Millennium: Ok, so I decided that I needed to introduce someone special to me! Say Ohayo, Love! My Yami!
Love: Ohayo, everybody! Seriously, Millennium, you are nuts if you intend to do what you're thinking. The guys are gonna kill you. And when Seto and Joey hunt you down, I'm going to stand back and laugh. And yes, I will forever play devil's advocate with you. It's what you love about me.
Seto: Okay. You two will honestly give me a headache. Shut up and get on with the story.
Joey: Yeah, I'm with my dragon. Let's get on with it girls. We all want to see the fluff you promised Yugi and Yami.
Yugi/Yami: Yeah! On with it.
Yugi: By the way, Millennium owns nothing, as you all know. She just likes putting words together in such a pretty way.
Millennium: Slight warning - music is weird. Yugi's taste in here is my own strange playlist. Forgives! Millennium listens to everything, but Evanescence is a faves!
"So, all three of you are back? Well, this is interesting. I hope the other two are not as crazy as I remember." Seto had calmed down enough to think straight and was being the voice of reason in the group. "Eventually, I want a rematch. You should know that. Oof! Puppy, I said EVENTUALLY! Ra, I didn't mean today!" Joey had smacked Seto hard in the head for the comment. "And had you asked for an immediate rematch, Kaiba, I would have politely told you where to stick your request." Everyone burst out laughing at that response. Yami was much livelier than before the final duel. "Well, if you'll excuse us, Yugi and I are still tired from the trip and would like to rest." Yugi was the only one who knew what Yami really meant. Yes, they were tired, but sleep would not come soon for the two boys. There was definitely something else on their minds at the time.
At the game shop, after leaving their friends, Yugi and Yami had immediately went to Yugi's room. Yugi's mother and grandfather had been busy with the shop and would want to talk later, but for now, they were alone. Although, explaining Yami's appearance would be interesting to say the least. Mrs. Mutou had never truly accepted the story of a second spirit using Yugi's body. She thought that Yugi was simply creating the story to have a friend at first. Though she was happy that he had friends now, it was still hard to accept when she had never believed in spirits to begin with. Wondering who the boy was that looked so much like her son, she kept working with her father-in-law to keep the shop running. She would have to wait until later to talk to her only son.
Up in the small bedroom, the boys were talking. Yugi was still getting over the feeling of being abandoned by his first real friend, and Yami could tell. He knew he would have to regain his love's trust, but hoped and believed it wouldn't take all that long to do. He knew Yugi better than anyone else, save maybe Grandpa. They were the two people who had taken the time to really get to know him better than anyone else. "Aibou, I am truly sorry for leaving that way. I know it pained you greatly, as it did me, but I could not bear to see your pain any longer than I did. I would have been unable to leave and close the Shadow Realm then. I can only hope that my return did not reopen that accursed Realm." That was Yami's greatest fear, that the Shadow's themselves would return and threaten the world of the living again. The darkness he had shut off could corrupt the purest hearts, even someone such as his beloved Yugi. There I go again. Thinking of him as my beloved. I wonder what he would think. If he knows, it doesn't seem to bother him at all. "I'll be honest, Mou Hitori No Boku, I wish I knew what you were so worried about. I don't think the Shadow Realm is going to come back, and that obviously wasn't what you were thinking about. What's going on in that head of yours?" Yami took a deep breath, wondering if he could truly tell Yugi this. What am I thinking? Yugi won't be that upset. He might even like it. Why am I even considering keeping this from him? We have never had any secrets from each other intentionally. "Well, Aibou, it's just that I'm worried that it bothers you how dear you are to me. When I think of you, it is either as my Aibou, or as my beloved. I was unsure of how that would affect you."
"Unsure? Well, considering I think of you much the same way, I can't see it being an issue, dear. Although, how we're going to explain all this to Mom is beyond me. She doesn't even know I'm gay… Well, I guess it's high time she did know anyways. Grandpa won't care. He liked you from the start, and if it makes me happy, he'll deal with it. I think he already knows anyway, or at least suspects it. Mom, though, doesn't. Well, she already thinks I'm crazy… What's the worst that can happen?" Yugi was obviously upset, but was trying to keep from crying. He wasn't the scared, timid boy that Yami had met almost five years ago. He was definitely more confident and outgoing than before, and he owed it all to Yami. "Crap, you know what? You don't actually exist here. We're gonna have to find a way to make you an identity. Maybe Kaiba can help with that. He'll probably have to do that for Bakura too. Well, we can ask him tomorrow." Yugi suddenly let out the biggest yawn known to man. "I guess we should take a nap now, before Mom and Grandpa close the shop and want to talk. Want some music to sleep to?" Yami shrugged. He knew Yugi slept better during the day with music. It had always calmed him and allowed him to relax no matter what was going on. I bet that's how he's survived the last few months. It made sense to the former ruler, knowing what he did about the young man in front of him. "If you want it, Aibou, I won't stop you. Put on whatever you want." And so, Yugi's strange playlist began. It was a mixture of music from multiple genres, never the same thing twice. Evanescence, Carrie Underwood, Lauren Alaina, Casting Crowns, and Linkin Park were just a few artists. Yugi had no real preference for genres, and would just put his favorite bands together into one big playlist that jumped from country to rock to alternative to some CCM.
Next thing Yami knew, they were listening to Evanescence's Imaginary. The song floated as eerily as ever, leaving both boys awed at the abilities of Amy Lee's voice.
I linger in the doorway, of alarm clock screaming, monsters calling my name
Let me stay, where the wind will whisper to me, where the raindrops as they're falling tell a story
In my field of paper flowers and candy clouds of lullaby
I lie inside myself for hours and watch my purple sky fly over me
Don't say I'm not attached to this rampant chaos, your reality
I know well what lies beyond my sleeping refuge
The nightmare I built my own world to escape
In my field of paper flowers and candy clouds of lullaby
I lie inside myself for hours and watch my purple sky fly over me
Swallowed up in the sound of my screaming, cannot cease for the fear of silent nights
Oh, how I long for the deep sleep dreaming, the Goddess of imaginary light
In my field of paper flowers and candy clouds of lullaby
I lie inside myself for hours and watch my purple sky fly over me
(Ah-ah-ah-ah, paper flowers, ah-ah-ah-ah, paper flowers)
By the time the song was over and another began, the boys were fast asleep in each other's arms, unaware of the things that were going to be happening soon.
Knocking on the door awoke the two boys a few hours later. "Yugi, open the door. We need to talk." His mother sounded upset, and was likely wondering just what the hell was going on. Yugi dragged himself up and opened the door, still rubbing his eyes to wake up. "Yeah, Mom? I guess you want to know what's up now."
"Of course I do! Who the hell is this boy, and what is he doing in our house?" Grandpa suddenly, thankfully, stepped in. "Please, dear. Calm down and let Yugi explain. I have to admit that this boy seems familiar to me… Could it be? Tell me Yugi, is this Yami?" Solomon was well aware of what Yami had meant to Yugi, even more so than Yugi had ever realized. "Yeah, it is. Look, there's a lot to explain, and I would appreciate it if I could get a shower first… I don't think I've taken one in almost 2 days now, and I feel gross." Nodding, the older Mutous allowed that. "I'll get you two something ready to eat downstairs, and we can talk, Yugi." His mother was letting it go for now. She didn't approve of having a boy she didn't know over, but Yugi was sure to give her a good explanation if she just gave him time.
After a quick shower for the boys, they went downstairs to the kitchen. Mrs. Mutou had reheated the dinner she had made earlier for herself and Grandpa, having decided to let the boys sleep a couple extra hours after their long flight back from Egypt. "Alright, Mom, here goes. You aren't going to like a lot of this, but I need to tell you some things about me." Yugi took a deep breath and looked at Yami. Yami simply smiled at him and nodded for Yugi to continue. "First off, I'm gay. I've known for years, I just didn't know how you would react… That and it didn't matter if I didn't date anyone anyway… Up until I met Yami, I was too shy to talk to anyone but Tea, and even she didn't get much out of me." Mrs. Mutou just sat with a stunned look on her face, as if her son had grown a second head. "Mom, are you okay? It's not like it should be that surprising. I've never had a girlfriend, or even talked about a girl. Tea doesn't count. I've never been into girls. And guys always scared me, so I didn't really let myself look… Until I made a few friends anyway." She seemed to accept this, calming down and looking as if she was wondering what else her son was about to tell her. Grandpa was just smiling. "I'm guessing from the look on your face, Grandpa, that you had already figured that much out. And maybe you know the next part too. I'm in love with Yami. I have been for about 2 years now. And now that he's here like this, well… I want to be with him. He understands me in way that no one else does. And I'm happy with him. I just thought you might want to know that it's the same Yami that I talked about before… You know, the spirit of the Millennium Puzzle? I guess somehow he got to come back in his own body. No one knows how or why, but right now I don't care." Mrs. Mutou seemed to finally come out of her stupor. "There is no way in HELL I'm allowing this! You can't possibly expect me to just roll over like this is nothing! This is – "
"Stop. If you cannot accept your son as he is, then you may leave. I have been kind to this point and looked the other way when you scolded him, but this is too much. I love Yugi very much, and I believe he deserves this happiness, however it my come to him. Yami is more important to him than any other friend he has, and I will not allow you to destroy your only child's happiness with your own selfishness. I know the struggles you have had over the years, including the ones before Yugi's birth. I am aware of your pain and suffering, but Yugi has suffered just as much. If you had a chance at happiness, I would not stop you from taking it, and neither would your son. He would want you to be happy, even if he did not get along with the person. I often think Yugi is the most mature of the three of us here. He is wise beyond his years, and has the innocent trust of a child. This is what makes him who he is. And love knows no boundaries, as you well know. I know to this day you still love my son, even after everything he did to you. You forgave him long ago, and would let him back in if he ever returned. And I don't know that Yugi would stop you, even if he would not follow. I know he forgives his father, but does not wish to allow himself the risk of that pain again. His trust in the man he called 'Dad' was shattered many years ago, and it would not be easily won. But his trust in Yami knows no limits, and even though Yami left, when he returned the trust was still there, if wary at first." Grandpa's entire speech had stopped everyone. Yugi had never heard his grandfather so upset before. It seemed as if every wrong that had ever been done came forward at that moment. Yami was simply stunned that the man could stand up for him in such a way. After everything I have done to hurt my Aibou, Grandpa still accepts me. He understands our bond better than even I do. "Mom? I don't want you to go… I know this is a lot to take in, but please, believe me when I say that I love you. I don't want to hurt you, but I can't hide anymore. I'm tired of lies and masks… I've kept this from you for too long as it is." Yugi looked afraid of what his mother would say. She had always talked of wanting to be a grandmother someday, and Yugi's heart ached at the thought of maybe never being able to give her that. He knew there was adoption, but the odds of him being able to were slim. Unless he had help.
And then the fight simply left her. "I suppose you're right, Yugi. I was surprised, I guess. I knew in some way, but I denied it. It just worries me that you are setting yourself up for a lot of pain. People are not that accepting, and you know this. I suppose you have warned Yami of this piece of information. Japan is not a tolerant country, and you will likely be harassed, even with your celebrity status as the King of Games." Yami nodded. He had known long ago that their love was a forbidden one, but he did not care anymore. He would not hide behind the propaganda of the world any longer. "Yes, I am aware of the difficulties we will face. And I am steadfast in my decision to stand by Yugi in this life. I believe this is my chance at a happiness I was denied before. My life has never been easy, nor have I ever been as happy as I am now. To me, the happiness is worth whatever the world wants to throw at us." As always, Yami's rich voice stopped everyone in their tracks, forcing them to listen to his every word. Things would not be easy for the two, but then again, they were the Kings of Games and had Seto Kaiba on their side. They would survive. "Well then, if you are sure, I will give you my blessing. It is good to see you smile again, Yugi." Mom was done. She had just been told a shocking truth that she had not expected, and it had been a long and busy day at the shop. "I am going to bed now. I only ask that you do not do anything under this roof. I may accept that you love each other, but that does not mean I accept what you will wish to do." At that, she left the room along with Grandpa, both heading to their rooms for sleep. "That went better than expected, Mou Hitori No Boku. Well, we should probably get a little more sleep too." And with that, everyone went to bed.
A few days later
Yugi and Yami were at Tea's helping her finish packing, when a knock sounded at the door. "I wonder who that is, Tea." Yugi was surprised. He had thought the 3 would be alone for most of the day. "It's probably Tristan. He was nearly done packing yesterday, and said he might come over to help me finish." Tea was obviously hoping it wasn't the dark-haired man. He had begun to berate her for strange things, and she was worried what he would think about the two duelists being there already. Luck was not on her side though, as there was no one else it could have been. "So, what are you up to, Tea? Still packing? How are you not finished? And what the hell are these two doing here?!" Tristan had now entered the room, and saw Yugi and Yami. They were surprised by Tristan's outburst, wondering what was really going on between the two. Tea had been increasingly distant from everyone else, just as Serenity had been. /Wait, Aibou, I think I might know. I hope I am wrong though./ \I was thinking the same. If he is hurting Tea, even with just words, I might lose it, Yami. She's my oldest friend. And no one hurts my friends and gets away with it.\ "Might I ask why you are so upset, Tristan? Aibou and I were simply helping Tea to finish packing so that the two of you might leave on time. That and we were enjoying one of our last days with an old friend. I see no reason to be so upset over that. Believe me when I say, I have no interest in your girlfriend that way, and neither does Yugi. We are both very gay."
"That is not the point. I was under the impression that she would be alone when I arrived. I am more upset that she lied to me than that you are here." Tea was simply staring at the dark-haired man towering over her. "I never said that I would be alone or with friends. Maybe you should quit assuming things without asking. Yami and Yugi are my oldest friends and I have no reason to tell you every little thing that I do!" With that, Tea walked over to her bed to continue packing, but was stopped by Tristan grabbing her wrist. "You are my girlfriend. Therefore, I have a right to know what you are doing. And you know better than to talk to me like I am trash." The threats were dripping from his voice and Tea was obviously scared.
"Tristan, I will say this once. Release Tea and walk away before I do something that I may regret later. I have never truly been fond of you, as I had always seen this darkness inside you. I do not wish to hurt you though." Yami was obviously furious, but had the self-control to not act immediately. He wished for a reason to hurt the asshole in front of him, but did not feel he truly had one yet. Yugi was thinking the same. \If he so much as raises that other hand, Yami… I am not responsible for what happens next. I will not let him hurt her.\ /I understand. I feel the same way./ With that, they watched warily as Tristan weighed his options. He was sure that he could take the two boys in front of him, as they were half his size at best, but was afraid of them telling Joey or Kaiba. Those two were a different story. Joey had always been a bit stronger than Tristan, and Kaiba would do anything for Joey. Releasing Tea's hand, he turned and punched at the wall in frustration. An angry growl left the two duelists' throats, threatening more pain than anyone thought possible from the smaller boys. Yugi managed to spit out, "Leave. Now. Before both of us lose our cool. Because I am actually more frightening angry than Yami. Ask Tea." Tea nodded fearfully. She had only ever seen Yugi angry one time in her life, and the fury that the boy could release would have scared Kaiba. He was an atomic bomb when he lost his temper. The devastation left behind would be disturbing, especially because it was her that he was protecting. He had been standing up for her last time too, but this time would be worse. She just knew that. "Tristan, leave. You are no longer welcome here." She said this with every bit of venom she could muster, even with her shaking voice. "You have no right to tell me what to do, you stupid little bitch." And he mistakenly raised his hand to slap her.
Before Tea or Yami could react, Yugi had launched himself at Tristan. Landing with a thump on the ground a few feet away, Yugi was simply beating the hell out of Tristan with a look of pure rage on his face. /Aibou, STOP! You have made your point! Aibou, please!/ Yami was truly frightened of what Yugi might do if not stopped, so he pulled Yugi away. Not an easy task for someone of his size. And then the fight was gone from Yugi as fast as it had come. He just dropped away, ashamed at his outburst. "Aibou, I understand your anger, but you are wilder with it than even I expected. I can see why Tea was so nervous about you getting angry and losing control. But you have made your point. I do not think it wise of you to stay here, Tristan. I am still upset myself and cannot guarantee that I will not also harm you for that foolish move." At that, Tristan picked himself up and left. He was already sporting a black eye and several bruises were beginning to form along his neck and chest. Ra, could Yugi actually hit! That had been almost like getting hit by Joey! He had never expected little Yugi to have that much strength, considering the guy never fought. Shit. How am I going to explain this? Damn, Yugi, got the better of me… Only because I underestimated the little bastard. Fuck, I can't let Joey know that Yugi did this! If he finds that out, I'm dead. Joey would definitely want to know why Yugi hit me at all. I didn't expect him to do that. Yami wouldn't have surprised me so much, even though he's almost as even-tempered as the brat. What the hell is Yugi hiding from all of us? Nobody has that kind of rage for no reason. Tristan was screwed and he knew it. Yugi would end up telling Joey what happened. Better leave now, before those two can spill the story. I can disappear well enough Kaiba won't be able to find me. I grew up on the streets. They won't get me that easily. WHAM! "Watch where the hell you're walking!" Tristan spat out. He had landed on his rear end on the sidewalk from the hit. "Maybe you should pay more attention yourself, Taylor." Shit! Kaiba? Well, this is just great. "Although, you are just the person I was looking for, so at least I don't have to search too hard. Considering the phone call I just got from Yami, I have to say. I'm impressed with what Yugi managed to do by himself. You should consider yourself lucky that I promised Joey he would be the one dealing out the punishment, as I would greatly enjoy it myself. For both females that you have done this to. You must understand, I rather like Serenity as a person. She manages to make my brother happy, which has always been difficult for anyone but myself. So let's get going." With that, Kaiba hauled Tristan up by his collar and dragged him towards the limo waiting on the curb. Both knew that this was going to be unpleasant for all involved. Kaiba only hoped that he and Serenity would be able to stop Joey before he did too much damage. An assault charge would be aggravating and Kaiba didn't want to deal with the publicity of it. He didn't think Serenity would be able to handle the scrutiny of the media. She was far more fragile than Joey or Mokuba, who were both fairly used to media. I suppose I could just take him to the police myself. Joey would be mad, but it'll save a lot of trouble… And Joey will get his swings in soon enough… They won't hold him for long, just prevent him from disappearing to America for a while. And I have my hands full enough with what Yugi just did… Seto could definitely feel a migraine coming on. "Hey, Moneybags! You weren't planning on trying to stop me from at least gettin' one good punch in, were ya? Seriously, I deserve at least one for him hittin' Ren!" Migraine, check. "One, Mutt. I'm not in the mood for the publicity stunt anymore would cause." A sick thump and a groan were heard as Tristan hit the ground, blood pouring from his now-broken nose. "Cool, I feel better now. Let's drag his sorry ass in now, Seto." Joey's mood swings could be a bit scary sometimes. Other times, the ease with which he let go of things was a beautiful blessing.
Yugi, Yami, and Tea all watched with a sick fascination as Tristan was unceremoniously dumped in the police cruiser that had joined Seto's limo. All five were questioned by the officers there and asked to bring anyone else who knew of the situation to the station for a statement. "Alright, officers. I suppose we'll have to take your sister and my brother down then. Although, I think Serenity might handle it better at the mansion. Mokuba won't care." And everyone left.
Yugi: What the hell? I'm not that mean!
Millennium: Sorry. You said yourself not to let Tea get hurt, and she didn't. All thanks to you, Chibi.
Love: You are seriously about to get yourself killed with this story. And I'm SO not protecting you from your own stupidity this time. Yamis have to look out for themselves too.
Seto: Well, she did technically keep her promise. And I have to admit, that portrayal of me was pretty well done.
Joey: Yeah, same here. At least I got one good swing!
Tristan: I hurt just reading this story.
Tea: Yeah. I'm just glad Yugi has a protective side like that.
Yami: Even I'm not surprised he attacked Tristan. Aibou, Tea means more to you than you like to admit. She is your oldest friend, right?
Yugi: Yeah. I've known her since we were in grade school… I guess I might get mad like that if it was in front of me. No idea for sure. Okay, I forgive you Millennium.
Millennium: Yays! Happy Yugi makes Millennium happy! Love! It's okay now! You don't have to worry about Yugi asking Yami to send me off to the Shadows and being alone.
Love: *scoffs* Like I would mind being away from you. You are utterly insane! Oh well, at least you aren't completely innocent. Although, I'm beginning to wonder if I will have to write the lemon later. You are scared to do it, aren't you, Millennium?
Millennium: NEVER! I just want to work up to it… Okay, I'm a little afraid of writing it… But I'll do it! I promise! Oh, and Winged Sapphire Wolf, thanks for the great ideas! I changed it a little, but it really helped! You are awesome, friend! (And Ashley and Crystal, too!) And I am still using the other part of your idea. Next chapter!