Valea: It was foreshadowing. It’s in the next story.

Broken Time: Serenity sure has changed, hasn’t she?

Mariku182: *hands Marik plushie* Ryou will do the talk. You can squish Aten and Robbie. It’s okay. *hands aten and Robbie plushie*

anubiset: Charlie will get his ass kicked.Of course they love each other.

Lady Elfskye: I’m not sure what happens to Serenity yet.

Kura Magician Girl: She won’t succeed.

Tari Helyanwe: She’ll be told the truth, but she won’t believe it.

Sakiyama: Aria won’t get to Charlie, but Aten will wreak his vengeance in due time.

Harvestgirl64: I thought Serenity was just a lesser version of Tea. Never thought much of her.

So Wrong

The movie finished and the adults went into the kitchen. Bakura stood by the entrance to the kitchen, telling Malik and Ryou what he had observed about Aten.

“I didn’t know Aten was going through this,” Marik said, shrugging. “I never thought about the reason why he’s been going through bedsheets like crazy.”

Ryou poured himself a glass of milk. “Well, Aten is at that age, Marik. All of us need to do what we can to let him know that what is happening to him is normal for a boy his age.”

Malik sat at the kitchen table. “He’s not going to come to us about this, guys. One of us has to talk to him.”

Marik looked at Ryou. “Ryou, you should talk to him. You’re his mother.”

“But you are his father, Marik. You need to do this for your son, too.”

Bakura raised his hand and the two went silent. “If you both go in, the kid is going to feel cornered. One of you has to go in. Ryou, I think it’s wise if you go. You have a wealth of experience that Marik doesn’t. And also, don’t forget there is a past between you and Aten.”

Malik raised an eyebrow. “What are you talking about, Bakura?”

“The cabin…..Ryou’s father, Steven…..being a victim of nonconsensual sex…...all of that is what you have in common with Aten, Ryou. Now that Aten is at that age where he can have erections and…..you know….he’s probably feeling really guilty and confused.”

Ryou sighed and lowered his head. “You’re right.”

“Now, I can remember my teen years growing up in Cairo. It was rough. During my early childhood, I was forced to service people for food and shelter. I was very confused when I grew older. Aten is no doubt confused about his body and why it is reacting like this. Ryou, if anyone knows anything about this, it is you. That is why it is best if you go upstairs and speak to your son.”

***************************

Aten sat on his bed, his legs dangling over the side. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he sobbed into his hands.

He tried hitting himself again, but it didn’t work.

“Why is this happening to me? Why won’t it stop?”

A timid knock sounded on the door. “Who is it?”

“Can I come in?”

Aten looked up, fear in his eyes and shifted towards his pillow and put a pillow on his boxers.

“Come in, mommy.”

Ryou came in and closed the door. He gave a little smile. “Do you feel better now, Aten?”

Aten lowered his head. “No.”

Ryou sat at the edge of the bed, noticing the flushed face and glistening eyes of his son. “Aten, baby. Do you need to talk?”

Aten looked up. “I don’t know, mommy.”

Ryou leaned over and cupped Aten’s cheek with his hands. “Aten, it’s okay to talk to me. Have you been waking up with wet sheets?”

Aten’s face turned red. “Yes.”

“Is there anything that has been bothering you?”

Aten bit his lip and sniffled. “Mommy, it won’t come down.”

“What won’t come down?”

Aten lowered his head. “My penis.”

Ryou saw the hesitation and embarrassment in Aten’s face. “Aten, this is normal for all boys. You’re going through what is called ‘puberty.’ Your body is maturing and becoming an adult.”

“But, why…why is my penis stiff?”

“This happens to all boys during puberty, son. I went through it. Daddy went through it. Bakura went through it. All boys go through this stage. Usually it happens when you are thinking of someone else that you like. Sometimes, these things happen for no reason.”

Aten’s eyes lifted, but his head remained low. “It can happen for no reason?”

Ryou nodded. “Yes, it can.”

“Then why was my sheets wet with that stuff?”

Ryou took a deep breath. “It’s called a wet dream, Aten. You get stiff and your body expels semen. When a man and a woman have sex, that is what the man contributes to the female. It’s the sperm inside that helps make a baby.”

“I don’t like it when it happens to me. It makes me afraid.”

Ryou reached and took Aten’s hand. “Why does it make you afraid?”

Aten squeezed Ryou’s hand. “Because it reminds me of my grandfather. It reminds me of…of what he did to me.”

Ryou shifted closer to Aten. “Aten, your body is going to react regardless of what you feel. Even if it hurts, Aten, your body is going to feel what it feels.” Ryou sat by his son and brushed his long white and blond hair behind his ears. “I know what you are going through, Aten. You’re scared. But, you are around your parents who love you and who have gone through this before.”

Aten opened his mouth to speak, but he hesitated. “I…I…..”

Ryou sat quietly, waiting for Aten to speak.

“I…I hit myself to make it go down. But, it doesn’t work.”

“Honey, don’t hit yourself. It won’t do any good. You don’t want to hurt yourself.”

Aten sniffled. “I want to punish myself for this.”

“Aten, you are growing older. This is normal for you to go through this stage. Punishing yourself is not going to help at all.”

Aten sniffled and reached out his arms. “Mommy, I need a hug.”

Ryou shifted close to Aten and brought his son’s upper body into his arms. Aten buried his face in his mother’s shoulder and sobbed.

“I feel so dirty, mommy! Why does this feel so wrong?”

Ryou stroked Aten’s hair gently. He had lived with almost two years of constant abuse with Bakura. Bakura would beat him and rape him on a constant basis. His body reacted, despite the painful sensations Bakura was giving him.

He held his son, stroking his hair. “You’re not bad or dirty, Aten. You’re becoming an adult. Your body is going through changes that are a normal part of growing up.”

Aten’s body shook. “I’m scared, mommy. I don’t want to grow up and be like my grandfather….I don’t want to be like him.”

Ryou kissed Aten’s forehead. “You won’t grow up to be like my dad, Aten. You are a sweet boy. One day, you’re going to find somebody special, Aten.”

Aten blinked. “I already have somebody special.”

Ryou smiled. “I know you do, baby.” Ryou paused. “You’re going through a difficult time, Aten. We want you to know that you can come and talk to any of us. We’re your parents and we want you to get the right information about your body. All of us have been where you are, Aten. We know it can be scary. And, Aten….I have personally been where you are right now. So, I know just how scary this can be.” Ryou leaned down and kissed Aten’s forehead.

“You were?”

Ryou nodded. “Yes.I had…..people…….. hurt me, Aten. I love you, Aten. I want you to know I’m here if you need me.”

Aten nodded and pulled back. “Thank you, mommy. Umm…can I ask you another question?”

“Yes?”

“Can Robbie and I go to the movies tomorrow and then out for ice cream? I have my allowance money. Can we go?”

Ryou ruffled the boy’s hair. “You sure can, Aten! You have fun with Robbie.”

Aten smiled up at Ryou. “Thanks, mom.”

Ryou kissed Aten’s forehead again. “Anytime, little monkey. Have fun.”

Aten slipped out of bed and kissed everybody goodnight. He slipped under his covers and closed his eyes, praying that his grandfather would not come to him in his dreams.

****************************

*Dream Sequence*

Robbie opened his eyes and found himself laying in bed. Aten’s voice called to him from somewhere. Robbie couldn’t tell where it was coming from.

“Aten?” he called out. “Aten, where are you?”

Robbie limped out of bed and bit back a scream. The ankle was hurting again.

‘Stupid clubbed foot,’ he thought.

He stepped into the hallway and heard Aten’s voice call from the downstairs.

Robbie limped down the stairs and found Aten wasn’t there.

“Robbie….come find me, Robbie,” his voice sounded again.

The boy limped into the backyard and found Aten kneeling by the tulips in the garden. Aten wore a black cloak around him and on the back of his hand was a tattoo of Osiris, the Egyptian God of the Dead.

“Aten? Were you calling me?”

Aten stood up slowly, holding a tulip in his hand. He walked up to Robbie slowly and placed the delicate flower next to Robbie’s cheek.

Aten smiled at Robbie. “You’re beautiful, Robbie…just like this flower.”

Robbie felt his heart race with Aten’s close proximity. Robbie reached up with a shaking hand to touch Aten’s cheek. Aten’s cheek was soft and warm.

Aten stepped back and took Robbie’s hand. Aten lead him over to the garden. The Egyptian boy stopped and cupped Robbie’s face in his hands.

He leaned up and pressed his lips to Robbie’s. Robbie felt Aten’s tongue slowly enter between his lips. Aten pulled Robbie close to him and continued to kiss Robbie slowly.

Aten broke the kiss and kneeled on the grass. He pulled Robbie down and the blue-eyed boy looked down at his friend. Aten had removed Robbie’s shoes and his socks.

Aten looked up at Robbie and smiled. “Robbie…..I want to kiss you.”

Aten leaned down and kissed Robbie’s clubbed foot. Robbie gasped as pleasurable sensations flooded through him.

“Aten, do you find me attractive….even with my bad foot?”

Aten looked up and smiled. “Of course I do, Robbie. I would love you no matter what.”

Aten crawled up Robbie’s body. He rested his body on Robbie’s body. Aten’s hand crawled up Robbie’s side. The blue-eyed boy felt his clothes suddenly becoming tight around his hips.

“Do you want me to touch you, Robbie? Do you want me to kiss you?”

Robbie looked up into the brown and purple eyes above him. He reached up and cupped Aten’s face in his hands. “If you want to, Aten.”

Aten smiled. “Oh, I want to, Robbie. I’ve always wanted to touch you like this.”

The Egyptian boy’s hand drifted down to Robbie’s hips.

“I love it when you touch me, Aten.”

Aten leaned down and kissed Robbie’s chest. “Robbie…..”

Robbie’s fingers slithered through Aten’s hair. “I love you, Aten.”

Aten kissed down Robbie’s ribcage. “Robbie….”

The blue-eyed boy felt Aten pull down his boxers….

*******************

“Robbie!”

Robbie’s eyes opened up and he breathed heavily, looking around his room. Aten wasn’t there.

He shifted in bed when he noticed that he had his hands in his boxers!

“AH!”

Robbie pulled his sticky fingers out from under the rim. “Oh no! It happened again! Gosh, darn it!”

Robbie jumped out of bed and pulled back the sheets where a wet stain would certainly be noticed by his mother.

“Robbie, are you okay? Can I come in?”

Robbie pulled the covers over the wet stain and sat on the bed, crossing his legs. “Come in.”

Miranda opened the door. “Robbie, I heard you talking in your sleep.” Her eyes drifted down her son, knowing what had just happened. “Are you okay? Your face is bright red!”

Robbie took a deep breath. “Yeah, mom, I’m fine.”

“Oh. Okay. Well, if you had a bad dream, you know you can talk to me about it, right?”

Robbie nodded. “Sure, mom.”

“I have breakfast ready when you’re done washing yourself up.”

Robbie turned a darker shade of red from embarrassment. His father was always at sea. He was a naval officer and was always gone. He hardly saw his father.

Robbie sighed in relief when his mother left the room. He couldn’t discuss this in front of his mother. She was his mother….and a woman. He needed a man he could talk to.

Robbie removed his sheets from the bed.

Robbie couldn’t discuss this with any of Aten’s family. If they knew how he felt about Aten, they may not accept him. They may become critical of him. Besides, how awkward would it be if he spoke to Marik about his feelings for his son?

‘That’s a one way ticket to the Shadow Realm,’ Robbie thought. That would not be good. ‘Mr. Ishtar, I’m having sexual dreams about your son. What do I do about it?’

Robbie shuddered. “I’ll be dead meat if he found out!”

He dared not talk to Aten about it. What if Aten didn’t feel the same way about him? All of the boys in their class had girlfriends. Not one of them had other boyfriends. That made him feel even more alone.

He had to talk to another guy.

Robbie snapped his fingers. “I’m an idiot! I can talk to Aten’s Uncle Otogi! He’d understand!”

Robbie looked at the clock. “Uh-Oh..if Aten and I are going to go to the movies, I’d better get ready! I don’t want to keep my boyfriend waiting.” Robbie covered his mouth quickly. “I can’t say that in front of mom!” Robbie pinched his upper arm for punishment. “Ow!”

‘Aten wouldn’t want to be my boyfriend. Not even in a million-gajillion-trillion years.’

Robbie washed himself clean and noticed his body’s reaction when he washed himself. He waited in the bathroom for almost a half hour for his arousal to settle down enough for him to walk and be able to hide it.

Robbie dressed and limped down the stairs. For the first time in his life, he was glad to have a limp. That would mean his mother couldn’t ascertain the difference between a limp because of his foot or the limp because of the stiffness between his legs.

“Mom…umm…later on…umm…Is it okay if I go to the store and buy some candy?” Robbie’s eyes shifted suspiciously.

Miranda poured herself another cup of coffee. “Sure, honey. And tell Aten we’re out of eggs.”

Robbie laughed as he reached into the refrigerator for some juice. “I’m not going to see Aten today! What makes you think that?”

“Well, first of all, Robert, you see Aten every day. Second of all, I know you’re going out with Aten to go somewhere. Just don’t talk to strangers.”

Robbie blushed again. “Really, mom, Aten and I have no plans today.”

Robbie reached up and grabbed a glass for himself.

Miranda turned to her son. “Robbie, you don’t need to hide this from me.”

Robbie took a sip from the glass. “Hiding what? I’m not hiding anything from you, mom.”

“If you want to go out with Aten, Robbie, just ask me.”

Robbie sighed and replaced the juice container in the refrigerator. “Okay, mom. I’m going out for ice cream and a movie with Aten.”

Miranda kneeled down. “I love you, Robbie. I want to give you your space and freedom, but you are all I have, Robbie.”

“I know, mom. I love you, too.”

The mother smiled. “Go have fun with Aten today. Just don’t forget the eggs, okay, little soldier?”

Robbie smiled. “Okay. I won’t forget.”

“What movie are you going to see?”

“Whatever’s playing.”

Miranda hugged him and began making him his breakfast.

************************

Otogi squeezed the tube and placed icing on the lemon cake. His finger traced around the edge.

“Mmm…scrumptious!”

Otogi heard someone knocking on the door. He placed the icing bag in the refrigerator and removed his pink apron.

“Robbie? What are you doing here?”

Robbie leaned against the doorway. “Otogi, I really need to talk to you about…guy stuff.”

“Hoo-boy. Come on in, little guy.”

Otogi lead Robbie into the kitchen. “I made some ginger snaps. Want some?”

Robbie took a cookie and ate it. Robbie found it interesting he wanted to talk about guy stuff to a guy who acted like such a girl. But, Otogi was non-imposing. Tristan Taylor was twice the size of Otogi and much more stronger. Too much threat there.

“So, what is it, Robbie?”

Robbie told Otogi about his dream and about what had been happening to certain parts of his body that he couldn’t control.

“Robbie, that’s perfectly normal for boys to go through that. You’re becoming a man, Robbie, and that is what boys must go through to become men.”

Robbie sighed. “How long does this last?”

“This may last for a long time, Robbie.”

“Great…just great.”

Otogi leaned over and took Robbie’s hand. “It might be scary, Robbie, but it’s nothing to be ashamed about.”

Robbie lowered his head.

Otogi squeezed Robbie’s hand reassuringly. “Robbie, let me ask you a question. Answer me honestly and don’t be afraid of what I will say in response. Do you love Aten?”

Robbie clenched his eyes shut. Tiny tears seeped from Robbie’s eyes. “Yes. I…I do love him.”

Otogi sat back. “It’s okay to feel that way.”

“I’m nervous to tell Aten. What if he doesn’t feel the same way? What if he hates me after I tell him? What if he says I’m too ugly because of my foot? What if he makes fun of me? I don’t think I could take rejection by him.”

“I don’t know how Aten feels about you, Robbie. But, I do know that you have been best friends for a very long time. I don’t think Aten would ever hate you. There’s not a mean streak in him…well, if you count his yami side as a mean streak, I guess so. But, he’s never become angry at you. He really likes you, Robbie. I don’t think he could ever be mean to you.”

Robbie‘s bottom lip trembled. “I don’t think so either, but, Otogi….I do love him.”

“Does anyone else know?”

Robbie shook his head. “Nobody knows. Nobody can know! Please don’t tell anyone I said anything, Otogi! Don’t say anything to Aten…or Marik…or Ryou…or Malik…even my mom! If they find out, they’ll kill me! Horribly!”

“Robbie, nobody is going to--.”

Robbie stood up and folded his hands in front of Otogi as if he were praying. “Please………don’t tell anyone about how I feel or tell anyone what is happening to me!”

“You have my word, Robbie.”

Robbie looked at the clock. “I have to go! Aten and I are going out for ice cream and out to the movies!”

Otogi snickered. “Oh, so you have a date?”

Robbie crossed his arms and laughed. “Otogi, boys can’t go on dates with other boys! It’s only when girls go out with boys that it’s called a date!”

“So? Boys can go on dates with other boys. Tristan and I were going out on dates before we decided to live together.”

Robbie shrugged. “Well, okay……it may be a date. But, don’t tell anyone.”

“I won’t tell a soul, Robbie. Enjoy your movie and your ice cream.”

Robbie smiled. “I will. Thank you, Otogi.”

“No problem.”

Robbie hugged Otogi and ran out of the apartment. He entered the elevator and ran towards the entrance where he bumped into Aten without realizing it.

“ATEN!”

“ROBBIE! What are you doing here?”

Robbie fidgeted with his fingers. “I….umm…I came to…umm…I’m selling candy for the church. I came to see if your Uncle Otogi wanted some. What are you doing here? Are we still going to the movies and out for ice cream?”

Aten nodded. “Umm…yeah! My mommy said it’s okay if I go out. I just have to talk to Unkie Togi for a few minutes. Can you wait down here and then we’ll go?”

Robbie smiled. “Sure!”

Robbie waited on one of the lobby couches and watched men holding hands with other men. Tristan and Otogi had moved to this place three years ago where it catered to gay and lesbian couples.

Robbie watched two men leaving the lobby, holding hands and smiling at each other.

‘That’s going to me Aten and I someday…..I hope.’

*********************************

Aten knocked on Otogi’s door. He fidgeted with his hands until his raven-haired uncle opened the door.

“Aten! What are you doing here?”

“Unkie Togi, I really have to talk to you about…..guy stuff.”

Otogi sighed. This sounded familiar. “Come in, Aten.”

“Robbie’s downstairs. I can’t talk long.”

Aten told Otogi about the dream he had about Robbie.

“Am I normal, Unkie Togi?”

“Yes, Aten, this happens to every boy.”

Aten’s eyes filled with tears. “Unkie Togi, do…do you think that Robbie will like me even if…..even if I’ve been…..been….you know….touched by another man already?”

“Aten, Robbie will love you no matter what. You’ve been friends for years! Why wouldn’t he think you are something special?”

Aten sniffled and looked up at Otogi with large chibi eyes. “Because my grandfather touched me….he...he raped me, Unkie Otogi. Why would Robbie want someone who was tainted before their time? Why would Robbie want to be with someone like me?”

Otogi pulled his chair closer to Aten. He put his arm around Aten’s shoulder. “Aten. You may think this is strange, but…I know what you’ve been through. I’ve been in many abusive relationships. I didn’t think that Tristan would want me because of them. Hell, I didn’t think anyone would want me. I didn’t think I was good enough for anyone. But you know what? Tristan showed me that I was good enough for someone. That is what he showed me. He loves me and he accepts me for who I am. And I know deep down, that Robbie will accept you no matter what your grandfather did to you.”

Aten shrugged. “Nobody would want me, Unkie Togi,” the chibi cried. “I’ve been used already!”

Otogi handed Aten a tissue. “I didn’t think anyone would want me, Aten. But Tristan showed me otherwise. Give Robbie a chance. I’m sure he’ll show you how much you mean to him. Aten, you have to believe that you are worth it. Because you know what?” Otogi brushed away a lock of white and blond hair. “I’ve never seen anyone…and this is the truth…I’ve never seen anyone handle a paintbrush like you! I’ve never seen anyone create such beautiful paintings! You have so much to offer, Aten. You really do.”

Aten wiped away a tear. “I guess.”

“Aten, if I ask you a question, can you answer me honestly?”

“Yes. I’d never lie to you.”

Otogi looked Aten in the eyes. “Do you love Robbie?”

Aten sniffled and took Otogi’s hand. “I do. He’s the most speciallest person in my life, Otogi. I…do love Robbie.”

Otogi nodded. “I believe you, Aten. Give Robbie a chance. I know he cares for you very much. I know he will love you no matter what, Aten.”

Aten’s shoulders sagged. “Do you really think so?”

“I’m certain of it.”

“What do I do? Do I tell him?”

“Aten, you have to figure that one out for yourself. Do it when you are ready. Don’t rush this. Love is a serious thing, Aten.”

Aten nodded. “I won’t rush this. I don’t want to hurt Robbie like I was hurt.”

Otogi smiled. “Aten, you could never hurt anyone. I don’t see you ever hurting Robbie.”

“I do love him, Otogi. I don’t know why, but…I just feel like I do.”

Otogi pat Aten on the back. “Sometimes we can’t explain why we are in love, Aten. We just are.”

Aten looked up at Otogi. “Please don’t tell Robbie that I talked to you about this! Don’t tell anyone I told you about this!”

“I won’t, Aten. You have my word.”

Aten threw his arms around Otogi’s neck. “Thank you, Uncle Otogi.”

Otogi’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped. Aten only used formal names when he was serious.

Otogi grinned. “Don’t worry about it, Aten. We’ve always been buds. We have to stick together, you and I.”

Aten grinned and kissed Otogi on the cheek. “Thank you! I have to meet Robbie downstairs! We’re going out for ice cream and a movie!”

“What are you going to be seeing?”

“Anything good with no boys kissing girls. That’s gross. Really, really gross.”

Otogi snickered and shook his head. Why was that no surprise?

“Go have fun, little monkey. Be good.”

Aten jumped off the chair and turned to Otogi with a mischievous look that reminded Otogi of Aten’s father. “Unkie Togi, of course I’m always good!”

Otogi heard the door to his apartment door slam shut. He gave a huge sigh. “Caught in the middle between two pre-pubescent boys exploring love for the first time. Why me?”

*************************

Aten ran out of the elevator and saw Robbie sitting on the couch watching two women hugging in the lobby.

“Robbie! Ready for our movie? And ice cream?”

Robbie jumped up. “Sure am! Did you take your heart medication?”

Aten removed a pill box from his pocket. “I never go anywhere without this little baby, you know that!”

Robbie felt the urge to squeeze his friend tightly in a hug. Robbie threw himself at Aten and brought him into a big hug.

“Let’s go!”

“First one at the ice cream parlor is a rotten egg!” Aten squealed, darting out of the door.

“Hey! Wait for me!” Robbie limped as fast as he could behind his friend.

Aten laughed as he saw Robbie follow him.

The screech of tires was heard as a black car stopped.

Three sets of eyes focused on the two boys.

Vinnie, behind the wheel, looked at the two laughing boys going down the sidewalk. “Are you sure they’s them?”

The man in the back seat nodded. “That kid with the white and blond hair is his friend. I’ve seen them together on numerous occasions. He’s one of Seto Kaiba’s nephews, Aten Bakari Ishtar.”

Charlie grinned. “So, he’s part of my nephew’s family, huh?”

The man crossed his arms. “Yes. They are really close. Hayden and Aten play together. They’ve always been buddy-buddy.”

Charlie grinned. “That close, huh? Well…..he could be useful in getting to him.”

Vinnie grinned, looking at Aten’s companion. His face….it looked familiar. Like someone he knew from his past…..

Charlie sat back in his seat. “Follow them, Vinnie. I want to see where this kid lives. He can’t escape us….and neither will my little nephew, Hayden Kaiba.”