Disclaimer: If you couldn't guess, I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!
Yugi raised his arms as the servant pulled a white tunic over his head. It was a simple garment but it was made of a high quality fabric.
"And now something that'll suit your eyes", the black-haired girl said and turned to a box filled with all kinds of accessories. Smiling she pulled out a purple piece of cloth with golden embroidery, wrapped it around his hips and knotted it in a complicated way Yugi had never seen before.
"Thanks, I think that will do", Yugi said as he looked down at his Egyptian clothes. They were different from his modern gear but he would get used to it.
"But you should wear at least some jewellery. You're the Pharaoh's guest, after all. I can't let you leave until you look like one", the girl said, winking. One moment later she had grabbed two other boxes and held them before Yugi. The golden contents sparkled in the soft morning sunlight. "I can get more if you like."
"No, it's fine, really!", Yugi said and chose some bracelets and a necklace. "Thanks for your help. I'm good."
He sat down on a wooden stool and grabbed one of his sandals.
"Sir, no! I should do that!", she said, hurried towards him and began putting on and binding the shoes for him.
"That's not necessary! I'm used to doing this myself", Yugi said and gave a nervous laugh.
"What a humble guest our Pharaoh has", the girl said and chuckled. "This is what I'm here for, sir. You don't need to feel uncomfortable."
When he was wearing his sandals the servant let him go. Yugi pushed the soft, red curtain aside and left his chambers. The rising sun was shining through the corridors, which were empty except for a few servants. They bowed to him as they passed and it gave Yugi a weird feeling in his stomach. The servants giggled as they noticed his twisted expression but he couldn't help it. Yugi had never been treated like a high-ranking member of society and he didn't feel like he deserved it.
He sighed and rubbed his neck. He hadn't slept much last night and now his back felt stiff and tensed up. Maybe Atem knew how to get rid of that nuisance.
He passed many elaborate carvings and paintings on the walls, which looked even more beautiful than in their future versions. After wandering around the palace with its shining marble floor Yugi finally found a corridor that looked familiar to him. He followed it and soon found two guards blocking the section where Yugi thought he was hearing Atem's voice.
"Ehm, excuse me", Yugi said, his hands behind his back. "Do you think the other me, I mean Atem – I mean, the Pharaoh could-"
"I'm afraid not", another voice said. The guards moved aside and let Mahad through. The young man and high priest was wearing his usual ceremonial clothes. "The Pharaoh is performing important services to the Gods. No one is allowed to see him right now."
"Oh, so you mean he's praying or something?", Yugi asked.
Mahad raised one eyebrow.
"Or something?"
"Uhm, never mind me. I…I'll go", Yugi said, gesturing nervously. He turned around, his cheeks hot in embarrassment.
'I'm so stupid! Of course he's busy. Of course he can't be with me right now!', he thought.
He was hurrying back to his rooms but a voice stopped him.
"Partner! There you are!" When Yugi turned around Mahad was making way for Atem who was approaching Yugi with a smile. "Why are you leaving?"
Yugi scratched his head.
"Uhm, Mahad said you were doing something very important and I…"
Atem gave a laugh and turned to Mahad.
"Very important, eh? That's cute."
"But my Pharaoh! These rituals are most important for the balance and well-being of Egypt. It is your connection to the Gods that-"
"It's my morning routine. Just like any other Egyptian performs it", Atem said.
"But now that you're our Pharaoh your connection to the Gods-"
"I have a very good connection to the Gods. And I also need to attend to my earthly ones", Atem said. "Now let's go, partner."
Yugi nodded and followed Atem. When he looked back he saw how Mahad rubbed his forehead and sighed.
"By the way, you look good in Egyptian clothes", Atem said. "Did you have a good first night here?"
"I'm afraid not", Yugi said. "It's just so hot here. Besides you have mosquitoes as big as a fist! Also…something just felt weird. I can't really describe it. I was pondering over it all night. And now my back feels as stiff as a board!"
Atem chuckled.
"I can show you a few tricks for the first two problems later", he said. "And I want to show you something today that'll be very relaxing."
"What do you mean?"
"You'll see", Atem said and winked. "This way."
Their footsteps echoed through the halls until they reached the sandy courtyard. The warm sun dazzled Yugi and he raised his hand.
"Bring me Kema", Atem said.
Although he had spoken to no one directly the servants followed his command immediately and brought a white, tall horse with brown eyes. Upon seeing him the mare gave Atem a nudge and he petted her.
"I missed you too, girl", Atem said. "Now be nice to my partner, okay?"
Yugi stretched out his hand and after sniffing his fingers Kema let him stroke her soft coat.
"She's cute", Yugi said.
"Only when she wants to be", Atem said grinning. He mounted the horse and stretched out his hand to Yugi. He took it, tried to climb up but he struggled and stumbled back into the sand. He could hardly watch over Kema's back and with no saddle there were no stirrups he could support himself with.
"It looked so easy when you did it!", Yugi said with a nervous smile.
"You've never mounted a horse before, right? That's fine. Servant, help my friend up", Atem said. A young man gave Yugi a boost and one moment later he was sitting right behind Atem clutching his cape.
"That's higher off the ground than I thought", Yugi said and swallowed.
"Don't worry, she won't try any funny stuff. Not while I'm around. Well, mostly", Atem said and took the reins in his hands. The servants opened a small stone gate and Atem was about to start the ride.
"My Pharaoh! Please wait!", someone called. Both Yugi and Atem turned their heads and saw Shimon hurrying towards them. The grey-haired old man was panting when he reached them. "What are you doing?"
"We're just going for a ride. Why?", Atem asked.
"My Pharaoh, I'm afraid you have other duties to attend to", the advisor said. "Your audience with the council-"
"-can wait", Atem interrupted him. "I know you mean well but it's just a ride. I'll be back in an hour or two. The council will get their audience today, I promise."
"Well, that's not the only thing", Shimon said, playing around with his hands. "Think about your safety. What if you fall?"
Atem raised his eyebrows.
"I get it. You think I'm a bad rider."
"My Pharaoh, I would never-"
"Well, I'll prove you otherwise. By returning alive and in one piece with my partner", Atem said and smiled. He conducted Kema towards the gate. "Good-bye!"
"My Pharaoh, no!", Shimon said and stepped before the horse so they stopped. "This kind of behaviour could be tolerated when you were still a prince but you're our Pharaoh now."
Yugi placed one palm on Atem's shoulder.
"We can put the whole thing off. I understand", he said and showed him his best fake smile.
Atem sighed and let the reins sink.
"All right, Shimon. I'm afraid I have to agree with you. I really should take more responsibility", he said.
Shimon smiled.
"Excellent. Guards, close the gates-"
"But not until I've taken that ride. See you later!"
Grinning Atem spurred Kema so they rode around Shimon and towards the gate, leaving a cloud of dust behind. The old man got a fright and fell, his hat rolling over the floor. He coughed and called after them but Yugi didn't understand what he said. Atem was still laughing when they had left the palace grounds behind.
"That was mean", Yugi said but smiled himself.
"It was worth it", Atem said. "If I did everything they demanded I would have gone insane a long time ago. And even if they send out a search party they will have a hard time finding us because we have Kema on our side."
"So they have to send out search parties regularly, eh?", Yugi asked smirking.
"Well, it used to be much worse", Atem said.
They reached the Nile and Yugi was glad about the cool breeze. A few ships were sailing through the glittering river. Yugi was splashed with water when Kema ran through the shore, obviously enjoying herself. After some time they left the shore and headed for the dry plateau surrounding the area.
Riding was unexpectedly pleasant. It was unlike riding a machine; he could feel Kema's movements with every step and was moving his torso with her. It was almost like a massage and he could feel the tension in his back fading away. He realised he could trust Kema and relaxed.
But when Atem spurred Kema once more Yugi clutched his cape tighter.
"Can we go a little slower?", he asked.
"No. Otherwise we won't make that jump", Atem said.
"What jump?", Yugi asked but as he looked ahead he saw a gorge and a broken wooden bridge. "That jump?! Isn't there another way?"
"Come on! It'll be fun!", Atem said and laughed.
"Atem, no!", Yugi called as the gorge came rapidly closer.
"You know the drill, Kema!", Atem said and stroke her mane. The mare neighed happily and galloped on.
Before he knew it they had reached the precipice and Kema jumped. Yugi pressed his body against Atem's back, wrapped his arms around his chest and screwed up his eyes. For a moment they were floating until Kema reached the ground with a rough impact. They slid a little forward in Kema's back but Atem kept their balance.
They rid on a little longer and Yugi didn't dare to open his eyes until they had stopped. They had reached a different part of the shore with trees, bushed and colourfully blooming meadow. Kema snorted and shook her head contentedly.
"Well done, girl", Atem said and petted her.
Even though they were standing still Yugi's heart was still pounding and his body was tingling with adrenaline. He couldn't move, was just sitting stiffly behind Atem. All the tension he had lost during he ride was suddenly back and hurt. He thought it was the shock that didn't let him move but then he realised that it was something else.
"So here we are. One of my favourite places", Atem said and gestured over the meadow. As Yugi didn't answer he turned his head around, his face closer to Yugi's than it had ever been. "Are you all right?"
Yugi swallowed, then managed to loosen his grip around Atem. He clumsily climbed off Kema's back and fell flat on his face in the process, making Atem laugh.
"Careful!", he said and got off easily himself. Yugi stood up before Atem could help him, wiped some grass off his face and walked away, to the shadow of a tree. He looked down at his shaking hands, the fingers that had clutched Atem's clothes moments ago. He heard steps and felt a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry I scared you", Atem said.
Yugi turned around, clenching his fists.
"You did not!", he snapped, feeling his face blush. "But thanks for reminding me that everyone thinks I'm a weakling!"
Yugi hurried away and sat down on the grass near one of the trees. He tucked up his legs and placed his chin on top of his knees. There was a moment of silence.
"You know I don't think you're a weakling. No need to freak out", Atem said awkwardly. He took Kema's reins, guided her to the shore and removed the bridle. Kema lowered her head and drank.
"Sorry", Yugi said. "It's not about that jump. It's…"
Atem left Kema and returned to Yugi. He knelt down next to him.
"What is it? You know you can tell me anything, partner", Atem said.
Yugi placed his cheek on his knee, looking away.
"That was the first time I hugged you", he whispered. "In real life, I mean…"
Yugi nudged a flower in front of him with his toe and watched it sway in the wind.
"I see…you're right", Atem said. "And it was that unpleasant?"
Yugi sat up straight.
"What? I never said that!"
Atem let one hand run through his spiky hair.
"Well, the first thing you did when he stopped was getting away from me. I just figured…"
"It wasn't unpleasant! It was…", he said and stopped but then continued softly: "It was nice."
Yugi saw Atem blush for the first time.
"You can hug me any time, you know", Atem said and plucked a flower. It was a Gerbera with bright red petals.
"The same goes for me", Yugi said.
Atem turned the Gerbera between his fingers.
"So does that mean I could also hug you…now?", he asked.
They looked into each others eyes and a shy smile played about Yugi's lips.
"Yes", he whispered.
For a moment he hesitated. Then Atem dropped the flower and moved closer to Yugi who changed his position so they were kneeling in front of each other. Atem stretched out his hands, then wrapped his arms around Yugi and pressed him against his body. Yugi embraced Atem as well and placed his cheek on Atem's shoulder. He enjoyed the warmth of his body and the scent of an exotic essential oil he couldn't name.
Atem leaned his face against Yugi's hair and his breath tickled in Yugi's neck, which made him smile. They didn't move.
"You're right", Atem whispered, his thumb gently rubbing over Yugi's upper arm. "This is really nice."
Yugi felt so relaxed in Atem's arms, so safe. His eyes closed and he let the soft burble of the Nile, the warm breeze and the rays of the sun calm him. All the tension in his muscles faded away again as he listened to the sound of Atem's steady breath. Soon his relaxation turned into the tiredness that hadn't come at night and before he knew it Yugi was dozing away.
When he woke Yugi was still smiling. His body was lying in the cool grass and he heard the leaves of the trees rustling gently. When he slowly opened is eyes he was gazing up at Atem's face. Yugi's head was lying on Atem's lap who was leaning against a tree, his legs stretched out.
"Slept well?", Atem asked winking. Yugi rubbed his eyes and rose up – a little too quickly and therefore making him feel dizzy.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to…how embarrassing! It's just because I didn't sleep last night!"
"It's fine, partner. That's why I brought you here. To relax", Atem said.
"I'm sorry if I drooled or snored or did anything else revolting!", Yugi said, rubbing his face.
"Partner, you do no such things. Trust me, I watched you sleep quite often. You always look cute", Atem said.
Yugi places his palms on his cheeks, blinking.
"You…used to watch me sleep?", he asked.
Atem started.
"N-No!", he said.
"But you just said that!"
"You misunderstood me!", Atem said and scratched his head.
"What's there to misunderstand?", Yugi asked, leaning forward. Atem moved away.
"What I meant was…that…ehm…Kema!", he said, jumped up and walked to the horse that had been grazing peacefully. "Look at that, I think she's hungry! We better head back. You wouldn't like Kema when she's hungry. So spoiled! I have no idea why!"
He laughed nervously and put the bridle back on Kema, avoiding Yugi's direction. Yugi looked down on the grass and found the flower Atem had plucked before their hug. He took it in his hands and caressed its petals.
"I'm not creeped out or anything", he said and Atem stopped. "Not at all. You know, last night I couldn't sleep because something felt wrong. Maybe that was it. You weren't there to watch me."
He let his head sink and smelt the sweet scent of the Gerbera. When he looked up Atem was standing before him and stretched out his hand.
"Should I help you up?", he asked and nodded towards Kema.
"I doubt I'll manage otherwise", Yugi said chuckling and let Atem pull him up.
A little later on they were both sitting on Kema's back. Yugi gazed over the meadow and the Nile. He wished to return soon with Atem already.
"Do you think your advisers will be mad about the whole audience thing?" Yugi asked.
Atem facepalmed.
"Crap, I had forgotten about that already", he said and sighed. "We better hurry. I think we spent a lot more time here than I had thought."
Yugi pulled a face.
"So that means we have to jump over that gorge again?", he asked.
"It's the shortest way. Everything else would take much longer", Atem said.
Yugi grumbled. He moved closer to Atem and hugged him from behind.
"Fine but I don't like it", he said, clutching Atem's torso.
Slowly Atem placed one palm on Yugi's hand.
"Then again…they're mad already. We might as well take the long route", Atem said.
Yugi grinned, snuggled up to Atem and placed his chin on his shoulder.
"Sounds good."
Kema began trotting and Yugi took another look at the red flower in his hand. He would treasure it as a reminder of a wonderful time with Atem – and their first hug of many to follow.
Melvin: Did someone say hug?
Me: Piss off!