p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Atem eased himself into his throne, his strong thighs warm against the cool, solid metal, his knees falling out comfortably at his sides. He reveled in the feeling of youth and power coursing through him. He nodded once, regally, as Shimon ascended the steps, taking up his place flanking Atem's right side. The two looked on together silently as the rest of the pharaoh's court filed in. First Shada, then Karim, then Isis, and finally Seto, the strong, proud cut of his shoulders imposing and a tad defiant. In the space of two heartbeats, the last of the pharaoh's sacred guardians approached the throne. Atem lifted his eyes in time to see the golden warmth of the braziers glinting off his friend's bronze skin, a vision that could leave even the most resolute of hearts utterly, hopelessly spellbound. Shimon, his eyes and ears sharp as ever despite the advancing years, noted with concern Atem's sharp intake of breath upon the magician's entrance. Noted the way his fingers clenched at the sides of his throne, his knuckles paling. He opened his mouth to say something, when he heard a rustle of fabric as Mahaado bowed low before the king's throne./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Great Pharaoh…As captain of the Royal Tomb Guard…I, Mahaado, will take command of the soldiers stationed at Pharaoh Akhenamkhanen's tomb!" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mahaado lowered his gaze, awaiting his pharaoh's reply. Shimon noted that Atem seemed to flinch and stiffen at Mahaado's words. It was only natural that he should be upset, Shimon reasoned, given the grave insult done to his late father. Yet, he wondered at that. Of course the pharaoh was distressed at the thief's insolence, but more than that, there was a fresh grief about him. The young pharaoh had the air of someone whose heart was slowly breaking. The bond between Atem and Mahaado was deep and powerful. A source of envy and curiosity among the palace nobles, if the whispers and rumors were any indication. He hoped that their bond would survive what was coming. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"It took every inch of willpower for Atem to keep his feet planted on the ground, for him to straighten his posture that barest of inches, for him to gaze ahead resolutely, to appear every inch a divinity befitting the living representation of the gods. As he steeled his nerves, preparing to speak, the memories came to him unbidden. Atem's limbs warmed, remembering the feel of his arms wrapped around Mahaado's lean waist. His fingertips tingled, just as they had when sliding through the silky strands of Mahaado's hair. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"With his eyes still downcast, Mahaado began to grow uneasy at the lingering silence. He tried to ignore the clenching of his stomach and the wild beating of his heart as he lifted his head toward the throne. Shimon could have sworn he saw the blood turn to fire in Atem's veins as he met Mahaado's eyes. Just what on earth had passed between those two in the space of three days?/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"*************************************************************************************************************/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Atem…you have but to make your request known and, if it's within my power, I will fulfill it." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mahaado felt slim arms encircle his waist. In the next breath, Atem pressed their lower halves together. In a voice barely above a whisper, he heard his pharaoh say, "Touch me." Mahaado nearly combusted on the spot. Surely the pharaoh hadn't really said…? "Great Pharaoh…?" Atem heard Mahaado say, a shaky tremble in his usually stern voice. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Touch me, Mahaado." Atem repeated, a bit more firmly this time. Mahaado tensed, his breath catching. "That's not an order," Atem clarified, slipping his arms from their place around Mahaado's waist. "I'm not commanding you as pharaoh. You are free to refuse."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mahaado stood there in stunned silence. He didn't move. He scarcely breathed. His waist burned beneath the linen of his robes where his pharaoh had, but moments ago, gifted him with the blessing of his touch. Atem had never seen Mahaado look so utterly shaken. It scared him. He was ashamed to know his unruly desires and hasty words were the cause of his friends' palpable distress./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Mahaado, please…don't be offended. Forgive my foolish statement, Mahaado. Know that I will never ask from you more than you are willing and able to give. I treasure your friendship more than anything else in this world. Your loyalty is what gives me the strength to face our enemies. Your faith in me gives me the courage to bear the weight of my responsibilities, day in and day out."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Atem slowly lowered himself into the empty chair next to his desk, his golden bangs falling forward, obscuring his face. "We've known each other our entire lives. We grew up together, studied and trained together. As a child, your gentle voice would calm my fears. Now…" Atem drew a shaky breath, determined to power through his confession. "...now every time I hear it…your voice…i-it sets my heart aflame." Mahaado's sharp intake of breath made Atem's heart do strangle little backflips inside the hollow of his chest./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Mahaado," Atem began, clenching the hem of his shenti. "I-I've been having the strangest of dreams at night. Dreams where you…and I…where we…" The purple fabric of Atem's cape rustled as he stood straight up and began pacing the floor in front of a still shell-shocked Mahaado. Atem was a flurry of movement, the words now pouring forth from him unrestrained./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I can no longer deny the depth of the feelings the sight of you, the very span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"thought /spanof you, provokes in me. We are already bound together in mind and soul. We share everything, Mahaado. I thought to myself," Atem stood still, looking down at his hands, his voice growing suddenly quiet, "maybe we could share this too?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Atem sat back in his chair, drained and deflated. He tried to steady his breathing, tried to calm his growing anxiety as he waited for Mahaado to say something, anything, in response. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Why are you saying such things to me, Great Pharaoh?" Mahaado replied, his voice tight with despair. He clenched his eyes shut, trying to fight back the waves of nausea that enveloped him. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Atem felt his whole body go numb and cold. This was it. The rejection he feared. In his mind's eye, he saw Mahaado toss the Millennium Ring at his feet, leave his headdress in a crumpled heap on the floor, and turn away, slamming the door behind him. Atem started as he heard Mahaado's robes rustle. Mahaado bowed low on the ground in front of him, kissing the earth at his pharaoh's feet. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Atem," Mahaado began, his voice thick with emotion, "have I given you any indication that I don't love you? That I don't spend my every waking moment thinking of your safety, of your comfort?" Mahaado took a breath before rising slowly to his feet. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You know that I do these things not solely because it is my duty to do so?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Atem," Mahaado breathed, drawing closer, gently cupping Atem's cheek so that he could gaze directly into those burning eyes. "I love you more than my own life." Atem's heart jolted, knocking painfully at his ribs. He stared wide-eyed as Mahaado continued. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""My birth name may be Mahesenseteped but my true name is the one you gave me when we first met. I am Mahaado and I am - in life and beyond death - yours." Atem stilled, his gaze locked on Mahaado's as if in a trance. His breath quickened as he felt the soft pad of Mahaado's thumb glide over the bow of his lips. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Forgive me…I never dreamed you were yearning for something like that…with someone like me…but, if that's the assurance you need to know that I truly love and am committed to you, know that it would be my greatest pleasure to bring you pleasure."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"In the next instance, Mahaado's lips were upon his, pressing gently at first, then more roughly as the tenderness within him gave way to a fiery need. Atem shivered, sliding to the edge of his chair so that he could press himself against his friend's warm body. Mahaado used his free hand to gently stroke his pharaoh's thighs, trying to give him every comfort he could provide, determined to serve him to the best of his abilities. Atem's legs fell open, allowing Mahaado to slip between his thighs. Atem clutched at the fabric of Mahaado's robes when he felt Mahaado's tongue slip past his lips. Atem moaned, his knuckles turning white as he tightened his grip. As his lips united with Atem's, Mahaado suddenly felt his heart constrict. There was a clear desperation in the way Atem was holding him. Atem anchored himself to Mahaado as if, in any moment, he might…lose him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Atem felt Mahaado shifting, moving gently away from him, disconnecting his lips from his own. Atem limply dropped his hand from its place on Mahaado's robes. "Mahaado, i-is something wrong?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He felt Mahaado reach for his hand and press it against his chest. "My pharaoh, holding your beautiful form in my arms is a blessing I never dared hope for. Nothing would bring me greater joy than to experience this moment with you. But I-" Mahaado took a shaky breath, hesitating./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""But?" Atem echoed, tilting his head in confusion. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""But," Mahaado continued. "I don't want it to be like this…This makes it feel like it's the last time. It makes it seem like I won't be able to come back." Planting a soft kiss on Atem's cheek, Mahaado straightened his posture./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Atem, I ask that we continue this after I defeat Bakura and return to you."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Shaking his head, Atem replied, "Mahaado, we've talked about this. You can't face him alone. We both witnessed the strength of his hatred." Cupping Atem's cheek once more, Mahaado said, "Then, in place of hatred, I have my devotion to you, my pharaoh. My faith in you span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"cannot /spandie!"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"With a final kiss pressed to Atem's trembling lips, Mahaado turned and walked out of his pharaoh's chambers, into the dark, foreboding night./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Great Pharaoh…As captain of the Royal Tomb Guard…I, Mahaado, will take command of the soldiers stationed at Pharaoh Akhenamkhanen's tomb!" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mahaado lowered his gaze, awaiting his pharaoh's reply. Shimon noted that Atem seemed to flinch and stiffen at Mahaado's words. It was only natural that he should be upset, Shimon reasoned, given the grave insult done to his late father. Yet, he wondered at that. Of course the pharaoh was distressed at the thief's insolence, but more than that, there was a fresh grief about him. The young pharaoh had the air of someone whose heart was slowly breaking. The bond between Atem and Mahaado was deep and powerful. A source of envy and curiosity among the palace nobles, if the whispers and rumors were any indication. He hoped that their bond would survive what was coming. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"It took every inch of willpower for Atem to keep his feet planted on the ground, for him to straighten his posture that barest of inches, for him to gaze ahead resolutely, to appear every inch a divinity befitting the living representation of the gods. As he steeled his nerves, preparing to speak, the memories came to him unbidden. Atem's limbs warmed, remembering the feel of his arms wrapped around Mahaado's lean waist. His fingertips tingled, just as they had when sliding through the silky strands of Mahaado's hair. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"With his eyes still downcast, Mahaado began to grow uneasy at the lingering silence. He tried to ignore the clenching of his stomach and the wild beating of his heart as he lifted his head toward the throne. Shimon could have sworn he saw the blood turn to fire in Atem's veins as he met Mahaado's eyes. Just what on earth had passed between those two in the space of three days?/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"*************************************************************************************************************/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Atem…you have but to make your request known and, if it's within my power, I will fulfill it." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mahaado felt slim arms encircle his waist. In the next breath, Atem pressed their lower halves together. In a voice barely above a whisper, he heard his pharaoh say, "Touch me." Mahaado nearly combusted on the spot. Surely the pharaoh hadn't really said…? "Great Pharaoh…?" Atem heard Mahaado say, a shaky tremble in his usually stern voice. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Touch me, Mahaado." Atem repeated, a bit more firmly this time. Mahaado tensed, his breath catching. "That's not an order," Atem clarified, slipping his arms from their place around Mahaado's waist. "I'm not commanding you as pharaoh. You are free to refuse."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mahaado stood there in stunned silence. He didn't move. He scarcely breathed. His waist burned beneath the linen of his robes where his pharaoh had, but moments ago, gifted him with the blessing of his touch. Atem had never seen Mahaado look so utterly shaken. It scared him. He was ashamed to know his unruly desires and hasty words were the cause of his friends' palpable distress./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Mahaado, please…don't be offended. Forgive my foolish statement, Mahaado. Know that I will never ask from you more than you are willing and able to give. I treasure your friendship more than anything else in this world. Your loyalty is what gives me the strength to face our enemies. Your faith in me gives me the courage to bear the weight of my responsibilities, day in and day out."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Atem slowly lowered himself into the empty chair next to his desk, his golden bangs falling forward, obscuring his face. "We've known each other our entire lives. We grew up together, studied and trained together. As a child, your gentle voice would calm my fears. Now…" Atem drew a shaky breath, determined to power through his confession. "...now every time I hear it…your voice…i-it sets my heart aflame." Mahaado's sharp intake of breath made Atem's heart do strangle little backflips inside the hollow of his chest./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Mahaado," Atem began, clenching the hem of his shenti. "I-I've been having the strangest of dreams at night. Dreams where you…and I…where we…" The purple fabric of Atem's cape rustled as he stood straight up and began pacing the floor in front of a still shell-shocked Mahaado. Atem was a flurry of movement, the words now pouring forth from him unrestrained./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I can no longer deny the depth of the feelings the sight of you, the very span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"thought /spanof you, provokes in me. We are already bound together in mind and soul. We share everything, Mahaado. I thought to myself," Atem stood still, looking down at his hands, his voice growing suddenly quiet, "maybe we could share this too?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Atem sat back in his chair, drained and deflated. He tried to steady his breathing, tried to calm his growing anxiety as he waited for Mahaado to say something, anything, in response. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Why are you saying such things to me, Great Pharaoh?" Mahaado replied, his voice tight with despair. He clenched his eyes shut, trying to fight back the waves of nausea that enveloped him. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Atem felt his whole body go numb and cold. This was it. The rejection he feared. In his mind's eye, he saw Mahaado toss the Millennium Ring at his feet, leave his headdress in a crumpled heap on the floor, and turn away, slamming the door behind him. Atem started as he heard Mahaado's robes rustle. Mahaado bowed low on the ground in front of him, kissing the earth at his pharaoh's feet. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Atem," Mahaado began, his voice thick with emotion, "have I given you any indication that I don't love you? That I don't spend my every waking moment thinking of your safety, of your comfort?" Mahaado took a breath before rising slowly to his feet. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You know that I do these things not solely because it is my duty to do so?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Atem," Mahaado breathed, drawing closer, gently cupping Atem's cheek so that he could gaze directly into those burning eyes. "I love you more than my own life." Atem's heart jolted, knocking painfully at his ribs. He stared wide-eyed as Mahaado continued. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""My birth name may be Mahesenseteped but my true name is the one you gave me when we first met. I am Mahaado and I am - in life and beyond death - yours." Atem stilled, his gaze locked on Mahaado's as if in a trance. His breath quickened as he felt the soft pad of Mahaado's thumb glide over the bow of his lips. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Forgive me…I never dreamed you were yearning for something like that…with someone like me…but, if that's the assurance you need to know that I truly love and am committed to you, know that it would be my greatest pleasure to bring you pleasure."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"In the next instance, Mahaado's lips were upon his, pressing gently at first, then more roughly as the tenderness within him gave way to a fiery need. Atem shivered, sliding to the edge of his chair so that he could press himself against his friend's warm body. Mahaado used his free hand to gently stroke his pharaoh's thighs, trying to give him every comfort he could provide, determined to serve him to the best of his abilities. Atem's legs fell open, allowing Mahaado to slip between his thighs. Atem clutched at the fabric of Mahaado's robes when he felt Mahaado's tongue slip past his lips. Atem moaned, his knuckles turning white as he tightened his grip. As his lips united with Atem's, Mahaado suddenly felt his heart constrict. There was a clear desperation in the way Atem was holding him. Atem anchored himself to Mahaado as if, in any moment, he might…lose him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Atem felt Mahaado shifting, moving gently away from him, disconnecting his lips from his own. Atem limply dropped his hand from its place on Mahaado's robes. "Mahaado, i-is something wrong?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He felt Mahaado reach for his hand and press it against his chest. "My pharaoh, holding your beautiful form in my arms is a blessing I never dared hope for. Nothing would bring me greater joy than to experience this moment with you. But I-" Mahaado took a shaky breath, hesitating./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""But?" Atem echoed, tilting his head in confusion. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""But," Mahaado continued. "I don't want it to be like this…This makes it feel like it's the last time. It makes it seem like I won't be able to come back." Planting a soft kiss on Atem's cheek, Mahaado straightened his posture./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Atem, I ask that we continue this after I defeat Bakura and return to you."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Shaking his head, Atem replied, "Mahaado, we've talked about this. You can't face him alone. We both witnessed the strength of his hatred." Cupping Atem's cheek once more, Mahaado said, "Then, in place of hatred, I have my devotion to you, my pharaoh. My faith in you span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"cannot /spandie!"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"With a final kiss pressed to Atem's trembling lips, Mahaado turned and walked out of his pharaoh's chambers, into the dark, foreboding night./p