Disclaimer: I don't own YuGiOh!
Summary: Yami only has two months to live, and he is not going to tell anyone. But what if Kaiba found out? YAOI SetoxYami
My first attempt at a YGO yaoi fic! I'm so excited. Well, I never really planned on this story being a SetoxYami one, but it just happened. The strange thing is, I used to hate this pairing, but I love it now! Weird, ne? Oh, NO ANZU BASHING of any kind will be in this fic. Which is strange, because most of the yaoi fics I've seen had at least some Anzu bashing in them. But Anzu is my favorite girl character in YGO, and I will NEVER bash her.
So, here's the first chapter! Please read and review! Don't flame! I am armed with water balloons!
Fragile
Chapter One: Diagnosis
Rays of sunlight shone in through the white curtains of Yami Mutou's room, making them almost transparent. His maroonish black hair was splayed out on the pure white pillow where he lay, creating a stunning contrast. He raised a hand above his half-open lids to shield his eyes from the bright beams of sunlight. The white sheets and blue comforter were gathered around his waist, revealing his bare chest. His hand moved away from his face and down to his neck. Yami's fingers lightly touched a small lump on the side of his neck. Wincing slightly, he removed his hand and remembered the doctor's words that chilled Yami to the core.
"Mr. Mutou, I'm sorry, but you have cancer."
Yami lifted himself up and leaned against the mahogany wood of the headboard. He closed his eyes and let out a small, almost inaudible sigh. I can't believe this...
"We could operate on it, but it is wrapped around a very important artery. We could try to remove it, but the chances of you surviving the surgery are slim to none." The doctor looked sympathetic as he said those words.
"How long do I have?" Yami asked, not exactly wanting an answer.
"The cancer is spreading throughout your body...I'm sorry to say, you only have about two months."
"Two months..." Yami murmured, tears threatening to come.
A knock on the door snapped him out of that painful memory. Yami glanced over to the door and smiled when he saw a large, innocent purple eye peeking through a crack. "Yami? Are you alright? If you don't get dressed now, you'll be late for school."
"Okay, I'll be downstairs in a minute." Yami replied, trying to hide his quivering voice, but in vain.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Yugi asked, worry lacing his voice. "You sound like you're sick."
"I'm fine." Yami said.
"Okay, I'll wait for you downstairs." Yugi smiled and closed the door. Yami shut his eyes for a few seconds as he listened to Yugi's feet patter down the stairs.
Yami slung his legs over the side of the bed and stood. He walked over to the closet and pulled out his school uniform. As he walked to the bathroom door, his legs gave way underneath him. He fell to his knees, dropping his clothes. Yami's hand clenched the bathroom doorknob as he pulled himself up, panting.
He walked in the bathroom and put his uniform on. Looking in the mirror, he saw that his face looked tired and worn out. His face was sickly pale. He was already feeling the effects of this disease and he was only diagnosed yesterday. Yami splashed some water on his face. They are going to notice, no matter what I say.
Despite the wave of nausea that just washed over him, Yami walked out of the bathroom, through the hall, and down the stairs into the kitchen, where Yugi was waiting for him. Yugi smiled at his other half, "You ready?"
Yami returned the gesture, "As ready as I'll ever be."
Something's wrong with him. I can tell. Yugi thought as he studied Yami's tired appearance. The dark circles under his eyes and pale skin made him look more vulnerable than he had ever looked in his life. "Yami, are you sick?"
Yami hid his surprise at Yugi's question. "No, I just didn't sleep well last night."
"I told you not to watch Halloween before you went to bed." Yugi scolded, somewhat playfully.
Yami laughed and opened the door with a shaky hand. Stepping out, he had to stop himself from falling once again. Yugi saw the King of Games stumble. Something's definitely wrong. Yugi thought, a concerned look crossing his features. But why won't he tell me?
"Where are Yugi and Yami?" Anzu Mazaki asked, her azure blue orbs shimmering with worry.
Jounouchi Katsuya was casually leaning back in his chair, his hands behind his head in a boyish gesture. "I don't know, Anzu. They're hardly ever late for school."
"I hope nothing happened to them..."Anzu trailed off.
"Aw, don't worry," Honda Hiroto smiled. "They'll be fine."
The bell ran, signaling for class to start. The teacher, Mrs. Mizuno, walked into the room. She smiled, "Good morning, class. Let's take roll."
As she called out everyone's name, the door swung open, "We're here!" Yugi shouted, smiling. Behind him was a very tired looking King of Games. "Sorry we're late." Yugi smiled brightly as he walked to his seat. Yami shut the door and followed suit.
As Yami walked to his desk, he stumbled slightly, but quickly regained his footing. I'm feeling worse. I shouldn't have come.
Jounouchi looked on worriedly, "You alright?"
Yami managed a smile, even if it was a weak one. "I'm okay." He sat down in his seat behind Jounouchi and in front of Anzu. Honda sat across from him on his left side. Yugi was on the right.
Yami leaned forward in his desk, his head resting on his hands. His eyes, weak and almost dull, looked sadly ahead. Everyone's asking if I'm alright...it's nice, but...I can't tell them. Not yet. They'll be worrying so much. I don't want them to be sad...especially not over me.
Cold, cobalt blue orbs scanned the room before landing on the crimson eyed duelist. Seto Kaiba sat across the room from him, but he could still see the look of pain was blatantly visible on his features. It was strange for him to show his weakness so plainly. He had never acted like this before. And his face was ashen, almost deadly pale. Seto couldn't help but wonder about what was happening to the King of Games.
It's not my job to worry about that arrogant bastard. Let him take care of himself. The CEO thought coldly.
He then realized his gaze was being returned when he saw Yami's crimson orbs looking at him strangely.
Seto sent him a glare and returned to taking notes. Yami gave a faint, almost unnoticeable smirk and turned back to his work as well.
Arrogant little... Seto fumed, although it didn't show. His harsh eyes softened somewhat, then resumed their usual coldness.
Although I still can't help but wonder what is going on.
Anzu stuffed her books into her locker and sighed. What a long day it had been! It was now lunch. She shut her locker, only to be met with a pair of ice blue eyes on the other side. She gasped, "Kaiba?" Anzu looked up at the tall man.
"Something's wrong with Mutou." Seto said, almost as if he didn't want to talk to her about it.
Anzu cast her eyes downward, then looked up again. "I've noticed that too, but every time we ask what's wrong, he says 'Nothing'. It's almost as if he doesn't want us to know." Suddenly, a smile crossed her lips. "Why are you so worried about him?"
Seto tried to deny it, "I'm not worried."
Anzu laughed slightly, "Really? Your face says something different." The brunette began to walk off.
"Mazaki." Seto called.
Anzu turned around, still with that mischievous smile on her face, "Yes?"
"Don't tell anyone about this conversation. Got it?"
"You don't have to worry. My lips are sealed." Anzu gave a genuinely kind smile, but it was still laced with an air of mystery. It was almost like she knew something the CEO did not.
And Seto Kaiba hated secrets.
The dark haired girl smiled to herself as she walked away from the elder Kaiba.
Kaiba, I know your secret.
"Yugi! Yami! Over here!" Jounouchi waved the two over to a round table outside.
Yami and Yugi walked over to the table and sat down. Yugi immediately dug into his spaghetti he got from the lunchroom, while Yami just picked at his own food with a fork. After a few seconds, Jounouchi and Honda decided to pounce.
"You gonna eat that?" They both said in unison.
Yami sighed in exasperation. Those two will never change. He thought, looking in their direction. "No. You can have it. I don't really have much of an appe - "
"Jounouchi! I asked for it first!" Honda shouted, taking the plate from the blonde.
"Quit lying, Honda!" Jounouchi snatched the plate back.
"I'm not!" Honda took the plate from Jounouchi.
"Yes, you are!" Jounouchi grabbed the plate and ran off.
"Jou! Gimme back my plate!" Honda chased the blonde.
"It ain't yours!" Their bickering could still be heard in the distance.
"What's the matter with them?" A voice said.
"Oh, hey, Anzu!" Yugi chirped brightly.
Anzu smiled and sat down across from the two. "Hey, you guys." The brunette looked to where Jounouchi and Honda ran off. "So, what's up with them?"
"Nothing. They're just being Jou and Honda." Yami managed to get out. He sent Anzu a faint smile.
Anzu returned the gesture, trying not to show her worry. I can see why Kaiba was worried. Now that I get a good look at his face, he looks drained...physically and emotionally.
"You were late for lunch, Anzu. Where were you? You're almost never late." Yugi questioned, large violet eyes curious.
"I had forgotten something in Mrs. Mizuno's class and I needed to get it." Anzu smiled gently. I can't tell them that I was talking to Kaiba.
"Oh, okay," Yugi smiled, finishing off his spaghetti.
The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. "We'll see you later, Anzu. We've got gym." Yugi said, rising from his seat and taking his plate into the lunchroom, disposing of it. "Bye." He called.
"Bye, Anzu." Yami smiled over at her as he got up and followed his other half.
"Bye, guys." Anzu smiled as the two walked off. She got up and headed for her next class.
I hope Yami's gonna be okay...he should sit out in gym today. He needs his rest.
"Okay, class, today we are going to do the rope climb." Mr. Asaji, the gym teacher, announced as soon as everyone was done changing into their gym clothes, which consisted of a pair of blue shorts, a white t-shirt, white socks, and sneakers.
I should sit out, but I don't want anyone to think there's something wrong with me. The former Pharaoh though.
"The object is to get to the top and ring the bell. Once you've done that, you can either come slowly back down the rope or just let go and you'll drop on this mat we have laid out in case anyone falls." Mr. Asaji said. Looking at all the students, he tried to decide who should go first. "Hmm...Mr. Kaiba, how about you start us off."
Seto said nothing as he approached the rope. He clenched it tightly in his hands.
Jounouchi leaned over to Yugi and whispered, "I hope he falls and breaks his ass."
Yugi laughed, but his laughter was ceased when Seto turned and gave them the coldest glare imaginable.
"What you staring at?" Jounouchi shouted.
"Shut up, mutt." Seto said as he began his ascent.
"Why you - "
"Jou, calm down!" Honda held Jounouchi back from chasing Seto up the rope.
"Whoa, boys, settle down!" Mr. Asaji said. "We don't need to - "
He was interrupted by the ringing of a bell. Everyone looked up and saw Seto at the top. Then, he jumped down, perfectly landing on his feet.
"Oh, good job, Mr. Kaiba." Mr. Asaji said. Kaiba walked back to where he was standing before he was called. Mr. Asaji looked at the rest of the class. "Mr. Yami Mutou, why don't you go next."
Yami nodded and walked over to the rope. With a shaky hand, he grabbed the rope and pulled himself up.
Don't tell me...he's actually going to do it! Seto thought angrily. That idiot!
Yami began to climb. He tried to steady his quivering frame, but to no avail. Damn it. I shouldn't be doing this... Crimson orbs started to flutter open and closed. I'm starting to feel worse.
Looking up, he saw the bell only inches out of his reach. Almost there... He reached out to the bell.
Suddenly, he felt consciousness leave him and let go of the rope. Gasps were audibly heard throughout the area as Yami fell to the mat below.
"Yami!"
Oh, evil cliffie! Poor Yami! Well, Seto will make him feel better...unless his stupid pride gets in the way... Oh, there might be JouxAnzu in later chapters as well. So look forward to that! Well, anyway, the rating might go up in later chapters, okay? Well, I'm not sure...cause I might not have the guts to write a lime or anything...yeah, sucks to be me.
So, please review my story and give me the confidence to continue!
That sounded retarded, but please review anyway! With constructive criticism will be fine, as long as it ain't a flame! Remember! I'm armed with water balloons and I'm ready to strike when provoked!
R & R!