[ Atem just remains silent then, sensing that everything Yugi's saying are thoughts and feelings that he needs to give voice to. But soon enough, he finds that he can't stay silent anymore, and the grip he has on his friend's hands tightens.
Of course it's true that he's still working through his own feelings and emotions, but he can push those away in favor of trying to help his partner navigate his own storm. He still has a long way to go before he'll feel like himself again, but suddenly, it's become clear to him that his own personal battles aren't as important as the emotions that Yugi is trying to brave his way through. And the thing is, he doesn't have to do it alone, because he intends to stand by him. ]
But you're so much more than just that, Yugi. You're your own person, and you have your own things that you need to do for you. And that includes taking care of yourself.
[ Atem's worry and concern for his friend just grows with every word he hears from him, and all the guilt that he's been trying to navigate fades into the background as he puts all his focus and attention onto Yugi. ]
Then don't do it. Do what you want to, not what you're expected to. [ And then he smiles, hoping to reassure him at least a little. ] And by the way: I'm going to stay right here. I won't be going anywhere. [ And he doesn't have to do anything, let alone leave. ]
You couldn't ever fail me. [ He won't be giving voice to this, because it's something he has to address, but he's the one who failed Yugi first, even though he's trying to move on from that. ]
I don't understand how I do it either. [ He means that too. ] I wouldn't be able to do anything if I didn't have you and all our friends behind me.
[ He's not certain if his words are helping, or if they're even reaching his partner, but he's trying. ]
Yugi, the only thing you have to do is to just be yourself. You won't be failing me, or letting me down.
[ You're only letting yourself down. Again, he leaves that thought unsaid, because he thinks it wouldn't help Yugi to hear it. ]
You've been a good friend, the greatest friend that I could have ever asked for.
[ He pauses for just a moment, and then he adds: ]
I wouldn't be where I am or who I am right now if our paths had never crossed. You are doing your part, and you have been this whole time.
[ Atem might still have his doubts about himself and his worth, but one thing he is completely clear on is that Yugi is doing more than enough just by being himself. ]
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Of course it's true that he's still working through his own feelings and emotions, but he can push those away in favor of trying to help his partner navigate his own storm. He still has a long way to go before he'll feel like himself again, but suddenly, it's become clear to him that his own personal battles aren't as important as the emotions that Yugi is trying to brave his way through. And the thing is, he doesn't have to do it alone, because he intends to stand by him. ]
But you're so much more than just that, Yugi. You're your own person, and you have your own things that you need to do for you. And that includes taking care of yourself.
[ Atem's worry and concern for his friend just grows with every word he hears from him, and all the guilt that he's been trying to navigate fades into the background as he puts all his focus and attention onto Yugi. ]
Then don't do it. Do what you want to, not what you're expected to. [ And then he smiles, hoping to reassure him at least a little. ] And by the way: I'm going to stay right here. I won't be going anywhere. [ And he doesn't have to do anything, let alone leave. ]
You couldn't ever fail me. [ He won't be giving voice to this, because it's something he has to address, but he's the one who failed Yugi first, even though he's trying to move on from that. ]
I don't understand how I do it either. [ He means that too. ] I wouldn't be able to do anything if I didn't have you and all our friends behind me.
[ He's not certain if his words are helping, or if they're even reaching his partner, but he's trying. ]
Yugi, the only thing you have to do is to just be yourself. You won't be failing me, or letting me down.
[ You're only letting yourself down. Again, he leaves that thought unsaid, because he thinks it wouldn't help Yugi to hear it. ]
You've been a good friend, the greatest friend that I could have ever asked for.
[ He pauses for just a moment, and then he adds: ]
I wouldn't be where I am or who I am right now if our paths had never crossed. You are doing your part, and you have been this whole time.
[ Atem might still have his doubts about himself and his worth, but one thing he is completely clear on is that Yugi is doing more than enough just by being himself. ]