A/N: Hiya all! Did you miss me?

First of all, I'd like to apologise for making my hiatus longer than intended. Work and games got in my way and as soon as I decided to take a break I completely lost all motivation for Materia Duel. I highly doubt I will ever continue with that story. I apologise to those who really liked it.

Anyway, after I made that decision I needed inspiration for something new. Luckily, soon after I announced my hiatus on my profile page I was approached by Lavender Rains for a collaboration. We've decided to write Runner Boy (see my profile for more details on that story) together. Progress is going slow, but the story is turning out beautifully, so look forward to seeing that fic in a while!

In the meanwhile, I decided I needed something to occupy myself with. Lots of plotbunnies have been spawning out of nothing and feeding me ideas. This one stayed with me, so I decided to give it a go.

This was initially intended as a long one-shot, much like The mending of shattered souls, but I just couldn't get it out the way I wanted it to. Taking my time, and allowing other writers to inspire me in terms of ideas and style eventually made this story a lot deeper than I intended it to be. I think I can comfortably squeeze in a few chapters with the ideas that I have, and probably a few more with some other ideas that are tempting me, but need to be worked out.

So, without further ado, I'll let you get to reading this new story of mine. Remember that I don't own Yu-gi-oh! or any of its characters, that mobiumshipping rocks, and that I love reviews.

Enjoy!

Update: Thanks to Latent Radiance for suggesting an improvement to this chapter. It was scene that was bothering me as well, and I've quite rigorously changed it, and am quite pleased with the overall result.

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Trying to meet the Pharaoh

A man stood at the entrance to the slightly illuminated alleyway. He wore an expression that bordered on both amusement and annoyance. In front of him was a group of screaming girls, all vying to get close to the door at the side of the building. They were all screaming the same name.

Pharaoh.

The man couldn't help but chuckle a bit. He knew that it wouldn't matter how much the girls would push, pull, scratch and scream, the end result would be the same. Neither of them would get past the burly man guarding the door. It didn't matter whether they truly were Pharaoh's greatest fan or not. There simply was no chance of them getting a meet and greet with the famous pop star. The only thing they would gain was a very sore throat, a huge feeling of disappointment, a few scratches and perhaps a few tears in their clothes, all for a pointless endeavour.

This was the source of the man's amusement. He thought it interesting how the hormones of these young girls could drive them wild to such levels that they would bear the shame for the sake of reaching for something they could never get. It was likewise the source of his annoyance. Unlike these girls he would be allowed to pass the security guard and go inside, but these girls were blocking the way.

He didn't feel like pushing his way through the crowd. It would be bothersome, leave him with scratch marks and torn clothes, and it would be inevitable that he would unintentionally touch at least one of these girls inappropriately while struggling to get though. He did not come all the way here to be called a sick pervert, receive a slap in the face, or perhaps even worse. He had come here to surprise the one these girls were desperate to see, and he was going to make sure he wouldn't have to go back home empty-handed .

After having observed the crowd for a while longer to see whether they were going to give up and leave, which they didn't, the man started becoming impatient. There needed to be some way to get past these silly girls. He wasn't completely sure at what time and how Pharaoh would leave this building, and once he had the man would have lost his opportunity to surprise him.

Suddenly a thought struck his mind, and he couldn't help but chuckle. It was so simple that he nearly berated himself for not coming up with it sooner. He turned around and took a few steps out of the alleyway, pretending to look around, and suddenly started yelling, "Look! Look over there! It's Pharaoh! He's leaving through the front exit!"

This caught the attention of the few girls that had heard him. Without any hesitation they started running past the man, who had to take a step back to avoid getting trampled, and back to the front exit of the building yelling, "Pharaoh! Please wait for me, I'm your biggest fan!" Or something similar. This in turn caught the attention of the girls who hadn't heard the man, and, like sheep following the flock, they also headed in the same direction.

'Gosh these girls are dumb.' The man thought wryly, but didn't let their antics distract him for too long. Now that the way was open, he could safely reach the security guard, who looked visibly relieved by the way. With a smile on his handsome face, he walked up to the tall, blonde man.

"Good evening Rafael." The man said pleasantly.

The security guard smiled and extended his hand in greeting, which the man took, before replying, "Are you responsible for saving my neck here Atem?"

Atem sniggered, "Yeah, though it was more in my own interest than yours. It was interesting to see you keeping those girls out."

Rafael shot him a look of mock hurt, "And here I thought you came all the way over to Tokyo just to safe my ass. I'm hurt Atem, deeply hurt."

Atem laughed good humouredly at that, with Rafael soon joining him. The two had been friends ever since secondary school, and simply couldn't resist having some playful banter whenever they saw each other. For Rafael it was also a good way to unwind after his recent stressful ordeal. He might be a security guard, but holding back rabid fan girls was not the most favourite part of his job.

"But seriously though, I didn't know you were coming." Rafael said once he had stopped laughing.

Atem also stopped laughing so he could reply, "Because I didn't tell anyone. I'm here to surprise Yami."

"I see. I need to see your backstage card, though."

Atem eyed the other suspiciously, noting the serious tone he had used to say that. It confused him for a while, unsure of whether Rafael was truly serious, or whether he was still joking. "You know I don't have one and I don't need one." He said carefully.

Rafael blinked in confusion, "You don't?"

"Since when did I ever need a backstage card to see my boyfriend?" Atem replied indignantly, fearing that his friend wasn't joking.

"Dartz made some new rules." Rafael hinted, hoping that his friend would remember, but he had no such luck.

"What new rules?" Atem demanded to know.

Rafael cocked his head and frowned in confusion. "Dartz really didn't tell you?"

"Never even got a memo from him."

The reply caused Rafael to sigh and look away, obviously displeased that Yami's manager hadn't informed Atem of this. He knew the relationship between Atem and Dartz had always been a bit tense, but this was ridiculous. He could at the very least have informed him of this. It would have saved Rafael, who had thought Atem knew, a lot of trouble.

"Dartz claimed he wanted to up Yami's security detail, so the only visitors he's allowed to receive have been sent a backstage card." He paused and looked at Atem sheepishly, "I'm sorry Atem. I thought Dartz had told you, and had sent you a card."

"It's not your fault Rafael. It's Dartz that I need to talk to about this." Atem grumbled, seething on the inside. "I wouldn't be surprised if he hasn't sent us a card on purpose. You know how he feels about his relationship with me and Yugi, and how it could supposedly ruin his image as a pop star, and Atlantis."

Both men indeed knew that very well. The resentment had been there ever since Dartz had learned about the relationship. Atem remembered that day well, since it was the day Yami had signed his contract. A day that had changed their lives forever.

Yami was fidgeting nervously in his chair while he waited to be called into mister Orichalcos's office. Today was the day Yami would hear whether he could pursue his music career as a singer or not at Atlantis, the largest music company of Japan. Atem, who had come along as his mental support and was now seated next to him, rolled his eyes and reached out to grab the nervous young man into a one-armed hug.

"Stop being so nervous darling, you'll be fine." He chided gruffly.

"How can you be so sure Atem? What if the demo I sent isn't good enough? I really want this so badly, I don't know what I would do if he were to reject me."

"Then he's a fool for not seeing the talent that you have. But there are other music companies out there Yami, so it's not the end of the world if this one turns out to be deaf to your beautiful voice. We'll just try somewhere else. And if they all turn out to be deaf and blind idiots, then at least you can walk away with your head held up high for at least trying. You know Yugi and I will not love you any less for it.

Despite the harsh way Atem put it, Yami was glad for the reassurance and smiled, "Thanks Atem. I appreciate the support, and I love both of you too."

Their moment was interrupted when the door to mister Orichalcos's office opened. Yami straightened immediately and sat on the edge of his chair, butterflies dancing in his gut. The man walking out of the office turned to him.

"Yami Sennen?" He inquired with a smile.

"That's me." Yami said nervously.

"Dartz Orichalcos. It's a pleasure to meet you." The man introduced himself, holding out his hand to shake Yami's, which the aspiring singer took, "Please come in. We've got much to discuss."

Before Yami could stand up to follow the man into his office, he was held back by a warm hand on his shoulder. He turned his head to see Atem smile reassuringly at him "Good luck Yami. I'll be right here waiting for you."

Yami smiled back and nodded, "Thanks Atem."

After a quick peck on Yami's cheek, Atem released Yami's shoulder to allow his boyfriend to stand up. Dartz stepped aside to allow the young man to enter his office. Before he closed the door behind him he cast Atem a suspicious look. Atem frowned, unsure what to make of it, but before he could ask Dartz walked inside and shut the door.

Dartz joined the still nervous Yami in the middle of the room, before gesturing for the young man to take a seat at his desk, while he took his own seat at the other side. The man folded his hands under his chin and briefly scrutinised the aspiring singer before speaking up, "Well mister Sennen, I've listened to and reviewed the demo you sent us last week, and I'm pleased to inform you that I really liked what I heard."

The positive start of the conversation caused Yami to smile, "Really? Did you think it was good?"

Dartz nodded in confirmation, "Yes I did. You've got a very pleasant voice and a good sound. I also feel that the combination of the lyrics, sound and your voice work very well together. And now that I've seen you in person I must say that your looks also speak for you. It's not every day that an aspiring singer ticks all the boxes, but you most certainly do so far. I believe you might just be what Atlantis is looking for."

Yami was positively glowing at this point. Was it really true? Was he going to become a singer? He became so excited that he nearly ran out of the office to grab Atem into a fierce hug, but he managed to restrain himself. This conversation wasn't over yet.

"However." Dartz's voice cut through his excitement, dimming it considerably and causing a sliver of doubt to wash over his mind, "Before I can offer you a contract I need to conduct an interview with you to see whether you've also got the right attitude to make it in this harsh business."

Yami let out a sigh of relief, "Yes, of course."

Dartz nodded in approval and continued, "Here at Atlantis we take great care in selecting people for several attributes. Naturally the person in question needs to have enough talent to make it into this business, and having good looks is a very helpful plus point. However, you also need to right attitude. We have a name of contracting honest and humble artists who make a proper addition to the music world, so we are very strict in our selection process. We don't tolerate those who allow fame to rise to their head. It does not only reflect badly on the artist, but also on us. Do you understand this mister Sennen?"

Yami nodded, confidently adding, "Yes I do. I've been thinking about it a lot before I decided to send in my demo, and I've talked about it a lot with Atem and Yugi, and-"

Yami abruptly stopped talking when Dartz held up his hand. Seeing the desired effect of this simple motion, Dartz replaced his hand under his chin, "Mister Sennen, might I inquire as to who these Atem and Yugi are?"

"Oh!" Yami piped up and blushed a little, "They are my boyfriends. You saw Atem earlier. He came along to support me. Yugi couldn't come though."

The hint of sadness when Yami said that final part was unmistakable, and Dartz frowned suspiciously again. He leaned backwards in his seat, tapping his fingers against one another in front of him as he processed what his interviewee had said and how he had said it.

"Mister Sennen." He began slowly, causing Yami to look at him again, "When you say boyfriends do you mean to imply that you are gay, and in a relationship with two other males?"

Now it was time for Yami to frown. He didn't like the way the man in front of him had asked the question. He knew that his relationship with Atem and Yugi was controversial for several reasons at best, but he failed to see how that mattered for his desired career.

"Yes." He answered carefully, "Is there a problem with that?"

Dartz silently continued to tap his fingers with a thoughtful expression on his face, as if considering whether it was a problem or not. Yami tensely watched the man think. He knew how badly he wanted to become a singer, and he knew he really wanted Atlantis to contract him, but if his relationship with Atem and Yugi turned out to be a problem he would not hesitate to walk out of this office.

"It could be." Dartz eventually conceded, causing Yami to frown in confusion. Dartz leaned forward, adopting a serious expression and placing his folded hands on the desk in front of him, "You must understand mister Sennen, that as an artist you have a certain power over your fans. One of the most important powers is that people will always want to be like their favourite artist. If the people will not shun you in the first place for being in such a relationship, then you could inadvertently be the advocate of polyamory."

Dartz paused to allow his words to sink in, meanwhile observing with a hint of amusement how Yami's confused expression morphed into one of surprised shock. After a brief moment, Dartz continued, "I see that you are starting to understand the gravity of the situation mister Sennen. Further understand that Atlantis does not wish to be associated with such unorthodox notions, no matter how talented you are. If you are truly serious about coming an artist, then I suggest you seriously rethink your situation."

The moment Dartz had spoken those final words, Yami's face instantly morphed into one of suppressed anger. It caused Dartz to lean back into his chair at the sheer intensity of it. He was struggling to understand what had caused this young man's intense ire. In an attempt to placate the situation, Dartz recomposed himself and spoke again, "Did I say something wrong mister Sennen?"

Placing his hands on the desk in front of him, Yami stood up angrily, causing the chair he had been sitting on to topple over, "Can I ask you something mister Orichalcos?" Yami asked through clenched teeth, but his anger didn't allow him to wait for an answer, "Are you married? Or have a lover at least?"

Dartz observed the irate man in front of him, still quite confused from his reaction, but answered him nonetheless, "I'm married to my wife, and have a daughter."

"Then tell me. If you were told that the only way to achieve your dream is by leaving both your wife and child - who no doubt love and support you in everything you do, and who make you happy and give you a reason to live – how would you respond?"

Dartz blinked at the question, and took a moment to imagine such a situation. A sudden realisation struck him. Apparently this man's love for those two other men ran very deep; just as deep as Dartz's feelings for his wife and daughter. It was difficult for him to understand. First of all, he had trouble understanding how any person could feel something for someone of the same gender. Secondly he had trouble understanding how any person could feel intensely for more than one person. Yet he could relate to this young man's situation thanks to the comparison he had provided.

"You make a good point mister Sennen. I did not realise the implications of my earlier words. For that I apologize." He conceded.

The apology caused most of Yami's anger to fade away. He released his grip in the desk and straightened his pose, but did not move to straighten the chair, but continued to look at the man in front of him with an gaze so intense that the emotional value of his next words were unmistakeable, "Please understand that I know that my relationship with both Atem and Yugi is controversial, but I love them both equally and could never leave one for the other or both. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't even be standing here, for they are the ones who have been nagging at me for months to give it a shot. They are the ones who will make sure that I will give it everything I've got. You're looking for someone with the right attitude and mental strength to cope with the rigours of an artist's life. Let me tell you that staying with Atem and Yugi will assure you that I am that person. Atem would kick my ass if I don't, and Yugi would be so disappointed in me that he wouldn't even look, let alone talk to me.

So just to make this perfectly clear mister Orichalcos. Either you find a way to make this work without me having to destroy the best thing that has ever happened to me, or you will lose the opportunity to contract someone who you feel is talented enough to make it."

Atem briefly smiled at the memory of that last part. Yami had been talking so loudly that Atem could hear him from outside the room, and man had he been proud of him. It had warmed him to the core that Yami was willing to give up his dream for them, and it had made him proud that the usually calm and caring young man had stood up for them in such a manner.

Moved by the heartfelt speech, Dartz had eventually conceded. They had found a way to hide Yami's social life from his growing fan base. To them he was only known under the alias Pharaoh, and while on stage he always donned an elaborate Pharaoh's outfit. This last bit actually suited all of them well. It made sure Yami was able to live a normal life while he was at home, seeing as people generally didn't recognise him while he was dressed in normal clothes. Dartz had been very nervous in the earlier stages of Yami's career, fearing that people would find out his real name or recognise him on the street. When that didn't happen the man had started to relax some. Still, his own feelings towards homosexuality and polyamory hadn't changed one bit, and the working concession didn't mean that he stopped trying to pry them apart, however subtly.

But it didn't work. The three continued to love and support each other throughout the few years Yami had been in the business. If anything Yami's long absences only caused the three to yearn for each other even more. Sure, Yugi and Atem had each other while Yami was on tour, but the latter was an essential part of their relationship. He would always leave a hole in both their hearts whenever he was on tour, and they would always miss him. This yearning led to Atem's idea of surprising his boyfriend ever since he had heard Yami would be giving a concert in Tokyo. The famous singer was right in the middle of his four-month international tour, so the timing couldn't have been any better. Without any hesitation, Atem had secured a ticket for the show, planning to surprise the famous singer afterwards.

But now his surprise was about to be ruined by that annoying manager. If it wasn't for the fact that Dartz did his job well, and had made sure that Yami had risen to great heights, Atem would have kicked his ass right there and then.

Turning back to his old friend, Atem looked at him almost pleadingly, something that looked strangely odd for the usual confident man, "So, are you going to let me in or not?"

Rafael looked slightly guilty at the demand, "Rules are rules Atem. I would be risking my job if I did not follow them."

"I got you this job in the first place Rafael." Atem shot back, his frustration rising once again, and his tone clearly indicating he wasn't going to take no for an answer.

Rafael raised his hands in defence. "Hey, you know that I'm grateful that you managed to make me your boyfriend's security guard, but my hands are bound Atem."

Atem sighed again and apologised to his friend, "I'm sorry Rafael, I didn't mean to snap at you. It's just that I've missed Yami so much, and really want to surprise him." He then scowled, "But then Dartz decides to be an insufferable prick."

Rafael shot him a sympathetic look. He knew how much the two loved each other. He also knew Yami missed him and his other boyfriend, Yugi, as well, and would be thrilled to see either one of them. The fact that Dartz was childish enough no to inform them of the new rules was only causing more problems. Now that he thought about it, the rules, which had seemed rather sensible at first seeing Yami's still growing fame, didn't change much. It wasn't like Rafael let people whom he didn't know in before the introduction of the backstage card. As a matter of fact, Rafael always made sure he knew who would be allowed to go in and who wouldn't.

Realising this he suddenly understood that this whole thing was probably solely intended of keeping Atem and Yugi away from Yami while on tour. His sympathetic expression suddenly turned into one of disgust. Dartz had used him for his own childish ploy, and Rafael didn't appreciate it one bit. His own respect for his friend's choice of relationship was now marred thanks to Dartz's intolerance towards it. If only the man would just stop meddling in other people's private affairs, no matter how much they brushed against his own beliefs, then he wouldn't be making so many people resentful towards him.

No longer torn between his duty as a security guard, and his friendship for the man in front of him, he roughly turned around and opened the door, "Go on." He said in a clipped tone that betrayed his suppressed anger.

Atem, who had silently observed his friend throughout his change of heart, carefully took a step towards the door, his gaze never leaving Rafael's face to see whether he was going to change his mind again.

Seeing his friend's confusion, Rafael answered the unspoken question, "In my role as a security guard I should keep you out no matter the circumstance, but on a personal level I don't appreciate being manipulated by an immature man, and set up against my friend. I no longer believe that Dartz truly meant this rule to be a means to protect Yami better, but as a means to keep you apart and even cause enough frustration to eventually drive you apart. I cannot let this happen, even if it means losing my job over it. Besides, Dartz will probably scold me for letting you through, but I don't think he'll fire me. He probably knows too well that he's in the wrong here."

Atem shot him a smile of gratitude, "Thanks Rafael. That truly means a lot to me. And I'll make sure I give Dartz a piece of my mind before I go home again."

Atem then moved to walk inside the building, but Rafael stopped him by grabbing his upper arm. Atem looked at him quizzically, for a moment assuming he had changed his mind again and wasn't going to let him in after all. He opened his mouth to protest, but was silenced when Rafael spoke, "Don't give that man any more incentive to attempt to drive a wedge in between you." He cautioned, searching out Atem's eyes to make sure his message reached home, "If you start shouting at him he will only use it against you. Don't give him any reason to try and turn Yami against you Atem. I know how loyal Yami is to you, but don't underestimate the power Dartz has over him as his manager."

Atem roughly tugging his arm out of his friend's hold, "I know Rafael." He grumbled back dismissively.

It caused Rafael to wonder whether Atem really understood what he was saying. As Atem made another move towards the door Rafael moved to block his way, causing two angry eyes to bore into his. Rafael didn't flinch however. He had been on the receiving end of that stare on more than one occasion, and instead of backing down he matched their intensity with his own.

After staring at each other for a few moments Atem was the one to back down first with a sigh of defeat, "You know I wouldn't do anything to risk Yami's career or our relationship Rafael." He spoke tersely.

"Not intentionally, no." Rafael agreed with a nod of his head, "But you need to be calm if you're going to see your boyfriend and confront Dartz about this. I understand that you're angry, believe me that I am probably nearly as angry as you are over this, but you know better than to allow your emotions dictate your actions."

"You're right." Atem agreed and took a deep breath to calm himself further.

Rafael watched with satisfaction as Atem's tense muscles slowly started to relax, his own tension fading along with it. He was glad he knew Atem so well. Any other man would have either stubbornly refused to let Atem in, or would have faltered underneath the man's intense gaze. Either option would have surely led to problems.

Now calm, Atem raised his head, his face sporting the calm, but determined expression Rafael knew so well. Rafael stepped aside and finally allowed Atem to enter the building, "Just go straight ahead and go up the first set of stairs you see. Yami's room is the first door on the left." He calmly instructed.

With a smile and a nod Atem thanked the security guard and entered the building, hearing the door close softly behind him. He quickly started following Rafael's directions through the dimly lit hallway. His eagerness rose with every step he took, and for a moment the thought of his imminent reunion with Yami made him forget his anger towards Dartz. He easily found the stairs and jogged up the long flight of steps. The exertion only accompanied his already increased heart rate even more, and as soon as he reached to top step he paused to take a few breaths and look around to get his bearings. It wasn't that Atem wasn't in shape. Quite the contrary actually, but his excitement of seeing Yami again and his residual anger towards Dartz had caused his heart to thump with vigour.

He quickly spotted the door Rafael talked about. There was a small whiteboard hanging from a nail on the door. On the top of the board it said 'Artist Room' in neat black letters, and below it the name 'Pharaoh' was written with a considerably less steady hand. The other doors along the hallway contained similar boards, though for different people temporarily occupying the rooms; band members, stylists, make-up artists, etcetera. Atem was sure he could find one that would say 'Mr Orichalcos', but also knew that the manager wouldn't be residing in his room right now. No, he would probably be around the stage, overseeing the packing of their equipment and making sure everything was wrapped up financially.

Deciding he would deal with the annoying manager later, he turned back to Yami's door. He took another deep breath and checked himself over to see if everything was in order. After straightening his clothes, he knocked on the door.

0o0o0

A/N: So what did you guy and girls think? I hope I did the characters justice.

I'm trying out some things in this story that I haven't really done before. One of the things is that I'm trying to be more detailed in my descriptions, mainly by using more adjectives and synonyms. I kinda like the style gushing forth from this, and I'm curious as to where it'll take me. Hope you like it as well!

Next chapter: Atem and Yami are reunited, and Atem confronts Dartz about the new rules. That'll be quite the showdown, ne?