I could finally escape school's evil grasp and post the next chapter. I'm really sorry it took so long to update, but I hope this makes up for the long wait.

WARNING: This chapter contains yaoi lemon stuff, though not very explicit. If you're offended by this material I beg you not to read any further.

Chapter 9: Bittersweet Dream

Atemu sighed as he opened the door to the Game Shop. He had spent the afternoon at Kaiba's mansion, analyzing the contents of the folder that the CEO had given him the previous day. Unfortunately, the reunion had been somewhat gloomy; the gang could only speculate about Yuugi's reasons for disappearing and if there was something the former ruler truly hated, was speculation. He liked to rely on truthful and accurate facts, not incoherent thoughts or improbable guesses; therefore the little information the others could provide did nothing to clarify Yuugi's whereabouts.

The only funny moment had been when Mokuba glomped the ancient pharaoh, hugging him to death. Apparently, Seto and Jou had told the news to the younger Kaiba the night before, causing the raven-haired boy to skip school and wait anxiously for the dark's arrival. Just like everyone else, Mokuba hoped that Atemu's return would soon be followed by Yuugi's.

A chuckle escaped the pharaoh's lips as he remembered the condition in which Malik and Marik showed up at the meeting. Both Egyptians had arrived with black rings under their eyes, and a painful headache. As expected, Ishizu didn't take too well the return of his brother's dark side, and - according to the light blond - the woman had screamed at them until her voice grew hoarse. Fortunately, after too many explanations and pleads (from Malik), Ishizu had allowed the dark half to stay at her house, but not before threatening to kick both of them out at the first sign of evilness.

"HE isn't allowed within 300 feet of Odion and YOU, brother, are grounded for the next four months! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?" Malik had mimicked Ishizu in a high-pitched singsong voice while Marik lay sprawled over the coffee table. "Oh! And don't forget to give my greetings to the Pharaoh."

Shaking his head, as to get rid of those thoughts, Atemu sat down on the couch and stared at the yellow folder in his hands. He opened it for the umpteenth time that day; not to read the contents, which he already knew by heart; but to look at the photograph paper-clipped on the inside. It was a picture of Yuugi in his school uniform, with one hand inside his pocket and the other bent over his shoulder, holding his backpack. The pharaoh couldn't help but notice that the shorter duellist's lips were curved up in a shy smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. According to the date printed on the back, that photograph had been taken six months after his trip to Egypt… Only six months, and Yuugi's joyful personality had almost vanished. The dark duellist didn't even want to think about what a year of loneliness could have done to his precious light.

I'm sure there's something you forgot, little one. Something that gives me a clue to where you are. But what is it and where should I start…?'

"Are you all right? You seem troubled."

The former spirit looked up to find Mr. Mutou standing in the doorway with a broom in his hands.

"I'm fine, just a little tired." Atemu said. Closing the folder, he got up from the couch and headed towards the staircase.

"Yami, I know something's bothering you. What is it?"

Atemu sighed, turning around to look at the old man. He was very grateful with Mr. Mutou, not only for raising Yuugi in such a wonderful way, and bringing both light and dark together when he gave the Millennium Puzzle to the amethyst-eyed boy; but also for treating him, a stranger, as another grandson. When the dark duellist had woken up that morning, he had found a huge breakfast waiting for him at the kitchen table. Mr. Mutou had made it clear that he wanted Atemu to eat healthily and wouldn't accept any objections. The owner of the Game Shop also took it upon himself to find some clothes for the other to wear, and even told Atemu that he could take any card in the Shop to form a new Duel Deck; a proposition that the former ruler declined politely.

Why not tell Mr. Mutou his intentions? Why not trust the old man with his deepest thoughts?

"I'm just wondering if I should go and see my light's room, right now. If I want to find him, I need to get familiar with what his emotions were like before he left. The mind-link between us isn't working, but maybe if I get to know Yuugi…the Yuugi that ran away, it will be restored and I'll be able to contact him."

Mr. Mutou stared at his grandson's dark with a thought full look on his aged features.

"You're trying to catch up on Yuugi's emotions? Is that even possible?"

"Well, it was. For example, when aibou was taken by the Seal of Orichalcos, I could not hear him, but I could feel some of his emotions floating through the mind-link. My light's room always portrayed his feelings; that's why I think I…"

Feelings portrayed? … Suddenly, an idea seemed to pop in the elder's mind, making him drop his broom and interrupt the explanations of the dark duellist.

"It may be a long shot, but it's worth a try. Go check Yuugi's room and I'll be with you in a moment."

With that Mr. Mutou headed for the living room to look for something, leaving a stunned pharaoh behind. Shrugging, Atemu climbed the steps to the top floor, and then turned right, heading for the oak door at the end of the hall. Placing one hand on the wooden surface, the pharaoh turned the knob. The vision that greeted his eyes was not very different from the one he had contemplated three years ago, though there were some slight differences. According to Mr. Mutou, everything remained as Yuugi had last left it, meaning that it had been the little light the one who had ripped the Duel Monsters posters off the walls, and painted them a navy blue colour.

Walking over to the closet, Atemu opened the mahogany doors, only to discover that most of his light's clothes were gone. Only a pair of green sweat pants, three T-shirts, and a brown trench coat, which Yuugi had always detested, remained in the hangers of the almost empty wardrobe. Kneeling down on the floor, Atemu opened each drawer and to his surprise, found that everything: board games, socks, towels, pictures and plushies, even the Duel Disk, was still there.

Yuugi had left everything as if he truly had gone for a temporary trip… as if he did plan to come back. But he never did.

Atemu sat down on the bed…a bed that suddenly seemed too big and too empty for that room. The dark duellist ran his hands over the navy blue comforter, letting his hand glide over the soft material. The familiar touch brought pleasant memories to his mind; like those in which Yuugi would curl under the covers every morning, whining that he didn't want to go to school at such unholy hour; or the times in which both of them laid tangled up in the sheets, basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking. Yuugi would rest his head on the dark duellist's chest so the sound of the other's heartbeat lulled him into sleep while Atemu caressed his back slowly, bringing the smaller frame closer to his own body.

A golden flicker caught the corner of his eye. The faint glow seemed to come from an object placed on one of the shelves above Yuugi's desk. Curious, Atemu got up and walked over, reaching up to grab the shiny thing. The duellist's hand came in contact with a small rectangular package. The golden paper in which it was wrapped glittered in the fading sunlight, as if inviting the pharaoh to discover the secrets hidden inside. Carefully, so as not to tear the paper, Atemu unwrapped the object; eyes widening as he discovered a stack of cards.

But not any kind of cards... It was his and Yuugi's old Duel Deck.

'How could Yuugi forget them? Did aibou try to bury his past to forget everything…to forget me?' The dark looked at the card on top, Kuriboh, as if the fluffy brown ball held the answers to his questions, but unfortunately, the Duel Monster could do nothing more than stare at his master with huge sorrowful eyes. Atemu sighed inwardly as his fingers flipped through every card in the deck: Dark Magician Girl, Mirror Force, Celtic Guardian, Gazelle, Polymerization, Summoned Skull, Swords of Revealing Light, Silent Magician, Curse of Dragon, Magic Formula, Catapult Turtle, Monster Reborn, Magical Hats, the three God Cards… As the former ruler reached the end of the deck, his eyes narrowed significantly.

There was something different.

Once again, Atemu flipped through the cards a second, a third, and even a fourth time… but to no avail. What was the improper factor? He just couldn't get it. Damn! Growling in frustration, the dark duellist was about to lay out all the cards over the bed when Sugoroku walked through the door, with his hands behind his back and sat down beside the former ruler.

"Did you find something Yami?"

"No, nothing out of place. Just…just Yuugi's Duel Deck."

Aged eyes dimmed a little as Mr. Mutou looked at the familiar stack of cards in Atemu's hands.

"You know, I always wondered where it was. When Yuugi gave up on Duelling Monsters, many museums contacted us asking for his Egyptian God Cards. The phone wouldn't stop ringing; many people wanted to challenge and invite him to new tournaments, but Yuugi refused them all. He even stopped carrying his deck. First I thought Yuugi feared someone would take it away from him but then, when he turned down Jou and me in a friendly duel, I knew that my grandson had really meant it when he said he wouldn't play Duel Monsters ever again."

"But why did he take such a rash decision?"

"I asked the same question and Yuugi told me he did it because he wanted to bear his last duel in mind forever. After duelling the other half of his soul he found no threat in other rivals." Sugoroku chuckled. "I remember Kaiba threw a tantrum when he heard that. He even came home to convince Yuugi otherwise, but his words were useless. Yuugi had already made up his mind."

A grim expression shadowing Atemu's features features.

"If I knew this was going to happen, I would have never left in the first place."

"You had no choice, Yami. Right now, you need to focus on what you'll do from now on. Why did my grandson run away? Why did he leave everything behind? These questions can only be answered by Yuugi himself, but first we need to find him."

The former pharaoh nodded thoughtfully, not noticing the smile that had made its way to the old man face.

"Take a look at this. I'm sure you will be impressed." Mr, Mutou said, handing over what seemed to be an oddly shaped notebook.

"What's…?"

"This is Yuugi's old sketchpad. After you left, drawing became a way to release his emotions. I knew that my family had an artistic vein somewhere, but I never imagined that my grandson would inherit it. Yuugi's an artist by heart…I mean, just look at his drawings…they're awesome and…"

Atemu inwardly smirked at the pride underlining the elder words. In any other case, he would have thought that was the speech of a typical grandfather showing off his grandson abilities, but the former spirit knew better. It was an attempt to remember… an attempt to rescue what was left of a loved one.

With infinite care, Atemu opened the sketchpad and his mouth flew open in a silent gasp. The first page showed a picture of Yuugi's grandfather sweeping the sidewalk in front of the Game Shop. The old man wore a smile on his face and seemed to be humming while he did his chores, clad in his typical jumper and a bandana. Was really his angel the author of so awesome sketch?

The next picture seemed to be Yuugi's self portrait. The short teen, clad in jeans and a sweatshirt, stood on the edge of a pond. He was half-kneeling on a patch of grass, with one hand reaching down to touch his reflection in the water. Well…not exactly. The face reflected in the crystalline surface was very similar to Yuugi's, yet there were some important differences like the angular eyes and the extra bolt-shaped locks in the wild mane. Atemu recognized himself in Yuugi's picture, and it looked like his own reflection was reaching up to touch his partner's hand, as well.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Sugoroku asked referring to his own portrait.

"Yes," Atemu answered, mesmerized by the reality of the 'pond' sketch. His light's features seemed to be shimmering under the sunlight. "Yuugi is beautiful."

Mr. Mutou smiled sadly at those words. He knew the pharaoh was already in his own world and it was time to leave him alone. Silently, the old headed towards the door. With one last glance at the figure sitting on his grandson's bed, Sugoroku exited the room but not before wishing the other good luck.

Atemu didn't notice when the older Mutou left. His mind was too absorbed in the sketchpad to care about anything else. There were no words to describe what he was feeling as he stared at every page, at every drawing, at every detail…it was like seeing life through Yuugi's eyes.

The following picture brought a smirk to the pharaoh's lips. Ryou and Malik, arms crossed over their chests, looked at him with mysterious smiles while the Millennium Ring and Rod hang around their necks. Behind them, Bakura and Marik were holding their light's shoulders possessively and throwing a nasty glare at each other. It was never mentioned, but Atemu knew that his fellow darks had a thing for their brighter halves. And it seemed that Yuugi also believed it. Atemu couldn't help but wonder if his light had shown the picture to Ryou or Malik. That surely would have led to a very interesting conversation.

The dark duellist's smirk changed into a smile as he turned to the next page. Otogi and Honda had their own piece of art too. The beaming brunette was doing the victory sign while his right arm held the raven-haired teen in a headlock. In the background, dozen of little dices seemed to be rolling down the page, framing the two friends.

Another drawing. This one was about Jou and Kaiba. The two men stood facing each other in a duelling arena, with one hand raised up towards the sky while the other carried the Duel Disk. Above them, a red-eyes black dragon linked its tail lovingly with his blue-eyes counterpart. Every detail, from the dragon's features to the slots on the Duel Disk, was drawn with the accuracy of a photograph.

Atemu flipped through the pages, admiring every bit of art drawn by the skilful hands of his light. How he didn't notice such talent lying dormant inside Yuugi's soul was beyond his grasp.

The last drawing made Atemu's breath catch in his throat. It was a sketch of him, in his pharaoh's clothes, crossing the door to the underworld. Behind the pencil drawn spirit, a sad Yuugi knelt on the ground; head bowed down, hands clutched tightly over his chest, and tears coursing down his cheeks. At the bottom of the page, instead of Yuugi's signature, were six verses written in the light's neat handwriting:

They took his life once,

burying the hopes of a whole nation in the sands,

… but I made him come back.

They took his life twice,

with him holding my heart in his hands...

…but he never turned back.

A drop fell down on the page blurring the word never. Atemu looked perplexed. Was he crying? Another drop fell, this time on the back of his hand. His body ached painfully and his breath seemed to constrict in his throat. Had Yuugi felt like this: so lonely, so desperate…so cold? The dark duellist read once again the small poem. They were just six lines, but they carried a great amount of pain and sadness among their words. Sadness that stabbed the pharaoh's heart with the force of a hot, sharp knife.

Taking a deep breath, Atemu closed his eyes, searching for the non existent mind-link. The ancient ruler concentrated on the emotions running through his veins, trying to locate on the other side of an imaginary bond, a reflection to what he was feeling.

'Aibou?'

'Aibou, answer me!'

'Yuugi?'

'AIBOU!'

Nothing…just silence.

It was as if Yuugi had never been there. Atemu concentrated harder but the emotions that had gotten grip of his being were fading away quickly, leaving him light-headed and drenched in a cold sweat. Frustrated, the dark duellist laid down on Yuugi's bed, one arm bent over his eyes and the other holding the sketchpad tightly to his chest. His attempt to contact his light through the shared feelings had been futile. There was no mind-link, no bond…no connection.

But he wasn't going to give up.

It's only a matter if time before we're together again, little one. Just a matter of …time.

The slight tiredness that had made itself present throughout the afternoon returned at full, making the ancient ruler fall into a deep slumber. Outside the window, the sun began to lower down on the horizon, casting the last rays of light over Domino City at the same time that the first stars appeared in the sky. Those stars had witnessed every tear Yuugi had shed, every frustration he went through, every sleepless night he had endured …

Twilight was just an hour away but its magic began to sweep right into the realm of dreams.

-----

Atemu woke up in the royal garden. It seemed that he had dozed off during one of his short breaks from ruling Egypt. By the position of the sun in the sky, the pharaoh could tell that the afternoon would soon be over, leaving way to the fresh night. The familiarity of the place brought chills to his skin: everything felt so real, from the soft grass beneath his body to the chirping crickets nearby. But that didn't disturbed Atemu too much. He had always had very vivid dreams.

Of course, he knew it was all a dream…right? The tingling sensation in the back of his mind and the heaviness of his limbs told him so. He was dreaming he was in Ancient Egypt…or had he dreamed of living in the future? Were all those memories of duels, ancient spirits, and a gorgeous amethyst-eyed boy just an illusion? Had he awakened from a very vivid slumber to find himself back in his palace? He certainly hoped not.

The more he thought about it, the more his confusion grew …maybe he should stop pondering about such matters and pay attention to the servant coming his way.

"Pharaoh," the man addressed, bowing his head respectfully, "Priest Seth requests your presence in the throne room."

Atemu nodded, his mind too fuzzy to form a decent reply. Standing up, the pharaoh crossed the royal garden and entered the palace. Surprisingly, the numbness that had took hold of his body started to fade away with each step he took. Reaching the main room, the ancient ruler greeted his high priest and headed towards the throne to listen to what Seth had to say.

Atemu froze in mid-step. There was already someone sitting on the throne.

And that someone was none other than Yuugi.

His Yuugi.

"Pharaoh, some merchants want an audition to discuss the prices of grain and cows. Should I arrange a meeting between them and the representative of the village before they talk to your highness?"

Ignoring Seth's question, Atemu approached the golden throne carefully, afraid that his light would suddenly turn into thin air. That was the boy of his dreams; the one his heart and soul craved for. Clad in his typical black jeans and matching sleeveless top, the teen looked like a fallen angel. Why was such a precious creature sleeping in his throne? Was his mind playing tricks on him?

Yuugi was curled up on himself; hands hugging the legs drawn up to his chest and head hidden between his arms. Kneeling beside the sleeping teen, Atemu touched a very cold hand. Worried, the pharaoh looked back at Seth, who was still waiting a reply. By the looks of it, the high priest couldn't see Yuugi, so the ruler could avoid any kind of explanations. Lifting the limp figure in his arms, Atemu held the boy close to his chest before turning around to look at the high priest.

"Do as you wish Seth. I'll leave everything in your capable hands. I'll retire to my chambers now."

"Thanks Pharaoh", the priest said, bowing his head as the ruler walked by in a rather quick and nervous pace.

Minutes later, Atemu entered his royal chamber, closing and enchanting the door so that nobody could access the room. Laying his sweet burden on the huge bed, the pharaoh covered his light with crimson silk sheets, trying to warm up the frozen body. It didn't matter if it was only a dream, he would always protect his aibou and look after his welfare.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, the pharaoh studies his light. Wine red eyes wandered the lithe form the sheets covered; watching the almost imperceptible raising and falling of Yuugi's chest and hearing the slow and steady breathing. The young ruler felt a little tug at his heartstrings as his stared at the slim frame. The angelic features were as beautiful as ever; but even in the embrace of warmth, that face held a shadow of sadness and despair.

Absently, Atemu raised a hand to stroke his light's cheek. The pharaoh's slender fingers traced lovingly every curve of the cherubic face, tapping lightly at the perfect nose, outlining the full pink lips, removing a rebel strand of blond hair away from the closed eyes, caressing the white skin on the neck just below the ear… The touch was soft and tempting, just as he remembered. Ignoring the nagging voices inside his head telling him that it was not sane to fall in love with a dream, Atemu leaned downed and placed a feathery kiss on his light's eyelids, on his temples, on his cheeks… After all, he had already fallen…and hard. This was his dream and he could and would do as he pleased.

Feeling Yuugi stir, Atemu drew back from his embrace in time to see creamy eyelids flutter open, revealing the wonderful purple irises hidden below. The pharaoh found himself falling, drowning, mesmerized by those beautiful amethyst jewels that looked at him with endless love and something close to wonder and desire. Neither of them spoke for a moment; both afraid to break the silence… afraid the other would vanish if something as banal as a blink was tried. And then, one of them couldn't take it any more. Two hands reached up for the pharaoh, cupping his face between white fingers at the same time that a pair of rosy lips parted to recognize the dark half.

"Yami?" Yuugi whispered.

Thousand, no…million butterflies awoke in the pharaoh's stomach, tickling his sides with their wings and flying in rhythm with the sweet melody that was Yuugi's voice. A melody, that Atemu hadn't heard in three long years. Placing his palms over those of his light, the ruler smiled lovingly; leaning down to rub their noses in a tender Eskimo kiss.

"Aibou"

A beautiful smile crept its way to Yuugi's face in contrast with the crystal tears that started to flow freely down his cheeks as the light half threw himself into the dark's chest. Instinctively, Atemu wrapped his arms around Yuugi's waist, hugging him tightly; trying to bring his angel as close as it was physically possible. The dark moved his arms up and down the smaller frame, trying to ease the heartbreaking sobs while murmuring sweet endearing into his teen's ear.

When was the last time he hugged Yuugi like this? It felt so right and natural to hold the smaller teen in his embrace. The perfection in which their bodies, minds and souls fitted together surprised the Egyptian ruler. He could feel Yuugi's life force shining right into his own; erasing the shadows and loneliness of his own heart. Oh Ra…he had missed that feeling for so long and now that he had it again, the pharaoh knew he wouldn't…he couldn't let Yuugi go. Atemu buried his head in the silk soft tresses of Yuugi's hair and placed a kiss on the wild mane, as to seal his secret promise.

Yuugi laid his head on the crook of the other's neck, enjoying the closeness and the warmth radiating from his dark. He purred slightly, closing his eyes as he felt nimble fingers entwined themselves in his black and crimson locks, caressing, soothing, stroking, teasing …oh how he longed to lay there forever, breathing into Yami's exotic scent and oblivious to the world around them. His grip around Yami's neck tightened. Why would he want to leave his perfect pharaoh and face a reality he had gotten tired of? There was no point; and besides, his heart was begging desperately to be healed, to be heard, to be understood, to be comforted and most of all, to be loved.

Unfortunately, realization dawned upon the pharaoh, interrupting the sweet and tender moment. Atemu drew back from the embrace and looked at his light questioningly.

"What are you doing here, little one?"

"I-I just came to visit you."

The ancient ruler knew there was no logic in that statement. He could tell there was something wrong, something concerning his aibou's whereabouts. But what was it? He couldn't discern illusion from reality …

"Visit me…?"

Yuugi nodded, staring at the pharaoh as the former ruler digested what he had said. The light half groaned inwardly. Clad in his pharaoh robes, Atemu was truly the embodiment of a God. His skin looked like copper and gold woven together in the finniest bronze silk. The linen white cloth - so different from the leather attire he used to wear in his spirit form - defined perfectly every curve and every muscle in the other's body, and yet seemed to give him an air of elegancy and delicacy. The purple cape pooled around his legs, half showing the glimpse of a tanned thigh. Golden arm bracelets circled his strong forearms, highlighting the bronze skin and matching the earrings that framed his dark's face.

As Yuugi's gaze moved over to Yami's chest, he smiled sadly. Hanging loosely around the pharaoh's neck, was the Millennium Puzzle. The shorter duellist reached forward to hold the golden item between his hands; a wave of nostalgia washing over him the moment his fingers came in contact with one of the cold metal angles. The puzzle seemed to recognize Yuugi's touch and it started to shine, as if welcoming his long lost owner. Yuugi took a deep breath, trying to hold back the tears. Lost in his own thoughts, he didn't notice Atemu's shifting until a pair of soft hands came to rest over his. The amethyst-eyed boy looked up into endless ruby pools.

"Your Millennium Puzzle…" Yuugi started.

"No aibou,", Atemu interrupted, rubbing his thumb over his partner's fingers. "Our Millennium Puzzle."

After a moment of hesitation, the shorter duellist nodded. "I think I never thanked it enough."

"For what, little one?"

"…For bringing you into my life."

Atemu would have smiled at his light's tender words if a feeling of uneasiness hadn't washed over him the very moment he heard those words. What was it?

Noticing the stressed and confused features on the other's handsome face, Yuugi stood up and lead his dark half to the balcony. Once there, he grabbed both of Atemu´s hands, placed them around his waist, and leaned back on the pharaoh's frame. Both lovers watched in awe the scenery before their eyes. The sun setting down on the horizon gave the land a heavenly golden glow, while the sweet afternoon breeze, carrying the smell of dust and spices, played with their blond bangs. Two huge pyramids could be seen in the distance, portraying the magnificence of the ancient nation, and witnessing the passing of time.

"So, this is where you live now? It's beautiful", Yuugi smiled; turning around to look into those crimson eyes he loved so much.

Atemu's heart skipped a beat. The fading rays of light highlighted the amethyst colour of Yuugi's eyes as well as the paleness of his skin, making the smaller teen look like a real angel…his angel. Once again anxiety crept its way to Atemu's mind. Why didn't Yuugi's appearance seem normal? What was the question that needed to be asked?

Damn his confused mind…

"Yami?" Yuugi asked worried, "What are you thinking about?"

Thinking? He wanted to tell…to ask Yuugi something important…but those were not the words his lips formed.

"About you, little one. About how gorgeous you look here in my arms, bathed in Ra's light. I must be the luckiest man in the entire world to be gifted with such a precious treasure."

Yuugi blushed brightly, which earned him a chuckle from his dark. The smaller duellist closed his eyes as Atemu tightened the hold around his waist and placed a feather kiss on his chin, and then over the tip of his nose. The sweet action was not new, but it sent delicious chills down his spine just like the first time. Feeling a finger trace his lower lip, Yuugi tilted his face upwards, opening his eyes to meet those of Atemu's; only to close them once again as the pharaoh leaned down to place a chaste, but loving peck on his lips.

"I love you, aibou. More than you'll ever know."

"I love you too, Yami." Yuugi replied, before moaning as the pharaoh nipped his earlobe playfully. The small sound seemed to entice the Egyptian even more, and suddenly the shorter duellist found himself pinned against the balcony railing with Atemu nuzzling his cheek as the dark's bronze arms slid down his waist to grab his hips.

"Yami, stop! Someone could see us!"

"And?" the ruler chuckled, "Do you have any problem with that? I certainly don't."

Whatever Yuugi had been about to say was soon forgotten as Atemu pressed their bodies together, biting down on the short duellist shoulder and making him yelp in slight pain. Pain that turned into pleasure when the ancient ruler worried the bite between his lips; licking the bruise teasingly. Tilting his head to the side, Yuugi found he could reach Yami's cheek with his own lips, and that was what he did.

The peck caused Atemu's attention to divert from the creamy shoulder and focus on his next target. Yuugi heard Yami growl slightly, as the pharaoh struggled with the clasp of his choker until he could remove the strap; letting it fall to the ground with an imperceptible thud. A wave of pleasure coursed Yuugi's when his dark sucked not so lightly on the skin of his neck, moving down his collarbone to kiss the juncture where shoulder and throat met. Feeling Yuugi's legs give out, Atemu scooped his light up and carried him inside.

Yuugi locked his arms behind Atemu's head, bringing his mouth near his dark's ear. He kissed the shell softly, enjoying the possessive grip that assaulted his hips.

"I need you.", the shorter duellist exhaled, his breath fanning the pulse on Yam's neck.

Such simple declaration made the pharaoh's blood boil with desire. Smiling softly, Atemu placed Yuugi on the bed, pausing only for a moment to drink in the beautiful sight of his beloved partner. Bending one knee to support his weight, the dark duellist pushed his light down onto the mattress; straddling the smaller frame by placing a leg on each side of Yuugi's slender thighs.

"My little light. So beautiful."

Slowly, Atemu leaned down until their faces were just inches apart. Overwhelmed by the intensity of his emotions Yuugi had closed his eyes in an attempt to restrain his frenzied senses. His nerves seemed about to explode as he slowly drowned in the sensual well of heat that was Yami. Feeling a shadow loom over him, the teen looked up to stare in half-lidded crimson pools that shone with undying devotion and love. The dark duellist ran his hands over the length of Yuugi's, clasping their palms together and intertwining their fingers in a firm but gentle grip.

"Aibou, did you know this has always been one of my most desired dreams?" the pharaoh whispered silkily against Yuugi's lips, barely brushing the soft flesh and making Yuugi whimper slightly. "To hold and make love to you here, in Ancient Egypt, where I had the power to satisfy your wildest wishes and give you everything you've ever wanted…" Atemu nuzzled Yuugi's nose; his breath caressing the shorter duellist's face. "To imagine that I had you here with me, ruling this country; filling that empty void that was my life." Yuugi's eyes widened as he felt a nimble tongue trace the outline of his mouth. The light duellist mewled unconsciously and arched his body upwards, trying to get as much of the other's touch as he could. Unfortunately, Yami's pressure over his hands prevented him from doing so.

"Yuugi…"

Atemu leaned back to look into bright amethyst eyes; his expression showing the sincerity and longing of what he was about to say.

"Would you be mine once again…" Atemu freed one of Yuugi's limbs to run his own hand down the expanse of his light's chest; his fingers shaping every muscle and enjoying the gentle shivers that coursed his light's body as he neared lower areas. "… but this time, forever?"

The power of such plead, the love shining in that crimson gaze, and the sensual tone in which Yami had murmured his name, made Yuugi's heart flutter wildly.. When was the last time he felt so alive? When was the last time he let himself bath in the sensation of being loved? He couldn't even remember…The hand that had been stroking his chest lay still against his side, waiting for an answer. Smiling sweetly, Yuugi reached up to cup Atemu's cheek and smooth his thumb over the tanned flesh. Ruby red eyes closed in silent pleasure as a delicate tremor ran down the caramel skin.

"I'm already yours Yami, and I'll always be." Yuugi answered, his own eyes darkening to an almost navy blue colour.

Atemu's gaze softened at the same time that he brought Yuugi's hands over the light duellist's head, so that now the cherubic face was framed between their arms. The pharaoh lowered his head down and closed his eyes, finally claiming his light's lips with his own. The mere touch sent sparks flying through both bodies, increasing the heat that had already enveloped their flushed skins. Wasting no time, the pharaoh ran his tongue over Yuugi's lower lip, asking for permission to explore the sweet treasures of his angel's mouth. As soon as it was granted, Atemu plunged into the welcoming wet cavern, tracing small patterns over the smooth cheeks and caressing the moist muscle inside; coaxing him into a battle for dominance that the ruler remarkably won.

Giving into his urges, the dark duellist rocked forward, feeling his light's body beneath his legs. The sudden movement caused Yuugi to break the kiss and throw his head back in a silent cry. The friction on his lower body was nearing unbearable proportions as the grinding continued, and all he could do was mewl in delight as his dark claimed his mouth once again in a very sensual and erotic kiss.

Yuugi was torn between joy and need. He wanted more, so much more, and Atemu wasn't helping: the pharaoh's tender suckle on his lower lip and the slow rocking motion over his hips were driving him mad; but apparently his dark was content enough playing with his mouth; not focusing on other parts that needed his immediate attention. It seemed the perfect time to move on to the next stage. Slowly, Yuugi freed his arms from Atemu's grip running them over the underside of the pharaoh's arms and over his sides. Meanwhile, Atemu had slipped his hands beneath Yuugi's body tracing small patterns on the duellist's back, always nearing, but never touching the light's most sensitive spots.

With a mischievous smile, Yuugi placed his hands on his dark's chest, pressing his palms into the strong tight muscles above him, caressing the already hardening nipples that could be felt through the linen cloth. Instantly a wave of pleasure ran down Atemu's spine who, startled by the sudden boldness of his light, gasped allowing Yuugi to deepen the kiss even more. The pharaoh moaned lowly as his light's tongue slid into his mouth, playing with his own in a challenging way. The playful tone in which their lips moved became hungrier as the pharaoh push the invading town out, forcing his light into submission.

Soon enough, air became an issue, causing the two lovers to slow down their passionate battle. Suctioning the last bit of wetness from their kiss, Atemu drew back from the embrace, his hands grabbing the hem of his top in an attempt to take off the linen cloth. A white slender hand stopped him from doing so. As the Egyptian looked down, he met Yuugi's amethyst eyes and the world seemed to stop around them.

"Let me…" Yuugi pleaded; his voice just a mere whisper.

The pharaoh nodded, getting off from Yuugi's body and sitting down on the bed; waiting for his light to initiate the next move.

"Close your eyes…"

Atemu complied as Yuugi knelt down on the blankets, so his face would be in level with that of his lover. Shyly, the young light knelt between the Egyptian's long legs and placed a tentative kiss on his forehead, making the ancient pharaoh sigh in joy. Next, he moved down to his eyelids and then to bridge of his nose, where Atemu scrunched up his face at the tickling sensation; making both of them giggle slightly. Continuing his journey downwards, the shorter duellist caressed his dark mouth with his fingers, before kissing and nipping the pulse on the pharaoh's throat. Yuugi's eyes widened in surprise as he felt strong hands press themselves into his hips; following teasingly the indents of his pants as if urging him to speed up his ministrations. Looking up, he found a smirk playing on Yami's lips, betraying the innocent look in the crimson eyes. Yuugi grinned.

Standing up a little so that he could look down at his dark, the light duellist brought their faces together; his own mind mesmerized by the slight curving of the supple pink flesh that dare to mock him. Instinctively, Atemu's eyelids fluttered close at the same time that Yuugi's did; and once again their hearts and minds locked into a loving kiss.

Yuugi slipped his tongue between Atemu's parted lips, caressing and tasting his dark's mouth. In contrast with the pharaoh's kisses, full of lust and wild desire, Yuugi's were tender and slow, yet sensual. Every single stroke and caress was accompanied with a promise of undeniable love and devotion. The pharaoh growled lowly in his throat, tightening his grip, as Yuugi tilted his head slightly so he could deepen the kiss beyond the boundaries of passion. The little light sucked lightly on his dark's tongue, while his slender hands tugged at the linen fabric releasing it from the golden belt. Pausing the slow kiss, Yuugi opened his eyes, asking permission for what he was about to do. Atemu gave his light a reassuring smile.

Yuugi took the Millennium Puzzle in his hands, raising the string over Atemu's head so he could take the item off and place it on the small table near the bed. Lost in his thoughts, the shorter duellist stared at the puzzle until two bronze hands guided his own pale palms to the hem of the pharaoh's top. Yuugi looked up into ruby eyes that plead him to remove the cloth that denied him to feel the feather touches of his light.

Never breaking eye contact, Yuugi slid the garment up his dark's chest, letting his fingers brush against the bronze skin in a delicate rush that made Atemu's breath catch in his throat. Rising up his arms, the pharaoh helped Yuugi get rid of his linen top, throwing it carelessly to the floor. The light half studied the revealed golden flesh before him; the lean and muscular chest, the half-erect nipples, the small pearls of sweat that adorned the bronze skin, the raising and fall of the toned stomach as Atemu tried to steady his breathing…it was truly a sight to contemplate. And that sight belonged to him…only to him

"Gorgeous," Yuugi breathed, before leaning down to catch one bronze nipple between his rosy lips, teasing it to hardness beneath light nips and warm wet caresses. Atemu couldn't help but moan at the sensations coming from his chest; so powerful that he had to release his bruising grip on Yuugi's waist and clutch the light's shoulders for balance, as the butterfly kisses continued an irregular trace down his exposed stomach. Finding their position somewhat uncomfortable, the shorter duellist pushed his dark down on the bed, allowing his fingers to linger on the flawless skin.

With a sigh, Atemu laid his head on the pillow, passing his tongue over his dry lips. His self control was slipping away quickly under the sweet treatments of the other half. The dark duellist couldn't help but moan loudly as Yuugi's tongue dipped down on his navel, licking and kissing the smooth skin, at the same time that his light's hands ran along the length of his legs nearing the center of his need.

'Just a little more…' Atemu thought, his breath hitching in his throat. 'Near, so near'.

And then… everything stopped.

The pharaoh opened his eyes bewildered. Why couldn't he feel Yuugi's touches anymore? Propping up on his elbows, he found said teen kneeling between his legs, half chuckling, half snickering. A blush crept its way to the dark's cheeks and, despite his tan skin, it was so noticeable that the little light burst into a fit of giggles. Growling slightly, the young pharaoh fixed his other half with a nasty glare.

"What's so funny?"

That simple statement seemed to trigger Yuugi's laughter. Even though his blush had spread all over his face, Atemu couldn't help but smile at the melodious and cheerful notes in the younger teen's voice. But still, Yuugi hadn't answered his question.

"Nice skirt," Yuugi smirked evilly, tugging at the linen cloth. "But I'm afraid it's not fashionable." The pharaoh's eyes narrowed considerably as his mouth fell open in a silent gasp. Yuugi was mocking him! And everyone in their right mind should know that no one mocks the pharaoh without punishment. Oh…his light was going to experience what the word 'teasing' truly meant.

Yuugi cried out when he felt a knee caressing the inner side of his thighs while a slender hand slipped down the rim of his pants to stroke his backside. Satisfied with the distraction, Atemu flipped his partner over so that now, he was the one on top.

"No fair-mmph" The light half's protest was cut short when Atemu captured his lips in a soul searing kiss. Yuugi moaned loudly in his throat; a sound that was happily swallowed by the mouth of his lover. Atemu loved every little sound and cry that escaped from those full lips, but what incited the pharaoh the most was the thought that he was the reason of such pleasure. Breaking the kiss, the dark half leaned back a little. The light duellist tilted his head up, parting his lips slightly in a sensual invitation. Smirking, the dark half reached down and brushed his light's lips with his own, only to lean back again. Brushing and caressing, never probing, never deepening… After the same action was repeated three more times, Yuugi groaned angrily. His other half was doing it on purpose!

"Hey!"

"Shh, little one. Be patient."

With a mischievous grin, Atemu grabbed his light's hand in his own, bringing the delicate palm in level with his mouth. Not taking his eyes off from Yuugi's, the pharaoh began to kiss his way along the slender limb. The amethyst-eyed boy watched in awe, as his dark nipped and lapped every finger teasingly; sensuality pouring from every move and promises of what was to come hanging in the air. The light half couldn't believe how such simple gestures were able to send his nerves on fire.

Yuugi closed his eyes and moaned lowly in his throat when Atemu's lips came in contact with the pulse on his wrist. Wanting to feel those lips on his own, the shorter duellist tried to pry his arm away from his dark; but his attempts were futile as the pharaoh held the hand with a firm grip and continued his torturous journey towards Yuugi's shoulder.

Crimson eyes shone with mirth at the angel's antics. He knew perfectly well how his lighter half felt; the desire running through the younger duellist veins, the intense longing that gripped his heart, the heat that wouldn't stop increasing…He knew them very well, because they were the same sensations that ran through his own body. But he wanted to make this moment last forever…to get to know the marble skin once again and worship every bit of the body he was allowed to touch. It had been so long since they last were together, and now it was time to celebrate.

Atemu left a trail of wet kisses along his light's collarbone while one of his hands snuck down the hem of Yuugi's shirt; letting his palms dance across the sensitive skin in a teasing and sensual motion. Leaning down, the pharaoh rested his cheek against Yuugi's temple, so his breath would fan the pale earlobe at the same time that his hands began to wander over Yuugi's still covered flesh. The light half giggled as he felt the nimble fingers imitate two legs walking up his stomach; sometimes tripping purposely on his navel, others gliding over the soft curve of his chest, and then running down to the rim of his pants to begin their exploration once again.

The shorter duellist was enjoying himself far too much, until one of those fingers brushed his nipple, making him yelp in surprise. Instinctively, he arched his back upwards into Atemu's welcoming heat, which provided the pharaoh the perfect opportunity to get rid of the offensive black cloth. The pharaoh winked at Yuugi, before leaning down to kiss a pink nipple; licking slightly on the pert nub, drawing it into his mouth, and then blowing gently on the moist skin. Yuugi moaned lightly, his hands gripping the crimson sheets below his body.

"Yami…please…"

What little control Atemu had maintained, slipped away completely. His hands ran down between their bodies to work on the zipper of Yuugi's now too tight leather pants. Their need rose to a fevered pitch as Atemu yanked the slacks down along with Yuugi's underwear. Pausing for a moment, the pharaoh drank in the beauty of the body lying in his arms. Unlike his own, Yuugi's body was curvier and delicate while his skin was as white and pure as moonlight. His slim body glistened with the heat of his arousal and the need was evident in every single move Yuugi made to restrain his desire. The teen's face was flushed; his lips slightly parted as some blond bangs hang flirtatiously in front of the gorgeous amethyst eyes.

The dark half fell in love with his light all over again; and it was the intensity of that love which made Atemu realize he couldn't wait anymore. The Egyptian stood up to get rid of his linen kilt and golden belt, letting them fall to the ground and join the pile of discarded clothes.

Atemu crawled over Yuugi's body, looming over the small frame with a predatory smile. The pharaoh let his arms wandered the soft skin, lining the curvy silken hips, the delicate trim waist, the inviting and lean chest…His fingers cupped Yuugi's cheeks in his palms, running his thumb over the light duellist's kiss-swollen lips. At the same time, Yuugi locked his hands behind Atemu's head, playing with the soft ebony locks at the base of the neck. Both halves knew what was going to happen; the anticipation of their joining spreading nervous sparks throughout their hearts and souls.

Agonizingly slow, the young ruler lowered his body down on Yuugi's. Inch by inch, bronze skin blanketed silken white, until there was no way one could tell where one half ended and the other started. The mind-blowing contact made both duellists moan loudly, arching his hips into the touch. Clutching the other in a sudden rapture, Atemu grinded his hips into those of the body beneath him, making sure the shorter teen experienced every second of their bonding.

Yuugi pulled his dark's head down to claimhim inan open mouthed kiss as his hands ran down Atemu's spine, eliciting a loud moan from the pharaoh. Eager to hear the erotic sound once again, the smaller duellist glided his fingers over the soft curves of his dark's rear and then flattened his palms on the back of the copper thighs pressed against his own hips. Slowly, Yuugi raised his knees so that now, the pharaoh's frame was encased between his own legs. Both halves moan loudly, breaking the kiss in a desperate attempt to catch their breaths and held in their mounting pleasure; pleasure that licked their skin in endless waves and threatened to consume them both if some of the tension was not released.

Atemu bent down to press their foreheads together, enjoying the violent shivers that coursed his light's frame.

"You're trembling…" Atemu breathed.

"So are you…"

"It's because I need you, little one. I've need you for so long."

"Let's not make this wait last any longer."

The dark duellist gazed into endless amethyst pools; irises that mirrored the whirl of emotions in his own eyes: lust, desire, passion, love, longing…

"I love you, aibou."

Yuugi felt his eyes water. Biting his lower lip to fight back the upcoming sobs, the amethyst-eyed duellist took one of the hands cupping his cheek in his own and raised the bronze limb to his lips, where he kissed the knuckles in a delicate and loving manner. Finally, the shorter teen flattened the tanned palm over his own heart.

"Do you feel this Yami?" Yuugi whispered. Atemu could only nod, raising an eyebrow in silent question. "It beats for you, and only for you. You mean everything to me and I want you to know that…that no matter where you may be now, you're always on my mind." A lonely tear fell from his eyes, rolling slowly down his cheek. "I love you, Yami…with all my being. Please, don't forget me."

"My sweet light," the pharaoh purred, leaning down to catch the limpid drop with his lips. "I could never forget a part of my very own soul. I would give up the entire world for a single smile of yours. I would give up my own life just to see you happy. I won't let anyone take you away from me. I love you, and I'll always be with you as long as you want me to stay."

Yuugi smiled sadly. Oh, how he longed for that words to be truthful. But he knew better…

Noticing a spark of doubt in Yuugi's eyes, Atemu raised his hands to his own head and grabbed the golden crown between his forefingers and thumbs. With a swift movement, the dark took the symbol of his power off his forehead and placed it gingerly on Yuugi's, entangling it in the soft tresses of his light's hair to make sure it wouldn't fall. Once the crown was in place, the dark let his fingers trail down, caressing his light's shoulder.

"I may be the pharaoh of Egypt, may have locked away the darkness, and may be the son of Ra himself…but I couldn't care less. You're my equal aibou. You complete me with your shining light, and you make me feel alive. My love for you knows no boundaries…"

A bronze arm reached up to touch the ruby stone incrusted in the center of the golden crown.

"I want everybody to know you are the one who holds the pharaoh's heart." Yami stated huskily. "You are mine Yuugi, and you'll always be." Leaning down to embrace the smaller body in his arms, the pharaoh placed a lingering kiss on Yuugi's cheek…the last warning before both of them gave into their carnal desires.

Just as the sun disappeared into the horizon and the last ray of light melded with the navy blue sky giving way to the twilight, Yuugi and Yami became one in every possible way: body, mind and soul. Bodies moved in unison while hands gripped, held, caressed and lips kissed, shedding dozen tears, thousand whispers, million words of love…

Their spirits soared high, riding endless waves of pleasure as moans and cries of pure bliss celebrated the fateful union.

Exhausted, both halves laid down on the bed, trying to calm their breaths and the furious beating of their hearts. Atemu pulled Yuugi's frame closed to him, placing his arms around the slim waist and intertwining his legs with those of his light. The smaller duellist looked up; his eyes shining with tears. Yuugi laid his head in the pharaoh's chest, kissing the bronze skin before letting the now steady heartbeat lull him to sleep.

Atemu smiled, looking down at the sweet angel lying in his arms. Oh Ra…his Yuugi was so beautiful, so incredible…so perfect. Caressing the wild mane, Atemu placed a tender kiss on Yuugi's ebony locks, withdrawing a sigh from the smaller duellist lips.

"Sweet dreams, aibou. We'll never be apart."

Just as those words slipped from his mouth, a memory came back to him. Atemu gasped in horror. He knew now what that feeling of wrongness, which had made itself present at the beginning of their encounter, meant.

Yuugi… the real Yuugi was gone.

Gone.

Kneeling on the bed, the pharaoh grabbed his light's shoulder, shaking him slightly.

"Aibou, wake up."

No response. Atemu shook the other's body with more force.

"WAKE UP! Yuugi!

Still no response. Yuugi laid limply in his arms, sound asleep.

"Aibou. Wake up! Tell me where you are!

Nothing, only Yuugi's body fading away.

AIBOU!

-----

Atemu's body shot up on the bed, the dream still fresh in his mind. The former pharaoh lay in Yuugi's old bed gasping for air, trying to clarify his jumbled thoughts. That dream…it had been so real. The dark duellist looked sadly at his bare hands…hands that in his fantasy had been holding Yuugi in a loving embrace. But it was just that, a mere illusion. Wishful thinking.

'I let my emotions control my dreams'

Atemu stood up from the bed and walked over to the window, pressing his forehead on the smooth and cold surface. Crimson eyes watched intently as the last ray of light disappeared over the horizon; but his mind was far away to notice the natural display of shades about to take place.

Frustrated, the former ruler turned around and exited his light's bedroom, heading for his own room.

'Aibou, where are you?'

The dark duellist never noticed Yuugi's sketchpad lying on the bed, opened in the last page. He didn't know that on that day the sunset twilight painted the sky with only two colours: red and purple.

Thousands of miles away, the same shades appeared drawn in the morning sky above a small city, where Noah Vailo woke up with a start.

Oops...I think it was a little too long.

I hoped you like this chapter. It was my first try at a lemon, so any kind of suggestions will really be appreciated. Let me know what you think.

(Flames will be used to make hot chocolate)


Review Responses

Kari-Sama: Thanks for reviewing!

Padfoot13: Thanks! I hope you liked this chapter.

black blade: Fortunately, we'll know what's going on with Yuugi in the next chapter. Thaks for reviewing!

Genki Birdie: Thanks for pointing that out. It helps me know in which areas I have to improve my writing. I'll be more careful with verbs and tenses in the following chapters, and maybe I'll revise the older ones too (grins sheepishly).Thanks for taking your time and reviewing the story, I really appreciate it.

Yami Adritha: I hope you like this chapter too. Thanks for reviewing.

Hikari's-dark-side-08: (glomps back) Thank you for reviewing. I promise Yami will find Yuugi soon and then...we'll drown in fluff!

Atemu Yugi Lover34: Hey! Sorry for the long wait.

the one who can't remember: (wink) Thanks for reviewing!

citrus luver: The countdown to Yuugi and Yami's encounter has started. Like Yami said, it's only a matter of time. Thanks for reviewing!

Feebeefi: We'll know what happened to Yuugi in the next chapter. Thanks for you review!

harleydbabe222: Thanks for reviewing!