Bet you guys weren't expecting this to be my next update. XD
Anyway, I actually got this done before Outakon, I wanted to finish at least one chapter before leaving, which I did on top of packing for Outakon, finishing my costume, getting all my materials in order, nearly murdering my sister cause driving in Baltimore is IMPOSSIBLE! But I got it done and my awesome Beta for this story, HikariYugi got it back to me, so this is my welcome home gift to everyone!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything, Yugioh and all its characters are the proud creations of Kazuki Takehashi, my hero! Thoroughly Modern Millie is a Broadway musical and film belonging to whoever it his who wrote it because i don't have the patience to look it up, and Yami's outfit is based off Tamaki's Mad Hatter Costume from Ouran high school host club!
Dedication: To HikariYugi for her wonderful beta job even after I took months off this story and of course to the fans for their wonderful and continued support, and for all of their patience!
Enjoy!
Chapter theme: Teenage Dream-Kate Perry (I heard this song on the radio in my car and it made me think of this chapter to the point I had it playing the entire time I was writing it! It is PERFECT for the dance scene in this chapter ;) Play it! You'll see what I mean!
Parties
"Well ladies, what do you think?" Yugi bragged, spinning around to let the girls see the back of his outfit: a snow white tuxedo, blazed open revealing a lovely scarlet and silver-embroidered vest over a lavender undershirt and topped with a white ascot, sealed with an amethyst embedded silver pin.
"Ooh, someone's got a hot date tonight." Tea teased. "Yami taking you out again?"
"Yup," Yugi boasted proudly, smirking as they all ooh-ed and ahh-ed at his outfit.
"You look wonderful!" Ryou cheered. "I told you a tuxedo would be much better for you! Makes your shoulders look sturdier."
"You're looking snazzy. Yami taking you some place nice?" Rebecca teased, even though she already knew the answer.
"You and Yami sure seem to be spending a lot of time together," Serenity giggled. "Kinda ironic for someone who said they didn't want a relationship."
"We're just going to a party, Serenity." Yugi corrected, "What Yami and I have is just a fling. Besides wasn't it you girls who said I should get out more?"
"Oh come on, Yugi," Tea playfully rubbed his hair. "You practically live with Yami; you sleep over every night, most of the time you go to work straight from there, and go back after. I don't even know why you still pay Vivi rent."
"That's for the portrait," Yugi protested. "I told you guys about that."
"You don't need to sleep over to do a portrait." Serenity countered.
"Not that I blame you," Tea chimed in. "Must be nice snuggling up next to a gorgeous guy on a single futon-"
"Tea, shut up!" Yugi whirled around and stomped his foot, face red with anger and embarrassment. "It's not like that! Besides, you can have a fling without having sex…at least right away."
"That's true." Serenity said. "No one wants a guy who just wants sex. Besides, nothing's wrong with a good old-fashioned make-out session," Serenity swooned, clasping her hands together, but she paused when she noticed Yugi remained silent. No protest or witty comeback. Instead he turned away and held his chin up, a neutral mask on his face.
"Yugi," Ryou peeked his head in. "You and Yami have kissed, right?"
Caught off guard by the question, Yugi's demeanor transformed. His neutral mask dropped to the startled look of a dog hiding under the table.
"Oh my god!" Tea shrieked in a combination of earnest shock, disbelief and catty teasing. "You two haven't even kissed yet!"
"Do the ones he stole count?" Yugi asked.
"No, 'cause those were all cheek, no lips. Tea said with playful sternness. "But seriously, my God, Yugi. What do you two do all night?"
"I told you: we work on the painting," Yugi explained, his tone bordered on a retort.
"Which you haven't seen," Rebecca reminded, peeking her spectacles over the top of her magazine.
"Yes," Yugi answered, grudgingly, "Yami said he doesn't want me seeing it until it's done, he wants to make an event out of it."
"Sounds romantic," Serenity said.
"It's not romantic," Yugi countered immediately. "And to answer your question, Tea, we just talk. He paints, I pose, we talk to make the time go by. By the time we're done for the day it's already so late we just get take out or something; and neither of us has a car, and he doesn't want me walking home at night by myself and I don't want him walking back by himself, if he walks me back, so I stay over. That's it."
"Sounds more like a date than a fling," Rebecca said. "Flings are all about the wild, passion and emotion without commitment attachments. You and Yami bond through communication and practically live together without actually sharing a place without the benefits and misfortunes of being married. That's a relationship."
"Oh for God's sake, this is not a relationship!" Yugi spoke in a tone that silenced any opposition, but the blush on his face marred the conviction.
"Whatever you say, Yugi." Serenity teased in a sing-song voice of someone who knew a secret and wasn't telling.
"Aren't you a little overdressed for Yami though?" Rebecca teased, leaning against the wall, arms folded over her chest, magazine wedged between them.
"Not at all. We're going to a party tonight and he told me to look my best, so I am."
Rebecca raised an eyebrow with a snort and a smirk. "Yami really must have friends in a lot of places with where you two have been going. The museum, KaibaLand, Burger Baloza, Karaoke, the arcade, for all his talk those are some pretty low places."
"And in high places too," Yugi's lips curled into a devilish grin. "You girls will never guess where he's taking me tonight."
"No, but since you're going to tell us anyway why bother guessing?" Rebecca snapped.
"Ruin my fun, why don't you?" Yugi sighed.
"Whatever, are you gonna tell us or not?"
"Yes I am." Yugi smirked and curled his index finger over and over. Both Serenity and Tea obeyed, getting closer and closer to him. "We. Are going. To the home. Of the one. The only. Mai Valentine!" Serenity and Tea jumped back and screamed like fangirls.
Rebecca's entire face fell in her shock. Stunned, she asked. "The Mai Valentine? The singer? The widow of Seth Kaiba's widower? That Mai Valentine?"
"That's the one!" Yugi said full of enthusiasm. "Yami's old rivals with her step-son, so she invited us to her coming-out party. Yami said she can't wait to meet me!"
"You're making this up! Anything hosted by the Kaibas is like beyond VIP how the hell could Yami—"
"I told you, Becky," Yugi's smile curled at the corners. Rebecca cringed knowing he only used that nickname when he had her beat. "My Yami's got friends in high and low places. This could be my big break, who knows maybe she can help me get published through KaibaCorp."
"But I thought when Seth Kaiba died he bequeathed the company to his and his husband's son, Seto?" Serenity asked, confused
"He did. Mai's his step-mother, remember?" Tea corrected. "She married Katsuya a couple years after Seth died. I think Seto's still pretty young though. I mean, he's older then us, but he's still in his mid-twenties I think."
"He should be; he inherited that company when he was sixteen!" Rebecca chimed in.
"Well, Mai invited Yami to her after party tonight. She's performing the lead in Taming of the Shrew at the Domino Theater tonight. The after party is at the Kaiba mansion." Yugi bragged, smirking as his friends eyed him with jealousy, save for Ryou, who seemed engrossed in what he was holding. Out of the corner of his eyes Yugi could see his arm wrapped gently around a small bouquet of white lilies, interwoven with dangling bell-shaped lily-of-the-valleys, and purple lilacs. His free hand held a small card which his doe-brown eyes scanned meticulously over and over again, his smile widening each time he read it.
"Whatcha got there, Ryou?" Yugi asked with a mischievous note in his voice.
Ryou jumped, nearly dropping his flowers before hugging them so tightly to his chest they were almost smothered. He turned a pale pink face to his best friend, the shade darkening to a ripe cherry when the girls' attention turned to him as well. Looking down at the smothered flowers he quickly hid them behind his back.
"Nothing," he said, his voice meek and pathetic.
Yugi's smile turned into a devious grin. "This 'nothing' wouldn't by any chance have something to do with why you didn't wanna come with Yami and me, does it?"
"Of course not!" Ryou countered, turning redder. "I simply didn't want to be the third party on your date."
"Yeah, right." Yugi teased, trying to peek behind Ryou's shoulder, but Ryou twisted away to hide what was behind his back. The girls giggled in the background.
"Well, if you must know, I have a prior engagement planned for this afternoon with a good friend of mine," Ryou said proudly, his nose rose with dignity, despite the overpowering blush marring his complexion.
"Oh really?" Yugi raised a curious eyebrow. "With who?"
"That, my nosey little friend, is none of your business," Ryou said firmly, but the playful tone alerted Yugi that he was not the only one playing this game. "Besides, shouldn't you be downstairs waiting for your knight in black leather? Or is it red this time?"
Yugi's face marred into an annoyed frown. "Okay guys, enough with the knight thing! It's getting on my nerves." Yugi turned on his heels and started towards the elevator, double-checking to make sure his phone and wallet were in his pockets. "And for the record, I'm glad Yami's not a knight. I hate all that chivalry crap; it's sexist or stereotypical if your gay disguised as politeness."
"I happen to find chivalry admirable," Ryou added following him. "Wonder if Vivi has a vase I can put these in?" He asked following Yugi into the elevator.
XXXX
The elevator ride had been uneventful, but the sight the double sliding doors opened up to was one to remember, as Yugi soon found out. They found Bakura Ishtar sitting on a fold-up chair behind Vivi's desk, one leg elegantly crossed over the other and arms holding a simple glass vase, half-filled with water. Hard eyes locked in a death ray of glares with his cousin Marik. Neither of them was willing to break their control, or even consider the possibility of defeat.
The bronze Egyptian started whispering something in Arabic, that Yugi didn't understand, but it seemed to get under Bakura's skin because his eyes turned fiery and wild, his teeth gritted with rage and he clenched the glass so hard, Yugi feared it would break. The man looked ready to start cursing and screeching in some foreign language.
Fortunately, before he could, Yugi and Ryou emerged beyond the sliding doors; Yugi looking annoyed and Ryou fussing over his drooping flowers. When his eyes caught Ryou, Bakura flashed a bright smile and burst past his co-worker, brandishing the glass vase at Ryou happily.
"Oh, thank you." Ryou smiled, placing the flowers into the vase. Seeing Yugi was still watching him, he leaned closer and whispered. "Thank you for the flowers, too."
"You are very welcome, Master Ryou." Bakura said proudly in his best Japanese pronunciation.
Yugi snorted and shook his head. Normally he would've played along, but he had a date to enjoy.
"You look radiant." Yugi smirked, recognizing the rich baritone that made him shiver whenever he heard it.
"Why thank you." He smiled, tucking a blond bang behind his ear, having pulled the spiked back into a low ponytail in order to better show off his khol-rimmed eyes. "You don't look that bad yourself."
That was a complete understatement on Yugi's part. Dressed in sleek, form-fitting black dress pants, a simple white shirt with the topper being a dramatically long, crimson blazer trimmed with white at the cuffs and topped with a red tie. Black leather gloves peeking out of the cuffs and stylish black shoes trimmed with gold buckled completed the outfit. Unlike their previous outings, Yami wore a sleek pair of half-moon glasses stylishly placed over his nose giving him and air of mystery, but not enough to hide those gorgeous eyes.
God, how is it every time we meet, he looks even more beautiful? Yugi wondered, taking in the man's stunning appearance.
He was quickly brought out of his musing by a soft peck on the forehead. When he looked up Yami was pulling away from the kiss, smiling and offering his arm. "Shall we?" He asked, mimicking a gentleman.
"Sure." Yugi grinned, looping his arm through Yami's and let him lead the way.
"See, chivalry's not dead after all." Ryou teased, but Yugi ignored him. Nothing was going to ruin this night.
Nothing.
XXXX
The Kaiba Mansion was more spectacular than Yugi dreamed. When the limo Mai had sent pulled through the iron-gate and circled the driveway Yugi could barely believe that in less than four months he'd gone from a micro-village no one to actually being invited to the most infamous building in the city - invited by one of the country's richest and most well-known actresses none less.
The mansion itself was a pristine white Greek Revival with a blue roof, grand white pillars at least three stories tall, and enormous western style white dragon statues on either side of the entrance. The grand doors, which stood easily three times Yugi's height, opened wide with escorts ready and waiting with clipboards and lists of names.
Both boys walked in with their heads held high, the escorts crossing off their names as they walked in. So enormous was the mansion that Yugi was grateful for Yami holding his hand, guiding him through the vast maze of hallways. Butlers and maids stood outside each door, providing guidance into the ballroom where the festivities were held.
"Wow!" Yugi, who'd grown up in small towns his whole life and had never been in anything fancier than his dad's penthouse in L.A., couldn't resist a gasp of amazement at the sheer size and volume of the Kaiba manor ballroom: Ocher walls accented with vibrant green trim decorated the walls. Lamps lined the walls like tall, proud soldiers shining with brilliant gold lights. Gigantic chandeliers, resplendent with glittering crystals and silver chains, dangled from the ceiling. A plush rouge carpet cushioned everyone's shoes; in the center of which was a stone fountain shaped like a dragon, surrounded by long tables covered with white cloths and dotted with a feast fit for a king. Other tables were spread throughout: a pyramid of filled wine and champagne glasses, punch bowls, fruit and gourmet cheese plates, caviar, and other expensive looking appetizers, even a dessert table that called to Yugi's sweet tooth.
Scattered throughout the room, partygoers and guests chatted, bragged and clicked wine glasses. Women dressed in smooth dresses made of expensive materials with shawls, men wearing full suits and ties, and reporters dressed lavishly with tape recorders carefully hidden in the most bizarre places interviewed actors from the show, who were dressed lavishly in feathered dresses and costume-style suits. The air, the atmosphere, the style, the culture: it even smelled expensive. Immediately Yugi felt out of place, and was extremely grateful he had Ryou's help with his outfit.
"Wow, this is all so fancy," Yugi said clearly impressed.
"Mai's definitely flamboyant, but Kaiba's the one who really likes to go all out. He just has to show off," Yami explained, squeezing Yugi's hand comfortingly. Yugi blushed realizing he'd gripped it tighter in his nervousness.
"Don't let them intimidate you, Yugi." Yami winked. "Most of these people are reporters or cast and crew members from Mai's shows. Others are business partners, possible business ventures, or clients. The rest are rich people or celebrities who only got invited to be polite. These people - the only thing you need to know is that they, with the exception of the personal friends and business partners of the Kaiba themselves, are pathetic." He smirked when Yugi shot up, his face pulled into a confused look.
"They'll talk trash about everyone, even the hosts, but the second they come over, they immediately turn cheek and spit out so much praise and crap, you'd need boots to listen to them. The real kicker is seeing just how much ass some people are willing to kiss," Yami chuckled. "Especially since the Kaibas are notorious for being extremely difficult to please, but in reality it's because they can see right through all the rich snobs and who's 'real', and I don't mean the noses."
Yami smiled when Yugi laughed. "The trick is to make them think: play along with their game. Agree with what they say, and say your own piece, but say it in a way that makes them sound unsophisticated if they don't agree. You could be dirt poor and wearing a rental suit and they won't care, as long as they think you're one of them." Yami explained, deviously, his tone taking a sadistic twist at the thought of deceiving the so-called 'upper-class'.
"How many of these things have you been to?" Yugi asked, suspiciously. "You know way too much about this stuff to have only been to just a few."
Yami smiled a real smile this time. "Like I said, Mai invites me to a lot of these things; she's actually the one who taught me all the ropes. She said she learned them from her waitress and showgirl days."
"That actually makes sense," Yugi nodded. "I keep forgetting Mai started off in a small town, like me."
"It's why she likes you," Yami explained. "She knows you're the real deal, not one of these stuck-up snobs out to get something from her. Course, that's mostly 'cause I like you."
"Thanks." Yugi blushed. "By real deal, you mean…"
"I mean you're a fresh young artist earnestly trying to make it at your craft, like me. You know how Seth Kaiba built his empire from nothing after his step-father offed himself when his stocks plummeted?"
"How could I forget? KaibaCorp was Japan's biggest arms dealers until Hiroshima ended the war."
"Exactly. Well, Seth had to build it from the ground up with nothing but his brothers, and designed most of the games and industries the company manufactures himself. He's literally a self-made billionaire. Mai was the same before she married Katsuya, she managed her career from nothing; she knows how hard it is and she respects people who earn their keep or who prove they've earned it. Even Seto Kaiba, rumor has it, had to start from scratch by working at KaibaLand, but," Yami leaned in, "Don't tell him I said that though, his ego is so bad the second it dents he has to double his own arrogance to get over it." Yugi stifled his laughter with his shaking hands.
Suddenly the lights dimmed, a spotlight illuminated one of the many butlers holding a microphone on the elegant stage illuminated with curtains that matched the walls at the head of the room. "Ladies, gentlemen and guests, thank you all for attending - and now for the moment you've all been waiting for! Our gracious hosts would like to make their appearance!" He raised his arm, gesturing toward the center of the stage. On cue, the curtains rose, revealing two people.
"Presenting our gracious hosts, Seto Kaiba, and the Lady of the Hour, Mai Valentine neé Kaiba!"
The crowd gasped and cheered as the famous Seto Kaiba stepped forward, his arm locked with Mai Valentine's. Yugi sucked in a breath. Both the Kaibas looked just as elegant as Yami had painted them. Seto Kaiba stood tall and proud, brandishing a lean figure beneath a polished white suit and blue tie, his very stance commanding authority. His chestnut hair was short and combed to perfection, revealing his sharp features and strong chin, not a hair out of place; but the topper were those stunning ice-blue eyes as cool and collected as Yami had painted him. His arm was locked with step-mother's, and Yugi couldn't help but blush at the sight of her.
Never shy about her age or personal life, Mai Valentine was a woman in her early 40s, but she was in every inch as beautiful, youthful, and lively as the woman Yami had painted. Her bodacious blond hair cascaded in thick waves down her back, framing her high cheek bones and pouty lips where they curled into a playful smile, thick lashes highlighted her round, brilliant eyes the color of violets, and she boasted a thin, voluptuous figure, that not even her long-sleeved, pale blue ball gown, trimmed along the sleeves and hems with lavender feathers, could conceal. Unlike Seto, who wore a neutral scowl, Mai's gloved hand covered her mouth in a sweet giggled and her eyes were bright and playful; polar opposites of one another, but the affection was evident as they walked down the steps and joined the crowd, arms locked.
To the crowd they looked as remarkable as they always had but, to Yugi, it was as if Seto and Mai had stepped out of the realm of Yami's fantastical paintings and into the mortal world. So caught off guard he couldn't speak, he froze when he saw Mai's gaze turn towards him and flash him a smile. He blushed at it, unsure what to do.
Suddenly the woman's eyes lit up like a child's on Christmas morning. She removed her arm from her step-son's and started across the room, surprisingly fast and just as elegant for the dress she wore, her arms opening as she did so. "Yami!" She cheered exuberantly.
Yami was engulfed by the older woman's hug before he could turn around, and pulled into her arms. "Oh I've missed you, hun!" She smiled, hugging Yami tighter, either ignoring or oblivious to the man's half-struggling attempts to hug her back, and his forced restraint to keep from laughing. "How have you been? I feel like I haven't seen you in ages, you must tell me everything!"
Yami gasped for air when Mai finally let go and clapped her hands together gleefully. "It's good to see you too, Mai," Yami half breathed, half-laughed. "And I haven't changed since the last time you saw me, I've just been consumed by work and my current portrait." Yami explained, noting Yugi standing rigid beside him. Yugi kept his ground, torn between decorum and the desire to address the woman he clearly idolized, but unsure how to approach her without seeming rude, or coming off in the same mettle as a crazed fan.
Sensing his stress, Yami swooped behind him and gently shoved him forward. "Oh, forgive me, Mai this is-"
"Yugi Mouto," Mai said, flashing a proud smile.
Yugi blinked. "You… you know my name?" He gasped stunned.
"Oh of course, I'd recognize you anywhere!" She gave him a hug as well before pulling away and scanned him up and down, her smile never faltering. "You are, in every inch as cute as Yami describes you," She teased, tapping his nose with one of her elegant fingers. Yugi blushed again, not from the gesture, but from what she's said.
Mai laughed at the reaction. "I swear he never stops talking about you! An aspiring writer he tells me. And I hear from my son that you work in our publishing firm. That is fantastic! I really admire someone who chases after their dreams."
"I had a good role model," Yugi tried to sound polite and mentally kicked himself every time he laughed nervously. "I mean," he cleared his throat, "If I may, I've been a fan of yours ever since I saw you perform Madame Butterfly with my dad in Los Angeles. He's a big fan of yours." Yugi hoped he didn't sound as pathetic as he thought he did. His natural shyness returned full swing making his face heat up, and his voice stutter. To his relief Mai didn't seem bothered at all - in fact, she looked flattered!
"Fantastic!" She cheered and smiled. "The best part of my career is knowing I inspire someone." She smiled. "I mean it. Katsuya said it all the time, and if I can't inspire another to follow their dreams like he did, I did, my sons have, then all this is nothing." She said passionately, and Yugi listened intently. Whoever said you should never meet your heroes had clearly never met Mai Valentine. The woman was in every way the kind, passionate and earnest woman Yami had described her and whom Yugi had idolized as a child.
"Thank you very much, Miss Valentine." Yugi bowed, respectfully. "Oh, and my condolences on your loss." He bowed again remembering this was her first outing since her husband's death.
"Oh, aren't you sweet." Mai smiled, taking Yugi's hand and motioning for him to walk with her. "Thank you, by the way, but I'm alright. Katsuya and I had many wonderful years together, and if fate decided it was time for us to part then I suppose I can only continue to live. I count my blessings every day I found that man," She explained, talking like a dreamy-eyed teenager. "Oh, I miss him but I'm reminded of him every day when I'm here." She let go of his hands and spun around. "All this, Yugi, you know what he told me that day we got married? He told me, 'Mai this is our home, not my home, not your home, but our home, just like it was mine and Seth's home, together, now it's ours'. Oh!" She smiled sadly. "God I loved that man, such a tragedy we only reunited after losing our first loves."
"We?" Yugi asked.
"Yes," Mai nodded. "Katsuya was my second husband, Yugi."
"Oh!" Yugi gasped, surprised. "Forgive me I didn't mean to pry, but…"
"Oh nonsense, hun. I'm over that. I'm a lucky woman Yugi, I was fortunate to find two men who loved me like gold, and Katsuya too, we grew up together you know. I lived in Manhattan and he lived in Brooklyn but we'd known each other for years. I still don't know how a streetwise Brooklyn city boy managed to charm the Ice dragon Seth Kaiba of all people, but I'm not complaining." Mai winked. "Like I said, we both had two people who loved us both, and for that I have no regrets. And you can't deny this mansion is gorgeous!"
"That's amazing, Miss Valentine-"
"Mai," She corrected, "There's no need for that, we are all friends here." Mai smiled. "But enough about me, I'd love to hear more about you, Yugi-chan. From what I hear you've been giving my favorite artist here quite a trip." She flashed a teasing smile.
"Mai, must you feel the need to interrogate everyone I like?" Yami grumbled, his pale cheeks glowing bright pink. A feat that shocked Yugi since he'd never seen Yami blush, let alone that color, and it looked… well… cute.
Did he really just think that?
"Now, now, what are old friends for?" Mai teased. "I wouldn't be a good one if I wasn't checking up on you. But honestly, enough about me, I'm very interested to know more about him. Yugi," she asked. "I want to hear all about you!"
"Well," Yugi blushed and rubbed his hand behind his neck. "Well, there isn't really much to tell. I mean, I grew up in Yuchi, which is so small it's probably not even on a map, 'cept for those summers I stayed with my Dad in California, and I graduated from the University of Los Angeles with a major in English. I'm sure Yami told you I want to be a writer and how I'm working at White Dragon, to be honest; there isn't must left to tell. I mean… I'd love to try and get some of my original works published through the company, but for now I'd like to get a few more bylines."
"Understandable," Mai nodded, earnestly confirming to Yugi that, unlike his mother, she was actually listening. "But come now, all work and no play makes for dull company."
"Funny, Yami said the same thing when we met." Yugi blurted out laughing, nervously and rubbing the back of his neck.
"Now that's a story I'd like to hear." A raspy baritone halted the conversation. Mai looked over her shoulder, as did Yugi, towards its source. Yugi's stomach did a backflip when the crowd parted for none other than Seto Kaiba. The man walked like each step was evidence of greatness, and Yugi couldn't help but want to shrink under the intensity he radiated, but forcibly held his ground.
"So you're the Yugi Mouto that Yami has been bragging about." He scanned the boy meticulously, Yugi was careful not to flinch under the scrutinizing gaze. Kaiba's eyebrow rose, like he'd expected him to be more, but it was a look of earnest surprise rather than disappointment. Finally, he said, "You've been writing articles for our magazine, correct?"
"You've heard of me?" Yugi asked, surprised. Confident as he was with his writing he certainly didn't expect the CEO to know of him - perhaps read an article or two from the magazine but he'd barely been working for White Dragon for four months! It seemed unlikely he'd have attracted such high attention.
"Ishizu mentions you a lot," Kaiba shrugged. "She enjoys your articles." He sipped his champagne without missing a beat. "I am curious though. How on earth did someone so career-minded end up with someone as buoyant as this eccentric?" He said flashing Yami a derogatory smirk.
"I prefer artistic," Yami smirked back, eyes bright with a familiar light Yugi recognized when they played mind games. A pang of jealousy slipped through him at the sight of that challenging, mischievous glint directed toward someone other than himself.
"Actually, I met Yami while he was on his way to a date and I was looking for directions," Yugi began, his tone purposely sarcastic. "I'd had a bad morning and asked for aid, and Yami's advice was for me to simply go home. Well, of course, I wasn't going to take that advice and told him so, but before I could leave he seemed to have seen the error of his ways and gave me directions to the hotel I'm staying at. Not exactly an ideal first encounter." He flashed Yami a smirk. Mai giggled.
Yami's eye twitched but he matched Yugi's smirk, recognizing the game. "You seem to forget, Little One, that you were chasing after the man who'd just robbed you when you crashed into me and had only a bag and a shoe to your name. Forgive me, but I believe my advice was appropriate for someone in your situation."
To emphasize his point he wrapped an arm around Yugi's waist and pulled him close, his grin widening when he saw Yugi blush in surprise. "But in all honesty, I am very happy you did not. Otherwise I would never have the chance to get to know such a fantastic creature." He titled Yugi's chin towards him when Yugi tried to look away. Forced to meet Yami's leering smile and eyes only made Yugi's blush darken, despite his best efforts to force it back. He wanted to glare at the man, but instead all he could manage was a shiver, his heart pounding in his ears. Yami hadn't moved, but it seemed like he was getting closer to Yugi, so close their lips nearly touched.
"Get room you two." Kaiba snapped over Mai's giggling. "This is a social event not a make-out place."
Yami growled and pulled away. Yugi did the same and immediately straightened himself and mentally demanded his cheeks return to their natural color. "Must you ruin everyone's fun, Kaiba?" Yami snapped.
"No, only yours." Kaiba grinned, the gesture marking a secret language between rivals Yugi couldn't understand.
"Ah," Mai interrupted hearing the music change tunes. "Time to dance," Mai cheered, almost singing and whirled towards the dance floor. Kaiba backed away carefully, clearly not the dancing type but smiled at his step-mother's enthusiasm. Music blared from all around them. Yugi couldn't tell if it was coming from the ceiling or the walls, but suddenly the middle carpet began to move, much to the shock of the crowd, and pulled back revealing a smooth dance floor composed of finely polished wood, so well varnished it shined in the light. The wall lights shut off and the chandeliers suddenly started to spin, sending an aurora of shimmering, polychromatic lights spinning about the room.
Yami scoffed. "What did I tell you? That arrogant bastard just can't resist showing off."
"But you gotta admit, he's got style," Yugi added, smiling when Yami grinned. A small, grin but a grin nonetheless, and Yugi considered it a victory.
The music picked up, blasting from the walls. Pop mixes from American and Japanese pop stars, before Mai herself got on stage and started singing.
"Alright everyone," She announced into the microphone. "Since this is a party, it's time to dance! And I'd like to kick things off with a favorite song of mine from my American tour…" Mai's enchanting voice carried high tunes like an opera singer, and was just as wild as a pop star's. Before long, music flooded the room and suddenly everyone was dancing under the flashing lights.
"Shall we then?" Yami offered a hand, gesturing towards the dance floor when a new song started up.
"Lets," Yugi let Yami have this round and let him spin him on to the dance floor.
Yami spun Yugi straight into his arms, sending him crashing into his chest. Yugi pushed himself off Yami's chest, and instead placed his hands on his shoulders, their hands never leaving their conjoined state. Their eyes flashed, dangerously seductive and challenging all at once. The tempo changed beat into a free-style dance step.
Their eyes never leaving the other, they spun away from one another, eyes locked, reading the others thoughts. Yami gave an elegant semi bow, offering a hand, waiting for Yugi to take it. Yugi grinned, his fingers gently brushed Yami's palm, before they mutually raised their arms, their fingers laced together, pulling them inches apart from the other. Their eyes locked once again. When their conjoined hands came down, Yami wrapped his arm around Yugi's waist and Yugi wrapped his free arm around Yam's shoulder and they spun in a free-style waltz.
They stepped together, their hips swinging at the same time, when they broke apart in a grand, half spin, their hands remained conjoined and their eyes never left the other, except this time when they returned to one another, Yami dipped him, Yugi didn't fight it and let himself be dipped, before pulling Yami down and switching their positions before the older man could stop him. Yami gave Yugi an impressed smile but his eyes lit up challengingly, promising vengeance. They continued to dance; matching the other's step, morphing between the free style they adapted at the bars and clubs they hung out at with their friends, and the more elegant dance appropriate for such a high class setting: they gave it their own flair - their own unique twist.
Nothing existed but them. The manor dissolved, the guests vanished. All they could see was the other's jeweled eyes, feel their touches against them, their steps in perfect sync. Eventually, their game changed tactic and their dance took a more passionate feel. Yami smiled, instead of smirked, and stroked Yugi's cheek with his free hand before pulling him closer to him. Yugi blushed and leaned into the touch like a cat being stroked. Yami's touch made his heart beat faster. Each time those brilliant crimson eyes looked at him with such conviction, like he was the only person in the world. The only one who mattered, the only one worthy of his attention. Like Yugi was a star that he wanted nothing more than to hold forever.
The biggest irony of all was every time Yugi felt his heart stop, his mind scrambled to figured out what it was Yami was seeing when he saw him. Surely he would go to such advanced efforts for everyone? Yugi was only an exception because he played so hard to get, right? The fervor in his eyes and the respect and comfort in his smile squashed those insecure feelings like a Venus Flytrap swallowing a fly. Again, Yugi's heart skipped a beat, then another. Yugi swore it had stopped, when he and Yami locked eyes again; Yami's face radiating so much passion all Yugi wanted to do was throw caution to the wind and claim this magnificent specimen for himself. All for himself. He wanted to be Yami's only one: the only one he wanted, ever.
Sensing the hidden leer in Yugi's eyes, Yami leaned closer, his eyes narrowing seductively. "Tell me what you want, my cutie." That sultry word rolled off his tongue in clipped tones. Yugi visibly shivered, and leaned upwards. Yami was so close, their lips so close he could feel, taste, and smell Yami's breath, but the man didn't move, he was waiting. Waiting for Yugi to make the next move. So he did.
"I want…" He started opening his lips and moving closely to enclose them over Yami's rich bronze ones…
Only to be shoved forward by an unexpected force that sent him crashing into Yami's chest. Once again their moment was stolen.
"Oh, you little klutz!" A man with a high-pitched voice, thick with a German accent, shrieked. When Yugi and Yami turned around, the man stood as tall as Kaiba with a dramatically long mop of pale red hair that looked pink in the light and was smoothed so straight it looked artificial. His arms were held out like something had jumped on him and a dark red stain marred his wine red suit. His sea green eyes gave Yugi a death ray. "Look what you did! You spilled champagne all over my suit! This is a designer suit!"
You're the asshole who bumped into me! Yugi wanted to scream but bit his tongue, not wanting the scene to attract any more attention than it already had.
He turned to Yami for assistance and blinked seeing his normally calm eyes harden with dislike.
"Yami, who is he?" Yugi whispered.
Yami pulled him closer and replied desperately low. "Ziegfried Von Schroder, head of Schroder Corp. They're the top in Germany, but worldwide they've been the Kaiba family's business rivals for years. Rumor says that the only reason Ziegfried turned the company into a Game Company was to compete with Seth and Seto. Since then they feel the need to invite themselves to every major event the Kaibas throw. Don't let him get under your skin though. He gets his kicks making people embarrass themselves in public."
Taking the warning to heart, Yugi turned back to Ziegfried. The man's death ray hadn't faltered, and Yugi's silence seemed to have flagged the raging bull. "I hope you plan on paying for this!" He demanded gesturing to the obvious stain on his shirt. "That Champagne will never come out."
The statement sparked an idea. "I know how to get that stain out," Yugi suggested, and turned to a maid. "Excuse me, where's the kitchen?" The maid blinked.
"Is this a joke, young man?" Ziegfried snapped.
"Not at all," Yugi whirled around smiling. "My landlady showed me how to get stains out so you can't see them. I know what to do."
Everyone looked skeptical, but nonetheless. "You heard him, Meredith, lead the way."
The maid bowed. "Right this way."
Yami blinked at the scene, watching Yugi vanish cheerfully into the hallway, a disgruntled Ziegfried behind him. "I didn't see that coming."
"He's quite a boy, Yami." Yami nearly jumped when Mai snuck up behind him.
"Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" He demanded.
"Absolutely not! I'm simply telling you I approve of him. He's just a doll!" Mai complimented, making Yami beam with pride.
Taking in her words, his pride transformed into a discombobulated squeak. "What do you mean you approve?"
Mai's smile morphed into a grin but it was different from the other playful smirks she's been sporting all night. This one as more confident and curled at the corners, like a Cheshire cat that had all the answers and all the cream. "Oh, hun, don't you play coy with me. I was once your age and head-over-heels. You are in love with that boy."
Yami's face dropped for a split second before regaining as much composure as possible, but the pale pink that skipped across his face and the skip in his voice marred the affect. "How much champagne have you had, Mai?"
"Oh, don't you even!" Mai scolded. "You know I don't get drunk at my own parties, and don't you dare deny it! It's written all over your face!" Oh, that damned Cheshire cat smile made Yami twitch.
"Speaking of which, Yami?" Seto asked his eyes focused on the door where Yugi and his infamous rival just left. "Do you think it's wise to leave Yugi alone with Ziegfried Von Schroder?" He asked, earnestly concerned. "I know that man, Yami. Ziegfried's a pre-Madonna to the core, but he holds grudges."
"Don't worry, Seto," Yami assured him, setting down the empty champagne glass. "Trust me. You know the expression 'tough as nails?' Well Yugi's tougher than that. And he's a smart man, he can handle himself."
"Black Tea!" The ear-splitting screech of Ziegfried's voice was so loud it echoed like enormous bells even in the ballroom, followed by a glass-shattering scream.
"Shit!" Yami bolted from the room, just in time to catch Yugi bolting past him and down the hall. He had no idea where he was going but he just kept running, and Yami wasn't far behind.
"Oh yeah," Mai smiled. "He's definitely in love with that boy."
"I feel sorry for the boy." Seto teased, and grunted when his mother playfully punched his chest.
XXXX
Yugi had no idea how he'd made it to the Kaiba Mansion's front balcony but he was just glad to be out of there. His ears still run from Ziegfried's screaming. He braced himself against a pillar and covered his eyes panting and resisting the urge to not cry. "Oh God, what have I done?" He turned around and slid to the floor, bunching his legs against his chest and wrapped his arms around himself, rocking in a tight ball like he did when he was upset. "What am I gonna do?"
"You laugh and be proud of your accomplishment," Yugi shot up seeing Yami step outside from the open door, his hair and clothes disheveled from fast running. That damned smirk on his face made Yugi furious, and he jumped to his feet and resisted the urge to punch the man again.
"Will you be serious for once? I just dumped tea all over the head of Schroder Corp, I probably ruined Mai's party, and I probably blacklisted myself from publishing forever! Every reporter in the world was in there! God!" Yugi stressed, tears leaking from his anxious eyes. "My life is over."
"Yugi calm down!" Yami said immediately enveloping the smaller boy in a hug. "Listen to me, Yugi. You're overreacting. Remember how you freaked out when we got into the bar fight?"
"Oh thank you for reminding me that I'm an ex-con too!" Yugi screamed.
"Yugi, listen to me!" Yami shook the boys shoulders gently but firmly. His eyes hard and dark with earnest, "Do you have any idea how many people would kill to spill black tea all over those obnoxious tuxes Ziegfried brags about? Or him in general? Yugi, you're probably a hero right now! Mai and Seto will love you forever for this. Just before I left he was saying he'd promote you for that if he didn't support favoritism. Besides, Ziegfried doesn't even know your name. I guarantee he's gonna throw a fit then he'll go home tomorrow and pretend nothing happened."
Yugi pulled Yami's hands off him and sat back down, returning to his ball. "You're just saying that to make me feel better." Yugi snorted.
"Did it work?" Yami asked, plopping down next to him and wrapping an arm around Yugi's shoulders and pulling him closer.
Determined to stay mad and upset, Yugi remained rigid, but Yami's warmth made him smile. "A little," he mumbled.
Yami smiled, and hugged him tighter. "I am serious though. Mai and Seto won't hold that against you, and Ziegfried has probably already forgotten your name. And this will probably be the talk of the town tomorrow."
Yugi shot up, and Yami continued at his panicked look. "In a good way! Remember what I said? Think about how many people would love to spill tea or soy sauce all over Ziegfried Von Schroder but can't 'cause of class or business relations? You're probably the hero of everyone in that room! I mean it!" Yami assured him throwing in a laugh. "Besides he was so plastered, he'll probably think you were a pineapple."
"He did deserve it, after he bumped into me and ruined our dance." Yugi said, a little too devious.
"Damn right he did." Yami agreed with a chuckle. "But you know," He said softly. "We could pick up where we'd left off?" Yami said, leering.
Yugi turned to him with a half blush half confused look. "What?"
"If you'd like," Yami added, leaning forward and tilting Yugi's chin towards him. "I wouldn't mind."
Yugi blushed, as Yami leaned in closer but just like before he stopped, waiting for Yugi to close the gap. His heart leapt into his throat. Only five minutes ago he was afraid he'd ruined his future; now knowing it was all right all he wanted to do was curl up against Yami on that soft futon. But that fleeting moment seemed to escape them every time. Would now be that perfect moment?
"Wait!" Yugi pulled away and covered his mouth, a foreign thought invaded Yugi's thoughts. Every time they got close to taking that first step something happened. Something always happened. It was too much to be a coincidence.
"What?" Yami asked confused and slightly scared. "Did I say something?"
"No, it's not that!" Yugi said, shaking his head and stood up. "It's just, I came here to get my name out there and get published and what have I done? I spilled tea on a German celebrity. Yeah, that's an accomplishment." He said sarcastically.
"Yugi, relax," Yami said with a forced laugh, standing up. "You've only been here for three months. No one makes it big that quick."
"I know that," Yugi shook his head, and pounded his fists in the air. He turned around and took a few steps away from Yami, looking heavenward for assistance. None came. "It's just… I'm not like you, Yami. You've got your painting in the museum, at the café and that series? And you're friends with Mai and Seto. I don't have those connections, I have to work from scratch!"
"Hey, I started from scratch too." Yami corrected, stomping towards Yugi.
"Yeah, but you've got more connections than I do," Yugi added, whirling around to face him. "You can afford to goof off and party and date everyone, 'cause you've already got your foot in the door. I don't and until I do, I should be focusing on that. Not going to parties or clubs or dating."
"Oh, we are dating now?" Yami said, crossing his arms sarcastically over his chest. Any happiness felt by those words was drowned by the disdain in the retort.
"I'm serious!" Yugi snapped with aggravation in his voice. He stepped up and leaned up to meet Yami's eye, determined not to let their height difference hinder him.
"So am I." Yami countered. He closed his eyes, raised his nose, and tilted his chin away from Yugi, annoyed by the countless rants. "And for the record," he opened one eye arrogantly, "Most normal people can balance work and a decent relationship. It's not all boring schedules and kissing ass. You do know that right?" The supercilious sarcasm drowning Yami's voice made Yugi's blood boil and his teeth grit in rage.
He chuckled darkly, letting his bitter views of the subject bleed into his voice. "This is why I don't date. It's too much drama, and then you get distracted, and then you end up throwing away your career and settling for some lame, practical version of your passion. Well not me!"
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Yami demanded insulted and confused at once.
"It means I want to focus on my career right now, not bouncing from flower to flower like you do."
That made Yami see red. "Well, what's wrong with living life to the fullest?" He commanded, his voice dangerously low and his body pressed against Yugi's. Harsh crimson locked with challenging amethyst, sparks flashed hot and fierce between them. "It sure as hell beats sitting around at a desk all day doing and writing what people tell you to." Yami growled, but regained his composure, determined not to let Yugi defeat him.
"It's bad when you don't grow up!" Yugi finally snapped, leaning in so close his insults echoed in Yami's ears.
"Workaholic!" Yami insulted.
"Skirt chaser!" Yugi insulted back.
"Dragoon!" Yami snapped pressing his forehead against Yugi's.
"Lecher!" Yugi pressed in deeper, so their noses touched.
"Drudge!" Yami screamed, his eyes blazed, so close to Yugi's that he could see the violet flames.
"Rake!" Yugi screamed.
No other insults were said, because at that moment, Yami's lips enclosed over Yugi's and their fight was lost in a deep kiss.
That's the end!
Kuri: OF THE CHAPTER!
How great am I? (Queen of PlotTwists sips her wine)
Note: Ryou's boquet: language of the flowers
White lily-purity
Lily-of-the-valley- return of happiness
Purple lilac-first emotion of love
As always, read, review, critique, comment, rant, yell at me, throw fits, ask questions, make theories (you know i love them) and flames must have a reason!