Chapter Two ~ The First Night.
When Yuugi, Atemu and Solomon got home, they went to the living room. Yuugi kept an eye on the kittens, while Solomon searched for writing materials. They had to do a lot of work. They made themselves comfortable knowing this would be their only real break in the foreseeable future.
Solomon got right down to business. "Right. The vet gave us a file for each kitten; it explains their weight, age and the vet's findings. Each kitten has a color 'armband' since they all look the same. The nurse gave me a list of duties that need to be done first. "A safe-proofed nest." That's the most important. Any ideas boys?"
Yuugi's nodded. "Somewhere quiet, for when their ears start working." The other two made murmurs of agreement. He continued. "How about the guest room. We can set up the futon for night feedings. It's a big room and they'll fit in perfectly."
"That's a good idea, Yuugi" said Atemu. He flashed Yuugi a genuine smile that made Yuugi's heart melt. 'Now is not the time to have a crush on Atemu!' Yuugi scolded himself. Instead he smiled coyly in return, hoping Atemu wouldn't make anything of his behavior. However Atemu did noticed the pink blush spreading across his milky pale skin.
Atemu carried on in his calm, baritone voice, sending tiny shivers down Yuugi's spine as he spoke. "I will take care of setting up the futon. When is the next feeding time?" he inquired to the two generally.
Yuugi looked at the clock, the blood leaving his face slightly due to the distraction. "Ah, at half 7, that's two and half hours between feedings. Should I make a timetable?" he added, thinking how hard it would be to calculate if they were tired.
"That sounds like a good idea Yuugi." Solomon spoke again. "The nurse gave me two bottles for each kitten, so we can prepare two feeds at a time. Now, there is the matter of sleeping properly and looking after the shop and this house, as well as general things like cooking. The kittens will need lots of care and that means we'll all have to pull our weight in this, no 'buts' or 'if's'."
Atemu stood up and looked at the clock again. He looked at Solomon, "It looks like I have loads of time until the next feeding. I'll take care of the guestroom and prepare the feeds." He looked at Yuugi and the kittens. They were starting to stir, emitting little cries. Yuugi immediately stood up and started rummaging through the bulging bags Solomon had purchased. He located some cloths with rough texture.
Atemu understood and left the room. A minute later he returned to find Yuugi stroking them lightly along their backs. Solomon was writing a list of things to help Yuugi. Atemu sat the pot of warm water he had retrieved, on the coffee table beside Yuugi, who began bathing the kittens, mimicking their mother's tongue. It was important that they stayed very clean.
Atemu headed upstairs, feet padding on the soft carpet. The stairs behind the shop lead to a surprisingly large living space. Solomon had converted the attic into a large bedroom for Atemu when he had come to live with them. Yuugi preferred the smaller bedroom with the skylight, while Atemu loved the silence from his room. Turning right, he made his way into the well kept guestroom. It didn't have a bed, just a big futon, folded up in the corner. This allowed a little extra storage space for the Mutou family, which he now had to clean out.
He turned on some music and began swaying his hips and singing along to his favorite songs. He set up the futon and cleared away a full corner of the room. He picked every thing off the floor and covered the sockets. He looked at the clock and saw that 30 minutes had passed. He went to the linen closet and took out a fluffy quilt and fresh sheets and pillows. He took them back to the guest room and began putting on new sheets. His mind drifted to Yuugi again. Gods, his little one was beautiful. If only he had to courage to tell Yuugi, no, he was nothing but a coward. And they say he was fearless, but he could not even admit his feeling for his light. Somewhere someone had made a mistake.
But now they had a mission to complete. Could they really do it? He couldn't say himself or Yuugi was the maternal type, but he couldn't deny Yuugi's sweet innocent nature, and knew his light would never sit back and do nothing while another innocent needed his help. At least Yuugi was honest, shy, yes, but still honest. He detested lies with a vengeance and Atemu himself was ashamed at his own fear, but he couldn't live with his lights rejection. That would surely kill him. Maybe if he waited, things would work themselves out. Perhaps he could somehow show Yuugi how he felt instead of telling him. But regarding Yuugi, he had to be patient and gentle. Pushing him would ruin things. Absently, he wondered how Solomon would feel about him being in a relationship with his grandson under his roof. He continued making the room 'kitten-safe' and decided he didn't want to think about it anymore, before going back downstairs when he was finished.
In the sitting room, Yuugi was sitting with a worried look on his face. Solomon was gone, back to the shop presumably. He was holding a kitten gently, still rubbing the rough textured cloth over his paws. He looked up as Atemu entered the room. He noticed the confused look on Atemu's face. He looked back down at the kitten in his hands.
"Yuugi, what's the matter?" Atemu inquired, when Yuugi said nothing. Yuugi continued cleaning the kitten as he replied.
"They're getting cold Atemu. The hot water bottle that was wrapped in the towel, isn't enough; they need the heater in their nest now. They'll get really sick if we feed them when they're cold. We need to heat them up before that."
Atemu frowned. This wasn't good. He spotted the smallest kitten of all in the corner of the box by herself. She was the sweetest little thing. Her tiny head was moving, searching for her siblings and mother; her tiny cries sounded so feeble. Atemu picked her up gently, giving her some attention. She tried to suckle his fingertip making Atemu smile. Her eyes were sealed but she still searched with her paws and nose. Atemu simply loved her. Her little blue armband contrasted strongly with her soft creamy fur, but her fur blended nicely with Atemu's tanned fingers. She suckled him again. He gave a small laugh and looked at Yuugi who had been watching the entire time.
Yuugi was smiling quietly and Atemu found it difficult to read his expression or predict what he was thinking. It was a thoughtful expression, as if something had just been cleared up for Yuugi. He put he kitten carefully back in the box. She gave a soft squeal of disappointment, but Atemu had other things to do. He gave Yuugi a beautiful tender smile and took the bags upstairs, without turning to look back, leaving a thoroughly red-faced Yuugi on the sofa.
Atemu began unpacking the bags at once, separating what they needed for upstairs and downstairs, as well as right now. He had also brought up the pet carrier and a large sized dog bed. They could use that in later weeks, or if kittens needed to be separated. He gingerly set to work preparing the soft cushy blanket inside the carrier. It almost exactly resembled the soft blankets that newborn babies get for the cots. He folded it neatly in four and put the other blanket inside first. He laid the heating pad in at the back and covered it with the first blanket. That way, the kittens wouldn't get too hot and if they somehow did, they could move to the other end of the carrier where it was cooler.
When he was done, he sat back and admired his work. Yep, Yuugi would be happy, and that was what mattered to him. God knows what Atemu would do to please his light!
"Yuugi" he yelled down the stairs. "The box is ready…" Atemu waited and then saw Yuugi coming up with the shoebox. He managed it carefully and made it safely to Atemu. Yuugi came inside the room and saw the complete corner Atemu had cleared away, as well as the spotless room itself. The only thing was some big brown boxes of items that Atemu had most likely cleared out. Yuugi inclined his head at the boxes and looked at Atemu.
"Is that stuff going somewhere, or is it staying there?" He set the kittens down carefully and sat down beside Atemu, who was shaking his head.
"No, I'll take that stuff upstairs. It could topple over if something hit them. I don't think it's a good idea, especially when these little ones start walking." He looked down at them fondly. He was already in love with them.
Yuugi agreed. "Do you need help lifting the boxes? They look heavy…besides I love your room." He looked downwards shyly, as a quiet pink blush spread rapidly over his face and Atemu stopped transporting the kittens momentarily to look at him with obvious surprise. He placed the kitten inside the carrier, near the heating pad and looked at his aibou again.
"I can manage those boxes myself, aibou. I would never burden you with such things; never use something such as that as a reason to see my room. You are always welcome anytime you want, you know that." Yuugi looked at him shyly and he returned the gaze, drowning in those amethyst eyes. So beautiful. If Yuugi only knew how he felt, if only.
Yuugi looked away and was unsure how to react. He knew he could see Atemu's room; he just respected his privacy like Atemu respected his. He had a sneaking suspicion that Atemu wanted him in his room, or was that just his wishful thinking? Atemu was most likely just trying to make him feel more comfortable, that was all. Completely innocent, nothing of the ordinary.
Now thoroughly embarrased by his own sneaky thoughts, Yuugi continued looking around the room at anything except Atemu. He didn't trust himself. He saw a camera lying on one of the lower shelves and a great idea popped into his head. They could make a photo album of the kittens so that these precious moments would always be preserved. Yuugi smiled brilliantly and jumped to his feet, retrieving it. Atemu watched him curiously; interested in whatever it was that had Yuugi all excited. Yuugi proceeded to taking a lovely photo of Atemu beside the carrier looking up at him. He showed Atemu, who blushed. Yuugi smiled and began snapping away with the camera, taking beautiful pictures of the tiny kittens.
Atemu decided to duck out quietly, taking one of the boxes with him. It was heavy. He didn't even want to know what was in it. He lifted it carefully and proceeded slowly up to his room where the put them behind the door. He continued until all the boxes where moved.
He looked at his watch saw what time it was and almost had a heart attack. It was almost half seven. Where had the time gone? He still had time if he moved quickly. He raced downstairs to the kitchen, where he found Solomon chuckling.
"Ah, young people. Always rushing. Relax my boy." Atemu watched him pouring kitten milk into four of the small bottles. He visibly let out a breath of relief.
"I thought I was too late, Solomon. I finished the guestroom and moved the boxes. I'm so sorry, I didn't think it take me so long." He bowed in apology to Yuugi's grandpa, who waved his hand.
"That's nonsense Atemu. I'm sure you've done a fine job. I told you this was teamwork. You don't have to think of everything. I'm sure there are other things on your mind like the rest of us. Now pass me that tea towel will you please?" Atemu moved quickly, helping his to clean the bottles. The silence lingered for a few minutes, both men contemplating different things as they worked. Then out of the blue Solomon spoke.
"How long have you been in love with my grandson?" Atemu grappled with the bottle in his hand for a few seconds after he nearly dropped it from the shock. He blushed crimson as Solomon laughed again. "It's alright lad, I don't have a problem with it."
Atemu looked up with even more shock etched on his face. "You don't?" he asked, completely forgetting his manners.
"No, I think you two are a fine match. You're both just a little blind, that's all." Enough said, he put all the bottles in a pot of water at room temperature and made his way to the living room. Atemu leaned back on to the counter trying to process everything the older man had said. There was no way it was possible.
When the bottles were ready, Atemu brought them upstairs to Yuugi who had been expecting him. Everything Solomon had said was still running through Atemu's head as he settled on the carpet beside his light.
"Hey Atemu, what's up?" he asked taking the kitten with the yellow armband.
"Not much. I spoke with Solomon and helped him finish these." He passed a bottle to Yuugi, who offered it to his squirming kitten. Yuugi giggled when he started guzzling at the bottle with no patience.
"Hey slow down there little guy!" Atemu laughed as Yuugi tried to hold the struggling kitten and he took his favorite little one with the blue armband. She eagerly began with the tiny squeals letting him know she was hungry. He smiled and placed her belly down on his lap and offered her a bottle. She took a few seconds before she began suckling normally her tiny ears began twitching with enjoyment. She moved her little paws, stretching them along Atemu's finger and the bottle. With his free hand he stroked her fondly.
Yuugi was watching them quietly, smiling softly. He had never known that Atemu liked cats. But still, it was sweet to see this side of Atemu which he didn't normally reveal. They were so cute together. Somehow it felt weird saying that Atemu was cute. No one ever called him cute. Sexy, yea, but cute…normally not. Yuugi did admit it was nice watching them. He wondered if Atemu was a gentle lover too. In mid thought, he scolded himself again catching a quizzical look from his dark in the process. He blushed scarlet and averted his eyes. Atemu smirked. Maybe Solomon was right. What if there was something between them?
When both kittens finished, Atemu and Yugi took care of their other needs before quickly taking the last two kittens and repeating the process. Atemu was the fittest person in the house, so he decided to take the next few feedings and let Yuugi and his grandpa sleep. Then they could take over the next morning sometime early. Yuugi set the next alarm and watched as the well fed kittens curled up to sleep, their stomachs bulging. Atemu got a book from his room and settled quietly onto the futon until the next feeding. Yuugi lingered at the door on his way out, as if he wanted to say something, but then thought better of it.
"Good night Atemu. I'll get some rest now and take over for you later on, okay." Atemu nodded and watched Yuugi cross the hallway to his own room.
Yuugi took a deep breath. He felt like an idiot. All he wanted was to tell Atemu how sweet he was with the kitten, but he couldn't word it without sounding like a love-struck teenage girl. God, he was pathetic. He settled on his bed heavily. After dismissing his troublesome thoughts, he slipped his jeans over his hips and proceeded to his shirt and socks. He threw them all in the laundry basket. He turned off the lights, thinking he might as well get some rest. He'd be taking over from Atemu at five am, which was about four feedings from now. Yuugi sighed snuggling into the pillow.
He thought about all the things Atemu had said to him during the day and at the vets. No matter what happened, Atemu constantly amazed him everyday. Wasn't that what people looked for in their partners? Someone amazing that was always there for you? That definitely sounded like Atemu; he knew his dark would do anything for him. But the question was: would Atemu's love for him be that of a brother or something more?
Yuugi closed his eyes allowing the subtle furnishings of his room comfort him. He conjured up an image of his darkness in his mind, quietly admiring his silent strength and wisdom. His body was lean and muscular despite his height. His hair was wild, yet stunning. And his eyes. Those exotic crimson eyes that hypnotized him. Yuugi groaned. He could feel himself getting hard at the thought of those eyes raking over his own naked body, ravishing him.
Yuugi couldn't help it; nothing turned him on as much as Atemu. He continued in his thoughts imagining that Atemu was there with him at that moment. He softly ran a finger over his lips, brushing over his skin and traveling downwards across his neck. He imagined it was his dark's slender fingers teasing him as he moved down to more interesting paths. Yuugi continued until his fingertip brushed one of his nipples. He gasped. He moved his other hand flat across his abdomen, noting how smooth it was to his touch. He could almost feel those deep crimson orbs flashing with lust at his aroused state because Yuugi was responding to his touch.
Yuugi toyed with the elastic of his boxers while his other hand was still playing with his nipple, before slipping it down over his hips. He gave another soft sound of pleasure as his erection was set free.
"Yes, Atemu…" he groaned as he spread his legs slightly. His finger ghosted over his erection, it felt so good. His darkness was so good. He gripped his erection tightly and began a slow rhythm, still teasing himself slightly. His head fell back against the pillow as his hips moved against his hand at a gentle pace. He could imagine Atemu touching him, pleasuring him with his skilled hands.
He sped up his movements, not satisfied with the slow pace he had previously set for himself. His hand moved faster along his length, increasing his pleasure to new levels. He moaned softly, allowing the pleasure to cloud his mind. He imagined his darkness's naked body on top of his, grinding their hips together, sucking his neck while pleasuring his light. Yuugi moved quickly against his hand.
Soon he was lost in his fantasy, playing out all the details and movements in his mind. His body hummed in bliss induced by his own pleasure clouded mind. As the feelings became more intense and his motions became more frantic and wild, Yuugi slipped deeper into his fantasy while wishing it was all really happening. Him, his darkness, the two of them naked, intertwined in an intimate embraced where nothing but the two of them existed. He imagined Atemu's sounds of pleasure as they moved together, both too far gone to stop or think. As he reached his peak, he turned his face into his pillow and moaned Atemu's name, picturing Atemu's pleasure filled gaze on his glowing body as he found his own release.
Yuugi lay panting for a few minutes as he caught his breath and slowly began to return to reality. If only Atemu knew the effect he had on him. He wondered briefly what Atemu's reaction would be if he had known what had just happened. It was the last thing that played through his mind before he drifted off to sleep.
Hey guys, thanks for the kind words as usual and I'm so grateful to you all for making my days great and making me smile. My favourite part of this chapter was the part when Atemu was feeding his little kitten for the first time. I thought it was incredibly sweet and so I couldn't resist writing it that way. See you all next time, thanks so much again!
Heidlebergchick