The Sample Platter
Chapter 15
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Yet another incident weighed heavily on Yugi's mind after it passed. Atemu went back to normal like it never happened and Yugi followed for a short time before the dark thoughts began eating away at him. How could Atemu hold himself so strong to look past the flaws Yugi kept bringing to the table.
He was sure any other siren would've left him to fend for himself or kill him for being so problematic for something he didn't even have control of when the magic reformed him into a siren. How can he pick and choose what was wiped clean and what stayed stubbornly from a guilty conscience. Yugi wished he could dig his own claws into his skull and rip away those fragments of human life.
He shouldn't need them! He was a siren now! Humans were ground dwellers and a delicacy to his newly formed palate. So why...why did the thought of abandoning them hurt him so? Yugi was left to ponder those thoughts after a good meal and a particularly vigorous mating round. He was tired and content but his mind was still abuzz with thought. Atemu was curled about him, chest to back and Yugi was sure he was sleeping. So he whispered the question that was on his mind.
"Why can't I have the strength you have, Atemu..."
"Because strength isn't something to give."
Yugi squealed when he heard the voice speak from behind, apologizing quickly if he had disturbed the other siren with such a trivial question. "Hush now, my delectable pearl. I can't sleep when your thoughts are so discordant. Are you still bothered by the events of before?" Yugi didn't want to say yes but even Atemu would pry if something is bringing Yugi unease.
"Yes. I know you've put it behind you, as should I, but for everything that happened, how are you so strong? Why can't I have the strength you have to not let these stupid burdens keep bringing me down and forcing you to console me at my lowest. I should be strong like a proper siren...yet I feel like I haven't changed from the body that was left behind."
Atemu moved to sit up, lifting Yugi with him and turning him to look into the solemn expression to cross his face. "My strength was built upon my upbringing as a prince. To deal with a community like ours, inherently violent and selfish, you have to be prepared to handle everything that is to be thrown at you in a position of power. My life was not easy and draining at the worst of times."
Atemu let out a soft exhale, running fingers through his hair as he relived a bit of those hours wasted. Listening to a council of five bitch and moan about food shortages and lack of resources. Each one of them; Secmeton, Martis, Kepura, Anubisius, and Atenza, oh how Atemu hated them. He was so glad to be away from them once the knights led him to freedom outside the kingdom's gates.
"I have to build my strength quickly to handle anything that my father pushes onto me which really was nothing but those foolish advisors that call themselves smart in his name. But I was born to lead, born to be a pillar for my people if I had chosen to stay. I chose to leave and had to grow my strength in other ways. To live out here, making a name for myself and a place to call my own took a different level of strength. But you, my precious treasure,"
A hand landed on Yugi's chin, tipping his head up. "Your strength comes from within. The power to stand up to these unfortunate dealings and stay alive. You have a strength of the mind that is overshadowed by your stubborn human memories. Yet the fact you have not driven yourself to take your own life, rip your throat out with your claws and leave me grieving says much about your strength. It may be hard to be on the receiving end of these fragmented problems but it matters more than you hear me and my voice, coming back to the world you belong to permanently."
Yugi didn't have words to say toward his reasoning as Atemu was right, as always. While Yugi had fallen, Atemu was there to pick him up and with his support, he was able to overcome the things that brought him down. Sure, the memories won't go away, permanently affixed to his mind but that's all they were...memories. Yugi will grow in strength, fight his own demons alone as he would any courting siren out to take Atemu from him and when he does, Atemu would be proud of him.
His approval and love is what keeps Yugi living and breathing, nothing will take that from him. Yugi pushed forward, nuzzling his cheek which was returned, a guttural purr escaping the larger siren. When he was pushed down by Yugi, Atemu smirked, settling his arms around his back, claws tickling the sensitive spot of skin between the flowing dorsal fins, making Yugi squirm at the sensation. It was totally unfair how Atemu was able to find places that made his body heat up quickly.
He'll get him back someday...but today certainly wasn't the day.