r a d i a n t

  And in return, Im rests his cheek against Djoser’s warm chest, giving a soft sigh when he hears that lovely heartbeat again. It was odd how calming it was… He can’t help but try to wrap his arms around his pharaoh in return, only to somewhat fail with that. Oh well, at least he can hug him.

     “You better be, otherwise I’ll lecture you about a difficult topic.” Once again, he was joking, but partially this time. He can and will lecture Djoser if he fucks up big time. “And I sure hope I do, I refuse to stay this short for the rest of my life.”

          “Heh! Well you can grow taller, but I’ll be sad if you manage to get bigger than me... because then I couldn’t hold ya like this anymore.”

  It was a tad startling, the sudden sound of Djoser’s genuine and loud laughter. But then.. Im watches him in awe, as if entranced by a spell that made everything else around him disappear; as if Djoser was the center of the very universe and nothing around it mattered. But it makes sense, in a way, doesn’t it? Since he is so much like the sun…

  More than anything, the other’s laughter was healing, warm. It was adorable as well. And it felt like it’s been so, so very long since the priest had last heard it. Still, Im can’t help but smile when he hears those words - yes, he actually indeed had grown up thanks to his new friends and without his most dearest person ( something that made him feel a just a tad sad ).

    Im pulls a jest in return to those words.

    “If it truly is that weird, I can always go back to how I acted before.” He can’t actually, he’s gotten much too soft for that.

          After the laughter dissolved, Djoser now smiled warmly at Im despite the jest. His arms wrapped around him carefully, resting his cheek over the top of his head before giving a long, content sigh. Im felt so soft and comfortable, he couldn’t help but tighten his hold just a smidgen.

   “Nah. I’m proud of you.” Back when Apophis still had him trapped, he felt jealous toward the people that Im had opened up to, and moved forward with, without him. It was silly, now that he looked back on it, the way he was possessive over someone who he hadn’t seen nor touched for 3,000 years. He was glad he threw away that part of him, able to grow up in his own way. Now Djoser was happy to have Hinome and the others around, because they were the reason that Im was able to open up.

    To anyone that knew them and to those that didn’t know them, the vizier and his pharaoh were an odd pair. Well, considering their life and circumstances, they actually were. But right now in this era, that didn’t matter. Because here and now. they didn’t have to be the center of attention in a country who’s fate rested on their shoulders. Here and now, they could learn and allow to be themselves.

      “And I am a very lucky vizier~” He says it proudly, but there’s obviously a soft blush on his face from the underlying embarrassment.

          “....”

   Surprising... It always surprised Djoser whenever he watched Im act like this, no matter how many times. Only this time, it was like seeing it for the very first. Everything felt so brand new. It made him feel absolutely giddy, like the kind of happiness that fills the air with warmth and laughter, contagious and caught by everyone.

   There was a snort, then a bit of a laugh through a grin, that very soon erupted into amused laughter. It was a loud, bellowing, hearty laugh, cheeks dusted pink as it took all of his breath and energy. It was enough to bring tears in the corners of his eyes and he wiped away at them, shoulders shaking. It was tough to get a few words in.

      “I think he wouldn’t mind being asked about it, but his answer might be vague.” Even so, Im could guess the answer and not be too far off - not with how he had watched his own father conduct the ritual and with how much care he had put into it all. “Probably the best way to thank him is by showing that you’re doing well, genuinely.” For a moment, Im rests the side of his head against Djoser’s chest, only to perk up at hearing the ringing of the timer. He didn’t really want to, but he let go of the other to flip the pancakes over and setting the timer again.

   Of course, he goes right back to leaning against Djoser, just because he was so comfortable and warm. Hopefully, he doesn’t mind it too much.

          “I guess you’re right. Maybe I shouldn’t bug him with something like that. Don’t wanna sound ungrateful.” He sighed, though the subsiding state of minor frustration dissipated the moment Im leans against him for the last time. A chuckle, an arm slinging around his waist while he rests his cheek against the side of his head.

   Moments like these felt drastically different now that he had a proper heart, able to feel the steady flow of emotions that affection like this caused. It was nice, and very much welcome. He wanted to experience all of those feelings that he thought he’d never feel again, left in 3,000 year’s past.

   Im... and his affection. Djoser being the one and only recepient.

        “Oh, you resemble a pomegranate, like that.” An absolutely random statement that had slipped out without thought, interrupted by the the affection being returned. Whether Djoser had heard it or not didn’t matter to Im - not when the way he laughs is so heartwarming.

  For a moment, the priest’s fingers trace slowly over where Djoser’s new heart resided, carefully feeling for a heartbeat and giving a smile when he feels it beating just as lively ( if not livelier ) as before. He knew his father was resting right now, so he’ll thank him properly later.

   “I almost forgot to mention.. but father told me to tell you that since he will be resting for a while, you should come to me if something is the matter. For the time being Apophis will not allow us to wake him until he has had his rest.”

          “So that’s what the sign is for.” Djoser remembered seeing the warning on the door belonging to the bedroom that the primordial gods now rested within, upon going to the kitchen. From what he remembered, Thoth had been toiling all night and day for the past week, figuring out a proper prosthetic and getting the details exactly right. The poor guy... he had it hard, being a god of creation and all, didn’t he? He wondered if Apophis actually helped... 

   ...no, probably not. Probably pestered and bugged him the entire time, interrupting his work and acting like a spoiled jackass (to Djoser’s belief, anyhow. If only he knew the truth). That asshole had no right acting like he was doing any good by pacing the bedroom floors like a guard dog!

   Im gives a soft hum in thought at Djoser’s mumbling, continuing where the other had left off with the cooking. “Hm, you can do nice things for me without physically straining yourself, both directly and indirectly.” He checks the batter for a moment before pouring it into the mold in the pan. “Rather than the bigger things, it’s the small things that also matter. You know how I help you with homework on occasion and translate things for you? Like that.”

  Now that the batter was heating up in the pan and the timer was set, Im could allow to divert his attention to Djoser instead. So, turning around and walking up to him, he carefully places both his palms against his chest carefully.

      “But you could also do it like this, if you desire so.” Closing his eyes, Im leans up a slight to place a light kiss on Djoser’s lips, softly.

          Little to Im’s knowledge, the former prince had begun to shut him out, as if he were being given a lecture. It was within reason, and rightfully so, though it would be unlike him to not tune it out when he felt as if he were being talked at. So he leaned back onto the counter beside his vizier and allowed his mind to wander while he continued on, until he felt warm palms press against his chest.

   Djoser immediately snapped out of it just in time to catch Im’s face moving toward his. Somehow, seeing him act in such a way caused the newly placed heart in his chest to skip a beat and flutter, his entire face burning bright cherry-red the moment their lips met.

  Unfortunately for Djoser, Im doesn’t believe him. No matter how the other would try to laugh it off or pretended he was okay, the young priest could see through the facade easily. Even so, he wouldn’t scold him for it. Not like he usually would have.

   Instead, he pinches Djoser’s nose shut for a good minute, hard.

     “Don’t think you can lie to me when you’re obviously in pain, you buffoon.” But his expression softens, then. “You’re supposed and allowed to take it easy now. Let your body adjust. It’s okay.” Then, a hand softly pats Djoser’s chest before Im walks past him, grabbing a stepping stool to reach the higher cabinets to grab the large serving saucer. After hopping off the stool, Im refuses to give it to Djoser. “I can do the rest. You go and rest up, alright? Although, we can also do this together, if you’d like. But don’t you dare strain yourself or I’m getting my staff, am I clear?”

          “Fine, fine. I was just trying to do something nice for you in return since you kept your promise,” he mumbled, rather upset with himself that he’d gone too far when he only had good intentions. That didn’t stop the scowl when he reached for the plate, only to have it moved out of his reach.

   Djoser couldn’t continue to pout, not when Im meant well. It was idiotic of him to rush into moving so much already, of course, but that would never stop him from trying to spoil his most precious person! He would give up and give in, but only until he healed enough to move freely.

  Reluctantly, Im had complied to being forced to sit and wait for a meal as Djoser attempted to make whatever he had in mind. Fingers anxiously tapping against the surface of the table, it was obvious he wasn’t entirely comfortable with this plan. But then again, Djoser was stubborn and very hard to say no to, so the young priest had agreed against his will.

  But without a doubt, Im jumps out of his seat at hearing that loud crash come from the kitchen, followed by him jumping up and running to the source despite the strained I’m okay! When he walked in on the whole scene, worry takes hold of him as he runs over and begins to check the other for any injuries. Still, Im’s voice sounds soft as he speaks, despite the worry.

            “Are you alright? You didn’t get hurt, did you?”

          He tried his best not to keep clutching his chest when Im happened upon the scene, though he really wished those minor throbbing aches would subside already. After a short huff and another sheepish laugh, he shakily stood to his feet before rubbing the back of his neck as an awkward gesture.

   “No, no, I’m fine! Just... maybe I shouldn’t reach in high places for a while....” At the very least he managed to get some fruit cut up and the batter made for the pancakes. It was when he tried to grab a large serving saucer in one of the higher cabinets did he feel a powerful pinch in his chest that startled him.

   “You do not have to do anything. I can take care of myself just f–” And right on cue, Im’s stomach rumbles more than just a little. Right, he hadn’t eaten all night and missed breakfast, hadn’t he.

     “Although, I might have forgotten to.. eat breakfast.” Ah, how embarrassing. But who can blame him? He was so caught up in fulfilling Djoser’s wish of staying by his side during the ritual, that it had slipped his mind entirely. Grumbling softly, Im fidgets with one of his bracelets before speaking softly. “Do you.. want some breakfast as well? You must be hungry, after.. everything.”

          Djoser could do nothing but laugh, even when the realization had hit him that Im really did keep his promise, in every sense of it. He was the luckiest person on earth to have such a devote, loving person at his side. One that even now, he still didn’t think he deserved (and naturally he felt just a small pang of guilt and hurt from thinking so).

   Although he’d still be a might tired and in just a smidgen of pain, he still managed to move to the edge of the bed so he could hoist himself, and Im, up.

   “You bet, I’m starving! But you’re not doing everything alone. I think you’ve already done enough for me as it is.” He may be sluggish to move around, but he could still help, and he would, even against the young priest’s protests. Djoser felt that he owed a lot to this family, to Thoth and Imhotep specifically (unknowing that Apophis had been there to help during the ritual). Maybe he can try to make those pancakes! Easy meal, right? Oh, and some chopped up fruit, too.

  And in return, Im ( once again ) gently combed his fingers through Djoser’s hair in a soothing manner. In a way, it was strange that he was so openly affectionate, since he was quite averse to it with others. But then again; his one and only pharaoh is someone very special.

   Without a doubt, it was a genuine weight off of the young priest’s chest to see his most dearest person act like how he truly was after such a long time of not being able to. It made his own heart skip a beat.

    “You needn’t worry about me, Djoser. There is nowhere I’m more at peace than when I’m at your side.” He believed the other’s words, of course, but Im still prefers to watch over him a bit longer just in case.

          Just like a puppy receiving love and attention, Djoser gladly tilted his head into Im’s touch, smile widening. He’d wag his tail, if he had one! What made this moment all the better was hearing the pure happiness in his beloved vizier’s voice, when for the past several hours before he’d been sleep induced, it was quiet and filled with worry.

   Taking his words into consideration, he let himself lean a bit heavier against him, his cheek still resting on his shoulder.

   “You say that, but...” Had he eaten yet? Slept? Done anything besides worry and watch over Djoser for the past few hours? He may have seemed happier, but he could see the exhaustion collecting as bags under his eyes. Emotions, they were a tiring thing.

  Always had Djoser been warm, but now that he once more had a beating heart, that true warmth that he had before all this had returned. It was so familiar, so nostalgic.. Im has to keep himself from letting any tears spill from his eyes during this overwhelmingly joyful moment.

  When his pharaoh kisses him, all tension leaves Im’s body. He unknowingly had accumulated so much of it, he had to catch himself from falling. So, he holds onto Djoser - knowing well he wouldn’t drop him - as he returns the kiss all too gladly. Soft, warm, gentle.. so full of genuine love.. the young priest feels like he can’t return those feelings on an equal level. But that thought dissipates at hearing that adorable giggle. Between the kisses, Im can’t help but smile even more as he lets his hands rest on Djoser’s chest.

   At the feeling of that heartbeat against his palms, it was certain this was no dream.

 The sound of a door opening and closing momentarily caught his attention, but knowing who it was, the thought was quickly discarded so that the young vizier could give all of his attention to his one and only beloved pharaoh. With a somewhat breathless giggle of his own, Im pulls away just enough to rest their foreheads together.

   The words he speaks next were the same ones as before - only in a tone much warmer and softer ( as if they had a different, heavier yet happier, meaning to them ).

      “Good morning, Djoser.”

          He was glad that despite the kiss being broken, those emotions lingered. Djoser was startled at noticing the beating of his heart when Im placed his hand over it, but he calmed immensely as the other grabbed hold of him. Gently, he pulled him onto the bed just enough so that he could wrap his arms around him, chin resting on his shoulder. His eyes closed, almost as if he could sleep a little longer, but not unless Im was right there with him.

   His smile broadened at the words, and he gave his shoulder a lazy nuzzle. All of this, he would have to get used to. It was like being locked away in the dark for a long time and finally released into the world, hearing and seeing things for the first time.

   “Mornin’, Im!”

@sunsacrifice​

  It had been a long process, one that seemed quite gruesome from an outside perspective. Even so, Imhotep did not allow himself to leave his pharaoh’s side throughout all this, even if he was unconscious for the entirety of it. No, not even when seeing his beloved’s open and hollow chest like on that horrid day, he didn’t dare leave his side.

   When it had all been done and Djoser’s chest had healed neatly with but a single vertical scar across his sternum, Im simply sat beside him, hand on his beloved pharaoh’s while the other gently brushed those soft red locks of hair from his face. Thoth was silent in the meantime, simply observing.

   As those warm golden eyes slowly fluttered open, the young priest called out softly, carefully, to not startle him.

          “Djoser…” fingers still gently brush aside his soft red hair. “Good morning, Djoser..”

          Even more deep than the peaceful release of death, the deepest sleep he’d ever been in his entire life. He felt nothing, heard nothing, thought nothing and dreamt of nothing, so it was a difficult task to wake. He felt heavy and groggy, the room spinning and blurry as he tried his very best to completely open his eyes. Voices... he heard voices. Or rather, a voice, and he automatically knew who it was. What scared him in this moment was that at first, he didn’t feel anything. Not happiness, not relief to know he was at his side; just a dull ache over his chest and momentary dissociation as he struggled to fully awaken.

   “Im...?” Voice weak and cracked, spoken through a dry mouth. It felt like he hadn’t had anything to drink in several days... yet, he didn’t care. He still didn’t feel anything. The only thing he was starting to feel was fear, and it lingered instead of going away.

   Warm, the hand on his own was warm, and he eagerly, desperately grabbed for it with his other. Now his eyes were opened, staring at nothing but the ceiling, looking all around and searching, his head turning to the side to finally meet gazes with his vizier. That’s when that fear disappeared, his lips curving into a gentle, relieved smile.

   Seeing Imhotep’s face was enough. What he felt, it was overwhelming, like he was feeling it for the very first time all over again. It was beautiful, and the way his eyes shined with their own relief and his smile... his amazing smile, one he hardly got to see because he was reserved and stonefaced. Despite it hurting, even though it was a struggle, he slowly forced himself to sit up and released Im’s hand, only to cup his face with the both of his own. His skin was warm and soft, perfect; the pad of his thumb traced over his lips as well, and they were just as tender as the rest of his face. With a sigh escaping him, one which resembled a high school girl as she eyed her secret crush from across the room, he pulled that handsome face toward his own and placed a kiss upon his lips.

Tongue

   There was fear in Im as well, it was that he was simply better at not showing it. That, along with not wanting to show it; as it would only worsen his beloved’s anxiety. Instead, he gives a soft and content hum at the kiss before returning it carefully. It was soothing. Warm.

       “If anything, If my father is the perfectionist I remember him being, there is an extremely slim chance something will go wrong.” Wriggling a little in Djoser’s grasp, Im manages to gently place his hands on his warm and handsome face, gently stroking his cheeks with his thumbs. “But that doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to be scared. So I’ll be right here, just for you. Just lean on me, if it becomes too much. It’s one of the reasons I’m here for.”

  Then, with a slight but warm and genuine smile, his expression softens as he gives another kiss happily. When he pulls away, his voice is a whisper as he speaks.

    “Shall we go inform father of your answer, then? Simmering in this fear won’t bring any benefits..”

          Djoser had no doubts when it came to Thoth. Really, all of his fears were in directions pointing oppositely from him. Well, he did feel like Thoth was being far too kind for his own good with this, though he was in fact happy to do so, and told the former prince to be selfish, just this once.

   After returning the kiss, he took Im’s hand and pulled them both to their feet. Im was his reason to stay brave, to take this big step forward even if there was so much at risk. After all, it was better to do it instead of always wondering what it would have been like if he had not.