Author's Note: This is my first Yu-Gi-Oh fanfic. Please go easy. This is not a yaoi. This is suppose to be more of a reflection on Yami (Atem) and Yuugi's friendship. It's not necessarily happy. This is based on the final episode (224) in particular and the feelings that everyone expressed. I've taken some liberties.

Spoiler Alert: If you have not seen the final episode of Yu-Gi-Oh and do not want it ruined for you, DO NOT READ THIS FIC!

Disclaimer: All disclaimers are stated in my profile.

Song “Great Pretender” belongs to The Platters and the record companyies that own it. I am not making money off of referencing it.

Pretending You're Still Around

I knew I should be happy for you and I was, honest. You finally were freed, everything was how it was suppose to be.

Still, you were my friend. You were more than my friend in many ways. You were like a brother, a role model for me to look up to. You not only were there to teach me courage, but you were always there to save me when I needed saving.

From Duelist Kingdom and on, we worked together to defeat all those who doubted the heart of the cards or had wicked hearts. And now, now that the shadow games had no chance of returning, and everything was peaceful, you had no reason to be here.

Through that door, with a farewell thumbs up, you left. It was anti-climatic that all it took was a door closing and then you were gone forever.

At first I tried to adapt to life without you. Laughing when I found myself talking to you only to remember that you weren't there anymore. At first it was kind of funny that I kept forgetting. Then, after awhile, I was filled with loneliness. Even with my friends sticking by my side, there was a void.

It's because of you. I was so used to hearing your words of wisdom, your confidence, that I never thought I'd be without them.

Joey, Tea, Triston, and grandpa don't know what I do when I'm alone. If they did, they would probably tell me that I'm dwelling too much on this. But sometimes, sometimes when I'm alone and no one can hear, I pretend that your still there. You're sitting on my bed and we're just talking. Not always about duel monsters, but of how life has progressed since our duel. And you are always happy.

As I said on that day, the end of one adventure can be the beginning of a new one. My life will continue and I'll change, but I'll never forget you. We were...no we are friends. When my time comes, I'll finally be able to see you again.

Until then, every now and again when I'm alone and feeling down, I can at least pretend that you're still around.

Author's Note: Remember, I gave full warning about the spoilers in this fic. Anyways, I wanted to show a less cheerful Yuugi. I'm not trying to show an utterly depressed, broken, spirit, I wanted to show that while Yuugi did move on, he can't just forget his friend. Please also keep in mind that this was my first fic for this fandom and I really tried okay so please go easy.