Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ If the World Doesn't Want Me ❯ Trap ( Chapter 3 )

The preparations for the spring semester festival had started that day; their class had brainstormed during homeroom to come up with ideas for what they could do. Most suggestions were tossed off as 'too immature' or 'too degrading.' The girls in the class had especially protested to one of the boys jokingly suggesting that they open up a kissing booth as their class's contribution to the festival.

He had barely been able to keep himself from laughing when Anzu had stood up and yelled at the blonde – Yuugi had identified him as Jounouchi when Atemu had looked at the other teenager with disinterest - who had been in charge of accumulating the ideas. He had been the one who had made the joking suggestion.

His response had been that Anzu could be the first girl to sit at the booth. She had nearly jumped over her desk to punch him.

She's defensive about that, isn't she ... he had thought, and Yuugi had chuckled softly for his benefit.

She hates guys who only look at girls as objects. There was a pause, and he felt Yuugi pressing against the front of his mind more; it seemed that he was interested in these preparations. Ironically, that's the kind of person her family would love her to be with; someone who looks at her like a trophy, and smothers her dreams.

He smiled as Anzu looked at Jounouchi and told him, "If you think that you have any right to objectify us for your own simple pleasures, then you obviously have a lot to learn about how to treat a woman. You're no better than a cheap drunk looking for a quick thrill."

Jounouchi's spine seemed to stiffen, and his friend, a brunette with his hair fashioned into a thick, pointed spike – Honda, Yuugi had pointed out – put a hand on the blonde's chest, stating, "Alright, that's enough with the insults. We'll just toss that idea out, alright." He seemed to be pushing Jounouchi back some, giving him an understanding, but firm, look right in the eyes.

Jounouchi slowly relaxed, turning his face away, muttering, "God, it was just a joke, Mazaki." Anzu sat back down.

"How about a dance marathon!" one of the other girls in the class piped up. Atemu noticed Anzu perk up some in her seat; she obviously liked that idea.

"How many people will really want to spend so long dancing, though," one of the boys interjected. The girl who had made the suggestion and Anzu both seemed to slump down in their seats.

"Entertainment does seem like a good way to go," he muttered; apparently, he had spoken louder than he had expected, as all eyes turned on him.

"What was that, Mutou?" Jounouchi stared straight at him, moving forward some; it was almost as though he hadn't expected to hear a suggestion from him. He started to step around the teacher's desk, moving closer to him, making his way to stand right in front of his desk. "What did you say?"

He glared up at the teenager, crimson eyes gleaming with annoyance. "Entertainment," he practically ground out. "Or do you have a problem with getting up in front of people to give them something to enjoy?" He raised an eyebrow at the blonde, who seemed to get frustrated; he knew that someone like this would not be too adverse to the idea. After all, he was so focused on his popular position. "Maybe not a dance marathon, as the guys here seem to be so against it, but ..." his voice trailed off as he paused to think, looking through Yuugi's memories again, trying to find something that could work in his favor. "Perhaps a concert." He smirked as whispers began to sound at the idea.

"A concert ...?" Honda seemed interested. "Would that really work, though?"

"It could," someone else said. "We can hold auditions for it, too! That way, we can choose the best people for each job, and everyone else will be behind the scenes, making sure things work out properly."

"Like sound technicians, and lighting technicians!"

"And stage dancers," Anzu said, eyes glowing some. Yuugi laughed within Atemu's head.

She's really excited about that, he pointed out, 'voice' full of mirth. It's like a dream come true for her; a chance for her to do something towards her aspiration to go to New York and become a dancer there.

Understandable, he responded, enjoying how happy Yuugi seemed to see his closest friend so excited. He looked at Jounouchi levelly. "We could charge some admission to cover our costs, as well. Nothing too much, but something."

"If we get a good enough group together, we'd probably make a pretty decent profit," the blonde agreed. He seemed almost surprised with himself to be agreeing so readily with someone who no one had ever really seemed to pay attention to.

He leaned back in his chair as Jounouchi started back to the front of the room, not listening too closely as the students chattered on about the concert that they could put on. Everyone seemed so very excited about it, making preparations for auditions, deciding just what positions they would need for their band. The excitement and productivity was, in a way, truly amazing. However, it didn't seem important enough to really merit his attention.

He was much more worried about the boy who he shared his body with. Yuugi was practically humming with excitement over the festival; especially with the idea of a concert, it seemed like it would be a good source of entertainment for him to watch on during.

Atemu smiled to himself, pleased with the fact that he had come up with something to keep his partner happy.

Why am I here? His mental voice sounded highly annoyed as he glared at the students sitting around, waiting for their chance to be heard. I never said I wanted to have this much to do with this production.

It was your idea, Atemu ... his partner's calming voice had said. Besides, what's the harm in a simple audition, anyway? Of course, he knew the answer before he had even asked the question; he just wanted to hear his other self tell him in his own words just why he was so against it.

Because that rat is forcing me into this! His thoughts were practically growled, and Yuugi was immediately pressing against him with calming, soothing emotions. He knew that he should keep his cool; Yuugi didn't like it when he was so angry.

It's just an audition. There's no strings attached to it, he said, trying to reason with the irate former pharaoh. Please do this, my other self? For me?

He frowned, looking very unapproachable to the other students. Those who were looking at him curiously turned away; all except one, anyway. Jounouchi was still watching him, a victorious smirk on his lips.

Oh, but how he wanted to rip that smirk right off of him. For you? Why do you want to see me audition so badly?

I want to know how you sound ... He got the distinct impression that Yuugi would be blushing if he were visible at that moment. His expression softened some as he sent wave of gentle affection at the boy.

For you, then. Just so you can hear, he responded, as though it were the most reasonable thing in the world. Once again, he realized that he would likely do anything that Yuugi wanted him to, just to bring him all of the joy that he deserved.

Happiness bubbled over him as Yuugi seemed to snuggle up against him again. How he loved that sensation.

"Mutou." Jounouchi smirked at him again. "Your turn." He glared at the blonde as he coolly stood, almost strutting towards the front of the room. He matched the blonde's smirk easily, with one that was perhaps more cold and fear-inducing. Jounouchi shuddered.

He looked at the teenager coldly, then looked over his shoulder at the students still sitting. He quickly flipped through Yuugi's memories for a song, smirking as he found one that would work nicely for the occasion of his trial. Well, if I don't have a choice in doing this, I might as well blow them away, he thought smugly. He felt Yuugi's interest at the statement as he turned away from Jounouchi. "Just start whenever, then?"

"That would be smart."

It started almost too low for anyone to really notice; Jounouchi and Honda barely held back snickers at the fact that, perhaps, they had found just the thing to knock this 'new Mutou' down a bit. The way to embarrass him, as it were.

Their breath caught in their throats as the sound grew in volume, a rich baritone like none they had heard before. All eyes were on him, and he knew it; he reveled in the feeling. Being the center of attention was nothing new to him. No, on the contrary, if anything, this was exactly where he belonged. All eyes should be on him, worshiping his abilities.

Exactly as it had been three thousand years earlier, where, no matter what he had done, everyone had said that it was the absolute picture of perfection.

Shivers found their way down spines as he continued to sing.

"Mutou ..." The whisper was barely audible, but he caught it. Still, he did not stop, knowing that Yuugi's classmates were caught in what was almost an unbreakable spell at the sound of his voice. Some seemed to be gripping the desks in front of them as though their lives depended on it ... it seemed as though they feared they might just float up in bliss if they didn't hold on for all that they were worth.

The power that he held over them was invigorating. He hadn't felt anything like it in so long. It wasn't a sort of sick sensation of the dark power that came with holding someone's life in his hands, but more the mystifying power that came with having so many lusting for him. And knowing that they could never have him, because his heart belonged so fully to someone already.

It was a perfect sort of beauty.

Eyes closed as he continued to sing, his haunting voice filling the senses of the other students.

He already knew what they weren't stopping him to voice: he was the one that they would select to sing for them. There were no others to audition, and none who had gone before him had this kind of hold over their audience. Even those two fools seem at a loss for words, he mused.

I can't blame them ... Yuugi's thoughts sounded as though he were breathless.

"That ..." The whisper came just as his voice died away, and he turned to face Jounouchi with a raised eyebrow. "That was amazing ..." Brown eyes stared at him, wide in shock. "Mutou, I never imagined ... you're just ..."

"Perfect for the role ... I've never heard anything like that," Honda finished for him. Jounouchi looked as though he both wanted to kill the brunette for taking the words out of his mouth, and yet thank him at the same time.

"I've never felt anything like that," one of the female students said, green eyes opening slowly as she stared at him in wonder from where she sat. "Mutou-kun, you're so amazing! Your voice is so spectacular. Everything you sang, I felt it."

"I felt like I was in a whole different world, and each word from your mouth painted another piece of it."

"It was unreal."

He raised an eyebrow at them before shrugging. He enjoyed the flattery, of course, but it was getting to be too much, he felt. "It's not all that much," he said simply. "It's not as though my singing would make the difference in life or death, after all."

"It was stunning, though," Jounouchi said, just to his left. "You'll do it, right? For the festival, I mean."

Atemu hesitated ... Yuugi had said that there were no strings attached to his audition, and yet now they were saying that they wanted him to be their singer. It was more than he had bargained for.

Please, my other self. I want to hear more, and ... Yuugi paused, his admiration floating over Atemu's entire being. I'd feel so selfish, if only I were to hear your voice as you sing. With you singing, they're sure to be successful.

That sealed his fate. How could he refuse when Yuugi wished him to do as he was asked? "If you wish," he said plainly, turning to walk from the room. He didn't look behind himself as he left, but knew ... all eyes were still on him. They were all still transfixed in the spell that songs always tended to create.

He was walking Anzu home, so as to discuss what had occurred that day with her. She had wanted to know exactly what had happened with his audition; she herself had been busy with her own audition to be a stage dancer.

"I still can't believe they did that to you," she said as they turned a corner. "I mean ... just to put you on the spot, an attempt to embarrass you. Who do they think they are?" Her opinion of Jounouchi and Honda was very obvious by the tone in her voice.

"It wasn't all that bad, really ..." he replied. "I mean, I was annoyed with the situation. They didn't give me any choice in the matter. It was all, 'Mutou, you audition, grr.' But, the audition itself was okay." He smiled as Yuugi laughed in his mind, just as Anzu laughed beside him.

"What exactly happened in there?" She turned to look at him, eyes showing her curiosity. "Everyone seemed so stunned when they walked out of there ... even the two attached-at-the-hip popularity kings." She raised an eyebrow. "What did you do, Yuugi? Strip or something?"

He laughed, the first true and good laugh he'd had in three millennia, excepting any laughter that Yuugi had caused; crimson eyes sparkled with his mirth. "Strip? No. Do I really look like I'm likely to ever strip for people like them?" Anzu chuckled in response. "No, apparently they just expected me to be a really terrible singer."

"And then you blew them away with your stunning voice," she said, voice vaguely distant. He looked at her skeptically. "Oh, come on, Yuugi, you know I've always loved hearing you sing. You're good enough to be a star if you wanted to be."

She ... really? Yuugi seemed shocked, and a bit excited, at the prospect of Anzu liking his singing. Atemu felt a twinge of jealousy towards her, but only for a moment. First crushes, he knew, were difficult to get over.

You sound surprised, my partner.

She just never said anything about that. Actually, I really never thought she heard me when I would sing. He sounded embarrassed. I didn't really sing very loudly in front of her ... kind of whispered, really.

Am I to assume that I'm not the only one who would have blown those idiots away, then? he asked teasingly. Perhaps I should have you sing for me some day. He held his chuckle in check as Yuugi's embarrassment at the suggestion assaulted him. "Anzu," he started, "you never told me that you like my singing." She looked confused as he spoke, but he shook his head. "Thank you, though."

"I only speak the truth, you know." She poked him teasingly. "So, tell me what that blonde oaf's face looked like when he realized that he'd made a huge mistake trying to embarrass you by making you sing." Her eyes shone with amusement. "I want to envision just how stupid he must have felt."

"Anzu, really!" he replied. "How unladylike of you." They both laughed some at the statement; Atemu had managed to pry some information from Yuugi regarding Anzu, and he knew that she wasn't the 'perfect lady.' Never afraid to stand up for her beliefs, she tended to enjoy seeing people who degraded others be thrown down as much as possible. After all, they deserved it. Atemu had found himself enjoying her outlook on the matter very much; it fit in very nicely with his own.

"Oh, come on, spill!"

Geez, you two really are a perfect fit, aren't you? You're both so amused by people like Jounouchi and Honda getting what's coming to them, Yuugi mused. His mental voice seemed a mix of humor and desperation. I can just see where things are going to go for 'me.'

Atemu chose not to answer, instead describing in detail exactly how dumbstruck Jounouchi had been upon hearing him. She stopped him often, asking for more detail in order to get a more vivid visualization of the blonde's slack-jawed, awestruck, and even idolizing face from hearing 'Yuugi' sing. She giggled often, her attitude very light. Atemu couldn't help but realize just why Yuugi had been so drawn to her friendship; she was so very open with her emotions, her feelings, and yet was also so very willing to listen to him as he spoke. It was something that Yuugi's life was so desperately lacking. Of course it would mean the world to him.

Finally, he finished his description, and Anzu's snickering at the thought of Jounouchi's amazement began to quiet down; she wiped tears from her eyes, formed by her laughter. "Oh my god ... that was just beautiful."

They walked in silence for a few minutes, Atemu with no idea just how to start a conversation in this time; Yuugi didn't seem ready to jump into the fray to give him any ideas very quickly, either, which was a little confusing to him. What's wrong, my partner?

Hm ...? Exhaustion hit Atemu like a brick wall, and he realized immediately exactly what the problem was.

I'm sorry, I haven't let you rest very much lately, have I? He sent some positive, soothing touches to Yuugi's spirit, and felt Yuugi curl up contentedly. You should rest, my love. We can talk more later. He smiled softly as Yuugi sent a mumbled reply before falling completely silent. "Anzu?"

"Huh? Yeah?" She stopped, looking at him. "What's up?"

"You know, you never told me how your dance audition went." He looked at her carefully as she became very silent, as though she were thinking about just how to explain things. He waited, not too worried about the silence; he knew that she would answer, and, while he waited, he could enjoy the gentle feel of Yuugi resting within him.

She closed her eyes, a smile teasing her lips. "They tried to scare me with it. 'Oh my god, Mazaki, you don't really want to do that. The boys are all going to be watching,' they started saying. They kept snickering about it, too." She smirked as her eyes opened again. "And then they all shut the hell up when I told them that the boys could watch if they wanted, but they might want to stay back, lest they fall out of step in keeping up." Atemu laughed at her words.

"You're lead dancer, aren't you?"

"They couldn't keep up, apparently." She laughed. "They were all so surprised by it. Yamamoto couldn't believe that I had danced circles around him ... hell, his fans couldn't believe it, either." She frowned darkly. "So he tried to trip me mid-step. He cheated, and Hinata-san told him to get out, because she wouldn't take that kind of attitude in the auditions."

"Want me to deal with Yamamoto?" She turned a stunned gaze on him, not quite sure how to respond to his question.

She looked at him before asking very slowly, "Yuugi ... Ushio wasn't ... I mean, you didn't have anything to do with that, did you?"

"Do I look like I could drive someone insane?" he deadpanned. Anzu didn't answer for a few moments, but then shook her head; her eyes were still skeptical, however. "It's just a mere coincidence that he snapped that night, I'd say."

"Yeah, I know. Doesn't keep people from talking, though," she said sullenly. "I wish they would just shut up about it. How could they accuse you of such a thing?"

How indeed ... Yuugi stirred at his thought, and Atemu sent another gentle, soothing touch at him to get him to settle back into his rest. "Let them talk. That's all it is, anyway."

"I know. It's just annoying to see hear them make those accusations." She turned towards a walkway, then turned back around with a smile. "Thanks for walking me here, Yuugi. It's nice not having to walk alone, you know?" He nodded, and Anzu turned back to the walkway. "You're sure you don't want to come in for a bit?" she asked over her shoulder.

"I'm sure ... I should probably get home, really. My grandfather must be worried."

"Can't blame him there. He's probably still freaked out over what happened to you."

Atemu watched as Anzu walked to and then opened the front door of her house; he turned once she had gone in and closed the door, walking slowly on the way back to the game shop that Yuugi's grandfather owned. He had no reason to rush, really; Yuugi was resting soundly, so he wasn't going to be going into the teenager's soul room to talk with him for a while. He would wait until Yuugi woke up to do that.

As he walked, he sent more soothing feelings to Yuugi, aiding his rest and keeping his partner content. He walked leisurely, enjoying the weather; it wasn't quite like that of Egypt, he noted, but it was as close as he was going to get where he was now. For now, it would just have to work, he decided as he got closer to Yuugi's home.

"I love you." His voice was barely a whisper as he stroked blonde bangs away from a pale face with reverence. "I'm not quite sure why, but I do." He smiled to himself as the boy shifted in his sleep for a moment before curling around him. Yuugi was absolutely perfect in sleep; neither lines of worry nor a frown marred his young features. Atemu smiled at him, just watching.

He supposed that Yuugi might be upset to know that he was already in here, just watching him, but he truly didn't have much else to do; dinner had been finished for well over an hour, and he didn't much care for the homework that had to be completed. Granted, he probably should have been worried about it, as his attention should have been on fixing Yuugi's life first and foremost, but it didn't seem important. Or, at least, it did not seem as important as the teenager that was currently wrapped around him in the room of the boy's soul.

His fingers brushed through the golden bangs again, and he watched as a gentle smile slid into place on Yuugi's lips. He was content, comforted; Atemu felt something within himself jump at the sight.

He had spent much of the past hour in silent contemplation over what Yuugi had said to him earlier that day; the boy had wanted to hear him sing. In fact, that had been the only reason that Atemu had ended up going through with the audition: Yuugi had asked him to. It had been confusing to him at first, however. Why had it meant so much to me? Why had I been so intent on granting Yuugi that wish? He frowned, noting how Yuugi shifted in his sleep, violet-tipped ebony hair brushing against Atemu's arm; he grinned. Is it because of that innocent beauty? He shook his head, eyebrows furrowing in thought. No ... Yuugi is not innocent by any means; I know that more than anyone. Perhaps it's because he's so giving of himself ...

He watched the teenager shift in his sleep again, and was almost surprised to feel thin arms wrap around his waist. A smile touched his lips, and he held Yuugi closer to himself, glad to know that, despite being asleep, his partner knew that he was there.

He hadn't intended to join Yuugi for at least another couple of hours, if he was to be honest with himself. And yet, every moment that he had spent without Yuugi's conscious presence close to him, he had felt more and more like he was going mad. Without Yuugi there to talk to him, he had felt so very empty. This must be what they mean by love clouding one's thoughts, he mused. I wouldn't trade it for anything, though. I like this feeling. His fingers ran through Yuugi's hair again. I'd almost forgotten what it was like to have someone depend on me. I wonder if I might have if I had been trapped any longer than I was.

Yuugi stirred again, mumbling something incoherent before burying his face into Atemu's stomach and settling down again. It took everything that the former pharaoh had to not laugh at the sensation that shot through him at Yuugi's action. It had tickled, of course, but it had also been so reminiscent of a small kitten seeking comfort that he found himself with the mental imagery of Yuugi with the ears and tail of one. He fought the image down forcibly, instinctually knowing that Yuugi would not be very pleased to know that he had thought of him in such a way; their relationship was still so new, after all, and such thoughts bordered along something much more intimate.

"Atemu ..." The boy had been mumbling in his sleep for nearly the entire time that the spirit had been in his soul room with him; the words had never formed into anything clear, however. Now, looking at Yuugi curiously, he realized exactly what Yuugi's dreams were of, and he found himself blushing involuntarily. He had not expected his life-giver to be dreaming of him when he had been so exhausted.

His fingers brushed through silken hair once again.

That was when he noticed that his partner seemed restless; his muscles seemed too tense, and the tiniest of twitches along his smaller frame were becoming steadily more obvious. Atemu frowned. Why so restless, my love ...? His fingers trailed to Yuugi's neck, brushing gentle, soothing circles in a futile attempt to get the boy to relax; he couldn't stand to see his life-giver under such stress.

Unsure of what to do, he raked his mind to determine what might help Yuugi relax once more; unconsciously, he began to hum, very softly. He didn't even hear it himself at first: a low, deep hum that was almost akin to a purr as his hand trailed to Yuugi's back and drew inconsistent designs. A gentle smile touched his lips as Yuugi relaxed once more, head shifting along Atemu's stomach until one of his ears was pressed against it. A childlike smile graced perfect, smooth lips.

Ah, so you're feeling better now ... He continued to trace his random designs along Yuugi's back, still humming a tune that he was almost certain he himself had never heard before. It was soothing, though; he supposed he had picked it up while looking through Yuugi's memories to find a song to audition with earlier that day. So that had a few benefits, after all.

He noted that Yuugi was resting right on his diaphragm, which he was sure was vibrating with his humming; the suspicion was confirmed when a soft laugh escaped the sleeping teenager. He had figured that might happen sooner or later, as he had discovered through reading Yuugi's memories that the boy was very ticklish. It was perhaps the only point of his loneliness that had been a benefit. After all, if there were less people around him that paid attention to him, then there would be less people to have tickled him.

Which would make the act much more enjoyable for Atemu himself; the less that Yuugi had been tickled in the past, the more he might become surprised by it in the future. The violet fringes of his crimson eyes seemed to glow with a mischievous glint as he contemplated just how to catch Yuugi off guard.

It was almost like a game to him, really.

Yuugi's smile seemed to grow more angelic with each passing moment, and his own, gentle hum mixed with Atemu's after a while; Yuugi's was more like a purr than Atemu's however, lending more fuel to Atemu's mental vision of a kitten-like Yuugi. He forcibly swatted the image down again, paying close attention to the boy resting upon him, continuing his gentle, soothing hum to aid in his rest.

For his part, Yuugi seemed to press even closer to him, losing himself into deeper sleep. His features no longer seemed tense at all, and his arms were no longer holding on so tightly to Atemu; he was holding on lovingly now, instead of as though his life depended on his grasp. That, in and of itself, comforted Atemu more than he thought that it would. His free hand caressed Yuugi's cheek, crimson eyes softening considerably as he simply watched the one he loved continue on in the embrace of sleep.

What would I do without you? Where would I be? He didn't want to think such thoughts, but they came to him, regardless. He understood just why they did; in the past, he had never known love. In truth, he had died rather young, even for the time that he lived. If I had never been trapped in the puzzle ... if you had never managed to bring me back ... He shook his head, trying to force himself away from the thoughts. It wouldn't do to get depressed, after all. All that would come of that would be that Yuugi would be alerted to his situation and awaken prematurely; he did not want to disturb his partner's slumber. "And yet ... what would you have done if I didn't come to you, Yuugi?" he asked, voice as light as a feather's touch.

He held in his laughter as he realized just how silly he was being; if only the people of Kemet could see him now. Their strong, powerful, and highly-irritable Pharaoh practically stunned into silence as though he were some love-struck teenaged girl; it really was laughable. He had always been so quick to deliver judgment onto criminals, seemingly heartless as he did so. His word had been law, and he had been practically a god. The people had both feared and revered him.

Imagine their reaction to seeing him show such unconditional kindness. Perhaps things would have turned out differently in the past. Perhaps I would not have seemed quite so bloodthirsty. He shook his head again. But, then, I would never have met my life-giver.

If anyone were to ask him if he would do it all over again, he already knew that his answer would be a resounding yes. It was worth it, after all, if it meant that he would get to be with Yuugi; if their time together was short, it was still worth it. Yuugi was worth everything.

His attention returned to his partner, watching as the boy slept on, oblivious to his thoughts. He wouldn't have it any other way, really; he didn't want Yuugi to know everything just yet. In time, he would be more than willing to tell the teenager everything about his past, but now was not the time for him to know that information. He needed to be sure that Yuugi would not become too frightened of him.

If only Yuugi knew just how close Atemu had come to actually killing Ushio that night, he probably would not have allowed Atemu to stay in control of his body. He would have taken control back, gone back to living the life he hated in the world that depressed him, if only to keep others from being harmed by a murderous king. It's too soon.

Eventually, Yuugi would find out everything. He would be glad to tell him. But, until then, his rest would not be disturbed by such thoughts. Until then, he would remain blissfully unaware of the truth, and Atemu would protect him from everyone and everything, even himself. Yuugi was not in danger from him, after all. The rest of the world might be, but Yuugi would always be protected. And as his fingers brushed blonde bangs again, he vowed again that no harm would come to his life-giver. The humming continued, and Yuugi peacefully slept on.

It had been about twenty hours since he had told Yuugi to get some rest, and the teenager hadn't woken yet. He might have been more worried if not for the fact that Atemu knew the rest would do the boy good; that was the just about only thing that kept him from trying to shake his life-giver awaken.

The other was the fact that he didn't want to hear Yuugi's complaint about how he hadn't touched the homework assigned to him the day before. He had yet to understand what made people of this time place so much value on assignments for subjects that would hold no purpose later in their lives. Was there really any use for the ordinary person to know all of this Newton person's laws of physics? He seriously doubted it.

And he didn't even want to get started on all of the flaws in the history classes with regards to Kemet.

He tried his hardest to not fall asleep during the classes, not so much for his own sake, but for Yuugi's; he didn't want to cause any more trouble for the boy's record. He hadn't forgotten yet how upset Yuugi had been when he had been sent to the principal's office that first day. Some might say it was a stroke of luck that he hadn't been making repeat visits, in fact; he hadn't gotten rid of his uniform modifications, after all. However, he knew that luck had nothing to do with it, and he was sure that Yuugi had even started to figure that fact out, as well.

His abilities were capable of all sorts of things, after all.

His eyelids began to droop, feeling almost as though they were made of lead, and he had to jolt himself back awake in order to avoid what would surely be an embarrassing situation. A passing memory fluttered through his consciousness as the thought of how embarrassing nodding off in class might be; a memory of a time that he had fallen asleep on his throne while listening to the charges against a prisoner. His cheeks had burned something fierce when one of his high priests had shaken him awake; he could still feel the heat when he thought of that memory. He had nearly wanted to slit someone's throat when the accusations had to be repeated due to his lack of alertness.

He glanced up at the teacher, watching as he made fruitless attempts at keeping the attention of the students; from somewhere to his left, Atemu was positive that he heard the faint sounds of snoring. So I'm not the only one who finds this boring, he thought.

Mm ... what do you find boring? a sleepy voice asked from within him. He had to fight back a smile in order to keep the attention of the class off of him; it wouldn't do for them to question him about why he was smiling to himself during something so dull, after all. A small yawn echoed in Atemu's head, and he sent a gentle caress to a very sleepy Yuugi.

Did you have a nice rest, love? There was a mumbled affirmative as he felt Yuugi snuggle against him some. He couldn't help but enjoy the feeling, ignoring the class as he focused all of his attention on his partner. I'm glad that you were able to get some rest finally. I'm sorry for keeping you awake with me for so many nights.

I ... it's okay ... I wanted to be ... um ... I mean ... He could tell that Yuugi was likely blushing within his soul room. He sent more soothing emotions to the boy, trying to calm him down, if only so that he could hear what Yuugi wanted to say. I wanted to stay up with you, my other self. I like being with you.

I'm glad to hear that, he replied gently. So ... were your dreams good ones? There was another sleepy affirmative mumble before Yuugi yawned again. Atemu found himself hit by the mental imagery that he'd been assaulted by the night before while watching Yuugi sleep, and forced it out of his head again. Especially now that Yuugi was awake, it would not be a very good idea to have such thoughts running around; Yuugi would see them, and that would do nothing but cause problems. Yuugi seemed to press closer against him, and Atemu glanced up to the teacher, only to find that he was still droning on about something unimportant. His attention returned to his life-giver.

So how's class, anyway? What are you learning today? There was no response to Yuugi's question, and he pressed closer, looking out to see the blank sheet of paper on the desk that Atemu was staring at; his other self had not so much as bothered to even put the date on the paper. Your note-taking skills seem to need some improvement.

It's boring, he replied simply. Crimson eyes flicked up to the clock, watching the second tick by for a bit as Yuugi laughed within his head. There were five minutes left, and they seemed to be dragging on forever; Atemu had quickly discovered that seemed to be the curse of the final class of the school day. When will you ever need to use any of this, anyway, my partner?

Never, I'm sure. But they seem to feel it's important, and since 'school is a teenager's job,' we have to learn it. Something seemed to be on Yuugi's mind, however. Atemu sent a prodding touch to him, only to receive a gentle laugh in response. How do you mange the homework if you don't even pay attention in class? There was no response to the question; Atemu seemed as though he wanted to avoid the matter entirely, in fact. Yuugi noted that he seemed almost embarrassed. Atemu, you did do the homework, right?

... Would it upset you if I said no? He put up mental arms in protection from Yuugi's frustration, and waited for the boy to calm down some before trying to further explain. I had other things on my mind last night ... something ... no, someone much more important. He was rewarded with the most adorable, self-conscious squeak from his life-giver. He sent another soft touch of affection to the boy. You seemed to need the attention. And you looked so beautiful in your sleep.

Atemu ...

Hush now. We can discuss that later, my love. Joy fluttered across his awareness, and he knew that Yuugi had enjoyed hearing him address him in such a way. He looked over to the clock again, almost breathing a sigh of relief as the final seconds of the class ticked down.

The bell rang, and he automatically grabbed up Yuugi's books, getting up from the desk and starting for the door.

He didn't make it far, as a hand fell onto his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks. His head turned, crimson eyes glaring at the hand before following the arm it was attached to up to the body that it was attached to. He found himself staring into the face of Jounouchi, and his eyes narrowed dangerously. "Is there a reason that you're touching me?" he asked, voice unforgiving and cold.

"I'm sure you know about your engagement this afternoon," the blonde said, nodding towards the room across the hall. "Ten minutes, Mutou. You better be there."

"Yeah, whatever ..." He pushed his way out of the room, heading for Yuugi's locker and depositing the books. You're looking forward to this, aren't you? Atemu asked when he felt the bubble of excitement coming from his partner.

I like hearing you.

He smiled to himself as he closed the locker, heading towards the classroom that Jounouchi had pointed out to him.

"He's getting pissed. I'm not working all of my hours, so ..."

"He has no right to get mad about that. Hell, he should be getting off of his ass and working, don't you think?"

"I don't feel like dealing with the consequences of telling him that."

The muffled voices hit his ears as he got to the door, and he paused for a moment before slowly opening the door. The two in the room – Honda and Jounouchi, he noted – silenced the moment that the door was no longer closed. He walked in, not showing any sign of having heard a word of what they had been saying, moving towards one of the desks and sitting on top of it, arms crossed over his chest. Crimson eyes glared at the two as other students from their class began slowly making their way in.

Jounouchi had been about to open his mouth to speak, to begin their plans for the day, their preparations for what they would be doing for the festival, when the door opened once more, and someone strode in, confident and proud. All eyes turned to him, and Atemu felt his breath catch.

Seto ...?! Yuugi pressed against him again, concerned. He had no idea why Atemu would be calling this particular person by his given name.

Atemu ... it's rude to call him by ... I mean, we don't even really know him that well.

Speak for yourself, little one. I know him very well. A small frown touched his features, and crimson eyes bored into the proud teenager who had just entered the room. His mind raced as he tried to understand just what was happening. But how is he here? He was alive so long ago, he shouldn't be ...

Maybe it's a case of mistaken identity.

Perhaps. But it's too coincidental, don't you think? There was no response, and he continued to look at the confident youth who stood before their classmates, blue eyes cold and holding a touch of superiority.

"Kaiba, to what do we owe the honor of your perfect presence?" The sarcasm in Jounouchi's voice was biting.

Kaiba did not even bother to respond to the tone or the mocking words; he simply looked around the room for a moment before leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. "My brother's going to be there." There was no question to what he meant by 'there'; the entire room knew that he meant the festival. "He will be given a great show." He glared towards Jounouchi and Honda, and Atemu caught both of them gulping at the icy look.

"Ah, right ..."

"Of course ..."

Kaiba turned on his heel, pausing in the doorway. "I'll give my contribution tomorrow, then. I'm glad we see eye to eye on this." He continued out of the room, and everyone stared at the door blankly.

"Well, then ..." Jounouchi started, trying to break the tension left by the corporate mastermind who just so happened to be one of their classmates; Kaiba Seto had always been known as a cold-hearted businessman who only really cared for the opinion of his younger brother. No one had been very surprised at his reason for deciding to contribute. "Now that that's settled ... let's get this show on the road."

To Atemu, it looked as though the afternoon was shaping up to be very interesting, indeed. Well, he pondered in amusement, at least today's rehearsal won't bore me too badly.

Atemu opened the door gently, lest he disturb the one within; he wasn't sure if Yuugi was alert or not. "You don't have to be so quiet or so slow; I've been waiting for you." He winced.

"I should have figured."

"Well, I did sleep for ... what, a day, was it?"

"Twenty hours," Atemu responded with a sly grin, moving towards the bed that Yuugi sat on, sliding down next to him and wrapping discretely chiseled arms around a thin waist.

"Close enough." His voice echoed with the tainting of a false whine and pout, and Atemu was barely able to hold onto his laughter. He felt it, however, the way that the other's chest shook with the barely suppressed chuckles, and he swatted at the former pharaoh jokingly. Warm lips pressed against Yuugi's neck, and he smiled at the affectionate kiss, leaning back into the man that he had fallen in love with so easily. "This feels nice ... being here with you, just like this."

"Every time that I'm here, I wish that I didn't have to leave," Atemu admitted against Yuugi's skin, voice barely audible. His arms pulled around the boy's waist even more tightly; he was rewarded by Yuugi's gentle sigh of contentment. "I love holding you."

"I love being held by you." He laughed softly, shifting around some to look up at his other self, smiling brightly. Atemu was once again taken aback by the brilliance of that smile; it was enough to light up even the darkest of rooms, he was sure. "Who was he, Atemu?"

He didn't need to ask just who Yuugi was referring to; he already knew. Ever since the encounter that afternoon, Yuugi had been curious as to what his connection was with this Kaiba Seto. He frowned, trying to find the proper words. As much as he had promised himself that he would not hold information back from his life-giver when he asked for it, no matter what, he wasn't sure if he wanted to get into that particular subject just yet. His arms tightened around Yuugi's waist again, and he placed another kiss on the smooth skin of the boy's neck. "He was my friend, I suppose you could say. We didn't hate each other, in any event, although we did often have a bit of a rivalry." He paused as he felt laughter bubbling within Yuugi's stomach, and smiled. "He was one of the six high priests that aided my rule over Kemet; he was the highest ranked of the six, in fact."

"Sounds important," Yuugi mentioned, a snicker escaping along with the words. Atemu knew exactly what the teenager was thinking; leave it to Seto to be someone important no matter what life he was in. He wouldn't expect any less from the high priest, after all. "It was," Atemu responded, voice colored with mirth before placing another kiss on Yuugi's neck. "But there are things more important than position, my love." A soft, satisfied moan escaped Yuugi at that. "This isn't very becoming of a conversation between us, however."

"Isn't it? It lets me know about your past."

"No, it lets you know about a person from my past, not about how I was," he retorted with a chuckle; for his part, Yuugi snickered.

"Then what should we talk about?"

"Do we have to talk at all?" he asked just moments before turning Yuugi around and pressing him down onto the bed, sealing their lips together in a deep, heartfelt kiss. Neither moved for what seemed almost like both an eternity and the briefest of instants, reveling in the feel of being pressed so close, breath feathering across each other's cheeks.

Neither wanted to be the first to pull away; they wished for nothing more than for the moment to last forever. But, eventually, the position became uncomfortable, and Atemu found himself pulling away from Yuugi, gazing upon kiss-bitten lips and cheeks flushed by embarrassment. He lowered himself once again, placing a chaste kiss upon Yuugi's lips once, twice, a third time before pulling back once more. "You're beautiful," he breathed, watching violet eyes shine with delight at the compliment; Yuugi seemed to be in a state of ecstatic bliss from their kiss. Atemu could not help but swell with some pride at knowing that he had put that emotion into his life-giver, that he was the one that Yuugi loved above all else. It meant everything to him.

If he could, he would shout it from the rooftops, that this person, this wonderful and perfect Mutou Yuugi was his and his alone. That Yuugi's love was all for him, and he would be selfish and never let another hold it.

"What's with that look?" Yuugi asked curiously and tenderly, his voice full of concern. He poked at Atemu's abdomen lightly, an amused grin on his lips as he felt the muscles there clench and twitch some at the touch.

"Just thinking of how lucky I am to have you," the former pharaoh replied cheekily; Yuugi gave him a look, and he seemed to feign innocence before practically diving down for another kiss. "Alright ... I'm thinking of how I want to laugh in the face of the world that I have your love." Yuugi chuckled, nodding some. He fully believed the answer, and Atemu pouted at that. "You'll buy that, but you won't accept that I feel lucky for having you?"

"Oh, I do believe that you feel lucky for having me. But I also felt that it wasn't what you were thinking of." His hand rested over his own chest, where his heart would be, and tapped twice with his index finger. "I felt it here." The action, combined with the words, brought a loving smile to Atemu's face.

"Well, I can't argue with that."

"As though you won't try." He gave Atemu a knowing smirk, and the violet fringe of the spirit's crimson eyes seemed to glow with malicious intent; Yuugi almost regretted what he had said.

A second later, he more than regretted it. In fact, he downright wished that he could take it all back, as Atemu's fingers found their way to Yuugi's sides and he tickled the boy for all he was worth. A thrilled shriek ripped from Yuugi's throat, followed by bubbling giggles as he squirmed, trying his hardest to get away; the attempts were, unfortunately, futile. Atemu was kneeling above him, one leg on either side of Yuugi's body and leaning over him almost menacingly as he exacted the torture; Yuugi cried out for mercy, but none was granted. Atemu just continued tickling as though his life depended upon the action, blood red eyes dancing with delight as Yuugi's laughter lit his entire soul.

Yuugi whimpered, begging for Atemu to stop as tears fell from his eyes; that was when he knew that his laughter had gone on for too long. Immediately, the action halted, and gentle fingers were on his face, wiping tears away tenderly before Atemu placed a kiss on his cheek. "I love you," Yuugi's other self whispered reverently. "I love you with everything that I am. You are my entire world; my first, my last, and my everything."

A fierce blush colored Yuugi's cheeks at the words, and he wrapped his arms around Atemu's waist, pulling the former pharaoh down onto himself. Their lips brushed in a kiss light as a butterfly's wings. "I love you," he murmured. His smile turned positively impish a moment later, however, and Atemu eyed him warily. "You do realize, however, that this means war."

"What?"

"Oh yes. You tickled me, so now I should get something, as well." His grip around Atemu's waist tightened, and violet eyes seemed to glow wickedly. "So you'll have to sing for me."

"Yuugi ..."

"No refusals allowed! I want to hear you sing!" He pressed his lips to Atemu's again, and the other sighed softly in defeat. "I love your voice, my other self. And, honestly, it's just for me. It won't be bad at all." Crimson eyes looked at him despairingly, and he laughed softly. Those eyes immediately brightened as he saw the smile on Yuugi's face.

"Fine ... I'll sing for you. But, later."

"Now."

"Later." He pressed onto Yuugi, kissing gently again. "For now, I want to spend some time just admiring you." The fiery blush was immediately coloring Yuugi's cheeks again, and he kissed at it gently, lips just barely touching upon it. "So beautiful," he murmured, chest creating a soft buzz in Yuugi's ear as the boy pressed himself against it. "So absolutely perfect."

"Not nearly as much as you," came the mumbled response. He realized exactly what was happening. Yuugi was still slightly worn out, despite his long rest. Atemu nodded to himself, fingers stroking Yuugi's arm with feather-light touches. A soft, gentle hum worked its way from his throat, and he slowly soothed Yuugi to sleep.

He would sing for his love later, just as Yuugi had wanted. But, for now, the well-being of his life-giver was infinitely more important. After all, at least in Atemu's eyes, Yuugi was the most perfect and valuable person that the world had ever possessed. And he's mine now. He'll always be mine. I will shower him with everything his heart could ever desire.

He felt Yuugi's grip slacken some as his humming continued to lull the teenager towards sleep, and Atemu shifted his own position until he was lying on his back, with Yuugi's head resting on his chest. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to be lured into the world of dreams as well; he knew that, for now, nothing would disturb either himself or his life-giver.

And as the night wore on, they stayed within Yuugi's soul room, each wrapped in the other's embrace. As they slept, they shared their dreams without even realizing that they were doing so.

Disclaimer: Yuugiou is the intellectual property of Kazuki Takahashi. I do not claim any right to the series or its characters, and I should probably apologize for the hell I'm likely to be putting them through in this story.