Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh, or The Pleasure Slave by Gena Showalter.

Author notes: Thank you all so much for your reviews! Also, I have a job now, working nights, so updates won't be as often as they were, as my job is taking up most of my time now. I will still write, post, etc, so I won't be dead on this site, but I'll be on less often. Sorry if that bugs you, but it's the best I can manage at this time.

The next morning greeted Yugi on a wave of sunshine streaming through his window and hitting him in the face. Groaning, Yugi placed an arm over his face. He should definitely think about getting some thicker curtains. As Yugi shifted, he became aware of a sort of pressure around his waist. He raised the blanket and peeked under it, only to see a tanned arm wrapped around him. Yugi sighed and moved, trying to get out of the bed, only to have Atemu's arm to tighten around him, trapping him in the bed.

"Atemu..." Yugi turned over, facing the monarch. "Atemu, I have to get up." Yugi pushed gently at his chest, trying to separate them and perhaps also wake Atemu up so that he could be let loose. "Atemu, please." One ruby colored eye opened after a moment, and Atemu grunted before rolling over, releasing Yugi from his hold. Yugi rose from the bed then and glanced at his clock. Ten in the morning... They'd overslept a bit, but at least today it didn't matter.

Yugi left the bedroom, sleepily rubbing at one eye as he padded down to the bathroom. After he was done in there, he headed to the kitchen to make breakfast. He went through the normal routine of the morning, making sure to set aside a plate for Atemu, who still hadn't risen by the time he'd finished making the food. Figuring it was time he woke the man up, he set the table and placed their plates on it before heading towards his bedroom.

Yugi opened the door and peeked into the bedroom, noticing that Atemu was now lying on his back, his head turned slightly to the side as he dozed. Yugi watched him for a moment, a smile that he was unaware of making its way across his face. This was nice, he thought. If only it could stay like this. Yugi's smile turned dreamy as he realized he loved waking up next to Atemu every morning. It felt nice to have someone there, someone to take care for, and who, in return, would take care of him. Yugi briefly wished that this was all real, that he and Atemu were in a loving relationship, and that Atemu belonged to him and no one else.

Reality was a bitch sometimes.

Yugi strode forward, his pleasant dreams fading as he reached out and shook Atemu, trying to wake the Pharaoh. Atemu moaned slightly and rolled onto his stomach, pulling the pillow over his head. Yugi giggled at the amusing sight. "Atemu, it's time to get up. Breakfast is ready." At the mention of food, Atemu turned his head to the side and regarded Yugi with a tired stare.

"You better be glad, because if you had woken me up for any other reason, I'd have had to punish you." Atemu mumbled.

"You can't sleep all day, Your Highness." Yugi retorted with a laugh.

"We have a day off. I should be allowed to sleep as much as I want." Atemu rose from the bed and sat on the edge, shaking his head and trying to wake up.

"We slept late enough." Yugi told him, still smiling. "And besides, you'd have to get up sooner or later to fill your belly." Atemu rose and left the bedroom, Yugi following behind him. Atemu couldn't believe Yugi was so chipper. Clearly his little one was a morning person, quite the opposite of himself. It took Mana a great deal of effort to get him out of bed in the morning. Atemu's thoughts drifted back to the other morning when he had pushed her out of bed, and she had cried those crocodile tears to Mahado to get him in trouble. A wistful smile crossed his face at the memory.

They entered the kitchen, and Atemu found a delicious looking breakfast waiting for him on the table. He sat down, watching Yugi sit across from him, and they began to eat. Atemu watched Yugi throughout breakfast, a spark of desire going straight to his groin when he saw that pink little tongue dart out of that delectable little mouth to lick some jelly from his rosy lips. Atemu had a brief thought of licking the jelly from Yugi himself, and from other various places on his young master's body. Atemu smothered a groan. He should not be having these thoughts so early in the morning.

"So, since we have a free day today," Yugi began, wrenching Atemu from his horny thoughts. "what would you like to do?"

"Hm... I do not know. A day outside would be nice, but where would we go?" Atemu wondered. Yugi grinned, wiping his mouth with a napkin he'd laid on out the table earlier that morning.

"A day outside huh? We could go to the park." Yugi suggested.

"The park?" Atemu echoed.

"Sure! It's a pretty big one. Tons of trees, a pretty large pond where you can feed ducks and geese. Oh, and there's a small lake where you can even ride in boats, just to admire the view. Most people use those for dates though." Yugi explained. "There's also a playground full of swings and slides. I used to play there when I was a kid. Grandpa took me all the time."

"Sounds like a lovely place to spend the day." Atemu agreed. Yugi clapped his hands excitedly.

"Awesome! How about we go after breakfast? We can spend the whole day there, and I'll pack a picnic lunch." Atemu smiled at Yugi's enthusiasm. It made him so happy to see Yugi smile and laugh. It was a beautiful sight, and it was one Atemu wished he could keep forever.

"Sounds perfect." And it was the honest truth.

After breakfast, Yugi did the dishes while Atemu took a shower and dressed. Yugi vanished into the bathroom with a change of clothes after Atemu emerged, leaving the Egyptian on his own for a bit. He walked into the living room and threw himself on the couch, lounging a bit. He closed his eyes, just wanting a little rest before Yugi came back and it was time to leave.

Yugi strode into the living room fifteen minutes later, feeling fresh and clean. He saw that Atemu was lying on the couch when he came in, so he walked around it, only to find his pleasure slave fast asleep. Yugi giggled and shook his head. He'd had plenty of sleep last night and slept late today, and now he was out again. Yugi figured even Atemu liked to be lazy occasionally. Yugi went into the kitchen to start making lunch for that afternoon, figuring he'd let Atemu sleep until he was done and ready to go, then he would wake him.

Once Yugi had fixed and gathered everything he wished to take with him, he went in search of something to carry it in. He found a backpack in his room, and he went back into the kitchen to fill it with their food. Atemu was stirring by this point, and Yugi set the bag down on the table and went into the living room. He gently shook Atemu. "Wake up Atemu. It's time to leave." Yugi called. Atemu opened his ruby orbs slowly, nodding in confirmation before sitting up. Yugi went back into the kitchen and grabbed the backpack, and then it was off to the park.

It was a perfectly sunny and breezy day as they arrived at the park. Yugi had the backpack slung over his shoulder as they walked, and cherry blossom petals littered the ground under their feet. Atemu gazed in awe at the trees, the pink blossoms blooming beautifully all around them. Yugi smiled, really glad they had come here today. He hadn't expected the trees to be blooming just yet and it was a pleasant surprise, one he was glad to have witnessed. Come to think of it, the cherry blossom festival wouldn't be too far off from now.

"They're lovely." Atemu breathed.

"Yeah, one of the good things about this season. They have a festival for them." Yugi told him as they walked through the trees.

"I imagine it would be a wonderful festival." Atemu commented. Yugi nodded, steering them towards a bench under some of the trees.

"It shouldn't be too far off. Maybe we could go together if you'd like." Yugi's eyes shone as he smiled, and Atemu found himself memorized by them, nodding in agreement without really thinking about it. Going anywhere sounded just fine to him, so long as Yugi was there. The two of them continued on through the park, passing by the trees and admiring the view. They passed by a small playground after a few minutes, and Atemu blinked, having never seen anything quite like the contraptions in front of him before.

"Yugi, what are those things?" Atemu questioned as Yugi set the backpack on a picnic table near the sandbox.

"They're toys of sorts. The kids play on them." Yugi explained. "Come on, I'll show you." He took Atemu's hand and led him over to the swing set, missing the disappointed look on Atemu's face when he let go of the elder's hand to sit down on one of the swings. When he glanced up at Atemu, the other male was watching him, curiosity shining in his ruby orbs.

"What is this called?" Atemu wondered.

"It's a swing, because you swing back and forth on it." Yugi demonstrated, pushing off with his legs to get the device moving a bit. "You can swing gently, like I am, but most kids try to see how high they can go." Yugi watched Atemu sit on the swing next to him, mimicking his movements. Yugi giggled, then smirked at his companion. "Want to see who can swing the highest?" Yugi challenged. Atemu returned his smirk.

"Challenging me again, Little One? I must say you are a glutton for punishment." Atemu chuckled.

"I am not." Yugi protested playfully. "Maybe I just like kicking your butt, like I did at Jenga."

"Oh, that does it. If I win this challenge of yours Yugi, you will be punished for your arrogance." Atemu stated, his eyes flashing. Yugi giggled and stuck his tongue out at the Pharaoh sitting next to him.

"You're on!" Both boys kicked off as hard as they could, then began the game of who could go higher. They swung nearly as high as they both could go, and Yugi fancied that if he reached out, he would be able to touch the sky. A childish fantasy, but it was an enjoyable one nonetheless. It was a close game, but in the end, Yugi saw that Atemu was slightly ahead of him, making him the winner. He slowed his swing, watching Atemu do the same. Yugi briefly wondered if he could make a run for it, but then that wouldn't be honest of him. He lost and had to accept his punishment.

"Looks to me like I beat you this time, Little One." Yugi looked up at the sound of Atemu's voice, crimson orbs meeting his gaze.

"I will accept my punishment now, oh mighty Pharaoh." Yugi giggled, lowering his gaze to the ground.

"Hm, how to punish you..." Atemu thought. Yugi waited for what Atemu would decide, sneaking a glance up at him to see his ruby orbs closed while he thought. As if sensing his gaze, Atemu opened his eyes and smiled down at him. "Alright Yugi, we'll play a game of tag. If you manage to get away, your punishment will be null and void. If I catch you, then I'm going to tickle you into submission." Yugi's eyes widened.

"Tickle torture? That's not-!"

"Ah, ah, Little One. You lost, my rules. 'Tis only fair." Atemu's eyes twinkled with mirth and mischief. "Now, the safe zone is that tree, all the way over there." Atemu pointed, and Yugi turned to see what tree he was talking about. It was a cherry blossom tree that sort of stood apart from the others, near the shoreline of the lake.

"Okay." Yugi agreed.

"Now, I'll give you a ten second head start, so I suggest you run." Atemu told him. Yugi didn't have to be told twice. He bolted from the swing and took off. Atemu watched him go, chuckling to himself as he mentally counted. He took off on ten, sprinting after Yugi. Too bad for Yugi that his legs were a little longer, so he found himself catching Yugi without too much of an effort. Atemu slowed just a little, playing with his prey. He would catch Yugi in the end, but he wanted Yugi to think he was going to get away from him for a moment.

Yugi was almost there. He could hear Atemu's boots pounding the ground behind him, and he put on an extra burst of speed. He really did not want to be tickled at all. Just when Yugi was about three feet away from the tree, something plowed into him from behind, knocking him off his feet. Momentarily stunned, it took Yugi a few minutes to realize he was now on his back staring up at a grinning Egyptian.

"Caught you." Atemu stated smugly.

"Damn." Yugi mumbled. And he had been so close. It was then he saw the glint in Atemu's eyes, and his own indigo orbs widened. "No, Atemu, wait - Ack! Ahahaha!" Yugi's eyes squeezed shut as he squirmed and kicked under Atemu, trying to get away from the fingers teasing his sensitive sides. He couldn't quit laughing, and tears were starting to form at the corners of his eyes.

"Plead for mercy Little One!" Atemu called above him.

"N-Never!" Yugi choked out between giggles. Atemu only made the tickle torture worse, and Yugi squealed, trying to turn onto his side and wiggle away from Atemu. He couldn't take it anymore. "Atemu, please, stop! I give, I give!" Atemu stopped, chuckling as Yugi panted under him. His face was flushed with a rosy hue, and Atemu's heart thumped in his chest.

"Would you like me to help you up?" Yugi glanced up, seeing a tanned hand outstretched towards him. Yugi sat up and took Atemu's hand with a smile, allowing the elder male to help him to his feet. Atemu began to brush the grass off of Yugi's pants, not noticing the blush that covered Yugi's face as he did so. "Better?" Atemu questioned, raising his head and connecting their eyes. Yugi nodded.

"Yeah, thanks." Yugi's stomach began to growl, and he released a small laugh. "How about that lunch?"

"Sounds good." Atemu agreed with a tender smile. They walked back to the picnic table and retrieved Yugi's backpack. Yugi swung it over his shoulder and looked around, then looked at Atemu.

"Want to eat by the lake?" Yugi questioned.

"Sure." The two boys walked back to the lake, and Yugi led the way to a small bunch of cherry blossom trees. The wind was still blowing, so that made the spot perfect to Yugi. They would stay cool and be out of the sun. Yugi knelt under a tree and opened his bag, setting out the food he'd brought with him. Atemu knelt to the ground and shifted so that he was sitting Indian style beside Yugi. Yugi handed him a sandwich, and Atemu bit into it. There was some kind of meat on it, and it had a rather pleasant taste. Yugi set a soda beside him, along with a small bag of chips and an apple.

"It sure is pretty out here." Yugi commented before biting into his own sandwich.

"It really is." Atemu agreed, looking out over the lake. It reminded him of an oasis, only it was thicker, more abundant and green, and not located in the middle of the desert. There were people boats out on the lake, just like Yugi had described earlier. The two boys ate in silence, just enjoying the breeze and each other's company. Atemu mostly watched the boats, thinking that it wouldn't be a bad idea to take one out. He remembered going out into boats on the Nile when he was a child.

"What's the matter?" Yugi piped up beside him, a little worried over Atemu's silence and the far away look in his eyes. Atemu blinked, then turned his head to look at his young master.

"Hm?"

"Something the matter?" Yugi repeated. Atemu shook his head and smiled.

"No. I was merely thinking about how nice it would be to take a boat out on the lake. I remember going out in a boat on the Nile with my father, when I was a child. It was a beautiful time of year, and the water sparkled, just like it's doing now." That same far away look came back into Atemu's eyes as he returned his attention back to the lake. Yugi turned his head to look out on the water as well, watching the people float by in the small wooden vessels.

"We could go, if you want." Yugi suggested. "It'd be a nice."

"I would like that very much." Yugi packed his backpack with the food not eaten and the garbage before they rose to their feet and headed around the lake. On the other side were the docks where the boats were waiting. A small stand stood nearby, a bored looking attendant waiting there for people who wished to rent boats for a while. Yugi talked to the man, then walked back to Atemu.

"We can take one of the boats for an hour." Yugi told him. They headed to the dock and Atemu hopped down into the boat first. He smiled at the questioning look Yugi gave him, answering it with his own smile, holding out one tanned hand to Yugi.

"I simply wish to assist you." Atemu explained. Yugi took the hand and allowed Atemu to help him into the boat. They reached for the oars at the same time, but Atemu tsked and gently pushed his hand away. "Allow me Little One."

"Are you sure?" Yugi asked as he sat down on the other side of the boat.

"I am sure. I have rowed a small vessel like this before, so you just sit there and enjoy the ride." Atemu placed the oars in the water and began to row the boat, moving them out onto the water towards the center of the lake. Yugi placed his backpack beside him and clasped his hands in front of him. He had to admit the scenery was nice, and the breeze was slightly cooler because they were on the water. Yugi closed his eyes, feeling his bangs sway against his face as the wind wafted over him.

Atemu rowed gently, the water making slight splashing noises as the oars cut through it. Yugi re-opened his eyes, his violet orbs landing on the man in front of him, watching Atemu's muscles flex as he worked the oars. How was it he could even be drop-dead gorgeous even when rowing a boat? Atemu's attention was on the oars and the water as he maneuvered the boat. After the boat reached the center of the lake, Atemu stopped rowing, pulling the oars into the small vessel and laying them down beside him.

"I don't think we could have picked a better day to come out here." Yugi piped up, breaking the silence that had fallen over them.

"Yes, it is a lovely day. Everything is simply perfect." Atemu agreed, his gaze flickering to Yugi's. Silence overcame them again, and Yugi twiddled his thumbs, wondering what they could talk about while they were out here on the water for the next forty-five minutes. He remembered then that Atemu had briefly spoken about a childhood memory earlier before they came out here.

"Atemu?" Yugi questioned.

"Hm?"

"Could you tell me about that day, when you went out on the Nile with your father?" Yugi's tone was soft as he spoke. Atemu blinked, but then a warm smile spread across his face as his mind traveled back in time.

"It was a beautiful day, much like this one, only a lot hotter." Atemu began. "I was a child then, only eleven years old. I had been outside, playing with Mana, when my father came to find me."

"Could you tell me about Mana? I recall that name from before." Atemu chuckled as Yugi gave him a questioning look.

"Mana is my best friend, a young apprentice magician to one of my High Priests, Mahado. I grew up with her." Atemu explained. "She's a bright young girl if a bit silly at times, and we never failed to get into tons of trouble together when we were kids."

"Oh." Yugi replied, smiling at the tender look on Atemu's face. Mana seemed to be a very important person to him, and the look on Atemu's face boasted of brotherly affection for the young girl.

"Now, where was I?" Atemu teased, his crimson eyes shining. "Ah, yes. Father had come to retrieve me because he wished to take the boat out onto the Nile, and he wanted me to accompany him. It was one of the few times my father and I did anything together. It wasn't just the two of us, as our guards naturally followed us everywhere, but it was the most alone time I could get with the peasants, nobles, and priests beckoning for his attention morning, noon, and night. I would take whatever attention I could get."

"So you hardly ever saw him?" Yugi wondered. Atemu nodded.

"He was Pharaoh, and his responsibilities were great. He spent time with me whenever he could, but most of the time he was busy being a king. Being a king came before being a father most times." Atemu told him.

"Did you resent it?" Yugi asked. "All that time you never got to see him?"

"Of course. As a child, naturally I wanted my father's attention on me always, although I understood how busy he was. He had court and meetings, and I had to study so that one day I could take his place. But I lived for those moments when we had a little free time to spend together. We played games, went horseback riding, and of course, there were those days when we would ride in the boat on the Nile. That day was one of my favorites, because it was a day when the entire rest of the afternoon was just for me and my father."

"We talked for hours, mostly about my studies and other little things. I sat by his knee the entire time, listening to the sound of his voice. We sailed the Nile and talked until Ra was about to leave the sky." Atemu's tone was wistful, and just a tiny bit sad as he told Yugi the tale.

"What was he like?" Yugi leaned forward just a bit as he asked his question.

"He was a wise and just man, a wonderful leader, and very honest. He always looked for the good in everyone, and he always looked for a peaceful solution to everything. My father would not resort to violence to solve a problem unless it was the very last thing he could do." Atemu smiled softly as he spoke.

"He sounds like a wonderful man." Yugi returned Atemu's smile, resting his chin in his hand.

"He was." Atemu's smile faded as he turned his head, looking at the water. Yugi sat up straight, his eyes softening as he watched Atemu. There was a sadness in his eyes that hadn't been there a moment before. Yugi understood how he was feeling. Instinctively, Yugi reached out, taking one of Atemu's hands in his own. Atemu's eyes turned back to his, widening slightly. Yugi met his gaze evenly, offering his support with his eyes instead of his voice, and Atemu seemed to receive the message, smiling kindly at the smaller male.

"Thank you." Atemu murmured, his grip tightening on Yugi's hand just a bit.

"You don't have to thank me." Yugi told him honestly, scooting a bit closer and blushing as Atemu took his other hand.

"You're very kind to me Yugi, and I owe you a great deal. It would please me to thank you for it." Atemu leaned closer as well, neither one really caring about how close they were getting. Yugi was lost in the tender gaze Atemu was bestowing upon him, and Atemu, in turn, was a goner just looking into those gorgeous amethyst eyes that were slowly clouding over with want. The mood between them had changed swiftly, the sad aura gone, replaced with that of electrifying desire.

"You don't owe me anything." Yugi protested softly.

"Oh, but I do. And I intend to make good on it, Little One." Atemu leaned down, his target being those luscious rosy lips. He just couldn't stop himself, and he didn't want to. He wanted to taste those lips, and he wanted it more then he wanted his next breath. Yugi's eyes slid closed halfway, his irises darkening, and Atemu felt his breath catch in his throat. How could someone so innocent and pure look so sinfully seductive? Atemu let go of one of Yugi's hands to reach up and cup Yugi's cheek, bringing him closer, their lips just about to meet.

The next thing either boy knew, they hit the water with a splash as their boat rocked viciously. Yugi broke the surface with a gasp, noting that their boat was now upside down. Atemu surfaced a moment later, his ruby orbs burning with anger.

"What in the name of Ra was that!" Atemu snarled.

"Oh my gosh! Are you two okay? We're so sorry!" A high-pitched female voice suddenly spoke.

"Uh, we're alright." Yugi replied, but then his eyes went wide and he looked around him. "My backpack!" Yugi groaned when he could not locate the bag.

"Probably on the bottom of the lake." Atemu spat.

"Oh man, dudes, I'm sorry." The boy with the young woman spoke up next, his blue eyes clouded with regret. "I wasn't watching where I was rowing."

"It's my fault too." The girl bit her lip. "I was too busy watching the scenery, and we noticed your boat there too late. Here, we'll get your oars." The woman pointed to the two wooden sticks floating on their side. "And we'll accompany you back to shore. It's the least we can do."

"Thank you. We appreciate your help." Yugi told her, smiling.

"Hmph." Yugi shot Atemu a glance, noting the sour aura now around him. This wasn't that big of a deal. What had caused him to be in such a bad mood? "Atemu? Help me flip the boat please?" Atemu glanced his way and nodded.

"Alright." Atemu and Yugi flipped the boat over while the young couple grabbed their oars for them. Atemu then hauled himself into the boat, his body shaking with fury. So close. He had been so close to tasting his little angel, and the moment had been ruined by some man who couldn't watch where he was going while he was rowing a damn boat! Atemu turned and held out his hand, steadying Yugi as he helped the smaller male into the boat. Yugi was shivering, and he wrapped his arms around his body in an attempt to stay warm.

"Are you alright, Yugi?" Atemu asked.

"I'm fine. A little miffed I lost my backpack, but there wasn't anything but leftover food and garbage in it, so it's not too bad a loss. Are you alright?" Yugi looked up at him as he asked his question.

"I am fine. Let us go." Atemu cast a cold glance to the couple as they handed them the oars. He snatched the wooden sticks and placed them into the water, starting to row, the young couple not far behind him. Yugi noticed the sorrowful looks on the couple's faces, and he bit his lip. Anyone would feel threatened and lower then dirt with the way Atemu had looked at them.

"Atemu, it was an accident." Yugi sighed, giving the Pharaoh a pointed look.

"That man should have been more responsible." Atemu grumbled.

"He said he was sorry, and they were nice enough to get our oars and go with us back to shore." Yugi told him. Atemu sighed, knowing Yugi was right. He didn't have anything against the couple, and he knew it was an accident. What really irked him was that their kiss had been interrupted, and Atemu felt very confused right now. Yugi hadn't pulled away from him, and it seemed like he wanted it as well, but now Yugi was acting like it had never happened. Why?

"You are right." Atemu agreed, sulking. Yugi sighed again and lowered his gaze to the floor of the boat. His mind began to travel back to the moment before the boat had tipped. Again, it had nearly happened again! He was positive Atemu had tried to kiss him, but now... Yugi shot Atemu a glance. It seemed like the elder male didn't even acknowledge what had occurred between them. Yugi bit his bottom lip, chewing it between his teeth. What would Atemu say if he brought it up? Was it a mistake? Yugi chose to keep his mouth shut, not wishing to be rejected. The boat docked a few minutes later, and the couple was nice enough to help the two of them from the boat.

"Are you going to be alright?" The woman asked.

"Yes." Yugi replied. "Thank you for your help." The couple smiled at them and walked away while Yugi turned to Atemu. "Let's head home and change, okay?"

"Alright. I'd rather not stay in these clothes any longer then necessary." Atemu turned on his heel then and started to walk away, leaving Yugi to jog slightly to keep up with the Egyptian as they headed for Yugi's car.