Star: HIYA!!!!! I hope everyone had a great Christmas! I'm posting this up just before midnight, so that it will be a Christmas present to all of you. I can't believe that this story is almost over, but it's true. It's been almost a year since I started this story, and you can't believe how sad I am to see it end. But don't worry! It's not over yet! There are still a few more chapters left!

Anyway, I hope everyone had a great time reading this chapter!

disclaimer: don't own Yugioh.

"speech"

(Yugi's thoughts)

((Yami's thoughts))

/mind link/

-------------Secrets Revealed-----------

Yami's words bounced off the walls, as the room's occupants were shocked into silence. Neither moved an inch, and barely dared to even breathe. Yugi continued to stare out the window, his eyes widened in surprise. His mouth was opened slightly, as his breathing started to come out in quiet pants. Yami just stared at Yugi, his mind screaming at him for being so stupid.

((NO! I didn't mean to say that! Ra damn it all! How could I have been so stupid to have screamed it out?! Especially to him!))

The teens continued to sit in silence, neither knowing what to say to break the thick tension in the air. Finally, Yami gathered his thoughts and decided to remedy the situation. He took a deep breath, and closed his eyes tightly. Well, it was now or never.

"Yugi, w-what I meant t-to s-say was, that I…I mean…it's…I m-mean…"

((Ok, this is going to be harder than I thought. Oh Ra, please don't let him hate me.))

Yami took in another deep breath, and cracked open one eye, and saw that Yugi was staring at him with a blank look on his face. Yami stared back at him, watching the emotions flicker in his light's violet eyes. "Y-you see, I d-didn't…I mean, I do, but-"

"Yami."

The spirit fell silent, and just stared back at the boy in his arms. He held his breath, hoping, praying, and begging the gods that his light wouldn't hate him. "Y-yes, Aibou?"

"Leave me."

Yami's crimson eyes widened enormously. What……WHAT?! What in all the seven hells did he just say? Yami opened and closed his mouth a few times, but nothing came out. The spirit was much too surprised to even think of anything to say. After a few minutes, Yami finally managed to whisper out a confused, "What?"

"I want you to leave," repeated Yugi, as he pulled away from the Pharaoh and turned his back to Yami. The boy bit his lip to keep the tears away, at least until Yami had left.

"B-but…why?"

"Because I…want to be alone right now," Yugi answered, as he clenched the bed sheets in his fists.

"Aibou-"

"Yami, please. Not now," the other boy whispered, starting to loose the battle against his tears. He could already feel them starting to slip from his eyes. If Yami didn't leave soon, he would start crying again. That was the last thing he wanted to do, especially at this time.

"……If that is what you want," the crimson eyed spirit whispered back. Yami stood, and walked to the door. He gave his hikari one last look, before walking out.

Once Yugi heard the door shut, he collapsed on the bed and started to cry. The small teen's body trembled with each sob, as he felt his heart breaking. Why? Why did Yami have to say those words? True, it was what he had always wanted to hear, but he just couldn't believe the other. After everything that had happened, he didn't know if he could trust anybody anymore. He didn't even know if he could trust himself.

He just wanted to go back home, to go back in time when everything was fine. When he never had to worry about being in love, or anything like that. He just wanted his old life back. Right now, he wished that he had never solved the puzzle. He wished he had never held it in his hands, or even heard about it. If he hadn't solved it, none of this would have happened. He wouldn't have had to save the world, or duel psychopaths after the Pharaoh's power. He would have had a normal teenage life.

But…he wouldn't have been happy. Yugi knew that it was the puzzle, it was Yami, that made his life worth living. But now, Yami was only causing him pain. Yami should never have told him that he was in love with him. It only hurt Yugi more every time he thought back to when the spirit had yelled out those words.

"Yami, did you lie to me? Why did you tell me you loved me? Why must you torment me so?" Yugi asked quietly, burying his face into the Dark Magician plushie. The plushie held Yami's scent, which calmed the boy slightly, though he was still in a great deal of emotional pain. Soon, Yugi stopped crying, though his body still shook with sadness. "Oh Yami. Why?"

----------------

Outside, Yami was sitting in a chair, asking himself the same question. He wrapped his arms around his knees, as he curled into a ball, and tried to disappear from all sight.

((I should have known. He told me he loved someone. How could I have thought he would love me? I should never have told him that. No wonder he hates me. I should just leave him forever, then I won't get in the way of him and his real love. I just wish it was me that he loved.))

Yami felt tears on his cheeks, and curled up tighter, as if that would shelter him from the pain he was feeling. But nothing could keep his heart from breaking. He was a fool for even trying to pursue a life with Yugi. He just wasn't good enough for the younger boy. He never was and he never would be.

"Yugi deserves better than me," Yami said, and sighed. He made everything worse. He just wished that Yugi didn't hate him. ((Who am I kidding? Yugi has every right to hate me. It was my fault that all of this happened to him. I'd be surprised if he didn't hate me.))

"Maybe I should leave him. He doesn't want me around anymore. He'd be happier if I wasn't around," Yami said. Though it hurt him to know that his aibou, the one he loved, the one he had dedicated his life to, didn't want him anymore. The spirit uncurled from his ball, and placed his feet on the ground, though he made no move to get up. He just sat there staring at the hospital door, sadness and grief overflowing in his scarlet eyes.

Should he leave? Did Yugi really want him to go away? Would everything be better if he left? These questions kept bothering Yami. The Pharaoh had made a promise from the moment he was freed that he would do anything to make Yugi happy. If leaving would make the smaller teen happy, then the spirit would do it. His feelings didn't matter as long as Yugi was happy. Or so he thought.

Yami looked away from the door, and stood up. If he left, there was no way he could ever come back. But he didn't want to leave. He never wanted to leave. But he didn't have a choice. It was all up to Yugi if he stayed or if he left. It was up to his precious hikari if Yami could continue on in this world, or go on to the afterlife.

"Yugi, please don't push me away," he said as he took a step towards the door, and reached out his hand. Before his hand could grasp the handle, though, he faltered. With a sigh, Yami dropped his hand by his side, and with one last look at the closed door, he walked off.

----------------

Yugi was lying on his side in the bed, just holding the plush toy as tightly as he could. He stared out the window as he watched the sun being covered by gray clouds, and watched as the snow started to gently fall to the ground. Suddenly he got a chill, and wished for it to be warmer. He covered himself with the blankets, but to no avail. The teen duelist knew that the only way for him to get warm was if his yami was there to hold him. Yugi scoffed at his thought. (Yea, like that is ever going to happen.)

Why couldn't he just trust Yami's words? What if Yami was telling the truth? What if he really did love him? What if he had pushed him away, and blew his only chance to be with the spirit?

Yugi shook his head to rid himself of the thoughts. He just couldn't trust the other so easily. He didn't want to be hurt anymore than he already was. It could have been a mistake. That was probably it. Yami had accidentally blurted those words to him, when they were really meant for another. The person he really loved.

Yugi's body started to tremble again. Why couldn't it have been him that the Pharaoh had fallen in love with? The smaller teen couldn't help but be jealous of the person who had captured the spirit's heart. (I just hope they know how lucky they are.) Now Yugi would never be able to tell the spirit how much he loved him.

He wanted to see Yami again. He wanted to talk to the other, to just be by Yami's side. That's all he really wanted. He wanted to keep being Yami's hikari. He wanted to be his aibou, no matter who was first in Yami's heart. Was that selfish of him? To want to be with Yami, even if it was only as his partner? Was that too much for the young boy to wish for?

/Y……Yami?/ he whispered through their link. He just hoped that the spirit would talk to him.

/…………Yes, A-Yugi?/

/C-can you…come back…please?/ he whispered. His voice started to crack with sadness. He had heard Yami's correction. He didn't call him aibou. Did that mean that the other didn't consider him his aibou anymore?

/……Of course./

----------------

Yami's heart was beating so hard, it felt like it was about to explode. Was this it? Was this when Yugi would tell him that he no longer wanted him as a yami? As Yami slowly walked back to Yugi's room, the feeling of dread washed over him like a tidal wave. Was this the end? ((What ever makes Yugi happy,)) he told himself, right before entering the room.

He looked towards the bed, and saw Yugi sitting up, just staring at the Dark Magician plushie in his lap. The boy wasn't doing anything else, but continued to stare at the stuffed toy. Yami walked over to him, and stood by the bedside quietly, waiting for the smaller teen to say something.

"Yami, why did you say that earlier?" Yugi asked in such a low voice, that the crimson eyed boy had trouble hearing it. But when he did, he felt his heart stop. Why did he have to ask that question? But there was no escaping it now. He had to answer, and he might as well tell the truth.

"Because…it's true."

Yugi didn't say anything, but took one of the magician's hands in his and started to move it up and down slowly. He didn't look up at the other boy, nor did he say anything. He just played with the doll's hand, while Yami watched.

"Why?" he asked, this time more quietly than the first.

"Because I do. I have loved you since the moment I saw you, and I always will."

Again Yugi didn't reply, but he took the other doll's hand in his remaining hand, and moved that one up and down as well. Up and down, up and down, continuously, never changing pace or motion. Never once looking up at Yami. Never once breaking the silence.

Yami started to fidget. Why was Yugi asking these questions? Wasn't it enough that he didn't love him back? The questions felt like they were ripping his heart out. But he had to keep up a strong face, lest he break down in tears. Yugi's change in movements broke him of his thoughts, as he looked down upon his aibou's…Yugi's form.

Yugi started to shake his head, confusing the spirit. The boy gripped the stuffed toy tightly as he bit back a sob. It would have been so much easier if Yami had just said it was a mistake. If he had said the confession was not meant for him, he could have taken it. But Yami said he loved him. That was hurting him deeply. What if it was a joke? Or what if it was just a dream, and none of this was real? He didn't want to open himself up to be hurt like that.

"You can't."

"W-what?"

"You can't love me."

"Why?"

"You can't. It just can't be real."

"But it is! I do love you."

"But how could you love me? Why would you love me?"

"Yugi, I have always loved you!"

"But how? Why me?"

"Because you are perfect, and beautiful, and kind, and-"

"Stop. STOP! I don't want to hear it!" Yugi yelled as he covered his ears with his hands. He couldn't listen to it. If he believed him, and it turned out to be a lie, Yugi would never be able to continue living. He closed his eyes tightly, not wanting to look at Yami, or into his blood-red eyes.

"Yugi?" Yami called the boy as he sat down next to him. Immediately, Yugi backed away from his darker half. Yami frowned as he lowered his head and averted his gaze. "I'm sorry, Yugi. For causing you so much grief."

"I just don't know what to do. I want to believe you, but I don't want to find that none of this is real. I…I don't want to be hurt anymore."

"Yugi, I'd never hurt you. I'd rather die. But everything I say is true. I can't help the way I feel. I can't help loving you, and no matter what happens, I'll always love you."

The two boys were silent after that. Neither wanted to talk after that, each lost in their own thoughts. Yami was thinking of how he should never have told Yugi his feelings. Yugi was thinking of how much he wanted to just believe his dark. The two teens kept their eyes from each other, not wishing to look upon the other.

Yami turned his eyes towards the window, and watched as the snow fell from the sky. The coldness from outside matched the way he was feeling now. He was numb all over. Especially his heart. The only thing he could feel was his heat breaking in two. Life just wasn't fair. Suddenly he felt Yugi move towards him, and looked towards the boy, who was now sitting in front of him. Yami held his breath, expecting anything to happen. He wouldn't be surprised if Yugi pushed him off the bed.

"I don't want to be hurt."

"I'd never hurt you," Yami replied, as Yugi climbed into his lap. Yami hesitated for a second, before wrapping his arms around Yugi's waist. But Yugi just sat stiffly in his lap, and Yami could feel his body tremble slightly.

"I don't want to be hurt," Yugi repeated.

"I'd die before hurting you," Yami answered, as Yugi gingerly placed his head on Yami's shoulders. Though the boy was still tense, and refused to relax. Yami tightened his grip on the boy lightly, but that only caused another tremble to course through the smaller one's body.

"I don't want to be hurt," said Yugi for the third time as he buried his face in Yami's neck.

"I love you too much to hurt you," said Yami as he felt Yugi relax slightly. Then Yugi suddenly pulled back, and stared into Yami's eyes, his own amethyst orbs shining with tears of sadness, joy, fear, and happiness.

"T-tell me again," Yugi whispered.

"I love you, my precious aibou."

Yugi then grabbed Yami in a death grip, and hugged the spirit tightly. "I love you too, Yami," he said as the tears finally broke free.

Yami gasped as he heard Yugi's confession. Could it be true? Did Yugi love him as well? He felt his own tears of joy fall down his cheeks as he hugged his light, his love, back just as tightly. He smiled through his tears, as his wish finally came true. "You do?"

Yugi nodded, as he buried his face in the crook of Yami's neck. "I do. I always have, but I was so afraid that you didn't love me back. I love you, Yami. I love you so much it hurts," he said as he nuzzled his cheek against Yami's neck.

"Yugi, I can't tell you how happy I am right now. My Yugi, my hikari, my koi," the spirit answered as he kissed Yugi's forehead. He sensed Yugi's blush at the affectionate name, and he laughed. The other boy joined in, and soon they were holding each other tightly, and laughed while their tears still flowed down.

Soon after they calmed down, and just held on to each other, as they sat in a peaceful silence watching the snow flutter gently from the sky. Yugi let out a blissful sigh and cuddled closer to the spirit, who happily held the boy. Yami nuzzled the top of Yugi's head affectionately, causing another contented sigh to escape the smaller boy. Yami gazed down at his love, and kissed Yugi's forehead again. Yugi looked up at his dark half and smiled, receiving a smile back. Then Yami leaned down and grazed his lips against Yugi's.

Yugi blushed darkly, but did not pull back. Instead, he lightly brushed his lips against Yami's, causing the spirit to smile. Yami then pressed down on Yugi's lips, savoring the sweet taste of his new love. Yugi's eyes slowly slid shut as he felt a jolt of pleasure course through him. His entire body seemed to ignite the second that Yami touched their lips together. He felt a delighted shiver run down his spine, as he leaned in closer to bring the kiss deeper. He felt Yami's tongue run across his bottom lip, and parted his lips, letting him enter his mouth.

Yami felt as if he was in heaven the second he slipped in to his aibou's mouth. His aibou tasted so sweet, and was so addicting. It was ambrosial, and the spirit soon lost himself to the flavor. His tongue caressed Yugi's, and soon the two were in a heated, sensual dance. They went over and under each other, reveling in the heat brought on by their kisses. The spirit explored every inch of Yugi's soft, warm cavern, as a pleasure filled moan reached his ears. His heart swelled with pride, as he voiced his own happiness.

Yugi's hands slipped into Yami's hair as he pulled the boy closer to him. He shivered when he felt Yami's hands roaming down his sides as they went over his chest, and under the hem of his shirt. Yugi shivered again when he felt one finger slip under his shirt, and caress his stomach. He moaned again as the pleasure went down to his core. He deepened the kiss, briefly fighting for dominance, before letting Yami take control. He was more than happy to let the spirit have his way.

After a while, they ended the kiss, but not without many regrets. The two lovers gazed deeply into each others eyes, their faces flushed, and their breathing heavy. Yugi gave a Yami a lazy smile, as the spirit stroked Yugi's cheek. The boy closed his eyes, and lay his head back on Yami's shoulder. He let out a sigh as he curled up in Yami's lap and listened to the Pharaoh's heartbeat. He couldn't remember a time when he was happier.

"You should rest for a while, Little One," he heard Yami say quietly.

"I'm not tired," he replied as he nuzzled into Yami's chest.

Yami couldn't help but smile. Everything he wanted had come true. It was like a miracle. He had to remember to scream, dance, and jump around like a crazy idiot the next time he could. ((I'm an idiot in love,)) he thought as he kissed Yugi again. "You really should sleep. I don't want you being sick anymore," he said when they broke apart.

"You're just saying that cause you want to cuddle me," Yugi replied with a smirk.

"And what if I like to cuddle you? You're just so cute, and soft, and cuddly, and-"

Yugi gave Yami another short kiss, effectively silencing the spirit. "Yami, I love you, but right now, shut up." Yami just smirked at his aibou, who gave him a kiss on the nose. "If you stay with me, I promise I'll try to think about considering about maybe wondering if I should or should not go to sleep."

Yami just stared at his light with a confused look. "Wha?"

Yugi giggled, and pulled the two back down to the bed. "You're so cute when you're all confused like that."

"Please, Yugi," Yami scoffed. "I am a powerful Pharaoh, and Pharaoh's are not in any way, shape, or form 'cute'."

"Yes, O great and powerful king. Forgive me for insinuating such an unthinkable thing." Yugi said with mock regret.

"I don't know. You might have to be punished," Yami said with another smirk. His crimson eyes lit up with mischief and childish happiness.

"Really? And what does my great Pharaoh Atemu have in mind?" Yugi said as he returned Yami's smirk. His own indigo eyes glowed with happiness as he accepted Yami's game.

"You'll receive your punishment later. But now, I want you to rest," the spirit said as he placed his head on Yugi's chest.

/Spoilsport./

"Yugi, your king orders you to rest."

"Fine, fine. But we're going to continue this later," Yugi answered his love as he closed his eyes.

"Oh, don't worry. We definitely will.

----------------

It was noon when Yugi slowly opened his eyes and woke up. He blinked to get his eyes used to light that was pouring through the window. The midday sun was shining brightly off of the snow on the window sill, casting a glow in the entire room. Yugi blinked again as he felt a slight stirring on his chest. He looked down, and saw the most adorable sight ever.

Yami was still sleeping, his beautiful, golden skin glistening with the kisses of the sun's rays. His normally stoic, serious face was relaxed, and calm, a tiny smile gracing the Pharaoh's lips. His dark red eyes were closed and thick black lashes were resting delicately upon his cheeks. One stray blonde bang hung in front of his face, and Yugi pushed it behind the spirit's ear, so that he could get a better look at the spirit. Yugi could feel Yami's chest rising up and down, as the spirit continued his peaceful rest. All in all, Yami was beautiful.

Yugi closed his eyes for a minute, and when he opened them he found Yami was looking at him. The teen smiled at his dark half, and gave him a light kiss. "Good morning, sleepy head," he said.

"I don't want to wake up. I was having the best dream."

"Really? What was it about?"

"I finally destroyed Bakura, and sent him to the Shadow Realm forever. There was also something in there that included Seto and a dress," Yami said as he smiled evilly.

Yugi just started laughing. He couldn't help it, it was just too funny. Picturing Seto in a dress would make anyone laugh. That is, until the tall brunette sent his hired assassins after them. That second thought just made Yugi laugh harder. He felt tears gather at the corners of his eyes, and he had stitches in his sides that were killing him.

"Mind letting me in on what's so funny?"

"Seto…in…dress…and then…sending hit men…to kill off…whoever laughs…at…him," Yugi said between laughs. He just couldn't take anymore laughter. His lungs felt shriveled up, but he just couldn't stop laughing.

Yami just chuckled and shook his head at the scene before him. "Only you would find that funny, Aibou."

Finally after a long time, Yugi calmed down, though he was still snickering at the thought of the CEO in a dress. He slid down till he could rest his head on Yami's shoulder, and looked up at the spirit. Yami looked down at him and smiled. The spirit nuzzled Yugi's cheek, and said, "Aishiteru."

"Aishiteru, Yami," Yugi replied happily. "I wish I had told you sooner though."

"Why didn't you?"

"…Because I was afraid thatyoudhatemeandleave," Yugi mumbled, as he looked away.

"I could never hate you. Why would you think that I'd hate you, Aibou?"

"B-because…" (Should I tell him about my dreams?)

"Why, Yugi? What could ever make you think that'd I'd hate you? "

"One night last week, I had a dream. And I know this might sound really stupid to you, and it was probably nothing, but something's shouldn't be taken so lightly, and I just couldn't-"

"Yugi?" Yami said, as he silenced the other teen by placing a finger on Yugi's lips. "What are you trying to say?"

Yugi took a deep breath and began again. "I had a dream last week that I was in a forest with snow everywhere. I was looking for you, but when I found you, you…"

"I what?"

"You…you told me…that you didn't want to be with me ever again. Then you walked away, and I called after you. I kept calling, and calling, but you just left me," Yugi finished quietly, as he felt a wave of sadness wash over him when he recounted his dream.

Yami hugged Yugi tightly, trying to make the boy forget about the dream. "Yugi, it was only a dream. I want to be with you forever. I'd never leave you."

"But…the way you looked at me. Your eyes were filled with such hatred, and I was afraid."

"Yugi, look at me." Yugi then lifted his gaze and stared deeply into Yami's eyes. "I will never look upon you with anything other than love with these eyes. I swear with Ra as my witness."

Yugi nodded silently, and buried his face in Yami's neck. He was trying so hard to keep his eyes from welling up with tears. Yami's spicy scent was once again helping to calm him down. He felt Yami's hand start stroking his back, and he felt comfort flow through their link. He smiled, and sent gratitude back to Yami.

Yami looked down upon his light's form as he thought of everything that Yugi had just told him. Something of that dream seemed familiar. Suddenly it hit him. "Yugi, did you say that was a week ago?"

Yugi nodded in agreement.

"Was that the reason that you were avoiding me?"

"…Yes. I'm sorry, Yami. I didn't mean to, I was just scared. But…that wasn't the only time I had one of those dreams."

"You had more?"

"Yes. The others I had here. The second one was the day that we arrived here."

"So that was why you were thrashing and screaming?"

"Yea."

"I wish you had told me. I was so scared that something was wrong, and you wouldn't wake up no matter how hard I tried."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I just…I don't know. I was scared myself. Especially of the last one."

"The last one?"

"I was in a clearing, and there was this shadowed figure. He walked over to me, and-"

"Picked you up. Then he started to walk away," Yami finished, a look of surprise passing over both his and Yugi's faces.

"How did you know that?"

"Because I had the same dream. I saw him take you away, but I couldn't go after you because I was frozen in place. When I finally could move, I walked off and ended up at a lake."

"The guy brought me to a big lake. I remember I touched it with my hurt hand-"

"That I had bandaged, because you had hurt it-"

"When I was running away from you-"

"Because I was chasing you through the forest-"

"Because I was scared after you told me you didn't want to be with me anymore."

The two boys sat there in silence, millions of thoughts running through their heads. How could they have the same dream? Wouldn't they have known if the other was in the dream as well? Then Yugi thought of something. "Yami, if we were having the same dream, was it really you that told me you didn't want me anymore?" he asked, slight fear in his voice.

Yami quickly shook his head. "It wasn't me. I swear it! I would never say that!"

Yugi just smiled, knowing in his heart that it was the truth. /Yami, lets just forget about it./ He buried his face farther into Yami's neck, and breathed in Yami's scent again.

Yami nodded, but he couldn't get his thoughts off of it. It was because of those dreams that Yugi had gotten hurt. Yami just knew it. That girl, Death, was she the one giving them those dreams? Was she the one who had called Yugi to the lake? She was supposed to take his life. That was why she had appeared in Yami's last dream. But why didn't she? She said she wasn't able to change his destiny, so then why did she let Yugi live? Could it be that she was going to come back for the smaller one?

Yami's eyes widened in fear. She couldn't come back! Not now! Not when Yami finally had Yugi's love. He wouldn't let Yugi leave for anything in the world. If only Yami could give his own life for Yugi's, but as he had already been dead for 5000 years, it was kind of pointless to think of it. Yami had to think of something, incase Death decided to come back. He had already lost Yugi more than once, and the spirit was not about to loose him again.

Yami shook his head forcefully, trying to clear his mind of such morbid thoughts. ((Calm down. Nothing is going to happen to Yugi. Everything will be fine.))

"Yami?"

The Pharaoh looked down and saw his hikari looking at him with worry shining in his large, violet eyes. The spirit smiled comfortingly back at him, saying, "Don't worry, koi. Everything is ok."

"Good," the smaller replied with a smile. "Yami, I'm bored."

"I can think of a few things we could do," the ancient Pharaoh answered, a perverted smirk on his face.

"I'm sure you could," Yugi replied, raising an eyebrow at his spirit. "But I'm also hungry."

"I'll go down, and get you something."

"I'll come with you," Yugi said as he started to get out of Yami's grip.

"Oh no you don't. You are staying in here, under the covers."

"But Yami-"

"I'm serious, Yugi. You will stay here and get better. I'll be back in a second."

"Fine! Besides, I don't feel like going around in a hospital gown. And NO, it is not the ones with the open back," he said as Yami leaned over his shoulder to look at Yugi's backside.

"Damn it! I was so close!"

"Yami! Hungry! Food, now!" Yugi said incredulously, while pushing his dark half off of the bed. "And don't bring any pudding. You know what they say about hospital pudding."

"You mean that it's stiff, and tastes like it's been stuck to the bottom of someone's foot for a year?"

Yugi made a gagging noise, while Yami just laughed. "Yami, that is sick! Now go."

"Ok, ok. I'll be back soon. Call me if you need something," the spirit said, giving his light a kiss, and walking out of the door.

Yugi sighed happily, and leaned back against the pillows. This was definitely the greatest day of his life. Wait till Ryou and Bakura find out what happened. They would freak!

Yugi chuckled at the thought, when he heard someone knocking at the door. The boy was confused, knowing that Yami couldn't be back that soon, and he certainly wouldn't have knocked. "Come in."

The door opened, and Yugi found himself looking into two very familiar silver eyes. "Kyoji!" he exclaimed happily.

"Yugi! You're awake!" the brunette said as he walked over to the bed, and gave Yugi a hug.

"Yea! I woke up this morning."

"I'm so glad. I was freaking out when I saw Yami carrying you. But everything's better now?"

"Well, almost. I can't walk very well, but the doctors said I just need time," he replied, giving the older boy a weak smile.

"Well, I hope you get better soon. Where is Yami?"

"Downstairs getting something to eat."

"He's not getting hospital food is he? You know what they say about hospital food, especially the pudding."

Yugi just laughed. It was great to have someone else care about him like that. Though he was pretty sure that if he told his other friends what had happened, they would all have caught the next flight over. "But how have you been?"

"Frantic, stressful, sleep deprived. You know, the usual. I think I'm even starting to get gray hairs. It's what I've always wanted," the instructor answered with a smile.

"At least it'd match your eyes."

"Because that is really what I've always wanted," Kyoji said sarcastically. "But you sure everything is ok?"

"Yes. I'm fine."

"I'm glad. I was worried that something might have happened to you when you didn't answer your cell yesterday. I never would have thought you'd get hurt. I almost had a heart attack when Yami ran up to me asking about you."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get you or Yami worried."

"Yugi, what were you doing out there? You know those woods are forbidden."

"I…just wanted to clear my mind. I didn't think I'd get lost out there, but when it got dark, I couldn't see the path anymore."

"I'm just glad Yami found you when he did. Speaking of which, is everything ok between you and Yami?"

"Yea! Oh Kyoji, everything is wonderful!" Yugi answered with a smile that made his eyes shine with happiness. "Yami told me he loved me!"

"That's great! So you two are together now?"

Yugi nodded eagerly. He could feel tears of joy welling up in his eyes, as he thought of the confession. True, it was not as romantic as he had pictured, but it didn't matter to the boy. Yami loved him! Nothing could be more perfect.

"I'm very happy for you, kid," Kyoji said as he gave Yugi a hug.

"I feel so happy I could burst," the younger boy answered.

The two were talking of random things when Yami walked in. He eyed the brunette warily, but still gave him a smile. He had helped in rescuing Yugi, so the spirit would try to be nicer. "Hello, Kyoji."

"Hay Yami. What's up. I'm glad that Yugi's gotten better," he said as the two looked over to Yugi, who was happily bouncing on the bed.

"Hiya Yami!" the teen said, giving the spirit a smile.

"Aibou, you know what jii-chan said about bouncing on beds," the crimson eyed ruler said with a smile.

"Well jii-chan isn't here," Yugi answered, though he stopped his bouncing.

"I should get going," Kyoji said as he checked his watch. "But I have a present for you, Yugi."

At the mention of the word 'present', Yugi's eyes lit up like a candle, and he resumed his bouncing. The silver eyed instructor pulled out the present, and handed it to the boy, who quickly ripped it open. In his lap was a box of pocky, and the boy squealed in delight. "You brought the pocky!"

"I figured you'd like it. After all, you did win it fair and square."

Yugi launched himself at the older boy, giving him a tight hug. "Thanks a lot, Kyoji!"

Yami just watched the scene from his position by the door. His eyes narrowed slightly when he watched his hikari give the other boy a hug. The spirit had said he would try to be nicer to the other boy, but that all depended on the situation. And right now, the spirit didn't like this one.

"All right. I should get going now. See ya later, KID."

Yugi sighed and buried his face in his hands. "Again? Why do you keep saying it?"

"Because it's funny to see your expression when I say it," the silver eyed teen said with a laugh.

"You still have yet to tell me why."

"I don't know. It just is."

Yugi playfully stuck his tongue out at the boy, before ripping open the box of pocky and devouring one after the other. Kyoji and Yami chuckled at the sight. Kyoji walked towards the door and stopped in front of Yami who gazed at him with curious red eyes.

"Yugi told me about you two. You are very lucky. Take care of him, ok."

Yami just smiled and nodded. Maybe there was something to this boy after all. "Good bye. And thanks."

"No problem. See ya," the nineteen year old said as he walked out the door.

Yami closed the door and turned back to his hikari, bursting out in laughter when he saw the smear of chocolate on his light's cheek. "Um, Yugi. You have a little something on your cheek," the spirit said through laughs.

Yugi threw him a glare, and reached out his arms, silently beckoning the spirit closer. Yami sat down next to the boy, and was immediately pulled into a hug. He smiled down at Yugi, who gave him a bright smile back. Yami's eyes moved over to look at the chocolate smear, and a thought came to him. "Here Aibou, let me help."

Yugi's face turned the color of a cherry when he felt Yami's tongue come out and lick his cheek, licking off the chocolate. He only blushed more when he heard Yami say, "Very tasty."

"Yami! You…you…you!"

The Pharaoh laughed at the flustered look of his aibou. Yugi was just too cute like that. He couldn't resist, and bent down to give his aibou's soft cheek another lick. Suddenly he found himself on the floor. He looked up at the bed, only to find that Yugi had buried himself under the covers. He couldn't help but laugh again. The spirit got up, and tugged on the sheets, trying to uncover Yugi. Yugi, though, planned to stay under the blankets, and tugged back. Soon the boys were having a tug-of-war, with no victor in sight.

With one strong pull, Yami managed to rip the blankets off of Yugi, but in the process yanked the boy forwards till he fell off the bed. Just before he could hit the floor though, the spirit grabbed him. "Yugi, love, are you ok?" the spirit asked worriedly.

"I'm fine," the boy answered.

Yami sighed in relief, and placed Yugi on the ground, only to have the boy collapse on him. Yami grabbed Yugi and held him close. "You still can't walk, Little One?"

"I don't know," Yugi said with a shaky breath. "I haven't tried since the doctors came in, and that was three and a half hours ago."

"Maybe you should try now."

Yugi looked up at his lover unsurely. He didn't really want to try. He didn't feel like falling on the ground. But his yami's soft smile gave him some courage.

"Don't worry. I'll be here to catch you."

Yugi nodded slowly, and braced himself when he felt the spirit let go of him slowly. He wobbled a bit, grabbing Yami's shirt to steady himself. When he thought he was steady enough, he let go. The two smiled as Yugi stood up straight. "Well, I got this far," he said.

"Now take a step towards me," Yami said, taking a single step away from the boy.

Yugi again looked at his lover worriedly, but took a deep breath and started towards him. He felt himself become unsteady as he slowly lifted his foot, and paused. He looked back up at Yami, and gazed into the ruby orbs filled with love and encouragement. He took another deep breath and started forwards again, when he suddenly fell over. He landed in Yami's arms, and felt the boy hold him tightly. "It's ok. Just try it again," he heard the spirit say.

"I…I don't know if I can," Yugi said.

"Of course you can! Just try it again. Think of it as a game. You can do this."

Yugi nodded again, and pushed away from Yami, though he didn't let go of the Pharaoh's hands. The dark spirit stepped away again, till he was an arms length from Yugi, and held Yugi's hands firmly. He nodded to the boy, who nodded back. Yugi braced himself, and started to take a step forwards. His hands automatically clamped his lovers when he felt himself start to wobble again, but this time he didn't stop. Instead he pushed forwards and took a single step towards the other boy. He broke out into a huge grin at his accomplishment.

"That was great, Yugi!" the spirit said. "I told you you could do it! Now lets try another one."

Yugi nodded, and gingerly lifted his foot and took another step towards the Pharaoh. Yami praised him again, and the boy felt his confidence growing. He was walking! He was actually doing it! And it was all thanks to Yami. The hikari took another step towards his love, but unfortunately he lost his balance, and fell again. Yugi let out a groan, and placed his forehead on Yami's shoulder. "Kuso," he said softly.

"Don't worry, tenshi. Try again."

And so Yugi did. For the next ten minutes the teen took small steps, never letting go of his yami's hands. He could feel his strength returning to him, though sometimes he would fall over. Soon he was taking two steps, and then three. Yami never stopped encouraging and praising him, even when he felt it was hopeless.

"Little One, I think you should try to walk by yourself now," Yami said as he gently let go of Yugi's hands. Yugi bit his lip nervously when he felt his support leave. "You can do this."

"O-ok," he replied. He hesitantly lifted his foot, but quickly placed it back down. He looked over at Yami, the spirit smiling brightly at him. He sighed and looked down at his legs. (Come on. It's just like before,) he told himself. He lifted his foot again, and successively took a step towards his spirit. He smiled and attempted to take another step, but he lost his balance and fell to the floor.

"Yugi, are you ok?" asked Yami as he knelt down next to the boy.

"Uh huh," Yugi replied as he looked at his now scraped knees. Yami noticed them too and frowned. "It's ok. The Millennium Puzzle can heal you." Yami placed his hands over the injured knees, and used his shadow magic to heal them. He kissed Yugi on the cheek and lifted the boy to his feet. "Want to try again?"

"Yea. I want to do this," Yugi said with determination. He took a step towards the other boy, and then another. Occasionally Yugi would become unsteady, but he refused to let himself fall. Each time he took a step, Yami would step back. They continued that way till Yami felt the wall against his back. Yugi took a final step and walked into Yami's embrace. Tears of joy started flowing down the amethyst eyed boy's face.

"You did it! You walked across the room. I'm so proud of you, tenshi," Yami said as he embraced his lover tightly. Yugi just laughed and nodded, the tears still flowing down his face. Yami laughed with him, as he picked his small love up and started twirling him around.

"Oh Yami, I'm so happy, I feel like I could jump around."

"Let's hold off on that for now. But when you finally recover completely, I'll be there jumping with you."

"I love you, my wonderful Yami."

"I love you too, my beautiful Yugi."

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Star: YAY!!!!!!!!!!! Another happy ending! But it's not over yet. I still have a few more chapters after this!! So please review, keep waiting for my next chapter, and have happy holidays!