Yugi twisted and turned, stretching out his legs and arms as he checked himself over in the mirror. Shimon had chosen a selection of fine garments for him to try on and as he dressed behind a privacy screen he had fun wearing the things he had only found remains of.

He settled with a white tunic decorated by a golden chest piece resembling the rays of the sun, similar to what Atem wore. Golden arm and wrist cuffs accentuated his muscles while a golden waist belt brought in his tunic. A white skirt that fell to his ankles had a split up the thigh. He'd prefer pants of some form but he couldnt be too picky in this era. Still, the long skirt suited him much better than a short one. He did decorate though with a long blue tabard with a golden trim. He also enjoyed the shin guards with his sandals. Now looking the part of an actual Egyptian citizen rather than a slave he felt much better about being near Atem in company. He knew in Atems eyes how he dressed was trivial but Yugi was acutely aware of how others perceived their relationship and the last thing he wanted for some to view their Pharaoh appearing soft before a slave. Who knows what kind of problems that might cause him.

"How is it coming Yugi?" Atem asked.

"Think we have a winner. What do you think?" Yugi asked happily, stepping out from the screen to show off.

Atem blinked in surprise, his lips parting as his eyes traced him. Yugi blushed nervously under his gaze, feeling very aware now of how he must look to him. Until recently Atem had only ever seen him dressed in modern attire so seeing him dressed in gold and a long skirt, the clothing of his own culture, must have been a shock to him. Still, the silence was unnerving. Did he not like it? Was it too high class for him? Perhaps the chest piece was too much.

"Sorry… you look incredible Yugi." Atem laughed nervously as he realised he had been staring.

"You hesitated. Is the gold too much?" Yugi teased, though he was half serious about it.

"Not at all. I was taken aback. I didnt realise how well you'd suit my cultures clothing. It looks great on you." Atem smiled as he came to him. "Turn around."

Yugi spun and smiled when he saw how happy Atem was upon looking at him. It felt strange being scrutinized by him but in this moment he pushed his nerves aside and enjoyed the attention his Pharoah was giving him. They were in his city where he would have had loads of jobs to tend to and people to see, and instead he was with him, watching him try on clothes… it was such a minute and unimportant matter to anyone else but he was here with him.

"You look great Yugi. I dare say I'll have to assign a guard to you to make sure you aren't kidnapped by thirsty women in the street." Atem joked as he picked up the back of the skirt, assessing the material on him. It lifted a little too high for comfort though, even for Yugi and he quickly snatched it from him, petting it down to hide his legs.

Atem wasn't offended but he was surprised, only to giggle when he no doubt saw the blush painting his cheeks. His expression softened then, his eyes sparkling in a way that momentarily stunned him and before he realised it the backs of Atem's fingers were brushing a golden bang from his face. He drew in a silent breath and held it in fear of breathing on him but Atem either didn't notice or enjoyed it more as his smile widened.

"I'm so happy you're here." He said softly, almost to himself before he hastily yet somehow smoothly pulled away, leaving Yugi breathless and dazed, his head swimming.

"Now that you're presentable, would you care to walk with me?" He asked. His voice was casual, friendly… as if time hadn't just frozen around them. He blinked his daze away, shaking his head slightly as if that would help and smiled.

"Yes I'd love to. But don't you have work to do? Are you not busy?"

"Don't let Seto or Shimon hear you ask that. They'll be on my back faster than a sand fly." Atem joked around, leading him out of the room.

"So you're supposed to be busy." Yugi winked at him cheekily until his gaze fell upon the lavishly large hallway. His felt his heart become still as if he'd fallen off a cliff. The curtains, the ornate plant holders, the murals, the polished golden floors… everything was so beautiful.

Atem chuckled beside him and pushed his jaw closed with a single finger.

"If this impresses you wait til you see everything else."

Yugi merely squeaked as Atem gingerly took his hand and coaxed him into walking. He could have let go once he started, but he never found the strength to part with the contact.

Atem spent the entire day leading Yugi around the Palace, showing him everything and watching as Yugi was awestruck by the most mundane of things. He found it absolutely heartwarming to watch him touch a wall of text or to admire the intricacies of his throne, even to ramble on about a story of his father which… yes… he already knew. But he let him talk, let him read, let him ponder and touch and explore and ramble because this fascination, this childlike excitement, was as exciting and fascinating to him as his culture was to Yugi.

Unfortunately he needed to spend some time away from him towards the evening but with everything he had shown Yugi he was more than happy to let him go. He left him with Mana, who was more than happy to show him everything she had been learning and after the longest four hours of his afterlife he was finally able to leave the planning chambers to find them. Dinner had been served hours ago and he was sure Yugi would have eaten with Mana, but he thought to ask Rajah to bring wine and dates anyway, just in case. He walked briskly and determined to where he had left them and to his relief they were still there.

He didn't disturb them. Instead he chose to watch a moment as Mana spun her wand around, blue sparks following its trail as she told a rather amusing story involving himself and Mahaad when they were kids. His attention shifted to Yugi who was on the edge of the bench, giggling when she spun as the stars exploded like fireworks above them. He thought to interrupt them then, smiling warmly as his heart fluttered.

"If I recall correctly Mahaad and I spent a week cleaning that temple because of you." He laughed and they quickly turned to face him. His skin chilled with excitement when Yugi smiled, his entire face lighting up upon seeing him.
"Pharaoh! How was your meetings?" Mana asked happily.

"Long. But finished. Have you two eaten?"

"We did." Mana beamed.

"She asked for some kind of roast lamb in ...what was it?" Yugi asked her.

"Wine from the north. My favourite." Mana smiled cheekily.

"It was great! You eat like this all the time?" Yugi asked him.

"Most days. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Mana enjoys hers with a little too much wine for my tastes…" He said before turning to present the wine in Rajah's hands. "So I presume you might have had too much to enjoy this with me?"

"We'd love to!" They both said in unison.

"Annnd thash why Mahaad will NEVER find a girl caush he's sho stubborn and tightlipped and pushy. Not because he'sh not great… he just needs ta lighten up." Mana complained from her spot on the bench. She was lying down, waving her wand dangerously in the air above her as her head rested on Yugi's lap. Her arms were heavy, her eyes closed and a wide, blushing smile on her face. She was completely drunk, having practically stolen an entire bottle of wine for herself and she didn't mind anything about that.

Yugi and Atem didn't mind either, sharing a bottle between them and mostly listening to her ramble.

"Who needs to lighten up Mana?" A familiar voice broke their moment. Mahaad was standing behind them, arms crossed and frowning at the young sorceress. She waved him off lazily, before her eyes widened and she rolled off the bench to bow at him, only she lost her balance and ended up face first in Yugis lap, laughing hysterically.

Shaking his head and sighing he walked around them to gently lift her up by her arm, steadying her warily as she wobbled and laughed into his chest.

"Begging your pardon for my intrusion my King but I had a feeling this one would have been celebrating too hard with your return and thought to check. It seems I was right." Mahaad said politely to Atem who smiled and waved him down.

"It is fine. But perhaps she should be given some water and put to bed." Atem giggled.

"Agreed. Say goodnight to Pharaoh and his friend Mana."

"Goodnight Pharaoh! Goodnight Yugi! I hope we can play again tomorrow!" She sang, pushing herself off Mahaad to cuddle him affectionately. Somehow she had managed to sit on his lap and was nuzzling into his hair. He had no idea what to do but he enjoyed the affection so he laughed cutely until Mahaad lifted her off him by her collar.

"We can definitely hang out again tomorrow Mana. Goodnight." Yugi laughed.

With that Mahaad draped her over his shoulder and she waved back at them, sticking out her tongue and smiling with the goofiest expression on her face.

"I am sorry for her. She can get a little wild sometimes." Atem said bashfully.

"Not at all. I like it." Yugi beamed at him which momentarily made him pause. His bright smile, flushed cheeks and relaxed nature was so captivating and so warming that he almost forgot about the red ring around his neck, only slightly hidden by his new attire.

He must have shown his concern because in an instant Yugi was in his face, looking up at him with big dark eyes of worry. It was now he noticed his eyes were dilated… for the most part of tonight he had shown no signs of the alcohol taking to him but perhaps it was just Mana taking all of their focus… now that it was just the two of them Yugi's eyes were bright and wide and the pink in his cheeks was no doubt from the alcohol. Was he feeling a little tipsy after all?

"Are you okay?" Yugi asked him. His eyes darted between his, searching… and as he leaned in closer he realised he was searching deeper until Atem would answer him.

"Yes I'm fine. How are you feeling?" Atem asked him quickly to try and still his nerves.

Yugi pulled back and sighed happily.

"I'm awesome. I'm alive and with my best friend in his palace drinking expensive wine under the stars." Yugi practically sang, not a worry in the world right now.

"I'm thankful for that too." Atem said sweetly, catching his attention yet again.

"Hey. Stop it." Yugi demanded of him.

He was taken by surprise by his tone and command. He blinked at him, lips tight as he tried to assess the expression Yugi wore but as Yugi turned to face him, draping both legs around the bench to fully face him and leaned on both his hands to get in close he froze.

He was so close to him.

So very close to him.

"S-stop what?" He asked, swallowing the lump in his throat, still not breathing.

"Worrying. Blaming yourself. Taking on the responsibility." Yugi said. The more he spoke now the more he could visibly see the alcohol swimming behind his eyes but it made him no less determined. It was difficult to take him seriously but he knew Yugi was coherent enough to argue with him.

"I'm Pharaoh… it's what I do." He said simply, shrugging and hoping Yugi would relax again.

He didn't. He grabbed his hands into his own and scooted closer, brow furrowing just enough to show how serious he was trying to be.

"It's not your fault. None of what's happened recently is your fault. Thomas wants me and for whatever reason the bandits are helping him. If I had listened to you perhaps I wouldn't have been hurt, that's my doing, but if I had then you might have been killed…. Again. Atem, this could have gone so much worse. But it didn't… and I'm fine. I don't blame you, you saved my life. You fear what could have happened had things gone differently… well think of what could have happened had you not been there. I'm grateful to you." He said kindly, his expression finally softening to one of complete, raw love and wonder.

He looked into him, piercing him with those beautifully dark lavenders and all Atem could do was sit there under his gaze, stare at him and replay his words over and over again as they soothed his heart. He almost wanted to hold onto that regret, if anything to make him feel like he was there in that moment but he couldn't help it. His words calmed him, washed away his guilt with such ease he wondered if he was dreaming. Was he allowed to not feel responsible? He was responsible for everything but somehow… Yugi made him feel content and just happy he was here. What could have happened was a thought cold enough to chill the desert and rob him of warmth but it hadn't happened. He was alive and fine and looking at him with the warmth of Ra … how could he worry?

He smiled at him, trying his hardest to match his warmth but he felt no amount of love could rival what his heart felt upon looking at him.

"Thank you Yugi." He said. It felt inadequate but in it's truest form, he was thankful. Yugi seemed to understand though as his smile softened, recognising him completely.

Then something happened. Something. Yugi's gaze fell from his eyes and his lips twitched. He wondered what thought had crossed his mind as he watched the internal struggle play out before him. But for the longest moment he remained still, transfixed on the space between them, unmoving and thinking.

"What are you thinking?" Atem dared to ask him.

Yugi didn't answer him but he did move forward. Leaning in close, perhaps to rest against him but as he surpassed the threshold he'd need to do so Atem realised too late that Yugi had leaned and hesitated just short of his face. The tip of his nose brushed against his, he could feel the warmth of his cheeks radiating against his own like a fire but most intoxicatingly he was aware of how close his slightly parted lips were from his own. He felt his breath had hitched, could feel his heart stop, his mind frozen. What was Yugi doing? He was so close…

So … very close.

He wanted to close the distance, wondering what he would taste like, how he would react, if he wanted this, what would happen, what would he do if he did… but he was frozen still, too stunned to move. Caught on what was right and wrong. Should he or should he not? How would this affect their relationship? Was Yugi too drunk to realise what he was doing? Would he be taking advantage of him like this?

Yes.

Yes he would be. Yugi was drunk… if not buzzed. Influenced by the alcohol regardless and Atem was sober enough to know it. He couldn't do this.

Regretting every inch his hands made he placed them on his shoulders gently but something happened. He didn't know what or how but as his fingers touched his bare shoulders a shiver coursed through his spine and Yugi he…

He closed the distance. That little reaction, the tiniest touch was enough permission Yugi needed to press his lips against his own. He could have died. He could have died right then as his mind exploded, his heart clenched and his body stiffened like a sandstone statue. He didn't move, kept his lips closed in spite of his desire to let this happen and he watched Yugi's nervous yet blissful face, eyes closed and blushing deeply… likely from both the alcohol and his actions. But … he kept himself composed, refused to let his mind wonder, question. If he kept his mouth closed, kept his lips free from his then this wasn't something to be flustered about… Yugi kissing him was only a kiss if he caught his lips and Atem kept his safely pursed.

But then he felt it. Yugi allowed himself to breathe just a moment to readjust his lips, to dart his tongue against his lips and he melted. He couldn't stop the reaction, couldn't control it. He gave in, completely aware of his body betraying him. He gave him his lips, refused entry of his mouth but kissed him back and when he did he felt Yugi's chest heave and immediately he pressed into him, pushing on him slightly and forcing Atem to use one of his hands to keep them upright.

All the while Yugi continued to tease, to beg, to coax him into kissing him back. His head was swimming, floating away from gravity and he had half a mind to let it. He was so caught between the rationality that Yugi was drunk and he shouldn't allow this and his desire to meet him.

He was drunk though. He could taste it. The fruity flavours of the wine heavy on his tongue, his breath… Yugi was drunk. He couldn't allow this.

Regretting every movement he broke the kiss, turning his head slightly to make him stop only Yugi instead chose to lean in closer if that was possible and kiss his cheek, his jaw to his ear. He gasped and his chest struggled to maintain a calm breath but he quickly gathered himself, placing his hands yet again on Yugi's shoulders and managing to push him upright, away … so far away.

"Yugi we can't do this." He said, his voice strained and hoarse.

"Why not?" Yugi asked him and his heart all but retreated, wanting to pull him back.

"We… you're drunk. It wouldn't be right."

"I'm not drunk. I'm fine." Yugi argued, bringing a smile to Atem's lips he had to control.

"I don't want to take advantage of you."

"I want you to."

Atem took a shaky breath, steadying himself and walling off the perverted thoughts that threatened to steal his resolve. Yugi's words toyed with him, teasing his will with such cheek it was almost irresistible. The idea that Yugi wanted him so was impossible and yet … this couldn't be real. It's the alcohol and they're close.

"No." He said stiffly, hating that word as it rolled through his lips.

Yugi looked sad, his strength to push against him waned and he sat still. Atem loosened his grip on him, testing to see if he would move but when he didn't he relaxed slightly. Yugi looked to be debating with himself, recalling his actions, sobering up… he could see it in his eyes as the alcohol literally fell from his mind.

"I'm sorry." He said eventually. It shook his core to hear him say those words but he continued. "You're the King. You need a Queen. Even in the best circumstances this couldn't happen. I can't be the person you need. I shouldn't have pushed this onto you. I shouldn't have put you in this position. I'm sorry. Please don't think any different of me, I'll reign it in. I'll find a way to return home, so it won't be awkward between us. You're my dearest best friend and I don't want to ruin what we have, if I haven't already. I'm sorry." He stood to leave, tears coating his voice but as he stood gravity smacked him and he wobbled, almost falling over had it not been for Atem's reflexes. He was there for him in an instant, holding him up and close against his chest.

"Don't go." He said quietly, a whisper in his ear as he forced him to listen to his heart.

"I'm sorry." Yugi cried.

"Don't be. Yugi, look at me."

He shook his head no at first but it didn't take a lot of coaxing to lift his chin up.

"You've been drinking. Don't argue with me." Atem said, needing to put that in before Yugi could argue with him. Yugi closed his lips again and listened, frowning. "You've been drinking. It wouldn't be right for me to take advantage of you like that. This has nothing to do with me being King, or needing a Queen. I don't care about that. You know this."

"But your people -"

"Don't require an heir this second. Whatever my people require will be met in time but right now … Yugi … There's always a solution. I will provide for my people as best as I can but if I can have just one allowance then it would be who I choose to devote my life to. If it's selfish of me to do so then so be it. I think I've earned the right to be selfish this one time."

"But -"

"Yugi. I don't want you to go. I can't stop you from leaving but don't let it be because you think I need a Queen. Please. That is my decision."

"But I've just made everything awkward. I ki-..." He stopped himself, hung on the word and for the longest moment Atem wanted to kiss him. To relieve him and share with him what he wanted.

"I'd kiss you now for that look alone but like I said earlier Yugi, you've been drinking. It wouldn't be right to take advantage of you." He said and Yugi blinked, his eyes wider than he had ever seen them and he had to stifle his laughter, quell the excitement in his heart before he embarrassed him further.

"Th-then... you?" He asked slowly, more to himself than to him.

"Yes. I don't know how much you'll remember tomorrow but I … can't deny my feelings for you now. I don't know if what your feeling is the alcohol or what but I want to kiss you. I want to hold you close like this. Every night and every day and every moment I want to spend it like this, just the two of us, in one anothers arms… but I'm the sober one here, so someone's got to be level headed."

"I'm sober enough now." Yugi suggested carefully. He looked into his eyes and while they were still quite dilated, he felt he was right…perhaps he was now… but he thought to play it safe.

"I can see that, but perhaps we should get you some water and turn in for the night. We can discuss this in the morning."

He nodded without argument, seemingly lost to his own thoughts now. Drowning in them if he had to guess, a frown painted beneath his skin.

He took his chin and forced him to look up to him again, getting into those glassed over eyes. He knew what he was thinking. He was comprehending his words. He didn't blame him, even he was doing the same thing. He was aware of his growing feelings for Yugi, couldn't deny them at all, but as he said the words he himself was hearing for the first time even he wondered how true this could be. It excited him and comforted him to hear those words, to feel them bleed through his heart but he saw the confusion, the uncertainty in Yugi's eyes and knew that while he felt certain of his feelings Yugi was battling with the fear his heart was too hopeful.

He bit his lip, prepared the reigns on his body and leaned in to brush his lips against Yugi's. He refused to give in to temptation, the urge to pull him into a deep, passionate kiss, but gave him just enough to prove to him that this was okay.

When he pulled away he saw Yugi's eyes fogged over, his heart racing in his chest with the quick rise and falls, his breath rapid on his lips. He was stunned but it was okay… he knew now that this was fine and he could stop fearing… now he was just battling with the reality that their relationship very well may have just turned into something else.

"Come on. You can sleep in my bed tonight if you promise to behave." Atem said sweetly, taking his hand and steering him away. It took a little convincing to remind him of how to walk but once he started moving he followed without a problem.