Bamboozled Personalities

Disclaimer:I don’t own any of the YuGiOh Characters, though I wish I did. Lol

A/N- Any comments are welcome, though I rather dislike Flames.

Dedication- Thanks Catti, for your encouragement. I don’t think I’ll be finishing that other story, mainly because I’m having some trouble with first person narrative, so I’m going to try this. I’m following your words and just letting things flow. Let’s hope it works out in the end! Thanks!!!!

Story: Bamboozled Personalities

Story Summery: Although the spirits are finally set free, things aren’t what they seem. Freedom can sometimes mean enslavement, but not all enslavement is bad. What happens when the spirits attempt to stay against the fate’s wishes? Can the Hikari’s and Yami’s survive the punishment and solve the problem, or will it break them completely?

Chapter 1: Hardships and Friendships

Yugi sat at his desk tapping his pencil, staring at the clock on the wall. /Something’s going to happen; I can feel it./ Yugi thought, completely ignoring the teachers rant on environmental science. All of the spirits were to be released from the millennium items tomorrow. Or at least, Yugi, Ryou, and Malik’s spirits were. Yugi, unlike the rest of his friends, was dreading the separation. He had become attached to his Yami. Atemu had stuck by him through thick and thin. Whether it was by Duel Monsters, or through personal issues, he was there. When his grandpa died, it was Atemu who kept him sane, along with the rest of his friends. When The Gameshop was placed in his care, it was the spirit who suggested talking to Seto Kaiba about how to run it. Atemu had been his grounding rock, and he didn’t want to lose him. He had become the closest thing to a family Yugi had left.

Yugi was startled out of his thoughts by a piece of paper being flung in front of him. Snatching it up before the teacher could see, he opened it under the desk, in his lap.

~What’s wrong with ya, yug? Ya look like someone ran over your puppy. Then ya saw it come back to life, if that makes sense. -Jou~

Yugi sighed and scribbled a quick note back before tossing it onto Jou’s desk quickly.

~Nothing’s wrong, Jou. I just have a bad feeling about Saturday. That’s all. –Yugi~

Jou nodded to yugi, then continued to doodle on his notepad, still worried about his tri-colored haired friend. Joe knew that the spirits were to return, but Yugi seemed to be taking it even harder than the rest. Most suspected that it was because Yugi was falling in love Atemu, but Jou thought it went beyond just love. That it was something deeper. He just didn’t know how to help his tiny friend.

Yugi watched his friend for a few seconds before bowing his head and staring at his desk, a frown firmly placed between his eyes.

\Yugi…why are you so distressed?\ Atemu’s voice echoed though his mind like a warm breeze, offering comfort. At the same time, he didn’t realize that his darker half might have been eavesdropping on him.

I’m not distressed. Yugi responded, trying to mask his emotions from his other half.

\You lie, aibou. Why? What is so wrong that you cannot talk to me about?\

It’s just…I don’t want you to go. Even in his own head, his voice sounded quiet, upset, close to tears.

\I know hikari, but it’s something that must be done. I wish I did not have to leave as well, but it’s better for all of us. We’re not meant for this world.\

I know Atemu, it’s just. I love you, more than anyone else in the world, but it’s more than that. You’ve kept me sane for so long, and I don’t want to lose you. If you go, it’ll feel like a piece of me is missing.

\Although we did not meet in flesh in this life, I am sure we will in the next. We are soul mates, destined to be together. We may not have been together here, but we have affected each other’s lives greatly. Do not worry Aibou, in time, we will be together, because I love you as well.\ Atemu’s voice sounded so sad, so lonely. Yugi would have given anything to take away that loneliness. To take the tears from his voice and show him how great life and love could be. How great it could be to be in love with him.

The bell rang, signaling the end of class and school for the week. Yugi sighed and shook his head while gathering his things together. Before he knew it, an arm was slung around his shoulders in a friendly fashion, though the boy was much taller than himself. Looking down, Jou grinned at Yugi. Yugi wrapped his arm around Jou’s waist and leaned against him for a moment. He could feel Atemu’s jealousy, but Yugi needed as much physical comfort he was able to get, and Atemu wasn’t able to give that.

Jou and Yugi walked out of class together, arms around each other, before exiting the building and meeting their friends in the courtyard. Yugi sighed as he watched the others, wishing he knew what they thought. Everyone seemed to think that him and Jou were in a physical relationship, that Jou helped Yugi with the pain of everything by giving him physical attention. How wrong they were. There was only one person Yugi wanted, and he couldn’t have him. Keeping his head lightly against Jou’s side, the two walked into the circle of their friends before looking up again and meeting Ryou’s eyes.

Ryou was the complete opposite of Yugi when it came to the Yami’s spirits. He couldn’t wait to get rid of Bakura. He scared the hell out of Ryou. Not only did Bakura torment Ryou on what he would have done to Ryou’s ‘sweet little ass’ if he had really been alive here and now, but also had access to Ryou’s thoughts. He knew that as much as he scared the poor silver haired British boy, the thought of being tormented, of the physical pain, turned his hikari on to no end. That in itself caused Ryou to be afraid. To know that someone knew what he thought and would have used it against him in real time made Ryou sick to his stomach. He couldn’t wish for Sunday to come around faster.

Malik, although quiet, did care for his Yami, but didn’t really care what happened. At long as Marik was happy. Malik was the type of person that was gentle and caring, but did have a rough side, unlike Ryou. Malik shared more qualities with Marik than Ryou did with Bakura, even though Marik and Bakura’s tastes ran the same. He just hoped that everything worked out for the best. The God’s had their fates planned and Malik wasn’t going to interfere in any way.

“Alright guys, what’s goin on for today?” Jou asked, his arm still around Yugi comfortingly.

“I’ve got work in about an hour, sorry.” Malik responded, jamming his hands in his pockets.

“I have ballet lessons in a half hour, sorry Jou, Yugi.” Anzu said. “I actually have to jet now, otherwise I’ll be late. I’ll see everyone either this weekend or Monday, alright?” She said while running off, backpack slung over one shoulder.

“Otogi and I were planning on going out clubbing tonight, wanna come?” Honda asked, grinning at the two boys in front of him.

“I don’t have any money until the checks go through at the Gameshop. If you want to go, go ahead Jou. Have fun.” Yugi said, smiling up at Jou while hiding his depression at being alone.

“Naw, that’s okay Yug. I don’t have any cash either. You and Otogi have fun together. Yug and I will figure something out ta do.” Jou said, squeezing Yugi’s shoulder gently.

“If you say so man. Just make sure the two of you stay out of trouble. I’ll see you guys later then.” Honda said before pulling his helmet out of his backpack and taking off to get his motorbike.

“What about you Ryou?” Yugi asked softly

“I’ve got an essay to write. But if I get finished early, I’ll call you. I’ll be at the library.” Ryou said, smiling sadly at the two boys

“You could always come over to the house. No one’s there now. We could watch a movie, and see if I can scrounge up enough cash for a pizza.” Yugi said, voice quiet while leaning against Jou in comfortable friendship.

“Sure Yug, that sounds like a great idea.” Jou said with a brilliant smile.

“If you do get finished early, just come over to the gameshop. Okay, Ryou?” Yugi said, looking over the white haired boy with a friendly smile. Ryou nodded then said goodbye while waving and walking out of the courtyard in the direction of the library.

Jou smiled and shifted his bag once before walking out of the gates and down the road, Yugi at his side. His backpack was pushed up over his other shoulder. Yugi lived near the school so it wasn’t that far of a walk. About a block down the road they heard the sky rumble. Yugi and Jou both glanced up to see black clouds rolling over Domino city, the telltale sign of a nasty storm to come. Rain began to fall slowly at first as the two continued to walk. After a minute or so, the rain was so dense and hard, the two could barely see in front of them. Unwrapping from each other, the two took off towards the game shot, running full out in an attempt to outrun anything else the weather might throw at them. Lightening sizzled and danced across the sky, moving and crackling like whips through the clouds. Yugi quickly pulled out his keys while running to open the door. By the time the two of them got into the gameshop, both were laughing hysterically.

“I didn’t know they were callin for rain today.” Jou said, shaking himself very much like the dog Kaiba keeps referring him to. Yugi giggled at his friend before shaking his head and motioning him to follow him up the steps. Yugi lived above the gameshop in a surprisingly very spacious apartment. Yugi didn’t have a clue as to what to do with all the room, and thought about asking Jou to move in with him, to get him out of his abusive fathers home and to keep him company. Atemu, though he liked Jou, didn’t like the idea of him moving in with his hikari.

Yugi walked into the kitchen and pulled out a two soda’s as Jou followed him and raided the cabinets for something to snack on. “I’ll be right back Jou.” Yugi said, placing both sodas on the kitchen counter before walking out and down the hall to the backroom. Opening the door, he walked in and flicked on the lights, then grabbed his hairbrush and glanced in the mirror. Atemu’s ghostly image stood beside him, reflected in the mirror, as Yugi began to brush his wet hair.

\Aibou, are you sure it’s such a good idea to invite Jou to live with you? Rumors will start, and it would lead Jou into believing something that isn’t true.\ Atemu asked, hurt in his eyes as he gazed at Yugi. Crossing his arms he leaned his hip against the counter and stared at Yugi, who was helplessly trying to get his hair to stand up once again.

Yes, I am sure. Once tomorrow hits, things will be different. You won’t be here, and I’ll have no one around to keep me company. Jou is my friend, I trust him not to try anything, and it’ll get him out of his house and away from his father.

\Yugi…what if there was a way I would be able to stay?\ Atemu asked, watching Yugi closely.

Yugi quickly turned to look at Atemu with hope in his eyes. A smile flittered around his lips as tears began to fill his eyes.

You mean, there is a way? They’re truly is?

\Yes, but I would need you to get Bakura and Marik together here. I need to speak with them first. Try to get them here by tonight. If not, then by tomorrow morning or I won’t have time to do it. It will use the time I have left to make sure I have everything right.\ Atemu said, sighing. If only Yugi knew the sacrifice this would cause. But he would do anything for his hikari. It was that simple.

I’ll get them here, don’t worry. Yugi said, smiling at Atemu with love shining in his eyes. Turning back to the mirror, he sighed and gave his hair up to a lost cause. Flipping off the light switch, he walked towards the kitchen and the phone, passing Jou in the living room. Jou had three soda’s sitting on the coffee table two already gone, a bowl of pretzels on his lap, a bag of chips open on the table and two small boxes of pocky resting on the arm of the couch.

“You realize Jou, that we still might be ordering pizza tonight, right?” Yugi said, laughing at his friend.

“Don’t worry yug, I have plenty of room still…” Jou said, belching and patting his stomach lightly with a satisfied grin. Yugi merely smiled, shook his head, and walked into the kitchen to get the phone. Grabbing the receiver, he dialed Malik’s number first, knowing he wasn’t home and that Malik didn’t have a cell number. After the fourth ring, the answering machine kicked on, telling him to leave a message. Yugi told Malik that he needed him to either come over tonight or tomorrow morning. That it was urgent. Next, he dialed Ryou’s cell number. Once his voice mail clicked on, Yugi told Ryou to come over tonight, he didn’t care how late it was. Stating that it was important. Sighing, he hung up then grabbed his soda from the counter and threw out the one that Jou emptied and left there. Joining Jou on the couch, the two flickered through the channels for a little while, seeing if anything worth watching was on. Not seeing anything, Jou suggested playing a video game to Yugi. Agreeing, Yugi began the process of turning on the system. Just has the game started to load up, the phone rang. Yugi ran to answer it.

“Hello?” Yugi said

“Yugi, it’s Ryou. Do you need me to come over now? What’s wrong? I just got your message.” Ryou said, concern in his voice.

“It’s not me. Atemu needs to speak to both Bakura and Marik and asked if I could get everyone over here. I know Malik probably won’t get off until 11 or later, so I told him to come over here tomorrow morning at the latest.” Yugi said, holding the receiver close to him.

“Alright, I’ll come over. I can always do my research Sunday before school starts.” Ryou said.

“Thanks Ryou, I appreciate it. I’ll see you whenever you get here. We’re just playing games and watching movies.” Yugi said, smiling.

“Alright, I’ll see you soon Yugi.” With that, Ryou hung up. Yugi put the receiver back and walked out of the kitchen, back into the living room to see Jou playing some fighting game. Sitting down on the couch, Yugi watched him for about a half hour before a knock on the door to the gameshop signaled Ryou’s arrival. Getting up, Yugi went downstairs to open the doors for him. Ryou walked in and hugged Yugi likely before standing back and letting the small boy close the shop up again.

Ryou followed Yugi upstairs to where Jou was playing the game. “Hey Ryou.” Jou said, glancing at the white haired boy for a second before pausing his game and standing up. Yugi took Ryou’s jacked and backpack and hung them in the closet before pulling down a small purple back with some spare cash in it. Pulling some of the bills out, Yugi then went into the kitchen to order pizza while leaving Jou and Ryou out in the living room.

“What do you think is wrong with Yugi lately? I mean, I know he’s taking this hard, but it’s almost like he doesn’t want to let Atemu go.” Ryou said in a soft voice, looking at Jou while glancing occasionally at the kitchen entrance.

Jour sighed and shook his head, crossing his arms lightly and looking at the kitchen sadly. “I just don’t know Ryou. After his grandpa’s death, he’s been detached. Then, all of a sudden, when it’s time to free the spirits, he gets clingy. I mean, I’ll always been here for him, he knows that. But he’s treating me like I’m his boyfriend. I care for the little guy, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t want him under any false illusions either. I just don’t know why Atemu going away is upsetting him so much. He’s never showed any other type of feelings for the spirit, except friendship.”

“Wait, are you telling me you two aren’t together?” Ryou asked, sounding shocked.

“No, we’re not together. I know all of you think we are, but we’re not.” Jou responded firmly.

Ryou merely nodded and blushed, as Yugi walked back in with a smile. Looking from one to the other, Yugi frowned and looked confused. “Did I miss something guys?” he asked, looking cute while confused.

“Naw, don’t worry about it Yug.” Jou said smiling as Ryou merely shook his head.

“Alright…” Yugi said, still unsure. “The pizza will be here in about 45 minutes.”

“Cool. Why don’t we play a few games until the pizza gets here, then we’ll watch a movie together before bed.” Jou said, smiling at both boys while cramming his hands in his pockets and moving back towards the couch.

Ryou and Yugi both nodded before moving to sit on the floor while Yugi grabbed the bag of pretzels and began to snack on them. Ryou grinned before breaking apiece off of one and tossing it at Yugi in an attempt to play and cheer the smaller boy up. Yugi giggled before picking it up and tossing it back at him. Ryou caught it in his mouth, causing Yugi to laugh harder. Jou smiled, glancing at his friends, before going back to his game. The three played around like this for about an hour before a knock on the gameshop door alerted them that the pizza was there.

“Damn, they’re 15 minutes late!” Jou exclaimed before following Jou down to help him with taking them up. Yugi paid the deliveryman and leg Jou carry both pizza’s up to the kitchen. Yugi told Ryou and Jou to pick a movie while he dished out the pizza. Walking out with a tray of food and drinks, he smiled while watching Ryou and Jou bicker over which movie to watch. Setting the food down, he grinned and pulled out a movie from the cabinet over the television.

“How about a scary movie?” Yugi asked, grinning while showing them the movie Thirteen Ghosts.

“That’ll work!.” Jou said before bouncing over to the couch to grab his pizza.

“Sure, why not.” Ryou answered, before walking over to coffee table for his own food.

Yugi placed the movie in the game system and pushed play on the controller before sitting down to ear his own pizza. A quarter of the way though, everyone was finished and rests on the couch comfortably. Yugi laid in the middle with his head in Jou’s lap and legs over Ryou’s legs. Jou was absentmindedly running his fingers through Yugi silky locks, lulling him to sleep without noticing it. Ryou was already snuggled into the side of the couch, asleep. Jou grinned and leaned back on the cushions, closing his eyes to think and drift off on his own. /Tomorrow’s gonna be a big deal for the little guy. I just hope he can handle it./ were the last thoughts to drift thought Jou mind before he feel asleep as soundly as the other two….

TBC…


A/N- Comments or idea’s are greatly appreciated!