Star: OMG:gets on hands and knees: PLEASE FORGIVE ME! I didn't mean to go so long without updating! I started this chapter in the beginning of January, but I had school, and sports, and then I ran out of ideas, and when I finally got my ideas back, I was too lazy to write this. PLEASE FORGIVE ME! I SWEAR I WILL NEVER GO 4 MONTHS WITHOUT UPDATING EVER AGAIN!
Anyway, I'm glad that you guys have stuck with me through ever single chapter. I am very honored that you think I am a good writer. I want to thank every single one of you who has read and/or reviewed my story. You are the reason that I keep writing, because your reviews make my day perfect. I never dreamed that I would get more than 100 reviews for this story, but now I almost have 700! I can't believe it! THANK YOU!
But one thing I must ask, please don't send me extra reviews demanding that I update soon. I really work hard to get these chapters out soon, so please don't send extra reviews for chapter 1 or another chapter saying: 'Why haven't you updated yet?' or 'Hurry up with the next chapter!' If you want to say that, please say it in the first review for the new chapter. I actually find those funny.
This chapter is dedicated to Craig and Leigh! THANK YOU BOTH!
Disclaimer: Roses are red. Violets are blue. I don't own Yugioh, so you can't do anything about it you lame lawyers! HAHA! Who's the loser now?
"speech"
(Yugi's thoughts)
((Yami's thoughts))
/mind link/
((((Forever till the End))))
The sun shone into the suite, lighting everything, and making the room glow. The light reached every spot, spilling over the furniture, creeping into every corner, removing the shadows, and everything that brings fear. It brightened everything, giving the suite a cheery appearance, giving anyone who stood inside a sense of peace and happiness.
Though the occupants of the suite didn't need the sun to bring them happiness. The two boys slept peacefully, arms entwined around each other. They continued to sleep, holding onto each other, a small smile on each of their faces. The smaller moved closer to the other, nuzzling his cheek into his lover's neck, a happy sigh escaping. In turn, the elder tightened his hold on the teen, drawing him closer. They slept on, ignoring everything else, basking in the love that surrounded them.
The light from outside slowly crept into the bedroom, sliding across the floor, rising over one bed, and finally reaching the second. The sun shone on the boys, the light reaching their eyes. The taller one stirred, and clenched his eyes shut tighter, trying to keep the brightness from him. It was no use, and a few seconds later, he parted his crimson eyes slowly, letting them get used to the daylight.
He yawned, and blinked a few times, trying to wake up completely. He could feel sleep trying to take him back into it's arms, and shook his head lightly. His movements caused the still sleeping teen in his arms to stir lightly. The spirit looked down, a joyful smile taking it's place on his lips. He hugged his small hikari tightly, holding him as close as possible. He tenderly kissed the other's forehead, and buried his face in the boy's hair, sighing in bliss.
He pulled back, and gazed lovingly at his aibou. He brushed the blonde bangs out of the boy's face, caressing his soft cheeks. His thumb traced the outline of the other's lips, smiling when he heard the other moan lightly. He placed light kisses on the boy's cheek and on his ruby lips. ((Pretty aibou. Beautiful hikari. My Yugi, my tenshi. I love you so much, more than you'll ever know. You are so precious, so wonderful, and I am so blessed to have you in my life. Yugi, my love. So adorable, so gorgeous, all mine. Mine forever.))
The Pharaoh started to stroke Yugi's sides slowly, causing the teen to shiver. Yugi moaned lightly, then cracked his eyes open. He looked up at his dark side through half lidded eyes, and smiled at him. He leaned up and brushed his lips on the other's. "Yami…" he whispered.
"You should go back to sleep, Little One," Yami said, still stroking Yugi's sides. Yugi didn't reply, but smiled at him again, then closed his eyes. He squirmed when he felt the fingers ghosting up his sides, and giggled lightly. He giggled more when the fingers started dancing across his back and stomach.
"Yami, stop," he said through giggles.
"But you're so cute when you laugh," Yami said as he continued to tickle his aibou. Yugi laughed some more, and grabbed Yami's hands. He held them tightly, kissing them. Yugi looked up, his amethyst eyes shining with happiness, and love. Yami pulled him close, and kissed him, nibbling on Yugi's bottom lip, drawing a moan of pleasure from the smaller. They broke the kiss, and stared into each other's eyes.
Yugi nuzzled his cheek against Yami's, cuddling closer to his dark half. "Love you, Yami."
"Love you too," the spirit replied.
Yugi placed a light kiss on Yami's cheek, then started to sit up. Suddenly he felt a sharp pain in his back, and cried out. He lay back down and bit his lip, his eyes closed in pain. As soon as he cried out, Yami wrapped his arms around him, holding him close.
"Yugi, what's wrong!"
Yugi cracked open one eye, and smiled. "I'm fine. My back is sore…from…well…last night," he replied, a blush staining his cheeks.
Yami's eyes widened when he heard that. "Oh gods, Yugi! I'm so sorry! It's all my fault! I shouldn't have done it! I wasn't thinking! I should have been more careful, I should have been more gentle! I should-"
Yugi placed a finger on his lips, silencing Yami, as the smaller smiled up at him. "It's ok. I don't care."
"But I still hurt you! I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have done it! You were already hurt, and I've probably made it worse! I am so, so sorry. Please don't hate me!"
"Yami!" Yugi said, pinching the spirit's cheek to get him to stop talking. "I don't hate you, you baka. Sure, you can be annoying, and aggravating. Your ego is a bit big. You can be selfish, and self centered sometimes, and you are such a whiny little baby."
"Um…Yugi, where are you going with this?" asked Yami, his cheek still being pinched by his lover.
"I'm trying to say, that even though you can be all those things, I could never hate you. In fact, those things are part of the reason I love you so much. So stop worrying so much. You look so pathetic when you are begging for forgiveness," Yugi said with a laugh.
"So you don't hate me?" Yami asked.
"Yes Yami. I hate you," Yugi said, sarcasm dripping off his voice. "I can't stand to look at you," he said, staring deep into Yami's eyes. "I hate holding you," Yugi said as he gave his dark half a hug. "And I completely and utterly despise kissing you," he said as he pulled Yami in for a long, passionate kiss.
They finally pulled away, breaking the kiss only because they ran out of air. "Could you repeat that last part? I didn't quite catch it," Yami said with a smirk.
Yugi playfully stuck his tongue out, then cuddled into Yami's embrace. "You're a loser, you know that," he said, letting his eyes slide shut.
"You're just saying that because you love me."
"No, I'm saying it because you really are a loser," Yugi said, giggling when Yami pouted. The spirit flicked Yugi's ear, making him glare at the taller one. "That hurt."
"You called me a loser."
"But it's true. Bakura and Marik would agree."
"That's because they have it in for me."
"It doesn't change the fact that you are a loser."
"Am not."
"Are too."
"Am not!"
"ARE TOO!"
"AM NOT!"
"ARE NOT!"
"AM TOO! Wait…damn!"
Yugi laughed at Yami's mistake. "I'm so glad you agree with me."
"No fair! You tricked me!"
"You were enough of a loser to fall for it," Yugi said, a smug smirk on his face.
"Yea well…it takes one to know one!"
Yugi doubled over in laughter. "Is that the best comeback you can think of? That was lamer than lame!"
Yami just glared at his laughing aibou, trying to think of a way to get revenge. Unfortunately for the spirit, nothing came to mind. He growled in aggravation, and cursed his brain for failing to come up with anything. He decided to just wing it. "Hikari, if I'm such a loser, why do you love me?"
Yugi stopped laughing, and bit his lip, trying to think of an answer. "I don't know."
"So, if I'm a loser, that means you are too good for me."
"I never said-"
"No, no. You made it very clear. I'm a loser, so that means I'm not good enough. Which means I'm not good enough to kiss you," continued Yami.
"Now I definitely didn't say-"
"But you did. I'm a loser, which means I can't kiss you anymore."
"That's not-" Yugi started to say, but was cut off as Yami kissed him, slipping his tongue into his mouth, overpowering the smaller one. Yami then pulled back, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Yugi just stared blankly at him, his mind fogged over with pleasure.
"Also, if I'm a loser," Yami continued, "that means I'm not good enough to hold you," he said as he rolled on top of Yugi and drew him into a hug.
Yugi still stared at him as his thoughts came back to him. "…huh?"
"I'm such a loser, huh?" the spirit asked, a smirk on his lips. "In fact, forget about holding you. I'm not good enough to touch you," he said as he ran his fingers up and down Yugi's sides, enjoying the shivers that coursed through the body of his hikari. The Pharaoh then moved his hands lower, grinding his palms roughly into Yugi's inner thighs. Yugi gasped then moaned, his hips bucking up slightly.
"Yep, I'm the world's biggest loser," Yami said, before nibbling on Yugi's neck, his hands still kneading Yugi's legs. The smaller gasped again, his eyes flickering shut as waves of pleasure coursed through his body. His hips bucked again, grinding his lower body into his darker half's, making the spirit groan and bite down on Yugi's neck. Yugi cried out, pain and pleasure mixing, making his body light up.
"Yami! Gods…Yami," said the smaller through pants.
"What is it aibou? Don't tell me you are enjoying this. After all, I'm nothing but a loser," Yami said, silently cheering at his victory.
"No…not…"
"Not what? Am I not a loser?"
"No…gods no," Yugi said, his breathing harsh and fast.
"But you said I was," Yami said, stilling his movements, bringing a cry of disappointment from his light.
"No…not a…Ra…don't…stop."
"So I'm not a loser."
"Nooo," Yugi moaned out, pressing his hips harshly against Yami's, hoping the other teen would start kissing and caressing him again. Yami chuckled at his antics, enjoying the feeling of victory. He went back to nibbling on Yugi's neck, loving the moan that escaped the boy. The Pharaoh felt his hikari move under him, one leg rubbing against his own. Yami felt Yugi shift again, the smaller spreading his legs, when he suddenly stopped and cried in pain.
"Yugi, what happened?" Yami said, lifting off of his aibou quickly.
"It still hurts," the amethyst eyed boy replied, his body laying still as he waited for the pain to disappear.
"I'm sorry, love. I really didn't mean to hurt you," the spirit said, his eyes clouding over in sadness.
"It's ok. I know you didn't mean to. I would tell you not to feel guilty, but it is kind of your fault," Yugi said with a smirk.
The Pharaoh smiled at him, and nuzzled his cheek. "You need to rest, aibou. It will stop hurting soon."
"Ryou said a hot bath always helps."
"……Yugi, why did Ryou tell you that?"
"Well…it was actually Bakura."
"Yugi, why was Bakura talking to you about what to do after sex?"
"…"
"Don't you go silent on me. What has Bakura been saying to you?"
"Um…"
"I knew it! He was trying to corrupt you! Next time I see him, he's dead!"
"Wouldn't that be-"
"Let's not go into technicalities now, aibou. I'll bring him back to life, then kill him again."
"Yami, I don't care what I said before, you are still a loser," Yugi said as he pulled Yami close to him, resting his head on Yami's chest. "But either way, a hot bath does sound really good now."
"But it's so warm here, and I don't want to leave," Yami said, pulling Yugi closer. Suddenly he noticed that Yugi's body was shaking lightly. "Yugi, what's wrong?"
"I don't think it's warm enough," Yugi said as he tried to still his shaking. "I'm freezing."
"I'll go fill the tub. You stay under the covers," the spirit said, climbing out of the bed. He smiled when he saw Yugi's face turn deep red, burying his face in the pillow to hide his blush. Yami wrapped the blankets around his aibou, then kissed him on the forehead, and walked into the bathroom.
A few minutes later he came back, only to find that his hikari's trembling had gotten worse. Even though he was covered by three heavy blankets, he still seemed to be cold. Yami frowned, and picked him up, carrying him to the bathroom, where he placed his aibou in the warm water.
"That feels really good," Yugi said with a blissful sigh. He felt Yami climb in behind him, and leaned his back against the other's chest, his head dropping backwards on the spirit's shoulder. The teen could feel his dark half's strong arms wrap around him, and he no longer felt cold.
"At least you've stopped shaking," Yami said, gently stroking Yugi's sides.
"That's cause you are holding me. Everything is perfect when you are around," Yugi said, closing his eyes, and relaxing against Yami's body.
"You are always perfect, no matter what," Yami said, kissing his aibou's cheek lightly.
Yugi blushed lightly, and smiled. He nuzzled his nose into the spirit's neck, and held one of his hands, interlocking their fingers. The smaller sighed happily, the fingers on his other hand running up and down Yami's arm. He felt sleep creep up on him, the warmth from the bath, and the wonderful feeling of being in Yami's arms sending him into a blissful peace. He moaned lightly as he let himself fall into the amazing feelings.
"Gods, Yugi. You are so beautiful. I don't know what I'd do without you. I can't picture my life without you, and I don't want to. My Yugi, my beautiful, perfect angel. Don't ever leave me."
"I would never dream of it," said Yugi as he opened his eyes, staring into the crimson orbs he loved so much. "You are mine, as I am yours. Forever. And nothing will change that. Nothing can ever take me from you. No one on this earth, no creature from the shadows, and not even death."
Yami's eyes clouded over as he heard the last statement. He frowned, then turned his head away. "Aibou, I'm…I'm so sorry," he said quietly.
"Yami, don't be. It wasn't your fault. It was mine."
"That's not true. I was the one who pushed you away. If I hadn't gotten so angry at you, none of this would have happened."
"Yami, it was not your fault. I put myself in danger, and you had nothing to do with it. I should have known better, but I wasn't thinking. Everything that happened was my fault. Don't place the blame on yourself."
"I can't help it! I almost lost you. I…I can't live without you, and…that night showed me just how easily you can be taken from me. I was so scared that you'd never wake up, that I'd never get to hold you ever again. That I'd never tell you how I felt," the spirit said as he tightened his hold on the smaller, as if fearing he would disappear in the next second.
"Yami, please don't-"
"The whole time you were in the hospital, I kept asking myself 'How could you do this to him? How could you let him down?' I was going crazy. I felt so much guilt, felt so much anger and hatred at myself for putting you in that position. I wanted to scream!"
Yugi didn't say a word, but sat there, stroking Yami's arm in a comforting motion. He snuggled closer to the Pharaoh's body, nuzzling his cheek into the taller's neck. The boy hated to see his lover in such a state. It broke his heart when he looked at the spirit, feeling the other's pain through the link.
"I kept yelling at myself, berating myself for everything. 'This is your fault. You failed him, and he's in here because you didn't protect him.' Those thoughts were constantly in my head. Every time I looked at you, they grew louder. I didn't want to listen, but they wouldn't stop," Yami continued, small tears gathering at the corners of his eyes. "It hurt so much, knowing that I was the one who did it to you."
"Yami, listen to me!" Yugi said, finally having enough. He turned around and grabbed Yami's face, pulling it towards him, forcing the teary crimson eyes to look into his own. "It was NOT your fault! Stop saying it was! I was the one that told you about the offer. I was the one that ran out. I was the one who went into the forest, and I was the one who went out on the lake. NOT you! You had nothing to do with it, so stop placing the blame on yourself!"
"But-"
"NO BUTS!" Yugi yelled. Then he smiled softly; love, adoration, and happiness shining in his eyes. "Yami, you didn't hurt me, you saved me. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here now. You saved my life. Again. You protected me, brought me back from the edge of death, and helped me learn to walk again. You have brought me so much joy. You have made me so happy. I never thought it would be possible to be this happy. You give me so much, and I feel so undeserving of the love you have for me."
"But you do deserve it! You deserve the world, and I will give you everything I have, everything I am, if it makes you happy."
Yugi smiled and shook his head. "Yami, I don't want the world. I don't want anything other than you. I could care less about the rest of the world." The smaller then placed his forehead on the spirit's, wrapping his arms around Yami's neck. "I want you to be happy. That is the only way that I will be happy. Seeing you like this breaks my heart. I want to see you smile, to hear you laugh, to see you be happy. I know it's a lot to ask, but please forget what happened that night. Forget everything except the fact that I love you, and that I will always be with you."
Yami closed his eyes, sighing as he relaxed into his hikari's hold. "For you, I will try. But I know I never will. I just can't forget seeing you lying there, so vulnerable, surrounded by those massive machines. But I will try, to make you happy."
Yugi kissed his love's forehead, gently wiping away the small tears that had escaped Yami's crimson eyes. "Thank you," he whispered, leaning down to kiss the spirit. His fingers slid through his dark half's hair, drawing the other deeper into the kiss. The teen felt Yami's grip on him tighten, pulling him closer, their bodies pressed flush against each other. Yugi shivered when he felt Yami's fingers graze up his back, tracing small patters in his skin. He moaned lightly, his back arching up, rubbing his body into Yami's, causing them both to groan in pleasure.
They broke away from the kiss, breathing a little harder than before. They stared into each other's eyes, not having to say anything to feel their love. They lay there in the silence, enjoying the feeling of being with each other. Yugi placed his head on Yami's shoulder, cuddling into the spirit's body. He shivered again when the fingers slid from his back to his sides. Yugi felt goose bumps appear on his skin, the tingling feeling from the fingers the reason. He moaned, and started to squirm about.
Yami watched him with a smile. He ran his fingers down his light's side again, the smile on his face growing when he heard the soft whimpers coming from the smaller in his arms. The Pharaoh loved the feeling of holding Yugi in his arms. He loved hearing his aibou voice his pleasure, pleasure that he brought. He loved making his light happy, loved being the one who brought a smile upon the smaller's angelic face. It gave him a sense of pride, a sense of being the best, the only one who could make Yugi smile in such a way. He felt his hikari tremble again, and he was filled with so much happiness.
Yugi felt a chill wash over his body, the soft caresses from his dark half's fingers causing goose bumps to rise whenever they touched him, sending shivers down his spine. He trembled, and moaned again, cold air attacking his body when the fingers moved on. His body was consumed with both fire and ice, playing inside him, crashing together and sending wave after wave of indescribable pleasure, burning his skin while freezing him to the bone. Another tremor rocked his body, a sharp gasp coming from his lips as he was consumed by sensations beyond his imagination.
Slowly though, the heat died away, leaving an icy feel in his body. Cold air, and cooling water, mixed with the touches from Yami, were making him feel numb all over. His body once more shook, yet somehow this was different than before. The warmth that had once flowed through him was being replaced, taken over by cold. He felt another shiver coming, yet this was no longer accompanied by heat. It felt like pure ice, like his body was being frozen. Yet at the same time, his skin felt like it was on fire, starting to sweat lightly as his body overheated and froze all at once.
Yugi's body started to shake lightly, and he tightened his jaw to keep his teeth from chattering. His vision started to become blurry, an unknown source of heat making him dizzy. He was starting to sweat more, his body feeling like it was surrounded by flames, nipping at his skin, burning him. His insides, though, felt completely frozen, like they had been turned into ice. It felt like a war was going on in his body, the fire and ice from before now battling to take control, neither gaining the upper hand, both inflicting damage to him. There was only one reason why he felt that way, and it was simple. He was sick. He knew it, and he sensed that Yami knew it too.
Yami had sensed it from the beginning. He knew it the second it began. When he felt the difference of Yugi's shaking, going from that of pleasure to that of pain, he knew it. He stopped caressing his light's sides, knowing that the tingling feeling would only cause his light's body to react worse. Instead the spirit held his aibou tightly, pulling him as close as possible, trying to keep the smaller warm. He frowned when he felt the shivers continue, growing stronger instead of dying down as he had hoped. He knew he had to get his love back in bed quickly, or else the sickness would only grow worse.
Yami gently shifted, moving slowly so that Yugi's body could accustom itself to any new changes in temperature. He reached over the edge of the bath tub, grabbing a large towel. Slowly he lifted himself up, cradling Yugi in his arms, placing the boy down on the edge of the tub, and immediately wrapping him in the towel. The Pharaoh gently, but quickly, dried his light, preventing his wet body from becoming more chilled by the sudden burst of air. He then took a larger towel, and wrapped it around himself, and Yugi, enveloping them both. The spirit picked the smaller up, smiling slightly when he felt the shivers go down. "Feeling a little better?" he asked as he walked into the bedroom, depositing his small lover on the bed, covering him with the blanket.
"A little. Still cold…but not so much," Yugi said, teeth chattering as new waves of the icy feeling washed over him. He curled up in a ball, eyes closed tightly, pulling the blankets around him as tightly as he could. Though that didn't make him feel any better. It just made him ever hotter, his body becoming damp again as sweat formed. He whimpered and pushed the covers off of him, exposing his naked body to the cold air.
Yami pushed the blankets back on the teen, only to have them pushed off again. The Pharaoh sighed, pulling them over the smaller's body again. Yugi though, didn't want the heat, and threw them off the bed, the blankets falling to the floor with a soft thud. He soon found that it wasn't a smart move, his body shaking fiercely, his skin turning numb from the cold he felt. And suddenly the cold was gone, replaced with the unbearable heat that he had just gotten rid of. Yugi groaned, hating the heat, but also hating the cold.
"I know you don't like the heat," Yami whispered into Yugi's ear, "but you need to keep warm if you hope to get better." Yugi just groaned again, curling up into a ball again. Yami sat down on the edge of the bed, watching him, one hand wiping the boy's sweat dampened brow. The spirit then stood, walking over to the dresser, and pulling out two pairs of pajamas. He walked back to the bed, and slowly pulled the covers off of his light, exposing the boy's chest. "You need to dress warmly," Yami said.
Yugi whimpered when the heat disappeared, curling up tighter, trying to keep the cold air from touching his body. He then felt two strong, warm arms wrap around his waist, providing him with heat. He let the spirit dress him, being too weak, and tired to do anything himself. He lay on the bed, feeling he slight tug of the shirt as it was buttoned. He cracked open an eye, searching through his hazy sight for Yami. He spotted the Pharaoh's blurry form, and whimpered again to get his attention. Yugi felt a hand gently stroke his cheek, soothing him slightly, making him forget for a moment the situation he was in.
Yami then proceeded to dress his light's lower body. He quickly, but gently, pulled the pajama pants on his hikari, being careful not to hurt the boy. When he was finished, he dressed himself. The spirit then sat on the bed next to his aibou, stroking the smaller's cheek. He felt Yugi's forehead for a few seconds, then pulled away, and said, " I think you have a fever. I'm going to get the thermometer."
Yugi frowned, grabbing Yami's hand to keep his dark half with him. The spirit smiled softly, sending comfort through their link. "I'll be right back," Yami said, letting his hand slide from the other's grip slowly. He made sure his light was covered in the blanket before walking out. Yugi watched him leave through half open eyes. He sneezed, then groaned in annoyance, closing his eyes as he wrapped the blankets around himself. Despite the searing heat that he felt on the outside, he was still freezing inside, and he hated the cold more than anything. He also knew that to get better he had to stay warm, even though his skin felt like fire.
Somewhere in his mind, he wondered how he got sick. He figured that it was just an after effect of his brush with death. He shivered again, part from cold and part from fear. He knew he was being hypocritical, telling his other half to forget what happened, while he himself dwelled on the thought. Yet he couldn't forget; couldn't pretend that nothing happened, even though he was seconds away from dying. It was impossible to forget. The thought of him dying, his memories of the girl, and the fear and hopelessness he felt plagued him. It was obvious that he wouldn't forget, though he knew he should. If not for his sake, then for Yami's. The spirit had gone through so much already, and Yugi knew that just looking at him brought back memories.
(I wish I could change it. I wish I could make what happened disappear, and I want everything to go back to the way it was before. I don't want to see him hurt anymore. I don't want him to hate himself for what happened. But how can I make him happy, when I'm scared myself?) Yugi thought, sighing deeply as a wave of sadness washed over him. His body trembled again, and he growled in irritation. (The longer I am sick, the longer he's going to blame himself. I need to get better for him.)
Yugi heard Yami's footsteps coming closer, and sat up. If he couldn't get better fast enough, then he'd pretend he was better. He'd just pretend that nothing had happened, and that he was just a little cold. (It will work) he told himself, but a part of him knew that it wouldn't. Yami would not overlook this so easily, especially not after what had taken place. If anything, the crimson eyed spirit would be even more suspicious. It was not the first time Yugi had pretended to be fine to keep others from worrying.
He saw his lover walk in, and smiled at him. He opened his mouth to say something, but found that his throat hurt badly. It felt like it was on fire, though the rest of his body still felt like an icicle. He suddenly had the urge to cough, but he couldn't if he hoped to fool Yami. Instead he closed his mouth, and watched as the spirit walked up to him. Yugi just kept smiling, and pretending.
"Aibou, why are you sitting up? You should be resting," Yami said as he sat at the edge of the bed. He gently tugged on Yugi's shoulders, pulling the boy down. Yugi just shook his head, and leaned away. He was about to open his mouth to reply, but the burning feeling in his throat came back.
/I'm fine, Yami/ he said, hoping the other wouldn't ask him anything else. But of course, nothing worked out for him.
"Yugi, you should be under the covers. You won't get better if you let yourself be exposed to the cold air."
/I'm fine, really. I don't feel so bad anymore./
Yami just stared at him. He knew his light was lying, it was obvious. He didn't like it when Yugi lied about his safety, because it only worried him more. He knew the smaller was doing that to keep him happy, but it had the opposite effect. The spirit was glad that Yugi was so caring, but sometimes he could be too selfless. "Yugi, don't lie to me," he said seriously.
/I'm not lying/
"I know you are doing this to keep me from worrying, but stop. You will only make yourself worse."
"Yami, I'm-" but Yugi's reply was cut off, as he was taken over by a coughing fit. His body shook forcefully, his throat hurting badly, and tears forming in his eyes from the pain. He vaguely felt Yami's arms wrap around him, holding him till he stopped, but he couldn't concentrate on anything other than pain. Finally after a few minutes, the coughing slowly died down till it stopped. Yugi just sat there afterwards, feeling Yami gently rub his back.
"Are you ok now?" he heard Yami's whisper.
/Yes. But my throat still hurts./
"This is why you have to stay under the covers. If not, you won't get better." Yami then pulled him down, and piled the blankets on top of him, till only his head was showing. "I'll take your temperature now, then I'll get you some cough medicine."
Yugi nodded, too tired to respond even through their link. He felt the thermometer being pushed against his lips, and opened them. He tasted the cold glass against his tongue, and had the urge to spit it out. But he kept it in, sighing softly as he felt Yami caress his cheek. After three minutes, Yami pulled it out, looking at the red line with a frown. "It's 100," he said.
Yugi sighed again, closing his eyes. He hated being sick. It wasn't just the feeling like hell part, though that was a big reason. He hated having other people worry. Especially when it was over him. He hated being sick, hated it with a passion that nothing else could compare to. He shivered again and sneezed, cursing the cold and anything associated to it.
"Don't move," he heard Yami say. Then the weight lifted off the bed, and he heard footsteps retreating. He placed a hand over his eyes, and groaned. He heard it again. The sadness in Yami's voice, and he began to hate that too. Yugi wanted desperately to make that sadness go away, but the only way to do that was to get better.
(I will get better,) he thought with determination. (This time, I won't fake it. I will get better so that he can be happy.) He opened his eyes, and sat up slightly when Yami walked back in, the spirit holding a bottle, and a spoon in his hands. His eyes widened slightly, realizing that the Pharaoh wanted him to take the cough medicine. /Y-you're not really going to make me take that…are you/
"If you want to get better, then yes," Yami said as he sat next to his aibou.
/But I hate that stuff/
"But it will make you better. Now hush, and open your mouth," the spirit said, holding the spoonful of medicine in front of Yugi's lips. The smaller boy shook his head, leaning away from the spoon. Cough medicine, in his opinion, was the worst tasting thing in the world, and he'd rather be sick, than force that thick, syrupy goop down his throat.
"Aibou-"
/I don't wanna/
"Yugi, really. It's not that bad."
/Have you tasted it before/
"No, but it is a little hard for someone who has been dead for five thousand years to get sick. Just swallow it quickly. You won't taste it."
"Yes I-" but once again, Yugi's reply was cut off as he began coughing. His hands flew up to his throat, and his eyes shut tightly. His body doubled over, shaking harshly. He felt Yami's arms wrap around him again, holding him close and rubbing his back as he got over the second coughing fit. When it was over, Yugi lay limply in Yami's arms.
"Yugi, please take it. You need it," Yami pleaded.
/But it's so gross/ Yugi whined. He opened his eyes to look at the bottle on the night stand, and grimaced. It even looked disgusting, the red liquid slowly trickling down the inside of the bottle. Why couldn't he just take a cough drop? He would gladly take one of those. In fact, it was a habit of him to take one whenever he felt like it.
"Come on, hikari. Don't make me give it to you the other way," Yami said, holding the spoon in front of Yugi's lips again.
/What other way/
Yami just stared at him, and Yugi stared back. Suddenly, Yami placed the spoon in his mouth, grabbed Yugi's chin, and kissed him, forcing his way into the smaller's mouth. The Pharaoh let the medicine run from his mouth into Yugi's, giving him no choice but to swallow it. Yami pulled away, a smirk on his face.
Yugi was shocked, and his mind stopped. He slowly began to work his way out of his stupor, when he tasted it. The slimy, imitation cherry flavor of the cough medicine that he had just swallowed. He had a horrible taste in his mouth, and it was all Yami's fault. He glared at the spirit who just chuckled. /That was mean! That stuff tastes horrible/
Yami licked his lips, then scrunched his nose up. "You're right, it does."
/It's so gross/ Yugi whined, sticking out his tongue to keep the flavor out. Yami just chuckled at his antics. Yugi glared at him, though the image was a bit messed up, with his tongue hanging out. Yami had to bite his lip to keep from laughing out. Yugi glared at him more, and smacked the Pharaoh on the chest. /It's your fault! You big meanie/
"I'm sorry, love," Yami said, still trying to keep his laughter to himself. "but if you didn't take it, your throat would still hurt. I had to get you to take it somehow."
/But did you have to almost kill me in the process/ Yugi asked before realizing what he said. Yami's eyes widened, then clouded over, looking away from the other. Yugi started screaming at himself, wondering how he could have been so stupid as to say that. /Yami, I'm so sorry! I didn't think before I replied./
"It's ok, aibou," Yami said quietly, looking over and pasting a smile on his face. "I know you didn't mean to say that." Yami then stood up, grabbing the cough medicine. "You better get some rest."
/Yami, don't leave./ Yugi pleaded, scooting over to the edge of the bed.
"Don't move," the spirit replied. He pushed his light back down on the bed, covering him up. "I'm not going to leave, I promise."
/Swear it/
"I swear. I'll always be here, so whether you like it or not, you're stuck with me."
/Oh no, what a cruel punishment. What did I ever do to deserve that/ Yugi said in mock despair. Yami glared at him, and stuck his tongue out. Yugi repeated the action, then squeaked in surprise when Yami pounced on him. The older teen gently pinned him down, preventing the other from escaping.
/Y-Yami, you k-know I didn't mean it. I was just joking./ said Yugi, laughing nervously. The spirit didn't reply, but stared into Yugi's eyes, the crimson orbs never faltering in their gaze. Violet eyes stared back in confusion, wondering what the other was up to. He gasped when Yami leaned in closer, so close that their noses lightly touched each other. /Um…Yami…what are you doing/
Yami didn't reply. The spirit then planted a light kiss on Yugi's lips. Yugi could have passed out from surprise. Of all the things the spirit could have done. While he was getting over his shock, he didn't notice the hands that were wandering down his sides. When he finally noticed though, it was too late to stop the oncoming attack.
Yami's fingers glided over Yugi's stomach swiftly, with feather light touches. He smiled when the first giggles escaped his aibou's lips. He just loved making Yugi laugh, making him smile. It was the only thing that could make the spirit truly happy. He continued to tickle the smaller one, making them both happy. It was amazing how something so simple as a smile could make Yami melt inside. Yet this one boy did that and so much more. This one boy could make him feel so much. Yugi made him feel safe and comforted, made him feel needed, wanted, loved. It was everything he had ever wanted.
Yugi was laughing so hard, he felt like his sides were going to split. Yet he just continued laughing as the lithe fingers traveled up his sides and down his stomach. He writhed and squirmed about, all thoughts of his sickness erased from his mind as he focused on the feelings he was receiving from his dark half. He let out a shriek as he was lightly pinched on his right side. In return, he heard laughter from the one on top of him. That made him laugh more, thrilled that Yami was in such a good mood. Finally his laughter got so bad, he could barely breathe. His lungs felt shriveled up, and his cheeks were wet with tears of joy. It was heaven, and he wouldn't have traded it for anything in the world.
After a while, Yami decided that Yugi had had enough punishment. He slid his fingers out of the pajama top, and sat there on top of Yugi. He took in the beautiful sight before him. Yugi was panting heavily, his face flushed a deep red color that accented his eyes which sparkled brightly with happiness. His pearly skin shone lightly with a sheen of sweat from all his moving, mixing with his tears. A huge smile was on his face, making his eyes shine even more. It really was the most beautiful thing the spirit had ever laid his eyes on.
Yugi smiled up at his yami, his large, violet eyes shimmering with pure happiness, and unending love. In return, he received a smile back, one that made his heart flutter with joy. He let out a blissful sigh as he lost himself in the deep crimson orbs staring down at him. A sweat dampened bang fell into his vision, and he gently blew on it, trying to move it. Yami's hand pushed it away, softly caressing his cheek, making his entire body tingle.
"How do you feel now?" Yami asked quietly, love and concern in his voice, his eyes showing all his emotions
/I'm better now./ Yugi replied, still smiling at his dark half.
"Are you sure?" Yami asked again.
/I'm sure. I still feel a little bad, but not like earlier./
"How about your throat? I hope it's not worse from all the laughing."
"It's-" Yugi started, but then coughed a little. "Better." His voice was raspy and hoarse, and sounded very strained. His throat burned fiercely even if he wasn't talking, and he had to work to keep from coughing all the time. Yami frowned when he heard Yugi speak. He hated how the beautiful, melodious voice now sounded harsh, and gritty. The spirit wanted to hear his aibou's soft voice. He wanted to hear the melodic tone float through the air. The Pharaoh wanted to hear Yugi laugh, and sing like usual. Even a sentence in that sweet tune would make him happy for eternity.
"Yami, I'm fine," Yugi whispered, it being the only pitch he could speak in without coughing.
"Shh, hikari. Don't strain yourself," the Pharaoh replied, placing a finger on his lover's lips. "You need to rest, I want you to get better as soon as possible."
/I'll be fine. You're taking care of me, after all./ the smaller said, another smile gracing his angelic face. He sent his love, adoration, and gratitude to the spirit through their link.
Yami felt all those emotions flow through him, filling him completely. He felt as if he was about to burst, his heart overflowing with love for the beautiful creature under him. Oh, how he loved the young boy! His love could not be put into words, and even if he spent another five thousand years trying, he would never be able to describe even a quarter of it. The spirit leaned down, and lightly brushed his lips against Yugi's, marveling at how soft they were. As soon as the other's lips parted, Yami slipped his tongue in, and tenderly kissed his light.
Then broke apart after a bit, and stared at each other, reveling in their love. Yami placed light kisses on Yugi's lips, and on his cheeks, smiling when he heard Yugi giggle again. He placed a gentle kiss on the boy's lips, then pulled back and softly caressed Yugi's cheek. "So beautiful," he whispered, his heart filling with joy when he saw the untamed love shine through Yugi's amethyst orbs. Yami then nuzzled his cheek against Yugi's, and climbed off.
/Where are you going/ asked Yugi.
"To put this stuff up, since you hate it so much," the spirit replied, holding the bottle of cough medicine to Yugi's face, amused to see the smaller scoot away from it. "Unless…you want some more."
/NO/ the smaller yelled, ducking quickly under the covers. He heard Yami's laughter, and poked his head out to stick his tongue out at the spirit. /I can still taste it/
"So can I, but I'm not complaining," Yami replied with a smirk. He then ducked when a pillow was thrown at his head, laughing harder when he saw Yugi's pout.
/It's not funny/
"I'm sorry, love," Yami said, trying to stifle his laughter. "But I find it amusing that something so small can get such a reactions from you."
/You didn't have to force it down your throat every time you were sick for sixteen years/
"If I did, I'm sure I would hate it as much as you. Now you better rest," the spirit said, walking out of the room, feeling Yugi's glare piercing into his back. He just smiled and shook his head.
Yugi kept glaring at the empty doorway, as if accusing it for cursing him with disgusting cough medicine and a smart ass yami. The boy rolled his eyes, then let them travel across the room. The amethyst orbs landed on the bed next to him, and he smiled. That was supposed to be his bed, but Yugi knew that from that moment onwards, he would never sleep alone again.
The boy shifted the covers, sitting up slightly against the head board. He could still feel a dull ache in his back, but that mostly disappeared after the bath. But unfortunately, his fever had not. It was still there, in full force, though Yugi was very happy that his shivering had stopped. He slowly stretched his legs, trying to relieve himself of the rest of the pain. Yugi's violet eyes roamed across the bed sheets, feeling as if something was missing. "Where did my Dark Magician plushie get to?"
He leaned over, and noticed the plushie was lying where it had been unceremoniously tossed to the floor last night, the magician's face pressed to the carpet. Yugi leaned over the bed, or at least he tried to, but Yami had tucked the blankets around him so tightly, he could barely move. Yugi crawled to his stomach and reached down, trying to get the doll without actually leaving the bed. He lifted himself up on his knees, trying to reach down farther, but the doll was halfway under the bed, so he kept having to lean forwards to reach it, then lean back to keep himself from falling off.
It was at that moment that Yami chose to walk in the room. The spirit was startled and amused to see his hikari's cute rear end sticking up in the air. A million thoughts flashed through Yami's head, more than half of them perverted. Those thoughts only multiplied as he watched the boy's body bob up and down, and grunting was heard from his light. He had to bite his lip to keep from laughing out at the sight. He coughed to get his lover's attention, and it worked as the body stopped moving. "Yugi…what are you doing?" he asked, trying to keep the laughter out of his voice.
/Um…/
"Because I am getting a few good views from back here, if you know what I mean," the spirit said, his amusement almost becoming too much for him.
/Um…I'm trying to get my DM plushie./ Yugi responded, completely embarrassed.
"Why didn't you call me?" Yami asked as he walked over to the bed. He reached down and retrieved the doll, giving it back to his light, smirking at the bright red blush that was painted over his face.
/Because you were busy putting away the cough syrup of doom. By the way…where did you put it/
"Why do you want to know?" Yami asked, poking Yugi's cheek lightly.
/No reason…except that if I know where you placed it, I can go and throw it down the toilet./
"Now, do you really think I'm going to tell you that?"
/If you weren't so mean then yes, you would./
"Then I'll just have to be mean," Yami said with a smirk. Yugi sighed and rolled his eyes, crossing his arms, and turning away from the Pharaoh.
/Fine, be that mean. But don't think that I'll ever put that stuff in my mouth again./
"You won't have to……when you aren't sick."
/You just LOVE teasing me like that, don't you/
"Is it that obvious?" Yami said, earning a glare from the younger. "But mostly, I just love you," he said, wrapping his arms around his hikari, holding the boy tightly to him. He felt Yugi's arms wrap around his own body, the boy cuddling close to him. The crimson eyed spirit looked down into Yugi's face, a smile appearing as he took in the smile of the other. Yami leaned down, and gave Yugi a soft kiss.
Later in the afternoon, the two lay in each other's arms, a peaceful silence enveloping them. There was no need for words, spoken or thought, they knew exactly how the other was feeling. Yami ran his fingers through Yugi's hair, making Yugi sigh in delight. The smaller held the plush toy in his arms, and was playing with the staff absently, but he was concentrating more on the warmth of the other.
"Do you feel better, aibou?" came the soft question that brought Yugi back from his daze.
/Yea, I feel better…I think./
"What about your throat?"
"It's getting there," Yugi managed to say without coughing. His voice sounded better, and his throat didn't hurt as much, but it was still a little painful. But at least he was recovering, though he was still ticked off that he had to take that nasty cough syrup crap.
Yugi felt one of Yami's arms unwind itself from around his waist, reaching up to feel his forehead. "You don't feel as warm as before. I'm going to go get the thermometer." Yami then gently shoved Yugi off of him, wrapping the boy in a blanket, before leaving to get the thermometer.
When he walked out, Yugi let out a happy sigh. He didn't hear the sadness in the spirit's voice anymore. That made him extremely happy, because now his love was happy. He didn't have to hear the pain in the other's voice anymore, and he was glad, because he knew that he couldn't take much more. But now that he was getting better, everything else was returning to normal. Yugi let out another joyful sigh, when hearing the Pharaoh walk in. He sat up slightly, watching the other in front of him. He opened his mouth obediently when the thermometer was placed on his lips. The two sat there in silence for the three minutes it took, each feeling extremely nervous. They both wanted to see the red line lower than it was before.
Once the time had passed, Yami pulled out the thermometer, and both he and Yugi held their breaths. Yugi held the Dark Magician plushie tightly, keeping it close to him like a security blanket. Yami looked down at the instrument, then broke out in a huge smile. Yugi anxiously tugged on the spirit's sleeve. "What is it?" he asked.
"It's 98.9. It's back to normal," Yami said gleefully. Yugi let out a joyful cry, diving into Yami's arms, giving the spirit a huge hug. He was thrilled. Everything really was going back to the way it should be. Hopefully now, the two could live on without anymore trouble. "I'm so happy, aibou," Yami said.
"So am I, Yami," Yugi replied. He felt like laughing, crying, and dancing at the same time. Things just seemed to be perfect now. He had the love of his life with him, and he had beaten the last signs of his rough ordeal. Things were going great, no better than great! Everything he had ever wanted was with him now, and he was determined never to lose it ever. He just hoped that the rest of his life was as perfect as right now. Deep inside he knew it would be. After all, he did have the perfect lover. Yugi couldn't help the tears that rose to his eyes, and he smiled in joy as they softly fell down his cheeks, only to be wiped away by Yami's thumb.
"What have I told you about you crying?" Yami asked teasingly.
"You'll have to remind me," Yugi replied with a chuckle. "I wasn't paying attention to you before."
Yami smirked at his relpy, and Yugi knew he was going to get it. Yugi tensed, feeling those lithe fingers return to his skin. His body was trembling completely, but this time, it was from excitement, and anticipation of what was to come. Seconds later, laughter could be heard through the entire suite as the two lovers tickled the hell out of each other. The laughter didn't die down for quite some time, the feelings of joy and happiness hanging heavily in the air, both teens exuding love.
Finally, after a tickle fight that seemed to go on forever, they collapsed on the bed, more exhausted than they had ever been in their entire lives. But the exhaustion was outweighed by a sense of pride and joy. Yugi buried his face in Yami's neck, pressing his body against the Pharaoh's. "So tired," he whispered.
"We're going home tomorrow. Are you happy?" Yami whispered back, lovingly stroking Yugi's sides.
"Home? Yes, very happy. But I will miss this place. We have to come back soon."
"Come back? Maybe, but not for a bit. How about next vacation, we go to the beach?"
"The beach? Is this your 'subtle' attempt at getting me in a bathing suit?" Yugi said with a smile, poking Yami gently in the ribs.
"Maaaybe," Yami said, drawing out his answer. "But I really prefer you without the bathing suit, if you know what I mean," he said in a husky voice into Yugi's ear. The younger teen 'eeped' in shock, his entire face turning the shade of a cherry, making the spirit laugh.
"Yami! You are so perverted! I think you are the one spending too much time with Marik and Bakura."
"Never in a million years will I spend too much time with them, love."
"Whatever. Oh look, Yami! It's snowing again!" Yugi cried out, sitting up, and staring out the window. His amethyst eyes shone brightly, as they took in the lightly falling tufts of white. He had a look like that of a young child experiencing something wonderful for the first time. Yugi looked so joyful, and all because of snow.
"You like snow a lot, don't you hikari?" Yami asked with a chuckle, sitting behind Yugi and wrapping his arms around the smaller.
"Of course I love snow. If it wasn't for the snow, I wouldn't have you with me."
Yami just smiled, placing a soft kiss to Yugi's temple as they both watched the snow fall from the heavens.
The End
Star: I'M JOKING! THAT IS NOT THE END! DON'T GO ALL SAD AND CRYING ON ME!
Sorry, but after 4 MONTHS of working on this, I felt the need to bring some sense of humor into this………...though judging by how many of you are probably shocked and pissed off right now, it wasn't so funny.
Again, IM SO SORRY FOR LEAVING OFF FOR SO LONG! I really didn't mean to! It's just that I had so much to do. I promise I will get another chapter up before the end of May.
Please review everyone! I worked hardest on this chapter, so please be gentle.