A/N: This might be a recipe for doom, but I am just so happy with this fic. I'll be posting the other two as well, but this is a flavour I haven't tried yet. This fic was originally going to be an OG story I was going to make, but decided fuck it, gonna make it a fanfic! So here we are!

Tags will be updated as we go, I hope you all like it and as always comments feed me!


Yugi

Romance. Love. Partnership. Belonging. Comfort. Safety. All of these things are normal things that just about everyone craves at least once in their life. Humans are social creatures and we need one another to survive. We need companionship, we need reassurance, we need to feel like we are not alone and we are wanted. Everyone feels this, at least once in their life. It is what we are made for. It is a biological need to seek another.

The trouble is there are 7 billion people inhabiting this world now and that sometimes complicates the search to find the right one. More and more people date short term, never finding true love until well into their mid lives or later. Some are lucky and find them very early on through chance. Some don't realise what they have isn't what they need and thus stay with one another for safety rather than love. Others are less fortunate and deem themselves unworthy of companionship. There are some also that simply do not want the connection and only seek temporary, fleeting touches.

No matter how you look at it, whether you are seeking partnership, friendship or just a one night fling, we are constantly seeking another.

I am no exception. I've been looking for companionship for as long as I can remember; and for as long as I can remember everyone around me has always found companionship in one another.

But never me.

Even as a child my friends found true connections. I never thought anything of it of course. I was just happy everyone could be friends.

But as I got older I noticed the connections that formed around me, but rarely with me. Some of my friends remained with me, grateful for the companionship they found because of me. I always laughed at that though. It was never me that brought them together. They just got lucky is all.

That's what I thought; until I had reached a stage in my teenage years that I wanted a taste of that connection they found. I noticed other people and their attractiveness and I'm shy to admit they were drawn to me for some reason. But it never lasted. My love life is laughable and pretty soon into my schooling I was either sought after as a love guru or bullied because my dates always left me for someone else. But those that did find love never bullied me. They thanked me. They stood up for me. They were grateful because if they hadn't gone out with me, they wouldn't have met their partner.

It hurt. A lot more than I led on. I smiled and told them not to worry about it… and as they walked away hand in hand I wondered what that felt like.

I've been looking ever since for that one person that would see me and no one else, that would stay with me. I've been searching for that special someone that would hold my hand, that would be blind to those around me and would stay with me for just one night.

It's not easy. Watching every prospective future walk away from you, sometimes more than once in a day. And it's not easy living a normal life and hearing nothing but praises and gushes from friends or colleagues about their other halves. If I'm honest actually, it hurts. A lot. Nothing really reminds you of how lonely you are than watching others bloom around you.

That's exactly what has happened just now.

My name is Yugi Moto. I am a 28 year old average guy living in an average city, sitting in an average Cafe outside, sipping on an average cup of coffee as my date is happily chatting away with our waitress.

Normal people wouldn't be bothered by this. I'm not a jealous person by nature and I don't especially feel possessive, but I've played in this pit before and I know the house rules. All it takes is one hello, sometimes a brush of the fingers, a breath in the right direction, and when the sparkle twinkles in their eyes and the world falls from their attention, that is when I know. Like a puzzle piece clicking into place that they have found their connection and I am but forgotten.

I am the link between lovers. It's how it's always been, and unless by some miracle, it is how it will always be.

But there are 7billion people out there. One of them has to be for me.

Right?

I reach for the tab, sign my details and leave a pretty tip for the new lovers and hand it back to the waitress. She takes it politely, smiling at my date without notice and I finish my coffee.

I wonder what it must be like. To be so entranced in someone that you don't notice those around you move. I suppose today is not the day I will find out.

I live in an apartment a few blocks away. I chose to live in the city because my chances of finding love would be greater where there were more people, and frankly I was tired of the entire town I lived in prior in constant love spells around me.

My apartment is my sanctuary if I am honest. I know a lot of people would say it is obvious of one's home but for me it is so true. It contains my beloved books, my treasured games, my vast range of anime and figures. I am quite the otaku. An avid lover of animation and gaming. People in school never understood my passion for it. They'd try to bully me for it but honestly I just found comfort in them when they did. Their adventures, their comedy, their drama, their romance… I craved all of it. All of it was mesmerising and tantalising compared to the mundane and dull predictability of real life.

Yes, real life was beautiful. Real life had graphics and physics that technology has yet to accomplish, but it quickly becomes upsetting when you realise that in your own campaign you are but the background character while everyone else around you found their main character powers. In my anime, in my games, in my books, I can pretend that I am the lucky one for once.

I do share one thing with every protagonist however: I never give up. As I always say, there are 7 billion people out there, and I won't find the one for me by staying within the comfort of my sanctuary.

But this afternoon I am calling it a night. I've been on 3 dates in as many days and in as many dates all of them have found romance elsewhere. This isn't a surprise anymore, but it sure takes it out of you. Tomorrow I will return to work and then come Friday I can start the routine all over again.

I shed my fine clothes and swap them for something comfy: loose light blue track pants, a grey singlet and my all too fluffy white dressing gown to snuggle in. I slip on my little duckling socks, fetch myself a soda from the fridge and fire up my playstation. My phone buzzes beside me, and curiously I wonder if my date noticed I left but it is only Ryou.

Ryou has been my best friend since we were kids. He came over from England in school and because of his accent he was always ostracised or objectified for it. But he is one of the exceptions who remained at my side after finding his soul mate; that he found through me of course.

Ryou: Hope your date goes well. Let me know.

So sweet. One of these days I'd like to report success.

Me: Date went well. She found happiness. I'm home now, about to play some Overwatch.

I set my phone down, wait for the log in and open my loot boxes. My phone chirps again that cute little bird noise from Final Fantasy.

Ryou: Are you serious? Again? You okay?

Me: Yep. No biggie. How are you?

Ryou: I'm good. Bit bummed about your date though. One of these days man.

Me: 7 billion out there.

Ryou: want some company?

Do I? He'll probably bring Marik. I'm not sure I'm really in the mood for a couple around me. I like Marik. He's great. But after another miss I think I'd prefer to play it solo tonight.

Me: Thanks, rain check? Kinda wanna lay low tonight.

He stayed quiet for a little while and I jumped in the queue, jumping into a death match while I wait. Eventually he responds with a thumbs up and a "here if ya need" and we left it at that.

oOoOoOo

I work at a game store, because as an avid gamer where else would I prefer to work? Aside from my home this was my second sanctuary. Here I get to geek out with fellow gamers and really be myself. I've made a lot of friends here, both in colleagues and customers. My favourite thing about my job is the fleeting connections I can make with people through the games we have in common. Especially the trading card players. They are few but their devotion is phenomenal. Then you have the tech enthusiasts who spend more time comparing keyboards and microphones than they do using them. Then you have the fans that collect every piece of cute merchandise they can find. I myself am an avid collector as well and its very fun to meet others as excited as I am when the newest model comes out of my favourite fandoms.

Basically: I love my job.

I am serving on the registers today. I know a lot of retail assistants that hate this job but for me, I love it. This is where I get to talk to people. I get to see what people are interested in and most customers in this kind of store actually enjoy meeting others that like their fandom too, so talking with everyone is super fun and refreshing.

This one for example is very happy with their purchase, even walking away with a recommendation of mine and I sigh happily for another satisfied customer.

"Next please."

My next customer is a striking character. He is taller than me by a head, his bronze complexion is beautiful and his striking red eyes are the deepest rubies I've ever seen. His hair though… I am an average guy but I like to style myself eccentrically. All the main characters in my anime shows and games all have unique styles, so I did the same so at least in that aspect I can feel special… but this guy… his style resembles mine. A full head of raven black hair rimmed by crimson, and his gorgeously sculpted face is framed by the most luscious honey blonde bangs I've ever seen. My hair is similar, but shorter and less blonde, and the spike of hair in his center stands tall and proud while mine refuses to stand no matter how much I style it. His angular shaped eyes are perfectly decorated with black eye-liner and I have to admit I've never seen such fine penmanship in person before.

This man is stunning… and I've seen just about every person in the city!

"Hi." He has the most beautiful, baritone voice I have ever heard!

Focus Yugi. Professionalism.

"Hi, how can I help you?" I ask him happily, mentally kicking myself for how dry and cracked mine is.

His beautiful, soft lips pull to the sexiest smirk I've ever seen.

"Well, I was hoping you might have a recommendation for me."

A recommendation? Excellent! "Sure! What are you after?" I ask him enthusiastically.

He leans on the counter, cross armed and his eyes glinting with a curiosity I've never seen before. Of course now he's leaned in, I take note of his aesthetic. He's dressed in a white button down, tucked into black dress pants. His wine red tie compliments the darks of his eyes and skin and I can see the muscles underneath the thin fabric over his arms. He's… mesmerising. I've never had this kind of reaction to someone before. This is incredible. My heart is… fluttering!

"Well I was wondering if you knew of a good cafe around here."

Cafe…? I … "A cafe?"

"Mhmm. I've seen you at a few and thought you might know which one is good to go to?"

He's seen me at a few? Wait… is this weird? This is weird right? I mean, I shouldn't feel threatened, should I?

"Uhh… well… there's Bien a few stores down? There's Cafe L' Amende on 5th street and Cup a Joy over on Mc Avenue?" I suggest coyly. It feels kind of strange that this man has watched me. I mean he's gorgeous but what is happening right now? Why not just try the cafe's? Unless this is a joke…?

"Alright. What is your favourite?"

"Mine?" I squeak. He nods happily, unbothered at all by how ludicrous this seems. "Um… Cup a Joy I think. They make a pretty good cappuccino." I feel myself blushing sheepishly.

"Cup a Joy. Perfect." He purrs with such a hypnotic air. "Next question, when do you get off?"

"Me?!" I shriek, clapping my hands to my mouth immediately. Duke, my colleague is looking at me in surprise as well as his customers, and I have no choice but to laugh it off. When they look away in annoyance I lean in closer to this man to talk quietly.

"Sir, I really shouldn't be telling you this."

"Oh, too personal? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to overstep."

I straighten up and he does too. I don't feel too good about it though. I feel like this guy was actually asking me out and I just ruined it. But then… like all my other dates it'd probably just end in his favour and not ours.

"It's alright. But yeah, I'd recommend Cup a Joy. Is there anything else I can help you with?" I ask confidently, returning to my normal sales voice.

"Actually, yes. I'm new to gaming. What would you recommend I try? I'm interested in anything that will keep us talking for hours."

Oh wow. This guy is smooth. I don't think I've ever been flirted with so strongly before. Like every word is a spell for him.

"Um… well what consoles do you have?" I ask him with a shrug and he shrugs too, looking innocently guilty… how?

"None. I'm very new to gaming."

"None. You didn't just come in here to ask me to coffee did you?" I ask as a joke but the grin he flashes me has me feeling like I just answered my own question.

"Or cappuccino. The beverage doesn't matter, just my company."

I breathed slowly through my lips that formed an o, and nervously tapped my fingers against the counter. This isn't the first time I've been approached for a date, but this guys charm is through the roof and I really, really want to go on a date with him… but knowing my luck he'll end up with the first person we come in contact with. I don't know if I can handle that.

"Tell you what… I'll let you think about it, if you want to catch a drink with me, you can call me here." He says smoothly, sliding over a small piece of paper with his name and number on it. But he never wrote on anything… did he have it pre written?

"See ya around, Yugi." He leaves me with a wink and I stand here stunned, watching the handsome devil strut away like the sex god he knows he is.

My next customer cautiously approaches me and I hastily snatch the strangers number to pocket it. I'll deal with this later. How did he know my name?

"Hi, how can I help you?"

oOoOoOo

My shift has ended now and I walk casually through the dwindling shopping center. Other stores are slowly closing while others still have an hour or two left of their shifts. This is the quiet time and navigating is so easy I can easily scroll through the days notifications without too much worry of bumping into anyone. Ryou is asking what I have planned for later and this reminds me to check my dating apps for any new takers. I have one date scheduled for this evening.

Seto Kaiba. My heart dances reading the name. We've chatted quite a bit over the last few weeks. At first I was skeptical that this was the Seto Kaiba, the super rich and eccentric CEO of Kaiba Corp; only the most famous and successful gaming business in the world. I couldn't understand what a billionaire like Kaiba is doing on a regular dating site but it turns out that he was very keen to get into contact with me. I shouldn't be too surprised I suppose. I've entered a few duel monsters tournaments over the years and always come out on top. Actually, among the dueling world I'm quite famous myself, so it's not really too surprising Seto would be interested that the duelling champ is on a dating site.

This will be the fanciest restaurant I've been to though. I mentioned wanting to go somewhere more my paygrade but he wouldn't have it. It was to be Chateau la Parade or nothing… and well I have a bet with Ryou to keep. Either he'll go on a second date with me, or he'll find love tonight.

I send Ryou a text back letting him know what time my date is and with who and continue scrolling. Not much has happened in the world. I've gotten a couple of new interests on Grindr but I've learned by now who is interested in dating and who is interested in fucking. Sadly, more and more the site has turned into a meet n yeet chat site. But, what do I have to lose? Worst case scenario someone finds happiness and I go back home to my games.

I reach my car and dig into my pockets for my keys to find a strange piece of paper, and it occurs to me. I met that stranger today.

[Atem, xxx xxx xxx ;) ]

Hmm. I still have 3 hours before my date with Seto. It sure as hell won't take me that long to get home, shower and dress up. I could spend an hour or so having a coffee with this guy. If he's been watching me for a few days then maybe solving his single problem will stop that. Then again, he's been watching me for a few days and that's just creepy. But… Cup a Joy is very public, I'd be safe enough.

Ryou would tell me to go for it. Besides, I'd be able to get away if I told him I had a date tonight. This is just coffee. Alright. I gotta be in it to win it as Joey used to say.

Me to mysterious hot stranger: Hello, this is Yugi from EZGame. You gave me your number. Are you still interested in that coffee?

Okay. Send.

Ahh, why is my heart fluttering? This is hardly the first date I've ever gone on. He was so hot though. Like… kinda strange his hairstyle is so similar but those eyes though could pierce anything.

My phone chirps and I hold my breath. It's him!

Atem: I would love to, meet you at Cup a Joy?

I actually squeal, holding my phone tightly to my chest as the excitement crashes through me, before I realise how over the top this is. Okay. Keep it cool. Calm down. This is what, your 500th odd date in your life? It's just coffee.

Me: On my way.

I breathe out and straighten myself in the reflection of my car. Okay. It's just coffee. Not a date. If I don't treat it like a date, everything will be fine.

oOoOoOo

Cup a Joy is a cute little cafe. It's more of a sandwich bar if I'm honest. I came here a lot with Ryou a long while ago and it's been a favourite ever since. It's a cute little place tucked between a Thai restaurant and a masseuse and it sits nestled against a main road. I've learned to park a fair distance away and just walk there because getting a car park any closer is impossible.

Out here on the street there's a lot more people than in the shopping center, but it's still not too crowded. Still, I keep to myself, trying not to bump into people as I walk.

As I get closer I spy the familiar spiky hairstyle and through the gaps of people I see him leaning against a pole, idly checking his phone. He hasn't noticed me, so I hastily check my breath, pat down my shirt and floof my hair before I approach him. He smiles as I get closer and politely slips his phone away, turning to give me his full attention and lifting the dark shades he's adopted. He looks nice out here. I mean he hasn't changed his clothing since a few hours ago but now I'm not on the clock I can actually admire him.

Strong body, toned muscles, slim waist and hips. His suit is smart and he's wearing a jacket now, though his tie is looser and more relaxed. His shoes are shiny too from a fresh layer of polish. I wonder if he's a banker of some kind.

"Yugi." He smiles happily.

That's right… I never told him my name. "Atem?" I ask and his smile widens, showing a lovely set of pearly white teeth.

"I thought so."

I give him a questioning look, cocking my head to the side curiously. "Thought so?"

"I knew it would sound perfect rolling off your tongue."

….I… da… Is this guy always switched on?

"Are you always so smooth or are you trying really hard? Also, how do you know my name?" I ask with a nervous little laugh, to which he chuckles, shyly swaying. He's got fangs. That's hot… I wonder how sharp they are.

"It comes naturally, and it was on your name badge." He smiles. That makes so much sense. I nod and he breathes deeply, not hiding the fact he's sizing me up like some kind of meal. I've never met someone so… hungry before. Most people I interact with has made it through a fine toothed comb of people looking for love. Few times I have gone on dates with people looking for lust, but this guy though must be as touch starved as I am to be looking at me like that.

"Shall we?" He nods inside and I nod too, gesturing for him to lead the way. Which he takes graciously and I follow him inside.

God damn… that ass though. Oh boy. He's got a sexy wiggle, I'll give him that.

He turns to me and we stand in line together to look at the menu. I'm a little hungry but I won't eat yet. Not with dinner tonight. A drink will do.

"How do you like your cappuccinos?" He asks me kindly.

"Oh I'll buy."

"I insist. I asked you out after all."

He's got me there. Hmm. "Why don't we pay separately then?" I counter offer. He squints a little, maybe curiously but nods in agreement. Why do I feel like I'm playing a game with him?

We reach the counter and he lets me order first. One small cappuccino, white, 3 sugars. He hums before he places his order of a black coffee, nothing else. I don't know many that like it so strong. Cute.

We pay separately and take our table number, sitting at a small table in the corner. I'm glad he guided us here. I would have otherwise. Being in the corner means less of a chance of a passerby stealing my potential date. He takes the far corner and I am beside a window, but this is fine. He looks a little snug tucked away in there but the brick behind him makes him look even more stunning.

"So how was work?" He asks simply, happily laying his hands gently curled on the little white table. Relaxed. He's confident and with his hands so easily noticeable it means he's not hiding anything either. He asked me out so casually too, I wonder how much he gets around. Normally I screen my dates… this is a rare one.

"Pretty good actually. How was your shift?" I ask confidently. Hopefully he'll tell me where he works or what he does.

"Actually I didn't go today."

Curious.

"Oh… so you normally dress up so fine?" I ask him, adding a little playful cheek to my tone to admire that smirk.

"Actually I had hoped you'd say yes to coffee."

I laugh at that. There's no way. No way, he dressed up so fine just to ask me out to coffee. What if I said no?

"Really?"

"I thought I'd have a better chance if I dressed well rather than my normal attire."

"And what is your normal attire?" I ask back lightly. He grins, showing off the tips of those little fangs and leans in to whisper something quiet.

"Usually nothing at all."

Ohhhh boy. That's a mental image and a half.

"Okay, you come on strong."

"Is it too strong?" He asks, leaning back in his chair casually. His eyes though, his entire aura in fact, has shifted. He's still cheeky, on the verge of playfulness, but there's an edge of caution about him now, as if he's unsure if he's pushed a line.

I kind of like him there though. I like him guessing. It puts me in control.

"I don't mind it strong." I say with an easy little shrug and he relaxes immediately.

"Let me know if I get too much. I've been told I can be incorrigible."

"I can see that." I laugh and he smiles, that gorgeous smile. Head in the game Yugi. "So, you said you've watched me before?"

He nods and takes on a much more friendly manner rather than flirty. "More like seen you around. I'm not a stalker. Though after the 4th time I did follow you to your work and might have asked when you'd be on again. So… I guess slightly stalkery."

Well… that's not so bad. I guess I peaked his interest. Still… if he's seen how many dates I've been on I wonder if he thinks I'm easy. It would fit the MO. If he's this confident in asking me out he probably asks a lot of people out.

"Fair enough. So… what spiked your curiosity so much you asked me out at work?" I ask simply.

"Jumping right in? I like that." He commends with a nod of approval. "Well… I notice that you look a lot like me, so call me curious. I noticed that you're never with the same person twice. Either you have a lot of friends or you're looking for something; and I noticed that you are impossibly adorable with the kindest eyes I have ever seen - but also the saddest."

Sad? I feel my defences prickling with that last reason. He isn't wrong… but that's the problem. He's way too observant for my liking.

"And those eyes tell me I just struck a nerve. I'm sorry. I've also been known to be very keen. It um, doesn't normally get me in trouble." He adds quickly, throwing his hands in the air in defence.

"Are you trained in psychology?" I ask him curiously. Partly to relax him but also, it would make sense. If he's a psychologist then being so attuned to the tiny tells of people would come naturally.

"I am not, actually. I um… I guess you can say I float around."

"Unemployed?" I ask and he grimaces, as if caught.

"I prefer self employed. I make my way around the world just fine." He shrugs. For someone so confident he sure plays his cards close to his chest.

"Hmm, what do you do?" I ask curiously.

A nice waitress comes by with a tray, both our steaming, delicious beverages with her. She passes them out to us, offers us some sugar and a spoon each if we need before she leaves with a smile to both of us. I look at Atem, expecting him to be watching her walk away but his eyes are cast to his drink, a gentle smile on his lips. That's not the first time my date has escaped the invisible spell I seem to place on people but we'll see what happens later.

"I play games." He looks up at me, idly stirring his drink while it cools. His eyes are checking, testing to see my reaction. But I like games. All kinds of games. And this certainly perks my attention.

"I thought you said you were new to gaming."

"New to console gaming. I play live games. Games of chance and skill."

"Like casino gaming?" I ask and he nods.

"I work various games at the casino. But also some of the more underground ones. Among other things."

"I thought you said you were self employed?" I enquire curiously. I believe you need some kind of qualification to work in a casino.

"The casino is a casual gig, something on the side for a little extra. Most of my work is commission based."

I see. That's quite impressive actually. You need a lot of drive to keep yourself afloat like that.

"So, have you always wanted to work in retail?" He asks me curiously. Fair enough, I've asked my fair share of questions.

"Retail, hospitality - where I work never made a difference to me. But I like gaming a lot so EZgaming was a pretty natural location for me."

"That's good. So you like your job then?" He asks, taking a sip of his coffee now and never breaking his testing eye contact with me. I feel like I'm being observed and he's watching me like some kind of predator.

"I do. I know a lot of people hate retail but I actually love my job. It's one of lifes joys for me."

"That's cute." He chuckles lightly, in thought and he happily looks down into his coffee.

"Why is that cute?" I ask curiously, masking myself behind my own sip. Oh I needed this.

"Not many people I've met enjoy where they are. But you seem happy with your lot in life. At least in that aspect."

"In that aspect?" I enquire curiously.

"Mmm. Permission to ask a potentially pertinent question?" He asks carefully. I feel like this will be quite the question… perhaps a little too personal and strong for a first date… but I'm beyond the point of playing coy at this point. He think he knows me. Let's see how well.

"Granted."

He puts his coffee down and rests his chin on his hands, examining me once again. I'm like a puzzle to him and I can't say I dislike it. I'm not used to someone looking at me so closely like I'm the only thing in the room.

"You're looking for companionship. The people I've seen you with have been your dates but they rarely go well I assume. I've seen you dine with someone but never for longer than an hour and you always leave alone with your date in conversation with someone else. But you date quite frequently. In the past 2 weeks I've spied you, on all 4 occasions you've been with someone else."

He is… remarkably accurate. I don't know what kind of face I'm pulling but it must be somewhere between defensive, guarded and amused - because he quickly sits back up with a nonchalant shrug. "I could be wrong though. Maybe they were your friends instead." That's to protect himself. He knows he's right though.

There's no point hiding I guess.

"So, my dating frequently doesn't concern you?"

"Actually your frequent dating is what helped convince me you would say yes today." He smirks smugly and I have to grin at that. He's clever. Very clever. I have to look out for this one.

"So, if you are okay with how quick I seem to go through my dates, why are you interested in me? Because if it's a quick thing you're looking for I'll have to disappoint you."

"Oh?" He asks and I see genuine confusion in his beautiful eyes now. This surprised him… so he was hoping for a little thing. Figures. This is why I screen my dates.

"You're right. I'm looking for companionship. Not a one night stand, but a long term commitment."

"Really… then, and I mean no offence at all, but why are you never with the same date twice?"

"Quite presumptuous. You've only seen me four times, what makes you think I haven't seen them again when you aren't stalking me?" I ask playfully, and he gets a dangerously challenging look in his eye as he leans forward again to rest on his hand.

"If you had, you wouldn't look so sad when you walk away. The look in your eyes isn't a look you get when you have plans to see them again. It's a look that says goodbye."

He's too accurate. I should expect as much from a casino player. He knows how to read people. Too well. I'm not used to this. How long have I been looking to be the center of someone's attention and now that I am I feel uncomfortably scrutinised. I wanted to be doted on, not picked to pieces to reveal so plainly my deepest insecurities.

I raise my hand for the waitress and I notice his smug grin falter. He leans back, takes a breath but otherwise remains silent. He looks immediately down as someone approaches and I smile happily.

"May I get this to go?" I ask her, handing her my beverage and she happily takes it from me.

"I overstepped." Atem says quietly. It's not a question but a statement. A statement though that makes me feel kind of bad for. I did allow him to be 'pertinent'.

"No no. Actually, you were absolutely correct. I date often, looking for a special someone that will go on a second date with me. But that never happens because every one of them finds happiness in the eyes of others. I bring them together and walk away alone. In the last two weeks I have silently said goodbye to 11 potential partners. You will be my 12th and I have to go prepare for 13 tonight. So…"

The waitress returns with my delicious hot drink in a to go cup just in time. He looks down at his drink again and as I stand I gently take her hand to politely guide her closer to him. In the tight space she brushes his shoulder and I notice how she instantly flushes. He flinches but avoids looking at her, instead daring to look past at me. He's trying to prove a point, but it won't work. He can try but they never resist for long.

"Thank you for the chat Atem. I hope you find what you are looking for." I say smoothly, a kind smile on my lips and the sadness in my eyes before I turn to walk away.

He will look at her. She will swoon over his godly aura and he will woo her with ease. Tonight they will meet up, find happiness in each other and I will be home, alone, with my games again tonight.

I still have a lot of time before my date with Seto, so I dawdle through the street, sipping my drink and thinking about how interesting that date was. He was the first that got so close. But for a first date that closeness was uncomfortable. He talks as if he knows me, and what unsettles me most is how accurate he was. Everyone else is superficial, but that's how first dates are meant to be. Its meant to be small talk and testing interests, searching for chemistry… but Atem skipped all those steps, endeavouring to get under my skin and know me. For someone looking for a quick thing that just doesn't sit right with me.

Oh well. He's not my problem anymore. Shame too, because of all the dates I've been on he was the most intriguing.

A hand wraps around my wrist and tugs me back. I almost drop my drink but awkwardly catch it. It spills over our shirts as the stranger pulls me to look at him and while we both jump back, I am stunned to see Atem is the one to have grabbed me.

My drink is hot but quick to cool and I honestly don't care because this has never happened before. He should be a puddle of goo in her arms. Why is he here with me, looking somewhat exasperated?

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean for that to happen." He stammers clumsily before regaining his composure.

"Why are you here?" I ask incredulously and afraid.

"You said you've been looking for someone to take you on a second date. So… why not tomorrow evening?"

This isn't happening.

"How does dinner and a movie sound?" He asks and I'm pretty sure my soul just left me. I feel… empty. Like… I'm floating so high above the ground and I can't quite grasp what is happening. But dumbly words spill from my mouth and I can't help but laugh at myself.

"Cliche as fuck…"

He smirks though and honestly… it is irresistible.

"But it sounds great."

That smile. That fang revealing, sun bright smile sets my heart alight in a way I've never felt before. Is this it? Did he resist her to ask me on a second date?!

"I'll pick you up at 6 then. Text me your address tonight? After number 13?" He asks me, his voice full of hope and excitement and I share every ounce of it. I can't believe he's even okay with my other date. He… doesn't miss a beat. He's observant, he's accepting, he's… completely unpredictable.

"I will. I look forward to it." I say quietly and for the first time in my life breathless.

He smiles shyly and leans close to kiss my cheek before handsomely walking away. Meanwhile my mind is buffering. It's doing the little loading circles and slowly, very slowly my skin tingles where he kissed me.

When my brain registers what happened I laugh hysterically, cheering loudly and simply skipping down the street before I realise people are looking at me. I slow to a walk but inside I am boiling and bubbling and squirming with such delight I don't know what to do with it.

This has never happened. Ever. I'm 28 years old, and I just scored a second date!