Genie of the Puzzle

24: Using the second wish

Yugi and Yami sat on a roof somewhere in China. They looked up at the fireworks while the carpet hung out, taking a break.

Dreamily, Yugi sighed at the sight of the colors that burst seemingly from nowhere. "It's all so magical..."

Yami, only seeing Yugi's amazed face, grinned. "Yeah."

Now's my chance!
Yugi looked away, still holding his apple. "It's a shame that Joey had to miss this..." When in actuality if Joey had been there, he'd have thrown up and perhaps might've fallen off the carpet while Yugi and Yami would continue singing, oblivious.

Still, shrugging and unsuspecting, Yami replied, "No, not really."
The carpet looked up, realizing what was happening.
".He doesn't really like fireworks, or flying at all-"
Yami's eyes widened when he realized he'd fallen into Yugi's trap, spilling the beans. "I mean...That is...oh no!" He hung his head in shame.

Yugi only triumphantly laughed. "I knew it! You are the man in the marketplace!" Then he became angry. "Why did you lie to me?"

"I was-"

"Did you think I was stupid? That I wouldn't figure it out?"

"No! Not at all, Yugi!" Yami twiddled his thumbs. "I was hoping you wouldn't..." He saw Yugi's expression even angrier and he freaked. "No, no, that's not what I meant!"

"Who are you?" He pursed his lips. "Tell me the truth!"

"T-the...truth...?" He looked at Yugi's face, and found himself blushing.
Oh Ra...he's adorable...
"The truth is, uh...."

He looked over at the carpet, who waved it's tassel in a dramatic motion. Just, tell him the truth.

"The truth is, I...sometimes...dress like a commoner...to escape the pressures of, uh, palace life!" He flashed an unsure smile and laughed nervously. "But I really am a prince!"

The carpet slumped down in defeat.

Yugi raised a brow, still not quite sure why Yami seemed to nervous. Was he telling the truth this time?
He sighed. "Then why didn't you just tell me?"

Yami buzzed his lips. "Uh, well, you know, royalty sneaking out into the city in disguise..." He gave Yugi a wink. "...sounds a little strange, doesn't it?"

Blushing and feeling a little guilty, Yugi nudged him and said, "Not that strange..."

Yugi snuggled beside Yami, resting his head against his shoulder while Yami put an arm around him.

They lay there for a bit, next to each other, gazing up at the fireworks in the living presence of each other while the carpet rested on its tassel, mystified.

***

Yami helped Yugi get back into the balcony, holding his hand as he walked down the carpet that made itself into stairs.

Yugi walked to the balcony railing and looked down at Yami (for once) as he stood on the floating carpet and smiled at him.
"Good night, my handsome prince..." There was a twinkle in his eyes and a smile he couldn't seem to suppress.

"Sleep well, Yugi." Yami smiled back.

With a moonlight-illuminated night and after a wonderful date, they slowly leaned forward in the romantic air.