Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ If the World Doesn't Want Me ❯ Wish ( Chapter 4 )

Yuugi had been in a state of bliss for the entire week; it was almost like the state that Atemu himself had been in a few times in the past, after having what might be considered a bit too much wine. He'd been warned by his advisors a few times that overindulgence could only bring trouble, but, really, he had been the pharaoh. It was only natural for him to indulge in whatever he pleased. It hadn't taken very long for his advisors to give up on attempts at convincing him to not treat himself as often as he liked. It had always been a futile fight. But, then, that was to be expected when standing up against a pharaoh who knew what he wanted.

It was because of that, however, that Atemu had an idea of what Yuugi was feeling, although the conditions for the boy's current status had nothing to do with any alcoholic substance. On the contrary, Yuugi was enthralled by something that was perfectly natural, although Atemu had been told on many occasions that it was also completely hypnotic.

Yuugi had become enchanted by Atemu's voice whenever he sang, and, much to the teenager's pleasure, the former pharaoh had sung every afternoon that week, thanks to the rehearsals for the spring semester festival.

The boy had expressed some concerns the night before. The full dress rehearsal had been performed that afternoon, and he had finally seen how the stage dancers would fit in with the band that their class had put together. Every time that one of the dancers came too close to Atemu, Yuugi had bristled within his soul room, and the former pharaoh had been forced to send as much comfort as he could to the worried teenager.

It was too late to back out, however, especially as he was already backstage, waiting for everything to get underway. Out of the corner of his eye, he noted Kaiba typing something into one of the computers that he'd provided; everyone had been surprised at just how much Kaiba had decided to provide them with. On top of his funding everything for them, he had decided to provide them with some top-of-the-line technology to get some amazing effects on the stage. Atemu had been rather impressed by some of them, if he was to be truly honest; it wasn't every day that one was able to see a life-like dragon sitting right beside him.

It was, however, almost expected of him when his motives were considered. Atemu had discovered – courtesy of Yuugi's 'book' of memories – that Kaiba Seto was at the very least borderline obsessed with his younger brother. That he had come out at point-blank and said that his brother would be at the festival before even making his offer to contribute anything had driven that point home quite nicely, in fact. Not that it made the contributions any less impressive, nor did it make their classmates any less grateful for it. If anything, they were more grateful for it, because it was his determination to give his brother a great show that had gotten all other classes to envy their little project from even just the shortest of glances.

And, as for Yuugi? Atemu was pleased to note that his partner was watching from his soul room with wide eyes, taking in the sight as a starving man takes in food. He was awed by the synchronized lights as they were tested and retested, and he seemed to burst with anticipation as he heard the sound checks. Atemu smiled to himself as he leaned against a wall; he really just could not get enough of his life-giver's exuberance.

He was content to just allow Yuugi's happiness wash against him for the entire length until the festival began and he would be needed. It seemed like an enjoyable prospect, if nothing else; he didn't really have anything that required his immediate attention, at least. That was, until he heard it. He was sure that it wasn't meant to be heard by any random passersby, but the fact remained that he had heard it, and something about it intrigued him.

"I can't believe he followed me here." The voice was low, followed by a string of curses that Atemu almost found himself applauding the speaker on. It was, if nothing else, among some of the more colorful language he'd had the privilege of hearing. A quick glance up in the direction of the voice, and he was greeted by a mop of blonde hair attached to a pacing teenager. Rage emanated from his every movement, from each step to the smallest twitch of a muscle. Atemu found it interesting.

A sigh; Atemu lowered his gaze, not wanting to draw the attention of the ranting teenager and his listener. His attention, however, remained entirely focused on the pair. "Why did he follow you, anyway?"

"Determined asshole ..." the first muttered, coming to a halt. Atemu could just feel him shaking with rage. "Got so pissed I didn't give him my paycheck for this week, he decided to see what the hell I'd have to do at school for a full day on a Saturday. Yelled about how I'm 'wasting a perfectly good work day,' as though he's a fine one to talk," he snorted, kicking at the ground. Atemu felt himself smirking, enjoying the display of emotion.

You shouldn't spy on people, my other self. It's rude! He almost flinched at the sound of his beloved's voice running through his head; it effectively snapped him from his reverie, drawing his attention fully. He sent a gentle caress to the boy, holding back a laugh at how it immediately soothed him.

I'm just curious, my partner, he returned, smiling again as he felt Yuugi snuggling up to him once more. He loved the way that it felt to have his little one pressed up against him in such a way. It's intriguing. I never expected such a little mystery to fall into my lap, and you're going to tell me I can't play with it? he asked with a mental pout. Yuugi's laughter filled his head, and he sent another caress to him. How he loved that laugh.

It was, however, intriguing, whether Yuugi wanted him to delve deeper into its depths or not; for now, that was all that really mattered to the former pharaoh as he allowed his thoughts to wander to what the two boys had been talking about. If anything, it was an indication of a problematic relationship of some sort in one of their lives. In that regard, he had to admit that Yuugi was correct in saying that it wasn't really his business. It was, after all, a personal matter that one boy was asking his friend for help in, and Atemu was far from a friend to either of them. Considering their past reactions to his partner, he was pretty sure that he would never want to be their friend, either. And yet, still, he was unable to shake the nagging feeling that there was something important about what he had overheard. It was almost as though fate had stuck her hand in and made it possible to listen in on that particular conversation, just as he had overheard a similar snippet a few days prior. He frowned to himself, bowing his head so that none of the students could see his expression. Something bothered him about the situation; he couldn't stand sitting around carelessly as someone was stuck in a situation that was detrimental to them. It was against everything that he stood for.

You're thinking about it still, Yuugi chided. Atemu found himself sending his love to the young life-giver again, and was once more rewarded with the sensation of the boy snuggling up against him again. My other self ... you really shouldn't. It's not our business.

I know, love, but ... He closed his eyes, concentrating on just how to explain the situation to Yuugi. I suppose it's because of who I was. I don't know. I just feel responsible for people; for getting them out of unfavorable circumstances. He felt Yuugi's approval of the sentiment; it was a start, if nothing else. I won't seek out trouble in this. I won't push my way in. I promise you that, my partner. However ...

If things end up falling into your lap, you won't just let them slide away. He wanted to hug the little one for his understanding. Yuugi's heart of gold was more than enough to catch Atemu's full attention, and he was never afraid to admit as much to the boy. You really like helping people out, don't you?

He smiled, looking up as he heard someone calling for 'Yuugi' to get onto the stage. As he walked, he replied to his little one, Perhaps it's just me overreacting. We won't know for sure for a while, unfortunately. However, if I see a problem occurring, and the person in trouble doesn't seem to deserve it ... I will step in. That's just how I am, I suppose. Yuugi's love once more overwhelmed him, and he had to cover his reaction to it quickly, before anyone noticed and commented on it. It wouldn't do for anyone to find out his secret, after all.

The stage itself was something of a wonder to him; Kaiba really had outdone himself, according to what he could find in Yuugi's memories and by all standards that Atemu had ever known. Even the Seto that he had once known would have been surprised with the lengths that Kaiba Seto had gone through for his younger brother's enjoyment. But he's just as obsessive ... He heard Yuugi's gentle laughter and smirked to himself. The first run-through with Kaiba's technology really had thrown him for a loop, when he thought about it, regardless of how impressive it had been. At first, Atemu had wondered just when he'd accidentally managed to call out his monsters from the shadows before one passed right through him and Yuugi had explained that they were simply holograms – tricks of the light, as best as Atemu was able to figure.

It had confused him at first, seeing the contribution all set up. How could an ordinary high school student have access to the kind of technology that Kaiba Seto had offered for the class's use, after all? He had since learned that the boy was the chief executive officer of a corporation, and that the technology was produced by that corporation: KabiaCorp, he'd learned, was now the biggest name in the gaming industry, though he had been able to find vague references that it had only become focused on games in the past few years. After Seto's takeover of the company, in fact. That in itself was a small testament to the fact that this Kaiba Seto had a connection to the Seto he knew in Kemet.

Not that Atemu was going to mention that to Yuugi just yet. He needed to find out for himself just what kind of connection Kaiba Seto had to his former high priest first, then he could bring up the situation to his little life-giver.

Everyone seemed to be convening at the same general area of the festival, much to the chagrin of the majority of classes. More than just a few envious glares were cast towards the area that class 1-B had obtained. Few had gone to see what their competition had managed to provide to those who had come to the festival that was so attractive to everyone, but those who had came out in a sort of daze, mumbling about 'never hearing something like that before.' It had been quite unnerving.

It was an interesting enough mystery, if nothing else; more than enough to gain the attention of one of the more open-hearted festival-goers, in fact. He had been idly perusing the various booths, enjoying what they offered and complimenting the food at any of the class booths that were serving it. He had been more than happy to sample everything, giving a kind smile and gentle words that everyone had found extremely endearing. He didn't want to seem rude by rushing over to the area for class 1-B, however, regardless of how much he wanted to see what all of the commotion was about. It wouldn't do for him to come off as rude during his first visit to the school that he would soon be transferring to.

Something was bothering him, however. He wasn't quite sure what it was, but there was something that was just not sitting well with him as he made his way through the booths. He frowned, looking around in a vain attempt to pinpoint where the feeling of unease was coming from. With every moment, his gaze was drawn towards the closed off area that he had not yet explored; he felt himself being pulled towards it by some unseen force.

Before he knew what he was doing, he found himself just outside of the 'sealed' area, paying the small fee to gain entrance to whatever it was that this class had decided to create.

He stopped dead as soon as he stepped in; frozen by a baritone that stole his heart from the first note he heard it sing. He whimpered as his lungs struggled to take in breath. His chest was constricted, and he felt his heart pounding hard against his ribs. Brown eyes scanned the area, falling upon the first year students on the stage. Crimson locked on brown for the briefest of instants, and the small amount of air that he'd managed to take in left him in a rush. His head was swimming as he found himself become intoxicated by the singer. No wonder everyone has made their way over to here, he mused, the only coherent thought that he was able to form. The singer was perfect, sexy; everything that this boy could ever want. And he knew beyond any doubt that he could listen to that voice for an eternity and never grow tired of it.

Something pricked at the back of his mind, however, as his eyes fell onto the chain that the other teenager wore, with a golden, inverted pyramid attached to it. He frowned as he recognized the pattern on it; his hand moved to his chest, where he had a pendant with a similar marking. Is this what ...

But the thought was cut off as that voice once again broke past him and overpowered his senses once again. He wanted more; more than he could be given in just this small concert at a school festival. He wanted forever with that boy, with that voice. He was certain that he would obey any command, if that was the person giving them.

It was infatuation in its most potent form, and he knew it; he was sure that the boy on stage knew sort of a reaction he was creating in the listeners, as well. It didn't stop him from falling, hard and fast, for this singer, however. If anything, it made him fall even more. His heart pounded hard in his chest again, a maddening thump that begged to be given attention. I want him ... I want to be with him. I want to know what it feels like to have his arms around me, and to have him whispering words to me that he means for no other. Words of love, of lust ... He found himself blushing and, nervously, his tucked a strand of hair white as the purest snow behind his ear. Is this what it's like ...? Is this love? He felt his heart tug again, and a soft whimper escaped him again. Is love at first sight even possible? He frowned. Or is it merely lust? Purely sexual need drilled into me by his voice. Crimson eyes fell onto him again, and he felt his knees go weak. There is no way that this is just lust ...

It took everything that he had to restrain himself from running through the tightly-packed crowd of listeners, all of whom were focused so intently on the singing male in spite of the other students who performed with him: a band and a number of dancers. He couldn't blame them, the singer was rather captivating. He was sure that he vaguely registered holographic figures moving in time with the music, alongside the dancers, but even they didn't matter, with the exception of one. The one in a long purple robe, with a hood of the same color, tall and perfect; the one that wrapped its arms around the intoxicating singer in a familiar embrace. How he wished to be that image.

Time seemed to speed up to an impossible blur while stopping at the same time. He lost all thought, and his breath was stolen away from him. He stepped forward blindly, called by an urge that he had never felt before in his life. Truly, it was unbecoming, and the small bit of consciousness that he did hold onto was screaming at him to stop. But he couldn't. He was enslaved by that voice, snared by its enthralling nature. His every motion told that small voice in his head to shut up and let him move on. He needed to meet this boy. He felt as though he would not be complete if he was not at the other's side.

He stopped, frowning. What am I thinking? If I want to be with him so badly, then it's obvious that others have wanted to be with him, as well. He probably has someone. He shook his head, trying to turn away; he found himself unable to complete the action. For all I know, he's only interested in girls, anyway. Why am I getting my hopes up?

But his doubts were washed away as his gentle brown eyes once again locked with a crimson gaze. He stepped forward again. Love me, please ... his mind whispered, and he wished with all of his heart that he could get the words to reach the boy on the stage. A mocking laugh echoed through his head, and he flinched. It was cold, cruel; it was something that he had never heard before in his life. But as soon as he heard it, it was gone again. He frowned, but returned his attention to the handsome singer.

He needed to get out of there, needed to breathe again. He tried to move his legs, but found them rooted firmly to the spot where he stood, feeling as though they were made of lead. Another soft whimper as his eyes followed the subtle movements of the singer, drinking in every small detail of his exotic features. He wanted to bury his fingers in the ebony hair fringed by violet; he wanted to know how those golden bangs, so akin to bolts of lightening, felt. He wanted to feel that hair brush against his skin while the other boy kissed him.

He managed to stop his train of thought, but not before a deep blush had settled onto his cheeks. He had never been very good at dealing with such matters; he was, in fact, rather shy by nature. He was surprising himself with the notions running through his head, really. They were unlike any of the dreams or fantasies he'd allowed himself before. What is this hold that he has over me? Why do I feel so drawn to him? Why do I want his attentions and affection?

The song ended, and that delectable voice faded away, allowing the onlookers a chance to once again breathe and tear their eyes away from the slim figure on the stage. And yet, the white-haired teenager found that he could not take his eyes off of the boy. Instead, his eyes were glued to the figure, and his breathing became ever more rapid as he noted the way that the blue pants of the other's school uniform clung to his legs just right, the way that his jacket hung at his shoulders like a cape, billowing out behind him. His pulse quickened again as he noted the black leather muscle shirt, perfectly complemented by a studded leather collar and cuffs; this boy was practically a walking vision of desire.

He felt a shiver run up his spine as his mind forcibly broke his gaze, and he found himself turning away as quickly as possible. No ... I can't stay here. I'm going crazy. I really am. Just seeing him sends me over the edge. Slowly, he stepped towards the exit, willing himself not to listen as he heard the drumbeat of the next song. Heavy steps; slow, purposeful. He managed to get out just before the intoxicating voice overpowered the audience once more.

The haze cleared from his eyes, and he took two deep breaths before walking as fast as he could, as far from the area as he could manage. Eventually, he collapsed against a wall, attempting to regain what composure he could. This is not the impression I want to make before coming into this school. I do not need everyone knowing about my preferences before I start here. It will only bring trouble, he berated himself, but he knew that it was all in vain. How could he not fall for the other boy, after all? He was sure that everyone who was listening to him – watching him – felt it, too. The need to be with him. The desire to have him with them forever. It wasn't entirely the white-haired teenager's fault.

You want to be with him, do you, host? You'll get your chance, I'm sure. But first, Bakura Ryou, you will do something for me. You'll meet with him and let me have a chance to see how low his defenses really are. Cold, calculating words by a voice bordering on insane. He felt terror shoot through him. The voice was one that he never wanted to hear again, but he had the sickening, sinking feeling that he would not have that particular wish granted.

And, somewhere in the back of his mind, he had a feeling that, try though he might, there was no way that he was going to be able to go against the wishes of that voice. One way or another, he would end up meeting with that singer, just as the voice wanted, even if he wasn't controlling his actions to do so. And that frightened Bakura Ryou more than anything ever had before in his life.

Yuugi collapsed against the bed, a drugged smile gracing his features. He had felt this way every day for the past week, every time that he heard his other self sing. It was the most intoxicating drug he knew of, and he loved every second of hearing that voice. It sent shivers down his spine and made him feel more alive than he ever had before in his life. He wanted with everything he was, needed with every small bit of himself. Even kissing Atemu had never made him feel quite like listening to him sing did. It wasn't to say that he didn't enjoy the kisses, of course; he enjoyed them immensely, in fact. But the sound of the other's voice was something of a delicacy. He wished, at times, that he hadn't begged Atemu to agree to be the singer for his class. If he hadn't, then his other self's voice would be a pleasure that he and he alone would be privilege to; the prospect was extremely tempting to Yuugi.

But he had convinced Atemu to do it, and he supposed that it was for the better, anyway. After all, he got to hear the former pharaoh sing, regardless, so he was more than happy just with that. He snuggled against the pillow that his other self tended to rest on every night, face burrowing into it and eyes closing as he inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of the man that he loved; the sharp scent of wine and figs assaulted him, and he smiled, humming softly to himself in appreciation. Atemu ...

His eyes remained closed as he listened to his other self sing, losing himself in the baritone that sent lust shooting through him. He'd been hard pressed to not throw himself at the former pharaoh the past few nights.

Pulling the pillow closer to himself, he unconsciously shifted his hips in time with the music, a gentle moan escaping his throat. He imagined his love's hands on his hips, keeping time against him as they moved together, danced together. It was a wonderful dance, a sensual dance, and he smiled. His pharaoh would certainly enjoy dancing with him like that, their bodies moving as one.

His movements halted abruptly as the music came to an end, and he whimpered in frustration. He was enjoying his dance. He fell back against the bed again, eyes still closed, waiting for the next song.

It didn't come.

He tapped his foot in annoyance, waiting, hoping that perhaps it was just his wish to hear another song that made it seem as though an eternity had passed, when, in reality, it was only a few moments.

But, still, no song began.

He was getting frustrated and annoyed. His eyes snapped open, and he grumbled about how the band was apparently worthless if they couldn't even get a song going for him to continue his dreams of time with his beloved other self.

That was when he heard it: a deep chuckle, mocking his frustrations. He shot up, sending a glare to the doorway before he abandoned all anger and smiled brilliantly, jumping up from the bed instantly and flinging himself into the other's arms. A warm kiss was pressed onto his lips, and he felt himself purr softly. Atemu had said he loved when Yuugi purred; it reminded him of a palace kitten. As Atemu's lips trailed from Yuugi's mouth to his neck, Yuugi reflected on just why Atemu had liked that analogy for Yuugi: cats were, after all, sacred in ancient Egypt, just as Atemu felt that Yuugi was sacred to him.

Lips pressed against his collarbone, followed shortly by teeth softly grazing the skin for the briefest of instants. Yuugi wrapped his arms tightly around the former pharaoh's shoulders, whimpering very softly. The tease ... the awful tease ... And, yet, he knew that, beyond a shadow of a doubt, he enjoyed whenever Atemu teased him in such a way.

"I missed you ..." Words whispered against him, and he felt a grin tug at his lips. Hands buried themselves in Yuugi's hair, and their lips were sealed together once more, in a deeper, more probing kiss. He yielded quickly to Atemu's gentle demand for dominance, opening his mouth to be rewarded by his other self's tongue entering his mouth slowly, teasingly trailing along the roof of his mouth before settling along Yuugi's own tongue. A whimper as the pharaoh's tongue retreated and Yuugi found himself sucking in slowly, trying to draw the other back in, only to shiver as he felt his other self gently lick at his lips with soft, teasing flicks. Moments later, the teenager was rewarded by that expert, wet muscle sliding against his own again, sending sensations through his being that he was sure he'd never felt before.

Well, one thing's for sure ... there's never a dull moment with Atemu around ... he mused as the other pulled back slowly, smiling gently at him. "I ..." He swallowed, blushing as he rested his head against Atemu's shoulder. "I missed you, too."

"I noticed you were listening again." Humor tainted the other's voice, and Yuugi found himself resisting the urge to smack him playfully. He'd tried that the other night; it had ended up in him being forced to reenact his dancing for his other self, without any music and while standing instead of lying comfortably on the bed. Instead, he placed a fleeting, butterfly-light kiss on the other's neck. "I felt you dancing again," he whispered, fingers coming through violet-tipped ebony tresses. "I love when you do that, you know ... but it does drive me wild." He felt Yuugi's cheeks burn with embarrassment against his neck and smirked. "I'm glad we took the break when we did. I doubt I would have lasted much longer with you going on as you were."

"Didn't anyone ever tell you that it's rude to make fun of the person who's letting you use his body?"

A rich laugh, followed by Atemu's hands trailing down to Yuugi's sides. "Oh, forgive me, my life-giver." He smirked mischievously before tickling the boy, both of them falling to the floor as one tried to squirm away and the other tried to continue the gentle torture. How I love the way it feels to have you writhing against me ... he thought reverently, before quickly pushing the thought out of mind; such thoughts were not fitting just yet. He didn't want to rush his little one into anything, and he was more than content to just allow their relationship grow for however long it would take. Physical pleasure held nothing over emotional closeness, after all.

Finally, he paused in his tickling of the smaller boy, kissing the tip of his nose. "So beautiful ..." he whispered reverently, crimson eyes shining with the truth of his words. "I want to keep you in my arms forever ..."

"And I'd like to stay here forever," came the whispered reply as Yuugi wrapped his arms around Atemu's waist, allowing his face to be masked by the pharaoh's perfectly-chiseled chest. They held each other close, neither wanting to move from the comfortable position they'd found; any position they ended up falling into tended to be comfortable to them lately, as long as they were in each other's arms. "So ..."

"Mm?"

"Enjoying yourself out there?" He smirked against Atemu's chest, eyes closed as he inhaled the scent that left him ensnared by everything that his other self was. There was no reply, and he smiled softly, murmuring, "I noticed you drove a number of spectators into hormonal overdrive." A rich laugh, and the movement of Atemu's muscles tickled Yuugi's nose. He smiled again. "Don't go cheating on me just because everyone out there wants you."

"I wouldn't dream of it, my partner." The reply was serious, filled with love.

Before Yuugi realized what was happening, he was lifted up into Atemu's strong arms and being carried over to the bed. He squealed happily at the action, rubbing his face into Atemu's neck lovingly. "Mm ... what is my pharaoh going to do with me?" Another rich chuckle; he found himself laid gently on his back with his other self sitting beside him, fingers slowly stroking his hair.

"So lovely." The words were barely a whisper, and Yuugi had to strain to hear them fully. He blushed, poking at the other's stomach teasingly. Still, Atemu continued to stare down at him in awe. The teenager knew the expression well; Atemu was asking himself just how he had managed to get so lucky as to end up with him. It was ironic, in a way; Yuugi felt the exact same way about his own luck with regards to snagging his other self.

Gentle lips brushed over his forehead, and Yuugi smiled sleepily. "I dance for you, my pharaoh, because you enjoy it so ..." he murmured, closing his eyes, only to snap them open a moment later at the barely suppressed snicker that his other self let out. "Hey!" He smacked the other on the arm lightly, pouting up at him, and an apologetic kiss was placed on his lips. Yuugi was more than happy to accept the apology, and nuzzled against the other's cheek. "See if I ever get all mushy and romantic around you again." He stuck out his tongue at the other playfully, not expecting anything at all to come of the action. He was thoroughly surprised to find it surrounded by his beloved's mouth a mere moment later, being gently caressed by Atemu's own once again. The pharaoh pulled back after a scant few moments.

"I thought that I told you not to stick that out if you didn't intend to use it." He smirked at the blushing boy beneath him before winking at him. "Not that I'm complaining about your decision to do so ..."

"Mm, of course not. Such a sneaky pharaoh I have ..."

"You know you enjoy it," he returned, lying down and wrapping his arms around his smaller partner's waist. He smiled as the boy sighed contentedly in his arms. "I don't want to go back out there. I'm much too comfortable here now." Yuugi poked at his stomach, but he didn't react to it. Another poke, and no reaction again. A third poke, and this time he raised his head to look at the boy. "What?"

"You're going back out there. I want to hear you sing again." A raised eyebrow and a smirk from his other self, and Yuugi found himself blushing, hiding his face against the other's shoulder. "Um, I mean ..."

"Need to get off, love?" A soft snicker, silenced by another gentle smack to his arm. "Sorry. You left it open for me ..."

Yuugi poked him in the stomach again, eliciting a small laugh from his handsome pharaoh. He smiled into the other's chest, breathing in again. "See if I ever open up to you again," he said with a pout, earning the reward of loving fingers tangling into his hair once more. He smiled again; this was his favorite feeling in the world, when he thought about it: the feel of Atemu holding him, toying with his hair ... making him feel safer than he had ever felt before. Each time felt better than the time before, and he was grateful for every moment that he spent with his gorgeous and wonderful boyfriend. He snuggled closer, sighing softly.

"Happy, love?" A small nod as the other burrowed closer. "Mm, I'm glad."

They held each other tight, both relaxing as they let the outside world disappear from their thoughts for even just the smallest of instants. All that really mattered to them was their time together. "Mm, Atemu?" A soft grunt of acknowledgement, and Yuugi grinned again. "When are you going to tell me more about ancient Egypt, anyway? I want to know more about how things were when you were pharaoh."

He chuckled softly, eyes closed as he continued to toy with Yuugi's hair; it was an action he fell into easily, once he'd realized how much it calmed both his nerves and his partner's. "When I figure out a few things that are bothering me, love. I promise that I'll tell you everything you wish to know when I find that out." Yuugi nodded against him, falling silent once more.

A quick glance out of the skylight of Yuugi's soul room, the window to the outside world, told him that he had to get going very soon, regardless of how much he wanted to stay exactly where he was. He sighed softly, kissing Yuugi's forehead, smiling apologetically when the boy looked up at him with questioning eyes. He shook his head slightly, pointing to the skylight, where the activity of Yuugi's classmates making their way back towards the stage could be seen. "I have to go, love." He placed a gentle kiss on the boy's lips before, rolling them over so that Yuugi was once more on his back. As he stood, pulling himself slowly from his beloved's grasp, he placed gentle, chaste kisses upon him, until he began stretching himself too much to continue the act. His hand lingered on Yuugi's as long as possible before he slowly started for the door. "Oh ... Yuugi? Don't forget to dance for me," he said, giving his partner a sexy, calculated wink before quickly turning and leaving the room, taking control of Yuugi's body once more.

Yuugi sighed to himself, closing his eyes again as he waited for his other self to make his way back to the stage, settling in on the bed. He smirked to himself, feeling a bit devious as the other's words sunk in. "Oh, I'll dance for you, alright ..." He shifted his hips some on the bed, laughing softly as he watched out of his skylight, waiting for whatever song Atemu would be singing to begin.

It was strange, in a way. He never would have expected himself to behave in such an openly flirtatious manner before he'd met his other self. Something about the former pharaoh made him feel so comfortable, so at ease; he supposed that it had something to do with the fact that Atemu would understand him, and would approve of his actions, no matter what. His other self truly loved him. Yuugi couldn't be happier.

But that didn't stop him from wanting to make the other's time on stage almost unbearable for him. His smirk grew as he prepared himself to give his beloved one hell of a wild ride.

Atemu stretched luxuriously as the festival finally came to a close. In his opinion, it hadn't ended a moment too soon; any longer, and he might have screamed with the tension that his little one was creating for him. You know, I asked you to dance for me ... not to try to bring me to -

Finish that statement and I won't dance for you ever again.

Well, shit. He heard Yuugi's soft laughter in his head and smiled to himself as he made his way past the celebrating students. They had done above and beyond what they had estimated, and many were trying to stop him to celebrate with them, but he just shook his head, muttering something about needing to get home. It was a lie, of course, but none of them needed to known that. He really just wanted to get out of there as fast as possible so that he could focus his attention on his life-giver again. Alright then, I'll be good. More laughter, and his heart fluttered some at the sound. For now, he added with a mental smirk.

He walked in silence, enjoying the happiness that his little one was exuding before prodding gently, So, tell me, do you do it on purpose? A soft hum of acknowledgement greeted him, and he continued. I know you don't just accidentally have me feel every movement when you dance.

Gee, you think? There was humor in the boy's tone, and Atemu held onto his laugh at it. You're the one who told me to dance for you, though. Dug your own grave there, pharaoh dearest.

Do I sense hostility? he asked lightly, not meaning a word of the question; Yuugi knew that well. Well, so much for having an innocent lover ... If Yuugi were able to smack him while he wasn't in the boy's soul room, he knew that statement would have gotten him a huge one right across the face, likely complete with a red imprint on his cheek that wouldn't go away for an hour or two.

He continued walking, not paying too much attention to where he was going. He was content to just enjoy the feel of Yuugi pressing against him again; he'd get home when he got home, after all. It wasn't too late just yet, so it wouldn't worry Yuugi's grandfather too badly if he took a little extra time in getting there.

Had he been paying attention, he may have been able to avoid it however. One moment, he was walking with no trouble; the next, he found himself on the ground with a pale boy with white hair reaching to his mid-back sprawled before him.

"I ... oh, I'm so sorry. I wasn't watching where I –" the boy looked over as he spoke and choked on the words he was saying, cheeks tinting a very becoming shade of pink. Atemu couldn't help but find himself amused at the startled look on the other's face as he stood and offered the boy a hand to help him back up. "I'm terribly sorry, it was completely my fault. I was just distracted, and ... um ... you see, I ..."

"It's not a problem," Atemu reassured him with a smile, feeling Yuugi huff jealously in his mind. A soothing wave was sent to his partner as he continued, "I wasn't really looking where I was going, either."

You're flirting! I'm right here and you're flirting! Yuugi cried out, not enjoying Atemu's attempt to placate him one bit. He huffed again, annoyance coloring his every twitch, and he made sure that his other self could feel it perfectly.

Yuugi, I would never cheat on you. You know that! he sent back lovingly. I'm just trying to be polite. Besides, he's frightened, it's only proper to not make that situation worse by scaring him further. He once again returned his attention to the white-haired teenager, smiling kindly. "I don't think I've seen you around here before ... are you from this school?"

"Not yet ..." the boy murmured, looking away as his blush deepened. "I ... I just moved to the area, so I haven't started school here yet. I wanted to see what the festival was like, though. It sounded like it would be fun ..." He seemed to find the ground extremely interesting. "I ... m-my name is Bakura Ryou." He looked up finally, a shy smile on his lips.

"Mutou Yuugi," Atemu barely managed to get the words out through the anger that Yuugi was radiating towards him. Yuugi, stop it! I love you! I'm not going to cheat on you, my partner, so please don't be so mad at me for making a friend. I'm doing this for you.

"I ..." Ryou looked away again, blush deepening. "I saw you singing up there ..." He motioned vaguely towards the area that class 1-B had been assigned, and Atemu held back a chuckle.

I knew it! See, you're playing right into his hands! He wants you! He wants to steal you away from me!

Yuugi, since when are you so mistrusting ...? He sent another loving wave to his little one, murmuring gently to him, You're the only one that there will ever be in my eyes. You're the most important person in the world. You're my sun and my moon, my earth and my sky. You're everything to me, Yuugi. So please believe in me. Slowly, he felt his partner calm down, and a small smile touched his lips. "Thank you," he said honestly, and he noted that the boy's blush deepened. Would you be willing to help me find out how to get him over his crush at some point? There was no answer beyond gentle pressure against him; Atemu took that to mean that Yuugi agreed to his request.

Ryou looked up at him, his shy smile tugging at his lips again as he tilted his head. "It ... it's nice to meet you, Mutou-san." He looked down, murmuring, "I was afraid I might have to start school here without knowing anyone at all. It would have been so ... daunting for me." He blushed again. "Sounds stupid, huh ...?"

"Not really. Entering a new situation alone can do that to anyone." Ryou looked up again, his smile a bit wider and brighter this time.

"Thank you, Mutou-san!" He bowed slightly. "I'm sorry for bumping into you, and for taking up so much of your time like this. It was really lovely meeting you." As he spoke, Atemu felt something odd in the air. It was almost a needle prick in the back of his mind, and he wasn't quite sure what to make of it. All he knew was that it didn't seem to be from the boy himself; something near him, perhaps, but not Ryou. It both confused and worried him at the same time. Looking at the boy curiously for a moment, he realized that Ryou had no idea about the power that was originating from something very near him. "I hope that we can see each other again. Maybe when I start school here?"

Atemu smiled, nodding at him. "That would be nice, Bakura-kun," he replied. "Until we meet again, then." A slight bow as he began to continue on his way. He noted the boy's smile and the slightly dazed look in his eyes, and chuckled mentally. Crushes truly are a funny thing, don't you think, my partner?

There was no reply to the question, and Atemu frowned to himself, pausing.

Slowly, he took a step forward, venturing another prod towards his beloved life-giver. Yuugi? Still, there was no reply; Atemu felt worry creep through him. Yuugi, you aren't still mad at me, are you? Again, the boy remained silent, and he felt his frustration mounting. It wasn't like Yuugi to remain so silent on him. Something had to be wrong, and he was pretty sure that it had nothing to do with his little one being annoyed over someone else having a crush on him. Yuugi? he questioned, allowing his concern to color his thoughts.

Once more, no reply. He didn't like the way that this was turning out at all. His mind raced, and he thought to the odd feeling he'd had when Bakura Ryou was speaking. It hadn't been the boy, that much he knew; the power was dark, and seemed to come of its own accord. It wasn't something that someone normally consciously controlled, and it would have been plainly evident to him if the boy had been doing it.

It was a familiar power, nonetheless. He knew it; he'd felt it before. His hand reached to the puzzle that hung from his neck, and he frowned. So similar to ... His eyebrows furrowed, and then he took off at a dead run. He had to investigate. He had to get home as soon as he possibly could.

He knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that something very terrible had happened to his life-giver, something unforgivable. He knew that it had something to do with the Items, he just couldn't figure out exactly what it had to do with them. But, more than that, more than needing to know what it had to do with them, he needed to know just what had happened to Yuugi. He had to find him, and fast, before anything irreversible happened to his young love.

A seal ... a very powerful seal. I know this power ... which one of them has done this? Why can't I pinpoint it anymore ...? he thought angrily, moving as fast as he could through the streets of Domino towards Yuugi's home. He needed to be within the confines of the boy's bedroom in order to search for him; he couldn't just let Yuugi's body collapse on the street while he ran about his beloved's mind. Has it been so long that I can't remember which Item has the power of this sort of seal?

He burst through the door of the house, slowing himself to a more natural walk so as not to worry Yuugi's grandfather. He took his shoes off, muttering an, "I'm home," before making his way up the stairs as fast as he could without seeming like something was wrong. He closed the door to Yuugi's room, locking it without so much as a second thought. He needed privacy, and he didn't need the boy's grandfather coming in and worrying when he found 'his grandson' lying motionless once again. That boy holds an Item; that much I can tell. But he doesn't control it. If anything, it is controlling itself, and partially controlling him, more than likely against his will.

He frowned, closing his eyes. But I can deal with that later. Right now ... right now, Yuugi needs me. He needs me to find him, to save him. He allowed himself to slip into the unconscious state that would let him into his mind. I only hope I'm not too late.

"Yuugi ..." He took off at a dead run through the corridor, panic rushing through his whole being. He can't be gone ... he just can't be. Crimson eyes were filled with fear, pupils constricted with his alarm; he felt like a deer trapped in the headlights of a car as he ran towards the door to Yuugi's soul room. The corridor seemed to stretch forever, and he felt as though he would never make it in time. "Please, my partner, answer me! Please be here!" His hand flew to the handle of the door and he thrust it open with all of his might.

A strangled, sickened, choked out sob escaped him as his vision focused on what lay before him. The calm bedroom that he had spent so much time in with his beloved was gone, torn to shreds. The walls were jagged, like a child's blocks placed haphazardly together in a toddler's interpretation of a building. Ledges jutted out dangerously, and the floor held equally dangerous, gaping holes. Still, he forced himself forward, even noting that the room had grown to tremendous proportions. There was something to the air, something that he couldn't quite place. He was quite certain that he didn't want to place it, however. One step forward. The door closed forbiddingly behind him.

"Yuugi!" Despair colored his voice as he screamed out for his young life-giver. He wanted the boy back - needed the boy back - more than anything else in the world.

There was no reply. Another step forward; his gaze turned to the left, towards the bed that he had held his partner on every night since the puzzle had been completed. Tears stung at his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. The mattress was gutted, torn through by what seemed to be many claws. Blood littered the shredded sheets and comforter. He forced his gaze away, towards where the desk should have been, only to find that it, too, was destroyed; shattered beyond repair, now in a heap of sticks and splinters of wood. It was almost more than he could bear, but he steeled his courage, knowing that he had to put the images before him behind himself if he intended to see his life-giver again.

Another step still, careful this time as he moved around the edge of one of the small chasms in the floor. His heart felt constricted, and he fought back the bile that was rising within him. The only thing that he wanted to do was to find his little one and change the twisted mockery of his soul room back to the gentle bedroom that it was supposed to be. What caused this? Why did it change so drastically? And where the fuck has my little one been taken?! He growled low in his throat.

An opening in the wall caught his attention, and he frowned, sniffing the air lightly, nearly gagging as the coppery scent of blood assaulted him. No ... He rushed towards the hole, making his way through it nimbly, only to be faced with a room that seemed as though it was frozen within a cyclone. He frowned, reaching up to touch one of the floating games, pulling his hand back quickly from the intense heat rippling off of the object. "Yuugi ..." he choked out, noticing the red liquid dripping from the edges of each object. Whoever it was that had caused his little one's disappearance had done a thorough job of it, from what Atemu could tell. It was too much to hope that whoever it was had no idea about his existence and connection to the boy; it was almost plainly evident that the action of ripping Yuugi from him had been done purposefully. He winced as he took a step forward, knowing that the blood coating the floor belonged to his beloved.

"Yuugi ... I'm sorry ... I'm so sorry ..." he whispered, falling to his knees. "I promised you the world ... I promised you protection and a good life. I'm so sorry." Tears fell from closed crimson eyes. He didn't pay any heed to the blood soaking into his pants as he wept for the loss of his partner, the one person who meant the most to him; the one person who meant more to him than his own life. How could I let this happen? How could I have been so careless?! Was I so caught up in everything else? Why did I pay more attention to others, to people who mean nothing, people who have done nothing but harm my little one, than I did to Yuugi? If I'd listened to him, if I'd just ignored what I'd heard instead of letting it consume my thoughts ... he'd still ... He shook his head, ridding himself of the thoughts. No. It won't do to dwell on the mistakes of the past. What matters is the present and the future. Finding Yuugi is what matters, not how I managed to lose him. And I will find him.

He growled softly, rising from his knees, eyes snapping open and glowing with his lust to tear the heart out of whomever it was that had caused such suffering to his beloved life-giver. Yuugi, his Yuugi, did not deserve such pain. He looked around himself, backing out of the frozen cyclonic cavern and returning to the initial, torn bedroom. His eyes scanned the room once more. Now that he looked carefully, there appeared to be blood everywhere: splattered upon the chaotically placed blocks of the walls, trailing as though painted in some areas. It was even pooled on the floor, drawn along it around the gaps, as though a body had been dragged there.

Trails of blood, everywhere. It sickened him and shattered his heart into a million pieces, as though it were made of glass. His love - his brave, caring love – was in danger, and he couldn't even find him. He felt worthless, useless. And yet, he knew. Every moment that he spent lamenting his loss was another moment that put his Yuugi in danger. All that he could do now was follow the trails left for him, like a man with no home and no purpose. Like a man who had lost everything.

Somehow, it was no comfort. And the trails continued to mock his loss, telling him that he would never find that which he was searching for.

The pools and trails of blood grew, the splatters multiplied, and all he knew was despair; he was unable to shake the feeling that he had lost Yuugi forever. He went numb as he continued on, searching to no avail.

A scream tore from his throat, and Atemu collapsed again into the pools of blood.

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.