synthneon | YGO PSL | ❝ i forget why i stay, and wonder if they'd notice if i slipped away. ❞

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YGO PSL | ❝ i forget why i stay, and wonder if they'd notice if i slipped away. ❞

			RAIN
		

( for once a post not continued from a meme!! we just continuing this hurt/comfort train down the way to hell. )

[ It was almost strange coming back home to Japan. It wasn't as if he had gotten used to being in America or their customs (or food - the size of the portions). More of it had to do with routine and getting back to normal day-to-day life. School work, tests, helping in the game shop. There were no tournaments, no life threatening situations. Strange is the word he guesses he'd put to it all if he had to find one. Somehow he had gotten used to the duels, the stakes, the adventure. Everything else is just... mundane.

That isn't the only issue, even though he'd like to point it to being the only one.

As the days go on and life returns to normal? The reality of time just becomes more apparent to him. Each day brings graduation closer. Graduation means the next step in their lives... and that means everyone will be going their separate ways. Usually Yugi can look past that. He can enjoy the time he has with everyone, but, it must be the combination of everything this particularly rainy autumn day. Graduation, what he'll do after school, and what he should do as the keeper of the Millennium Puzzle versus what he wants.

Autumn... graduation is in March. He'll be nineteen afterwards. It'll have been three years since he solved the Millennium Puzzle and woke the spirit that resides in it. Only three years. It feels like a lifetime, but, one he's glad to have had. A lifetime that he can't help but feel is going to be ending sooner rather than later despite what everyone around him says.

He knows everyone has noticed how quiet he has been the last few days. Atem still has been rather distant from everyone since they arrived back home. Yugi has decided not to bother his other self with what is going on in his head. Oh, he's sure Atem has sensed it and has even figured it out, but, he's still contending with his own issues left over from Dartz. Yugi doesn't plan to complicate that more with his own emotional battles. He'll have to rely on just himself if Atem ever leaves anyways...

Yugi steps into the entrance way of the school to grab his shoes. That is when he notices Anzu standing outside underneath the cover of the entryway. He looks down - making sure that she doesn't notice him - before trying to make the mental leaps on how to avoid her inevitable questions if he has been alright. He doesn't want to think about it. As far as he can tell, she has chosen which one of the two she likes, and he can't blame her for that. He knows she isn't going to take I'm fine as an answer too much longer. He doesn't want to think about how she'll be leaving shortly after graduation to study abroad - just like she has always wanted to.

Everyone has someplace and somewhere they plan to go but him. Even his other self has a destined path that moves him forward. Maybe all Yugi is meant to do is make sure each of them go where they're supposed to go. That might be his role in all of it. What is the point of all of it then? He finally makes the friends he wants and then has to see them all leave him behind?

He sighs and pushes down his frustration. It'll just bring more unwanted attention to himself. Especially from the spirit of the Pharaoh who is most likely worried but hasn't addressed it all.

Yugi closes the locker door and stares at the ground for a moment. With a sidelong glance at Anzu outside, he turns his back to the front doors. He supposes what he is about to ask is highly uncharacteristic, but, he's probably entitled to some alone time in his own soul room after everything.

'Other Me?' He gently calls out in their shared link. Part of him hates to ask this because it must seem spineless to a person that commanded armies and controlled a kingdom. 'Can you do me a favor?' ]

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[ It is an interesting transition, that much is certain. Their days are quieter now, and Atem spends a lot more time inside his soul room with nothing but his thoughts and the endless staircases for company. But he always comes out when he feels as though Yugi needs a listening ear, and although they haven't had as many late night talks these days, he always tries to be there for his partner when he needs him. It's clear to him that both of them have a lot on their mind, and that just means that they both have to support each other as much as they can.

Atem can't quite grasp everything that's significant about the passage of time and the seemingly looming event known as graduation, but he can tell enough about the way Yugi feels to know that a separation is coming, and that it's one Yugi dreads very much.

It's been on Atem's mind lately to try and speak to Yugi again when a chance presents itself, but so far, it hasn't. Until today, that is. It doesn't really surprise him when Yugi suddenly reaches out, but he's quick to snap to attention. If Yugi's reaching out to him in a place that isn't his room, then there must be something important going on.

He materializes beside Yugi, a look of concern on his face. ] Of course I can, Yugi. What do you need?

[ Important...? No, not really. Not in the sense of grand battles, gods, or magic battles. Just his thoughts as he tries to come to a conclusion of it all. He can't stop time, and he can't stop his friends from moving on if that is what they want to do. There has to be a resolution to how he feels about all of it, but, he can't seem to find one. He wishes it would just magically stop hurting.

His time sealed away brought back all those feelings of loneliness. He was able to beat back most of them out of the sheer trust and knowledge that his other self would bring him back. Atem did, as well as so much more. Yugi feels like he should be able to shake off the dread that keeps prodding him in the back of his head. It's still months away, and Atem is still present. There's no reason he should be feeling the way he does now as fall really starts to settle in.

Yugi can't even lift his eyes to look at his brother once he has joined him. Now that Atem is here? He can't help but feel his request is not only childish, but a bit stupid as well. They've barely spoken the last few days, and he's just going to ask his other self a favor? A frustrated frown tugs at the corner of his lips. Then, it disappears as fast as it arrived.

Not saying anything is just going to make his partner worry more.

'...can you take us home?'

He can't bring himself to explain why. The feeling of dread now is weighted down by a worry that Atem might find the request ridiculous. Atem knows the way, of course, so there's no worry of getting lost. Maybe Yugi is just judging himself too harshly and is worried that same judgement will be passed by the older spirit. ]

[ Atem believes that what he does is important, as are the things that they've done together, but he'll also be the first to say that Yugi's life and his accomplishments in it are every bit as important, if not even surpassing his own. It's one thing to follow your own destiny, but it's another thing to just live a life and forge connections and leave your mark on the world.

As far as Atem is concerned, he must have had other priorities that didn't include leaving his own mark, because he doesn't know who he is, and the world in general seems to have forgotten him as well. There must be a reason for that, but he has no way of knowing what that is.

If his new responsibility is standing beside Yugi as he figures out where he fits into this world and what kind of legacy he hopes to leave behind, then that's just fine with him. He's always known that Yugi needs a friend, and perhaps now that all the dangerous duels with stakes none of them could have ever anticipated are in the past, he can focus on being that to his partner.

He certainly isn't thinking that Yugi is ridiculous or childish; in fact, he wishes sometimes that he could be more like him. He doesn't know what happened in his past, but he just has a feeling that something compelled him to grow up far too quickly. He's just happy that Yugi still retains a lot of his childhood innocence even though he's very clearly no longer a child. He wants him to hold onto that for as long as he can. ]

Take us home? [ He looks surprised for a moment, but that surprise softens into a kind of understanding. ] Of course, but I hope you'll let me ask you one question first: are you all right?

[ If his gaze could drop further into the floor it would. It is the one question he was hoping Atem wouldn't ask -- even though he knows better. How should he answer? He knows there's no point in lying because Atem can tell right away. But, he doesn't want to necessarily talk about it like this or right now. Especially when he's voiced everything several times. It's just that now everything is bundling up together at once into a horrible mangled ball. One that he knows he needs to start unwinding or it'll just get worse.

'...I'll be alright.'

He has his own things he has to do as the keeper of the Millennium Puzzle and vessel to the Pharaoh. Things that only he can do. If Atem and Lunafreya can push past their own emotions and perform their duties? Then, he has to find a way to do that too. He knows he can't keep clinging onto Atem forever. He has to face the fact that there might come a day when his other self is ready to move on.

Yugi closes his eyes and his shoulders sink further. Why does he have to even get ready to say goodbye to any of them? Why can't he do this as easily as he sees Atem and Lunafreya do it? Why do things have to change? Why is he still so childish after all of this? It's just a constant back and forth in his mind of different questions from both point of views.

'I have to be.' ]

[ Atem doesn't need to hear those specific words from Yugi to know that everything is not, in fact, all right. He can hear it in his tone of voice and see it in the way he's carrying himself. Something is on his partner's mind, and it's worrying him very much.

But he also knows that to ask Yugi a variety of questions about what is really going on with him might only cause his partner to retreat further, still putting on that brave face that isn't exactly necessary. If they can't talk plainly to each other, even when things get bad, then who can they talk to? ]

You know that you don't always have to be all right. It's all right if you fall sometimes. [ Of course, he reasons that Yugi could just have a touch of the blues, and that he'll bounce back in time. But if there's something deeper going on, he wants to let Yugi know that it's all right. After all, Atem himself fell hard not that long ago, and while he's still picking up the pieces, he's trying his best to move forward. ]

When you're ready, Yugi, you can always talk to me, or any of your friends. I know that each one of them would gladly spend time with you if you need their support.

[ He intends to offer all of his support too, in hopes that whatever seems to be bringing his friend down, that load he's carrying will lessen a bit. And as for any concerns that he may be leaving soon, Atem has come to the conclusion that he is not ready to go, not just yet. There are still things to do here and still people who need him for various reasons.

So as long as he remains present here, he intends to help Yugi navigate the storm that seems to be threatening him. It's only fair, after all; he had help when he had a storm that he was going through. Yugi should get the same consideration. ]

I'll bring us home. Don't you worry about that.

[ He nods. It doesn't feel like he can go to any of his friends at the moment. They'd reassure him that their bonds won't be broken and that they'd always be friends. Yugi doesn't doubt any of that. In fact, he very much believes it. He just feels the point he'd try to make is what is ultimately missed. That's why he hasn't mentioned it to any of them. His other self might be the only person that really understands.

'I don't want to talk about it here.'

It's too easy for any of their friends to walk up and interrupt them. As it is, he knows Anzu is still standing outside underneath the entrance watching the rain fall. Out of anyone? She is the one he wants to avoid the most right now. Not because he is angry at her or jealous that her romantic feelings are to someone else. He just knows that he can't put up the happy face that she's used to seeing. There's no need to burden her with his insecurities more than he already has.

Yugi quickly glances towards the entrance. He doesn't point out Anzu standing there waiting, but more the fact it's raining. Just so it doesn't catch the spirit by surprise. Then, he closes his eyes and steps back so Atem can take control. He doesn't hover as a ghostly visage. Instead, he immediately retreats into his own soul room. The door closes behind him. He knows that once they're home that Atem will come literally knock on that very door. Which means he needs to find some sort of resolution to his own brewing thoughts before then. ]

[ Atem can understand that feeling. It was how he felt when he'd lost Yugi. Of course, their friends wanted to help, and they wanted to know what he was thinking and feeling, but speaking to them was more than he could handle at the time. Of course, the circumstances are a little different, but if Atem knew that's what Yugi was thinking, he would definitely understand. ]

All right, then we'll talk about it later.

[ The last thing he intends to do is push Yugi into doing something he's not interested in or ready for. He hasn't yet realized that Anzu is standing close by, but he can tell from the way Yugi glances away, looking towards the entrance, that there's someone he's trying to avoid. The question is, why? It's Yugi's business, of course, but Atem would still like to find out what's bothering his friend so much.

When they finally make the switch and Yugi retreats into the soul room, Atem's expression shifts into one of concern. But Yugi's already gone, which clearly means he wants to be alone, so for the moment, Atem intends to respect that.

He turns to leave, passing through the entrance, and that's when he finally notices Anzu standing there. For just a second, he hesitates, because a little bit of Yugi's feelings came through to him, and now he wonders if maybe Yugi's having difficulty accepting that soon, he and his friends will all go their separate ways. Of course Yugi will miss Joey and Tristan, but what about Anzu? He's aware that Anzu has feelings for both of them, to varying degrees, but he's not certain how or what Anzu really feels for Yugi.

Of course, what he would like to see is Yugi and Anzu finally getting together, but Yugi's always protested that there's no point, because Anzu doesn't see him that way. Atem's hesitation continues as he debates with himself about whether or not he should approach Anzu and make another appeal to getting her to agree to spend time with Yugi, and not only as friends but on an actual date.

He can see Anzu starting to turn as though she's realized that he's standing there, and ordinarily, he would stay and talk with her, but his concern for Yugi trumps his desire to see the two of them come together. It's quick, but he ducks behind the nearest column and attempts sneaking away.

Luckily, Anzu doesn't approach, so Atem's able to make his escape. It takes him a few more minutes to finish the journey back to Yugi's house, and once there, he goes straight up to their room. Fortunately, Solomon isn't anywhere present, probably in a back room somewhere, so his arrival also goes unnoticed.

Once he's settled, he doesn't waste time joining Yugi inside the Puzzle, intending to knock on the door to his soul room. ]

Yugi, could I come in for just a moment?

[ If he's rebuffed, he'll withdraw, but only temporarily. They have to talk, and he'd rather not put this off for too long. ]

[ Anzu turns in time to see who she believes is Yugi darting off. She calls out to him, but stops as he continues to run ahead. A few moments pass as she remains standing underneath the entry to the school with her umbrella in her hands. It's only once she has started walking the way home that she pulls her phone out and hovers over Yugi's name in her phone. Come on, Anzu. This isn't the time to chicken out!

Yugi's phone lights up the moment Atem steps into their room: ]
( ´ ▽ ` )/
Things have been hard on all of us since we went to America.
How about we hang out on Sunday?

[ Then, a moment later, another message: ]
I know there are probably others you'd rather talk to about what is bothering you.
But, just remember I'm here for you too (つ・▽・)つ

[ Yugi, himself, looks up from the bed in his soul room at the knock. There is a part of him that just wants to curl up and ignore everything until he has found his answers. He knows that is pointless and a futile endeavor. Atem would only put up with it for so long, and eventually, the rest of his friends will corner him as well.

It takes a few moments, but the younger soul does allow the older one entry. He practically hides behind the door as he opens it and slips around the other as he closes it. His eyes are still focused downwards. Though, it's easy to note there has been a shift inside his room.

Soul rooms never entirely change as they are a reflection of the mind who bears it. For Yugi, the toys and the games that were once littering the floor are pushed up against the walls. It was like that when he entered. Yugi hasn't really noticed the shift. After all, it's a reflection of the struggle going on inside his own heart. Growing up means putting childish things away--or at least that is what he thinks. If he is going to do what he has to do, then, he can't really cling onto all those dreams and wishes he had growing up.

...Right?

He blinks once even if his eyes don't raise to match his other self. ]

... Did Anzu try to stop you?

Edited (decided to change formatting a bit) 2021-06-30 04:39 (UTC)

[ If Atem had seen those messages before he knocked on Yugi's door, he definitely would have answered Anzu, agreeing without any hesitation to the idea of her and Yugi hanging out. Would it have been a little underhanded? Yes. Does he want to see his partner and best friend finally get together with the girl he's in love with? Absolutely.

For the moment, though, his priority is helping his partner with whatever is bothering him. He waits for Yugi to open the door, not even entertaining the possibility that he won't let him in. They're more than friends and partners: they're brothers too. And he doesn't intend to just leave Yugi alone with his thoughts when there might be something he can do to help.

Finally, the door opens and Atem slowly steps inside. The first thing he notices is how the toys and games are no longer scattered all around the floor. It makes him feel sad, as if he's realizing that this might be a sign of Yugi beginning to grow up and putting away his childhood. Of course, he reasons that everyone has to grow up sometime, but he still doesn't want to see Yugi lock that part of himself away too soon.

More concerning, however, is the way that Yugi doesn't even look at him or make eye contact. He mentally chastises himself for not talking to Yugi about this sooner. They're supposed to help each other when one of them is falling, and it's clear to him that Yugi really needs help now.

He can't force Yugi to meet his gaze, so instead, he just decides to wait and carry on a conversation as normally as possible. ]

No, but she did send these messages to you. [ He pulls out the phone and holds it out to Yugi so that he can see what Anzu said. ] She wants to be there for you, Yugi.

[ Atem might be in his own right to be a little underhanded. Yugi did, after all, set him and Anzu up on a date early on in the spring. The two may just need to push one another to really chase after who and what they want. He simply just doesn't see the point in trying to chase after Anzu. She is his oldest friend, but, even he can tell how things have changed since they got into high school. She never noticed his affections beyond being a friend. That might be his fault for never having the courage to step up and think she could see him as something other than that. Ultimately, though, it doesn't matter now. She has someone she loves and she'll be leaving for America after graduation. Then, she'll probably find someone who is even more confident, full of character, and isn't just a kid at heart.

It might not be a sign of that at all. In fact, it is more Yugi trying to push himself to be what he thinks he needs to be. Kaiba plays games as a way to further his company and his own goals. Joey plays games as a means to get a better end for himself and Serenity. Even his other self plays games to restore something precious to him. Those are all far more mature and grown up reasons in Yugi's mind. He simply likes games to be fun and to spend time with the people he loves the most. What is that going to matter when all of them have left? He'll just be a kid in a game shop trying to get the world to understand why games are important to people.

Yugi looks up from the floor just enough to turn his attention to the phone. He reaches up to take it gently, looking over the messages and emoticons that are so very Anzu. Atem's words aren't lost on him. If anything, they're what finally dislodges the wedge Yugi has used to keep everything inside his own heart. He closes his eyes as tears start to run down his face. Has he grown or changed at all since the start of Battle City? All he can feel like is that he's no different than he was standing in front of his other self, crying about the idea that he might lose him if he gets his memories back. ]

Until she leaves. Until all of you do. [ Joey, Tristan, Anzu, Bakura, Duke. Even Atem and Lunafreya are going to leave at some point. He's had that feeling for a long time now and just never wanted to face it. ] I have to accept it... I have to be alright with it.

[ Even if it is the last thing he wants. ]

... How can you do it, Other Me? [ Yugi forces the swell of emotions down. ] How can you push down the thing you want most and do what you need to do? I don't know how you can... or how Luna can.. or how I'm supposed to...

[ Everything Atem's thinking flees from his mind the second he sees tears begin falling from Yugi's eyes. In just a few seconds, he's standing right in front of him, reaching for his hands, hoping he'll let him take hold and not pull away. ]

Yugi, your friends may leave, but I am confident that it won't be forever. You'll see them again, and there are ways to stay connected. [ He might not really understand all of those ways, because some technologies are ones he's still trying to adjust to, but he knows that just because there is some distance between friends, that doesn't mean they'll never talk to each other again. ]

As for me, I don't plan on going anywhere. Lunafreya may leave for a time because of her responsibilities, but I'm confident that she'll return when she's able to.

It may only be the two of us for a little while, but our friends will still be with us.

[ And then it seems as though Yugi's just continuing to reveal the heart of the matter, what's really bothering him. ]

Who says that you do, Yugi? Surely it's possible to have what you desire most and still fulfill your responsibilities. It doesn't have to be done perfectly.

[ If he's learned anything from his time here, it's that sometimes even the best laid plans don't always go exactly as expected. ]

What is it that you want the most? There must be a way for us to make sure that you get it.

[ And if there is a way, he intends to stand beside Yugi until they find a way to reach it. ]

[ He looks up at his best friend once Atem puts his hands over his. The expression in his eyes says he knows this and he understands it. Even then, he is struggling with the idea of separating from them. They have each other's chat IDs. They have social media. There are ways he can keep in contact with them...

Maybe this is what he needs to work through after everything that happened with the Orichalcos. Yugi hasn't shared what it was like to be separated from all of them in that never ending darkness. How the god of the Orichalcos would feed on their energy and strength. He knows Atem is still struggling with his own guilt and grief over it, and he wouldn't dare make his partner feel worse than he already does. But, Yugi would be lying to himself if he didn't at least admit in his own heart that the experience brought back the painful memories of the time before he had completed the Millennium Puzzle. Anzu was there, of course, but she was only aware of so much of it.

Lunafreya. It's almost weird to hear her full name. Probably because he still struggles with being able to say it. ]

I'm the keeper of the Millennium Puzzle. I'm the vessel for you. I have things that I need to do for you.

[ Everyone has always said it--haven't they? Shadi, Ishizu, Marik. They've all said time and time again that he has a duty and responsibility to the ancient magical item and the soul that resides inside it. Trails, tests, and even restoring the memories of the Pharaoh himself. ]

What if doing what I'm supposed to do makes it so you have to leave? [ He looks down again, a frown tinted with frustration on his face, and tears still running down his cheeks. ] I want you to stay here with me. I don't want to lose my best friend. But, if I don't do my part, then, I'm failing you.

[ Yugi's hands curl around the phone then as he shuts his eyes tightly. Now comes the tears of frustration and anger at no one else but himself and his inability to cross this hurdle in his way. ]

I don't understand how you do it. I know you want to stay here too. I know you like being with all our friends, and that you want to be with Luna. Even then, you can put that aside and do what you have to. But, I...

[ ...can't do it, he finishes the statement to himself. Admitting it out loud just seems like he's letting Atem down even more. ]

[ 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. ]

I know... I know... but...

[ He doesn't mean to sound as if he's brushing off the concern of his best friend or what he's saying. He does understand it. Really. It's just..

Yugi knows what it is deep down. He's scared. He's afraid that he can only be who he is now is when his friends are there. What happens when they leave? What if everything goes back to how it was before when it was only Anzu? Except, he won't even have Anzu there. Her eyes are forward and moving onto America... or they're on Atem. There are times he feels as if Anzu's already moved on from him and maybe she has.

He frowns. How can he not do it? How can he sit by, knowing they have everything his other self needs to get his memories back, and do nothing to get them back? Ultimately it is Atem's choice and he knows it. If the spirit of the Millennium Puzzle has to decide when and if he wants his memories back. Still, Yugi can't help but feel guilty, as if he's the reason Atem doesn't want them. That thought alone is crushing in its own way. Does he hold Atem back from what he needs to do? Does taking care of him, being his protector, keep him locked in the endless maze of the Puzzle?

Yugi's focus snaps back to his partner from the wandering thoughts as he continues to speak. He doesn't feel like the greatest friend or the best partner. He feels torn between needing the people around him and letting them go. All he feels capable of doing at the moment is staring back at his other self with feelings of regret, frustration, fear and loss. None of those things help either of them.

Maybe that's something his partner can feel coming off of him. ]

Edited (added some stuff~) 2021-07-04 02:13 (UTC)

[ Atem can feel all those things coming off his partner, and suddenly, he finds himself unsure what to do or say. He could go on reassuring him forever that he's not failing in his responsibilities, that it's his responsibility to himself to take care of himself and not push himself too hard. And Atem knows with complete certainty that Yugi could never hold him back.

If he no longer wishes to regain his memories, then that's his choice, and not at all because he's doing it because he believes it's what Yugi wants. He's decided that if he stays, it's because he can't bear to be separated from his partner and his friends. Regaining his memories is something he wants, but he wants to stay with them more. ]

I don't know how else to explain that I'm here because I want to be, and that whatever happens, I'll still be right here.

[ He may be unsure about some things in his life, but one thing he is absolutely sure of is this: he'll stay with Yugi for as long as he wants him to. ]

...

[ Yugi nods slowly. He knows that his other self wouldn't leave voluntarily. That doesn't mean something like destiny or some other force won't make that happen.

They had no idea that a magic like the Orichalcos even existed and could capture souls. If that exists, what else could be out there? The Millennium Rod can take over minds. Atem himself is sealed inside the confines of the Millennium Puzzle. The Millennium Ankh lets Shadi walk into their hearts and their soul rooms. What if the next thing that they run into pulls them apart for good?

He lowers his gaze long enough to watch where he drops the phone. It isn't really his phone anyways; just a version of it that their minds put together for him to see what the real phone has on it. A moment passes. Then, Yugi steps forward and wordlessly wraps his arms around the spirit that might as well be his brother. Just enough to show him that he has heard him and understands it. ]

[ He's still standing there waiting, unsure what his next moves or next words should be, but before he can do anything, Yugi's closing the distance between them and wrapping his arms around him. His eyebrows lift, but he doesn't pull back; instead, he leans in, placing his own arms around his partner.

If it's possible for comfort and reassurance to pass through a hug, then Atem means to stand there with his arms around Yugi until he eventually pulls away. He certainly won't be making the first move.

Of course, he feels that there should be more that he can do to lift Yugi's spirits, but maybe this is a step in the right direction. It might take some time, but however long it takes, Atem intends to be right by his side.

As far as he's concerned, even if all their friends move to other parts of the country, even other parts of the world, at least they'll still be together. And if someone or some thing tries to pull them apart, Atem's resolved to fight as hard as he can in order to prevent that. ]

[ He knows it's unfair to ask his other self to help him through this. Not when so much has happened to him over the course of the last few months. Part of him feels selfish in asking that Atem help him carry this until he can resolve it on his own. His partner is offering and willing, though, so it might be even more selfish not to take the offered help.

All of them will ask what's wrong. They'll all give him their reassurances too. Maybe... maybe that's not what he's looking for. Maybe it's more an acknowledgement of how much Yugi needs them. But, he can't rely entirely on them forever, can he? He needs to figure out how to be able to stand on his own to some degree. It's not fair or right to expect Atem to always pull him out of a dire situation, or for his friends to be there through every fight. At some point, he'll face something alone.

This just might be that something. ]

... I'd do it again if I had to. [ Even he's surprised at what he's saying. Even if his voice is monotone and lacking any of the warmth it normally has. ] If something tried to take you away from us -- even if you caused it -- I'd let it take me instead. No matter what it was. Even if I ended up sealed away to be devoured by a god or put inside a magical ancient item.

[ Because he'd rather something destroy him than any of his friends.

Yugi steps back and raises his head slightly. His hands are still clutched into Atem's version of the school jacket they wear. He opens his mouth to tell his other self what it was like being in the presence of that god. Except, the words never come. How can he tell him without sending him into a downward spiral again? He can't. He can't put Atem through all of that pain again. ]

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the next evening ho ho ho

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