༼ He was quiet as Bakura spoke in a dull voice, every word dripping with self-loathing and depression. Silence fell over them as he finished speaking as Atem finished wrapping the other’s hand, making sure the bandage was firmly in place with no slipping until he cleaned it again later. Or at least, calls Ryou to clean it later.
One thing he did not know how to do, was talk to Bakura. It wasn’t something either of them had ever been able to do… just talk. And here Bakura was.. practically breaking in front of him. It was an odd sight, but one Atem silently wished he could see it more. With the long silence, he stood and went to his cabinet to grab them each a glass, then pulled down some warm wine and brought it back over.
“Bakura….” He started, calling him the name he took from Ryou then corrected himself. “Akefia…” He eyed him to show he was definitely addressing the Thief and not the combination that was Zorc and the Thief. He was talking directly to his human side… nothing else.
“I never hated you… I never wanted to kill you.” He held a full glass of wine to him. “In fact… I wanted to help you… help you put your family to rest and help you… feel like a normal human again.” He snorted at himself, would the other believe him… probably not. “I only tried to kill you… because you attacked me and my people.”
He went quiet again, staring at the far barren wall. “Do you know why I came back?” He paused… thinking his own answer over. “Because I wanted a second chance for a normal life….” Atem turned his head toward him with a strong gaze. “Think of this life that Ryou gave you… as a second chance. I life to make your own. Yes, you are here for Ryou’s sanity… but that does not mean you lose you sanity with it. It will be hard… human emotions are hard… and hurt like hell… but that is what you are now, Akefia. You are a human again. Zorc may still have influences… but he is sealed away because of me. He can’t reach you.. he can’t be your puppeteer anymore.”
Atem cautiously placed a hand on the other’s knee. “If you wish it… we can even separate ourselves from these items…” He raised his Puzzle, gestured to his Ring. “We can put your family to rest officially… We are not the same people we were in Egypt. We have had people in our lives to change us, whether for better or worst is up to you. But know… know Zorc no longer has grasp over you, over me, over your family, over what my uncle did to them… You are you…” ༽
