Distance

Together

The next morning, Yugi rushed to get ready to head over to the Game Shop. When he arrived, Grandpa had already opened the store and Yami was hanging out in the shop with him. The two appeared to be having a fairly serious conversation based on their expressions. Yugi had come in through the house door which didn't have the bell to alert to a new customer in the shop. Because of this, neither of the two men standing at the counter had noticed Yugi's presence.

"I just don't think I deserve it." Yami said, a deep sadness in his voice.

Grandpa was frowning at him. "You do, my boy. You and Yugi both do."

Yugi hesitated at the sound of his name. Did he want to interrupt? He decided to pretend like he hadn't heard them talking as he cleared his throat and approached them.

"Good morning!" Yugi called cheerfully.

"Oh, hello Yugi!" Grandpa's serious face cracked into a smile.

Yugi could see through the suddenly forced smile that there was something up with the conversation the two had just been having. Yami didn't look over to greet Yugi.

"Ready to go out today?" Yugi asked to Yami who had remained silent, clearly still thinking about whatever he and Grandpa had been talking about.

"Sure, I just need to get my shoes." Yami responded.

Yugi got the feeling that Yami was avoiding making eye contact with Yugi.

"I'll wait here for you and we can leave out the front door." Yugi said.

Without looking over, Yami nodded and walked out of the shop and into the house portion of the building that Yugi had just arrived through.

Grandpa sighed as Yami walked away.

"You alright, gramps?" Yugi asked, frowning at the exhausted look on his grandfather's face.

"I'm alright, Yugi. I'm just an old man. My heart just wants to see people around me happy. I know you feel that way as well. But, trust me, Yugi, one day, hopefully, you'll understand that life is just too short to be unhappy. It's too short for regrets as well. When you want something... don't hesitate to go for it, or you'll never know what could have happened." Grandpa gave him a weary smile.

Yugi did his best to return the smile but he felt confused by his grandpa's words. Was Grandpa talking about Yami? Was Yami unhappy here? While Yugi's brain was puzzling over Grandpa's statement, Yami had returned.

"I'm ready." He said, still not looking at Yugi.

Yugi nodded, slightly frazzled at the new thoughts floating around in his head. He tried not to let his concern into his voice. The task was made more difficult by the downcast look on Yami's face. Yugi tried to ignore it for now.

"A-alright, we'll be off then. See you later, Grandpa! Just call if you need anything!"

"Likewise. Have fun you two!" Grandpa said with a smile and waved goodbye.

The two exited the Game Shop and began to walk towards downtown Domino. Yugi wasn't sure if he should ask Yami about the conversation he had been having with Grandpa. Looking over, he saw that the Pharaoh's face was still etched with concern.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Yugi asked before he could stop himself.

Yami finally looked over to Yugi. Yami's eyes held a sadness that Yugi couldn't quite understand. Yugi steeled himself. Ready for a rejection. Ready to be blocked out. Yugi turned his eyes forward, not wanting to let Yami see the reaction that he knew he wouldn't be able to stop if he was rejected.