Hi Everyone! Welcome back to another chapter of Blind Date. A big thank you to Pharaohs Girl18 and Jofisk for reviewing the previous chapter and I'm really glad you enjoyed it so much. Hopefully this one will do as well as I have enjoyed it big time to research and write for it (and I do hope everything will still make sense).
Please enjoy!
/\/\/\/\/\
Blind Date – Part 60
/\/\/\/\/\
Snuggling a little deeper underneath the blankets and against the warm frame of his lover, Yami smiled in his half-sleep. This was perfect, after all, for he had Atemu's arms wrapped around him as well as the sleeping man's soft breath against his neck. Not even the sirens going off in the distance could turn his mood sour and Yami purred as he allowed himself to just feel. He felt the heavenly mattress and the warm blankets, he felt the gentle embrace while there was a warmth brewing inside of him. This was his, all his and the pale man was glad he could claim this moment as such. This entire day would be theirs too, as there would be no meetings or other distractions, for Atemu wouldn't have to visit companies nor would he have to look at game stores located around London. Today they'd go sight-seeing and even though they'd go with an hop-on-hop-off bus, he was looking forward to spending the day with his lover.
The excitement only grew as he felt his lover's arm tighten around him when Atemu stretched his muscles upon waking and Yami couldn't help himself as he joined in on the yawn he could hear behind him. The tanned man muttered softly, however, while snuggling closer to him as well and pale lips curled in a loving smile while the younger male continued to enjoy himself. "Good morning Até", was his soft greeting, no matter the fact his lover tried to pretend it was still the middle of the night and Yami chuckled as there was another mutter followed by a yawn.
"Good morning, mon chéri", was the returned whisper afterwards and slowly, the pale man blinked his eyes open and stretched his own muscles blissfully. "You make me lazy... Please continue to do so", Atemu continued to whisper, although he grunted in disagreement when Yami turned around in his embrace. As his lover did, however, the tanned man pressed his face against the clothed chest, because he didn't want to be fully awake just yet. The pale man merely chuckled at his lover's antics, before he carded through the thick tri-coloured hair to get some of the tangles out gently.
"Gladly, if we can spend our mornings like this. Although you're not lazy, Até. You've worked real hard these past few weeks and from today up until Sunday evening, there is finally some time to rest. You need that too, for Monday morning the meetings at the company will start again. We'll have Jack inform us about the stores he has been overseeing and when you are in a meeting with the other managers, I'll ask him a thousand questions about the store I have to return to on Tuesday", Yami said while he felt a peace wash over him the more he busied himself with his lover's hair.
"Ssh, mon chéri, not yet. It's Friday and today, we'll have it to ourselves. I don't want to think about the horror tomorrow will bring, but I'd like to think of Sunday. Yes, we must leave the house for groceries, but afterwards we can cuddle while the washing machine works its way through our clothes. All of that can wait, however, because I have you to myself right now and I am enjoying it a lot", Atemu replied lovingly while he nuzzled Yami's chest gently and the soft chuckle he received in return lightened his spirit some more. There was no work he had to think of today, unless Seto would call with an emergency, but the tanned man kept his fingers crossed that wouldn't happen. Not again, as he had just gone through that and Yami deserved the attention today as well as the rest of the year and beyond that.
Atemu had to laugh, however, as his lover's stomach rumbled softly in disagreement while Yami blushed and busied himself just a little more with the thick tri-coloured hair. "What would you like for breakfast, mon chéri?", the tanned man asked while the pale man remained silent and he gently pulled his face away from the embarrassed beating of his lover's heart so that he could look at Yami and smile reassuringly. As he did, the pale man lowered himself a little more underneath the blankets so they were face-to-face and both men continued to smile while staring at each other.
"What I'd like is something that can be delivered to our room, so we can enjoy it on our bed without making it too dirty. That way, we can continue to enjoy ourselves before we head out into London", Yami answered, before he scooted a little closer so his lips could brush his lover's gently.
"That sounds like a plan, mon chéri. You still don't mind for us to head out with a bus? I can still call the taxi-company for a chauffeur to drive us around London if you want?", Atemu asked softly while he pulled the pale man as close to him as possible. Crimson eyes gleamed as he did so, prior to Yami shaking his head gently.
"No, Até, I don't mind. I'll be with you to give me courage to believe this bus won't get into an accident and the previous taxi-driver didn't look like he knew a lot about London, which is why I want to go with the buses. There is an audio option on each and every one of them and I'd like to actually learn something while we go sight-seeing. Plus, even though it's probably chilly, I'd like to sit on top with you when it's dry", was the kind answer and Atemu smirked, before he leaned in to touch his lover's lips gently with his own. Pale fingers buried themselves in his hair to pull him closer and firmer against his lover, while his hands tightened their own hold upon the slender frame beside him as they shared their first kiss of that day. Softly, languidly and eagerly they conveyed their feelings for one another prior to breaking apart and Yami smiled while he caressed his lover's face.
"Breakfast it is", Atemu murmured and the pale man hummed softly while his stomach rumbled again in agreement. Chuckles escaped tanned lips and even though they both regret releasing the other, Yami used the opportunity to head towards the bathroom while Atemu phoned downstairs for their breakfast to be delivered as quickly as possible. Crimson eyes gleamed when the pale man returned to see his lover still on the phone and he crawled upon the bed in order to embrace the man he loved from behind. He gently wrapped his arms around the strong frame while kissing his lover's neck tenderly and Yami smiled while Atemu tilted his head away to give him more space to work with. Not that anything could happen, but he wanted to show the tanned male how much he was loved and appreciated.
"Yes, take your time as I realise we order in very late. Thank you very much, however, for all that you can do", Atemu said softly, prior to ending the conversation and Yami sighed softly while nuzzling his lover.
"We really have to start making up our minds concerning the room service. I don't want you to be scolded at, because we both know we should have just gone downstairs", the pale man whispered softly, but he smiled while Atemu took one of his hands up to his lips and kissed it softly.
"People can change their mind and don't you dare worry about it. The lady on the phone was very understanding and I told them there was no need to hurry. Yet, perhaps next time we visit any kind of hotel, we can book the room service in advance", the tanned man consented and Yami smiled prior to gently nibbling on his lover's ear.
"We should be proper guests", was his reply, before chuckling as Atemu turned in his embrace and pushed him down onto the mattress again. The tanned man laughed softly while his hands caressed his lover's abdomen and he tilted his head with his lips pursed slightly.
"Proper?", he asked teasingly and he could see the crimson eyes widening as soon as his fingers found the ticklish spots. Yami cried out in an attempt to stop his lover, before he started to laugh uncontrollably while trying to get away from the tanned man. He kicked the sheets and tried to fight Atemu off prior to the tanned man pinning him to the bed. Only when he begged was he given a moment to gasp for breath and Yami felt like jelly while he tried to recover. His lover's deep laugh made him tremble slightly, but he was glad the other man leaned their foreheads together instead of a new round of tickles.
"No more, Até, please?", Yami couldn't help but ask while he slowly got his breathing under control and he smiled while the tanned man kissed his cheek softly.
"Very well, mon chéri. We will continue this back at home", was the promise and Atemu laughed as his lover smacked him slightly, before pressing their lips together in a sweet morning kiss. Afterwards, he helped his lover from the bed and as he had given a time frame for the staff to bring their order in, they enjoyed the warm stream of the shower together. Anything to be close, even though that meant they wouldn't have breakfast on bed. Neither man minded, however and Yami glanced at his dressed lover while the other went to the door when there were gentle knocks. Atemu looked really handsome in his casual outfit and the pale man's crimson eyes gleamed in appreciation while he greeted the maid coming into their room. They wished her a good day after Atemu tipped her well for the excellent services and only after she was gone, did Yami touch his lover's behind gently.
"Até, I really like these jeans on you", he whispered in the tanned ear gently, before he moved to the dining table and sat down. Rose-red eyes were warm and gleamed with a slight glare for his teasing touch at the same time tanned lips were pulled up in a daring smirk.
"Then perhaps it is a good thing you can look at them all day", Atemu teased in return and Yami chuckled while he served them both their breakfast from the cart. Everything was still piping hot as well as delicious and for a moment, the soft sounds of cutlery were the only things heard prior to both men checking the map of London and all of the stops the bus would drive by. With a red pencil, Yami marked the places they wanted to see while Atemu marked the stops with a black pencil at the same time. Until he pecked his lover's cheek gently.
"Mon chéri, if we wish to see the changing of the guards, we'll have to leave. It will be in about forty-five minutes and it's a bit of a walk", Atemu said gently and crimson eyes glanced at the clock prior to Yami closing everything he had on hands. Their wallets and the map were stored in the shoulder bag he would carry with him as well as bottles of water and a small snack. Shoes were tied as quickly as possible and only then did Atemu grab one of the key-cards on the dining table. The other one had been stored inside a wallet for safety reasons, while their bus tickets were digitally stored on their phones.
"All done... you know the way?", Yami asked softly and he chuckled when Atemu kissed him reassuringly.
"I do, mon chéri", was the gentle answer and the pale man gasped softly when a warm hand touched his bum at the same time tanned lips curled in a loving smirk. Yami couldn't help but blush and chuckle at the same time, before he grasped his lover's arm and gently hooked his own around it.
"Later, Até, later", he whispered teasingly and the tanned man laughed softly while kissing his cheek again lovingly. It was a small promise, if they were still up for it after crossing through London all day, but Yami was looking forward to this outing with his lover. He followed the tanned man into the lobby, where Atemu ordered room service for the next morning, prior to them hitting the streets. Crossing the one running in front of the hotel, they went all the way down towards Green Park where they walked underneath the green, reddish-brown and yellow leaves. Autumn was already showing its beautiful colours occasionally and Yami smiled while he walked aside his lover with their arms linked lovingly.
Buckingham Palace was surrounded by a massive gate to ward off unwanted guests, but the pale man couldn't help himself as he wished to see passed the bars. It was already extremely busy with other tourists who wished to see the change of the guards as well, but somehow, they could still secure a nice spot. Behind him, in the middle of the curved road was an enormous statue with a golden figurine on top and he watched how Atemu took out the paperwork they had printed out in advance a few days ago.
"That is the Queen Victoria Memorial and it depicts the late Queen Victoria who we can't see currently as she is seated on the other side", Atemu said while they gazed at the marble construction. Yet, his eyes returned towards the piece of paper he held in his hands so he could continue to read: "The top figurine is made from gilded bronze and is known as the Winged Victory. She stands atop a globe and holds a victor's palm in her hand. The other bronze figurines are the personifications of Constancy, who is holding a compass with its needle pointing true North, and Courage, who is holding a club. The eagles, of which we can currently see one, are representing the empire". At this, Atemu stopped reading to glance at the statue once more, before they could hear music approaching from behind the marble memorial. The road had been closed off entirely and as they tried to glance over everyone's head, both men could see riders with their horses.
As they marched across the road, the band played an unknown piece of music, yet it was difficult for the short men to see them aside from the overly large black hats. Only when the band rounded the corner around the statue completely did they become visible and the red jackets were suddenly hard to miss. Around them, cameras and phones flashed to take everything in and even the pale man had to admit he took a few photos of the happenings in front of him. The large gates had opened up at last and Yami grinned as he felt excitement brimming in his being when he could spot the new group of guards behind the marching band.
While the music continued to play, the band led the new guards through the gates of Buckingham palace where the trained men showed off their marching skills. The drill was tough and crimson eyes gleamed in awe while they took everything in they could see. Each and every step was thought out as well as perfected by years of training and Yami enjoyed the sight while the new guards took their positions. Everyone knew exactly what to do and the change was seamlessly while the band was allowed to play one more song upon the palace ground prior to them leading the old guard to their resting place. "To have this job must be an honour", Yami commented while the crowd was slowly dispersing to take photos of the new guard while the road was cleaned up to give traffic a chance to move around and about again. Atemu nodded in agreement while he followed his lover towards the marble statue where the pale man took some more photos as it was truly beautiful. Yet, Atemu couldn't help but tilt his head slightly as he stared at the gleaming figurine with wings.
"Either they don't have pigeons in this country or they clean that statue every hour", he commented softly which earned him a chuckle from his lover and he couldn't help but laugh either as he had seen plenty of pigeons in the last few days.
"It's probably important enough to have someone cleaning it periodically", Yami agreed, although he was sure it wasn't every hour. Yet, the exaggeration made him laugh and he pecked his lover's cheek softly while they linked their arms together once more. "But you're right, it is very clean", he agreed while Atemu hummed with a serious expression on his face moments before he chuckled again. As he did, he also took the map from his lover's shoulder bag to check their next route and he pursed his lips slightly while tracing the bus lines.
"Personally, I think it would be a wise idea to walk down this road and take the bus from stop number nine which will take us to number twelve for The Eye. Last night, I checked how long it would take for us to get from the Palace to Cleopatra's Needle, but it would be at least half an hour. If we also want to get on the Eye, cross the Tower Bridge and visit the Tower of London, we might get in trouble", Atemu surmised gently, but Yami merely squeezed his arm gently and then allowed for his finger to trace the red outlined route.
"Which is why I think it's a great idea if we hop on at stop nine and hop off at number twelve. If we follow the red route, we will see Cleopatra's needle and we can also view it at the end if we get out of the bus at stop seventeen. I completely agree with your idea of taking the bus, Até, so please... lead the way", the pale man answered and Atemu chuckled softly while they turned to the road they had to follow, pretty much like most of the tourists, but that didn't matter. The sun was out and although their coats protected them from the chilly breeze, it was an amazing day so far which they only appreciated. Especially as the chill meant he could lean a little more against his lover and Yami smiled happily while enjoying their day out at the same time he tried not to freak out at the idea of him getting on a bus willingly.
Yet, it was exactly what he did and it was well worth it to view London from the top of the bus, even though it made him feel as if he didn't have enough eyes to see. It was busy and he couldn't help but hold onto his lover while they swerved around the massive city, but the sights were amazing as they passed the Big Ben under construction only to see the Thames rushing passed by as they crossed a bridge. There was a live tour guide on the bus and she was able to tell them of a lot of cultural things while they passed majestically build houses and shops. Everything looked just that little bit more extravagant compared to New York and more of that was given away as they viewed the city from within one of the pods attached to the massive Ferris wheel. As it rose, it gave a perfect view of the Big Ben once more with behind it the Westminster Abby while on the other side they could see the Shard and the Tower Bridge as well as the Tower of London.
"We won't be visiting the Shard", Atemu said while they glanced at the uneven, pyramid-shaped building completely covered in glass at the same time he was holding their printed version of information. "Because we would only go there for the viewing opportunity, which we already got from The Eye, but it's a ninety-five-storey skyscraper which homes hotels and offices. It stands at 1,016 feet high (roughly 310 metres) and with that it's the tallest building in the entire United Kingdom", the tanned man continued reading out loud and Yami hummed softly as he let his eyes roam across the odd shaped building.
"It looks amazing, but I'm glad I'm not the window cleaner for that building. Plus, I'm glad we opted to take the Ferris wheel on this beautiful day, Até. It's much more fun", Yami said and he smiled broadly when his lover linked their arms together again with a soft kiss against his temple. It felt great to have the tanned man at his side and to be more open about their love to the outside world. Yes, they were still considerate to the surrounding public, but it was something he would miss once they'd be back at the office in New York. Then again, cooking for his lover and waiting for him to come home would weigh up to that easily and he was glad all the happenings in Berlin were behind them now. They were in love, showing it and he wished for the entire world to know. The thoughts made him chuckle softly prior to pointing out the Tower Bridge upon their map as that would be their next stop.
The bus first took them on a trip across town first, however, and he gazed at Cleopatra's Needle prior to them passing a few churches as well as the Bank of England. They did not have a live tour guide on their second trip, but there was an audio option which they both listened to half-heartedly because there was a lot to see. It did help them keep track of when they had to exit the bus and as they crossed the London Bridge they could see The Shard again which meant they had to get down and 'hop off' at the next stop.
"If we go back that way, we'll see the lunch room we wanted to visit", Yami said as he orientated himself a little, but as the street looked the same as on Google Maps last night, it was easy and they moved back to a very busy off-the-counter diner. Men and women were working as quickly as possible while creating freshly-made sandwiches while others were managing the counters for hot foods or roasted meats. It was well worth waiting in line for as they both left the building with special-made carton boxes filled to the brim with rice, curry and good chunks of well-made chicken.
"Well, I do admit this has been quite the 'new-experience'-year for me. First, you show me how to use a drive-through and then I order Chinese online. Currently, I'm eating my food while making my way over to the Tower Bridge and oddly enough, I love it", Atemu said while he mixed his rice with the curry sauce at the same time Yami was laughing at him slightly.
"You're welcome, Até. Plus, I don't think you've ever worn your jeans this much either and for such a long period of time", the pale man commented while taking a bite and as they reached a square with other lunch rooms, they sat down on a bench to make eating easier. Aside from that, their feet were loving the slight pause and Atemu couldn't help but chuckle in return while he glanced at the trousers he wore.
"Very true, and even though I still prefer my other clothes, these are quite comfortable", the tanned man admitted and Yami smiled while they enjoyed their meal. "Plus, they help with blending in while I am a tourist for the first time ever. A three-piece suit is not very convincing in that regard", Atemu continued and he laughed while his lover chuckled softly.
"You can add that to your list of 'new experiences' too if you want. It's one for me for sure, I've never been overseas before and you are spoiling me with visiting three countries in a row, but I love it. Yes, I can't wait to be home again and live a normal life once more, but this is good as well. It's been a fantastic trip, Até", Yami admitted, because the good things outweighed the bad ones big time and it was the one thing he wanted to focus on. Atemu nodded in agreement with a smile on his lips, prior to rising from his seat to deposit his empty carton box as well as his lover's.
"Definitely and I will take you with me every time I can, Yami, if you want. I know it has sometimes been a little boring for you, considering I have been in and out of meetings you couldn't participate in, but you have given me peace of mind at the end of the day. It's something I'd like to treasure, which is why I hope you'll think about my offer", the tanned man said, although he smiled while a pale hand laced their fingers tenderly.
"There is no need to think about it as I will definitely go with you again next time if the opportunity allows for me to do so. Gladly even", Yami answered and he leaned against his lover while they walked down the street with their arms linked. He would love it to go with Atemu again, even if they wouldn't go sight-seeing, because at that time... he hoped to be ready to tackle his lover's work better than he currently did so he was a far more worthy companion than he was right now. He would learn, Yami promised himself he would, while they watched the many shops as well as the cars driving passed by them on their way towards the Tower Bridge.
It was an enormous building and simply oozed the old feeling of it having lived a hundred-and-twenty-five years. Yes, it had been modernised and repaired many times, but it still stood strong which gave both men an exciting feeling as they walked across to visit the North Tower and start their tour. It displayed the entire history of the bridge, all the way from it being build and of it surviving two wars. They climbed the Victorian staircase instead of taking the lift towards the high-level walkway which had a floor made of glass. Looking down was rather thrilling and Atemu couldn't help himself as he continued to gaze at the horizon instead of the traffic rushing across the street below them. The view was stunning either way while the sun was out with an occasional cloud and the Thames gleamed in the offered light brilliantly.
"Let's go, Até", Yami whispered to the tanned man's relief and as they were briefly alone in the mere moment prior to descending the stairs in the South Tower, he received a small kiss to his cheek. "Thank you", were the soft-spoken words and Atemu smiled at the same time he laced their fingers together once more even though they had to walk behind one another to get down. Yami didn't mind, however, before they were overwhelmed in the information of the Engine Rooms where steam engines, coal burners and accumulators were set on display. Photos and texts of previous workers were standing around as well to give a complete insight as to how the Bridge had been kept in motion for all these years. At the end, however, they had to walk across again as they had arrived at the Bridge the wrong way, but it was quite all right to get some fresh air once more on their way towards the Tower of London.
Luckily, it was only a ten minutes walk, even with their small stop at the coffee shop at the end of the bridge for a drink and Yami smiled as he warmed his hands with the cup. The chilly breeze continued to sweep through their hair, although it was always better than a heatwave while visiting a busy city like London and the other plus side were the less tourists than during a nice summer vacation. Which was why visiting the Tower of London with a Yeoman Warder tour guide was more fun as well, considering they could understand the man as there were few people interrupting him and the spaces they had to stand in were less crowded while they walked around the entire premises.
They walked from what had once been a Menagerie, to the Bloody Tower where people had been tortured, to the prison and the Ravens all the way to the final show of the Royal Crown Jewels. They were absolutely magnificent to see and Yami grinned as he took everything in while their guide told them of stories and facts. It was a brilliant man who had so many to speak of that he had garnered a few more visitors to listen to what he had to say and Atemu couldn't help but appreciate that. Especially as the Yeoman told of stories he couldn't find on the internet and he smiled as Yami joined him at his side again after gazing at a specific crown in a glass cabinet. After the tour had concluded, they walked around on their own for a little while as well, prior to visiting the gift shop and Yami bought another souvenir for his family which consisted of a miniature Tower with on one side a guard and with one of the black Ravens on the other side, while he bought a small red double-decker bus for his brother. For himself, he bought a key-chain, just like he had done while being in Egypt as well as Berlin. Those were safely stored in the safe, however, and this one would be too until they'd depart tomorrow and get home.
"Would your father like a double-decker bus for himself?", Yami asked softly as he gazed at the available souvenirs and Atemu tilted his head slightly while humming softly. In truth, they had bought something for his father as well from the other places they had visited, even though Akunamkanon had been in Egypt and Berlin before. Still, the older man had never been to London and rose-red eyes gleamed warmly as their owner picked up a tin in the shape of bus which contained short-bread cookies.
"My sweet tooth is given to me by my father, so I'm sure he'll like these and if he hides this from the nurse on duty, he'll be able to fit in new snacks afterwards", Atemu answered with a small grin and Yami chuckled softly while he took the tin from his lover's hands in order to pay for everything in one go.
"Sounds like a plan, Até. Do you want to buy anything for yourself too?", he asked softly as he stood in line with the other tourists, but Atemu shook his head slowly with a warm smile as his lover pointed at one of the other key-chains he had looking at previously.
"Not particularly. I already have a key-chain and that one means more to me than anything else", the tanned man answered and Yami blushed slightly, before he focused his attention upon the man behind the till. Still, the comment made him smile broadly and as he reunited with his lover, the warmth inside his being only intensified. Walking away from the gift shop and through the exit, both men checked the time prior to Atemu unlocking the screen on his phone for Google Maps. "As it is, we can go to the bus stop atop the hill or we can walk towards Cleopatra's Needle, but that will take about three quarters of an hour. It's currently half four and we made reservations at the restaurant for half six... Do you wish to walk?", was the soft question, but Atemu chuckled sheepishly while his lover stared at him and possibly questioned his sanity.
"No, Até, my feet don't want to walk anymore than is absolutely necessary. Although I do like to see Cleopatra's Needle, I'd prefer for us to get most of our belongings back at the hotel before we head out for dinner. Would that be all right?", Yami asked in return and he smiled when his lover rose his shoulders casually.
"I don't see why it wouldn't be. I can also call a taxi to take us back to the hotel after we have visited the Needle", Atemu offered gently while he locked his phone again. He watched how Yami nibbled his lip slightly, before the pale man folded the map with bus-routes.
"You know... If you want to go and see The Needle, I'm all for it, but we can also return to the hotel to freshen up and get our souvenirs in the safe. Plus, this will be our last night eating out in London and even though we didn't pick the most expensive one, I'd like to dress up. Or would you like to go in jeans?", Yami asked with a slight tilt of his head, but he smiled when Atemu kissed his temple softly in answer.
"You have great ideas, mon chéri. Let me call our transport back to the hotel", the tanned man promised and crimson eyes gleamed while Yami waited for his lover to arrange everything. Today had already been wonderful and he could miss the Needle, considering there was one very close to his home in New York as well, which was why missing this one didn't feel bad and when his lover returned, the pale man linked their arms while they walked towards where Atemu had promised for them to be waiting.
The ride back to the hotel was not entirely uneventful, however, as it was rather busy and there were constructions, but they did arrive safe and sound with less hurting feet than twenty minutes earlier that day. Plus, the pale man felt rather happy as he had been able to pay the driver and as they stepped into the empty elevator, he kissed the slightly pouting lips gently. "Mon chéri", were the softly returned words, before Atemu smiled in understanding, although he couldn't kiss his lover again while people got into the elevator as well. Instead, he laced his fingers with the pale hand prior to raising it against his lips for a loving touch and he smiled as his lover blushed with flattery.
Once in their room, and with the door closed behind him, did the tanned man pull his lover against his frame to give him a proper kiss and Yami murmured a soft moan, before he parted from his lover. "No need to console me, mon chéri. Although kissing you is always a good option", Atemu whispered and their lips brushed slightly as he wouldn't pull away more than necessary. At his words, the pale man smiled lovingly and softly pecked his lips again.
"You just seemed a little sad because I paid the driver, but I know you understand as to why. You have given me a wonderful outing, Até and money can't pay you back for that, but I do want to help in carrying the financial bill. Even if it's just a little", Yami said and he smiled as his lover nodded slowly in understanding. "As for kissing me, you'll have to wait a little. It's perhaps just a twenty minute walk towards the restaurant, it still means we only have an hour or so to ourselves. Let's freshen up and rest our feet before they have to carry our weight again", Yami whispered, although he was quite comfortable with leaning against the wall and his lover at the same time.
"Very well", Atemu said just as softly, before he slowly released his beloved to find something else to wear for the evening. Neither man, however, could deny themselves the sight of their beloved changing into clean clothes and Yami gently traced his lover's spine with his fingers when he could. The chuckle, as well as the shudder, made his own excitement rise and he gasped softly as Atemu turned to grasp him gently. "Tease", were the soft words and the pale man laughed softly while he let his palms touch upon his lover's bare chest.
"Just a little", he whispered in return and he sighed softly in their tender kiss which they took their time for as they enjoyed their privacy for the moment. Still, Atemu couldn't help the loving trembles while his lover helped him do the buttons of his dress shirt as the pale fingers would gently stroke his body on occasion, but he loved the tender touches either way. They filled his being with a pleasant warmth which continued to burn even as they left the hotel to make their way down the dark streets. Their arms were linked once more with Yami leaning against his lover and it was this way they entered Leicester Square Kitchen to have a taste of the Mexican cuisine they served.
The restaurant itself was quite beautiful and there were a lot of people which made it lively while both men were appointed to their seats. Again, Yami couldn't help but blush while Atemu pulled his seat away from the table to help him sit down, but the pale man liked it this way. He wished to be flattered like this for the rest of his life, because his lover tried his best and it was why he gently touched his lover's hand atop the table, even though it made reading the menu a little more difficult.
"Até... I know we should enjoy our last evening in London, but I do wish to talk about next week... We can tune back to us afterwards", Yami offered and rose-red eyes looked up at him curiously at the same time tanned lips mimicked the warm smile send his way.
"I'll listen, mon chéri", he merely promised and that broadened his lover's smile, while Yami forgot about his menu slightly.
"Well, it's just that upcoming Monday we'll start back at work at the office and afterwards I'll head back to the store, but next week Saturday I'd like to visit Domino City. There are the souvenirs that need delivering and stories I need to tell. Will you come with me or will you take that opportunity to try for a stealthy trip to the office so we can enjoy our Sunday together?", was the teasing question and Atemu chuckled softly, before he tilted his head with a hum.
"Well, there are some last details in regards to Halloween I still have to take care of, so I might attempt that. Plus, I think that it would be a wise idea if you would head to Domino City on your own. Not because I want to try and hide from your grandfather, but because it would give you all the time in the world to be with them without any unnecessary interferences. Thanksgiving might already become a war if I am allowed to be pessimistic", the tanned man answered truthfully and Yami sighed softly while having to agree with his lover. If he'd go alone, he would avoid a potential unhappy day with his grandfather, even though the elder was trying. He had even wished them both safe travels prior to them actually leaving for Egypt, but sometimes... He couldn't help but be wary of Sugoroku trying to accept Atemu as his lover, especially because it was already taking an enormous amount of time.
"Yes, Até, you're allowed to be pessimistic. That will only make it better", Yami responded with a hopeful smile and the tanned man laughed softly while squeezing his lover's hand reassuringly.
"Hopefully, mon chéri, and I promise to try and reign myself in", Atemu offered and both men laughed prior to them focusing back upon their menu as they really needed to order something if they wanted to eat. As they did, the waitress walked by to deliver them their previously ordered drinks and promised them to return later when they had made up their minds.
"We can share the nachos if you want, Até... which reminds me... How much of your work will I still share with you after we get home?", Yami asked while he looked up from his menu again and Atemu did the same while tilting his head slightly.
"Nachos sound fine and a little off-topic: I'd like to order the crispy tiger prawns. As for us sharing my work, that depends on if you still want to after these hectic weeks and if it's still possible with you also juggling the store as well as both of your essays for college. I know you are ahead of schedule in regards to both of them, but I also like for that trend to continue. Aside from all of that, when I am back at the office, there is the attempt of me keeping Vivian as my secretary until I have truly found a new and capable one to replace her. For you to be answering my phones, will require for you to be away from the store and I am not very fond of that idea, no matter how much I need a new secretary...", Atemu surmised, before he sighed softly.
"Your skills and peace in keeping my schedule organised as well as your duties with my paperwork are unlike I have ever been allowed to experience unless I do it myself, but I'd like for you to develop those skills in the area you are looking for during your internship at the company. Although I do admit I'd like for us to still spend time together and perhaps, if you would be willing, we can organise files during our time cuddling on the sofa", the tanned man continued while he could see his lover thinking about what he had said, but he had been honest. If Yami would start working as his secretary, his skills would be wasted and Atemu would never let that happen.
"Even though deep down I'll miss it... I think you're right. Not because I can't juggle a lot of work, but I do want to learn how to manage my grandfather's shop and I can't really do that from behind a desk. But yes, if my own work is finished, I'd love to help you out with your files. I still want to know about your days at the office and about the problems, because I do learn from them too, Até. Albeit it differently from my preferred hands-on mentality", Yami said truthfully prior to the waitress returning and he quickly tapped his menu to order the crispy duck with the added salad and dressing while Atemu couldn't help but smile proudly as he viewed his lover whom was trying to make the right choice. It warmed his heart to know the pale man still wanted to be with him in regards to his work while there was also another important subject on his mind and that felt good.
"Although if Vivian messes up, I'm going to stand behind that desk until you've found a new person. Doesn't matter if it will cost me a few weeks", Yami muttered rather darkly and the tanned man laughed as he nodded in agreement.
"Very well, mon chéri. If she messes up, I'll dial 911 and ask for you, I promise", Atemu said with a chuckle and they both laughed softly in mirth, prior to forgetting the conversation so they could tune in on having enjoyed their day and they both were glad to admit they had. The sun had been out, they had been able to walk side by side like a true couple and Atemu smiled as he could see that particular part made his lover happy. It was definitely going to be a change once they'd be back home and deep down he couldn't help but wonder if he wanted it to be different. He had loved that aspect as well from being abroad, especially after Egypt and as they enjoyed their meal, the tanned man remembered the time after the Ribbon-girl had kissed his lover. They had agreed to keep their relationship a secret for a little longer, but he suddenly felt like bursting after having been able to show his love for Yami these past two weeks. Would his lover be open for revealing it to the world?
At the thought, Atemu gently grasped his lover's hands and stroked the top while smiling lovingly. Maybe not yet... maybe if the paparazzi wouldn't hunt them on their arrival back home... Maybe one day and all of a sudden, the tanned man couldn't wait for that moment to come and he hoped it would be soon.
/\/\/\/\/\
Thank you all so much for reading and if you have the time, please leave a review. Also, if you'd like to follow the bus route Atemu and Yami have taken through London, please type in 'big bus tours London' via google and select Tour Routes & Maps from the corresponding website (bigbustours). Upon the page, you can scroll down until you see a map with different bus lines, take the red one. After visiting Buckingham Palace, our couple hop on at stop #9 and off at #12 for the Eye of London (the Ferris wheel). Then, they hop back on at #12 and back off at #15.
At #15, they have a small detour into one of the streets to visit Absolutely Starving for their lunch. Now, as to the Tower Bridge: when you get off at #15, you actually arrive at the Southern Tower. This is why Atemu and Yami had to cross the bridge twice: once to get to the Northern Tower and start their tour properly and the second time because the Tower of London is on the other side.
As for them not visiting Cleopatra's Needle, Yami is right: the one in Central Park which he visited with Atemu a couple of chapters back is akin to a twin in regards to the one in London. Hence why I made them skip it. Which should include their entire day.
Also, important note #2: I am capping Blind Date at this chapter as a 'complete' story, but obviously it is not. Yet, with sixty chapers in, it was becoming quite large and that's why I am opting to make a second 'file' or 'book' so to speak with all the other things that will come to pass in the future. Especially because this chapter (oddly enough) feels like a midway part in this story. They have come to know each other, Yami is learning more about Atemu's work and they have started living together. Future chapters will still explore this, but in a different way than them wooing each other at the start of their relationship (lol).
Therefore I'd like to ask you to keep a look out for a new alert for upcoming chapters in a new 'file'/'book'. Thank you all so much for joining me up until now and I'll see you all again in chapter 61, byebye!
