WHAT I COULDN'T SAY

Thank you for reading, reviewing, watching, and favoriting this story! It really means the world to me.
Oh, and I know I have another story to update but this concept just really wouldn't get out of my head.

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh. My life would be a lot easier if I did. I think.

Title: 20 Things Anzu Can't Forget About Atemu.
Timeline: Some time after Atemu's departure.
Pairings: Anzu&Atemu (one-sided? You be the judge.)
Rating: K
Word count: 881

1. Anzu will forever remember his name. How can she not when it's etched on the cartouche she will never take off and be without?

2. Anzu can't forget the way his eyes turned crimson every time one of them was in danger and the way it sent delicious shivers down her spine.

3. Anzu can't forget the tight grip he held on her wrist when she was about to fall off the mountainside, en route to the "Stone Wilderness." Despite her terror, she did not miss the look of fear in his eyes. Fear for her. As she absent-mindedly rubs her wrist, she realizes she won't forget that look either.

4. Anzu can't bear to remember the way he nearly killed Haga on top of the train. The murderous intent on his face will forever be etched onto her memory.

5. Anzu will never forget the agony in his voice as he screamed, after he had lost Yuugi again in that godforsaken valley.

6. Much to her dismay, Anzu can't remember the expression on his face when she was controlled by Marik and forced to put herself as live bait for him. She wishes she knew the pain he must have felt, not to boost her own ego, but to apologize for causing him so much distress.

7. Anzu will always remember his courage and loyalty to their friends. She strives to maintain the same amount of aptitude for them, as well. It's the least she can do, for all of them.

8. Everyday, Yuugi shows more semblance to him, not just in body but in personality. Despite knowing that they are two different people, Anzu can't help but be reminded of him every time she looks at her best friend.

9. He had never been alive in this world. Anzu has a hard time remembering this, as every time he looked at her, touched her, held her, she felt the warmth in his hands and saw the life in his eyes. It is these attributes she can't ever forget.

10. Anzu can't forget the sweet light on his face when he was finally reunited with Yuugi's soul. It was a look she had never seen before and knew it was only reserved for his lighter half. Deep down, a part of her wishes she didn't remember.

11. Anzu will forever remember how he specifically thanked her for the cartouche after defeating Zorc. She had felt special, important, and useful for once. She will never forget the gratitude in his eyes meant, in that moment, only for her.

12. Anzu will never forget the thumbs up and wink he gave her, and how it had temporarily quelled her worries about their trip to India. He had always seemed to possess that magical talent of dispelling her fears and making her feel safe.

13. Anzu can hardly remember the first few days after he left. To be honest, it was all a blur. The only thing she could remember were the tears.

14. Anzu will never forget all the fear she shoved down every time they (he) rushed into something dangerous. She never wanted to be a hindrance to anyone (him). More importantly, she wanted to show him she can be brave. All her efforts were rewarded when he finally did tell her that he couldn't do it all without her. She will never forget that moment.

15. Anzu does not like to remember the feel of his gaze that night on the ship to Egypt when she visited Yuugi in his room. She could not see him but she felt him there, watching her. She had never felt more transparent in her life, nor more cowardly. She missed the chance to tell him she loved him but what did it matter anyway? He had already known and she already knew the outcome.

16. Anzu will never forget the warmth of his arms around her when he grabbed her from that zombie capsule monster. Despite her resent at always being the damsel in distress, she took comfort in the safety of his arms. And she will never forget the emptiness she felt when he released her.

17. Anzu can't bring herself to remember the moment he stepped out of the world of the living and into the Fields of Aaru. To do so was to relive the pain all over again.

18. Anzu will always remember the date Yuugi had set them up on. They grew closer that day, discovering things about each other and about themselves. For him, it was a piece of his past. For her, it was her growing feelings for him.

19. Anzu can't forget how his eyes softened at Yuugi's sobbing form after the Ceremonial Duel. For a fleeting second, she saw his usual cool demeanor waver as he realized the impact his departure would have on his friends.

20. Out of all the things Anzu can't forget, she will always remember the bond they shared and the adventures they had. She will forever remember the pain, the joy, the tears, and the laughs. She will never forget how much she had grown, how much they had all grown. Everything she had learned about herself she owed in part to him. She would not be who she was today without him. He may be dead, but in her mind and heart, he will always live on.

Okay, so it's a little more than 20 things, haha. It's been awhile since I've watched the anime or read the manga so some of this is speculative. Regardless, I hope it was to your satisfaction.

For clarity:

3, 4, 5, 10 are part of the DOMA/Orichalcos arc.
6 is Battle City.
12, 16 are part of the Capsule Monsters arc.
15 takes place when Yuugi and company are en route to the place where the Ceremonial Duel occurs.

As always, thank you for reading, folks.