A/N: Ahh Atem is soooooo cute! Raise hand if you know those feels! Thank you everyone for your amazing support!

I woke early the next morning feeling somewhat stiff and slightly too damp than I expected. My skin was hot and I really wanted to kick off the blankets but as I stretched I felt Yugi's hit skin slide against my own and heard him groan softly as he nestled deeper against me.

For the briefest moment I had forgotten I slept beside him all night and this was why i felt the way I did. His body was still running a fever and his childlike sulking was still carrying through his dreams. Poor thing. He looks so innocent and helpless like this but I suppose the best thing for him is rest.

I cleaned my neck to check the time, saw his alarm would go off in about 15 minutes and sighed. I don't think he'll be going to school today. On a normal day I would be ecstatic, but knowing he's unwell means he still wont be able to spend time with me.

Oh well.

At least I can make him comfortable but first, I might as well make myself comfortable first and as much as I enjoy cuddling him, i am in desperate need of a shower.

Carefully I slide out from under him, eliciting some moans and a slight readjustment but he never woke. That's good. Mission success, now for part 2: clothes.

Quietly I sifted through Yugis wardrobe, picking out a pair of loose gray pants and a black singlet I knew he wouldn't mind sharing. One of these days we'll probably need to get my own clothes but I dont want to spend Yugis allowance. Perhaps there's something i can do to earn money while Yugis at school. Tea waitresses sometimes, maybe there's something i can pick up. But … how do I go about finding unemployment? Back in my time you were born into your roll and learn your parents craft. My station in life was given to me from birth and even when I was prince anything I wanted was at my fingertips from jewellery to weaponry. From what I understand its a bit more complicated to earn a living nowadays especially if you are not royalty.

I may have to discuss this with Yugi first. He still has another full year after this one to worry about school before he thinks of what happens after.

I chuckled silently at the notion. At our age now I was already Pharaoh, a King of a great nation. Yugi has yet to finish school. I suppose though I became Pharaoh at a very young age. My father hadn't taken the throne until his 20s, I was only 16.

I am far distracted. Pushing myself from these thoughts I crept out of the room to shower.

I'll admit there is a lot of adjusting still to go. My experiences are constantly conflicting between using Yugi's shared experience and my own aged ones and sometimes it's difficult to keep up; but this shower was something I loved. The water pressure was like a massage, i loved being able to control the temperature and if I set it a nice cool setting, nothing too cold but just enough to take the chill off and closed my eyes, i can imagine myself in the rare annual rains of Egypt whenever I wanted.

Of course there was also still the old habits of waiting to be cleaned by someone else only to realise no one was coming thus making me need to rush to clean myself but its a working progress.

Regardless, showering is definitely one of my favourite things to get used to in this era.

Once I was done and dried, dressed and ready to go I thought to check on Yugi before going downstairs. To my pleasure he was just as I left him: sound asleep, however he's kicked the blanket off him.

What am I going to do with him?

Sliding the blanket back up I felt his forehead and frowned. It seems his temperature is back. I'll go get Mr. Moto but before that reapplying the towel should help.

"I'll be right back Yugi." I whispered.

"Aa-teh." I heard him murmur weakly.

I turned to him, watching him roll over heavily and I had to move quickly to catch him before he could roll off. I don't think he even realises how close he came to falling then. He seems content holding my hand, mumbling something I can't quite understand.

"Hey." I said gently, kneeling beside him and brushing his bangs from the frame of his face. He looks worse than yesterday. "I just need to go wet this again and get your grandfather. I won't be long okay?" I ask him.

"Nnyah… stay please…" He said weakly. My heart went out to him but I really need to get help. He wasnt holding onto me very strongly so slipping out from his grasp was easy enough. He tried to reach for me but his hand was so heavy all he managed was to brush me.

"I'll be right back. I promise." I said and left swiftly.

I found Mr. Moto downstairs brewing some tea, still dressed in his gown and not quite awake himself. He turned to me and smiled his good mornings.

"Good morning, Mr. Moto."

"You know you may call me Grandpa. Everyone else does." He said behind a yawn. I blushed a little, feeling myself foolish but it was only respectful.

"Y-yes. Umm. Yugi still has a fever. He doesnt look so good." I said, coming beside him to wet the towel.

"I'll go see him." He said tiredly and left.

I followed close behind him, careful not to let the towel drip but as we got to Yugis room Mr. Moto paused a moment.

"Yugi!" He whispered hastily before he jumped inside.

Panic rose quickly and upon seeing Yugi collapsed on the futon I raced to him too. He must have tried to follow me. Cute little brat.

"Yugi…" I said, trying to help Mr. Moto lift him back up to at least rest against his bed. I dabbed his forehead free of the sweat and he slowly came to.

"Yugi. Back in bed son. Come on." Mr. Moto said, trying to coax him to move on his own but he ignored him, leaning into the cool towel I offered.

"Too hot… wanted … Ateh…" He groaned.

"I'm here Yugi. I told you I wouldn't be long." I said gently. He pushed off the bed to fall into me, making himself comfortable against my chest and humming in satisfaction.

"It seems you're stuck with him." Mr. Moto laughed.

It seems he's right. Yugi's snuggling into me as if I were a lifeline for him. Its… actually adorable but I mustn't let it show. Not with Mr. Moto right here.

"Will he be okay?" I ask.

"If his fever doesn't break today I'll call our doctor in tomorrow. Yugi, lets get you back into bed." Mr. Moto said, gently touching his arm.

"Nyehh.." He crawled further into me, burying his face away from him and I had to bite my tongue so I wouldn't laugh. Was he always this much of a child when he was sick? How did Mr. Moto manage without help?

"Alright. Do you want to lay downstairs on the lounge then?" He asked.

Yugi didn't answer for a while but when he did it was a simple nod. A nod that gave us permission to pick him up and help him stand. He swayed but we both held him steady. He looked so pale and tired though. I'm sure if we could get him to sleep he'd sleep the rest of the day off. Maybe I should just lay with him a while…

"Mr. Moto are you sure going down stairs is wise? He looks as if he needs more sleep. I could stay here with him if he doesn't want to be alone?" I suggested but he shrugged.

"The boy probably could do with some light and fresh air. Gives me a chance to clean his sheets. Don't want him sleeping in what he's been breathing if we want him to get better."

I couldn't fault his logic there, especially when he knew more about the sicknesses of these days more than I did. He's been caring for Yugi his whole life, I'm sure he knows what's best for him.

I helped him downstairs, draping his arm around my neck. He did his best to walk on his own, apologizing every now and then for burdening us but I assured him each time it was no trouble. Once we sat him down I kept a hold of him, watching every change in his sunken, shallow face. He looked so faint, as if he was naught but a ghost. His parted, pale lips worried me most though, the way they slightly trembled with his breathing. He looked as if he was going to be sick.

"Should we … take him to the bathroom first?" I asked carefully as if the words could trigger his nausea more.

"He'll be okay. I'll get a bucket just in case. Just keep him upright for me, I'll get him something to take." Mr. Moto said and left before I could do anything.

"Dun feel good." He murmured. I REALLY wanted to get him to the bathroom now but against my instinct I did what I was told, and kept him upright.

"I know. Mr. Moto will be back with something that will help just… don't be sick on me okay?" I asked him, half as a joke but truthfully I was very nervous about that. He nodded and slowly opened his eyes to the world around him.

"I'm sorry." He said once again and I sighed, smiling at him warmly. Even as exhausted as he was, the lavender in his eyes was still so beautiful.

"It's fine Ife." I said gently and he smiled.

"I love you."

I think he said that. I think. It might have been anything else but nothing else made sense. His words rang like bells in my ears, so loud and hopelessly clear but he could not have said that. He didn't. He couldn't have.

At least he couldn't have meant it.

Not the way I want him to.

Love like a friend, or family yes. Absolutely. Love like he loves Joey, or Tristan or Mr. Moto but not love like the love he has for Tea… like the love I have for him.

No.

And yet… somehow it breaks my heart to be so hopeful. He cannot know how much it means to me to hear those words.

This hurts. Stupid stop feeling!

Mr. Moto came back then and hesitated to give Yugi the medicine in his hand. I watched him think, weighing Yugi with his eyes with a troubled grimace upon his face. I knew that look. Not so much from him but Shimon. He'd wear it when he was about to say something he didn't want to.

"On second thought, take him to the bathroom Atem." He said eventually.

After an uneventful hour in the bathroom waiting for Yugi's nausea to pass I was eventually able to put him to put him to bed without trouble but even though there was mostly silence between us my mind was anything but; stupidly playing scenes of what it's in hundreds of different scenarios. Some more sweet than others and each impossible and terrifying. I prefer dueling for our lives than navigating these thoughts.

I smiled at the notion that Yugi might actually be my toughest challenge yet.

Tucked in and allowing me to go, i went to find Mr. Moto about to open the shop. Our friends were yet to arrive and I was already tired. This morning has been something.

"Ah Atem. Im about to open the store but why dont we wait outside for Tea?" He asked me, handing me the broom before I could say no. Its not like i would refuse but still this was amusing.

I swept the pavement of dust, leaves and stray flower petals just as he taught me, noting even more fallen leaves than yesterday. There was a chill in the air this morning. It made the hairs on my arms stand and tiny bumps to appear all over my usually smooth skin. I remember Yugi calling them goosebumps but why? Do geese get these to? In either case I'm feeling the cold right now and it was becoming difficult to focus on anything else.

But as if to my rescue Mr. Moto ducked inside and returned with one of Yugi's jackets. A big, winter one he rarely used, even in winter.

"Here. I suggest you change before your shift starts though." He said with a joyful bounce in his words.

"Thank you sir." I say gratefully, eagerly slipping into the jacket. It was lined with satin or silk so it glided over my skin like the robes we had in Egypt or the curtains I would play in. It was quite large though and I felt practically buried inside it but in only a few minutes did it warm me to my normally toasty body temperature.

"Hey! Good morning Mr. Moto, Atem!" Tea called to us happily.

"Good morning!" We both said as she came up to us.

"Is that Yugi's?" She asked, poking the large jacket I wore.

"Yes. I was feeling cold and Mr. Moto lent it to me."

"Mmm. It's getting chilly now. Winters almost here. Is Yugi still unwell?"

"Yes." I said stiffly.

"Im afraid Yugi still needs some time to rest. So if I could ask you to bring back any assignments or homework for him?" Mr. Moto asked her.

"Of course. Does he need anything else?"

"I think you covered it yesterday. I see he's already delved into the cough drops. But there is one more thing."

I listened just as intently as she did. If there was anything he needed I really don't mind taking on the errand for her.

"Of course. What's up?"

"I'm closing the store early today to take Atem to the doctors. If you wouldnt mind, would you stay here after school and mind Yugi until we get back?" He asked.

Doctors? But Im not sick, Yugi is. Was this one of his schemes? What is he thinking?

"Of course. Are you getting Yugi's cold too?"

I shook my head no at her and was about to answer when Mr. Moto but me off.

"Not yet but it occurs to me there's probably a lot of defenses he's missing and I'd rather not take the chance."

"Oh I see! Your body is 5000 years old after all."

Well I'm glad they know what they're talking about but i dont. What defenses? What does the age of my body have anything to do with it? If something happens i have the Millennium Puzzle and the gods to protect me - what can a doctor provide me with? I kept silent though … I'll ask him when Tea leaves.

"Okay. Well I'll see you guys this afternoon then. Give Yugi my best. See ya guys!" She waved us off happily and went on her way.

"The doctors?" I asked him before he started walking back inside. I followed him curiously.

"Yep. Don't worry, it won't be much. More or less it'll just be a check up to see what condition your body is in."

I felt my forehead and cheeks but didn't feel particularly hot like Yugi did. I didn't feel sick… do I look sick? Is this because I was cold.

He laughed at me and continued opening the store.

Throughout the day as I worked for him I would frequently check on Yugi who remained asleep for most of the day. When he did wake it was only long enough to enjoy some reheated soup, take more medicine and get comfortable on the couch. He was asleep 5 minutes into a movie he requested but this time I left him to sleep on the couch. There was still an hour before school ended which gave me plenty of time to tear his bed sheets off to wash.

After figuring out the washing machine again I helped clean the kitchen so we wouldnt need to do it later. I was still nervous though about the doctors. I hadn't gotten much more information about what we were going there for than this morning. He said there might be some tests but I feel very unprepared for that.

I tried not to think about it but it was difficult. Any time the thought popped up into my head I felt my stomach turning, which only made me wonder if I was actually sick, which then lead me to worry that I wont be able to help or protect Yugi, and if Bakura attacked while we were sick then what would happen to everyone? I cant afford to get sick, not if I end up bed ridden like Yugi is.

And the process would repeat.

I found relief in reading various magazines they had lying around the house. It was captivating to learn of different crafting techniques and cooking recipes. I had no idea there were so many different ways to cook food. Yugi had a decently sized variety of foods enjoyed but Ive not had the pleasure of trying them all yet, and none of them were anything like these magazines had. I wonder what they taste like and if Yugi would enjoy them.

I spied him from my comfortable place on the armchair, magazine number 3 in my lap and wondered. He slept soundly, tucked in snugly to a soft fur blanket with the days light gently touching his face. I had put on another movie for him when the first one finished, figuring the sound might help him sleep and i think its working. It helps that his fever has remained broken most of the day, now i think he's recovering well.

'I love you.' - Those words often rang through my mind as well, causing my body to react in a much different way. My heart raced and my stomach fluttered. I'd get this overwhelming urge to stop breathing and smile but I kicked myself each time with a harsh reality check that no; he doesn't love me the way I want him to. He was delirious from the fever and I've been looking after him. They were words of gratitude he would have said to anyone else.

Still... I think I'll always remember those words. The way he said them. It was burned into my memory and romantic or not I will cherish them.

I heard the jingle of bells as the stores door opened and closed but didnt hear the joyful greeting from Mr. Moto. Keening my ears I listened intently until I heard footsteps approaching and soon he quietly came into view.

"I've closed up early. How is he?" He asked in a whisper.

"Sound asleep. Fevers gone. He seems comfortable." I whispered back, swinging my legs off the arm to sit up straight. Here comes that stomach ache again.

"Good. Tea shouldn't be too long then we can get going. Do me a favor though and sweep up downstairs please. I'll get my things ready."

I smiled and left to do as asked. Not that I mind - I actually approve of being treated like anyone else - but it is amusing how quick he's taken to ordering a Pharaoh around as if he was King. He reminds me of Shimon everyday.

He wasn't wrong about Tea only she wasn't alone. To be honest i expected no different. Joey, Tristan and Ryou were with her, talking loudly about the day's events. fearing they'd wake Yugi I quickly hushed them and told them he was asleep upstairs.

They saluted me for some reason before quietly walking up stairs.

"How's he doin?" Joey asked.

"No fever at the moment, he's been asleep most of the day." I said softly.

"Good. Dude needs his rest." Tristan surmised as Tea crouched beside him. She felt his temperature and grimaced.

"Poor guy. I've never seen him sleep for this long." She said softly.

"Yeah, this colds really knocked him down huh?" Joey asked.

"I'm sorry. This is my fault. He only got sick because I asked him to come over." Ryou said sadly.

"Hey man." Tristan said, clapping him on the back so hard when I heard it. "Its fine. He'll be up soon. With this weather we're a bound to catch something."

We are? All of us? No! What if we all get sick and we can't defend against Bakura? What if we don't recover or keep making one another sick? Oh what if they all miss so much school they get expelled for it?! What if they're never well enough again? Will it be my fault for not making sure they stay well? Is there anything i can do to make sure thia doesnt happen?

"Okay kids." Mr. Moto said as he entered the room. "Dont wake him but don't go far. Atem and I won't be long and thank you for doing this."

"No problems gramps." Joey said with a giggle and a grin.

"Ready to go?" Mr. Moto turned to me with a pleasant smile but I was all but pleased about this. Still, what choice did I have?

We left together: him with a joyful bounce to his step and me walking with what felt like stone attached to my feet. He gave me Yugi's spot in the front beside him and if anything my stomach was turning so much in anticipation of this I just wanted to run back inside.

This is ridiculous. I'm a former Pharaoh: a great leader of an entire nation that was bountiful and plenty for literal ages. I am a strong, independent, born leader who has survived and prevailed against all odds time and time again. I have rescued souls, thwarted evil, saved the world three times…

And yet I'm too afraid to see a doctor?!

Ridiculous.

We drove in silence through many incessant stops of traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. The doctors office he took me too wasn't far but with this anxiety, growing stomach ache made worse by the frequent stopping and irritated mental berating, it wasn't a fun experience. I was happy to finally leave the car, feeling my stomach sink back down where it belonged and giving my lungs a break from their tight enclosure.

We saw the receptionist and waited… forever.

There were a few people in front of us and the longer it took the more time i had to read the many pamphlets about cancer, lung disease, drug abuse, mental health and something to do with memories in the elderly failing. None of which applied to me though i mused that i am 5000 years old with a sharp, crystal clear memory of my past.

Back in my day the physician or priest came to you but only if there was something wrong. I greatly disliked being here. I want to go home and care for Yugi. Hes the one who's sick, why isn't he here?

"Mr. Sennen?"

Mr. Moto nudged me to stand and pleasantly greeted the man in a white lab coat with a smile. This must be the doctor… but who was Mr. Sennen?

The doctor shook our hands and lead the way.

"I gave you Sennen as your last name. You're Yugis cousin from Egypt come to live with us. Follow my lead." Mr. Moto whispered to me.

That. Was. Awful.

We spent the better part of an hour talking history about my made up past and then half an hour doing something called Xrays, taking measurements and weight, he prodded around my head and body and then stuck several things in my arm: one of which felt like it touched bone and the other felt as if it were tearing my veins open as he took my blood.

Why i dont know. I dont care. I am not happy. Thats my blood and the Gods would be furious if they knew the blood of theirs was taken like some tapeable resource. Now my arm hurts to move, my heart is racing with adrenaline, my pride is quite visibly wounded and I really want to go home. I feel violated. Why is it necessary to know everything about me just to determine if im unwell or not? My height and weight isn't going to make me exempt from sickness.

Still… it was over now and after begrudgingly signing some paperwork at reception - a task in itself was difficult without hot wax to use my Rings seal, leaving me with a modern pen Ive never used before - we were finally leaving.

I held a cotton ball to the point in my elbow where he had stolen my blood and with a tight huff I looked out the window as we drove home.

I don't care about the traffic lights or people crossing. I care not for the discomfort in my stomach growing with each stop. I dont even care for the stinging and achinh in my entire left arm.

I just want to go home.

I thought this, over and over again until we finally pulled up but as he stopped the car, he didnt unlock the doors. So we sat awkwardly in the car at home, for some reason not moving.

"You did well today Atem. I know you were uncomfortable. What tests were done and taken is necessary to learning more about you and your condition." He said.

I know hes right but i still didnt like it. I never want that done again.

"I know. Thank you." I said quietly. I didnt like it - doesnt mean i can be rude and shirk his kindness. He doesn't need to look after me after all.

"As a treat, dont bother with Yugi's chores today. You just go inside, hang with your friends and relax. Youve earned it."

"Thank you."

That's a small mercy. I'd like nothing better than to check on Yugi and then go shower to try and wash this violating feeling off me.

"I'm going to the shops for a moment. Tell me, did Pharaohs enjoy favourite treats, some guilty pleasures, maybe some form of dessert?" He asked. What is he getting at?

"We did?"

"Interesting. Out of interest Yugi's favourite treat when when he is sick is chocolate icecream. Do you remember what yours was?"

"... mine is … I believe you call them Falafel now. They were not often had but on special ocaision."

"Interesting. I didn't know you had them back then. Okay that why not go inside, I'll be back before dinner." He said happily.

"Thank you sir." I said once again and left the car with haste.