Chapter Text
Atemu was sitting in his room at the Game Shop, located across the hall from Yugi’s own room with his nose buried in an introductory archaeology book. He glanced up when heard Yugi and his friends all tramping up the stairs.
He couldn’t help but smile as he turned his attention back onto his book. So many things had changed and yet so many things were still the same.
Following the ceremonial duel ending in a draw Atemu had found himself with a body of his own but yet unable to cross over into the afterlife. On the bright side he hadn’t outright won the duel either so he hadn’t been sucked back into the puzzle. That left him with an unexpected chance to take on life in this modern age with his friends.
Kaiba had saved the day when it came to getting Atemu out of Egypt, since things like not having any form of ID were definitely going to be an issue. Kaiba had also essentially created Atemu an identity. He had also declared Atemu’s age as 19, his logic Atemu was 18 when he’d trapped himself in the puzzle and had spent approximately two years sharing Yugi’s body. Kaiba said the two years could count as one so…he came up with 19 years old. That did put an end of him tagging along to school with Yugi and his friends. Atemu had studied quite hard and managed to pass his GED which Kaiba then used to get him an actual High school diploma.
And following that Atemu had applied and gotten himself actually accepted to Domino University. He had started classes two weeks ago, but in a bid to keep things simpler he took the bus to university every morning instead of getting a dorm.
“We’re here Mou Hitori No Boku!” Yugi called out.
“I can tell. You weren’t exactly quiet with your entrance Aibou.” Atemu called back. Next thing Atemu knew Yugi was poking his head into his bedroom, a bright smile on his face.
Atemu smiled as well, holding up his book to convey that he was trying to get his homework done. Strangely enough talking was one of the adjustments he and Yugi had been making. They had gotten very used to being able to just communicate by thought. But they were getting better at it.
“Oh. I was kind of hoping that you could hang out with us. I’ve missed you Mou Hitori No Boku.” Yugi said.
Atemu sighed as he glanced back down at his book before he regretfully shook his head. “I’ve missed you too Aibou, but unfortunately, I need to get my homework done before I get too far behind. I’ll try and join your guys once I’ve finished with it. I’ve just got a few chapters to read before I have to answer some questions.” Atemu said.
Yugi pouted for a brief moment before he nodded. Atemu cocked his head towards Yugi’s room in an effort to tell Yugi to go. Yugi hesitated a brief moment more and Atemu rolled his eyes. “I’m not going anywhere Aibou. The sooner I get this assignment done the sooner I can join you and the others.” Atemu said.
Yugi nodded once more before he turned and headed out of the room.
Atemu sighed as he turned his attention back onto his textbook. They were adjusting. Just not necessarily quickly.
Atemu continued to read for another twenty minutes before there was another knock on his door. Atemu glanced up to see that Jou was standing in his doorway. Atemu sighed as he set his book aside. He only had two more pages until he’d finished the chapter. “What’s up Jou?” Atemu asked.
Jou stepped into Atemu’s room and pulled the door closed. Atemu quirked a brow at the strange behavior from his friend. Jou gave Atemu a sheepish smile, “Sorry man, but I don’t want to risk Yug hearing what you and I are talking about in here.” Jou said.
Atemu nodded, “Right. So, what’s on your mind?” Atemu asked.
“Well, this weekend Honda suggested that we all go on a camping trip.” Jou said.
“And you wanted to know if I would come along. I don’t see why you asking me that would have to be kept a secret from Yugi.” Atemu said.
Jou shook his head, his hand rubbing the back on his head in a clear sign of nerves, “Actually, no I wanted to ask that when Yugi invites ya, that you decline. Tell him dat yer busy or something. Anything really.” Jou said.
Atemu fixed Jou with his undivided attention, “Might I ask why you don’t want me to join you guys Jou?” Atemu asked. He wasn’t hurt by being left out, that was bound to happen occasionally, but he was more curious about why Jou wanted him to not go.
Jou sighed, “Well, fer Yug, actually. Me and Honda have been trying to get him to ask Anzu out for a couple of weeks now. Honda and me are hoping dat he’ll actually take the shot on this trip.” Jou said.
“And my being there might interfere with that?” Atemu asked frowning. That didn’t sound quite right, if anything his own presence might give Yugi a boost in confidence.
Jou let out an exasperated sigh. “No. No, it wouldn’t. Well, it would but it wouldn’t. You being dere might change Anzu’s answer. An, not to sound inconsiderate or anything but…Yug needs to learn to do things without ya right there by his side. Do you know what I mean?” Jou asked.
Atemu nodded. He knew exactly what Jou meant. “I agree that Yugi does need to do things without me and I have no problem helping to encourage that. But, about Anzu’s answer. If she is still confused about her possible feelings for me wouldn’t my presence there be irrelevant? If she is still confused then she’d answer no regardless.” Atemu said.
“Not if ya let her down before we go. Pull her aside an let her down. Don’t tell Yug that ya said a word ta her. He doesn’t need ta know.” Jou said, he paused for a moment before asking, “Unless you have feelings fer Anzu yerself.”
Atemu shook his head, “No, I don’t but I am fully aware that Aibou has liked her for years. I have been encouraging him to ask her out for a very long time. Yes, I will talk to Anzu tonight if you think that will help.” Atemu said.
Jou smiled, “Thanks fer understanding. Me and Honda, hell even Otogi have been trying to get Yug to ask Anzu out. But fer some reason he just keeps draggin his feet.” Jou said.
Atemu chuckled, “Did it never occur to you Jou that Aibou might just be shy?” Atemu asked.
Jou chuckled good naturedly as he nodded his head. “Gee Captain Obvious, don’t know how we coulda possibly figured that out on our own.” Jou said.
Atemu let out a snort of laughter as he reached back for his book. “I’ll text Anzu that I want to walk her home tonight. I can talk to her then without any one around so it’ll be less awkward for anyone. Now, if you don’t mind Jou I would like to get my homework done.”
Jou rolled his eyes a goofy grin on his face, “Alright, I’ll leave ya alone ya bookworm.”
Atemu grabbed his cellphone, a gift from Kaiba so he could be easily reached if Kaiba wanted another duel, and sent Anzu a quick text. I’d like to walk you home tonight if that’s alright. There is something that I want to talk to you about and I’d rather we talk without any one else around to listen in.
A few seconds later Anzu responded. Sounds great Atemu. Just let me know when you’re ready to leave.
Atemu sighed, frowning slightly as he read that text message and set his phone aside. How in the world was he supposed to respond to that message? Anzu’s tone suggested that if he’d said now, she would have abandoned Aibou and the others to go on a walk with him. Jou wasn’t wrong about Anzu’s continued feelings for him. Atemu just truly hoped that Aibou didn’t get hurt as a result of those feelings.
But first, Atemu had to finish his assignment.
About an hour later Atemu was finally able to set his now completed homework aside and wander across the hall to where Aibou and his friends were lounging in Yugi’s room watching as Aibou and Jou played a fighting game together. Anzu briefly met Atemu’s gaze and gave him a shy smile. Atemu nodded his head and mouthed ‘later.’ She nodded her head before turning her attention back onto the screen.
Atemu watched as Yugi managed to KO Jou’s character. Jou good naturedly tossed his controller aside. “Okay, so whose next to take on da champ?” Jou asked.
“I wouldn’t’ mind giving it a shot.” Atemu said.
Aibou whipped his head around a bright smile on his face when he saw Atemu standing in the doorway. “Mou Hitori No Boku!!! You finished your assignment.” Yugi said.
Atemu nodded. “I did. I’m not even going ask about your own. I already know the answer.” Atemu said.
Yugi waived off Atemu’s mention of his homework and held up the controller. “You ready to play?” Yugi asked.
Atemu nodded as he wandered further into the room and accepted the controller from Jou. “Good luck Atemu, Yug’s been on fire. He’s beaten all of us at least once while you were doin yer homework.” Jou said.
Atemu chuckled, “Well, lets see if I can knock the champion off his lofty perch.” Atemu said before glancing at Yugi, “Looks like its time to fight Aibou.”
Yugi grinned. “Game on Mou Hitori No Boku.”
And with that the match began. In the background Atemu could hear their friends cheering both of them on as they fought. The first match went to Atemu. Atemu heard Anzu give a loud cheer. Jou called out, “You can do it Yugi!”
The second match Yugi managed to eek out a win. Third match went to Yugi and fourth to Atemu. All four fights had been back and forth battles with neither giving their opponent many opportunities to win.
Sudden death. Fight!
“Looks like this will decide it Aibou.” Atemu said before he started to hit the buttons for his combo. He connected and Yugi’s character was knocked out.
Winner Player two
“You did it Atemu!” Anzu said.
“Good game Mou Hitori No Boku.” Yugi said.
Atemu nodded. “It was a good game. I had fun playing with you Aibou.” Atemu said, although in the back of his mind something about that match bugged him. His combo had connected a little bit too easily. Atemu shook his head as he pushed the thought out of his mind. Aibou wouldn’t throw a match. Especially not something as silly as a video game battle with no stakes.
They ended up putting the game away before wandering down to the kitchen. It was time for dinner. Grandpa was putting the finishing touches on the food. Yugi, Jou, Honda and Otogi all took seats around the table while Atemu and Anzu went to grab the plates to set the table. Anzu took that opportunity to have a whispered conversation with Atemu.
“After dinner?” Anzu asked.
Atemu nodded, “We can leave after dinner, yes.” Atemu said.
“Sounds good.” Anzu said.
“Alright kids, I hope you brought your appetites.” Grandpa said as he turned off the stove and pulled a big pot of curry off and carried it over to the table.
“You bet we have Gramps!” Honda and Jou declared.
Atemu chuckled as they all took their seats to eat.
Once dinner began to wind down Anzu cleared her throat, “Sorry guys but I’m going to have to head on home. I have an early morning practice session tomorrow. I’ll need to get some sleep.” Anzu said.
“I’ll walk you home Anzu.” Atemu said.
Yugi perked right up, “I’ll come too if that’s okay.”
Atemu sighed as he shook his head, “Unfortunately Aibou, it’s not. Don’t forget, I set the table today. That means you have to do the dishes.” Atemu said.
“He is right Yugi.” Grandpa added.
Yugi nodded, “Right. Well, have a good night, Anzu.” Yugi said.
The pair went and gathered their shoes before heading out to begin their walk down to Anzu’s house. She didn’t live that far from the Game Shop, but it would still give them a chance to talk.
“So, are we going to head straight for my house? Or would you rather us take a longer walk?” Anzu asked.
Atemu sighed. He hated the idea of having this conversation but at the same time it was one that he really needed to have. He had let this go on for far too long as it was. And if Atemu wasn’t careful then Aibou was the one who was going to end up hurt as a result.
“It might be best to just head for your house Anzu.” Atemu said.
Anzu frowned, “Is everything alright?” Anzu asked.
Atemu gave her a tight smile and nodded. “Yes Anzu, everything is fine. We just need to talk.” Atemu said.
The pair fell into step beside one another as they made their way towards Anzu’s house in silence. Atemu was having a hard time finding the words to say what it was that he needed to say. He didn’t want to hurt Anzu’s feelings anymore than he wanted Yugi to end up hurt. And Anzu is of course going to want to know why Atemu was turning her down. This is why I’ve just ignored it in the hopes that her feelings would just go away.
Before Atemu knew it the pair had made it all the way to Anzu’s house.
“Do you want to come inside Atemu? We can talk in there if you’d like.” Anzu said.
Atemu sighed and nodded, “If you wouldn’t mind, that’d be great Anzu.” Atemu said.
The pair made their way up to Anzu’s room before Anzu tugged the door closed. She gave Atemu a shy smile as she gingerly sat down on the edge of her bed. Atemu pulled out Anzu’s desk chair and took a seat himself.
“So, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?” Anzu asked.
Atemu sighed, swiping a hand briefly through his hair before he finally said, “I need to talk to you about your feelings for me.” Atemu said.
Anzu blushed, her eyes briefly flicking down to rest on her feet before she almost shyly glanced back up at Atemu. “Oh.”
Atemu took another deep breath. There was no going back now. “I know that you’ve had a crush on me for years.” Atemu said evenly.
Anzu sighed, “Was it that obvious?” Anzu asked.
Atemu snorted, “At one point you were intentionally putting yourself into dangerous situations in the hopes of luring me out of the puzzle. It was kind of hard to miss.” Atemu said.
Anzu winced, “Yeah, not one of my best moments.” Anzu said.
Atemu sighed, “And judging by the way you were blushing when I brought it up, I’m going to guess that you still do have feelings for me. Am I wrong in making that assumption?” Atemu asked.
Anzu sighed, “No, you aren’t wrong. I-I really do like you Atemu.” Anzu said.
Atemu nodded, “I know you do. And this is where there is a slight problem.” Atemu said.
“Oh?” Anzu said, frowning slightly in confusion.
Atemu sighed, “Can I tell you something that I haven’t told anyone before?” Atemu asked.
Anzu nodded, a frown still on her face at the sudden change of subject, “Sure.” Anzu said.
Atemu could feel his own cheeks heating up and suddenly the tops of his knees were absolutely fascinating. “I am not attracted to women.” Atemu said, his heart racing at the admission. It was a secret of his, one of only a few secrets he’d even managed to keep secret from Aibou. With the return of his memories also came the return of Atemu’s preferences. And his memories of a few steaming nights he’d had behind closed doors with a discreet male servant.
Anzu’s eyes widened, “Oh.” Anzu said.
Atemu nodded, “Yeah.” Atemu said. This conversation was getting awkward but he had no idea how to make it less awkward.
Anzu nibbled on her lip before she asked, “Are you sure?”
Atemu nodded, “I am Anzu. I’ve always been this way. And before you ask, no not even Aibou knows that.” Atemu said.
Anzu nodded once more and gave Atemu a tight smile. “I see. I understand.”
Atemu let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “You do?”
Anzu nodded, “If you aren’t attracted to me then you aren’t attracted to me. It’s not something that you can control. I understand.” Her voice was a tad shaky but the smile on Anzu’s face was genuine. She would support him in this. Atemu was truly blessed to have such great friends.
Atemu slowly got to his feet. Anzu stood up as well and pulled him in for a hug. Atemu embraced Anzu in return before they pulled apart.
“Have a good night, Anzu, and I hope your rehearsal goes well tomorrow.” Atemu said.
“Thank you. Good night Atemu. Please, text me when you get back to the shop so that I know you made it safely.” Anzu said.
Atemu nodded. “Don’t worry, I will Anzu.” Atemu said as he made his way out of Anzu’s home and back out into the crisp evening air. That had gone about as well as it could have possibly gone. And hopefully when the gang went camping this weekend Anzu would be able to find it in her heart to give Aibou a chance.
Atemu made it back to the Game Shop shortly after Jou and the others had headed on home. Grandpa was doing some inventory so Atemu headed back up to his own room. Yugi was already waiting for him in his room.
“Hey Mou Hitori No Boku.” Yugi said.
Atemu smiled, “Hello Aibou, as you can see, I have made it back safe and sound.” Atemu said.
Yugi nodded. “I’m glad to see that.” Yugi said as he stood up, “Tomorrow we’re going to have go to the store.” Yugi said.
“Oh? And why is that Aibou?” Atemu asked.
“We need to buy you a sleeping bag. We’re all going camping this weekend and you’ll need somewhere to sleep Atemu.” Yugi explained.
Atemu sighed as he felt a slight churning in his gut. He hated lying to Yugi, but in this case for Yugi’s own benefit he was going to have to. “I’m sorry Aibou, but I’m not going to be able to go with you guys this weekend.” Atemu said.
Yugi froze as he shot Atemu a questioning look, “What? Why not Mou Hitori No Boku?”
Atemu sighed, “There is a group project that I am working on for school. I am meeting with my teammates at the college library both Saturday and Sunday this weekend. I’m sorry Aibou, but I’m not going to be able to go.” Atemu said.
Yugi nibbled on his lip for a moment before his eyes narrowed in determination. “That’s fine, I’ll just text the gang and say that this weekend doesn’t work for us and that we’ll have to go on a different weekend.” Yugi said.
Atemu gave Yugi a pointed look, “Aibou, be reasonable. There is no reason to reschedule a trip that works out for everyone else just because I’m busy. You and the rest of the gang can have a fun time together. I’ll see you when you get back.” Atemu said.
“But I want you to come with us Mou Hitori No Boku.” Yugi said.
Atemu gave Yugi a smile, “How about this Aibou? You and I go camping together another weekend. It can even be just the two of us if you want. Would that make up for it?” Atemu suggested.
Yugi nodded. “I guess that’ll work.” Yugi said.
Atemu chuckled. The pair then started getting themselves ready for bed. Atemu had hardly flicked off his bedroom light before his bedroom door creeped open and Yugi came padding into the room and climbed into bed beside him.
Atemu sighed as he allowed Yugi to snuggle up close to him, wrapping Yugi up in his arms. They were adjusting. They truly were. But the hardest part had been being separate at all. They used to be so beyond close to one another. Both were feeling empty without that closeness. It was something that they were getting used to, but as with everything else about this adjustment it had been a slow process.
But they would get through it. Because they were both strong enough to stand on their own.
Before Atemu knew it the weekend had arrived. It had been a hectic Friday evening with Atemu helping to make sure that Aibou had everything he needed packed for his trip. Yugi had talked his ear off Friday night while they were lying in bed together telling Atemu about all of the fun things that Honda had said they would be able to do on this trip. And Atemu would admit that it did sound like it would have been fun and he would have definitely enjoyed himself had he gone.
But he had to remind himself that it was best for Yugi if he didn’t go so after Atemu waved good bye to Aibou, as Yugi and the rest of the gang had piled into Otogi’s car and headed up to the mountains, together he found himself standing in the shop completely alone.
Atemu glanced around as he tried to think of what was something he could do. As a general rule Atemu didn’t do particularly well with being alone. It gave him anxiety. That fact was something that did embarrass Atemu but Atemu was determined to get through this. This weekend was going to be a growing weekend for both him and Yugi. Yugi would hopefully take the plunge and ask Anzu out on a date. And Atemu, well Atemu would tackle being completely alone for two days.
Atemu rolled his eyes. Yeah, if that thought wasn’t utterly melodramatic.
Atemu ended up heading up to his room and changing into a pair of sneaker and shorts and tugged on one of his black tank tops before he headed for the park. He could get in a decent jog at least while he tried to think about what he wanted to do this weekend. Maybe he could head to campus and see if there was anything going on? Or maybe he could even challenge Kaiba to a duel?
Atemu reached Domino park before he turned and began to jog down one of the many jogging paths. The only sound he could hear was the rhythmic thwack thwack thwack of his sneakers as they hit the pavement. It was both relaxing and in its own way maddening. His heart raced both from the exertion of jogging and the building anxiety from being alone.
The birds chirped in the trees as a light breeze rustled the trees.
Atemu picked up the pace, practically sprinting down the path. He hated being alone. He had never liked it before he had found himself trapped in the puzzle. The agonizing moments he spent trapped, alone with no one still could give him nightmares if he’d allowed himself to think on it for too long.
Atemu whipped around one of the corners full out sprinting all while trying to reassure himself, you’re fine. You’re fine. People are alone all the time. Its fine. You’re FINE! He didn’t feel fine. He felt like walls that weren’t even there were closing in around him. Trapping him.
CRASH
Without warning Atemu had slammed into something, which knocked him flat on his ass.
“What the hell?”
Atemu glanced up to see that he had actually crashed into a person, who he’d also knocked over. Atemu quickly sprang to his feet and held out his hand to help the other person up. “I am so sorry. I was lost in my own world and I didn’t see you there.” Atemu said.
The stranger glanced up at him, his crimson eyes tinged with annoyance as he took Atemu’s hand allowing Atemu to tug him up onto his feet. “You should really watch where you’re going. You could have hurt someone.” The stranger said.
Atemu nodded, “Right. I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?” Atemu asked.
The stranger quirked a brow, “Like what?” The stranger asked.
Atemu sighed. As terrible as it was even interacting with an utter and complete stranger was helping to ease the worst of Atemu’s anxiety. “I don’t know. Maybe I can buy you a coffee or something.” Atemu said with a shrug.
The stranger crossed his arms giving Atemu a pointed look. Atemu took a moment to actually look at the stranger and it was rather surprising to see someone who looked almost more like him than even Aibou did. This stranger not only had the same wild tri-colored hair that he and Yugi were known for, he also had the angular facial structure that Atemu had. Hell, they were even the same height. However, there were clear differences between them. For starters the stranger had ivory white skin as opposed to Atemu’s own tanned skin. And the eyes were also different. The strangers were a bright crimson in color whereas Atemu’s were a ruby red.
Atemu gave him what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “I really am sorry about running into you.” Atemu said.
The stranger sighed as he uncrossed his arms and his eyes drifted down to the pavement where a drink of some sort HAD been spilled. Atemu winced internally. Yeah, he had definitely screwed up.
“You know what, fine. Whatever, you can buy me a drink to make up for spilling mine.” The stranger said.
Atemu felt like a vice had released its hold on his heart. As crazy as it was, he now had someone that he could spend time with even if it was just for a little while. He wouldn’t be alone.
Atemu nodded. “Great. Where would you like to go. You can pick.” Atemu said.
The stranger snorted and Atemu was surprised to see the tiniest bit of a smile creep onto the stranger’s face. It was almost mischievous. “Anywhere I want? What if I demanded we go to the Kaiba Café? Where a coffee is like 20 bucks?” The stranger said, his tone teasing.
Atemu nodded once more. “You want a drink from the Kaiba Café, then that’s what I’ll buy you.” Atemu said.
The stranger let out another snort, this one clearly a snort of laughter as he shook his head. “No, you don’t have to do that. That’s an insane amount of money to spend on a frickin coffee. Kuribon is fine.” The stranger said.
Atemu shrugged. “It really is up to you.” Atemu said.
The stranger rolled his eyes as he turned to start walking away, “Whatever. Are you coming or not?” The stranger called out.
Atemu jogged quickly forward, falling into step beside the stranger as they made their way out of the park. “My name is Atemu by the way.” Atemu said.
“Yami.” Yami replied.
Atemu smiled, “Well, its nice to meet you Yami.”
Yami let out a snort, “Its not like I’ve never seen you before Atemu. We’re both in the same Psychology class.” Yami said.
Atemu frowned as he tried to wrack his brain. His psychology lecture was huge. There were close to a 100 people in that class. “With Professor Owlston? Tuesdays and Thursdays at 930?” Atemu asked.
Yami nodded, “That would be the one.”
“Huh, wonder how I never noticed that.” Atemu said.
Yami chuckled, “Probably because you sit up towards the front and I sneak in to the back right as the bell rings. I only know your name because the professor keeps calling on you to answer questions.” Yami said.
Atemu chuckled, “Not a morning person, I take it?” Atemu asked.
Yami shook his head, “Not really, no. I swear next semester I’m not taking any classes before 11.” Yami said.
Atemu chuckled, “Well, I hope that you are able to do that.” Atemu said.
By this point the pair were walking into the Kuribon Café, which was a cute little café known for both its coffees as well as its delicious pastries. Atemu felt his heart clench the slightest bit when he thought about the many afternoons Yugi had insisted on coming to this very café and snagging some baked good or another. By the gods did he miss Yugi.
Atemu shook his head in an effort to push the thought out of his mind. Yugi was having fun with his friends camping. Yugi deserved that and in the long run this was going to be good for BOTH of them. Atemu just needed to suck it up.
Yami and Atemu made it to the counter and Yami rattled off his drink order before turning to Atemu. Atemu just shrugged. “I’ll have the same.” Atemu mumbled before he fished out his wallet to pay for the two drinks.
Yami and Atemu then went and grabbed a spot by one of the windows while they waited for their drinks to be made.
“So, what are you majoring in Atemu?” Yami asked.
Atemu shrugged, “Archaeological Studies. I’m hoping to eventually go into either curation or perhaps Egyptology.” Atemu said, “You?”
Yami shrugged, “I honestly haven’t really picked my major yet. Not really. My parents kinda pushed me to be a business major so that’s what I’m currently doing but…I don’t know. I don’t see me ever being happy stuck in an office.” Yami said, he laughed as he rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment, “Sorry, I know that was way more of an answer than you wanted.” Yami said.
Atemu shrugged once more, “That’s fine. You can talk to me if you want. I don’t mind. Nothing says that just because I ran into you in the park that we can’t come out as friends on the other side of it.” Atemu said.
Yami chuckled. “That…would be kind of nice. I don’t have that many friends.” Yami said.
Atemu grinned as he got to his feet when their order number was called, “Well, let’s say that you just made one with me.” Atemu said. Atemu returned a short while later with their drinks.
Atemu took a big sip and couldn’t help but think that he might make it through this weekend just fine after all.