Hey faithful readers. How nice it is to see you back, or even here for the first time. So here's chapter two, with special thanks to my first reviewers! That means Pace, Linzy, and Yangs. You guys are what make this possible, the feedback was wonderful. Thank you so much! I mentioned the pairing s TBA but I kind of wanted it to be a surprise. It will be up in the next chapter or so, but it is probably obvious as it is. I'm sneaky.
Disclaimer: Do I really have to? If you insist, (and they do) I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or its characters. And I happen to like ff so don't kick me out!
Author note: Just let it fly. It will make sense at the end. Feel free to point out the horrible inconsistencies anyways. I have made 49 signed reviews, what about you? That's what I thought. If I can't get you with bribes I will get you with guilt!
Yugi sank into his desk chair, making it almost roll out from under him in his haste to prevent his trembling legs from collapsing. The photo album was still held in his small, pale hand, and he forced himself to look at it one more time.
There was simply no denying it. Yami, the 3000 year old spirit of the puzzle was in Anzu's picture she took not three weeks ago. The pharaoh was small, and in the background, but Yugi's eyes caught and held on the so very familiar figure of his partner.
"How?" Yugi whispered, his eyes searching side to side as if he may find the answer hidden in the smiles of himself and Jou. "The pharaoh isn't—he isn't solid." He threaded a hand through his tri-coloured hair, and leaned his elbow on his desk. "he is a spirit. I can see through him! Unless he is in my body; but, in the picture, there I am with Jou. And Yami looks real."
In the flatness of the photograph, Yami lounged his long back against the tree. His eyes were closed, hiding their normal crimson hue that Yugi was so used to seeing. The spirit was obviously not paying attention to the camera or his surroundings. The tall egyptian had his arms folded over the millennium puzzle, and his head down, masking his profile. He was as real looking in the background as Yugi and Jou were in the forground, there were no signs that he was a spirit at all.
A jar in his conciousness alerted Yugi to the impending return of Yami from his solitude. Hastily, with panic making his chest ache, the boy removed the first photograph carefully, and tucked it into his math textbook that lay to his right. Swiftly, his hands shaking, he replaced the album exactly where he had found it, and closed the drawer with a bang.
"Hello Yugi. I am back."
Slamming the text book shut, Yugi kept his back turned to his partner as he composed himself quickly. He forced in a deep breath and plastered a smile on his lips. "Hey Yami!" he said, nervously turning around, his spine stiff. He wondered with shock if he would see the solid body of his other self as he was in the picture, or the normal spirit he was used to. Yugi exhaled sharply in relief as the pharaoh raised one perfect translucent eyebrow.
"Something wrong, Aibou?" he asked in his deep, quiet voice that resonated in Yugi's thoughts.
Yami stood tall in front of his seated friend, looking down at him with intense crimson eyes flecked with worry. He wore almost the same clothes as Yugi did, leather pants with a loose sleeveless black shirt. The millennium puzzle seemed to shine dully in the fluorescent lights, as it swung gently around the pharaoh's neck. Despite this, the teen could see his rumpled bed through Yami's figure and the egyptian's outline was blurred, not solid. Yugi was relieved and vaguely—disapointed?
"No, no, nothing wrong." The hikari chirped in response to the querry, his hands still so tight on the math text that the corners dug deep into his palms. "Anything wrong with you?" he asked in return, still smiling.
Yami's returning smile seemed distant. "No, I am well, thank you." He paused and let the silence hang, surprised that it was awkward. It was never awkward before… "Weren't you…going to show me your new cards?"
"Oh!" the boy looked to his deck which seemed to wait pointedly on his desk. "Yeah, I was, but, um." Why am I being like this? Yugi chided himself, making sure that the bond between him and his dark was firmly shut. I should just ask him about the photos, not take one and hide it!
"But?" prompted Yami, concerned. "Yugi, are you sure that you're ok—"
"Yes!" he interrupted sharply. "It's just Jounouchi called and wanted to talk to me!" the lie seemed so abrasive in Yugi's ears. He could not remember a time he had ever lied to his other self before. But he wanted to know about the picture and how a spirit could be solid in one. He knew he could not ask the pharaoh without revealing that he had went snooping into the book even after he knew it belonged to Yami.
Standing quickly, the boy avoided the confused crimson gaze. "I'll show you later, ok?" he muttered, grabbing the math text book and almost running to the door of his room. He shut it firmly behind himself, and was gone.
The pharaoh was left standing in his partner's empty room alone, staring at the cold millennium puzzle that Yugi had left behind.
Again I ask for the reviews. Anything is accepted wholeheartedly! Thanks so much!
