Masami: ok everyone lets get started!

Yuugi: n.n

Keith: (sitting in the corner scratching himself . . . in specific areas)

Yuugi: x.x

Masami, Yami: KEITH! STOP IT!

Keith: (burps)

Masami: (sighs) Anyway, sorry it took me so long to get this chapter up. Somethings screwed up with right now so a friend of mine is updating this and Kyuuketsuki for me. Thank you kim! This chapter, and the other one you're updating for me, is dedicated to you! Now back to what I was doing before. PLACES!

(everyone takes their places)

Masami: Lights!...(the lights turn on) CAMERA, DAMION! (camera starts rolling) ACTION!

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Duel Fifteen: Phone Calls

Yami hated lying to Yuugi. But for the past three days, it was the only way to keep him happy. Yami had forced himself to put on a smile just to keep Yuugi from becoming scared. The night when they had the celebration dinner, reality had come crashing down on him. Keith was still out there.

The police had been searching for him with a warrant for his arrest. He had recently committed a few crimes in Domino City so now he was being pursued by the local enforcement. But was it enough? Yami didn't think the police alone to stop him or protect Yuugi. He knew that raping criminal was still out there. He knew Keith was looking for Yuugi and unfortunately, Yuugi knew it as well. That was why he had to lie. But is it really a lie if you only want to keep your lover happy?

The day after their conversation lying in bed, Yami had spoken to Seto and Mai and they both agreed to help out. If Yuugi weren't with Yami, he would be with Jou, Seto or Mai. That was the only way they could be sure that Yuugi was safe. Yami made sure to always stay by Yuugi's side. He would walk to Mai's apartment with them after school to make sure they got home all right then Seto would give Yami a ride home. It wasn't just Yuugi who wasn't being left alone. All three of them stayed close together. Keith had already proven that he would go after anyone to find Yuugi.

Yami now sat in his bedroom, trying to concentrate on his math homework unsuccessfully. He couldn't take his mind off Keith. He was worried that Keith would attack Yuugi at any second! What if his young lover was in danger right now?

Yami picked up the phone and pressed memory one. Each time it rang, Yami's heartbeat quickened. After the third ring, a soft voice filled his ear. "Moshi Moshi."

Yami sighed deeply in relief. "Thank goodness."

"Eh? Yami?"

He smiled at his love's innocent confusion. "Yes, aibou. It's me. Sorry to disturb you."

Yuugi's gentle smile could be heard clearly through his words. "No, it's fine. I wasn't doing anything. What's up?"

He sat back, leaning against the wall. "Nothing really. I just couldn't think straight."

Yuugi hummed thoughtfully. "You do seem to be rather distracted lately. What's going on with you?"

Yami sighed. He could feel a twinge of hate and anger at himself for what he was about to say. "Yamashita-san has been getting on my nerves lately. All the work he's been giving us-"

Yuugi sighed. "Yami, don't lie to me. I'm in that class too, remember? It hasn't been that bad. Now tell me the truth. What's wrong?"

Yami bit his lip. He couldn't tell the truth. He didn't want Yuugi to be afraid anymore. He only wanted the boy to be happy. But how could he lie to his boyfriend now that he had been caught?

"I thought there wasn't going to be any secret between us."

Silence. Neither of them spoke. Yami was trying to, but no sound would come from his mouth. He had to say something. He knew each second he stayed silent would only make things worse. But what could he say?

Yuugi sighed. "Forget it. I'll . . . talk to you tomorrow."

The line went dead. Yami threw the phone away from him and tossed his binder to the floor. "Damn it! I'm such an idiot! Why didn't I say something! Why couldn't I just tell him the truth?"

Yami wasn't sure how much longer he could keep this up. He didn't want to keep things from Yuugi anymore. But could he really tell him? At the same time, this wasn't new information to Yuugi. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if he told Yuugi what was wrong, what he, Seto and Mai are up to. He should just tell Yuugi that the police were searching for him. But he didn't want to upset Yuugi. Maybe . . .

XxX

The next day, Yuugi and Yami looked at each other oddly. And it didn't go unnoticed by the others. Mai knew Yuugi was upset after talking to Yami on the phone, but he wouldn't say too much. Something was different between them. Something needed to be fixed.

During class, Seto and Yami were passing notes talking about what happened.

Just apologize to him, baka. Seto wrote.

Yami rolled his eyes. I know that! Trust me, I want to but the instant I say anything to him, he'll just ask me what's wrong again and I'll have to lie to him!

Morita-san called on Yami to read a passage from the textbook for a minute. When he sat back down, the note was on his desk with Seto's answer. What are you talking about? Why would you have to lie?

I'm just trying to protect him. He's so fragile and I only want to keep him safe.

He heard Seto scoff before writing down his answer then sending it back. We all want to keep him safe. But the way you're talking it sounds like he's a porcelain doll or something. You have to tell him. It's not like this is some secret mission. Besides, Yuugi knows what Keith is like. He knows better then anyone else. We will protect him but you don't have to baby him like that. He may be "fragile" but he's not that breakable.

Yami sighed, knowing Seto was right. There wasn't much point it keeping it secret. I guess you're right. It's not right to keep this behind his back. Besides, he knows Keith is out there. I think he'll be glad that we're trying to protect him. I just don't want to lie to him about what's bothering me any more. We promised no secrets between us.

Seto sent the letter back with only a single sentence. If telling him means you'll stop bitching and moaning then do it and do it now.

--

Yami was more then happy to explain to Yuugi what's been going on. At lunch, he pulled the boy away from the others to talk in private. "Yuugi, there's something I need to tell you. First off, I'm sorry about last night. I know we shouldn't keep secrets and I had no right to lie to you."

Yuugi smiled and nodded. "It's ok, Yami."

The two sat down under the Sakura tree to wait for the others. "Yuugi, there's something you should know. You were right. Keith is still out there and Mai, Kaiba and I have been taking . . . precautions to make sure everyone is safe. That's why we're always checking up on you. We don't let you out of our sites simply because we don't want to lose you to him. We're only keeping you safe. We've also been talking with the police and getting updates on their search for him. They haven't found anything yet, but I know they will. We've done this all for your safety, Yuugi."

Yuugi leaned against the tree and rested his head against Yami's shoulder. "Thank you for caring so much. And thank you for telling me the truth. I was really worried about you."

Yami smiled and held the boy's hand, laying his cheek on the top of Yuugi's head. "I didn't mean to make you worry. Just know that we only want you to be happy and safe."

"I do." The others soon sat with them and they ate their lunch with a friendlier atmosphere.

--

That night, Yuugi spent at least ten minutes convincing Yami that he wasn't scared. "I've grown up, Yami. I am a little worried that Keith is out there, but I'm not afraid. Maybe I should be, but I'm not afraid of him anymore. I won't let him control me like that ever again. Ever."

Yami sighed. "I wish I could hold you right now, Yuugi. I just want to be with you. You may not be scared, but I am. You know what Keith is like. But I don't."

Yuugi half smiled, glad that Yami couldn't see the pain that he knew was shining in his eyes. "Trust me, Yami. As bad as Keith is, he's nothing to be afraid of. He's just a stupid coward who only cares about himself. He's not worth a single thought. He's doesn't deserve to even be mentioned! Not after all that he's done, and not just to me! I know he's hurt other people too. He's nothing but a monster!"

Yuugi's voice had started to get emotional. It cracked in a few places and he could feel tears starting to form. Yami's soothing voice was the only thing that kept him from breaking down completely. "Shh, shh. Easy Yuugi. It's ok. Don't get upset. I promise he won't hurt you anymore."

In a way, it was a good thing that truck had sent Yuugi to the hospital. There, he got proper medicine and care for his asthma so now he didn't have to worry about having attacks with no one around. The inhaler he always carried around in his pocket soothed him and took away just a bit of his stress. "I'm sorry. I guess it still hurts."

He could almost see Yami shaking his head. "Don't apologize, Yuugi. There's nothing for you to regret. It's completely understandable that you're still sensitive to this subject. I'm not expecting you to get better overnight. I know it's hard to get over pain. Ok?"

After taking his medicine, Yuugi took a deep breath just to make sure he would stay calm. "Yeah. Thank you Yami. I'll be ok. I just need to vent for a second."

Yami's words slipped past a soft smile as he spoke. "That's ok, I understand. It's not easy to keep such painful memories inside. If there's ever a time you need to let something out just come and find me. I'll be glad to hear any problems you have. I don't want you to be upset any more. I want you to be happy. If venting is what will make you happy, then do it. Ok? Remember, you're not a burden to me. I love you, Yuugi."

He nodded. "I love you, too, Yami."

Yami yawned quietly. "Get some sleep, aibou. I'll see you tomorrow morning ok?"

Yuugi smiled. "Good night, love." He kissed the receiver and hung up.

--

Yami chuckled at how romantic and adorable Yuugi could be sometimes. As Hiroko once said, "that boy is hopelessly in love with you, Yami-chan."

He sighed and slipped under the covers. 'Yuugi's been through a lot since we met. I remember the first time I saw him, he was so scared and shy. But now, he's brave and happy. I'm glad that he's changed so much.'

Yami closed his eyes and sighed. He couldn't wait until morning to see Yuugi again. Now that there were no more lies . . .

XxX

Two weeks later

The rain patted gently against the roof and the windows. It had lulled Yuugi to sleep and he still rested peacefully. But the sudden ringing of a phone woke Yuugi up and he was instantly annoyed. His digital clock that was right beside his face blinded him for a moment. He squinted his eyes and saw that it was 3:30 am. Yuugi groaned and reached for the phone. "Moshi moshi."

"Yuugi?"

He paused and sat up, rubbing his eyes to be more alert. "Yes. Who is this?"

The gruff voice chuckled. "Oh come on, how do you not remember me, Yuugi?"

Concern grew within him. "How do you know my name?"

He seemed to not even hear Yuugi's question. "So you're out of the hospital, eh? Does it still hurt?"

Yuugi pulled the phone away and stared at it, expecting something to be broken. But it was a brand new phone, still in perfect condition. Could he really be hearing this man correctly? Yuugi turned to the side, expecting to see Mai sleeping beside him. Perhaps the caller was for her. But she wasn't there. Sometimes, Mai would sleep on the couch if she wanted to be alone with her anger. Her job was always very stressful and she dealt with stress much better on her own. Yuugi sighed. He wished Mai had stayed with him tonight. With just a touch of annoyance, Yuugi asked once more, "Who is this?"

"Cranky, are we? Should I have let you sleep?" The man chuckled deeply. "You always did look so peaceful when you were sleeping. So beautiful . . ."

Yuugi gasped. "Keith."

He laughed cruelly. "It's been a while hasn't it, Yuugi? Too bad Marik failed bringing you to me. I've missed hearing you scream."

As his tears fell, Yuugi could see them glistening in the moonlight. So many memories came back to him. All the pain he felt in the past. Everything he said . . .

Keith moaned. "God, you're so beautiful when you're crying. And the moonlight makes it look like you're glowing. I can't wait to fuck you again, Yuugi. I've missed that hot, tight ass of yours."

Yuugi shook with fear. "Y-you can see me."

Lust was coating Keith's voice. "Of course. I won't let you out of my sight again. You're mine. I won't let anybody have you."

Yuugi threw the phone away and ran out of his room to the den where Mai was sleeping on the couch. "Mai! Wake up!"

She opened her eyes and saw the terror in Yuugi's violet orbs. "What's wrong?"

He fell to his knees and panted. "It's-it's Keith. He's close."

Mai ran off the couch and grabbed the phone. By now, Keith had hung up. She quickly dialed Kaiba's emergency number and waited for only one ring. "Mai?"

She looked out the window to see if she could spot him. "Kaiba, Yuugi said Keith is close by."

Seto gasped. "Shit! I'll be over there in five minutes."

After they hung up, Mai went back to the living room to see Yuugi using his inhaler again. She rubbed his arms and held him close. "It's ok, Yuugi. I won't let him get you. Don't be afraid."

He nodded and leaned against her. Mai asked what Keith said to him. Before he even began to explain, Yuugi broke down in tears. He relayed Keith's words to her the best he could. But half way through, Mai stopped him. She knew it scared him and there was no point in putting him through more pain.

Suddenly, someone pounded on the door. "Mai! It's Kaiba! Are you guys all right!"

She sighed, afraid at first that it was Keith. "Yes, come on in."

The door opened and he ran inside. Kaiba was quickly at their side to find Yuugi in tears, his once bright and happy eyes now red and afraid. "Yuugi-kun, are you all right? Did he hurt you?"

Yuugi shook his head. Mai placed her hand on the back of his head to let him know that she could fill Seto in. "He called Yuugi a few minutes ago and . . . said some things to him. He's close enough that he could see Yuugi through the bedroom window."

Seto shook his head and swore under his breath. "Ok. Is there anything you need to grab before we leave?"

Mai nodded. "I need to get our school bags and my purse. Take Yuugi and I'll be down there in a-"

Seto interrupted her, shaking his head. "We'll wait for you here."

The CEO took Yuugi into his arms and rubbed the boy's back. "Shh, take it easy, Yuugi-kun. If it'll make you feel better, when we get there, I can call Yami and he can come over too. What do you say?"

Yuugi nodded against Seto's shoulder and sniffed. "Thank you, Seto-san. Thank you so much."

Mai returned with the items she needed and they all climbed into Seto's blue white-stripped car before they zoomed off down the road. Mai and Yuugi sat in the back as Seto drove past the speed limit back to Kaiba Corp. Headquarters. While on the way, he called Yami and demanded the teen be over there when they arrive. Yami didn't need an explanation to know something was wrong.

Yuugi had calmed down half way to the headquarters. He was still really scared but it wasn't as bad not. Yuugi sat in Mai's lap and his head was pressed against her chest. He could hear her heartbeat so clearly. It was going faster then it should. He gripped Mai's shirt tightly and sighed. "I'm sorry. I overreacted and made you worry. I shouldn't have done that."

Mai tightened her hold on him. "Yuugi, don't say that. You're not overreacting. It's ok. We're all concerned about your wellbeing and we want you to be safe. There's no such thing as overreacting."

He sighed and gave up. Yuugi was so tired he didn't have the energy to argue. But at the same time, he couldn't sleep no matter how badly he wanted to. He was scared that Keith would get him if he even tried to close his eyes. Yuugi just wanted Yami to hold him. With Yami, he knew everything would be all right. He loved Mai and Seto very much and he knew they would also keep him safe. But it was so very different with Yami. He felt almost invincible with his lover's arms wrapped around him.

They arrived at the tall sky scrapper in time to meet Yami. Seto was only half surprised to see how fast the teen got there. But when a loved one is in danger, Yami seems to attain a super human strength. He was soaked from the rain that had drenched everything in sight.

After the gates were opened, Yami followed the car to the inside parking lot. Even before the car came to a complete stop, Yami wrenched open the door. "Yuugi!"

The boy jumped out of the car and into his lover's arms. He didn't start crying, as he wanted to, but he squeezed Yami as if he would fall down an endless black hole if he ever let go. Yami carried Yuugi like a bride into the building and Seto directed him to Yuugi's room. The two sat on Yuugi's bed for a minute before Yuugi looked up into Yami's eyes. "Are you all right, aibou? Are you hurt?"

Yuugi shook his head. "No, I was just really scared. The things he said to me-" Yami silenced him with a short kiss on the lips. "That's enough, Yuugi. You said it yourself, love, he isn't worth it. Don't worry; we'll keep you safe. I promise."

Yuugi nodded and rested his cheek against Yami's shoulder. "I love you, Yami."

He kissed the top of his boyfriend's head and smiled softly, resting his chin just above Yuugi's forehead. "I love you, too."

There was a soft knock on the door and Yami told them to come in. Mai was wearing a robe seeing as how she was only wearing her pajamas. Seto brought in another robe for Yami and a towel to dry himself off. After Yami settled down, he put an arm around Yuugi's waist. Yuugi gratefully leaned against him and looked at Mai and Seto. "What's going to happen now?"

Seto pulled a chair close to them, as did Mai. He took a breath. "I've called the police and told them that Keith was nearby. They're out looking for him right now. I can't imagine that he'd get too far."

"What about us?" Yuugi timidly asked.

He smiled. "Don't worry. We'll all be fine. I've spared no expense on security so even if he did try to get to us, he'd be found out before he's even within twenty feet of the gate. As for school, that's your decision, Yuugi. If you think it's best for us to just stay here, that's what we'll do. If you really want to go to school tomorrow, then I can have bodyguards watching the school and escorting us anywhere we go. It's up to you."

Yuugi bit his lip. "I don't know. What do you think is best?"

Seto shrugged. "Either one is fine. But like I said, it's up to you."

Yuugi thought for a moment. He really did want to go to school but if it wasn't safe . . . "I think it might be better if we stay here."

He nodded. "Then it's settled. You three can all stay in here. Sorry, but we don't have any other spare rooms."

Yami and Mai nodded, saying it was fine. Yuugi needed to be with someone anyway. The bed was big enough to fit three people comfortably so no one would be cramped. Yuugi was the first to fall asleep. All the stress he had gone through and how late it was had overwhelmed him and he couldn't stay awake any longer. Yami and Mai slept on either side of him and before either of them fell asleep, Mai said, "Thanks for coming, Atemu. It means a lot . . . to both of us."

He smiled. "You're welcome."

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Masami: CUT! Thanks everyone that's it for today!

Yuugi: (still asleep)

Masami: (dies from cuteness)

Damion: damn it not again. (drags Masami away by her ankles) see you guys next time!

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