The Pharaoh and the Slave

Chapter Four: Mou Hitori No Boku

After they had officially became friends, Yugi explained to Joey that he had gotten lost on the way to the kitchen. Joey then told Yugi that he, too, was heading to the kitchen, and showed the shorter of the two the way to the kitchen.

Once they had gotten the food for their respective masters, they walked back the way they came. Due to the fact that Yugi didn't know how to get around the castle yet, Joey decided to escort him back to the Prince's room.

On the way they talked about themselves. Yugi found out that Joey had a little sister that was undergoing treatment with the help of Priest Seto. Serenity was her name, apparently. He also learned that Joey loved playing games, but was not really good at them. Yugi promised him that he would teach Joey strategy and good ways of winning.

They had just finished talking when they arrived at Yugi's destination. Yugi smiled up at his new friend. "Thank you for helping me, Joey. I appreciate it."

Joey smiled back at the younger one. "No problem. Maybe our masters will give us some time soon so I can give you a tour of the palace so you can get a feel for the layout. How's that sound?"

Yugi nodded in agreement. Joey went to hug the little slave, but Yugi dodged, causing Joey to give him a questioning look. "Sorry. It's just... Master said that no one that he doesn't approve of can touch me. I don't wanna get you in trouble."

Joey smiled. "I understand bud. I'll keep that in mind." Yugi nodded. "I should probably go now. Se- Priest Seto is waiting for me. And the Prince is probably waiting for you."

Yugi nodded and waved as Joey walked away. Once Joey was out of eyesight, Yugi turned and knocked on the door. "Master? Its Yugi. I have your tea."

"Come on in, Yugi."

Yugi then balanced the tray he held in one hand and opened the door with the other. He somehow managed to balance the tray in one hand as he walked into the royal chambers and closed the door behind him. When he turned, his face exploded into a deep shade of red.

Standing there in front of the bathroom door was Yami, naked with just a towel around his waist while drying his hair with another towel.

Yugi nearly dropped the tray in shock but managed to snap out of his shock and placed the tray onto the bedside table with a blush still on his face. He picked up the tea kettle and started pouring the tea into a cup. "I got you Green Tea. I also stopped at the infirmary and asked Doctor Makluan for some migraine medicine. I also got you a fruit salad as the tea was being prepared."

"Thank you, Yugi. I appreciate it." Yami answered as Yugi finished pouring the tea. He set the kettle back down and prepared himself for the worst as he turned. He gasped at what he saw.

Yami was turned away from him, slipping on his clothing. However, that is not what surprised him. What surprised him was the burn marks that covered his back. Yami turned around when he heard the gasp and realized Yugi saw his marks. Yugi watched as an unidentifiable emotion crossed his face as he quickly finished putting his clothes on.

"I didn't want you to see those."

Yugi hesitated. Should he ask? They've only known each other for a few hours... Would it be too soon to ask? He looked up and could only muster one word. "Yami..."

Yami smiled sadly as he turned towards Yugi. "I... I want to tell you but..." Yami hesitated.

Yugi smiled as he walked up to Yami and placed a hand on Yami's cheek. "It's fine if you don't want to tell me right now, Mou Hitori No Boku." Yami blinked in surprise at the nickname. Yugi grew worried. "I'm sorry... It was a nickname I came up with... If you don't like it-"

"No!" Yami said suddenly, surprising Yugi. He cleared his throat. "I like it. It has a certain ring to it."

Yugi smiled. "Then Mou Hitori no Boku it is!" He said before pulling Yami to the tray. "Now refresh yourself!"

:-:-:-:

Yugi woke as a shiver went down his spine. He opened his eyes and groggily sat up, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He scanned the room and noticed two things: Yami was missing and the balcony doors were open.

Yugi stood and walked over to the doors, glancing out. He let out a sigh of relief as he saw Yami leaning against the balcony. At least he wasn't kidnapped.

Yugi wondered what was on his mind. I know I just met him but... Maybe I should tell him? Yugi asked before shaking his head. I can't. He might have me killed. Yugi settled on just going to ask if he was okay.

He took a deep breath and walked out, stopping when he was next to Yami. "Penny for your thoughts, Mou Hitori No Boku?" He asked, using the nickname he came up with for his master and friend.

Yami didn't even look at Yugi. "Just... Thinking about things. Mainly my mother." Yugi didn't say anything as he continued to watch Yami. "She would always take my brother and I out of castle grounds to stargaze in secret." Yugi was shocked to hear that Yami had a brother but didn't question Yami about it; he would do so another time. "But after..." Yami trailed off and Yugi placed a hand on Yami's shoulder and the elder looked at him.

"It's fine Yami; you don't have to say anything right now. If you want to in the future, I'll be here to listen."

Yami was shocked; he was told these words by so many but the way Yugi said it made Yami believe it for once. Yami smiled.

"Thank you, Yugi."

:-:-:-:

A/N: Well, here's another chapter. I have decided to make Yami and Atem two different people, hence the reason the name change. I have also gone back and changed everything from Atem to Yami. I have some plans for future chapters that involve having to have Atem as a separate person. I hope you do not mind! Please watch out for the next chapter!