Kaiba carefully stepped out of the water and wrapped a fresh towel around his body. He strode out into the bedroom and realized that Yami was once again nowhere to be seen.
He clenched his teeth in annoyance and walked over to his closet, quickly pulling on a light collared shirt and a set of dark trousers. Clipping a belt around his waist, Kaiba quickly toweled his hair dry and threw it carelessly onto a hook. He rushed down the grand staircase, catching a glimpse of Yami sitting casually on the bed in the guest room, fully dressed, facing the large window overlooking the veranda.
Deciding to leave him alone for a while, Kaiba hurried down the grand staircase and made his way out into the garden, sweeping up their clothes, patting his pants pocket for his phone. He clicked the screen on, realizing he had a missed call from the hospital.
Throwing a furtive glance over his shoulder, Kaiba edged along the garden wall, making sure he was standing the in the farthest corner of the grass before placing a returning call to the doctor.
A nurse picked up and put him on hold.
Kaiba kept his eyes on the glass door, making sure he could see inside the house clearly. If Yami were to come down the stairs, he would know.
"Mr. Kaiba!" The doctor's voice floated through the receiver, sounding relieved. "I was calling to remind you that we have an appointment tomorrow. How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine." Kaiba said readily, keeping his voice low, keeping his eyes nailed to the door.
"Very good, very good. I'm so glad you're feeling better." The doctor said firmly and Kaiba could practically see him nodding. "I'll see you first thing tomorrow Mr. Kaiba, please continue to rest, especially if you are suffering occasional migraines from your concussion."
"Right." Kaiba said darkly, gripping his phone tightly. Rigorous sex with Yami was not restful behavior at all.
"Please dress appropriately for a scan." The doctor continued, "Have a good day, Mr. Kaiba." And he hung up.
Kaiba lowered the phone and quickly dialed his secretary. After two rings, she picked up, "Mr. Kaiba!"
"Can you get inside the building?" Kaiba asked firmly. The building was empty for the week while he was in his "coma" and he knew paparazzi would be camped out around the doors, waiting for something to happen.
"Oh, I suppose I could." The secretary said, sounding flustered, "I will photographed going in and out..."
"That's fine." Kaiba said quietly, hearing light footsteps coming down the stairs, "I need the meeting notes I left in my desk regarding the contract with Mitsubishi Motors. Type them up and email it to me."
"Of course!" She gasped excitedly, "Are you feeling better?"
"No." Kaiba lied, "I'll expect those notes by tonight."
Yami appeared in the doorway, wavering uncertainly, watching Kaiba speak quietly on the phone, his arms full of their clothes. Yami stuck his neck out further, trying to catch what Kaiba was saying. Who was he talking to?
"Yes, right away!" The secretary gasped.
Kaiba hung up and slipped the phone casually back into his pocket, keeping his expression neutral as he strode back across the grass towards Yami, who was eyeing him steadily.
"Who was that?" Yami asked, keeping his voice light as his heart thudded loudly in his chest. A woman?
"The doctor." Kaiba said shortly, stepping past Yami and into the house, "I have an appointment tomorrow."
"I see." Yami said, visibly relieved. He watched Kaiba fold their clothes neatly along the counter and he mustered up the courage to ask, "Do you have woman in your life, Kaiba?"
Kaiba felt his eyelid twitch as he heard Yami address him by his surname again.
"My name is Seto." Kaiba said firmly, keeping his gaze fixed downwards on the clothes he was folding, "And no, I don't." Why would Yami ask him such a thing? Had he ever been seen with a woman? Honestly, ridiculous.
Yami blinked and nodded, appearing unconvinced. Kaiba threw him a haughty look, feeling deeply offended, "Why? Have you ever seen me with a woman?"
Yami's eye's widened, surprised with Kaiba's tone.
"N-no." He replied quietly, racking his brain for any instance he may have seen a woman on Kaiba's arm. He felt his hopes rise again and he watched Kaiba walk away, heading up the staircase. Kaiba was acting oddly distant today.
Yami watched him go, feeling dread swirl up in his chest. Kaiba had shot back with a question, sounding offended, and Yami wasn't sure if he was doing that to intentionally glean new information.
Well, Yami thought firmly, if he says he doesn't have a woman, I will believe him, because if he did, she would be calling...frequently.
Kaiba set their clothes down on the bed, his eyes heating up dangerously. Why the fuck would Yami ask if he had a woman in his life?! He obviously didn't!
Kaiba stormed back down the stairs, forcing his face to remain neutral as he approached Yami, who was gazing forlornly out into the garden.
He wants to be outside, Kaiba realized with a jolt. They had been shut inside for the fourth day now, and counting.
Kaiba reached out and slipped his hand warmly through Yami's, gently pulling him towards the garage, "This way."
Yami blinked and obliged, staring down at their interlaced fingers, feeling his heart flutter. Kaiba's hands were warm.
Kaiba led Yami down a set of steps into a dark room, feeling Yami's fingers curl anxiously over the top of his hand, "Where are we?"
Kaia felt along the wall the flipped the light on, revealing a gleaming row of luxury cars, all parked neatly alongside each other.
Yami felt the breath leave his body as he gazed across the garage, unable to contain his awe and excitement. Was Kaiba showing him his car collection?
"Pick one. We're going out." Kaiba said, giving Yami a gently push forwards.
Yami blinked and forgot himself for a moment. "Really?!"
He let go of Kaiba's hand and circled each car excitedly, enjoying the way the each of the door handles gleamed back at him under the florescent lights.
Yami stopped in his tracks suddenly, remembering that Kaiba was supposed to be resting.
"We can't go out," Yami said carefully, feeling huge disappointment well up inside him. "You'll be seen." Wasn't Kaiba supposed to be in a coma?!
"Well I'm...bored." Kaiba drawled, examining his nail beds carefully. He wouldn't need to hide behind the facade of a coma anymore. He had regained his memories...but if he admitted to that, Mokuba would move back in and Yami would return to the game shop.
Yami watched Kaiba lazily examine his nails, shock rooting him to the spot. This was Kaiba acting thoughtlessly again! He had done so in the study, insisting they tell Mokuba and Yugi about their sexual relationship, and here he was, doing it again!
"Pick one." Kaiba demanded, crossing his arms firmly, eyeing Yami steadily. They were going out on a date, dammit. He wanted to show Yami a good time.
"I'm...not sure." Yami faltered, eyeing the car and staring down at the streams of sunlight filtering in through the garage windows. He had been shut inside this large house with Kaiba for four days now...and he was itching to go outside.
Kaiba watched Yami hesitate and he spoke up impatiently, "I know, I'm supposed to be a coma. But honestly, being seen would debunk all the rumors that I'm dead. I've been reading the news; I know what people are saying. I'm looking healthy. This would be good publicity. It would take the pressure off Mokuba."
Yami bit his tongue and nodded. Kaiba seemed to be aware of the consequences of his actions ...and he was doing it with Mokuba in mind.
"Very well. I chose this one." Yami said, wrapping his hand around the door handle of a white, angular sports car with a dark red interior, his heart racing. He was going out…with Kaiba! This was going to be fun.
Kaiba smiled widely and hooked the keys off the wall, twirling it around his finger as he approached Yami, reaching forwards to open the door for him.
"Step back." Kaiba said gently, giving Yami a soft nudge. Yami obediently took a step back and watched as Kaiba pulled the door open, upwards.
Upwards?!
The door opened straight upwards like the trunk of a car!
"What an interesting door!" Yami gasped, intrigued, peering into the car excitedly and noticing there were only two seats wrapped in dark red leather.
"Sit." Kaiba said, grabbing Yami by the wrist and watching him ease into the seat. "I'm closing the door now, careful, watch your knees."
Yami leaned his knees aside, watching as Kaiba pushed the door downwards with a heavy click. Yami blinked, astonished, realizing he wouldn't have been able to close the door himself. He would've had to somehow stand up in his seat, to reach the handle above his head. How curious!
Yami stared as Kaiba tucked himself into the seat beside him, reaching up with a long hand to click the door shut beside himself.
"I like this car." Yami commented, feeling his excitement rise. He was sitting very close to Kaiba, their elbows touching.
Kaiba threw Yami a boyish grin, "Me too." He leaned over the divide and placed a soft kiss along Yami's cheek, watching Yami flush deeply.
"Don't do that while we're out." Yami said, swallowing nervously, his stomach swooping mightily.
Kaiba tilted his head and started the engine with a loud roar. He wasn't going to agree to that. He would do whatever he fucking felt like.
"Did you hear me, Kaiba?" Yami asked, his anxiety rising as he called out over the roar of the engine. This version of Kaiba was definitely…dangerous.
Sunlight poured into the car as the garage door rose up quickly and Kaiba threw Yami another charming grin, "Do you hate it?"
Yami tensed, his heart skipping a beat as Kaiba flashed him a beautiful smile. No..he didn't hate it. In fact, quite the opposite...
Yami shook his head and tried his best to glare, "You don't want pictures of us doing something like that, circulating in the news."
"What if I don't care?" Kaiba said lightly, backing out of the garage and curving around the large fountain before peeling off his driveway, pausing at the large black gates, pressing another button on his keys.
Yami tried to contain his disbelief as he shook his head viciously, "You don't want that. Trust me. You'll thank me later."
The Kaiba with his memories would murder him violently on the spot the second he saw those pictures.
Kaiba nodded slightly, running Yami's response over in his mind. He drove off down the road, throwing a glance over at Yami, who had his elbows tensed up, hands tucked under his thighs defensively.
Odd, Kaiba frowned, pulling the car onto the freeway, gunning the engine powerfully.
He would thank him later? Meaning...what? Kaiba tapped the steering wheel rhythmically. Yami was currently unaware that he had fully regained his memories.
Kaiba realized with a jolt that Yami thought he would react badly to the news when he eventually regained his memories!
Kaiba gripped the wheel even harder as everything started to make sense. The crying, the anger, the fear...it was all because Yami was afraid of his reaction when he regained his memories!
Well, I remember everything, Kaiba thought furiously, switching lanes smoothly, feeling the sun beat down on his leg through the tinted windows. Yami clearly doesn't know me well enough.
Kaiba suddenly felt a strange wave of anger rise up inside him. Was Yami just using him for sex? He threw another glance over at Yami, who had his nose pressed up against the glass, watching the scenery whizz by in a blur.
No...that seemed unlikely.
Then, Kaiba recalled Yami had rushed them the first time they fucked...upstairs. Kaiba gripped the wheel so hard his knuckles began to hurt. Yami had done that on purpose. He wanted a quick fuck, and then he had run away immediately afterwards, looking scared as shit.
Oh he's smart, Kaiba thought darkly, curving the car up a freeway exit ramp. He ran outside in a hurry because he thought I would've remembered everything in that moment, thinking I would've realized we've never done anything like that before.
Well..! Kaiba felt another wave of anger rise up inside him. I'm even angrier now that I have remembered everything.
That was a dirty trick. That was his first time with Yami...! How dare..he! Just rushing them through it, like it was no big deal. He would pay for that.
Kaiba had wanted their first time to be something glorious, memorable. Not a quick fuck like something out of a 2 minute porn clip, Jesus.
Fuck you, Pharaoh. Kaiba thought darkly, carefully stopping at a red light, his heart pounding loudly in his ears as blood rushed furiously through his body. Should I fuck you in this car, to teach you a lesson?
Shit, I can't. Kaiba realized angrily. He had a brain scan tomorrow, and the doctor clearly forbade him from participating in strenuous activity.
Yami glanced over at Kaiba as they stopped at the red light, noticing that his knuckles were white as he gripped the wheel tightly, glaring at the road.
He's angry! Yami realized suddenly, Why? What happened? Was there an annoying driver on the road?
"Are you feeling okay?" Yami asked tentatively, "You seem angry."
How perceptive, Kaiba thought darkly as the light turned green. He eased the car forwards and made a huge effort to keep his expression blank.
"I'm angry." Kaiba said softly, gripping the wheel tighter. Was the sex just meaningless to Yami..? He was just horny and wanted to get off? Well...then maybe he should just withhold the sex until he found out what Yami's true intentions were.
"Care to tell me why?" Yami asked carefully, feeling his uncertainty rise. Kaiba, angry behind the wheel of a powerful car: dangerous.
The car lurched forwards mightily, causing Yami's stomach to turn.
"Yes." Kaiba responded furiously, roughly stopping again at another red light. "The doctor forbade any kind of strenuous activity." Translation: We're not having sex until I say so.
Yami blinked as he slowly processed Kaiba's words. Strenuous activity...? Sex?! He bit back a laugh and turned his gaze back out the window. Kaiba was angry because the doctor forbade him from sexual activity!
"Rightly so." Yami said calmly, smiling in amusement. He had a feeling Kaiba wasn't going to follow the doctor's orders anyway. The sex was the main cause of his headaches...
Kaiba saw Yami smile and his rage increased. What the hell was so funny? Was this a game..? Because these were his feelings the Pharaoh was toying with..!
"You don't seem disappointed." Kaiba growled, pulling the car into a parking structure, watching other cars queue up in a line behind him.
"I don't count on you taking the doctor's orders so seriously." Yami said lightly, secretly thinking he would attempt to mount Kaiba again tonight, regardless of what the doctor said, and Kaiba would comply...very willingly.
"Right." Kaiba seethed. He was withholding sex tonight, and the next night, if Yami was going to keep up with this laissez-fair attitude.
Yami nodded, satisfied with Kaiba's answer, thinking Kaiba's anger was pointless. Why was he wasting his energy being angry if he was planning on disobeying anyway?
Yami glanced around the car, evaluating the space around him. Would Kaiba be angry enough about this that he would consider making love with him in the car? Yami decided to try his luck.
"Park somewhere...remote." Yami said casually, eyeing the rows of cars passing by his window slowly. A voice in the back of his head screamed at him, telling him this was a bad idea. The Kaiba with his memories would not enjoy knowing that he desecrated his precious car.
All the more reason to do it, Yami thought viciously, glancing over at Kaiba, seeing his knuckles whiten over the steering wheel again, his brow furrowed, clearly fighting with himself.
"No." Kaiba said staunchly, spying a row of empty spots and quickly pulling towards them, purposely parking over the line, taking up two spaces.
The doors opened upwards, so parking like an asshole was required.
"I have a scan tomorrow." Kaiba said blandly, quickly coming with excuses, "I can't risk it."
And you owe me an apology, Kaiba thought furiously, bringing the car to a full stop and shutting off the engine.
Yami blinked, astonished. No?! Had the call from the doctor really affected Kaiba this much?
Silence settled heavily in the car as Yami gripped his knees tightly. Fine...then a kiss.
Yami leaned over the divide and gently slipped his fingers through the tops of Kaiba's hand, feeling Kaiba tense. Yami frowned, giving Kaiba's hand a firm squeeze. Kaiba had been tensing a lot...like he was worried about something.
"Kiss me." Yami demanded, leaning his face closer towards Kaiba's cheek, watching Kaiba's frown deepen.
Kaiba slid his hands off the wheel, feeling Yami's warmth seep through the back of his hand. Fine. He was withholding sex, meaning everything above the belt was fine.
He turned his head, gazing deeply into Yami's angular violet eyes which were wide with curiosity. Kaiba had a feeling Yami was acting too comfortable, being too demanding, even suggesting they fuck in the car...in public! Did he know that was considered a crime?
Probably not.
Kaiba smirked, knowing there was something he could say...that would set the pharaoh back in line.
Yami craned his neck, leaning his face closer towards Kaiba, who was blinking softly at him. This version of Kaiba was so tame it was frustrating!
"Seto...?" Yami began, knowing Kaiba's name was something that would immediately spur him into action.
"Atem..?" Kaiba retaliated, biting his tongue, watching the color leave Yami's face as Yami jerked back so suddenly, his head hit the door behind him.
There we go...! Kaiba thought gleefully, quickly turning his hand upwards and lacing his fingers through Yami's trembling hand, squeezing tightly. Bet you're not going to ask for sex in public again after this...
Yami's heart leapt up into his throat, threatening to choke the air out of him, his eyes watering slightly as his head throbbed.
Where did that come from?! Kaiba had never...even acknowledged that he knew his name! He was always referring to him as Yugi...!*
"Who is Atem?" Yami responded quickly, struggling to compose himself. If Kaiba only saw flashes of his memory, then he knew more than he was letting on. Typical Kaiba, always withholding information.
If Kaiba knows my name, I will make him admit...that I am Atem! Yami thought furiously. That would be pleasing to hear.
Kaiba blinked, feeling Yami's palm grow damp against his hand. Really? Who is Atem? He was really playing dumb? Wow.
"You are Atem." Kaiba said coldly, giving the pharaoh's hand a firm squeeze, "Don't play me. Tell me why everyone still calls you 'Yami'."
Yami blinked and let out a small sigh of relief, feeling a small bubble of happiness swell up inside him. Kaiba knew his name! And he had followed up with more questions.
If Kaiba still had to ask, then he really didn't know anything.
"Because everyone is accustomed to it, and I don't feel the need to correct them." Yami said, thinking that Kaiba had never even called him Yami, so there was no point in explaining this to him. Blank-slate Kaiba was troublesome.
"Then...do I call you Yami or Atem? Answer me." Kaiba demanded, gripping Yami's hand tightly, feeling the car grow hot. They had been sitting inside with the windows rolled up, for quite some time now.
Yami blinked, taken aback by the question, his chest tightening painfully. He wasn't sure if his heart could take it if Kaiba started causally addressing him as Atem. It might cause more damage on his feelings in the long run.
"Call me Yami."He whispered, feeling his hand grow numb as Kaiba's grip tightened even further.
Kaiba nodded and lifted Yami's hand up to his mouth, pressing his lips lightly across Yami's knuckles. Yami shivered, feeling Kaiba's hot breath travel down his hand and he tried to pull away, but Kaiba held on tightly.
"One more thing." Kaiba said softly, feeling Yami's hand struggle in his grasp, "If you see anything you want, don't hesitate to ask for it." He would spoil Yami to bits with his wealth on this shopping trip.
Yami blinked, confused, but he nodded. He had asked for a kiss, and he had asked to make love in the car. Both requests had been denied.
Kaiba let go of his hand and Yami watched as he stepped out of the car, lifting the door upwards and slamming it back down forcefully.
Kaiba circled the car and lifted Yami's door open, watching Yami slide out daintily, his slender legs brushing up against each other as he stepped out of the car. Kaiba felt himself grow aroused and he bit the inside of his cheek furiously. No..he was not going to push Yami down onto the hood of the car and fuck him...
Kaiba leaned the door down heavily, hearing it click shut. He pressed the keys in his pocket, hearing the car beep back at him, the sound echoing throughout the parking structure.
Yami eyed the car, noticing that Kaiba had rudely parked it in the middle of two spots and he bit back a laugh. Kaiba was still very much himself at the end of the day, memories or not.
Yami gazed up at Kaiba as they walked through the structure, admiring how tall and handsome he was.
I'm doomed, Yami thought cheerfully, slipping his hand casually through Kaiba's much larger one. I love everything about this man. I'm not sure if I can step away when the time comes.
Kaiba felt Yami's warm hand slip into his and his chest swelled. Could he live every day like this? He had enough money set aside for the rest of his life...to whisk Yami away and just disappear somewhere on a remote island.
They turned a corner and headed up a sidewalk dotted with small groups of people carrying shopping bags. Heads turned and people were beginning to stare.
Yami quickly withdrew his hand away so fast, he felt Kaiba's nails scrape along the underside of his palms. This was a bad idea after all.
Kaiba felt Yami jerk his hand away the moment people began to turn their heads and he clenched his teeth. A remote island sounded very appealing right about now.
They stopped at a crowded intersection and more heads turned. Yami felt his skin burning and Kaiba stared nonchalantly over the heads of the crowd.
Ignore...Ignore..., Kaiba chanted to himself, feeling Yami tense beside him.
The light turned green and people slowly began shuffling forwards onto the street.
Kaiba reached down and grabbed Yami's hand dragging him through the crowd, determined to get to the other side so they could take refuge inside a store, preferably an expensive one, where people were less likely to frequent.
Yami let out a gasp as Kaiba firmly held onto his hand with an iron grip. Yami struggled slightly, his face growing hot. They were being stared at! Someone would photograph them, eventually..! And then...his world would end. Any hopes of reconciling with Kaiba when he regained his memories would be tossed out the window.
The photos would circulate endlessly and Kaiba would be bombarded with nosy questions.
"Kaiba, let go!" Yami cried desperately as they hurried down a red brick road with brightly lit shops lining them on either side, but Yami barely had time to enjoy it. His heart was thudding frantically in his chest as Kaiba dragged him into a beautiful shop with intricate round lights hanging from the ceiling.
"For the last damn time," Kaiba said stiffly, releasing Yami and whirling around to face him angrily, "Call me Seto."
Yami was now thoroughly regretting this outing. He knew this was a bad idea right from the start, but he had let his excitement cloud his judgment.
"Seto." Yami choked, rubbing his wrist which ached and burned from Kaiba's touch. "We'll be photographed together...touching hands!"
"Hello welcome in!" A young lady chirped, bowing and gesturing at them to step further into the store, "Please take your time!" And she hurried away.
Kaiba ignored her, and watched Yami's eyes follow the girl nervously.
"I'm fine with it." Kaiba said, keeping his voice low and steady.
"No...no you're not. You're not going to be fine with it, believe me." Yami begged, gripping his own wrist even tighter as Kaiba's touch burned through his skin. His eyes widened as he stared at the elegant clothes adorning the mannequins surrounding them.
"Don't act like you know what I want, or don't want." Kaiba said shortly, striding further into the store, leaving Yami standing alone by entrance. He needed Yami to drop the stupid misconception that he would hate everything that was happening between them.
Yami bit back a retort and turned away from Kaiba pointedly, glancing around the shop, feeling irritated. Fine, he couldn't say he didn't try. Yami stepped further into the shop, his eyes raking across the mannequins with great interest. He suddenly realized he never had time to leisurely shop around; he was either tending the game shop with Yugi, or spending time with his friends. His heartbeat quickened as his eyes landed on Kaiba, who was carefully running his hands across a pair of pants.
Yami approached Kaiba cautiously, glancing down at the fabric curiously. It looked very comfortable, but stylish. The fabric had thin silver threads running through it, barely visible, but it added a certain sparkle, and Yami was deeply intrigued.
"How nice.." Yami commented carefully, staring at Kaiba's hands as they caressed the fabric.
"Try it on." Kaiba said suddenly, pulling it off the hook and holding it out towards him.
Yami blinked and shook his head. He felt strange and oddly out of place in this shiny store. He didn't want to linger...everything looked expensive.
Kaiba turned to address the salesperson standing behind them, "A room, please."
Yami could hardly believe his ears. Kaiba had said 'please'. How terrifying.
The woman nodded and gestured for them to follow, walking through a large black curtain which hung from the high ceiling.
Kaiba followed her through brusquely and Yami hurried in after them, feeling apprehensive. Yami stifled a gasp as he stared at the rows and rows of mirrored doors lining a long hallway, watching as the woman unlocked one of the doors with a set of keys and swung the door wide open.
"Please call if you need another size." She said, bobbing her head and ducking through the curtain.
Kaiba gave Yami a small push into the spacious dressing room, "Here." And he draped the pants over Yami's shoulder, reaching forwards to swing the door shut.
Yami stood very still in the dressing room, stunned. What..was happening? Why was Kaiba insisting he try these on? Had he really lost his mind?
Kaiba stared down at the gap in the doorway, watching Yami's feet stay rooted in place, unmoving.
"Put them on." Kaiba called loudly, hearing his voice echo around the empty dressing room. "I can see your feet, Yami. You're not moving."
Yami bit his tongue and hastily backed away from the door. Typical...forceful...Kaiba.
He held the pants out in front of him, staring at them, wrinkling his nose before carefully sliding off his shoes and peeling his leather pants off his body.
Yami quickly stepped into the new pants, feeling the fabric mold into the curves of his legs softly, amazed at how well they fit when he buttoned them around his waist.
Kaiba has an eye for size! How long had he been staring at this pair? Yami wondered, his eyes watering dangerously again as he examined himself in the dressing room mirror. He turned to the side, smiling in spite of himself as he noticed how nicely the fabric hugged his ass.
Yami spotted the tag hanging off from behind him and he twisted around to grab at it, just as he heard Kaiba's voice ringing out from behind the door, "Come out, I want to see."
Yami glanced down at the tag and his blood ran cold. 36,000* yen. ($330 USD)
THERE IS AN EXTRA ZERO ON THIS PRICE TAG! Yami screamed in his head as he felt himself beginning to sweat under the hot lights.
Kaiba watched Yami's feet jutting up on his toes and he knocked furiously, "Yami, could you c-"
Yami swung the door open forcefully and stood resolutely before Kaiba, glaring. Was Kaiba suggesting he purchase these pants? Because that price tag was ridiculous.
"Oh." Kaiba said simply, raking his eyes shamelessly over Yami's legs, feeling his face heat up as he noticed how well they hugged his slender calves, "They look good on you and they fit. They're yours now."
Kaiba turned to walk towards the register, feeling Yami grab him firmly by the wrist.
"They're...too..expensive." Yami managed through clenched teeth, gripping Kaiba tightly. He could buy a month's worth of meals for both him and Yugi with the money Kaiba was about to spend on just this pair of pants.
Kaiba smirked and scoffed, "I haven't forgotten that I have money. Wait here. If you like it, just wear it out of the store. They look good on you." And with that, he turned his heel, disappearing past the long black curtain.
Yami tensed and curled his fingers into his palms. This was fine...as long as Kaiba didn't regret this later.
He turned to stare tentatively at his own reflection and he felt his heart flutter nervously. This meant, he could get Kaiba to buy him anything...and everything. Today, and today only.
Well, then I won't hold back, Yami thought wickedly, admiring his reflection in the mirror with more confidence. 36,000 yen was pennies to Kaiba, and if this version of Kaiba insisted on spoiling him with expensive clothes, he wasn't going to complain...
Suddenly, the saleswoman came dashing through the curtain, approaching Yami with a pair of scissors.
Yami blinked and backed away, startled, "No, thank you. I will change out of these now."
The saleswoman boldly stepped into Yami's personal space and reached around his back, not making eye contact, "Mr. Kaiba insists you wear them out the door. Our pleasure."
Yami opened his mouth to protest but the woman had already snipped the tag off and pressed it into his hand, quickly bowing, sweeping up his discarded leather pants and ducking though the curtain again.
She took my pants! Yami thought horrified, his fingers curling around the price tag in his hand, deeply shocked.
Yami suddenly understood that this set the tone for the rest of the day. He could walk into any store, and leave, with anything he desired. Price didn't matter.
Kaiba's slender hand appeared through a crack in the curtain, gesturing for him to follow.
Yami swallowed the nervous lump rising up in his throat as he quickly shoved the tiny tag into his pocket and he clipped his belts around his waist, feeling oddly lightheaded.
He rushed through the curtain just in time to see three salespeople bowing deeply to Kaiba. Kaiba ducked his head down politely in response, his hand gripping a matte black shopping bag.
Yami gaped.
Kaiba straightened up, catching the look of worry strained across Yami's face. He lifted the bag up for Yami to see, "Your other pair of pants are in here. Let's go."
Yami nodded stiffly as the salespeople bowed to him too. He bobbed his head down politely and hurried after Kaiba, feeling strangely elated.
They set out together down the red brick road and Yami was now able to properly admire the brightly lit shops around them, enjoying how each store front looked different, some had marble pillars lining the entrances, other's looked cold and imposing with black and white tiles. The street they were on was nearly deserted, and Yami glanced around, wondering where the crowds were. He was pretty sure outdoor shopping malls were always filled with excited couples and large families.
"Where to next?" Kaiba asked lightly, glancing down at Yami, smirking when he saw how tightly the pants hugged his ass.
They were worth every penny. If he had his way, he would switch out every single one of Yami's goddamned leather pants with clothes that looked less tacky.
Yugi could wear that garbage, but not Yami; their personalities were too different.
"Anywhere you want to go, I'll follow." Yami said, blushing as he noticed Kaiba's clear blue eyes raking across his body intrusively. Kaiba seemed to like the pants on him, and that thought made Yami's heart beat faster.
He understood what this was. Kaiba was dressing him up, to suit his own tastes. That was fine, Yami would play along willingly. If it made him seem more attractive towards Kaiba, Yami vowed to himself that he would wear anything.
They passed another beautifully lit shop, with tones of clothing that were much darker, ranging from dark grey hues to solid black and white pieces.
Yami's eyes widened as his breath hitched in his throat. He liked this store! Were they going in?
Kaiba noticed Yami's eyes widen slightly as they passed a storefront and he quickly stopped, observing Yami closely. Yami blinked at him hopefully and Kaiba smiled back gently, tilting his head encouragingly.
You can do whatever the fuck you want Pharaoh, Kaiba thought cheerfully, pointing a slender finger at the entrance, You first.
Yami smiled excitedly and marched right in, unaware that Kaiba was thoroughly enjoying the view of his ass as he walked in front of him.
"Welcome welcome!" A handsome young man bowed and eyed Kaiba nervously, "Please enjoy your stay." And he hurried away, almost tripping over his own feet.
Yami smirked, amused. He circled the mannequins and gazed at the stacks of clothes neatly lining the walls, impressed. He quickly approached a display, running his hands over a shirt that felt amazingly soft. He glanced up; the sales people were nowhere to be seen.
Yami smiled to himself, secretly glad that Kaiba's presence was so imposing, it automatically commanded privacy. He eyed several shirts along the walls, deeply intrigued at how they looked elegant, but comfortable. Some of the designs looked as if they had been hand-stitched.
Kaiba watched Yami's eyes dart excitedly around the whole store and he had half the mind to purchase everything Yami looked at, just as phone started to buzz in his pocket.
Irritated, Kaiba slipped it out, realizing it was Mokuba, he answered it quickly, "Mokuba."
"Seto!" Mokuba cried, sounding worried, "Where are you right now?"
Kaiba frowned, "Why...?"
"I...forgot something at home and I called home, but no one picked up!" Mokuba said quickly, "Also...there's a picture of you on Twitter. Yugi is kinda freaking out."
"What?" Kaiba snapped. That was quick. They had barely been seen for less than ten minutes and someone had already posted a photo of him? "Send me the link."
"Actually...I want marbled beef for lunch! Can you make marbled beef Seto?" Mokuba said, dodging his request pointedly.
Yami turned to watch Kaiba snap into the phone, apparently irritated at Mokuba. The sales person appeared before him, nodding politely, glancing down at Yami's hand which was hovering over a stack of shirts. "Which would you like to try sir?"
Yami quickly eyed the shirts, noticing he could easily fit any size and make it look good. He quickly pointed at each folded shirt in the stack, also pointing at several shirts on display along the walls. While Kaiba was distracted, he would stack on the purchases at the register. Kaiba wouldn't even know what hit him.
The salesman nodded briskly and began gathering the shirts up in his arms as Kaiba continued to speak quietly into the phone behind them. Yami watched as another salesperson joined the man and began helping him gather shirts. Satisfied, Yami pointed at a pair of dark boots sitting in a glass display.
The men nodded quietly and moved quickly, gesturing for him to follow them towards the register. Yami threw Kaiba a playful smile over his shoulder, watching as Kaiba aimlessly followed him, still deep in conversation with Mokuba.
Yami knew he was taking advantage of Kaiba and he almost felt bad, except...he didn't.
"You want marbled beef, today?" Kaiba asked, blinking astutely as he watched Yami smirk and point at almost every item on display. He felt his chest swell with pride as Yami threw him a sexy smile over his shoulder. Kaiba followed him towards the register, Mokuba still chattering incessantly in his ear.
"Then bring Yugi." Kaiba said tersely, slightly surprised that Yami didn't immediately jerk his head around to stare. "And I'll prepare it for all of us."
Mokuba cheered happily as Kaiba eyed the enormous stack of Yami's selection and he nodded, satisfied. He hung up quickly and slipped his wallet out, handing the salesman his card, watching the other employee gape and stare.
Yami folded his arms across his chest and tilted his hips suggestively, a smirk still gracing his lips, "Feeling generous today, Seto?"
Kaiba felt himself smile widely and he accepted his card back from the salesman, watching them hurriedly box and bag their purchase. He glanced at the amount briefly, barely registering that the total amount had two commas.
If he wasn't feeling so damn hungry, he could keep going for the rest of the day.
"That was Mokuba asking for lunch." Kaiba said, feeling slightly disappointed. Maybe if Yami was willing, later on in the week, they could continue this shopping spree.
Yami caught the hint of disappointment in Kaiba's voice and he couldn't hide his amazement. He had just spent the amount of a small car, on clothes, and Kaiba still wanted to continue? Perhaps he ought to stop, for both of their sakes. If Kaiba regained his memories and demanded he repay him, Yami swallowed, realizing he'd be in debt for a thousand lifetimes.
"Well, I am a bit hungry..." Yami lied, not feeling hungry at all, watching out of the corner of his eye as the salesmen heaved large bags of their purchases over the counter.
He could spend Kaiba's money all damn day if Kaiba so insisted.
Kaiba nodded at the salesmen politely and looped the bags through his fingers with practiced ease and tilted his head towards the door. They would come back another day, Kaiba would insist.
Yami nodded and followed Kaiba obediently out the door, feeling an evil smirk cross his face. He had made Kaiba purchase a few shirts for Yugi too, so if he and Mokuba were coming over for lunch, Yami couldn't wait to see Yugi's face when he tried them on.
"I enjoyed that." Yami said carefully, stealing a glance up at Kaiba.
Kaiba smiled gently down at him, "We're coming back. I don't think we have a full outfit here."
Yami swallowed thinly and blinked. Had he heard Kaiba correctly?!
"I think that's enough." Yami said delicately, ducking his head down as they once again passed an intersection full of people.
"If you're not coming with me to choose, I'm still purchasing them for you regardless." Kaiba scoffed.
Read between the lines, Yami, Kaiba thought furiously, I want to spend money on you, dammit!
As they neared the parking structure, Kaiba noticed more and more people turning their heads to stare at them again as they walked past. He needed to see that goddamn photo Mokuba was talking about.
"Is it just me…or are people staring a lot more?" Yami asked, his face reddening, confirming Kaiba's suspicions.
"They are." Kaiba said darkly, stepping into the shaded structure, feeling Yami follow closely beside him, glancing around nervously. Kaiba briefly wondered if he should tell Yami about the photo, after all, it was only fair.
"Mokuba called to tell me about a photo that was posted online a few moments ago." He said carefully, sweeping his eyes across the parking structure, thankful that it seemed to be deserted, although he wouldn't be surprised if paparazzi had already found his car.
Yami tensed and clenched his fists at his sides, his worst fears slowly coming true. This was what he wanted to avoid, and yet, it had happened! Yugi and Mokuba would be furious with him.
"I'm sorry." Yami said readily, keeping his gaze fixed on the grey concrete beneath their feet as they strode forwards quickly, their footsteps and strides in sync with each other.
"Not your fault." Kaiba said lightly, spotting the taillights of his car rising up in his view, "We're here. Be careful, there might be a stray photographer hiding somewhere."
Yami lifted his head up and became instantly alert. This was ..so...bad! This version of Kaiba wasn't upset...but the Kaiba with his memories would be furious!
Kaiba pressed his keys, watching the lights on the car blink and suddenly, as if on cue, a small group of people rose up from around them, appearing from behind cars and pillars, lights flashing, shutters clicking and echoing loudly throughout the entire complex.
Yami froze in pure terror, his feet rooted to the spot as the lights blinded him momentarily, but Kaiba seemed unfazed, lifting up the trunk, tucking their purchases into the compartment and slamming the top shut.
"Mr. Kaiba, how are you feeling?" Someone shouted loudly, almost too closely behind them.
"Mr. Kaiba is this your boyfriend? Yugi Mutou, care to comment?" Another person spoke loudly behind them and Yami jumped. Kaiba's warm hand wrapped around his wrist, leading him towards the passenger side door.
"Yugi! Yugi! Are you friends? How long have you been friends with Seto Kaiba?" Another man shouted as Kaiba lifted the door upwards with a flourish and nudged Yami towards the seat.
Yami climbed in, feeling numb, green spots swimming in his eyes from the camera's flashes, his arms and legs shaking violently. He watched Kaiba shut the door beside him and circle around the car, the cameras and people following him like a swarm of bees.
"Mr. Kaiba, was it true that you were pronounced dead?!" Yami heard someone shout as Kaiba opened the door on the driver's side and tucked himself calmly into the seat.
Kaiba reached up for the door handle and Yami watched with rising horror as Kaiba smiled brilliantly for the cameras before yanking the door shut with a firm click.
Kaiba leaned forwards and started the engine with a roar and the photographers crowded by Yami's window, their lights still flashing obnoxiously, lighting up the cabin around them.
Yami sat as still as a stone, unable to move, think, or breathe. Great...the media now thought that he was...Kaiba's boyfriend! No, that Yugi was Kaiba's boyfriend.
Kaiba let out a low growl as he watched the paparazzi hover around the back of his vehicle. He rolled his window down and shouted, "Move or I'll run you over!"
Yami blinked and winced, Kaiba's voice ringing his ears.
Can I shout at these people too? Yami wondered faintly, watching the people circle around to the front of the car, camera lights still flashing brightly as they shouted nonsensical questions at them.
"Yugi..! How long have you two been dating?" Yami heard someone knock on the window as Kaiba slowly eased the car out of the parking spot.
Kaiba glanced over at Yami and noticed his elbows were once again tensed up, hands tucked underneath his thighs. He was visibly frightened.
"They're harmless." Kaiba said gently, still carefully easing the car out of the spot. He wasn't about to get sued for running over someone's toes, but damn the temptation was high.
Someone knocked on the glass again, shouting, and Kaiba furiously punched the horn of his car, the deafening shrillness causing the people surrounding them to stagger back suddenly, wincing and covering their ears.
"Serves you right, back off!" Kaiba growled, revving the engine threateningly, watching the photographers scatter in different directions. Yami swallowed tensely, feeling slightly better as he watched Kaiba rage at the paparazzi. It was oddly satisfying to see Kaiba act out in a way that accurately depicted how he felt.
He shivered slightly as Kaiba eased the car out of the parking structure, watching the people run after the car, camera lights still flashing.
"They don't give up..!" Yami exclaimed, throwing a frantic look over his shoulder.
"Yep." Kaiba said darkly, gunning the engine again, wondering how many years he'd be in jail if he killed crowd of people behind his car right now, just by backing up.
Kaiba pulled out onto the road, hearing Yami breathe an audible sigh of relief as the crowd slowly disappeared behind them.
Yami gripped the leather seat beneath him, feeling his palms sweat profusely. He was in deeper trouble than he had originally thought.
Kaiba noticed Yami still hadn't relaxed by the time they pulled onto the freeway and he spoke up, "They're really harmless, Yami, relax."
Yami nodded stiffly, watching cars whizz by his window, his stomach churning with nausea. He needed to see that photo Kaiba was talking about. They rode the rest of the way back to the mansion in silence and as Kaiba pulled into the driveway, he noticed Isono had parked the limousine beside the fountain, with the doors swung wide open.
Kaiba's heart leapt up into his throat as he saw the tips of Yugi's fiery hair sticking out from over the edge of the door. Shiiiiit...
He eased the car into the garage, and stopped heavily in the spot, watching Yami shiver slightly in his seat. Kaiba frowned and exited the car, pulling the door open for Yami, watching him step shakily out of the vehicle.
"Hey...it's okay." Kaiba said softly, eyeing Yami carefully.
Yami avoided all eye contact as the rush of footsteps echoed up the driveway. Mokuba and Yugi stood breathlessly at the garage door entrance, with Mokuba holding up his phone in front of him, looking stricken.
"Seto...you weren't...supposed to go out!" Mokuba wheezed, gripping his knees tightly before straightening up to glare at Yami, "And why didn't you do anything to stop him?!"
Yami ducked his head down apologetically, feeling his face heat up with shame. He had allowed Kaiba to sweet-talk him into the car and out the door.
"Let me see the photo." Kaiba said, striding over towards Mokuba and lifting the phone out of his grasp. He glanced at the screen and realized it was not one, but a group three photos, all taken in a quick succession.
The first photo was of them crossing the street, the other two, were of him grabbing Yami's hand as they made their way down the street.
Damn, Kaiba thought darkly. People and their phone cameras these days, they were all too quick and stealthy.
Kaiba felt Yami quickly step up beside him and reach for the phone. "Let...me see." Yami said, his voice catching terribly in his throat, pointedly avoiding Yugi's burning stare.
Kaiba handed Yami the phone and folded his arms, watching his expression carefully.
Yami gripped the phone tightly, his heart skipping several beats as he read the bolded headline: "Yugi Mutou spotted holding hands with Seto Kaiba, who appears to be in good health..."
Yami trembled; dread coursing rapidly through his veins, slowly rooting him to the spot. He glanced up at Kaiba, who smiled back at him, clearly amused. Yami threw a concerned look at Yugi, who had his arms crossed tightly, a deep frown plastered across his round face.
"I...I'm..." Yami choked. He was trying to apologize, but he found that words were sticking to his throat.
"It's fine." Kaiba said firmly, turning a heel and walking into the house, his heart thudding loudly in his ears. "As long as I make a formal statement addressing rumors, it'll go away soon enough."
"It better." Yugi scowled, giving Mokuba a hard nudge, "Grab the game you forgot and let's get out of here."
Mokuba nodded anxiously and hurried inside after his older brother.
Yami stood nervously beside Yugi for a few moments before Yugi turned to frown at him again, "Yami, what's going on?"
Yami shuffled his feet nervously and shoved his hands into his pockets, "It was my fault Aibou. I shouldn't have left the house with him."
Yugi blinked, staring at Yami's pants, noticing they were a pair he had never seen before. "Where did you get those pants?" Yugi asked, instantly changing the subject.
Yami swallowed tensely suddenly remembering how expensive they were as he felt the price tag stabbing at the edge of his fingertips from inside his pocket, "These? Kaiba...got them for me."
"When?!" Yugi asked, his voice rising dramatically.
"Just now. Please, don't worry about it Aibou. He wanted to play…dress up." Yami said hastily, trying to play off the seriousness of his interactions with Kaiba.
He couldn't tell Yugi they were having frequent sex; it would break his heart and shatter Mokuba's trust.
"Dress up." Yugi repeated dully, sounding extremely unamused.
"Yes." Yami said, nodding vigorously, trying to convince Yugi, "He even forgot that we share clothes. Just yesterday, he asked me why we dress alike!"
Yugi's eyes widened and molded back into a careful frown, "Oh, that's concerning."
Suddenly, Mokuba came running out of the house, waving a plastic game case. "Got it! Am I forgetting anything else?"
Yugi gave Yami a knowing look, "Are we forgetting anything else?"
Mokuba gazed eagerly up at Yami, his eyes shining, "Thank you Yami, Seto looks so much healthier every time I see him, and it's all thanks to you!"
"Right." Yami responded lightly, trying to squash the dark feelings of guilt swirling up inside him. He saw Kaiba's tall silhouette standing in the doorway and he looked away quickly, his heart thumping loudly.
"We're leaving now! See you tomorrow at the hospital!" Mokuba waved enthusiastically, hooking his arm casually through Yugi's.
"What? Why?" Yugi asked suddenly, looking confused.
"Seto's brain scan is tomorrow. You don't have to come if you're busy..." Mokuba said, looking guilty, throwing a glance over his shoulder at the empty doorway. Seto had gone back inside the house. "And we can't have marbled beef for lunch. It's not fair for Seto to watch us eat it while he has to eat something else."
"Oh." Yugi said simply, eyeing Yami sternly again. "Well let's hope the doctor has good news for us tomorrow."
"Yes." Yami responded seriously. He was going to try his very best not to pounce on Kaiba while they were alone for the next 24 hours.
Yami watched Yugi and Mokuba walk away, hurrying towards the limo with Isono bowing politely and closing the doors after them. He sighed as the long black vehicle pulled off of Kaiba's property and drove off past the gate.
Yami turned and headed back into the house, wondering where Kaiba had gone. He had sworn he had seen Kaiba standing in the doorway moments ago.
He closed the door carefully behind him and hurried down the hallway, glancing around the large living room.
"Kaiba?" Yami called, his voice echoing off the furniture as his eyes swept across the empty house.
"Down here!" Kaiba's voice echoed up from the staircase leading down into the theater.
Yami swallowed nervously and walked towards the sound of Kaiba's voice.
What is he doing down here? Yami wondered faintly, pushing the door aside and making his way down the carpeted steps.
Kaiba was resting cross legged on the white leather seating, his slender fingers wrapped around the remote as he casually flipped though movie titles.
Yami stood by the stairs cautiously, unsure of what to do.
Kaiba leaned his head back over the edge of the sofa, smiling playfully over at Yami, patting the spot next to him, "Sit. I'm in the mood for a movie." Without the alcohol, Kaiba thought secretly, making an effort to keep his smile wide.
Yami did nothing and just stared, fighting with himself internally. Kaiba was acting extremely carefree, and it was concerning to experience. His stomach grumbled uncertainly and Kaiba seemed to read his mind.
"Isono is bringing us food. He's stopping by the game shop first because I sent some over to Yugi and Mokuba." Kaiba said easily, not taking his eyes off the screen, feeling Yami shuffle hesitantly behind him.
He patted the seat beside him again, harder this time, "Sit…Yami." And Kaiba bit his tongue. He almost called him 'Atem' out of mental habit.
Yami let out a small sigh and moved to sit beside Kaiba, staring blankly ahead at the screen, willing his heart to stop pounding so furiously.
Kaiba tried to hide the smirk that was steadily gracing his face as he handed Yami the remote, "You pick."
Yami accepted the remote from Kaiba and did nothing, continuing to study his face closely, searching for signs of anger or distress. He found none and settled back into the white leather couch, kicking off his shoes out of habit and crossing his legs.
"I think you ought to rest." Yami said firmly, gripping the remote tightly, watching Kaiba blink softly up at the screen.
"No." Kaiba replied simply, forcing his expression to remain neutral.
Yami clenched his fist and hid it beneath his thighs, "Please rest." He set the remote down onto the glass table in front of them and resolutely crossed his arms. Yugi was already upset with him about the photograph, Yami wasn't about to risk another memory headache before Kaiba's scan tomorrow.
Kaiba grit his teeth and tried his best not to glare at Yami. "I am resting. Look, we're sitting down."
Yami shook his head and bit the inside of his lip. He had meant the laying down type of resting, but he wasn't sure how to phrase it in such a way that it wouldn't immediately sound like an invitation for sex.
Kaiba stared at the remote sitting on the glass table before them and sighed. He could understand that Yami was concerned for his well-being. Fine, he could make this work in his favor, as usual.
Kaiba stood slowly and clicked the screen off quickly, motioning towards the stairs, "I'll go lay down upstairs."
"Good." Yami said shortly, not moving from his spot on the couch. He wasn't going to follow. Being anywhere near Kaiba and a bed was a bad idea.
"Come with me." Kaiba said lightly, briefly considering sweeping Yami up in his arms and carrying him upstairs with him.
"No." Yami responded, tensing. This was heading in a bad direction already….
Kaiba grit his teeth, feeling his anger rise quickly. Again with the "no's" and the hostile behavior. What the hell would it take? This behavior was equally as confusing, especially now, when he was aware of everything, as opposed to when he had known nothing.
"Please?" Kaiba asked stiffly, walking towards the stairs, his heart sinking into his stomach. He knew forcing the pharaoh to come with him upstairs wasn't the best method, but he briefly recalled forcefully kissing Yami when he had first stepped into the house.
But Yami had responded…so was it considered forceful...?
Kaiba's head was beginning to hurt as he walked heavily up the steps, trying to quell the turmoil in his mind.
"I'll join you shortly." Yami said quietly, his voice shaking slightly.
Kaiba let out a small sigh of relief. Good. He wrapped a hand around the door handle and left the theater room, closing the door softly behind him.
Yami let out the breath he had been holding since he had sat down. He palmed his face with hot hands, feeling himself shake all over. They had been photographed together! Touching hands! And Kaiba was acting as if nothing happened. Yami stood slowly, feeling the room swim dangerously around him. Maybe…just maybe, it would be okay.
Yami sat down heavily again, feeling the leather sink down against his weight as Kaiba's glaring face flashed across his mind. The last time he had seen Kaiba before his collapse was months ago, on dueling grounds, and they had stood miles apart from each other, too far away for Yami to discern any visible emotions other than anger and determination.
He ducked his head down and watched his knees tremble. How had they gone from that, to passionate sex, day and night? Yami watched his knuckles turn white as he gripped the cushion beneath him. Was this really okay? They had gone out today, on what felt like a date.
Yami felt something strange bubble up inside his chest and he forcefully shoved it back down inside himself, forcing himself to feel nothing. It was a date, wasn't it? Yami drew in a deep breath and stood up slowly once again, steadily making his way across the room towards the stairs. He would allow himself to hope, because Kaiba's actions felt genuine.
Upstairs, Kaiba was laying face-down across his bed with the pillow tucked beneath his chin, scrolling absently though his phone, reading the reactions from Japanese netizens to the photos released on Twitter earlier.
There was a soft knock at the door and Kaiba felt his heart skip a beat. Yami.
"Enter." He said quietly, clicking his phone off quickly and shoving it beneath his pillow.
Isono stepped into the room carrying a stack of bentos, several rice balls wrapped neatly along the edge of the tray. He set it down on the desk and nodded politely, glad to see that Kaiba was resting as per doctor's orders.
"How are you feeling, Master Kaiba?" Isono asked carefully, noticing that Kaiba was wide awake, chin tucked into the pillow, staring oddly down at the mattress.
"I'm fine." Kaiba answered readily, his heart pounding in his chest. Where the hell was Yami?
"Very good. Text or call if you need me." And Isono left, quickly shutting the bedroom door behind him.
Kaiba gripped his phone tightly and slid it out again, furiously scrolling through the news feed, trying to ignore his anxiety which was rising steadily.
"Good, finally. Seeing these two hold hands in public is oddly relieving." Someone had written, and they had added the sweatdrop emoji.
Kaiba blinked, the screen blurring violently across his vision. That was a positive reaction.
He scrolled down further, his eyes skimming the feed.
"What a shame. They're both is so handsome." And an angry red-faced emoji.
"I had a feeling! Just from watching them duel, this was bound to be inevitable!" And an entire paragraph of laughing-face emojis.
"But is this real or staged for publicity?" someone else had written, "Kaiba corporation is in a lot of hot water. This was a good diversion. Seto Kaiba's love life is lacking."
"And he had just been hospitalized for health reasons." Another comment replied beneath it, "Perhaps this was suggested by a PR representative, and Yugi-kun agreed because he is kind-hearted."
"MY SWEET YUGI HAS BEEN STOLEN!" Someone cried, including several sobbing gif-emojis.
Kaiba gripped the phone tightly. People were really convinced that Yami was Yugi? They honestly didn't even look the same, but perhaps from far away….
Kaiba scrolled up to inspect the photo again, realizing that Yami's face was blurred because they were walking forwards too quickly, and the photo was taken from behind, on someone's cell phone.
Swallowing tightly, Kaiba scrolled back down to read more of the comments, one line catching his eye.
"They're not even the same color!" Someone had written, including several laughing-face emojis. "This is not Yugi, or it is Yugi with a deep tan. What is this, a new style? Yugi's style is regressing into Manba~~~!"
There were several users beneath that comment, talking about how Yugi's style was always questionable.
Suddenly, Kaiba heard the door click behind him and he froze, listening to the soft footsteps approaching him from behind. Isono? Or ..Yami?
"Thank you Isono, I'll be fine." Kaiba spoke, keeping his voice even, swallowing his nervousness.
Yami paused at the edge of the bed, his eyes trailing over towards the stack of bento's piled high on Kaiba's desk. They had been brought food!
"How are you feeling?" Yami asked, deciding to ignore Kaiba's comment, secretly glad to see that Kaiba was laying down.
"I'm fine." Kaiba responded dully, wondering briefly if he ought to show Yami what he was reading.
Yami eyed the glowing screen pressed up against Kaiba's pillow, noticing that Kaiba was taking care to hide it from him.
"What are you looking at?" Yami demanded, glaring at the phone, resisting the urge to reach forwards and snatch it out of Kaiba's hands.
Kaiba blinked, his mind racing. Yami's reaction…might not be a positive one. Kaiba stopped himself mid-thought, Yami's teary face while he said "I love you", bubbling to the surface of his consciousness.
Well if he sees this, then he ought to be happy, Kaiba thought darkly, turning over and sitting up slowly.
"Well?" Yami demanded, crossing and uncrossing his arms nervously. He knew he was being rude, but he couldn't find it in himself to care. This was too stressful.
"Come here and I'll show you." Kaiba responded readily, patting the spot on the bed beside him.
Yami tensed, shaking his head furiously. He wasn't going to fall for that again.
"Show it to me first." Yami said guiltily, holding out his hand insistently, palm facing upwards.
Kaiba shook his head and patted the spot beside him, "You'll feel a lot better reading it while you're sitting here."
Yami blinked rapidly, trying to figure out what the catch was. Kaiba sounded genuine, as usual, and this was throwing him off completely.
Kaiba was privately fuming, watching Yami waver on the spot, clearly hesitant.
Say 'no' one more godamn time Pharaoh, I swear will drag you onto this bed and pin you down, Kaiba thought darkly, patting the spot beside him again.
Yami nodded stiffly and sat carefully on the edge of the bed, his heart pounding nervously in his chest.
Kaiba smiled warmly and wrapped an arm around Yami's slender waist, nuzzling his nose into the delicate curves of Yami's ear, feeling him shiver slightly. "See? Much better." Kaiba said, feeling his chest tighten as he saw Yami nod ever so slightly.
"Now, look at this." Kaiba said, placing his phone onto Yami's lap. He pulled Yami closer to him, watching his expression carefully.
Yami glanced down at the screen and read the blocks of text which were popping up at the bottom of the screen, apparently in real-time. He caught a few lines here and there, "Seto Kaiba…why?! He's too handsome!"
Yami felt his eyelid twitch irritably. What was this? Was this Kaiba, gloating about how strangers on the internet thought he was attractive?
He watched several other comments appear beneath the one he'd just read:
"No wonder his love life is lacking, he's gay! Makes sense! However handsome, he definitely looks healthier here." –flower emojis-
"I hope this is real! I hope with all my might this is real! I refuse to believe this is PR stunt!"
-red angry face emoji-
"As a Yugi-fangirl, I am devastated, but extremely happy for him." Coupled with a stream of heart emojis.
Yami blinked and read the next comment that popped up.
"You people are all blind. This is not Yugi!" And several laughing-face emojis.
Yami trembled, feeling faint. He waited for the next comment to pop up beneath it.
"It is Yugi!" A user beneath insisted, "It is Yugi trying out a new style! Bless him, his face is cute but his style is horrific. I'm surprised he didn't change outfits while seen on a date with Seto Kaiba!"
"Conspiracy theory: Yugi has a long-lost twin." Someone replied beneath it, "They switch places sometimes when they duel. Search through previous duel footage to find proof!"
Yami raised his head slowly and looked over at Kaiba, who was smiling mischievously at him, his blue eyes shining.
Yami's voice caught in his throat as he tried to speak, an odd bubble of happiness rising up inside his chest. He held his breath and stuffed the feeling back down, lowering his head, watching as more and more comments popped up on the phone, his vision blurring terribly.
"I am 100% Yugi-devoted, and I can say with 100% certainty, that is not Yugi, and here's why... …" Someone had written, adding a link to a fan-blog they owned.
"My friends and I have been tweeting at Seto Kaiba for the last hour. He will either respond with a formal statement or never reply at all. Cold." –red angry face emoji paired with a sweating emoji-
The comment beneath that one read: "He probably doesn't manage his own socials. He's too busy. And rich." –meh face emoji-
"Yugi's social is silent too! He has been stolen from us! What is happening! I need more information!" The paragraph of broken heart emojis that followed was so immense, Yami had to scroll down twice to read the next comment.
"Good for Seto Kaiba. I hate him with all my being, but I agree with user131. What a waste if he was single his entire life. Hopefully he will release Yugi soon."
Yami read the sentence over and over. What? Kaiba? Single his entire life? Impossible, especially with those looks.
Kaiba smirked, watching Yami's eyes widen as the comments section continued to explode, feeling oddly satisfied.
"What do you think?" Kaiba asked carefully, reaching a hand over to lift the phone out from Yami's grasp, feeling Yami tighten his grip, refusing to let go of the phone.
"I think…" Yami whispered, blinking rapidly, the room tilting and shifting violently around him. The internet's reaction to the photo was mostly positive, with aggression directed towards the fact that Yugi had been "stolen" by Seto Kaiba. No wonder Yugi was angry. These photos were dividing his fan-base, half of which seemed to support the idea of him with Kaiba, and the other side staunchly refusing to believe anything until someone made a formal statement.
Kaiba waited patiently for Yami to respond, watching him blink and stutter, clearly shaken.
"Let's make a formal statement." Kaiba said devilishly, prying the phone out from Yami's hands.
"No!" Yami gasped, wrapping his hands around Kaiba's wrists frantically. This was impossibly bad. If it wasn't an invitation for sex, it was publicly announcing their relationship with each other….to the world!
"Yes." Kaiba responded readily, "This would help Yugi. Don't you want that?"
Are you okay with everyone thinking you are Yugi? Kaiba fumed privately, watching Yami sway and blink rapidly at him.
Yami tried to take a proper breath, his heart feeling as if it was about to jump out of his chest at any moment. Yes, of course he wanted to help Yugi and his fan-base. This entire fiasco was his fault to begin with. But…a formal statement? What did that involve?
"Call Yugi." Kaiba said, aggressively pressing the phone into Yami's heated palm, "And tell him you're going to fix it. We're going to fix it."
This was how to do it, Kaiba was sure. He would use Yugi's distress to get to Yami.
"I…" Yami stammered, looking down at Kaiba's phone in his hand, catching another comment popping up on the screen.
"Can I cry myself to sleep now? Yugi is dating Seto Kaiba!" And a stream of tearful emojis coupled with broken hearts.
Yami gripped the phone tightly and nodded, "I'll call him now."
"Yes, do that." Kaiba said triumphantly, leaning back into the pillows and folding his arms behind his head.
Yami tapped across the phone screen, watching his thumb shake as the number pad appeared beneath it and he carefully dialed the game shop. He held the phone up to his ear, realizing it was warm.
He stared at Kaiba, his heart skipping a beat as Kaiba smiled encouragingly back at him, the phone ringing loudly in his ear.
"Hello Kaiba." Yugi's voice drifted coldly through the receiver, "Make it quick, I'm busy."
Yami swallowed thickly and spoke quietly, "Aibou…"
"Oh." Yugi paused and his tone changed completely, "Yami! Are you okay?"
"Yes." Yami responded, feeling Kaiba lean forward and wrap a warm hand over his. He tensed, his mind racing. Somehow…the situation had become like this…how?!
"I read what's happening online." Yami said carefully, hearing Yugi gasp slightly and his guilt rose even higher, "And I'm really sorry everyone thinks that…I am you."
There was a long pause on the other end and Yami felt himself begin to sweat slightly.
"Okay." Was all Yugi said, and the silence continued.
Yami looked over at Kaiba nervously and Kaiba gave Yami's hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Kaiba will make a formal statement. How would you feel about that?" Yami said carefully, his heart thudding so loudly he could barely hear himself think.
"And what would he say, exactly?" Yugi said tersely, sounding impatient.
"I'm not sure." Yami said delicately, watching Kaiba smile gently again, "But anything he says regarding this matter would help clear the misunderstanding your fans are having."
This was true, but he was talking up Kaiba in a big way and Yami realized he didn't even know what Kaiba planned to say.
"Fine." Yugi responded, sounding stressed, "I trust you, but I don't trust Kaiba right now, given his condition. But if you think it's a good idea, I will go along with it."
Yami nodded, but realized Yugi couldn't see him, "Yes, Aibou."
"Okay, see you later." Yugi said gently, hanging up the phone with a soft click.
Yami lowered the phone, his arm feeling unnaturally heavy. Kaiba bit back a smirk and he lifted the phone out of Yami's grasp.
"Let's eat." Kaiba said blithely, throwing the covers off of himself and swinging his long legs over the edge of the bed.
Yami nodded, feeling numb. He wasn't the least bit hungry anymore, but he followed Kaiba over to the desk, watching him inspect the bentos and the rice balls.
"Chicken, for me. Salmon…for you." Kaiba said simply, placing the boxes beside each other, arranging the rice balls neatly on top. He strode over to the window and pushed the curtains back, allowing the sun the stream merrily into the room, lighting up every corner.
Yami winced, the brightness stinging his eyes. What on earth was Kaiba doing? Acting crazy again, no doubt.
"Wait here. Isono forgot utensils." Kaiba smiled and brushed past Yami quickly, watching him blink at him, clearly stunned.
Kaiba strode out of the room and hurried down the grand staircase, rushing towards his study. He swung the door open forcefully, his eyes scanning the room. He had a spare phone tucked away in this room…somewhere.
Kaiba walked towards the large, oak desk and rummaged around in the drawers, pulling out one of his branded phones, still new in the packaging. Smirking, he made his way towards the kitchen and grabbed two pairs of chopsticks, two wineglasses and a bottle of sparkling water. On a second thought, Kaiba walked through the house and entered the garage, tucking the bottle underneath his arm, he pressed the keys to the car he had driven earlier and heard the trunk latch open with a click.
He circled the other cars and reached the angular white vehicle, gently lifting the trunk upwards, he looped all the shopping bags on his arms and slammed the trunk shut with his elbow, the sound echoing around the garage.
He made his way through the deserted house again, moving steadily up the stairs, gripping the wine glasses tightly, deep in thought. Yami had managed to convince Yugi it was a good idea for him to make a formal statement, and Kaiba knew exactly what to do.
Kaiba stepped back into his room, pleased to see Yami was leaning casually against the edge of his desk. Yami's gaze followed him as he walked into the room with his arms full of their purchases.
Kaiba set the bottle with the wineglasses and chopsticks down onto the desk with a clink and carefully slipped an arm into one of the shopping bags, feeling around for one of the shirts he had seen Yami purchase.
He lifted it out with a flourish and held it out to Yami. "Change. We're making the statement now."
Kaiba watched Yami blink at him and hesitate.
"Why do I need to wear that?" Yami asked, knowing fully why Kaiba was asking him to change. The comments beneath the pictures all expressed that Yugi's style was questionable. Wearing something different would immediately set him apart from Yugi.
"You know why." Kaiba scoffed, "If you don't want to wear this one, pick out another one. I'll change too."
Yami nodded and lifted the shirt out of Kaiba's grasp, watching him stride over to the closet. Wait…a …minute. Why did they need to change their clothes if Kaiba was just making a verbal statement?
"I don't know why!" Yami exclaimed, louder than he had intended to, "You don't need to include me in the statement! Just say what you want to say and be done with it!"
Kaiba paused, his fingers wrapping around a red dress shirt as he carefully constructed his answer. "Get changed. This will work out just fine, trust me."
Yami grit his teeth, watching Kaiba pull off the collared shirt he was wearing and quickly button a red dress shirt which hugged his form enticingly. Yami glanced down at the shirt in his hand, running his thumb over the black fabric. It had an interesting texture; the material was soft and the design across the front was so subtle, it only showed when it caught the light at certain angles because it had been delicately stitched into the shirt.
Yami pushed all doubt out of his mind and shrugged his blazer off, hastily peeling off his black tank top and throwing the new shirt on over his head. He glanced down at his chest, realizing that the stitched design was the large head of an elephant. An intricate circle was sewn around it, making it look oddly ethnic.
What was this shirt he had chosen? Yami didn't know, but he had remembered seeing it on the wall at the store, and he liked it immensely.
He noticed Kaiba's gaze following him and Yami flushed deeply, heating up with embarrassment. They were growing so comfortable with each other, and that thought made Yami squirm.
"An elephant," Kaiba commented, smiling slightly. "Interesting choice."
Yami blinked and nodded, feeling himself redden again as Kaiba circled the desk and slid a new phone out of its packaging. Yami stared, watching Kaiba switch it on and tap around on the screen. A second phone?
"Here." Kaiba said, handing Yami the phone, "Make an account and we'll go from there."
Yami stared down at the screen which was asking for a username and password. He didn't know what hell Kaiba was talking about.
"What is this account for?" Yami asked, crossing his arms firmly, glaring at the phone.
Kaiba responded without hesitation, "It's for you."
Yami glanced down at the bentos sitting on Kaiba's desk, his stomach churning with hunger, his interest waning. He didn't want to join the online conversation strangers were having about Yugi and Seto.
Kaiba caught the look of disinterest and he nodded, "Fine, I'll do it for you." He tapped the username bar and began typing, "Username: Atem….Password—"
Yami snatched the phone from Kaiba's hands, his heart thundering in his chest. This was not a laughing matter. He had to know exactly what Kaiba was planning on doing before anything else happened. What's more, Kaiba was creating the account under his name, his real name! This situation was becoming more and more worrisome by the minute.
"Don't…play." Yami hissed, gripping the phone close to his chest, willing himself to calm down, "Tell me what this will achieve."
"Relax." Kaiba said easily, reaching for the phone, feeling Yami resist and back away slightly, "We're posting a photo. And we can say whatever you want."
Yami paused, slowly processing Kaiba's words, swaying dangerously on the spot.
Kaiba was suggesting they post a photo of them, together, as a formal statement? On an account, under his name?!
"Then, you're not the one making the statement!" Yami cried, his breath hitching painfully in his throat, "I am!"
"Yep." Kaiba responded, pulling out the chair behind his desk and sitting down gracefully. "I figured this would be the easiest and most comfortable way for you. Take your time."
Yami blinked and swallowed thickly, feeling himself grow numb with shock. He stared down at his name glowing on the screen, sitting innocently in the username bar, suddenly aware that the magnitude of responsibility and control Kaiba had given him was astounding…and concerning.
Kaiba watched Yami blink hesitantly and he sighed. He had a feeling Yami might refuse.
There was a long silence before Yami finally spoke up, his voice wavering slightly as he stared at Kaiba sitting casually behind his desk, "I can do whatever I want. I can post…whatever I want."
"Yeah, you can delete it too if you change your mind." Kaiba said wearily, wondering if this comment would help further convince the Pharaoh.
"I can." Yami said with more conviction, nodding firmly as the feeling began to return to his arms and legs, realizing he would be asked to delete everything once Kaiba inevitably changed his mind and regained his memories.
This account would become his weapon.
"I'll make it now." Yami said aggressively, a smirk gracing his lips as he quickly decided on a password and entered it, his heart pounding excitedly.
I'm going to be posting evidence of our relationship! Yami thought happily, watching as the screen turned white for a moment and a welcome message popped up. Once I post any photo, it will be circulated…forever. Kaiba will have to think of me any time a news outlet decides they want to pry.
Yami stared at the empty icon asking for a profile photo, feeling guilt rise steadily upwards. Using this account as blackmail later on wasn't healthy, and Yami knew this, but he couldn't bring himself to care. He would hold onto these photos privately and keep them forever.
Kaiba watched Yami's expressions carefully, seeing his face brighten and grow dark again. What the hell was the problem?
"What's wrong?" Kaiba asked, dreading the answer. Yami had probably changed his mind about creating the account again.
"Nothing. This is wonderful." Yami responded darkly, tapping the camera icon, seeing the tips of his shoes come into view across his screen. "I want to post several photos right now."
Kaiba was pleasantly surprised. He leaned forwards in his seat and propped his elbows up on the desk, folding his hands across his mouth, obscuring his smile. He watched Yami step closer to the desk and snap a photo of the bentos.
Kaiba tilted his head, interested. Was Yami only photographing the food? Hilarious.
"One more." Yami said happily, enjoying how bright and crisp the photo appeared across his screen. He would expect nothing less from Kaiba's technology.
Kaiba nodded, genuinely amused. He watched Yami circle the desk, approaching him steadily, and his heart leapt up into his throat. "What are you doing?" Kaiba asked, panicking slightly as Yami casually draped an arm around his shoulders.
"Taking a photo." Yami responded calmly, his mind racing excitedly. He purposefully pressed his knee between Kaiba's firmly crossed legs, "I want to be here. Make room."
Kaiba nodded stiffly and uncrossed his legs, feeling himself sweat as Yami braced himself against his chair. Yami shoved his knee right up against Kaiba's groin and pressed his chest across Kaiba's chin, feeling Kaiba's breath graze his neck.
Yami gripped Kaiba's shoulders for support as he angled the camera high above them, smirking into the viewfinder, enjoying Kaiba's slightly flushed complexion. There was no mistaking this pose for anything else other than "we're fucking".
He snapped the photo right as Kaiba looked up at him curiously. Kaiba blinked, his mouth going dry as he saw the photo linger across the screen before disappearing into the far corner. In the tiny icon from afar, it looked as if they were embracing tightly. Holy shit, Yami was bold.
Yami felt himself smile as he lowered the phone and tapped the photo, studying it carefully. Perfect. Kaiba was staring lovingly at him in picture, looking extremely handsome with his cheeks blushed in a light pink color.
Yami felt his excitement rise. This was too good to be true.
"I'm posting it now." Yami said gleefully, not moving from his position in Kaiba's lap, feeling Kaiba snake his arms around his hips.
Kaiba nodded, burying his nose into the crook of Yami's neck, inhaling his unique scent. He was too happy to care. The fact that Yami would willingly come this close to him made his heart want to explode.
Author's note:
Hey you, reader, yes you. The next chapter will contain comments from netizens reacting to the photo Yami is posting. I need some comments from u IRL peoples! Submit your comments in a PM, review, or ASK BOX on tumblr, and your words might be featured in the next chapter! (SMILES and HUGS)
Next chapter going up (10.2.17)
At: Gayerthana2dollarbill – (BIG HEARTS) thank you so much for leaving me supportive comments on Tumblr! I love and appreciate you! I cry with happiness every time!
At: MisturugiChire – THANK YOU! I appreciate all the followings and favorite-ing! It motivates me so much! (hugsss)
At: QueenGemini – thank you for your continued reading support!
At: CHTR – NICE TO SEE U AGAIN IN MY REVIEWS SECTION! HIEEEeee! (big hearts)
Best wishes to you all,
Ugli
