13-Peace for Once

The entire day, all the way until late evening, Yami hid in Yugi's head. He controlled his body the entire time as well, which annoyed Yugi to no end. He controlled what he said and what he did. Jounouchi left just before dinner, seeing that everything was alright. He had went to the bathroom some time while Yami was telling his past. Sugoroku was in the kitchen. They both questioned where Yami was, and 'Yugi' replied that he went out the door as Jounouchi went to the bathroom. At dinner time when Yugi had to sit at the table with his grandpa to eat, it became very difficult for Yami. Since he was in control of what Yugi said, he had to converse with his grandfather on topics he didn't even know about. Sugoroku asked him about school-work and picking a college to go to, which baffled Yami endlessly. He didn't know how to answer, and he couldn't find a way to get off the topic or turn it around. He just kept responding with, 'I'm not sure' or, 'everything's fine'. After all, Yami never actually attended a school and never set foot in a college. Unless he was killing someone there. Later that evening, Yami assumed it was around ten O clock. Sugoroku said that he was tired and that he would retire to bed, also recommending that Yugi did the same.

After hearing this, Yami felt relieved. He was looking for an excuse to go back to Yugi's room for hours. After Sugoroku went to his room first, 'Yugi' went to his room and quickly locked the door behind him. Yami then stopped Yugi's body from moving at all, as he realized something. He felt Yugi's emotions. But not only that, he felt negative ones. Guilt, doubt, betrayal. Why did he feel so bad all of a sudden? He then saw words like, liar, and deceitful. Ah, perhaps he felt guilty about lying to his grandfather and allowing Yami to sneak in here. Yami mentally sighed, not caring if Yugi could hear it as well. Now to get out of this body...

Yami closed his eyes tight, and grunted as he tried to push himself out of the boy's mind. Breaking through each mental layer in his brain thankfully without harming Yugi, he felt himself break free. Yugi then felt his eyes snap open suddenly, as he felt something familiar leave his mind and body. He blinked and realized he told his body to do that. So he seemed to be in control. When he looked up he saw Yami smiling down at him with his hands on his hips. Yuji could almost smile back, but he realized, this jerk took over his body without permission! He had to stay angry with him! And not fall for that...charming smile...and those strong looking arms-

Yugi cursed at himself.

"That was not so bad was it?" Yami asked, his voice was soft. Yugi attempted a pouty expression, but it didn't work. Looking at Yami's smile made him feel gleeful.

"I guess not.." Yugi said trying not to stare at his face. "But, how is this gonna work?" He asked. Yugi's bed was way too small for two people to fit in. "I could sleep on the floor if-"

"No." Yami cut him off. "We can fit." Yugi just stared at him with a unimpressed look. Yami smirked and glanced at the bed. "I can show you how." He seductively offered. Yugi didn't like the way he said that, but he hoped that nothing dubious came to Yami's mind. Yugi walked over to his bed and laid down. Yami quickly followed and began to get in the bed with him. Yugi began to panic.

"W-What are you doing!?"

"Be quiet, if your grandfather sees us, we will both be in trouble." Yami quickly hushed him and scooted behind him in the bed. Indeed, it was cramped. But Yami found a way to make it work. He wrapped his arms around Yugi's waist and pulled him close to his own body. Yugi made a yelp, which made Yami chuckle. As they came closer, it wasn't as cramped anymore. Yugi felt himself gulp as he felt Yami's pelvis get way too close to his bottom. Sleeping next to a boy? Wait, Yami was more than 3,000 thousand years-No, a man? He never even thought of himself doing that in a million years.

"I-It's a bit hot.." Yugi almost whispered. Yami made a more devious chuckle than before and sat up. Yugi made a quizzical expression and turned over to Yami. And he kind of regretted it.

Yami was peeling off clothing after clothing, each garment disappearing into black dust. Now all that he was left with, were black boxers. Yugi just felt himself stare at everything his eyes could lay their retinas on. He stared at his chest, his abs, his biceps, his pelvis-scratch that. Yami laid back down and pulled Yugi close again. Yugi just stared at him in disbelief. Did...Did Yami just do what he thought he did?

"Did you just strip..!?" Yugi loudly whispered, flustered. Yami just smiled and nodded slightly.

"You said you were hot." He simply replied.

Yugi gritted his teeth in annoyance. "How in the heck does that solve anything!?"

"Because I have no body heat. I do not produce any. My body is cold, not warm. So," Yami rested his head on Yugi's shoulder. They were in a full embrace now. Facing each other and practically hugging. Yugi's hands automatically rested on Yami's bare chest. "If you want to cool off, all you have to do is touch me, Yugi." The face of a lustful incubus appeared on Yami's features as Yugi felt himself blush.

This was going to be a long night.

The next day came by quickly. Yugi easily fell asleep only seconds later after Yami embraced him. He was so comforting, almost like a big pillow. When Yugi awoke, he didn't feel strong arms wrapped around him. Yugi quickly sat up and looked around frantically, hoping Yami didn't leave him once again.

"Y-Yami..!?"

"Quiet." A voice answered back. It was Yami's but, where was he? "In your head again." Oh. Yugi mentally sighed. The shadow-walker crept into his brain again. "Hey. At least I am not controlling you unwillingly." He protested. Well, that was indeed true. It was probably just a way to hide from Jii-chan. Jii-chan always woke up early to check up on Yugi while he was still asleep. "Yes. I do not need sleep, so I kept watch the entire time. Once I saw him try to come in, I hid immediately. He left a note for you on your dresser." Yami explained. Yugi nodded and crawled out of bed. He stood up and yawned, stretching his limbs.

Yugi walked over to his dresser and saw there was indeed a note here, taped onto it. Yugi pulled it off and read it over.

Yugi, I'm out right now with Professor Hawkins. I checked on you a little earlier, but you were still asleep. Try not to sleep all day. The game shop is closed for the day, so you don't have to worry about that. I'll be back in a few hours. If you go out with some friends, please be back at a reasonable time.

Love, Jii-Chan

Yugi smiled at the 'love Jii-chan' part. But he then realized he must have over-slept today.

"Indeed, you did. According to the position of the sun, it is now after noon. You have slept for a while." Yami responded. Yugi sighed in annoyance.

"Then why didn't you wake me!?" He demanded. He heard Yami chuckle.

"For your sleeping form was so adorable, I did not wish to wake you from your slumber. My apologies." It didn't take much effort to realize that was nothing but sarcasm. "No no! I promise, there was only a little sarcasm. I was mostly serious. I sincerely did not want to disturb your sleep." The shadow-walker did seem honest, Yugi supposed. Yugi sighed and put his hands on his hips.

"Well could you at least come out now? Jii-chan is gone."

"Very well." He replied. In only a few minutes of quick yet odd pain in the forehead, Yugi witnessed Yami's form appear in shadows pouring from his own head. Yami blew his blonde bangs out of his face and smirked at Yugi. "Hello."

Yugi rolled his eyes, but made a small smile. "Hi." Yugi turned around and walked to his closet. "Could you leave the room for a sec? I have to change my clothes." As he made one step, Yugi felt his shoulder get grabbed. He was turned around and met with Yami's chest. So, what? This is like the seventh time he's done that? "Yami, please get my face out of your chest." Yugi felt this cheeks redden a little. Normally, his face would be as red at a beet. However, he's growing used to being shoved into a strong chest. The shadow-walker chuckled and gently pulled Yugi's face away.

"My apologies. But instead of using regular boring human clothing..." Yami snapped his fingers, and with that, shadows began to surround Yugi's feet. Yugi began to panic.

"Yami!?"

"Calm down, they will not hurt you." He assured. The shadows began to creep upon the boy's body, transforming his old clothes into a completely different attire. A black sleeveless tank top, leather pants and leather shoes.

"...Did you just turn me into your twin?" Yugi glared at Yami. The dark being shrugged.

"Black is slimming. Besides, you do not even have to shower since the shadows obliterate any hygiene issues."

"And I agree, but too much of it looks a bit ridiculous!"

"No it is not."

"Is too!"

"Is not."

"YAMI." The boy hissed. Yami laughed and patted the boy's head.

"Come on." Yami wrapped an arm around the boy's waist to pull him closer. "Just one day you have to wear this."

Yugi made an angry pout. "And what do I get out of this?"

"A date." The dark one smirked. Yugi's eyes widened in shock.

Completely dumb-founded, Yugi found himself agreeing to the date. Leaving the game shop, Yami had led them to a place where it was nice and quiet with not much people around. As they did walk however, they have gotten odd stares and dirty looks. Yugi could almost laugh at the way Yami would glare right back and they would immediately turn away. As they finally came to their destination, Yugi realized Yami took him to a cafe. It was a quaint little cafe, almost cute. It was a bit surprising that Yami of all people would take Yugi here. The boy gave the dark one a questionable smile.

Yami looked back and shrugged. Small grey blushes piercing his cheeks. Yugi's smile grew brighter as he saw this. Yami sighed and scratched behind his head.

"I thought you would like this..." He admitted. Yugi grabbed Yami's hand and held it lovingly.

"I do! I like it very much!" He replied cheerfully. Yami tried to ignore the boy's adorable smiles and pulled him inside the cafe. There was barely anyone inside, even better. Yami pulled Yugi to a secluded table near a window and sat down on the opposite side of him. The sun rays were shining right out of it. It was a big window, so it gave a nice view. Turning back to his date, the shadow-walker almost felt himself smile. The boy indeed looked very very happy. But Yami wasn't sure why.

"Why are you so energetic all of a sudden?" The dark one asked. Yugi only grinned back in response.

"I dunno. Maybe because you're being romantic?"

Yami narrowed his eyes. "And what is that supposed to mean?" He challenged. His date giggled.

"Well, it's nice to see someone as 'cold' as you do something so nice for me." Yugi smirked.

The elder only rolled his eyes.

"So..." Yugi started. They ordered some food, which they ate quickly. Yami didn't have much to eat, however the opposite could be said for Yugi. The boy just began to finish his plate of food. Yami was paying, much to Yugi's dismay, so he could eat all he wanted. Yugi frankly did not want to question how Yami had the money to pay for whatever he wanted to eat. "Can you tell me anything else about Atem? If you want to." He quickly added. Yami rested his chin on the palm of his hand and leaned his elbow on the table.

"What do you want to know specifically?" He asked. The boy shifted in his seat as he stared at Yami, trying to think of something.

"Oh. Well he said he was the 'original' shadow-walker when I was in his world. What does that mean?" Yugi saw that Yami was having a bit of difficulty answering the question.

"That means..." Yami trailed on, trying to find a way to explain it to Yugi without confusing him. "It means that Atem was the first one to become a shadow-walker." The look on Yugi's face meant that Yami needed to go a bit deeper.

"How did he even become one in the first place?" He asked.

The dark one sighed and continued on. "Let me explain. Atem became a shadow-walker because as a child he played with black-magic. He was forbidden to do so, however he disobeyed and did as he pleased. There were other magic users in the palace, so Atem sneaked into a private library and looked over some books on forbidden magic. Even at a young age, it did not take too long for Atem to figure out the spells. However, out of all the other spells in the entire room, there was one that even the advanced magicians did not dare to cast or even read. But, Atem was a curious child. So of course, he looked at it anyway."

Yugi stared attentively, completely forgetting about any left over food on his plate.

"It was some kind of spell written in some strange language...It was not in Egyptian. But strangely enough, he was able to understand it perfectly. Atem swears his father taught him the language, but I do not buy it. For he was far too young to understand something so complex. He was only four years of age when reading the spell. But regardless, he was able to figure it out and he read it. He studied it for days and weeks, continuously sneaking into the library away from guards and the royal court. Each time he did, he used his new found magic abilities to his advantage. Making it easier each time. Finally, he prepared the necessary ingredients to create the spell. Atem never told me how he did it, and he never explained to me the recipe. But this was how he became what I am today." Yami cleared his throat from speaking so much, and took a sip of some soda he ordered. Bitter taste...He'd never order whatever the hell this substance was again.

"Atem said the spell, in the correct pronunciation, and achieved what he so desperately wanted to discover. Atem described to me what happened next, as the most terrifying thing he had ever witnessed as a child. It was day time, he did the ritual near a window as required in the book. And where there is light, there are shadows. Shadows began to crawl from within the walls, turning the entire room into a pitch black room. The only source of light left, was the window showing only a small ounce of pure light from the sun. Atem told me the shadows morphed into monsters, glaring at him, and targeting him automatically. They ran for him, and there was nothing he could do. He felt like he was getting squeezed and strangled by the shadows, wrapping themselves around him. He was only a small child as I said before, so his little body was not able to take much more. He was in excruciating pain."

"What happened to him next?" Yugi asked with concern, which almost made Yami laugh.

"He passed out." He chuckled. "When he awoke, he found himself in his bedroom. His father and the royal court surrounded him. He asked what happened, and they explained that Atem was passed out in front of the library and that they found some wounds on his arms and neck. Oddly, his body was moved from inside to the outside of the room. Atem thought the shadows must have pushed him out. Anyhow, he inhumanly recovered quickly from the strangling of the shadows. Atem and the others were confused by this at first, and only shrugged it off. But as time passed, he found that he was no longer human. Doing simple things like sneezing, or waving his hand would create shadow-magic. He tried his very best to hide and contain it until he got older and revealed it to the court. I remember the day when his father died, he locked himself in his private chambers. After staying in the room for a long time, his close friend, Mana, checked up on him. Only to find dozens of shadows surrounding him with an intense aura filled with anger. Atem made me around this time, and seeing him with those shadows surrounding him like that shocked me." Yami took a rueful sip of his soda once more and licked his lips.

Yugi looked down at the table to let the story sink in. "So, he made you the same way?"

Yami tilted his head a bit. "Mnn, some-what. But he never dared to tell me how. For some reason, he thinks talking about artificial shadow-walker creativity is taboo against the Gods." A bunch of sarcasm was sensed there.

"Atem also told me only light-users like me could go there. But I don't understand, why would he make a world where you couldn't come to?" Yugi asked. "I thought he'd want to see you, so I thought you were welcomed too."

Now that was an excellent question. Yami crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. "Atem created that world, of course, so he has full control of who or what can enter. However, that whole 'only light-users can come' thing is bullshit." Yami harshly revealed. "I have been there plenty of times when we used to be together. Whenever we were separated, he produced his own world so I could come to his to see him and do whatever by using our mind-links. A dark-user like me is able to come there if I wanted to, I just had no idea that he could produce his own world again even after he died. So that world is what's inside of his soul." He explained. Aahh things made so much sense now! Now things weren't as confusing as before. Yugi smiled as another thing was lifted off of his mind.

"So that's how he's still alive even though he's in hell..." Yugi deduced. Yami nodded.

"Yes. That is correct. Just because your body is dead does not mean your soul is. We just have to find it, and the fact that you're able to see Atem's world is definite proof that the asshole is still alive." Yami's insult to his ex-lover made Yugi shake his head.

An idea popped in Yugi's mind, which made him smile brightly at Yami. Yami glanced at the boy and furrowed his brows.

"The hell are you looking at me like that for?"

"You can come to his world, Yami. You can do it right now!" He happily suggested. Yami's eyes dilated. Damn, how could he be so stupid!? Yugi was right, he could totally come to Atem if he wanted to now. All he had to do was open up a mind-link and-

"Seriously?" Yami asked. Yugi nodded quickly.

"Yes! Go ahead." Yugi closed his eyes, allowing his mind to grow vulnerable to Yami's powers. Yami swallowed hard. Realizing after a few minutes that nothing was happening, Yugi opened an eye. "Uh, Yami-!" And he was cut off by the force of lips connecting with his own. Yugi blinked in shock, not knowing what to do at all. Yami was kissing him again! He's never kissed anyone before! Okay sure, they kissed at the party but did that even count!? Even though he had a crush on the girl since middle school, Anzu was completely kicked out of his mind. Kissing her? Nah, he'll pass on that. After this, she'll probably never appear in his mind again in that way.

But, how was he supposed to kiss Yami of all people?

Yugi felt his eye lids lower as he moaned in the deep kiss. He began to part his lips and kiss back. He tasted the way of how soft and plush Yami's lips were, yet so cold, with absolutely no warmth. The more Yugi kissed back, the more Yami deepened it to make it more passionate. Yugi swore he was going to pass out. Yeah, this wasn't literally a heated kiss, but it sure freaking felt like one. However, all amazing, delicious things, must come to an end. Yami grunted as he broke the kiss roughly, which seemed to have aroused Yugi. It was disappointing that the kiss was over, but Yugi loved it either way.

"Thank you, Yugi." The dark one smirked exotically, making the boy's face turn red. Yami could sense Yugi was still a bit in la-la land from the kiss, so his mind was already vulnerable. He could impenetrate it easily. But, being nice, he allowed Yugi to do it himself, and leave his mind open. Yugi closed his eyes, and awaited for Yami's infiltration.

Time to say hello to an old friend.

Yami closed his eyes as well and allowed his shadow to morph within Yugi's. Yugi felt the infiltration, but was not alarmed, and allowed the entering of his brain.

Let's see...

Water with golden aura, waterfalls and gardens with forbidden flowers scattered everywhere, woodland animals...Hmm, that was new. Doves flying in the sky, light pink skies with fluffy clouds, and finally, trees with jade like leaves...

Oh yeah. This was the place.

The same as he remembered it too. The air was too fresh and calming to even be considered oxygen, and the aura was way too serene. This was Atem's soul alright.

"Atem? An old friend of yours is coming to say hi. I hope you don't mind."

That must have been Yugi's voice from above. Since Yami was linked from Yugi's mind, Yugi could probably hear everything they're saying. Not that Yami gave a crap. Now where was the fucker? Yami began to walk, looking around. Even though it's been centuries since he stepped foot in this place, he still remembered it like the back of his hand. Sure the animals were new, but nothing really changed. So Yami decided to walk to a place where he and Atem would always meet at. There was a tiny island with a huge tree that shadowed the island like a guardian. Even though there was no sun in this world, it was still strangely bright as if there was a sun present. The tree seemed to block that out under a cool, calming shade. So Yami began to walk towards the right. Something told him that Atem didn't manipulate the movement of any island, so he was sure he was going the right way.

After about a few minutes or so, he found himself at his destination. Atem's world was small, so you couldn't get lost even if you wanted to. Where would you even get lost in? There were barely any trees to call anything a forest, and the earth of it was flat, so everything in the world was in plain sight. Yami walked to the island, and took a seat on the soft grass. He breathed in, and exhaled in true nostalgia. This place truly made him feel at peace, as it used to when they were together.

Just sitting under this tree made him feel...happy. Of course he feels happy when Yugi's around, but here, it's a different kind of happy. Yami just couldn't describe it..

"Perhaps it is love?" A familiar voice asked. And Yami could only recognize that cheesy line with that deep voice from only one person. Of course, Yami wanted to scream and squeal in happiness at his arrival, but he had to keep up his ego. Act cool about it.

"Do you have any idea how corny you sound?" Yami replied looking next to him. And of course, it was the one and only-"Atem."

"Yami." The tanned male replied with a smile. Before Yami could say anything more, a kiss was planted on his cheek. Grey began to fill his cheeks. The shadow-walker turned away from Atem to try and ignore the peck on his cheek. Atem made a small frown. "Did you not like that?"

"No." Yami replied rather quickly. Atem sighed.

"You are upset with me." He concluded.

"A little."

"For what?"

"Gee, I dunno, for fucking dying on me!?" Yami yelled. Atem just stared at him with no enthusiasm or any emotion.

"Your tone is as rude as ever."

"And so is your fucking attitude."

"Mine?" Atem smirked. "And what about yours?"

"Just shut up.." Yami looked away with his arms crossed. "You do not understand how much you scared me. How alone I was for all that damn time!" He stared at the clear waters of the river not too far from where they were. He felt Atem get closer and wrap his arms around him, attempting to nuzzle his face into his neck.

"Yami, please understand I felt the same way. I missed you, I wanted to hold you and tell you everything was going to be alright. I wanted to kiss you and tell you how much I love you. I know you felt alone and I know I scared you. But I was alone as well. And frankly..." Atem tightened his hold. "I was scared as well. Limbo is not the nicest place to be trapped in for all eternity. It is a scary place. This world of mine is my only escape from it."

"..." Yami said nothing as he tried to take in what Atem said. The 'how much I love you' caught him off guard. "Atem..." Yami hugged the fallen king back, feeling odd warmth coming from his body. Yami assumed it was the warmth of his soul. It was a very nice feeling. Atem tightened his hold even more on Yami as they hugged. So many years waiting and wandering alone, having painful memories of Atem each time he would sleep. Being lonely and practically only living for murder. But now, Yami felt all those troubled emotions just disappear. Truly, Atem made him feel special. And this was only a feeling he and Yugi could cause. "I promise, I will get you back, Atem." As much as he wanted to say 'I love you', Yami wouldn't dare. He felt something for Yugi now. And he couldn't love Atem no longer. It was time to move on.

"I know you will." Atem reassured. He felt him chuckle, and slowly looked up to see his face. Atem seemed to have been chuckling, but at what? "I just noticed you have not said 'I love you'."

God. Fucking. Damn it.

"Or would you rather me say it first?" The king laughed. "So selfish you are Yami. I love you~"

Yes please. Rub it the hell in.

"Oh." What a perfect position to be in right now. Once Atem said those words, Yami's eyes shrunk in fear, worry and anxiety. He had to tell Atem how he felt, eventually. And he couldn't wait any longer. He couldn't prolong this feeling. He needed to just tell him, but it was so difficult. What could happen if he did? Would Atem be angry? Would he yell at him and insult him? Or would he have his heart destroyed into pieces? Even if Yami no longer loved Atem that way, he was still considered a very close and dear friend. He could never live with himself if he knew Atem was emotionally destroyed from the inside.

"...Yami?"

Shit. It has to happen. It's now or never.

"Atem, I do not love you anymore." Suddenly the embrace fell apart and Atem stood straight up, glaring at Yami.

"What in hell do you mean?" His voice was viciously low. Yami sighed. He knew this would be the difficult part.

"Atem, I still love you deep down. But, I cannot be with you. You are..Scary to be with. I fear you. I have feared you since we were children, since you made me, I feared you. Hours before the incident of your death, you fought me and really hurt me. You snapped at me, and your powers were always scary to me. You insulted me to the core, making me feel worthless. Atem, if I am going to bring you back, I only want you as a friend." The dark one finally told him the truth. That's been weighing on his chest for a long time. As much as he wanted to scream apologies, he had to keep it in and only mentally exhale. the stress of that issue was weighed off of him, but now, a new one rested on his shoulders.

"Fear me?"

"Yes." Yami replied sternly. "You know what you did Atem. If I could remember, you of all people can as well. And besides, it has been way too long. My love for you has long faded away." Now that, was a lie. He hoped to the Gods that Atem could not sense it. "Do not think I do not love you anymore, I do as a friend. Just not as a lover. I know you will not even bother to try and understand me now. But when I get you back, at least promise me you will understand by then."

There was a dangerous long silence that seemed to linger for a few minutes which felt like hours, until Atem cleared his throat. He turned his back to Yami, not wanting to look at him any longer. even with thier mind links destroyed, Yami knew damn well Atem was absolutely furious. And he knew Yugi felt it too. But not just outrage, he could tell Atem felt sorrow as well.

"Very well." Was all Atem said. Yami stood up and walked over to the fallen king to put a hand on his shoulder.

"I am sorry." Yami gave a quick peck on lips, before quickly walking away from Atem at a good distance. "I will come back again. Send me back." Yami said in a loud tone, enough for Atem to hear him from their distance. Atem never looked up, not a nod or a sign of approval. Before Yami felt himself disappear, he saw Atem's world start to darken and all the natural life began to wilt. That, was a very bad sign.

Yami knew, he actually must have broken his heart.

Pale eye lids opened up to reveal red eyes. They blinked and looked around the room.

"You okay, Yami?" Yugi asked with worry. Yami could almost laugh. Always concerned about someone. The dark one nodded slowly and made a stressful sigh.

"I-"

BOOM

"!?" Both Yugi and Yami looked through the window in confusion and shock as to what was happening outside. Some people in the cafe began to run out frantically. Yami groaned in annoyance.

When can he ever get a damn break!?

END 14

Hey yes hello. My apologies for the very long wait. I had a bit of writer's block, and of course, school has started up. But do not worry my darlings, for updates should be more recent every weekend. Because I have the rest of this planned out. Writer's block, can kiss. My. Ass. Muahahaha. by the way, perhaps I need to remind you all how truly ruthless this story is. I won't tell why I said that, because I want you all scattering like live-stock from the utter confusion. Oh and before I leave, please review. *winks*