Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Differences Don't Matter ❯ Teary Responses ( Chapter 10 )

Living in a huge house definitely had its advantages, especially when your father was too busy being angry with their son to send people to bother them. Another was the amount of bedrooms available when only two people actually lived in the house.

 

When Yami was younger and his mother was still alive his bedroom had been in a different room that was only a few feet away from his parents' room, just in case he needed them for something. However, after his mother passed away and Yami's more rebellious side formed, he moved to the opposite side of the house and technically on the only third floor room, since there were three stairs to climb before anyone could open the door.

 

His room was fairly well sized with his own bathroom only a couple feet away from the door. A desk sat in the corner on the wall that was directly line with door since you entered the room at an angle rather than straight on. One window on the far side of the room showed people of the town milling around the place, but he preferred the view of the other window reverse of that one. It was a large glass door leading to a small balcony overlooking a golden meadow that exploded in vibrant colors of every shade imaginable in the spring. They always gave fulfilling cloud that settled in his stomach as he watched them.

 

Right now though Yami wasn't in his room staring at the sleeping pasture, but in the closest bedroom, four doors down the hall, from his tucking in an emotionally exhausted and near painfully thinned elf.

 

“Does that feel okay, Yugi? Is it comfortable in here,” the crimson-eyed teen asked with concern.

 

As he expected the elf didn't answer or many any motion to even show he heard the questions. Yami didn't take it personally though. He was hurt that he was ignored, but he was just going to have to have patience for a while.

 

“I'll bring you something to eat,” Yami said, making sure Yugi was comfortable before leaving quietly, cracking the door just a bit so the elf wouldn't feel entirely confined.

 

The teen passed by the hallway leading to his father's quarters just before going down the stairs. He had half a mind to talk to him about Yugi and at least try to have him understand why he felt inclined to help him. Deciding against it, however, and telling himself that if his father ever cared about what he did than he made it his personal mission in life to get in Yami's face about it. If he wanted to silk and wonder where he went wrong in raising his son than Yami was better off ignoring him until his father came around.

 

“Good evening, Tea,” the crimson-eyed teen greeted to the head maid when he saw her.

 

Tea looked up from where she was dusting off the pictures in the hallways entrance. “Good evening, Master Yami. How was you dinner this evening?”

 

“It was…hectic. Aren't you supposed to be having the night off?”

 

“Those new girls your father hired can't do anything right,” she sulked, puffing out her cheeks with annoyance. “I'm just double checking everything they did today. Can't have you living in a filthy house and getting sick off the dust, can I?” She smiled and put her duster in the pocket of her apron and crossed her arms.

 

Yami grinned slightly, a small curve of the corner of his mouth slanting upwards. Tea was one of the rare few people who got to see that side of him.

 

“By the way, Master Yami, if you don't mind my asking, why was your father in just a fury when he returned home after your dinner?”

 

The teen shook his head, mirroring her as he crossed his arms and leaned against the railing of the staircase. “It was just something that happened at the restaurant. He's being silly about it just like he is about the easily preventable so-called war the elves are trying to launch. If the city would just let them go we wouldn't be having these avoidable problems. Anyway, between you and me, if you wouldn't mind, you should probably get his suit cleaned tonight. I hear those new girls are on laundry duty tomorrow and that was the black velvet.”

 

Her eyes widened. “He certainly wanted this to be a special outing if he wore that suit,” she exclaimed with a gasp. “I'll get right on it. Heavens forbid that it would be on my head if those ineffectual girls ruined his favorite suit!” She then shifted her gaze to the striking grandfather clock and pulled her feathered duster from the pocket. “Don't stay up too late, Master Yami. I still have another hallway to do after this so I'll worry about locking up the front door before I leave.”

 

Grinning slightly once more, Yami nodded. “Also, Tea, if it's not too much trouble, I have a…a friend staying in the room nearest to mine. I have a few things I'd like to get done tomorrow and I won't be in the house.”

 

“Say no more, Master Yami. I'll make sure he eats and gets some rest.”

 

Yami raised an eyebrow in suspicion. “How do you always know exactly what's going on?”

 

She giggled behind a gloved hand and shook a finger at him with the other. “That's my secret. Now, hurry along and get that poor boy something to eat.”

 

With another nod for goodnight, Yami continued on towards his previous destination. Unsure of what it was Yugi ate or if he could even keep complete solids down in his current condition, he made of a small tray. He felt exactly how light he was when he half carried the pointed-eared creature from the restaurant and was worried about making him sick. He cut up a few slices of bread and then warmed up the beef stew the chef had fixed for him and his father the previous night. The chef was a genius and seemed to make everything out of nothing. Every time he looked in the cupboards for a snack the whole kitchen seemed to be empty like the chef went out just an hour before a meal to get the things he needed.

 

Yami didn't meet Tea going back upstairs. However, he did happen to hear rushed footsteps scurrying around in the hall leading to his father's rooms. He wasn't worried about her. If anyone could get the spaghetti sauce stains out of his father's favorite suit it was her.

 

Arriving at Yugi's contemporary room, he knocked softly on the cracked open door so he wouldn't startle him. Stepping in he closed the door behind him and watched the angelic sight on the bed.

 

Yugi lay still on the bed. Dark lashes fluttered over pale, high cheekbones. His mouth was open in the smallest of `o's. The warm, ruffled sheets moved with his chest with each breath he took. Yugi's head shifted barely to the side and a small hand was curled up by his cheek that was facing the mattress. The lights were low and just right that the headboard around Yugi's head was alight with their glow.

 

Beautiful Yami thought just before walking towards the bed, a quirk of a smile lifting both corners of his mouth. He hadn't wanted to wake the sleeping elf, but he also knew Yugi could sleep as much as he wanted all night and well into the next day. He preferred that he eat instead and, upon that decision, he gently shook Yugi's shoulder.

 

Disoriented and dazed, Yugi's cracked open his eyes and stared dully into the crimson eyes before he sat up, a panicked look on his face. He looked around and then down at his clothes with a lost expression. His pale hands fiddled anxiously with each other and then with the silky covers that pooled messily in his lap after sitting up.

 

Somehow, Yami seemed to understand what Yugi was thinking. It was like telepathy where he was able to comprehend the little movements and looks Yugi made even when he barely did anything. He wasn't sure how he did it, but he was glad it happened.

 

Kneeling gently next the bed, Yami carefully placed his sun-kissed hand over Yugi's moon-pale one, hovering above it gently. He was hurt when the elf jerked his arm away, almost entirely moving to the other end of the bed in the process. With a sigh, he moved his hand off the bed and settled for smiling.

 

“Everything's okay now, Yugi,” he whispered softly. “No one's going to hurt you anymore and if they do they'll have to answer to me. I'll make sure you have no worries.”

 

The expression on Yugi's face didn't give him the feeling that he was believed, but he didn't expect him to on the same day. He'd give him the time and space he needed to heal, and only give the push for certain things like food and rest. Tomorrow will be better he told himself optimistically.

 

That may have been what he told himself at Yugi's bedside as he watched him take hesitant, small spoonfuls of the soup and nibbled crumbs of bread, but it certainly wasn't better.

 

He found himself at a clothes store staring at what had to have been dozens upon dozens of different clothes to choose from. “How can he be comfortable if he has to wear these things,” he said loudly, startling everyone in the store with him and causing all eyes to stare at him with curiosity. With a frustrated groan he moved on to different types of clothes.

 

Yami must've spent three hours staring at the same horrible human clothes he was sure Yugi wouldn't feel at all relaxed in. He gave in and headed for the bar.

 

All heads turned and as he opened the heavy, stilted door and he rolled his eyes wondering if they did that with everyone who stepped in.

 

“Lord Yami, you shouldn't be in here,” an old man snapped, waving his cane manically at him. “Your father would have a fit.”

 

The bartender hurried over with a worried expression. “Lord Yami, as much as I respect you and your father you really can't be in here. You're underage and I won't - ”

 

Yami cut him off with a heavy stare and Makoto seemed to understand just like the previous night in Yugi's bedroom. “I need some help,” he admitted in a low voice. “I took Yugi from that restaurant across the street last night and I'm sure he'd prefer some new clothes. All he's got is that waiter uniform and an apron.”

 

Makoto's eyes widened. “Y-you're the one who took him away!”

 

The teen's fingers itched to curl into fists, but he closed his eyes and told himself that it wasn't going to help Yugi get better if he lost his cool, especially the only other person who treated him kindly. “Yes, I'm the one who took him away. Will you help me or not? Or will you turn your back on him when he went to you for help? I might not have been in town when it happened, but news certainly travels fast in this town,” he smirked.

 

Blood rushed from the man's face and he looked away, fiddling with the hand towel hanging from the rim of his pants. “I couldn't help him,” his voice wavered and Yami was reeling at the sight of tears in the grown man's eyes. He hadn't wanted to make him cry, just a little guilty so he could get help.

 

It's too late for regrets now. Just get what you need to know and leave it at that he told himself sternly.

 

“If I had helped him he would've got into even more trouble and knowing Shigure and his eldest boy that could be more severe than death. Orochi told me he wasn't eating…kept tabs on everything that happened with him as a personal favor.” Stopping with the towel, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a worn, leather wallet. Green bills were slipped out and handed to the confused teen. “Here, it's the best I can do. I don't know if I can face him right now. That shop just around the corner has some clothes that he liked; the `Domino's Shelf' I think is what it's called.

 

He knew it would be rude to accept the offer, no matter how much he didn't really need money when his father was a walking bank that gave him free reign of his spending money, but Yami took it anyway with a hurried, “Thanks,” and rushed out the door.

 

Despite what Makota had said about it being around the corner, Yami still had a hard time finding the shop. He had never heard of such a place called `Domino's Shelf' and was beginning to think the bartender was merely pulling his leg cause he was underage and in a bar. He was just about to turn around and go back to the bar, prepared to face the laughing faces of everywhere in there, when the sign caught his eyes.

 

A wooden, swinging sign with the white letters almost completely faded away was hidden by the taller buildings the small store was cramped between. With a small, hidden smile of triumph he stepped inside.

 

Yami was surprised at the warm, cozy feeling inside the small shop. He could understand how Yugi would be comfortable in such a place. It reminded him exactly of the little elf. With renewed vigor, he started looking around at the clothes.

 

~~

 

Tea knocked on the door softly, peeking in with her usual cheerful smile. A frown quickly replaced it though when she saw Yugi was still laying on his side, staring at the wall with dull eyes. She was determined not to let Yami down so she plastered another smile on her face.

 

“Master Yugi…sir…uh,” she paused completely dumfounded. She honestly had no clue what to say or how to even address the elf. It was true he was currently Yami's charge, but did that make him higher than her position…or not? Since she doubted she was going to get much of a response from him so she just decided to call him by his given name without adding any special titled.

 

After all, if anyone can get him to feel and act alive again, it's going to be Master Yami. He knows what poor Yugi needs more than I ever could.

 

The head maid stepped into the room and knelt next to the bed to look into the expressionless, violet eyes of the elf. “I feel so sorry for you,” she whispered more to herself. “I'll bet anything that if you were acting like your regular self again, everyone in Castle City would see Master Yami smile again. Just by seeing him around you I can tell he cares very much for you. He won't let anyone hurt you.” Attentively, she stretched out her hand towards him like he was an injured, wild animal and watched as he coiled away from her, nothing more than a shift of sheets; he didn't even blink.

 

Tea blinked and pulled her hand away, settling it on the edge of the mattress instead. “I don't blame you for pulling away from me. After all, you hardly know me and here I am trying to touch you.” She smiled at him. “I hope I get to see you back to your normal self though. Yami doesn't get attached to just anybody, after all.”

 

She then stood up and wiped her hands on her apron to give them something to do other than fiddle anxiously. “I should probably get back to work. Who knows what those new girls are up to and it'll my head if they break something,” she smiled jokingly.

 

As if on cue, three high-pitched, female voices started shouting about something and Tea rolled her eyes. “Honestly, you'd think they could at least get along, but it seems they have to argue about everything.” She adjusted the sheets around Yugi carefully, making sure not to get too close to him and then headed for the door. She paused, however, and looked back at him with a sad smile. “When we were both much younger my mother used to work in this place as a maid. Sometimes I would come with her and I'd get to play with Master Yami. I know Yami doesn't really remember, but I certainly do,” she looked down sadly. “After his mother died I never got much of a chance to see him again unless I saw him walking around. He never seemed…very approachable though so I never did go to him. I miss the old Yami.” She stopped for a moment and then continued in a wavering voice and eyes shining with unshed tears, “Perhaps…just maybe…you won't be the only one saved.” She left.

 

~~

 

Yami stepped out of Domino's Shelf with both hands carrying bags of clothing. He made sure not to overdo it, but just enough to make sure Yugi had a steady flow of clothes. He had one more stop to make before he could go home and this was he was going to enjoy.

 

Stepping up to the dull, paint-peeled door he knocked politely.

 

Shigure opened the door curiously and looked at Yami with a surprised expression. “Lord Yami, what a pleasant surprise. What brings you to my humble home?”

 

The crimson eyes hardened and he was inwardly pleased when the grown man in front of him stepped back with uncertainty. “Aren't you going to invite me in,” he asked coldly.

 

“O-of course,” he stepped away from the door and waved Yami in. They walked into the living room where a warm fire was crackling and the teen stood into the flames, feeling his anger rising inside him the longer he felt Shigure's eyes on his back.

 

“You should know,” he started, “that this isn't a social call.”

 

“Oh,” Shigure dumbly said. “Did your father tell you to come here for something?”

 

Yami narrowed his eyes and turned back around to stare frigidly at the man. “My father,” he sneered, having no cares whatsoever if he was being rude now that he was inside the house. Shigure wouldn't dare think about touching him to throw him out once he started. Slamming the door on his face was one thing, but actually dragging him out of the house would ruin him. “If my father knew why I was here he'd probably be glued to me yelling about inappropriate this is. But seeing has how my father is ignoring me like he usually does when he's annoyed with something I've done, it doesn't really matter.” He closed his eyes and crossed his arms, continuing in an overbearing tone. “No, this is business entirely on my part.”

 

Confused, Shigure leant against the nearest wall and watched the young lord carefully. “What could someone like you want with someone like me?”

 

Opening his eyes again, Yami answered. “I want to know,” he narrowed his glare, “what you did to Yugi.” He made sure he didn't phrase it to be a question, but instead a demand.

 

“I really don't think that's any of your business what I did to that useless elf,” the man told him carefully.

 

“I think that it is my business,” he retorted angrily, letting his emotions roll into his words in waves. “That so-called `useless elf' is currently locked away inside himself and slowly dying at the same time if he doesn't start eating correctly. The least you could do is tell me what you did to him,” he growled, his patience wearing thin.

 

Shigure stepped back, not wanting to invoke Yami's wrath knowing how bad it could be if you pushed the right buttons.

 

“Well,” he demanded intolerantly.

 

“I-I'm not going to tell you,” Shigure continued defiantly. “That elf was my property when my son punished him and he deserved every bit of what he got. What we did was done entirely legally.”

 

Yami moved so quickly Shigure wasn't even given time to blink. He grabbed fistfuls of Shigure's shirt and slammed him against the wall hard enough to induce a pained grunt. “You're going to tell me what you did to Yugi. I won't say it again,” he snarled quietly. “You won't like me when I'm mad and you don't want me as an enemy.”

 

“Shigure, what's going on down there,” his wife called from the top of the stairs.

 

“N-nothing, don't come down,” he told her, not wanting her to know what was going on. With a defeated sigh, he told everything that his son had done to Shigure the night before he sold him to the restaurant.

 

Satisfied with the brief, but tolerable explanation Yami led himself to the front door. “I think there was one more thing I wanted to say to you, Shigure,” he said, hand on the doorknob, “but I'm having troubles remembering what.”

 

The man paused, just wanting the teen to go away. He felt so insulted for being pinned down so easily by someone so much younger than him. Shigure kept telling himself it was because of the crimson-eyed lord's much higher position that reserved him from fighting back longer, but the itch shoved at the back of his mind told him he wouldn't have been able to hold him off.

 

“Oh yes,” Yami smirked inwardly and punched Shigure squarely in the jaw and watched triumphantly as the man reeled back and fell back on the floor, dazed with one hand holding his the already bruising flesh of his cheek. “There, my business is finished.” Picking up his bags, he threw open the door and started down the street leaving the entrance wide open for everyone to see just how low Shigure was.

 

~~

 

“Master Yami, you're home,” Tea greeted cheerfully. “Can I help you with those?”

 

Yami shook his head. “No, I'm fine. They're for Yugi anyway. How is he,” he asked as he peeled off his jacket and hung it up in the closet.

 

“Still staring at the wall, I'm afraid. I tried getting him to eat something, but…”

 

The young lord started up the stairs. “It's fine; I understand. Can you bring something warm up?”

 

“Of course,” she bowed slightly before hurrying to the kitchen.

 

Pushing open the door to the elf's bedroom, Yami settled down on the floor and stared at him for a moment. “Hey, Yugi, I brought you some new clothes,” he gestured to the two bags beside him. “Tea told me you didn't eat anything. You won't last if you don't eat.”

 

Nothing.

 

“She's bringing something up now. I want you to eat it, please,” he asked warmly, adding a small smile of his own.

 

A knock on the door and then the head maid bustled in with a steaming bowl. “Here, it's the last of the beef stew.”

 

“That's great, thank you. He seemed to like it last night.” He took the proffered bowl and scooted up to sit on the edge of the bed with the meal in his lap. Tea nodded and left quietly to leave the two alone.

 

~~

 

It's cold…

 

…and dark.

 

Why does it have to be this way?

 

Yugi stretched numb fingers towards the shadows carefully.

 

“Mommy,” he croaked, “Daddy?”

 

I just want to go home. Why can't someone just take me home? I don't want…to be here anymore. I just want to be back in the forest wrapped up in my mommy's arms.

 

~~

 

Yami frowned when Yugi seemed more closed off than usual. Last night he wouldn't even let me on the bed. I didn't think he'd let me on it so soon…unless… he reached out a hand towards the elf's pale face and panic closed around him. He doesn't care!

 

“Yugi,” he asked, setting the bowl on the nightstand and shifting closer. “Yugi, answer me! Do something!”

 

~~

 

Why does it have to be so cold and dark?

 

“Mommy,” he called again in the gloom. “Mommy!”

 

Tears stung his eyes and he collapsed to his knees, floating through the shadows.

 

Suddenly a light opened up and tore a streak through the blanket of darkness surrounding the lost elf. Desperate he clung to the hope that it wasn't another illusion; a trick of his mind playing with him.

 

~~

 

Yugi blinked and looked at the arms wrapped tightly around him and the suppressed whimpers coming from the person holding him. Mommy…

 

“Don't go, Yugi,” a deep, familiar voice begged.

 

Yami…what happened? Why are you so sad? Where am I?

 

“Ya…Yami…”

 

The teen pulled away, staring into Yugi's violet, wet eyes.

 

“Please, don't cry anymore,” he said quietly. “I…I don't want you…to be sad…”

 

Yami nodded and clung to Yugi tightly. He hated crying. He hadn't cried for years. It seemed strange to him that after all that time the one thing that would make his eyes water again would be an elf, the one thing considered the lowest thing in the entirety of the city, that wouldn't respond to him sitting on the bed.