The Ten Things

The Ten Things

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!

Chapter Three

"WHAT?"

Sugoroku winced, his grandson's voice breaking through his eardrums and quite possibly even the sound barrier. He knew Yuugi would react this way. But there was only so much he could do. After all, Yuugi had just returned. Kicking him out would only weaken their bond as grandfather and grandson.

Yuugi slumped further into his bed, burying his face into one of his three pillows. He screamed into the mass of cotton comfort, sound muffled. His anger and repulsion for this situation grew, making it harder for Sugoroku to make amends for his situation.

After a few moments, Yuugi eventually lifted his head from the confines of the pillow, hair sticking up worse than it usually had. He gazed at his grandfather with an annoyed expression.

"Why don't we send Atemu off to a hotel for a while? Or why don't I just go and stay at a hotel for while. It wouldn't be any trouble."

Yuugi hoped this would amend the situation, allowing his pet peeve of personal space to stay within normal bounds. Although the chances of winning this situation were slim to none from the look of pure annoyance his grandfather currently held.

"Yuugi…" The elder Mutou shifted in his stance, resting his weight on his right leg. He crossed his arms, shaking his head as he continued. "Atemu is a member of this family just as you are. He will continue to live here as long as he wants." He paused once more, giving Yuugi's bedroom a once over. "And you are not staying anywhere else. You are my grandson and have just returned home for the first time in six years. I will not have you living elsewhere."

Yuugi groaned, sitting Indian style on the bed. He crossed his arms, infamous pout gracing his features.

"He isn't family by blood." He mumbled, tearing his attention away from Sugoroku. This move earned a roll of his eyes.

"Yuugi, seriously, you're twenty-three years old. Start acting your age and get over this weird love-hate attitude you have towards Atemu. He's one of the best workers I have ever had in the shop and he's like my second grandson."

At this statement, Yuugi simply shook his head, accepting his fate for what it was. Arthur would not stay that long at least. Atemu would eventually move back into his own room and then they could go back to hating one another.

Did he really want that to happen? Yuugi never really understood where he stood on his feelings towards Atemu since they broke up. He had been the one to end their long-term relationship. The mere circulation of an age old list, jealousy, and insecurity ended everything. Was high school not just a phase in life that everyone had to overcome in order to mature and grow up?

Yuugi shook his head, running a hand through his unruly hair. He thought this over once more, vaguely aware of his grandfather's spying eye.

"Yuugi, I want you to help Atemu pack up his things. He's moving in here for a while. I'll eventually go down to the storage unit and get out the old bed that your mother used when she stayed here." There was a pause at the mention of his mother. His grandfather had never come to terms with the loss of his daughter in the prime of her life. "Can you do that without starting anything?"

He merely shrugged his shoulders in response, a playful smirk gracing his lips. Oh he would not start anything for now…

Atemu sighed, throwing his clothes into a box. He was not thrilled about staying with Yuugi. Dealing with Yuugi was similar to dealing with a child. The man whom he had dated years ago was very childish in nature. Yuugi had toys and games of all kinds despite his age and was very particular on the placement of anything in his room. Atemu knew that Yuugi was most likely having a fit in his mind over the rearranging of things in his room. The elder man did not like this situation any more than Yuugi probably did. However, when it came to Sugoroku, both men set aside their differences.

Yuugi always kept quiet when it came to pleasing his grandfather. The man raised him and was there for him all through the loss of his mother. The pain of losing her was very hard for both men to deal with. Yuugi's mother was the only other guardian in his life other than Sugoroku himself. Things had changed with her death. However, his return to Domino was not known widely. Only a handful of people knew why Yuugi had returned home in the first place.

Atemu had been Yuugi's best friend for years… He was the person he went to for everything. They did practically everything together since they were children. Their friendship evolved during their years in high school. It flourished but ended over childish matters. Yuugi often found himself upset for ending it with Yami to begin with. Yet, the man knew that there was nothing he could do to stop the way things turned out. He would have eventually moved away for college as he had. Atemu would not go, he knew this.

Atemu wiped sweat from his brow, running a hand through his unruly hair. He honestly did not have many possessions that were needed to move out of this room. He only had his clothes and his many accessories and a few pictures that he kept hidden. That and of course his laptop. The Egyptian man yawned slightly, wishing he could curl up in his bed for a nap. The action would have to wait until he came to unpacking his things into Yuugi's room.

The mere thought of this once again fluttered through his mind. Dealing with Yuugi in a small space such as his own bedroom was not unwelcome nor was it exciting. From the way Yuugi's voice filtered through the hallway, Atemu knew that the man would give him hell for this.

Shaking his head, Atemu picked up a few of the boxes, trudging down the hall with them. He took a deep breath, praying to every deity he knew for a smooth "move in."

Yuugi shook his head, seeing his former boyfriend walking into his bedroom. He kept calm for the moment, knowing that there was little he could do to win this argument and situation that Sugoroku had thrown them into. Yuugi heard Atemu shuffle into the room, setting a few boxes down on the floor. Yuugi took this moment to see the fiery crimson eyes studying his small form, curiosity dancing within the all familiar depths.

It took all he had not to smile fully, heart turning to mush at the very sight. Atemu's eyes were his favorite thing about the man. They held an aura of mysteriousness and maturity that was well over the man's true age. Atemu had always been far more mature than anyone gave him credit for. It was honestly surprising how he and the elder man got along so well during their childhood. Yuugi was the carefree spirit, and always a child at heart. Atemu had always been the serious one, the natural born leader. The Egyptian man always seemed to hold control of any situation regardless of its positive or negative aspects. It was all the more reason he felt himself missing their old relationship.

This thought passed through Yuugi's mind, causing his eyes to widen quickly. He blushed, turning his attention away from the elder man. He ran a hand through his spiky hair, hoping to hide the obvious blush that covered his face. He did not need his new "roommate" to see this.

"Yuugi I wanted to speak with you upfront about this entire ordeal."

Yuugi jumped out of his stupor, taking in the man's tone. Atemu sounded so serious that it worried the smaller and younger man.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean… I'm sorry I'm forced to move in here with you. I know how you feel about having your own personal space."

Yuugi almost smiled. Atemu remembered his fear of sharing a room with someone whom he had a deep connection with. Yuugi had always been the one to fear commitment. He never understood his fear nor looked deeper to indulge in the true factors.

Yuugi didn't say anything for a moment. He merely shrugged his shoulders, sighing heavily. He turned his attention towards the blankets on the bed. They were strewn across the full-sized bed, making his OCD ways take form. Yuugi took this advantage, taking the blankets into his hands, and straightening them out, folding them in a matter of easiness that Yuugi found himself perfecting. He wanted to avoid this conversation with Atemu. However, fate deemed other methods than allowing him peace for this awkward move in.

"Yuugi… I know you… You are never okay with something like this. Why don't you tell me what you're feeling? It's not like we're in high school anymore. You don't have to endure something simply because you can't do anything about it."

At this, Yuugi twisted the blankets in hand, bangs falling into his face. He had a death grip on the cloth, his anger beginning to bubble. Yet, Yuugi managed to keep his anger in check as well as his sadness at this declaration. It definitely was not the past… They were adults… Two adults forced into sharing a room for an indefinite amount of time. It was even more of the reason Yuugi wished he had not moved in with his grandfather all over again. The elder Mutou did not leave much of an option after everything that happened in the past few years. It wasn't surprising that his grandfather hadn't taken him away from the influences in the first place.

Taking in a deep breath, Yuugi fiddled with the cloth in hand, folding it once again.

"You're right, Atemu. This is not the past. And with this knowledge you must also realize that we are not the same people we were six years ago. Things have changed. I may seem the same on the outside and even slightly similar in personality that I once held. But that does not mean I will let my childish antics take over the predicament that we're currently in."

It was the Egyptian's turn to raise a brow, taking in his former lover's words. Yuugi usually would start arguing with him at this point, yet here they both stood, silence hovering around them, coated in tension. There was definitely a change in Yuugi's attitude that was for sure.

"I didn't mean it like that, Yuugi. I merely wanted to make sure you were not angry at me for barging into your personal space. I know how it feels to feel intruded upon suddenly. "

"What can I say? I mean we are in a situation that we have no control over. Neither of us can leave as Grandpa has basically forbidden it. Besides he wants us to get along. I think that is why he's forcing us to stay here. "Yuugi shrugged his shoulders a little, setting the blanket down on his bed once again, a frown marring his features. He turned towards Atemu motioning towards the bed.

"What?"

Yuugi rolled his eyes, taking one of the boxes that the elder man held. He set it on the bed, tapping his foot as Atemu simply stood there confused.

"You can take the bed. I don't mind sleeping on a pallet. I'm used to it…" He trailed off a bit, shaking his head for some unknown reason. After a few minutes he then sighed, taking the other box from the Egyptian's arms. He once again set the box on the bed adjacent to the other. "Might as well help you move in here. It's not like we have much of a choice anyways considering Arthur will be here soon enough."

Atemu blinked, nodding his head dumbfounded. There was definitely more to Yuugi Mutou than he knew. The man seemed bipolar. He did not know how to react to this situation with his ex. Yuugi seemed at ease, helping him move his boxes into the room, even going as far to offer his bed to him. Something was amiss.

Atemu nodded at Yuugi's declaration, following him out into the other man's bedroom, lifting more boxes and transferring them to Yuugi's room. During the entire transaction, neither man spoke more than a few comments, each keeping the other on edge of the growing tension.

It was after they started moving some of the boxes into the room that the duo collapsed from exhaustion, Atemu on the bed and Yuugi sitting at his desk. Both wiped sweat from their brows, minds weary.

Yuugi's stomach growled in protest. It was demanding food and mild pain executed from his lack of nourishment for the day. Annoyed, Yuugi tapped his hands across his stomach, ignoring the butterflies that fluttered there. All the while, Atemu watched Yuugi's actions in amusement. Yuugi always proved how stubborn he was despite maturation and childishness. He still had many of his original qualities he held as a teen. Although, Atemu was quickly familiarizing himself with Yuugi's tactics and motives of being the game king of Duel Monsters. He and Yuugi had a shared passion for Duel Monsters. However, he had long ago given up on the game and Yuugi still continued to play and collect cards. He was surprised that Yuugi was beginning to outgrow his love for the game. His thought even extended to games in general. It wasn't surprising that his grandfather had named him "game."

Shaking his head, Atemu gazed at his former lover with a sigh, watching as the younger man tapped his chin, eyes scanning across the line of boxes that stood on the bed. Yuugi raised a brow at his ex, gesturing towards the boxes. "So, where do you want to start? Do you want to start on this box or this one?"

Atemu shrugged and nodded at one box. "Sure let's just start with this one." He pointed at a box labeled clothing. Carefully he opened the box, and began to look at Yuugi with a frown.

"What's wrong?"

"Where do you want me to put this stuff?"

Yuugi pointed towards his chest of drawers. "You can put them in the bottom drawer."

"Alright, thanks."

"No problem."

From that point on neither spoke, causing the tension to rise once again. It was as if this was a constant in their lives. Nothing was the same. At least, this is what Atemu thought, as he heard Yuugi jump, dropping something from his box. The Egyptian's brows raised in curiosity, catching sight of what Yuugi had found in the box. Atemu's eyes were wide as red dusted his cheeks. He saw a photograph in his hands that was one of his most treasured pictures ever. Yuugi held a picture of himself naked, one that he had given to his ex years ago for Valentine's Day.

Atemu's eyes were wide as he gauged Yuugi's expression. The man was silent, staring at the photo in his hands with a bright red face. He almost dropped the photo, eyes narrowed in a fashion unknown of his usual features. The man dropped his gaze from the photo, turning his attention towards the taller of the two. Amethyst met crimson.

"What the hell are you doing with this?"

Atemu knew he was in trouble. He did not know what to say or do in this situation. He was fucked either way.

"Uh… you gave it to me?"

Yuugi rolled his eyes, putting the photo in his pocket, turning a glare onto the elder. "You are not supposed to keep pictures of your ex-boyfriend, Atemu. You know this. Why the hell did you keep this one around?"

"…."

Yuugi merely blinked at this, tapping his foot in agitation. "Speechless? How are you speechless about this? Why do you still have a picture of me, naked?"

Atemu gulped, face as red as his eyes.

"I uh…" He coughed a little, clearing his throat. "I guess I needed it to get through the past?"

"That is not getting over the past or getting through it. You're still trying to live in the past. I think this is why you and I didn't last as long in a relationship." He took the photo out of his pocket and threw it on the bed.

"If you want to continue living in the past and thinking we have still have a chance together go ahead and keep that picture of me. However, be aware that if you keep it, you will only piss me off further and I will make sure you have a horrible time while staying with me."

With that said Yuugi abandoned the photo and the conversation and headed out of the room leaving Atemu to stand there dumbfounded.

Atemu could not believe what had just happened. Yuugi, the ever shy and innocent person who held a carefree nature was bitching at him for a photo. Despite the wrongness of having a photo of his ex naked even years after their failed relationship, he felt compelled to keep some of his dignity. Yuugi did not have the right to get that pissed off by it. He turned his eyes towards the photo lying on the bed. He had two choices. He could keep the photo and enjoy his fantasies of a pleading Yuugi or he could give up the photo and not piss Yuugi off further. However the second choice left him with a pleasant time while Arthur stayed with them. Besides, there was a chance that their relationship could grow again wasn't there?

Decision set in stone, Atemu turned from the photo, giving it a final look. He frowned, and headed towards his boxes. He began to unpack his things and set them into the drawer that Yuugi had instructed him to use.

Giving up his fantasies was part of the deal, even if it meant leaving the past and moving forward. There was always a slim chance that Yuugi might forgive him. Six years changed a person. But did six years chance the way you felt about your first love?

Yuugi sat in the living room, shaking his head. Dealing with Atemu and that picture bothered him greatly. Being forced into a living space with the man of his dreams was taking a turn for the worst. He knew deep down that nothing could change about his true feelings towards the man. His heart always fluttered in his chest whenever he was around.

Love was a bitter and cruel thing just as his addictions were. Alcohol had been an outlet for his emotional ties to the past. Yet, things changed once he met the other person in his life. Things had been easy going and perfect. Commitment became a bitch and took her chance to step in and make the situation out of control.

Yuugi was living in the present, forgetting everything he had loved when he was in Domino. Nothing mattered to the man other than his grandfather and his career. Even his career was slipping past his grasp. Jobs were hard to come by… Domino was a small town. He did not want to deal with Seto Kaiba, the one person he never wished to deal with ever again. Especially deal with him after a problem that happened a few years previous.

Footsteps echoed through the hallway as a pair of leather boots thudded against the carpeted stairs. Yuugi's ears perked at the sound. He knew all too well that it was Atemu gracing his presence. A soft cough/clearing of the throat took place. This was one of Atemu's cues for attention. It was one of the things that never changed about the man.

Amethyst eyes turned onto crimson. The Egyptian's arms were crossed at his chest, a frown marring his usually stoic features. Yuugi waited for a moment, signaling that he was ready for Atemu to commence with his conversation.

"So what did you want to tell me, Atemu?"

"I wanted to apologize for you finding that photo. I usually have it well hid. I guess I just had it out from when I was gathering my things together."

"And?"

"And, I'm sorry that I kept it. But that's all you are going to hear from me. I wish to keep my pride, thank you."

Yuugi merely nodded eyes downcast. He was tired of dealing with the man's excuses that grew daily. Atemu was complex to many. Yuugi found himself fascinated with the man's mysterious aura. Both men were complete opposites. It was amazing that he and Yuugi even got along so well.

"So are you going to give the photo to me and forget it exists?"

"Yes, I am."

"Good. I don't want to have to come up with more pranks right now. It's hard enough with everything going on."

Both men chuckled at their conversation. Sugoroku's voice boomed from across the hall, announcing.

"Atemu! Yuugi! Arthur is here! Come greet him!"

Both men looked at one another, frowns marring their faces.

Even with six years apart the duo easily fell into step with their new lives as adults and former "friends" in high school.