Disclaimer: Plain and simple. I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh.
A/N: I'm better! I'm still coughing, but I'm better! And I spent the whole weekend catching up on all the work I was behind on, so I think I may actually have made time for myself to write! I know you are all thrilled with this information. I just wanted to share the joy. ^_^ To make up for the loss of time, and to thank you all for your faith and support, I shall now thank all the reviews from chapter one and respond to chapter two reviewers.
.... Am I the only one who thinks that whole paragraph was completely pointless?
~ Ocean
Chapter One: Extra special thanks to jkateel, Silver Draggon, gothatheartholo, Nightengale13 (I just love your reviews. They are the best ego boosters!), Seventh Sage, Fallen Hikari, DragonsDesire, Wolfspeaker1, Mel Gods (I think you captured what I was trying to show about Yuugi the best. I can always count on you, can't I?), Moonlitspire, Anime Girl Sasami (Analyze! Please, analyze! If you don't I don't know if I'm getting my message across!), Jasper-Sable, Sorceress MooNBlaDeR, Abi2, Hime no Ichigo, Silver Nightingale, Promise, introspective-mortal, Shenya, Mercedes no Inuarai for reviewing!
Chapter Two:
jkateel: *snorts* Well, I suppose "interesting as hell" is a step up. ^_~ I know it is. Thanks for the continued support!
Seventh Sage: We all know what cuddling leads to, right? Well, if not, go ahead and read on! And I feel your pain. There is a serious lack of new good yaoi stories lately. Let's fix that, shall we?
Sorceress MooNBlaDeR: It may have not been part of the review, but its nice to know there are others out there who appreciate old musicals like I don't. I don't feel so alone anymore. Interesting that the last scene reminded you of FAH. Not a bad thing, just curious. Thanks for letting me know though! It helps! And yes, actually, I love school. And I am having fun. Thanks for reviewing!
Wolfspeaker1: Thanks for the well wishes and for the wows! I'll bring new chapters out as quickly as I can! Only a few more for this one, but many more for others!
Silver Draggon: "Squee." Unique for my reviewers. Guess that means you are unique, too. Thanks for the word!
DragonsDesire: Ack! The 'C' word! It follows me wherever I go. I just can't get away from it! Darn whoever it was that coined the word 'cute.' I do appreciate your usage of it, though. I'm glad you liked it!
introspective-mortal: Hmmm.... a scene in the 'closest' mode, eh? Well, this chapter kind of does that. Yep. I think it does. There must be something after closest, don't you think? I'm going to try to find it! And I was so happy to see you use the word 'intellectual'! I try so hard to make my stories intellectual, unlike many of the ones written out there. Thank you so much for the compliment!
Moonlitspire: I would say that was a fun way to pass the time in a theatre. Wouldn't mind passing the time in that manner in other avenues as well... I better stop now before I give myself more plot ideas.
metallicbubbles: I feel better now, thanks! ^_^ Fluff scenes make the world go 'round... if they are done correctly. Glad you liked this particular fluff scene! Thanks for reviewing, as always!
Promise: So happy to hear that you liked it! Thanks for the well wishes too!
Fallen Hikari: Thank you for the comments on my choice of words. I've been spending more time on them for this story, trying to choose something provocative, yet something I haven't seen used hundreds of times before. It ain't easy, but it is very rewarding. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know what it was you liked. See you next time!
Sansi: I have only one thought in reply: Thank you thank you thank you! ^_^
Shenya: Wow. I never knew that 'interesting' had such diverse meaning. Thanks for the enlightenment. What a lyrical review you left... makes anything I have to say sound mundane and harsh. I will say I was quiet happy with the 'lush atmosphere' and the 'fresh gush of wind' that your review brought to me, and that it was a 'rare treat indeed' to have such a fulfilling review. Thank you for taking the time to share with me!
Mel Gods: "Shpadoinkleous." I love that word! Use it from now on in every review, and I'll promise to keep writing. Deal? Okay now, on to your wonderful (as always) review. First off, yes, I have been in theatres where there are little... I don't know... 'date' or 'couple' couches, so that is what gave me the idea. Jasper and Saber aren't just messing around, and after some thought, no, they are not going to break their contract. It was a representation of Jasper finding what he was looking for; a sincerity in thought and emotion, the actions being giving simply for him to receive because the person genuinely is found of him and not what he can do. Saber was willing to give him that, because he is fond of Jasper, and that fondness will be further explained and solidified in this chapter. I now take a pride-filled moment to bow in forgiveness for spoiling you... there, I think that was long enough. I agree with you that the chapters for this story are almost unbearably short, yet they just don't seem to work when I make them longer. It is very frustrating! I always feel like I'm leaving something out, but when I proof read I know I haven't. A most perplexing situation. Well, it doesn't look like shortened reviews or chapters diminish the length of my responses to you, do they? And I only skipped one class! (And it didn't hurt me, so I lucked out) All better now, and I look forward to our next 'chat'!
Mercedes no Inuarai: Is driving someone to poetry the same as driving them insane? Or is it a slightly off-kilter sanity? I don't know, but as long as I am driving you, I am happy. I'm thrilled to hear how much you like my interpretation of Yuugi and Yami's relationship. I'm so tired of the Scared Child/Overprotective Protector that I can't stand it anymore. And honestly, that isn't how either of them are. I have to wonder if these authors even watch the show, and where in the world this interpretation of Yuugi and Yami emerged. But I am quite content staying as far away from those descriptions as possible. I never thought I'd ground someone by lowering the lights... Hee, glad you liked the scene!
Hime no Ichigo: *tapes get-well card to the wall* Thanks! Well, at least my story gave you something to focus on during class. Tsk, tsk. Have a wondering mind, do you? I've had a few classes like that. I actually zoned out once for twenty minutes, thinking about other things that I don't remember. Turns out I didn't miss anything, either. This instructor had a propensity to talk. Anyway, gives these choppy sentences credit! I had twelve years of training not to write choppy sentences, and I will tell you, they are far harder to write than any of my lengthy ones! So I take great pride in the choppiness of my sentences. I didn't realize you were going to get technical about it. ^_~
Now go read everyone!
Jasmine's Scent
By Ocean
****
Chapter Three: Rest Now, Dear One
Their soft leisurely stroll barely disturbed the still night. The hour late. Streets bare. Long limbs and tossed hair. Hands again clasped, fingers again curled into soothing palms.
An air of butterscotch ease enveloped them. Yellow haze of street lamps. Sticky glue of fondness, hugging their bodies together. The sweet, sweet scent of intoxication.
With each other.
His smile soft. Tender as Jasper followed Saber's confident lead. The beat of their stroll matched the beat of his heart. Slow. Calm. Latent strength and pounding pleasure.
"I wonder what movie we saw?" Jasper thought aloud.
Hidden amusement swirled in Saber's silken voice. "It could not have been interesting for you not to remember."
A squeeze of fingers around Saber's hand as Jasper's musical laugh danced around them. A head tilted delicately to the side, intelligent eyes radiating with happiness.
"You're incredible," Jasper said, amused.
Cerise eyes narrowed in undisguised agreement.
Deep breath and relaxed features. Tempting body ceasing advertisement of its virility as Jasper pondered.
Images. Colors and sounds mingled behind lowered lashes. Royal eyes watched the ground pass beneath them. Eyes unseeing while Jasper recalled a most vivid memory.
The midst of a crowd. Children and parents. Couples and singles and friends and lovers. Edges blurred by faded time. A young boy, too beautiful to be real. Too breathtaking to be imagined.
In the midst of a crowd in the waves of a memory, Jasper stood alone.
Isolated.
Unnoticed by all save those who lusted after his youthful curves and promising skin.
Unseen.
Untouched by all save those who merely wanted to take. To take and demand and give nothing in return. Cold and barren. Unfeeling.
A slight knock against his temple. Eyes darted to the side to see their clasped hands raised, Saber having tapped his knuckle against Jasper's temple.
Beating heart skipping a pulse as Jasper felt the quiet concern emanate from Saber's crisp expression. Need and want tickled his body while Jasper's eyes explored the sensuous lips of Saber.
Features drew into quiet expression. Candy smooth smile pulled at flushed lips while eyes blinked lazily. Jasper turned from Saber and continued walking.
A shadow overtook the lonely boy in the crowd. Heat and touch created a shield the loneliness could not penetrate. The crowd cried out as their image of perfection was hidden from their view. Screened.
Jasper no longer feared being alone.
"Thank you," he whispered.
Saber slowed his steps, head tilted in confusion. His intense gaze stole over Jasper's every line, looking for a reason for the gratitude.
Jasper loosened his fingers from Saber's hands. His fingers traced and caressed the long and slender curves of the hand they held. Smooth vibrations lulled somber nerves into excited jubilation.
"For this," Jasper continued, unaware of the small tug on his hand as Saber slowed further. "For sharing with me something..." An unconscious smile flowed across his lips. "For showing me the intimacy I've been searching for."
The words glued Saber's feet to the pavement. Thick heat bled from his chest. Intense longing. Prominent desire. Energy and confidence tugged and pulled and excited his mind and heart.
An inexplicable calm.
Jasper turned curious eyes behind him. Anticipation. Eagerness. Pulse quickened as the hand around his tightened, held him in place.
Saber flowed like a breeze. Hand outstretched, reaching for a flushed cheek. Eyes dangerously, erotically serious.
"May I kiss you?" Husky whisper rushed with need.
"Please." Immediate whispered reply before the question was completed. Equal need with desperation as Jasper's cheek and lips were aggressively covered in blazing heat.
Fluid motion. Rippling pleasure as expert lips pressed and tested against Jasper's equally skilled mouth. Softness and firmness molded into one all encompassing importance.
Urgent moans forced their way between them. Jasper's free hand crawled along Saber's chest. Clenching the jacket, pulling for more as Saber continued to press their lips unbearably close together.
Not enough. Come in! Let me taste you. Let me breathe you. Let me feel and have and hold you! Please. Take me away with you...
His body jerked forward as Saber brought their clasped hands to the small of Jasper's back and pulled savagely. Solid friction. Firm muscles welcomed Jasper heatedly while Saber finally parted their lips and captured Jasper's essence.
A flavor unlike any he had ever sampled. Pure despite Jasper's profession. Hot and sweet. An underlying spice waiting to lash out at the opportune moment. Succulent. Addicting. Drowning him as it seduced him to sample more.
More. Saber wanted to taste more of the delicacy he had pressed so tightly against his body.
Deeper. He couldn't stop falling into Jasper's shivering embrace. That tongue. Saturated with so much sweet desire and sinful sexuality kept coaxing and pleading with him for more.
Saber crooned into Jasper's mouth in arrant rapture at his discovery.
Had it been anyone else Jasper would have thought he was choking. Saber was pressed so closely and so deeply within him. Jasper was certain he was touching his soul. A delicate and demanding and desperate touch that instantly turned his mind into mush.
Unguarded emotion and passion and ecstasy and it was just so much and not nearly enough.
The idle recognition that his back was pressed against something hard and cold. A street lamp? Jasper wondered. Saber rubbed his hips against his groin.
Who cared?
He was pinned.
Such a delightful position to be in.
Harsh breaths and heaving chests. Fingers twitching and clenching at hair and skin and clothing. A pure adrenaline rush.
Sudden withdrawal. Jasper's moan of protest as Saber's luscious mouth floated just out of his reach.
A long pause. A stillness that, for once, did not disturb Jasper. Frozen bodies melting from internal fires.
Jasper was finally able to pull his searing gaze from Saber's lips, but his eyes didn't have time to see. Saber leaned forward and claimed his mouth with the softness and care one would handle a kitten.
Dusky rose lips massaged tenderly Jasper's mouth, teeth and tongue engaging in a nibbling taste on occasion. Fingers tensed in Jasper's cotton hair and held him still as he tried to lean further into his captor's kiss.
Nimble little sighs. Playful little coos to incite and inspire Saber to never end his sensual, pleasing, exciting, sobering, humbling, delicious teasing.
Saber pulled back, ending the prolonged kiss with a quick and simple kiss of parting.
Golden fingers slipped down Jasper's cheek, trailing lightly down his front, halting low beneath his navel. Saber's eyes sparkled in mischief.
A sly smirk and Jasper was pulled by the hand that clasped his behind his back. Their stroll continued.
Pink tongue darted out to trace the curve of his lips and memorize the flavor that lingered. Pure joy and amusement encouraged his lips to smile. Added lightness in his step.
A very pleased Jasper.
"If I were to--"
"No." Wicked smile framed Saber's bemused tone.
"But you don't even kno--"
"Hush now." A full-lipped grin on Saber's face, the light of which reached straight to his pretty eyes.
Jasper stuck his tongue out at him.
****
A very familiar and unwelcome hallway. Jackets discarded on a hook. Bodies shivered as the brisk night chill battled the stagnant warmth of the building.
They paused outside Jasper's room. He didn't want the wonderful evening to end. Or the beautiful man beside him to leave.
Sharp hissing of hydraulics opened the door. A hesitant moment before Jasper stepped through, casting a parting glance over his shoulder.
Saber watched him without expression until the door harshly separated them.
Jasper took a deep breath and held it. An attempt to ward off the bitter sting of disappointment. Languidly he changed for bed, removing all clothes. Replacing them with a simple, oversized dress shirt that reached to his thighs. Barely covering all that needed to be covered. Long sleeves billowed around his slender arms as he pulled the sheets back on his bed.
Startled by the loud hiss of his door. Liquid eyes turned. Body remained frozen in a half crawl.
An internal sigh of relief as Saber entered his room, clothed only in a pair of sweatpants. He locked the door and motioned for Jasper to settle himself in bed.
Tired pleasure seeped into Jasper as he followed the command. A fatigued smile as Saber climbed in behind him.
Jasper's bed had never felt so warm or so full. He settled on his side, knees slightly bent, hands curled under his chin, facing away from Saber.
A firm hand flattened on and ran along the length of his exposed side. Heat followed the trail from shoulder to waist to hip to thigh.
Weight settled behind him as Saber spooned himself tightly against Jasper's back, hand remaining on his muscled thigh. Leg followed leg. Curve followed curve. The whole of Jasper's back was pressed against the enticing length of Saber's front.
Hair rustled on pillow. The hand on Jasper's thigh pushed beneath his shirt and over his hip. Up his stomach and across his chest to hold him firmly, skin on skin. Another arm pushed beneath him. A hand found his and intertwined their fingers, crossing the connected arms back over Jasper's chest.
An intimate and honest embrace the likes of which neither had ever experienced.
Heated breath and soft lips tickled the back of Jasper's neck. Mumbled sleepy words he couldn't hear. He was about to inquire to their meaning.
"Rest now, dear one," Saber soothingly whispered, voice husky even in sleep. He kissed softly, lingering, the back of Jasper's neck before succumbing to sleep.
His grip never loosened. His heat never diminished.
Jasper never wanted to let him go.
****
to be continued
