A/N: There's a special something in this one ^.^

It doesn't matter how quickly I sketch or the photos of him I take to reference, nothing can capture his grace as he plays up there. His dances, the peace upon his face as his music flows from his soul through his violin. It is breathtaking to witness and frustrating all the same time because no matter what approach I take, I can not do it justice. Not on such a small page, not with limited supplies. If I had a canvas and some paint and the perfect still to reference, I could paint something as magical as he is.

His steps are as graceful as a doe among flowers, his wrist movements orchestrate the most delicate tones, his fluid motions and movements and gestures make him appear surreal and ethereal almost. The mood of his music is deep, inspiring growth and change with undertones of pain and adversity. It is almost music I would hear from an epic cinematic where the hero is battling for his life against someone he loved, or in spite of the sorrow he has overcome. It is beautiful and somber in a way, sad but empowering. I adore it so much. It moves me in a way that makes it very difficult to focus.

I watch him as he finishes his song and the entire room is cheering loudly. I join them, setting down my pencil to applaud his hard work and he smiles so brightly. I see a sheen of sweat upon his brow, twinkling in the bright stage lights and he's panting a little bit. I imagine musicians would get hot up there, but I hadn't seen him dance before.

He takes a bow and soaks up his crowd before grabbing his water and disappearing backstage.

I settle back down and idly add some touches here and there to his portrait. I captured several quick poses but this one he is mid turn, his leg stretched out and his head turned towards his violin before he would spin. His hair flicks dramatically but one of the things I love most about this is actually the drops of sweat that the light catches. Perhaps it's strange to focus on that, but to me it captures his hard work, his passion for the music he plays and it helps capture how majestic he is.

I've shaded it in a way that shows how the light emphasises his form and dramatises the shadows so the flecks of sweat glint and shine. His face is subtly shaded with the muscles in his arms and fingers detailed. It is fine work if I must admit, but I could do so much with this had I a bigger page and some colour.

I continue to refine it for a while. Yugi saw me on stage before that last song. He smiled at me shyly as I was taking my seat. It would be presumptuous of me to assume he might come see me when he's ready, but this is why I'm remaining and stalling here. Just in case.

I hope he doesn't find it weird I'm drawing him again. In my defence, I have drawn other things since getting this new book. Ankha was the first thing I sketched, and I captured a lady bug on my window sill one morning. But they are easy compared to the skill that drawing Yugi demands.

Yugi does in fact come to see me much to my elated pleasure, and I act cool as I can when I notice him approaching. Languidly I put my pencil down and close my book, leaning on the bar with one arm while the other calmly folds over it. I cock my head, put my weight on one leg and smile at him with pride. "You were incredible up there."

His bright smile and light bite of his lip sets off the bustling butterflies in my stomach that make me force down a shudder. I can not get over this weird exciting feeling he gives me when he smiles.

"Thank you. I um, I saw you sitting alone over here. I wanted to invite you over to meet my friends and hang out with us if you want to."

He gestures behind him and I see a small table of three I recognise. He's sat with them before. I remember.

More importantly he's inviting me to meet his friends. I'd love to hang out with just him but if this lets me to… "I'd love to." I say happily, gathering my things.

"What were you drawing?" Yugi asks me as he leads the way through the cramped spaces. It is very full tonight. A large group was celebrating a birthday party earlier and more seem to have chosen tonight to come hang out. It's a little tight to squeeze though but it's easy enough to stay close to him.

"Uhh, I can show you later." I say easily. He throws me a knowing smirk and a wink that makes me almost trip over but says nothing beyond.

We reach his table of friends and they all stop their conversations to greet us with bright smiles. I recognise one of them especially. Long blonde hair and lean: he's a duelist. He's been in the most recent regional championships and is quickly climbing the ranks. Some more wins and he'll be able to compete for world titles.

"Guys, this is Atem who I told you about. Atem, these are my best friends. Tristan, Joey and Ryou."

Yugi gestures to each and I take in the appearance of the other other two. Tristan: dressed in a thick leather coat and loose clothing. His hair is short and shaven at the back but gelled to a point at the front. His angled eyes and high cheekbones gives him a rather serious and mature expression, serious perhaps but his smile is friendly and easy going. Joey who I recognise as the duelist is the blonde. Ryou must be the pale looking one. Silver hair, fair skin and kind eyes. His cheeks are rounder than the others but he still looks older than Yugi. In fact Yugi looks younger than them by near 5 years.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Ryou says happily, extending a hand to me. I didn't expect an English accent. It throws me off a second.

"Atem Sennen!" Joey leaps from his spot to grab my hand from Ryou and shakes it vigorously. "I can't believe I'm meeting the Atem Sennen! I've dreamed about meeting you and dueling you one day! I'm a massive fan and have been following your career for years. You're such a great duellist, the way you kicked Kaiba's ass was incredible. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I always am, but then you never lose! It's so cool!"

"Joey." Yugi sighs softly with a light little laugh. "I'm sorry about him." He says to me sincerely.

"It's fine really. Joey … Wheeler if I'm not mistaken?" I ask him and the boy seems to have a heart attack. His eyes bulge and his hand tights around mine so much that I gently and politely peel him off me. I'm used to a little hero worship, though usually I try to avoid it. But right now, before Yugi - I am happy to milk the attention right now. If it serves to impress him that is.

"You know my name!?" He whispers and I have to laugh shyly.

"Of course. It's natural to keep an eye on upcoming rivals, don't you think?" I ask with a friendly smile. He looks about ready to pass out but his friends are there to pull him back onto his seat.

"Blubbering fool." I notice Tristan mutter under his breath with a shake of his head, before turning to me with a welcoming smile. "Please ignore him. Take a seat, join us. Yugi's told us a bit about you."

If it could be seen the amount of force of which I had to reel myself in so that I didn't show any sign of that comment affecting me, I'd have been thrown across the room for the effort it took. My heart thumps almost painfully and I'm sure I'm blushing. I chance a quick glance at Yugi and he's most definitely acting coy as he slides in beside him. Stiffly I take another seat and try my best to gather whatever wits I have left. "Good things I hope."

"The best things." Yugi says quietly, smiling shyly at me from under his golden bangs.

"He says you're an artist." Ryou chimes in beside me, curiously looking at me. An artist - good I can work with this.

"Uhh yes. I am. Though I haven't practiced in a long while so I'm sort of rediscovering myself I guess." I admit modestly.

"Atem." Yugi reaches to touch my arm. It is only brief and I half regret turning my attention to him because the moment I did he pulled his hand back, but still. There must be something wrong with me if a touch like that sets my skin ablaze. "Ryou's also heavily into DnD. He does the art for us whenever we play."

With great intrigue I look back to Ryou and he smiles proudly. "Yugi showed me some of the art in the book you gave him. You've got amazing talent. So creative! I'm afraid I'm better at the story writing than the character creation but it is fun to draw them, ey?"

"Yes, very! I'd be interested to see your works if the opportunity comes up." I offer happily. I like him. I think we're going to get along just fine.

"Of course! I'd love to share them with you. Do you play much these days?" He asks enthusiastically, leaning on the table to give me his full attention.

"I don't these days. Work keeps me busy - but I should really find some time for it. I forgot how much I missed drawing."

"Yeah, work can be crazy like that." Ryou nods sympathetically and I feel closer to him already. He's easy to talk to.

"Especially working for Kaiba Corp, right?" Joey asks. "I mean he's gotta keep you busy, right?"

I sigh, letting my body relax but not too much. I don't want to bring down the mood with talk of work, but I can be a little truthful here. "Yes he does. But I am happy I have two weeks off to relax." I say with a bright smile, only slightly forced.

"Oh nice!" Tristan cheers happily.

"Atem's making a sweet new game, but he can't tell us the details of it yet." Yugi says proudly, throwing me cheeky little smiles that makes my heart dance. How can anyone not smile when they see that?

"Oh that's exciting!" Tristan says happily. "Top secret, huh?"

I shrug, rubbing the back of my neck awkwardly. I didn't expect Yugi to sing my praises quite so loudly. "Uhh yeah, sorta. I'm one of the head developers for Trials Run. The MMO Kaiba Corp is developing. There's a lot of work that's going into it but it's still early development so I can't really say too much." I confess and to my surprise all of them are cooing at it with great interest.

"Trials Run? I've been following that. It looks interesting from what I saw but I wondered how it would go since… you know… social butterfly Kaiba is making it." Joey laughs and I have to laugh as well. The irony isn't lost on me that Kaiba of all people is making a massive multiplayer online game. What they don't know though is that it will rely heavily on his virtual tech. That's the real point of the game. He's got nothing to do with the story or the game itself really, just so long as it's compatible with his tech. But they don't have to know that… yet.

I'm not entirely sure how, but the conversation from there took a life of it's own. The four of them talked mostly about the games they've played and I listened happily. I had assumed that because Yugi hadn't really played much of duel monsters that gaming wasn't really his thing, but I was wrong. He talked with confidence about many console games he's played and his friends seem like avid gamers as well. Ryou favours boardgames, Joey favours games of chance and Tristan enjoys cooperative games or first person shooters. Yugi seemed to enjoy all of them but which his specialty is is beyond me for now.

I feel quite at home here. It's a lovely change of pace from my usual reclusive tendencies. Normally it is only Mahad and Manah I feel comfortable with but I'm having fun here.

Before I knew it the time had flown by. It's near 11 and while I don't have a curfew or anything, I am worried about Ankha. I fed her earlier, I know she's fine - but I keep glancing at the time and wondering if I should check on her. She's probably curled up and asleep somewhere.

"Ah well. I got work in the morning. I'm gonna head home." Tristan said with a friendly slap to the table.

That is serendipitous timing. I'm half relieved and half sad though. I want to go home but I'll have to say goodnight to Yugi.

"Yeah, sounds good. Shall we?" Joey asks us, though all of us are already getting up to leave.

I tag along with them as we casually make our way to the small car park around the corner. I walk beside Yugi on the edge of the group and just quietly enjoy their banter. Yugi's friends are lively, youthful and free. To be truthful I have no idea how old any of them are but I feel like the oldest here, at least in spirit. I wonder if I should ask Yugi next time we're alone. Would it be weird to ask? I've never really needed to ask anyone their age.

Tristan and Joey are first to splinter from the group. They both pull Yugi and Ryou into a friendly hug and with me it is more of a manly hug with a pat on the back. Joey lingers though, stammering and blundering awkwardly.

"Joey come on! You're embarrassing me." Tristan whines. I laugh as Yugi pulls Joey away from me and guides him into the car. I'm flattered honestly. Meeting someone as enamored as Joey is never gets old.

Soon they drive off and we continue walking. This is a more manageable size now.

"I didn't ask, did you park near here?" Yugi asks me politely.

"I did. Just over there." I nod in my cars direction and he smiles happily.

"Oh good."

"We should do this again soon." Ryou chirps cheerfully.

"Yeah! I'm down. Atem?" Yugi turns to me and I find it difficult to pass on those eyes. Not that I'm against the idea.

"I'd be interested, if that's okay?"

"Yeah! More the merrier! I'd love to chat more about your dnd games." Ryou smiles brightly.

"And I like having you here." Yugi admits shyly. God! What is this man? I feel like he just shot an arrow through my heart.

"Then I'd be more than happy to hang out more often." I say warmly.

"I can't do tomorrow. Think the boys are out too." Ryou says casually.

We stop at another car. A small one with straight edges and a dull paint job. I don't know which of them owns it but this must be their ride.

"Okay. Hey, are you doing anything tomorrow?" Yugi turns to me.

"No, we can hang tomorrow! I'd love to!" I say happily and quickly, as if snatching up a deal!

"Great! I have class in the morning but we could meet up in the afternoon?"

Just like the other day? Perfect. It'll just be us. "Sounds good to me. 2:30?"

"Yup." I just adore his smile. The way his big beautiful eyes close happily. The way his cheeks puff with his sweet smile. The slight tilt of his head. He has a smile that affects his entire form and it's so striking.

"Alright Casanova, lets go." Ryou chuckles even as Yugi quickly smacks his friends arm.

"Ryou!"

Ryou ignores him though and he holds out my hand for me to take. Modestly I take it. "It was great to meet you Atem. I look forward to next time."

"Likewise Ryou, it was my pleasure." I say but I'm a little confused why he called Yugi Casanova.

Ryou walks around the car and Yugi steps forward.

I have zero clue what now. The last few times we've said good night its been nothing more than a wave, but now he stands before me, shyly smiling and I feel so awkward. Do I shake his hand, offer a hug? What kind of hug? He doesn't seem the type to 'bro hug' as the others did but any other hug I know how to do is too intimate.

He holds out his arms for a hug as I extend a hand to shake. We hesitate and laugh and I switch to hug him as he switches to shake my hand. We're laughing even more now. This is stupid but funny. We're so awkward.

"Um." He hums shyly.

"Hug?" I offer weakly, holding my arms out for a gentle but friendly hug. He nods quickly and wraps his arms around my waist. I hold him gingerly around his shoulders, careful not to hold him too closely or for too long.

It feels pretty great to be this close to him though an I kinda wish it could last longer, but as quickly as it starts Yugi is off and starting his way to Ryou's car. "I'll uhh, see you tomorrow then?" He asks quietly, lingering half in the door.

I really want him to stay here. I'd love to just go for a walk with him, see if I can't steal any more shy smiles or brief touches. But tomorrow will do.

"Tomorrow." I nod. He smiles even brighter before climbing in all the way. I linger and wait for them to pull out and drive off, waving them goodbye as they do.

Only when they turn the corner do I foolishly leap into the air for joy. I hurry towards my car, smiling like an idiot. An absolute dork!

God, why am I so happy about this? I don't understand this excitement. Am I happy to make a new friend? Cause I'm happy to meet his other friends but I'm so excited and anxious to spend time with Yugi alone. Is it cause he's so cool and talented and kind? I'm sure the others are too. My friends are. What is it about Yugi that has me electrified with joy? That has me breathless and speechless at his smile? That has me brainless when he looks at me and weightless when we touch?

What is this feeling?

Yugi

I sigh quietly, leaning my head on the window and gazing out at the city passing me quickly. My heart is positively pounding. I haven't felt this ignited in a long time. There's something about him that makes me feel so electrified.

"So, he seems nice." Ryou muses beside me.

"He is." I sigh happily. "He's really kind."

"Seems to get along with us pretty well." Ryou says. It makes me smile to think back on how happy he looked talking to my best friends.

"Yeah." I breathe dreamily.

"He's a nerd like us too. He makes the games we play."

I laugh at that. "Well sort of. He makes video games and not all of us play those." I say. I feel a strange desire to play some though. If only I had a console at home to try.

"True but he does play DnD, you've got that in common."

"That's true." I smile and relax some more. I wonder if he'd play with us. He could draw some new characters if he wants to. I wonder if he'd draw mine. I think I'd just like to play with him. Adventuring together sounds really fun.

"He's handsome too." Ryou says and I choke on the gasp that assaults my throat. Shoot him a harsh look of surprise and he laughs at me. "What?"

I know what he's doing. He's making me see all the good qualities of him. He's trying to make me swoon or admit that maybe he could be more than friend material.

And look, maybe he's right… but… I just met the guy. "We're just friends." I say and return back to the window.

"For now." Ryou shrugs and I glare at him a moment before shaking my head.

"I've barely known him for more than a week." I say as if that's enough to change everything. Technically I met him a month ago but he disappeared after that. I didn't see him at all after that first meeting. He was so awkward, I honestly thought he hated me for bumping into him. But he's just shy, and kind, and adorably awkward.

God I can't stop smiling!

"So why are you glowing?"

"I am not glowing!" I say sharply, smacking both my hands to my hot, red face. "Okay!" I say loudly. "He's nice. He's really kind. Like unexpectedly kind. He likes my music -"

"He looks at you like you are the embodiment of the stars."

I cannot with this. I hide my face in my hands before I can even stop and compose myself because I have seen that look and it makes the butterflies in my stomach burst every time.

He laughs and I just hide and squirm, groaning at the betrayal of my best friend and my own body.

"Mate you have it bad for this guy!"

"I do not!" I snap back but I'm smiling… I can't stop smiling. I laugh instead and look out the window, anything to try and hide how fucking red I am right now.

I'm buzzing. I am an excitable ball of fire and butterflies and it's purely Atem's fault. That shy, handsome smile. Those deep blood red eyes that look as if they've seen through time and they look at me as if I'm more wondrous than that. His sweet compliments that are always perfectly said with a voice as deep and smooth as the richest honey. He's passionate under that unsure facade, he's unbelievably uncanny and so kind.

"Okay. So he's really friendly, we have things in common and he might be extremely hot, but we're just friends. Only friends. I've barely known him for long. For all I know he doesn't even like men. He's just really nice, okay? There's nothing there. And if there is, then… it's still way too soon. I barely know him." I'm trying to rationalise but I don't know who I'm convincing at this point.

"Uhuh. Well if you want to know more about him I'm sure Joey could fill you in on some things. If not, then you're seeing him tomorrow, for your date."

"It's not a date!" I say loudly but he just laughs at me.

"Okay. Sure."

I said goodbye to Ryou when he dropped me off home, showered and found something to eat, and quietly tried to lose myself in some trash TV. But even hours after returning home I find myself staring wide-eyed up at my ceiling, listening to the city music of sirens and wonder: is he doing the same? Is he listening to the same sounds? Is he staring at his ceiling and wondering what I'm doing? Is he excited for tomorrow?

Because my heart is pounding thinking about it. My mind is buzzing with excitement. I can barely stop fidgeting because of all the questions stirring my blood.

But one question has me more nervous than I've been in a while: is tomorrow a date?

I'm almost out of breath when I arrive at the local coffee store I asked Atem to meet me at. I ran all the way here and it probably shows. Wheezing and huddled over, I take a minute to catch my breath. When I can stand easy I look around at the busy store and smile when I spot him.

Atem sits alone at a booth, his strong back to me. His wild, unkempt hair is as glorious as usual, even tied back it splays out like a mane on display.

I'm so nervous. I've been pretty cool until now but I was up until about 2 last night just thinking about him… and I spent all day on it too.

I've decided this isn't a date. But that doesn't mean I can't test it. I just have to act cool and not be too obvious. I don't want to weird him out after all.

I straighten myself out, brushing my hair with my fingers and rubbing the heat from my cheeks before I breathe out quietly. Okay, Yugi. I got this.

I approach casually and see he's hunched over something, resting his head on a balled fist. As I get closer I spy the artbook and see he's sketching. Curiously I peak over his shoulder and catch the silent gasp quickly when I see a dancing figure with a violin that looks strikingly like me.

I have to step back and shove my fist in my mouth to stop the excited squeal aching to be let free. He's drawing me again, how can that not be a sign, right?

I mean… maybe it's platonic but… maybe… just maybe.

Get a hold of yourself Yugi. I shake my head and lightly slap my cheeks. I need to get a grip.

"Yugi?"

I spin on my heel quickly and with an awkward high pitched yelp. Atem smiles at me brightly and I feel my breath simply swept away.

"Atem." I breathe out and his smile somehow warms. He softens and it's so beautiful to see. He is a soul that is pained and injured. It is clear for any to see no matter how well he tries to hide it; so to see a smile as pure and warm as his… there's nothing more beautiful than that. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting." I sigh airily.

Then suddenly that smile has remembered something and he quickly shoves his artbook away, saying something but I didn't catch it as at the same moment his hand brought with it the coffee he had ordered.

It splashes over the table and he curses. I'm at his side in seconds to help him clear it off.

"I'm such a clutz. I'm sorry." He says hurriedly. His book is wet and he's trying to move it out of the way but then hot coffee falls off the table and onto his leg and he hisses.

"Ooh are you okay?!" I try to catch the cup and pat down the coffee, but I need napkins. "I'll be right back."

I take as many napkins as I can without stealing the entire box and sprawl them out over the table, but my main concern is making sure none is burning his leg. He sits back as I kneel beside him and lay the napkins out over his lap and press down. Not much got into him thankfully, I'm glad. I hope he's not actually hurt.

"It doesn't look too bad." I sigh in relief.

"You don't have to do that." He says stiffly. I look up at him and I realise how close we are and how this looks.

I'm kneeling before him, looking up at him as I pat down his lap…

God if my heart could slow down… so much for keeping it cool.

"S-sorry." I say quickly, pushing myself off him and making sure I'm giving him plenty of space. I don't want him weirded out any more than he must be.

"Its okay." He says quietly. He takes over patting himself down and I nervously wipe down the table. "It was more of a shock than pain. It's not that hot."

I smile and nod, relieved but still so ashamed. I honestly just wanted to help, but that moment then was… uncanny.

"I'm glad. Is your book okay?"

He quickly pulled it to him and flipped through the pages. It looks as if the edges are wet but not too much got inside. Hopefully it will be okay. "Yeah, just the edges have some character now." He says brightly. I can tell by the edge in his voice there's some sadness there, but his warm smile is there and gingerly he wipes the book with a dry napkin.

"Do you want a new coffee? I can shout -"

"No, thank you. I'm fine honestly." He says happily. He slides it away and helps me wipe the rest down. "How was class?"

Class… how do I explain that class was so dull I thought of nothing but him? "It was great. Fine. Just a normal day." I shrug off and he seems to believe that. I think.

"Good."

"How was your day?" I ask quickly, anything to shift the attention of me and my day dreaming.

"It's not over yet. But its looking up now." He smiles softly at me and I can't not blush at his words. I know that look. He's telling me I'm the reason but it feels so weird. He can't be straight. He has to be flirting with me, right? Friendly men don't just say things like that.

"What were you drawing?"

"Oh! Uhh… actually a piece I was working on last night."

I smile. I know the piece. I glanced at it. Me on stage… of all things. "May I see?"

He chews his lip and it's so cute the way his mustache twitches as he thinks about this.

"I could show you. But don't think I'm weird!"

"I could never." I sit across from him, eagerly waiting and bristling behind my hands. My legs are bouncing and he shyly brings the book back over.

He looks at it a moment, then at me, then he sighs and slides it over.

I thought it was cool when I looked at it over his shoulder but seeing it in front of me and up close - it's so awesome! I'm not that handsome or magical. Surely. He made me look so surreal and beautiful. I look so incredible… the shading is marvelous, even to capture the sweat drops? My muscles through my shirt… I'm not that strong, that has to be an exaggeration. But a wonderful one. "Atem this is amazing!" I breathe in pure awe. I am! I am awestruck at this.

"You like it?" He asks shyly.

I glance at him because he must be joking. But he's not. He looks genuinely vulnerable. How can a man with this much talent not appreciate it? "I love it. You made me look like a living star!"

His smile touches his eyes magnificently and I enjoy watching him sway a little bit. "Thank you." He mutters quietly. Then he leans forward with a little more enthusiasm to turn the book slightly, so we can both look at it. "I added a few music notes around you just for fun, I'm not sure what I think but it'd be too much effort to touch up the areas to remove them."

"I think it makes it look magical. Adds a bit of fantasy to it." I say happily and he is beaming. I slide it back to him happily and lean on my hands, lacing my fingers together loosely. "You're very talented."

I'm loving the way he smiles and the life sparkling in those eyes. I actually think I have a tune in mind that would suit him well. Something soft and deep, almost sad before it blossoms into something powerful and free.

"S-so, uhh." He frowns and clears his throat before he looks up at me happily. "Did you want to do anything today?"

"Funny you should mention that." I laugh coyly, leaning back and giving the table a little love tap. "I didn't plan anything. But if you wanna just hang with me then I wouldn't mind heading somewhere more open. Maybe the beach, or somewhere not so people heavy."

He nods and his brow creases slightly in thought. "I'm not terribly familiar with a lot of places like that. The beach sounds like an easy option but I'm not dressed for water…"

"Neither am I." I wink at him bravely just to see him shift. "I wouldn't mind playing around with a tune in my head." I add, gesturing towards my guitar case that's gone unnoticed until now.

"Oh perfectly fine by me. I drove so shall we?" He asks eagerly.

"Yep! Let me grab a drink first though."

Atem

I took Yugi to the best isolated place on the beach I knew of. Somewhere not too sandy but we could overlook the ocean, sit in the shade of trees and upon large flat rocks.

I've always loved the salty smell of the ocean and white noise of the waves. The occasional sea bird will squawk and the leaves in the bushes nearby would rustle but I'd never see what moved the brush.

Yugi sat happily cross-legged beside me, strumming his acoustic languidly and to no particular tune. I have no idea what he's doing but I enjoy the sound of it and the content, peaceful smile on his face as he experiments.

He told me I could draw if I wanted but I'm honestly just happy to enjoy the peace here.

It's been so long since I've felt this relaxed. I can't even say when the last time was.

With Tea? It would have been a long long time since we did anything like this. With my friends? They offer their own kind of peace but as with any social interaction it always comes with a heightened sense of alert.

No it would have been with Tea. Or with my fosters perhaps. Watching my baby animals play or otherwise explore their new world was always so peaceful. I could empty my mind and just be for a while.

I almost feel that way here, right now. Happily listening to Yugi play beside me and the whispers of the world sing - in this moment all is right with the world. In this small bubble of peace…

I wish it could stay like this.

"Penny for your thoughts." Yugi muses quietly, as if afraid to pull me from them.

But I am glad for it. For my thoughts are never light for long. Even here.

"I am just enjoying how nice it is here." I say happily, offering a bright smile and only slightly forced.

To avoid staring at him though I lay back and rest my head on my arms. Above us the soft cotton clouds float by slowly, morphing into abstract shapes and sizes. The leaves of the canopy dance in the wind, making the bright sky and sun above twinkle like stars in my peripheral, but the warmth of the day makes the shade quite comfortable. I could sleep here if I allowed it.

"It is a lovely spot. I didn't expect us to come to a place like this." Yugi says happily. I glance at him to see him looking around at his surroundings. His guitar lays in his lap half forgotten.

"I hope it's similar to what you had in mind. It's not too peopley here."

"It's perfect actually. I'll have to remember to come back here."

A comfortable beat of silence falls between us but it doesn't last too long before Yugi's lovely, soft voice is gracing the air.

"Do you come here often?"

"Hmm. Not too much. I used to come here sometimes with…"

Right… the last time was with Tea. This used to be our spot whenever we needed to talk or just feel… I can't tell Yugi this. Not yet - it's too heavy a subject.

"With?" He asks curiously.

"Someone else. A long time ago though. It's been a while since I've done a lot of things outside actually. Work tends to keep me busy."

"It sounds like it would." Yugi's voice is sympathetic and understanding and I'm so relieved he's not pushing for more. "I'm glad you've got some time off. Seems like you needed it."

"Yeah." I laugh, half bitterly and half in defeat. "It's actually kind of ironic."

"What is?" He asks happily.

"I didn't want the time off. God knows I needed it but I was so determined to just lose myself in the work and ignore everything else. But that kind of attitude doesn't help anyone. It's been almost a week off and I'm starting to see now that my boss made the right decision and I could actually do with a lot more time off. Just over one more week off - I don't know now if that will be enough."

"Ahh was it stress leave? Are you okay?"

Crap, I said too much. He's looking at me with such concern I wish I could just run into the ocean. I didn't want to worry him.

"Um…" What the hell do I say?! "Yeah! I'm fine!"

I wouldn't believe me but still I wait on bated breath to see what his response is.

He sighs softly and leans heavily on one arm. "I know we haven't known one another for long, but if there's anything any I can do, if you need anything like … I'm here. Even if it's just a vent or something. I might not get it but I'm here."

"Thanks, but I'm fine really." I say quickly and I instantly regret it.

He's smiling at me but the silence is heavy. He's obviously seen through my weak lie and is still offering to be here for me. I appreciate it, I really do and honestly there's a part of me that is so happy to hear him say that and wants to leap on the opportunity to let him in. I so desperately want to tell him everything and take this chance to let out everything…

But what I'm going through isn't light. It's not a bad day at work or a deadline I need to meet. What I'm going through isn't hard, even for my best friends in the whole world. My girlfriend left me for her own sake - I can't put that kind of drama onto Yugi, onto someone I just met. It's too much and he doesn't deserve to be dragged under the weight of my burdens with me.

"Thank you though." I say quietly. I take a deep breath and sit up to give him my full attention. I might not be ready to let him on on the heavy stuff but I can at least give him my sincere apologies and appreciation. "Truthfully, there's a lot going on. But I can't really talk about it right now. I appreciate your offer, I really do and I'd like to extend the same to you as well. But for me, right now - I can't… honestly you are helping me in ways I can never truly thank you for already. I can't bring you into my mess."

His smile flattens to a sympathetic grimace and my heart skips when he moves his guitar off his lap so he can scoot just a little closer. I hold my breath, watching in stunned confusion because I don't know what else to do. He gently touches my hand, but only briefly before he pulls it back. I wish he'd have kept it there but I don't know how to ask for it - not without sounding very weird or giving him the wrong idea.

"I know what it's like to feel alone. I'm glad I've been helping somehow, but it really is okay if you need to. The offer is still there."

I feel… so… breathless right now. He makes my heart feel … exposed and vulnerable - and it's scary. I'm actually scared right now.

I laugh and look away from him, blinking the moisture from my traitorous eyes. The ocean looks nice, shimmering in the sunlight. I bet the cold water would make me feel stronger.

"Race you to the water?" I ask him happily.

He blinks in confusion, clearly stunned by the sudden emotional whiplash. But it works for me. I happily spring to my feet and offer him my hand. He's unsure but slowly he takes it and brings with him his guitar.

"But -"

"Leave it in my car. It'll be fine." I say with a shrug and a small push. He's moving slowly, as if completely unsure what he's supposed to do.

"We didn't pack for swimming."

"So? What was that lesson you taught me on the swing?"

His confusion slowly and handsomely turns into a smirk as he bites his bottom lip. Something in me stirs upon seeing that - makes me want to … bite it for him -

Stop. Water. Ocean. Now.

"Come on! Just because it's silly doesn't mean we have to act our age." I say happily.

He smiles brightly and skips off to my car not too far. I kept it unlocked but as the back door slams closed I lock it from here and together we race down the sandy path into the white, course rough. I slow briefly only to take off my shoes and hide my wallet, keys and phone inside. Yugi does the same beside me.

"Are you serious?" He asks excitedly but I'm already slipping my shirt off to hide our things under it.

"Yep." I throw a wink at him and a beat passes between us. A silent question:

3

2

1

We spring towards to the vast, endless blue, laughing and cheering and leaving behind all adult notions of whether we should or shouldn't be doing this.

The water is freezing and before I can rethink this decision my clothes, by hair, every inch of me is drenched and soaked. The adult in me last week would have never dove into the ocean half clothed. The adult in me last week wouldn't have even come to the beach. The adult in me last week can go fuck himself - because I'm tired of being depressed. I'm tired of being responsible. I'm tired of being tired.

I want to live. I want to smile and laugh freely without second guessing if I can or if I'm allowed to. I want embrace the day as freely as Yugi does.

He laughs beside me and again my breath is swept away at the sight of him. His smile, his rosy cheeks - even his wild, tri toned hair that is now clinging to his face and dripping - he's everything I want to be.

He catches me watching and his laughter dies to a subtle giggle. He's so shy and his cheeks look as if perhaps he's already sunburned. His skin is rather fair compared to mine, I wonder how delicate it is.

Slowly I move to touch his cheek. To make sure he isn't burnt and I am surprised at how soft it is. He gasps and I catch his wide eyed lavender stare. They're like amethysts. The slightest hint of blue swims in them but the violet - it's so subtle and so calm… I've never seen eyes like his before.

The smallest peak of his tongue slips out to wet his lips and I feel compelled to move closer. My heart is screaming right now, beating terribly fast at a pace I am not used to.

"Atem…" He whispers, drawing me in closer to hear him properly.

Then, out of nowhere, the ocean decided that was close enough as a large wave roared towards us. We brace one another for the impact and I hold my breath and close my eyes. I hope Yugi has done the same as seconds later we are swept under.

I lost him during the tumble but I find myself higher up the beach and able to safely kneel while I wipe the water off my face.

When I can look around I see Yugi doing the same some distance from me, only standing and shaking his hair out.

We catch sight of another and together we crack up laughing. I don't know what kind of spell that was - but whatever it was is gone now and all that is left is the cheerful, carefree hysterics we find ourselves in as we come together and walk back up to shore.