Over 200 reads, that's amazing you guys! Now I know that the last chapter wasn't really the best, but it was important for the plot, so thanks for sticking with me through that. :) I want to ask you guy's opinion, should I make the chapters shorter, and give them titles? Would it help? Any way, as all ways, constructive criticism and suggestions are welcome and encouraged. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. I don't own Yugioh, only the plot. This chapter is back to Yugi's perspective so, enjoy. :)

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"You don't understand," Yami growled, "you're nothing but a lame excuse of a friend. You mean nothing to me! I was better off before." Yugi flinched at his words. He looked up at the thunderous face that belonged to Yami. The flaming, ruby eyes that once held warmth were cold and angry. Yugi's mind swam with words that he could use, but none made it as far as his tongue. His whole form deflated in defeat. He could feel Yami's gaze upon him as he hung his head. So close...

A wave of sound erupted all around him. Cheers and congratulations and the occasional 'whoop'. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up at Yami's proud smile, "We nearly got through the whole scene this time Yugi." His face was close, really close, too close. Yugi could feel his stomach give an uncomfortable lurch at his proximity. All he could do was give a weak smile, "Sorry for stuffing it, I forgot my line..." Mr Kumo, who had managed to silently pry his way through the crowd, cut him off. "You two are definitely something, I'll give you that," his whispery voice cut through the chatter of the others, bringing silence upon the group, " I am glad that at least some of you have bothered to practice." He glared out at the other students, steel eyes jumping from face to face. This man is great at making people feel uncomfortable."Yugi Mutou and Yami here, have gotten the main roles for a reason. And we have just witnessed that reason. Acting. It is not something that can be learnt over night. Now, off with you, today's rehearsal is over." He watched the students force their way out of the hall, standing as still as stone all the while. Yugi tore his eyes away to find that Yami and Anzu were nearly out the door. He quickly thanked Mr Kumo and ran after them.

"You're an amazing actor Yami! I never would have guessed." Yugi laughed quietly at Yami's awkward reactions to Anzu's praise. He had to get in on this, "I have to agree with Anzu," he mocked, running up to his side, "you make a superb actor and a fine pharaoh." He caught a quick glimpse of Yami's surprise before his head was tackled into a hug. He could feel Yami's breath next his ear, "And what my little servant says must be true." He spoke softly and regally, the way he did when he was acting as pharaoh. Yugi shivered slightly at his tone. I hate it when he does that. It caused his stomach to preform bellyflops and his face to heat up. Yami stood again, chuckling at Yugi's flustered expression. Yugi smiled too, taking in every aspect of Yami's cheerful form. The way his eyes glimmered, the smoothness of his skin, the ease at which his smile fell into place.

Over the past couple of weeks, they really had grown close. He marvelled at how quickly Yami had changed. What used to be tentative smiles were now full blown grins. What used to be careful complements was now friendly teasing. Yugi too had changed and he didn't know if it was good or bad. When ever he was in Yami's presence he felt weird. It wasn't a bad weird, it's just that he hadn't ever felt that way before. His stomach fluttered like a swarm of butterflies. His face, he could tell, heated like a volcano. His heart started beating to unnatural rhythms and his palms decided to become swimming pools. At first he had thought that he was allergic to Yami or something, but when they were apart it felt as though someone had stabbed him in the gut. He didn't want to tell Ryou or Anzu, and he definitely did not want to tell Yami. He had just learnt to accept it. The one thing that he couldn't ignore though, was how images of Yami seemed to make their way into his mind at the most inconvenient times. Doing your homework, oh look, Yami and his smile. That gorgeous, mysterious smile. The fact that Yami seemed to be a 'physical' kind of friend, didn't really help. Whenever he bumped, grabbed, tackled, hugged, pulled or even brushed against Yugi, it sent lightning bolts through his system. This feeling puzzled Yugi, but he had learned to live with it.

Walking home together had become a normal thing. Ryou joined them sometimes, but it was usually just Yugi, Yami and Anzu. It had taken a while for Anzu to accept Yami. She kept giving him weird looks, like she was trying to see what he was really thinking. Yugi didn't really blame her. It felt like he and Yugi had known each other for ever. Yugi knew all his favourite games, favourite food and even his favourite number of all things. But if he thought about it, Yugi didn't know him at all. He didn't know Yami's birthday, where he lived, his family or even his last name. That thought was kind of scary.

Despite the lack of knowledge, everyone got on with him eventually, even Anzu. At last the three made it to the game shop.

"Well, I'll see you guys," Yami waved. Yugi stepped forward,

"Wait!"

Yami looked at him quizzically, eyes shining.

Yugi's heart raced, "Can I come over to your place for once?"

Yami's smile disappeared and his eyes clouded over, misty red.

"Please?"

Yami stood frozen, like actually, he wasn't even breathing. Oh crap. Did I brake him or something? Suddenly Yami let out a sharp gasp,

"Okay."

He didn't look at Yugi, just walked off, like he didn't care if they followed or not. They hadn't walked for that long before they reached an apartment building. Yugi could feel Anzu close behind him as Yami opened the door and lead them inside. He lead them up countless flights of stairs before fiddling with the lock to the top apartment. Yugi looked nervously at Anzu, her blue orbs were shining uncertainly too. Eventually the door squeaked open and Yami disappeared behind it. Yugi quietly followed, the smell of incense reaching his nose. He heard the faint sound of what seemed to be classical music. He looked around, stumbling forward dazedly, the incense doing wanders for his coordination. To his left the kitchen was small, and had an island bench. Sweeping the room Yugi saw massive glass windows with red satin curtains that bathed the room in a warm, soft light. They fluttered slightly in the breeze, leaving a gap for Yugi to see the city below. He went to take another step into the room when he ran into a rather solid, warm, nice smelling object. Yami had stopped abruptly, looking right, towards the white couch with red and purple pillows thrown upon it. There was no TV as far as Yugi could see, but that wasn't what had shocked Yami into stillness.

"Ryou?" Yugi whispered. As sitting on the couch like he owned the place, was a man who looked nearly exactly like Ryou. The same, snow, white, long hair. The same pale complexion. The same general scrawniness. Although, looking more closely, Yugi spotted more differences. The man in front of him had more spiked hair. What Yugi had initially taken for scrawniness was rather leanness. His eyes, however, were the biggest difference. Instead of chocolate brown and round, they were sharp and the colour of dried blood. Compared to Yami's they were dull and held no warmth, only malice. His smirk though, was scarily similar.

"Theif,"

"Pharaoh," his voice had the same accent, but was deeper and more sinister. His whole being screamed, arrogance and distrust. Wait, pharaoh?

"What are you doing here Thief?" Yami growled.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realise you'd have company," he sneered, "I was hoping that you would help me again."

An unknown expression appeared on Yami's face. Something that seemed like a cross between want and concern. Yugi took another quick glance at Anzu, she looked about as confused as Yugi felt.

"Wait, how did you even get in here?" Yami questioned,

"That's for me to know and for you to not find out."

This guy was really starting to annoy Yugi.

"You know Pharaoh, I've been waiting here for something like an hour. Where were you?"

"I was at play rehearsals," he muttered.

'Theif's' eyes widened in surprise, "You're in the play?!"

Yugi felt a need to defend Yami, this seemed like one of the guys that Yami had first talked about. Anzu, however, beat him to the mark, "He got the lead role actually, so you can just shut it!"

'Theif' didn't take any notice of Anzu's hostility. Instead, he started laughing, a cold, cruel, mysterious laugh. "Your playing Pharaoh Atem?! Wow, that's cheesy, even for you."

"It wasn't my choice Theif. Now how did you know about the play anyway?"

'Theif' blinked at him, "Really? That's what you want to start with? You don't want to introduce me to your.... friends?"

"No. Not really."

'Theif' sighed and rolled his eyes, "Well, I'm a lighting and special effects student. My first job is to do the effects for your school play." He looked slyly up at Yami, his eyes half-lidded, "It's going to be fun, ay Pharaoh?" he purred. His eyes darted towards Yugi, chilling him to the bone, "Now who's this little angel?"

Yeah, I definitely don't like this guy.

Yami chuckled slightly, earning confused glances from everyone, "Angel?' He scoffed, "All you deserve my friend, are demons."

'Theif' narrowed his eyes and slowly rose up from the couch, making his way towards Yugi. Before Yugi could protest he was scooped up into a pair of lean, muscular arms. "My name's Bakura, but you can call me Theif," the man whispered in his ear. Yugi tried to think up some sought comeback but he was distracted by Bakura's warm breath brushing over his face. Yugi struggled in his grip but couldn't get free. What do I do!

A sinister growl came from behind the two, "Bakura. If you value your life..... Put. Yugi. Down."

Yugi could feel Bakura's laugh reverberate through his body as he was placed down near Yami. "Hear that Angel? Pharaoh's jealous."

Yugi moved closer to Yami, drinking in his familiar scent, revelling in the safety of his warmth. Bakura smirked down at him, "Well Angel, I should go, but I must say it has been a pleasure meeting you," he winked, "and if you have any cute friends, don't hesitate to call." With that he sauntered out of the apartment, laughing maniacally all the while.

"Well, he was..... Interesting." Anzu piped up.

Yami sighed amusedly, "Yeah, that's not the word I would use."

Yugi giggled slightly before realising that he was snuggled against Yami's side. He felt his face flush and his palms grow sweaty. Before he could sidle away Yami grabbed his hand and twirled him towards the couch. Yugi lost balance and fell with a, "Umpf." He felt the cushions dip as Yami plonked down next to him, hair bouncing along with him. "So, welcome to my humble abode."

Yugi looked around again, admiring how right it was for Yami. It was serene and mystical. The colour pallet seemed enhanced by the richness of the music and the fragrance of the incense. The view was unbeatable, looking out over the city landscape, capturing it in the evening light. "How did you afford this place?" Yugi wondered, eyes glistening in awe.

Yami chuckled, a deep, musical sound, "I have friends in high places," his voice silvery smooth.

Anzu sat down on the other side of Yami and positioned herself carefully to face the boys, "What, friends like 'Thief'?"

"No, Thief is really one of a kind, but he is the best friend I have."

Yugi felt pain claw at his heart, Bakura is his best friend?

"Well you know, apart from you guys," he finished. Yugi let out a sigh of relief, " So, who's this rich friend of yours? Iron man?" he asked jokingly.

"Mmm, no, not quite. But he is the CEO of Kaiba Corp, so, it he wanted to he probably could afford it."

Yugi and Anzu stared at him with gaping mouths, "The CEO of Kaiba Corp is your friend? What? How?" Anzu asked, breathless.

"Well, he owed me, so, apartment." He gestured around, smiling.

Anzu snorted, " What did you do, sell him your family?"

Yami's smile dropped faster than gravity would have allowed. His eyes burned with cold anger and something else. His usually steady hands started trembling. Yugi could feel a mix of emotions rolling off him in waves, and from the look on Anzu's face, Yugi could tell that she felt it too. Yami leaped off the couch and sped towards a door, presumedly to the bedroom. Yugi winced when he heard a door slam.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry, I had no idea," Anzu's voice trembled. Yugi moved closer to comfort her, "Hey, it's okay, it's okay. You didn't know. I probably would of done the same thing at some point," Yugi comforted her. She was a very caring person and hated it when people were upset, she felt that she had to take the blame to keep the weight off other's shoulders. Yugi wished that he was strong enough to be like her. And at this moment he tried. He let her rest her head on his shoulder. Rubbed her back soothingly, and quietly reassured her. Eventually, eyes a little red, she stood up and smiled bravely, "Thanks Yugi. I should probably go," her blue gaze lingered on the door that concealed Yami, "Tell him that I'm sorry."

Yugi smiled at her again, to let her know that he would, before she exited the apartment quietly.

Yugi sighed as he pottered around the kitchen, finding everything he needed to make dinner. He had put some pasta on to boil and was cooking up a nice tomato sauce. He took a whiff and felt his stomach growl as the delectable scent hit his nose. When the sauce was finished and the pasta cooked, he found two bowls and scooped some contents into each. He had found a little herb supply in the cupboard and had picked some crisp, fresh basil to put over the top. He smiled at his work and put the bowls down at a small table near the window. He looked towards the door again, eyes shining hopefully, but still no Yami. He shuffled over to the door and placed his ear against it, hopping for some sought of indication as to what was happening. Nothing. He breathed deeply and pushed it open gently. "Yami?" He asked softly. There was no response so he opened the door fully and stepped into the room. It followed the colour scheme of the rest of the apartment. The bed took up most of the room, with what looked like red and purple silk sheets. The carpet was white and fluffy, the furniture, black. The wall facing the city was completely made of glass, framed by red satin curtains.

Yami sat on the bed, facing the window. He was no longer wearing the uniform, but instead a black, sleeveless top and leather pants. His choker sat on the bed next to him. A red towel was draped over his shoulders and his hair looked darker. Yugi looked more closely and saw that it was dripping slightly. Yugi breathed in when Yami's head snapped around. "Hey Yugi." His eyes looked as gorgeous as ever, his lips pulling into a soft smile, reserved for Yugi alone.

"U-um, I made dinner."

"Really? Oh thanks, you really didn't have to."

Yugi flinched when his stomach let out another growl. Yami chuckled amusedly, before standing and letting the towel fall off his shoulders. He picked up the choker and fiddled with the buckle as he delicately placed it around his neck. Yugi turned and left the room quickly so that Yami wouldn't see his blush. Man, I've got a problem. He sat down at the table and waited for Yami to sit opposite. When he did, Yugi could see his face light up like a child on Christmas. He really appreciates food, Yugi smiled.

They didn't have conversation over dinner, but rather they sat in comfortable silence. Enjoying each-other's company. When they were done, Yugi's senses no longer trained on food, he could smell Yami's scent wash over him. He smelled like a mix of new books and the incense that took residence in the apartment. Ra, I love that smell, Yugi sighed in contentment. His stomach was full and he was warm and cozy. He could feel his eyes slowly closing, surrendering to welcoming feeling.

He was disturbed when the table shook, jolting him out of his dreamlike state. "Heeeyy, I was comfortable," he wined as Yami smirked, grabbing his coat from the floor.

"Come on, I should be getting you home."

Yugi smiled at his blunt remark, before pulling himself up as well.

The walk home through the night was beautiful and peaceful. It must have rained before as puddles littered the sidewalk, reflecting the many lights of the city. Yugi wasn't worried about drunks or gangs, he felt safe next to Yami, his warmth enveloping him like a cloak. The sound of cars was distant, leaving only crisp air for Yugi and Yami. The taste of night danced over Yugi's tongue, the slight breeze brushing over his face.

"I'm sorry for storming off earlier, it's just, what Anzu said, kind of hit a nerve," Yami said softly, carefully, "I don't blame her what so ever. So yeah, sorry."

Yugi listened. He wanted to know why Yami reacted the way he did, but, he felt that it was probably too personal a question to ask now. He blinked and looked up at Yami. He couldn't help but smile, Yami's eyes swam with genuine curiosity to how Yugi would respond, "It's okay Yami, Anzu will forgive you. And I forgive you too."

Yami's eyes sparkled in delight and thanks, before he looked forwards once again. The two continued the walk in silence, when they reached the game store Yugi felt disappointed that he would have to say goodbye to Yami. He turned quickly, "So, how did you meet Theif? And what was he asking for?" He asked innocently. Yami chuckled at his attempt to keep him there. He stepped forward and hugged Yugi. "That's a story for another time, my little servant." He whispered in Yugi's ear. His voice sent shivers down his spine. Yami's arms were strong and comforting around Yugi's form and he couldn't help but not want it to end. Eventually though, he had to step away, "Good night Yugi."

Good night Yami, my Pharaoh.