Prompt XVI: Bend

Yugi is in a bad mood, Ryou mumbled the moment Yami stepped out into the circle of wolves. He shook himself out, peering at the other boy in bewilderment. Ryou wagged his tail after a moment, as if hesitant, and offered a small smile. He's in a really bad mood and doesn't want to talk to anyone.

Yami pricked his ears forward and tilted his head. Oh? Does that apply to me as well? he murmured, looking around. Yugi was further ahead, seemingly ignoring Bakura as the brown-eyed wolf attempted to speak to him. The white wolf made no move to acknowledge him, though he flicked an ear as he passed him. Yami looked at Ryou curiously. Why is he upset?

I'm not sure. He won't talk to anyone. He's just mad.

Yami tilted his head again, considering. Then he slowly made his way forward and into the group of wolves further ahead. Yugi immediately turned his head and looked over, for a moment with frustration and then with slight excitement. Yami hesitated and wagged his tail.

Ryou says you don't want to talk to anyone.

Not really, Yugi agreed mildly. He flicked his ears. That doesn't apply to you, though! You're my favorite! I can always make an exception for you!

Yami snorted and wagged his tail, nudging his shoulder. If you want to be alone, you can. I only came to see if you were okay after Ryou said you were upset for whatever reason. He tilted his head. I'll give you space if you need it, though. It'll be fine if you want some alone time.

Yugi looked as if he wanted to argue, then flattened his ears. I'm just really tired. Can we lay down?

Yami blinked and considered him for a moment, then wagged his tail. Big spoon or little spoon?

Ooh, little! Definitely little!

He snorted and turned away, leading him along. The others glanced at them, some amused and others less than impressed with their public display. Yami knew already not everyone was happy with Yugi's mating bond being formed with him. He had seen some none-too-discreet looks of frustration and disappointment cast in his direction. Yami didn't know what exactly caused such reactions in them, but he'd never bothered to ask either. He had never broached the subject with Yugi, for fear Yugi might turn on someone for it.

He hadn't wanted to cause any animosity among the pack, so he'd stayed silent. He'd never even pretended to notice the stares he sometimes got or the slight hostility he was exposed to every now and then. It was occasionally Bakura, on the rare occurrence Sugoroku or Yugi's mother, and sometimes the older yearlings. He didn't know what they'd expected. It had been clear since the moment Yugi had brought him back to the camp that first day that he was clearly enamored with him. Yami had not felt that draw at first, though he'd always smelled and sensed the strongest of warmth when exposed to Yugi at any point. But when he'd spent that first year with them, he'd felt it in small doses. Now it was impossible to ignore. Everything Yugi did he took notice of. If he even glanced at him sideways or breathed just the smallest bit differently he sensed it.

It didn't matter how small the difference. It simply mattered it was there.

Yami noticed then and there, no matter how minute or likely stupid it was.

He'd even noticed when Yugi's hair was out of place on his tail. The scent gland had come in, silver and speckled with black guard hairs, and Yami had noticed it before it had even finished maturing there. He'd pointed it out and teased him and Yugi had laughed at the tawny patch Yami had soon gotten there in turn.

He curled up as Yugi did, moving to lay his head on his shoulders and snuggle into his side. Yami licked his forehead and closed his eyes. So, what has you so upset?

I don't know. It's just been an exhausting day. I woke up irritable and no one would leave me alone. Even Bakura wanted to talk to me, like I have anything to say to him. Yugi sighed and buried his muzzle under Yami's neck, shifting forward to hide under the soft fur there. Yami snorted when he felt his nose wriggling against his skin and tickling his fur. I think I'm still mad about what Grandpa said.

Hmm? What did he say?

Yugi was silent for a long time. Then he abruptly pulled away and stared at him, eyes narrowed incredulously. Yami blinked, then wagged his tail; he'd been hopeful he wasn't talking about that. Yugi tilted his head, sighing, and collapsed back against him once more.

You didn't realize he didn't trust me? Yami asked quietly, eyeing him curiously. He always made it rather obvious, although I just brushed it off as being overprotective of you. He clearly treasures you. I assumed he was just protective of you and thought I was a distraction. You paid more attention to me sometimes than you did lessons with him so I thought he was just frustrated. It wasn't until Bakura was talking to me during the patrol that it really clicked. Sugoroku was testing me by sending me with Bakura to the badger set. He wanted to know if I'd listen or not.

And now he thinks you disobeyed.

Yami snorted. Does his opinion matter so much? You know otherwise. If he turned on me for it—

He'll have to deal with me if he ever even thinks about it, Yugi scoffed, voice taking on a vicious note. I don't think he'd ever be stupid enough to even bring it up with you again. If he does, I want to know immediately.

Yami flicked an ear. I don't think it's going to become that big an issue.

And if it does?

He faltered for a moment, watching him and then closing his eyes. Yugi, please, I don't want this to be an issue. Your grandpa can think anything he likes about me. I don't—

But I care! Yugi snapped. You've never been any trouble at all. You've always listened and done as all of us have asked. You even promised to stay with me whenever we were here or at the house or school. You've only ever disobeyed once and I don't care what anyone else has to say, no one is allowed to blame you for that. I…I should have told you and you never should have found out like that.

Yami blinked, stomach twisting for a brief second. He shook it off, looking down at his paws. It's over and done with. I took the blame. Bakura is still in shock so he won't tell your grandpa or parents otherwise. I…I always knew Sugoroku didn't trust me entirely. That's why I don't care if he is upset with me for this or not.

Why protect Bakura, of all people?

He flicked an ear, then looked away. I…I don't know. It just seemed like something to do. It would be unnecessary to punish him. It got Atem to us, right? And that…

Meant a lot to you, Yugi finished, then leaned forward to lick his nose and press more firmly against his side. I get it. But if he ever asks me, I'm going to say I don't believe you ever would have said to do it.