Let me be with you

Let me be with you

Chapter five

 

By Pixiedust291

 

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                A dark figure stood on a balcony. The night was a vast sea of black before him, sprinkled with rainbow lights from the city. The wind whipped at his black cloak as he talked passively into a cell phone. “I see. So where is he? … How can you not know? So, he escaped. Please explain how he could have escaped when we had security cameras on him at all times, and over ten guards posted at all the entrances?” The figure seemed more curious than annoyed. He ran a hand through his long sandy blonde hair. “I am well aware of the fact of how dangerous, and how interesting he is.” The figure smirked, his indigo eyes glazed, as if in remembrance. “Don’t give me that. You know perfectly well why he was not destroyed. You were intrigued with his progress just as much as I was. Hell, the whole company was up in arms when he seemed to start becoming- What? I see. So, tell me what happened.” The figure listened for a few moments, before laughing. “I bet the clean-up crew didn’t enjoy that. So, do you want him back, or are we going to do more testing? Or have you given up on your dream, Pegasus? …And just how am I supposed to find him?” Now, the figure did seem annoyed. “Fine, but I think you’re sending the wrong guy.” He snapped the cell phone shut, and jammed it into his pocket before turning to look out at the flickering lights of the city. A subway train passed, and the light illuminated his young face. He leaned against the railing, looking downwards, and laughed. “Well, I guess no karaoke tonight…”

 

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                “I see. Well, if this doesn’t qualify as a manga plot, I don’t know what does,” Jonouchi nodded as Yami finished his explanation. The two teens and two persocoms were lounging in Yami’s apartment. Yugi was in the kitchen, doing something or other. He had left the moment Yami had said he wanted some tea. Dark Magician Girl was rocking back and forth on Jonouchi’s head, humming a tune as she listened intently to the two boys’ conversation. Jonouchi reached up, and plucked the little persocom from his head, placing her on his knee. “Dark Magician Girl, can you do an information search to see if the Millennium Lover model by Industrial Illusions is indeed unavailable?”

 

The little persocom winked, then her eyes went glassy for a moment. Computing noises and internet beeping came from her small frame, before she cheered and announced “Data request has been completed!”

 

                “Good, read it back?” Jonouchi grinned.

 

                Dark Magician Girl nodded, and went very still again, as if in a trance, her usually cheerful voice becoming a slow monotone. “Industrial Illusions is the second-largest manufacturer of persocoms, and is rated an A in customer satisfaction. Recently, the company announced a new product line specializing in pleasure. This new product was given the title of the Millennium Lover Series series. This new model of persocom was supposed to feature new software and exterior options. One of the new exterior options was the classic metal ear, or the new and highly more stylish human ears. The software was to be unique, and only readable to the Millennium model. The programs were to be so advanced that the model would almost seem human. It would learn from experience, and adapt to different situations. One of the unique features to this persocom, which has been released by the company, is that the Millennium model will act exactly as a lover will. The moment its owner activates it with a kiss, the model immediately recognizes that person as its partner. Once the person is imprinted, the model will not have eyes for any other but its owner. Much anticipation was present, as palpitating customers awaited the release day. However, the corporation just last week announced its delaying of the model’s production. Not much is known about what caused the delay, as the corporation is being extremely secretive, and refuses to talk with any press.”

 

                Jonouchi sighed. “Is that all?”

 

                “I’m sorry, Master. You requested information, not fan speculation,” Dark Magician Girl bowed.

 

                Jonouchi nodded. “True. We want cold, hard facts, not assumptions made from a disappointed porn mob.”

 

                Yami sighed, and leaned back on the sofa. “Well, that still doesn’t tell us why Yugi exists when he’s not supposed to. Could it be that we made a mistake? Does he belong to another company?”

 

                Jonouchi shook his head. “No, your persocom has a tattoo on his wrist the likes of which only Industrial Illusions allows.” At Yami’s confused looked Jonouchi elaborated “That is the only company that allows you to choose which symbol to brand into your persocom. All other comapanies just use their own logo. On another not your persocom doesn’t have metal ears. True, other persocoms these days don’t have metal ears, but none of them are from that corporation. Face the facts, Yami, there is no way your persocom could possibly be any other persocom but a Millennium model.”

 

                “What if someone forged the tattoo?” Yami countered.

 

                “Highly unlikely. The ink used to identify persocoms, or brand them, is a thick, metallic-based compound mixture that needs to be heated to a certain degree. It’s not like a common metal currency that is so easily mass-produced. For one, if handled at the wrong temperature the substance can literally explode. Very dangerous.” Jonouchi explained.

 

                Yami groaned. “You sound like a cop or a lawyer.”

 

                “Well, that’s what I’m majoring in. Criminal sociology I mean.” He laughed “Not enough brain cells for the law thing.”

 

                “I just feel… I don’t know. Like I shouldn’t have found Yugi. It’s like stealing.”

 

                “Not technically. Yugi did not physically belong to anyone. The report said that the model is not yet in production. So, Yugi doesn’t belong to the masses either. He is all yours,” Jonouchi emphasized the last sentence. Yami just glared at him. Yugi then emerged from the kitchen, and sat down in the chair next to the couch. He held out a steaming cup to Yami.

 

                “What’s that?” Yami asked.

 

                “Tea. I could only find black,” Yugi answered looking down shyly.

 

                Yami blushed, and smiled. The boy was just too cute. “You didn’t have to make me tea.”

 

                “…I wanted to,” Yugi whispered.

 

                Yami chuckled, and accepted the cup. “Well, thank you. That was very nice.” He put the mug to his lips, and cautiously took a first sip. It was the perfect temperature, and the smell of the dark herbs wafted up to his nose, clearing his senses and calming his mind. He sighed in bliss.

 

                Jonouchi stared at the two for a moment before speaking. “Yugi, what made you get Yami that tea?”

 

                Yugi looked at Jonouchi as if he were hesitant to speak and confused by his question. “Yami said he needed tea. I made tea.”

 

                “But it was not a direct order to you, or a request. You didn’t have to make the tea.”

 

                “I wanted to. I thought that, if I made the tea, then that would make Yami happy,” Yugi blushed.

 

                Yami suppressed a joyful grin. “You… Well, thank you. I didn’t know-”

 

                “Interesting,” Jonouchi cut him off. The blonde stood and walked over to the boy, taking his face in his hands and turning his head. Yugi, to Yami’s observation, seemed quite uncomfortable with this, but allowed Jonouchi to continue. Jonouchi stroked a hand through Yugi’ hair, then trailed a finger down his head to his ear. He mumbled something, before pinching Yugi’ ear. The boy winced, and an unclasping sound was heard. Jonouchi grinned, and folded back Yugi’ ear, which was attached to a piece of metal, to reveal a complicated series of wires and connectors. “Perfect,” Jonouchi grinned. He picked up Dark Magician Girl, and placed her on Yugi’ shoulder. He tapped her head, and another hissing sound of an opening hatch could be heard. The back of Dark Magician Girl’s hair rose completely upwards, and Jonouchi extended a cable from the back of her head into Yugi’s ear. “There. Now, Dark Magician Girl should be able to access the data stored in your persocom’s computing hard-dive. Dark Magician Girl, commence sequence,” he ordered.

 

                “Wait, hold on a moment-” Yami started.

 

                “Just calm down. Go, Dark Magician Girl,” Jonouchi cajoled.

 

                Dark Magician Girl beamed, and twirled her staff. The staff grew in size, and split to reveal a tiny cloth like screen about the size of a DVD. “Computing commencing,” she announced, and reverted to her transfixed state. Computing noises could be heard, which Yami only guessed meant Dark Magician Girl was searching for files or something. Yugi, during this whole process, was looking rather anxious. The computing noises seemed to go on for hours, as Yami watched the persocoms for a sign of anything. Suddenly, the screen in Dark Magician Girl’s hands shimmered, and an image came into view. It was clear, and looked slightly metallic. The image showed… water, enclosed in a glass case, and the view was looking outward.  Outside, beyond the case, people in white cloaks walked back and forth from desks and monitors. Every few moments, they would stop and look at the case, then go back to work. The image flashed away, and another image came into view. It was of a bright light shining downward. It looked like one of those annoying hospital lights. Then, the light was moved away, and the screen went black.

 

                Yami stared in worry at the black screen. His stomach was slowly twisting itself into knots and what they had seen hadn’t been anything particularly frightening. “Oh, come on, Dark Magician Girl. There has to be more,” Jonouchi announced, interrupting Yami’s thoughts.

 

Yami looked from Jonouchi to Yugi. The boy was staring at his knees, fists clenched and arms locked. Yami’s worry only increased. “Jonouchi, I don’t—”

 

                “Look!” Jonouchi pointed at the screen once more.

 

                The screen was flickering, scratchy, and faded from color to black and white. It looked like an old newsreel. The image, though slightly distorted, showed a picture, a plain piece of paper, with the picture of a flower on it. “Do you like it?” came an accented voice. The screen turned, showing a smiling young man with long white hair dressed in white scrubs. The screen moved up and down vigorously, as if nodding. The man laughed, and went back to the other drawing he was completing. The screen flickered, and then showed the man running. The screen was running behind him, and he looked back frequently. Then, he rounded a corner and stopped. A white wall stood befor them, a dead end. “They figured out my password, and are changing the passages so we can’t get out,” the man whispered. He then turned back to the screen. Tears were brimming his eyes, and blood was dripping from his forehead onto the floor. His white hair was a mess, and his smile false. “Well, keep a stiff upper lip, right?” He looked down at the floor, and started sobbing.

 

                The beeping noises coming from Dark Magician Girl had been growing in intensity. Yami tore his eyes from the screen, and looked at Yugi. His eyes widened. Yugi was shivering violently- and crying. “Jonouchi, stop now!” Yami yelled as he jumped to his feet and grasped Yugi’s shoulders.

 

                “What? But—” Jonouchi started.

               

                “Just do it! You’re hurting—” Yami wasn’t able to finish his sentence, because Yugi started screaming.

 

                “Stop it! Please, stop it!” the boy repeated over and over again. He was clutching his head, as if in agony. The beeping noises stopped, and Dark Magician Girl froze, falling off Yugi’s arm which dislodging her connection cord. She twitched violently on the ground, then sprang up and started squeaking and playing random bits of different songs. Jonouchi stared in horror as his persocom danced, then did aerobics, convulsed as if having a seizure, and then finally lay still. Jonouchi and Yami stared in disbelief at what had just transpired. Then, in an instant, they regained themselves. Jonouchi scooped up Dark Magician Girl, and called command after command for her to wake up, but there was no response. Yami immediately tended to Yugi. He didn’t know what the hell had just happened, but he clutched the persocom by the arms, and tried to get him to look up.

 

                “I have to go! Dark Magician Girl is badly damaged. I need to see if I can fix her.” And without another word, Jonouchi dashed out the door, slamming it behind him.

 

                Yami did not have time to contemplate his friend’s state. He rubbed Yugi’ shoulders, soothing and speaking in soft, parental tones. “It’s okay, it’s over. I’m here. I promise that will not happen to you again without your permission. I’m sorry…” he repeated over and over in different sequences. Yugi kept crying harder and harder. Yami felt useless, helpless, and guilty all at once. He hurriedly tried to recall what his parents did when he was in this state. He remembered his mother would hug him, and stroke his head until he quieted down. He looked at Yugi. True, a persocom wasn’t a five-year-old, but it was a better idea than sticking with the present apologizing.

 

                Yami took a seat next to the boy and gently laid Yugi’s head against his chest. In a soothing manner, stroked his hand over the spiky hair he began to softly sing the song. He knew he wasn’t very good at singing, but still he tried his best.

 

Little child, be not afraid

The rain pounds harsh against the glass

Like an unwanted stranger

There is no danger

I am here tonight

 

                Yami repeated that small verse over and over, his tone melodic and soothing, as he remembered his mother’s was. Slowly, the sobs subsided, and the sniffles drowned away. Yugi’s breathing slowed, and calmed to a soft hum. Yami leaned back, and Yugi looked up at him.

               

                “Are you alright now, little one?” he asked. Yugi nodded. Yami smiled, and looked past Yugi into his room. “Come on, let’s go to bed. You’re sleeping with me tonight.”

 

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                Yami yawned and stretched as he changed out of his clothes and into his black pajamas. His red shirt was pulled up and over his head, revealing a slim, flat chest and trim stomach. Next came his belt, which clanked to the floor. He then undid the first button of his leather pants, and tugged them down to his ankles before he kicked them away. His legs were slender and strong. He sat down on the bed, and was removing his socks when he heard a small wheeze from Yugi. He turned to the boy “Something wrong?”

 

                “No, I just didn’t think you wore plaid boxers.” Yugi was smiling.

 

                Yami blushed, and was about to retort, when it occurred to him that he had just undressed in front of Yugi. He gulped and looked away. He knew there was no reason to be embarrassed but he was. He could hear Yugi’ laughter as a dark pink blush colored his cheeks. Oh, it was a wonderful sound. It made Yami shiver in delight. He hear a soft plop and turned to see what had caused it. He unfortunately looked at the wrong time… or the right time, many would argue.

 

                Yugi had unbuttoned his shirt, and was sliding it over his slender arms. His head was tilted downwards, obscuring his eyes. His chest and arms flexed as he stretched them. Then, he undid his jeans, letting them slide down his legs to pool at his feet, revealing a tight, firm buttocks, a trim waist, flat stomach, and legs as slim and fine as an athlete’s. His body was literally the image of youth. Yami’s gulped again, for his mouth was nearly watering. Yami’s eyes grew wide as he saw Yugi move to take off his briefs. “Wait.”

 

                Yugi stopped, and looked over to him. “…Do you want to take them off?” Yami’s mind exploded as he envisioned himself taking off Yugi’s briefs with his teeth. Stupid perverted mind! Yugi smiled, and slid under the covers. Yami rolled his eyes and joined him, turning off the light. For a few moments, all that could be heard amongst the utter silence was their breathing. Yami shut his eyes, and tried to get to sleep. He could feel his muscles relaxing, his mind drifting into the black murky waters that was his unconsciousness. He could feel himself submerging, deeper and deeper, and- his body was pressed against something warm. His eyes shot open. He turned to look at Yugi, who had snuggled up behind him. He had his arms wrapped around Yami’s waist. “You better be asleep,” Yami warned.

 

                “I’m not. I wanted to be close to you,” Yugi murmured, snuggling his face into Yami’s back. The action reminded Yami of a snuggling puppy or kitten. He stiffened, and suppressed a moan. When had his back become so sensitive? Yugi brushed his lips against the soft skin, and was rewarded with a sharp jolt. He gently kissed his way up the older man’s back, and licked where his neck joined with his shoulder.

 

                Yami couldn’t stop the gasp that escaped. “Y-Yugi…” Yugi tugged and managed to flip him over onto his back, before climbing on top of him and pressing his lips against Yami’s in a searing kiss that made Yami’s heart quicken. A hand slid down Yami’s chest, barely touching the over-sensitized skin. Yami closed his eyes, and a groan escaped him as his hands clutched the sheets. The hand traced the line of elastic around Yami’s boxers, before slowly dipping in. Yami broke the kiss, and turned his head away. “Stop, I… I can’t have sex with you!” Yugi froze. He lifted his eyes met Yami’s. The amethyst spheres were glazed with hunger and that’s exactly what Yami didn’t want. Hunger.

 

                “I’m into love first. Besides you really should get to know someone before you give them everything,” Yami tried to explain. He knew it was cheesy but it was all he could think of. He didn’t know why he had to be such a romantic, but his heart was just screaming so many things. He knew he could have feelings for Yugi eventually, after he got passes the age thing. Yet Yugi was a persocom, and technically had no feelings, just programs. So Yugi could never love him in return. He sighed, feeling disappointed and rejected. He looked up at Yugi, who in turn watched him with pleading eye.

 

                Then Yugi surprised Yami by nodded, leaning down and kissing Yami’s forehead. “Then, love shall come first,” he whispered.

 

                “But, you can’t feel love. Your programming is just saying you’re in a relationship with me,” Yami countered. He could feel Yugi stiffen  and begin to tremble above him.

 

                “My programming… I do not sense any programming in what I feel for you.”

 

                Yami blinked in confusion. “What?”

 

                “From the moment you awakened me, I felt like I belonged. I feel happy when you are near, and I feel sad when you leave.”

 

                “That’s just your programming.”

 

                Yugi did not answer. Instead, he lifted Yami’s hand to his chest. Yami chuckled, but then stopped. His hand… He could feel, distinctly feel the rhythmic beating of a heart. Not sound waves or mechanical humming, but a real beating that could under no circumstances be mistaken for anything else. Yami gazed at the boy above him in disbelief. “What are you?”

 

                Yugi looked just as distressed as he was. “…I don’t know.”

 

Yami dropped his head back onto his pillow, and looked up at the ceiling. Yugi curled up in his arms, his head resting on Yami’s chest. Yami could feel that Yugi was scared. Hell, he was scared. Nothing that was happening to them was making any sense at all. Yami ran a hand through Yugi’s hair, trying, in some way, to convince both of them it would be all right.

 

                “Sing that song,” Yugi whispered, his voice sounding mere moments from dreamy sleep. Yami smiled, and closed his eyes. His lips sang the melody, and eventualy Yugi drifted off, Yami following behind him soon after.

 

 

Little child, be not afraid

The rain pounds harsh against the glass

Like an unwanted stranger

There is no danger

I am here tonight

Little child

Be not afraid

Though thunder explodes

And lightning flash

Illuminates your tearstained face

I am here tonight



And someday you'll know

That nature is so

This same rain that draws you near me

Falls on rivers and land

And forests and sand

Makes the beautiful world that you see

In the morning

Little child

Be not afraid

The storm clouds mask your beloved moon

And its candlelight beams

Still keep pleasant dreams

I am here tonight

 

Little child

Be not afraid

The wind makes creatures of our trees

And the branches to hands

They're not real, understand

And I am here tonight

And someday you'll know

That nature is so

This same rain that draws you near me

Falls on rivers and land

And forest and sand

Makes the beautiful world that you see

In the morning

For you know, once even I

Was a little child

And I was afraid

But a gentle someone always came

To dry all my tears

Trade sweet sleep the fears

And to give a kiss goodnight

Well, now I am grown

And these days have shown

Rain's a part of how life goes

But it's dark and it's late

So I'll hold you and wait

'til your frightened eyes do close

And I hope that you'll know

That nature is so

This same rain that draws you near me

Falls on rivers and land

And forests and sand

Makes the beautiful world that you see

In the morning

Everything's fine in the morning

The rain will be gone in the morning

But I'll still be here in the morning

 

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:Additional Author Notes:

 

"Lullaby for a Stormy Night" - A song by Vienna Teng.