The Sample Platter

Chapter 17

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It was a warm summer evening and Yugi had opted for another one of his sleepovers at the Sennen estate. Becoming more comfortable in the space was welcomed for a bright future, being among the guardians, court magician and current pharaoh of the nest. Even with all those factors, Yugi just enjoyed spending time with Atemu outside of the university. Just him and the naga, doing homely little things in good company.

Such is what they were doing now, Atemu teaching him a dish to make for lunch, both splitting the work to get it done a little faster. Now, as a prince, Yugi didn't expect the serpent to know how to cook, much less manage and work a stove without causing harm to himself or the kitchen. But Atemu was rather adept in the room, long body moving smoothly over the floor and between workstations as he prepped the items with Yugi.

Yugi always found reason to be amazed with the partner he obtained but each moment with him, finding out something new, just adds on to the love he felt for the other. He could possibly go on every cheesy romantic trope and make it all point back to him with how much he was in love with Atemu. Of course, when you're letting your thoughts wander in the middle of doing meal prep, handing a very sharp knife, you're bound to cause an accident.

The scent of blood was quick to reach Atemu's tongue, the serpent on the move to his beloved's side and cradled his hand. The wound stung something fierce, Yugi's instinctive reaction to stick the cut finger in his mouth but Atemu was on top of it.

"Sorry about that. Got a bit distracted, forgetting that I had a knife in hand and let it slip."

Atemu didn't speak at first, looking at the cut resting on Yugi's finger. It was slowly leaking blood, none hitting the floor but it was coming close to it. Yugi called his name but the serpent made no move, actually hypnotized. Now, Yugi was no fool having come into the world of yokai. He knew their thirst for blood was uncommon. Even the most civilized would have a taste for it and by Atemu's silence, that was clearly the case here.

"Um...Atemu, we should get this cleaned up. This is really starting to sting. We don't want it to get infected..."

Again, Atemu didn't acknowledge the words coming from Yugi's mouth, only the stark contrast of ruby upon the milky skin. His tongue flicked out, tasting, sampling, then he brought Yugi's hand up. Yugi was ready to jerk away, knowing full well sticking any part of his body into that mouth was putting him at risk of the deadly fangs inside, but had to squeak away a moan when the curl of that surreptitious tongue licked away the blood.

Oh, the flavor! Atemu knew Yugi was a rather potent delicacy, one that anyone at the university would want to take a bite out of if he wasn't protected by the established rules. The serpent was one of morals and wouldn't take a human meal when presented but instinct was still a factor. And instinct now chose to get just the one taste of his precious human.

"A-aibou..." Yugi whispered shakily, worried about what the implications of Atemu tasting his blood would bring. He trusts the other to keep himself level and in control, but being yokai, there was bound to be a line that can be crossed between rational thought and primal desire for prey already in a vulnerable position. The grip on his wrist was like iron and Atemu was quick with his coils.

Yugi would be pinned, envenomated and dead within seconds if Atemu actually risked losing himself over a little blood. And the following idea of what's to come settled a dreadful weight in his stomach. He wasn't unfamiliar to how snakes eat and wasn't looking forward to seeing if the same applied to nagas.

Yugi heard the growling purr come out of the serpent, finding himself pulled closer, hand settling around his hip and another swipe of the tongue lapping at the cut. "So sweet you are, dear sugardrop~ I always knew there was something special about you. Now, I've finally got the chance to taste it." Atemu then settled the digit between his lips, sucking earnestly, tearing free the moan Yugi tried to keep silent.

Well, this was definitely a 180 from what he had in mind but he was still lucid and in control, just very interested in his blood. It didn't soothe the stinging pain completely yet the gesture was sweet enough. At least, when his brain wasn't trying to make this into something dirty about better places that tongue could be put to use.

Finally, Atemu let him go, apologizing. "I got lost to the taste. Let's get that cleaned properly and I'll finish the meal. You can sit and relax." Yugi nodded, lacing their fingers together and smiled.

"So, how was it?"

"How's what?"

"My blood."

"It was a treat, I cannot lie. Let me tell you a secret." Atemu lowered himself, tongue flicking out to tickle the tip of his nose. "I always wanted to take a bite out of you. The mere thought of it makes my heart race. Alas, with my mixed breed of venomous snakes, I don't have that luxury. I want to mark you, please you as a lover should among our people. But my limitations leave me little to work with." Yugi flushed at his words, feeling the coils wrap around his legs and ascended til they settled just below where his hand rested on his hip.

"We'll make it work. We're both intelligent folk. I'll have plenty of time to enjoy and savour a rich meal in you. Now, let's get you patched up."

"Wait, before we do." Yugi brought Atemu down closer to him, the serpent curious of what Yugi had planned. Fingers stroked along the column of his throat, the touch pleasant to Atemu, making the serpent purr yet again. Then, he was met by the sharp sensation of a bite, a gentle one because Yugi's teeth were hardly sharp enough to do damage but the suddenness made his coils jump and heart pick up in pace.

Did Yugi just...!

When the smaller man pulled back, he gave the serpent a smile. "I may not have sharp teeth but let me be in charge of the marking. I think in return, you have more than enough resources to please me in ways a human could never accomplish." Atemu could feel love fill every nook and cranny in his body from his head down to the tip of his tail. The perfect human being could have never fallen into his coils if he didn't take this journey to new lands.

Yugi was so accommodating and understanding. Yes, he has his flaws like any other human, but those flaws were so minor, they were practically overlooked. Atemu wouldn't have it any other way if it meant he could see in his eyes the perfect lover and partner to stand at his side. By Wadjet's eye, he was so in love with this little human and will make do to please and pleasure Yugi with everything he had when the time comes.

For now, Atemu did want to get that cut patched up. A taste for blood won't excuse proper first aid. Ushering Yugi from his coils, he escorted his mate to the bathroom, patching up the cut on his finger then sent him off to the living room to relax. From there, Atemu would prepare a lavish meal, relax beside him and take pleasure in the time spent with his precious one.