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Oftentimes people think that death is a horrible thing. That the act of it seems harsh because how cruel it is to have a loved one ripped from your life with nothing but memories and the hopeful notion that one day you may meet again in a different world.
While death is that one thing in life that’s inescapable, it is most often forgotten about until it’s greeting you with an unforgiving smile. People avoid discussing it because it often elicits unpleasant emotions and scary thoughts but no matter how fast you run from it, death will always be faster.
Sometimes it came suddenly, an unexpected event ripping the soul from the body prematurely. Other times it was simply a natural process of being alive. The human body could only survive for so long before it tired out and the soul needed to find a new place to thrive.
Even with the belief that there was somewhere out there that a loved one would sit and wait for you to join them, it didn’t make the separation easier when there was still so much potential in the life that had yet to be lived.
When Yugi thought of death it didn’t really mean the same thing to him. It was an abstract thing, as he’d met the love of his life when he’d already lost his life. Despite not having a beating heart, that amazing soul still found it in him to love and Yugi sheltered their love within his own heart, happy to share it.
To Yugi, death was just a reminder of how cruel life could be.
At one point that was how Yugi had felt, for there had been a brief moment where he thought he’d have to live the rest of his life knowing that his greatest love would never have the chance to grow old beside him. While it wasn’t death they were facing in that moment of separation, for Atem had already sacrificed his mortal body in an altruistic act of bravery, when it came time to part ways, it did feel like part of Yugi’s heart was dying the moment Atem walked through that door.
The moments after their separation were crippling and the emptiness inside Yugi was like nothing he could have ever imagined. Like death, Atem’s departure to Aaru was something that neither of them could stop… but thank goodness for divine intervention.
Whether it was an act of mercy or a gift for deeds done for others, neither of them knew. Neither bothered to ask, too overwhelmed in the light Atem’s resurrected body to even care. The Gods had given him back his own beating heart, one he could use to love and live a life for himself.
It had also been the greatest gift Yugi had ever been given. Atem was a blessing and he never let a day go by where he didn’t cherish him. Yugi sent thanks above each day they had together that was never meant to be, and yet still happened by the grace of those Gods.
Every birthday and milestone, the good and hard times. A lifetime of moments that shouldn't have happened but did.
It wasn’t always perfect. They’d had their fair share of trying tides but no matter what happened they knew as long as they were together they could brave any storm. Just as they wanted, they used their borrowed years to let their love flourish, built their family, and watched it grow throughout the generations.
Every lingering kiss was a miracle, a reminder that their bond was strong enough to test even the finality that was death… but even then they knew it couldn’t last forever. This life was always meant to be temporary, nothing but a gateway to the forever they'd be able to share in Aaru.
At times the days felt so long yet looking back at it all now, the years seemed to go by so fast.
When that time finally came, it wasn’t the same as all those years ago. There wasn’t pain or grief but resounding comfort in knowing that they had been given something they never thought they’d ever have. Yugi knew that he could only be grateful for the chance to have all those precious moments throughout their long lives.
The final hours didn’t drag. Each second that ticked by was still a blessing and they cherished each and every one.
Others came and went from the room. Life long friends and family drifted in and out to wish him off with tears and bittersweet smiles.
Through all those that came and went, Yugi refused to leave Atem’s side. He was content to be there for his husband until his very last moment.
The day grew darker and the visitors subsided, leaving only Yugi and his other half alone in their bedroom. Which was fine, as Yugi wanted this moment alone. He wanted to be there for his love as he transcended planes and found the peace he’d forfeited for the life they’d lived.
Yugi knew Atem’s departure was approaching, could hear it in his shallow breaths and felt it deep in his core.
Subtle movement caught Yugi’s eye. He lifted his gaze from where he sat in a chair beside the bed, just in time to catch Atem’s hand reaching out to him.
Reaching back for it was reflex, taking Atem’s hand and intertwining their stiff fingers as best he could.
When Yugi met his eye, there was stark clarity shimmering within that tired, garnet gaze.
“You should rest,” Atem murmured, the fatigue clear in his aged voice.
Yugi squeezed his hand where they rested over the sheets. “I will soon,” Yugi promised softly. He would rest once he was sure Atem's was journey was over.
Atem shakily pulled at their hands, bringing them up to rest against his chest. His weary eyes closed as he asked, "... Can I?"
"Of course,” Yugi told him, understanding what he wanted. “Whatever you want, Other Me.”
Yugi had to let go to push himself up from the chair. He shuffled carefully to the other side of the bed, slipping under the covers and right up next to the other man.
It took some careful maneuvering, but the two eventually settled into a familiar position. With his head against the pillows, Yugi held Atem close. Atem’s cheek settled right to the center of Yugi’s chest, drawing a long sigh from deep within him.
Yugi knew how much Atem thrived at the mere beat of his own heart. It was a comfort to him, something he’d seek while nothing but a spirit and Yugi was content to let him have it for as long as he could give it.
A cool night breeze ruffled the curtains from a nearby window left partially open. Not wanting to let the other feel the chill, Yugi pulled the blanket up over Atem’s shoulders. He then ran his fingers down Atem’s face, feeling the protruding bone of his cheek and the scratchy stumble along his chin.
"I forgot to shave today,” Atem murmured roughly, lifting his head to chase after Yugi’s hand.
"That's okay,” Yugi said, smiling as his fingers drifted under Atem’s chin. They teased at just the right spot, pulling a low chuckle from Atem. “You know I like it a little scruffy."
The laugh quickly morphed into a fit of coughing. Something Yugi knew he could do little else then hold Atem closer and rub soothing circles down his back.
Soon the room was silent again, broken up only by the ticking clock, a wafting breeze, and the heavy, occasional breath from beside him.
Yugi knew they would be separating soon. He knew Atem had been drifting back and forth from that place for a while now, but was at least happy to have one last laugh together. They’d had so many, really. But this one he would hold dear until they could laugh together again.
“I can see them,” Atem mumbled, his voice mixing into the thrum around them.
When Yugi peeked down at him, the other’s eyes were slanted open, unseeing as he peered at the far wall.
“They miss you.” Yugi held him tighter. “They're waiting for you.”
Atem blinked at the sound of Yugi’s voice, looking up at him. “I don't want to go,” Atem admitted in another moment of clarity. He pressed closer to Yugi’s body, a resounding fear creeping into his words. “I don't want to leave you.”
“I know,” Yugi soothed gently, pressing his lips to Atem’s temple. “But it's okay. It won't be long," he vowed in a broken voice, “I promise.”
Atem’s body trembled with his next intake of breath, and Yugi could hear the effort when he spoke next. “I'll wait for you, Partner…”
Yugi smiled, his lips still pressed to Atem’s wrinkled brow. “You better.”
“I'll always wait for you,” Atem murmured again, this time much, much softer.
“I'll come find you,” Yugi promised him, closing his eyes as he felt a fresh burn behind them.
Atem’s resolute grip began to fade. “R-reeds...” he stuttered out, and Yugi knew exactly what he meant.
“I remember,” Yugi told him, bringing his hand up to Atem’s chest. He could feel the faintest beat against his palm, though it was so slow now. “I can’t wait to see it.”
Drawing in a centering breath, Yugi pushed the grief away. There was no need for tears right now because this was how it was supposed to be.
They had loved with full hearts and even though they would be pulled apart, they’d had the time they deserved together. Besides, this wasn’t the end of their time together. They had eternity to look forward to after all.
The silent moments between breaths grew longer.
No more words were spoken.
The arms draped over his torso loosened and Yugi knew the very moment it happened.
Still, Yugi refused to move. He stayed like that as silence settled in. There was a moment of grief, materializing in the wave of tears that stained his cheeks but peace was quick to replace it because how could this moment not be peaceful? Tucked in and holding on tight to the love of his life until the very last moment. Soothed to know his other half was no longer suffering or in pain or trapped in an ancient body.
Instead his soul was set free, now basking in the golden glow of eternal sunshine too far away for Yugi to follow just yet.
As he laid there, it felt oddly familiar, with one heart still beating for two.
No more tears fell for Yugi knew they would be together again soon. Able to hold and laugh and love for the rest of eternity together in a field of reeds.
It was never a matter of if, only a matter of when. If Yugi had to spend a few days or weeks or months without his partner beside him, it would be nothing but a blip in the eternity they would soon be sharing.
When that day did come, Yugi knew where to go. He had been told enough times so when his soul traversed toward its resting place, he knew exactly where to go.
To where Atem would be waiting for him.
He would be there with bright eyes, a carefree smile, rejuvenated sun-bronzed skin and overflowing with all the love they’d built over a lifetime.
The soft sheets would morph beneath him. Where there was once soft fabric, there would instead be tall grass tickling his cheeks.
There would be no more aches in his joints or stiffness in old muscles.
Yugi would feel young and light and his heart would feel whole again because when he opened his he'd find someone waiting for him just like they promised.
Past the blinding sunny rays, Yugi’s eyes focused on the face just inches above him. Atem was on the ground beside Yugi, propped up on an elbow as he hovered just above him.
Those familiar eyes were just as bright as Yugi remembered, now overflowing with wonder and longing and love and shining with the threat of tears.
“It took you long enough,” Atem teased him, his voice just as deep and pure as when they were in the prime of their lives.
Then all those tears Yugi fought to hold back were suddenly released. They pooled heavily against his lashes and slid freely down to the ground but he welcomed them because they were his joy and love and happiness overflowing from his heart.
The river of tears was broken only by Atem’s palm against his cheek, his thumb brushing what he could away. Yugi leaned into the touch, shutting his eyes as he basked in the feeling of his husband’s soul finally close to his own again.
Warm lips brushed his mouth, and Yugi couldn’t help the wet laugh that bubbled up his throat.
“I missed you, too,” He mumbled against the other’s mouth. Lifting his arms, Yugi circled the other’s neck, pulling him even closer.
And that was where they stayed for neither knew how long, rejoicing in their final reunion.
For that was always how it was supposed to be, reunited once and forever, their love eternal, preserved within a field of gold.