Just a tantalizing thought (finally written from start to end), and under 500 words. I used hikaru because I found out that would be the gender correct form instead of hikari. Make of it what you will.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~

It was only a few days after they had separated into individual bodies. The first thing he did was offer the spare bedroom and free food.

His yami wasn't too happy about that.

It wasn't long until all of his friends came over, having caught wind of the new development. They all protested that he was dangerous, that he was in no way conducive to his health. His own yami had wanted a place of his own, why on earth did you want to keep him with you?

Didn't he hurt you enough?

Looking back, he wasn't sure who was shocked more at his reaction: his yami, or his friends.

He cut off the reflexive remark his yami was about to make with a dark, guttural growl. There was no mistake as to which albino did it, as he promptly turned back to the group with narrowed eyes.

"He is my yami. Mine," He bit out lowly. "I will do what I please with him and you have no place in my decisions about him. If any of you are going to object to that, you can shove it up your arse. Do I make myself clear?"

His other was blushing unintentionally, he knew without looking. There was the vaguest thought of why, but he was too busy glaring at the people in front of him.

It took a while, but Yugi sighed and nodded in understanding. The others wanted to object, but between his heightened glare and the other hikaru's dismissal they didn't have a choice in the matter.

After they all left, he turned around to look at his yami. The crimson stain was still on his cheeks, though he was doing an admirable attempt at trying to get rid of it.

Restraining his amusement, he tentatively voiced his question, "Yami, that is alright? Do you really want to live elsewhere?"

The blush came back in full force now, his other fervently shaking his head.

"Eh, no. No. That's good," He stuttered out gruffly, "I mean, good to stay with you. Who would pass up free food?"

He shrugged noncommittally, opting for an innocent expression. Ryou threaded his fingers through his yami's limp hands, subtly shifting them closer together. He heard a soft gasp but chose to ignore it.

Swinging their joined hands in a gentle rocking motion, he peered up at his darkness. The blush was still there. "A freeloader like you certainly wouldn't pass up an opportunity like that," he said, "But they did have a point. You live a dangerous life, and you did have an alarming tendency to take over my body without any notice. I came to many times with unexplained injuries and no idea what day it was."

"Then why did you defend me?"

Ryou smiled, his eyes crinkling as he pecked his other's cheek. "Silly, because I love you."