A/N: This takes place in the alternate timeline of Desired (which is still in the planning stages and hasn't yet been written), so events from episode 5 onwards may not match up with cannon. These drabbles are set between episode 6 and 41 (which is the duel between Asuka and Titan) from Titan's perspective. In contrast, Desired will be more from Asuka's perspective.

The title is also the title of the prompt table I've used for this collection, and the chapter titles correspond to the prompts. It's from the drabble123 challenge on lj (thanks to Higuchimon since I'm really bad at finding good ones myself).

In the Dark

Prompt #001
My Lover's Bed

He was warmer now, even with the metallic feel of his new mask. It was an odd one, more form-fitting than the old and yet it sometimes felt as though it were melting into his face. Foolish thoughts of course, as masks did not become skin, but that did not stop the chill entering his blood and stopping his heart for the briefest of moments before continuing to cramp his toes.

But that was when he had floundered in the world after being returned anew. While mere days had passed since his body and soul had left the Shadow Realm, the torture of that eternal darkness was not something he could lightly forego. The nightly chills were therefore expected, although he did not deny their unwelcomeness. Coats and boots and blankets were of no use, except leaving him in a sweat in the mornings without feeling the more pleasant effects. But he was beyond wishing for small comforts.

That did not mean he could not enjoy then when they occurred, and in all honesty it was not a small comfort but a big one. After all, beyond the stipulation of his freedom – the order to defeat seven duellists protecting the legendary demon cards – he had no desire, no aim in life. The hunt he used to entertain himself with was no longer enjoyable now that he had experienced the hunger of the shadows himself. And the knowledge that his next victim would gain a rather special place in the shadows was not readily forgotten. All that was left was bitterness and a slight fear

But the glimpse of the young woman – the beginning of his unravelling and a symbol of many things he had been unable to obtain – backing that very afternoon's dipping sun, gave him something to think about.