Zypher: -steps in and coughs- well then, long time no see. it has been quite some time since i updated here but truly, its because its been much too quiet here. but its to be expected. the audience i used to have for my work have likely moved on to other fandoms or life has taken over which is certainly a delicate time with the state of the world now. for me personally, i have been more active over on AO3, putting up newer and revised work there since the audience there is more engaging. but i've thought it over and while it could've been a simultaneous posting, the timing in which i gotten chapters finished to start on the next one on top of some bi-weekly updates would've thrown me off a little. so this is a month late but this is my contribution to PuzzleJune. my first year doing it and i had quite a blast creating these one-shots, some which have grown into a mini series and four which is to see full stories down the road. those stories will be posted over on my account on AO3. i will mention them in a mini note when the chapter comes up but otherwise, enjoy the works!

as usual, i own nothing except the ideas towards each prompt. some suggestive themes but nothing heavy, a little blood but overall a whole bunch of sweetness between Yugi and Atemu. each chapter will have a small summary and if there is something worth a warning before you start reading, the warning will be posted of the content so plz, heed it if you feel you will be uncomfortable with the content.

0

Day 1: Yugi was feeling burnt out trying to salvage a dying relationship. With each slam of the door, a little piece of him withered away. So when he visits a favorite bar, he found someone who held their door open to welcome him and his problems inside.

0

Doors.

They were portals to new and exciting adventures. They held promises, desires, opportunities and heartache. It was always said when one door closes, another opens. There was no such thing as missed opportunities as long as you have the drive to pursue it. This was a moral one chose to follow except for the one time where such moral held a terrible negative connotation behind it.

0

Yugi sighed as he heard the door slam shut in his face. His girlfriend of two years had pitched another fit towards some unknown act that he committed but didn't know of. He had just come back from the office after pitching the idea of his virtual reality battle simulator, Spherium II, to his superior. So happy was he that the idea was received and was scheduled to be put into rotation for the planning phase that he had come home that day to tell his girlfriend the good news. But somehow, the day wasn't in favor of his happiness as the moment the mention of the game dropped from his lips, she had gone on a tirade of how much work meant more to him than her. It was a pitiful excuse and one too often used to devalue his happiness in lieu of her own. He tried to keep her happy, oh how he tried, but it seemed no matter what he tried to accomplish, it was never enough.

And with each unsuccessful attempt was met with a door slammed in his face and a quiet apartment. Thin fingers ran through the unruly mop of hair as he plopped himself upon the couch in the living room. What did he do wrong that always gave him nothing but the ire of his girlfriend, one who was so sweet and supportive a year ago? She wasn't one for games, that was easily a given, but she had shown before she had no problems with his love of games and seeing a project that had gone wonderfully get a second installment thanks to his connections with Seto Kaiba and his company. He had thought they connected well from the time of their dating to the point now where they had moved in together. But since their acquisition of their own place had set them down a dark path of one sided arguments and hasty retreats that leaves the echo of a closed door etched in his heart.

The smaller male sighed and decided it was best to find something to do for himself though he was absolutely exhausted. Perhaps a night out would do him some good. Unwind from the day of his picky SO and do something for himself as a solitary celebration for his work. There was a bar downtown that he liked to frequent, that would easily soothe his rough evening. A fresh shower and a quick change of clothes and Yugi was out the door with his wallet and keys to catch the first bus downtown.

0

The bar wasn't loud but the music was definitely excitable. The pulsing beat and thrumming bass filled his senses with calm as bar-goers danced on the floor or took seats at the counter or booths with their drinks and chatting with friends or co-workers. Yugi hummed as he found himself a spot near the end of the bar, cool glass of a simple mixed drink in hand as he watched all around him with relaxed violet eyes. This is what Yugi needed, that was definite. A smile pulled across his face as fingers grasped the straw to stir the slices of fruit to give flavor to his drink. "Yeah, this is what I needed." he hummed, closing his eyes as he let his mind drift away to the music. So lost was he to the ambiance that he didn't hear someone slide into the empty seat beside him and order a drink for themselves.

"Nice night, isn't it?" Yugi opened his eyes quickly to the voice, looking to his side and was in awe of the man that was by his side. Yugi was at first stunned to the sight of their similarities between them but once he was able to look past them, the sight was actually...gorgeous. Tawny skin was decked out with simple jewelry of silver, a bracelet around one wrist and two rings with one holding light gemstone on the other hand. A black singlet covered his chest and washed out jeans over strong, sturdy legs ending with polish black leather boots holding gleaming silver studs. Violet eyes drew up to his face to see glowing scarlet eyes staring into his own with a welcome smile across perfect lips and realized that not only was he staring, he was getting thoughts clearly forbidden. He was in a dedicated relationship as hard as it is to keep it manageable. Yugi can't be sitting here in a bar with wandering eyes now.

"Ah, yes. A genuinely nice night. One I actually needed in fact." Yugi replied out of courtesy as he turned back to his drink. The man beside him chuckled a little, the clink of a glass sitting on the counter for him and he took the drink in hand. A sip of the drink and the man began to cater to some small talk that Yugi reciprocated without trying to sound too involved. He didn't want to sound interested if that is what this man was trying to go for. He was still happily in a relationship...if you can call it that, Yugi thought bitterly. "Trouble in paradise?" Was the voiced question and Yugi looked to the man once more, the other looking interested in the story behind the bitterness to take over such a cute face. Yugi stepped back, knowing full well telling his problems to a stranger was against everything he stood for, especially when it concerned his love life.

"You could say that but sadly, to reveal that to a complete stranger isn't up my alley so I have to decline in sharing my slice of life story to you." Yugi murmured and the man was quiet. He said nothing more except to finish the rest of his drink and stood from the bar after leaving the cash and a tip down for the bartender. A card was set beside Yugi's hand with the lingering comment that he had no need to take it but should he ever need an ear to listen, he was willing to do so. "No one should have to carry bitterness in their heart til it festers." he spoke before he was through the door and gone into the night. This was definitely a strange set of events for Yugi and personally, he didn't know what to make of it.

But...he did walk out with the card in his pocket. So strange indeed.

When Yugi returned, his girlfriend was back as well and wasn't pleased that he had gone out. "Bar again, I see?" she rasped harshly before another rant was flowing from her lips, of how disrespectful he was to her, going out so late and to some bar to drink. Was he cheating on her, she threatened to which Yugi replied with as much calm he can muster to avoid setting off the powder keg that she was that he did no such thing. He had one drink and listened to the music that was playing, finding it wise he said nothing of the charismatic figure he met there or about the card set within his pocket. She huffed petulantly before she was off to the bedroom, another slam of a door signifying Yugi wasn't going to be joining her in a proper bed that night.

A sigh left him as he rubbed the back of his neck, moving towards the office that made up the second room. It was wise he prepared for such things and had a futon lying in the closet for such nights. But he had to question for how long would he allow himself to take such verbal lashings from someone who was clearly showing her unhappiness towards him. For what reason does she stay with him if he can't even make her happy. Yugi didn't know but he was sure that soon enough, he'll snap from the constant refusal to make amends for mistakes he still didn't know he had to own up to.

Was being happy for a job he loved and a project he was glad to see a second production so wrong?

0

Next week was met with relative peace for Yugi for about three days when once more, he was accused of something he knew nothing of how to fix it. He came in from a late night to the angry face of his girlfriend, the woman snapping at the poor lad before he could even drop his bag to ask of him why he spent so many long hours at the company. He tried to ask what had crawled up her ass and died in the most mature manner he could but couldn't even get the words out before she was out the door and he was left to look to the worn oak that had taken such a callous beating from her anger. What was he to do, he wondered, hand resting upon the cool wood before he forehead joined it. What would it take to make her happy? What would it take...to make him happy...

Then a thought occurred as he remembered a certain little piece of card stock that was in his office. A minuscule little thing that should mean nothing with its embossed golden lettering and numbers printed on the neatly cut card given to him a week ago. Did he dare? Could he? It was so strange for Yugi to consider going to someone he met only once to talk but the man seemed kind. Fair and just and wouldn't be nice with him if he had planned any alternatives to his generosity. But was he really considering trusting someone he met only once with his personal problems?

Yugi picked up his cell and the card, dialing the number, greeting with the warm baritone that was all too happy to agree to meeting at the bar again for a light chat over drinks.

0

Yugi suddenly found a routine for himself. He worked on the framework for Spherium II for a good chunk of the day and returned home. If he was lucky, the day was met with peace but on the worst of days where his girlfriend decided that his very existence was a problem in which she leaves, he calls on his drinking buddy for a single round at their favorite bar. Atemu, he eventually came to learn about after their third get together, was rather quaint to be around. He was collected and regal, rather charismatic and very much charming. Yugi had to admit he was half embarrassed and half amused when the other found himself the target of a too drunk woman that wished to butt in on their time together to ask him for a dance or another drink. Atemu never took any of the offers as he found better company in Yugi, something that Yugi found admirable but also selfish in himself.

"You know you don't have to stick around with me." Yugi said after Atemu turned away another woman. Atemu smiled as he leaned against the counter. He told Yugi that he rather his company than that of a woman's. "You're more interesting and dare I say a pleasantry to be around. And you need the company." Yugi smiled at his concern as he nodded. He was definitely right about that. Yugi really needed a friend in Atemu. Things just felt as they were growing more distant with each verbal spat even if he wasn't saying much but what was he to do? The guilt would consume him if he thought of kicking his girlfriend from the apartment but heh also knew he couldn't bear this much longer. The music shifted to a dulcet tune, the warm sound of a female's voice singing lyrics befitting Yugi's situation and the misery to fill Yugi's eyes was easily caught by Atemu who rested a hand on his shoulder.

"Yugi?"

Violet hues locked on scarlet and something had sparked between them, something Yugi knew he shouldn't but the softened gaze holding Atemu's concern was like a refreshing breath of air. Something he clearly and obviously needed and didn't realize it until he gazed into those lovely gems. A hand raised slowly before cupping Yugi's cheek and the smaller male sighed as he leaned into it. He knew it wasn't right and shouldn't be this relaxed around Atemu but something about him just made all of his life's problems wash away. That everything that occurred at home was just a forgotten matter to be swept under the moment he was there in a relaxing locale and talking to Atemu. With a tender smile and another hand moving to pull Yugi from the stool, the offer was silent but sound and the violet-eyed male couldn't think to say no.

He felt at peace in Atemu's presence and knew the other wouldn't dare to do more than he was allowed.

0

Yugi had to do a double take at the expensive piece of architecture to meet his eye, looking between it and Atemu before the correlation finally set in. This man was rich, practically loaded and this mansion belonged to his family. Yugi had been shooting the breeze and sharing a drink with one of Domino's most sought bachelors and he didn't even recognize him! A hand landed on his shoulder and Atemu voiced his worries. He, of course, wouldn't reveal his family line as he wanted to be able to do things normally without the risk of press or desperate women looking for easy money to throw themselves into his lap. Just like he was to Yugi, Yugi was a refreshing character to talk to and made him feel like his wealth and power was nothing to gawk about. "Let's head inside, I can set up a movie and some snacks and if there's anything you want to get off your chest, I'm all ready to listen." Yugi nodded, composing himself and followed the other into the house. Servants bowed to Atemu as he stepped inside and he was quick to relieve them of their usual greeting as Yugi followed after him to the living room.

The petite one looked around in genuine curiosity, spotting the wide couch before the large wall-mounted plasma TV and found a place to sit. Atemu moved towards the kitchen to grab everything they needed for a small night in, coming back out with a tray to settle on the low coffee table and sat beside Yugi. He didn't turn on the TV however, instead he turned his gaze towards Yugi, knowing well that the smaller male would probably want to talk more. Thumbs fidgeted at the thought, Yugi wanting to get a lot off his chest but wondered, was this the best time? Atemu did say he was willing to listen. But a part of him also felt bad to unload all his problems onto the other male. A hand landed over his hands and his gaze turned to the scarlet eyes that held a kindness and Yugi felt his walls weaken, a door finally unlocking itself as he began to speak of all that had finally gotten to him.

Of his problems with his girlfriend that took a turn for the worse, the thoughts of what he could do to make her happy again. Colored Atemu surprised when he learned that Yugi was the prodigal lad that was behind the Spherium II project that his cousin spoke so highly about but he would worry about that some other time as the petite creator continued, wondering where he would go from there. "I don't want to leave her...but I'm running out of options and patience. I don't think I can handle the sound of that damned oak door slamming on me again. I honestly thought she loved me...but it doesn't seem that way anymore..." Yugi whispered sadly as he lowered his head. Atemu hummed as he ran a thumb over the back of Yugi's hand. As they say, he began, when one door closes, another opens. This brought the violet gaze up, meeting warm scarlet and that very moment, truer words couldn't have been spoken.

It may have been a couple weeks since their meeting but Yugi realized he connected so much better with Atemu than he ever could have thought possible. The man was a lover of games and was welcoming. Sure, he was a rich man and could have anyone he desired but it was clear he was picky about his company and even clearer that he felt plenty comfortable in Yugi's presence. But for Yugi, this was a turnaround that he wasn't prepared for, wasn't even on the radar of his mind but somewhere deep in his heart, the connection felt right. There was work to be done though if he even wanted to think for a single second to pursue what their eyes read and Atemu accepted that, smiling softly as he told him that he would wait as long as it took until Yugi was ready. "I'm sure this did end up happening much too quick for you to understand and process if a guy is someone you needed more than your current girlfriend but take the time, settle things as needed and know that I'm only a phone call away." Yugi nodded, smiling softly before bringing their hands up to brush a light kiss over the back of Atemu's hand.

It was a small gesture but one showing the growing acceptance of this budding bridge of friendship crossing into the threshold of love. It was a steep change but Yugi felt with time, it will all work out.

"Now then, how about we start that movie I promised." Yugi laughed and nodded, the two settling in with their snacks as Atemu picked something worthwhile from the extensive library of movies he had.

0

She was gone.

Yugi stared at the oak door in silence, the portal in which she left through with the promise to never come back. She would send for her things and that was the end of it. There was no argument or fight for her. She had ended it and ended it quickly and Yugi accepted this was right for them both. Days before, he would hate looking at that oak door, the memories of its sight as it clicked shut with one purpose or another to drive the point home that he was a failure in the relationship. But now...the sight of it closed made him happy. When one door closes, another opens. These were the words spoken to him and with this door closed on a loveless relationship that was doing no favors for him, another opened to a man that showed he had cared. He didn't have to, Yugi reminded himself as he remembered the day Atemu spotted him at the bar alone, but he had. Yugi wouldn't regret the day the two met as it was a memory that showed that pursuing the dredges of a fizzling relationship had done more harm than good for him.

Yugi thought he was happy, thought he could fix things in regard to trying to keep that happiness in his heart but it only proved to hurt him. Such a thing would have never been realized until he had met Atemu. Now, with a clear conscience and a freed heart, he was prepared to walk through the door to a new chapter of his life.

"Atemu..." Yugi began, cell nestled by his ear as he swung open the worn oak door to his apartment. "I hope your door is still open."

A smile spread across Atemu's face as he stood on the other side of the doorway, looking down to Yugi as he held his arms open. The phone settled in his palm echoing with Yugi's voice over the line as he spoke aloud...

"My door was always unlocked and open for you, Yugi."