Alright! Chapter 5! And I've figured out who I'm pairing Malik with, but you wont find out till next chapter. Thanks everyone who's read and reviewed this fic so far. I love you all, and I hope you like where I've taken this story. You'll get a heavy does of fluff in this chapter but from here on out it will start to get darker.

Plz Review

DHT

Yugi was extremely proud of himself. He'd worked so hard at his martial arts training and now had even bested Marik once or twice. He was confident with his movements and even Marik was praising him greatly (though that wasn't that hard to believe.)

Either way though, he had passed his entrance exam needed for college, even further more unique form and talents had landed him a full ride scholarship. He finally felt ready to announce his plans to the rest of the group who had waited on pins and needles to find out with the boy would do.

Everyone looking forward to graduation. For his group they were planning an all night party Saturday after graduation to celebrate. Yugi knew it would be a night to remember forever. This would be the last time they would all be this close. Yugi himself was going to be moving to Tokyo for four years coming next August.

In the weeks following prom he was able to see Marik more often. The teachers gave up trying to get their classes to concentrate on anything meaningful. They went over what material was needed for the final grading session but that was it. This of course meant less homework. Marik was his haven, it felt like coming home every time he was in his arms. They had only joined 3 other times since their first, but each had been as beautiful and passionate as the first, and Yugi found himself falling for Marik all over again. He and Marik had spoken and agreed that Yugi would tell the others on graduation. And then he would attend the after party with him. If things didn't go well, then Yugi would just spend a night alone with Marik. He had no question in his mind of who he cherished more.

Though when he couldn't spend time with Marik (the Yami did have to work after all) he spent his time with his other friends. Yami and Seto's wedding was pretty much set, and they planned to exchange vows a month after school had ended. Yugi of course was standing up for Yami and Mokuba was standing up for Seto. Ryou and Duke themselves were well on there way planning their own ceremony, but no date had yet to be set. His time spent with Ryou usually consisted of the boy asking him questions about relationships and if he had anyone specially he was looking at, along with many random questions. Yugi knew Ryou suspected something, even slightly panicked that he might of figured it out, but at the very least Ryou didn't seem at all disgusted.

When you would ask Bakura about his marriage to Tea, he would just say they weren't going to do anything fancy. Apparently Bakura had discovered Vegas and continually said that's what he and Tea were going to do. Tea would promptly smack him on the shoulder and then state that they weren't going to worry about the details till after school, and nothing too seriously till after Seto and Yami's wedding. That was Tea, always thinking of others first. Though the sentiment of waiting till after the pharaoh would cause Bakura to scowl slightly- they may be on good terms now but they had still be rivals for thousands of years.

He had to smile at all his friends when ever he saw them. They were all so in love. Well except for Malik but maybe he was wrong. Malik seemed to be acting rather odd lately. He kept drifting off like a daydream in class. Yugi generally sat right in front of the Egyptian blonde in the classes they had and when ever Yugi would turn around Malik would have this dreamy look on his face eyes almost unseeing staring forward.. Maybe Malik had a secret as well. Yugi smiled to himself it would be perfect if Malik had found someone for himself.

Speaking of which it still seemed that he and Malik were the ones who did the most together. Malik had asked him to the movies a couple of times and Yugi agreed. It was fun and Marik and the movies didn't mix to well. He had a habit of yelling at the screen. Not something a movie theater took to well. Therefore movies were reserved for Marik's house only. (Yugi still regretted the day he'd shown him the Mummy. In retrospect he really wasn't sure what he had been thinking on that one.) Pirates of the Caribbean 2 (which Yugi had slightly been disappointed in), Pulse (which all considering had bothered Yugi more then it would most people.), and Snakes on a Plane (Dear heaven how had Malik talked him into that one he really didn't know). But the point was to have fun and in the end he did. He was really getting to know Malik better and was glad to have him as a friend. Marik was extremely pleased as well to know that his hikari and Yugi were getting along so well. Hopefully it would make the transition that much easier.

Malik on the other hand had another view on the subject….

"Its been so wonderful Ryou. I mean he's just as kind and pure as he is in my dreams. And I think there is really something there. I can't believe it he's gone out with me 3 times already. This is really happening isn't it Ryou?" Malik said in the company of his best friend.

The night of Prom long gone out of his mind. He felt his loneliness lifting as his relationship with Yugi continued. He felt happier then he had in a long time.

Ryou smiled "It sounds like it. Seems Yugi is coming around. I'm extremely happy for you two Malik. Both of you are close friends of mind and you deserve each other. He's so quiet and shy about the subject I wasn't sure from when I tried to talk to him, so I'm glad to hear this news."

Malik looked up "I haven't kissed him yet. I want it to be special and I don't want to rush him. He seems to want to go slow, and I'm not going to rush it. But I think Graduation night would be perfect."

"Oh that's so romantic!' Ryou exclaimed hugging his best friend "Yugi's so lucky!"

"Oh like you aren't" Malik said with a smirk "Duke spoils you silly. He sent you 2 dozen lilies the other day because he saw them in the story and thought they matched your hair. Now that's romantic"

Ryou just blushed and turned to look into the studio where Duke was currently working on the next expansion set of Dungeon Dice Monsters "Yah…yah it really was" and he got that "I'm in love grin' on his face.

---

It was Monday, 3 days left in school. (the seniors got out 2 days earlier then the rest of the school) and Saturday would be graduation. Since finals were going to be taking place the next two days, today were the random senior activities. They would have the senior picture and senior cookout this evening as well as yearbook signing and other such things the student council had come up with to keep the senior's out of class.

Yugi, Tea, Malik and Ryou had been left in the committee in charge of the cookout. Thus while the rest of the senior class actually had to attend the class right before lunch, these three were outside getting things ready. Music from L'Arc-En-Ciel one of Tea's favorite bands wafted over courtyard were they were setting up.

"I still can't believe this is the last time we'll be together. Like this. I mean sure we'll meet up again but we'll be different. No more going down to the arcade after school just to hang out like we use too" Tea said sitting a large container of lemonade on the drinks table.

"I know what you mean Tea. I never had friends before you guys. It will be a little strange I guess to not be able to see everyone everyday. But we'll keep in touch I know it" Ryou said with a smile He turned away from his grill after he lit it to let it heat up to cook the hamburgers and hot dogs.

"I never had any friends either before everything happened. And despite the bad I still cherish every minute of it, because it brought us all together" Yugi said with a smile. "Besides I won't let any of you drift away!"

Malik smiled as he watched Yugi "You always were the glue that bound us all together" he said softly.

"I'm not that special" Yugi said scratching the back of his head.

"Yes you are! You've changed us all for the best. Without you nothing would be the same" Tea said placing an arm around Yugi and squeezing.

Yugi just blushed and looked down. Malik found this adorable and nearly didn't resist the urge to kiss the boy right then and there. Soon Yugi would be all his and he would never ever let him go.

Ryou started placing the hamburgers on the grill as Yugi busied himself slicing up the watermelon. Malik went about putting out the 'crowd control barriers' to make the line a little more manageable, all the while happily humming a tune. Tea had headed back inside to retrieve a container of ice tea.

After Yugi got done slicing the first part of the watermelon he walked over to Ryou to help him with the hamburgers. There were after all three grills.

"This is really nice I'm glad the school let us do this." Ryou said waiting for the hamburgers to be just right to turn.

"Yah, though a few years ago who would have thought things would turn out the way they did?" Yugi said smiling

"I know, If you had told me 2 years ago that I'd been on good terms with my Yami, attending high school with him, and that he was currently engaged to Tea, I would of hit you and asked what kind of cruel joke you were playing. But he's proven anyone can change." Ryou said with a soft smile.

"I'm glad to hear you say that Ryou." Yugi said with a smile. Momentarily glancing over to Malik hoping the other hikari would feel the same way.

Ryou just smiled as they continued to cook the hamburgers.

---

Finals was over, it was all over. Yugi felt surreal he'd never have to attend another class in that building. He walked out to the hoops and hollers of his classmates. Even Seto had a smile on his face and laughed a bit. It was really over. The Valedictorian and Salutatorian would be announced tomorrow at graduation practice. They'd also receive their final grades. Yugi breathed in a bit of fresh air.

"Yug its all over can you believe it man!" Joey cheered as he throw an arm around Yugi's neck.

Malik walked over, as Joey's cheese eating grin grow bigger and he let go of his friend.

"So Yugi you never told us what you were planning on doing after school. You've got to have figured it out by now" Joey asked as Malik came to stand extremely close to Yugi.

Yugi scratched the back of his head "Lets head to Burger World, I'll explain there" he was a bit embarrassed still.

"Alright this I gotta hear squirt" Bakura said grabbing Tea but the waist and peeking her on the cheek "Common" he said with a wink and she waved at the others "See you there"

After that display they each went to their respective vehicles. "Common Malik you can ride with me" Yugi said with a smile. Knowing that the Egyptian had yet to pass his driving test for Japan. Malik just smiled and followed behind

"They really are a cute couple yah know" Yami said smiling up at Seto.

"Yah I'm glad they finally got it all worked out!" Joey said as he then turned towards his motorcycle.

"I have to agree. And they both deserve to be happy" Seto said before he and Yami went to his car.

---

They all arrived with in 15 minutes and were currently taking up a rather long table, with Yugi sitting at the end. They had ordered, and Yugi had stalled all his friends were going to allow him.

With a sigh he looked up from his drink, it was now or never. Malik reached over and squeezed his hand whispering in his ear, "Its alright I'm sure they'll support you no matter what. I know I will" Brushing off the oddity of Malik performing such an action, Yugi accepted the comfort. He was really really nervous.

Yugi nodded then started "I'll be leaving for Tokyo next August. I…I received a full ride scholarship to Tokyo University." Yugi said blushing a bit.

"Really Yugi that's great!" Ryou said beaming for his friend "Yah man I'm proud of you!" Duke said from beside his fiancé.

They all nodded in agreement. Then Tea asked THE question "What are you planning on studying?"

Yugi smiled cheeks still red "I'm going to be majoring in graphic design and computer generated animation. And minoring in software coding…" Yugi trailed off.

Seto immediately understood what Yugi wanted. "You studying for game design aren't you?" he had a slight smile on his face.

Oh know here it comes. Yugi thought. And looked down nodding his head. "Yeah"

"Sweet Yugi!" Joey said pumping his hand in the air. "That would be awesome"

Yugi looked up almost shocked.

"Well Yugi I hope when you graduate you don't let someone else steal you away. I've been thinking of taking Kaiba Corp into the video game industry, but haven't done much outside my own tinkering and rough ideas. I'd love to hear some of yours sometime" Seto said all serious.

Yugi felt lighter already. His friends didn't think his ideas were silly. They respected the idea. He should have known better. He did have the best friends in the entire world. "I'd love to share sometime Seto" Yugi smiled.

The others congratulated him on his achievement and their happiness that he would be doing something he loved. Malik made a mental note to fire off his application for Tokyo University soon. Maybe he and Yugi could share an apartment together. He'd have to speak with Yugi about it later.

They all went their separate ways around 7 pm. Malik wanted to stay with Yugi but Yugi had said he had some earns to run. In reality Yugi was off to see Malik's darker half.

He knocked on the door and was greeted with a small from Marik. Who he promptly kissed. Marik could feel the happiness radiating off of Yugi.

"Whats got you in such high spirits my love?" Marik asked after he and Yugi had taken a seat on the couch.

"I told the others today about college. They all loved the idea. Seto even offered me a job when I graduate" Yugi said.

"Of course! He'd be stupid not too. Your one of the brightest people in the world, and the true holder of the title of King of Games, Seto would be insane to let anyone else have you" Marik laughed.

Yugi blushed again. He didn't have a low self esteem, but all the complements he'd been receiving lately was more then boy could take. It felt like everything was right with the world as he sat there with Marik.

"I had a conversation with Ryou today. It was rather encouraging; he was talking about how Bakura proved anyone could change. I'm more determined then ever to tell them about you on graduation" Yugi smiled.

"Now all we have to worry about is the Pharaoh. Good or not I don't see him easily accepting anyone in a relationship with you. He's always been rather protective" Marik said with false seriousness.

"Oh please he'll be distracted with Kaiba. Besides if he tries anything I'll be the one to send him to the shadow realm!" Yugi stated with a predatory smile.

Marik didn't suspect anything as he was kissed senseless by the love of his life

----

Yugi woke up about 9:30, naked and entangled with Marik. I could do this everyday for the rest of my life he thought pleasantly Graduation practice was at 11 so he had a little bit of time to just watch Marik sleep. He looked so peaceful like that. Yugi was mesmerized. But he knew the day held a lot for him. Reluctantly he kissed Marik on the forehead and got out of bed.

He showered and then fixed/shared breakfast with Marik before getting ready for practice. For Yugi it felt terribly domestic and he liked it. The warmth it gave him was like no other. How had he lived so long with out knowing love? He couldn't comprehend it.

When Yugi showed up at graduation practice he was met by a concerned Yami. "Are you alright Yugi? Malik went by to visit you last night and Grandpa said you hadn't been home yet. (Yugi flinched, he'd forgotten to inform his Grandfather that he wouldn't be coming home that night. He had fully intended to go home, but Marik's arms had been so warm and inviting). I he tried calling you with no answer then called me to see if I knew where you were. Malik, Seto, Grandpa and myself spent half the night looking for you. Yugi"

"Yami I'm sorry I-" Yugi's mouth went dry he didn't like lying to his Yami, or his grandfather for that matter. And he couldn't say he was with a friend. Yami and Malik knew all his friends and probably had already asked them where he had been. Yugi hung his head and came up with the only excuse he could think of. Not that it was a very good one. "I fell asleep in the library; I had my phone off because well it was the library. I guess they didn't notice me when they did the rounds before closing up. I'm sorry" Though it didn't take into account how he had showered even if Yugi did carry a spare change of clothing with him wherever he went.

"Alright Yugi, we were just worried about you. I'm glad your ok and I'm sure Malik will be quiet relieved to know your alright, not to mention your grandfather. You should go call him when were done. I'm sure we'll talk more about it later" Yami finished pulling his Hikari into a hug.

'I'm sure we'll talk about it later' was Yami speak for 'I know your lying but I'm not going to push it because I trust you and know you have a good reason. I'm sure you'll tell me in time on your own because I trust you' Yugi had never felt lower, he just returned the hug and then went to go call his Grandfather. Sadly enough feeding him the same excuse, he really couldn't believe that he had spaced this badly.

After he got off the phone, he turned to see Malik standing behind him tears almost in his eyes. He embraced Yugi and clung to him. Yugi hugged Malik back, though he was startled by the Egyptian's response. "I don't care what happened. I'm just glad you're ok. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you" Malik said burying his head in Yugi's hair.

This was not something worried friends did to each other. Before Yugi had passed off Malik's unusual behavior towards him as Malik's lack of social skills due to the way he had been raised. He didn't act like this towards the other quite so much because everyone else had significant others (Malik obviously not knowing about Marik) But what if Yugi had been wrong? What if Malik had feelings for Yugi? Malik had no reason to believe Yugi was in a relationship-Yugi had never given him one. Yugi's heart jumped into his throat. Then Malik pulled away and smiled a friendly smile at Yugi, and took his hand. "Common we're gonna be late. The others were really worried about you too" And Malik was back to acting like friend Malik. And as he was pulled away Yugi dismissed the idea of Malik being in love with him. It was a silly idea anyway. Yugi felt some affection for Seto, as did Bakura for Duke and Ryou for Tea. It was a part of the Yami-Hikari thing. They loved someone so the other half felt a strong affection towards them. Though nothing really like love. Malik obviously would be affected too even if he didn't realize his Hikari was still around. With this Yugi smiled realizing that Yami would probably easily accept Marik, simply because he was who his Hikari had fallen in love with. And with Yami and most likely Ryou on his side (as well as Bakura, because the former tomb robber would be a hypocrite other wise, Something Yugi knew the bandit wouldn't stand for being) the others were sure to accept.

Nothing really could get his spirits down, not even the guilt he felt for worrying his friends. 2 more days to go and everything would be out in the open, once and for all.

Seto unsurprisingly had been named Valedictorian. What was a surprise and shock to Yugi was that he had pulled off Salutatorian. He'd know he was near the top of his class but hadn't known he was /that/ near. He blushed as everyone clapped for him. Seto just seemed smug to for once beat Yugi at something. Even if it was academics, though he paled, he'd have to give a speech in front of everyone at graduation! This caused him to sink back down into his chair. Despite what some might think he was rather nervous when it came to speaking to people in a crowd.

---

The next day Yugi didn't get to see Marik, as the Yami had to work. That and Yugi felt obligated to spend it with his aging grandfather. The day went by slow, as knots formed in Yugi's stomach. Tomorrow would be the day that shaped the rest of his life. He felt he came up with the perfect speech. One he wouldn't feel nervous to give.

Marik though had arranged yet another surprise for Yugi tomorrow. He only hoped that the answer he expected from Yugi would be the one he gave. He'd been saving for months for this day and felt that this would be the right time. Yugi was so busy he would never expect it. He stood outside the jewelry store. Today he would make the last payment. He had learned after all this is how they did this kind of thing in modern times.

----

Finally it was D day as Yugi had taken to calling it. He got up early to prepare. He spent 2 hours fixing his hair just right. He'd gone over his outfit five hundred times. Finally deciding on the pair of leather pants Marik had gotten him for Christmas, and his "Virgin Millionaires" (A/N:1) T-shirt he'd gotten off the internet. He put on his jewelry putting on his matching necklace with care. It really had taken the place of the Millennium Puzzle around his neck. He put on his phoenix chocker but would take it off for the ceremony.

He was going to meet Marik, then meet the others in the park. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't nervous. But the look on Marik's face when he retrieved him spoke volumes of how much the yami was nervous himself. Yugi wasn't the one who was on the table. It was Marik. He squeezed his hand and whispered "Its alright I'll be there no matter what"

Marik smiled and allowed Yugi to lead him to his car.

Once they pulled up on the other side of the park (they didn't want anyone to see them yet. Yugi wanted to talk to them first, and warn them for lack of a better term) even if they were slightly late.

As they started walking Marik grabbed Yugi's hand and turned him around. They were almost at the spot Yugi had first seen Marik back in town. Park and trees on their right, a busy road on their left.

"Yugi wait I have a question for you before we meet your friends." Marik said with a heavy voice.

Yugi turned expecting to have to sooth some of Marik's fears. What he was met with however was anything but.

As soon as he turned Marik dropped down to one knee, Yugi's hand in one of his, a black velvet box in the other, "Yugi I know I don't deserve you, but would you do this old spirit the biggest honor in the world and marry him?" with love shinning in his eyes Marik released Yugi's hand and opened the velvet box. Yugi was speechless, and for a moment Marik thought his world might shatter- but it would not be this moment.

Then Yugi gasped as a sob escaped his lips and he nearly knocked Marik off his feet. "Oh dear Ra of course I will, I love you, I love you, I love you" Marik beamed. And they stood back up, as Marik slipped the simple golden band on to Yugi's finger, with a sapphire and amethyst sat into it. Yugi folded his arms into Marik's chest as Marik kissed him.

Near heard someone else approach them. Nor when the footsteps turned into a panic run, the next thing Yugi knew was that he was ripped away from Marik. Startled he felt himself being pulled into strong arms. He heard "Yugi are you alright?" but he didn't hear it. He saw Joey punch Marik square in the jaw. He yelled out "NO!" but it was too late. Marik had fallen into oncoming traffic. The car didn't stop in time.. Marik fell to the ground.

Yugi ripped himself away from the person holding him; he soon registered as Tristan but didn't care. Marik was lifeless on the ground. He pulled out his cell phone and fumbled till he had 911 dialed.

"Yugi are you ok did he hurt you?" Joey asked trying to calm his distraught friend. Then shocked to see and Yugi ignored him and went to Marik's side.

As the phone rang Yugi sat down and place the unconscious boy's head in his lap. He was still breathing but there was a lot of blood. The person who had hit Marik had ran. Bastard Yugi would hunt them down later and send them to the shadow realm. Right now though Marik needed his help.

They others were shocked to watch Yugi at work as he cradled the man in his arms. Tears running down his face, reporting the accident. He hung up when the worker told him an ambulance was on the way.

"Yugi what the hell is going on, what did he do to you?" Joey asked but Bakura's face looked grim. Tristan was still on the ground from where Yugi had pushed him.

"Whats going on whats going on!" Yugi yelled looking up, and more frightening then Yami or Bakura or anyone else they had ever face, had ever hoped to achieve.

"I was on my way with Marik to you my friends"-Yugi spat out the word- "To tell you that I'd met the man of my dreams. Who had just proposed to me"-All eyes feel to the ring on Yugi's finger-"and you very well may have killed him!" Yugi ended furiously. A dark aura surrounded Yugi. He was highly emotionally unstable at the moment and had never had the best control to begin with. He knew he wasn't being fair to his friends. They had no idea. But at the moment he didn't care about them. Only Marik, the others thought they were about to find a one way ticket to the Shadow Realm when Yugi's furious eyes turned dead looking as his gaze returned to Marik.

"Hold on love, they medics will be here soon and they'll fix you all right up. Here take a bit of my energy it will help you" Yugi said feeding some of his power into Marik to stabilize him.

The ambulance came, and left with Marik and Yugi. And three teens were left. Unable to figure out what they were suppose to say to the rest of the group. And wondering if Yugi could ever forgive them. Though Tristan wasn't so sure. "I thought Yugi was dating Malik!" Tristan exclaimed "What if Marik used that to get to Yugi!"

Bakura just shook his head. "He doesn't have the rod and even if he did we all know he never had the power to over power Yugi. As for the dating Malik thing. I was never quite so sure about that. Yugi's always been very passionate about everything he did. I never saw him as timid when it came to love. Malik may of felt they were dating but I always figured Yugi just saw a friend. Nor more so then now. And remember all the excuses Yugi kept coming up with. They most of been so he could go to Marik. I never said anything because I might have been wrong and Malik seemed so happy. Now I wish I had. Damn I hate regrets We've made a grave mistake" Bakura said to the other two.

"SO what your going to defend him. I'd expect that from you!" Tristan yelled.

"Whats that suppose to mean!" Bakura growled out.

"Hey calm down here Trist and apologize that was uncalled for. We're all stressed no need to take it out on each other. Now we need to figure out what we are going to do" Joey said stopping the possible fight.

"Yah I'm sorry man. I just can you believe it? Man" Tristan said.

Bakura just huffed as a sign that he accepted the apology. "I'll explain, I can deal with the anger and a devastated Malik. But we need to go find the others" he finished then turned to walk off as a man on a mission.

A/N 1: This is a real band based out of Indianapolis Indiana, they are local and awesome I love them. You have to check out their site it's on myspace and their name is virginmillionaires I absolutely love their song "for a while" you will not regret checking it out. And if you're in the area see if you can catch them sometime. I'll be at their August 25th show!