Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Emergence ❯ A Time to Relax ( Chapter 3 )

Disclaimer: Yugi-oh is the property of Kazuki Takahashi, who is a genius.

Please read Chrysalis before you read this story. Otherwise you might find yourself wondering what the hell is going on. This is the second part of a story arch and while you might be able to understand what is happening, you'd like it a lot more if you read the first part and came back to this later.

Sakiyama: Glad to have you back!! Yep. Yugi and Yuai got together. You'll just have to be patient for details. I am working on a Honda picture with the new hair. I wanted to see it so I sketched it out. He's cute!

DemonandGoddess: Welcome Back!! You'll just have to wait to find out our mystery plotter, shhhh, it's a secret. I'm not updating this as often as I did Chrysalis. I have tons of school work to do and it's really cutting into my fanfic time.

Pharaoh's High Priestess: Hello again!! Oh what tangled webs we weave….Unfortunately, Yami is going to be finding out all about that saying. Yami and Yugi's relationship is the heart of this story and yes, the lemon you wanted will be coming, very, very soon….

divastarz002: I actually got the name Yuai from CardCaptors, I wildly misspelled a character's name one day and liked the result, so I kept it. More writing is on the way, thanks!!

jhoney: You're back! Hi!! The Ren. Faire was inspired by my own trip. I just couldn't resist putting Yami in a fool's outfit, he looks so cute when he's miffed. No! Honda will not get his pointy hair back! I really hate that hair. I'll see if I can finish up that picture just so everyone can see just how cute Honda can be with a decent hair cut.

DaeBird: Yep. Our King of Games, for once, didn't think something out, now he's got to deal with what he's done. Thanks for joining in on my story. Hope you continue to like it.

Yanagi: Thank you for the tip. I'll fix it asap. I really don't know that much about bikes, but it's the only hobby that is even hinted at in the series that I could use to give bland Honda a personality. If you see anything that just doesn't fit, please feel free to correct me. I'm really not going to focus too much on it, but I would love the input! Thanks for reading!

Broken Time: Don't get too comfortable with the way things are in this story. Who ends up with who is still to be decided. Beware of the return of Haski…. ^_^

One more note: I'm sorry this has taken so long. I was in a car accident and then I masochistically tried to load a program (from a large, infamous, difficult, guaranteed-to-mess-your-precious-computer up, company, I'll leave you to guess who I`m talking about) onto my computer, then there was the term paper fiasco... All my bad karma has finally caught up with me. I will finish this, but it's going to take time.

Emergence

Chapter 3: A Time to Relax

~*~*~*

Yugi-Morning

~*~*~*

Yugi pulled himself out of bed and slumped down the stairs to the kitchen to eat breakfast. It was now day eight, and his yami was still missing. Or was it day nine. Ten? Maybe it was seven. He really wasn't sure. Yesterday, he had been sure it was Saturday, only to be hauled out of bed by his grandpa with only ten minutes to get to school. Grandpa had left him alone this morning, so he felt relatively safe that it was the weekend. He shook his head and stumbled down the stairs.

As he passed the living room, he automatically turned on the news for his yami and walked into the kitchen to scrounge for his meal. He hummed softly to himself as he dug into the refrigerator and found the bread. He frowned at the eggs clustered neatly in their holder, then reached for a jar a peanut butter.

He straightened and heard the unmistakable sounds of the beginning of soft mournful piano music coming from the TV. Ooops, gotta change channels, Yami hates soaps.

He pattered back out to the living room and flipped the channel to ESPN, just as the stock market report from their Asian desk started. Oh, good. He hasn't missed it. He set the remote down and wandered back to the kitchen. He quickly put two slices of bread into the toaster and leaned back against the counter.

Good morning, aibou.

Yugi jumped, spinning around to see Yami slumping tiredly in the doorway. He blinked a few times, wondering if his sleep fuzzed brain was imagining that his dark half was there. Yami didn't disappear, he remained leaning, exhaustedly on the door frame.

YAMI! It only took a second and he was between their soul rooms wrapping his arms around his dark. Where have you been?! I have been so worried! Are you all right?

Yami sighed and gathered his light close, resting his head on the smaller one's soft hair. Yes, aibou. I am fine. Are you well?

Yes, yes, of course. Yami? Where have you been? Yugi buried his nose against his dark, inhaling the clean, musky scent of his other. Then pulled away and started patting Yami frantically, checking if he was okay, reassuring himself he was really there. Are you sure you're not hurt or anything?

Yami stilled his light's hands. I am sure aibou. I am fine.

Yugi smiled up at him, as tears leaked from his eyes, then threw himself back into Yami's arms, wrapping his arms tight around his waist. Where were you? You were gone for so long…

Away. Yami closed his eyes, taking comfort in his hikari's presence. He had tried to stay away, to let his hikari go, to let him for once, have a normal life without a irritable, stubborn spirit intruding into his world. His beloved light deserved that. He deserved having all the good this world had to offer, without having to share with a…Parasite. Yami flinched at the word, but couldn't deny it's truthfulness.

So he had stayed away. Tried to let go, to slide into the shadows and let Yugi live the life he was meant to live. He had stayed away just long enough to make him realize how desperately he needed his hikari. If he had spent anymore time away, the shadows would have engulfed him completely. Even now, wrapped safely in his light's arms, he could feel them pulling at him, singing soft promises in his ears, whispering of delights, of rest, of power, of freedom. He was frightened what would happen if he gave in to those tempting murmurs, frightened of what he would become, what he would do.

Yami? Where? Yugi's voice interrupted his thoughts, making him realize the shadows were still blurring his mind. That Yugi had been chattering at him nearly nonstop and he'd missed most of it.

The Shadow Realm, Yugi. Yami lifted his head and kissed his light's temple softly. I am sorry if I worried you.

Yugi lifted his head and kissed him back. As long as your back, it's alright. Yugi looked closely at his dark, noting the tense set of his mouth, the sad, almost lost look in his eyes but mostly, he noticed the shadows. They lurked in his yam's eyes, dimming their brilliant ruby to a dark, dull crimson. I missed you Yami. He lifted a hand and gently ran his fingertips across Yami's face. Did I do something Yami? Did I make you leave?

No, little love. Yami sighed, kissing Yugi's fingertips as they touched his lips. There is nothing you can do, that would make me want to leave you. He smiled into his light's eyes, he could tell the smile wasn't a complete success by Yugi's expression. I needed to find an answer to a question. Now I know.

What question? Yugi asked as he let his hand fall to the place over Yami's heart.

One that I should never have asked. Yami pulled away, staggering a bit on the way to his door. I need to go rest aibou. I am very…weary… and you're toast is burning.

Yugi watched as his dark retreated to his room. Yami?

Later, aibou. If you need me, I will be in by bedroom. Yami slipped inside his door and disappeared, leaving the door ajar behind him.

Yugi straitened and looked around the kitchen with a tender, relieved smile on his face. Welcome back, love.

~*~*~*

Jonouchi- Afternoon

~*~*~*

"Just give it up Jo." Kaiba smirked watching his lover try to work his way out of the bind he was in. It really amazed him sometimes, the lengths his love would go through, just to win at a game. Any game. Even a game he had no clue how to play.

"Shad'up. I think I got it." Jonouchi twisted his fingers and flipped his hands, only to find himself trapped in the resulting mess. He pulled his fingers, yanking at the ensnaring strands, only to find himself even more bound than before. "Yeaaaargh! Who the hell invented this?! Sadists?"

Kaiba's lip twitched as he suppressed a evil smile. "It's a kids game Jo. Small children play it."

"Aaaargh! Evil, evil kids." Jonouchi yanking his fingers trying to free them from the string that now trapped them into a knot.

Honda looked up from where he was sprawled on the grass reading Moby Dick for World Literature class. Surprisingly, it wasn`t a bad book, just as long as you didn`t mind the story not going anywhere, the characters not really doing anything, bizarre and pointless incidents and a lot of odd, moody philosophizing about fish. "Not just kids, Jo. Girls. As in small women. Of course it's evil and sadistic."

Kaiba leaned back against a tree, watching his lover try to gnaw his way to freedom. It was a lovely day at the park. Inventory at Kaiba Corp. was over, everything was running smoothly, Mokuba and Yuai were off at the Domino Museum trying to implant culture into his little brother's head, and he had nothing more pressing to do than watch Jo try to figure out how to make cat's cradles with an old shoelace. A small grin slipped past his barriers as Jonouchi fell over onto the grass, growling and chewing for all he was worth. He momentarily wondered if he should take out his pocket knife and cut Jo free, but smothered the impulse. Why ruin perfectly good entertainment? Note to self, next time you want to tie Jo up, just hand him a shoe lace.

Honda flipped a page, glanced at Jonouchi and looked questioningly at Kaiba. Noting the CEO looked completely content to watch Jo struggle, he returned to his book, absently brushing his hair out of his face.

Jonouchi glowered at Kaiba, "Look, I know ya got a pocket knife on ya. Get this off!"

Kaiba shrugged, "Left it at home."

"Why the hell did you do that?" Jonouchi bit down on the string and tried to tug it over his knuckle.

"I didn't think I needed it." He kept his face still, smothering the smile that wanted to sneak it's way back out. Lovely day. The sun is shining. The birds are singing. Jo is practicing bondage. What more could a man want?

Jonouchi smiled as the knot loosened, then yelped when it slipped down over his wrists binding them tightly together. Kaiba gave in and started laughing. It wasn't the nicest laugh he'd ever heard from his koi. He glowered back and resumed chomping on the shoelace. Who knew they were so tough? Damn shoelace. Damn Kaiba, forgetting his pocket knife. Damn it all to…"Eeeek."

Kaiba blinked, amazed. Jonouchi had actually managed to tie his hands to his mouth. How the hell did he manage that? If things keep up like this Jo might actually kill himself with that shoelace. Second note to self, get Jo velcro sneakers.

Honda looked up from his book again, "I have a pair of nail cutters, would that help?"

Jonouchi frantically tried to nod yes, then stopped as a stray loop threatened to wrap around his throat. Honda set the book down, dug in his pocket and pulled out his nail clippers, gesturing Jo to come closer. Kaiba sighed over his lost entertainment, but considering Jo was in danger of committing suicide via a rather innocent piece of string, he couldn't very well complain. It took only a few quick clips and Jo was free. Honda returned to his book and Jo flopped to the ground at Kaiba's side.

"Damn shoelace." Jo panted, tossing the remains of the insidious shoelace onto the ground.

"Don't litter." Kaiba brushed a stray bit off his pants leg.

"I'll pick `em up after I get the pleasure of tramping them into the ground." Jonouchi leaned back and stretched out closing his eyes, "Later, though."

"Did fighting the dangerous string wear you out?" Honda snickered from behind his book.

"Shud'up or die." Jonouchi grumbled, not bothering to look at his friend.

"Is that anyway to talk to you're savior? I could have left you there, you know." Honda flipped a page, glancing at his prone buddy.

Jonouchi picked up a piece of shoelace and hit him with it. "Leave off. That thing was possessed."

Honda brushed it away, with a yawn. "Uh-ha, possessed."

Jonouchi rolled over and eyed Kaiba. "You're being quiet."

"You're not." Kaiba closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and exhaling in a long sigh.

"Hmmmm." Jonouchi pillowed his head on his crossed forearms. "It's a good day."

"Better appreciate it." Kaiba peeked through lowered eyelids at Jonouchi, "I'm going to be busy for the next few weeks."

"Hmm?" Jonouchi looked up, "I thought you wanted to go to that convention."

"Don't have time." Kaiba shrugged, "Now that inventory is complete, I've got to start chasing down some other little housekeeping chores. Departmental budgets that have amazingly gone astray, inventory that is either hoarded in one spot that belongs in another or missing completely, specs on the new VR stadium, upgrading R and D. That sort of thing."

Jonouchi frowned. "I thought you said you were going to take it easy for a bit."

"I am." Kaiba shrugged. "If you want to go to the convention, I'm sure Yugi's invited too. Go with him."

Jonouchi shook his head. "Nah, wouldn't be fun without you there." And I'm not leaving you alone, to work yourself sick, again.

Kaiba closed his eyes again, feeling relieved, "Suit yourself."

"You going Honda?" Jonouchi reached over and tapped his friends foot.

"Can't. Got a race that weekend." Honda rubbed his eyes and turned another page.

"Wonder if Yug is going." Jonouchi yawned and shifted into a more comfortable position to enjoy the warmth of the sun. "Gotta remember to call him later."

~*~*~*

Yugi- Evening

~*~*~*

Yugi quietly opened the door to Yami's soul room and peered carefully inside. The door had been left open, and that was usually Yami's way of saying he was welcome to come in if he wanted. He padded softly in and quietly headed toward his yami's bedroom. He didn't want to disturb his other, Yami had really looked wrung out when he had appeared. He just wanted to make sure he was…well…there. He came to the correct door and carefully nudged it open.

The room, as usual, hadn't changed. Soft gold light warmed the sandstone walls; white bedding tumbled in disarray off the golden framed bed a child's toy lay tipped over on a huge, white fur rug and a soft breeze fluttered through sheer linen drapes bringing the sounds and smells of the great Nile through the balcony doors. However, this time something was missing.

"Yami?" Yugi couldn't see him, he walked over to the balcony and peered out into the Egyptian night. "Yami?"

No one. No answer. He wouldn't have left again. Right?? Yugi looked around again. He was sure his dark had said…."Yami!"

Yugi quickly sent his mind out searching along the bond that connected him with the other half of his soul. Yami! Where are you!

He got a muzzy feeling not far away, but definitely not in this room. Frowning slightly with worry, Yugi quickly exited the room and started hunting for his soul partner. The hazy feeling seemed to come from down a dark, rather gloomy corridor. Yugi bypassed the closed doors without a thought, they were mostly traps and deceptions, some housed odd items, trinkets and symbols that Yami had collected, others held wisps of memories that were best left undisturbed. He finally came to a door that was left open, soft sounds of dripping water tinkled from within.

Yugi stepped through and found himself in a garden. Soft sunlight from overhead was filtered through a silken canopy, lush flowers swayed merrily in the steamy air and a small manmade waterfall plummeted down a high wall to break against artfully placed rocks that edged the sides of a shallow, sandy pool.

Sitting with his back against the a rock that had been sculpted into a reclining seat, was Yami. His head was tossed back, his hair plastered wetly down his back, and his eyes were closed.

Yugi smiled and walked around the edge of the pool. "Yami, love, some day I swear you're going to drown yourself, falling asleep like this."

One dark red eye opened and a smile tugged at Yami's lips. "Not asleep." His eyes fluttered closed again. "Not yet, at least."

Yugi knelt down next to him and ran his hand through his yami's wet hair. "You should come out now. You'll turn into a raisin."

Yami opened one eye and peered at his hikari, then lifted one hand out of the water and examined his wrinkled fingers, "Too late."

Yugi stood up and looked around. A bathing sheet was neatly folded on a nearby rock. He picked it up, spread it and held it out to his dark. "Come on Yami, time to dry off and go to bed."

Yami sighed, submerged himself one last time, then stood up and walked out of the pool.

Yugi admitted, that he loved moments like this. His yami was beautiful, all gold, shadow and sleek muscle. His dark, thick hair still weighted down with water emphasizing his elegant neck, slender bones of his collar winging back to beautifully carved shoulders, back straight, toned muscles moving sleekly under gold skin, slender hips, a shadow of dark hair tracing a path down to his member, long legs, slender feet. Beautiful. Proud. His.

He wrapped his dark in the sheet and hugged him, nuzzling a kiss against the wet hair. "My poor, tired raisin."

Yami kissed him back. "Bed love, tease later, bed now."

Yugi tugged his tired dark out into the corridor and down to the bedroom, where Yami collapsed tiredly on the bed, pulling Yugi down with him.

Yami's dark, shadow haunted eyes fluttered closed as he held Yugi close. "Will you stay?"

"Always."

~*~*~*~*

Review please.

One question: What do you hate most about OCs? I have my opinions but I'd love to hear yours. And while your thinking about it, here's a few stories I'd like to recommend. This is sorted by alphabet folks not by my favorites, I hate to play favorites though….Dugfin turning Bakura into a teacher….it still makes me giggle…..

Yu-Gi-Oh!

Insert Cool Yu-Go-Oh! Related Title by DugFin- I won't spoil it, but it's one of my top favs. and it just keeps getting better as it goes. (still in progress)

Come What May by Lomelindi- this will make you cry… I honestly needed lots of tissues at the end and nearly wanted to rewrite Chrysalis to have a Seto/Yami pairing. (complete)

Dreamcatcher by Lomelindi- this is the sequel that made me squeal in joy. Bow down and worship Lomelindi, she`s got to be at least a minor fan-fiction deity. (still in progress)

Bastet's Child by Moerae- light, funny, gotta love Yugi as a kitten. I normally hate these kinds of fics. But this was just so damn good! (complete)

The Future of the Past by Sanjuno- this is one that has just appeared and it's terrific. Give it a try! The Seto/Jonouchi lemons are hot, hot, hot. (still in progress)

Rurouni Kenshin

A Certain Clarity by Franzi- Quite possibly the best mystery story I've read on mediaminer. Give it a try. (complete)

When You and I Collide by Yasminm- Oh mama, this one is just too hot, nearly spontaneous combustion time. Keep a fire extinguisher by your computer. (complete)

Bitter Betrayal, Sweet Surrender by Buffybot76- I almost swore off writing yaoi after reading this, another fire extinguisher will be needed after reading it. (complete)