A/N: Thank you all for reviewing last chapter! I was slightly worried about continuing when I realised that I would probably have to write a Duel Monsters dueling scene. So, without wanting to worry about it for a little while, I decided to do another Yuugi chapter. (To be honest I noticed I hadn't written anything in his point of view for quite a few chapters and couldn't think of another way to keep this interesting).
Humour. I was listening to a song called Something in the Water by Brooke Fraser and imagined Yuugi singing this in the classroom. Dancing on table tops and his friends clapping along. The things my mind comes up with sometimes… :P
Watching Nightmare Before Christmas (I know it's nearly Easter). Is anyone reminded of Fudge when the Major says 'but I can't make decisions without you!'?
If Kaiba is such a dragon obsessed nutter, wouldn't he be able to get along with Hagrid? :P
Dark Neko 4000: You will just have to wait and see *smirks*
Kai19: No, Haruto is not crushing on Bakura, though I must admit that is a cute pairing. Then again pairing Harry off with Ryou or Yugi is always cute :P
Twilightserius: I actually wanted to pair Neville off with Hermione since they will be 'sharing' Haruto as a friend and will hang out often at Hogwarts, growing closer as the years go by.
Chapter 11
Getting ready
…A few days before Haruto's homecoming…
Yuugi was biting his lower lip, gazing out of the window as he lost his concentration on his school work. He felt nervous and edgy, like something was about to happen to him or someone around him. You worry too much, Yami said in his mind. A small smile played on the Spirit's lips and he ruffled through the younger boy's hair. Everything is going to be alright soon. I can feel it.
In his mind he turned to Yami, his eyebrows nit together in a frown. Mou Hitori no Boku… maybe, but what if it's not a good thing at all?
Yami placed a comforting hand on his partner's should and gave it a gentle squeeze. We'll know when it happens, he said softly. Besides, we have all our friends to count on when it turns out to be trouble. Yuugi still felt doubtful even if he felt comforted by the older Spirit's words. Have courage Aibou, the Spirit continued. All will be better soon.
The short fifteen-year-old was brought back out of his thoughts when Ryou subtly bumped into him with his elbow. Blue eyes blinked and turned to the transfer students. The white haired Brit nodded towards the front of the room where the teacher was staring at him intently. "Sorry sensei," Yuugi said with an embarrassed grin and a blush was spreading on his cheeks. "What was the question again?"
The teacher sighed in annoyance. "I understand that there are only a few minutes left of the lesson Mutou-san but do try to pay attention." The students around him snickered and Yuugi could feel the blush spreading. "Please answer the question on the board."
"H-hai sensei," the violet eyed teen muttered before focussing on the board. "The … today is cloudy. The word blanked out should be 'weather', sensei." English wasn't much of a challenge for him, but it was mandatory. Even if they were only reviewing everything from the past few months and preparing for the exams next week. It had surprised him that he and Bakura were in this class, but the teacher had already explained in the beginning that they were probably going to be placed in the fast tracked programme after the exams. It all depended on their scores.
"Very good Mutou-san," the teacher said and Yuugi silently wondered if the man was just being annoying. "Remember class that these questions will be on next weeks exams." The bell rang just as he finished his story. Thankfully it was all done now. They would probably all be stuck studying the remainder of the weekend, but at least he could look forward to his friends coming back with him to the store. They had planned an all out, all or nothing game of Duel Monsters this afternoon to let off steam before they all had to commit to their studies.
"Weekend is finally here," Ryou said as he stood and stretched leisurely.
"Depends on what you call weekend," Anzu said, walking towards them with a slight pout. "All we'll be able to do this weekend is study for the exams."
The white haired Brit let out a heavy sigh. Jonouchi and Honda were sporting similar miserable expression and the blonde patted Ryou on his back. "I know how you feel," Jonouchi said with a heavy sigh of his own. "But at least we can count on an afternoon of fun before all that studying, right Yuug?" And the taller teen ruffled through Yuugi's wild locks.
The short fifteen-year-old swatted Jonouchi's hand away, a blush spreading across his cheeks. "Jonouchi," he said with a whine. The blonde only chuckled, but stopped nonetheless. "Are you sure you are up for it Jonouchi-kun? I know you have been practicing, but you are still loosing to Anzu-chan in Duel Monsters. And badly at that," he finished with a whisper.
"What was that?" Jonouchi ask, cracking his knuckles and his eyes twinkling dangerously.
Yuugi laughed uncomfortably, holding up his hands in a defensive gesture. "Nothing, nothing at all." He still didn't trust the blonde when he got playful like that. Certainly not with that twinkle in his eyes.
"You had better start running Yuug," Jonouchi said with a playful smirk. "Run and hide well. You're going to need the extra time to think up new strategies. I will show you just how much I have grown in Duel Monsters."
Yuugi squeaked and rushed out of the classroom, laughter following all the way home. "Tadaima Jii-chan!" he called out from the front door, the shop bell chiming cheerfully through the shop.
"O-kaerinasai," Sugoroku called from the back, moving back to the counter with a large box in his hands. Yuugi quickly rushed forward to help his grandfather. "You shouldn't be carrying those Jii-chan," the short teen said in a concerned tone. "Your back has been giving you too much trouble these weeks to do any lifting. Even the doctor said so."
"Pfft," Sugoroku huffed clearly not worried about it. "What do the senseis at the hospital know? I'm in perfect health. Fit as a fiddle I tell you!" And to prove his point the grandfather of two did a few stretching exercises. It proved to be a few too many for his old body and he went ridged before quickly leaning onto the counter.
"Jii-chan!" Yuugi cried out, even more concerned then before. Yami was chuckling inside his head, finding Sugoroku's actions funny apparently, but the shorter teen was too concerned for his grandfather to scold the older boy. "You shouldn't be so reckless at your age. Leave all the heavy lifting to me."
Sugoroku waved it away, but the frown on Yuugi's face remained. "Maybe you should get some help in the shop? It would certainly make things easier for you."
Sugoroku ruffled through his grandson's hair, who was beginning to see a pattern emerge. "Don't worry about me Yuugi. I can handle things for now and I'm sure that when Haruto get's back he'll be willing to help me out again."
The short teen turned sombre, the feeling of longing returning in full force. His grandfather placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry so much Yuugi," Sugoroku said, his face becoming even more wrinkled when the skin around his eyes crinkled as he smiled. "Your brother is fine. Have faith in him and the people he trusts. Haruto will be with us on Winter Solstice, I am sure of it."
A silence stretched between them as Yuugi tried to get rid of his worries. Warm, comforting arms circled around his shoulder from behind and Yami whispered reassurances in his ear. "It's going to be fine," he echoed the Spirit's words.
…
To cheer Yuugi up his friends decided to go to the Arcade for a while before retiring to Yuugi's living room for the mock battles. The moment they entered the shop Sugoroku was waiting for them, wearing an even brighter smile then they had ever seen on him. "Jii-chan," Yuugi asked uncertainly. "Is everything alright? You didn't forget to take your pills again, did you?"
Sugoroku's smile didn't falter as he stepped forward and embraced his grandson. "Jii-chan, you're worrying me," the fifteen year old said when his grandfather refused to speak. "Did something happen? It isn't something bad is it? Did something happen to Haruto?"
Jonouchi was beside them in an instant and Anzu gasped behind them. "Don't tell me…" Ryou started, but Sugoroku simply shook his head.
"You are all very kind," he said to the four friends before turning to his grandson. "I'm sorry for worrying you, Yuugi. I just received a phone call and I'm just a little bit dazed because of it. Yuugi," he continued placing a tender hand on the side of his grandsons face. "Haruto called. He'll be home on Monday."
Jonouchi caught Yuugi as he staggered sideways, holding the shorter boy upright. "Haruto…"
"Aa, he's coming home Yuugi. Haruto is coming home!" That night no-one even thought about studying as all celebrated. Their beloved Haruto was coming home! Even if Jonouchi, Honda and Ryou hadn't met the last member of the Mutou household yet, they were happy to celebrate with them. And who could resist a happy, bubbly Yuugi who hummed as he cooked a feast. Not even Yami missed the celebrations that night, happily joining in on his partner's happiness.
…Winter Solstice…
"Do you think he'll like this?"
I'm sure he'll love it Aibou.
Yuugi twirled his package in his hands, biting his bottom lip in worry. "But…" Warm arms curled around him and the fifteen-year-old leaned back in Yami's embrace. He will love no matter what you give him, Yami whispered as he rested his head on the shorter boy's shoulder. Haruto is as kind hearted as you are.
"What about you?" Yuugi whispered, breaking out of the embrace to look his partner in the eyes. Those deep crimson eyes were half hidden by shadows but Yuugi could see the sadness clear in them. Me? I do not belong to the kind hearted, Yami said softly.
The younger boy shook his head. "You've helped me so many times. Without you I would never have had the courage to stand up against Ushio to help Jonouchi and Honda. They would have never become my friends. Without you I'm sure we would have lost to Bakura when the evil Spirit took over his mind and trapped us in that game."
It was the Spirit's time to shake his head, taking a small step back to create some distance. I was merely protecting the person who put me together, Yami said softly. I played a Yami no Game with those who harmed you, punishing them for making you miserable. Before you even became aware of me I used your body freely, nearly turning you insane as well. No little one, I do not belong to the kind hearted.
"You're wrong Mou Hitori no Boku," Yuugi said, determent to make Yami see the truth. That the older man was kind hearted and could love another as much as another could love him. Yami had turned away completely now and Yuugi would have gone after him, had Haruto not shown up at that moment. His younger brother still looked tired even if he had spent most of his time back sleeping. "Ohayou Onii-chan," Haruto yawned and Yuugi instantly softened.
"Ohayou Ru-chan," the fifteen-year-old said, ruffling through those raven locks with a chuckle. "How did you sleep?"
Haruto swatted his hand away with a smile, his green eyes lighting up a little when he caught sight of the present in Yuugi's hands. The eleven-year-old bit his lip as he peered up at Yuugi's face. Yuugi blinked and blushed because of the intense stare. "What?"
"You two shouldn't fight," Haruto stated suddenly, catching Yuugi off guard. The older brother blinked rapidly. How had he known…? "I wouldn't know…" Yuugi started.
Haruto grinned. "It's okay, you two will figure it out," he said cheerfully, confusing Yuugi even further. "Can Neville-kun join us when we go to the temple? I promised him I would take him."
"Well if it's a promise then you had better keep it."
…
Yuugi yawned and tried to focus on his notes, but the day had wiped him out. Turned out Haruto did like his present, just like Yami had predicted. You could just call it a night, the Spirit said as he materialised next to him sitting on the bed.
"I can't do that," Yuugi said. He shot a glance in the Spirit's direction. "I need to know this by the end of the week."
But you know this, Yami said walking over to stare down at the notes on the desk. You know this already Yuugi, this is your best subject. You could probably do this test with your eyes closed and tied up.
"Really?" Yuugi said with a chuckle. "And how am I going to write the answers down when I'm tied up?" Something dark flashed in those crimson eyes, making Yuugi shiver ever so slightly with some strange emotion. The younger boy cleared his throat uncomfortably and returned his gaze to the mathematical problem on his page. "Besides, maths might be one of my favourite subjects but that does not mean it comes naturally."
The Spirit chuckled and combed through the younger boy's hair, earning a slight blush. Still, studying after a night of so much fun? Even your brother was clear of mind all night, Yami finished sighing softly. A dark look crossed his face. It was definitely a look Yuugi never wanted to see on his partner's face. He reached out a hand and cradled one side of the Spirit's face. Yami frowned, placing his own hand over Yuugi's.
"It's not your fault," Yuugi whispered. "He is not frightened of you. It's the Shadows he is frightened off." Yami turned his head away, but Yuugi would have none of it. "You're a good man Yami, no matter how sadistic you were in the beginning. You've changed."
Changed huh, Yami muttered. We'll see about that. He seemed to shake himself out of his thoughts and he turned to his partner again with a smile, though the sad look remained in his crimson eyes. Anyway, we were not talking about me. You are deliberately changing the subject. Put those books away Yuugi and sleep for now.
Yuugi rolled his eyes and grinned sheepishly. "And who's changing the subject now?" the younger teen said with a twinkle in his eyes. "Fine, fine, I'll surrender for tonight. You might be right this one time. Just this once," he stressed when Yami got a self-indulgent smirk back on his face. "Besides, I am tired and a tired brain can't absorb any knowledge, so it would be useless to…" A soft knock interrupted Yuugi's defence monologue and he started up. "Who is it?" he whispered, making his way to his bedroom door.
"Onii-chan?" Haruto whispered from the other side. "It's me. Could I… Ano, is it okay if I join you?" Yuugi blinked behind the door, slightly taken aback because of the question. Since when did his brother feel insecure about being with him? Maybe the trip to Britain had damaged the little raven head more then he had originally thought. Yuugi opened the door, careful not to let it creak as to not wake his grandfather.
Haruto was staring at his feet, hopping from the one to the other while fidgeting with his shirt. The little raven head was shivering and seemed to be holding himself back. Yuugi blinked again at the uncertain picture that Haruto made. "I-it's okay Haruto," Yuugi said and he reached out, placing his hand over his brother's fidgeting ones. Startled green eyes shot up to look at him. "You can join us if you like. I thought you would have been asleep by now."
Raven locks swayed as Haruto shook his head. "I couldn't sleep," Haruto whispered and he took his brother's hand, almost desperately clinging to it. Yuugi smiled gently and tugged his little brother into his room, closing the door behind them. The elder brother quickly dressed himself for bed before guiding his little brother to the bed. "Go on," Yuugi said with a comforting smile gesturing towards the bed. Haruto hesitated before lying down against the wall on top of the covers.
Yuugi chuckled and tugged at the blankets, lying down himself and holding up the covers. "Come on, you'll be cold like that." After one last long look into his brother's eyes, Haruto pushed himself away from the wall and towards Yuugi. The fifteen-year-old chuckled, covering them both with the blankets and wrapping his little brother into a comforting embrace.
…a month after Neville left…
Haruto looked miserable. Yuugi bit his lower lip as he watched his little brother push his food around his plate. He wanted to do something, anything, just to get that look off of his little brother's face. It was almost maddening to see Haruto mope around the shop or through the apartment. Jii-chan had even had a call from the school saying that Haruto was unusually down these past few days. Apparently he barely paid attention in classes and his work had been abysmal. Even the few friends he had made were starting to worry, though Haruto ignored it all in favour for spacing out and moping around.
"Are you alright Haruto child?" Sugoroku asked, looking at his second grandson in concern. "You've hardly eaten anything all week. If you want to do well in school then you have to eat."
Haruto dropped his fork, bowing his head a little lower. "I'm not really hungry," he said in a small voice. Sugoroku reached out a hand and pressed it against his adopted grandson's forehead. "You feel a little warm," he said with a frown. "Maybe you should stay home today."
The raven head looked like he wanted to protest, suddenly much more spirited then he had been all week. Haruto half raised himself before slumping back down in his seat, swaying a little. His face was suddenly flushed, his eyes puffy and red, dark bags under them. "I'm fine," he muttered softly, his green eyes cast down once more. "I can go to school."
Yuugi shook his head. "I'm sure you could try, but you'll only become worse if you go now." Haruto flinched a little, but continued to stare down at his hands. "Ru-chan," Yuugi whispered.
"I miss them," Haruto whispered suddenly. Sugoroku frowned and Yuugi couldn't help but look troubled either. He looked up, this time letting the tears flow down his cheeks. Yuugi fought with himself not to rush over and envelop him in a hug. They waited patiently for Haruto to continue, knowing that the raven head would not talk when pressured.
"I… I miss Neville-kun. And Hermione-chan, even if I didn't really know anything about her. She was still there to help Neville-kun and me with studying. And the twins were always making jokes and helped me when I had to go to the hospital. Even Weasley-san and Draco-san, even if they always fight with each other and Weasley-san always wants to prove himself to me. I miss them," he finished in a low whisper.
"Oh child," Sugoroku said and he combed with his hand through his grandson's hair. Haruto looked at his grandfather with a strange kind of desperation. "Is it wrong for me to miss them? I do not want to go back to that place, but it is where they are. How is it that I miss my friends, but that I never missed the relatives I lived with before coming here?"
Sugoroku pressed his hand against Haruto's cheek, wiping away the tears. "Haruto, there is nothing wrong with you for missing your friend. Even I miss some of my friends from before I retired and am in regular contact with them. I am sure that, when Yuugi would be parted with his friends, he would miss them too. It is only natural to miss those we love, Haruto."
Haruto launched himself into his grandfather's embrace, crying even louder then he had before. Yuugi looked on in worry. His grandfather's words should have comforted his little brother, not made him even more hysterical. "I miss them so much that I can't sleep and when I sleep I dream the most horrible dreams. The man with the scary red eyes who is always watching me. I thought I locking him away but in my dreams he is always there. He is hurting my friends, Yuugi's friends and you two, my family. I can never help. I'm not strong enough, always relying on others to help me. And he knows. He's planning for it, waiting for me to…"
"Shh Haruto," Sugoroku said, holding his grandson a little closer. "These are just dreams. They cannot hurt us."
"But it is so real!" Haruto wailed as he desperately clung to his grandfather, breaking Yuugi's heart. The older brother moved closer to them and hugged his family, showing his support.
"It's because you are so full of love for your friends and family that you have these dreams," Yuugi said softly. "You are afraid that we will get hurt and that you won't be able to help, especially now that Neville-kun and your other friends are this far away. But Ru-chan, your friends will always be with you, no matter how far apart you are."
"But…" Haruto continued. They broke apart, both Sugoroku and Yuugi looking at the youngest member of their small family. "Haruto child, it isn't wrong to feel scared for those that you love," Sugoroku said kindly. "Tell you what. I'm going to call both your schools and I'm going to keep the store closed today. We are going to have a little family quality time and maybe get some letters written."
Yuugi chuckled. "You do realise that, when you call me in sick, we will be invaded by a 'get well' party by the end of the day."
Twinkling eyes which looked so much like his own turned to Yuugi. "Then we have enough time to prepare," Sugoroku said with a smile. "Go back to bed for a while Haruto, you look like you need some more sleep. Your brother and I will take care of a few things so we can organise a small outing for today."
Green eyes looked at them expectantly and Yuugi smiled, reassuring the raven head that it was alright. "Go on, we can't have you falling asleep on us today because you're not feeling well." Haruto still looked a little uncertain, but nodded anyways before leaving the room. "Come Yuugi," Sugoroku said with a cheerful smile, something Yuugi couldn't help but return. "We have some planning to do."
…6 weeks later…
"Duel Monsters is really starting to take off," Haruto said cheerfully through the phone. Yuugi looked over at his little brother. The raven head had been a lot more cheerful ever since that day six weeks ago. Writing those letters to his friends and having a day completely devoted to being together had been good for the little raven head, even if the shop had been invaded that evening by Yuugi's friends. Jonouchi, Honda, Anzu and Ryou all visited that evening to see how Yuugi was feeling. When they had discovered that Yuugi hadn't been sick at all they had been a little disappointed in him. Jonouchi and Honda had been grumpy about the fact that Sugoroku had willingly called Yuugi in sick. When they had explained why, the four friends had instantly understood. It is why Yuugi was so thankful to his friends.
It was like they felt he was thinking about them because at that moment the shop bell chimed and Ryou and Anzu walked through the door. "Ryou-kun, Anzu-chan, ohayou!"
"Ohayou Yuugi-kun," they both chimed. "Are you ready for today?" Ryou asked.
Yuugi nodded. "Hai, just let me put these boxes away and then I'm done. Where are Jonouchi-kun and Honda-kun?"
Anzu rolled her eyes, crossing her arms across her chest while huffing a little. "They said they had something to take care off before coming to the arcade. Honestly, if those two get into trouble again I will kick their butts!" she finished with a growl.
Yuugi chuckled uncertainly and Ryou was edging away from her, looking at the girl in fright. "Anyway," the short teen muttered, quickly placing the boxes in the back and bidding his grandfather and little brother goodbye before leaving with his friends. "Your little brother looks to be doing well," Ryou commented as they made their way to the city centre.
"Yeah, Haruto is doing much better," Yuugi said with a pleased smile. "He writes to Neville-kun every week and calls Lady Longbottom every now and then with news. In turn they keep him posted about new developments. Otouto is doing well in school too. His teachers seem very pleased with his progress and even his extra studies are going well."
Yuugi referred to Haruto's magic studies as extra studies. He didn't really know what else to call them. He had heard Haruto discuss his magic studies with Lady Longbottom, describing them as totally different and the raven head had written to Neville about the differences as well. He had tried to explain it a little to Yuugi, but the older brother had confessed to not really understanding what Haruto had been trying to explain. He had seen some of the magic the raven head had to practice. It had left him feeling a little inferior, quite sure that Haruto soon didn't need to be protected at all.
"That's good to hear," Anzu said with a smile. "He really seems to be doing much better. It's good to see him smile. I've gotten so used to seeing him around the shop and the apartment that it would be strange if they were ever to take him away again. Not that we would let that happen. If they want to take him, they would have us to deal with."
Anzu really seems to be on the warpath today, Yami said with a smile. Yuugi chuckled, agreeing with the older man. "Even if they were to try, they wouldn't get far," the fifteen-year-old said out loud. "Bones-san and Lady Longbottom have taken care of everything in Britain and if they tried anything here they would have to go through us and Haruto's school. I don't think they would plan on starting a war just because of Haruto."
Ryou frowned. "I wouldn't know about the people at that Hogwarts school, but even I know that the English aren't that mad."
They walked in silence for a while, entering the gaming district on a comfortable pace. When they passed the Duel Monsters card shop, Ryou's eyes lit up a little. "Did you hear that Mr Crawford is organising a Duel Monsters tournament?"
"Hai," Yuugi nodded with a smile. "Apparently Kaiba Corp and Industrial Illusions have come to a compromise. Kaiba Corp is designing the virtual platforms and linking them to the Duel Monsters cards created by Industrial Illusions. The tournament was only a matter of time really. With this Duel Monsters will get world wide interest."
"You certainly know a lot about this," Ryou commented while Anzu stared at her best friend in wonder.
Yuugi nodded. "Living with a grandfather who owns a small gaming business you learn a lot about these things. Besides Mou Hitori no Boku and I both enjoy Duel Monster, so we want to keep up to date about everything concerning it."
"Are you planning on entering the tournament then?" Anzu asked as they entered the Arcade.
The shorter teen shook his head, making his eccentric hair sway. "Nope, not really interested in tournaments. We just play the game because it's fun, not because we want to win any prizes or anything." Besides all that attention is not for me, Yuugi added in his mind making the Spirit chuckle.
I think you would do great no matter the attention, Yami said to his partner. Yuugi shrugged. I have everything I want now, he said smiling up at the Spirit. What could a tournament possibly give me that I don't already have?
A/N: Look forward to some Duel Monsters mayhem from the next chapter onwards. Oh, and a possible double kidnapping. Something you would not have seen coming. (Poor Haruto, I feel sorry for him already)
Ohayou means 'good morning'.
Tadaima means 'I'm home'.
O-kaerinasai means 'welcome home'.
Updated 22-07-2013
