Yugi woke later than usual the following day, for the first time in many months, he was looking forward to the day ahead. He sat up, his heart leaping with joy.
Atem slept peacefully on the cot close to his bed. Yugi let out a contented sigh. He thought of the night before, everything had been perfect.
The group stood outside the theater examining the posters.
"So, you remember watching tv at home right?" Yugi asked, standing close to Atem. The king seemed unsure of what to expect.
"Yes." Atem replied.
"Well, this is kind of like that except the screen is a lot bigger and there's a lot more people. We'll get some snacks and drinks when we go in." Yugi explained." Do you know what you want to see?"
"Anything you like, it is your day, Yugi."
"What about this one?" Joey pointed to a poster featuring a large dinosaur in what appeared to be a forest.
"It looks interesting, but I'm not sure Tea would like it." Yugi turned to the girl.
"What do you think?" He asked.
"I guess it doesn't look too scary."
"Great, hey, look at this." Tristan called, catching the attention of his friends. "It's playing in 3d!"
"3-d?" Atem turned to Yugi.
"It's fun. You get these special glasses and it makes it look like whatever's on the screen is more real. Do you want to try it?"
"If that's the one You're choosing." Yugi grinned.
"I really think you'll like it." Yugi lead the group into the building, where they bought their tickets and recieved the glasses.
Atem examined the object carefully as they stood in the lobby.
"So these make the movie...better?"
"To some people. Not everyone likes it. You'll understand soon. Maybe you just have to see it."
"All right, I'll take Tristan to grab some popcorn and drinks." Joey announced. "You guys go grab the seats and we'll meet ya in there."
"Right." Atem and Tea followed Yugi into the viewing room and chose the seats in the middle row. The previews had already begun as they lowered themselves into the chairs.
"It certainly is loud in here." Atem commented, staring up at the screen.
"Yeah, sorry about that. I forgot to mention it. When the movie starts, put the glasses on."
"This is not part of the movie?" Yugi shook his head.
"No. They're called previews, or trailers. They show you some of the movies that are coming out. Joey and Tristan should be here soon."
"Are you excited for your first movie in the theater?" Tea asked.
"More curious, I think. I'm intrigued by this 3-d concept. What does-" Atem was cut off by a clap of thunder and turned his attention to the screen. Beside him, Tea covered her eyes with her hands.
"I hate scary movies!" She complained. "Tell me when it's over. I don't know how you guys watch this stuff." Neither Atem or Yugi replied, their eyes fixed on the screen.
"Yugi?" Atem asked quietly.
"Yeah?"
"If that person is chasing that woman with a weapon. Why does she run up the stairs, it seems to me that the best thing would be to run out of the house." Yugi chuckled.
"You're right, I guess it adds to the suspense or something." Tea jumped in her seat as the woman screamed.
"Are you all right?" Atem asked.
"Just great." It hadn't taken long for Joey and Tristan to arrive, passing out the snacks. Yugi had enjoyed the movie, but had to admit that his favorite moments came from watching Atem's reaction to the effects. The confusion which prompted the Pharaoh to at times lift the glasses only tl be surprised at the difference each time.
Yugi smiled at the thought, hoping to have the chance to share the experience with his love again.
Atem stirred on the cot and became still once again.
"I know I can't keep you forever, but if I did have one wish for my birthday, you'd stay for a while longer. Just please don't tell me you're leaving when you wake up, it would break my heart." Yugi whispered to his guest. A loud knock at the door startled the duelist,and pulled Atem out of his sleep.
"Yugi, are you all right in there, It's one in the afternoon!" Solomon shouted. Atem sighed, allowing his head to drop back onto the pillow.
"I'm fine, Grandpa, we'll be out soon." Yugi waited a moment before sliding off his bed and crossing the short distance to Atem. He lowered himself onto the floor beside him.
"Hey." He said softly. "Did you sleep good?"
"I did, I have actually never slept this long. Thank you, for including me in your activities last night."
"I'm just glad you're here to join us. I really had a lot of fun and that hasn't happened in a while. You made my birthday amazing. It was more than I could've asked for."
A moment of silence passed before Atem sat up slowly.
"Tell me, Yugi, what kind of adventure will you take me on today?" Yugi's eyes lit up.
"I-I don't know, there's so many things to do in summer. I don't know what to choose."Atem glanced over at the box containing the blue stone, recalling Mana's words
"When you're ready to come home, you know what to do "
"Well then, I suppose you'll just have to show me everything."
"Really?" The excitement in Yugi's voice brought true joy to Atem's heart.
"Yes, really."
"I'd better go and get ready, you can use anything you want from my clothes. This is going to be the best summer ever!" The young duelist hurried from the room.
Once he was out of sight, Atem moved to the desk, lifting the box and placing it on the top shelf of the closet, careful to push it to the back.
"I have far too much living to do." He thought out loud to himself. He selected an outfit for the day and prepared himself for the first day of what was sure to be an amazing summer.