Hi Everyone! So, yeah, I figured I could post a new chapter to this story. It actually is the longest chapter I have ever written in my life. I didn't mean for it to get this long, but I couldn't find the right moment to break it up, so therefore I decided to keep it as it is.
Big thanks to all of you for reviewing to the first chapter! I'm glad you liked the chapter, I hope you will enjoy this one as well!
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Blind Date – Part 2
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Sighing softly, rubbing the back of his head, Jonouchi wasn't sure if he could join his friend at the lunch table. When Yugi looked up, smiled and waved at him, he let go of the breath he'd been holding as relieve washed over him. He hadn't been able to contact his best friend at all during the weekend, nobody had, and a small nagging in the back of his mind had told him it was all his fault.
"Hey Yug'", he said, grinning slightly as he sat down. Amethyst eyes looked up at him then and his grin froze upon his face at the glare he received.
"You are lucky to be my best friend, Jonouchi, for if Yami ever finds out you shared that link with me... I don't want to think what he'll do to you", Yugi said. Jonouchi bit his lip, raking a hand through his blond hair. He didn't want to know what Yami would do to him either... Especially not when he remembered Yami was actually a very good cookie-baker and in the possession of wooden ladle's, sharp knives and other kitchen appliances.
"Wait, why would Yams ever find out? Were you caught?", he asked and Yugi sighed loud as he rested his head atop his hand. He was a little angry at Jonouchi, but ultimately it was all his own fault. He should have known better, Jonouchi had been messing around with him. At the curious glance he received, Yugi dropped his head onto the table. Jonouchi rose his eyebrows.
"Ilookedatthelinkyousharedwithmeandaccidentallysetupmyownbrotherwitharichguy", Yugi said as fast as he could. Jonouchi remained his stare at Yugi's head still resting atop the table, before he wrinkled his nose.
"Sorry Yug', didn't quite catch that", he muttered honestly. It took a moment for Yugi to look up at him and wave him closer. Resting his ear as close to Yugi as the table between them allowed, Jonouchi had to strain to hear Yugi whisper to him.
"I looked at the link you shared with me and accidentally set up my own brother with a rich guy". Yugi slowly sat back as he watched Jonouchi turn his head to stare at him, blink once, before the words hit him like a train.
"You did WHAT?!", Jonouchi screeched, alerting the whole school ground, before he burst out laughing. Yugi waved his hands frantically as he tried to calm Jonouchi down, but the young blond was holding his stomach as he laughed, doubling over to lean on the table. Even though the other students resumed their lunch, Yugi was still in his panicked state, pleading with Jonouchi to stop laughing. Wiping the tears from his face, while still chuckling softly, the blond sat up slowly.
"You can't... can't be serious", he managed to say between large gulps of breath, before snickering again at Yugi's attempt to glare him into the next world. At his words however, Yugi's face turned beet-red and he pouted.
"It was an accident!", he whispered in a hush, afraid the whole school could hear him if he'd talk any louder. Jonouchi shook his head, his grin still upon his face.
"How is that an accident? What happened? Did he go?", the blond asked, quickly eating his lunch as he eagerly leaned forward to hear Yugi's story. Yugi drummed his fingers against the table and then sighed loud.
"After you send me the link, I clicked it and somehow I ended up chatting to someone", he started, not intend on telling Jonouchi his curiosity got the best of him and that he hadn't been able to control his own hand. "When he asked for a picture, I accidentally send one of Yami... which he accepted without further questioning". Jonouchi rose an eyebrow and Yugi groaned loud. "I told Yami it was a blind date! He went, phoned me he'd castrate me, stayed and then when he got home he tried to murder me before telling everything to grandpa!", the smaller boy exclaimed as if he couldn't believe his own brother would rat him out. Jonouchi snickered.
"I can't believe he actually went", the blond muttered. "What did your grandfather say?" The question earned him another groan and Yugi dropping his head onto the table unceremoniously. Jonouchi pursed his lips. "That bad eh?", he asked and the smaller teen hummed softly in agreement.
"I am grounded for an eternity to come... the money I was given by the rich guy is now Yami's, who didn't want to accept it, so grandpa oversees it now and then this", Yugi said, dropping an ancient mobile phone onto the table. Jonouchi stared at it with huge eyes.
"What the Hell is that?", he asked, poking it with his fork as if he wanted to make sure it was safe. Yugi shook his head with a frown.
"That is what grandpa calls "a phone". I can only phone home or send my grandfather a text message. He took my own phone, I have no numbers, no internet, no games, no nothing until I die", the smaller teen complained and Jonouchi sighed loud.
"No wonder we couldn't contact you. Anzu was in complete distress over it, thought you'd been in a car accident of some sorts", Jonouchi said and Yugi nodded. The girl had hugged him so tight he could still feel his neck cramp every so often, though he was glad she cared so much. Jonouchi shrugged slightly. "Too bad about the money though... now you won't be able to enter the tournament". Yugi sighed sadly.
"I won't enter any kind of tournament until my next life, Jou. I guess I shouldn't have been so stupid, but it's still screwed up. Yami got a lovely evening out of it, as far as I know, and I'm grounded", Yugi muttered, pouting at the unfairness of it all. Together with Jonouchi he cleaned off their table and walked back towards school. He was glad Jonouchi had been able to join him for lunch, Anzu would have murdered him twice, before she would have gone into the deep end about telling him not to sell his body for any amount of money. Shyly, he glanced at Jonouchi.
"How long have you been doing this? Meeting and sleeping?", he whispered, though Jonouchi still clasped a hand over his mouth in sheer panic.
"Not so loud!", the blond hushed at him, cowering in fear of being heard. When everything resumed normally and Yugi bit him to gain back some air, Jonouchi finally let his friend go. Yugi coughed as he gasped for breath, the blond gently patting him on the back. "Sorry 'bout that Yug'", Jonouchi muttered, though Yugi waved him off. The blond shrugged slightly as they entered the classroom.
"Not that long yet and I only do the meeting. I have a regular, she's very nice and just wants to talk. No commitment, just talk. I can talk to her too and she pays for that. Got me a new pair of shoes", the blond said proudly and Yugi chuckled softly.
"Good for you", he said, but Jonouchi shrugged once more.
"I gotta pay the bills, Yug'. This works and it's nice. Just don't ever mention it to those two", Jonouchi muttered as he inclined his head towards Anzu and Honda. Yugi laughed, but nodded, jabbing his finger against the taller teens arm.
"If you promise to keep quiet, I will. Or else I'll send Yami after you if you talk", he threatened and Jonouchi nodded quickly. He didn't want to end up as a Jonouchi-cookie any time soon.
/\/\/\/\/\
Sugoroku Muto glanced at his youngest grandson as the other sighed loud for the umpteenth time that afternoon. He had stationed the other boy at the dining table, covered him with homework at first, before he'd been set to peeling the potatoes and cleaning the vegetables. He was still angry with the teenager and would teach him how a real man set to work between now and the day he died. Hearing footsteps upon the staircase, the elder turned his gaze towards his other grandson entering the livingroom and sighed inwardly.
Surely he was angry at Yugi, but when the younger sibling had been away, even the older one had been given a firm whack with a ladle. With all the brains Yami possessed, he had chosen to find out if his hunches had been right from the start. He had thrown himself into a lion's den without knowing if he would ever escape alive. In the end, however, Sugoroku was glad all had ended well and that Yami had forgiven Yugi for trying to sell him to a pervert. The elder had been a little less forgiving, but so far Yugi took his imprisonment quite well.
Aside from the constant sighing, moaning and muttering.
Sugoroku watched how Yami's head turned towards the front door when the small bell above the mailbox rang and a pale hand waved at the elder to stay seated while the youth made his way downstairs. Curious, Yugi tilted his head towards his sibling as the latter returned with two envelopes and a box in his hands. His curiosity rose when Yami was smiling as he walked towards him. "This is for you", he said, handing one of the envelopes and the box to the teen. Thrilled to have something else on his mind than peeling potatoes, Yugi accepted the box and envelope. Turning it over to try and see who it was from, he pouted when there was nothing.
"Probably Jonouchi sending me a note to ask if I'm still alive", he muttered, sneaking a glance towards his grandfather. The elder didn't budge and Yugi sighed loud, tearing the envelope open. Glancing to Yami once, though he seemed enthralled by his own letter, Yugi muttered under his breath once more. His amethyst eyes widened, however, when he spotted the logo atop the piece of paper in his hands and they nearly fell out of their sockets as he continued to read. The chair fell back as he rose to his feet, waving the letter at Sugoroku in excitement.
"It's for me!", he exclaimed a little silly, the elder looking up at him with a raised eyebrow. Yugi trembled as he read the letter out loud.
"Hereby we wish to inform you of winning the entrance to the Duelist of the Roses-tournament for free. The box provides your qualification card as well as instructions as to where the tournament is being held. We wish to see you at the tournament". Smiling because the world finally favoured him once more, Yugi beamed at his grandfather.
"No", Sugoroku said, easily crushing every kind of happy feelings Yugi had finally gathered. Gaping at the elder, Yugi waved the letter with one hand as he tried to come up with something to say. He turned to his brother for help, watching how Yami looked at him with amusement, his cheeks a faintly red.
"But grandpa!", he tried, "I have been invited!" Well, that one could go on the list of 'weakest excuses ever'. Sugoroku shrugged, that didn't matter to him, Yugi was grounded for an eternity. He could not allow the other to have fun while his punishment was still executed. Yugi failed to come up with another thing to say, his lips moved, but not a word came out.
"Gramps, it's just for one day. We could give ourselves some slack, I don't want to listen to him moaning all Saturday long about how his life is about to end", Yami said, chuckling softly. Yugi glared at his brother, who lifted his shoulders teasingly at him. Sugoroku looked at Yami and the latter sighed. "It's all right gramps, trust me. Besides, if Yugi wins the tournament he can give all the money to me". The elder shook his head.
"You really think that I'd let my grandson, who nearly sold your hide for this tournament, go to this thing? That would be like rewarding him", the elder stated. Yami smiled.
"It would also be rewarding to us", he said and the elder narrowed his eyes at the older sibling. There was something he didn't say, something he was hiding and it made Sugoroku curious as to what was the real reason Yami would allow Yugi to go to the tournament. Keeping a straight face, even though it was the hardest thing to do, the elder watched how Yugi got down on his knees and crawled his way.
"Please grandpa! Punish me all you want, but this is an invitation by Sennen Corporation itself and would you really want to deny such a strong company their wish?", he asked.
"You won the lottery", Sugoroku stated flatly, though Yugi pressed his finger against a word written upon the letter.
"Their wish, grandpa, their wish! Please, let me go! I'll peel a million potatoes and get good grades, I promise", Yugi begged. Purple eyes met crimson and the elder could see how Yami tried not to laugh. The pale youth was biting his cheeks and bottom-lip so hard, Sugoroku was afraid he'd draw blood.
"You'll still be without your phone, your laptop, your games, your friends, the arcade and all the other fun stuff for the rest of your sentence. Oh, and I'll keep your allowance as well for the remainder of the year", the elder said slowly, though he watched how Yugi shot up from the floor and hugged him tight, screaming his thanks in his ear. Sugoroku chuckled softly, patting his grandson on the back, before he grew stern again.
"Now, potatoes please. You have more than a million to go before I am pleased with you once again", he said and Yugi nodded quickly before he shot back to the dining table and set to work. Yami chuckled softly, before he rose from the sofa and turned to head back upstairs.
"I'll just finish my last studies before diner gramps", Yami said, counting one of the good things to come for at least a week. He didn't have to do any chores at all until Sugoroku loosened the chain around Yugi's neck. Yugi spun in his chair.
"What was in your letter?", he asked curiously, while Sugoroku turned his attention back to his jigsaw puzzle. Yami shrugged.
"Nothing", he answered, his every intention to walk away there and then.
"It couldn't have been nothing, you were blushing scarlet", Yugi exaggerated, but Yami sighed loud instead of facing him.
"Did not", was Yami's reply, though he did not see how Sugoroku's purple eyes glanced at his retreating back. He had seen the red tips of Yami's ears and the softening of his face, the tell-tale sign Yami was flattered and a little embarrassed, perhaps. After twenty-three years Yami should know the elder could read him well enough to know he was lying right now.
"It was a love-letter wasn't it!?", Yugi shot from the kitchen and Sugoroku chuckled softly as Yami straightened his back.
"Was not!", he countered, before marching up the staircase.
"Grandpa! Yami has a secret admirer!", Yugi called out, laughing at his brother's embarrassment he could picture quite clearly. Sugoroku looked up from his puzzle and sighed loud.
"Don't push it, Yugi", the elder shot back and the teen jolted in his seat, amethyst eyes fixated upon the potato in his hand. He couldn't give Sugoroku any chance to change his mind. He was going to win the tournament. He would win and he would make sure Sugoroku would see he didn't want to win the tournament for himself, but for them. He would give all the money he'd earn to his grandfather. He would make sure they'd be able to fix the roof and he would make sure the hospital bills could be paid.
He would make sure he'd win.
/\/\/\/\/\
Yami sighed softly as he closed his bedroom door behind himself, muttering softly about way too curious brothers who never learned their lesson until you hit them with a brick. Though Yami was sure even a brick wasn't enough for Yugi. Sitting down at his desk, the book he'd been studying still open, he gently unfolded his letter and let his crimson eyes gaze at the handwritten words.
Dear Yami,
Accompanied with this letter is your brother's invitation to the tournament. I sincerely hope you are not still angry with him and that you allowed for him to stay in the "keeping"-zone. The invitation I've given your brother is actually my thanks to him, even if he will never find out. Though he was foolish, through him I was able to meet you and that alone makes me grateful.
It is true I did not withdraw the money given to him. I am sure that you and your family will use it well, see that as a gift from me to you. Your kindness last Saturday made me realise there is more to my world than the silly dates I have experienced so far. Charles was so delicate to point out I was still sober, which made me laugh. Yet, because of his words I realised I wished to see you again.
Please, don't feel as if you have to. You are free to ignore my request, yet I hope you will want to meet me again upcoming Sunday. It is the last and only evening I am free this week as the following Monday I will head back to Berlin and resume my duties there as well as at my other offices. To have been graced by your kindness once more would make the travel easier.
Ah, yes, if you wish to respond, I will write a phone number at the bottom. Leave a text message and, if you wish it so, I will see you Sunday.
Kind Regards,
Atemu
He was blushing again, Yami could feel it as his cheeks had warmed up considerably. Atemu was a charmer and he knew his way with words, that was for sure. Yami was still flattered nonetheless, his eyes gazing at the phone number Atemu had mentioned. He wasn't sure what to do and gently he drummed his fingers against his wooden desk. Admitting it to himself, he'd like to meet Atemu again, last Saturday had been absolutely lovely and he was sure no one could ever top that.
Not because of the luxurious restaurant, not because Atemu had more money to spend than Yami would quite possibly ever earn in his life, but just because Atemu had been... lovely, kind, handsome, charming, smart... Yami groaned softly as he rubbed his face, the tips of his ears burning and his heart hammering in his chest. What the hell was wrong with him? This was not normal, you did not feel this way after just one date. Yami shook his head to clear his mind, pursing his lips slightly.
If one was not allowed to feel this way after just one date, than perhaps a second meeting was only the best course of action. Deep down he knew he couldn't let himself be swung off his feet by Atemu as the other would leave to the other side of the world and probably forget him altogether. Still... he couldn't deny he'd like to meet Atemu again. Just so he'd know what he actually looked for if he ever wished to date again. Though, if he had to be honest, he needed to pass his exams first and earn himself a whole lot more money if he ever wanted to achieve his dream. Becoming the owner of your own game store wasn't exactly free.
Yami chuckled at himself, before he send a message to the phone number Atemu had given him. Because he wasn't sure if it would be Atemu reading the message, he kept it quite neat. Thank you for your letter, Atemu. I look forward to another date with you this Sunday. See you then, Yami
Checking the small message before actually sending it, he couldn't help but smile. He really was looking forward to it, though he could also feel his nerves tingling. He just hoped Atemu didn't take him somewhere too fancy this time. Biting his lip when Sugoroku called him downstairs for dinner, Yami shrugged. He would let Atemu surprise him.
/\/\/\/\/\
"All right gramps, I'm out. Don't wait up for me, okay?", Yami called as he tied his shoes and checked himself in the mirror one last time. Trying to straighten the irritating blond bang again, he caught Sugoroku watching him in the doorway.
"Have fun, come back home safe", Sugoroku said and Yami smiled.
"I will grandpa. I have my phone with me and won't walk straight into a trap, you know me, right?", the youth asked, which earned him a nod.
"I know you know when to pull back. It's just that I am an old man and love you very much", the elder said, which earned him a hug. He patted Yami on the back gently, before releasing him to wait for Atemu's car outside. Last week had been quite pleasant, yet the current cold spring air made Yami shiver and he was glad Atemu had warned him to dress warm. Closing the woollen overcoat as he stepped away from the porch, Yami still smiled a little as Sugoroku's words rang in his ears.
He hadn't exactly told them he was going out with the guy from last week. While leaving Yugi half-way in the dark, he had told his grandfather that he was going out with Atemu. Just a guy he'd met at college and who had taken an interest in him, nothing more, nothing less. Yami felt a little guilty about it, but for now it was best if they didn't know. He didn't want to worry Sugoroku and he didn't want to give Yugi the idea he had become a matchmaker of some sort. Besides, it would be for this one time only, Atemu would leave tomorrow and Yami would get back to his studying. It was a good thing neither Yugi or his grandfather had seen the car or Atemu last week either. It meant his little lie could hold, which the pale man appreciated for the time being.
At exactly five pm, Atemu's expensive black car parked in front of the Kame Game Shop and Charles stepped out to open the door. Yami smiled in surprise as Atemu got out of the car, he had not expected for the tanned man to come and pick him up personally. Crimson eyes roamed for a second, feeling he hadn't dressed himself well enough for the occasion. Atemu wore a beautiful charcoal grey suit, an off-white shirt underneath it and a red tie to complement the whole outfit.
"Yami", Atemu greeted, smiling as he walked up to the pale man. Yami chuckled softly, his knees already trembling when a warm tanned hand took up his own. Soft lips touched the pale knuckles, rose-red eyes looking up to watch how a blush spread across pale cheeks. "It's good to see you again". Yami swallowed as he nodded.
"Thank you for picking me up, Atemu. I've looked forward to tonight", he said and received another smile from the tanned man. Gently, Yami was guided towards the car, allowed to enter first before Atemu followed him. Yami sighed inwardly, why was it so hard to form a decent reply? The other had a certain kind of way with words that left Yami speechless. Which was silly, it was just Atemu, right?
"Anything to drink?", Atemu asked as he sat opposite of Yami, but the latter shook his head slowly.
"No, I'm fine. Where are we going?", he asked instead, his curiosity rising as he glanced outside to see the scenery changing. Atemu chuckled softly.
"You'll see, it's not very far. Though I'm pleased you brought your coat. I had hoped it would warm slightly, but I'm afraid we already have to be grateful for the dry weather", Atemu replied and Yami nodded. It had been raining since Tuesday morning, the sky only clearing up late in the afternoon yesterday. Yami frowned as he glanced outside and saw the many paper lanterns lining the streets. Charles parked the car somewhere and Yami had to catch himself again before he opened the door himself. Atemu chuckled as he noticed.
"Sorry", Yami muttered, but Atemu shook his head.
"Don't worry, I understand. When I was younger I did it too", Atemu said, his eyes glinting with mirth as he allowed Yami to get out of the car first. He smiled when he heard Yami thank his chauffeur from driving them to the place, before crimson eyes fell upon him. Gazing at them, seeing them light up at the sight of the paper lanterns, Atemu knew he had made the right decision.
"We're at the Sakura Shrine, aren't we?", Yami asked and Atemu nodded as he smiled. He accepted his dark grey overcoat from Charles and closed it before casually slinging an off-white scarf around his shoulders. If Yami didn't know any better, Atemu looked like any other kind of man who was not a multi-billionaire and owner of a gaming corporation.
"Yes, we are. I was hoping you might like the last evening of the festival", Atemu admitted and Yami grinned at him. He had never gone before, considering it was actually organized for couples. They'd be blessed and what-not, but the shrine itself was said to be beautiful. At the festival they also prayed for the Sakura Trees to blossom as beautiful as the year before. Linking his arm with Atemu's as the latter offered, Yami fell in step with the tanned man as they followed the paper lanterns and entered the shrine's ground through the large portal. Soft hymns were sung at them and the other couples entering, excitement blossoming in Yami's chest as he watched the different stands lighting up the way along the paths.
The shrine was built in the middle of the city, though tall trees surrounded the large park so the bustling noises didn't exist. All that was now were the paper lanterns, soft music, couples chatting as they looked at the wares being sold or as they enjoyed the park with the first stars lighting the darkening sky above them. It was unfortunate the Sakura Trees weren't blooming yet, though as they towered above him, Yami enjoyed himself by watching their growing buds. Remembering what Atemu liked to do in his spare time, Yami only thought the location for their date was fitting.
"Just a few more weeks", he commented and Atemu smiled, watching how Yami pointed at the small inscription next to the trees. "These are late blooming Sakura. They won't bloom until at least mid-April".
"I think Mokuba tried to tell me about that once before after he'd come back from an office meeting in Tokyo with Seto. Because he wouldn't stop talking about them, Seto ordered a few of every kind to be planted in his backyard that same year", Atemu told and Yami shook his head in disbelieve as he chuckled softly.
"He really did that?", he asked and Atemu nodded.
"Seto would do anything to make his younger brother happy. It's been a few years, but the trees still bloom when the time is just right", the tanned man commented and Yami smiled.
"I'd do anything for Yugi too, even though he's a troublemaker and foolish", Yami said as Atemu led him around the park gently. Their arms were still linked, but Yami liked it that way. Slowly he glanced up at Atemu, biting his bottom-lip ever so slightly.
"I know the letter says that we are allowed to keep the money, but... it is really yours, Atemu. I don't want you to feel as if you have to pay me for last week. I don't want to accept it under those circumstances... Actually, I don't want to accept it at all. It's a lot of money", the pale man whispered, though he could feel how Atemu rose his shoulders in a slight shrug.
"Perhaps it is a lot of money, Yami, but you have more use for it than I. You're still going to school, this will make it easier for you. You can also help your brother with it, though I don't think he needs it after winning the tournament yesterday", the tanned man commented which brought a silly grin to Yami's face.
"Grandpa locked the money away from him, Yugi is not allowed to touch it unless there is a real emergency. Or if he wants to buy a house when he's finally released from grandpa's sentence". Atemu laughed softly as Yami told him of Yugi's punishment.
"That bad huh?", he asked and Yami nodded as he laughed.
"That bad. Yugi is without a phone, laptop, television, game station or any other kind of fun for at least the whole month. He is only allowed to use grandpa's ancient phone so he can call in the case of an emergency as well as the ancient computer that barely has an internet connection so he can make his homework". Yami smiled as Atemu laughed softly, the sound of real joy a pleasure to his ears. He grew serious again though, his mind nagging at him again.
"You really don't want it back?", he questioned, receiving a warm smile from Atemu that almost made him blush.
"No, Yami, I don't want it back. I want you to have it, in case of an emergency. Not that I'd want to offend your grandfather, but he is an older man. Take care of him with the money", Atemu offered and Yami smiled as he consented.
"Very well, Atemu", he whispered in defeat softly and Atemu patted the hand resting atop his tanned arm gently. He received another glance though.
"Why was the tournament so expensive in the first place? The price money was more than generous, especially since Pegasus never paid the reward from Duelist Kingdom", Yami questioned, which received him a soft sigh from Atemu.
"Because I made a mistake", he whispered guiltily and Yami looked at him worried. Another sigh escaped the tanned man as he felt inclined to explain. "Seto and I... at the moment we created the tournament we were not as busy as we are at the moment. I had to give the organisation of the tournament to someone else and he ruined it. He taught me a lesson...", rose-red eyes glanced at Yami, the latter noticing the sad glint within them.
"Don't give away something you cherish and love", Atemu whispered. Yami looked down for a moment, letting the words sink in, before he nodded. Atemu smiled then. "Seto and I will set up another tournament when we are a little less busy. When we do, everyone can enter to make up for what we did today".
"Did you still won the bet?", Yami asked, trying to lighten the mood. Atemu chuckled and pulled the other man a little closer, appreciation the gesture Yami tried to send. He was warmed to his core when the pale man did not object to their closer contact.
"Actually, I did. I made more profit than Pegasus, though not the way I wanted. Next time, perhaps", Atemu said wishfully and Yami nodded.
"Next time", he repeated, before they were attacked by party-goers and the serious mood changed completely as they were both sprayed with confetti suddenly. Yami laughed as Atemu tried to rid himself of the colourful decoration, watching how other couples were exposed to the same treatment. Pale hands were cold against even colder tanned skin as Yami helped Atemu get rid of the confetti, chuckling softly as he did so. Atemu rolled his eyes slowly, before linking his arm with Yami's once more, leading the other man further through the park. Coming to a small bridge that led to an island in the middle of the large pond, Yami turned to look at Atemu.
"I hope you're hungry", Atemu said with a warm smile, before he stepped onto the bridge. Yami followed, staring at the small greenhouse that wasn't used as a greenhouse. It held a round dining table instead, the top covered with a silken tablecloth and neatly folded napkins. The plates were beautiful, the edges decorated by silver and gold lining.
"We'll dine here?", Yami asks softly as Atemu took his hand and guided him inside the small greenhouse. Pulling a chair back for Yami to sit upon, the pale man heaved a soft sigh as he looked around. Shielded from the cold breeze, it was a little warmer inside the glass house, though the roof also held a heater. Candles were burning on the floor and upon small pedestals, vases filled with red roses surrounding them. The outside was decorated by paper lanterns and together with the candles, their light was soft and romantic.
"We'll dine here", Atemu finally answered as he pushed Yami's chair towards the table. He took his seat opposite of his partner while Yami still looked around. Crimson eyes were filled with amazement and Atemu sighed in relieve. He had really done the right thing and he smiled at his companion lovingly.
"I hope you like it", he whispered and Yami turned his gaze towards the tanned man.
"I love it... Atemu, this is beyond beautiful. How were you able to arrange this? I told you not to spend too much money if I'd go out with you again, this must have cost a fortune", Yami whispered as he looked down in slight guilt. It didn't feel right to have Atemu spend so much money on their dates... especially not because the tanned man would leave tomorrow. Yami would probably never see him again either...
"You loving it, you amazed by the sight alone is worth more to me than anything. Besides, only the roses were very expensive", Atemu chuckled and Yami pursed his lips in disbelieve. Especially as he stared at the plates and the silken tablecloth. It was embroidered with delicate silver thread and truly beautiful. The other reason he stared at the tablecloth was to pretend he wasn't blushing, though even the tips of his ears were warm.
"Who could not love this?", he asked softly, gazing around the greenhouse once more in awe. Atemu merely smiled as he watched Yami gazing around and gently he touched Yami's hand atop the table. It was still cold and he bit his lip slightly as crimson eyes turned to him.
"My only regret is that it is this cold", he murmured, but Yami shook his head slowly.
"Don't. I actually think it fits the moment", the pale man answered. Atemu didn't release his hand as two waiters came inside the greenhouse, carrying plates and bowls, the latter filled with steaming soup. Yami thanked his waiter, though his attention was upon his hand beneath Atemu's. The tanned hand was warm against his own and the gesture seemed so natural, he regretted it when they had to break their contact. Rose-red eyes continued to stare at Yami, as the tanned man was lost in his musings. He asked how Yami had been since the last time they had met, if he had minded the hand-written letter while admitting it had taken at least fifteen tries to come up with something decent, but his mind was upon a different notion altogether.
Yami didn't want him to spend money on the pale man, Yami was different. The young man was kind, smart and able to warm his core. It was so different from the dates he had already had, though if he had to be honest, he didn't want to remember those too often. He was never completely drunk, but always he had tried to punish himself for his foolishness. He wasn't foolish now, Atemu realised and he smiled at Yami as the latter told him about helping his grandfather in the shop after a group of children had come running in. It had been fun, Yugi had been able to teach them to play games, even though the mess they left behind was beyond Yami's comprehension.
Atemu laughed and nodded as he understood what Yami spoke of, even if he never had been at the end of cleaning duty anywhere in his life. He still remembered his childhood, however, and that he hadn't always been very kind to the maids. Until his mother had given him a good tongue-lashing. Chuckling softly at the memory, he watched how crimson eyes gazed at him in curiosity. Atemu shook his head slowly.
"Just a fond memory", he said, which earned him a warm smile in return.
"May I ask what it was?", came the soft question. There was a moment of silence.
"My mother", Atemu whispered, though he didn't regret telling Yami about it. Normally he'd keep that to himself, yet Yami had... gently drawn the words from his lips and the new warm smile he received from the pale man told him he didn't need to be afraid Yami would abuse such private information.
"I understand", was the soft and kind reply and Atemu swallowed thickly at the warmth brewing inside his being. Especially as he realised Yami probably lived with his grandfather for a reason, which only made this moment more precious to him. To have someone who understood that kind of loss, he hadn't really met anyone who truly did.
"Thank you", he answered in return, before he slowly got up from his seat. Yami looked at him, their dinner finished a while ago.
"I was hoping you'd join me for another stroll, before I'll take you back home. You have school tomorrow, have you not? I don't want you to be home too late and fail in class", Atemu explained as he gently took the back of Yami's chair in his hands. Yami smiled at him again in appreciation.
"A real gentleman, aren't you?", the pale man asked as he allowed for Atemu to pull his chair back and help him to his feet. His knees trembled when Atemu kissed his knuckles again gently with a handsome curl of his lips that was between a smile and a smirk.
"I try, it makes you blush", Atemu commented and he chuckled at the red hue covering Yami's cheeks. Guiding Yami outside the generous warmth the heater had provided them, they both shivered as the cold air hit them. Linking their arms, so he could pull Yami against him, Atemu was pleased when the pale man allowed him to do so again. In honesty, he was almost sure he could feel the other lean against him ever so slightly, which made him feel warm even though the cold air made him shiver. At least... that was what he tried to tell himself.
Walking back onto the market, Yami gently pulled at his arm when they came across a stand where they sold games. Atemu looked at how the other picked up several jigsaw puzzle boxes, as well as Dueling cards, gazing at them. Tilting his head slightly, Atemu couldn't help but ask: "What is your favourite game?" He couldn't believe he hadn't asked that before, though he received a soft chuckle in response.
"I did Duel for quite a long time, though Yugi has the wish to become a pro. I love jigsaw puzzles, chess, any kind of game that needs a strategy, where I need to think to win. I love Monopoly, which needs a little luck as well, but nobody wants to play it with me because it apparently takes too long to play, or so people say", Yami answered, a slight shrug at his last statement. Atemu wrinkled his nose.
"That's the good part", he answered and Yami chuckled.
"I know, right?", he asked, buying himself a new pair of dice as well as a small box that held an interesting card game to build an empire while trying to make the right choices. Linking his arm with Atemu's again, the latter pleased with Yami's willingness to do so, he followed the tanned man through the crowd. Rose-red eyes lit up at the sight of the carnival stand covered by plush animals and toys. He took Yami towards it and smirked.
"All right, which one?", he asked as he paid the stand owner and picked up the gun. Yami stared at him in disbelieve.
"You can shoot?", the pale man asked, though amazed as he watched Atemu's confident stance. Atemu still smirked at him.
"I am the CEO of a gaming company. I have been taught to master every game in existence. Failed at some of them, but this one I can manage", was the reply and Yami chuckled softly, his broad smile creating a certain kind of boldness in Atemu followed by the swelling of his heart. Slowly he lifted Yami's face. "Which one?", he asked again, watching Yami bite his lip in slight embarrassment, before pointing at a kitten-shaped plush. The tanned man nodded, rose the gun to rest it against his shoulder and fired.
The end result was far more worth than Atemu would quite possibly ever admit. Yami cheering for him, the gleam in his crimson eyes as he accepted the plush from him, their continued stroll through the park. It was a shame he had to take Yami home, away from the relaxing atmosphere and the beautiful surroundings which only complimented his companion. Once the game store game in sight, Atemu helped Yami from the car and walked him towards the porch.
"Thank you for this evening, Atemu. It was very lovely", Yami whispered as he too had trouble to say goodbye. He had enjoyed himself so much, the scenery had felt like from another world and Atemu had been wonderful, a true knight in shining armour if Yami wanted to fill in a cliché.
"It was very lovely indeed. Thank you for joining me once more", Atemu whispered, planting a soft kiss against Yami's knuckles, smiling as he looked up at the blush covering pale cheeks. "May I?", warming at Yami's slightly confused glance.
"May you what?", Yami asked softly and Atemu couldn't help himself. Without explaining he kissed Yami's cheek ever so softly.
"A more proper goodbye this time", the tanned man answered, watching how crimson eyes were burning with something he couldn't quite read. He smiled at the young man who sported a brighter blush than usual, a pale hand trembling in Atemu's own.
"Goodbye", Yami whispered, smiling at Atemu as the other left, a dreamy look upon his face as a little sadness welled up inside him. He would probably never see Atemu again and with that thought he watched the tanned man enter his car and leave. Yami waved slightly, which was seen by Atemu as he looked back one last time before rounding a corner. Sitting back in his seat, Atemu slowly touched his lips, not sure what had overcome him. The feeling had been more than pleasant, the warmth settling in his being like a flame.
"Where to, sir?", Charles asked gently over the intercom and Atemu stared at the device. Back to him, his mind screamed while he had to wet his lips before he could reply.
"To the airport, Charles. We're heading to Berlin", he said, though it was hard to do so. He knew he wanted to go back as much as he knew he couldn't.
"Very well sir. Did you have a good time?", the chauffeur asked kindly and Atemu nodded to himself. He had had more than a good time. Normally he'd drown himself to forget, but not this time. These two dates had been wonderful, the feelings he gained from them something to treasure. He didn't need to drink right now, that would ruin everything.
No, these dates he wanted to remember for a lifetime to come.
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Thanks for reading and if you can, leave a review! See you again in chapter 3!