Chapter 5
Joey rubbed his forehead, as though trying to get rid of a headache. "This is completely insane."
Téa snorted. "This is crazy, but proof is sitting right in front of us!" she said, gesturing to where Yami sitting on the couch, his hand resting on the curve of his stomach.
Seto sighed, rolling his eyes. "It doesn't matter how crazy this is, pup, it's there. And we have to be more careful now. If you had hit Yami much harder, you could have killed Yugi."
Joey winced. "Sorry…"
Yami shook his head. "It's alright Joey, no damage done. Just… be more careful. I lost my aibou once, I don't want to do it again."
Joey nodded in understanding. Téa leaned forward, excitement shining in her blue eyes. "Have you felt him move yet, Yami?"
Yami chuckled with a smile. "Yes, I have. Just this morning I felt him for the first time."
Téa eyes shone. "That is so amazing, Yami! Do you think I'd be able to feel him?"
"Not yet, it's not strong enough for you. It's only, squirming. It feels like… having butterflies in your stomach." Yami mused outloud. "The doctor told me that in the fifth month he should be strong enough for you to feel him."
Téa squealed happily. "I can't wait! You'll let me feel, right?.!"
Yami laughed. "Of course Téa."
Sugoroku chuckled to himself. "Now then, I suppose you're hungry, right Yami? And it's time for your pills."
Yami nodded, pushing himself to his feet. "I'll go dress."
Mokuba excitedly followed Sugoroku as he went into the kitchen, wanting to help. The two prepared eggs, bacon, and toast, and then, with Téa's help, set it on the table.
Yami came into the kitchen wearing an old pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt. With these clothes it was really easy to see the bulge of his stomach, and all found their eyes drawn there.
At first Yami picked at his food, but after a bit of encouragement from Sugoroku he managed to eat it all. He listened quietly to his friends talking, stroking his stomach as he felt Yugi squirm within him once more. /I miss you, Yugi…/
//I'm here, Yami.//
The spirit sighed. /Maybe, but even so, I miss you. I miss holding you at night, hearing your laughter, seeing you smile…/
//Yami…//
/I just want you back, Yugi! I want to hold you once more!/
"Um, Yami?"
Yami looked up in shock, meeting the worried eyes of Téa. He blinked, and then realized there was wetness on his cheeks. He rubbed at his cheek, and then forced his chair back, standing. "I'm sorry!"
All watched, a little perturbed, as he ran from the room, his hands over his face as though trying to hide his tears.
Sugoroku stood. "I'm sorry everyone, but I think it's best that you all go home. Yami doesn't seem up to visitors at the moment."
Everyone left without a word, agreeing with him. Yami wasn't himself, and he needed some time.
Yami sobbed into his arms, trying and failing to stop crying. Everything seemed to have just caught up to him, and now he just couldn't stop the tears.
//Yami, please, please don't cry! I can't stand listening to it, it makes me hurt! Please don't cry!//
Yami could feel Yugi moving worriedly inside him, but the tears seemed to flow faster because of this. The spirit sobbed bitterly, burying his face further into his folded arms.
A gentle hand suddenly began rubbing at his back, another soothing hand running over his hair. Yami looked up into his grandpa's caring violet eyes, and he choked on another sob.
Sugoroku smiled kindly, sitting on the bed beside Yami. "Come now, my boy. What's the matter?"
Yami didn't say anything, but it seemed like Sugoroku expected that, because he gently gathered his grandson close. "It's alright to cry, Yami. There's nothing wrong with it. If it makes you feel better, then cry your heart out."
The spirit bit his lower lip, still looking rather reluctant to openly let it all out. As Sugoroku held him, he felt his walls breaking down. He choked on a sob, trying to hold it in.
"Cry." the elder commanded softly.
Yami wept.
/Geez, Yugi, did you have to kick so hard?/ Yami protested, circling his fingers on his lower stomach, frowning a little.
//Sorry. I've told you. I have trouble controlling my body. It's not like I do it on purpose.//
/Suuuurrreee…./
//Yami!//
Yami smiled. /Just joking, aibou. But seriously, that one hurt./
Sugoroku turned off the car, turning to Yami with a smile. "You ready, Yami?"
The spirit sighed. "It's not like I can say no. We need to make sure Yugi's doing okay, after all."
Yami opened his door, climbing to his feet and rubbing at his spine as it grumbled. Aches and pains were nothing new, but Yami was dreading when they would get worse. After all, he was only 6 months, still 3 to go.
The two made their way into the hospital, where a nurse offered a chair for Yami. He took it with a smile. How often did people offer to push you around?
"Good morning, Yami, and how are we feeling today?" his doctor greeted cheerfully, a sunny smile on her face. She was a tall redhead with cheerful blue eyes by the name of Kali. She was a foreigner, but was well-versed in medicines and a specialist for pregnancy. Yami quite liked her, she was kind and understanding, and did all she could to make Yami feel his best.
"A little better, actually." Yami said with a smile, settling down on the bed. "My back is sore, of course, but I have more energy."
Kali smiled back at the spirit. "Alright then, let's take a look, shall we?"
