So I'm going to try to post this one final time....please, if anyone has an issue or problem with my story, please, please email me and tell me. Please don't report it and have it taken down again. I know a lot of people are enjoying this, and it's not fair to have it removed.

My email address is on my profile...please use it.

Disclaimer: Yu-Gi-Oh...NOT MINE!

Chapter 9

Seto sighed contentedly as he watched the sleeping figure lying wrapped in his arms, Jou's head resting on Seto's chest, rising and falling with each soft breath. Seto gently twisted a golden lock around his finger, before releasing it and watching it spring back into place.

He's beautiful – the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my entire life.

He ran a finger across Jou's forehead, smiling when the other creased his brow and mumbled Seto's name in his sleep. Moonbeams filtered through a crack between the curtains, playing across Jou's porcelain skin and sunshine-inspired hair, lending him an ethereal glow.

He even looks like an angel. What would I do without him?

Leaning down, he placed a gentle kiss on Jou's forehead. "I love you, Katsuya," he whispered, his hold tightening slightly before relaxing. He lay his head back and closed his eyes, his body falling into a deep, dreamless, completely restful sleep.

--

"Come on, Jou!" Mokuba shouted, dragging the blonde towards the nearest roller coaster. Jou groaned, regretting his decision to take the younger Kaiba to the amusement park. Mokuba had bounced into Seto's bedroom that morning, squealing with excitement at the sight of Jou. The reunion was joyous, both thrilled to see the other again.

At Seto's suggestion, Jou had taken Mokuba to the amusement park to spend the day together – a suggestion he was beginning to feel deeply sorry about.

Dammit, Seto, you know I always get sick at this place!

"Mokie, this is like the tenth roller coaster we've been on," he moaned. "My stomach can't take much more of this, ya know."

Mokuba grinned, throwing his arms around the older boy's waist. "I know, nii-san, but Seto never takes me here, and I wanna make up for the time I lost," he pouted. "Besides, I missed you so much when you were gone, I just want to spend some time with you before my sleepover at Yugi's tonight."

Jou sighed again. This kid's good, he thought with a grin. How the hell do I say no to something like that?

He shook his head in amusement, climbing into the roller coaster seat next to the younger boy, and held on for dear life as the ride took off.

--

Jou clutched at his stomach, wobbling slightly as he climbed out of the ride.

"Moke, what say we go on something else?" he begged. "Like the merry-go-round?"

Mokuba grinned widely. "You're looking slightly green, nii-san," he teased. "Why don't we go sit and have lunch?"

Jou groaned loudly. "Mokie, no food," he mumbled. "Can't I just take you to Yugi's house now? Please? I don't feel so good, little one."

Mokuba laughed again. "No food?" he said, faking surprise. "You must be sick! I mean, think of all the cotton candy, popcorn, candy apples, hot dogs –"

Jou placed a trembling hand over his mouth. "Mokuba, please," he grimaced. "You've gotta stop. I'm seriously gonna be sick."

Mokuba patted him gently on the hand. "Ok, nii-san," he smirked, looking eerily identical to Seto. "We can leave. Besides, there's plenty of stuff back at the house to eat. I think there's some miso soup andramen left from last – "

His words were cut off by Jou pushing him roughly aside as he raced for the nearest bathroom.

Mokuba chuckled as he trotted off in the direction the blonde had flown. Sorry, Jou, he thought with a grin. It was just too good to pass up on!

--

Jou stepped through the front door of the house, closing the door behind him. He groaned softly, his stomach still slightly queasy from the day. After his trip to the amusement park bathroom to pay homage to the porcelain god, he had firmly directed Mokuba to the parking lot, hustling him into the waiting car, and chewing his butt off on the drive to Yugi's. Mokuba had listened quietly and apologetically, but Jou could swear he saw a mischievous glint in the younger boy's eye and a slight quirking of his lips.

I swear to god, he's just like his older brother sometimes, Jou thought, smiling inwardly.

Wandering into the living room, he tossed his jacket over the back of the couch. "Set, I'm home!" he shouted. No answer.

He peered around the doorway of the kitchen, half-expecting to see his boyfriend sitting at the counter, bent over his laptop with a steaming cup of coffee in his hand. The kitchen, however, was empty.

"Set?" he called again, receiving no response. "Seto, where the hell are you?"

He wandered back into the front hallway, a puzzled look on his face. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a flash of red on the floor near the staircase. Walking towards it, he bent over with a frown. His brow creased as he picked up a velvety rose petal, seeing a trail of them leading up the stairs.

What the hell? He thought in confusion.

Shrugging his shoulders, he followed the trail to the end. His lips twitched slightly as he realized he was standing in front of his bedroom door.

No way, he thought in amusement. He didn't…

Twisting open the doorknob, he gasped. The room was lit with the glow of hundreds of red candles, bathing the area with soft golden light. Rose petals were strewn across the floor and the four-poster bed and dozens of vases filled with bouquets of the sweet-smelling flowers were scattered around the room. A silver ice bucket sat on the desk, a tall bottle of Dom Perignon champagne chilling, two delicate crystal goblets standing beside it.

Jou stepped into the room, his eyes glistening with wondrous delight, a brilliant smile spreading across his face. As he moved forward, he felt a cool hand cover his eyes, a warm breath tickling his ear.

"I missed you," Seto whispered seductively, lifting his hand from Jou's eyes and turning the blonde around to face him.

Jou's breath caught in his throat at the sight of his lover. The CEO was dressed in a form-fitting, black silk suit, the pants riding low on his hips, his shirt buttons undone slightly at the throat, his jacket draping beautifully over his lean frame, his silk tie loosened casually, the sapphire blue color matching his eyes. He looked undeniably sexy, exuding power, confidence and sensuality.

Seto tugged at the hem of Jou's t-shirt, lifting it up over the blonde's head and tossing it somewhere into the room. His eyes narrowed with a passionate hunger as they roamed the other boy's body. He growled softly, gently pushing Jou onto his back on the bed. Straddling the blonde, he placed one knee on each side of his chest, firmly holding Jou's shoulders down.

"Shall I tell you how very much I've missed you?" he murmured huskily, dipping his head to Jou's throat. "Or would you just prefer that I show you?"

--

Later that evening, Jou leaned back on the buttery soft couch as he watched a movie, his face a mask of peaceful contentment. Seto sat beside him, working on his ever-present laptop, trying to catch up on his work. His fingers flew quickly and quietly across the keys, his attention focused on his typing, the light from the computer reflecting off the lenses of his glasses.

Jou glanced over at him, a smile forming on his face. With a sigh, he snuggled closer and wrapped his arms around the brunette's waist. Curling into his boyfriend's side, he turned his attention back to the movie.

"Have I ever told you how sexy those glasses make you look?" he murmured, not taking his eyes off the screen.

Seto's lips twitched in a smile, as he turned his neck to place a kiss on the blonde head.

"Should I wear them later as well, angel?" he whispered, nipping softly at Jou's earlobe.

Jou smiled wider and nuzzled his head on his lover's shoulder. Seto ran his hand through the blonde's hair, gently massaging his head, before turning back to his work. Just then, the doorbell rang, causing Seto to glance up from his laptop at the intrusive noise.

"Who the hell could that be at this time of night?" he scowled, irritated at the disturbance.

Jou sat up and grabbed the remote control, pausing the movie before leaning over and pressing a soft kiss on Seto's cheek. "Don't get all worked up, koi," he laughed, jumping off the couch and heading for the door. "I'll get it."

Pausing in the doorway, he turned back and smiled at Seto. "I'll be right back," he grinned. "Keep my seat warm, okay?"

Seto grinned back. "I plan on warming more than your seat, blondie," he smirked. "Hurry up and get rid of whoever it is. I'm almost finished here."

Jou blushed and scampered out of the room, Seto's soft laughter echoing behind him.

--

Atemu laughed to himself as he watched Mokuba and Yugi duel. The amethyst-eyed youth had been winning, until Mokuba, with a steely glint in his stormy eyes, had drawn the Dark Elf, destroying Yugi's Celtic Guardian. With no monsters left on the field, it was only a matter of time before Yugi's life points dropped to zero, and the duel was over.

"I can't believe you won," Yugi frowned, crossing his arms. Atemu laughed aloud at the cute look on his hikari's face and drew Yugi into his embrace for a comforting kiss.

"Don't pout, aibou," he whispered huskily in Yugi's seashell ear. "Later tonight, we can play a game I promise you won't lose at."

Yugi's breathing increased slightly, as he turned ten different shades of red. Mokuba giggled at the tri-color haired youth's discomfort.

"I think maybe I'll just head to bed, you guys," he snickered, rising to his feet. "It's kinda late. Besides, it looks like you want some – private time."

Yugi groaned softly in embarrassment, and Atemu flushed lightly. Mokuba smirked again, and waving goodnight, scampered out of the room.

Atemu grinned as he drew Yugi into his arms, his crimson eyes darkening with desire. He began to play with the buttons on the smaller boy's shirt, as he dipped his head to Yugi's throat, where he placed gentle bites followed by feather soft kisses.

Yugi closed his eyes and breathed in sharply, his hands running up the pharaoh's sides before reaching to entangle themselves in the spirit's soft, spiky hair. Atemu smiled against his little lover's neck, as he gently licked up to the soft, tender spot behind Yugi's ear, causing the younger boy to shiver and moan loudly.

Suddenly, a sharp pain ripped through the spirit's head, causing him to pull back sharply, an agonized groan escaping his lips. Yugi's eyes flew open, and he saw his lover stagger backwards, falling onto the couch with his head cradled in his hands. He hurried over, unsure of what to do, his hands hovering over Atemu as he knelt down next to the couch.

"What's wrong, mou hitori no boku?" he asked in concern. "What's happening?"

Atemu grit his teeth and closed his eyes as fresh pain lanced through his head.

"I – I don't know, Yugi," he ground out. "My head – hurts – something – not right."

His eyes suddenly flew open, and he screamed as the pain began to spread from his head to the rest of his body, his limbs rigid, his back arching forward in intense pain. He writhed in silent agony, his teeth clenched, his eyes glazed, as his body was wracked with debilitating spasms.

Yugi's eyes glistened with tears as he watched helplessly. He gripped Atemu's hand in his, unable to stop his darker half's pain. What do I do? Oh my god, what's wrong with him? As he made up his mind to call an ambulance, he saw the spirit's body beginning to relax, the pain-clouded eyes starting to clear.

Atemu gasped in relief as he felt the intense agony lessen. His breath came in ragged gasps as he slowly began to relax, his muscles loosening and his mind clearing. He squeezed Yugi's hand weakly and tried to smile reassuringly.

"I – I think I'm alright, aibou," he rasped, his throat scratchy and painful. "I'm sorry I frightened you."

Yugi sat on the couch next to the spirit, throwing his arms around Atemu's neck and hugging him tightly.

"It's alright, my Yami," he whispered in grateful relief. "I was just worried for you. What happened?"

Atemu closed his eyes, trying to control his breathing. "The Shadow Realm has opened," he whispered, his words laced with fear. "I sense terrible danger. Someone I have sent to the Shadows has escaped, aibou. That's the only thing that could cause me such pain."

Yugi buried his face in the taller boy's neck. "Atemu, you've sent many evil souls to the Shadows," he said quietly. "Who – or what – do you think has escaped?"

Atemu shook his head. "I don't know, hikari," he said nervously, opening his eyes. "But as of this moment, we must all be on our guard. Whoever it is may decide to take revenge at any moment. We must warn our friends…" his words trailed off as his eyes widened in horror.

Yugi lifted his head, feeling the tension pouring off his lover. "Atemu?" he whispered, frightened by the look on the other's face. "What is it? What's wrong? Atemu, answer me, please!"

The former pharaoh leapt off the couch, racing for the telephone, his face a mask of fear. He grabbed the phone from the cradle and swiftly began dialing a number.

"Oh god," he choked. "Yugi, I know who it is, and what they want. Why didn't I think of it before?" He turned back to the phone and finished dialing. "Come on, pick up the phone, dammit," he whispered. "Please, Ra, don't let me be too late!"

--

Jou hummed softly to himself as he headed towards the front entryway.

I hope it's just someone lost or something, he thought. Cause I'm in no mood to entertain. And there's no way in hell I'm giving up any of my Seto time to anyone.

He smiled as he gripped the doorknob and turned it.

"Hi, can I-"

His eyes widened in shock and fear as he stared at the person standing on the front stoop.

"No," he whispered, his breath catching in his throat. "It can't be. I thought you were-"

"Dead?" the visitor smiled disarmingly. "Oh no, Jounouchi. I'm very much alive."

The person stepped into the entryway, causing Jou to step back several paces. The light from the chandelier cast rainbow prisms down upon spiky platinum hair and violet eyes, which glittered menacingly at the frightened blonde.

"M-Marik!" Jou choked, backing up into the hallway, until his back struck a table. "How is this possible? Yugi destroyed you! You were sent to the S-shadow Realm!"

Marik's lip curled back. "Destroyed?" he hissed. "I cannot be destroyed, baka mortal. I am ageless, deathless, immortal – as untouchable as your precious Pharaoh Atemu or that traitorous Thief King Bakura. No, foolish human, the Shadow Realm holds neither power nor fear over me. I had to simply bide my time, building my strength, until I was able to conquer the shadows and reenter your world. It was an easy thing to reclaim control of my weaker side. The idiot actually believed that he was rid of me – ah, the look on his face when I reentered his pitiful life and destroyed his feeble mind was priceless. Now, I have come to claim that which I desire."

"What-what have you done to Malik?" Jou shouted, his hands clenching into trembling fists. "And what the hell do you want?"

"Ah, the answers are very simple, little Jounouchi" Marik growled, advancing even further into the hallway. "I have destroyed your worthless friend Malik, and sent him screaming to take my place in the Shadows." He grinned maniacally, sending a shiver down the other boy's spine. "And as for your other question, the only thing I desire is you."

He swiftly removed the Sennen Rod from his belt and pointed it at the terrified Jou. A blinding golden light emanated from the Rod, causing Jou to throw his arm up over his eyes. The Millennium symbol glowed brightly upon Marik's forehead as he concentrated his energy upon the blonde, muttering in ancient Egyptian.

Jou's body tensed as he felt the power of the Rod snaking into his mind. He struggled mentally against it, his body tensing, his eyes rolling up into his head. His body shook wildly, as if caught in an electrical current, his back arching, his muscles twitching as he fought. He felt his mind beginning to drain, his will slipping away as Marik concentrated harder, pouring more energy into the Rod's power.

Please god, not again, Jou screamed in his head. Not again! I will not give in this time!

He knew he was fighting a losing battle. Mustering the last of his remaining willpower, he screamed a single word, before the steel cage descended around his mind, effectively isolating him from himself, his entire being disappearing into the control of Marik.

"SETO!"

--

Seto took off his reading glasses and placed them on the table next to him. He rubbed his eyes tiredly and sighed.

Whoever is at the door better not think they're staying very long, he thought. I'm too tired to entertain, and I certainly plan on spending some time with Jou before I sleep.

He grinned as he replaced his glasses and turned back to his computer, preparing to finish his work for the night. A terrified scream suddenly ripped through the house, causing him to leap to his feet, his laptop tumbling heedlessly to the floor with a crash.

He sprinted towards the front hallway, his blood freezing in his veins, his heart thumping wildly with fear. As he reached the front door, he stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes widening in shock at what he saw. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he could hear the phone ringing shrilly, unendingly, but his attention was focused on the sight in front of him. He raised a hand to his mouth, muffling his horrified shout.

"Oh my god, NO!"

A/N: Wheee! Marik's finally here! Woohoo!!!! So poor Seto and Jou…their happiness is gone already. Ah well, I never promised it would last LOL! Please R&R…that's what really keeps me going, ya know 