Blood and Soul

Friends

Yugi lays in his bunk. He was given blood to help with the recovering process. He takes a nap until Bakura comes in the room.

"Are you alright?" Bakura asks as he kneels by Yugi's bunk.

"Yeah," Yugi says softly, "I'll be alright."

"I heard what happened. That Atem is quite strong."

"And fast. I've never seen anything like it before."

"I think it's because he has you on his mind."

"You still think that Bakura?"

"I have a hunch."

"You didn't have Marik use hypnotism, did you?"

Bakura chuckles, "Of course not. I want you to find your Alpha. I see he likes you and just by acting yourself."

"Well, he didn't pick on me about my shortness."

It was somewhat of a sore spot for Yugi that he was below average to the other students of his year.

"Well I'll let you rest, but I'll make sure you get something to eat later."

"Thanks Bakura."

------X------

Seto?"

"Yes?"

"I've decided something."

Seto looks up from his textbook, "Decided on what Jo?"

"I'm... I'm taking birth control."

"You're on the pill? But, we're not active."

Jonouchi blushes bright red, "I... want to give..."

He clears his throat, "I want to give myself to you... in my next heat."

Seto looks around the room before leaning in, "Are you sure Love?"

Jonouchi nods, "I'm very sure. This isn't the time and place I wanted to tell you but I kept getting... sidetracked. Those sidetracks weren't times I wanted do such a thing, ya know?"

Seto smiles and reaches over to hold his lover's hand.

"You know I love you, right?"

Jonouchi smiles, "I love you too Seto."

------X------

There's a knock at the door.

"Come in," Yugi says quietly but loud enough to hear for the person on the other side of the door.

The door opens.

"How are you feeling?"

Yugi looks up, "Atem?"

Atem comes in with a tray.

"I asked Bakura is I could bring this. I hope you don't mind."

Yugi slowly sits up, "Thank you Atem. This is very nice."

Atem smiles as he sits on the edge of the bunk. He hands Yugi the tray. Yugi starts by taking a bite of the sandwich.

"Hey Atem?"

"Hmm?"

"How did you get so strong and fast?"

"I had special training back at my old home."

"Egypt, right?"

Atem smiles and nods.

"What's it like there? I've never been to Egypt."

"It's very nice. Warm. Summer can get quite hot. The conditions do make it hard to grow some plants so my mother made a little greenhouse. She uses it to grow different flowers. It's so colorful and- ...I'm sorry. I'm rambling."

"Don't be sorry, I enjoy listening to you."

Yugi finishes his sandwich before a slight pain comes to his head. He places a hand on his forehead as he winces.

"Yugi? You okay?"

"I'm fine. My head still hurts a little."

"Didn't they give you blood?"

"Yeah. I always drink animal so it takes a little longer."

"Always animal?"

Yugi nods and shrugs his shoulders, "I'm used to it so I guess I never really saw interest in living blood."

"You did take a hard hit though."

Yugi smiles at the concerned Atem.

"So you never had a taste?"

"I grew up on animal blood. What about you Atem?"

"I've had both, but living has a... sweeter taste."

"Sweeter?"

"I don't know how else to describe it. It just tastes better and has stronger effects."

Yugi tilts his head in thought.

"Here," Atem says as he pulls up his sleeve.

He offers his wrist to Yugi, "Try.

Yugi looks at the wrist then up at Atem, "But-"

"You won't hurt me I promise."

"Atem... we just met. I'm sorry... I feel this is a little... too fast."

"I suppose you're right," Atem retracts his arm, "I guess I'm just... already comfortable around you."

Atem blushes of embarrassment.

"It's okay Atem. You seem nice. I'd like to at least be friends.

Atem takes a moment before smiling.

Friends. It's a start.

"Friends."

Yugi smiles, "Friends."