Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh
Update schedule: Chapter three on 16th, chapter four on 26th, chapter five on August 6th
Chapter Warnings: Self-Neglect, Mild Violence/Blood, Referenced Blood/Wounds
Part II: Sunlight
Atem whistled in his sleep, a noise which made Yugi's hearts feel warm. He had blinked his eyes open a few minutes before and found his mate fast asleep, head still partially buried in his meal but body twitching with the occasional muscle spasm. He didn't know if he still hurt from such strenuous activity or if he was dreaming. Either way, Yugi found himself staring as his paws twitched and his claws flexed. His tail occasionally moved and thumped, though without aggression. Had Atem not been a dragon, Yugi almost would have thought him a dog sleeping blissfully; in the village happy dogs would occasionally wag their tails during their dreams. He'd always liked to watch, finding it almost impossible to look away just for the pure happiness he knew they felt in those moments.
Now he wondered what Atem dreamed about, whether it was a good dream or simply involuntary twitching from exhaustion. Yugi would have gone over closer to snuggle with him, but Atem was so steadily asleep he almost felt guilty for the thought. Atem was often a restless sleeper, waking when Yugi so much as shifted his weight or looked in his direction. The older male would blink his eyes open, freezing in place, and then look at him with bewilderment or raw aggression before remembering himself. Usually he'd get up and wander to the other side of the den.
And in his state, Yugi hardly wanted him to. He was clearly still tired and shaky and Yugi didn't want him to further hurt himself. He didn't want to risk scaring him into moving aside and possibly further exhausting himself. Atem had seemed so shaky and he couldn't rationalize the God Dragon could put himself through so much pain just for the sake of keeping his attention. He knew the mountings were not fun for Atem. The Sky Dragon had tried to flee the first time they'd consummated their courtship, threatening to tear himself open when he'd tried to scramble his way out from beneath him after Yugi's barbs had hooked into his flesh.
He still hated his genetics for hurting him like that; he'd been hopeful not to have barbs just to avoid hurting him. But Atem had panicked and tried to flee, and he'd been rubbing his face against the ground then as he had earlier. Yugi didn't know if he'd felt such intense pain again or if he'd been trying to keep silent instead of yelping or bellowing in pain. The Sky Dragon had clearly been uncomfortable and hurt, rubbing his face against the ground until Yugi had seen a small shed of scales and nearly yelped at such a vibrant red color. He'd thought it blood, until he'd scrambled to investigate and Atem had taken a few minutes to catch his breath before demanding he mount him again.
He hadn't cared for it when he'd seen him hurt himself by way of dislodging scales like this—and he knew it had to have hurt because Atem did not molt or shed seasonally—but Atem's insistence had made denial impossible. He'd wanted to argue it was unnecessary and he didn't need to do it again, but he'd been unable. Somehow the words had gotten caught in his throat when he'd heard his mate's voice crack as he pled Yugi mount him once more.
Yugi untucked his paws, stretching his limbs and standing. He shook himself out, watching to make sure he didn't wake Atem, and leaned forward. The Sky Dragon was still whistling, still twitching occasionally in a lazy movement, and the gem on his forehead was as clear as summer skies. He couldn't see a single hint of cloudiness to announce a nightmare nor even the faintest stirring of shadows to hint at discomfort. Whatever dreams he was having seemed pleasant and the ache his muscles likely suffered still wasn't upsetting him. As far as Yugi was concerned, it was a blessing; he was glad to see Atem so blissful.
He crept slightly closer to the buffalo corpse, tenderly digging his teeth into the hide closest him in an effort to stay quiet. He made sure the noise did not wake Atem, swallowing a few mouthfuls. He raised his eyes every time, studying his mate to make sure he did not stir. Then he relaxed as he noticed the Sky Dragon had not woken. He had swallowed more than half of the remaining meat when he glanced over again.
Atem was staring at him, golden eyes opened halfway and body still relaxed in his former slumbering position. He blinked at him, then cast him a lazy smile as he flexed his paws. He yawned softly and opened his eyes fully, studying his mate with a tilt of his head. Yugi searched his face and sat up, sluggish from eating so much.
"Hey."
Atem nodded, yawning once more. "Hi."
"How'd you sleep?" He fought the tremble that threatened to overcome him when he saw how relaxed Atem still was. His hearts raced with contentment. Atem looked truly happy and warm and rested. He didn't have the haunted expression he'd worn the last few days since he'd performed the Blessing his brother had requested. The abundant nightmares had seemingly almost faded from mind as if banished by his rest. Yugi wondered what had happened to assure him so much, if it had been more his exhaustion or Yugi's words before he'd fallen asleep. He hoped he had that power, the ability to grant him such ease and allow him such strength as to sleep through the night without nightmares and small bursts of fear which made him wake and move away from him.
But he knew he didn't. Something else had given Atem reassurance enough to rest—if it was not mere exhaustion to knock his nightmares away.
The Sky Dragon shifted slightly forward, then froze. His head snapped around to look at something and then he turned back. His expression was still warm, but the smallest hint of caution made his eyes darker. The red male lowered his head to his paws, murmuring, "I slept."
He sounded relieved, as if for a moment he'd doubted it. Then he blinked and studied Yugi with an expression that seemed warm and friendly. For a split second Yugi almost thought he might get up to butt him in the shoulder and snuggle into his side. But he never made a move to, as much as Yugi himself wished he would. Instead the red male yawned and closed his eyes.
"You seemed like you enjoyed your rest."
Atem nodded slightly before opening an eye to study him. "I didn't dream of anything…or I don't remember if I did."
He didn't know it was a good thing, whether he'd been too exhausted to dream or if he genuinely had not felt as terrible as usual. Yugi couldn't tell and he knew better than to ask. Atem would turn away from him, perhaps with frustration but otherwise withdrawing. Yugi wished he had the ability to change that, but for the moment he was not so close to Atem the Sky Dragon felt safe enough to allow it. He was still skittish and reclusive at times, though he'd opened up where he could. He'd made effort after effort, even if sometimes he withdrew afterwards.
"Little one?"
He blinked, then offered a small smile. "I was just thinking about something."
Atem looked incredulous but didn't press. Instead he lowered his head again—Yugi wasn't sure when he'd raised it, but he'd obviously been concerned—and closed his eyes.
Atem had not moved from his spot in the den in over twenty days. Yugi didn't know what to do with himself nor how to amend the problem. The Sky Dragon had lost some of the luster in his scales and he'd easily dropped some weight in his refusal to move. He hadn't hunted in days and Yugi had brought food and tried to coax him from the little cliff, but the Sky Dragon had refused to budge and further turned his beak up at meals. Yugi was at his wits' end. Atem was either sick or hurt, and he had no way of knowing. He couldn't smell anything when he entered the den but for the scent of a dragon made unhealthy from his own neglect.
He dropped from the cliff, huffing as he landed in front of his mate. Atem had turned around at some point, twisting and folding himself in the opposite direction. But even this was not much improvement. He'd gotten up, turned around twice, and dropped into the same sleeping position he'd been resting in for almost an entire moon.
"Atem," he tried for what felt the millionth time, huffing out another discontent breath, "please get up."
"I did. I even turned around and lay back down."
Atem shot him an annoyed glance from over his shoulder. Yugi narrowed his gaze, stepping stiffly forward. The stance he took got the Slifer's attention. Atem raised his head and narrowed his eyes in response. They stared at each other, and Yugi huffed as he came a step closer. Atem lowered his head and his eyes became slits, the gem on his forehead darkening with warning.
"You haven't left the den in almost a moon!"
"I don't care." Atem lashed his tail, thumping it forcefully into the dirt and river stones. He bore his teeth more pointedly but did not snarl. "I'm not leaving right now."
"You're losing color in your scales! You're half the weight you should be! You're molting along your tail!" Yugi burst out. "Get up!"
The Sky Dragon thumped his tail again, glaring at him. "I will not."
"You're becoming ill!"
"I am not. I'm still healthy—"
"You smell sick."
Atem blinked, then huffed. "Your beak has stopped working." He turned away with a huff and lay his head back down. Yugi growled in annoyance and stomped forward again. Immediately Atem moved, sitting up and bristling. His mouths opened and his tail thumped, wings splayed as if to shield himself. Yugi recoiled, shocked by the aggressive display, and backed up rapidly. His mate continued snarling a moment, then lost his bristle and sniffed as he lay back down.
Yugi stared, hurt and confused. Had he given him real reason to assume he would have turned on him? He had merely been posturing. Atem knew he wouldn't hurt him, didn't he?
"I…I didn't mean to."
Atem abruptly turned around, eyes wide and startled.
"Whatever I did…t-to hurt you, I didn't mean to."
The Sky Dragon froze in place, then opened and shut his mouth. For a single second he stayed where he was. Then he sprang forward, hurrying over to him. He looked torn even as he ran his tongue over his face and butted him gently in the shoulder.
"I'm sorry."
Yugi felt as if his hearts were going to stop. Atem sounded agonized. He was trembling finely, grooming him as if to ease the ache. But it didn't explain his former anger or lack of mobility or why he had withdrawn so much as to spit at him when he got too close. The Gandora looked at him sideways, unsure whether he should accept the apology or press for answers.
Abruptly Atem stopped, head snapping around for a single moment. Yugi found himself almost winded. Atem had angled his wing slightly, as if to block him from being able to see. Yugi studied his stance even as the Sky Dragon returned to grooming his face in apology.
The Gandora watched him a moment longer. Then he sprang forward when he noticed Atem was almost panting from exertion. He barreled past his wing and toward the spot the Sky Dragon was so clearly trying to block from his line of sight.
He got a step away.
And then he screamed.
Pain raked down the side of his face.
He crouched to the ground, horrified.
The only other dragon there was Atem. The Sky Dragon had struck him. He'd drawn blood; Yugi could feel that much. It was shallow, but it stung. The red male darted past him. He got to his spot, crouching down. His tongues flicked and every scale on his back had risen into a bristle. Yugi turned tail. He got to the other side of the den and stared, horrified.
Atem snarled. Then he blinked. His eyes were no longer narrowed, widening drastically. His mouths shut. His tongues stopped flicking. He straightened from his protective stance. Then he shot a terrified glance over his shoulder and turned back.
Yugi peered at him, reading the horror in his expression. He blinked, then mumbled, "You just struck me."
Atem opened and closed his bottom jaw. Then he lowered his eyes. His attention shot to the same point over his shoulder. He turned back, eyes stretching wide once more. He trembled.
"You struck me."
"I…I…" Atem looked as if he might be sick. Then he clenched his eyes shut and breathed hard, as if he were panting. "I didn't mean… You got too close."
"I got too close?" Yugi repeated, spitting with shock. Atem shook harder, as if he'd been struck as well. The gem on his forehead was tumultuous, dark and swirling with shadows. Yugi blinked, hearts breaking, and slowly pressed himself to the ground to slink forward. Atem locked eyes on him immediately, as if tracking a dragon he'd deemed a threat. But he looked scared, no longer aggressive. Yugi slunk until he was only a few feet away. And then he rolled over onto his back, exposing his underbelly to the red male. Atem flinched and wheeled back a few feet, circling around his usual spot before coming back to stand nearer him. He looked ashamed and scared. "Atem…"
"I…I…" He circled twice more. "I… Oh, Yugi…"
"What happened?" he asked finally, moving to roll back over and peering up at him again. Atem stared back with that same horrified expression. "What did I—?"
"You didn't do anything," the Sky Dragon spat, surprising him with the anger in his voice. "It was not your fault. It was mine. I should have known better. I…I lost control. I was scared and…"
"Scared?" Yugi backed up a step, hearts breaking. "Of me?"
"No!" the red male burst out, springing to his paws and flexing his claws with a panicked expression. "No! No, I… Never of you. I… No…"
Yugi wanted to comfort him, but his face still stung and he couldn't reconcile with himself how to respond to the pain he saw on his countenance as well. He narrowed his eyes. Atem had begun pacing. The scales along his back were still raised but he looked scared. Abruptly he stopped to face Yugi again.
"I didn't mean to," he said quietly, finally moving aside and taking a seat. He tucked his wings into his sides, bowing his head and staring at the stones scattered at his paws. He shuffled his weight and Yugi swore he looked like a scorned hatchling, his entire body folded in on itself until he was but a tenth of his usual size. "You scared me when you headed that way. I panicked. I…I'm sorry."
Yugi shook his head, standing and shaking himself. That didn't make any sense. Why would Atem care if he had moved in the direction of his little spot? He had never been inclined towards territorial aggression no matter where Yugi went in the den. He'd let him take his usual spots and even roll around and scent-mark many of the little pockets he'd dug for himself to rest in.
So why would he—?
His blood turned cold for a single second.
"By the gods…"
Atem flexed his claws anxiously. "I haven't left the den because of it. I'm not sick. I just…" He turned to watch him as Yugi took off running towards it. He was trembling again, breathing hard, when the Gandora got within a foot of him. "Please."
Yugi halted, eyes widening in shock. Atem had lowered his head again, panting with anxiety. His teeth were slightly bared and his eyes looked wild, torn between protecting the egg and trusting Yugi not to harm it.
"Don't… Don't touch it. I'm not sure I can stop myself if you touch it."
Yugi nodded and moved back a few steps. Atem hurried forward to throw himself between the two, circling and moving to lay his wing over it. He'd settled back into his new regular position, the tremble ceasing and breathing easy once more. The Sky Dragon licked his paws, as if trying to regain composure. Yugi ignored this, blurting, "Is it mine?"
Atem paused mid-lick to raise his eyes and peer at him in confusion. "I mate for life," he said, clearly puzzled. Yugi laughed, hearts hammering, and leaned forward just enough to lick his forehead. Atem tilted his head and Yugi struggled to find the words, kneading at the soft sand and river stones and trying his hardest to articulate his meaning. And then the God Dragon seemed to understand, blinking and nodding. "It was not an asexual reproduction. I laid it after I initiated those abundant mountings."
Yugi allowed the words to truly sink in, continuing his kneading before his mouth split into a wide grin. "It's mine?" he demanded again, trembling with excitement. The God Dragon nodded, though he looked increasingly troubled. "That's amazing, Atem! Why didn't you tell me before?!"
Atem flinched as if he'd been struck, lowering his eyes. "I…I do not know if it is alive," he admitted so quietly Yugi almost didn't hear him. "I cannot tell."
"It's alive," the Gandora snapped. He shook his head sharply and scowled. "It's alive."
Atem lowered his chin to his paws and considered him. His voice sounded exhausted and he looked as if he wanted nothing more than to rest for a thousand years. "How do you know?" he asked softly. He closed his eyes, breathing a little rougher as if he could not believe he was speaking the words to him. Yugi almost thought he seemed to be mourning but could not quite do so properly. "I can't sense anything from it."
Yugi huffed, hurrying forward to lick his cheek and cast a glance at the spot beneath his wing. It was still there, a dark black shell with little jagged lines of red like forked lightning against the heavens. His hearts hammered again, excitement streaking through him. He wanted to smell it, to lay with it and curl up around it and simply revel in the thought that the most impossible thing had just happened for him.
"It's alive," he said more firmly. He looked down again. Atem had opened his eyes to study him. His shoulders had tensed slightly but he was not in the position to strike out. "If it was going to die so soon, why would you have laid it? It's a miracle and you know that! You can't just say you doubt it's alive!"
"It shouldn't have happened, Yugi. I wasn't even in the right state to lay an egg. It's smaller than it should be and it's black from all the blood loss. I wasn't prepared to lay it." Atem looked down, ashamed as his voice broke with anguish. "It could have suffocated for all I know. Sky Dragon eggs are soft so they can absorb air through the shell. They're hard enough to endure being moved around, but they also need air. And I…I can't move it. My mouths can't open wide enough without my teeth scraping it. I've tried. I… Yugi, I do not know it survived."
"It did!" Yugi spat. He opened and closed his mouth when Atem refused to raise his eyes. He stared at his paws, as if he were too afraid of his own perceived failing to even look at him. Yugi leaned forward to butt him gently in the shoulder, rubbing there insistently. "It survived and it's alive. I…I know it is."
"How can you when I don't?"
He hesitated, then huffed as he pulled back to glare at him. Atem still had not looked up, his expression crestfallen. His anger softened slightly as he licked his forehead. "You can be scared, Atem, but don't…don't just…give up on it like this."
The God Dragon looked up, visibly stunned.
Yugi trembled. "You've spent so much time with it. If you truly think it's dead…"
Atem was silent for a long time. Then he shifted forward and butted him in the center of the chest. He was trembling as well. "I have not given up on it," he promised quietly. "Had I, I would not have cared when you ventured as far as you did. I simply… I'm scared. I didn't react when I should have. I didn't lay it as soon as I should have. I wasn't fast enough to even lay it without hurting myself. I…"
Yugi blinked, listening to the words and feeling his hearts clench forcefully. He exhaled softly, closing his eyes tightly. "I love you." He sighed gently. "I'll still love you even if the egg doesn't hatch."
Atem trembled harder.
Yugi woke to something prodding him in the side. He grunted when it came again, eyes snapping open and head immediately turning. Atem syood over him, looking small and ashamed and tired. The Sky Dragon lowered his head, mumbling, "You were right last night. My scales are dulling and flaking along my tail. I have no moisture left in my skin. I am tired and hungry and I need to get something in my stomach. I need to sunbathe and I need open air."
He blinked and stumbled to sit up, eyes widening. "Okay, okay, uh—where are we going?"
"We will not be going anywhere," the God Dragon said softly, shaking his head. He lowered his eyes to his paws. "The egg can't be moved for the moment. It's too cold outside now that autumn has started. We can't move the egg out today. Tomorrow I'll make it warmer but it needs to be cold today. So I…I need you to stay here. I need you to stay here…w-with it. And I need you to incubate it."
Yugi froze, then nodded. "Of course!"
Atem raised his eyes, staring. "I…I'm struggling right now. I…I trust you, but I…I also don't."
The Gandora blinked, then nodded again slowly. Of course he was struggling. His instincts were warning him against a potential threat, a Gandora going near his nest. His mind was telling him it was Yugi and he was safe and he'd help him. He was torn in two different directions and he had no true confidence in which to listen to. Yugi offered a small smile and stood up, shaking himself out.
"It's okay. I promise I won't hold it against you."
Atem snorted, then stretched his legs as if to distract himself from his warring thoughts. He shook himself out in turn and nodded slightly, looking at the little nest he'd dug into the sand and stones. Yugi followed his gaze and nearly trembled; it hadn't been some kind of fever dream as he'd almost feared upon resting the night before. Atem was quiet for a long minute. Then he lowered his head, voice coming out cold and gruff and nearly guttural.
"You've seen how I lay with it. But your body heat is much more than my own. My wings are the hottest part of my body and I can use them to block the weather as well. But your body is much warmer and as long as you do not smother it, the extra heat should do it well. Just…make sure to get up and move around every other hour until I return. You do not want to overheat it."
Yugi nodded vigorously. "How will I know if I'm overheating it?"
Atem was quiet for a long minute. "The shell will crack," he answered coldly. His eyes shot to Yugi's. "The shell will crack and it will bleed rotting remains."
The Gandora froze in place, eyes stretching wide. "W-what?"
He stood straighter, shaking himself out once more. "The egg will break. Sky Dragon eggs are not so firm that they can retain too much heat for long bouts of time. When we move it tomorrow, we will need to put it in a spot with foliage so the leaves will dapple it with shadow. That way it will be cooled even as it is being warmed. At sunset we shall move it into more open space and it can absorb the sunlight even as it begins to cool down for the day." He fell quiet for a long minute. "I do not know what of your genes it possesses. As such, I'm going to treat it as I would had I laid it asexually. And that is what I know from speaking to my parents as a hatchling, when I had once thought I'd court a female and have copious nests."
Yugi shivered, looking over at him. Atem stared at the egg with an unreadable expression, one that made the scales along his back rise with anxiety. But it passed when the red male turned away.
"I'll return when I've filled my belly and rested a while."
And then he was gone.
Yugi watched him go, then turned back to the egg. He circled it once, then twice, and slowly lowered himself to lay beside it. Being so close to it was almost terrifying. Atem had kept it hidden for so long and now he trusted him to lay with it while he was gone. It was stunning the red male even trusted him so much. In truth, considering how little time they'd truly been together and how often Atem still shied away when Yugi tried to show him affection, he shouldn't have allowed it.
Either Atem had truly come to realize just how bad he looked from personal neglect or he was trying his hardest to extend trust to Yugi. The egg was clearly his most prized possession, considering he'd attacked him over it. Yugi knew he hadn't meant to, but he had. It was not coincidence Atem had chosen the day after revealing its existence to sunbathe and hunt. He'd been too shaken up the day before to decide for no other reason than hunger to leave the den.
No, Yugi thought as he looked down at the little egg and considered it curiously. Atem had chosen now because he didn't know it was alive. He was hopeful having Yugi's body heat to add to its usual climate might help. But he was also giving him the chance to be near it should it prove dead. It was not that Atem wished it so, but he was scared enough he'd decided to give Yugi a chance to be with it. Yugi could lay with it and pour his heart into it and do as much as he could, and then should it be deceased he could not say Atem had not tried.
He could not say he himself had not tried.
Atem was not so cruel as to take that away from him.
Yugi looked at the egg for a long minute, then tapped his beak against the shell gently. There was a solid noise, one that echoed dully in the den, and his hearts raced. That was a good sign, wasn't it? There was substance inside. It wasn't empty.
He exhaled roughly, closing his eyes and trembling faintly with growing excitement. "I wonder who you're going to end up looking like the most!" he murmured, studying the egg and nudging it gently. "I hope you look like Atem. I always wanted little baby Atem's running around. If you look like Atem, it'll be a dream come true."
He paused, then sighed softly. "Not that I won't love you regardless of what you look like. You're going to be my little dragonet. Even if you have black scales and look nothing like him, I'll still love you."
At this point the hatchling would end up as insecure as its father. He lowered his chin to his paws. He'd need to get up soon and circle around. There was no way he'd ever risk overheating the egg. He hardly wanted such a terrible outcome. The egg was alive—it had to be—and he would not risk harming it. It was his child and he'd make sure it hatched and was given the best in life. It would want for nothing. And he'd give it everything.
Yugi spent his time rising, circling, laying back down and talking. The hours were long due to his silent audience, but it was comforting as well. It was relaxing to speak to the egg and not feel the conflict of watching his tongue as he did with Atem. He never wanted to startle the Sky Dragon, though he knew he often did. And the egg, being unable to express such emotion, was a welcome audience.
And, finally, as Yugi rose to settle for what felt the millionth time, he heard movement overhead. He turned to look over his shoulder, hearts racing as Atem poked his head over the cliff. He studied him a single moment, then glanced at the egg, and slowly sprang down. Yugi would have rushed over to greet him, but he didn't want to move away too soon. Atem had not given him any sign he should, and it being his first time incubating he was unsure he should relieve his duty so easily so soon.
The red male was quiet for a long moment. Then he looked at him and tilted his head. "I think I managed to pull away all the shed skin," he said abruptly, voice level and soft. It was almost an apology and a confession all at once, as if he'd been fearful while away and did not know how else to express it. The God Dragon lifted his tail and showed him the end of it, then moved around in a circle to give him a full glance of his hindquarters. "I think I got it all. Do you see anywhere I missed?"
Yugi smiled at him, moving over to inspect his tail and hindquarters. When he found nothing, he butted him in the shoulder and licked his forehead. "Not a scale amiss," he teased. Atem nodded, making a soft noise almost like a hum. He nudged at his neck as if to nip him, then moved around him and toward the egg. Yugi watched him as he looked it over, sniffing, and then circled and took to lying as he usually did.
The Sky Dragon stretched his legs and lay his chin down. The position hardly seemed comfortable but he had no way of asking that would not sound condescending, so he opted to stay quiet. Atem, however, murmured, "Thank you. I needed the day."
Yugi blinked and smiled widely. "Of course! You know I'd do anything for you."
His golden eyes flickered up and locked on his. Atem looked hesitant, then smiled and nodded, closing his eyes. "Lay with me?"
Yugi was anxious when he got up the next morning. Atem was still asleep beside him when the Gandora stood, pacing for a few moments and debating whether to wake him. He spun around, looked past Atem's arched wing—he was sure it wasn't comfortable for him to rest in that position—at the egg, and then paced in a much larger circle.
"Yugi," Atem grumbled what felt a lifetime later, and the Gandora spun around with wide eyes to find his mate glaring, "it's nice that you're excited, but it's hours before dawn and I'm still tired. Please stop pacing."
Yugi blinked, startled. Hours before dawn? What was he talking about? It had to be daytime by now! The sun had to be up and—oh.
Embarrassment crashed through him. Atem was right. He was the Sky Dragon; he'd know the position of the moon and the sun. And, as Yugi considered, he realized he had mistaken his internal clock for accurate time telling. He ducked his head; it was still night, though it was past the time of midnight and so he equated it as the next morning. It was a human time measuring technique. When the moon reached its zenith, it was considered midnight and the meant the next day had been born anew.
He didn't understand how they rationalized such ideas; he supposed it didn't matter. But Atem was right and he'd woken him with his frantic pacing. Oh, by the gods, he hadn't meant to. He hadn't meant to wake him so early. He'd thought it much later and…
"I'm sorry."
Atem blinked an eye open from where he'd formerly shut them. For a moment he remained glaring, then he sighed softly and raised his head. "Come lay with me," he murmured, gesturing him over as he had the night before. Yugi hesitated, then slowly picked his way over, downtrodden. He'd been so sure it was almost time and he'd been so excited that now it nearly crushed him. He snuggled into his side and Atem lay his head on the back of his neck.
A few minutes of silence passed. Then, quietly, came a mumbled, "You did well today."
Yugi blinked, startled. "What?"
"With the egg; you did well with it, little gem." Atem blinked his eyes open as Yugi looked at him in his peripheral. The Sky Dragon tilted his head slightly toward him, then smiled and flicked his tongue at his beak. "You were amazing with it. I knew you would be, but I was still worried. And you proved me wrong, as I knew you would."
Yugi smiled at him, trembling. "I really never moved from the spot and I circled around once every hour to make sure I didn't smother or overheat it."
Atem snorted and closed his eyes again. "You're adorable."
"I didn't want to hurt it!"
He nodded lazily. "I know, little one, I know." He snuggled further into his shoulders and hummed softly, letting loose a noise that almost mirrored a purr. Yugi melted into the affectionate touch and tried to quell his trembles once more. Atem's tongue flicked out in a content motion as his breathing began to even out again. Abruptly the God Dragon murmured, "I'm relieved to have told you about this."
Yugi blinked, startled. "About the egg?"
Atem nodded again. "Yes. I…I was becoming scared I'd killed it. I didn't want to perform the ceremony for it to go to Paradise yet and you made me feel a lot better for holding off when you insisted it has to be alive." He yawned and flexed his claws. "I felt like I was being smothered hiding it from you. You were so worried about me and I didn't know how to tell you."
"I probably would have been a little less concerned if you'd just said, 'Yugi, I laid an egg! Look.'" Yugi smiled when Atem snorted. "You know I adore you. I didn't want anything to happen to you. And your isolation from me was terrifying."
"I know. I should have relied on you when it happened." Atem pressed slightly harder into his side now, as if he were trying to burrow into his scales and dig his way under his skin. "I just…couldn't rationalize it."
Yugi nodded. He probably never would. Atem was far too independent and used to self-isolation. Whenever he was forced to rely on someone else, it clearly bothered him. Even when he'd reunited with Timaeus a few times, if the teal male mentioned their time together before Atem tended to get a troubled and annoyed look on his face. He seemed almost frustrated with himself and his inabilities from before, as if he saw these too as yet another failing.
Yugi hated that more than anything. Every little mistake made, Atem scrutinized himself for until Yugi thought he might unravel. Yugi licked his cheek and ignored the small shiver he was granted for the action. The Sky Dragon was not reacting negatively, he knew, and so he did not worry he was upset.
"Have you…?" Atem trailed off for a moment. Then he exhaled roughly and opened an eye to glance at him sideways. "Have you thought of what you might name them if they hatch?"
"When they hatch," Yugi answered firmly, "I want to name them something in particular, yes."
Atem studied him for a moment. "Do share, little gem."
He grinned. "I'll show you tomorrow."
"Show me?" the red dragon echoed softly. "How will you show me?"
"You'll see when we go out there!"
Yugi swore Atem was the grumpiest Sky Dragon in existence, surpassing even his brothers. The red male had dragged himself out of his nesting spot ahead of him, grumbling about how a certain little Gandora had to fix his time telling to accommodate a non-nocturnal dragon, and huffed and puffed all throughout the hour he'd been awake. Yugi had burst out laughing at his disgruntled expression more than once, earning him glares and scowls and a tiny nip to his tail when he refused to stop. From there Yugi had pounced on him, only to be swatted aside more than once until Atem glared and wound up jumping onto the ledge and scowling at him.
Now, however, he watched from his perch, paws over the edge and head lowered. His eyes were half-closed and his grumbling had just barely ceased after a scathing yet amicable comment of, "Truly, Yugi? You've woken me three times and only now is it dawn. I do not know I could ever dislike you more than I do now" which Yugi had guffawed at and teased him relentlessly for.
Yugi sat next to the egg, torn between allowing Atem more time to rest or waking him and asking him how to properly grab the egg. Atem's own jaws would not open wide enough to accommodate the shape. His teeth would scrape the edges, not enough to puncture or harm it but still enough to make Atem too nervous to do it. Yugi's own mouth was capable of opening much wider due to only having one, as Atem's stunted his abilities drastically at times.
He could not open them as wide as the usual Slifer. He could not latch to prey for a kill blow. He was unable to clamp his jaws on another dragon and shake them limp or hold them until they exhausted themselves. He had to adapt, sometimes by way of using his claws to make up for what his jaws could not do or by way of using his tail to sever the head of his opponents when they refused to leave him be.
Yugi shifted his paws and wrapped his tail around them. Atem still had his eyes closed when he looked over his shoulder the first time. He turned away to look at the egg again, trembling with excitement as he had the day before. He narrowed his eyes and then forced himself to relax. But the trembling started again, and he found himself looking over his shoulder toward Atem with an almost panicked excitement. His mate was awake now, staring at him with a small smile and bright eyes.
"You're adorable," he snorted. He flexed his paws, then rose and jumped down to his side. When he landed, he seemed much less exhausted than he had the night before upon returning from his meal. The red dragon shook himself out and studied his face. "Do you think you'll be okay to move it?"
Yugi blinked, startled. Atem had never asked him before. And, despite his excitement and wonder, he had not thought to consider if he could or not. He frowned, considering him, and tilted his head as he mumbled, "I…I think so. But I…I've never done this before."
Atem nodded and glanced at the egg with an expression Yugi almost thought looked terrified and remorseful. But it was gone when he blinked. "We could practice," he said abruptly, turning to him again. "I could grab a tree branch or…we could use a fish. If we use a fish, you could see if you could carry it without disturbing the scales. We'd know if you have the right grip before we move the egg."
Yugi hesitated, watching him. "And what if I always disturb their scales? What if I can't get the right grip and we waste the day? You need more food and sunlight than you got yesterday." He shook his head, forcing his voice to come out gentle. "If it wasn't for the fact you need this, I would agree. But…Atem, I can't just prioritize this egg over you."
The Sky Dragon stared at him as if he'd lashed out. Then he blinked, glancing down at the little egg once more. His eyes narrowed briefly before he shook his head slightly and scuffled his paws. "You're… You're right. I…" He nodded. "We'd likely waste time."
Yugi glanced down at the egg again. "I…I don't want to, but we'll need to risk it." He shook his head. "But eggs are pretty resistant and I don't think I'll hurt it. I…"
Atem raised his eyes, staring at him for a long handful of seconds. He nodded slowly and leaned forward to nudge his shoulder. "I trust you," he finally mumbled. "I might not always show it, but I do. If you think you can do this, then I won't object. We'll try it, little gem, and even if it doesn't go well I won't…hold it against you."
He stiffened, stunned, and shook his head. "That's not fair, Atem," he blurted out. "I'm not a Sky Dragon and your instincts for your hatchlings are more intense than mine. If you need to be upset with me, then do it."
The red male stared at him as if he didn't understand a word he'd just said. Then he blinked, his eyes stretched wide before narrowing, and he huffed as he shook himself out. "Even if you hurt it," he said slowly, "there was never a guarantee it was ever alive. I will not take my anger out on you should that be the case."
The Gandora went to object, then stopped short. Atem was glaring at him, golden eyes full of frustration and stance stiff with anger. He hesitated, then sighed softly and licked his cheek. "Okay."
The God Dragon shook himself out and padded to circle around the egg. "I think it might be easiest to open your jaws as wide as you can, scoop the egg, and then rest your teeth on the very edges. You should be able to decide the pressure from there once you have a proper grip." He circled it once more, then twice and finally a third time; Yugi flinched at the anxious expression he wore. The red male was almost shaking. Yugi forced it away and came forward, lowering his head toward it. Atem growled, looking ashamed of himself when Yugi glanced over with wide eyes.
"I…I should leave," the God Dragon blurted out, looking acutely ashamed and almost horrified of himself now. He blinked at him, then turned and hurried past him to the ledge he'd been perched atop before. He was gone when Yugi opened his mouth to object.
The Gandora turned back, shaken by Atem's absence even as he reconciled with himself that he was right and it was the best way to proceed. Atem was only going to get more and more anxious. And if he got too upset, he might lash out. Neither of them wanted that.
He hesitated, lowering his head toward the egg and shivering. "Please be okay," he whispered. "I don't want to have to bury you anytime soon."
He swore he heard a whisper of noise, but he also realized Atem was moving about again outside the den. He could hear his claws against the stones, scraping every now and then but never quite grating. Yugi exhaled slowly, lowering his head, and opened his jaws until his mouth strained and the muscles coiled with pain. He ignored it, lowering his head until his teeth scraped the river stones. Then he closed his mouth gently, his teeth encircling it, and raised his head.
It was smooth and…warm against his tongue, with more heat than he'd expected. Atem was not a hot-blooded dragon, with a cool temperature and body heat so mild at times Yugi almost didn't feel it. Had the egg retained heat from his vigil the day before? But Atem had never mentioned it feeling warmer. Had it always been so warm and he'd never noticed because of how scared he'd been of smothering it?
He shook the thought off. Atem was going to get further worried soon if he didn't get a move on. He hesitated, looking up the wall of the ledge, and opted to put his paws on and pull himself up rather than jump. He didn't want to accidentally close his jaws too tightly when he landed. But his equilibrium was somewhat thrown off. He scrambled, kicking his back legs to climb awkwardly along the smooth stone in a more natural way. He got up, straightening, and allowed himself a moment to dwell on the success. Then he moved along the tunnel as slowly and delicately as he could.
The egg was still warm and smooth against his tongue and Yugi would have been hard-pressed not to admit he had the impulse to swallow it more than once. It was natural for a Fire Dragon. They were the one species that truly ate nests of eggs of other animals. Crocodile and turtle were often a delicacy for them and they swallowed them whole. Juveniles were especially encouraged to, as nests were usually easy prey. The mothers were usually vicious, but dragons were and always had been at the top of the food chain.
Their egg was three times the size of them, but still would have been easily gulped down if he tried. Yugi pressed it against the edge of his teeth gently and pushed his tongue into an arching formation along the back. The urge to swallow was easily suppressed now; doing so would likely cause him to choke and sputter. And any dragon knew better.
He dropped from the mouth of the den rather heavily, jarring his forelimbs enough to stumble and limp the first few steps. Then he shook himself out and hurried forward. Atem was pacing again, a blur of red and black scales and glowing golden eyes. Yugi hesitated a few feet away, then raised his head and trotted forward again. Atem spun on him, at first with alarm and then laughter.
"Someone seems incredibly proud of himself," he teased. His eyes had softened as Yugi looked around and then headed towards the nearest tree. The Sky Dragon made no move to join him as the Gandora lowered his mouth and gently deposited the egg.
He spun around to face him, grinning. "I think I did really well!" he said excitedly, shaking finely. He pounced forward, startling Atem slightly, and then hurriedly turned back. The egg looked perfect, lying there in a spot both touched by sunlight and shade. The tree's bare limbs still offered enough shade to make him feel he'd done a well enough job in choosing the spot. He leaned forward to nuzzle it, then looked about the roots. Which would be easiest to dig a pocket against so the egg would have further support should any wind start?
Atem was quiet for a long moment, then mumbled, "Thank you."
Yugi faltered, confused, and looked over his shoulder. "For what?"
The God Dragon gestured helplessly with a nod of his beak toward the egg. He looked almost ashamed. "I…I couldn't have done it on my own, so…thank you." He hurriedly moved past him, sniffing as if to inspect it, and then looked at the roots of the tree just as Yugi had. He dug at the roots for only a moment, then glanced at Yugi over his shoulder with a slightly pleading expression.
The Gandora blinked, puzzled for only a moment, and then dug for him. No doubt Atem's claws were still fragile from former neglect. Eating and sunbathing wouldn't strengthen him right away. His bones were likely frail from the unintended abuse. He'd likely hurt himself should he try to dig.
"I'm sorry," Atem mumbled abruptly. Yugi stiffened, then looked over in confusion. The red male had his head lowered, paws tucked toward his underbelly and tail wrapped firmly around them. His wings were pressed into his sides and he looked small and fragile as Yugi considered him. "I keep asking things of you and…I'm sorry, Yugi."
He blinked. "You don't ask much of me," he argued, turning back to start digging again. "And I love you. I'll always do anything you ask."
Atem was quiet for a long moment. Then he leaned forward and tapped his flank with his head. Yugi turned, confused, eyes wide, but relaxed as Atem rubbed against him gently and let out a rumble reminiscent of a purr. Yugi trembled at the touch, excitement and affection coursing through him in waves.
"That's a lot of power to give someone," Atem murmured, pulling away. Yugi glanced over his shoulder as the red male circled around, pacing, and then slowly worked his way more towards the sunlight where the trees wouldn't block it. He lay down after a moment or two, head on his paws and eyes half-closed. "I promise not to abuse it."
Yugi blinked, startled, before shaking his head and turning away. "I know you won't. You're too sweet." He dug a little longer, then smoothed the dirt out, dropping against the ground and rubbing his cheek into the dirt. It was soft and warm and smooth when he finished and he eagerly scooted the egg toward the little nest. "I think it'll be fine here, right? You said it's going to be warm today, so that means no wind, right? And then we can relax some and you can get some food and sunbathe. And then I'll wait here with the egg while you do that. And then we won't have to worry about anything. We won't have to worry about it because I'll still be here with it and you can get some food and sunlight and—"
Atem chuckled, voice rich with the sound. "Little one, breathe. One question at a time," he teased. "You're speaking too quickly for me to answer."
The Gandora blinked, then took a seat and looked over his shoulder with a sheepish grin. "Sorry," he mumbled. He shuffled his paws. "I was just… I was thinking that I'll stay here with the egg and you can get some food and sunlight. Your scales still aren't as bright as they used to be and you're too skinny."
The Sky Dragon blinked. "Rather polite way of calling me ugly," he said wryly and Yugi bristled, about to adamantly deny it before he saw the humor in his eyes. "If you so desire, then yes I can leave you with the egg and hunt and return later."
Yugi smiled slightly. "I'd like for you to be healthy, yes."
Atem stared for a moment, then nodded and got to his paws. "Right," he mumbled, voice sounding discontent for only a moment. He shook himself out and looked at the egg and its makeshift nest. "I'll be back soon."
Yugi nodded and watched as he took off.
