Ayyy! Late update! ... oops? Okay but really, sorry for the late update, but I've been focused with The Pharaoh's Nightmare and school, but, I've got an update up!
Please don't mind any mistakes I might have missed!
Chapter Two - Meetings
Yugi blinked, looking at the new face before him. He could feel his cheeks burn with a bright blush and Atem's snickering in the back of his mind didn't help at all.
Yami Attia was breathtaking.
"Prince Yugi," Yami bowed, "it is an honor to serve you."
Yugi blinked, trying to find the right words, "Um…"
Atem's snickering turned into full on laughter, "Little Prince." He called, in a sing song tone, "Do be sure to speak in full, and coherent sentences!"
Yugi frowned, "Shut up!"
"Oh, it's not like he can hear me or anything! But, he is waiting for an answer from his sweet prince."
Yugi blinked, Atem's reminder pulling him out his trance, "Yes, sorry about that." He chuckled, the blush still on his face, "It is a pleasure to meet you. And please, when it's only us, just Yugi will do."
Yami smiled, "Of course."
Yugi nodded, "Now, of course I don't need to ask because you will have to accompany me, but would you like to join me on my trip into town?"
Atem whistled, "Is that a date, Prince?"
"I will drop the Puzzle from the highest balcony if you do not shut it." Yugi gave an empty threat. He could never hurt Atem, but of course, that didn't stop him from making the threat.
Atem chuckled, "Very well."
Yami chuckled, a blush of his own make its way on his face, "Of course."
The kingdom of Cyrus wasn't huge, looking more like a small village with lush greenery and colorful flowers about. Cottages were the norm and there were no skyscrapers or modern looking buildings about. Many other kingdoms joked about how Cyrus was behind on times and usually avoided doing business with the royal family, however, as quaint as it was, the kingdom of Cyrus was quite the strong ally when needed. Besides, it's not like the town wasn't making use of modern technologies. In fact, Cyrus was a mix of the modern world and fantasy-like aesthetics.
Yugi often opted to enjoy a walk on bright, clear days like this and today was no different. Yami had stayed on alert the whole walk and was already proving himself to be an excellent bodyguard with just how attentive he was. He kept a respectful but short distance from the prince, even if Yugi insisted that he shouldn't. If Yami could do the job, Yugi had no problem in him relaxing in front of him. But, of course, Yami respectfully denied Yugi's offer.
Yugi often traveled into town in the mornings, stopping by a few small shops to greet the owners and customers with a 'good morning' and to see if there was anything they needed. He even stopped by at the local school district to visit the students who were busy piling into classrooms to start their long day of lessons. Seeing Yugi talk with the older students reminded Yami of just how old he was. Of course, Yugi received his lessons from the tutors in the castle, but if he attended school, he would have been only a few years fresh out of high school. Of course, Yami himself was only a year older than the prince, but it was still a sight to behold.
Eventually, Yugi had ended up at the town's flower market. Yami couldn't help but smile as he watched Yugi take in the sights and lush scents of the flowers, all the while a big grin was painted on his face. He greeted each person with a smile and in turn, Yami noticed, that each person spoke to Yugi as if his prince status wasn't a factor. Yami had often heard stories about Yugi insisting that the townsfolk treated him as an equal, and now that Yami witnessed it for himself, it was a sweet sight to see. It was obvious that Yugi wanted everyone to feel comfortable around him and Yami couldn't help but admire that.
"Yami," Yugi called, pulling the bodyguard from his thoughts, "Come here, please." Yugi requested, motioning for him to join him at a cart.
Yami nodded, approaching Yugi, "Yes, Prince?"
Yugi smiled, "Yami, this is Anzu." Yugi gestured to a young woman around their age, tending to an arrangement of pink carnations, "Anzu, this is Yami, my new bodyguard."
"Nice to meet you, Yami." Anzu smiled at Yami, bowing her head in a greeting. Despite Yugi wanting everyone to treat him as an equal, Anzu still respected him as royalty as much as she could, and the royal guards were no different.
Yami smiled, returning the gesture, "The pleasure is all mine."
Yugi's smile grew, "Anzu here is a dear friend of mine, Yami. I visit so often that I found myself forming a close friendship with her."
Anzu giggled, "Well, it's always a pleasure to have the Prince visit our humble flower market."
"Anzu!" Yugi spoke, an amused glint in his eyes, "I told you, Yugi is just fine."
"My apologies, but you are the Prince." Anzu shot back.
Yugi just rolled his eyes, "I guess. Anyway," Yugi continued, his mood brightening once again, "my usual arrangement, if you please."
Anzu nodded, "Of course."
"Usual?" Yami asked, his head tilting somewhat to the side.
Yugi nodded, "I make it a point to buy a small arrangement for my brother."
Yami's shoulders sank some, "Ah, Prince Yuuta." Of course, Yugi's ill older brother. The whole castle and kingdom knew of Yuuta falling sick, and all had been hoping and praying that he recovers soon, "If I may ask, but, how is he doing?"
Yugi shook his head, his usual bright smile gone, "Today, not so good. It's one of his bad days. He could barely keep his eyes open when I saw him this morning."
Yami frowned, "I'm sorry, Prince Yugi."
Yugi shook his head, "Don't be. I just hope he gets better." Yugi brought his hand up to rest on the Puzzle, failing to notice how Atem now floated next to him with a worried look on his face, "I hate seeing him so ill." Yugi squeezed the Puzzle, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by Atem.
Yugi soon ended up in a small bakery near the flower market, his mood back to its usual happiness. Each person in the bakery greeted him with a kind smile and a welcoming, "good morning", which Yugi happily returned.
Yugi approached the counter and nodded to the cashier, "Usual, please."
The cashier nodded, "Of course, Prince." The cashier turned, walking through the swinging doors to the kitchen. The cashier returned a few seconds later with a small, light blue box, "Here you are, Prince, fresh out of the oven and on the house. Jounouchi just ran out to the market before you got here, but he told me to bid you a 'good morning' and he'll hopefully catch you tomorrow."
Yugi smiled, "Tell him the same from me." Yugi took the box from her hands, "Thank you, Shizuka." He nodded, walking out of the bakery, Yami swiftly falling into his spot behind him.
The walk back to the castle was quiet and comfortable. Yugi would greet the townsfolk and would sometimes hold a conversation with a few of them, especially older ladies who would complement his cute looks. Soon, the two found themselves back inside the castle.
Yami turned to Yugi and gave a small bow, "If that is all, I will take my leave now, Prince."
Yugi gave him a gentle smile, "Actually, Yami, would you like to meet Yuuta?"
Yami blinked, "Really?"
Yugi nodded, "Really."
"But, shouldn't he get his rest?" Yami asked. Sure, he was honored that Yugi had offered this to him and hardly anyone outside of the royal family, maids and the medical team knew Yuuta or even had the chance to meet him at least once.
"I'm going to drop off the arrangement and what I got for him from the bakery right now, anyway. Besides," Yugi gave a half shrug, "Yuuta really likes having company over."
Yami blinked again, "Are you sure, Prince? I do not wish to intrude."
Yugi chuckled, "You won't be. Or, do I have to order you?" Yugi asked, giving the bodyguard a playful smile.
Yami gave Yugi his own small smile, "Very well, Prince."
Yugi's smile morphed into a big grin, "Good. And I told you! When it's only us, Yugi is just fine."
Yami chuckled, "Very well."
Atem floated over the two, following as they made their way to Yuuta's room. Of course, he should give Yugi and Yami some privacy to allow them to get to know each other, but where's the fun in that? Besides, just because Yami was good looking didn't mean that he wouldn't hurt Yugi. Perhaps the spirit was getting a head of himself just a bit too much, but he could feel a strong bond growing between these two and he needed to make sure that Yami wouldn't hurt Yugi. Atem wouldn't forgive anyone that dared to hurt his little friend. Yugi had become so important to him, he vowed to watch over him in any way he could.
"Here we are." Yugi announced before softly knocking on the door. He opened the door and poked his head in, "Yuuta?" Yugi smiled when he saw that his brother was sitting up in bed, eyes glued to a book, "You up for a visitor?"
Yuuta marked his page before he lifted his head up and looked over to Yugi, "Of course, I am, Little Brother."
Yugi smiled, "Perfect." He walked in side, motioning for Yami to do the same. After Yami shut the door behind him, Yugi spoke again, "You may relax, Yami. It's just us."
Yami nodded, "Thank you, Prince."
Yugi rolled his eyes, "We need to break that 'Prince' habit of yours." He turned to his brother, "Anyway, Yuuta, this is Yami Attia, my new bodyguard."
Yami bowed to the older prince, "A pleasure to meet you, Prince Yuuta. I promise to protect your brother with my life."
Yuuta nodded his head, "I hope so, Yami. Since I am ill, Yugi is next in line and I hope Cyrus gets to see his reign." Despite Yuuta being confined to a bed and his condition effecting his overall appearance, he still held himself with elegance and confidence. He even managed to scare Yami a bit.
Still, Yami nodded, "You have my word that Cyrus will be blessed with Yugi's reign."
As the two talked, Yugi went about the room, replacing the older flower arrangement with the new one and placed Yuuta's baked good on his bedside table: a freshly baked pumpkin pie, his favorite. Yugi did his best to ignore their conversation, not wanting to be reminded of the fact that he automatically became next in line until Yuuta managed to get better.
"Little Prince?" Atem asked, floating next to Yugi, "Are you okay?"
Yugi stole a quick glance to the spirit, "I hate when he talks about the fact that I'm next in line all because he's sick. He should be the next king of Cyrus, not me."
Atem's face softened, "I know you do not like to think about it, but it is the truth."
Yugi sighed, "I know. It doesn't mean that I like or approve it, though."
Atem nodded, "Understandable."
"Little Brother." Yuuta's gentle call pulled Yugi from his silent conversation with Atem, "We lost you there for a while. Is everything okay?" Yuuta asked, worry etched all over his face.
Yugi nodded, "Sorry about that. I'm fine."
Yuuta looked at him for a few more seconds before nodding, "If you say so. Anyway, how was your walk this morning?"
Yugi shrugged, sitting the bed, facing his brother, "The same. Many people wish for your recovery."
Yuuta sighed, "As do I." He looked over to Yami, patting the spot on the bed across from Yugi,"You may sit." He shook his head, "You don't have to be formal in private." He gave Yami a warm, gentle smile, "Besides, I wish to know more about you. You will be protecting my brother and I wish to know what kind of person you are."
"My thoughts exactly." Atem added, floating over the bed, his legs crossed.
Yugi rolled his eyes, "You're just as bad as Yuuta."
Atem shot him a look, "We only want what's best for you, Little Prince."
Yami nodded, accepting the spot, "Thank you, Prince."
Yuuta smiled, looking much more relaxed and easier to talk to. However, once he relaxed, one could easily make out the sickness etched all over his face. Yami couldn't help but frown. Yuuta was pale, bringing out the bags under his eyes. His eyes, while a beautiful darker shade of violet than Yugi's, looked extremely tired and sunken in. Yami couldn't help but notice how much his collarbone stuck out, as well.
Still, now that Yuuta relaxed, he was much more approachable and less intimidating. His voice was soft and kind like Yugi's and held no hint of authority like earlier. His eyes sparkled with confidence, but were still kind and open. His black hair looked dull and a bit messy, but it only managed to remind Yami was Yuuta still a person and not just a Prince who should look perfect all the time. Not only that, but he was sick. Still, Yuuta held himself with confidence and kindness and Yami found comfort in that.
Eventually, Yami left, giving the two brothers some privacy. Yuuta smiled at Yugi, "Yami seems very kind, Little Bother. I have heard from Mother and Father that he is the best and Timeaus himself recommended him. It looks like you are in good hands, Little Brother."
Yugi smiled, "Yes, Yami seems great."
"And extremely good looking." Atem purred, floating on his stomach over the bed. His chin held in the palm of his hand and he was smirking at Yugi, "Sweet. Gentle. And the best of the best. Yup, he's perfect, Little Prince." He swung his legs up and down, looking like a teenage girl sharing gossip a sleepover. Still, there was a certain glint his eye and his smirk still proved just how confident and charming Atem was. One could even say, seductive. It seemed that even Atem was smitten with the bodyguard.
Yugi huffed, "If you say so."
"You know, Little Brother, Yami seems pretty perfect." Yuuta remarked, as if he knew what Yugi and Atem were talking about. Yuuta doesn't know about Atem's presence and it freaked Yugi out over how much Yuuta and Atem could think and talk about the same things.
Ignoring Atem's snickers, Yugi blushed, "I suppose so."
"Now, why do you agree with him, but ignore me?" Atem asked, furrowing his brows together.
"Simple. He's my brother. You, mister, is just some weird, old ass spirit who freeloads in the castle." Yugi answered, smirking at Atem.
Atem just rolled his eyes, Yugi's jab not hurting him what – so – ever, "You've got a point."
Yugi smiled at Atem before turning his attention back to Yuuta, "So, you approve of him?"
Yuuta nodded, "He's respectful and kind, but also gentle and understanding. I can see him following you into Kinghood and many years in the future."
Yugi's smile faltered a bit at the mention of him being king, "Yeah."
Yuuta frowned, "Little Brother, I know how you feel about being first in line, now, but I am sick." He shook his head, "I am not fit to rule."
Yugi sighed, "Yeah, I know." He shrugged, "It's okay, anyway." Before Yuuta could utter another word, Yugi stood, "I'll leave now. You should get some rest and I haven't even greeted Mother or Father yet." He pulled the covers further up Yuuta's chest, "Rest now, Brother."
Yuuta looked at Yugi for a while, "I am sorry that you are in this position, Little Brother."
Yugi shook his head, "It's not your fault."
"But, Yugi," Yuuta protested, "I am sick. If I wasn't, I would be first in line."
"No." Yugi shot back, a rare firmness in his voice, "You did not ask to fall sick. Now, please rest."
Yuuta sighed, knowing that he was going to get nowhere with him, "Very well. Thank you for visiting me today, Little Brother."
Yugi smiled at his brother, "Don't mention it."
So, what do you guys think of Yuuta?
