Crystal: Welcome back y'all!
Kathy: Finally another chapter.
Ashley: Blame Sapphire for the delay.
Sapphire: *huffs* I'm sorry. I was inspired, then I wasn't, then I was, then I wasn't, then I was! ^^
Ashley & Kathy: *sighs* Lazy writer.
Sapphire: Whatever! You all have to thank Amme for making this chapter awesome! What I had was good, but then Amme added her magic and bam! Awesome chapter!
Amme: You big me up too much, sis. Please enjoy everyone!
All was quiet at the palace this morning; everyone was either rising with the sun or just about to. Jono and the cooks were cooking away, making breakfast for everyone and sneaking odd titbits out to favourite servants. Ryou was doing his pre-morning duties in the healing chamber, preparing for whatever the day may bring the most professional healer. Both servants and slaves worked quickly and efficiently to get the palace ready for another busy day.
Yet despite all this work, all was peaceful.
"HEBA! YAMI!"
Well, almost peaceful.
Yugi sighed as he looked to the door of Yami's room. He had been waiting in the pale prince's room for his brother and his lover while they went to perform some morning mischief. The two had been, surprisingly, getting along well since Yugi and Yami have started courting. They even pulled an occasional 'wake up call' on Atem, which was what the two were doing right before the yelling.
Yugi glared as the door opened up and two panting teens rushed in, successfully shutting it behind them before the fuming tan prince managed to get in. Yugi felt bad for Atem, next time, he promised himself, I'll give him a warning.
The two pranksters laughed in between pants, grinning at each other as they gloated in their success of waking Atem in the most hilarious way possible. Yugi sighed to himself as he watched them have fun, he couldn't be really mad at them, he loved them too dearly. He was glad they were getting along, at least for now, it made being openly loving with Yami less stressful – who could be relaxed when your twin was glaring murder into your lover's back.
"What did you two do this time?" he asked warily, petting the wolf on the bed. Missy was still 'sleeping', but wagged her tail when she felt the gentle hand of her master's mate, or rather potential mate.
She sighed in contentment, she liked her master's mate – though they still had to do the actual 'mating' part.
Yugi and Yami had been courting for three months, and they couldn't be happier. They fit well together and completed each other, there was rarely any times when they argued or clashed. They would talk, go for walks in the private gardens or just sit and enjoy each company, they played games with each other, and more. They haven't really gotten far thought, just gentle kisses and shy touches. They didn't mind, they wanted to take this slow since Yugi was uncertain and Yami wasn't in any rush, he wanted to enjoy their relationship and knew Yugi would one day be ready for the next step.
Yami looked to his love as he finally caught his breath, Heba turned around and listened for any sign of the angry prince behind the door, "We might have dumped a bucket of cold pond water, frog included, on him!" Yami said, joining Heba by the door. "The frog was genius, Heba. I've never seen Atem jump that high before!" The prince laughed as he remembered the scared look on his brother's face when the frog jumped up on him.
Heba gave him a toothy grin before taking a quick bow. "Why thank you Prince Yami! I thought a frog was more interesting than a fish this time." He rose back up and asked, "Did you hear him screeching?" he laughed gleefully.
Yami snickered, "Yeah! Sounded just like a girl."
"More like a banshee."
Yugi shook his head at them. "What am I going to do with you two?" he asked, silently hoping that Atem would have it easier when he was finally courting with Heba.
Yami smirked as he sauntered over to him "You could join us instead of sitting here with the mutt," he said, ignoring the huff he got from his pet as she turned away.
Heba grinned and stepped away from the door, "Yeah, Yugi. You don't know what you're missing out on! It's so much fun!" Heba said, plopping down onto the bed, disturbing the wolf next to him.
She growled at them before jumping off and headed back to her giant pillow. She circled it before finally plopping down it with a sigh. She wanted more sleep, but it didn't seem like she was going to get it today.
The doors burst open, banging hard on against the walls. An angry Atem stood there, still wet from the dumping, glaring at the two accused by the bed. "Yami … Heba … we need to talk." Atem said slowly through clenched teeth.
He didn't even bother to move as Alice made her way into the room. She walked up to Missy before pouncing on the wolf, this tiger wanted to play. She started to pat/bob the wolf on the head, much to the canine's dislike, lightly growling while she asked her to play. Missy gave a sigh before finally giving up and chased the tiger out of the room. Once again ignored by Atem as they passed, he was still fuming.
Yami and Heba looked to each, silently agreeing to…
"RUN AWAY!" the two yelled before rushing off the bed and into Yami's private garden. Atem joined them in ten seconds flat, screeching and yelling profanities and threats as he chased the two.
Yugi just let his laughter out as the door opened up, failing to hear it knock due to the yelling. However a quick vision told him he had guests, very surprised and confused guests. He looked to see Matthew and Mana standing there. "Hey guys. Come for the show?" Yugi asked, waving at the two before pointing to the garden entrance.
Matthew shook his head as Mana laughed. "We just wanted to come get you all for breakfast," the male apprentice said, looking to the garden. "How long have they been at it?"
Yugi hummed as he thought about it. "Not too long. Maybe a minute or two before you two got here …" He jumped off the bed and headed toward the entrance, just in time to see Atem hovering over Yami, but no Heba. "Where did Heba go?"
"Up here!" Yugi looked to the trees and saw Heba sitting up there. "I got lucky and managed to climb up here in time. Yami, not so much," the seer of hindsight said, sending a silent apology to his partner in crime.
Yami gulped at the dark glare his brother was giving him. "Oh come on Atem! I'm your brother, remember? You don't really want to hurt me, right?" He didn't get an answer. Atem pulled something out from behind him and quickly dumped it onto his brother. Yami let out a yell mixed with a groan as the watery, thick mud squelched all over him. Atem threw the bucket at Heba, who ducked, and cursed a few more times before stomping out of the garden.
He grumbled a harsh 'Good Morning,' to the others as marching out of the room, slamming the door behind him. The three in the room flinched at the hard bang that followed.
Mana whistled, tapping her chin with her staff worriedly "Wow, I haven't seen Atem that mad in a long time. He's really not a morning person." The two males agreed before going back out onto the garden steps.
They saw upon entering Heba slowly sliding down the tree he had climbed. When they turned to Yami, both Mana and Matthew let loose a mad fury of laughs. Yami now resembled a mud statue or a chocolate covered pudding.
Even Yugi had a hard time trying to hide his chuckles. "Oh, my poor Yami," he cooed at last, reaching down to try and scoop off some of the mud.
Heba sighed as he helped the pale Prince up, "I told you to go for the trees. I know Atem can't stand climbing them," he said, the vision he had seen this morning had saved his hide.
Yami sighed as well, shaking his arms to try and rid himself of the mud, nodding he said, "Yeah ever since that incident with that snake, he hasn't been able to go up one since. But that stays with us you got it!" He glared at each one of them, well not Yugi. He knew he could trust Yugi with this secret, as with a few others. Yugi promise to keep them hushed, even in the afterlife.
Heba huffed "I can't help it if my gift lets me know everything about him."
Yugi hovered at his boyfriend's side, pushing off any mud away from his face caringly "It didn't get into your eyes, did it?" he asked, wiping the last bit away from the jewels he loved, unable to help himself cupping Yami's face while he was at it.
Yami slowly opened his eyes, blinking a few times. He shook his head, turning it to the side to spit some of the sludge out of his mouth. "No, but it got in my mouth! Ugh. I'm going to take my bath, again. I'll see you all at breakfast," he said, waving at them before dragging himself back into the bathing chamber.
Just before he went in, Yami turned to Heba and said, "Keep a close eye out Heba. He wants revenge now; I could see it in his eyes. He won't stop until he gets it one way or another."
Heba shrugged, he was not afraid … well maybe a bit, but he wasn't going to say that out loud. "I can handle him!" He forgot that Heba knew all his revenge tactics from previous visions, he could get away with anything, the tree knowledge just proved it. His smirk was as confident as his words.
Yami shook his head at the smirk before walking into the bathing chamber. Yugi decided to help and went to get more water for him.
~Dining Hall~
After a while both princes finally joined the others at the table in the Dining Hall, both looking down as their father gave them a look. It was a mixture of disapproving and tired, they were having too many of these mornings. The Princes sheepishly apologized before sitting down in their seats.
Jono handed them their food, informing them that Heba told the pharaoh what happened. Atem looked to the seer, seeing him looking down at his plate, the little snitch! If he wasn't an honoured guest he would bet his Father would be punishing him right now.
Heba could feel eyes on him. He knew who it was, but he still looked. He mentally gulped at the glare Atem was giving him. But then that turned into a smirk, and no normal smirk either. This was the kind of smirk that promised a punishment that Heba would not like, but Atem would. Heba inwardly groaned as he turned away, not looking forward to this punishment, hopefully Yugi would tip him off – though he doubted it.
Even thought things have gotten heated between the two today, they really didn't hate each other. This was normal for the two, even if it was strange. Ever since that day when they decided to try being friends to see if they had any kind of feeling, those feelings being the loving ones, the two been kind of hard to separate at times. They spent any free time together; either pulling pranks on each other or on others, talking in the Sighted Tower/Heba's room/Atem's room, or just sitting in silence while enjoying each other's company or challenging each other at games.
During that time, the feelings Yugi had foreseen had started to show.
Atem had admitted before that Heba was beautiful, but he never felt anything close to love towards the younger male; attraction didn't mean he had to act on it. Now though, he was infatuated with the seer. Each day, feelings grew as he learned more about him. He found each feature about Heba was amazing, including his flaws, his personality was also drawing him towards the stubborn, feisty and fiery teen. He could tell Heba could be the real deal, but Heba was still hesitant on being friends, a problem he was cautious about breaking.
Heba tried his best to ignore the other's intense red eyes. He was starting to fall for the tan prince, he could tell. He was thinking about him when he wasn't there, spending time with him were the highlights of his day, and he was enjoying every bit of attention he could grab. But he feared falling in love as well. He had seen relationship turn badly for the twins with sight in the past. Abuse, pain, and fear were what he saw the most, some had their love used against them or to bind them; if you love me you'll see this for me, ect. Once in a while he would see them being treated well, being truly loved, but that was rare. He wanted to be happy, he wanted what Yugi had with Yami.
He looked to his brother, seeing him smiling brightly as he looked to Yami. Heba sighed to himself and tried to kill the envious feelings that bloomed at the loving sight. He shouldn't be jealous of his own brother! In times like these he wished he could have foresight, Yugi had confidence that Yami wouldn't hurt him, he hadn't seen all the pain of days past so could move forwards far more easily than Heba could. Heba didn't even know if falling for a Prince was a good idea, not that he could stop it.
Heba rubbed his forehead and turned back to his food, he would save being depressing for later.
Yami was hold Yugi's hand in his and brought it close to him, he kissed it before turning to his father.
"Father, I know me and Atem have today off, and so do Yugi and Heba," he began. Aknamkanon nodded, he knew that both his boys have been working hard lately. Either with their studies or their love life, or in Atem's case potential love life, they have been busy. So Aknamkanon had granted his sons the day off, along with Yugi and Heba.
The four thanked him greatly yesterday for that.
"Yes son?" the Pharaoh asked, looking away from his papyrus to his son.
Yami shared a glance with Yugi, who nodded eagerly. "Well I was wondering if it was okay for me and Yugi to go down to the town," Yami asked, Yugi had suggested it. His father hummed, nodding when he didn't see the harm in it. They added more guards in the town since the attack on Yugi and Heba. "Thank you Father."
"What about you, Atem? Do you want to go down to the town as well?" Aknamkanon asked his other son, shocked when the crown prince shook his head. "Really?" That was a first.
Atem smiled at his Father "I just want to stay here today and hang around somewhere. Something relaxing for a change," Atem said, turning his fiery red eyes onto his brother. "I can't enjoy my bed since its soaking wet."
Yami shrugged, "I was doing you a service. Your bed probably needed to be clean after the few nights I have heard," he drawled suggestively, making Seth and Jono snicker. Yami smirked as he dodged a grape Atem flung at him.
Before a fight could break out between the brothers, Aknamkanon dismissed the room, heading for the throne room with Shimon, Aknadin, Shada, and Karim. Isis and Ryou headed back to the healing chambers to check on their patients. Seth said he was going to spend his day off, surprising everyone that he was actually taking a day off, in his room. Everyone could tell what was going to happen when a certain blond came to that room later on.
Mahad took both his students away to the training ground to test a new sword Matthew created that lit with a blue fire. He was excited to show off that, his step-brothers just chuckled at him.
Yami rushed off with Yugi to the stables as soon as they could escape, hand in hand, leaving two behind.
Heba gave the prince a flirtatious smirk, telling Atem that he was going to go, and rushed off back to his tower. The smirk returned to the prince's face as he made his way to the tower, walking there in his sweet old time. He wanted to make Heba wait and squirm a bit before showing up.
~Horse Stables~
Yami and Yugi waited outside the stables for Yami's horse, donning cloaks to hide from the crowds. Yugi was helping Yami fasten his clasp. "No wonder you needed me as a personal servant, you can't even dress on your own," he tutted, smoothing out the fine fabric once he was done.
Yami chuckled and kissed Yugi's cheek "Can I count on you to look after me, Yugi?"
Yugi hummed after a second in agreement, a small smile on his face "Of course."
A black horse was brought over to them, saddle and reigns already on the majestic beast. Yami dismissed the servant while Yugi moved to cautiously greet the majestic animal, the horse's warm breath was soothing on his hands. He turned to glance at his lover "Yami, do you think it's a good idea to go into town and leave those two alone?" Yugi asked, gently patting the horse's nose as he nuzzled his hand.
Yami hummed as he took the reins, he knew who Yugi meant, he shrugged. "Probably not. But if those two ever want to finally get together, we have to leave them alone," he explained. "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink," he wisely said. He got onto the horse flawlessly, extending a hand to his love. "They will be fine love, our brothers can't keep dodging their relationship forever, you've seen this yourself," he reminded him.
Yugi had told him of his persistent and constant visions of Atem and Heba becoming a couple. Yami was a little sceptical at first, but then he was pleased to know that Atem would have someone to care for, who would care for him just as much. He deserved it.
Yugi nodded hesitantly "I know … but they're taking so long," he groaned.
Yami shook his head "Enough about the idiot siblings. Now let's get to the market before it gets too packed. I don't want to lose you in there," he extended his hand again.
Yugi nodded at last, taking the hand and got onto the horse, a bit clumsily but got on never the less. "Okay, but I hope they use this day to finally talk. I'm tired of hearing my brother moan Atem's name in his sleep," he said, yawning as Yami took off and headed towards town.
~Training Room, Sighted Tower~
All was quiet in the tower, especially in the training room, where the twin of hindsight sat. He was at the feet of the goddess Destiny, her statue making him feel watched over, his eyes closed as he meditated there. He was trying to focus on the past, shift through time to see something, anything, but try as he might, he couldn't.
He groaned, "Damn it Atem." He couldn't concentrate!
He sighed and laid on the floor, an arm came to rest over his eyes and began to speak, unconsciously addressing his personal Deity. "I can't believe I'm falling for that guy! I mean … yeah, he's nice … he's funny. His smile is gorgeous, and his voice," Heba felt goosebumps appear on his arms, he quickly tried to rub them away "Oh Destiny. I'm not sure. Should I be with him? Will I be just as happy with him as Yugi is with Yami?" he asked, looking to the statue for answers. All he got though was silence.
He didn't really expect an answer. But some hints would be nice. He pouted slightly "Some advice would really be helpful you know," he muttered before sitting back up again and breathing slowly.
He sighed for the umpteenth time that day and closed his eyes, trying to drown out everything as he focused on the past. Suddenly something washed over him.
Images of the crown prince appeared, showing Atem trying to court others, but each one turned out badly, or didn't work from the start. Some relationships didn't work because there was no connection between them, and others were in love with his power more than him, and others just wanted to sleep with the prince. It was heart breaking to watch each relationship being dashed. He watched the six relationships Atem had dance across his eyes, failing to notice the door opening up and someone walking in.
By the time Heba opened his eyes, he felt bad for Atem, he looked up at the statue and tiled his head "Are you trying to tell me something?" he asked as he felt his neck crack back into place. He groaned, still not noticing the visitor he had. "Wow, I didn't think Atem would have six failed courtings already … people can be real shallow, huh? He deserves better."
"Why thank you Heba, I'm glad at least someone thinks I should have someone better."
Heba looked behind him, jumping when he saw Atem standing there with his hands behind him. "A-Atem, what you do-o-o-oing here?" Heba asked, mentally cursing himself for stuttering in front of his friend.
Atem smirked as he inched close towards his prey-uh … friend. He casually glanced up at the statue "I just thought I hang out with my best friend, Heba. Maybe pay him back for the wonderful wake-up call he and my loving brother gave me this morning," he drawled as his eyes settled back onto the younger.
Heba backed up a bit until nothing was left except the pool. "Well I'm flattered you decided to spend your day off with me, but I think maybe you'll be better off spending time with your cousin or someone else," he said with a nervous chuckle. Oh how he wished he had locked those doors.
Atem leaned down and smiled innocently. "Oh Heba, Heba, Heba. Why would I do that? We are trying to be friends right?" he asked, trying really hard not to smirk at what he was about to do. Heba nodded. "Well then … BOO!"
Atem's arms went forward as Heba jumped backwards to avoid whatever it was. Unfortunately for the younger, he went for a quick, shallow swim. He was temporarily submerged, as he fell into the pond, water splashing over the sides and onto the platform. He sat up spluttering, water dripped off his bangs as he looked to the smirking Atem.
The prince held his arms out to the side, nothing was in them. "Gotcha."
Heba groaned, he slapped his forehead as he fell back onto the underwater platform. "I should have known!" he groaned. He pouted at the statue "And I thought you were meant to be on my side!" he accused her, a hint would have been wonderful.
It may have been a trick of the light, but he was sure he saw the white marble statue's lips quirk upwards in a brief smile of amusement … definitely the light.
Atem laughed, "Now we're even Malak."
Heba glared at him, sticking out his tongue to the prince like a child. The prince laughed some more before helping the poor boy up and to his room. Heba marched over to his room "Now I have to clean up the training room later, damnit. Stay there, I need to dry off," he snapped grumpily as he shut the door.
Atem winced as he realised the mess he had made. He'd ask a servant to help later. He waited outside in the communal area as his friend changed into drier clothes. As he waited his eyes wandered back to the life-like statue of Heba's Deity. He looked to the statue of Destiny and sighed. "Am I really destined to be with Heba? He's so different from the others. He does have his flaws like he's hard headed and stubborn, but I love that about him. I can tell his passionate about things like his sight and his brother. But I'm not sure he would want to be with me." He paused for a moment "I know you're not meant to look out for me, but … I don't know … is Heba meant for me?"
The statue was still and silent.
He was about to speak again when the door open up and Heba stepped out of his room.
Heba raised an eyebrow at Atem standing by Destiny's statue. He glanced at her face and said softly "She's not much of a talker. But she listens, sometimes that's all you need. Just keep in mind I'm one of her favourites," he chuckled as he ran a towel over his damp hair.
Atem smiled as the other twin came over. "All dry now Malak?" he asked, smirking again when Heba glared at him. It was quite cute on him.
"Yes, no thanks to you. But I guess no more pranks today. We don't want to piss off anyone else, especially Jono." Heba said, taking a seat near him, but not to close.
Atem gave a dry laughed at that, "Yeah, I don't want any more hot soup flung at me, thanks." They had tripped Jono up using rope and grease, sending him into a brightly coloured pot full of Mana's sparkles. He had to walk around glittering all day until the sparkles fell off. He was less than pleased.
Heba huffed "So what shall we do then my Prince? Yugi and Yami are gone, Jono and Seth are probably fucking each other senselessly, and Ryou, Matthew, and Mana are busy with their mentors." Heba said as he laid back into his seat.
Atem hummed as he thought about this, rubbing his chin absentmindedly. He looked up to see Heba looking to the lotus flowers floating in the pond before them. "How about we just spend some time in my private garden and play with Alice and Missy? Alice really misses you," he suggested.
A gentle smile lit up Heba's face as he nodded, the giant kitten was always good company. "Sounds like a plan. Come on, I miss that tiger just as much." He held his hand out to the prince, shocking both that he did that, normally they were more platonic. Atem looked at the hand before taking it warmly, linking their fingers together. They stared at their hands for a moment before shyly meeting each other's eyes. Atem smiled genuinely and gestured towards the door, Heba nodded and moved forwards, Atem held on and let the younger one take him away.
~Kitchens~
Seth leaned against the wall outside the kitchen; he was waiting for not only his lunch but his lover as well. He glanced at the sun "What is taking him so long?" He peaked into the kitchen through the open door and saw everyone there, but no Jono. He ducked back around, because the high priest does not snoop.
His impatience was soothed when he heard the familiar rough accent sounding loudly.
"Just make sure you don't burn that again! I don't want to piss off the Pharaoh if he doesn't get his lunch!" He smirked as the familiar tones of his blond lover echoed from somewhere in the kitchens. It was a few minutes later that he finally came out with a goofy grin and a basket. "Sorry about that, Seth. We had an accident with the new cook. I had to fix it and teach him how to do it properly. Ugh, new guy," he muttered, jerking his thumb over his shoulder.
Seth rolled his eyes before taking Jono's wrist and walked to the private gardens. They entered it and glanced around in the warm sun, only to find that they weren't the only ones there.
Ryou was sitting on a bench with bits of his lunch, looking at the sky threw the tree limbs absently. He looked so out of place with his white hair and skin, like he was a living statue rather than a person. It was only the small rise and fall of his chest, his hair that caught in the wind, and his hands bringing food to his mouth that broke the statue image.
Jono smiled, ignoring the glare his boyfriend was giving the albino, and waved as he went to his friend. "Hey Ryou!"
Ryou looked to him, slightly surprised, he smiled as he tried not to look at the Priest. Ever since Ryou's secret came out some of the priests, mostly Seth, have been demanding him to tell them where the Thief King was. Each time Ryou stood his ground, denying them each time.
It aggravated Seth a lot.
"What you doing here buddy?" Jono asked, taking a seat next to the pale male.
Ryou pointed to the bits of bread and apple core he had next to him. "Just thought I'd have my lunch out here today. It's really nice out," he turned his face upwards to soak up some more sun. Then he noticed the basket in Jono's hands. "Here to do the same thing with Seth?" he assumed, not speaking to the icy one glaring at him.
Jono nodded and pointed to his lover. "Yeah, Seth's got the day off. So after some 'convincing', if you know what I mean, I got him to join me for lunch in the gardens." Ryou blushed and chuckled slightly as he got the less than subtle message.
"Subtle as a whip crack, Jono," he laughed.
Seth glanced between them and picked up the basket again "We might as well take it back to my room then." Seth finally said, wanting to be as far from Ryou as he could be.
Ryou shook his head, seeing that he was unwanted by the taller male "No, no. You two go ahead, I was just about to leave anyway." He quickly gathers up his things and walked out, head held high as he walked pass the high priest.
Seth glared at him until he was gone.
Jono growled before going over to his lover, smacking the back of his head when Seth wasn't looking. "Why do you have to do that?! He wasn't causing any trouble!"
Seth turned the now heated glare onto Jono "Because he is trouble. He knows where that blasted Thief King is, and he won't tell us where! It's getting annoying now."
Jono crossed his arm "He's trying to protect the man he cares for! I can tell his still has some feelings for him, I can't blame Ryou for wanting to protect him," Jono said, turning away from the priest. "If we were in that situation, I wouldn't tell them either."
Seth huffed as he crossed his arms, a bittersweet smile appeared on his face. "Knowing you, you probably accidentally let it slip," he pointed out flatly, unwilling to lose this argument.
Jono turned back to him, glaring at him. "Well maybe I wouldn't! I would do anything to protect you, even if means sowing my own lips shut!" he snapped.
Seth finally sighed and rubbed his forehead. "I'm starting to get a headache again. Let's just drop it. This is supposed to be my day off, and I do want to spend it with you."
Jono let up some on the glare as he asked, "No more arguing?" Seth nodded, "No fighting today?"
"None of that. I just want a nice, quiet day with my lover," Seth agreed finally dropping his glare, he moved over to his Jono. He pulled the blond over and kissed him gently on the lips.
Jono sighed through the kiss, sometimes he couldn't stay really mad at him, and kissed him back just as gently. "Love you too, you stuck up prick. Now let's eat!" Seth rolled his eyes and kissed him again.
They finally separated after a while and sat down to enjoy their picnic.
From behind them, Ryou watched for a bit. He felt bad that he was causing friction between his friend and the priest. But he just couldn't turn in Bakura, even after all he done he just couldn't, he felt teary just thinking about betraying him like that.
The pale male silently sighed before finally leaving the garden. He quietly and quickly headed back to his room since it was still his break, all the while thinking about the thief, Does he even still think about me? He wondered forlornly.
He entered his room, laid down his bed and stared at the ceiling with memories and thoughts of days when he was with his lover. He did admit at times he did miss Bakura. He missed their alone time, when they could be themselves away from the men and the other thieves. He missed those days hidden away in the office, their room, their private garden. He laid there for a good while, not moving much, just thinking and remembering days of old.
He was so lost in thought he didn't realize what time it was or someone walking into his room.
"Ryou?"
The boy jumped from his scare, and landed on the floor with loud thud. He looked to his door and saw Isis standing there.
"Priestess Isis! I'm so sorry, I completely forgot what time it was!" Ryou said, stuttering a bit as got up and dust himself off, the sun was clearly halfway across the sky, he was there for over an hour!
Isis quickly went to his side and checked on him. "Calm down Ryou. I was just worried. I saw what happened in the gardens with Jono and Seth," she said, tapping the necklace, looking concerned. "Are you alright?"
Ryou sighed, "Yeah. I hate that I'm the reason they fight. I don't want that. I want them to be happy … like I once was …" he said, whispering so softly Isis almost didn't hear it. Almost.
Isis smiled sadly at him. He had confided in her his secret days as a thief, she had been his rock when he was missing the man he loved. Isis's cool eyes were gentle as she spoke "I'm sure he'll come back to you."
Ryou huffed as he crossed his arms and looked away. "Yeah right. That … that bastard is to prideful and stubborn to do that. He'll go to Anubus first before doing that," he said, trying to sound strong, but his voice turned tearful at the end and his shoulders shook.
Isis's smile turned more motherly as she went to Ryou. She gently turned the boy back to face her and pulled him into a hug. It was rare that she did this, but for Ryou, she would do it. He suffered so much already.
Ryou sighed and hugged back. "Damnit … Isis, I still love him," he admitted, sounding so torn up and emotional as he began to cry.
Isis kissed his forehead and stroked his hair gently "I know … I know," she sighed and sat him down, still in her arms, so she could comfort her beloved apprentice in his emotional turmoil.
Ryou held onto her and sobbed into her chest.
Isis smiled sadly. Thief King, you are a fool, Ryou's so special. I hope one day you'll be happy Ryou.
~Desert, Abandoned Village~
Bakura groaned as he slammed his door closed. The witches were driving him crazy once again about losing their princes to the seers. It took all his will power to not kill them on the spot. Deal or no deal, they were driving him bat shit crazy. Not to mention they were constantly demanding men to go searching for something, and they killed half of them in fits of rage.
"If I had known they would be this fucking crazy, I would have just killed them the first day we met." Bakura said, leaning against the door as he rubbed his forehead. He groaned, he could feel a headache coming on. He walked to another door, opened it, and revealed a long, dark hallway.
He went down the hall, not bothering to get anything to light the way, and walked. He walked until he finally came to a stone archway. Light poured out of the archway as he entered it.
He looked out and sighed as he looked around. Here was an underground grove; native trees and plants fill the area, pebbles and sand made a pathway towards a large pond, at the other side of the pond was a small waterfall that feed into the pond. On a small hill were some white flowers, each fully bloomed. He walked over to the flowers and checked on them.
They had been a gift for Ryou when he was here, their private garden of sorts. No one knew about this but them. He watched as his ex-lover took care of them each day, adding his touch to this oasis, their oasis. It was their place to go to be themselves, to be alone and relax after each heist. He remembered them laying sleeping in the flowers, bathing in the water, even getting a little frisky under the skylight filled with stars.
He still came down here, but it wasn't the same without Ryou.
He sat down in front of the flowers and just sat there. He closed his eyes, trying to calm his angered mind as the sounds of the waterfall resounded off the cave-like walls. "Those two are going to make me insane in no time. If I'm not already."
He opened his eyes and looked at the flowers, tulips, lilies and lush green grass. He picked one tulip, carefully holding onto it like it was the most delicate thing in the world. He sighed again as he gently rubbed one of the petals, feeling the soft texture between his fingers. It kind of reminded him how soft Ryou's skin was. The aroma of the flowers and other plants surrounded him, again reminding him of his former lover who had spent so much time around them.
Ryou was gentle like a flower too, even when he was a thieving child he never stole from those who were just as desperate as he was. Only from those who could afford to lose a loaf of bread or block of cheese.
Then one day, after their argument, he disappeared.
He growled as he remembered the fight they had before Ryou left, it made his blood boil. How dare he join that bastard Pharaoh? How dare he leave him?! As these thought filled his head, his hand slowly closed tightly on the poor flower, crushing it in his strong grip. How dare he follow his useless dreams?!
He groaned at that last thought that passed.
He knew he was being unfair, he knew how much it meant to Ryou to help others, even when they were kids and living in Kul Elna, Ryou wanted to help anyone he can. And now he was following that dream. He should be happy for him, but he wasn't. He missed him. He was angry with him, but at the same time he was ready to welcome him back with open arms.
He opened his hand and noticed the crushed flower …
He sighed and placed it on the ground. "Great, just make me feel like crap," he said, flopping to the ground. The thief king looked to the ceiling of the cave. In the ceiling had a surprisingly big hole, it was the only source of light for the grotto. "Is this really worth it anymore?" he asked, but was met with silence.
He hadn't seen Ryou in what felt like years. Sure he got the occasional glimpse of him when he raided the town, but it wasn't enough. He wanted him back at his side, he wanted …
He let his mind wonder for a bit as he sat there, thinking about his life and what he lost. Yes, he had riches and men that followed ever order he gave, but lost the one thing most important to him. He was so concerned about Ryou when he ran away to the Palace that he had promised his unlimited services to the witches just to locate him. Then Ryou had turned him away …
After a while of thinking, he groaned again before getting up, stretching. He sighed as he felt pops and creaks of his bones. He was tired, but he had stuff to do.
He looked to the hole and sent a silent prayer, begging the gods which he barely did, to keep a close eye on Ryou. Don't let him get caught up in this shit. He deserves better. He sighed once again as he made his way back to the entrance. "Time to go back to those bitches. Hopefully they didn't kill any more of my men."
~Market Place~
The sounds and smells of the market filled Yugi's ears and nose as he and Yami wondered around. The seer smiled as he held his love's hand, looking around at all the different trinkets, wares, and people. It was a lot busier than last time, more stalls which meant more people.
Yami was watching Yugi, he was more interesting than looking at the surroundings. He was enjoying the wonder, the shine in Yugi's eyes as they explored the market. He looks just like a child with a new toy. It's so cute on him, he thought, pulling the boy closer. Yugi leaned into him and stayed that way until something caught his eye.
Yami looked as he felt Yugi stop. "What is it love?" the prince asked, not seeing what Yugi looking at. Yugi pointed slightly before pulling the prince over to a stand. Yami chuckled as he finally noticed what the stand was selling. "Treats huh?"
Yugi gave a sheepish chuckle as they finally stopped in front of the stall. "Blame my sweet tooth. Can we get something please?" he asked, giving slight puppy eyes, the treats looked delicious.
Yami chuckled again as he pulled out his money. "Of course, you don't have to pull out the eyes," he added, leaning down to place a quick peck to Yugi's cheek, Yugi smiled in delight. Yami quickly picked out several treats and paid for them. He handed one to Yugi, he watched in amusement as the seer licked his lips and tore into the sugary goodness.
"Thank you Yami!" Yugi moaned, licking his lips again after the first treat was gone.
Yami smiled at him before quickly turning away and held his nose. Damn it! I forgot how deadly it is to give him sweets, he thought. The sugar on his lips made Yami want to swoop down and lick it off, it made Yugi too tempting for his own good, and he couldn't stop his thoughts wandering down a slightly less sweet trail of thought. Hence the nosebleed.
Yugi looked at him weird before mentally slapping himself. Oops. He chuckled as he took hold of Yami's arm. "You okay Love?" he asked innocently, trying to act apologetic.
Yami let go of his nosed and finally breathed, he nodded as he turned to his lover with a warm smile. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Just … eat the rest when we get back to the palace. You are too cute and sexy eating those," he said, giving the smaller a kiss. He could taste the sweetness on those even sweeter lips. Wanting more he flicked his tongue across Yugi's mouth and licked his lips.
Yugi melted into the kiss, he moaned when Yami pulled away. Yami gave a soft chuckle as he pulled them away to somewhere else "Delicious." He teased.
Yugi smiled slightly dreamily as they walked, most of his thoughts had been derailed. As they moved to the edges of the market, into the more homier parts of town, Yugi noticing a woman and her baby. The mother was cooing at her child who was playing with her scarf with little pink fingers.
Yugi sighed happily, How cute.
He stopped as a familiar throbbing pain came to him, forcing him to hold his head and close his eyes. Oh no, not now!
Yami felt him stop. He turned to him and at once saw Yugi holding his head and wincing as if in pain. "Yugi?" he asked, stepping forwards to hold his shoulders. When Yugi didn't respond, Yami quickly pulled him over to the side, into an alleyway. He must be having a vision. He remembered what Heba had told him, stay with him and speak to him afterwards because he can be disorientated once it's over.
Yugi was indeed having a vision.
He saw himself and Heba sitting in an unfamiliar room, or at least he didn't recognise the furniture. Heba was rubbing his now swollen belly with a distant smile, one that made Yugi feel unbearably sad. But Yugi, his future self, was holding up a small blanket, smiling fondly at it and swaying gently on the spot. Heba had a sad smile on his face as he looked down to his stomach. The vision faded to white and the pain left as quickly as it came.
Yugi opened his eyes slowly, closing them when the bright light of day blinded him, his head hurt in the aftermath, but since he was still upright it couldn't have been a long vision. He turned to face something, but what he wasn't sure. He heard and felt someone chuckle, and realised that he was being held gently. Yami. He wrapped his around the prince's chest as Yami rubbed his back.
Yami felt Yugi's arms "Yugi? Are you okay love?" Yami asked, holding him closer.
Yugi nodded against the strong chest, "I think so. Just had another vision," he frowned as he replayed it in his head. What was that all about?
"Do you want to talk about it?" the prince asked as Yugi finally stood up more.
The seer looked confused as he said, "I don't know what that vision was about. Heba was fat and rubbing his huge stomach, in a room that … I think I know, but I didn't recognise anything in it. Heba looked happy, but sad time as he looked down at his stomach. I was there too, I was happy while holding onto this small blanket, like a bundle. It was weird," he trailed off and wiped his eyes, he had been crying in his vision again – Heba was so sad.
Yami hummed as he tried to think about it, but shrugged as nothing came to his mind. "I'm not sure either. There may be an illness or something that could make your stomach swell, but with Isis and Ryou here I doubt they'd let anyone they care about get that bad. Maybe it was just a joke from the goddess?"
Yugi bit his lip slightly. Destiny didn't joke, she liked coincidence and had a sense of humour like any other god, but she didn't joke. "I don't think so, but it's just … weird … I don't know," Yugi said, rubbing his forehead. It was still a bit sore and he just wanted to sit down for a while.
As if reading his mind, Yami led him back out of the ally and towards the fountain in the centre of the market. Yugi took a seat and dipped his hands in the water. Yami put his hands in the cool water too and shook them mostly dry before placing them on Yugi's head to sooth the headache. "Why don't we relax for a bit, then we can go get something to eat? And I mean real food, not just sweets," the Prince said, smirking as Yugi was about to eat another treat.
Yugi gave a nervous chuckle as he handed the treats to Yami. "Yeah, probably a good idea."
Yami laughed, which made Yugi laugh as well. The two sat there, talking and watching as the market got lively with people rushing about for last minute things, and others returning from work in the mines.
Yugi spotted a smiling child as he rushed by with his friends, or family, others ran around with pets playing at their heels. Subconsciously he laid a hand on his stomach as he watched. I wish I could give that to Yami. He felt slightly worried and uncertain, because he was a male and Yami was a prince he may have to sleep with a woman to bear a child. Yugi knew this and tried not to feel insanely upset over the fact that Yami had to have an heir with someone else. It wasn't like he could give him that. If he could then he would stop worrying about it, he didn't want someone else having his Prince; what if he liked her better because she could give him a child? What if he had to marry her? Destiny had not given away any clues to such a future, so Yugi couldn't help but worry, but mostly he pushed such thoughts away so they would not torment him.
Yami looked to him, not noticing the seer's hand on his stomach. "Ready for something real to eat?"
Yugi turned to him, snapped out of his daydreams by his love's voice, he nodded and the two left the fountain in search of lunch.
~Private Garden~
Heba laughed as Alice rubbed against him, tickling slightly. "Down Alice, I'm ticklish there!" he chuckled as the large white tiger nuzzled into his abdomen. He, Atem, Alice and Missy had spent most of their day in the private garden, playing. Right now it was a game that involved rigorous scratching on Heba's part, and loud purring and nudges on Alice's.
Atem and Heba had had a nice lunch a few minutes earlier, during which both teens would take a shy glance at each other before looking away as the other turned; an awkward dance that they both knew well.
Atem laughed as well before finally coming to his secret love's aid. "Come on Alice, leave him be," He pulled the tiger off of him and into his lap. Alice purred and curled up happily at his feet, Atem smiled and helped the poor boy up. "She really loves you Heba. I've never seen her this affectionate with anyone else other than Yami."
Heba just shrugged as Missy came over, he petted her head as she sat next to him. "Me and Yugi are just great with animals. I think she likes Yugi more," he whispered.
Atem rolled his eyes "That's only because he lets her eat the fish you and Yami try to put in my bed." Atem picked up a stick and tossed it, Missy barked before chasing it. Alice lay down as Heba sat under a tree, sighing as he enjoyed the shade. He reached over and scratched behind her ear, earning him a delightful purr from the tiger, she shuffled closer until her warm hide was against his legs.
Atem smiled at the two. Light shined in between the leaves, bathing the seer and tiger in a gentle glow of dappled shadows and sunlight. Heba looked up to him, blushing a bit at the look his prince was giving him, it was very peaceful and made him look handsome.
"Yes Atem?" he asked, looking down to his lap to hide is blush. The sun behind the Prince made him look godly, he looked very handsome, and his red eyes were infinitely gentle; they made Heba feel like blushing.
Atem just shook his head and said quietly, "Nothing."
Missy eventually came back with the stick, dropping it by Atem's feet before going over to Alice. She gave a high pitch yawn before laying down with her, Alice purred and flicked her with her tail playfully. Missy nudged her flank and huffed sleepily.
It seemed the yawn was contagious as Heba yawned followed by Atem. The two humans chuckled. Atem joined by Heba's side, sitting a bit closer to him since Heba had taken the most comfortable slant of the tree. Heba blushed a bit at the close contact, but tried to play it cool as he leaned into the prince in return. Atem gave a gentle grin as he carefully wrapped an arm around Heba, pretending to be stretching, and praying that he wouldn't notice or mind. Luck was on his side as Heba sleepily sighed, eyes closing in the need for a nap, so Atem got away with sneaking extra contact.
"Sleepy Heba?" Atem whispered, getting a nod from the tired teen. He couldn't blame him; the day was nice, the temperature was perfect with a soft breeze that stopped them overheating, and they were comfortable under this tree. Atem glanced at Heba's drooping eyes and quietly said "Take a quick nap, I'll wake you in a bit."
"M'kay." Heba mumbled as sleep finally took him, taking Atem's suggestion with both hands.
Atem's grin turned into a smile not many have seen. It was filled with happiness and fondness – since he was also hesitant on the feeling of love. He looked at the pets, seeing them fast asleep too. He then looked around, when he saw no one else in the private garden, he pulled Heba closer and laid a gentle kiss on his forehead; something he had wanted to do ever since he started yawning.
He pulled back and watched Heba, making sure the teen didn't wake, because that would be awkward to explain. Once again luck was on his side as the seer did not wake, but rather cuddled into him, tucking his head into Atem's chest and latching the tips of his fingers against his shirt.
Atem smiled; he really wanted this.
He wanted what his brother had. He wanted to hold this teen close and kiss him fully on the lips, but he have to wait. He would have to wait patiently for Heba, the seer was so hesitant with his firm-founded fears, yet even if Atem wasn't normally a patient person he would wait, because he loved this boy.
Atem he sighed as he got comfortable as well and join the three in a nap as well.
Atem woke an hour later to see the sun was setting over the walls and the sky was quickly turning from sky blue to orange/yellow. He looked down to check on Heba, only to blush when he saw exactly how he was laying on him.
Heba was resting against his chest and somewhat in his lap, both of Atem's arms were resting on his back, it was like they had fallen asleep cuddling!
Atem blinked, wondering how they got like this, but let it slide as he carefully moved Heba into a better position. He didn't want to get hurt when he woke him, he remembered the few times Heba woke him with his pillow. That hurt, and he really didn't want to know what it was like to meet his fist, he had a solid right hook.
"Heba. Heba" he said, gently shaking the teen from his nap. "Heba … it's time to wake up Malak," he coaxed gently. Said teen mumbled something and he twisted slightly, trying to get away from the wakeful shaking, before his amethysts coloured eyes opened up. He yawned and stretched, barely noticing Atem's hands were still on his shoulders. "Good afternoon Heba, did you sleep well?" the prince asked, finally taking his hands away.
Inwardly Heba groaned at the lost, but nodded, "Yeah I did." He got up and stretched again, every joint in his back popping and making him groan. He let out a deep breath before looking to the sky. "Wow, how long did we sleep for?" he asked, seeing the sun start to touch the top of the Palace walls.
Atem shrugged, "An hour or so, probably time for dinner." He gently tapped the tiger with his toe, chuckling when he got a tired, reluctant growl. "Come Alice, time to wake up. You too Missy. Wake up!" the prince loudly said, whistling as well.
Missy immediately woke and rose, stretching with an off pitch whine like yawn. Alice opened one eye before trying to curl back to sleep again. Heba chuckled and helped Atem push her to her feet, she yawned in defeat before finally getting up and stretching.
The teens sighed before starting off to the dining hall. The animals quickly rushed after them and fell into step beside the pair. Heba slowed to let Alice walk by his side and gently ran his fingers through her pelt, she leaned into his legs and accidently pushed him into Atem's side. They met each other's eyes and blushed before turning away and trying to create some space between them.
It went without saying that trying to push a tiger that weighed twice your weight away from you was near impossible.
Once they got to the dining hall they were greeted by the sight of their brothers, still wearing their cloaks, and their father. Yugi was the first to spot them as they entered, most likely he had seen them coming with his extra sense.
He waved at them with his normal bright smile, "Hello Prince Atem, hey Heba."
Heba smiled and sat down next to his brother. "Hey Yugi, get anything good at the market?" Yugi smiled brightly as he held up a small bag. Heba took it and looked in it. He rolled his eyes as he saw several treats. "Couldn't deny his sweet tooth, huh Yami?"
Yami sighed, "It was the puppy eyes of doom that got to me … again." Yugi blushed a bit as he nervously chuckled. "Those eye's get me every time. I can't say no," Yami said, leaning his forehead against Yugi's as he teased him. Yugi blushed and smiled sheepishly.
Heba chuckled as he nodded, "Yep, we can be deadly with our eyes."
"That's an understatement." Atem whispered as the others join them and the council.
"What was that Atem?" Heba asked as Atem took his normal seat. Atem shook his head and waved it off.
Heba hummed softly as he looked at the prince. He could tell something was up with him, but what he wasn't sure. He sighed and looked to his brother, softly groaning as he saw him and Yami looking at each other lovingly as they talked about their day. He felt the jealousy bug biting at him again, but stubbornly squashed it and thought about something else.
He only paid half attention as dinner was served, not noticing Jono limping around a bit before being forced to eat with Seth. Jono tried several times to get out, but the priest wasn't having any of it. Jono eventually gave up and ate with them. No one really mind, plus they didn't want to hear it later from Seth; his grumbling could put everyone in a bad mood.
Heba mentally sighed and looked to Atem from the corner of his eye. He wished they could have stayed in the garden some more. He rather enjoyed napping next to Atem. He secretly put himself into Atem's lap when he knew he was completely out of it. He just wanted to know what it was like to be held close. He kind of liked it. He liked it so much he had fallen back to sleep again, he hoped Atem would think nothing of it.
Dinner went by quickly, soon finding all four teens sitting in the common area in the Sight Tower. Yugi and Yami were sitting together; Yami had his arm wrapped securely around Yugi's shoulders while the younger had his head leaning against the prince's shoulder. They exchanged small kisses or looks or laughs that were entirely adorable, but equally as frustrating for their brothers. Both Atem and Heba watched the two from across the small pond. Atem glared slightly at his brother, he was really jealous that he and Heba couldn't be like that now.
Heba just rolled his eyes at the two as they start two whisper. "So, it's getting late!" he said loudly, breaking up the moment, and causing the others to look at him. He got up and headed to his door. "Night all!" the seer said, waving at them before quickly going into his room and locking the door.
Both Atem and Yugi sighed. The crown prince turned to him and said, a deep frown on his face, "I don't think this is going to work," he often expressed his doubts to Yugi when Heba did one of his exits.
Yugi shook his head "Just give it time Atem. He'll finally say it, and you won't be able to stay silent forever," Yugi promised. Atem spluttered and turned away with an angry frown, pretending to find Yugi's statement ridicules. Yugi smiled knowingly and gave Yami a kiss before getting up himself. "It is getting late, and if I remember right you two both have to sit in several meetings tomorrow so you'll need lots of sleep too," Yugi chuckled when he got the same groan from the twins.
They got up from their seats, Yami kissed Yugi again as Atem looked to Heba's room.
He sighed before he and his brother walked to the door. They both wished Yugi a 'good night' before leaving the room. Yugi looked to his brother's door and sighed again. "Heba you really need to finally accept his love. You can finally be happy to if you give it a chance," he whispered. He gave that door one more look before finally going into his room and got ready for bed.
~Dream~
Yugi was running.
There was dark shadows lining the walls of an underground room, they seemed alive, the fire torches on the walls made even his own shadow appear to have arms and claws with which to snatch at him.
Yugi had no idea why he was running, but he was so scared.
Finally he appeared in an underground chamber, and saw the two witches standing in the room. They turned and laughed at him, their faces skulls and their eyes hollow. "Rise for us Master, do our bidding and destroy what's in our way." Yugi gasped and took a step back, ice down his spine.
Their faces- or skulls – came closer, Vivian's right eye socket glowed red, Anzu's left glowed red. Their hollow throated laughter echoed around the underground room, and they kept creeping closer – the quicker Yugi tried to back away the slower he got, he was starting to panic as their withering fingers began to grab at him. "Stay away!" he screamed.
The shadows suddenly swallowed all the light, and all that was left was Yugi staring at a pair of red, demonic eyes.
All went silent and still, no one moved.
Then a low rumble sounded all around them.
Yugi prepared to run again.
"Yugi?"
Yugi gasped and turned to see Yami, Atem standing beside him, looking around in confusion. "Are you there Yugi?" the Prince asked, still looking around. "Please, it's so dark," he begged.
Atem was muttering too "Heba … please … help me. It had to work, please Heba …"
Yugi opened his mouth to speak but a bright flash appeared over their heads.
The Millennium Pendent appeared over them, it was bigger than it should have been. The eye blinked and looked down at the Princes who appeared to be blind to this. It glowed red for a second and the shadows appeared again and gobbled the Princes up, only to be sucked into the golden eye.
Yugi cried out and tried to snatch at the shadows who were stealing his love away from him.
The ground started to shake slowly before getting more and more violent. Yugi looked around in fear. Metal clacked and golden glow made Yugi look to the Pendent. He gasped as it slowly started to crack and fall to pieces. One by one the pieces fall until one piece was left, the eye of Horus, still glowing the demonic red.
Yugi gulped when its eyes focused on him.
"Where am I? Who am I? Don't- no! Don't hurt me! Stay AWAY!"
He gasped as he heard Yami's voice call out of the darkness in agonised screams before the shadow appeared before him, leaking from the pendant in monstrous shapes. They hissed and growled at him before finally pouncing on him.
Yugi fell back and screamed as they began to hurt him.
A soft growl echoed in his ears.
Then he was flown backwards by the force of a loud roar. He flew backwards like a leaf in the wind, for far longer than he should have, before being dumped on the sandy dunes outside.
Yugi looked up and the scene was different.
Yami and Atem stood before a gigantic demonic monster, their hands raised to it as if to command it away.
For a split second he thought that the monster would listen.
Then the monster roared at them, his shadows started to surround them, and eat them. But they didn't move away, they kept walking forwards with their heads held high.
What were they doing? It would kill them. "Yami! Atem! Run! Get away!" Yugi yelled to them, yelling them to run. But it was no use. "Come back! Yami Please!"
Screeches, laugher, yelling, and desperate cries of pleas echoed out from the darkness around them; like the darkness was full of suffering, angry people. Ink black tentacles reached out to the princes, threatening to drag them in into its darkness, the demon boomed evil laughter and reached down with clawed hands.
Yugi stared horrified as they ensnared them. "Run!" yelled again from where he was, screaming at them to run and get far away. No matter how loud he got, it never got through. His voice was just hidden within the other voices and noises in the dark void.
A loud roar deafened all other sound, but somehow Yugi managed to hear the screams of pain of his beloved Prince as the shadows tore into him, and the equally tortured screams of Price Atem. Yugi reached out to them though he was what felt like miles away, his eyes filled with tears and his throat raw from screaming.
Two deep red eyes appeared above them all.
Then the Princes were gone in an explosion of shadows.
~Yugi's Room~
"NO!"
Yugi jumped with yell as he finally woke from his nightmare. He gulped for air as it played back in his mind. "Oh Ra … Atem … Yami … Yami!" He quickly jumped out of his bed and raced out of his room, not noticing Heba rushing towards him.
The seer of Hindsight was still awake in his room when he heard the screams. "Y-Yugi? Oh god, Yugi!" Fearing the worst, he rushed out of his room and headed towards his brother's. He pulled to a stop when Yugi rushed pass him and to a wall. He watched Yugi feel around before pushing a stone in, causing a secret wall to open up.
"Yugi, where are you going?" Heba asked as he watched his brother go into the secret passage way. He and Yugi had 'convinced' Matthew to fix the broken passage way. Matthew was also weak against the puppy eyes of doom.
Yugi just ignored him as he ran down as he headed to his destination, Yami's room. He had to make sure he was okay, he couldn't get his bloody, horrible death out of his head. That dream really scared him. He wanted to be comforted by him, to know he was alright.
Heba quickly went in and followed him closely, keeping an close eye on him. He was hysterical, sobbing and muttering without making any sense, and Heba couldn't get through to him. "Yugi," he caught his arm, only for Yugi to flinch away with a cry of terror and a sob to Yami's name.
They finally got to the wall they wanted. Yugi pulled down a lever, watching as the wall opened up to Atem's room. The crown prince looked up from his scroll as he heard the sounds of rocks moving and scraping against each other as gears pulled the wall up. He blinked as Yugi rushed out in tears with a concerned and frightened Heba following. "Heba, Yugi? What's the matter? Is something happening?" he asked, slightly getting off his bed.
Heba shrugged as Yugi ran out of the room and into Yami's room. "I have no idea. I heard screaming and rushed out of my room to see Yugi acting hysterical, help me, he could be trapped in a vision or-"
Atem didn't need to hear another reason, he jumped off his bed and pulled Heba to the door.
Outside, Yugi just rushed over to Yami's door and ran in. The guards did nothing since Yugi and the prince were courting, and plus the prince said to let him in anyway if he came by.
Yami grumbled as Missy quickly looked up, disturbing his sleep.
"YAMI!"
The prince grunted as something landed in his bed, crying. Yami sat up some and saw Yugi holding him. Yami sat up in alarm "Yugi? What's wrong? What happened?" the Prince asked, holding his love close, Yugi just sobbed into his body, holding him like he was about to disappear.
"Yami … I … why … oh Ra no!" he babbled in between gasps and sobs.
Yami looked up as Atem and Heba walked in.
Heba rushed over and patted Yugi's back. "Yugi? What's wrong? Please talk to me," he pleaded, he had never seen Yugi this bad. Yugi just kept crying. Heba looked at Yami "I think it's a vision," he said softly.
Yami at once sat up and put both arms around the small seer "Yugi, it's okay, I'm here," he whispered.
Yugi just held on tighter to Yami and cried. "Don't go!"
Yami pulled him under his blanket, whispering soothing words as he gently rocked them. He had heard from Ryou that people who were upset, hysterical or in shock liked being warm, he hoped this would help. He brushed Yugi's tears away and kept talking softly to him.
Heba glared, he was about to say something about this arrangement when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked to Atem. "Atem?"
Atem nodded to the door, "Leave them be, I think Yugi needs him more than he needs you, unfortunately. Come on." Heba looked to the two in bed, seeing his brother clinging tightly to the pale prince.
Yami looked to him and said, "I got him Heba. Don't worry."
Heba hummed slightly before turning his attention to Yugi. "Fine, but hurt him more-" he stopped when he felt a hand in his. He looked to see it was Yugi's.
He looked back to his brother who was sniffling slightly as he said, "I just want to be with Yami right now, please?"
Heba sighed at the pleading look on his brother's face. "Okay, okay." He let go and followed Atem out of the room, back into the crown prince's room.
~Atem's Room~
"I hope he'll be okay."
Atem nodded as he sat back down on his bed. "I'm sure Yami will make sure he will be," he said as Heba join him on the bed. There was silence between the two then, not knowing what to say, both trying to process what had just happened. Yugi was so upset he hadn't recognised his own brother! Atem stared at Heba, Heba was looking down at the ground where Alice still slept. Not once during that did the tiger move.
Heba sighed. "Yugi's lucky to have someone who's there for him," his tone was slightly bitter, but the words were sincere.
Atem blinked, he wasn't expecting Heba to say that. He nodded slowly. "Yeah, both are. They are both good for each other." He looked down as he gulped back his fear, Heba needed to hear this. He can't keep it down any longer. "Heba, I need to tell you something."
"Hmm?" Heba hummed as he turned to the prince. He was shocked, maybe even surprised to see Atem looking a bit nervous. "Atem, are you okay?"
Atem cleared his throat as he tried to be less nervous. This was it. "Y-Yeah, I'm fine." Heba gave him a sceptical look, not believing him for a second, causing him to sigh. He gently took hold of the teen's head, not holding it tightly just encase he wanted to pull away anytime. "Heba, I … well … I."
"Atem, whatever you need to tell me, you can." Heba said, boldly taking hold of Atem's hand in both of his, he took them from his face and held them in between them.
Atem was a bit shocked by that, but took that as a good sign. He took a deep breath and let his heart out. "Heba, I think you are amazing, talented, and beautiful. You can be stubborn and hardheaded, but I like that about of you." Heba blushed as he listened. No one has ever said that about him. "I do admit, when I first saw you I thought you were beautiful. I didn't think I could fall in love with you though. But when we got to know more about each other, I found myself falling for you." Atem took a deep breath and said, "Heba … I'm in love with you."
Heba's jaw dropped. He couldn't believe what Atem had said. No one has ever confessed to loving him before! He couldn't believe The Crown Prince of Egypt just said he was in love with him. "What?" he whispered, dazed by the implications of those words.
Atem nodded before doing one of the things he wanted to do for a while. He pulled Heba's hands towards his lips and kissed them. Heba blushed several more shades of red. "I am in love with you, Heba," he repeated slowly.
Atem felt so nervous, but at the same time so relieved. He had finally said his feelings out loud, it felt like a tight belt had been loosened around his being, but would Heba return his feelings?
"I … you … me … I …" Heba was speechless, and Atem's kisses had rendered his brain useless.
Atem sighed as he lowered the hands. "I understand if you don't feel the same. I just wanted you to know," he said, a deep frown appeared on his face. He didn't want to think about it, but he prayed Heba accepted his feeling and returned them back.
Heba tried to gulp, his throat was dry. He just couldn't believe it. Atem was in love with him. With him! His heart was beating a thousand miles per hour.
Taking the silence as a no, Atem let go of the hands and got off the bed. Heba blinked as he watched the prince walk to his balcony. "Atem?" He quickly got off the bed, he went to the balcony to see the prince hunched over the stone railing. "Atem?"
Atem sighed again. "What?" he grumbled, trying not to show how upset he was. But of course Heba could see right through him. Heba sighed and stepped closer, knowing he had to return his feelings before Atem ordered him away.
Atem gasped when he felt two arms wrapped around his torso. "Heba?"
Heba was tired of hiding, tired of being jealous of his brother. He wanted to be happy too, just like Yugi promised he would be, so he finally gave into his heart. Hesitantly he said, "I do understand … I do feel that way. Atem … I … I … am in love with you." He was glad he had his face hidden in Atem's back, he didn't want Atem to see how madly he was blushing.
Atem was shocked.
Heba was in love with him.
"Really?" he asked, groaning when his voice had slight high pitch to it. He turned around and noticed the red hue on Heba's face. The seer nodded as he looked shyly down at their feet. The next thing Heba knew, two strong arms wrapped tightly around him as Atem hugged him. "Heba, you don't know how happy I am to hear that!" Atem said, a bright smile stuck on his face.
Heba hesitantly wrapped his arms back around Atem and hugged back. He smiled. "I'm happy too." He pulled back, just enough to still be in the hold as he looked into Atem's eyes. "I love you, Atem."
Atem smiled turned warm and gentle as he looked into Heba's eyes. "I love you too Heba." He pulled him closer and gently kissed Heba's forehead.
Heba's blush returned, but only slightly. "Yugi was right," he admitted at last.
Atem chuckled and nodded "Yes."
They stood there in each other's arms for an unmeasured amount of time. At one point Heba shivered as a cool breeze passed by, making cuddle into the warmth of Atem's arms.
Atem pulled him back into the room and towards the bed. He took one of the blankets off his bed and wrapped it around Heba's shoulders. "Why don't I walk you back to your room?" he suggested, being a gentleman.
Heba nodded with a small yawn, but asked, "Um … could you maybe stay with me tonight?" he was hesitant, it was still early days, but he didn't want to be alone in the tower.
Atem nodded with a smile. "Sure."
He went to the wall and pushed in the stone button. The two walked in after the wall open up, they walked back to the Sight Tower holding each other's hand.
~Yami's Room~
Yami continued to gently rub his love's back as the teen's crying finally slowed down. Yugi was barely hiccupping now, he kept wiping his eyes on Yami's blanket. Yami kissed his forehead "Yugi? You okay now?" he asked softly.
Yugi sighed as he tiredly nodded against Yami's chest. "Yeah, sorry about that," he said, wiping the tears away. He smiled slightly when he felt Yami use his thumb to help as well.
Yami smiled at him "You don't have anything to be sorry about. I'm here for you whenever you need me," Yami said, kissing his forehead gently. "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked "You were so distraught, I thought I'd have to send for Isis to calm you down."
Yugi moaned as he snuggled into Yami's warmth, listening to his heartbeat intensely as he explained his dream. "I … I had a nightmare. It was awful." Yugi shuddered and pressed himself closer to Yami's heart. "Vivian and Anzu were performing magic underground … but when I saw their faces they were … skulls."
Yami blinked "Skulls?"
Yugi shuddered "They tried to grab me. Then their eyes started glowing red, one eye each just like-" Yugi cut himself off. No! It's not a vision, it can't become real! "L-like a monster's," he finished. He had originally meant to say 'like that other vision' but wanted to deny it in the hope it would never happen. Yugi trembled "Then I saw you. You and Atem."
Yami listened intently "What happened?"
Yugi sniffed "You couldn't see me, or hear me … you sounded so scared." Yami tightened his arms around him. "Th-then the Millennium Pendant appeared … you got sucked into it with the shadows, and it shattered, just like that other vision months back," he whispered. Yami nodded slowly, getting more worried with every word.
Yugi licked his lips then sobbed again "Th-then you … you and A-Atem … a monster was there, g-going to hurt you, and you … kept walking towards it. I tried to tell you to run … b-but … you … you died!" Yugi sobbed into Yami's shoulder "You kept walking towards it and the shadows and you died! Right in front of me!"
Yami gasped, "Really?" Yugi nodded, making Yami worriedly hold Yugi closer. "Do you think this could be a vision from Destiny?" he asked softly, a pit in his gut.
Yugi trembled "I'm afraid to say … if it is true … I don't want to lose you too. I don't want to lose another person I love!" Yugi said, tears returning to his amethyst jewels.
Yami pulled him back into him and held him close. "You will never lose me Yugi. I will always be here, with you," the prince whispered. He pushed Yugi back some and kissed the teen's lips.
Yugi melted into the kiss, moaning slightly when Yami pulled away. "Promise?" Yugi asked, eyes begging.
"I promise." Yami said. He yawned, followed by Yugi. He chuckled lightly "Why don't you stay here tonight? I don't mind."
Yugi blushed slightly, but agreed. He didn't really feel like going back to his room on his own and he was really tired. Plus he didn't want to let Yami out of his sight right now, the dream of losing him was still so fresh – even though the dream was heavily scrambled.
Yami pulled the sheets over them and let Yugi rest his head on his chest. The prince smiled as they laid there, him rubbing Yugi's arm gently while Yugi was getting sleepy, listening to his heartbeat. A smile was on both of their faces as sleep finally took them away to a peaceful slumber, wrapped comfortably in each other's arms.
Sapphire: See? Wasn't that awesome?
Ashley: Still overdue though-
Amme: Ashley, we do have lives outside of vertuial reality. I'll try to work on the next chapter as soon as I've updated Summer - the going is slow but it'll get there soon.
Sapphire: Thanks for your support and please leave some comments.
Kathy: Please check out Sapphire's fanfics too.