Hello! Sorry about the REALLY late update, not sure what happened. But you've all been so nice and kept asking me so here it is. A quick question though, would you Yugi to see Atemu in the next chapter and reflect or have him approach Atemu or the chapter after? Bakura and Ryou get a bigger part soon! I've been told my previous stories take too long to get going and well, if you guys are happy then I can adapt. PLEASE READ THIS AND ANSWER OR I'M JUST GOING TO DO IT AND YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE THE RESULTS!!
Love ya
By the way, Atemu is not religious....more he still has faith but he's not quite sure in what, I think it would suit him.
One last note, the events which happen every year are just showing how Atemu changed his appearance and reinvented himself. I think they're a nice idea but tell me if you don't agree.
Is Atemu's personality all right in this?
Song- What about now?- Daughtry
Tears don't fall.
.............................Atemu
............................................How time has changed me, my love.
Age eighteen.
"Ready Atemu?" Scott asked, staring grimly at the shop window.
"I am." Resolve was strong in my voice. My head was held high and I was sure. "What about you? Ready?"
"Why not? C'mon, before I change my mind. But.....er.....you first."
"Chicken." I murmured, stepping past him to push open the door.
Scott growled at my back but I heard his footsteps follow. The girl at the desk looked up at us. I glanced at her. Brunette. Average. Kinda like Anz-er...some girl I used to know-. I hated the way her eyes lingered on me longer than they should've. But Scott's eyes lit up as he shoved past me. Her eyes soon snapped to him. She opened her mouth to speak but an older, kind looking lady appeared and ushered her out from the counter. Scott looked annoyed, I smirked.
"What can I do for you boys?" She asked
"We want to get our ear pierced. Can you do that?" I asked
"Sure sweetie. I had a couple of lads in here last week asking the same thing. Follow me." She smiled
We nodded and followed her to a separate room behind the counter. I glanced around the room, tacky pink wings sealed in plastic bags were pinned to the wall. I rolled my eyes at them.
"Not your taste?" She asked, noticing my action
"Oh. No, not really."
She laughed and motioned to the seat in the middle of the room. I sat on it as she fiddled around with a box on the floor.
"They don't do much for me either but the little girls like them." I smiled. She straightened up, threading a stud into the gun and turning to me. "So, which ear?"
"Left."
"All right then. It won't hurt much."
I suppose she was used to reassuring kids but I wasn't worried about the pain. I nodded. There was a click of the gun and a small flash off pain that faded into a dull throb. She handed me a mirror and turned to Scott. I saw him slink into the chair. I smirked and admired the studded lobe. I liked it, made me different. I heard the click of the stud being inserted into Scott's ear and turned back to him. He grinned and held his hand out for the mirror.
"So, boys. Anything else?"
"Well...there is one other thing...."
"What is it?"
"Do you stud the top of the ear?"
"I can do. You want it done?"
"Yeah."
Okay."
Another click and a flash and we left.
Age nineteen.
"Seriously Atemu, I don't think this is a good idea." Jamie warned, staring in horror at the parlour window. "Can't you just get a temporary?"
"No! I'm getting one."
"I know how stubborn you are but I'm just telling you I don't think you should. I don't like them."
"Tough. I want one."
"All right but I warned you."
"And IF it turns out bad you can say I told you so."
He smiled "Deal. C'mon."
I opened the door, my boots thudding on the floor, announcing our arrival. A tall, tattooed man stepped out from behind a board. He looked intimidating but he grinned at us.
"Hello guys. Tattoo?"
"Him. Not me." Jamie said, stepping back and pushing me forward.
The man nodded and led me over to a chair.
"You wanna chose a design from the wall or have you brought one?"
"I brought one." I tugged the paper out from my pocket.
He glanced at it and nodded his head in time with the music pulsing into the room. "Nice." He commented. "What is it?"
The Seal of Orichalcos.
"Just a design."
"Awesome." There was a buzz as the tattoo gun warmed up. "Where do you want it?"
"Here." I pointed to my bicep.
"All right. Roll your sleeve up."
I did as he asked. The buzzing got louder, there was a hot pricking sensation on my skin. Why the Seal of Orichalcos? Something that has caused so much misery, made me a villain. Broken so many ties. That's why I wanted it. Proof that I was severing ties to the small town in which I'd run from. Showing that I was strong enough to break away and not be tied to a small golden puzzle. Time past and I watched the man's head bobbing near my bare arm. Jamie paced around, looking at the designs and glaring at the ones which managed to insult him. I smiled softly.
"Right kid. All done." His voice startled me back to him. I stared in the mirror with a satisfied smirk. The skin was raw and inflamed but I liked the result of the tattoo.
"Like it?"
"Very much. Thanks.
"It's fine. It's my job after all."
I paid him and Jaime and I left. He threw his arm around my shoulders, eyeing the design.
"Have to admit I had my doubts, but I like it. Suits you."
"Cheers mate."
See me now.....
Age Twenty.
"Black! Black! Black! Grey! Black! Red! Black!"
I stopped outside my bedroom door, watching Lucy rummaging in my wardrobe, muttering and throwing my clothes over her shoulder.
"Lucy? What are you doing?" I asked, amused.
She jumped and span round, black hair whipping around after her, still clutching a shirt. I raised an eyebrow, frowning at the pile of clothes on the floor.
"Atemu!" She squeaked "Hi!"
"Hi, Lucy. What are you doing?"
"Nothing...."
"Uh-huh."
I rolled my eyes and threw myself down onto my bed, pulling a book out from under my pillow. Lucy hovered beside me, rocking onto her toes and back to her heels. I tried my best to ignore her, but she settled on the bed, tugging on the leg of my jeans.
"Black again." She muttered
"What?" I asked, vaguely picking up on the fact she'd spoken
"Black." She repeated. I lowered the book and propped myself up on my elbows to stare at her. Seeing she had my attention she extended her thoughts "Everything you wear is black. Or grey. Or red."
"And...?"
"Well, it's boring."
"But it's my style." I protested
"Oh, really...." Suddenly I felt like I'd fallen into a trap "Say, Atemu...."
"Yes?"
"Can I experiment with your hair?"
"W-WHAT?!" I spluttered
"Can. I. Do. Something. With. Your. Hair? I'll make it look really nice! Please Atemu."
"B-But I like my hair!" I insisted, backing away from the younger girl.
"Please. If you don't like it you can wash it out."
"Really? You won't cut it?"
"I won't. It'll be like a template, in case you like it. We can take a picture and you can go to the hairdresser. So, can I?"
"Suppose so."
"Yes! Yes! Yes! Wait here, I'll be right back."
"Ok."
She danced out of the room, grinning like a maniac. I sighed and placed my book down. Within seconds Lucy charged back in holding a container of gel.
"Isn't that Kyle's?" I asked as she dragged in a chair and pointed to it. I slunk over and sat in it.
"Yeah. But he said I could use it."
"Oh, ok."
She smiled encouragingly and ran her hands through my hair.
"I heard you singing last night. You're good. How come you haven't sung before?" She asked
"I've never done it before. Not really sure how to."
She laughed "Silly, you don't need to know anything to sing. It's something you feel in your heart. A whisper of emotion. That kinda thing."
"Sounds like something Megan would say." I commented as she teased the golden strands over my left eye
"I know. But you should ask Kyle about getting a job in his club. Once he heard you I'm sure he'll let you."
"His club? You think so? It does sound nice."
"Ask him."
"Yeah, maybe I will."
"All done."
I gapped at the reflection in the mirror. All the blonde strands had been pulled down over my left eye, causing a fringe. Somehow, she managed to tame the wild spikes so they hung down instead of up, she'd tied it off in a hair tie.
"Lucy....I....you....how...?"
"Don't you like it?"
I continued to gap. I'm getting it cut like this.
"Lucy, he's in shock." Scott laughed "Suits you mate. You like it?" He repeated slowly
I blinked again and nodded wildly. Lucy's face lit up and she threw her arms around my neck. Scott grinned, and perched on my bed.
"I've got to get the others!" Lucy cried and dashed off again.
I turned to Scott, smiling. He copied my expression.
"It's nice to see you smile, Atemu."
"I smile all the time."
"No, I mean a proper smile. You only do it occasionally." He stepped forward and clapped my back. "Atemu, my best friend."
Best friend.....yes....finally...
Age twenty and five months.
"Atemu, come here, we have something to give you." Kyle called as I passed the door
I span around, sticking my head into the doorway. "Yes?"
They were all sitting around the table in the flat we shared. Megan bounded over to me and dragged me to the table. Gently she pushed me down into an unoccupied chair. Scott nudged my foot under the table and gave me a beaming smile.
"What's going on?" I asked, eyes darting between my friends.
Jamie laughed. "So suspicious."
"Scott, you give it to him." Kyle instructed.
"I can?!" Scott sounded like an excited child. Kyle nodded
Scott whipped the bag out from under the table and pushed it into my hand. But he stopped me before he let me take it.
"Atemu, listen. We know you've struggled with your sexuality and that you're afraid to tell us." I hung my head, afraid, shuffling backward on my seat, waiting for the fist to come. It didn't. Only a gentle hand from Scott on my wrist which stopped my retreat. "It's okay, Até. We're not here to judge. We really don't mind. You're our friend."
"You'll still be my friend?" I asked in a small voice
"We will. We're always going to be your friends. Now, this gift is small, but it's from all of us. We hope it helps a little bit."
"No matter what Atemu, you're my big brother." Lucy whispered, hugging me from behind. I reached up and ran my free hand over her arm.
"Thank you, Lucy. It means a lot to me that you don't mind."
"Atemu, I know how much you were hurt by what happened the last time you told people about it but here, nothing will happen. We would rather hurt ourselves than hurt you." Kyle smiled; I liked him reassuring me before I said anything about my past.
He let go of my wrist and I pulled the bag toward me. I pulled out a velvet box and blinked in surprise. Opening the lid, I gasped and stared. I gently eased out a stunning decorative golden cross. Faith. Religion. Gods. My Egyptian Gods. I forgot all about them. Pushed them away from me, determined to leave them behind. To be honest, I was angry with them. They hadn't helped me when I needed it. I hadn't wanted to worship them anymore. I didn't want to acknowledge my debt to them. Had I betrayed them? All of them. They helped me, offered me a chance for life again.
"Oh." I gasped "I don't know what to say. Thank you."
"You're more than welcome, Atemu." Kyle said softly "Do you like it?"
"Yes. So much."
I slipped it over my neck, where it settled in pride. Replacing....a prison.
"Atemu." Kyle said brightly "Someone has told me you can sing. Fancy an audition to work at my club?"
"Really?"
"Yeah. So tomorrow all right?"
"YES!"
Kyle laughed.
My friends....a new life....a new me.....Do I miss you?......I don't know......
Age Twenty one.
There's a reflection in my mirror. Eyes too old for the youthful face they are set in, yet still full of life and fire. But a secret is hidden deep inside. A toned, muscled body, strong arms and a sculptured chest. Hair wild, like the soul inside, gold mixed with red. Earrings, a stud on the lobe and a hoop on the top of the ear, the addition he likes. It got mixed opinions from friends but views that were easily tossed aside. A thick chain holding a decorative cross gleams in the artificial light. Why....? Hope? A longing for someone who understands? Not even he knows why an object like that brings such a small amount of comfort. There are areas of this man that you will not see, that he can't allow to be seen. He fears another fall. Another tumble without his wings and he will not be able to save himself. But...what he sees, he likes. It's HIS hard work. HIS ability to heal and adapt that has made this man possible. And for what it's worth...it's good.
And that's when I realise.....
The man I see....is ME!
Four years and this is what happens. A new me. Someone I'm happy to be. Just by being me I make people proud. Yes, there's a mask and moments of doubt. But I'm happy, satisfied. I most certainly do NOT feel empty inside. There are definitely NOT moments of loneliness. ......Honest.....
"Atemu! Lee!" Someone sang. I groaned burrowing further down into the bed, pulling the cover over my head. Who sung to wake someone up? Wait....I know....Jamie....."Wakey wakey! Time to start another day!"
" 'Wakey wakey'? Seriously, dude! Could you be more gay?" Scott exclaimed, shooting me an apologetic look which turned into a smirk when he saw me glare at the closed door.
"Why, yes. Yes, I could. Are you getting up?"
I shook my head and stuffed my head under a pillow. Scott muffled a chuckle.
"Define getting up." He said, I heard a laugh from the other side of the door.
"Ok. Is Atemu up?"
"In that case, we're not getting up."
"Ha-ha." I grumbled at the inside joke. I like sleep. Sleep is good. Keeps annoying friends away. "Leave me alone."
"Moring Atemu! Breakfast in ten!"
I didn't hear him leave but I knew he went. Scott rolled his eyes and pushed back the covers. "I call shower first!" He called and disappeared into the bathroom we shared.
Scott Ross. One of the first friends I made when Kyle brought me here, probaly my best. Bouncy, energetic and completely nutty. But my confidant, a trusted ally. He knew a little bit about Yu-That boy I used to know- and what happened. So does Kyle but it's slightly different with Scott.
I nodded even though he couldn't see and smirked at myself. Clambering out of my bed and managing to get my tangled feet free, I wrenched open the wardrobe and threw on a pair of tight jeans and a dark green shirt, that Lucy had added to my wardrobe. Scott came back at that point and tutted at me.
"Atemu!" He whined "You know that colour clashed with your eyes!"
"I know. But I like it!" I insisted whilst fiddling with the collar. " It's funny to hear you say it. 'Oh Atemu'! I mimicked " 'It clashes so horribly with your ruby eyes. Wear the red one which matches your eyes' Yeuch!"
"I don't sound like that!" He cried
"Yes, you do and you know it!"
He huffed at me and stomped over to his wardrobe.
"Scott....don't wear the orange top. It clashes with your pretty blue eyes."
"Bite me, Egyptian!"
"Nah! Lucy's breakfast is tastier!"
Before he registered what I had said, I was gone. I heard a muffled insult. I smiled again.
Yes....this is my home....I love it....
I closed my eyes, momentarily feeling low. It's been four years since I left. I still carry the scar on my neck. 'Him' and his friends seem so far away, like a bad dream. Four years.....so much has happened....
"Good morning, Atemu. Pancakes okay?" Lucy asked, dancing up to me and pressing a friendly kiss to my cheek. Kyle smiled at me from the table.
"Moring Lucy. Pancakes are good."
"Where's Scott?"
"Cursing Atemu's name and hopping around with one foot in his jeans." Jamie informed us, slipping into the kitchen to snatch a piece of toast
"What did you do this time Atemu?" Kyle asked
"Nothing!" I insisted, stepping forward to flip the pancake Lucy had forgotten onto a plate.
I received an eye roll and a smile.
Someone grabbed me from behind, the laughter in my ear alerted me to who it was. Scott tried to drag me round but I dragged my heels and we both crashed to the floor. Lucy tutted above us but grinned at us. I chuckled as Scott freed himself from my legs and clambered up.
"Morning Scott." I greeted, still sitting on the floor
"Morning Atemu. We've already had this conversation."
I smirked, standing up and dusting down my jeans.
"Sit down you two and eat." Jamie instructed
I chuckled but did as asked. Scott slipped into the chair next to me. I hurried through my food, tipping the chair back when I was done, watching my friends move around the kitchen.
"Working today, Atemu?" Scott asked
"No." Kyle answered for me "Today is his day off."
"Since when?" I scoffed
"Since now."
"Awesome. Wanna head out today?" Scott swivelled around properly to face me
"Sure." Looking at him a devilish smile spread across my face. I stood up backing to the door, everyone's attention on me. "Oh no!" I exclaimed. Alarm rippled through everyone's faces. "You're wearing that orange shirt that clashes with your eyes!"
There was a second of stunned, confused silence before Scott's eyes narrowed.
"ATEMU!"
"Bye!"
I dashed out of the door, thankful that I had put my boots on before. I heard Scott pause and grumble about 'stupid shoes' before I disappeared down the drive.
"See you at the park, Scott!" I called over my shoulder
When I ended up in the park, Scott wasn't there. I sank down into a bench, pulling out a note book and a pen. Words were swirling around in my heart and head but nothing ended up on the page. I can't decide if I miss....him....or not. Do I love him anymore? I think I've forgotten how to. Not how to love in general but how to love that spiky haired boy. He'd be what...nineteen now? It's a long time, wonder what he looks like now. The wind played in my hair, pulling on my fringe, swirling the lose hair around my face.
"Hey Mr!" A child's voice made me focous on its owner. I glanced down at the small boy, clutching something in his hands.
"Yes?"
"This is for you!" He thrust a piece of cardboard into my hands "Bye bye!"
"Wait, kid!" I called after him but he was gone.
I looked down at what now rested in my hand and froze.
No....
Of all things to give me why this?!
The Dark Magician.
I just stared and gapped. No, no, no, no! WHY?! I couldn't move, just sat and stared. A baby cried and a car door slammed but for me, time was frozen. Was I being sent some cryptic sign? Was 'he' coming for me? No! It was a coincidence. It didn't matter that I didn't believe in coincidence. It had to be!
"Hey, Atemu. Sorry I'm late." Scott greeted
I didn't answer.
"Atemu? Hey, you ok? What's wrong?"
"N-Nothing."
He squatted down in front of me, concern blazing in his eyes. "You're shaking. What's wrong?"
That's when he spotted the card I clasped. Slowly he eased it out of my hands. He looked at it and understood.
"Him?"
I nodded. Scott placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "It's okay, Atemu. It'll be okay."
Shadows fill an empty heart
As love is fading,
From all the things that we are
But are not saying.
Can we see beyond the scars
And make it to the dawn?
Change the colours of the sky.
And open up to
The ways you made me feel alive,
The ways I loved you.
For all the things that never died,
To make it through the night,
Love will find you.
What about now?
What about today?
What if you're making me all that I was meant to be?
What if our love never went away?
What if it's lost behind words we could never find?
Baby, before it's too late,
What about now?
The sun is breaking in your eyes
To start a new day.
This broken heart can still survive
With a touch of your grace.
Shadows fade into the light.
I am by your side,
Where love will find you.
What about now?
What about today?
What if you're making me all that I was meant to be?
What if our love, it never went away?
What if it's lost behind words we could never find?
Baby, before it's too late,
What about now?
Now that we're here,
Now that we've come this far,
Just hold on.
There is nothing to fear,
For I am right beside you.
For all my life,
I am yours.
What about now?
What about today?
What if you're making me all that I was meant to be?
What if our love never went away?
What if it's lost behind words we could never find?
What about now?
What about today?
What if you're making me all that I was meant to be?
What if our love never went away?
What if it's lost behind words we could never find?
Baby, before it's too late,
Baby, before it's too late,
Baby, before it's too late,
What about now?
The last notes of the melody faded in the silence that had been created while I sung. The crowd applauded, Lucy screaming the loudest. The adrenaline was still pulsing though me. I loved it. I'd started living for the few moments I'm on stage. Kyle nodded approvingly. I smiled, knowing I had made him proud. I waved at the crowd as I stepped of stage, shouldering the guitar Kyle had taught me how to use.
"Nice. You're getting good." Kyle smiled
"Thanks."
"Ready to serve?"
I groaned but Kyle smiled. Part of the deal. I can sing but I also have to serve the drinks while the others play. I nodded and darted over to the counter, dodging one woman who stuck her leg out just at the wrong time. She flashed me an apologetic smile which I sent another smile back too. I scooped up the notebook and pen. Waltzing from table to table I jotted down the orders and handed the over to Jamie who was standing behind the counter. He flashed me a smile.
"One last table left and you're finished." He reminded me.
I nodded and turned to the table in the furthest darkest corner. Picking my way through the mess of legs, tables, chairs and bags I stopped by their table, flicking through the pad to find a clean sheet.
"Hello, can I take your order?"
There was silence. I glanced up at the person at the table and the pad fell from my hands.
"A-Atemu?"
"....Ryou?"
Oh.....
HOW had he found me?
Yes? No? Send it to hell to burn and never speak of it again........