Circle of Rememberance

Circles of Rememberance

Author’s Note: Mercynre and I are now working on a site together where a lot of stories are being posted. I’ll link the site to my profile. Anyway, we have writer’s prompts to help nudge the muses and decided to cowrite a tale together. The prompt we chose to work with was - Slave Bracelets. We really hope you enjoy this. Please review!

Disclaimer - We do not own Yugioh. This story is for fun only, not for any money.


Atemu leaned back in his throne with a frown. His advisors had commented that there was an offering coming that he was supposed to accept personally. Usually, one of his advisors or his cousin would do it since he had been immersed in trade agreements for the past moon.

Espa's head was down, his eyes on the sand, as befitted a slave, a priest beside him as he approached the throne room. He was barefoot, but the inside of the building was cool, and smooth, and helped wipe away some of the sand. There was very little left to the imagination with his clothing... a dark blue skirt to offset his teal hair and eyes, which were outlined darkly to bring emphasis to them, the garment decorated and translucent in parts, chiming softly with bells, as did the collar around his neck, hanging against his bare chest. The skin was paler than those of the other Egyptian boys, and the coloring odd, and that was why he was being brought, unsure of any words to say when he was pushed to his knees before the throne. He could only see Atemu from the corner of his eyes, but he was an imposing figure, and striking in looks... such radiant and colorful hair, and violet eyes that stood out, and were perfectly formed. It only made him more nervous as he held out the artisan-crafted jewelry that Atemu was to put on him if he were accepting him as a personal slave, picked by Mahaad himself, which he supposed was a privilege ... But he was glad that his bangs fell into his eyes as he held them out formally. A set of silver and gold, locking, bracelets, ones which marked only the few chosen slaves that Atemu found worthy of his time.

Mahaad had brought in the slave, which had drawn Atemu's attention immediately. He was unusual in coloring, which made him very unique amongst those of darker skin, eyes, and hair. His deep voice was soft as he leaned forward on his seat, eyes focused on the new arrival. "What is your name?"

Oh, it was all he could do not to stutter. "Espa, my Great Pharaoh. Priest... Priest Mahaad brought me."

The long haired brunette bowed and spoke softly. "He is pure. I have examined him myself and found him suitable for any work that you might desire, Pharaoh Atemu. I have never seen one that had coloring as unusual as yours, but of course you will want to inspect him privately."

"Indeed I would. Espa, rise and follow me. Mahaad, I am retiring for the night. Unless there's an emergency that you or Seth cannot handle, do not disturb me." He rose, hands smoothing gracefully over tunic and shenti.

Espa swallowed, mind racing as Mahaad bowed and took his leave. Retiring for the night? But... then did that mean he would be left alone with him, all night? Or was he going to be put somewhere, with the others? This was all so terribly overwhelming, but everything had been since his village had been destroyed. He had nowhere else to go, so he supposed it could be worse... if Atemu was kind. Perhaps he wasn't... he was a powerful man, and powerful men did not have to be kind. But he was so beautiful, and so frightening, and exotic, that it was hard to keep his eyes down as he rose gracefully, padding along a step behind on the balls of his feet. He'd been instructed in the most rudimentary of things, and whipped if he had messed up, so he no longer made such stupid errors. They had told him if he had to be whipped often enough to mark his skin, then he would only be desired by the most coarse and vulgar of people, so he'd learned quickly.

Atemu simply smiled at those who gave him well wishes, passing through elaborately decorated doors into a large suite of rooms. It was cool here, windows being open to allow the breeze to sweep through. He gave a soft sigh when the doors closed behind him, allowing the gentle scent of the incense to fill his lungs. There was a soft clunk as the crown was dropped carelessly onto the dressing table, followed by the rest of his jewelry. "Welcome to my rooms, Espa. In here, you may meet my eyes without fear of reprisal." That was something Atemu despised, people not meeting his gaze at all.

Was that a test? But if he didn't do what he was told, then it might be worse, and so large and frightened teal eyes looked up into violet, his hands twisting nervously around the silver jewelry, making it disappear and reappear in a simple sleight of hand that he performed without thinking, his accent showing and sounding unusual when he spoke softly. "Th... Thank you, my Lord?" Oh, he was beautiful... so very beautiful that it was hard to meet his gaze. His body was bronze, and he looked the part of one who was part God, his hair split into three colors and somehow messed up but every hair in place. The adornments seemed cheaper than his skin, and the boy forgot to breath for several moments as he looked at him, the pale skin of his cheeks growing warm before he remembered he was supposed to ask things. "What does your Lord desire of me for inspection?"

The pharaoh gave a soft smile at that. "First, you can tell me where you are from. Second, Espa, have you eaten today?"

"Kul Elna, Sir." He tried to recall on the second question, but things had been so hard to understand lately. War, and death, and then strangers putting their hands on him, telling him what to do from the second he woke up to the second he was told to sleep, and he'd hardly slept, so the days were starting to run together. And so much travel to get here, then strange priests reciting blessings... He simply didn't know. "I believe I did, my Lord. I... Things have been so strange," he stammered, flushing and dropping his eyes. He wasn't supposed to call him strange, was he?

There was a soft clink of dishes as Atemu moved to a small table near the balcony. "Come and eat, Espa. One of the tenets I have in my household, no one goes hungry. As for Kul Elna, that was during my father's time when the disaster hit and I am grateful someone survived." Atemu had never been told of what his father had done, simply been told a natural disaster had hit it.

"Disaster?" Espa winced as soon as he'd said it, and bit his tongue, shaking his head a little, the ends of his hair just barely touching his collarbone. "I am not hungry, my Lord, though... though perhaps you would like me to feed you?" That wouldn't be such a hard thing. It wasn't hard labor, and it had nothing to do with the strange questions the priest had asked, and verified with shadow magic. Why should it matter if a household slave was a virgin? He hadn't understood that part, but he had never known any slaves, either. His best guess was that he was supposed to keep the place clean... and perhaps be whipped if the Pharaoh felt like being cruel. He couldn't cook, and his only skills were those of fortune telling, so he didn't exactly feel very useful, making the bracelets reappear so he could hold them out. "These are yours, my Lord, to do what you will with them, even if you should send me away." And that was more frightening than anything this man could do to him... he had seen murderers and thieves, and men who were frightening to be in the room with, not because they were powerful and exotic, but because they were violent and sadistic and loved to hurt those who were weak.

Atemu took the bracelets, examining them. They were beautiful works of art but not quite something that would suit Espa at all. He set them on the table,pouring two goblets of juice, handing one to the teenager. "You may. Espa, one thing, as long as you are honest with me and serve faithfully, you have nothing to fear from me. I am not as my father was."

"I did not know your father, my Lord," Espa said truthfully. He had never met any of the court until months ago... was only dimly aware that such things existed, since he wasn't schooled. He had never really paid attention to the fact that they had a ruler, but knew that he was a descendant of Ra, and worshipped. So it was with a slight tremor that he set his glass down and lifted the others to Atemu's lips, tilting it slightly. "I do not fear you, but I am unaccustomed to this place, and... to what I am now. I do not know what you expect of me, only that I am to give it and be respectful."

The pharaoh had good instincts, which kept him alive during his training during his youth as well as his gaming ability and the shadow games. He felt drawn to the youth. "At the moment, I simply am desiring of company. Unlike most in my position, I have not chosen a companion..either for conversation or other activities. Seth comes to visit with me during our times away from the royal demands, but it does get a bit lonely."

Oh. OH. Espa's eyes widened slightly, and the blush intensified, so much so that he had to set the cup down. "That is why Priest Mahaad asked me about sex, and determined whether I was lying with spells? But you are the Pharaoh, and beautiful... surely many would do anything to share your bed."

His fingers were busy, setting food onto a plate. "All of those are people who desire power, anything being my bedmate and companion would gain them. Even slaves are either too afraid of me or lusting for that position simply because they know what they can gain. I simply wanted to wait for someone to intrigue me, make me feel comfortable as a person..not a pharaoh."

Espa's voice was soft as he watched him, fascinated by the simple grace the man exhibited, and how radiantly gorgeous he was, even his voice. "That must be sad, to think that no one will see you for who you are, but instead what you are. I suppose that is all I will be seen for now as well, as a slave. It is not as bad as I thought... if you pay attention, then you aren't whipped, but... Perhaps you'll think me childish and foolish. I was never really aware of what a Pharaoh was before my village was destroyed and I was taken and started my training."

He chuckled at that. "Most of the smaller villages work directly through the priests. Granted, I'm the high priest but Seth handles the non-secular area mostly. Most of the adults remember me about tax time." Gently, he offered a bit of cheese and smoked meat to Espa.

Espa shyly used just his mouth, since he had said he was there for companionship, and let his lips graze the tanned fingers, thanking him softly after he had swallowed. "Ah. I am not yet an adult, so I suppose I would not know of that." He offered Atemu a bite as well, trying so hard not to blush. It showed up so easily on him, unlike the more dark skinned Egyptians, because he wasn't originally from there.

And the sight of the blush on that fair skin was entrancing. Atemu took the offered bite, lips grazing along the fingers as well. "Perhaps, perhaps not. But I am glad for it."

"You are?" He sounded slightly surprised, and had forgotten to address him as Lord, hoping he wouldn't be punished for it. "But if I had known who you were, then perhaps I would know better how to please you right now."

"Believe it or not, I prefer honest reactions, Espa. I get enough of titles and kissing of my ass outside of these rooms. I simply want to be Atemu while I can in the privacy of my suite." Another bite was offered to Espa.

"I still wish I knew how to please you," he said softly, accepting it. "Because you seem to be kind, and there are so many who are not... but of course that should have nothing to do with whether you want me to stay or not. If I please you, then I am glad, but I am not used to having to try to please someone. My life was very simple... Yours looks so complex. Don't you like being the Pharaoh? You have so many who look up to you, and such a beautiful home..." Even the draperies had been so soft when they'd walked past and they'd brushed his skin, when his own had been rough, and the floors were usually dirty. He hadn't even looked the same before they'd cleaned him up and dressed him... nothing so exotic, just typical clothing and his hair pulled back, and he had seemed much younger, but knew he looked almost 20 now with the makeup and the sexy clothing. People had made bids, and in a way, it was nice to be noticed like that, even if it was frightening, but Mahaad had refused to listen to them, and had continued their journey.

Atemu took a bite of his own meal thoughtfully, chewing slowly before answering. "I do and I don't. I hate arguing with the Council to put things in place that will be beneficial to my people. At the same time, I enjoy helping them and making things better than they were. Change is slow though, which can be very frustrating.'

Espa smiled a little at him. "But it is an important thing, and noble. My own work was not so very important as that. If... if you work so hard, then I can understand now why you would need your priests to find a companion, because you are so busy. And it... it must be stressful." He was silent for a moment, then moved behind him, chewing on his bottom lip. "Would it please you for me to massage some of the tension out? That is something I know how to do."

A grateful smile flashed across the older man's face. "I would greatly appreciate that, Espa. Between stress and training, my body does get very tight most days."

The gypsy turned slave was blushing again, glad that at least he couldn't be seen as he carefully moved the elaborate jewelry so that his small hands could slide underneath, right against the sun warmed flesh, and out of habit, he started singing a soft, slow song in Russian as he worked each muscle, his face getting warmer and warmer. He was kind... he'd been so afraid he wouldn't be, and he was very, very beautiful... his hair smelled like sandalwood, and his skin was like heated satin. Even if it were slavery, to share a bed with such a man would not be bad, he could tell that, but he also wouldn't get his hopes up when he might be sold to someone much less refined.

The lithe body beneath Espa's hands began slowly relaxing under the wonderful touch. "What language is that? I'm not familiar with it."

"Oh... I'm sorry," he squeaked, trying to ignore the way that doing this made him feel. "It is Romanian... I am not from Egypt, but traveled here with my tribe, to Kul Elna, where we have lived for a while now. Or... we did, before it was destroyed. I suppose that is why Priest Mahaad brought me, because I do not look the same as others, and I must stay out of the sun or burn, but you..." Oh Ra, his face was definitely hot saying it. "Your skin is so beautiful. It's like precious metals, or the finest jewelry." And he was enjoying this, getting to glide his hands along the muscular back and work on the parts that felt knotted, because he could feel him and smell him, and it was... well, it made him tingle, and he wasn't quite sure why. He wasn't clueless about sex, but he was pure, just like Mahaad had questioned him, so he was surprised to find himself attracted to another man, even if such relationships were common in Egypt. It didn't mean that Atemu returned it, but it was easy to fall into a daydreaming sort of state when all he had to do was give a massage, and he didn't realize he was making his own soft sounds of pleasure, or that he was smiling again.

Atemu was very much aware of it and feeling himself react to those quiet beautiful sounds. "The language is beautiful, Espa, as is the song. Music is something I enjoy. Would you mind singing again for me?" He could feel his muscles responding to the gentle massaging, relaxing for the first time in a long time.

Espa blinked, realizing he was drifting and making noise, cringing slightly. "Of course, my Lord." He started the song over again, forcing himself to pay attention as he worked lower, careful not to do anything inappropriate, keeping the massage above the shenti that the Pharaoh wore, since he had not requested a full body massage, breaking the song just briefly to ask him a question. "Would you like me to work on your feet and calves as well? Those must carry tension... Though I do know how to massage almost all areas of the body."

He took a last sip of his beverage before rising. Atemu was body conscious at times but for this, he didn't mind. Agile fingers worked at t he belt before setting it and the shenti aside, tunic following. He moved to lay facedown on the bed, gesturing at the oils on the table against the wall. "I'm partial to sandlewood but choose one you like to continue this."

Oh. Oh Ra, he hadn't expected him to... to lay there naked, so calmly. Even if he was barely dressed himself, he'd never looked at someone so attractive in this way, but he padded across the stone to take down the sandalwood oil, forcing himself to kneel on the bed above Atemu, carefully settling his lithe form on top of the back of his legs so he could reach his shoulders, working his way down with the oil until he had to move and sit between his legs with a furious blush, being tender but methodical as he worked all the tension out, even to the ends of his toes. This was so... indecent, wasn't it? He'd been allowed no underwear, only the flimsy skirt, and Atemu had nothing on. Was it a signal to initiate some sort of pleasure for him? He... was so inexperienced at that, but finally leaned forward and lapped at his neck, breathing hard against his skin as he begane massaging his upper arms. He just knew Atemu could feel his heart beat pressing into his back.

And he could….oddly it felt as if Espa's heartbeat was beating in time with his own. That was something he'd been told only happened when a person's other half was found. An old legend the tutors had taught him and Seth during their time learning legends of their people. Atemu gave a soft sigh, eyes partially closing as his body relaxed more, although a low fire began burning in his belly..one he didn't feel often.

Espa was mildly surprised that he hadn't been chastised for being so bold, but oh, he had tasted so good, and it had made the tingling in his stomach even stronger, so he did it again, kissing down to his collarbone, and even nipping at his ear as he massaged the lower arms and hands before coloring again and fanning his face, looking down. He'd avoided touching him too sexually, but the massage was incomplete... after all, Atemu had undressed himself, so that meant... He took a deep breath and started on his hips again, trailing his fingers down to cup and work the muscles of his buttocks, which were.... oh, very attractive to look at. He shouldn't be thinking this. He was supposed to remain pure, but touching him and rubbing, his hands coming awfully close to what was in the front, didn't make him feel so pure. The skirt he was wearing showed so much, and so he couldn't hide his arousal if Atemu looked at him, and it was frightening... exciting as well. It wouldn't be exciting to go to the prisons, though, and so he watched his face as he touched him there, to see if he was angry.

He smiled into the pillows before rolling, keeping Espa straddling his belly. Garnet eyes looked into beautiful teal, reading the arousal there. Gently, he cupped the back of Espa's neck, whispering softly. "Are you feeling what I feel?"

Espa made a soft sound, embarassed to be looking down at the front of him. His beautiful chest, flat stomach, and... that, behind him. But it felt good to be touched back, and so he nodded, flustered. "I'm... I'm not used to feeling this way. I'm so sorry if I shouldn't have kissed you... you said companionship, and I just... you're so beautiful and you've been so nice, and haven't whipped me at all. I couldn't help myself." Was he going to be sent away now? Or.... Atemu said he felt something, right? "Wh... What do you feel, my Lord?" It was almost instinctual to want to move back, to feel if he was aroused, but he wouldn't, not without permission. That was too intimate.

His eyes were open to Espa, hiding nothing of his fascination and the pull he felt towards the slightly taller male straddling him. "That touching you is the right thing, Espa. That your touch on my skin brings a fire to me that I've never felt before." The answer was soft.

Espa lowered his eyes, gliding his hands up Atemu's chest, slicked with oil, and sighing softly. "It... It does feel good to touch you, my Lord. I know... that I'm being awfully forward when Priest Mahaad went to great trouble to ensure that I am pure. Do you want me to stop?" That made it hard to breath... he didn't want to stop. He wanted the Pharaoh to touch him back, to remove the flimsy clothing between them, and it was embarassing. He was pure... he'd never thought of doing those things. Even when he gave readings to couples, he'd never felt this pull, or this need, or this head. Fire was the right word for it, but was he worthy to touch a Pharaoh? Even if he didn't understand quite what it meant to be one, surely Atemu could choose any lover he wanted, not some silly gypsy boy who hadn't even been able to fight the priests.

Atemu smiled at that. "He was ensuring you were pure for me. It's something any potential companion must be...to keep that individual clean as well as myself healthy. Until this moment though, I've had anyone brought to me reassigned to help others here in the palace..be it record keeping or whatnot. You are the first to draw my attention like this." Gently, ever so gently, he tugged Espa down into a slow soft kiss.

"Really? But I'm a nobody," the teenager managed to whisper before surrendering to the kiss, the fire building up so that it was almost painful. He wasn't special, just gypsy trash, but that kiss took his breath away and he parted his lips to taste him, feeling sonprovocative that it was shameful, keeping his eyes open so he could look at this beautiful man, part god. "I've never wanted to do these things," he told him before kissing him again, helpless to stop it, and laying down against him with a breathless moan.

He gently parted his lips, tongue moving to taste the sweet lips of the one above him. Espa tasted a bit of t he juice they'd had to accompany their meal and a hint of something both magical and earthy. It was a taste Atemu definitely wanted to experience again and again.

Ra, it was so hard to contain his voice when Atemu's tongue slid around his, exotic but so real, and he squirmed atop him, the skirt riding up to let their hipbones meet, and it was too much sensory input, drawing a gasp and a moan as he wrapped his tongue around the other's slippery organ. This was all so new, but it was his place now, wasn't it? And yet... He didn't feel like a whore. That had been a valid fear when the priest had examined him so intimately, and so oddly that he'd barely been able to answer, so his eyes were wide as he let his hands roam. One went to where their hips met, but didn't stop, because he could feel the Pharaoh's arousal close to his own and couldn't explain what made him shift and pull them together, but it was a delicious shock that made him tremble. The skin was so soft, but they were both so hard, and he was panting, gliding his hand up both. Surely Atemu had much more experience and found him clumsy and awkward, but he felt as if he could lose himself just repeating this touch over and over, lowly moaning 'my Lord' repeatedly. There was more to that sentence but he wasn't crude, and all the words he knew for sex were no good for someone so refined.

"Atemu," he whispered. "Call me Atemu..please." He gave a moan of pleasure when their arousals met, grinding up into the sweet softness that was Espa. His lips went to the pale neck, nibbling and kissing along the pulse point. The gentle scent of spices was intoxicating to the pharaoh and he wanted more. He rolled until Espa was below him, kissing him with passion that displayed his hunger but still remained tender and gentle.

"A... Atemu," he gasped, feeling as if it were a wicked thing to say to someone so powerful. Someone who could have him killed if he were no good in bed, at that. But it was so hard to think of that with the weight of him pressing into him at all angles, so wonderfully. Anyone who kissed with such abandon couldn't be evil, no matter what was said about him. Not when he made his heart race, and his breathing speed up, and his body ache so intensely. He leaned into the nibbles, then wrapped his fingers through the blinding hair as they kissed again, wrapping his legs around the slim waist. He couldn't stop grinding into him lewdly, realizing he must seem nothing at all like a virgin. No, this was too wanton, too full of desire, but he couldn't stop. The weight on his body was pure, raw, sensuality, and he was afraid that if Atemu stopped, he would beg, because it was starting to hurt. "Atemu... What... how far?" He shouldn't ask, but if this was all, then he'd have to control himself... Espa, who had never even looked at adult things, or beat himself off, was completely losing control of this faster than he realized, aware of how spread his legs were in order to wrap around the other's waist.

His eyes were full of desire and something else as he stared down into teal. "I want all of you, Espa. May I?" A pharaoh was one who could take at will but Atemu was different in heart and soul than most..and this was a treasure that any human cherished. He would not take it by force if Espa did not want to gift that sacred treasure to him. One hand gently caressed the pale cheek.

"Please," he whined softly. It wasn't that he was saving himself... he simply had never felt this kind of desire before. "I want... I want to do that..." He was too shy even to say what, but he was a little confused that Atemu had asked. He was the Pharaoh, and Espa was a slave. He couldn't have said no even if he'd wanted to. If he had, the best he could hope for was death, because the prisons were horrible, and the ones he could be sold to were even worse than that. "I... I've never, though. I don't know how to."

A boyish smile lit up Atemu's face, chasing away the weight that the strain of the throne had brought upon on him the last few years. "Trust me, Espa. I'll teach you." He kissed Espa once again, hands coming into play was they stroked over the other's shoulders and chest, memorizing the feel of the body below him. Fingertips slipped over nipples, making them perk into the oh so soft touch.

Oh! That was... "Ohhhhh..." He arched up when his nipples were brushed against, marveling at how sensitive they were, flexing his legs so that their arousals pumped against each other. His head fell back, teal hair spreading out over the pillow as his eyes widened. "Then, teach me mighty Pharaoh," he murmured huskily, reaching up to trail his fingers through the amazingly soft hair. "Will you...." He had to swallow before saying it, flushing delicately. "Make love to me?"

Again, another lighthearted smile, albeit with a very sensual gaze from the garnet eyes. "I would love to." His lips caressed over the soft skin over Espa's neck, memorizing and paying tribute to each spot that brought such a wonderful response from his new lover. He tasted divine and each reaction from Espa only made Atemu want him even more.

Espa wasn't idle, twisting his body underneath and around Atemu's in a sort of dance, which was one thing he did know, each movement helping him find more spots that got a reaction from the golden-haired god atop him. Those were filed for reference, in case he was ever allowed to share his bed again, and his own reactions were overly dramatic, because he wasn't accustomed to any of it. He was sure he would never stop blushing furiously, kissing and nibbling and speaking in a soft moaning voice. "You're amazing... I never thought I could feel this way. Was so afraid to come here, but this... Is it always so good?" He should have felt horribly exposed, but he didn't... he just felt full of fire and need and an aching pain, wanting to be filled. Anything that would get him past this torture of waiting, of light touches.

Atemu slipped down more, breathing over the perked nipples. "With the right companion, yes, it can be." But he had a feeling it was more along the lines of that odd connection he felt with Espa. He would have to speak to Seth about this later, he mused to himself before moaning. The dancer's body beneath his was pushing at his control, making him ache to be buried inside the tight heat that was sure to come.

"Ahhhhh... you're... you're making me ache," he was told, Espa lowering his eyes shyly. "I don't even understand it, but to feel you... I can feel the fire that is Egypt, and I want you so badly. Please forgive me if I am too bold in saying so, but I feel as if I need more or I will go mad." He squirmed, wrapping his legs around Atemu's thighs this time and pulling him to where he could feel the tip of his cock nestling between the curves of his ass with a little gasp. But that was the area that felt so empty and wanton, and he couldn't help rocking, crying out each time it started to press hard against him, trying to slip inside. "Ah, please, please, Atemu! Please...."

"Patience, little dancer." He reached for the oil, dipping his fingers into it before moving to prepare his new lover. "The last thing I want is to harm you and to take you like this, you would be in pain and all I wish is for you to feel pleasure." A finger slowly penetrated the tight entrance, making him catch his breath as to how hot and silky the flesh inside was. "So beautiful."

He was blushing so hard again... the priests had bathed him and made sure he was clean in every way, and now he understood why they'd been so extensive in it. It felt odd, but not painful, and even more arousing, to feel even such a small part of Atemu inside him, and he pressed down, pulling his fingers tighter against that area with a little smile. "You aren't hurting me... but you're the beautiful one. I've never seen anyone so beautiful, and the way it feels when you touch me... Ohhhhh..." This sort of pain couldn't even be that bad, not if it meant getting what he needed so badly.

He kissed him passionately, adding a second finger, scissoring them to loosen the passage that would envelope him soon. The tips brushed against something, and he focused on that, loving the reactions of the male below him. "You are beautiful, like a star shining in the sky, little dancer."

Espa cried out, arching up, when that spot was touched over and over, barely able to formulate Atemu's name. It made him see nothing but a vast expanse of purple, sparking at the edges of his vision, and his hips moved on their own, gyrating and pumping against the slender fingers in mimicry of the real act. Nothing had ever felt so good in his life, and even if it seemed to take away his ability to think coherently, he no longer wanted to. "Ah... ah, Atemu, please! More..."

A third finger was added as Atemu did not want to harm his new lover. Finally, he felt that the passage way was loosened enough so he could be one with Espa and both enjoy it. He slicked his member with the remaining oil and settled into position. "Espa, once again, may I?"

Espa blinked, still smiling, but looking confused. "Atemu... you do know that you don't have to ask, right? I'm a slave... if you wanted to kill me, you could. I don't have any say in anything, not any more. That's why I'm marked as property."

"True but in my eyes, you are not property. I want to make sure you're ready for this." He smiled into the beautiful teal gaze that seemed to reach right into his very heart and soul.

"But... I am property. Yours, if you want... or sold, if you want," he said softly, confused. "I am not allowed to say no... but yes, I do want this." He realized that perhaps it would have been better not to say the first part, because if he couldn't say no, then of course he'd have to tell Atemu yes, and now he might not believe him.

Atemu smiled at that. "Never to be sold, not ever." Slowly, he slipped into the tight channel, making sure to pause at the right times to keep Espa from being harmed.

Espa cried out, wrapping his arms tight around the taller male before it hit him, what he was doing. This... Wasn't some ordinary man, he was half God. Nothing he could do would be good enough, and he'd said never sold... But nothing about murder. And he tensed, full of pleasure and fear, feeling his body and mind adjust to things he'd once thought impossible. Was it true that only Gods could evoke these feelings, then? He was burning up from the inside, all feverish and forcing himself farther down on the thick cock that impaled him despite the tears that slid down. "Oh... It's so wonderful," he whispered, watching Atemu's face. Even if he were killed it was a wonderful way to die.

This was so divine...he'd never felt anything like this before. Atemu kissed away the tears before giving him a sweet kiss from the heart as he slowly began to move, his heavy length rubbing against that spot that had made Espa react so wildly earlier. "Mine, my little dancer..." Ra, he'd never felt anything so good like this. It was as if the two of them were made for each other..they fit so well together.

Espa's eyes were unfocused, lost, but he could still see Atemu, glowing radiantly. "I never told you I was a dancer," he whispered, moving with him, pulling him closer, in and out, close to screaming at how good it felt every time the swollen length of his member rested against that spot. Noone had ever told him it could be like this, and his eyes focused a little, smiling at him when he'd realized Atemu had made a claim. That didn't mean he'd be the only one, but it touched something deep inside his heart to think that he could belong to him, that this wouldn't be the only time. That he wouldn't be discarded, especially, after having to watch so many of his friends die. "Yours? I want that, very much."

He continued to move inside of him, one hand moving to pull his leg up a bit so he could go deeper. "Mine. And it was a guess considering how graceful you are and how you move against me. Just like a dancing star." He picked up speed, kissing Espa deeply. Atemu loved how his little dancer looked, all hazy with desire..desire for him and him alone.

That was so sweet... The smile stayed, though his eyes couldn't keep focusing, no matter how beautiful Atemu was, not when he was wracked with so much pleasure, his body coiling and uncoiling against the others to heighten his pleasure. He had never realized how seductive dance could be until just now, but it explained why it got him more tips than his fortunes. "I'm not really a dancer, except when doing fortunes is slow... I just enjoy it. The way you move..." he gasped, raking his nails down the tanned back as the pressure hit him too hard and too deep. "... You could be a dancer. This is a dance of sorts, isn't it?" Even his voice was hazy and raw, his eyes unguarded and bright as he kissed him over and over, savoring the taste.

"A dance of love, they call it," he murmured, voice deep with desire. He loved it when Espa did that with his nails, producing a full bodied shiver as he continued to pleasure them both. It was almost as if Atemu could feel everything inside of Espa and wondered if Espa could feel him too..as open as they were to each other. He leaned in, gently suckling on a nipple to gain more of the taste that was uniquely his dancer's.

That brought another long drawn out oooh from the teenager, a sound of amazement as well as lust. It was like he had never really known his body until he'd touched Atemu, and he felt so... connected and complete. Something that he'd thought he'd never feel again after losing all of his family and friends, living through that slaughter and wondering why. Feeling so lost until now, in this bed. Dance of love? That was beautiful... but of course a Pharaoh would be good with words. He wasn't terrible with them... he gave fortunes... but it felt as if he could never be eloquent enough to match, except with the way he moved with him, matching every bit perfectly. His hands were grasping his back so tightly that there would be marks, but he wasn't trying to hurt him, just pull him deeper... so deep that he could feel his soul. And it was warmth and sun, but loneliness as well, and he was glad that Atemu wasn't lonely now, and hoped he wouldn't be when this was over, because he couldn't make it last forever. It was so hard... even the slightest of touches made his cock jerk, and fire shoot from it up his spine, showing in his eyes and sounds. So thick... he was so full... and he loved it like he had never loved anything, panting his name. Such a wonderful name...

Atemu was just as lost in Espa, feeling the pain of losing family and friends, the loneliness and fear of what the future would bring. He resolved to himself to protect his little dancer, to keep him close and away from harm as he could. There was one gift Atemu could give him..to bind him close to the pharaoh and keep him above the touch of others. He needed Espa so badly, it felt as if the light and fire of Ra was burning in his veins. "Espa.." The name was soft, whispered like a prayer.

The teenager's eyes fluttered open, and he bit back the cry that was building in his throat, looking into violet eyes. "Atemu?" He sounded uncertain, afraid of what it was that was going to be said. More pain? He... he had already had to survive so much of it, and he didn't want this incredible creature to say words of pain to him. Maybe he hadn't been good enough... he'd tried. He'd thought there were incredible things happening to both of them, but he knew he was just a silly kid. "Wh... What is it?"

"Don't ever leave me," he murmured, eyes soft with passion and deep emotion. "Be mine forever? For as long the gods give us?"

Espa inhaled sharply, long fingers slowly tracing over the angular face, touching his cheek and chin before gently resting his fingers across his lips. It struck him as odd again, because Atemu was asking... In his position, he didn't have to. But he thought he understood this time, because perhaps he didn't want a slave. The priests had brought him, but maybe he'd never had anyone stay because they wanted to. "Yes, Atemu. Will... Will you be mine?"

"I already am," was the soft response as he nuzzled into the touch. His body was winding close to the glorious climax that was going to be even stronger due to the connection to the one beneath him. "I already am yours, my star-dancer."

Espa kissed him deeply, unable to find words that made any sense for this. Atemu would have to marry, and have children... he knew that. But he believed him, even if it was naive. It was the first time he'd been happy in so long, and not just because he was so close to the edge of pleasure he'd never known, but because of who it was with, and how he glowed from the inside. "Thank you," he whispered after the kiss, rocking against him and gasping. "I... oh... 'temu... So hard to keep holding this feeling back!" His body was already tense around the other, and it made him feel even more stretched, even more full, so much pressure inside of him that he could almost explode from it.

"As am I, little dancer. Let it come, both of us together," he whispered before kissing him again as his climax overtook him with the power and fury of a sandstorm, making his body buck and quiver as his seed spilled within the oh so wonderfully tight body of his lover. Espa's name was called out as light flashed in front of his eyes.

Oh, Ra, he hadn't expected to feel such a rush when Atemu's seed spilled inside him. It really was fire, scorching him from the inside, but it was delicious, and he trembled, holding him tight as he screamed, body meeting each buck so that he could keep him deep, could feel him mark him so well that he could almost taste him. "Ohhhhh, Atemu... I... I love you," he gasped, turning a faint pink at the admission, but there was nothing like this force, emptying him out and filling him at the same time, so hot and sweaty in his arms, clenching and jerking and almost crying.

His heart felt light as he whispered back, knowing his words were true. "As I love you, my Espa, now and forever." The tightness that surrounded him was almost overwhelming but so wonderful. Atemu never wanted to give him up and knew Mahaad had brought him a gift of the rarest kind - the mate of his heart and soul. He kissed him again, riding out the remainders of their climax.

Espa did cry a little, trying hard not to ruin the makeup that Mahaad had made him sit still for, clinging to his mate. "I never thought I would be happy again, especially as a slave, but I am..." He swiped at the tears, looking to the side table. "Does this mean you'll put the bracelets on me so that I'm marked and not for sale?"

Atemu grinned, slowly withdrawing from his beloved. He felt young again in heart and had Espa to thank for that. "I can do better, my star." The pharaoh rose, dampening a cloth, cleaning Espa up first before himself. Afterwards, he went to another table and pulled out a box. He knelt on the bed and smiled. "This is one of the few formalities that will ever happen here in our rooms. In the sanctuary here, I am Atemu and you are Espa. No formalities between us..simple lovers and mates. Beyond these doors, I am the pharaoh..and you, my star, are the Pharaoh's Chosen." He opened the box, pulling out beautifully worked gold and silver bracelets that were decorated with lapis lazuli..these a soft color t hat was unusual in that they matched Espa's coloring perfectly. He slipped them onto the slender wrists, seals lighting as he kissed each palm after putting them onto Espa. Afterwards, earrings of the same stone were placed in the peirced lobes of his beloved's ears and a necklace bearing the Pharaoh's personal seal was clasped around Espa's neck.

They took the teenager's breath away in the memory just as they had at the flea market, the strange memory starting to fade as his past self looked up at Atemu's past self, pledging to always love and support him. The ground seemed almost like sand for a moment rather than concrete as he turned the antiques over and over in his hands, trying to clear his thoughts. Today was the anniversary of Atemu remembering his true name, and he didn't care what the price was, he simply nodded and pulled out his wallet, afraid his voice would shake.

The vendor, despite knowing the age of the jewelry set, smiled at Espa as if knowing what the young man had gone through. The price was reasonable, well within the budget of the teal haired male. "You have quite an eye for jewelry, young man. This set is very old and on top of that, it is rare to find lapis lazuli this shade."

"They're beautiful... I just hope I can find him again in this crowd," he whispered. Yup, his voice was shaking, and it was probably just wishful thinking... Atemu never looked at him like that. Why should he? He'd been outer as a fraud, and so he couldn't even tell him what he'd seen, because he'd never had the nerve to say what he felt... Plus Yuugi and the others were always around. He hadn't even planned on getting him anything, but Yuugi had been nice enough to include him, and then he'd seen these... He slipped them on to keep from losing them as he took off through the crowd, amused that he had worn his fortune telling clothing today, and smudged kohl around his eyes. Ah, well, it wouldn't change things, but he still was glad he'd found something decent... What the hell did one buy a Pharaoh, after all?

Atemu had slipped away from his group, head aching slightly. Something had been bothering him off and on all day and had grown stronger over the last hour. Yugi and the others were wonderful but so young at times, which made him feel even older than he was spiritually. Physically, he was the age he had been when he'd been sealed. Regaining his name, he'd regained his body and memories as a gift from the gods as thanks for all he'd done. Despite what he remembered, he hadn't approached the one who had held his heart all this time. His soulmate, the only one who had graced his heart and bed since coming into his life, did not remember him, and Atemu would be damned before disrupting Espa's life.

Okay, he couldn't miss that hair, even in a crowd, but he slowed down as he approached, swallowing nervously. "Everything okay?" he asked, slipping the jewelry off and holding it behind his back as he watched Atemu. God, it was hard. Not to stare, and he hadn't ever thought he'd have a chance to be alone with him, so je was tripping over his words. "I, ah, got you something but if you don't like them..." He held them out, trembling noticeably.

He gave Espa a soft smile, eyes gentle and full of emotion. "You shouldn't have, Espa. I know you have your hands full with your brothers. I was going to get something cool to drink. Would you like one too?"

The teal-haired sometimes gypsy nodded, finding it hard to speak as he pressed them into tanned hands. "I know, but I wanted to. It seems silly, but... I just feel like these belong to you. I know noone believes I'm a psychic, but I felt it and... Just please accept them. I..." He ducked his head. He couldn't say it, even though noone would see the rejection, having to figure put what else to say. "I've got a job, don't worry about it."

His face softened even more. "I never doubted that you and your siblings have a gift, Espa. Just the way you were presenting it...it just wasn't what you're fully capable of." He pulled a seat out for Espa at the cafe they'd stopped beside, then took his own seat. "What did you find?"

Espa gave him the jewelry, blushing furiously. "Just wishful thinking. I'm sure Yuugi got you something nicer... But I'm glad you let me be included. I don't fit in but... I mean, if it weren't for you... I wouldn't have come." Okay, so that was the best he could do, but Atemu would be polite, and nothing would happen, and he'd spend yet another night cursing what he felt for him. Had felt for him the second Yuugi had introduced him and he'd solidified his own form. "Im... Glad you could stay, Atemu. I would have missed you." Still did miss him when he laid in bed alone, but that was his fate. Still... Seeing the bracelets in the other's hands... They brought out his eyes and made him even more beautiful, and he was happy he had found them, even if the former spirit threw them into a drawer. If it had been real, then Atemu would have said something... He had to stop daydreaming about what he'd never have and grow up.

Atemu froze when the bracelets were placed in his hands. "Espa..where...where did you find these?"

The teenager blinked, surprised by the reaction. That... that didn't mean it was real. He was still just daydreaming, right? "There was an antiques vendor, Atemu, why?" He swallowed, staring at the table, and deciding to take a chance. "He didn't have the rest of the set. I'm sorry."

"Are you busy? I need to show you something," he responded.

"No, I'm not." Well, he was supposed to go back to work, but it was Atemu... and they were alone for once. He wasn't going to pass that up, and it wasn't as if his work hours were strict. "What is it? I... Look, I should be honest, even if it means that you won't want to be around me. I keep having these dreams... and now, this vision... and I know you can't ever return my feelings, but I still wanted you to have them. I wish I could find the rest of the set, even if it's just a daydream, Atemu." He flushed again, staring down at his hands. Great way to ruin a friendship... at least he had been allowed around him if he didn't say anything. Now Yuugi and the others would make fun of him...

Atemu held his hand out. "I have something I have tos how you. What vision and dreams, Espa?"

Espa kept his eyes down. "It doesn't matter. Like I said, I know you'd never feel the same... and I guess most people don't believe in past lives. Even if they do, that doesn't mean they would want to continue something after a new life started..."

He pulled Espa gently with him after storing the bracelets away carefully. "Espa, you're talking to someone whose life span goes through millennia. Past lives are one I believe in." Atemu escorted him to the home he shared with the Mutou family, up to his own room.

Espa's stomach was twisting nervously as he followed him, and he was staring at the bed, blushing. Oh, what he'd give for Atemu to feel the same, to lay in his arms, to touch him and kiss him and feel him... But he could have anyone he wanted. And that would never be some scrawny gypsy loser, but he nodded politely, wishing he hadn't come. It was always so hard to be around him, and Atemu never even noticed. "What is it?"

"After my rebirth, Ishizu and Marik emptied my tomb so I'd have access to my belongings. Most are in storage but the jewelry came to me." He pulled out a box that would look familiar to Espa. He opened it, revealing the necklace and earrings that go with the set that had been found today.

Espa's breath drew in shakily, and the blushing only got worse, his hands twisting at his skirt. He didn't know what to say... It had probably been luck that he'd figured that the set was incomplete, and his mind had put together the rest, but they were so exact. Still... even if it were a past life vision, that didn't mean Atemu felt the same now, and his heart hurt from looking at them. As soon as he felt like he could walk, he looked up, but his voice was shaking badly. "Y...Yeah, I figured there was a set... I should go, Atemu. I'm... I'm sorry..." Sorry that he felt this way... he hated feeling sorry for himself. But to see those and think of how happy that daydream had been... it hurt. It was even worse than his usual longings when he was around him.

"Please...Espa..little dancer, don't go." The nickname slipped from his lips unconsciously.

Espa froze, slowly looking up at him. "W...What? Please... please don't tease me. I know you don't love me... Even if you did in a past life, why would you now?"

He moved to Espa. "I never stopped loving you, mate of my heart. I never stopped missing my other half."

"It's cruel to lead me on," Espa choked out, tears stinging at the corners of his eyes. "You would have said something instead of letting me stare at you for an entire year! Who told you to do it? Jounouchi? Honda? It's just mean! I know I'm a nobody, and everyone wants to date you... I see how many gifts you get, and how many fans... And that's why I just don't say it. But I would never say something I don't mean, even if people think I'm a liar. I... I thought you were better than this, better than someone who would mock someone's feelings! Did you set it up so I would find the bracelets there, and remember again what I can't have?"

"I'm not cruel like that." Softly, he recited how the two had met, their first time together, and how they had bonded. "You were..are..the Pharaoh's Chosen. You seemed to shy away from me. I didn't want to force you to accept me based on the past alone."

Espa wanted to believe him, but it was so hard, and so confusing. Still, he wasn't leaving. "I've always shied away from you because I know I stare too much... I've always been afraid I'd do something stupid like try to kiss you, and Jou and Honda would never let me live it down. Yuugi would probably just feel sorry for me. It had nothing to do with the past... I didn't even remember at first. I've just... I've always felt this way since the day we met. The dreams didn't start until a month later."

Yami's hands cupped his face. "May I...please? I've waited for millennia to find you again."

Espa swallowed and nodded. Even if it was a joke... he'd do anything to be able to kiss Yami. He was so beautiful, and so sexy, and so wise and sweet... He didn't want to believe he'd ever play such a cruel joke. He wouldn't close his eyes, but he leaned forward, parting his lips slightly.

He leaned in, kissing him lovingly and with the emotion of several thousand years of loneliness and desperation. He'd missed his beloved dancer so much.

And Espa melted, the cynic in him unable to fight giving in to these amazing feelings. Ra, it was better than he'd fantasizes, spending nights wrapped around a body pillow and pretending that he could feel Atemu's heartbeat, and he tangled his hands in the hair he'd only stared at, moaning softly. His tongue left no part of his mouth unexplored, lightly playing games against the musky taste of the older male, and he pressed into him with a quiet desperation.

Strong arms wrapped around him, tugging the taller male close. Espa..his beautiful dancer and mate of his heart..Ra, it felt beyond perfect to have him in his arms again. Atemu was near tears, finally feeling that rift starting to heal. All this time alone and now he was here finally. The former spirit invited the tongue in, suckling to learn the taste of his beloved once again.

Espa was close to tears as well. He'd needed to feel this for an entire year, always biting his tongue when the others were around, sitting there and staring at Atemu and trying not to get caught. It felt like he couldn't breathe... if this was a joke, it would destroy him, and so he pulled away, looking into Atemu's eyes. "Is this real? I... I couldn't stand it if it weren't. I know that's pathetic, but..." He flushed, biting off the words. "It's pathetic. It's your face I picture every night when I jerk off..." So he was more coarse now than then... he hadn't had an innocent life in this one. "Thinking of you fucking me... and always alone. I'm so tired of being alone. I went out and bought handcuffs... the time you came to my house, I was going to cuff myself to the bed with nothing on and see what you did, but I chickened out. I only wear these sexy clothes because I keep hoping you'll do something about it... I'm not even wearing anything under the skirt."

Atemu kissed Espa's eyes. "It's real, my little dancer. I've missed you with every breath I take. I'm around you and my heart aches because I knew you didn't remember me..us. It felt as if my life was so empty without you."

"But I did remember... I just figured you didn't feel the same," Espa told him softly. "You have so many offers... People so much better than me. Richer, better looking, smarter... I don't get it."

"You are the mate of my heart and soul, my little dancer. I couldn't be happy with anyone other than you." His fingers traced over Espa's face, committing the lines of the beautiful features of his soulmate.

Teal eyes stared into violet, and Espa had to force himself to breathe. Part of him knew it had to be a hallucination... nothing good ever happened to him. He had bad karma or something. But if it was what Atemu wanted, he was more than willing to go along with it for however long he could. "I've wanted you for a year... you're in all my dreams. You're all I think about. Driving me crazy, making me feel like I have a fever, and you never even noticed? I'm not even friends with anyone in your group... I just hang around so I can see you. Yuugi is polite about it, but the others aren't. Jou called me a fag for staring... then said it figured, since I look like a girl." His face was burning at that, but it was true, and finally he smirked a little, rubbing the back of his head. "I still have the handcuffs," he teased.

Atemu sat on the edge of the bed, drawing Espa into his lap. "What you didn't see was me beating the shit out of him after he did that. I notice you every time you're around, my little dancer. It was driving me insane because I wanted to take you into my arms and keep you there forever." His fingers carded through the beautiful teal hair. "I want to be with you, Espa. My love for you has only grown stronger."

The gypsy wasn't used to such seriousness, giving him a nervous grin. "Well, why do you think I chose handcuffs instead of a scarf? I... didn't want to lose you if I got you. But you shouldn't have beaten him up... it doesn't do any good." Though he was secretly pleased that Atemu cared enough to do it. Still, he wasn't foolish enough to think that Jou would change from it. "I wish you'd said something instead of letting me go crazy all year. It was so bad I almost kissed Yuugi just because he barely looks like you, and he would have been polite about it, and it might have gotten your attention."

He laughed softly. "Aibou probably would have been a bit flattered. He's got a crush on a young man himself and isn't experienced in those things." He kept running fingers through Espa's hair. "I'm not leaving you ever." The box was pressed into his hands. "These, my little dancer, are yours. Always and forever."

Espa blushed. "Oh jeez, you WANT me to kiss him? I don't think I could... And I can't take these. They're too valuable."

Another soft laugh. "Oh no, your kisses are all for me and me alone. And I do want you to have these, koi. They were yours and will always be yours as is my heart."

Espa gave him a soft smile. "if you insist... Will you spend the night with me? Wedont have to do anything... But it would be nice to not be alone." Strange, that slavery would end up being a good thing, but he was happy, and nervous, even if running all over the market had worn him out.

Atemu kissed him lovingly. "I will stay with you as long as you want, Espa. I love you very much..always have and always will."

"I love you too. It... feels good to finally say it." He kissed him again, nuzzling into his chest. He could hear his heartbeat for real this time, and it beat in time with his own... he wasn't sure how he had been able to wait so long.

He rested his cheek against Espa's hair, delighting in being able to have his soulmate so close after all this time. "That it does, my little dancer, that it does."

"I'm so tired... I want you... so badly, but I don't know if it would be good enough for our first time together. Will you just lay with me, Atemu?" He was struggling to try to stay awake, because there was so much to do and say, but between how nervous he had been, all that walking, and forgetting to eat before rushing out to join the group, he was exhausted, and it was starting to show. He didn't want Atemu to finally give him a chance only to be disappointed with the sex.

Atemu smiled, laying down and pulling Espa into his arms, "Rest, my love. We have all the time in the world now. I have you and will never let you go." His hands soothingly caressed his beloved's back, humming a melody that Espa would recognize from his vision - the song that had been sung to him during that massage.

Espa rested against him, slowly running his hands down the broad chest, and yawned. It was a good night... but he was sure he'd dream of slave bracelets and what they truly meant.


Author’s End Note - Again, we hope you enjoyed this. Let us know what you thought through a review and please check out my profile for the link to our Circle’s site! Laran and Mercynre