Hello, people! I would apologise for the cliff hanger in the last chapter but I won't. But because they keep you guessing I used one! But no more major hangers for a while, I promise.

And forget? Me? Never!

Much love!

Keep happy and reviewing!

Tears don't fall.

Yugi.

Glowing hope

Ryou's been acting strange lately. Says things like he's trying to drop hints. Like he wants me to work something out instead of saying it. He's so awkward around me, creeps around me and keeps a lid on everything he says. Avoids me sometimes. I see him, thinking so deeply about what to say or how to say it. He'll only come round to mine now with an invite. That was why I was so surprised when he turned up with Bakura on my doorstep. There was something hidden in his eyes, nerviness and anticipation. Jittery and jumpy but trying to act natural. But for a moment he forgot himself and leant against Bakura. It made me smile. But then I spoke my mind and Ryou seemed to change as I watched him. He reassured me and took Bakura upstairs. His behaviour unnerved me. I know Bakura felt the same, we shared a fleeting, concerned glance with each other before he followed Ryou. Then they were back and something was different about them. Bakura was surprised but pleasantly. Then Ryou began to speak. That's how we ended up here. Him trying to find the words. Me trying to understand and wait for him to speak.

"Yugi. I have something to tell you."

"O-Okay. What is it?"

"I didn't want to keep this hidden. No, never, I never wanted to keep this from you but it seemed like a good idea. It's what he wanted even though I didn't agree and I still don't, I kept it a secret."

"Ryou, you're babbling. What are you trying to say?"

He seemed to take a deep breath and shrink back into Bakura. "You promise not to get angry with me?"

"I can't say that."

"Give me your word then."

"Ryou that's the same thing."

"Please!"

"All right. You have my word."

"Good. Okay." He laughed, it was dripping with nerves. "What about the others?"

Jou blinked "What does this have to do with us?"

"A lot. Er....everything. Promise!" And there was the beginning of panic in his eyes.

"Sure. We promise." Jou reassured. Seto nodded

"Hikari." Bakura said softly. It was so unlike him. "Don't back out. They deserve to know."

"You're right. Yugi, everyone, I'm sorry I kept this from you."

"Whatever it is we forgive you." Jou smiled

"I'll hold you to that. Okay. Listen. IknowwhereAtemuis!"

I gapped in confusion. Bakura chuckled. "They didn't understand you, Hikari. Try again."

"I know where Atemu is!"

And my world fell from under me.

"So..." Ryou said "Still forgive me?"

"....."

"No one answered. I didn't know how to. My mind was trapped with the knowledge that Ryou had known where Atemu was.

"You knew...." Jou breathed. Within those whispered words were enough pain, anger and confusion to make me feel uneasy. "And you didn't tell us?"

Ryou's head bowed and he shuffled. "Y-Yeah."

"But you knew how we felt."

"I did."

"You...! You...! Bastard!"

Ryou's body jerked back, a whimper escaping him. Bakura was in front of him in a heartbeat.

"Cool it Mutt." He growled. "Remember where your anger got you last time?"

Hurt flashed through Jou's eyes. "That was a mistake." He mumbled

"Still happened. Still your fault."

Suddenly Seto was beside Jou, protecting him. He didn't say anything, just glared at Bakura. Ryou trembled behind Bakura, shaking his head. Bakura's eyes broke away from Seto and turned to Ryou.

"Hikari! You've done the right thing. We deserve to know!"

Ryou nodded and his eyes slowly met mine. Before I could work an expression onto my shocked face, he had looked away, finding the floor interesting. The older men were still glaring at each other. I knew it was the shock of the confession. Grandpa entered the room, pausing when he saw us, standing in the middle of the room, the strain of the moment thick in the air. He frowned, coming to a rest at my shoulder. I gave him a quick glance at in a moment realised he'd heard. But there wasn't a expression of anger, it was a more relieved thankful expression.

"Ryou. You know where Atemu is?" Grandpa spoke calmly. Slowly Ryou looked up to him and gave a jerky nod. "Where is he now?"

"He's in the City. Working in a bar, The Desert Rose."

"All right. Everyone, sit down. Let's discuss this like civilised human beings."

I slipped back down into my previous chair, I hadn't even noticed we had all jumped to our feet. Grumbling Jou flopped down beside me, Seto leant against the table top, expressionless. Ryou didn't move, wouldn't sit down, even with gentle coaxing from Bakura. He was frightened. Frightened but refusing to run.

"Now, Ryou. Tell us." Grandpa commanded gently

"It was coincidence I found him. Heard about this new bar and decided to check it out. I had no idea Atemu would be working there. He wasn't....pleased when he saw me. I tried to convince him to come home right there. He wouldn't hear of it. Amidst the threats and screams I get the feeling he's terrified."

I sighed. "Terrified of what we'll do to him if we find him."

Jou flinched beside me. "Ryou...I have to know....is he...scarred?"

"From the fall?"

Jou nodded. Ryou couldn't look at us and that gave us our answer. Jou took it surprisingly well, nodding once before falling silent. He couldn't hide the anguish twisting in his eyes, the guilt gnawing on his mind.

"Yugi." Ryou spoke hesitantly.

"Yes?"

He thrust a small phone into my hand before retreating to Bakura's side.

"You can call him, if you want to. Call my other phone. I left it with him....in case....you know?"

A true smile lit up my face, I jumped at Ryou, throwing my arms around him. He relaxed instantly, accepting the thanks and forgiveness. I pulled away whispering a quiet 'Thank you' in his ear.

"Just be careful about what you say, ok? He's jumpy." Ryou warned

"He's right. Beware the anger of a tormented Yami." Bakura agreed

"I will."

....Surely, he won't break that easily....No...he can't....not my Yami....he's invincible.....

I stared down at the phone in my hands. I barely noticed it when Grandpa bundled Seto, Ryou and Bakura out of the house. Leaving only me, Jou and himself crowded around the black object.

"Do I call him?" I wondered aloud.

"I would." Jou declared. "But I don't know. What do you think Grandpa?"

"This isn't my decision, or really yours Jou. This is Yugi's. He has to decide if he should call."

"You're right."

"I know. Well, Yugi, your choice."

What do I do?

This device could reach across the divide of four years.

It could bring you back to me.

Or....make things worse.

But how can they be worse?

They can't.

"Ok. I'll call him."

"Do it."

My heart had leaped to my mouth as I dialled. Pressing the cold plastic to my ear took more courage than I realised it would. I was nervous...or rather absolutely terrified. What do I say to him? Too much and he'll bolt. Not enough and he'll bolt. What happens when he hears my voice? Gods...he could bolt because of that.

"Ryou?! Why the hell are you calling again? I told you to leave me alone!" His voice. Deep, rich and angered. Hearing that anger, fresh, not through my memories sent shock waves around my body. It was him! My Yami. I didn't care that he was angry.

Ryou...I owe you...

"Hello? Ryou? Tell me what you want before I hang up."

Threats, huh? Mmm, Ryou did mention that.

"Ryou! I mean it!"

"Y-Yami...?" I heard his sharp intake of breath. Heard him choke on the air he breathed. "Yami? My Yami?"

"....how...?"

"Aibou?"

"DON'T CALL ME THAT!"

"Aibou...partner..."

"No!"

*CLICK*

"Atemu? Atemu! Yami! No! Answer me!"

He didn't. I knew while I was screaming that he'd hung up. Hearing his voice so full of anger and hurt struck something deep inside me. It was almost as if I could feel him sobbing on the other end of the phone. I broke down, covering my face with my hands and crying into them.

One mistake.

One mistake was all it took to take you away.

Did I hurt you that bad?

Did I break you?

You're too far away to hear my heart call words my mind can't understand. Too far away to know the sorrow I feel at your absence. Too closed of, in heart and mind, to hear the decaying link between us.

/I miss you, Atemu/

//...I...NO! Leave me be!//

I gasped. He spoke, he heard me. Hope made the tears on my face dry.

You may have forgotten, Atemu. But I haven't.

Maybe it wasn't you that called out to me, maybe you are losing control over you captive heart. I will free it and bring you home to me.

Yet....I have no doubt you'll fight me to the end.

I stood, tears drying. Resolve and hope was glowing in my mind.

"GRANDPA! JOU! COME HERE! I'M GOING TO FIND HIM!"

I promise....

My beautiful Pharaoh....

I will not let you down again.

Oh-Kay......

Um....reviews anyone.....?

Sorry, short phone call I know....but really....do you expect Atemu to listen to Yugi straight away?

Lots more chapter coming soon

It occurs to me....Yugi's chapters are usually short and badly written.....sorry....