Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh
A/N: This is for Lil Dark. Hope you enjoy the chapter.
Warning, this is a very Atemu-centric chapter.
Chapter 6
Atemu awoke early the following morning and glanced down to see Yami snuggled up against him, resting quite comfortably. He smiled slightly and he hugged Yami closer to him. He loved watching Yami sleep; he always looked so peaceful and carefree when he slept.
Atemu frowned slightly, that was one thing that was wrong with his Anku. He wasn't the carefree young man he had been in Egypt that much had changed. Back in Egypt Atemu had provided for and protected Yami from everything. And as a result Yami had a carefree attitude, he couldn't see bad in anything or almost anyone. He would on more than one occasion tell Atemu that everyone was good on the inside that you just had to know where to look for it.
But now, Yami wasn't that way anymore. Thanks to that Ra damned puzzle and that weak boy that solved it Yami had been forced to fulfill a role he shouldn't have, was forced to judge and punish people in a way that was against his nature. And because he had been forced to endure that, Atemu couldn't help but be angry at Yugi Moto…for whether the boy realized it or not he was indirectly the one responsible for the change in Yami. Thanks to that Yami had been warped, his light tainted and just that thought of that made Atemu's blood boil.
Atemu sighed; he couldn't place the blame entirely on the boy. Some of the fault was Atemu's own. He should have made the boy stronger, where he would have been able to protect Yami as he needed to be protected. He should have fought harder against the shadows binding him so that he could have gotten to his Anku.
Atemu shook his head, trying to rid it of his depressing thought. It didn't matter where the blame lay. He had his Anku back with him and now he could provide for and protect him like he needed to be. And for Yami Atemu would try to swallow his anger towards Yugi, swallow his jealously at how close the two of them had gotten. Yami wanted the two of them to at least try to be friends.
There was absolutely nothing Atemu wouldn't do for Yami and since this seemed like it was so important to him then Atemu would do just that.
But that didn't mean he was going to like it.
Atemu was drawn from his thoughts when he felt Yami stir. He glanced down to see Yami sleepily blinking his crimson eyes open. Those eyes, the windows to Yami's soul, showed Atemu truly what damage had been done. Those eyes which used to be soft had hardened. They were now calculating and had an edge to them that Atemu did not like seeing in them. Because Yami should not have to be that way and Atemu swore as he gazed into his beloved's eyes that he would do whatever it took to bring the old Yami back.
Yami smiled up at Atemu, "Morning beloved, how long have you been up?" Yami asked.
"Not long beloved." Atemu said as he nuzzled Yami's neck.
Yami kissed Atemu's bare chest before he sat up and stretched. Atemu frowned slightly before he pulled Yami back down. He really didn't want to get up and have to face the rest of the world yet, wanted to hold Yami close to him and pretend that things were the way they used to be. That Yami hadn't suffered as much as he had, been warped. Wanted to drive away the guilt and the anger that were eating away at him from the inside. And that was something only Yami could do. Only Yami could drive those emotions away, only Yami could so effortlessly bring a smile to Atemu's face, make his eyes soften.
Yami looked up into Atemu's eyes for a moment until they widened slightly in understanding. "Your brooding. Want to tell me what's on your mind?" Yami asked.
Atemu sighed, "Its nothing for you to worry about Yami." Atemu said, not wanting to burden Yami with something that wasn't Yami's fault, something that Yami wouldn't be able to fix.
Yami rolled his eyes, "Atemu, will you tell me what has you so worked up? Something is clearly bugging you and I can't help you if you don't tell me what it is. So, will you tell me already Atemu?" Yami said.
Atemu chose not to answer Yami and instead buried his face into the crook of Yami's neck, he then began to suck on Yami's collar bone. Yami moaned slightly when Atemu did this.
//This isn't letting you off the hook Atemu. I want you to tell me what's bugging you.//
/Nothing is bugging me Yami. I was just thinking about some things, that's all. I'm fine now./
//Atemu, you do realize you're a terrible liar don't you.//
Atemu chuckled. Only Yami could tell if Atemu was lying. To this day Atemu still hadn't figured out how Yami was able to read him so well.
/Actually beloved I'm a terrific liar. You can just read me really well and apparently know my tell./
//You have several of them actually.//
/Like what?/
//For one the pitch of your voice changes slightly, and for another you put up small mental blocks when you lie to me.//
Atemu smiled, and decided that it was probably a wise idea to get Yami's mind off of Atemu's problems otherwise he'd just worry about him and that was something that Atemu really wanted to avoid.
/Say, Yami what do you say I see if I can make you a permanent fixture in this mattress?/
Yami blushed slightly before he turned his head and glanced at the clock on the nightstand. 9:30 am. "Sorry Atemu, but we've got to be getting up."
Atemu frowned slightly before he quickly wiped it off his face. Yami would definitely know something was up if he saw him frowning. "And why is that beloved?"
"Because today is a Saturday and Aibou doesn't have school today, so the three of us are going to spend the day together. That way the two of you can get to know each other better." Yami said.
Atemu sighed, he really didn't want to do this, but if it would make Yami happy then he would. What Yami wants Yami gets. "Alright beloved, if that's what you want to do today." Atemu said as he reluctantly released his hold on Yami.
Yami sat up and looked at Atemu, he could plainly see that Atemu didn't want to do this and was only doing this to humor him. "Don't look so down Atemu, who knows you might actually have fun today." Yami said. He paused for a moment before continuing, his voice taking on a huskier tone, "And besides if you're a good boy today I'll reward you when we get home tonight."
Atemu nodded and the two got out of bed and got ready for their day. Atemu and Yami met Yugi downstairs and the three ate breakfast in relative silence. Yami proposed the idea to Yugi that they spent the day together, and Atemu could see that Yugi wasn't exactly thrilled with the idea either but he agreed nonetheless.
Atemu and Yami walked down the street hand in hand Yugi walking on Yami's other side, none of them really having anything to say. The three of them arrived at Kaiba Land about fifteen minutes later.
The three walked around for awhile, trying to decide what they wanted to do first. Atemu glance around at the various attractions in awe. He had never seen anything like these before, and to tell you the truth none of them looked very safe.
Yami came to a stop in front of a large roller coaster that Kaiba had recently added to the park, it was one he had been wanting to try for awhile now, but he hadn't had the chance to.
Yami turned his attention onto Yugi and Atemu, "What do you guys say we ride this first?" Yami asked.
Yugi immediately nodded while Atemu paled slightly, though only Yami noticed.
//What's wrong Atemu?//
/Yami are you crazy?/
Yami sighed, //Atemu, that ride is completely safe. I've done more dangerous things with you in Egypt than this.//
/But Yami that was totally different./
//No, it wasn't. Atemu, do you trust me?//
/Of course I do./
//Then trust me when I say that this ride is safe.//
Atemu relented and the three got in line for the roller coaster. Atemu thought back to the incident Yami had been thinking of earlier as he watched the roller coaster go down the first drop. It was very similar, but different all the same. Different because Atemu was in complete control of that situation. Yami's safety was entirely in his hands, not left up to mechanical mechanisms which could malfunction at any given time.
Flashback
Yami was relaxing next to Atemu in their chambers when Yami had suddenly spoke up, "Atemu, I'm bored."
Atemu chuckled slightly and gave Yami a kiss on the cheek, his hand sliding up Yami's thigh. "I think I can alleviate that Anku."
Yami batted Atemu's hand away, "No Atemu I don't want to have sex right now."
Atemu sighed, "Then what do you want to do Anku?"
Yami looked into Atemu's eyes, his own crimson orbs glowing with excitement. "I want to do something fun. Something exciting. Something we've never done before." Yami said.
"And what is it that you propose Anku?" Atemu asked already knowing that whatever it was he was going to give in and let Yami have his way.
"I want to fly Atemu." Yami said.
Atemu wrapped his arms tighter around Yami's waist, "Then fly you shall beloved." Atemu said.
Atemu stood up and the two of them walked out onto the balcony. Atemu activated his God Pyramid before saying, "Come forth Slifer the Sky Dragon."
A large red dragon appeared outside their balcony, its large head coming to rest on the other side of the balcony. Atemu carefully climbed up onto the balcony wall before he stepped off and onto Slifer's head. He then turned and held out his hand to Yami. "Alright beloved, step up onto the wall and take my hand." Atemu said.
Yami nodded and did as Atemu instructed he grabbed Atemu's hand and stepped onto Slifer's head. Atemu then sat down and Yami sat down as well. Atemu wrapped his arms firmly around Yami before saying, "Alright Slifer, lets go."
Slifer moved away from the balcony and took to the sky, climbing at a slow pace and a shallow angle. Yami was looking left and right just enjoying the view he had from this high up. Yami then turned back to Atemu and said, "Lets go faster beloved."
Atemu sighed before he tightened his hold on Yami, unconsciously tapping into his magic to ensure that Yami would not slide off Slifer's head. "Slifer!" Atemu yelled. The great dragon seemed to know exactly what it was Atemu wanted him to do because he immediately began to climb higher into the sky, going much faster before he turned sharply and dove.
"Ahhh!" Yami yelled, though his eyes were glowing with excitement as he clung tightly to the arms Atemu had wrapped around his waist. Slifer dove until they were about 30 feet from the ground before he quickly turned to the right, tilting slightly so Yami and Atemu were sideways before he began to once again climb higher into the sky twisting as he climbed before he suddenly dove again. This time Yami laughed, this was more fun than he'd ever had.
Slifer then pulled up and did a loop the loop, Yami tightening his grip on Atemu when they were upside down, relaxing it slightly when they were upright again. This cycle continued for about an hour until Atemu finally had Slifer stop and they began to head back to the place.
"That was absolutely amazing Atemu. Thank you for that." Yami said.
"You're welcome beloved." Atemu said.
End Flashback
Atemu, Yugi and Yami made it to the front of the line and watched as the roller coaster pulled up to the platform they were standing on.
"Alright, three to a car." The attendant said.
Yugi slid into the car first, then Yami followed closely by Atemu. The three fastened their seatbelts and pulled down their harnesses so they clicked into place.
"Well, here we go." Yugi said as the coaster began to move. Atemu grabbed a hold of Yami's hand. Yami chuckled slightly when he did so.
"Atemu, everything's going to be just fine." Yami said.
The roller coaster began to climb the first steep incline, though Atemu didn't really focus on that. He was looking at Yami again. And Yugi surprisingly enough. He took in Yami's ridged posture as well as the look in his eyes. Atemu could see the excitement and anticipation in Yami's eyes, but it was buried, like Yami felt that he couldn't openly express what he felt, like he had to guard it. Whereas Yugi's eyes, Atemu noticed, were clearly glowing with excitement lighting up much the same way Yami's did that night on Slifer. Atemu unconsciously tightened his grip on Yami's hand as they went over the first drop, his mind not even registering it as he fought to contain his anger.
Yugi got to remain this carefree, happy go lucky person at the price of Yami being forced to change. It just wasn't fair. Atemu watched them both through the course of the ride. It was almost like seeing one of those before and after photos. Seeing Yugi like that was like a punch in the gut. The gods blatantly showing Atemu how he'd failed his Anku, and Atemu knew that despite the fact that some of the blame did lay with him, he knew not all of it did. Some of it lay with Yugi and Atemu wasn't sure he could find it within him to forgive Yugi for that.
All too soon the ride ended and the three got off. Yugi and Yami were talking about how much fun the ride was and how they couldn't wait until Kaiba built a new one. And while those two were talking Atemu remained silent. After a few minutes Yami noticed this. "So, Atemu did you enjoy the ride?" Yami asked in an attempt to draw Atemu into their conversation.
"Huh, oh the ride…yeah, I guess." Atemu said with a shrug.
Yami frowned before he turned to Yugi and said, "Aibou can you excuse us for a minute?"
"Sure Yami." Yugi said with a smile.
Yami then tugged Atemu away from Yugi and over to a secluded area on the side of a Chinese restaurant. "What the hell is your problem Atemu?" Yami asked sharply.
Atemu frowned slightly, "I don't know what you're talking about Yami. I don't have a problem." Atemu said.
"The hell you don't Atemu!" Yami said sharply before he sighed, placing a hand on his head, "Atemu you promised me you'd at least try."
"I am trying Yami." Atemu said.
"No you're not, you haven't said a single word to Yugi the entire time we've been here." Yami paused for a moment. "All I want is for the two of you to get along. Both of you are very important people in my life and I don't like that you two aren't getting along. So, please Atemu if for no other reason will you try for me?" Yami said.
Yami you have no idea how hard what you're asking me to do is. Atemu thought. "Yami," Atemu said as he pulled Yami close to him, "believe me Anku I am trying. This is just really hard for me. But, I guess I'm not trying hard enough. So, what is it you would like me to do. I'll do whatever you want." Atemu whispered.
Yami nodded before he turned and began to walk back over towards Yugi, Atemu following right behind him. "So, Aibou what do you want to do next?" Yami asked.
"Well, I was wanting to ride the Ferris wheel next." Yugi said.
Yami smirked slightly before he said, "Aibou that is a wonderful idea."
Atemu looked at Yami a moment before saying, "What are you up to Anku?"
"Nothing, so what are we waiting for lets go." Yami said before he grabbed Atemu's hand in his and began to walk towards the Ferris Wheel, Yugi following right behind him.
The three got in line after waiting for ten minutes they got to the front of the line. Yugi climbed into the bucket first, followed by Atemu. Yami stood there for a moment before he smirked and pulled the door closed from the outside. "Have fun you two. I'm going to sit this one out." Yami said smugly.
Atemu gaped at Yami for a moment before saying, "Anku what do you think you're doing?"
Yami just continued to smirk before he stepped back and allowed the attendant to start the ride. //You told me you'd do whatever I wanted you to do Atemu. And I want you to take this time to talk to Yugi and get to know him a little bit. I'll see you both in about twenty minutes.//
/But Anku I…/
//And Atemu, if I find out that you weren't nice to Yugi you will be sleeping on the couch. Now, you two have nothing else to do so you might as well talk. Have fun, oh and to give you an added incentive to talk to Yugi I'm going to close the link to you for the rest of the ride, that way you can't talk to me.//
And Yami did exactly as he said. Atemu closed his eyes and sighed. After about 45 seconds he reopened them and turned to Yugi, figuring he might as well make an effort. "So, Yugi…" Atemu began.
Yugi jumped slightly, clearly not expecting Atemu to talk to him. "Yes Atemu." Yugi said.
"Are you having fun today?" Atemu asked, though quite honestly he couldn't bring himself to care about what Yugi's answer was.
"Yeah, I guess I am. Though I know that you aren't." Yugi said. Atemu frowned slightly and was about to say something when Yugi continued, "I'm sorry, I know that you don't like me and that you don't want me around. Its just that, Yami's like the big brother I never had and I love spending time with him. And I can see that he really wants us to spend us time together, all three of us. And…" Yugi trailed off.
Atemu sighed, this was apparently going to be harder than he thought. "You're right Yugi. I don't like you." Atemu admitted, there was no point to deny the fact considering both of them knew it. "But for Yami's sake I am going to try and get past my own reasons for disliking you. It won't be easy for me to do this, but I promised him I would try."
Yugi nodded, accepting what Atemu said before he glanced outside. The two sat in awkward silence before Yugi said, "Atemu, can I ask you a question?"
"Yes." Atemu said.
"Why don't you like me? I mean if its something I did, I'm sorry. But, I want to know…" Yugi said.
Atemu put a hand over his eyes and sighed, he really didn't want to be having this conversation right now. "Its not really something you did, well it kind of is…never mind. It's complicated, you wouldn't understand. But, I will tell you that its already been said and done and it isn't something that you can change, its just something that I'm going to have to get over." Atemu said.
Yugi nodded, "Okay, I guess I can respect that." Yugi said.
Atemu sighed before he made a decision. "Yugi, what do you say that we make a truce? We may not really like each other but for Yami's sake we'll tolerate and be civil to one another." Atemu said.
Yugi looked at Atemu for a moment before he shrugged, "That's fine I guess, but I would have done that anyway. I'm never less than civil towards anyone." Yugi smiled slightly before saying, "Yami says that is one of the things that is unique about me and that sometimes it gets me into trouble because people take advantage of that fact."
Atemu scowled slightly, knowing that Yugi could be this way only because of Yami's suffering however Atemu bit back the comment he wanted to make and instead said, "Alright, then we're agreed."
The two shook hands. About five minutes later the ride came to a close and the two walked over to Yami who was lounging on one of benches near the Ferris Wheel. "So did you two enjoy the ride?" Yami asked as he stood up.
The two nodded and Atemu said, "We've come to an understanding."
Yami smiled, "Well, I'm glad to hear that."
Before anything else could be said Yugi's cell phone rang. He answered it and after a few minutes hung up and turned regretful eyes on Yami, "Yami, that was Joey. He needs me to come over and help him with his homework. So, I'll see you guys later?" Yugi said.
Yami nodded, "That's fine Aibou, go help Joey."
Yugi smiled before he hugged Yami and waved good-bye to the two as he ran off. Yami then grabbed Atemu's hand and said, "Well, I guess we can go back home now."
Atemu nodded and the two headed back to the Game Shop.
A/N: Alright, this should do it for this chapter, as always please read and review.