AN: Ergh. I hate hate hate this chapter. It was so hard to write. I read a few fanfics and couldn't find anything similar to what I was thinking of, so I'm not really sure how I was meant to write this. But ah well.

Sorry it took so long to get up, but I had a maths exam and spent literally an entire week revising, then I had an English essay to write and it took me ages :(

Okay so a lot of the time I should have spent writing, I spent watching Shugo Chara and Death Note. But they're amazing and I had writer's block. Leave me alone.

Sorry you waited so long for such a crappy chapter! I can only right yaoi pairings! ^_^


Apprenticeshipping – Priest Mahad x Mana

"Atem!" I called towards the retreating head of the prince.

"Mana," Mahad scolded as he caught up with me, grabbing my arm gently but firmly. "You know the prince has lessons now."

I pouted. "That's not fair. Why can't we just have fun for once?" I turned to Atem. "You always have lessons."

He turned to me, grimacing slightly. "I know, but I have to. It's my duty as heir to the throne." He said proudly, puffing out his chest.

I snickered, rolling my eyes slightly. I caught Mahad's eye and he smirked, bowing his head to hide the smile.

"It's okay Mana, we can have fun just the two of us. The almost-pharaoh here has no time for mere commoners like us." Mahad teased, bowing mockingly.

"Mahad!" Atem and I yelled together.

"You know it's not like that!" Atem cried, taking the joke seriously, as usual. "I'd spend more time with you if I could, it's just…" he trailed off.

Mahad chuckled. "I'm joking, Atem. Your lessons are important, I know you care about us." He bowed again, only half kidding around this time.

"Prince Atem, your tutor is waiting for you." A servant informed him, bowing deeply himself.

"I'll be there in a minute." The prince turned to us. "See you later then." He muttered sulkily.

"Bye, Atem!" I yelled, wrapping my arms around him in a bear hug.

He hugged me back, then pulled away to follow the servant back up to the palace. I watched him go before turning to Mahad with an expectant smile on my face.

"So."

"So?"

"Where are we going?"

He smiled. "Wherever you want."

I paused, considering it. "Let's go…this way!" I decided, pointing in a random direction and setting off at a brisk walk.

Mahad laughed shortly, his much longer legs allowing him to easily match my stride.

We walked aimlessly for a few minutes, not talking. Nothing broke the silence but our breathing and the rhythm our footsteps beat into the ground.

Finally, Mahad turned to me. "Where are we going, little one?"

I smiled at my pet name, then looked up at him. "Does it matter?" He looked at me curiously. "I want to find somewhere new." I admitted sheepishly. "All we ever get to see is the palace, I want to find a place that's different. A place…a place that can be ours."

"Ours? I assume Atem is not included in this?"

I shook my head, feeling both embarrassed and a little guilty for wanting to leave my friend out of this.

I looked down at my feet and clasped my hands behind my back, walking a little faster. I didn't look up until I felt a soft touch on my shoulder a few minutes later.

"Mana," Mahad whispered in my ear. "Look, it's a lake."

I glanced up, my eyes widening. "It's…beautiful." I breathed.

I stared, open mouthed, at the scene in front of me. A perfect expanse of shining blue liquid lay before me, its surface clear and undisturbed like coloured glass. The water mirrored the exact blue of the sky, making the small lake seem endless. It stood in the centre of endless dull sand, shining defiantly like a star lighting the way on a dark night.

"It's perfect." Mahad agreed, sounding awed.

I took a step forward, unblinking. I was scared our beautiful lake would disappear if I took my eyes off of it for even a second.

Mahad stepped with me, taking my hand and leading me forward. I smiled up at him, a strange feeling of happiness coming over me.

When we reached the edge of the lake, we stopped and stood there, hand in hand, regarding the flawless pool of blue stretching out before us.

Slipping my hand out of his, I crouched down. The water was so clear and untouched that I could see my reflection perfectly in the unbroken mirror. I ran my hand delicately through the cool, smooth water, sending ripples in every direction. A shudder ran through me as the glassy water enveloped my fingertips.

Mahad sat down next to me, reaching into the water to take my hand. "It's perfect, just like you." He whispered softly, pulling me close.

"Oh, Mahad" I sighed contentedly, burying my face in his chest.

After a while I noticed the sun begin to set. I shifted my position to watch as the glowing ball of light got steadily lower in the sky. The last rays of sunlight fell on the two of us, dancing on the water's glassy surface.

Mahad tilted my chin towards him, his soft fingers tender and sweet on my skin. He moved his face very close to mine, his warm brown eyes obscured by long, black lashes.

The sky changed colour, making Mahad's eyes look a deep purple in the fading light as he ran his hand over my cheek.

"I love you" he breathed in my ear, his hair tickling my cheek.

"I love you too"

Our cheeks brushed against each other as he leaned closer still. As the sun finally disappeared below the horizon, he pressed his lips to mine...


AN: Why do I seem to be completely incapable of writing long chapters? I'm really, really, really sorry this took so long and it's so short, but I'll try to upload every weekend from now on :)

Also, I might write another apprenticeshipping chapter but a lot darker instead of sweet. Or I might just go straight on to aptshipping. Let me know which you would prefer!