Title: Royal Kisses

Disclaimer: Kazuki Takashi and company own Yugioh.

Pairings: Can go either way but thoughts start out as Atem x Yugi and Timaeus x Yami, Everything else is implied. Homo/Bi/Demisexual and Polyamory are mentioned.

Warnings: Drama, bit angst, possible sexual relations between males/females

Rating: T and M later

Summary: Yami wishes to start a new chapter in his life by joining the Royal army however his childhood friend Atem isn't as supportive about it as he expected. Atem decides to put his dislike for the army on the back burner as his friend is more important to him. In doing so puts them both in the firing line of both, Crowned Prince Yugi and Prince Timaeus.

Author's note: Mind is here there and everywhere and pretty much how this story came about. Blame Timaeus. Sporadic updates when ideas come to me. Possibly 15 chapters between 2000 - 5000 words long.

Event

"Atem! Atem!"

A young adult stopped in his work to look up to see his childhood friend speeding towards him with the goofiest smile he had ever seen on his face. Atem arched a delicate eyebrow at his friends behaviour but quickly hid what he was working on so that said friend didn't see it. He smiled and spoke with a bass tone that had many a girl swooning over him "What's got you so excited Yami?"

Yami slowed as he neared his friend's leatherwork station and bent over with his hands on his knees so that he could catch his breath. He was breathless as he spoke but could catch the underlining baritone "The prince's are fighting today! In our town!"

"That's erm.. great?" Atem tilted his head and wondered why it was such a big deal about it. Working on the outer parts of the city meant very little interaction with nobles let alone royalty. Even when he had travelled into the more inner parts to sell off his wears, there still wasn't that much association with higher society. That and He didn't really want anything to do with the Royals because of personal reasons.

There was a huff as Yami pulled up straight and leant against the station that Atem quickly shifted the leather around so that it wasn't ruined. "I keep forgetting that you had been away from the city to learn your trade when the changes were made. Two times a year since the Prince's have become of age they go to different towns or cities to do demonstration battles."

"Uh-huh" Atemu nodded his head to show that he was listening though was still unsure where Yami was going. He folded his tanned arms, causing them to flex his muscles, and gripped his slim leather bands.

"Well it's pretty much a event that is to show off their fighting abilities but also to recruit members into joining the royal army under Prince Timaeus' command" Yami grinned as his violet-red eyes brightened "To get a chance at joining you have to demonstrate your skill level of swordplay. I was planning in trying my hand at it this time... what you think?"

"You want to join the royal army?" Atemu's crimson eyes darkened for a moment at Yami's nod that he had to look away for a moment to compose himself. There was a slight edge to his voice that he couldn't fully hide "Since when have you wanted to join?"

"I erm..." Yami blinked having not expected to get such a angered reception that he found himself shying away and looking down to the ground. "While you were away there was a incident that involved my father's shop to be ransacked and I was only just able to defend myself and my father when Prince Timaeus and a few swordsmen came in an took the men out quickly."

Atemu had struck out with a fingerless gloved hand to squeeze at Yami's arm from across the work station. He stared wide eyed as Yami looked up at him startled "You were ransacked? Why didn't you tell me?"

"You weren't here and the matter was sorted by the time you got back so I didn't see there being much point in telling," Yami squeaked when the grip on his arm was tightened slightly that he lifted his hand to pry his friends hand away. He let out a huff as he rubbed at the sore patch and frowned at Atem. "What's your deal?"

Atem grimaced as he realised that he had unintentionally hurt Yami that he clenched his hand and placed it by his side. "I'm sorry... When we were little I had always been there to fight along side you. So hearing that something like that happened when I could have helped, has me rattled, I'm sorry Yami."

He narrowed his eyes slightly, feeling there was more to it then just that, but let it go. He licked his lips and shifted his stance so that his chest was out and shoulders back. He was unsure now if Atemu would come but if that was the case then he wanted to at least appear as though that he could still do it himself. "I was hoping you would come with me for support but if you're not feeling up to it then it's okay"

The older of the two by a year gritted his teeth before letting out a long sigh to get rid of his negative emotions. His feelings towards the Royal army didn't have anything to do with Yami and shouldn't effect their friendship. He ran his hand over his red hair that was half done up and tightened the small pony tail. Then brought the hand back to run over his face that shifted his lighter blond bangs to the side. Atem hoped that his smile didn't seem strained. "With you till the end, my friend"

"And forever more" Yami beamed as he brought up his arm as Atem brought up his to grasp hands. He didn't however expect his arm to suddenly be twisted to show his worn down leather wrist guard. He ducked his head when Atem clucked his tongue.

"What has my work done to deserve such abuse?" Atem tsked teasingly as he let go of the hand and uncovered his latest project. He picked up his tools to add the final touch to the new bracer. "Take those things off, they won't do you any good against swords in the condition their in"

Yami chuckled lightly as he did what he was told and wondered what kind of day would be had when they got to the town centre. He just was really glad that he would have Atem be there for support. Also if he would get to see Prince Timaeus once again.

A lithe figure pulled themselves out from the floor embedded bathtub and quickly set about dabbing himself down with a fluffy towel that was left by a servant. A soft smile grazed his cherub features as he also spotted his clothes hanging over the heater. Swiftly he towel dried his hair and wrapped it up in the towel as he went over to the clothes.

There was a soft knock on the bathroom door and a muffled voice soon followed. "Crowned Prince are you almost ready?"

"Almost!" The Crowned Prince slipped on his undergarments and tugged on the off-white trousers. "Just give me a few more minutes and I'll be out so that you may fix my hair"

"As you say Crowned Prince" Even though he couldn't see it, he could clearly tell that the servant had bowed after those words.

"I say you should call me Yugi" He mumbled as he slid on his navy coloured under tunic, followed by a white tunic and artic blue tabards that held intricate designs. "But that's unlikely to happen"

Yugi picked up the last items to make up his outfit; a artic blue obi, a white decorated leather belt and the navy hood that he would put on once his hair was done. He stopped in the doorway once he had opened the door. He smiled at the scene as his older brother Timaeus was pushing things around on the vanity table and was giving his, partly OCD, servant a hard time. "Brother what brings you here?"

"Came to see how much longer it would take my little brother to gussy up" Timaeus smirked lightly as he turned his back on the vanity table and could hear the servant making quick movements for the items to go back to their rightful place. He smiled when his little brother came closer and was having difficultly with fixing the obi. "Here let me help"

"Thanks, I swear for a simple thing they make it more difficult each time they make me a new one." Yugi held up his arms so that Timaeus could do what was needed then fixed the leather belt in place to hold it all together. He pouted "Sometimes I wish I could wear your armour"

Timaeus quirked an eyebrow at that as he stepped back. He looked down at his armour that mimics dragon scales and were coloured to be like the clear ocean. He ran a hand over his chest plate as he spoke "For it to be put on correctly it still takes two people, but I suppose it is easier to take off, however I didn't think you liked wearing armour"

The Crowned Prince waved his hand as he slid by his brother to sit at the vanity table. His servant quickly got into action to deal with his hair. "I can change my mind from time to time can I not?"

"Yes but make sure it isn't a waste of time and that it's worth while investment" Timaeus chuckled as he moved to be in sight of the mirror so that Yugi could still see him. "Possibly the way you fight, leather armour might work out well for your style"

"We shall see" Yugi smiled but quickly grimaced when his servant viciously pulled at his raven locks to weave them into a French braid. He glared at his brother when he heard a snicker. "You can take your position back if you keep snickering at me."

"No thanks, I like where my hair is thank you" Timaeus ruffled his own teal tinted locks that fanned up and out like a star. He couldn't help but let out a laugh at Yugi's childish pout as the Servant gathered up the front blond bangs so that Yugi could place his circlet crown. "Besides the crown suits you way better than it would me"

"Well it was designed for me, as yours would have been if you didn't decide to continue on as the lead commander of father's army" Yugi stuck out his tongue after thanking his servant and flicked his gold dusted bang around his face and crown so that it could be seen. The circlet crown was made from platinum as Yugi had developed an allergy to gold when he was younger. The centre was of a crescent Pearl moon cradling a Alexandrite stone of his birth month, the soft metal then twirls out in rows of three to behind his ears to fan out like sparrow wings, the tips dotted with smaller set of alexandrite and pearls.

The servant shifted around with their final duties and bid the Princes a good day as they left the room. Timaeus hmmed as he took a step behind his little brother and flicked his near platinum bangs around. He held a particular one over his scarred eye that was clouded over. "How many question do you think I'll receive today about my eye?"

"Hopefully none, but there's always going to be at least one" Yugi turned in his seat and took the bang from his brothers had to put it where it was. "And at least three will attack you from your blind side"

"I bet five" Timaeus cerulean eye glittered in amusement as he stood up and held out his gauntlet covered hand. "Now I think we best meet with our mothers and grandfather before they get anxious about where we are"

"Maybe your mother but as long as I show up I don't think mine would mind as long as I had fun" Yugi grinned cheekily as he picked up his navy hood and passed Timaeus his dragon designed helmet. The light hit it in such a way that two of Timaeus three birthstones shone brightly. The left eye of the dragon was a Caribbean sea blue zircon, a diamond shaped tanzanite shined brightly on the dragons forehead, and in the right eye held an opaque turquoise that didn't glimmer like the rest but was just as beautiful.

The elder sibling just snorted as he put on the helmet and helped Yugi straighten out the hood so it sat neatly behind his blond bangs. He smiled brightly as Yugi looked up at him with his boysenberry eyes that shone happiness. "Let the best man win today in our fair battle"

"I look forward to it" Yugi grinned as lopped his arm with his brothers and headed for the door. He picked up his white robe on the way out. "I have a feeling today is going to be great!"

The town centre was filled to the brim with activity as people attempted to get good places to see the very centre being transformed into a platform for the prince's battle. Two booths were being set up along side the platform to house the sitting areas for the royal family and the other for the 2nd, Critias, and 3rd, Hermos, commanders of the royal army.

Two friends decided to take the high way by settling on the rooftop. They had a great view of the layout below and didn't have to deal with the people pushing against them. They were busy eating the lunch that Yami had made when the Royal procession was played out to announce the arrival. Yami shifted excitedly on the rooftop edge that Atem had to wrap his arms around his friends waist to keep him steady. "Calm yourself. I don't think you'll be able to fight if you go splat in front of their horses."

"I know, I know, I just can't help it" Yami settled enough that it didn't look like he was going to fall off and was still smiling as brightly as he put on the new engraved bracers that Atem made for him. That an he was presented with a new leather chest plate that he wore over his plain tunic. "Thanks again for being here"

"No problem" Atem smiled a bit strained and looked over to see the Royals on there horses coming through the buildings straight across from them.

The Royals were lead by Grandfather King Solomon followed by his daughter-in-laws Queen Mai, mother of Crowned Prince Yugi and 2nd Queen Anzu, mother of Prince Timaeus 1st Commander of the Royal army. They were followed by Critias and Hermos taking up the rear with some foot soldiers. Even though he was bit too faraway to see their faces he could tell from the way they held themselves and waved towards the crowds that they were genuinely happy to be in this town.

It struck him as a bit odd considering how far from the palace they were but each to their own. He turned to his friend causing his red dyed leather tunic to shift with the move. "How long does the event last for?"

Yami blinked from his viewing of the 1st Commander and placed a finger against his cheek in thought. "They fight for possibly ten maybe fifteen minutes, depending how in to it they get and then it depends on how many people are wishing to join. So possibly two hours. Then the family takes time to themselves to view the town and talk with people."

"Are they not afraid of being attacked while out here?" Atem asked confused. Even if the family could defend themselves it still seemed like they were rather lacking in the protection detail. "I could see a few faults were they could easily be taken out"

"Thinking of taken them out are you?" Yami asked teasingly causing the other to scoff. He just continued to smile and watch the event. "They'll be fine. Just watch and see"

Down with the Royals in the town centre they had left their horses in the confident hands of the stable hands of the town. The Queens and their father in law settled into the booth that was decorated with colourful wall mats and silks, the princes stood next to their mothers receiving a pep talk for their upcoming match. Critias and Hermos stood at the sides of the entrance to ensure their safety.

Anzu, the 2nd Queen, stood relaxed in her dance inspired robes. She wore under armour like a halter swimsuit in a deep shade of green. There was an opaque of the same colour half skirt that kept her bum covered to around her hips. Attached to the skirt was chiffon material of several states of green that reminded people of the leaves dancing on the wind. The same material was used to give her flowing sleeves that sat just off her shoulder. Despite it coming up to her forty-forth birthday she could pass to be the same age as her twenty-six year old son. Her Cerulean eyes wrinkled as she smiled an stepped closer to Timaeus and swiped a hand through her chocolate brown hair.

"Remember that it's not a battle to the death and you'll be fine" Anzu murmured as she helped her son unclip the top part of his armour. Timaeus listened quietly as he lifted his arms and shifted around to rid himself of the armour. She had said it for every match for the past seven years that he could recite her pep speech by heart. She ruffled his hair unexpectedly that it had him squawking.

"Mother!" He swatted her hand away to fix his hair back up and pointedly ignored the giggling that he was receiving from his family.

Yugi snickered by his hand as his own mother, Mai, was fixing his hood to lay flat on his back and handed him his katana with a kiss to his cheek. "Give him hell sweetie."

Mai, the 1st Queen, was draped in layers just like her son but in shades of yellows through to rich orange. But instead of the trousers that Yugi wore, her tunics reached to the ground. So if she shifted a certain way the tunic would slide away to reveal her shapely legs that most woman her age envied. Unlike Anzu who had Timaeus at the age of eighteen, Mai had Yugi when she was coming up to her twenty-second birthday. She pushed her voluminous golden hair behind her ear so that Her cheek was visible to her son.

Neither sons held a similar physical likeness to their maternal parents but it was all in their eyes and attitudes that clearly showed their relations.

"Will do mum" He beamed as he returned the kiss to her cheek. He walked over to stand in front of his grandfather where he and Timaeus received the majority of their looks from his lineage.

Timaeus managed to bat away the rest of his own mothers coddling to receive his claymore and gave her a quick kiss to her cheek to keep her happy before joining Yugi in front of their grandfather.

"Now boys, I wish to see a good clean match between you two" Solomon spoke in a gruff voice as he looked on adoringly at his two grandsons. They both nodded and he spread out his arms in a joyous motion. "Give them a show then my boys!"

"Aye!" They both pressed their hand together with the swords in between as they bowed. Once they stood they smirked at each other and left the booth with smiles on their faces as they waved towards the crowd. Yugi slipped off his robe to Hermos as he had forgotten to take it off earlier and caught up to Timaeus on the elevated platform.

Timaeus held up his hand to silence the crowd as Yugi stood proud and projected his voice so that even those furthest away could hear him. "Hello everyone! Thank you for allowing us the day to hold an event here in your town!"

"We also thank you!" Timaeus stalked around the platform to take in the peoples faces that may be his reasonability for training in the near future. He spoke with authority that he had gained through his ten years of service. "To those that are volunteering to sign up to join our army! I look forward to calling you my sisters and brothers in arms!"

The crowd cheered as the brothers spoke. Even up high on the rooftops Atem could feel himself getting into the spirits of things. The brothers took opposite corners and held their swords in front of their faces. "It's time."

"To duel!"