I believe a time skip is necessary. Don't worry, you'll see.

Yugi sighed of exhaustion, letting the card Time Wizard float from his grip to the familiar carpet of his bedroom, while letting himself follow suit and land promptly on the bed. His thoughts swirled on Atemu and all that transpired the past several days. Reaching up to lightly brush his lips with the pads of gentle fingertips, he was comforted with the memory of Atemu's against them.

The sun of morning shone through his curtains, and he smiled upon hearing pots and things clattering in the kitchen down the hall beyond his door.

"Jii-chan…" he whispered before lifting himself off the bed, throwing the door open and appearing quickly at the doorway of the kitchen, where the elder man had his back turned.

"Jii-chan!" Yugi announced. The old man turned at the distinct, cheery voice of his once-missing grandson, only to get a face-full of spiked hair and an extra weight jumping on his body, as the boy had ran full speed and flung himself at Sugoroku. The elder laughed loudly mixed with sweet relief, holding him close.

"Yugi! My boy! Where in world have you been?" He cried. Yugi didn't reply to the question, only dug his face further into Sugoroku's shoulder.

"I missed you…" the teen said warmly, muffled.

"Oh, my Yugi… I'm so glad to see you're safe… are you alright?" Sugoroku gently pulled from the embrace to check Yugi's face for scratches, bruises, any sign of kidnap. But the boy was in absolute perfect condition, confusing him.

"Are you kidding? I've never felt better!" Yugi laughed, pulling Sugoroku in another tight and longing hug.

"What happened to you? We've all been so worried sick…"

Yugi pulled away then, beaming at his grandfather. "You will never believe what happened and who I saw again!"

Sugoroku laughed, placing a hand on Yugi's shoulder and guiding him to the living room where the couch sat, the perfect spot to tell a story. "Yugi, these old bones have endured more than you can imagine. Try me."

* * 8 Months Later * *

Time resumed to its normal pace for Yugi, who filled in every detail to his friends on what had happened when he also resumed school. He was happy, willing to start again. But there eventually came a time where he wanted Atemu beside him once more. There was still always that feeling, gnawing, wanting. He vowed he wouldn't allow another to take Atemu's place—he couldn't. Not one soul could fill the void, the emptiness that lingered from within, except for that one Egyptian man.

Yugi sighed, flipping through his cards until he found the right one. Time Wizard once again stared at him at the top of the deck, visible by the aid of the moonlight peeking through the windows, and he smiled. If just… for one night. Please, let me see him. Let me convince him…

Leaning in close to the card, he whispered with feeling and steadily, so as not to wake his grandfather, "Time Wizard… come forth. Take me to Pharaoh Atemu, 1000 B.C. Egypt."

A soft glow suddenly emerged from the card. Time Wizard was not solidified, but Yugi knew in that instant, he was no longer in his bedroom. Floating in vacant, black space, he watched as Time Wizard's scepter came into view in front of him. He held his breathe, watching the arrow spin. Please, let this work… "Stop!" He called out, hearing his voice echo in the emptiness. But the arrow began to slow, creeping, creeping past one skull, creeping past the next. Yugi's couldn't function his breathing, and he felt sweat bead down. At the last millisecond, the arrow moved up to the top, evading the skulls. Bingo. A swirl of millions of colors coated his vision, and he felt himself spinning rapidly in midair. Then, with a rough thud on stone flooring, everything became still. Yugi dared to open his eyes—sure enough, by candlelight, he found Atemu meeting his gaze in equal surprise. Yugi scanned his surroundings—he was in Atemu's room.

"Aibou!" The Pharaoh cried, lurching forward from where he stood beside the bed to take Yugi in his arms. Yugi couldn't stop smiling.

"Hey, Atemu," He laughed casually. "I'm back."

"Oh, Yugi! I'm so glad you're here again… It's been so long since the last visit, I thought for sure you became stuck in your own century."

"I'm sorry for worrying you." Yugi smiled warmly, "I guess I did take a little longer than anticipated!"

"No matter. No matter. Just… I'm so glad," Atemu whispered, first caressing Yugi's blond locks before leaning in to take them in a long, passionate kiss. Yugi was brought in a state of absolute bliss, just at the simple touch of Atemu's lips brushing so tenderly with his own after such long months. He had missed this, more than words could express. He felt one of Atemu's arms lock tightly over his shoulders, and he returned the gesture by pressing more into the kiss. They soon became thoroughly tangled—people would have thought at first glace that they were one.

Separation was a despicable thing. But the time eventually came where it was inevitable. They caught their breath again, but refused to move any further from each other than a couple inches. Atemu kissed him another time, then another. "I missed you so much…" He murmured. Yugi smiled.

"Atemu, I have a proposition…"

"What is that?" Atemu was surprised, himself, at how husky he sounded following their moment of intimate closeness.

"Come with me… back to the twenty-first century, I mean."

"Aibou…" Atemu sighed, nuzzling their foreheads together. "I would love to… I really do. But I have duty here, I'm a ruler to an entire culture… and frankly, I don't have an heir that would be next in line for ruling. It would be very difficult."

"Difficult, probably, but surely not impossible. I'm sure there's someone out there that would be eligible for a Pharaoh's role. I mean, most leaders of countries in the twenty-first century are chosen by the people, not so much on bloodline. Why not do the same thing here?"

"It's different here, Aibou… this is royalty. The leaders are chosen by bloodline. It's not as easy as it is in the modern world."

Yugi sighed inwardly, becoming saddened and deflated of hopes. "I understand."

Atemu watched the smaller teen for a moment, his hopes quickly dying. The Egyptian couldn't stand seeing him in such a state. He sighed. "Well… let's negotiate this with Lord Baniti and Mahad, at the very least. Better than just up and disappearing."

Yugi seemed to allow himself to hope a little more then, smiling to Atemu and nodding. They helped each other come to a stand, and the Pharaoh led Yugi to the High Priests' chambers.

"This is a lot you're asking, M'Lord. Forgive me, but I must question your desire this time. Do you realize the people may not be so happy about this?" Priest Baniti stated gravely with his hands folded neatly in his lap while he sat on the edge of the bed following his awakening from his slumber several minutes ago. Atemu had just barely finished his explanation before Baniti began shaking his head.

"I realize… that there will be several individuals that won't be happy. But I think the majority would come to accept it. Lord Baniti, I've been among my people in their everyday lives every single night, and I've talked to quite a number of individuals. Each has said the same thing; that I have proven to be a faithful, caring, selfless, even endearing Pharaoh to them. And now they urge me as a return gesture, to allow myself happiness for once. And I don't need to think twice about it—I am at the greatest level of happiness when Yugi is beside me. Call it accident or destiny, but I feel so strongly that this was meant to happen. I want to be with him always."

Mahad smiled at the claim in that moment, like he was satisfied with the Pharaoh's answer. "I'll admit, Atemu, you sure are full of surprises. You have the strong, ruling qualities of your father, and yet you are so, so different. You'll be the first to love someone so deeply, not to mention of your own gender, and you'll be the first to time travel with him just to keep him at your side and vice-versa. I'm really quite impressed."

Atemu blinked, wondering if he heard Mahad correctly. "Wait. Are you saying… I can…?"

As if in silent, telepathic agreement, the two priests turned to each other for confirmation, then nodded. "Your reasoning to do this is fair enough. I hope you realize, though, that there will be no magic, no shadow games, none of that any longer. You will be just as normal as everyone else. And until you officially pass away and move on from your physical form, you will not see us again, and you will not be able to time travel. The gates of time will be officially closed behind you. Are you so willing to accept and sacrifice this?"

Atemu took a glance at Yugi, who had been standing and listening to the conversation very quietly. The boy was now staring unsurely at him. He wanted only Atemu's happiness, but upon deep thought of the warning just given, it was asking quite a lot. Yet, Atemu smiled encouragingly and nodded to the priests, and Yugi raised his eyebrows, eternally grateful. "I am. But… what about a new ruler? How will that be determined?"

"It will be taken care of, rest assured. Someone new will take the throne, and that person will be taught by us as we have taught you. We will make sure of it that whoever starts where you left off will be a smart and ideal ruler, and most importantly as compassionate and giving as you have been. Personally I feel like this day is a call for change, to move forward with this culture and evolve. This is what you have taught us… Atemu." Baniti smiled, and Atemu returned it. The elder teen slowly approached the priests and brought them in a gentle hug, showering them with utmost love and gratitude.

"Thank you." The now former Pharaoh breathed, before pulling away. "You both have given me… so much. I just don't know how I can thank you enough for the love and teachings and friendship that you have offered me all these years. I trust that Egypt will be placed in good hands."

"Of course, Atemu. Your request for a safe and secure future of Egypt will be wholeheartedly recognized." Mahad gave a hint of a smirk. "And if the new ruler is not inclined to go out and help the people every night, then leave that job to me. I promise you my dedication."

Atemu could only smile, his heart swelling with gratitude.

"Ah yes," Mahad piped. "And I must thank you for saving my life all those years ago, from the snake bite. You will never be forgotten for your kindness."

"And nor I you. You both in particular… will always be in my memories." Atemu said warmly.

"What's going on here?" All four heads turned to the open door, where Priest Seto's form could be seen silhouetted by the dimly lit hallway behind him. Yugi made a small noise like a tiny gasp, shrinking himself behind Atemu, who only took so much as a glance at the teen to sense his fear of his admittedly intimidating cousin, before he turned to Seto with a sharp, warning glare.

"What are you planning? I demand to know what's going on!" Seto's agitation for the group's silence was prominent now, and Atemu was ready to snarl, ready to verbally or physically fight him if need be—but no. He can't. Not with Yugi here, and not under these circumstances. No more.

"Priest Seto," Atemu started, raising himself to a stand and approaching his cousin with shoulders back into a protective stance of himself, outstretching a hand. "Let us part on good terms."

"Part—? I knew it! You're running away, aren't you! Running away from your duty as Pharaoh, willing to let this country burn in flames in the midst of your absence. I should have known in the end that you would end up a complete coward!" Seto bluntly turned to walk out in fury, until a younger voice spoke up. Not Atemu's. Everyone in the room was taken aback as the voice called demandingly, "Wait just a minute!"

Seto turned his icy blue, hate-filled eyes to the owner of the voice. Yugi stood in front of Atemu now, his hands balled into tight fists, locked to his sides. His legs were slightly parted as he raised these fists in a protestant stance. "Atemu is the farthest he could possibly be from a coward—you don't understand him at all, do you? You don't know what he has done for this place this entire time, do you? He's traveled into the town every day to help the sick, the wounded, the hungry. Your own sick, wounded and hungry civilians! What have you done to contribute, I wonder? I bet you haven't even traveled outside of the palace walls to see for yourself, your own suffering culture. But it's been fixed in so many aspects because of Atemu, and he isn't afraid to witness the truth! He has done all he can for Egypt, with every ounce of his strength and heart. Who do you think you are, calling him a coward, when you are the coward for not seeing the state of your people and doing something about it? Coward!" Yugi cried, taking a step forward and pleased at Seto's reaction as he took a step backward in time.

The room fell silent, the air almost nauseating with tense energy. Atemu, however, could only blink at the smaller teen's sudden rush of confidence. He wasn't sure whether should be pulling Yugi back at this point since he had spoken to the priest in such a way that was absolutely unheard of. Or, should he let him be and allow Seto to succumb to inner guilt as the truth made itself clear? After all, it was true, all of it. Seto had never stepped beyond the palace. His life rested within the halls and in the sacred temples. The wellbeing of the people in the town had never been on his list of concerns. All he knew, all he was taught was to continue his spiritual teachings as a priest and see to it that the royal bloodline would never cease.

And as of now, it was evident from his troubled and almost hurt expression that his pride had been wounded, that as of now, that last duty was going to crumble; he was failing.

"It's him, isn't it?" Seto turned to the former Pharaoh behind the smaller. "I see it now. He's influenced you so much that you're willing to give up everything, just like that," A snap of Seto's fingers proved his point. "Well then. I can probably try kicking and screaming all I want, so to speak, and yet it won't bring me one iota of success in keeping you where you belong, anyway. All I know, Atemu, is that you are a full-blown traitor, and I will never forgive you." Seto turned, but was yet again stopped by a hand placed gently on his shoulder. This time, it was Atemu, who didn't show any sign of pain at the sting of Seto's parting words, but stared at him intensely, brows knitted together.

"Seto. You are still my cousin—"

"You are no cousin of mine."

Atemu took a deep breath, shoving down his anger into the farthest reaches of his mind at the comment. "Just listen. We have our many moments of bickering, but I still view you… as a friend. Just as Priests Mahad and Baniti, you have also given me everything I've needed to succeed this far. I firmly believe everyone has a purpose in another soul's life, and there was a role you played, which is clear to me now. Yours was to give me purpose, and I am just as grateful for you. Please try to accept who I am now. Otherwise, if not, at the very least, grant my wish to keep Egypt in safe hands and it's inhabitants. At the very least… do not fail in your duty as a priest to Egypt. I'm sure you don't want to, either, no matter if I stay or go."

Seto snorted. "I never had plans to give up my authority, Atemu. You're still leaving, though, and I will be bluntly honest- it makes me sick with anger. You're wasting your time using pretty words on me in a futile attempt to make me ever accept the fact that you're leaving Egypt behind."

"The people understand, Seto. Everyone here understands and wants to grant my wish, all except you."

Seto did not reply to this, folding his arms and shutting his eyes, shaking his head.

Atemu sighed, given up. "Fine. Continue to live your life loathing me. But my decision has been locked, and I am going back to the modern century with Yugi, with or without your forgiveness. I was hoping it wouldn't have to come to this, but I suppose there's no choice in the matter. So long."

Seto's eyes flashed open as he felt Atemu's presence fade, watching as he joined Yugi's side again. His eyes narrowed as Atemu announced to the two other priests that he and Yugi were ready for the time travel. His feet refused to move, and he found himself still watching so intently as the short ceremony began. Lacing his hand with Yugi's, Atemu glanced at Seto another time. It was a look of… apology, pity. Seto lowered his gaze, shaking his head to himself. I can't believe I'm allowing this, he thought.

"Atemu."

Time Wizard was floating in midair now, and all the couple had to do was give the command to take them home. But the ever patient Atemu allowed Seto to speak, whether it was for the better or for the worse with this final goodbye.

"I've learned a lot from you, too. You can really be an idiot. But I suppose you should know that I hear your wish and I give you my promise that I will protect Egypt. Take care of yourself, and Yugi." With that, the priest turned and exited the room, not even giving one last look. He was finished here.

Atemu smiled gently, letting his eyes drift shut and caressing the creamy skin on Yugi's hand with his thumb as the smaller gave the command for Time Wizard to return them both to the twenty-first century. Feeling a light and a warmth envelope them, he sent one more telepathic thought to the priests, to Seto, the guards and servants, the people, all of Egypt, and Yugi.

Thank you.

"I'm ready to look like a God of leather again." Atemu smirked. His sun-kissed tone of his skin hadn't changed, absolutely nothing about him changed—though, he knew for sure he wanted to get out of these Pharaoh clothes that made him feel so out of place.

Yugi laughed at Atemu's comment, rushing to his drawers and rummaging through his pants. He smiled as he picked out a pair of leather pants and threw it to Atemu, who caught it in the nick of time with his undoubtedly quick reflexes. The taller smirked, feeling its texture for a moment before gently displaying it upon the bed. He let his attention wander back to Yugi, who rocked back and forth on his heels, beaming with joy at the fact that Atemu was really here with him now, and to stay.

"I knew this would be a good decision," Yugi said softly. "We did make a promise a while back that we would be with each other forever, and always remain partners."

"This is very true. Had I not accepted your proposition, I would be breaking that promise in a way. Though, I would always think of you as my partner, my Aibou, forever—In my memories, of which you have given me. I never thought, though, that that promise would be taken so literally after nearly a year of separation." Atemu said, walking slowly toward the other and draping his arms over his shoulders.

"I would have always kept you in my memories, Atemu. But I knew it would be impossible to truly move on. I told you to not hold back from the afterlife because of me, that I would be fine on my own. I was sincere, but nothing would ever be the same. Since you are here, though, I wouldn't want to have you any other way." Yugi sighed, reaching over his arms to twine around the former Pharaoh. He was about to bring him close for an embrace, but Atemu had other plans. Yugi felt the taller's hands come up to cradle his face, heartily accepting of Atemu's leaning forward for a kiss of many more to come in the future. Just as their lips came crashing together, their arms wrapped urgently around the other, and they smiled into it.

The sun began to shed light onto the world in that moment, shining through Yugi's window, announcing a new day. New life. New beginnings. Yugi and Atemu were silent in their now very still kiss. After an exhausting race with everything rushing toward them at once for so long, they had finally managed to find the one way to make time itself stop.

THANK YOU ALL who have supported this story, whether through reviews, favorites, subscriptions, etc.! I hope you enjoyed the story, I had a lot of fun writing it as an author, and I hope you had just as much fun reading it!