off, their near-kiss coming to his mind again. He wasn't sure what was happening between them and he couldn't bring himself to ask.
Yami's eyes softened even more as he pulled Yuugi into an embrace. "You are the kindest person I know."
Feeling his eyes well up again, Yuugi lifted his head to meet Yami's gaze and saw the same sincerity and love reflecting in his eyes as he had before. Yuugi wrapped both arms around Yami's neck and lifted himself carefully on his tip-toes. The feeling welling inside of him was growing even stronger, so much that it was overloading his senses and he just wanted it fulfilled. He felt as if something would burst inside of him if he didn't follow the sensation. Pushing himself closer to Yami's body, Yuugi met his gaze evenly again.
Without hesitation, Yuugi's eyes fluttered closed as he brought his lips down upon Yami's. The feeling was warm and soft, just as Yuugi had suspected. It was soothing and loving though it lasted only for a minute. Yami had wrapped an arm around his waist and didn't pull away as Yuugi broke the kiss. Their lips made a subtle sound as they detached and Yuugi blushed vividly and looked down.
"I'm sorry…I don't know what came over me," Yuugi said quietly.
Yami shook his head, chuckling deeply, "You needn't be ashamed of showing such love, Yuugi."
"Yes, but…well…don't you have to…you know," Yuugi blushed again.
Yami blinked down at him curiously, "Hmm?"
"Well…carry on the family line…you know, with a wife and have kids and stuff."
Yuugi couldn't bring himself to look at Yami as the words tumbled out of his mouth. He was surprised when he heard Yami chuckle and glanced up at him.
"Did you forget, Yuugi? I am immortal still. I will have my place on the throne for many years to come," Yami said gently, staring down at him with partly lidded eyes; his eyes shining with amusement.
"So…you can't…reproduce?" Yuugi asked tentatively.
"I am not sure. It would not be very safe to try it. Although I am human once more this isn't the same exact human form I took when I was first living as pharaoh so long ago. To try might cause some complications," Yami said.
"But…what about the throne? Who will take it after you? I mean…are you really going to live forever?"
Yami shook his head, "Not forever, for as long as I want to reign. When I want my immortality to decease and let me live and die as a human I will unbind myself from my Millennium Item and have someone else take my place on the throne. I have yet to decide who that will be."
"And then they can have kids?" Yuugi asked.
Yami smiled serenely, "If they like. This generation of pharaohs, however, doesn't have to have children to keep the line going. After all, I come from the immortal line of pharaohs. We can have anyone, even someone like Isis, to take my place, or we can have kids but it isn't necessary. For me, it isn't really an option. I never planned on having kids or marrying. I was always a martyr and planned to come back in human form but reign alone on my throne until I decided who would take my place."
"Oh," Yuugi blushed again, feeling embarrassed as he tugged on his ear. "So…um…do you understand what's going on between us?"
Yami's gaze softened as he stared down at him and slowly he raised a hand to caress his face.
"I felt this before, Yuugi. Even before the night you kissed me months ago, when Kontar was still a threat. I have been debating on what this feeling was. At first, I thought it was because of the Millennium Item, since it chose you to help me. After talking with Isis, she said that the Item cannot do anything to you other than allow you to use some of its abilities, so it isn't the Millennium Item."
"What is it then?" Yuugi blinked.
"I believe it's just love, Yuugi. Thanks to fate we've had a chance to meet and we've been through a lot together. I believe our friendship has grown to a new height. I have never before felt this with anyone else, but there is no other explanation other than our feelings."
Yuugi felt his cheeks heat up and he looked down, "Umm…do you feel it now?"
He couldn't bring himself to look up, but he could feel Yami's eyes on him. He felt a warm hand cup his chin and gently guide him to look up. Yami's eyes were shining into his with a warm expression and Yuugi felt himself shiver in anticipation. Smiling, Yami slowly brought Yuugi's face closer to his. Still feeling rather shy and embarrassed, Yuugi closed his eyes as their lips touched once more. This time they didn't break apart so easily.
Yuugi tilted his head at an even greater angle and wrapped his arms securely around Yami's neck, bringing their lips even closer and their noses touching. Yami's lips were moving gently over his in a rhythmic pattern. Yuugi parted his mouth slightly to allow Yami's lips to slip in between his so they could have a closer feel. Yuugi could still taste the hint of the chocolate and mint from the cake in Yami's mouth. Yami's one hand remained around his waist while the other held him close at the back of his neck. Their lips roved over each other gently and with ease.
Yuugi melted into the soft, warm feeling and opened his mouth even wider to feel more of Yami's soft, gentle lips on his. He clamped his lips securely around Yami's moving up and down as their lips roamed over each other's. Yuugi pushed himself even further into Yami's embrace as he took Yami's bottom lip, which was between his lips, and sucked gently on it. It was warm and smooth and Yuugi couldn't get enough of the comforting feeling that exploded inside of him. They broke apart gasping for breath and Yuugi looked into Yami's eyes with a glazed expression.
It had felt so good he didn't even realize how long they had stayed locked in the embrace. He blinked several times, wondering if it was his imagination, as he stared at Yami's crown. It hadn't been noticeable beneath his hairline before, but it was now glowing brightly, or at least the eye in the center of it was glowing. Yami's eyes seemed to reflect the same message as he let his fingers trail over the small crown upon Yuugi's forehead.
"Is mine glowing too?" Yuugi asked, breathlessly.
Yami nodded, his cheeks slightly pink from walking in the cold and his long, dark lashes hovering over his deep, intense red eyes. His lips were drawn in a wide, soft smile as he kept his arms wound around him.
"Why is this happening, Yami?" Yuugi asked.
"Because of our love for each other, the Millennium Item sees us both as equals," Yami said softly. "You are completely protected by it as I am. And it is through our love that I believe gave you the ability before to use some of the power."
Yuugi nodded, feeling too overwhelmed to say anything more. Yami kissed his forehead goodnight and Yuugi walked, almost mechanically, back to his room, got dressed and lay on his bed. A large smile was on his face and his cheeks were still flushed. Yami had kissed him. They had kissed for what felt like seconds, but had been several minutes. It had felt wonderful…so wonderful that something had emerged deep within him. He was too overwhelmed by the feeling of love that took over him. He loved Yami…He loved him with all his being. And he never wanted to leave his side.
A soft noise at the window caused Yuugi to break momentarily out of his trance. He slowly got up off the bed and looked outside, seeing the familiar red-tipped wings and the beautiful small ruby eyes staring back at him. With a smile, Yuugi opened the window and let Horus fly into the room, circling high above before landing on Yuugi's bed.
"Horus! I'm so glad you came," Yuugi said, petting the bird gently along his golden-yellow feathers.
It was then Yuugi noticed something in his beak. Frowning curiously, Yuugi opened his hand beneath Horus' beak and watched as an object landed in his hand. It was large and weighed a lot as if it were made out of expensive or valuable material and was very pretty. It was some kind of jewelry, most definitely resembling a necklace. It was very fancy with a thick, smooth gold piece that looked as if it wrapped around someone's neck, in an Egyptian fashion. And a pendant of some sort was hanging from it, shimmering even in the dark.
"This is beautiful, Horus," Yuugi whispered. "Is it for me?"
The bird squawked quietly and nudged Yuugi's hand while flapping his feathers. Smiling, Yuugi placed it around his neck and was awed by the fact that it didn't feel heavy at all when it was on him. Horus flapped his feathers again as a sign of approval and stepped onto Yuugi's arm, giving him an affectionate nip on his finger before flying toward the window.
"I'll see you again soon possibly," Yuugi whispered. "If Yami and I have to go back to Egypt that is."
The bird tilted its head as if it understood and was regarding Yuugi carefully. It swooped out of the window and toward the sky, disappearing with a cloud of specks. Yuugi watched with a smile on his face, completely forgetting about the necklace tucked beneath his pajama shirt. His eyes closed almost instantly and the smile remained on his face. Despite the worry deep inside of him, Yuugi was completely content and fell asleep in no time.
TO BE CONTINUED…