Many thanks to my awesome reviewers, your support means a lot to me and I owe you all a penny in return!
Special thanks go to Tru Mel Meiko Mei Ling for her helpful hints, assistance and pointers—it was much appreciated.
Warnings: Future yaoi, an annoying OC, lots of swearing and a "one-shot" that is now a "three and-a half-shot" because I waffled too much…again!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!
O-o-O-o-O
Kaiba seized the remote control from the desk and unmuted the monitor. The warm rich tones of Yami's voice immediately filled the room, reminding its occupant of the loss he had just suffered.
"Greetings, Sakaki-sama. I can see the God of Luck has been good to you," said Yami smoothly, bowing courteously before stretching out his hand for the customary hand-shake. "It is a pity that I will have to relieve you of your good fortune so soon."
Sakaki laughed whole-heartedly. It had a deep rumbling quality that was infectious and not altogether unpleasant to the ear.
Kaiba scowled at the sound.
"Believe me, the pleasure's all mine," he replied as he grasped Yami's hand tightly in return. "I would be contented to lose to you any time, Motou-san if it meant I could see you again."
Taking advantage of their clasped connection, Sakaki lightly rubbed circles on the back of Yami's hand with his thumb as he peered into bewildered crimson; the latter shivered involuntarily.
Encouraged by the small effect he had on the petit man; Sakaki slowly leant forward until his lips almost brushed the side of Yami's face, his warm breath tickled his hostage's ear delicately as he murmured, "On the other hand, Motou-san…claiming victory over you would be welcoming too…although you should know that it is not money that I wish to win."
Stunned into action, Yami hastily withdrew his hand with a light tug and a forced smile; his face a little heated from the contact and implied words. He tactfully retreated a few steps back in order to recollect himself and to create some distance between himself and him. The Game King was aware that Sakaki was normally notoriously forward but today his boldness took on a whole new level; it was shocking and disconcerting at the same time.
Yami's heart sank at the thought of how this man's daring performance was being construed back at the office; it was very unfortunate that he chose to act audaciously with Kaiba as witness! The ex-spirit snorted at the realisation that Sakaki had most certainly earned himself a death-wish from the KaibaCorp CEO for attempted sexual harassment on one of his employees. In fact, Yami could well imagine Kaiba becoming hysterical over Sakaki's conduct; such frivolousness was something that the CEO could not abide. Even in choosing his clientele, Kaiba had placed rigid restrictions to ensure only specific types of patrons were granted membership—judging the way Sakaki had just behaved, the latter had successfully got himself excluded for life.
O-o-O-o-O
Back at the office, the room began to fill with murderous intent; Kaiba practically death-glared the hateful man whilst spewing abusive curses and vulgar obscenities at him. Sitting rigid and tensed in his chair with his hands gripped tightly onto the arm rest on either side, the pale CEO was royally pissed and ready to kill.
How dare he openly flirt with Yami! He thought venomously. How dare he approach Yami with such casualness!
The audacity of the man was beyond belief! He intruded on Yami's personal space in such a shameless manner and as if that wasn't enough, he touched Yami with the familiarity of a lover! That was unforgivable! What incensed Kaiba more was the way Yami reacted to it, the blush that graced the latter's face was so beautifully alluring that it worried the brunet immensely.
Kaiba wanted nothing more than to go the room and beat the bastard to a pulp but he knew Yami would not forgive his interfering behaviour; he had to trust Yami to deal with the man as he saw fit. Nevertheless, it did not lessen the impatience that bubbled beneath the surface of his barely contained façade nor did it make the wait less excruciating. In fact, the CEO became more agitated with the passing of each minute despite Yami's promise etched firmly in his mind.
"I will return shortly, Seto… I promise," were Yami's departing words of comfort. It was the only thing that kept his self-control in check and his rationality tethered—but even that threatened to disintegrate as that tiresome man together with the onslaught of unfamiliar emotions, wore him down.
Kaiba seethed in tortured silence as he continued his surveillance of the pair in room eight.
O-o-O-o-O
Seated at a small round table, the opponents began the game of Poker with what looked like a stake of twenty million yen each.* Spectators were not permitted in the room so with the exception of the two security guards and the dealer; no-one else was present.
During the game play, Kaiba found Sakaki's confident and haughty manner exasperating and the way he taunted and goaded Yami for a response was infuriating. Indeed, Sakaki quite successfully achieved a reaction from the latter—for Yami seemed so alive; his eyes blazed with fiery passion and he pulsed with vitality. Yet somehow, despite the animosity, Kaiba pitied Sakaki. The man was clearly captivated by the sight of Yami in his element—the exotic man was, undoubtedly, magnificent to behold when faced with a challenge. It wasn't hard to appreciate the beauty; once snared, it drew the opponent to his demise like a moth to a flame. How many times he, the great Kaiba Seto had fallen under that spell? And he would gladly do all again, if it meant he could monopolise Yami like Sakaki was doing now.
Longing tugged on the edge of Kaiba's consciousness and emitted a dull ache in his chest, shaking his head to clear the foreign thoughts that filled his mind; Kaiba attempted to turn his attention back to the Yami and Sakaki. His displeasure increased at the thought of the latter. As cards were placed and bets were made, the game flowed smoothly and uninterrupted. How long they played? Kaiba lost track as his thoughts led him elsewhere; it fluctuated between Yami, Sakaki and Mokuba—the last two subjects deepened his irritation and caused a frown to crease his smooth features.
Parts of conversation could be heard through his distracted state, mostly small talk with the occasional "call" and "raise" punctuating it, he no longer paid attention since he was sure Yami would defeat his opponent before long; the Game King had a promise to make good and he always delivered no matter what…
Sadly, Kaiba was gravely mistaken and his cocksure conviction was short-lived.
"Ah, Motou-san; is it me or do you seem a little distracted today?" Sakaki's voice broke through Kaiba's reverie. The CEO searched for the cause of Sakaki's remark and found it…the amount of chips in Yami's possession had dwindled to a pitiful state.
As expected, Sakaki's self-assuredness did not waver in the face of competition. In fact, the man's cockiness enhanced with the passing of time and his opponent's loss of funds and tantalising presence had inadvertently stroked his ego and fuelled his vanity.
Kaiba was not a happy man.
"I apologise, Sakaki-sama. Please forgive my inattentiveness in today's game." Yami professed. "My presence is required elsewhere, so regrettably, I am required to leave soon...along with your takings, of course."
"Oh?" asked Sakaki, disappointed that Yami had to leave earlier than usual despite his piqued interest at his opponent's exigency. Could he benefit from this, he wondered? "I would propose we wager everything we have on one last game but seeing there is an unequal amount of chips between you and I, it would not be possible, right?"
Yami smirked in response to the remark…
Kaiba immediately became alert. He knew that smile. Yami was up to something…
"Then might I make a suggestion?" proffered Yami slowly. "We will pool everything we have into one final game. If I win, your winnings will belong to me and I will be free to leave— "
"And if I win?" Sakaki asked shamelessly; rudely interrupting Yami's proposal. His body manifested his interest as he leant toward his opponent; supporting his elbows on the table and resting his chin on his clasped hands. His grey eyes were focused steadfast on his rival's face and a smile tugged on his lips as he waited for the answer…
"Then I will fulfil a request from you—as long as it is not against company policy and it is within my power to do so," replied Yami.
Sakaki's smile was triumphant.
Worried that Yami would change his mind and yet not wanting to appear too eager, Sakaki replied in a swift offhanded way. "Fine, it's a deal." Then he inclined back into his chair and with flourishing sweep of his hands, he declared, "Then you are mine, Yami—so let the game begin!"
"NO!"
Kaiba jumped up as he roared at the screen, the chair overturning from the force. Horrified at the opportunity Yami had just given Sakaki, Kaiba was fearful and appalled. "Shit! What the fuck were you thinking, Yami?" he cried out. "Have you fucking gone insane?" He knew his rant at the images was futile but it hadn't stopped him from yelling at it. Thoughts of what Sakaki would claim as his prize assaulted his mind and made his stomach churn; it sickened him. Yet unable to tear his eyes away from the screen, Kaiba watched helplessly as the final game began...
O-o-O-o-O
The dealer took new pack of card out and shuffled it, satisfied he had thoroughly mixed the cards; he passed it to Sakaki who sat on his right to cut the cards. With that done, he began to deal the cards one at a time starting with Yami on his left. They had decided to place the cards faced-up so progress of the acquired hand was exposed. Since it was the final showdown, no further bets were made—everything depended on the outcome of this confrontation…
Jack of Spades,
Yami's first card was revealed.
Ace of Diamonds...
Sakaki's opening card, he smiled with appreciation.
Ten of Spades…
Yami looked at the card with sense of satisfaction.
Ace of Clubs…
The smile widened.
Queen of Spades…
It was met with a faint nod of acknowledgement from the tri-colour head.
Ace of Hearts…
A grunt of approval was made as Sakaki folded his arms over his broad chest and with an impertinent gleam in his eyes, challenged Yami to do better. He tried to suppress his growing excitement as the results were turning out rather favourable for him.
King of Spades…
Yami returned the challenge with a slight tilt of his chin and a defiant look of crimson.
King of Hearts…
By now, Sakaki gave up all pretences to hide his exhilaration as he stared at the man opposite with bold presumptuousness…things were turning out very favourable indeed!
Kaiba watched from the office with growing dread, it wasn't from the belief that Yami would lose—hell, he couldn't beat the King of Games in all the years spent so how could a lowly upstart do that. However, it didn't prevent the cold sweat from forming on his brow and neither did it allay the anxiety that had engulfed him. Kaiba unconsciously chewed on his bottom lip; it betrayed his nervousness as he continued to stare unblinkingly at the players.
Tension was thick in the room and the silence only added to the intensity. Yami lifted his hand to pause the game.
"I would like to draw the last card myself and place it face down, if you don't mind, Sakaki-sama," he said. "Once you have drawn, I will reveal my card. Likewise, you will do the same."
Sakaki nodded his consent. "Ironic, isn't it Yami, we both need the same card to complete our hand. Who, you think, would be the lucky one then?" He asked keenly. The desire to lean over and touch his opponent was great but Sakaki refrained from doing so; instead he had to be contented with adding, "This is something I have longed for since I first laid eyes on you. If I wished hard enough for it, do you think the Gods of Good Fortune will grant my wish?"
"YAMI'S NOT YOURS TO HAVE!" yelled the solitary figure in the office. Aghast at boldness of Sakaki's confession, Kaiba clenched his hands tightly by his side resisting the urge to throw the controller at the on-screen image of his adversary. "He's …my…my…employee…" Kaiba mumbled lamely. But even that statement sounded unconvincing in his ears. Was that how he saw Yami—just an employee?
Yami placed his fingers on the card at the top of the deck.
Kaiba prayed earnestly. Please Yami, win! Believe in the heart of the cards...in your friends...in yourself...in whatever other 'bullshit' you happen to believe! Believe in…in… He hesitated, unable to complete the thought. Just fucking win!
With a smirk at Sakaki, Yami slid the card off and guided it to the rest of his hand; still faced down.
Sakaki followed suit. "I guess it is it the moment of truth. Which one of us, will the Gods favour, do you think?" He asked curiously.
Yami smirked.
"Well, Sakaki-sama, I hate to disappoint you but the cards favour me!" With that said, Yami picked up his card and with an elegant flick of his wrist, the card was revealed…
…The Ace of Spades.
Sakaki gaped in disbelief at Yami's hand… a 'Royal Flush.' The highest suit in Poker and Yami managed to acquire it! The defeated man looked at the line of cards on the table. Was it Yami's intention all along to play such a risky game? He asked himself. And what was so important that it provoked the man to act so recklessly?
On reflection, he was equally to blame considering he was only too willing to go along with the arrangement. If he was honest to himself, he was his own downfall. If he hadn't been so assured of himself, then he wouldn't have played right into Yami's hands. It was a massive gamble and one that both had equal chances of winning—or so he was lead to believe; but in truth, Yami had used his arrogance and ignorance against him. The Game King had lured him into a false sense of security by pretending to lose miserably from the beginning. Then requesting for a quick face-off half-way, knowing full well he could not resist the bait that was being offered; Yami had managed to get him—hook, line and sinker!
Sakaki had to grudgingly admit the plan was ingenious and had been executed with much finesse, skill and luck. It only made the man before him, more desirable and Sakaki ached inside. He didn't even bother to turn his card over as it was irrelevant to the outcome. Yami had won…again and he, Sakaki, had lost the opportunity to be an equal to the exotic man; to say he was disappointed was an understatement. Still, he was close and who's to say he wouldn't get another chance again. As long as he had the funds at his disposal and an obliging uncle to bring him here, Yami could still be his. At this, Sakaki laughed heartedly, dispelling the awkwardness and tension.
As he got up and readied himself to leave; Sakaki gave one last compliment his host, "It was a good game, Yami and I look forward to obtaining another chance to best you…in more ways than one."
Yami blushed at the meaning of his words. The hue deepened when Sakaki seized his hand and bought it to his lips, he kissed the fingertips gently.
"It is unfortunate that my presence is needed back at Tokyo but rest assured Yami, I will return soon…until then, farewell my King of Games." With another kiss, Sakaki let go of the hand, turned and left the room.
Yami breathed a sigh of relief before making a hurried exit to his office.
O-o-O-o-O
Kaiba was pacing restlessly across the room. He didn't know what was happening in room eight anymore because of his most recent action—he had angrily hurled the remote at the monitor on the wall when Sakaki made his farewell with his teasing words and actions. Shattering the screen and severing the only means of surveying the game room, Kaiba was livid and isolated. It wasn't a smart move, he had to admit but it lessened his irritation temporarily…until time lengthened and still there were no sign of Yami.
Finally, the click of the door announced Yami's arrival and the CEO stopped in his tracks. His back faced the door which gave him time to compose himself and regain his self-control; it wasn't easy as he was still smarting from that man's insolence!
"I am…back," announced his manager timidly. Kaiba could detect the uncertainty and hesitation in the words as he felt the weight of crimson eyes bore into his back.
Slowly, Kaiba turned to Yami's voice, confident his expression would not betray the agitation he was still feeling.
Yami stood a few steps away from the door, the distance suggested he was about to approach Kaiba but had stopped midway. Perhaps it was the lack of response the CEO gave to the ex-spirit that had deterred the advance or it was the simply because the latter faltered from incertitude; it wasn't clear. But what was apparent was the anger Kaiba was emitting in abundance, it was rolling off him in waves and directing its hostility at the only person he could…
"You're late," he replied coldly.
~TBC~
O-o-O-o-O
A/N: Pennies anyone…?
Firstly, I'd like to apologise for my vague and crappy depiction of the game of "Poker"—my knowledge of it suck eggs so please forgive me if it weren't descriptive or precise enough. Trust me, I'd have them playing "Snap" if I thought they'd be taken seriously, at least I know the rules!
Besides, the only "gambling" game I know of is "Mah-Jong" and unfortunately, my wallet tells me I suck at that too!
Secondly, I know this was supposed to be a one-shot… then a two-shot… now guess what? It's extended to a three shot, if you are lucky or it will be a three-shot with an epilogue thingy, if you are not. I am sorry if this seemed to be dragging on—I really didn't mean it to go on like this but the boys just kept misbehaving…curse them both!
Thirdly, in the original "Heart of the Cards" statement, many readers thought Kaiba appeared OoC for praying for Yami to believe in it...my bad! I should have added "meh!" in it-which I did in the first draft but it kinda got edited out. I hope the revised statement will clear things up a little bit more!
Please review...
* Approx 250,000.00 US dollars.