"Are you warm enough, Love?" Yugi asked, lowering himself down on to the edge of the bed as he fixed the comforter around Atem. Atem had only been home for only five minutes before Yugi began to fuss over him. The Pharaoh fully expected his husband to do just that the second he walked through the door.
Yugi was waiting at the door when he and Solomon arrived, having only just returned home moments before from getting Atem's medicines.
Atem settled back against the small mountain of pillows Yugi had set up for him, he gently placed a hand on top of his husband's.
"I could get more pillows if you need them."Yugi continued.
"Everything is fine, Yugi."The former pharaoh soothed. "It seems you've thought of everything."
"I tried to," Yugi admitted. "I just really wanted you to have everything so you could rest. If you do need anything-"
"You'll be right here. I'll let you know." Yugi gave him a skeptical look.
"Really?"
"Yes. You have my word as your husband," Atem vowed. Yugi smiled.
"Thank you. I know you already hate this and I hope you know I want you to be happy, but I also need you to be healthy. Just keep in mind that you're not bothering me if you need something. That's what I'm here for. You mean the world to me, and I'm so glad you're home."
Atem recalled the conversation he had with Solomon about allowing Yugi to take on the responsibility and was determined to try his hardest to take the advice for Yugi's sake, even if it was tempting to return to his normal activities now that he was home.
"It's good to be home. I prefer our bed to the other."
"Yeah, I don't blame you. At least you won't have to worry about nurses coming in to wake you up at weird hours. I'm sorry I wasn't there to bring you home. It took a little longer than I thought it would to get your medicine. I wanted to be there for you."
"I know, my Love. I'm thankful that you were kind enough to make such a journey in this weather. Though I do feel guilty for-."
"Don't," Yugi said shaking his head. "You'd do it for me in a heartbeat. I'm not going to let a little cold weather and snow get in the way of your health. You're so precious to me, Atem. Y-you've been so sick, and it's really important to me that you get better. What's a husband for if not to take care of you and love you?"
"I also feel that I owe you an apology for causing you a great deal of concern. When I've gotten over this, I fully intend to make up for the trouble I've caused." Yugi leaned forward, kissing Atem's head.
"You're no trouble at all." He said gently. "I'd take any trouble in the world for you, anyway. I love you with all my heart. Please don't ever think you're anything less than the best thing that's ever happened to me. I told you, you're not a burden to me, you never were and never will be. Grandpa said I can set up the little tv for you in a few minutes, Do you want me to get you an ice pop or some tea?"
"Not at the moment, thank you. I know it was a short distance, but the journey up here was a bit tiring, would you be alright if I rested for a while?"
"You're still sick. It's going to be like that until you're better. I didn't expect you to be up to doing much of anything. I'm surprised you didn't just decide to stay on the couch for the day."
"It was tempting." The former king admitted. "If you weren't there with me, I probably would have. I'm grateful for your patience. I'm fairly certain that if anyone else had been left to tend to me, they would have given up by now."
"I'd never do that. You never give up on the people you love, even if they are really stubborn. I made a promise to you and your parents. I knew what I was getting into when we got married and I've loved every minute of our life together. Sometimes it's tough, but you and I can always pull it together. Just like Grandpa told us the night I asked you to marry me. 'Marriage can be hard sometimes but the trick is when you have a problem, learn to work through it together, and don't be so quick to throw it away thinking it's broken.' That's how he and my Grandma got through a lot of things. I want us to be able to do that too. So far we have, even when we needed a little help."
"It's good to know you boys took the advice to heart," Solomon said, entering the room. "That tells me how serious you are in your relationship. Marriage isn't all sunshine and rainbows as you know by now. It's committing yourselves to each other and the vows 'for better or worse' are difficult for some people to grasp. Just because you've exchanged rings and now have each other doesn't mean you ever stop working to try to keep each other close, Most people fall into complacency, believing their husband or wife is with them, they no longer need to try. When I see the two of you, I see a bright future ahead. I hope to watch you continue to grow together and learn as much as you can so that when the day comes for you to look after each other on your own, you're equipped to handle anything that's thrown at you. Loving each other despite imperfections, mistakes, anger...and coming back to support each other, that is marriage, boys."
"Of course," Atem said, Yugi gave the pharaoh's hand a comforting squeeze and smiled faintly. "Without my precious Yugi, I would have no understanding of true love. Through my illness, he continues to remain at my side even though I've caused him more than enough trouble." Atem turned from Yugi to cough, feeling the young duelist stroke his hair affectionately.
"I told you, you're no trouble. I asked for this, for you to be here with me and just like you feel responsible for making sure I'm happy and taken care of, I feel that for you too. I'd do it all over again." When Atem turned back, still gasping slightly, Yugi kissed his forehead.
"I should get your medicine. Just rest, okay?" Atem nodded. "I'll be right back, I'll get some water." When Yugi was out of sight, Solomon moved closer to the bed.
"So, is it getting any easier to relax and let Yugi take charge for a while?" the old man asked.
"No. I'm trying, but I find myself worrying."
"About what, my boy?"
"Perhaps I'm asking too much of him. I don't want to put everything on Yugi's shoulders. I don't expect any of this from him and-"
"You just heard him tell you he wants to care for you, in his own words. If not for your own, then for Yugi's sake."
"I know it must be done and I intend to offer him his chance. It will not change overnight."
"Remember, if it gets to be too much, I'll be checking in from time to time. I can have a talk with Yugi if you need me to." Atem nodded. "I'll be taking today and tomorrow off from the shop and I'm planning to go to the store later on if there's anything at all you need." Atem lifted his head from the pillows and pointed in the direction of the nightstand.
"Actually, there is. I've been saving some of the money you've given me for working in the store. If you wouldn't mind-"
"Sorry," Yugi said hurrying into the room, carrying a bottle of water, a container of water, and a white paper bag from the pharmacy. "I had to get some water for the humidifier. I'd like to get that set up to help with your cough." Yugi placed the container on the nightstand and opened the bag, removing a bottle of pills. He read the label carefully before opening it.
"This says to take two for the first dose and then one every few hours until they're gone. I talked to the doctor and she said if you're in pain you can have the medicine I bought. Remember, it's not as strong as the one you didn't like. I told you I wasn't going to push you to take it and I won't, but it's here. " Yugi twisted the cap on the water bottle and opened the pills, pulling out two. He set the pills back in the bag and placed it on the stand.
"Can you do it, Love?" He asked, offering the objects to Atem. The former Pharaoh took water and medicine, allowing Yugi to keep his hand on the bottle. When Atem had swallowed the medication, Yugi took the water, setting it down next to the bag.
"Are you okay?"He asked. Atem nodded, settling back once again. "The medicine's going to make you tired, but I'm going to stay right here, "Yugi promised.
"I'll stop in before I go to the store and make sure you two have everything."
"If it's okay, I'd like you to grab something at the store," Yugi said. "We can talk about it in a little bit, I still need to set up the humidifier." Atem coughed harshly, feeling the pain in his chest increasing.
"Y-Yugi?"Yugi took his hand.
"What is it, Love?"
'Y-you have done so much already, partner, but if I may ask just one more thing for the moment?"
"Anything."
"I think I will take that pain medicine if you don't mind." Yugi kissed Atem's hand softly.
"I don't mind at all, that's why it's here." Again Yugi offered the water along with the pain medicine, waiting for his love to take it.
"Rest now, Love. By the time you wake up, I'll have the tv ready for you to catch up on your favorite shows. I still have the DVD player too. I'll try not to let you get too bored."
"I know you will, Yugi, "Atem replied sleepily. Yugi waited until he was sure Atem had fallen asleep before turning to his grandfather.
"I wanted to stop at the other store on my way home, "Yugi began to explain. "But it was important to me that I got here to make sure everything was ready. I wanted to get him something special to just let him know I love him and to say welcome home. I called the florist by the store we go to and asked him for blue roses. They should be ready to be picked up today, You know how much Atem likes those. " Solomon nodded.
"They are quite beautiful. Sounds a bit expensive, those are special orders aren't they?"
"Yeah, three months allowance, but it's something to cheer him up."
"Weren't you saving that money for a new-"
"He's more important. Please don't tell him, it's a surprise. There will be something else with it. I think he'll understand when he sees everything."
"I'll make sure they get picked up. I'll wait until he wakes up, to make sure he has what he needs. In the meantime, I'm going to take a little nap myself, I'm not as young as I used to be. If you need anything, feel free to wake me up."Yugi gave the man a faint smile.
"I will. I think we'll be okay though. I mean, the worst is over now, isn't it, Grandpa?"
"It seems that way. You're doing a good job with him, Yugi. This illness has been tough for both of you, but you're getting through it. You try to get some rest too." Solomon patted Yugi's shoulder comfortingly before exiting the room. Not wanting to disturb Atem, Yugi remained still, watching his husband sleep. Taking note of his breathing. He stood slowly, making his way over to the humidifier, pouring the warm water into it, and turning it on. He had been careful to choose one that didn't make much noise. Yugi returned to the bed, lying down next to Atem. The former pharaoh stirred but didn't wake. Still exhausted from lack of sleep during Atem's hospital stay, Yugi allowed his eyes to close, convincing himself to simply rest them for a moment. He couldn't sleep just yet. After all, there were no doctors or nurses to check-in on him. Atem was depending on Yugi now, and the young duelist would not let his beloved Pharaoh down.