Author's note: Edited to replace the scene breaks (for this chapter only, so far). Please note that the "repeated" scene is not a mistake. One version shows the action from Yugi's point-of-view; the second shows the same action from Atem's. Only the dialogue is the same. The internal monologues, which reveal the motivations of the characters and the way they interpret the other's actions and words, are very different. If you are only reading one version, you are missing an important part of the story.

Chapter 11

Alone in the hallway, Atem sank slowly to the floor, his back pressed against the closed door to Yugi's bedroom. He was such an idiot. Why had he kissed Yugi? His master wasn't interested in bedding him or he would have taken what Atem had so freely offered. And Yugi certainly didn't need Atem forcing unwanted attentions upon him, especially since Yugi was still dealing with the aftermath of breaking things off with Seto Kaiba. Perhaps Yugi had hoped Atem could make him forget what had happened with Seto, only to find the genie's touch too repulsive to continue.

Atem thumped the back of his head against the door, in the vague hope of knocking some sense into his brain. Idiot. Why would someone like Yugi want a thing like him? Atem wasn't even human anymore. No wonder Yugi found his touch abhorrent. No wonder he had pushed Atem away.

Burying his face in his hands, Atem slumped forward, curling in on himself as he prepared to spend the night sitting on the hard wood floor outside Yugi's door. That was where he belonged. Yugi's kindness had made Atem forget his proper place, but he wouldn't fall for that trap again.

From now on, he would remember he was nothing but a thing that granted wishes, a tool for his master's use. And no one could love a tool.

-o-

Yugi spent a restless night. He awoke in a foul mood which the discovery that he had forgotten to buy coffee on his last trip to the store did nothing to improve. Neither did a certain genie's sulking. Atem had apparently spent most of the night on the floor outside Yugi's bedroom door. Yugi was sure the genie could have magicked up a bed or hammock or something, but instead he had chosen to be a martyr to his own stubbornness. They had barely spoken two words to one another all morning, and Atem had not offered to fix Yugi's java deficit, leaving Yugi caffeine-deprived and cranky. A sort of armed truce existed between them, with wariness lurking in both their eyes.

Edgy, under-caffeinated, and tense, Yugi fumbled the stack of papers he was transferring from his briefcase to his desk in the guestroom-cum-study. He lost his grip, and papers scattered everywhere like a flurry of giant snowflakes.

"That is it!" Yugi ripped off his glasses and flung them onto his cluttered desk. Too wound up to bother with his contacts, he'd worn his wire-rimmed reading glasses as he sorted through the papers. He massaged his temples and growled at the mess he'd made. He wasn't getting any work done, only making more for himself. He shot a glance at the genie lounging on the window seat like a great, surly cat.

"Come on." Yugi grabbed his cane and levered himself to his feet. "We're getting some fresh air."

The genie gave him a disinterested look that somehow failed to hide the hurt in his eyes as he bowed. "As you command, my master."

Yugi gritted his teeth. He was not going to lose his temper again. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly as he counted to ten. He had to do something about the tension between them before one of them exploded. Maybe Atem would lose the attitude if Yugi apologized. "I'm sorry I made you sleep in the hall last night."

"You need not trouble yourself with such trivial matters." Atem's disdain was magnificent, but didn't fool Yugi for a minute. "I am, after all, but a slave."

Yugi's guilt made him defensive. "You could have magicked up a bed!"

"I feared to displease my master further." Another, deeper bow accompanied the dig. Those bows were like salt rubbed on the raw surface of Yugi's guilt. "I am here to serve you, but - as you have made crystal clear - I have failed at every turn."

Atem was better at the guilt thing than Joey's mom and Téa, both rolled into one. Yugi slumped against the desk. "You haven't failed. I know you tried to grant my wish to heal Professor Hawkins. I'm sorry I yelled at you for that. And… I know you had to follow your rules last night. It wasn't fair of me to get mad at you for something you have no control over."

Atem merely looked at him.

Yugi ducked his head. "And… I'm sorry for running out on you. It was… nice. The dinner, I mean. I just… Well, you know."

"No, master, I do not. I am a genie, not a mind reader."

Yugi cringed. How could he explain that the reason he had run was that he had felt himself falling for Atem and had realized it could only lead to heartbreak? He couldn't, not without making a fool of himself. Stalling, he said, "I thought you knew all about me."

"When you solved the puzzle, in the moment before the shadows released me, I saw a brief flash of your life, in broad strokes. I knew you were orphaned as a teenager. I knew you were a teacher of archaeology at the university. I understood an accident of birth had left you feeling crippled."

Yugi gave him a subdued variation on the Look.

"I didn't call you crippled, master. I said that is the way you sometimes feel."

Honesty forced Yugi to concede the point. He gave an uncomfortable nod and a shrug. "Yeah, okay. Sometimes."

Atem accepted the capitulation graciously. "The point I wish to make is that I do not know the minutia of your life unless you choose to share it with me. I've never before needed to know more than the broad strokes of a master's life, and I've never wanted to know more. It never mattered to me what a master felt. Until you."

As if the words were on a direct circuit to his blush, Yugi felt his face heat up. "I'm stronger than I look, you know. You don't have to worry so much about… coddling me or whatever. Just because I sometimes - sometimes - feel a little… less than optimal. I'm not weak!"

"Yugi-" Atem's eyes widened in what looked like shock. "I've never known anyone as strong as you! You have an inner strength and a kindness of spirit that astonish me. I would never call you weak."

"…Oh." Yugi stared at him. "I'm… sorry. I guess I… misunderstood."

"No, don't apologize. The fault is mine, not yours."

The stiffness was back in Atem's voice. Yugi stalked over to the window seat. Since the genie was seated, for once Yugi was the proper height to get right in his face. "Don't give me that 'the master is always right' tone. You know good and damn well that I'm wrong. You're just saying otherwise because you think you have to - and I hate it when you do that!"

"Forgive me for displeasing you. Again."

"Argh!" Yugi thought about yelling some more, decided he was far too under-caffeinated to deal with this right now, and slumped to the floor. He cursed the dearth of coffee plaguing his house and clutched at his hair.

After a moment, the tense silence was broken by the sound of Atem sliding from the window seat to settle on the floor next to Yugi. A heavenly aroma wafted over to Yugi's nose. Tilting his head just enough so he could peer out from beneath his bangs, Yugi spotted the steaming mug Atem was offering him.

Yugi took the mug and sipped. Nectar of the gods rolled over his tongue - hot and sweet, just the way he liked it. As a peace-offering, it was better than any olive branch. Some of the tension melted out of his shoulders. He took another long swallow, nearly draining the mug. Blessed coffee. He thought about what had just happened and gave a little chuckle.

"What?" Atem demanded, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing. I -" Yugi shook his head. He had gotten angry at Atem for acting like a genie, which made as much sense as blaming the sun for being warm. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you. You were just… being a genie, doing what genies do."

To Yugi's surprise, Atem's face relaxed, losing its mask-like stiffness. "Maybe. A little. But, this time, it probably really is my fault."

Yugi rolled his eyes. One cup of coffee was not going to get him through this conversation. He swallowed the last drop in the mug - and watched it refill itself. Oh, yeah. He'd forgotten Atem's penchant for bottomless beverages. Maybe he should wish for an endless supply of fresh hot coffee? Visions of the Sorcerer's Apprentice flashed through his head, and of himself, bailing frantically as waves of coffee tried to drown him. Okay, not such a good idea. He forced himself to concentrate on the conversation. "Um. What were you saying?"

Atem offered him a faint, oddly shy smile. "I think my communication skills are a bit rusty. It's been thousands of years since I've had to do more than grant wishes and return to the shadows. Honestly, I have forgotten much about human emotions and interacting with another person beyond the master-genie relationship."

"Yeah, okay. I can understand that, I guess." Yugi had already gotten the feeling that Atem was unused to anyone treating him like a person rather than a living, wish-vending machine. "I've kind of jumped to a few conclusions when I shouldn't have, too. Let's stop doing that, okay?"

"Okay."

Yugi sighed and took a long drink of his coffee. His sighed again, this time with a kind of reverent satisfaction. "This is the best coffee I've ever tasted."

"I'm pleased you like it."

A quick peek at Atem showed Yugi a warmth in those mahogany eyes that seemed to indicated more than simply a genie's pleasure at fulfilling his duty. Heat suffused Yugi's cheeks as his imagination supplied another reason for that look. Knowing he was only fooling himself, Yugi let himself daydream for just a moment about what it would be like if Atem loved him.

He had never cared for casual sex. Call him girly - and Joey frequently did, which earned him headlocks from Tristan and the Glare of Death from Téa - but Yugi liked the feeling of emotional commitment, wanted "happily ever after." And he knew that wasn't possible with Atem, even if the genie somehow returned Yugi's feelings. When he had granted Yugi's final wish, Atem would have to return to that awful shadow place. With a last, wistful look, Yugi pushed his fantasies aside.

Well, almost. First, there was something he needed to know. "Can I ask you something?"

Wariness returned to Atem's expression, but he nodded.

"Well, I've been wondering… You never really went into any details about the wish guidelines, other than they have to be selfish. So…" Yugi fortified his resolve with a swig of java and slanted a look at Atem through the fall of his bangs. "Could I wish for someone to fall in love with me?"

"You could." Atem's voice was flat, his expression blank. "But, if you do, I suggest you phrase your wish very carefully. For example, you could say 'I wish for John Doe to fall in love with me for a specified amount of time.' Of course, you would use the object of your affection's name and whatever time-frame you choose."

"And John Doe would love me forever?"

"If you phrased it so. He would have no choice - and nothing you said or did would change it."

"Well, that's… creepy."

Atem relaxed fractionally. "Does that mean you do not intend to wish for Se- someone to fall in love with you?"

"No!" Yugi punched him in the arm. "I just wondered if it was possible. I don't want anyone to love me because they have to. I'd rather be loved for who I am."

"You are very wise."

Yugi flushed. Compliments made him squirm, so - time to change the subject. Fortunately, a new topic presented itself in the form of a low rumble from the general vicinity of Yugi's stomach. He had been so tense that he had skipped breakfast, and it was now coming up on noon. He glanced at Atem. "Are you hungry?"

"I don't get-" Atem paused as another rumble interrupted him. This one came not from Yugi's stomach, but his own. They both stared at his abdomen in surprise.

"Your stomach begs to disagree with you."

Atem offered Yugi a sheepish grin. "Apparently so."

"In that case, you can help me fix us some lunch." Yugi climbed to his feet, then offered Atem a hand up. "Come on."

"I could just conjure-"

"Nope!" Yugi smiled to take the sting out of the refusal. "We'll do it the old-fashioned way. I don't want to get too used to stuff just appearing whenever I want it. Besides, I'll bet you've never cooked before. Who knows? You might enjoy it."

Atem studied Yugi for a moment, a thoughtful look flashing across his handsome features. "You may be right."

Yugi had no idea what that look meant, but he wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to spend some time with Atem, doing something that a normal couple might do. It occurred to Yugi that he'd never done anything like that with Seto, but he shoved the thought away. Time for self-recriminations later. For now, he wanted to enjoy however much time he might have with Atem before the magic pulled him away. Taking Atem's hand, Yugi led the way downstairs to the kitchen.

-o-

Despite Yugi's earlier assertion, Atem did use his magic to provide most of the components for the meal they cooked - Yugi really needed to go to the grocery store - and, when the food was ready, Atem provided them with a place to eat it.

Yugi stood in the doorway to what used to be his dining room, his jaw intersecting with his kneecaps. Atem stuck a finger under Yugi's chin, closed his mouth for him with a gentle push, and nudged Yugi into the tree-filled garden that had replaced his dining table and chairs.

"You did say you wanted to get some fresh air." Atem winked at him, then strode into the garden with a salad bowl in one hand and a basket of hot rolls in the other.

Yugi shook his head, rolled his eyes, and told himself to go with the flow. It was a nice garden, after all, and would make a perfect setting for a picnic lunch. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with air that was, indeed, fresh. A small smile beginning to tug at his lips, he joined Atem, who was placing his burden down on a blanket conjured for the occasion.

Yugi eased down beside him. "This is nice."

"It was one of my favorite places when I was a boy." Atem sent him a shy, sideways glance. "It's one of the gardens at my father's palace in Men-nefer. Or, rather, what I remember of it."

Looking around again, Yugi took in the garden with fresh eyes. In spite of his childhood-and-Ishtar inspired antipathy toward all things Egyptian - a certain genie excepted - this was an archaeologist's dream come true. To see an ancient setting in its pristine condition - not a modern recreation, but the real thing (or near enough) - was something Yugi had only dreamed of. And Atem had twice granted him this privilege. The garden was secluded - from where he sat, Yugi could see the tall, white-washed walls guarding its boundaries - and filled with exotic plantings in addition to native flora. Tiny birds darted among the leaves of the Sycamore figs and the acacia trees casting shade over their picnic blanket. A cool north breeze teased the fronds of the Dom palms and brought with it the clean scent of water and water lilies from a shallow rectangular pool a short distance away.

"I can see why you liked it," Yugi said finally. "It's very peaceful."

"Yes." Atem's smile was beautiful. It took Yugi's breath away. "Thank you for allowing me to share it with you."

"I'm honored."

After exchanging tiny smiles, they settled down to eating their lunch. Yugi had decided on grilled steaks, a green salad, fresh rolls (he allowed Atem to magic those - baking was not in Yugi's skill set), and iced tea, with chocolate ice cream for dessert. The menu didn't match the setting, but neither of them cared, digging into their food with healthy appetites. Ice cream was another new experience for Atem, one he delved into with enthusiastic - and vocal - appreciation. Yugi watched him eat and tried not to think about other ways of getting his genie to make those little sounds of pleasure.

When they had finished - and Atem had used his magic to tidy up - Yugi lay back on his elbows and stared up at the patches of cloudless sky visible through the leaves of their shade tree. He caught a glimpse of what he thought might be a hawk, circling on an updraft, and smiled. "This is incredible."

He glanced at Atem in time to see the upraised eyebrow.

"I mean, after all that's happened... I never thought I'd enjoy spending time in Egypt again. I used to love it, you know. When I was a little kid, I thought there wasn't anything greater than tagging along with Mom, Dad, and Grandpa on one of their expeditions. By the time I was old enough to know what was going on, they'd pretty much settled on excavating in Egypt every winter. It was the highlight of the year for me, a grand adventure..." Yugi's smile flickered and died. "After the accident, I couldn't bear the thought of going back." The thing with Ishtar had only reinforced his aversion.

Atem's posture stiffened, his expression going blank. "Forgive me, master. I did not think-"

"No!" Yugi bolted upright, determined that there not be another misunderstanding between them. "That's not what I meant at all! I'm enjoying this - and it just surprised me, that's all. You didn't do anything wrong, Atem. When I thanked you for showing me this, I meant every word."

Yugi watched as Atem slowly relaxed, though the uncertainty didn't entirely fade from his eyes. "You're sure?"

"Completely." Yugi poked at Atem's ribs. "Come on, lazy bones. Give me a tour."

Atem helped Yugi to his feet, then led him on a leisurely tour of the garden, pointing out the incense trees Atem had brought back from an expedition into the Sinai. They paused near one of the walls, and Yugi gazed up at it with a faintly wistful expression. "I wonder what the city looks like..."

"I'm sorry, master," Atem said. "But it is beyond my power to recreate even the illusion of an entire Egyptian city in your dining room. If you truly wish for this, you must use one of your tokens."

For half-a-second, Yugi found himself considering it. Then he shook his head and laughed. "No. I'd love to see Men-nefer as it was... But, no. I don't want to expend a wish on a silly whim."

"Have you something in mind, then?"

Yugi hesitated. "...Maybe. I want to think about it some more. You said the wish needs to be specific for it to work the way I want it to, and I need to think about how I should phrase it."

"Very well. If you have need of my assistance, you've only to ask."

"I may take you up on that. I'm not sure-"

The sound of a telephone ringing - incongruous in the ancient setting - startled them both. Yugi gave a sheepish chuckle. "Oops. Guess we'd better go back to my house."

"We never actually left it, master." The garden rippled like a heat mirage - and they were back in Yugi's familiar dining room. Atem smirked. "As you can see."

"I am never getting used to that..." Yugi shook off the mild vertigo the transition had caused and ran to grab the nearest phone, which happened to be the one in the kitchen. "Hello?"

"You sound out of breath. Did I interrupt something?" said the last voice Yugi had expected to hear on the other end of the phone line.

His heart thudded into his toes, and he swallowed, hard. "Seto?"

There was such a long silence that Yugi was beginning to wonder if Seto had hung up. Then the other man spoke again. "Forget I said that. I didn't call to insult you."

"Then, why did you call?"

"I..." Another lengthy pause. "I wanted to... I shouldn't have said that to you. Last night."

"No, you shouldn't have."

"I know."

Yugi waited for several more seconds before coming to the conclusion that was as close to an apology as he was likely to get. He looked up to find Atem watching him with a shuttered expression in his eyes, and wondered what his own expression must be doing to make the genie look at him like that. He sighed. "Look, Seto, I know I could have handled this all much better than I did, and I'm sorry, but this really isn't-"

Seto interrupted, blurting out the words. "I'd like for us to still be... friends."

Eyes wide, Yugi stared at the phone. Up until that moment, he would have said that the word friend wasn't in Seto's working vocabulary. "Uh... I'd... I think I'd like that, too."

"Good. Because, as your friend, I have to tell you that I'm worried for your safety."

Yugi found himself staring at the phone again. "...What?"

"How much do you really know about this Atem guy, Yugi? Are you sure that he's who - and what - he says he is?"

"Now, look-"

"I'm not trying to tell you who to ...date." The word grated off Seto's tongue. "But I think you should be cautious around him until you have some proof that he is who he claims to be."

"Well, I-"

"So, I'm going to investigate his background for you." There was no mistaking the satisfaction in Seto's tone. Yugi knew he had no hope of talking Seto out of his plan of action. "I'll get back to you when I know more."

"Seto, wait!" Yugi shouted - to the dial-tone, as Seto had already disconnected. Yugi hung up the receiver with more force than absolutely necessary. "Shit!"

Atem was instantly beside him. "Master? What's wrong? What did that... person... say to upset you?"

"Oh, god. What are we going to do?" Yugi clutched at Atem's shirt. "What are we going to do?"

"Tell me what's wrong!" Atem demanded, grabbing Yugi's arms to stop Yugi from shaking him again. "I can't help you if I don't know what's going on."

"Seto's gotten it into his head that you're some kind of danger to me or something and he's planning to have you investigated. Only, as far as the modern world is concerned, you don't exist. You have no paper trail, no history. When that comes to light..."

Atem made an abortive gesture, as if he'd started to put his arms around Yugi, then reconsidered. Yugi flinched at this obvious proof that Atem's actions before had been motivated by his duties as a genie and not any genuine attraction to or feelings for Yugi.

"What kind of 'paper trail' do I need?"

"The same kind that everyone else on the planet who isn't a genie already has - birth certificate, driver's license, immunization records, passport, job history, school records. A social security number and tax papers. Medical history, gas and water bills, overdue fines at the library... You name it, you need it!"

Atem got a far-away look in his eyes for a moment, then he nodded. "Very well. It is done."

"What is?"

"My paper trail."

"You mean you just... created one? Out of thin air?"

"Yes. It is quite extensive. Any investigation into the life of Atem Sanesu will find that he is a real - if rather boring - man, complete with utility bills and dental records."

Yugi blinked at Atem for a long moment, and then collapsed against his chest. In a muffled voice, he muttered, "I think I need more coffee."

"You need to relax, not wind yourself up more." Gently, Atem eased Yugi upright again. "Alakazam."

In the next instant, Yugi found himself in his bathroom, submerged in a spa tub that hadn't been there that morning. It came complete with bubbling jets of water, fragrant steam - and a genie kneeling on the floor beside the tub, offering a glass filled with a deep red liquid. The water felt heavenly, and Yugi could feel the tension seeping from his body, but he shook his head at the wine glass. "I don't need any alcohol right now."

"It is pomegranate juice, master. Nothing more." Atem crooked a tiny smile. "You seemed to like it."

"Oh. In that case-" Yugi accepted the offering and sipped. Yum. He couldn't hold back a luxurious sigh-and-stretch as the knots eased from his muscles. He would have felt uncomfortable about Atem seeing him naked, but the water was frothy enough to preserve his modesty. For several minutes, he did nothing but relax, closing his eyes and almost dissolving into the hot water.

After a time, it occurred to Yugi that this was probably the best opportunity he would ever have to recount the tale of last summer without giving himself a stroke from the stress. He steeled his resolve; it was now or never. "Um, I suppose I should tell you about Sagalassos..."

"Now?" Atem sounded surprised.

"Yeah." Yugi shifted around to get a bit more comfortable, took a sip of pomegranate juice, and handed the glass back to the genie. He took a deep breath and began. "Like most bad ideas, it seemed like a good one at the time. In fact, it seemed like the opportunity of a lifetime. A man by the name of Maximillion Pegasus contacted me at the university and offered me the chance to join the expedition excavating the Roman baths at Sagalassos in Turkey. I jumped at the chance - they're uncovering some incredible finds there - but it turned out I should have looked before I leaped."

"What happened?"

"Well, for one thing, Pegasus wasn't actually connected with the official expedition - or even anything to do with Sagalassos. Unfortunately, I didn't find that out until I was in Turkey and he'd dumped me and a bunch of archaeology students in a little town on the far edge of nowhere. And I do mean dumped. The bastard stranded us there, with orders to call him only if we found anything. Considering the ruins in the area were thought to have been worked out decades ago, that didn't seem likely."

Thinking about that summer, Yugi had begun to tense up again. He rolled his neck, attempting to loosen the muscles, and winced at the pain.

"I can help, if you will allow it." The offer came in a quiet, tentative voice unlike the genie's usual confident tones.

Before he could talk himself out of it, Yugi nodded. Atem shifted so that he was behind Yugi and began kneading the taut muscles in Yugi's shoulders. It felt wonderful. Yugi bit back an appreciative groan and forced himself to continue his narrative.

"While I tried to figure out how to get out of my contract with Pegasus, I set the students to surveying the ruins. That way, they'd get some practical fieldwork experience, so the trip wasn't a total waste. We found some potshards and the remains of a mosaic floor. We'd been there a month when one of the students tripped over a pile of rubble and fell through what turned out to be the roof of a buried storeroom."

Atem made an encouraging sound, his hands working the knots out of Yugi's neck and shoulders.

"It was one of those serendipitous moments on which careers are made. Or broken." Yugi closed his eyes, concentrating on the feel of Atem's hands on his skin. Molten heat pooled behind his navel, demanding his attention, demanding he turn and catch Atem's mouth with his own. Yugi wrenched his thoughts back to his tale. "Inside the storeroom was a cache of wooden ka statues in exquisite condition. We couldn't understand how they could be so well-preserved. Even the original paint was intact. It was almost like magic.

"And, of course, they were an anomaly - the ruins were Roman, located in Turkey, so why were these Egyptian statues there instead of in the tomb of the man they'd been made for? No one knew, which made the find all the more exciting. Just one of those statues would have been worth a small fortune, not to mention the historical value. We found three."

"Let me guess," Atem said, his breath wafting across the nape of Yugi's neck. "Pegasus returned to take credit for the find."

"Got it in one." Yugi sighed. "Like a naïve fool, I called him the minute I realized what we'd found. And I listened when he told me not to talk to anyone until he got there. He showed up with a media entourage and played to the cameras like a pro."

"So, he got the credit for your work."

"Yeah, but that's not the worst part." Yugi squirmed as Atem's thumbs dug into a particularly tight muscle. The sudden release of painful tension nearly melted him into the water. "All three of the statues disappeared."

Atem stilled for a moment, then slowly resumed the massage. "Pegasus?"

"Maybe. If so, I can't prove it. The statues were being temporarily stored at a little museum in the nearby town when they were stolen. The press went wild - and, this time, Pegasus wasn't smiling for the cameras. He pointed the finger of suspicion at what he said was the likeliest suspect for the theft. Me."

"You?" The disbelief in Atem's voice warmed Yugi in a whole new way.

"Yeah, me. Oh, the authorities looked at a few other suspects - the museum's curator and his assistant, even Pegasus. But he had an air-tight alibi, and curator and assistant vouched for each other. Of the four of us, I was the only one without an alibi for the night of the theft. My leg had been acting up and I'd gone to bed early - unfortunately, alone, so there was no one to verify my story.

"It didn't help that plenty of people had seen my confrontation with Pegasus about his deception. They said I wanted to get back at him for not giving me more credit for my part in the discovery. That I wanted to embarrass him. They couldn't find enough evidence, even circumstantial, to charge me, but my professional reputation is ruined. The university wanted to can my ass, and they would have, if not for Seto."

"So, he really did help you?"

"He was great. He pointed out that there was no proof I'd done anything wrong, other than trust an unscrupulous man. He helped me keep my job, even if it meant I ended up getting stuck with the impossible inventory. In the process, we became friends."

Sometime after that, they'd begun dating - just casually at first, lunch dates and grabbing a coffee together on Sunday afternoons. Gradually, Seto had started dropping hints that he would like to take things further. And now they'd parted on terms that could not be considered even remotely pleasant, although it seemed as if Seto might want to change that. Yugi gave himself a mental shake and pushed those thoughts away for now.

"Unless I can clear my name, I'll never work on a legitimate dig again. No one will trust me."

"How can they think you would steal?" Atem sounded outraged on Yugi's behalf. Out of the corner of his eye, Yugi saw Atem shake his head. "The fools."

The warmth spread. "You have to admit it looks bad."

"You are no thief."

At those words, Yugi melted into Atem's touch. He didn't think about it, he just did it. It felt good. Comforting. "If I wished for it, could you restore my reputation?"

"It's a legitimate wish." Atem's deep voice rumbled in Yugi's ear, sending shivers down Yugi's spine. "I cannot alter history, so I cannot prevent the original theft. But I believe I can recover the statues and expose the real thief. You would be vindicated."

"So, you can grant my wish?"

"Yes." Atem moved again, gliding to one side so that Yugi could see him again. Yugi mourned the loss of those skilled hands on his body. "I caution you to choose your wording carefully, master. The magic tends to be literal. You must be extremely clear about what you want to happen."

Yugi nodded. He knew what he wanted - he had gotten a small taste of it during Atem's massage - but it wasn't something he would wish for. Not like that. He would never force Atem to do or feel something against his will, something that wasn't real.

"Is that your wish? For your reputation to be restored?"

"I need to think about it." Yugi sat up, looking around for a towel and a robe. "Can you give me a little more time?"

"As you wish." Atem handed him a huge, Turkish bath sheet that Yugi was certain had not come from his linen closet. A knowing look in his eyes, the genie bowed. "I will wait for you outside."

Aching from the longing roiling within him, Yugi watched Atem close the bathroom door, leaving Yugi alone - with Atem on the wrong side of the door.

-o-

Atem stared at the bathroom door separating him from his master. Somehow, he always seemed to end up relegated to the hallway. Perhaps there was something symbolic in that. Shaking his head, he paced the cramped width of the hall - two long strides across and back. He wanted to do so much for Yugi... He glanced again at the bathroom, deciding on the spot to leave it as it was. The spa tub would benefit Yugi on the days when his leg hurt him, easing his aches and pains. If only he could stay by Yugi's side... He would care for Yugi, help him when he needed it, accept his help in return. Of course, it was useless to dream. Genies granted wishes; they didn't get to make them for themselves. Even if they did, would Yugi want him around?

Yugi had accepted Atem's ministrations, but that didn't mean anything, despite the spark of hope it lit in Atem's heart. Ruthlessly, he crushed it. Or, at least, tried to. But that tiny ember burned brightly, refusing to die. Instead, his memory replayed the feel of Yugi's skin beneath his hands and the sweet scent of his hair. Those tantalizing glimpses he had gotten of Yugi's bare body beneath the foam in the tub.

Biting back a groan of frustration, Atem tried to force the images away. He could not afford to indulge in fantasies about Yugi. To do so would be madness, tempting him into forgetting his place again. He couldn't allow that to happen.

No matter how much every part of him longed to make Yugi his own.

-o-

In the bathroom, Yugi stepped cautiously from the tub. It was deep and he had to brace one hand on the wall - it was then he noticed the bar fastened to the wall, in exactly the right place for him to use to balance himself. It seemed as if Atem had thought of everything.

A faint smile curved Yugi's lips as he stood on the bath mat and cocooned himself in the thick bath sheet Atem had left for him. He dried himself off and looked around for a robe. Not finding one, Yugi shrugged and wrapped the large towel around his body. It would suffice for the short walk across the hall to his bedroom.

And then he remembered the genie undoubtedly waiting for him in the hallway.

Yugi felt his entire body flush. Just thinking of Atem made him feel hot all over. Atem's touch had been so careful, so tender, that Yugi could almost believe the genie cared for him, just a little. Well, he could pretend... right?

In the hall, Atem was - as Yugi had expected - waiting for him. The genie turned as Yugi opened the door.

"Ready to make your wish?"

The only thing Yugi really wanted right now, he couldn't have. He shook his head. "I almost don't want to make any wishes."

Atem's brows drew together. "Why?"

Yugi closed the short distance between them and reached up to brush Atem's cheek. "Because, once I do, you'll have to leave. And I don't want you to go."

Not waiting to see the genie's reaction, Yugi started to turn away. His eyes burned, but he blinked away the moisture that threatened. He hadn't taken more than a step before Atem's soft voice stopped him in his tracks.

"I don't want to go."

Yugi spun and found himself practically in the other man's arms. Without letting himself stop to think, he leaned into Atem, wrapping his arms around him and burying his face in Atem's chest. Yugi's towel slipped, but he only leaned in harder, trusting the press of their bodies to keep the fabric in place. He promptly forgot all about protecting his modesty as the scent of frankincense surrounded him and Atem's heat seeped into him. It felt so good to be close to Atem, to hear the heart beating in his chest, to feel the subtle tension in the hard muscles beneath the hands Yugi had pressed against Atem's back.

Atem's body was taut in his embrace, and Yugi's conscience tried to tell him this was wrong. He couldn't take advantage of the genie as Atem's previous masters had done. Yugi wouldn't put his own needs and desires ahead of what was right and fair. He would not demand Atem do something that was repulsive to him. Reluctantly, Yugi started to pull away.

Atem's arms came around him, holding him in place.

Startled, Yugi raised his head to look at him. "Atem?"

"Please." Atem's voice sounded strained. His expression was filled with too many emotions for Yugi to sort them all out. "Don't push me away."

All Yugi wanted to do was hold him closer. His heart raced at the thought that Atem might want that, too. "...What?"

His hold tightening, Atem said, "If you don't want me, tell me now and I will never touch you again unless commanded. But-"

Yugi closed his eyes as Atem's fingertips gently traced the contours of his upturned face. Atem's voice dropped to a husky whisper. "-I beg you, don't turn me away. Let me touch you, Yugi. Let me pleasure you."

As his voice trailed away, Atem's mouth brushed Yugi's. That simple contact ignited every nerve-ending in Yugi's body. He clung to Atem, suddenly determined not to let him go. Oh, how he wanted this, wanted Atem. But, did he dare? Could he give in to the demands of his body and still protect his vulnerable heart?

"Please." Atem breathed the word against Yugi's lips. His hands roamed Yugi's body, further loosening the towel, as he pressed tantalizing kisses along Yugi's neck and jaw. "Let me have this moment. Please. Let me have you..."

"Yes." The towel fell away, but Yugi didn't care. He opened his eyes in time to see what looked like joy light up Atem's eyes. That look sent an electric jolt all the way to Yugi's toes. He threaded his fingers through Atem's hair and tugged him down into a desperate kiss.

Atem growled. He shifted, grinding their erections together. Even through the single layer of cloth separating them, it felt incredible. Yugi gasped, instinctively thrusting against his partner. "Atem, please!"

"Alakazam."

With no more warning than that, Yugi found himself lying on his bed, with Atem's weight pinning him to the mattress. Atem's clothing had vanished and his skin felt like warm silk beneath Yugi's hands. Yugi stroked a hand down Atem's flank, making his lover groan and thrust against him.

"Yugi?" Atem panted, raining kisses on every part of Yugi he could reach. "Let me-?"

"Yes!" Oh, yes. Yugi wanted this, needed it as he needed to breathe. "Atem!"

And then Atem was kissing him again, possessing his mouth, his body. Atem's hands caressed and teased, finding every spot that made Yugi's world dissolve into heat and pleasure.

And Atem.

-o-

Atem turned as Yugi, wrapped in a large towel, stepped out of the bathroom. The sight did things to Atem that he knew he couldn't let himself dwell upon. In order to take his mind from the urge to sweep Yugi into his arms, he forced himself to ask, "Ready to make your wish?"

Yugi's response stunned him. "I almost don't want to make any wishes."

What? Never had his masters been reluctant to use their wishes. Atem couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Why?"

The brush of Yugi's fingertips against his cheek was like the kiss of a butterfly's wings. "Because, once I do, you'll have to leave. And I don't want you to go."

When Yugi turned away, not waiting to for his response, Atem blurted, "I don't want to go."

Suddenly, Atem found himself with his arms full of nearly-naked archaeologist. Yugi pressed close, burying his face against Atem's chest, his arms wrapping tightly around Atem's waist and pulling him closer. It took every ounce of Atem's self-control not to rip the towel (which had begun to slip in a most tantalizing manner) completely from Yugi's body, removing the flimsy barrier concealing the object of Atem's suddenly fervent desire. He dared not move - at least, not until Yugi began to withdraw. Then his arms moved of their own accord, clasping Yugi to him and preventing the man's retreat.

"Atem?"

"Please." The word escaped from Atem's lips without his permission, but he didn't take it back. As a prince, he had never begged for anything. He had never had to, as everything he had wanted was his for the taking. Now, he wanted nothing more than the love of the man in his arms. If he could not have that, he would settle for loving his body, showing Yugi with touches what he dared not put into words. That is, if Yugi would allow it. "Don't push me away."

"What?" Yugi sounded confused and a little breathless. Could it be that he did not find Atem entirely repulsive, after all? Torn between hope and fear, Atem tightened his hold.

"If you don't want me, tell me now and I will never touch you again unless commanded. But-" Atem traced Yugi's face with his fingertips, memorizing the shape and the sensation, even though he knew he was doomed to forget them once he returned to the shadows. Yugi's eyelids drifted closed beneath the gentle caress. "-I beg you, don't turn me away. Let me touch you, Yugi. Let me pleasure you."

His voice failed him and he did the only the thing he could do, brushing his mouth over Yugi's in a wordless plea. Yugi's lips were soft and slightly parted, and still tasted faintly of pomegranate juice. Emotions unlike anything Atem had felt before threatened to overwhelm him. He felt himself tremble. Fear, need, desire... hope. Other things that, in this moment, he had no words for.

"Please." The word was barely a whisper breathed against Yugi's lips. Atem stroked his hands along Yugi's back, loosening the towel Yugi had wrapped around himself. The sensation of skin on skin felt incredible. Needing more, Atem let his hands roam freely as he pressed tiny, adoring kisses along Yugi's neck and jaw. "Let me have this moment. Please. Let me have you..."

"Yes."

It took a second for Yugi's acquiescence to sink in. Then relief and happiness and something he couldn't name swept through him, and Yugi was pulling him down into the sweetest, most urgent kiss anyone had ever given him, and Atem thought his heart might burst from all the emotion welling up inside it.

And then he noticed that Yugi's towel had fallen to the floor, and a very naked Yugi was pressed against the evidence of Atem's arousal - and it was quite evident that Yugi did not find him repulsive at all.

With a growl, Atem grasped Yugi's bare hips and ground their erections together. Yugi thrust back against him and gasped, "Atem, please!"

Atem needed no more urging. "Alakazam."

They materialized on Yugi's bed. Atem had taken the opportunity to magic away his clothing and was thoroughly enjoying the feel of a naked Yugi, pinned beneath him on the mattress. He shivered with delight at the look in Yugi's eyes. Yugi's hands found him, stroking him and making Atem moan as he thrust against his lover. He began the delicious task of tasting every inch of Yugi within reach, barely finding the breath to plead between kisses, "Yugi? Let me?"

"Yes!" Yugi arched against him, seeming to want this as much as Atem did. "Atem!"

Atem claimed Yugi's mouth again, tasting deeply this time. He relished every gasp and moan and - with every touch and caress of his hands and lips and tongue, with every part of him - set about showing Yugi exactly how much Atem cared about him.