The story of Yuugi's duel with Marik was indeed long, but Yuugi had plenty of time to tell Jounouchi as they traveled back to the park where their friends were (hopefully) still waiting for them—especially since they ended up having to wait almost twenty minutes for the bus they needed.

"Yuugi? Jounouchi?" Honda called out as soon as the two of them came close enough to the park to see him. "Where on earth did you go? We were looking for you."

"Yeah, what happened? When you didn't show up I called your house, Yuugi, but your grandpa said you'd left. I was so worried," Anzu added, sounding the part.

Well, it's sort of a long story," Yuugi said, glancing over at Jounouchi. He didn't really want to have to tell it again so soon.

"We have time, right?" Anzu said, giving a glance over at Honda. He nodded in agreement.

"You sure? I thought you were busy," Yuugi said, remembering that she had needed to run out earlier.

"Yes, well, I'm not anymore. You were gone for over an hour, you know."

"Oh. You waited for me all that time? Um, I guess I should explain, then," Yuugi said, sighing a little. "You see, was going to come—brought my deck and everything—but then I, well. You remember how Marik was controlling me earlier, right? It turns out that it hadn't gone away for good after all, since he did it again. I managed to escape, though, and then we—that's me and the other me—decided we had to do something about Marik, and then Marik's siblings showed up to talk to him, so, long story short, I don't think he's going to be bothering us much again."

"But how do you know that?" Anzu asked. "And what did Jounouchi have to do with all this?"

"Marik was controlling me too. Yuugi had to come rescue me," Jounouchi said, sounding so proud of his friend that Yuugi couldn't help but smile.

Yuugi nodded. "Marik was using Jounouchi to try to force me to fight him, so the other me—you know, I think maybe it would be better if he told you."

Hey, wait! I'm no good at explaining!

Well, I had to tell the whole thing to Jounouchi; now it's your turn. I'm sure you'll do fine, Yuugi said, trying to suppress a little laugh.

Aibou, I—! the other Yuugi began, but Yuugi forced them to switch positions before he could protest further. The other Yuugi rolled his eyes, but didn't say anything.

Honda, who had been watching Yuugi through the whole exchange, spoke again. "So, Yuugi, what exactly did you do?"

"Played Duel Monsters," the other Yuugi said shortly.

"You mean you dueled over Jounouchi?" asked Anzu.

The other Yuugi nodded.

Anzu and Honda just stood and stared for a moment. Anzu was the first one to move again. "That's really—you're lucky things turned out okay. Imagine what could have happened if you lost!" She stepped forward and swept him into a hug.

"I'm fine, really," the other Yuugi muttered into her shoulder, looking distinctly uncomfortable. A little help, aibou? he added, turning his head so that he could see Yuugi from the corner of his eye.

But you're doing so well, Yuugi said, trying not to laugh at his other self's predicament. You even got Anzu to hug you; in my book that's always a good thing.

It would be better if it were you, the other Yuugi replied as Anzu let go of him. Yuugi did break out into laughter at that.

I'll switch back if you want, he offered.

The other Yuugi looked like he wanted to say yes, but he shook his head instead. You asked me to tell them what happened, and I'm going to do just that.

"So, I suppose you want to know exactly how I beat Marik," the other Yuugi said, and upon being met with a chorus of "Yes" (even from Jounouchi, who had already heard the story from Yuugi), he launched into a considerably more in-depth explanation than Yuugi would have given. But he seemed to keep everyone's interest, all the way until he reached "...and then we came here and saw you," and switched back with Yuugi.

"Oh, hey, Yuugi, d'you still want to play Duel Monsters? We still have time for a game," Jounouchi asked, drawing his deck from his pocket.

Yuugi smiled. "I'd really like to, but I'm afraid I promised Ishizu I would talk to her at the Domino Museum. Sorry."

"No problem," Jounouchi said, though he sounded more than a little disappointed. "We can play some other time."

Yuugi didn't want to leave either, but a promise was a promise, so he went back the way he'd come, this time headed for the Domino Museum, where Ishizu was still waiting for him. Yuugi had expected her to take him to her office so they could talk, so he was surprised when instead she brought him into the Egyptian exhibit they had met her at before. What do you think she brought us here for? he asked, as he gave the other Yuugi control of his body.

I don't know, the other Yuugi said. I'm not sure I want to hear what she wants to talk to me about.

It can't be worse than what we've been through already, right? Yuugi replied with a laugh. And you've got me with you.

it would be more comforting if I could see you, I think, said the other Yuugi.

It didn't take much effort for Yuugi to project himself outward. He put his hand on the other Yuugi's shoulder. This better? The other Yuugi smiled at him in answer.

Ishizu stopped in front of a pair of stone tablets which Yuugi thought he recognized from his last visit to the museum. The other Yuugi hung back, but Yuugi went up to get a closer look. What he saw there surprised him. The carving on this slab looks a little like me, and—is that the Dark Magician?

Yuugi turned to see the other Yuugi's eyes widen in shock. "What is this thing?" he asked Ishizu.

"This stone slab holds the secret to your past, Pharaoh. You can see the three creatures carved around the Millennium Puzzle," Yuugi looked up to see them; he had been so preoccupied with the images below that he hadn't even noticed the carving of the Puzzle, "they are the three gods, which hold the key to your memories. We have lost—"

"No," the other Yuugi said. Yuugi looked at him in surprise. From the corner of the eye, he could see Ishizu doing the same. "You do not— I do not wish to hear about this."

"You do not wish to learn about your past?" Ishizu sounded surprised, and Yuugi couldn't blame her. He had been surprised himself when the other Yuugi first told him.

The other Yuugi shook his head. "I have the feeling that if I do, I will not be able to stay here, like this."

Ishizu looked thoughtfully at him for a moment before she spoke. "That is likely."

"Then I will not. My life here, with aibou and my friends, is more important than any memories I could have lost."

Ishizu blinked at him for a moment. "You must regain your memories. It is your destiny..." she said, but she sounded less sure of herself than she had a moment ago.

"I refuse. My decision has been made and nothing, destiny or otherwise, can change it," the other Yuugi replied, glaring up at her.

Ishizu turned her eyes away from him. "Very well. It seems there is no convincing you, at any rate. If you change your mind, please contact me." She handed him a card; from what Yuugi could see, it seemed to be her business card. He was pretty sure it contained her contact information, anyways. The other Yuugi pocketed it and turned to leave.

You would really choose me over your memories? Yuugi asked as they left the building. It was something of a surprise to him that anyone, even his other self, would think he was so important—although it was true that the other Yuugi had mentioned something similar before, Yuugi hadn't thought it was him the other Yuugi had been talking about.

The other Yuugi inclined his head slightly. It wouldn't be worth it if you couldn't be with me. And you did say you would let me have your memories—if that offer still stands.

Yuugi nearly threw his arms around the other Yuugi, but he managed to stop himself before he did. It would probably have been pretty weird to do that so soon after giving him a kiss he didn't want. Of course it does! he contented himself with saying, nonetheless smiling hugely. When I said I wanted us to be together forever, I was telling the truth.

Thank you, the other Yuugi replied, also smiling, though faintly. He moved a little bit, so that his hand brushed against Yuugi's—it would be ridiculously easy for Yuugi to grab it from this position. Yuugi tried very hard not to think about holding hands—really, he should have gotten a medal for how hard he tried—but, as is always the case in such situations, all his effort only made him think more about it, and about what the gesture might have meant, in other circumstances. But he didn't take the other Yuugi's hand. His other self wasn't interested; he remembered that.

I'm sorry about earlier, he said, figuring that clearing things up between them might help a little; the kiss he had given the other Yuugi was probably going to hang over him until he said something about it. I—I couldn't think of anything else to do.

What are you talking about? the other Yuugi asked, sounding genuinely confused. I'm not mad about talking to Ishizu—or that you made me explain things to our friends, if that's what you mean. You haven't done anything wrong.

Yuugi was relieved that that was the worst thing the other Yuugi thought he'd done today—well, actually, he'd figured that the other Yuugi hadn't been too unhappy about the kiss, since he hadn't said anything, but it was still nice to get confirmation. When I kissed you. I know you weren't really into it, but it was the only way I could think of to get rid of Marik. So, um, I just wanted to clear that up.

The other Yuugi grabbed Yuugi's hand and tugged at it, and Yuugi turned so that he was looking the other Yuugi straight in the face. What makes you think I 'wasn't into it'?

Wait. Was the other Yuugi saying that he had liked the kiss? That was not at all what Yuugi had been expecting. But still, a more pessimistic part of him said that the other Yuugi had probably just meant that it hadn't bothered him, not that he had really liked it. The way you stiffened up when I kissed you—when you want a kiss, you kiss back, right?

I was only surprised, the other Yuugi said; Yuugi thought he seemed relieved. I hadn't really been expecting you to kiss me right then, and you pulled away pretty quickly.

Yuugi laughed slightly. Are you trying to say that you wanted me to kiss you?

I wouldn't mind kissing you again, if you're okay with that, the other Yuugi replied, with a smile of his own.

Right here? Yuugi could feel his eyes growing wide at the suggestion. But we're in public! What about all the people? He gestured to the few walkers along the mostly-deserted streets. Okay, so there weren't many people around, but he really didn't need anyone else staring at him today.

You didn't seem to be worried last time. Yuugi felt his face heat up, and he was about to protest, when the other Yuugi said, But if you're going to insist, I can wait until we get home.

Yuugi hurried back to the game shop, but as soon as he got back he was waylaid by his grandfather, who wanted him to move things around in the shop. In fact, it wasn't until after dinner that he was able to collapse onto his bed, in the privacy of his own room.

What a day, eh, other me? I would never have expected all that to happen this morning.

No, never, the other Yuugi agreed, sounding much more serious than Yuugi had. We were very lucky things turned out as they did.

Come on, relax a little. It turned out alright, didn't it? Yuugi pushed himself up to sitting and turned to look next to him. As he expected, the other Yuugi was sitting there, as well.

It very nearly didn't! the other Yuugi said, voice thick with emotion. I could have lost you.

Yuugi reached over to grab the other Yuugi's hand and give it what he hoped was a comforting squeeze. No you didn't. I... I would still have been there for you, you know that. I don't think Marik would have kept me like that forever.

The other Yuugi's eyes slid closed. But I failed you. If you hadn't been able to do what you did, then...

But I did, Yuugi said, giving the other Yuugi's hand another squeeze. And I wouldn't have thought you failed me no matter what. Anyways, it's not like everything that happened today was bad, right?

The other Yuugi's eyes snapped open in surprise, but after a moment he relaxed, and Yuugi saw a slight smile play over his lips. Yes, you're right. There were... some things... that I liked.

The other Yuugi shifted closer to Yuugi then, staring into his eyes. If it had been anyone else, Yuugi might have felt uncomfortable at the invasion of personal space and the intensity of the stare, but this was his other self, so Yuugi just leaned back and laughed. "Are you looking for something?" he asked, speaking aloud this time.

You said you needed to talk about it, the other Yuugi said. He didn't clarify what "it" was, but he didn't need to—Yuugi knew quite well what he was trying to say.

Yuugi sighed. I—to be honest, I hadn't ever really thought about kissing you before today. I mean, I'd always had a thing for Anzu and, well, you aren't even a girl. I've always liked girls before.

The other Yuugi blinked at Yuugi, though Yuugi wasn't sure what the expression on his face meant. I never expected you to be interested in me.

But you were? Yuugi asked, quietly—or as close as he could get, considering he was not speaking aloud. Interested in me, I mean?

The other Yuugi paused again before answering. I hadn't really thought about it much. But I guess that whenever I thought about that stuff, it was always... you. I tried not to think about it much, though. I always assumed that you and Anzu...

Me too, Yuugi said, smiling a bit. But I think I must have felt this for you for a while now.

The other Yuugi leaned toward Yuugi again, this time so close that their foreheads were touching. I've always thought you were wonderful, he said after a few moments of sitting like that, and pulled back far enough that he could study Yuugi's face.

Yuugi laughed again. You planning on doing something?

The other Yuugi smiled back, and Yuugi thought he thought he heard slight laughter, too. But he was never certain, because just then the other Yuugi leaned forward to press a kiss onto his lips, and that drove all other thoughts out of his mind.

This kiss was not nearly as desperate as the one Yuugi had given his other self earlier that day. In fact, if Yuugi had to describe it, he would call it cautious, as though the other Yuugi was worried about how Yuugi would react. It was a little awkward, since neither Yuugi nor the other Yuugi were terribly experienced in these sorts of things, but that didn't stop Yuugi from wanting more, so he finally released his other self's hand to wrap his arms around him and pull him closer. They couldn't get quite as close as Yuugi would have liked what with the way they were sitting, but the other Yuugi did seem to have become a bit more sure of what he was doing.

Although Yuugi wasn't sure how long they had kissed for, he didn't think it had been too long before he pulled away, grinning hugely. "Is that what you wanted?" he asked quietly, his voice tinged with laughter.

Yes, I think it was, the other Yuugi said, the smile on his face matching that on Yuugi's own. I assume you liked it.

"I think I'd like to do it again, if you don't mind," Yuugi said, smiling even more, if that was possible.

I would like that, the other Yuugi said, sounding more enthusiastic than his words suggested, so Yuugi leaned over to press their lips together once more. Yuugi could feel the other Yuugi's arms wrap around him, and he moved his own hand to the back of his other self's head to give himself more leverage. This was everything Yuugi had wished his first kiss with his other self could have been. Apparently the other Yuugi thought so as well, because Yuugi could hear a low hum of pleasure from him. Or maybe Yuugi himself had made the noise; he was too busy with his other self's lips to pay much attention.

In the end, it was the other Yuugi who broke the kiss, by leaning back on his hands. Yuugi nearly leaned after him, but after a moment he decided against it. So, what do you think we should do now? the other Yuugi asked.

Well, we could kiss some more, Yuugi suggested, or if you don't want to we could talk or play a game or watch television or do something else. Yuugi paused for a moment, but when his other self didn't answer, he continued. Or if you were talking about a little longer term, I guess nothing, really. After all, we're safe now that Marik's gone, at least until someone else comes after us.

Yeah, until someone else comes. There always seems to be someone else, doesn't there? But Yuugi thought the other Yuugi sounded more amused than worried.

Well, maybe this will be the last one, Yuugi said, rearranging himself so he was pressed more comfortably against his other self.

The other Yuugi reached a hand up to caress Yuugi's cheek. I hope so. I would hate to see anything happen to you.

They sat like that for a while, the other Yuugi running his fingers over Yuugi's face, until the other Yuugi finally broke the silence. It's a little strange, isn't it? I can't manipulate anything else in this world, to demonstrate he plucked at Yuugi's bedcovers, which didn't move even a little bit, but with you,I can even support your weight like this without trouble.

It must look like I'm leaning against thin air to anyone else, Yuugi agreed, laughing a little. Do you have any idea why it works this way?

I guess—It must be because you are the other me. I want to be able to touch you, to hold you up, and I can. Just like when I want you to see me, or to hear me.

That still doesn't make a lot of sense Yuugi said, smiling at him. But I can't think of any better explanation. They fell silent once more, and a question that had been gnawing at the back of Yuugi's mind almost since their kiss that afternoon finally came to the forefront. He wasn't sure now was really the right time to ask it, but, well, he needed some sort of answer, and there probably wouldn't ever be any better time. So, um, what are we now?

The other Yuugi looked at him in confusion. What do you mean? We're still us, aren't we?

Yes, but, to each other. Yuugi sighed a little. Are we going out or something? Now that we've kissed it's, well...

It's what? the other Yuugi asked, still sounding as though he didn't quite understand. I don't think anything has really changed. You are still aibou, he punctuated this statement with a smile that managed to make it the highest endearment in the world, and I think I am still your other me. A kiss doesn't change my feelings; you have always been the most important person in the world to me.

And you for me, Yuugi replied, reaching out to play with the other Yuugi's bangs (as much as it was possible; they were as stiff with gel as Yuugi's own). You're probably right. My feelings haven't changed either, really, though I guess I'll be spending less time wishing it wouldn't be weird to touch you. And as for your question before, about what we do next, well, I don't really know. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens.

The other Yuugi leaned forward to kiss Yuugi's jaw. I think you're right. Tomorrow will be a new day.

Yuugi laughed and nodded. And maybe a new adventure. You never know about that sort of thing. They fell silent, then, but it wasn't an unhappy silence, or an awkward silence. It was the silence of two people who didn't have anything more to say to each other, and knew they didn't need to. And Yuugi knew that whether they talked to each other before they went to bed that night, or even before lunch tomorrow, mattered as little as the other Yuugi had told him the name of their relationship did. He was happy just sitting with his other self right now, and waiting to see where the future would lead him.