Hi Everyone! First: one massive thank you to my reviewer Pharaohs Girl18. I really appreciated the review and I hope you'll enjoy what I did to this chapter. Also, there is a heads up: the dip is passing very slowly and I am back to writing more of BD than I have done in months! So, hopefully that does mean a more steady upload of new parts again :)

Please enjoy this one!

/\/\/\/\/\

Blind Date – Part 36

/\/\/\/\/\

"What are you doing here?" At those vicious words, Yami could feel his skin tingle and he turned around slowly to meet Rebecca. He should have known he wouldn't be able to get in or out of Sennen Corporation without her knowing, but then again, he was allowed to be here. Atemu wanted him here and supported him. Nothing she did could change that, not even the glare she tried to send his way with her green eyes set ablaze with burning fury. Yet, crimson eyes burned with the same kind of anger and disgust, though Yami had to refrain from smirking when he noticed how she tried to level his glare, but couldn't. Taking a deep breath, Yami tried to calm himself as much as possible while Rebecca placed her hands upon her hips. "What are you doing here?", she hissed at his silence, repeating her previous question with more venom than before.

"I'm an intern at Sennen Corporation, Rebecca, just like the previous two weeks. Just like you", he answered as calmly as possibly though his voice was clipped as he wished she would just leave him alone. He watched her tremble in fury, however, as she stared at him with a disbelieving look.

"No", she said and tried to stare him down as shook her head. "No way. You can't be here".

"And why not?", Yami countered, because he would love to hear her side of the story. He would love to hear what she believed was the truth, what was her excuse? What was her excuse of him not being allowed here? What was her excuse as to why she had dared to try and make him fail?

"Because you can't, you freak! I won't allow it!", she barked and Yami raised his eyebrows at her. The freak-thing again? That was it? Really? There was nothing more to her than just that? Then again, why had he expected for it to be any different than that? Ever since she knew both Yugi and himself were gay, she had hated them. Considering Yugi had gotten the full load already... it made a little more sense it was his turn now, but the pale man wouldn't let Rebecca get to him. Not again, not after Atemu had comforted him yesterday. He was stronger now and Yami intensified his glare at the younger girl. He was stronger than her and would show her exactly that.

"Really?", he asked with a slight sneer, "As if you make the rules, don't you?" Her green eyes intensified in a glare, though it still wasn't enough to match his own, before she snorted softly in a way that said she finally understood something. She laughed softly and shook her head again, while leaving Yami in confusion. What could she possibly be up to?

"No way... I see how it is! There is just no other possibility!", she sneered and aimed her disgust at him, which was somehow more than what she had already displayed at him. Yami was at a loss for words while she continued to ramble. "I can't believe you would do that to mr. Sennen!"

"Rebecca, what-", he started far more confused than he already was, because what was she going on about? What was the big deal with her and why would she drag Atemu into this? Yet, before he could finish, Yami felt a firm push against his chest and he quickly took a step back to balance himself. As he did, the printer hit him in his back and he felt cornered which made him tense up as he felt ready to fight.

"You slut! You fucking whore! You dare to put mr. Sennen through your affliction!?" she screamed, her voice shrill as she accused him of her delusional idea. Yami merely stared at her, flabbergasted as she raged at him, because this was the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard. "You were supposed to be fired yesterday, you creep! Did you like to suck them off?! Mr. Duncan was probably very pleased, but how dare you insult mr. Sennen that way!"

"Get a life, Rebecca! What the hell are you talking about?!", Yami yelled back at her as his own anger peaked. What was she accusing him of? What did she dare to yell through the hallway? Not that it matter, as Rebecca continued to scream profanities at him as if he hadn't spoken up at all.

"You didn't have an assignment to hand in, you whore! There was nothing left of you work, but I guess you did you scream nice and loud when mr. Duncan taught you a lesson? That is the only way you could still have your job, slut!", the blonde girl raged while she pushed the taller male against the printer again. Her face was beet red in fury, while her gleaming eyes were unable to see Yami's rising fury, before he lashed out at her.

"I did no such thing, Rebecca! You're raging on about something that doesn't even exist, how dare you insult Jack that way! He's getting married! You're the one who ruined my assignment in the first place, you are trying to ruin my internship! Stop making false accusations!", the pale man exclaimed, before he pushed her back and away from him. He would not listen to her rage on about her delusions. He would not let her ruin Atemu's reputation nor Jack's.

"They're not false, you freak! It's the only way you can still have your job!", she screamed with angry tears sliding down her cheeks, before her voice grew dark and cold. "I want to bet you even dared to rape mr. Sennen". Yami froze at those words, suddenly realising how delusional Rebecca truly was if she came up with the most horrid excuse ever. He would never, no, never hurt Atemu that way. Never.

"Hawkins! Muto! My office, now", Atemu's voice growled through the suddenly silent office room. The argument halted and Yami saw Rebecca freeze as the baritone voice boomed with authority. The pale man turned to look at Atemu, wondering how much he had actually heard while his own retort towards the blonde girl died on his lips at the sight of dark and burning rose-red eyes. Yet, at the furious look from his lover, Yami knew enough and he couldn't help but shudder slightly even though he realised Atemu's anger was not aimed at himself. He couldn't move though as Rebecca was still standing in his way and she appeared to be frozen. She had merely turned to see Atemu standing there with his stance radiating fury and dominance, but that made her shudder in fear because those dark eyes were turned to her completely.

"When I say now, ms. Hawkins, I mean today, this instant and right now", Atemu hissed and Yami could see how he was trembling with barely concealed rage. Rebecca trembled too, yet from growing fear and Yami could relate to it. He had never seen Atemu angry, but it was a side the pale man didn't want to temper with. At the order, however, Rebecca seemed to come back to life and she walked towards the elevator leading one floor up. Her step was downtrodden, but Yami couldn't feel sorry for her. Not after what she had said, though he had to refrain from smirking when the teenager seemed to shrink as Atemu got on the elevator as well. The tanned man's anger fuelled Yami's, however, because how had she dared to say he had raped Atemu? What kind of an idiot was she? Not only was it morally wrong to think like that, Atemu was his boss! The tanned man was teaching him how to become a good manager, but someone could only readh perfection with their own power. He was not some ass-kissing creep! And what about Jack? Rebecca had insulted the man, as well as his fiancée, for even suggesting Yami would have had sex with the man to keep his job. Covering his lips with one hand, Yami felt himself become sick at the knowledge Rebecca thought of him as some whore who'd spread his legs at every opportunity. The nerve... The nerve of some arrogant little teenager who didn't know any better...

Swallowing thickly to get the bile from his throat, Yami followed both Rebecca and his lover out of the elevator. For a moment it seemed as if Atemu nearly ripped the door from its hinges as he glared them both inside and the pale man wondered how much of the tanned man's anger was aimed at him. As long as he wouldn't say his lover's nickname, Yami knew he would be fine, though he should be fine either way. It was all her fault, he had done nothing wrong. Yes, he had let his lover down yesterday, but all of that would be resolved today. If only Rebecca hadn't shown up... If only she had left him alone... But even now she couldn't, as she was forced to follow him inside the office where they froze in front of Atemu's desk. The door closed with a soft click and Yami could feel goosebumps appearing on his skin, because it had sounded so eerie.

"Does one of you mind to tell me what that was all about?", Atemu bristled behind them, his footsteps like clear bells across the tiled floor while he walked over to his desk and stepped behind it. Yami nibbled his lip, was he supposed to repeat what Rebecca had said? Was he supposed to repeat that the girl thought of him as a whore? Would the tanned man allow that, or even appreciate it? Unwillingly, he glanced at the blonde teen, but she was staring at the floor with her head bowed low and the pale man realised Rebecca was truly afraid. At their silence, however, Atemu seemed to explode.

"I demand an answer", he growled and green eyes closed in shame. Yami sighed softly, before he turned to his boss and made up his mind.

"When I returned to work this morning under your orders, sir, ms. Hawkins believed it to be her right to insult me, mr. Duncan and yourself, sir", Yami answered and he held his breath slightly as rose-red eyes turned to him. He didn't want to say any more on the matter, afraid he might say something wrong considering he was sort of, kind of sleeping with his boss. Albeit for entirely different reasons than the ones Rebecca had offered. She didn't need to know that, however, and the pale man would never want to address that particular part of their private life to her. He loved Atemu, respected him and trusted him, hence why he knew his lover would protect him from further verbal harm.

"Unfortunately I was able to hear what was said and I am disgusted, ms. Hawkins", were the tanned man's next words and he turned his gaze towards the blonde girl again. To even think of a colleague in such mannerism, this teen had a lot more lessons to learn, but she would no longer learn them here. He would not stand for this! How dare she insinuate for Yami to be capable of such atrocities? How dare she... "I want an answer from you, ms. Hawkins and I want it now. What made you believe you could act in such a way towards mr. Muto? What made you believe you could insult not only him, but mr. Duncan, his fiancée and myself as well? What went through your mind when you believed you would get away with this?"

As much as Atemu trembled with fury, so much did Rebecca with fear. She took a shuddering breath, bit her lips, but no words came from her. The tanned man grimaced at her silence in disgust. "You will apologise to mr. Muto, ms. Hawkins. You will speak and you will do so right now", the tanned man ordered. He would not condemn her any further while Yami was here, he already knew what the reason was after all. She did not need to know that, but perhaps she would speak when Yami was gone. Then he would teach her a lesson in modesty as well as how to function properly as an intern.

Slowly, however, Rebecca turned to the pale man and her green eyes finally looked up a little. "And I want it to be sincere", Atemu's voice whispered, but the order was loud and clear. Crimson eyes looked at the trembling teenager and Yami couldn't help but feel a little satisfaction. She knew she had lost everything, just because she had hated him so. Not much of a genius now, are you?, Yami's mind offered, but he kept his face straight as Rebecca finally followed an order.

"I'm sorry for insulting you, mr. Muto. I stepped out of line and let myself be blinded by my anger and that was wrong", Rebecca whispered softly, before lowering her head in shame once more. Yami looked at her and sighed.

"I hear your apologies, ms. Hawkins", he merely replied, but he would never forgive her for insulting his lover. She would never know how much her words had hurt, how they made him sick, but he would also never forgive her. Yet, he would be the better man and he felt relieve when Atemu nodded in aproval, before inclining his head towards Yami.

"Thank you, mr. Muto. Please leave ms. Hawkins and myself alone for a moment. Our meeting will be postponed to half nine, come prepared", Atemu said and Yami bowed his head in understanding. Not that he did... Come prepared? Did that mean he was still going to be reprimanded for his behaviour? How else could he have reacted to her words? At least he still hadn't hit her, that was a plus. Sighing softly when he closed the door behind himself, Yami trembled at the small order from Atemu's lips.

"Speak, ms. Hawkins". At the hissed order and name, the pale man felt his stomach clench slightly as that could still be aimed at him as well when he returned in the office at half nine. Atemu was still his boss after all who still had to tell him of his faults, though those thoughts were interrupted when he felt brown eyes gaze at him. The Asian woman at the desk rose her eyebrows curiously and he stared back at her. Was she honestly curious? Was she trying to measure if he would speak up? Yami bristled softly as he passed the woman and went back into the elevator. Women, his mind offered and he glared at the opposite wall the entire minute it took for him to get down to his own floor. How dare they? How dare they insult his lover? The nerve of them... Honestly...

Not that it mattered, because now he had to wait for Atemu to collect him. And even though that would only be forty-five minutes, it seemed as if the time was playing tricks on him. Yami sighed softly again as only two minutes had passed since the last time he had looked at the clock and he read over his handwritten notes once more. He was nervous, even more so than for any kind of presentation he had had to do for college and it unnerved him. His arguments wouldn't stick and as he gazed at the time again, only thirty seconds had passed. Yami checked his assignment for the umpteenth time and he read through one of the templates to get his spirits up. He could do this, he could prove to Atemu he was a good intern and would be a good manager as long as his lover would teach him.

Not that it worked as he was still unnerved by Rebecca's words. Everyone was while they gazed at his sighing and tense form. Mary had patted his shoulder and Jack's fiancée had told him she did not believe a word of what had been said by the young girl, but it still bothered him. After all... Rebecca had accused him of rape, a thing he would never be capable of. Atemu was the man he loved, the man who trusted him and loved him in return. Such a vile act belonged in crime-series on the television. But he couldn't... he wouldn't let her get to him. If he proved to Atemu he was a worthy intern, all of this would be forgotten. Yet, Yami couldn't help himself as he tensed up when, at nine o'clock exactly, Atemu and Rebecca entered the office. The blonde girl was told to apologise to Jack's fiancée as well as promise to send a handwritten apology to the man in question, because he was not here today and she was to leave the office this very moment. Atemu supervised how Rebecca apologised to the woman working on their floor, before he watched her closely as she gathered her belongings. He swiftly walked her out the office, which made Yami realise his lover wasn't taking any chances of Rebecca ever hurting someone again in his company.

When it was a quarter past nine at last, Yami rose from his seat as if he was burned and gathered all that he needed. His assignment, check. Handwritten notes, check. His courage... well, sort of check, because he still wasn't sure if he could redeem himself. He had failed Atemu horribly yesterday and no matter the loving comfort he had been given, there was still a lot he had to make up for. He took a deep breath, however, whilst going back towards Atemu's office the same way he had come and was about to walk passed the desk, until the Asian woman noticed him.

"Mr. Sennen has not yet returned. Please do not enter his office without his consent", she said and Yami looked at her. Was it possible she didn't know he had an appointment with Atemu? Then again, she didn't know he had been here before months ago and was welcome in this office either way. She merely did her job, Yami realised and he slowly stepped away from the grand doors.

"I shall wait out here for mr. Sennen to return, we have a meeting in about ten minutes", he answered softly in return and she nodded slowly while her brown eyes continued to gaze at him. It was almost as if she was scrutinising him.

"Are you back to upset him? You just left his office and he escorted the young girl out of the building himself. Whatever did you do?", she wondered softly, nibbling her red lips as she seemed to try to figure out what had happened behind closed doors. Yami rose his eyebrow questioningly, because had he heard right? Was she accusing him of being the whole problem? Honestly, what was it with these women today?

"I am not here to upset mr. Sennen, I assure you. I am his intern and we have a meeting to discuss my assignment", Yami answered instead as calmly as possible, not sure if that was any of her business or not. She hadn't stopped him yesterday from his meeting with Atemu, perhaps she had known about it at the time, though it didn't matter. He knew he had the right to be here and would always have that right as long as the tanned man was his lover.

"Ms. Wong", was the soft call as Atemu's baritone voice rang with a dangerous hint of anger through the hallway. "I would greatly appreciate it if you would leave my intern alone. Especially when he is right on time and before you ask, I do not want to be disturbed for as long as mr. Muto is in my office, am I clear?", the tanned man asked as he walked forward and opened the door to his office. Rose-red eyes were still burning with fury and Yami knew he would receive at least a reprimand. It was fine, he had stepped out of line as well. He should have never answered to Rebecca's insults and he realised Atemu would have to tell him of his mistake as his employer and mentor.

"I understand mr. Sennen. Is there anything you need?", the secretary asked softly as Atemu waved for Yami to get inside.

"No. All I want is a peaceful meeting with my intern. Thank you", were Atemu's clipped words, before he followed the pale man inside and closed the door with a soft click. Once again it sounded ominous, but Yami gasped as Atemu grasped his arm and pulled him towards a corner of the room behind one of the taller plants. He stared into those burning rose-red eyes and up close, the pale man could see the emotions swirling within them. There was anger, but also worry and warmth, while Atemu slowly released his arm and caressed his cheek instead.

"Are you all right, mon chéri?", Atemu whispered softly and Yami stared at him as he hadn't expected that. He had thought of a reprimanding and all that, but not of this. Yet, this was much better and much more appreciated. Yami nodded in answer as he felt relieve wash over him while he leaned against the comforting touch and he heard the tanned man sigh softly.

"I'm fine, Até. It hurt a little when she said all of those things, but I'm fine now. How are you?", the pale man asked in return and he bit his lips as he could see Atemu's face contort in anger. His lover growled as he stepped away from him to pace around the room, muttering under his breath so nobody else would hear him.

"How dare she insult you like that? How dare she even look at you? What made her believe she had the right to say such things? The nerve of such a little girl!", Atemu fumed, before he returned to Yami's side and cupped his lover's face gently again. The angry expression was replaced by a worried one, mixed with more warmth and love. "My beloved, please do not believe a word of what she screamed at you. You are the most beautiful man in existence and she had no right to insult you like that. Mon chéri, please tell me you do not believe her lies", were Atemu's next soft whispers and Yami was stunned in silence for another moment, before a warm and loving smile curled his lips. He dropped his paperwork to cup Atemu's face in return and laid their foreheads against one another to stare into those beautiful rose-red eyes.

"I do not believe them, Até. She didn't know what she was saying as she is a foolish little girl, but thank you either way. Thank you for being here for me", Yami whispered and he received a soft kiss in answer to his words. Their lips touched only shortly, but the pale man couldn't help and smile as he could feel the tenderness with which Atemu had kissed him. As they broke apart, it appeared his lover had finally calmed down ever so slightly, but as he tried to turn away, Yami grasped him tight.

"Rebecca was wrong about everything, Até. You are the most considerate man on this planet, a gentleman and a wonderful lover. Do not let her words sink into your being either, my love", Yami whispered and he gazed at rose-red eyes. "You survived my grandfather, don't let her get to you either". At his words, Atemu's lips curled in a loving smile and he nodded as he understood.

"I won't, mon chéri. I promise", Atemu answered and Yami sighed in relieve, before he followed his lover towards the ground to pick up his files with an embarrassed chuckle. He was truly sorry for dropping his paperwork like that, but in order to comfort the tanned man in return, he had to. Yet, he was glad Atemu helped him with his paperwork, before he followed his lover to the desk to start their meeting. The secrecy of their relationship was still eating at him, but at least they had been able to comfort each other. Even if only slightly, though he realised why they kept it a secret from everyone. To make sure nobody would accuse them both again.

"I'll make you chicken curry", Yami whispered and he gave a soft chuckle at Atemu's raised eyebrow. He received a small smirk, before Atemu coughed and sat down behind his desk. Yami took a deep breath, before he sat down at his lover's request as well and handed him the finished assignment.

"I am glad you were able to finish the assignment, mr. Muto. Let's see what you made out of it, shall we?", Atemu asked and Yami nodded as he grasped his handwritten notes tightly while he tried to get used to the switch in his lover's behaviour. In the end, however, he didn't need his notes after all and he smiled as the tanned man explained him certain concepts concerning his templates while he was allowed to tell his lover about why he would make certain choices concerning his ideas.

"I chose for these templates, mr. Sennen, because after checking locations, laws, different templates you offered me as well as possibilities on profit, rent and other financial issues, it was clear these three templates would suit me at the moment. This template is about the manufacturers. Now, I know Sennen Corporation has its own contracts with them, but for my idea I would need these lines added to the already existing templates. This would be the financial information you need about my idea, while this sample works out the details about employing personnel and what I expect from them", Yami explained as he showed the different templates and the corresponding information which Atemu needed. Rose-red eyes looked through the task he had given he pale man to complete yesterday, which was to read and correct the given templates and to use them for his assignment concerning the concept of a new game store.

"And what is your idea?", he asked, as he read the financial report. The idea needed more start-up money than was usual, though the profit was a lot different too. Yami smiled as he turned the file towards the last page while hoping he could peak his lover's interest.

"I want a department store which holds an arcade", the pale man answered and he smiled when realisation dawned the tanned man. The idea stemmed from the samples Atemu had shown him the first time Yami had been in his office. The store would have found its origins in Lyon if it had gone through, but since it hadn't, the younger male had taken the liberty to use it for his own assignment. It would fit him perfectly as well, considering he wanted to manage his grandfather's store one day plus he loved going to the arcade. A small, impressed smile curled Atemu's lips and Yami could feel his cheeks heating up ever so slightly.

"And you have thoroughly checked to see if this idea of yours could even exist?", Atemu asked, because he wanted to make sure Yami knew what he was getting himself into. It wasn't very hard to open a department store with an arcade attached to it, but his lover still needed to be careful. When the pale man smiled in return, Atemu could feel himself relax as he realised Yami had done everything to ensure this idea would be able to exist.

"I have, mr. Sennen. With your permission this assignment will take place in the State of New York. There are no laws against joining a store and an arcade together, nor are there any known objections. I will still need help from you to figure out how to make a reliable contract as well as deal with the manufacturers to make sure they agree to opening up their games to the arcade. Yes, I will receive the profit from people playing the games, but it might also mean I will sell a game or two less in the store because people can play it at the arcade. The financial report will still need checking, but I think everything I need to be aware of is in there. Employment will come at a later date, though I have checked rules and regulations", Yami explained and he watched how Atemu read through the pages. He waited for the tanned man to finish, only to receive a warm smile in return.

"If this is your idea, mr. Muto, I will help you in getting it right. Even though that will mean for you to read through more contracts until I'm satisfied you can tell me about them in your sleep", Atemu warned and Yami nodded in understanding, but he wasn't afraid. His lover would help him and he could do this. He would try to manage his idea to the best of his abilities with Atemu's help and he would make his lover proud. He would make the tanned man smile at him, warmly, lovingly and tenderly the way he did right now.

Atemu nodded as he closed the assignment and placed it in Yami's file. All of his lover's work as well as praise or reprimands were kept in it and the pale man sighed softly as he watched his assignment disappear in it. Atemu nodded slowly, before looking back up at Yami. "You are heading in the right direction, mr. Muto and I am pleased with your progress. Now, there is one final thing I must discuss with you", the tanned man said and he watched his lover frown in worry. Atemu smiled however as he picked up a piece of paper from the small stack at the end of his desk and handed it to Yami. "Mr. Pegasus is organising a party next week Saturday. Will you be my date?", was the softest whisper and Yami nibbled his lip as he could see the nearly visible switch in his lover's mood when they went back to their secret. He let his eyes dart across the invitation Atemu had given him, however, before he nodded in excitement.

"I'd love to", he said and Atemu pursed his lips slightly.

"Not really, it will be immensely boring. I do get to teach you how to dance and we will need to go shopping again. Veronica will love it to see you once more", Atemu said and he chuckled when Yami stuck his tongue out at him childishly. Gently, Yami returned the invitation to his lover and he smiled when his fingers brushed with Atemu's softly. "I am glad you will accompany me, though", the tanned man continued to whisper. Yami smiled as he felt his cheeks heat up again as he slowly rose from his seat.

"Gladly, Até. I will gladly accompany you this this 'acclaimed' boring date. Though... Will I see you tonight?", he asked softly, because, even though he had said he would make chicken curry for Atemu, he wasn't sure if the tanned man was able to visit. The meal was a sort of apology for forgetting the take out from yesterday, though Atemu had said he was allowed to forget take out every day if that meant they could be together.

"I'll try for half seven", Atemu answered and Yami nodded, before he straightened.

"Thank you, mr. Sennen", he whispered and Atemu chuckled softly.

"You're welcome, mr. Muto. Dismissed", were the final words, but Yami smiled as he left the office. It was even possible to ignore the brown-eyed glance while he set to work to sort through the mess of paperwork from yesterday. He would help Jack and he would make Atemu proud. Rebecca was gone and would never return again. He was going out on a date with Atemu again and with that thought in mind, Yami hummed to an unknown song softly as most of his worries vanished.

/\/\/\/\/\

Thank you so much for reading this chapter and if you have the time, please leave a review. See you all again in part 37!