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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[ Well, if that's the case, if Atem knew that's what Yugi's been dealing with this whole time, then he'd have poured himself into doing anything and everything he could to build up his confidence. If it was possible for him to give up some of his own so that Yugi could have it, he'd have done it in a second. And, well, the last thing he wants is for anyone to feel like he's overshadowing them, so maybe it really is time for him to just step aside and let Yugi take the reins, even if it's just for a little while.

Not for the first time, the thought occurs to him that he could be the reason Yugi hasn't made that connection with Anzu. Of course he's learned how to be confident and how to stand tall in the face of those who would put him down, but how much good does that do him if he can't even pursue and win over the girl he likes? There's no easy answer to that, because if he even lets slip a little that he thinks he might be getting in the way, he's certain Yugi will vehemently deny it. ]

I'm not sure about that. It could be sooner than you think.

[ Not that he has any reason to think that, besides wanting Yugi to have that special kind of bond with someone too. He only wants the best for Yugi, and he wants him to achieve all his desires, because it's what he deserves. ]

Of course she does.

[ He may not have always had the right words to tell her as much, but he believes he's shown it with his actions. And when it felt right, he used his words too, but at some point, it seems that the two of them realized they didn't need words to reach out to the other. ]

[ His confidence has nothing to do with Atem being in control, or handling their duels. He's never had self-confidence. It's why he stayed unseen and unnoticed by so many outside those who were looking to bully someone. Maybe it comes from the fact his father is never around, or because people look down at the idea of games these days. Whatever the reason it started, it was only once he met the spirit in the Millennium Puzzle that it started to change.

If anything? What little confidence he has is owed to Atem.

Anzu's eyes are set on his other self. It's the presence and certainty he brings that makes draws her attention. Yugi can tell, because he has only ever been the childhood friend -- even before he solved the Puzzle. Anzu has never shown romantic interest that Yugi can see... and what's the point now? Long distance relationships rarely work out. She'll find someone else in New York that shares her passion or will sweep her off her feet. He's already given up on the possibility of it happening, and it's no fault of Atem's. ]

We'll see, I guess.

[ Maybe his other self is right and he'll find someone sooner than he thought. ]

Good. Because, I'd tell her if she didn't.

[ Yugi forces himself to give a playful grin. He's learned how to tease his other self... especially when he is usually the one being teased.

He moves to say something else but stops. Yugi lifts his head, looking around for the source of the sudden sound he hears. It sounds like scratching. That's when he realizes it's not from inside his soul room. With a glance over to Atem and a nod to show that he's leaving, Yugi forces himself to take control of his body once again.

Oh, he's on the bed.

Yugi forces himself up and out of the bed despite the protest he can feel his body giving. It seems like the emotional exhaustion is translating to a physical one. Well, he can address that later. For now he moves to his bedroom door, as the source seems to be from the other side. He opens the door and his eyes widen in surprise. ]

Umbra?

[ The black and white Shiba Inu let's out a small grumble. It's obvious he doesn't intend to bark to alert the others in the house of his presence. ]

[ Of course, confidence isn't something that can be poured out and shared, but if Atem could share his with Yugi, or even give all of it to him, he would without hesitation. Because Yugi, as he sees him, is brimming with promise and potential, and people like him are the future that the world needs, while those like Atem are the past. Even the Tombkeepers represent the old ways, even though it's possible to move forward into the future while still honoring the past. But as far as Atem is concerned, he's a relic of an ancient past, and there's only so much that he can do.

For Yugi and the rest of his friends, however, there's so much still for them to do and accomplish, and he's confident that they can do it.

As for Anzu, if he could just tell her plainly that while he will always consider her a good friend, Yugi's been waiting for her to notice him for a very long time. But then again, he supposes that's not entirely his place, even if there's nothing that he wouldn't do for his partner and friend. He wishes there was some way that he could make her see that Yugi has a lot to offer; if she's looking for someone who will stick by her through thick and thin and give her all the kindness and even love that he can manage, Yugi's the one who would do that without question.

Atem might have confidence and bravado, but Yugi's the one with real heart. He hasn't given up on trying to point Anzu and Yugi towards each other. ]

Yes, we will, one way or another. [ And then he smiles a smaller smile while shaking his head with something like amusement. ]

Well, Yugi, I could say the same thing about you and- A certain someone that we've talked about before. [ But he knows he has to be careful to not push too hard, or to become an annoyance to Yugi. He knows that Yugi's mind is made up concerning Anzu and her feelings, or her lack of them.

So he resolves to just give him one last tease, and then he'll let the subject lie for now.

He watches as Yugi takes control and begins moving. Atem also hears that scratching noise and looks around as if trying to find where it's coming from. When Yugi opens the door and they both spot the black and white dog, Atem just looks at him with confusion. ]

Where did he come from? [ And more importantly, for what reason is he here? ]

[ It doesn't matter to him if Atem is an "ancient relic." It doesn't matter if the spirit is over three thousand years. Atem is his best friend, his partner, his brother. He's done more than anyone would think. He inspires people, he saves them, he brings out the best in even the most stubborn of opponents. He's more than an ancient relic.

And he's positive Lunafreya would agree with him on it.

Those things may not be what Anzu is looking for. After al, she already has them by Yugi being her friend. What she wants in a romantic partner might be entirely different. He hasn't bothered to ask. It's more a fear of realizing that maybe everything he thinks about himself is right. Atem is lucky to have someone like Lunafreya... Yugi just wishes he could show his other self that.

He just looks down at the mention of Anzu. Maybe he should tell her before she leaves. Though, what's the point in that?

Umbra nudges a small box at his feet as steps into the room once he is allowed entry. His posture spreads as he shakes his fur. Yugi throws an arm up to keep the water droplets from going to his face as he closes the door. The black and white animal tilts his head up and looks at both the ghostly image of the Pharaoh and his vessel, his tail wagging gently. A single paw raises as if to shake their hands in greeting. ]

How did he get inside without Grandpa noticing?

[ Atem just stares at Umbra for a moment or two, just thinking that sometimes both he and Pryna act differently from any animal he's ever seen. He supposes it's not unthinkable that they're more than just loyal pets who follow their owner wherever she goes and who also go wherever she sends them. Or perhaps they're merely so well trained that their behaviors are unusual.

As to Yugi's question, he has no answer for it, so he shakes his head. ]

I suppose a door could have been left open, but that doesn't sound like something your grandpa would do.

[ Yugi's grandfather is a lot of things, but in Atem's opinion, scatterbrained or forgetful are not on that list. He turns his gaze back to Umbra then, wondering how it is that he can also see him, when it's Yugi who has the physical form. That in itself is just one more indication that Umbra and Pryna are not ordinary dogs. ]

What do you think he wants? [ The question is spoken halfway to both Yugi and to Umbra, as if he's not sure which one will answer first. ]

[ Yugi clasps Umbra's paw and shakes it in return. The Shiba Inu barks gently in approval, almost seeming to smile with his tail wagging more. Then, as if to answer Atem's question, Umbra leans down and nudges the box in front of him closer to the ghostly visage. ]

Maybe if he fell asleep while cleaning the shop? [ Even though, Yugi doesn't really believe that either. ] Unless Grandpa does know...

[ Sometimes it feels like everyone around them understands the world and the mysteries of what is going on more than either of them. Yugi sighs slightly, bending down and picking up the box that Umbra so insistently nudges with his nose. He gently scratches the top of Umbra's head in thanks before opening the deep, but not very long white box. A small note is at the top written in all too familiar handwriting. He pulls it out and flips it over, looking over the letter written in near perfect Kanji. ]

"I have yet to be able to fulfill my promise of making these in person for the both of you... I hope this will suffice for now, Luna."

[ He looks inside the box and moves the tissue paper away only to reveal a pastry that should look familiar to Atem. Yugi's eyebrows knit together as he glances up at his other self. ]

Luna made them for us. [ Not that he knows what they are, or even what promise Lunafreya is referring to. ] And you brought them all the way here, Umbra?

[ Umbra lets out a huff as if to confirm. ]

[ Atem watches Yugi taking hold of Umbra's paw, and he reaches out to give Lunafreya's faithful companion a pat on the head. He looks down to glance at the box that Umbra nudges forward once again. What could be in it? ]

Your grandfather does seem to know quite more than he lets people believe.

[ He's always had a notion that Solomon is quite perceptive and wise, but for reasons of his own, he keeps that under wraps for the most part. ] I suppose it's possible that he does know, and that he let Umbra in.

[ He can agree with Yugi's unspoken thoughts. So many people around them seem to know so much more than they do, and it seems as though their understanding of the mysteries and magic swirling around them all trumps both of theirs. It bothers him on some level, but what can he really do about it? He's doing his best to keep an open mind, to learn what he can, but it just seems that more questions arise at every turn.

But dwelling on that won't do him any good now, so he makes himself focus back on Umbra and the box he came all this way to deliver. He watches as Yugi opens it, pulling out the note and then shifting the tissue paper to reveal a pastry.

In spite of himself and his worries that seem to be his constant companions these days, Atem manages a small smile. ]

Oh, I see. She said that she wanted to make those for us, and now she has.

[ Of course, he would rather have her there too, but he supposes it's not up to him. ]

Thank you for bringing them, Umbra. [ He returns his hand to the dog's head, giving him a few scratches behind the ears this time by way of thanks. ]

Grandpa knows way more than he tells us. [ Yugi is certain about that. There's no way his Grandpa would just take something like the Millennium Puzzle so casually. There's no way he wouldn't learn something if Lunafreya's grandparents got involved.

He frowns. Why do any of these people that know refuse to tell them? It can't be a test or part of what it means to hold a Millennium Item. So, why, are they left in the dark? He's wanted to ask his Grandpa before, but, held back for Atem's sake. Maybe he shouldn't now. It feels like to much rides on all of it just to let them figure it out.

Yugi blinks a few more times and raises his eyes to his other self. ]

She did?

[ Yugi turns to face him with the box in his hands. He has the feeling it was something that came up during the time he was gone. They haven't talked about it because Yugi didn't want to push it. He was fine being left in the metaphorical dark if it meant keeping his other self on decent ground. Now, though... ]

Did she tell you what it is when I was gone?

[ He has no idea what the pastry is. It looks delicious, and something like Lunafreya would make. Why she would or why she promised are the pieces that are missing. ]

[ Atem's thinking along the same lines as Yugi. They had a conversation with Yugi's grandfather once, but now he's beginning to wonder if the time has come for them to talk with him again. And this time, their questions might be a little bit more specific.

And whether Atem truly wants to regain his memories or not, surely having a talk with Solomon will only help clear up some of the gaps in their knowledge. ]

Yes, she did. [ His gaze lands on the box in Yugi's hands as he goes back in his mind to that moment and that conversation. ]

I had asked her to tell me about her home, where she came from. And I also asked her what her favorite thing to eat was, and she said that it was this. [ He nods to the pastry contained in the box as he tries to recall everything she told him about it. ]

The fruit inside it is from her homeland. [ And it's only then that an actual smile lands on his face. Even if she's not physically present, somehow, he can feel her as if she's standing in the room with them. It's strange that a pastry should bring that feeling to life, but he's not about to argue with it. ]

[ Yugi watches how the expression on his other self's face subtly changes. It feels rarer to see anything but a far away look or some level of discontent on his face. Now, though, he is smiling and there's a light in his eyes. If just remembering that small conversation can bring him that much happiness... it shouldn't be so hard for his other self to ask to spend time with Lunafreya if he wants it.

He looks down at the box then back up to Atem. He gently lifts it between the two of them. ]

Then, you should be the first one to try it, Other Me.

[ Even if she made it for the both of them? Something tells him that Atem should be the first to eat it. She told him about it after all. It's something special between the two of them. Yugi knows it'll be a battle trying to get Atem to act on things, even if they've agreed on it, so every little thing counts. ]

Especially because I can tell you miss her.

[ He isn't certain when it began, but he knows that he associates true happiness with having Yugi and Lunafreya nearby. Knowing that they're with him and safe is all he really needs. And even though Lunafreya isn't with them now, at least some small part of her is, and he focuses on that. He just hopes that wherever she is and whatever she's facing, she remains safe.

When Yugi holds up the box, Atem's expression shifts to one of fondness and appreciation to the two people who have become his whole world. He only hesitates, because this seems like such an unusual reason for them to switch places. But there's no other way around it, and of course, he can't insist that they try it at the same time, because that's simply impossible.

He finds himself momentarily taken aback by Yugi's observation, but rather than deny it or downplay it, after a brief pause, he nods. He does miss her, and there's no pretending that he doesn't. ]

Of course I do. But she has important things that she's doing, and we'll see her again soon enough.

[ It's said to convince himself as much as it is to Yugi. ]

Edited (bonks html ) 2021-07-26 19:56 (UTC)

[ What about their arrangement isn't unusual? Only a handful of Millennium Item wielders have spirits or other sides of themselves that manifest because of it. It must be even more rare in the idea of magic users. If anything? Swapping places for Atem to be able to try a baked pastry is the most mundane reason... and maybe the most normal of it.

He nods to the statement. He can sense that Atem not only misses her, but he misses her more than he lets on. They can mask their feelings to one another fairly well, but, if Yugi is picking up on it? It has to be deeper than just simply missing her. Longing might be a better word.

He holds the box up a bit higher. ]

Of course we're going to see her again.

[ Lunafreya wouldn't want to be away from them for very long. Although, even Yugi can tell that she's put some distance between herself and them. He has no idea why... and it probably has something to do with what happened while he was sealed away. Though, he won't ask. If his other self wants to tell him then he will. ]

You first.

Edited 2021-07-27 07:59 (UTC)

[ Well, that much is true, but he can't help but feel that switching places so that he can try a pastry baked for him by someone he cares for very much is not a typical use for the Puzzle, or an expected action for one who holds a Millennium Item. But even as that thought enters his mind, another thought chases it away, chastising him lightly for merely making excuses why this shouldn't happen.

And once again, Yugi's intuition is right on target. Atem absolutely misses her, but it also goes beyond just that. Of course, having Yugi by his side is always enough to make him feel complete, but in Lunafreya's absence, he feels like a part of him, equally vital, is also missing. ]

Of course. [ Is that a response to Yugi's affirmation that they'll see her again, or to his direction to try the pastry first? It's unclear, but it could absolutely apply to both. ]

All right, if you're sure. [ The switch happens just as it always does, only taking a few seconds, and soon enough, he's left holding the box. He pulls out one of the pastries and just looks at it for a moment, imagining Lunafreya baking these for them and boxing them up before handing them off to Umbra.

Finally, he takes a bite from it, and without even really knowing that he's doing it, a wide smile bursts onto his face. If only Lunafreya were here to see this. ]

[ He figures that Atem means both. All he can think to do is nod again. There was a time, not too long ago, where Atem only wanted to be as a spirit. Now, Yugi finds himself in that position, and he thinks he understands now. Something about it feels easier. Maybe it's the fact that he doesn't need to worry about sleeping, eating, pushing himself to do something he doesn't want to. Yugi sits himself on the bed and simply watches.

A small smile touches his face at seeing his other self smile. Something about the idea that an ancient Pharaoh enjoys the taste of something that came long after him. Or... maybe it didn't? He realizes that he isn't sure how far back Lunafreya's family history goes. She mentioned Ancient Greece, but their history might be as long as Egypt's. Did she have family that were the Oracles when his other self ruled over Egypt? There's... a lot of things he wonders when it comes to all of it.

With one pastry missing, a bit of red leather can be seen at the bottom of the box. ]

[ For just a few moments, Atem thinks of nothing else but the taste of the pastry and imagines Lunafreya setting to work making dessert for the two of them. It's one of the nicest things a person has done for him, and because of that, he finds himself wishing he could do what ordinary people do when someone has done something for them: write them a letter of thanks.

He hasn't yet noticed what's contained at the bottom of the box, but if he had, he would laugh, because it seems as though Lunafreya has thought of everything.

He does his best to savor each bite, but soon enough, his portion is finished and now it's Yugi's turn. ]

Are you ready, Yugi? [ His smile is still very much present as he asks his partner what he wants to do. ] I'm sure you'll enjoy that very much.

[ Yugi looks up at his name being spoken. He has a brief flicker of confusion before realizing what Atem means. There is a bit of hesitation only because he really would just rather hide away inside his soul room. That doesn't seem to be much of an option at the moment, so, he stands.

Then, he nods. He might as well since Umbra made the trip out. The dark furred pet remains where he has been, golden eyes watching the two and tail wagging slightly. ]

Okay.

[ It's only then that Atem realizes that perhaps he's allowed himself to go a little bit too far with his excitement because of Umbra's delivery and the pastries. Yugi's lack of enthusiasm reminds him that it really wasn't all that long ago that his partner was upset. ]

Of course, if you don't want to- If you'd rather wait for another time, that's all right, Yugi.

[ He chastises himself for being so thoughtless. ]

What do you want to do instead? [ He supposes the answer will be to retreat from the world for awhile, either through actual sleep or by retreating into the soul room. Either way, rest seems like a good idea. ]

Other Me.

[ He takes the step to close the distance between them and puts his hands on either side of the box. It's almost like they've swapped places more than just physically. It wasn't more than a month or so ago that Atem was the one wanting to hide away from the world. Yugi wouldn't say his struggles are on the level of what his other self was dealing with. He's sure he'll be back to his normal self in the morning.

Which means he doesn't want Atem to worry over him about this. Oh, he knows th at the spirit of the Millennium Puzzle will worry no matter what. They're partners. How the other feels and what they think is one of the most important things to both of them. ]

You smile when you think about Luna or anything she does for us. It's something you really haven't been able to do with everything that happened. [ He's observant. He recognizes these things. He just rarely points them out. ] If you like it, and it's something that makes you happy? Then, I want to try it.

[ He smiles just a bit. ] So... whenever you're ready.

[ Atem looks over at Yugi then, knowing that his worry is most likely plain in his eyes, but he can't help it. The nature of their bond means they share a lot of things, including how they feel and what they're thinking, even if sometimes those things can be suppressed or even cut off. Now, however, nothing's really in the way of that bond, and Atem just wants to make sure that his partner is and will be all right. ]

Well- [ He isn't surprised that Yugi noticed those things about himself. He is very observant, and it's not as though he makes much effort to hide those reactions when they happen. Yes, he tries to remain reserved and to not appear too excited, but in moments such as the one he just had, it's hard to keep that mask in place. ]

She's very special, and incredibly kind. [ 'Just like you are, Yugi.' He considers himself very fortunate to have such kind people in his life. ]

But yes, I would like you to at least be able to try it. [ It's something he wants to share with him, that's all. So he waits for a few more seconds before once again making the switch with Yugi. ]

[ He agrees that Lunafreya is a special person. Though, he'd also say that she remains uniquely special to Atem. All Yugi can do is give a small bit of a smile before shrugging. He might be incredibly kind. That doesn't make him special.

Still, he doesn't argue or try to make more of a point. He instead closes his eyes and takes his place back in his body. Yugi then sits down and puts the box down in front of him. He pulls one of the pastries out carefully. There's only a brief moment before he takes a bite of the pastry. Part of him cringes at the idea of eating anything at the moment. He does it anyways though, knowing that Atem is eagerly awaiting for his own reaction.

He pauses at how soft the pastry is. He expected it to be rock solid for some reason. Instead it tends to remind him of just how Lunafreya is as a person. Someone said that you always put a bit of yourself into what you bake. Yugi blinks then looks back up at Atem. ]

I haven't had anything like it before. [ To which he means the taste. Nothing that he's had in Japan or America is quite like this. ] You said it was a family recipe?

[ Are all the Oracles like Luna...? ]

[ Oh, Yugi is much more than someone who is incredibly kind, and Atem remains fully convinced of that. If he's being objective, between the two of them, Yugi is the kinder one, while Atem is darker and more flawed. Of course, Yugi's kindness has rubbed off on him to some degree, but he still believes that Yugi is quite far ahead of him.

But all of this is neither here nor there, and he supposes that it might be one area where they'll just disagree.

He watches Yugi as he tries the pastry, hoping that he also likes it. ]

I haven't either. [ There isn't much that he has had, but the things he's seen can't compare to what Lunafreya made for them. ] Yes, I believe that's what she said when we were talking about it. She made it seem as though it was very special to her.

[ And thus it means even more that she made it for them. ]

[ Yugi himself is far from perfect. His kindness might aid others, but it is depriment to himself. He is all too trusting and it has damaged them more than once. He is too willing to let people walk over him if it means making them happy. He won't sieze opportunities for himself. No, he'd rather his friends have all theirs out of fear of losing them.

He looks back down at the small pastry in his hand. ]

The two of you were really close while I was gone. [ There's no hate or begrudgement in his tone. Just a statement of facts. ] Now...

[ He's hardly heard from Lunafreya now that everything has settled down. He knows she travels, but, it feels like she's pulled away.

Yugi glances over at the phone. Maybe they should message her once he's responded to Anzu? ]

[ Well, no one is really perfect, as Atem knows only too well now. At least Yugi never gave into his rage and fear and caused him to pay the price, not like he did. And, well, if Yugi won't seize the opportunities that show up in front of him, Atem's determined to find some other way for him to have everything he deserves. ]

Now that you're back, things can begin to return to normal. [ Or at least, as close to normal as they can. ]

Lunafreya- [ He glances back at the box still in Yugi's hands. Of course he understands that she has responsibilities to see to: her duties as the Oracle, naturally, but there's also the thing that they discussed concerning Yugi and Atem's wish for him.

He knows why it seems as though she's pulled away, even if he doesn't wish to bring it up to Yugi. ] Lunafreya has a lot she still has to do. She'll see us when she can.

[ He nods just a little bit as he finishes the pastry. Normal. That would mean all of them spending time together like they used to -- Atem included. He's sure that they'll be able to find that footing again. He's done his best not to push Atem to be with them until he's ready. Hopefully, his other self will feel like he can be with them whenever he wants.

Yugi finishes the pastry and gives Umbra a thankful ear rub. The dark Shiba Inu gives a gruff sound in return with his tail wagging. His eyes move back to Atem once Yugi reaches for his phone to finally answer Anzu.

I'm open Sunday for whatever you'd like to do.
I haven't been making plans since we got back from America.
Thanks, Anzu.

He glances up to see the look Umbra is giving Atem. Umbra nudges the box again with his nose. Yugi frowns slightly before looking back within the box to find the red leather peeking through. He puts the phone down in his lap. He carefully takes the other bundled pastries out one by one until he finds what lies beneath.

A diary?

There's gold flowers embossed on the front, and he opens it to find beautiful stenciled pages. Everything is blank, save the first page. He reads only the first line of handwriting before closing it again. Yugi pauses, finally looking back up at the ghostly visage of Atem. Umbra nudges his arm as if to encourage him and Yugi can't help but worry it might not be received as Lunafreya intends for it to be.

Maybe it's because he has the feeling he's missed something happening between his other self and Lunafreya. He knows he has. What that is though...

Yugi finally holds the notebook up to Atem. ]

It's yours, Other Me.

[ In all honesty, there's nothing that Atem would like more: to be able to return to where he and Yugi used to be, a place they came to with such ease. And what's more, he'd like to be able to spend time with Yugi and his friends just like they used to do. Of course it was different, because Atem wasn't actually physically present, but he still feels as though he knows Yugi's friends well enough to call them his own as well.

It might take some time, but he hopes to be able to return to how things used to be.

He also smiles at Umbra in thanks, knowing that the dark-colored animal can see him just as clearly as Yugi can. But it seems as though Umbra's look is something more than just asking for acknowledgment for bringing Lunafreya's pastries to them. When Yugi looks back inside the box, Atem watches, wondering what else might be contained inside.

He's surprised to see the notebook that Yugi pulls out, and even more surprised when he holds it out to him. For just a moment, he hesitates, not reaching out for it, because he doesn't want Lunafreya's gift, if that's what it is, to slip through his hands and land on the floor. But he also hesitates because if he's understanding her intent, even without seeing what she's written on the book's pages, he doesn't want to become a distraction to her or her duties.

So to buy himself some time, he just asks: ] Is it really?

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