This chapter would never end! I wanted to get this up yesterday, but I decided to go shopping on infamous Black Friday. Never again! Anyway, after what seemed like hours of writing, and hours of editing and endless changes, I have completed the next chapter of Keeping Happiness. Will Atemu be the father? Read and find out.

Also, the winners of the title contest are both princessharmony23 and Angeldrkfire (they were the only two who placed entries). I will write stories for both of them. The last chapter will be called Dire Consequences of Secrets and Regrets.

I apologize for any horrible errors in the chapter. I did not take the time to proofread the entire piece.

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!

Chapter Twenty-One: Revealing Truths

Atemu sat at the counter in the kitchen. The distinct sound of the clock chimed behind him. His parents would be awake soon. He shivered and sighed in anticipation. He was not looking forward to the conversation he was about to have.

Soft thumps went through the air. Atemu straightened at the sound. Someone was coming and knew who it was.

"Good morning Mom."

Atemu looked up towards the entrance to the kitchen to see Salihah standing in the archway.

"Good morning son." She said in a suspicious tone, eying the man as she walked across the tiled floor. A stool was pulled for her, which she accepted. Settled next to her son, she spoke again. "What are you doing awake so early when you do not have to be at work?"

"I need to talk to you and Dad."

A low sigh came from Salihah's mouth. Her hand moved to her forehead, allowing it to become a shelf for her head. She twisted, giving Atemu her full gaze.

"The last time you said that you were telling us how Yugi was upstairs when the paparazzi were after you following the break-up with Vivian. What trouble could you have gotten into this time?"

"I want to wait until Dad comes down." Atemu replied, shifting his weight and his gaze away from his mother. "I don't want to repeat myself twice."

Salihah twisted her head forward, staring now at the archway she once occupied. Her husband had become slower in the last few months. The constant dealings of the company, the Wong Crisis, and the incidents of his son were wearing him down. She hoped this would not break she strong-willed husband.

Silence took over the kitchen. Atemu was doing his best to keep his composure, in order to not frighten his mother. His hands rested atop the counter folded with his fingered intertwined. Salihah kept her eyes at the door, waiting for her husband, thinking about what her son might say. No doubt it was something bad, or at least unpleasant. Perhaps it had something to do with Yugi.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Ahknemkhanen entered the room, clothed in flannel pajamas. He shifted his gaze between the two slumped figures sitting at the counter.

"What is with the glum faces?"

Atemu, disturbed by the voice, released his grip upon himself and removed himself from his seat. The stool scraped across the smooth tile, creating an eerie sound throughout the kitchen. The young man only wished it would help soften the news he was about to give.

"Dad, there is something I need to tell you."

Ahknemkhanen dropped all emotion he had, the same type of expression he gave when attending a meeting he did not like or an event he despised. The tone of his son's voice signaled dread, disappointment and regret.

"What would that be, my son."

The words stung, intentionally or not. Atemu tipped his head forward at the remark, in an attempt to hide his face from his father's gaze. Once again he was put into a position that led to the scrutiny of his father and his boss. He only hoped that the loving father would be the responder instead of the headstrong president.

He brought his gaze back up to his parents, who now stood next to each other. The older couple waited patiently Atemu breathed slowly in through his nose, gathering the courage to say the words.

"I am currently being called to trial. I am being sued for child support."

Atemu did not know what was more painful, the immediate silent or the look on his parents' faces. Salihah's eyes grew wide; her mouth slightly gaped to allow the tips of her teeth to be seen. Ahknemkhanen kept his stone face, trained for business to keep shocking occurrences to affect him. Unfortunately, neither expression brought comfort to the young man.

"I know I did some stupid things in the past," Atemu began, hoping to break the tension in the room, "but like a naïve child I neglected to think about the consequences of those actions. This is one of those consequences."

"Is it your child?" Salihah asked firmly, recovered from the initial shock.

"I don't know." Atemu shifted his gaze away before continuing. "I do know that it is possible."

"Another issue we have to deal with."

Atemu snapped his head back to his father. The older man stood, solid and proud in his body, his arms folding within themselves. A furrowing brow complimented the disappointment in his face. The tired, crimson irises had dulled as he stared at his son.

"You will need to call our lawyer. Hopefully we can settle this out of court. To be honest, son, I am surprised this is the first time someone has claimed you to be the father of their child, considering the number of women you have been with."

Ahknemkhanen watched Atemu drop his head, a sign of regret. "I usually bribed them to not come back."

Salihah placed her hands on her hips and glared at her only son. "Are you telling me I might have grandchildren I am not aware of?"

"No, I mean, I wore a condom for most of the encounters for disease protection. There was only a couple where the desire came before the protection. Unfortunately, this woman was one of those times. However, I cannot recall why I wanted it so badly."

"Loneliness."

The word silenced the room. Mother and son stared at the man of the household. His gaze had softened; as if regret had penetrated his stonewall expression. Arms that were like a fortress guarding his chest now gave way.

"Remember, Atemu, when I told you about my past? I did things because I was lonely, because I wanted to find something to fill a void no one wants to have. As with you I tried different things to fill that void, that void of loneliness. Your desire for such contact was a cry for curing loneliness."

Atemu dropped his head once more, letting the words of his father sink in, words of regret and foolishness. The pain of allowing one's self to be taken to places in order to grant some sanctuary in life. A road carved by the tramples of many who trek it.

"Even so," Ahknemkhanen began, breaking into a comforting tone, "you need to break from this and move on. You have found the one to fill that void. Now you must do your best to hold on to her."

"Please don't worry about Yugi. I already talked to her." A smile appeared on his lips.

A smile graced the parents as well.

Ahknemkhanen's expression changed again. "You need to talk with Kurugo Saito. Figure out what is this woman's case is and if we can settle out of court. We don't need another incident to go public."

"I have spoken with Ms. Genbai's lawyer," Kurugo began, "and they might have a solid case."

Atemu leaned on his clasped hands. These were words he feared of hearing.

"So I just offer a deal then?"

"It would be the best option for you. If the court reveals you are the father then you will be charged and have that permanently cemented in the public's eye. If you are not the father, then the child support charge is dropped, but that doesn't exempt you from the bride or threat you made to her."

Atemu released his grip and leaned backwards, allowing him to stare at the ceiling. The bright lights only reflected his feelings, a burning hole which he is caught be his own doing. Settling would be the only option, but it was not the better.

"When can you arrange a meeting with Ms. Genbai and her lawyer?"

"I will call them right away and set up a meeting."

The room was silent. Atemu shook as Kurugo stared at him, worried to say anything else. The words he spoke already caused anger, and there was no chance of going back. Yet the truth had to be said, for only the truth mattered to the lawyer, no matter the consequences.

"They don't want to settle?"

Kurugo shook his head. "Mr. Motonari and Ms. Genbai made it clear that they want to take you to court. They are confident that you are the biological father of Sakura Massri, despite not having a paternity test. They have no doubt they will win the case."

The weight of those words broke Atemu's anger. His arms slipped forward, one resting along the table with the other placing the elbow square to the surface. His forehead landed in the palm of his hand, using the upright arm as a pedestal. He felt stuck. In the past money would always fix his problems. The woman would accept the money and leave, never to return. Ms. Genbai was different. She complied for nine months, before returning to him. It left him little options.

Twisting, Atemu rose from his seat. He took a few steps from his chair, facing the wall behind his chair. The path had been laid; Ms. Genbai had set her stance. She had to have been confident in her claim, to not be afraid of what could happen. That is what was unsettling to him, her assurance. Could he really be the father? The declaration was speculation based on facts, but some facts did not follow. That would have to be his angle.

Atemu folded his hands behind his back, a stance he gained from his father. He knew it was important to proving doubt in her claim.

"Then so be it." He turned his head to face Kurugo once again, eyes determined. "Tell them we will see them in court."

It seemed like a normal courtroom. Ten long mahogany benches filled the majority of the room, each one spilt down the middle to allow a single path. At the end of the walkway was a gate, a shade darker than the pews. Beyond the gate were two tables, identical in every way of the design, with chairs to match. The only difference was the company that occupied the pieces of furniture. One set was empty. At the other table sat Rubasu and Mizuno. His glasses encompassed his eyes as he stared at some paper. A woman resided next to him, eying the same paper, as strands of her long strawberry blonde hair ran down her face.

Atemu held his composure well as he passed through the gate. He detested this woman who kept insisting he was the father. Yet, they had a solid story. If he was the father, then they had a case and nothing would stop Mizuno to pursuing more compensation.

Rubasu shifted his gaze as the gate creaked. He stood, meeting Kurugo eye to eye.

"Good Morning Mr. Saito."

"Good Morning Mr. Motonari."

Atemu continued to stare at Mizuno, who casually blinked her amber eyes before speaking.

"Good Morning Mr. Massri."

"Good Morning Ms. Genbai."

With the greetings said, Atemu turned away, taking his seat adjacent to his lawyer. Today was the beginning of the trial, one that decided his fate. His plan was clear, the outcome was still in a fog. He would tell the truth, no matter…

"Good morning Atemu."

At the sound of his name he turned around facing the pews that were reserved for spectators. There, in the front row behind him, was Yugi, giving her usual smile. Her eyes shined with warmth and support.

"Yugi, what are you doing here?"

"I came to support you. Mother said she would watch the shop while I attending the trial."

Atemu looked away. The last thing he wanted was Yugi to be there, to hear everything he did wrong. Why? Why did she come? I didn't want her to hear about this. Now I can't…

A hand brushed against his fingers. He turned to see his girlfriend, staring at him with those same eyes when he first told her about Sakura, loving, caring and non-judgmental.

"Don't worry. Just tell the truth. I will be here."

Her light-hearted tone brought a smile to his face. It was the same no matter the situation. Yugi had that affect on him, an affect he did not want to lose.

The smile disappeared as he leaned towards her. "Forgive me." He kissed her lightly on the lips before returning to his seat.

Yugi blinked as she thought. The action, the words were unexpected. What is he apologizing for? She stared at the back of his head, wondering what secrets he might be holding. She continued her gaze as she sat behind him, ready for the trial to begin.

"All rise."

The voice of the bailiff rang through the courtroom. In one fell swoop the dozen or so people stood, including the four at the tables. The judge entered through a hidden door. His black robes nearly dragged along the ground, and did so as he climbed the three steps that led to his chair.

"You may be seated." He stated following sitting himself. Just like when the crowd rose they sat as one. The trial had begun.

"We are here to hear the case of Ms. Mizuno Genbai who is suing Mr. Atemu Massri for child support for one-month-old Sakura Massri. Mr. Rubasu Motonari will be representing Ms. Genbai and Mr. Kurugo Saito will be representing Mr. Massri. Mr. Motonari, present your case."

The rimmed figure stood, sliding the chair across the floor by his actions. "Your Honor, my client, Ms. Genbai, is confident that Mr. Massri is the father of her child. They had relations in June of last year. She became pregnant soon after that and gave birth to Sakura last month."

The judge held up his hand. "According to your timeline, Sakura was born eight months following the sexual relations between the plaintiff and the defendant."

Rubasu nodded. "Sakura was supposed to be born this month your honor, but due to complications she was born a month early. She was just released from the hospital last week."

The judge changed to Kurugo. "And what does the defense say about this?"

Kurugo stood. "Mr. Massri does not deny having sexual relations with Ms. Genbai. However, it is not enough evidence to show that he is the father. Ms. Genbai made no attempts to contact to my client until a few weeks ago in regards to child support."

"Your Honor," Rubasu interrupted, "Mr. Massri was not contacted from Ms. Genbai feared for her and her child's life. Before Ms. Genbai left Mr. Massri the day following their encounter, he threatened her, explaining he would sue her if she ever came back."

The courtroom silenced. The mere suggestion stunned most of the people, including Yugi. Her amethyst eyes widened slightly. Is that what he meant?

The judge looked at Atemu. He spoke with a monotone voice. "Is this true Mr. Massri?"

Atemu stood, knowing every pair of eyes was on him. He could feel the scorn of the world begin to dig into his back. He only wished Yugi would understand.

"Yes. I did threaten Ms. Genbai after she left my residence."

The judge leaned forward, hands clasped and fingers intertwined. "Do you realize the extent of trouble you are in Mr. Massri? That action is considered harassment and is susceptible to charges."

"I know. The threat was a mistake that I cannot erase. I will not deny that, but I will not allow that to be the reason I must be the father."

Atemu glanced at his lawyer, who understood the signal.

"My client requests a paternity test to verify his legal obligation. If the test is positive, he will accept the responsibilities before him without question. If the test is negative, the defense wishes the case to be dropped, for Mr. Massri would have no legal obligation to the child."

"Does the prosecution object to a paternity test?"

Mizuno and Rubasu huddle at their table, their whispers hidden from the court. It was unsettling yet rewarding to Atemu. Their hushed counsel could be showing the weakness in their argument, a way for him to win.

"We object to having a paternity test. It would only be a waste of time for my client swears he is the father."

"Your Honor," Kurugo interjected, "can you really accept her word as defining evidence? A paternity test only takes two hours to complete. If Ms. Genbai is so confident in her claim, then she should have no worries of the outcome."

The judge tapped his chin, but only for a moment. "I will allow a paternity test for the child. I will not have a man falsely accused for being the father of a child that is not his. I order that DNA be taken from Mr. Massri and the child. The test will be completed and we will review the results at one-o'clock. Court is dismissed until then."

The gavel gave a loud thud as it hit the desk. The courtroom stood once again as the judge rose and left the room.

Atemu breathed a sigh of relief. He still had a chance to prove his innocence. The rejection by Ms. Genbai gave hope that she was lying, that it was possible that he was not the father.

"Mr. Massri, I will take you to the lab assistant."

He nodded to the bailiff, but did not speak. Yugi was still behind him. He avoided her gaze and followed the man to the back room, thinking about what to say to her.

Yugi sat in the lobby, her gaze low. Her mind was preoccupied with the events of the trial. It was hard to hear him say those words.

"Yes. I did threaten Ms. Genbai after she left my residence."

But what exactly was the threat? Yugi had seen his temper, how angry he could become, but what could he have said to scare Ms. Genbai? He wouldn't have threatened her life, but what would be the threat? She wanted to know more.

"Waiting for Atemu Ms. Mutou?"

She looked up at the man who said her name. Kurugo smiled at her, waiting for her to answer. She smiled slightly and stood from her seat.

"Yes. Do you know if he is done?"

Kurugo nodded. "He is waiting in our conference room, Room 135. He seems a bit distant. I figured I would get him something to eat while we waited for the results. Perhaps you should see him."

"Thank you." Yugi bowed before leaving, determined to find the truth behind his actions.

Her mind searched for words as she approached the room. Little was really known about Atemu's past relationships. She knew that he did not consider them as such, but many questions were left unanswered. How many women did he have in bed? Did he threaten each one? Why did he threaten them? It made her more nervous as she saw the numbers 135 on a black door. She would find out the truth and only the truth.

Yugi heard Atemu speak as she opened the door.

"Are the results in yet?"

She watched him turn, only to pale. He stood from his chair, slightly shaking. He took a step forward before stopping, darting his gaze to the floor.

"I'm surprised you're here."

Yugi shut the door and walked towards him. He kept his gaze low. He was ashamed, she could tell, like a child who broke his mother's favorite china plate or destroyed his father's favorite chair. Yet, Yugi knew in Atemu's case, it was nothing material that the Egyptian injured. He was ashamed for what he did to her.

"Why are you surprised?"

"After hearing what I said, I figured you would hate me, for threatening another to save myself." He refused to look at her. Yet, Yugi could hear the water forming in his eyes.

"I must admit, I was shock to hear you would do something like that. After all, you have shown me nothing but kindness since we meet." She grabbed his chin, forcing him to look at her. His eyes were lined with warm, salty water, which made her smile tenderly. "But I am your girlfriend. I told you I would support you in any way I can. I will be there for you in this time of need, no matter what."

Tears leaked from his eyes as she spoke. The words were comforting, just as they were back when this whole mess began. She had not changed, through the dark secrets and hidden mistakes of the past.

Atemu surround her with his arms, squeezing her tightly as he cried into her shoulder. Droplets of water soaked into her

"Why did I have to chase women? Why did I have to search for my soul mate in such a manner? Why did I sleep with so many women? Why did I threaten them to save myself from embarrassment when I am embarrassed now?"

"I don't know." Yugi spoke with a gentle comforting to a child. She stroked his head as she continued. "The question is will you ever do it again?"

Yugi felt herself be pushed away as something gripped her shoulder. Staring at her were two fiery eyes that burned with an intensity that matched the sun.

"Never! You are the only one for me. I will never chase another for you are my soul mate. I love you Yugi Mutou, more than ever before."

A smile appeared on her lips before she kissed her prince. The softness of those silky pillows felt great upon her own; the signing of a contact between the two that would never break.

"We are here for the case of Mizuno Genbai vs. Atemu Massri. The plaintiff is suing the defendant for child support for two-month-old Sakura Massri. According to the birth records, no father is stated. The plaintiff claims the defendant is the father of her child, but was too afraid to explicitly state he was the father the day of the birth due to comments and actions done prior. The defendant does not deny that he had relations with the plaintiff but had no contact about the child during the pregnancy. To settle this matter I have allowed a paternity test to be given to verify any biological connections to the child in question."

The judge called the bailiff over to bring the results after debriefing the case to the courtroom. A manila envelope transferred from one pair of hands to another. The judge glided his fingers across the scratchy paper cover to reach the folded flap.

Atemu closed his eyes. The words Mizuno spoke earlier were true. He had treated her poorly, threatening her if she ever returned. If this was a case for harassment, she might win. However, it was not the case. Fear, though, had a grasp on him. It was the content of the envelope that frightened him. It was the deciding factor of his future.

Will I be a father before I wanted to be? Will my first child be with someone I do not love? Will I be able to split my time between a daughter born out of wedlock and the woman I love?

These questions meant nothing if the test is negative. He hoped and prayed it would be negative.

Yugi sat in the pew behind him once again, watching his body tense as the judge slipped a finger under the flap. She wished she could hold his hand, to tell him it would be alright, that she would be there. It pained her to see him in such concealed agony.

The judge slid something from the envelope. A white sheet of paper, thin as a thumbnail, emerged. Setting the envelope down, the judge was able to hold the white document in both hands. The courtroom silenced as the judge opened his mouth to speak.

"According to the paternity test, the defendant, Atemu Massri, is not the father of Sakura Massri."

A mixture of sounds filled the room. Half of the crowd whispered amongst themselves while others snickered. A few were scribbling in a small pad of paper, keeping the moment alive for generations.

Atemu gave a sigh of relief to himself. The child was not his. The worries that plagued him disappeared with that sentence. He became light with the anxiety gone, which opened his senses.

He heard Mizuno grimace and whine. Her plan had backfired. Her perfect case fell through. Atemu looked at her. She slumped into her chair, tears forming in her eyes. The droplets of water fell on the wooden table, dampening the documents that occupied it.

"In light of this new evidence it is clear Mr. Massri is not the father. In regards to child support I pass judgment for the defendant."

With that the case ended. The spectators and witnesses began to leave, whispering and gossiping about the events that just occurred. Atemu turned around, a big smile across his face. His vibrant eyes stared at Yugi, his only love.

She stood as he turned towards her, a smile upon her own face. She was relieved for him. The pressures of such responsibilities were not his. He would have to fret no longer.

He reached over the waist-high fence and hugged her, giving her every ounce of love he could muster.

"I love you Yugi, and I will never hurt you, never."

"I know." She kissed his cheek before resting on his shoulder.

He held onto her, not wanting to let go. Another obstacle came and went for them, another obstacle they had overcome. With every trial he became more and more convince she was his soul mate, his best friend, his lifelong partner. He wanted her to be his wife, to forever be by his side, to be able to take care of her with all of his energy and life.

And there was only one thing he had to do before his wish would become reality.

I was considering waiting until the next chapter to reveal result of the paternity test, but I wanted to finish this arc/section of the story. Did anyone think he would be the father? I figured I made Atemu suffer enough emotional damage for one day. I make Atemu cry way too much in this story. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? But did you notice he only cries when Yugi is involved? Until next time!