A/N: After almost 5 years I've decided to continue with this fic. I have finally become inspired to complete it. Unfortunately, the originally beginning of this chapter was lost due to the great computer crash of '08. My writing style has also changed over the years hence the mood of this fic will be different. I hope you guys enjoy the third to last chapter of A Time to Dance.
Chapter 5:
Turning Point
It would be weeks later from the day that Atemu made that fateful promise to Yuugi before he was able to keep it. True to Yuugi's nature, the boy held no grudge and simply pretended that the day never occurred. They would spend their days playing with the wide assortment of games that Yuugi's grandfather provided the boy to beta test.
It wasn't until late spring just days before his pending wedding to Anzu and final days with Yuugi that Atemu brought up Yuugi's wish again. Bakura still hadn't responded with a definite answer. His only response was that these things take time. Unfortunately, he could no longer wait, for he knew if he didn't act soon there would be no more time. For as much as he dreaded the approaching nuptial, Anzu seemed to bask in the preparations and was frequently teasing him about how far his jaw would drop when he saw her in her wedding dress. It seems that her initial reaction to seeing him had faded away, and she never brought up the subject of that night with Otogi.
"Yuugi, tomorrow I'm taking you to see the outside world," Atemu stated as if it was the simplistic thing in the world. Yuugi looked up from his duel monster cards. His amethyst eyes wide from shock.
"Really?" The boy whispered.
"Really."
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That night Atemu was on pins and needles. Although he had promised Yuugi he would take him to see the outside world, he wasn't sure if his plan would work. It was a daring plan. Over the past few weeks he had observed the hospital staffs' daily routines. They would only come into Yuugi's room in the morning and at night to deliver his medicine. The rest of the time the floor was relatively empty. As long as he could sneak Yuugi out of the hospital and return him before night fall they would never know anything.
There was the other question of whether Yuugi was actually sick. Despite the fact that the entire hospital staff was convinced Yuugi was constantly on death's door never in the two years had they known each other had he actually seen Yuugi sick much less cough. Unfortunately, he couldn't wait for Bakura's answer. Although that didn't mean Atemu wasn't careful. He had stolen a germ mask and a bottle of Yuugi's medicine just in case.
"Nii-sama," Anzu's voice drew him from the depth of his thoughts.
Atemu looked up startled. "Yes."
"I was asking whether you want a white or a black tux."
"Oh." Atemu simply shrugged.
Anzu sighed. "Nii-sama at least pretend to be more excited. I know guys are never into the whole wedding preparations, but you seem positively bored. Don't you want to get married?"
Atemu looked back blankly. It was a question he often asked himself lately. It was also a question he had no answer to. "White."
"Huh?"
"The white tux," with that Atemu left the sitting room.
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"I thought you weren't coming," Yuugi immediately stated when Atemu appeared in his bedroom. The young boy wasn't wearing pajamas like he usually was. Instead he was wearing a white t-shirt and black jeans. It looked a size too small, but Atemu didn't bother to comment.
"Now why would you think that?" Atemu asked a little hurt.
"Because… because it all seems like a dream." Yuugi stated.
Atemu laughed. "Unfortunately the outside world isn't all that … dreamlike." He ended his sentence with a longing tint. Hoping the younger boy wouldn't notice, he immediately tapped the younger boy's nose. "Ready?"
"Definitely," Yuugi's smile widened.
Sneaking Yuugi out of his room was easier than he had expected. The boy was giddy with excitement as Atemu led him down to the elevator that he took every day. His eyes widened as the elevator started to move, and Atemu tightly held the boy's hands. It wasn't until they reached the first floor that Atemu realized he still had his suit on. Yuugi's eyes widened as Atemu peeled off his suit. "What?" Atemu cocked his head.
Yuugi looked up timidly. "I… I've never seen anybody without that on." Atemu smiled... bitterly. It was a hard smile as he watched Yuugi stepped forward. "Can… I?"
"Can you what?"
"Touch you?" Yuugi asked shyly.
Atemu's breath hitched. Only then did he realize the implications of Yuugi's statement. For as much as this was Yuugi's first time touching another person's flesh, this would also be the first time Atemu had touched Yuugi. Atemu wasn't sure what to say, nor was he sure if allowing Yuugi to see the outside world was a wise decision. As much as his heart told him nothing was wrong with Yuugi, he also didn't know what he would do if Yuugi actually got sick. Atemu's mind wanted to abandon that foul hearty plan, zip up his suit and take Yuugi back into the room. It wasn't too late. Nobody knew they were missing. They could even spend the rest of the day playing some game. Yuugi would understand, and tomorrow… tomorrow they would laugh about their almost escape. But his heart won out. "Of course." Yuugi moved closer. Timidly, he poked the other in the arm and immediately drew back startled. "What?"
"You're human," was all Yuugi could say. Atemu blinked confused. "I mean… I thought people from the outside would feel… different." Atemu couldn't help but laugh at the statement. When the elevator door opened, Atemu led Yuugi though the back door and into the parking lot. There his motorcycle was parked.
"You have a motorcycle." Yuugi stated.
"Yep. I was never into cars. My old man hates it though." Atemu walked over and took out two helmets. He helped Yuugi into his. As he touched Yuugi's bangs he was surprised by how soft the boy's hair felt. As he helped Yuugi onto the seat and told him to grab on Atemu. He suddenly felt weak when he felt Yuugi's arms around his waist. Yuugi felt so warm. His breath smelled of strawberry and honey. It took all of Atemu's might not to crash the motorcycle as he pulled out of the garage. He heard Yuugi's sounds of wonderment as he drove through the streets of Domino. He didn't go as fast as he normally did. Instead he went slow and frequently pointed out important buildings and landmarks to the other.
As much as Atemu wanted to take Yuugi to all the shops that they passed there was one place he wanted to take Yuugi first. It was also the reason that he had chosen today to take Yuugi outside. Atemu pulled the motorcycle to a stop at Domino Park. Yuugi's eyes widened as Atemu led him though the park. His eyes sparkled as the beautiful cherry blossoms and laughed at the croaking of the bullfrogs. It wasn't until Atemu led him to the center of the park that Yuugi broke out into a wide grin. "Duel Monsters," Yuugi whispered. Atemu nodded. Today was Domino's annual duel monsters convention. Hordes of fans around Japan gathered for the weeklong festivities with today being the final day and when the Duel Monsters tournament was held. For the past four years, Atemu had won the competition. He had brought Yuugi because he had a secret suspicion that the younger boy could actually challenge his title.
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Yuugi's face was flushed red from the warm spring breeze as he dragged Atemu from booth to booth. Atemu could only watch bemused at Yuugi's expression when he saw the large stands filled with duel monster cards or the people dressed as different types of duel monsters. Yuugi had initially been afraid to approach the dressed up duel monsters. It wasn't until Atemu insisted that one of the characters remove his 'head' that Yuugi would walk close enough to say hi before quickly running back to Atemu's side.
"Silent Swordsman and Black Magician, your favorite cards Atemu-kun!" Yuugi stated pointing at a mint edition of the Black Magician card. "And Kuribo!"
"Kuribo, that card has caused me more pain than any other card." Yuugi looked up to see who the foreign voice belonged to. A man with brown hair and piercing blue eyes was staring back at him. A blonde boy with a much kinder face was leaning against him. He seemed a little embarrassed. Yuugi peered as the two. They seemed more friendly with each other than two simple friends
"You mean wounded your ego, Kaiba?" Atemu japed. "Kaiba, Jounouchi… this is Yuugi."
"Yuu…gi," Kaiba's eyes widened. He looked over at Atemu. A silent question that lost from both Jounouchi and Yuugi was exchanged. Atemu simply shrugged.
"So you're that boy Atemu keeps talking about," Jounouchi commented. "You like Duel Monsters too?"
"Oh yes! I play Atemu-kun all the time. Jii-chan gives me all the newest cards! Do you play Duel Monsters too?" Yuugi asked.
"Of course, I'm third best in Japan," Jounouchi bragged. Yuugi's eyes widened, a small 'o' formed around his mouth.
"Ooh, you're the guy Kaiba called 'inu'!" Yuugi stated innocently. Jounouchi immediately glared at Kaiba causing Kaiba to smirk and Atemu to chuckle. Yuugi, completely lost by the interaction, simply stared confused.
"Well Inu and I here got to go set up the duel tournament. See you later Atemu, Yuugi." Kaiba smirked as he dragged Jounouchi away. The other was still fluming. Yuugi blinked. Atemu mouthed a simple 'you don't want to know', and Yuugi immediately brightened remembering what Kaiba had said.
"Duel tournament?"
"Yep, that's why I brought you here. The convention ends with a friendly duel tournament without the holograms and high-tech technology. Simple, hard surface round robin tournament… interested?"
Yuugi looked down casted. "B…but I didn't bring my…"
"But I did," Atemu reached his coat pocket and produced a brand new belt with a small black clip on holder for duel cards. "Thought it's time you join the ranks of the duelists." Yuugi beamed. This time without hesitation he immediately wrapped his arms around Atemu's waist. Atemu felt his breath hitch at the feel of Yuugi's flesh against his leather. The boy smelled of apples and honey. It reminded him of holidays and better times. "You're the best Atemu-kun!" Yuugi looked up. Only then did he remember he was outside and not in the confines of his rooms. He immediately blushed and pulled away. "Sorry."
Atemu coughed meekly as he handed Yuugi the belt which the boy immediately latched around his waist. "Ready to see the rest of Domino?"
Yuugi nodded eagerly.
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They ate lunch at Burger World, a fast food place that had exploded with popularity over the years. Atemu bought Yuugi his first burger, French fries and strawberry milkshake. Yuugi's eyes are gone plate size when Atemu told him to eat with his fingers. Yuugi had been horrified. His parents didn't even let him eat sushi with bare hands. They claimed it was unsanitary and indecent.
It had taken much probing and firm confirmation that it was normal before Yuugi relented. Even then he had wrapped his burger with a napkin before biting into it. Atemu sighed though he guessed it was for the better. Yuugi looked up from his burger. His mouth covered in red and yellow splotches.
Atemu couldn't help but chuckle. "What?" Yuugi cocked his head… confused.
"Your face," Atemu reached over and lightly rubbed the boy's cheeks. When he pulled away, his fingers was covered in ketchup and mustard, Yuugi blushed. He immediately covered his mouth with napkins. Atemu smiled. He absentmindedly licked his fingers. Only then did he realize Yuugi staring at him. Atemu immediately wiped his fingers clean. "Soo… how you like your burger?"
"It's delicious!" Yuugi beamed. "American food is awesome!" Atemu chuckled.
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They spent the rest of the afternoon before the duel tournament at different shops. He showed him clothing stores, food stores, book stores, toy stores… and finally the arcade where he had spent much of his middle school days attempting to get high scores on all the machines. He hadn't visited this particular arcade in ages and was curious on how many machines his name was next to the number one spot.
Yuugi's eyes had widened at the glistening lights, the insanely addicting music that allured young and old alike to spend their money. He had run around the arcade wanting to try everything. Atemu was glad he had grabbed handfuls of spare charge this morning. Initially he simply guided Yuugi on how to play the games. The young boy initially did very poor, and Atemu was afraid that Yuugi would soon be too dejected. But, Yuugi was a brilliant gamer. He knew from all the video games they had played over the years.
Like always Atemu's worry was for naught as Yuugi quickly found his edge. Slowly Atemu watched as the aliens on the screen began to decrease in number, and Yuugi's points climbed higher and higher.
"Atemu-kun," Yuugi voice cut through Atemu's thought. The older boy looked over. A large smile adorned Yuugi's face as he pointed to the ranking screen. "Look Atemu-kun I beat you and 'Kai'!" Atemu blinked as Yuugi's name flashed above his own. He was impressed. He had set that record years ago after many afternoons at the arcade. Atemu smirked as he walked over to machine next to Yuugi.
"I don't let defeat lightly Yuugi. Let's duel, your Dragon versus mine." Atemu smirked, and Yuugi grinned eagerly.
The arcade was filled with crowds of eager on lookers. Atemu grinned at the mass of people that had gathered around him and Yuugi. It seemed without meaning to the crowd had divided themselves. Some cheered for him while others cheered for Yuugi. The leaders were simple school boys, who probably spent more time at the arcades then on school work. He was once one of those boys… and Yuugi, Yuugi was still one of them. Maybe in a different world, he and Yuugi come have met differently, and they could have had years or even centuries together.
The shrill ring of Atemu's cell phone awoke him from his dream. "Atemu where are you? The tournament starts in thirty minutes," Jounouchi's voice cut through his cell. Atemu cringed. Jounouchi always had a loud voice.
"Sorry, I seemed to have forgotten."
"Forgotten! How can you forget about Duel Monsters?" Jounouchi seemed outraged. Atemu could only hasty promise Jounouchi that he would be there before the tournament started.
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Duel Monsters fans around Domino could not believe the results of final match ups for the annual Domino City Duel Tournament. There were murderous eyes in the crowds from 'Kaiba fan girls'. They could not believe that a nameless boy had usurped their beloved Kaiba from the final match. While on the other hand, the boy's cuteness and innocence had gained him a large amount of supporters.
"Is this normal?" Yuugi blinked at the raging crowd as he pulled back a window blind. He quickly pulled back.
"In the world of rabid fan girls yes," Jounouchi commented. He was twirling a wine glass between two fingers. He glanced behind his shoulders to find a murderous Kaiba. Jounouchi sighed. "You beat Kaiba. He has tons of supporters."
"Sorry?" Yuugi said unsure.
Jounouchi waved the feeble apology away. "He's not used to losing to anyone besides Atemu."
"Did Atemu train you?" Kaiba asked. Yuugi blinked and quickly shook his head.
"My… my grandpa trained me. He would bring me Duel Monsters cards and strategy books for my birthday and for Christmas. Atemu-kun is the first person I've ever dueled."
"Ready to duel, Yuugi?" Atemu's voice echoed through the room. The automatic door revealed a smirking Atemu.
"You won?" Yuugi turned around. His smile crossed his lips.
"Of course," Atemu smirked. Jounouchi grinned. He hadn't seen Atemu so excited in years.
The last match of the tournament wasn't held in the traditional table top format. Kaiba like always had gone to extreme and had flown in a custom built arena for the event. It had taken a while before they could fit Yuugi with the new hologram device and even longer to teach him how to operate it. The rules were a little different, but Yuugi was eager to try new things. Kaiba could only sneer as Yuugi and Atemu entered the arena. Their names lit up the big screen. Where Yuugi's name was… should have been his name.
Although he couldn't be too resentful, Yuugi was a strong duelist. He had beaten his flawless new strategy that he was going to try on Atemu. Yuugi's silly "level up each turn" monsters were stronger than Kaiba had expected, and Yuugi's Marshy Marshmallow was as aggravating as Atemu's Kuribo.
"Duel start…"
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As night fell on Domino City, Yuugi was already rubbing his eyes. Dinner had long ended. Atemu had taken them to a smaller park… one he visited years ago with his mother and father… before his father lost his job and his life became the way it was today. It was a small treasure hidden among the interlaced highways and old buildings. There was a small pond in the middle of the park. When he was little, his dad had taught him how to skip stones there. His mom would pack a picnic lunch, and they would eat in the meadow.
"I used to come here a lot with my parents."
"Mazaki-san?" Yuugi questioned.
Atemu shook his head. "My birth parents… in happier times." Yuugi glanced over at Atemu. The other seemed so far away. There was sadness in his eyes. One that Yuugi hated to see. Uncertain of what to do, Yuugi leaned over and wrapped his arms around Atemu. He shifted the other boy's head until it fit into the nook under his chin. It was an awkward position, but neither boy said anything. They sat like that for a long time… listening to the quiet chirping of crickets and the occasionally passing of stray car.
It was Yuugi who broke the silence. "Atemu-kun, thank you."
Atemu looked up at the other. There was a small smile on Yuugi's face. "For what?"
"Today… you showed me the world... something I never dreamt of seeing. I'll always remember today... and you."
The sound of Domino's bell tower tolled nine times, and Atemu cussed. He had completely lost track of time. He immediately stood up. "We got to go." Yuugi nodded.
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The drive back to Domino Hospital was a long one. Unlike before, Atemu drove like the wind. They blazed past buildings and down streets. He hurriedly pulled the motorcycle to the stop in the closest parking space.
Yuugi had noticed the other's anxiety was able to match the other's place. As they reached the entrance of Domino Hospital, Atemu instantly knew something was amiss. There were too many police cars parked outside. The front entrance was never so brightly lit. As the automatic door swung open to allow him passage, Atemu felt as if his life had just ended.
"Yuugi! Where have you been?"
TBC
A/N: Review please.