#macabre shackles

[mahoushojoumonster]

Atem smirked. "You have always been and always will be a snack, my dear." He chuckled when she magicked their clothing and spun her back as he continued their dance. "I am not starving as of yet, so I see no reason to not have a dance break with one of my favorite people~ Especially since I think the hunt tonight might be a especially.... Messy this time."

It was always wonderful to note that no matter how the two of them changed, it was still easy to fall into step with each other. If anything, this only proved more to Mana that her dearest Atem was still just the same person… even with the changes.

And her as well.

“You think it will be messy…? Have you been fasting or unable to hunt, is that why?” She frowned a little, worried for him. “Are you going to be alright? I can come with you for, ah, cleanup purposes…”

[mahoushojoumonster]

"Hello my Sweet, my Duma," he chuckled and spun with her in the dance. "I find myself hungry tonight but have yet to indulge in a feast. The kids are doing alright, Kaito is testing Yugi's patience every day with his snark and Ren is growing like a weed. You must visit some time. How are you this fine night?"

“If you’re needing to eat, what are you doing dancing with me?” She gasps playfully. “Did you finally realise that I am a Snack?”

For the fun of it, she magicks herself up a ballgown and for him, coattails, letting her dress float between them.

“I really couldn’t complain… I got to dance with a friend today.” She twirls back in with a soft smile. “I missed him dearly, so it’s extra special.”

[mahoushojoumonster]

It's a surprise Atem taking her hand and pulling her into a dance.

“!!” There’s only a moment of hesitation before she responds, slipping fluidly into the movements like she’d been the one to suggest it.

She very much enjoys dancing, and like this… she sighs happily.

“Hello, my darling, how are you today? The kids, your lovely man?”

[mahoushojoumonster]

"Fine. Then a truce. We protect each other." He offered his hand to her. "You've literally seen me eat people, a few grey faced freaks are no different. Besides," he shrugged. "Kaito and Ren would not want to see auntie sad."

“Yes, but I know they would give you indigestion. I’m not letting you eat the freaks.”

She shook his hand. “Some day you’re going to end up watching me go ballistic, and on that day you’re gonna want popcorn.”

“I promise I won’t ever let them see me cry.”

[mahoushojoumonster]

His eyebrows raised before a slow smirk touched his lips. "There's that fire. Mana, I love you but I don't need you to take the hits for me. I'm not a young prince, quite the opposite actually. I'm a monster made of shadows, if they want to try to get at me, they must be one, an idiot, and two, have a death wish. And that's if they get past Yugi." He chuckled. "But really," he nudged her. "I'm fine, and I'll be fine."

“It doesn’t matter what you are, Atem, it never has.”

She folded her arms. “Do you honestly believe that I would have chosen to follow you just because you were royalty? I chose this path because I loved you. You were my friend before anything else.”

“So, yes. I do. And I will not have you argue with me, mister monster-made-of-shadows, so there.”

She stuck out her tongue.

“In any case. It’s not like they try to mess with me over anything that actually matters.”

[mahoushojoumonster]

This time he turned and leveled her with his gaze. He was silent for a long moment. "Well I am not happy with them treating you like this. You deserve better, Mana. Just because you are a guardian doesn't mean you don't deserve being protected yourself. And these grey idiots can back off and give you some peace."

She met his gaze, her own turning just as steely.

“I know what I deserve, Atem. And I know my place. And if that is to grin and bear their shitty commentary in order to give you peace, then I will do so.”

“Please, I just want to move on. I don’t need to give them reasons to hassle you as well.”

[mahoushojoumonster]

He just crosses his arms, still glaring. "I don't like them toying with you. Not about something like that." He growled, anger bubbling under the surface.

“They always will. I’m a relatively easy target, anxious, depressed, tragic backstory…” she smiled easily, gently trying to tug him back towards her.

“I am fine.”

Lie.

“Even if I wasn’t, I’m happy to see you.”

Truth.

“They can throw whatever they want at me. As long as they don’t start in on my friends, I’m happy to take it.”

[mahoushojoumonster]

He's just going to calmly step in front of her, ruby eyes staring the grey faces down. Atem didn't take kindly to anyone upsetting Mana.

“I’m fine, Atem. It’s merely a new game for them.”

She puts her hand on his shoulder. “It doesn’t bother me at all.”

Lies.