The Sample Platter
Chapter 13
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"So, let me get this straight..." Yugi began, looking upon his mate that looked back at him with nothing but amusement despite his predicament. "You were sleeping, fully aware of your resting spot...and fell. I almost can't believe you of all people fell, five minutes of me going inside to get something to drink...but the results say enough." Now Atemu couldn't help but laugh, water sloshing around his long serpentine half. Both were currently in the large bath of the Sennen estate, Yugi sitting on the edge of the in-ground tub looking upon his mate.
Said mate was currently soaking, covered in dirt and mud from his ungraceful fall. How did he fall, one would ask? The serpent chose to take residence in one of the trees surrounding the estate. Now, Yugi wouldn't call his mate stupid by any stretch of the word yet there were times even he had to question the brain residing in that skull of his. This just so happens to be one of those occasions.
The prince had nestled himself in the tree, basking in the slight sun brought through the overcast of a passing storm earlier in the day. During said basking, the serpent had fallen asleep and, while the trees planted around the estate could hold his weight, it didn't mean they were made to hold it for an extended period of time, his body heavy when completely lax. One thing led to another...
And Atemu was jostled awake, face, clothes, just about everything else was caked in mud.
Yugi, who had been there for a visit, could feel his gut clenching painfully trying to not laugh at the ridiculous sight to wander back inside, tracking mud across the floor. Good thing the floor was hardwood and marble. All the hilarity aside, Yugi accompanied his mate to the bath, watching him from the edge of the tub when he asked how it all came down the few short minutes he was away to get a drink.
"This wasn't one of your best moments, Atemu, but at least you were dignified despite it all." Yugi pointed out, finally slipping from the edge of the tub, wading over to Atemu's side, picking up the cloth and basin. "Let me offer an apology for laughing first instead of asking if you were all right. I'll bathe you out of this muck and grime."
"I wouldn't ask for anything better, my darling sugardrop~"
Yugi gave a light chuckle, dipping the basin into the warm water, and poured it over his mate's head. Slender fingers ran over tawny skin, swiping away clumps of mud and dirt from his body with each upend of the basin full of water. Freed of the mess he landed himself in, Yugi grabbed the naga-safe, scent-free soap, lathering the cloth in hand before soaping up the serpent.
Atemu hummed pleasantly at his mate's saft touch and care, serpent half disturbing the water with slight movements while Yugi focused on his chest and arms. "Mm, your delicate hands are a blessing on my skin, beloved~"
"Stop being a flatterer."
"What if I don't want to?"
"Then I'll make you!"
Atemu smirked now, lowering his arms to drape around Yugi's shoulders, gazing into his eyes unhindered by the dark shades he was known to wear. "Hmm, is that a threat or a promise~" Yugi inhaled sharply, averting his gaze before he was caught in the serpent's allure, puffing his cheeks.
"A promise. But one that won't be fulfilled until your bath is finished!"
"Oh~ Then I certainly have to be on my best behavior, just for you~"
The amusement glinting in Yugi's eyes wasn't lost on him, working to finish washing Atemu. It took longer when it came to the serpent body, luckily the soaking made to get rid of the leftover mud that tried to dry on exposed scales. To reach his head, Atemu slid his body under Yugi, lifting him up with a bottle of shampoo.
Yugi got to work, Atemu's head a mess of sudsy lather from the shampoo. The calm of their joint bath washed over them with a sense of tranquility, Atemu placated by his mate's work and Yugi smiling for this one single moment of togetherness. When finished, Yugi ducked down to grab the basin floating aimlessly beside them, getting water to rinse. Lather gone, Yugi smiled proudly at his achievement, being let down into the water once more with the tip of Atemu's tail curled about his waist.
"You've done a wonderful job, my love. Now while you promised to make me stop flattering you, at least let me offer to wash you in return."
Grabbing the things Yugi had used previously, Atemu got to work and boy, did it take Yugi everything in his power to keep still and sane. Atemu may have complimented his hands but there was something sensual about Atemu's. The light scraping of his claws against his skin, the firm strokes soaping him down with a fragrant soap that smells of lavender. This was the closest intimacy they could have without fully consummating and it was driving Yugi insane.
He wanted so much more, practically wanting to beg for it as the little dirty thoughts played in his head of what could happen in this very bath. But Yugi squashed it down and swallowed the feeble moans away. It wouldn't do him favors to start something now when Atemu had intended for their first moments of consummation to be special.
Being mutually tempting was its own curse, he'll admit. Rinsed off, Atemu worked gently on Yugi's hair, being mindful of his claws as he did so. He commented on the silky softness of it, promising to make it even softer with special blends handmade by wonderful artisans back home.
"If I could, I would've brought samples of their work. They would make you glow, sugardrop. Not a single speck of filth marring your body after being under their care."
"Stooop!"
Atemu laughed again, rinsing the shampoo from damp locks then pressed a kiss to the top of his head. Yugi knew that was a sign that he wouldn't but it didn't matter. Even if he was red in the cheeks til the day he dies, he won't deny the amount of love felt from the serpent prince. Yugi could never find a better love out there and for all the embarrassing moments dealing with his love's flirty words and praises, he held each one dear to his heart.
Climbing out the bath, Atemu led Yugi over to another basking spot, this one a heated stone and both settled on it. With towels in hand to dry their hair, they situated themselves on the basking stone, Yugi lounged over Atemu's body with the towel over his face, promptly choosing to nap.
Atemu allowed it, choosing to watch over him with a smile full of love and a hymn of passionate declaration for his mate in his heart.