Atem was barely paying attention to his guardians as they spoke about this and that. His priests argued over what was important and where their focus should be. He knew he should be paying attention, often catching himself before he could wonder too freely in his thoughts. But he couldn't help it. He could still taste Yugi on his lips, feel the way his body moved against his, how his hands wandered over his skin. He could still live through how hungry Yugi was for him and it served him no benefit here in this meeting. He wanted to be done with today's decisions so he could find him again but alas, there was much to discuss.
Updates on the city was one thing; short and trivial but no less important to be aware of. His major concern was finding any remnants of these bandits that attacked them and silencing them for good so his people and his lands were safe. Ensuring the capture of Thomas and/or Karim was also a priority he wanted handled. If either one of them survived Slifer's attack he wanted to know about it. Knowing their fate would surely put everyone within the palace at ease, including Yugi.
"There's no way a battalion of scouts will be more useful in the desert than they would neighboring villages. If you're determined to find them then put out notices and save your resources." Mahaad argued with Set.
"And wait for their next attack? Thinnnig my numbers will not ensure we will capture these heathens. Searching their last location for their tracks and hunting them down is quicker and less resource heavy." Set argued back.
"Enough!" Atem snapped at them both. Both of them looked bashful, scowling at one another but bowing in respect all the same.
"Priestess Isis. Does your Millenium Necklace tell you anything of these bandits?" Atem asked his Priestess Isis.
She bowed her head, touched the tips of her fingers to necklace and closed her eyes. She remained silent for some time but not too long.
"I am sorry my King, but my visions are dark. I will continue to search for answers."
"Thank you. Please do. Set, please send a falconeer to search the deserts for tracks or bodies near where Slifer attacked. If there are any signs you may send whatever you need to search. In the meantime, have your team assembled and ready to move. Mahaad. Please ensure the names and appearance is known throughout my lands. If any has knowledge of their last known location they are to be rewarded with their knowledge pending confirmation." Atem ordered.
All three bowed their heads.
"Shimon, how are the children settling in?" Atem directed his attention to his trusted advisor.
"Quite well my King. They are very polite and well mannered. They are taking to the other Palace children well. May I ask what you intend to do with them?"
"I would have them choose for themselves. Give them some time to settle in, then we will ask if they wish to be adopted into the city or become wards of the King. Should they choose to stay with us they will be taught with the other Palace children and take on positions fitting to their status."
"A guard or servant of the Palace and a Matron or hand maiden?"
"Yes. Proper schooling if they show promise."
"So shall it be." Shimon said with a low bow. "It will be nice to have fresh young blood in the palace."
"Enough of that." Atem said sternly only after he shared a small smirk with him. He knew Shimon to be jesting with him.
"My King. If I may ask: what of Yugi?" Set asked.
"What of him?"
"He is welcomed in the Palace of course, but his knowledge of this 'Thomas' character may prove useful. Not to mention this 'jewel' he was once in possession of."
"Yugi has told me everything he knows and I trust you were thorough with him when you questioned him yourself. He does not know more than he has already spoken of."
"This may be true my King but should he remember anything more-"
"Then I am sure he will make it known."
"On that note my King, there was that little trinket found with him when he was brought here." Mahaad mentioned. Atem was quiet… he was unaware the Millenium piece was topic of conversation.
"What of it?"
"My King, if rumours are true it is said to be a piece of a Millenium Item, but all of ours including your own is intact. Could his trinket be of importance we should know about?"
He thought about this. It was dangerous to mention that Yugi's timeline held Millenium Items of their own. It would raise many questions including that of their own mortality to some. Not all were completely wise to the idea that they had moved on, and less aware of where Yugi came from.
"The 'trinket' in question belongs to Yugi's world, the place I was banished to when I first confronted Akefia, the Bandit King all those years ago. With the help of Yugi and his friends, including the complete item his trinket belongs to I was able to return. Yugi believes his 'trinket' is loyal to him and thus followed him through when he arrived here, but it is unknown if the other pieces that belong to it are here or anything else beyond that. It may yet prove to be significant but for now our priority is locating any surviving bandits." Atem explained carefully.
Mahaad nodded and Atem was able to release some tension. His Priest Set and Isis knew of course the full truth of their situation, but Mahaad for some reason had remained somewhat unaware. He knew of course that they had fought Bakura, or Akefia in their tongue, but he was not aware that that he had given his life in service and thousands of years had passed. Mahaad was not alone, so did many many others of his people. It seemed to be their bliss. Something acceptable for the afterlife.
"My Pharaoh. I should like to study Yugi's trinket closer if I may. In his presence of course." Isis asked politely.
"I will ask him when I see him next. I think it should be a wise idea to do so." Atem nodded.
"My King. The fall of Yemshir should be made known to your people. They may have family there they wish to send off." Shimon mentioned.
"I will address them. See to it that a day of remembrance will be held in a few days time to send off our fallen peacefully. On this day one hour of reflection in the city will be held where we will stop work, drink and pray to the gods for their safe journey." Atem said.
"So it is said."
"So shall it be."
"Your highness. Might I suggest making your presence known during this day. Seeing you mingle with your people on this day we remember those who have transcended may give your people faith their King holds them in his favor." Shada said.
"The bandits may yet have infiltrated the city. Considering we were attacked on the way here I would advise against this." Set proclaimed.
"With all due respect it seemed as if our Pharaoh was not their target but young yugi." Mahaad interjected.
"It is in fact Yugi they are after but I would not be surprised if they have infiltrated the city they will target me if they can. However as Pharaoh it is common for such actions. I will treat with my people, make myself seen. If they will find strength in my being there then I will not hide from these fiends.
In saying that, depending on security it may be wise to keep Yugi within the Palace on this day."
"Agreed." They all nodded.
He knew Yugi would not like this decision but he would not risk his safety again. He was still recovering from the first round of torture and he hasnt yet had time to heal from his wounds after the village attack. Let alone the most recent attack. He needed rest and now he was in a position to provide it to him, even against his wishes.
"Is that all?" Atem asked.
"There are several other matters to address but I believe we can adjourn for now." Shimon said.
"I will see to it about our orders my King and report back in a few hours with my progress." Set said.
"As will I."
"My King, would it be presumptuous of me to assume you will be searching for Yugi now?" Isis asked.
"It would be, however not wrong."
"I ask then if I may accompany you."
"You may." Atem smiled.
With that they said their pleasantries and were off to their duties. Leaving Atem alone with Shimon and Isis.
"I left Yugi in my room this morning." Atem said as he stood and lazily stretched.
"It has been some time. He may have moved on by now. Shall we search for him?" Shimon asked.
"If we find Mana we may find Yugi." Atem agreed.
"My King. Would you have me prepare a room for Yugi?"
"It is not necessary." Atem said quietly. His voice was strained, somewhere between strangled and sweet. He thought of the kiss they shared this morning but also thought of the repercussions that might follow should rumors spread he was taking a man to his bed instead of a suitor. He hated having to hide his budding new relationship with him but for now it would be wise. In the meantime he could use his injuries to his advantage but it would be fitting to find him a room, even to avoid the questions.
"But yes, Shimon. If you would. Not too far from mine, and one with a balcony. Far from the wall." He said.
"Yes my King." Shimon bowed and left him with Isis.
"Shall we?"
"I believe Mana is in the courtyard practicing. But I do not see Yugi with her." Isis said gently.
"She may know where he is."
Yugi laughed happily as the kids showed him the new dolls they learned to make yesterday. They were crude but sturdy. Sissies was a girl with long black hair and white dress. She was sewn well despite one arm being longer than the other and one eye almost hidden beneath the hair attached. Rakesh's doll was a man with black hair shaped like a ball on his head and white everyday clothes. They explained to him how they were taught to weave the thread and cut the cloth, expressing how difficult goat hair was to weave. But they came out really well for their first lesson and were beaming upon receiving praises.
The other children of the Palace, likely children of those who worked here, kept their business, playing with one another while Sissy and Rakesh spent time with him. Their baby brother Rajesh was being looked after by a Matron and seemed to be doing very well. As well as a babe can only old enough eat, cry and sleep.
"Will you make a doll with us next time?" Sissy asked him.
"I'm afraid I dont know how to." Yugi admitted.
Her eyes grew wide with excitement as she looked to her brother.
"We can teach you."
"We need Matrons permission." Rakesh said.
"Okay. Ill be back soon." Sissy said, running off happily.
"What kind of doll will I make?" Yugi asked him and he gave him a goofy grin.
"Any doll you like!" He said cheerfully before handing him his doll with unusual care.
"I … made you." He said with a hopeful and proud sparkle in his eyes.
He was taken aback… completely. Rakesh had only known him barely a week and yet… the doll in his hands, represented him?
"You…this is me?"
He nodded happily, hitching up his shoulders excitedly.
"Mhmm. I couldn't get blonde or red and your hair isn't easy to make. But I'm going to get better and make you another and another until I get it just right!"
"Rakesh… You dont have to do that." Yugi said sweetly… But the happiness of the boy waned, faltering.
"Did… did I do wrong? Do you not like it?"
He could have kicked himself. Quickly he pulled Rakesh into a firm hug, petting his hair in praise.
"I love it! You didn't do wrong, this is just so kind I didn't expect it. I simply mean you don't need to put so much energy into me. You can make whoever you want and i am deeply honored you chose your first doll to be me."
"Then i will make another! I want to make the best doll for you. So I can show people who saved my family and I can look at it and dream to be a man just as strong as you." Rakesh said happily.
Yugi could have cried. His heart clenched tightly in his chest and he genuinely felt warm and vulnerable right now. It was rare for him to feel this flattered, this honored.
"Matron says if Pharaoh permits." Sissy said as she skipped back to them. "Are we hugging!? I want a hug!"
"Come here." Yugi beckoned and she jumped onto the both of them, tipping them over and laughing and giggling. After a while they got up and slowly they came to a pleasant silence.
"Your brother tells me he made a small version of me. Who did you make?" Yugi asked her.
"I … I made mum."
Yugis smile faltered, his heart weighing down as if pulled by an anchor. He felt for her and the smile she wore as she pet the dolls hair. "This way she can see us safe and know we are being looked after by the Pharaoh."
"Sissy." Rakesh said sadly.
"Mum would want to know." Sissy cried softly. His heart broke for her but he refused to shed a tear. She needed strength… they both did.
He touched their shoulders, touched Sissys chin to pull her eyes up.
"She knows. I'm sure she is watching and knows the three strongest children in Egypt are safe and sound in the safest city in the world. And I'm sure she can rest in peace knowing how great her children will grow up to be." He told them gently.
"No truer words can be said." Atems voice sang behind them, his hands gently folded before him as he gazed upon the sweet sight.
"Pharaoh!" The children exclaimed, hurrying to bow deeply. He waved his hands and knelt down beside them.
"Fairing well I trust?"
"Yes Pharaoh. Thank you so much!" Rakesh said.
"You are welcome here."
"My Pharaoh, I did not expect a visit today." The Matron said pleasantly as she came over to greet him.
He stood to greet her.
"Wherever this one goes I'm surely to follow." He said pleasantly, gesturing towards Yugi.
Being called upon like that made him blush and feel the need to rub the back of his head.
"Is there a service I might provide?" Matron asked.
"Not right now. I heard Yugi was here and came to see him."
"Are you finished for the day?" Yugi asked him. He saw Isis standing behind him and thought better of getting his hopes up. Its likely he wasnt here to spend time with him but on business.
"Not quite. But we have adjourned for now. Isis wanted to speak to you but after that we are free for a while until this evening."
Yugi nodded and crouched down by the kids again.
"I need to go but I'll come see you again soon."
"I'm gonna make that doll for you for the next time you see us." Rakesh promised.
"Pharaoh?" Sissy asked quietly. Her voice squeaked but as he knelt before her she hid behind her doll. Yugi smiled and gently put his fingers on the doll, pushing down just enough to encourage her to face him, cheeks burning.
"Go on. I want to know his answer." Yugi whispered to her. Atem grinned and waited in curiosity.
"Um… May Yugi make a doll with us next time he visits?"
Atem glanced to Yugi who smirked and the smile he wore could have melted the sun.
"Yes of course, if he wishes to." Atem said warmly.
She bounced excitedly and looked up to Matron who giggled.
"Yay!"
"What do you say?" Matron asked her.
"Thank you Pharaoh!" She beamed.
"When are you making dolls again?" Yugi asked them.
"Tomorrow if they're good." Matron smiled.
"Then I'll visit tomorrow." Yugi told them happily.
They gave him a gentle hug and waved goodbye as Yugi walked with Atem and Isis.
He couldn't help but steal glances at him, walking so regally beside Isis. He was accustomed to how Atem acted and held himself around his Guardians but the last few days he had been somewhat at ease. Right now he was slightly different, somehow more regal than he normally is.
He was a little nervous the longer they walked in silence but they were clearly looking for somewhere more private to talk.
They lead him to an a small room….or small for them. For Yugi it was still larger than his loungeroom back home. It was darkened to the world outside, curtained off and smelling of strong incense. Cushions and plants decorated the space along with plenty of papyrus scrolls and tablets.
"Yugi. Apologies for the interruption of your day, we haven't much chance to talk since we met." Isis said as she welcomed them in.
"Not at all. Thank you. How may I help?" Yugi asked politely.
"Yugi, do you have the Millenium Piece on you?" Atem asked him softly. He gave him a trusting look, one that told him it was safe.
"I do."
"Yugi. With Pharaohs permission I should like to study this piece you carry. It may provide some insight as to where any survivors of the bandits may be. Or perhaps insight on how you came here."
He looked to Atem again who gave him a reassuring nod.
Carefully he shifted it out from a small pouch he had attached under his shirt and held it before her in the palm of his hand.
She didn't touch it but she did hover her fingers over it.
"It is remarkable how much is appears as the center piece of your puzzle my King." Isis said breathlessly. Yugi said nothing but glanced between her, the piece and Atem who smiled.
"In all respect it is a piece of my Puzzle; the puzzle that belonged to me when we were still alive in Yugi's world. I resided within it for 5000 years until Yugi solved the puzzle and set me free. It now belongs to him."
"I see. It is weakened however. Could it be because it is not complete?" Isis asked.
"It is, but there's more to it. I've been struggling to draw out any power from it for some time now. Until that is Thomas arrived with the Jewel. That's when it and the rest of the items sprung to life to protect me."
"Have you been able to feel anything from it since being reunited with it?"
He shook his head no. "Its dormant again."
"Yes. Have you tried touching it to Pharaohs Millenium Puzzle?"
Yugi looked to Atem who appeared equally as surprised.
Without even asking he slowly lifted it to his puzzle, hovering just shy of touching it but felt nothing stir. Atem touched his puzzle, pushing it the rest of the way to lightly tap the piece but all that happened was a small *clink* as gold touched gold.
"Nothing?" Yugi asked.
"Nothing."
Isis sighed, clearly disappointed. "May I?" She asked, holding out her hand for the piece.
He hesitated, reluctant to let go of the piece but if there was anyone he could trust with it then it was Atems guardians.
He passed it to her and the moment they connected he felt his heart jolt painfully. A flash of white light momentarily blinded him and he recoiled with a yelp. He heard the clang if metal on stone ring impossibly loud, like a bell in a church and he felt the cold surface through his skirt as gravity pulled his knees from under him.
The pain lasted for only a second but the feeling afterwards, the aura surrounding him was what he feared. Cold, inevitable, endless ... mortality. He felt afraid... no... that wasn't strong enough. It pure terror. He felt as if he could see the light at the end of the tunnel, the last grains of sand falling, the last star blinking out as a hand reached for him to take.
He shivered from it, shaking his head of the visions as distant as mist. While they were gone from him and he was met with the very real stone of the floor before him he still felt something lingering, waiting as if looming over head. But Isis knelt before him, Atem knelt beside him with his hands out as if scared to touch him but all he could do was stare past them. Aware of their presence but he felt so far from them... at least compared to the presence he was sure was looming in between.
He breathed in deeply one more time, flexing his fingers on the stone to try and familiarise himself with something tangible.
"Yugi?" He heard Atems voice plea beside him but he ignored him for now. He needed to breathe. Just breathe.
"Yugi, did you see it too?" Isis asked near him.
"S-see what?" Yugi asked, his voice a whisper.
"What did you see?" Isis asked him.
He opened his eyes just a little, feeling himself come to terms with the world around him.
"White light… nothing else."
"...I see." Isis said quietly.
"It was more a feeling. Sharp pain but mostly eyes... as if something was nearby. I didn't see anything literally but it felt like the end." Yugi said.
"I see." Isis repeated.
"What happened?" Atem asked.
Isis touched the Millennium Piece again, gently rolling it in her fingers before sliding it towards Yugi, hesitant to touch him again.
"I was granted a vision. I believe your connection to the Millenium Items was able to provide me with an insight to your future."
"What future feels like that?" Yugi asked her as he picked up the piece, now buzzing at his touch. "Its awake now. Whatever that was was enough to wake it."
"What does it tell you?" Isis asked.
Yugi shook his head, concentrating on the feeling, finding a meaning to its warmth.
"Unease. Likely as shaken as I am. What did you see?" He asked her, forgetting all formalities now.
She hesitated before resigning to her answer.
"I must study this vision to be certain. For now it is too vague. Do not worry yourself Yugi. I will come you once I know more. For now, it did not reveal anything regarding the bandits."
Yugi wasn't satisfied but he could understand she was not willing to share with him right now. Not knowing what she saw was one thing but what he felt, felt uncomfortably real. He nodded all the same. Hed be thinking about this for the rest of the day despite her assurances.
"Will that be all?" Atem asked as they stood. Yugi pet down his skirts, pocketing the piece safe and sound.
"Yes for now. Yugi, should I require more insight-"
"Yes ill be available. Id like to know anything you can tell me from that vision as well, if you would be so kind." Yugi said, trying his best to be polite but he was uncomfortably shaken.
"As soon as I'm certain." She smiled..
Atem bowed his head to her and she returned the gesture before he lead Yugi out.
Atem's heart was beating as hard as the sun on the sand. He had rarely seen Yugi so shaken and had never heard a yelp of pain erupt from his lips as it had. Never had he seen him recoil so suddenly or see his eyes so distant and far away. Even now, outside of Isis's room Yugi was closed to him, distant... be it in thought or lost. He trembled ever so slightly under his hand but he never parted from him. At least he felt safe enough to rely on him. Atem slid his hand from his shoulder down his arm and cupped his hand, gently encouraging him to follow. He did so without question and very soon Atem lead him to a small garden with lush grass, blooming flowers of varying colours, plenty of shade and most importantly no guards. No one to watch them or overhear. There were eyes and ears everywhere within the palace but for right now, none would disturb them.
He sat him down gently on a bench and knelt before him, getting into his view and slowly, carefully he cupped his cheek. Yugi's wide eyes were glassed over but as his fingers brushed his skin Atem offered him the warmest smile he could conjure, bringing him forward to him and out of the recesses of his mind.
"Yugi are you okay?" Atem asked him gently.
Yugi hesitated, searching his eyes but somehow Atem thought he was actually asking himself that same questions "It just hurt a little. I was surprised, a bit afraid. I'm okay though… or I will be."
Atem lingered on his words, weighing them. He heard no lie in his voice though he heard the uncertainty in it. Yugi was still afraid... that was what was bothering him mostly. He wasn't in pain... not any more.
"If you say so."
"Will Isis tell you if there's anything to worry about?" Yugi asked him to his surprise. That's whats worrying him now?
"Of course she will. I believe whatever she saw concerns her but as soon as she can make sense of it she will bring it to our attention. For now Yugi… I'm more concerned with the sensation you felt. You were in pain, afraid -"
"Yes but I'm okay now. I promise." Yugi said quickly and hastily shifting his concern for that of assurance. Assurance Atem saw straight through. But he knew Yugi. He was trying to calm him down, to ease his mind and relieve him of burden... He'd do anything, even push himself aside, just to help make anyone feel better. He admired that about him, though he wished sometimes he would allow himself to be helped... at least allow Atem to see the pain and fear he felt.
"I wish you would let me in some times. You're strong Yugi, the strongest person I know... stronger than me I'm certain... but I do wish you'd let me help you." He said sadly.
Yugi said nothing, made no move but somehow Atem felt the hesitation, felt him pause and almost heard his breath hitch. He struck something, brushed his heart perhaps, nudged the wall he kept up but he didn't budge. It was enough to know that he reached him.
He gave him a small smile, allowed his thumb to stroke his cheek and his eyes tell him it was okay not to talk right now. He saw the appreciation in Yugi's expression replace the strong front he had been wearing and it warmed him to see him relax.
Yugi gently slid his fingers under Atem's hand, entwining his fingers in with his. He loved the feel of it, feeling his heart quicken with his delicate touches but he caught the troubled expression in Yugi's eyes. He caught the tear forming when Yugi blinked it away.
"Yugi?"
"You remember everything from your life before right? I mean... your life now... but before Bakura... you know what I mean."
He thought about his question, wondering where it came from and what exactly he wanted to know.
"I do...?"
"What did it feel like?"
Atem blinked, raising his brows as high as they could.
"You're going to need to be a lot more specific Yugi." He giggled. Yugi didn't laugh though, he merely looked down to his lap, chewing his lip nervously.
"Dying." He squeaked.
Atem froze. Fear took hold immediately. Why was he asking? Was this what was troubling him? Did he see something when he spoke with Isis? What did he see? ... Why is he asking? He felt sick at the thought of Yugi dying... he did remember his own death, the moments before he sealed his soul away... and he never wanted to think about the idea of Yugi dying. If he had put any thought into it Yugi had been able to grow old and full before joining him in the afterlife but... he was here.
"Why are you asking?" He asked, his voice a whisper.
"Does it hurt? Did you know what would happen? Did Isis warn you? I remember what it feels like to lose your soul, how cold it felt and how weightless I was... but death... is it different?"
"Yugi why are you asking? Did you see something when we spoke with Isis?" Atem asked him, getting in his face with both his hands to his cheeks.
He felt his chest rising quickly, saw the fear in his eyes and knew... he did. He must have. What did he see? What was happening? Why didn't Isis tell them what she saw?
"I didn't see anything... I felt it. Something looming over me, waiting ... just waiting. I felt the last grains of sand falling, felt the last star blink out... I felt cold and empty and weightless and heavy at the same time, I felt the world slipping away and felt the inevitability of our mortality." He spoke before finally looking into his eyes, tears beginning to fall. His nose and cheeks were bright red and his lips trembled ever so slightly. It broke his heart to see such fear in him, to see him so vulnerable and fragile. Yugi was a pillar of strength for everyone, especially for him... it wasn't foreign to see him worried or afraid but this terror ran deep, deeper than he was accustomed to seeing.
"Your breathing. Your heart is beating. Your skin is warm. Your as solid and real as I am." Yugi continued, moving his hand to touch his chest. Despite the chestpiece and tunic he felt his fingers pierce him, as if he was actually touching his heart but Yugi's fearful expression didn't change at all, as if he couldn't feel a thing.
"What will happen if I die here? Will I breathe? Will my heart keep beating? Will I be as warm as I am now? Or will I stop? Will I stay here or be taken away? Will I be here or will you need to bury and burn my body?"
"Yugi where are these questions coming from? What happened?" Atem interjected.
"I'm afraid." Yugi cried. He completely broke down, slipping off the bench and onto his knees to bury his face into his chest. He completely broke down and all Atem could do was hold him, rubbing circles on his back and petting his hair down. He wanted Yugi to let him in but he wasn't prepared for this. He spoke unintelligibly, something about being afraid.
"Yugi, hush it's okay. It's okay, I won't let anything happen to you. I promise you. So long as I breathe nothing will ever happen to you, so long as my Kingdom is mine and I am King I will never allow anything to harm you. I swear this Yugi, please."
He pulled away just enough to look up to him, his eyes wide and fists balled between them.
"It felt so real. How can you stop death from coming? Can you ask the gods to spare me? Will they listen to you? What can you do to stop whatever that was?"
"What ever it takes Yugi." He said to him, firmly. Yugi opened his mouth to argue but paused, caught in Atem's eyes. Truth be told he had no answers to give him but he was certain he would never allow Yugi to be harmed while here. He's been tortured, captured and injured enough, almost died already... he will not allow it to happen again.
He wiped his tears away with a thumb and kissed the rest away until he spurred a small giggle from him.
"My word is my bond Yugi. Please try to believe me. I don't know what you and Isis saw, but whatever it is is not taking you away from me. I've lost you too many times to lose you again. And now we're starting to walk this new chapter together I cannot allow it to come to a close now. I want to experience the rest of life or after-life with you Yugi and I will do everything in my power to protect you. And it might have escaped your notice, but I'm the King of Egypt, I'm chosen by the Egyptian Gods and the one True King... if anyone can protect you from whatever fate the gods have planned then it's me."
Yugi smiled then. Tear filled and bright red but it touched his eyes. He meant it. He was smiling. The fear washed from him, replaced with a wavering confidence that would only grow once his tears dried. Thank the gods he was able to calm him.
"I believe you. I don't know how or what will happen but I believe you. Thank you."
Atem smiled and before Yugi could react he swooped in and stole a kiss from him. He loved how even surprised Yugi's lips were ready for him, welcoming. They were so soft on his and scent was so intoxicating it made him forget where they were and almost that his cheeks were still damp. He could stay here forever, pressed against him, letting his mind fill with the thought of Yugi on his lips. His heart swelled and he breathed him in more. He pressed his chest against his, feeling his body sink into him as he swooned. A soft moan escaped Yugi's lips and for a brief moment he lost control; his hands slid down his back to his waist, pulling him deeper against him.
He wanted more, to lick at his lips. He knew Yugi would let him in if he asked but now wasn't the time or place. If someone were to see them... He could get away with it but there'd be a lot of repercussions. Regrettably he pulled away, gently kissing him to let him know he loved him.
Yugi sighed, almost falling into him before blinking his apparent daze away and breathing deeply, this time though he was recovering from his swooning and the red in his cheeks was purely a deep blush. His eyes were wide not for fear but out of lust. A look that was so delicious to be under he wanted to take him right there, to race to his bedroom and let his desire take over.
"I love you Yugi. I will never let anyone take you from me."
"Really?"
He smiled wide and rested his head against his, gently pressing his crown into him. "Really."
"...I love you."