Authors Note:

Hello again everyone! I really can't believe I got this chapter finished so quickly. The creative juices were flowing. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this.

Also, someone commented on the prologue saying that it sounded like Yugi would purposefully throw the ceremonial duel just to keep Atem with him. I truly believe that even if Yugi wanted Atem to stay, he would never do that. I believe Yugi would do what was right even if it hurt him, just like in the show.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or any of its characters.

Chapter 1: Return

His body was on fire. He would have screamed if he could. When he opened his mouth nothing came out. The crushing pain in his bones was wreaking havoc on his nervous system. It felt like every bone was being broken and pulled apart.

When he tried opening his eyes it was met with nothing but blinding light. He's ears were ringing and he thought for sure his head would explode at any moment.

Suddenly he came in contact with a hard surface. He was on his back gasping, trying to take air into stinging lungs. He rolled onto his side and was thrown into a coughing fit. The ringing in his ears transformed into angry shouts as people passed by, some knocking into him.

He opened his eyes but had to forcibly shut them again as the world around him spun. Between being knocked into and his unstable balance, it took Atem a few tries to get to his feet. Once he had finally made it onto his feet he stumbled. He made contact with a street pole, which was probably the only reason he remained on his feet.

He clung to it, still trying to catch his breath. He put his head against the cold metal praying this feeling would subside. He groaned and found that his strained voice had returned to him.

Suddenly he was knocked into once again and he lost his grip on the pole. He stumbled a few more steps and ended up in the middle of the street. Atem heard the deafening blare of a car horn and opened his eyes only wide enough to see a car coming straight for him.

The Egyptian hadn't regained enough coordination to dodge the oncoming vehicle. He could only shut his eyes as he prepared for the impact. Instead, he felt his arm being tugged harshly to the side. Moments later he stood still, the sounds of the street being drowned out by the high walls on either side of him.

The ex-Pharaoh stood in the darkened ally holding onto his head. The world was still spinning slightly and his head pounded. He couldn't remember the last time his body hurt like this. He looked down and saw a pair of tan colored hands come into focus. His hands. It had worked. He was actually in the living world again! The pain he was feeling confirmed this.

His vision cleared fully now and he took in his surroundings. He was standing in a dirty ally, littered with trash. He put his hands up to his chest. He could feel a heartbeat. He smiled to himself. It had been so long since he had his own heartbeat.

"A-Atem?"

Atem froze hearing that voice. He wouldn't mistake that voice for anything. It sounded a little deeper then he remembered but he knew without a doubt who it was. Slowly he turned and stopped when he gazed upon a very familiar set of lilac colored eyes. Atem blinked a few times, making sure he was really seeing this.

"Yugi," A joyful smile broke out on his face. "It's… it's really you." Atem was overjoyed. It had worked. He had been able to come back to Yugi. The Gods did exactly what they said they would. He wanted so badly to run to him but as he took a shaky step forward, Yugi stepped back until his back hit the dirty wall on the opposite side of the ally.

Atem could see Yugi's mouth move but no words came out. Yugi was pale and his eyes were wide in shock. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. How could Atem be here? He went to the Afterlife. He... He died. Was this just some sort of sick dream? All these thoughts came to an end when he heard that familiar deep voice again.

"Yugi?" Atem began to worry about his once-partner. Yugi was breathing hard and remained unmoving.

"What are… But you…. I don't understand." Yugi shook his head harshly, trying to clear it enough to form a complete sentence. When his head stopped, he looked up and he spoke a little clearer, "What are you doing here?"

Atem's smile left his face. He wasn't sure why Yugi looked so upset. Yugi looked like a deer stuck in headlights and Atem was afraid he'd bolt if he wasn't careful. "I needed to see you," Atem spoke carefully. He took this opportunity to look at his old companion. He still looked like Yugi but he was a little taller now, falling only a couple inches shorter than Atem. His face smoothed out a little, leaving slightly smaller, soft cheeks and the same big eyes, which were only accentuated by the wide eyed look he had. He was wearing his signature dark pants and a gray button up with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He also still wore his choker and wrist bracelets. He didn't think he was gone long enough for Yugi to have changed this much. He looked the same yet, "You look so different."

Yugi took in the sight in front of him. It was the Pharaoh, without a doubt. He was here. He looked exactly the same as he did when they were helping him gain his memoires. He had his darker skin again, toned body, and was dressed in the same ancient Egyptian fashion, crown and all. The younger one couldn't figure out how the Pharaoh had found a way to visit from the Afterlife. He knew Atem couldn't stay in this world, but why would he come back? Didn't it hurt them enough the first time he left?

Yugi forced himself out of his trance. He shook his head again and looked down, purposefully trying to avoid the penetrating stare of his old partner. When he spoke it tasted sour on his tongue. "Yes well, that's what happens when you don't see someone for a while."

Atem was taken aback when he heard the tone of Yugi's voice. He couldn't remember ever hearing that sweet voice sound so hateful. "That's why I came back," Atem spoke warily. "I've really missed you."

Yugi shrugged his shoulders. Yugi didn't care if Atem missed him. He was only going to leave him again. After all, he was the one that left in the first place. He reflected on the time they had spent apart. He had prayed and wished that Atem would return to him, and now here he was. At some point his feelings had turned. He tried blocking him out in an attempt to try to normalize his life again. But… he couldn't deny the truth. He had really missed the man standing in front of him. "I'd be lying if I said different."

These words brought a small smile to Atem's lips. This was a step in the right direction. His partner missed him. He had wondered for a moment if coming back had been a mistake.

As Atem took in the sight of his partner, he noticed something was off. Yugi had said he missed him but his expression showed something different. Yugi's furrowed brow and his frown made it seem like he was less than thrilled with Atem's return.

Atem was about to speak again when the weather began to change. Before the night sky was clear, but now the clouds were rolling in. Lightning lit up the sky and then was quickly followed by a loud crack of thunder. Both males looked up to the sky with concern. This storm looked like it was going to be bad.

Yugi was the first to speak as another bolt of lightning flashed. "Come on," He knelt down and began to go through his backpack on the ground. "It looks like it's about to rain. We can continue this at my house." He pulled out a black zip-up hoodie and held it out to Atem.

"What this?" Atem reached out and accepted the piece of clothing.

"It's to cover up what you are wearing. Your outfit doesn't exactly scream 21st century."

Indeed the outfit the ancient Egyptian wore was a bit out of date. He would stand out like a sore thumb. He quickly pulled on the article of clothing and zipped it up. By now there was a light drizzle so he pulled he hood over his hair. This helped cover the golden head piece as well.

"Better?"

Yugi looked over at Atem and scrunched up his nose. Atem smiled at the familiar gesture. That cute little nose he missed so much. "Well it'll have to do." The rain stared coming down harder now. "Come on! Hopefully we can catch a cab before we are drenched!" Yugi's voice was almost drowned out completely by the harsh rain coming down around them.

The two stood at the side of the road as the rain continued to pelt them. "Dammit!" Atem could barely hear Yugi's voice over the combined sounds of the downpour and thunder. "We are never going to catch a cab in this. Let's just run for it!"

Atem nodded in response and the two mad their way toward the game shop, which doubled as Yugi's home. The rain was coming down full force by now and the wind didn't help any. The harsh winds almost knocked them over a couple of times as they ran. Yugi was confused. He didn't remember hearing anything about a storm on the weather this morning.

Finally the familiar red "Game" sign came into view that indicated Kame Game Shop was near. They both ran to the side of the building where the door to the house section was located. Both males began to catch their breath standing under the sanctuary of the awning above the door. Yugi struggled for a moment trying to get his house keys out of his soaked pant pocket. By the time they made it into the house both males were soaked to the bone.

The two stood in the small entry way that led to a stair case. Both men began shaking of the excess water. Yugi twisted his mouth at the sight of the both of them. He knew he was going to be tracking water through the house but they had no choice. Yami removed the hood that was sticking to his head and shook out his tri-colored hair a little so it was sticking out again, closer to its usually style but still weighed down slightly by the water. Yugi did a similar gesture, with the same results as his drenched companion.

They both removed their shoes at the door and Yugi dropped his soaked backpack next to them. Yugi motioned for Yami to follow him. They made their way up the stairs to the house section of the building, the first floor containing the shop and a small storage area.

The stairs led to the living room. It looked almost the same as it did when Atem had been a spirit of the puzzle. The familiar brown couch with two brown foot rests sat directly across from a newer looking TV. It was slimmer then the older model that used to reside there. On the other side of the living room was the entrance to the kitchen area. Atem could hear the sound of dishes knocking against each other.

"Grandpa, I'm home," Yugi called as he made his way toward the kitchen. Atem decided to follow silently behind, his wet cape soaking the floor behind him.

As they entered the kitchen Solomon Motou stood with his back turned to the duo. This older man still wore the same green overalls and a black bandanna that covered his gray hair that Atem was familiar with. He was finishing up some dishes and placing them where they belong. "I was beginning to worry Yugi. You are later than usual and this storm came out of nowhere. You missed dinner again. I saved you a plate. It's in the refrigerator."

"Thanks. Sorry I'm late. I um..." Yugi glanced to the side at the ex-Pharaoh. He wasn't sure how to say this. "Well I got held up on my way home." He looked back at his grandfather and began fiddling with his hands. Atem smiled at this familiar nervous trait. "I um... Ran into someone I used to know." Now Atem frowned. Atem didn't like the way he said that. Atem and Yugi shared a bond that Atem thought nothing could break.

"Oh really, who?" Solomon finished up with the dishes and turned around. He faltered slightly at the appearance of his new guest, dropping the dish towel in his hand.

"You remember the Pharaoh, right?"

"Yes." Solomon nodded his head slightly in response. He wore a surprised look similar to that of his grandson when Atem first came back. "I'm just a little surprised to see him standing in my kitchen." The elder turned toward his grandson and held a hand up to his chest. "Warn me about these things Yugi. My ticker isn't what it used to be."

"Sorry gramps. I didn't know he was coming for a visit."

"A visit?" Solomon shot a questioning look toward Atem that was returned with a pleading look. Solomon, after all, had a vast knowledge of Ancient Egyptian history and knew something fishy was going on here. In respect for the Pharaoh, Solomon kept his suspicions silent until he could question Atem himself. "Very well. You are more then welcome to stay here for the time being." Now he looked at the two and saw they both were drenched. "Yugi, why don't you get cleaned up and bring something dry for the Pharaoh."

Atem's gazed followed Yugi as he exited the kitchen. After he heard his footsteps going up the stairs a purposeful cough brought Atem's attention back to Yugi's grandfather. The elder was still sizing up Atem with narrowed eyes.

Atem cleared his throat before speaking to the elder. He was a little unsure of what to say. He was hoping to get around the inevitable line of questioning. "Hello Mr. Motou. Forgive me for making a mess of your home-"

"I'm not concerned with that," Solomon held a hand up to silence Atem. "What I am concerned with is how you managed to get back here. I've never come across anything in my studies of someone returning from the Afterlife. As far as I know spirits aren't allowed to travel to and from the living world so willingly."

"The Gods granted me this under special circumstances," Atem spoke in a hushed, even tone. He didn't want Yugi to walk in on this conversation. Yes, he wanted Yugi to know, but he wanted to be able to explain it for himself.

Solomon raised a curious eye. "Special circumstances?"

"Yes." Atem nodded before adding, "It's a bit complicated."

"Well it's a good thing I have gained a lot of wisdom in my many years on this earth. Try me."

Atem took a moment to consider his options. Solomon could be incredibly stubborn. Atem knew eventually the older man would wear him down. He glanced over his shoulder quickly, looking for any sight of Yugi before turning back to Solomon to explain. "I was allowed to return but as a price I-" Atem was cut short at the sound of footsteps on the stairs.

Dressed in dry, white t-shirt and blue pajama pants, Yugi reentered the kitchen area with some clothes and a towel in hand. He could see and feel the tension in the room. The expression that his grandfather and Atem were regarding each other only fueled his growing suspicion. "Is… Everything okay in here?"

Solomon smiled and waved off his grandson. "Yes Yugi. Just catching up is all."

Narrowing his eyes he replied with, "Okay." He wasn't buying it. Yugi held out the clothes to Atem. "Here's something you can change into. I think they will fit you."

Atem took the clothing with a grateful smile. "Thank you." It was a simple, black t-shirt and pair of gray sweatpants. "They most likely will. It looks like you've had quite the growth spurt." Atem frame and height was only slightly larger then Yugi's now.

Yugi crossed his arms and shrugged. "Just a bit."

Atem walked past Yugi, making his way to the bathroom. Atem shot Solomon one more pleading glance once he passed Yugi and received a nod. It seemed that the elder was going to keep the Ancient Egyptians secret.

Atem began his ascent to the next floor and the last words he heard from the kitchen was Solomon's gentle voice. "I know this is unexpected but I thought you'd be at least a little happy to see him."

Yami lay on the couch in the living room with his arms resting behind his head. He couldn't seem to close his eyes and his mind simply wouldn't shut off. He couldn't get his mind off of his partner. He thought that they would have had a happier reunion but Yugi seemed to be upset with his return. This theory was only proven when he overheard his grandfather talking to Yugi.

"I thought you'd be at least a little happy to see him."

Yes, he and Yugi didn't exactly leave on the best of terms. Atem broke the young ones heart before leaving but it was for his own good, wasn't it? And it wasn't one sided. It killed Atem to leave his partner. He had to practically force himself through the doors to the Afterlife.

The ex-pharaoh let out a sigh remembering that terrible day.

Yugi had just delivered the final blow and Atem's life points dropped to zero. He smiled sadly, knowing that Yugi hadn't thrown the duel on purpose just to keep him from going. Yugi proved just how much he had grown.

When Atem looked up he noticed that Yugi was on his hands and knees, shaking. Tears were hitting the ground beneath him. Atem closed the distance between them and kneeled in front of the winning duelist.

"Yugi," he said softly, "A champion doesn't belong on his knees." Atem put a comforting hand on his partner's shoulder. He focused hard to keep his voice from breaking. "You achieved a great victory for us both."

"I was focusing so hard on playing the game," Yugi took a shuttering breath before continuing, "That I forgot what winning this duel would actually mean. By defeating you I've sent you away," The tears refused to stop. He whispered, "For good." Yugi had promised himself that when the time came, he would try his hardest in this duel. If Atem wanted to stay with him, he would have to do it on his own accord.

Atem forced a smile. "No, you have opened the door for me. Thanks to you my spirit can finally be at rest once again: I'll be back where I belong." Where he belonged, but not where he wanted to be. "Fate brought the two of us together for a reason and we fulfilled our destiny. We protected mankind from the return of the shadow games and we've both grown tremendously along the way." Atem helped Yugi to his feet, resting his hands on the younger ones shoulders.

"I'm going to miss you." Yugi couldn't believe this was it. It was finally over. Atem was actually about to leave him.

Atem's heart was breaking even more looking into the tear filled eyes of his love. He forced himself to remain strong. Putting on the best smile he could muster, he spoke with love evident in his voice. "You do realize that we will truly never be apart, right?"

"Huh?!"

"The gift of kindness you've given me and the courage I've given you with remain with us. And that will forever bind us together."

Atem brought Yugi in for a final hug. "And our love will always remain in our hearts. Never forget that."

Yugi hugged him tight, burying his face in Atem's shoulder. "Right." Yugi decided that if this is what the Pharaoh wanted, he had to at least try to be strong. Yugi had to show Atem that he could be strong.

Atem whispered into Yugi's ear, making him shiver slightly. "I want you to live the life I couldn't give you."

Yugi could only nod. He didn't trust his voice anymore.

Atem placed a kiss on Yugi's soft cheek, lingering there for a moment. Yugi gasped at the contact and even more tears fell when the Pharaoh drew away. This was their final moment.

Atem turned and walked purposefully toward the door. He was afraid if he didn't leave now he'd change his mind. After he called out his name the door opened for him, blinding everyone in the room. The Pharaoh made his way toward the blinding light and the last thing he heard was the sound of his loves voice.

"Atem!"

Atem swallowed painfully at that memory. Remember this moment brought the same striking pain to his chest. The pain in this partner's eyes would forever be burned into his mind. He had tried so hard to remain strong for the younger man. He hoped that Yugi would realize what he had done was for the best. He shook his head. Maybe he never came to terms with it.

Even so, if Yugi never came to terms with it, shouldn't he be happy that Atem was back? He had begged Atem to reconsider going on to the Afterlife. Yugi tried to assure him over and over that they could be happy together. Atem didn't want Yugi to make that type of sacrifice. Yugi deserved someone better. He deserved a full life.

Upstairs a slightly younger man was going over the same scene in his head. Yugi lay in his single bed staring at the wall next to his bed remembering the single most painful moment in his life. The pain of that loss never truly subsided. He couldn't even look in the mirror without thinking about the man that had been by his side for over four years.

He tossed onto his other side to stare at his bedroom door. Yugi had left the kitchen to take refuge in his bedroom before the ex-Pharaoh had finished changing out of his soaked clothes. He didn't want to face him again tonight. He had too much to think over.

Back then he wanted nothing more than to have his Yami stay with him. So why wasn't he happy? Why was something holding him back? He realized it must have been the nagging thought in the back of his mind.

Atem was only going to leave him again. He had to. This world wasn't where he belonged. Atem had only told him about a million times.

Yugi shifted again so now he was lying on his back, staring at the skylight in his room. It rained like this the night before they left for Cairo. Well, maybe not as bad. That night was the last time he begged the Pharaoh to stay with him. He tried to make him listen, tried to make him see that it didn't matter what form the Pharaoh was in, Yugi just wanted him to stay. Everything that happened after that night happened so fast. Before he knew it the Pharaoh had left.

He glanced back toward his door. He wondered if the ex-Pharaoh was sleeping. The picture of Atem entered his mind. His tanned skin, sharp eyes, and that familiar, sincere smile he gave Yugi when he first saw him in so long.

Yugi hadn't given the Pharaoh the same greeting. He acted bitter and unkind. That simply wasn't like Yugi and he knew it. He couldn't help it though. He had spent so many sleepless nights wishing the Pharaoh back and hating that he had the nerve to leave him in the first place.

Did Atem even know that Yugi had taken his absence so poorly? He thought Yugi was strong enough to live without him. If Atem knew how much Yugi actually needed him, would he have stayed?

He wanted so badly to be near Atem again. Ever since he came back, Yugi felt himself being pulled toward Atem but he forced himself to stay at a distance. He wasn't sure if he could withstand that kind of heartbreak again.

Before Yugi could stop himself, he was out of bed and walking toward his door. He tried his best to remain silent, afraid the Egyptian was still awake. Yugi wanted to see him, but prayed he didn't have to face him at the same time.

Yugi made his way silently down the stairs but made a fatal mistake. The third step from the bottom let out an unforgiving creek. Yugi held his breath in anticipation while he stared at the back of the couch. He cursed himself when that familiar tri-colored hair popped up from the other side of the couch.

Atem was broken from his thoughts by a sound and when he sat up he was surprised to find Yugi coming down the stairs.

"Partner," Atem called in a hushed tone. If it hadn't been so dark in the room, Atem would have definitely noticed the flinch Yugi gave at the sound of his old nickname. "Are you okay?"

"Y-yes," Yugi stuttered out. "I just came down for… um… something to drink." Yugi cursed himself again at the lame excuse.

Atem smirked, knowing very well Yugi was lying. The stutter followed by his eyes looking away always gave him away.

Atem rested his arms on the back of the couch and rested his chin on his arms. "You can tell me the truth."

Yugi came down the rest of the stair and protested in a hushed time. "That is the truth!"

"No it isn't. I know you too well for that." Atem shot him a knowing look. "You never could sleep when there was something bothering you."

Yugi twisted his mouth, knowing there was no way around this. Atem could still read him like an open book. He tried to steer the conversation away from himself. "Yeah well, how come you are awake?"

Atem gave a thoughtful look before replying with, "I'm guessing the same reason you are. Lots of things on my mind."

Yugi's feet betrayed him yet again as he made his way around the couch to sit on one of the brown foot rests that sat next to the couch. "Like what?" Yugi ended up closer to Atem then he had intended. He could reach out and touch him if he wanted to. Atem sat up and scooted even closer to where Yugi was sitting. He ignored Yugi's stiffening frame as he closed the distance.

"Being back. Seeing you." Atem paused when Yugi looked away slightly. "It's bringing up a lot of emotions."

Yugi nodded in agreement. "It has for me too. I never thought I'd see you again, Atem."

Atem made a twisted face when he heard his ancient name. "Please don't call me 'Atem'."

"Why not?" Yugi tilted his head curiously to the side bringing a smile to Atem's face. His partner may have looked different but he was still his partner. "It's your name."

"Because I'm no longer that person. That was my name as Pharaoh and I'm no longer that person. That was who I was when I was saving the world." In truth, he hated that name because it was the single word needed to open the doorway that took Atem away.

"Then what am I supposed to call you?"

Atem thought for a moment before smiling shyly and turning back to Yugi. "Call me 'Yami'."

Yugi raised an eyebrow. "Why that?"

"It was the name you gave me when we first met."

"Well yes… but that's before we knew who you were. That was when we thought you were my darker other half. You aren't dark."

"Yes I am. I am the dark and you are the light. Two halves of the same soul. We complete each other. Our souls complement each other."

"And we are weakest when we are separated," Yugi spoke with that same bitter tone in his voice Yami had heard from earlier. Yami was unsure why Yugi was so upset at his absence. He couldn't have been gone for that long, could he?

Yugi did look a lot different. More mature and taller than before he left. His voice was a little deeper then he remembered as well. These changes in appearance could only mean one thing.

Atem leaned forward slightly trying to look Yugi in the face. When he spoke, it was gentle. "I've been away for a long time, haven't I?"

Yugi refused to look up. "Did you lose track of time while you were away enjoying yourself?"

"I didn't enjoy it as much as you think I did. But I didn't think I was gone for very long."

Yugi looked at Yami with narrowed eyes, but they softened immediately when he saw how confused Yami looked. Did he really not know how long he had been gone? "Yami... It's been three years since you left."

Yami shot back, shocked at this revelation. "3 years?!"

Yugi nodded. "How long did you think you were gone?"

Yami leaned his head back to rest it on the back of the couch, trying to think of his time in the Afterlife. "Weeks… maybe even a few months." He shook his head. "But I had no idea it had been years."

"How could you not have known?"

Atem shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "There really isn't a sense of time in the Afterlife. Time must work differently there. What felt like only a few weeks, was years in the living world."

"I guess now I know why you were so surprised when you first came back."

Atem leaned forward, now only inches away from his other half. "Yugi, I'm… I'm so sorry. If I'd had known I would have tried to come back sooner."

"Good to know you can drop by whenever it's suitable for you." Yugi responded with a sarcastic tone. How could Yami had let him go three years thinking he's never see him again?

"Yugi it wasn't an easy thing for me to come back-" Yami was cut off before he could explain.

"I'm sorry if I inconvenienced you then." Yugi stood up and was making his way toward the stairs. He didn't want to see this man anymore. His anger was growing and he was afraid of what he might say. How could he just show up again and think everything was going to be okay?

Yami stood and tried to reason with the younger man. "Yugi you don't understand. I- "

Yugi held up a hand to silence Yami. "It's getting late. And I have work in the morning."

"Yugi please-"

"Goodnight Pharaoh."

"But I'm not-" But it was too late. Yugi had disappeared out of site.

Yami dropped down onto the couch and held his head in his hands. Tanned hands tugged at the tri-colored locks in frustration. It was like Yugi hated him now. Yami had broken his heart after all but he was here and trying to make reparations for it.

Had this been a bad idea? Yami was sure Yugi would be happy to see him but he seemed to resent him. Had Yami completely broken their bond by leaving him back then? Maybe he shouldn't tell Yugi what he agreed to when he came back. He didn't want it to seem like he was forcing his way back into Yugi's life. He didn't want Yugi to suffer any more then he already had.

But what choice did he have now? What he did was done and there was no turning around now. He had to come clean to Yugi. Yami had to find a way to get his partner back. He just didn't know how.

Authors Note:

Well there you go! I know super angsty again. But please bare with me! It gets better I PROMISE!

Please review and let me know what you think!