A/N: Thank you all for your thrilling responses! I was so happy to read how excited you were with Atem's almost confession! XD I hope you all enjoy this chapter!

I was positively bubbling as we waited for the bus. I stayed close to Yugi, dressed in his warmer clothes than I'm used to. Leather pants were normally warm but this wool jacket of his was a little tight. It will be good to get my own clothes so I stop stretching his. We were close in size but I think even he needed new winter clothing. Maybe we'll both come back with an outfit today. We have a very similar taste in style, we may end up matching. Would that be odd? It wasn't in my day… but then in my day we didn't have quite as large a selection as this day.

Ryou suggested we look at a variety of clothing stores just in case I find something that may not be Yugi's sense of style. While I don't doubt the logic I am perfectly fine wearing something that Yugi would like… in fact more than fine. I would rather he look at me with desire and curiosity than questioning my what I'm wearing… then again if he disliked it enough he may just take it off me with the same animated vigor that he used to with that red shirt he dislikes…

Stop it! He would never and I shouldn't encourage those thoughts.

I … didn't mind… the bus trip to the city. It was easier than the car ride in any case but I am still very grateful when Yugi picked a stop we would use. There were no seatbelts to use and with the constant stopping, the vibrating of the seats when we were stopped and the knowledge I couldn't just get off if I felt too nauseous only made my stomach churn and my heart race quicker. Yugi sat beside me, keeping a constant watch on how I was feeling. As much as I adored his attention I kept my sights outside, trying to distract from the nausea building up. It was when I laid my head back and took a slow deep breath that he made the call to get off at the next stop and to be honest it wasn't a moment too soon.

We sat for a while at the bus stop bench and I felt immediate relief once my body had settled for unmoving ground. Thankfully Yugi and Ryou barely mentioned it. At first Ryou was almost impressed maybe, maybe amused that I felt motion sickness considering everything we've been through but we established that I never used to before because Yugi's bodies accustomed to travelling like this. It's easy to forget that my body is still very much new.

Settled down and ready to walk the rest of the way we discussed what our plan was.

Ryou needed to buy some groceries so we decided to do that last so we could walk to his place and drop them off when we were done. I had no idea what I was looking for in terms of clothes other than something I can call my own so I don't keep using Yugi's. They decided the best place to go for that would be the mall as they've got a few stores we can look into. Yugi suggested a new wardrobe but it depends on how much it will all cost. Solomon was kind enough to pay me for yesterday and the day before and Yugi said he was happy to spend whatever he had left after buying what he is after on clothes if we need to; but that is the last thing I want to do. The whole reason I want a job is so he doesn't have to spend money on me. But I didn't tell him this, I simply told him we would see how we go. After all, how expensive can clothes be?

So our first stop was an arts and crafts store. Yugi seemed to know exactly what he was after so we followed him around, looking at all manner of tools and utensils of the various trades. There were more colours of paints than I imagined their could be, a huge range of sewing equipment for making ones own clothes, even chisels and hammers for carving into solid objects. I never thought about it until now but there was a lot more to this world than I previously had given thought to. Yugi was kind enough to teach me about all kinds of things, even telling me stories of his earlier classes as a child. For example, I did not know he used to make duel monsters out of clay as a kid in his classes and his spare time. He said he wasn't sure if he still had them at home or not but I told him I'd love to see them if he can find them and this brought the sweetest blush across his cheeks.

Curiously I followed him closely, spying the various and seemingly random items he'd place in a basket. He was buying paint, thin sticks of wood, glue, thicker pieces of wood and even stronger glue, various pencils, a pack of tea candles and string… I asked him about it but he winked at me and told me it was a secret. That's rude… keeping secrets from me… but he said it as if it were a surprise which to be honest only made me that much more curious, so I spent the entire time following him, trying to piece together what he could be making with these materials. He spent a lot of time at the paper section, examining each piece for the right type. He settled with a large roll of paper that had been dyed to resemble parchment and of course I gave him a questioning look, and of course he gave me a cheeky smirk and blushing glance.

His items purchased and placed in a very large bag, we were happy now to start looking at clothes.

"Alright, so where to first?" Ryou asked.

Yugi looked me down, examining me as if I were some kind of mannequin and I can't say I disliked it. I loved every moment he looked at me. But I also waited for him to decide. As I mentioned before I don't know what I'm looking for. I am just as happy searching for the same clothes he owns in a larger size but they were both excited to get me something new and unique to me. Yugi had even asked me to wear some of my jewellery underneath this jacket, including my earrings and gold collar.

"He definitely needs his own jacket for winter and probably a pair of jeans too. I've got some looser shirts at home I don't wear but getting him one he likes would be good." Yugi said to Ryou, putting his weight on one hip and raising his fingers to his lips as if thinking. I smiled under his scrutiny, almost mimicking his own pose to show off just a little.

"He should probably have his own sleepwear too. Summer clothes don't have to be purchased yet until the brunt of winter is over." Ryou added.

"Yeah it'd be nice to steal that black singlet back off him. Okay, so that's at least two outfits even if one is for bed." Yugi agreed.

"It's going to be a cold one this year, we should make sure he's got some decent snow gear."

"Snow?" I asked. Of course! Winter begins next month, which means it will start snowing soon. I've seen it of course, even touched it once when Yugi let me take control, but this would be the first time I've seen it. Just like the car rides I wonder if my body will be accustomed to it as his is.

"Yep. It'll snow soon, so we should get you something extra warm." Yugi said happily.

I had half a mind to say he could keep me warm but not with Ryou here. No… that's too much. I held my tongue but I think the smile gave me away, at least to him.

"Alright, lets start looking." Ryou said, leading the way.

We tried a few stores before we found the one Yugi liked to buy from. I didn't mind some of the things we found in the other stores but as I tried them on the only thing I enjoyed was grape purple turtle neck and faded black jeans. Still, I was very happy with these. Already I had a new outfit even if they insisted I needed more than one. Apparently at minimum 3 was suggested for men so at least they can be washed on rotation. I suggested buying duplicates but they were not impressed with this. So with my first bag of my first pair of own clothing, we left in search for more. Yugi wanted to try on new shoes so he could have his boots back. No surprise I needed one size bigger but I was very happy to have gotten the same pair.

The toughest thing though was when we found the store Yugi shops in, was deciding what to buy. I very much liked the way leather jacket I tried on fit and looked but it was very expensive and the others I wasn't a fan of quite as much. This was was thinning, not too heavy, easy enough to move around in and warm. It had a couple of metal studs on the collar and sleeves but Yugi said it made me look cool. Unfortunately if I were to buy it I would need to rely on Yugi to buy me anything else so I didn't end up getting it. But I did buy a leather belt of my own, my own black singlet, and almost black T shirt, and one other black T shirt with a red checkered pattern down one side. I tried these on without Yugi's jacket and they were happy because they'd suit me for the hotter months as well and the gold jewellery completed the look.

Ryou told me I looked like a 'bad boy' which confused me but it made Yugi blush and stammer… so I think that's good? I'm not too sure though. I don't want to look like a criminal but I did approve of the look and the way Yugi's eyes would scan my body as I showed off to him… I don't care if I do look like a criminal, if it meant Yugi looked at me like that.

"Okay. I think I'm good for clothes now." I said happily as we walked out with 2 new bags of clothes, one for me and one for Yugi. He saw a pair of pair of leather pants in there he liked as well as a dark purple shirt.

"Not quite." Ryou said. I gave him a look and he smiled. "We still need sleep wear and, not that I want to get too personal, but unmentionables as well." He continued. What are unmentionables?

Yugi saw my expression, blushed and leaned into whisper in my ear, explaining that he meant my own underwear.

I blushed immediately, feeling very embarrassed now. It wasn't something brought up but until now I haven't had my own clothes...and this included underwear… which meant until now I had been borrowing Yugi's but it was fine between us, we never talked about it. Ryou bringing it up was downright embarrassing but… unavoidable.

"Alright, this won't take long." Yugi said, leading the way casually to a different store nearby.

"Ryou, why don't you mind our stuff and we'll be right back." He said happily as we found a cussiony seat for him. He never missed a beat, happily taking our bags from us and making himself comfortable with a brimming, cheeky smile.

"My pleasure Yugi. I'll be right here." He said happily. He gave me a wink before we left, a wink that Yugi missed but I glowered at. I know he knows my feelings for Yugi and he knows I know what he's doing. He's trying to make sure Yugi and I keep getting closer and while I have no problems with this, I also don't want this pushed.

Thankfully Yugi seemed pretty casual about this, waiting patiently as I stared completely lost as to what type to get. In my day we had loinclothes. They were simple, kept everything in place and had no defining styles. These… they came in so many different shapes, different materials and patterns and different sizes… how do I know what to pick? It's not like anyone would be seeing them but somehow the patterns were catered as if they would be. Yugi's were more like short shorts that clung tight to the body. I know some of his had duel monsters on them but those were getting small even for him, others like the ones I have on now were a simple single colour but that told me nothing of what they were made of.

I figure I should go with the same short short style but what type? This was so hard.

"You okay?" Yugi asked me, making me jump and almost drop the two pairs I was staring at.

"Yes… I just… don't know which to get."

"Looks like you're going with boyleg, so I guess it's whatever feels better."

"How do I know what they feel like? Can I try these on too?"

"Generally they don't like that. Here, the ones on the left, they're nylon. A smoother texture, built to ...um … keep moisture out and be more airy… the one on the right is basic poly-somethin. It's your generic material but some people prefer a bit more comfort, particularly in the warmer months."

"I see… what are the ones you wear?"

He blushed deeply, catching his breath and looking away. Was that too personal a question? I'm wearing his right now, is there a line I crossed I didn't see?

"Nylon. They feel closer to the skin and don't umm… pinch too much. It's kinda rare if I need to .. umm… rearrange."

Oh! I understand. It's not so much the question as it was his reasoning.

"I see. I'll pick the same then." I said, casually putting the other pair away. He looked over my shoulder, examining the pack in my hand and searched for something until he pulled out the same pack and replaced the ones in my hand.

"You wanna make sure you get the right size. Your just a little bit bigger than me." He said smiling.

"I see. Thank you.

"No problem, now lets get some socks, pjs and then we can skedaddle." He said happily.

Skedaddle…? I don't think I've heard him use that term before. I giggled to myself and followed him.

Finally done with that we met back up with Ryou, who to our surprise was talking with our friends. Huh.. what a coincidence!

"Hey our friends are here." Yugi said happily.

"Hey guys!" They called to us, waving happily.

"Fancy meeting you guys here." Tristan said to us.

"Good to see you. I did not expect to see you all here." I said happily.

Tea came in for a hug for us both and the boys gave us a highfive as we told them what we had been up to today. They weren't doing anything important today, merely hanging out when they found Ryou.

"So what are you guys doing now?" Tea asked us.

I checked my pocket to count the money I had left. I didn't have a lot but at least I had kept enough for Falafels. It was almost midday, perhaps everyone would be happy to have lunch.

"Why don't we find something to eat?" I suggested, mostly to Yugi who brightened up with a happy nod.

"Yeah sounds good, guys?"

"Yep!"

"Oohh I want a burger!" Joey cheered.

"I could go with chips. But the ones from Jojos. They make good ones." Ryou said.

"Oh they do good wraps." Tea agreed.

"Alright, Jojos?" Tristan asked.

"Yugi…" I said quietly. He looked at me and thankfully everyone else was happy getting themselves ready. "Does Jojos sell Falafels?"

"I dont think so.. I think the place grandpa got them was outside the mall. Ummm… I dont know who sells them but we can look around?"

"Oh no that's okay. I don't want to drag everyone around for one treat." I said happily. He gave me a look but I smiled harder until he gave up. I felt slightly disheartened but perhaps next time I can find out where they're sold. I am hungry though, so perhaps there will be something at Jojos I'll like.

Lunch was pleasant, I was able to buy some chips which were actually really good. Yugi bought himself sushi which he shared with me. I didn't like the one with prawns but I enjoyed the chicken one so that was nice to find out. Yugi liked them all so at last there was a difference in our tastes. That just proved my body was my own… as if I needed more.

As we all finished and the boys were telling us about their morning I couldn't help but notice how occasionally Tea's knees would bump mine. She'd apologise each time but I assured her it was fine and soon she never bothered. It wasn't until we were finished that the arcade was suggested.

"Uhh, Ryou needs to do some grocery shopping at some point." Yugi said nervously.

"Thats okay, we can have a little fun first, right?" Joey asked him, nudging him in the ribs.

"Uhh."

"Theres a new photo both? One for Christmas." Tristan added.

"Photo booth?" Tea piped up. She was obviously excited for that.

"We could get photos to celebrate Atem being here! We didn't end up having that party." Joey continued.

"And it might be nice to get some before the end of school year." Tristan added.

"Thats right… end of school." Yugi said, his voice distant in thought.

I looked at him curiously.

"Right… we'll be graduating next year." Ryou said quietly. Why do they sound sad? Is that not a good achievement? "Okay. We can go for a bit. But I might leave early if it gets too late." He added in a much happier tone.

"Are you sure?" Yugi asked.

"Yep. Besides it'd be nice for us to bring home an actual photo with all of us, now that Atem has his own body now." Ryou said.

My own photo… my own…

"Yugi I want to do this." I said happily to him, making him blink in surprise but then he gave me the most beautiful smile.

"Okay. Let's go."

When we got there I unfortunately needed to rely on Yugi to pay my way but once we were there we went straight for the photo booth.

"Okay so do we take a group photo first?" Tea asked?

Yugi ducked his head inside. "Its kinda cramped. I dont know if we'll all fit inside guys."

"Ah come on. We'll manage!" Joey said, pushing and dragging us all inside.

We groaned and grunted, squeezing and squirming until we were all in one way or another squashed inside awkwardly.

There wasn't a single part of me that wasn't touching someone else. My left hand was squished behind me against I think Tea, her cheek was right up against mine with her hands on my shoulders. My right arm was over Yugis shoulder awkwardly stretched out and pressing against Ryou. I had to turn my face away from him or else our noses would he touching.. thats how close we were. My heart is racing and judging by how quick he was breathing so was his. Joey and Tristan were squished above and behind us, pressing our bodies even closer into each other.

Of all the smells in this booth I could make out his scent filling my lungs. Of all the bodies I was pressed into I could feel every movement he made against me, including the tightening and nervous flexing of his fingers against my inner thigh…

Oh no.

No no.

Not good.

Stop Yugi. Please.

"Ow, Joey stop it." Yugi hissed, shifting slightly, which was not helping.

"Sorry Yug. Ryou, your closer. Get the camera ready." Joey grunted.

"Yugi…" I whispered. He faced me our noses bumped. His eyes are so beautiful… no, concentrate.

I leaned around to whisper in his ear and I almost melted when I felt his breath on my neck. Oh by the gods…

"C-can you move your hand please?" I whispered.

"My hand?" He asked, flexing one more time before obviously realised where he was. His breath hitched with the silent curse on his lips and he awkwardly squeezed his arm to the side so he could rest his hand at least on my hip. "Is that better?"

"Much thank you." I sighed.

"Alright. We ready?" Ryou asked.

"Yes, just take the photo!" Tea barked.

"Wait! I'm not in frame!" Tristan said, pushing against me and Tea a bit further. I felt her press further against my back but all I could focus on was how much I wanted to kiss him right now. Hes so close, just an inch away. His lips are parted, so pink and soft and I wonder what he tastes like. If only it were only us… would he taste sweet like strawberries in his cheeks? Would he taste like spearmint like the mint he'd taken after lunch? Would he taste like … what would he taste like? I want to know. More than anything I've ever wanted I want to know what he tastes like.

"Say Merry Christmas!" Ryou shouted and everyone else repeated his call… except me and Yugi. Im sure he was too nervous to speak. I am quite obviously crossing all manner of lines being this close to him but what can I do? I can't move at all without making this worse.

"Alright pull a face!" Joey shouted. Everyone shifted slightly, forcing Yugi and I to somehow press cheeks to each other. At least now we were facing the camera where ever it was.

"Hehe… this is awkward." Yugi whispered to me. I loved his laugh so much. It calmed me down and we were able to take several other photos before we were finally squeezing out.

Free we all spread ourselves out, petting out our clothes, straightening out and stretching, laughing hysterically.

"Are you okay?" Yugi asked me quietly. I smiled, unsure of what exactly I should say. I'm ecstatic, elated, over the moon and above Ra.

"I'm okay." I say, unable to hide the smile. I can't help it. The smile he gave me was infectious.

"Alright, how about some smaller ones." Joey said.

"I want one with Yugi." Tea said quickly, not hesitating to pull him in with her.

We stood puzzled for a moment, hearing the giggles inside before Joey and Tristan started snickering.

"What's so funny guys?" Ryou asked them.

"Come here." They both said, taking both of us aside with an arm draped over our shoulders. We didn't go far, just far enough to talk quietly. I dont like this. What are they planning?

"Alright so here's the plan. You two know how Yugi totally has the hots for Tea right?" Joey asked us.

Oh. This is where it was going. So it wasn't just me who knew about his feelings for her.

"... he does?" Ryou asked. He must know. Im sure he's just playing naive for my sake.

"Yes." I said plainly.

"Oh so its true! We thought if anyone knew it'd be you buddy." Joey grinned. Crap on the Nile he was trying to confirm that?

"Okay well Tea was talking to us last night and we kinda got it out of her that she was pretty confused over her feelings for him." He added.

"Confused?" Ryou asked.

"She likes him dude but she's never done anything about it because if we weren't in imminent danger then he was coupled with our buddy here. Kinda made seeking anything a moot point." Tristan said.

I shifted uncomfortably. I dont like where this is going. They're going to try set them up and likely hoped for our cooperation. I can't say I disapprove of their relationship but I don't want any part of making it happen. Curse upon the sun, why must I feel so jealous?

"But now that you both aren't together, we think it's only fair they realise they can have what they missed out on." Joey explained.

"Teas going abroad next year. If they want anything between them they gotta act now." Tristan added.

"I see." Ryou said quietly.

"So, you guys in? Wanna help us make it happen?" Joey asked us.

I remained silent, casting my gaze away from their hopeful eyes. I dont want to say yes, nor do I want to look like I don't support this. I wish they hadn't involved me in this.

"I dont think I can push someone into something they may not be ready for." Ryou said bravely. That was… perfectly said.

"I agree." I added. I couldn't put it better and if he could say no to them then so could I.

"What are you talking about, course they're ready. They just need a little push." Tristan waved us off.

"I can't vouch for Tea and while I know Yugi is one to need that nudge of encouragement every now and then, relationships are not something that can be or should be forced. They take time, nurturing and -" I began but Joey cut me off.

"And sometimes a little help. Come on guys, Yugi's liked Tea since he met her. She's liked him for almost the same amount of time. Until now they've been close friends but now that Yugi doesn't come attached - no offence- it should be easy for them to go further." Tristan said.

"Why do you want to push this?" Ryou asked. Good question. Why do they care so much if they do pursue this?

"We want our pals to be happy. Tea came to us for advice and it's our sworn duty to make sure our little man doesn't miss out on anything." Tristan said proudly, as if giving a speech.

Doesn't miss out on anything…

As if I didn't feel guilty enough for getting in his way. I don't want to continue doing that. But … my heart hurts thinking of him with anyone else… if he came home and told us they had started dating then I'd be happy for him but hurt it's not me. I'd support them and would not stand in the way of their happiness but at least a while I don't think I'd be happy myself. Tea would get everything I want from him: from his cuddles to his looks of affection, to his full attention and his shy kisses…. Maybe even more.

It's not my place to stand in his way. I am nought but an old King, with old memories, and old impacts. An old King who deserves no more than to rest in peace than be the center of Yugi's life. That is too much to ask for.

"I appreciate the offer to meddle, but I do not believe I can help with this. Yugi and Tea should move at their own pace no matter where it takes them. I will support their relationship but I cannot push for it to happen. It will be less genuine if it is not their idea in the first place. This is something Yugi needs to navigate on his own." I said, hoping that my words would convince them.

"Aww come on buddy! You know him better than anyone. You'd be able to nudge him easily."

"No. I will manipulate him like this." I said firmly.

"It's not manipulation dude, it's encouragement." Tristan said.

"No." I said simply, ending my side of the conversation.

"I agree with Atem. This is not our business." Ryou said. I'm glad he's got my back, even if I'm sure he'd try to set Yugi and I up instead.

"Alright fine, but when they're dating they'll have us to thank." Joey said gruffly, walking away with Tristan in toe back towards the machine. I sighed heavily, relieved we got out of that. That was awkward and hard… To make it worse now I know they're trying to leave Yugi and Tea alone as much as possible.

"What do we do?" Ryou whispered to me.

"Nothing. I stand by what I said. I'll support whatever Yugi chooses to do but I will not manipulate him."

"But doesn't it bother you if he starts dating Tea?"

Yes. Yes it does. A lot. But can I say that? Am I allowed to feel it?

"I will get over it." I said simply with another sigh. Amazing how good you can feel in one moment and then how awfully it can turn.

I want to go home.

"Well … shouldn't we tell Yugi what they're planning at least? Maybe not that Tea likes him but that they're trying to set them up?" Ryou asked me.

He was probably right. A small warning might not affect anything but at least he would be aware of what is happening around him.

"You are probably right. I'll see if I can talk to him about it tonight." I said quietly.

"Okay."

…

I don't like this.

I don't want to go back over there and listen to their planning or the giggles Tea's sharing with Yugi. Id like to find somewhere quiet I can just be for a while.

"Do you wanna check out the rest of the arcade?" Ryou asked me. Can he read minds or something?

"Id love to." I said with a smile and followed him further in.

I finally spotted Atem with Ryou by the claw machine after a good long while of searching. After Tea and everyone else was happy with all their photos I was concerned because it wasn't like Atem to just leave us in search for something else to do. Not to mention he seemed really excited to get our photos taken so it was strange he would leave without any personal ones.

But when I did find him he seemed off too. It was in the slack of his shoulders, the downward corners of his lips, the way his smile didn't reach his beautiful scarlet eyes. Something terrible bothered him and for the life of me, at least while we were in company he would not budge.

I praised him for winning 4 toys from the claw machine, including a rather expensive watch and while he tried to meet my enthusiasm something was dragging him down. It was like he just couldn't be happy right now and I have no idea why. He seemed a lot happier before the Photo booth, even inside during the group photo he nervous but I mean I know why: my hand was a little too close to something amazing… but he was happy. Just after he seemed over the moon and simply excited but then… I don't know… did something happen while Tea and I were getting photos?

I sighed. Its getting late now though and we still had to help Ryou with his shopping. We should be heading out.

"Well guys we should be going. We've got some things we gotta do before it gets too late." I said after having paid the waitress for our last round of milkshakes.

"Aww really?" Joey whined. Of course he did.

"Yeah really. But its okay, we'll see you guys at school tomorrow and you can come round after to hang with Atem too." I said happily.

"Actually Yugi… I was thinking." Atem said to me to my surprise. He's not been silent but he's been very reserved until now, but now he sounded almost hopeful or shy. "It won't take the three of us to help with Ryous shopping and you've been kinda unable to relax all week. What if Tristan drove you home tonight and I can help Ryou this afternoon."

Wait he… doesn't want me with him? Why?

"Um…?"

"That should be fine Yugi. I can make sure he gets home safely." Ryou chimed in. Are they in on something? What's happening?

"Uhh…"

"That sounds fine for us. I dont mind driving you home dude." Tristan shrugged simply. Did they not notice something is wrong here?

"But… do you know the way home from Ryous? I don't want you walking home without protection while Bakuras out there." I said.

"I'll pay for taxi to take him home, or an Uber. He'll be fine." Ryou said.

"Yugi…" I looked at him, searching for some kind of explanation but all he gave me was an earnest plea to let him do this. But… why? "I'll be okay."

I don't feel like I can force myself onto him. I think he really wants to do this. But… why does it hurt so much? I know he doesn't mean any ill will here but … it still feels like he's trying to get rid of me for a little while. Was he upset with me this whole time? Oh my god what if I read him wrong? What if he really was bothered in the group photo and the accidental touching. Oh my god! Idiot!

"Okay… sure. Will you be home for dinner?"

"I'll make sure he is." Ryou said with a smile and more importantly, an unsure grimace from Atem… he doesn't even want to come home that early. Damn it! I really screwed up!

"I wouldn't want to come home that late anyway and miss your grandfathers cooking." He said but it was weak, hollow. I already know I crossed a line and now he was so uncomfortable he doesn't even want to come home, but he can't just say that. Damn it! How do I make this right? I can't make a scene now… maybe with a few hours away from me will iron this out and he'll be okay again. Regardless when we're alone I'll apologise, far away from him, no hands. Just a simple apology and promise that I will not touch him anywhere close to there ever again.

"Okay. Well… just be safe okay. Ryou call me if you get into trouble." I said sternly.

"Will do. Ready to go?" He asked Atem and smiled… at him! He smiled at him but not…

Oh…

Oh this hurts. I really screwed up.

I watched them leave, Atem with his bags of clothes and Ryou … their backs to me. Just like my dreams. Only this time it's because I screwed up.

"You okay Yug?" Joey asked me. It was now I realised just how upset I looked.

"Yeah just… not really sure what happened." I lied. I know exactly what happened. I made him feel uncomfortable and now he wants to distance himself from me.

"They'll be fine. It's good for them to get some independence don't ya think?" Joey said easily.

If only it were that.

"Actually… I might head off home early. I'm still recovering from that cold and I don't think I should over do it. I'll catch you guys tomorrow?" I asked, already out of my seat to leave.

"Really? Awww come on man." Tristan complained this time.

"You sure? You're not pushing yourself are you?" Tea asked me sweetly. At least she understood, even if it was half a lie.

"Thats why I'd like to head home and rest." I shrugged.

"Okay well then we'll see you tomorrow. Bright and early." She said happily.

"See ya man. G'night." Joey said just as happily. At least he wasn't too down about this.

"Get some rest dude. I wanna hang out some more." Tristan said.

I left swiftly after that, shouldering my own bags of goodies only I wasn't headed to the bus stop. No.

I'm going to apologise to Atem.

And I happen to know the quickest way back into his good books.