A/N: Hah, updating is kinda funny to me, since I never know how quick I'll post a new chapter. Some take flipping forever to write and some are just so fun that I zoom right through them. This is one of those cases. Haha, Tristan and Joey are such fun characters to write! XD

WARNINGS: YxYY, Mpreg, Mature Themes, Language

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! or any of the characters involved.

"Yami?"

Yugi stood, arms folded into Yami's chest, head to the side, as his dark silently wrapped his arms tighter around the lithe boy. The taller boy didn't respond, just tenderly placed a kiss atop Yugi's head, before giving a sigh and laying his own head upon it.

He couldn't shake it; those words Ryou had mentioned the day before had pained him far more than he had expected.

'How would you feel if you were to lose him forever?'

He hardly got any sleep. Yes, Yugi was safe and unharmed, and Ryou had only said that in the hopes of gaining the other's understanding, but as he laid in bed that night with his little light breathing softly to his side, a million what ifs entered his mind, a million awful scenarios ran through his head.

'Would you ever recover?'

No. That much was certain. If anything ever happened to Yugi…

"Yami, I have to go…I'm going to be late."

Yami released his arms only to place his hands on Yugi's shoulders as he gazed down into the boy's stunning amethyst eyes.

"I love you, Yugi…you know this, right?"

Yugi stood quietly for a second, concern etched on his face as he looked back at Yami, then nodded.

"I love you too Yami, but, what's wrong? You're acting like we're never going to see each other again."

"And I'll do anything to protect you…"

"Yami-"

Yami sighed. "It's nothing, Aibou. I just had an unpleasant dream."

Yugi gave a sad smile of understanding before closing the distance between him and his love.

"Yami, I'm not going anywhere," He said as he leaned up and kissed his other half gently, before pulling away and whispering a soft, "I love you."

"As do I."

Yugi slowly stepped backwards and smiled, before turning and exiting the game shop.

As Yami watched him walk out the door, he felt a small pang of guilt; maybe he had been a little harsh on Ryou. If he truly loved his father as much as he loved Yugi, then…

He gave another sigh as he thought about just how much strength the boy really had. He couldn't say he could fare any better after being separated from his light…

Yami violently shook his head, pushing such thoughts from his mind. Yugi was safe, they were together, and hey, tomorrow was a very special day for the both of them. This reminded him of something and after awhile Yami left the house, in the opposite direction Yugi had. He had something to pick up.

"AHHH!"

A yellow blur flew right past Yugi, barely inches away from his left ear. He had thrown himself to the floor just in time, but immediately regretted it as he looked up fearfully at the large student in front of him, who was smugly holding a purple dodge ball and harshly smirking down at him. Yugi tightly closed his eyes and braced himself for the hit, but it never came.

"You're out, pudgy! Yeah, dat's right, keep walking."

Yugi quickly realized it was safe to look up and immediately grinned as he saw that someone had stepped in front of him and caught the ball.

"Thanks, Joey!"

"No problem, Yug. Now get up before some other guy tries to take ya down! TRISTAN!" he suddenly yelled, "GET YA ASS OVER HERE!"

Yugi quickly pulled himself from the floor, and saw Tristan immediately run over, his hands tightly gripping a dodge ball as well. Joey moved the group slowly to the back of their side of the gym, letting those in front take the hits and lowered his voice.

"Okay, Yug, go get that ball over dere, and don't get hit. When you come back over here, we'll move out and attack. I'll take center, Tristan get my left and Yug to the right. Got it?"

Tristan and Yugi nodded, then Yugi took off as fast as he could, jumping over a green dodge ball that was aimed too low at him, and quickly grabbed the forgotten orange ball. Adrenaline pumping, he made his way back over to Tristan and Joey, his eyes on the other side of the gym, hurriedly scanning the male students who were clad in the same gym uniform: a large white T-shirt and navy blue shorts.

"Ready Yugi?" Tristan called.

Yugi nodded and Joey stepped forward and began yelling at the top of his lungs.

"There will be a day, when the courage of men fails! But it is not this day! This day…WE FIGHT! Always wanted to say that…AH SHIT!" he muttered as a ball flew by his outstretched arm. "CHARGE!!!!"

Yugi, Joey, and Tristan each ran in their respective directions, war cries filling the gym and ringing in every other student's ears.

Needless to say, the plan was a complete failure. A ball was hurled at Yugi's stomach and it hit him square on, knocking him to the floor and leaving him desperately gasping for air, Tristan was hit in a not-so-nice place, and Joey took a green dodge ball directly to the face.

"FUCKIN' MONEYBAGS! DID YOU HAVE TO GO FOR MY DAMN FACE!?"

Seto Kaiba stood smugly in the middle of their opponents' side of the gym, (no student had dared try and hit him), his arms crossed, clearly amused.

"Oh come on Wheeler, that mug is already total imperfection, what's one more hit going to hurt?"

Yugi groaned, breathing heavily and attempted to stand as he knew what was coming next.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"

Sure enough, Joey stomped over to him, harshly grabbing the collar of Seto's T-shirt, and Yugi counted down…

…3…

…2…

…1…

Yup, Joey was on the floor.

A whistle was blown, and the boys' gym coach hurriedly ran over, pulling Joey up from the ground.

"Detention Wheeler. Room 109. After school." He blew his whistle again, this time running after Tristan, who had the guy who had hit him in the groin in a headlock.

Yugi finally got up and made it over to his blonde friend, whose jaw had dropped so low he was afraid it would fall off. He could hear the coach call out another detention; Tristan would be joining Joey later. Yugi looked sadly at his friends when Tristan stomped his way over, fuming, and sighed. Neither of the boys said a word, their faces red and angry.

Yugi suddenly burst out laughing; the thought of what they had just tried to do finally hitting him. The unexpected laughter earned him pissed glances from the other two boys, and he threw his hands up in defense.

"Ch-charge!" he managed to say as laughter racked his body, and soon Joey and Tristan couldn't help but smile and laugh with him. The three were soon laughing so hard that they were crying and grasping each other to keep from falling; earning them many raised eyebrows from the other students. Yugi wiped his eyes and smiled; he and his friends were crazy, and he wouldn't have it any other way. The girls outside were brought in to change as it was almost time for lunch, and the trio quickly waved at Tea, who had also raised her eyebrow at their tear-stained faces before they all went into their respective locker rooms.

"He's getting suspicious," Ryou whispered as the ghost-like spirit materialized beside him.

"That's our Pharoah, always trying to ruin someone's fun," the spirit spat.

"Fun?" Ryou asked fearfully as he shifted his position on the park bench he was currently occupying.

The white-haired spirit sharply turned to him.

"Do you want your father back or not?"

Ryou quickly nodded, before his gaze returned to Domino Bridge, the only bridge that was visible from practically anywhere in the city.

"It's just that, I don't know where my mind goes when you take over, I don't remember anything…how can I be sure that you're actually trying to find a way…"

Bakura went over to him, grasping Ryou's chin even though he knew he couldn't feel it, but it had the desired effect, and Ryou turned his eyes to him.

"I will get you what you want, but it will take time, and in turn you must continue to be my vessel."

"Do I have a choice?"

Bakura growled. "Before you start whining, keep in mind that it was you who brought me back in the first place."

Ryou's eyes shied away.

"What is it that you want?"

Bakura chuckled and looked up as if in deep thought.

"I want to do something big…really make a difference in this world, and if I can start with you, well, that'll make it all worthwhile." he said as he grabbed Ryou's cheek and harshly shook it.

Ryou grew slightly annoyed by the gesture and and looked down again; he knew Bakura's answer was total bullshit, but what choice did he have?

"People are going to get hurt, aren't they?" he said in a low voice, so low it was almost a whisper.

"You're catching on," Bakura said with a smirk. "You know the more time I spend around you, the more I see that you're not the naive little hikari I left behind the first time, and I must say, I'm quite liking these improvements," the spirit turned from him, and started again.

"I want them to fear me; an enemy they can't see."

Ryou shivered slightly, his gaze still in his lap. Bakura chuckled.

"You shouldn't care for them Ryou. These people didn't care about you when you needed them most, remember?"

"Y-Yugi did," he said hesitantly.

"That scrawny little pipsqueak? Fine, I'll give you that one. But remember, he was only one, one out of billions. They will only get what they deserve." His gaze made it over to the same structure that captured Ryou's eyes earlier. "And I never did like that bridge."

"Just don't hurt Yugi…"

Bakura laughed. "Silly boy, I'm not going to hurt him, I just...need him for something," he said with a smirk. "We can't have that blasted Pharaoh in our hair, now can we? And what's the best way to get rid of him?" he happily inquired, as if he were speaking to a three-year-old.

"Umm...uh..."

"Oh come now, Ryou, you were doing so well..."

"Through Yugi?"

"Right you are. You know, I still can't believe he's actually bedding that pretty little brat…" he said slowly as he rolled his eyes.

Ryou blushed and roughly shook his head.

"We don't…we don't know that."

Bakura smirked. "Oh please. The Pharaoh was a damn whore back in his days. There is no way in hell the little one is still a virgin. Anyway, what we need is a distraction, and I've got just the one. It's old, long-forgotten magic, but the results will be better than imagined, and let's just say the Pharaoh won't have much time for anything else afterwards. Now, what time is it?"

Ryou glanced at his wrist. "Three thirty-five."

"Well, we've got about ten minutes. Come, we must pay a visit to our dear friend. Now, you play your part, and you'll be well rewarded, understand?"

Ryou nodded and stood, the spirit returning to his place inside of the Ring.

The last bell had rung, and the gang gathered by the doorway before splitting their separate ways.

"Well, time to go face our fate, Joey," Tristan said bitterly.

Joey groaned, then turned to Yugi.

"Hey man, you sure you'll be alright? I mean, ya don't have the puzzle, and-"

"I'll be fine Joey."

"Cuz we could always ditch-"

"NO! Joey, no. You guys would just get into more trouble, and I'll be fine. I can take care of myself."

Joey and Tristan both raised an eyebrow and Yugi growled, making the older boys chuckle.

"Really guys. Gooooooo," he said as he pushed both of their backs forwards.

"Well, what about Tea?" Joey asked looking over his shoulder. "Maybe she can give ya a ride?"

"She already took off, she had a practice."

Tristan snorted. "You know, for a girl who's always talking about friendship, she sure traded us in fast for dance."

Yugi frowned. "She's not ditching us, it's just taking up a lot of her time," he said, in the hopes of reassuring the others, and most of all, himself. "She just really loves it."

"Oh!" Joey called as he remembered something, "Hey Yug, what are ya doing tomorrow after school? Doofus here and I are going to KaibaLand, to ride the new coaster and smack around some mascots. Wanna come?"

"Sounds like fun Joey, but I, I can't…"

"Why not, ohhhh-" he quickly said as he saw the boy turn a brilliant shade of scarlet. "Yami?"

Yugi quickly nodded, his blush getting deeper. "Tomorrow's our one year anniversary."

Tristan jabbed Joey in the stomach with his elbow, and both grinned before singing loudly, "WAOO, WAOO, WAOO, WAOOOOO! I'VE BEEN REALLY TRYIN' BABY!!! TRYIN' TO HOLD BACK THIS FEELING FOR SO LONGGGGG!"

Yugi's eyes went wide and his blush reached an insane intensity as he frantically grabbed on his friends' arms, trying to silence them.

"Stop it, stop it, stop it!" he desperately muttered through clenched teeth.

"LET'S GET IT ONNNNNNNNNN!"

"Shhhhh! Guys, shut up!!!"

Tristan and Joey quit their antics, realizing that if Yugi turned any redder he would soon turn into a beet. They waited for their laughter to die down before Tristan looked up at the clock above their heads. "Hey, we better get going man."

"Right. Well, Yug, be careful out there and just remember what we taught ya. If any psychos or jerks come after ya," he made as if he were running in slow motion, "RUN, FOREST, RUN!!!"

Yugi chuckled. "Right, got it, Joey."

"See ya tomorrow Yug."

"See ya!" Tristan called as they walked away.

Yugi smiled and waved back at them before making his way over to his locker, returning some books, pulling others out, and stuffing them into his backpack. When this was finished, he slammed his locker shut and left the school, starting his journey home. It was a nice sunny day. A gentle breeze occasionally brushed his bangs from his face, and as he listened to the sound of his footsteps, his thoughts traveled to Yami. A smile graced his face and remained until he was only a few minutes away from home. He sighed as he stopped at a crosswalk, shifting his feet as he waited for the pedestrian light to turn green.

"Y-Yugi?"

Yugi quickly turned around, recognizing the voice behind him, but somehow being unable to place it. He was met with pale skin, white hair, and chocolate brown eyes, and his brain immediately put two and two together, causing him to flinch.

"Ryou?"

The boy nodded, leaving both of them to look to the ground in an awkward silence.

After what seemed like eternity, Yugi finally spoke up. "So, what are you doing around here?"

"Oh you know, just passing through."

"Oh."

Another minute of silence. Ryou sighed.

"Listen Yugi," Ryou started, "I wanted to stop by and apologize."

"After six months? Ryou, we're close to my house, if Yami sees you…" he said nervously.

"I know."

Yugi felt himself gently be pulled away from the crosswalk and into a small alleyway, where they could have some privacy.

"I was wrong, Yugi. You were only trying to help me, and I took everything out on you. I just took it so hard. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry…I never should have hit you, you're my friend. Or…were." he said quietly, tears beginning to form and spill down his face.

Yugi looked up sadly at his now sobbing friend for a moment before pulling him into a gentle hug.

"Shhh…it's okay. I'm still your friend, okay? No matter what. I forgive you Ryou, it's alright."

".…" Ryou managed through choked sobs.

"I know, I know…shhh…it'll be alright…"

As Ryou wrapped his arms around Yugi's small frame, his eyes flashed, and for a moment, Bakura took over. Yugi remained completely oblivious, his head to the side of the albino's chest as he held his friend. Bakura slowly tightened his grip, releasing dark magic into the boy's body and gave an awful smirk when he felt Yugi shudder a bit in his arms. The small boy shook it off, but before he could look up into his friend's face, Bakura had switched with Ryou again, who had released Yugi to dry up his tears.

"Yugi...you should probably go," the pale boy stated as he straightened himself up. "I don't want Yami to worry about you."

"Yeah…"

"I'm so lucky to have ever met you, Yugi Muto. You truly are an amazing person. Thank you."

"Well, thanks for apologizing! I've missed not having you around."

"Well, I can't say I'll be around much, I mean, I'm very busy just trying to make ends meet, and I mean, Yami…well, he doesn't care for me much anymore, and I know he won't want us hanging out anyway. Hey Yugi, I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell him we met today. I don't him to be angry with you, and it'd only fuel his hate for me. Okay?"

"Oh, um, okay."

"See you around, Yugi, and thank you again. I feel like a huge weight has just been lifted."

Yugi smiled happily at him, then turned and headed back to the crosswalk as Ryou took the opposite direction. Bakura materialized and walked beside him, passing right through the garbage dumpsters and crates in front of him.

"Nicely done," he stated with a grin to the pale boy. "And the tears…well, you're quite the little actor, aren't you?"

Ryou only smiled at his comment, before he looked up to the sky in thought.

"What exactly did you do to him?"

Bakura grinned widely. "You'll see soon enough. Heck, the whole world will."

Hello Diary,

Today was a day full of adventure, and um, detention for Tristan and Joey, but it was fun nonetheless. Oh, so I ran into Ryou out of nowhere today. Turns out he was coming over to apologize, and I'm sure glad he caught me before he made it to the house. (Yami would have killed him!) But we're fine now, which is great, and even though I doubt I'll be seeing much of him, it's nice to know that we were able to patch things up. Annnnnd, tomorrow's the big day!!! Nerves have been killing me. I've been doing a lot of thinking, a whole lot, and I'm thinking, I'm thinking I'm ready. And that means I have to let my past catch up with me…Yami will find out, and I'll have to explain everything, and I'm not really sure how he'll take it. I've kept this from him for so long, and maybe that'll prove to have been my greatest mistake. I've lied to him since the beginning. You know…I guess I need this. Not only to test myself, but to test him as well. Am I ready to face my past? Will he even want me afterwards? I, I don't know…but I have to do this. Maybe, maybe I just want this for all the wrong reasons…I mean, I love him, I do, more than anything, but, I just, I just have to know. I'm not really sure what's going to happen tomorrow, so, I guess:

Until next time,

Yugi Muto