Author's Rant: None of you can possibly imagine how much your reviews mean to me. I was so overwhelmed with your responses, the favorites and alerts for this story that I literally cheered loud enough to wake my neighbors. I even blushed a couple of times lol. You're far too good for me my dears. I'll proofread later. I'm going to bed. Please enjoy the next chapter!

A Failed Try

Well . . . when Seth mentioned more visitors, Yugi hadn't quite expected this outcome.

"Thank you. My, you're awfully kind. I don't know what to say. Thank you. Thank you ma'am."

Yugi vaguely wondered, in between the moment one of the young girls passed him a small basket of vegetables and the one behind her presenting him with a head garment made of exotic flowers, whether he should accept so many gifts. He felt it would be discourtesy to turn away their charity, but he inwardly cringed at the idea of taking away from people who already had so little at the moment. He wore a smile nonetheless, bowing respectfully and being sure to show how grateful he was to their thoughtfulness.

They've been coming nonstop. So many generous villagers came, offering bounty of various kinds; dozens of fluorescently colored baskets, handcrafted beaded necklaces, bracelet and earrings, jars of scented oils and spices, gorgeous silk ribbons, and countless knickknacks and charms meant to bless him fortune and a long fruitful, healthy life. A young man, Saba if Yugi remembers him saying, had taken it upon himself to brush Yugi's hair with avid concentration and moisturizing his scalp with grape seed oil.

Yugi's eyes widened shyly, a bright blush glowing in his cheeks, as a garland of lavender orchids were lowered around his neck.

"Um, t-thank you very much," he says to the girl. She giggles, and sneaks a kiss on his cheek before easing out of the room to join the bunch of gaggling teenagers who'd done the same. Yugi's timidly fingers grazed over his kiss-worn cheek.

A knock sounds off at the door and Yugi's almost afraid that there are more people coming to wish him well. As much as he adored the attention, he secretly desired rest above all else. He's grown so very weary of the loud chatter, personal questions and storytelling about his bravery against that brute lion. For goodness sake, he's still trying to recover over that fact himself.

When the glides open to reveal Seth, Yugi slumps with relief. He'd never been so happy to see that stuck-up man. He nods, whispers thanks to all the people and many of them mournfully stand to leave. Others take their time before Seth is forced to come in and threaten bodily harm to get them out. When Saba is finally convinced to leave, Yugi sighs heavily, gently pushing away some of his gifts to the end of the bed and begins to neatly arrange them in a way where he can sort them out later.

Seth steps into the small room to straighten some of the medicinal jars set on a small desktop next to the window. "I did try to warn you, Neo. They're quite overbearing."

Yugi warms and chills at the name and draws his legs up to his chest. "I don't mind. I know they mean well," he says quietly, curling his arms around his knees.

"It's going to be quite hectic for you during the next couple of days. Most of the village's looking forward to seeing how well you fair. I dare say I won't be able to keep them away for long with intimidation alone." Seth finishes tidying up the space by the window and turns to look Yugi over. "How are you feeling after this morning's exam, Neo? Still tender?"

That's twice now and each time, it stung to hear it directed towards him. Yugi felt it cruel how it almost seemed Seth were saying that name intentionally, but goodness that couldn't be. How could he know . . .

"A little sore. The medicine's helped numb most of the. . ." Yugi carefully skips over the technical terms that came so naturally to him and dampens his voice to say instead, "muscle pains. My wounds aren't as serious as I thought they'd be. Mostly shallow cuts and scratches."

"Hmm," Seth hums absently, folding his arms. "Neo?"

Yugi controls the urge to flinch again and faces Seth to acknowledge he's listening.

Deep blue eyes intensely settle on him. "Do you think you'll be fine recovering here, or do you think it best we take you back to the hospital? I don't want to risk exposing you infection here. Your bandages require hourly cleans and changes. My mother's still busy with the other patients and I don't have the spare time to dedicate to a loyal routine."

Yugi thinks a moment before lightly rubbing his hand over the gauze wrapped from his elbow up to his right shoulder. The way they wrapped him up here is more than adequate enough to satisfy his standards. Being that nothing vital had been damaged, he could pass through rehabilitation and be well on his way to physical pique in no time. But, he has to remember that he can't be the doctor he's trained most of his youth to be. Seth's his caregiver now and as much as Yugi wanted to act that of a medical expert, he couldn't bring himself to jeopardize the fragile relationship he's come to remember.

"Do what you feel is best, Seth." Yugi smiles kindly. "I trust your opinion."

Seth's expression remained stoic until that admission and no amount of denial will ever convince Yugi that the blush on Seth's face was due to the heat outside.

"Then I say a trip to the hospital will suffice a proper diagnosis. Just to be on the safe side," Seth adds, clearing his throat. "After that, we can ask the physician what kind of suitable profile to keep you on."

"That's fine."

Seeming appeased, Seth nods to this and shifts to leave. "I can't guarantee you'll be done with your visitors today. The best I can do is discourage them, perhaps scare them into working with Atem. That'll certainly keep them at bay."

Yugi curls a finger to his mouth to stuff a laugh. "I think that'll do just fine. Thank you, Seth."

Seth hums before stepping out the door, shutting it close behind him.

Now alone, able to hear the hassle and productive commotions outside, Yugi allowed himself the privilege of this peace to contemplate his situation. Gracious, he couldn't believe all that's transpired since the plane crash. It's been faint and the pieces scattered, but as the seconds, minutes and hours flowed throughout the day, he's begun to recall a lot of things. Before long, they'd nearly fallen into place.

He still had trouble fitting together a few details, but it wasn't hard to put together some things to find out what he was missing. He's lived on the Zambia Ranch for nearly six months as Neo; this lost, helplessly humble man without a clue to his past life. He's developed connections through that persona; so many unbreakable bonds.

The grip around his knees tightened.

Ms. Desta he's come to value as a doting mother. She's such a beautiful, caring, sweet and caring soul with a heart big enough to house the whole world. It hadn't mattered that he'd been a complete stranger to her or whether he was a danger to her or her kin. She'd taken him in, and for that Yugi knew he would be forever indebted to her.

Heba, Yugi sadly realized, has become the close, best friend needed for a guy with Neo's personality. He took up for Neo, protected him, and even shared his home without hesitation. When others refused to give him a chance, Heba never thought twice about sharing in what he did or asking if Neo wanted to participate.

And Yami . . . Yugi closed his eyes, rising his hand to cup his face. Then there was Yami. Where could Yugi even begin? The sheer excitement of being around the man brought a frightening rush inside Yugi's heart that he knew had no business being there. Yami shouldn't be viewed any differently from Heba, but Yugi couldn't bring himself to do that.

It felt unfair or rather, impossible to do so. Yami's become special from the others . . . someone who's shared more than his hospitality and friendship. He put heart into being genuine. Yami's gentle nature and ever so warm spirit lit a vigilant spark inside Yugi's chest. He wanted to be around Yami, talk to him, listen to him, and just . . . just be near him. And it terrified Yugi how much he craved Yami's company more than anyone else's.

Yami's face plagued Yugi's mind in so many ways and the thoughts that came were no longer pleasant and platonic. They were straying to perversity. How could Yugi help it? He'd be lying if he said Yami weren't so sweet and—and handsome and charming . . .

Heaven help him.

Yugi felt like a common cheat and covered both hands over his face to hide that shameful notion from the world.

Yugi flops backwards on the mattress and holds back a pained grunt as the springs recoil against his backside. His mind was turmoil. Once when he was simply Neo, all he had to worry about was fitting into the Zambia setting and finding his knack. But Neo was no longer a factor. Yugi was the main player in this equation. And Yugi had to take more than the villagers and his friends into consideration.

His friends back home in the states. All of them. None of them knew anything. No one could possibly know he survived the plane crash and he can only imagine the suffering they'd gone through because of him.

Yugi's stomach crunched as a sudden bout of hot tears pricked the edges of his eyes. The emotions slammed him like a tidal wave, pounding him with layers of guilt and regret. He felt so torn on the inside; feeling his heart stray to days when he had a simple life with his best friends and then his heart's deep desire to stay here and make a new life. Stay being Neo.

But his friends. . . Seto . . . Joey. . . Vivian . . . Jordan and Mokuba. He missed them dearly and wondered how they were faring now. After all of these months, did they still pine for him or have they moved on with their lives?

Yugi rubbed at his eyes and sighed, turning over on his side, curling into a tight ball. He hugged his torso tight, longed for an answer to his dilemma. What was right or wrong now? Who would he be abandoning? Who was he obligated to be with? Those he loved before his time here or those he's come to adore while here?

With a shuddering sob, Yugi buries his face against his pillow and whimpers. He felt so confused . . . so—so helpless. More so then when he lost his memory. At least then he had an excuse for being lost . . . now there wasn't one. And he felt so much worse because of it.

The village's prosperity has put Yami in a vibrant mood. So much so, he's gone into partaking in one of his oldest past times, something he hasn't practiced in ages: concocting sweets and remedies for ailments. He's spent most of the day inside his home, toiling inside the kitchen between several boiling pots and three cold bowls containing relaxing ointments to treat the men's calloused sores developing on the men's hands.

A special batch was premade and lain to the side for Atem, wrapped in aluminum foil to keep the ingredients fresh when he returned. Next to it was a smaller mason jar, filled with a cooling fluid made from mint and other cooling agents to numb the pain in Neo's wounds. As soon as Atem came home, Yami planned to deliver the potion to Neo himself and apply it on. Seth may not appreciate having anything foreign put on his patient, but Yami couldn't help that. He fully intended to make sure he had a hand in guaranteeing Neo's recovery.

He moved a bit to the left side of his stove to whiff up the smell from the largest pot and nodded at the menthol aroma. This one will work wonders on muscle tension. There's plenty to go around. He's already applied some to his own sore limbs to ease away the tension and joint pains. Perhaps he could put some aside for Atem to use and give a bit to Neo for his legs.

Yami chuckle softly at that. Atem's welfare should be his main concern, but here he was treating Neo's health just as equally. Almost like a second lover. Yami serenely let that idea fester in his mind before dissolving the idea from his fantasy. He'd be a liar if he denied the idea ever crossing his mind.

But curse him for having the audacity to look at another man when he had Atem. Yami wouldn't trade his relationship with Atem for all the riches in the world. Their relationship was rocky, imbalanced, but the difficulties and hardships they experienced together is what gave their love its foundation. Nothing's perfect and it's their imperfections that kept Yami there.

But now . . . he wanted another to bask in the love shared between him and Atem. Neo deserved to have a chance to be cherished. After all he's been through, Yami desired to protect him always, to help him begin the new life the village has finally decided to let him have. Neo's bravery has granted him a placement amongst the Zambia Ranch and with there being less hostility towards him, it meant that Neo would be a soft touch for anyone who doesn't look at him with hatred.

A muscle twitched in his jaw at the thought of competition. Not that he had a said or was a part of the race for the young man's heart, but there were certainly going to be a few admirers now. Men don't often pursue other men, but nowadays, Yami wouldn't put it pass some of the single fellows to try something. The young ladies definitely held no tact when showing their interest. All of the gifts and flower arrangements left behind in Neo's room were dead giveaways.

The pot's lid clanked loudly on the counter as Yami's stirring hand whirled the liquid at a pace faster than he intended. His anger quietly shimmered like the bright greenish yellow mixture before him. Where were all of these people when Neo had no one to lean on? Why do they decide to see his value when before they saw him as a threat?

It would be Neo's decision to choose in the end and knowing this dampened a little of Yami's anger. It wasn't his choice. Suddenly, he wasn't as hyped to make his customary relaxers anymore. Too many scenarios of Neo finding someone else to share his heart with bothered Yami to the brink of a sickened belly.

Yami took a deep breath of the kind where he longed for a shortcut to his problems, one that didn't involve trials and tribulations. Why is it every time he wanted to have someone close, he had to go through so much to keep them? First it'd been Atem and having to work through the oddity of being a relationship with another man. It took ages for his family to eventually Yami's presence in their lives, but there were still whispers. No longer bothered him now. No one was fool enough to voice their true opinions lest they wanted to suffer Atem and Heba's wrath of the worse kind.

But more importantly, he shouldn't care as much as he did. How could he think of doing this to Atem? How . . . how thoughtless of him . . . His mind and heart were deceiving him.

The sound of the front door opening and closing was almost lost in the sounds of curdling pots. Yami stepped away from the stove, and wrapped his arms around his upper torso, closing his eyes. He wish he had a better handle of his emotions, but he needed some comfort and made it known.

The wooden floors creaked, the rush of steady breathing drew closer. Then Yami sagged against Atem's thick chest when his arms encircled him and squeezed. Yami turned so his face could hide beneath Atem's jaw and inhaled the smell of strong earth and sweat. Atem kissed his temple and began to walk backwards until he reached the table. He reached out to pull out a chair and sat, pulling Yami into his lap.

"What has you so upset, Yami?" Atem murmured, deep voice ghosting against Yami's ears. "I haven't seen you like this in ages."

There was a short silence. Atem readjusted their positions a little to press a fingertip beneath Yami's jaw, turning his head back to meet his eyes. The slanted red eyes did their best to avoid looking directly at him. Yami felt too ashamed to do so and guilty for needing Atem's company when the man was likely exhausted for a full day's labor.

"You must be worried over something."

Yami regrettably nods.

Atem's hand stroked gently up and down Yami's arm, smooth sweeps from elbow to wrist before grasping the hand in his own and bringing it to his month to press a kiss to. Yami pulls his hand free and tangles his fingers in Atem's damp shirt, dragging in a shuddering sigh.

"Is it about Neo?"

Yami's response isn't as quick as before. It takes a quiet minute before he reluctantly nods again and further sinks his weight into Atem's to anchor him in place.

"He'll be fine, Yami. The man's resilient, remarkably so. Why, I think he'll be back to knocking over water buckets and tangling his feet on flat ground before we know it."

"Of course he will. I know he'll recover soon," Yami whispered, and eased his head back to briefly look at Atem's gaze and his heart sunk with so much love and fear for this man, he couldn't keep it back anymore. He leaned in connected their lips and nuzzled his forehead against Atem's. "I love you."

Atem frowned, saying nothing, but the wrinkle in his brow is felt and it summons a lump in Yami's throat.

"I hadn't meant for it . . . I never suspected that . . . I'd only wanted a friend . . . and now. . ." Yami's eyes widened frightfully when Atem leaned away, violet eyes hard and focused, searching. Yami's own were pleading, terrified and so very desperate for understanding. "I'm so sorry, Atem." He turns away.

But Atem cruelly doesn't give him the satisfaction. He cups Yami's chin and returns his eyes to see the damage caused. There lied a mountain of hurt, confusion and a sense of despair. It scared Yami at how fiery the violet shades flashed in Atem's eyes.

"You're leaving me."

"No, I would never!" Yami immediately demolishes such a thought, tears welling up in his eyes. "I love you more than my own life. How could you ever—"

The hurt prevailed above the anger and it broke Yami's heart how helpless Atem appeared. "Then . . . what had I. . . I-I know I haven't been the best towards you. I'm only human, aren't I entitled to making mistakes? H-has he done to you what I can't?"

"Stop that talk, you hear?" Yami said desperately, his voice ragged with the ache in his throat. Yami wound his arms around Atem's neck and rested their foreheads together again. Noses touching, breath mingling, this close there was no way his lover could deny him now. "I love you so much. My life has no meaning, no beginning, no ending without you in it. So long as I have air in my body, I will always ensure you know this."

Atem just closed his eyes and Yami felt the catch of long fingers at the small of his back. "But I must share your heart with someone else now."

"Atem, I—"

"Don't insult me by lying, Yami. It's become so painfully clear." Atem huffs humorlessly. "I envy him. Merely that. Without trying, he's manage to obtain so much in such a short time that has taken me most of my life to acquire. The respect of the villagers, my family, you. All of it and not through strength, or leadership, or loyalty. It's vexing, frustratingly so."

Yami gave him a disgruntled look. "You realize much of that is to blame because of your hot temper? You could kill a bunny by sight alone."

Atem returns a leveled look. "I thought you told me my temper was one of my most attractive traits."

"In the bedroom, of course. Outside of that, you tend to be intolerable." Yami chuckled softly and affectionately noses Atem's cheek.

He felt a bit better that they weren't at each other's throats after his admission, but a part of him still felt worried. Yami wouldn't jump to conclusions just yet concerning Atem's feelings about this. It would be too much to pray for a way that Atem felt for Neo what Yami for Neo. Life would be the grandest.

"In the spirit of honesty, I suppose I can see why you would fall for him."

Yami blinks slowly, tilting his head.

"He's," Atem clears his throat, looking away to conceal a small blush, "not so hard on the eyes. But beyond that, I never bothered to get to know him."

Yami smiles softly at that. "Atem, will you?"

Atem holds up a hand, shaking his head. "I will promise no such thing. I—I still need time to think. He's earned much respect from the villagers and . . . and my family. Maybe it's high time I relinquish my biasness. God knows he's certainly earned my respect after saving my mother and father."

"You'll try harder then."

"Only if he accepts me. I doubt he will. I've been so terrible to him since he came."

"Neo has a kind heart, a good clean spirit. If he doesn't now, give him time and he will. It isn't in his nature to be bitter."

Atem snorts dryly. "You know him so well."

"In time, so will you." Yami brushes a kiss to Atem's cheek, his brow and then his lips before burying his face into his shoulder. His heart swelled with so much joy and relief that the tears hanging on his lashes fell away. It seems too good to be true, but he can only hope that it comes to pass. It's too early to believe such a blessing possible, but he wouldn't put it out of fate's chose for them.

Yugi's examination at the hospital had went well. Not that Yugi expected otherwise, but he couldn't help criticizing the doctor's analyzing methods. There were plenty of routes he could have done besides the usual pokes and probes, trying to find the anomies that didn't belong. No broken bones or fractures. Just a bunch of gashes that'll help with plenty of rest and no stress. Yugi could have did the job himself if he weren't meant to continue impersonating this helpless Neo persona.

The drive back to the village reawakened Yugi's original appreciation for the African landscape. The vast open plains, lush greenery resulting from the vicious storms and herds of wild life blossomed a ray of warmth inside himself. He folded his arms on the Jeep's door and sighed longingly to run about out there in the sunlight and bask in nature's offerings. As soon as he got better, it'd be the first thing on his agenda to do.

With the majority of his injuries fortunately only being half an inch deep, the doctors prescribed antibodies to prevent infections and basic painkillers. He'd have to stay on bedrest for another week, then undergo minor physical therapy, but Yugi can handle a week. All the more reason for him to keep face until he figured out his next steps.

As far as what he might have to do concerning his friends back in the states, well, Yugi figures he could stand to wait a while longer before contacting them. There isn't an easy way to come back from the grave. They probably wouldn't believe it's him calling, maybe opting it up to being someone playing jokes. So, he'll need to tread carefully.

The Zambia Ranch family will be his first priority. He could stay Neo longer, then, maybe pretend his memories were gradually coming back and confess to being back to his own self that way. But that would mean having to return home. His old home.

Yugi hugged himself and bowed his head until his banes covered his eyes. Going back home? To a place he hadn't called home in over six months? Wasn't he home already? Here, with all of the villagers, the Bellos family . . . with Yami?

Yugi's startled out of his thoughts by a curt knock at the door. When he doesn't answer, another knock comes. That couldn't be Seth. He would knock once, then let himself in. Yugi sighs, bracing himself for the next likely possibility; a pack of young girls and others arriving to present him with more treasures.

Yugi readjusts the sheets covering his lower half, pats uselessly at his braided hair and clears his throat. "Come in."

The door opens soundlessly against the carpeted floor. Yugi's greeting smile was already in place for the visitor, but upon getting a full gander of said visitor, it quickly falls and he's on guard.

Seeing Atem there, dressed in dark black cleans a pure white sleeveless, tunic was distracting enough. But to see him with a large basket of goods and flowers was another shock entirely. Yugi didn't know how to approach this from any angle and simply kept quiet.

Atem offers a polite nod, scowl naturally formed on his face. He just wouldn't be Atem without it after all. "I see you're looking well."

"I-I am." 'What on earth is he doing here?' Yugi thought frantically.

Silence follows, absolutely drowning in tension. Atem takes the basket to the rest of the gifts, lifting an eyebrow at the pile. "You have a few admirers."

"I wouldn't go so far to call them admirers. Just appreciative people."

"As well they should be. You've done our village a great favor. We're forever indebted to you for your bravery and your dedication to saving it."

Yugi wasn't sure he was hearing right. Every word that ever came from Atem usually ended in an insult or complaint. To witness the man effortlessly throwing compliment after compliment was overwhelming. Nonetheless, Yugi refused to let his guard down.

He watched from his viewpoint at the bed while Atem went about scouring the room, grazing his fingers over the furniture, the gift baskets, necklaces, clothing and some of the produce left for Yugi. If Yugi didn't know any better, he'd think Atem were stalling for some reason.

"Did you need anything, Atem?" Yugi asked with as much courtesy he could muster.

Atem's head snapped up like a child caught stealing candy and his face morphs into a more softened expression. "I . . . came to see how you were doing. And if you would need anything."

Oh. That's, well, that's definitely new. "No, I don't. Thank you for your concern, but I'm fine."

"I guess you would be. Especially with all of this bounty. I doubt you'll need much of anything for some time." Atem rubs the back of his neck, staring off the side a moment. He looks up at Yugi, then looks away.

This behavior is so out of left field that Yugi feels skeptic about the man's mental stability being intact. "How's Yami doing?"

"He's well," Atem's tone changes a little, almost tight in sound and octave. "He comes by often I hear. You two are—you're very close."

"Yes, he's always been a good friend to me. He, your mother and Heba made it so I didn't feel left out." Unlike some individuals, but Yugi left that bit if fact to float out on it's own. Atem wasn't stupid. He should pick up on the implications. "Will it be alright if he visits me today?"

Atem looks up sharply. "Yami's free to do as he wants. I don't control where he goes and who chooses to keep company with."

"Right, this time," Yugi mumbles to himself and clears his throat again, rubbing up and down his bandaged arms. The gauze itched something wicked. If only he had a pencil or something long to dig beneath the wrappings to reach that bothersome spot.

Long fingers gently land on Yugi's shoulder and he's startled out of self-examining his right arm and left to stare directly into eyes more violet in shade then he thought. Atem had moved close and silently to his bedside without making a single sound. His eyes were fixed on where Yugi rubbed and he timidly reaches out to slide his fingertips over the same space.

The same fingers then glided up the length of his arm, along the curve of his shoulder and beneath the weight of beads holding most of his hair down behind his neck.

"Your neck wasn't damaged was it?"

Yugi ducks away from the cool digits touching his skin. "No, Makunga hadn't quite gotten that fair."

"But your arms and chest?"

"Not so bad. Really." Yugi insisted at the skeptic look.

"Show me." Atem sat on the side, very near Yugi's side and hooked his fingers in the sleeves of Yugi's hospital glow and slowly rolled them up. The wrappings went as high as Yugi's collar bone. A faint sign of blood leaked through, and over those portions is where Atem lightly placed his fingers.

Feeling nervous, Yugi shrugged off the large hands and self-consciously tugged at the sheets until Atem sat up and Yugi could properly cover himself. "It's nothing good rest and a proper diet can't cure. Your concern is touching, but unneeded."

Atem stiffens visibly. "I expected as much. Listen, if it's any consolation, I—"

When Yugi shoots a glare Atem's startled silent at the sheer intensity. The purple color darkened several shades, piercing and razor sharp. Yugi opens his mouth, then closes it tight. For Yami's sake, he won't say anything he knew he'd regret.

"I'm tired," he mumbles, keeping the same deadlock on Atem. "Thank you for coming, but I need sleep. Please leave."

"Yes, of course. Have a good rest." Atem nods and turns on his heel to obey Yugi's wish. He pauses at the door, back straight, head held high. "I am sorry for how I treated you before, Neo."

Yugi had hoped to avoid echoing how he felt, but that statement broke the seal. "You're sorry after I nearly get myself killed trying to protect your parents? You want to apologize when I've already gave blood, sweat and tears taking care of this village? Why did me nearly dying finally convince you that I'm not out to hurt anyone? I've told you so many times that I've come to love this village and its people. I adore your family, but no, it took that damn lion ripping me to shreds for you to respect me? Only you, Atem. Only you."

Yugi scoffs out loud, folding his arms. Atem didn't say anything back. It would have made Yugi feel so much better to have the arrogant tyrant defend himself, if just to give Yugi all the more reason to keep his opinion firm about the chief's son. But after a long while, Atem just stood there, staring at the door, back straight and Yugi regretted what he said.

Just as he knew he would.

Yugi shook his head, dropping his face in his palms. "Please leave," he repeats softly. When feels the weighty footsteps go towards the door and the door's final click. Yugi lowers himself beneath his sheets and curls into himself once again.

Only Atem would make Yugi feel so low when he wasn't the one at fault.

"Stupid bastard."