Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Lessons Of Love ❯ The First Date ( Chapter 1 )

Lessons of Love

By Terendel

Pairings: Yami/Yugi

Rating: NC-17

A/N: This is a sequel to Touch Not With Darkness and takes place about two years later. Please ignore the fact that in the show Anzu and Yami date at a far earlier point than the time in which this story takes place. Consider this AU and just go with it.

Thanks to Silvara for her comments, observations and questions. The lemon scene is much better for your help. Hope you like what I did with it. ^_^

Yugi sat at his desk, looking out the window. Dark clouds scudded across the sky. Lightning marched in martial time back and forth over the horizon. A perfect reflection of his mood. With a deep sigh, he opened his journal and began to write.

How can you love someone so much and still be so irritated with them? I don't know what to think anymore about my other half. He's so bloody stubborn. Just because he's right most of the time doesn't mean I have to just blindly go along with everything.

Yugi paused to read what he had written. Kuso! He wasn't even making sense to himself. How was he ever going to get through to his other half?

Thunder rumbled overhead. Yugi closed his journal and walked over to his mirror. Stripping off his shirt, he assessed his reflection. He'd grown several inches in the last couple of years. Not quite as tall as Yami, but getting close. And he'd filled out a bit in the chest while losing some of the baby fat in his cheeks.

He sighed and put his shirt back on. Great. Two years ago he'd been sixteen and looked ten. Now he was eighteen and looked fourteen. What an improvement.

Gentle concern drifted through the link.

/I'm fine,/ he sent back.

A wordless question.

/Yes, really. I'll be there in about an hour. Still have homework to finish./

The quiet sense of retreat.

Sighing, Yugi flopped onto his bed. He loved the way his other half could communicate so much without words. But if his emotions were getting "loud" enough that Yami was picking up on them, he'd have to be careful. A confrontation was coming, but he wasn't ready for it yet.

He rolled over to face the wall. He knew his appearance was part of the problem. Who could take him seriously when he looked so young? He was ready to take the relationship to the next level, but his other half wasn't willing to go there. Oh, he'd kiss and make out readily enough. Yugi's crotch grew warm at the thought, and he began to stiffen. But let his fingers roam too far, and Yami stopped things fast. Cold showers and his hand were familiar companions by now.

And that wasn't all. His other half had yet more rules and ideas of what was right for his aibou. Yami severely limited the amount of time they spent together. An hour in the evening before bed. And a couple of additional hours on weekends and holidays. Yugi saw the sense to that one, even though he didn't have to like it. Time with his other half was so sweet, so precious, so...right that he could stay in the soul room forever. And that wasn't a good thing. As much as he'd like to spend every waking (and even sleeping) minute with Yami, he knew the temptation to be too great. He was not a creature of the Shadow Realm. He belonged in the living world.

But it was Yami's latest thing that was really driving the teen crazy. For the last week, the spirit had been insisting that Yugi date. Girls. Now Yugi had to admit that he'd had more than a few idle wonderings if Mai wore anything under those short skirts. Not to mention the hormone-induced brain lock brought on by the sight of Anzu's breasts straining against her too-tight uniform shirt. But to actually date one of them? When he had the perfection of his yami?

He closed his eyes and hugged his pillow tight. Had he misunderstood? Did his other half not find him desirable? A lone tear dripped onto his pillow before he could stomp on that train of thought.

Sitting up, he shook his head firmly. No, he hadn't misunderstood. The link told him otherwise. Besides, no one kissed like that if they didn't like the one they were kissing.

He glanced at the clock and began throwing off his clothes. Just enough time to shower before meeting his other half. He could finish his homework in the morning.

Still deep in thought, he headed for the bathroom. Between shampooing his hair and soaping his still-smooth chest, he decided he'd ask Anzu out this weekend. Maybe if he just got the whole thing over with. Then perhaps he could get back to convincing Yami that no one else had a quarter the hold on his heart.

Some time later, clean, dry and comfortable in bed, Yugi closed his eyes and sought his soul room. Long practice made the transition easy, and he opened his eyes on a room full of toys. Sighing, he glanced around. The room was a reflection of his true nature, and though he sometimes wished otherwise, coming here was a constant reminder that he was still pure and innocent. Grudgingly, he had to admit that was a good thing. But, damn it. Was it too much to ask for just a hint of slutty and wordly?

The sightless eyes of a teddy bear followed him from the room.

Across the hall lay a much different room. Although not as dark and gloomy as it used to be, it was still darker and more bare than its neighbor.

However, dark was not always a bad thing. Candles dotted the room, and a cheerful fire beckoned. Yami was in a romantic mood this evening. That meant either another cold shower or his hand later. As he entered and Yami's smoldering eyes drank in his aibou, Yugi shivered. Hand tonight. No reason to splash cold water on this mood.

But as he eagerly fell into the waiting arms of his other half, he had to wonder. What was Yami's thing with him dating girls?

Soft lips covered his, and he gave up thinking for a time.

The next morning, Yugi groaned as he woke up sticky. Damn his raging hormones and Yami's skillful kisses!

//You didn't seem to mind last night,// came the wry thought.

Yugi threw back the covers to survey the damage. He sighed. It was the laundry for these. /If you'd finished the job last night I wouldn't have had to jack off three times just so I could get to sleep!/

Hurt retreat in the link.

Yugi pounded his fists against the bed in frustration. /Yami, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it./

No response. Just the barest sense of his presence.

Sighing, Yugi gathered up the damp, sticky sheets. He'd always thought that soul mates couldn't argue, misunderstand or hurt each other. Obviously the romance novels had that part wrong.

Sheets finally spinning in the washer, he dragged himself back upstairs to get dressed. Might as well finish his homework and go to school. Maybe he'd get himself in less trouble there.

Calculus homework had been easy for once, and he arrived at school a few minutes early. He hung around outside waiting for Anzu. When he saw her down the street, he hurried to meet her.

She smiled at his approach. "Morning, Yugi." Her eyes narrowed as she examined his face. "You don't look like you got much sleep last night. Did I miss something with calculus? Was it harder than I thought?"

Blushing at the memory of why he'd had a hard time getting to sleep but wanting to reassure his friend, he said, "No, it wasn't hard at all. I actually did it this morning."

Anzu's expression shifted from relief to concern as he finished. "What then?" Understanding crossed her eyes. "You're not having trouble with Yami, are you?"

Sighing, Yugi answered, "Well, sort of. It's kind of tough to explain." He shook his head. "Not now, Anzu." The crack in the sidewalk developed an uncanny attraction as he tried to work himself up to ask the question. "Um, Anzu...you want to maybe go out this weekend?" Shyly, he glanced up to gauge her reaction.

Surprise, followed by pleasure, crossed her features. "Uh, yeah, sure." She colored faintly. "I guess I'd never expected you to ask. You and Yami being...well...the way you two are."

Yugi scuffed the ground with his sneaker. "Yeah, well. Um, I guess a guy wants to date flesh and blood sometimes."

A sudden flash of pain across the link. Yugi frowned inwardly, careful to keep his expression neutral for Anzu, not wanting her to misinterpret. What was with his other half? He was the one who'd insisted on this dating thing. So why the pain?

/Yami?/

Silence.

Suddenly, he realized Anzu was speaking, and he forced his attention back to the real world. "...have in mind?"

Guessing that she was asking what his plans were for the date, he answered, "Well, Spiderman is supposed to be starting this weekend. How about that?"

Anzu squealed. "Oh, yes, Yugi. I love Spiderman." A brief frown. "Um, dubbed or subbed?"

Yugi laughed. "Subbed, of course. I wouldn't take you to some horrible dubbed movie. They never get the voices right. 'Sides, it'll be good practice for English class."

Anzu ruffled his hair. "Yugi! Always thinking about school."

Yugi colored slightly and ducked his head. If she only knew how far school had been from his thoughts lately. "Okay, it's a date then. I'll pick you up around 6:00, okay?"

"Sure." Anzu flashed him such a pleased smile that Yugi almost felt guilty. Well, it's not like one date led to marriage or anything, right?

The rest of the week passed fairly uneventfully. Yami was...distant in their nightly meetings, but Yugi didn't feel like having it out with the spirit. If Yami couldn't come out and directly address what was bothering him, Yugi wasn't about to force it. He had enough to worry about with the upcoming date. It wasn't like he'd ever dated before. Oh he knew basically what to do and expect, but he'd been so caught up in Yami for the past two years that he'd never even thought of dating, so he wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea. He'd thought of asking Jounouchi for advice (the taller boy seemed to have a new girlfriend every week-Yugi secretly thought it was because he was looking for someone as intriguing as Mai) but he suspected he'd blush at whatever advice his friend would give. Jounouchi and Honda frequently snickered about whatever it was they did in dark corners with their dates. Conveniently, Yugi managed to ignore that what he and Yami did in the privacy of the soul room was probably just as blush-worthy, maybe even more so.

The weekend, and the big event, finally arrived. Yugi dressed extra carefully, in his best white shirt, vest and leather pants ensemble. He caught a confusing mix of approval and disapproval from Yami but chose to ignore it. His other half had pushed this. If he had regrets now, it wasn't Yugi's fault.

Arriving at Anzu's house precisely at 6:00, he knocked on the door. Anzu's mother greeted him with an approving smile, and Yugi had visions of being married off before he had any say in the matter. Fortunately, his date appeared to rescue him from the appraising glances of his mother-in-law-wannabe.

Softly, Yugi said, "Thanks. I thought she was going to feel my arms and count my teeth."

Anzu giggled, and Yugi really looked at her. And gasped. She was wearing a simple pink skirt with a white blouse, but somehow the sheer simplicity of the outfit made it remarkable. "Anzu...you look...wonderful," Yugi stammered.

Anzu blushed and turned her head away. "Thanks, Yugi," she said quietly. "I wanted this to be special."

Yugi easily slipped an arm around her waist, and they walked to the theater. Vague worry lurked in the back of his thoughts. If she wanted this to be special, was she looking for more than he could give her? And what would he do if that turned out to be the case?

The movie was everything he had hoped it would be, and he managed to lose his worries in the dazzling extravaganza of danger, romance and special effects. Anzu cuddled close to him during the entire movie, and he found he kind of liked the feeling. Yami was always protector/comforter to him. He had not really had the experience of being the stronger one in a relationship.

Afterwards, they went to a nearby coffee shop to talk it over. Yugi was high on a pleasant buzz of good company mixed with a good show. After coffee, he walked her home, enjoying the feel of her warm body pressed close to him.

He could sense the vague presence of Yami through the link, but he didn't get a sense of any particular emotions. Well at least the spirit didn't seem upset.

Outside Anzu's house, it seemed the most natural thing in the world to kiss her. She didn't resist. Far from it. She pressed herself eagerly against him, and he crushed her to him. It was his first experience with soft breasts pressed against his chest, and he enjoyed it. Almost, he could forget Yami with her in his arms.

The link went completely, ominously silent, but Yugi was so distracted by soft lips that he didn't notice.

And then something broke the mood. Anzu pulled back suddenly and took a few steps away, head down, arms crossed protectively in front of her. Yugi frowned. Had he moved too far, too fast? But she had seemed willing. He moved over to her, but not close enough to seem threatening. "Anzu, what's wrong? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."

She shook her head. "It's not you. It's me." Anzu lifted tear-filled eyes to look at him. "I thought I could go through with this. I tried. I really did."

Yugi furrowed his brow in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"I have a confession to make, Yugi."

The boy gently took her hand and led her to a nearby tree. He took off his vest and laid it on the ground for her to sit on. "Well, then you might as well be comfortable. Sit down, Anzu. Tell me what's going on."

She settled herself, still sniffling. Yugi sat down beside her, close enough to touch but not yet touching, still not sure what was going on. Anzu visibly pulled herself together and began. "Yugi, I haven't meant to deceive you, but I just didn't know how to tell you. And then you asked me out, and I couldn't say no, but how could I tell you that you weren't the person I really wanted to go out with?"

Yugi had to really concentrate to follow that. But he was relieved that Anzu hadn't expected much more out of this than one date. He'd been starting to be worried that she was looking for a long-term relationship, and he'd never be able to do that. Not with Yami around. "That's okay, Anzu. I understand. So who is it that you really want to go out with? Honda? Bakura?"

Anzu's eyebrows came together, and her eyes flashed dangerously. Yugi leaned back. Obviously he'd missed something important. "No, baka! I don't want to date any of them." Her expression softened. "You mean you really hadn't noticed?"

"Noticed what?" Now Yugi was truly confused. Surely she couldn't mean Jounouchi?

Anzu reached out and gently stroked his face. "Yugi, I've been attracted to your yami for a long time now."

"What!" Yugi didn't know what to think. A whirl of thoughts and emotions passed through him. Wounded male pride that she liked his yami better than him. Embarrassment that he would think that when he didn't really want her either. Possessiveness of his yami. Never would he let another invade his territory! Confusion that she had hidden it from him for so long.

Anzu was watching him, her emotions plain on her face. Clearly she expected this to end their friendship. Yugi fought to control the chaos within him, and he did the only thing he could think to do under the circumstances. "Anzu, no, I never realized. I guess I should have, but I didn't." His voice lowered. "And I have a confession to make too."

The girl took his hands in hers. "What ever could you need to confess? I'm so sorry to have led you on. I know you must be feeling horrible that I accepted a date with you when I really wanted to be with your yami. How could you ever forgive me?"

Yugi shook his head. "No, Anzu, it is I who should be asking forgiveness. I did not really ask you out because I was interested in you." He looked deep into her eyes, willing her to understand what he was about to say. "You are a dear friend and always will be. I will never forget all the times you have been there for me, even when those times were tough. I love you as a friend, but I can never love you as anything more than that. My heart is forever tied to Yami." As he spoke, he reached deep within himself, hoping for some sign that his other half was listening. But there was no more than the faintest tickle of presence in the link. Sighing, he turned his attention back to Anzu. "Can you ever forgive me?"

Anzu threw her arms around Yugi and held him tight. His heart leaped. Apparently he was to be forgiven, even after what he had done. "Oh, Yugi, of course I forgive you. It may sound odd to say this, but I'm actually glad you love me just as a friend. That love I can return willingly." She pulled back just enough to look at him, curiosity in her eyes. "But if you aren't attracted to me like that, then why did you ask me out?"

Yugi glanced away, embarrassed to admit the reason. "Umm, Yami has been driving me nuts, wanting me to be a 'normal' teenager. He's been bugging me for weeks to ask someone out." He shrugged. "I couldn't resist him anymore, so I figured if I was going to do it, I might as well ask someone I actually liked."

Anzu hugged him again. "I'm glad you asked me, Yugi. But why does Yami want you to date other people? Aren't you two...you know...a couple?"

Yugi sighed deeply. "I honestly don't know what we are now, Anzu. He's been so weird for weeks." He paused, making a connection. Speaking slowly, still thinking it through. "Ever since I turned eighteen."

Anzu frowned. "But what difference would that make?"

Yugi shook his head. "I'm not sure, but I think I'd better figure it out." He had a sudden thought and smiled. Of course, it would be perfect. If only Anzu would go along with it. "How would you like to go out with Yami?"

"What? You can't be serious."

Nodding, Yugi said, "But I am. If you're willing, that is."

Anzu's eyes shone in the diffuse, reflected light of the street lamps. "Of course I am. But why?"

Yugi looked at her intently. "Are you sure you want to? I mean, he's mine." He winced inwardly at the possessiveness in his voice, but he continued anyway. "I'm not giving him up for anyone. Not even you. So this would be a one-time thing. Are you prepared for that?"

Anzu looked him straight in the eyes and nodded firmly. "I understand. I can accept that." Blushing, she added, "It would be something to...to..." She trailed off.

Yugi smiled in understanding. "Something to hold in your dreams forever?"

Anzu looked away shyly, but nodded. "Yes, something like that." She peeked up at him. "Do you think he'll go along with it?"

"He'd better. He forced this on me."

"But why, Yugi? Why do you want to do this?"

Yugi shook his head slowly. "I'm not really sure. I guess you could say I'm playing a hunch here. Maybe it's not me who needs a bit of 'normal' experience. Maybe it's him who needs it." He paused to gather his thoughts. "You see, Anzu, it's easy to forget that he's been locked away in the puzzle so long. He's older than I am, and he's had so much more experience with...everything, but I wonder if he remembers what it's like to experience life outside of a game. I think he needs this."

Anzu nodded. "I can see that." Her eyes continued to glow. "And I'm more than willing to be the one to teach him."

Yugi reached out to hug her close. "Thanks. You're the best friend a guy could have."

Anzu hugged him back. "You aren't too bad yourself, Yugi."

They got up, and Yugi retrieved his vest. "I'll talk him into it. Could you be free tomorrow night?"

She nodded eagerly. "I'll be ready."

TBC