A/N: Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful time and a safe holiday no matter what you celebrate this time of year x My gift to you is an update!
Also! For those following Blossomfalls - chapter 2 is coming but I need to rewrite it as I wrote the vast majority of the chapter in the wrong person XD So - it's coming haha

Atem
"Take some leave."

"What?"

I cannot believe what I'm hearing.

"You heard me, Sennen. Take some leave."

"But sir."

Seto Kaiba, my boss, holds up a hand to silence me. My words disappear from my mouth like he just stole them from me in spite of how much I wish to protest this decision.

"We need you at your best and this…" He gestures to me with a look of confusion on his face. "Is not your best."

I understand what he means. I do. I've been missing my mark and late on demands and clouding over for a while but I need this. I need to keep working. I can't get better and earn my keep without this.

"I'll do better. I promise. I'll leave everything at the door, I'll give you my best, but please. Please, I need -"

"You need time. Whatever personal shit you have going on, you need to deal with it. Take two weeks -"

"But-"

"Paid… and come back."

Paid leave… There's no room for argument here.

He's guiding me out and closing the door and I have little choice but to accept this decision.

I can't believe I've let it get this far. What am I doing with myself?

People are starting to stare and wonder, and unless I want people asking questions I should move.

So I swallow this lump of anxiety and push down the hall to my office.

"It's paid though, right?" Mahad asks me, in that tone I know too well. It's that tone that is asking me what the problem is.

"Yes but what am I supposed to do for the next two weeks?" I ask back, briefly smiling at the woman serving me. I have Mahad on the phone and I'm on my way home but first I need Ankha's medication.

"Work on yourself?" He asks as if that was obvious. And it might be, if I knew exactly what that meant.

"Very helpful, Mahad." I roll my eyes.

"I thought so."

I'll admit, having paid time off does mean more time with my cat and more time relaxing at the bar. Maybe I can try to repair my relationship with my parents somehow.

"Whatever you do, I suggest taking it easy on the drinking."

"Mahad. I'm offended. You think I would throw all my money away at some bar?" I laugh at my own joke - but I don't blame his skepticism.

"Do I need to come and watch you?"

"What are you, my mother?" I ask boredly and then I have to laugh. "No, if you were you'd have hightailed it outta here long ago."

He's silent and I'm not surprised. Honestly I didn't mean what I said, and I've a right to be petty - but the jokes ease the pain of reality.

"Alright, well if you do want some company -"

"I'll let you know, thanks." I say warmly.

When he hangs up I toss my phone aside and sigh heavily against my steering wheel. He has a point - like the break might be nice and thank fuck it's paid. But it's just the fact it got this far. I should never have let it get this far. Being told to take time off for my mental health is just so … embarrassing.

What am I even supposed to work on? I can't go get my girlfriend back. Even if I wanted to, she really shouldn't. Leaving me was the smartest thing she's done of late. Make amends with my family? Apologies and promises of being a better son and making better decisions will only go so far and won't go anywhere if I can't make good on them. Rent is paid and looking for another job won't do right now. I can barely stay on for this one, the hell am I meant to manage the stress of two?

I guess all I can do is try to squirrel away what I can, prepare for more rainy days? Eh we'll see what happens.

When I get home Anhka is already waiting to greet me. She meows her greeting and rubs against my legs as I enter, barely giving me room to walk.

"I know you're hungry." I smile at her, tossing my keys to the bowl. She trots off to the kitchen and jumps onto the bench, looking at me with wide, pleading eyes.

Ankha is a white Siberian of 2 years. She was originally a foster but Tea and I loved her so much we couldn't give her away. Then she developed some serious health issues and I just don't trust anyone else to remember that she's a very vulnerable cat with special needs.

She's the sweetest thing though. I've never known an animal to be so optimistic and trusting and affectionate. She's the embodiment of sweet and I just love her to pieces.

Her sweet little meow reminds me her bowl is still empty and if she doesn't feed now she'll starve. She's always been dramatic, but it adds to her charm.

"Yeah yeah." I fetch her container of pre-cooked dinner from the fridge and heat it up in the microwave. She waits patiently, swishing her large floofy tail from side to side and watching me with those bright icey blue eyes. As her dinner heats I look around at the bare space of my apartment.

It used to be so full. Tea's things made up the difference but now it is just bare. Her photos, the plants, her desk and books - I didn't realise how much space this place had when it was just my stuff here.

I barely have any hobbies to speak of. I sold a lot of it to help my brother but now … what am I supposed to do with my time now?

Ankha meows just seconds before the microwave beeps. She circles excitedly as I break it up for her and she happily digs in before I even manage to set it down.

"Remember to breathe, baby." I say gently, scratching behind her neck as she scoffs down her meal. She's a good girl.

I watch her for a few minutes, simply enjoying how happy she is. I'm glad that Tea didn't take her. I know her mother is allergic but even so, Ankha is the only thing in my life right now that makes me feel okay. Besides Mahad and Mana.

While she's eating I go to look through the fridge for me. I have a little milk, some eggs and a few vegetables in the crisper - but none of it is what I want. I don't know what I want but it's not that. Eh I'm not hungry anyway. I'm sure when I am I'll fix up something.

So I look around aimlessly. I don't own any books of my own, I don't own any games anymore. My TV is something Tea took with her … I have a total of my phone to pass the time. Fantastic.

I suppose I could go out.

A smile creeps onto my face as the memory of Mao enters my mind. I talked with him last night. I mean, I sort of shouted at him and made a complete ass of myself, but I spoke with him and he smiled… I wonder if he'll be playing tonight.

Alright! That's all but decided. I skip off to the bathroom to grab a quick shower. It couldn't be any quicker. I don't even think I washed my hair thoroughly enough but I feel fresher and clothes I haven't been wearing every day for the past week feels nice. Simple jeans, a black button up rolled to the elbows. Yeah, I feel good.

Ankha is cleaning herself on the dining table by the time I come back out and she lifts her tail excitedly as I approach. I kiss her nose and pinch her cheeks and she's purring and nuzzling away. "I'll be back later okay, be good. I love you." I say adoringly to her. She licks my nose and she watches me leave curiously. I love her so much but I am practically skipping down the stairs. I really hope he's there tonight.

He is! I arrived during one of his shows. He's playing the piano tonight but it's soft ambient music most are not paying attention to. The lights are up and he's not in any kind of spotlight. It looks more like anyone is allowed to be up there playing. He's dressed smart casual tonight, with a light button up and simple jeans.

I order some water and take it to a nearby table where I can stand and watch him play. So many others are not paying him any attention but likewise he does not seem to notice me watching either.

His music is beautiful though. They remind me of crystal tear drops, the dew drops of winter. So soft and gentle and absolutely mesmerizing.

His song comes to a slow end and I sigh happily. He looks pleased and shyly looks out to the crowd. Some people are clapping and I am among them. He blushes adorably and when he catches my eye he looks down at his keys for a moment. He stands and bows and I expect he's finished now for the night. I'm glad I at least got to see a little bit.

I expected him to disappear out the back like he normally does but when he hops down from the front of the stage I avert my gaze and sip at my water. It's one thing to watch him play but to watch him walk around - that would be too much I think.

But then my heart stops and my breath catches in my throat when he approaches my table. He smiles shyly, nervously waving at me and I robotically copy him.

"Hey." He says politely and I smile dumbly at him. Why am I so challenged when it comes to him? Seriously the fuck is my problem?

"I can't bump into you if I say hi first, right?" He laughs and I join him.

"I guess not." I admit quietly.

"Mind if I join you?" He asks and my knees almost give. If it hadn't been for the table keeping me up I might have fallen over.

"Of course! I mean, of course not. Sure, um… not at all."

He laughs and nods. "Great. I'll just get a drink. Is that a spirit?" He asks me, pointing to my drink.

"Uhh… water." I admit and he smiles.

"Cool. Be right back." He swiftly skips off and as he leaves my sight I find myself able to breathe again.

What am I doing? Is he really going to have a drink with me? I mean, it's just water but still - this is Mao. He's … so cool and talented and he doesn't know me. He doesn't want to. He shouldn't want to. I'm a mess with nothing fun or exciting going on. Just drama and lots of it.

I shouldn't be doing this. I just wanted to listen to him play, I don't want to invite my shit onto him.

I am frozen though. I can't just leave, that'd be rude - and by the time I come to even half a decision he saunters back into my view, a glass of water in hand.

"Hey. So - I'm sorry if I'm interrupting. I didn't even think, I just saw you sitting here and well -"

"It's okay!" I say quickly. Too quickly. He looks startled and unsure but he smiles all the same and I take a slow breath to calm myself down. "Really. I'm not here with anyone and I'm not in any rush to go anywhere. I um… welcome the company."

"Great!" He quips excitedly. "Um… same."

I smile and we fall silent. It's awkward, I won't lie but I am over the moon right now. There is no where I would rather be, awkward or not.

"So um… I've seen you around quite a bit." He says and it makes me choke on my own saliva.

"Y-you have?"

He smiles and nods shyly. "You're a bit of a regular. I mean I notice who actually pays attention to my gigs."

"Who wouldn't pay attention to you?" I breathe automatically. He blushes and I quickly snatch my drink up to my lips. "I mean your music is great and worth paying attention to."

He hums happily and I love how he chews his lips. "Thank you."

Think of something. Anything. You have him here and he's so friendly. "H-how long have you been playing?"

"Oh all my life. My uncle was a musician and I learned a lot from him. Do you play?"

Shit… what if he doesn't like that I don't? I'd love to have this in common with him but I can't even begin to pull off a lie like this. "Uhm… no. I don't. I wanted to learn in school but I just couldn't get through the sheet music."

He laughs happily and I relax. I guess I was worried about nothing.

"Same. At first. The sheet music was the second worst for me."

"Second worst?" I ask curiously.

He smiles sweetly and swirls his water around idly on the table. "Mmm, learning about history sucked back in school. I just wanted to experiment and play." He laughs and I join him. This is amazing!

"What's your favourite instrument?" I ask curiously and he looks up at the ceiling in thought.

"The violin I think. I mean the piano is a classic but I think the violin is the most fun."

I am… impressed! "Wow!" I exclaim breathlessly. I can't believe he can play the violin too. The piano, guitar, keyboard - now the violin? "Is there anything you can't play?"

"Oh yeah there's a few I've yet to master."

"The most I can play is maybe the triangle."

"Don't mock the triangle, there's plenty of room for that in a band." I laugh with him and we drink from out waters together.

I don't want the conversation to die though. I have mountains of things I want to ask him, anything to keep him talking. "So… Mao's an interesting name."

"You like it? It was a nickname back in school."

Nickname? "So it's…not your actual name?"

He shakes his head proudly. "It's my stage name. My name is Yugi."

Yugi… That's… that suits him so well. It's beautiful and adorable - just like he is. Not that I could ever tell him that.

"So, um… this is awkward but what's your name?" He asks nervously.

"Oh of course! How rude of me. My name is Atem."

He smiles warmly and I feel my cheeks heat up. I'm not proud of a lot of things but my name is something I actually like.

"Atem. That's a nice name." He says happily and I am beaming. I know I am, I can feel it.

"Thank you."

"So. Are you from here?" He asks me. It's a vague question but one that is easy enough to answer.

"I am. Sort of. I was born in Egypt and came here when I was a child with my family."

"Oh nice! I've always wanted to go to Egypt."

"It's a lot warmer than here." I laugh and he smiles.

"I bet. I am born and raised here. I've never even left the country." He says this shyly, as if it's anything to be ashamed by.

"Where would you want to go first if you could?" I ask curiously, partially to relax him but also I just want to know everything about him.

"Well I've always thought if I went to New York or California I might be able to make it big there, but that's an expensive risk."

"I think you could do it." I say this and I truly believe he could. A man of his talents should be somewhere large like that where the world can bask in his music. Though I am glad he's here. He's a gem among stones here.

"Thanks. So… what kind of music do you like?"

"Oh uhh…" Think, Atem, think. "I like a lot of different things. The band you were playing with the other day is my kind of music. But I like a range of things."

"Ahhh one of those." He winks at me but I'm not entirely sure what he means by that. "You're the type that likes what you like rather than sticking to one genre."

"Yes!" I perk up from that. I guess not knowing my genre isn't a bad thing.

"Thats cool. I'm kinda the same if I'm honest."

"Really?" I find that hard to believe but I detect no lie or no humouring in his expression.

"I mean there's a lot of genres I tend to stick to, but generally yeah. I do like to experiment though. I've been playing contemporary songs with classical instruments of late. It's fun to hear some of the more well known and famous songs played with alternative instruments."

I understood most of those words honestly… "Yeah?"

He nods happily.

"Mmm. You know Linkin Park, right?"

"Yes of course. They got me through high school." I say happily and he beams.

"Well you haven't heard them until you hear them played with a violin."

Intriguing. I can't even imagine it. But I believe him. "I'd love to hear that."

"Y-you would?" He asks, suddenly shy. It endearing how humble he is. He was so excited a moment ago and now he's modest. How can someone with such talent have so much humility?

"Yes absolutely. Especially if you're the one playing it."

He blushes wildly and hides behind his glass.

"Well, maybe I'll do some covers some night." He says quietly.

That does open the way for another question though. Something useful!

"How often do you play? Do you have set nights I can find you here?" I ask, ready to mentally lock in whatever he says.

"As often as I can. I definitely have Thursdays and Mondays where I'm here. Saturdays I play at Flamingos. You got lucky tonight. I wasn't going to be here."

Flamingoes on Saturdays. Got it. And here Thursday and Monday. So I must have been lucky the other night too.

"You weren't going to show up tonight?" I ask curiously.

"Hmm." He swirls his glass around idly and I wonder if maybe I shouldn't have asked. "It was a tough day today. I'm glad I decided to come in though." He smiles at me and my heart flutters so much I need to take a slow, steadying breath.

"Me too. I'm glad we both came in tonight."

"Were you not going to come in too?" He asks, tilting his head to the side.

"It's not usually my intention but it's how it usually ends up."

"That's fair. It's good to get out and chill, do something for yourself every now and then."

Every now and then for me has turned into every night of late though. But he doesn't need to know that.

"Do you like to get out and chill every now and then? I mean when you aren't playing?" I ask, but I sound kinda stupid I think.

"Well I guess any night I'm out playing is my time to get out and chill. When I'm on that stage I'm not working." He says and his voice has taken on a soft, dreamy lul. He sounds completely in his element when music is the topic. I know that feeling.

"I feel like that when I'm dueling."

"Dueling?" He asks excitedly. Intriguing… does he duel too?

"Yes I've competed in a few competitions in my time."

His scrutinizing look makes me feel a little bit uneasy. He's examining me as if I'm suddenly see through but then I see a flash of recognition. "Y-your not… Atem Sennen, are you? King of Games? Best duelist in the world?"

I laugh nervously and try to hide behind my glass but he gasps loudly and smacks the table suddenly.

"Oh my god! I thought you looked familiar but I didn't think… I thought it couldn't be. My best friend is a huge fan of yours."

His best friend huh… "Really?"

He nods enthusiastically and leans forward onto his hands. "He's been talking my ear off about duel monsters since we were kids. He duels in comps too but he's always dreamed of dueling you."

"So you're not a duelist yourself?" I ask curiously.

"Me? Nah. I mean I duel a little but only with my friends. Nothing real. I gotta say though it's pretty sweet meeting a world champion."

I wave it off as nothing but I am stoked though to have him gush over me. I never thought I'd ever impress him. "Well I don't play much lately."

He nods. "He said something about you working something else now, but you'd come back for large events."

"Yes. My work has me pretty preoccupied."

"So… just a regular guy under all that fame huh?"

I laugh at that and sip at my water. "I wouldn't call it fame." No, if it were fame I'd be in a lot more trouble than I am.

"Joey would. He'd be having a heart attack right now if he knew who I was drinking water with." Yugi laughs and I with him.

We fall silent but no amount of silence could ruin my mood right now. Coming out tonight - this was the best decision I could have made. Not only did I manage to catch a song but to have a conversation with him? To learn his real name and make him laugh. Every second of tonight has been perfect.

"Hey, um. I'm getting kinda hungry, have you eaten?" He asks me and I almost spit out my drink. Is he asking me out? "I mean it's cool if you don't want to. I guess it's kinda presumptuous of me to think you might want to leave this place."

"I'd love to!" I say quickly and perhaps a little bit too enthusiastically. He blinks at me in stunned surprise but then his smile lights his eyes and he chews his lip adorably.

"Great. Um, lets find somewhere to eat."

I skull the rest of my water and follow him out. I don't care where we go or how long we're out for - I'm heading out to dinner with him! I could kick the air and cheer! I am so excited!

We ended up eating at a pop up chinese cart. It's been a while since I had any but it was delicious in spite of its looks. Yugi enjoyed himself and I enjoyed his smiles.

After dinner we roamed the streets, talking about all manner of things. Food, music, travelling. He's such a pure, optimistic soul. I never knew someone like him could truly exist outside of a fantasy. I just … he's perfect. It might feel weird admitting that to myself but it's true. There's no other way to describe him. If he were a woman I'd probably be smitten… but I can't feel that way toward him. For starters I'm going through way too much for any of this to be real. Secondly for as long as I've known myself I've been straight. I've never been attracted to another guy, never had any inclinations. I'm an ally… but he… he's impossibly light and there's something about his soul that draws me in. Thirdly, I've barely had any time to know him. I've watched him play and as of tonight I've spoken to him twice. Just because he's unlike anyone I've ever met doesn't mean anything.

But then, when was the last time I saw someone my age get so excited over a swingset? We find ourselves at a park and in spite of the night and the fact we're the only two out and about, he has jumped onto that swing and he's laughing. So carefree and unburdened… I don't remember what that feels like.

"Come on!" He cheers. He stands on the swing as it moves back and forth and the air rushes in and around his tri-coloured hair. His smile lights his entire face, making his soft cheeks even softer. I couldn't… though. If anyone saw me… I'm not a child anymore. That's what they'd say.

"Atem come on, swing with me!"

What am I doing?

I touch the metal chains and they wobble with barely an impression. I'm gonna break my neck if I do this.

"When was the last time you played on a swingset?" He asks me. His swinging slows down and he's leaning effortlessly upon the chain. He's going to fall if he's not careful. But he doesn't appear worried at all.

"Um… I was a child."

"Exactly. Come on!" He leans forward a little and then back. He makes it look easy.

But the last time I was on a swing, my brother was the one who pushed me. He pushed me so hard and I'd laugh and ask for more. But then he pushed me so hard I fell off… and he didn't lift me up, he didn't check on me. He just told me to get up and he walked away…

"Atem?" Yugi's voice is soft and concerned and I feel ashamed for freezing like this. I should have just gone home earlier. Checked out before I could ruin this.

He jumps off to stand before me, on the other side of the swing and he smiles gently. "I can help."

How? How is he not upset with me for trying something so trivial? I'm 32 I don't need help with a swing…

"Sit down." His patience is astounding. But I follow his suggestion and turn my back to him. My hands are clammy and I feel stupidly afraid but carefully I sit down upon the rubber seat. He's behind me but a moment later I feel hands press against my back and suddenly I'm being pushed forward gently. Not a lot, just enough to move. My feet are still able to safely stop me.

"Swinging can be pretty frightening when you're not used to it. I remember all the kids when I was in school used to swing all the time. I never did. It was frightening. I was so small and the kids were so daring. Always doing tricks and jumping off. I thought if I wanted to swing with them I'd need to be that daring. But I was afraid of getting hurt. So I just never did it." He tells me this story and it helps keep me calm.

"When did you start swinging?" I ask curiously, gripping onto the metal chains tighter as his next push is with a little bit more force.

"When I was 18 actually. My friends and I were chatting, hanging out, being 'delinquents'. Then Joey pushed me and I was so afraid at first. I held onto these chains as if my life depended on it but then when I didn't fall, when my legs stretched out and I trusted my hands to carry me - it just changed."

"You aren't afraid of falling anymore?" I ask.

"Not really. He taught me how to land and if anything were to happen I know I can call on my friends to help me. But the chances of that are low unless I'm being stupid."

I nod. I still feel ridiculous but somehow I don't feel as ashamed as I feel I should be. He's not judging me at all. Here's this twenty something year old helping an old man like me to swing.

"Think you can do it on your own now?"

"What?" I squeak but he grabs my chains and pulls back before he pushes me hard. I scream a little, holding on for dear life but as I reach the apex, I lean back and it's like my body just remembers what to do. I swing back and the air behind me rushes past. Then on the way forward I stretch out my legs and pick up speed - but this is fine… this is fun!

"There you go, see you got this." Yugi cheers. I chance a look at him as he climbs the other swing and quickly catches up to my speed.

I can't believe I'm doing this!

"If the people that knew me would see me now!" I shout happily. I love how the wind feels as it whooshes through my hair!

"What would they say?" Yugi matches my volume, laughing with pure unadulterated joy.

"That I'm being ridiculous and silly and should act my age." I answer, and I'm right too. They would. The only person who would support this, maybe even join us, is Mana. Mahad would let me do this but he'd never join in or encourage this behaviour. Not even my delinquent brother would be caught playing like this.

He laughs and laughs and then he jumps off at the height of his next swing and clumsily tumbles to his feet. I am not daring enough to try that but I stop swinging ang slowly come to a safe stop. He leans on the metal pole near me, still laughing. His hair's a mess, his clothes aren't neat anymore, and I can't imagine I look much better.

"Thats because it is silly and ridiculous but that doesn't mean we have to act our age." He says happily. You know what? He's right. Absolutely right.

"I've never met anyone like you before." I say, my voice soft and light, showing how wondrous I think he is. His blushing smile dazzles me and I find him completely mesmerising.

"You haven't been looking hard enough. There's plenty like me around."

So modest.

"I don't think so."

I can tell he's uncomfortable, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. He looks shy and nervous but he's all smiles and checking glances. He makes me feel so excited to be here, to be alive. It's hard to think this is only the second time I've ever actually interacted with him. I don't want this to end though. I really really don't.

"So um, it's getting kinda late. I'm having a lot of fun though and I really enjoy talking with you." He says. I know this means the end of our little exploration but it sounds like it doesn't have to be.

"I am too." I breathe and he smiles so brightly.

"Would you … like to do this again some time? Hang out, I mean?"

"Yes absolutely!"

"Great! Um, well I have class tomorrow but I'm free in the afternoon?"

Oh thank the gods I have leave! "I'm free, all day. Every day even for the next couple weeks."

"Oh great! Awesome. Then, wanna grab coffee tomorrow? Around 2:30?"

"Sounds good." I nod happily and he and I are beaming.

"See you then." He says and slowly, because we really don't want to walk away, I watch him turn.

I don't know what I'm doing, what I'm feeling or what is going on but I am over the moon. I am ecstatic. I am as giddy as a school boy and as excited as a kid at Christmas. All because of one musician I only just met. I haven't felt his exhilerated in months. I haven't felt this happy to be alive, this hopeful for the future. I haven't looked forward to tomorrow in so fucking long. All because of one man I barely know.

"Oh!"

I look up to him just as he's bounced to a stop before me. "I forgot to give you my number, so we can you know… catch up and stuff." It's now of course I notice he's holding his phone close to his chest and I feel as if I could just pass out right here.

"Of course. That'll help." I laugh. I pass him mine, unlocked and ready for his number and he does the same. My hands are shaking as I save my number for him and I hold my breath as he returns my phone.

"Awesome. I'll um, text you later then." He says happily and breathlessly I nod and for the second time watch him dash away. This time he glances behind only once before the darkness claims him and I am alone in this park, under a streetlight, in my own little smitten cloud of nerves and excited energy.

I just got Yugi's number.

Fuck yes!