The Burning Crimson Rose

09. Cruel Reality, or Beautiful Nightmare?

Domino Castle
12:03 AM, Midnight

Yugi's eyes slid open, awakening from his peaceful slumber only to notice a faint glow beside him. He slowly pushed himself up, rubbing the sleepiness from his eyes before glancing over, but it was there he saw a man kneeling before him, except he wasn't fully human. Yugi's eyes widened a bit when the man rose to his feet, opening his eyes to reveal them a striking crimson red. He had jet black, spiky hair, very similar to Yugi's, except it was trimmed with a deep red and his golden bangs also fanned up into the rest of his hair, whereas Yugi's did not. This man was also dressed in a tight, black, sleeveless top; a black, sleeveless vest with spikes on the shoulders; tight black pants with a red studded belt; what should be red and black boots, but looked more like clawed feet; black bands around his wrists; red bands around his upper arms; and a red choker around his neck with a strange gem on his forehead. As mentioned, however, this man wasn't exactly human. His hands and feet were more like claws, and he hand a red and black tail, like that of a dragon trailing behind him. For some reason though, upon gazing into those crimson eyes, Yugi couldn't help but feel like they were familiar, though couldn't figure out why. Before he could even think about why those eyes were so familiar though, the strange man spoke, his smooth, velvety voice running a chill up Yugi's spine.

"Good evening..." He greeted. "I have come to ask you a very important question, Yugi."

"Who are you, and how do you know my name?" Yugi then asked. "Also, you seem very familiar to me, like I've seen you before, but--"

The man suddenly cut Yugi off. "I'm sorry, but there is no time to explain. I am only allowed a few moments with you, so please, I must ask that you hear what I have to say." This astranged man hastily explained as Yugi climbed down from the large bed.

The boy then gave a simple nod, allowing the man to say what he wished. The man then drew in a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment before he spoke again, beginning his question he intended to ask. Yugi listened intently to what this man had to say, waiting in anticipation.

"Tell me, young man, how do you feel about the dragon king? Is he very important you?"

"Yes, of course." Yugi replied almost immediately. "Yami is one of the closest friends I have ever had. I feel like I could tell him anything because I know what it feels like to be alone in this cruel world..."

"In that case, answer me this then: In the event that he were to ask for your hand in marriage, what would be your answer? Would you wholeheartedly agree, or simply decline? Do not overthink the question and answer carefully."

In that moment, Yugi went into complete and total shock as this question had been asked. Why would Yami even ask him such a thing? It seemed...improbable, yet at the same time, Yugi somehow understood. Yes, it's true that he was developing new feelings for Yami, but he wasn't sure if he had returned them. Yugi had never felt so cared for, so cherished by anyone, and Yami had been there to give the love and care Yugi had always wanted. Never in his life had he felt so wanted, so understood by someone else... Yami truly did care for Yugi, that much, he knew, but even so, the thought of marriage? It seemed so sudden, yet at the same time, Yugi couldn't help but grin a bit at the thought. Spending the rest of his life with Yami? It almost seemed perfect... He didn't care if Yami was a dragon beast, because Yugi knew the truth about him, knew that his heart was in the right place. Yugi knew that if he had asked, Yami would get him anything he wanted at the drop of a dime, no questions asked because all he wanted was to see Yugi smile, to see him happy... He couldn't help but smile at the warmth that began to grow in his chest, and yet...he still had a small sense of doubt as well. He wasn't sure...

However, Yugi let his eyes close so that he could think over the man's question. Though, before he could give him an answer, he suddenly felt himself being pushed back toward a nearby wall. When he felt his back against said wall, Yugi's eyes shot open, only to find the dragon king himself hovering above him on that king sized bed, a small grin on his face. Yugi's eyes softened at seeing Yami, and was completely oblivious to everything for a brief moment, until he felt his arms being pinned above his head, Yami's tail wrapped around his wrists. Although, any normal person would've fought back, trying to free themselves, but not Yugi. It was almost as if he was paralyzed, those crimson eyes being the ones to make Yugi feel so...motionless. He didn't fight back, and instead, let out a soft moan when he felt the dragon king's hand slid up under his shirt against his bare torso, his scaly hand causing a strange, but somehow arousing sensation as he heard Yami purr into his ear.