I know I said this was going to be the final chapter, however, my predictions are always way off. Please endure the wait a little longer and thank you for your continuous support and patience.
Warning: May contain errors and typos, which will be amended when I am in a clearer frame of mind. With that aside, please enjoy the chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!
O-o-O-o-O
The journey from Tokyo to Domino City was brief. The Blue-Eyes jet sped across the night sky, leaving a white tail of fumes dispersed in its wake. The plane's urgency mirrored that of its pilot—it did not give much time for Kaiba to reflect on his action—it was better that it hadn't. His mind was made up, but it didn't stop the feeling of doubt from niggling at him all the same. Sakaki's confession had shocked him; his revelation provoked relief, disgust and confusion. It made him edgy.
What drove him to return to Domino City, he asked himself? Was it the knowledge that Yami still harboured feelings for him, which spontaneously spurred him on? Could it be the desire to learn the truth from the Game King, himself, that made him willing to face the music? Or was it fear, which forced him to act impulsively—fear that he may lose Yami if he procrastinated too long? He knew he would not gain a satisfactory answer by remaining in Tokyo and it was foolish of him to continue with the deception further; whatever the reason for his return, the need to see Yami was all he could think about.
Such thoughts drove him on and he increased the throttle. The aircraft immediately accelerated.
O-o-O-o-O
The jet alighted on the landing pad of the KaibaCorp's Headquarters and the pilot climbed out with agile grace. There was no one to meet him, as he did not inform anyone, aside from Isono, of his return. He didn't require a welcoming party to greet him so he kept his return as discreet as possible.
Walking tall and straight, he headed towards the building. He needed to stop by at his office to retrieve his car keys and then head off to the Gentlemen's Club; Yami would have ended his shift about now. He was hoping to catch him before he left.
Reflecting back, he could have arrived earlier if it weren't for Mokuba's stubborn insistence to know the reason for his return to Domino City. Kaiba vaguely told him, he some unfinished business to attend to.
"What unfinished business, Nii-sama?" Mokuba asked curiously.
"None of your business, Mokuba," Kaiba snapped. "Instead of poking your nose in places where it doesn't belong, why don't you focus your attention on your project instead? Ensure the points, I have detailed in the last meeting are implemented or I'll scrap your project. I will return to kick your ass, so you'd better not be slacking."
Kaiba could feel his brother pout to the scolding received.
"Got it, Nii-sama," he replied after a fleeting pause.
Kaiba's eyes narrowed suspiciously, he felt Mokuba's submission was given too easily and he frowned.
"Mokuba..." Kaiba began, but stopped. "Che, never mind, I need to get going now, just pay heed to what I have said. Kaneko will keep me informed of your progress so ensure you work hard."
Mokuba's lengthy silence indicated he was processing the information; it made Kaiba wonder if the younger was going to demand for more details, but to his relief his answer was brief. "You too, Nii-sama!" returned the younger. "And Good Luck! Say, 'Hi' to Yami for me and have a safe trip... Bye!"
The phone hung up before Kaiba had the chance to say another word.
Kaiba shook his head. That mischievous sibling of his was too perceptive and forward for his own good. Unfortunately, he spoke the truth; it was without a doubt, he needed luck aplenty if he was going to get through this unscathed. He wasn't even sure where to begin if he were confronted with Yami right now. The sudden realisation of how imprudently impulsive his return seemed, made him jittery.
Arriving on the desired floor, he made his way to his office. His secretary glanced up, a look of surprise imprinted on her face as she immediately stood up. Words of greetings were about to be voiced, but he held up a hand to stop her, he didn't want to be detained further. Whatever she wanted say, could wait.
Rushing passed her; he reached for the door and opened it. The room lit up briefly as he strode in and then it was thrown into darkness again when the door clicked shut, returning to the scant lighting from the borrowed light outside the vast windows. Kaiba took a few steps forward.
A startled gasp could be heard and Kaiba paused, his eyes steered towards the sound as it tried to adjust to the dimness. Only then did he notice a person in a corner by the window, the small frame silhouetted against the backdrop of the darkened sky.
"Yami?"
Yami turned to face him fully.
"Illumination, dim," Kaiba commanded and the room was instantly bathed in a soft glow. It allowed the occupants to see one another clearly without having to adjust to the glare of sudden bright lights.
Drinking thirstily at the very sight of him, Kaiba looked long and hard at the ex-spirit, stunned at the sharpness in his features. Earlier, in the dark, he thought it was the shadows that drew harsh lines on the latter's face; but on closer inspection, Kaiba realised it wasn't the case. Yami had lost weight, the once heart-shaped face looked long and gaunt with dark circles smudged below his eyes. And those eyes, once so vivid and vibrant, were lack-lustred and lifeless. The transformation was heart-breaking and it pained Kaiba to know he was the likely cause of it.
Shocked, Yami stared at the taller male. "S-Set—" he stammered and then stopped. "Kaiba?" he continued.
Kaiba flinched at the correction. Seeing the person that he wanted to see, came back to see in front of him...he was unable to utter a word. His mouth grew dry and his throat felt parched, it was as if he had swallowed sawdust. Taken by surprise, he had not mentally prepared himself for the confrontation. Speechless, he felt flustered and uneasy.
Yami…his mind purred.
The mounting tension in the air added to the shared awkwardness between the two. Shocked, the pair stared at each other until Yami, evidently uncomfortable with the way the CEO was silently scrutinising him, tried breaking the silence by justifying his presence. "I came to hand my resignation," he offered, placing the white envelope he held in his hand on the polished surface of the desk. The fact that he still had it in his possession up until then meant he was hesitant to part with it. It spoke volumes of his reluctance. However, having surrendered it meant his mind was made up; he was going to leave.
No! The word screamed inside Kaiba's head.
"I see," was all the CEO could say.
"I will be going to Egypt," explained Yami, above the stretched silence. "Jii-chan and Yuugi said they might have found some information related to my past. I would like to see it for myself." The speaker threw Kaiba a hopeful look at the end of his sentence—challenging him to speak up—to object to the visit.
Kaiba knew the volunteering of the information was needless; it was purely an attempt to prolong the encounter. He could not deny the Game King had an air of expectancy about him when he spoke, just as he could not ignore the fact that the latter was practically giving him an opportunity to talk. Yet he remained muted.
Yami looked away disappointedly, a faint sigh mingled with a gentle exhale of breath, "I have given a week's notice in advance, I hope it will be sufficient for you to find a replacement for me in the mean-time."
No! The denial repeated itself in his mind once more.
"Hn!" Kaiba grunted his acknowledgement.
"Well, I think I had better get going. I am sure you have much to do," Yami said dejectedly, pausing briefly to look up his ex-lover. Kaiba's insouciance increased the anxiety in him; the feeling of defeat was crushing. Crimson met blue, their eyes held in a steadfast gaze before Yami continued on, "We shall not meet again, Kaiba, so take good care of yourself and give my regards to Mokuba."
NO!
Yami steered around the desk and headed for the exit, towards Kaiba.
Don't go, the voice inside Kaiba's mind implored.
Kaiba watched as Yami walked towards him, his heart beat in tempo with each approaching step. His hands unclench by his side.
His mind yelled at him to say something.
Yami slowed as he neared the CEO, their eyes locked momentarily…
Stay! The mind willed him to voice the request.
Passing Kaiba, their body brushed together slightly, the effect caused a feeling of static to emit from one body to another. Kaiba's lips parted…
Stay, Yami!
The hands jerked by his side and his fingers twitched, ready to reach out and grab the passing figure…
The door opened and then shut. Stillness enveloped the room once more.
"Stay," he whispered.
O-o-O-o-O
Yami bit back the choked cry as he hurried to the elevator. How pitiful, he thought. How weak and pathetic he had behaved in front of the reserved man, it wouldn't have taken much to compel him to remain willingly. A sound, a gesture—anything that would have indicated the other still wanted him—still needed him. Yami would have gladly construed any sign given as long as it gave him an excuse to stay! Unfortunately, he wasn't needed; Kaiba's attitude confirmed that. The tiny glimmer of hope, which ignited from this unexpected meeting, had been extinguished. Just as he effectively destroyed Sakaki's, his was met with the same treatment, only it was done without so much as a comment. Kaiba's actions spoke louder than words; the way he was dismissed by his aloof employer had shown he wasn't worth a response. He winced at the callousness of it.
As the elevator arrived and its door parted for him to enter, he was still hesitant. To leave would mean his acceptance to withdraw, his severing of this connection with Kaiba Seto. However, his previous actions had led to that outcome, the photo's riddance had been the first step; the letter had been the second. By declaring his resignation there was no way he could back out of it without the loss of face, anymore than he could restore the picture.
They were no longer lovers and soon they would no longer be colleagues, instead they will be relegated to being random strangers with a shared past that no longer mattered...it was such sombre thoughts, which forced his legs to step in the elevator.
All was lost.
O-o-O-o-O
Throughout the journey home, Yami was distracted with his thoughts. If only he hadn't existed, he thought, then he wouldn't have to experience such pain—pain that stabbed repeatedly the very core of his being causing him clutch at his chest.
Oh, how it hurts so, he silently cried out.
Momentarily, losing his concentration, he did not see the glaring red brake lights of the car in front of him until it was almost upon him.
Immediately he slammed his foot on the brakes...
O-o-O-o-O
The stoic CEO of KaibaCorp sat alone in his office. Fingertips of each hand pressed in a steeple as he stared at the white envelope on his desk. How long he had sat there he didn't know. The voice inside his head was still cursing him for his stupidity, for his inaction. Yami was here, the proud man had given him an opportunity to make his move, had challenged him with dead eyes to respond back, but instead he cowered and faltered. He could not bring himself to utter that one simple word, which would change his life again until it was too late.
Stay! It was that simple! But the word got stuck in his throat and the cost of the belated response was dear. Having spoke it to an empty room accomplished nothing. It would not make his life meaningful again, it would not bring him happiness and it would not return Yami to him. The price he paid was very heavy.
Baka! A fool! That was what he was! Yami had called him that and so had Sakaki. They weren't far off the mark. Just as Sakaki had predicted, his pride had initially blinded him and now it prevented him from voicing his wish, it had effectually destroyed the possibility of them reconciling. Yami will not give him another chance like this again; his departing words ensured that.
Letting out a groan, he scrubbed face and stared at the letter once more. Gingerly, he stretched out his hand and nudged the envelope. Did he want to read it, he thought? Did he want to accept Yami's resignation? Slowly picking it up, fingers peeled back the flap on the envelope and tore at the opening it made. The sound of ripping paper filled the surrounding quietude.
Kaiba drew out the letter and wave the paper open, a small folded piece of notepaper fluttered onto the desk. It surprised Kaiba. Turning his attention to the open letter in front of him he quickly read it, his eyes darting over the page as it scanned the lines. It was a standard resignation letter, handwritten in Yami's small neat hand. It formally informed the reader of his need to resign due to "personal reasons", there was nothing intimate or personal about the contents, it was worded, as it should be from an employee to his employer. One week's notice was given; if Kaiba were to strictly follow company protocols, one week was not enough notice; it would give him an excuse to deny the application and insist the applicant endure the two-month's notice that was dictated in the contract's terms. Harsh as it was, it would force Yami to remain by his side a little longer.
With a sigh, he placed the letter down and rubbed his temple; he needed time to think it over. Subsequently, his gaze slipped across to the supplement, which was included in the envelope and he reached towards it, his curiosity piqued. Unfolding the paper, he gasped aloud; his eyes widening as it stared at the inscription on it.
It was written in a script that had long been extinct. He has seen it once and it was on the Sun God, Ra's card, however, what shocked him the most was the message the characters conveyed:
My Light. My beloved.
There was something familiar with the words. Where had he heard it before...and in that foreign tongue? As much as he didn't believe in this reincarnation and Ancient Egypt crap, there was no denying it triggered a reaction, which tugged stubbornly at his consciousness.
Questions spun around in his mind, swirling violently until it became a vortex of trepidations. Why would Yami write something that? What was the meaning of those words and why in that dead language? It perplexed him so.
"I will be going to Egypt, Jii-chan and Yuugi said they may have found some information related to my past..." Yami had declared. "We shall not meet again, Kaiba, so take good care of yourself and give my regards to Mokuba."
The words rang loudly in his mind and with it, echoed his anxiety.
"We shall not meet again..."
The words were assured, it spoke of determination and resolute.
"We shall not meet again... Egypt... my past."
The ominous words repeated in his head, he could not ignore the feeling of foreboding it brought about. Kaiba closed his eyes and massaged his temple wearily, why would Yami say that? It was like it he was—
NO!
Fingers immediately stilled on his face and his eyes flew open, it sought the script with its frantic gaze. No, he can't mean he was going back to his past, did Yuugi find a way to enable him to return to the afterlife he managed to avoid when he won the Ceremonial Battle? A ritual, perhaps?
Pulling his hand from his face, he noticed it shook; the realisation had more of an effect on him than he was willing to admit. If Yami returned to the afterlife then he would never be able to see him again...
NO!
Kaiba shot up from the chair; grabbing his briefcase and car keys he hurriedly made his way to the door. He could withstand the thought of Yami not being with him, as long as they existed in the same lifetime, however, he could not tolerate the thought of losing him forever—not like this.
"I do not want any traces of your existence to be left there by the time I return. Ensure you heed my instructions well, Mutou."
Cruel words thrown at the Game King on a previous encounter, words spoken in anger and hate, words he began to regret as fear of it actually happening tore through his body.
NO!
The furious pace increased as he made his exit. His impatience to leave was displayed in his relentless tapping on the "call" button of the elevator and his subsequent silent cursing on its slowness as it carried its sole passenger down the building.
Arriving in the underground car park, Kaiba sprinted to his car. Logic told him his haste was unnecessary. Yami had informed him he was going to stay on for another week, so why was he in such frenzy panic? It made him look foolishly desperate, but he would not be pacified; the possibility of losing Yami was too painful. He would not allow it! Driving at break neck speed and amassing various traffic contraventions with his recklessness, he arrived back at the mansion.
There was something he needed to retrieve first.
O-o-O-o-O
Kaiba cursed as he sat idle in his car; verbally abusing his luck and the unfortunate circumstance he had been caught up in.
He was stuck in traffic.
"Come on!" he seethed impatiently, his body leaning forward with his arm folded over the steering wheel; his fingers drumming agitatedly. He had been parked in the same spot for the last twenty minutes and before that the pace had been reduced to a crawl—a crawl that would make a tortoise proud. He fumed with the humiliation as passers-by snickered behind raised hands at the sight of him, trapped and stationary, in a proud sport's car with nowhere to go.
Impatience compelled him to use the KC satellite system to gain information on the problem, but all it did was inform him the jam stretched for a good mile or so due to an accident a few hours earlier. Unfortunately, this road was the only one that led to Yami's place; the others were either one-way streets or pedestrians' only pathways. Had he known about this impediment, he would have avoided going through the town and had gone around it instead, now being stuck on this route, it was impossible to turn back! With a groan he leant back into his seat. If only he hadn't procrastinated in his office then he might have been able to avoid this unpleasant incident, but then again, if only he had stopped Yami from leaving in the first place, he could have avoided this journey altogether.
Regardless how he looked at it, fate saw fit to screw him over because of his indecisiveness.
Unable to wait much longer, he got out of his car in search for someone to update him on the situation; sitting in his car, waiting, was not improving his mood. The line of cars, parked almost bumper to bumper, stretched as far as the eye could see. Many had switched off their engines to preserve fuel.
Craning his neck, Kaiba tried to see if there was a policeman he could demand information off. He didn't see one. With a huff of annoyance, he returned to his car and initiated his car's mini computer. After a few minutes of vigorous typing, the Domino City Traffic Bureau's data became available for him to peruse. Kaiba Seto had managed to hack into their system and was casually scrolling through the report, analysing the information that was displayed on the small screen.
"Accident reported at 19.37," it read. "A car was involved in the collusion, reasons unknown. Police and forensics are at the scene looking for evidence and questioning witnesses. One witness account said the car had looked as if it had lost control and swerved onto the oncoming traffic on the opposite side of the road. Both drivers, male, are in hospital, their conditions critical. Their identities have yet to be released."
Shutting down the system, Kaiba cursed his luck again, contemplating on if he should continue to wait it out or forget about driving and make the rest of the journey on foot. Unconsciously, his fingers began drumming on the steering wheel again, his mood darkening as time ticked by. Finally, unable to tolerate the wait, he voice commanded for Isono's number through the car's in-built communications system.
O-o-O-o-O
Brisk footsteps tapped loudly on the hard concrete of the sidewalk. Weaving effectively through the sea of people, Kaiba's pace did not falter. Quick, long strides betrayed his frenetic state; ignorant of the attention his tall and striking appearance drew from the people around him. Individuals and groups of both sex turned and stared as he passed them by, but he was oblivious to their admiration and their envious stares, his mind was too preoccupied with the thought of one person—and one person alone.
Yami!
Restless with thoughts of the Game King hurried him with urgent haste. His need coupled with desperation to see Yami made it difficult to maintain the cool public façade he was exhibiting; it took all his self-control not to break out into a dash and run the remaining distance to the latter's abode. Clenching his jaw tightly, he pressed on, unconsciously lengthening his strides as he did so. He still had a five-mile trek to go.
O-o-O-o-O
By the time the CEO arrived at Yami's apartment, he was a little breathless. Knowing he was near his destination, he ran the rest of the way, ignoring the curious stars that were veered his way. Looking up at the building, his eyes sought out Yami's flat, a frown creasing his face when he saw no light through the windows. Was Yami not home or was he sleeping, he asked himself? Stretching out his arm and with a flick of his wrist, he glanced at his watch. It was 10.17PM. The frown deepened, surely it was too early for Yami to sleep; the Game King, like himself, was nocturnal!
Without further ado, he placed his hand into the inside pocket of his coat and pulled out the set of keys he had gone through the trouble of going home to retrieve, it was the duplicate keys to Yami's apartment. Kaiba had secretly made a set for himself when Yami moved in with him and the latter hadn't known about it. With a grimace, he could imagine Yami's reaction when he finds out. "Sneaky mistrusting bastard" would be one of many insults hurled at him, he was certain, not that he cared. It would be worth the abuse if it got him results.
Letting himself into the building with the first key, he headed for the stairs; too impatient to wait for the elevator. Bounding up the steps, two at a time, he made it to the fifth floor promptly and was standing nervously outside of Yami's apartment. Kaiba was grateful the well-lit corridor was void of people, he didn't want to be caught loitering outside the apartment of his former lover. The last thing he wanted was to add suspicion to his desperation. Taking in a deep breath, a hesitant hand lifted and rapped on the wooden door.
No answer.
So Kaiba knocked again.
No answer...again.
Placing an ear on the door, he tried to listen for signs of life beyond it.
He heard nothing.
Selecting the second key, he slotted it into the keyhole and turned, pulling the door open as it unlocked. Silence and darkness greeted him as he stepped inside, the light from the full moon allowed him to see quite comfortably. Removing his shoes, he made his way into the small living room, blue eyes scanning the area for the apartment's sole resident.
He found him.
Yami was lying on the couch with one arm flung carelessly above his head, his eyes closed. Kaiba's gaze was trained on the reposed form...his eyes clung to the gentle heaving movements of the small chest; it indicated Yami was deep in slumber.
Slowly, Kaiba moved towards him, with the curtains undrawn, moonlight bathed the figure as he slept beneath the window. Upon realising the inevitable confrontation was delayed miraculously for the time being, a sigh of relief escaped the intruder. With his focus exclusively on Yami, Kaiba did not notice the objects strewn around the floor. A soft "thunk" was heard when his foot struck one and he dropped his gaze to the floor.
Scattered about him was what looked like long-shaped balloons, he bent down and picked one up, curiously examined it with a wary eye. On closer inspection, Kaiba noticed it was fragilely thin. The transparent sheerness of it made him arch a sceptic brow, the faint luminous glow and the little teat at the end give the object away. Amusement tugged at the corners of his lips as he cast an eye over the items scattered around. Including the one in his hand, he counted six altogether. With a shake of his head, Kaiba dropped the item and continued his way to Yami. On reaching the couch, his foot kicked something else, sending it spinning across the floor.
It was an empty sake bottle.
With a resigned sigh, Kaiba passed a hand over his face; it would explain why the Game King had done something so immature. Yami was drunk and had passed out.
Kneeling down, Kaiba leaned over Yami and kissed him tenderly on the lips. It tasted of strawberries. Then straightening up, he removed his jacket, placed it neatly over an armchair and left the room. Moments later he returned with a blanket draped over his arms. Spreading it out, he covered the sleeping figure, shifting him towards the inside of the couch so his back was resting against the leather upholstery. Next, he climbed in and slid beside him, threading his arm behind the other's neck so his hand rested on a slender shoulder. Gently, he pulled the smaller body closer to him until the latter's spiky head nestled on his chest.
Swathed in blissful contentment and listening to the gentle breathing beside him, Kaiba, thus, remained. Tired of warring with himself and battling with his complex emotions, he surrendered to the calmness, the sleeping figure exuded. He would deal with whatever shit may happen tomorrow when Yami woke, but for now, he was happy to enjoy the peace he hadn't felt for some time. Fatigue slowly began to overcome him and he welcomed it gladly. Tilting his head back a little, he placed a loving kiss on the exposed forehead, drawing the smaller male towards himself. Finally, closing his eyes, he conceded to the lure of sleep with a small smile lingering on his lips.
The last thing he remembered was the sweet sense of belonging and the fragrant smell of strawberries...
~TBC~
O-o-O-o-O
A/N: Ah, slowly, but surely there is progress...or is there? Stay tuned for the last chapter, and in the meantime, review. It makes a HUGE difference to my motivation, I can assure you~.
Once again, I thank the readers who took the time to leave a word or two for me. It is very encouraging, to say the least, and I can't thank you all enough. For my two anonymous reviewers whom I cannot reply personally, I liked to leave you a quick word here:
~Nono: Sorry for tormenting you further, I promise the reunion will be in the next chapter, or at least the final confrontation. Let's hope for the best, shall we? LOL~!
~Smazzi: Thank you for your sweet, sweet words. It is much appreciated; especially your thoughts regarding Sakaki, I am touched by your admission. Oh, and don't you dare go back to "stalking from afar" again. *Clings*
Anyways, I hope the final chapter will not be long in coming and know your words of encouragement is what keeps me going. *Hugs all*
Jolly x