That same fear shot through him just as Yami started to lift the puzzle, and Yugi even attempted to stop him - "No," he choked out and lifted his hands, but it was too late by then. The item thumped against Yugi's chest, for once seeming cold and ominous to the crouching boy. He couldn't even look. Yugi shut his eyes and gripped the puzzle tightly in both hands, hoping against hope, yet wanting to reassure his other that he was there for him if what they feared was true.

The laughter was the only thing that caused him to open his eyes and let out the breath that he didn't realize he was holding in. Yami was still there. He was solid and there, and the laughter spread to Yugi, causing a smile to spread across his cheeks as he returned it in kind. Happiness was threatening to burst out of his chest, joy for his other self and the excitement that shone in his eyes.

"You're alive..."

Once he realized that he couldn't contain it, he moved himself forward to throw his arms around Yami's torso, his hold only tightening once he felt warm resistance instead of air. "You're alive!"