Hey again all! Another chapter of much niceness up for you! I actually sat and typed this up at work, since the network system's down... but that doesn't matter!
A few people now have requested a Bakura x Malik lemon or lime... Now, unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to include one in this story - I don't believe in including them for the sake of it, and I can't see a way right now to write a relevant one in. Since I do love that pairing though, what I might do instead is to do a one-shot using that pairing - maybe of their first night together or something. What do you all think? Be sure to let me know, either in review, email or chat!

Reviews!

To Shadowspecter: Currently your fave? *grins brightly* Wow, thanks! And yeah, Yugi is so adorable! ^_^ Hope you enjoy this one!
To Hijiri Hitokiri Battousai: *grins* But fluff is good, right? Don't worry, I don't think this chapter'll completely fluff you over... it shouldn't, anyways! ^_^'
To Trekkie-54: *grins* Honestly, using school time to read fanfics... I'd never do such a thing... *glances at his third sentence* Heh... okay, maybe I would ^_^'Bazu make it shine!
To Hatshepsut: Pharaoh of Kemet: *grins* Yeah, I'm a softy too when it comes to fluffy bits ^_^ I loved writing that part! And thank you very much for the kind words *bows* I'll get onto your fics when I come to them in my list... the list is rather extensive, at times...
To Ame: *blinks and laughs* Fluffy pink nekos? *giggles* I'd be right in guessing you liked that then? Well, here's some more from the current favourites! ^_^
To Shade25: *huggles* Nyuuu! Not useless! Your reviews are very highly valued, even if you can't offer constructive criticism! I mean, no reviews = sad Bazu = no updates, ne?
To rebelphoenix: Happy belated birthday, m'dear! And would I be right in thinking you wanna see Lateef and Masika paired up? *chuckles* Not the only one, it seems... hope you enjoy!
To Yugi-obsessed: *grins* Oh don't worry, I'm sure Yugi'll find his way to do it!
To Blazing Kodachi: One simple word. Typo. That was actually my fault, I think. It probably crept in after I sent it to be beta'd. Bloody great, ain't I?
To Insane Pineapple from Naboo: *grins and blushes* Nyah, I ain't the most wonderful ever... there's still so so so many that I look up to. But thanks for the kind words!
To Obiwangirl: Yeah, I thought that it mighta been a bit short... but no, you can't really comment on that, can you? *laughs* Aww, wuv ya really!
To Dutchess Murasaki: *hides* Nyuu! Not yet! I have a good time and place and plan for that, but it's not happening yet! *squeaks* No kill Bazu?
To '#1 Fan': *grins* Thanks ^_^ Here's your update!
To yugiyamifanadic: *smiles* Yeah, criticisms do help Bazu get off his butt and improve things, so they're always welcome if you get any!
To silver_fox20: hehe... yeah, romance was great that chapter ^_^ *huggles Yugi and Yami, then pushes them together* Everybody saw aww!
To One Winged Tenshi: *laughs and hugs happily* Got a fan here! *giggles* Thanks for the comments!
To Chaotic Bystander: Hell yeah!
To DarkWolf193: Thanks! Here ya go!
To Taddybear: *laughs* Do hope your boyfriend didn't think you were too weird! *puffs* Men... they jus dun appreciate this stuff...
To Abi2: Whee! New reader! *huggle* Glad ya like! ^_^
To Bi Panda: *laughs* Nyu, not every chappie is gonna be sex! If ya want that, go read First Christmas by phwee? yami hobo, that's a whole lemon tree! Here's more anyways!
To Miami-chan: Here ya go!
To Dark-AmethystUnicorn: *giggles* Glad yas both liked it ^_^ Got more of them this chappie! *blinks* And you actually misspelled Reonet's name...
To Bluebolt: Ah yes, I already emailed you, ne? Well, thanks once again!

THIS CHAPTER IS DEDICATED TO BLUEBOLT, FOR HER REVIEW WHICH ACTUALLY GOT ME BACK INTO GEAR!!! EVERYONE WORSHIP HER!!!

To 'Ling Ling': Thank you! *bows* Here's your update!
To Tahirah: *blinks* Interesting... I like Rolos ^_^ And here's more for ya! To 'markyc58': *goes wide-eyed and blushes* Gee... thanks! #^_^'# I'm glad you enjoyed the first one enough to come and read this anyway! And thank you so much for all your kind words!
To Smarty1: Yeah, ish all velcro candy! (Sticky sweet *winks*) here's more!
To keitaro: *nods* Many thanks for the criticisms there! I don't plan to throw in masses of limes and lemons, since I'd prefer to focus on the storyline itself, but like I said at the beginning, I am contemplating the B\M lime\lemon scene. Thanks once again!
To tamachan444: *smiles* Thanks. It's so easy for sequels to mess up, isn't it? Glad ya like this one!
To Anna: Yup, everyone here seems to like them! ^_^ I know I do!

And now, on with the fic!

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Their morning 'soak' done, Yugi and Yami walked hand in hand through the marketplace, Yami browsing the stalls and Yugi gazing adoringly up at him, resting his head against Yami's arm whenever the taller stopped to examine something.

"So Yugi…" Yami began, picking up a jug of beer. "What were you actually planning to do at Bakura's house?" Yami opened the jug he was holding and sniffed at it. "Gods!" he cried, pulling it away from his nose and plugging the jug quickly. "Did they forget to clean the manure off the Barley when they made this or something?"

Yugi giggled slightly and sighed. "I don't know," he murmured. "Malik shops… kind of… you clean… I don't know what else I could do…" Yugi looked a little glum at this. He didn't expect Bakura to bend the rules for him, nor would he ask him to. Living on the street, he could cope with, but he didn't want Yami out there with him. On the other hand, he doubted he'd be able to keep his spirits up very long without Yami beside him. If only he was actually good for something…

"Can you cook?"

Yami and Yugi both jumped almost out of their skins at the sudden appearance of a third voice, then looked to their right. They saw Malik stood beside them, a couple of jars almost imperceptibly disappearing from the table as he nodded a greeting to them. "Well, Yugi?"

"Can I cook?" Yugi asked, a little surprised.

"Yeah," the sun-blonde boy replied. "You know… bake bread, cook meat, prepare the figs, that sort of stuff."

Yugi looked a little doubtful. He'd seen it done in the palace lots of times, and had tried his hand when he got a chance, but he hadn't exactly had thorough lessons. "Well… I'm not great… but I've done it a couple of times…"

"Perfect," Malik chirpily replied, flashing a smile to the stall keeper, who had just turned round. "Bakura won't cook, Yami here physically can't…" Malik sniggered as the Pharaoh glared at him, just daring him to mention any of his previous failed attempts at cooking – such as the now-legendary attempt at goat stew. "…so that just leaves me." Malik made his voice softer, speaking with an air of one who has long suffered. "What with shopping and cooking and tending to Bakura's needs in the evenings…" Yami and Malik both sniggered as Yugi blushed adorably at this reference, fidgeting slightly. "…I never have any time to myself." Malik pressed one forearm to his forehead, arching back slightly and dramatically flinging his other arm out. "No-one understands the needs of a tomb robber's lover… to them I'm just a simple little housewife… househusband… maid…" he finished lamely. With a grin, he returned to his usual cheerful attitude, another jug disappearing as soon the stall keeper turned his back, shaking his head at Malik's theatrics. "So what do you think Yugi? Care to give it a shot?" Malik sneaked a peek into his robes, seeing how much more room he had.

Yugi mulled this over in his head briefly. "I can try, I guess," he said uncertainly, blinking. "I haven't got any better ideas."

Malik nodded. "Glad that's settled then. And Yami," he continued with an air of suffering once more. "Firstly, you don't need to buy beer, or wine, and secondly… will you please stop sniffing them? It's most undignified, and they never smell right in the jugs anyway!"

Yami mumbled something in his defence about preferring the taste of certain beers before setting the jug down. With a quick roll of his eyes, he turned round and pulled Yugi up against him, the younger giggling happily. "So that's you sorted then," he remarked, leaning down to lightly kiss Yugi's forehead. Yugi nodded, his eyes shining brightly as he smiled up at his love. He couldn't begin to say how happy he was that they wouldn't have to be separated, or made to live on the street. Yugi couldn't help thinking he'd already dragged Yami down once, when he'd been executed and Yami's life had gone into turmoil. Now, as long as he proved to be a moderately good cook, he wouldn't do it again. With an airy lightness in their hearts, the three set off once more, aiming for the next stall which seemed to have various clay works from Greece for sale.

"Malik!"

The fair-haired boy turned as he heard his name being called, his face breaking into a wide grin as he saw Bakura running across the square. Before he had a chance to call his reply, Malik found a white-haired missile in his arms, Bakura's momentum knocking them both to the ground with a small laugh. Quickly planting a firm kiss on Malik's cheek, Bakura sprung to his feet and waved briefly to the other two, extending his other hand to help Malik up.

"So what was that for?" Malik asked, a pout on his face despite the evident laughter in his voice as he rubbed his bruised behind.

Bakura shrugged. "Just glad to see you. Oh, and I think I'm ready to work on that weapon, so I'll need you to buy me a couple of extra bits…"

As Bakura spoke to Malik, Yami returned his focus to his own love, rubbing his nose against Yugi's with a happy smile. He still couldn't believe how lucky he was to have Yugi… especially after what Set had done. Yami scowled momentarily at this thought, his hatred for Set flaring up, but a quick glance into Yugi's bright, adoring eyes softened his heart again. Lightly pressing his lips to Yugi's, Yami smiled and whispered, "I love you, little one."

"Love you too… Pharaoh," Yugi replied with a small giggle.

Yami smiled, and was about to add more when a distant humming sound caught his attention. He frowned slightly, pondering, before he turned to Malik. "What's that noise?"

"That?" he asked, looking up somewhat surprised. Tilting his head, he nodded slightly. It was an all too familiar sound nowadays. "Execution."

"What?"

"It's an execution," Bakura explained. "That's the hum of the crowd you can hear. They always gather like vultures, increasingly more often since you left the throne."

Yami looked down, his face half thoughtful and half angry. "Where?"

"Hmm?"

"Where would the execution be?"

Malik had been about to point out that Yami should know that, but thought that maybe he wouldn't appreciate being reminded. Sometimes, Malik swiftly decided, the past is better left untouched. He instead pointed in the direction of the main City Square, which used to be used solely for public meetings and festivals. Since Set, however, things had changed a little.

Malik protested as Yami suddenly began striding purposefully toward the square, hurrying to catch up beside him. "Hey! Where're you going?" In truth, Malik already knew. It was just one of those sentences that came out oddly. 'Where are you going?' actually meant 'Why are you going there?'

Yami's face was set hard as Yugi scurried along beside him, concern in his eyes. "I want to see if Set's there today," he stated. "We've still got to settle our differences."

Ignoring Malik's further protests, Yami strode onward until he was in the Main Square, stood at the edge of the crowd, with Yugi and Bakura hurrying to catch him and Malik up. Up on the platform, Set was yelling something at his guards – something was loose, or so it seemed. Yami felt his rage building as his eyes locked onto his nemesis, but before he could do anything a distantly familiar voice next to him floated across.

"She's from the palace… she's one of the Pharaoh's slaves…"

Yami's ears pricked up, and he turned to see who was speaking. A young girl whom he recognised from the palace, Masika, was stood there, dressed in a white cloak with shoulder-length, sun-bleached hair swaying lightly in the gentle breeze. It had definitely been her he saw at the river, so if nothing else he was certain Yugi's return wouldn't get to Set's ears any sooner.

"Who is she?" asked a second voice, which Yami recognised as Lateef's. Yami was surprised to see him and the girl stood so close… everyone was stood close in this crowd, but those two seemed...

Yami mentally shrugged, instead looking round the rest of the crowd. He still couldn't understand what the morbid public fascination at executions was… but then, he supposed most of them hadn't lost someone important to them at one.

"Her name's Beketaten," Masika replied, her voice quiet, almost regretful. "She upset Set a couple of days ago when she refused to use the Pharaoh's personally inscribed tray to give him figs… She said it was like claiming he was the Pharaoh himself."

Lateef nodded. "I can believe he reacted like that." And he meant it – the whole nation knew that Set wasn't exactly the most just ruler the two lands had ever known.

Yugi gave a small gasp as he caught what was being said, and rushed over. "What did you say her name was?" he asked the girl, tugging lightly at her sleeve as his eyes widened in horror. He couldn't believe it… Beketaten had been the first slave to befriend him, and his closest friend (other than Yami) during his whole time in the palace. Had their ages been a little closer, she could have been his sister. They'd shared secrets – he'd even hinted about him and Yami to her – and had spent many a quiet moment away from the guards giggling over silly nothings. Stupid little things like that, that only friends could do, he did with her all the time. In fact, it was with her help that he'd been brave enough to make physical love to Yami, with her saying how gentle he was and revealing some secrets. He owed so much to her… Surely, surely this girl hadn't just said Beketaten…?

Masika recognised the look in his eyes, and simply nodded. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

Yugi turned away, feeling sick, and almost fell into Yami's arms, tears pricking at the corner of his eye. It wasn't possible… poor Beketaten… Yugi swallowed a lump in his throat, and felt his knees going weak. He leaned heavily against Yami, seeking a safe haven from the harsh cruelty of the world he had already left behind once. It was so unfair… Beketaten didn't deserve this…

"Malik," Yami stated, softly stroking his love's hair. "Look after Yugi for me. I'm going to stop Set."

As Malik went to take Yugi into his arms, the smaller boy shook his head furiously. "Don't," he whispered, his voice choked. "Don't do it… it won't help…"

"But… Yugi…" Yami said softly, surprised by the little one's reaction. "What do you…?"

Yugi shook his head. "I don't know. But please don't. It won't help." Yugi didn't know how he knew it wouldn't, or why… but something inside him knew it. Even if Yami did pull off the physically impossible and stopped Set now, Beketaten would die tonight anyhow. And if she was rescued now, it'd disturb what little Ma'at [1] existed at this moment in time.

Yami gave a gentle nod, and turned to glare at Set from afar. "I will get you," he hissed quietly. "It's not over."

Bakura saw the look in the Pharaoh's eyes, and nodded slowly to himself. He really meant to get revenge. Burning cold fire – that was all that could describe his eyes. Cold as the ice that was rumoured to exist in distant lands, harsh and unforgiving, but at the same time burning with a fury that so few men had ever known. Bakura, at that moment, mentally took the same oath as Yami. They were friends now… and they would be linked by a common cause once again.

Gently, Yami led Yugi – who was now sobbing loudly – away, closely followed by Malik and Bakura, both glaring sullenly over their shoulder at the scene behind them from tie to time. Lateef and Masika both lingered, unsure of whether to follow or not, until Lateef turned to his new friend. "Masu…" he uttered gently, a soft sheen in his eyes. Yugi's display of emotion had affected him too. He knew what having those close to you taken away was like. "Do you still want to talk to him?"

Masika paused for a moment, then nodded, her hair bouncing lightly about her shoulders. "It's not like Set'll notice I'm missing for a while yet," she added almost bitterly, biting her lip. "I don't particularly want to see this either."

Lateef gave a small nod and, taking Masika by the hand, led her through the crowd, following the thin path left in his friends' wake.

*~*~*~*~*~*

[1] Ma'at – as well as being the Goddess of justice and truth, Ma'at was also the key concept behind the Egyptian religion and way of life. Ma'at was the belief in the perfect universal balance – every action had an equal, and when every equal was found, the world would be perfect. Feel free to chat with me about this, I love discussing it!

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Heh... another one down. Hit the lil review button... pretty please? *turns chibimafied, pulls puppy-eyes and bats eyelashes at readers* Remember, I need you all for my grand target! You all count!