A/N~ Sorry this is taking longer than I thought. I'm trying guys, I really am. Thanks for all the support. It really makes me very happy. I know Atemu may have seemed a little out of character compared to my last story but give me this chapter….you'll see why I planned things the way I did.

I own nothing

Chapter 2- Conflict

Atemu reached into the shopping cart and pulled out five more heavy bags of food. He and Bakura had gone shopping without their little companions. Atemu had insisted that Yugi and Ryou remain in the safe house at all times to ensure their protection at all times. It had only been a month since they moved into the large house and twenty five acre house and Atemu was sure that Marik and his goons were still looking for them. They had chosen to live in the mountains this time near a small community in Montana. No one would find them there because no one would be looking.

Bakura was unusually silent. Atemu eyes him carefully has they pushed the bags into the back of their car. Bakura felt those crimson eyes and turned towards his friend, "What?" He asked annoyed.

"What's wrong with you?" Atemu questioned, grabbing another few bags. The parking lot was extremely empty compared to the usual. Atemu, out of instinct, leaned down and touched the heater he had strapped to his inner ankle. It comforted him to know it was in an easy spot. He rose and to meet harsh eyes staring at him. "What?" He inquired.

Bakura shook his head, "Figures you would be worried about security now."

Atemu squinted his eyes sternly, "What's that suppose to mean?"

Bakura snarled at him and he slapped the car trunk down, almost taking Atemu's fingers off in the process. "You know damn well what I mean." He remarked, gazing around the parking lot. "What has gotten into you lately?"

Atemu crossed his arms and leaned against the car, "What the hell are you talking about?"

A snarl escaped the ex-agent's lips as he starred daggers into his friend's skull. "You're starting to sleep in later than normal, you're humming everywhere you go, spending money to stupid flowers all the time, and acting like a mad scientist switched your personality with some hippy from the sixties."

Crimson eyes narrowed, "I didn't know my happiness had such a negative effect on you."

Bakura laughed, "Negative? Atemu you haven't gone with me to the gym in weeks. You spend all your time now with that teenager your four years older than. Are you forgetting why you're here to begin with? You left the agency for that little brat and you're forgetting your training."

Atemu snarled at the remark. "Watch your tongue." He hissed. No one got away with offending his lover, no one. "I haven't forgotten why we're here. I'm here to protect the person I care for most."

"You've know him for four in a half months!" Bakura started to yell but then quieted down as he looked around. "He is the most important person to you? Really?"

Atemu smirked, "You're just jealous."

"Of what? Yugi?" Bakura threw his head back and laughed. "I have nothing and no one to be jealous of especially when it comes to Yugi. In fact, no one would want to be in his position right now, especially with you attitude these past few weeks."

Atemu noticeably frowned. Had he done something wrong towards his charge? His mind scanned the possibilities as he tried to think of what Bakura was trying to say. "I have been nothing but nice to him. I've given him all the love I possibly can. What do you suggest I change?" He asked, confused and very much irritated.

Another shake of the head made irritation course threw the ex-agent's veins. Bakura stomped on a cigarette lying by the tire and looked up with serious and slightly sad eyes. "You're losing focus." He remarked, making Atemu blink in confusion. "And you'll end up killing him."

Anger boiled in his blood as well as shock and Atemu took the blow so hard that he took a step back. "I would never hurt---,"

Bakura shook his head sternly, "That's not what I meant. I know that you would actually kill Yugi yourself. But you're letting your guard down. That little display in the kitchen this morning was only a taste of it." Bakura walked over to Atemu and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Your job to protect Yugi, not love him."

"But…" Atemu trailed off and starred at his friend in shock, "You and Ryou--,"

"I killed those after Ryou. Though I am protecting him now, the true threat to his life is gone. Now is when I can be with him. I'm not saying to break up with your boy toy." He remarked with a smirk, but then his face became more serious, "But as long as Yugi and Ryou live under the same roof, I can't have you making mistakes that may endanger both of their lives. I can't lose Ryou….I won't." He said simply. "Try to put yourself in my shoes."

Atemu looked away from judging eyes and took in everything just said. It hurt. Was he actually putting his charge in danger by allowing himself to grow so attached to him? Atemu let out a shaky breath and moved back towards the car. He loved Yugi very much, how was he supposed to control his feelings? Yugi had shown him so much over the past two months. He made him feel like he belonged to a family again, that someone out there really did care for him. There was something comforting about having someone to hold onto all hours of the night.

"Atemu." Bakura practically whispered.

"Just take us home." Atemu growled, opening his car door.

Bakura shook his head and opened the door to the driver's side. They were quiet the entire way home. Atemu looked harshly outside the window as trees began to pass them by. He was completely lost in his thoughts.

When they arrived home, Atemu snuck into the back room as Bakura unloaded all the bags. He looked over to see Yugi and Ryou playing a card game at the kitchen table. He watched softly as Yugi and Ryou started laughing. "You cheated!" Ryou laughed. "There is no way you could have won three times in a row!"

Yugi laughed right along with him. "Hey! How many times do I have to tell you? I am a gamer! I win at all games in the end!" He exclaimed, trying to catch his breath. He clutched his sides painfully and rolled his head back, letting out one last chuckle. He made eye contact with Atemu. Yugi smiled and got out of his chair, bounding up to the ex-agent. "Hiya!" He exclaimed, latching himself onto his protector.

Atemu stood still for a moment before carefully putting his arms around his love. He didn't want Yugi to think anything was wrong with him but he should have known better. Yugi looked up at him concerned at his meek attitude. Atemu gave a fake smile before letting go of his little charge and returning his jacket to the hook by the door.

"What's wrong?" Yugi asked, making Ryou turn towards the couple.

Atemu turned and crossed his arms, leaning against the chair. He shrugged, "Nothing."

Yugi eyes him carefully. Atemu always had to put on a believable face when Yugi scrutinized him so. The younger teen was extremely talented when it came to figuring out the agent. Atemu loved him and hated him for it. "You're lying," Yugi stated.

Atemu blinked.

Yugi walked over to him and placed his hand on his protector's shoulder. "Did something happen at the store?" He asked.

At that moment Bakura walked in. He carried the load of groceries into the kitchen where Ryou eyed him carefully. Atemu starred at his friend or rival for the moment. Yugi looked back into the kitchen and saw the Bakura unloading the groceries in silence. Ryou cleared his throat and wrapped his arms about Bakura, stopping his actions. "What happened?" He interjected.

Bakura turned around and looked over at Atemu. "Nothing."

Atemu glared harshly at the other agent. Yugi sensed the tension and gazed nervously back and forth between his protector and Bakura. "What's going on?" He asked nervously.

Bakura looked up and glared back at Atemu. "Nothing." He repeated.

Ryou sighed deeply and unlocked his arms from about his love. "What did you do?" He asked.

Bakura looked at him in disbelief. "You have to be kidding right? After…" He took a deep breath and looked over at Atemu. "Just nothing. Okay? Just pretend I didn't say anything." He stated and continued to unload the food. Ryou looked with uncertainty at Atemu before helping his lover unload the food.

They had eaten dinner in utter silence. Yugi had twice attempted to start up a conversation but no one was in the mood to talk. Afterwards, Atemu sat on the couch, starring out the window. He had a lot on his mind. Yugi sat next to him and took his hand in his. "Wanna talk about it?"

Atemu shook his head. Yugi sighed and got up. "You know where to find me when you do." He said and walked into their room. Atemu was grateful for the alone time. Of course he loved his little charge but he need some time to think things through. Bakura's words stung and he didn't know why. They had argued about Yugi before but never to this level. Why was it getting to him? Atemu closed his eyes and leaned back on the couch, remembering the argument. Was he not keeping a watchful eye on Yugi?

Atemu got up from his spot on the couch and walked over to the door to their room. He carefully inched it open and gazed at Yugi. The younger was reading a book in their bed. He was always reading about different things. This time, it was about self defense. It was a book that Atemu had bought him a while ago to keep up with his training. They didn't train too much anymore. Yugi was pretty skilled. Atemu peeked softly around the room, wondering if he should join his charge. Reluctantly, he made his way back to the couch and sat down.

He didn't know how much time had passed. He sat there, starring at his hands in pure thought. Suddenly, lips were on his neck, making him jump slightly. He heard Yugi laugh slightly at his jump though Atemu didn't find it so funny. How did the younger sneak up on him? No one could sneak up on him. What was wrong with him? "Hey." Yugi said, wrapping his arms around Atemu. The ex-agent made no move to hold the teen. Bakura was right. He was getting too close to Yugi and forgetting everything he was taught. Yugi pressed his lips onto the back of his neck again, and Atemu felt his grip on reality quickly dissolving. "There is an empty spot in the bed that only you can fill." Yugi whispered in his ear.

Atemu swallowed hard, his mouth was extremely dry. He felt arousal drip into his body with Yugi's words but quickly pushed those thoughts aside. "I need to think." He said simply.

Yugi's arms moved about his chest, making it extremely hard for Atemu to think properly. Yugi whined slightly as he nipped his ear lobe. "But you've been out here for hours. It's almost midnight. Come to bed with me." He whispered, allowing his hand to snake down further.

Atemu cringed slightly. Yugi had become more and more bold the longer they hung around each other. It was typical for him to make the first move when it came to their sex. Before that hand rendered him completely useless, Atemu grabbed it firmly and Yugi froze slightly. "No." He said.

Yugi became slightly relaxed against his protector and Atemu could tell that he was slightly surprised. "What do you mean 'no'?" He asked. Then he heard Yugi laugh slightly. "Oh, I get it. Are we changing roles tonight? Fine, you can play hard to get and I'll---,"

Atemu bit his lip hard, irritation flowing through him. "I said not tonight, Motou."

Yugi froze at the comment. Atemu almost winced again at the lack of movement from his charge. He always used last names when talks about enemies but never with his lover. Yugi let go of Atemu completely. "Fine." He stated, anger and hurt evident in his voice.

Atemu heard Yugi's footsteps retreating into the safety of their room. Shit. He thought and turned to say sorry. But Yugi was already gone. Atemu looked back at the floor and growled angrily. Stupid Bakura, he thought as he stood and walked to his bedroom. He opened the door and walked inside, to see Yugi sitting on their bed. His arms were crossed and tears of frustration rolled down his face.

Atemu felt a lump form in his stomach and it was making him unable to breathe. He hated when Yugi cried. He would have preferred to have fire rain down from the heavens, hell freeze over, or get shot over and over again than to see his little charge cry. Atemu took a deep breath. He was in no mood to make it right tonight. He silently closed the door when he heard a sniff coming from his little lover. Atemu grabbed a pillow from the chair and took the blanket that was hanging off the sofa. The couch was the only place he was going to be sleeping tonight.

A/N~ Oh no. Lover's quarrel. Next chapter will be full of fluff…and a little romance. May throw a lemon in there. Review please. They make me write faster.