Blessed Moments (book 4)

Chapter 11: negotiations

   "But grandpa I'm not so sure about this." Yugi says hesitantly as he lingers on the bottom step of the stairs, his small frame leaning against the railing. "It doesn't really sound like a good idea."
   "You wound me Yugi," Solomon says dramatically, a small blur of silver even bubbling in his eyes as he looks upon his grandson. "You believe that I am incapable of caring for two young children for a week. That is a rather drastic assault on my pride." He places a hand over his heart sadly for effect. I must admit, this little show of theirs is proving to be rather amusing. Never in my wildest daydreams could I have imagined that it would have escalated this quickly, or be this entertaining.
   "That's not what I'm saying!" Yugi says worriedly, his naturally apologetic nature taking over. "I am just worrying about you and the kids. Surely you must understand."
   "I'm not as delicate as you have lead yourself to believe." Solomon grumbles. "I'm old, not made of glass."
   "Stop acting so stubborn." Yugi says with a frown.
   "Aibou," I murmur from my seat on the couch. Two sets of purple eyes meet mine, one with silent expectation and the other with curiosity. "Solomon is very kindly offering to watch Atemu and Heba for us for a short week. He raised you love, I'm sure that he can manage." I give a final reassuring smile for effect. From the look that washes over Yugi's face it seems to sway his judgement slightly.
   "I'm sure that he could, but I-"
   "Is it really worth arguing about?" I interject. "It's two against one anyhow. You are severely outnumbered love."
   "Because you two are ganging up on me!" He protests. Solomon and I look at one another for a moment, silently deliberating his words and the accuracy of his statement. We simultaneously turn to look at him.
   "That is entirely accurate." I answer.
   "Sounds about right." Solomon murmurs in agreement. Yugi stares at us both in shock and betrayal. His eyes are wide in surprise and confusion as he tries to work out when we had the time to work out all of the details. From the look on his face he is probably regretting ever leaving us alone in a room together.
   "So what will it be love?" I ask teasingly. "Come on the trip with me, your loving and evoked husband, willingly or force me to tie you up and take you with me kicking and screaming?" A mischievous smirk tugs at my lips. "I would highly recommend the second option. I haven't had a good challenge in quite some time." I purr, reclining on the couch allowing my muscles to stretch out and from the way Yugi hurriedly looks away from me I can tell that he noticed.
   "Why are you both so adamant that I go on this trip?" He says with a soft voice. "I don't really get where this is coming from all of the sudden."
   "You are still young Yugi." Solomon speaks up. "You aren't even nineteen yet. I want you to go out and have fun with your life."
   "I can have fun right here in Domino." He answers with a pout.
   "Oh, it looks like the second option is a definite at this point." I say excitedly. "May I just say, that I am really looking forward to it." Yugi blushes at my words but remains silent.
   "Yugi, I can video chat you every night. I can assure you that everything will be alright."
   Yugi fidgets from his perch on the stairs. He shifts nervously from one foot to the other. His face looks conflicted but I can tell just by looking into his bright eyes that he is trying to find a way to turn the situation into something that suits him."I have one condition that you have to keep if I agree to this."
   "Name it." Solomon says hurriedly. I watch the pair of them curiously from my spot in the couch. Yugi is plotting something and I feel that it will be something that will completely jeopardize this trip. My eyes narrow as I watch my small love look down at his grandpa.
   "If you are here alone watching Atemu and Heba I want you agree to have one of my friends come and check up on you everyday."
   "That's ridiculous!" Solomon splutters.
   And there it is. I sigh heavily as I rise to a sitting position. I have to give Yugi props for taking such a low blow. He knows that his grandfather's pride is very important to him. So if you take out his Pride you take out him and whatever he has planned. I think I taught Yugi too much.
   "I'm a grown man, I don't need a babysitter!"
   "Then I guess it's a no deal." Yugi says smoothly as he walks past his grandfather's indignant face. "Sorry about that."
   He thinks this is over? Oh my sweet little Yugi, you may have learned a few new tricks from me but you haven't learned all of my tricks.
   "Yugi that is rather selfish of you." I call out. Yugi pauses mid stride and looks at me curiously.
   "What is?"
   "Just assuming that all of our friends will be able to sacrifice their time to come and check up on Solomon every day." I frown convincingly. "Everyone is so busy." Solomon's eyes twinkle as he catches on to what I'm doing and wisely stays out of my way.
   "Joey can come and check up on him."
   "He's working for Kaiba at Kaiba Corp, he isn't as free as you would care for him to be."  I struggle to repress the grin.
   "Then Ryou."
   "Studying abroad, In England, remember?" Yugi's face crumples slightly as he is struggling to find some loophole to the situation he has been thrown into. "Though perhaps I can find a way to have Joey come here every other day to check up on everyone."
   "I would be fine with every other day." Solomon consents with a grin. Yugi goes pale as he realizes that he's trapped.
   "What do you say love?"
   "Fine, I guess that would work." He grumbles.
   Hook, line, and sinker.