Ah, would it surprise you if I said that this chapter had been pretty much ready for almost half a year? The only thing I had to finish was the last part, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it... I've enjoyed writing this story so much that it actually hurt a little to close this one down. I think the ending provides enough to wrap up the story and close it for good, with hopefully an outcome that you will appreciate.

Enjoy the last chapter of False Designation!


Chapter 12: picking up the pieces

It was obvious the next day how silent the house was above the gaming shop, but it wasn't in the negative sense. The silence provided a much-needed comfort that radiated peace, and it was spread through every chamber of the tiny house in which Yugi and his grandfather lived. Yugi woke up alone that morning in his own bedroom, in good spirits for having slept in the convenience of his own bed, but with a throbbing headache that crushed the back of his skull. It was strange to wake up so... merrily after remembering what had happened yesterday. Yugi had thought his mind would be much more clouded, but instead it was as crisp as it could get, cleared by the conclusion of his decision. He also couldn't remember a lot about the hours after the 'event' as he preferred referring to it. Yesterday, after having returned to Atemu's apartment, Yugi had fallen asleep like a brick on their bed and was woken only hours later by extreme hunger that demanded to be satisfied. He ate plenty and after they drove to his grandpa's house, where Yugi had settled again in bed and stayed there until the evening. And that was about the end of it. The rest was foggy and needed more revelation in order to understand what had played out yesterday, but there was a reassuring heave in his chest that promised him everything was fine.

As the student checked the time of day, he was a tad surprised to find out it was already two in the afternoon. He had slept and awful lot for having done so yesterday too, and yet he felt like he could sleep for another four hours if he wanted to. Unfortunately for him, the fortitude of his appetite was more pressing than the need to sleep, so after a lot of contemplating he decided to get up and strolled down the stairs with his favourite pair of pajamas and matching slippers shaped like bunnies. They were worn with age and far from anything a teenager would consider wearing, but they were comfy. While walking downstairs, Yugi heard soft voices murmuring in deep conversations. There was one voice in particular that he did not recognize, but the one he did was enough to make his heart leap in an effort to quicken his pace. In an almost running velocity, he entered the living-room to see his Yami sitting on the couch, next to a handsome young man with brown hair and blue eyes. His joy turned into melancholy, even if he tried hard recoiling the jealousy he experienced for such a trivial conversation.

"Yugi," Atemu smiled at him warmly, his fatiguing eyes still weary but with more sparkle than yesterday. While Yugi wanted to join, the stern face that turned toward him radiated an unwelcome aura through azure blue eyes. They weren't nearly as inviting as Atemu's. Yugi went astern by the severity in the look of his eyes, before the man averted his eyes again to continue his private conversation with the CEO in a professional manner. Realizing this was an important meeting for Atemu, Yugi decided to slip past and went to the kitchen instead where his grandfather was busy behind the stove, cooking rice and eggs while humming. He greeted Yugi eagerly as he came in.

"I bet you're starving, I'll fix you something to eat!"

The enthusiasm with which Solomon spoke was joyous to watch, and Yugi took a moment to take in all the happiness before grabbing something to drink. He had never thought that he would've missed his grandpa so much in those two weeks of absence. Perhaps he depended more on the old man than he expected.

The lunch that Solomon had cooked was wonderful, after all it had been a while since Yugi had eaten something nutritious as both men couldn't cook for themselves at the apartment. He ate it all silently and turned to daydreaming after finishing while his grandfather had withdrawn himself behind his newspapers at the opposite seat of his grandson. The two stayed like this for a while in silence, enjoying each other's company, before Atemu entered the room. The old man lowered his papers to join in a conversation after the Egyptian kissed his lover good morning on the forehead and taking a seat next to him.

"Who was that?" Yugi asked, slightly annoyed that a hint of grudge slipped his words.

"That," Atemu spoke and averted his eyes to Solomon as well, "was Seto Kaiba, the CEO of Kaiba Corporations, and, also an old classmate of mine I studied with in America."

As much as the title sounded impressive, Yugi could not subdue the emerging questions to clear the whole matter. "Why was he here?"

"He bought my company."

The words stung a bit, but Atemu knew it was for the best. Seto was a great CEO and Atemu's company had no future without drastic change, so he had to sell it before its worth would drop to zero. The Kaiba brothers were experienced enough to blow new life in the trading company and at least like this, Atemu knew his company could survive without having to fire all the people that worked for him.

Yugi spilled half his drink in surprise while his grandfather just titled his head. "What?! Why would you do that?!"

Atemu chuckled by the Motou's reactions. "I didn't have a choice. I lost all my shareholders and the company was close to bankrupt. I called Seto to ask how much he still thought it would be worth, and he offered 400 000 000 yen. Most offers wouldn't even exceed 50 000 000, but Seto believed the company's reputation could be restored if a new CEO would run it."

Yugi retreated in his seat to let the words settle. So, this was really it then. The transformation that their lives would took had already begun, but Yugi was still in doubt if they would improve their lives. They could not distract themselves with silly illusions of how bright and colourful their future could be before biting the bullet. Things would get only harder from here on out, Atemu would have to fight over court to see his kids, Yugi would need consultation to get his life on the right track again, and both of them would struggle to finally adept to a more healthy relationship that was, as of yet, still unfamiliar to them.

Yugi couldn't lie to himself. He truly was happy that Atemu had chosen a path of freedom instead of lies, not only because it meant he had chosen him, but also because Atemu had chosen himself over the exceeding expectations of apparently his pressing family. But it didn't drive away the thoughts of guilt that clouded his mind. Things could've turned out differently if they had never met, Yugi would've continued his tedious one-night-stands while Atemu would've continued struggling through the lies. If it hadn't been for Yugi, Atemu might've raised his company to even greater standards and could've been one of the richest men in Japan, and he would've never known who Yugi was.

The problem was that, if Yugi could turn back time and redo things, would he still have met with Atemu?

And even after all of this, was Yugi truly ready to immerse himself in an actual commitment?


It had been well passed a week since the scenery at the bridge, and even if school had started again after the holidays, Yugi had decided not to attend classes yet. His grandfather understood his reasoning and had surmised the message along with the necessary explanation as to why Yugi would be absent for a while. The only thing that bothered Solomon was that Yugi was about to graduate this year in only a few months, and he found it unfortunate that after years of struggling to keep up in class, it had now become too tiring for him to finish school. Not that he disapproved of Yugi's choice, not at all, he was rather disappointed in life itself than his grandson.

Atemu had stayed over once in a while ever since, sometimes returning to his apartment and sometimes leaving for rounding up the agreement over his company and also to discuss matters with his lawyer. He had begun packing important stuff in his house, but figured he hardly had any except for perhaps his clothes and some important files. The mansion was on sale but Rania and the kids remained there until the divorce would be settled. He had been, to put it lightly, quite busy with the turn of events and had little time to spend with Yugi whom mostly pondered in his room above the game shop and once in a while helped his grandfather around when there weren't too many customers. He preferred avoiding social contact as he still felt emotional and thin-skinned. When Atemu did show up, Yugi was always smiling like a child, a hue of pink painting his cheeks radiating a very warm and caring love. They were taking things slow, sometimes sharing a bed, but that was about the end of it, and they enjoyed cuddling till the late hours until they would fall asleep in each other's arms. It was a very sensitive and perhaps fragile kind of love, but Atemu drew more support from their relationship than he ever had before.

It was after dinner that Atemu had decided to visit his love once again, and he entered the student's room to find him packing clothes in a rather large suitcase. The ministrations surprised Atemu and slightly made him feel uncomfortable, slipping a frown on his features as he approached Yugi who had failed to hear his Yami enter. When Atemu was close enough, he laced his arms around Yugi's waist and pulled him in for a kiss on his cheek.

"Going on a vacation?"

Yugi smirked in the teasing of his kisses but continued the folding of his clothes nonetheless. It was also a good moment for him to throw away some worn-out clothes from his wardrobe while he was selecting each article of clothing carefully before piling it in the case. After finishing one more item, he turned around to face Atemu, who's playful smile vanished upon watching Yugi's seriousness.

"I found a vacant spot in a youth institution."

Atemu's heart was torn in both grief and pride. Yugi's mental health had increased wonderfully for having asked help without anyone having to convince him to, but in was no secret that Yugi would still need a life of structure and stability before fully recovering, if he would ever fully recover in the first place. Atemu could not provide that right now, he still needed to settle down himself and focus on different things now, such as building a new life and making sure his children would still be a part of it. Finding a job and perhaps building a new house he could call home. And of all things, figure out what he wanted in life and how he wanted Yugi to be involved in it.

"Will you wait for me?" Yugi asked, holding out his hand as if waiting for Atemu's response.

It was true that Yugi needed this, and as much as it would drive Atemu into bitter loneliness, he would endure it as long as Yugi would still be there after his hospitalization.

"How long will it take?" Atemu asked. He innerly cursed that his sadness resurfaced above all.

"I'm not sure," Yugi smiled and scratched his hair with his other hand while the other still waited to be enclosed. "They told me at least six months, but sometimes it's a year, or maybe two."

Two years? Atemu's eyes widened considerably. He'd have to wait two years before he could hold his beloved Heba in his arms once more? He would have to go through the hardships and suffering of his divorce alone? He wasn't sure if he could do that. The doubt was visible in his eyes and he neglected them sidewards, but a steady hand gripped his firmly before drawing it closer to his chest. The hand Yugi had been holding out, waiting for Atemu to grab it, had initially grabbed his now. As their eyes found each other over this shattering decision, Atemu gasped at the serenity exploding in Yugi's eyes. He saw much more than expected, and it eased his mind. He immediately realized the significance of Yugi's choice, it was by no means a selfish act to escape the upcoming demise that they would have to endure, it was Yugi's way of contributing to their relationship. He was determined to get healthy so that he could make Atemu happy again, and if it meant leaving for a year, Yugi would do it over and over again for the profit of sharing their lives together. As much as he wanted to be by his side to help him through his divorce, he knew that if he postponed this decision it would only fade into an idea never to be prosecuted. This was his way of showing Atemu how much he truly loved him without using the words, of showing him how much this relationship meant.

Atemu smiled at his Heba and pulled him closer for a hug, his tangling fingers brushing through Yugi's hair in a loving embrace, taking in his smell and touching his soft skin before he could no more. Even if tears escaped both their eyes, they were sincerely happy in this moment.


Yugi looked outside the window if his room, his eyes wandering through the trees of the forest that secluded this institution from the rest of the world. The idea of finally leaving this place was accelerating but also scaring him immensely. He hadn't left this place for so long and the thought of finally having to submerge among other people frightened him. Afraid that, perhaps he wasn't yet ready to face the outside world again.

Yugi shook his head frantically. He had decided together with his psychiatrist that he was ready to leave the institution, so there was no need for him to panic. After all, it had taken so long for him to finally overcome his anguish. He knew from experience that he felt different than before. He thought different if that made any sense. His thinking had become brighter, clearer and more tangible, and he had come to terms with his past and everything evolving around it. In his time of spending here, he had never come to call this place his home, but he didn't dislike it either. It was a plain way of living, with repetitive rhythms and patterns that provided comfort for the children whom badly adapted to change. Surprisingly enough, Yugi was not the oldest among the youngsters whom dwelt in this building. There was an enclosure for children from four to twelve, but they resided in a different building separated from this one. In Yugi's department, there were youngsters from twenty, the eldest a girl of 21, that had stayed here longer than they could remember. They were children whom could not be adopted because of their emotional welfare, and therefore had resided in this home ever since. The helpers were kind, most of them women. They were always smiling and warm, offered an ear when troubled and mothered you like their own, sometimes scolding you like a mother too. But they were always proud when another child old enough decided to live on their own and were able to step back into the reality of this world because of their help. Yugi had taken an extra liking to the local nurse of his block and enjoyed talking to her about trivial matters. They babbled on for hours after Airi's shift, and she knew practically anything about Atemu there was to know. She had solely made Yugi promise that, if he were to finally leave, she would stop by to meet this Atemu-person and give her approval. The nurse was the closest thing to a mother Yugi had had ever since his passed away, and it reassured him. But he was anxious to leave when he found out he was ready to, even if he had come to love the helpers around him and had made friends with the other children.

Two and a half years. That's how much time Yugi had spent in this institution. So naturally, he was anxious.

Yugi turned his back swiftly when he heard someone enter his room, his eyes turning glossy at beholding his grandfather standing at the porch with a welcoming smile. He waited for Yugi to scurry on his feet and run towards him to pull his grandfather in an all too familiar hug. By no means a hug from a few years ago, but a hug like the ones Yugi gave him when he was still little. It became evident now that Yugi had changed drastically in a positive way, and Solomon returned the embrace to be reunited with the once happy child he was. The exchange of affection was highly appreciated by the two of them, and they remained locked for several minutes, until Yugi was anxious for a different source of affection by a different man, whom was lacking presence. The grip on his grandfather loosened as he raised his head above the old man's shoulder to peak for any other lifeforms, but it seemed the door wasn't about to display him with anyone else.

"He's waiting for you at home."

Yugi scurried out of the embrace, surprised that his features were so easily readable. He didn't want to make his grandfather feel like he was less than the second man he was looking forward to see, but he couldn't deny the disappointment he felt.

"He was... busy," Solomon smiled with shut eyes and waved away the comment as if it was nothing, obviously hiding away some truth in that sentence. He eyed for his grandson to take his trunk and leave, which Yugi obliged to by trampling at the door with his stuff packed under his arms. As they took their leaves from more than two years of hospitalization, Yugi wove back at the many people he had come to start loving over the years, already having kissed them goodbye before his grandfather had arrived. He figured it would be easier and less disarranged. As Yugi took a seat in the car, he felt his heart melt in a big heap of both love and sadness that tore at him. He hadn't imagined leaving this place to be so difficult, being so excited to finally return home, but it stung terribly. Even if this was another chapter in what seemed like a trilogy of dramas based on Yugi's life, it was always difficult to start writing the first line.

In the four hours of travelling, Yugi had fallen into a light slumber while his grandfather was driving toward the Game Shop, so naturally upon their arrival Yugi hadn't anticipated the ride would fly by so quickly. He hadn't really prepared for the upcoming conversation he was about to have when being reunited with his lover. Knowing he shouldn't either, it always calmed his nerves to play out possible outcomes of social situations, even if he always pictures the worst outcomes.

"Come on now," his grandfather hummed and waited for his grandson to grab the remain of his luggage and follow him into the shop. Yugi was reluctant, his mind obviously taken afar by the many memories that resurfaced upon entering the shop. By now he realized how long two and a half years actually were, and the absence hadn't replenished any of the later memories he had made come through in the game shop. He had forgotten how the smell of old paper quenched customer's needs for gaming, how corners of the wallpapers had started curling, and how there was always a small layer of dust sleeping on the pile of strategic games that weren't really popular but Solomon continued selling anyway. The scenery was familiar and had a tingling effect, inviting Yugi into continuing his excavation in more recollections of the old house. He was suddenly running up the stairs to barge into the living-room as soon as possible, behind him an old man short of breath paying the price for trying to keep up with someone less than half his age.

"SURPRISE!"

Yugi's eyes popped open as four, very incoherent and everything but in unison children exclaimed their excitement, two of them eager to brighten the festively decorated room with their broad smiled. Nour stood in the room, his face hanging in obvious irritation for having to do something embarrassing like this, and yet Yugi could see that he wished to talk to Yugi too but his other siblings were faster. Everything happened so fast when Akili and Babu, whom Yugi had seen only once or twice, ran towards him and hugged him vividly. Yugi smiled at the inviting welcome he received, and looked up when he heard someone else, with clacking footsteps he recognized too well, approach him with his youngest in his arms. He put down the child and smiled warmly at Yugi, waiting for his children to finish their ranting and squealing to steal the slightest moment in which he could finally, after so many years, hold the one he loved once again. His embrace was sturdy but also reassuring, and Yugi found himself quickly relaxing in the tight grasp and tugging his face in Atemu's neck, taking in his aromatic scent and remembering all the spices that added to his smell. They held each other long, not paying attention to the nagging of the kids, not hearing Solomon passing by, feeling nothing but each other's radiating warmth. This was what Yugi had been waiting for, this was why he had run up the stairs as soon as he had entered the house, because he was searching for his home, and it was holding him right now.

"I missed you," Yugi whispered softly, escaping words he had longed to say for so long, but his return always having been postponed up until now. He tightened his grip around Atemu's shoulder to emphasize his words, feeling the older man return the gesture. Upon finally releasing each other, Atemu traced his hands to Yugi's cheeks and caressed the bare skin softly, drowning again in violet eyes before placing a generous kiss on his prodding lips. The velvet muscles welcomed the affection immediately, tilting his head to give better access to a kiss much desired and longed for after such a long time. Even if Atemu had not answered him, his actions spoke more than enough words to explain to him how much he had missed him too, and Yugi didn't object to Atemu's choice of reply.

Atemu and Yugi chuckled when he heard the kids moan something like 'eeew,' before they turned their heads and looked away. They would still have to get used to their new family and even if the children had seen them kissing before, it was still a careful subject to approach. But they didn't seem to be bothered that much, rushing back to the living-room to sit around the coffee table and gleefully watch their new grandpa cutting the cake. Yugi smiled, watching as they were arguing who could get the first slice and felt the slight nudge in pressure of Atemu's grasp around him, inviting him to join in. The reunited pair walked over to the table, laughing and teasing and generally, just having a pleasant time as everything seemed so in place, so natural that it almost felt like home already. Yugi would be fine, he was now more certain of it than ever before, as he looked at the one he loved and they shared a long moment of hope, their eyes glistening toward each other. They would be fine, they would be happy.


"How far are we?"

"Just ten more minutes."

He had to admit, when Atemu had told him he had a surprise for him the next day, after a good night sleep and the children would be on summer camp, he had not expected to be driving this far away from home. It was a bit of a bummer since he had only returned yesterday and was already finding himself so far away from home again, but he trusted Atemu. He was certain that, whatever surprise it was, Atemu would make it worth his time, as became evident as they drove in a more secluded, private part of a forest-like surrounding. The excitement was getting to him now and he couldn't hide it anymore, looking around enthusiastically while earning a playful chuckle from his Yami. Just when Yugi was about to ask if they were in a park of any sorts, the car drove through a fence with beautiful, ivy-covered gate and pulled over at a courtyard. Around the courtyard was an L-shaped house, big enough to be called a mansion but more moderate in exterior and design. The house was breathtaking and radiating a warmth and coziness that appealed to Yugi. Next to the house were old stables, unused, with behind it a large grassland probably used for horses before.

"You coming?" Atemu asked and waited, having opened the door for Yugi to get out of the car, but the younger one too engrossed with the view. Frenzied by the sudden invitation, Yugi jumped out and grabbed Atemu's hand, pulling him along to get an idea of what the house looked like on the inside.

"It's beautiful!" Yugi exclaimed while looking around. He was absolutely in love with the rustic looks of the house, reminding him of a typical French cottage. Everything about the house was perfect and unique, with character and a brilliance of warmth. The living-room was splendid and large, the kitchen much-provided, and Yugi was eager to see more. He ran further in the house, up the stairs and checking out the many rooms there. But as he wandered through the many halls, followed only half-hastily by his lover whom thought it impossible to keep up with his younger body, realization suddenly started sinking in. Yugi slowed down his pace, until he came to a stop and looked at the floor. Atem came running towards him, drawing his Heba's attention by lifting his chin. Yugi looked up with confused eyes and stern lips, understanding what was going on but so, so afraid at the same time.

Atemu smiled sincerely, gently taking hold of Yugi's hand and guiding him back downstairs where he opened a door to a different room, one Yugi hadn't seen yet, and helped him in. Yugi looked around at the large bedroom, an inviting and romantic room with accessing bathroom, decorated with many pillows and small lights to give the room a slightly more amorous look to it. He grew silent, absorbing the view while Atemu stood behind him, waiting patiently before drawing closer and hugging his lover's back, kissing his neck softly.

"Where are we?" Yugi asked, quite aloof as he was still caught up by everything that he had just explored.

"Our bedroom," Atemu responded. He felt a slight shift in Yugi's stance but only pulled him closer to provide him with support. "There's a local school only fifteen minutes away from here, a small convenience store, a bakery, ..."

Yugi listened only half-heartedly, tears springing in his eyes.

"The stables are all cleaned up so we can keep horses, and there's plenty of room for the kids to play," Atemu continued in a very soft, easy tone. "We even have a terrace with immediate access to the lake. Everyone has their own room, and there's even a spare one for if your grandpa ever wants to retire."

Yugi turned around, holding desperately onto Yami's face with his hands, tears spilling all over his face, but it was not out of pain or fear, no, his eyes shone with the radiance of happiness. He was so, so happy that he could not utter a word, that he could not suppress the tears of joy that threatened to spill from his eyes, and Atemu smiled at the display. He tucked his forehead against his lover, wiping away every tear until all he saw was the crook of Yugi's lips curled into a confused yet exhilarating smile.

"So," Atemu spoke softly, "what do you say? Can we – give it a try?" he asked.

"I-" Yugi smiled, returning the look in Atemu's eyes with a steadfast resoluteness that made Atemu's heart swell. "Yes. Gods yes!"

Kissing each other heartily, there was a brief moment in which Atemu dared to escape his own tears of joy upon this sealed moment, knowing that the only thing lying ahead of them would now be each other, and that they would face every misfortune, every problem, every disease head-on as long as they were together. Like a fresh start of a new beginning, the writing of a new chapter, the cleaning of the slate, they'd start all over again.

Only this time together.


D'aaaaaw, how cheesy. Didn't know I could do that (I'm not so proud of the ending either). Thanks for sticking by and for the reviews!