Hi Everyone! Surprise! hahahaha, no really, I hadn't thought I'd be updating this story before Christmas so I too am very happy I can share this chapter with you all. Although I do admit, after re-reading it, certain parts feel rushed while others are slowing it down again. Hopefully you'll like it and think it's somewhat balanced.
I'd also like to thank Pharaohs Girl188, Yaminisu and Jofisk for their continuous support in regards to this story. Thank you very, very much! Hopefully you all will enjoy this chapter. :)
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Blind Date – Part 57
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Even deep within their dreams, both men groaned softly as the buzzing sound of their alarms reached their ears and tanned arms tightened around the pale body they were holding; as if that would make everything disappear. Yet, the warm frame against his own shifted to grab one of their phones, which had started to noisily ring a melody and Atemu was forced to release his lover while searching for his own device. He mumbled something incoherently as he let his hand search for the rude object underneath his pillow and he only let out a relieved sigh when he was able to shut it up.
A smile curled his lips slightly, however, as the warm body returned to his side at the same time he could feel fingers playing with his blond bangs. Soft lips kissed him lovingly and Atemu blinked awake to gaze at Yami as the latter stared down upon him. "Good morning", was the soft whisper and the tanned man smiled as he released his phone and gently caressed his lover's cheek.
"Good morning, mon chéri... Must I get up?", he requested just as softly, even though he knew he had to if he wanted to be on time for his meeting. At his question, however, he received a languid kiss on the lips and Atemu gently pulled his lover closer to his body to feel more of him. To feel more of his reassuring warmth, up until the moment Yami broke away from him once more.
"Yes, Até, because you have an important meeting and even though I would wish for you to get some more sleep, I also know you can do this without me worrying too much about your health because you are in top shape and will show these people that the museum is far more worth than the credit they are currently giving it", the pale man said confidently with a warm smile and Atemu couldn't help but chuckle at the kind words.
"I promise I'll make them see the truth", he vowed, before he felt his lover shift once more so the tanned man could sit up slowly.
"Will you tell me about what happened last night though? Is everything okay now? Is there something I can do?", Yami asked while he continued to stare at his beloved and rose-red irises looked back at him. A warmth burned brightly within them as Atemu recalled the fact his lover hadn't questioned the situation last night at all, just so that they could both get some well-deserved rest, and it made the tanned man grasp a pale hand so he could kiss the knuckles lovingly.
"Unfortunately... there is nothing you can do right now", he started softly while Yami blushed before he was given his hand back so Atemu could get up from the bed. The pale man followed his lover's example in order to dress as well, although the older male had his undivided attention. "Seto was right in not calling this hacking a 'minor' thing, considering nobody could log into the system anymore. All the accounts at Sennen Corporation are frozen and that means the hacker has free play because we won't be able to trace him as easily. Plus, Seto has to dig into this aspect deeper right now and that takes time... time which the hacker currently has to destroy whatever he wants without us knowing what it is", Atemu continued softly and he sighed as Yami stared at him in worry.
"Do we know what the hacker wants? This will ruin the whole company, won't it? Everything could be out in the open... Is there a way for Seto to trace this imbecile?", the pale man asked and his worry heightened when his lover's expression turned to one of doubt.
"Not sure... especially because the hacker has had time to delve deeper into the system and search for ways to destroy contracts as well as more accounts. We're not sure what this person is after, there were no messages this time, but it was an attack on the corporation solely in New York. Both Berlin and France are safe, which suggests that either the hacker doesn't know they are linked to me, or they simply don't care. Or... the hacker waits in order to attack them at a later date. It doesn't matter as it has already reached one certain aspect within the company: doubt by the stockholders as well as franchisers and the manufacturers. I've been trying to take most of the worry away last night, but people are very hard of hearing", Atemu muttered while frowning in anger prior to another sigh leaving his lips.
"Will the company be all right?", Yami asked softly and rose-red eyes turned to him once more while he helped his lover with straightening his jacket, although it probably eased his own mind more than it did to the tanned man.
"If they leave both Germany and France out of this conflict while I will hopefully be able to calm everyone down, then yes, we should be able to survive just fine. If the other companies are hit as well, it will be harder and yes, it might be I have to take a public stance towards all those who are now worried to make a lot of apologies, but we have to find this culprit first. Sennen Corporation is strong and we can handle a lot, even if people leave us behind for others, although I do not want to test it. I've brought the company back from the brink once and I don't plan to do it again", Atemu clarified and Yami smiled as he could hear the fighting spirit in his lover's voice.
"You can do it, I'm sure of that. I just wish I could help", the pale man replied gently while they made their way out of the cabin to get back into the main house. Gently, Atemu touched his hand again to link their pinkies affectionately.
"Just by listening, you're helping, Yami, and for that I am very grateful. Maybe there will be something you can do soon, but for now, I have to leave it in Seto's hands. He has called a whole team together to be on the case and he will keep me up-to-date with everything. I'll make sure to rely that to you, mon chéri, although I hope my next news will be better", the tanned man admitted softly and Yami nodded as he hoped that would be the case too. Especially with all the upcoming meetings... His lover worked hard and he needed the corporation, which meant people should just leave him alone.
As soon as they entered the house, however, his lover was attacked by both Malik and Ishizu whom wanted to know if everything was all right and most of the story was told again in regards to what had happened as well as Seto working on the case. "Will you two be able to find out whose causing all of this?", was Malik's question as they enjoyed their breakfast, although Atemu merely inclined his head in answer while his face expressed his doubts.
"We're not sure, although there is a team on the case right now to make sure there is a possibility of tracing the culprit. One of our other main priorities, however, is to make certain our back-up systems are safe while we make a second back-up of that information. That's why Seto wants to get in as soon as possible; he wants to duplicate the information onto a computer he owns so he can check everything is all right while the team gets everything back in order", the tanned man explained as best as he could, but Malik nodded in answer as it made perfect sense.
"The most unfortunate thing right now is that we don't know what the hacker is after. We don't know what they want or if they already have what they were looking for. Once Seto and his team have managed to get everything back in order, the both of us will check the company files in regards to other companies as well as contracts and private information. But, not until I have done this meeting with your sister about her museum or the video call later this evening with Washington", Atemu continued, although that was accompanied by a soft sigh once more and Yami could understand why. If word had gotten out concerning the hacking, stockholders in Washington would be asking his lover a lot of questions which had nothing to do with their upcoming meeting. It would both be rude as well as unnecessary, but the pale man could understand his lover didn't want to think about that right now and he squeezed Atemu's shoulder affectionately prior to getting up from his seat to help Malik clean up the kitchen table. Rose-red eyes gleamed at him in appreciation, before both Ishizu and the tanned man turned to their paperwork for a final check-up.
"Are we still going to the bazaar?", Yami asked softly as both Malik and him did the dishes quickly and the beach-blond male nodded slowly while Mahado was getting his daughter ready for transport.
"Unless you don't want to go, that is. Although... it will only be this morning prior to picking Mana back up from kindergarten. Do you want to go to the gym again this afternoon?", Malik asked, to which he received a warm smile as well as a nod.
"Yes, I do. It was pleasant the last time and with everything going on, it would be nice to blow off some steam", Yami answered and the younger tanned man chuckled softly, before they got everyone set up in the car. The drive to the museum was luckily without too much trouble, although the pale man pursed his lips when he couldn't kiss his lover goodbye. Gently, however, Atemu pressed his work phone in his pale hand and crimson eyes blinked in confusion at the gesture.
"I won't be able to answer this phone while I am in that meeting. Seto will call, however, as soon as he knows more and he knows it will be you answering it if you don't mind carrying this thing around", the tanned man asked and he looked rather guilty for requesting this and he was. Before Yami could answer, however, he continued gently. "Mahado will help you out in regards to dealing with Seto, but I need this phone safe with someone and both of you are my best options. Yet, you are currently also able to work with my schedule and if Seto gets everything running once more, there will be a horde of people trying to get into a meeting with me. I can't have Vivian calling me all the time either, so I was hoping you'd be willing to try and put them at ease until I am available again".
For a moment, Yami stared at his lover whom put all of that faith in him, before he nodded and smiled warmly at the tanned man. "You can count on me, Até", he whispered, just so nobody would hear the affectionate nickname and again, rose-red eyes gleamed with pride as well as gratitude, before Atemu really had to leave the car.
"Don't worry, Seto won't call for probably another five or six hours as I made him swear he would only let the team work on it through the night. He's already a workaholic and Kisara likes to have him home. He promised he wouldn't call until somewhere between eight and nine am Domino City-time", the tanned man clarified and Yami nodded as he understood, before he waved his lover goodbye while wishing both Ishizu and him good luck in regards to their current meeting. As he closed the car again, the pale man couldn't help but sigh softly nonetheless while he made sure the phone was secure in the pocket of his jeans.
"Ready?", Mahado asked while Mana cheered softly as they would drop her off next and Yami gave another nod to signal they could leave the museum. As the tall man turned the car, crimson eyes couldn't help themselves as they looked at the museum again, before they fell upon an exquisite red coat and attracting white hair which vanished out of sight as Mahado revved the engine and got back onto the road. Purple eyes turned to him next and a slightly nervous smile played on pale lips as Yami gazed at the reassuring look upon Malik's face.
"We'll keep our ears open as well. If we catch that thing ringing in your pocket, we'll silence everyone. The bazaar is busy, but I'm sure you'll be able to hear it", the beach-blond male offered and Yami's nervous smile broadened slightly.
"It's on vibrate too, luckily, which is why I stuck it in the front of my jeans. Plus, it's an easy reach. I know Atemu said Seto wouldn't work at his computers overnight, but what if the team already found something? They would call Seto, right? Three am or not", Yami offered and Mahado couldn't help himself as he chuckled softly while rounding the corner into another street where a kindergarten was build behind strong metal fences. The building was protected by guards as well, although their main job was to keep the children inside the compound so they wouldn't be overrun by cars. Dropping Mana off was fairly easy, as the young girl spotted her friends and they waved at her in return while her father was sorting everything out with her teacher so they could pick her up again near two pm that afternoon.
Once everything was sorted, the tanned man hopped back into the car to get them to the bazaar where Yami basically grasped the phone inside the pocket of his jeans so he wouldn't lose it. Even though it was nearing nine in the morning, it was already busy with women shopping for vegetables at the market square while the narrow winding streets were packed with teeny-tiny souvenir shops. Clothes were on display inside massive tents where vendors were trying to lure everyone inside while men were trying to shout the loudest concerning their products for sale. It was a mess while trying to see everything the streets had to offer and Yami gaped at the different things on display, before he pulled Malik into one of the souvenir shops where he bought something for both his grandfather and Yugi.
His companions nodded with impressed approval at the stone figurine of a scarab beetle which had glass-looking colours of blue-ish green for wings while Yami's other hand showed a figurine of Anubis as a black jackal with a beautiful golden-coloured collar atop a small sarcophagus-like box. "The first is for my grandfather and the second for Yugi. There is a small mummy inside, which he can use to give Jonouchi a good scare", the pale man chuckled, as he could already picture the near heart-attack his brother's friend would have and it was hopefully something worthy to record on camera.
"Please send me the video if there will be one", Malik grinned while giving the pale man a small, playful jab with his elbow. Yami promised he would, especially because he would demand the video himself and both men chuckled softly at the fun they expected would come from the small prank. Mahado merely rose a curious eyebrow while trying to contain his chuckles, before he led his companions through the busy streets where they eventually settled down for a welcome refreshment. They stayed there for a moment, in the equally as appreciated shade, while chatting about their upcoming days. The pale man couldn't help but ask the tall brunet for what he could expect within the meetings while he would be in Germany and Mahado loved to help him out, which resulted in them chatting the hours away until it was time for Mana to be picked up. As soon as they arrived home, however, Yami rather felt than heard Atemu's phone ring inside the pocket of his jeans.
"Sennen Corporation, this is Yami speaking", he answered gently, even though he could see the caller was none other than Seto. Mahado gently hushed Mana as they entered the empty house and the girl chatted softly to her bear as the tanned man focused his attention upon the phone as well.
"Yami? This is Seto and it's apparent Atemu hasn't come back yet from his meeting, but could you pass him the news I'd like for him to call me back as soon as he can? The team is getting through the blockade within the system, but I need to have a word with him about it as soon as possible", Seto replied and a small smile curled pale lips at the slightly rushed words.
"I'll make sure he'll call you as soon as he comes home. Good luck solving the issues, although I'm glad there is a breakthrough", Yami said softly and his response had his companions grinning as well. Malik bumped his elbow against Mahado slightly in joy while his friend's crimson eyes gleamed warmly.
"Thank you. Good afternoon", was the swift farewell, which didn't even give Yami the time to respond, but the pale man merely grinned as he felt relieve wash over him. Especially because Malik was cheering as well with a small dance and he was joined by Mana, even though she didn't know what was going on.
"There is a breakthrough?", Mahado asked softly while he gently touched the younger man's shoulder and Yami smiled with a nod from his head.
"Seto didn't say it with those exact words, but he said that the team working on the blockade is getting through and that is the reason he needs to speak with Atemu as soon as possible", the pale man answered and the taller man pursed his lips slightly as they gazed at the clock. Then, he gave a slight tilt of the head.
"Let me get Mana changed into a pair of clean clothes. While you and Malik will be with Rishid at the gym, I'll drive to the museum and see if they're ready yet. If not, I'll linger around with Mana until they are", Mahado offered and he chuckled at the bright smile he received in return.
"Would you be willing to do that? I mean, they might not get out of the museum until five which is almost two hours from now", were Yami's slightly worried words, yet, Mahado gave a slight shrug.
"Even so, Mana and myself can go for a small walk as well and I don't think they'll continue until five. Egyptians love to talk about prices, but they also enjoy being home in time for dinner. It's already been a long day for everyone and I'm quite sure the right bargain has already been made. Go and have some fun, you two. We'll see you again once we get back", the tall tanned male said and the two friends accepted that answer prior to getting dressed into something appropriate for the gym.
"Rishid will take your mind off of things", Malik promised as they entered the compound's private gym and the pale man chuckled nervously, although working out was once again a great way to let go of some steam as Rishid made up different things to do which weren't going to give him too much muscle soreness as he still needed to function properly. Although the only thing he really had to function for, was creating a schedule for Atemu because it was exactly as his lover had said it would be. As soon as the tanned man had arrived home, he had phoned Seto to hear the news about his company which was good. The hacker had disappeared again which had left the brunet male trying to fix everything in Domino City at the same time Atemu had gone off into his next meeting with Washington.
Yet, the news of Sennen Corporation having been cleared again ran around other companies like wildfire and while his lover was discussing important matters with the stockholders, Yami was answering the phone to make appointments and to disappoint people when he had to tell them they wouldn't be able to speak with his lover until next week Wednesday or Thursday. He also wanted to see the tanned man somewhere during the day as well as have dinner with him to make sure his lover had some free time, which was why the younger male kept an eye on Atemu's schedule like a hawk the longer he was asked to answer every call by his lover.
"At least we'll still sleep together", Atemu muttered softly during one of the free moments Yami had booked upon the arrived Friday while the latter showed him what had become of his schedule during their week in Berlin. They would leave for Germany tomorrow and the pale man sighed softly as both Wednesday and Thursday had flown by. His lover had both been very busy with sorting through electronic files to make sure nothing was missing or had been tempered with, while companies had been lining up to discuss matters with Atemu personally. Some of them had threatened to annul the contract if things wouldn't get better, which the tanned man had calmed down as much as possible with the same words over and over again. It just proved how hard of hearing everyone really was...
Luckily, Yami had seen to his lover sleeping in slightly this morning prior to his second meeting with the sister companies in both Berlin as well as France and so far, so good in regards to their well-being. The first meeting from Wednesday had been to soothe both offices, while also making sure neither one was damaged and the news earlier that morning had been good as well. Currently, his lover was preparing himself for a second video-call with the main office in New York, which had to make sure the managers knew what was expected of them now that most of the files had been looked at, and deemed to be correct, until deep into the night. Human Resources had been tasked with keeping track of employee files within the company for abnormalities and there would be a slight moment in time with them also to hear of their progress. Jack would be spoken to as well, considering he managed a lot of stores and had been tasked with gathering information regarding their statuses.
"Of course we'll still see each other, Até. Just because one company in San Francisco as well as a few in New York demand you to sit behind your computer at two am in the morning, doesn't mean I listen to them. Aside from the fact I am a little selfish in wanting some of your time for myself, you also need to eat and sleep. There are meetings planned in Germany which are also very important and now that the hacker is gone, their companies are in safe hands once more. Yes, I understand their worries, but they just have to wait until you have time", Yami answered softly to his lover's previous comment and rose-red eyes turned to him with a warm gleam nestled deep within them.
"Thank you, mon chéri", Atemu whispered gratefully in return and the pale man smiled at his lover prior to them checking the schedule again. It was a busy one, especially because both the business-paparazzi as well as the 'normal' one had been driving the city mad with rumours. It was unfortunate his lover couldn't do anything about the rumours until he would return to New York in over two weeks time and Yami sighed softly as he was faced with that fact once more while answering Atemu's phone to speak with another business. As he did, he gave his lover the necessary amount of motion-sickness medication while listening carefully to the person on the other end of the line. He could see the tanned man shaking his head at the medication, but Yami shushed him gently while checking the schedule for some time.
"Very well... Yes, I understand this must be discussed with your superior. Yes, thank you very much and have a lovely day yourself", were the pale man's soft words prior to ending the call and rose-red eyes gleamed at him in confusion while Yami sighed softly. "Just another company wanting your time, but as I explained your upcoming schedule with the secretary, she said she had to discuss it again with her boss. Which is perfectly fine and please, Até, take those", he urged as he handed his lover the medication again.
"Mon chéri, we both know these don't work", Atemu objected, although he leaned his head into the soft caresses of his hair when Yami rose up to kiss his temple softly.
"That's because I didn't give these to you in time when we had to fly to Egypt. I checked the prescription information that comes with them, and yes, in most cases it works if one takes the medication at least half an hour prior to travelling. But, it is also advised to take them twenty-four hours prior to leaving and once again an hour before the true departure. Please, Até, we can always try. If this doesn't work either, I'll give up and let you do what you've always done to survive travelling abroad", Yami promised and the tanned man sighed softly as he stared at the tablets in his hand.
"Which means I'll feel just as sick as always. You're right, I'll try them again", Atemu murmured and the younger male smiled while he gave his lover another kiss considering they were completely hidden from the outside world inside Ishizu's kitchen. The tanned man smiled warmly in return, before he swallowed the given tablets with a glass of water. Afterwards, he got up from his seat to stretch so he could settle down in another chair once he had reached Mahado's office.
"Good luck", Yami merely whispered while he cleaned the used plates and utensils they had used for lunch just now. He received a soft kiss against the lips in answer, before his lover disappeared in the small room he had been sitting in for more hours than the pale man really wanted to. What was even worse was the fact it would be long hours again until dinner time and the crimson-eyed male sighed softly at the prospect. His lover's sort of holiday was completely ruined and all the little spare time they would have had in Berlin was gone as well. Deep down, it saddened Yami that this had been Atemu's life for a long time and probably would continue to be even though they were together. It made him wonder if standing at the tanned man's side was all he could do... or was there more? Could he be more than just a small attachment to his lover? Could he learn to be better than that?
The thoughts were interrupted by another phone call which Yami answered while grasping Atemu's schedule as well. He would definitely try to make his lover's life easier, just so the tanned man could have a breather in between the chaos that would sometimes ensue and with a confident smile on his lips, the younger male sat down at the table to go through the call. He was understanding, yet firm as he organised Atemu's schedule even though he knew his lover could handle all that was thrown at him... but all he wanted for the older man was to be able to help him and some precious time to get a decent night of sleep. That was all Yami really asked for and it was granted to him while he still kept periods free within the schedule during the time they would be in London. Or else there wouldn't be a point in going and the pale man really wanted to go, because he wanted to know how it would be like for his lover to establish something new. After all, the initial man who had tried to contact his lover for a business in London was butchered into the next world delicately a few days ago, even though that did leave Atemu to sort things out on his own, but his lover was confident he could do it.
"Yami?", was the soft call of his name and the pale man blinked as he was taken from his mind to stare at Malik whom had entered the kitchen.
"Hey, sorry... I was spacing out while thinking back on Atemu being the better man when he told the guy from London the deal was off", Yami answered with a grin on his lips and the beach-blond male chuckled prior to sitting down at the table as well with his gift for Ryou. The small package, which had previously been hidden underneath a pile of socks, had been carefully wrapped in dark blue paper while there was also a card attached to the top. At the sight, Yami's grin turned warm while Malik was very careful with the gifts he had chosen for his lover.
"You'll still go to London, right? Even though Atemu didn't strike a deal and is currently buried in the aftermath of the hacking?", the beach-blond male asked softly to which Yami nodded gently.
"Yes, we're still going. Atemu does want me to see how things go when he either takes over a company or build things from the ground up. Plus, he says that since I've seen you, I am also entitled to see Ryou. Especially because you want for me to take that to London", was the pale man's answer and Malik smiled prior to handing the wrapped package to his friend.
"I'm just really glad you're willing to take this with you. Especially because you have to go to Berlin first as well", Malik said softly, but Yami gave a slight shrug while he accepted the gift.
"That's quite all right. I've packed all the gifts and souvenirs in the suitcase I'm allowed to take with me into the aeroplane, so they won't get harmed during the travel. There is also a safe in the hotel room Atemu booked, so nobody will be able to steal it from us while we are staying there. I promise to deliver everything safe and sound, Malik", the pale man said and the younger male grinned with confidence. "Unless we crash that is", Yami added with a teasing tune upon his voice and he laughed as Malik gave him a small nudge.
"Don't jinx it!", the beach-blond male called out, although the pale man continued to laugh softly, before he slowly rose up from his seat.
"All right, all right, I won't", he promised while taking the gift in his hands. "I'll get this inside the cabin so I can pack it tonight. Will you wait for me so we can struggle our ways through Rishid's training this afternoon?", Yami asked and that perked Malik up immediately although there was also a sigh because Rishid was always that little bit harsher towards the beach-blond male than to his friend. They both knew why, as Yami hadn't had the training Malik had had after arriving in Egypt, but the pale man had found out he liked working out to clear his head and he would definitely continue to do so when he'd get back home.
It made him wonder if Atemu would like to join him as well, but he hadn't had the chance to ask just yet and when his lover returned that night, he didn't have the heart either. The tanned man had finished the meeting earlier than the other ones this past week and luckily he wouldn't have any tomorrow considering that was the day of their flight, but Yami found he couldn't help himself as he pulled Atemu to bed to caress him through his hair while his lover used him as a pillow. Pale lips had curled themselves in a loving smile while the tanned man had practically claimed him, yet, it was a relaxing moment for the both of them and the younger male enjoyed every minute of it while he leaned a little more against the headboard.
"This is nice", Atemu whispered suddenly and crimson eyes glanced down at the tanned man resting against Yami's frame. Surprise gleamed in the warm irises, as the younger man had believed for his lover to be asleep, although the surprise was exchanged for loving warmth while pale fingers continued to caress through thick tri-coloured hair.
"Sleep, Até, you need it. Tomorrow will be another busy day... perhaps without meetings but we'll have to finish up packing, travel to both the airport and Berlin as well as the hotel. I know I'll be glad once that is over", Yami commented softly, but his lover hushed him gently while nuzzling his stomach affectionately.
"Ssh, don't remind me just yet while I am enjoying this moment. It may be true one doesn't know what they miss before it's lost or gone, but I never knew what I missed until I found it. I never knew this could be so welcome", Atemu whispered while he took a deep breath and continued to press his nose against his lover's abdomen lovingly. He had never really had someone waiting for him when he got home, but ever since he had started to stay at Yami's apartment, he had longed for it. Something about being with his lover calmed his mind in a way nothing had ever been able to do and Atemu smiled as he let his thoughts linger on that feeling. Peace... yes, he had noticed he had gained more of that feeling ever since meeting the pale man. Especially after their lives had grown more entwined and even more so after their big argument, but it was why he appreciated it so much right now. Because his lover was here with him, far away from home, and still able to soothe him completely.
"You ease my mind, mon chéri, like nothing has ever done for me. I know I've said it before, but your bring me peace and I'd like for that to linger. No meetings, no packing, no flights... Just us for a moment longer", he whispered, before he had to hide a yawn. The pale man merely hummed softly while he continued to caress through his lover's hair.
"Very well, Até... I won't say anything about all of that for a moment, especially because I want you to be at ease and to have your mind calmed down to think of nothing but sleep. Relax, my love, I'm here", he whispered and the words alone made Yami smile because he realised there was something he could do for his lover at last. He should have known, but not knowing made his lover's words that much sweeter and he gladly stayed awake to make sure his loved one could feel at peace. He loved it to see the rose-red eyes move beneath closed eye-lids while Atemu's breathing evened out ever so slowly and he knew that being at his lover's side was the best thing he could do. Answering a phone didn't match up to what he currently had and Yami smiled as the reassuring weight against his abdomen was a welcomed comfort for him as well, even if it made moving to a sleeping position a little more difficult. It felt good though, to have his lover with him, and the pale man sighed softly as he wished he could prolong this night for them both as much as possible.
Morning came, however, with their phones buzzing on Yami's night stand in alarm and the pale man hated that moment as he searched for the peace-interrupting devices. Atemu groaned softly while he tried to bury his head against his lover's back at the same time he wished he could fall back to sleep again. It was futile, he knew this, but he enjoyed it nonetheless as it gave him a moment longer to feel the warm body against his own. "Good morning, mon chéri", he whispered softly, however, as the alarms were turned off and he chuckled softly when Yami murmured something incoherent. The blankets were shifted as his lover tried to cocoon himself a little while also pressing himself more into their spooning position and Atemu let him for a moment while he wrapped his arms tighter around the pale man's slender frame.
"Good morning", was the other soft murmur and slowly, the older male lifted his head from his pillow while blinking rose-red eyes open. As he leaned his head atop his lover's shoulder, Atemu smiled as he gazed down at the sleepy face while Yami tried to hide a yawn and the tanned man chuckled softly at the sight. He allowed for his lover to shift again, just so he could plant a soft kiss to warm pale lips.
"Shower first?", Yami whispered after separating his lips from tanned ones and he smiled lovingly as Atemu agreed. Not that they could object, as their whole day was already planned to the minute, but the older male did enjoy pressing the naked wet body of the pale man against his own frame while the warm water cascaded down upon them. The warmth helped to wake them both up so they were ready for another one of Ishizu's lovely breakfasts prior to them finishing up packing their suitcases. E-mails were checked one last time, schedules were secured within a briefcase as well as Malik's precious gift to Ryou, before everything was hauled into the car.
"Thank you for letting us stay, Ishizu, and good luck with the museum", Yami said softly and the black-haired woman smiled kindly while shaking his hand.
"You're welcome and thank you. I hope you enjoyed your stay here and will come back soon with Atemu for another visit. I promise we'll schedule some more sightseeing when you do", she said and the pale man nodded with a grin, before he turned to the car and got in alongside Malik who would come with them to the airport as well. He could hear his lover thanking the tanned woman for her generosity too while at the same time Mahado sat down behind the wheel. Moments later, he was followed by Atemu while the tall brunet kissed his daughter softly prior to handing her to his wife.
"Have a safe trip, all of you", Ishizu said with a warm smile while she closed the door to her husband's seat. They all nodded in promise, yet, Yami couldn't help but feel excited again. He had briefly been able to get Atemu to take some more medication, although he hoped it would work this time. Especially because he gave it a little earlier than just an hour before their flight would depart, but he was sure they would forget while trying to get through security and passport control.
"It's a little busy", Malik commented softly as soon as they arrived in the departure hall and he gently grasped the handle of Yami's cabin luggage a little tighter just to make sure it wouldn't get stolen... His gift for his lover was inside of it, after all and that thought nearly made his knuckles go white with desperation. Mahado was the lucky one, however, as he was able to look over everyone's heads and they managed to get to a small coffee shop for a last drink; minus Atemu. Gently, both Malik and Yami tapped their glasses of soda against one another in a way to wish them both good luck with the rest of their internship, as it would still last a good few months, and they could use all the best wishes they could get.
"Message me when you've arrived safe and sound, all right?", the beach-blond male asked while both Mahado and him brought their visitors to security.
"I promise. Good luck with the museum, Malik, and we'll chat again on Skype", Yami answered, because it was sort of tradition to message each other after a long travel. Ryou had established it in case of emergencies, but now it had evolved in giving everyone an all clear upon arrival to take away unnecessary worries. At the promise, however, both men gave each other a gentle hug in goodbye, before the crimson-eyed male accepted his passport from his lover.
"See you again soon, Atemu", Mahado said and the tanned man smiled kindly towards his taller friend.
"Yes, we will. Good luck with the other companies and if there is another hacking-attempt, I'll let you know about it. Especially because I might need your help again", Atemu promised and the brunet male smiled in return with a nod, before he waved the couple goodbye while they stood in line together. Both men looked back once to see their companions leaving as soon as they had gone through security, before Atemu walked his lover towards the gate where they took a seat in the designated business-class area behind the large window through which they could see the aeroplanes and the buses driving around the perimeters.
"At least one good thing will come out of this flight", Atemu commented softly while they were surrounded by other people and Yami leaned forward to hear the tanned man better while he looked at his lover questioningly. "When we are in Berlin, I can call you by your nickname again in public", were the next gentle words and the pale man couldn't help but smile while he nodded.
"It is definitely something I'm looking forward to", Yami whispered in return and he received a loving smile in return, before his phone buzzed softly after he momentarily used the airport's internet access. Rose-red eyes gleamed with slight worry while the pale man looked at the black device, but at the small smile, Atemu visibly relaxed. Of course he knew they had packed everything, because Yami had checked the entire cabin three times, but the tanned man hadn't been able to help himself and be worried for a small moment.
"Just an e-mail from Pegasus", were the pale man's soft words to which Atemu frowned slightly.
"You are receiving e-mails from Pegasus on your phone?", he asked and crimson eyes turned to him while Yami laughed softly.
"No need to be jealous, Até. As I told you last Wednesday, I merely linked your e-mail account to our phones because with the recent hacking, you are overwhelmed in them and this is easier to work with than having to open the laptop all the time", the pale man explained and the tanned man frowned slightly as he tried to recall that conversation. He remembered, however, as it was his lover's request to do so to make sorting through everything easier. This way, Seto didn't have to worry about an e-mail account that was not his own while he was still making sure the company was once again back in business and the tanned man had to admit his inbox did look a lot clearer. Yami had always printed the e-mails that needed to be looked at immediately, especially if they were to be fitted into his schedule, but it was nice to share that part of his work-life with his lover as well.
"Let me guess, it's about Halloween?", was Atemu's question, however, considering Pegasus wouldn't send an e-mail concerning the hacking, but again, the pale man smiled while giving his elbow a slight nudge.
"No, it's actually an e-mail to request if you need more help in regards to the hacking. Pegasus knows that Seto can handle himself, but he is also offering a team of experts just in case because he says you need to overcome this adversity with the grace that belongs to Sennen Corporation. Rivalry or not", was the gentle answer and there was a slight surprise visible in rose-red eyes, before the tanned man was able to cover it up. Especially because there really was no rivalry between the three companies as Seto was focused on all the Kaiba lands together with the ultimate gaming-technology which Atemu sold in his stores while the tanned man also had a financial business aspect to keep him busy. Pegasus, on the other hand, had given all of his time to one card game and Toon World which had flourished remarkably well.
"Here. This way you can reply without having to dictate what you'd like for me to write", Yami chuckled while he handed his phone to his lover so the latter could send an answer in return. The tanned man accepted the black device with a kind smile, although he was finished rather quickly with the e-mail as he merely had to explain everything was currently taken care of. The company was getting back on track and most departments were able to function as they used to do, but once Atemu would need the help Pegasus offered him, he would definitely contact him again.
"Done?", Yami asked as he accepted his phone from his lover and as Atemu nodded, he turned the device off because the flight attendants were calling them to the desk. They were to board the bus towards the aeroplane first, which the tanned man survived so far as even the asphalt road towards the aircraft was a bumpy one and Yami grasped his luggage tightly while also hanging onto his seat when the driver had to go over another pothole.
"Best drivers in town", the tanned male muttered darkly while giving a snort at the same time they exited the vehicle as quickly as possible so they could get into the safety of the aeroplane. Or at least, Yami's safety, as Atemu was already dreading the four hour flight and he continued to keep his fingers crossed for no turbulence on their way towards Berlin. He really wasn't looking forward to being sick again and he declined the offered drink from the flight attendant prior to watching her help the other passengers as they got inside as well. The small chaos was luckily over very soon and rose-red eyes glanced towards Yami as the latter covered the tanned hand with his own pale one when the aeroplane was getting ready for take-off. He gave a small smile in return and took a deep breath to relax which worked while Yami's fingers took his mind off the happenings slightly. They gently caressed the top of his hand or linked with his own digits lovingly which Atemu tried to focus on as much as possible.
"It will be all right, Até. At least this flight will only be four hours and once we are in Berlin, you can teach me some German just for the fun of it", Yami offered and the tanned man smiled slightly while he linked their fingers again to squeeze the offered hand lovingly.
"Everyone in Germany speaks near-perfect English, mon chéri, so you don't have to worry about not getting around at all. But, I can teach you some of the language now if you want?", Atemu asked and Yami nodded while the aeroplane straightened itself. The flight attendants came to life as well as soon as the aircraft appeared to be stable and they methodically went around the cabin to offer food and drinks to everyone, while the pilot kept them updated at the same time the tanned man tried his best to teach his lover some of the new language he would hear.
"Personally, I think writing is the most difficult part of their language, as they use capital-letters for some words, but not all of them... It's confusing, but that is the part you really don't have to worry about. If you get used to their speech, it's actually easy to follow", Atemu said, although Yami felt like his head was swimming while his lover tried to explain everything and he was glad the tanned man took pity on him. "I'll teach you some little things. Just like everyone, Germans appreciate it if you try to speak their language. They will help you out if necessary and they will wait patiently for you to get it right if they see you're trying very hard. Don't worry though, as I'll be with you most of the time", Atemu said softly and the younger male nodded as he knew that would be the case. Not only would he probably get severely lost if he would go out on his own, he'd rather be with his lover to support him than leave him in an office all alone.
Yet, he paid attention to his lover as much as possible until he really didn't understand any more. They were offered some late lunch and as he ate his own, because his lover had declined, Yami watched the tanned man sort through some of the files he had taken with him in the briefcase. It made him smile to hear Atemu mutter darkly through his teeth, although he seemed to be doing fine... better even than during their flight to Miami. Yami didn't comment on it, however, just in case that would set Atemu in a different state of mind and he liked to prevent that. It also helped their flight went without trouble and both their descent as well as their landing were quite smooth.
"How do you feel?", he asked as they were driving towards the gate and Atemu frowned slightly in confusion as he hadn't been bothered by the flight as much as he had thought he would be.
"Good, actually. Definitely better than when we arrived in Egypt, although I have to admit... maybe even better than with most of my flights. Maybe it worked this time", the tanned man offered and Yami smiled while he got up from his chair as soon as the aeroplane was parked.
"That sounds hopeful, Até. Will you try the medication again for our flight towards London?", he asked softly while a flight attendant helped them with their luggage and he felt relieved as Atemu agreed. It was definitely a great sight to see his lover not being sick or completely unbalanced because of their travel and Yami hoped the next two results would be just as good so that he knew what to give the tanned man for every flight in the near future.
Retrieving their main luggage, however, was a complete chaos and the pale man sighed softly as that would probably take the fun out of their future-flights without a doubt. Everyone was rushing around the automated machine, as if they had to catch the first taxi towards their destination, and Yami was glad his lover didn't do the same. Both men waited for their luggage to arrive, although he nearly had to fight for his suitcase because someone had theirs mixed up with his. Atemu merely chuckled as his lover snorted with an angry hiss, prior to them dragging their luggage after themselves towards the exit.
"Next time, we'll have a short flight with only our small suitcases that are allowed inside the cabin. That way we'll be in and out without any trouble", the tanned man promised softly while he was pulling both their suitcases at the same time Yami was watching over their smaller one as well as his briefcase.
"That would be a change of atmosphere", Yami muttered, before he gave a slight smile and another snort. "Especially because nobody would try to kidnap my pyjamas next time", were his joking words and Atemu laughed, before he leaned towards the pale ear slightly.
"You don't need those, mon chéri. Trust me", he whispered rather huskily and Yami couldn't help but blush while smiling at the prospect of having his lover all to himself that night. They would go out for a meal and then there would be no work, no phone, no e-mails and no one else to bother them. Somehow, he was looking forward to that and the pale man smiled as his lover took him to a woman waiting for them with a sign in her hands. It read Atemu's last name and as they greeted her, she showed them their ride. It was a luxurious limousine with both the back doors carrying an inscription of Hotel de Rome and Yami gazed around the large vehicle at the same time he tried not to be too impressed. Yet, the leather seats were very comfortable and the pale man reclined in them as he let his muscles relax after the chaos in the baggage retrieval hall.
"Danke schön", he heard Atemu say to their female driver and Yami congratulated himself slightly as his mangled mind was able to translate that to 'thank you'. He welcomed his lover at his side, however, as the small conversation ended and the tanned man smiled while their chauffeur closed the door and settled down behind the wheel to get the car in motion.
"Please tell me this won't be our ride for the entire week? Charles might get jealous", the younger male commented in a soft whisper when the limousine left the curb and Atemu chuckled softly prior to shaking his head in a negative answer.
"No, not the entire week. By booking the room at this hotel, they offered for someone to pick us up at the airport. It came in very handy as our own driver won't be available until tomorrow. We will sleep in and afterwards, we'll go to the sister company so I can give you a small private tour prior to dealing with a few video conferences with the other CEO that have no live either... Much like who I used to be", the tanned man explained, although his last words were followed by a sigh and a roll of his eyes. Yet, pale lips curled in a slightly sad smile in answer, prior to Yami linking their fingers together again.
"It's too bad we can't enjoy our Sunday off the way we'd like, but I did book ourselves a little free time as I was hoping you'd show me the parks you visited all those months ago", the younger male replied and Atemu smiled in return at his lover's offer as he was hoping he could do the same as well. The parks in question were quite beautiful and he would definitely need the peace they could offer him while Yami was at his side.
"Gladly", he whispered, prior to them falling in a comfortable silence as the limousine entered the highway for their small thirty-minute-drive to their hotel. He merely stared out the window to see cars passing him by and Atemu gently pointed at things that he couldn't see in New York. His current home was a lot busier and often a chaos, but everything in Berlin was different. The buildings looked older and the official ones had decorations upon them that made them look even grander than they already were. It was amazing and he couldn't wait to see the hotel itself. Nor could he wait to explore a little more of this new world with his lover, if only for a small moment and Yami smiled lovingly while he glanced at the tanned man seated beside him. He was excited because he would finally experience more of what his lover had already done for so long and it created a wonderful thrill as he was about to share that aspect with Atemu while he hoped he could be there for his lover. To stand at his side, no matter what.
/\/\/\/\/\
Thank you all very much for reading and if you have the time, please leave a review. Let me know what you all think and yes, I did try to edit this chapter to the best of my abilities, but if you spot a mistake you absolutely can't live with: let me know too.
I want to wish everyone a lovely Christmas and I hope that it will be joyful. See you all again soon, byebye!