Title: Don't forget me, beloved
Chapter: Bittersweet
Summary: (See first chapter) (Added) So it's their last few days together…or is it?
Note: Sorry, guys. I forgot most of the things I planned for them to do. I do remember enough, though. Besides, outtings aren't my specialty anyway.
I should never have written those request fanXcharacter dates. -Sigh- I think it stunted my abilities.
Thanks to all my reviewers! You guys rock!
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Don't forget to review when you finish!
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The next morning, Ra rose in the sky, bringing light to all the world—except two lovers, still in peaceful slumber and it was, indeed, the only peace their hearts could have.
The smaller one was the first to stir, amethyst eyes blinking into awareness. He remembered the night before, having been in and out of dreams about it. Yugi sighed and looked over to his sleeping pharaoh. Moving closer, he studied his lover's face.
'He's so beautiful.' He thought, smiling as he reached out to gently stroke Atemu's dark cheek. A soft sigh escaped the pharaoh's lips at the gentle contact and he stirred a bit, but didn't wake up.
Yugi chuckled fondly, brushing a golden bang away from Atemu's face. 'I love you, my pharaoh. My earthly deity.'
He found himself longing to see Atemu's beautiful crimson eyes laughingly and lovingly watching him. He carefully moved closer to the pharaoh and pressed a soft kiss to Atemu's welcoming lips.
"Mmm." Atemu hummed softly in approval and though his mind was clouded by sleep, he was all too happy to accept and return Yugi's wake-up call. When they broke apart, Atemu's eyes slid open and he smiled back at Yugi then covered his mouth as he yawned. "Good morning, love."
"Good morning, Atemu. Sleep well?" Yugi asked, cuddling close to the ruler in question, who more then willingly accepted the closeness.
"How couldn't I, while dreaming of you?" Atemu replied, grinning as he pressed a loving peck to Yugi's temple.
Yugi smiled, albeit sadly and wrapped his arms around his pharaoh. "You're so sweet." He murmured, sighing. His warm breath on Atemu's bare skin made the ruler shiver.
"So, what would you like to do today?" Yugi asked softly, as his mind slowly ticked off the seconds until the time when his world would be brought crashing down.
Atemu smirked deviously. "With you or to you, love?"
Yugi laughed, a sparkle of joy finally reaching his eyes, unlike before. Atemu could always make him feel bright again. "Whichever you want, Atemu-kun."
"Hmm." Atemu paused. A slow creeping frown appeared on his face, the playful twinkle in his eyes dimmed. "First, I need to ask Seth to take care of some things for me, so we won't be interrupted today. I want to spend this time with you--and only you." As he said this, his eyes locked with Yugi's purposefully.
Hidden within those scarlet, soul-bearing pools lay many emotions—love and longing greatest among them. Yugi felt his tears choke his voice again, his throat tightening with the pressure.
Not trusting his voice, Yugi nodded mutely and pressed closer to Atemu, lowering his head to seek sanctuary from the gaze that he knew he'd miss for eternity.
Atemu rubbed Yugi's back to comfort him and eventually, though very reluctantly, the pharaoh crawled out of bed. He spared another look at the inviting sight he was leaving.
His lovely little Yugi curled up in those soft, silky covers, staring after him with those beautiful eyes--eyes he could get lost in forever.
But, he had to talk to Seth. He had to concern himself with his kingdom once again and then he'd be Yugi's for--almost two whole weeks.
'But not even truly that long.' Atemu thought mournfully, as he left to dress into proper apparel and left Yugi alone.
Yugi watched Atemu's form until it disappeared into the next room and the door was shut behind him. With not even half the reluctance of his beloved, Yugi got up. Yugi couldn't be too reluctant because rather then leaving his lover like Atemu was forced to, Yugi was following him.
---
Atemu, despite how horribly complicated his elegant clothes usually were, was the first to be dressed. He said another goodbye to Yugi, followed by another kiss, before he left to seek his gloom-and-doom blue-eyed cousin.
He heard the soft "tap, tap, tap" of sandals through the hallways, the soft chanting of priests in their morning rituals, the soft mellow song of the birds that made their way into the courtyard and now nestled there. There, they were left singing without disturbance, for their song was always sweet. Atemu heard his own steady breath and the soft beating of his heart against his chest…
It seemed almost a quaint irony, that he should be the youngest pharaoh to ascend the throne and the youngest to leave it. He hadn't even turned twenty yet. "Why must the good die young?" was a quote that would have been ringing in his ears, were it born within his time.
Finally, he did meet up with dear Seth in the midst of his Morning Prayer. Atemu waited in somber silence for the ending of it and thankfully it wasn't long. At the very least, not as long as it could be, with the enormous list of deities that he could be praying to.
Seth stood and acknowledged his cousin with a nod, as Atemu noticed that Seth looked a bit worse for wear.
"Rough night?" He asked, finding himself amused.
Seth frowned, frown getting deeper and darker by the minute. "No, sire. My concerns merely had the better of me during the first part of the past evening, but--I am well."
Atemu nodded, understanding that Seth was concerned about him and teasing the High Priest of Egypt wasn't nice…but then, he was the pharaoh. He didn't have to be nice.
"Does the fact that you are 'well' have anything to do with a certain blond I know?" Atemu inquired, rather suggestively, with a small smile tugging at his lips.
Seth was silent for a good deal longer then he should have been and cleared his throat nervously. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Mischief gleaming in his eyes, Atemu chuckled. "Now, Seth. Lying to the pharaoh of Egypt? As my cousin and high priest, you should be able to tell me anything…"
"Oh and I suppose you would care to share some information with me about you and Yugi?" Seth retorted, scoffing.
Atemu shrugged. "Not particularly, but you never asked."
"Probably because I never wanted to know." Seth pointed out, scowling.
"Good. Regardless--" Atemu trailed off, shifting his weight and becoming mute for a moment. "I have something to ask of you, Seth."
A solemn, sober line, even more serious then usual replaced Seth's scowl. His head inclined in a respectful bow. "You've come to ask for my services? That I deal with the matters of the country for today? Perhaps, for several days?"
Atemu smiled at the immediate acceptance from Seth about his choice. He found himself feeling lucky to have Seth around--which was a rare feeling, but a strong one. "Yes."
"I'll give you as much time as you need, my pharaoh. But, you know that there are some matters you'll have to see to on your own. You must choose someone to succeed you." Seth murmured, the last remark very soft spoken.
"Yes, I know." Atemu assured Seth. His smile seemed so sad. "I've already considered that, so those matters will be dealt with soon enough. In the meantime, I thank you."
Seth bowed to Atemu and Atemu nodded back, then they went about their ways, hearts heavier for the conversation.
---
Seth walked along the corridors, running through mental checklists as his mind slowly strayed to his cousin. His only family. His king. Soon, all to soon, Egypt would be left without king or heir. Meaning, those left loyal to the throne would remain to pick up the pieces.
In the foggy midst of his reverie, without warning a blond came up from behind the blue-eyed priest and threw his strong tanned arms around the taller man's torso.
"Jou--" Seth began sternly, almost growling.
Jou shook his head stubbornly. "You're too gloomy right now. You look like yer going ta your mother's funeral. Lighten up." Jou's playful voice went lower and he put his lips near Seth's ear. "Maybe I can help you."
"Jou, you don't understand." Sighing, Seth frowned at the antics of his beloved and confused boyfriend.
"Huh?" Jou blinked a couple times. 'Understand what?'
"You are just a clueless mutt, aren't you?" Asked Seth, shaking his head in reprimand. "I told you that today was going to be important and I was right. Don't bother me now."
"I'm not a dog, Seth!" Growled Jou, glaring up at Seth. Maybe the priest was taller, a bit more muscular and had a glare that ranked up there with death at a glance--but Jou wasn't scared and he wasn't too happy with his nickname.
"Oh, I don't know. You sure sound like one, snarling at me like that." The High Priest retorted, drawing his lips into a skeptic's scowl.
Jou slowed down for a second and did a double take. When Seth said stuff like that, he was always only teasing. And sure, it annoyed him, but Seth never meant any real harm; so Jou would play along and they'd toss rude remarks and "fond" nicknames back and forth. It was their odd version of love patter. But, this time, Seth sounded like he actually meant that one.
For once, Jou actually felt the remark sink its fangs into him. Into more then his all-too-flammable temper. "Seth…is somethin' wrong?"
Hearing the concern of Jounouchi's soft-spoken words, Seth--who could have just as easily walked away--stopped and his shoulders slumped a little. He paused, wondering if Jou should know. If his little puppy should be told the truth.
"Something is going to happen, pup. Something very bad. All of Egypt will share a tragedy very soon." Seth murmured low, not ready to tell Jou exactly what was going on yet. Though soon, the unhappy news would be unavoidable.
"Seth, don't talk ta me in riddles right now. What's goin' on?" Jou demanded, swinging around to face Seth again and barring his path. Seth stared back stoically, but his eyes spoke volumes.
"You'll know soon enough, Jou. Soon enough." Seth murmured as he slipped past Jou, who was too confused and distraught to argue--for the moment. Heaven knows that he'll be bothering Seth for the rest of the day, trying to figure out what he meant.
---
Atemu found Yugi about the same way Jou found Seth. He wrapped his arms around Yugi and held him, just held him for a bit…feeling as though time stopped in that one moment: exactly what he wanted.
"Atemu." Yugi breathed in a fond whisper, leaning into the embrace. "So, about Seth?"
"Taken care of, love." Atemu replied, resting his head against Yugi. He smiled again finding, even now, it was easy to smile around Yugi. He wanted Yugi to remember happy times.
"Well," Yugi hesitated, not able to find words, nor voice. He felt the gut wrenching emotions welling up inside of him again.
"I have a couple of ideas as to how to spend the day, Yugi." Atemu interrupted gently and pressed closer, before breaking away to lead Yugi down the hall.
---
Cloak and hood, various small bags, two horses from the royal stable and a bit of effort apparently equals a ride, a picnic, and an outing that Atemu and Yugi both enjoyed.
While they were riding, Atemu, forever competitive, suggested a race. Yugi obliged—and won. Atemu chuckled and muttered something about being upstaged by his own student.
Eventually, they relaxed and sat down in some shade. Yugi purposefully moved closer to Atemu, little by little, as if trying to sneak up on him. Atemu was lazily resting against a palm tree while his eyes slipped shut.
"You know, if you want to sit by me, you should just say so." Atemu advised, cracking an eye open, with a small smile.
Yugi sighed, defeated, and stared at the pharaoh in amazement. "How do you –do- that?"
"Why, Yugi, I'm insulted. I'm tired, not oblivious." Atemu teased, chuckling.
Yugi rolled his eyes and with the invitation, sat down in Atemu's lap, choosing to relax with him. "One of these days, I'm going to figure out how you do that. Then, you'll never see it coming."
Atemu wrapped his arms around Yugi and kissed his soft ash and ruby hair. "It's not like it's some big secret, really. It just takes a lot of practice to catch me off guard, love."
Yugi shrugged in reply. "Well, I am your best student. And a fast learner."
Atemu kissed Yugi on the cheek and nodded thoughtfully, remembering various afternoons spent with Yugi and their friendly challenges. "My cutest student, too."
Yugi cuddled closer and grinned mischievously. "I should hope so." He murmured, winking playfully at Atemu.
Atemu rolled his eyes, beautiful crimson eyes, amused by his playful little Yugi. Little "game." A game for the king of games… "I'm sure you can rest at ease about that, love."
Yugi nodded, resting against Atemu's chest again and asked his next question. "So…now what do you want to do, my pharaoh?"
"For the moment?" Atemu asked, a tired smile gracing his lips. "Absolutely nothing."
Yugi pretended to groan in disappointment and poked him playfully in the stomach, making the pharaoh twitch. "Nothing? All you want to do is sit here?"
Atemu thought it over for a couple of seconds. His grin cranked up a couple of notches from tired and content to impishly happy. "Yeah, pretty much."
"But that's boring." Yugi mumbled, pouting like a toddler who'd been told to share his toys. "Ateeemuuuu…"
Atemu chuckled. "In a few hours, I'm sure you'll change your mind. Then you'll be telling me 'Go to sleeeep, Atemu! I don't wanna play any more!'" The pharaoh teased, raising his voice to falsetto as he did his 'Yugi impression.'
Yugi poked him again, more proddingly as he scowled indignantly. "I don't sound a thing like that and you know it."
Atemu nodded, waving the comment off and going back to his nap. "Of course not, love. You sound like a chorus of angels. Now, if you don't mind, I really –am- tired."
Yugi blushed at the comment and sighed 'reluctantly' as he relaxed against Atemu again. "Okay, okay. But, only for now. You're going to have to get up again."
Atemu mock saluted at the near-order. "Yessir!"
Yugi giggled and cuddled up to his pharaoh and they both rested happily in each other's arms. Atemu tried to ignore the clawing burden eating away at his strength, but…
…He knew that he would not stop fading away from this world.
---
It was almost sundown when their outing was over, their nap having taken so long that poor Yugi's cheeks looked permanently stuck in 'blush mode.' Still, Yugi couldn't complain, considering Atemu was more then happy to make ou—it up to him. (-snicker-)
They rode back to the palace and had dinner, Atemu checked on Seth to see how he was doing but was quickly drawn back to his lover. Eventually, they found themselves' on Atemu's balcony, watching the sunset together.
The sunset always reminded Yugi of Atemu's eyes. The mixing hues of red that made up a fiery horizon…it was beautiful and at the same time, painful. The sunset was wonderful and yet, this beauty would come to an end…swallowed by darkness, just as Atemu's life.
Both were inevitable, unchangeable and terrible.
Yugi was forced to turn away and bury himself in Atemu's embrace. Atemu raised an eyebrow, confused, but instantly accepted whatever impulse that had caused the sudden affection.
Thus…another day ended.
…13 left to go. Unlucky indeed, but hardly for superstitious reasons.
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Uh…that's it for now.
Yeah.
Next is another chapter...but first...
Review replies:
Sanni York: Thank you for the compliments and you'll see, but please withhold judgment on me 'til the epilogue. -Chuckle-
Btw, thanks for the fave and the alert.
luvanime4-life: ...Mmm. Well, I hope to write more fics, but only time will tell.
Lil-Lady-Light: Well, I'm glad you appreciated Atemu's...realistic exhaustion. I hoped I'd get that across. Oh? I'm mean?
I suppose I am. But don't worry, I'm a fluff addict. Uh...but...you're still gonna need those tissues for something else. Sorry!
Wait to hate me 'til the epilogue, okay?
dragonlady222: Well, you'll just have to keep reading.
KC: Glad you think so.
Tavi: Aww. I'll take the sniffles as a compliment. Sorry.
redconvoy: And I hope you're here to read it.
Masami Mistress of Fire: Yes. I do tend to be hard on our poor pharaoh.
Darkamberwolf: Since you asked so nicely...okay.
Darkgold: Certainly.
eyes of a wolf: Ahh. Well, I'm sorry. Tears -are- a compliment to me, though.
Angst is one of my specialties. You'll need those tissues a bit more. Please read until
the epilogue and that'll help.
Spicey Babe: Okay.
NOW, REVIEW. IT MAKES THE WORLD GO 'ROUND! Or...continues fics...whichever.