Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Razor Wire Shrine ❯ Razor Wire Shrine ( Chapter 1 )

* * *
Razor Wire Shrine
by Edmondia Dantes

Disclaimer: The characters portrayed herein are not my own, save for Takahashi - and we all know who I'm nodding to there.

AN: Takes place very early on in the manga, then proceeds to chew up canon and spit it out again. Rated 'R' for violence, yaoi content, and sexual situations.

* * *

Italics - emphasis or thought
/Blah/ - Yugi commuting telepathically to his other
//Blah// - Mou Hitori no Yugi communicating to Yugi
Mou Hitori no Yugi - literally, "the other Yugi" - from canon
Mou hitori no boku - literally, "the other me" - what Yugi calls Yami
Omote - literally, "outside" - canon term - refers to the sweeter selves of the yami halves
Aibou - what Yami calls Yugi, means partner
Fellahin, fellah - peasants, peasant

* * *

Warm honey light tumbled down through a pale filter of thin, dusty glass. Blue-lined paper lay crinkled beneath a careless grip, graphite-stained fingers were draped slack over imitation wood, and in the cool quiet of his sanctuary, all was silent.

He peered out from behind innocent amethyst eyes to spy on the strange new world that he had discovered upon his awakening.

Mumbling and whispering and muffled teenaged snickers sounded beneath the slow, droning voice of the calculus teacher. Ancient gum was stuck underneath the desk. Pens - the property of those who were actually awake - skittered constantly across paper. Notes flew from one pair of quick hands to another - the brief epistles occasionally interspersed with a flying paper football.

Fine lips curled back in disgust, sharp eyes narrowing in annoyance. Had these children no respect for their tutors? Were they truly so ignorant as to not value their learning?

Then again, what else could he expect from such lowly commoners? "Fellahin," he spat crudely, the word as violent as any curse. They should not dare to be anywhere near his property.

His mortal vessel trembled, and he sent a swirl of warmth down their bond in lieu of a whispered reassurance, knowing that his little one could hear him only faintly at best, and not at all if he did not concentrate.

"Do not trouble yourself, my omote," he murmured quietly to the empty chambers of his mind. "I will make certain all is well for you..."

Yugi Mutou shuddered violently, sending pencils clattering all over his desk and onto the floor. He started, scrambling to collect them without causing any more noise.

When the teacher sent him a harsh look, he shrank back and tried to disappear into his seat.

Those fine lips curled up into a disquieting smile, and he sent a wisp of anticipation sliding down their bond, just enough to make Yugi catch his breath and shiver.

"...do not trouble yourself, my precious one," he whispered again, slipping out the door, striding across the hallway that separated his self from his omote. He reached a tender hand out to run along the edge of the doorframe, turning to lean heavily against the warm wood.

He nuzzled gently against the brilliant strength of his soul, kohl-darkened eyes closing in contentment as he basked in the warmth and light of Yugi. No one will make you unhappy...

* * *

He stepped out into the afternoon sunlight, gaze wandering, searching, one hand lifted to shield his eyes from the brilliant glare. After a moment, his vision focused on his newfound friends, and he hustled through the crowd, trying not to trip or get mowed down by any one of a dozen burly seniors.

Yugi waved a hand urgently over his head, a wide grin splitting his face. "Honda! Jounouchi!"

The two sprang apart from where they had been huddled beneath a tree, turning to face him with identical sheepish looks plastered across their faces.

Yugi's steps slowed as he neared them, his bright eyes narrowing in thoughtfulness. When he finally reached them, he gave them an uncertain smile. "What's up, guys?"

An equally uncertain smile flickered across Jounouchi's face, and was it his imagination, or was the blond doing his best to avoid his gaze? "Not much, man, just... makin' plans for tonight," Jounouchi muttered, staring pointedly at a point somewhere over Yugi's shoulder.

Yugi could feel his stomach clench. "Oh? Like what?" he managed, trying to swallow down his apprehension.

The duo exchanged a quick glance, fidgeting, and he fought down the apprehension-turned-suspicion that sneaked at the edge of his consciousness. It's probably nothing...

"Er... well, Yugi, the thing is..." Honda began, hand behind his head and hesitating, "There's this party tonight, over at Kazuki's house..."

"And... uh, we were planning on going." Jounouchi finished for him, seemingly finding his shoes inexplicably interesting.

"...oh," Yugi managed around the lump in his throat, "I see."

"I mean, it's not like we're trying to leave you out or anything!" Honda exclaimed, waving his arms in frantic denial, "It's just that, well, the guys that'll be there - they aren't the kinda people you wanna be hanging out with, you know?"

Yugi just stared at them, slim fingers tightening on the straps of his backpack. "Sure."

Jounouchi shrugged awkwardly, offering him an uneasy grin. "Well, uh - no offense Yugi, but you shouldn't be there. It's just not your kinda thing, you know?"

Honda nodded an affirmative. "Yeah, maybe we'll take ya sometime later, when you get more talkative."

Jounouchi promptly reached over and smacked him. "Honda!"

He rubbed his offended arm, scowling. "Sorry, man, but it's the truth. Yugi can't hang out with that crowd."

Jounouchi sighed and shrugged helplessly, turning back to Yugi apologetically. "Sorry, bud, but this really ain't what you wanna get involved in, no offense or nothing..."

So you're leaving me alone again...

Sharp tears burned behind his lashes, but he refused to let them fall, instead plastering on a plastic smile and nodding. "O-okay guys. I'll see you tomorrow."

Jounouchi flashed him a brilliant grin, turning to sprint off. "Catch ya later, Yugi!"

Honda grinned playfully at him, following in Jounouchi's tracks with a cheerful wave. "See you at school, man!"

Yugi bit his lip when he turned away, and managed a feeble wave. He doubted that they even noticed, but it was only once they rounded the corner that he let the first tears fall.

It was too far for him to run from Domino High to the Game Shop, so he shuffled along in silence, dragging his feet and hefting his backpack every once in a while. Alone again... it shouldn't bother him the way it did. After all, he was still too quiet and meek for his own good... and they hadn't been friends for more than a few weeks. Maybe it was just too soon to expect too much?

Slow shadows swirled in his mind, and he cringed even as the dark presence warmed him. //...aibou...?//

That soft, hypnotic voice - all shadows and velvet, creeping into his dreams and slipping against his senses - he knew it, he knew it. For the past few weeks... there was a stranger tucked beneath his skin, and he didn't know what to do.

Yugi shook his head violently, pretending not to hear. I don't want to know what's hiding behind my eyes...

Sharp laughter shocked him out of his reverie. "Well, well, well, if it isn't little Yugi..."

His eyes flew open, and he skittered backwards instinctively, eyes widening as his gaze fell upon the towering senior. Takahashi! Shit!

The darkness in the back of his mind pushed forward insistently, catching him off-guard and nearly hauling him backwards into the sanctuary of his soul room. He gritted his teeth and pulled back, unwilling to relinquish control to... to...

The older boy simply leered at him. "Got any money, little Yugi?"

Of course he didn't have any money, of course he didn't, he never had any money, hadn't they realized that by now?

//Let me out...//

His fingers clenched into the straps hard enough to turn his knuckles white. /No!/

//Let me play...//

He shook his head violently, gritting his teeth against the intrusion. /No! I'll handle this on my own! I'm not a child!/

Large hands suddenly seized the leather strap around his neck and pulled. "Well, this'll make up for it!"

Yugi gave a strangled squeak as he was shoved roughly back into his own mind, watching through eyes that were no longer his own as the slim figure lunged forward, twisted around, and smashed the heavy weight of his puzzle into the vulnerable flesh of his enemy's throat.

Takahashi went down with a violent curse, eyes bulging, sputtering for air.

The not-him slid forwards, sharp teeth bared, shadows rearing up to strike at their hapless victim -

NO! /Stop it!/

The darkness paused, and something like confusion slipped against him with all the softness of a butterfly kiss. //...?//

Yugi felt himself shiver. /Stop using me for this! I don't want it, I don't!/

The creature seemed to hesitate. //...//

/Don't do this!/ he begged, sudden tears burning in his eyes, /Don't make me a killer again!/

Fleeting warmth caressed his skin, and then he was alone again, standing on a street corner with a wide-eyed senior gagging at his feet. Takahashi stared up at him, gasping. "You - you watch yourself, Mutou. I'll kill you," he hissed, slowly staggering to his feet, but he had to stop to gag, rubbing his throat with a heavy hand. "Fuck it, you little shit, that hurt -"

Yugi paled, turned swiftly, and fled.

* * *

Home. He'd run past his grandfather and his mother and jumped into his bed - and suddenly he wasn't where he was anymore.

Muted light shone through his eyelids, and he blinked, sitting up, staring blankly at the stone walls that surrounded him.

It was quiet and calm and still in this - wherever he was. Yugi sniffled, pulling the blankets around him more tightly, casting an uneasy glance to the wooden door that stood, tightly shut, a few scant feet from his bed.

What was his bed doing here? What was he doing here?

That voice was there again, smooth and haunting, the tones delicate and imploring. //Aibou, come out of there...//

Yugi shivered, turning and burying his face into his pillow, trying to wish the door locked. It won't budge if I don't let it... it can keep the demon away...

He could sense the gentle touch when soft palms warmed the face of the wooden barrier, and he could feel the gentle caress of silken hair as it brushed delicately against the grain. He'd never seen his demon before, but he knew they had to be the same...

Yugi gave a tiny, helpless giggle. He was clearly going insane. Schizophrenia, that's what it was called, voices in your head and other personalities who can't be you but clearly are...

Coaxing now, like too-sweet honey and overripe fruit. //Aibou... talk to me, my little one...//

/Leave me alone!/ he sobbed quietly through his own choked laughter, /Stay away from me!/

A soft breath brushed against his sanctuary, and it smelled like rich wine and spilled blood. //...I'll never leave you alone.//

He shuddered violently, another sob wracking his body. It would be so easy to lose his mind like this... had it already gone? He just didn't know anymore.

/Leave me alone.../ he whimpered miserably, /Just leave me alone.../

A soft sigh emanated from beyond his door, and something inside him grew quiet and thoughtful as he felt the whole of his own stranger's body press up against his door. The touch warmed the chill, and though Yugi could sense it only imperfectly, he could feel the heat of him, sharp and black and beautiful.

Shadows curled around sin. //Never.//

Yugi's grip on the door loosened, but his demon didn't seem to notice, resting his forehead against the warm wood and stroking long fingertips along the side. The motion was gentle, and lulling, and it almost felt as though the other were caressing his skin instead of his door. The motions were slow, careful, and deliberate, it would be so easy to let himself sink into such unexpected gentleness... If it hadn't been for the deep undercurrent of rage that ran through the gentle touch, it would have been enough to soothe him.

Inside, Yugi kept crying.

* * *

He woke in the night, eyes wide, flinging his covers back and stumbling to his feet.

Small hands darted for and unconsciously scooped up the millennium puzzle, and he swung it over his neck without a thought, turning to peer out anxiously into the darkness.

...that sounded like Jounouchi, didn't it?

Sharp rage tore at his senses, and he tumbled back into his soulroom, gasping in shock. The other-?!

He flung his door open and hurled himself into what seemed to be a corridor, casting baffled eyes over the strange sight that greeted him. Where...? But that wasn't important! He looked around, calling as best as he could, /What are you-?!/

The voice settled like molten sugar over his senses, and he swayed, bewildered. //Hush, my precious one. We have a game to play.//

...we do? We can play...? - No! No no no! I told you I don't want this anymore! /Stop it! Stop doing this!/ he screamed in protest, pleading with the darkness that seemed to wrap enticingly around him.

He felt the sly curve of his lips turn up while his shadow smirked. //We can't.//

Yugi wrapped his arms around himself and shivered, staying still and quiet in the chill silence while slim hands flung open his window.

Yugioh leapt gracefully out into the shadows, grinning in delight.

* * *

A can clattered somewhere in the darkness, and Katsuya Jounouchi jumped.

His best friend just snorted. "For the last time, we're not being followed." A beat passed before he spoke again. "And this is stupid."

The other boy didn't reply, just kept a wary eye out behind him, at least until he was punched in the arm by his companion.

They shuffled down the sidewalk, trading dirty looks. "This is stupid," the brunette announced again, "This is really stupid."

Jounouchi tossed his honey hair away from his eyes and snorted in an annoyed rebuttal. "No it's not."

Hiroto Honda shrugged. "It's almost eleven on a Friday night, you know."

The blond blinked. "So what? S'not like we're little kids anymore..."

Gold-gray eyes rolled in equal annoyance. "I wasn't talking about us, I was talking about Yugi."

Comprehension dawned, albeit slowly. "...you think he'll be up?"

Honda repressed a sigh. "Probably not."

After a moment's worth of consideration, Jounouchi shrugged. "We should apologize anyway."

Honda's nose wrinkled in distaste. "But - that's such a..."

Amber eyes gleamed with sudden mischief. "What, are you gonna tell me you ain't man enough to apologize when the situation calls for it?"

No one, not even a best friend, should dare to impugn upon a teenager's manhood. "That's not what I'm saying at all! I'm saying that - er..."

Jounouchi smirked impishly. "Yeah, go on," he taunted, "What are you sayin'?"

"Oi." The voice came out from the shadows, and they yelped and sprang together, scared witless by the suddenness of the greeting. The slim form that melted out of the darkness was a relief, but... why on earth would Yugi be up so late?

Jounouchi was the first to find his voice and loosen his deathgrip on Honda's coat. "H-hey, Yugi... listen, man, we were just thinking 'bout-"

Soft lips curved back in an uncharacteristic sneer. "Shut up," Yugi spat, thin brows drawing down, pajama-clad arms folding over his narrow chest.

Honda stared, jaw gaping. "...Y-Yugi?"

A tiny smile softened the harsh expression on his face, but the shadows around his slim form seemed disturbingly solid beneath the dim glow of the streetlights. "Would you like to play a game?" he asked softly, "With me?"

In the silence, a twig snapped.

After a moment, Jounouchi gulped loudly. "If-if we do, you'll hear us out, right?"

The smile deepened, grew a bit wilder, and Honda's stomach turned an unpleasant flip. "If you win."

Sudden, harsh laughter ripped through the thick atmosphere, and a brutish form lurched out of the darkness to loom over the smaller boys. Jounouchi and Honda let out brief shrieks of terror and tried unsuccessfully to hide behind each other.

Takahashi grinned, stepping closer, and cracked his knuckles. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the gathering of the little fags... how cute."

Jounouchi shook off his friend and took an aggressive step forward, eyes slitting as his body tensed to fight. "Takahashi? What the fuck are you doing here? Heh - you should hit the gym, you know. We knew you were following us all the way from the party."

A wide grin cracked his handsome face. "The only thing that needs hitting is your face. But thanks for the directions - I've got plans for your runt bitch."

Jounouchi growled and leapt forward, only to be grabbed by Honda. "Are you nuts!?" he hissed, "Think about what you're doing, idiot!"

The sound of the other boy clucking his tongue startled them both. "Heh. You wish to see me?" The tone was imperial, haughty, and they swung back to Yugi in startled unison, staring.

Takahashi gaped for a moment, unsettled, before his expression settled back into a customary sneer. "You owe me, brat."

One thin eyebrow rose delicately, the simple motion conveying a level of disdain it would be impossible to verbalize. "Do I? How so?" Yugi inquired, voice sounding like velvet and smoke all at once.

Takahashi's meaty fists clenched in anger while he fumed. "Don't think I forgot what you did to me, you little shit!"

"Oh. That. Very well, then..." Yugi raised a beckoning finger, an unholy grin crossing his lips. "Come play my game," he purred lowly, "I'll make it worth your while."

Takahashi gave an incredulous shout of laughter. "A game? Why the hell would I play a little game with you? What's in it for me?"

Long lashes drooped alluringly over eyes that seemed almost crimson in the poor light. "If you win? You get to kill me - and them, too, if you like."

Takahashi grinned fiercely down at the slender boy, laughter evident in his voice when he spoke. "Then I'm game!"

"Yes," Yugi agreed softly, eyes glinting, "That you are."

They shuffled back a few steps as Yugi drew farther away, trailed by the towering senior.

"Yugi - are you sure about this?" Jounouchi called anxiously after him.

A silken chuckle, rich and sinister, was the only reply. The two vanished beneath the shadow of the trees, and they were left staring after them, unsettled.

Honda shivered, even though the night air was comfortably warm. "Should we leave?"

Jounouchi shook his head vehemently. "We can't leave! Not now!"

Honda bit his tongue and cast a nervous glance at their surroundings. "But Yugi's tiny! He can't deal with someone like that!"

Jounouchi gave him a helpless glance. "Well then let's help him out!"

That was when the whimpering started.

"...momma? Momma, where are you - momma, please don't - momma, momma, don't hurt me, don't hurt me momma - momma, PLEASE!"

And dissolved into screaming.

"Momma! I didn't mean to - momma, what are you doing?! Momma?! Momma, DON'T!"

They exchanged a panicked look and darted beneath the rippling shadow of the trees.

And came out to see... nothing?

Jounouchi gulped, glancing around nervously. "Yugi?!" he called, bouncing anxiously on his tiptoes, "Yugi, where are you?"

Honda skidded to a stop beside him, eyes lighting on the slender figure of their friend, partially hidden within the shadows. "Yugi, man, are you -"

A soft snort was the only sound he made. "Heh. You shouldn't be here. You're trespassing on my game."

They exchanged a confused glance. Jounouchi paled, tugging at his collar, trying to gulp in air. "...Yugi?"

Another soft chuckle rippled through the still night. The voice was laughing now, dark and cruel and completely unlike their Yugi. "You really shouldn't..."

Jounouchi took another step forward, closer to the light, and clapped a hand to his mouth to keep from retching.

Yugi stood quietly beneath a tree, an ornate scimitar held loosely in one hand. A soft, cruel grin affixed his lips, and his ruby eyes were dark and roiling with some unknown power. Around his neck, his puzzle shone brilliantly, the warm glow of the streetlights giving it an unearthly sheen and making the Eye in its center seem to gleam with malevolence.

He stood carelessly, barefoot and graceful, in a pool of splattered crimson that seemed almost black in the night, heedless of the fact that it covered him from head to toe, seeming not to notice the horror in their eyes as they gaped at him. He was still wearing his pajamas, had the puzzle around his neck, and seemed almost normal... but this wasn't normal. This - this couldn't possibly be Yugi.

After a few long moments, Honda managed to force an incredulous wheeze past dry lips. "Yugi - Yugi, what the hell did you do?!"

Those inhuman eyes turned towards them, and he smirked, stepping lightly away from his prize.

The boy strung up in the tree never moved. He couldn't.

"God, there's so much blood..." Jounouchi breathed, voice muffled, stomach twisting.

"He trespassed on my soul," Yugi murmured, hefting his blade, twisting his delicate wrist while it the blood-soaked sword vanished into a swirl of nothingness. "So I stole his."

Jounouchi whimpered, hand clutching more tightly over his mouth to hold back the bile rising in his throat. "Yugi - Yugi... you aren't like this..."

"Yugi isn't like this," he murmured agreeably, "But I do not share that trait."

Honda stepped forward aggressively, eyes narrowed, but face deathly pale. "If you aren't Yugi - and you're not - then who are you?"

The not-Yugi seemed to consider that for a moment, thick lashes narrowed in thought. "A shadow," he murmured after a pause, slim fingers dropping to caress the puzzle that gleamed against his chest. "...freed by the light and called upon to save it."

Jounouchi spluttered, hands dropping to his sides only to curl into tightly-clenched fists. "Save it? You - Yugi?"

He inclined his head regally, golden bangs drooping low enough to brush against the leather collar that encircled his neck. "Hn."

Honda shuddered. "You can't SAVE someone by killing people!"

Jounouchi lunged forward, only to slam into solid air. He stumbled backwards, wheezing, eyes bright with rage. "Yugi - Yugi shouldn't be anywhere around you! Where the hell is he?" he roared, "Where IS he?!"

The darkness that swirled around them seemed to grow deeper as the boy took a delicate, utterly terrifying step forward. His feet were still bare, but drenched in blood. "I do not recall asking for your opinion, fool." Those brilliant eyes were very cruel as they turned towards Honda, full lips twisting in an unpleasant scowl. "And Yugi belongs to me. I may do with him as I choose."

Jounouchi staggered forwards and started pounding on the invisible barrier in front of him, teeth bared and snarling. "What the hell are you talking about?!" he bellowed, "What have you done to Yugi?!"

A tiny, disquieting smile slid delicately across those elegant features. "Only what he wanted," the stranger murmured coyly, raising long fingers almost idly to his lips.

He locked gazes with the two as he carelessly licked the blood from his fingertips.

Jounouchi felt his stomach heave.

"I think you should go now," the boy who was not Yugi murmured, and they were halfway across town before they realized that they were running.

* * *

"...silly little mortals..."

Yugioh laughed as he slipped back into Yugi's bedroom, careful to wipe his feet on the roof, and slid out of the room, down the hall, and into the bathroom. He flipped the tap, twisting the knob as far as it could go, ignoring the blood that remained smeared across the spotless steel fixture.

He jumped into the steaming shower, still clothed in Yugi's star-covered pajamas.

A soft sob resounded along the corridors of his mind, and for the first time since his game had started, he felt the shadows in his soul settle into a contented silence.

/...you...!/

He closed his eyes beneath the scalding spray, a soft, delicate smile playing on his lips.

Raw terror swirled against his mind, and he drew it close, a half-purr slipping from his parted lips.

/...! No!/ his aibou squealed, mentally lurching for the safety of his soul room. /Nonono!/

He simply rewound mental fingers around him and clutched the squirming essence closer to himself, humming low in his throat.

//Mine.//

He wiped shampoo away from his eyes, chuckling quietly to himself, pressing closer to Yugi's sweetness, while the water beneath his feet slowly darkened to a violent crimson.

* * *

The sodden pajamas fell to the floor in a heap, and he dragged on a new pair of pants before flinging himself into Yugi's narrow bed and plunging back into the corridor that joined their souls.

He moved carefully, only soft footsteps revealing his motion - lighter than fog in the utter stillness of their soul. This time, his motions were the slow, purposeful stalk of a predator. And this time... there would be no escape. Not again. His little treasure had nowhere to run. Why should he run? He'd won, after all...

A soft, soft smile, sweet as tainted honey, curved the fullness of his lips.

They had never seen one another before. He caught his breath as he drank in the sight, mesmerized. They both wore what Yugi had worn to school that day, and it should not have come as a surprise, but still - his little one was beautiful.

Delicate, pale, fragile. Soft as a dream, sweeter still than wine. Gentle and shy and uncertain. His prize. His savior.

Such a pretty thing. Pretty, pretty little thing.

Pretty petrified little thing.

Wide wide wide eyes - amethyst flecked with silver, shimmering bright and fevered with terror. Soot-black lashes stood out harshly against his pale face, and he wondered how they would feel brushing against his skin.

"Aibou..." He let the word drip from his lips like the invitation that it was. Careful footsteps drew him closer to his little one, while he absently wiped the blood from his hands, letting it splatter down the ebony leather that now hugged his lithe form. Mental echoes lasted much longer than physical traces, and he did not notice the dark trail it left in his wake.

Whimper. A tiny, fragile sound, humming in the silence, while his precious one panted for air that refused to slip into his lungs.

Soft shaking little omote... so vulnerable... this tiny creature needed him so much...

A gulp. He was frozen in mid motion, slight fists raised in a parody of defense, body tight and thrumming with tension, ready to flee. "...mou - mou hitori no boku...?" The words were a question, an odd turn of phrase, but he supposed the invocation was suitable enough.

Yugi flinched when he stepped closer. "Wha- what are you doing here?"

Silly little thing. He needn't be afraid - no longer. Those who had trespassed upon his soul had been slaughtered - he was safe now. A sharp, poisoned smile curved his lips up further, baring too-sharp white teeth. Safe now. Safe and secret all tucked away in shadow. He'd never let him be hurt... "Aibou?"

Nervous footsteps - uncertain and awkward. Yugi shuffled backwards, overlarge eyes glazed and unblinking, small, sharp teeth catching on soft flesh and staining too-pale alabaster with crimson.

His brows furrowed in confusion. Why had his omote done such a thing? He crept closer to that tiny form even as his little one backed away still more, only halting when he ran up against the stone walls.

He couldn't protect his sweet savior from self-harm... But why had he - had he done something wrong? Was his precious one angry with him? But why? What had he done...? "Aibou...?"

He raised delicate fingertips and pressed them tenderly against his abused lips, carefully wiped away the blood - and soft breath hitched reflexively while he slipped still closer, long arms folding against the wall, trapping his omote's slight body between pale blue stone and cruel beauty. Brilliant eyes narrowed calculatingly as he gazed down at his new prisoner, trying to puzzle out why his pretty treasure cringed and tried to look away.

He didn't like it when his little one refused to meet his gaze, so he nudged his chin up, letting his hand linger on the pale, delicate flesh of his throat.

Beneath his grip, Yugi trembled, pulse fluttering enticingly against his palm.

Finally certain that he had his full attention, he turned his thoughts to softness and heat, admiring the delicate fall of the golden hair that lay limp and clinging to pale flesh; the alluring curve of thick lashes over muted violet; the slow shuddering breaths that raised his narrow chest, ghosted through torn lips and brushed against his face like a stolen kiss.

Oh, his little one was so shy, so innocent... he shifted closer, sliding a firm thigh between slim legs, relishing his shocked gasp, the sudden flood of heat that colored the paleness of his cheeks, the way his slim fingers scrambled for purchase on the slick surface behind him. Don't try to run - don't you know I saved you?

He lifted his fingers to his own lips, eyes locked on his omote, leaning close enough to inhale his breath. The seductive flash of pink tongue dragged along molten gold, lapped up spilled rubies, and his delicate one shivered at the intimate motion.

Don't be afraid, sweetling... I can take care of you, I can keep you safe, I'll keep you and hold you here forever... all you have to do is give me you...

His aibou whimpered aloud - caught up and tangled in darkness, frozen in terror. But why was his little omote so afraid? Because of the fallen?

He smirked. Worthless fellah. To think that he could lay a filthy finger on his little one? Soil him with his putrid desires and selfish, pathetic dreams? Touch that pale skin and bruise it with the clumsy, churlish cruelty of his ignorant hands?

Never.

He'd enjoyed the slaughter that finished his game. He'd laughed as the worthless fool fell limp before him, an empty sack of splayed limbs and spilled blood, choking on his own tongue and driven mad by shadows.

/Why won't someone save me?/ It was a tiny, helpless plea, made to nothingness and no one, and he couldn't stop the frown that crossed his face.

//What do you mean, aibou? I already saved you... You're safe here, now, with me...// The shadows deepened while he tilted his head, his blood-soaked gaze covetous and puzzled, and his aibou did his best not to quail beneath the heat of his stare.

He smiled and pressed closer. Closer still - too close. His aibou was soft and warm even through the layers that parted them - soft and warm and sweet.

Blood rushed to his aibou's cheeks again, staining moonstone with crimson, and the older boy leaned down and brushed his tongue along the sweetness of his parted lips.

Trembling sugar. Almost too sweet. Almost too soft. Almost too perfect.

Almost.

He drew in a breath that tasted like Yugi.

Almost too perfect - but not quite.

Tears built, glittering, in his little one's eyes, and he lifted his fingers to touch them, fascinated. The liquid was warm as blood against his skin, and he pressed his aibou up against the wall and bent to taste his tears.

Yugi was so soft... so soft and there was salt on his tongue and his little one was so warm... His arms raised and clutched that sweet form tightly to himself, pressing against his heat, letting his fingers slip beneath his school jacket and tighten around the black leather that lay hidden beneath virgin white.

Slick leather warmed his palms, and he squeezed him, coaxing a startled squeak past the soft curve of his lips. His precious one was trembling - trembling, but making no attempt to flee.

The air was very still, and in the heavy silence, still he lapped away his tears. Have and hold and own... thick craving stirred in his stomach, slow and black and greedy, and he hissed softly, pressing closer. Soft... soft and so warm...

His aibou's silent sobs finally ceased, and he raised his head and closed his mouth over Yugi's with all the tenderness he could manage, slipping his tongue into delicious sweetness while his little one stiffened in his arms.

Yugi gave a strangled whimper, lips parting further, and he shuddered a bit, pushing farther into slick heat. Melting sugar candy and sweet wines and he was so shy, so shy... soft and slippery and squirming and his mouth was so wet... gods, he could finally breathe again...

Small hands hesitated - then drifted up to clutch nervously at his sleeves. His lashes parted, and he peered curiously into his aibou's eyes, their sparkling colors shadowed with confusion and apprehension - but he wasn't making any attempt at resistance.

Drowsy heat slipped down their bond, softer than a sigh, nearly as soft as the bruised delicacy of his lips. /...why are you hurting me?/

He curled his tongue instinctively around Yugi's, drawing forth an exquisite whimper from the depths of his soul. What could his precious one possibly mean? This was a gift... //I'm not hurting you.//

The grip on his sleeves softened while hesitant fingertips slid beneath the fabric of his own jacket, trembling as they curved against sleek leather. Yugi sighed into his mouth, shaking. /...you - you're hurting me./

He pulled his lips reluctantly from the slippery sweetness that was Yugi, squeezing that slim form tighter. //What do you mean? I'm only giving you what you want...//

Tiny fingernails scraped over the taut fabric of his shirt, soft violet sharpened with crystal shards of unshed tears. /I wanted someone to love me!/

...what? He didn't understand, so he kissed him again, reveling in the instant acquiescence the motion afforded. He rubbed against Yugi, just a little, just because it felt good, just because he wanted to touch him. He wanted to touch him so much... //I love you...// he realized slowly, //I do love you...//

If he had been able to move, he was certain Yugi would have shaken his head. /No, no! You don't! You don't!/

He let his hands wander down his spine, clutch at soft curves, just enough to make them both gasp. //I do.//

/...liar./ It was a whimper. Soft and broken and empty.

He wanted to laugh. //I love you!//

Yugi squirmed against him, but he dug his nails into delicate alabaster, and he stilled. /I didn't ask for any of this!/

Soft lips pulled back, and curved in a brief, frozen smile. This soft little creature - glaring now, glorious eyes narrowed, fuming from only a breath away. Defiant. His grin deepened, widened, and he caught his tiny wrists and pinned them behind his head, holding him still and shining against the chill confines of their soul.

Bristling. Like a little hissing kitten. Tiny. So pretty and so gentle and so fascinating... even in his rage. //You asked me to love you. I do love you. I gave you what I wanted.//

Confusion skittered across his features, and despite his obvious trying, he gulped nervously. /...what you wanted?/

He let his hands drop, burying his fingers in thick crimson, holding Yugi in place with his body. Soft and sleek... gold shrouded his vision when he leaned forward and slipped his tongue along the shell of his ear.

//How fortunate...// A harsh bite, a tiny mewl, and soft mouths locked impatiently together again, sharp teeth closing ungently over bruised lips, slippery and fierce and wet. //How fortunate that your desires coincided with my own...//

Hesitance, but he accepted the embrace with only hint of carnal hunger to betray him. /I didn't want.../

His pretty aibou was just being silly now, grasping at straws for the sake of a morality that did not apply to him. //Then why don't you stop?//

The eager hands that had begun to slip beneath his shirtfront froze in mid-motion, sudden shock blasting down their link and leaving him smug and half-drugged from the taste of his fear.

He drew back, pulling away from his omote's mouth with a soft gasp, gulping in air. Still tangled in his arms, Yugi swayed, panting, a dark flush painted on his face.

//...aibou...// he purred, tugging sharply on the thick masses of hair clenched in his fingertips.

Dawning horror started to film in his eyes, deepening the color, and against his chest, he could feel his heart pounding.

...but he wasn't going to fight it.

He smiled. Rough hands darted beneath black leather, and his little one moaned and pressed against him, squirming closer, even when he could taste the terror in the delicate press of his parted lips.

Heat. Soft pleading. His protests were gone - all he wanted now was him.

Yugioh smiled and bit down, relishing the tiny cry that tore from his lips. Tangy copper swirled into his mouth, and he squeezed soft flesh and made his aibou gasp and whimper.

Sweet heat. Softness. Begging.

Wanting. Craving. Longing. Pent-up passions, and now that his little one was warm and responsive and hungry and eager...

They stumbled awkwardly into the safety of Yugi's soul room, shedding jackets and collars and belts as they went.

Softhotperfectwetwanting...

He forced open that sweet mouth - slickwetyes! Small hands tugged and pushed until he shoved him down and tore off the last remnants of his clothing, until Yugi lay sprawled and flush and starving beneath him. Scrambling - holding and stroking and petting and groping and he was so soft... trembling and crying and gods he wanted... so much more...

He dragged his tongue down shuddering porcelain while Yugi moaned and mewled for him. Gods, he was slippery and impatient and pulling and rough and his aibou was so soft underneath him... sun-warmed silk and squirming want, soft frantic cries and breathless moans - oh gods so warm... pale skin already drenched in sweat and tears and caressed by kiss-bruised lips...

And when Yugi pulled him deep inside his body, he caught his breath and tried not to cry aloud while his precious one wailed and wept for him.

Pleasure... sweet, frantic, smooth and deep and oh gods he felt... felt...

To move against him, move within him... Ra, so soft and so hot and so right... pretty little broken aibou, so helpless and so hungry... so slick and soft and tight and yes... all pleading and wet and trembling and... gods... //I love you,// he whispered tenderly, sliding along his skin and lapping away sweet salty tears. //Love you, only you, my own aibou, mineminemine...//

Whimpering. Slim hands caught and tangled in his hair. Tiny, pleading mewls tore from the back of his aibou's throat, swift and breathless, while Yugi shuddered and tried to cling tighter. So sweet, so fragile... /Mou-mou hitori no - no boku...!/

He closed his teeth over pale flesh, reveling in the soundless whimper that tumbled past his pert little mouth. Gods, he tasted... so good... //...ssh, aibou. Ssh...//

Soft and panting and breathless. Soft and soft and soft and soft... slim thighs locked tight around his waist, scrambling fingertips racing over his skin, and he was so soft when he cried... arching and twisting and mmmsweetyes...!

/...?/ Yugi cooed inquisitively, tugging hard at his hair, pressing an open mouth against his own, insistent and slippery and hungry and yes...

Gods - it was so good... pressing so hard into that sweet form and he kept gasping and whimpering and he was so desperate and helpless... so tender and so fragile and so tiny... //My little one... I own you...//

Glazed eyes fluttered open, revealing drowsy, misty amethyst. Sharp teeth caught his lip and he pressed against him more insistently, shifting deeper inside molten heat. So good... tiny hips arched up, and he slammed down, and - gods! So tight! A soft cry escaped him, quick and unbidden, and Yugi threw back his head and keened in agonized delight. /Mmm... yes...!/

He pushed him down just a little harder, just enough to coax shimmering tears down the soft curves of his skin, just hard enough to send muted crimson blooming beneath salt-slicked moonstone.

//You're mine.// Soft mouth bruised and slick beneath his own. So good. Squirming heat. So tight. Drowning. Crying. Sharp little nails clawing at his back. Desperation. The heat... Ra - more!

So good. /...yes./

So good... //Mine! My aibou! Only mine!//

Sweat-slicked skin. Sobbing. So tight, so tight - honey and wine and velvet silk and he wanted more, he had to have more, he... aibou... gods... //Mine!//

Closer... he needed... /Yes...!/

Harder. Rougher. Bite and squeeze and pinch and lick and hold and ravage - take and have and own and yes...!

Just enough to make him scream.

* * *

Later still, his precious one lay pale and shaking in his arms, silent tears pouring down his face and sliding down his naked skin.

He held him close and tight and jealously, arms and legs tangled around his little one, both of them buried inside a thick cocoon of blankets, pressing kisses into his skin and murmuring soft endearments against his hair.

Yugi wouldn't stop sobbing.

He ran his hands down soft flesh, bruised and darkened and tender where he'd been harsh and possessive, claiming the sweetness of his Yugi for himself - himself and none other.

But why did his precious one still weep?

//I love you,// he whispered, and kissed his sore lips, //I love you so much, my aibou, my light...//

/...love you,/ Yugi wept soundlessly, /Love you.../

They lay together, Yugi soft and clinging, still sobbing, while he tightened his hold and ran his fingertips along the sleek curve of his spine.

//My precious little one...// He squeezed him just a little bit tighter, biting his lip. Had he done this wrong? He'd just wanted... just wanted to have his aibou... was that wrong? //...sweet one, why do you...? Have I upset you?//

Yugi just kept crying.

And he didn't know what to do, so he just held him as tightly as he could and pressed kisses against his sweat-dampened face.

In the protective veil of the darkness, he could not see the blood that caked beneath his fingernails, nor the rusty trails that glowed like brands down the paleness of Yugi's skin.

* * *

The sound of sirens forced him into wakefulness, and he shivered, trying to bury his head further beneath his pillow.

...it couldn't be morning yet?

Yugi shoved his pillow away and let his eyes flutter open, trying to focus on his surroundings. He couldn't seem to get the world to fall into place. What had happened...? He glanced down at the messy tangle of blankets around his ankles, and frowned, fingering the dark blue fabric. These weren't the pajamas he'd worn to bed the night before...

//Good morning, aibou.// The words were a low, smug drawl, sinking into his mind like so much molasses, and he cringed reflexively, jerking up and wrapping his arms around his knees, shuddering when lazy eyes met his own. He could see right through him, his form ghostly and translucent, and he blinked hard, disconcerted.

His other leaned over and tapped him on the nose, unsmiling, but there was a certain softness in his expression that hinted at the peculiar tenderness he had shown the night before. Yugi could feel the touch only vaguely, finding the sensation pleasantly warm and tingling. It left a soft dusking of crimson across his cheeks and he found himself more than a little flustered.

...how was he even able to exist outside his soul room? He'd never been able to do that before, he wasn't he couldn't possibly...!

//Magic,// he breathed, and rolled onto his side, winding slim arms around his waist and burying his face in Yugi's stomach. Yugi gave a startled squeak, face flaming, and nearly fell over. It felt so strange, not like a real hug, but...

/Y-you! You - you can't be here...!/ He scrambled backwards, wriggling out of the embrace, and sprang from his bed as quickly as he could. /It's not possible! You can't just-/

The elder boy stretched out across the bed, rested his chin on folded arms and raised an elegant brow, lips pulled back in a smirk. //Can't just what, aibou?//

Yugi staggered backwards and nearly tripped over his desk chair, instead landing in it with a muffled curse and a yelp. "Ow! Dammit!" Sharp pain lanced up his spine, and he hunched over his desk with a soft hiss.

What had he done that could make his back ache this much - oh. But that didn't make any sense. How could something that had happened in his soul room affect his physical form...?

He looked down at his arms, seeing for the first time the faintest hint of feathery pink intermingled with alabaster. ...he did that to me, and... I let him... I let him...

Tears sprung to his eyes, and he buried his face in his hands, trying to gulp in air that suddenly didn't want to stay in his lungs. Oh God, I let him... A violent shiver wracked his spine, and he curled over the desk more closely, biting his lip, ever-conscious of the possessive eyes that shadowed his every move.

After a tense, trembling moment, he was able to lift his face to the sunlight pouring in his window, swallowing a sob. He'd let him... he'd let him, but it was all right, he was all right, he hadn't hurt anyone... anyone but himself, and now he knew he'd be safe... his other half wouldn't let anyone hurt him ever again...

He drew in a deep, calming breath, looked out the window, and nearly threw up.

"No..."

That couldn't be what he knew it had to be.

It couldn't be.

It was an accident, those happened all the time! A horrible, messy, stupid accident right outside his house, how odd, how strange! A street fight, it WAS a street fight, it had to be! Or maybe just some guy who crashed into a tree!

And someone had spilled tomato soup everywhere, and it got all sorts of things wet, and that wasn't what he thought it was, it wasn't, it wasn't, it wasn't! And the police swarming everywhere, and the reporters, and that wasn't a coroner's van, it couldn't be, it just couldn't!

He lifted a pale fist to his mouth to stifle a wail and ran back into the sanctuary of his soul room, slamming the door and sealing himself in the precious silence of his own mind.

A delicate footfall resounded through the silence, and he looked up through tear-blurred eyes at his beautiful other half, crouching before him.

Yugi spared a glance towards his door - which was sealed tightly shut. ...I let him in, he realized numbly, I let him...

His other half lay delicate fingers on his waist, coaxed him upwards, and he followed the motion bonelessly, allowing himself to fall into his slender chest. Slim arms wrapped around him, scooped him up, and the other boy hefted him gracelessly onto his bed.

He closed his eyes while the other laid him down, slid over his body, tucked himself close and warm and lovely and terrible and God there was a murderer lying on top of him...

He choked on a hiccup and sniffled miserably, cringing when moist lips touched his skin, softer than breath.

...oh, God... oh God, what have I done...?

The lips gave way to sharp teeth, and he squealed, squirming, eyes flying open, only to meet a quizzical crimson gaze. //...?//

/...what did you DO oh God what did you do what did you DO!?/ He knew he was bordering on hysteria, was about to start screaming and shrieking and wailing, but...

An odd, delicate smile curved the fullness of his other's lips, the deep crimson of his eyes glowing with satisfaction. Long fingers slipped over his cheek, and his shadow pressed his face against his neck, a low purr rumbling in his chest. //What you wanted.//

Yugi's eyes widened in sudden, stunned realization, hands scrambling to shove the other boy away.

The boy on top of him pulled back and blinked lazily at him, delicate fingertips clasping his wrists, halting his motions with a gentle, puzzled stare.

//Aibou? What's the matter?//

He stared up at that beautiful face, felt the warm concern thrumming in the back of his mind, and managed to curve his lips into a twisted parody of a smile. /I.../

The gentle grip grew bruising. //Aibou?!//

/...I love you,/ he whispered, and closed his eyes and sobbed.

Thick heat settled over his skin. //...my aibou...//

Slender hands released his wrists and lifted to tangle into his hair, warm, familiar lips closing tenderly over his own. After a moment, a soft question brushed against his soul, the words tender and confused, bright and sharp with worry. //...aibou? Why - why are you crying?//

You don't even understand, do you? You don't even know - oh God, Is this what I've become?

Yugi shuddered and pulled his new lover closer, trapping his deadly beauty within the sanctity of his arms. /It's nothing, mou hitori no boku... nothing.../

Cautious hesitance swirled down their link, tenuous and uncertain. //...are you certain?//

He felt the beginnings of a hysterical giggle bubble in his throat, and repressed it as best he could. He wasn't crazy yet... not quite yet... so very close, but not quite yet. /...yes./

Yugi leaned up and forced his lips more urgently against his other's mouth, letting his hands close around warm flesh and slick leather, swallowing the purr that thrummed against his tongue. If he closed his eyes and focused on the feel of his lover, he could accept it. He could accept his terror, he could accept his madness, he could accept everything except the heat and violence of his beautiful, beautiful other.

He could even accept looking out the window to see the mangled corpse of his tormentor, dangling from the tree and splattered messily over the sidewalk.

And he could accept that this boy, tangled in his arms and kissing him so desperately, had killed him. He could even accept that somehow, sickeningly, something inside of him rejoiced at the thought.

He could.

//I'll do anything for you.//

/I know, mou hitori no boku. I know./

* * *

The End

* * *

Author's Note: Things are not always as they appear to be, and the following note may explain something about this fic that may prompt you to reread it, keeping the contents of the note in mind. Or, as my beta-reader put it, "This may be worth a reread..."

Firstly, I'll address the matter of the title. It has to do with Mou Hitori no Yugi and his relationship with his omote, unsurprisingly enough. More specifically, it refers to what he has built for Yugi. He's created a safe, sacred place where he can protect him, while keeping the others away from Yugi - hence the razor wire. But he has a skewed sense of perception - it's a shrine - but he's the god. It's like the inversion of hubris, and the god has the elevated vision of the mortal. And since he has a helpless savior, he must protect him and love him. He loves him, so he builds him a shrine. He must protect him, so he binds it in razor wire to keep the peasants out, and all those who are unworthy far away.

On the subject of Mou Hitori no Yugi as a character, as he is presented in this fanfiction - this particular fic takes place very early on in the manga. You know, back in the good old days when he was willing to kill people in various interestingly gruesome ways for the crime of picking on Yugi or his friends. His behavior in this fanfiction is a consequence of that - he cares nothing for anything except Yugi, and what makes Yugi happy. Yet he manages to hurt Yugi - because they have had only limited contact up until this point, he is not aware that his actions can cause pain, and especially not to Yugi, who he regards with both passion and possessiveness - after all, how could he not adore the one who gave him life?

Yugi himself is in this situation for something - mainly reassurance from the one he fears the most. By now, he has realized that he isn't exactly alone in his own head - and isn't it a scary thought that someone could use your own hands to wring someone else's neck?

Well, it might also have something to do with the fact that he winds up sleeping with a homicidal maniac - and that he is an active and willing, if submissive, participant.

Did you note the wording upon instigation of copulation? Yugi initiates it. He is establishing the boundaries of his own control. Unconsciously, yes, and he's still very controlled by his other half. But Yugi's own rebellion is in what he allows. So why does he keep crying if he's asserting himself?

Because Yami can't stop him. With most other things, he can muscle his way in and take over - as proven by the example in the fic, with the bully. Every other time, Yami simply uses body language to assert his control, either by inducing pain or pleasure. Either way, he binds Yugi more tightly to himself, which was his main desire anyway. But he would never consider dishonoring Yugi via rape - so he waits for him, and Yugi gives in, which only binds them more tightly together.

The main mistake that Yugi makes in this fic is that he does not know what he is getting into, or even why he is getting into it. Instead, he follows his instincts, as he usually seems to do. On a conscious level or not, he realizes that Yami both wants and needs him, and his selfless nature causes him to react to that need by giving Yami exactly what he desires most: himself.

Yami no Yugi is very covetous of Yugi, and wants to own him in every way that he can. However, if he gets his way, he would only wind up crushing him. This is why it is so important that Yugi can set and hold those boundaries - even when he is sinking faster into Yami's proverbial net.

So why does he cry?

Because he can - and because he realizes what he's done. Yugi is very different from Yami in that respect - because Yami doesn't understand why Yugi is still crying. What Yami wants is to utterly take care of a Yugi who will not permit it. Yugi, in return, fears losing himself to his other. However, what he should fear is not so much a loss as... a leeching, of sorts. Yami is trying to keep Yugi the way he is. His desire is to drown himself in his sweeter half and keep him absolutely safe, and keep Yugi for himself alone. Although he cannot recognize it as such, what his desire would wind up doing is to create a lovely cage and trap Yugi there willingly, all for their shared pleasure and satisfaction. He cannot be doing wrong if he is protecting the one who needs him the most... can he?

So Yugi gives his token protests, and fights a little - asserts his own control, enough so that his cage has an open window. But does he really want to leave it?

Questions and comments are always welcomed at mjalta@yahoo.com.