Shadows That Bleed

by YamiYugiPuzzleshipper

Pure-Bloods are said to be myths, not even well-known within stories. "A specialized genetic coding of the moon and the dire," their spoken lore proclaims. They are creatures beyond the power of mortality, gifted by the gods themselves. Known as the Eternal Ones, their existence once extinguished, resurrection foretells a powerful omen.

69. Reliance

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh

Update schedule: Hopefully biweekly

Chapter Warnings: Mild Hints of Self-Hatred, Hunting

So, posting today because I've got to do stuff tomorrow and since I'm going to be posting Blood Sky's sequel tomorrow I figured I would update this now. Since I'm not participating in Puzzle June I figured I would just try to update and post more frequently this month. *shrugs*

Chapter LXIX: Reliance

Work Log Entry LXII: February, 2007

February 1

Atem is rather friendly and shy and quiet when he comes into contact with other wolves.

It is only my look alike which causes him to lash out so much.

The fights that have ensued between the two of them have become legendary within the lab.

I am constantly healing one or the other for their aggression towards one another.

February 6

Not many of the wolves tend to like Atem's more submissive behavior towards them.

One of the females snapped at him, though I am amazed he did not lash out at her as well.

Come on, keep up, aibou, Yugi teased him, though he slowed for the darker male to get to his side. The canine was a black stain against the snow, like oil or blood beneath the light of the moon. He shivered at the thought, but his mind was racing as they came further into the trees. He turned his head, pricking his ears, and looked about them for a moment. Yami slowed to keep at his side as if he were trying his hardest not to have to listen to his yelling at him again. And Yugi felt bad for the very thought, as he was well aware of the fact that he'd snapped at him more often than not in an attempt to try to keep him in his sight and away from danger altogether. He shivered as the snow weighed down upon his shoulders and he shook himself out after a moment as he flicked his ears and listened for every noise he could catch.

Maybe we should actually…turn back, Yugi muttered quietly, stopping short and turning to look all around. Yami continued past him but did not go much further, instead turning to face him with sharp red eyes. He pricked his ears further forward, glancing about them for a moment before turning back to him. I thought I heard something.

Yami stared at him for a long moment. I did not hear anything. The simplistic note in his voice was cold and easy. The wolf turned away from him and sniffed at the air for a few seconds. His ears pricked forward, then flicked about before he turned back and shook his head. Let's keep going for a little while.

Yugi bristled for a brief second, then forced himself to nod and keep moving. He felt sick for a split second, but shrugged it off as he began to move forward again. The white wolf looked at him sideways, then away again. They could not hear much of anything but for the occasional drop of snow when the branches became too laden and so were forced downward harshly enough to make the ice fall away. It sounded like something heavy being dropped to the ground and it happened only once or twice every other hour. They had been out there for the night, though Yugi was not proud to admit how many times he had wanted to simply shove Yami away and make them turn back.

He had held off for the most part. But the further they got from the house the more nervous he became. He would wonder at the way the earth sounded as if it were rattling with the touch of wind and howthe snow would fall back to the ground heavily. And he could not shake the ease with which Slifer had told him those twelve names. And the weight of her words had made Yugi tremble when he'd left the camp.

And, when he had gotten to the house, Yugi had collapsed into a ball on the bed. Yami had taken to sitting next to him, watching and listening rather than looking at him directly. Yugi had felt sick, as if he might vomit at any moment. It had been stunning to him to think that she was mocking him with the reality that those twelve wolves would die. She had said the names with such little care that it still managed to stun him.

He shivered and shook his head now. Yami had convinced him that they should go for a run, as he had become increasingly restless due to his state of being. And he was tired and did not want to remain there. He had all but begged him to do this, shaking for a moment as he had asked. And so Yugi had agreed and both of them had fled the house to the woods. Yugi only realized halfway through the trees that Yami was staring at him from the corner of his eye every other step, as if he were hoping that Yugi might forget what had shaken him so much.

But Yugi had to admit that, despite how horrified he'd been upon hearing those names and seeing Slifer's nonchalance, he had not assumed to abandon his thoughts before he'd accepted the invitation to run. He shrugged it off immediately again and hurried to keep pace with the black wolf once more. The two of them kept side by side, movements in time with each other. And then he stepped close enough that their flanks touched.

I think I hear deer moving about.

Yugi flicked his ears uncomfortably. Maybe a rabbit would be a better idea? he asked uncertainly. But he wondered at the sight. And he felt tired, nearly exhausted, for a brief second. Or perhaps it would have been a better idea for them to simply turn tail again. He was not sure—after the attack at the camp—that he wanted to be out there among the trees altogether. He shivered again.

But deer are larger.

And rabbits are easier to catch.

The black wolf eyed him as if he could not understand what it was that he had just said to him. He seemed almost stunned and perhaps startled by the declaration. And then he curled his lips back slightly and shook his head, turning away to trot somewhat faster. You are being difficult.

Yugi halted, head snapping around and ears flicking rapidly. Did you hear that? he demanded harshly.

Yami blinked and turned to him with a curl of his lips. I did not. Was it loud enough that I should have?

I think that it was loud enough you should have, yeah. I think you just weren't paying attention to it because you'd rather argue with me about deer over rabbits. Yugi huffed loudly and looked about them, bristling slightly before forcing himself to relax once more. Are you sure you're okay to hunt?

Yami sighed. I am fine, Yugi, he snapped. The seconds passed before he sighed again and shook his head. Maybe the rivers underground near Slifer would have fish in them. That might be worth a venture. Fish are delicious. And far easier to catch than deer or rabbits, I'm sure.

He could not truthfully remember ever catching fish on his own before. He had lunged into the water, snapping his teeth at them, but it had been more in fun than with serious intent. He had not truly tried to catch any of the slim scaled creatures as he should have. He had never quite been hungry enough. And the effort of launching himself into the water could be exhausting when it went to war with his instincts to simply flee. It was overwhelming to have to attempt to deal with the burden of putting his muzzle beneath water as he had those few times. It had been enough to make him want to simply run for as long as he possibly could.

He had been so tempted more often than not to simply try to flee as quickly as he could. The truth of it was that he could not find it within himself to face the reality of the situation he'd witnessed that day. He could not find the strength to look at it head on and understand. And so he had simply turned and run as if he might be able to leave it all behind him. And, when that childish notion had finally ceased itself, Yami had still been unable to face this. He had turned his back, had woken himself from nightmares, and had kept himself awake for days on end despite the consequences that could come about from it.

Now he looked at Yugi in frustration, a part of him seemingly withering away beneath the weight of his own thoughts. He drew in a deep breath, exhaling it in a great puff of white frost. Then he shook himself out as if it might shed the weight that lay so heavily upon his shoulders.

Please?

He was not sure if he sounded as desperate as he thought he did. But then he saw Yugi blink, his blue-violet eyes stretching wide for a single second, and knew he had. The enormity of this was enough to make Yami want to vomit. But the smaller wolf did not draw attention to it, turning away from him instead and shaking his head.

Yeah, we can do that. I don't really know if there will be any fish in the tunnels, though, Yugi answered in a voice that was tighter than Yami wished to acknowledge. He seemed stressed or perhaps nervous now, his white ears flicking back and forth and his eyes glued to the snow. I guess we can always see, huh?

The darker male tilted his head and lowered his nose a fraction towards the ice, sniffing lazily at the air. I do not think that there will be many if there are, he admitted, but he turned away and flicked his ears after a moment. He was not about to have Yugi change his mind and try to lead them away again. He did not want to go back to the house. He wanted away from there.

The room that they shared so often was too terribly small, almost claustrophobic now. Yugi worried about him too much, watched him so much it was impossible to pay attention to anything else. Yami could no longer think clearly in there. And, sometimes, when Yugi might watch him from the corner of his eye, the wolf had thought of the labs—and that alone had been enough to provoke something akin hatred in his gut.

And Yami did not want to feel anything of that magnitude towards the generous boy. Yugi was so terribly gentle and beautiful in that way. And he hated to think for even a moment that such a feeling could come to him regarding Yugi of all people. It hurt him to even consider. And he hated himself instantly for even thinking that Yugi might be worth his ire in such a fashion. It had been devastating to him, to the point of making his breath tight within his lungs and his heart heavy within his chest.

Yami pricked his ears forward as Yugi brushed against his side, his body heat warm and soft against his skin beneath his fur. The dark-furred wolf followed him forward, ears pricked. He was not as worried as Yugi appeared to be at the moment. The white wolf was rapidly looking about them, ears pricked and flicking about rapidly. He was staring about the trees and the various trunks that rose so high overhead. He would occasionally move to step in front of Yami by an inch or two, looking about rapidly. And Yami flattened his ears unhappily at the thought. The white wolf was clearly uncomfortable at the moment, visibly unnerved and desperate to keep from being caught unawares.

Yami had the thought to slow down and attempt to spring at the beta. But the thought was abhorrent seconds later. Yugi would likely be horrified. And Yami hated the thought of doing such a thing to him in the slightest. Yugi was too generous and easygoing to harm like this. He did not want to think for even a moment that he might do him any sense of damage. And to scare him now, when he was so concerned for him, would do nothing but.

So he simply flicked his ears and moved to the edge of the mountain's foothills. He knew immediately where the tunnel entrance was. He remembered it all too well. Yami shook himself out and moved towards the entrance. It was covered in snow, low to the ground and almost buried. The black wolf ignored the urge to look about himself, instead reaching his paw down and shoveling away the snow. He dug just enough to displace the ice. But he did nothing further than absolutely necessary. Then he lowered himself to his belly and crawled forth into the darkness.

The smell of earth and cold air was crisp and heavy. It was enough to make his lungs feel shattered and cut. But he shrugged it away again. His nails clicked furiously beneath his weight. The black wolf shook himself out and padded forward. There was a rather dull roar within the darkness. The sound seemed to dance and echo, ricocheting about the rock walls that rose so high above their heads. His ears pricked forward again as he tilted his head.

Wait a second, okay? Yugi called after him. Yami startled, having assumed that he was behind him. But now, as his eyes began to adjust, he realized that he had overlooked the lack of Yugi's claws against the stone floor or the soft breaths he exhaled. He turned around, peering out the dimly lit hole behind him. It was a sharp angle in which he had to pivot his neck to see properly. But the light was excruciating as he searched about them. Yugi was digging now as well, tugging away snow and ducking his head. The white wolf came a second later, blocking away the light entirely. And then he hurried forward and found his way beneath the hardened earthen entrance. The mouth of the tunnel was blinding when Yugi came forward amidst the darkness and the tunnel opened fully once more. Okay, so where are we headed?

Yami flicked his ear. The canine blinked and looked at him curiously. Then he flicked his ears again. We'll go where the river isn't too strong. Maybe near where Slifer usually waits around in that cavern, he answered after a moment. He pricked his ears forward after a moment, then moved to turn around and begin trotting. Yugi hurried to his side, blue-violet eyes glinting a strange indigo and plum shade as they moved about. It might be the best spot. Or maybe near there but not quite within that area. I mean, odds are if there are any fish here it wouldn't be easy for them to swim in that spot, right?

Yugi nodded slightly and looked at him for a moment with something between curious and perhaps mildly anxious. Yami wondered if it was the water or perhaps the idea of being in the tunnels that made him so uncomfortable. It was no wonder that either of these factors might be enough to make him hesitate.

The ground dipped beneath their paws as they continued forward, in a sharper incline that was softened towards its center. Yugi stumbled beside him, his claws scraping against the dirt. A single pebble darted across the floor. The white wolf jumped. Yami flicked his ears and turned to him with bright eyes, laughter in his voice as he snickered, Really, Yugi? You're too jumpy.

The other huffed. You're forgetting the first time I knocked something over down here it was a fucking bone, Yami.

Yami flicked an ear. Oh, no, I definitely remember that and. I still find that hilarious, by the way. He paused and looked over at him again more pointedly. The earthen smell was underlined by the softer, misty scent of the river where the spray surged forward and into the air. The roar was still dull, however, and for the moment Yami remained all but statuesque where he was standing. When he finally moved forward a few steps, his claws scraped against the dirt softly enough that the wolf almost slipped. Yugi moved immediately to grab his scruff, catching him easily as he almost teetered forward.

The black wolf bristled faintly, then forced himself to relax. Thank you, he said quietly. His red eyes searched the other wolf's gaze for a brief moment before he leaned forward to lick his nose when Yugi released him. The white wolf startled from where he'd been checking to make sure he was steady enough to stand on his own. His tail wagged after a moment, clearly startled by the touch. That could have been uncomfortable.

He doubted it would have hurt had he fallen on his face, but he still knew it would have been uncomfortable. And he hated the thought of being knocked off his feet. He hated that thought far too much to care in the slightest. It was frustrating to think of his paws slipping out from beneath him. He had taught himself to hold his ground, not to slip any longer. That was how one got killed in battle. That was how the hellhounds had gotten him off balance and managed to harm him so terribly.

His heart was pounding shakily behind his ribs now as he thought this through…

Yugi shivered as he followed him. His claws scraped as well but he stayed a couple of inches behind him, close enough that their flanks were still touching and he could easily grasp him. Yami did not trip again, though he hesitated as he picked his way about the rock. The stone was cold and hard beneath him. The earthen tunnel smelled almost bitter for a brief moment.

The black wolf shook himself out. Then he continued forward. The earth dipped again beneath him. The rocks were hard and smooth, though they rose unevenly upward. There were spare touches of scattered sand which lay beyond them. The walls were sheer where he could see them, turning his head and seeing layer upon layer of stone that rose like bricks towards the ceiling. There were slight stalagmite formations from the top, announcing the young age of the tunnels around them.

The formations reminded him of budding flowers in the way they rested so close together upon the walls. Beneath them the rock was smoothed away and much akin bricks in their formations as they pulled forward from the walls. It was an odd sight, the shadows black and the lesser layering colored mere gray and silver. The ceiling beyond that was oddly smooth, almost like the sewer tunnels, but they were far from its beginning formation and the jagged crevices looked oddly comforting. Yami found them to be almost as reassuring as he would have had Yugi been coaxing him from an anxiety attack. It was a mild reminder that scars were not something only he or the other wolves carried. Even the earth had them, something that he had not considered in a longer time than he cared to admit.

Yami moved slowly along the sand and stone, lowering his eyes to the ground. The sand was soft there beneath his toes, but the rock was like touching the blade of a knife. It was frozen beneath him and he shivered faintly as he continued forward. Yugi's body heat was enough to calm him slightly as he picked his way about. The earth was too broken apart, too cratered beneath his paws, as if the world were shattering under his weight. He shook the thought off as the river became somewhat louder. He was not close to the edge of the gorge, however. He knew that. The stone drops into the rushing water were far from his range of sight as well.

Their claws were clicking and scrabbling and his breathing was heavier than he cared to admit. He wondered if Yugi had noticed, as the white wolf had come forward and was pressed into his side almost as if he meant to physically glue them together. Yami blinked and looked about himself slowly, glancing upwards at the smooth ceiling again. Then he cast a side long look towards Yugi to find that the white wolf was staring at him. His blue-violet eyes had turned uniform in shade, a plum color which made Yami almost bristle with discomfort. He had forgotten that his eyes would be changed of color like this. And he wondered vaguely what his own looked like now.

He shrugged this off. I wonder if perhaps Slifer might be waiting for us. How likely do you think that might be?

Yugi flicked an ear, something passing over his eyes that Yami could not read. He shook himself out after a moment and looked away towards the ground. I think that it's likely she's here, but I don't know that she'd be waiting for us.

Yami tilted his head. That could be true, he admitted with a flick of his ears. He shivered and shook his head after a moment. Then he pricked his ears forward and continued at a slow trot. He looked about the tunnel for a long second. And then he glanced at Yugi again slowly. The white wolf blinked at him and tilted his head, his expression one of patient curiosity.

What is it, aibou?

Yami resisted the urge to tell him not to call him that again. Then he shook his head. I was simply thinking that I am grateful that you are such a good friend, he muttered after a long moment. But it was something that was far from his true line of thought. He had begun to wonder more about Slifer. If the she-wolf were there, would she attempt to speak to them? He hoped to the gods that she would not. He was so tired of it all. He did not want to have to even consider that the deity might be there to see them.

Yugi tilted his head. Huh?

Yami blinked and looked over. What is it?

The white wolf tilted and shook his head after a moment. His ears flattened against his head and he stared at him blankly for a long handful of seconds. Where did that come from, Yami? he asked softly. I don't understand why you brought that up…

The black wolf blinked and turned away. The fur along the back of his neck began to rise in a small bristle before he shook it off and turned back to him. He stopped moving altogether now but for his breathing, watching him with dark eyes. I thought of it when you caught me a minute ago. I just did not say it before now. He wondered if he sounded as lost as he felt at that moment. He had the impulse to apologize, to tell him that he was sorry for the confusion and maybe for everything else as he had before. But he could already tell that Yugi would become concerned and then upset with his words. And so he forced himself not to do so. But I am being truthful. I am very glad that you are such a great friend.

Yugi blinked at him with an expression that was curious but incredulous as well. The white wolf shook his head after a moment, then leaned forward and licked his forehead. You're a great friend too, even if you don't think so, he said after a moment, turning away again.

Yami wished he would never have said such a thing. He hated to hear those words in Yugi's voice. The other boy was so incredibly sweet and he himself was not. It was almost insulting that Yugi might consider him even remotely similar to him. He did not comment on this, however, lowering his eyes. Perhaps, he finally relented, though he ignored the sharp look that Yugi shot him at his implied denial. Yami shook himself out as if to shrug off his expression altogether. But his stomach ached and he hated the fact that Yugi would ever compare him to himself. He could not put into words how much it disgusted him, how much he despised it… I do not think there are truly any fish left here.

Yugi snorted. Probably not, he agreed, casting a glance around them and then at the ground. He looked almost as if he expected the floor to fall away beneath them. Then he shook himself out and looked up at Yami in turn. But we don't need to leave, do we? I mean, we haven't done anything and you didn't seem to want to go home before, so I don't see a reason why we should…

Yami snorted in amusement. No, I do not want to leave. I am curious and wish to keep moving about. We can map out the tunnels for a little while, or see how deep the river actually is…

There was a flash of something across his eyes but the rest of his countenance remained expressionless. Maybe. It might not be a bad idea to do that, I guess. Although actually trying to measure it probably isn't the smartest thing to do, honestly.

Yami snickered. No, I mean that I would wish to see if perhaps the river is high enough up that you can see it still visible over the gorge walls.

Yugi blinked. Ah, I see. But Yami noted that he sounded distracted now, as if his mind were a million miles away. The white wolf turned away from him again, ears flicking in the direction the river rested. Yami tilted his head slightly as he considered him curiously. That shouldn't be too big an issue, I guess. It's not a problem to do that. I think the water would be easy to spot if we're going to do that.

I suppose so.

We can always go back to the cavern that Slifer is usually in, Yugi commented after a moment. He was studying Yami now, the black wolf knew, because his nose was tipped towards him and his eyes were firmly caught upon his face. Their eyes were locked, though the emotions in Yugi's usually bright and easily-read face were blocked now by his tapetum lucidum, the colors of his irises blurred together. Yami hated that he could not see him so easily now. It felt almost as if he were being separated from him forcefully, as if the other boy were putting a wall between them. And the more frustrating part was that Yami knew better. Yugi was not doing this by his own desire. It was simply their biological design. To see at night, the tapetum lucidum had to exist and collect what little light remained there in their surroundings. And that often changed the colors of their eyes and made them more uniform.

Yugi had told him once that his eyes looked amber in this state…

And, truthfully, Yami hated that color.

Are you all right?

Yami blinked in surprise, head snapping up in puzzlement. His ears pricked forward, then flicked about. He looked around immediately, bristling faintly, then halted. His head turned back towards Yugi. The white wolf was staring at him with something almost horrified, the emotion so strong that it somehow glinted back at him despite the mask of indigo coloring. Yami flattened his ears against his skull after a moment, shaking his head firmly to scatter his thoughts.

I am fine, he said quietly. He shivered and shook himself out, then moved forward a step. I got distracted.

You looked like you were lost and forgot who you were…

Yami blinked and turned to look at him. Had he? How curious. No, I am fine. It's all right. I just forgot what I was doing; I got distracted and forgot all about what we were doing.

Yugi flicked his ears, his voice coming out concerned once more. Yeah, but you… I've never seen you do that before. Normally you tend to get lost in your head and still manage to answer me…

Did you ask me something?

I wanted to know if you wanted to hunt after this if there's nothing to be found down here…

Yami blinked, faltering in his step. Did he want to hunt regardless? The black wolf cast a small glance over his shoulder towards the tunnel entrance though it was now invisible due to the angle they stood. He shivered and bristled, then flattened his fur back again with a shake of his head. No. I don't think so, he finally relented, turning back. Something about the thought of going out of the tunnel for any reason that did not lead to Yugi's home was terrible.

His stomach rolled and tossed and somersaulted violently. But he knew where the fear came from. He understood it as he might have the shape of his own shadow. It was enough to make him tremble for a brief second. And he could not shake that initial wave of doubt and terror which gripped his heart now. His lungs squeezed tightly and he wanted almost to vomit as the seconds passed. Then he forced himself to swallow it away.

The thought of being above ground without a place to hide was nothing Yami ever wanted to consider again. He'd gone too many months formerly with this burden and now it was enough to make his heart stop at the thought of enduring it again. Yugi had offered him shelter before, had said he could stay as long as he needed to…

Yami felt weak and dizzy for a split second.

He needed to stay with him. He had to stay with him as long as it took to heal. He knew that. He needed that more than anything. And he hated himself for such an obvious weakness. It was overwhelming as he considered, shivering for a moment. Then he tried again to shove it away.

Do you want me to try to hunt and bring it to you?

Yami bristled. I'm not a pup, he spat before he could stop himself. His head snapped towards him, eyes locking with Yugi's startled ones. He shook his head violently and bore his teeth. I do not need you to feed me.

Yugi flicked an ear, staring at him for a long handful of minutes. Yami…

The black wolf flattened his ears against his head and lowered his eyes. I apologize, he finally grunted, turning away entirely. I do not like depending on you so much.

It's not a burden if I'm offering to do it, Yugi said slowly, in a voice that was soft and gentle and made Yami want to flinch violently away from him. You don't need to feel bad about it, aibou. I offer because I care. I don't want you to be hurt. I don't want you to say no to food just because you're upset about something. I want you to heal.

Yami flicked his ears again. I know.

The white wolf was silent for a long handful of heartbeats. Then he stopped walking and stared at him as Yami did the same and finally turned to him. When their eyes locked again, the white wolf tilted his head. He slowly wagged his tail, trying his hardest to keep Yami from growing aggressive once more. So what do you say now? Do you want me to hunt and bring it to you or would you rather skip on that and I'll just feed you when we get home?

Yami was quiet as he stared at him. I'll eat when we get back, he breathed out, turning away immediately again. I do not want food sooner than then.

Yugi let out a sigh behind him, a loud exhale that was laden with frustration. The black wolf refused to look back as the other male came forward and nudged him gently with his muzzle. You don't have to be so upset all the time. You know that I'll help you in any way I'm able. You know that. So why do you always try to argue against it?

Yami bristled faintly, then looked down pointedly. I…I do not like relying on others.

Okay, but everyone relies on someone else at some point. You know that as well as I do! It's not a problem to help someone or need to ask for assistance. You know that too. Why do you always fight me? Do you honestly not trust me? Is that what it is?

The black wolf blinked and turned his head to look at him. His ears flicked, flattened, pricked, and finally pointed firmly at Yugi. I trust you. I trust you more than anyone else. I would not have remained with you or ever jumped through that damn fire with you. You are my friend. Why would I consider you this if I did not trust you, Yugi?

He shook his head. I'm just asking you to calm down, aibou. You know I'm not going to offer you false help like that. You know that I'd do anything for you if it was necessary. I've killed for you before. You know that. Yami blinked at him, growling softly with discontent at the statement. And you know I'll do it again if it comes down to it. Helping you get food so that you can heal hardly compares to that. So I don't understand why you would deny help there and accept it other times.

I do not like relying on you. I do not like relying on others. Yami shook his head sharply. I do not want to talk about this anymore, okay?

Yugi was gaping at him now, he realized, something in his thoughts finally clicking. And the white wolf raised his head, ears pricked and mouth closing again as he considered him. Then he looked away and breathed out roughly. I think you're worth it, even if you don't, he said quietly, turning past him and beginning to trot forward. But I'm not going to argue with you about this if you don't want to talk about this anymore. Let's just get a move on, okay?

Yami was silent as he turned to follow him. And, as they crossed the stone floor and towards the source of the water roaring beyond them deeper in the tunnels, the black wolf felt sick. The darker-furred canine shook himself out as they came towards the gorge. The water spray was heavy, the river a furious white against the dark gray and silver of the shadows beyond it. He shivered and shook himself out, then moved closer to the edge. The rock surrounding it was oddly inclined downward and inward, as if the river had broken it in heavy sweeps like claws digging at the stone.

Don't get too close, Yugi warned quietly. There was a note of frustration in his tone, one which made Yami immediately turn towards him. Clearly he had not gotten past the conversation they'd narrowly avoided before then. Yami flattened his ears against his head as Yugi looked back at him almost bitterly. Just don't get too close and we won't have to go for a long swim, okay?

Yami moved away from the gorge's edge and came closer to him. He felt sick for a brief second, eyes wide and searching his. I did not mean to upset you, he finally muttered.

I know that, Yugi snapped, voice harsh and cold, but you act that like that's not something I should be upset about. Of course I'm not happy that you dislike yourself so much that you don't think you deserve help!

Yami flicked an ear. I apologize… I did not even mean to bring it up. I…

The white wolf snarled and shook his head angrily, huffing out a deep breath. Whatever, he snapped, bristling and looking away. It's fine. Give me a few minutes to get over it. We can talk about something else after that.

Yami watched him for a long moment, then turned and began to trot forward a few steps, looking at the water. It was a frustrating moment for the white wolf when the black canine turned around to face him abruptly. The color of his eyes was harsh and rustic, amber and glinting. His ears were pricked forward, his lips curled back faintly, and his fur was up in a hideous bristle.

You say this but you yourself tend to hate to have anyone offer you help as well, Yami spat at him. You are a hypocrite. I have offered you help before and you have tried to reject it. If I had not helped you with that damn net that night, Fuwa would have caught you and tortured you instead.

Yugi blinked, startled, and then bore his teeth as he stalked forward a step. His tail rose and he snarled low in his throat. You want to talk to me about this? This of all things, Yami? I think it's best left unsaid before this becomes worse than it needs to.

Don't threaten me. You know I'm correct. And I'll beat you into submission if I have to.

The white wolf tossed his head, the anger making his head spin and his blood hot in his veins. He stepped forward, peeling his lips back further to show off his sharp teeth. Knock it off, Yami.

But you're the one who wants to be so upset about my behavior. Why don't we discuss yours for once? The black wolf snarled and snapped his teeth, then came forward furiously. The two of them were inches from each other when he finally came to a stop and glared at him, their eyes locked fiercely. You have just as many problems as I do. But we never focus on that. We focus on my shortcomings, but never yours.

I don't hate myself. You do. And I get so sick of that. How dare you hate yourself like that!

How dare you try to tell me how I should feel about myself.

The thought startled Yugi enough to make him stiffen in surprise. Then he blinked, tilting his head, and bore his teeth unhappily. You can't be serious right now. He shivered and bristled furiously. I don't want to tell you how to feel about yourself. I want you not to hate yourself!

I am free to feel however I wish to, is that not correct? he snapped in turn. I was under the assumption that I am in control of my own emotions and how I am meant to feel about myself. Is that a wrong assessment?

Of course not—but you're not understanding—

You're speaking to me as if you wish to control me.

Yugi startled as if he had been slapped, winded by the comment. W-what? he sputtered, then bristled furiously and snarled low in his throat. I am not! I don't want to control you at all! Why the hell are you saying…?

Yami shook himself out, the aggression lost abruptly. You already know why, he muttered, falling quiet immediately after and looking at him with something of a sheepish expression now. He lowered his head, turning it slightly away from him now as well. I told you before, a long time ago…

Yugi blinked, mind rapidly sorting itself to find a clue as to what he meant at the moment. Then he stiffened, eyes widening, and backed up as if he had been struck. He lost his aggressive stance now as well. And his stomach ached as he considered him again. His heart began to stutter in his chest, his lungs straining to fill themselves as he struggled to consider it. Had he truly…?

They had refused to give him a name in order to keep him effectively in the dark while he was stuck in the lab. He had been born there, forced to go by their whims in order to survive. And he had been refused a name, as Yami had told him before…

And now he was reminding him of them. He was reminding him of the fact that they had done those things in order to control him. Yugi trembled at the thought, horrified as he stared back at the wolf that refused to face him now. He wanted to vomit as he gaped at him for a brief moment. Then he turned away, fur rising into a bristle and heart in his throat once more.

Had he truly reminded Yami of that?

Or had he simply said this to make the conversation stop?

But some part of him doubted it. Yami was capable of ignoring him until he could no longer stand the sound of his own voice. It was impossible to imagine that Yami might use this statement simply to make him be quiet. There were a great many different ways he could have said he was uncomfortable and none of them involved memories of the abuse he'd sustained while within that hellhole underground. Yugi felt sick to his stomach as he looked at him again.

But then…maybe Yami truly had meant just to make him quiet again and leave the conversation alone by saying something like that. He stared at him, unnerved and unsure of himself, and looked away as his heart began to skip beats.

I never meant to make you feel that way. I'm sorry.

Yami was quiet for what felt a lifetime. Then, hesitantly, he murmured, I should never have said that. I'm sorry. It wasn't true.

Yugi wished he could have believed him. But Yami had said it with enough feeling in his voice to negate his apology now. He was trying to make him feel better by saying this but Yugi could not trust it. So he simply looked at him and then away again after a long moment.

It's okay, Yugi finally mumbled. Besides, I don't want you not to tell me if I make you feel that way just because you think it will save my feelings. You know I never want to make you feel that way…

Yami blinked and looked over at him. His eyes were wide and his ears were flattened against his head. I didn't mean it, he insisted. I said it to make you stop talking. I didn't mean it.

Yami, enough. It's okay. I'm sorry. It is what it is, okay? I made you feel like that and I don't want to think about it anymore, okay? Let's just call it a day on this and consider it done and over with. He hesitated, something inside of his gut twisting and writhing at the thought. But he shook it off again. He didn't want to start to feel sorry for himself. That was not something he liked about himself and he hated when he fell into that loophole. Now let's go find those possibly hibernating fish, okay?

The black wolf stared at him as if he had just gutted him. Then he looked away again, pricked his ears forward, shook himself out, and turned on his heel. Let's, he agreed in a curt tone, something that Yugi knew was meant to tell him that this conversation was not over by a long shot.

The white wolf shook his head as he trailed after him. It was not worth the possible damage that might come of the conversation to continue it in any manner. He wondered why it was that Yami did not see that and feel the same way. How much do you want to bet that Slifer is somewhere around here just lurking? he asked playfully, hurrying forward to get to his side. Yugi was relieved when Yami did not pull away from him as their pelts brushed once more.

I'm pretty sure that's a given, he stated dryly, refusing to look at him. That's an absolute given.

Yugi felt sick. Yami sounded as if he wanted nothing more than to flee from him entirely at the moment. And he could not be sure who it was that had caused this immense damage this time. Both of them had reacted rather badly…

The white wolf was dizzy with disbelief as they picked their way through the tunnels along the gorge. The river was so loud it was disgusting and the spray that came from beneath the wall of stone was enough to soak his paws. Yugi wished for a moment that he could get frostbite, if only so he could escape the awkward situation at hand. He shivered and shook his head as a small bit of foam hit his eye, then continued in the same trot as Yami did in front of him. When the black wolf had moved, Yugi was not sure. But he was in front of him rather than beside him now. And he was closer to the wall than Yugi himself was, brushing against the stone while Yugi found his paws soaked and water spray in his face.

He looked down at the sheer drop. The entirety of it was slicked and wet down for inches inward. He shivered, then turned to walk alongside it rather than in it. The less water he experienced, the better, he thought. It was a pain in the ass to deal with cold water on his paws like that. Besides, with the way that Yami was acting at the moment, he was not sure he wanted to deal with anymore setbacks and frustrations.

Can we just forget I ever said anything to begin with?

The words were so abrupt and biting that it startled Yugi out of his thoughts. The white wolf looked up to see that Yami was facing away from him, still moving steadily, but he knew it was he who had spoken. There was no one else with them for the moment. He shivered. What did you say? he asked after a moment, flustered. I didn't hear you.

Yami was quiet for a long moment and Yugi bristled faintly at the thought that entered his mind immediately after. He shivered.

I'm serious, aibou. What did you say? I was distracted and didn't hear you.

The black wolf risked a single glance back at him, as if he were sure he was mocking him. Then he hesitated, flicking his ears back and forth a few times, and turned away with a slight bristle to his long fur. I wish to forget that I ever said anything.

Okay, we can pretend that if you want, Yugi mumbled, unsure of why he folded so quickly but for the fact that it was the easiest thing they could do. The edges of the wounds were still too raw to completely close away but it was enough of an effort to hide behind that they could both benefit without too much difficulty. But I was serious.

As was I.

They continued along for a moment. Then Yugi padded forward and to his side again. Yami wasn't willing to slow down, though the small wolf blamed him none for that. He would not have wanted to do that either. It was distressing and frustrating to think that he would have to fall back for him like that. And Yugi was perfectly capable of coming to his side instead.

But wasn't that how it normally went as well?

Yugi was the one who initiated physical contact.

Yami was always shy about that as well. He did not want to touch someone. He did not want to embrace someone. When he had initiated it, it had been with Ryou and Yugi was not sure what that meant anymore. Yami had proven him wrong in his assumption that it was a lover's embrace when he had shown only mild remorse for the other boy's passing. He hardly seemed to care at all any longer. Half the time Yugi wondered if he even knew the other's name…

And he had implied before that he had his cage mate had not been physical. He had implied something more platonic and much alike their own relationship but for the fact that the other wolf had died for him.

Yugi really hoped that did not have to happen…

He shivered and shook himself out.

He did not want to think for a second of what might happen should that kind of thing come to pass. He did not want to imagine having to deal with the prospect of one of their deaths. It was hardly something that comforted him in the slightest.

And he had the feeling that should he bring this up to Yami as well, the other would hardly be happy with him in the slightest. So Yugi shrugged it off a final time, the lingering thought persistent but slipping away as he bristled slightly.

I don't think there are really any fish here at all, Yami said abruptly, turning to look over his shoulder towards Yugi. The black wolf pricked his ears forward, then turned away again almost immediately. He bounded forward in the stone tunnel, across a shallow pool of water that was accumulating near the bottom of the ledge beneath them. Yugi followed him as quickly as possible, dropping down beside him and ignoring the way the water splashed up against his paws.

You think so? Yugi asked, springing down to his side and shaking himself out as spray from the river to their left hit his side. He shivered and looked about himself for a split second. Yami did not seem unnerved in the slightest, shaking himself out as well and looking towards Yugi with a tilted head. So what do you want to do?

There was a long moment of silence between them, then the black wolf sprang towards him with bright red eyes. His paw rose towards Yugi's face, his tail wagging as he pounced at him. He knocked Yugi in the flank lightly with his paw, shoving him gently but with just enough force to make him stagger a pace to the side. Yami dropped into a bow in front of him, long tail wagging.

He looked incredibly amused, as if knocking on Yugi's side had done him well for entertainment. The darker canine tilted his head and wagged his tail harder, red eyes glittering. Yugi stared at him, slightly startled and confused. Then he flicked his ears back and forth for a moment.

He launched himself at him. Yami met him head on, allowing Yugi to slam into his shoulder. He twisted enough to catch his weight, lowering his head to nip at his side. Yugi huffed at the touch, as soft as it was, and Yami shoved at his ribs with his muzzle. The smaller wolf was pushed a pace away again, eyes wide and startled. Then he huffed and nipped at his ear.

Yami did nothing more than wag his tail before nudging him once more. Yugi wagged his tail in turn, watching him with brightening eyes. The black wolf pounced on him, forelimbs draping over his shoulders. It was an easy and friendly gesture, nothing which made Yugi feel inclined to shrug him off. And Yami looked incredibly comfortable when Yugi turned his head to look at him more pointedly. The black wolf had his mouth open, his tongue lolling and his tail still wagging.

Yugi did not mind the extra weight, soft and easy against his body. Yami looked more akin a yearling than anything at the moment. But he did not seem as if he might be sick or unhealthy in any manner now. He shivered at the realization, hoping more than ever that this might be more permanent than a simple split second thing.

I caught myself a Yugi, Yami said after a moment, wagging his tail lazily as Yugi considered him. The white wolf laughed and wagged his tail, lazy and slow in his actions. I think my hunting trip went well.

Yugi laughed again. You're a dork, he teased, impulsively leaning forward to run his tongue over his cheek. He wagged his tail harder and looked away after a moment. His ears pricked as he considered their placement within the tunnels. But he could not be sure where they were. He had only traversed them a few times. It was harder to know where it was that they might have come to.

The area was too smothered with earthen smells, dirt and stone and cold water. And he could only scent the latter slightly. The crisp air made everything too hard to detect anything that might have been lurking within the tunnels. He had no idea how it was that he could possibly tell where they were in there. He wanted to assume that they were close to where Slifer usually rested in the tunnels, but he could not be sure of that either, however. The truth of it was that he was at a loss.

And the walls here were not lined with the dead, which meant that the chamber was not where they were currently. Or so he would have to assume. Was it possible that she had simply removed the bodies at some point? Yugi had no idea how it was that one was meant to judge distance in this place…

You okay? You seem troubled.

I'm fine. I was just… Yugi flicked his ears and looked over at him. Did it matter where they were? In the grand scheme of things, was it truly so important? Yugi could not help but doubt this. He sighed. Just wanted to know where we are in here.

Yami peered at him with something unreadable, then nodded slightly and pulled away from him. He shook himself out as soon as he landed on all fours again. His tail was down, his ears pricked forward, his eyes locked on Yugi noticeably. He did not seem happy nor comfortable any longer.

Yugi flattened his ears against his head. I was just curious. It's not a big deal.

Yami stared at him blankly for a moment longer, then turned away and pricked his ears forward again. He didn't seem to be paying him the slightest bit of attention now. When he tipped his muzzle upward, Yugi followed his line of sight with this action and stiffened as well, eyes widening drastically in surprise.

Had she been there that entire time? He blinked and his fur rose and fell in a shuddering bristle. She looked as if she had to have been there forever, ancient in her appearance as she peered down at them. Yugi lowered his eyes and then looked towards Yami with something of a grimace on his face. His eyes shot back to her almost immediately, however.

Hello, Slifer, he called, flicking his ears. Yami did not look happy beside him now, head tilted and eyes sharper than ever.

Hello, Yugi, Yami.

Yami looked away towards Yugi after a moment. I did not realize she was there.

How long do you think she's been there?

Long enough, the black wolf answered in annoyance. Then he tipped his head towards the goddess again, hissing out a breath from between his incisors. He was more tired than he cared to admit, from their meager moment of play and that argument they'd fallen into… He hated this vulnerability more than he could put into words. He had not even noticed her before then. Normally he would have known and seen and realized… He would have scented her or heard her breathing or something. Sometimes all of his senses honed in on something and other times they did not, but he should not have been so shocked to see her. He should have known she was there one way or another. I do not suppose it honestly matters…

Most likely not, Yugi agreed. The white wolf was still looking up when Yami considered him curiously for a moment. But he shrugged the urge away to speak to him again, something inside of him seeming to burn with disbelief. He looked up towards Slifer again as well, ears pricked forward and eyes sharpening. I don't think there's any reason to worry about it at all.

Yami did not respond, the comment more irritating to him than anything else. Are you well? he asked after a moment, watching the she-wolf seated on the ledge higher above them.

As well as a goddess of death is capable, I am sure.

I am glad to hear that. He wondered if he sounded as bitter as he felt at the moment. The black wolf shook himself out and moved to take a seat. His eyes sharpened and his head tilted towards Yugi after a moment or so. I would hope you and the others are doing well.

Deities do not often change in stature.

I would be far more surprised if you had said something to the contrary.

The she-wolf graced him with a look of dry humor. I shall remember that for the next time you ask me such a question. Then I will tell you that much has changed and I will find humor in your bewildered expression, yes?

You might be hoping for more than I can offer.

In fact, Yami was very sure that she was asking him for far more than he could ever hope to offer. There was such a cold lump in his stomach, a sense of numbness and disbelief, that made him want to simply curl up and lay down for the rest of his life. It was hard not to desire something smaller and less useful than this of all things. He was exhausted. He did not care in the slightest if she was amused in any manner. And he did not think that he would have cared even if it had been Yugi to say such a thing.

Yami wondered at this for a moment, then puzzled over his newest thought.

Was it possible that physical affection was not the only thing he lacked the ability to show? Was he emotionally stunted now as well?

He would not have been surprised in the slightest should that have been proven true.

He wondered if Yugi would care for him half as much if he were to tell him that. He could not truly picture Yugi turning his back on him. But he could imagine that the smaller boy would be rather devastated by it. But Yami wondered how much that would really affect him in the long run.

Why should Yugi truly care if that were the case? It made no sense to him. There was no reason for Yugi to worry about his emotional capabilities as it was. He did not know why it was that he would find it necessary to care for him in such a manner as that.

In truth, Yugi shouldn't have cared in the slightest should he have ever told him such a thing. But he had a feeling the other boy would take it as something of a challenge, something that he would argue with him about as much as he could. He knew him too well to think that it would be received without argument…

Then again, Yami was not sure that this was a thing in the first place. But the thought of it would never have surprised him. He almost snickered at the thought, then shrugged it off forcefully in order to keep Yugi from noticing and perhaps worrying about his being lost in thought.

I think it's about time that we went back home, he announced, turning to Yugi abruptly. His beta blinked and his head snapped towards him, eyes wide and ears pricked. He was clearly more startled than Yami cared to acknowledge at the moment. There's really nothing for us to remain here for, right? Or is there something that you wished to talk to her about? I can leave you to that.

Yugi blinked at him as if he had struck him. And Yami had the abrupt thought that perhaps this was much akin doing so. He was snarling at him despite not meaning to. And he did not have the friendliest look on his face, he was sure. The other wolf blinked, blue-violet eyes troubled, then looked towards Slifer and back with a shake of his head.

No, I don't have anything I want to talk to her about. Let's go.

---

Yugi was seated on the bed, Yami resting a few feet away with his paws outstretched before his broad muzzle and his eyes locked on the television. Yugi had not seen much movement from him since they had settled in his room again. The black canine would have appeared fast asleep had it not been for his ears twitching every time Yugi so much as shifted his weight. He had not once raised his head from his paws to look back at him, but he was clearly paying attention to him in some manner or another.

But Yugi hated the fact that they had come back to the house like this. The black wolf had been unhappy and angry more than anything else. And he'd remained upset like this for the entirety of the hour and a half they'd remained there. It was bewildering to him that Yami was treating him this way.

Yami had remained silent the entire time. He had refused speech of any kind. He had simply answered him with the statement that he was fine when he had asked if he was okay. Beyond this Yami had not made a noise but for his heartbeat and even breathing.

But he wasn't sure there was a way to broach the subject of speaking to him without Yami growing further upset with him in some way. It was frustrating to him. He had always hated the silent treatment. It was a technique that he himself was forced to use at times, in order to avoid further angering someone or to keep from starting an argument that he knew would not cease. It was something he most often had to use with Jonouchi or Anzu, as both of them were rather hotheaded when it came to some things pertaining to him and his choices.

Yugi licked his lips and looked away towards the bed. If Yami wasn't going to talk to him, then fine. There were other things to do as it was. He still had homework to finish and some extra credit assignments to get his grades back up as he needed to. He shivered and shook his head, moving to lean over the edge of the bed. When he did so, Yami's head snapped around curiously to look at him in bewilderment. But Yugi ignored him pointedly, reaching his hand down and digging beneath the bed to grab at the bag beneath. He pulled it out just as Yami looked him over with a tilt of his head and wide eyes.

The small teen pulled the backpack into his lap, digging through to pick out the binder he was looking for. He hummed softly, ignoring the strong impulse to glance over at Yami again. But he could feel his stare on his face, curious and burning. His skin tingled with the attention, making his stomach tie in knots. But Yami was not willing to ask him what it was that was going on or what he was doing, he was not going to just tell him.

And it was not as if he were stupid. He would be able to figure it out as soon as he stopped and considered it for a moment or two longer. Between Yami's natural intelligence and the lycanthropy, he was sure that Yami would not take much longer than a heartbeat to figure out what he was doing.

Yugi flipped the binder open to dig into its pockets, picking out a large wad of stapled paper from the plastic sleeve. He flipped through to the pages he had yet to complete and settle back against the pillows. Yami was still watching, but he had not spoken yet, and he was simply staring at the papers now more than anything else…

Yugi pulled his pencil out of the plastic zipper pouch he'd stuffed them in and flipped it around in his fingers. He considered the question in front of him, staring at the black print almost blindly. For twenty minutes he began to write the answers, lazy and flustered, and picked at the phrasing. He rewrote them after a moment, stiffening as he looked them over and erased the newest answer he deemed too stupid to leave. It didn't help that he was still distracted and each answer he wrote seemed to be getting worse and worse with it all.

He became bored with this soon after fixing the next answer, sighing softly and shaking his head as he looked it over. He flipped it shut after a moment, opting away from finishing what was proving to be a pain in the ass to keep focused on. He stuffed it back in the pocket of his binder, flipping it shut moments later and settling back into his pillows again. When he zipped the backpack up and began to put it under the bed again, he found himself stiffening.

Yami had moved at some point. And now he was leaning his muzzle over the edge of the mattress, peering at the binder curiously. Now that it was within the bag, Yugi could see his nose wriggling faintly. Yugi stiffened further, eyes growing wider than ever before. Yami grabbed at the bag when Yugi wasn't looking at him, tugging it off the bed so that it thumped when it hit the ground. Yugi almost thought he was going to eat it with the way he was staring at it. It would not have surprised him in the slightest should that have happened.

"Are you all right?"

Perfectly fine, the wolf answered in something of a short tone. Is there a reason I might not be?

Yugi grimaced, grinding his teeth together seconds later before shaking his head and narrowing his gaze into slits. "No, I guess not," he relented after a moment. Maybe he was just being sensitive or something like that. It was possible that was the truth of it. He wasn't used to his friends ignoring him or being so quiet like this. He was not used to that in the slightest. Jonouchi and Honda were incredibly loud more often than not. And Anzu could be vicious when she was upset, though she was never quite inclined to be quiet and ignore someone instead of snap at them. But she also forgave relatively easily and Yugi had to wonder if Yami truly had that in him.

He shivered, feeling sick to his stomach. He would have lost his mind long before now had it been one of the others. He was used to Yami being so quiet. He was not used to his silence when he was clearly so uncomfortable and seemed angered more than anything.

He was not used to him being so short-tempered as he seemed now.

But he supposed it didn't truly matter. It was what it was, in all reality. He would have to wait for Yami to either open up to him or snarl and snap at him as he knew he would eventually. It had always been inevitable that if he poked at him for his attention one too many times, he would eventually lose his temper entirely.

But then, he remembered now what it was that had happened formerly. He remembered calling him by his name several times before then when they had originally made arrangements for him to hide in his house like this. When they had first begun to live in the same space, Yami had done well to respond to his name without much care. He would turn to Yugi no matter how many times he said it or how often he tried to catch his attention in stupid and ridiculous ways.

And not once had he showed him an ounce of anger or frustration or impatience.

He didn't think that had been because of his silence then. He was rather sure that was more of Yami's own core nature, to be quiet and even in his demeanor, to remain calm and easier rather than violent and harsh as he sometimes was. And Yugi had the feeling that, should he do the same now and call him by his name or talk to him, Yami would simply turn around and look at him without uttering a word. He would simply study him, waiting for him to say a word of some kind before turning away again.

Yugi shook his head after a moment. Then he zipped his backpack shut again and moved to put it under the bed. It was only when he leaned over that Yugi found himself stopping short with wide eyes. Yami had reached his paw out and was leaning toward him with narrowed eyes. He had just barely touched the fabric with his claws, watching him pointedly. Yugi hesitated for a long moment, then cleared his throat and swallowed hard.

When he pushed it to him, Yami did not so much as blink, instead dropping to the ground with the bag in his mouth. He watched him push it under the bed, eyes trained on the TV for the most part, but it reminded Yugi that he often split his attention without too much difficulty.

He was capable of staring at something else entirely and still seeing whatever faint movement it was that happened nearby. His peripheral was far more attentive than Yugi could ever hope to boast, he was sure. And he was incredibly acute in the way he could watch Yugi even without a turn of his head.

"Why are you so upset?"

Upset? Yami blinked, raising and turning his head with eyes full of open bewilderment. His brows furrowed and his head tilted, his eyes slightly narrowed. His ears flicked back and forth twice and he blinked at him in open confusion. Why would I be upset, Yugi?

"I don't know. That's what I'm asking you."

I'm not upset.

Yugi raised a brow slowly, skeptical of his statement, then shook his head and sighed loudly. "Whatever you say," he huffed, not the least bit amused with his denial. Yami was clearly upset about something or other. And it was not as if he could truly hide such a thing from him as it was. The wolf showed this as vibrantly as the sun lit the sky. When Yami was angry, he exuded it. Although Yugi had to wonder if it was only when he was comfortable enough to do so that he would. Because he had seen his short temper with Chazz during that fight at the school and he had not seemed too visibly upset then.

Yugi hated the thought that Yami was upset, however. He had no idea what he was meant to do in order to help him and it frustrated him more than he cared to admit at the moment.

What was it that he had done to make him so angry like this?

Was there anything that he had truly done or said to him to make him like this?

Yugi let this idea settle and disappear a few minutes later, shaking it off as he settled to finish his homework on a later—possibly much later—date. He had put it far away by the time that the two of them settled for bed again. Yugi was curled up facing the wall, Yami on his side fast asleep and facing the window. Whenever Yugi moved, the wolf would growl in his sleep. And he would still, relax for a moment, and move again just to upset him. Yami would growl again, grunt when he stopped, and then growl again whenever he so much as twitched.

But he couldn't help it when he moved to sit up and look at him. Yami growled again, predictably, and blinked his eyes open to consider him for a moment. His eyes were golden around his pupils from the streetlight outside and the harsh red glow of his gaze in the dark was like dried blood. Yugi peered at him for a moment. Yami looked ruffled and tired, eyes blinking a few times. But he was no longer growling and he seemed more or less okay with the staring.

Yami stretched his jaws open in a wide yawn, blinking at him curiously. His ears flicked once, then twice, and finally he lowered his head back to tuck into his legs as he had formerly. He was not curled up as tightly as he could have, but he was in loose ball formation. Yugi wondered if his sides still hurt or if he was still aching in any way. But he did not want to ask. Yami would likely become defensive and begin growling angrily.

He didn't want to think of the fact that Yami might become so upset with him. He did not want to imagine the anger on his face or the way he would glare at him so furiously. He shivered for a moment, insides knotting for a brief second. He wanted to lean forward, to maybe rub between his ears or hug him tightly. Instead he shrugged it off and narrowed his eyes.

Yami was not weak. He was still tired and emaciated. But he was not weak by any stretch of the imagination. And Yugi wondered for a moment if perhaps there was something wrong with this thought. Yugi had the abrupt feeling that he'd done well to undermine a lot of Yami's credibility in fighting with that alpha at the camp. And now that Yami was stuck with him again at the house…

Not only had he done more harm than good there, but he had the feeling that it was simply going to continue on this route. He had done poorly in protecting him before and he did not think he was getting any better. It was exhausting and frustrating to consider. Yugi reached up to run his fingers through his hair unhappily. He had the feeling that his keeping Yami away from them earlier that day as well had failed to do him any favors. It had to be doing much worse rather than any good at this point. Yami was most likely going to be seen as more of a traitor now than he ever had.

It would seem like Yugi was hiding him away for some other reason. Would they think it was out of punishment? Or would they assume that he valued them little and Yami incredibly so? He shivered at the thought. A life was a life. He didn't want anyone to lose theirs. He would do everything he could to help them in any way possible. He was desperate to have this happen. He was desperate to ensure that all of them survived. He didn't want any of them to die.

But death was inevitable. Slifer had proven that already. Those twelve wolves were meant to die soon, and he knew that he would never be able to save them. Slifer had told him those names to mock him, to make him feel smaller than he had before. She had said it in order to make him feel weak and stupid before her power.

She had done it to prove to him that death stalked his paws, that it was inevitable and even the wolves closer to him could die. She had said to upset him, to inspire a reaction from him as if to prove that he truly cared…

Maybe it would be a good idea for him and Yami to go to the camp together at some point and change. Maybe it would do them well in order to reaffirm his rank as their alpha. Would that do either of them well? He could not tell at the moment. His mind was racing too quickly and he was dizzy with the need to clear his thoughts away.

But instead he wound up stretching his legs. Yami snarled and raised his head to glare at him, red eyes furious. Yugi smiled faintly, reaching out to ruffle his fur. The black canine was not amused, glaring at him with an annoyed expression. Yugi shook his head with a wide smile, then sighed softly as he looked him over.

"I need your opinion on this, aibou."

Yami flicked an ear. His eyes sharpened and grew a shade darker but he did not so much as blink at him. Instead he tilted his head and considered him with a small stretch of his forelimbs. What is it? he grumbled, clearly tired more than anything else. He flicked an ear again and blinked slowly.

"It's about the pack."

The black wolf turned his head to look at him for only a moment. Then he snorted and lowered his chin to his paws again. Goodnight.

Yugi laughed and nudged him. The wolf snarled and bristled, raising and turning his head with a visible glower upon his face. "No, Yami, I'm serious. I need your opinion on what I'm thinking about. And it has to do with the pack. Which is why I'm trying to see if you'll talk to me."

You have to tell me what it is you want my opinion on if that is what you wish to talk about. Yami opened his jaws wide in a sleepy yawn and stretched slowly once more. What is it?

"I was thinking that I don't know what their perception is regarding us any more. I have no idea if they still really consider me their leader or you their beta. I want to know if there's a way to better reaffirm our ranks with them." He drew in a deep breath. "And the only thing I can think of is maybe us going to the camp and doing something like Slifer did before you came back. She would take them for hunts to strengthen their bonds together. And they haven't done that in a long time."

Yami stared at him for a long minute. Then he flicked his ears and turned away to look out the window. It is not a bad idea. She was smart to have initiated that as a pack activity. With so many wolves originally from different packs and different cultures, it was wise to do that. He closed his eyes and lowered his chin to his paws again. If he had not spoken again a few minutes later Yugi would have assumed he was fast asleep.

It would not be a bad idea for you to lead a hunt with them. I do not suppose you have a day in mind for this event to transpire?

"Not quite. But I was…I was thinking tonight?"

Of course you would rather me stay awake than sleep, Yami huffed pointedly, voice snide but somehow teasing as well. He flattened his ears against his head and then moved to stand, stretching and then shaking himself out. How soon do we leave?

Yugi opened his mouth to speak, then fell quiet again. Yami was studying him with a rather pointed stare. He frowned, reconsidering his initial response, and then raised his head a small degree. "I need to make a call to Jonouchi and see if he'd like to come with us."

Yami flicked his ear. Jonouchi? Why would you ask him if he would like to come? If the rest of the pack is required to attend, he should be held to the same standards, yes? he drawled, craning his head back far enough that the bone snapped before he shook himself out again and took a seat on his haunches. Yugi almost thought his neck looked as if it had folded completely back against his shoulders for a split second.

"Well, I mean… He's not used to being a wolf for the most part."

Yami raised and turned his head, bewildered by the statement. What do you mean he is not used to being a wolf? He seemed perfectly happy and comfortable with it when I saw him last. Why would that have changed now?

Yugi cringed. "I haven't exactly been the best alpha to him. I haven't really…helped him out much at all."

You have not helped him? He is your best friend and your beta. Why would you not help him?

"I was distracted by other things."

Do not blame your inabilities as an alpha on me. I may have distracted you but you were perfectly capable of helping him at any time before now. Why did you fail to do so?

"Fuck you, okay? It wasn't like I would have done that if I had thought you were going to heal quickly, okay? I did it because you were in such bad condition and he's not. He's perfectly healthy for the most part. And he's gone through the Change at least twice now. So I don't see why you're going to be so angry with me. I did help him before now. So don't try to act better than me."

Yami peered at him almost as if he did not recognize him. You're defensive for someone so assured that they did the right thing at the time of the decision being made, he pointed out with a growl. And I do not suppose you recognize that I have yet to judge you for anything you have done so far in the time that I have known you. If you insist upon snarling at me, however, I will surely do so sooner rather than later.

"I'm just stressed," Yugi huffed with a roll of his eyes. He felt childish and stupid now, unsure of what more to say or do with this. He was an idiot to have said anything like that to begin with. "And I'm sorry for saying that, okay? I didn't mean to say that at all. It's fine. You're okay. I didn't even mean to say half of that. I know you haven't judged me before. I'm sorry."

Yami stared at him blankly. Be as defensive as you might like. I do not truly care. But I will remind you that I did at least try to help you when I bit you. I did attempt to help you. And whether or not you did the same for Jonouchi is your own choice. And I do not care what it is that you do with your beta. Truthfully his connection to me is very shallow as your alpha. I had simply assumed that you would do more for him as he is your best friend.

Yugi huffed softly. "I'm pretty sure he's enjoying more time with Mai than he ever could have with me teaching him these things. I'm pretty sure she's taking him under her wing and will be teaching him far more than I even know."

The black wolf snorted loudly and moved to stretch again, clearly annoyed with him. It does not matter. I suppose they will fool around at some point regardless of whether she takes the time to help him adapt to being a wolf. It matters little to me, in truth. He is your responsibility rather than mine, he growled softly. Now, as for what you were saying, yes. You might as well invite him to join. But I must tell you that if he does not show and he is your beta—as Mai and Otogi and Echo and Yusei all witnessed—you will be seen as much weaker for this.

Yugi stiffened for a brief second, then lowered his eyes to the ground and shook his head slightly. The small teen reached up to run his hands through his hair again as the wolf looked towards the door. "Whatever," he finally snapped, leaning over to unplug his phone from the charger. He put the password in and scrolled through his contacts for a long moment. Yami was right, of course; he would look weaker than ever if Jonouchi were to refuse to come.

Yami raised his head when Yugi began dialing. The tone of the phone ringing was enough to make him bristle faintly. The black wolf shook himself out after a moment, then turned his head to look at him more pointedly. The small teen had moved to get dressed, though he did not turn on the light as he would have formerly. He was muttering under his breath about "Come on, Jonouchi, pick up the phone" and Yami looked away again.

"Hey, Jonouchi!" Yugi chirped a minute later. Yami blinked at the change of tone and looked over his shoulder. On the other end Jonouchi sounded as if he were still too groggy to process he'd answered the phone. "Hey, I know you were asleep, but I wanted to know if you wanted to come with Yami and me to the camp. We're going to lead a hunt. And I figured since you're a member of the pack, you should come with us."

Yami flicked an ear. That was one way of making it seem impossible to back out on the commitment. And it did not seem like a bad idea to phrase it this way, either, he was sure. The wolf shrugged it off after a moment and closed his eyes. He kept his ears pricked in his direction, however.

"A hunt?" Jonouchi was mumbling on the other end. The wolf would have smirked had he been human at the moment. It was always funny speaking to someone that was half-asleep—even with important matters such as this. "Why are we doing that?"

"It would be a good opportunity to learn some more about being a wolf."

"Yeah, but I don't want to learn more if I can't just sleep some more."

Yugi rolled his eyes as Yami looked over at him again. "Do you think Mai is better in your dreams or in real life where she can touch you and kiss you—?"

"That's such a cheap shot, dude."

"I know. But admit it, you're thinking about it."

"I'm a guy! Of course I'm thinking about it!"

Yugi winked at him playfully when he noticed he was watching him again, lips curled into the brightest of lopsided smiles. "I'll buddy you up with her for the hunt. Otogi and Yusei can partner up instead after that, okay? Then you guys can be as close and talk as much as you want. Hell, she might even let you—"

"I hope Yami knows you think about screwing around with Mai."

The black wolf burst out laughing as Yugi's entire face turned red and he glared at the phone. "Yeah, thanks, he's laughing at me now." He paused and shot Yami an annoyed look as the wolf snickered harder. "Shut up, Yami. Jackass."

Jonouchi was laughing on the other end of the line as well. "Okay, well, I'll meet you guys in the woods then, cause hell yeah I'll go if Mai is there!" The phone clicked off and Yami blinked as Yugi stared at the screen in surprise. The small teen shot Yami a similar look.

"He just hung up on me."

I love that he's such a suppressed teenager that he's willing to chase Mai like a lost puppy dog, Yami said, ignoring his comment. That is honestly one of the best things ever.

Yugi rolled his eyes. "You say that like you've had sex before."

Yami wrinkled his nose back. Sex? No. But I will say that I do not have nearly as many problems chasing others for their affection as I have others chase me.

"Well, we can't all be studs."

Yami flicked an ear, curious at the statement, and nearly shook his head in bewilderment. A stud? He was hardly such a thing. He blamed it on genetics, on the power that he possessed due to his bloodline. He did not think for even a second that any of them might have found themselves attracted to him had it not been for this of all things. But he would not say that to Yugi. He did not want to have to deal with his indignation on his behalf, as if he might somehow heal the raw wounds that graced his features so terribly.

Well, those who can't are poor children, he drawled instead, shaking himself out as he got to his paws and looked at him more pointedly. It would be wise of you and Jonouchi to change together at the camp. Clearly I will be unable to do the same, but it will look stronger if you two are to do that together. It reinforces the idea that he is loyal to you and you care for your beta.

Yugi frowned at him, tilting his head. "I named you my beta, remember? I said that I bit you." He shook his head after a moment. "I understand that I bit Jonouchi and all, but they're still going to recognize that you're my beta too, right?"

I do not think that any of them are foolish enough not to understand and support that. I think you have made it clear on several occasions just what you expect from them where I am concerned.

Absolutely not.

Yugi smiled faintly, eyes glittering with laughter. "You are an absolute dork." The affection in his voice made Yami prick his ears forward, somewhere between bewilderment and amusement himself. But then he swore he caught the sound of movement in the hallway and stiffened as he glanced over his shoulder. Was Sugoroku moving through the hallway or something? Had he missed it before then? Had he been waiting around to hear Yugi speaking to him?

Yami shrugged this idea away. He would have sensed him. He had to believe that, if nothing else. Sugoroku was mortal; he was not a god. He did not have the senses and self-awareness to sneak up on him as Slifer did. So he turned back to Yugi who was peering at him curiously now. And he ignored the way his insides twisted for a moment, somewhere between regret and anxiety and perhaps the smallest hint of melancholy. Are we to meet Jonouchi at his home or he come here? Or will we all meet at the camp itself?

"The camp. I have a feeling that's where Jonouchi is going to head since I mentioned it in the phone call. So I guess we should probably head out in a few minutes or so, huh?"

The red-eyed wolf blinked at him, then looked away and towards the window. He wondered how hard it might be to navigate the sloping roof in this form. It was easy as a human. Would it be so now as a wolf?

But he hardly cared to think about that for more than a second, turning to him again immediately. Very well.

---

Yugi shook himself of some of the new snowfall that coated his back and flicked his ears about. Yami was standing near him, shaking himself as well. Jonouchi was a few feet away, Mai beside him and Aki next to her. Yuya, Yusei and Syrus were standing together a few yards behind them. And he could see Zane and Otogi sniffing at the snow lazily beyond them. But the pack was too big to keep up with names at the moment and Yugi made another small mental note that he needed to make friends with these wolves, that he had to figure out who was who and what their strengths and weaknesses were…

Knowing only a few select names was not going to help him in any manner down the road. He knew that damn well, no matter how much he wished differently at the moment. Maybe it would be best to introduce them all now? But the thought of doing so was enough to make him feel flustered and so he shook it off.

He would have to find a better time to do it. And it would need to be sooner rather than later. But for now he could afford to put it off. It would make no difference now if he knew their names or not. He had to lead them to hunt rather than deal with anything else. As far as their names went…

Yugi shook the thought off and turned to the others. So, as with the last time we went on a pack hunt, we're using the buddy system. Everyone is responsible for their buddy, regardless of whether you like them or not. If there is an odd one out of the group, you'll tag along with me and Yami. All of the wolves raised their heads at his voice, some of them curious and others frustrated. Aki looked as if she wished she might bite him in the head. You can all pick your buddies, but I would prefer that you all attempt to mingle with the newer pack members that you might not know very well. Any questions?

Yami flicked an ear and cast a glance away towards Mai and Jonouchi and then back. Yugi noticed that none of the wolves seemed to have noticed this glance nor did they appear curious as to his surprised expression. He realized that most of them probably already knew that he had been missing from the pack for a while, that he was merely surprised because of this new development rather than curious.

All right, select your buddies and let's get going then.

It took only a few minutes for them to break apart and pair up together. Yugi was surprised when he noticed Yusei with a paler, more blond male with striking purple eyes. The paler wolf appeared far more muscular, with a build that was almost akin Yami's at his healthiest. He realized he must have been from Nistro's pack, as so many of them had seemed stronger than the other wolves he had spent time with formerly. He hardly seemed as interested in Yusei as the younger appeared to be in him, ignoring the blue-eyed wolf even as he sniffed at him and wrinkled his nose several times as if disgusted by whatever smell he harbored.

Yugi looked sideways at Yami and the black wolf pricked his ears forward lazily. The seconds passed by before, finally, Yugi raised his tail and wagged it briefly. Let's get going then, shall we? he announced, turning immediately and beginning to trot forward. Yami took only a second to get to his side, though he remained a step behind him in what was clearly meant to be a respectful manner. Yugi hated the feeling of him being that step behind him. He was used to him brushing against his side when they were hunting together. This felt almost alien, perhaps like some kind of betrayal that he could not quite put into words.

But he realized it would also have to do. He could not afford to let Yami appear more powerful than he was. To do so would turn the pack's perspective on its head. He shivered at the thought and quickly picked his way through the snow. He sniffed at the air about themselves, looking around for any trace of deer that they might be able to find. He needed deer before he would find anything else. At least with deer Yami might be able to eat his fill and relax and maybe heal somewhat as well.

He had not considered how much energy Yami might end up wasting in doing this. He had not even thought about it. But now he wondered. If Yami showed even the slightest bit of weakness, would they turn on him and attempt to sink their teeth in at any opportunity they were given? Or would their loyalty to him hold them at bay for Yami as well? He did not think that he could trust in that at any rate. It seemed impossible to consider that in any manner.

Yugi shrugged this thought away again. It wasn't something that he needed to be worrying about like this. He truly needed, more than ever, to find out what it was that he planned to do as far as finding deer. He would need to find them, to hunt them down as he was sure would be more beneficial for Yami.

You seem distracted.

Yugi blinked and looked over at the black wolf as Yami scanned the forest around them. Clearly he was able to multitask while Yugi was fumbling for the moment. I want to find some deer.

Why not something else? It is not a big deal that they eat something else that is not deer. I do not need to eat at the moment, Yugi. Yami flicked an ear towards Yugi and the white wolf stared at the glittering hairs which protected the inside of the small triangle of cartilage. Do not worry so much about me, Yugi. It is not necessary to do so. I will get my own prey later.

I don't want you to not have something to eat. We're hunting, so why wouldn't you eat with them? Yugi huffed in turn. There isn't a reason for you not to if you're the one helping me hunt it down as it is, right?

It is not necessary and I do not want to eat at the moment. I am tired and I do not want to eat. I want to rest as soon as I am able.

Why didn't you say that before?

Because I knew you would stop and worry about me more than your position as alpha. And, truthfully, your rank is more important at the moment. You have no idea if they might turn on you or me if they would like to do such a thing for your lack of guidance as their alpha. Do you understand what I mean?

Yugi drew his lips back in annoyance. Oh, of course it is. You always rank yourself beneath other things like this. Nothing that matters to me ever seems to matter as much to you.

I have already once told you that I do not like myself. I do not understand why it is that you do not understand this. You know well that I do not care at the moment. And I do not care to fight with you either, Yugi. I am tired and do not want to deal with it. Let us hunt with the pack and return home as swiftly as possible, yes?

The blue-violet-eyed wolf nearly snarled, then shook such anger off at the last moment. He forced this thought away entirely and began to make himself move quickly forward. The black wolf beside him slowed minutely as they continued forward, though more so to keep the respectful distance required of them than anything else. And Yugi ignored him as he lowered his nose slightly towards the snow to pick up the scent of any prey that he might be able to find. It was somewhat tiring as he searched about, ears flicking every which way and mind searching for what might be the best route to find something.

The deer were in the lower part of what looked like a small dipping valley amongst the trees. It was a strange sight, the way that the deer were in a much larger group than he'd seen initially upon hunting with Yami formerly. The idea was enough to make him nearly bristle before shaking the thought off. The deer were moving about shoveling in the deep snow for any remaining shoots of food. He remembered in the states that often people would create yards for the deer to remain and pick at during the winter. They would feed them and simply watch out for them until spring and sometimes as late as summer. But the high number of the Sikla in Hokkaido had done well to make them more a pest than anything else. Like the boars and serows, the deer were considered a frustrating nuisance due to their overpopulation. Both Honshu and Hokkaido suffered from it.

Yugi shrugged this thought off and began to pick his way forward again. His ears remained pricked forward and he considered the height of the snow around his paws. The deer were attempting to move upwind, he realized, and they were sniffing at the air as if they might perhaps catch their scent before they could theirs. Yugi tilted his head and flicked his ears about for a moment before wagging his tail slowly. He had no doubt that sheer numbers would do enough to overpower them altogether. There was no reason for them to even look to hide themselves at this rate, not when they were fast and more adept to traveling in the snow as it was.

But, just to be on the safe side, why not give the wolves more of an instruction in order to make their way down there? He pricked his ears again, then turned to look over his shoulder at the others with dark eyes.

All right, guys, he announced with a flick of his tongue over his nose. Here is what we are going to do. I want a group of twenty to circle back to the other side of the herd. Zane will lead them. I want another group of twelve to go on either side. Aki and Serena can lead them. And I will lead the rest.

The declaration was met with surprised glances but no argument. The lack of objection to him was oddly amazing, though he would never truly admit to such a thing to begin with. Instead he wagged his tail as the groups began to disperse and move about in the trees. When he turned back, there were only a handful of wolves left with himself and Yami—Jonouchi, Mai, Otogi, Yusei and the blond wolf. He flicked an ear and looked over his shoulder again. The wolves were moving about the darkness like ghostly shadows.

The white wolf wagged his tail as he turned to Yami. There was a deep sense of satisfaction and smugness within him that nearly made him snap at him. He was frustrated as he considered whether Yami might eat again as he'd wanted. But it was not something that he cared to argue with him about at the moment. If Yami was unhappy and did not want anything more than to lie down, then he would allow that to happen. It was whatever the other boy wanted at the moment. There was no reason for him to argue with him more and more as it was.

If Yami cared to eat, then he was free to. If he did not, then it was beyond him to argue any further.

All right, he said, turning to Yami now, we're all set up. So are we ready?

Yami blinked and pricked his ears, then glanced away and seemed to be studying the herd for a moment. Something glinted in his eyes, though Yugi could not quite read it. He turned to the other boy with a tilt of his head. Yes, I believe we are ready.

Great. Then let's go, shall we? he instructed, voice a smirk more than anything. And then he turned and began to make a run for the dip of the valley. Yami was after him in an instant and he saw Mai and Otogi racing past him as if they were challenging them all to a contest of who might reach the deer first.

Yugi pushed harder than ever. His muscles were all but burning from the exertion. It was a somewhat painful experience, but it was not something that might destroy him. But he could not claim to be used to it either. And he wondered at the thought. His legs were somewhat shaky, his coat rolling upon his bunched muscles. He was powerful, something that he had never truly considered before. The strength his body possessed was amazing to him, as if it were a foreign sensation which he had never truly paid attention to before. And he thought briefly of the greenhouse, how he and Yami had fled that day and he'd run so much faster…

Yugi was shivering with anticipation as the seconds passed. The other three packs began to run down the slopes of the valley. The deer had begun to run now as well, though surrounded they began to back up into each other. The buck that remained with them shoveled at the snow. The eyes were sharp and clear and Yugi found his reflection brilliant and silverish against the blown pupils and dark brown irises. The deer which faced him now lowered its head, a full rack of antlers which looked incredibly sturdy and sharp.

He would have counted the tips had he cared or been curious enough. It was the adrenaline in him which kept him from caring as much as he might have before. He was hungry as well, though he was not sure he would care to eat. He slowed to a stop in front of the deer. The other wolves were weaving about, circling the small group of deer. It was only ten at the most, which he wondered if that was a large number in contrary. Perhaps he had been associating their numbers too closely with those of the wolves'. Their pack was huge. Perhaps ten was large for a herd of deer in winter.

He tilted his head, lowering his head, and drew his lips back furiously. When he stepped forward, the deer ducked his head and aimed as if for his throat. Yugi considered this for a moment, then pricked his ears and came forward a step. The deer bucked at him, and the wolf stared back in an unflinching manner.

Yug? Jonouchi muttered, sounding confused and perhaps concerned. Yugi ignored him, watching the deer with darkened eyes. The wolves were all picking apart the other deer. The blood was a sweet sickening smell in the air. And he could feel it clogging his senses for a moment as he leaned forward and began to move towards the deer. The rack of antlers was braced and pointed at him once more. Yugi ignored it, ears pricked forward and lips drawn back to show his brilliant white teeth. He stepped forward with squared shoulders and a wagging tail.

Leave him, Yami's voice cut into his thoughts. Jonouchi blinked, bristling faintly, and spun around to face the red-eyed canine. The black wolf was staring at him, ears pricked and body still but for his simple breathing. He will kill it in a few moments. It's not unusual for a werewolf to become so excited during a hunt like this. Yugi hardly ever hunts like this so it is perhaps a late reaction for him. You don't need to worry about him, Jonouchi.

Jonouchi bristled faintly, unsure of himself. Standing those feet away, Yami looked more like an immense shadow of dark fur more than anything else. And he could see those bright eyes, a shade orange rather than the red they truly were. He remembered the sight of those red orbs when he was human, how they had seemed to bore through him and somehow peer at him all at once. And it made him more nervous now to look at him and see the way he stared back so blankly in the dark.

Are you sure? He wondered if the question was offensive. Yami had been a werewolf for much longer than himself or Yugi, right? Jonouchi honestly could not imagine him as a person, more as a wolf in human skin more often than not. So his questioning him now was almost enough to make him squirm. He did not think that Yami truly knew just how vicious he appeared at times.

Even in this simple stance in front of him, standing a few feet away and just looking at him, Yami appeared vicious and violent. He almost suspected he might lunge forward and snap his jaws shut on his face at any moment. Instead the black wolf blinked at him, shook himself out, and turned away and watched him with his ears pricked forward. He will be fine, he stated simply. It happens often with wolves when they hunt. He's just enjoying watching and playing with the deer. It is as simple as that.

Was it as simple as that? Jonouchi had to wonder.

Yugi had been a werewolf for the better part of four months, hadn't he? So why was it that he might be under this compulsion as Yami was claiming? Shouldn't he have been over this kind of thing by now? He shivered and stared at him for a moment, then looked at Yugi as the white wolf dodged away from the head of antlers and then lunged forward. When they collided, Yugi had a grip on the deer's throat and was rapidly shaking his head violently back and forth. There was a loud snapping noise in the air and the deer went limp, dropping away on his long legs as if it they had broken in half.

And then Yugi looked incredibly disappointed when he stepped back. But Jonouchi felt sick as the white wolf shook himself out and moved to take a seat a few feet away. Some of the other wolves were closing in on their own catches, though all of them stopped to look at Yugi rather pointedly. When Yugi muttered a dismissal of eating, they turned to Yami.

Jonouchi noticed that some of the stares were begrudging. Others were respectful. And a small handful of them seemed to be more suspicious than anything else. Yami dismissed them as well, moving now to take a seat. He looked weary as Jonouchi watched him. The wolf hardly looked as if he had any plans to fight for food as he had seen some of the others prepare to do. Yami was hardly fit enough to do that kind of thing. He was still skin and bones for the most part, even if he was gaining weight somewhat rapidly.

He looked far better than he had the last time Jonouchi had seen him, that was for sure. The wolf was a size bigger, though not incredibly powerful as he once was. Jonouchi was both disappointed and relieved to see this. It meant that Yami was not as strong, that he would not be able to kill as he had that tigress, but it was also disappointing as it made him less capable of helping them. If Yami was truly as weak as he seemed, how was he meant to help any of them if another attack happened? Then again, he was hardly among the pack as it was, so why would he ever have to think that the black wolf would be there to help them?

Jonouchi felt something much like scorn burn through him. He could not imagine how it was that he might be able to help at all. Which made him wonder why it was that he could possibly be so important to Yugi. If Yami was useless in a fight, he was a hindrance, wasn't he? So why would Yugi want to stick his neck out for him as he had before? He may have somehow fallen in love with him, but surely Yugi was not so shortsighted, right?

Yet, even when they had come in to check on the survivors at the camp, Yugi had been so incredibly distracted by Yami. How was that possible? Why was it that Yugi had been so brainless and scattered by such a thing? It was enough to make him bristle again as he looked at the black wolf.

But, if Yami noticed his frustration, he did not pay him mind at the moment. The other wolf was simply sitting there, head somewhat lowered, eyes partially closed. He looked tired rather than upset in any way. He was breathing easily, his nose wriggling as he sniffed lightly at the air. Jonouchi could not help but keep staring at him. It was a bewildering feeling, to be unable to stop himself from looking.

Had he never seen him kill that day at the warehouse, Jonouchi might have thought him helpless and small. And maybe that was one of the reasons that Yugi was so keen upon protecting him. It was not hard to think of Yami as weak and small at the moment. He was far more fur than he was anything else. And so he wondered if it was this rather than what Yugi perceived as love which kept Yami as his first priority.

Jonouchi cast a glance towards Yugi now. The white wolf was lying down, stretched out on his side. He didn't look upset in any manner. He looked tired and bored more than anything. He did not seem stressed. He did not appear alarmed. He was not looking at Jonouchi or Yami at all. And, as Jonouchi watched, he wondered if his best friend even truly noticed that other wolves were watching him as well.

Aki was especially staring at him, though Jonouchi wondered if maybe her eyes were more fixated on Yami instead. The black wolf was not responding in any manner, but he felt that she was paying attention to him. The red-furred she-wolf was staring at him with darkened eyes, though she only lifted her gaze to look at Jonouchi. They locked eyes for a moment and he wondered at the way she seemed to peer through him. And then he remembered her voice, sneering at him before then that Yugi and Yami did not care for them in the slightest.

And he had to wonder.

Yugi had so abruptly decided to do this. And all of the time that they'd been running, he had seemed to be paying more attention to Yami as it was. Had he done this for Yami rather than him? Was that the truth of it? But why should he care about such a thing as that? He flicked an ear and looked briefly at his friend. Yugi was moving to sit up, blue-violet eyes on another wolf altogether. The blue-eyed gray wolf approaching him had his head tilted and his ears flicking about.

Jonouchi puzzled over the wolf for a moment. He couldn't remember his name. It started with a Y but he could not recall it. The wolf was always so quiet and calm and he had never truly crossed paths with him outside of his recovery in the cavern behind the waterfall. Beyond that he had no idea what it was that he was meant to do. The wolf had never truly done much to upset him in any manner, however. He seemed easygoing for the most part, though Jonouchi wondered at his relationship with his best friend as well. Yugi seemed so eager to see the blue-eyed wolf whenever he came to the camp. It was something that always made him wonder if perhaps somehow they had come to a sense of affection surpassing friendship as well.

Jonouchi had to wonder, puzzled by the idea in and of itself. He had never considered it before, but now he tilted his head and watched him. Were they something of an item as well? Or was it more that the younger wolf had been something of an emotional replacement for Yami in the time that he was missing? Was that a possibility? Yugi had been cut off from his friends at school. So he did not know what it was that had happened in the time that it had taken Yugi to find Yami. He had hidden away from them, had spent more time with the pack…

Was it possible that he had spent more time with the pack because of the blue-eyed wolf? But, as he watched him, Yugi did not seem as soft and gentle around the edges with this wolf as he did with Yami. Because, while he watched, Yugi looked over at the black wolf and his entire posture went from rigid to relaxed again. Jonouchi was bewildered, wondering at the sight. Yami was not even looking at the white wolf. He was lying on his stomach and licking at his paws. He did not seem even slightly worried about Yugi. His ears were not even pricked in his direction. It was enough to make Jonouchi wonder at the sight.

Was Yugi's attraction to him so easily one-sided? Was Yugi in love with a boy who did not feel the same way? Was that why Yugi was so incredibly desperate to show his affection towards Yami? Was that what made him so protective of him? Did he think that somehow he might sway him to feel the same?

Jonouchi had never known Yugi to be manipulative, however. And he had never known him to be one to border harassment in such a manner. Yugi was not the type of person who would turn around and try his hardest to sway someone who felt another way. He did not think that would simply change because of the fact that he thought himself in love with Yami. It was something that Jonouchi could not picture him being capable of. Yugi was a kind person. He was sweeter than most people. He was friends with a girl who had made him jealous several times. He was still friends with her even when they had crashed and burned.

Yugi was not that kind of person.

He never had been and he never would be.

Jonouchi shivered at the thought. He wondered how it was that the lycanthropy might have changed this. Was it possible that somehow the disease could have somehow struck up a manipulative side within him? Had it somehow triggered a dormant part of his personality? Jonouchi could never imagine it, however. Yugi was Yugi. Yugi was the kindest boy that he had ever known, who had patience in spades despite himself and a sense of loyalty unmatched. He was friendly and quiet and gentle.

Jonouchi flicked his ears. Was he being disloyal in thinking such things? He was considering something that should have been incredibly impossible. It was something that seemed to all but horrify him to consider in truth. He shivered and looked over at Yami again. The black wolf had lowered his chin to his paws and his eyes were closed. His ears were pricked forward, his breathing soft and easy, and he was still somewhat awake. He knew that. It was instinctive. There was something in his own instincts which said that Yami was still wide awake.

And that was further proven when he stepped forward. Immediately his red eyes opened and he blinked, ears flicking in his direction. The two of them stared at each other for a moment, though Jonouchi did so hesitantly. He wondered if the other male would be mad at him for making such direct eye contact. He wondered if he might lash out at him violently should he come too close.

Are you all right?

Jonouchi startled, unsure of whether he was asking genuinely or more to be polite. He nearly bristled, surprised by his eyes being locked so pointedly on his. He shivered and shook himself out after a moment, moving forward a few more steps. Uh, yeah, I'm okay. I guess I'm just a little tired right now.

Jonouchi shivered and shook himself out. As long as Yami wasn't looking at him, he felt better. The black wolf was unnerving in and of himself. It was not that he thought he might suddenly turn his teeth on him. It was more just his presence. It was more just…the way he held himself, perhaps. Or possibly it was something else entirely altogether.

He truly had no idea.

All he knew was that Yami made him nervous.

He wondered if Yugi felt that way at times. Was there a possibility that he suffered that same nervousness upon being exposed to him? Jonouchi felt sick and dizzy for a brief moment, ears flattening against his skull. He wondered at the idea of whether Yugi ever felt a sense of dismay or anything of that nature upon being around him…

Jonouchi?

He blinked widened eyes and spun around with his ears pricked. He nearly bristled, startled and surprised by it all. Then he blinked again and tilted his head as he spotted her. Mai was standing a few feet away from him, head tilted and eyes locked on his face. She looked bewildered and confused, if only partially so.

Uh, hey, Mai, he said awkwardly, wagging his tail. It was so strange to have a tail which he could use. Instinctively he could do such a thing. Regardless, however, he could not stop himself from doing so at times. He loved the feeling of it at times, even if it was strange and bewildering. What's up?

I figured you would be hungry. Since you're…always hungry.

I am not. I'm just hungrier than most people.

You're adorable. Her tail was wagging in turn, her violet eyes soft and warm as they burned into his. When she stretched her legs and bowed faintly in front of him, wagging her tail more pointedly, Jonouchi was struck by how slender and small she truly was. She was taller, not as muscular, with a thinner frame and longer fur. Her features were incredibly graceful, something that he had never quite noticed before. But, come on, let's get some food, okay?

Sure!

---

Yugi hissed in annoyance as he felt the blankets tugged again from his body once more. The cold air was enough to make him huff as he opened his eyes into slits. He stared at the sky blue shade of his wall, making him grimace as he shook his head. Yugi blinked again, then sighed softly and moved to grab at the blanket in turn. Yami had been rolling about in his sleep all night. He had been tossing and turning violently, almost as if he were going through a nightmare of some kind. But then he had stilled several times throughout, and each time he had said he was okay whenever Yugi had asked.

Now the small teen huffed softly and shook his head unhappily. "Are you still okay?"

There was no answer now. Yugi blinked, startled, and moved to sit up immediately. The blanket next to his hip was warm and his skin was cold from the air. He turned his head to look over his shoulder. And then he froze in place, startled and horrified as he took in the sight next to him.

The red eyes were open and staring out the window. And he did not look happy in the slightest. But when he sat up, his gaze became darker than he'd known them to appear beforehand. Then he looked over at him, voice low and quiet as he pleaded, "Can we speak after we eat?"

Yugi opened his mouth to snap at him. His cheeks were red with shock, then with indignation. He should have told him that he was so close to changing. He should have tried to explain that to him. He should have…

Yugi blinked and lowered his eyes. Why had he never considered asking? Yugi felt sick for a moment, shaking his head and drawing in a deep breath.

"Yeah. All right. We'll talk after we eat." He looked at Yami for a long handful of seconds. Then he bit his lip, sure that if he remained in the room with him he might turn around and snap at him. So he got up, dusting himself off, and ignored the way he felt as if his pajamas were clinging to his skin in a cold sweat. Then, slowly, he turned back to glance at Yami. "Pancakes?"

The red-eyed teen blinked at him, lowering his eyes to the comforter as he nodded slowly. He grimaced when Yugi remained staring at him, exuding discomfort, and Yugi drew in a deep breath again as he reached up to tug at the shirt that seemed glued to his skin. He shivered and shook his head, feeling sick for a brief moment as he considered him.

"Glad to have you back."

Yugi left before Yami could respond, closing the door behind him and leaning back against it. He was winded as he looked at the floor, breathing in several times and exhaling unhappily after a few moments. Then he shook his head and scowled, flustered as he narrowed his eyes.

Yami was back.

Yami was human again.

He'd helped him heal enough to get to this point.

And yet Yugi could not help but feel somewhat bitter. How was it that Yami had not bothered to tell him? He must have suspected that this would happen soon enough, right? There was no way that he would not have realized that this was going to happen. Yami knew himself damn well. He did and Yugi could not imagine for a second that he was so foolish as to ignore this. There was no way that such a thing could happen…

Yugi shivered and shook his head. And then he made his way into the kitchen.

His hands were shaking—though he was not sure if it was with tension or excitement or anger—as he reached up to grab a metal mixing bowl from the cabinet. He shook his head, caught somewhere between bewilderment and amazement and frustration. He strained his ears as he moved about, but he could catch no sound of Yami behind him in his room. And so he simply ducked his head, flustered, and began to dig into the cabinet for the pancake mix as well. He nearly snarled as he put the box down, drumming his fingers on the counter unhappily.

Yami was healthy again, but he had not told him. He had known and he had not told him. He had not told Yugi at all. He had not even considered it, Yugi felt. There was no way that Yami had considered telling him. He had a feeling that doing so would have made him far too uncomfortable. And so he had sat back and waited for Yugi to find out for himself. He shook his head faintly and narrowed his eyes into thin slits.

And now what?

Yugi frowned and shook his head and narrowed his eyes again. His head tilted to the side after a moment and he sighed softly. He shouldn't have been so upset about this, should he have? Yami was healed again. He could change back and forth as he would need. He could fend for himself again. He wasn't bleeding out of his sides and he was no longer bed-ridden. There was no poison left in his bloodstream. He did not require steady cleanings of his stitches and redone sutures. He did not have to constantly worry about such a thing with him any longer.

The small teen drummed his fingers against the countertop again. Then he looked over his shoulder at the closed bedroom door. He could not hear a single sound to remind him of his existence altogether. The fact that Yami was still there at all was almost a bewildering thought. He was used to him trotting out of the room after him, nails clicking and fur rustling. Now instead he strained his ears and wondered if Yami had even bothered to get up yet.

And then he turned back to the task of making food. It took about fifteen minutes to finish both plates, turning around and nearly snarling in surprise. Yami was standing at the entrance of the kitchen, leaning against the wall. He was dressed in his usual skinny jeans and a tank top of dark gray. Upon his shoulders, however, was Yugi's uniform jacket, which startled the smaller teen enough to straighten and blink in surprise.

Yami seemed to notice his surprise as well, reaching down to pull on the blue fabric lightly. "Sorry, I couldn't find another jacket so I just grabbed this one. I'll change out of it if you want me to?" he mumbled, his voice low and hoarse and splintered with exhaustion.

Yugi frowned and shook his head. "No, that's fine. I just…I was surprised." He moved to grab the other plate and held it out. The red-eyed teen hesitated, then slowly reached out and took it from him before moving to sit down in front of him. Yugi felt sick as they sat in front of each other, peering at one another for a split second before beginning to eat.

It only took him a few minutes to finish his food. It took Yami over twenty, as the other was clearly trying to drag out the time between their words and the impending conversation that was sure to come between them. Yugi watched as he picked at his food and licked his lips and occasionally picked at the sleeves of the jacket. Sometimes he rolled them up. Sometimes he pulled them down. Sometimes he just grasped the fabric that lay on his wrist and lightly ran his fingers about it, rubbing gently and trying to use this as an exercise to focus.

And, finally, when he could no longer take it, Yami sat up, put the fork away, and looked at him. The expression was blank, his eyes flat as if he had no life behind them any longer, and he watched him almost coldly. His right hand remained on the table, his nails clicking against it for a long handful of minutes.

"If you wish to speak, then do so."

Yugi narrowed his eyes and shook his head, leaning back into his seat and staring at him. "Are you seriously going to act upset with me?" he demanded after a moment, drawing in a deep breath and shaking his head. "I mean, is there a reason you're so upset with me right now?"

Yami blinked at him, huffing out a breath. "You're pissed at me. I am just preparing myself for your anger when you decide to snap." He narrowed his eyes again, drumming his fingers once more. "But I do not understand why you are so upset with me to begin with."

"You didn't tell me you were going to change back. And I know you knew." He curled his lip back slightly. "You knew and you didn't tell me at all. So why exactly would you do that?"

Yami huffed again, then lowered his eyes. He did not lose his anger entirely but he was exhausted as it was and so his shoulders slumped as he exhaled softly and shook his head. "I didn't know if it was going to happen or not. And I figured if it did then we would speak afterwards."

"So you just decided that you wouldn't even mention that it was a possibility?"

"I didn't want to get your hopes up."

Yugi blinked, floored by the thought. Then he shook his head slowly. His hands were shaking, more with anger than anything else. "My hopes? You didn't want to get my hopes up?" he said slowly, narrowing his eyes into slits. "What are you even talking about? Why would I get my hopes up over that?"

"Because," he spat, "you tend to always get your hopes up when it comes to me. You care too much about me half of the time, and not enough about yourself and your friends. You would have been hopeful that I was going to change and then if I had not you would have been disappointed. I did not want to witness that again."

"Again?" Yugi muttered, eyes widening. "What are you even…? Yami, I'm not disappointed in—"

"No, but you have been. I have seen it on your face multiple times. It was not limited to the times in which I killed in front of you and you believed mercy would settle a dispute. You have been disappointed when I pulled my stitches. You've been disappointed when I do not take care of myself as you wish I should. And I have seen it more often than not when you and I argue. Is that not true?"

"Being disappointed because someone has to die or because you don't take care of yourself sometimes doesn't mean that I'm disappointed in you. It just means that I don't agree with your decisions. I'm sorry that you apparently think otherwise, Yami, but it's what that is. It doesn't mean that I'm disappointed in you."

"Disappointment looks the same regardless."

Yugi shook his head and sighed, closing his eyes. "You're so difficult. Why are you so upset with me? Just because I don't agree with your choices every now and then?" He paused and then looked at him again, shaking his head once more. "Look, Yami, my point isn't that I'm mad at you. I'm not disappointed in you either. I just…I wish you would have told me when you realized it was a possibility. I wish you would have told me and explained that it wasn't a given. I wouldn't have been upset had you done that. I wouldn't have been upset with you regardless."

Yami let out a breath that was somewhere between anger and frustration. "I'm sorry for not telling you then." Yugi wondered if he even believed him at that point. The red-eyed teen was scratching at his scalp unhappily, his expression annoyed. The phrasing alone was enough to give him a sense of doubt in such a thing. Yugi could not tell if Yami believed him at all. "I should have explained to you before now."

Yugi frowned and shook his head. "I don't understand you sometimes," he finally admitted. He got up and Yami actually flinched. Yugi startled, freezing in place, and blinked wide eyes as he looked him over. "Are you okay? What the hell was that?"

Yami huffed and shook his head in response. He was pulling on his bangs now, eyes on the table and sharpened with frustration once more. "I am fine. I was just… You startled me. I did not expect you to move so fast."

The smaller boy stayed quiet for a long moment. Then he looked at him and sighed. "So, then, let me ask you something about last night." Yami didn't look up but he could see the smallest tilt of his head in response to his words. "Why didn't you eat?"

The red-eyed boy slowly pulled his hand away from his head and moved to shift his weight within his seat. He drew in a deep breath, then lowered his eyes back to the table as soon as he raised them for a split second towards Yugi's face. There was a single second of frustration between them, then he sat up straighter than he had before.

"I did not want to. I did not want to vomit when I changed." The declaration was met with silence and Yugi could not stop from feeling sick and lightheaded for a moment. He reached up to pull on his pajama shirt, tugging on a button uncomfortably and watching Yami with studious eyes. Had he sensed the Change so soon? Had he truly been so fearful that he might vomit up his food again?

"I wouldn't have been upset with you had you vomited on the floor. You know that. I wouldn't have cared at all." Yugi shook his head and licked his lips, then lowered his eyes again. "You're my friend. You sleep in my room—we share a bed. If you had vomited, we would have just cleaned it up. There's no reason for either of us to feel bad at any rate. Don't you understand that?"

Yami blinked and slowly looked up from beneath his lashes. He seemed almost as if he were too ashamed to speak at the moment, before drawing in a deep breath and dropping it again. He shivered and shook his head again, blinking and frowning and staring at the red-eyed teen. "I know that. But I…" But then the words seemed to become choked and caught in his throat and eventually he simply lowered his head and shook it at him. Yugi frowned and tilted his head, wondering at what it was that might have happened. "Never mind. I did not mean to upset you."

"It's fine, Yami." He halted after a moment, then smiled when Yami peeked up at him from beneath his lashes again. He leaned forward against the table and searched his face for a moment with a small grin. "You want to go ahead and go back to watch TV in my room again? Or do you want to play some games or something?"

Yami blinked and stiffened, abruptly turning and tilting his head with an ear towards the floor. He blinked again, then moved to stand up. His fingers were somewhat shaky for a moment as he turned to Yugi and murmured, "Your mother is home. And I think…I think I need some rest again."

Yugi frowned, slightly puzzled, and then nodded. "Okay, feel free to go rest then. I guess I'll just go ahead and help her unpack everything again."