Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Reflection ❯ why you should never trust a spirit with cough syrup ( Chapter 3 )

Reflection

Disclaimer: Don't own it, don't want to. If I did I wouldn't be able to write fanfiction.

Author's notes:

Hello there ladies and gents!

Finally here is the third installment of "Reflection". This thing has turned out amazingly long, one of my longest chapters in a story yet, longest being 26 and a half...

So yeah..this story was written, on way too many different levels.
From Pepsi-hi, to bad mood saturday's, to 'no food in my stomache' days...
To just plain "blown a fuse". Lol.

So you get a lot.

Yami: You made my aibou sick.

Yugi: But you got to take care of me.

Yami: True..

Yugi: *smiles*

Becca: Ugh.. don't. Lol.

Yeah! And the rating JUST went up to PG-13, because Bakura really swears in one scene, I think Yugi really cheesed the poor boy off.

And, it just gets pointless; this chapter is pointless, swearing, humorous fun. Yami may be a little out of character, but I think I'd jump at the chance to annoy Bakura too.
(19 pages and counting according to Msword…wow)

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Chapter 3 - Nurse Yami

Alternately titled:
why you should never trust a spirit with cough syrup
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3:30 AM

Snapping my eyes open I look around attempting to place where I am. Upon further inspection I realize I am in my Hikari's room, the lights are on, and I'm transparent again. I must have, in the course of a few hours, given up with keeping my full form, as Yugi's fever had dropped and he had not woken since Ryou gave him some purple liquid.

A soft moan reaches my ears and I snap my head to look at the young teen in bed.

Once pale cheeks were now tinged an unhealthy red again, and his entire face glistened with sweat as his bangs clung to him. Creasing my forehead in concern I stand up and move to his side. Solidifying my form I hear him mutter under his breath then shift in bed.

"Yugi?" I question and gain only another unintelligible mumble in return. "Hikari, wake up." I say going to shake him, but upon touching his skin I pull back in shock, his fever had risen again!

"Ra…you are burning up little one!" I exclaim and move to turn around, but before I could get an inch his eyes snap open. Where once glittering with emotion his violet eyes were glassy and drooping though he was awake, I think.

"Hikari?"

"Yami…I'm sorry." He mutters in a raspy tone of voice and a sense of confusion rushes over me.

"Sorry, whatever for young one?"

Silence ensued as his eyes shut, but snapped open again and he pushed himself up, this time more awake though now in a terribly feverish trance. "I'm sorry, for causing so much trouble, for hurting anyone, it's all my fault Yami! All my fault!" he cried and launched himself into my arms causing me to stumble back into the chair I once occupied.

Pulling him closer in my arms I place a finger under his chin, tilting his face to look at me. Grimacing at the unnatural warmth and almost dead expression I reply softly, "What is all your fault? Yugi, you've done nothing wrong, you are not making any sense."

"It is," he pressed, looking, not at, but beyond me," it must be, don't be mad, please don't be mad." he pleaded frantically, almost as if trapped in some nightmare.

"Yugi," I breathed out, eyes wide as his breathing quickened. Tears were now trailing down his feverish cheeks and he was back to incoherent mumbling again.

This was not right, not at all. Cursing the fates that his grandfather was out of town for a few weeks I gathered the younger boy in my arms and rushed out of his room and down the stairs. Setting him down on the couch and ripping the phone off the receiver I hit the redial button (very convenient when you're a spirit with a hard time remembering phone numbers...).

The phone rang 6 times before I nearly gave up, till a very groggy Ryou answered.

"Ryou!" I exclaimed and heard a startled cry from the other end then a heavy sigh.

"Yami...please tell me you at least know how to tell time." he mumbled sleepily. "I know you are a spirit and don't need sleep, but us mortals do and-"

"Yugi's gotten worse." I cut him off abruptly.

"What do you mean by that?"

"...I don't know, his fever seems to have returned, and it seems worse, and I believe he is hallucinating. He is awake, yet he is not." I said my eyes straying from the floor to the boy on the couch, unseeing eyes staring forward, mouth moving fractionally.

"Have you tried fully waking him up?"

"I doubt it will do any good, he's too far into his dream."

"You can wake him...what's he saying anyways?" Ryou asked, stopping his initial reply.

A curious expression passed my face as I examined my Aibou closer. "At the moment I cannot tell, he's silent now, almost like a zombie, but before he kept apologizing."

"Apologizing?" was the concerned reply.

"Yes. He kept insisting that 'it was all is fault' and that he was 'sorry for hurting anyone'. Ryou, what is going on with my hikari!" I demanded.

"I-" he started then paused and sighed. "It's very complicated Yami, confusing...just, do you remember what I did earlier to help take his fever down?"

Blinking at the switch of topics I nod then realize he can't see me, "Yes...you put some clear liquid on his wrists-" stopping abruptly I turn and look at Yugi, who sways where he is sitting and begins to fall forward. Phone now forgotten I jump over the side table and catch my young counterpart before he hits the ground, realizing he's now back to being half unconscious.

Narrowing my eyes dangerously I look the younger boy over as he starts to shiver fiercely. "Ryou!" I call and, gathering my light into my arms once more, claim the phone, "his health is degrading rapidly! He is trembling, and back to his semi-conscious state." I growl low in my throat and sense the hesitation in the white haired hikari's voice when he speaks next.

"As I was saying before you decided to leave...Yami, the clear liquid, rubbing alcohol, it's on the counter in the kitchen, get that, and a rag and lay Yugi down in his bed." He paused and I blinked, spotting the little container on the opposite end of the kitchen.

"Pour a little on the rag and then rub it on both of his wrist, his palms and the bottom of his feet...make sure he doesn't move for at least 15 minutes, physically restrain him if it gets to that point. By then the fever should have broken, you do know how to take his temperature don't you?" At my grunt of approval he sighed in relief. "Do that before you use the rubbing alcohol, after 15 minutes check his temperature again, if it hasn't dropped any try again, if it's still not working then call. I'll have Bakura bring me over at ten to see how Yugi's doing alright?"

(A/N: You may think that sounds weird if you've never used home remedies before, but I've done it to myself, taken a fever of 102.6 down to 100.5 in 25 minutes...of course it may have been longer, I think I dozed...lol)

Silent for a moment I sighed in unrest when I noticed Yugi looking at me blankly again, grimacing I muttered under my breath, "all right, all right, I accept that for now. This had better work Ryou."

"Trust me Yami, it will. Today and tomorrow will be the worst of it, then he should get better. Just, be patient." he said and I snorted under my breath and hung up.

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9:10 AM

At this point I thank the gods that spirits don't sleep. From 3:30 on it was a struggle to keep my young counterpart still. The fever rose to a dangerous level, taking his hallucination with it, and only after two tries with that alcohol, did it finally fall to about 101.2, manageable.

Closely inspecting the one on my mind I sighed, the unnatural color had faded to an almost rosy pink and he no longer looked to be in pain, as his eyes were shut and he seemed to be resting peacefully. But looks can be deceiving, no longer was he hallucinating, now ever so often, he'd cough, either violently or slightly.

Keeping my eyes trained on his face I attempted to figure out everything that had been going on. First he hides from me his thoughts and what he sees, blocking me from his senses. He attempts to hide his emotions, but this is futile, as our bond has advanced so far that I fear even I cannot hide mine from him. He goes so far as to leave the Sennen Puzzle at home when he goes to school, and I know the bruises I caught on him weren't from natural occurrences. Contrary to certain company he keeps, my Aibou is not a klutz.

Last night I found him curled up crying, in the rain, on a bridge and looking dead to the world. I swear a piece of my heart shattered when I saw him like that. But what could have caused all this heartache and secrecy from my little light, why would he hide from me what he knows I could find if I truly wished. (Though we know he wouldn't...)

When I found out who has done this to him I'll-

"Yami?" a weak voice startles me out of my thoughts and my eyes focus.

"Aibou, should you not be resting?" I ask automatically as he sits up, leaning against the backboard of his bed, eyes still partially closed.

"I am, but...when I woke up, you were staring at me, and it looked like you were trying to do something, I don't know...like bore a hole through my forehead?" a trace of a smile played on his lips as he says this before coughing slightly.

Having the grace to look semi-ashamed I lean back in my chair and examine him further. The light was back in his eyes, and he was smiling, though it was weak. "Forgive me, I was merely thinking."

"Thinking? 'Bout what?" he asks curiously and I can't help but smile as he yawns right afterwards.

"Nothing that should concern you little one." I reply and lean forward, placing a hand gently on his forehead and smiling when I note only slight fever in him. "Excellent, your fever is nearly gone." I mutter and his eyes rise in confusion.

"You had a terrible fever last night, I believe it peaked at a hundred four point five before finally falling." I say brushing the bangs away from his eyes.

"That high?" he asks eyes going wide, "And you didn't rush me to the hospital?"

Casting him a glance I shook my head. "I called Ryou, and he told me how to reduce the fever, a...'home-remedy' he called it. Though I was not very fond of it, and you were not as compliant as I would have hoped."

"What you mean not compliant?" he asked before another fit of coughing took over and he groaned afterwards. "Sorry Yami," he apologizes and then looks up.

You do that entirely too much little one. I think and then sigh, "do not apologize for something if you have done nothing wrong."

Blinking he remains silent then repeats the cough, though it escalates a little bit in severity. "-S-sit...I'm fine." he mutters, "I did do something wrong though, I got sick."

"That was not your intended goal was it, no? So you've no reason to be apologetic, it was merely a bad effect to what appears to have been a rather bad day." I say looking at him sternly and a pained expression crosses his eyes at those words.

"But-"

"Do not argue."

Looking at me he sighs heavily and shakes his head then moves to get up, but I push him down. "Yami, I'd like to get up."

"No, you need to sleep."

"It's almost nine thirty, besides, I need a drink of water," he says in his scratchy voice.

"You will not leave this bed, I will get you your water."

At this he glares then pouts slightly, though I could already tell he was about to fall back asleep.

"Please?"

"No."

"Please?" he asks pulling the puppy dog eyes and, averting my gaze, I shake my head.

"No."

"I've got to go to the bathroom too." he added and, resisting the urge to roll my eyes I shake my head.

"Yami, I'm getting up, I'm not going to die of walking," he finishes amusement very evident in his already dying voice.

"You sound it."

Rolling his eyes he gives me a pleading look and I cave, pulling back the covers.

"Alright, you may get up, but only for a few minutes, you can transfer down to the living room. Ryou will be coming over soon to see how you are doing." If this shocked my light any he hid it very well.

"Well my throat hurts a little, but that's what the waters for!" he adds quickly and stands though sways slightly and closes his eyes. "Yami?"

"Yes?"

"Make the room stop spinning please."

Adorning a slightly amused smile I grab his shoulders and steady him as he opens his eyes cautiously.

"Kay, now...get me out of my room and I'll be fine, and no carrying," he says and my eyes widen slightly in attempt to copy one of his looks, though only succeeding in making him laugh. "You're too protective," he mutters when we exit his room.

"Are you sure you will be ok on your own?"

"I'll be fine, go!" he presses and walks into the bathroom, leaning against the doorframe when I remain still.

Sighing in defeat I shake my head. "Very well, I will be downstairs, you will need something for that cough, I believe Ryou left some medicine in the kitchen." I say and he looks at me oddly.

"Are you sure you can handle that?"

"I am a spirit, not completely...out of it." I say using one of Jou's phrases and he laughs, though stops and coughs afterwards, waving off my concerned look.

"That really doesn't sound right coming from you Yami."

Throwing him a look, he merely smiles and shuts the door.

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A few minutes later I look up to see Yugi practically fall into the sofa and then look up at the ceiling, attempting to stifle another cough.

"You should not try to hold that back, could do more damage than good." I offered and walked into the living room, carrying, what Ryou had used last night.

"What's that?"

"The medicine Ryou gave you last night to stop the coughing." I said and he nodded, then got a curious expression.

"What was Ryou doing here?"

"You do not remember? They followed us home, and you two were going to talk, but you passed out before you were able to get back downstairs." I paused and he blinked, indeed he had no memory of this. "Then he and the Tomb Robber stayed until about Midnight before leaving."

"That long, wait...ok, so he stayed, why?"

Casting him a very perturbed look I mutter something under my breath.

"Care to repeat that?"

"I. Needed. Help. To. Take. Care. Of. You." I gritted out and he coughed again, though his eyes glittered with unhidden amusement. "You find that humorous?"

"Not at all." he replied seriously and smiled softly. "I think it was sweet of you to even worry about me, you could have put me off to him."

Eyes widening slightly I found myself speechless. "I-I would never-"

This time he laughs forthright. "I know Yami, I know, don't worry."

"I would never do that." I restated, I care too much. I added silently to myself and looked into now mostly awake eyes.

"Yami, you said you had problems with me last night, what exactly was I doing?" he inquires and I sigh.

"You do not remember this either? No, I should have thought not..." I paused thoughtfully. "You were caught in a dream, or hallucination, what about I do not know. I do know however, once the fever dropped below 103 you calmed and fell into a full sleep."

(Hey now, you remember those little cup things that the Nyquil bottles have? That's what I'm talking about in this next sentence, I know it's going to sound odd, but come on! I want a touch of humor in here…lol )

Shaking his head Yugi sighed heavily, coughed softly then rolled his eyes. Which reminded me of why I came in, in the first place. "Here, Ryou used this last night when you coughing got worse than it should have. I believe he gave you two `doses?' Of this liquid."

"Two?"

"I do remember correctly he poured it twice into that and your coughing lessened, so two it should be." I finished and he nodded still in uncertainly.

"Right then…" he murmured looking at the purple liquid with half hearted scrutiny then did as told, grimacing at the taste. "Ugh, thank god for water," he said hurriedly taking a good drink of the glass next to the medicine bottle. "You sure it was two cups of that?"

"Positive."

(Be forewarned, something in my mind just snapped, so this conversation is going to be like it would be between me, and anybody trying to take care of me when sick and doped on meds…lol)

"Would it be alright with you if I made myself a bowl of cereal, I mean, if you don't think it'll kill me that is."

Casting him a warning glare I nodded and he grinned and hopped up, shook his head and took off for the kitchen.

"I'd ask you if you want something, but you don't eat, so never mind." He called, voice muffled as a cupboard door slammed.

"What was the point in saying that then?" I ask, more to myself than anything but get a laugh in return.

"Pointless conversation."

"You enjoy stating the obvious."

A pause in motion told me he was rolling his eyes. "I guess you could say that."

Within moments he was back in the living room, gladly eating and looking at me oddly.

"Do you find something intriguing?"

Coughing as he swallowed he laughed. "If I said no would you be insulted?"

"Mildly." I quipped in amusement at his new attitude.

"Then…no, I don't." but he giggled afterwards and shook his head. "Sorry, no I was just thinking, you must have been in a real form for a while now, if you're getting tired why don't you go back to spirit form, or back to the puzzle for a while."

"Are you attempting to get rid of me?"

"No, but…I know spirits don't sleep, but you can't tell me that it isn't tiring to keep up that full form, already I'm getting tired too." He said offhandedly. "I just figured you could take a break from playing `Nurse Yami' at least till Ryou gets here, which is when exactly?"

"Around 10 o'clock I believe is when he said." I replied with a touch of annoyance at the new nickname and he only smiled slightly around a spoonful of cereal.

"Ok, well that gives about half an hour, take a break."

"You should be watched over, and you should not talk with your mouth full."

"I can watch myself…I think."

"You think?" that was not at all reassuring.

"No I don't think. I know."

"I see you have not lost your sense of humor." I said in mild distaste raising an eyebrow and he shrugged.

"No? Good to hear." He mumbled, voice muffled and then grinned. "Come on, just take a quick half hour break, give us both a rest, we can still talk you know."

Glancing at him thoughtfully I sighed and nodded. "I accept, only because you need all the energy you can get."

"I dunno `bout that." He chirped and finished the last bite of his cereal and then jumped up.

"I-" stopping I shook my head, became transparent, sent him a warning look, and disappeared completely.

"Don't worry Yami, I'll be just fine on my own, I mean…technically I'm not on my own, `cause you're here, well, in your soul room, and I'm out here, walking to the kitchen, but still you get the point."

//Do you enjoy carrying on senselessly?//

/Is it annoying you?/

//I did not say that, it was simply a question.//

/Suuuurreeee say what you will./

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Nearly an hour had passed before I decided to reemerge from the puzzle, only to find Yugi sitting on the sofa, a controller in his hand and his Playstation 2 on, unfortunately he lost so he let out a loud whine and threw the controller down, somehow unaware that I was in the room. As well as the fact that Ryou had yet to appear.

"That was very mean, I was s'pose to win!" he whined jumping up to stand on the sofa.

Placing a hand on his shoulder he jumped and toppled backwards off the couch with a thud, shocking and concerning me.

"Yugi!"

I was silent and still, looking at the younger boy as he pulled himself to his knees, shoulders shaking silently.

"Aibou?" I repeated kneeling down next to him, only to find a most surprising sight, he was laughing. Perhaps he hit his head?

"Wow..." was the first thing out of his mouth as he looked up, caught my expression and giggled again. "Yami...you look like you've seen a ghost. Oh geez, look who I'm talking to..." he trailed off a purely innocent look in his eyes though he was smiling.

Expression going deadpan I look him over as he pulls himself up to his feet and looks around. "That was a trip, think we could do that again?"

"Absolutely not!" I exclaim and stand up as well, looking down at him and he shrugs then looks over the edge of the couch to the television.

"Why not?"

"It was dangerous the first time, you could have gotten seriously injured."

"That was nothing, Surge was just killed...I think he got hurt worse than I could have falling off a chair." he commented oddly and smiled up at me, a new glint in his eyes as he giggled again.

(Be warned, that actually happened, only I was watching Blue's Clues and I actually took my Cherry Kool-aid with me going down lol)

Shaking my head I look around. "Where is Ryou, was he not supposed to be here by now?"

"Maybe...I think so. I dunno, was he?"

A doorbell sounds throughout the house before I can answer and I watch Yugi's eyes light up as he turns around yelling, "I've got it!" and bolting out of the room.

"Yugi, I think you should be laying down...I think you're fevers returned." I argue and follow him into the hallway just as Ryou walks in, soon after accompanied by the Tomb Robber who raises his eyebrows at the cheerful greeting he receives from Yugi.

"What'd you do the brat?" he asks pushing past his hikari.

Shooting him a silencing glare he smirks and brushes past me non-too-gently and Ryou follows, then Yugi who grabs my hand and pulls me back into the living room.

"Terribly sorry 'bout that, Pharaoh" he said snidely and I found myself attempting to bore a hole in the back of his head, in the words of my aibou.

(I have fun with these IM's...and I've snapped, it's official. This bad day has just affected my mind worse than it should, excuse any babble and pointless arguments..)

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Bakura's POV

It was painfully obvious that the idiotic pharaoh some how botched up merely keeping an eye on his hikari for even a few hours. Why else would the shrimp be acting like he was on a sugar rush, or drunk...what a thought indeed.

Shaking my head I look up and see Ryou follow me into the living room, followed by a very hyped up brat dragging the pharaoh in as well.

Though with the slight blush that crossed the otherwise 'cold' pharaoh, one could make a few speculations.

"So Yugi, how are you feeling?" Ryou's voice breaks into my thoughts and I snort.

"M'kay, bit of a headache, coughing went away though, but now that I think about it, maybe I shouldn't have had that second bowl of cereal earlier, otherwise I feel great, you'd never know I had a cold."

Drunk, the kids definitely drunk.

"Yeah? From the way Yami sounded last night you were on the brink of death-"

"I said no such thing!" he replied indignantly and shot my hikari a glare.

"I didn't say you said that Yami, you were just very upset when you called." was the calm reply and I rolled my eyes.

A quick grin in his direction from his Hikari caused Yami to let go of his hand and avert his gaze, and I had to stifle the all too amused laugh that threatened to show itself.

"So, it seems you're fevers gone down, yes? Good, you may be ready to go back to school tomorrow, guess we'll have to see how it all turns out." Ryou said feeling his friend's forehead and smiling happily.

"Excuse me for a moment, all this cheeriness is starting to make me feel ill." I mutter and earn an icy glare from Yami.

"Ryou," the aforementioned spirit starts gruffly, "you told me last night that you would explain exactly what has been happening in Yugi's life, since he refuses to talk, so would you care to explain?"

Neither caught the sobering shadow that flitted crossed the aforementioned Hikari's eyes when he was mentioned, but within moments it was gone, making me wonder if I was imagining things.

"Hey, Ryou, you want something to eat? I know it's nearly 11, but maybe we can have lunch quickly, well the two of us can anyways." Yugi quickly butted in when Ryou was about to speak.

"Did you not just say you had two bowls of cereal earlier?" Yami asked curiously.

"So? I'm a growing boy, so's Ryou, we need food."

"Growing? Show me proof of that." I mutter and this time am rewarded with a sneer from the Pharaoh.

"Watch what you say tomb robber," he warns and I roll my eyes.

"Forgive me, Pharaoh." I mutter and he bristles, and I chuckle softly to myself.

"Come on Ryou. Either that or we could play a game on my Playstation."

The kids really trying to avoid this conversation.

"The last time you played that, in case you forgot, young one, you fell backwards off the couch." Yami interrupted making his young counterpart giggle at the memory and Ryou and I exchange glances.

"Ok, Yugi, perhaps you should sit down, I mean, you do have a cold after all." he said gently.

"I'm fine, come on."

"Aibou," Yami broke in. "Sit down."

"No."

"Yugi." he took a slightly amused warning tone.

"No."

They both fell into what could have only been silent conversation before Yami donned a small smirk and Yugi squirmed slightly and tried to stifle a giggle.

"Y-Yami...Yami stop, stop please? "Ok, I give!" he said and backed up to the couch, went to sit, but missed completely and fell with a thud to the ground.

"Yes, I know...it's so hard to get the hang of furniture." I mutter and Ryou casts me a glare, which I return with a sneer and he winces slightly, but both of us are startled when Yugi bursts into giggles.

"Ok, stop tickling the brat!" I shout causing Ryou to jump next to me, and Yami to start.

"I'm not." is the terse reply as he goes over and pulls the boy up by the back of his arms. "He has been like this all morning."

"Not all morning just since earlier."

Quirking an eyebrow I can't help but ask. "And what happened earlier this morning."

"Well, I woke up of course."

I walked into that one. "Fucking smart ass brat." I snap and Ryou coughs.

"Bakura, watch your language."

"Do not tell me what to do hikari no baka." Cuffing him roughly upside the head he winces and then steps a few feet away rubbing the back of his head.

Yugi however, had finally settled down and was sitting next to Yami now staring at me, with those damned wide eyes.

"Stop staring runt." I snap and he jumps and Yami growls, this is too amusing. "Oh cool off Pharaoh."

"Bakura..." Ryou tries again and I mentally smack the baka and he flinches.

"Yes?"

"Nothing, never mind."

"Very good."

"Can we get back on track, please?"

"Calm down, Yami...yes we can get back on track, what don't you know."

"Where shall I begin..."

"Shut it tomb robber!"

"So, Yugi hasn't told you anything?" Ryou cuts in and I lean back in the chair I'm sitting in and smirk, only to catch Yugi looking at me again.

So I stare back.

"No, unfortunately he has gotten much better at blocking me from his senses, and cutting the connection for a time, he'll never fully be able to, neither of us will. He knows, that I could just as easily find what I need to know-"

"But trusts that you won't."

And he continues to stare, traces of a smile on his face, signaling he had no clue what was going on around him, besides this contest.

"I guess I understand, you're very protective Yami..."

That's an understatement, look at the runt wrong and you get banished..

And the conversation continued. And so did the staring.

Vaguely I'm aware that the conversation halts suddenly, and my eye starts to twitch.

Still, the staring continued.

And now the brat's really smiling, like there's some secret joke amusing only him, that's when I realize with a start exactly what I was doing, and what he knew all along.. "Goddamnit you little brat!" I exclaim and, through wide eyes, he bursts into laughter.

Damn runt's good, I'll give him that, annoying as hell, and deranged for a naive brat. But, give me just one moment alone and the Pharaoh's hikari would be ancient history.

"...Bakura?" Ryou's voice penetrates my thoughts and i swivel to glare menacingly at him. Back stepping swiftly he cringes and questions my actions. "Why were you just…"

"Fucking little brat! Knew all long that I'd do that, Goddamnit, when I get my hands on you I'll--" cutting him off and turning around I stalk forward and stop when I see he's gone, what the hell? And I'm now too close for comfort, to a very aggravated Yami.

Oh, shit.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Yami's POV

Trust Yugi to purposely get on the nerves of one of the most violent people on this planet, and know he would get away with it.

Of course, I was not about to let the tomb robber to get his hands on my light, so I took a quick measure and took over Yugi's body.

Which of course Bakura did not realize until a little too late. "You were saying tomb robber?" I ask a menacing smile playing across my face as I fold my arms over my chest. Growling slightly he backs up and shakes his head.

"Absolutely nothing…" he mutters casting me a dark glare and returning to his seat, lifting his hand threateningly at his Hikari but merely grunting.

Yes, my light really knows which buttons to push on somebody.

/Yami? Can I come out now? /

//Of course you can, why would you ask. //

/Cause, I…err, never mind. /

Laughing inwardly I smile when the Millennium Puzzle glows slightly and we switch spots, appearing next to him I catch the childish smile on his face and shake my head.

/Thanks Yami / he chirps through our bond and I smile.

//Think nothing of it mou hitori no boku //

"So…" Ryou said shifting from one foot to another before something apparently flashed through his mind. "Yugi," he started and tilted his head to the side.

"Yeah?"

"You said earlier that your coughing stopped right?"

"Right, yeah, why?"

"Good question, Yami…" he said turning to me quizzically.

"Yes?"

"You didn't by chance, give him..."

"Cough medicine? Yeah he did!" Yugi answered and grinned brightly.

A look of understanding passed the white haired hikari's face as he examined Yugi closely then looked at me again and donned a small smile. He turned on his heel and disappeared into the kitchen bringing out two bottles, one with reddish orange liquid and the one I used on Yugi earlier.

"Which of these did you give him Yami?" he asks gently. "The Nyquil or the Dayquil?"

"Is there a difference?" I inquire in honest curiosity.

"Day. Night. Honestly Pharaoh did being in that Puzzle really mess you up that bad?" Bakura asked roughly.

"There was one bottle, I saw that Ryou used it last night and assumed that it was alright to use." I grumbled.

"Assumed," Bakura snorted and I felt the sudden urge to hit him, not for the first time this day.

"It's an honest mistake, fault on my part actually. But that does explain the…attitude you've taken Yugi, it should wear off eventually," he paused and then smiled, "though I don't think you'll be as, energetic as before, maybe staying home tomorrow will be an order?"

"No, I can go to school, I'll be fine, seriously I will."

"All else fails give him a few more doses of that and send him off."

Ryou grinned slightly and I sent him a glare, Yugi only giggled again and I rested my arm around his shoulders and pulled him to the couch, making sure he didn't, for the third time, fall.

(Since I'm getting overly lazy, this thing is at 16 pages, my hands hurt, and stuff…Ryou's already told Yami stuff now...)
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
It was a full three hours before I was completely `filled in' on the situation with Yugi. Thanks in part to Yugi chancing another try at annoying Bakura, getting him cussed out, my urge to kill Bakura nearly was fulfilled, and Yugi would not stop giggling.

But now, I wish he were giggling, because now he was subdued again, the medicine had by far run through his system and he was curled up on the couch, knees to his chest as he listened to us talk, just staring blankly ahead of him.

It tore at my heart to see him so sad, and there was now an odd urge to hurt somebody, even if not the Tomb Robber. Speaking of…he had long since disappeared, muttering something or another before disappearing.

"…and he just yelled." I heard Yugi speak up suddenly finishing up Ryou's story. "He's yelled at me before, but…never like that. What did I do?" he asked burying his head in his arms.

"Nothing Yugi, it was nothing you did, something just changed, or somebody. " Ryou offered, but to no avail.

He was right back to where he was when I found him last night, tears had sprung to his eyes as it was and his emotions were set in sadness.

"Aibou…" I started gently and moved closer to him, "you needn't blame yourself for this, please do not. This is in no way your fault at all. "

"Yes, Yugi, nobody knows why people do the things they do. Besides, true friends wouldn't do that to somebody like you. " Ryou offered and Yugi looked up again.

"But Jou…I didn't think…" it was too much for him, a wave of desolation hit me moments before the tears that had been building made their way down his already pale cheeks. "Always friends, he said," he choked out.

Pulling him into my arms he subconsciously relaxed and wrapped his arms around my stomach tightly, holding back harder sobs and burying his face into my jacket. Running a hand through his hair gently, the only way I knew that would calm him, I look up to Ryou.

He returns my look and sighs heavily, "Yugi, I promise you we'll figure out what happened. I've been trying to for the past week or so already. I'm sorry," he said suddenly and I blinked.

"For what?" I asked curiously.

"It was my fault he went in the first place, I figured that having Yugi at the party, maybe they could patch things up. Bloody outstanding idea that was." He chides himself.

Yugi mutters something into my chest and I smile.

"What did he say?"

"He said that the two of you were on the same track, because that was what he was hoping as well."

Ryou smiled slightly then stood up. With a flash Bakura appeared, looking rather perturbed.

"What do you want hikari no baka." He asks and then looks over to Yugi and me and snorts derisively. "Isn't that a scene?"

"Bakura before we leave, I need…you're help."

"Like hell." he mutters.

"Come on, you did it once for him."

"You know why I did that."

"Yes, well, please Bakura? We need to get to the bottom of this. I mean, maybe they're under some spell?"

"Not likely."

"Why not?"

"I would have noticed, I'd say the same for the baka Pharaoh but that would be pointless." He quipped and sneered at me.

"Please Bakura?"

"I repeat myself. Like hell."

Regardless of my pride, I knew I can't do this alone, so, keeping Yugi in my arms, I stand up and mutter something.

A terrible gleam enters his eyes at this and I know I'll regret this later. "What was that? I couldn't quite hear you."

Gritting my teeth I repeat myself louder. "I said, please Bakura, I need you to help us."

"Is that so?" He asks and smiles almost feral.

"Yes." I glare and, upon request from Yugi set the younger boy down, who then automatically wrapped his arms around my waist again and looked up at Bakura.

A look of surprise passed the old Tomb Robbers face when he looked at Yugi, and I knew, just from the expression on his face, and the silence, that he was receiving the sad puppy dog eyes. Those eyes could melt even Malik's heart, I believe.

"I-oh…stop with that look. Fine." He said in defeat and Ryou broke into a very relieved smile.

"No trickery?" I asked in suspicion.

"No, Pharaoh, no trickery. " he snapped then blink at the hand that had been extended to him, and the serious expression on my face.

He looked from my hand, to my face, then back again and blinked, cursed silently and then took it and shook. A look of minor disgust passed through his eyes, but then a mutual agreement set it between the two of us.

We would work together, but for different reasons. His, for the chance at causing mental or physical harm to somebody. Mine, to seek revenge against those, so called companions who have harmed my aibou.

Releasing hands he turned and folded his arms, and I let my hand work it's way around my mou hitori no boku's waist absently as he clung to me, looking thankfully at Ryou and Bakura.

"We'll talk later." Ryou assured as they walked out. "I promise Yugi, we'll get to the bottom of this. I promise."

"And I too young one." I add and he smiles up at me.

/ Thank you so much Yami…I'm just glad you didn't overreact. /

// Of course I wouldn't aibou. // I reassured with a mental smile.

Not for you to see anyways.

"Can we leave now hikari no baka?" Bakura asked in a bored tone of voice smirking at me.

"I wish you'd stop calling me that, but yes…let's go. I'll see you tomorrow Yugi, call if you don't think you'll make it to school, I'll inform the teacher." Ryou said and then waved as they walked out of the house.

"Ok, bye Ryou!"

Once the door was shut I finally realized what I was doing, but Yugi did not, because he only looked up and smiled softly, eyes back to their half open state.

"You should rest now aibou."

"But I'm not, tired," he argued around a yawn.

"I beg to differ Yugi." I said and picked him up and taking him upstairs to his room. "It has been quite a day already, you need to rest. Do not worry, I will be here when you wake up."

Shaking his head he smiled and turned on his side. "Thank you for everything Yami," as he drifted into sleep.

You need not thank me. I say to myself softly watching him sleep peacefully. But you may have to forgive me, for I will not be responsible for my actions later on.

Nobody hurts my light, and lives to regret it. Nobody.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Wow...
Be afraid.

My longest chapter in anything I've ever written. Ever! Lol.

It was fun. Though I didn't get to use the quote I wanted.

"Yup, all it takes is a keen eye and sure foot." "Well, how would you like your keen eye, to watch my sure foot, kick your smart ass.."

Lol.

Oh well.

Hope this chapter sufficed.

What's this? Yami openly showing affection for his little light?
And Yugi returning it without thinking, aww..

Bakura calling Ryou a Idiot Light.
Yami calling Yugi "My other me" - Mou hitori no boku, apparently that's from the Japanese eps.. *shrugs*

A lot of swearing from bakura.. that's the most swearing in any chapter I've ever done, and I used the F-bomb! Lol. Twice I believe. Record!

Now, next chapter. I can't guarantee will be as long chapter 3...maybe longer, maybe shorter.

But what you should see:

Throughout the next few days, weeks..what not. Yugi gains a new friend, an exchange student, from non-other-than, Egypt! Who becomes rather, protective of him over the course of time, especially when she sees Anzu picking on the poor lad (yeah, I'm going to be an Anzu basher for this story..).

Yami also becomes a transfer student, which leaves for some interesting events. And acts like a very...gorgeous body guard to his little look-a-like.

Bakura forcibly takes over for his counterpart, and tells of Jou and Honda...and almost drawing blood...

Yami WILL threaten Jou, will he make it out alive? *blinks*
And what's this? said blonde having a change of heart, or is he finally admitting what he knew all along..

Find out in chapter 4!