Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Atem stared down at the microphone all but shoved up his nose with an air of contempt.

His fingers clenched around the cup of coffee in his hands tightly enough he was worried about crushing it. He really should have just made himself a cup back at his place like Mahad kept telling him to do. It just never tasted as good when he made it himself.

And now he was paying the price of his hubris for daring to leave the relative safety of his apartment.

“Mr. Sennen, what brings you out here today?” one of the reporters asked, the one who seemed to think that the closer the microphone was to his face the better the answer would be.

Atem leveled him with a flat, blank look, “Coffee,” he said as bland and dry as toast with no butter. The reporter stammered as if only just realizing that they had all accosted him stepping out of a simple café. The microphone was pulled away only for a recorder to take its place a moment later.

Neutral face, calm and collected. Don’t give them anything you don’t want them to have.

They’ve already taken enough of you.

“Mr. Sennen, how are you preparing for the upcoming Regionals?”

Atem swallowed back a sigh, “By getting coffee.” He wiggled the quickly cooling drink in his hand for emphasis. He longed to duck away from this sooner rather than later. Where was Mahad when he needed him for a quick escape?

That’s right, he was enjoying his day off. Which Atem was supposed to be doing as well, but no, he can afford any luxury except for privacy it seemed. He’d be as bitter as his coffee, if he didn’t prefer it a tad on the sweet side.

“You look tired, has the anxiety of trying to maintain your title for the tenth year in a row begun to get to you?”

“No, I probably look tired because I haven’t had my coffee yet,” Atem replied, biting his tongue to try and not sound as annoyed as he felt. But he knew from experience that no matter what he said, no matter how carefully he schooled his features, something would come out of this that he hadn’t intended. He didn’t even know why he bothered at all anymore.

A few more questions were thrown at him carelessly, and he tried to let their voices flow over him as if they were water over an unmovable stone. At least until one particularly shrill voice broke through with the first question that actually stood out from the rest.

“Mr. Sennen, what are your thoughts on Yugi Mutou?”

Atem froze, mostly just because after so many years of being asked the same questions over and over, this one was the first of its kind. He found himself caught off guard as he blinked over at the tiny blonde reporter who held a notepad in her hands and had a pen tucked behind her ear, how very old fashioned of her.

What is a Yugi Mutou, some kind of mixed drink?

“Am I supposed to know what that is?” he asked in a bored tone, already lamenting the time he’d already lost in getting trapped by this latest batch of reporters. Honestly though, outside his favorite café? Now he’d have to find another one to frequent that didn’t mess up his admittedly complicated order. And this one had been so conveniently close to his apartment...

“Yugi was last year’s Junior Champion title winner,” she supplied with a wide grin.

Atem blinked, now officially done with the conversation, “I have not followed the junior division since I was in the junior division,” he dismissed, all interest lost again.

But it seemed she wasn’t done as she moved a step closer, her eyes narrowing into something sharper, “Were you aware then that last night he beat Seto Kaiba for the title of Regionals Champion for Eastern Asia?”

And his interest flickered to life once more.

No, no he had not been aware. Of course, he’d known the regionals that his number one rival was a part of were concluding last night. He’d chosen to go to bed early rather than watch, having already given up on anything exciting happening during the finals. Kaiba always won after all, and with the same tactics he'd been harping on for years. But now it seemed Atem had been wrong about that. A shame he missed it live, but he could always look up a video later of Seto’s face as he was trounced by someone other than Atem for once. Perhaps he should pick up popcorn to snack on while doing so.

Although that would mean he’d have to risk going out again and having reporters ask him why he was buying popcorn. Would it even be worth it at that point?

“What does Yugi’s rise in the ranks mean for you and the World Tournament next year, Mr. Sennen?” she asked, breaking him from his thoughts again.

He met her gaze unwaveringly.

“Just because this Yugi kid was able to beat Seto Kaiba does not mean that he can beat me. Or have you all learned nothing from the last nine years?” he scoffed, narrowing his gaze to angry slits as flashes of cameras started to erupt around him. His fingers curled around the scribbled marks on his coffee cup. The last thing he wanted was an article to appear tomorrow listing his preferred coffee order and where to get it, while another painted an ugly picture of a spoiled celebrity with picky tastes. The picky part may have been partially true, but no one needed to know that.

“As of now, Yugi means nothing to me. Now, if you would excuse me, I have plans I am now late for,” he snapped when one reporter got just a little too close to his elbow. He pulled away from the microphones and began to push his way through the dense collection of cameras and recording tech all pointed at him.

His scowl deepened as he finally broke free, and he hurried down the street to where his car was parked before they could catch up. He knew of course that a few would make an attempt to follow him to find out where he was headed, but thanks to Mahad, Atem knew how to lose tails when necessary.

At least he would have his coffee to keep him company for however long it took to shake them off. He just hoped it hadn’t gotten cold being held against his will.

As he pulled away from the curb, his mind finally allowed him to actually think about this ‘Yugi Mutou’. Had Kaiba finally lost his touch? Or was there something more to the latest up and comer? 

Perhaps he had lied a little when telling the reporter that Yugi’s rise meant nothing. Atem did not expect, although maybe he hoped, for a challenge after so long. This could just be a fluke easily too though, and this truly would mean nothing to him. Yugi could lose the title back to Kaiba in next season’s Regionals and nothing would have changed for Atem.

Yes, this truly could mean nothing in the long run.

But part of him wondered if it meant that maybe...just maybe, it would mean things would get interesting once more.

He still wanted that popcorn though. Perhaps he’d call Mahad and have him bring it by later.

Chapter Text

The popcorn lay forgotten in his lap as he watched the final match between Kaiba and the newcomer, Yugi Mutou. If Atem had not already known who would be victorious in this match, he could have assumed from the start, watching them walk up, that once again his rival would prevail just on appearance of his opponent. Even knowing he still felt a level of disbelief as he watched the short, young man step onto the field, looking about as confident as a mouse facing down a lion. The somewhat punk-ish goth hybrid clothing he wore did very little to harden his softer features and round eyes. Everything about his face screamed youth to Atem, and it made Yugi appear very much like he’d just stepped out of the Junior’s League. He practically felt a cavity starting to develop just looking at his sweet little face and shy smiles as he waved to the crowd.

It wasn’t until the bell rung and the duel began that Atem could bring himself to believe that this boy had actually managed to beat the second best duelist in the world. Suddenly the shy mouse was gone and in its place was either a snarling chihuahua or a rabid rabbit that met every one of Kaiba’s vicious moves with a snap of his own little teeth. 

Even when it looked like Kaiba had him cornered and was about to go for the slender throat clad in a collar of all things, Yugi managed to flip it around like a kitten pulling a seismic toss of something twenty times its size. 

He was good. Very good.

Kaiba was no pushover though, and victory did not come easily to either party. In the end though, it had been a solid, strategic pull out for Yugi as Kaiba’s life point fell to zero. It could not be attributed to luck, even Atem had to begrudgingly admit that. Although it would remain to be seen if Kaiba’s ego would allow him the same clarity. 

Going off of Kaiba’s face as the two were positioned on the podium, Atem was not so sure that had happened yet. The scowl was more deeply set than even what Atem had seen while standing above him at past World Tournaments. He barely even twitched in any sort of recognition as his name was announced in second place, and somehow defied all sense of physical limitation when the scowl went impossibly deeper as Yugi was crowned as the new Regional Champion. 

Atem studied the boy as he shyly ducked his head as the crowd cheered loudly as his name was announced as the first-place winner. He seemed almost…delicate as his arm stuttered into something that might have been a wave. Small, and shrinking further under the lights and attention. Atem felt a sudden and uncontrollable urge to shield the little one from it, because no one knew better than Atem what came next. What awful things would come next...

This was only his first few months in the big leagues, and whatever attention he may have garnered in Junior’s would be nothing compared to what would come now. Yugi had made his name known loud and fast, with no time to allow for a slow and measured introduction into this kind of notoriety and fame. No one knew better than Atem what would come next. He almost pitied the little thing. But it was not his place to care, and certainly not his place to do anything about it. 

Yugi signed up for this when he joined the adult League, he’d have to deal with all that came with it and adjust. Just as Atem had to do. 

“Do you think his manager has him dress like that to appear more intimidating?” Mana asked around a full mouth of popcorn.  

“If they do, they have failed miserably. Like putting a spiked collar on a papillon puppy,” Atem mumbled, finally allowing himself a handful of the popcorn before Mana ate it all. 

Mahad calmly sipped at his wine, “I believe the original purpose of those spiked collars was actually to protect the wearer, not to appear intimidating.”

“Well, given how Seto looks like he would like nothing more than to bite out Yugi’s jugular, maybe his manager had the right idea having him dress like that,” Mana giggled. 

Atem grimaced, imagining what Kaiba was likely doing at this very moment in the wake of his loss. He’d barely taken it when Atem beat him year after year at World’s, he could only imagine how poorly he’d react to losing to someone who was honestly not on anyone’s radar until now. Junior league transfers usually took years to build up the skill and stamina to work up to regional rounds, so none of the professionals really paid any attention to them from the start. Up until now, Atem and Kaiba were the only ones who came out of Junior’s hard and fast, and that had been almost a decade ago. 

“He seems a gentle soul, don’t you think, Atem?” Mahad asked, drawing the duelist’s attention back from the past. 

Atem shrugged, “How am I supposed to know? That innocence could all be an act for all we know. I’d have to watch the Junior’s recordings to see if it holds up. But I truly don’t care enough to bother right now. He’s not even in my region, I won’t have to face him for months at the earliest. And that’s only if he qualifies for World's.”

What Mahad didn’t need to know was that as soon as him and Mana left, Atem would be doing just that. While his bodyguard and personal assistant were likely the only people he would dare count as close friends, this was too much to openly admit even to them. He trusted the two of them with his body, but he trusted no one with much more than that these days. Too much of himself had already been exposed over the years thanks to cruel reporters and fans who didn’t seem to understand his desire for privacy. So much of himself had been lost to them, whatever remained his own was guarded under lock, key, and a metaphorical bullet proof safe.

“But if he maintains the title, or ranks in the top three of the Region by next year then you’ll see him at World’s,” Mahad pointed out.

Atem grunted in way of reply, and grabbed for more popcorn just as an excuse to not dignify any further response. But part of the reason he liked to keep Mana around was because she knew how to lift a mood. Even if it sometimes was done rather loudly.

She sighed wistfully, leaning forward as they all watched Yugi appear in the post-event press conference interview, “He just looks so sweet, even with how they dressed him! Oh, I just want to give him cookies and wrap him in a blanket before the media and stress gets to him, you know?”

Atem snorted indelicately, throwing back a sip of his wine, “It’ll be too late for that. He’s probably already been swarmed by them. They won’t let up until he finally loses and fades into nothingness, or the pressure gets to him and he drops out. And maybe not even then.”

“And what will you do now that you have won the Regional Champion title, Mr. Mutou?”

“Well, I guess there is still a couple more tournaments coming up. I’ll try my best at all of those,” came the timid reply. Yugi’s eyelids were fluttering as he winced through each and every flash of came on his face. 

“And what do you have to say to all of your future opponents?”

”Uh…good luck and that I look forward to dueling?” Yugi sounded like he was answering with a question, and Atem could not help but chuckle sadly as he shook his head. Mana groaned sympathetically, having dealt with a response like that before.

“Wait until tomorrow when the news is just a sound bite of him saying ‘good luck’ like it’s some sort of taunt,” she bemoaned. Mahad took a bigger sip of wine. 

“They’re going to eat him alive,” Atem predicted darkly. Neither Mana nor Mahad tried to correct him. They’d seen it too many times already. Yugi would be no different. 

The dueling world was not an easy one. Even less so for those fighting for their lives at the top. It didn’t matter any of their original reasons for getting into dueling in the first place, it was a bloodthirsty business as much as A-List actors or top athletes. Not everyone was cut out for it.

And looking at Yugi cringing under the bright spotlights above, Atem had to wonder how long it would be before they broke him. Just like they broke everything else they touched.

This world either ate one up and spat them back out once they were done chewing them through, or you were stuck within its maw where escape was impossible, and you learned to just live with the teeth around you. Atem had been trapped here for almost ten years now, and he was still waiting for when he’d get spat out. Sometimes it seemed preferable to whatever life this was. 

Atem stared blandly ahead, gaze unfocused, as cameras shuttered in his face and microphones were all held aloft. He drew in a long breath to let it out slowly, trying his best to keep his features smooth. Mana had been coaching him almost daily now to stop appearing so ‘frowny’ for the cameras, but it was starting to feel like it was the only battle Atem could not truly win. Even now he could already feel his brows beetling together as he tried to make sense of what was being asked now.

Wasn’t this interview supposed to have just been a pre-season catch up before his regional's qualifications? Why did it sound more like they were trying to write an article for a gossip magazine? 

“Mr. Sennen, rumors have been circulating that you’ve begun seeing your gym instructor, is this true?”

Atem sighed, “I do not have a gym instructor, so no. A question pertaining to dueling next, please?”

“Mr. Sennen as the reigning champion for nine consecutive years, are you at all worried—“

Wait for it…this may be a relevant one…Atem held his breath.

“—that your advancing age will start to negatively affect your game?”

So close. He’s actually have preferred it to have been about his non existent dating life.

“I’m still in my twenties, I’m hardly considered geriatric,” he said, rubbing at his temple where he could feel the beginnings of a headache forming. A regular occurrence at events like this. 

“Mr. Sennen, is it true that you were seen outside of a hotel with a young woman in Alexandria?”

And there was the dating life question. He instantly regretting mentally asking for one.

Atem blinked once, twice, and a third time before replying, “I have been in Alexandria many times, seeing how it is where I am originally from. I have stayed in many hotels. And if I recall correctly, women exist in my home city. Unless this leads to an important question regarding dueling, I don’t see why you are wasting your breath asking me such things.”

He heard the slap of skin from off to the side of the table where he knew Mana had likely slapped her hand over her eyes hearing the reply. Atem knew he’d be scolded later, but honestly, what was he even supposed to say to that kind of question? Were they expecting him to cave in and admit to some sordid affair that lasted all of one night in some unnamed hotel in a massive city he was from? One that very much did not happen?

Thankfully another reporter stood up next and Atem tried to mentally manifest an actually pertinent question to be asked this time.

“What are your thoughts on Yugi Mutou?” This one asked, and Atem qualified it as somewhat relevant at least.

He shrugged, “I have not dueled him yet, so I cannot say much about him.”

But even with the indifferent reply, this reporter got that glint in his eye that many did when they thought they scented blood in the water. Atem braced himself and saw Mahad straighten up out of the corner of his eye, his bodyguard probably wondering if he’d have to haul Atem out of there before something violent happened.

Metaphorically anyway. Atem was known for being calm, aloof and indifferent for the most part after all. He left all the violence up to Keith.

“But as your new rival, surely you want to be ready to face him in you meet up at World’s.”

“Rival? How can he be a rival when I’ve never even met him, let alone dueled him?” Atem felt something in him snap.

“He beat your long-standing rival, Seto Kaiba, this makes him the top contender for taking your title seeing how no one has ever come close save for Kaiba,” the reporter shot back just as quickly.

Atem felt himself bristle, “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Just because he beat Kaiba does not mean he can beat me. The kid needs to be a lot stronger than what very little I’ve seen of him if he wants to stand a chance.”

Another slap of skin sounded from the far end of the table. Atem bit his tongue after that and another reporter finally took over, this time asking him about what diet he followed to remain so lean. 

It was only years of training from Mana that stopped him from replying with some ridiculous answer just to spite them. Although telling them that he ate a pinecone a day for breakfast would have certainly been funny…for a few minutes at least. Until he later found out half his fans were starting to eat pinecones because their favorite duelist told them to.

No more questions were asked about Yugi at least, and Atem hoped he’d hear nothing more about the kid until it was time for World’s. 

After so many years in the spotlight, Atem felt that he lived in a constant stake of fluctuating between not caring the slightest bit of what the media thought, and then caring too much about what they thought. 

But he’d also learned long ago that appearing defensive of anything they said only made things worse.

And as he was coming to learn now, apparently appearing indifferent could be just as bad.

“Atem Sennen, long standing and senior champion of Duel Monsters, has all but completely dismissed new up and coming duelist Yugi Mutou as any sort of competition. Even going so far to say Yugi Mutou doesn’t matter, much to the young duelists heartbroken dismay. But experts are saying—“

Atem leaned forward, rubbing at his temples as he fought against his latest headache. Senior? Really? Since when was that a term used for his title? Just stick to King of Games, please, before they started calling him Elder of Games or something else equally insulting.

And he hadn’t even met this Yugi Mutou yet, and already he was quickly becoming the bane of his existence. As much as he liked to remind the media that he was not old, he was feeling it these days when Mana kept sending him news clips like this. They were even worse when they included the kid in question on the other half of the coin. 

“Twenty-year-old, Mr. Mutou has also been asked about the developing rivalry on multiple occasions and had this to say...”

The camera cut to Yugi’s face as he blinked like a deer in headlights, seemingly caught outside of what looked like a basic game shop, “O-oh, uh, I guess it’s fair that he doesn’t have much of an opinion on me. I am kinda new and all that. And he’s a legend! I don’t think I’d compare myself to him either. It’s an honor just being mentioned in the same sentence as him,” Yugi replied candidly, blushing as he rubbed a hand through his hair. 

Atem felt the Yugi shaped cavity deepen.

“Despite all of Sennen’s insistence that Mutou doesn’t stand a chance against him, Mutou appears to be letting it all roll off his shoulders as we all wait eagerly to see what match ups could be on the horizon for World's next year.”

“Thanks for that update. I’m sure we’ll hear plenty more from both duelists as we move deeper into the season. For now, here is a report on the ranking of top ten sexiest duelists that are still rumored to be single! And see where the new and darling Yugi Mutou ranks among his older competitors. And after that, join us as we talk about who is rumored to be dating who in the North American division!”

“Great, he’s becoming their little sweetheart,” Atem mumbled as he thumbed through the several other clips and articles Mana had sent overnight. Honestly, did she ever sleep? He’d gotten something sent almost every hour through the night. He grimaced as he saw an article that had a picture of him from a year ago standing outside of his apartment building where a fan had stopped him for an autograph. Unfortunately, the photo blocked the paper he’d been signing and they were claiming he’d taken yet another lover to his bed. Despite it being a year-old photo and untrue, Atem knew he’d make it once again to the top rank for the biggest players in dueling. And by player, he did not mean actual dueling. This was just Mana’s kind way of warning him that he’d won that title again.

Even though Atem hadn’t even found the time or desire to be intimate with anyone in years, it seemingly didn’t matter. The media would see what it wanted to see and nothing else. 

He could remember a time when the reporters had been kinder to him too. When he used to smile sweetly at the camera like Yugi did. Before he’d learned their sneaky ways and the fact they were more interested in a story that sold rather than the truth. Or anyone's feelings.  

It was only a matter of time before Yugi learned his lesson in that sense. He tried to convince himself he didn’t care that he knew eventually they’d turn on the kid too. Just like he tried to convince himself that it shouldn’t bother him how vulnerable a seemingly sweet kid like Yugi was leaving himself so open for them from the start.  Nobody cared when they’d turned on him years ago. Why should he feel bad for anyone else?

“Atem, I’m begging you. Please stop engaging with the reporters when they ask about Yugi. Each time you do they just warp it to sound like you’re bullying him. It’s bad for your image, and I hate when they make you out to sound so mean when we both know you’re an absolute teddy bear at heart,” Mana whined as she started to put away the make-up supplies.

Atem was leaning forward to check her make-up work in the mirror, pleased to see she’d done a good job on it once again. Mahad lurked around the back of the dressing room, arms crossed over his chest.

“I don’t know if even I would describe myself as a teddy bear, Mana,” Atem said as he got up to check the clothes she’d picked out, “And while I do not appreciate them making up a mortal enemy I did not ask for, there is little I can do to stop them at this point without making it worse. If Yugi manages to keep his rank and manages to meet up against me at World's, then I’ll just beat him there and this will be over and done with. We’ve got six months to survive through until that.”

He quirked a brow as he took in the clothes laid out for him, once again marveling at Mana’s ability to fill so many roles for him so well. He once had a full team working for him at the start of his dueling career, but after one too many breeches in confidence, Atem had shrunk his team down to the only ones who had been faithful from the start. Thankfully they were also incredibly competent. Mana seamlessly filled the role of personal assistant, public relations, manager, scheduler, make-up artist, and wardrobe stylist. 

And even if Mahad’s actual title was just that of bodyguard, Mahad would argue he functioned as nursemaid and therapist in addition to that. 

And that was all fine and well to Atem. He didn’t need more than that anyway. 

A fitted dress shirt that went well with his preferred gold jewelry, accentuating make up, and sinfully fitted jeans would do well for a simple TV interview like this one. Even seated, it would still do wonders to show off his best assets. He had to maintain his rank as number one on the sexiest duelists list, after all. Mai was getting a little too close to stealing the only other title he cared about lately. Thankfully Yugi was still far down ranked at number eight, although Atem wondered if that was a fair ranking. It seemed a little low to him, not that he would dare to say such out loud. Maybe he’d lost points with that innocently sweet disposition of his?

“Did they agree to stick to the approved questions list?” Atem asked as he undid the top three buttons of his shirt and began to roll the sleeves up past his forearms.

Mana grimaced, “The assistant at the front desk said she couldn’t find the signed agreement.”

Atem rolled his eyes, they both knew that really meant that they’d chosen not to stick to the listed questions. Of course, they had the choice now of leaving the interview entirely because of the breach of contract, but they’d done that before and they’d played it up to make it seem like Atem had thrown a royal tantrum and stormed out because they didn’t have his favorite snacks in his dressing room. 

He waved his hand dismissively to Mana, a silent assurance he’d go on with the interview anyway. It was TV after all, they couldn’t get too inappropriate at least. 

Or so he thought.

“So, Mr. Sennen, your dating history has been…colorful, wouldn’t you say?” The female reporter on the left asked, her painfully bright red lipstick pulling back into a grin that looked almost demonic.

Atem leaned back in the chair, careful to keep his body language open and calm even as he felt his entire body tense up so fast he may have pulled something internally, “I don’t know if I would say that at all,” he replied cautiously. If anything, it was a stunning shade of beige of late.

“But you have been seen with both men and women over the years. Many in fact,” she pressed.

Atem sucked at his teeth before replying, “I work with people every day.”

“We’re talking about dating them.”

“Are we? I don’t believe I’ve ever confirmed dating anyone,” Atem shot back.

“Ah, so you are saying you prefer one-night stands?”

“I’m not saying that either. I cannot confirm anything of the sort. My love life, or lack thereof, is not up for discussion,” he said, reciting what Mana had made him repeat back to her five times before letting him get on stage. 

The reporter’s eye twitched, but the smile stayed in place as if made of plastic, “I see. Well, perhaps you can comment instead on your rival’s recent reveal. We’re you aware that yesterday Yugi Mutou made it public that he was bisexual?”

Now it was Atem’s eye that twitched as many years of speculation and uncomfortable interviews, rude comments, and public pressures all came barreling back to the forefront of his mind unbidden. His own coming out had been less of a reveal and more of unwanted and too sudden exposure. He could not imagine revealing such a thing willingly after the backlash he’d gotten. 

He shifted uncomfortably in the chair, drawing a leg up as he closed his hands over his ankle just to have something to grab onto that wasn’t the squeaky leather armrests that would give him away. 

“I don’t see what that has to do with dueling. I don’t care about any of that. What I care about is if he can hold his own against an opponent, I don’t care about who he takes to bed. Mutou should focus on his game and nothing else if he wants to keep his rank, and if he ever hopes to place against me,” he snapped. 

He heard the slap of skin off stage, and knew he’d gone and messed up again. He sat back in the chair again, letting himself sink deeper into it, just like he kept sinking deeper into the hole he’d gone and dug for himself once again.

Atem’s face was buried in his hands as the week from hell continued to play out in every form of media that existed. Half of it was speculations of Atem and his impending mental breakdown (which honestly may not be that far off), or clips played of Yugi’s heartbroken expression as reporters told him to his sweet little face that his dueling idol seemingly hated him and told him to focus on his game.

Mana grimaced as she clicked to a different news channel that showed a clip of Yugi training in one of Japan’s well-known arenas, seemingly taking the advice to heart at least. And then cut to a clip of Atem getting coffee from another café...and not training. Making him look like an even bigger jackass than they’d already concluded he was. And honestly Atem felt like they may be right for once. 

“Forgive me for suggesting this, but perhaps it would be wise to reach out to Yugi directly? Clear the air as it were?” Mahad suggested. Atem had no public events today, and Mana had made sure that anything for the next two weeks was cancelled, so there was really no reason for Mahad to even be there with them as they watched his shame play out on TV…but even so, Atem was grateful for his calming presence all the same. As much as he longed to be left alone…he didn’t want to be alone.  

“That’s not a bad idea, Atem. I can reach out to whoever manages him and ask for his number,” Mana said gently. 

The massive luxury apartment he called his own felt stiflingly small right now after days of shutting himself away inside. He did not want to be caught outside right now, not by anyone. He didn’t want to be perceived, judged, admired, hated, or even seen right now. 

But he hated being stuck here all the same. 

“Knowing me lately, I’d probably find a way to make him cry,” he groaned through his hands. 

“Maybe they’d be tears of joy because his idol was speaking to him?” Mana offered brightly. Atem whimpered and let himself fall heavily on his side, the couch all that saved him from crashing to the floor. He flung his arm over his face, unable to face his friend’s concerned gazes right now. He was making all their lives more difficult, and it wasn’t even intentional. He didn’t deserve their kindness. 

He heard her sigh and the remote click again as she changed it to another channel.

Suddenly Atem heard Yugi’s voice coming from the screen and he brought his other arm up to cover his entire face, not wanting to see those massive eyes staring back at him, probably welling up with tears or red rimmed. He didn’t think there would be a more damning sight than those eyes, that probably would use candy dishes for contact lenses, looking back at him sadly because of something he’d said. 

But then he actually listened to what was being said on the TV and he frowned behind the sleeves of his linen shirt.

“If that old man thinks he can hold the title forever, then he’s got another thing coming. Me. I’ve dealt with bullies my whole life. He doesn’t scare me at all.”

Atem’s arms fell away as he bolted up from the couch to stare at the TV, seeing not Yugi’s round eyes red rimmed and glassy, but sharp and angry as he looked down at the camera.

Mahad gaped openly beside him as Mana let out a soft gasp of shock.

Atem’s mouth opened and closed a few times before finally forming words. Old man?!

“Why, that jumped up little shit.”

Chapter Text

So, the little mouse had teeth outside of the arena after all. Atem was starting to regret the week of self-imprisonment he’d subjected himself to as it appeared that Yugi had gotten over the heartbreak of his idol rejecting him and was spitting back like a seasoned pro wrestler in shit talking in the span of a day. 

Maybe he’d last longer in this business than Atem thought?

While this should have made him feel a little better to have been part of the reason Yugi was growing a bit more of a backbone, Atem found that he still felt guilt over it even so. It made him think back to all the cruel things said about him when he’d first come on the scene, and all the venom spat between the meaner duelists that he’d tried to stay above. He had never wanted to be part of that cruelty that sometimes came with the territory of competition, but found himself in it all the same it seemed. And to have it directed at Yugi, even if unintentionally, may have made Atem feel like the bully Yugi accused him of being. 

Despite his reluctant entrance to the ‘shit-talking’ side show, Atem still firmly believed he was still above other participants in the side game like Keith and Haga were. He just hated to be grouped with scum like them at all. Keith especially. He’d rather be ranked among the worst dressed list three seasons consecutively than be placed in the same category as that man. 

Thankfully Mana was much too good at her job to land him in anything other than best dressed every time. 

Atem knew he’d have to redeem himself at least a little as his own Regional’s Tournament drew closer. While he didn’t think his unfortunate slip ups regarding Yugi would have any effect on his game, it would still make all the required press conferences a nightmare to behold. 

But at least they couldn’t hold him responsible for being the one to make Yugi cry himself out of his top rankings. Already Yugi had taken part in two smaller charity tournament events and come out blazingly on top each time. Once again proving his duel with Kaiba was hardly a fluke. Not that Atem ever believed it was. The kid was far too interesting, and Atem found himself drawn in in spite of himself. He should be distancing himself from the kid. But instead, he was just digging himself in deeper into his Yugi shaped hole by following along with his ranking and the news surrounding him. 

Atem couldn't remember when he'd last spent so much of his time pouring over articles and clips of the game. It was stirring something awake inside of him, oddly enough. It almost got him excited for his own regionals coming up. Almost. He still knew it would be like all the other hundreds of tournaments he'd competed in over the last decade, not truly worth getting his heartrate up really. 

Thank goodness that Yugi would not be in attendance to the upcoming regionals for his division at least. Atem didn’t want to think what it would be like to come face to face with him right now. For all he knew, the media had riled up their new little darling enough that the kid would go fully feral and claw at his eyes the moment their eyes met. 

Although it was difficult to imagine even that given how kind his face appeared when he now wasn’t clapping back at whatever accidental word vomit Atem had managed to spew that day. 

Maybe Atem was overthinking it. Besides, it was unlikely he’d see Yugi until World’s anyway. That was plenty of time for things to cool down.

It turned out that while Atem may not have had to worry about meeting Yugi any time soon, he probably should have worried about meeting anyone associated with him.

Because apparently Atem forgot that newcomers like Yugi usually came with friends who hadn’t learned to hate him for his fame yet. Ones even willing to fly out to an event outside of the country to confront him.

“Hey, Sennen! You’ve got some fucking nerve talking shit about my friend like that.”

Atem paused, caught off guard at the sudden harsh voice ringing out over the usually happy screams of his gathered fans lined up outside the event. Mahad shifted closer at his back, placing his body instantly between Atem and whoever was raising their voice startlingly louder than the shrill masses of teenaged girls. Unable to contain his curiosity though, Atem peered out past the bulk of his bodyguard to try and see who was making that racket.

Quickly he caught sight of the person, mostly because of the raised fist in the air as well as his face being the only one not starry eyed and screaming to have his baby. He seemed to have quickly noted Atem seeing him because his reddened face darkened even further as he pushed his way through the crowd of fans until only the stanchions and security team were holding him back. 

“Can I help you?” Atem asked warily. Mahad made a tsking noise behind him, clearly unhappy Atem was engaging with an angered person. This meant Atem would be getting a scolding later, but he’d come to expect it anyway. He just couldn’t do anything right these days.

“You bet you can help me! I want you to lay off Yuug,” he snapped. 

Atem frowned, his head tilting to the side in confusion, “Yuge? Is that slang for something?” He turned to Mahad, although he didn’t know why. Mahad was even worse when it came to whatever strange words the youth were making up these days. Didn’t they already have enough words without adding more nonsensical ones every year? They needed Mana for this.

“Yuug. Yu-gi! Yugi Mutou, you old creep! That’s my friend you’ve been dissing and I’m not about to let you just keep getting away with it,” he said, raising his fist between them only for Mahad to easily push it back down.

Mahad leveled Atem with an unimpressed look as he easily held the struggling kids arm down, “Atem, what did you say about Yugi now?” he asked.

Atem gaped, raising his hands in defense mode, “Hell if I know this time, I haven’t said a word about him in weeks. You know that!”

The kid was listening though and scoffed loudly, “Yeah, well you’ve said plenty before that! You have any idea what those words did to him? You were his idol, you arrogant prick. I bet you aren’t half the duelist he is, but we aren’t even going to get a chance to find out because I’m gonna be the one to knock you out of World's before you even get a chance to get near him,” the kid spat back.

Atem frowned, looking his face over with more care this time. He grimaced when a name finally clicked in place, “Wait, I know you. You took sixth at Regionals in Japan. Kaiba beat you to advance.”

The kid puffed up his chest, “That’s right, you better get used to hearing the name Jounouchi, because me and my buddy Yuug are coming straight up to the top to take your crown. About time the new generation brought life back to dueling,” the duelist, Jounouchi said proudly. 

Mahad rolled his eyes as Atem scowled, “You think you’re the first recent Junior’s transfer to say that to me? Nine years and no one has lived up to the promise. I’ll wish you all the luck just like all those that came before you,” he said with a wave of his hand as he walked into the event. He heard Jounouchi sputtering behind him, but paid it no mind as Mahad escorted him away from the screaming fans that finally managed to drown out his voice. 

Strangely though, as the door closed behind him, he swore he still heard the challenge ringing through his mind. 

After seeing one too many celebrities fall to dangerous vices over the years, Atem knew better than to drink himself into oblivion just because he found himself once again alone in his apartment on a Friday night.

He longed to do something just to break free of the prison he’d found himself in for years, but knew he didn’t want to deal with the consequences of even allowing himself a few hours of limited happiness. Even sneaking into a movie held little appeal, because the last thing he wanted was to be recognized sitting alone in a theatre only for there to be a report the next day about his lonely ass not even having a date for a movie. Even going for a walk came with risks unless he wore some disguise, and his pride made it very difficult to reduce himself to such a level just for a stroll through the park.

Coffee was the only thing worth the risk these days, and he’d even given that up in favor of giving Mana or Mahad an additional bonus if they brought it to him.

At least he was fitter than ever before thanks to his apartment complex having their own gym. It was the only thing he left his rooms for just for a change of scenery. He’d probably look even better if he didn’t have to keep ordering in food just to avoid going shopping. He had even tried to have a shopping service do it for him, but they were always terrible at picking out the best produce and he’d given up fast after that.

What he wouldn’t give to not be himself for a few hours...

Atem slowly paced around the large expanse of his apartment. Taking in elegant pool table in the back that no one but him had used in at least three years. Then turning to see the long wooden dining room table that even he hadn’t used since his interior decorator insisted on it. There were ten chairs seated around it. Ten. He could only think of two people he’d ever want to share a meal with, and he paid them to work for him.

The massive sectional leather couch that had cost some unseemly amount of money had only one decorative pillow and one single throw blanket in the only spot that got used by him. The rest of the couch was almost pristine, with not even the hint of an indent where anyone else sat since the cleaners came through.

There was a guest bedroom that had never been touched. Atem didn’t even want to look at the door as he stalked past it, because it only made him wonder if he’d ever have someone want to partake in a life like his.

The large patio beckoned to him welcomingly due to the lovely sight it had over his city, but he’d avoided for years thanks to a journalist with a very impressive zoom lens that had managed to catch his latest tryst and Atem enjoying the hot tub and then the patio chairs...and then the patio floor...

He shook his head, as much as he’d like to enjoy memories of that adventurous night, they’d been spoiled by the images being leaked online. That had been years ago now, and he still couldn’t bring himself to go outside on the patio anymore. Even alone.

He walked past it and decided that he couldn’t do the gym for the third time today without hurting something. He may as well just go to bed early.

Which led him to his bedroom.

His interior decorator had done a marvelous job making the room scream opulence and comfort. Everything just bragged of money, even if Atem didn’t truly care all that much about the money. He’d just wanted a comforting place to call his own, and he’d gotten that.

It was indeed comfortable...and it was indeed his own. Only his own.

He yanked back the black satin sheets, wondering if it weren’t for the cleaners that came by if a plume of dust would have risen from the other side of the bed. The sheets felt cool against his skin as he slid in. Never warm at first, because it was only ever him here. No one else was there to keep them warm after all.

But it was fine. The mattress was the perfect ratio of soft and hard. The sheets cost more than he cared to admit. And the comforter was as heavy and plush as it could be without crushing or suffocating him at night. What more could he possibly ask for?

He asked himself that again and again over the next few hours as he stared at the ceiling, waiting for when he finally was able to fall asleep.

The flurry of movement around his bedroom almost seemed foreign to the space given all it had seen of life in the last years had only been himself.

It was just a shame it was only by two people he adored like siblings, and not anyone of more promising reasons to be here.

“Mana, I really don’t want to do another public event so close to regionals,” Atem said, trailing behind her as she began shoving armfuls of clothes into his suitcase. 

Mahad was sitting on his bed, flipping through the latest issue of Duelist’s Elite magazine absently. Atem grimaced when he saw Yugi’s face on the cover as he tried not to think of how good the photo was of the younger duelist. It had been a moment of weakness that he hadn’t instantly burned it once it showed up in his mail. He hoped Mahad didn’t question why it was in his bedroom of all places that weren't the trash, because Atem had been asking himself that all week. 

“This is a charity event, Atem. It’s not only good for your image, but you always attend a few of these before dueling season really takes off. You’ve been so holed up lately that you haven’t even gone to one. They’re the only non-dueling thing you actually look forward to,” Mana said over her shoulder as she began to pack his toiletries bag for him. 

Atem tried not to question how she knew exactly what he usually packed himself, but then again, he paid her to know everything. Still, how did she even know that drawer was where he put his belts?

“It’s one of your favorite charities too, Atem. Besides, I’d like to visit that city again. There’s this little street food cart that I’ve been dreaming about for a year now,” Mahad said, still thumbing through another article. Atem stuck his tongue out with disgust to see Keith’s shirtless body flexing from behind a block of text saying ‘he was ready to squash the competition’. 

Atem was far too old to whine, so he groaned instead as he flopped back on his bed that still felt too large even with Mahad and his suitcase taking up most of it. 

Mana hummed some happy sounding tune as she gleefully dumped another armload of clothes and travel items into the open case. Atem didn’t even bother to try and stop her now. It would take too much effort to unpack, and they were right. He did enjoy attending the charity events. Not the actual attending part, but the giving back part. For all the trouble his fame caused him, he still could appreciate the draw they he brought when he showed up at events like this. It always meant more money being poured into whatever cause he was supporting that wasn’t just from his own bulging wallet. 

Thankfully, news reporters were usually confined to the outside of charity events, and he wouldn’t have to endure their attention for long. He was usually safe within the ballrooms where events like this were held. And maybe if the stars and planets aligned he could find someone who may not know his name or face well enough to risk a romp back in his hotel room. After the last month, he felt like he could use the release. It had been far too long. 

“Fine. Just pack the black suit and the dark maroon shirt. I’d like to fade into the background this time,” he sighed and let Mana finish packing for him. He tried not to read too much into the strange relationship he had with the two people who were technically his employees when he saw Mana slip condoms and lube into a side pocket. At least she had faith in his love life, even if Atem didn’t.

It’s just a charity event, not even one held in a region he competed in. If he was lucky, the only people who would recognize him would be the fans and reporters forced to stay outside the ballroom. 

Yes, maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. Perhaps it would even help turn his recent miserable existence around, and maybe even distract him from even thinking about anyone named Yugi for a least a few hours.

He should have known he wouldn’t be that lucky.