“Tomorrow’s the big day, eh partner?” Atem said with a neutral tone. Yuugi didn’t reply. The spirit closed the space between them, striding from his perch on the end of the bed to where Yuugi had been sitting on the floor. He hugged the boy from behind, nuzzling his neck. “Partner… are you okay?”
“Mn.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Mn.” He buried his face into his raised knees, hiding his reddened eyes. Atem knew what was going through his mind, but he still wanted to get Yuugi talking.
“Yuugi…”
“I don’t want you to leave.” He whispered. “Why do you have to leave?”
“Because our destiny has been fulfilled and now I can finally rest.”
“Yeah, but why? Don’t you like me? Don’t you like being with me and my friends?”
“Of course I do, Yuugi, but it’s time to part ways. We mustn’t fight fate, you should know this better than anyone.”
“I don’t care about fate or destiny anymore! I don’t want to lose you..!” he cried, turning to face the spirit. His eyes were those of a scared child, wide and filled with tears. Under that, Atem could just see a hint of something else.
“Don’t say things like that, partner…”
“Why not? I should be able to tell you, of all people, what I really feel and think.” He said with a hint of cynicism.
“You’re being selfish.” the Pharaoh finally said, tone serious.
“I don’t care. I don’t want to give you up. Why should I have to? And don’t say it’s because we’ve finished our destined task. I don’t care about all that stuff.” He was back to huddling behind his knees as the spirit looked on, placing a hand on his back, patting him gently.
“I know it isn’t fair. I do.” He said, “But you mustn’t be selfish about this.”
“I know, I’m not thinking about what you need or want, I just… don’t want to lose you. You’re the most important person to me.”
“This would have been easier if I didn’t know my past.” Atem chuckled softly. “Because I’m torn. I want to stay, but I want to go. I miss my friends from my ancient past, but if I go back to them, I’ll miss you all.”
“Atem…” Yuugi said his actual name for emphasis. “What do you want?”
“I… want to go back to my friends…” he stumbled, gaze widening at Yuugi’s sudden forwardness.
“Do you really?”
“Yes…?” And now he was the one who was uncertain. Another drabble.