Author's Notes: I can't believe this is the last chapter! *squeals* And Ghosts Dance-sama likes my story and my drawings! (Even if they are terrible...) o^.^o Joy and happiness...I liked the holy muffin, by the way. 'Twas yummy. o^.~o (Almost as yummy as Seth-sama, but nothing is as yummy as him. 'Cept for John Christopher Depp III, that is...*drools*) *ahem* Beginning words are things I say when things aren't goin' so well, and ending words...well, just read. o^.~o

New Break!

*~~~~~*

dream

Bed of Downs

Chapter Five: Oh Deary Dear...

            *~~~~~*

            The Dark Magician settled into Celtic Guardian's strong arms sleepily, nuzzling into the hollow of his neck with a content sigh. Sunlight filtered through the treetops and cast interesting patterns over the two.

            "Will we be friends forever, Cel?" the mage asked out of habit.

"More than that, Dama," the elf replied lazily, "We'll be friends until forever is a myth."

            And then the sunlight and peace drained away into cloudy and stormy weather. Icy raindrops, despite the cover of the leaves, dripped through and soaked the two. They were not cuddled together like before; now a very angry Celtic Guardian stood before a nearly crying Dark Magician.

            "YOU COULD HAVE KILLED HER, YOU IDIOT!"

            The Dark Magician tried to respond, but he could not find his voice. Tears misted his blue eyes and he trembled with both cold and fear. Despite the fact that the Celtic Guardian was weaker than he was, the elf was enraged and he was too frightened to move, much less attack. Finally, he found his voice.

            "Cel...I didn't mean to..."

            "You never mean to but sometimes I think you do!" Now the warrior was near tears as well. "You knew that creature had a reflective shield on! You knew it and you attacked anyway!"

            "Cel, I had no clue that thing had a shield! And I didn't know she was behind me, I swear I didn't!"

            "Didn't you hear her yell after you? She said she was coming along to help and you didn't hear her!? You are a fool, a coward, an annoyance, and overall a waste of my time!" With that the Celtic Guardian turned around and began to stalk away. Tears streamed down the sorcerer's face and mixed with the rainwater as he watched him leave.

            "Cel, I didn't hear her because I DON'T HAVE ELF EARS!! I am a magician, NOT an oversized beast who can't decide between animal and human!" he screeched in anger and the Guardian stopped dead in his tracks. In the blink of an eye the purple-clad magician was sprawled out on the ground from a lighting-fast blow to his chest. The Celtic warrior stood over him, breathing hard and giving the winded mage a venomous, amber-colored glare.

            "First you try to kill my love. Then you insult my race. If I were you, I'd stand up and run away right now before I decide to pin you to the ground with my sword like a butterfly in a collection." he hissed vehemently, then added "And if you ever come back I'll strangle you with my bare hands."

            The Dark Magician stared at his once best friend in shock and awe. A few weeks ago he'd never imagine his friend to say this, and now...

            Slowly and shakily he stood, his normally bright blue eyes dull and filled with terror. He bowed his head and drew a shaky breath.

            "Cel...I don't know what to say but sorry. If you wish, you'll never hear from me again, but...," he paused and hiccupped, trying to keep his tears back but failing miserably, "...know that I love you like I would a brother and I always will." Slowly he looked up and locked eyes with the elf. "I'll miss you, Cel, and I'm sorry."

            "Sorry isn't good enough, you heartless bastard."

            *~~~~~*

            Seth's body jolted as he woke suddenly. He sat up quickly, gasping for breath and rubbed away the sleep and the tears from his eyes before nervously running his fingers through his bangs. That dream...it had all happened. They had battled another monster in the realm where he used to stay and the Mystical Elf had come along to help. Unfortunately the creature'd had a reflective psychic shield around it and when he fired a Dark Magic Attack at it...the attack had been reflected and Mystical Elf had gotten grazed with it. It was only a slight amount of magic but she was quite a weak monster and had been hurt badly. Celtic Guardian had been furious with him and would have killed him had he not vanished to the heart of his card.

            All cards had places similar to Soul Rooms but were more correctly the heart of their card. Most monsters, however, preferred to stay in a realm with no name with other monsters to socialize and such. Even the more reclusive monsters stayed in the remote areas that were scattered throughout the realm. More things happened there than in the unchanging darkness of a card's heart. At least the weather changed in the realm.

            And he had been banished to his card's heart because Celtic Guardian was a very influential monster. A sobbing and injured Mystical Elf hadn't helped, either.

            Tears stung Seth's eyes from remembering and he blinked them back. He had a clean slate and new friends and that's all he wanted.

            He turned his gaze to the red digital numbers of the alarm clock next to his bed. 4:54 a.m. He was staying in the small guest room of Yugi's home and he, of course, was wearing the purple silk pajamas. The blue-eyed man sighed heavily and slipped out of the bed. There was a small desk in the room and upon it were his tome and two other books he'd decided to take along. He turned on a lamp and searched for the spell that had brought him here, hoping the fond memories of finding the spell would replace the ones from the nightmare. He opened to the bookmarked page and began to read the words, mentally translating the Latin.

            "Restless Spirits may vanish to any world they desire

            And only one thing this doth require--

            A limit of two days,

            But no longer shalt thou stay."

            Seth eyes widened as he read the words again. Had he gotten them wrong? No, it was right...only two days. And it was already the second day.

            *~*~*~*~*~*

            Yugi gently knocked on Seth's door. It was ten in the morning and the youth still wasn't up yet.

            "Seth? Are you awake?"

            No answer. Slowly he opened the door to see the once magician sprawled on the bed with his face buried in the pillow. He looked like he was...crying.

            "Seth? Are you alright?"

            "No." His voice was muffled from the pillow but Yugi could still hear the sadness in his tone.

            "What's the matter?"

            The distraught young man held up two fingers.

            "I didn't read the spell thoroughly. I only have two days here, and it's already the second day."

            Yugi gasped and quickly went to his friend's side. He sat on the edge of the bed and lightly touched his back.

            "You mean..."

            "I have about fourteen hours left here." he turned his head to the side and glared absently at the door. His eyes were red from the tears.

            "Oh, Seth..." Yugi whispered softly, stroking his back gently. Seth closed his eyes and held back a sob. "Well then, I'll just have to make this the best day of your life."

            "Huh...?" Curious blue eyes locked with glittering violet and in a moment Seth's eyes brightened as well. He smiled and resisted the urge to embrace the boy, because if he did he was afraid he might not resist the urge to kiss him.

            *~*~*~*~*~*

            "Aw, man! That sucks..." Joey whined when he heard the news. They had all congregated in the park for a meeting of sorts, mostly on how to make this a great day for Seth. The blonde boy put on his cutest pout and crossed his arms. "And I got a lotta questions, too..."

            "You can ask me now if you like. I have quite a few hours left."

            "This sounds like yer dyin' or somethin'...well, do you use your staff or your hand for a Dark Magic Attack?"

            "I use my hand for more direct attacks at smaller enemies and my staff for powerful and more wide-range attacks and larger enemies."

            "Huh. Makes sense."

            "Of course it does, Joey..."

            "Shyaddap, Tristan."

            "Why don't you shut up for a change? Have you ever in your entire waking life kept quiet for more than five seconds?"

            "Them's fightin' words, pally..."

            "Bring it on, Blondie!"

            "GUYS!"

            "Sorry, Téa..."

            "Good boys."

            Seth couldn't help but laugh. Such wonderful friends...

            "Next question! How old are you?"

            "About twenty-three."

            "And exactly how tall are you?"

            "Same as Yugi, six feet and two inches."

            "How much do you weigh?"

            "What is this, the Spanish Inquisition?"

            "NOBODY EXPECTS THE SPANISH INQUISITION!" Tristan, Joey, and even Bakura cried before collapsing in a fit laughter.

            "You probably don't get that..." Yugi murmured, giggling a little.

            "I do, actually. Monty Python, right? Very silly." Seth chuckled. "As for your question, Joey, I weigh one hundred and twenty-seven pounds."

            "Man, you're light..." the blonde poked Seth's arm. "Ya need to put on some weight or the wind'll blow ya away."

            "I'm a perfectly healthy weight, thank you."

            "Next question! Is your hair naturally that color?"

            "Of course."

            "Really?"

            "I don't lie, Joey."

            "Okay...um, is that hat you wear heavy?"

            "Very, and it's hard to see out of. It's very good for defense, though, and that's why I have it." He tapped his head with a grin. "Nothing can touch me."

            "Oh yeah? YAH!" Joey tackled him to the ground and pinned him there. "Gotchya!"

            "HEY! Joey, get off!" Seth squirmed in the shorter boy's grip.

            "Waah! He's a wriggler, Tris'! Help me out here!"

            "I got his legs!"

            "Let me go this instant!"

            "Yugi, help us out!"

            "Yugi Mutou, if you help them out I'll never forgive you for it!"

            "Guys, get off him!"

            "What, is he strictly reserved fer you or somethin'?"

            Yugi blushed furiously, as did Seth.

            "He is not!"

            "I am not!"

            Joey and Tristan looked at each other and grinned mischievously.

            "YUGI AND SETH-Y SITTIN' IN A TREE!" they chorused and Seth struggled more. Yugi's expression immediately darkened and with a battle cry, tackled Joey and sent them both into a puppy tumble.

            "YOU WILL PAY FOR SAYING THAT JOSEPH WHEELER!"

            "YOU AND WHAT ARMY, FERNHEAD!?"

            "THIS ONE! SETH, HELP!"

            "Um..." Seth adjusted his glasses and laughed nervously. "I'm...staying out of this one."

            "SETH!!"

            "Well..." Seth drew a shaky breath. He wasn't very good at physical fights...He watched as Joey and Yugi wrestled more. Tristan cheered the blonde boy on while Téa was rooting for the boy with tri-colored hair. Bakura was attempting to hide behind a tree and pretend not to know them. The indigo-haired young man's gazed turned back to the tussle. It reminded him of...

            (*~~~~~*)

            "Ha! Gotchya, Dama!"

            "Cel! Let me up, will you?"

            "Lemmie think, no!"

            "Cel! This isn't fair; you know you're stronger than I am!"

            "I know, that's what makes it so fun, knowing you can squirm all you like and you won't get away."

            "You are a despicable heathen, Cel."

            "I love you, too, Dama."

            (*~~~~~*)

            That had been before the elfin warrior had fallen in love. Once he had...it was like they had never been playful before.

            "Yo, Seth, ya in there?" A hand was waved in front of his vacant blue eyes. It was Joey.

            "Huh? Oh, I...." he trailed off and looked away, shaking his head to clear it. Joey and Yugi had stopped their fight when they saw the absent look in Seth's eyes.

            "What's the matter?" Yugi inquired worriedly.

            "Nothing, just......nothing."

            They were not convinced.

            "C'mon, ya want us ta believe ya were spaced out like fer nothin'?" Joey crossed his arms and narrowed his chocolate-brown eyes accusingly.

            "Well..." he sighed heavily, shaking his head. "It's...difficult to explain."

            "Well, try."

            Seth closed his eyes and shook his head.

            "It's not that easy. And it's not that I don't have the words, it's..." he sighed again. He would have to explain.

            *~*~*~*~*~*

            "Is this why you've been like this? You remembered your old friends?" Téa asked when he finished.

            "Yes...it's been a long time since...anyone's liked me." He shuddered inwardly, trying not to cry. It hurt so much to remember...

            "Well we like you a lot and not even the biggest mistake ever is gonna change that!" Yugi exclaimed, putting a hand on his friend's shoulder. Seth smiled and blinked back tears.

            "Thank you...thank you so much..." Despite his efforts tears streamed down his cheeks. He removed his glasses and hiccupped, wiping his eyes. Yugi replaced his hand with his head and wrapped an arm around Seth's thin waist. Joey hugged him, too, and soon Seth was almost smothered with affection. It was so nice to have friends again...

            *~*~*~*~*~*

            It was now late afternoon and Seth was curled up and napping on Yugi's couch. They'd done so much no one could remember everything in order, and all of it had been fun. It truly was the best day of Seth's life, even if he was exhausted afterward.

            Yugi gazed at him almost longingly from the over-stuffed armchair. He was beautiful when he slept, he was beautiful when he laughed, and he was just...beautiful. Even when his indigo-colored hair was still damp from a shower. Yugi couldn't help but imagine what he looked like with water streaming down his soft, pale skin....then he had to hold back a moan when the mental image made his whole body burn sweetly. It felt so good to think about him...

            And then he thought about how he was going to leave in about eight hours, never to return. The spell was a one-time use charm, and Yugi felt more dread than he ever had before about him leaving. He couldn't stand the thought of never seeing him again...

            Seth stirred in his sleep and shifted his weight on the sofa. Slowly his blue eyes fluttered open and he sat up and stretched. He saw Yugi staring off into the distance with a soft blush on his face and the youth smirked.

            "Now who's spacing out?"

            Yugi immediately whirled around and his blush deepened.

            "S-Seth? How long have you been awake?"

            "I just woke up. What's the matter?"

            "N-nothing, nothing at all!" Yugi was almost trembling with anxiety.

            "Yugi..." Seth glared playfully and crossed his arms. "Tell the truth."

            "Ummmmm...." the boy was blushing more than ever. It was a wonder he didn't faint.

            "Is there something you want to tell me?"

            "Well...sort of....I mean...."

            Seth smiled and stood, walking over to the boy and kneeling to look into his eyes.

            "I think I know exactly what you want to say."

            "Can I...tell you anyway?"

            "Feel free."

            "I...." Yugi took a deep breath, "I think I love you. More than..."

            "More than a friend."

            "Yeah...I understand if you don't feel the same way, I mean—mmmnn..." the boy was cut off with a soft, gentle kiss from Seth. Yugi felt like he could fly.

            Seth broke this kiss after a moment, smiling as the boy shuddered in pleasure.

            "Seth..." Yugi murmured, one of his hands finding its way to his hair and his fingers threading through the silken indigo locks. He brought the once-magician into another kiss, this one more passionate than the first. The violet-eyed youth wrapped his arms around the lean young man and pulled him closer, Seth's arms wrapping around the boy and his body pressing close to the other's. Yugi moaned against his new lover's mouth and Seth purred, one hand moving up the younger one's back to tangle in his wild, multi-colored hair. They finally broke this kiss; both were gasping for air and Seth moved to shower the boy's neck in kisses, nipping occasionally. Yugi choked out a groan and pressed himself closer to Seth, moaning his name softly. He finally pushed Seth away, panting and trying to find his voice.

            "Not here..." he finally managed to whisper, and Seth nodded. He helped the boy to his feet and led him upstairs, entering the teen's room and shutting the door. As he began his kissing again, Yami took the time to make his presence known in the puzzle.

            //Ahem...//

            /Oh! Yami, I forgot about you...um, do you mind...?/

            //Not at all, Yugi.//

            Yugi blushed nervously and pushed Seth away, motioning to the Millennium Item around his neck when the blue-eyed one blinked in confusion. He removed the artifact and put it to the side. After an awkward moment of silence Yugi gently moved forward to kiss Seth again, pulling him to the bed and tugging the slender body down on top of him...

            (A/N: Much as I know ya'll are gonna squeal and foam at the mouth like rabid wolves, I'm not writing a lemon just yet. Sorry. o^.^o;; I might do a special side fic, though....o^.~o)

*~*~*~*~*~*

Seth groaned and collapsed on top of Yugi, chest heaving as he panted, his body slicked with sweat. The boy nuzzled into his neck and purred softly, snuggling close to his beloved.

"I love you, Yugi..." Seth murmured into the boy's hair, wrapping him up in his arms.

"I love you, too....Dama." Yugi replied softly, kissing his lover's cheek delicately. Seth pulled away and looked at the amethyst-eyed youth with tear-misted blue eyes.

"Yugi...." he whispered before collapsing into the boy's chest with a sob. He nuzzled desperately into the younger one's neck and clung to him. "I don't want to leave you...." he whimpered, trembling. Yugi held Seth close, stroking his back and soothing him.

"Shhh, I know, I don't want you to leave, either..."

"I don't think I could bear being without you...I love you so much...." Seth hiccupped, still shivering.

"And I love you, Seth, but you can't be sad. I don't want you to be sad."

"I-I can't help it....I'll miss you too much..."

"I'll miss you, too..."

Yugi held the crying Seth until they both fell asleep in each other's arms. At midnight he would vanish and Yugi would wake up alone...

At least, that was what was supposed to happen.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Yugi awoke to something warm in his arms. It took him a minute to register it was Seth. It took him another minute to register that it was morning. And it took him only a second to realize that Seth was still there, curled up in his arms.

"SETH!"

Blue eyes snapped open and blinked a few times before the owner answered.

"What...?"

"Seth, you're still here!"

"I...I am!" Seth cheered, his eyes brighter than they ever had been. "Yugi, I'm still with you!"

"How? I mean, the spell..."

Seth pondered for a moment before a thought struck him. He closed his eyes and smiled.

"Magic doesn't always come in the form of spells, remember?"

Yugi paused, his smile growing wider before he clung to Seth and laughed in delight, burying his face into the now permanent human's chest.

Ever been in a situation where "I'm sorry" wasn't good enough, and then you find new friends and even a new love?

The Power of Love

Blesses Us All

That's on a cardboard picture hanging in my room. It's got a picture of two unicorns on it, and...well, I'll just scan it in and post it on my website sometime soon. o^.^o *stares at chapter*.......This was really long. It had a loooot of Seth past in it, too...o^.^o That makes it better. Now for some response to reviews!

Nizuno Mikomi: Snuggly-ness definitely rules. o^.^o And Dark Magician got a lot of hugs in this chapter. And pink bunnies are hard to clean out of tire [email protected];;

NC: Sporks are wonderful weapons for any occasion (especially poking your sibling :) Bwahaha...) and pink demonic beanie bunnies are adorable yet...well, demonic. o^.~o

Hwaorang Girl: HA! I put more than fantasizing in this so you owe me big time! And please dedicate the story to me...I love dedications. Oh, heck, I just plain love attention! o^.^o

ShadowSpirit: You can say 'good' as much as you want. o^.~o

Shadow Mage and LightWitch:.....You two just gave me an idea. o^.~o

pale lavender eyes: *gasps* Favorite authors? *squeals* Ooooh! Yaaay! I'm somebody's favorite! Joyness and happy stuff! o^.^o

Thank you, everyone, for reviewing! I wish I could reply to you all, but that'd be an entire chapter...but don't worry! There will be more fluffy, snuggly fics in the future! (Some may even be nice an' lemony...o^.~o) Thank you and pink bunnies and sporks! @.o;; *thud*