Weren't You the Queen, And I Your King (Mythship × Yuugi AU)

[puzzleshounen]

CW: Incest

[The Ceremonial Duel...

The day Yuugi and the Pharaoh were to part. Atem returned home to the Afterlife, and Yuugi... was left to continue living.

He was a stronger person now, really! Losing a part of him that was always there for three straight years? It was fine. It was what Atem wanted, so it was fine.

He said forever.

But he just wanted to go home.

It was fine.

It was fine.

Yuugi couldn't bring himself to return home with the others... and so here he was, sitting in the Ishtars' guest room, trying not to let them see him crying in bed with his face buried in the pillow.

It was fine.

It was fine.

Everything was fine.

The Ishtars were so good to him: Marik was a ball of life and energy, and Ishizu... she made him feel safe. Comforted.

That was why he couldn't let them see him cry. They couldn't let them see just how much the Pharaoh's passing had affected him.

He promised.

He promised him...a lot of things. Atem spoke kindly and told Yuugi he was all he needed. He talked about what they'd do together when he got his memories back: where they'd go, what they'd do...

How he loved him.

How he never wanted to be without him...

Was...

Was that a lie...?]

Comments

[duelistofserket]

I suspected it was something involving my siblings.

[He scoots forward on his bike.]

Come. I imagine it has been a while since you last ate. I know of a nice quiet restaurant we can go to.

[puzzleshounen]

[Yuugi sighs with a little smile; there's no way he's getting out of this, huh...?

He climbs on the bike.]

That... that sounds nice...

...

Thank you.

[duelistofserket]

No need to thank me, Master Yuugi.

[Unlike Marik, Odion drives much calmer, being extra careful with the rain.

Their destination is a cozy little family owned restaurant that serves traditional Egyptian comfort foods. The perfect place to go on a rainy day.

He parks and leads Yuugi inside, the two seated by the window to watch the storm in the comfort of indoors. They're brought tea while given time to look over the menus.]

Now... What is troubling you? What did Master Marik do this time?

[puzzleshounen]

[This time...]

N-no, he didn't...

[Yuugi shakes his head.]

It was my fault. I...misunderstood his feelings.

[duelistofserket]

His feelings are both complicated and simple. They always are.

You are more attached than he's ready for, I'm guessing.

[puzzleshounen]

...

[Yuugi flinches like he's been struck.]

Yeah. I... said something I shouldn't have and I assumed things I shouldn't.

I...don't want to push myself onto him or make him uncomfortable.

[duelistofserket]

You aren't pushing yourself on to him. Marik... does not know how to handle being loved by anyone other than our sister.

[He sips his tea.]

... Not that he ever thought she loved him like she does.

I imagine he is feeling overwhelmed on both fronts due to that.

[puzzleshounen]

Then shouldn't it be better if I just...leave them be? I make things...complicated.

And hard for him.

And for her.

[He wipes his eyes and tries not to cry.

But...]

I just... want them to be happy...

[duelistofserket]

Things would be complicated even without you, Master Yuugi. That is simply how the Ishtar family are.

For now, the relationship will be... rocky until the two are held responsible for their actions and accept what they're doing.

Mistress Ishizu loves you. That much I can tell. But Master Marik is her entire life. She does everything in her power to have him be hers.

Master Marik wants everything and wants to be loved by everyone but also does not truly understand what that love is. And that scares him.

[A pause.]

It is entirely up to you what you decide to do but know if you remain, you have a lot to wade through with them.

[puzzleshounen]

I...

[On one hand: he understands. He understands that selfish love better than anyone. On the other... what they're doing is unfair to him.

It's not just unfair, it's...cruel.

He's still...recovering from his own loss, and giving him false hope isn't what he wants.

What he wants is...

Transparency. Honesty...]

It's not right to force her to choose.

And...

[He sighs.]

Even if I was cruel enough to force that choice...My heart wouldn’t be able to take the answer.

But...I love them both. I can't... even if I know it's the right decision, I can't bring myself to...!

[He holds his head in his hands, sobbing quietly.]

[duelistofserket]

[Odion frowns, reaching across the table to rub Yuugi's shoulder.]

I am sorry that... you've been burdened with yet another complicated situation. This was the last thing you needed at such a delicate time.

If you need time away from them, I can book you a hotel room for the night. And I will remain with you so you are not alone.

[puzzleshounen]

I...I think I'll take you up on the hotel.

[Yuugi sniffles, trying to smile.]

But I...I think they need you more than me. I'll be okay alone.

Really.

[duelistofserket]

They will be fine.

[There's a sad smile.]

I cannot speak... so freely with them as I can with you.

[puzzleshounen]

[Yuugi's eyes widen a moment... then soften.]

Stay with me, then. I... like talking to you. The real you.

[He grabs his hands and squeezes them with a smile -- a real one this time.]

You're my friend, and I...won't say no to spending the night with a good friend.

[duelistofserket]

[He bows his head respectfully.]

Thank you, Master Yuugi. I must admit... it will be good to spend time with you away from the others.

[puzzleshounen]

Just call me Yuugi, Odion.

[Yuugi taps His forehead, not unlike how he would reprimand Marik.]

You aren't subservient to me or your siblings. You're your own person!

[duelistofserket]

Yuugi... Very well.

[Not subservient to his siblings... They still treat him as such even if things have gotten a bit better.]

Order whatever you would like. It's my treat.

[puzzleshounen]

[Yuugi grins.]

Then I'm gonna have the kofta! I always held back from eating meat around Ishizu and Marik, because I know they're uncomfortable with it...

[But he likes meat. He eats so much of it at home...]

[duelistofserket]

[He chuckles softly.]

Ah, kofta does sound quite good... It's been a long time since I've had it. Let us get that as well as bread and baba ganoush then.

[puzzleshounen]

[Yuugi laughs, big and bright.]

Yes! That's perfect!

[He had to stop himself from suggesting to get something for Marik and Ishizu -- not tonight. This is his night with his friend.]

Are there places to play games around here? We could play a few before going to the hotel room.

[duelistofserket]

[It's good to see Yuugi truly happy again.]

Hmm... Casino games, yes...

[He takes a moment to consider.]

I believe I know a game store. It isn't as nice as the ones in Domino. We could always Duel here as well. The owners don't mind.

[puzzleshounen]

[Yuugi's eyes light up, and for a while...

He can forget his pain. His fears... and just be himself.]

I'd be honored to duel you. Hell, let's play all kinds of games tonight! The night is young, after all!

[duelistofserket]

[Which is what Odion figured he needed. Someone to simply be himself with. No need for complicated relationships, no secrets.

Just two friends having fun.

Odion smiles.]

That sounds like a good plan to me, Yuugi.

[Odion and Yuugi spend the next few hours eating, exploring the city, and getting to play and try different games out. With the rain, most places are empty, leaving them to be left alone.

It's the most fun Odion's had in... his entire life, honestly. Spending time with his siblings is nice but to be with someone who sees him as an equal, doesn't need to wear a mask around him...

Is this what it's like to have friends that truly care for him?

They eventually get to the hotel, Odion checking them in, and taking them up to their room. It's far nicer than one would expect with two full beds, a fridge, TV, and full bathroom.

The eldest Ishtar looks out the window for a moment before turning back to face Yuugi.]

Thank you, Yuugi, for tonight. It has been incredible.

[puzzleshounen]

[It has, hasn't it...?

Going out with a good friend and playing games was exactly what he needed after all of this; a distraction from the pain and the heartache that had been pressing against him for...

If he could be honest, since this relationship started.

It was small at first, but then it grew and grew and just imploded on itself, and with space came clarity. And clarity came...

Clarity came understanding.

Did Ishizu love him? Odion thought so. She certainly acted like she did.

And Yuugi loved her. He loved Marik, too.

But Marik didn't love him back.

And that...That was okay. He just couldn't touch him like that or give in to Ishizu's threesome fantasies so long as Marik had no interest in him like that. Sex made things messy and complicated, and if Marik wanted to be with him, he could. But if he didn't...that was okay. It was whatever made him happy.

Love them, let them go. Or however it went.

(Like with Atem.)

It was convincing Ishizu that would be the hard part...

Yuugi flopped on one of the beds, arms stretched.]

Yeah...I haven't had that much fun for a while. Whenever you're up for it, we can always do this again, Odion. Guys' night out, you know?

[Though, before he forgot...

He turned on his phone and quickly sent Ishizu a text:


[Hey, I'm safe. I hope you're doing okay.]]

[duelistofserket]

[Odion walks over to and sits down on the other bed.]

Yes. That sounds good. We should do this more often. I... daresay I needed this as well.

[Yuugi receives a text back:

Odion let me know. I'm glad you're safe. Please take care of yourself tonight.]