Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Differences Don't Matter ❯ A Bit of History ( Chapter 13 )

Yami stared out the window with a vague impression, lost in the world with tall towers and tomes with hidden messages. He never noticed Yugi tap his shoulder or call his name, nor leave the room with his head hanging low. The crimson-eyed teen had wanted to go back to the castle and read the rest of what that mysterious tome in the hidden room had written in it, but he knew Yugi would never come with him. He knew because the day after they went he asked the elf and he'd been flat out refused with Yugi avoiding him for the rest of the day. That had been a week ago. Not wanting to upset Yugi again, Yami kept it to himself about his desire to return to the castle.

 

The sky was another beautiful blue and the distant castle seemed to stand out more in the prominent sunlight. There wasn't a cloud in the sky to hang over the building and shade it from view. Down below, people were already scurrying about in the morning air, in a rush to get things done so they could enjoy the good weather. Yami watched them with an envious stare, wanting to be able to do what he wanted but not able to without hurting someone. He made a decision right then that his curiosity was just going to have to be sated sooner or later whether Yugi liked it or not.

 

That night, Yami slipped out from underneath the covers, replacing his spot with the pillow he'd been using so Yugi's unconscious form couldn't tell the difference. With light steps, he headed for the door and cracked it open just enough for him to squeeze through. He didn't bother closing it just in case Yugi woke up.

 

With a stealthy grace, almost like he'd been doing it for years, the crimson-eyed teen walked towards the back of the house to the door overly used door. He cursed loudly, however, when the door wouldn't budge. Yami gave up on the door immediately, not wanting to end up waking the whole house with the sound of the door bursting open all of sudden. The teen detoured to the side closet where Tea organized a few miscellaneous items and rummaged around for a needle.

 

Yami bit his lip harshly as his finger was poked by a sharp point and yanked his hand back. The tip of his ring finger was beaded with small, black dot. He reached into the box with his other hand more carefully, locating the needle with more ease. The teen scurried out the front door and around to the gate in between his and his neighbor's yards.

 

Only the servants had the key to the lock and Yami knew they'd be suspicious about why he'd need a key when the front door worked just fine. So, instead, he'd use a sharp point, usually a needle, to pick it. The lock was rusted through and black with soot as a remnant from the fire and it made picking it the hardest Yami had yet. When it finally snapped open, he sighed with relief at not having to go all around the city's outer wall just for a book.

 

He hurried all the way through the backyard, over the wall (scraping his legs the same way Yugi had) and running the whole way towards the castle. Yami was gasping for breath but not rushing any less through the ancient halls of the historic building. Disappointment ran through him though when he realized the moon wasn't angled at the window and the room was thrown in pitch dark. He fumbled around, almost tripping on the pedestal, before he finally felt the crinkled and worn pages of the tome.

 

With the book cradled tightly in his arms he ran with more haste, anxious to find the hidden secrets in the pages of the book.

 

~~

 

“Yami, how could you,” Yugi cried.

 

The crimson-eyed teen had gotten little sleep that night and as soon as he heard the maids starting to wander around downstairs he grabbed up the book he'd hidden underneath the bed when he'd returned and went to the library. Yugi came looking for him a few hours earlier, walking quietly into the room. Yami had only noticed him when he gasped behind him.

 

“But, Yugi, it might not turn out as horribly as you're thinking it will,” Yami tried to explain.

 

“War always turns out the same! People die and all that's left in the end is regret,” the elf argued before running out of the room in tears. The crimson-eyed teen was going to run after him, but he knew he'd only get yelled at again and decided against it and would try finding him later to try and explain.

 

Red eyes glanced back at the book that had fallen off his lap when Yugi had startled him and thought over everything he'd found out. It was just like he'd told the distraught elf: the past didn't happen at all like they expected. Yes, there was a war that started and people did die, but there was no way of knowing if people regretted it, though he was sure that some, whether humans or elves, did.

 

From what Yami had gathered from the tome thus far, some children of the servants met some of the children of the elves and became friends. As the war went on for years and Yamises grew in both body and mind, he too thought like the human and elfin children who befriended each other and hated the idea of the war. Yugi had interrupted right before he was about to find out was going to happen.

 

He sat back down in the chair and pulled the ancient book back into his lap, swinging his legs easily over the side of the chair to get comfortable. He began to read:

 

The young king had called off the firing, against his supervisors' advice, and went out to meet the elder of the elves with his closest friend and high-ranking officer of his guard, Joey. Yamises had apologized for his peoples' actions towards his clan and together they proposed that the king set a decree that it is forbidden to go further than half a mile into the forest. If they did they would banded from the kingdom. In reaction, the elfin leaders agreed that it would be forbidden for the elves to leave the forest for any reason and if they did they would not be allowed back. The two leaders signed two identical agreement, one that hung proudly in the main chambers of the castle where anyone walking in would immediately see it, the other went with the elves back into the forest.

 

Yami stretched, throwing his arms over his head and popping at least five bones along his spine and another two in his neck. Cracking his knuckles next, he stood and put the volume on the low table in front of him. Yami placed the black feather in the center crease to mark his spot and closed it, deciding it was time to look for Yugi before he continued.

 

The teen started with their shared bedroom and after that he passed by the kitchen and living room first. He eventually found the younger sitting in the tree outside, looking at something in his hand. The elf didn't acknowledge his presence when Yami called his name at the root of the tree.

 

“Don't be angry, Yugi,” Yami said, disappointed. “I had to find out what happened. It was too overwhelming not to know.

 

Amethyst eyes glanced down it him before their owner sighed and jumped down from the limb he was sitting on. “Look, Yami,” Yugi said, holding out his hand for the teen to see. In his hand was a seed that was just beginning to sprout, a small leaf popping out from the brown kernel. He explained, “I was going to put it with the other flowers.”

 

Yami didn't respond. His eyes were wide with shock and jaw slack as the roots grew right in the palm of Yugi's small hand. “I-is that normal,” he forced.

 

Yugi cocked his head before he smiled in realization. “I'm an elf,” he said as way of explanation. “All elves have the ability to help all kinds of plants to grow.”

 

“That explains what happened in the restaurant then. I don't think anyone knew what to think of all the planters suddenly exploding and vines going everywhere,” Yami chuckled.

 

Nodding, Yugi climbed back up the tree and disappeared over the concrete wall. He appeared a few seconds later, the knees of his beige slacks darkened with the dirt Yugi knelt in. “All done,” he announced proudly.

 

The teen smiled and the two of them headed back to the house. Yami bit his lip, contemplating whether he should ask or just keep silent and be grateful that Yugi's still talking to him.

 

“How's that book,” Yugi asked suddenly, stopping to watch the ground.

 

Yami was startled by the unexpected question and paused to wonder if he'd really heard it or if it was just in his imagination. Seeing Yugi's face though, he was sure that the question was real and answered with a small smile on his face, the one he reserved especially for Yugi when he was feeling down. “I like it. It explains a lot of things that I've been thinking about over the years I've lived here about that castle.”

 

“So a war really did happen,” Yugi whispered, “and hundreds of people probably died.” Tears fell from the elf's violet eyes and landed on the ground. A breeze flew by them and ruffled Yugi's hair so it covered his face, almost as if it was sensing his wish to hide at that moment.

 

Yami knelt on the ground, ignoring the voice in his head telling him how he'd get an earful of Tea's rambling later on about him getting his good clothes dirty. He used two fingers to lift Yugi's face up by his chin to level their eyes and he gently shook his head. “Not at all,” he said quietly.

 

Yugi stared at him with watery eyes, disbelief written over his features as clear as the words on a fresh-print book.

 

“I'm not saying some people didn't die or that nobody got hurt, but it didn't turn out at all like you think,” Yami explained. Instead of continuing, the teen took Yugi by the hand and led him back into the house and back towards the library. Yami settled the elf in his lap and creaked open the book, flipping backwards from the feather bookmark to where it explained what happened with the war.

 

Yugi read silently and, at first, slowly. The further he was pulled into the world within the tome the faster he read until he looked up at Yami with a small, contented smile. “Why can't all things be settled with such agreement? I wish that king were still alive. Then he our high elder could do something,” he commented.

 

“I'm afraid not all things can go the way we want them, Yugi,” Yami retorted with sadness lacing his voice. He hugged Yugi tightly to his chest, resting his chin easily on the smaller's shoulder. Yugi leant into the embrace happily.

 

At that moment a light knock on the door startled the two of them. Tea stood in the entryway with a gentle and knowing smile on her face. “Excuse my interruption, but I thought you two might be hungry. No one has seen you all day,” she pointed out. “Dinner is waiting for you in the dining room with a special treat.” She grinned before bowing slightly and then turned to leave, the feathers of the duster tucked in between her skirt and the bow of her apron bouncing swiftly.

 

Yami rolled his eyes and urged Yugi off his lap with a light push. “I am getting a little hungry and now my curiosity is peaked,” his stomach growled with fervor as soon as he finished and light blush covered his cheeks. Yugi giggled behind a small hand before his own stomach let out a rumble of its own. Yami quirked an eyebrow with amusement and took up Yugi's hand in his own, leading him to the kitchen. He knew that when the dreaded day came he would miss the elf when he finally left. But for now, he would enjoy the time they had together.

 

Yugi stared at the table with wide, delighted violet eyes and mouth watering with a vengeance. Never before had he seen such delectable foods where he wouldn't be scolded for even being in the same room as them. “C-can I really eat this,” he asked for reassurance.

 

The crimson-eyed teen nudged him forward into a chair with a chuckle. “Of course, Yugi, I would never let you starve or let you get any less than you deserve. Have as much as you wish.”

 

With astonishment, the elf stared at Yami, “Really?”

 

“Really,” Yami repeated.

 

“Honest, truly?”

 

Yami chuckled and sat down. “Honest, truly,” he promised.

 

Licking his pale lips and unknowingly drawing Yami's attention to his small mouth in the action, Yugi stood to get a better look at the table. Contrary to the way he was acting, there wasn't a royalty's banquet on the table. On either side of the table was pristine, white plate and shiny, silver utensils to use. In the center there was an identical plate a size smaller than the other two with two, triangular cut pieces of the chef's best chocolate cake with a cherry on each slice. Around the center plate were other assorted foods that Yugi couldn't wait to try out. There was a basket of fresh, various fruits to the left of him and a steaming tray of two juicy and seasoned steaks to the right of him. In front of Yami there was steaming vegetables and in front of himself a searing bowl of pasta with a delicious sauce poured over it.

 

“I just don't know which to pick first,” Yugi admitted, unable to take his eyes of the miniature feast in front of him.

 

Yami smiled and started to serve himself, knowing Yugi would follow suit soon enough. Just as he predicted, a few minutes later Yugi placed a little everything on his plate and savored it like he'd never eat again. The older enjoyed watched the elf's antics and they ate in a comfortable silence. When the time came for the cake, however, Yugi stumbled once more.

 

Waving his hands in front of his face with exasperation he exclaimed, “No, no, I couldn't!”

 

With a small grin, Yami rested his elbows on either side of the plate and enclosed his fingers, resting his chin on them to watch Yugi casually. “And why can't you,” he asked curiously.

 

Yugi pushed away from the chair, scooting the furniture across the floor as he did. He fumbled with the hem of his shirt with nervous hands. “You've already given me so much and I'd only be asking for it if you spoiled me with desserts too. At least let me repay you in some way?”

 

Before Yami had a chance to reply, someone else answered for him.

 

“I think you've repaid this household more than you could possibly think already. It's us who should be returning the favors to you.”

 

Yugi spun around and stared at the cook with incredibility. “What have I done,” he squeaked. He started to tick off his fingers, “I inconvenienced you by suddenly appearing.”

 

Each time Yugi made an excuse for something he was in debt for, Yami also had an explanation ready. “I brought you here because it was only place you could go.”

 

Another finger was ticked off, “I was rude to everyone even when you took me in for the longest time.”

 

“Some people would call that recovering from a life-threatening experience.”

 

“I'm causing your house to have a bad reputation by you treating me so kindly.”

 

“It's referred to as `good hospitality'.”

 

“I'm an elf!”

 

“Pointed ears suit you. And since when was racism a problem?”

 

Sticking out his thumb for his fifth reason, “The room you let me stay was ruined.”

 

“The word `was' being emphasized. That wasn't even your fault,” Yami reasoned.

 

Yugi was about to move on to his other hand when Yami wrapped an arm around his front and covered his mouth. “You've done nothing wrong and it is wonderful having you around,” he admitted, as much as he hated it in front of the chef.

 

The plump woman smiled at the admission from the young master before focusing on the struggling elf. “Like I said, you've helped more than you realized. After all, we haven't seen Master Yami smi - ”

 

“I think you've said enough,” Yami interrupted loudly, making the last word inaudible. Just as he did the doorbell rang and Tea came in a few seconds later.

 

She bowed slightly, an excited grin on her face and she was bouncing on the balls of her feet eagerly. “Master Yami, Yugi, I think there's someone at the door you'd like to see.”

 

“I wasn't expecting anyone today. Who is it,” Yami questioned.

 

Tea smiled and shook her head. “You have to go see for yourself.”

 

Rolling his eyes, knowing only Tea would fool around in such a way. He thanked her and waited until her and the cook left before spinning Yugi around by his shoulders. He pointed at the chocolate cake and demanded in a playful tone, “You will eat that chocolate cake or you will stay down here until you do. Is that understood?”

 

“Yes, sir,” Yugi joked back, looking down with embarrassment. Unable to resist such a moment, Yami leant down slightly and kissed the top of Yugi's head. He walked away before he could see Yugi's look of unmasked surprise. The elf caught up with him, clutching the back of the crimson-eyed teen's shirt with a shyness that was rare in their privacy together. The front door opened and Yugi's hands and jaw went slack in shock.

 

Makoto was bowing lowly and only looked up a short while after the door was opened. When he did straighten up though, his eyes didn't look into the young master of the house's, but, rather, sought out those of the staggered elf's.

 

“Hello, Yugi,” he whispered in a rough voice, making it obvious he was trying his hardest not to appear weak.

 

Yugi scooted closer to Yami, memories of the day his whole world gave out under his feet the day the bartender betrayed everything he ever felt. What's he doing here his mind questioned in a continuous loop. The only thing that kept his knees from giving out entirely was the warm, solid form of Yami.

 

Yami's eyes hardened to a glare as he stared at Makoto, well aware of the effect the appearance of this man was having on his young charge. He's not getting Yugi back he told himself firmly. I won't let him hurt my Yugi again. He didn't bother to correct himself when he realized just how possessive he was becoming. Why go through the trouble when he knew it was true?