Ma-Chi: Twenty-three?! Twenty-three bloody reviews! Oh my Ra, I'm so happy you all liked my last chapter! I guess you were all just really happy I got them together, huh? Well, glad to be of service!
-giggles- It's snowing! I had no work today due to the snow! Yay! Now, with this update, I shall go and play... -runs outside and builds a snow Blue-eyes-
Shoutouts!
Alice456: Glad you enjoyed it! Heres the next chapter!
HikariTenshiYamiTenshi: Bishie-City! Yay! Wish we had one of those near by. XD And, well, I agree any girl or guy would go after a cute thing like Yuugi... but he belongs to Yami and Yami alone! -attacks anyone who goes near the two- And making Atemu flustered like that... it's too much fun!
An Anzu/Tea shonen-ai-Yaoi-Fangirl is well loved! Besides, who wants a jealous Anzu/Tea constantly in fanfics? I like her this way. Go Tomboy Anzu! Haha! XD
Bfly-Ronaldita: Don't cry! There will be a happy ending, I promise! -huggles- Well, matchmaking friends are fun to have... they keep things interesting! XD
SRRH: I know. With these two, trouble isn't too far behind them! -giggles-
yugiyamifangirl: Yep. -nods- Still much to do! And besides, Anzu was really placed in YGO to simply get the two together... they all just don't know it. -shifty eyes-
surfergirl19: Well, got to update in a week again! Dunno about the next one, though...
yugixyamiyaoilover: Oh yes, fourteen chapters is long enough for them, me thinks. -nodnod-
YamiYugi4ever: Their date had to start off cute! It would be too depressing if it was just filled with things on Yuugi having to fight something (which I'm sure everyone figured out!) but hey, we like to mess with these two. I dunno why, but I'm sure we all find it too fun... -grins-
Yes, Yuugi fights something evil... and you all know what it is, right?! XD I'm sure the two won't be apart too much... -sweatdrops sheepishly-
-does victory dance with you-
Jisa: Glad you agree with my Anzu! And I'm glad you liked the chapter! Now come on, give me a theme for a later chapter! You were the 200th reviewer!
Nyago: No, you hadn't! Your still keeping up! XD
Yes, I find (none4Kids) Anzu awesome! She's such a tomboy. -grins-
Yes... although it's gonna be a happy ending, you WILL cry. For more reasons than one. -grins evilly-
SilverDragon-Purity: You helped Kagome-Chan?! That's so awesome! I was gonna do something different with the ferris wheel, but... decided to go with what I wrote in the end. -shrugs- Glad it was okay!
It does? I haven't read "On the Prowl". Is it good? And the cartouche idea... well, the real use of it will come in the story later. And it's good to know the confession wasn't rushed. -nods-
.hold: We like to ramble! XD
It's fine that you haven't reviewed before. As long as you enjoy the story! But a review is always good. -nodnod- I'm glad that you, too, didn't find the relationship too rushed. I know I got Atemu crushing real quick, but the two are soul mates, and loved each other in the past, so it's expected! -giggles- And, well, I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't know about love confusions!
By the way, are you a girl then? Because, if that's what's making you unable to think of anything to say to your friend's hints / crush confessions, than just say what you feel! I have had a few crush confessions in the past before (at school) and one from my Ex-girlfriend (that one I had trouble with replying... but I got there in the end!), and I just told them what I felt, like I felt better that we stayed as friends (besides, they were all guys, and... well... I didn't feel anything, and this was before I knew I didn't like guys that way! -blushes-) So... yeah. -scratches head- Hope that helps, anyway... -is shot-
Haha, good to know! I love knowing people are always checking their E-mail for an update from me! Makes me feel really loved! (I need that, right now...) You flatter me too much... -blushes in embarrassment-
Ya know, I'm always free for a talk! I love chatting. So, even though it's online, feel free to bother me anytime! -giggles- Well, heres you awaited update!
Umbrae Calamitas: Aw... you poor thing! But being that way is what makes you such a great person. Even though you love someone, you do anything to maker them happy... even with another person. -looks from side to side before whispering- I have a crush on someone too... but she likes someone else, who she is now with finally. I know people say my crush may move on but I... I know mine won't. She's been the only one I've felt anything towards like that since my Ex. But, I'm willing to do anything to see her happy. -smiles- So, you and I are in the same boat! Who knows, maybe we'll both meet someone else someday? -shrugs-
My Ra, though tonging is hot and awesome between these two... IT'S JUST TOO EARLY! I'm having these two go slow, to fully get to know each other in and out before their kisses get hot. But, I'm glad you found my Puzzle-conversation kicking royal butt! -laughs-
I love U2 too! I'm mean, come on! He's just too damn cute, and we never hear of him again! -cries- I couldn't let him die... who knows, you may see him again from time to time. -grins-
CrystalKitteN-MeW: I've seen only a few with Anzu portrayed the way I have, but... they normally make her the "I don't feel anything/just a friend/I'M GONNA BRAKE THEM UP! sort of girl. It always... makes me sad! She's awesome! -cries-
You caught on to the cartouche thing! XD Haha!
KagomeGirl92: K-Kagome-Chan! O.O! You reviewed! B-b-but... you ARE awesome! I can't help but praise you! I love your stories! I just don't get to review as much as I'd like... -blushes and hides-
I'm the same... but I made the conversation sweet? Phew. -wipes brow- I didn't want to make it sappy... but, something were they confess to loving each other, with Atemu getting over his fear of Yuugi loving the past him. So... guess it went alright. -laughs nervously-
Oh, don't worry. I love having a Matchmaker!Anzu who loves Atemu, but... I'm not gonna keep her hanging. She'll find someone. -giggles- I think it's mean of you to make Anzu go through that! But... for me... that allows to me get Black Magician Girl all too myself! -hugs her Mana Plushie from Kagome-Chan, along with her BMG Plushie- I really can't wait to see that bit at some point! Sounds exciting! -wants to see more of your Mai/Anzu Pairing-
Maybe... we torture out favourite characters because it's fun? And, it makes the love seem so much more cute at the end of it!
Babble away! I'm loving it! XDDD
You? Clumsy? That makes us both! XD; Though, I'm ugly too, so I guess that makes me like Isis just as much also? (I met a Isis cosplayer at London anime Expo... she rocked! She held my BMG plushie in a photo. XD). And, I have a reason for using "Atemu" instead of "Yami" and "Isis" then "Ishizu" as real names. I will be explaining that some point in my profile. -nods- Now... about how she knows things... you'll find out soon! XD -doesn't want to ruin it for you-
-huggles you- Your so awesome to give me an awesome review! And a Cyber Mana plushie! -looks though her collection of cyber plushies- Hmm... what one don't you have? I dunno what I've given you... anyway, hope to hear another review from you! Just talking to you makes me blush, Kagome-Chan! Because... well... your just awesome! XDDD -runs and hides- I'm really embarrassed...
dragonlady222: That they did! I miss the tomboy Anzu! Though she isn't so tomboyish now, I still miss her! I like Anzu, not Tea! Grr...
thebuzzingbee: Awesome that you think so! Heres an update!
MangaReader18: -tries to grab Kuriboh plushie back- No! That's Atemu's! XD
No1butjoe: Hello new reader! Glad you like the story! I know Atemu is sad about Yuugi leaving... but! It will end happy! Anyway, here's ya update! -smiles-
The little Ceci: Really? I am? Thank you! Heres an update!
Dark Reborn: With many more kisses to come! XD Enjoy!
Protector Of The Nameless: Keep worshipping it, and I'll blush. -blushes anyway- Eh heh... enjoy!
Atemu Yugi Lover34: I tried my best! Enjoy!
lady Alexas: Heh heh... glad you think so! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I tried to get the rights from Takahashi-San by cosplaying as Yuugi... didn't work, though. -sweatdrops-
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Puzzle Piece 14
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"...What must I do?"
"You must join the next Duel Monster Tournament in a few weeks time." Atemu looked on, surprised, as Isis looked at the tablet. "You shall understand the reason when it begins, and why you must join. Now..." She turned back to them. "The monsters you see carved on that tablet... are six Gods, who, along side with your Goddess, fought against the dark beast before your sealing ritual. Four gods: Ra, God of the sun, Osiris, God of The Heavens, Nephthys, Goddess of the Winds and Horus, god of the Night. Two other Goddess to contain their control: Kisara, Goddess of the Light and Amara, Goddess of the Dark. They are the Egyptian Gods. The creator of Duel Monsters created these beasts into cards."
"How powerful are these cards?" Atemu asked.
"The most powerful monsters in all of Duel Monsters, even more so than Exodia."
Both eyes went wide. "But..." The taller began. "If their the strongest in the game, then why didn't he use them when I dueled him last?"
"Pegasus feared for his life." She spoke. "He created the cards, but they housed the God's spirits the moment they became to be. They had killed once they were reborn into the cards, so Pegasus put special ink on them, turning them blank, as if asleep and sealed, only to un-sealed when their chosen duelist came to them." Isis reached into her dress pocket. "He knew I would one day meet these duelists, so... I have been holding onto them for him, till that time came." She held out two blank cards to them. "My Pharaoh, Prince... these are for you."
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"Students, we have a new exchange student today."
There were murmurs around the class. They had heard of two students joining their school from England, but to have another join their class, when Yuugi had already joined them not to long ago... well, as long as he wasn't annoying, they didn't care.
The door opened, and a white haired youth walked in.
"Everyone, this is Ryou Bakura. He comes from all the way from England, so I want you to make him feel welcome here."
He bowed. "Hello, everyone. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Jounouchi giggled into his hand, his other friends close by looking over to him, raised eyebrows. "I'm sorry, but he sounds posh..."
"I know someone posh-sounding." Anzu mused, cheek resting on a hand. "She lived in England for a few years, and picked up one of the accents there – the posh one. And if she heard you snicker, she'll hurt you."
The blonde was going to give a retort, but the teacher gave them a look of "shut the hell up before I give you detention". Jounouchi gulped and clamped his mouth shut, sinking into his desk slightly. His friends snickered.
"I'm sure you have questions to ask," The teacher started, giving Jounouchi a pointed stare. "Please raise your hands-"
Hands rose before the teacher had a chance to finish. He sighed, and picked out the one he knew wouldn't let up. "Yes Jounouchi-Kun, what is it?"
"Does everyone in your family sound posh?" He asked with a smile, sitting up straight, hand high in the air. "And why do you have a Japanese first and second name, if your from England?"
Ryou smiled back at him. "Well, my father is Japanese, and he met my mother on one of his trips to England. She was the reason he stayed, so I was born and raised there. I live in the part of England were half of the population's accent is posh-like. My mother speaks poshly, and my father picked a little up from her. I, myself, picked up the accent." Suddenly, he frowned. "But my brother never did."
"Your brother?" Another student near the back asked.
A nod. "My brother, Kefka Bakura, is an exchange student as well. He likes to be known as just Bakura, by the way, if you meet him. He's also a few years older than me, but almost looks like my twin."
"Kinda like with you guys." Otogi said to Atemu, who blinked at him.
"...I guess."
"Okay, next question!" The teacher called out, picking out students one at a time. As the survey flew, Yuugi couldn't help but keep starring at the white head.
"Now, where shall we have you seated..." The teacher began, looking around. He spotted a place. "Lets have you seated next to Jounouchi-Kun, there."
Ryou walked over, and was greeted amediatly. "I'm sorry if I sounded rude, before." The blonde said sheepishly.
"It's fine." He said polity, smiling. "I'd ask the same thing if you sounded posh."
"You don't sound really posh." Honda spoke up. "Just slightly, to a point were we can tell theres an accent."
Ryou smiled more at that.
A few minutes, and they were all talking.
"So Bakura-Kun," Anzu started, gaining a shack of the head.
"Please, call me Ryou."
She nodded. "Well, what do you like doing?"
"Lots of things." He said, shrugging with a smile. "But mostly, I like Table top roleplaying games. Those are so much fun!" He slumped slightly. "It's a shame that their not so popular in england... I've had to either buy over the internet, or make them myself."
Atemu spoke up. "We sell things like that back at my grandpa's game shop."
"You own a game shop?" Ryou asked, looking excited. "Can I come over sometime, to have a look?"
"I live above it." The half Egyptian teen shrugged. "So, you'll be seeing it soon and a lot more when you come over. We can even play, if you want. It's one of my favourites, too."
"Oh, thank you!" clapped hands. "I can't wait!"
Yuugi made a small glare. Ryou was getting a little too close to his Até...
"Ahaha! What's wrong, Yuugi?" Jounouchi laughed, poking him. "Getting jealous?"
"I am not!" He defended, even though he didn't know what that word meant. He thought it was something bad, so he got defensive anyway.
At Ryou's confused look, Anzu tapped him on the shoulder. "Don't worry about that, Ryou. Him and Yami have just recently gotten together, so he's a little... protective." She grinned when the other titled his head with a "really?" look. "But then again, while he's protective, Yami is possessive!"
Atemu moved slightly to put an arm around his smaller love. "You would be too, if you had someone as wonderful and cute as my Aibou."
"Oh, you gave him a petname!" Anzu said, claping happily. "I've been waiting for that!"
"Every Yaoi-girl's dream..." Honda muttered, gaining a nod from Otogi.
Jounouchi looked confused. "Why "partner"?"
At this, Atemu blushed slightly. "Um... it's more "loved one" than "partner"..."
"It's still cute!" The female of the group gushed.
"So, why "loved one" then?" The blonde tried again, though he sort of got it anyway.
"That's... rather personal, Jou."
Still seeing Yuugi glare at him slightly, Ryou quickly put up hands in defence. "Don't worry, Yuugi-Kun. I'm not going to try and steal him or anything. It's just nice to have a friend who plays Table top roleplay games too! I didn't have many back home."
A few seconds passed... and he nodded, an uneasy grin showing. "Okay, that's good to know. I hope we can be friends, too!"
A smile. "I'd like that, Yuugi-Kun."
-You okay, Aibou?- Came the question over the mindlink. -Your acting funny...-
-Sorry.- He replied, smiling at Atemu. -I just... get this funny feeling. I feel that Ryou is a good person, and will make a great friend, but... I just get this nagging feeling. I am unable to pin point what it is. But, I don't think it's anything bad. Not really.-
Atemu gave a nod of understanding, turning to talk within the group again, arm still around his little boyfriend. Yuugi, however, frowned again.
But why... why do I feel like I know him?
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Bakura sat in the sakura tree, watching the small group of younger students come out of the school for lunch. Just as he was told, his little brother made friends with the former Pharaoh and his little Prince. He didn't like that thought, but it was meant to be. It was all part of that goal he needed to reach.
"...Are you sure I should let him befriend them?" He sneered, glaring at the group.
"Yessss..." Came a quiet, yet sneering voice. "I know you do not like the thought, but... it is... necessary, for my-our -destiny."
The white head snorted. "Sure sure." Unlike that little brat and his boy toy, he remembered everything that happened in the past. Even if... even if history forgot, even if the Pharaoh and his double forgot... he never forgot. And with the help of his Master... he will get the revenge he most rightly deserved! "I shall not fail you... Master Zorc."
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"Oh wow!" Ryou gushed, looking all around himself as they walked through the front door. "Your shop practically has everything I could ask for!"
Atemu gave a sweatdrop at his new friend's attics. "Ryou... it's just a shop."
"With everything I could ask for!" He said again, pointing an index finger up.
Yuugi was shacking his head. Their new British friend seemed quite hyper over the fact that Sugoroku's shop had what he loved to buy; Table Top Roleplaying game kits. At seeing these, Ryou told them that he knew only of a few shops that sometimes ordered them for him, otherwise, he bought them off the internet, which didn't always work.
"To think, if I ever needed something, I can just walk down the road and buy it! No need to order something and wait for a phone call." The white-head clapped his hands. "I'm liking Japan more and more!"
"My grandpa almost gets any game that's ever been made, no mater how popular it is." Atemu told him, ignoring his friend's hyperness. He was just as bad as him! "We had a game called "Monster Fighter" once, and it was so popular, that almost everyone at school had one. Those who didn't, were the ones who couldn't buy one."
"What's "Monster Fighter"?" Ryou asked, Yuugi wondering himself.
The taller scratched his cheek. "Well... it's across a monster boxing game and arm wrestling. In fact, though it's banned from school from being too popular, due to the point that students were beating others up to steal theirs, there are little MFT's, Monster Fighter Tournaments, were those really into it, like Duel Monsters, can battle other player's monsters to win prizes and such."
"Wow." Ryou spoke, impressed. "You know, I wished things like these happen back home. England sounds really boring compared to Japan now."
When he said that, and pulled such a face, Atemu and Yuugi couldn't help but laugh.
Sugoroku, who had been watching and listening since the three came in from behind the counter, he spoke up. "Good to see you boys home. Atemu, a letter came for you, so I put it on your desk." His grandson gave a nod of thanks. "So, may I ask who this is?"
"Oh, sorry grandpa." Atemu apologised. "This is our new friend, Ryou Bakura, who comes from England. He's really into Table Top Roleplays, and wanted to see what we have..."
"Hohoho, I see." The elder smiled knowingly. "I have books and things with all the old and latest stuff you can get behind the counter, if your interested in looking through them."
Again, Yuugi and Atemu couldn't help laugh as Ryou jumped to the counter, speedily speaking about all the things he had been wanting to get lately for his new table top board.
Maybe I'm thinking on it too much... Yuugi mused, deciding that until Ryou did do something bad, he wouldn't dwell on it. Beside, right now, I already have to much to think about...
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Atemu glared at the letter, or more like, the invertation, that sat on his desk. It was looking up at him innocently, begging for him to react to it just for humour. He sat there, at his desk, glaring, as if waiting for the piece of paper to do something first. Finally, he snapped.
"I told him I wasn't joining!" He yelled, growling. "What doesn't he get about the word "no"? The meaning? The sound? The letters? The fact that it means I don't want to join?!" He slammed his fists on the wood. "Why won't he bloody listen to me?! For Ra's sake Kaiba, leave me alone!!"
Yuugi watched silently on the bed. It wasn't long since Atemu received the letter, asking him to join in Kaiba's soon to start tournament. This... this was what Ms Ishtar was talking about. This was what Yuugi had to do, but... with Atemu's bad past with Duel Monsters, the taller teen wasn't willing to join in, even to help his little love.
He sighed. After the date, a few days ago, they both admitted to loving each other. Sure, Yuugi felt that his love ran deeper than just Atemu, but... it didn't change the fact that his heart now belonged to him, the same with Atemu's heart belonging to Yuugi. His hand reached up and gripped the silver chain connected to his cartouche, his name "Yuugi" written in Hieroglyphics. Atemu had given it to him... as part of a tradition to bring happiness and luck in their newly blossomed relationship and love. He smiled. So much was said that day... Yuugi felt so much closer to his double than he did before... but right now, Atemu was distressed, and needed his calming presence.
Yuugi got up, and walked over to Atemu, placing himself in his lap. This startled the other for a moment, before he wrapped his arms around the smaller and held him tighter, Yuugi doing the same. "...I have no choice, do I?" He heard Atemu murmur into his neck quietly.
"I am sorry, Até... but, you heard what Ms Isis said." Yuugi told him softly, leaning his cheek against Atemu's chest. "Both you and I must join in this tournament, to fulfil whatever it is I have to do. Or at least, fulfil some of it anyway. But... I can't do it without you." He lifted his head and gazed into Atemu's uncertain ones. "...Will you help me, Até? Will you help me reach that place I need to go?"
"Please don't talk about that." Atemu said softly, sad, as he buried his face in the crook of Yuugi's neck again. "I've only really just got you... let me live in a dream, for a little longer..." The hold tightened. "Please..."
Yuugi became sad. He knew Atemu had had a bad past... and still didn't like the thought of him leaving him someday. But... he couldn't go on like this forever, as a spirit, as an incomplete person. So far, he had only found half of himself... he needed to finish what he started all those years ago, when he sacrificed his soul for his Pharaoh. And Atemu needed to do the same. He couldn't dwell on thepast any more. "Até." Said person lifted up his head. "We can both dream, until we can't dream any longer. We can even make our dreams a reality. But... I still need to do this. I can't let this chance get away. You know this... more than I do."
Atemu looked down at him sadly. "Aibou..." He tilted his head and softly kissed Yuugi on the lips, pouring his heart, his soul, into it, Yuugi answering back just as softly. Even so, it was still a shy kiss for them both. It was still the beginning of their relationship, and they were going to let it grow. "I..." He started, pulling away. "I will try, for you."
Yuugi smiled up at him, sadness still shinning in his eyes. "I know you will."
Atemu gave a small smile also, turning his gaze to look down at the offending paper on the desk. It read:
Atemu Yami Kokuô,
With this invitation, you are invited to attend Domino's first "Battle City Tournament", sponsored and runned by Kaiba Corp.
The tournament's date is as follows, and the rules of the Card Game will be set to "Advanced Level", which is listed along with any cards that are to be banned. There is also an Anti-rule, were the loser of a Duel is to hand over their rarest card to the winner. There is also the rule of having a Duel Partner, as double duels are encouraged.
We look forward to seeing you.
Kaiba Corp.
But it wasn't that that annoyed Atemu. It was what Kaiba himself had handwritten at the bottom, as if someone else had printed off the paper and he had grabbed the invite before it was sent off. That bit read:
Atemu, I will not tolerate your refusal of joining in my tournament. I will see you there, to regain my title as Game King! A title I spent years gaining, mastering every game out there, only to have it ripped away on one game of Duel Monsters by you! You will give me that rightful chance to fight for it back, not to just be given it back because you refuse to duel! I refuse to accept you running anymore!
I have no problem with you bringing your little boyfriend. In fact, he's invited to duel in the tournament too.
~ Kaiba
"But he's right." Yuugi began. "You can't keep avoiding it. I know you don't want to face what you went through in Duelist Kingdom... but, you won't ever be able to let go if you don't."
"I know..." Atemu whispered. "It's just... the memory..."
Yuugi brought up his hands and took hold of his taller boyfriend's face, staring at him lovingly. "Até, don't begin to think that I won't be there for you. Don't start to hide again, not after we confessed our love for each other. I'm here, to take on your burden too. So please..." He lifted up his head and, instead of kissing him like Atemu thought, rubbed his nose with his. "Let me in. Tell me what you fear... let me help you let go..."
Atemu surprisingly felt more calm and at ease with the nose rub than a kiss. "I..." He gulped. "...I don't want to face something like that again. What I found to be a fun, challenging game, became a match of life and death. I had to fight a man I didn't know, to save my grandfather's, then Kaiba's and Mokuba's, soul. Then, I had to win against a player killer who forced me to fight in the dark, a thin wire around my neck. And to see those headless bodies after barely winning... I felt..."
"Atemu, don't begin to feel guilty for saving your life." Yuugi scowled, not liking Atemu's trail of thought. "You didn't know a murderer was on the island, who killed those who lost. And if you hadn't of won, then many more would have died."
The other was silent for a moment, looking at his little love, until a sudden thought crossed his mind. "It was you... you made that player killer go mad before he killed himself..."
Yuugi looked confused, wandering what he was talking about. The smaller couldn't remember anything before he was freed from the puzzle, so how could he have done anything to help? "Até, what-"
"Nothing, sorry." Atemu shook his head. He then gave a real smile. "Maybe... I need to build my deck."
Catching on, Yuugi got off Atemu's lap (not before another nose rub, making the taller blush slightly) and waked over to the closet, that sat at the other end of the room. The doors were closed. "We better get your cards, then." He opened a door, and moved some boxes out of the way, to be able to reach the back of the cuboard. There, sitting in the dark, was a net-like rubbish bin, full of posters, toys and cards. The things Atemu threw in the bin and hid away, hoping to never have to face it again. "I knew it was in here, since I have been in your soulroom a few times," Yuugi pulled the full bin out, and brought it over to Atemu, playing it on the desk front of him. "I'm sure you know your cards will be really happy at being used again."
Atemu stared at the object for a while, in deep thought. At first, Yuugi thought he was having second thoughts and was going to do something to get rid of the thing. He was startled, however, when the taller teen seemed to snap and fling his arms around the bin, crying softly onto the metal. "I'm so s-sorry!" Atemu cried. "I'm sorry I abandoned you all like that... and after e-everything you did to help me! I-I'm so s-sorry!"
Yuugi gave a sad smile, feeling the happiness and forgiveness from the hundreds of cards stuffed into the metal net bin, as if they too, were crying with their master. They knew, and they understood. Atemu had gone through something horrible, and he feared to face it again. He may have placed anything Duel Monster like into the bin, but he couldn't bring himself to get rid of it. So, he hid it away, hoping to never touch them again. Though, ever since then, Atemu had always felt the small, sad pull towards the back of his cuboard, to his cards – the cards calling out to him to come back...
"You know they forgive you, right?" Yuugi said softly, watching Atemu stand up and wipe his tears away, almost in embarrassment for crying over something like cards. If only his parents saw...
"I know." He whispered, reaching into the bin and carefully taking out his posters, toys and cards. He gave a small apology to each one, more so to the ones that got bent or slightly ripped. Atemu stopped, and stared at one card he had pulled out. "...Dark Magician... you know, he's my most trusted monster..."
"I'm sure he was just as trusting in your past."
"I know." He said again, placing it among the others. "...He used to talk to me, you know."
"Yeah?"
"We talked all the time... like, he was a real person." Atemu ran a finger over the card lightly. "But... ever since I hid them away... we haven't spoken to each other. I've really missed it. He gave me such advice after I lost my parents..."
Yuugi patted his shoulder. "Why not, after we put together some decks, we can sit down and try again with him?"
"...Yeah."
The smaller smiled at him proudly. Atemu had taken a giant leap from being unable to even talk about Duel Monsters without getting upset, to now holding his cards and speaking about when he would hold conversations with his favourite cards, getting himself ready to put a deck together for the up coming tournament. Yuugi lifted up his arms and wrapped them around Atemu's neck, the taller's arms going around his waist. "Até... thank you."
As Yuugi lifted his head up to give Atemu a light kiss on the lips, the other thought otherwise as he moved to meet Yuugi's own lips halfway. No Yuugi... thank you... for loving me as much as I love you...
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Ma-Chi: -stares at chapter- ...Um... not too sure what this was, really. The entrance of Ryou and Bakura (haha! Didn't think that, did ya?! Brothers! Maybe some incest will get put in...? -grins-)? The beginning of the next part of the story? Just a filler to get Atemu to bloody touch his cards again? -shrugs- Maybe it's just simply a filler. But hey, hope it was good for you.
Now don't go bash me about Bakura's first name! I needed to think of one... and that came to mind. Besides, to me, it sounded Egyptian! Okay? Oh, whatever...
Okay, guys... I'm going through some real trouble, and I'm not sure when I'll have the time or mood to write more. I'm not saying I won't continue, I'm just saying I'm not sure when I'll next update. I wasn't even in the mood to do this one now... but I wanted it up, so sorry of it seems rushed again...
Sorry for any mistakes in the chapter.
Please review. The last lot really made my day. Really. Besides, your inputs and comments really help.