A/N: You guys are incredible. I love you as much as Atem loves Yugi, which turns out is a lot! I'll be honest, I am writing on instinct so I hope you enjoy these rando chapters lol But at least the boys are getting closer for it ^.^

Joey threw down his cards in defeat with a wide grin upon his face. The beautiful sounds of laughter echoed in the air and everything felt like there was no gravity at all. Everyone was happy and relaxed and right where they should be: firm at my side. But with the end of the duel it was time for them to leave.

They stood in a blurred motion and the table and white living room turned to darkened gray clouds, rain pelting heavily down upon me and with every drop I became heavier and heavier, like hundreds of tiny weights entered my skin to anchor me down.

My friends didn't feel it even as they stood in the rain, lit by some invisible sun. They smiled and waved and bid me farewell but as their backs turned to me and they walked into the blindingly bright light I felt my heart growing empty. They gave me life and as they left I felt them take it with them.

"JOEY!" I called out, extending my hand to reach them but they never turned back to me. Why would they?

They have Atem with them…. Why do they need you?

My heart stung, as if the weight was tearing it apart and I fell to my knees. The puddle was hip deep now and it was becoming harder to breathe. The water wasn't cold though; unlike my heart I felt hot. Like I was boiling.

"Help…" I whimpered through trembling lips.

I can barely breathe, it was too hot and my friends - everyone's left me … I dont want to be alone.

Please come back…

"Please…"

…

"Yugi."

I heard his voice echo above me but I barely had strength to search for him. That beautiful, strong voice I admired so much was still here.

"A-Ate… mmm.." I whispered weakly.

Breathing became even more difficult and the heat was unbearable but the air around me was cooler now and I no longer felt the water around my knees but instead over my face, through my hair. My body was so weak from the weight I was carrying but with another call of his voice I was able to open my eyes to him hovering over me.

He was but a shadow above me with wide, worried red eyes but he was here. He didn't leave me. I thought he'd…

I felt the water again, coming from my eyes to run down my cheeks but just like the miracle he was he stopped it. Wiping the water away so I wouldn't drown … he was saving me. He didn't just come back but now he's saving me …

"It's okay. I'm here." He sang in a hushed, gentle voice. I tried to push myself to him, to get closer to that care he had but oh my god was my body heavy. Was I tied down?

I was struggling to push the blanket off as it successfully kept my arms and legs down but it was so hot too. I want it off so I can hug him…

This is so frustrating. Get off me!

"Yugi you need to keep warm." He said gently, trying to press my arms down so I wouldn't fight it.

I shook my head no: the only thing I could do and whimpered. I felt the tears again and he seemed to relent.

"It's hot… I want out." I whimpered pathetically. I heard the soft sigh but to my surprise I felt the weight come off me. How was he so magical? How was he so strong? That must have weighed so much and yet with ease he just lifted it off me.

The cold air of the room tickled my damp skin, chilling me in seconds but compared to the heat I was feeling it was so refreshing. For a long moment I paused in time. The tears stopped, my breathing calmed, my body froze and my mind went blank. I felt so numb. I don't know how much time passed when I was stirred by a soft touch to my head. He removed something to feel my skin and his hand was like ice in comparison. Ice..

Like the dead.

Panic gripped my heart like a vice and as he took his hand away I feared I wouldn't feel it again. Mustering what strength this recent relief gave me I grabbed his hand before he could leave me and held it, nuzzling into it, keeping him firmly in my grasp. I don't care if he wants to leave… I don't care if he needs to. I don't want to be alone again.

"Please don't leave." I whispered into him as the tears started again.

I heard him chuckle, felt him kneel beside me and with his free hand he stroked my wet hair from my face.

"I'm not leaving Ife. But I do need to help you into a bath." He said kindly.

A bath. I don't want to bathe. He'll leave me and I'll drown. I just want to stay here and keep him. I dont want to …

"Come on." He said. As much as I didn't want to though I felt myself obeying him. He helped me sit up and oh my god … the world … why is everything spinning.

I feel my skin sag under gravity, my mouth water… I feel sick. I'm no longer hot at all and strangely I miss it. I'm so cold now… so cold and weak and faint…

"I dun feel good." I mumbled, weakly holding onto his hand with every ounce of my strength.

"I know. Just hold it in until we get to the bathroom." He said, slowly draping my arm over his shoulder and gently pulling me to stand. My knees gave out and I fell but he was so strong. So strong and so quick that catching me was no problem. God he's amazing. I'd give anything I had to be that strong.

"Easy. Come on. Nice and slow." He encouraged me to walk but I was leaning on him so heavily he was practically dragging me.

Somehow we managed to find the bathroom. I only know this because this room was the only room that coukd have cold tiles, warm steam and a light as strong as the sun all at once.

"How is he?"

I know that voice. Grandpa. He's here. He'd never leave me. When I had nothing I had him; I always had him.

"Oh dear."

"Grandpa." I called for him, reaching for him desperately and he took me from Atem, accepting my affectionate cuddles. I feel clumsy in his arms but he held me up and accepted my love.

"I love you. You'll never leave me. Your always here and so reliable and always supportive and understand and…" what else… he's just everything… "everything and I love you."

He giggled at me and helped me to stand. I felt more hands on my shoulders and looked to see Atem standing behind me with a small half smile. That's not right … he should be full smiling.

"Hey, you need to smile. I love you too." I said, turning to him to enforce my point but my legs were so weak he had to catch me under the arms.

"Yugi. You need to get in the bath. I need you to get undressed." Grandpa saud behind me.

Undressed… of course! Clothes don't go in water that'd be silly. But they do go in water to get washed. So why don't I just wash them at the same time as me?

"Gramps why? I can use shampoo on them." I asked him but the look he gave me chilled the room and I cowered into Atems chest. I can't say I don't like this; feeling his strong arms around me, protecting me from the stormy eyes of the purple eyed gray dragon was comforting. I loved this feeling in fact and wanted to nuzzle into him. His scent was so intoxicating I almost forgot about the threat behind me.

"Is he okay?" The rumble of his voice shook my body and i longed for more of it.

"He's feverish still, delirious. Yugi, come on. Clothes off, in the tub."

"I dun wanna. I stay here." I mumbled into Atems chest.

"Yugi, you need to. I won't go anywhere." He said to me in that song he calls a voice. I regretfully pull myself from him and nod.

He said he'll stay so I guess i can do this.

Very slowly i worked my shirt off and then rested my head on Atems chest as I slid my pants off. I do wonder if I should have asked him to leave but this didnt occur to me until just now. I felt my clothes slide away and for a moment I followed them until I felt Atem trying to coax me into the water.

Carefully I dipped my toe in, felt it to be quite warm but invitingly so and slid into the water with his help. He kept his eyes firmly towards the ceiling or off to side: anywhere but at me but once i was in Grandpa gave me hand towel I could wet and I chose to use it for modesty.

"Alright. Stay in here for a while, I'll lay out some clothes for you and make some soup. Atem, make sure he washes." He said on his way out.

"Yes Mr. Moto." Atem said stiffly. He seems upset. I wonder why. Maybe he really is done with me. Just like my dreams keep telling me. Maybe he's annoyed cause he could be doing anything else but instead the great Pharaoh of Egypt is minding a teenage boy in a bath.

"I'm sorry." I said quietly, looking down to stare at the floating towel over my hips.

"Don't be. It's fine Yugi." He said… kindly. Was he not upset? How?

"You could be doing anything you want but I'm keeping you here with me."

"There's no where else I'd rather be than by your side. Rest Yugi." He said. Again: kindly.

"But you could be dueling or playing games or hanging out with our friends."

He chuckled then, still avoiding looking at me though.

"I did that this afternoon. They all came around after school to see how you were but you were asleep."

After school? But … I went to school?

"You do remember going to school right?" He asked me, looking at me finally. I blushed… hard. I'm naked, in the bath, alone with the hottest Pharaoh to walk this earth and he's looking right at me; waiting for answer.

"Huh?"

He smiled warmly and gently cupped a handful of water and poured it over my head. It broke me out of my stunned moment and i could feel the fatigue coming back.

I relaxed, laying my head back and closing my eyes, letting myself float and absorb the heat and breathe the steam. I felt myself getting clearer the longer I laid here, and the longer I laid here the more I wanted sleep. Occasionally though I'd feel a damp cloth wet my face though with gentle dabs and each time my heart fluttered. I feel the smile pulling at my lips, I can't help it. He cares so much and it fills me with such warmth. More than any bath could.

"Thank you." I mumbled after he stopped once again, presumably to let the towel soak again or to let me rest.

"Its no problem. How are you feeling?" He asked me softly.

"Better than before. Just real tired." I yawned.

"That's good. Can i get you anything?"

I shook my head no lazily and tiredly i looked at him. He caught my glance, smiled and looked down at the tiles. I could have sworn he was blushing but with his complexion its hard to tell… that and I'm so tired to stay focused. I want to talk with him though. About anything. I don't really have the energy though… but I want him to talk with me.

"What time is it?" I asked.

"It was 6:15 when I came to get you. That was about 45 minutes ago. Some time passed 7, or almost 7 I'd say." He said and I blinked. Its been 45 minutes already? What?!

"Im sorry, you've been here forever."

He chuckled again and took to wetting my face again.

"Its fine. So long as this is helping Ill sit vigil for as long as you need." He said.

"Why are you so sweet?" I asked.

"Sweet?"

"Yeah. You're sweet." I blushed. I feel an idiot for saying it but I really dont care right now. He's being sweet and he needs to know.

"I … um… I didn't realise I was sweet."

He is blushing. I can't see it but I heard it. The way he's pursing his lips, blinking blankly as he concentrates on dabbing my skin… he's definitely blushing. I smiled and when he went to wet the towel again I slowly touched his hand, feeling him freeze instantly.

"I can probably get out now." I suggested and he looked straight at me, wide eyed and unsure.

"Are you sure? You don't Have to get out on my behalf. You should stay as long as you need to."

I nodded.

"I've been here almost an hour. I should eat and then get more sleep." I countered. I knew he'd accept that reasoning and unsurprisingly he couldn't find a reason to argue.

"O-okay. I'll get you a towel." He moved to fetch one and when he came back it took him a second to realise I still needed his help out of the tub.

He avoided looking at me the entire time, looking anywhere but below my eyes with a tight jaw, wide eyes and definitely a darker hue to his cheeks.

When I was standing on solid ground I wrapped the towel he gave me around my hips and through his hands I felt him relax just a little. He was nervous cause I was nude… of course.

It's not like he hasn't seen my body nude before but I did appreciate the privacy he wanted to give me.

"Thank you." I said kindly.

"Its nothing." He said quickly. I chuckled, which earned me a concerned look from him. He caught my gaze though, relaxed, smiled even and leaned his forehead against mine, stroking my shoulders gently with his thumbs.

"I missed you too." I chuckled.

"I'm checking your temperature Yugi." He giggled.

"You know there are thermometers for that." I asked smugly. He pulled away, smirking.

"I also missed you."

It's my turn to blush now. I've been flirting with him a lot but when he does it, I don't know...it just always melts me.

"You can lean on me while you change, then Ill help you down the stairs." He said, turning away from me to give me privacy.

"Thank you. Im sorry for all this. This isnt how Im sure you wanted to spend being alive." I said tiredly.

"It's fine Yugi. You didn't choose this. Besides… I really don't mind helping you like this."

"But this can't be fun for you. We could literally be doing anything else."

"True. We could be playing games, or telling stories, or watching movies, or battling the forces of evil… but I never get to help you when you need it. Not this way anyway… so it's fine. You don't need to apologise. You just need to let me help you."

I thought about it and strangely I think I understand his point. Until recently he was always in the puzzle. Outside of dueling he rarely took over, and whenever I was sick he couldn't do anything to help… I guess in some weird way he might feel useful right now.

"Well then… Thank you."

"Your welcome Ife." I couldn't see him, but I think he's smiling.

Once I was dressed I leaned on him. Partially to let him know i was ready, but mostly because I liked to feel him against me. He turned to face me, looked me over and chuckled to himself before he dried my hair with a towel.

"What am i going to do with you?"

"Take care of me?" I offered cheekily. He slowed to a stop, drying the last of the droplets around my face and exploring my eyes. I wonder what hes thinking.

"I'll always take care of you Ife." He said quietly, almost as if it was to himself. But those words… they brought back the dream… where I was alone and everyone was leaving.

He touched my cheek, encouraged me to look up at him again and wiped a tear that had escaped my notice. He looked sad or concerned… or both.

"What's wrong?"

I sighed, mostly in disappointment of myself for letting it get to me.

"Its nothing. Just… I keep having these dreams of similar vibes to it where everyone leaves me. I know you wont its just silly."

"Nothing you feel could ever be silly. Your life has changed drastically recently, as has mine. But you are right, we dont intend to leave you and if we do, we will always come find you." He said gently. I smiled warmly, wanting very much to nestle into him but I played it cool.

"If it helps I've been feeling a similar way. Ive been missing you all day that even when your asleep, its enough to know I can still watch over you. Everyone else I knew, everyone who was once close to me is gone. Your the closest person I have left to family."

I blinked a few times and then it clicked. He was talking about his own family, his own friends. Of course! He has all of his memories back and while weve talked about their loss before, he must still be feeling it and coming to terms with it. In a way he's still grieving and mourning. Im so stupid for not realising this earlier. Thats why looking after me, doing my chores, helping Grandpa… thats why everything he does means so much to him.

What do I say though? It's okay, I understand, I'm here for you - theyre all so weak to say at the moment.

I did the next best thing I could think of and forced him into a hug. Wrapping my arms around him I pulled him in, nuzzled the side of his head and held him there.

"I'm sorry for everything you've lost. I'm afraid of what you've already been through, of what your going through. I didnt even stop to think of it. I promise you though we wont leave you either. We cant replace what youve lost, but you dont have to suffer alone aswell." I said and to my surprise he hugged me back. But like… an actual, tight hug. Like he was really taking in my words and feeling them.

"Thank you Ife." He whispered.

He held me close, trembling ever so slightly and I could tell he didn't want to stop soon, so as long as he needed I held him too, taking this chance to just rest on him. As much as I'm here for him, I'm still so tired.

As the credits rolled I looked down to my sweet Ife asleep on my arm and breathing calmly for the first time since he became ill. His skin was softened in the lullaby of relaxation and his lips parted gently with every breath. His fever had returned just after his bath but while we've been laying here on this couch it seems to have calmed down again. I felt his forehead, pleased that his skin didn't feel damp from sweat or hot from his body's attempt to fight his sickness. Now he rested with ease but as this was the end of the 3rd movie he had requested and it was almost midnight, I should get him to his bed…

But look at his face, how peaceful he is. How can I disturb something so beautiful?

Listen to me. I can't deny it any longer: I'm smitten by him. Everything he does, conscious or not, sick or not, I am in love with. When did this happen? When I got my body? My love for him is older than that. When I lost him to the orichalcos? I certainly felt his loss harder than anything I've ever felt but no it must have been sooner.

Battle City when we went through many trials on the quest to save the world from my recurring past and discover my secrets… perhaps but maybe even before. Perhaps I loved him from the day I realised we were separate beings or perhaps from the day he released my soul from the puzzle.

I may never know how long I've loved him for but one thing is certain: I do love him. I adore him. No matter how long for, this feeling is strong and I have never felt more power from anything in this world. Wielding the Gods of Egypt, the Millenium Items - even that power pales in comparison to what I feel for him.

But he can never know. He is so oblivious, so innocent and pure and young … I will always care for him but he can never know how much. It would change us. He loves Tea; I've known this for years that his heart beats for her … even if there have been moments between us that I wonder could be more … but why would it be? I am nought but an out of time Pharaoh who once hitch hiked his ride to what would eventually be my own body once again and in the all the while pulling him and his friends in dangers he never would have experienced without me. I can offer him wisdom, strength and courage but in the end everything he has accomplished has been his own doing.

I'm far off topic. It is good he is resting and resting well but I really should disturb him long enough to get him to bed. I can at least do that much now.

Or can I?

My hand is frozen short of stroking his cheek or brushing his hair. I dare not disturb him but I must.

Chewing my lip I forced my hand to brush his hair, easing myself into waking him more than actually waking him. Eventually I committed to moving my body just enough to nudge him and soon enough with my gentle coaxing he stirred. Moaning and groaning in such cute, sleepy voices I could have died. His mewling was so adorable I kicked myself for enjoying this and as he looked up at me tiredly, his pupils dilated with weariness and confusion he slowly smiled upon recognising me.

If I could pause time, or redo my actions, I would have kissed him right now. His lips were parted, his tongue peeking just enough to wet them. His lavender eyes were practically peering into my soul as he came to the foreground of his mind. His previous moans struck a chord in my heart that I was almost desperate to hear more of them. I wanted to kiss him so much. I've never felt this much lust for anyone, not even in my own time but this is unmistakable. I want him. I want him more than anything I've ever wanted in my life and I've put him through a lot to get what I've wanted.

He was becoming more and more aware of his surroundings though and as he spied the movie credits I knew I could no longer stare at him as I have been. Certainly not like this. I needed to distract him. Now!

"Hey, sorry to wake you but I should put you to bed." I said gently, hoping beyond anything he would not hear the strain in my voice.

"Mmhm. I was comfortable. I'm sorry for making you stay up again." He said tiredly, rubbing his eyes and stretching, only at the top of his stretch he broke into a sudden series of coughs which rattled his body and forced him to rest his arms on his knees. I rubbed circles on his back, unclear of what else I should do. Then it occurred to me. He's probably dehydrated!

"Can I get you some water?" I asked, shifting in my spot in preparation to dart to the kitchen but he held up a lazy hand and soon his coughing stopped.

He leaned back, head tilted back as he breathed hard, frowning from strain, exhaustion - I don't know. Was he in pain? What do I do? All I know about sickness is plenty of bedrest, keeping warm and drinking water. I've never seen him like this before.

"I'm okay." He coughed again but at least this didn't incite a fit. "My throat hurts. To swallow." He said with obvious difficulty. Of course… sore throats were a symptom.

"Can I get you anything to help?" I asked.

He thought about it… or maybe he was sleeping. He better not be sleeping right now, I still need to get him to bed and I do not want to wake him and fall in love all over again.

"I'll take a throat lozenge to suck on. I think Gramps said Tea brought some over." He struggled on some of the words but he gave me a weak smile all the same.

I know the treats he's talking about. When they came over this afternoon Tea did have a bag with her filled with things to help Yugi recover. I'm not sure what they were but Mr. Moto seemed to. I helped him up, kept him steady as he walked to the kitchen and shifted through the bag for a small, round lolly. I must have been looking at it strangely cause after he put in his mouth … which in itself was something I wanted to know the taste of, he offered me one.

"They soothe the throat. Want one? Tastes like orange."

I politely shook my head no and smiled. They should be for him.

"Thank you but you are the one with the sore throat."

He shrugged and took a small handful with him and together we climbed the stairs into his room.

He barely troubled with the blankets, choosing instead to lay on top of them and I had to chuckle. He's just so cute.

"Under the blanket Yugi, you need to keep warm." I nagged him, just as I used to inside the puzzle. Despite him being sick right now, there were still moments like these that felt as if nothing had changed.

"Nyeh…" He groaned and rolled over to face away from me. I knew this tactic of his. He was playing with me. Only this time I have a real body of my own to play back with.

I crept over to him and readied myself. Normally I would bring him into the puzzle to do this but he would not expect me to do this here. Chewing my lip I attacked his sides with quick fingers and immediately he sprawled away, giggling and squirming in my hands until he began coughing and I stopped immediately.

Stupid.

Of course that would make him cough. Stupid.

"I'm okay." He laughed shortly after, rolling back over to face me. His happy expression confused me and I must have shown it because he rolled his eyes playfully.

"I'm alright I promise." He promised. I must believe him.

"Okay. I still want you. Under that blanket! You need to keep warm." That was close. Too close.

He smirked to himself but he never said anything… what was that look for. Did he pick up on my mistake? But… he hasn't said anything. Play it cool.

Then he paused midway and thought before he chewed his lip.

"Maybe you could keep me warm under here." He asked slyly.

My cheeks are on fire. My navel is burning. My fingers are straining to stay relaxed and all I can think of is impure.

But I must think rationally. He may be serious about wanting to keep warm. It's a cool night tonight and his temperature has been jumping quite a lot today. I may also be reading too far into his tone, wishing for some perverted meaning behind his words.

I'm taking too long to decide.

How can I deny him if he does want me to help keep him warm?

"S-sure." I say quietly, immediately ashamed for how weak my voice sounded. He smiled though and there was a certain twinkle in his eyes and bounce in his movements when he scooted closer to the wall.

I still needed to wash first though and make sure the house was locked. I'm sure he'll wait for me.

"I just need to do a few things. I'll be right back, promise." I said quickly and darted out of the room.

I first trotted downstairs, checked all the locks and darted back up, sliding into the bathroom to splash my heated cheeks and sweating neck with cold water. It felt amazing on my hands and I almost forgot how much time I had spent enjoying it. My heart was racing, my face felt hot and my skin clamming. I'm definitely nervous but why? It's not like I haven't slept in his bed before. Is it because he asked me to? Is it because of how aware I am now?

Nothing's going to happen.

He's sick. Interested in Tea and too innocent. Nothing will happen.

Finishing up with cleaning my skin of nerves, heat and the evening's time, I was now fresh enough to sleep in the eyes of the Gods and … in Yugi's bed… beside him… keeping him warm. Nothing more.

Why is this so hard?

I crept on back, hoping that he's fallen asleep but as I close the door behind me I see him stir. He was dozing but awake enough now to notice me return. I don't know what I was hoping for exactly but I felt like I had failed something when he saw me.

"I thought you got lost." He joked tiredly.

I crawled in beside him and he took no time at all snuggling into my chest. Sliding his legs in between mine and curling his arms against my chest, he nestled his head under my neck and practically purred as he relaxed instantly. I, on the other hand, have no idea where I should put my hands. My right is comfortable behind my head but my left… I literally cannot put it anywhere without touching him and I can feel that he's sneakily taken his shirt off. His stomach breathed against mine… I'm just glad there's enough space between our hips that he can't feel my own nasty surprise waking up. But if I rest my arm on my waist my hand will caress his… if I put it in front of my I'll be holding his hand… if I put it behind me it's uncomfortable… if I wrap it around him that would be weird.

I suppose… caressing his waist on accident is the best I can do right now.

I tense immediately when my fingers brushed his skin. He's so soft. So much softer than I expected. I want to move my fingers, to feel his skin but no. That is a no go. That is a boundary I will NOT cross.

This was not so hard the first time we laid together. Why must I be so perverted!

Wait… he's moving. Oh gods he's moving. I feel his hand slide down his body to take my hand and move it to his back, so I was effectively holding him now. He then returned to his original position and hummed in satisfaction. He's enjoying this. This little brat is enjoying this!

"Now you're not tickling me." He said quietly, almost a whisper.

"I'm sorry if this feels weird to you." I say because I'm an idiot.

"Why would it feel weird?"

"No reason." Stupid. Stupid. Stupid!

"Okay… well thank you for lying with me. I'm sorry for putting you out." He said tiredly.

Poor thing. He must be exhausted. His energy levels seem to rise and fall just as rapidly. He really does need his strength.

"Not at all, Ife. Get some sleep. I hope you feel better in the morning." I say gently, resisting the urge to nuzzle his forehead or touch his nose with my own. He has no idea the significance of it but I would feel like I am cheating him. I already am by calling him Ife under the guise it means friend. My one white lie to him.

He falls asleep quickly and as I listen to the lullaby that is his rhythmic soft snoring I let myself fall into that slumber as well.