Hi Everyone! I know, I should actually be working on "A Neko's Love Story", but I'm not, yet.. Sorry... This story is inspired by the song Foolish Games by Jewel and "Revved Forwards", a Synchroshipping story. In this story Atemu, after some lemony goodness with Yusei, reflects how he has never learned to cuddle as a Pharaoh as he has never had the need to. As Pharaoh, he would be granted whomever he wished for in his bed, blessing them afterwards.
A thought sprung up. What if Yami was one of those summoned by Pharaoh? What if their love had no chance of succeeding in the ancient time? Atemu was not to blame, but the foolish game of forbidden love would tear them up. Would it not?
Ah, so... since then I have been working on this small piece. For now, unless I get further inspiration, this is a two-shot. It will not be a song-fic and be warned! There is not a lot of dialogue in here.
Plusside: it's already finished, I just have to check the last chapter a few more times to make sure everything is as it should be. I am not entirely pleased with the end just yet. So a little tweaking is in order.
Foolish Games is a Monarchshipping two-shot. There will be angst, sappy-stuff, OOC-ness quite possibly and lemons. YamixAtemu, manxman and... ah, yes, Yu-Gi-Oh! is not mine. The information I have searched for during his fic comes from Wikipedia and an Egyptology book in my bookcase. Also, some ideas of this ficlet came forth from a Dutch book I've been reading since childhood, which I also do not own. There have also been other informational website I used, one where I could find flowers from the time of Ancient Egypt and others just for my own information which I eventually didn't need for this story.
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Also, I have been asked questions as to why I use "Atemu" instead of "Atem". I now know, didn't when I was younger, but do now that Atem should actually be the right translation. And to be fair, Atem sounds like Atum (who is also referred to as Atem or Tem) a creator God. Actually, the most important creator God, so yes, I understand the reasoning behind his name.
But I grew up loving Atemu, it was what I heard first in my younger (much younger) years the first time I watched the subbed series without having ever seen the dubbed version. And I have been writing his name this way for so long, I am used to it. I love it. I love writing it, I love how Yami says his name like that. Especially during lemon-time ^^'
And for me, personally, Atem sounds too much like Aten. The God which replaced all other Gods before Tutankhamun set things back to the way they were.
Atemu just sounds nicer too. But that is my honest opinion. Everyone their own, right?
Anyhow! Onward with the story :) I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it.
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Foolish Games
Pale fingers fisted the sheets, goosebumps upon his skin as he trembled. Soft warm kisses were pressed against the skin upon his back by wet, tanned lips. The man behind him stroked his pale skin lovingly, pressing another warm kiss against his skin and he moaned softly. His breathing trembled in excitement, a sigh escaping him next when more kisses were pressed against his skin, a tongue lazily lapping at the beads of sweat rolling down his arched spine. A soft chuckle was his answer, the tanned hands gently stroking his hips, before one stroked the cheek of his buttocks teasingly. Another tremble, his muscles tensing in pleasure as he whispered a moan of want once more.
Lovingly, the tanned man pressed his wet lips against the pale back again. His tongue circling the black burn mark leisurely, before kissing his way towards he lower back. Paying more attention to the small dip, right above the split, he sucked on the delicate skin. It was a spot he would always pay attention too as it rewarded him with gasps and moans, with tensing muscles and a trembling body. He smiled tenderly when he pleased the other so, before softly kissing both cheeks softly.
As he crawled off the legs he had been seated upon, he turned the pale man to lie on his back. He wanted to look at him as he pleased the other further. As he placed hot kisses below the pale ear and let his hand stroke across the flat belly towards the nipple he wanted to touch. His chest rumbled as he heard the soft gasp, a strong hand grasping his upper arm and digging the golden band further into his tanned skin. He moved himself between the pale legs, forcing the other man to spread his hips for him.
Him moving had forced the pale hand from his arm, but as he lowered himself to kiss the other man on his lush lips, the strong grip returned. Hips bucked slightly, pleadingly and he moaned in the kiss as he let himself be guided by pleasure and rocked against the other man. A cry left the pale man as his lips were released, both hands now grasping the other man as if he were his anchor. Semen dripped from his flesh as his lover rocked against him, the coil tightening in his being. His body tense as he cried in his pleasure.
"Ph- Pharaoh", the pale man whimpered in his plead. The body above him stilled, a forehead pressed against his own. He gasped for breath, listening to the other trying to calm his own.
"Look at me", came the wish and slowly, he opened his eyes. He let his crimson gaze stare into rose-red ones, both colours darkened by their current lustful mood. His gaze fell a moment later, but a commanding finger beneath his chin forced him to reconsider. Yet... one did not look directly at Pharaoh. It was forbidden for people like him... even though the Great Horus requested it himself.
"I want to look at you as I please you. I want to see you as you please me", Pharaoh whispered and he released the pale chin to grasp one of the other man's hands and lay it across his chest. He could feel the strong heart thumping within the man above him and his lips curved in a tender smile. He was kissed once more, warm hands stroking his sweat-slicked figure. The trembles returned and he raised his legs slightly, pleading for the tanned man to lay claim upon him. To use his body and relieve some tension from his mind, to secretly love him while Ra had travelled beneath the horizon.
The lotion was slippery and dripped from his entrance as Pharaoh pushed his fingers into him, stretching and widening him for what was to come. He sighed in want, moaning when the tanned man brushed his prostate.
"P- Please, Pharaoh...", he begged, giving a cry at the stronger brush of his prostate. Pharaoh smirked at him, lowering his head once more to lay it upon his own. Slicking himself in preparation, he kissed the pale man beneath him, before grasping his hips and pushing into the willing body. Moans filled the room as they joined, pale legs wrapping around the tanned waist. One of few touches he allowed himself of the body of Pharaoh for now.
They went slow at first, he loved Pharaoh for his tenderness, for thinking of him as his body adjusted to the thrusting into him. He savoured the feeling of Pharaoh pushing his thick flesh into him, for making him cry out at the pleasuring strokes. His Pharaoh was moaning too, staring at him relentlessly and he cried out at a harder thrust. Lust was taking over and he allowed himself to grind his body against the Great Horus. Pushing harder and faster into the pale body beneath him, his rose-red eyes darkened at the pleasure spreading across the delicate pale face. At the writhing body, the tensing of his muscles as he tried to thrust his flesh deeper into the other man. He stroked the pale flesh standing up so proudly, eliciting louder cries from his companion as he was pushed towards the edge. They cried out simultaneously, suddenly still, as muscles locked rigid in the blissful moment of climax.
Gasps for air filled the otherwise silent room, pale legs releasing their grip on the tanned man, before they fell upon the mattress. Pharaoh was still for a moment longer, his rose-red eyes staring into his own crimson ones, before he slowly, nearly teasingly, pulled his flesh from him. He whimpered from the loss, his overly sensitive body trembling in pleasure as Pharaoh removed himself as he did. Yet, as he was allowed to look at the tanned face, for this moment, he was allowed to see all worries having fled his monarch. A small smile curved the lips of the Great Horus and he knew he had done well.
For a moment, the tanned hand stroked his sides idly and he couldn't stop the trembling. He would allow Pharaoh to have him as many times as he needed, but he cherished the small moments after their joining. It were these moments Pharaoh lingered, as if he was unable to leave him to himself just yet and he sighed when Pharaoh kissed his chest softly.
"You have pleased me greatly", the alluring voice whispered through the dead of the night. "As you always do, beloved of Pharaoh". At those word, the Great Horus moved away from his body and grasped the sheets to clean himself as best as was currently possible. Slowly, he too moved, dressing himself in his attire granted by Pharaoh, the silver bands gleaming around his upper arms. As Pharaoh stood, he lowered himself to the floor, kneeling on the floor with his head touching the stone surface.
"Rise, so Pharaoh may bless you", the tanned man spoke and he did as ordered. A soft tender kiss was placed against his lips, one of their last show of love for the night. Another was placed upon his forehead, before Pharaoh whispered a blessing in his ear.
"May the Gods love you", were his final words, before Pharaoh left the chamber. As he was left to the silence, the walls seemed to mock him with their sudden treasure of how moans had filled his given room only moments earlier. Slowly, he sank to the floor once more, grasping the sheets of his given bed and he pressed it against his face to smell their lingering scent of lovemaking. Crystalline tears fell down his cheeks as he closed his eyes, his shoulders shaking as he sobbed.
"Pharaoh", he whispered softly, his voice breaking as his heart did.
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Ra rose brilliantly the next morning, a proof of his survival through the twelve rooms of the Underworld. His crimson eyes stared at the brilliance of his light as it shone on the statue he had knelt in front of. A basket filled with white and blue lilies lay before the feet of the Goddess, as he whispered his gratitude for sending Pharaoh to him. He hoped the lilies, not yet opened as they had been plucked before daybreak, would be able to send the message of his secret to be kept hidden. His love for Pharaoh was his own, as was his pain of a broken heart.
Whispering his last words of gratitude, he slowly rose from his position and walked from the temple into the sunlight. From where he stood, dressed in his clean linen attire, he acquired the looks of many people. His pale complexion was an oddity, yet his unruly mass of tri-coloured hair even more so. Though it was forbidden to look Pharaoh directly in the eye, many knew how their ruling monarch looked like. It was surprising how much both of them looked alike. Even so, Pharaoh was far more stunning and muscular. As he should be, ruling their precious land. He was their guide to the Gods, he could communicate with them, see them in his dreams. If they would send him to war, he had to be the example to their army. He was strong, shouldered all of their burdens, had to listen to the Gods speaking with him, providing him aid in his decisions. Even if they were cruel. Pharaoh was Maat, made the law and kept balance. He was their example... His example.
Catching himself dreaming of their night together, he shook his head slightly, blond bangs gently touching his cheeks as he did so. He should not be dreaming, there was work to do. Moving himself along the road, back towards the Royal Palace, he entered without trouble. The guards knew him too, after all... and they knew he had chores to attend, silver gleaming bands around his biceps or not. The silver jewellery, his sandals and clean linen attire had been gifts from Pharaoh a while ago. He had been lifted from slavery, to bronze to silver within a year at the wishes of his monarch. It was highly unusual, nearly unthinkable, but it had happened nonetheless.
Many had been jealous of him. Had asked him what he had done to gain favour of the Great Horus, though at first he had not known. Pharaoh had been a prince when the first bronze band was presented to him. He still had to scrub the floors of the grand chambers, but his meals had been much better afterwards. He had been ordered to come on hunts with the nobility, to serve them their food and wine after the punishing time in a chariot. He had attracted the eye of many with how much he looked like the prince, though his fear for punishment blew with the wind as nothing happened.
Yami smiled as he remembered when the second bronze band came a few weeks later. He had not known why, but had accepted nonetheless. He was now allowed to pursue some form of a hobby, as long as he would not forget his duties to the royal family. He still scrubbed more floors and walls than he could count, yet he was now assigned to clean the study as well. In these chambers he would often see the prince being tutored by the Priests of Pharaoh. They would teach him of the golden Gifts of the Gods, of magic, of ruling, laws and etiquette. Perhaps it had happened during this time. He had fallen for the prince's attractiveness. Yami had caught himself sneaking glances at the prince whenever he could, be them paintings upon the walls or the real version. It had embarrassed him to no end, to watch the prince practice magic with a brunette girl and be excited whenever the royal succeeded. It also happened more often for the prince to say he was pleased with Yami's work and had assigned him to care for his fruit bearing trees and flowers in his own garden.
Yami had taken good care of the prince's garden, it had been something he had done before he had been gifted to Pharaoh as a slave in payment. He was good at it too, even Pharaoh had said to be pleased with Yami's work and it were also at these times he could see the prince more often. Pharaoh had grown sick afterwards and that had been the first time Yami had been called to the prince. To grant him access to his body, to please the prince to the best of his ability. Yami didn't know if the prince had asked for his presence or that he was just picked from many, but that night he fell deeper into the pit his feelings were digging for him. The kindness shown to him by the royal was unlike anything he would have thought to ever get in touch with. And to see some worry slip from the beautiful tanned face had been a gift. To see him smile, even if it had been tiny... to have his pleasing, his blessing. Yami had not felt defiled, his prince had needed him and he was merely a servant to one who owned him and his life.
With the prince asking for his presence, Yami had been gifted with two silver bands, new attire and new sandals. He had been gifted a chamber near the harem, though he was not allowed to enter. Pharaoh had almost ordered for Yami to be unmanned, yet the prince had been able to stop the order. How, Yami didn't know. Neither why, though he had shown his gratitude to the Gods the whole day. During the night, he had thanked the prince, only to have the other smile ever so slightly at him once more, before his body was claimed over and over again.
It was well-known what Yami was, yet, his silver bands protected him. When Pharaoh passed away, his prince became the Great Horus. He was crowned to rule their land into prosperity and he wouldn't ask for Yami as often anymore. The latter still scrubbed his floors, cleaned his study and took care of his garden. Some called him a personal servant to Pharaoh, even others who wore the silver bands like himself. Yet, nobody entered the garden of Pharaoh, not even the new Queen. The royal harem grew, girls and women gifted to Pharaoh to gain his favour. Yet, he was still alone. And would forever be, Yami realized as he entered the art room within the palace. He had taken on a hobby aside from caring for the royal garden. Here, he worked with Hesire, a great artist who had made most of the paintings upon the walls. He made busts of Pharaoh and his Queen, ordered what paint to use in the royal tomb. He had even made the mask of the previous Great Horus.
"Yami? You are early", the old man commented softly as he laid out brushes and paint for him to work with. Clay lay on another work bench and Yami settled behind it.
"I know, but I have just visited the temple of our Goddess in gratitude", he merely said, though the older man gave him a knowing smile.
"Pharaoh visited you finally?", he asked and a light red hue appeared on Yami's cheeks. His pale complexion made his blush so much more visible, though he smiled fondly at the new memory of his Pharaoh in his bed. Hesire did not mind he had fallen in love with Pharaoh, the older man knew he himself appreciated the tanned royal body Yami desired so much. The older man watched as the pale man worked on a bust of their Pharaoh, his hands stroking the clay gently into shape.
"Why must we work on the riches for Pharaoh and his tomb when he is still full of live?", Yami whispered softly as he moulded the clay into shape. Hesire looked at the young man who seemed to be in his own world. Tilting his head slightly, he decided to answer nonetheless.
"We are the ones who bring comfort to the second life of our Great Horus. Because of us, he will be able to rejoice after he has been summoned by the Gods. Because of us he will be able to look upon his good life, he will have his servants with him and will be able to bring his offerings to the Gods. He will be blessed for all eternity because of us, but our work takes time. His strong heart gives us that time".
Yami, snapped from his musings, stared at the older man. His crimson eyes were glazed over slightly, but then he smiled. Yes, he could not abandon the Great Horus. He would work so the Gods would accept their Pharaoh and grant him a place upon their boat into the afterlife. With his little worries lifted by the words from Hesire, Yami worked on the bust.
Hours had passed, ones he should have spend working for his Pharaoh, yet it was already too late at the time he finally noticed. At first it were a few Priests whom entered the art room, but then his Pharaoh came in as well. Yami lowered his gaze, shame creeping up on him as now Pharaoh would know he had not been working. He had taken his time in the art room, which was not his work, but a hobby. One granted by the Great Horus, but he had defiled it.
The female Priestess stepped forward, her blue eyes fixated upon him and his work. She glanced back at her companions momentarily, the golden Gift of the Gods around her neck shining in the sunlight. Her eyes then turned to Hesire and another of the Priests spoke. Asked if Hesire had requested Yami to sculpt the bust before him. Hesire did not lie, he told Pharaoh and his Priests that Yami had started on the sculpture out of his own accord. Pharaoh looked at the bust too, his rose-red eyes piercing and calculating.
"Pharaoh?", the bald Priest asked, bowing his head ever so slightly. As rose-red eyes turned to him, Yami could feel how nearly all other eyes were upon him and his creation. "What must be done?", was the next question. Yami knew they knew he was favoured by Pharaoh, "beloved" as Pharaoh called it, but not even his monarch could spare him from punishment if they deemed it to be necessary.
"Can it be used?", Pharaoh asked in return. Hesire said they could try to finish the bust of the Great Horus by painting and baking it. The tanned monarch nodded at those words. "Finish it", he commanded, his tone not to be argued with. Yami kept his gaze down as Pharaoh turned to him, his Gift of the Gods gleaming at him in mockery. It could touch Pharaoh all day and he could not.
"You please Pharaoh with your work. Finish the bust, before going back to your duties this afternoon", the Great Horus ordered him and Yami bowed his head in acceptance. Pharaoh had told him off for not attending his chores this morning, but he would make up for that. He would show Pharaoh he would not disobey him again. As they left, Hesire blew out a soft sigh when the door had fallen close. He looked at the pale man, his crimson eyes glassy and with a far-away look in them. Slowly, he rose from his seat and walked towards the pale man, laying a wrinkled hand upon his shoulder.
"Come. It has to be baked first, you may be able to finish your other duties for Pharaoh while the clay hardens in the oven", Hesire said and Yami nodded, tenderly picking up the bust to move it to the oven. Hesire promised to keep a watchful gaze upon the bust as it had to wait in line. Yami left it quietly, moving towards one of his monarch's gardens. His Pharaoh had praised him and yet chastised him at the same time, but he could take that. It was the new tear in his heart Yami tried to shoulder. The distant words his Pharaoh had spoken with were so different from those he had spoken the previous night. Why could Pharaoh not love him?
With a basket in hand, he informed the overseer of his presence, who set him to caring for the grapevines. The lush green surrounding him calmed Yami somewhat, as he sat his basket on the ground and let his eyes rest upon the healthy vines. He could hear the water birds chattering away at the pond in the back of the garden, as well as voices from women on the peaceful decks situated at the pond. The musicians played their music well and he was lost in thought as the afternoon progressed. It wasn't until stormy-grey eyes looked at him that he realised he had missed another day once more. Another day filled with wishes send to the Gods, unanswered as they would always be.
"Are you all right?", the girl asked softly and Yami gazed at her slowly. Her slender body gave away her young age, her skin as pale as his own. She too had been taken from another country, given to Pharaoh.
"Hello Shizuka", Yami greeted her, a small smile appearing on his lips. He knew her well enough, though she hadn't been here for a long period of time. It had taken some time for her hurt to have been healed, a time where he had tried to care for her as well as he could. She would tell him stories, would listen to his own and once cured, he had begged Pharaoh to let her stay in these gardens as a grape-picker. She had brightened everyone's day with her smile, as broken as it had been.
"I am well", he answered her finally. She didn't believe him, he could see as much, but she didn't press any further. She shifted her weight to her other foot instead, as he stared at her a little longer. He could still see the scars marring her face, her eyes damaged beyond repair, but she would bring honour to the garden of Pharaoh for as long as she could. She knew of his love for Pharaoh, Yami had long since realised he was horrible at keeping secrets. Even though she had only found out by accidentally listening in on his prayer to the Goddess. Yet, she had said she had also been able to read it off of his face and he had vowed to be more stoic afterwards. Clearly, he could not even keep that vow.
Gently, he picked up his own basket and walked towards the overseer. They were the last to leave, others had already been called to eat and Yami could hear his stomach rumble softly. Shizuka took him to the kitchens, remaining silent as she studied his gloomy state. She was glad Pharaoh had taken it upon himself to pay a visit to her friend, though it saddened her greatly it left her friend in such a state of mind. She tried to cheer him up a little with stories of what had occurred while he had been with Hesire, but he would only smile kindly at her. His thoughts lost.
"Must you still work?", she asked softly when he rose from his seat. He looked at her and then nodded.
"Yes. I abandoned my duties when I was with Hesire this morning. The garden of our Pharaoh still needs attending, as does his study", Yami answered truthfully. With his cup in hand, he rose and picked up hers as well, before all eyes moved towards the servant entering the kitchens. Yami rose an eyebrow as the maiden seemed to bounce in glee, clapping her hands as in her excitement.
"Great news! I bear great news!", she called out, her smile splitting her face in happiness. The room filled itself with chatter as some of the servants ushered her to speak up. Tension rose as she smiled at them mysteriously.
"The Queen is with child".
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The cups shattering upon the stone floor went unheard as servants cheered loudly. Women were loudest amongst them, chattering away as they speculated about their new heir. Gossiping about the uselessness of the Royal Harem, how lucky the Queen was and worst of all: if the child would truly be of their Pharaoh. He had not shown much love towards his Queen in their eyes, after all.
The words went unnoticed by Yami, whom stood rigid with the shards at his feet. Shizuka rose from her seat, but as she lay a trembling hand upon his shoulder, she seemed to wake his spirit. He had to get away from this place, he had to leave, he had to get some fresh air. Swiftly, Yami turned and stormed out of the kitchens with Shizuka trailing after him. His feet moved him through the gardens, through the maze of sycamore and fig trees, until he couldn't go any further. With the water of the pond lapping at his feet, he sunk to his knees as he broke. It was the way she found him. Heart-wrenching sobs tearing through the silent air, his shoulders shaking uncontrollably.
"Why? W-Why must you h-hate me so?" He didn't seem to direct the words at anyone in particular, but she knew enough. "W-Why must you b-be so cruel?" Shizuka touched his shoulder gently as he spoke. Yami tried to shake of her touch, but she held firm in her desperate attempt of comfort.
"Ssh", she whispered at him softly, "the Gods do now hate you. They favour you, much like our Pharaoh", she said. Yami's sobs stilled momentarily and he looked her unbelievingly. His crimson eyes grew hard as crystalline tears ran down his cheeks.
"Favour me?", he asked and she almost trembled at his near snarl, as choked by tears as it was. "Their foolish games are tearing me apart! I am to love Pharaoh, my heart warm at his presence, but I am not allowed to have him! Their thoughtlessness breaks my heart!", he brought out. "If they favoured me, they would have made me a woman at birth! They would have made me so to appease Pharaoh more, to be able to serve him more! They do not favour me!", he called out, his silence deafening after his words. Not even the birds dared to chatter as his sobs returned. "H-how can I please Pharaoh now when his Queen is giving him n-new life?", he begged, again to no one in particular. Shizuka stared at him, squeezing both his shoulders as she grasped them tight and faced him.
"Pharaoh is pleased with the way you are, Yami", she merely said and he looked at her again, the hardness gone from his eyes. She sighed softly.
"As a woman, Pharaoh would not have seen you. He visits his Queen only out of duty, he needs an heir to secure his throne, but he does not love her. Has him visiting you ever felt like a duty?", she asked, watching as a red hue spread across Yami's already puffy face.
"No", he whispered. It had never felt like that, not their first time, not ever. He had overreacted, had he not? Yet, it had felt as if he had lost something. His own heart and mind, obviously. Yami had always known he could not win from the Queen. Nor from the other girls in the Royal Harem. He was not like them and he had always hated the Gods for it. Shizuka's words had slapped him in the face, had shown him another perspective.
He didn't need to be like her. It did nothing to soothe his broken heart, he would still not be with his Pharaoh. A Queen with child was one his Pharaoh would care for and protect with all his might. The Great Horus would not forsake his duties, Yami knew this much. But Shizuka's words gave him hope. Perhaps Pharaoh would still visit him, because of whom he was.
"The Gods cannot mend your heart, Yami. This is all they can give you and in that, they favour you. They made you beloved by Pharaoh", Shizuka whispered softly as she gently wiped his tears away. He gave a sigh, nodding slightly as he helped her dry his tears. Did his Pharaoh truly love him? Or was he beloved, favoured, but not loved?
"Thank you, Shizuka", he said kindly and she gave him a small smile.
"I'm sorry I can't do more", she answered in return. Yami shook his head at that slowly.
"You don't need to, Shizuka. Your words will help me", he said and she nodded, rising from the ground slowly as he stood as well. "I must attend to my duties in the garden of Pharaoh. Thank you, Shizuka", he offered once more and she understood, not following him when he left her at the pond. She sighed deeply, before walking back towards the kitchen to help with the cleaning chores. There was much work within the walls of the Great House.
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Once more, he was at one of the many temples. This time, however, he was here before Ra would begin his journey. Perhaps the creator God would be able to think of his prayer during the time he was away from their world. He hoped his words could reach their creator. His creator.
As he looked at the statue looking down upon him sternly, he knew he had wronged the Gods for being angry with them. But he had to make them understand. His heart was bleeding, he was tearing apart. He fell to his knees as he stared at the statue of his God, new tears falling from his eyes. Yami slowly lowered his head against the stone floor, whispering soft words for only Ra to hear. He sought guidance... was he overreacting? Was his love for Pharaoh real? Was he allowed to love? Could it be his Pharaoh loved him too? Could they send him a sign?
"Please... I beg your forgiveness", Yami whispered softly. The God did not answer him, as the last of his rays slipped beneath the horizon. Clenching his fists, Yami gave up and rose from the stone floor. With the darkness cloaking the sky, the temperature outside grew colder quickly. The temple and palace were kept warm with billowing fires, though some were turned down as the night grew. It was still a little busy in the palace, a feast had been organized for the Queen and musicians as well as servants were still up to entertain and serve the royal family. The guards were talking amongst themselves, while remaining their watchful gazes upon whom entered and left through the palace gates. Yami sighed softly as he entered his room. He had forsaken his duties while dreaming the day away. Dreaming of a life he did not have, nor could have, while he should have taken care of the beautiful garden his Pharaoh possessed.
As he undressed for the night, wearing a white linen kilt from his time as a slave, Yami decided he would be in the garden as Ra would rise in his form as Khepri. Much like the creator God, he would rise again and be better than he had been today. No more sadness and to accept what is. No more daydreaming, no more wishing. It would be futile in the end.
Pulling the sheets away, Yami looked up at the door as his musings were interrupted by knockings. He sighed softly as he left his bed. Pharaoh would not come tonight, he was with his Queen, bestowing her with gifts and wishing for her protection by the Goddess Isis and Wadjet. It was indeed Shizuka who smiled at him as he opened his door. A small basket lay in her arms, filled to the brim with blue water lilies. She held out her arms, presenting the basket to him.
"What's this?", Yami asked softly, accepting the basket with a small frown on his brow. Shizuka smiled kindly at him.
"Pharaoh wanted me to bring this to you", she said softly and he looked at her, stared at her with disbelieve. Shizuka continued to smile and Yami's gaze softened as he stared at the basket and the flowers lying within it. A red taint covered his usually pale cheeks and Shizuka giggled softly.
"Go and admire your gift", she said, before taking her leave. Yami nodded, merely to himself than to her, before he took refugee back in his room. He took the basket towards his bed, his blush still present as he picked one of the lilies from it and held it before him tenderly. His Pharaoh thought of him, sending him a gift while they celebrated the Queen and her unborn. It warmed Yami as he looked at the lilies, taking another one from the basket. Staring at the small statue he uncovered while taking the lilies from the basket, Yami gently picked it up as to not damage the flowers. He stared at the statue of the God Nefertem presented before him. Nefertem, also known as "He who is beautiful". Born from a blue lotus flower, he was not only beautiful, but also represented the first sunlight.
Gently, Yami held the statuette, gifted to him by his Pharaoh. A watery, but loving smile made it upon his lips as he stared at the beautifully crafted miniature God before him. Pharaoh thought of him. Pharaoh would not come tonight, but had thought of him. Had blessed him with another gift. Lying down, with the blue lilies around him, he held the statuette close.
From tomorrow on, no more daydreaming, no more wishing. The Gods would not hear the words from his bleeding heart, would not help him any further. This was their sign and it was him who had to accept the breaking, every crack and every laceration his love created. The pain would only be lifted by his Pharaoh. His visits and his gifts and he would serve his Pharaoh.
New, crystalline tears fell down into the pillow beneath his head. Never his Pharaoh... but his Pharaoh nonetheless.
/\/\/\/\/\
Thank you for reading the first chapter and if you can, please leave a review.
Ah, yes, here is the tiny explanation for the last line: (his = possessive. Yami would never have the Pharaoh for himself, but Atemu is his Pharaoh, a monarch in general, nonetheless).
I hope I didn't do anyone injustice. I have no experience with heartbreak myself (broke a man's heart once, been single since), so I hope I didn't make Yami overreact too much. Obviously, Atemu does love him and somewhere deep down, Yami realises this. It's just the fact they can't act upon it that makes him feel this way.
Mmmmh, I did enough talking, I presume... Stay tuned for the second chapter! :)