Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Crimson Trust ❯ Chapter Six ( Chapter 6 )

Author: Yami Neferbre

Title: Crimson Trust
Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh, or CSI Miami, or Waste by Staind, or No by Shakira

Paring: SetoxYami
Rating: R (just to be safe with the content)

Warning: Violence, language, sexual content, rape

Spoilers: None
Summary: Yami has always been lied to, always been betrayed and hurt. Working as a special agent for the CSI crime lab in Miami he finds peace while raising his younger siblings. But an old enemy has returned, and a wonderful man just entered his life. Can he trust a stranger, or will he simply give up on life all together.

*** Story idea came from the song Waste by Staind***
Status: 6/32!!!!! (This is not definite, there is one chapter that I believe might become lengthy, or I might want to have more in it and it may become two chapters, I don't know yet, but this is a general number)

 

A/N: Well I must say that this fic is addicting….lol….so much so that I am am so stuck on my other ones that it is becoming a hazard for my own health (stares at pile of lost hair clumps). I do remember saying at the beginning of this fic- funny enough- that this story was not my top priority. (smiles) I guess I was wrong in that notion, lol… anyway hope you enjoy, and hope that all of those that are reading my other fics….that you can be patient and wait for this writers block to dissipate. .

 

SIX

 

But these words
They can't replace the life you waste

Sighing deeply he leaned heavily against the kitchen counter, hazel eyes falling shut in somnolence as he listened to the rhythmic spluttering of the kettle beside him. He felt himself drifting towards sleep, the lovely thing drawing him in like the arms of a lover, encircling him and holding him tightly. Then the boisterous rattle of the kettle as it screamed loudly knocked him back into reality.

 

Moaning he reached out, pulled the plug from the wall, and moved to pour the steaming water into the tea pot. Swirls of silver steam twisted around his fingers, dampening them with their boiling temperature. He barely felt it, his fatigue holding him firmly in its clutches as he made the tea.

 

His mind drifted back to his friend, whom was unconscious upstairs and would wake soon in need of his pain killers. He was filled with worry, last night when he had brought Yami home with Bakura and Mai; the young man had been utterly broken and unresponsive. The only time that he had spoken was in the vehicle, otherwise he made pained noises, but that was all.

 

He had clung to him during the night until he had switched places with Bakura not long after three, whom had left for work no more than twenty minuets ago. When Yami had finally drifted off to sleep, he muttered feverishly, thrashing about as tears coursed down his cheeks from shut eyelids.

 

Realizing that the water was over flowing from the tea pot onto the counter he cried out in surprise and dismay, placing the cursed kettle into the sink. Retrieving a towel from a nearby drawer he mopped up the puddle on the counter, then removing some of the excess water from the tea pot, added the tea bags and honey before placing the lid over it to let it seep.

 

A knock caught his attention, fearing that it would wake Yami he dashed to the door, nearly hitting the couch as he went. Unlocking it he pulled it open, hazel eyes widening in surprise at the man standing at the other side of the door, troubled cerulean eyes gazing back at him.

 

“Seto?” he murmured questionly, stepping back to allow the CEO in, closing the door behind him to ward off the cool wind that gusted in. “What are you doing here?”

 

“Taita told me that Yami was not well enough to come tonight, I wanted to make sure that he was alright,” Seto whispered, catching on, allowing Joey to hastily removed his jacket and shove it into the closet.

 

Grunting Joey moved to the kitchen, opening one of the cupboards he reached in to grab the cups, “Do you want one?”

 

“Please,” Seto answered politely, removing his shoes and striding into the kitchen, taking a seat at the breakfast bar.

 

Nodding curtly Joey poured the three separate cups, handing one to Seto before moving into the living room. Gingerly he began to shove the couches to the edge of the white carpet along with the coffee table, making room for the mattress that he was brining upstairs.

 

“I'll put it simple Seto,” said Joey, his voice low as he made his way back into the kitchen, taking his own cup and sipping the hot liquid. “I know that Yami allowed you to look up his past, so you know the basics of his childhood. Well… Lucien came back yesterday.”

 

Seto's throat tightened at hearing that, almost making him choke on the tea that he was drinking. Placing the cup upon the counter he directed his gaze to Joey, watching as firm fists clenched and hazel eyes squeezed shut in anger. He remained silent, allowing Joey to let this out at his own pace.

 

Jaw popping, and teeth grinding viciously against each other Joey tried to bent all of his anger upon something other than the man before him. He did not wish to wake Yami to his yelling, it would not help their situation. Taking a deep, cleansing breath he unlocked his jaw, tear filled eyes lifting to Seto, filled to the brim with furious anger and protectiveness.

 

“That bastard… came back,” he began, trying to keep his voice down. “He came back… and hurt the person that is the closest thing that I have to a brother again. He attacked him in his office, beat him senseless and forced himself upon him in a public place. If Yami had not screamed and kicked the gun away, he would be God knows where with that bastard, being forced to act like a whore to Ra knows who.”

 

Seto continued to remain silent, reassuring Joey that he was there by keeping his eyes locked with the blondes.

 

Taking another breath Joey tried to settle his nerves, his heart was pounding against his chest, and his pulse was throbbing rapidly under his flesh, making his blood boil with his raging fury. Flexing his hands he forced a wry smile at the CEO, “He doesn't deserve this, he never did,” he muttered, sobs cracking his voice. “He had been doing so well, he had not had a single attack in over a year, his medical condition was barely bothering him, he was allowed to cease going to the psychiatrist. Then that… bastard had to come back.”

 

Heaving a sigh Seto rubbed his neck with uneasiness. He could not say that everything would be alright; he knew that another battle was starting to rage within this household again, and Yami was again the target. Clenching his own hands he bit his lip, and he would be damned if he did not help.

 

A chilling scream ripped through the house, breaking the silence that had hung over the two of them. The two of them glanced briefly at each other before Joey sprinted towards the stairs, taking them two at a time as a loud sobbing reached them. Getting to his feet Seto followed swiftly behind, bounding up the stairs at a pace that he did not know he could do.

 

Throwing the door open Joey gasped harshly, breath being caught in his throat as he moved instantly to Yami's side. The young man had curled up at the edge of the bed upon the floor, his hands covering his tear stained face as fresh tears joined them, his body shaking violently.

 

Non-persistently Joey knelt down beside his friend, gripping his hands tightly and pulling them away from his face, wincing at the frightened cry that was ripped from that parched throat, and the weak struggles suddenly coming from the body before him. Holding back his own tears of worry he cupped Yami's face in his hands, forcing him to look at him, locking their eyes together to snap Yami back into reality.

 

Within an instant Yami launched himself at Joey, burying his face in his chest and desperately gripping his tee-shirt, hands convulsing as he did so. Heart wrenching sobs scratched their way out of Yami's throat, causing more pain, “Don't leave Joey, please don't leave.”

 

Rubbing soothing circles over Yami's back, Joey whispered gently into his ear, glancing at Seto through the corner of his eyes as he did so, “I won't buddy, I promise, I won't.”

 

Seto stared at the sight before him in utter shock. Over the week and a bit that he had known Yami he had found him to be a strong, level headed individual who never gave up, and never backed down. Watching him break down like an insecure child tore at his heart, ripping it apart piece by piece with a blunt blade. Blue eyes filled with tears of utter heartache and of fury, no one deserved to be put through this, no one.

 

Joey scanned Seto's eyes, surprised when he found overwhelming protectiveness and love shining in them like a beacon to the world. He realized then the emotions that the CEO held towards his friend, and he felt himself smile inwardly at that, only a week and Seto seemed to have fallen hard.

 

He was snapped back into reality as Yami gave out a small cry of anguish, the CSI just then remembering what he had endured the day before, his body screaming in agony. Joey felt his grip tighten upon his shirt, and Yami's body arching against the over powering pain that shot up his spine.

 

Turning to Seto he asked, “Can you fill the bathtub with hot water, I need to get him to relax,” he expounded, trying to keep his writhing friend still as Seto moved to the bathroom.

 

Tenderly he lifted Yami to his feet, holding him steady as he reached for a pair of baggy shorts upon the floor. Removing his friend's night garment he laid Yami down upon the bed, apologizing as he gently pulled the shorts on, hands running over dark bruises as he went.

 

Pressing a soft, comforting kiss to Yami's brow Joey lifted him again, being mindful of the bruises, several stressed ribs, wounded rear, and pounding head of his friend. Heaving a sigh he moved towards the bathroom, the hot steam immediately running over him as he kicked the door open.

 

Seto had done as bided; the tub was nearly full, the water level being watched closely by the CEO.

 

When Seto spotted him he turned off the water, moving back to the toilette so that he was out of the way, allowing Joey to place Yami's battered body into the soothing water.

 

Joey heard a moan escape Yami's lips; the sound was not pained but grateful. Smiling at that he encouraged Yami to lie fully back, resting his head against the cool ceramic tub.

 

Reaching across he took the cloth from its place and squeezed some of the bath scrub onto it, massaging it into a foam with his digits. Gently taking Yami's wrist he pulled his arm slowly, watching as Yami winced against the pain, eyes closing tightly. Waiting for a moment Joey waited until Yami's expression softened before running the cloth softly over his marred flesh, removing the filth and soothing the stiff and sore muscles.

 

He loved how fast the water could soothe Yami, it was his most effective tool in calming him when the attacks had first began when Yami as twelve. It had been a learning process, and he had slowly been forced to learn Yami's different reactions, and this was the best thing to alleviate him.

 

Lying upon his side Yami opened his eyes, watching Joey slowly wash his arm with the soap covered cloth, the scent of lavender and roses wafting over him and enveloping his senses. Heaving a calming breath he nuzzled closer to Joey, eyes drifting to Seto, only now realizing that he was there.

 

Seto smiled affectionately at him, his eyes warm and caring, assuring him that he was not going to try anything as he held the candle and match up in his hands. Blinking Yami watched Seto light a few of the candles in the room, setting them on the counter and along the end of the tub by his feet before turning the glaring light off as he went, allowing the soft glow of the candles to surround him.

 

Moaning he relaxed leisurely in the water, closing his eyes as Joey slowly tried to caress the pain from his muscles and the bruises with the hot water and soothing cloth. Needing something more, more comfort he reached out to Seto, his hoarse voice cracking out, “Seto, I need your hand, I need it… just to know that both of you are here.”

 

Without hesitation Seto moved to kneel down beside Joey on the floor, reaching out and taking the hand that was extended in his direction, taking it in his grasp and holding it tightly, interlocking his fingers with Yami's. He relished the feel of the smooth, angelic flesh against his own, heaving a deep sigh he brought up his other hand, covering their interlocking digits with it.

 

Joey glanced at him, smiling gratefully as he continued to gently wipe away the filth upon his friends flesh. Winking at Seto he held back a chuckled. The CEO blushed, a snarl passing over his face in realization, his dignity damaged. Obviously Seto had not known how apparent he was being about his affections, though surprisingly Yami had yet to notice them over the last week.

 

Averting his attention to Yami he smiled genuinely to himself, staring contently at Yami's serene features. Yami needed someone like Seto, someone strong, and someone that would willingly be there for him, that would protect him.

 

“Joey?” Yami muttered, his voice barely above a whisper as his violet eyes slid open.

 

“Yes,” Joey answered, leaning forward.

 

“Pain medications please,” he pleaded, eyes welling in pain. “That water is soothing my nerves and my muscles, but not the other region.”

 

Knowingly Joey rose to his feet, “I'll be right back then, try not to move to much buddy,” he advised before vacating the room.

 

Watching Joey go Seto heaved a sigh; looking back at Yami he bit his lip as his heart broke again for the second time in the last ten minutes. Yami's eyes were filled with anguished tears, his body stiffening as the adrenaline from his nervous attack, and a small groan of agony was torn from his lips.

 

Instinctively he reached out with his free hand, delving it under the surface of the hot water, gently placing it upon Yami's exposed side. Yami stared up at him, uncertainty flooding through, mingling with the pain. Giving him a comforting smile Seto moved his hand tenderly over the smooth flesh, finally able to rub gentle circles over the young man's back.

 

Yami clearly at first did not know how to react, but when that skilled hand pressed into his lower back, soothing the muscles there he moaned in response, trying to urge the CEO to continue.

 

Closing his eyes Yami relaxed into Seto's soft hands, shifting closer to the edge of the tub. Then he realized something, he had only known the CEO for just over a week and already he had let him in. This was not normal, and how did he not realize it before. Sitting by the fire that first night should have been the first cue, and now, allowing him to caress his nearly bare body. He furrowed his brow, how had he let Seto in so fast.

 

Opening his eyes he stared up at Seto, admiring that serene face for a moment before he murmured, “Why are you so different.”

 

Confused Seto crocked a brow, ceasing in his movements to stare into those alluring violet eyes, “What do you mean?”

 

“I mean,” Yami murmured, eyes narrowing. “What's made you so different, how could you get this close to me in such a short amount of time. Why didn't I stay cautious with you, especially with what happened the other day? How is it that you can touch me like this and my body does not react in fear like it does to anyone else? What is so different about you? I don't understand.”

 

Seto bit his lip, unsure how to answer that question. He admitted that over the past few days Yami had obviously been thrown for a loop. The case, Salatis and Lucien returning and tormenting him, and having to rapidly become a bodyguard to someone he barely knew. Possibly it was because of that, because Yami's mind and emotions were out of his control at the moment. It was a logical explanation to why Yami had so willingly allowed him to hold him the other night as if they had known each other for years.

 

Sighing he removed his hand from the water, giving the young man a soft smile, “Perhaps your shields are down because your emotions are in a jumble,” he suggested.

 

Blinking Yami averted his gaze, it was quite possible, “Perhaps,” he murmured.

 

“He's usually like this after an attack… physical contact usually is the only thing keeping him from having another,” Joey stated from the doorway, bag of medicine in his hand. Moving towards his friend he knelt back down at the edge of the tub.

 

“Apparently,” Yami murmured, frustration kicking in. “That's probably why I have been so… `cuddly'… this week.”

 

“Probably buddy,” Joey said, placing the medicine in the sink. “But he is right about one thing Seto, how could the two of you get this close to each other this fast. The last person he did that to was Bakura, and he trusted him because they met by Bakura helping me get him away from Lucien in one of his rages.”

 

Seto shrugged, he did not understand it either, or why he was so caring towards the CSI, nothing seemed to make sense lately.

 

“I don't know,” he answered.

 

Sighing Joey moved to help Yami out of the tub, the hot water was beginning to turn the young mans skin crimson. Yami held back pained noises as he rose slowly to his feet, using Joey's arm and the wall for support. Gingerly he stepped out of the tub, stumbling slightly as he did so.

 

Scowling at this Joey wrapped the towel around Yami's shoulders, “Take it easy bud,” he warned. Instantly he bit his tongue at the snarl that rapidly crossed Yami's face, knowingly he glanced at Seto. “Could you leave us alone for a minute, I need to apply his medication.”

 

Nodding curtly Seto left the bathroom, closing the door behind him as he went to give the two friends some privacy. Heaving a sigh he leaned against the wall, burning digits running through thick chestnut hair as cerulean eyes closed in thought. He furrowed his brow, “I can't let this happen again,” he murmured to himself, passion and determination clear in his tone. “I'll break that bastard if he so much as comes near him again.”

 

Regaining his composure he glanced at the door, hearing Yami and Joey talking softly he pushed himself from the wall and moved downstairs, intent on heating the tea while he waited for them to finish. Moving into the upstairs living room he peered around, taking in the warmth of the house for the first time since he had arrived.

 

The carpet beneath his feet coated the upstairs, its soft terracotta orange shade a perfect accent to the light oak hardwood and baseboards. The walls, for the most part, were either a stark white or a pale orange. All in all, the house held a fall theme, simplistic, but gorgeous.

 

“I take it that you like it,” asked Yami's voice softly, startling him and forcing him to turn around. Nodding Seto smiled warmly, staring at the beautiful man who leaned against the nearby wall entering the living room, clad in nothing but a pair of silk violet pyjama pants, a matching top, and a white house coat.

 

“Very much so,” he murmured, cerulean eyes beaming at the young man. “It is very simple… yet elegant, I love it, more so than my own home.”

 

Grunting Yami closed his eyes, seemingly fighting off a wave of pain, “It reminds me of Halloween.”

 

Grasping the railing surrounding the living room Seto chuckled, staring at Yami with bliss, “I thought that it was more like autumn.”

 

Blinking Yami peered around for a moment, “That too,” he agreed quietly, violet eyes devoid of emotion as he continued to take in his surroundings. “I need to clean this place up soon, Yugi and Kalie obviously haven't done their chores yet.”

 

“Don't worry about that Yami,” assured Joey's voice as he moved into the living, a load of thick comforters, sheets, and pillows in his arms. Hefting it over the railing he watched it topple to the hardwood floor below, earning a growl and a glare from Yami. Shrugging he moved back to his friend, wrapping an arm around his waist and stationing one of Yami's arms around his shoulders. “Mai and I will get it done. Yugi and Kalie both have to study tonight remember… they have exams on Monday.”

 

Scowling Yami allowed Joey to support him towards the stairs, taking a single step at a time as the pain in his back side and bruised limbs ripped through him. Holding back anguished sounds he signalled for Seto to meet them at the bottom before gripping the railing with his free hand and taking the first step down the stairs.

 

Gasping sharply he stopped, taking in a deep breath, closing his eyes against the agony that had rapidly engulfed him. His grip upon the railing tightened, his knuckles turning white from the effort as he clenched his teeth, grinding them together.

 

Feeling Yami stiffen Joey stopped in his decent, peering down at his friend, “Take it easy, one step at a time buddy, I don't need you hurting yourself more,” he said gently.

 

Exhaling a shaky breath Yami opened his eyes, tears of anguish threatening to cascade down his cheeks. Tender hands removed his own from the railing, another tall firm body moving to his other side on the wide staircase. Lifting his gaze he was met with encouraging cerulean eyes. Gratitude filled his eyes, “Thank you, Seto,” he murmured, receiving a grin from the other.

 

Slowly they made their way down the stairs, stopping at each to allow Yami to catch his breath and breathe through the wave of pain that cascaded over him from this much movement. Both Seto and Joey knew not to offer to carry him; Yami could easily snap in anger and loose his balance. So, silently they moved to the bottom of the stairs, painful inch by painful inch.

 

Upon reaching the bottom Seto continued to hold Yami upright while Joey quickly put the sheets, the comforter, and pillows on the mattress. Once done he encouraged Yami to lay down upon it, helping him as he went while Seto went to re-heat the tea.

 

Moaning Yami snuggled into the thick ebony pillow, closing his eyes as he tried to find a comfortable position, one where he was not laying upon a bruise. He rapidly found out that that was nearly impossible, finally resorting to laying upon his side and shoving a pillow between his legs to keep his knees from banging and to lessen the agony in his back.

 

Joey sighed as he watched this, barely noticing the sounds if the microwave being opened and closed, and the beeping that would follow signalling that the tea was warm again. Reaching out he brushed one of Yami's still damp blond bangs behind his ear, “Hungry?”

 

“A little.”

 

“Soup sound good,” he questioned, as Seto moved over to him and handed him two cups of tea. Shifting he held the cup out for his friend to take, wincing as Yami hefted himself up into a semi sitting positing, leaning his back against the couch. Receiving a nod Joey rose to his feet, immediately moving to make the small meal for the three of them, eyes never leaving Yami as he carefully gulped down the tea.

 

1231231231231231231231231231213

1231231231231231231231231223123

 

Five days passed like years, the days lasting seemingly as long as a single week, so much transpiring, yet so little. There had been no sign of Lucien, no word, no sighting, nothing; it was as if it had all been a dream. But the marks said otherwise.

 

Over this time period Seto watched on his visits as the bruises worsened in colour, then slowly began to lessen, the decrease was barely noticeable, but the mobility of Yami's limbs had improved, a sign that he was healing. He had been removing himself from the mattress, clinging to something as he went, but nonetheless getting around decently on his own. The pain killers helped, to some degree, but the pain was still there when he moved the wrong way, as was the stiffness.

 

The concussion was gone, the pupils within those violet orbs were now the right size, and he was now able to funny focus upon things.

 

Moaning Yami curled up upon the couch, closing his eyes as he listened to the throbbing of the rain outside as it cascaded towards the ground, soaking the concrete and grass around them. The crackling of the fire in the hearth mingling with it, along with the clanging and sloshing as Kalie and Mai quickly did the dishes, soft Latino music playing in the background.

 

Nearby- now that the mattress had been removed and the living room was back in its original set up- Yugi and Joey enthusiastically played one of their video games, the volume fairly low out of respect. While Bakura sat on the opposite couch, watching the two with interest.

 

Sighing deeply he pulled the blanket tighter around him, snuggling into its warmth, along with the heat radiating from the fire. Content he was quite willing to submit himself to slumber, stay here until he could no more, and return to his own room.

 

He would have fallen asleep if the phone had not rang, blaring through his fog of near silent. Cursing he opened his eyes, hefting himself up into a sitting position against the armrest as Kalie dashed frantically for the phone.

 

Ignoring the piercing glare that her brother was giving the contraption in her soapy hand, Kalie answered into the receiver, “Hello, this is Akalia Hanata speaking.”

 

“Hey K-ster, this is Taita, is Yami awake?”

 

Glancing at her brother she pointed to the phone, moving towards him as he shuffled the blanket around his form, trying to bring heat back to his body. “He sure is, just a second please Taita,” she answered sweetly before handing the contraption to her fuming brother.

 

“Hey Taita,” Yami answered, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, shifting to get comfortable on the couch.

 

“Hey, how are you feeling?”

 

“Alright… I suppose,” he answered, wincing as he brushed against a particularly sensitive bruise. “Uncomfortable as hell.”

 

“Are you mobile?”

 

“Kind of,” muttered Yami, giving up and laying across the couch, legs dangling over the arm rest. “Why?”

 

“The director wants to talk to us, all of us. Its about the case, we need to present the information we have so far, and convince him to let us keep working on it.”

 

“Have you guys found anything new since I left,” he questioned, stifling rising to his feet, ignoring the scowl the he instantly obtained from Bakura from the notion. Biting his lip against a lance of pain that shot up his back he gripped the back of the couch, leaning on it for support.

 

“Yeah, some minor details, little things. The only major thing that we have found was her husband saying that they were getting a divorce because he found out about her cheating.”

 

“Anything else?” he grunted, moving towards the stairs, nodding a thank you to Bakura as he wrapped an arm around his waist, keeping him steady as he made his way upstairs.

 

“The blood found in the Kaiba manor was a match to Ivan. So we've been able to keep him behind bars, along with Salatis. Elijah and Jason also found an entire file, which had been deleted by someone other than Azucena, on threats created by Ivan… and Santo Aristo. Salatis told us who told him what to do… and who was at the murders... but nothing more. Information as well has been found proving what Salatis said Yami, we know that Santo is targeting either me, Gabe, or you. But that's all we got.”

 

Stepping into his room Yami glanced at Bakura, asking him to take a seat before moving to find his towel. “Don't we have enough evidence to at least incriminate Ivan and put him behind bars?”

 

“No,” said Taita, exasperated. “We've already presented it to the DA, its not enough, we need the murder weapon, otherwise we cant finish the case.”

 

“How do you know that it's us that Santo wants?” Yami questioned, rapidly pulling his wardrobe open and shuffling through for a decent dress shirt and pants.

 

“It said in one of the threats on file,” stated Taita, shuffling around in the background, his typing becoming apparent. “It tells Azucena that if she did not shut down Kaiba Corp. and stop us from finding out about them, then not only would they take her and her family down, but they would kill us. Apparently she refused, thinking that her bodyguards would be able to protect her.”

 

“What time do you want me over there,” he questioned, finding a shirt and tossing it onto his bed. Bakura glared at him, eyes demanding, Yami held up a single finer asking his friend to wait while he finished.

 

“Within the hour,” said Taita.

 

“Alright, I'll be there as soon as I can, see you then,” he stated, grabbing a nearby towel and moving towards the door, his movements slow and robotic.

 

“Alright, take it easy buddy, there's no rush,” Taita said knowingly from the other end.

 

Grunting Yami hung up the phone, clicking the off button and tossing it onto the bed. Heaving a sigh he leaned against the doorway, staring at Bakura as he tried to catch his breath, his body screaming at him in agony.

 

Bakura was scowling deeply, his dark eyes tinted red, “I don't want you going anywhere Yami. You are still not in good enough condition to go out into public. You had two attacks today, that more than any other day since he returned.”

 

“I know Bakura, trust me,” Yami murmured, closing his eyes. Heaving a breath he ran his hand through his hair which was now damp with sweat. Realizing this he ran his fingertips over his face, cursing at the sweat that was forming there. “Going up and down the stairs is an effort.”

 

“All the more of a reason for you to stay here, take a long soak, and rest,” snapped Bakura, his eyes shining with protectiveness even through the darkness. The only thing illuminating the room was the eccentric flash of lightning that burst from the heavens.

 

Yami chuckled wryly, “I can't abandon my team, this is my case too Bakura, I need to be there to help them keep it.”

 

Snarling Bakura rose to his feet, moving to stand before his friend, eyes locking with those alluring violet orbs. “You are so fucking stubborn that it's not even funny, obviously you don't understand what condition your body is in at the moment.”

 

Narrowing his eyes Yami scowled, furious anger boiling within him, “I have to help my team Bakura; I think I can handle myself for a few hours sitting in an office.”

 

“How do you know that he won't come around?” Bakura snapped, placing a hand beside Yami's head on the door frame. “How do you know if you'll be able to stand the drive there and back? Tell me that Yami.”

 

Clenching his fists Yami stared at Bakura with heated anger, “I'll see you in a bit Bakura,” he said, trying to move towards the bathroom, but his friend stopped him in his tracks, gripping his shoulder in a gentle but firm hold. “Let me go Bakura.”

 

“Not until I get some reason into that thick skull of yours,” Bakura growled, leaning forward till their faces were but centimetres apart. “I wont let you hurt yourself for this damn job.”

 

His body began to shudder, subtly but it was enough, his vision began to flash, images of an incident long gone playing before his eyes. Gasping he reached out and gripped Bakura's shoulders for support, begging him to snap him out of this.

 

Realizing what was transpiring Bakura pulled Yami tightly to him, holding him and leaning back against the opposite door frame. The shuddering immediately decreased, allowing Yami to lean against him, his body lethargic as he tried to take in a proper breath.

 

“Thank you,” Yami murmured, groaning in pain as he moved away, heading towards the bathroom.

 

Shaking his head Bakura reached out to Yami, taking his wrist in his hand, forcing the CSI to turn back to him, “You just had another one Yami, it was small, but still. Stay home, please,” he beseeched, eyes pleading.

 

“I can't,” Yami said with a ghostly smile before removing his hand from Bakura grasp and moving into the bathroom, closing the door behind him as he went.

 

Heaving a sigh Bakura leaned against the wall, staring at the bathroom door with worry, “I hope that your stubbornness does not get you into trouble,” he murmured, turning on the bedroom light, allowing the brilliant glow to fill the hallway. “I really do buddy.”

 

Once he was dressed and clad in a long trench coat Yami moved to the front door, pulling the hood over his still damp ebony spikes. Heaving a sigh he glanced at everyone, “I'll be back in a bit, not more than two hours hopefully,” he stated, pulling his shoes on.

 

“Yami,” Yugi said, dashing to his brother's side, grabbing his arm in a gentle grip. His voice was desperate, and his eyes shined with worry. “Please don't go, please.”

 

Sensing that something was off Yami turned to his sibling, easing himself into a kneeling position and staring up into the younger mans eyes. “What's wrong Yugi?”

 

Kalie moved over to join them, urging her brother to stand up, embracing him immediately as he did so. “It's too dangerous Yami, don't go out there.”

 

Holding Kalie tightly he glanced worriedly at Bakura, Joey and Mai, who shrugged in bewilderment at the behaviour that the two teenagers were prohibiting. Narrowing his eyes Yami peered down first at Kalie, then at Yugi as his brother wrapped his arms as best he could around his waist from the back.

 

“If I take someone with me, will you tell me what is bothering you tomorrow after school,” he demanded, glancing between the two of them. Receiving a nod he glanced at Bakura, his friend nodded knowingly and rising to his feet grabbed his jacket and shoes before vacating the house.

 

Pressing a chaste kiss to Kalie's and Yugi's brow Yami smiled warmly at them before joining Bakura outside, moving as rapidly as he could towards the SUV, his clothing drenched before he was able to open the door. Clambering in he buckled his seat belt and nodded at Bakura, “Seems you got your wish, kind of.”

 

Bakura smirked, flaring the engine and turning the heat on full blast, “Usually do Yami, usually do.”

 

12312312312123123123123123123312312312

12312321312312312312312312323123123212

 

Two hours later Yami clambered into bed, shivering from the cold and stiff from using muscles that had barely been functioning over the past few days. They still had the case, in his mind at the moment, that's all that mattered.

 

A/N: hopefully in the next thirty days or so before I go on my cruise I can get another chappie of each fic done….no guarantees though, this writers block does not seem to want to go away on those other fics. I hope all of you can forgive me for that… I'm really sorry about this. (bows low) R and R please.