#☥ ●let’s duel!● ☥

[pxzzlepieces-a]

@legixnem [Yugi] is about to have a reunion

     He feels weightless at first, like he’s floating - accurate, given the fact that Atem finds himself hanging above a room that he knows all too well. How could he not? This place was home to him for a time, temporary as it might have been. There’s something comforting in the fact that Yugi’s room hasn’t changed, his former host’s living space remaining just as he remembered it.

     The last clear thought he has is that Yugi must be at school, just as his feet touch the ground - then, it’s as if his body is flowing with a shock, an electric current of sorts. Atem was warned about this, of how the sensation of returning to the land of the living would feel, and yet still the former pharaoh is far from prepared. His nerves feel as if they’re on fire, his very core burning as lips part in a soundless cry. Minutes pass by that feel like hours, all while his thoughts whisper an encouragement that only he can hear.

     Worth it. This was worth the pain that came with returning from the Afterlife.

     Finally, the agony ebbs away, leaving his body solid and real - then, his legs buckle, eyes roll up into his head, and Atem collapses to the carpeted floor. He hasn’t even the time to fight the darkness that settles over him, dragging the former pharaoh down into unconsciousness for a time, a rest that his newly formed body desperately needs.

[pxzzlepieces-a]

@ legixnem [Mahad] managed to catch him

     He was being scolded - even now, a part of Atem’s mind registered that, at least, though he found himself unable to truly focus on the words being said to him. How could he, when Atem’s gaze was currently fixated on a face that he hadn’t seen for over 3,000 years? His expression was that of a young man who found himself stunned, though it was not due to the fact that the former pharaoh had fallen into the arms of his savior during his attempt at climbing for a particular book that had been shelved out of his reach.

     Now, however, a book on Japan’s Feudal Era was the furthest thing from his mind, replaced instead with the thought that he must have been going crazy. Surely, of all places, Atem had not come across Mahad in the university’s library.

     But then, perhaps... this was not Mahad. Not truly.

     “I... apologize,” he murmured, having finally found his voice, though he struggled to keep it steady. This sudden reunion was making it difficult to keep his composure, but somehow, Atem managed it. “There was nothing I could use to reach the higher shelves, and I’m... not fond of requesting assistance.”

     Though, had he known of this particular employee, perhaps he might have made an exception.

[pxzzlepieces-a]

This was the time of day where they'd often see each other in passing due to Gaara's kazekage duties. It left little time for socializing yet considering how long it had been since their last intimate moment, Gaara grabbed Atem's wrist in passing pulling him behind the kazekage tower. Though it was broad daylight, no one was around to see him press a light kiss to Atem's lips. "I hope you're having a good day my prince. And I'm sorry if I've made you doubt things about us."

@kazekagexgaara

     Gaara’s workload couldn’t be helped, but that didn’t mean that Atem didn’t miss his company throughout the day. The fact that he’d been making a point in not distracting the redhead as of late didn’t help matters, considering that it meant longer intervals between their time together, brief run-ins with each other aside. For the most part, Atem had taken to trying to distract himself in the libraries, though even his love of learning was a poor substitute.

     He’d been making his way back to his room, nose buried into the depths of a tome even as he walked, when fingers had wrapped around the prince’s wrist. Amethyst eyes would snap up, a small gasp of surprise leaving his lips, before his met with a teal gaze that he knew all too well. Immediately did he relax, lips parting to speak, only for words to be cut off by a soft, brief kiss that Atem wished could have lingered for a bit longer.

     “Better after that,” he murmured with a small smile, his expression softening at the apology, “and you’ve nothing to be sorry for, sweet one. You were right in scolding me for my boldness. I should know better than anyone that we need to be careful…”

     His arm shifted in Gaara’s hold, moving to take the kazekage’s hand in his own, drawing it up. A soft kiss was pressed to the back of it, a gesture that he hoped might settle the troubles of his beloved shinobi’s mind. Truly, Atem didn’t want Gaara to feel guilty over what had transpired between them.

     “I’m sorry, if I seem distant lately. I simply… wished to try an be more discreet. Please don’t think that I’m avoiding your presence, love - if I could do so without drawing suspicion, I would happily spend every waking minute at your side.”

[pxzzlepieces-a]

"Tem-Te-- I-I mean... A-Atem?" Gods, it was still so strange-- everything about his situation was, really-- but he did try so very hard to correct himself when he felt 'out of line'. "I... I was wondering... if it isn't too much to ask... if you... if you would join me in a game of Senet..?" He allows but a single breath to pass before he's quickly speaking again, bowing his head nervously all the while. "I-I apologize, you're... you're probably very busy. Please, forget I asked!" //slave verse~

@xltruistic

     The day had been a long one, dragging on as Atem attended to his responsibilities. Dull would have been an accurate descriptor, and it seemed as if the run could not descend from the sky in a timely manner. Perhaps the gods were punishing him for ‘overlooking’ that one matter involving the request for a temple restoration yesterday, for his moment of irresponsibility. He was so very ready to retire to his chambers, perhaps to indulge in a bit of Ryou’s company. His friend must have felt so neglected as of late…

     Speak of the devil.

     It was a familiar, timid voice that drew Atem from his boredom induced gaze, amethyst eyes lifting to meet with anxious brown ones. As children, Atem couldn’t remember Ryou having ever looked at him with such a gaze - but back then, his servant hadn’t been, well… his servant. That little boy hadn’t even been aware of the fact that his best friend had been the crown prince, and revealing that knowledge had come with a price.

     Time had driven enough of a wedge between them, and it certainly hadn’t needed any help from Atem’s position to make matters more awkward.

     There was a second in which the pharaoh’s mask slipped, a look of sadness seeping into his gaze as he saw just how nervous Ryou had become with him. It was soon replaced, however, by a small smile as Atem straightened himself from the slouch that he’d fallen into, scrolls momentarily forgotten in the face of a far more enjoyable activity - one, that he hoped, might rekindle that which had been lost between himself and his dear friend.

     “No, wait - I would… very much like that, Ryou,” he murmured, his tone soft in hopes that he might put the slave at ease, “I’ve been at this all day, so I’m sure I can spare some time for a game or two. I warn you though, I can be a bit competitive; perhaps you remember that.”

[pxzzlepieces-a]

Today could be April Fools, but it was also Easter. Disguising himself as an Easter Bunny, this shy one hopped off to these beings’ door and left at their passageway two little baskets filled with small chocolate Easter eggs, lactose and nut free. One for the King of Games, the other to the former spirit of the puzzle. Added to the gift, a note: "You've been graced with the visit of the Easter Bunny, Sweet King and Your Majesty. Happy Holiday for you. An admirer."

     Having never participated in this strange, modern holiday, the former pharaoh is confused as he finds the basket on the step that morning. Brows furrow as he reads the note, turning back inside to find the young King of Games. What an odd gift to leave…

     “Yugi? What’s Easter?”

[pxzzlepieces-a]

"You can't regret hard choices your whole life, right?"

@eebon

     “No, I suppose not - but one should never forget them either, I think. After all, how can we learn from them, if we do??”

[pxzzlepieces-a]

@adonaiis, continued from here

     Atem’s alarm wasn’t unexpected, given how close the two of them were. More often than not, the ancient pharaoh and his future counterpart were able to pick up on things that others might not notice, knowing each other’s mannerisms impeccably well. To learn that the puzzle’s spirit had been suffering from nightmares without the other’s knowledge likely worried Atem quite a bit.

     Though he remained laying on his side, the pharaoh’s gaze followed Atem’s movements as his beloved sat up, concern etched into his features. After a moment, he moved to prop himself up on an elbow as well.

     “You have such difficulty sleeping as it is that I hate to wake you on the nights were you rest peacefully,” he murmured softly, blinking slowly as the leftovers of slumber continued to tug softly at his lids. “Besides that, I often don’t remember them once I wake. The only reason that I know that they’re nightmares is because I awake... afraid. I assume... that they must be things that I’ve forgotten.”

[pxzzlepieces-a]

@kazekagexgaara, continued from here

     He knew that he was being too bold as of late, too daring in showing his affections. Early in their relationship, Atem had been careful to keep everything behind closed doors, both due to his and Gaara’s positions and, perhaps, because the prince had never truly been pulled so deeply into a relationship.

     Atem was hesitant to say that he’d ever been in love before Gaara - he’d held immature affections for a few girls as a younger man, crushes one could say, but nothing like this. Over time, however, his previous caution had slowly dissolved away, melting like ice left out in the sun, and while reason whispered for him to continue the practice, his heart wished for otherwise.

     A mischievous grin had tugged its way across his features, though it faltered as amethyst eyes fell upon the young Kazekage’s expression. Guilt wasn’t something that he normally felt when giving affection, but in this case, it settle into his stomach. After all, his playful gestures weren’t meant to cause trouble, but they certainly had the potential to.

     “We both know that I’ve no wish for you to do such a thing,” he murmured at last, allowing himself to lean slightly into the warmth of Gaara’s palms - he’d never been able to resist the comfort that came with the contact.

     “I love you as well, more than I have words to express - and that’s why I’m beginning to wonder, more and more, if I care whether or not father would approve.” These were dangerous words he spoke, Atem knew, but they’d been swirling in his head for weeks now, growing louder and louder as each day passed, and if he was going to be honest with anyone in regards to them, it was his shinobi. “These thoughts of mine are selfish, and I know that, but... I’m torn between the role I was groomed to inherit, and that which my heart wants.”

     His voice seemed to grow quieter with each word, his previous mirth slipping away as a conversation long overdue chose a new mood for the atmosphere. Gods, the last thing he’d wanted was to make their situation more complicated than it already was, but...

     Perhaps it was unavoidable.

     “I’m sorry, Gaara. I’ve been very foolish, as of late.”

[pxzzlepieces-a]

“In every shining moment of happiness is that drop of poison: the knowledge that pain will come again.” ( DID I DO THIS RIGHT THIS TIME BABE? )

@adonaiis

     “True, but pain is only temporary, so long as we have further happiness to work as an antidote.”

[pxzzlepieces-a]

Rare was it that he felt such nervousness when it came to such things. But could one blame him? Look at the party -- specifically -- involved. Seker waits until the former king is fast asleep, approaching the bed only when he is sure it is safe to do so. He kneels, watching him quietly, gentle fingers brushing golden strands of hair away from Atem's face. With care, he lifts one hand, pressing knuckles to his lips in a warm, chaste kiss.

@blackincantation

     His sleep is restless tonight, soft murmurs escaping him while Atem’s brow furrows even in sleep. Though he doesn’t appear to be frightened by whatever his dreams have brought, it’s clear that they’re less than pleasant, far from the relaxing slumber that he needs.

     Until that soft contact presses to his knuckles, brief and fleeting. The former king seems to settle, and his fingers even seem to curl unconscious around the hand that lifts his. Another mumble, though this one seems more at ease, hand flexing to squeeze Seker’s ever so slightly.

     He slept peacefully until morning.

[pxzzlepieces-a]

It was certainly late, but better than never. The former king would find that in his book bag for school that day would boast a white rose, delicately wrapped with a single gold ribbon. Unfortunately, there is no note.

@blackincantation

     Pulling himself out of bed had been a struggle that morning, if Atem were to be entirely honest. Though the former pharaoh very much enjoyed going to his classes, the idea of leaving the warmth of his bed in favor of going out into the chilly, February air was not a terrible appealing one.

     Yugi, however, made certain that Atem crawled out from under his comforter, regardless of how cold the outside world might have been - and so, it was with no small amount of grumbling that the Egyptian headed into class, wrapped up in as many layers as he could manage in the face of the winter weather.

     He hadn’t been expecting to meet with a gift when he settled into the lecture hall. It was a miracle that the bloom hadn’t been crushed by his books, given the fact that Atem hadn’t noticed it until he’d gotten to his first class of the morning. Amethyst eyes blinked in surprise at the sight, and it was with great care that he drew the rose forth, as if he were worried that he might ruin it, should he do otherwise. Who could have… ?

     The professor’s voice pulled him from his thoughts, though Atem was still careful to tuck the delicate flower away, this time in a safer pocket on his bag. Though his attention was normally held by his teacher, the former pharaoh found himself having difficulty focusing today, his mind constantly drifting to who the mysterious gifter could have been.

     He would no answers          but the rose would find a home               upon his desk all the same that night.

[pxzzlepieces-a]

These days this shy but grey piece of a man was on a peculiar quest of his own, which consisted on spreading some love and positivity amongst his neighbours and acquaintances. Two pink roses were left at these beings' doorstep, one for the King of Games, another to the former spirit of the puzzle, carefully taped to the doorway. Attached to the gift, a note: "Anyone who is good deserves a stem, so here's a pair from an admirer, one for each of you. Happy Valentine's Day. Cheers, Flower."

     “Oh… for us… ?” Truthfully, the King of Games wasn’t used to such gestures. When had he ever gotten a gift on Valentine’s Day? Certainly never before now. Atem appeared to be equally as confused, though he brushed the petals with his thumb gently before gesturing to Yugi to follow him inside.

     “Come. Lets put these in some water…”

[pxzzlepieces-a]

idfk stop complaining 🌊

Send in ‘🌊’ to find my muse suspended into a chamber of water

     ‘He’s still… unstable, sir.’          ‘The program… not take if we wake…’               ‘Just… more time…’

     Those eyes were always staring back at him when his opened, piercing and hard. They were the only things that he remembered each time he slipped back into darkness, those impatient, intense eyes that seemed to demand something - what, he didn’t know. He didn’t know much of anything, aside from the fact that he was tired.

     So tired…          and so each time               he returned to sleep                    only to be greeted by those eyes                          whenever he woke in his glass encased womb

     But the eyes were different this time. Along with the steady beeping that was always there when he woke, the muffled sound of air pushing into his lungs through the mark that was tied around his mouth and nose, these eyes were not the ones that were supposed to be here. Wider, darker, and… he didn’t know what else, only that they were different, unfamiliar.

     Lips moved, but he could not hear what they’d said. Half-lidded eyes watched as a hand rose, pressed against the case which contained him. Those eyes continued to stare at him for a time, confused, uncomprehending, and then...

     Hard. ... angry? They turned away, and his own slid shut as their owner left, alone once more as he was left to bubbling of his container, the constant hum that so often lulled him to sleep - until something cracked, and the world shuddered around him. His vision returned, just in time to see the glass in front of him splintering, crumbling, and then breaking beneath a force that struck it. His world was drawn through that jagged hole, sucked out, spreading across the floor - he might have joined it, had he not been caught.

     Something warm curled beneath his back, held him up as he blinked slowly, uncomprehendingly, at the lips that were moving above him. Their was muted, however, no real sound registering to him, even as he was tucked against a warm body.

     And though those lips seemed to shout at him            it was back into sleep that his mind would fall               for it would seem that he was not yet ready for the world

[pxzzlepieces-a]

His breath stops instantly, caught in his throat when he feels tentative fingers curl around his own. For a moment, he is unsure how to react, more so in fear that this would end the instant he made a sudden movement. Steeling himself, he closes his eyes, exhaling. It takes what seems to be forever until the magician’s fingers curl around the kings’ in equal tentative fashion. He can't bring himself to look at Atem, but his grip is relaxed enough -- despite his nervous, flushed expression.

@blackincantation

     There’s nothing for a time, and Atem wonders if, perhaps, he should let go. He’s about to, truthfully, when he’s stopped by the sensation of fingers slipping around his hand, and at last-

     At last          he breathes

     Though Seker doesn’t look, the former pharaoh peeks over slightly, taking in the mage’s expression, the redness of his cheeks. The urge to say something, anything, and yet he doesn’t know what. Instead, he finds his gaze dropping down to their joined hands, unable to keep from feeling awed by just how warm Seker’s hands are, how soothing.

     And instead, all he can manage          if a soft squeeze around those long fingers.

[pxzzlepieces-a]

He stiffens, feeling gentle fingers barely brush his once more -- it was a mistake, yes? They were standing so closely side to side after all. Nevertheless, the mage stares straight ahead, ignoring the sudden warmth spreading from his ears to his cheeks.

@blackincantation

     The response as Atem freezing in place, uncertain as to whether or not he should continue. Admittedly, he holds his breath, waiting to see if Seker pulls away, if he shows further sign of dislike for the contact - there’s none, however, for the mage seems to have gone quite still. He takes that as a chance, that perhaps the contact is not entirely unwelcome.

     Slowly, tentatively, do fingers inch over to curl slide over a palm, stretching across the length of it, curling around it. Still Atem doesn’t let out his breath, doesn’t dare to, not when it feels like he’s standing upon a wall that could crumble at any moment - and all because of such an innocent gesture.

[pxzzlepieces-a]

Accidentally brushes his hand against his. Tries to pretend it never happened, but his ears are terribly red. //for Atem

@blackincantation

     Oh, but he felt that. His eyes glance up towards the mage, though the other seems determined not to make eye contact - so he glances off to the side himself, cheeks gaining a pink shade to them.

     And yet, he couldn’t quite resist          brushing against the tips of warm fingers               that he was tempted to wrap around completely