Chapter Text
Facing this Duel Monster was never unnerving.
But to Atem, it was a familiar one.
Huge silver slabs shifted across its body, weaving a gleaming armour. At its end, a long tail danced around ivory fangs and poised claws. Immense wings sprouted and stretched across the room.
And of course, two azure orbs pinned Atem to the spot.
Blue-Eyes White Dragon reared up to its full might; bellowing its classic metallic roar.
Atem grinned.
‘I must say, you’ve really outdone it with the sound effects, Kaiba.’
He fired a glance to the room’s viewing window.
Kaiba and Yugi stood safely behind the reinforced screen. Both furiously typed, occasionally muttering to one another. Kaiba’s scowl was deeper than usual. He needed this new Duel Disk prototype to go right.
Pressure was not going to stop his arrogance.
‘Obviously. Don’t expect anything less from my inventions.’
‘We just need to check the Disk can end the duel now, right?’ Yugi asked, looking up at Kaiba. He received a brusque nod in reply.
‘Ok Atem, play your last turn!’ Yugi ordered.
With a few swift plays, and any number of dramatic arm movements, Atem had Blue Eyes at his mercy. After calling a final attack, it wasn’t long before he won the A.I duel.
Kaiba breathed out slowly. ‘Phase 1 testing has been successful.’
Yugi did a small air punch, beaming up at Kaiba. ‘Good job!’ he chirped. Yugi had learnt not to shower Kaiba in too much praise, it just made him embarrassed.
Kaiba mumbled what could have been a thank you. Or a curse. He opened the door to let Atem in from the test room.
‘That duel was too straight forward.’ Atem whined. Crimson eyes locked with Kaiba’s, complete with a teasing smirk. ‘Blue Eyes is always a tougher opponent when it’s yours.’
‘Real player duelling will be tested later,’ Kaiba hadn’t raised his voice, but he stared solidly back at Atem, accepting the challenge. ‘This was just to check the primary functions were in order.’
Atem’s voice became silk. ‘I look forward to the later stages then.’
Yugi rolled his eyes and ushered them both to the elevator.
Back in the office, Kaiba and Yugi typed up the results. Standing by the ceiling to floor window, Atem’s head was tilted towards their conversation. He heard the occasional impatient huff from Kaiba, followed by Yugi’s soft words of reassurance. This was a common sight to behold for Atem, as both he and Yugi regularly helped Seto with his KaibaCorp ventures.
He chuckled deeply and gazed outside. Far below, people scurried around like ants, whilst the sun shone grandly upon it all. The magnificent view from KaibaCorp tower reminded Atem of how much he had yet to explore and experience. He had returned from the afterlife a few months ago, but every day he learnt so much…and felt so much too.
He glanced towards Yugi, the prime source of these feelings.
Now, I can start this new adventure with you.
‘Finally done!’ Yugi chirped, tumbling back into his chair dramatically.
Kaiba merely raised an eyebrow. Atem strode over, catching the CEO’s gaze.
‘Has everything gone to plan?’ he asked.
Kaiba nodded curtly, cracking his fingers. The sharp noise jolted Yugi upright, who made a disgusted face at the sound.
‘I have obtained what I need, which is rare when I rely on others.’
‘That’s his way of saying thanks,’ Mokuba piped up from the steel cupboards, packing away the equipment.
‘Sooo Kaiba,’ Yugi began, stretching across the desk to grab his attention. ‘Now that you’ve worked so hard, are you coming with us to the Firework Festival?’
‘I have other business to attend to,’ Kaiba replied flatly, not looking at Yugi as he clamped his laptop shut. ‘however –
‘Aw what?’ Yugi whined. ‘It would be nice for you to have a change of pace.’
‘As flattered as I am to be invited to your nerd herd, I’d much rather spend my time with better company.’
‘Such as …?’
‘My laptop.’
Yugi pouted. You could take the Kaiba out from work, but you couldn’t take the work out from Kaiba.
Actually, you couldn’t really do either.
‘Wouldn’t the event’s popularity make it ideal for business?’ Atem queried.
‘It would be foolish to not make any use of the festival. I’m sending Mokuba as an ambassador, he’ll be running our representative stall.’
Mokuba grinned and gave a confirmative thumbs up.
Kaiba’s cerulean eyes flicked over to his brother. ‘Could you both keep an eye on him?’
‘Of course, Kaiba.’ Yugi and Atem simultaneously assured. They glanced at each other, chuckling.
Kaiba groaned, before abruptly marching towards the door.
‘We’re all leaving. Right now. Before I get locked in with you two and meet my untimely death.’
---
In the Game shop that evening, Solomon Mutou (‘Call me Grandpa – everyone does!’) beckoned Atem and Yugi to their shared living room.
‘I was out in town today and bought your Yukatas for the festival.’
Atem’s face lit up, fingers twitching. Yugi, however, eyed the shopping bag cautiously.
‘Are they the colours Tea suggested? Or… did you pick them?’
Grandpa folded his arms, shaking his head.
‘Are you suggesting a young woman like Tea has more fashion sense than me?’
Grandpa held his glare for a few seconds, alarming Atem. Yugi sighed and batted playfully at his grandfather. As though the spell was broken, Grandpa heartily chuckled and handed the bag over, winking at Atem.
‘They are. She’s made good recommendations! Go – try them on, so we can exchange them for better sizes if needed.’ He said, shooing them upstairs.
Atem loved the Yukata.
The garment was loose like his Egyptian dress, allowing his skin to breathe and limbs to move freely. He was eternally grateful to Yugi being his vessel in their adventures, but he despised the rubbery, restricting leather his partner always adorned.
Only problem was, he could not find the Yukata’s belt. At least, he thought it came with a belt.
Atem sighed, brows furrowing. With every hour it seemed there was something more to learn about this world.
Lost in concentration searching the room, the soft click of the door handle went unheeded. A lithe body pressed against his back. Atem gasped, stiffening.
A familiar chime bell of laughter, instantly calming him.
‘It’s just me, Atem.’
Soft, calloused hands wrapped around his middle, golden silk trailing in their wake. Careful fingers tied the belt, before grasping Atem’s shoulders and slowly spinning him round.
Yugi wore his classic colour scheme of navy blue and black, but his Yukata gave a different beauty to him. The soft fabric and delicate shape of the robes reflected Yugi’s gentle frame and earnest spirit. The dark colours made Yugi’s kind face beam ever brighter in contrast, violet eyes sparkling.
Atem gave him a thumbs up.
‘The Yukata looks beautiful on you, partner.’ he complimented softly. Each word sang pure sincerity only the Pharaoh could compose.
Heat bloomed across Yugi’s cheeks. It was like the courage Atem gave him, but this warmth spoke of a gentler nature. It was just as powerful, if not more so.
Atem was in his natural pose: head high and shoulders straight, but the stress of being Pharaoh no longer rested on them. His regal confidence was more relaxed, allowing crimson eyes to glow with his true youth. The white Yukata had etched patterns of metallic gold, contrasting brilliantly against his tanned skin tone. Matching gold earrings and choker emphasised his royal air and elegant composure.
‘Thanks,’ Yugi murmured. Trying to snap out of his daze, Yugi’s voice heightened to his usual cheer – perhaps a little too quickly. ‘Yours suits you so well! You truly look like your own person.’
Atem blinked, shuffling his feet.
‘Alas, you’re too kind, Yugi.’
A heartbeat passed in which the boys stood admiring each other. Then, Yugi scrunched his eyes shut and launched into Atem, who stumbled back with a quiet ‘Oof.’
Atem was blessed with lean musculature from his sword wielding days as Pharaoh. Now, he used that same strength to embrace Yugi, his strong arms weaving a protective cocoon. In response, Yugi’s nimble fingers clutched his shoulder blades, trembling.
‘Are you alright Yu-
‘I’m so glad you’re here.’
Yugi’s words ached with emotion, so much so that Atem thought they might break. Their fragility seemed to echo how lucky he was to be in the living world.
Atem pulled him closer, brushing a gentle kiss into Yugi’s wild mane.
‘As am I partner. Not a day goes by I don’t thank the Gods for being with you.’