I want to thank everyone who read and commented on the last two chapters! Thank you! Feed back is encouraged and suggestions are welcome. Sorry if there are any grammatical errors.

This chapter mirrors all the events of the last one, just from Yami's point of view. Sorry that I kept his past mysterious, you get to dine out later.

I hope that you like it! :)

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Yami walked off before Yugi or Anzu could question him further. He could feel their gazes on his back as walked but he didn't turn to look. Yami was usually pretty careful about what he said, he couldn't believe that he had just poured out his soul to some strange boy he had just met. It scared Yami that he found it so easy to talk to his small look-a-like. He'd have to be careful if he decided to take him up on his offer to hang out with him. Yami smiled softly, he remembered how surprised he had been to be approached by the boy, and then again when he was offered a place in his group. Yami never knew anyone to be so nice or so open, especially to him considering... Yami snapped out of his musings when he approached his apartment building.

Walking up the final flight of stairs his legs ached and his shoulders were about to drop off thanks to the number of books in his bag. Sometimes I wish I didn't have the top floor. And more of than sometimes do I wish that the teachers gave us less homework. He pulled out his key and unlocked the door to his apartment, pushing it open gently with a small creek. The building wasn't particularly old, it was just that nearly everything that Yami owned was broken. The door, for example, was thanks to a little complication with a 'friend'. Yami chuckled as he remembered what lead up to the 'little complication'. A lot of enthusiasm about a girl, and way too much ego to fit in a limo. Yami sighed and chucked his bag onto the floor by the door, there was no way in heaven and earth that he was going to do his homework, the teachers didn't deserve it. His apartment wasn't much; two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and living room. All either black or white, with the occasional splash of red or purple. He made his way over to the kitchen and made himself a peanut-butter sandwich.

The rest of the evening went by as Yami sat, wallowing in his own loneliness. He was so lost. He didn't know what to do, he barely knew how to function. Everything he tried to be just wouldn't settle in. He wasn't one to laugh at other's misfortunes, he wasn't one to hurt others, but that is what his group had expected of him. He had never had a chance to brake away until now. The mysterious light that was Yugi. Maybe he was the one that could help Yami find himself again. After everything, maybe kindness, true kindness, was what he needed. In a daze he wandered towards his room and folded onto the bed. His movements were nearly dream-like, clumsy and slow. Everything that mattered was in his mind and his heart. His dark mind and his torn heart. The pleasant breeze of night washed over Yami's exposed arms as he sat, staring out the window at the twinkling lights of the city. People were rushing around, life moved on as normal as Yami watched. Broken. He was broken and he could feel it. His heart was a puzzle, and he was missing that last important piece. The piece that would make him whole. The piece that would make everything clear. He half closed his eyes, crimson blazing. He didn't want to go to sleep, it was a curse. Throwing him into memories he would much rather forget. As still as a ghost, Yami sat and watched and thought. A purple light caught his eye. Reminding him of the beautiful shining orbs that were Yugi's. His lips moved slowly and hesitantly into a smile, so soft it was hardly recognisable. It was a genuine smile. After everything he could only manage smirks and smiles of mocking and arrogance. He thought he had forgotten how to really smile. He thought that he had forgotten how to be happy. Maybe the gods had given him a second chance. A chance to be free. A chance to love.

Slowly his eyes broke free from his control and closed. But instead of darkness he was left with an image of an angelic face with amethyst eyes and a child-like smile. He was left in light.

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Yami ran and he ran fast. He could hear maniacal laughing coming from the man running along side him and couldn't help but let out a small chuckle of his own. He embraced the feeling of the wind rushing past and he embraced the thrill of the chase. It was just like old times. He and his partner sped around a corner and continued on. He could hear the shouts of angry pedestrians behind him as he forced his way forward. His breaths were coming as ragged gasps. His legs were aching and his earlier thrill was dying out. Yami couldn't even remember what events had even lead up to this point.

He had waken up to his alarm in a cold sweat, once again nightmares had plagued him. He had a shower and packed his bag before receiving a phone call. He was surprised to hear the snide voice of an old friend, "Hey Pharaoh, I need your help,"

"With what?"

"Do you think you can get that loaded friend of yours to give me some money?"

"I'm lucky he even let's me have the apartment, let alone give me money!" There was silence on the other side of the line as he thought over Yami's reply.

"Then can you come into the city help me 'earn' some?"

Yami smiled evily, he really had missed this, "Of course, Thief."

So there they were, missing school and whatever his friend did, to steal from shops and pick-pocket from strangers. They had gone unnoticed for most of the scams, it was just that they had gone too far, gotten too greedy. Trying to 'borrow' a set of crystal champagne glasses from a top rated store. Yeah, probably should of thought that one through. They hadn't actually managed to take it before the security guards were on their tail. The two twisted through crowds, sped around corners and climbed over fences before they eventually shook off the guards. Doubled over, wheezing for breath, the two males gave each other a look that the other knew all too well. They both started laughing as their eye's met. "You're crazy Bakura." stated Yami, shaking his head. Bakura looked at him and smirked a smirk worthy of the gods, "Yes, but it was you how agreed to come along, my dear Pharaoh." His voice was smooth but had the edge of a growl. His eyes glinted mischievously as he mock bowed to Yami. Yami sighed impatiently, maybe he hadn't missed this. "What do you need money for anyway?"

Bakura looked at him through a waterfall of white as he bent down to look through his back-pack, counting the score. "Well, actually. I needed the money so that I can get myself through university."

Yami was surprised by this, Bakura never seemed like the type to actually bother with education. "Wait, don't you have a job?"

Bakura looked away, a slight pink appeared on his cheeks, "I used to. I just, um, stuff happened."

Yami looked at him suspiciously but didn't press the matter. He hoisted his backpack onto his shoulders after handing the 'borrowed' items to Bakura. He flinched when his stomach twisted painfully and let out an angry growl. His partner looked at him and sneered, "Ohh, is baby Pharaoh hungry?"

Yami huffed, turning away to hide his flustered features, "I didn't get a chance to eat before you so rudely barged into my life."

Bakura walked up in front of him, gesturing for him to follow, "I suppose I'll buy you breakfast then."

Yami and Bakura had stopped at a nice little café about three blocks down from Domino High. The air was filled with the comforting aroma of coffee and baked goods. Yami breathed in deeply, allowing all the flavours to dance across his senses. Even Bakura looked relaxed in this place; his face no longer a mask of indifference, rather a look of an excited child. That's rare, Yami smirked. He went and sat down at a little booth at the back of the shop. The seats were well worn but had a look of timeless majesty. He waited while Bakura ordered, looking over the other patrons. There were small families, mothers smiling as their children drew on the napkins. There were young couples that could do nothing but hold hands and smile. And there were others that sat alone, either on laptops or reading books. Yami's smile faltered and his head drooped. They may be alone here, but they are not actually alone. Not like me. He clenched his fists as he felt water forming in his eyes. Why, why can't I ever be happy? He jumped slightly when he felt a comforting hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see rust coloured eyes, full of sympathy. "It's okay Yami. I know how you feel, and I'm sorry that I'm not always around to cheer you up," Bakura moved to sit, taking up Yami's hands instead, "but I'm here now. Let's just enjoy the good things, yes?" Yami nodded and Bakura moved his hands away. The two waited in comfortable silence for their order to arrive. "You know I'm missing school thanks to you?" Yami sighed, "I'm going to get in trouble."

Bakura chuckled, reaching into his bag and pulling out a note, then handing it to Yami. He scanned over it as an exasperated smile found its way onto his lips, "So you knew that I was going to say yes then?" Bakura shrugged and watched as their food was placed in front of them. Yami didn't notice, he was looking at the note. It was a letter from a doctor, saying that Yami had an appointment this morning. The signature at the bottom was one he recognised, Bakura's.

"All those foolish teachers need is a signature, yes? And then they believe anything." Bakura queried, slowly stirring his cup of tea. Yami chuckled at the truth in his friend's words, before placing the note in his bag and looking at the meal in front of him.

His eyes lit up as he looked at the plate of French Toast. There were three slices, topped with a light dusting of icing sugar. Strawberries cut like a fan decorated the plate, a small jug of maple syrup sitting on the rim. His stomach rumbled again as he smelt the sweet sent of the food. He carefully poured the maple syrup over the toast, entranced by the way it gently flowed into its position. He cut up a piece and placed it in his mouth. His eyes widened in surprise. It wasn't at all as sweet as it looked, and Yami was grateful, he didn't have a sweet tooth at all. The toast was gone in a matter of minutes, leaving Yami feeling warm and cozy. Bakura gazed at him in amusement, a small smile on his face as Yami pulled the cup of coffee towards him. Yami looked into the steaming brown liquid. He carefully lifted it to his mouth and took a small sip. Instantly his eyes widened and a dopey grin planted itself on his face. His tastebuds danced at the feel of the new flavours. It was as warm and familiar as coffee could get, but there was something else, a spice maybe. Cinnamon? Yami didn't care, he drank the whole cup, savouring every sip. When he finished he placed his cup face down on the saucer and looked up at Bakura's contented face, "I had no idea you would enjoy it so much Pharaoh,"

"Yeah well, your bound to do something right every now and then Theif."

Bakura chuckled and stood up to leave, Yami followed.

They walked in silence to the gates of the school, Yami could tell that the bell had just gone to signal the end of recess. The school yard was eerily quiet. Yami sighed, "I suppose this is it then," he turned to Bakura, "thanks for the food." Bakura shook his hand, "No, thank you for the help with the, ah, money collecting," he smirked and started to back away, "I've been way too nice to you today Pharaoh, so next time I see you, watch out." And with that he disappeared before you could say 'arrogant little theif'. Yami smiled to himself, he really had missed this.

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Yami had looked everywhere; the cafeteria, the garden, the hallways, and still no sign of Yugi. He walked out into the courtyard. He could see a groups of girls, in one of which sat Anzu. But still no Yugi. Is he even here today? He looked towards the sky in defeat, and that's when he saw it. The unmistakable shape of Yugi's hair.

When he finally managed to navigate himself onto the roof he saw Yugi playing a chess game with what seemed to be one of his friends. The pair played with such focus and such determination that they weren't aware of Yami's arrival. He allowed his shadow to fall over the board, "Hi, Yugi. Wasn't it?"

What! Why did I say it like that!? Now he'll think that I don't really care!

"Yeah, sorry," he didn't really want to tell Yugi that he could have been arrested today for stealing, "I... had some... stuff.. to take care of..." He let out a small chuckle to let out the awkward, "and then I didn't know where you were." Yami watched as Yugi flinched, oh no! Did I say something wrong? Yami relaxed slightly when Yugi asked, "Wait. If you didn't know where I was, how did you end up here?"

Yami scratched the back of his head while he recounted what happened, "Well... I went outside to look for you right, and I couldn't see you. I looked back up at the building and...well...there was your hair." Yugi started laughing. Not just laughing, but full on, completely lost it, has a room in Arkham Asylum, kind of laughter. Yami chuckled at the sound. It was a musical laugh, full of genuine happiness. A small cough emitted from the boy sitting next to Yugi, enough to finally calm him down. Yami was slightly disappointed. Yugi breathed deeply, "Right. Yami, this is Ryou. Ryou, this is Yami."

Ryou smiled up at him and waved, "Hi, nice to meet you." Yami looked at the boy in surprise. He was nearly an exact replica of Bakura, all the way down to the accent. Yami exchanged a greeting with the same tone while he thought about the similarities between Yugi's and Ryou's friendship and his and Bakura's. That's one scary coincidence. Yugi gestured for him to sit, so he did. He quickly looked over the chess board and smirked, "Good job Yugi, you're about to win." The two boys looked at him in confusion and then quickly back at the board. Yami watched as Yugi's eyes cleared and a look of confidence too over his face. Wow, Yami breathed, he really is something. Yami watched as Yugi made the final move, winning himself the game. After Ryou got over his loss he turned to face Yami, "Do you play chess?" Yami's smile faltered and he slipped into memories. Luckily he stopped himself from slipping too far and instead forced out a small, "I used to," before the bell went, ending all awkward questions.

Yami sat slouched on his chair. The teacher droned on and on, I swear they teach us the same thing every year. Never the less he copied down the notes obediently. He drifted through his thoughts every now and then glancing over at Yugi, before snapping his head back to the front. He had no idea how anyone could look so innocent when doing anything, but somehow, Yugi managed. Before he knew it, the bell went and the teacher was shouting out homework. Yami sighed and quickly copied it down while the chaos slowly left the room. Next to him Yugi had smacked his head against the table. Ooookkkaayyy? He got up and walked over, "Yugi, are you okay?" Slowly he lifted his head, "No, I don't understand this!" He gestured towards his note book, "and I was smart enough to to cover my notes with a drawing!" Yami looked down at the book. Woah! It was a masterpiece, a perfectly drawn Dark Magician was battling a mighty Blue-Eyes White Dragon. That looks familiar. "Well, if it's any consolation, it's a pretty good sketch." Yugi let out a frustrated laugh that chilled Yami to the bone. That sound should never come from Yugi. It was cold and edge on sadistic. "Thanks, but I don't think that it can help me with my problem."

Yami thought for a moment, it wouldn't be too weird would it, "I could."

So after an extremely uneventful play rehearsal, Yami and the others walked to Yugi's house so that they could do their maths homework. Yami was surprised at how quickly the others accepted him into their group. He was starting to feel wanted. A feeling he hadn't had in a long time.

He wasn't really shocked to find that Yugi lived at a game shop. In fact, it seemed to fit. Especially when he saw the interior. The whole place seemed to speak of Yugi, warm and welcoming. Yami's eyes instantly spotted an item gleaming inside a glass case. He was unaware of everything as he glided towards the item. The orange light of the afternoon sun reflected off the golden box, making it look as if it were glowing. Yami could do nothing but stare. He started when Yugi's voice came from next to him, "Um... It's called the Millenium Puzzle, it hasn't been solved for 3,000 years though, so..."

"It's beautiful," Yami whispered. He didn't know why he was so entranced by the puzzle. He knew that he was a sucker for shiny things, but it was more than that. The box was beautiful, yes. Pure gold, adorned with hieroglyphs, ancient and regal. The fact that it was unsolvable was also an intriguing thought. No one, in 3,000 years. Billions and billions of people, none able to accomplish something as simple as a puzzle. Obviously it was from Egypt, the hieroglyphs gave it away, but the air it gave off had that mystical edge. Yami was aware of Yugi moving towards the puzzle, he watched in anticipation as he brought it out of the case. "You can have a closer look if you want. My grandpa brought it back from Egypt, so... It's not for sale." Yami shook his head, no words were enough to describe what he was feeling right now. To own such a thing...you would have to be a king. He could feel his heart beating faster as he slowly opened the lid. It was lighter than he expected. He lowered his hand into the box and brought out a piece. It had an eye in the centre but it wasn't off putting. Despite being inside a metal box, the piece was warm to the touch. Comforting. He was aware of Yugi staring at him, it made his heart leap in its place.

Yami jumped when he heard a crash behind him. Ryou had knocked over a vase, standing with the look of a startled deer. Yami chuckled slightly as Yugi tried to calm him down. He had to admit that he was a bit disappointed that the moment couldn't last longer as he was instructed to help clean up the mess and the puzzle was put away.

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Yami didn't know what time it was, probably around 8. Ryou had left about an hour ago in a hurried, chaotic sought of way. He is scarily similar to Bakura. Yami had just finished eating, well, quite a bit of food. It hadn't been as good as his breakfast but still, free food. He was slightly embarrassed to have eaten so much, especially in front of Yugi who had only nibbled at a sandwich. But he was hungry, so he ate until he was full, stifling a belch when he was done. Being the great houseguest that he was, he cleared up his mess so that the place was left spotless. When he was happy with his work he turned to Yugi, "So, are you ready to retry the question?" Before dinner they had worked on it for ages, Ryou had understood pretty much straight away, but Yugi, not so much. Yami could tell that it annoyed him so he tried to be gentle in his approach. So now he wasn't sure if Yugi really wanted to continue or not. Surprisingly the small boy nodded, got to give him points for determination.

A whole hour went by, mind numbingly slow. Yami tried everything. A whole lot of different examples, different kinds of questions, similar equations, even demonstrating different methods. But nothing. Yami was wearing his voice hoarse. Yugi's eyes had lost the beautiful spark that made him so inspiring. Yami couldn't allow this. Yugi's brilliant eyes were glistening with tears. It pained Yami to see him like this, he had given Yami a chance at fixing his life and now all Yami could do was be a terrible teacher and a terrible friend. He had to do something, there had to be some way. He looked around the room and a smile came to his lips when he spotted a deck of Duel Monster cards, oh yes. He carefully moved away from Yugi to set up the field behind him. When he was done, he sat at his side of the field and looked at Yugi. He still had his back to him. Yami tried to make his voice as soft and comforting as he could, "Yugi, please turn around." He sighed happily when he saw Yugi shuffle around to face him, and upon surveying the scene look at Yami with an adorable, confused expression. Yami stifled a laugh, he had finally done something to cheer him up. "Yami...What?"

"Let's duel."

In truth, the idea of teaching Yugi how to solve the equation with Duel Monsters wasn't completely Yami's own idea. A friend of his had once shown him how to move on with life with a duel. A long time ago. Yami explained to Yugi how to do the equation, turn by turn his smile widening. Eventually Yugi's eyes brightened and shined in understanding. Yami smirked when he saw Yugi's, once agin, child like expression. The duel, however was far from over. Yami had no idea that Yugi was so good. He was a force to be reckoned with. Yami would have lost if he hadn't played 'Hand Destruction' and caused them to tie. Yugi smiled up at Yami. One of those smiles that you can never quite get from a photo. "I didn't know that you played Duel Monsters Yami."

"Yeah, well....it's actually my favourite game," he replied sheepishly, turning to pack up his school things.

"It's mine too!" Yugi squealed, Yami couldn't help it, he let out a chuckle, earning a pout from Yugi. Oh. My. Ra. How can he be so cute? When Yami realised what he thought he could feel his face heating up. Oh no. He was saved, however, by Sugoroku of all people. The old man was one of the nicest, jolliest people that Yami had ever met. "Ah, I see you're all packed up, Yami my boy. But I'm afraid I'll be forcing you to stay here tonight, it's already 9 o'clock and I won't have you wandering the streets at night." Yami's smile disappeared to be replaced by a mask of worry. He didn't want to scare anyone if he accidentally screamed out due to one of his nightmares. He pushed the thought aside and smiled politely, "Thank you very much for letting me stay here." He said lowly and bowed. Sugoroku chuckled and threw him some pants, "You'll have to borrow a shirt from Yugi though, mine are probably a tad too wide." I hope this is the right decision.

Yami still didn't know what time it was, he didn't really care. Yugi had set up a trundle bed for him, complete with makeshift pillow and blanket. Yami was sitting in it, still in uniform, doing the homework that he didn't do last night. He heard Yugi yawn and looked over. He was wearing his pyjamas and was tucked up in bed. He reminded Yami of a kitten, adorable and cozy. Suddenly his eyes were met with a pair of amethyst orbs, his features softened, "You can turn off the light and go to bed if you want Yugi. I'll be done in a second." Yugi nodded sleepily and turned off the light, rolling over to face Yami. Yami continued with his work. In truth he was scared to go to sleep. It was bad enough to experience the nightmares himself. He could only imagine how terrifying it would be to be woken up to the screams of another, and not knowing what was happening. He'd just have to hope that it didn't come to that. He closed the laptop with a snap, and heard Yugi jump. He smirked, was he watching me? Yami leaped up and headed towards the bathroom. He quickly washed his face and changed into the clothes that the Mutous provided him with. The pants were a little loose but other wise okay. The singlet shirt however, was tight. It clung to his skin, showing every muscle. Yami smiled evily, oh yes. He quietly tip-toed back into Yugi's room. He could easily see where he was going in the moonlight. He felt Yugi's eyes following him and stopped himself from smirking. He made sure his whole torso could be seen and pretended to stretch, allowing his muscles to ripple under the shirt. He took a quick peek towards Yugi and he caught a glimpse of his eyes before they were shut closed. Yami could hear Yugi's breathing become heavier. You're playing a dangerous game Yugi. He lowered himself onto the trundle bed, allowing himself to be absorbed in the feel of the cloth. Keeping his eyes closed, he turned so that he was facing in Yugi's direction. When he thought that the time was right he opened his eyes, catching Yugi read-handed. More like red-faced. Yami stared into Yugi's eyes. He still couldn't understand as to why they were so beautiful. Maybe it was the colour, or the way the sparkled. Or maybe they were only beautiful because of the person that they belonged to. He couldn't help it anymore, Yami smirked. He fell asleep to an angelic face, turned rose red.