Yugi Muto stirred softly in his sleep, moving closer to the former pharaoh. A smile crept onto his face. Since Atem had been returned to him, the teen often smiled in his sleep, dreaming of spending time with Atem. Something that had been difficult during the school year.
Yugi woke slowly that morning.

It was rare that Yugi woke before the Pharaoh. He reached out his left hand to place it on Atem's, the sapphire ring catching his eyes once more. The object, which had been given along with the promise of unwavering loyalty and undying love had become his most precious possession.
"I love you so much." He whispered to the sleeping teen. "You make me so happy and I promise to do the same for you. You'll be proud to call me your heart. I won't let you down."

"You never have and I'm already very proud of you." Atem said opening his eyes.

"Morning, Atem." Yugi greeted.

"Good morning, my heart. Did you sleep well?"

"Much better than the day before. I guess there's just something about sleeping over here with you that's more comforting."

"You're always welcome to sleep here, Yugi. Whatever I have is yours as well."

"Is this going to be the way our life will always be?" Atem kissed Yugi's forehead.

"Yes. I will always make sure you know this feeling of love. You have become a part of me and I will do all I can to give you everything."

"You don't have to do all that. I'm just glad I have you. Anyway, it's almost your birthday, I should be asking you what you want to do to celebrate."

"I would be happy to spend time with you. I don't need anything extravagant. Maybe we could get a movie and stay in our room to watch it."

"But-"

"We could lie here, just the two of us." Atem pulled him closer. Yugi's head rested against his chest. "I could hold you just this way." Yugi grinned and chuckled as the pharaoh nuzzled him lovingly.

"I'd love that, but you deserve to be celebrated. After everything you've done for all of us...you're a hero-"

"No, I just did the what needed to be done. There are other things that are important. Bigger things."

"Still, you're amazing and I want to do something special for you."

"You do that everyday. You've been making dinner, you come down to the game shop to help so I can get everything done and I can come home sooner. You really have been keeping me-" Yugi placed a palm on Atem's cheek and leaned in to kiss him lovingly.
Atem held him tighter, allowing Yugi to deepen the kiss.
Yugi's free hand traveled up to Atem's hair, running his slender fingers through it.

After a moment, Atem pulled away, gazing into Yugi's eyes.

"Are you absolutely sure-"

"I'm sure. You're so patient and loving with me, It's okay." Yugi said resting his head on Atem's chest. A knock at the door caused them both to sigh heavily.

"Are you boys up, I need you down stairs today." Solomon called from the other side of the door.

"We're awake, Grandpa. We'll be there in a minute." Yugi called back, sitting up, followed by Atem.

"I guess we'll have to talk about it later. In the meantime, think about what you might want for your birthday." Yugi said sliding off the bed and crossing the room to his closet where he rummaged through his clothes to find the right outfit. Atem lay still in bed. He was in no hurry to join his family in the game shop as the place seemed to cause him irritation. Although since school was out for summer, Yugi's presence seemed to brighten the day and he managed to keep a smile on the former pharaoh's face.