The Final chapter! Wow, I loved writing this story! Sure, it's short, but I had lots of fun writing it!

And I hope you all enjoyed reading it :3

"Speaking" Thinking' /Yuugi to Atemu Mind Link/ \\ Atemu to Yuugi Mind Link\\

o.o.o.o.o

I could only stare. Standing before me was none other than Maximilian Pegasus. I swiped an arm across my tears, wiping them away. "Why... W-Why are you here?" My voice broke. Damn.

But why was he here? I don't exactly recall him and Aibou being of any sorts of friendly towards each other over the years. I mean, someone stealing your grandfather's soul definitely wasn't a good way to start off any kind of acquaintanceship. I had my suspicions, but... there was very little he could do... at my beloved's funeral. And crashing something as symbolic and emotional as this didn't seem like the man's style. No matter how insane he seemed to be.

Pegasus closed his eyes, and I heard him intake a breath. I stood, trying to keep up an obviously spoiled façade of some sort of intimidation, or confidence. The silver-haired man opened his eyes again, that one burning amber orb staring at me with such an intensity, it felt as if he were looking through my being. I felt like a spirit trapped within the Puzzle again. Lost, confused, borderline helpless.

"I came here to express my sorrows." he stated simply after a moment. He sounded truly somber. I couldn't help the surge of mental pain that swallowed my being. I had to avert my eyes to the ground as damnable tears swelled within my crimson eyes. I struggled for a reply. "Dark... Darkness is not meant to be without its L-Light..."

I felt Pegasus shift, making me envision him as nodding. "It will be difficult, Yami-boy. This I will not lie to you about. It will not get better. You may grieve less frequently, not as intensely, but you will never stop grieving. Losing the man or woman you had intended to spend your life with is by far the most difficult of losses to cope with."

This was so surprising, coming from a person who seemed as cold as Maximilian Pegasus. The man stole souls without a second glance! Er- at least, he used to. But to hear such statements from him... it almost added a fatherly quality to him. But... how could he possibly know what this was like?

I looked to him, and he smiled. "It seems as if it were only yesterday that I lost my dearest Cecilia. We were together two months, before she was struck down by a terrible illness. But I wouldn't trade the memories we shared together for all the wealth and publicity in the world."

My hand drifted down into the pocket of my dress jeans, closing around the small object within. Aibou... I never had the chance to give it to you. I may have presented it, but I never placed it upon your finger. It pulled the ring from my pocket, and laid it flat in my palm, gazing at the piece of jewelry that would have forever changed our lives... hopefully for the better.

It was small, perfectly fitted for Yuugi's slender fingers. The band was Sterling silver, polished to shine like moonlight. Set within the middle of the band was a beautiful black diamond, with two smaller amethyst gems on either side of it. Simple, but elegant. And very beautiful. But not as much as you were, and still are, Habibi. Nothing will ever compare to your pulchritude or grace. You were an angel on Earth, now flying on snowy wings to where you have always belonged.

I can't help but wonder... Will you go to Egypt, to be (though unnecessary) judged by Anubis and Osiris's divine hands? Or shall you depart for a differing afterlife? With your purity and innocence, it would not surprise me in the least if Ra made you a God the moment you step foot into Neter-Khet. You still deserve much more, in my eyes...

I look to Pegasus again as his hand squeezes my shoulder. His one eye is unnaturally bright and glossy. Is he... crying for Yuugi? Before I can move, his arms wrap around my body, and draw me to his chest. An almost parental warmth is radiating from his being like a gentle breeze. I can't help but to... find comfort in it.

"I know your pain, dear Atemu," he breathed quietly, "And I am terribly sorrowed by your loss. I have never met another man nor Duellist quite like young Yuugi Mutou, in all of my days. And I pray that you two will find the happiness you both deserve when your time comes."

And without another word, Pegasus releases me from his hold, and exits the room.

The tears continue for a few moments, before another set of footsteps enter the room I am in. A hand clasps over my shoulder- a very common sort of consolation this day. I see Bakura. His russet eyes are hard with concealed emotion. "Everyone's saying their last goodbyes. I think that you should do the same." I merely blinked, wiped vainly at my eyes, and allowed the man to lead me outside.

When we enter the main chapel of the building again, several people are lined up along his casket, his closest friends. I see Seto place something inside. Jounouchi bends down, and lightly kisses his forehead. "See ya' later, bro," he murmured. Honda fixes the tie of the suit Yuugi had been changed into for his final ceremony. Anzu slips a piece of paper beside him.

It only takes a few minutes before the others have cleared, and I step up to him. Oh, my Little One... You are still the most beautiful of souls I have ever laid eyes on. Even in death. I returned my hand to my pocket, and withdrew the ring. I could hear the faintest of murmurs sound behind me, but I ignored them.

I allow my eyes to briefly scan over the objects bestowed to you in your coffin. Several notes, and an abundance of sweetly fragrant flowers. Several Duel Monsters cards, with a symbolic or sentimental meaning. Anzu has given you her card Shining Friendship. Your rather trademark Kuriboh is tucked to the sides. Rebecca has placed one-of-a-kind Ties of Friendship card you gave her over where your still heart lies. But the most surprising are... Three certain cards, of the same type. Very powerful, and extremely rare.

Three Blue Eyes White Dragons.

Seto's prized possessions. I am deeply touched by this action. The man truly has changed from the cold, selfish bastard he was when you and him first crossed paths, Hikari. Just one of many lives you have touched.

"You will forever and always be the only one for me, my Yuugi," I murmured. I gently took his hand in my own, unable to help the bitter wrenching of my heart when I felt just how cold Yuugi's soft flesh now was.

The ring fit perfectly.

I can't help but to remember one of our various nightly encounters in Yuugi's room, back when I was still a mere spirit in the Millennium Puzzle. It seems like it was only yesterday...

*Flashback*

Yuugi stood before his Yami, eyes wide and sad.

Oh, how he wished he could wipe away that mournful expression. He yearned for the courage to tell his Little One just how much he meant to him. Yami stood still, eyes soft when he spoke.

"I... I wish I could be with you, always," he murmured, stepping towards his partner. "Even if I don't get my memory back." His posture seemed strong and sure but inside he was squirming, pacing in his mind. He had just placed his heart out of the metaphorical table for his vessel, partner, and best friend to see. To either reject, accept, or possibly return. (Though Yami HIGHLY doubted that last option. Who could ever love someone like him...?)

He saw Yuugi's beautiful eyes widen in the shadows of his bedroom. The moon shone brightly down from the skylight and window installed into the walls, bathing everything in a blueish glow. Fat tears gathered upon his lashes, threatening to crest and run down petite cheeks. He slowly came closer, until they were a mere foot apart.

He bit his lip, still staring into Yami's eyes as he spoke, moisture beginning to trail down his face. "Me, too... Forever." Yami felt his heart both race and stop simultaneously, a bittersweet joy rolling through his veins. Yuugi closed his eyes, head turning downwards as a faint blush dusted his cheeks.

"I will... give you all of my memories..."

Yami smiled softly, touched. His Little One was so pure... So amazing, and selfless. And he returned his love, which was probably the greatest moment of his afterlife. He looked to Yuugi's hands, gently holding their Puzzle between the pair. Yami leaned forward, and gingerly cupped his hands over his Aibou's, while leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.

Yuugi looked up, teary eyes wide ans surprised. The expression quickly softened, and the smallest of smiles came to his full, rose-petal lips.

Yami returned the expression. "Forever," he vowed quietly. "I will always be with you, Yuugi, my Light."

*End Flashback*

I smiled sadly down at his peaceful face. "Forever, my Light," I repeated. Ra, I loved him... and I am going to miss him dearly. "I will always be with you, even now..."

I reached around to my neck, and unfasten the chain from my leather choker. The Millennium Puzzle falls with quiets clinks into my waiting palm, the chain easily sliding out from the loop at the top of the inverted gold pyramid.

My final goodbye to you, my precious Habibi. I will give you the thing we treasure most in the world: the very same item that brought the two of us together. It will ensure that you always have a part of me there to protect you and keep you comfort in your much-deserved rest. This object has done many things.

It has watched over its Master for many, many centuries. It housed my soul when I had to give up my physical body in Ancient Egypt. It has brought many to greed and madness, risking all around us nearly every day.

But it brought we two together. And for that, I shall be eternally grateful.

I gently kiss your forehead, much like Jou had, before placing the Millennium Item on your chest, Wadjet's Eye staring upwards. I gently push your banges to frame you beautiful alabaster face, allowing a tear to slip down my cheek as I smile sorrowfully. His bittersweet, this moment... But I know I will see you again, someday. So I tell you this.

"Rest well, Habibi. I will meet you in Neter-Khet, someday." I whispered to him, as if it were a secret only for us to share. "Then, we can spend Eternity together in Paradise."

And with that, I step back towards my seat as the group prepares to take his casket to its final resting place. The Puzzle's chain is still in my tight grip, though the object it once suspended is now going to rest with its rightful owner. A man with a heart as golden as the ancient artifact, shining with love and light and happiness.

A strong, warn breeze sweeps through the room once more, and your presence is almost overwhelming. But I welcome it, eyes closing in a reminiscent bliss. I swear I can hear your adorable giggle echo through my ears. \\I love you, Aibou. Rest well.\\

I can picture you giving me our universal symbol for 'all is well'. A simple thumbs-up. /I'll see you later, Até!/ Your voice is like a warm embrace to my mind, and I relish in it. Gods, I am going to miss you, Yuugi.

/I love you, Atemu, and I'll see you in Egypt!/

o.o.o.o.o

;w;

Bittersweet endings are the best.