Weren't You the Queen, And I Your King (Mythship × Yuugi AU)

[puzzleshounen]

CW: Incest

[The Ceremonial Duel...

The day Yuugi and the Pharaoh were to part. Atem returned home to the Afterlife, and Yuugi... was left to continue living.

He was a stronger person now, really! Losing a part of him that was always there for three straight years? It was fine. It was what Atem wanted, so it was fine.

He said forever.

But he just wanted to go home.

It was fine.

It was fine.

Yuugi couldn't bring himself to return home with the others... and so here he was, sitting in the Ishtars' guest room, trying not to let them see him crying in bed with his face buried in the pillow.

It was fine.

It was fine.

Everything was fine.

The Ishtars were so good to him: Marik was a ball of life and energy, and Ishizu... she made him feel safe. Comforted.

That was why he couldn't let them see him cry. They couldn't let them see just how much the Pharaoh's passing had affected him.

He promised.

He promised him...a lot of things. Atem spoke kindly and told Yuugi he was all he needed. He talked about what they'd do together when he got his memories back: where they'd go, what they'd do...

How he loved him.

How he never wanted to be without him...

Was...

Was that a lie...?]

Comments

[puzzleshounen]

[Marik was always so pretty, especially when he was asleep. His features were so delicate...

Like a prince.

The expression on Yuugi's face...changes to something more adoring, though only Ishizu would be able to see it.]

Maaa~rik.

[He whispers, sweet and gentle.]

Time to get uuuuup...

[And he's still looking at him with that face.]

[thetombkeeper]

[That isn't sister's or Odion's voice.

Marik grumbles again, his eyes slowly fluttering open at the unfamiliar(?) voice.

...

He yelps and sits up, scooting away from Yuugi with wide eyes, and his cheeks slightly pink. Ishizu stifles a laugh.]

W-W-What are you doing in here...?!

[puzzleshounen]

[Yuugi sits up with a little laugh. His pajamas are a bit disheveled, and...oops, one of his buttons is popped open.

In the sunlight, his eyes are sparkling.

Marik was really cute when he was embarrassed.]

I came to wake you up. Surprised?

[thetombkeeper]

Y-Yes!

[Both Ishizu and Yuugi... His gaze darts between the two and his blush deepens.

Oh. But... Yuugi's smiling again.]

... Er... You feeling a bit better...?

[puzzleshounen]

[Yuugi blushes just a bit himself.]

Yeah. I...

[He scratches his head.]

Sorry for worrying you guys like that. You guys are so good to me.

[Yuugi crosses his legs and leans back on his arms, making himself comfortable as though being in Marik's room was the easiest thing in the world.

Like being with them was the easiest thing in the world.]

And I dunno...waking you up, facing the day with you guys...it feels right.

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik blinks, then looks to Ishizu for a moment.]

You don't need to apologize for that. We worry 'cause we care.

[Ishizu smiles and nods.]

I was saying we should go out for lunch. You can drive us, brother.

[Marik immediately perks up.]

Yeah! Of course! You just pick the place and I'll take us there.

[puzzleshounen]

I...don't really know many places yet.

[Since Yuugi spent most of the time cooped up, crying, or cooped up and crying. It was a difficult transition to be sure, especially when...

Things were promised and not delivered...

And the heart was on the line.

But he was mending, day by day.]

Maybe you guys could pick a place, and I'll try what's there? I...want to learn more about you. What you like to eat, where you like to go. That kind of stuff.

[thetombkeeper]

Hmmm...

We could go to our favorite restaurant.

[Ishizu nods, taking the moment to sit down on the edge of the bed near Marik.

The blonde's blush returns.]

That sounds good. We can bring something back for Odion. He is going to be busy this afternoon so I am sure he will appreciate it.

Right. You've gotta try the koshari, Yuugi. I'll give you some of mine.

1/2

[puzzleshounen]

Koshari...?

[puzzleshounen]

[Yuugi's smile outshines the sun filtering through the window onto them. Atem called his smile 'The Blessing From Ra' in the days before the Ceremonial Duel...]

Oh! That's your favorite food, isn't it, Marik? I remember hearing you bring it up once! I'd love to try some!

[Seriously, how are the siblings not blinded by this boy yet?]

[thetombkeeper]

[They are absolutely blinded. Ishizu wants to strike, Marik is uncertain but there's something there.]

Mmhmm! I think you'll like this place. We eat there...a lot. So Odion doesn't need to cook for us all of the time. Sister's favorite dish is Om Ali.

You may try some of mine. It is a delicious bread pudding. Perhaps... we can all split it.

That sounds good to me.

[puzzleshounen]

That sounds great!

[Yuugi is oblivious to the siblings' feelings. All he knows is that he feels happy here...comfortable in a way he hasn't felt in a long time.

He's so far away from his family, and yet...

Part of him feels like he's finally come home.]

Maybe I can learn how to cook, too. So that I can help out a little.

[thetombkeeper]

I am certain Odion will be appreciative of that. If he lets you.

[Marik stretches and yawns, scooting closer to Ishizu for a moment, the two exchanging a look before both glancing away with a blush as Marik climbs off of the bed. Ishizu slowly stands up, her hands folded in front of her.

A pity it makes certain aspects stick out more. Marik clears his throat and moves to his dresser to pick out some clothes.]

Ah... What should we do until lunch?

[puzzleshounen]

[Were they...embarrassed to be close to one another? The two were acting strange, like they were...

Mmm. It was probably just Yuugi's imagination.

(And even if it wasn't...he didn't...seem too purturbed by the idea. They lived underground, right? And Ancient Egyptians often married siblings...)

They were cute.

Oh. Oh goodness, Yuugi was blushing, too, looking down at his lap; his heart is pounding and he's not even sure why.]

Ah...um.

[Yuugi fiddles his hands in his lap a bit, and his pajama shirt slides partially off one shoulder, revealing soft creamy skin.]

Well...Marik, do you have a senet board? I've always wanted to play with someone in person, but I never had the opportunity.

[He only got to play with Atem in their soul room.

Another memory he's trying to move on from.]

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik grabs some clothing and goes to the doorway.]

We do. Can you grab that while I change, sister?

Of course, Marik.

[As the blonde exits the room, Ishizu turns her attention to Yuugi with a smile.]

We have a few different types of the board.Is there a particular layout you'd like to try?

[puzzleshounen]

Hmmm...

[He ponders a moment.]

A traditional layout is fine. I want to try all of them eventually, though.

[Yuugi hops off the bed.]

I should...probably change, too. I'll go into my room and do that real quick--

[And he trots out of the bedroom. If Marik is changing anywhere in eyeshot, sorry not sorry.]

[thetombkeeper]

Very well. I will have the game out in living room. Come out when you are ready.

[And she flutters off to the living room closet to bring out one of the Senet boards.

Meanwhile, Marik has finished dressing with the bathroom door open and is applying his kohl as Yuugi walks by. His usual tanktop and tight pants.]

Hey. I'm glad you're starting to feel better.

[puzzleshounen]

Y-yeah...

[Marik really is effortlessly attractive. How does he do it?

Yuugi tries not to blush, but it's hard.]

Me too. I think I needed you...this. I think I needed this more than I realized.

[He did.

He would never stop loving Atem for as long as he lived, but that boat had long since sailed, and he had to find life and joy in the world instead of waiting by the cliffside for a man who couldn't give him what he promised.

It wasn't right to ask that of him anyway, right?]

[thetombkeeper]

Ah...

[Needed him...? Marik lets out a sheepish chuckle. ]

Sister hoped spending time with us would help. Since... we're all kind of connected. We don't need to be tomb keepers anymore and you...

[He gives a sympathetic smile.]

... We get to live normal lives now.

[puzzleshounen]

[They really were connected, weren't they...?

Connected by fate, the puzzle, the items, and everything else. The Pharaoh brought them together, and their lives were all tied to his soul like red strings of fate wrapped around their fingers.

Yuugi touched his heart as it clenched.]

Yeah. Though...after everything that's happened...it's hard to believe that normal is possible, you know?

I'm glad, though. I'm glad we can spend time together.

[Joey was against it, of course. He was close to grabbing Yuugi by the waist and dragging him to the airport himself before he got him to stop.

He could make his own decisions; he didn't need people protecting him.]

[thetombkeeper]

[He chuckles again.]

It does seem hard to believe...

[Marik finishes his makeup and walks out of the bathroom.]

It's been nice to get to know you though. I didn't get to do that much in Battle City besides... you know. You're a good person, Yuugi. You deserve to be happy.

[puzzleshounen]

[He's a good person...

He deserves to be happy...

Gods, those are sweet words. Sweet and kind and they make Yuugi's stomach feel warm. It's warm in a way that it isn't when Joey says something like that; it's closer to how it felt when Tea complimented him, or when Atem...

Well.]

You, too.

[He pauses, stopping in front of his bedroom.]

I mean...you're a good person, too, Marik. And you deserve all the happiness in the world. You and Ishizu and Odion.

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik's smile has an air of sadness at Yuugi's words. He knows he's not a good person but he isn't going to argue the fact.]

Thanks.

[He rubs the back of his neck.]

Mmn... I should let you finish changing. We don't want to keep Ishizu waiting too long.

[puzzleshounen]

Okay.

[And he turns and...

...

Ishizu's smile and her words echo in his head...

...

He...

Turns back around. Moves towards him.

Brushes his lips against his cheek as though a flower petal gently pushes against it...and steps back.]

I'll. Uh.

Be back. And change.

[And Yuugi goes into his room and begins to shut the door.]

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik blinks, watching Yuugi approach him...

And then... kisses his cheek.

The tomb keeper stares at the shut door, absolutely frazzled and unsure of what to think.

So much so that Ishizu needs to come in and check on him.]