inonebasket | (no subject)

As he checked himself over -moved his arms about to make sure the shirt fit all right, checked the pants to make sure the legs were long enough- Yami glanced up at Yugi, somewhat bemused. I don't think I do.

You don't have to stay in here if this is awkward for you, Aibou. I don't mind. Yami didn't personally see the big deal, but if Yugi was going to flail about then he'd rather he wait outside the room. No need to freak the poor kid out.

Yugi thought about this for a moment, and then shook his head. No, it's okay. I'll stay here. If Yami was going to stay like this for a while, then he'd have to get used to it. Especially if he was planning on parading around in Yugi's room without a shirt on. God help the rest of the world.

He was about to ask if the shirt and pants fit, when he noticed the bruises that formed on Yami's neck. That's right... He got the worst of it, didn't he? He rubbed the front of his own, where the puzzle had yanked him down, and then maneuvered his shirt to hide them. Sorry about this morning, Yugi sent through their link, I was just... surprised.

Oh sure, you'll hide them real well when you draw attention to them first. Yami stepped toward him with a look of concern, and moved his hand aside to turn down Yugi's collar. The bruises on his neck were red, already approaching purple, and looked pretty nasty.

He touched a couple fingers to them, brow furrowing. These were his fault. ...do they hurt much?

Augh, his ingenious plan failed. The marks were tender, and it felt like someone had punched him there (which he was all too familiar with), but he didn't want Yami to worry over them all day. A little. But some medicine and hot rags will make them go away faster.

And there was no way he was about to let his other self take the blame for this. He gave a frown of his own and reached up to touch the tips of his fingers against Yami's neck, where more bruises of the same color were showing up. Besides... You have a lot more than I do. Those - and these, he lowered his head a bit to gesture to his own throat, were my fault. I was the one who yanked you up first, remember?

Yugi could probably write a detailed essay on how this was entirely his fault and support it with tons of empirical evidence and Yami would still try to take the blame for something. So instead of acknowledging that it was Yugi's fault -or even arguing over who was really to blame- Yami turned up Yugi's collar again and backed out of his other's touch.

The sooner we finish here, the sooner we can return home so you can be treated. And he tugged off his shirt to try on the next two outfits, rushing a bit in his hurry to get out of there. Yugi being in pain because he was taking too long to pick out clothes was simply unacceptable.

We're treating you too, okay? Yugi fiddled with his collar a bit more, then hooked his hands behind his back, watching with a slightly helpless smile. He wanted Yami to enjoy himself and take his time here, not put himself in a rush just to relieve his aches. Besides, they still had breakfast planned... But with a sigh, Yugi shooed that thought away from his head. That would probably have to wait and become lunch instead.

Now, to his original question. Are the clothes fitting you all right? I can get some more if they don't.

They're fine. Even if they weren't fine, Yami wouldn't have let Yugi go off and find him some more. While the notion of being waited on was a bit familiar -makes sense, since he was a king and all- he didn't want Yugi to do it and he didn't want to prolong their stay at the store so much that Yugi wouldn't be able to get back home to treat those bruises.

Stupid. He should have noticed before, and they should have done it before going anywhere. Satisfied with what they found, Yami shrugs the black shirt and pajama bottoms back on, gathering up their soon-to-be purchases in his arms and giving the lock a rather put-out look, hoping he could just will it open with his mind instead of having to wrestle with it.

Here, it's like this... Yugi worked the lock again, slowly this time, allowing Yami to see in case they stopped by here again, and then opened the door...

To see a group of preteens hurriedly turn away from gawking at the door and snicker behind their hands before hurrying away. Yugi seemed confused at first... but gasped in realization, then covered his face and let out a groan. It wasn't like two people in the same dressing room always had to mean... something else.

But before Yami could ask, Yugi worked his way towards the cash registers. The last thing he wanted was to explain how the young mind can jump to degrading conclusions very quickly. We need to pay, then hurry home. Then mom can give you her talk. Eh... good luck with that.

What was that about, Aibou? Yami asked, eyes following the little group as they scurried from the dressing room and completely ignoring the warning in Yugi's voice. He wasn't going to let something so odd get away from him so easily, after all.

The clerk was giving him a strange look and he remembered again that he was visible. It was a little funny; he was so accustomed to being invisible, walking beside Yugi as a specter or viewing the world through Yugi's eyes as he relaxed in his mind that he had to remind himself that he and Yugi were both visible now. "You guys brothers?" the clerk ventured somewhat jokingly as he rang up their purchases.

I told you.

".... Nothing." That was all Yugi was willing to say in response to that. He definitely did not want to get into that sort of thing with him.

The question from the clerk, however, had started him a little. After using the mind link so much with his other self, he too had almost forgotten that Yami had his own solid form. He laughed quietly at his own misery, his own stupidity, and Yami's cheekiness, which was to say that it was definitely a cover up to avoid dropping his head into his hands entirely with exasperation.

Might as well... "Yes! Twin brothers! He's the older one." He replied to the clerk as he looked up at his other. He'd let him handle things while he took out the bills and held them in his hands as if they were cards. Go on, clerk. Just tell him how much it will be. He's ready.

At the spoken answer, both Yami and the clerk gave Yugi a look (though Yami's was more amused than bemused) and the clerk tells Yugi the total cost of their purchases. Yami could feel the glances he was getting because of his strange attire and he wished that this process would hurry the hell up.

"He's the older one?" Now you're just being cheeky. Yami folded his arms and leaned against the counter, gaze sweeping across the room somewhat arrogantly. It wasn't that he tried to look haughty and aloof, it just came naturally to him. A few shoppers met his eyes before quickly looking away, and he tilted his head. It was harder to people-watch when they could watch you back.

If Yugi noticed the looks he was given, he didn't show it. Instead, he paid the amount (good, there was some left over, he could use it for lunch if he asked his mother nicely enough), though he smiled with amusement and raised an eyebrow at Yami's message. It's true and you know it. Besides, he'd just laugh at us if I said I was the older one.

It seemed Yugi wasn't particularly good at hiding his facial expressions whilst talking to his other self through their mind link, for the clerk was giving him an odd look himself. "Did he think of a joke he heard earlier?" He thought to himself as he slowly bagged their purchase. They were certainly one of the bizarre customers of the day. But, knowing that customer service was important, he pushed the thought away and offered a smile, told them to come again, and ushered for the next customer to come forward.

"Hopefully, mom will at least let you get dressed in one of these before she sits you down for a lecture." Yugi said as they left the store, and with a glance at Yami's neck, he mentally added to himself and himself alone, "And let me make up for this morning.

"It's all right if she doesn't," Yami answered aloud, and he took the bag from Yugi to peer down at their purchases. He didn't mind being lectured in pajamas; and truth be told, he had his suspicions that it wouldn't really be a lecture anyway. She was probably curious and cautious, but if there was any lecturing going on Yami doubted it would be anything harsh enough to hurt.

Though Yugi would be the authority on how his mother handles things. "You don't really think it'll be that bad, do you Aibou?"

"It'll just be long. She's going to want to know a lot of things about the person who'll be living with her son. Just call to me if it gets too bad for you, okay? I'll come up with some kind of excuse for you."

Yugi faced ahead, knowing that they were almost home by now. Another thought came to him, one that made the smile fall from his face a little. Now that Yami had his own body... What did he want to do now? Did he still want to find his lost memories? Or did he want to explore this new world, maybe... stay with him? Whatever his decision was, Yugi would support it, and he wouldn't ask now. He trusted his other self to tell him when he figured it out for himself.

To relieve himself of those thoughts, he perked himself up and teased through their link, How's it feel to walk everywhere with me instead of relaxing in my mind?

It's a lot more work, he teased back, though he was still worried about what Yugi had said concerning his mother. She'd want to know things about him, yes, and that was understandable...but what was there to him other than what he had with Yugi? He didn't remember.

Did he want to remember? Those memories belonged to a past life, his life, but a life that he couldn't live any longer. He'd always assumed that he would pass on one day, and he'd wanted his memories then so he would recognized his loved ones in the afterlife. But...if this was permanent, if this was how he was going to live, did he still want them? Knowing the people he'd left behind, and the people he would be keeping waiting?

He didn't know.

Maybe he shouldn't worry about it just yet, and a little too late he reigned in his anxiety and presented Yugi with a smile. "But I don't mind it. Feels good to stretch my own legs for once."

Don't think he didn't see that look, Yami. Understanding passed through him; did they think about the same thing at the same time again? It wouldn't be the first time. He returned the smile to the pharaoh and replied aloud, "And you'll get to work them a lot more later!"

But then he slid his hand into Yami's and gave a reassuring squeeze, then continued through their link. And I'll follow you wherever you go. Across town, to Egypt, to dangerous card games where his life was at stake. It'd be just like before. It's what friends do for each other.

Or... whatever Yami was to him. Friendship was one of the most important things to Yugi, but it still didn't seem the right word to describe what he and Yami shared. They were partners. It wasn't quite as simple as that, but it'd have to do.

Yami smiled and swung his and Yugi's hands a couple times before letting go and taking the lead in the trek back to the game store. No need to attract even more stares with them frolicking hand-in-hand together. But those feelings -Yugi's wishes- still came across clear as day, as if they were still sharing a body.

You have a life of your own, Yugi. He used his other's name on purpose, to draw his attention in and to hold it. I want to be with you and spend time with you also...but I don't want you to forget your own dreams for my sake. Turning to walk backwards, Yami tucked his hands behind his head, frowning a little. "Do you have any plans for the future apart from those that involve me?"

The name certainly caught his attention, and with that question, he frowned a little in thought. Did he have any plans for the future? The answer surprised him. He really didn't. With that realization, Yugi sighed, though he kept an eye on the path behind Yami. He didn't want him to run into anything. He wouldn't be able to just go right through it, like he would in the past.

"To be honest, I don't." He admitted to both himself and to his other self. "Before I met you, my future was to try and get through the day and play games with myself. And after that... So many things started happening. It was hard to think about what the future would be like."

Yugi stopped in his path and looked down at the sidewalk as he added, "I guess I'm not very good at planning for the future. Not if it's just my own."

One of the world's greatest duelist, one who could plan moves in a duel that would send his opponent screaming for mercy, and he couldn't figure his life out. Maybe it'd be easier if he thought of it as a game instead.

"Maybe it's something we can discuss," he suggested, grateful to Yugi for watching his back for obstacles. "Aren't you graduating soon?"

The last thing he wanted was for Yugi to drop all his plans, everything he has available to him, just to look after him. If these circumstances were going to end up being permanent, he would have to make his own place in the world. Yugi would be with him and support him yes, but not at the cost of his future. I want to be at your side too, Aibou. But maybe we'd be able to plan for it better if you had a path set before you. I think in this case...I'm the one who needs to follow you.

"Yeah..." Truth be told, Yugi's grades weren't the best. He was doing well enough to get by, at least, but he was always more focused on his puzzles, his games, the antics of his friends, the world at stake and, though he would never mention this, talking to his other self. Compared to all of these things, school work seemed secondary, an outrage for someone his age, he knew.

Speaking of that, the message that passed through his mind nearly made him go rigid. He brought his fists up as he protested, But you have so much more to look for! Your past, your future...

Unspoken was the feeling on inadequacy. Yami was an Egyptian pharaoh and the true holder of the King of Games. Yugi? Was an average high school student who was meant to lend his strength to the spirit of the pharaoh from the moment he was born. He couldn't have asked for a better role, but it made his own place in life just a little less important compared to his other.

My past is inconsequential, Yami pointed out sternly. And while he did want to know what had happened to him, it was the truth; it didn't matter. He was no longer a pharaoh, whatever had caused him to seal himself in the puzzle was no longer an issue and he was technically dead. That he was alive at the moment was a fluke.

He could also feel a bit of those emotions through the link and he was not liking what he was hearing. I can search for my past and my future without you ignoring your own, Aibou. Just remember that.

A part of Yugi thought that he really ought to work on locking his feelings to himself, but the other half of him balked at the thought. It became natural to share everything with Yami, even if he didn't necessarily want him to know it. Still, it could be useful at times. Maybe then he wouldn't get teased so often.

... Okay, he responded with a nod of his head, I'll try harder to work towards my own future. But please, let me... let us help you if you ever need it. You don't have to search alone.

I never said anything about searching alone, Yami pointed out before turning around to watch the sidewalk before him. They were nearing the game store, and he schooled his expression so Yugi's mother wouldn't think he was crazy or anything. Besides, you have the tendency to focus on other people's problems before you do your own. It makes it extremely difficult to look after you when you do that.

Unable to resist, Yugi quickened his pace until he was side by side with Yami, then hooked his arm around the other's and led the rest of the way. Sure, it might cause a few more stares, but now that Yugi was able to do it... It seemed the euphoria didn't quite wear off just yet for him.

Sorry... You do a good job, anyway. Yugi, not being quite as skilled at Yami at masking his expressions, smiled and nodded as he walked. Hopefully his mother wasn't watching them through the window or anything...

Once they reached the door to the shop, Yugi opened the door, allowing the bell to sound and do the knocking for him. "I'm home!" Yugi called out as he slipped his arm from Yami's and got ready to be dragged away. And that he did, once Sugoroku walked into the room.

"Ah, Yugi, there you are! What took you so long?" With a bit of force coming from a rushed old man, he grabbed Yugi's shoulders and led him away as he continued with, "We've hit a busy hour! Come on now, stock those shelves!"

All Yugi could do was glance back and wave at Yami, send a somewhat exasperated Good luck through their link, and then get to work.

Yami watched as Yugi was dragged off, a little nervous to be without him. He could still faintly feel Yugi's presence through their link, but it was further away now. Like knowing someone was in the next room, but being unable to see them.

It felt cold.

He shuffled back up to Yugi's room to get changed, and then set forth to find Mrs. Mutou. When he did, she ushered him into the kitchen to have a cup of coffee -which he politely declined- and a talk. It turned out that there wasn't much he or Yugi had to worry about; she wanted to lay down the house rules and question him on his relationship with Yugi. He attempted to explain things to her without going into details he was certain Yugi wouldn't approve of divulging, and feebly put the 'I'm an amnesiac' excuse to good use whenever she questioned him on his past. He also managed to keep the fact that he was a pharaoh from her.

He didn't know why he didn't want her to know, just that it made him uncomfortable.

Eventually she relented, then suggested he go fetch Yugi so they could have some breakfast, which he eagerly did so after thanking her -again- for her generosity. Feeling much more comfortable, Yami peered into the game shop and softly called for his other. "Ai-Yugi? Do you want breakfast?"

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HELL YEAH 100 COMMENTS /late

lol REAL late

8(

:|

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THIS IS NOT LATE YOU ARE SEEING THINGS