Κα΄Ι’Ιͺ α΄α΄α΄α΄α΄ βζ¦θ€ιζ―β (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
inheritedpuzzle) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
synthneon2021-06-01 12:07 am
inheritedpuzzle) wrote in synthneon2021-06-01 12:07 am
Entry tags:
YGO PSL | β if i told you that you're not alone, and i show you this is where you belong. β
INSOMNIA REDUX
( continued from here. you wouldn't believe how hard it is to find gifs of yugi and atem together and it's heartbreaking. it's all SHIPPING FANART. )
[ For Yugi, Lunafreya is an intimidating person. Not because she's cruel or throws around her power like the bullies in school did. It's more along the lines of how Atem is intimidating. Both can firmly put their feet on the ground and stand against any storm. He's the one that stands behind them and cheers them on. Is someone like that really worth bothering her when it comes to his wounds? It's a stupid thought, and he knows it, which is why he hasn't voiced it to his other self. ]
I'm pretty sure that if you asked she'd make the time too. You're the one that met her first!
[ He has no problem with it. He just wonders what it was that drove Atem out for a walk that night. ]
Maybe we should both ask her?
[ That makes things less intimidating. For some reason he can stare down gods, Shadow Games, and help fight the darkness in hearts, but this is difficult. He supposes it's because, deep down, he feels as if he should have been able to carry it for Atem. Now he needs to rely on someone else for it. When is he going to be able to do something without needing someone else to catch him? Maybe that's just the kind of person he is and he'll never be able to grow out of it. ]
There has to be somewhere we can start looking...
[ Atem already went to the exhibit with TΓ©a, so that feels like it is off the table. Yugi can't even begin to think of how to get back in touch with the Tomb Keepers. Shadi has disappeared without a trace -- no one has even really heard from Pegasus. He sighs and looks over at the Millennium Puzzle hanging off the side of the headboard.
Because, where else is a teenager going to place his ancient mystical item?
He turns properly to look at the Pharaoh. They've talked so frequently that he doesn't even see him as a ghost. Atem is there and real as he would be in flesh and blood to Yugi. It doesn't matter if they talk like this, or if Yugi is the displaced one, or if it's in one of their soul rooms. There's a frown on his face now and a sigh in his expression. ]
But, you're not really a part of me... are you? [ Maybe it's time to talk about this properly. ] Not like we thought at first. You're someone that had his own life. You ruled over people and armies! You might have even built temples or the pyramids. I want you to stay here with us. That means you get a say in what we do from this point on, Other Me.
[ Because there is this nagging feeling deep down that one day Atem is going to want to leave. Yugi has no idea when it will be, or what will cause it, but it's a sense deep in his heart. One morning, the Pharaoh will just want to return to wherever he was supposed to go instead of being trapped inside the Millennium Puzzle. He's been trying to brace himself and prepare himself for that day and wear a brave face like the Pharaoh does. It's... he just can't.
What he can do is read anything he can find on Ancient Egypt. He'll dig wherever he can to see if it triggers something in the memories of his brother figure. If that fails? Then, he can help him make more new memories. ]
As long as you want to stay here with all of us.
sputter sputter Yugi what did you just do?! /there's a soap bubble on his nose, thanks for that
Well, maybe when the two of you have some time, you could ask him about it. I'm sure that if he knew you had questions, he would try and answer them.
[ Yugi's grandfather has always seemed like a polite sort of person, and of course, it's clear that he cares a lot about Yugi. So it's easy for Atem to imagine that he wouldn't mind answering his questions.
But then Yugi resumes reading off the information about Cleopatra and what happened to her, and Atem falls silent so he can listen properly. When Yugi goes quiet in turn, he glances at him, eyebrows raised. ]
Is something the matter? [ But then he continues, and he just resumes listening as Yugi reads. ]
She killed herself? [ He frowns at that, not because he doesn't understand, but because he's already put it together: if she was the last Pharaoh, then that means the ruling line came to an end with her death, and so did the kingdom.
He looks at the picture of modern Alexandria, and then he folds his hands together with a sigh. Whatever he was expecting to learn from this search, that wasn't it.
But he realizes that Yugi is still looking at him, and he straightens himself up, his customary neutral expression falling back into place. ]
It isn't your fault, Yugi. You couldn't have known.
[ Neither could he, but for reasons he doesn't quite understand, the revelation that the last Pharaoh died and the kingdom came to an end has shocked him more than he'd expected it would. ]
i won :D swap and do the dishes
He probably would. I just don't know how to ask.
[ Bringing up the subject of dead friends seems like digging at a wound. It isn't necessarily awkward, but, he doesn't know the best way to go about it. Just like he has no idea how to go about really talking to his other self about his country of origin. Even two thousand years ago is ancient history -- things to be talked about in the past tense.
But, how long ago does that feel to Atem? ]
... Yeah. I guess she'd rather take control of the situation then be shown off as a conquered monarch. [ Still, he imagines that must not come off as the best way for a fellow king to pass away. Maybe old age, or battle, or even illness would have been better.
There's more to it, but, Yugi doesn't want to share it. Cleopatra's heir was killed just two weeks later. That is really the end of the line of Pharaohs, but, the heir was never properly crowned. Which means everything else about that civilization just... slowly died off.
He watches his best friend go through the emotions. Sometimes he wishes Atem wouldn't fall back into the dignified role of a Pharaoh around him. But, can he really help that? It might just be so ingrained him that he can't help it. ]
You had to be Pharaoh before her though. We just need to figure out when that could of been. [ Because, he's determined not to leave it on a sour note. The whole situation is sad, but, that doesn't mean that what happened to Cleopatra is the end of their journey.
He clicks back to the search engine and types the next name. It takes a few times, because the name is even more exotic than Cleopatra's. Though, once he's sure he has the spelling right, he puts the name in: γγΏγ³γ«γΌγ‘γ³. Instantly the search brings up a brilliant golden death mask. ]
I think he's even more famous than Cleopatra. [ Yugi points to the mask. Of course he knows a little of it, but, he can't imagine it's easy for Atem to see his heritage and culture on display behind glass or in pictures. ] King Tutankhamun--[ his face scrunches up as he knows he's said that wrong, ]--and they've shown him around museums everywhere.
[ He clicks on a link before looking everything over. It matches more or less with what he's heard of in the past. ]
They called him "The Boy Pharaoh." He was only nineteen when he died.[ which sends a shiver up his spine. That's only three years older than him. ] But, that's not why he's famous.
hold on, how did I lose? .... Hmph. I guess you win this time.
But when one's soul is on the line, he'd rather place himself in harm's way rather than see anything of that nature happen to his friend. ]
When you feel that the time is right, and you're ready to ask, the words will come to you. I'm sure of it.
[ Yugi may be young, but he has his own brand of wisdom to go along with that core of strength. And of course, as his friend and partner, Atem has full confidence in him and his ability to discern when the right time to ask his questions is.
As to the subject of time periods, he's finding it difficult to know how he should feel. He has heard, as they both have, that around 3000 years ago, he was the ruler of Egypt. And then if what they've found online can be believed, Cleopatra died 2000 years ago. Trying to tease out the significance of all this only makes his head begin to hurt, so for the moment, he puts aside the dates and times and just focuses back on Yugi and the information he's finding. ]
I understand. She had to make a hard choice, a choice that I'm sure she didn't want to make. [ Part of him respects the decision she made, to put an end to things on her own terms, but another part of him wishes that she could have gone to her rest naturally, or perhaps even having a brave death in battle.
That brave face that he wears so easily just seems to slip into place of its own accord, born out of a habitual need to mask his true feelings, as befitting of a king. Never mind that this former king has no recollection of being one, but the past is not so easily shaken off, apparently. ]
Is that something that we can figure out? All we have is a vague number from the past, not even an actual date. I don't mean to dismiss the thought, because I would like to learn that, if possible, but-
[ From what he can tell, with the limited information they have, that doesn't seem very possible to him.
But he decides to leave the twists and turns of that for another time, because now Yugi's looking up another Pharaoh, and Atem can't help but snap to attention when he sees that golden mask appear on the screen.
Is it strange to see relics from his past featured so plainly? Yes. It's even stranger to think that countless numbers of people pay to see these ancient items, whether out of idle curiosity or genuine interest. It's a thought that he doesn't quite know what to do with. ]
The Boy Pharaoh. [ He muses over that title, and the Pharaoh's name, but as with Cleopatra, there's no familiarity or recognition. ]
So what is it that makes him famous?
>:D YESSSS finally
The words are encouraging enough to make the teenager smile just a bit. He knows that, ultimately, the conversation will come up when it's time. That seems to be how everything in his life operates now. Destiny throws things at him on a curve ball at will and all he can do is go along with it. Well -- fine. If that is how it's going to be? Then he'll do it. ]
I wonder if she realized that it would mean the end of her kingdom too?
[ He doesn't know enough about Rome to really know if Egypt would of existed outside of Rome even with a Pharaoh. It seems far more complex than he really first expected. Maybe that's just how it is for kings and queens. It isn't just about their kingdom, but the kingdoms around them. ]
Vague numbers can at least point us in the right direction! If it can show us something that might look familiar to you, it'll narrow it down. [ At least that is the idea he is going with and he isn't backing down. Not until every option has been exhausted. ]
Uhm, well, it isn't so much what he did as Pharaoh... [ Yugi scrolls down to point to the black and white photographs. ] It's more what they found.
[ He pauses then, thinking maybe he should explain what he does know of archeology. Which is really a small textbook amount. ]
Archeologists will try to dig through mountains, the ground, anything they can to learn about the way people lived thousands of years ago. Not everything survived all the wars and way nations have changed. So, at some point, they started to try and find old temples, palaces, and tombs to understand the Ancient Egyptians. [ Yugi nods to the screen. ] I don't know much yet, but, Tutankhamun was one of the few Pharaohs they found with an undisturbed tomb. All his personal items, funeral items, mummy... it was all untouched and perfectly preserved. It somehow made it through centuries of grave robbers and was never found.
[ He points to another picture. ]
I don't know when or why, but, they stopped burring Pharaohs inside pyramids and moved them into the Valley of the Kings. That's where they found Tutankhamun's tomb.
[ Yugi pauses then, waiting to see if any of it sounds familiar to Atem. Maybe not the name of the Pharaoh, but the pictures? He had a tomb -- didn't he? Somewhere? So, maybe some of the items they found inside the Pharaoh's tomb would look familiar. The gods, the way the hieroglyphs were, or even a chair. It seems like a grasp at straws, but, anything is better than nothing. ]
yes, yes, enjoy it, Yugi.
When Yugi smiles, Atem's own smile grows wider. He wants to see Yugi be happy, and wishes he didn't have to carry the worries that he does because of their involvement with this card game and the often unexpected dangers it brings along. But he supposes that one can't have a life that's worth living and not have a little bit of danger. ]
I wonder... I suppose that in a way, she might have, and if it all had to end, at least she could make sure it ended on her terms. If I were in her position, I might have done the same, however hard it would be to make that choice.
[ He's not overly pleased to learn that the kingdom ended, even if he can't remember living there, much less being its Pharaoh at one time. But to go on living in thrall to another? He doesn't think he could do it, so he thinks he understands Cleopatra's choice. ]
Yugi, I appreciate your determination, but nothing may come of this search. [ He doesn't wish to dissuade him entirely, but how are they supposed to find anything of significance when neither of them have anything concrete to go off of?
His train of thought is momentarily distracted as Yugi launches into an explanation about what he knows about archaeology and how it relates to Tutankhamun. ]
I see. [ He taps a finger against his chin a few times while pondering the implications of all this. He supposes that on one hand, he can understand why archaeologists would want to try and learn anything they could about the past and its history. Isn't that what they're trying to do now? Not with shovels, of course, but with Yugi's computer.
He looks at the pictures that Yugi points out, peering closely to examine every detail that he can see. The notion of grave robbers makes him frown, but at least this particular Pharaoh's tomb remained untouched until the researchers found it. ]
I can't help but wonder why they decided to make that change. [ He still has no memory of his past life, so of course, there's no reason why anything should spark recognition in his mind, but something about the Valley of the Kings resonates with him, without him really knowing why. It most likely is nothing, but he finds himself drawn to the picture on the screen. ]
I- [ He cuts himself off before he gets too far, trailing off into silence again, because surely the thought that's come to mind is a far-fetched one at best. Yugi mentioned grave robbers before, so he supposes it's fairly likely that if he did have one, it's been ransacked by now. Not that he'd know enough to identify it as his. ]
oh, i'm gonna, and you're gonna have fun figuring out how to do the dishes for a week. no cheating!
That might be cheating if you squint. ]
Nothing might come out of it, but we have to try something. [ There's a lot more than something though. He's going to try every single idea he can think of. Maybe if they could figure out why Atem's memories were sealed to start with... that is something they may never know though. So, start with the easiest solutions. ] I don't know a lot of Western history, but, we can learn together.
[ It's nice to have something between the two of them other than dueling. Not that dueling is an issue. Just the fact there is something they can share beyond that is comforting in a way. ]
What is it?
I- don't see that there's much to figure out. I'll just switch with you when it's time.
And try not to break anything.Yugi's schemes are never crazy, not in Atem's mind. There's always thought behind every card that he picks, and it's almost as though he can see the threads of Yugi's strategies unfolding with each one.
Perhaps it is a bit like cheating, but isn't their arrangement and their partnership a little unusual? He can't imagine any Duel Monsters officials would know what to put in their rule books if they were aware of what goes on between himself and Yugi. ]
Well, as long as you're willing, then I am too. But I hope you won't exhaust yourself just because of me. [ It seems that he can't quite ever manage to turn off the concern he has for Yugi, but he wouldn't want to even if he could. ]
Learning alongside you would be good, yes. [ He's thinking along similar lines as Yugi is, because dueling has always been something that bonds them, but he agrees: it will be nice to have something else that they can share. ]
I was only wondering if somewhere, whether in that valley or elsewhere, my tomb can still be found.
[ He imagines that it's unlikely, and that thinking otherwise is foolishness. ]
have fun with sponges and garbage disposals! :D
The mental image of Atem doing dishes is killing mePart of him wishes there is a way to duel his other self. Not to beat him, or to prove something to him. Just for fun. They've always made strategies together based off what cards they think work best together, their favorites, synergies, and even what they think their biggest rivals might play. It'd be fun just to play a game with him with no stakes or no needing to save the world.
Like brothers do. ]
I'll be fine. Really, Other Me.
[ He understands and appreciates the worry that Atem has for him. But, there has to be a time where he steps up and does something for the spirit of the Millennium Puzzle. Even if it is something as small as reading historical pages on the internet.
Yugi blinks once, then twice. His Grandpa never mentioned where he found the Millennium Puzzle -- only that he won it after Shadow Games and proved himself to Luna's grandfather. ]
We should ask Grandpa.
..... sponges I can manage, but garbage disposals??
same. 100% sameA duel between the two of them would be one of the greatest moments of Atem's life, if he's being completely honest. The fact that it wouldn't be a test of either of their strengths, with nothing dire or life-altering on the line, but something done just for fun makes that an incredibly appealing idea. If there was a way for them to do that, Atem would certainly jump at the chance.
He'd argue that there's never been brothers quite like the two of them. The bond they share is something special, something rare, and he wouldn't pass it up for anything in either this world or the world he came from. ]
Of course you will, but that won't stop me from worrying.
[ He knows he doesn't need to say that; his actions speak clearly enough on that subject on their own, but he wants Yugi to hear it anyway. ]
Now I'm not sure if we should.
[ He would like to know the answer to his question, but he'd also hate to trouble Yugi's grandfather with it. And what if he doesn't have the answer?
It's a silly question anyway, something only a sentimental fool would ask. Logically, Atem knows that the chances of his tomb being there and still in its original condition are quite low indeed. But even with all of that, there's a part of him that still wonders and longs to know, or even to see photographs of it, just like the pictures they've already seen thus far. ]
After all, there are other more important things we should be focusing on.
[ Yes, in the end, Atem still believes that other things must come first, even before searches such as the one they're conducting together. ]
have fun :D :D :D
/date night dishes thread nowMaybe they can find a way to do it. There has to be some way that someone can help communicate if the two of them wanted to do something like it. Or, there's always video games! It might not be the same as playing against one another, but, he has a few that he could share with Atem. There's enough winnings from Battle City that they could even buy a new system... that's a thought.
He'll have to as Joey and Tristan what games they recommend.
A playful remark is about to leave him when Atem turns the idea down. He frowns, his eyebrows turning upwards at it. What other things do they have that are more important now? They have the God Cards, and they can find a way to restore Atem's memories. In Yugi's mind, that's the most important thing.
After all, what earth shattering thing could happen next?
Still, with that far away look in the eyes of his other half... Yugi decides it might be best to let the subject rest for now. Maybe it'd be better to bring a lighter tone back to the conversation. And, well, he can't help but be curious about one little thing... ]
More important things. [ Yugi tilts his head back and pretends to think about it. Then, he leans slightly towards Atem with a mischievous look glinting in his eyes. ] Like... going on another date with Luna?
[ He says 'another' because really, what else would their first meeting be? Late night drinks together, long conversations? That sort of sounds like a blind date to him. ]
no, I don't think I'll have fun at all. >:(
totally going on the list of thread ideasIf nothing else, at least Atem could watch Yugi play video games and be astonished by the sight of it. Dueling arenas and duel disks might be impressive on their own, but video games are a whole other story.
And he doesn't mean to be discouraging any more than he wants to make Yugi think that he doesn't want to ask Solomon what he knows. There's a small part of him that's afraid of what they might learn, and while there's very little in either world that he's afraid of, even he has to admit that he's a little apprehensive.
So, he's just going to fall back on the idea that there are other important priorities that they need to pursue first, and then maybe they can revisit this one. ]
No, that- That wasn't entirely what I had in mind. [ He doesn't often look abashed, and Yugi may not be able to tell because of Atem's ghostly appearance, but there's a hint of red creeping up his neck. ]
Yugi, wouldn't you like to do something else besides dueling in tournaments and going from one dangerous encounter to the next?
[ He won't fault his partner at all if he answers that question with a yes. Atem can easily imagine that his own life as Pharaoh was one that was filled with danger, but that doesn't have to be the case for Yugi. ]
:'D /goes to nap bye
/makes big piles of thoseOf course it isn't what he had in mind. Yugi's more aware than anyone that Atem focuses on the road in front of them. He calculates their next steps, tries to assess the future danger. Yugi wonders how much that is from being a Pharaoh... and how much of that is who Atem always has been. It's hard to say without memories, but, Yugi likes to think that more of Atem's mannerisms and who he is are a part of who he really is.
The playful look leaves his face as he looks down. Do something else other than the life he's known since he put the Puzzle together? Of course. There are tons of things he wants to do, but they all revolve around his friends -- including Atem. How can he put that without it coming off horribly wrong?
Especially when it comes to TΓ©a.
He knows that she said she's fine with him being him, and not his other self, but he also knows how she looks at Atem. He knows there has been a draw, and he namely keeps quiet about it. What could he say - that he's jealous? No, not really. Yugi has always been the small one to protect and care for... she even does it to a degree. There can't be much that's attractive about that. Even if he'd like to go on a date with her and try to see if she could really separate him and Atem. He also just knows it's a bit pointless. People's hearts do what they do.
That's why he tries to encourage Atem to listen to his own heart. Maybe that's harder for a Pharaoh to do. Maybe it's because Atem's soul room is endless doors and stairs everywhere. Or, maybe, Atem is holding back because of him. That's the last thing that Yugi wants. He knows things are limited, and there is only so much that can happen, but he doesn't want Atem to feel as if he can't have something outside the two of them.
His fingers brisk the top of the keyboard. ]
There's plenty I want to do. [ He frowns. ] Grandpa said that being the owner of the Millennium Puzzle means constantly tried, didn't he? That means, to some degree, that's how my life is going to be. It'll be one thing after another and I need to learn how to shoulder that.
[ It's something Battle City taught him.
Yugi finally looks back up at Atem. ] You need to be honest too, Other Me. Not just to me but to yourself. There's things you want to do outside of dueling and wondering what is going to happen to us next.
[ Maybe he shouldn't say it -- maybe it does need to be said. If anything, Atem will at least know where Yugi stands on the subject. Even if he doesn't get an answer about it all tonight? It might be something that Atem thinks over at least. ]
Everyone might think I don't notice things because I'm quiet when you're out, but, I do. I notice more than any of you realize. I know that TΓ©a likes you. I've known her most my life, and she's never seen me the way she sees you. It's why I left the two of you alone that day for a date. I figured that it might help you when you have no memories, and it would give TΓ©a time with the person she sees as more than a childhood friend. [ It stings to admit it out loud... but there it is. He's not jealous, he's not mad. There's a tone of acceptance in his voice. ] But... I see how you look at Luna. Maybe you don't realize it, or don't want to, but you look at her the same way. You like her, and I think she likes you too.
So, be honest about it. If you want to talk to her more, or see her more? I don't mind. [ The smiles doesn't quite reach the corners of his mouth, but he's very serious. ] You should go after it if that's what you really want. There's something else besides dueling in tournaments and the next encounter - right?
huff. fine >:( >:(
Being the Oracle carries responsibility with it, and as such, it isn't difficult for him to imagine that she doesn't often have time for other pursuits such as going on dates. Perhaps she even has someone else that she's interested in, someone who isn't a spirit without form most of the time who also has no memories of who he truly is. Either way, it isn't difficult for Atem to convince himself that he and Lunafreya are on very different paths in their respective lives. ]
Neither you or your grandfather are wrong, of course. It's best for you to be prepared for whatever might come, as much as you can. But- [ He knows how this will sound, and that Yugi will most likely tell him he should follow his own advice. ]
You are still young, and you should be able to enjoy living and spending time with your friends. [ From Atem's perspective, his time for that has long since passed, but Yugi is still in the prime of life.
But he nods slowly, because Yugi isn't wrong there either. ]
I admit that there are times when I find myself thinking of other things I would like to experience, but I believe that I am here to support you during duels, of course, but outside of them as well.
[ Perhaps he was too forward when he took control of Yugi's body and went for that walk that led to his meeting Lunafreya. It didn't occur to him until well after that meeting that perhaps he'd been a bit selfish in doing so.
But he pauses that train of thought and focuses back in on Yugi. ]
I suppose you're not wrong about TΓ©a, but don't you think that if the two of you spent some time together, you might learn more about each other and attraction might begin to grow? [ He's hardly one to speak on this subject, but he can also see that Yugi likes TΓ©a as well, and perhaps that day that he set the two of them up on a date was a hard day for him indeed. Sometimes Atem wishes he were even half as selfless as his other half, because more often than not, he puts him to shame. ]
What would happen if I simply stayed inside the Puzzle for a day or two and let you and TΓ©a spend some time together? Because I see the way you look at TΓ©a too, Yugi.
[ But he's not merely trying to deflect, just trying to be less self-absorbed and think more of others, just like Yugi does. ]
I suppose you're right, but I think, this time, you should go first. Ask TΓ©a if she'd like to spend the day with you and see what happens from there.
[ A similar smile crosses Atem's face, but he too is completely serious with his suggestion. ]
no subject
Well, he did, until just now.
He's still pretty sure that if they asked to spend time with Lunafreya she'd say yes. ]
I enjoy all the time I have with my friends, including you. I just.. don't know where I want to go when everyone else seems to. But, I'm sure I'll figure it out.
[ As all he really wants to do is live in the present and not have things change. He finally got his wish, and there's a part of him that still isn't ready to let it all go and grow up.
He doesn't mind if Atem needs time to walk around and simply be. Even if that means needing to control his body and walk around aimlessly. They both share the body, so that means they should both have equal time with it if needed. All he asks is that if something happens he knows about it. ]
What kind of things do you want to do?
[ He could really just flip the conversation and say that supporting him is by Atem having something of his own. But, well, he hopes he won't have to. ]
We grew up together and spent plenty of time together. But... [ Yugi sighs and closes the laptop down with a frown. ] I'm just her childhood friend. You're the one that she's attracted to -- even before we knew we were separate people. She was trying to find ways to spend time with you. I thought maybe it'd be easier for you to open up to her than me because of it.
[ He forces a big smile then. Namely because it's something he doesn't plan on doing. TΓ©a would say 'Yes', but, it wouldn't really be a date. It would just be another day of hanging out with him like they always have. There's no reason to ask her when he knows that is the outcome. It's been the outcome and even though she says both of them are people she cares about... he knows the romantic feelings go towards the disembodied spirit sitting on the bed. ]
I already know what she'd say. So, there's no point to it.
[ And that is that. ]
I'm fine the way things are.
no subject
Of course, he laughs and smiles around TΓ©a as well, and of course he considers her a very important friend. But he hasn't connected with her the same way that he has with Lunafreya. And it's the fact that he's found someone with whom he can open up to that makes him want to try and help Yugi with TΓ©a. No, of course he won't force anything, but Yugi deserves to find happiness as well, perhaps even more than he does. ]
You have time to figure things out, Yugi. And I have no doubt that you will. You'll learn just what it is that makes you happy and fulfills you, and you'll rise to the occasion.
[ He hopes that Yugi doesn't interpret his words as mere platitudes, simply saying what he thinks he wants to hear. He means every word, and he's completely confident that Yugi will figure out what he wants to do with his life. And even if he just wants to live in the moment and enjoy what he has, there's really nothing wrong with that as far as Atem is concerned. ]
Well, I don't know. [ In a rare moment of hesitation, Atem raises a hand to idly rub the back of his neck while he tries to think about his answer. ] I suppose there is one thing I'd like to do. [ But he's never given voice to it before. ]
But thoughts can change, can't they? Perhaps all TΓ©a needs is to spend more time with you, in a setting with only the two of you. No distractions from anyone else, just you and her together.
[ And then when Yugi says that last part, Atem's expression turns into a frown, because he doesn't like what he's hearing. Has he really done Yugi such a disservice that he thinks he won't open up to him? If that's the case, then he's completely failed at being a good partner and friend to him. ]
Yugi, is that really how you feel? That it's hard for me to open up to you?
[ He hasn't forgotten the discussion about TΓ©a, but what Yugi has just said worries him. ]
no subject
I already know what makes me happy. Fulfilled? I don't know. I'm not like you or Luna. I don't have a grand destiny or role to fill. Outside of making sure the Millennium Puzzle is safe.
[ He's fine with that. Really. ]
What's that?
[ Because, he'd rather not talk more about the situation with TΓ©a. He knows how she sees him. So, the best thing he can do is just let it go. It'll take time, but, he figures it'll happen naturally and eventually. He doesn't even really address the comment about him and TΓ©a. ]
At the time. That's not how I feel now. [ He shakes his head. ] We really hadn't figured out how to talk to one another like this at the time. That night when I asked who you were... I think that was the first time we really talked about anything.
no subject
I'm sure that's something that will come to you in time. [ He can't really say that he's speaking from experience, because who knows what his experiences really are? But something deep inside him is telling him it's all right to speak with confidence on this subject.
And he can tell that Yugi really has no interest in continuing the conversation about TΓ©a, so for the moment, he decides to leave that alone.
I forgot what I was going to have him say.]Sometime when both of us have the time, I think that I would like us to have a duel. [ He knows how that sounds. It would be rather hard for one of them to have the time and the other not, but he knows Yugi will understand his meaning. ]
Not a duel in an arena, or using Kaiba's inventions, and not one with spectators. Just the two of us right here with our own decks and nothing on the line but an interest in-
[ He pauses, because he hasn't really thought about things as being for fun, but that's really what he wants to try. ] An interest in having fun.
[ It's an idea he's not familiar with, but he knows Yugi is, and he hopes that this proposed idea is something that appeals to his partner. ]
oh lookie there, this fits really nicely into future thread *ahem*
The inner thoughts are interrupted by the suggestion his other self gives. Yugi's head practically snaps up, eyes wide, and a child like light coming to his whole composure. Part of him has always wanted to duel Atem. Not to prove himself or show that he's just as good as him -- but just as a game. It feels like years since he's played Duel Monsters as a game and not some device to save the world.
How would it work? Who else can see Atem -- or him -- in order be a stand in? The logistics are enough to make his head spin. There has to be a way to do it though. It'll be something he figures out as they go forward. Even if it's just a way to figure out how to do it in their soul rooms. ]
I'd love to! [ Even that really doesn't properly put into words how much he'd leap at the chance to do this. ] We should make up our own decks. Or at least, write down what is in them. Just in case we ever get to!
oh would you look at that, it does
I'm not entirely sure how it would work, but between the two of us, I'm certain we can come up with something.
[ He offers Yugi a wide smile of his own at the suggestion about their decks. ]
That's a good idea, Yugi. If the chance presents itself at any point, at least we'll be ready.
[ He also intends to put some thought into how to turn their respective wish to duel each other into a reality. It'll be a challenge, but he's confident that they'll be able to work something out. ]
at least this thread ends happy DAMMIT
We'll figure it out.
[ This has to happen somehow. It's rare that he sees Atem with a smile like that on his face. Self-assured, ambitious, arrogant, and even embarrassed. However, joy? That's rare. It makes Yugi determined to have his other self smile like that more often.
He's been given a second life. He needs to live it to the fullest. As much as a dislocated spirit can anyways. So, duels with him, or a date with Luna? Yugi is going to find a way to make it happen.
He goes to speak about how he can roll over and go to sleep that way Atem can start working if he wants. He's more than aware that the spirit never sleeps, and, focusing on building a deck might give him something to do other than wander the endless maze of his soul room. Except, then, a beeping echoes in the room. Yugi leans around Atem - despite really not needing to - so he can look at the alarm on the phone.
It's already that early?
Yugi sighs and falls backwards on the bed. School.
Oh, right. He needs to text Luna too. ]
I guess the deck building will need to wait.