A/N: Thanks for all of the reviews. I thought it might be some time for a little bit of fluff. Just a little, mind, but enough to tide us over. Enjoy!

Early that morning Atemu had gotten up and left the palace and Yuugi was worried. There had been an unusually serious look in the prince's eyes as he summoned a servant to prepare his horse, enough to make any thought of Yuugi suggesting that he come along die before the words reached his tongue. He could tell that Atemu would not have wanted a companion even though he was dying to know where the man was going. It didn't seem right or safe to let Atemu go walking around on his own, even if he wasn't technically leaving the palace grounds. That was why he didn't put up too much of a protest when Mana approached him and tactfully suggested they follow.

"You'd do that?" he asked, blinking up at her in surprise. He was sitting on Atemu's bed, waiting for him to return. He'd passed last night in a guest room just like always, sleeping poorly when he was able to fall asleep at all. His dreams were not at all pleasant. It was tempting to lie down in the privacy of Atemu's room but he knew that the lingering feel of Atemu's magic would probably be enough to make him sleep instantly and he wanted to be awake when Atemu returned.

Mana shrugged, looking slightly uncomfortable. "I wouldn't like it," she confessed, taking a step closer. She was familiar with Atemu's rooms but it felt strange to be here when the man wasn't around. "I mean, he did say that you were supposed to remain here and I was probably included in that. Normally I wouldn't think about disobeying an order. But I don't think it's right that he went alone to the temple. Whoever killed the pharaoh is still out there and could even be inside the palace walls. It's not safe for Atemu to be out there alone."

Yuugi sat up and gave her a closer look, not having realized that he and Mana were essentially on the same wavelength. "I agree," he said. "And I think that you're right, but he'll probably be mad if we go after him but it would be worth knowing that he's okay."

"Atemu will get over it. I already had the horses prepared," Mana said with a grin. Generally she didn't have that sort of authority and her request would've been denied, but for this one instance she'd invoked her status as Mahado's assistant and made up a tale that Mahado needed the horses to go collect ingredients. The stable attendants had been all too eager to do a favour for the kind priest who treated everyone fairly. She knew that the horses would be ready and waiting for them. However, much to her dismay, Yuugi didn't look happy about that idea. In fact he turned down right pale.

"Horses?" he squeaked.

"Yes. Don't you know how to ride?" Mana did a poor job of concealing her surprise when Yuugi shook his head. Even peasants understood the basic principles behind riding a horse, even if they never mounted one of the creatures.

"Sorry. It's, um, not something people commonly do where I'm from," Yuugi told her, biting his lip. He really hadn't thought about that. Horses. God, what he wouldn't have given for a car. He didn't know how to drive but somehow the thought of getting behind a wheel was far less daunting than the idea of getting up on a horse that weighed several hundred pounds more than he did. "But… I guess it'll be okay."

"I see," Mana said doubtfully. "Well, come on, then. If we want to follow Atemu you don't have a choice." She beckoned to him and, after a moment of hesitation, he got up and walked across the room towards her. Mana turned on her heel and led him out the door and down the hall. No one bothered them as they made their way out to the stables, where one of the boys had indeed already prepared two horses for them. Mana reached out to one of them with a familiarity that indicated she wasn't going to have any problems. Yuugi wished that he could feel as confident.

"You're, ah, sure there's no other way to travel?" he asked.

"It's the fastest way. You said you were concerned about Atemu," she replied. "If we walk it will take us twice as long and I'm not very good at transportation spells. I can't promise you that we would actually end up at the temple if we use one." She smiled sheepishly and wound her fingers around the horse's rein. Yuugi watched as she mounted, slinging one leg over his back. "Don't worry. He'll help you to get up." She nodded at one of the servants, who stepped forward quickly.

"Um… okay." The things he did for Atemu, Yuugi thought grumpily, his face flushing with humiliation when he realized he wasn't even tall enough to consider getting up there all by himself. It took the work of two servants to get him sitting on the horse and then, once he was, he realized very quickly that he didn't like it. The ground seemed like it was very far away and he wasn't used to gripping the horse's sides with his thighs; his legs began to ache almost immediately. And when Mana's horse began to move and his followed, it was, to be frank, absolutely terrifying. It was also entirely possible that Hafiz, for all of his intimidation and anger, had nothing on a horse that was trotting.

He closed his eyes and swallowed hard, his stomach clenching in a way that meant there was a good chance that vomit might be the next thing to come out of his mouth, and just held on. It seemed to last forever, the wind whipping at his hair and burning his cheeks and tearing at his clothing and the hard, rhythmic thud of his horse's hooves striking the sand and the bouncing, oh god the bouncing, with his teeth clacking together so hard that his jaw was starting to hurt. It wasn't fun, not even a little, and he was on the verge of yanking on the reins until the horse stopped when suddenly, it did. Stop, that is.

Hesitantly he opened his eyes, wondering if he had actually fallen from the horse and cracked his skull open. But no, Mana was just ahead of him and she had been the one to call a halt. She was staring at the temple, more specifically at the man on the steps. Yuugi breathed out shakily, realizing that it was Atemu. The prince was sitting there with his head buried in his hands and Yuugi didn't need a bond between them to know that Atemu was utterly miserable. It was automatic to respond and he fell getting down off of the horse, landing hard on his hands and knees but he recovered quickly, crossing the small distance between them in a matter of seconds. Atemu didn't seem to notice his presence until Yuugi was standing right in front of him.

His expression was surprised when he looked up. "Yuugi? What are you doing here?"

Yuugi didn't answer. He didn't have to. For once he was glad he was so small because it enabled him to slot himself neatly between Atemu's thighs, wrapping his arms around the man's waist and burying his face in Atemu's collarbone. Here he discovered more differences between Atemu and Yami: Atemu was a bit more muscled in a lean way and the scent was jarringly different - but it hardly mattered in that moment when he could fist his hands into Atemu's tunic and just hold on. He felt Atemu hesitate before he rested his hands gingerly on Yuugi's hips, not trying to pull him away or closer, just there.

"Yuugi?" he said again and his voice was distinctly gentler this time. "What's wrong?"

"Thought you might be in danger," Yuugi mumbled and really that was only half of it but he couldn't bring himself to properly explain how much he had needed this. He didn't really think that he and Yami had been the sort of people who touched a lot, except apparently they were, because this was… well, yeah. It was everything he hadn't known he missed.

Atemu pondered that for a moment before he understood. "You mean because I went out by myself," he surmised, glancing over Yuugi's shoulder to where Mana was waiting with the horses. She'd pulled them over to where Atemu's horse was waiting, and even though she had to be dying of curiosity she'd respectfully turned her back and was looking out at the wall. He smiled fondly and, without even thinking about it, ran a hand over Yuugi's hair. It had been a long time since he had been this close to anyone. He realized he was enjoying it. "I'm fine, Yuugi. I just needed to see my father's body before they finished the ceremony, that's all. I didn't want my first time seeing him to be tomorrow in front of everyone."

"Oh," Yuugi said in a small voice. He pulled back just far enough that he could look up into Atemu's face. "But still, it's dangerous for you to be out here by yourself, without Seth or -" He stopped short and bit his lip on whatever else he wanted to say. Atemu narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Who else?" he inquired, tightening his grip on Yuugi's hip just in case he decided to try a get away. "You do that every once in a while, start to talk about someone and then stop."

"It's just… I think I told you that in the future you're not a pharaoh," Yuugi admitted, his hands clenching nervously. Though he had touched briefly on the fact that he had two more friends out there who were with the thief king and the assassin, he hadn't broached the topic that in the future they were very close friends of Yami, practically brothers. "But you still have those who know about you and the past and for the most part they're the other holders of the Millennium Items. That, um, includes certain people who are not part of your court at the moment. In the future they, ah, feel a certain amount of loyalty that their counterparts here in the past may not share."

The look of disbelief on Atemu's face would have been amusing in any other setting. "I sincerely pray you are not implying what I think you are."

Yuugi giggled. He couldn't help it. It was a nervous reaction. "Well, um, yes, I think I am, if you're thinking that in the future you and the thief king and the assassin are all very close friends, then yes." He was close enough to watch as Atemu appeared to shut down. Literally. His eyes took on a glazed look and his chest stopped moving, lips slightly parted, like the idea of him being a close companion to either of those two men was just too much for him. Hesitantly Yuugi lifted a hand and waved it in front of Atemu's face, then snapped his fingers. There was no response. "Oh, great, I broke the pharaoh."

"You didn't break me," Atemu said in a strangled voice, sounding like someone had grabbed him 'round the throat and was now squeezing very tightly. "I just... It is very difficult for me to ever imagine Akefia or Heru feeling any degree of loyalty towards me. I'm not sure if you are aware of this, Yuugi, but Akefia hates me and my family. He has made that very clear."

"Well, it's different in the future. I don't know why," Yuugi said a little helplessly, because he really didn't. He had never thought to question the brotherly bond that existed between Yami, Bakura, Mariku and Seto. It had been cemented long before he and the other hikaris came around and it was just… there. He knew how Seto and Yami had met but not how Bakura and Mariku had come into the picture. He shrugged. "I don't know but Jou might. He's known Seto and your future self a lot longer than I have."

"Then we will ask him," Atemu said decisively, and Yuugi was glad to see that whatever had been bothering him was apparently no longer an issue. He leaned back as Atemu stood up and was startled when the prince lifted him to his feet as well. Atemu led him back down the steps and over to where Mana was waiting with the horses.

"You are alright?" she asked, finally looking at them.

"I'm fine, Mana. I apologize for worrying you. Both of you," he added, glancing at Yuugi with a lot more warmth in his eyes than before. "Do either of you know where Seth is? I'm sure that wherever my cousin is, that is where we will find your friend."

"I believe I heard one of the stable hands mention that they were seen going out of the palace," Mana said thoughtfully. "They left by the eastern gate. As far as I know they have not returned and Seth did not say when they would. Perhaps they have gone into the marketplace, or into the desert to practice spells, though I do not believe that Mahado was accompanying them."

Atemu sighed, frustrated. "We will go to the eastern gate to see if they have returned," he decided, knowing that there was no way he would be permitted to go any further without several palace guards. He took a step towards his horse and then paused when he realized that Yuugi had not moved an inch. In fact, when he turned around Yuugi was staring at the horses with the kind of expression that Mana used to wear whenever she was faced with a scorpion and a suspicion bloomed in Atemu's mind. In spite of himself, he softened at the boy's distress and he said, "Yuugi."

"Hmm?" Yuugi started in surprise, realizing that Atemu was watching him. "Oh, sorry, right. We'll just... go, yeah?" He hated the thought of getting back up on the horse. He would have much rather walked no matter how warm the sun was or how long it would take.

"Come here," said Atemu, holding a hand out to him. Yuugi took it and Atemu pulled him closer, easily sliding his hands down around Yuugi's hips. Ignoring Yuugi's startled squeak, he hefted Yuugi into the air until Yuugi's flailing legs were able to slide across the horse's back. Yuugi just blinked at finding himself sitting on top of a horse so suddenly, and he didn't protest when Atemu easily swung himself up in front of Yuugi. He gathered the reins in his hands, knowing that Mana would be taking care of the other horse, and sure enough when he looked over at her she was busily tying the reins of the animal to her saddle, her face hidden to hide the enormous smile.

"Shall we go?" she inquired once she was certain that she could speak without giving it away.

"Yes." Atemu nodded and squeezed his knees together. His horse stepped forward smartly and Yuugi squeaked again, his hands seizing Atemu around the waist as he buried his face in Atemu's back. This time not even Atemu could keep from grinning and he was relieved that Yuugi couldn't see it. They weren't even going very fast but he could tell that it was more than fast enough for Yuugi already. He removed one hand from the reins and lightly patted Yuugi's clenched fists, the gesture meant to comfort and soothe as much as possible, before kicking the horse into a trot.

The ride to the eastern gate didn't take very long. It was one of the lesser used gates, Yuugi noticed immediately. Horseback riding was not nearly so terrifying when he had someone to hold on to, especially when that someone happened to be the man who would one day be his other half. He managed to turn his head slightly so that he could see what was going on without relinquishing his hold on Atemu. The 'gate', such as it was, was really comprised of a small guardhouse and a drowsy looking man who was leaning heavily against a wall, looking like the most exciting thing in his life was dinner. He snapped to attention, however, when he heard the sound of the horses and his sword was half drawn as Atemu came to a stop in front of him. Recognizing the prince, he fell into a deep bow.

"Your… your highness," he stammered, "what can I do for you?"

"Has my cousin passed through here recently?" Atemu said, and Yuugi realized that his voice had taken on that noticeable quality that always developed whenever Atemu spoke to a servant or priest. It was difficult to describe but he thought that the closest approximation would have been authority. Atemu expected to be obeyed. There was never a question about whether or not he would be.

"Y-yes: early this morning. He had a man with him who had unusually coloured hair," the guard replied. He half-raised his head, just high enough to examine Yuugi's fierce grip with something skin to dawning disbelief. Yuugi flushed but refused to let go. The heat of Atemu's body was more soothing than he would have expected even though he wasn't really frightened anymore. He was going to hold on for as long as he possibly could.

"Did he give an estimate as to when he will return?" But even as Atemu was asking, Yuugi heard the sound of hooves pounding against sand, a sound that was rapidly becoming familiar. He leaned sideways so that he could peer past Atemu. At first the riders coming towards them were nothing more than shadowy blurs, but as they grew closer it was revealed to be Jou. The other horse had no rider at all and Yuugi felt his heart seize in fear until he realized that Seth was on the same horse as Jou, riding behind him. Jou was sprawled against the priest's chest, unconscious, while Seth guided the horse.

"Jou!" Yuugi cried as Seth thundered to a stop a few feet away. There was a wildness about Seth's blue eyes that the man would likely never admit to feeling.

"Atemu!" Seth exclaimed a moment later. "What are you doing here?"

"Searching for you," Atemu said. "Seth, what's wrong?"

"We need to talk," Seth said grimly, a frown on his face. "But first we need to have Mahado or Duke take a look at Jou. He fainted while we were in the desert and I have not been able to get him to rouse him." He hesitated for a split second like there was more to the story but ultimately remained silent, and Yuugi knew that it was information not to be shared in front of other people. Worry flooded through him and he unconsciously hugged Atemu that much tighter as he wondered if Seth and Jou had been attacked.

"Come. We will return to the palace at once," Atemu decided, swiftly turning his horse.

"Atemu," Seth said, stopping his cousin.

"What is it?"

Seth's face was grave. "Trust no one."

A/N: Just to give you all advance warning so no one freaks out, there will not be an update next week as I'm going to be too busy with the holidays. In that respect, Merry Christmas (or happy holidays), Happy New Year, and I'll see you all in 2013!