Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with Yu-Gi-Oh. I love them, and they're sexy, but I don't. But this plot is ALL mine!

AN: Second chapter! I hope it lives up to everyone's expectations!

Title: An Artisans Craft
Chapter: 2

Ch 2. An Artists Muse

Yuugi Motou sat at a small wooden table, scratching away at a metal tablet. Sticking his tongue out in concentration, he didn't notice when the little bell above the front door rang, announcing a customer. Gripping the chisel tightly in his right hand, he carefully carved out the shape of a pyramid, flickering his eyes back and forth between the mold and the drawing. Putting down the tool and stretching his arms above his head, he wiped the beads of sweat gathering on his forehead before picking up the metal mold and peering at it with squinted eyes.

"Ahem."

Jumping in fright, Yuugi scrambled to maintain his balance on the tall stool he was sitting on. Feeling himself fall backwards, he quickly clutched the plate to his chest, praying that it wouldn't break. With a little thump, he felt himself stop falling and carefully opened one eye – then the other. He could feel whatever had stopped his fall chuckle and strong, tanned arms wrapped around his waist. Feeling a blush creep up on his cheeks, he slowly turned his head, praying that it wasn't who he thought it was.

Crimson eyes were sparkling with mirth and a hot breath chilled his left ear. 'Eeeping' in embarrassment, Yuugi quickly scrambled to right his chair and place his precious mold onto the tabletop. Releasing his captive, Yami laughed and stepped backwards, giving the little one some breathing room.

"Yami! What are you doing here? You startled me!"

Quirking his eyebrow, Yami smirked and crossed his arms. "I came into the store. No one answered. I knocked on the counter. No one answered. I saw a light in the back room. You were here... But you didn't notice me. What are you concentrating on so hard anyways?"

Feeling a blush tint his cheeks, Yuugi grinned sheepishly, and fidgeted with his fingers. "I was concentrating on your order, Yami. I tend to block out everything when I'm working."

His eyes lighting up in pleasure, Yami quickly stepped up to the table and leaned over to look at what Yuugi was working on. Seeing only a metal plate, he frowned in confusion and cocked his head to the side. "What is that?"

Giggling at the confusion etched on Yami's face, Yuugi gently lifted his mold and started explaining it to his customer. "This is the mold. I carve out the shape and the markings of the pendant in metal first, then I fill it with plaster. I like to have a model, and since you wrote here-" and he pointed to Yami's drawing, "that you wanted it made into a puzzle, I need to see the dimensions and the shape before I make each piece."

Nodding his head and watching Yuugi's animated face, Yami couldn't help but stare. The way the little ones eyes lit up in excitement, and how those full cherry lips wrapped around each word... He couldn't tear his gaze away.

"What do you think Yami...?" Yuugi trailed off. He hadn't noticed that Yami had stopped listening. He was just staring... At him.

Blinking and turning his face away, Yami could feel a faint blush raising in his cheeks. 'Gah. I was staring! Dammit Atemu, get a HOLD of yourself!'

Mentally berating himself, he straightened up and stepped back from temptation. "Uhh... So, how long have you been working?"

Slightly frowning at the change of subject (but mentally blushing like mad), Yuugi glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. "Crap! I've been at it for 5 hours!" Groaning, he dropped his head with a clunk on to the table. "I hate it when I do that."

Yami smiled gently and shook his head in amusement. "Ah, the artists' muse. I get that too. Would you like to go grab something to eat with me then?"

Turning his head in shock, Yuugi could only nod slowly.

Grinning, Yami grabbed his hand and started to pull him out of the room. "Excellent! Let's go!"

Yuugi tumbled off the stool, and quickly clicked off the lamp that sat on his desk. Passing the front counter, he quickly grabbed his keys and wallet before he was hauled out of the store.

Relishing the contact of the older mans hand, Yuugi blinked harshly at the sudden glare of light, and raised his free hand to block some of it out. "Ugh. I feel like a vampire. I haven't seen the sun in hours."

Chuckling lightly, Yami quickly tugged the other through the crowds towards his favorite diner. Holding the door open for his companion, they quickly entered the dimly lit restaurant and scanned the room for a good table.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in. How ya doin' Yami?"

Turning towards the drawling voice, Yami just smirked and raised his eyebrow in a condescending manner. "At least I don't work in a diner you thief," he shot back.

Yuugi looked up at the other man, and quickly sucked in a breath. 'What is going on here?'

Tbc...
AN: Hehe, cliffhanger! Anywho, I'm sure everyone knows who's getting introduced next! Review please!