Disclaimer: All Yu-Gi-Oh! characters and references belong to their respective owners. The song Lucky Day belongs to the artist and the company that recorded it and was used in this story with the best of intentions. The song Affirmation belongs to Savage Garden and the company that recorded it and was used in this story with the best of intentions. Story elements © Hideki LaShae. No money was gained in the writing of this story.
WARNING: This story contains sensitive cultural practices and references that might offend some readers. The views and opinions of the cultures which condone these practices are not shared by this author, but they are included in this story for awareness purposes only.
Time to Duel, Mariko!
By
Hideki LaShae
Chapter Twenty-Seven
What Might Have Been
Time passes quickly in Domino City. It always has.
Ryou oversees the decorating of the pavilion in the city park with his now embodied yami moaning about not spending the time alone with him. Ishizu, along with Marik and Malik, prepares the reception hall for the feasting and entertainment. Mariko supervises the caterers as they roam around the kitchen near the reception hall trying to prepare the strange foods that have been requested of them. Duke and Tristan start escorting people, mostly business partners of Seto's and numerous reporters with their cameramen, to their seats near the pavilion. Somewhere, in the early afternoon light, the bride and groom and their respective parties prepare for the event to come.
Solomon chats with the priest who kindly agreed to perform the ceremony dressed up in the costume of the Messenger of Peace. The cell phone in his hands rings, and he answers it. "Yes?"
We're coming out. Get everyone in position, says Yugi through the phone.
"Yes, Yugi," says Solomon. He turns the phone off and turns towards the crowd. "The ceremony will begin in just a few moments! If you would all kindly take your seats!"
Bakura and Ryou hurry to their seats in the front row where Ishizu, Marik, Malik, and Mariko soon join them. Duke and Tristan finish getting the reporters and their cameras situated off to the side before running to join the others in the front row. Solomon takes the empty aisle seat on the left side of the aisle, while one seat sits vacant along the aisle on the right side.
The priest stands before a small altar.
Seto walks down the aisle and stands at the foot of the pavilion's steps. He wears white armor tinted slightly blue around the edges. There is one dragonhead on each of his shoulders, and he carries the helmet in his hand, which is also shaped as a Blue-Eyes White Dragon's head.
More than one person within the crowd swoons at the sight of Seto looking so powerful and domineering in his light metal armor.
Joey and Mai walk down the aisle hand in hand.
Mai has wings spreading out from the back of her arms, and she wears a pale pink tank top with purple leggings and a spiky cover-up. Her hands and feet appear to be clawed chicken feet.
Joey wears the armor of the Flame Swordsman, and the sword hangs from his belt at his waist. He kisses Mai's cheek as they reach the steps of the pavilion and separate from each other to walk along the sides of the steps in opposite directions.
Yugi, in the purple fabric and floppy hat of the Dark Magician, walks down the aisle beside Serenity. He holds the staff that the Dark Magician wields in his right hand.
Serenity dresses all in white, like an angel with white feathery wings, but she wears no halo. Instead, her skin and hair have both been adorned with sparkle-glitter to make her shine in the light just the way the woman in the card she imitates would look. She truly does look just like the Soul of Purity and Light.
Serenity and Yugi separate at the foot of the stairs and walk along the side so that Serenity stands next to Mai and Yugi stands next to Joey.
Téa and Mokuba walk down the aisle together. Téa wears the robes and carries the staff of the Magician of Faith while Mokuba wears the costume of the Rabid Horseman and carries his weapon of choice. They stop at the foot of the pavilion stairs.
"Congratulations, Seto," whispers Téa smiling, "You really do deserve her."
Seto smiles. "Thank you, T-bird."
Téa nods and steps up one step before moving down to stand a step higher but close to Serenity.
"Don't mess this up, big brother," whispers Mokuba, "I want Marie to be my sister!"
Seto chuckles. "Get into your position, Mokie!"
Mokuba steps up onto the first step and walks over to stand near Yugi.
Every move you make
I'm just a heartbeat away…
Yami and Marie start to walk down the aisle holding each other's hand lightly.
Yami's right hand clenches the staff of the Magician of Dark Chaos, and he wears the form-fitting, dark fabric of the costume.
I'm under your spell
And you hold the magic potion…
Marie wears a purple hat similar to Yugi's. She wears the purple and pink dress of the Dark Magician Girl with the purple boots. She carries the scepter in her left hand. She opted to go lightly with her make-up, wearing the same colors as the card she imitates only not nearly as thick.
Yami and Marie step up beside Seto.
Seto's eyes trail up and down Marie's body. Sure he's seen her decked out in full Dark Magician Girl regalia before, but he never expected her to be so wonderfully, beautiful today as if she had been kissed by magic.
Yami kisses Marie's right hand before reaching out to take Seto's left hand. He gently places their hands together so they can intertwine their fingers.
"Who among us would allow this woman to marry this man?" asks the priest.
"Messenger of Peace… that would be I… the Magician of Dark Chaos," says Yami, "I allow this marriage to proceed."
The Priest nods his head in acknowledgement before Yami takes the empty seat across the aisle from Solomon.
Marie and Seto ascend the steps to the altar.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here before this company, beneath the eyes of God…"
"And Ra," adds Seto.
"And Isis," adds Marie, "And all the Egyptian Gods."
"Beneath the eyes of God, the Eyes of Ra and Isis and the eyes of all the Egyptian Gods to bear witness to the joining of two hearts within the bonds of holy matrimony," says the priest.
Marie looks into Seto's beautiful blue eyes and smiles.
"Is there anyone who has any reason why these two should not be wed? If so, please speak now," says the priest.
"I have a reason!" comes a voice from the back.
Everyone spins around to look at the man who spoke.
Seto's eyes narrow as he glares at the stranger. "Who the hell are you?"
"Shadi!" exclaims Yugi looking over the dark skin and the cream-colored robes the other wears.
Marie releases Seto's hand and crosses her arms over her chest. "And just what reason do you have to stop my wedding, Key-Keeper?"
"Have you ever thought it might be in your best interests not to marry the one you love?" asks Shadi.
Ishizu stands up and turns towards Shadi. "The future is not preordained, Shadi. Do not deny her this happiness because we cannot see what role she will continue to play in this battle."
"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't have you thrown out of here right now?" shouts Seto.
"Because I can tell you what Seth wants to do to your bride," says Shadi, "and if my suspicions are correct, she will not live through it."
Seto's eyes widen. "No one threatens Marie!"
"You may marry her if you wish, but when she dies… by Seth's hand… you will regret this decision, Seto Kaiba!" exclaims Shadi turning and walking away.
That's a chance you'll have to take
'Cause today's my lucky day…
"Damn you, Key-Keeper!" screams Mariko standing up angrily and glaring daggers at Shadi's back.
Shadi stops and turns around. "I suppose if you must have it, I give my blessing for this wedding to commence."
Marie sets her hand on Seto's arm to calm him down, and he turns his eyes to her. When he glances back to where Shadi had been just a second before, he finds the man gone.
"Do I continue?" asks the priest.
"Yes, Messenger of Peace! Continue!" exclaims Mariko sitting down again.
"Well, yes," says the priest, "Before we continue, the best man has requested I read a brief poem to get us into the spirit of the occasion."
Seto and Marie both look back at Mokuba and see him blushing and looking away from them. They smile.
"I believe the sun should never set upon an argument. I believe we place our happiness in other people's hands. I believe that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you. I believe your parents did the best job they knew how to do. I believe that beauty magazines promote low self-esteem. I believe I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone," says the priest reading the words from a slip of paper within the book he holds. "I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned. I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned. I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side. I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye."
"This isn't a poem. These are the lyrics to the song Affirmation by Savage Garden," whispers Marie into Seto's ear.
Seto chuckles. He whispers back to Marie, "Trust Mokie to add a little music to our wedding. He knows how much you love it."
"Hey, I'm trying to get you to love it too," whispers Marie.
"And I do… because you love it," whispers Seto.
"I believe you can't control or choose your sexuality," says the priest as Marie glances back at Yugi, "I believe that trust is more important than monogamy. I believe your most attractive features are your heart and soul. I believe that family is worth more than money or gold."
"I agree," whispers Seto pulling Marie closer.
"I believe the struggle for financial freedom is unfair," says the priest, "I believe the only ones who disagree are millionaires."
"I'm a millionaire and I know the struggle for financial freedom is unfair," whispers Seto, "I had to work hard for my money, and I could lose it all in an instant."
"I know, but I won't let that happen," whispers Marie.
"I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned. I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned. I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side. I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye," says the priest, "I believe forgiveness is the key to your unhappiness. I believe that wedded bliss negates the need to be undressed. I believe that God does not endorse TV evangelists. I believe in love surviving death into eternity."
"I believe in that," whispers Marie.
Seto smiles at Marie, and whispers, "So do I."
"I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned. I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned. I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side. I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye," says the priest.
I'm confident and able
To take you to your destiny…
After a small pause, the priest continues, "Surrender to your hearts. Let them guide you along your path, for even when your heart is wrong it will always take you on an adventure that's worth a lifetime."
Seto and Marie clasp their hands together again.
"Marie Twin Motou… will you take this man into your life, care for him in sickness and in health, stand by him in good times and bad, promise to love, honor and obey, until death do you part?" asks the priest.
Priest Seth stands over Marie, laughing as she lies in the bed.
Marie tries to struggle until she realizes that her hands and feet are bound to the bed by barbed wire that cuts into her soft flesh whenever she moves. "What are you doing, Seth?"
"I am going to have my way with you," says Priest Seth pulling out another piece of barbed wire and wrapping it around Marie's neck before tying it to the bed, "If you struggle, you will die!"
"How could you do this to me… to Seto?" asks Marie.
"Simple… I hate you, and I hate him even more. I wanted Nefertiri, and you sent her to the world beyond death! You could have given her a body like you did Mariko! Then I could have her at my side when I ruled the world!" screams Priest Seth, "You have doomed me to an eternity alone! I will kill you for that! And I will use the body of the one you love to do it, and allow him the pleasure of watching you die from within my mind!"
"No! Seto!" screams Marie.
Try if you want,
But you know you can't escape…
"I do… for today, for tomorrow, and for all eternity! I do!" exclaims Marie.
"Seto Kaiba… will you take this woman into your life, care for her in sickness and in health, stand by her in good times and bad, promise to love, honor and obey, until death do you part?" asks the priest.
Seto holds Marie's battered and bloody body close to his own. He cries as he rocks her in his arms. "What have I done, Marie? What have I done?"
Mokuba steps into the room and screams. "Marie!"
"She's dead! She's dead! I killed her!" exclaims Seto, "It's all my fault! She's dead!"
"I hate you! I wish you would just die!" screams Mokuba.
Groan if you want,
But you know you'll never get away…
"I do… for much longer than forever! I do!" exclaims Seto. His blue eyes meet Marie's violet orbs in a reassuring glance, and a silent conversation ensues, both seeing the fear within the other.
Marie quickly kisses Seto's cheek and whispers into his ear, "Did you have a vision of death too?"
"I killed you," whispers Seto.
"Not you… It was Seth who killed me using your body," whispers Marie pulling back from Seto.
Seto nods his understanding.
"May we have the rings?" asks the priest.
Téa pulls a cap off the bottom end of her staff and slides a gold ring off the shaft. She steps up to the priest and kneels down in the position the Magician of Faith would be in if the card was in defense mode. She offers the ring to Marie.
Marie takes the ring from Téa. "Thank you, T-bird."
"My pleasure, Camaro," says Téa with a smile.
"Now repeat after me… With this ring," says the priest.
"With this ring," says Marie looking into Seto's eyes after passing her scepter to Téa to hold.
"I thee wed," says the priest.
"I thee wed," says Marie. She slides the ring onto Seto's left hand. "With this ring, our life together begins. I love you, Seto. That will never change."
The look on Seto's face clearly says that he knows as much.
Marie takes her scepter back with her right hand.
Téa stands and steps back down to her position on the stairs.
Mokuba pulls a gold ring from a chain around waist. He steps up to the priest and kneels down in a position similar to the Rabid Horseman's defense position. He offers the ring to Seto.
Seto takes the ring from Mokuba and passes the helmet to his younger brother. He ruffles the boy's black hair. "Thank you, Mokie."
"Anytime, big brother," says Mokuba smiling.
"Now repeat after me," says the priest, "With this ring…"
"With this ring," says Seto taking Marie's left hand and starting to slide the ring up it.
"I thee wed," says the priest.
"I thee wed," says Seto pushing the ring to rest up against the marquis diamond of the engagement ring, "With this ring, our life together begins. I love you, Marie. Forever."
Mokuba stands and steps back down to his position on the stairs with the helmet still in his hands.
"Then by the power invested in me by God…"
"And Ra," adds Seto.
"And Isis," adds Marie.
"By God and Ra and Isis and all the Egyptian Gods," interrupts the priest, "and by the power invested in me by the City of Domino and the country of Japan, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
"About time!" exclaims Seto smiling as he pulls Marie forward into a long, passionate kiss.
Their friends all cheer loudly.
'Cause it's my lucky day…
"There's only one thing left we can do to save her," says Yami looking at Seto as he holds Marie's blood-drenched body.
"Anything! I will do anything to save her! What do we do, Yami?" asks Seto crying heavily.
"We must travel back in time," says Yami, "We can't go back in time to prevent Seth from killing her. I'm afraid such recent changes are beyond my capabilities. We will need to travel much further back… to ancient Egypt… to prevent Seth's spirit from being trapped within the Millennium Rod. He must die and go directly to the world beyond death. He will still be reincarnated into you, but he will not be strong enough to take over complete control of your body and kill the only one you love. You would be able to stop him from hurting her."
Seto wipes his eyes. "Then let's do it!"
"I'll need the Millennium Rod. You will need to give the Rod to me so that I can use its powers. I already have possession of the other six Millennium Items. If you give me the seventh, then we can leave our bodies, and our spirits can travel back in time to defeat Seth," says Yami.
Seto passes the Millennium Rod to Yami. "Let's do it! I'll give you the Rod! I never wanted the damn thing!"
"Seto?" whispers Marie as they pull out of their kiss for air.
"I saw it too," whispers Seto embracing Marie. He kisses her again quickly.
Marie pulls Seto down the stairs to Mokuba, and she hugs the younger boy quickly.
"Big sister!" exclaims Mokuba smiling.
Seto takes his helmet from Mokuba and places it on his head. "Come on, Marie… Let's lead everyone to the reception."
Seto and Marie walk down the aisle and enter the nearby reception hall.
Mokuba and Téa follow right behind the newly married couple with Serenity and Yugi a few steps behind them.
Joey and Mai follow afterwards with the rest of their friends and family following before the other attendees can.
A live band starts to play as Seto and Marie head onto the dance floor together.
"Aside from Shadi showing up uninvited, and those stupid visions, this day couldn't be better!" exclaims Marie.
"Just wait until you see where we're going for our honeymoon," whispers Seto into Marie's ear as they dance close to each other.
"Where are we going?" asks Marie.
"America… Egypt… France… England…" Seto smiles.
"Will you make up your mind?" asks Marie with a smile.
"I did. Two nights in New York. Yes, we will be visiting one of their hottest dance clubs. Two nights in Hawaii. Two nights in Egypt so you can show me around an archaeological dig. Two nights in Paris so we can visit the romantic Eiffel Tower. Two nights in England. We will need to have afternoon tea with the Queen. She wants to congratulate us personally on getting married. Two nights in Rome. I've been meaning to try Italian food in Italy. I hear it's the best. Two nights in Australia exploring the outback. I've already hired a tour guide," says Seto, "So… what do you think?"
"Two weeks? Six countries?" asks Marie.
"Actually three weeks. I didn't count travel time in my description," says Seto.
"You are wonderful!" exclaims Marie, "Where do we start?"
"We start in Rome. Then we go to Paris, and after that is London," says Seto, "Then we meet the others in Egypt. They escort us to New York and then Australia. Then they come back here while we go to Hawaii."
"Meet the others?" asks Marie with widening eyes.
"I know I shouldn't have invited them on our honeymoon without consulting you first, but I thought you would like having T-bird and everyone with us when we went to Egypt and especially in New York so we could all go dancing," says Seto smiling.
Marie hugs Seto tightly. "Thank you! Thank you! I do want them there!"
"Now… dance with me," says Seto, "Let's enjoy this party, this night, and this life!"
"Forever!"
Seto pulls Marie into another kiss. "Forever!"
"May I have this dance, Serenity?" asks Duke.
"No… may I have this dance, Serenity?" asks Tristan.
Serenity blushes.
I'm looking for you
I'm gonna find you…
"Sorry, guys… She promised this dance to me!" exclaims Joey stepping up beside his little sister, "Right, sis?"
Serenity blushes. "Yes, Joey!"
Joey glares at Duke and Tristan before pulling Serenity onto the dance floor. "Serenity, do you like them?"
"Joey, they are very sweet, and I guess they are also cute," says Serenity.
"Hmph! Cute!" exclaims Joey.
"I do like them, but not how you think. I think of them as friends… at least for now. I'm too young to think about a boyfriend!" exclaims Serenity wrapping her arms around Joey and starting to dance with him as he places his hands on her waist.
"You're more grown up than I thought you were, Serenity," says Joey. He kisses her cheek. "You've grown so fast…"
"I know." Serenity rests her head against Joey's shoulder.
"I love you, little sister," says Joey.
"I love you, big brother," says Serenity.
Somewhere on the other side of the room, Yugi walks up to Téa. "Téa, may I talk to you?"
Téa smiles. "Of course, Yugi. Anytime. Would you like some punch?"
"I'd kill for something a little stronger," mumbles Yugi.
"What was that?" asks Téa.
"Yeah!" exclaims Yugi, "I'd love some punch!"
Téa leads Yugi over to the table with the punch and she pours up two glasses of the luscious pink liquid. She passes one to Yugi.
"Let's go sit down on the veranda," says Yugi.
Téa nods and follows Yugi out to the veranda. She sits down on the bench beside him. "What is it, Yugi? It looks like something is bothering you…"
Let's see how the cards are played…"Something is," says Yugi.
"Tell me about it… It might help you feel better," suggests Téa, "Is it about the wedding?"
"No… it's not about the wedding," says Yugi, "It's about love."
Téa blinks, but she doesn't say anything. She simply takes a drink of her punch.
"I realize who I love… and what I want. I just wanted you to be the first to know," says Yugi staring into his cup. "I love you, Téa. I just…"
"Just what?" Téa's heart catches in her throat.
"I'm sorry, Téa. I love you the way I love Joey and Marie… I love you like family! I could never be together with you. I don't love you that way," says Yugi, "I… I don't think I ever really was attracted to girls. When Joey and I used to watch…" He blushes feverishly. "I was more curious than I was attracted. It didn't really interest me physically. I guess I'm just not attracted to girls."
"So… are you attracted to men?" asks Téa trying hard not to cry.
Yugi closes his eyes for a moment and nods his head. "Yes!"
"And do you…" Téa's voice cracks, and she stops to take a deep breath. "Do you love him?"
"Yes, Téa. Yes, I do. I'm sorry. I didn't want to hurt you, but I don't care for you like that! I can't," says Yugi looking at Téa with sad eyes.
"Yugi… don't… don't feel bad about not liking me that way… I love you, and the most important thing to me is your happiness!" exclaims Téa, "If he will make you happy, then I am happy for you! I don't need you to be with me to be happy."
"Téa?"
Téa pulls Yugi into a warm embrace. She whispers into his ear. "Go to him, Yugi! Go to him and tell him how you feel! Don't worry about me! I'll be just fine!"
"Are you sure?" asks Yugi.
"Yes… now go to him!" exclaims Téa, "I want you to be his boyfriend before we meet Seto and Marie in Egypt! Do you understand me?"
"Yes, Téa! Thanks for being such a great friend!" exclaims Yugi standing up and running off the veranda.
Téa sets her cup on the bench beside her and drops to her knees on the floor. She wraps her arms around herself and bursts into tears. She doesn't notice the figure looming up in the shadows before her.
"That was quite the brave thing you did. Now he'll never know how much his words… no, his heart… really hurt you."
Téa gasps and tries to wipe her eyes.
"Don't stop crying on my account," says Mariko kneeling in front of Téa, "I know just how you feel. I love Marie the way you love Yugi. I had to let her go as well." He holds out an arm towards her.
Téa moves into Mariko's arms and continues to cry against his chest, not caring that she's dampening his expensive tuxedo.
"Go ahead and cry," says Mariko, "Just don't be upset if I cry with you."
Téa shakes her head. "Cry… if you want!"
Because I need you now
I can't control it…
Mariko wraps his arms around Téa and cries with her.
Téa wraps her arms tightly around Mariko's waist and holds him close. "I don't want to love again."
"Me neither. Let's not love together," says Mariko.
Téa giggles. "Don't make me laugh, Mariko! I'm too upset."
"I didn't do it intentionally," says Mariko chuckling.
Téa takes a deep breath to calm her tears and cuddles up against Mariko's chest.
"Would you like to go back in and dance with me?" asks Mariko, "I'm not as good a dancer as Marie, but I did learn a few things from her."
Téa smiles. "I would like that!"
Mariko smiles and helps Téa stand before rising. He grabs her cup of punch and carries it as he leads her back inside.
Malik drags Ryou onto the dance floor to perform a dance of seduction with him while Bakura and Marik watch and laugh.
Yugi walks up to them. "Ryou? Malik? Have you seen Yami?"
"Sorry… not since the ceremony ended," says Ryou.
"Me neither. I've been a bit distracted with my own yami," says Malik licking his lips as he looks at Marik.
"Well, thanks anyway," says Yugi walking towards the other two, "Bakura… Marik… have you seen Yami?"
"No," says Marik staring at Malik.
"I think I saw him over by the wedding cake," says Bakura, "but that could have been you or Marie…"
"Thank you, Bakura," says Yugi. He turns towards the wedding cake but he doesn't see Yami anywhere near it. He sees Joey dancing with Mai while Serenity dances around with Mokuba. He doesn't want to interrupt them, but he steps up to them anyway. "Have any of you seen Yami?"
"I'm sorry, Yugi," says Joey.
"I haven't seen him either," says Mai, "Is something wrong?"
"No… I just wanted to talk to him," says Yugi.
"Yugi… there he is," says Mokuba, "With Marie and Seto." He points as he slows his dance with Serenity.
Yugi looks in the direction Mokuba's pointing. "Funny… all I see is Ishizu forcing Duke and Tristan to dance with her."
"Marie and Seto are against the wall… in the shadows with Yami," says Mokuba.
"Oh… well. Thank you," says Yugi walking towards the wall. He dodges the dancers and the reporters who still mingle about waiting for a private interview with Seto.
"Hello, Yugi," says Seto smiling when he sees the boy approach.
"Hi, Seto, Marie… have you seen Yami? I really need to talk to him," says Yugi.
"We were talking with him a few minutes ago," says Marie, "but he said he had to go. He's not feeling well. I think he was going to head back to the game shop."
"Alone?" asks Yugi with wide eyes, "What was wrong with him?"
Marie bites her bottom lip. "He's just a little upset that he doesn't have a physical body of his own when Marik, Bakura, and Mariko all do."
"I want to give him a body of his own, but I don't know how. Ryou and Malik won't tell me either!" exclaims Yugi, "Bakura and Marik aren't even telling me anything! I just want him to be happy! I love him so much!"
Marie and Seto look at each other with wide eyes. "What?"
"I love Yami… I finally realized it… I don't love Téa. I'm in love with Yami," says Yugi.
"Oh, no!" exclaims Marie, "Yami thinks you took Téa outside to tell her how much you love her!"
Yugi gasps. "Oh, no! I've got to find him! I have to tell him how I feel about him!"
"He was heading to my mansion," says Seto, "He was going to stay there with Mokuba until you all meet us in Egypt."
"I have to find him!" exclaims Yugi hurrying away.
"Yugi! Use your head!" exclaims Marie.
The idea suddenly comes to Yugi. 'Yami! Yami! Stop! Wait! I need to talk to you!'
'Yugi?' asks Yami.
'Of course it's me, Yami! Where are you? I need to talk to you!' thinks Yugi desperately.
'I didn't make it too far away. I'm just outside the reception hall at the pavilion where the ceremony took place,' thinks Yami, 'What's wrong? You seem so… anxious… nervous… I can feel so many emotions from you that I don't know what's going on.'
'I'm coming out to meet you there! Just don't leave!' thinks Yugi. Yugi runs out of the reception hall, and he hurries to the pavilion.
I let you go once before
Your magic overwhelmed me
Now it's time to take you back
You'll never get around me…
Yugi gasps when he sees Yami standing up by the altar still dressed as the Magician of Dark Chaos. "Yami!"
Yami looks at Yugi, and he can't hide the hurt in his eyes.
"Yami! Please… don't look at me like that, not until you've heard what I have to say," says Yugi walking up to the altar.
Yami looks away from Yugi. "I know what you're going to say. You're in love with Téa. You've decided to make her your girlfriend."
"Yami! Just let me say what I have to say and then you can talk!" snaps Yugi.
Yami closes his mouth and hangs his head. He nods.
"I do love Téa… like a sister. I could never ask her to be my girlfriend," says Yugi, "And I realize that telling her that during a wedding wasn't the best time to do so, but I didn't know when else to tell her. I didn't want to lead her on anymore than I already have. I don't love her in the same way that I love you, Yami!" He pulls Yami into his arms and presses his lips hard against the taller boy's.
Yami's crimson eyes widen.
'Cause it's my lucky day…
'Yugi's kissing me! Yugi's kissing me! My precious little angel is kissing me!' thinks Yami.
'Of course I'm kissing you! I love you, Yami! Can you feel how much I love you?' thinks Yugi.
'Yes! Yes!' says Yami, 'I do… I understand what those feelings are now! You do love me! Just as much as I love you! Can you feel it?'
'Yes, Yami!' thinks Yugi, 'I feel it too!'
Yami presses his tongue to Yugi's lips.
Yugi opens his mouth to let Yami slide his tongue inside.
'You taste so good, Yugi! How did I ever live without knowing this taste?' thinks Yami.
'You taste pretty nice yourself!' thinks Yugi. He sucks on the tongue exploring his mouth and elicits a moan from Yami. 'Yami… did you realize that you were talking through our mind-link when I first kissed you and you were rambling about how surprised you were that I was kissing you?'
'I had no idea! I thought I had closed our mind link. I had tried to,' says Yami.
'Do you think that maybe since we're being intimate we can't hide our thoughts from the other?' thinks Yugi.
'Possibly…'
Yami and Yugi pull away from the kiss gasping for air.
Yugi throws his arms around Yami's waist and holds him tightly as they both try desperately to catch their breath. "I love you, Yami!"
"I love you, Yugi!" exclaims Yami.
Yugi presses his lips to Yami's again.
'I could get used to this! I like this more aggressive side of you, Yugi,' says Yami.
'Really? Then… take off your clothes and spread your legs!'
Yami's eyes widen. 'What?'
Yugi pulls out of the kiss laughing. "I was joking!"
Yami sighs sadly. "Oh… good."
"We're going to wait until we get home before doing anything like that!" exclaims Yugi, "I just wish you had a real body so that I could make love to you!"
"Yugi… there's something I need to tell you. It's something that everyone has been hiding from you for a while because we didn't want it to influence your decision on who you love more… Téa or me," says Yami, "Ryou and Malik gave physical bodies to their yamis because of their love for them. You saw them at the party kissing each other, so you know that they were affected by the curse. But since the hikaris love the yamis, when the hikaris made love to the yamis in their spirit form, they gave them physical bodies. If you were to accept me and my love and make love with me, then I could also get a physical body, and we would love each other… only each other for all time. I won't ask you to do that, but I do wish that I could make love to you."
"I love you, Yami… if giving my virginity to you will give you your own body so that I could make love with you as often as I'd like," says Yugi blushing a brilliant red, "Then I think we should head home now so we can get started!"
"Yugi…?"
Yugi grabs Yami's hand and drags him away from the park and towards the Kame Game Shop.
"We don't have to do this, Yugi," says Yami.
"You can show me your memories, can't you? Show me what happened at the party. I want to know all about the yami-hikari curse," says Yugi.
Yami nods his head and replays the memory in his mind with the mind-link open so that Yugi can see what happened.
Yugi fumbles with the key as he unlocks the back door to the game shop. He leads Yami inside and closes the door, locking it securely. "So… love is the key to giving you a body. Well, I love you, so I'm going to give you a body. Now… you like me aggressive, so… get upstairs, now!"
Yami gulps as he hurries up the stairs with Yugi chasing after him.
Yugi giggles as he closes his bedroom door. He immediately starts to pull off his Dark Magician costume.
Yami hastens in removing his own costume to stand, completely bare before his light.
Yugi presses his nude body up against Yami's and holds him close. "I banish the light. I welcome the darkness. Grant my yami the body he deserves."
Yami guides Yugi to the bed and lowers him down. "Mariko said that I wouldn't hurt you when I made love to you as a spirit, but I must know… do you want me to do this? Do you want me to make love to you? Should I prepare you?"
"Yes… I want you to do this! I want you to make love to me! And no! Don't prepare me! Just take me! Take my innocence! I give it to you willingly!" exclaims Yugi as Yami lies down beside him. He pulls Yami on top of him and spreads his legs. "I love you so much! Please! If I only ever make love to you once, let this be that time!"
Yami kisses Yugi and rubs their arousals together. He moves his body and slowly penetrates Yugi.
"Oh, Yami!" exclaims Yugi. He starts panting as Yami starts thrusting inside him. He moans as the throbbing member inside him presses against a bundle of nerves to send a jolt of pleasure through his entire body. "Yes! Harder! Faster!"
Yami wraps his hand around Yugi's pleading manhood as he obeys the command of his smaller lover. He pumps his lover in rhythm with his thrusts. "Yugi! Yugi! Yugi!"
"Tighter! Squeeze me… tighter!" exclaims Yugi, "Harder! Faster! Faster!"
Yami's hand clenches tighter on Yugi's cock as he thrusts and pumps even harder and faster into the younger boy.
'Yami…! Yami…! This feels… oh… so good!' Yugi grabs Yami's shoulders roughly.
'Hot… tight… you have to… feel this!'
'I can! I feel… what you feel…'
'It feels… so much… different… when you're… doing it to… the one you… love!' gasps Yami. His pace quickens as he feels Yugi getting closer to his release through his mind-link.
'You want me… to…?'
'Yes!' Yami gasps as Yugi releases his seed all over their stomachs. "Yes!"
"Yami!" screams Yugi.
"Yugi!" screams Yami as he releases into his lover.
"You… you want me to do that to you?" Yugi blushes.
"Don't you want to do that to me?" asks Yami looking at Yugi with hurt eyes.
"I thought you would want to be in control all the time," says Yugi, "but I would like to make you feel the way you just made me feel. It was so amazing!" He cuddles up in Yami's arms. "I love you! Thank you!"
"No… thank you, Yugi, for letting me love you like this," says Yami. He chuckles as he nuzzles Yugi with his head. "When would you like to switch our roles?"
"You need to have your own body first!" exclaims Yugi turning bright red.
"Maybe by morning!" exclaims Yami, "Would you want to do it in the morning?"
Yugi kisses Yami's chest. He listens to the heartbeat coming through the soft skin, and he caresses the nipple.
Yami moans.
"You like that?"
"I'll show you what I like!" exclaims Yami pressing Yugi back into the mattress and rubbing his hands across the smooth skin, caressing and rubbing the nipples. He places his mouth over one while squeezing the other.
Yugi moans again.
"Time for round two, but this time… it will last much longer!" exclaims Yami.
Yugi giggles happily.
Just over an hour later, Yami rolls off Yugi and breathes heavily.
Yugi climbs out of bed. "We should call Marie and Seto and tell them where we are. They probably wanted us there for wedding pictures!"
"You're right," says Yami looking at the clock, "We could probably make it back in time!"
Yugi grabs the Millennium Puzzle and puts it around his neck.
The eye on the Millennium Puzzle flares a brilliant light, and the light encompasses Yami.
Yugi gapes at Yami once the light fades. "Yami! You have your own body!"
Yami jumps out of the bed and wraps Yugi in his arms. "I love you!"
Yugi kisses Yami and pulls out of the other's arms. He grabs the phone near his bed and quickly dials Marie's cell phone number. "Hi, Marie. It's Yugi… I'm at home. Yami has his own body now… Thank you, Marie. I'm happy about it too. I was wondering. Did you and Seto need us back there for wedding photos or anything? … Yes. I can still walk… Oh… Okay. We'll see you in Egypt then! … Okay, and we'll bring our costumes with us… Have fun on your honeymoon… See you soon. Bye."
"I guess they don't need us there," says Yami.
"Actually, they said the entire thing was video-recorded, there were cameras behind the priest, and they decided to have their wedding photos taken in Egypt with a pyramid behind them," says Yugi smiling as he turns towards Yami again.
"So I guess we can go back to bed," says Yami.
"I'm going to take a bath!" exclaims Yugi skipping into the bathroom. He peeks back out into his room at Yami. "You're welcome to join me!"
"You don't need to ask me twice!" exclaims Yami running into the bathroom with Yugi.
Whatever you do
I'm a coming right behind you…
