Hello everyone and welcome back to chapter 64. My sincere gratitude to everyone who reviewed the last chapter and I'm really sorry for leaving so long between these two. Problem was that, after I was hit with several story-inspirations, my brain was suddenly devoid of them for the past few weeks. I tried staring at the laptop or re-reading previous chapters, but nothing really worked until a few days ago. So, I'm really glad it's sort of coming back (I did a hallellujah, I swear).

Anyway, I do hope you all will enjoy the chapter which can be considered more of a filler than anything else, but it's a necessary one while I am preparing the timeline (and chapters) for the upcoming Halloween party at Pegasus' Headquarters in Miami. Much to do and plan, so while inspiration is still with me, I need to get back to work ;)

Enjoy!

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Blind Date – Chapter 64

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He loved the arm wrapped around him while their bodies were snuggled comfortably close against one another underneath the blankets and Yami gave a soft, satisfied sigh while he loved their lazy moment this Saturday morning. No reporters to tackle him as he was about to enter the shopping mall and no odd looks or glances whenever he'd be at the office. Just a moment of peaceful rest while Atemu held him close like he'd done ever since Tuesday evening, before and after them making love well into the night. It had reassured him and had chased the dark thoughts from his mind effectively, because there was truly no need to be afraid. His lover was at his side and with each time he had to say their rehearsed statement, the reporters were slowly backing down. At least, they were lessening in numbers and Yami smiled as he hadn't even seen one yesterday evening upon leaving the store.

Plus, incredible or not, there were also plenty of good messages he'd been allowed to read over and over again from other companies. Encouraging words or good-luck wishes and even Pegasus jokingly allowing for them to hide in one of the beach cabins if the need arose. Miami will roast them, had been one of the last lines and it still made Yami smile brightly while he pressed his back a little more against Atemu's warm chest in order to just feel him breathe. To feel him rest without being afraid, because no matter the fact they had survived the week... his lover was still worried.

Not that Yami blamed him, especially not with the known fact Akefia had visited the company as well to just simply smirk into the camera for a brief moment as if he was just walking by and had leisurely decided to threaten his lover this way. Deep down, he couldn't imagine how horrible it truly was for Atemu to be reminded of what had happened to his father every day while the real culprit had managed to get out and was walking their streets as if he owned them. Sure, aside from the cameras and him being kissed by the creep, there hadn't been any other sightings, but even the police were stumped; which made everything much worse. It was why he loved their morning together while he laid in the protective embrace Atemu always kept him in and Yami had to admit, it was even better now because they were home.

True, their week at home had been partially covered in the fires of hell, but it was also perfect. He had been standing in the kitchen once more while watching his lover work at the table and they had cooked together as well prior to him dealing with their laundry. It felt wholesome to have that again... even ironing had felt wonderful, because he'd done it while Atemu had been checking his essay to see if everything was in order. They finally not only had time for each other as lovers like they had had abroad, but also in this home-like situation that made him feel all fuzzy inside. It was something he had clearly craved for and Yami smiled as he enjoyed those moments once more to chase away the bad ones of this week.

Although they would be replaced by worrying ones for entirely different reasons quite soon and the pale man tried to focus upon Atemu's soft breath while his plans for today resurfaced. Sure, a part of him was looking forward to visiting the Kame Game Shop and to see his grandfather as well as Yugi again, but another part of him couldn't help but remind him of how long it had been since he'd actually been there. It was nearing November and he had left at the end of July joined by a truck filled to the brim with boxes. That memory alone managed to create a melancholy feeling to settle in the pit of his stomach, while he also grew nervous towards the idea of going back.

At least he knew what he was getting back to, considering Yugi and him had been chatting for plenty of hours during his time of being abroad. To have fun, as they'd been duelling across the internet, but also to just talk about different things. He had talked mainly about being worried in regards to Atemu as well as the company, which Yugi had listened to patiently, while his younger sibling had complained about homework prior to them tackling it together. But, the Kame Game Shop had also been refurbished in the downstairs areas, pretty much like what had happened with the renovation at the start of summer and Yugi had been so kind to tour him around the new place whenever they had been able to talk during most of his time in London. The downstairs walls hadn't been as bad as those from their top floor, but they had still been strengthened in order to get everything in a much better state than before and they had been given a new coat of paint as well. Afterwards, the kitchen had undergone an update whilst a new floor had been laid down too. In three weeks time, everything had been given a new look and from what Yami had seen on the photos, it looked better and really good as well.

Leaving the Kame Game Shop, however, had also meant that he had missed out on painting Yugi's room as well as his own... True, it had been hectic with him at the hospital and the fight and afterwards, everything else that seemed to swallow up all of his time. Plus, he had rather spend it with his lover too, but was that really an excuse? On the other hand, his brother hadn't started on painting his room well until after the trial with Marcus at the courthouse had been dealt with and still... Yami couldn't help but feel a little guilty he hadn't been there. He had let time slip through his fingers and gently, the pale man bit the inside of his cheek while he hoped he could still make it up to Yugi. Not just the fact he hadn't been there when needed, but also the fact he had suddenly left. Not that he knew how, but he'd figure it out... Unless this was a part of growing up to which someone still hadn't invented a manual for and Yami sighed as he wasn't sure if he liked that answer as it didn't make his ignorance easier or less inexcusable.

His musings were interrupted, however, as tanned arms tightened around his frame ever so slightly at the same time Atemu took a deep breath and stretched with a soft groan leaving his lips. Afterwards, Yami was pulled tighter against the bare body behind him and the pale man chuckled softly while he enjoyed the tender nuzzle he was given. "Good morning Até", he whispered while his lover inhaled rather deeply, before a warm leg claimed one of his own in an attempt to hold him even closer.

"Good morning, mon chéri", Atemu replied equally as soft while he enjoyed the warm bubble he was surrounded in currently, at the same time he could hold his lover just the way he liked it. Tight and against his body while they both enjoyed a lazy morning. He had never cared for them before, although meeting his lover had changed that pleasantly and Atemu rumbled softly in approval while Yami pressed his back a little more against the tanned chest.

"This is nice", the pale man commented softly while he lovingly caressed the arm pulling him as close against Atemu's body as possible and Yami smiled as it rewarded him with soft kisses against the back of his neck.

"This is very nice, my love. Please tell me you do not need to leave just yet?", was the soft question in return and a soft hum escaped Yami while his crimson eyes fluttered open to search for his alarm clock. The red numbers made him smile a little brighter, before he closed his eyes again and sighed in relief.

"No need to worry, Até... There is plenty of time left", Yami answered softly, before he shifted slightly in order to roll over. The disagreeing groan almost made him rethink his actions, especially as Atemu frowned at him with another disapproving murmur, until pale lips lips touched upon tanned ones softly. Legs tangled underneath the sheets as bodies were pulled close against one another in a new embrace at the same time Yami continued to kiss his lover tenderly.

"You're forgiven", Atemu whispered as he blinked awake ever so slightly, while his hand caressed pale skin lovingly. His words only made Yami chuckle softly while his lover's fingers returned the soft strokes as well as the gentle persuasion to please come closer and the tanned man did, prior to kissing his beloved again.

"Good, for I wanted to kiss you and look at you while you'd be snoozing a little more. You've been busy with work, Até, you should have some more rest", Yami replied with worry upon his voice while he gently pushed the tanned man's blond bangs from his eyes. Rose-red irises glanced back at him, however, while Atemu let his hand rest against his lover's warm skin and the older male sighed softly as he tried to pull his beloved just a little closer.

"How can I sleep with you at my side, mon chéri? Why should I close my eyes when I just woke up to the loving sight of you staring at me? Of you kissing me and being with me?", Atemu asked softly in return and he chuckled when a small blush covered his lover's cheeks, before he kissed the pale lips some more tenderly. He smiled when the loving touch was returned almost immediately and with Yami's gentle fingers massaging his scalp as they tangled in his hair.

"Perhaps you should close your eyes so you can wake up to me being with you again? I'll gently card through your hair while faintly touching your skin in feather-light caresses... before I will obviously kiss you again because I love you and cherish you", Yami answered, although he didn't fight the blush because he was flattered and because he wished for his lover to know he was. Atemu's words were special to him, after all, and the pale man knew his beloved should be aware of that. Plus, he was quite content with having his lover at his side like this and it almost made him wish he didn't have to go.

"Now... that is quite a proposal, mon chéri", Atemu whispered in return and Yami chuckled softly while tanned hands caressed his face. "Why don't you join me some more then? You could use the sleep as well, my love", the older man continued as he loved the sight of his lover closing his eyes because he was enjoying himself. He could feel how it drained Yami's tension from his expression as well as his body and Atemu smiled while he pulled the other male a little closer against his frame.

"Sleep some more, mon chéri", were his soft words and Yami sighed, prior to kissing the tanned skin his lips were closest to. "I'll follow", Atemu promised as he felt content with their morning the way it currently was and his lover hummed softly in response while pale hands held onto him tightly. Anything to snooze peacefully and it was why they both loved to just lie in each other's arms for the time being. To just feel the other breathe and murmur in their half-sleep until soft kisses were shared when their bodies seemed more awake than before.

"We really should be getting up, mon chéri. You promised your grandfather you'd be with them around noon, which means you'll have to leave within an hour and a half and I'd like for you to eat something first", Atemu murmured softly, even though he had a hard time in letting his lover go himself as well. The weather was becoming chillier and sharing body heat between them underneath the sheets was currently a very welcome moment he'd like to prolong. "Also, I'll head out to the office to do the last of my paperwork today in order for us both to be able to enjoy our shopping tomorrow", the tanned man continued and he smiled as crimson eyes stared at him in slight surprise.

"Office? Shopping?", Yami whispered in return, although he could feel how his lips tugged up in a smile of their own while happy excitement bloomed inside his chest. Especially when his lover nodded.

"Yes, we may have tried to look for the perfect wardrobe online last week, but I did promise for us to go shopping too. How about we do that tomorrow? We'll have the day to ourselves and can take all the time in the world we want, because I'll have finished all of my paperwork which means we can just enjoy every moment we'll get", Atemu answered and Yami chuckled softly, before he kissed the tanned lips with fond affection. It made him tangle his fingers in his lover's thick tri-coloured hair while he was pressed against the mattress as their positions changed. Warm hands danced across his skin prior to one cupping his face tenderly and Yami sighed in the kiss while Atemu let their tongues touch languidly.

"That sounds wonderful, Até", the pale man replied as soon as they broke apart and he smiled as his lover let their noses touch in a loving gesture. "Even though that means I'll have to let you go... I don't want to", Yami admitted softly and rose-red eyes warmed in understanding as they watched the worried frown return upon their lover's brow.

"You'll be just fine, mon chéri. Both your grandfather and brother will have lots to tell you, just like you have new stories you wish to share with them as well", Atemu said soothingly, while he kissed Yami's cheeks in reassurance. The soft sigh following his words, however, didn't do anything to calm his own worried mind.

"It's just... It's been so long since I've gone back and so much has changed. Plus, I still feel guilty for leaving Yugi just like that with our grandfather... Yes, I've been busy, but is that really an excuse? It's just a two hour drive and he's my brother. I should at least make more time for him, right? We used to go to the arcade quite often, have fun together and while I know he still has his friends... I also still feel like I have abandoned him whenever my mind gets the chance to go down that depressing spiral of accumulating thoughts", were Yami's soft words with another sigh as he wasn't sure what his lover would say. Would Atemu even appreciate him opening up like that? What if it was solely in his head? What if he was exaggerating again?

"Yami, my love, look at me?", Atemu asked softly, because crimson eyes were glancing away from him at the same time he could see his lover was embarrassed about his thoughts. Slowly, however, the alluring irises moved to meet his own worried ones and the tanned man smiled reassuringly while he caressed Yami's face and leaned their bodies a little closer together for comfort. "Whilst I know you feel as if you abandoned your brother, I can assure you, Yugi probably doesn't feel that way at all. Yes, he surely misses you the way you miss him, but the two of you also have daily contact and can still speak with each other the way you've always done", Atemu continued softly and his smile grew as he could see the gears working inside his lover's head.

"Although I would highly suggest you'd speak with Yugi about this and listen to what he has to say. Only he will be able to bring you the comfort of your mind you need and I am sure he'll do just that. Especially as I could see him enjoying your video calls while we've been abroad whenever I had the chance to peek during a bathroom break in between my meetings. You both are still part of each other's lives, just a little differently than before", the tanned man said and slowly, Yami exhaled as the words echoed through his mind. Then, he smiled and kissed his lover on the lips tenderly.

"You're right, I'll definitely ask Yugi about how he feels right now and if I've let him down. We have always been honest to each other and I really can't wait to see him. I do miss him terribly sometimes, although I don't miss his feet thundering down the staircase whenever he'd be late on a Monday morning", Yami said and he chuckled softly when his lover did, prior to them kissing once more. They only stopped in order to get dressed, although Yami couldn't help but shiver slightly as he truly had to leave the warm bubble created between the two of them. Either that or it was the sultry look he received from Atemu as soon as rose-red eyes could see him and the pale man chuckled as he hurried into the bathroom to get a quick shower in order to feel clean.

'Quick' didn't exist in Atemu's books, however, and Yami bit his lip as he moaned while tanned hands travelled across his skin. He didn't mind, whilst his eyes followed the soap suds falling down his lover's handsome body, and he chuckled softly as he followed the trails with his fingers teasingly. Kisses were once again shared between them as a wanting moan escaped the older man's throat and it was harder to restrain himself with every passing second. Not that he wanted to as he let his hands glide across pale skin while Yami kissed his body and Atemu rumbled as he squeezed the cheeks of his lover's bum sensually.

Slowly, however, he was forced to release the supple skin he'd been holding on to, as Yami let his lips travel lower upon his abdomen. Kneeling down, the pale man whispered sweet nothings of pleasure while tanned hands massaged his shoulders, at the same time he licked Atemu's navel teasingly. The tanned penis almost twitched in want and a soft chuckle escaped Yami's lips while his lover groaned softly at the same time his muscles tensed with pleasure. The pale man rumbled as he let his tongue touch upon the hard shaft, while his fingers gently teased the head and he loved the new groan spilling from Atemu's lips. He loved the trembles and the tightening of muscles while tanned hands clenched down upon his shoulders and Yami grinned almost devilishly while he enjoyed himself. He loved the confidence he had grown into to give his lover this kind of pleasure as he gently took the erect flesh in his mouth to suckle on the head.

"Ngh, mon chéri, please", Atemu whispered while he tried to hold his hips back as much as possible. He couldn't help the twitching, however, nor the tensing as there was another suck and the tanned man shuddered in pleasure with another long moan escaping his throat. His knees trembled and his breathing was laboured while he gasped at another suckle. Yami chuckled softly as he released the penis, although he continued to kiss the pulsating skin prior to moving up to lick his lover's abdomen and to tease his hard nipples. He gasped, however, as he was pressed against the tiled wall behind him, before he moaned in the eager kiss he received. "Tease", Atemu rumbled with a smirk on his lips as he parted from his lover for a mere moment and Yami chuckled, before he initiated another kiss.

Hands caressed skin as moans were shared and they loved the touches. They loved the strokes as they each wanted for the other to come. To experience the bliss that came with being together and Yami groaned again as they both brought their flesh together in a loving rhythm while their hands sped up. Strokes, pulls, caresses, kisses and groans were shared between them as their muscles tensed while they moved against each other to gain the perfect rhythm and Atemu held his lover closer as he shifted his hips again. He loved how his blissful cry joined in with Yami's as their orgasms washed over them and he enjoyed the trembles as the pale man leaned against him to catch his breath.

Knees trembled as hips twitched and Yami moaned as a tanned hand continued to stroke his pulsating flesh in order to draw out his bliss. He smiled as he did the same and could feel the shudder while semen spurted against his skin and slowly, the pale man looked up to kiss his lover. Crimson eyes met gleaming rose-red ones as both men enjoyed each other and their presence, before Atemu moved them back underneath the warm stream of water. "Thank you", was Yami's soft whisper as he was moved and he loved the smile his lover gave him, prior to them kissing once more. He felt invigorated and rumbled softly in appreciation while they cleaned each other's skin gently, before they finally got dressed.

"I like this suit on you", Yami said as he took in the charcoal grey three-piece attire his lover wore and although it didn't beat the lighter version, as that one looked like liquid silver, Atemu looked handsome as always and the pale man smiled as his lover pecked his cheek softly.

"Then I shall wear it more often, mon chéri", Atemu answered sweetly while he watched his lover as the latter made breakfast and he gently laid his hand against Yami's lower back while he appreciated the neat black jeans, red blouse and black blazer his lover wore. "You look quite stunning yourself", was his comment while his hand teasingly lowered itself to caress the bum he'd squeezed earlier that morning, which earn him a gasp as well as a small smack. Chuckling, Atemu retrieved his hand only to kiss his lover on the cheek tenderly while crimson eyes gleamed approvingly at the same time Yami smiled brilliantly. The same one the tanned man knew he could fall in love with every time again and it made him sigh longingly while he was ushered towards the table.

He hadn't really felt this mushy in a while and he welcomed the feelings back albeit with slight apprehension as he wasn't sure why. Just because he was worried? Or because he'd miss Yami an entire day once more? Which was mad, as his beloved had been away from his side since the start of the week and Atemu bit the inside of his cheeks slightly as he blamed it on his worry. Nibbling on his toast, he smiled as his lover laid his hand atop his arm to gain his attention without words and the tanned man sighed softly, before he relented. "Just worried", he whispered, before he smiled reassuringly, "but that doesn't mean I'll let that get in the way of us having fun either today as well as tomorrow. I won't run or hide, mon chéri, not as long as I have your wonderful self at my side to keep me encouraged. Although I do hope you'll drive safely", Atemu continued which received him a curious tilt of the head.

"I'll always be here for you, Até, but... drive?", Yami asked softly and the tanned man chuckled softly with an agreeing nod in answer.

"Yes, as I will probably need Charles today... Just like you, I'd like to visit my father this afternoon if he's feeling well. Plus, my car needs a decent spin and I know you can drive, mon chéri. I was hoping you'd take her with you to Domino", Atemu replied gently and he continued to smile even while he could see a protest forming in his lover's beautiful eyes.

"As much as I enjoy hearing you'll hopefully visit your father... Até, I can't drive your car. It's way too expensive and I'll be terrified to wreck it. I'd like to drive, but don't you have something that is more or less a barrel?", Yami asked while questioning his lover's sanity. He hadn't really been driving around ever since coming to New York City and the black convertible was way too precious for him to drive with. Still, Atemu continued to smile, before he got up off his seat and kissed the top of his lover's head.

"Truly, mon chéri, you'll do fine and she needs a good spin after standing still for three weeks. Driving to and from the supermarket wasn't nearly enough and I'd like for you to take her. You won't wreck her as you are always very careful and I trust you, Yami. Plus, this will also be easier as Charles won't need to be stationed in Domino City the entire day without knowing when to pick you up. Having my car with you will give you the freedom you need while I'll wait for you to come home", Atemu said while he cleaned up their used plates, before he walked into the foyer at the same time his lover still stared at him with a small shake of his head. Especially when he procured the needed keys and the tanned man smiled some more while he loved this side of Yami like he did with all of them.

"Well... Yes, I don't want to burden Charles, but this is your car Até", the pale man objected slightly once more even though he knew it was a weak excuse. His entire being was warm with gratitude because of his lover saying he trusted him and a small part in Yami wanted to honour those feelings whilst proving he was as reliable as Atemu said he was.

"And just like this apartment is our home, so is my car. You can use her too, my love and it would make me happy if you did. Just... will you text me when you've arrived? To ease my mind?", Atemu asked while he pressed the keys into Yami's hand gently and he kissed the top of his lover's head again when there were no objections this time. His lover even rose from his seat to kiss him properly and the tanned man rumbled in appreciation, before he stared into gleaming crimson eyes.

"I promise to text you as soon as I've parked. Thank you, Até, and please give your father my well-wishes in case you do go to visit him?", Yami asked and he smiled as he received a grateful nod in return, before he had to get himself ready. "I hope he'll like his souvenir", the pale man mused while he grabbed his coat as well as his bag where both his laptop and the gifts for his family resided in.

"You picked it out, hence why I am sure he'll enjoy it very much. If I'll go, it won't be until after two o'clock, so your brother will have plenty of time to call me in regards to the contract and or else... just show it to him for me?", Atemu asked and Yami chuckled as he was reminded of their plan to give Yugi the sponsorship he needed for the upcoming tournament in December, before he kissed his lover once more in goodbye.

"Drive safe", the tanned man whispered and his lover nodded whilst embracing him tightly, before they waved each other goodbye with Yami waiting for the elevator to bring him back down. He watched Atemu stand in the doorway, which was a very new sight he hadn't seen before as they normally left together, but crimson eyes gleamed either way while their owner enjoyed it.

"See you tonight, Até!", he called out when the doors started to close and rose-red irises gleamed while his lover called back with his own goodbye, before Yami was cut off from the image and brought downstairs to the underground parking garage. He couldn't help himself as he sat down inside Atemu's black convertible a little nervously, before he nibbled his lip and silently enjoyed the revving engine. Even though he'd be extra careful and he hated the fact he had to get through New York first prior to getting on the highway, he did love the car. It was a smooth sailing all the way from his home to Domino and he sighed softly as he entered the city he'd lived nearly his whole life.

Surprisingly, it hadn't changed much and Yami muttered at the things he recognised while he drove through the streets he knew like the back of his hand. Some homes had been redone and autumn was clearly showing itself everywhere he came, until he spotted the yellow and green Kame Game Shop on the corner of the road. It made him nervous to see the small house once more and the pale man sighed again as he slowly parked the car near the curb. He could still see the external renovations done to the small home, even though it had been nearly three months, and Yami gazed at the building for a moment longer to just take it in and to make sure he could send his lover a text of his safe arrival without being disturbed rudely by his family.

Afterwards, he slowly got out of his seat to straighten his back confidently while closing the door, before he took his bag from the other side of the vehicle in order to lock the car against those who'd wish to steal it. Although he sincerely hoped nobody would even dare to attempt it whilst he slung his bag over his shoulder and walked up to the door of his once home. He was surprised, however, when it wasn't his grandfather greeting him from behind the counter.

"Good afternoon and welcome to the Kame Game Shop", the teenage girl said while she was in the middle of unpacking a few boxes and labelling the products she had already uncovered from within them, yet, Yami couldn't help but tilt his head in confusion. Apparently he had missed something... Still, he gently extended his hand while smiling in order to greet the young teen.

"Good afternoon, my name is Yami Muto. I'm here to see my family", were his kind words and her brown eyes watched him for a moment longer, before they seemed to fall into place.

"Ah yes, you are the grandson living in New York City! Mr. Muto said you'd come by today. It's a pleasure to meet you, my name is Suki", she answered in return rather quickly while her cheeks flushed a small pink in embarrassment. Yami merely smiled, before he watched how she pressed a small button on an intercom that hadn't been there when he'd left the building in July. "Mr. Muto? Your grandson is here", she said to the device atop the counter and crimson eyes gleamed slightly, before the pale man could hear footsteps on the staircase leading towards the living areas of his once home.

Because oddly enough... that's what it felt like to him. It was a home, it had been his home and he had loved it to grow up within its safe walls, but something was different in a way that said this was no longer his home. It wasn't the renovation, nor the changes to the shop and Yami sighed as he couldn't put his finger on what it was exactly, before his musings were interrupted by Sugoroku appearing in the doorway. Purple met crimson and Yami smiled warmly while the elder stared at him. It was awkward, considering the last time they had met without a screen between them, there had been another fight, but the younger man didn't want to think of that as he walked forward.

"Hey gramps, good to see you", he said gently and he smiled as he could see the happy wrinkles getting bigger while Sugoroku smiled at him in return.

"It is definitely good to see you again too, my boy. Come, let's go upsairs so you can get something to drink whilst you tell both Yugi and myself of everything you've done these past few months", Sugoroku said and Yami chuckled softly as he was ushered towards the staircase where his younger sibling was already bouncing up and down at the top while the elderly man told Suki of the fact she could still call him down in cases of emergency. Yami only listened to it half-heartedly, prior to hugging Yugi as tightly as he could.

"Finally... I thought you'd never arrive", were the overly dramatic words and Yami chuckled while he kept his sibling at arms length in order to look at him. "Yes, I've grown again", Yugi continued rather proudly as he was glad his growth spurt had finally arrived and both men smiled while the older one nodded almost approvingly.

"You look good, Yugi and I'm glad you do", Yami answered in return, before they made way for their grandfather who had finally climbed the staircase to join them and for a moment, purple eyes glanced at both men with evident pride as they fell upon the siblings.

"Welcome back home, Yami, although I'm pretty sure a lot has changed", Sugoroku said and he smiled a little while his oldest grandson nodded with a glance through the renovated livingroom. The green carpet had been taken out and replaced by a light wooden floor while the walls had been given panels on the lower half and a greyish toned green paint on the top. Photos decorated the walls while a beautiful bookcase took up an entire corner. The only old things Yami could still recognise where his grandfather's leather recliner as well as the old coffee table and inside the kitchen he could see their very-used kitchen table with chairs.

"It's stunning gramps and I'm glad the builders were able to renovate the rest of the Kame Game Shop as well. It deserved it after having survived our childhood for so long", Yami joked kindly and Yugi chuckled sheepishly while the elder laughed as well, before he quickly made his way into the kitchen to make them all some tea or coffee.

"I'll show you the rest", Yugi said and Yami nodded slowly as he was certain his grandfather wanted to say something else, but wasn't sure of how and it was why the older sibling followed his brother up the second staircase after leaving his bag atop the coffee table. The staircase had been renovated as well and Yugi grinned with excitement while crimson eyes roamed across the hall which had been given a different kind of paint than he remembered.

"Gramps wanted to re-do the place after you left, which is why this light floor is throughout the whole house all of a sudden. The panels have been added later and I don't mind really, although I am quite sure he's overcompensating. At least he left my room to myself", Yugi muttered with a small roll of his eyes and Yami chuckled softly prior to following his sibling inside the room he'd only seen on photos whilst they had been chatting online. Not that it mattered, as he admired it just the same and the older brother smiled as he gazed at the dark wooden floor and the navy coloured walls.

Everything that had once screamed 'childish' had been removed from Yugi's bedroom and it was currently replaced by much more neutral surroundings while personal touches were still present. The bookcase was filled with figurines as well as games, the bed was bigger and more adult-like, while the latest Duel Disk as well as his brother's deck laid on top of the dresser and Yami continued to smile as he loved it. "You did a really good job, Yugi", was his compliment and a broad grin spread pale lips while amethyst eyes gleamed with evident pride.

"It did take some time to get used to everything, but I really fancy it too right now and I'm glad we were able to persuade gramps to get everything upgraded", Yugi answered and Yami smiled while eyeing the door to his once bedroom.

"So, what did you do to mine? Make a gaming room out of it or has Jou moved in permanently?", he asked with a smile, although he settled down next to Yugi when the latter literally plopped down atop his bed.

"No, gramps hasn't touched your room yet, so it's pretty much the same as the day you left", the younger sibling replied gently with a small shrug, although it made crimson eyes gaze at the door once more while Yami sighed softly in response.

"Do you think because he hopes I'll still come home alone?", was his soft question and this time, it was Yugi who sighed softly while tilting his head to one side slightly.

"Yeah, I think a part of him is still hoping you'll come back... Although I also think most of him has accepted you won't. He still has issues, but it's getting a lot better", Yugi answered softly and Yami glanced at his brother, before he nibbled his lip slightly.

"And how have you been? I mean... sure, we talk across the phone or a video chat, but I haven't visited at all after moving out. I've been a horrible big brother for just leaving which has left you to deal with gramps all on your own. I'm still sorry I did that", Yami whispered gently in return and amethyst eyes watched him for a moment, before Yugi started to smile.

"I know you are and to be fair, I didn't exactly come over to visit you in New York either. I'm fine, Yami, really. Busy with school, but that's why I enjoy our conversations, especially the ones when you were abroad and helped me out with homework the way you used to. Sure, it's different, but nothing we both can't get used to, right?", the younger sibling asked and Yami nodded as he felt the beginnings of a smile creeping up on his lips. "Although yes, I do miss you on occasion... a lot", Yugi admitted and Yami nodded again as he understood. He missed his brother too, even though he had someone else at his side now whom he treasured just as equally. A different relationship, perhaps, but he did still love his brother as much as he loved Atemu and Yami gently pulled his sibling against him in another reassuring hug. One he quite possibly needed more than Yugi needed him, but it was returned just as warmly either way.

"Scrap that... I miss you most of the time, but life also continues... Does that make sense?", was the soft question and Yami chuckled softly while they both sat up straight.

"Yes, it does actually and I'm sorry. I didn't want to come here and bring depression, but knowing I'd come back here earlier this morning made me feel guilty all over again for leaving you behind like that. Although I know you're getting by just fine, Yugi, honest", the older man answered and his sibling gently shoved him with an elbow which made them both laugh as the atmosphere lightened. He was forgiven and his brother was just fine, which meant he had been overreacting again like he usually did... but Yami was glad he had. Especially because it was as Atemu had said: they were still a part of each other's life, albeit differently than before.

"You bet I'm getting by just fine, although I appreciate you wanting to look out for me and trust me, if gramps starts acting up again I'll be moving out with you. The sofa slept really well when Jou and I were allowed to stay at your apartment during your time abroad and I'll be able to survive you smooching with Atemu just fine too", Yugi teased and Yami couldn't help but laugh while he shoved his brother right back, before he got to his feet and smiled some more.

"You're always welcome in New York, Yugi, and we'll even keep the smooching under control for your fragile heart. Although... I'm glad you're doing well and I'll try to come by more often. Especially because there will be another tournament coming up, right? I missed the small ones you went to after August was cancelled while being abroad, so I've got some catching up to do", Yami said while tilting his head as he was reminded of Yugi's 'professional' career once more while looking at the Duel Disk atop the dresser. Amethyst eyes gleamed in appreciation as well as excitement when the new topic was touched up, before the smaller male hopped off his bed as well and picked up his deck gently.

"There are actually two bigger ones I was hoping you'd be able to visit, although one of them is the day after your birthday, Sunday 24th of November. Would that be a problem?", Yugi asked, but he started to smile when his brother shook his head.

"Absolutely not and if Atemu is free, he'll love to come as well. Plus, that would mean I can stay over immediately because of Thanksgiving in order to prepare everything for our get-together. Although that reminds me... You haven't called my lover yet for that sponsorship, so are you even allowed to enter?", Yami asked while smirking ever so slightly at the same time his brother froze up, prior to chuckling sheepishly at being caught red-handed.

"Yeah, I know... But you guys were busy and I hadn't really discussed it with gramps yet. I mean, because I'm not eighteen yet, gramps has to sign everything as well and I wasn't sure if he'd do that. I still don't know, actually, as there hasn't been a good time to bring it up yet either", Yugi tried to offer as an excuse, but the older sibling merely rose his eyebrow in question, before he shook his head ever so slightly. Yet, before he could speak, there was a loud noise coming from the bottom of the staircase.

"Boys! The tea is getting rather cold and it won't taste as good when it does!", Sugoroku called out and both men chuckled softly as they were interrupted while Yugi put the deck he'd been holding back down upon his dresser.

"Impatient much?", he asked with a silly roll of his eyes and Yami couldn't help but laugh while he slung an arm around his brother's shoulder.

"Yes, but he is right. Warm tea is always better than a cold one and this way we can ask him about that sponsorship while I show plenty of photos from what I've seen during my travels", Yami said with a smile and although his sibling sighed loudly, the smaller teen followed him down the stairs and back into the livingroom willingly where they settled down on the new sofa at the same time their grandfather was leaning back into his recliner. Tea stood ready upon the table while snacks were also present and Yami gently opened his laptop in order for him to start talking about everything he had seen.

He loved it to gift them their souvenirs and they laughed when he told Yugi of making a video when he'd scare Jonouchi with the fake mummy which made everything feel better immediately as they shared their fun and stories whilst passing the time. Perhaps it still didn't feel like home, as that was where Atemu was, but Yami smiled nonetheless while the awkwardness was partially lifted to create a familiar atmosphere. One they could definitely use, all of them.

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Thank you all for reading this chapter and if you have the time, please leave a review. They are very much appreciated and I sincerely hope I'll get chapter 65 up a lot sooner than this one. Fingers crossed everyone! Byebye!