Heyo, so chapter 2 is as far as I've gotten but uhhhhh hope you enjoy anyway! Ryou and Yugi both have terminal levels of autism in this and I love that so much.

CW: Brief description of injury, vague discussion of Malik's trauma, swearing, extremely awkward flirting (like hot damn these boys need help)

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The walk was longer than it should have been, what with Malik limping and Yugi carrying most of their bags so Ryou could support Malik when needed, but soon, Yugi was unlocking the door. The house was modest, a semi-detached two-bedroom place with a large kitchen, comfy living room, and insulated windows, but it was stuffed to the brim with Halloween decorations, merch, talismans, and pretty much anything that had ever piqued Yugi or Ryou's interests. Yugi made his way straight to the kitchen, while Ryou led Malik into the living room.

Yugi heard Ryou ask if Malik wanted tea before his boyfriend joined him in the kitchen and turned on the kettle. Yugi searched in silence for a moment, Ryou's gaze burning a hole in his back, before he sighed. "I'm fine."

"Mhm."

"Really." Yugi spotted the kit at the back of the cupboard and pulled it out carefully. When he looked back, Ryou was leaning against the counter, watching him. "Just... want to get him out as soon as possible."

"If you say so." Ryou pulled three mugs down from the press.

Yugi looked down at the kit in his hands and bit his lip. He wasn't being fair, he knew that, but Malik hadn't been fair when he'd kicked them out of the shop without any explanation. Yugi let out a slow breath and washed his hands before he trudged out to the living room with the first aid kit. Malik had pulled up the side of his skirt and was examining his wound with pursed lips.

Yugi grabbed a footstool and pulled it up to the armchair. Malik's gaze snapped to him as he sat, and Yugi fought the instinct to freeze. "Let's see it."

Malik shifted so he half-lay across the armchair, his injured leg propped up on one of the arms with the other curled beneath him. Yugi hummed as he looked it over. It wasn't as deep as he'd initially thought, and it was easier to see once he wiped the drying blood away. Malik watched him silently.

Yugi did his best not to look at the other man as he worked, though he lifted his head a touch so Malik could see his lips when he spoke. "What happened?"

Malik scoffed. Bastards thought they found an easy mark. The knife caught me by surprise though.

Yugi frowned as he pulled out antiseptic cream. "They didn't have a knife when we got there."

Kicked it down a drain, Malik replied. He jerked and hissed as Yugi began applying the cream.

"Sorry." Yugi gave him a sheepish grin. "It might sting."

Malik huffed and looked away. By the time Ryou returned with tea, Yugi was wrapping a bandage around the cut.

"Keep it dry for a day or two and it should be fine," he said, "but please go to a doctor if it gets infected."

Malik nodded, despite looking like he'd rather chop the leg off than go to a GP for an antibiotic. He grabbed his bag. Thanks. I'll be going now.

"Wait," Ryou protested, holding out the tray in his hands. "You didn't have your tea."

I changed my mind.

"House rules." Ryou firmly set the tray down on the coffee table in the centre of the room. "Something traumatic happens, you have something to eat and drink before you go."

House rules? Malik arched an eyebrow.

"Please, you're not the first person we've helped out of situations like that," Ryou sighed. He sat on the couch and gestured to the tray. On it sat three mugs of tea, two with cream and one black, and a plate of biscuits. "No cream, one spoon of honey, right?" Malik scowled, and Ryou smiled. "Oh, I have a form of house magic. I know everybody's tastes."

Seems pretty useless, Malik signed, even though he picked up the mug.

"Oh, I don't know." Ryou's smile grew, a glimpse of his teeth showing as he cradled his own mug. "It's useful for parties, dates, hanging out with friends, avoiding allergies..." His eyes shone. "Picking apart lies, knowing what favourite foods you can use to poison somebody based on flavours-"

Malik spat a mouthful of tea back into his mug.

"Damn it, Ryou," Yugi sighed, "what have we talked about?"

"Oh, right." Ryou blinked. "Humans don't like talking about poison when drinking or eating. Sorry. I didn't poison your tea."

Yugi rubbed his face. "Ryou's lived with humans for the past few years, but he occasionally forgets what topics are appropriate for what situation," he explained. Malik still frowned.

Ryou sighed and reached out, taking Malik's mug. He took a swig to prove it wasn't poisoned and then grimaced as he swallowed. "Ew. I don't know how you drink it so bitter."

Malik hesitantly took the mug before taking a sip himself.

"You just take yours with ungodly amounts of sugar," Yugi giggled, nudging Ryou.

Ryou stuck out his tongue and grabbed a biscuit, munching on it to rid his mouth of the taste.

Malik downed the end of his tea in a few gulps and stood. I'd say it's been fun, but- He gestured to his leg. Thanks. Bye.

"Wait." Yugi's eyes widened and he bit his lip. Malik watched him impatiently. "Why did you get so angry the other day? Why did you kick us out? We were just... talking to Atem."

Malik's lip curled and he folded his arms. Yugi half expected him to storm out without answering. But instead, Malik's shoulders slumped and he sank back into the armchair. You never said that you were calling someone from the Field.

Yugi frowned. "I didn't think religion would matter."

It normally doesn't. Malik paused and dragged a hand down his face.

Yugi resisted the urge to ask where he got his eyeliner - even with the rub of his hand, it didn't budge, and Yugi's wasn't half as durable.

When Malik dropped his hand, he refused to look at them. I never expected anyone nowadays, especially in Japan, to try to contact someone from the Field, or I'd have it in my introduction that I don't contact people from there. His words were calculated, signing more slowly than he had been up until that point as he considered them. I'm sorry I reacted poorly.

"Why did you?" Ryou tilted his head. "That's what I don't understand." Malik glanced at him, eyes narrow. "You can clearly manipulate language and emotions to get what you want. Surely it would have been more beneficial to claim you lost the connection and still keep our money."

Malik gritted his teeth. I'm not some hack. No contact, no charge.

"But we made contact, which you could have easily argued." Ryou set down his mug, gaze sharp despite his conversational tone. "I want to know why you reacted so strongly. I mean, we don't even know if it's specific to you, or a general issue with contacting the Field. If we seek out Atem with someone else, will they have the same reaction?"

Malik looked away again, shoulders tense. I was raised with a religion from ancient Egypt. We believed in the Fields. It didn't end well; I don't practice anymore and I try to avoid everything to do with it. He glared down at his shoes. Which was going pretty well for me until you two walked into my shop. He glanced up at them. Is that enough information for you? Or do you want to try and use your house magic?

Yugi stared at him, for once not frozen by Malik's gaze. Good thing he hadn't asked about the eyeliner. "I'm sorry."

Malik blinked.

Yugi shook his head. "I- We couldn't have known, but neither of us meant to put you in that situation. I'm sorry we did."

Malik hesitated, then huffed and grabbed a biscuit. You're fine, he signed with one hand.

"Still." Yugi set his own mug down and stood, circling the coffee table until he stood in front of Malik. Malik watched him with an odd expression, tense and waiting for something. "We- I just wanted to make sure Atem was at peace, and-" Yugi bowed at the waist. "-I'm sorry that led to you getting hurt. I won't ask you to contact him, or anyone else from the Fields, again."

A stiff tap on his shoulder made Yugi look up to see Malik frantically gesturing for Yugi to stand upright again. Ryou, of course, was smiling and sipping his tea as he watched, of no help whatsoever.

Quit bowing, Malik insisted once Yugi had opened his eyes. It's embarrassing. You didn't do anything, so it's fine.

Yugi risked a smile as he stood upright again, and Malik finished his biscuit in a single bite before standing too.

I should go. He hesitated. Thank you. For your help. He gestured to his leg and the empty mug of tea. I appreciate it.

"Of course." Ryou beamed at him. "You're welcome."

Yugi's eyes snapped toward Ryou, recognising what he was saying only from their years together, but Malik simply nodded and slipped out of the door.

"What?" Ryou asked innocently, when Yugi wouldn't stop staring.

"He's welcome?" Yugi arched his eyebrows.

"Well, he's interesting," Ryou admitted, cupping his tea in both hands as he tucked his legs beneath himself on the couch. "And I have a feeling it's not the last we'll see of him, so I figured it would save time when he inevitably comes to us for help in the middle of a rainy night."

"That's-" Yugi ran a hand through his hair, turning away to hide his amusement. He spoke over his shoulder as he walked towards the kitchen to sort through their purchases, forgotten in the madness of the afternoon. "You read too much BL."

Ryou's laughter followed Yugi down the hall. "You'll thank me later!"

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When Yugi pushed past the curtain, Malik's customer service smile dropped. What are you doing here?

Yugi grinned. "Your assistant said you're about to go on lunch."

I am. So, what are you doing here? Malik repeated, signing slower again as though Yugi didn't catch what he'd said.

"Well..." Yugi rocked from his heels onto the balls of his feet. "It's been a few days and I wanted to see how your leg was doing, so I figured we could get lunch together?" One eyebrow rose and Malik crossed his arms. "It's no pressure. I just..."

Why? Malik asked when Yugi trailed off.

"What do you mean?"

Why- Malik was signing slower again. -did you want to check on me?

"I didn't want to check on you," Yugi huffed. He took a slow breath. "Look, as bad as it went, you helped me contact Atem." Malik's shoulders visibly stiffened. "It reassured me that he was safe and happy, which is all I wanted. And you wouldn't take payment for it, so..." Yugi shrugged, an unsure smile crossing his face. "Lunch?"

Malik paused. You want to take me to lunch, he signed, as a thank you for briefly contacting your friend, then melting down and kicking you out, and then getting helped by you again last week when you fixed up my leg?

"I'm not thanking you for the meltdown or getting yourself stabbed," Yugi protested, but then he saw the corner of Malik's lip rise. "You're messing with me, aren't you?"

Malik gave up trying to maintain a neutral expression and grinned. Signing doesn't really let me convey sarcasm very well.

Yugi tried to ignore the warmth flooding his cheeks. "I don't know," he said. "You've got the condescending slow signing down perfectly."

Malik snorted. Good, it took me a few years. He grabbed a white wool jacket off a coat rack in the corner. Alright, lunch with you it is. I've nothing better to do anyway.

"Wow," Yugi scoffed as Malik pulled the jacket on. "Way to make a guy feel special."

Malik blew Yugi a kiss and walked by him, leading Yugi out of the shop and onto the busy streets. Where do you want to go?

"Well, I don't really know what you eat," Yugi admitted, signing as he spoke so Malik would have an easier time of understanding him while they walked. "Do you have anywhere you like around here?"

Malik considered it. Sushi?

Yugi nodded. "Sushi works for me."

Malik grinned and beckoned for Yugi to follow him, leading him down a few winding side streets until they arrived at a fancy but small restaurant. Yugi glanced at the door, fidgeting. He'd dressed as usual - a band t-shirt, leather pants, and likely six too many bracelets and belts for somewhere like this.

Malik looked back at him. Something wrong? He, of course, looked perfect with the gold-and-glass doors behind him, golden hair curling around his neck and ears, in a fitting navy dress with golden heels and jewellery.

"I..." Yugi took a small step back. "I'm not really sure I'm dressed for somewhere like here."

Malik's eyes flashed and he leaned in, taking Yugi's hand. Yugi blinked up at him owlishly as Malik gave him a small smile and gestured to his dress.

"But you look..." Yugi shook his head. "You look perfect."

Malik smirked and released Yugi's hand. Exactly. No one's going to be looking at you.

Yugi still hesitated, but only for a moment. "Wow, I feel so special," he teased. He took two steps until he was beside Malik again. "That's twice in an hour."

Malik winked and pushed open the door. Inside was traditionally decorated with only a handful of other patrons. They both, it seemed, like to lunch early to avoid the mad rush. Despite the lush exterior, it was homely in a way that reminded Yugi of Ryou, and most of the other customers were casually dressed. In fact, Yugi and Malik seemed to be the best dressed there. They found a cosy table towards the back, and the waitress that greeted them gave Malik a bright smile, signing as she spoke.

Once she had taken their orders and left, Yugi looked over at Malik. "Okay, so I may have judged the place a bit early."

Noooo, Malik signed slowly, expression deadpan.

Yugi couldn't help but giggle and he covered his mouth. "See? Sarcasm comes off perfectly fine."

Yeah, I suppose I can make anything work. Malik grinned.

"But really, thank you for... making me feel more comfortable."

You need to stop thanking me, Malik decided. He looked down when Yugi opened his mouth, as though he was a child blocking his ears. Seriously. It's fine.

Yugi reached out and tapped the table in front of Malik a few times, until he looked up. "Well, I appreciate it, and I like letting people know when they do things I appreciate." He grinned. "But quit looking away when you don't want me to say something."

Malik rolled his eyes. Am I that obvious?

"Let's just say I'm surprised no one's called you out on it before," Yugi chuckled.

Malik grinned and shook his head. Normally they're either so caught up in themselves, they don't notice I'm not listening, or they don't want to put in the effort, so they don't care.

Yugi frowned. "That's awful."

Nah. Malik rested his elbows on the table. Sure, it's ableist, but it means I get to ignore boring people and assholes. I'll take that any day.

Yugi pursed his lips. "I guess that is handy. Ryou would definitely use it to avoid me rambling about Tears of the Kingdom."

Malik perked up. You play Zelda?

"Of course." Yugi grinned. "I grew up on it, and I love playing new versions of games I had as a kid. Ryou has sat through too many of my 2am vents about the differences between the classics and remakes though. Not just for Zelda either- and I'm doing it again."

Malik shook his head. I'm interested.

"Well, yeah." Yugi gave him a cheeky grin. "You're still looking at me, so it's pretty obvious."

Malik chuckled, deep and reverberating. Wow, way to call me out.

Yugi did his best to ignore the way his heart pounded. He just wasn't expecting the laughter, that was all. "Think of it as payback for making me feel so special."

You need new material. That's the third time you made that joke, Malik pointed out.

"Hey, no need to change the classics." Yugi's grin only grew.

For it to be a classic, I think it would actually have to be funny the first time. Malik arched an eyebrow. No?

"Okay, ouch," Yugi giggled, covering his mouth. "Can we go back to video games? I preferred the two minutes you weren't insulting me while we were talking about that."

Malik tilted his head, considering. Alright. As fun as insulting you is, I do need some new recommendations.

"Perfect." Yugi's grin returned and he dropped his hand from his mouth. "If you're nice to me, I'll give you more recommendations." Malik gave him a long-suffering look. "Oh, please, I'm sure it won't kill you to hold your insults for a little bit."

Malik clutched his throat. Light... dying, Malik signed before delicately resting his hand on his forehead, like a wealthy woman from the Middle Ages about to have a fainting spell. Tell my family... they fucking suck.

Yugi snorted loud enough that several people turned to see what was going on, which only made Malik start laughing too. Yugi's own laughter died as he heard Malik's, a beautiful and light peal that made Malik's eyes crinkle and shoulders shake. He shook himself as their order arrived. He had selected a plate of salmon nigiri and chicken dumplings, while Malik went with a tomato tuna sashimi and kampyo maki.

Yugi dipped a dumpling in soy sauce. "So what did you think of TOTK?"

Malik chewed slowly, but set his chopsticks down so he could answer. I never played it. I prefer the older ones.

"Seriously?" Yugi grinned. "Damn, next you'll be telling me you prefer board games."

Malik popped another piece of sushi in his mouth. So what if I do?

Yugi gave an exaggerated groan. "I can't believe it. First Ryou, now you. Soon I'll have nobody to talk to about new games."

Malik rolled his eyes playfully. Or you could just get in on board games.

"Or I could lament that my ever-growing circle of friends just can't appreciate good graphics." Yugi wiped away an imaginary tear.

Friends? Malik tilted his head. That's presumptuous.

Yugi blinked, a cold flush settling over his body. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't-"

Malik held up a hand to stop him. I'm teasing you. See what I mean about sarcasm and signing?

"Oh, right." Yugi shook his head, shoulders relaxing. "My autism and you signing really don't help sarcasm."

Exactly. Malik chuckled and picked up his chopsticks again, then paused. Do you really want to be friends? He asked after a moment. Even after I kicked you out of the shop?

Yugi gave Malik a grin. "Of course. Friends are kind of my thing." He picked up some wasabi for his nigiri. "Plus, even if you are a heathen and prefer the old Zelda games, you're a video game nerd."

Oh no, new games are your special interest. Malik groaned, but a grin was tugging at his lips. I'm doomed, aren't I?

Yugi swallowed what was in his mouth. "Hey, think of it this way - you and Ryou can share the special interest rants." Malik chuckled and shook his head, returning to his food. Yugi chewed his next piece of sushi slowly, contemplating. He waited until he had Malik's attention again before posing the question. "If you like TTRPGs, Ryou's about to start a new Monster World one with a few of our friends. There's still time to join if you're free on Saturday? I know it's only two days away, but..." Yugi shrugged.

Malik tapped his chopsticks against the plate. Ryou wouldn't mind?

"The more the merrier in his campaigns," Yugi assured him, Ryou's explicit welcome of Malik ringing in his head. "I can ask him to text you the details later today if I can grab your number?" He pulled his phone out and offered it to Malik.

Malik slowly looked from the phone back up to Yugi. His eyes still pierced Yugi, left him breathless, and Yugi squirmed slightly as his cheeks flushed.

You know, Malik signed, there are easier ways to ask for my number.

Yugi's eyes widened. "Wait, I- I didn't mean-"

Malik chuckled and waved away Yugi's stammered response, taking Yugi's phone. Teasing, he signed, one-handed, as he typed his number in. He took a quick photo and handed it back.

Yugi glanced at the new contact. Malik (Sexy 3) stared back up at him, with a photo of Malik winking. "You're terrible, you know that?"

Malik shrugged, eyes shining. I'm a delight.

"Sure," Yugi snorted. "We'll see about that."

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Hope you enjoyed! Please comment and hopefully I'll get chapter 3 out soon!