The chessboard sat in front of them on a beautifully stained circular table. The black pieces were spread out across the board as they steadily moved in for the winning checkmate. The white pieces were placed strategically in defense, but it was proving futile.
"I'm no good at this, Atem. I'm never going to understand how this strategy stuff works!" Yuugi whined as he eyed his white pieces in dismay. He could explain how to play Duel Monsters to the slowest person. He could beat Duke at his own game of Dungeon Dice Monsters. Hell, he could even defeat the most powerful force of darkness known to man, but he could not figure out how to win a mere game of chess against Atem!
"You'll get it soon, my love," Atem encouraged gently. An amused smile came to his lips when he heard Yuugi groan. His crimson eyes never wavered from the board in front of him, and he could tell that Yuugi wasn't even trying to look for openings in Atem's plays. He had missed three of them so far. "On second thought," Atem began as he finally relented on his staring match with the chessboard in favor for looking into Yuugi's light violet eyes. The hope he saw there that wished for an end to their chess game was almost palpable, and it made Atem chuckle. "Maybe we can continue this later."
"Oh, thank Ra!" Yuugi exclaimed happily and dramatically threw his hands up into the air. "I didn't think that I would be able to take another defeat at the hands of the almighty Pharaoh!" Atem laughed, and Yuugi fell into a fit of giggles.
"I can think of one thing we could do where we both win," Atem purred with a suggestive wink and smirk. A sweet blush flushed across Yuugi's cheeks at the innuendo, and his gaze immediately dropped towards his lap in embarrassment.
"D-Don't tease, Atem," Yuugi mumbled. The ancient Egyptians weren't concerned with who their God-king took to bed, but Yuugi didn't want Atem to get into trouble should anyone find out that he had slept with a man. He wasn't sure how the people felt about gays, and he wasn't keen on finding out.
"I'm not teasing, aibou," Atem said. His flirtatious smirk changed into a gentle smile, and he reached across the table to bring Yuugi's hand into his. "The people love their Pharaoh," he said, hitting the nail right on the head. "They'll learn to love you too I'm sure." He ran and thumb over Yuugi's knuckles in a soothing manner.
"What if they don't?" Yuugi asked nervously. He still wouldn't meet Atem's gaze.
"Then, I'll have them executed," Atem replied with a very serious deadpan. Yuugi looked up at him in horror.
"Y-You wouldn't!"
"I would, Yuugi. I would do anything for you, my love," Atem declared softly. He stood and walked around the table to kneel in front of Yuugi. The evening light that came in through the window beside them made the golden accessories Atem worse gleam beautifully and made his tan skin glow healthily. Yuugi's breath left him as he watched his other half kneel in front of him. As Atem's hand came up to caress Yuugi's cheek, Yuugi's eyes closed, and he leaned into the gentle touch.
"You have permission to jail them but not execute them. I don't want the people to fear their king."
"That's why they'll love you." Atem leaned forward to rest his forehead on Yuugi's knee, and Yuugi ran a hand through Atem's thick locks of silky hair. "I love you."
"I love you too," Yuugi replied. He placed a hand under Atem's chin so they could look at each other. "I trust you to make the right decision." A beautiful smile blossomed on Atem's lips.
"I'm so happy that you do." Then, Atem brought his lips to Yuugi's in an alluring kiss.