I apologize over and over for the delay with this chapter. I've been having temporary writer's block, school, family, etc. And honestly, I don't have much of a plan for this chapter, this is kind of a filler… but I hope it was worth the wait!

I have decided, though, that there will be two more chapters before the story closes. As you all know and as I've said many times before, I'm not one to write 20-chapter stories, ehehe. And I've only got one idea in mind for the ending that I really really want to put down soon. Soo yeah.

Enjoy the fluffy for now!

The day proceeded with the bright and joyful sun high in the sky, enveloping the ancient Egyptian city in a warm afternoon glow. Yet, it was as contradictory to Atemu and Yugi's emotions as much as was deemed possible. Atemu leaned against the stone rail in front of the throne on the top floor of the palace, sighing and briefly pinching the bridge of his nose. A hurricane of turmoil and doubt had ensued within him, the realization of his actions toward Yugi a short few hours ago now crashing unpleasantly at him. He had kissed him—kissed him! He, the Pharaoh of ancient Egypt. He, the everlasting friend, partner, and guardian of the one called Yugi Motou. How could he press such a forward action on his Aibou in such a way when he already felt such confusion? The Pharaoh was certain he had just made things worse by doing such a thing… now it was almost absolutely certain that the smaller boy would be more willing to stay here. No, he couldn't allow that.

As much as Atemu wished and begged to the Gods or any higher form of being to grant his ultimate desire to keep Yugi beside him for eternity, he couldn't let his partner take such a risk that he would come to later regret. Atemu knew he had to let Yugi go.

"Damnit!" Atemu suddenly cried at the air, pounding a fist of anger against the rail before slumping solemnly down on the stone floor. Why did the universe hate him so? Why wouldn't the Gods hear his pleas? Atemu bit his lower lip, squeezing his eyes shut, painfully. He had told Yugi that he had to go back, that it was just the right thing to do. He felt so strongly that Yugi would be sane if he remained with his grandfather and their friends. But his own after Yugi would leave was questionable.

"Atemu?"

His thoughts were halted instantaneously in that moment as the small voice spoke behind him. His eyes shot open as he held his chest to calm his heart. When he felt it return to it's normal pace, he breathed deep and turned his gaze to the petit figure of the boy he had grown to love so, standing off to the side, waiting.

"Aibou," He acknowledged softly.

"What are you doing? Are you… alright?" Yugi queried, approaching the taller male slowly.

"Yes," Atemu sighed lightly, lowering his eyes. "I'm alright. And… you?" He asked, turning to look back at Yugi, who continued to stare at him with sweet, worried innocence. The boy took a few steps closer and seated himself next to Atemu.

"Yeah, I'm fine… I got some food like you said I should, but… you left so suddenly. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

Atemu smiled a small one, nodding slightly. "Don't worry about me. I just wanted to think a little on my own." He murmured, turning to the open windows in between the rail and looking upon the broad city below.

Yugi hummed, following Atemu's watch. A small quiet fell, but the atmosphere quickly changed from peaceful to something Atemu couldn't quite put his finger on. "Atemu," Yugi spoke quietly, cautiously. "Why did you kiss me?"

So that was it. That was the feeling in the air that caused his heart to leap with fear; but Atemu knew he couldn't run. He didn't want to appear as a coward to the one person that taught him to never look back, to keep moving forward, wherever it may lead. "I…" Atemu tried to look up into Yugi's curious, violet orbs for better confrontation, but found it was causing dramatic loss of focus on how he wanted to respond. He quickly looked back down and fingered his white tunic. "Because…"

Because I wanted to comfort you. I wanted to be the one to make those tears disappear.

"I…"

I don't want to let you go. I don't want to part from you for a third time. Our bond is too strong, yet too fragile. Losing you to the Seal of Orichalcos proved that.

"Because…"

Because I wanted you to see just how deep this affection is; I wanted to prove forever to you.

"Because I…"

Because I will be at sanity's edge when you're gone again. Oh God, I can't lose you again…

"Because, Aibou…"

Because, Aibou, I love you!

"I don't know."

Shit.

Yugi seemed struck dumb, speechless, wide-eyed, hope-torn. And Atemu couldn't blame him. He was utterly perplexed with his own words, three stupid, god-awful words that he spewed from absolutely nowhere, instead of the three other words that would have just put this all right.

"I… I see." Yugi mumbled, his gaze tearing slowly from Atemu's, and the Egyptian waited. He waited for Yugi to say more, to stand up furiously and tell him to get lost, and gods, he would gladly throw himself off this balcony if Yugi would just demand him to. But the smaller teen remained silent, and it was setting Atemu on edge. Yugi then forced a sad sort of smile, looking back at the Pharaoh. "It's okay. I understand."

It was Atemu's turn to be silent. His lips parted for a sentence that would bring them both solace, but no sound came. As he listened to Yugi tell him it was okay, and watched his smile give way just as a single tear streamed down, Atemu knew he couldn't forgive himself ever again. He continued to watch as Yugi very slowly untangled his legs from the cross-legged position he was in and bring himself to a stand, just about to leave. An image flashed in Atemu's mind of Yugi lying on their bed, hugging himself and crying silently, making sure that not a soul in the palace would hear him.

He couldn't stand it.

"Aibou!" Atemu thrust a tan arm forward and latched onto Yugi's wrist before the boy could make another movement that involved walking away from him. "I did it because… I think I understand now that my affection isn't one-sided. I am certain that you hold the same level of feeling for me as I do for you. As I carried you back to the palace that one night after dancing together in the plaza, you were so tired you nearly fell asleep right there, in my arms, and at first you only spoke incoherent things—but you let something slip, and I can't stand keeping all this love I hold for my Hikari any longer. You told me you loved me, and I want you to know, that I want to grant all of your desires!"

Yugi blushed crimson then. He recalled that evening he was carried by Atemu. He had certainly thought he loved Atemu in that moment, but hadn't realized his thoughts were spoken aloud. He wanted to break down in front of Atemu, to say something that would ease the Pharaoh, but it was evident that he wasn't finished…

"Those words stuck with me ever since they adorned my ears that night, and it's all I could ever think about anymore. I can't hold lies from you, I wanted to make you mine as soon as we were blessed with separate bodies for that one moment in time, during the ceremonial duel… but after such a long journey that you all went through in helping me return to the afterlife, I couldn't refuse. I thought it was what would bring us both the happiness we wanted for so long deep down—a chance at returning to our normal lives. But as soon as those doors shut behind me, I felt a guilt that only grew stronger and stronger as time passed. I wondered if you felt the same as I did, or if you were truly happier, since you had grown and become so strong by the time I was forced to leave…"

"You taught me that," Yugi whispered, tearfully.

"And so when you returned to me after such long, emotionally painful months, I thought of it as a second chance to redeem my choice of leaving. I wanted and still want to be forever your partner, by your side, your companion, your guardian. But it's clear now that this time travel is only temporary, that we will separate soon. And I can't help feeling that it will truly be forever this time." Atemu had let go of Yugi's wrist at this point, and he had gotten on his hands and knees, symbolizing defeat. "I'm selfish, I'm so, so selfish. But gods, Yugi, I can't lose you again!"

Yugi was aghast with the Pharaoh's cries. He spotted tears sliding along the caps of his sun-kissed cheeks under the cloak of blonde bangs. Yugi slumped to his knees in front of him, and took the Egyptian in his arms, letting him cry against his chest for a few minutes. While Yugi stroked his similarly spiked hair, he spoke softly: "I will find a way. I will find a way to come back to you. It's not forever. I will come back to you, Atemu."

When Atemu lifted his head to find the sincerity within the violet pair of owlish eyes, and successfully finding it, Yugi smiled and brought their lips together again, sealing the promise.

Sorry for the chapter being short, but I hope that was enough fluff to satisfy you all for the time being. Heehee. Well now that that's out of the way, I can move forward to the conclusion of this story without blocks! Review and keep your eyes peeled for the next chapter!