Warning: SMUT ALERT! Lemon ahead! Proceed with caution!
As this is a very long chapter and those familiar with my work will know how crappy I am in proof-reading anything lengthy so it will contain an abundance of typos and grammatical errors. Please overlook them for the time being, I will amend them in due course~.
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!
O-o-O-o-O
Warmth.
It enveloped Yami, cosseting him, evoking a sense of contentment he had not felt in a while. The familiarity invaded a small part of his conscious mind and nostalgia washed over him, reminding him of his loss, yet providing a little solace in the balance. It was ironic how it simultaneously aggrieved and comforted him.
Seto...
Yami smiled and snuggled closer; his body was drawn to the heat. The warmth reminded him of the times when he was held in his sleep...he thought he could even detect a hint of Kaiba's scent. The smile widened. He would be happy never to wake if he could remain in this blissful state; the only thing that threatened this wonderful feeling was a gentle throbbing of an impending hangover. He inwardly groaned at his foolishness as the events of the night before replayed slowly behind closed lids.
O-o-O-o-O
He hadn't meant to drink that much, in fact he hadn't meant to drink at all, but the near-accident he had on the way home had shook him up badly and he wanted something to calm his nerves. Finding he had nothing other than sake in his apartment, he shakily poured himself a generous measure and knocked it back in one gulp, spluttering slightly as the strong beverage slipped down his throat and sparked a fire in his belly. Clutching the cup and bottle, he strode into the living room and sunk onto the couch, waiting for the alcohol to take effect. The warmth had spread upwards to his face and his mind began to fog over, numbing the fright he suffered and dulling a little of the pain from the encounter with Kaiba.
Seto.
"Baka!" he muttered. "Stupid, dense baka!" He could have stopped him from leaving—he had been given enough chances to do so, but the idiot chose to stare back at him with cold eyes and a dour expression. Thinking back, with the sake impairing his objectiveness, bitterness began to whelm him. It spread like poison through his veins. Kaiba's response, or rather lack of, now made the Game King angry. He wanted to smack that poker face!
Not bothering to use the cup, Yami took a long swig from the bottle and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, grimacing as he swallowed. Leaning back, he closed his eyes and recalled Kaiba's face; he saw the tiredness reflected in those blue eyes and the harsh lines ingrained around the mouth. If he was honest, Kaiba didn't look like a happy man—let alone a man in love.
He bought the bottle up to his lips and took another gulp.
Expelling a lengthy sigh, Yami massaged his temple with his free hand and tried to recall the time when they were still a couple. An image of Kaiba, naked with his arms folded across his chest and a smug grin plastered on his face appeared in his mind; it was the night they bickered over the 'glow-in-the-dark, fruit-flavoured condoms'. Yami snorted at the memory, the gravity of that quarrel seemed insignificant compared to the present one. Still, it wouldn't hurt the damn man to humour him in that matter, it wasn't as if he was asking him to hand over his company or something! It was just fucking condoms!
Fired with determination and a large dose of alcohol, he vowed to show the prick he could have fun with them—it didn't have to be on him for it to put into good use—though he could have admired it better if it had been!
Placing the sake on the floor, he pushed himself off the couch and staggered to his bedroom, heading straight for the nightstand beside his bed. There, placed atop of the smooth surface, was the small box. Yami grabbed it and made his way back to the living room; having not bothered to switch on the light and in his unsteady state, he crashed into the doorframe on his way out. He cursed as the pain on his shoulder shot through his body, momentarily penetrating his drunken stupor. It was going to leave a nasty bruise as a memento of his drinking ordeal—another thing for him regret tomorrow, no doubt.
On reaching the couch, Yami slumped onto it, the packet's contents rattled inside its confinement. Hastily, the ex-spirit opened the box; due to his intoxication he had not noticed anything amiss with it. Instead, he slurred a venomous "I'll show you, baka,' and pulled out a foil wrapped packet, ripping it open with manic eagerness. The smell of strawberries drifted into the air and he wrinkled his nose to the aroma's potency. Taking out the item, he let it hang limply on the tip of his finger. Unsure of what he wanted to do it, he gingerly bought it up to his nose and sniffed it. The sweet fragrant was more pungent close up and it made him curious. Cautiously he licked it with the tip of his tongue, slowly savouring the taste when the tongue retracted back into this mouth.
It tasted of strawberries.
He snickered at the discovery and with an impish grin that could rival Mokuba's; Yami stretched out the item and blew into it.
How many times he had inflated those things he didn't know, it was only when the novelty had worn off, did he stop. Licking the residue of the lubricant from his lips and wiping his slicked hand on his pants, he leaned over to retrieve his drink. Throwing his head back, he downed the rest of his sake before placing the empty bottle rather precariously on the floor. It toppled on its side and rolled a short distance away. He observed it with disinterest; his mind was already sluggish and heavy.
Slumping sideways on the couch, Yami rolled onto his back and stretched out on the couch. Silently, he watched the room spin around and around, fusing colours and shapes with the surrounding darkness—darkness he no longer found comfort in. It reminded him of the chasm in his empty heart; it emphasised the loneliness the absence of a certain individual left behind. His leaving Domino City for Egypt would not lessen the pain or the yearning; it did nothing but put a distance between him and the person he love. To think he would have to endure it for the rest of his life stabbed at his heart and he clutched tightly at the fabric on his chest.
Seto, his heart cried out as he swallowed the sob that rose in his throat.
Throwing his other arm over his eyes, he tried once more to conjure an image of the aforementioned when he was his lover; he wanted to drown the unhappy thought just as he had tried to drown his sorrow. Instead, all he envisaged was the Kaiba's indifference as he was informed of his resignation. It shattered his hope and crushed his heart, but he will live on; his sorrow will never stop, it will renew with his every waking because he could never stop loving him.
A tear escaped from beneath the arm resting over the eyes and trickled slowly down the side of his face.
Yami made no attempt to stop that either.
O-o-O-o-O
It took a while for the ex-spirit's sleepy and befuddled mind to realise that perhaps all wasn't what he thought it was. It happened when his hands came into contact with his source of comfort...
It was a warm body.
Crimson eyes flew open at the discovery and he twisted his head to stare at the slumbering figure next to him. He sobered up in record time!
What the... Kaiba?
Attempting to lift his head, it was immediately filled with an excruciating pain and his hands shot up to cradle it. Having drunk into a stupor the night before, the throbbing hangover was to be expected even if the CEO lying next to him wasn't! Sitting up, he gaped at the man beside him and pondered if he was hallucinating at the expense of his drinking binge.
The sudden movement had alerted the sleeping man. Hooded lids cracked open revealing blue beneath; it stared inquisitively back at the crimson one. The subsequent silence and tension was oppressive, it increased the discomfort between the two men.
Yami was the first to pull away. He scooted to the other end of the couch, his eyes never leaving the intruder. Likewise, Kaiba's eyes focused on the smaller male, to say he wasn't feeling awkward was a lie, but that was the least of his worries. Clenching his jaw tightly, he braced himself for the dreaded question, the one he had no answer to.
As expected Yami did not disappoint, it was only when he was perched on the armrest of the couch, a safe distance away, did he break the silence.
"How did you...? What are you doing here, Kaiba?"
Kaiba stared back at him, his lips pursed in a stubborn line. To Yami it may look as though he was refusing to answer, but the fact of the matter was: he didn't know other than he wanted to see Yami, but he had no intention of admitting it.
Again, his pride had proved a handicap.
Yami's eyes narrowed angrily, he wanted the culprit to give him an explanation. He didn't like to be ignored by the man who broke into his apartment and casually slept beside him; his actions made no sense at all. Had they still been lovers it would have been a different case, but now...
He asked again, "I said, 'what are you doing here, Kaiba?' And why are you sleeping next to me?"
Other than sitting up, Kaiba provided no other response; he was too busy berating himself for his carelessness. Now fully awake, his present predicament looked foolish and absurd. He should have woken before Yami—he should have left whilst the other was none the wiser. Lured into a peaceful night's sleep, the temptation had dire consequences. The bravado from the night had vanished with his waking and he was trapped in compromising position with an angry ex-lover glowering at him.
He would deal with whatever shit may happen tomorrow when Yami woke...that was what he thought last night with bold brashness. So fate saw fit to deal him the expected, he was in deep shit now!
Heaving a long sigh, Yami got shakily to his feet. Making his way to the jacket that was folded over the armchair he picked it up and turned to return it to its owner. Offering the garment to the silent man, Yami said, "I think you should leave."
Kaiba's eyes rounded at the order, the look of bewilderment was not lost on his companion.
Yami looked grimly at still man, his displeasure projected in his stern tone, "Without giving an explanation for your presence, your action appears irresponsible. I am not a thing for you to toy with depending on your mood. I do not like to be bullied, abused, discarded and then embraced on a whim. Do you have so little regard for me that you think I would not mind being treated so?"
The reproof caused Kaiba to flush a little, but he continued to remain silent, vexing the Game King further. Thrusting the jacket out again, Yami repeated the order, "Please leave."
Slowly Kaiba extended his hand for his jacket. Crimson and blue eyes were locked so intently on each other that they paid little heed to their actions. Fingers brushed with one another causing the two to jolt from the touch. A startle gasp escaped from Yami and he dropped the garment. Uttering a hasty apology, Yami bent down to retrieve it.
Something heavy fell out of one the pockets as he scooped it up.
OH SHIT!
Kaiba watched in silent panic as Yami picked up the item and examined it in his hands, the jacket lay forgotten on the floor. His face paled when he realised what it was.
Yami had not questioned Kaiba on how he got into his apartment because he knew nothing would stop the obstinate man if he set his mind to it—especially where security was concerned. His front door would hardly pose much of a challenge to the talented man, if he didn't picked the lock he could have bribed the caretaker on the ground floor to open it. With Kaiba, where there is a will, there is a way. Nothing would surprise him…or so he thought.
Reproachful eyes beheld the taciturn man; the pain was evident as he voiced his accusation.
"Why do you have my apartment keys in your possession, Kaiba?"
Kaiba stared at the small hand that held the keys. It was trembling.
"So you've never trusted me at all, have you? Even when we were together, you never trusted me! This..." he threw the keys on the floor next to the CEO's feet in disgust, "This is pitifully low for you! What did you think you could accomplish by sneaking around like this! What did you expect to discover! Get out! I never wish to see you again!"
The angry declaration shook Kaiba out of his silence. He knew Yami would be angry if he found out, but the outburst was beyond anything he anticipated. The keys were not forged out of malicious intentions, he never planned to use them—possessing the item was merely symbolic—it was a sentimental keepsake he duplicated from a foolish impulse. Nonetheless, how could he admit it when it was being construed with suspicion?
He made no attempt to recover the keys.
"Would it make you feel better if I said I picked the lock instead?" he asked dryly. "You know how capable of I am doing it, would that be more acceptable to you?" It was true, he didn't require the keys to get into the apartment, but he used them because they were less time consuming than the other option. Besides, he would have aroused suspicion if he were seen.
"I could have tolerated your lock-picking skills more than your contemptuous distrust of me. How does this make me feel, do you think? Have you any consideration for me at all? Did you stop to think how that questions my integrity? All those times I had been working late and crashing out here, did you think I was rendezvousing with another?" Yami paused, his eyes narrowed to blazing slits. "So what do I owe this pleasure, Kaiba? Did you expect to see me cavorting with Sakaki and when I wasn't you decided to sleep with me for fun?"
The muscles in Kaiba's jaw flexed with the mention of his adversary, his eyes narrowed slightly. "If I said no, would you believe me?" he asked thinly.
"Your actions speak otherwise, Kaiba. If I realised you had such a low opinion of me, I would ha—"
"You would have what? You would have chosen that conniving bastard before me?" retorted Kaiba angrily, his temper flaring up to match his rival's. With Sakaki's confession, he could no longer accuse Yami of sleeping with him; but it didn't stop him from employing the man's interest and love as an excuse to jab Yami with it.
"If I wanted to be with him, I would have chosen him in the first place, he had made advances on me well before you even realised you wanted me! If you think back carefully, it was only due to his attentiveness that drew your interest to me!" Yami seethed. "I have always wondered why you wanted me, was it because you could not bear the thought of the King of Games belonging to another? Or perhaps, owning your rival satisfied your ego? Whatever the reason, your actions were thoughtless and cruel. It makes me regret I had gotten involved with you in the first place!" Turning away, he stormed off into the bedroom.
Frozen, Kaiba went over the allegations in his head. True, he couldn't help being proprietorial about Yami; it was in his nature to be possessive with the things he cared about. Why else would he feel bitter and jealous over the Sakaki incident if he had no feelings for the Game King? Even so, he was unable to admit it openly thus effectively destroying his defence against Yami's accusations and the chance of recovery. With each passing second, reconciliation seemed slimmer and slimmer and Yami moved farther from his grasp. Redemption for their relationship and for him seemed near impossible. He was going to lose Yami.
The sound of his companion returning broke Kaiba from his reverie, the Game King was clutching a small holdall and was heading for the front door.
Bewildered by the sight of Yami leaving, Kaiba leapt to his feet. "Where are you going?" he demanded.
Yami stopped and slowly turned to his ex-lover, his face pale, but for two spots of crimson on the cheeks. It stood out angrily against the ashen skin. "I will be staying at a hotel for the duration of my employment at KaibaCorp," he hissed. "Once I have completed my notice, I will immediately leave for Egypt. Should you need to discuss with work-related matters with me, you may do so at the Club, otherwise please refrain from contacting me." He turned and continued on his way.
"So you are running away now?" Kaiba sneered; provocation was one way of getting Yami's attention. "Are you returning to your past to escape me?"
Yami stopped and spun on his heels, his eyes ablaze with fury as he glared at the speaker. "Don't flatter yourself, Kaiba," he snarled. He knew it was a lie, but he was past caring. In his anger, he did not detect the underlining implications of Kaiba's words. He assumed Kaiba meant he was going to Egypt to learn about his past; he did not know the stoic man meant it literally. "Everything I need is in Egypt now: my family, my past and my possible future—I am leaving because there is nothing here worth me staying!"
"No! You lie!"
A bitter laugh resonated around them; the harsh, jarring sound derided Kaiba's denial with disdain. "Stop deluding yourself, Kaiba-sama, it doesn't become you."
In a few strides, Kaiba was in front of Yami; his lofty frame towering over the slight one. Yami flinched visibly as the memories of his assault by the very same person came flooding back to him. Staring wide-eyed back at the menacing man, his fear was very clear. It shocked Kaiba sufficiently enough to retreat a few steps, but not enough to sedate his anger.
"I will not let you go!" he said through clenched teeth, his hands balled tightly by his side. He had the urge to grab Yami by the shoulders and shake him, but he daren't. The Game King's expression informed him it wasn't a wise move.
"You cannot stop me!" Yami challenged, his tone matched Kaiba's vehemence.
Kaiba smirked. "I can if I refuse to accept your resignation!" he countered churlishly.
"What?" Yami's eyes widened at the brazen statement, disbelief replaced anxiety.
Kaiba folded his arms across his chest; his smirk, much to Yami's chagrin, widened. "If you wish to resign then you'll have to work the full two months notice dictated in the contract," he maintained.
Yami gasped. "What!" he exclaimed. "You can't do that! What if I refuse?"
"Then I will sue you for breach of contract and have you working off your debt to KaibaCorp for the rest of your life!"
The Game King stared at his employer as the news sunk into him. "Bastard!" he spat. "I can't believe you'd go to that extent! Why? Why, are you doing this? What could you possibly gain by detaining me under the pretence of work?"
Kaiba wondered too. Employing such shameless method to force Yami to remain rendered the achievement hollow. He knew he gained nothing by holding Yami against his will—just as he knew by gaining Yami's body did not mean he would gain his heart. Yet, he held on stubbornly. Maybe he hoped that over that time Yami would relent and change his mind, it was worth a try if he could keep him by his side even if it were for a little longer.
Unfortunately for him, Yami ignored the threat. Refusing to bend to his will, the angry man stared at him coldly and replied, "I don't care, do your worse, Kaiba!"
The dismissal surprised Kaiba; he felt for sure Yami would, at least, give the matter some consideration even if he were to reject it in the end. The indifference meant his opponent was pissed as hell. He forgot how wilful Yami could be. In desperation, he tried a different tactic.
"Did you not admit that you loved me and me only?"
Yami blinked twice before narrowing his glare at him again. "So, I gathered you met Sakaki?" he scoffed, trying to evade Kaiba's question.
"Do you deny you said such thing?" Kaiba countered roundly.
Yami's glare wavered and he looked away. "That was a lie, fabricated to make Sakaki to give me up—"
A hand grabbed his arm and yanked him closer, preventing him from finishing the sentence. Yami dropped his bag in fright, his mouth agape and eyes dilated in horror as he stared back at his assailant.
It was Kaiba's turn to glare.
"I don't believe you!" he growled. "Look me in the eyes and tell me you care nothing for me!"
"And what good would a confession bring about other than appease your ego?" Yami spat. "Would it undo all that has happened the last few days? Would it dismiss all the hurtful things you said and done?"
"Tell me!" pressed Kaiba, his insistence made the words demanding.
Yami looked at Kaiba coolly and asked, "If I did, would you let me go?"
"NO!" The refusal was uttered with conviction.
"Then tell me what I must do for you to free me?" Yami implored, twisting his arm away. "I can't stand the pain any more. The past...the present...the agony of wanting, I cannot bear it any longer..."
"So you flee?"
Yami looked at Kaiba. His expression softened, as did the voice, which made the final appeal. "Then give me one good reason to stay, Seto."
Yami looked at Kaiba expectantly, he had swallowed his pride to offer the latter the opportunity to ask him to remain—it was up to him now.
Kaiba was stunned, he had not anticipated Yami's generosity; faced with it he was left speechless. His brilliant mind could come up with a hundred reasons to persuade the petit man to stay, but none came to his lips.
The former pharaoh waited for his companion to speak, his face sporting a neutral expression. He refused to prompt him, he refused to put words into the other's mouth; but all he got was Kaiba's muted response.
It pained him.
Finally, Yami dropped his gaze and inhaled deeply; the shaky breath exhibited his wretchedness. "I see," he said despondently. With a heavy heart, he picked up his bag and turned to go. He was glad he wasn't facing him for he was unable to mask his disappointment. Hot tears pricked behind his eyes, but he willed them not to fall, he will walk out of this room and out of the other's life with his head held high. He was not ashamed to have loved him—no, to still love him; his only regret was the other did not feel the same as he did.
My Beloved. My Light...
Echoes of their past reverberated to the present, mocking him with sentiments from a distant memory. He thought the endearments would provoke a reaction from Kaiba, but he was wrong. He was neither to Kaiba.
Kaiba watched Yami walk away with rising panic. The feeling was similar to having a part of him ripped out. Why did Yami's impending departure feel as though it could be the last time he'll ever see him again? Fear began to grow steadily; he did not want to face a barren future without Yami, he would not be able to endure the terrible emptiness it entailed.
No. Not. Again.
Stay. Stay by my side... Always. Trapped words snaked around in the labyrinth of his mind trying to find a way out; his attempt to voice them was futile. Paralysed, he watched helplessly as Yami walked away; the scene, so similar to the one played out in his office not long ago made him break out in a cold sweat as he stood adhered to the spot.
His mind screamed for him to stop the other, but he could not comply.
His mouth opened, but no sound came out.
Yami had reached the door and without a backward glance, placed his hand on the handle of the door and turned it...
"Stay!"
The word tumbled out clumsily, Kaiba wasn't even sure he had spoken it until Yami paused in his actions.
Whirling around, the stunned male looked at him. "Seto?" he asked warily.
Kaiba stared back. Steadfast blue held onto crimson with absolute concentration, "Stay," he repeated. "Stay for me."
Unshed tears made the crimson orbs glisten like sparkling rubies. "Why?" Yami asked, his voice barely above a whisper. It took all of his strength to hold back the tide of emotions that threatened to drown him.
"Because I asked? Is that not a good enough reason?" Kaiba replied.
Yami lowered his eyes and shook his head; his bangs caught the two drops of crystal as it fell away from the eyes. "I need a better reason..."
Dragging out a weary sigh, Kaiba slowly approached Yami; stopping so close he could feel the other's quickened breaths. Cautiously, he placed a finger under the latter's chin and lifted the pale face to his. Taking a long look at the face he loved so much, he whispered, "Stay because I need you, Yami."
Long, slender arms reached out and drew the small, rigid figure in a tight embrace; it was a manifestation of his words into action—it spoke of his need for Yami to stay. Resting his chin on the tricolour head, he swept his hand up and down the thin back until he felt the other relax. Relieved, Kaiba released his own tension in the form of a shuddering sigh and placed a tender kiss on the wild hair.
"Seto," Yami murmured softly, gently pushing away. Immediately, he felt Kaiba's resistance, the arms instinctively tightened possessively around him. After some remonstrating from his captive, he eventually relented, conceding to having his arms loosely encircling the small male instead. Hesitantly, Yami looked up at Kaiba and asked, "What about Kaneko-san? Do you not need her?"
Arching high a slender brow, Kaiba looked at Yami; a smile curled on his lips. "Did you know, my dear King of Games, her identity was never revealed, let alone her name. That begs the question of how you knew?"
A hint of pink dusted the Game King's delicate features when he realised his mistake. Flicking an upward glance at the taller man, he smiled. "Tell me why you came here and I will tell you how I knew," he challenged coyly
Kaiba laughed at the evasion and knew he was bested for the time being. Unwinding his arms from the slim frame, he delicately cupped the fragile face in the palm of his hands and leaned down towards it. "I have ways of extracting the information from you," he teased and claimed the pale lips.
Contrary to his feverish need raging through his body, the kiss was slow and gentle. He took his time to savour the soft lips beneath his with light pecks, relinquishing them briefly so he could reclaim them again. Calmly, he teased Yami with his composed deliberateness and leisurely pace.
Yami closed his eyes and moved closer, his hands snaked up to the chestnut hair on its own accord and fervently caressed the soft locks. With a groan, Kaiba turned his head to the side and deepened the kiss, penetrating the warm mouth with his tongue. Not to be outdone, Yami returned the kiss with equal enthusiasm, pressing his lips to Kaiba's hungry ones, compelling the other to release his face and entangle his fingers in his unruly mane.
"Seto..." Yami gasped between the hot kisses, the aforementioned stealing his breath away so he was incapable of saying anything else. He could feel Kaiba's arousal pressed into this midriff as he was forced backwards onto the door—trapping him between the cold wood and heated flesh. He, too, was aroused but he wasn't about to let the ardent man screw him by the entrance. He wasn't sure if he could hold back his voice and he certainly didn't want his neighbours to hear. He pushed forward to inform Kaiba he wanted to be elsewhere, but the latter was too occupied to notice. Groaning inwardly, Yami spun their bodies around and began retreating towards the bedroom.
With lips adhered, arms wound around each other and Yami drawing him forward, Kaiba had no choice but to follow. In a mass of entwined limbs, they clung and stumbled into the bedroom, not stopping until they hit the bed. Slowly, they tumbled onto the soft mattress, bouncing slightly upon impact. Reluctantly, Kaiba released the parted lips and pulled back. Resting his hand on either side of the tricolour head, he pushed himself up and stared at the man beneath him.
Eyes, dark with need stared back, whilst swollen lips heaved with breathless pants. Yami looked stunning. Mesmerised, Kaiba's heated stare trailed down from the flushed face to the neck...where his eyes rested on faded lines of discolouration. Self-loathing rose in Kaiba as he stared at his handiwork. He abhorred how he allowed the darkness to consume him. To have marked that slender throat with anything, but pleasure was inexcusable. His treatment of Yami was despicable.
"Seto," Yami whispered softly, reaching up and steering other's face so their eyes locked with one another's. The gentleness in his gaze spoke of compassion, it said he forgave him, but Kaiba was not appeased. With his head still cradled in Yami's hands, he bent down and he kissed each and every one of the bruises. He knew it would not atone for what he did, the injury will heal and disappear, but the memory of the wounds and its infliction will always remain a scar in his mind.
"I am sorry," he breathed. The words that wafted on the neck in warm bursts were earnest, sincere and full of regret.
Yami felt Kaiba's apology and responded with a sad smile. "Baka," he admonished fondly, stroking the latter's head in a soothing motion, like a mother would to a troubled child.
The gesture lightened a little of Kaiba's burden and he wanted familiarise himself with Yami again, but he faltered because he was unsure how the other would react to his touches. "Yami, I—" he spoke timidly; a hand lay still on the warm body.
Yami kissed him full on the mouth, the kiss exhibited passion, hunger and forgiveness. It encouraged Kaiba to continue without further reservations.
So he did. Hoisting the smaller frame to the centre of the bed, he began to divulge the latter of his clothing. Unfortunately, Yami was still in his work clothes as was he. Small buttons, which normally posed no problems for his deft fingers, hampered his efforts. He was close to ripping the garment off in exasperation had it not been for Yami's amusement at his clumsy attempts, the snicker enflamed his annoyance, but curbed his agitation.
Finally, having discarded both their clothes, he saw the bruise on the shoulder and looked enquiring at Yami. Yami blushed and sheepishly looked away, a slight pout pulled on his lips. "I bumped into the door frame," he muttered dismissively, ignoring the derisive snort from the enquirer.
Feeling a little rueful of his callous response, Kaiba kissed the injury before moving on to the rest of the body, lavishing his attention to every inch of the velvety flesh and arousing the exotic male.
Yami arched his back and pushed his body upwards to receive the kisses Kaiba bestowed on him, it also served to inform the latter of the need to progress. The teasing was proving too much for him. Impatient for their bodies to reacquaint, Yami dug his nails into the other's shoulder and ground his lower body into the other one. "Kaiba," he growled peevishly.
Kaiba smirked, but obliged. Getting up, he reached into the nightstand, hoping there was a bottle of lubricant stashed inside. There was. It was the same bottle from the Kaiba residence, as instructed Yami had removed everything that was a reminder of their relationship from the house.
The revelation made him feel shit!
"You can use the condoms too, you know!" a playful voice broke through his unhappy thoughts. It was admirable how Yami was able to dispel the tension with a sentence or a gesture.
Rolling his eyes, Kaiba popped the lid of the lube open and poured a generous amount on his hand. "I prefer what you did with them!" he chuckled as he leaned over and gently inserted a slick finger into the puckered opening.
Yami gasped, his body tensed up as it resisted the intrusion. It clamped down on Kaiba's finger immobilising it.
Immediately, Kaiba understood what was happening. Yami's body remembered the assault and was rejecting his advances. With his finger partway in, Kaiba waited for the anxiety to pass, but to no avail. Yami did not relax; on the contrary, his body had become rigid and his erection had been replaced with a flaccid cock.
Kaiba could feel Yami's misery and it, in turn, added to his guilt-ridden conscience. His desire to remedy the situation compelled him to lean down and prod the limp member with his tongue, hoping it would somehow revive it; but it remained unresponsive. Blaming himself for the problem, he took the appendage in his mouth and began sucking it—coaxing it with the additional use of his tongue and teeth. Gradually, he gained a response and the member began to twitch and harden. Kaiba wriggled his trapped finger and was relieved to discover the taut muscles around it had relaxed, granting him further access.
With his mouth secured around the stiff length, Kaiba sought out Yami's sweet spot with his finger. Familiarity meant he found it without difficulty.
Yami groaned and drove his body into the probing digit, surprising Kaiba with the movement and the savagery. Not to be outdone, the latter pulled back the finger and then plunged it back in ensuring he was rubbing the prostate as he entered. He continued thrusting and rubbing until the opening was loose enough to have another finger added. All the while, he sucked off the avid man, his free hand tweaking a cinnamon nipple.
Nearing his limit, Yami was unsure how to react. Did he thrust upwards into that warm, moist mouth or did he move in tempo dictated by the delving fingers? Either way, his climax was imminent. Gritting his teeth, he began to lose himself. Kaiba's ministrations sent quivers of pleasure vibrating through him—it triggered a chain reaction within his body that resulted with his release in Kaiba's mouth.
He came in abundance.
Withdrawing his mouth from the spent member, Kaiba swallowed the salty discharge with a gulp. Straightening on his haunches, he watched Yami's convulsions subside before inserting a third finger and resuming his onslaught. The action jolted the depleted male out of his euphoric bliss and sent him spiralling into a chaotic pleasure. His cock began to twitch and stir again.
Deeming his partner ready, Kaiba removed his fingers and positioned himself between the parted legs. He watched Yami's reaction keenly, as he eased into the slippery opening, feeling the fleshy folds part as he pushed his way in and then enclose tightly around him after. Little by little, he advanced until he was embedded to the hilt, and only then did he relax and breathe out.
Pulling Yami towards himself, he placed the lean legs around his waist and waited for the small body to adjust. He knew Yami preferred being taken from behind, but he selfishly wanted to see Yami's face as they made love; he didn't want to miss a single expression from his lover.
Lover.
The word triggered a small flutter of excitement in his heart and he leaned over to kiss the inviting mouth, unwittingly pressing his erection further into the tight heat. Yami groaned into the kiss, his hips lifting to accommodate Kaiba as his legs tightened around him.
It signalled Kaiba to move.
Encouraged by the prompting, Kaiba slowly slid out his cock and then pushed it back in again, his brow knitted in concentration as he struggled to maintain the slow pace. As if it wasn't perplexing enough, Yami's lewd responses, which complemented his movements, did nothing to help matters. With each extraction and insertion, Yami responded with a husky moan or a brusque grunt. The sounds drove him to the point of distraction so he threw caution to the wind and sped up, plundering the small body with long, powerful thrusts that sent his balls colliding into the rounded buttocks. Closing his eyes, he savoured the sensation that surged through him. He loved how Yami's body sucked and swallowed him with unbridled intensity, he loved how Yami tensed and thrashed with ardour; and he loved the way Yami countered each thrust with his own, clamping down on his rigid length in a vice-like grip.
He loved Yami.
Large hands glided greedily over the delicate contours, his fingers brushing the silky flesh from head to toe with much adoration. Kaiba was fascinated with the body that rose to meet his fingertips.
"More..." it was requested in a strained, raspy voice. It thrilled Kaiba with its lascivious tone.
Searing fingers curled around neglected member and began pumping it to the rhythm of his thrusts. The sound of slick cocks harmonised with the sounds of panting, moaning and the slapping of bare flesh. It would have been melodious to Kaiba's ear if it were not for one thing.
"You think I don't know him well enough so I will tell you this: when Yami is aroused his voice will strain to a whimper whilst moaning his lover's name… you'd know what I am talking about, right Kaiba?"
Kaiba had been attentive for the source to their estrangement.
Lifting Yami's legs over his shoulders, Kaiba plunged deep into the writhing body; the depth caused Yami to cry out as he wriggled his hips closer. Kaiba, pleased with the reaction, smirked. It won't be long now, he thought.
Yami's senses and body began to ascend until he was near the peak. Breaths, shallow and ragged, came out in choked, broken fragments. He remembered how his voice angered Kaiba, so he swallowed the sounds as much as he could. But now, the task was proving difficult. It felt like the other was bent on making him vocal. Knowing he was fighting a losing battle, especially where Kaiba was concerned, he placed a hand over his mouth and bit down on it.
The gesture displeased Kaiba and he aggressively wrenched the offending hand away. "Do not hold back your voice," he ordered. "Release it!" He needed to hear the sound. The slight hitch and the subsequent whimper in his lover's voice would dredge up unpleasant memories, but it would serve to remind him of how easily he had been misled and of the pain he had put Yami through. It will be his penance for not believing Yami—it would be his punishment. Until he could forgive himself for hurting his lover, he would have to endure it each time they made love. He accepted it with resignation and it compelled him to double his efforts to coax the sound out of those luscious lips.
"I am cumming..." Yami cried out, his voice pitched high.
With increased velocity, Kaiba slammed his thickness into the squirming body, whilst a large hand continued to pump the oozing cock. It sent shockwaves crashing through Yami, causing him to tense up like a strung bow. He began to get breathless, his chest laboured as he gasped for air.
Seto...
The name verged on his lips and was ready to spill forth—just like his climax. Unable to hold back either, he arched his back and sucked in his breath, his voice hitched from the tension.
Seto...
Clawing at the bed sheets under him, he allowed the waves of his orgasm to peak and sweep him away.
"Se...to..." he whimpered as he rode out his climax, his body shuddering violently.
Kaiba paused for a moment; surprised there was no loss of libidos like he predicted. Maybe Sakaki's admission had allayed the trepidation he associated with the sound...or maybe it was the knowledge that only he was capable of extracting it from the proud male. Either way, it was unfortunate the Sakaki bastard heard it. The knowledge that Yami would never willingly share this with anyone else lessened his fear, now he needed to learn to accept it as being part of Yami and their lovemaking.
Yami crying out his name brought his attention back to the task at hand. Submerged inside the tight, quivering body and swathed in the moist heat, he was being devoured. Violent tremors emitted from Yami's climax vibrated around his arousal, gripping it with it's throbbing pulses. Pulling the body towards him until it was nearly lifted off the bed, Kaiba pounded it at a deeper angle. He felt he was never going to be satisfied until he reached the very core of the exotic man. With one hand on the trim waist and the other grasping the uninjured shoulder, he plowed into the trembling body with frenzied vigour and calling out Yami's name as he did so. He was ready to burst from the sensations he was exposed to; his climax was inevitable as Yami's butt clenched possessively around his cock, squeezing it as he manoeuvred in and out.
"Yami!" the name sound sweet on his lips as he came inside of man he cried out for.
Yami curled his legs around the quaking body and drew Kaiba down, holding him until the effects of the orgasm subsided. Placing an affectionate kiss on the damp head, he proceeded to caress it. Knowing all was not lost between them, the ex-spirit felt peace descend over him. He smiled at the thought.
"Should I revoke my resignation now?" he mused aloud, "Or should I negotiate for better working conditions first?"
Kaiba's death-glare response was priceless!
O-o-O-o-O
Waking with a start, Kaiba stared sluggishly into the darkness, his disorientated mind grappling with the unfamiliar surroundings.
Yami!
With a pounding heart, he rolled on his side and was greeted with the sight of his lover sound asleep. Relief washed over him as he observed the reposed form, his frantic heartbeat slowing to a steady tempo, his panic receding.
Drawing out a sigh, he shifted closer to Yami and, with a light finger, tenderly brushed away a stray bang that hung across the still face. Contentment overwhelmed him and a faint smile ghosted his lips as he leaned in to kiss the exposed temple. The action disturbed the slumbering male and the brow creased into a frown.
Unconsciously, Yami sought out Kaiba, not placated until he found him. Attracted to the warmth, the small male burrowed closer until he was pressed against the bare chest.
"Seto..." he murmured lovingly, and smiled.
The expression made Kaiba catch his breath. It was beautiful, sensual and rare. Filled with love, it conveyed more than words ever could and it held Kaiba mesmerised. Many nights he would lie awake, staring attentively for a glimpse of that smile, hoping his vigilance would pay off. The times he was rewarded, the effects it would have on him were phenomenal. Triggering a sensation that was akin to being love-struck, his pulse would accelerate, his breathing would quicken and his desire would swell.
Just like now.
No, he thought ruefully, Yami needed to rest. He could not possibly disturb the exhausted and sore King of Games for his own selfish needs. His desires could wait. Resignedly, he inhaled deeply, hoping it would quieten his restless heart and calm his agitation; but all it did was offset his lust when he caught Yami's exotic scent. He once likened the smell to pheromones the charismatic male exuded. It was seductive and alluring and it aroused him.
Exhibiting much gentleness, he shifted Yami; planting a kiss on the dishevelled head and then on the lips, coolly lapping and licking the sleeping man until the raising heat from within made him aggressive. All consideration for his weary partner had vanished as he launched his attack. Teeth tugged gently on the still ones before claiming them as hands moved along the planes and crevices of naked flesh, igniting a fire between them.
Yami groaned into the kiss.
My Light...
The words written in a dead language flittered across Kaiba's mind, it's meaning vague and elusive, yet befitting of the man who wrote them.
Yami...
Contrary to his name, Yami brought light into his life; his presence conveyed a brightness that shone through his dark and lonely existence. Never will he let him go again; never will he return to the desolate and despair suffered when he had lost him. Never!
"Promise you will stay by my side," he whispered, punctuating the entreaty with heated kisses. "Promise you will never leave me, and I swear, I will never let you go again. You are mine, Yami, and mine alone! Remember that!"
Yami remained unresponsive, his passiveness making Kaiba fearful; the thought of having to repeat the appeal filled him with dread, but the thought of not extracting a promise out of him was worse. He needed the reassurance. He needed to know.
In a way, he was glad that these events occurred. Without the trials and tribulations, Kaiba would never have realised how he felt about Yami. The events, all stemming from his misgivings, had shown how valuable the latter was to him. It was the reason for his desperate appeal.
Yami smiled into the kiss, causing Kaiba's heart to lurch with anticipation. Amusement with a hint of sombreness coloured the Game King's voice as he pledged, "I promise, Kaiba Seto, my possessive baka!"
Kaiba laughed out his relief as he pulled his lover closer.
My beloved...
O-o-O-o-O
CLICK.
The faint sound woke Kaiba, but he did not open his eyes. Feigning sleep, he lay very still and assessed the situation behind shuttered lids; his senses alert to further sounds or movements. It did not surprise him when the bed dipped slightly and then sprang back up again. It informed Kaiba that Yami was preparing to get up...
In a flash, Kaiba had the former pharaoh tightly in encircled in one arm and his cell phone gripped in the other. He held the phone high in the air to prevent the protesting male from reaching it.
Yami flailed and kicked to free himself, but Kaiba, being the bigger and stronger of the two, held the smaller man at bay. The latter could only watch in dismay as the Kaiba held up the phone with disdain.
"Fucking camera phone," he spat, and proceeded to access it.
"No!" pleaded Yami, his arms stretching as far as it would go, his fingers wriggling frantically to grasp the confiscated item. Unfortunately for him, Kaiba had longer arms. His futile attempts were accompanied with a string of curses and threats.
It amused his captor.
Pulling the struggling man down and nestling the tricolour head under his chin, he barked, "Keep still and look up!"
Shocked, Yami stopped for a second and peered up to the where he was told to. A familiar click was heard, followed by Kaiba tapping rapidly on it.
"There!" Clear blue eyes stared coolly at Yami as the cell was returned.
Without a word, Yami picked it up and selected the hidden folder—the one that was password protected—and opened it. Inside, were the pictures taken only moments ago. One was of Kaiba asleep, but it was the other that left Yami dumbstruck. It depicted a wide-eyed King of Games and a smirking CEO lying beside one another, their naked upper torsos and their pose screaming "intimate". Speechless, Yami could only stare at the photo with his mouth agape. He felt dampness in his eyes.
"Yami?" The name was spoken softly; the tone was accented with concern. With the phone pressed tightly against his chest, Yami buried his face in Kaiba's neck; his free arm hugging the reclined figure.
Kaiba placed a chaste kiss on his lover's forehead and stroked the unruly head in long downward sweeps. Each stroke went further than the last until he was skimming the whole of Yami's back, the heat from the exposed skin lingered deliciously on his fingertips.
It earned him a moan from Yami.
"Care to show you appreciation?" he leered, his hand now straying to a firm butt cheek. "Unless you wish to see the results deleted?"
Yami lifted his head and peered at the threatening man with a damp scowl. "You, tyrant," he growled affectionately and sat up. Straddling Kaiba with an air of exaggerated resignation, he sighed.
"Then I guess I have no choice," he declared with a sulky countenance, his eyes dancing with merriment.
Kaiba chuckled as he leaned forward to capture the pouting lips. "Glad you can see it my way," he replied smugly, enjoying how the sultry male was rolling his hips on top of him, it was stimulating and seductive.
With the melding of their bodies and the joining of their hearts, he was now complete. Kaiba smiled as he melted into the kiss and to the delights his lover had to offer.
Yami made him whole again.
~THE END~
O-o-O-o-O
A/N: Phew, that was a bloody difficult chapter to write! I think redeeming Kaiba is VERY hard work, the cursed man sure made it hard for himself and others, but I hope you all thought it was worth it in the end~.
The Scandalshipping references were taken from my other fic, "Scandalshipping vs Sealshipping Drabbles". I thought it would be nice to have a link between the two. Those who've read it will know what I mean. For those who are curious and haven't, I highly recommend it. If you don't fancy trawling through the whole fic, you can skip to the last chapter, there you find the Pride scene. However, for maximum enjoyment, I suggest you to start from the beginning, you'll not be disappointed, I promise.
So, ends another story, one I struggled immensely to write. Those closest to me knew how much I faltered, cried and went all emo over this fic. At one point, I lost all motivation and was ready to remove the story all together. It was that bad. If it weren't for some ardent readers keeping it alive with their love for it, I would have deleted a long time ago.
So, my heartfelt thanks to:
~Mel, for supporting me through every single chapter, your thoughts throughout was phenomenal and our KaiYami discussions kept me motivated. I am truly grateful for them because it really kept me going in my time of need. You are truly an inspiration...and a distraction, LOL~! Panting Meganes FTW!
~CandyassGoth, for keeping me entertained with your insightful reviews, I loved each and every one of them. You always managed to grasp what I was trying to say and it made me feel I was doing something right after all...not to mention I pissed myself laughing with your comments! Keep 'em coming, girl~!
~Manga-animelove, for marathoning this fic and its prequel, "Contemplations..." in one day! I applaud you for your endurance and for your lovely comments~! It was most enjoyable to read, especially the "WHAT THE FUCK!" remarks~! Ahahahaha...
~And finally, Candyworld, who without you constantly kicking my sorry ass, I would still be dragging my feet, feeling shitty for myself and not writing! Thank you for constantly reminding to update and for nagging me when I don't. I hope you are satisfied now I have finally finished it—I certainly am! Hooray~! Let's hope I am better with updating my other work now this one is done. ^_~;
Initially, as a "Thank You" to those who reviewed every chapter (mentioned above), I was planning to write two omakes as a personal gift to them.
One is called, "Hero Meets Tengu" and it is about Yami visiting KaibaCorp, Tokyo with Kaiba. It is a light-hearted epilogue to the series.
And the other is called, "If Only..." and it is an Opportunistshipping fic—meaning it is a Sakaki x Yami pairing. It's an alternative to the events in chapter 9, detailing another possible outcome had the phone not interrupted that moment of intimacy. I highly doubt it would be popular, but as Mel did one called, "Irony", it only seemed fair that I get a shot at writing one too, LOL~!
Also, my thanks to the wonderful support from: AyaSeth, ilovemanicures, Aku-Ichigo, Twilight19, yugiyamisex4eva, Smazzi, christmascarolling, Justanotherreader, XLightningX and AnzuFan (wherever you have disappeared too~) and many others who have reviewed in the past, because of your support, I have decided to publish one of the omakes to show my appreciation. I will leave it up to all you readers out there to chose which one it will be: "Hero Meets Tengu" or "If Only..."?
Leave your answers accordingly and the omake with the most votes by 20th May will *hopefully* be posted on 27th May 2012, the fic's anniversary. If the winner is the Pride oneshot it will be posted here making this fic complete. If it is the Opportunist one, then it will be posted elsewhere, you'll have to check my profile to access it.
Anyways, enough with the long-ass-windedness, I shall endeavour to shut up for now~! Needless to say, I hope you will indulge me with your thoughts on this one last time. I'll look forward to them with eager anticipation so please be generous~.
Thanks for reading and don't forget to drop me a word or two, I don't bite, honest~. *Hugs all*
O-o-O-o-O
Replies to anonymous reviews:
~To Anonymous!Smazzi: Thank you for you kind words, I am super-happy that Kaiba meets your approval. Heavens know how hard it was to write the cursed man. He's so stubborn!
~To Nissy's Angel: I hope the events have been made clearer now. The sleeping man was Yami~. The "accident" was a red herring, a ruse to make the readers think Yami had an accident when in fact he hadn't. It was just my way of asking for readers to kill me because I am a closet masochist! And the strawberry scent was from the "Glow-in-the-dark-fruit-flavoured condoms"; I thought it completed the circle of events with its use.