Sorry everyone~ I will like to say that I'm gonna be trying to do more chapters. ~❤ Been awhile hasn't it?~ Well I moved out of my parent's home and had to deal with drama and stuff but it's all good im settled in and trying to find a job now. but onto the chapter.~

Chapter 12

Yuto swallowed and nodded gently, looking up to Yuya was a certain uncertainty in his eyes, " A. . .and. . .you. I have. . .you." He attempted to add on, almost as if he still needed to convince himself of that. Normally he was solid on that fact, but in that exact moment, he was still just trying to convince himself of the positives.

" Yes I am here Yuto." He smiled warmingly holding onto the raven, " Yes you do have me, I promise." He added as he placed his hand on Yuto's cheek and rubbed the other's cheek with his thumb trying to cheer him up. He knew the other was trying to convince himself he was alright and he was going to help.

Yuto kept his eyes on Yuya, his words on this matter in particular helping especially. He didn't dare move from Yuya's soft, comforting touching, not wanting to break the connection somehow. Gently though, he rested his forehead against Yuya's, shutting his eyes. He felt exhausted, so worn out from that. He just wanted to rest and keep hearing Yuya's sweet comforting words and feel his soft touches.

Yuya smiled as Yuto rested his forehead against his, He could guess the other was worn out from that and he kind of was, but he wouldn't go to sleep until he was sure Yuto was alright, " It's alright." he kept saying thumb still rubbing his cheek. He didn't know if Yuto would go back to sleep after having a nitemare but guessed he would like last time. Just as long as Yuya kept reassuring the other he felt that Yuto was calming down more and more now and he was glad he was actually able to help unlike last time Yuto had a nitemare.

"Yuya. . .would you. . .um. . ." Yuto flushed a little bit, his face scunching a little in embarrassment as he tried to get his next words out, " K. . .Kiss me?" he urged somewhat awkwardly. It felt so weird to say out loud, but he... felt like he could use that extra little jolt of happiness and that dose of reality.

" Of course." Yuya smiled and nodded before leaning closer and pressed his lips gently against Yuto's. He would do anything for Yuto; to make Yuto feel better. He didn't expect Yuto to ask him to kiss him but he didn't mind to. He would do it many times Yuto wanted him to. He kept his arms wrapped around Yuto as he kissed the raven. Yuto felt that same rush he did every time Yuya kissed him, it helping him relax completely again. The war was over. Heartland was safe. He was in Standard, with Yuya. Yuya his boyfriend. His boyfriend who cared very deeply for him.

When the kiss was over, Yuto gave Yuya a weak smile. ". . .Thank you. . .~ You're. . .a good boyfriend, Yuya. . .~" he assured him.

Yuya smiled, " It was no problem Yuto." He said happily, " Not as good as you." he added with a soft giggle. He was glad the kiss had help the other and make him smile. He leaned down and gave the other a kiss on his cheek.

He hugged the other and laid his head on the other's shoulder not wanting to let go of Yuto really. He wanted to keep holding his boyfriend and protect him from and nitemares the other would have. And Yuto could use that right then; his sweet kisses and his soft, protective hold, " Yuya. . .I'm tired. . ." he mumbled to him. He wanted to lay down and go to sleep again, but... The idea of it did make him a little nervous. Although. . .Last time when he'd fallen asleep in Yuya's arms, he'd been able to sleep just fine after, so. . .maybe it would still be okay.

Yuya nodded before laying down on his bed gently taking Yuto with him. He still held onto the other letting Yuto lay his head against his chest. Yuya's hold on Yuto's tighten alittle but not too tight. He had been tired as well and he hoped Yuto would be able to sleep much more better with no nitemare. He kissed Yuto's forehead and smiled tiredly. He wouldn't fall asleep until he knew Yuto would be able to sleep just fine, just as last time. Yuto let Yuya guide him down, shutting his eyes and letting himself rest against Yuya. It still took a little bit, but Yuto did eventually fall asleep again, comforted by his boyfriend's warm embrace and his steady heartbeat. He knew all that must have been quite the production, but. . .he was happy that Yuya had been there with him for it. He'd taken care of him so well.

Yuya stayed awake stroking Yuto's back and once he felt he had fallen asleep he smiled and cuddled him closely before closing his eyes. He was glad he was able to help Yuto this time, but he couldn't help but think that they shouldn't go back to Heartland tomorrow. Maybe he could ask Ruri or Shun about what they think tomorrow. Maybe he could let Yuto sleep in alittle and ask them while he was asleep, he wasn't sure but he was tired right now. He finally fell asleep all cuddled up against his boyfriend.

Yuto did end up sleeping in with no alarm to wake him and needing the catch up after those first few hours of sleep proved to be worthless. He was always rather worn out by it in general, but at home he got up to his rather early alarm no matter what.

Yuya managed to wake up early and even though he was so comfortable and that he didn't want to leave Yuto, he needed to call Ruri or Shun. He knew Shun got up early to begin working so he might just call him knowing he had the cross dimension communication. He moved gently not to wake Yuto and unwrapped his arms and laid the raven's head on the pillow. Usually if his alarm wasn't set he wouldn't wake up but he managed today. He kind of had the feel that Ruri would want to have Yuto stay in Heartland alittle bit longer. He grabbed his duel disk and walked out of his room. It was really quiet in the house minus the dogs and the other animals were now up thanks to footsteps. He saw that his mom wasn't home so he guessed she must have went out. He sat at the table and called Shun.

Shun was working on electricity in someone's home when he received the call. He let one of the other workers know he was taking it and walked off to answer it, " Hello Yuya?" He asked.

" Hey Shun, so listen Yuto had a. . .nitemare last night and we were gonna head back to Heartland today and I don't think we should now; since he had one." Yuya explained.

" Where is he now?" Shun asked.

" Oh he's asleep I turned off my alarm so he could sleep in alittle." Yuya said.

" Well you two should stay maybe a few more days I know Yuto will not want to but just two more days or something." Shun said.

" That's what I was thinking, he was able to go back to sleep after but I just don't want him to go back and begin having them more." Yuya said sadly.

" Yeah well just try to get him to stay alittle longer and get him relaxed." Shun said.

" Alright later Shun." Yuya said hanging up before walking back upstairs into his room. Yuto was still asleep and he put his duel disk down then crawled back into bed and wrapped his arms around Yuto and laid there just admiring Yuto's sleeping face. Instinctively, Yuto shifted closer to Yuya again when he held him again, his subconscious already knowing there was warmth and comfort there that he definitely needed.

Yuto slept for another 20 minutes or so before he finally stirred, almost finding the waking up naturally to be. . .odd. He cracked his sleepy eyes open just a bit, trying to make sense of his blurred vision of Yuya's chest for a moment before he turned his sleepy eyes upwards to Yuya's partially blurred face.

Yuto rubbed the sleep from his eyes with the base of his palm and yawned, " Morning. . ." He mumbled.

Yuya opened his eyes and smiled, " Morning Yuto." He said as he leaned his head down to kiss Yuto's forhead, " How'd you sleep?" He asked sweetly as he kept his arms wrapped around him. He had not fallen back to sleep after calling Shun but he just rested his eyes for just abit. He wanted to keep watched Yuto sleeping, as how much that sounded creepy. He just looked so peaceful and beautiful when he was sleeping; not that he wasn't beautiful when he was awake.

Yuto blushed lightly, his heart getting a bit of a jump at the little kiss, " Mm. . .better the second time around." He replied, giving Yuya a sleepy smile. He could tell Yuya had been awake longer than him by how awake he seemed. Which. . .made him wonder something else, " No alarm today?" He noted with a yawn as he tried to wake up a bit better.

" That's good." he smiled at Yuto, He was glad to hear that Yuto slept good and he could tell that Yuto knew he had been up longer than he had been, " I shut my alarm off so you could sleep in alittle. Mom had made breakfest and it's still downstairs but she went out somewhere i'm not sure really." He explained, " Oh yeah I called Shun. . .I told him about you having a nitemare last night and he thinks you should stay alittle longer; just even two days. I agree we just want to make sure you're alright." He said.

Yuto frowned a bit, " I guess you really have been up for a while then." He noted, " Yuya, it doesn't matter where I am, I'm still going to have those nightmares." He pointed out. He did understand that this location was better for him to wake up in, but. . .if Yuya was wanting him to wait until they went away completely, well. . .it wasn't about to happen any time soon, "And I'm grateful that you were there for me last night and that you want to keep on helping me, but I can't stay here forever."

" I'm not asking you to stay here forever. I know where ever you are they are gonna happen no matter. I just don't want them coming back and you not be able to sleep." He said, leaning his head on Yuto's shoulder, " But if you'are gonna go back then i'm coming with you. I already know I said I was coming back but still." He said, " I would've been there for you no matter what and I always will." He said lacing his fingers with Yuto's. He knew he couldn't have Yuto stay here forever and guessed they could go to Heartland even if he didn't want him to.

Yuto was a little taken back by Yuya's dedication, falling momentarily speechless. It wasn't as though he didn't know that Yuya cared about him, but somehow that struck him particularly hard. Yuto looked away from Yuya, pressing his lips into a line in concentration as he thought it over, ". . .Good relationships are about compromise. So, since that's what I want for us, I'll compromise." He offered, " I'll stay just one more day, then we can go back to Heartland together." Yuya was being a good boyfriend to him right then so so should he.

Yuya smiled, " Alright that's alright with me. Now why don't we go downstairs to eat that breakfest mom left?" He suggested looking at the other. He was getting alittle hungry but didn't need to eat now if anything. He squeezed the other's hand slightly. He was glad that Yuto agreed to atleast one day. That's was acceptable for him. Yuto was right compromise was what good relationships were about so he would agree with atleast one more day then going back to Heartland.

" But Yuya, this means that even if I have another nightmare tonight, you can't try and stop me from going home tomorrow. Understood?" He urged him, a serious look in his eyes, just holding Yuya's hand to keep him from jumping up right that second. They could go eat, but he wanted to be sure he was clear with these terms first.

Yuya nodded, " Ok I know Yuto." he said, " I can't force you to stay here for so long." He added looked at Yuto. He knew he couldn't force Yuto to stay for so long. Even if Yuto had another nitemare it wasn't right, " I'm sorry Yuto." He apologized; he wasn't meaning to make it seem that Yuto had to stay he knew he wanted to go back to Heartland.

Yuto sighed softly, expression softening a bit, " Yuya. . .it's not that I don't like being here with you. I really have and do enjoy it, I just. . .have responsibilities that eat away at me if I ignore them for too long." He explained, " I'm sorry, I wish I didn't, but I just. . .I have to."

One day he wouldn't have these responsibilities and he'd be able to relax a bit, but. . .for then. . .

" We can go eat now." He offered, loosening his grip on Yuya's hand now. He didn't want to keep restricting him after all.

" I know and I have responsibilities as your boyfriend to worry about you, but I know rebuilding Heartland is important to you it's important to me as well." He said with a soft smile. One day Heartland would be better and everyone in Heartland, including Yuto will be happy to have their home back. Yuya got up from the bed and stretched ready to go downstairs to eat. He hadn't seen what his mom had made for breakfest he only knew that she made something.

Yuto smiled warmly at that, " I know, because you're a great boyfriend." He replied, relaxing more again. It was sweet to him how much Yuya wanted to help out with something that meant so much to Yuto. It was one of the many reasons why he liked him so much. Yuto got out of bed finally, following Yuya downstairs to check out the breakfast.

Yuya smiled at Yuto's words and lead him downstairs to see eggs, biscuits and gravy sitting on the table with two plates already out. His mom must've guessed they would sleep in alittle or she had something to do so she made sure to leave them some breakfest. He was use to having most of the breakfest gone because Sora would come and eat waiting for Yuya to wake up, but he hadn't and he probably guessed it was because of Yuto being here. He didn't mind that really but if he said something to Yuto then that would cross the line. Now he didn't have to worry about that darkness taking over so it was alright.

Somehow Yuto didn't think him being there would stop Sora. Honestly, he was surprised that he didn't show up more now that he was there, trying to defend his right as his close friend or something. But Yuto didn't know how often Sora tended to come over, so he couldn't know. He hadn't known Yuya when Sora used to do that after all, " Hmm. I imagine it's probably cold by now, so we'll probably have to reheat it." The teen mused.

" Yeah that's true." He giggled, " Or we could go out for breakfest." he suggested, it could be like a little date or something. He looked at Yuto at the idea; he thought it would be fun and they could eat breakfest and do something if anything, " Does that sound like a good idea?" He asked.

Yuto nodded carefully though hesitated, " I don't. . .have a lot of money, but I'm sure there's something I can get." Unfortunately, all of his work with Heartland was volunteer and everything was kind of shared, so. . .he didn't get money super often. Which. . .was something he wasn't entirely fond of. He would like it because he'd like to be able to treat Yuya to better things than just that cheap metal ring he'd given him.

He did find it very sweet that Yuya still seemed to be wearing it though.~ Yuya really was perfect.

" I'll pay." Yuya offered, " There are some places here that don't cost alot and I don't mind to pay for you Yuto." He added with a smile. He knew Yuto didn't have money but he loved him no matter what. Of course he would still wear the ring; it was given to him by the person he cherished most of all. He only wished he could give Yuto something in return; he knew Yuto wouldn't care about that kind of stuff but he could be wrong, but he wanted to give him somethhing in return to show him how much Yuto meant to him.

Yuya was giving him something right then really. And not to mention, his working so hard to help out with Heartland and his worrying and his help with Yuto's PTSD, he felt anything but short changed in their relationship. Yuto felt mildly guilty about this still, but he knew he didn't have a choice. It was that or not be able to go out with Yuya at all, which would ruin his fun too, ". . .Alright. But one day, I'll pay you back for all this, I promise. One day, I'll be the one able to treat you." He smiled weakly. He wanted that so badly, but he knew right then wasn't the time for it.

Yuya smiled, " You don't have to worry about that Yuto I want to treat you. As long as i'm with you I don't mind to." He said. He didn't mind to treat Yuto he was his guest and he was the host after all. As long as Yuto and him were having fun that was all that mattered to him. He wasn't really someone who cared all that much about money. It was mostly the fun he had that he liked really. He laced his fingers with Yuto's, he thought it was sweet that Yuto wanted to treat him too and he knew that one day he would but just not now; which he didn't mind as long as he was with Yuto that was all he needed.

Yuto nodded, " I know, because you're very sweet like that, but one day, Yuya, I promise I will." He swore to him, giving his hand a little squeeze, " And I know I don't have to, but I want to." He clarified. One day he hoped he'd be able to give Yuya anything he could ever want. . .Maybe that was a bit too optimistic, but at the very least, he would like to be able to treat him and to occasionally be able to buy him nice things, " But that aside, did you have a place in mind?" He questioned, still of course having no idea about these kinds of places in Standard.

Yuya smiled with a small blush, " You're just so sweet." He purred softly kissing the other on the cheek, " Just so sweet." He added, " Umm there's a small breakfest place down the street we can go to." He said, " It has good food." he smiled looking at the other beginning to drool slightly at the thought of the place's food, " We can go get dressed then head out there." He said.

Yuto grinned, " Hmm, well if you think that highly of it, then it must be good." He allowed, heading back upstairs so they could go get dressed.

Yuto was pleased that Yuya was happy with Yuto, even if all he could do was make promises right then. But he was determined to keep them. Yuto wasn't the kind of person to say something and not go about doing it, even if it killed him doing it. . .Although he'd already sort of died in Yuya's arms once, so he'd prefer to avoid that part again if he could. Yuto got his clothes and went to the bathroom to change this time.

Yuya grinned back and watched Yuto grab his clothes and go into the bathroom before he changed into his clothes, minus his goggles. Feeling he didn't want to wear them today really. He knew Yuto would keep his promises he always did. Once he got dressed he waited for Yuto to come back in to head out. He heard meowing and looking down and picked up the kitten petting him softly, " I know you need loving too." He said with a soft giggle and the kitten purred happily.

Yuto returned to the room soon enough and grinned, " Didn't take that long for you to replace me with another Yuto I see." He teased lightly, going to join Yuya on the bed edge. He pet the kitten softly as well. He did find it a little odd still that Yuya named the kitten after him, but. . .It was sweet all the same. He wondered if he'd done that because he'd missed him.

Yuya giggled, " Of course not." He said with a smile, " He was just meowing and I decided to give him some love while I wait." He added with a grin as he looked down at the kitten who was purring more loudly now that he was getting extra loving.

Yuya kind of felt embarrassed that Yuto knew he named the kitten after him. He named him after Yuto because he had missed Yuto so much and his mom thought it was a beautiful name for the kitten just didn't understand why he named him after his lookalike, but he guessed she understood now.

He set the kitten on the bed and got up, " Ok Yuto we're leaving now but we'll be back later." he said giving the kitten one last pat before looking at his boyfriend, " Ready?"

Yuto chuckled, " Mm, even though I know, it still throws me off when you say my name like that." he noted, having thought Yuya was talking to him for a moment at first, " Yes, let's go." He agreed, getting to his feet again. He liked being able to go out and do things with Yuya, so he was pleased that they could. Today would be his last relaxing day before he went back to work again.

Yuya smiled and giggled, " Sorry if it's weird that I named him after you. He's just cute like you. . .and well those few days I came back to Standard I missed you so I named him after you and he liked the name." He said and blushed. Yuya held Yuto's hand and lead them out of the house and down the street to the breakfest place he was talking about and walked inside with him.

Yuto raised a brow at that, " You think I'm cute?" he questioned, not having gotten that before. . .Well. Aside from from Yuya's mother, but that was also them as a unit that was cute. Yuto smirked a bit when a different thought came to him, " Well I guess I do have the same face as you after all."

" You are cute Yuto and not because we share the same face." He giggled, " Because you are cute and sweet." He added.

It was those sit and order places. The waitress walked over, " Hello you two is it just the two of you today?" She asked as Yuya nodded and she lead them to their table. They got to their table and sat down as she handed them the menus, " Do you two know what you want to drink?" She asked.

Yuto followed Yuya to the restuarant, noting it being bustling despite it being a bit later in the morning and a weekday, which he imagined spoke pretty well for it, " Just water is fine for me, thank you." he gave her a polite smile.

" A water will fine with me as well." He said as she wrote it down on her pad.

" Alright I'll go get your drinks for you two." She said and walked up giving them some time to figure out what they wanted to eat. Yuya opened the menu but didn't know what he wanted right now, but he would find something eventually that looked good for him.

Yuto still wasn't so sure 'cute' was the word to describe him, but he supposed a lot of people felt that way about themselves. He wondered if Yuya even knew how cute he was. He had to though, right? It was impossible to miss. Yuto scanned his menu as well, having no idea what to pick. Instinctively though, he looked at the simple, less expensive side, only wanting to get what he needed rather than picking something that was dressed up all fancy or anything like that.

Yuya finally decided he would get some strawberry pancakes. He loved their strawberry pancakes even though they don't compare to his mom's. He didn't know what Yuto would pick but if he hadn't picked anything then they could just let the waitress know they weren't ready.

That's when the waitress walked over to them with their drinks, " Are you two ready to order?" She asked looking at the both of them.

Yuto just ordered a simple eggs, bacon, and toast dish, not really needing anything more complex than that. It would be enough to feed him and it should be tasty regardless, so he would be happy to have it. He waited for Yuya to order next, taking a sip of the water they had gotten.

" Alright." She said writing down Yuto's order then looked at Yuya, " And for you sir?" She asked.

" I want the Strawberry Pancakes." He ordered as she wrote it down.

" Alright we'll have it out to you two as soon as we can." She said with a smile as she walked off once again.

Yuya was good to just have pancakes really, they were so big anyway so he would be full from them, " Their bacon, eggs and toast are so good as well." He said with a smile.

Yuto couldn't help but grin. Even Yuya's food choices were cute. "Mm, I'll have to see then." he replied, not regretting his choice. Yuto liked more simple things typically anyway. He could handle too many sweets. He liked a little, but having a whole plate of strawberry pancakes seemed like a bit much for him.

But again. These were all just little cute things about Yuya. He knew how much he loved pancakes.

Yuya smiled warmingly, he seemed like Yuto wouldn't be much of a person who coulf eat sweets. Yuya had a sweet tooth and especially with it being pancakes he could eat them really all day. Ok maybe he could if he didn't get sick.

Soon enough the waitress came with their plates and set them on the table, " Is there anything else you boys will need?" She asked looking at the both of them.

" I'm fine, thanks." He gave her another one of his polite, charming smiling, " Yuya?" he questioned, turning his attention to him. He wasn't going to send her away without making sure that Yuya had what he needed first too of course. His food did small rather good though. He could tell already why Yuya had wanted to come to this place.

" I'm fine as well." Yuya said looking at her with a smile as she nodded and walked off. He cut up his pancakes and covered them in syrup and butter. It tasted so good that he could dig in t it. He would have to make sure to tip the waitress for her excellant work and tell the cook how good the food was before he left. He could see that Yuto was loving the smell of his food and he smiled, " Let's dig in." He said cheerfully before taking a forkfull of the pancake in his mouth loving the taste.

Yuto nodded, taking a bite of his eggs, "Mm! This is good!" he agreed, getting more into it. It was a good suggestio, " Do you and Yuzu come here often? Or Gongenzaka?" He questioned, just wanting to hear more about Yuya's life. They honestly didn't know each other super well despite being so close, so there was a lot Yuto would still like to learn. And of course, if Yuya ever asked him anything about himself, he'd answer it all too.

" Me, Yuzu and Gonzenzaka have came here before, my mom and dad had showed me this place when I was younger and we use to go alot together." He said with a soft smile, " But after awhile me and Yuzu made this a normal place to go to after school and occassionally we would ask Gonzenzaka to come as well." he added.

He smiled sadly thinking about all the times him, his mom and dad would come in and have fun together.

Yuto nodded, " Well that sounds nice." he smiled, " I feel a little bad for taking your time away from your best friends like this, but I'm happy that you wanted to bring me here too. It sounds like this place has special meaning for you after all." he noted, feeling privilaged in that way.

He could see Yuya's mood dip a bit, but maybe Yuya didn't need to think so sadly about something like this. It was good memories after all.

" It's alright, Yuzu understands that I want to spend time with you while you visit. I'm not sure about Gonzenzaka I know he misses me when I go to Heartland from what Yuzu tells me." He said, " But they understand." He said holding Yuto's hand, " Of course and I only want to bring the most special person to me here as well." he said. He tried not to think of those sad memories, he still came here from time to time with his mom and his friends and had fun so he needed to keep remembering that.

Yuto smiled tenderly at Yuya, carefully lacing his fingers with Yuya's, giving his hand a squeeze, " That's a title I will cherish very dearly." He assured him softly, partially trying to distract him from any sad thoughts he might be having. Yuto didn't like seeing Yuya sad, but he knew there was nothing he could do to change things that already happened. He knew that better than anyone. Luckily for him, every part of his meal only needed one hand to eat, so he could keep holding Yuya's hand for now, gently stroking the side with his thumb.

Yuya smiled warmingly, he loved to hold Yuto's hand, probably as much as he loved to kiss the other. He was glad to hear that, because he cherished Yuto so much and was glad Yuto did the same. He took a drink of his water feeling his throat dry from the pancakes. He was glad that Yuto loved the food and loved this place as well. He still could eat his pancakes with one hand since they were already cut up as he kept holding Yuto's hand.

It was a little embarrassing when the waitress came backand caught them holding hands, though Yuya didn't seem like he was loosening his grip at all. Luckily the waitress didn't seem to mind much, though she did make a comment on having thought they were brothers since they looked so much alike. Yuya didn't mind to hold his hand and neither did the waitress since she hadn't said anything other than thinking that they were brothers. He could understand that some people would see them as twins because they didn't know about the whole dimensional counterparts thing. He wasn't gonna let go unless Yuto wanted him too; he smiled at the other as he finished his pancakes. He made sure to wipe his mouth with the napkin that was there so he didn't have anything on his face.

Yuto got an embarrassed blush from the whole thing, though he didn't let go of Yuya's hand. There was no point at this point because she'd already seen and made a comment, plus. . .he liked holding his hand. He loved just how perfectly they seemed to fit together. . .~

Yuya smiled with a slight blush that Yuto didn't let go of his hand. He waited for Yuto to finish eating before pulling his wallet out and grabbing some money and putting it on the table, " Ready to go?" He asked looking at the other. He took another sip of his water, finishing the glass before setting it back down on the table.

Yuto nodded, " Sure. Since I'm not leaving, did you want to actually try and have that duel today?" He offered. Since he wasn't leaving and now Yuya didn't have any darkness left in his heart if Sora said something inappropriate again that was.

Yuya smiled, " Sure today will be good to have that duel.~" He said cheerfully, since they wouldn't be leaving today would be a good chance to have that duel. He agreed that it would be fun to have. He didn't have to worry about the darkness now so it should be ok to duel.

" Do you want to call Yuzu ahead of time, or should we just show up?" He questioned, heading out of the restaurant with him now that they were full and paid. Yuto was happy to be able to spend this time with his boyfriend. Yuya meant so much to him and he wanted to keep him close for as long as he possibly could.

" Um we could go ahead and go there." He said as they walked outside of the restaurant. He loved spending time with Yuto and wanted to keep him close forever. They could go ahead and walk over to You Show and ask which Yuzu will probably have a arena set up or something. He didn't know but it would hurt to go see.

Yuto nodded, " I guess since we didn't go through with it twice now, she might think we're bluffing." He noted with some amusement. Hopefully this time they would be able to though. He loved watching Yuya perform. He always lit up so well.

Yuya giggled, " I bet, but I think she will know we can actually do it now. Nothing should get in the way of us dueling now." he smiled. They should be able to do it now, should be able to have their duel now without anything getting in the way. No darkness, no issues, nothing at all.

Yuto nodded at that, " My affliction had a schedule of sorts, so it shouldn't get in the way either." And, although a bit more tired than usual, he wasn't so tired it would make him unable to duel, " I'm looking forward to seeing you duel." He smiled.

" I'm looking forward as well." He said with a bright smile as he took the other's hand and lead him to the familar school and walked in. They looked around to look for Yuzu and finally found her dueling Gonzenzaka in a action duel.

Yuto noticed they seemed pretty close to the end, though Yuzu noticed them first, " Oh! Yuya!" She exclaimed, taking a step as if to leave.

"Wait!" Boomed Gongenzaka's strong voice, freezing the girl, " We are having a duel, Yuzu, and we must fight it honorably to the end! As true duelists!" He urged her firmly.

Yuto had to say, Yuya's best friend had an intense aura. . .But then again, so did his. Just. . .different.

Yuya giggled, " Finish the duel Yuzu then we can talk." He said watching them with Yuto. He could see the duel was close to being over. He knew he was gonna be expecting Gonzenzaka's crushing hug when they were finished though. He hadn't told Gonzenzaka he had came back from Heartland with Yuto. He thought he was busy training and really didn't think of it at the time.

Yuto watched as the duel came to completion with Yuzu's victory, the two then leaving the room.

" YUYAAA!" Gongenzaka exclaimed before pulling Yuya into a tight hug. He'd missed his best friend! " Yuzu told me you have been home for a couple days. I apologize! My father had me doing some training and I could not leave to come see you." He explained.

Yuto let go of Yuya's hand, feeling a little awkward to be holding it when Yuya was getting hugged really. But it was fine.

Yuzu walked over to them and giggled when Gonzenzaka pulled Yuya into his hugs knowing it was gonna happen, " I thought you two were heading back to Heartland today?" She asked looking at the both of them.

Yuya felt the other tightly hug him, " I missed you too Gonzenzaka and it's alright." He said, " Can you let me go now?" He asked.

Yuto nodded, not really wanting to talk about his private issues, " We decided to stay another day. But tomorrow we will." Yuto explained simply without really explaining anything.

Gongenzaka released Yuya, then turned his attention to Yuto next, " So you're the one Yuya has interest in?" He questioned, a serious expression on his face as if he was scrutinizing him.

Yuto wasn't entirely phased by glares thanks to his own best friend, but he was a little surprised, " Um. Yes." He agreed.

Yuzu nodded and smiled, " Well that's good, I can only guess you two are here to have that duel?" She asked not gonna ask any further on the matter. She loved to have them both here in Standard but knew they would have to go back soon though. She needed to go and hang out with Ruri sometime. Yuya blushed and looked at Gonzenzaka, but he wasn't mad just embarrassed that Yuzu had told him. He could see that Yuto was unfazed by the glare. He could see that Gonzenzaka was just looking out for him. Now that he thought about it he didn't think the two had really met. Yuto figured Yuya could field that question since he suddenly had someone else demanding his focus.

" And what are your intentions with him?" Gongenzaka urged firmly, definitely protective of his best friend. He would always watch out for him.

Yuto hadn't really been prepared for this kind of questioning right then, but a question like that he could answer easily, " To protect and take care of him." He replied simply before continuing, " And make sure that he's happy and smiling." He added in, getting a bit of a blush. He meant it all, but it was at least a little bit embarrassing.

" But yeah Yuzu we want to duel today." Yuya said turning towards Yuzu with a smile while Yuto was being interigated.

Yuzu smiled and nodded. " Alright that's fine since me and Gonzenzaka just finished our duel and it's been forever since you've dueled right?" She asked.

" Yeah it has and I've always wanted to duel against Yuto." He said getting a small blush from what Yuto said.

" You. You are Kurosaki's best friend, are you not?" Gongenzaka questioned, making Yuto raise an eyebrow.

"Uh. Yes. Shun and I have been best friends for a very long time." he replied, wondering where that could possibly be going. Gongenzaka slammed a hand down on Yuto's shoulder, clasping it, making Yuto flinch a bit.

" I, Gongenzaka, will trust you on your word as a man!" He boomed, " Kurosaki is a good man and best friends of good men are picked very carefully. Just as I have Yuya as my own." He told him. Yuto felt rather weird about this. Wait. So he was going to get permission to be with Yuya because of Shun? Well that. . .was different.

Yuzu giggled, " Alright Gonzenzaka that's enough." She said, " I think they want to have their duel now." She added as she then looked at the two, " Right?" She asked.

" Gonzenzaka, Yuto is an amazing person and he treats me well." Yuya said locking his arms with Yuto's, " You don't have to worry." He said, he knew Gonzenzaka had approved but he wanted his best friend to know he didn't have to worry. He then turned to Yuzu and nodded, " Yep right Yuto?" he asked looking at the other.

Yuto blushed, though he felt happy that Yuya was talking him up, even if just a little bit. Yuto cared very deeply for Yuya though, so his opinion of him of course meant the most. Still, it was good to have the approval of Yuya's friends and family too. He certainly had a lot of close friends Yuto had to get past though. On his part, Shun had been surprisingly accepting really. Ruri too even. But he was pleased with that. It wasn't like he really wanted Shun or Ruri to disapprove after all. Not that it would have made a difference.

Yuto nodded, " Yes, I'd like that." He smiled.

Yuzu nodded, " Alright." She smiled, " I'll go get it set up but it won't take long to do that." She added before going to go get it ready.

Yuya watched Yuzu go get the duel settled up and then looked at Yuto. He cared very deeply for Yuto, and he was glad his mom, and his friends accepted him; even if they didn't he would still date Yuto no matter what. He was glad Ruri and Shun approved even though Shun disliked him; but he could see that Shun was warming up to him, " Ready for our duel?" He asked.

Yuto smiled at Yuya and nodded. He wanted to kiss his temple, but he didn't feel like he exactly had the courage too with how Gongenzaka was still watching them carefully as if still trying to decide on some level. Or at least that was how it felt anyway. He understood, though. If the situation was reversed, he'd feel the same way. . .that would be an odd reversal though that he hoped never happened. He would rather be Yuya's boyfriend. . .not that there was anything against having him as a best friend either.

" Let your dueling show me your spirit!" Gongenzaka encouraged, making Yuto nodded, looking at him again. He wondered what exactly he wanted from him for that though. He didn't play aggressive like Shun or showy like Yuya, if that's what he meant. . .now he was starting to worry if he would pass this test. Yuto headed into the room with Yuya, separating from him so he could take his position. His first action duel. This. . .would be interesting. He was starting to get a little nervous.

Yuya smiled and headed to the other side and stood ready for the duel to begin. He could see Yuto was kind of nervous and gave him a reassuring smile that it would be ok. Yuya nodded at Gonzenzaka's words. He knew Yuto wasn't use to action duels but he knew he would do good.

Yuzu gave the thumbs up to show them they were ready to go, " Ok you two get ready." She said before starting the solid vision up to begin the duel.

Yuto scanned his surroundings as his surrounding became bright and lit up and for a second he had a bit of a heart attack thinking it might have been the Heartland field card before he realized it was just a more flashy one. No. Heartland wasn't like this. Yuto watched awkwardly as Yuya and his friends chatted their opening action duel line. That felt way too embarrassing for him. He started first though, setting some cards face down and summoning one of his Phantom Knights. Yuto was a bit distracted, not really thinking about how he needed to look for action cards until after he saw Yuya do it. Right. Okay. Yuto was at least pretty nimble, so the jumping from place to place wasn't that hard. It was just a little weird, his first jump having made him think he'd just fall right through.

You Show didn't have the Heartland spell card there. It wasn't that it was bad or anything, Yuya didn't really think they would have it like Reiji did and if they did then maybe Yuya hadn't picked it knowing it would be hard for them both to duel in. It was suppose to be a fun duel. Yuya had drew a card and set Timegazer and Stargazer and set the pendulum summon Silverclaw, Hip Hippo, and Odd-Eyes onto the field and hopped onto the dragon's back. He had Odd-Eyes attack Yuto's Phantom Knight. Before remembering Yuto's face down cards. Yuya was calling out to the crowd of course having fun and every chance he could he would smile at Yuto. He could tell Yuto was starting to get the hang of things really and was glad; he knew Solid Vision was something Yuto wasn't use to even though he had watched Yuya duel before.

Yuto managed to grab an action card: evade, pleased to have been able to try that out. He waited for Yuya to attack with his other monsters before triggering his traps, uping his monster's attack points enough that they could take out Yuya's monster instead. Yuto played more defensively in general, never having been one for super aggressive unless he needed to. Yuto proceeded into his XYZ monsters, enjoying the challenge Yuya's Pendulum monsters gave him. They were tricky, but Yuto could figure it out. At the least, Odd-Eyes special ability would never hit him, he knew that. But still, having it come back so frequently was trouble. He could see why Pendulum was so popular. He could see how easy that would make it for Yuya to XYZ too if he had those monsters still. But he saw its weakness too, Yuya's constant lack of hand. He knew if he could break down those scales, he could hinder Yuya enough that he might be able to win. Yuto played smart. Defensive, but smart. He preferred to prevent things from happening before they got out of hand. He knew plenty well from dueling Shun not to let someone complete their combos.

Yuya attacked with his two other monsters having Yuto activate his traps raising his monster's attacks. He jumped on Odd-Eyes back catching a action card; it being Miracle Silverclaw had been destroyed but Hip Hippo was saved and damage was halved. Silverclaw went to his extra deck. Yuya kind of knew Yuto's strategy but having only dueled him that one time he didn't really know it, but he could tell Yuto knew his. He was glad that Yuto was getting a handle on action duels and smiled. He noticed how different Yuto played from him, then Yugo and Yuri. They all had a different strategy for the way they dueled, but he knew just because they shared a same face didn't mean they had to share the same strategy. He loved the challenge that Yuto was giving him though. He knew Odd-Eyes ability would never be able to hit Yuto's monsters but he could still destroy them. He had managed to destroy one of Yuto's Phantom Knights causing some lost of life points.

The duel progressed fairly well, Yuto finding versing Yuya to be rather challenging, but he went to a pro duel school, so even if he was a little out of practice, his talents and quick intellect along with a little draw luck ended up winning him the duel. Yuto let out a breath as the Solid Vision started disappearing around them, " That was some duel." He noted. He felt it was a little touch and go there a few times, but somehow he managed to pull through.

Yuya smiled as the duel ended and the solid vision disappeared, " It was." He agreed with a nod as he walked over to Yuto, " You're good at dueling Yuto." He complimented looking at his boyfriend.

He had fun with their duel even though he lost against Yuto. He didn't mind that he lost really. Yuzu smiled and walked up to the two, " You both did good." She complimented looking at them. The duel had been fun to watch really loving to see them both be so happy and have fun especially after what happened yesterday.

Yuto grinned, " So are you. Your pendulums are really something." He noted to him. And so was he. He was about to say it before Yuzu came up, him ending up just swallowing his words instead.

Gongenzaka approached them as well, " Yuya! Such strong dueling spirit as always!" He complimented him. Yuto grinned. Yuya had really shined when he dueled.

"If I hadn't snagged that last action card before Yuya could get it in that last turn, that might have been it for me." he noted, remembering having looked at the card after and noticing it would have been trouble. He just had had that instinct to grab it before Yuya could just in case.

Yuya smiled, " Your Xyz are awesome as well." He complimented, " Thanks Yuzu and you too Gonzenzaka." He thanked. He loved to see Yuto duel that he was having fun as well. Xyz was a awesome summoning as well and how Yuto used his Xyz was something else as well, " If I had gotten that card then it would be different but you were just faster than me." He giggled, he hadn't seen the card in time until Yuto had grabbed it winning the duel. It was a fun duel overall and glad that he was able to have it with Yuto, " We'll have to duel again." He added.

Yuto chuckled, " Mm, I knew it could have been bad if you had. Action cards really do add something else to the game." He noted, " We will. I'll duel with you any time, Yuya." He replied easily, " It was fun." He had really enjoyed being able to do it. He did feel just a little worn out though. That had been a lot of moving. He wouldn't be surprised if Yuya was a little worn out too really.

Yuya normally felt tired after a action duel unless he rode on his duel monsters, " Thanks Yuzu for letting us use the Solid Vision." He thanked. In which she shook her head and smiled.

" It's no problem at all Yuya anytime you want to come here and duel just let me know." She said, " You two must be tired." She said seeing that they were worn out.

" Just alittle bit." Yuya said with a soft giggle.

" It was a very action oriented duel." Yuto agreed. He probably should have interacted with his monsters more, but Yuto had primarily relied on his own strength and abilities to get where and what he needed. That had taken a lot out of him.

Gongenzaka slammed his hand down on Yuto's shoulder again, earning another jolt from the boy, " Your dueling shows your intentions better than words ever could!" he exclaimed to him, confusing the other boy.

"Huh?"

Yuya giggled, " Hey Gonzenzaka can you lighten up with the shoulder smack down on Yuto's shoulder abit." He said noticing the jolt; he knew they could heard especially how hard the other made them. Yuya knowing how hard he made them as well.

Yuzu even didn't understand what Gonzenzaka was meaning either, " Huh?" She even said; didn't know if what he was saying was good or bad really. Sometimes Gonzenzaka was hard to understand but Yuya could understand him more than anything since he was Gonzenzaka's best friend and knew him longer.

Yuto's eye shifted to Yuya before back to Gongenzaka again. Well whatever that meant, he supposed it wasn't negative if Yuya was laughing like that. He hadn't put up with Sora dissing him anyway, so if it was negative, he probably would have said something here too he imagined.

Gongenzaka crossed his arms, giving Yuto a grin, " You play defensively, but aren't afraid to attack when you need to. Your duel style must reflect on who you are as a person. That is what I, Gongenzaka, believe in!" He explained.

Yuto still wasn't entirely sure how that meant anything for his intentions towards Yuya though. He glanced to Yuya with confusion, hoping he might be able to explain a bit better for him. Yuya giggled, " He loves the way you duel because in a way he duels similarly, and he accepts the way you duel and gives you permission." He said, " That your intentions are good." He added, hoping he was right anyway but he could guess he was right about it. He looked over to Yuzu and nodded.

" Well anyway have you two eaten yet? Since this is your last day before going back to Heartland we can go out for lunch if you are." Yuzu asked looking at them, " And of course Gonzenzaka you can come as well. Only if he's hungry as well." She asked. If not then that was fine.

Gongenzaka nodded, " You will protect Yuya." He added in. Yuto raised a brow at that, surprised that was even in question.

" Of course I will." He replied with a bit of surprise in his tone. There was doubt of that? Well he supposed that Gongenzaka didn't know him very well. Yuto didn't know him very well either. Yuto looked at Yuya slightly guiltily. He still didn't really have money, so it would be up to him really. He felt bad making him pay for two meals in a row though.

Yuya smiled to hear that; he knew Yuto would protect him there was never any doubt in that. Just as he would protect Yuto. Gonzenzaka didn't really know Yuto that well but knew he trusted Yuto, but he was glad his best friend trusted Yuto enough to take care of him really; especially in Heartland. Yuya looked at Yuto, he knew Yuto felt guilty for not having any money. He laced his fingers with Yuto's and gave him a reassuring squeeze, " It's ok Yuzu we're worn out anyway and i'm not that hungry." He said, he wasn't lying really. He had been worn out from the duel and he knew Yuto was as well. He wasn't really hungry either.

Yuto blushed when Yuya took his hand, still not quite used to this kind of thing in front of other people. Even if it was small, it felt like a lot to him, even just this making his heart race. Still, he gave Yuya's hand a little squeeze in return, not about to let go of it. If Yuya wanted to hold his hand, then he would never deny him that. Yuto couldn't say that he didn't want to either.

" You are returning back to Heartland again tomorrow, Yuya?" Gongenzaka questioned him, not having known that part so much.

" Oh yeah, we were gonna go back today but we decided to stay one more day." He said; half lying. He wasn't about to tell them the reason why they stayed, it wasn't really something they should know and he knew Yuto wouldn't want them to know and he wasn't about to tell them, " Sorry that I didn't tell you earlier Gonzenzaka. I'm going back to Heartland with Yuto and i'm not sure when i'll be back but I know i'll be back before school starts back up." He explained looking at his best friend. He felt bad that he didn't try to see his best friend or keep him in the loop, but he had guessed Yuzu had told him, " I just want to help out with work there and. . .spend some time with Yuto before school starts back up." He said blushing.

Yuto did appreciate that Yuya didn't tell them. He wasn't very proud of his PTSD. He didn't like many people knowing about it. It was a very. . .weak and fragile side of him, " Well the very longest he'll be staying with me is 5 days." he clarified, then looked to Yuya, " Then he has to come back here for at least a couple days. As much as I appreciate the help and like having him around, it's better for his psyche to not be in such a presently depressing place for too long." Yuto confirmed for them, solid on that. 5 days was still a long time though.

Yuya looked at Yuto and nodded agreeing with the other, he knew Yuto worried about his mental state while he was in Heartland. He knew it wasn't really anyone's business about Yuto's PTSD. He knew Yuto wouldn't want anyone to know about that; just as Yuya didn't anyone knowing about the darkness he held, well use to hold anyway.

" Yeah, so I should be back soon." He said with a smile looking at his two friends then at his boyfriend.

" Yuya it's alright we understand that rebuilding Heartland is important to you; just be careful ok? I know Yuto is there to make sure you're safe though so I know you're alright." Yuzu said with a smile.

" Your efforts are honorable and I, Gongenzaka, respect that!" The rather large teen, boom, patting Yuya on the back with just a bit of force.

Yuto grinned, giving Yuya's hand a little squeeze, " It is. I really appreciate him coming to help out." He agreed. It meant a lot to him that Yuya would want to do that even though he didn't have to. And not only that, but so frequently. It meant a lot to him that what Yuto found important, Yuya took interest in too. Subtly, he stroked Yuya's hand his his thumb, just a tiny bit when he felt like no one was looking. He just wanted to give Yuya just that tiny bit of extra affection to show him that he really was happy with him.

Yuya smiled at the pat on his back; despite it having alittle too much force. It made him feel happy he was able to do something for Heartland even if it was small. He was really happy with Yuto and smiled at him.

" It's good to hear that Yuya helps out over there." Yuzu smiled. She had saw it but she didn't let them know because she knew they were awkward when it came to public affection. She understood it would be really. But she thought it was cute really how Yuto treated Yuya and how Yuya was with Yuto.

Yuto nodded, " Yuya is a big help. I'm happy to have him." He agreed, then blushed, " Um. . .helping wise. Well-" He cut off, starting to get a bit flustered at his own slip up. Both ways. He was happy to have Yuya both ways.

" Well i'm kind of worn out with that duel ready to head home?" Yuya asked looking at Yuto.

He heard Yuya's offer, seeing that as an easy out. "Yes, let's go." he agreed, feeling rather flustered by all this.