Disclaimer: All Yu-Gi-Oh characters belong to Kazuki Takahashi. This fic has Yaoi; you have been warned.
Main Pairings: YugiXAtemu
"blah" - talking
blah - thinking
Full Summery: (AU, Yaoi) In the year of 3005, Domino Japan had changed greatly, but sadly leaving a confused ex-pharaoh in the dust. Could he survive this odd time, and win the heart of one Yugi Vontane, a decent of his loveable Aibou?
Cyber
Affection
by Yami-Yugi
Chapter 4
The next morning, Atemu woke up. He heard slow breathing and looked to see Yugi fast asleep with his arm around him. He blushed at the unfamiliar situation as he slowly moved Yugi's arm and sat up. He watched him sleep for a minute. He blushed as the thought of Yugi liking him crossed his mind. He shook the thought away.He's not MY Yugi...He barely knows me... He decided to get up and go get some breakfast. He was careful not to wake Yugi as he got changed and walked out of the room and down the hall.
- - -
As Atemu went to sit down with his tray of breakfast, he was met by Dr. Pegasus. "Good morning. How was the trial yesterday?"
"We won but, I'd rather not talk about it..."
"Alright. Lovely day outside. Are you all by yourself? Where's Yugi?"
"He's still sleeping."
"I see. You can come sit with me if you'd like." Atemu just shrugged and sat down with him. They started talking and got into a few deep conversations about some things.
"Atemu! Atemu, where are you! At-...Oh. There you are! Don't scare me like that!" Yugi said running in.
"I'm sorry...I didn't want to wake you."
"I thought something had happened to you!"
"Well, we were just having breakfast. Want to join us?"
"Alright, but promise me you won't run off like that."
"Okay." Yugi sighed and went to get something to eat.
---
After breakfast, Yugi got ready for the day and him and Atemu went looking for a new house and a job for him. They started looking for houses close to the lab. The first one was an expensive mansion that Yugi knew he COULDN'T afford so he passed it. The next was a few blocks down. It was a cheap, broken down tiny thing. "With all the technology...sheesh..." They passed a few that weren't so bad. They went inside an okay house. It wasn't as luxurious as Yugi's old one. It wasn't very nice and they wanted too much for it, so they left. Atemu became worried. "Don't worry, we'll find a house." He sighed and continued to look out the window. Yugi smiled and they stumbled upon the PERFECT house, not far from the lab at all. Atemu just stared at it. "Let's take a look, shall we?" Yugi said with a smile. Atemu nodded. Yugi smiled and called for the taxi to stop. They got out and took a look inside it. It was nice little two story with not too much extra space, but enough to give the both of them plenty of room. The downstairs had a nice living room, dining room, and kitchen with the latest technology. There was a nice sized hallway down to a bathroom and master bedroom. The upstairs was like a cool little loft area with a small bathroom of it's own. "You could make this your room. You'll have your own space," Yugi said with a smile.
"I guess..." Atemu said slowly.
"What's wrong?" Yugi asked softly so only he could hear.
"It's nothing..."
"...I think I know. We don't have to make it a bedroom if you don't want."
---
They talked things over with the agent selling it and bought the house. After buying the house, they headed out on a job search. Atemu was slowing sings of neverness. "You okay?" Yugi asked, noticing this.
"I'm just nervous..."
"Don't worry, you'll be fine." They pulled up to the first place with a "help wanted" sign flashing in the window. "Here we go, you'll be just fine," Yugi said putting a hand on his shoulder. They slowly entured the building. It was a small resturaunt. They asked for a manager.
He came and he was a slightly overweight tough guy. "Yeah? Whatcha need?"
"I was looking for a job."
"Alright, what can you do?"
"Oh, not me."
The manager raised an eyebrow. "Then who?" He motioned to Atemu who was cowering nervously behind him. "I don't take that kind here. Besides, he's too outdated. Nice try."
"Thanks anyway," Yugi said kinda sarcastically as he pushed Atemu out the door "I didn't like him anyway...Come on." Atemu looked like he was about to cry. He hated being treated as a thing and not a person. "The next place will be better okay?" Yugi soothed. They stopped at a small antique store next.
"Hi, welcome. Are you here about my sign?" a nice lady asked.
"I'm not, but my friend is." He motioned to a nervous Atemu behind him.
"Oh hi...wait...He's far too outdated. I cannot except him. You trying to get me in trouble there? I can't risk it. Good luck though."
"Thanks." They left and went looking again. "She seemed nice." The next stop was a small toy shop owned by a nice old man. "Hello? I'm here about the sign outside."
"Great. I need someone who's willing to assist me and clean up sometimes. Can you do that?"
"Oh, it's not me. It's my friend here." Atemu slowly peck out from behind Yugi.
"What! Hey sonny! Whatcha trying to pull on me? I can't take that and he's way behind the times. I'd get in major trouble youngin. Go run along now. I can't hire that." Atemu looked like he was going to cry again.
"Come on," Yugi said gently leading him away.
"..."
"I'm sorry..."
"Not...your fault..."
"I feel guilty for making you do this. One more try okay?" Atemu nodded slowy. Yugi nodded and they pulled up to the graveyard. "Hmmm, let's check out what's going on," he said with a smile as they stopped and got out. Atemu still hid behind Yugi. They walked along until they came across a groundskeeper. "Excuse me."
"Huh? Oh, hello," said a young lady wearing overalls with her hair pulled back. She got up from the gravestone she was inspecting. "So, you here about the job?"
"No, not me. My friend is."
"Oh, who's your friend?" she asked happily as Atemu poked out from behind him. "Wow! He's kinda old huh? What's your name? You gotta have one right?"
"A-Atemu..." he said shly.
"Nice to meet you. The name's Rebecca. I've been taking care of the cemetery for a few years now. But, it's a lot work. I need some help." Crimson eyes looked around and spies the familor set of graves. He sighed sadly. "Yeah, I know some people that rest here too. So, you willing to help?" Atemu turned his attention back to her. She only smiled, letting the question hang in the air. He looked towards Yugi. He only smiled. "Well? You up for it?" Atemu nodded slowly. "Great! You can start tomorrow kay?" He nodded again. Yugi smiled.
"Oh, before I forget..." he took out a pad and paper and gave Rebecca his cell phone number and the number of Pegasus's lab for emergencies
"Alright then. See ya." They waved goodbye and headed back to the taxi.
"That's great. And that way, you can see Great Grandpa everyday." Atemu smiled solemnly and nodded. They went back towards the lab.
- - -
Weeks passed and Yugi was getting ready to move into their new house. He was happy to be back at work and the others gave him warm welcomes. Atemu started working in the graveyard. He soon got to know Rebecca pretty well. He also found out that she had a cybernetic arm like Yugi did. Only hers was older and more closely dated with him. "Yeah...I was out in a bad storm seven years ago and as I was trying to cover a gravestone, a branch crushed my arm."
"...I'm sorry."
"Nah, it's okay. I'm fine. I gotta be careful in the rain though. This older metal, rusts."
"Why not get an upgrade?"
"I'm too stubborn. If it works, it works. Look at you. You're just fine," she said with a smile. Atemu looked away solemnly and went back to working. "Sorry...I didn't mean to-..."
"I...I wish I wasn't here sometimes."
"From what you told me, he really loved you. He wanted you to live. You're here because of his love for you. Besides, you've got friends here," she said putting a hand on his shoulder. He smiled a small solemn smile. Rebecca smiled back.
- - -
When both Yugi and Atemu got back home to the lab that night, they started packing up everything they needed. "That's it. You have everything?" Atemu nodded. "Alright then. Some people from the Station managed to get most of the furniture from the house. We'll have to replace the living room and bedroom though." Atemu nodded.
- - -
With Vincent, Pegasus, and some of the officers' help, Yugi got moved in in a few hours. They ordered take out because they hadn't turned any of the kitchen appliances on yet. "So, I hear someone's working hard," Pegasus said.
"Yeah. The woman we talked to seemed very nice," Yugi replied.
"Great!" Vincent said.
"How has it been going?" Yugi asked Atemu.
"It's been alright."
"That's great. For you both," said one of the officers. Yugi smiled. Atemu smiled too. They all talked for a long time, joking now and then. Atemu laughed right along with them, sometimes contributing his own from his time. As they all laughed at one of Yugi's jokes, Atemu stopped laughing and smiled.
Rebecca was right. I do have friends here. Maybe I do belong here... Atemu...Atemu... "Atemu? You okay? You spaced out for a moment," Yugi said looking worriedly at him.
"Sorry..."
"It's okay."
"Is that really the time?" Vincent asked checking his watch.
"Yeah, it is late huh?"
"Well, see ya later."
"Bye Vontane."
"Later cuz. See ya round."
"Bye Vince."
"Goodbye," Atemu said as everyone left. Yugi watched everyone leave and closed and locked the door. He yawned tiredly.
"It's late and there's work tomorrow." Atemu nodded and tried to stop himself from yawning. Yugi laughed a little. They walked into the new bedroom. Yugi headed to the master bathroom within the room to get ready for bed. Atemu yawned again and got undressed. He sat down on the two mattress make-shift bed and waited. Yugi got out of the shower and into his pajamas. He walked into the room and smiled to see Atemu fast asleep on the mattress. He carefully put his feet up on the bed and laid down next to him. He pulled the blankets over the two of them. He got comfortable and closed his eyes, trying to fall asleep. He felt Atemu move and smiled again to see him rest his head against him. He readjusted the blankets and willingly kissed him on the forehead. "Everything will be much better from here on out. I promise," he said before going to sleep.
- - -
The next morning, Yugi got up first and got ready for work. He went back to the mattress/bed and tried to wake up Atemu. "Come on, you have to get up."
"Just a little longer Aibou..." Yugi was surprised at first but then remembered that used to be some sort of pet name for his great grandfather.
"Come on..."
"Alright...what time is it?"
"It's 7:30 and we both have to be at work at 8:15."
"What? Oh...sorry..."
"It's alright. Come on. We have to hurry and get breakfast on the way." Atemu nodded and hurriedly got ready.
"Okay, let's go." Yugi smiled as they headed out.
- - -
Both headed off to work. Yugi hugged Atemu goodbye as he got out of the taxi and went inside the station. Atemu continued on, looking out the window at everything. He soon got to the graveyard. Rebecca smiled. "Morning. Lovely day out huh?"
"Yes it is."
"Alright, lots of work to do," she said with a smile as they headed out.
- - -
The day went on, the sun shining brightly as Yugi worked at his computer and Atemu helped Rebecca. "I'm going a few acres that way. Will you be alright by yourself?"
"I should be alright."
"Okay. Come running and give me a holler if you need something okay?" He nodded. She smiled and walked off.
- - -
Yugi was reading some reports when he heard a sudden rush like a waterfall and saw a flash in the window. He looked outside to find a sudden storm. "Geez! It came out of nowhere." He closed the shade on the window and went back to reading. "...Oh no! Both of them are outside in that!" He hurried out of his office to talk with the chief. "I have to go."
"What? What's going on?"
"Atemu, he's out there. In the storm."
"What storm?" The chief went to a window and opened the shade. "Oh...that one. That came from out of the blue."
"I know, so I have to go. He's out there. He could get seriously hurt. She could too."
"She?"
"Rebecca. Atemu works at the graveyard now."
"Oh. Alright then, you go ahead."
"Thanks."
"Vontane? I hope he's alright."
"Thanks..." Yugi said as he rushed out and tried to call a taxi.
- - -
Meanwhile: "Geez! Thank you Mother Nature!" Rebecca called. Lightening struck as if to yell back at her. She ran back to the main complex of the graveyard to take shelter. "...Damn! Atemu! He's gonna get hurt out in this!" She threw on her rain gear and ran out to look for him. She ran for acres until she found a shadow slumped over. "Oh no!" She raced to it. She found Atemu protectively slumped over Yugi's grave. He wasn't moving and he was slowly rusting. "Dammit." She carefully turned him over to see more rust. "This isn't good." Lightening struck and hit Atemu, but for Rebecca. She reacted fast and used her cybernetic arm to deflect it. She growled as it fried, hurting her a little. Atemu moaned, coughing up "blood". "Don't worry, I'm gonna get you some help." Rebecca carefully took him into her strong arms and ran to the main complex. She took out her cell phone and tried to remember Yugi's number. She got out the paper he had given her. "Hey! The lab! They can help him. It'll be faster to go straight there." She tried to get a signal. Unfortunately, the more she waited, the more he rusted. "Damn!" She carefully laid him down and went to get a blanket or something to dry him off. She returned, moving quickly to get every last bit of water off. She threw the wet blanket aside and tried to call the lab again. She got a signal finally.
"Hello? Who is this?" demanded the man on the other line.
"Is this Dr. Pegasus?"
"How did you get this number?"
"It's me, Rebecca. Yugi gave me the number for emergencies."
"Alright. What's the emergency?"
"He's...He's badly damaged."
"Who?"
"Atemu is. He almost got struck by lightening too. You...wouldn't be able to give me a new arm would ya?"
"Jokes aside. I'm on my way."
"Hurry. It's going to be okay, Atemu. Help's on the way." He moaned again and coughed up more "blood". "Just hang on."
- - -
Pegasus soon arrived and airlifted them both to the lab. Luckily the weather let up halfway there. They landed and quickly got inside. Rebecca helped Pegasus put Atemu on a stretcher and wheel him down to the laboratory of the complex. Once in the room, Pegasus looked over them both. "Both of you look terrible."
"Yeah. Will he be alright?"
"It's hard to tell...Does Yugi know?"
"I'd better call."
"That would be wise." Rebecca did so.
"Yugi?"
"Rebecca? Are you alright? I'm headed towards the graveyard."
"No, come straight to the lab."
"...Oh god..."
"I'm really sorry."
"It's not your fault. You can't predict the weather so easily."
"Yeah. We'll be here." Yugi hung up and headed towards the lab. "He's on his way."
"Good. Go ahead and sit down over there. I'm going to try to see what I can do with him. It doesn't look good."
"I'm sorry, I tried-"
"I know. You did what you could," he said turning his attention back to Atemu's weak form. He tried to move.
"Y-Yu-..." He coughed up more "blood".
"You have to take it easy. You'll only make it worse. He's on his way," he said with a smile. Rebecca watched solemnly as she sat on another lab table across the room. He sighed heavily and hooked Atemu to up to a computer and some other things. There were rushing footsteps as Yugi ran in. "Atemu! Oh god, is he okay?" Rebecca and Pegasus didn't answer. Yugi rushed over to him and he felt tears rush from his eyes as he saw him. "Atemu...I'm...so sorry..." he sobbed hugging him tightly. Weak eyes looked at him.
"...Y-Yu-...Wh-why...are-"
"Sssshhh, don't say anything. I'm here now."
"...I'm sorry..." Rebecca said
"It...wasn't your fault..." Yugi sobbed in reply. He sobbed onto Atemu's form. "I don't know if I could live without you," he whispered. A weak smile crossed his face. "I...don't want to...lose you..."
"I...I-" He coughed up "blood" again.
"Hang on...okay? I...I...l-love you..." There was surprise in those weak eyes. Yugi only smiled at him, tears still falling.
"Yugi...Can I talk to you alone?"
"You can help him again right?"
"I have a thought." Yugi nodded. He took Atemu's hand and held it tight.
"I'll be back, I promise. Don't you dare die on me."
"I...w-won't..." Yugi smiled and walked out of the room with Pegasus.
- - -
"What can you do to fix him?"
"...As you can see, he's pretty badly damaged. I was thinking..." Pegasus sighed.
"What? Please tell me if you can help him!"
Pegasus sighed. "...It would take a long time. And it's risky."
"I don't care! Do whatever it takes. I want him back by my side."
"Well...The damage is so severe...I...I was thinking of upgrading him."
"...Okay..."
"It could take months and it's very risky. He could die if it's not done carefully."
"Just do it. Please..." Yugi begged. He grabbed Pegasus's arm. "Please...I...don't want to lose him," he sobbed. Pegasus looked at him solemnly.
"...If he means that much to you..." Yugi nodded weakly. Pegasus sighed. "Alright then. I'll let you spend a few moments with him." Yugi nodded and went back in. He went over to Atemu and took his hand.
"Everything's going to be alright. Pegasus is going to make you better just like last time." Atemu weakly squeezed his hand. Yugi smiled and tried not to cry. "Go to sleep now and you'll be all better when you wake up." He nodded weakly. Yugi smiled and let go of his hand, setting it back down. Yugi watched as Atemu closed his eyes, letting sleep claim him. Yugi smiled and kissed his forehead. Pegasus walked in. "Okay. Please...do what you can."
"I will. I will put his life as my main priority, I promise." Yugi nodded. "Rebecca, why don't you go with Yugi. I'll fix your arm later."
"Okay." She got off the table and followed Yugi out. Pegasus watched them leave. He sighed heavily before going back into the lab. "This will be the ultimate test of my abilities. I couldn't save her, but I can try to save you." He put Atemu in a permanent state of sleep before starting.
- - -
Yugi and Rebecca got to talking. "Wow, that look like it hurt."
"Yeah, but I couldn't let him get hurt you know?"
"Thanks a lot."
"No problem. I think we're becoming great friends."
"Yeah. You seem familiar, though I don't know why."
"Well, I'm named after my great great great great grandmother."
"Hey! Me too, I mean, I'm named after my great grandfather."
Rebecca giggled. "You know what, maybe they knew each other."
"You know, I think they did. I remember stories of some school aged girl having a crush on him or something."
"Yep! That's my great grandmother."
"No wonder you're familiar. You have the same eyes and same hair." She laughed again, but quickly turned serious.
"I hope he'll be alright."
"...Me too..."
"I'm sorry."
"It's okay. You know, it may sound weird but, I think...I think I love him."
"Wow! I didn't know you felt that way. Geez! I'm sorry."
"It wasn't your fault. Don't blame yourself."
"Let's talk about something else."
"Yeah, like how-" They were interrupted as Pegasus walked in. He looked like he had seen better days.
"Man..."
"How's it going?" Yugi asked half worried, half curious.
"Let's just say it's going. I needed a break."
"I'll say," Rebecca replied. Pegasus sighed as he sat down.
"Anyway, what were you going to say Yugi?"
"Oh, I was just going to ask how long you've been at the graveyard."
"About ten years. It belonged to my great grandmother."
"So it hasn't been in the family that long then."
"No. I took over for my dad. He took an early retirement ten years ago. So yeah, I've been at it since I was sixteen."
"Wow! By yourself?"
"Yeah. I get help from the family every now and then. Atemu's been great."
"Speaking of which, if you want I can fix your arm now."
"Yeah, okay. I'll bring you a report Yugi."
"Thanks, that would be nice." She smiled and followed Pegasus back to the lab. She looked towards Atemu and found him laying open. You could see all the underlying structures and wires that made him function.
"Wow! That bad huh?"
"Yes...It's quite frustrating. There was a lot of water damage."
"Gee..."
"Try not to worry. I'm doing the best I can."
"So how you going to fix him?"
"Well first I have to try to repair all the damage. Then I'm going to do a full upgrade."
"But...that could kill him."
"...I know. That's why I have to be very, very careful. Also, I'm not going to upgrade him that far. That would be way too much and it WOULD kill him."
"So then, what?"
"Well, to insure that something like today doesn't happen again, I was thinking something as simple as more weather resistant, especially water resistant metal."
"Oh okay. Good idea." She hopped up onto the other table. Pegasus carefully inspected her arm, checking everything over.
"It's completely fried. The only thing I can do is give you an entirely new arm. If you wish, I can give you one just like Yugi's."
"Hmmm..."
"It will just like your real arm. It'll be completely seamless too."
"...Alright. I'll take you up on that."
"It will be much more resistant."
"Sounds good to me. Do I need to be knocked out or something?" He nodded. "Kay, I should probably change too." He nodded again and handed her something to change into. He pulled a curtain across to let her change. In a few minutes she pulled it back. "Alright. I'm ready for that new arm." He could only smile as she laid down on the table.
"You aren't allergic to anything are you?"
"Nope. You can knock me out no problem."
"Alright then." He readied an anesthetic and administered it. It didn't take a second and she was out.
- - -
She slowly came too. She slowly sat up and looked confusedly over at Atemu. "Oh yeah!" She noticed she felt different. She looked to see she had both arms. "Wow! He's good." She moved it around and smiled. "Great! Now no one can make fun of me anymore. Hey...wonder where he went?" She looked to see her clothes neatly folded where she left them. She pulled the curtain closed and changed back. She hopped off the table and looked around. She peeked over at Atemu again. "Wow! That's a lot of bells and whistles."
"I see you've come to."
"Yeah."
"Does it feel okay?"
"Yeah! It's great! Thanks a lot."
"It's what I do," he replied with a smile. She smiled back. "If you'll excuse me, I have to get back to work on our friend there."
"Yeah. Okay. I'll give Yugi the update."
"I'm sure he'd like that." She nodded and let him get back to work.
- - -
"Hey Yugi. Check it out," Rebecca said with a smile as she walked back into the café where he sat.
"That's great! You can't even tell."
"Nope. We've got that in common now."
"Yeah, I guess so," he replied with a smile.
"Oh, before I forget. It's going to take a really long time for him."
"How is he?"
"It was hard to tell really. I know Pegasus is working really hard to repair most of the damage. It was a lot worse than we thought. Though, there's good news. He's giving him a full upgrade."
"...I know...He told me..." Yugi said very worried of what could happen.
"Don't worry. He's taking every precaution into account. He's only going a few steps up. He said something about a stronger, more resistant metal. That way today won't happen anymore. Just enough so he can function a lot more normally."
"...Okay..."
"Yeah..."
"That's good. Hey, he might even be able to fit the code then too."
"Yeah! Maybe." Yugi yawned. "Sorry...It's been a long day."
"Yeah. It is kinda late."
"Come on, I'll show you to the guest quarters. I think I remember where me and Atemu's old room was."
- - -
During the next five months, Yugi spent most of his time worrying. Every night he went to the lab to check on Atemu's progress. "You need to stop worrying so much," Pegasus said one night as they stood outside the lab.
"I can't help it. I just don't want to bear the thought of losing him."
"I know. I'm doing the best I can."
"I know. You're working really hard I can tell. Thanks so much."
"I don't want to lose him either. I guess you can call it a parent's love."
"Yeah...I just can't help worrying."
"If you want, you can see him. Mind you, he's still asleep. And I still have a bit to go."
"I know. I want to see him." Pegasus nodded and led him into the lab. Yugi slowly walked over to where Atemu was laying. He noticed that he was lying open. He tried to hold back tears of worry as he took a badly rusted hand in his. He looked curiously at Atemu's other arm and his left leg. There was something different about them. "What...?"
"That's the new upgrade. It's not as far advanced as your arm, but it's much better than he was before." Yugi carefully put Atemu's hand back down and went over for a closer look. His forearm and his thigh were covered in a different type of material than the rest of his body.
"What is it?"
"It's a much stronger alloy than what he was originally made of. It's completely damage resistant, well, I shouldn't say completely. You get the idea."
"Yeah..."
"You can see why it's taking me so long."
"Yeah, I can. Do...Do you think..."
"That's another reason why it's taking so long. I have to go slowly. If I go too fast, things won't connect the right way and it will throw everything off. Also, I have to take into account time for adjustment to the new material." Yugi nodded slowly. "Well, it's late and I have a full night's work ahead."
"Yeah, I have work in the morning."
"Yugi?"
"Huh?"
"Take my advice and try not to worry so much."
"Right...Goodnight."
"Goodbye Yugi." With that Yugi left and went back home
- - -
I'm really sorry Yugi...I did what I could...I'm sorry, I couldn't save him...I'm sorry Yugi... ...May he rest in peace. Try not to be sad. He will live on in our hearts and our memories. ...I couldn't save him. At least this way he'll be reunited with your great grandfather. He always wanted that...Couldn't save him...
"NOO!" Yugi shouted as he sat bolt up right in bed. He wiped the tears from his eyes that he had been crying in his sleep. He tried to calm down as he looked around the room. He decided to call, no matter how late it was. He got up from bed and called Pegasus on the phone.
Pegasus was in the middle of rewiring some circuits and adding more of the upgrade when the phone rang. He got to a stopping point and answered it. "Hello?"
"Is Atemu alright?" Yugi spat out worriedly.
"What? He's fine. He's just fine."
"Would it be alright if I stayed there?"
"Yugi...You need to calm down and stop worrying. I've got everything under control. I'm doing everything I can."
"I know but..."
"You'll worry yourself sick at this rate. Just calm down and don't worry. He's going to be fine."
"...I'm sorry..."
"It's alright, I understand your concern, but it's not healthy to worry like this. You've been checking on him everyday for the past three months now."
"...I know. I...I just can't help it."
"Yes you can. You NEED to stop worrying. Atemu wouldn't want you so upset like this. Try to get some rest."
"Alright..." Yugi sighed.
"I'll see you later," he said as he hung up and went back to work. Yugi sighed as he hung up the phone and tried to go back to bed. He stared out his window at the sky until he lost his will to stay awake.
- - -
Soon, the five months were over and Pegasus had finished. Yugi was checking on Atemu again. "You'll find to your relief, that it was a complete success. However, I'm not ready to wake him. I want to give him a full night's rest to adjust to the upgrade." Yugi nodded and took one of Atemu's hand into his.
"You're all better now...Thank you Pegasus." He smiled.
"Well, I suppose we should both get some sleep."
"Yeah, especially you after all that hard work." Pegasus nodded. "Would it be alright if I stayed? I'm off work tomorrow."
"That's fine." Yugi nodded and left towards the guest quarters. Pegasus took one last look at Atemu, before covering him with a blanket and turning out the lights.
- - -
The next day Yugi got up early. He got dressed for the day and went to get some breakfast. He was met by Pegasus in the cafe. "Morning Pegasus."
"Morning Yugi. After breakfast I was thinking of waking him."
"Alright. It'll be good to see him okay again." Pegasus nodded. Pretty soon after breakfest, the two headed back to the lab. Pegasus turned all the lights on and both of them walked over to a still sleeping Atemu. Yugi pulled the blanket down and took one of Atemu's hands. Pegasus unhooked everything and took Atemu out of stasis.
It took a while until Atemu's crimson eyes slowly open. "...Yugi...?"
"Morning Atemu..." he said with a smile. Atemu smiled and slowly sat up. Yugi put his arms around Atemu and happily gave him a hug. Atemu smiled and hugged back. They let go after a few minutes. "Come on."
"Yugi..."
"Yeah?"
"Did you...mean what you said?"
"What do you mean?"
"When...when you said..." Yugi nodded.
"Yes, I meant it." Crismon eyes started to well up in tears. Yugi could only smile as he hugged him again. Atemu hug Yugi back. He sobbed into his shoulder. "It's okay..."
"...Isn't this touching..." Pegasus said with smile. Atemu still cried, happily. "It's alright...Come on, let's go for a walk okay?"
"O-Okay..." Atemu shiffled. Yugi smiled and helped him down from the table. He put an arm around him and led him away. Pegasus smiled and went to work on things he had to do today.
- - -
As soon the two got outside they started to walk around for a bit. As they walked around, a sparrow was singing happily and noticed that Atemu looked sad. He flew over and perched on his shoulder. "Aww, look. You have a new friend."
"Huh?" He looked to see the sparrow chirping happily on his shoulder. "Uh...Hi..." It chirped happily in reply.
"He's cute." The bird nuzzled against him. "Aww, I think he's trying to cheer up Atemu."
Crimson eyes looked confused at the bird. "Why aren't you scared of how I look?" Atemu asked the bird confsued.
The bird just cocked its head and chirped. "He's probably used to it. There's a lot of technology around that he probably sees. Besides, it's what's inside that counts. He sees you for who you are."
Atemu smiled solemnly at the bird. It chirped happily back. "You sure like to sing a lot," Atemu said. He just sung more loudly and then started playfully nibbling on one of his bangs.
"Ha ha ha ha ha! He likes you." Atemu just blushed. "Why don't you figure out a name for him?" Yugi asked.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. Why not. We can come to the lab, come outside, and see him everyday."
"I don't know..."
"Come on, he seems really attatched to you."
"..." He chirped and sang again. "How about Chirp since you like to sing so much."
"That's a good name."
Atemu smiled. "Then your name is Chirp." Chirp seemed to like that. They walked around and decided to sit down under the shade of a tree. As they sat there talking, Atemu looked down and fully noticed there was something different about him. Crismon eyes widien in surprised. His old metal body had been replaced by a newer looking one. Yugi noticed this and giggled. "I told you you'd be all better when you woke up."
"W-What...?"
"...You...were so terribly hurt...You don't know it, but it's been five months. Pegasus gave you an upgrade. Now you're stronger and you can't get hurt as easily.
Atemu looked confused. "B-But I thought Vincent said, becase of how much of me is machine... It was too risky for an update?"
"That's why it took five months...and only Pegasus could do it." Yugi almost started crying. "...I was...really worried you wouldn't make it."
"Y-You were worried?" Yugi nodded, a few tears falling. Atemu looked solemnly at Yugi. He just sat there and tried to stop crying. Chirp flew over to him and perched on his shoulder. Yugi smiled a teary smile. Atemu slowly put an arm around him. Yugi sniffled and looked over at him. He looked back with worried crimson eyes.
"It's just...I...I didn't want to lose you...Especially now...now that I...I love you..." he added softly. Atemu smiled. "Now you truly are happy here...and you belong here," Yugi said nuzzling against his shoulder. Chirp flew off and resettled on the ground next to them as he moved. Atemu nodded at Yugi's words and rested his head on top of Yugi's.
"Aibou..." he said softly.
"Huh?" Yugi said looking up.
"You...wouldn't mind if...if I started calling you that would you?"
"Wasn't it a special pet name between you and great grandpa though?"
"It would make it all the more special if I gave it to you."
"...I'd...I'd be honored," Yugi replied nuzzling more comfortably on his shoulder. Atemu couldn't help but smile as he welcomed this new love. There was a sudden soft breeze and he could swear he heard a familiar voice and a familiar giggle.
Now your heart can be at ease Pharaoh...
Atemu smiled. "Yugi..." Chirp chirped. Atemu looked down at him. He chirped again and hopped towards him. Atemu glanced at Yugi to find him asleep. He smiled, remembering when his Yugi used to do that. Chirp chirped again. "Ssshhh..." Atemu said putting a finger to his lips. Chirp nodded and quietly flew into the air beside him. Atemu slowly got up and took Yugi into his arms. He walked back inside and turned to Chirp. "Go on back home. We'll come see you tomorrow. Go on." Chirp kept following him. "Go on Chirp." When he still refused to leave them, he gave up. "Alright, you can come. But be careful and don't cause any trouble." Chirp nodded and perched on his unoccupied shoulder.
- - -
Once they got inside, Atemu headed to their old guest room. He found that Yugi had stayed the night there like he had thought. He laid Yugi down on the bed and covered him with a blanket. "Come on Chirp, let's go." He nodded and perched on Atemu's shoulder. They walked along the hall, headed towards the café. "Hungry?" Chirp chirped a yes. "Me too."
- - -
Once they got to the café, they found Pegasus there having lunch. Atemu decided to go sit with him. "Hello Atemu. Where's Yugi?"
"Asleep in his room."
"I see. Oh, who's your new friend?"
"We found...He found us outside."
"So I see. Does he have a name?"
"It's Chirp." Chirp started singing proudly.
"I can see why." Atemu smiled. Chirp flew from his shoulder and onto his tray of food. He started eating the crumbs. Atemu smiled when he saw this and took some into his hand. Chirp followed his movement and perched on his fingers, eating at the crumbs in his hand. Pegasus smiled at this. "Well, I should get back to work."
"Alright. See you."
"See you later," he said leaving. Atemu turned his attention back to Chirp. He had finished eating and was perched on his arm, nibbling at one of his bangs. He smiled and pet Chirp on the head.
"Come on, let's get back to Yugi before he wakes up and wonders where we went." Chirp nodded and flew to his shoulder. They left the café and walked back down the hall to the room.
- - -
Atemu was relieved that Yugi was still asleep. He carefully sat down on the edge of the bed and watched him for a little while. Chirp decided to go perch on the window sill. Yugi stirred and turned over. Atemu smiled. He turned his attention back to Chirp. He laughed as Chirp hopped around and tried to talk to the birds outside. "A...Atemu?" Yugi asked groggily as he slowly sat up. He turned and smiled at Yugi. "Wh-where...?"
"I carried you back to the room."
"Oh...What! What's he doing in here?"
"He wouldn't leave. He kept following me so I let him stay."
"Oh...alright."
"Chirp?" The little sparrow titled his head at the sound of his name and flew over to Atemu's open hand. Yugi laughed.
"You've got him trained already."
"I guess you could say that," Atemu replied with a smile. Yugi rubbed the sleep from his eyes and got up and went to the bathroom. Atemu watched as Chirp played with him. Yugi soon came out. He looked ready to go out somewhere. He sat down on the bed and put his shoes on. "Where are you going?" Atemu asked curiously.
"Come on, you're coming too. We need to get you some clothes and a birdcage for Chirp." Atemu nodded. He turned to Chirp.
"Chirp, you need to stay here alright?" The little sparrow looked sad. "We'll only be gone for a little while. You stay here and be good okay? I promise we won't be too long." Chirp nodded sadly. Atemu smiled and pet him on the head. He took him into his hand and set him on the bed. "Stay out of trouble until we get back."
"Stay here until we come back," Yugi said petting him. Chirp chirped a reluctant yes. Both of them smiled and closed the door.
- - -
The first stop was a big clothing store. There were two androids and three human clerks. As both of them entered a female clerk and a female android came up to them. "Hello and welcome to our store. How may we help you?" both of them asked at the same time.
"I'm just looking for some clothes for my friend here. I think we'll be alright on our own."
"Alright, let us know if you need assistance," the female said. She led the android away as Yugi and Atemu walked away to go looking. They chose a few outfits and got a fitting room.
"Come out and let me see you," Yugi said as he waited outside. There was no answer or movement. "Come on, don't be shy." The door slowly opened and Atemu slowly came out. Yugi smiled. "That looks great on you." He blushed and looked away shyly. Yugi chuckled. "What about the other ones?" He nodded slowly. "Okay then, let's go." They paid for the outfits and went to a menagerie shop to get a house for Chirp.
This shop was a bit smaller and there was only one person. It was an older woman and she seemed to be the shop owner too. She had a female android that greeted them when they walked in. Yugi and Atemu noticed she was a bit outdated, like Atemu was but not as old as he used to be. "Hello, how may I help you sirs?"
"Hi, we're looking for a cage for a sparrow friend of ours."
"I see. Follow me," she replied as she led them deep inside the store.
- - -
They soon found the perfect cage. It was a cedar wood cage with brown painted wires. It was in the shape of a palace, complete with small wooden spires on the top. "Chirp will love it."
"I hope so," Atemu said.
"I know he will. All that cage for a little bird like him," Yugi said with a smile. Atemu smiled back and the female android led them up front to the owner to pay for it.
"I take it you found what you needed. My, what a beautiful bird cage it is. I'm sure your sparrow friend will love it." Both Yugi and Atemu smiled. Yugi paid for the cage. "Thank you very much."
"Miss?"
"Yes?"
"How old is she?"
"Who? Oh...I've had her for five years."
"Why not get a new one?"
"I live by the philosophy that if it works and it's reliable, then why bother. If it's not broken, don't fix it." Yugi nodded. "Why do you ask?"
"Just curious...well...me and my friend are."
"I see."
"Atemu may not look it but he's a little over nine years old."
"Oh. I would have guessed three years, maybe four." Atemu blushed and Yugi could only smile. "I've had Angie for five good years. She's never let me down once. And, she has a special love for birds so, why not keep her? You two have a good day now." Both nodded and left. They walked along looking around at various things.
"Hungry Atemu?"
"A little..."
"Okay then." They went inside a nice, but not too fancy resturant to eat. Atemu felt like he was getting weird looks the whole time. "What's wrong?"
"Why is everyone staring?"
"I don't know but I don't see a sign that says 'No Cyborgs Allowed'. Besides, they have androids working here. Don't worry about it. If these kinds of people have never seen a four year old, technically nine year old, cyborg before then that's there problem." Atemu smiled a small smile, but he still felt a little hurt and uneasy.
- - -
After dinner they walked around a bit more. As they walked, Atemu rested his head on Yugi's shoulder. "Tired?"
"A little bit..."
"Alright, we can go home." So, Yugi called a Taxi and they went back to the lab. Atemu showed Chirp his new house while Yugi packed up his things to go back home. "Alright, all packed up. Let's go HOME." Atemu nodded and yawned tiredly. He took Chirp's cage with Chirp inside and they left the lab. Yugi called a Taxi as Atemu rested his head on his shoulder. On the way, Yugi stopped at the graveyard to check on Rebecca and his great grandfather's grave. He left Atemu sleeping in the cab and told the driver to wait until he got back. He smiled as he got back in the cab and headed towards home. "Thanks for waiting back there," Yugi said as he paid the driver.
"No problem." Yugi got all his luggage out and set it outside the door. He set Chirp on top and went to the backseat for Atemu. He slowly lifted him into his arms and found that he wasn't that heavy. The new metal must be lighter,he thought as he carried him inside. He's so cute asleep,he thought as he stared at Atemu's sleeping form. He carried him all the way to the bedroom and laid him down. He made sure he was tucked in comfortably before going to get Chirp and the rest of his things. He set a now sleeping Chirp in the corner of the bedroom, making sure not to disturb him as he set the cage down. He went to the bathroom, got ready for bed, and got in next to Atemu. Now everything's as it should be. I promise to make you happy and safe... Yugi thought as he drifted off to sleep.