#status:complete

Admins notes: After looking for this for ages, I have finally found it, and am so pleased that it still stands as a quality fic 20 years later. I love this moment where Tristan is the first to really glimpse the spirit as someone separate from Yugi, and witness the trust and tenderness inherent to Yugi and Yami Yugi's dynamic so early in the series. The subtle contrast with Bakura and the Ring I think adds something to Tristan's willingness to accept what he sees rather than dismissing it (what's one more unbelievable thing, after the week they've had?). And the spot-on description of the rest of the friend group, even while sleeping, is the cherry on top and makes this such a solid, enjoyable read.

Admin's notes: Monster University party, with Yugi as a siren and Atem a succubus, and a whole lot of sassy banter. The fun premise aside, it's also gorgeous imagery in a universe full of all sorts of creatures. Tell me, Yugi, what do you use to polish your scales??

Admin's notes: sometimes you go looking for old school mermaid fics for mer!May and find not just puzzleshipping but MONARCHSHIPPING and MOBIUMSHIPPING hello. A bit dated in terms of style, but the moments of tenderness and support between the three of them are a treat. heads up for the m!preg (ish?) at the end.

The dynamic between the three of them is just spot on, and Yugi for all his shyness and nerves never looses the backbone that makes him the linchpin between the three of them. And the "spectating" party (whether that be Yugi or Yami), is just as active an important as the one in the drivers seat. So sweet and tender (and sexy!) all around!

Anon says: A fav fic hands down. Tightly plotted, planned and paced. Ch. 7 had me rereading from the start and reassessing my perceptions so far, which was the point I couldn't put it down. This is also one of those fics where the relationship is a vessel for examining Yugi, Atem, and the themes. How Yugi thinks/acts in relation to the girl at the parlor and Atem is fascinating. It also tackles a personal fav trope of 'strong/distant character is vulnerable' in great depth. Atem is cracked like an oyster in this. And I love how you get the sense of two people fumbling to know and understand more of each other. There are sweet moments, & there’s points of awkwardness, friction, and feeling like one's somehow said the wrong thing but it's too late to revisit it. But all the while they keep trying.

You don't always recognise your past when it catches up with you.