Thanks to Yami Yuugi, shinycry, Atemu Yugi Lover34, Silvershadowfire, kingleby, Megs, Enx and Slushie Blu for reviewing this Fic. Your responses have made me smile, especially now that I'm on one of Silvershadowfire's C2s. I checked them out by the way, and I'm very flattered to be on there.

Disclaimer: You think I own this? Sure...now, if you'll hang on for a while, the men in white coats are on their way.

Chapter 5

Joey was very worried about his older brother, and not just because of his sickness. If Mr Atemu, or anyone in his household, were to be made aware of Yugi's true nature...Joey did not want to even think about what could happen. So as soon as his father had finished reading out the letter from Netherfield, Joey asked his permission to leave the very next morning and tend to Yugi. His mother, of course, protested against such action, but Joey was adamant, and in the end his father relented.

As soon as he had finished his breakfast, Joey left for Netherfield, accompanied as far as Domino by Serenity and Anzu. He had ignored his mother's plea to take the carriage and went instead on foot. He had always enjoyed walking, and despite his grim purpose, he could not help but enjoy that morning's walk as well. It took him all of ten minutes to reach his destination through the thick mud, but he did not think of his appearance as his thoughts were consumed by his dear elder brother.

He barely registered anything until he was shown into the Eastern drawing room to be presented to Mr Atemu himself. The room was occupied by more than just the manor's owner; he was sitting with his sisters, Mr Kaiba and Mr Ishtar. The expression of surprise on his face when he realised who Joey was was almost comical, and Joey would have had difficulty in hiding his mirth if he had not worked himself into a fret over Yugi.

"Miss Josephine Mutou", the butler announced as Joey curtsied.

"Thank you Mahaado", Mr Atemu said, rising from his seat and bowing. "Miss Mutou, welcome to Netherfield."

"Thank you Mr Atemu", Joey said breathlessly. "I am sorry for disturbing you, but I have come to ask after my sister. May I see her?"

"Of course, of course", he replied. "I will show you to her room. You are welcome to stay here so that you can tend to her."

"Oh! I could not impose further on your kindness", Joey protested automatically. "You have already done too much by letting my sister stay the night."

"Nonsense, your sister and yourself are most welcome, and I insist that you stay. It would give your sister great comfort, I do not doubt", Atemu replied, waving off his concerns as he led Joey from the room.

No sooner had the door shut than the youngest of the Atemu sisters, Mana, erupted into a shocked tirade about Miss Mutou's appearance and state of dress.

"Why I have never seen anyone visit an aquaintance so poorly dressed!" she cried. "Did you see Mr Kaiba? I dare say that her petticoats were ten inches deep in mud; she must have walked here! To walk in such conditions is so very unladylike, shame on her father for letting her do so. Why, you Mr Kaiba! You would never let your sister do such a thing."

"Of course not", Kaiba murmured, returning his eyes to his book. "However, I did not notice her petticoats, I was rather distracted by Miss Mutou's eyes; they were brightened by the exercised."

Miss Atemu silenced herself instantly upon hearing of his admiration.

-YY/RB/SJ-

"Joey!" Yugi rasped from where he lay on the bed. His eyes were bloodshot and his face was chalk white with sickness. "You came!"

"I had to", Joey replied. "I was so worried Yugi. How are you feeling?"

"Better than yesterday", Yugi admitted. "I must have given Mr Atemu's butler the fright of his life when I fainted, yet everyone here has been so kind to me, and so understanding."

Joey went pale. There were so many things that Yugi could have meant when he had said that. So understanding? Understanding of what?

"Yugi...do they know?" he demanded, his voice suddenly harsh. "Has anyone found out about you? About us? Please tell me they have not; it will ruin us, and our sisters. Yugi, does anyone in this household know that you are male?"

Yugi shook his head vigorously. He had undressed himself when he had come round, Mr Atemu's servants not wanting to invade his privacy. No one had seen, except... Yugi gasped, his eyes going wide as he caught a glimpse of the figure of Mr Atemu standing in the doorway of the room. The man looked shocked, and a little hurt, and Yugi knew instantly that he had overheard.

"Mr Atemu", he whispered. Joey heard him, and turned to stare at the man in horror. Atemu entered the room slowly, shutting the door behind him. He was holding a spare blanket in his arms and he looked extremely awkward.

"I apologise for interrupting", he said softly. "I had gone to fetch you an extra blanket, Miss, Master Mutou."

"Mr Atemu, I can explain", Yugi gasped out, greatly distressed. "I...I mean we, our mother is ill, and she believes that she has only ever borne girls. I did not mean to deceive you in any way."

"You really are male?" Mr Atemu asked, and only continued when he had received an affirmative nod. "Your sisters too? I will not pretend to understand and cause offense by doing so, but I will try to accept this."

"Only the three eldest are male, Mr Atemu", Joey corrected. "Will you keep our secret? I understand that it is unfair of me to ask this of you, but our sisters' reputations depend on it."

"You have my word that I shall not breathe a word of this to anyone", Atemu promised.