Strangers When We Meet

STRANGERS WHEN WE MEET

AN: Review replies next time. :)

CHAPTER TWELVE: CHANGE

Seto groggily opened one eye, squinting through the dark.

“What the…” he groaned, his mind starting to process the loud banging emitting from his door. He sighed, stumbling to the door and pulling it open. Shimon look frantic, pulling Seto after him.

“The pharaoh has fallen gravely ill.” He grimly spoke.

Seto’s eyes widened, “What??” He quickly followed Shimon down the halls towards the pharaoh’s chambers. The palace lay still in darkness, the small flickering candle Shimon held lighting their path.

Shimon turned down the corridors quickly, pausing at the wall to his right to push open the hidden door. Inside, the other priests surrounded the bed of the pharaoh. Atem sat by his side, holding onto his father’s hand. He looked up as the door opened, tears falling before letting his head rest against his father’s hand. Everyone’s expression was somber, it was clear that there wasn’t much time.

“Did Isis see the future on this?” Seto quietly asked Aknadin. He gave one curt nod, bowing his head.

“It doesn’t look good.”

Seto looked back to Atem, his heart breaking for the young prince.

“I’d like a few moments with my son please.” Akunumkanon requested.

Shimon nodded, quickly ushering everyone out. Seto looked around at everyone. The silence was deafening as they waited outside the room. Shimon paced up and down the hall, chanting prayers quietly under his breath.

The minutes dragged by as they waited. Seto wondered what would happen. If the pharaoh was to die, everything would change drastically—even for him. He would become the high priest, the second most powerful person in Egypt. And what would happen if…

Seto’s thoughts were interrupted as the door slowly opened. Everyone watched carefully as Atem slowly stepped out, waiting for him to speak with baited breath.

Atem bowed his head, “He’s gone.” He quietly spoke.

Shimon took a deep breath, “Very well.”

Everyone stood quiet, the grief overwhelming. A few went back into the bedroom while others discussed when the mummifying would begin.

“Seto, please take the pharaoh back to his chambers.” Shimon requested.

“What?” Seto asked in confusion.

“Our prince, Seto. The new pharaoh.” Shimon gestured towards Atem who gave a shaky nod, following Seto down the hall.

They walked in silence, Seto wasn’t sure what to say—what could he say to help ease the pain of losing your father and king? No words could do that.

He stood by as Atem stepped inside his chambers, “Seto, will you stay with me for awhile?”

“Sure.” Seto nodded, following him within.

He stood near the door as Atem pulled off his head piece, pouring some wine for the two.

“You can come farther in.” He said, holding out the drink to Seto.

He nodded, walking forward to grab the wine. Atem took a seat on the edge of his bed, gesturing for the priest to sit next to him.

Atem gave a long sigh, looking down at the floor. “What a mess.” He said.

“You’ll do fine.” Seto said, sitting down next to the prince.

Atem shook his head slowly, “I don’t know Seto, I thought I had more time.”

“The Gods knew you were ready.” He encouraged, setting his drink down.

Atem nodded, “Maybe.”

Minutes passed in silence. Seto didn’t know if he should say something or leave, the room was dark and quiet—it felt empty. Seto hated to leave Atem alone, but he wasn’t sure if he should be there.

“I’m going to miss him so much.” Atem whispered, quietly beginning to cry.

Seto wrapped his arms around him, pulling him tight. He felt Atem’s shaky arms do the same, pulling him closer as he cried. He rubbed his back soothingly, unsure of what else to do.

“It’s okay.” He softly spoke.

Atem sniffled, lifting his head up to look at Seto.

“Thank you.” He gave a small smile as Seto brushed off the tears with the pads of his thumbs. He gazed at Seto, their faces inches apart. Closing his eyes, he slowly pressed his lips to Seto’s.

Seto stood still a moment and then, his eyes slid shut as he started kissing him back. Forgetting about everything else. Atem gave a small whimper, parting his lips as he felt the priest’s tongue rub against his. He pushed his body closer to Seto’s, wrapping his arms around his neck as their kiss deepened. Seto held him tighter, running a hand down the other’s back, smiling as Atem gave a small giggle when he grabbed his ass, kissing him again.

Their kiss grew more heated as their bodies reacted to the chemistry, their breathing quickening and hearts starting to race. And it was then that something in Seto broke.

He pulled back breathlessly, looking into Atem’s violet eyes.

Seto shook his head, “I—I can’t do this.” He pleaded.

Atem blinked in confusion.

“Why?” He sadly asked.

“I’m sorry.” Seto stood up, “I’m sorry about everything.” He said, quickly tearing out of the room, leaving the new pharaoh staring after him.

Seto’s heart pounded as he stood against the wall outside Atem’s bedroom.

“Follow me.” He begged, staring at the closed door.

“No…don’t.” He chastised himself, groaning in frustration as he paced down the dark hall, back to his own chambers.

“What have I done?” He asked himself.

The sun was starting to rise as he made his way back to his chambers.

“Bakura?” He called as he opened the door.

But the room was silent, he breathed a sigh of relief.

I’m sure you already know what’s happened, I’ll be busy for the next week.

He placed the parchment down on the desk. He knew he’d find it.