Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Something To Believe In ❯ Protect Me From The Rain ( Chapter 9 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: HikariandYami 
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst | Type: Songfic | Uploaded On: 01.21.2009 | Pages: 2 | Words: 4.0K | Visits: 254 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst | Type: Songfic | Uploaded On: 01.21.2009 | Pages: 2 | Words: 4.0K | Visits: 254 | Status: Work In Progress
...Protect Me From The Rain...
"Where are we going Marik?” Malik asked.
He covered his hair with his jacket in a desperate attempt to shield his blond locks from the downpour. Why Marik wanted to go out in the rain in the middle of a cold Sunday afternoon to a park was beyond his comprehension.
“We are going to visit two of my old friends."
Malik sighed as he continued to sprint through the sidewalks of the nicer streets of Domino. Something in the back of his mind, besides Marik, was demanding his attention and the moment he figured out just what was bothering him, Malik's lavender eyes narrowed.
“You have yet to tell me why you erased my memory from yesterday. You know I hate when you do that," Malik said angrily and had to wait a moment for the spirit's reply.
"I know but there are some things that I would prefer if you didn't remember," Marik responded breifly. The spirit really didn't want Malik to remember the visit that he had with his friend, Ryou. It would raise too many questions as to why Marik took over his body and thus his encounter with Bakura would also be put out into the open. He didn't think that Malik would be happy knowing that his friend was controlled and abused by a psychopathic, homicidal maniac. However, he knew he couldn't keep anything away from Malik for long, since the teen always found out anyway.
While Marik was involved in his thoughts, Malik was reminiscing on the past few days as well. The first time that Marik had introduced himself to him on Friday night, Malik had completely lost it. He assumed that the months of recurring nightmares and memories had finally gotten to him and that he was now truly losing his mind. However, after the events on Saturday morning, when Malik was told that he would have to leave his home and his friends and Marik had taken over, the platinum-haired teen knew that he was indeed real. After that day, Malik had reluctantly given his trust to the spirit that looked so much like himself. Marik made him feel powerful and strong. He made him feel useful and wanted. Malik didn't admit it now, but Marik took away his burden that life had so cruelly placed upon his shoulders. He finally had someone to share his problems with. He wasn't alone anymore...
Marik was his anger. His outlet. And apparently his friend.
"You said you were going to see your old friends? Are they spirits as well?" Malik said to break the sudden silence between them.
"Naturally," Marik replied briskly.
"Can I meet them?"
"I prefer if you didn't."
"Why not?"
"They are not perfectly sane.”
"Neither are you," Malik answered back with a small smirk.
"Yes but I am your guardian. I would not hurt you. However, they have no obligation to you or your well-being," Marik explained and Malik sighed as he realized that this battle could not be won.
"So these other two, they're good friends?" Malik said changing the subject.
"I wouldn't say that.”
"Bitter rivals?"
"More like bitter friends. They can barely be in the same room together without one of them insulting the other," Marik said with what sounded like a tint of annoyance. Malik scrunched up his face in confusion.
"So do they or do they not like each other?" Malik questioned, determined to get a straight answer.
Marik sighed in exasperation at the other's stubbornness. In the short time that he had known the tan youth, he had already learned that he could be very persistent. “They’re relationship is very confusing. Technically I guess they have to because if they didn’t then they surely would have murdered each other by now. However, if you ever made such a claim as that, one of them would kill you. It all depends on which one got to you first.”
Malik nodded and thought about the qualities that Marik had explained to him. Competitive, bitter, always trying their best to put down the other...
“So basically, they have the same relationship as that of two dysfunctional brothers,” Malik said. Marik's description reminded him of shows that he had seen on TV about brothers, and their constant rivalry with each other.
"…You could say that," Marik replied slowly.
"And who are you to them?"
He had to admit it. Marik was always there to answer any question he had no matter how annoying or ridiculous. He was really grateful for that. The only other person who was always there for him when he needed an answer was…Isis.
"In the past," Marik began, "I was a tomb keeper for the Pharaoh of Egypt. I was very loyal to him as was my entire family. However, I stole from the very tombs that I was meant to guard. I betrayed the very essence of my existence."
"Is that why you got punished? That's why you were sent to the rod," Malik asked.
"Yes."
"And the other two?"
"A murdering thief and a heartless Pharaoh. Our punishment was…fitting, I would say," Marik spoke with a resentful tone.
"Fitting? No one deserves that kind of punishment," Malik said softly as they finally reached the park. The rain was still falling and the rest of the conversation was nothing but a blur.
...
Yami woke with a start when he felt a small movement come from the object beside him. He quickly turned to Yugi's bed and eyed the stirring teen carefully. He watched as Yugi rubbed the sleep out of his round, innocent eyes and almost smiled when the youth yawned cutely. Almost.
When Yugi had completely awoken, he got to his feet and momentarily met with Yami's eyes. In that instant, memories from the previous night flooded his mind; his pleas, his fear, the darkness…and then Yami's strong arms. Yugi tore his gaze from the spirit's alluring one and settled for looking down at his hands instead. Without a word, Yugi returned to the real world and shuffled sadly to his room. There, he searched his drawers for some comfortable clothing.
He pretended not to notice when Yami manifested himself onto his bed and ignored the other's intense gaze. Yugi flinched when the spirit's deep voice reached his ears with emotions buried in Yami's tone that he couldn't describe.
"Are you mad at me?" Yami asked softly. Yugi didn't turn to face the spirit as he replied almost painfully: "No."
Yugi could have sworn out of the corner of his eye that Yami's face twisted in disappointment.
"Why not?" Yami said with narrowed eyes.
Yugi turned and looked at the other with a puzzled expression. He didn't get it. Did Yami want him to be angry? Yugi sighed sadly as he turned over several possible replies in his head. In the end, he decided to go with the truth.
"Because I deserved it," Yugi said ignoring the glare that Yami sent him in response to his remark, "I can't even get over my fear of the dark…I'm so weak."
"I thought I forbade you to talk about yourself like that. I hate when you put yourself down," Yami growled, but his features suddenly softened when he noticed the smaller boy shrink back in fear.
"I'm sorry," Yugi said, ashamed.
Yami sighed and then slowly reached out for Yugi and held the small boy close, much to Yugi's shock and joy.
"Yugi," the spirit whispered. "I don't mean to make you fear me or to hurt you. I just want you to learn that you have to fight for the things you care about."
Yugi looked straight up into Yami's eyes and smiled. "You fight for me."
It was at that moment that Yami realized what he was doing. He had completely forgotten about his purpose. For a moment, he broke free from his overly protective shell.
"Yes I do," Yami said releasing his hold on Yugi. He didn't notice the frown that graced his Aibou's angelic face.
Maybe if he had seen Yugi's displeasure at being separated from him, then Yami would have realized how much Yugi cared about him, how much he loved him. But he didn't. In Yami's mind, he was unworthy of Yugi's affection and he never even thought of the possibility that Yugi might feel the same way. That was impossible. Yugi was so pure and untouched, while Yami was tainted with the cruel deeds of his past. And even if Yugi did feel the same way, Yami would never allow them to be together. His sole purpose was to protect him. He would not let his love interfere with that. If he let his emotions out, then there was a chance that he would be too distracted to protect his Aibou. He could never let that happen.
"I need to take a walk," Yugi said suddenly bringing Yami out of his thoughts. This time, the spirit didn't miss the lingering sadness that dripped on Yugi's voice.
Yami nodded and said slowly before disappearing into the puzzle: "I'll be here if you need me."
...
Distant honey brown eyes watched the droplets of rain hit the ground softly from their spot on the balcony, each droplet singing its own song. Today had been dull and it was getting even worse with each passing second. Jou ignored the streams of water that raced down his face from his sopping wet blond hair. His clothes were drenched and it was slightly windy, but he really didn't care. He had been alone all day, wandering aimlessly around the large house in which he had stayed the previous night. He could have left but...where would he go? He'd rather stay here then go out by himself. He just wished that he had seen a certain brunet today. As if the gods were listening to him at that exact moment, Jou's ears perked up when he heard a deep voice come from behind him.
"What are you doing out here?" Kaiba asked.
Jou merely shrugged in response.
"It's raining," the brunet said, not exactly sure if Jou was aware of this fact.
"I know," the blond said quietly and the next few moments were filled with silence. Soon enough, Jou heard retreating footsteps and, without turning around, he called out to the brunet CEO.
"Wait...stay? Watch the rain fall with me?" Jou asked awkwardly.
He expected that Kaiba would leave anyway. He was shocked when the blue-eyed youth came to stand beside him and watched the rain fall with the blonde teen. The silence was discomforting as Jou struggled to find something to say. Anything to say...
"Katsuya, don't stop living because that's when you truly lose yourself."
"W-what?" Jou said incredulously. Where did that come from? The brown-eyed boy turned to face Kaiba who was still staring out into the rain. There was a small smirk on his face.
"You've got to move on," Kaiba said. "And if you don't, then you will only become your worst nightmare.”
He gave Jou a sideways glance before returning his gaze to the rain. Jou knew what the older was referring to and that thought only saddened him.
"A coward?" Jou asked meekly even though it was more of a statement than a question.
Kaiba didn't answer. He didn't have to.
Instantly, a perfect silence wrapped around them. It wasn't like the first. This silence was comforting as they both listened to the rain sing it's sad song, both secretly enjoying the other's company.
...
Yugi made his way to the park and sat on one of the benches. The hood from his jacket protected his unique hair and he watched as the puzzle around his neck gave off a small glow. He knew Yami was watching over him; protecting him. But that's not what Yugi wanted. He wanted Yami to love him. He was so stupid for wanting that.
Suddenly, Yugi looked up and noticed Malik in the distance. With a bright smile, Yugi stood to his feet and ran towards his dear friend. However, as soon as he was close enough to see Malik, he realized that this was not his friend that he had grown up with.
"Hello Pharaoh," the dark voice said and Yugi fell back into darkness as Yami took over his body.
"Marik," Yami said tilting his head to the side as he scanned his old friend. He looked the same.
"I hope that your stay here has been enjoyable thus far," Marik said.
All Yami did was nod in greeting.
A dark aura engulfed his body and he let his crimson eyes dart from side to side searching for the source of this sudden change in atmosphere.
"We are not alone," Marik said thoughtfully and Yami immediately turned on his heel when he heard a familiar and unwanted voice form behind him.
“Well, look who decided to grace us with his superior presence. Pharaoh Atemu. You have not aged gracefully,“ the white-haired spirit scoffed as he made his way towards the other two.
Suddenly, they were no longer in the park. It looked as if they were all in a dark soul room. Yami gasped when he noticed Yugi unconscious on the floor beside two other teens that had known to be Yugi's friends, Malik and Ryou. He didn't fail to notice the black and blue bruises on Ryou's arms.
"Bakura!" Yami shouted darkly turning back to the thief from his past.
“So you do remember me? And here I thought you forgot about me,” Bakura mused humorously.
“It appears that the gods have summoned us here for a reason," Marik said while glancing over at the three fallen boys.
“This is a test. A test to redeem ourselves by acting as these boy’s guardians," Yami explained to Marik all the while keeping his gaze on Bakura. He didn't trust the sneaky bastard.
“I’ll be damned," Bakura spat only to recieve a dark glare from the former Pharaoh.
“Damnit Bakura! What do you think got us into this mess in the first place?” Yami hissed at the brown-eyed thief.
“Besides your endless stupidity?” Bakura inquired, arching a thin eyebrow.
Yami rolled his eyes and waved a hand in Ryou's direction. “The gods will surely punish you in a fate worse than death for hurting such an innocent. “
“You are here. As far as I’m concerned, this is a fate worse than death," Bakura replied. He crossed his arms over his chest.
“You obviously have learned nothing from your 3,000 years of solitude,” Yami said dryly.
Bakura glared at the crimson-eyed spirit.“I play my role of guardian as I see fit. I do not question your methods of protection.”
With one long stride, Bakura crossed the room and captured Yugi's wrist in his. He pretended to examine it as a sinister smile crept onto his face, "And from what I can see, your methods are not so different from mine.”
Bakura rather enjoyed the way Yami flinched the moment he had touched his precious light.
“That was an accident,” Yami said sternly. He demanded for the immediate release of Yugi's arm with his eyes. Bakura complied but didn't stop his taunting. “Admit it, Yami. You and I are not so different.”
Yami's eye twitched at the remark. “Don’t you dare compare me to the likes of you. You abuse your ward while I offer protection to my Aibou.”
Bakura widened his eyes in slight surprise but an evil mask soon overcame his features. “Your partner? What does this boy mean to you, Pharaoh?”
Yami shook his head. “Nothing. He is merely my host like Ryou is yours.”
Bakura saw right through Yami's lie and immediately broke out into a wide grin. “This is too good. The mighty Pharoah has fallen for a mere mortal.”
“Watch what you say, lowly thief. Need I remind you that I am still stronger than you. Do not tempt me to strip you of your shadow magic,” Yami warned. “What you do with your ward is your business. However, I will not allow you cause my Aibou pain by abusing his friend. Understand?”
“Crystal. Now let me advise you of something. You, being a former Pharaoh, should know better than to display weaknesses. Your love for that boy is not only dangerous, but downright suicidal. Any enemies that have followed you to this life will use him against you," Bakura spat disdainfully. Yami looked to the side and saw Marik nod in agreement.
“I am aware of that Bakura,” Yami said. "Now, I must go. I need to get Yugi to a comfortable and safe place."
He picked up his Aibou and cradled him in his arms. Yami turned when he felt someone grab on to his wrist.
“You owe me a game,” Bakura said releasing his hold on the spirit from the puzzle.
“All in good time,” Yami said. He disappeared into thin air with Yugi wrapped in his embrace.
...
Yami turned his gaze from Yugi's sleeping form and watched the stars from the boy's bedroom window with tired eyes. Today had been exhausting and the past few days since his first real encounter with Yugi had been emotionally draining. Holding in all of his passionate feelings for his Aibou was starting to take a toll on him and the fact that Bakura had followed him here to make his life living hell wasn't really helping either. At least Marik was here as well.
He had always been the one to break up his and Bakura's altercations with each other which occured almost daily back in Egypt. Marik was truly a good friend. However, Yami never failed to notice how mentally unstable the tan spirit was. One minute he was calm and collected, the next he was sending you to the shadow realm. Yami made it a point never to get on Marik's bad side.
Slowly, Yami's thoughts returned to his sleeping Aibou. He wanted so badly to hold Yugi and to tell him that he loved him more than life itself. Why were the gods so cruel to him? Why was he sent to such a perfect being that he could never touch but only watch from that dreaded puzzle? Someone really hated him up there.
"Yami?"
The soft tone made the crimson-eyed teen turn around quickly to see Yugi standing directly behind him. The teen's soft hair was ruffled from his sleep but his eyes were shining even brighter than the stars. He was so beautiful…
"I'm glad you're up little one," Yami said quietly but could clearly see the annoyance written all over Yugi's face.
"What happened today?" Yugi asked quickly. The last thing he remembered was being at the park and then…everything went black.
"Nothing Aibou. I just ran into some of my past acquaintances so I took over. You must have fallen asleep after that," Yami said slowly.
"Past acquaintances?" Yugi inquired, but then immediately waved his hand. There was something more important on his mind at the moment. He find out more about who Yami was talking about later, but now…he wanted to ask the spirit about something that had been on his mind for the past few days.
"Yami,” he said. His voice caugh the other's attention. "You said that there was a way for you to get a body of your own, right?"
Yami furrowed his eyebrows at the question. He hoped this wasn't leading where he thought it was. "Yes, I did," Yami replied indifferently.
Yugi nodded and, swallowing the lump in his throat, "I…I want you to have your own body."
Yugi quickly averted his gaze from the taller youth. Even then he knew that Yami was glaring at him.
"I already told you that it would require too much energy to do that. I refuse to risk the possibility of something going wrong and hurting you," the spirit said in frustration.
"But I-"
"End of discussion," Yami snapped while crossing his arms and leaning back against the window frame. Yami remained unfazed when an angry glare set on his Aibou's delicate features.
"Don't treat me like a child, Yami," Yugi said heatedly.
Yami sent a glare back at the irritated teen. "My apologies if I have upset you, but you are still far too weak to go through the process. You seem not to comprehend what the consequences could be.”
Yami would have been happy if Yugi yelled at him, if he fought back and said that he wasn't weak and that he was strong enough to do it. Yami would have still said no, but it would, at least, show that Yugi was building up his confidence and strength. However, the next thing Yugi said stunned him into a disturbing silence.
"I know that I'm weak! Trust me, if you're not telling me than I can assure you that someone else is! But, honestly, I don't care if something happens to me. I want this. I probably want this more than you do. I never want you to not be by my side, Yami. I want to be able to be with you all the time. Not just mentally but physically. Please Yami. How can I believe in myself if you don't even believe in me?" Yugi whispered and than took Yami's hand in his. "Please Yami. I want to be strong…for you."
Yami couldn't believe what he was hearing. He was sure that after everything that he had done to his angel, that Yugi would barely even want to talk to him. But here his Aibou was, telling him that he wanted to be by his side always. A wave of guilt crashed into his heart. Yugi was…accepting that he was weak. No, that's not what Yami wanted. He wanted to show Yugi how strong he was…
How else was he supposed to teach Yugi? Was forcing him to face his fears not working? Was attacking him and expecting him to defend himself too high of a standard? This is how Yami was taught how to stand on his own but maybe Yugi was different. Maybe he needed something else. If Yami couldn't teach his Aibou to stand up for himself through fear then what else could he do?
Yami sighed and then gazed down to see determination in those amethyst jewels that he adored so much. At least, Yugi was fighting for something that he wanted. When Yugi noticed the intense gaze, the small teen quickly averted his eyes, a bright blush gracing his cheeks.
"Alright," Yami said with a reluctant nod and reached out to place one finger under Yugi's chin, forcing the teen to look him right in the eyes as purple and red intertwined with fiery passion and desperate longing for each other.
"But don't do it for me," the spirit said softly.
"Do it for you."
...TBC...
Yuri: Hehe, don't you just love Bakura and Yami's relationship with each other! They make me giggle. Anyways, hoped you liked this chapter! Please Review! And I'll see you guys soon!
"Where are we going Marik?” Malik asked.
He covered his hair with his jacket in a desperate attempt to shield his blond locks from the downpour. Why Marik wanted to go out in the rain in the middle of a cold Sunday afternoon to a park was beyond his comprehension.
“We are going to visit two of my old friends."
Malik sighed as he continued to sprint through the sidewalks of the nicer streets of Domino. Something in the back of his mind, besides Marik, was demanding his attention and the moment he figured out just what was bothering him, Malik's lavender eyes narrowed.
“You have yet to tell me why you erased my memory from yesterday. You know I hate when you do that," Malik said angrily and had to wait a moment for the spirit's reply.
"I know but there are some things that I would prefer if you didn't remember," Marik responded breifly. The spirit really didn't want Malik to remember the visit that he had with his friend, Ryou. It would raise too many questions as to why Marik took over his body and thus his encounter with Bakura would also be put out into the open. He didn't think that Malik would be happy knowing that his friend was controlled and abused by a psychopathic, homicidal maniac. However, he knew he couldn't keep anything away from Malik for long, since the teen always found out anyway.
While Marik was involved in his thoughts, Malik was reminiscing on the past few days as well. The first time that Marik had introduced himself to him on Friday night, Malik had completely lost it. He assumed that the months of recurring nightmares and memories had finally gotten to him and that he was now truly losing his mind. However, after the events on Saturday morning, when Malik was told that he would have to leave his home and his friends and Marik had taken over, the platinum-haired teen knew that he was indeed real. After that day, Malik had reluctantly given his trust to the spirit that looked so much like himself. Marik made him feel powerful and strong. He made him feel useful and wanted. Malik didn't admit it now, but Marik took away his burden that life had so cruelly placed upon his shoulders. He finally had someone to share his problems with. He wasn't alone anymore...
Marik was his anger. His outlet. And apparently his friend.
"You said you were going to see your old friends? Are they spirits as well?" Malik said to break the sudden silence between them.
"Naturally," Marik replied briskly.
"Can I meet them?"
"I prefer if you didn't."
"Why not?"
"They are not perfectly sane.”
"Neither are you," Malik answered back with a small smirk.
"Yes but I am your guardian. I would not hurt you. However, they have no obligation to you or your well-being," Marik explained and Malik sighed as he realized that this battle could not be won.
"So these other two, they're good friends?" Malik said changing the subject.
"I wouldn't say that.”
"Bitter rivals?"
"More like bitter friends. They can barely be in the same room together without one of them insulting the other," Marik said with what sounded like a tint of annoyance. Malik scrunched up his face in confusion.
"So do they or do they not like each other?" Malik questioned, determined to get a straight answer.
Marik sighed in exasperation at the other's stubbornness. In the short time that he had known the tan youth, he had already learned that he could be very persistent. “They’re relationship is very confusing. Technically I guess they have to because if they didn’t then they surely would have murdered each other by now. However, if you ever made such a claim as that, one of them would kill you. It all depends on which one got to you first.”
Malik nodded and thought about the qualities that Marik had explained to him. Competitive, bitter, always trying their best to put down the other...
“So basically, they have the same relationship as that of two dysfunctional brothers,” Malik said. Marik's description reminded him of shows that he had seen on TV about brothers, and their constant rivalry with each other.
"…You could say that," Marik replied slowly.
"And who are you to them?"
He had to admit it. Marik was always there to answer any question he had no matter how annoying or ridiculous. He was really grateful for that. The only other person who was always there for him when he needed an answer was…Isis.
"In the past," Marik began, "I was a tomb keeper for the Pharaoh of Egypt. I was very loyal to him as was my entire family. However, I stole from the very tombs that I was meant to guard. I betrayed the very essence of my existence."
"Is that why you got punished? That's why you were sent to the rod," Malik asked.
"Yes."
"And the other two?"
"A murdering thief and a heartless Pharaoh. Our punishment was…fitting, I would say," Marik spoke with a resentful tone.
"Fitting? No one deserves that kind of punishment," Malik said softly as they finally reached the park. The rain was still falling and the rest of the conversation was nothing but a blur.
...
Yami woke with a start when he felt a small movement come from the object beside him. He quickly turned to Yugi's bed and eyed the stirring teen carefully. He watched as Yugi rubbed the sleep out of his round, innocent eyes and almost smiled when the youth yawned cutely. Almost.
When Yugi had completely awoken, he got to his feet and momentarily met with Yami's eyes. In that instant, memories from the previous night flooded his mind; his pleas, his fear, the darkness…and then Yami's strong arms. Yugi tore his gaze from the spirit's alluring one and settled for looking down at his hands instead. Without a word, Yugi returned to the real world and shuffled sadly to his room. There, he searched his drawers for some comfortable clothing.
He pretended not to notice when Yami manifested himself onto his bed and ignored the other's intense gaze. Yugi flinched when the spirit's deep voice reached his ears with emotions buried in Yami's tone that he couldn't describe.
"Are you mad at me?" Yami asked softly. Yugi didn't turn to face the spirit as he replied almost painfully: "No."
Yugi could have sworn out of the corner of his eye that Yami's face twisted in disappointment.
"Why not?" Yami said with narrowed eyes.
Yugi turned and looked at the other with a puzzled expression. He didn't get it. Did Yami want him to be angry? Yugi sighed sadly as he turned over several possible replies in his head. In the end, he decided to go with the truth.
"Because I deserved it," Yugi said ignoring the glare that Yami sent him in response to his remark, "I can't even get over my fear of the dark…I'm so weak."
"I thought I forbade you to talk about yourself like that. I hate when you put yourself down," Yami growled, but his features suddenly softened when he noticed the smaller boy shrink back in fear.
"I'm sorry," Yugi said, ashamed.
Yami sighed and then slowly reached out for Yugi and held the small boy close, much to Yugi's shock and joy.
"Yugi," the spirit whispered. "I don't mean to make you fear me or to hurt you. I just want you to learn that you have to fight for the things you care about."
Yugi looked straight up into Yami's eyes and smiled. "You fight for me."
It was at that moment that Yami realized what he was doing. He had completely forgotten about his purpose. For a moment, he broke free from his overly protective shell.
"Yes I do," Yami said releasing his hold on Yugi. He didn't notice the frown that graced his Aibou's angelic face.
Maybe if he had seen Yugi's displeasure at being separated from him, then Yami would have realized how much Yugi cared about him, how much he loved him. But he didn't. In Yami's mind, he was unworthy of Yugi's affection and he never even thought of the possibility that Yugi might feel the same way. That was impossible. Yugi was so pure and untouched, while Yami was tainted with the cruel deeds of his past. And even if Yugi did feel the same way, Yami would never allow them to be together. His sole purpose was to protect him. He would not let his love interfere with that. If he let his emotions out, then there was a chance that he would be too distracted to protect his Aibou. He could never let that happen.
"I need to take a walk," Yugi said suddenly bringing Yami out of his thoughts. This time, the spirit didn't miss the lingering sadness that dripped on Yugi's voice.
Yami nodded and said slowly before disappearing into the puzzle: "I'll be here if you need me."
...
Distant honey brown eyes watched the droplets of rain hit the ground softly from their spot on the balcony, each droplet singing its own song. Today had been dull and it was getting even worse with each passing second. Jou ignored the streams of water that raced down his face from his sopping wet blond hair. His clothes were drenched and it was slightly windy, but he really didn't care. He had been alone all day, wandering aimlessly around the large house in which he had stayed the previous night. He could have left but...where would he go? He'd rather stay here then go out by himself. He just wished that he had seen a certain brunet today. As if the gods were listening to him at that exact moment, Jou's ears perked up when he heard a deep voice come from behind him.
"What are you doing out here?" Kaiba asked.
Jou merely shrugged in response.
"It's raining," the brunet said, not exactly sure if Jou was aware of this fact.
"I know," the blond said quietly and the next few moments were filled with silence. Soon enough, Jou heard retreating footsteps and, without turning around, he called out to the brunet CEO.
"Wait...stay? Watch the rain fall with me?" Jou asked awkwardly.
He expected that Kaiba would leave anyway. He was shocked when the blue-eyed youth came to stand beside him and watched the rain fall with the blonde teen. The silence was discomforting as Jou struggled to find something to say. Anything to say...
"Katsuya, don't stop living because that's when you truly lose yourself."
"W-what?" Jou said incredulously. Where did that come from? The brown-eyed boy turned to face Kaiba who was still staring out into the rain. There was a small smirk on his face.
"You've got to move on," Kaiba said. "And if you don't, then you will only become your worst nightmare.”
He gave Jou a sideways glance before returning his gaze to the rain. Jou knew what the older was referring to and that thought only saddened him.
"A coward?" Jou asked meekly even though it was more of a statement than a question.
Kaiba didn't answer. He didn't have to.
Instantly, a perfect silence wrapped around them. It wasn't like the first. This silence was comforting as they both listened to the rain sing it's sad song, both secretly enjoying the other's company.
...
Yugi made his way to the park and sat on one of the benches. The hood from his jacket protected his unique hair and he watched as the puzzle around his neck gave off a small glow. He knew Yami was watching over him; protecting him. But that's not what Yugi wanted. He wanted Yami to love him. He was so stupid for wanting that.
Suddenly, Yugi looked up and noticed Malik in the distance. With a bright smile, Yugi stood to his feet and ran towards his dear friend. However, as soon as he was close enough to see Malik, he realized that this was not his friend that he had grown up with.
"Hello Pharaoh," the dark voice said and Yugi fell back into darkness as Yami took over his body.
"Marik," Yami said tilting his head to the side as he scanned his old friend. He looked the same.
"I hope that your stay here has been enjoyable thus far," Marik said.
All Yami did was nod in greeting.
A dark aura engulfed his body and he let his crimson eyes dart from side to side searching for the source of this sudden change in atmosphere.
"We are not alone," Marik said thoughtfully and Yami immediately turned on his heel when he heard a familiar and unwanted voice form behind him.
“Well, look who decided to grace us with his superior presence. Pharaoh Atemu. You have not aged gracefully,“ the white-haired spirit scoffed as he made his way towards the other two.
Suddenly, they were no longer in the park. It looked as if they were all in a dark soul room. Yami gasped when he noticed Yugi unconscious on the floor beside two other teens that had known to be Yugi's friends, Malik and Ryou. He didn't fail to notice the black and blue bruises on Ryou's arms.
"Bakura!" Yami shouted darkly turning back to the thief from his past.
“So you do remember me? And here I thought you forgot about me,” Bakura mused humorously.
“It appears that the gods have summoned us here for a reason," Marik said while glancing over at the three fallen boys.
“This is a test. A test to redeem ourselves by acting as these boy’s guardians," Yami explained to Marik all the while keeping his gaze on Bakura. He didn't trust the sneaky bastard.
“I’ll be damned," Bakura spat only to recieve a dark glare from the former Pharaoh.
“Damnit Bakura! What do you think got us into this mess in the first place?” Yami hissed at the brown-eyed thief.
“Besides your endless stupidity?” Bakura inquired, arching a thin eyebrow.
Yami rolled his eyes and waved a hand in Ryou's direction. “The gods will surely punish you in a fate worse than death for hurting such an innocent. “
“You are here. As far as I’m concerned, this is a fate worse than death," Bakura replied. He crossed his arms over his chest.
“You obviously have learned nothing from your 3,000 years of solitude,” Yami said dryly.
Bakura glared at the crimson-eyed spirit.“I play my role of guardian as I see fit. I do not question your methods of protection.”
With one long stride, Bakura crossed the room and captured Yugi's wrist in his. He pretended to examine it as a sinister smile crept onto his face, "And from what I can see, your methods are not so different from mine.”
Bakura rather enjoyed the way Yami flinched the moment he had touched his precious light.
“That was an accident,” Yami said sternly. He demanded for the immediate release of Yugi's arm with his eyes. Bakura complied but didn't stop his taunting. “Admit it, Yami. You and I are not so different.”
Yami's eye twitched at the remark. “Don’t you dare compare me to the likes of you. You abuse your ward while I offer protection to my Aibou.”
Bakura widened his eyes in slight surprise but an evil mask soon overcame his features. “Your partner? What does this boy mean to you, Pharaoh?”
Yami shook his head. “Nothing. He is merely my host like Ryou is yours.”
Bakura saw right through Yami's lie and immediately broke out into a wide grin. “This is too good. The mighty Pharoah has fallen for a mere mortal.”
“Watch what you say, lowly thief. Need I remind you that I am still stronger than you. Do not tempt me to strip you of your shadow magic,” Yami warned. “What you do with your ward is your business. However, I will not allow you cause my Aibou pain by abusing his friend. Understand?”
“Crystal. Now let me advise you of something. You, being a former Pharaoh, should know better than to display weaknesses. Your love for that boy is not only dangerous, but downright suicidal. Any enemies that have followed you to this life will use him against you," Bakura spat disdainfully. Yami looked to the side and saw Marik nod in agreement.
“I am aware of that Bakura,” Yami said. "Now, I must go. I need to get Yugi to a comfortable and safe place."
He picked up his Aibou and cradled him in his arms. Yami turned when he felt someone grab on to his wrist.
“You owe me a game,” Bakura said releasing his hold on the spirit from the puzzle.
“All in good time,” Yami said. He disappeared into thin air with Yugi wrapped in his embrace.
...
Yami turned his gaze from Yugi's sleeping form and watched the stars from the boy's bedroom window with tired eyes. Today had been exhausting and the past few days since his first real encounter with Yugi had been emotionally draining. Holding in all of his passionate feelings for his Aibou was starting to take a toll on him and the fact that Bakura had followed him here to make his life living hell wasn't really helping either. At least Marik was here as well.
He had always been the one to break up his and Bakura's altercations with each other which occured almost daily back in Egypt. Marik was truly a good friend. However, Yami never failed to notice how mentally unstable the tan spirit was. One minute he was calm and collected, the next he was sending you to the shadow realm. Yami made it a point never to get on Marik's bad side.
Slowly, Yami's thoughts returned to his sleeping Aibou. He wanted so badly to hold Yugi and to tell him that he loved him more than life itself. Why were the gods so cruel to him? Why was he sent to such a perfect being that he could never touch but only watch from that dreaded puzzle? Someone really hated him up there.
"Yami?"
The soft tone made the crimson-eyed teen turn around quickly to see Yugi standing directly behind him. The teen's soft hair was ruffled from his sleep but his eyes were shining even brighter than the stars. He was so beautiful…
"I'm glad you're up little one," Yami said quietly but could clearly see the annoyance written all over Yugi's face.
"What happened today?" Yugi asked quickly. The last thing he remembered was being at the park and then…everything went black.
"Nothing Aibou. I just ran into some of my past acquaintances so I took over. You must have fallen asleep after that," Yami said slowly.
"Past acquaintances?" Yugi inquired, but then immediately waved his hand. There was something more important on his mind at the moment. He find out more about who Yami was talking about later, but now…he wanted to ask the spirit about something that had been on his mind for the past few days.
"Yami,” he said. His voice caugh the other's attention. "You said that there was a way for you to get a body of your own, right?"
Yami furrowed his eyebrows at the question. He hoped this wasn't leading where he thought it was. "Yes, I did," Yami replied indifferently.
Yugi nodded and, swallowing the lump in his throat, "I…I want you to have your own body."
Yugi quickly averted his gaze from the taller youth. Even then he knew that Yami was glaring at him.
"I already told you that it would require too much energy to do that. I refuse to risk the possibility of something going wrong and hurting you," the spirit said in frustration.
"But I-"
"End of discussion," Yami snapped while crossing his arms and leaning back against the window frame. Yami remained unfazed when an angry glare set on his Aibou's delicate features.
"Don't treat me like a child, Yami," Yugi said heatedly.
Yami sent a glare back at the irritated teen. "My apologies if I have upset you, but you are still far too weak to go through the process. You seem not to comprehend what the consequences could be.”
Yami would have been happy if Yugi yelled at him, if he fought back and said that he wasn't weak and that he was strong enough to do it. Yami would have still said no, but it would, at least, show that Yugi was building up his confidence and strength. However, the next thing Yugi said stunned him into a disturbing silence.
"I know that I'm weak! Trust me, if you're not telling me than I can assure you that someone else is! But, honestly, I don't care if something happens to me. I want this. I probably want this more than you do. I never want you to not be by my side, Yami. I want to be able to be with you all the time. Not just mentally but physically. Please Yami. How can I believe in myself if you don't even believe in me?" Yugi whispered and than took Yami's hand in his. "Please Yami. I want to be strong…for you."
Yami couldn't believe what he was hearing. He was sure that after everything that he had done to his angel, that Yugi would barely even want to talk to him. But here his Aibou was, telling him that he wanted to be by his side always. A wave of guilt crashed into his heart. Yugi was…accepting that he was weak. No, that's not what Yami wanted. He wanted to show Yugi how strong he was…
How else was he supposed to teach Yugi? Was forcing him to face his fears not working? Was attacking him and expecting him to defend himself too high of a standard? This is how Yami was taught how to stand on his own but maybe Yugi was different. Maybe he needed something else. If Yami couldn't teach his Aibou to stand up for himself through fear then what else could he do?
Yami sighed and then gazed down to see determination in those amethyst jewels that he adored so much. At least, Yugi was fighting for something that he wanted. When Yugi noticed the intense gaze, the small teen quickly averted his eyes, a bright blush gracing his cheeks.
"Alright," Yami said with a reluctant nod and reached out to place one finger under Yugi's chin, forcing the teen to look him right in the eyes as purple and red intertwined with fiery passion and desperate longing for each other.
"But don't do it for me," the spirit said softly.
"Do it for you."
...TBC...
Yuri: Hehe, don't you just love Bakura and Yami's relationship with each other! They make me giggle. Anyways, hoped you liked this chapter! Please Review! And I'll see you guys soon!