A/N: Chapter 40, holy hec. We're far from done but I will let ya'll know that future chapters will be updated infrequently for a little while. Not so much for writers block (although slightly) but real life is a bit busy lately. I want to thank you all in advance for your patience and reassure you that I am definitely looking forward to writing more just as soon as time allows. I've not given up, just things are in the way :D Atm the current ETA for the next chapter might be within 2-3 weeks. OH! I almost forgot, yes I will include the translations from here on out, in the last chapter Atem said "I'm about to cum, Yugi"
In saying that, I hope you like this chapter, we're heading into calmer waters for a bit
Yugi's POV
"Nngh, please. You're not making this easy." I moan from the gentle kisses he plants on my neck. Now that he knows he can safely touch me there he's doing it more and more. He's always nervous at first but ever since last night he's getting used to the idea. I can't say I don't like it; in fact I love it more than almost anything. He can touch my chest, knead my thighs, run his fingers through my hair and none of it compares to him touching my neck. Nothing compares to him touching my neck. It's like now that my body has forgotten it used to be afraid of it its absolutely loves it.
And he's starting to learn this and use it to his advantage. Which makes finding clothes for him to wear outside very difficult when he's standing behind me, leaving baby, biting kisses under my collar and behind my hair.
"I'm not trying to make this easy. I'm trying to make it hard." He snickers by my ear, nipping at my ear lobe. I inadvertently lean back into his chest and lay my head back, cursing at my body's betrayal. I feel his hands under my shirt, crawling up my skin to tease my puckering nipple.
"Ateh-m… please. If we don't … uhh ... get you something warm to wear -"
"You're something warm I can wear." He says, his voice so husky and intoxicating. I am melting so damn fast I can barely stand.
"Oh my god." I moan weakly.
"Mmm. Back in my time that's how people referred to their Pharaoh. As their god. Submit to me and let me be yours."
"Oooh my fucking god." How is he so damn hot! I so want to. He's so turned on and so needy, how can I resist? It has been all of 3 hours since our last work out… but we can finally go out, which means we can real lube… which means we can do this more completely safely … but oh my god he's hot.
"Do you really want to go outside, away from this?" He asks me, leaving open mouth kisses on my neck. He twists my nipple while his other plays at the hem of my jeans, tugging at my zipper teasingly. Truthfully no… but if we can just hold off a little bit we can get right back to it.
"If we … if we go then we can get … lube and then …" I pant until his nuzzles my jaw, purring and growling like a cat in heat.
"I suppose I can agree to those terms… on one condition." He purrs.
"Yes?" I ask and he pushes his cheek to mine, marking me as his own.
"Call me that name you've been calling me."
Wait what? What name?
"Ife?" I ask but he makes a no noise.
"Something else. Something you've only just started using."
What is he talking about? I either refer to him as Ife or Atem. Neither of those are new.
"Come on Yugi. Call me that name and I'll let you dress me. If you don't, I'll undress you." He says, slowly unzipping my jeans over my budding erection.
"What name?" I ask him.
"Hmmm, it's a sweet little name I've heard you use twice now. Both during our new… activities." He teases, walking his hands up my body, lifting my shirt in the process. I know it now though. I didn't think of it before but I hoped he hadn't noticed. Apparently he didn't. How long has he been holding onto it to use it against me?
"Temmy… please." I say and he giggles playfully. It's beautiful, positively giddy with such pure excitement. He's so cute!
And, sadly, as he promised, he stopped his playing, doing my zipper back up for me and straightening my shirt.
"Thank you."
I look at him smiling at me but he's not smug like I expected. He's … proud but it's more of a 'floating on clouds' kind of happy. He's almost glowing.
"You wanted me to call you Temmy?" I ask him curiously. He smiles and nods adorably. He was all horny a moment ago, now he's wholesome? What?
"It's the first nickname you've given me since I got my own name."
"What about Ife?" I ask, confused.
"You started using that after I did. Thats a nickname I gave you technically. But 'Temmy' is all you."
He is the cutest person in the whole world. I can't believe someone as strong and composed as he is can melt at the littlest thing. A personal pet name? God I love him.
"I see."
"Furthermore it was given to me during our love making so it's even more special. To me anyway." He says sweetly, taking my hand in his own.
"Hmm… well then maybe I should use it more often." I say warmly, walking my fingers up his shirt affectionately.
"Just between us though. I want it to be our thing." He giggles, bringing my hand up for him to kiss. I chuckle with him, chewing my lip to try and control the blushing.
"You just don't want the guys to take the piss out of it." I laugh, leaving to find something warm for him to wear in peace.
"They already have enough material for that without adding a cute nickname to the list." He says, sitting on my bed and laying back lazily.
"Such as you naked before us?" I snicker, pulling out a red scarf and a navy blue puffer jacket to toss onto the bed.
"Please tell me it wasn't all of them." He whines helplessly.
"Just uhh… Tea and me. Grandpa too." I offer a sympathetic smile but he groans and rolls over into the puffer jacket to hide.
"Here, wear this. Then we can go… Temmy." I say, throwing a pair of jeans at him too. He makes some kind of whine but it's more like a swoon maybe, or a lovely sigh. It's hard to tell with him buried in the jacket.
Regardless he's not moving to get dressed. Who'd have thought he'd be both so cute and so playful right before we're supposed to go out. We've had all day to mess arou- I mean we kind of did mess around all day. Especially after lunch … that was dangerous. I can't believe I blew him in the kitchen while Grandpa was downstairs. Actually I can but what I really can't believe is how he fingered me against the bench. I reckon he'd have fucked me there if Grandpa wasn't home. I've still got carpet burn on my knees because he couldn't wait for us to get to the bed.
Okay we have to go now. Sooner we do the sooner we can come home and do more.
"Come on Temmy, get dressed." I complain, foolishly going to him to poke him in the ribs. I yelp in surprise as he takes my wrist and skillfully drags me onto the bed. He's tickling me so much I can't fight him. I can't stop laughing and squirming away from him as he tickles my ribs, under my arms, the dip in my hips. Oh my god!
"ATEM PLEASE! HAHAHAHAHA STOP!"
"Okay." He laughs and while he does stop tickling me, he pulls me into him. Its now of course I realise he's between my legs. Oh no… I know this look… and I can barely resist it. I suppose there's no rush to go this second. We could play a little first. He licks his lips, thrusting against me to encourage me but he doesn't need to. I've all but changed my mind.
I beckon him forward and he obeys willingly, leaning down to capture my lips in a very hungry kiss. He wastes no time exploring my mouth, swiping his tongue through my whole mouth all the while grinding crotch against me. I feel his hands slide under my shirt to push under the hem of my pants, squeezing the soft flesh of my ass, causing me to gasp and expose my neck to his whim.
"I thought we were supposed to be leaving." He whispers, kissing my throat and licking up to my jaw.
"Well if you weren't taking so long." I breathe huskily and he giggles.
"Well then let me speed this up for you." He says tantalizingly. He thrusts again and his hands slide out from my jeans to play with my belt all the while he tongues and sucks on my neck. I moan and run my hands through his hair, tugging on locks because I know he likes that. He moans and growls, biting a little on my skin in response. It hurts but it feels so good. I love how I am not afraid of this anymore. I almost want him to hurt me, or at least leave more of his markings on me. Though by now my neck is more bruise than skin but I don't care. Thats why we have turtlenecks afterall.
I feel his hands successfully undo my belt and zipper, and slyly reach to stroke my cock. I'm not too hard yet but I do feel my body racing for action.
"Do you like this?" He asks me, stroking me with every thrust.
"Yes." I moan and he bites my neck. Not a nip, an actual bite that makes me gasp and squirm.
"Yes?"
"My Pharaoh?" I guess but he bites me again, squeezing me even more for his next stroke.
"What did we discuss?" He asks me, his voice husky and hot. I understand now. He does like when I call him my Pharaoh but he wants to hear a different name.
"I like that Temmy. Please don't stop."
He giggles and I bite my lip happily, satisfied with the gentle licks and kisses he gives me.
*knock knock knock*
"Yug, Atem. Hey, how are you -OH MY GOD!"
I jump suddenly as my heart wrenches, feeling as if it's about to escape through my chest. As I jump though my forehead collides with Atem's jaw and he grunts in pain. We're too hastily afraid though, everything is happening too fast. He lets go of my cock to grab his jaw and I am hastily stuffing myself back into my jeans as we both look in horror as Joey speedily closes my door. I know it was him only because of his voice and blonde hair. I just hope he didn't see anything. Oh my god, why do people not knock!
"Sorry guys!" He calls from outside. I hear others talking, sounding like Tristan I think. I won't be surprised if Tea is there too. Oh my god. I should have locked the door.
"Are you okay?" I whisper to Atem and he nods, rubbing his jaw and offering me a sympathetic smile.
"Yes. I'll be fine." He says sadly.
"Uhh… we'll be … down stairs. Take your time…" Joey calls out to us again and I hear the footsteps of them leaving now.
"I guess I'll get changed." Atem says, leaning over to kiss my cheek first before he stands. "I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you later." I love him. He's so kind. Sure I have to deal with a boner now but it'll go down soon … and it's not like he wasn't going to get anything out of it too.
"Don't worry. Tonight it'll be just us, and we'll have actual stuff too."
"Still wanna shop?" He asks, switching out sweatpants for the jeans I gave him.
"Yep. They can tag along if they must." I smile, leaning on my knees as I watch him change. He's stayed warm mostly today but with all our … activities, he ended up just wearing easy to take off clothes. But I'm making him wear a turtle neck and my puffer jacket with a scarf and gloves. There's no way I am letting him outside without being warm, especially since it's been snowing lightly all day.
"Enjoying the show?" He asks me when he realises I've been perving on him this whole time.
"Yep."
He chuckles behind his hand and strokes my cheek lovingly. "No shame there."
"What's to be ashamed about? You're a gift from the gods, it would be blasphemous not to appreciate you." I say smoothly, kissing his hand as I stand and collect the puzzle from the desk. I wonder… he's worn it a bit today but it's glow seems to be fading. I don't know if that means he's almost healed or if it means its getting weaker, but I wonder if he should wear it while we're out.
"Thinking of wearing it?" He asks me as he zips up the jacket.
"I was thinking you should wear it."
"With all this I think I'm okay." He chuckles but he stops when he catches my eye and sighs. "But maybe it couldn't hurt to be too safe." He caves and gently receives it, hanging it around his neck where it belongs. It's still too weird to think he doesn't own it anymore. It barely feels like only mine. I'm so used to it only being ours.
"How do I look?" He asks me and I bite down my chuckle. Honestly he looks overdressed. It's only a light snow outside and he's dressed as if he's going to go skiing… but then I don't want to be under prepared. He's still recovering from his cold and the weather is getting colder every day.
"Snug." I say happily, taking his hand and opening the door.
"Do we bring the Key?" He asks me. I pause, momentarily forgetting we had it. We've stored it in my bed, like in the sheets against the wall… but I suppose if Bakura were to look for it he would find it.
"Yeah. You can wear it under your jacket?" I suggest.
"Right. I'll get it, you should probably go see them."
"Oh yeah, leave me to go deal with them." I mock him, waving my hands in the air as I leave, giggling.
Atem's POV
When I came downstairs I saw Yugi standing before Tea, Joey, Tristan and Ryou and they all gave me a very amused look, sizing me up because they definitely saw us. Yugi was blushing behind his hand but at least Tea was sympathetic about it but Ryou looks positively proud. His smile almost split his face in two and his eyes sparkled like stars. Great… I am going to hear about this for a long time to come.
"Hey guys." I say stiffly, coming to stand beside Yugi but not too close. They already saw us closer than they should have… I just hope we could maintain his modesty.
"Hey there lover boy. Sorry if you had your hands full." Joey snickers, earning himself a harsh smack across the back of the head by Tea. "Ow!"
"Lay off them. It was your fault for not knocking." She chastised him.
"Did you guys see much?" Yugi asks miserably. I'd like to know this too but I'd just as much just ignore this whole thing happened too.
"I didn't see a thing." Tristan says, waving his hands innocently before him but it's really hard to tell if that was a lie with his cheeky laugh.
"If only I saw." Ryou giggles, heating my cheeks significantly.
"Nothing." Tea says, looking away from us to hide the bright shade of crimson she's turned as well.
"I saw more than I wanted." Joey says, earning himself another smack. "What, he wanted the truth!"
"I am so sorry guys. I should have locked the door or at least put something on the handle." Yugi says embarrassingly.
"Eh don't worry about it. We're all dudes here… well cept Tea but she didn't get the uhh pleasure." Joey winks at us. I am so embarrassed. I can only assume he saw more than just us together like that. Gods damn it.
"Well certainly not as much pleasure as some of us." Tristan snickers. Damn everything.
"Okay! Well we're going out, so you guys do whatever. Atem let's go." Yugi says abruptly, snatching my arm to drag me behind him. Yes! Thank you Yugi, please let's make a hasty escape out of here.
"Hey! We'll come with." Tea calls after us.
Yugi lets me go to go say goodbye to Mr. Moto and I lead the guys to the front door so we could gather our shoes. It doesn't sound busy in the shop today. A few quiet murmurs of customers but I don't hear Mr. Moto. It must be quiet. I hope it's quiet. I'd feel guilty leaving him alone if it was busy.
Given the attire Yugi picked out for me today, my black boots would complete the look. I'm still sporting some of his clothes.. It'll be nice to get back into the shop and earn some more so I can buy a few more things. Sooner I get a full wardrobe of my own the sooner Yugi can have his back… but it's not like we're in any rush to stay in clothes lately. If we can spend all day in almost nothing then there's no rush for more clothing.
"Earth to Atem." Joey nagged at me, catching my focus. Oh this is embarrassing. I hadn't realised they had been talking to me. How rude of me.
"I am sorry. My mind was elsewhere. What did I miss?" I ask politely. At least while I was zoned out I had methodically zipped up my boots.
"Jeez with your attention span you probably haven't noticed." Joey complained, shrugging his shoulders and leaning heavily on one hip. That's rude… but what should I have noticed?
"Ah cut him some slack Joe. I mean he's been homestuck with Yug all day. Can you blame the man if he hasn't been bored enough to look outside?" Tristan asked.
"Look outside?" I ask, opening the front door. The fresh air licks at my face immediately and I am suddenly very grateful Yugi chose what he chose for me to wear. It's freezing. Thank the gods he gave me gloves and a scarf to hide in. And it's only the start of winter…
Winter.
It was snowing last night, albeit lightly but it mustn't have stopped. The sky is the lightest shade of blue I've ever seen and little white puffs were still falling ever so softly. It mustn't be cold enough for the snow to pile up because the roads and paths were still clear, if just a little wet but faintly there was just that touch of frost on top of things. It was beautiful last night but this is just as breathtaking. Okay… so I admit I have not been paying attention.
"Good thing you're dressed warmly. Hate for you to get sick again." Tea said kindly behind me. I moved aside to let them pass and they stood confidently on the path, letting the snow fall around them.
"Imagine tailing a Pharaoh around the streets of Domino as it snowed." Ryou snickered beside me but it occurs to me now that I haven't seen him in a week. Yugi has said he looks good lately and I have to admit he does. His cheeks are fuller, rosier too though that might be the cold. His eyes don't look so tired and his shoulders are pulled in a little more. He stands with confidence and comfort. I never realised how much of a shell he was hiding in but he seems to have really stepped out and this is just my first impression of the new him.
Then there's the kast on his wrist, covering all but his finger tips to half way up his arm. It's covered in writings and crudely drawn pictures of flowers and hearts and bright colours. I see Yugi's hand writing wishing him to get well soon. I wonder when he wrote that. Admiring this artwork aside it's a reminder of last week too. He wouldn't have gotten hurt if it weren't for Bakura.
"You alright?" Ryou asks me gently. I've been staring again. I must stop doing this.
"Yes… just easily distracted I suppose. I haven't had the chance until now but Ryou, I am very sorry. For last week, for how I've been treating you, for your injury… I am sorry. Bakura is supposed to be my responsi-"
"Utt. He's our responsibility and you didn't cause this. At all. You bare no burden here so do not take it upon yourself to carry." He said, awful wisely if I might add. I wasn't expecting such resolve. "And… as for the last few days, forget about it. I was happy to help. I'd rather see you being looked after well than moved into a psychiatric ward because you have a fever. You'd probably still be in some form of hospital if it weren't Mr. Moto and I translating for you. Not that I want thanks for that, just don't go apologising. It's okay, really."
"But I surely did not treat you with respect." I say sympathetically. From what I have heard Ryou was one of the ones I treated worse… of the people I allowed to see me that is.
He shrugs shyly, grimacing but he seems confident to move on. "Well it could have been friendlier but then that's just how servants were treated back then, am I right? And I wasn't really your servant. I was a foreigner who could speak your language… so less than a servant. This isn't helping you is it?"
"Not exactly." I admit but I understand. He seems to have accepted that the way I treated him was nothing personal. He's placed himself in my position and realised there was nothing else for it. That is very strong of him. I will be eternally sorry for my behaviour but I am glad that he holds no resentment.
"I'd like to make it up to you, regardless. I am in your debt Ryou and I will not accept no. If there is anything you need then you need only ask." I say kindly and earnestly. He smiles and fights against the urge to appreciate but decline and instead nods his head politely.
"Thank you. It is not necessary but I would be a fool to decline such a generous offer from a Pharaoh. I only wish I had that recorded to use against you the next time you have a fever." He laughs and I join him. I'm sure that would be amusing to watch: a Pharaoh owing a favor to, in his eyes would likely be a foreigner of unknown origin. In my time I did not owe anyone any favors; save for close friends. Though even they declined any such niceties from me, given I was their King.
"Guys your letting the heat out."
Yugi complains behind us. He pushes us both out, hurries to put his own shoes on and rushes out the door himself.
"So, where to?" Joey asks but now that we are outside I am drawn to the snow. My hands are buried deep in my pockets but its so beautiful I kind of want to touch it. I wonder what it feels like. It was like a rain drop yesterday but would snow falling onto my hand be the same? Would the frost on the pavement feel like any other ice or would it melt upon touching it like it did on my cheek?
"Atem?" Yugi's voice pulled on my heart and in an instant the snow was more or less forgotten. He smiles at me kindly, offering his hand for me to take. How he can be ungloved in weather as cold as this is beyond me, but at least he is dressed warmer than Ryou. I do not know why but I expected him to be as susceptible to the cold as I am.
I shake it from my mind and take Yugi's hand, which is surprisingly warm and I follow their lead toward the city, vacantly listening to their stories of school but mostly admiring everything around me. It is strange how even the hue of the world seems colder during winter. The sky is as blue as ever and yet the buildings and the roads, the trees, the cars and even the people seem to have a mist about them I cannot place except for the temperature.
"... Puzzle had anything to do with it?"
I zoned back in to Ryou asking that question to Yugi but I've missed the context, so I wait and assess. I'm curious what they've been talking about but don't want to admit that I wasn't paying attention.
"I think so. Honestly, I'm becoming more convinced every time I touch it but I think its done more to help us than we realise." Yugi says. They must be talking about the Puzzles healing powers. I honestly did not realise it's powers extended to healing. I've never felt it heal me like this before but I must admit now that I am thinking about it, having it on me now compared to last night - even if I was preoccupied- it does make me feel a bit more energetic. I doubt I'd be so alert without it.
"Atem, did you know about its healing powers?" Tea asks sweetly.
"I did not. I knew it provided its wearer with strength but that is said for all the Millennium Items. They're power is not of this world so it stands to reason it provides such energy, but I did not know it could heal the way it has been. I believe Yugi is the one to have discovered that." I say proudly, because I am. I am proud of Yugi for discovering something about the Puzzle that even I did not know. Though it is also a little jarring as well: I have been the sole inheriter of the Puzzle my whole life. I have spent thousands of years inside it. It is my birthright and my family heirloom and in one week it has bound itself to Yugi that it had not done to me. I controlled it, I know many of its secrets but they were shared with me through teachings and trust building. Through Yugi it has willingly given itself to him, it even was desperate to go to him when he was in trouble.
"Kinda weird." Tristan says, his voice strangely far off. We look at him and he's indeed frowning as if deep thought. It is fairly odd for him to be so serious. Not that he's incapable just normally he and Joey both are the most rambunctious of the group.
"What's weird?" Joey asks him.
"Just that it seems kinda weird that the Puzzle is doing things that it didn't do with Atem. I mean no offence buddy, but you were it's owner for far longer than Yugi so it's just … weird. I dunno, maybe it's not." He says but he tries to brush off the sentiment with a laugh and nervous pat of his hair. He's right though. Thats exactly what I had been thinking.
"No you're right." I say, much to their surprise. They gasp and look at me as we slow to a set of lights and wait for the traffic to stop. Even Yugi looks keen on my opinion but I fail to think he hasn't thought of this until now.
"The Puzzle, like the other Millennium Items, are somewhat of an entity. They choose their wielder and that is why most of the items are passed down from generation to generation." I explain.
"The Ishtars?" Yugi asks and I give him an affirmative nod.
"Yes, they were able to wield the Rod and Necklace with ease because of their lineage. That doesn't mean they're only able to be used by their kin but it is why it was so easy for them. Having said that, that is also why the items are so selective."
"So… does this kinda suggest that Yugi is like your reincarnation or a relative?" Tristan suggests and both of us make a disgruntled face at the notion. It's not impossible for us to be related, what with 5000 years between us, but if that is the case then it means that Kaiba would be related to us as well. Seto - my Seto, was my only living relative in my time save for my uncle and he was not bearing any more children that I am aware of. Seto would have gone on to raise his own family and it is likely from there that his lineage continued… but if Yugi and I are distantly related then in some way we are also related to modern day Kaiba and I don't appreciate that thought.
"I think it's possible." Ryou says in thought.
"I'd like to not think about that though." I say firmly.
"Yeah it'd be pretty weird if you guys are like distantly related. Yugi that'd mean you'd be dating like your great times a thousand grandfather or something." Tea giggles.
"Um no thank you." Yugi says shyly.
"It'd be more like great times a thousand cousin. I never sired any children so any relatives that stemmed from my blood after my time would have come from my cousin." I say, but it doesn't really ease the thought.
"Besides, even if they were distantly related, it goes that far back the percentage is like less than 1. Your blood would be that thinned out that I doubt the puzzle would care too much whether your related or not." Ryou says wisely.
"Yeah that's true. Your cousin would have married and who knows how many kids they had, and how many grandkids they had. There might not even be any Egyptian left in me by the time it got to this era." Yugi says happily. Well I'm glad he sees it that way, it's still strange to think about.
"Regardless, I highly doubt we're related. The Puzzle likely has chosen Yugi because it senses what a strong soul he is. He is a beacon of light and more power than he gives himself credit for. That is why the puzzle chose him, not because of his lineage." I say fondly and he smiles that blushing smile I adore. Tea and Ryou both coo at the notion and Joey and Tristan both roll their eyes.
"Aight but what about reincarnation?" Joey asks. "That's what you guys believe in right? Puzzle aside you guys do look alike."
"Hmm.. I don't think that's the case." Ryou says, shaking his head no. The light turns green and we pass the large highway safely. I'm always nervous crossing these. There's so much road ahead of us and this is a big enough road that it requires us to stop in the middle. The smaller highways and roads I don't mind so much, but this one leading directly into the city isn't one I like. Thankfully, Yugi holds my hand tightly, keeping me close to him. I wonder if he feels the same with this road. We've never really talked about it before but I am curious.
"Why not? Wouldn't that be cool, if Yugi was a reincarnation of a Pharaoh?" Tristan asks excitedly.
"That'd be pretty cool, knowing I came from somewhere with such power and control." Yugi says wondrously. I hate to break his bubble but I fear that is less likely than us being related. Still, I'll let him dream.
"Well cause Atem's soul never crossed into the Afterlife to be reincarnated. He remained on Earth for thousands of years so it's not possible for him to have a reincarnation unlike other Egyptians. If when he died he was not trapped within the puzzle, then it would be possible." Ryou says and I groan as the others sigh sadly. I nudge him in the ribs with my elbow and he jolts, looks at the stern look I am giving him and then realises what he's done and quickly back tracks nervously. "Uhh but I mean I'm not an expert. Maybe when he died a part of soul passed on and that became Yugi. That's a possibility too. I mean, nothing is certain."
"It's okay. I doubt I'm actually his reincarnation too. I'm just Yugi after all. The only thing I'm King of and will ever be King of is Games." Yugi says brightly. I am relieved he is not truly hurt.
"Speaking of King of Games… since when are you dueling Kaiba?" Joey asks smugly.
Oh that's right. Mokuba did say the advertisement was going out today. We haven't been watching the TV to notice it, despite having it on all day, so it should not come as a surprise that they know.
"Oh. Since this morning. Mokuba came over to tell me about it. But I can't say much in public aside from you already know. I'll tell you about it later, okay?" Yugi says happily. He's playing it safe… good. I know he trusts our friends, and I do too, but it's more that anyone around us could be listening. It isn't like there is much to say, but to risk someone hearing it is a ruse to protect Yugi from the Yakuza would be dreadful. He would get way more attention than if he just plays the part.
"Hmm… well you better. I've been itchin for another go at Kaiba. Hey, think he'll want a duel with me too?" Joey growls excitedly.
"Don't count on it Joe, he probably forgot you even own duel monsters cards." Tristan jokes and we all laugh with him. Joey's not impressed but that makes it even funnier. Joey's a great duelist, but Kaiba refuses to openly admit that even if he believes it.
We cross the next half of the highway and now we are safe… or as safe as we can be in a crowded city.
"Alright, where are we going?" Tea asks.
"Arcade?" Joey suggests playfully.
"Sure, but there's one thing I wanna pick up first. There's a shop on the way that'll sell what I'm after so lets head there and Atem and I will catch up with you." Yugi says brightly. I bite my lip, holding my breath to keep my heart in check because the bubbling excitement of what I know will be coming tonight is almost too much for my body to contain. I know exactly what he's after and the thought of it makes me want to ditch our friends, go and buy it and return home. But… I must play it cool. Act natural.
"What do you want to pick up?" Ryou asks casually and I begin to internally panic. As open with our friends that we are I do not want them knowing what we're buying. Especially since Tea is here… and especially since Joey and Tristan are here… and especially because this is private.
"Just something for grandpa. I need to go to the pharmacy. You don't want the details. But, sounds good?" Yugi asks… so naturally I am impressed. Even I almost believe it. He did talk to his grandfather before we left… I'm sure he's not forgotten but maybe there is something he needs to pick up for him. Even as a cover?
"Ah right. Yeah sounds cool." Joey shrugs to which the others share the sentiment. Coast is clear. Why do I feel like that was a narrow miss? I am not normally this nervous. And Yugi… he's usually the one seeking my advice for situations like this but he was the one all cool and collected.
We start walking, following Tristan and Joey as they lead the way. Yugi squeezes my hand but it's not a normal tug so I glance at him to check and he grimaces at me, glancing at the boys and back to me. It doesn't take a mind link to know what he's referring to and it eases my heart to know he was just as nervous as I was. That was a narrow miss, which means it was very quick thinking on Yugi's part.
"So you two… get up to much since you've been back?" Ryou asks, leaning in close beside me. I tense and glare at him but he's snickering at the obvious red he can no doubt see. Sometimes I regret telling him anything about my feelings. He's been both the most supportive and the most bratty about it ever since. Still… I can't say I don't appreciate it. I am glad he's opened up a lot… even if it serves to embarrass me.
"We've been watching movies." Yugi shrugs easily.
"Thats it?" Tea asks slyly. God now she's in on it? Funny how quickly this dynamic has shifted.
"Among things." Yugi says and I groan. Why is he egging them on?
"Oh things?" Ryou asks me and now it is his turn to nudge me in the ribs.
"Things that are privy to us only." I say, side glaring at him and watching him contain his giggles of perverted glee.
"Alright." Tea says, giggling too but clearly ending this embarrassment for us.
When we reach the Pharmacy we part ways with our friends and head inside. The arcade is literally only a few doors down so it's not a big deal but I am glad to be alone with Yugi now, even for only a few minutes. I love our friends, but I am finding it impossible to soak in his presence with them and the rest of the city near. I just want to cuddle with him and feel his body against mine, get lost in his scent and his warmth. I was promised alone time with him after we bought this but I suppose I'll have to be patient.
We go down isle after isle, looking for anything resembling lubricant but with the makeup and the various ointments and diet pills and other such medicines it almost seems like we might have to ask someone. I have no issues asking for assistance, after all it is their job to know where their products are and we are not the first men they have served looking for such items but for some reason Yugi chooses now to be embarrassed about it… and I know this because this is the third clerk he's politely turned down when they have asked if we need help.
"Why don't I go ask and you wait here?" I suggest quietly as he scans the shelves. These appear to be dedicated to men's moisturiser though, I doubt it'd be here.
"Because what if they've seen us walk in together? They might start talking and then how long until it gets out that the King of Games was visiting a pharmacy looking for lubricant while accompanied by a male friend?" He hisses at me but I can only chuckle and shake my head. I don't doubt thats a possibility but soon it won't matter. I will duel Kaiba, prove I am me and get those papers; then the entire world can know who I am and who I am with. Whats a couple of weeks until then?
"They might not. Besides, sooner we're out of here the sooner we can sate our friends social needs and then the sooner we can go home and sate our needs." I whisper as I pass him to help him look in a different isle. Of course, I make sure to run my hand across the small of his back, sending shivers up his spine and chills through my skin. It was just a brush… but I want it to lead to so much more.
"True… but -"
"Excuse me sir, do you need any help looking for anything?" A kind young woman asks him. He's about to decline but I have had enough. He can scold me later.
"Yes, actually. My girlfriend has asked me to find some lubricant but I can't seem to find it. I've never bought any before." I say smoothly. Yugi snaps his head to look at me, wide eyes and tight lipped but she smiles politely and gestures for me to follow her.
"Girlfriend?" Yugi hisses at me as I pass him again and I shrug at him innocently.
"What, you don't want them knowing yet, right?"
She takes me to an isle three rows over and low and behold there they are among the condoms and various tablets and ointments.
"Do you know what kind she was looking for? There's a few different types for different things. Is she allergic to anything?" She asks me and I freeze… because this I didn't anticipate. I know nothing when it comes to modern day lubricant. I didn't know there were different types or they could be for different things… I just hope to the gods Yugi does. If we get the wrong one we'll be back here.
I look at him and he shakes his head no… I suppose that means to answer her question.
"No she's not allergic to anything and I'm not sure, can you explain what the different types are?" I ask her. She smiles and takes two.
"There's water based and silicon based. Water based doesn't last as long as silicon and depending on the brand can need reapplication during intercourse however it is highly recommended you use it with any silicon based products such as toys or condoms. Using a silicon based lube with silicon based products can ruin the product and in case on condoms deteriorate them. Silicon based lubricant lasts longer however it is harder to get it out of clothing, bed sheets and even take a bit to wash off skin, but it is generally smoother. Water based can still be difficult to wash out and off and is still an excellent choice but I'd recommend getting a more expensive brand than a cheap one unlike the silicon one which doesn't really matter." She explains thoroughly, however some of that went right over my head. I know about condoms but lubricant can deteriorate them? And toys… what toys? Why would we be using lubricant on toys? And what is a silicon based product?
She's looking at me expectedly though and Yugi is keeping his silence, looking at the different types of lube with a sly smile on his face. He's enjoying this… brat.
"I'm sure she'll kill me if I choose wrong, why don't I get one of both." I suggest. She smiles brightly and I catch the tense in Yugi's shoulders. It matters little to me. If he does not want to help me decide then he will pay for both. It is better to he safe in these regards, anyhow.
"Very good. Now WaterX is the water based lubricant. Silkysmooth is the silicon. Don't get them mixed up but it does say on the bottle." She says as she hands them to me. Seems easy to remember. The water based is blue. Fair enough.
"Is there anything else I can help you with today?" She asks me politely as Yugi stands back up beside me, eyeing the little bottles in my hand.
"No I believe that's all we're after. Think she'll like this?" I ask him, grinning happily to myself as he reads the bottles. He throws me a quick stab with his eyes before he sighs, his shoulders slumping but he adopts an eased aura around him: one akin to defeat.
"Yep. Can't go wrong with both." He says, smiling finally.
"Great. Shall I take these to the counter for you?"
So we paid for our items and got them put into an inconspicuous white paper bag Yugi could put inside his jacket and we were finally outside into the cold, brisk air. I shiver from the biting chill and pull my scarf in closer. I cannot believe how cold it is. Yugi's body never felt the cold this much this early into the season so I definitely didn't expect this.
"Cold?" Yugi asks me with a sly giggle.
"Yes." I say back to him, keeping my tone low but sharp, almost feigning irritation but my smirk gives me away. Am I cold? Yes. Would I like to go home and snuggle in the warmth? Yes. Would I give up this opportunity to experience a winter day like this in exchange for cuddles? … yes probably but this is still so much fun.
"You good?" He asks me, grinning cheekily. My smirk grows and I pull him close to me by burying my hands in his warm jacket pockets. He gasps but doesn't resist me, that is until I touch my nose to his. He giggles and pushes me off him just a little bit, scrunching his nose cutely.
"I am brilliant here with you." I say, my voice low and warm. He blushes heavily and squirms my hands out of his jackets to put some space between us. I almost understand but I do miss being close to him.
"Smooth talker." He mumbles under his breath and leads the way for us. I walk beside him but I hide my hands in my pockets for warmth. It is so cold. I hope the arcade isn't so chilly. I'll have to get some more clothes soon. The ones we bought last time are nice but I wasn't prepared for winter to creep up so quickly. Unfortunately with the shop being closed so much and having spent so much time in the hospital I've not been able to earn anything. Which reminds me.
"Yugi do we have enough for the arcade?" I ask him as we wait in line.
"Yeah, we're right." He smiles at me warmly. I'm not convinced though. Assuming his pay comes from working at the shop the same as mine, then he's been working less than I have since I came into his life… physically. He's shouted us to ice cream, helped with my things, paid for lubricant just now… and been working less and hospitalised with me.
"How much have you saved up exactly? You seem to always be conveniently able to handle what we need." I ask him. It is our turn now and he throws me a smirk before he hands the cashier a bright orange card. It's one I'm not familiar with but as the cashier scans it and hands it back he wishes enjoyment and allows us to continue on.
"I have $25 on this card still from my birthday last year. Only thing we'd buy here is food." Yugi says to me, still smirking cutely. I see … so we're not using his money. That is good. I don't know how much he has squirreled away but I would hate to use it all up. I must start working again.
"You okay?" Yugi asks me as we dawdle in search for our friends. He's so sweet.
"Yes. I'm just looking forward to working again. I'd like to buy more things, ease your burdens a little. It will be good to get back into the shop." I say softly. It will be good to prove to Kaiba who I am and get those papers too. Once I've got those I might be able to find a job that will pay a little more and also Mr. Moto won't have to split his pay with me.
"Yeah… it'll be good to get you some new clothes. Mine will do this winter but …" He says but he sounds bothered. I'm worried.
"Are you okay?" I ask him gently, pulling him to stand beside some form of claw game. He looks surprised and confused but smiles warmly all the same.
"Yes… I just remembered that tomorrow you'll start back in the shop… which is great it's just I kinda really like spending my days with you. I'll be going back to school tomorrow …" He says, trailing off. I understand though. The last few times he's gone to school something terrible has happened. He risks seeing Koji tomorrow and he won't have me there to help him. I wish I could do something to help him through this. "It's okay." He says suddenly with a new burst of life in him. He smiles happily with a bounce in his step as he links his arm with mine. "Lets forget about tomorrow and just enjoy ourselves right? Now where are those friends of ours?" He asks as he scans the area.
He hasn't noticed they're by the dancing game Tea likes and this is my only chance before we're too crowded. I pull him back to me, wrapping him in my arms and nuzzling into his hair. I know this won't fix anything but I do want to convey how much I am here for him. No matter what happens tomorrow or the days after I will always be with him.
"Um… Atem… people." He says silently.
"I don't care." I whisper back to him, embracing him more. "No matter what happens tomorrow and the days that follow, Yugi I will be here for you. I want you to know that."
He hums and hugs me back, giving me a firm squeeze. "I know. Thank you." He says warmly. I love hugging him. Almost nothing feels as safe as this but he ends it too soon, giving me an apologetic smile as he glances around. "I'm sorry, it's just until your duel with Kaiba no one knows who you are. I'd rather keep you under the radar of suspicion until you have something to identify you with. As soon as we have that I have no problems declaring you to the world as mine."
He has a point. That is also something I look forward to.
"Good. Because publicly declaring you as mine is the first thing I'm going to do when I have an identity." I say, keeping my voice just above a whisper.
"Hmm… that gives me ideas." He says cheekily, dragging me to get me walking.
"Yeah?" I ask, bumping into him. He giggles, bumping me back as we make our way towards our friends now.
"Yeah. Maybe later I'll tell you." He says winking.