Authors Note: I'm so glad that I was able to finish this chapter tonight! The next week is going to be hectic and I don't think I will have the chance to write at all.
I have my last final on Tuesday and if I pass I will GRADUATE! I can't believe I actually made it through the hell of college.
Enough of my rambling. I hope you enjoy this chapter. It turned out better then I pictured.
Please leave me a review after! I live for them!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or any of the characters.
P.S. To the reviewer that said Yugi was being a "Shitbird", I agree. He's upset and he isn't taking it well. In addition, I love this insult and I had a laugh reading it.
Chapter 2: Evading
A freshly showered Yami stood in the mirror of the steamy bathroom taking in his appearance. He was still getting used to having his own body. Instead of the pale skin he had come to know when he was sharing a body with Yugi, he now had the tanned skin from his time as Pharaoh. He had retained the muscular figure from his demanding days as Prince of Egypt, instead of the lean, slim body of the highschooler. Something he did still have in common still were amethyst-color of his eyes and the spiky tri-colored hair that refused to be tame.
It had been almost a week since Yami made his unplanned reappearance. He had been hoping to have a pleasant reunion with Yugi but it didn't go exactly as he had planned. Yugi seemed less than thrilled to see him and was now currently using his job to avoid him.
Yami forced his eyes away from the mirror and turned toward the clothes that were placed neatly on the counter. Thankfully he and Yugi were close enough in size now that they he could pull off wearing Yugi's clothing, even if it was a little snug on his slightly larger frame. Yugi had taken the liberty of setting aside new clothing for Yami every morning before he left for work. Yami would have thanked him for his kindness but as part of his "avoid Yami plan", Yugi would wake up early and leave for work, returning late, giving the excuse he had to get up early the next day.
Today, Yami put on the dark, long sleeve shirt and dark jeans that were set out. Yami smirked at himself in the mirror seeing that Yugi's taste in clothing hadn't changed over the years. Yami walked over to the small window and propped it open, letting in the cooling breeze of early autumn.
Once he had finished dressing and cleaned up the small bathroom, Yami made his way down to the living room and began cleaning up his pseudo-bed. The living room couch had become Yami's new bed. It was comfortable enough, but he did miss having the luxury of an actual bed.
He finished folding the last sheet and Yami set them on the coffee table. He sat down on the couch and tossed his head back over the back of the couch and shut his eyes tight. He had been back for days yet nothing seemed to be changing for the better. Yugi was avoiding him. If Yami couldn't even see him for more than a moment at a time how was he supposed to fix things?
Despite his futile efforts to get his younger companion to make an appearance, Yami tried to make the most of his days. With nothing else to do during the day, Yami offered to help Solomon in the game shop. The elderly man gladly accepted since it was becoming increasingly harder to pick up the heavy boxes and stock the high shelves. Yami was thankful he found a way to earn his keep.
Yami took in a deep breath along with the courage to face another uneventful day and stood from his place on the couch. It was the end of the week and Yami had the promise of the weekend ahead of him. Even though the shop would be open tomorrow, a Saturday, Yugi would have the day off. This was going to be his big chance.
Very slowly Yami made his way toward the stairs at the opposite end of the living room and began the decent into the game shop. He came out of the stair well and stood behind the glass counter.
Kame Game Shop was small but it held its fair share of merchandise. The shelves and counters that lined two opposite walls were filled with cards, dueling technology, and books on strategies and tips on how to play duel monsters. The clear, glass counter was filled with rarer stock for the shop and it faced the entrance. The walls were filled with an array of vintage and new posters of duel monsters and other popular games. Even the occasional tournament advertisement was hung in clear view for customers to see.
"I was beginning to think you were going to sleep the day away." Solomon called from the opposite side of the shop with broom in hand. Yami came to realize this was a morning routine for the elder. He loved to keep a tidy shop.
"I had a slow start to the day," Yami said and leaned back against one of the poster-lined walls. He raised a hand and rubbed the kink in his neck. "Adjusting to this time period has taken its toll."
"I'm sure you'll adjust in no time at all. The 21st century and Ancient Egypt aren't that different." Solomon chuckled at his own joke and Yami gave him a small snort.
"Not that different at all." Yami was grateful that he and Solomon could get along at the very least. With Yugi avoiding him, Yami was sure he would have gone crazy without the older man to talk to.
The two men fell into the new routine. Solomon gave guidance to Yami as to what needed to be done in the shop and Yami followed each command. Yami did most of the heavy lifting and reorganizing, which he didn't mind. There were points in the day that Yami wondered how on earth the old man handled this on his own.
The shop's popularity had grown once the grandson of the owner became the world famous 'King of Games'. All the new and experienced duelist in the area started coming to the shop in hopes to catch a glimpse of the world champion.
Solomon explained to Yami that if Yugi was found in the shop he would be hounded for tips and strategies to help the less accomplished duelists with their game. Yugi always tried his best to coach the younger duelists.
At this moment Yami had his back turned to the door, stocking some new starter decks on the shelf behind the counter. He balanced the large box in one arm while he carefully placed the small packs on the shelf. He was just about finished with the box when he heard a bell chime signifying someone entered the shop.
"Mr. Moto! I came by to thank you for that awesome card you suggested for my deck! I tried it out and I beat that guy from school! You should have seen his face" A surprised Yami turned around to see a young boy leaning excitedly, against the glass counter. The younger boys' happy face turned to a mixture of confusion and anger once he realized he wasn't speaking Yugi. "Hey! You aren't the King of Games!"
Yami set the almost empty box down on the counter and replied, "Um.. No. I'm not Yugi."
"Then who are you?" The young boy looked to be about ten, maybe eleven years old. He had messy, light brown hair and matching brown eyes. He was wearing the traditional blue school uniform that Yami new very well from his time with Yugi. He gave Yami a narrow stare, looking the older man up and down before stating, "You kinda look like him. Are you related?"
"No I'm not related to him," Yami gave the young boy a smile. He could see where the boy might have thought this, with their similar features. "I'm a friend of his."
"Oh," The boy's suspicious stare changed to one of understanding. "Do you know when he will be back? I want to tell him how much he helped me!" The young boy seemed very excited to see Yugi.
Yami shook his head and replied, "I'm sorry but I don't know." Yami could see how disappointed this made the boy and offered, "But I can give him a message for you."
This seemed to help the boy perk up a little. "Tell him that Matthew says thanks! He really helped me stand up against the guy that was making fun of my dueling deck. I was able to beat him and now we are working together to become stronger duelist!"
"I know Yugi will be very happy to hear that. I'll be sure to give him the message."
"Thanks mister!" The boy called as he left the shop.
Yami waved the younger boy off. He smiled as he watched the younger boy run out of the store. He felt an overwhelming sense of pride rise in his chest. If Yami had any doubt about Yugi not being able to cope alone with the responsibility and fame of the title they earned together, they were gone now. Yugi proved to be embracing the title and impart his wisdom on the younger generation.
The bell chimed again and this time it was just Solomon returning with the daily mail in his hand. Solomon flipped through the envelopes and pulled out a couple. He walked up to Yami and held them out to him.
"Would you mind bringing these up to Yugi's room? I don't want them getting lost in the store."
"Sure." Yami accepted the envelopes and headed up both flights of stairs that lead to the top floor of the building. The hallway at the top of the stairs was small, only containing three doors. The door to the left led to Solomon's room and Yugi's was on the far right, leaving the bathroom door in the middle. The only time that Yami had been on this floor since he came back was to use the bathroom. This time he made the familiar, short journey to the bedroom he spent many years in.
He stopped in front of the closed door. For a split second he wanted to just slip the mail under his door but instead he reached out and turned the knob with ease. He slowly pushed the door open to reveal Yugi's bedroom.
Yami took a few, hesitant steps into the empty room and smiled nostalgically when he realized nothing changed. The bed was still pushed against the left wall and the orange blanket was neatly spread over its surface. The small desk was still next to the bed, sitting right under the skylight, which was letting in light from the sunny day outside. The desk was littered with dueling cards, papers, and book of different sizes. This room had been a place of safety and refuge for both Yugi and Yami. In this room they shared countless conversations, dueling strategies, and laughs from inside jokes only the two shared.
As Yami let his eyes wander over the contents of the desk his gaze froze. He spotted the familiar gold box that had once contained the pieces to the millennium puzzle. He walked over to it slowly and stared at the Eye of Horus that seemed to stared back. The eye on this gold, rectangular box sent a shiver down Yami's spine. This box had once been the home to his soul. Yami ran his hand over the smooth surface and read the words of his native language.
"The person who solves this puzzle will have their wish granted."
Yugi had been the one to solve the puzzle and the wish he made was for life-long friends. At one point Yugi confided in him that he was part of that wish. If only Yugi knew what would happen after he put that last piece into place. Yami wondered if he still would have solved the puzzle knowing he would have been possessed by a 5000 year old Pharaoh and forced into life threatening situations regularly.
Yami let out a gloomy sigh, not wanting to dwell on what would or would not have happened, and instead focused on the situation at hand. Yugi had solved the puzzle, released his spirit, and helped him in saving the world from the return of the shadow games. Along the way they had formed an incredible bond and they fell for one another. Both young men wanted to be with the other in every form, but fate had not allowed it. The path of their destinies forced Yami to break the heart of the person he cared most for and now he was back trying to put the pieces back together again.
Yami turned from his spot and with a new sense of determination, made his way back down to the shop. He knew that he needed to make things right with his partner again. The Gods had given him a gift and he wasn't going to waste it.
Yami entered the shop to find Solomon sitting on the stool behind the glass counter with a newspaper with the headline "Mysterious Break In's Still Unsolved" held in front of him.
"I was beginning to think you had gotten lost," Solomon's amused voice drifted from behind the paper.
"No, I found my way just fine." Yami picked up the box he had been working with and finished stocking the last of its contents. He began to break the box down and asked, "Do you know when Yugi will be home?"
Solomon lowered the newspaper and gave Yami an apologetic look. Yami asked this question everyday and always received the same answer. "I'm afraid not." Solomon wanted the two to make amends. He could see how this situation was affecting each of them. He wanted Yugi to be happy again, as happy as he was when the former Pharaoh had been a part of his life. "Yugi's job keeps him late sometimes. He gets so caught up in it he loses track of time." This was only partly true. Yugi did stay late at his job on occasion, but not nearly every day for almost a week. Solomon didn't have the heart to tell Yami this.
Solomon had explained that Yugi began working at "Infallible Illusions INC.", a new up and coming gaming company only 2 months before Yami arrived as an entry level strategist, before that he just pitched in at the game shop. This company focused around developing new strategies and, with special permission from the creator of Duel Monster, developed new cards. He explained that this company was a branch off of the more well known "Industrial Illusions" owned by Pegasus. This company was the first on this side of the world, and so far, showed promise.
"One of these days I'll get to talk to him." Yami mumbled as he crossed his arms and leaned against a wall near the counter.
"Well if you want someone to talk to," Solomon began, setting the newspaper to the side. "You can always talk to me."
Yami raised a suspicious eyebrow hoping this wasn't going to lead to the usual line of questioning. "Anything in particular?"
Solomon's relaxed demeanor turned serious and he responded with, "Don't play coy with me, boy. You know exactly what I want to talk about."
Yami tossed his head back just hard enough to hear a thud from the wall behind him. He groaned audibly before countering with, "You aren't ever going to let this go, are you?"
"I'm afraid not," Solomon smirked. He knew he was close to wearing the ex- Pharaoh down. He was so curious as to what the 'special circumstances' were that led him back to the present time.
Without looking up from his spot Yami snorted and commented, "You are a stubborn, old man."
Solomon's serious mood lighted at these words. He chuckled, "More like a curious, old man that doesn't get much excitement anymore."
Yami gave a sigh of defeat. "Fine I'll tell you." He pushed himself off the wall and pulled up another stool that was placed in the corner of the shop. Now the two were sitting opposite with each other, the glass counter separating them. "I'm sure it was bound to come out eventually anyway."
"Well if you were planning on staying, then yes. It's only a matter of time."
"Well, that's the thing," Yami shook his head. "I don't have much of a choice in the matter." He kept his eyes down as he recalled the time he spent in the Afterlife.
When Yami finished recalling the events from his time in the Afterlife he was still staring down at the counter. During his recall, Yami chose to stare at a rare copy of "The Dark Magician" that was in the glass case that reminded him of an old friend. Neither said anything for a few moments after he finished his story. He was beginning to wonder if he made the right decision to tell Yugi's grandfather the conditions of his return.
"That is a big decision," Solomon spoke with a neutral tone.
"It was a big decision," Yami corrected, finally looking up and making eye contact with the older man. His voice was firm when he spoke again. "I made the choice already and there is no changing that."
"And is there a reason you haven't told Yugi this?," Solomon gently asked.
Yami twisted his mouth at the thought. "I want to. But I don't want him to feel like I've forced Yugi into this situation. I want him to feel like he has a choice." Yami tried his best to avoid hinting about the extent of their relationship. As far as Yami knew, Solomon only knew they were close friends, and nothing more.
"I don't think Yugi could ever feel like you've forced him into anything."
Yami gave him a frustrated look, "You've seen how he's been toward me. He isn't happy that I'm back." Yami stood and picked up the stool to return it to its rightful place. He turned and continued with, "I just want us to be on good terms with each other before I tell him. He's still mad at me for leaving in the first place."
"He will come around Yami," Solomon waved a hand at him. "Yugi can't stay mad forever. It's just not a part of his personality," he reassured when he saw Yami's face fall even more.
Yami could only look down and nod his head slightly. He knew that Solomon was right. Yugi was the most forgiving person in the world. He just had to prove that he was worth being forgiven.
The rest of the day went by rather quickly. There was no more mention of the Afterlife or Yami's return. The two men worked almost silently, the somber mood from earlier still hanging in the air.
The clock on the shop wall showed that it was just about seven o'clock, the shops closing time. Yami was kneeling down behind the counter putting some rare cards back in the locked glass case when the bell chimed.
Without looking up he called, "I'm sorry but we are just about to close. Shop opens again at 9 am."
"But I live here?"
Yami's head shot up, surprise written on his face. "Yugi! I-I'm sorry I thought you were a customer."
"No, it's just me," Yugi responded, nervously twisting his hands. "Why do you look so surprised? I do actually live here," Yugi pointed out when he was still receiving the wide-eyed and open mouth expression from the other man.
"Hm?" Yami blinked a couple times and gave the other an apologetic smile. "Sorry. I guess I just didn't think you would be home so early." Yami stood up fully from his spot behind the counter. He tried to focus on locking the case, stumbling a couple times and he continued, "You've been avoiding me."
"I know." Yami barely heard Yugi's soft voice when he spoke, "I've just had a lot on my mind and needed time to think." Yugi hesitantly took a few steps toward the counter.
Yami was about to speak but was cut off by Solomon entering the shop from the living area.
Solomon's face brightened at the sight of his grandson. "Yugi, glad you are home!" Solomon took the keys that Yami held out to him before walking over to the front door and locking it. "Did work go well today?"
Yugi glanced back at Yami, their unfinished conversation still between them. He turned fully to face his grandfather and answered, "Keeping me busy as usual."
"Sounds like you are in need of a good, home cooked meal. I'll start dinner as soon as I finish up in the shop."
"I can make dinner tonight Grandpa. It's the least I can do since I've been neglecting my chores this week," Yugi gave an remorseful look as he rubbed the back of his head.
"You don't have to worry about that," Solomon reassured as he patted Yami on the back twice before he continued, "Yami has been very helpful this week."
"Oh," Yugi looked a little surprised. "Well... thanks."
He gave Yugi a shy smile. "It was the least I could do."
Yugi nodded and without another word began ascending the steps that lead to the living area. Yami's gaze followed Yugi the entire way, until he disappeared.
"You know," Solomon spoke with a hint of amusement in his voice. "I think I can manage down here. Why don't you go see if Yugi needs help?"
"Are you sure?"
"It's about time you two talk things through." Solomon wanted nothing more then for the two friends to reconnect.
With the encouragement from the elder of the house, Yami made his way to the kitchen. Now that Yugi was showing some signs of talking to him he wasn't about to miss his chance.
As Yami approached the entrance to the kitchen he could hear the water running. Yugi was washing his hands in the sink. He picked up a towel from the counter and began drying his hands. He jumped as he turned around, finally noticing Yami's presence.
"Sorry! I didn't mean to startle you." Yami took a couple steps forward and continued, "Your grandpa said I should come see if you needed some help."
"It's okay. I'm still trying to get used to you being back." Yugi turned toward the refrigerator and began pulling out ingredients. "I could use a hand but," Yugi glanced curiously toward where Yami was standing, "Do you even know how to cook?"
"Yes," Yami replied but Yugi raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Alright you caught me." He held up both hands in defense, "No, I don't know how to cook but I can follow directions," Yami pointed out. He smiled. Even this small exchanged seemed to show there was hope of them getting back to where they used to be.
Yami followed Yugi's direction as best he could. Currently, Yami was sitting at the table chopping some vegetables for the stir-fry Yugi was preparing. He had a good view of Yugi's back from his spot. Yami admired how smoothly he moved. His sleeves were rolled up past his elbows now and Yami could admire the lean shape of his arms. Yugi really had changed since he left. His body was leaner then when he was in high school and he had definitely grown into it. Even the few inches he grew helped Yugi look more like a young adult and less like a child. When Atem left, Yugi was seventeen, so he must be twenty now. Since Yami was granted the body he had before he died, they were the same age now.
Yami was so caught up admiring the changes to the other man that he wasn't focusing on his control on the knife in his hand. It made contact with his index finger and he hissed in pain. He applied pressure to the cut as it began to bleed a moment later.
Hearing Yami's small outburst Yugi turned his head and asked, "You okay?" Yami didn't even have a chance to reply before Yugi's eyes landed on his hand and the blood. He quickly shut off the stove and motioned for Yami to come to the sink.
Yugi turned the cold water on and Yami hissed again as the cold water washed away the blood from the small cut. Yugi told him to keep rinsing it as he went for the first aid kit.
Yugi returned quickly with the small box in his hand and set it down next to the sink. He grabbed a couple napkins and began to dry off Yami's hand. Yami hoped that his tanned skin hid the blush he felt growing on his cheeks. He had hurt himself because he had been checking out the man that was now attending to his wound after all.
"It doesn't look bad," Yugi spoke, inspecting the small cut. "It's not even bleeding that badly anymore."
Yugi's skilled fingered applied a small amount of ointment and a small, white bandage to cover it. Yugi was still holding onto Yami's injured hand when he looked up and froze. He hadn't realized they were standing so close to each other. Yugi' breath hitched when he looked into the familiar eyes of the man he missed so much. His body may be different now that he was in his true form but his eyes still held the intense stare he longed for. Now he was here, standing closer than ever, and they were basically holding hands!
"It feels better already," Yami spoke softly, his breath tickling Yugi's face. Yami's thumb gently stroked Yugi's hand and he gasped softly at the tingling feeling it left on his skin. This was such a new sensation. Before Yami's touch felt like nothing more than a ghostly breeze, felt but not really there. Now his skin felt warm and it sent a pleasant heat directly to Yugi's face, ending with a pink blush on his cheeks.
Yugi turned quickly before Yami could see the blush that was forming on his pale cheeks. Yami frowned at the loss of contact.
Yugi decided he needed some distance so he walked over to Yami's work station and began inspecting the cut up vegetables. "It looks like we can still use these. I don't see any blood," He exclaimed in a shaky voice, hoping to move past the moment. Yugi picked up the cutting board and brought it over the sink to begin rinsing the vegetables.
Yami blinked a couple of times as he moved over a couple feet to make way for Yugi. He smiled softly at the moment they just shared. That moment just proved that the spark between them was still salvageable and the new blush on Yugi's cheeks confirmed it even more.
As Yami was watching his, obviously still flustered, companion, his eye caught something silver hanging around Yugi's neck.
Realization struck him. "Is that what I think it is?" Yami pointed toward the familiar necklace that was hanging around Yugi's neck.
"What?" Yugi looked to see where Yami was pointing to his chest and his hand shot up toward the piece of jewelry. Yugi normally kept it tucked under his shirt but it must have come loose. "No?" Yugi replied lamely.
Yami reached out and gently removed Yugi's hand. "Yes it is! That my cartouche!" Yami was shocked to see this again. The last time he saw it was back when he was playing his final shadow game.
Yami took a step forward and could hear Yugi inhale sharply. Yami gently lifted the silver pendant from its place against Yugi's chest, the chain still around his neck. "I didn't know you had kept this," He spoke softly as a finger ran across his ancient name.
Yugi swallowed the lump in his throat, trying to keep his voice steady. "Well I tried to give it to Téa after you left." Yami gave him a confused look. "She was the one that gave it to you after all. She wouldn't take it back though." Yami always thought Téa had feelings for him. He was surprised she would reject this.
"Why not?"
"She said that I should keep it as a reminder of you." Yugi looked down at the silver chain that connected them, and then up at the man in front of him. He was staring at the silver pendent again. Yugi was trying to figure out what that emotion was in Yami's eyes, his brows slightly furrowed. This was a new experience for the two as well. They were always able to read each other's thoughts through the mind link. Now Yugi had to use his expressions alone to figure out what he was thinking. Yami didn't respond so Yugi explained, "Since we were so much closer than anyone else she thought I should have it. It was comforting. After going so many years wearing the puzzle, it was nice to have something around my neck that was so close to you."
Yami looked up to Yugi now and smiled softly. "Thank you," was all he could think of to say.
Yugi returned the smile and leaned his head down, sliding the chain over his head. He let go and now Yami was hold the pendent alone. "Here. You take it now," Yugi offered. "Technically it is yours."
Yami shook his head before taking the chain and sliding it back over Yugi's head. "No, you keep it." Yami placed a hand over the pendent and Yugi's chest. He could feel his quickening heartbeat through the fabric of his shirt. "I like knowing its home is so close to your heart."
Yugi couldn't stop the small smile and blush as he turned away to continue cooking their dinner.
"You boys out did yourselves tonight!" Solomon praised over his clean plate.
"Well the credit has to go to Yugi. He did most of the work after all."
"You helped too."
"Maybe. But I think I'll leave the cooking to you."
Solomon stood and began collecting the dirty dishes, "Why don't you boys go relax while I clean up in here?"
"You sure you don't want help Gramps?"
"I'm sure. Go on." Solomon smiled as he watched the two boy get up from their spots and exit the kitchen together. The dinner had been pleasant and they seemed to be on the mend... Finally.
Yami and Yugi sat down on the couch, still keeping a safe distance between them. Yugi began flipping through the channels on the TV, searching for something remotely interesting to watch.
"I almost forgot to tell you. Someone came by the shop looking for you."
"Who?"
"A kid named Matthew. He says the advice you gave him was really helpful. I see you are doing well with your title."
"I consider it more of our title. I wouldn't have it without you." Before Yami could protest, Yugi continued, "I'm trying my best. It can be a little overwhelming sometimes to be honest. You know I don't like being the center of attention but it kinda comes along with the territory."
"That it does. But you seem to be doing a fantastic job with it," Yami reassured.
"Thanks," Yugi replied shyly, a blush threatening to grace his cheeks again at the sound of the compliment.
They both decided on a corny movie they remembered watching years ago. Yami wanted to talk to Yugi about everything going on between them but he was enjoying this little sense of normalcy they had recreated. Even though there was still a bit of awkward tension between them, Yami saw that Yugi's walls were coming down.
Solomon had sat down in his arm chair and watched part of the movie with them. He smiled seeing the two finally getting along as they shared a laugh over something a character did on the screen. He excused himself to his room to allow them to have some much needed time to catch up.
The last few minutes of the movie was interrupted by the sound of Yugi's cell phone ringing. Yugi fished it out of his pocket, frowned at the name of the caller and excused himself to the kitchen. Yami paused the movie, thus silencing the house enough to hear the hushed, one-sided conversation from the kitchen.
"I know I promised I wouldn't bail again… Now just isn't a good time Joey… Yes I'm okay... I promise we will get together soon… I know I've said that before but I mean it this time… Yes, yes, beers are on me… Bye."
Yugi returned to his spot on the couch nervously turning his phone in his hands. The movie was paused so he glanced at Yami who was giving him a confused look.
"Why did you cancel? I would have liked to see the old gang again," He explained.
"Well," Yugi began nervously. "Téa lives in America now working on her dancing... And as for Joey and Tristan," Yugi paused nervously, not wanted to tell reveil the truth. Yami encouraged him to go on so he sighed before continuing. "Well I don't think that's such a good idea."
"Why not?"
"Well… They kinda… Well… after you left," Yugi knew Yami wasn't going to take this well. He paused again before the words came rushing out of him. "Theykindahateyounow."
"Hate me?!" Yami was taken aback. How could his friends hate him? "I thought they were my friends too?"
Yugi nodded sadly. "They were. But after you left…" Yugi's sentence trailed when he saw the wounded look on Yami's face.
Yami rested him head in his hands. His muffled voice came through, "It seems like I let everyone down."
Yugi didn't like seeing Yami torture himself like this. He tried to explain but his nerves got the best of him. He was unable to form a complete sentence. "Yami, it's not… I don't.. We… You didn't..." Yugi stopped himself and took a deep breath before he scooted over toward Yami and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. Yugi knew this was going to be the talk they needed to have. He wasn't sure how it was going to end though.
"After you left was a hard time, for all of us. We never wanted you to leave." He paused before adding, "I never wanted you to leave."
"I know," Yami lowered his hands but he kept his head bowed. "I was hoping you would be able to have a better life without me."
"I tried. It was hard." Yugi withdrew his hand and began fiddling with his own hands. "I struggled with it a lot. The guys saw that. That's why they don't like you."
Yami looked up now, eyes wide with surprise when he asked, "They knew about us?"
Yugi shook his head. "Not until I told them. I was upset when you left. I had a hard time adjusting to life without you. Talking to them helped." Yugi looked up to show Yami the sadness he had gone through. "I needed someone to talk to but you weren't there anymore. I hope you aren't mad that I told them."
"No I'm not mad. I'm happy you were able to confide in someone." He swallowed before continuing, "Were they… accepting?"
Yugi nodded and smiled faintly at the memory of the shocked faces of his friends. "They were a little surprised at first but said it made sense. They said since we were so close it was only bound to happen." His smiled disappeared when he continued, "But then they saw what you leaving did to me. I was so lost without you. They didn't understand why you chose to go back. I tried to explain to them that you thought you had to. They wouldn't listen. They blamed you for what I went through."
"Do… Do you blame me?" Yami looked down at the man he cared about. He could see just how much his absence affected him. The devastated look in his eyes as he recalled the painful memory said it all.
"I did at first. I was mad that you left." Yami inhaled sharply. He always suspected Yugi felt this way but hearing him actually say it sent a stabbing pain in his chest. Yugi looked up and reassured, "I stopped though, being mad at you. After a while I realized that you never asked for any of this. You never asked to be trapped like that. And it was wrong of me to ask you to stay trapped in that cold, dark puzzle. You deserved to go to the Afterlife. I never stopped missing you but... You deserved to be happy too."
"I wasn't happy though," Yami reached over and gently untangled Yugi's hands, lacing his fingers with Yugi's.
Yugi stiffened at his bold gesture and tried to comprehend the words spoken. He should have been happy. It was the Afterlife! It was supposed to be paradise. "What do you mean?"
Yami smiled softly as he explained, "I was miserable without you by my side. I missed you. I don't want to go back to the Afterlife. I want to stay here with you." Yami couldn't see Yugi's expression since his head was now bowed and his blonde bangs fell in front of his face. He leaned forward and instead of seeing a smile, like he hoped, he was frowning and his brow was knit tightly. He gave his hand a gentle squeeze, "You don't believe me?"
"I want to," He whispered sadly.
Yami let go of his hand, rejection stinging his heart. "But you don't." Trust was one of the components that their relationship depended on.
"I'm sorry," Yugi still couldn't look up at him.
Yami placed his head in his hands again and gently pulled at the tri-colored locks. "What happened to us?," He asked mostly to himself. How could he have let their relationship get to this point?
Yugi glanced to the side and answered, "You left."
"I KNOW!" Yami exclaimed loudly, startling Yugi. Yugi jumped up from his spot on the couch and took a few steps away from the angry man. Yami noticed this and apologized. "I'm sorry it's just," He balled his fisted tightly in his lap, knuckles turning white. "This whole thing is my fault," He declared harshly. Yugi could hear the anger in his voice but was too shocked to move or say anything. Yami could be scary when he was mad. "I want to take it all back! I just want it to be like it was before! I wish I never had to leave! I want it to be like it was before!" Yami softened his feature when he noticed the startled expression on Yugi's face. His outburst had only worsened the situation. He softened his voice before he asked, "I came back... What more can I do?"
Yugi's voice shook when he answered, "I-I don't know." Their relationship was so fragile now. Their bond seemed to be hanging on a thread. The thought of this brought the threat of tears to his eyes. Yugi couldn't bare standing there looking at the hurt face of the man that was only trying to fix what was broken. "I'm sorry," he whispered before turning and running to the sanctuary of his room.
Yugi was lying in bed, unable to sleep. The pain of the conversation he shared with Yami was still fresh. He kept going over the words that were exchanged between the two, the angry outburst, and the hurt expression on Yami's face before he left.
Yugi had said he didn't know how to fix what was wrong between them. He thought about the days before Yami had left. Before he knew he was an ancient Pharaoh. Yami had promised to remain by his side forever. He said he didn't care if he ever got his memories back.
Then all of a sudden they found out the truth and it was all about the memories and going back to "where he belonged". He felt like Yami just tossed him aside at the prospect of getting to go to the Afterlife. Yami no longer said he wanted to remain by his side. He broke his promise.
Yugi tossed in his bed. He knew in his mind that wasn't true. He repeated the mantra that he said so many times over the last three years.
Yami was always meant to return to the Afterlife.
But his heart still felt the pain of the rejection.
Now Yami was back and he said he didn't want to go back. The thought of this made Yugi's heart flutter with happiness until the little, nagging voice in the back of his head started up again.
But what if he changes his mind again? What if he decides he doesn't like it here?
Yugi couldn't deny that he wasn't afraid of this. Yami had left once already. What was stopping him from leaving again?
Yugi groaned at the internal struggle he was having and began tugging at his hair.
Frustrated with his inability to find sleep, Yugi sat up and felt the pendent around his neck slide down his chest. He reached under his t-shirt and pulled it out. The moonlight coming in through the skylight bounced off of the silver surface.
Yugi never took Yami's cartouche off. No matter how he felt about the Pharaoh, he couldn't bear to part with it. Even at his lowest point, when he hated the Pharaoh for leaving, it remained around his neck.
Yugi closed his fist around the silver pendent, trying to make a decision about what to do.
Accept Yami again or not risk being hurt.
If he chose to truly forgive everything that happened between them, he would have to learn to trust Yami again and they would be able to start rebuilding their relationship.
If he chose to protect himself he would have to send Yami away again. Would he be able to handle watching him go again?
After a few moments he decided he needed to talk to Yami again. He couldn't just leave it like this. Maybe after talking to him again he would be able to make a better choice.
Yugi silently got up from his bed and made his way down the stairs. This time he remembered the squeaky step so he was able to enter the living room without letting Yami know of his presence.
Yugi walked around the couch to find Yami lying on it with a sheet pulled up to his chest. Yugi could tell that he was sleeping from the gentle rise and fall of his chest. He sat down on the foot rest and took the moment to study his face. He realized this was the first time he ever saw the Pharaoh sleep before. As a spirit he didn't need to sleep. His normally sharp features of his face were smoothed over with sleep but he could see the tension from the stress of the day on his forehead. The lines there showed that he wasn't sleeping peacefully.
Yugi couldn't help the small smile when he noticed Yami was letting out soft snores with his breathing. This was something he didn't know about his old companion. They weren't very audible snores, but yes, the Pharaoh was definitely a snorer.
Yugi reached a hand out, wanting so badly to smooth out the lines on his fprehead, but stopped himself only inches from his face. Instead, he lowered his hand and gently nudged Yami's shoulder. "Yami, wake up." Yami jumped up slightly, letting out a loud snore as he was ripped from his sleep. He leaned back on his elbows.
Yami's eyes focused in the dark and he noticed who was sitting next to him. "Yugi? Is everything okay?"
"Yes… Maybe… I don't know… Can we talk?" Yugi was nervous about how this was going to turn out. He was still so unsure of everything, thinking for a moment that maybe it was a bad idea to talk before he had is own feelings figured out.
"Of course," Yami replied nervously. He was afraid of why Yugi woke up in the middle of the night. He sat up on the couch and now they were facing each other, their knees almost touching.
"I'm sorry to wake you up but I couldn't sleep," Yugi began fiddling with the fabric of his pajama pants, unsure of what else to do.
Yami smiled at the all too familiar personality of his partner. "Too much on your mind?"
Yugi nodded. "I didn't like how we ended our last conversation," Yugi confessed.
"I didn't either. I'm sorry I lashed out like that," Yami reached out and put a hand over Yugi's two fidgeting ones, stilling them. This time Yugi untangled his own fingers and took hold on Yami's hand. Holding his hand seemed to give him the strength to continue.
"It's okay. I know you were just frustrated." He took a deep breath before continuing, "The truth is, this whole thing has been a shock. I never thought I would see you again and now you are back. I know you say that you don't want to leave again and I want to believe you but…" Yugi's voices trailed and he looked down, disappointed with himself.
Yami gentle squeezed his hand before completing the thought. "I hurt you."
"Yes," Yugi croaked. His voice was beginning to fail him but he refused to lose his nerve. He looked into Yami's eyes and prayed tears didn't spill from his own. "But I know you didn't do it on purpose. You didn't have a choice back then and I know that. I came to terms with that after you left… But it doesn't make it hurt any less."
Now it was Yami's turn to bite back his tears. It killed him knowing that Yugi had suffered like this for so long. He was determined to show Yugi that he was serious. He wanted Yugi to feel like he could trust him again. "I want to make it up to you Yugi." Yami reached out with his other hand and cupped Yugi's cheek. Yugi leaned into his warm hand and sighed at the touch. Against his will, a few tears slipped form his eyes. Yami's thumb wiped them away. "Please just give me the chance."
Listening to Yami's remorseful words and feeling his gentle touch were just what Yugi needed to make a decision. Yugi's lips curved upward at these gestures. His mind was made up. He couldn't just give up them. He needed to try at least.
"I don't know if we will be able to get back to where we were before." Without opening his eyes, Yugi's free hand reached up to touch the cartouche. "But maybe we can try?"
Yugi could hear the bliss in Yami's voice when he spoke. "That's all I'm asking."
Finally a (somewhat) happy ending!
I told you people it was going to get better!
PLEASE REVIEW :3