So, I, on the moment decided to make a birthday fic for Pegasus. And the only character I have ever paired him with/ or like seeing him with is the one and only Seto Kaiba. I just love their clash of personalities. I decided to make this a sequel to my story With You - which isn't necessary to read to understand this but if you would like to, please do! :) While this was intended to be a one-shot I have decided it'll be a two-shot piece. I know there aren't a lot of fans of this pairing but if you're out there let me know what you think and if you want more, review! :3
Thirty-Three Candles
Kaiba's fingers drum along the keys in a routine speed, without hiccup or error. So many thoughts running through his mind as quickly approaches Pegasus' birthday. His brows furrow in a second's concern but now is not the time to be thinking of his overzealous lover. So he resumes in proper workaholic fashion. Hours disappear behind a Kaiba Corp monitor and as the sun sets in a glorious crash of orange and pink hues, he finally shuts off his built-in work mode. He locks and files everything accordingly and readies to leave. His eyes carry over to the lovely sunset and he smirks wryly as he thinks how such a beautiful sight would have remained oblivious to him if Pegasus hadn't ordered him some time ago to keep his window curtains tied back as a way to stop himself from overworking. The logic being, if the sun is no longer in sight then it is far past time to go. So far, it did seem to be working.
As if sensing his thoughts of him, a chime chirps from his phone. "Pegasus, how do you just happen to pop up when I am thinking of you..?" He mutters to himself, smirk still present along his lips. He lifts the phone to his ear and leans back in his chair, "Hey..." He answers nonchalantly as he reaches for his office keys.
"Hmm my you COULD sound a bit more excited to hear my voice, my dearest Seto." The other's voice remarks in a childish tone - Kaiba could mentally see the mock-pout on the other's face.
"Mmn. I'll remember to act so next time. What do you want, Pegasus?" He asks in that awfully blunt Kaiba way.
"Hm, well I do hope it won't be a simple 'act' next time or any time for that matter. As for what I want... I want my beautiful darling naked on my bed moaning and beg-"
"I'm hanging up."
"No! Now, now, it was but a simple jest. Well not a jest because I would oh so love to have you doing so much later."
"Pegasus." Kaiba warns with deep scold. Inwardly he felt comfort in the other's mindless verbal shenanigans. Though he will never admit to it.
Pegasus laughter hit the brunet's ears with warm familiarity. "I was wondering if you are able to see the gorgeous sunset that has settled and painted Domino City in the most gorgeous of hues?" He sighs in a dreamy manner.
Kaiba also chuckles and sighs. "You're truly something..." 'How does he read my mind like that?' "In any case, I am watching it right now." He answers truthfully, standing to his feet and walking over to the window. "It is quite beautiful, I agree."
"Isn't it? I bet you look stunning in its vibrant glow." There is another sigh. "I think I just got inspired for a painting. So if you're watching then does that mean you are done with your work for the day?" He asks hopeful.
Kaiba glances back at his empty desk and a half-smile graces his lips. "I have. I am on my way out the door." He explains. Pegasus relays he'll swing by and pick him up and all he can do is mumble in the affirmative. Kaiba can't help smirking at the other's eagerness and excitement. "I guess that means he's back from the tournament." 'Good. It hasn't really felt...' He shakes the thought away. He wasn't about to get all mushy over the other's return - it just has never been his style.
A lot changed a few months ago when Pegasus had stood him up and left him to suffer through the grim reminder of his brother's horrible death. It had been a lonely, bitter revisit to broken-hearted depths and remembrance, self-loathing and blame. He even started to doubt the other's motives and questioned briefly if this was all part of a devious cruel plan. Yet as the anniversary of the worst night of his life began to come to a close, his demeanor started to feel much better because of Pegasus. Even though Pegasus had not been present, even though he was supposed to be there yet physically wasn't... Kaiba couldn't get his soothing words, his gentle touches, his annoyingly mushy speeches out of his head. It lessened the self-loathing, the blame, the hurt, the emptiness. And he realized that night, how he felt about the irritatingly childish CEO of Industrial Illusions. And over all doubts and questions his feelings overshadowed them fully.
Upon the next weekend, Kaiba felt a lot of different emotions. He had been excited, anxious, even giddy but also tense, angry, irritated for Pegasus left him alone when he needed him most. A rough week past between with neither giving word to the other - that was just how it was back then. There weren't any daily phone calls, no messages or emails relaying pleasantries and personal eccentrics... That wasn't their deal, not the arrangement they had settled on. Yet somehow, somehow, Kaiba still found a way to fall for Pegasus and his charmingly childish demeanor. That had been a wonderful night, a night that changed everything for both of them. The night when they had both -for the first time- realized they were more than just weekend fuck buddies. They were a couple, they were committed to one another, they were in love. Indeed, much changed upon that revelation.
Kaiba locks up the door to his office and double checks that his secretary put everything away before she herself left for the day. When he is satisfied all is in order, he locks up behind himself. The elevator ride is long and quiet, with only the music to hear. He exits off at the first floor and the security guards nod in his direction, relaying all is secure and well. "Excellent. Keep up the good work." He replies and they wish him a good night as well. He walks down another long corridor and finally to the main entrance where more guards await and offer the same sentiments. He waits in the lobby a few minutes more before Pegasus comes in and meets him by the security gates.
"You got here pretty fast." Kaiba greets with a loose smirk along his lips. Certain that his lover will respond with an exaggeration of-
"I rushed over as soon as you said you wanted me to pick you up. How could I not do everything in my power to abide your wishes? I would travel the moon and back to ensure you-"
Kaiba smirks and shakes his head as he pulls the other close, "Would you knock off the bogus lovey-dovey crap?" He whispers in slight annoyance.
Pegasus caresses his cheek and gives the brunet a slow kiss on the lips. A gentle smile remains as they part. "Ah but I cannot help but incite poetry and devotion when I am in your presence. You are the light that beacons my dark shores, the whisper that comforts in the quietness of-" The brunet starts walking out the door, leaving the older behind. "Hey wait, I'm still talking." Pegasus pretends offense but quickly settles into a light chuckle as Kaiba turns and rolls his eyes at him. He jogs up to the brunet and they head out into the chilly evening air. The older opens the passenger door for the other.
Kaiba breathes in the refreshing scent of Pegasus' car. 'It smells just like him.' He chuckles every time he thinks about the time Pegasus, a few weeks ago, had just bought a bottle of his favorite, very rare, cologne only to bust it all over the back seat. Kaiba's stoic nature had snapped as he burst into laughter while Pegasus attempted to save it to no avail. Needless to say, the whole evening had been spent trying to lift his lover's mood.
Pegasus gets in to the driver's side and glances over to the brunet, whose gaze is out the passenger window. But he could tell, "You're laughing again." He pouts as he starts the car.
"No I'm not." The brunet responds quickly not facing the other. A chuckle dares to escape him but he suppresses it. He didn't even know why it remains so hilarious to him, maybe it was the overreaction of dismay over a simple fragrance, or how ridiculously expensive the small bottle was, 'Perhaps how he just wouldn't shut up about it.' Thinking of all these things only threatens to make him tease the other.
"Yes you are." They take off into the night and wherever it is Pegasus plans for them to go. Their banter continues light and snarky. The sky loses its bright shading and becomes a dark backdrop way above the city lights and distraction. The night is fast upon them and Kaiba wonders just where it is the other is taking them.
"Are we heading anywhere in particular or have you forgotten where the mansion is already?" He asks knowing the other loves his games and mysteries.
"Seto it's a surprise!" He answers with excitement.
Kaiba sighs and nods not at all shocked. The older indeed loves his surprises. "Hn." A few minutes past, "How was the tournament? Any promising kids catch your attention?" He questions curious. "You seem in a really good mood, so it must've been quite the event."
"It was. There are a lot of new faces to the game and all seems well. It was fun and a record in attendance. I can tell you all about it once we sit down to eat." He pulls into a brightly lit parking lot, a restaurant Kaiba didn't recognize before them. "We are here."
He parks and shuts the car off. Kaiba seems a bit skeptical of the lackluster outer décor of the building. Pegasus smirks and quickly exits, the brunet follows his lead albeit reluctantly. "Just where have you dragged me to now, Pegasus?" He questions folding his arms across his chest.
Pegasus pouts and pulls the other into a light embrace. "Mn, I was told a lot of good things about this place. It needs some help in branding itself but the food is supposed to be absolutely delicious."
"It looks like a dum-"
"You can't judge a book by its cover, Seto-dear." He warns playfully and taps the brunet on the nose gently. Kaiba sighs, a sign of relent. The older chuckles and gently strokes the pouty other's cheek. "You are too lenient with me and my whims." He whispers softly.
"I know." Kaiba replies with a roll of his eyes. The two walk in side by side to try out the new restaurant without further incident. Pegasus explains the whole Duel Monsters Regionals Tournament in great detail as they eat. Kaiba could only think to himself, how quiet it had been without Pegasus at the mansion this past week. 'Feels nice to hear his overly animated voice.'
Kaiba yawns as he gets out of bed, careful not to wake Pegasus. 'I have two weeks until his birthday. But what can I get him?' He starts the shower and steps in, with the other still on his mind. 'He has everything he wants... He's a grown man, I don't really see why he feels the need to celebrate birthdays. I mean, I haven't had a birthday party since I was ten.' But of course his lover is such an immature adult, such a child. 'Perhaps it's an American thing. Obsessed with his own ego that of course birthdays should be treated as a monumental thing.' For all his grumbling and misgivings over the audacity of having to throw the other an amazing birthday party, he would. And it will be perfect. Because he didn't much like the idea of Pegasus going a year without celebrating it - or rather it being HIS fault for him not having a wonderful birthday. These moments and feelings remind Kaiba of how much he indeed has changed since his younger years. When he didn't care about anything or anyone except for Mok... Except for his younger brother.
His shower ends and he steps out to dry off and dress. 'He loves that stupid cartoon rabbit but I refuse to base his birthday around that repulsion. What else is there?' He recalls when he attempted to watch a marathon of the cartoon and couldn't even make it through one episode. A sudden idea strikes him though as he walks into the room and notices their wine glasses have been collected already. 'Of course. A wine tasting party with plenty of exotic cheeses and fruits. I'll have to contact his friends in America to see if they'll attend. It has been a while since he's visited with them.' Kaiba didn't particularly like anyone but Pegasus had many friends and most were living in America. 'If I can get them to come, I'm sure it'll make Pegasus happy.' This is it, he surmises.
Relief washes over and he walks over to his still sleeping beau. "I'll give you the best party - better than anyone else has given you." He wouldn't have to hear about the other's past parties and how so much fun they had been. No, his best birthday would now be the one SETO KAIBA threw him. The brunet always rose up to a challenge.
Two weeks quickly past by, and to Kaiba's relief, he managed somehow to keep the party a surprise. It had been difficult since Pegasus was always at his side, always popping in or calling him - not that he complained but it sure made it hard to pretend nothing was up... Plus Pegasus was usually very intuitive and had the ability to read his mind - he would swear that his lover still possessed the Millennium Eye but then that'd be admitting to the magic he was all too happy to forget from many years ago.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Kaiba. It is a pleasure to meet you. I have spoken with my assistant Mari, she has informed me that you want only the best. A list of only the finest, most delectable and exotic wines right here." Mr. Maito Van of Impressione Winery eagerly greets. He reaches over to a small table and picks up a bottle of wine, he pours a glass for himself and the brunet. "Please try this one, it is one of my most requested. I also have two more you will definitely want to try." He eagerly offers.
Kaiba accepts the list and skims through it with a bit of surprise showing, "There are so many different kinds." The brunet takes the glass and takes a good sip. 'He's even paired them up with which foods each compliments. Thank goodness. I suppose this is why Pegasus talks so highly of him - wow this stuff tastes pretty good. What kind was this again? Hmm, maybe I should pay more attention to what he says.' He muses resisting a smirk. He really didn't care for knowing the names of different alcohols, after all he started drinking at a time when he didn't care much for anything. But this isn't the time for visiting a dark place. He settles for a smile instead as he is truly pleased with the list. "This looks great. Pegasus will definitely enjoy this arrangement." He nods and suddenly remembers to do something he often times overlooks, "And... Thank you. I know this is such short notice but I appreciate your professionalism and time in compiling this. Pegasus always speaks so well of you and I can see why." It feels so strange and foreign to thank others so openly but he meant every word. He could not have done any of this on his own.
Mr. Maito bows slightly, "It is my pleasure Mr. Kaiba. Pegasus is a long time friend of mine and to be a part of his birthday celebration is a true treat. I am more than happy to help." He smiles and pats the brunet on the shoulder. "He will love this. Really. I hear a lot of people are attending - a lot of familiar names. You have no idea how much this'll mean to him." He chuckles. Kaiba is at a loss of words as he didn't realize just how close Pegasus was to Mr. Maito. "Now then," He turns around and points to the right, "since this room has all this space, I was thinking we should set up the tables along this side with cards detailing..." Kaiba spent the next two hours with Maito, setting things up.