Title: Seventh Heaven

Author: Aerith Queen of Cetra

Chapters: 2/3

Summary: Yugi wants to make Yami's Christmas perfect! He sees the perfect gift for him so he takes on a job to buy it. But Yami, thinking that Yugi is upset with him, decides to buy Yugi a great gift, and he gets a job also. But what happens when they both get jobs in the same place?

Genre: Romance/ (slight) Angst

Pairings: Puzzleshipping (YamixYugi)

Beta'd: Still no? Ack!

Warnings: Shonen ai (boyxboy)

Disclaimer: Go see chapter 1 ¬.¬

Review Thanks To: Meeja, Bakura-star-Ryou-cutie, tai'sgirl23, xamosy, kingleby, Phantom Fox, Inami, ac-the-brain-supreme, Atemu Yugi Lover34 and vixenia Keep on truckin dudes and dudettes!

Author's Comments: Chapter 2 already? Phew! Well it has to be finished before Christmas, so it's only right, ne? Though, I don't know why I wrote chapter 3 before chapter 2 O.o

Chapter 2: Sparkling Ambitions

The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us.

--Ashley Montagu

The cold nights in Domino seemed longer now than ever before, perhaps it was the tremendous wait for the days to be over and done with or the increasing excitement towards opening presents, seeing relatives or even eating the wonderful food famous at that time of year.

But there were two teenage boys by the name's of Yami and Yugi that found the nights longer now more than ever, but for very different reasons.

For different days, there swept different emotions through each of them, for Yugi it was usually happy but tired and for Yami, usually miserable and exhausting. But those emotions were for only some of the time and right now, Yami's was 'out of the usual'.

The Pharaoh smiled gratefully as he exited his new, temporary workplace, "Seventh Heaven" with a number of different dollar notes in his pocket.

He hadn't been officially paid yet, just scrounged off of the tips he had received from several of the customers there. His real pay wouldn't come until the end of the week but with his tips he was able to afford a deposit for the gift he was to get Yugi and, then with his final wages, pay it off fully.

"Seventh Heaven" was a nice place though. It was a bar located only a few blocks away from the Game Shop and, being so close to the holidays, it was severely short handed so Yami easily attained a job there as a waiter.

Every night couples and groups came in for drinks and social chats for a while and then moved on into the dance hall in the back section for live music and dancing.

Yami had heard from the other waiters there that the dancing and singers were excellent, but having been so busy in the bar serving customers, he hadn't been able to see them, only hear some thuds of music through the songs already pumping throughout the bar.

Though he was intrigued, Yami put it behind him seeing as how he had met some very interesting people in his services there, although there were some girls (and even some guys) that found him very attractive and showed how interested they were in him by fluttering their eyelashes, licking their lips and even hitting him on the rear.

But during those times he had to repeat the mantra in his head, It's for Yugi, it's for Yugi, it's for Yugi...

Yami frowned. Since he took the job, his already miniscule amount of time with Yugi had diminished greatly. They had only spoke a handful of times and it usually wasn't very long, but in there longest conversation, Yami had done something that he still felt awful about days later. He certainly didn't mean for it to happen that way...

--Flashback--

It was a frosty night to say the least, Yami had just returned from delivering another payment towards Yugi's gift after a visit to Ryou and Bakura and as a result, it had made him very late for work.

Quickly, he changed into his work shirt, a sleek black one with two small white wings on the back and a fresh pair of black pants with a white belt hanging loosely on his side. He unbuttoned a few of the top buttons and threw a silver necklace with a fine silver cross hanging from it onto his bare neck.

Shaking his head quickly whilst spraying on some deodorant he grabbed his warm leather jacket and flung it on, covering himself for the short journey to "Seventh Heaven."

Making a grab for his cell phone and his set of house keys, he sped down the stairs and straight into Yugi.

"Sorry about that Yugi, I wasn't looking where I was going," he apologised quickly and was already turning to leave.

"It's alright Yami, listen there's something I need to tell you," Yugi spoke in a soft voice.

Yami bit his lip as Yugi spoke. This ahd been what he wanted, he had wanted to talk to Yugi for so long and now was his time to, but he had worked so hard to make sure his plan worked and he couldn't give up on it now, though if he stayed for much longer he would have to no matter what he chose.

"I'm sorry Yugi, I'm in a hurry right now." Yami urged looking towards the watch on his wrist in emphasis, but the younger teen in front of him grew a paniced and desperate expression.

"But Yami, this is important! I need yo-"

"Yugi!" Yami finally snapped, scarlet eyes hardening into cold rubies as he bore his teeth, the tired lines appearing under his eyes. "I'm sorry, but I'm busy and I don't have time! Talk to me later when I can care!"

He didn't look back as he ran out the door, not even bothering to close it behind him, because he was sure his aibou's hurt eyes would bore into his skull and he would fall to pieces there and then.

But if he had looked back, the teary amethysts would've been much worse than he could've imagined...

--End Flashback--

The Pharaoh gave a sigh, he had felt terrible all night after that and it had reflected on his performance at work. His sagging movements and generally silent and depressing attitude had caused worry for his boss, the friendly bartender known as Akiko, for one of his best employees, so he sent Yami home on sick leave.

Immediately, Yami had rushed to Yugi's side to apologise properly and listen to whatever he said, though it turned out surprisingly different from what he thought...

--Flashback--

"Aibou?" Yami called out quietly, though it seemed so much louder in the once deafening silence.

There was no responce from the room coated in darkness as Yami stepped through the front door fully, closing it gently behind him. From the moonlight shining through the window, the teen could make it through the rooms without bumping into anything and so he carefully made it up the stairs.

Walking to his own room first, he shed his soggy clothing in favor of the a pair of black silk pajama bottoms and seeing as how the Game Shop was warm previous to his entrance, he had no need for a top.

After changing, Yami guided himself down the path to the room Yugi and he once shared.

Curious and guilt ridden scarlet eyes peeked through the slightly ajar door before their owners moonlight coated hand pushed it open fully. From there, he could see Yugi's body, lying on the bed facing away from him, which was probably for the best.

Taking small, reluctant steps towards the bed, the once Pharaoh stopped and lightly nudged Yugi's shoulder with his hand.

"Yugi? Are you awake?" He wasn't expecting a responce, so he was startled by Yugi's confirmation.

"Listen Yugi, I'm really sorry about earlier. I was in such a rush and so stressed I took it out on you and I apologise, I would never intentionally hurt you, you know that?"

"Then why did you?" Yugi's voice was so low Yami couldn't tell what emotion was held behind it.

"I-...I can't tell you, at least not yet," Yami spoke stoicly.

Unknown to the scarlet eyed teen, Yugi gave a sad smile. "I understand."

Yami gave a relieved sigh and rubbed Yugi's arm soothingly, "I'm glad. Now, what did you want to tell me?"

Yugi turned around at this point and showed Yami his sincere smile before wrapping his arms around the other in a hug, to which the elder instinctively pulled him closer and nuzzled his cheek. "It doesn't matter," was Yugi's simple whisper into Yami's ear.

Yami sighed in acceptance as his exhaustion from his long hours at "Seventh Heaven" kicked in once more, causing his eyes to shut closed off their own accord.

I'll just rest my eyes for a...moment...Yami thought as he leaned closer to Yugi in their embrace.

Moments passed before Yami opened his eyes again. He went to put Yugi down onto the bed so he could go to his own only to find the boy curled up against him in deep slumber.

Strange, he seems even more tired than I am... Yawning, the Pharaoh found he hadn't enough strength to remove himself from the embrace, though with Yugi so close and his soft skin rubbing against Yami's own, it made it difficult for him to even think of wanting to leave.

With a soft moan, he laid himself and Yugi down onto the bed and brought up the blankets around them, smiling as Yugi snuggled closer to him.

"Love you..." Yami mumbled to Yugi under his breath tiredly, he could've sworn he heard a reply but he had succumbed to slumber before he could make it out.

--End Flashback--

Yami gave a gentle smile at the memory, he couldn't remember the last time that he had slept so well and wihtout realising it, all of his reminiscing had taken his mind away from the fact that he had gotten home.

Walking through the welcoming doors of his home, he fell straight into the embrace of the much need heat from a crackling fire in the living room.

With a gracious sigh he stepped into the room and stripped off his white winged shirt and sat in front of the open fire. Pulling his arms behind him and resting his palms on the soothing caresses of the carpet, he gave a pleased sigh.

From the doorway, Yugi watched him in intrigue. Yami had his head tossed back with a relieved smile as the flames of the fire danced across his face and dived down to his bare chest to continue, as quickly forming beads of sweat glistened on the lithe body and trailed down the muscled torso.

Realising he was a second away from drooling at his over-observation, Yugi shook his head to get rid of the bad thoughts that plagued his innoncent mind and walked away into his bedroom.

Neither realised that their thoughts weren't far off eachothers, playing the same words in different frequencies.

Just a little longer...it'll be over soon...

All good things come to those who wait.

This well known phrase had helped both tri-color hair teens as they both faced their final night within the walls of "Seventh Heaven".

Yami stroke over to a table confidently and with an almost seductive step to his stride as he balanced a thin metal tray of cool drinks in one hand.

"Alright. Here you are, two Bacardi Breezers. (A/N: Don't own.) Would you like anything else?" Yami questioned politely, holding the tray under one arm as the other hooked onto his hip.

The young couple smiled and shook their heads before slipping a $10 bill into Yami's hand. With a wink, Yami placed the bill into his pocket to join the many others before walking back to the bar and leaning against the rail awaiting Akiko to give him the next order.

The well built brunet sauntered over to him with a smiling face. "Get any good tips Yami?" he asked in a friendly manner as his hand's attention moved to mix the content of a few bottles together to make a drink for a young waitress to bring to another table.

"Yes Akiko-sama, I have got great tips all night! I'll surely be able to fully pay off Yugi's present now!" Yami talked loudly over the music and voices around them.

"That's great Yami, why don't you take the rest of the night off, you could catch the dancers in the Dance hall, but you'd better hurry, they only have about two or three songs left to do before they go. So go on in, when you've brought this 'Blue Whale' to the woman at Table 8. Now off with you!" Akiko spoke placing the drink before Yami and walking to the other side of the bar with a knowing smile on his face.

Yami's expression brightened as he nearly ran to Table 8 with the drink and round to the back to punch out his card and deposit his apron.

Taking in a breath, he walked out to the bar and round to the doors of the dance hall. It felt good for him to walk around the bar freely wihtout the weight of a drinks tray and the annoying shouts from the people around.

The doors of the dance hall held words, "Saints may move on hallowed grounds, but Sinners can dance on burning coal."

He always found that strange but also quite insightful, Sinners and Saints were more alike than they thought...

Pulling open the 'sinners' door, Yami stepped into the room. It appeared that the last dance had ended and the performers were preparing for another one.

A number of back up dancers emerged from each side of the stage, both containing themes of light and dark dancers.

From the back rays of light illuminated the shadowed figure of the main singer as he walked forward in time with the introduction of the music.

Yami blinked and gaped in surprise as the singer walked onto the stage gracefully and bent low to swirl around and sweep the mist coated ground with a slender hand. (A/N: The song is Real Emotion by Jade, for all you FFX-2 fans it is the first song Yuna sings.)

"Yugi!" Yami exclaimed in shock but through the noise in the room, he could barely hear himself let alone Yugi hearing him.

As the younger teen swayed to the starting beat, Yami took in his hikari's appearance. Yugi's formerly spiked hair hung down to his shoulders and his formerly spikey goldenrod bangs now clung to his glistening, sweat dampened face.

His torso was adorned in a sleek white tank top that showed off a lot of his midriff, his arms were covered in two decorative, additional sleeves and around his neck was a glittering silver necklace with a glass wing on it. A pair of tight shorts held in a loosely hanging belt clung to his lower frame with knee high boots stretching close. Two silver bands on each leg and two on his upper arms completed the outfit.

It was only when Yugi shook his head to the cheers of the crowd did Yami noticed a microphone attached to the side of his face.

Finally Yugi began singing, a beautiful fast track that echoed throughout the room and sent feverent sparks throughout the crowd as he moved his body to the beat.

As his hand twisted down from his face to fall teasingly along his body, Yugi swirved to the side as if his hand led him there. His feet kicked around and brought him to his knees for that part of the song and the sudden drop in the music.

Two of the dancers, one of dark, one of light, brought him to his feet by his arms and the three moved in perfect unison with eachother as the rest followed their leaders example.

Pulling his left hand forward, his right hand clapped it and sent him in a circle as he flew back and forth to the expert movements of his lower half.

Even though Yugi had lost himself almost completely in the music, he still managed to sing the song beautifully. The crowd around him had increased their own pace, though none could match Yugi's wonderous moves and yet, Yami found himself unwilling to try and rather desiring to watch the insane yet seductive movements his hikari made, it almost seemed taunting towards him.

And all too soon the dance ended with a terrific explosion of noise and light which sent the crowd cheering and Yami clapping and smiling along with them.

Yugi stood on the stage with his head tossed back, one hand resting on his waist and one stretching into the air, yet he seemed barely out of breath.

Shaking his head with a broad grin, he ran his hands through his hair and walked over to the back of the stage as the back-up's scuttled off the stage.

Yami watched with intrigue, taking a seat by one of the tall tables lining the outside of the room and watching as the top of the stage parted and a piano came up from underneath.

Yugi came back into the front gulping down a glass of water and taking a seat in front of the piano. Pulling the microphone atop the piano forward, he spoke out to the crowd.

"Alright Ladies and Gentlemen! Thank you all for coming out here tonight to 'Seventh Heaven', you've been great!" He shouted confidently and gleefully, grinning as the crowd roared and cheered.

"I'm sorry to say I have to leave you now." There were several "Aww's" from the crowd. "Yeah, I love all you guys too! But I'm gonna finish off with a nice slow song for all you couples out there, so I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"

Couples from around the room smiled and giggled as they walked out to the stage, but Yami merely watched as Yugi played a soft, romantic melody on the piano and swayed gently to the beat.

It seems to me that the darkness
Takes away the light of our day
My slender grip on reality
Fades away

Yami's ears perked up and he leaned forward as Yugi almost whispered the verse into the microphone, he seemed almost angry with those words, though it was hard to tell by the quiet tone. He watched as Yugi closed his eyes uneasily and sang out the next verse.

And you grabbed me when I let go
With the love you weren't afraid to show

But I wanted to make it all alone
So I walked away
And now I'm coming back home
Today

These words spoken were almost sad to hear, telling his sensitive ears the pained lessons learned throughout the years. Was Yugi...talking about him?

Can you hear me now, when I'm calling for you?
Can you see me now, when I'm reaching for you?
Even though the love we share
Seems to go nowhere
I'll alway be there for you
Until our time is through

The amethyst eyed boy opened his eyes and gazed out at the crowd more confidently and contently after the chorus had been sung. The beat had increased during the chorus and now it had once again returned to its slower pace.

So far away I seen you
You were always there
No matter what mistakes I made
You took the time to care

Scarlet eyes blinked slowly. The way they were told almost said, "thank you" to him. Was that the message he wanted?

I was stubborn, I didn't see
Everything you gave to me
But its time for me to pay you back
And set this debt free

Yami watched Yugi lift his head and look towards the ceiling as before pulling down and moving to his fingers vigorous dance. This was his goal now, and he wanted all to know that this wasn't for himself but someone else. Yugi's special someone.

Can you hear me now, when I'm calling for you?
Can you see me now, when I'm reaching for you?
Even though the love we share
Seems to go nowhere
I'll always be there for you
Until our time is through

I'm the one with no wealth to spend
I'm the one who doesn't borrow from friends

But I'm the one with an amazing man
Who'll love me until the very end

He was telling the truth, Yugi hadn't any money to spend and he would never bother his friends for such, he relied on Yami but not anymore. Even though Yami would always be there to care for Yugi, support Yugi, love Yugi...

Can you hear me now, when I'm calling for you?
Can you see me now, when I'm reaching for you?
Even though the love we share
Seems to go nowhere
I'll always be there for you
Until our time is...

Can you hear me now, when I'm calling for you?
Can you see me now, when I'm reaching for you?
Even though the love we share
Seems to go nowhere
I'll always be there for you
Until our time is through

I'll always be there for you
Until our time is through

Yami stared open mouthed at Yugi as he whispered a final "Thank you" to the crowd before being cheered off the stage. Yami's ruby eyes followed the form as it disappeared behind the crimson curtains.

He could hardly believe the powerful emotions flooding through each word of the song as if each were more important than the last. They all meant something deep to Yugi, yet to the crowd it was just a soft song to dance to.

Wiping his dusky hand across his sweaty forehead, he stared at the ground in contemplation, biting his lip harshly before jumping up and running out the fire exit.

"Alright, I'll see you later Ayeka and Merry Christmas!" Yugi shouted back through the back stage soor, hearing a similiar reply he stepped out the back door and with a shiver, pulled his winter coat closer.

I'm glad I didn't have to walk home in that outfit... Yugi thought gratefully as he walked around the side of the snow coated alleyway, which was illuminated by the side lights from the "Seventh Heaven" building.

He didn't expect as he reached the end of the alleyway to see a familiar figure standing in the shadows. As he stopped in the spotlight, the figure moved forward towards Yugi, causing him to gasp in shock and fear.

"Yami! What are you doing here!" Yugi exclaimed, stepping back with every step Yami came closer.

"Please don't run from me aibou, I want to know why you did this? Why you were the one I seen on that stage," Yami questioned, standing now in front of Yugi as the younger had stopped in his tracks with Yami's words.

"I-I-I..." Yugi worried his bottom lip severely and shook his head, causing his protective Yami to frown and wrap his arms around the unsuspecting form.

"Please aibou, we've grown apart so much the past few weeks, tell me why? Why did you take this job?" Yami pressed, the hurt evident in his voice, yet his own guilt was masked underneath it.

"I...I did it for you Yami-chan." Yugi mumbled into Yami's chest as the elder pulled back to look into the others face, into those glorious violet pools.

"Yugi, what could you possibly do for me that requires you to work here?"

"I-I wanted to get you a present, but I didn't have the money so..." Yami's eyes widened as the young hikari looked away, before he promptly burst out laughing.

Yugi pouted in frustration, "What's so funny Yami? Stop laughing at me!"

The Pharaoh held his side and looked up at Yugi, still grinning, before he unzipped his own coat and draped it down his arms as he turned his back to Yugi.

Amethyst orbs widened considerably as they fell upon the familiar white winged, black shirt. "You! YOU GOT A JOB HERE TOO!"

He gave a nod. "Indeed. And I did it to afford a present for you!"

A moment of silence floated through them before they both started laughing again, holding their sides as the rich sounds echoed throughout the alley.

Lifting his jacket back on and zipping it up, Yami grinned at the still giggling Yugi. They both found surprise as a glistening silver flake dripped and fell on Yugi's cheek, followed by lots more.

Yugi instantly ran into Yami's arms, "Look mou hitori no boku! It's snowing again!" Yugi squealed with childlike excitement and pulled Yami close to him in joy.

Yami merely smiled at Yugi as the younger one turned his head around to look at him again. Bringing one hand up to the pale creamy skin of his hikari, he trailed his thumb over one of his rosy cheeks before pulling him closer so that their lips met.

Yugi gasped in surprise allowing Yami the chance he needed to slip his warm tongue into Yugi's cooler mouth causing small moans from both of them.

Finally giving into the insane pleasure he was receiving, he leaned closer to his other half and ran his frostbitten fingers through Yami's silky strands as Yami's hands wandered under Yugi's coat and trailed his cold fingers across the smaller ones warm skin causing shivers to run up through his aibou's spine.

And as the two kissed under the moons watchful eye, thousands of dancing snowflakes swirled around them in a beautiful celebration of new found love and re-told promises. No one could deny their love, and no one could want to. The gifts that caused such a great strain on their relationship had also became the banes of their newer, stronger one.

The one carved from an everlasting winter wonderland and was just as perfect as one...

Aww, bless them! Ok, it is now past 2am and I am off to bed! I hope you've all enjoyed the chapter, just one more to go! Good night!