Author's Notes:

Sorry I made you wait again, I wasn't too happy with chapter 7 for a while so I couldn't release this…a little warning: this is as close as I can see Seto coming to falling head over heels for someone, so in this chapter and the next he might be even a little more OOC. It is one of the reasons why I withheld this for so long – I was worried he might be too OOC. But that's for you to decide. This is how I like him.
As you know, mail addresses don't work...had to shorten them for FFNet.

Special Notes:

Dedication: Two people I know celebrated their birthdays a short while ago. Happy birthday again Pysche and Rogue Fox! This is a late birthday dedication for the two of you!

Thanks to: mic for help and encouragement (a kiss for you), and of course to all of you who review this and show me you like it! I really appreciate it.

6. Flawless

The curtains were shut but through the crack of the window behind them the sweetly smelling air of a warm summer night was filling the room. Somewhere in the corner, next to the desk which was covered in shadows an electrical device blinked steadily, like a tiny red eye. It continued to do so even as the wind coming in through the window became cold and carried the humidity of the morning dew in its wake.

That was when the alarm on Seto's clock went off, rudely waking him from a pleasant dream he couldn't remember later. Blindly, he searched for the button to switch it off in the still dark room, then, having succeeded in regaining the silence, he turned his face back into the pillow, trying to absorb the warmth for another moment or two.

But his waking mind was soon filled with the recollection of his schedule and duties and finally, with a sigh, he climbed out of the bed, drawing open the curtains. The fresh morning air drove the last remnants of sleepiness from his mind and he looked at the small streak of rose colour on the horizon in an uncharacteristic flight of fancy.

Quickly, he dressed, and was halfway out of his room when he heard the sound, and knew in the same instant that he had been an idiot the night before. It wasn't a loud noise, just the springs of a mattress creaking as someone turned around in his sleep, coming from the guestroom of course.

For a moment Seto gripped his head as if trying to stop a beginning headache, then he leaned against the wall, crossing his arms in thought. How could he have forgotten about Kaiba Corp., promising Yami he'd drive him home today? Well, Seto Kaiba didn't break his promises.

Taking out his mobile phone and retreating into his room, he called his secretary, explaining that there had been an unexpected incident which required him staying at home that morning, asking her to send him some papers and contracts to work on. The young woman complied without asking questions and a minute later Seto had the documents he needed as well as a changed schedule while the secretary was cancelling his appointments for the morning.

Leaning back into his chair he made a mental note to smile at her more often. One competent employee at least, he thought, realising he already paid her a top salary that he would hardly be able to raise.

A look at his clock informed him that it was only 5.00 am now, hardly a time to wake anyone else yet. So, waiting for the laptop to boot up he took a last look at the horizon where the sun was finally rising.

Two and a half hours later, Seto leaned back again, running his hand through his hair and closing his eyes briefly. It was time for a little break, besides he couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. To save the half-finished documents from his computer-loving brother, he locked his room as he left and made his way down the corridor, carefully listening at the door to the guestroom.

When there was no sound he went on to the kitchen, busying himself with making coffee. Even as he began preparing toasts for Mokuba he remembered his little brother had two free periods today, which meant he would stay at the mansion until at least 9.30 am and probably not get up for another hour. Putting the toast away, he sat down at the table, trying to wait patiently and suppress the redundant urge to check on Yami.

Ten minutes later he was relieved of this particular conflict as the door suddenly opened and a mass of colourful, dishevelled hair sticking in through the crack announced the appearance of his guest.

"Good morning", Seto said quickly to avoid the expected awkwardness, and was rewarded with a sleepy smile. In reaction his stomach did all kinds of crazy things, which, he reasoned, might just be because he hadn't eaten yesterday evening and neither that morning.

Yami strolled fully into the room, barefooted, wearing Mokuba's orange bathrobe which Seto had given him yesterday evening and which clashed wonderfully with his tousled hair. Sitting down opposite from Seto, he blinked and wiped sleep out of his eyes, and Seto thought he really had to eat something now, lest his stomach would continue doing those flips.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked, trying to hide his inexperience with everyday morning conversation as he and Mokuba usually only exchanged a few sarcastic comments about getting up early and what they would be doing at school and at work that day.

With another grin Yami nodded, then held up his finger to show Seto he had to say something. Clasping something imaginary in his hand he performed brushing movements along his hair, then along his teeth. "Oh!", Seto realised. "The bathroom…well, follow me, I'll show you. We might not have a spare toothbrush though."

Yami shrugged that information off with a dismissive gesture.

Truth to be told, Seto didn't even possess a hairbrush. His brown strands usually fell where they would and looked alright anyway, not that he particularly cared. Mokuba, though, being the adolescent he was, took great care of his hair, thus he had to have a hairbrush somewhere.

Finding the required item in the upstairs bathroom, he left Yami on his own to wash himself, telling him he could use the shower and returned to the kitchen for another round of waiting.

Fifteen minutes later he felt a sense of déjà vu as Yami strolled into the room in the orange bathrobe for a second time. "So…would you like coffee? This one's cold already, but I could make some more. Or tea? You could have milk or cocoa too, and to eat…"

He trailed off as Yami's hand crept towards him on the table, palm opening and inviting him to put his own hand into it. Swallowing, he looked away, not feeling ready to do this right now. When he dared to return his gaze to the punk, the other had pulled the blue conversation book out of nowhere, and was already writing in it.

I wanted to thank you for yesterday evening, Seto. For coming to the concert, meeting me afterwards and then letting me stay at your house. I might have been able to finish off those guys on my own, but it was nice you stood up for me and I admit I have felt much more comfortable at your house than I would have alone at mine.

Seto didn't know what to say at first, then pulled himself together and mumbled, "It's alright"

Taking the book again, Yami continued to write.

As for breakfast, do you have toast with butter? Or just plain bread? And milk would be nice. Thank you

Just as Seto got up to get Yami's breakfast there was the sound of footsteps on the corridor outside and then the door flew open with a loud banging sound.

"Good morning Nisa….", Mokuba trailed off, staring at Yami who looked up in shock and surprise. "Uhm. Who is that, Seto?", the young boy demanded.

Seto cleared his throat. "This is Yami, Mokuba"

"Yami…alright. And why is he wearing my bath…Oh!", with a surprised exclamation the raven haired boy slapped his hand onto his mouth, giving Seto a look that implied pretty much everything. Then he turned his head to get a good look at Yami, nonchalantly allowing his eyes to scrutinise the other, as if sizing him up before nodding curtly and offering a friendly handshake. "Hello Yami. I'm Mokuba, Seto's brother." Then a sly grin stole onto his face and he asked, "So did you enjoy your night here?"

"Mokuba", Seto stated, rolling his eyes, putting Yami's breakfast onto the table, briefly touching the punk's hand to reassure him, and earning a light squeeze in reward. It seemed his guest had gotten over the initial shock. "Honestly, act your age"

"But I was just trying to start a conversation here", the younger brother pouted, trying to look innocent. "You should be glad I didn't ask where he dumped his clothes so he needs to wear my bathrobe. Just kidding, Yami, I don't care where you left them."

Seto, sitting down with a sigh, grabbed a slice of bread and threw it at his brother. He appeared to be very calm but was in fact attempting to hide his nervousness. "Here, get something into your mouth. It has to be shut up."

"Cool", Mokuba commented, smoothly fishing the food out of the air with practised ease. "Could you throw some honey too? Anyway, it's nice to get to know you, Yami. Will you stay here at ours for a while?"

Only at that moment did Seto realise he had not told Mokuba anything about Yami, about his disability or his way of life. How would his little brother react? Would he understand what it was like for Yami and for him, the changes Seto had made in his life to match it with Yami's?

Feeling the punk's eyes on him, he swallowed, then began to explain. "Mokuba, I didn't tell you yet, I hope you are not angry with me. Yami can't speak."

Mokuba looked up, eyebrows drawn together in confusion. "You mean, he can't speak temporarily, or he doesn't want to speak, or…?"

"He is mute."

Mokuba's mouth fell open slightly, the confused look still on his features as he turned from Seto to Yami and saw the other boy's wistful smile. "Oh", he whispered. "Uh, I'm sorry, Yami. This is…new for me."

Nodding understandingly, Yami gave him a charming smile and, grabbing his conversation book again, he quickly wrote a message for Mokuba.

Hello Mokuba. It's nice to get to know you, too. I had a wonderful night – in the guestroom. Still, I'm afraid I will have to leave soon. Your brother promised to drive me home, I must remind him, I think. I am sorry about your bathrobe and as soon as I figure out where indeed I left my clothes yesterday, you will get it back.

Laughing out loud, the dark haired boy put down the book. "No problem. Like I said, I was just kidding. So, Seto, why aren't you at the company? Something wrong?"

Once more Mokuba had managed to ask the one question that had Seto blush while his guest looked up from his milk in surprise.

"Well, no", he answered. "I called my secretary and told her I'd be there in the afternoon"

"Wow", his little brother stated admiringly, "I think the last time you did that was when I was 10 and sick with the flu for three weeks"

This time at least he wasn't alone with his blush. Yami's face, too, had turned slightly pink and he didn't take his eyes off Seto, which made him uncomfortable in a pleasant way that he himself didn't quite understand.

However, Mokuba seemed satisfied with their reaction, judging from the grin on his face.

"Well, Nisama, I want to be earlier today, have to discuss the biology project with Rebecca. Could you help me find the box with the leaves I saved for the project? Thanks! Have a good day, Yami, and see you soon I hope!"

With that he devoured the last bit of bread, licked honey off his fingers and jumped up. With a final wave of his hand he was out of the door. Shaking his head, Seto went after him, not knowing what to make of the other's behaviour and admittedly wondering if Mokuba disapproved of him taking Yami home like this.

Outside in the corridor, though, he was greeted with a firm hug and, as he bent down to return the gesture of affection, a small whisper in his ear. "I have the box with me, it was just a trick so I could tell you not to worry, Nisama. I like him. You're going to do this, I know it."

With that Mokuba left for real, calling for Isono with a happy smile on his face.

When the door fell shut behind his energetic and far too wise brother, Seto couldn't hold back a small grin of relief, convinced he must have been graced with the best little brother a CEO could have.

Returning to the kitchen he sat down once more, staring at Yami presenting another message to him.

Thought I could use my time well. Thanks for breakfast, Seto. Your brother is nice, I like him. I hope he wasn't too shocked. And I also wanted to thank you for staying at home for me. I know how important your job is to you and it means a lot to me. As much as I like your house I'm expected at the "Melody River" at 1.00 pm, getting our band equipment. So I have to take you up on your offer to drive me home.

"Of course", Seto replied, although he did not really want the other to leave just yet. "Follow me, I'm going to get your clothes and when you're dressed we'll be leaving."

Walking out of the room he retrieved the punk's stage clothes, washed and ironed by one of his maids on his orders, then sent Yami into the bathroom to put them on before leading him down to the garage.

They drove in silence in one of Seto's sports cars, watching the pedestrians with Yami occasionally pointing out something interesting or amusing. The silence they shared during the ride was easy and comfortable and Seto was more and more pleased with his decision to let Yami stay for the night. Finally they reached Sycamore Avenue and stopped in front of Yami's house where the smaller boy smiled and handed him a previously prepared paper with "Thank you" written on it.

Seto, staring at the paper, suddenly realised how much of an effort Yami made to be able to talk to him, and came to the conclusion that it was time to reciprocate, if only to show off a little. Mokuba's 'You're going to do this, I know it' still ringing in his ears he held up the palm of his left hand as if offering a sweet, then put the right hand on top of it, palm facing left, and slid it forward until its heel rested against the tips of his fingers.

Yami's mouth fell open and his eyes grew wide. "You're welcome", Seto repeated the gesture's meaning in words, very softly, feeling his heart beat against his chest. The next thing he knew was Yami's mouth on his, wild like a storm, shutting off his every thought. Passion left him breathless when the other pulled back, quickly turning around and all but ran along the path leading toward the house.

When he started the engine Seto felt a wet drop on his cheek and brushed it off with his index finger, wondering if it could have been a tear.

From: Otouto
To: TheOtherVoice

Yami, this is Mokuba.

I asked my brother to give me your mail address to get the chance to talk to you and get to know you better.

So…where to start? Seto told me you're a musician and play in a jazz band for a living. I think that's cool! I'm not that much into jazz, but I'd love to be able to play the electronic guitar – well, I think everyone in my class wants to do that. We always watch the rock concerts on TV and imitate the guitarists.

Anyways, what is it like to be a musician? It must be a great job, but certainly not that easy.

I heard it's difficult for a musician to have a relationship because music will always be their first love and they would do anything for it.

Do you have other hobbies? Maybe we could do something together one day. You don't have to be able to talk to play basketball with me. I have to warn you, though, I'm the best basketball player in my class. It's because I'm fairly tall, and fast.

See ya!

Mokuba

P.S.: I like your hair style…Do you think you could help me dye some of my strands red? Or violet?

6th August, 3.57 pm

From: TheOtherVoice
To: Otouto

Hello Mokuba!

I'm glad we get a chance to talk, thanks for writing to me! I'd love to get to know you better as well.

That's true, I'm the lead guitarist of the "Moonbirds", and we're a jazz band. I couldn't survive without jazz music, and playing the guitar is like breathing for me. I don't know if your generation knows Jimmy Hendrix? When I was your age I dreamed about being able to play like him.

If you want to I can show you some chords on the guitar. Or maybe you want to get to know the rest of the band? I don't know if Bakura would let you get near his drums – he has a shrine for them, no kidding – but I'm sure the others would let you have a look at their instruments too.

Well, my life is often stressful and there are times when I'm so busy that I'm hardly at home, not counting the tours. Yeah, I know, probably not the best basis for a relationship…You are worried about your brother, aren't you? I can understand that, and I have to admit the only relationship I've ever had before went downhill because of my musical career.

But I'll be trying harder this time, I promise.

I don't know if Seto told you, but I love playing Duel Monsters. That's the only hobby I can afford next to playing the guitar. About basketball…Sounds like fun. Maybe I could teach you how to play the guitar and you could teach me how to play basketball?

So…what does Seto think about you having red and violet strands? I can't help but be suspicious you want me to do them so he wouldn't find out until it's too late…

See you!

Yami

8th August, 8.45 pm

Seto took a step forward, stepping closer to the lake on the edge of which Yami stood, facing him and nodding approvingly before performing the next sign. Both his hands pointed at the ground, first next to his left hip, then next to his right. His left hand, thumb and index finger shaped like an L, moved from the right to the left side of his body.

"Easy", Seto said, "It's 'move left'" and he took a step to the left.

Smiling Yami gave the next instruction. Index and middle finger were placed beneath his eyes, then his hand swung around and pointed forward. Both hands fisted, save for the thumb, were placed against each other before the right one performed a small circle and returned to the position. Finally one fist moved forward, thumb pointing at Seto.

He thought hard. The first sign was 'look' and the last 'yourself'. The middle sign was a circle, so perhaps it meant 'around'. Nodding decisively Seto turned once on the spot, looking at Yami expectantly. The mute boy shook his head with a smile, repeated the 'look' movement, as if to tell Seto to watch him closely, and performed his instruction himself, turning his head slightly to look behind himself.

"Oh, so it's 'behind'", Seto questioned and Yami nodded. "Ok, next one."

The smaller boy, grinning fiendishly, placed index and middle fingers on his palm, facing up, moved the fingers up and down quickly, then formed a circle with his right hand, moving the left one into the circle and finally tapped his chin with three fingers of his left hand.

"Ohhh no, absolutely not!", Seto protested, mock-outraged, "I'm not jumping into the lake, I'm wearing clothes, expensive clothes, and it's far too cold today."

Yami winked at him and shrugged his shoulders, then stretched his hands out and pulled them back quickly. He moved his hand towards Seto, palm open and let both his thumbs brush down the front of his shirt.

This time Seto smirked. "'Leave your clothes?' Are you sure? You do realise that the lesson will come to an end before long if I do that?"

Instead of an answer, the little punk sauntered over sexily, eyes half-lidded, and began to open the first buttons on Seto's shirt. A thrilling lightning-fast sensation moved through his body as he leaned into the busy hands and wondered how many clothes would fall this time. Usually Yami stopped at his boxers and Seto wasn't sure if that was a good or a bad thing.

His thoughts were cut short when the other boy grasped the collar of his shirt and walked backwards, drawing him closer to the lake. For a second Seto feared he would lead him right into it, fully clothed, but Yami turned at the last moment and pulled him towards a large rock on the edge of the lake which had recently become their favourite place to enjoy each other's company. Yami slipped out of his shirt and trousers and Seto followed short. Granted, even if they were still wearing boxers, the fabric didn't leave a lot to the imagination.

Sitting down on the stone and pulling Seto next to him Yami began to tenderly kiss his face, brushing lips against his forehead, then moving them down to catch his eyelashes between them with incredible gentleness and patience. Seto's hands stroked Yami's thighs just above his knees, occasionally moving over his hips toward the small of his back.

Small sighs escaped Seto's mouth when Yami turned his head a little to lick his temple, kissing his way down to his ear. Dipping his right hand down and into the water beneath the stone with some effort, Seto brought the wet digits to the little punk's back, drawing cold lines there that made Yami shiver and press closer into his warmth.

When tiny rivulets of water were running all over Yami's back and he could feel the smaller boy's fast breathing against his neck, Seto spun him around and proceeded to lick the water off the other's skin, arms around his chest. Yami pulled those hands against his lips, kissing and licking his palms. Finishing his task on Yami's back, Seto placed his head on the other's shoulder and they looked at the lake, watching the sun vanish behind the trees and colouring the lake in gold, orange and crimson.

Seto sighed. "We've barely spent an hour together, walking around. And you're already telling me you are going to leave in another thirty minutes. Don't tell me you are rehearsing again tonight."

Yami, rolling his eyes, crossed his arms and walked ahead of him, making Seto growl with anger. This was not fair. He hadn't seen Yami the whole week because at least one of them had always been busy, and now that he finally got the chance Yami was leaving again.

He bit his lip in frustration. There was no point in spending the little time they had being angry at each other.

Catching up with Yami he walked next to him in silence for a few minutes, feeling completely at a loss and wondering, not for the first time, if he shouldn't have turned his back at the other and walked away that night when they had first met at the "Bluebird's Nocturne".

They had left the busy shopping streets of the inner part of the city, moving on towards Yami's home in one of the exterior districts. It was a Sunday afternoon and the streets were almost deserted, as were the park, the parking lots and the little playground. Suddenly, Yami stopped and turned his head to look at the swings in the middle of the small space of grass. Without so much as a glance at Seto, he then went right into that direction, sat down on one of the swings, pushing himself up into the air and swinging to and fro.

Quietly, Seto followed watching as Yami swung higher and higher, staring at the clouds moving in the sky above them. To his amazement a small smile appeared on Yami's face after a few minutes and his eyes began to sparkle in the most entrancing way even as he seemed to leave reality behind at the ground, moving freely in a place of memories and childhood joys. .

Eventually, Yami turned his head and his gaze fell on Seto, leaning against one of the posts holding up the bar with the swing attached to it. As the smaller boy stared straight down into his eyes, Seto felt a sting in his heart and had to look away. Out of the corner of his eyes he noticed the swing came to a stop and a few seconds later Yami leaned against the post right next to him, searching his eyes again..

Seto swallowed hard. "You like flying, don't you?", he whispered, without a clue why out of all things his mind had come up with this question.

But Yami smiled at him and nodded. Pointing at himself he put his right middle finger over his heart, moving it up and down a couple of times. His index fingers were brought together, then thumb and forefinger were placed in front of his mouth, moved together and apart rapidly.

'I feel like a bird', Seto translated for himself and smiled. "I know", he agreed, "It's a feeling like you have complete control over the world and can go anywhere you want. I loved swings too for that reason, when I was a child."

They stared at each other for another moment and stronger than ever Seto felt that there was something between them that was not physical, that was not even attraction but a far deeper bond.

Then Yami leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Seto's cheek, and finally he pulled Seto with him toward the park where they could spend their last few minutes alone and undisturbed.

The clock ticked monotonously, unerringly in the still living room of the Kaiba residence, showing that it was already 10.15 pm. Seto sat on the sofa, thinking that his left leg would soon be aching with pins and needles, for another's leg was cutting off his circulation, resting on top of his. Trapped between a delicate body and the soft plush of his sofa he had been sitting on for about 30 minutes already, watching the peaceful face of the sleeping Yami, relishing in the feel of slender arms holding him close, of a soft hand clinging to his shirt, shuddering pleasantly with every deep breath that occasionally ghosted over the side of his throat, moist and cool.

He didn't dare to move, but for his hand running over Yami's wild hair now and then, enjoying its soft texture and inhaling its scent.

The door quietly slid open and Mokuba walked into the room, smiling at the sight of his brother holding the sleeping Yami on the sofa. Seto looked up wide-eyed in surprise but relaxed when he recognised his little brother and answered his smile.

"How long are you going to keep him here?", Mokuba whispered into the ear that wasn't being breathed on by Yami.

Seto stared at his brother for a long second, his stomach fluttering oddly. "As long as possible", he finally whispered back. "Do you think he'd want to stay another night? It's been almost three weeks since that time he stayed over after his concert."

The younger brother looked down at Yami's hand which was still clinging to Seto's t-shirt, then he nodded. "I think he would."