An idea that's been floating around in my head. Comment if you would like me to continue and what you thought. :)

Couldn't find many fics dealing with this topic. Surprising given this is Yu-gi-oh. (See tags for spoilers)

Enjoy! :) Let me know what you think.

Yugi stilled as he stared down at the piece of paper, then back up to his school principal. The word, valedictorian, teasing at him from the page and threatening to laugh him out the room.

He had been called to the office at the end of class. Making him wonder if he broke an obscure school rule or had to cover for something Joey did. This was the last thing he expected. A piece of paper holding an immense weight of privilege he almost felt ashamed to possess. Not that he did anything wrong to obtain it, just that he never associated it with himself.

"Congratulations," said Mr. Katsuda, beaming down at him. "You've shown great improvement this year. It's well deserved."

"Thank you, sir..." said Yugi, breathless. "I never aimed for it..."

He knew his grades had gone up considerably. Throwing himself into his studies was how he coped with the new silence of his bedroom, but for the result to be this.

A feeling of warmth engulfed his chest. If Atem were here, he would be proud. That fact alone made all the work worth it, whether or not the outcome was intentional.

"You'll have to do the speech at the graduation ceremony, but I don't believe that will be an issue for you. Just take some time to think about what you want to say. Our librarian would be glad to read over it. Make sure you're prepared to have your photo taken at the podium. It's traditional to always include a picture of the valedictorian's speech in the yearbook."

"Yes, sir..."

After a bit more discussion regarding the ceremony, and how Yugi can adjust his recent college applications, he left the principal's office in a daze. Stepping through the school hallways driven by muscle memory. Still trying to convince himself that what just happened was real and wondering how he was going tell his friends, or Grandpa, or anyone.

"Yug's!" said a rough voice, breaking him back to reality. "What were you called up for man! I swear I didn't do anything to get you in trouble. At least, I think I didn't..."

"He means that if you've been blamed for something fishy, man. We have your back!" said Tristan, shaking his head.

Joey paced up to Yugi from the school entrance, Tea and Tristan close behind him and both equally as concerned. Causing Yugi's heart to warm at their concern.

"I'm... valedictorian," said Yugi, with a nervous smile. "Still processing it..."

Instead of shock, he was greeted with an uproar. Joey and Tristan lifted him off the ground while Tea laughed. "About time! You're top of the class."

"We're getting burgers!" said Joey. Pointing towards the direction of burger world.

"I can walk guys!" said Yugi, struggling to balance on their shoulders. "Please!"

"Newly appointed valedictorians don't walk! Sorry man!" said Tristan.

"I think I'm going to fall!"

Yugi's cries were ignored all the way to Burger World, nearly hitting his head on several shop signs while his friends focused on getting there as quick as their feet could carry them. Tea didn't help either, following along with the usual 'boys will be boys' smile that appeared whenever Joey and Tristan got up to their antics.

Though the embarrassment and anguish vanished once they were seated at a booth, each gorging on large versions of their favourite burger combos. Joey then started a conversation about his latest duel monsters strategies as the rest of them laughed at some concepts. It was this happy mundane routine that Yugi thrived in. Though he couldn't deny the gap in his soul that his dearest friend had left behind.

...

When Yugi finally made his way home, belly filled and his brain entering a food coma after two hours at a burger joint, he thought he was going to bathe then head straight to bed. Too tired to desire much else.

Then he looked up at the store front.

Odd... The game shop is usually open until 7pm on Tuesdays for social games night. Grandpa would never close early - unless something serious happened.

A moment of worry stopped Yugi's heart, causing him to ignore his aching stomach and race to the door. Hoping his grandfather had only thrown his back out again. "Grandpa? Why are we closed? You okay?"

Not seeing anyone in the shop, he ran to the door leading to their upstairs apartment, leaping up the stairs and listening out for tell-tale groans of agony. Only to pause at the top step.

He could hear his grandfather's voice chatting from the kitchen. "And there you see, Hayate. Business has been booming because of the rise of interest in these games - and you thought it would be a waste of time."

"I'm glad it's working out for you, Dad. Your insistence did you well. Now, what time did you say Yugi was coming home?"

Yugi's heart skipped a beat once more. The voice belonged to someone he hadn't seen in a very long time. He could feel sweat building up on the back of his neck as he took a deep breath, centering himself, before forcing his feet to step into the kitchen, but decided to stay close to the wall near the photo display rather than join the commotion in the center.

The two men stood next to the kitchen bench, one twice the height of his grandfather. Yugi gulped as they both turned to face him, both lighting up as he made eye contact.

"Well, speak of the devil!" said his grandfather. Gesturing for him to come in. "Guess who decided to finally come home."

"I hope you have been well in yourself, Yugi," said the man. His sharp eyes taking in every inch of Yugi's features. "You've gotten a-lot bigger since I've seen you last."

"Uh..." said Yugi. His stomach falling to the depths of his feet. He put on his best smile. "Yeah, I've been fine, Dad! It's good to see you. Where's Mum?"

Yugi hadn't seen the man since the start of middle school. It had been so long he had nearly forgotten what he looked like. His dark hair was angled like his grandfather's, though with a tinge of gray creeping through, and eyes were sharp and inquisitive. He was so much taller than the rest of the Motou family - a gene from Yugi's grandmother. He also inherited her eyesight, as thick glasses rested on the rim of his nose.

There was a faint memory of him being around when Yugi was younger, but never really in a hands-on manner. That was all done by his grandfather. His father too busy with work or too awkward around others to be at the frontline of parenting. Not that he didn't care... Just that he had other ways of showing it.

At least, that's what Grandpa said. Yugi felt a small lump building in his throat as he wondered what Atem would have thought of the man.

His father smiled, then gestured out the door. "At the supermarket. She wanted to cook something more substantial for you and your grandfather... Oh, don't give me that look Yugi, we both know neither of you can cook a vegetable for the life of you."

"I've learned a thing or two over the past couple of years. I promise," grumbled Yugi, feeling blood rush to his cheeks. "We had a stir-fry last night."

"Then let your mother do what she likes for a while and take the night off. We need to catch up."

Yugi felt nausea at the thought. "I've already had dinner, sorry. I went out with friends. If I had known you were coming, I would have held off until I got home."

His father's face fell. " Oh... You were with friends?"

Yugi smiled. "Yeah. They're great. We hung out at burger world."

"Would I know them?"

"You've met Tea. There's also Joey and Tristan from my class. They're a bit rough, but you'll like them, I promise."

His face fell further. "If you say so, Yugi."

There was something in the way his father slumped forward that caused Yugi to frown. "Is everything okay? I'm gonna take a guess and say you just got off your flight, right? We still have some melatonin tablets from our last trip if you want to beat the jet lag."

The rustling of plastic bags sounded from downstairs followed by the click of heels on the steps and a tuneless hum signaled the return of another person he hadn't seen in a long time.

Yugi braced himself as a skinny woman of medium height strolled in, her mid-length neatly held together with hairspray as she turned her head. The humming stopped and her gaze settled on Yugi for the first time in six years. Time slowed as she placed the groceries on the kitchen counter then turned to face him. Her eyes taking in his entire form.

"Uh..." said Yugi. "Hi, Mum."

"Sweetheart..." she said. He forgot she use to call him that. A small smile formed on her face. "You've grown so much."

"I guess," he shrugged.

His mother's gaze then turned to the hallway table behind him, staring longingly at the photos of Yugi's first year's of high school. Her eyes stopping on the photo of him on the podium of the Kaiba Corp Grand Championship. "I see someone's into dueling. It's become quite the phenomenon. Even in America it's all the kids talk about."

"Wished we had a chance to see a few matches…" said his father.

"Or turn on the television," said his grandfather with an off tone. "Yugi is the World Duel Monster's Champion. He had just defended his title before that photo was taken and that duel currently holds the record for most viewed televised duel in history. In fact…"

His grandfather crossed over his arms. "Our boy features in seven out of the top ten duels ever televised. I'm genuinely surprised neither of you have heard about his success considering how mainstream the game is becoming. Even in America."

Yugi felt his cheeks flush. Hearing his Grandfather's tone - one where it sounded as if his parents were living under a rock - was not one he heard often.

"Champion?" said his father, staring over at Yugi. "Really?"

"Well," said Yugi, rubbing the back of his head. "Always had my nose in a game. I just found I have a knack for duel monsters. It's a-lot of fun."

"I see..." said her mother. Her smile fading.

It was starting to hit Yugi just how much his parents had missed. Over six years' worth of memories lay in those photograph's and not a single one contained an image of their faces.

They weren't there during middle school - when he was bullied relentlessly and found himself gaming almost daily to distract himself.

They weren't there when he first solved the puzzle and met Atem.

They weren't there for duelist kingdom.

They were gone for every tournament and challenge he had faced after that.

And how was he going to tell them the truth? Should he even mention it?

His father cleared his throat and stared at another photograph, this one of his win at Battle City, his eyes wavering in concern over Yug and the large golden item hanging around his neck. He cleared his throat again, a little nervous this time. Leaning closer to get a better view of what he was looking at.

"Yugi... Is that what I think it is? Did you solve the millennium puzzle? I knew you liked to play with that thing, but I wasn't aware it had been completed."

His voice shook, as if he was in the middle of an earthquake. Though Yugi brushed it off. Hoping it was a quality of his father he had forgotten about.

"Uh... Yeah. I was working on it before you left, remember? I solved it at the start of high school. It got me a free trip to Egypt a few months back and is now with its rightful owners. Who knew something so valuable had been sitting in Grandpa's basement all this time, huh?"

"You went to Egypt?!" his father gawked. Fists clenching.

Yugi beamed, not noticing his father's reaction. "Yep! Got to have a tour of a tomb and everything. There was also this big ceremony done by these grave keepers! They believed it would put the spirit of a pharaoh to rest. It was pretty cool! I got to invite my friends and Grandpa!" It was a simplified version of the truth, but easier to explain than the 'an ancient pharaoh lived within me and occasionally possessed my body' reality.

His father glanced over at his grandfather. "I wasn't aware either of you went overseas..."

His grandfather smiled at Yugi, before turning back to his father with his old back straightening with pride "Yugi also got invited to America by Maximillion Pegasus because of his duelling skills. He got to stay with Professor Hawkins for a while. I think it did wonders for his confidence."

"If I had known you were in America, Yugi, your mother and I would have paid a visit." The tone of his voice dropping further.

"We stayed mostly in rural Texas," said Yugi with a shrug. "I was only in the city for a few days with Pegasus. Besides, you guys are tough to contact on a good day. We would have been flying home by the time you arrived."

"That's not what I..."

"Why don't I make some udon," said his mother, giving his father a look Yugi couldn't read. "You can help me peel the mushrooms, Sweetheart, while your dad catches up with your grandfather."

She dragged him by wrist to the kitchen. Leaving Yugi to wonder if he had done something wrong as his mother prattled on about the state of American food and how good it was to be home.

...

Yugi wouldn't deny it. It had been a while since he ate a decent home cooked meal. The udon tasted good, salty with lots of mushroom. Just how his mother always made it back when he was a kid. He didn't think he had tasted it since elementary school. Slurping it up despite the protest from his already full stomach. Had it really been so long since he last saw his parents?

"So..." said his mother, leaning across the table closer to Yugi, the pitch of her voice changing slightly. "What's this about you going overseas? For solving the old puzzle in your grandfather's basement? Sounds like quite the story!"

Yugi shrugged as he finished slurping his udon. Her tone causing his stomach to churn at the question, as if he had somehow insulted his mother and was about to be sent to his room. Surely his dueling was a better topic to start with. He didn't really feel like explaining the last several years to his parents.

Thankfully, Grandpa was there to come up with a cover story.

"Our boy was invited to tour a tomb as thanks for returning a priceless artifact," he said with a proud nod. "He was also invited to visit Industrial Illusion's headquarters in Texas after winning Duelist Kingdom. Our Yugi has become quite the celebrity. It's partly why my business has been doing so well! All the customers come in hoping to get a glimpse of him."

"'Celebrity' is pushing it," said Yugi with a chuckle. "I've just won a couple hi-profile tournaments, and dueling has become so popular now that lots of people have been coming in asking for deck advice. I'm just happy to support new players where I can."

"I see..." his mother's smile became strained. "A tomb... and tournament winner."

"The tomb belonging to a pharaoh," muttered his father. His own voice still in its low tone from earlier.

Yugi gulped and glanced away. Again, unsure what he had done wrong. He placed his bowl down and did his best cheerful smile, words unable to come out of his mouth. Though Grandpa saved him once again.

"Why don't you tell us what you have been up too? We were lucky if we heard from you once a month," said his Grandpa with earnest, trying to change the topic.

His parents paled slightly with his father answering. "Oh, you know. Business as usual at the bank. I could tell you a couple of repossession stories if you like, but they're not very exciting. Got to see the Statue of Liberty though."

"In six years, that's all you got to see?" said Yugi with a frown before turning to his mother. "What about you, Mum? I hear Americans love big weddings. They must have been fun to organise! I've seen TV shows with how over the top the weddings could get."

"It was more frustrating actually," said his mother, glancing away from him. "They are a very picky bunch. Much happier to be back in Japan."

Yugi and his Grandpa stared at them. Knowing they must have done anything else besides work. His parents glanced away under the scrutiny.

"Well, we occasionally also went out on the town. The night life is lovely in New York," said his father with a nervous chuckle and his mother sending him a pointed look.

"Tea wants to go to New York to study dance! She's obsessed with the place! Apparently they have great bagels and donuts, did you try any?" said Yugi. Happy to find some common ground.

His parents paled further.

"Uh... The food is large in size, but not very tasty. American food isn't great unfortunately. Though I'm sure Tea will do well if she wants to study there," said his mother.

Yugi then felt his ankle kick his school bag, suddenly remembering why he was so full in the first place. "Ah... almost forget. I'm still coming to terms with it... but I have some news." He reached down to his backpack, pulling out the paper the principal gave him earlier that day. He took another breath, then handed to his grandfather who was sitting nearest to him.

His grandfather paused as he read the form, squinting without his reading glasses, then an enormous smile erupted onto his features.

He leapt from the table, crushing Yugi in an overbearing hug. "Valedictorian! That's my boy!"

Yugi smiled and hugged him back. "I never saw it coming! The principle told me after class... I'm going to give a speech during the graduation ceremony as well."

"And you'll do wonderfully!" said his grandfather, patting him on the back. "You've always had a good head on your shoulders, and you have studied so hard this year. You've earned it! Well done!"

On the otherside of the table, his parents had gone quiet. Yugi looked up at their shocked expressions, only to notice how they seemed more uncomfortable than happy. His father staring at them with a frown, while his mother shifted in her seat.

Yugi felt the corners of his own smile falling, though his grandfather continued to prattle praise while affectionately rubbing Yugi's back.

"No wonder you overindulged at burger world. It must have been quite the party!"

"I wouldn't call it a party, but it was nice spending the afternoon with my friends," said Yugi. The chill in his chest warming at the memory of his friends. "We haven't had the chance to hang out like that since exam period started."

"And now you have the rest of the summer! I doubt I'll be seeing you all that much now the four of you have been let loose," said his grandfather with a shake of his head. "Any tournaments I can get free tickets too, at least?"

"Just the Japanese Nationals. I'll be handing prizes to the winners. Don't think I'll be allowed to compete until the Tokyo Championships in December," said Yugi. His gaze fell a little. One con of being the World champion was that he couldn't compete in the lower levels, and unfortunately there weren't that many tournaments in the 'professional' tier in his age bracket.

He sighed. He was going to drown in tournament invitations once he turned eighteen.

"So... no more travelling for a while then," said his father, not meeting Yugi's eye but sounding hopeful.

"Well, next year is the Industrial Illusion Asian-Pacific Championship - which will be held in Seoul. Kaiba Corp is hosting a tournament in America. Then there is the International Duelist Pro-league which I will be expected to compete in, and I think that will be hosted by China next year. There is also the Japanese League which I thankfully won't need to travel for..." said Yugi, counting down on his fingers.

"I see..." said his mother, sweat forming on her brow. "Lots of travelling then."

"Until I lose my title," said Yugi with a shrug. "I won't ask you guys to go if it worries you."

His mother's frown deepened, causing the chill to return. He glanced between the faces of his parents and contrasting smiles of his Grandpa and felt the sickening feeling of nausea return to his stomach as a thought crept into his head.

He didn't want to stay with his parents.

Yugi faked a yawn. "All that food is starting to get to me... I think I'll have an early night."

"I'm not surprised!" laughed his Grandfather. "You've had a big day."

"Uh... well, good night then," he turned to his parents. "Mum... Dad... We'll have to catch up tomorrow."

"Of course, we will. Your mother was hoping to go hiking outside the city. You're more than welcome to join us."

Yugi offered a small smile. "Sounds good. Well... night then."

He turned towards his bedroom, trying not slow his movements so not to appear too eager until he was at the end of the hallway and safely behind his bedroom door. Crumbling to the floor as soon as it closed behind him.

The sound of his own movements was all that reached his ears. He curled his chest forward and took a breath, focusing on being present and not the multitude of thoughts and emotions running through his head. Seeing his parents was not how he imagined this day to end. Though he couldn't recall the last time he expected to see them.

And now he struggled to maintain eye contact with them. His own parents.

The silence echoed back memories of not so silent afternoons, where Atem would always be available for discussion and advice. He use to lean on Yugi's desk as they talked, or sat on his bed. There had been many jokes and heart-to-heart's held within this small four-walled space which Yugi craved when his own skill didn't seem like enough.

His back straightened at the sound of a loud sigh coming from his father in the kitchen. Still able to hear whatever was happening out there.

"What's on your mind, Hayate. You've barely talked after Yugi told us the good news. And what news at that! Our Yugi is valedictorian," said his Grandfather.

Yugi's chest warmed again at his praise. Though it was tampered moments later when his father spoke.

"He seems... Much more outgoing than I remember him."

"Well, yes. Yugi broke out of his shell once he made a few friends and got recognition for his gaming talent. The joys of growing up... I was similar at his age."

"It just seems alarming how different he is in such a short time..." said his mother

"Five years isn't short for a child and fighting through challenges changes people. Especially the young. I'm just happy Yugi came out the other side smiling." said his Grandfather, Yugi could hear the smile in his own voice.

"I guess..." muttered his father.

"Don't worry so much! The two of you will be talking in no time. Just need to settle in first."

"I'm sure you're right," said his father.

Yugi's frown deepened as he curled his chest forward again, feeling a sense a nausea at what remained unsaid, and looking around the emptiness of his bedroom. It felt smaller in here when he was on his own.

How is that for a first chapter. Nice and simple. :) Hope you liked it!

Next we'll be getting a bit more weirdness from Yugi's parents and more of the gang.

Let me know what you think! :) Happy soon-to-be New Year!