Masami: Are we ready?

Cast and Crew: yes

Masami: Then why the hell are you standing around here? GET INTO YOUR PLACES!

(everyone takes their place on the stage)

Masami: Lights, Roll Camera!...ACTION!

XxX

Chapter Nine: Cinderella

Monday

"It's about time you opened up, Ushio." He walked inside, completely ignoring what his second in command was saying. He sat down on the couch and rested his muddy boots on the coffee table. "So give me an update. What's been going on with Yuugi and that other guy?"

Ushio sat across from him. "Yami and the shrimp started dating. I think one of my guys said they've gone on three or four dates all ready."

He scoffed. "I get it. Trying to steal my Yuugi away is he?"

"You're after the shrimp?"

He rolled his eyes. "I told you over the phone. Me and Yuugi have a history together. Now that I know where his bitch of a stepsister took him to, we can pick up where we left off."

Ushio blinked. 'Why would the boss want that shrimp? He's not good for anything accept for beating up whenever you're angry.'

The boss smiled. "So tell me, where does Yuugi live?"

XxX

Still Monday

Yuugi took a deep breath and slowly let it out. He was glad he had a chance to breath. This past weekend had been so busy, Yuugi could barely think before something else happened.

At least now it was Monday. Once he was finished cleaning the halls with Yami, he could go home and wait for Mai to leave so he could celebrate Seto and Jou's two-year anniversary. "Yami, where are we going for the celebration tonight?"

The teen thought about it for a minute. "I can't remember. Don't worry, it's a safe place."

Yuugi smiled. "Oh I know. I trust you guys."

Yami looked around with his hands on his hips. "I think that's it then. I'm done here."

"I'm just about done." The teen looked over at his boyfriend and smiled. Yuugi was gently scratching at a clump of dirt on the window. "You know, the windows don't have to be perfectly clean."

Yuugi smiled. "Well in my book they do. Every time I was told to clean my room, it was absolutely spotless. You could almost see yourself in the carpet! It was the rules of the house after all so I had to obey them."

Yami half smiled. "I guess it's a good rule to live by."

'Not when you know the consequences.' But Yuugi just smiled and nodded. Finally, he finished and together they put everything away. Yami smiled and held Yuugi's hands. "So I'll see you tonight?"

The boy smiled and nodded. "Yes."

Yami leaned in and gave Yuugi a small kiss on the cheek. "Good. We'll pick you up tonight at 6:00 sharp for the celebration."

"All right. I'll see you then, Yami."

The teen nodded and turned around, but looked over his shoulder. "Until six, Yuugi-chan."

By now, Yuugi was used to all of the pet names Yami had given him. But 'Yuugi-chan' was the one that really bothered him. It had been used on him before . . . but maybe it was different with Yami. Yuugi met up with Mai and after getting all of their things, they walked home in silence.

On the way home, Yuugi was biting his lip. 'I don't know. Maybe I should talk to Yami about it. After all, he's my boyfriend. We should talk to each other about what we're feeling. But not tonight. I don't wanna ruin anything for Seto and Jou. I'll tell him on our date on Tuesday. For now, let's just take it one day at a time.'

Mai looked at Yuugi out of the corner of her eye. "What are you so happy about?"

"Nothing."

Mai scoffed. She knew something was up. Yuugi was never this happy before. What was it that could have filled his heart with such joy?

--

Yuugi shot down the stairs and hugged Yami as the door opened. "Yami! I'm so excited! I can't wait!"

Yami coughed. The unexpected embrace had knocked a bit of his wind out, but he was happy Yuugi was so eager. He took Yuugi's hand in his and pulled him down to the limo. They slid inside and sat across from Seto, Jou and Honda. Yuugi smiled. "Congratulations Seto-san! Happy anniversary Jou-kun!"

"Thanks Yuugi." Seto said. "I'm glad you came with us. The restaurant we're going to is Domino City's finest ever!"

His smile widened. "That's so cool! I can't wait! This is going to be really fun. But . . . I wish I had a gift to give you two."

"Please! Yuugi, we don't need anything from you." Jou grinned. "Today isn't about presents. It's about our anniversary and that's it."

Seto nodded. "I'm just glad you could come."

They arrived at the restaurant. Yuugi shyly held Yami's hand and smiled at him. The group walked in together and stood in the small line. When it was their turn, the waiter smiled.

"Konbonwa, Kaiba-san-tachi!" The woman bowed respectfully. "Welcome to Yoshikuni. My name is Yuko and I'll be your waitress. If you'll follow me, I will show you to your reserved table."

They followed Yuko through the maze like restaurant to the very back where a large, empty booth was literally roped off so no one would trespass. Yuko removed the rope to allow them entrance. "How does everyone feel for water as a starter?"

Seto nodded. "Yes, that's fine."

"And will anyone be needing any drinks tonight?" Knowing she was referring to alcohol, Seto shook his head.

"Excellent." Yuko handed everyone a menu while listing off the specials. She then left to service other people. But apparently, Yuugi had something very urgent he had to talk to her about. Why else would he have climbed over Yami to chase after her? Yami stood up. "Yuugi, what's wrong?"

Jou waved his hand. "Just let him go. He probably has to use the bathroom."

The teen sat down again. "So how has it been going with him, Yami? Is he ok?" Seto asked.

Yami nodded. "Yeah, so far it's been going just fine. I don't think there's anything we need to be worried about right now. He hasn't had any asthma attacks and Yuugi seems really happy. Then again, he's not really the one I'm worried about."

Seto raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"It happened a while ago. But it's been bothering me for so long now." Yami leaned in with the others. "Before Yuugi and I started going out, we had a talk when we were cleaning the halls on the second floor. We finished cleaning early that day. It was the first day of his new job and he had some spare time so I just held him for a while. We had started to fall asleep but I heard someone take a picture of us."

Seto frowned. He knew what that meant. Anyone could use that picture as blackmail or information. This was not good.

"I know it was one of Ushio's friends. But for some reason he hasn't made any move on it. He's barely even looked at us. It's really worrying me. I'm scared of what he might try to pull on Yuugi."

Seto nodded. "He has seemed pretty quiet. More then usual at least."

"I know. But Yuugi doesn't know about it."

"I don't know about what?" Everybody sat back and smiled at Yuugi, seeing that he had returned. Yami moved over so Yuugi could sit beside him again. "Oh nothing. Just a surprise I have for you later."

Yuugi smiled contently and the night went on. It was a wonderful celebration filled with laughter and happiness. Before the food was served, Seto presented Jou with a beautiful silver dog tag. The inscription said 'Name: Katsuya Jounouchi. If lost please return me to my owner Kaiba Seto.'

It was a bit of a joke since Seto always calls Jou 'puppy', but Jou didn't mind that much. He laughed and accepted the present.

Yuugi smiled upon the two lovers. He hoped that his relationship with Yami would last just as long and looked forward to their anniversary. The evening started winding down and everyone decided it was time to go home. Yuugi got out of the booth and stretched. "Oh! That was so much fun!"

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Yami smiled.

Yuugi nodded. Everyone walked through the maze again to the teller to pay for the meal. Beside the cash register were the coat hangers, holding their jackets up.

Yuugi went to grab his jacket, but Yami had taken it before he could. He grasped Yuugi's school jacket by the lapels and held it out to him. Yuugi smiled gratefully and turned around. He slipped his arms into the sleeves and lifted his shoulders so the jacket was properly on. Yami wrapped his arms around Yuugi's shoulders and held him close.

"Maybe we should come here for our anniversary." Yami whispered in his ear.

Yuugi closed his eyes. He blushed and nodded. "Yeah."

He opened his eyes and gasped. Just to his left, he saw someone staring at them with an evil glare fixed on the couple. Yami looked over in shock. It was Mai, wearing the same uniform as Yuko! This was where she worked! Mai seethed. She turned viciously on her heels and walked away without saying a word. Yuugi started to shake. 'Oh god . . . she knows about us. She . . .'

Yami turned Yuugi around and held his face. "Don't be afraid of her, Yuugi. It's going to be all right."

He began breathing heavily and Yami knew he was panicking. He whispered, "Yami, she knows! She knows!"

Yami held Yuugi close and smoothed back the boy's hair. "It's ok, Yuugi. We'll face her together. She won't stop us from being together. I'll always be by your side."

Yuugi nodded and slowly started to calm down. "I know."

Jou looked over and frowned. He was about to say something but Yami shook his head. The teen stood there with his boyfriend until Yuugi pulled back. He looked up at Yami with unshed tears. "I'm scared Yami. I don't know what she's going to do to me."

"She won't do anything." Yami gently stroked Yuugi's cheek. "I'll stay with you tonight and we'll wait for her together."

Yuugi bit his lip. "I don't think that's such a good idea. If we're alone, together at my place . . ."

"We'll talk about it when we get there. For now, let's go home."

Yuugi nodded. When everyone was back in the limo, Jou commented on the food and did all he could to cheer Yuugi up. He made it look like he was trying to entertain everyone so Yuugi wasn't in the spotlight. Thankfully, Yuugi just laughed along with the others instead of catching on to Jou's plan.

The car stopped in front of Yuugi's apartment complex and the couple got out. "H-happy anniversary."

Yami put a hand on his shoulder. "I'll talk to you later."

He shut the door and slapped the car roof a few times, telling the driver to go. Once the limo was out of site, he turned to Yuugi. Without a word, they walked inside the building and into his apartment. They sat on the couch after taking off their shoes. And for a while, they sat in silence. "Yuugi, talk to me. Say something."

Yuugi hesitated. "I . . . I knew this was going to happen." His gaze shifted to the hands in his lap. "Something this good . . . would have had a short life span."

Yami held the boy's hand. "Don't say that. Nothing is over yet. No matter what Mai says she can't take apart out relationship. She won't destroy our love."

Yuugi sniffed. "I know that. But . . . what if she makes us move away? I can't live without you, Yami!"

He grabbed the teen's shirt and pulled him close. Yuugi cried tears of uncertainty, fear, and love against Yami's chest.

Instantly, the teen wrapped his arms around Yuugi's body and held him tightly. "You won't leave Yuugi. Mai can try as hard as she can to tear us apart, but she never can. Not ever. You'll always be in my heart. I swear she won't take you away from me."

Yami himself felt tears burning his eyes. He forced himself to blink them away. He couldn't let his own fears of the situation show through. He had to be strong and support Yuugi.

"What are we going to do, Yami? What?" He sobbed. "The instant Mai walks through that door-"

"Shh . . . I told you she won't separate us. I'll always be with you, Yuugi. We'll always be together."

After several minutes, Yuugi calmed down and sat back against the couch. "Better?"

The shorter nodded. "I'm sorry. I just got scared."

Yami smiled and leaned back with him. "It's ok. Being scared isn't a bad thing. I'm not as calm as I look. But when Mai does come here, we have to show her that we're strong."

Yuugi smiled. "I promise I will. I won't be weak in front of her."

The two waited a good three hours before Mai actually came home. Her anger hadn't subsided one bit. She seethed with her teeth bared. Mai pointed a single finger at Yami. "You! How dare you touch Yuugi like that! I told you to stay away from him!"

"When two people love each other, it's hard for them to be apart." Yami squeezed Yuugi's hand to help him be strong.

Mai let out a single fake laugh. "You don't love him! I know your kind all too well, Atemu! You tell Yuugi you love him so he'll love you too! But all you really want from him is a good fuck now and then! That's all he's good for isn't it!"

Yuugi had taken a silent breath as Mai spoke. He was finally ready to stand up for his love. "Mai, stop. Yami and I really do love each other. It doesn't matter what you say or do, we'll still be together."

"Yuugi . . ." She glared at her stepbrother. "How dare you betray me! I'm the only family you have and you go off with this asshole and start dating behind my back! What are you thinking! Atemu's dangerous!"

Yuugi shook his head. "No, he's not. Yami cares for me and I care about him. He would never hurt me or force himself on me." He suddenly looked down at the ground. His voice had shrunk when he said, "He's not like Keith."

Yami's forehead wrinkled with concern and confusion. 'Who's Keith? Could he and Yuugi . . .'

Mai bit her lip. Her anger burned harder then the seven fires of Hell itself! But . . . she couldn't be too mad at Yuugi for what he just said. Mai quieted down to let Yuugi continue.

Slowly, her stepbrother went on. "I know that I shouldn't have gone out with Yami behind your back. But if I told you, this is how you would have reacted."

Yuugi looked up at Mai with tear soaked eyes. "There are two people I love in my life. You . . . and Yami. I don't want to lose either of you. Please, Mai. Can't you just be happy for us? I know it's going to be hard, but we can trust Yami. He's a good person and would never hurt anyone. I promise you that I'm safe with him. Please let me stay with Yami."

She glared. "You would choose Atemu over your only family. I can't believe you would stoop so low, not only to betray me, but to be this bastard's whore!"

Yami growled. "Mai, you've gone too far! Yuugi is not a whore! And he has never betrayed you. If you can't be happy for him then you're the one who has turned your back on your family."

Mai screamed. "How dare you talk about my family! This has nothing to do with you!"

She ran forward and balled her fist. Yami had made a promise to never hit a woman so he pushed Yuugi away and dodged her attack. But this sudden movement had thrown Mai off guard and she stumbled a bit before falling on her face. Yuugi let go of Yami's hand to help Mai up. She had smacked his hand away before he could touch her.

"I don't need any help from you, Motou!" She spat with venom coating her hateful voice. She stood up on her own while glaring at the both of them. "If you want to be together so badly, then I refuse to be involved with you any more, Yuugi! Get out!"

He gasped. "Mai, please. Don't reject-"

"GET OUT!"

She screamed and raised her hand to slap Yuugi, but as Mai brought her hand down, Yami caught her wrist to save Yuugi from any injury. "How could you hurt your own brother? Why would you charge him with such horrible accusations?"

Mai ripped her arm away. "Get out! GET OUT!"

Yami glared and put an arm around Yuugi's shoulders. "Come on, Yuugi."

The boy pushed Yami's arm off. He looked up at Mai with pleading eyes. "Mai . . . please don't do this."

This time when Mai raised her hand, Yami couldn't stop her. He tried to grab her hand again, but she was too quick. Mai's palm painfully connected with Yuugi's right cheek.

Yuugi took a step back and held his quickly bruising cheek. "M-Mai . . ."

Yami glared at his boyfriend's stepsister. "Be careful, Mai! I don't want to have to report this to someone. The police, perhaps. You would get in a lot of trouble for hurting your stepbrother."

"He's not my family! Not any more. Take him and get out of my apartment." Mai spun on her heels and walked into her bedroom. She slammed the door behind her.

Silence rang through out the apartment. Yuugi stood in absolute shock. How could Mai be so cruel? After everything they've been through. But to Mai, it didn't mean anything.

Yuugi ran out of the apartment as fast as he could, forgetting his shoes. He ignored Yami's cries and ran faster. The teen turned around when his boyfriend ran out. "Yuugi! Wait!"

But the boy didn't stop. "Damn it!" Yami ran to the door, slipped on his shoes and grabbed Yuugi's shoes as well as his backpack. He ran down the steps and out the building entrance. "Yuugi!"

He looked right and left. In the direction of the latter, he could hear faint sobs and coughs. He ran towards where these heart-wrenching sounds were coming from.

It soon led him to a small ally between two buildings. In the darkness, he could see Yuugi curled into a ball. It was obvious he was crying, but Yami could also see Yuugi was struggling to breath. "Oh no. Not again!"

He pulled Yuugi into his lap and began the breathing exercise once more. This time it took Yuugi a little longer to get his asthma under control, but after words, he was ok. When he could breath again, Yami told Yuugi to get some rest.

The boy fell asleep instantly. The stress and the pain were just too much for him. Yami soothingly rubbed his back while he took out his cell phone and pressed speed-dial two. He pressed it to his ear and waited. "Moshi moshi."

Yami sighed. "Don't tell me Kaiba's in another meeting."

"Sorry Yami-kun." Mokuba apologized. "Do you want to leave a message?"

"No. I have to talk to him now." Yami silently demanded.

Mokuba paused. "I can't pull him out of the meeting. He's talking with an extremely important client. Why do you have to talk to him so badly?"

The teen groaned. "You wouldn't understand. But maybe you can help. I need you to send someone to come pick me and Yuugi up. It's very important."

"Sure! I'll send Isono-san over immediately."

Yami told Mokuba where they were before hanging up. He rubbed Yuugi's back again and hummed a silent tune. He knew very well that Yuugi was asleep and didn't need to be calmed down. This was mostly to settle his own nerves.

He couldn't believe Mai had done that to Yuugi. Not only did she hit him, but also she basically disowned him! Yami held the boy to him tightly as he cried. It wasn't fair. Mai said she was the only family Yuugi had. How could she do that to him if he had no where to go!

The teen looked down at his boyfriend. Even though no emotions were passing on his face, Yami could tell Yuugi was still upset. Perhaps it was the tearstains down his cheeks. He sighed and wiped them away. Even without any evidence the boy had been desperately crying to himself, Yami could see a lonely, sad boy who now had no family who loved him.

"But I'll always love you, Yuugi. Even if Mai still rejects us, I'll be with you forever." He kissed the sleeping boy's forehead gently and sat back, waiting for Isono. He closed his eyes to try and make the time pass by faster. But with his eyes closed, Yami didn't see Yuugi's lips curl into a tiny, content smile.

Yami heard thunder in the distance and soon felt a raindrop. He took off his jacket and laid it on Yuugi's head and shoulders to keep him as dry as possible. It rained heavily and Yami knew the water would soak through the material, but it was the best he could do. With in a few minutes, Isono had found the two lying in the ally.

"Atemu-san! Are you both all right!"

Yami nodded. He stood up and gathered Yuugi in his arms.

"Do you need any assistance, sir?"

"No, I'm fine. Please just drive us to my house."

Isono opened the back door for Yami. "Of course, sir."

When the car door closed, Yuugi gasped. He slowly opened his eyes and looked up at Yami. His head was cradled gently in Yami's lap. "Yami? What's going on?"

The teen stroked Yuugi's head and smiled. "Don't worry. We're going to my house. You'll stay with me for now."

"But your parents . . ."

He nodded. "It'll be all right. They won't mind at all. They know about my preference and about us. I know they'll let you stay. You don't have to worry."

Yuugi sighed. He turned his body towards Yami and the back of the seats and snuggled closer to the teen.

Yami blushed. Yuugi's face was extremely close to his lower regions. But he had to over come it! He couldn't . . . not in front of Yuugi like that. He took a few deep breaths and settled down.

XxX

Hiroko heard the door open. "Kaneda! I think Yami-chan is home now." There was an answer, but it wasn't from her husband.

"Kaasan! Clean up my room please!"

Hiroko blinked. "Why do you need me to do it?" She walked to the entrance and gasped. "Yami, what's going on? Who's-"

"This is Yuugi. I'll explain later. Please just trust me."

Hiroko nodded and ran to her son's room. While she was going up the stairs, she yelled to her husband to help Yami downstairs. Kaneda slowly stepped out of his bedroom and walked downstairs. He blinked when he saw his rain soaked son with a wet boy in his arms. "Yami, is that Yuugi?"

He nodded. "Can you please run a warm bath for him? I don't want him getting sick."

Kaneda nodded. He ran to the bathroom and started running the water. Hiroko returned to watch Yami gently set Yuugi on the couch. She smiled as Yami woke him up.

"Yuugi, wake up now. Come on."

The boy slowly opened his eyes. "Yami?"

He smiled. "Hey there. How do you feel?"

"A little wet."

Yami chuckled. "It started raining after you fell asleep. Don't worry you can take a warm bath. It'll make you feel better."

Yuugi smiled. "'Kay."

Hiroko giggled. She smiled kindly when Yuugi looked over at her. "Hi there."

Yuugi got off the couch. "I'm so sorry. I got your couch wet."

Hiroko smiled and shook her head. "Don't you worry about that, Yuugi-chan. It's no problem."

Yami put a hand on Yuugi's shoulder to reassure him. Hiroko walked over and smiled. "Hello. If you haven't figured it out, I'm Yami's mother, Hiroko. You can just call me by my name."

"She already knows your name, Yuugi." Yami whispered to him.

Yuugi nodded. "It's very nice to meet you, Hiroko-san."

She smiled. "You're a very kind boy, Yuugi-chan. You can stay with us as long as you need to. We'd be glad to have you here."

Footsteps from up the stairs were coming closer to them. A man stood at the base of the stairs. Hiroko stood next to him while he put an arm around her shoulders. "This is Kaneda, Yami's father."

Kaneda simply nodded. Yuugi bowed slightly at both of them. "I'm honored to stay in your household, Atemu-san."

Kaneda smirked. "We're glad to have you. Yami, the bath is ready. If you don't want to get sick, I suggest you get in the water while it's still warm."

Yami nodded. "Come on, Yuugi. Let's get you out of those wet clothes."

Yuugi blushed and followed him. When they were out of earshot, Yuugi said, "You have wonderful parents, Yami. I've never met either of them and they've welcomed me into their home just like that."

Yami smiled. "Why wouldn't they?"

Yuugi stepped into the bathroom alone and stripped off his wet clothing before getting into the bath. The water was warm and soothing against his tired muscles. He leaned against the back of the tub and sighed.

"Are you in the tub now, Yuugi?" Yami called from the other side of the door where he kept guard.

"Yes. You can come in if you want."

The door opened and closed. He could hear Yami's sock less feet falling on the tiled floor to stop in front of the toilet. He sat down and Yuugi could "sense" the teen was smiling.

"So are you feeling all right now? You're not getting sick on me are you?"

Yuugi chuckled. "No, I think I'll be ok. But what about you? You weren't wearing your jacket so what if you get sick?"

"Don't worry about me. There's a bathroom downstairs too so I'll take a shower in a minute." Yami said. "I just wanted to make sure you're all right."

Yuugi nodded, but he knew Yami couldn't see him past the shower curtain. "I'll be ok."

"You can trust my parents. They'll leave you well enough alone."

"I know. You can have your shower. I'll be all right in here by myself."

Yami smiled. "All right. I'll see you in a minute."

The door opened and closed once more, leaving Yuugi in the silence of the bathroom.

--

Yami sighed as he stepped into the shower. He turned the water on and pulled the lever to turn on the showerhead. The warm water ran down his body, instantly relaxing his tense muscles. The shower was more of a stall for one person so he could lean against the opposite wall of the showerhead and close his eyes while water still trickled down his skin.

'I can't believe it. How could Mai just throw Yuugi out onto the streets like that? I've never known anyone to be so cruel to their own family!'

He sighed and grabbed to soap, starting to build up lather. 'I just hope Yuugi is ok. He's the one who really has to deal with this. But at least he won't be alone.'

--

Yuugi leaned against the back of the tub once more. He sighed. Today had overwhelmed him quiet a bit. He was almost tempted to just fall asleep in the water and let it consume him. But he couldn't do it. He couldn't imagine what Yami would go through if he killed himself. Besides, this ordeal wasn't enough to turn to such drastic measures.

Although, he did slide down into the water just to clear his thoughts. His knees stayed above water while the rest of his body was submerged. Before Yuugi's face went under, he took a deep breath and held it.

In his ears was a dull rumbling noise. He thought it was his heartbeat, but it wasn't a beating sound he heard. It was just a noise that filled his ears, nothing more. But after a moment or two, Yuugi could indeed hear his heartbeat. He whimpered. Yuugi felt as if hands had placed themselves on his knees and began spreading his legs.

He gasped and sat up, accidentally inhaling some of the water. He coughed it all up and cleared his air way. Yuugi almost ripped the shower curtain out of the way so as not to block the rest of the bathroom from his site.

No one was in the room. He sighed. There was a knock on the door.

"Yuugi-chan?"

He gulped. "Y-yes, Hiroko-san?"

The door cracked open a bit. "I'm not coming in. I just thought you could use a towel when you're done."

Her smooth, slim hand slipped through the door and put a white towel on the sink. "It's just by the door when you need it."

"Thank you, Hiroko-san."

She closed the door and left. Yuugi sighed. He wrapped his arms around himself. 'Now I know why I hate bathtubs. They make me think about . . .'

Instead of dwelling on such a horrible memory, Yuugi sat in the water and didn't submerge himself again. The water was now almost cold, so Yuugi decided to step out. He unplugged the tub and walked over to the sink. He wouldn't dare look at his reflection. He felt too much shame right now to see his face.

He grabbed the towel and dried off with it. But when he bent over to pick up his clothes, Yuugi saw they were still wet. How could he wear wet clothes after promising Yami he wouldn't get sick? What would he do now?

--

The newly cleaned Yami stepped out of his bedroom dressed in a pair of casual clothes. A baggy black shirt adorned his torso while black sweatpants covered his legs.

He stood in front of the bathroom and pondered for a moment. 'Yuugi's been in there for quiet a while. I wonder if he's all right.'

Yami gently knocked on the door. "Yuugi? You didn't fall asleep in there did you?"

The boy cleared his throat. "No, I'm finished in the tub. But um . . . could you come in here for a minute?"

Yami slowly opened the door and walked inside. "What's wrong?" He closed the door and waited for Yuugi's answer.

"Well . . . my clothes are wet and . . . I don't really have anything else to wear." Yuugi blushed a bit from embarrassment.

Yami chuckled. "Oh, I see. Well follow me. I'm sure I'll have something for you to wear."

The door opened again and the two boys left the bathroom. Yuugi walked in step with Yami, keeping his eyes down. He was rather self-conscious and very aware that he would be wearing Yami's clothing. But did that also mean he would be wearing Yami's . . .

Of course it would. As soon as they stepped inside, Yami had closed the door and tossed Yuugi and unopened package of plaid boxers.

"Don't worry. I haven't worn any of them yet. You can have them if they fit you."

Yuugi blushed. Did his boyfriend just give him underwear? Yami walked over to his dresser. From the top drawer, he pulled out a pair of red pajama pants and a matching button up shirt. He tossed them to Yuugi. "You can wear these for now."

Yami turned around and closed his eyes. "It's ok. You can dress. I won't look."

Yuugi bit his lip. At first, he didn't respond. Yami wouldn't . . . no, of course he wouldn't. "'kay."

Yuugi let the towel drop to the floor and opened the package. He slipped on one pair of boxers and pulled the red flannel pants over his legs. When the shirt was buttoned up, he told Yami he was finished.

The teen turned around to give the boy a crooked smile. The couple sat on Yami's bed in silence for a moment. Finally, the question Yuugi had been dreading almost the entire night had been asked.

"Yuugi, you mentioned someone earlier. Someone you said I wasn't like. Tell me . . . who's Keith?"

Yuugi averted his eyes to the floor and slouched a bit. "I guess it's time I told you about him."

The boy took a deep breath to calm his nerves and he began his story.

"For two years of my life, my stepfather had prostituted both Mai and myself."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Masami: CUT!

Yuugi: (sigh)

Yami: Damn it! I wanted to know what was going to happen!

Masami: Well you would have known if you had read the script!

Yami: Well shut up!

Masami: That's right!

Yuugi: (rolls eyes) Come on, Yami! Let's go home!

Seto and Jou: (still making out)

Masami: n.n

REVIEW!

I called it Cinderella because I couldn't figure out what to name this chapter. I asked a friend of mine and after telling her what it's about; she said to name it Cinderella. She said Mai reminded her of the evil stepsisters. I don't own Cinderella by the way.