Yugi had a long sleeved shirt on, covering his wings. Nervously he entered the palace. He didn't want to do this, but he didn't want to lead Atem on one second longer than needed. Sneaking in quietly, as it was still early morning, he slid into his room. Atem wasn't there. Yugi didn't know if that was good or bad. About then, the door opened, Atem walking in, eyes still sleepy, hair stuck in odd angles. He still had his clothes on from the night before. Seeing Yugi, Atem's eyes lit up and he went to Yugi, scooping Yugi in Atem's arms and hugging Yugi tightly.

Yugi felt horrible and disentangled himself from Atem's arms. Looking up at Atem, Atem smiled lovingly down at him. "Yugi. Happy birthday, my Love. I'm sorry I didn't get to give you your present yesterday, but...well, with that demon..." Atem's eyes clouded with emotion.

Yugi swallowed. He had to tell Atem. Atem was fiddling with his pocket. Suddenly, Atem slipped to a knee and slipped a ring on Yugi's finger. "Yugi, will you marry me?"

Yugi looked down, eyes wide. Atem was smiling up at him. "Yugi, I adore you. I promise, I'll make your life wonderful...you won't want for anything. And, you won't have to be with Yami again. I think I figured out a way out of the deal."

Heart falling to his stomach, Yugi just looked at Atem. Opening his mouth, he just started to speak when there was a knock at the door. "My Pharaoh, there is an emergency. Your presence is needed immediately."

Atem smiled apologetically up at Yugi, standing. "I'm sorry my Love...comes with the position. I'll be back as soon as possible." Running his knuckles down Yugi's cheek, he grabbed a new outfit, slipping it on as he ran out the door, smoothing his hair.

About then, Yami peeked in the window. "Aibou, are you okay?" He asked, crawling in the window. Yugi turned around, eyes sad. Yami came over to him, rubbing his arms. "What is it?" Yugi held up his hand, showing his ring finger. Yami's eyes darkened in jealousy momentarily, then returned to crimson as sadness for his Aibou overtook him...along with a slight bit of fear. "What did you tell him?" Yami asked, his throat suddenly impossibly dry.

Yugi looked up. "I didn't get to tell him anything. He asked me then he had to leave for some emergency business. I plan on giving the ring back when he comes back." Yami looked at Yugi, placing his forehead on Yugi's.

"I'll leave and wait for you at the house." Leaning down, he kissed Yugi gently, rubbing Yugi's shoulders.

Hearing a strangled cry, Yugi turned to see Atem had come back in the room. Eyes wide with betrayal, Atem was staring at the two. "Go." Yugi said to Yami. Nodding, Yami left out the window.

"Yugi.." Atem choked.

Yugi sighed. "This wasn't how I wanted you to find out. Atem..." He reached out to Atem, who flinched away.

"I could have you executed." Atem stated coldly.

"You could." Yugi stated softly, slipping the ring off and holding it out to Atem, who took it begrudgingly. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I didn't even know Yami until he came to do his mission for Zorc. But...Atem..." Slipping off his shirt, he extended his wings, showing Atem, "I...I'm his soulmate, and he's mine. I'm sorry...we are almas." Amethyst eyes sad, he turned to the window, Atem staring at him coldly.

"I would have given you the world." Atem said softly, eyes sad.

Turning, Yugi caught Atem's eyes. "I know. And I don't deserve that. Goodbye 'Temmie. And, I'm sorry. I really am." Leaping from the window, he took flight, the air feeling good as the hot tears fell from his eyes. Flying to the house, he went in, finding Yami. Yami said nothing, pulling him into a hug. They sat there, not speaking for hours.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Ryou sat on the chair Malik had pointed him to. Sighing, he didn't even move against the ropes that Malik had tied him up with. He simply watched Malik pace, a wild, almost feral, look in his eyes. Looking at Ryou, Malik came closer. "How do I know you are telling the truth?"

Ryou sighed again. "Malik, you don't. Except that you know I have been friends with Marik since we were little and I have no desire to hurt him and every desire to protect him."

Malik looked at Ryou, studying him. "You're gonna take me to Zorc's, and I'm gonna see for myself. If he truly is happy and there on his own will, I will let him. But if he's there against his will for any reason, I'm taking him back."

Ryou sighed. He didn't see this going well.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Ryou walked back to the hideout slowly, Malik having a dagger at his side the whole time. Walking in, he looked around. "My bedroom is over there." He motioned to the right. Malik led him over that way. Walking past Bakura's door, Ryou tried to be extra quiet, but somehow that guy always had super hearing. Opening his door in breeches only, his eyes widened at the sight as Malik stopped.

"What the fuck..." Bakura snarled, reaching for blades himself. "Let my brother go or you are going to see your insides on the outside."

"Stop, 'Kura...really...it's okay. All Malik wants to know is that Marik is okay and here voluntarily. If he can confirm that, he'll leave peacefully and quietly, leaving me here." Ryou pleaded with his brother as Marik peeked out from behind Bakura, a sheet wrapped around him.

"Malik!" Rushing towards his brother, Bakura stuck his arm out, stopping Marik. Looking at Bakura, "Bakura, what is it? I need to speak to my brother."

"You're mine, Tombkeeper. Don't forget it." Bakura growled.

Marik smiled. "I know, Thief." Moving his arm, Bakura still looked angry, eyes watching Marik the entire time. Blushing at his state of undress, Marik looked down, uncomfortably. "Hi, Ryou."

Ryou smiled. "Hello Marik." Marik grabbed Ryou in a hug as Ryou whispered, "I think you and 'Kura are cute together. You can bring out his good side."

Marik smiled in appreciation for the kind words, then went to his brother. "Brother, I am here of my own volition. I asked to be brought here. You know that I hate the Tomb. You also know I never wanted to be a Tombkeeper. Ryou's my best friend, and he's here. I'm happy here, I'm not being mistreated."

Malik glared at Marik's neck. "Really? You've been bit."

Marik's face turned blood red as he scratched the back of his neck, Bakura's face settling into a satisfied smirk. "Uh..yea...but..I..uh...I liked it."

Malik studied his brother. Finally, "Fine. I'll leave without complaint...tomorrow. I want to stay here tonight to confirm this isn't an act."

Bakura growled. "That wasn't part of the deal."

Ryou stepped to his brother, as Malik had dropped the knife. " 'Kura, look...he dropped the knife off of me, and he hasn't done anything. I will let him stay in my room tonight to keep an eye on him, since your room is now full." He avoided Marik's eyes. He knew his brother and his ...possessive tendencies, and he was sure that Bakura had already moved Marik's items in, or would do so. If Bakura slept with someone, he claimed them. And since he was loyal, he never left a lover...they left him.

Bakura grumbled. "He better be gone by tomorrow. Zorc and Muffin will be back. They left to stake out the Pharaoh's palace. Something about picking out fucking curtains." Bakura grabbed Marik, picking him up and kicking the door shut as Marik let out a surprised squeak.

Malik turned eyes to Ryou. Ryou sighed. "Follow me. I'll get you settled in and then I will get you some supper. I'm sure you are hungry." Following Ryou, Malik said nothing, looking around at the place. After being taken into Ryou's room, Malik flopped on the bed.

"How can I know how Marik is okay if I am stuck in this room?" Malik whined, eyeing Ryou.

"I don't know, Malik. I will work on getting you some time with Marik. That's the best I can do, alright?" Ryou looked appealingly to Malik.

Malik nodded. "Okay, bunny. I believe you. I don't know why, cause I don't believe anyone, but I do believe you." Eyes narrowing, he glared. "Don't make me regret that."

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

There was a knock on the door. Bleary eyes looked up. "Who is it?"

Seto's voice came through the door. "It is I, My Pharaoh, your Priest. May I come in?"

" ." Atem's voice was slightly slurred.

Seto walked in and gasped at the state of the room. Atem was sitting on the floor, an empty wine bottle...no...wait...three empty wine bottles on the floor. Atem's purple eyes were bloodshot, and there were clothes strewn over the floor. "My Pharaoh! What happened?" No one knew why Atem never came back after taking care of the traitor, but all left him alone as they did not want to intrude on the Pharaoh.

" ...hessh a...angel..." Atem's eyes filled with tears.

Seto held back a sigh. "Did Yami come again?"

Looking up, tears fell from Atem's eyes. "Yesh, an..and he...he took my Yam...my Yugi." Holding up the two wedding rings, he frowned up at Seto. "Yu...gi said no...he wanted to beee wif Yuuugi. I mean...Yaami."

Seto sat down next to Atem, scratching his head. "Wait...Yugi left you for Yami? Willingly?"

Atem started sobbing, laying his head on Seto's chest. Nodding, Atem handed the rings to Seto. "G...ge...get rid of th..th..them please."

Seto took the rings gently, nodding. Picking Atem up, he laid him on the bed. "D..don' leave." Atem whimpered pitifully.

Seto sighed and nodded. Covering Atem up, he went around to the other side and laid on the bed, over the covers. Atem crawled over and laid his head on Seto's chest. "M' sorry I'm using you." Atem sniffled.

Seto rubbed Atem's back. "What are best friends for?" Closing his eyes, he fought back the tears of anger at Yugi making Atem feel like this. Atem deserved so much better, and now, Atem would have a chance to find that love. The problem was, Seto would have to watch Atem fall in love with someone again, and go through the anguish another time. Sighing, Seto held Atem as Atem slept and Seto worried.