Woo-hoo~! I finally go this posted! Hands-up for those who fell asleep whilst proofreading their own work! Ahahaha… Yep, I should have updated earlier but…
Warnings: None, I think!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!
O-o-O-o-O
Kaiba immediately pulled away from Yami as if he was burnt, where he had touched Yami's skin with his own, seared him to the very core. He staggered backwards until he felt his body connect with the front of his desk, his widened eyes never leaving the face of his lover.
His lover?
First, it began with a snicker then the sound bubbled in to chortle, which subsequently erupted into a laugh that shook his shoulders and made him weep.
That is too fucking funny, he thought with uncontrolled mirth.
The sound resonated around the room and it made the petit man flinch.
Yami stared at Kaiba with increasing dread. The passion the haughty man displayed when he arrived had given him the impression that their quarrel was forgotten and Yami was relieved beyond words—but the feeling was short-lived. Shocked and speechless, Yami could only watch in dismay as his lover underwent a complete change before his very eyes. The expression Kaiba manifested after he unexpectedly pushed away was devastating and Yami felt his heart plummet into his stomach. The stunned look of horror and then disbelief on the brunet's face; magnified by the pain in his eyes had shaken the Game King considerably and he could not tear his eyes away.
Did I cause that look? he asked himself.
Spurred by his concern, Yami was about to take a step towards Kaiba when the latter's expression changed and it was promptly replaced with scathing disgust—it froze Yami in his tracks as the venom from the silent gaze held him stock-still. Unsure of what it was that earned him the reaction, Yami could only look on helplessly, he couldn't deny that it hurt to be the recipient of such reactions but nothing prepared him for the ensuing hysteria and that laugh.
Yami knew that laugh—it was the sound of insanity wakening, of contemptuous disdain that would mock its victim mercilessly. The caustic undertone was too obvious to ignore. The King of Games knew only too well what that laugh meant—it either meant Kaiba was smug about something or it meant he was past reasoning. Judging from the latter's emotional response, he doubted if Kaiba had anything to be self-satisfied about…which meant…
"Seto?" Yami asked hesitantly as he took a small step forward.
Immediately sobering up at Yami's voice and timid advance, Kaiba's laughter abruptly stopped and he glared viciously at the petit man. "Leave!" he ordered, his cold piercing eyes enhancing the gravity of the word.
"No, I will not—not until you tell me what is going on! Why you are behaving—"
"I said 'Leave'" cut in Kaiba, trying hard to suppress the rage that was threatening to escape from within. He could not face Yami at the moment—not in such volatile state. Squeezing his hands into tight balls, he dug his nails into his palm, the faint stab of pain that it emitted allowed him to focus his anger. He was trembling, whether from the fury or from the hurt, he wasn't sure—the line between the two was beginning to blur and he didn't know what to feel or how to react anymore. Part of him wanted to walk up to Yami and claim him physically and mentally, to have him writhing beneath him in unadulterated ecstasy and breathlessly moaning out his name…
Kaiba's face hardened. He fucking whimpered, he thought angrily. His voice fucking hitched the way the bastard said it would!
Anger washed over him anew overpowering the earlier anguish that tore him in two. Yami's voice could be heard faintly through the sound of his pounding heart in his ears.
"…And I said, I won't leave until you tell me what is going on? Talk to me, Seto…please!" Yami stood his ground refusing to be intimidated by the animosity that was rolling off the taller man in waves. He needed his partner to open up and talk to him even if it were in anger. He couldn't help the other if he didn't know what his grievances were.
Yami couldn't bear to see his lover suffer this confusion alone—the inner conflict that was so clearly displayed a few moments ago pulled on his heartstrings. He had to fix whatever it was that was troubling him—and fast! The ex-spirit could feel his standing with the reserved man drop by each passing second; it wasn't looking too hopeful for him.
With one final attempt, Yami tried again. "What is it about, Seto?" he prompted gently. "Is it about our fight from last night, is it about work…or is it about Sakak—"
A porcelain projectile flew past Yami and smashed into the door behind him. A small shard bounced off the door when it impacted and redirected back at Yami, it nicked the flesh on his cheek. A thin line of crimson appeared on the pale skin.
"Do not utter that bastard's name in my presence. If you so wanted to know what happened, why don't you go and ask him yourself, I am sure the both of you could have a good laugh about it, at my expense! NOW, FUCKING LEAVE!" The CEO's eyes glinted dangerously as it challenged the petit man to contradict him.
Yami was taken aback by the comment, at least he established the cause for Kaiba's behaviour had something to do with Sakaki; it was some progress. With regard to the order to leave, Yami debated with himself as to whether he should do as he was told. On one hand, he didn't want to leave Kaiba to brood on his own—not with those dark thoughts lurking dangerously close to surface. Yet, on the other hand, if he was partly responsible for the torment then wouldn't it be wise for him to concede and leave? Yami feared he longer he stayed, the worse the situation would become. He didn't want things to be said or done that either person would end up regretting later. Pride could do adverse things to people in the worse of times, things that could not be corrected later because one's vanity would never allow it; it was one of the damnable things about that sentiment, thought Yami ruefully.
Affected by the Kaiba's exhibit of temper yet trying hard not to show it, Yami conceded to Kaiba's demand. "Fine, I will go but we will continue this conversation tonight!" he said with forced calmness as he did up his shirt. Once done, he turned on his heel and made his way to the door, carefully overstepping the broken debris that lay shimmering in front of it. Turning to give one final glance at his tempestuous lover, Yami was rewarded with an antagonistic glare that sent an icy chill down his spine.
Somehow he didn't think dinner was going to be a loving affair.
O-o-O-o-O
Upon arriving home, Yami immediately headed for the bathroom; desperate to wash away the sweat and dirt from the several journeys he had made that day. Swiftly discarding his clothes and disposing them in the laundry hamper, Yami carefully stepped into the shower, turning on the faucet and allowing the hot water to soak his skin and hair. The weight of the pressured water worked wonders on his body, loosening the knotted muscles and easing the tension in his shoulders. It was bliss, he thought appreciatively.
Turning to face the pressured flow, Yami winced as the cut on his cheek made contact with the water, the force of the spray causing the wound to reopen. With resignation, the petit man decided to wash up quickly and wait for the arrival of his lover. He knew that a confrontation was inevitable and if the reaction in the office was any indication to go by, he doubted if the conflict was going to be pleasant or easily resolved.
Quickly drying off and dressing into something casual, Yami went to wait for Kaiba in the living room. It was a room they rarely used, as Kaiba would normally prefer to, either work in the professional surrounding of his study or relax in the intimacy of the bedroom. If Yami were at home, then he would be where Kaiba was, usually trying to playfully distract and seduce the latter. But for now, Yami chose to wait in the unused room because it was close to the front door, it allowed him to hear Kaiba's arrival home—should he come home, the petit man thought wryly.
Throwing himself heavily on the couch with his body comfortably sprawled out; Yami took advantage of the solitude to deliberate on the day's events. He could not help but worry about Kaiba's concealed thoughts in this matter since he knew his irate lover was not going to be vey forthcoming with an open discussion. It was going to be a mammoth task for Yami to persuade the uptight CEO into talking—especially as Kaiba wasn't exactly known to be very expressive when it came to the affairs of the heart.
Furrowing his brows and chewing on his lip, Yami recalled what Kaiba said about Sakaki…
"Do not utter that bastard's name in my presence. If you so wanted to know what happened, why don't you go and ask him yourself, I am sure the both of you could have a good laugh about it, at my expense!"
The meaning baffled Yami, taunting him with its cryptic and absurd implication—it made no sense at all! Just what happened between Kaiba and Sakaki that afternoon? And what did Sakaki say to Kaiba for the latter to think that he had anything to do with it? With a disgruntled groan, Yami seized a cushion and punched it, leaving a small dent in the plump upholstery; he wished Kaiba would return quickly, the need to discuss the problem was too great and the waiting made him frustrated and impatient. Moreover, the thought of his lover ruminating alone made him fearful by the minute. This fight had caused estrangement between the two and he yearned for reconciliation.
Gently flopping sideways until he was lying on his side with his head resting on the abused padding, Yami watched the last of the day's light begin to fade through the large windows.
Waiting…
Minutes bled into hours and the long shadows cast by the last of the sun's rays faded into the gradual darkness, swallowing all. Still the former Pharaoh waited, unmoving from his seated position, ignoring his hunger and his thirst. With each passing hour, his dread increased along with the desire to call the person responsible for his vigilance. Resisting the urge to call Kaiba, Yami continued to wait, his body becoming cold and numb, as did his heart.
Waiting…
How long did he wait? Yami wasn't sure. Time was of no consequence—compared to the time spent in the Millennium Puzzle, the waiting would be brief. The surrounding darkness lovingly enveloped him, providing him with a feeling of familiarity, which welcomed him and caressed him like a long lost lover.
Waiting…
Finally, the dusk slowly melted and the dawn of the new day with its blinding brightness usurped the weakening darkness.
The sound of the key being inserted into the lock of the front door alerted Yami and he jumped up, sprinting out of the room and into the hall. Navigating clumsily around a corner, Yami called out to his long awaited lover.
"Seto!" he cried as he hurtled towards the figure, almost colliding with…
Yami stopped in his tracks, eyes wide and mouth gaping in surprise. "Isono?" Then glancing behind the large man, "Where's Kaiba? he demanded, despite already knowing the answer.
"Kaiba-sama is still at KaibaCorp, Motou-san," replied Isono, looking apologetic. "He required a document from his study for a very important meeting this afternoon and instructed me to retrieve it for him—I am afraid I must make haste with his request." With a courteous bow, Isono made his way to the study.
Yami forced a smile as Isono passed him. It was now obvious to Yami that Kaiba wasn't planning on returning home any time soon. Damn that man! fumed Yami through his frustration and disappointment. Damn him for trying to avoid me!
Anger began to swell inside him, as he stood there alone in the grand hall, his arms rigid by his side and his fists, tightly curled. With a stamp of his foot to mark his displeasure, he marched up the stairs, stomping loudly as he went. He might as well go to work early since it was pointless to be loitering around the mansion on his own. If Kaiba chose to elude him, there was nothing he could do except wait until he was willing to open up to him. Whenever that will be!
O-o-O-o-O
Back at KaibaCorp, the room belonging to the CEO was eerily quiet. The computer remained in its neglected state and the screen on "sleep mode". Kaiba had attempted to focus on his work but his turbulent mind refused to concentrate; his eyes kept creeping back to the door; to the place where Yami was last seen. Isono had cleared the wreckage from the previous day's outbursts; he had removed the evidence of the upsetting encounters that still enraged the lonely occupant. Kaiba silently seethed over the exchange with Sakaki, it increased his contempt for the insidious bastard and his claims—claims that he could no longer carelessly dismiss. The contemplating man knew he had himself cornered. The result of Sakaki's allegations were contaminating his mind, yielding it to suspicion.
How easy was it to give into the desire to believe?
Once the first whispers of doubt are introduced then the taunting voices of distrust would inevitably follow, allowing suspicion and delusion to flourish; spreading its poison until it disables the host's ability to act rationally along with his power to think reasonably. Would he be able to overcome it, Kaiba thought with consternation. Moreover, he was afraid—afraid of the darkness that was resurfacing from the depths of his being, afraid of the increasing hold it had on his weakened mind. Should he be enslaved to it, everything will fall apart—he would fall apart. The despair that was festering his heart would grow, fuelling the notions further and throwing him into an endless tangent.
Yet, the voices pursued him mercilessly. Like the mythical Sirens luring sailors to their death with their beautiful songs—Kaiba, too, felt he was hurtling on the same self-destructive path.
Out of desperation, he picks up the phone and dials a familiar number. The sound of the connected tone rang loud in his ear; it felt like an age before it was answered by a low voice that was heavy with sleep…
"Ni-sama?" mumbled the dozy male, "Do you know what time it is?" Gone was the high childish pitch from his younger years and replaced with a deep-toned timbre that was pleasant to the ear.
"No," Kaiba replied truthfully, he didn't.
Letting out an exasperated groan followed by a grunt as the teen shifted to get comfortable, he asked, "Have you been fighting with Yami again?"
Kaiba remained silent.
"I'll take that as a 'Yes' then," sighed Mokuba, fully awake now. "What did you do this time?"
Kaiba bristled at the query. "And what make you think it is my fault," he replied crossly.
"Because I know you well enough, ni-sama! Yami doesn't jump to conclusions and gets on his high horse—you do! Besides, if he does, it's only because you provoked him."
"Are you telling me that I am the one being unreasonable, Mokuba?" sniffed Kaiba indignantly, annoyed that his own little brother was being so disagreeable and unsympathetic.
"Aren't you, ni-sama?" Mokuba asked.
"No!" answered Kaiba sulkily.
"Can you tell me what the fight was about then?" asked the curious teen, his brother's refusal to divulge the details piqued his interest. He swapped the phone to the other ear and repositioned himself once more, sinking lower into his soft warm refuge.
"No!"
"So you are calling me because…?" prodded the mystified youth.
"…"
"Listen, ni-sama, whatever you are fighting about is probably insignificant anyway so—"
Kaiba snorted at the naivety of the deduction.
"…Even if it isn't, shouldn't you be discussing it with Yami about it, instead of moping around me?"
"I am not moping, you little runt!" declared the older sibling.
"Well, you're not talking to Yami either…!" countered Mokuba harshly. "Look, try to hear Yami out first, I am sure there's a valid reason to whatever it is you guys are disagreeing or fighting about."
"It isn't that simple, Mokuba," sighed the troubled man.
He couldn't tell Mokuba the cause for the fallout or the reason for his dilemma. He called, not because he wanted to discuss the matter with Mokuba—it would be mortifying to inform his younger sibling that he'd been possibly cuckolded! He just wanted to hear Mokuba's warm voice of reasoning and be encouraged by his subtle words of persuasion. The boy's unchanging devotion provided him some comfort; it calmed some of the inner turmoil in his aching heart and soothed his irritation. The other person who had that effect on him was Yami and he was…
"Ni-sama?" Mokuba's concerned voice broke through Kaiba's reverie.
"What?" snapped Kaiba rudely, embarrassed about his unexpected lapse in the conversation.
"Are you even listening to me?" the frustrated voice asked in return.
"Hn" was the vague reply, noncommittal as ever.
"As I was saying, talk to Yami and try and resolve your differences. He's the best thing that's happened to you for a long time, it would be a shame to throw it away over stubbornness, right?"
Kaiba pouted at Mokuba's soundness, the boy was probably right.
"…And stop pouting, you know I am right! Go and make-up with Yami already!" A suppressed chuckle ended the advice.
"Why you, little traitor!" growled Kaiba, affectionately.
The older sibling supposed the other was right…just a little. It would be better to believe that a discussion could yield a perfectly acceptable explanation, as farfetched it may seem, but Kaiba was willing to forfeit the remainder of his pride to try. Mokuba was undeniably right about one thing; Yami was the best thing that happened to him in a very long time.
"By the way, how's your pet project getting on, Mokuba?" asked Kaiba offhandedly, the feeling of heaviness that weighed upon him previously, suddenly seemed lifted.
"It's going great, ni-sama!" gushed Mokuba eagerly. "It's almost ready to hit the market, I just need to sort out the launching of the product—you know, promoting it and all that! I am so excited!"
Kaiba smiled fondly at Mokuba's happy prattling, noticing how the younger's enthusiasm was always so infectious. Undoubtedly, he was a popular figure at KaibaCorp Tokyo, just like Yami was at the Gaming Club.
With a wry smile, Kaiba thought back to Yami, he needed to see the latter and resolve the problem quickly. Realising that sitting there, procrastinating, did not help at all—he needed to put a stop these depraved thoughts soon before it ate him alive.
Noticing discarded jacket on the floor, he smirked. He found the perfect excuse to pay the King of Games a visit later on…
O-o-O-o-O
Arriving at the Gaming Club, the moody manager set about finishing off the paperwork that he had unceremoniously abandoned the day before when he abruptly left the premises. The employees were a little worried for their superior, affected by his unusual cheerless expression and pinched look; the atmosphere became sombre and depressing. Sudo's concern for Yami was obvious, the latter's face was pale and drawn and his refusal to stop for a break or a bite to eat troubled the man greatly, no amount of imploring and coaxing could persuade the Game King to stop. Dismissing all of his assistant's attempts, Yami obstinately continued. All Sudo could do was to allow Yami to work unhindered in the hope that the exhausted man would finish up quickly and perhaps go home early and rest.
Finally perusing the last of the documents on his desk, Yami added it to the pile of folders neatly stacked to the side of him, pressing the edges of the files together to ensure it was lined perfectly with each other; the years of being around Kaiba manifested in his fastidious display of tidiness. Rendered temporarily redundant, Yami bent forward on to his desk, crossing his arms over the workspace in front of him and placing his head on them. The temptation to call Kaiba was beginning to gnaw at him again and he took out his cell phone to look long and hard at it, his thumb hovering over the speed dial button before reluctantly deciding against the action. If Kaiba was still in a pissed-off mood or he was busy with his work, he would not appreciate the interruption. It might be wiser to call a little later, he thought tactfully.
With a weary sigh, he placed his phone on the table and began spinning it in a circle with his index finger, watching the object blur into a mass of swirling colours; hypnotising him until he felt his weighted lids began to slowly droop over his tired and unblinking eyes. He fought in vain to keep them open, but the attempts only served to tire him out more. In his fatigued state to resist was futile so before long his sleep deprived mind lured his body into the much-needed slumber and his intent crimson stare was no more.
Shortly after, a timid knock could be heard at the door. Opening the door gently when there came no response, Sudo gingerly peered into the room. The picture of arms and tri-coloured hair reposing on the desk bought a small smile to his face; his relief that Yami was finally sleeping welled happily in his simple being. With painstakingly care, Sudo slowly closed the door, mindful of the napping Game King for whom he did his best not to wake.
Back in the corridor, Sudo pointlessly tiptoed to the locked exit that separated the club from the secured quarters of its employees. He would have to inform the rest of the staff not to disturb their beloved manager needlessly. Confident that when Yami-san awoke, he would be back to his usual cheerful self again, Sudo exited with a spring in his step.
O-o-O-o-O
The arrival of the honourable Takaya Kousei plus his guest at the Gaming Club in the late afternoon caused much of a stir. The staff were well aware of the failed application of his nephew, Sakaki Ryuichi since none other than Kaiba himself disapproved it! The case was undeniably baffling and the inquisitive workers were sympathetic to the unsuccessful plight of the likeable man. Of course, the fact that the well-regarded gentleman tipped generously influenced the way of thinking somewhat but at the same time, the latter was amusingly entertaining and easy-going that people could not help but like him. The female employees would fawn over him whilst the male equivalent would willingly run errands for him. Sakaki Ryuichi was, indeed, a very popular man.
Signing in at the reception, Takaya took one look at his impatient nephew and shook his head fondly. "Ryuichi, might I remind you to conduct yourself properly whilst you are here. I expect you to act honourably so do not disgrace your name or mine," chided the respected elder, but the doting smile that played on his lips negated the effect of the stern rebuke.
"Yes, of course, Ojisan*," said Sakaki in mock indignation. "Since when did I ever disappoint you with my behaviour!" he added with a playful wink.
Takaya beamed indulgently at the young man before him. He knew him well enough to know the scraps and escapades he was capable of getting himself into hence the warning, but he exercised caution when the need arose—at least they weren't swamped with illegitimate children from his unsavoury alliances thus far, the old man thought dryly. Surprisingly enough, Sakaki seemed to have mellowed out recently; he wasn't making headlines in the tabloid papers or gossip magazines like he used to—much to the family's relief.
"Well, bear in mind what I've said and enjoy yourself," stated Takaya, giving an affectionate squeeze on a broad shoulder before disappearing inside.
Sakaki continued to linger around the reception area until he was sure his uncle was well out of sight and well out of hearing. Once satisfied, he turned to face the pretty receptionist behind the desk, leaning casually against the wooden sides as he anxiously spilled the question that he had been dying to ask since he arrived…
"Is Mutou-san in today?"
~TBC~
O-o-O-o-O
A/N: Thanks for reading and please review. Your thoughts are well appreciated~!
*Ojisan – Uncle.