I can finally crawl out from under that rock! It was hurting my back, but here's the next chapter!

It's not as big as the last one but I can't really bulk it out anymore, and I didn't want to rush into a huge family reunion and overwhelm the story by craming it all in. So I looked at the inspiration for this story and decided to mimic another scene from there and I think this chapter is a lot cleaner because of it.

I'm very happy that I'm near 200 reviews! (I'm not counting two of them because they were about the Sopa post) Aww! Thanks so much guys, I'm so glad you want to leave me comments and messages to spur me on and make me blush with how you compliment me; some of those comments are so nice! Thank you!

I'm glad everyone took Yugi's decision to leave with Atem so well. I was tempted to have them separate since that seemed like the most likely outcome for those two. But then I thought about it more and knew that Atem would probably have a back up option, since he's a businessman and I bet they have those, because he wants Yugi to go with him, so he left it with Mai and then left the choice up to Yugi. Who chose right! (and probably because Mai was going to kick him out ...)

Now to Atem's family! Please read on!

Top Three Reviews

s2Teennovelist:
Hey! Thanks for always having so much to say. I thought that the casual relationship would be the hardest to capture, because it's weirdly easier for me to picture these two flirting and making out rather than taking normally. But I'm glad that you thought I did that well. I think I did that foreshadowing unintentionally because when you mentioned it I looked back and realised that it was true, so go me: Unconscious technique. (I spelt that wrong? Crap! I'll fix it!) I tried very hard to show how Atem was hurting over the separation too, it's a big thing to ask and of course he wants to but knows he shouldn't so I tried to show how he was trying to find a way out of the pickle they've gotten themselves into. I think I'm developing a guilty pleasure for writing lemons ... hee hee. I know what you mean about the babies, when I held my little siblings when they were born they were so delicate and little, aww (then they grow up and become annoying!). Mai saved the day be being no nonsense and pushing Yugi to be spontaneous, I think in the manga she's like that because she just rides off into the sunset and no one knows where she goes or what she does. You've summed it up perfectly, Atem was the only one thinking with his heart not his head when he got an extra ticket, people overcomplicate things when they overthink it. Atem's perspective was hard to do but I'm glad you got caught up in the emotions, that means I've done it correctly! I wanted him to be nervous because its outside of his control, and sort of a test to see how much Yugi want to be with him, because he's made his feelings clear when Yugi received the ticket. Nice to see how easy it was for Atem to be a bit of a rich brat in his teenage years, yes? Then after a few trips and stumbles he took the mature decision to take some air and rethink his life, then his writing passion started during that time. When Yugi turned up their relationship got a little stronger because Atem went out on a limb and wasn't disappointed, and Yugi did too because he's not the 'risk taking' sort. Then it was only a matter of time before Yugi realised what he'd gotten himself into; let's meet the family!

Aida:
A mammoth of a chapter isn't the half of it! It took forever! I'm glad that this one isn't as long, but it took a lot of effort for language translations. I'm glad you were able to see the emotions that Yugi was feeling in the first half, it's one of the happiest time of his life but it's sad because it's just the once and soon it will be over. I found it really hard to write these two in a domestic situation because the inspiration for this story was kinda M rated, not very casual. But it seems I've managed to give something that the reviewers like because no one has said that they are ooc or worse. I haven't really stepped into the M zone so getting responses like 'real talent for lemons' is a surprise to me. Atem's thoughts on Yugi are getting more intense and I did want to highlight that Atem has never met someone like Yugi before and how lucky he is for meeting him. 'All the lovers' was the song that prompted that spin on Atem's thoughts. I really liked writing about the babies, it was hard to do but I just kept thinking about all cute things and it came together, and of course they have violet eyes, they've got the family stripe. I agree, Atem would fit nicely with Yugi's friends and lifestyle, his cousin approves at least. Yugi's reasoning was hard to write because I had to get it to sound logical and 'the right thing to do' while being a sucker for happy endings and not wanting them to go through with it. I was considering having their paths go separate ways from now on, but I decided to stick to the book and have Yugi go along with Atem - it gives me a chance to write about his family too. So let's go meet them yes? Read on!

koobre:
Your compliments are like jewels to me! Thank you very much, I don't think that I'm at my peak yet and I still think I'm an armature, but it's so Fantastic for me to see that you and others believe in me.

Yugi stared with wide eyes at the hotel they were pulling up to.

After hours on a plane Atem had called over a taxi and they had driven to the hotel where Atem's family was gathering. Yugi's heart was in his mouth, and his hands wrung with anxious nerves.

Atem saw Yugi's mounting distress and captured both hands in his and squeezed comfortingly. He waited until Yugi looked him in the eyes and smiled "Everything will be alright," he whispered, kissing Yugi's fingertips.

Yugi took comfort from Atem's eyes, and promised himself that if the meeting went wrong he'd just hide in the hotel room until he could get back to Japan, in response to Atem's comfort he could only just gulp and nod, his mouth was too dry to even croak.

But when the taxi had pulled up into the hotel driveway Yugi had forgotten his nerves to stare in amazement. The driveway led down to a roundabout by the entrance of the hotel. The doorway was framed with pillars and grand glass doors, and the driveway was framed with tall palm trees and a fountain decorated the roundabout. It was all very grand. The white walls with golden light spilling out of the windows made the palace-like building glow slightly. The sunset made the building appear a little pinkish, but overall it looked like an exotic marble palace and garden.

Atem's family owned this! And others all over the world.

Yugi suddenly felt very small.

He never really thought about Atem's money or his family power, but the sight of the Palace-like hotel seemed to awaken the fact that Atem and his family were like Kings in their domain. Yugi swallowed and sank into his seat. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, how on earth could he compete with these people? How could he find a place with them? They were so out of his league that the game was over before the prelude!

Atem chuckled when Yugi glanced at him with hunched shoulders and more nerves than ever. Atem scooted across the seat in the taxi to put an arm around Yugi, he kissed his temple and felt another smile pull at his lips. All other stuck-up, stupid lovers he had brought to his family in the past had babbled at the sight of his family's estates, he had been a shallow person too but they were merely after his money, and it took his family nearly throwing him out to make him change his ways and see these gold diggers for what they were. Because Yugi was different he knew that they would love him. He didn't care about money, he just wanted someone to love him and treat him nicely, but as an equal.

Atem squeezed the hand he held and whispered "Don't be scared."

Yugi swallowed dryly "I'm terrified!" he rasped, sounding like he'd inhaled helium.

Atem chuckled at the sight of Yugi so timid, it was very cute, and it made him want to hold him close but he knew that it wouldn't help at the moment, he was afraid Yugi would pop with any added pressure.

The taxi drew up at the entrance.

Yugi sank into his seat even more and ducked under the seat window so he was partly hidden, he suddenly didn't think this was such a good idea. He heard Atem sigh at his deflation.

Atem got out and went to Yugi's side as the young man seemed to be frozen in place, the second Atem's door was open Julian had bolted over to the fountain for an overdue drink. Atem opened the door Yugi was hiding behind and smiled charmingly "Where's my fearless Yugi gone?" he teased.

Yugi gulped "I think he got left in the airport, let's go look in lost and found."

Atem rolled his eyes and half dragged him out of the car. He waved over some of the staff by the doors and spoke briefly with them before paying the driver. The staff, Yugi noticed, actually bowed to Atem when they realised who he was. Yugi's imagination ran away with him for a second as he thought of a Prince returning from a long journey.

The staff picked up their bags and disappeared into the hotel. Yugi called Julian over while Atem finished speaking with the staff. Yugi didn't understand a word of Arabic, so left all the communication to Atem. He let the friendly hound try to land a lick before he caught his collar. Julian let himself be put on a lead and pressed his warm weight into Yugi's legs when he felt Yugi trembling.

Atem looked at Yugi with a troubled expression. He took both of Yugi's hands in his before saying "I really want you to come with me, but if you don't want to its fine. I don't want you to be uncomfortable," he explained.

Yugi smiled weakly, touched that Atem was giving him a choice. He squeezed back and whispered "I've come this far, and I can always hide in the room if this goes bad," he voiced his alternate path and saw Atem roll his eyes at his stupidity.

He gently tugged on his hand "I won't let them bully you," he promised. Yugi held Atem's hand and swallowed as they entered the building.

The staff opened the doors for them, bowing to Atem and causing a few looks, and they got their first glimpse of inside.

The pillar theme was continued inside, on each wall there was a ceiling to floor curtain of light blue with golden tassels and threads running from top to bottom. Then in the next space were tile mosaics of ancient deities and symbolic civilisations, such as collecting water or preparing for the afterlife. The curtains and the mosaics appeared alternately in the walls between the pillars. The floor was polished marble in many sandy colours. There were odd tropical plants growing to create the feeling of an oasis, tall palm trees against an arching ceiling with a sun directly above the middle and an ocean-reflected moon directly below. There was a half-moon desk with a member of staff typing away and on the phone at the same time.

"Kaifa Tahada emna moiceda annett?" (How can I help you?) she asked with a smile, after putting the phone down. She wore a gold top with a white skirt and had large gold hoop earrings. Yugi wondered if she propped the phone in them sometimes.

Atem smiled "Rawa lay um, Atemu Sennen lethye wasulla," (Tell my Mother, Atem Sennen has arrived.(1)) he said smoothly. Yugi tiled his head at the Arabic pronunciation of Atem's name. It sounded like an extra 'u' had been added onto the end.

The young girl gasped and picked up another phone before speaking urgently. All the while her lashes batted in Atem's direction. Yugi smirked; too little too late lady, he thought possessively, leaning his head on Atem's shoulder innocently as he glanced around a bit more.

Atem matched Yugi's smirk and squeezed his hand, before raising it to kiss the back "I'm sure they'll get the idea eventually," he whispered as the lady pouted in disappointment. She fixed her eyes just over their heads after that.

Yugi chuckled "Well it's fun to know I'm the winner," he joked.

Atem grinned and pecked Yugi's lips "There's the Yugi I know," he whispered huskily so only Yugi could hear, even in a room with people passing through the tone made Yugi feel like they were in private.

"Atem tu es ici! Etes tu bien, mon fils?" (Atem you're here! Are you well, my son?) an excited voice called loudly. Atem and Yugi turned, with bystanders glancing, to see a pretty middle aged woman approaching with her hands clasped together in restrained happiness. She looked like the woman from Atem's photograph.

The lady at the desk paused to bow at her slightly before working again, and many of the staff copied. Yugi got the impression that he was witnessing a forgotten ritual of bowing to the Egyptian Queen, her exotic hair and light south-of-France tan with a slight glow like Atem's supported her Queenly status. For whatever the reason it made her seem a whole level more important that he had previously thought.

Yugi wasn't sure what he was expecting Atem's Mother to be like, but the glowing woman in a knee length ocean coloured dress wasn't what he was thinking at all. She had slight heals in white, a dress with green, blue and white splatter patterns in ocean curves and two large-hooped, gold earrings with matching bracelets. Her wedding ring sat on her slender finger. She had delicately painted lips in red that matched her red hair. Her hair had gold and brown highlights that was exotic and unusual, and showed exactly where Atem got two shades of his tri-coloured hair from. Her frame was rather thin and she moved soundlessly.

When she got to Atem she opened her arms with her smile ever wider, waiting for her hug.

Atem smiled back "Maman," and met her halfway.

She squeezed him tightly and swayed a little from side to side, humming happily. She pulled back and clapped her hands together a little giddily "Tu effectivement réussi à venir cette année! Tu m'avez fait tellement heureux," (You actually managed to come this year! You have made me so happy) she gushed before kissing Atem on each cheek twice.

Atem ducked his head a little and laughed, Yugi thought he looked a little embarrassed, "Je suis heureux de tu voir aussi, Maman. Je pense que je serais renié par tu si j'ai raté la réunion de cette année," (I am happy to see you too, Mum. I think I would be disowned by you if I missed the meeting this year) he joked playfully.

The lady gasped, also playfully and pinched his cheeks, "Non, je ne voudrais pas! Mais je serais très en colère avec tu," (No, I would not! But I would be very angry with you) she corrected, lightly smacking his cheek in a light warning. Atem just laughed and nodded.

Finally Atem's Mother turned her attention to Yugi, who stood holding Julian's lead and feeling a little uncomfortable in the middle of such a domestic sight. These two loved each other and knew each other and he had never seen someone treat Atem like a teenager or child before. He didn't feel like there was a place for him in this reunion. When she looked at him he jumped and felt all his nerves come back.

Julian wagged his tail at Atem's Mother with whines of excitement. The prefect distraction while Yugi fought the urge to go hide somewhere remote until further notice.

She smiled at the dog and kneeled down to pet him. "Bonjour Julian," she greeted with her Motherly aura. Julian tried to climb in her lap and she was finding it difficult to keep his 'kisses' away from her face, he was clearly very fond of her. She unclipped the leash and let Julian run around her joyfully. She trusted him enough not to go causing trouble.

Then she turned her clear crystal blue eyes onto Yugi and fixed him with a regal stare. Yugi instantly saw the business woman in her. Her face was passive, one of best poker faces Yugi had ever seen, her lips pursed as she analysed him from where she stood.

Yugi could almost hear her thoughts; 'not another one'.

She turned to Atem and raised an eyebrow "Atem? Qui est votre ami?" (Atem? Who is your friend?) her question was still in her Mothering tones, but Yugi could see how sharp she was being behind her mask and felt his legs turn to jelly.

Atem wasn't fazed, he moved to Yugi and put an arm around his waist "Il est mon amant provenance du Japon, Yugi Moto. Il est le cousin de mes voisins," (He is my lover from Japan, Yugi Moto. He is the cousin of my neighbours) he kissed Yugi's cheek and squeezed the arm around him warmly "Yugi, this is my Mother, Thema Sennen."

Yugi looked at Thema and instantly felt a little meek. He bowed slightly "It's nice to meet you," he said, Atem had told him to speak only Japanese to start with – Yugi knew he had something planned – and it wasn't hard to do that, since one look in her eyes he forgot all his French due to nerves.

Thema smiled pleasantly and bowed back "Nice to know you Moto-san."

Yugi smiled again and shook his head "Please just call me Yugi," he insisted.

Thema's eye twitched at the insistence of first name basis and Yugi knew he had fumbled big time. First names were for someone close to you or someone in your family, he bet he sounded just like another money hungry bimbo trying to charm their good graces. Even if the reason why he didn't want to be called Moto-san wasn't the reason above he could see her sharp wit and sharper intelligence.

She turned to Atem, looking stern. "Atem. Qu'avons-nous tu parlions des rencontres de gens seulement après votre argent? Pourquoi avez-vous amené ici?" (Atem. What have we told you about dating people only after your money? Why did you bring him here?) she grilled with her hands on her hips. She looked ready to shake him.

That confirmed that she thought he was just another gold digger; Atem had explained his playboy ways before, and how he had gotten into a huge row with his family over it, he had told Yugi to expect the instant label but also told him how to prove them, especially his Mother, wrong. Yugi hoped it would work, he wanted to get along with Atem's family. He wanted to get along with everyone.

Atem tightened his grip on Yugi's hip and stood his ground "Pour répondre à la famille, mère. Il a est special," (To meet the family, Mother. He is special) he insisted. His smile had dropped the moment she had started questioning Yugi; couldn't she see that he was special? He felt nettled in Yugi's place over how she had so casually thought he was one of a million instead of one in a million. She didn't know that Yugi could understand every word she said, he hoped she wasn't going to say something unforgivable.

Thema didn't look that impressed. She looked over Yugi again and saw how Atem refused to let him go, and how Julian guarded him as if Yugi was his master too. "Combien de temps avez-vous date du?" (How long have you been dating?) she asked curiously, her tone lightening as she turned over a few possibilities in her mind. It had been a few months since she had last seen him, maybe he had been sensible this time and had chosen not to jump into the middle of something.

Atem's sheepish look made Yugi worry. "Deux semaines." (Two weeks)

That was the straw that broke the camel's back "Deux semaines?" Thema nearly shrieked in astonishment. Then she looked cross, she drew herself up to her full height and started her scolding – all the while Yugi imagined her shouting the guards on him with a gold crown and sceptre –"Atem! Pourquoi cela pourrait-il pas attendu que pour une autre fois? Peu importe ce que tu pensez qu'ils sont tous pas bon pour tu!" (Two weeks? Atem! Why could this have not waited for another time? No matter what you think they're all no good for you!) she snapped continuously, waving her hands and glaring heatedly.

Yugi laughed.

He couldn't help it, hearing the woman tell Atem off for not choosing his dates carefully enough was really funny, like she was telling off a teenager. "Donc vous passez jugement?" (So you pass judgement?) he chuckled, having understood every word.

Thema's reaction was priceless. "Il parle!" (He speaks!) she gasped her voice breaking several octaves in her shock. She flushed bright red as she realised he had understood her every accusation and covering her mouth in embarrassment.

Atem laughed loudly and winked at Yugi who was blushing a little too at her outburst.

Atem didn't think that their introduction could have gone any better! Yugi had managed to shock his Mother into looking twice, maybe now she would see how unique he was, and how much he was willing to change for his sake. "Un timing parfait, mon amour," (Perfect timing, my love) he complimented, planting a kiss on his forehead before reaching out to his mortified Mother. He took her hand and smiled gently "Il le fait. Et il faut savoir qu'il parle parfaitement l'anglais aussi," (He does. And be aware that speaks perfect English too.) he decided to drop in, making the woman's eyes widen slightly.

Thema glanced at Yugi again and sheepishly ran a hand through her hair. She glanced around before sighing "Je suis tellement désolé," (I'm so sorry,) and bowed deeply, still bright red in shame, her red hair made the blush look worse than it was.

Yugi stepped forwards and put a hand one her shoulder "Vous êtes pardonné madame. Atem m'a suggéré de vous surprendre," (You are forgiven Madame. Atem suggested I surprise you) he admitted, with a glance in Atem's direction. He hoped Atem wouldn't be in trouble for his honesty.

Atem shrugged when his Mother pouted at him, slightly put out that he let her make a fool of herself.

She shook her head with a laugh and smiled down at Yugi "Il l'a fait? Eh bien ... Je pense que nous devrions tous aller dans le salon et prendre un thé. Nous avons beaucoup à parler, et nous devons devenir des aquainted," (He did? Well ... I think we should all go into the living room and have tea. We have much to talk about, and we must become acquainted,) she invited warmly, placing a hand on the small of Yugi's back to guide him deeper into the hotel.

Yugi smiled and went along willingly, happy that she was going to give him a chance, she was warmer and welcoming now.

Atem tagged along with his arm still around Yugi too.

His Mother lightly batted at it. "Qu'il s'en aille, nous serons de grands amis, de lui et moi," (Let him go, we will be great friends, him and I,) she smiled at Yugi warmly and Yugi felt himself relax, she was suddenly a lot less intimidating and a lot more welcoming. She wasn't the redheaded Queen with sceptres and armies, but an approachable smiling woman. But the fact she said aloud that she knew they would get along put confidence in both Yugi and Atem.

Atem playfully pulled Yugi away and into his hold, tucking Yugi's head under his chin "Tu aurez lui faire peur," (You will frighten him.) he accused with a chuckle, planting a kiss on Yugi's forehead while Yugi tried not to laugh at the playful attitude that had infected them all.

Thema smiled at their display of affection before shaking her head "Je n'ai pas peur à personne!" (I do not scare anyone!) she protested before taking Yugi's hand and leading him away again, showing that she wanted to see Yugi without Atem clinging to him. She examined him again before nodding for some reason.

Yugi was about to speak but she spoke first "I am afraid my Japanese is not perfect," she said to Yugi as they entered a café area, staff bowing left and right. She lead them up onto a balcony where it was private "I only learnt basics in this language," she admitted, looking a little embarrassing "How is your French?" she asked as they took their places.

The upper café seemed to be the premium one, as well as one held for business as there were large tables and what looked like a restaurant mixed in at one end. There was a lovely view outside across a river and the city lights in the distance, and yet inside it was just a nice to look at. There were paintings of feasts and Pharaoh's and offerings along the walls and the floor was light blue carpet and blue tile making the place look a little lighter. Every detail seemed to draw your eyes the more you looked. The modern waiter's outfits was the only thing that wasn't styled after the ancients.

Yugi smiled at Thema and took a seat "J'ai appris le français à l'école, et je comprends de beaucoup de votre langue. Mais je ne suis pas parfait," (I learned French at school, and I understand a lot of your language. But I'm not perfect) he modestly answered. It was true he didn't have to speak French often, but he read it a lot since he liked French food and thought that something was lost in translation in recipe books. So he kept up the skill of speaking French.

Thema shook her head "Pas de votre français est merveilleux Yugi," (No your French is wonderful Yugi) she insisted, making Yugi blush. Her compliments were nice and the use of his first name made him realise how serious she was about getting to know him. She beamed before waving over a waiter and ordering tea. "Now we shall get to know each other," Thema nodded and the gentle questioning began.

Yugi was so glad Atem was next to him, otherwise he might have lost his voice with slight nerves. He had to admit that her questions weren't prying or mean, and soon he felt brave enough to ask a few of his own. Atem gave him confidence with small inputs of his own, asking about how the family had been since he had last seen them, and how certain projects were going. Sometimes he asked Yugi questions, but most of the time he stayed quiet and was Yugi's rock when he felt nervous.

Thema found out his age, his birthday, his ex-job, how he and Atem had met – she laughed so much at that story, then scolded Atem for not being more considerate, Atem had only grinned in response – where he had gone to University, and many other insignificant things such as his favourite colours, his favourite places in the world, even his favourite book.

That last one caused Thema to chuckle giddily. "Oh Atem, you sly man," she giggled. Atem chuckled and just drank his coffee with a wink in Yugi's direction.

Yugi hoped that meant he was doing well.

He learnt a little about Thema too. She was fifty five – something Yugi didn't believe for a second, she looked so young, when he said so she fawned over him as she glowed with pleasure – was an only child, worked to manage all the European and Egyptian hotels and resorts, she was the boss of the estates themselves, but her husband and first son were the financial side of the business. She was musical and played the piano, and she sang but only to family, Atem insisted she was better than what she was describing. Finally she could speak limited Japanese, French, English and Spanish fluently. She blamed her Japanese knowledge on her trips to Japan to visit Atem.

Yugi got the overall impression she was humanitarian and Mother first and business woman second, although she would not hesitate to bite if the situation called for it. She was a cat, a middle aged but fiercely loyal woman who guarded her family with her life, but a cat all the same, and she warmed quickly to those who were respectful and who didn't rub her the wrong way.

Atem eventually had to take Julian out for a run before bedtime, or he'd be pacing the entire night. He stood up and Julian was at his side instantly, Atem patted his head fondly "I'd better go give him a run, I don't want him itching for action all night," he explained.

Thema smiled and nodded, night had fallen while they had talked "Of course dear, I have put a pen outside your room for him to stay in. Nous ne voulons pas Julian déranger le reste des invites," (We don't want Julian disturbing the rest of the guests,) she finished her sentence in French when her Japanese vocabulary failed her with its limits.

Atem nodded "See you in a moment Yugi," he promised before walking off. The staff recognised him and some smiled while they bowed.

Yugi pouted at the waiter who was checking Atem out as he left, it was bad enough when women were doing it. How did Atem manage to stop himself straying to all these good looking people? He was sure they were better than him, the only thing he had over them was that they were probably only after his money and body, Yugi was after his company - the relationship one not the hotel business - the others perks about Atem were just lucky bonuses he wasn't going to exploit.

A warm hand covered his "You are good for him Yugi." Yugi blinked and looked up at Thema's knowing smile, she tilted her head "Once upon un time, he would … fool with many. But now there is only Yugi, no many," she tried to explain in Japanese.

Yugi blushed and ducked his head.

Thema cupped his face and turned him up so she could see him, "Que tu aimes à mon fils?" (Do you love my son?)

Yugi blushed harder and tried to look away. She was so forward!

He stuttered slightly before gathering his thoughts. "Je ne suis pas sûr. Je suis attiré par lui, et nous nous entendons bien. Mais tout s'est passé si vite. Je n'ai pas eu le temps d'examiner mes propres sentiments," (I'm not sure. I'm attracted to him, and we get along well. But everything happened so fast. I have not had time to examine my own feelings) Yugi admitted as honestly as he could. He was still a little unsure how Atem could be interested in staying with someone like him. He was rich, famous, gorgeous, sexy, everything another rich famous person could want.

Thema sighed and ran a hand over his hair in a Motherly way "Do not be sad Yugi. I know Atem likes you very much," she giggled when Yugi glanced at her in amazement. She put a finger to her lips "Secret!" she sang. "Les mères savent toujours ce que leurs enfants se sentient," (Mothers always know what their children feel) she whispered.

Yugi stared with wide eyes. Atem truly felt something towards him? He didn't think Atem would lead him on, but he hadn't stopped to think about the idea of Atem feeling something or about it being something more permanent. Now that he was he felt a small smile decorate his blushing face.

Thema laughed pleasantly and pinched his cheek gently "Cutie!" she cooed.

Yugi blushed brighter "N-no I'm not," he protested through a mumble.

Thema laughed again "Atem thinks you are cute."

Yugi blinked "He does?"

The Queen nodded "Oui, he can not keep away," she explained with a smile that showed off all her perfect white teeth.

Yugi knew Atem liked to keep 'in touch' literally, but he thought that was because he had a sex drive as big as Giza, was it actually his way of showing affection?

Before he could ask any further questions about Atem in his absence, Julian ran into the room and butted his head into Yugi's lap. His large brown eyes begging for attention. Yugi smiled, if Julian was back inside Atem wasn't far behind, questions would have to wait … maybe one quick one.

"How do you know he can't stop touching me?"

Atem entered the room and frowned a little at how his Mother had shifted closer to Yugi. It was as if they were old friends rather than new acquaintances.

She was whispering to him and Yugi suddenly went bright red while his Mother laughed. He hoped she wasn't bullying him, he approached and decided to break up the conversation "Maman, vous de taquiner Yugi?" (Mum, are you teasing Yugi?) he asked, half serious and half teasing.

Yugi shook his head at once, with a shy smile. That alone soothed Atem's worries, but what his Mother said next surprised even his poker face.

She giggled and shook her head as she got up. "Oh non! Je viens de parler à mon futur fils dans la loi," (Oh no! I was just talking to my future son in law) she hummed happily.

Yugi blushed instantly and spluttered.

Atem's eyes widened before a blush darkened his tan cheeks too "Maman!" he protested. But Thema just laughed and waved his protests aside.

She turned and helped Yugi up before hugging him "Tu me plais," (I like you) she declared bluntly before kissing his cheeks. Yugi felt utterly bewildered but managed a smile anyway.

Thema clapped her hands together and turned to her son "Reposons-nous et rencontrer tout le monde pour le déjeuner. Dans le jardin Atem, vous vous souvenez. Bonne nuit," (Let us rest and meet for lunch. In the garden Atem, you remember. Goodnight) and with that she waved and made her way out of the lounge and left the two blushing men alone.

Yugi blinked a few times before rubbing the back of his neck "Er … she's lovely," he weakly said, at a little loss for words. He was sure that her overfriendly remark was her showing her approval.

Atem coughed and took his hand unconsciously, his fingers linking through Yugi's gently "Sorry about her. I never thought she's react like that," he sighed and rubbed his temple with his eyes closed "Trust my Mother to start embarrassing me in front of you," he groaned.

Yugi smiled "I didn't mind. But I kinda see why you're scared of her now," he admitted; who in their right mind would anger the Queen of Hearts? She was a good version of the Red Queen, but with all her strength and manipulative tactics.

She was ice or warm hugs, very chatty and slightly animated in her hand gestures and her speaking tones when she got relaxed, in a way she reminded Yugi of Mai. But unlike Mai this woman had a reputation. No matter what she held her respected image, just like a business woman should, her professionalism shone through. She had shown that in her questions to Yugi, they were pinpoint and she seemed to be dissecting the answers. But her Mothering side helped Yugi relax; she treated the staff like old friends and her friends like family, and she defended family with everything she had.

Atem nodded "Never cross my Mother. You won't see the next sunrise," he promised with a shudder. He shook off some feelings and probably some bad memories then smiled "I'm glad you liked her, I know she can be a bit much sometimes," he laughed humorously.

Yugi disagreed with the last part, he shook his head "She's a little like you in how she deflects questions and gets me to speak, so I know how to respond to that. But she's also a lot like Mai because she's so happy to express herself, and she's easy to like," he explained.

Atem smiled and told the waiter to put the prices on his Mother's bill before taking Yugi out of the lounge and deeper into the hotel to an elevator – staff still bowing. It was time to go to their room now, Yugi was glad of it because he felt exhausted because the flight had taken hours, he had only had a small nap due to nerves, and then he stayed awake till this time zones night-time, he had never felt to tired.

He leaned on Atem without thinking.

Atem smiled at his sleepy face and squeezed Yugi's hand lightly as he pressed the buttons for their floor "I'm happy Mother approves of you," he smirked "Normally I'd have to work for weeks for her to even say my date's first name," he remembered how quickly she had taken to Yugi, and he was surprised that her body language wasn't reserved at all, she genuinely liked him and that thought made him glow inside.

Yugi raised an eyebrow "Probably because you dated every girl from here to France and their brother," he pointed out flatly.

Atem cringed a little "I don't recognise myself in those actions anymore," he promised. He put an arm around Yugi's waist and sighed "I wish I could have been more sensible before, then I wouldn't have to worry about my parents scaring you away," he admitted in a low voice.

Yugi smiled and leaned on his shoulder "It's nice to see that you're trying. And if you hadn't of kissed me that first night where would we be?" he wondered.

Atem sighed "Not this happy," he summed up. "And I didn't kiss you because of that. I moved away to change my ways and write," he protested.

Yugi looked up in confusion "Then why did you?"

Atem shrugged "I don't remember anymore," he said, trying to think back to that moment when he decided that kissing would be a best punishment was hard. He couldn't think of how that was a good idea now, but then he was glad of the split second decision. He remembered thinking that Yugi was one of the most attractive people he had seen in a long time, and he hadn't had sex in a while, but he just remembered the overwhelming desire to kiss him when they were face to face. So he acted. Ever since that kiss he had wanted more, more of the physical at least, and his pursuit had brought them close emotionally too, and then Atem never wanted to let go.

He returned to the present when the light lit up for the second floor. "But I'm glad I did, now I've got you all to myself," he grinned with his other arm coming up to possessively hold him as the elevator opened again.

Yugi just smiled.

Atem took them to the second floor and they made their way to a private wing. Atem unlocked the room with a code on the side of the door, Yugi suspected that he had been here so often he knew all his rooms by heart. But who wouldn't want to live here? It was so beautiful, just a little too warm for Yugi's liking. He was glad that there was air conditioning everywhere, or he would have been sweating bullets. Julian appeared to appreciate that fact too, he was panting a lot in his thick fur coat.

Their room was beautiful like everything in this hotel. There was a large room that went down two stairs in the middle, the dip held a small lit pool with water patterns being reflected onto the ceiling, there was glass over the water but the soothing sound of soft trickling water wasn't muffled. The room walls were sandy with smaller mosaics of plants. There was a sofa by one wall facing the shielded pool and another before the large window overlooking the pool and the river beyond it. There was a table and two chairs by the window if the occupants wanted to eat in private, wooden but equally stylish.

Yugi looked around in awe "I can't believe you own this and more, it's perfect."

Atem nodded before seeing Yugi yawn out of the corner of his eye "It's late, and it's been a long day, let's sleep," he suggested as he towed Yugi towards the door opposite the sofa.

Yugi nodded and yawned again, now he had started he couldn't stop the slow waves of sleep overpowering him. His eyes felt heavy and his body ached to relax and rest, he was fortunate that Atem was holding him, or he might had curled up on the floor and passed out from exhaustion.

The bedroom was just as stylish as the rest of the hotel. The walls were a deep brown, with lights coming out of dim shell or palm tree leave ornaments on the walls, they dispensed the light and made it a cosy sanctuary with a golden glow around the edges. The floor was a soft carpet of burgundy that ran to nearly all corners with a strip of wood around the outside, probably to easier cleaning. The white arching ceiling made the room feel very big. The room was facing a window that went from floor to ceiling and slid open to reveal a balcony with a table with a folded umbrella and two metal chairs. The view was amazing, it was like the view downstairs but now they had the starry sky to admire as well as the city lights and river.

There was a chest of draws for clothes, a bedside table on either side of a four poster bed, and a little couch by the windows to lounge on. The bed had red silk sheets and black and gold blankets with matching pillows. There were some flimsy fabric over the four poster, creating an enclosed feeling through the see-through fabric.

There was a small door that led to the bathroom opposite them, the bathroom had a bath and shower separately and a large mirror, it was luxurious as well as standard. The bath was made out of stone and there were relaxing jets in both the bath and the shower, it was very posh and expensive.

Yugi rubbed his eyes and decided to leave the wonder of the place for tomorrow. "Where are our bags?" he asked, wanting to change into something cooler and pass out. He could sleep all day tomorrow and wake up the day after.

Atem looked over his shoulder "I'll get them," he said and left Yugi for a moment to collect the bags that were overlooked by the door.

Yugi hummed and slowly shuffled over to the bathroom to wash his face and clean his teeth. Atem handed him his toothbrush when he joined him, their bags sitting on or beside the chest of draws. He had dug out their toiletries so they could get to bed quickly.

Yugi pulled off his shirt and dug clumsily through his bag, now on the chest of draws, for his silk sleeping shorts; he was glad that Mai had put them in now, this place was too warm. He wouldn't need the blanket while he was here. He changed and fell face first on the bed and groaned, he didn't want to move from across the bed. He nuzzled the soft, clean fabric and sighed, he was too tired to move. And the sound of the trickling water in the next room seemed to sooth over his entire body until all tension had left his limbs.

Atem smiled fondly at Yugi as he pulled on his boxers, he also didn't want to sleep with much on, although he was partial to the heat of the desert he was used to the cooler forests of Japan. He whistled Julian and took him out to the balcony where a set of stairs led down to a pool shared by this wing of the hotel, Julian padded down the stairs to a small kennel on a patch of grass. Atem opened the small gate to the fence that surrounded it, it wouldn't keep Julian in because he could jump over it but he knew to stay, and let Julian run in so he could get to where he would be sleeping.

Normally there wouldn't be a kennel, but Atem's Mother owned the place so what she ordered happened. She didn't want Julian to be all on his own for the trip so set up a small pen where he could sleep and longue around when he wasn't being walked or played with.

Atem made his way back up the stairs, and locked the gate at the top then the sliding window doors. He paused to close the curtains of their bedroom before he walked over to Yugi and lightly shook his shoulder to get his attention, "You're not in bed properly," he said lowly.

Yugi grunted but didn't even twitch. "Don't care." He hadn't even noticed that Atem had gone or that the dog was missing, he felt so heavy.

Atem chuckled and carefully turned Yugi over and scooped him up so he could lay him down properly, he couldn't have Yugi hogging the bed. Yugi whined at being moved but wrapped his arms around Atem's neck when he was held and snuggled into his neck, he didn't want Atem moving away now, he was warm, and his lover.

Atem rubbed Yugi's back at the adorable gesture and wondered for the millionth time how John had managed to mistreat such a kind and open person. He could sort of see how someone would worry that another would steal Yugi away, but he would never treat Yugi like an item or servant with rules and restrictions. Yugi wanted to depend and be depended on in equal measures while being allowed to keep his own independence and freedom, relationships were meant to broaden horizons and opportunities, not restrict them.

When Atem pulled the blanket back he tried to set Yugi down, but Yugi just tightened his hold and pressed his head deeper into the crook of his neck, holding tight with the determination of a python and the grip of a koala. Atem sighed and awkwardly rolled over Yugi so he could lie in bed too, the rolling and tumbling action made Yugi giggle as Atem's weight lightly squashed him and then he resumed his holding while Atem got comfortable next to him. Atem pulled the blanket up over their bodies, but Yugi made an uncomfortable sound the moment it settled on their skin.

Atem gently stroked his cheek until he said what was on his mind: "Too hot," he grumbled.

Atem rolled his eyes and folded the blanket down to only their waists and pulled Yugi closer "Better?"

Yugi rested his head on one of Atem's arms and blinked one eye open to smile at him "Thanks," he said in approval. The room here was warm enough to sleep in without blankets, he sighed before sinking into the mattress, all the tension running out of his body and making him floppy and unresponsive.

Atem smiled and ran a hand down Yugi's bare chest. "Sleep well."

Yugi shivered at the shadow light caress down his chest, his body instantly reacting to the seductive touch. It was very tempting to respond and leave sleep for later, the energy he didn't have could be borrowed from somewhere to feel that connection again…

He opened one eye and shook his head "Not tonight," he whispered.

Atem smirked and kissed his lips soft and slow, making Yugi melt. It wasn't going to be hard to change his mind, if only he wasn't so tired. Atem broke the kiss slowly and tucked Yugi's head under his chin "I wasn't trying to seduce you, mon amour," he murmured. Yugi tilted his head slightly. Atem squeezed him "It's how I show affection," he explained "And I have to remind you that seeing you so nearly naked is beautiful, you're so stunning I can't keep my hands off you," he purred, rubbing Yugi's lower back soothingly.

Yugi relaxed and nodded, so that was it. He sighed deeply with a happy smile "That feels nice … Goodnight." Atem replied distantly and Yugi was swept away in comforting blackness to the sound of soothing trickling water.

Atem relaxed into the double bed mattress and sighed contently as Yugi drifted off next to him, he was so out of it he didn't even blush at their last comments. Atem found that a little endearing.

Not as tired as he should be considering his day his thoughts turned to the introduction that had happened earlier. His Mother had been the hardest hurdle he was expecting, but her attitude to Yugi, though highly welcome, had thrown him. It was almost too easy, but he knew his Mother well enough to know that she wasn't faking her approval for his sake.

Slightly disturbed at how well this had turned out he began to rethink the scale of difficulty in getting Yugi positively introduced to his family.

Was his Father going to be the unexpectedly hard one to appease? Atem frowned a little, his Father was quite honourable, kind in intention though he wouldn't hesitate to swing the other fist if he thought that it was justified. He was a strong man, but if Thema had liked, or loved, Yugi when she saw him then perhaps she would wear him down. He met lots of new people daily, he probably would be able to see through Yugi to his core and see he wasn't like those Atem had dated previously; he was a good judge of character, and his instincts rarely led him wrongly. As a businessman he knew who was a risk and who was a sound partner, hopefully he'd be able to see just how good Yugi was.

Mahad had the uncanny ability to get along with everyone save those who he one hundred percent clashed with, normally pushy girls or those who were just out of order or stuck up. He was always smiling and his magic tricks broke the ice instantly when he met people, Atem wasn't worried about his older brother's approval; Mahad would see him through, he wasn't a hot head nor did he jump to conclusions, and he was extremely popular with many circles so there was little chance that Yugi wouldn't find his way into one of them.

His sister on the other hand was a little more feisty. She made an impression and probably took one instantly. In many ways Mana was like their Mother, she was animated, even more so because of her youth and recent years in University, and she was naturally very giggly. Her happy aura was matched by its opposite in her angry one, she could hold a grudge forever and if someone got on her bad side they stayed on it. Unless a miracle happened! But she trusted her brothers, and many times she had supported Atem in his bad date choices, trusting his judgement while stating how much she thought this was a bad idea. But if you made a good impression you were to be one of her friends for life and she glued you to her hip and herself to your arm until your relationship crumbled or you were torn apart.

That left only his cousin and Uncle. Aknadin disapproved of everything so Atem didn't have to worry about impressing him, the old goat could sit in his chair and grumble for all Atem cared.

Seth would be as neutral as possible at first but luckily his girlfriend would be with him and she'd lighten his mood. If she wasn't here Seth would eventually lighten towards Yugi anyway because he was a lot like his uncle in the way in which he got a feel for people very quickly, Atem bet in the first few minutes of knowing someone he knew if they would get along or not in the long term. Since Seth was the manager of the company's American branches, as Atem was in Eastern Asia, he met people regularly and so that selecting skill came in handy very often.

Atem tried to convince himself that he had nothing to worry about, even if the knot in his stomach refused to loosen because of his slightly stressful desire to have the family love Yugi as much as he did, but eventually he managed to list off enough reasons for accepting Yugi to ease the anxiety a little.

Yugi snuggled deeper into his shoulder while he slept and drew Atem's mind away from the worries of tomorrow. Atem tilted his head to watch Yugi sleep, his pale lavender shaded eyelids hid his vibrantly coloured eyes and yet blended smoothly into the skin of his rosy cheeks, he was too warm and dreaming fitfully probably as a result of the warmth. Atem pushed the blanket further off Yugi's body and hoped he'd be comfortable through the night. Almost instantly Yugi's moving eyes stopped and he seemed more relaxed.

Atem smiled gently and gazed at him while he began to drift off himself.

"Atem."

Atem blinked, suddenly wide awake.

Yugi had called him, had he woken after all? Atem opened his mouth to answer, only to realise that Yugi hadn't moved or roused himself in any way.

Atem was quiet for another moment then understanding swept through him when Yugi's lips trembled slightly. "Atem …" he murmured again, his arms squeezing around Atem as if to subconsciously make sure he was still there.

Atem relaxed and reached up with one hand to run his fingers through Yugi's hair. Yugi's talking stopped after that. Atem felt a smirk rise to his lips. So Yugi was a sleep talker on occasion, and it was his name he had called out. He wondered if he was dreaming. Atem kissed Yugi's forehead and chuckled as softly as he could "A sleep talker huh? Don't worry Yugi, I'm by your side," he promised.

Yugi nestled his head a little closer to Atem and curled himself like a content cat into his side.

Atem closed his eyes and felt the smile take hold for the night. He had never felt so content.

1) You put Atem's name into a translator that speaks words aloud too, and there's an extra U, to make the feel of a foreign country more authentic I decided to highlight that pronunciation since different countries say their letters slightly differently.

2) I couldn't be bothered to put all the translations at the bottom so they'll be in brackets now so people don't have to scroll down to the bottom - I did that before because I wanted to increase the mystery of Atem's personality.

3) The bowing thing ... no excuse for that at all. It's not a tradition in Egypt as far as I'm aware, I just wanted to add in something that would make Atem's family seem more royal since Atem and his Father are Pharaohs in Yugioh.

I really like this chapter, I hope that Thema's character is liked, OC's are hard to be approved of in fanfictions (I know I've been sharp with their appearances before) but I hope that she seems like a likeable person and a character that's not just thrown in for the hell of it.

I've decided to only introduce you to Atem's Mother this chapter because I didn't want to overdo a big reunion so soon, they won't be introduced one or two at a time, but I think that this is like a buffer before the rest of the family comes along to say hi. Giving Yugi only one to worry about before the rest come along.

Please leave your lovely comments, they're very appreciated!