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]

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.]

[puzzleshounen]

You're always taking care of everyone... sometimes it's important to think of yourself, you know?

[Quickly, Yuugi texts:

"Don't be upset with Marik, okay? I'll apologize to him properly tomorrow."

After a moment:

"I love you, Ishizu. So, so much."]

[duelistofserket]

Yes, you are correct...

How are you feeling?

["You don't need to apologize to him. You did nothing wrong."

"I love you too, Yuugi. I am sorry to have caused you so much distress."]

[puzzleshounen]

Better.

I... feel like I can think clearly. About everything.

[Another text:

"It's not so simple as 'right' or 'wrong', Shii-chan. It's about owning up to the fact that I made him uncomfortable, and wanting to discuss boundaries so I don't cross them again."

"Shii-chan... thank you. If... you feel lonely, I'm only a call away, okay?"]

I... am going to focus on my relationship with Ishizu for now. I...if Marik feels the same way, then we'll discuss it. I don't want to pressure him into anything or make him feel forced to do anything.

[duelistofserket]

I'm glad to hear it.

["He should have told us if he was uncomfortable."

"I will be fine tonight. You look after yourself and spend time with Odion."

Odion listens intently before crossing his arms and rubbing his chin.]

May I suggest something?

Mastet Marik has become very... codependent on Mistress Ishizu. If you focus exclusive on her, I feel he will become very possessive and resentful.

I believe you should spend time separately with him. Just the two of you. It will get him away from Mistress Ishizu and allow him to... figure things out on his own.

[puzzleshounen]

Mmmm...yeah, you're probably right about that...

I just don't want to have sex with him if he's only doing it for Ishizu's sake. I refuse to take advantage of him like that.

["You know as well as I do that Marik isn't good at vocalizing things, especially his feelings. I just want him to feel safe and not pressured into anything."

"Okay. ...Would I...be able to call you, though? If I'm feeling lonely?"]

That's why I want to talk to him first. Or at least...apologize properly. Because I need to take responsibility for my own part in this, too.

[duelistofserket]

That is reasonable. There is no point in being intimate if you two don't feel the same way. But as long as you spend time together, I believe he will warm up to feeling more for you. Mistress Ishizu's influence is strong though... I would prefer to see Master Marik grow rather than hiding behind one of us all of his life.

[Odion's indirect way of saying "my sister has been grooming him and it is holding him back."

"You are correct, yes. We will discuss this when you are ready."

"Of course, Yuugi. You can talk to me any time you like."]

If you feel you must apologize, I won't stop you, but I don't feel you did anything that needs one.

It is just a matter of getting my siblings to say what they mean and what they feel.

[puzzleshounen]

[Yuugi looks down at the text messages with a bit of a frown.]

Yeah, I...I can see that. She also doesn't seem to understand him very well. Or...give him much space.

[He doesn't show Odion the text messages, but it should be obvious that it's because of something she sent, since he's frowning at his phone.]

I love her, but I think...she's just as codependent as he is. She wants him to cling to her because she doesn't want to lose him.]

What they mean and not what they feel...yeah. That...that sounds like them.

[duelistofserket]

She doesn't. You are entirely correct that she's just as dependent on him. I feel that was the result of when we left the tomb... I'm surprised she went to the lengths that she did to get him back.

[Meaning Battle City was entirely orchestrated just so she could get Marik back.

Odion does notice the frown.]

Whatever you decide in the end, know I will always welcome your companionship, Yuugi.

[puzzleshounen]

I'm not.

[Yuugi laughs, though it's a bit humorless.

After getting to know Ishizu and Marik, it became obvious that saving the world was a secondary measure to saving Marik.

That woman would burn down the entire world and smile gently at the ashes for those she loved.

It was something Yuugi loved, despite himself: her determination and loyalty to her loved ones.]

Shii will play it cool, but she and Marik aren't that different in their single-mindedness and determination.

[A pause.]

Or manipulativeness.

[And he smiles: a brighter one this time.]

I know. And I'm... really glad, Odion. You're a great friend.

[duelistofserket]

I'm glad you've noticed that. Not many people can see through their behavior so clearly.

[The older Ishtar smiles as well.

A great friend. Him.]

... That is the first time anyone has called me such.

[puzzleshounen]

When you live with people a while, you pick up on things.

[Like how Ishizu liked to subtly seduce him into approaching her, or how she would simultaneously spoil and disregard Marik and his feelings.

Or how Marik would 'subtly' imply that he wanted to 'talk to Ishizu alone' when he wanted them to have sex without Yuugi.

Ishizu tried to always include Yuugi, and Marik always tried to include Ishizu.

They were a mess.]

Well, I'll just have to tell you that more often then, huh?

[duelistofserket]

That is true.

[They were a mess and had always been a mess.]

Thank you, Yuugi... If you are in need of anything, please never hesitate to ask. I'm more than happy to help you.