The Ten Things

The Ten Things

Just a note: I've edited all chapters posted including this one. There are a few slight changes.

Chapter 11

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Days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months. Sugoroku had yet to return from his getaway. Yuugi worried greatly for the sanity of his aging/grieving grandfather. Sugoroku never took this long to grieve in his life. Even when the old man's wife had passed on, he had not spent this much time away from home. However, Yuugi figured it was not his place to question this. After all, his grandmother had died when he was a child. However, losing his wife, his only daughter, and then his best friend, Yuugi figured Sugoroku was beginning to lose it. Maybe the time away could help him. Regardless of the absence, Yuugi only wished for the best for his ailing grandfather.

With Sugoroku gone, Yuugi had set aside his desires to finish his novel in order to run the game shop with Atemu. Despite the elder male's protests, Yuugi held firm in his decision to abandon his writings for a while. After all, running the game shop was far more important.

Yuugi sat by his bedroom window, looking out into the streets of Domino. His mind wandered about, allowing his mind to drift into the past. With Arthur's death, Yuugi's thoughts fell onto those of his deceased mother. He had not been in town for her funeral. This bothered him greatly but he could not attend due to the extent of his problems with alcohol and college. He never understood how he managed to get through that tough stint in his life. During his drunken moments, Yuugi kept to himself, often throwing himself into writing or depression. Yuugi realized in the end that his mother's death and his non-existent relationship with Atemu were the causes of his alcoholism. The man shook his head, closing his eyes in regret. Remembering his past brought out the worst in his personality and mood. Thankfully, Atemu could alleviate his problems with ease.

Sighing, Yuugi got up, stretching after sitting for so long. He yawned loudly, feeling quite lazy on such a slow afternoon. The game shop closed, as no one seemed interested in buying gaming merchandise. Yuugi decided to take advantage of this by taking a nap. Desire sought out, Yuugi curled up on the bed, closing his eyes.

Atemu waltzed into their bedroom, decked out in his usual leather attire. He yawned, toeing off his boots quietly once he noticed his snoozing boyfriend. A frown marred his features at the sight of Yuugi. The poor thing had been running the shop everyday listlessly. He had abandoned his job searching, and had thrown himself into working as much as possible at Millennia. With Sugoroku gone, Yuugi threw himself into work. Atemu worried for the smaller male's well being. Yuugi often threw himself into activities in order to forget his problems. He had done this in the past when they dated.

He desired nothing more than allowing Yuugi to enjoy a day away from the shop; however getting Yuugi to take a day off was not easy. As stubborn as they both were, Yuugi held the higher stance of gaining whatever he desired.

The Egyptian groaned, realizing how whipped he truly was. Yuugi had him wrapped around his finger.

'If he asked me to jump I'd be asking how high.' He shook his head, wishing to gain a better method of force for his plans. 'I wonder if seduction would work against Yuugi. He has never been able to resist my charm.' The egotistical man thought, tapping his chin. He needed to think of a way to have Yuugi to himself for the day.

Yuugi awoke with a start, feeling refreshed. Opening his eyes, the man sat up, stretching the kinks from his back. He took in his surroundings, realizing that he had been asleep for a while. Yawning, he grabbed his iPhone, hitting the circle button on it. The time flashed across the screen, five thirty in the evening. Surprise crossed his features. That nap lasted longer than he had imagined.

"I guess it's time to get up and do some of the bookwork for the shop."

As he proceeded to get up, Yuugi found himself surprised by a baritone chuckle. Eyes wide, he turned his attention towards the door, finding none other than his beloved idiot of a boyfriend.

"Yami, what the hell are you laughing for?"

Atemu walked into the room, wearing one of his sexier ensembles that Yuugi had bought him not long ago. Bronze skin stood out amongst the array of black leather decked out on the Egyptian's supple and tone body. There was little left to the imagination with this choice of clothing. Yuugi had always fallen victim to Atemu's exposed bronzed skin. The man's muscled arms often drew out Yuugi's inner minx. Resistance was futile.

Silence permeated the scene. Yuugi stared speechless, mouth agape, drooling. This outfit of his lover's…. It caused old desires to grow instantly. The two had not been intimate since their previous relationship. If this continued, he had a feeling that they would be in bed all night….

"Like what you see, partner?"

'I cannot believe he's wearing this… He must be up to something… Do I care right now to make a comment like this?' He thought for a moment. 'No, I don't.'

"Yes, I do actually. You know I always have."

"Well then, care to spend a night out with me, little one?"

"Don't call me that! You know how much I hate that nickname!"

Atemu rolled his eyes and motioned for Yuugi to stand up. "Yuugi, let's enjoy a night out, just you and I."

"But, I need to do the books for the shop tonight."

"Yuugi, you can do that tomorrow. Please, just have a break from work. Just tonight?" Atemu smiled at Yuugi, eyes glittering with challenge as he awaited Yuugi's resistance. Yuugi stood a foot apart from him, gauging the other's actions before he sighed, pulling Atemu into a slow, and thoughtful kiss.

They broke apart as the need for air became dire. Atemu pushed Yuugi's bangs behind one ear. He smiled at his lover and whispered in his ear, causing Yuugi to shiver.

"Please, love? Will you allow me to make your night better? I just want you to relax and enjoy some time away from the shop and here."

Yuugi shivered again, and gasped as he felt warm breath fan the inner portion of his ear. His weakness would be his end. Licking his lips, Yuugi nodded reverently.

"Alright, you win. Just please stop driving my hormones up the wall with that getup of yours. You know we're not at that level yet."

Atemu pulled away, smirking at his lover. "Well you did buy this for me, little one. I only wear it for you." He winked playfully and then headed towards the closet. "I'll change. You do the same, Yuugi."

"Sure, sure."

- - - - - - - -

A nice secluded restaurant allowed Yuugi and Atemu a chance to relax. At a local restaurant, Shady's, the duo sat back and enjoyed themselves for the first time since their rekindling.

Yuugi smiled, gazing at the calming atmosphere. Shady's offered little lighting, allowing candles to add a sense of serenity to its already peaceful scenery. Atemu took Yuugi's hand into his own, running his fingers across the soft, pale skin, then kissing it with his supple lips.

A blush crept upon the smaller man's cheeks, causing the elder to smile. His Yuugi often made appearances within this newer, older Yuugi he had started dating. The changes were there, but often the teenaged ways of his lover often shined through. No matter the age, Yuugi would always hold these specific traits.

"I love you, Yuugi. Thank you for coming out tonight."

Yuugi fiddled with his freehand, stirring his pomegranate tea with his straw. "And I enjoy spending time with you, Yami. You're the most important person in my life."

"As you are to my life, Yuugi. Never forget that." He kissed the man's hand once more, gently setting it on the table.

He noticed how Yuugi danced around his adoration and his comment of "love." Atemu knew that Yuugi still had issues saying that simple phrase due to his past. Time would heal their problems. That is why he believed in miracles and second chances. This was another chance to prove his love for Yuugi.

Their server walked by, smiling at them. She set down their appetizer, and proceeded to refill their drinks. She winked at Yuugi, and walked off.

"It seems you have an admirer, partner."

Yuugi rolled his eyes and took a drink of his tea. "Whatever. She is just trying to get us to tip her better. It's one of the oldest tricks in the book, Yami."

"And why do you say that?"

Yuugi set his drink aside. "I've worked in the food industry for years. It's the best way I made enough money in this industry, Yami. Flirting brings in bigger tips, and it also brings the customers back and eventually you'll gain regulars."

"You flirting to get better tips? Now that is something I'd have to see, Yuugi. You have never been that good at flirting."

"Are you doubting my mad skills?"

"I'm doubting your non-existent skills."

"Alright, come by Millennia next week. I'll lay on the charm for my customers. We'll see who is right."

Atemu took a drink of his soda, and nodded. He set his drink down and held out his hand. "You're on."

Yuugi took his hand and shook it. "Alright then. Be prepared to see my mad skills."

"Whatever gets you through the days at Millennia, little one."

After they finished dinner, the duo headed to the park, huddled together.

"It's somewhat cold tonight." Yuugi commented, noting the way Atemu seemed to shiver.

"Yes, it is. I wish we had our coats."

"Yami, can I ask you something?"

They stopped walking, finding a stray bench in the midst of the park. They sat down and gazed at one another.

"Anything, Yuugi."

"Is there another reason you brought me out tonight? You usually wish to avoid crowds due to your anxiety."

The Egyptian sighed, looking at the sidewalk. "My anxiety has gotten better since the past. I've gotten help for my problems. The anxiety and the migraines are the only things that still cause problems from time to time."

"You still did not answer my question."

Amethyst and ruby irises met. The colors melded together as they stared at one another in silence.

"I thought it was time we discussed the questions you have been asking me for the past month, regarding my hate for medication…"

Yuugi's eyes widened. He had not expected this. "You're going to tell me? I thought you did not want to talk about it?"

Atemu smiled sadly, as he ran a hand through his hair. "We all take time to express our mistakes. You are the first I have spoken with other than your grandfather." He paused and gauged Yuugi's reactions. After a moment, he continued further. "After we went our separate ways, your grandfather asked me to work in the shop with him. I agreed to, but not long after I did, your mother passed away. Grandpa was distraught. He took time away to travel abroad as he is doing now. He asked me to run the game shop while he was away. I did as he asked, but ended up injured while he was away. A man tried to rob the shop and he shot me and broke my leg in the heist. The pain was horrendous. I could not walk for ages as he broke my leg in three places and the need for pain medication grew. I ended up becoming addicted. I spent all my earnings on Vicodin. My father eventually kicked me out of the house for this and disowned me. By the time I was at rock bottom, your grandfather returned and took me in. Because of him, I managed to conquer my addiction. It took a long time and to this day I still have to fight the urges."

Yuugi took in his story. The truth was out. Atemu spoke of what happened and he was finally feeling that he could trust him fully. The past was hard on them both.

"Yami…. You've gone through so much….."

"So have you, partner. You've fought your problems, and have made it through hell and without someone of support."

"I had support, just not the kind that made it easy to stop the problems I faced with alcohol. It was bittersweet really." Yuugi said, with a frown.

"Yuugi, despite everything that has changed between us, you and I are not that different. We both have been through hell and have faced the demons of our pasts and the obstacles of facing our addictions head on. You conquered alcohol and I conquered Vicodin. Together you and I can take on the world and rebuild our lives." He pulled out something from his pocket and held it out to Yuugi.

"Yami, what is…?"

In his tan hand, there lay a silver ring with two amethyst stones. The streetlights flicked across the shiny metal. Yuugi could only stare with wide eyes at the ring. He did not know what meaning it held. His fears were rising again with the sight of this.

"Yuugi, this ring is not meant to frighten you. I wanted to give this to you as a promise ring. I know that commitment scares you, but I want you to have this. Despite our problems, we have found one another after six years and have rekindled our relationship." He placed the ring on Yuugi's right hand, smiling softly. A sigh of relief escaped Yuugi's lips as the ring was placed on the right instead of the left.

"What does this mean?"

"This is a promise ring. We are meant to be together. Maybe one day we can take it further and make it official."

Atemu waited for Yuugi's anger to rise. Yet, the smaller man showed little to no remorse over the ring and its purpose.

"Maybe we can do that one day."

Yuugi stood up, and held out his hand to the other. Gratefully, Atemu took it without hesitation. For one night, their problems were left behind, allowing them to enjoy the blossoming of their rekindled relationship.

There was hope for them. They would make it through these hard times.

-It's been a while. The absence was not intended. Schoolwork got in the way as did real life. This story is almost finished. Thank you all for the reviews.