Title: One Step Closer

Series: Yu-Gi-Oh

Summary: The Angel of Death appeared before Yugi and told him of his early death. When Yugi died from a mysterious case, Yami fell into a deep depression as he realized too late that he had mistreated his hikari in the past few weeks. Everything began to change in its way and a year later, something miraculous happened: Yugi had come back from the death.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh, but the current plot and my OCC is my own.

Author's Note: Welcome to my first Yu-Gi-Oh fanfiction. Before anyone can continue reading, I will give a warning that there will be shonen-ai later on in the story. To be honest, this is the first shonene-ai story I have ever written so I apologize if the characters are a bit OCC or a bit off.

And I also want to apologize if my story has contained a lot of mistakes. Also, Chapter one is written although I don't know if that part is important.

Well, enough of me talking, and I hope you read, enjoy, and review 'One Step Closer'.

Chapter 1: Goodbye, everyone

Your loved one must have wanted you to live the happiest life you could ever live...

Would he or she want to see you so lonely, so sad for so long?
Don't let your loved one worry in heaven.

Fruuuuuush, hummed the rain shower.

Yugi Mutou watched through the windows as raindrops streaming onto the city street, spattering against cement, and glistening in the glow of streetlamps. He was alone in his room, not even bothering to switch on any light.

Rain...

It had perfectly described his mood at the moment.

The feeling of isolation and loneliness he felt.

Pressing his hand on the cold glass window, Yugi was so lost in thoughts that he was not aware of a pair of eyes glazing at him intensely not too far away at the corner of the room.

Even though Yugi was going to be seventeen this year, he looked a lot younger and shorter than his age could suggest. His cute, baby face also did not serve him well in this matter either; his large, amethyst eyes shone with such innocent and kindness, his ever-so-cheerful smile and his pure and child-like personality. His hair stood up at odd angles, almost shaped like a star, dyed with multi-coloured. The outline of his hair was violet, and then the rest black, with golden blonde bangs hanging down the side of his face, framing his large eyes. Yugi had a rather unique appearance with features that would make him a pretty girl but leave him average (A/N: And adorable) as a boy.

Yugi sighed.

How he wished he was more of a man.

"Yugi."

The said boy gasped in surprise.

How does he do it? he wondered without turning to see the owner of the voice who was clearly hiding in the shadows of the corner. How can he appear without making any sound?

Yugi sensed him coming a bit closer to him and his mind wandered. He could remember the very first time he saw him, mysteriously appeared in his room, akin to a moment ago, and Yugi was, said to the very least, terrified of the stranger.

It was understandable since the man had claimed himself to be an angel.

'The Angel of Death', to be precise.

And he came to Yugi that very night to tell him the news that shocked him even today.

Peering out the window, his thoughts drifted back to that day he met the Angel of Death…

It was more than a week ago and once again, Yami was not home – as usual. The ex-Pharaoh had been so caught up in hanging with his friends that he and Yugi hardly ever talked anymore. He was often out with Yugi's ex-friends and wouldn't be back until around dinner, if not after. And Yugi realized, the link that had once been unbreakable, was now hardly there.

Picking up the pillow from his bed, Yugi buried his face in it, and fighting back the tears that were threatening to fall. Without his friends, he had once again become a prime target for bullies. His once smooth skin was now covered with scratches and bruises of all sizes, and no one seemed to notice. Maybe his grandpa had noticed but Yugi didn't want the poor man to have a heart attack so he always assumed his grandpa that everything was alright.

Grandpa...

Yes, only his grandpa seemed to be the only one that cared about him right now. Therefore, he was grateful to him; however, he noticed that Yami, once again, had managed to take a special place in his grandpa's heart.

Yugi unconsciously gazed over at his Millennium Puzzle which lay on his desk, glimmering in the fade light the table lamp provided as if offering comforts to him. The young man smiled ruefully. And yet, despite his grief, Yugi could never bring himself to hate them for abandoning him.

Perhaps because he had prepared for this, ever since Yami got his body back.

Perhaps Yugi knew, from the bottom of his heart, that it was not his friends' faults at all. Not in the very least.

He could feel his lips tugged at the corner.

You reap what you sow, they always said.

How true.

The fine hairs on the back of her neck tingled and Yugi was suddenly aware of another presence in the room. Someone was watching him, he sensed it. By instinct, he sat up on his bed, as his amethyst eyes began scanning around the shadowy place only to find no one. Still, he could not shake the strange feeling away.

"Wh-who's there?" he demanded through rattling teeth, cursing himself from stuttering. "Yami, is that you? It's not funny."

Silence answered him.

Yugi sighed in relief, placing a hand to calm his racing heart. Maybe it was his imagination after all.

"I am not the 'Yami' you speak of, young one," the voice answered. His voice was deep, smooth and powerful.

The hair prickled on the back of his neck again. Someone was watching him. He was certain this time.

It was then Yugi finally became conscious of the dark aura that had been surrounding his bedroom like eerie mist, causing his stomach to furl. Yugi quickly turned his head away, but only to gasp loudly at the unexpected surprise when he saw a strange man hovering in the shadows of the room.

Who? Who is it? Yugi wished to speak out, but his throat went dry with fright and surprise. He would be killed by a stranger in his own room.

"You don't need to be afraid."

The mysterious man stepped into the light, revealing himself to the frightened boy. He was tall, with wide shoulders and sharp, chiseled features. Aside from the extraordinary golden ear ornament on his left ear and his short, silky black hair, his equally black, piercing eyes which held strength and confidence, did nothing but add to his mysterious profile.

Yugi couldn't help thinking he was an impressive sight in his tight fitting black, polo-collar tank top that clung to his body, and a pair of black jeans with was matched off with a black buckled that was tied around the young man's right leg. A black mantle with a large drawstring closure wore around the collar and a large brooch displaying the rather strange symbol, with a golden pendant which was well-hidden under the mantle.

But what caused his attention the most was not his appearance, but what's on his grasp. On his right hand was a huge, black scythe, as tall as he was, but the way he held it could make anyone believed that it was weightless.

The man was too inhumanly beautiful to be, well, human. Despite that, Yugi trusted his gut that this man was not here to harm him though it sounded irrelevant and that something would change; either for the better or worse. The petite boy felt his heart stopped a beat when he watched the stranger stopped in front of him.

"W-who are you?" Yugi found the courage to ask, looking at him.

The answer he was given only drained the color from his face.

"I am the Angel of Death," the stranger answered. "Alex is the name."

The memory was fading away from his mind and Yugi found himself snapping back to reality. He sensed eyes boring onto his back, watching him in anxious. He sneaked out a smile. Yugi had grown comfortable at Alex's presence and the Angel of Death proved himself to be someone kind, hence the title 'angel'.

With his hand still pressing gently against the glass window, Yugi finally greeted at the Angel of Death. "Is it time already, Alex-san?" he asked, and then sighed disappointedly. "I should have guessed it would be soon."

"Are you sure you don't want to talk to them this one last time?" Alex suggested, "Not even your other half. You don't have much time left, I'm afraid."

Yugi shook his head in disapproval as he put on a sad smile, feeling the sting of tears springing to his eyes. The young boy said, "It's alright. They don't want me to join them anyway. They have their own life now. Moreover, Mou hitori no boku – no, his name is Atemu – he is not my half anymore. He is finally himself with his own body and life. I-I don't want to be a burden anymore."

Yugi still remembered the day Yami – Atemu – came back. In the beginning, it had never occurred to him the intention of his return because at that time, it didn't matter. He was just overjoyed he had returned to him, to his life.

Closing his eyes, memories came flooding back to him: his best friend, Katsuya Jonouchi, started dating Mai Kujaku, the beautiful dueler; and Hiroto Honda trying his best to impress Shizuka, Jonouchi's sister; and finally, the most painful of all: Yami started to date Anzu Mazaki not long from now. Everything began to change dramatically. Yugi's friends had begun to ignore him in favor of Yami when the Pharaoh got his own body. Everyone has their own life to live and they started to drift away from Yugi, which pained him very much.

You reap what you sow.

Those words echoed in his mind once again, bringing another rueful smile to his knew the hidden message of the words and he knew he did not and would not regret anything.

Even so, it didn't cease the pain he felt.

"If that's what you want," Alex said softly, noticing the twinge of sadness in the boy's tone. When Alex saw the unbearable sadness flashed in Yugi's innocent amethyst eyes, his head hung low in shame as his eyes frowned and his fists clenched at his side. "I just wish I can prevent your death. You could do so much more."

That statement caught Yugi off-guard, touched by the angel's kind words. He could feel a tear had just slide down his cheeks, and this time it was a tear of happiness. Someone did care for him, even if that person was the one taking his soul away.

Yugi beamed a genuine smile at Alex, "You're actually doing me a favour." He paused for a moment, a visible pink tiny on his cheeks. "And thank you."

The Angel of Death raised an eyebrow at Yugi. "For what?"

"For caring about me," he said with a grateful smile, "And for trying to save me. It means a lot to me."

The moment those words left his mouth, Yugi flushed. That sounded embarrassing and awkward. It somewhat made it sounded like as if he got a crush on the Angel of Death or something.

Obliviously at his awkwardness, Alex gave a small smile back at Yugi. "Don't worry about it. Did you finish writing your letters?"

"Yes, it's all done right here," he answered, holding the letters on his hand, then he pointed at his table where there were beautifully wrapped gifts placed on top. "I also prepare them some gifts for them."

"Parting gifts," Yugi added as an afterthought.

"And the Millennium Puzzle?"

"Which one?"

"Your other half's."

Yugi smiled. "It will be our last bond."

"I'm sorry..."

"It's alright," the boy said with satisfaction, holding the letters close to his heart. "Really, it is. Can-can I ask you one last favour?"

"Of course. What would it be?"

Yugi stood in front of the tall man, handing him the letters. "I want you to make sure that these letters and those gifts would be found after my death and be given to the right person."

"Alright." Alex nodded in agreement, but Yugi's smile pained him more.

The Angel of Death closed his black eyes in sadness, unable to bear to take away the innocent boy's life. It was said that only one purest soul would be born in every hundred years, and he had no doubt in his mind that this boy was the one.

His soul is the same as that person, Alex thought. Truly, they are one of the kinds.

No matter how uncomfortable he felt, it was his duty to perform this. Alex held ready with his scythe in his hand as he announced to the boy, "It's time, Yugi. Are you ready?"

A flicker of fear flashed in his amethyst eyes for a second before it evaporated as quickly as it appeared. Yugi looked straight into Alex's eyes. He was ready. "Yes," he answered.

"Lay down," Alex ordered. "I want you to feel comfortable at your last moment." When Alex noticed Yugi began to relax, he could carry out his duty. Alex swung his scythe high above his head. "This would only hurt for a second."

Yugi nodded again as he watched the scythe getting closer to his chest. Closing his eyes, all sort of emotions began to swirl inside him. So this is how it feels when a person is near death, he thought. Before long, everyone will be free and everything will carry out in the end... Goodbye everyone. Goodbye, Grandpa. Finally, goodbye, my love, Atemu, Mou hitori no boku. I wish you all the happiness...

"This is my end," Yugi blurted out softly. A small smile tugged at his lips, letting a teardrop to trail down his porcelain cheek.

"No," a voice said cryptically in his mind. The voice was definitely female: sweet, gentle and pure melodic. However, he did not recognize it, and yet at the same time, it sounded so familiar. So nostalgic. Yugi's eyes snapped open when the voice continued, "This is only your beginning, my friend."

--

"Thank for the date, Yami," a girl by the name of Anzu Mazaki said. (A/N: Please, Anzu-haters, no flame.) Anzu was standing outside her house after her date with Yami. She was a pretty girl with blue eyes and dark brown hair. (A/N: Right now, she is Yami's girlfriend so I need to respect her a bit.)

The said boy apologized sheepishly, "Sorry about the date, Anzu. Thank to this stupid rain, our date is ruined."

Anzu shrugged. "It's not a problem, Yami. None of us would expect it would rain anyway."

The girl studied the young man in front of her. Yami was indeed attractive – no, he was drop-dead gorgeous. Everything about his face was jagged and sharp; from his eyebrows to his jawbone, there was at a single curve on his face. He had blonde bangs that came down just over the sides of his face, and more that streaked up into the black and crimson hair. His eyes were so beautiful. They looked like as if they were made of crimson ruby gems, sparkling with confidence and pride as his eyes sat beneath elegant, narrowed eyebrows.

In some way, there was astonishing resemblance between her boyfriend and her little best friend, Yugi. The only differences were that Yami's skin was tanned and his arms were adorned with finely tone muscles. His tight leather shirt revealed a nice six-pack and his entire leather attire was matched with a black buckled that tied around his neck. The leather stuck onto his skin, revealing a perfect body.

Yami looked at his watch, realizing that it was getting late – already nine-thirty. "Anzu," Yami said, dragging his gaze away from his watch face to regard his girlfriend. "I have to get back now, Anzu. I promise Jii-chan I will be back at this time."

She kissed her boyfriend's cheek as a goodbye gesture. "See you tomorrow then."

Yami nodded. "Tomorrow it is. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Click.

The door was closed in front of him. Yami flipped open his umbrella and began to walk down the rainy sidewalk. His date was completely destroyed by the sudden shower as the rain quickly morphed from drizzle to downpour.

Yami glanced at the sky, wondering, That's weird. Look at how the black clouds rolling in. Just a minute ago, the moon was blinding. Didn't the weather forecast say today would be a fine weather?

He continued to reminisce as he meandered down the darkening street, hunched under his umbrella. For some reason, throughout the date, he had felt...uneasy. He wasn't sure but there was something that made him uncomfortable and he did not know what.

When he arrived at his destination, Yami shook his head, thinking he was being paranoid. Closing his umbrella with an efficient snap, Yami then slide opened the door and stepped inside the shop.

The moment he placed his foot inside, Yami's spine stiffened unexpectedly. He could sense something was not right, due to the sudden pang in his chest. It felt like as if he had lost a part of him. Decided to ignore the ominous feeling, he went to the kitchen to find Solomon Mutou, Yugi's grandfather, eating his 'midnight snack'.

Solomon looked up from the refrigerator and noticed Yami standing there. "Oh, you're back, Yami," he greeted with a smile. "How did your date go?"

That's right. He had insisted people to call him Yami, not Atemu. Yami decided to leave behind his past to fulfill a nameless desire. Ever since he had returned to this world, Yami always felt like there was one last thing he needed to do. That was probably why he had dated Anzu, but even so Yami still felt something was amiss.

"Just fine, except for the rain," he answered.

"Well, nothing is perfect. By the way, Yugi's in his room. Probably sleeping."

Yami nodded. Talking about Yugi, Yami realized that there was something different about him. He could not explain it, but he felt the bond they had had just puzzlingly weaken. Is that the word? No, it was as if it had just vanished, causing them to be awkward towards each other.

Musing in his thoughts, something did catch his eyes. Eying them with curiousity, Yami asked, pointing at the table, "Jii-san, why are there letters on the table?"

"Oh," Solomon sounded surprised, "they weren't there a moment ago." He stopped what he was doing, placing his plate of food on the table and examined the letters. "Look, there's my name on it. You, too, Yami. Let's open them, shall we."

Yami nodded, taking the letter in his hand. His eyes widened and his hands began to tremble as he read the letter:

Dear Yami,

Knowing from the handwritings, I bet you can figure out who I am. It's me, Yugi, your hikari, your used-to-be other half. Long I had realized I have always been a burden to you, but you still stayed by my side and I am thankful for that. Then you drifted away from me, and I knew I had to let go and I did. I have a present for you upstairs in my room. It's what you've always wanted. At least from what you hint out. Freedom, a life, and no one to weigh you down.

I also have a confession to make. Guess what? I love you. Shocked? I know. I am, too. You can laugh all you want though. I understand if you did that and I really regret I did not tell you when I got the chance as well. But if being with Anzu make you happy, then I'm happy as well.

And lastly, my final gift to you. Our bond, the Millennium Puzzle – which you had abandoned not long ago, is the only thing I can offer to you. So please don't forget the object which had started the beginning of our fateful meeting. Even if you shall forget about my existence, please don't abandon the bond we share.

I pray with all my heart that your life will be filled with happiness and know that I don't hate you, I never could and never will. Most importantly, please don't forget to live.

Love, Yugi.

When he finished Yugi's letter, Yami clutched at his heart, fighting back his tears. It hurt so bad… He now thought of their (small) arguments and thought about how little time he had been spending with his dear hikari, ignoring him to the point that Yami hardly treated Yugi as if he existed. He realized with disgust at how horrible he had been.

The letter had caused a tremendous effect on the old man as well. His hands and lips began to tremble as he continued reading:

Dear Jii-chan,

I'm sorry I have been a burden to you for all these years. And thank you for taking care of me even through hardships. But right now, I found out that my time living has come to an end and so I hope that you would be still continue living as the old cheerful, carefree grandpa like I used to know. Oh yeah, there is a present I want you to have. It's on top of my table and you will be surprised. I hope you like it. And please don't cry over my death. It can't be help even Mr. Angel of Death couldn't do anything about it. I am sure you are not lonely since Yami has already taken my place in your heart. But I still pray that you would be happy even with my death. I love you, grandpa, especially your smile so don't forget to smile.

Love, Yugi.

Without any hesitation, both of them immediately rushed straight toward Yugi's room with the letter on their hand. Horror and regret were written all over their faces. They never knew and regretted terribly at how they had been treating Yugi all these times.

Please, Ra, don't let us be too late, Yami prayed. Please don't take him away.

When they arrived at his room, it was already too late. If they did not know any better, they would think that Yugi was peacefully sleeping on his bed with that carefree expression on his childish face and a rather sad, yet beautiful smile that graced his lips.

But they knew. They were too late.

Yugi was gone.

There was not a single drop of blood in the entire room. It was looked like the boy had died from an unknown cause with no pain, with no regret as if he was prepared his whole life for this moment to come.

Solomon felt weak. He fell to his knees and covered his face with his hands, crying his heart out for his beloved grandson had died without telling him a direct goodbye to him, instead of a letter. His heart gave a furious cry as tears flooded his cheeks.

Yami froze on the spot. Soon his whole body was shaking and his breath catching in his throat. As if on cue, ice-cold rain began to pour outside even more heavily. Dropping the note to the ground, he crawled onto Yugi's bed.

"Pl-please…" Yami's voice cracked as he reached over and brushed one of Yugi's golden bangs off his dead countenance. Tears swell up in his eyes, threatening to spill over as he waited for a response, knowing all too well that he would never get one. Quivering, he wrapped his arms around the dead hikari and pulled him close. The lack of warmth of Yugi's body was nothing compared to the coldness that was seeping into his heart right at that moment.

"Please…by Ra...please Aibou," Yami whispered his voice breaking once he tried to call his aibou to wait up, to tell him that it was all a dream, a horrible nightmare. His pleas, however, fell on deaf ears as the rain continued to fall even heavier. As if crying for the tragedy of it all. As if, the heaven itself was weeping with the Pharaoh and for the loss of an angel.

An image of Yugi laughing, smiling flashed though his mind and for a moment, Yami could have sworn he heard Yugi's sweet voice softly whisper to his ear, `I love you Yami….always'. This brought a new wave of salty liquid to his eyes.

"YUGI!!!"

Floating outside the window, untouched by the rain, Alex witnessed the sad, heartbreaking scene. He knew if Yugi saw this, he would never forgive himself for hurting the ones he loved so dearly. That was the reason why he took him back again once Yugi told Yami that he loved him, not allowing him to see the final outcome.

Alex glazed at the dark sky. The rain never stopped increasing its downpour. Not a single sign of thunder to be heard or lightning to be seen. It was perfect time for mourning.

"Shall time heal the wounded heart," he thought aloud.

Someone continued, "And shall the rain wash away their pain and sorrow, for the light has died. And from onwards, life will never be the same, only pain and regret remains."

Alex's brooding was interrupted by a voice – a beautiful, smooth melodious voice – next to him. He turned to see a girl was standing sentinel besides him. A hook was pulled over her head to hide her face. Her long, midnight blue bangs hung straight down in front of her chest. She never let her sight out of the tragic scene.

Startled at the girl's sudden presence, Alex looked at her with wide, curious eyes. When did she –

He paused. There was a more important question. He frowned, "What are you doing here, Hisae?"

Calmly, the girl, Hisae answered, still not looking at him, "I'm merely here to witness this event until the end. It is rather depressing, isn't it?" She carried on watching them as the said Pharaoh and the old man continued crying for their loss.

She continued, "There's an old wise saying: You never know what you have until it's gone."

"Forever."

Author Note: Finally, chapter one is done. Please have patience with my story. I know it's not that good. Moreover, I also know there are people who do not like Anzu so please no flame. I hope you enjoy my story. Thank for reading and please review. Bye!