Dousing the Flame

Going Home

A/N: Hey guys! Thank you for your support, for the comments and the votes! I appreciate it.

SyraTsukiano Lol. Looks like someone is happy and giddy about the two little Egyptians. Just wait and see what I have planned for the two.

Please hit that vote button if you like the chapter. Moving along!

/Thoughts/

After a fun filled week spending time with Solomon Muto, all of Yugi's friends, and the Kaiba brothers, Atem, Yugi, and Layla had to return home. Layla begged and pleaded to stay longer with Akefia and Ishizu. She tried every persuasion tactic she knew including bargaining and begging; mannerisms typical of any child, but significantly frowned upon as a princess. Atem reminded her she had to return to her studies.

Layla took lessons several times per week on many different subjects including Egyptian history, world history, various sciences, math and mythology. She took lessons in art twice per week with Mana in addition to the combat training. Hours of unsuccessful pleading with her fathers later, Layla relented and agreed to go home.

The three stood in the Domino Airport surrounded by their friends. The entire group had come to see the royal family off. Atem, Layla, and Yugi still had a little bit of time before the plane was due to land.

"I'll be right back. I'm going to use the restroom before the plane gets here," Yugi gently placed a hand on Atem's arm to let him know he would return shortly.

"What? Not gonna join da Mile High Club, Yug?" Joey nudged his petite friend with a chuckle.

Yugi's amethyst eyes rolled and caught the knowing glint in Atem's eyes. The pharoah winked and Yugi giggled, /Been there, done that./ The amethyst eyed man smirked and headed towards the restroom.

As he stepped out of the bathroom he noticed Atem leaning towards the group, fully captivating their attention. They all nodded at the pharaoh. Atem placed his hand on his hip, speaking directly to Seto in a hushed tone. Ryou's chocolate pools landed on Yugi. He quickly leaned in closer to Atem and Seto's conversation to whisper to Atem. The pharaoh turned to look at Yugi a large smile on his dusky lips.

"What's going on?" Yugi asked curiously, tilting his head and approaching the group. Keen amethyst watched their bodies relax; each of them smiling at him.

"Nothing. We are just saying goodbye to Atem and Layla," Duke responded.

Yugi raised an eyebrow, "Uh..huh." Joey grabbed Yugi and playfully nuggied his head. "Hey! Joey!" The petite male squirmed out of Joey's hold easily enough, but not without a price. Static coursed through his tri-colored hair, giving him a frayed and unkempt appearance.

"What? You may be all grown up, but there is nothing in the law that says I can't nuggie you," Joey grinned and shrugged.

"I'm sure Atem could arrange that if Yugi asked," Malik laughed.

"He wouldn't do that," Joey blinked incredulously at the Egyptian pharaoh, "Would you?" Atem shrugged, sending the others into fits of laughter.

"You never know," he answered evasively.

Akefia and Layla stood off to the side talking. "Do you know when you will come back to Egypt?" Layla asked the child thief.

His eyes were full of sadness. He looked down, not wanting her to go, "No. I'm not sure when Ishizu is due to go back."

Layla pulled a small box out of her pocket. "I have something for you," She whispered to Akefia.

"What is it?" Akefia asked curiously taking the small white box. He opened the container and looked inside; his crimson eyes widened. He lifted a small chain attached to half of a golden Eye of Horus, "It's...part of your necklace, Layla."