Chapter 8 ~ Stranded.
Yuugi's consciousness stirred. His amethyst eyes flickered open. The familiar shaped furniture and natural colours reminded him where he was, and he snuggled happily back onto the fluffy pillows. Mmm, Atemu's bed was so warm, soft and comfortable. He wondered if he had gotten the best night's sleep of his life because of the bed, or that fact that he had slept in Atemu's arms. It didn't really matter in the end.
He pulled the quilt up around him, careful not to disturb his still sleeping lover. Atemu was lying behind his smaller lover on his side, with one arm lightly draped over his waist. Even though Yuugi couldn't see his face, he knew his dark was sleeping peacefully. His chest rose and fell softly with each passing breath. Yuugi loved the feeling of their bodies against each other. Atemu's was strong and warm; Yuugi couldn't help but bask in his dark's protective embrace.
As he relaxed further, memories of last night's discretions came flooding back. His eyes closed slowly, remembering Atemu's hands touching him in all the right places, coaxing him to his climax. Last night had been so much better than all of his fantasies put together. The feelings were so intense and pleasurable. He knew Atemu had tried his very best to make it memorable for him, that's why Yuugi had a nagging feeling in the back of his mind. He had selfishly lain back and enjoyed himself and forgotten to help Atemu find his release. What kind of boyfriend was he?
He didn't get to dwell on it though. Before he could do anything to stop it, he sneezed. He tried his best to muffle the sound under the quilt, but it didn't stop his body from jerking. He heard the hitch in his lovers breathing and froze, praying to all the gods that he hadn't woken him. Unfortunately luck was not on his side as he felt some movement behind him.
"Aibou?" His lover's voice was thick with fatigue. Yuugi felt like kicking himself.
"Morning Atemu." Yuugi turned over and snuggled into Atemu arms, breathing in his scent as he did so. Tanned arms wrapped around him and Yuugi settled contentedly. He buried his face in the crook of his lover's neck and laid a dainty hand over Atemu's chest, when he rolled onto his back. Atemu gave a little sleepy chuckle as Yuugi's hair tickled his chin, drawing a giggle from Yuugi too. He gently stroked the silky strands in another direction and brought his hand back down to Yuugi's shoulder.
Atemu enjoyed the feeling of Yuugi's weight on his chest; it felt so natural and right. He had waited so long to wake up with his light in his arms and now he finally had his wish. Last night had been perfect. He had had his love spread out before him, begging for his touch. He loved knowing that he had satisfied his light, pleasuring him until he came. It had been the perfect ending to a great day. He hoped Yuugi had enjoyed himself as much as he had.
Looking at the clock, Atemu knew Solomon would have breakfast on the table by now. At the same time he didn't feel particularly motivated to get up, since his light was snuggled up so wonderfully in his arms. He kissed Yuugi's forehead and Yuugi smiled.
"Did you sleep well, hikari?" asked Atemu. Yuugi's smile widened.
"Yes, this bed is perfect. It's so soft and comfy." He emphasized his point with more happy snuggles, which made his dark chuckle.
"I'm glad you like it so much. I rather enjoy it myself, but I hope I'm not going to have to fight it for your affections." Yuugi giggled again.
"No." Yuugi brought his finger to his lips thoughtfully, but with a cheeky grin. "I like you more. You're a good pillow."
With that Yuugi gave a shriek of delight, as Atemu began tickling him for his remark. After begging for a whole minute, Atemu let him go. Yuugi gasped for breath and smiled as Atemu leaned over him.
"Am I still only a good pillow, hikari?" Now it was his turn to be cheeky. Yuugi leaned up and kissed him.
"Yes." Atemu was just about to begin his punishment once again, when Yuugi spoke in his defence. "It's a compliment, I guess pillow isn't the right word, but you know what I mean." Atemu nodded and leaned down for another kiss. A part of him lived to tease his light. After a few more light kisses, Atemu made himself comfortable. Yuugi snuggled back up to him. Atemu gave a sigh of contentment deep from his chest.
"Atemu?" He looked at his light, noting his thoughtful expression.
"Yes, my light?" asked Atemu, giving his little one, his full attention.
"Have you ever wondered who actually left the kittens on our doorstep, or where they came from or why?" His voice remained calm and soft, as usual. His dark frowned, hoping his light wouldn't become upset worrying about things he couldn't change or do anything about. Yuugi looked up into his dark's eyes, with a little frown on his face.
"I have wondered, but never in great detail, aibou. Raising them was my main concern, along with you." He stroked Yuugi's hair soothingly, knowing it would help calm his little one a bit. Yuugi continued.
"Me too. It all happened so fast didn't it? I just, it's been on my mind for a while now, maybe a week. I just wish I knew who it was." Yuugi finished and Atemu thought about his words.
It was an interesting question though. What if they knew that person personally? Although they didn't know anyone with a Siamese cat, it was still possible. But why bother even looking for this person? They had made it clear they didn't want these kittens any more; what purpose would it serve but to quell Yuugi's curiosity?
"I don't know aibou. Why, do you wish to confront this person, or is it simply curiosity?" Yuugi looked at his dark. No he didn't want to confront this person, but then what did he want? He sighed and continued slowly.
"I guess it was just curiosity. I'm not angry with whoever left them, but I, it doesn't matter. Forget about it. It's not that important." He put a smile on his face and pushed back the covers. He moved away from Atemu, who grabbed his wrist. Yuugi looked around in confusion and saw the concerned face of his protector.
"Yuugi wait. Of course what you think is important. If you want to find the person and their half of the litter, I won't stop you. If your mind is telling you something then you should always listen. If you want, we can mention it to our friends and go from there. Is that acceptable, aibou?"
Yuugi gazed into Atemu's eyes, seeing nothing but truth, love and sincerity in them. He nodded and allowed himself to be pulled into a gentle hug.
"You're right Atemu. I think it's a good idea for some reason, I can't quite explain it though. The question is though, how do we find them?" Atemu pondered the question. How indeed? It wasn't like they could just knock on every door; that would take forever.
"I have no idea. Our friends may have some ideas about how we can go about finding them. Speaking of friends, they should be at the breakfast table now… are you interested?"
Yuugi giggled when Atemu winked. He withdrew himself from Atemu's hug and stood up. His pyjama bottoms clung nicely to his hips as he stretched. He turned to see Atemu watching him intently.
"Well aren't you going to get up?" He asked and Atemu nodded.
Yuugi laughed when he lazily threw back the covers and hauled himself up. Atemu flashed him a trademark smirk and pounced on his smaller lover before he even suspected something was wrong. Squeals of delight emitted from the room as Yuugi became a victim of his adoring boyfriend's lips.
The first thing Yuugi noticed upon entering the small kitchen was a deep grumbling sound, along with the usual choruses of 'good morning, Yuugi'. As he made his took a seat at the table, the grumbling sound got louder until he realized it was coming from Bakura. He cocked his head quizzically at the albino, noting his form hunched over the table, his face hidden behind his ruffled silvery hair. His gaze continued down the table to the other, smaller albino, who sipped his steaming tea with amusement twinkling in his brown eyes. Mildly intrigued by this behaviour, he switched his attention to his grandfather, who was busy at the oven. He immediately jumped up from his place at the table, while mentally slapping himself for being so stupid.
As he was setting the table, Atemu choose that moment to make his appearance, drawing an unprovoked growl from Bakura. Atemu merely raised his eyebrow at him and took a seat. Solomon, with Yuugi's help, began loading plates with hot, delicious sausages, bacon and eggs. Yuugi passed them down the table until everyone had a plate. Atemu flashed his hikari a quick smile of thanks before he began to eat. Bakura on the other hand, tore into his food like he hadn't eaten in weeks, earning another look of amusement from his light.
His behaviour was starting to get to Yuugi, who placed a bowl of freshly cut bread on the table. Atemu ignored him in favour of placing a light kiss on Yuugi's cheek. Solomon chuckled behind them. He set the final dish on the table before settling down himself.
"You kids and your mood swings. Forget about what's bothering you and enjoy your breakfast, Bakura." He ignored the glare that Bakura couldn't seem to withhold. The faint sound of him muttering scored another smile from Ryou. Atemu caught his eye and smiled.
"What was that, Bakura?" he asked, in a seemingly innocent tone. Bakura's head snapped up and he sent another glare Atemu's way.
"I said, you try sleeping on that crock of -" His not so innocent remark was cut short by a light kiss, compliments of Ryou. Everyone at the table hid their amusement. Ryou gave a small cough.
"What my, dear, Bakura means is that, he found the futon uncomfortable and now his back is sore." Ryou tried his best to comfort his lover, by rubbing a soft hand on his back. Atemu felt guilty for goading him.
"Sorry Bakura. I gave you my bed last time, and I would have done so again last night, but I had an unexpected guest." He faltered under the surprised looks from the other three. A bright crimson blush developed on his and Yuugi's faces.
"So I take it, that means things went well?" Solomon chuckled. Yuugi nodded. Before he could respond, Bakura got there first.
"I think it means, your midget took me up on my advice, Pharaoh." Bakura finished with a snigger. While he was puzzled about what Bakura meant, he still sent a warning glance in Bakura's direction. A hurt look formed on Yuugi's cherubic face, causing another angry sound to emit from Atemu's mouth.
"You're wrong, Bakura. I would never do something like that." Came Yuugi's soft voice. "Last night was perfect. Things went very well on the ice. I had a great time. I didn't feel the need to degrade myself just to say thank you either. You should know by now, that I'm not like that." At that moment, Yuugi became aware of Atemu's loving gaze.
He turned his head cutely and Atemu couldn't help himself. He captured Yuugi's lips in a firm, yet innocent kiss, ignoring the wolf whistles and cat calls from the others. When he finally did release his light, a very prominent blush spread rapidly over his face. Atemu leaned back in his chair somewhat smug fashion, or at least, he was very pleased with himself. Yuugi on the other hand, went back to his breakfast like it was the most interesting thing he had ever seen. Ryou chuckled and changed the subject.
"I'm glad you two had fun; that was the whole point. Nothing much happened here, the kittens were no trouble at all. I can't wait to take Mocha home!" A sigh of happiness escaped Ryou's lips and Bakura's sour expression softened. He spoke up.
"I think you guys should change the schedule for the kittens. They are three weeks old now; they don't need quite so much care as before. Or at least, there's no need for constant supervision." Solomon nodded.
"That's true. I would have said something sometime today, but you've all noticed how little you have to do for them now. As Bakura said, they don't need constant supervision, and they can take care of their own needs now as well. All we have to do for them now is give them more to eat at once and give them a bigger nest now that they are moving. That's your job Yuugi." Yuugi simply nodded at his grandfather, before asking a question of his own.
"Will there still be night feeding's?" Solomon nodded.
"Yes. There's just one thing though. Make sure none of you are very loud for the next week. The kitten's ears will be sensitive right now." Another round of nods and murmurs of 'yes' met his words and he went back to enjoying his breakfast. The others followed suit and a pleasant calm fell upon the small kitchen.
It didn't last long though as the shrill sound of Ryou's cell phone's ringtone disrupted it. Ryou's nimble fingers dove into the many pockets of his coat before silencing the disturbing device. Solomon certainly looked pleased when it stopped. Bakura became victim of a rushed glare from Ryou, upon learning that his ringtone had once again been changed from his usual Bryan Adams tune to something else entirely; Trivium. Ryou hurriedly put the small piece of equipment up to his ear and smiled as the familiar voice of his friend was heard.
"Malik! How are you? I thought you two would be arriving Sunday; what happened?" Ryou now had the attention of the entire table. Yuugi frowned. How the hell could he not have noticed that? Two of his best friends who had left Egypt Saturday, still hadn't arrived by Tuesday morning; first he was a bad boyfriend and now a bad friend? He didn't have time to dwell on it though as Ryou responded to Malik.
"Stranded? Oh my." Ryou's horrified expression triggered concerned gazes from everyone seated, as they now strained to understand what had actually happened. Atemu gave Yuugi's hand a squeeze of reassurance when he noticed the rising unease emanating from him.
"I'm sure it is a long story; you sound exhausted. Sit tight; I'll tell the guys and we'll figure something out, alright?" From Ryou's tone, it was obvious Malik had protested against any kind of charity, but the other exhausted side of him, simply wished to collapse onto a soft bed. Ryou gave a curt nod as it seemed Malik had agreed to his course of action. The others waited on baited breath for Ryou to speak to them.
"Okay then, I'll talk to you later. Bye." He lowered the phone onto the table and shook his head in disgusted disbelief. "Damn airlines!" At this he suddenly became aware of four pairs of eyes questioning him silently.
"Ryou what happened?" asked Bakura, voicing what everyone else was thinking. Ryou gave a half nod and ran his fingers warily through his silky hair and he sighed as if he had no idea where to start.
"Well, I'm not a hundred percent sure, but I'll tell you what Malik told me." His eyes roamed, checking that this deal was acceptable to the occupants of the table. There were numerous nods and Atemu spoke.
"That's more than fine, Ryou. Now what happened to our friends? Are they in some kind of trouble?" His voice was calm and soft, and managed calm everyone down again. Ryou took that time to collect his thoughts before regaining the attention of the other four.
"Well, don't ask me how, Malik didn't get a chance to explain properly, but he gave me the general gist, but he and Marik are stranded in Tokyo." Even though they had all heard Ryou previously mention the word 'stranded', they now knew it related directly to Malik and Marik, and not to some other minor problem. Yuugi placed a hand at his mouth in shock. Atemu was torn between his own worry and calming Yuugi. Bakura's face was somewhere between anger, shock and concern. Solomon was the only one brave enough to speak.
"What are they doing in Tokyo? Their flight was supposed to go to Osaka, where they would board a train to Domino. Was there an emergency at the airport or something like that, are other passengers stranded too?" The other three noted the sense of his words and their eyes focused again on the paler hikari.
"That's just it. There was no emergency. This is all the airlines fault! Malik told me briefly that they had spent all of Saturday and Sunday night sleeping at the airport in Cairo. After suffering through all that, they were told their delayed flight had been completely cancelled and they would have to find another flight. They ended up taking a direct flight to Tokyo, just to get to Japan. I mean, they haven't got lots of money, you know how hard Isis has to work." Ryou lowered his head sadly, a look that very much reflected how Yuugi felt. They did know. The whole scene was depressing; no person should ever have to be stuck in a situation where they could do nothing about it. That being said they didn't know the full story. Yuugi tugged slightly on Atemu's sleeve.
"What do we do now?" His innocent question sparked something inside Bakura.
A sudden flurry of movement caused Atemu to break out of his thoughts and everyone else's curiosity to be captured. Bakura had grabbed his car keys and thrown on his jacket hurriedly, which had been hanging on the back of his chair. Ryou stood up immediately.
"Bakura, what on earth are you doing?" Atemu was now also on his feet, sensing the change in atmosphere. Bakura placed a swift kiss on Ryou's cheek before answering to his light.
"I'm not just going to sit here when my best friend needs my help. Marik would do the same for me; he and I, well, we're like partners… you know?" He hesitated as everyone shot him looks of surprise, admiration and agreement. Ryou smiled and gave him a little peck on the cheek.
"In that case, by all means, go to them. But since they haven't eaten properly in three days, bringing something for them to eat would probably be a good idea." His light's sensible words stopped Bakura in his tracks, causing everyone to laugh.
Bakura busied himself at Ryou's side and together they began cooking enough food to fill a few lunch boxes. When the last one had been filled Bakura caught Atemu's attention.
"Atemu, I want you to come as well." His face was momentarily hidden as he continued working. Atemu looked up in surprise.
"Why? I fail to see your reasoning." He tried his best to sound sincere and genuinely puzzled. Bakura continued.
"Well in case you hadn't noticed, Tokyo is a six and a half hour drive from here and then back. You're the only one who can drive besides me. I'm prepared to bet Marik and Malik will be too tired to do anything but sleep and maybe eat a little and it's dangerous to drive when you're exhausted. So yes, unfortunately for me, it has to be you to come with me."
Atemu made a slight 'ah!' sound and nodded to Bakura. When both of them were ready, they kissed their light's respectively and set off in Bakura's car.
Yuugi and Ryou sat back and admired their work. They had finished the job as Solomon had instructed and the four tiny kittens happily explored their new surroundings. The original hard pet transporter with the metal door had been gotten rid of, now that they were learning to walk, so they could have the chance to move more freely. Solomon understood the reasoning for keeping them contained at first, for safety reasons, but he felt the kittens would learn better if they learned to respect their surroundings by trial and error. That way if they did poke their noses somewhere unwelcome and it hurt, they would know that it wasn't a good idea, and not to repeat it. Their new bed was a plastic dog bed, big enough for two grown Dalmatians to lie in comfortably. This had been cushioned and protected with a large furry blanket, akin to their mother's fur. They had clipped the blanket to the bed with plastic pegs so it wouldn't fall away.
"So Yuugi, what's going on with Atemu? He was all smiles and kisses this morning. Something went well last night?" He nudged Yuugi teasingly with his elbow, but Yuugi smiled strangely. He looked happy, but sad at the same time.
"Yes, things went well last night, but only for me." He added a bitter smile, causing Ryou to frown, mostly from confusion.
"Things went well for you, and you're disappointed? I'm missing something, aren't I?" The paler hikari watched his friend nod and knew once again he would have to help Yuugi out. "Alright, start from the beginning and tell me what happened. Then I'll help you sort it out, okay?" Yuugi was half way through a nod, before he stopped himself with a scarlet blush.
"But Ryou, it's private. I want to tell you, but… um, I…" Yuugi lowered his red face in embarrassment. Ryou did a silent 'oh' in his mind, as he tried to figure out where the problem lay.
"So, whatever happened, happened after you spoke to me and Bakura?" He questioned, drawing another nod from Yuugi. "Then you went upstairs first or downstairs and then upstairs?" Yuugi lifted his gaze from the kittens back to his friend.
"I did what you said. I went down and made hot chocolate and brought it upstairs to Atemu. He liked it and we talked a little about the date and then…" Ryou watched Yuugi revert back into his 'shell' so to speak, and he figured it might have been a little too fast for the younger teen. It was quite obvious something explicit had followed and Yuugi was just too shy to talk about it.
"Yuugi, look. We're both adults here. If something happened, don't be afraid to tell me; I have loads of experience with Bakura, remember?" Yuugi went red and a flash of shame went through him. Why couldn't he just be an adult a say what he wanted to say? He took a deep breath and cleared his mind. Ryou waited patiently.
"So after the talk, we…well things got a little…" he blushed again, as Ryou gave a little grin. He wasn't teasing, he was just happy that Yuugi was getting on so well with Atemu.
"Things got...physical, Yuugi?" Ryou's excited grin, made Yuugi feel just how hot his face was. He knew it must be bright red. He gave a shaky nod and Ryou hugged him with delight.
"Okay, don't be shy. So what happened; did one of you get hurt or something? What went wrong?" Yuugi face was still red and he took another deep breath.
"We didn't get hurt. I asked him to…ah, you know." He gave a little cough and continued. "I asked him to touch me, and he did and…" A shy smile took over and Ryou grinned madly.
"And it was good?" He saw Yuugi's happy face and continued. "It was better than good?" Yuugi nodded. But then Ryou got confused. "So if it was good for you, why are you upset?" Yuugi's smile faded and he remembered only the white hot feeling of pleasure in his mind and then Atemu asking him to stay with him.
"Well, like I said, Ryou, it was good for me. Atemu, well I didn't…" Ryou nodded in understanding.
"So, I think I get it. He helped you to find release, and you were too shy to touch him?" Yuugi made a face, but shook his head.
"The first part was right. I didn't get a chance; he took care of himself at the same time. I feel bad because he gave me so much pleasure and I gave him none. He had to find it for himself." Ryou now had the full story and Yuugi's ashamed face was obvious. He knew what it was like during fits of passion; it was hard to think straight. Atemu must have seen how much Yuugi was enjoying himself and reached the point where his own desires needed to be released. He knew Bakura well and he knew Atemu's desire for Yuugi rivalled Bakura's desire for him strongly. So he seriously doubted Atemu's need to touch himself had anything to do with negligence on Yuugi's part. But how could he explain that to a virgin who had no idea what sexual breaking point felt like?
Ryou braced himself for a moment before asking Yuugi an important question. "Yuugi, I think I know what happened. I need to ask you something very personal, but you need to answer me, okay?" Yuugi gave him a sort of bewildered look, but nodded yes all the same.
"Okay, have you ever felt so turned on, that you felt like you could burst at any moment?" Yuugi's eyes widened in shock. Ryou waved it off and Yuugi reluctantly nodded. "Exactly, that's sort of what Atemu felt yesterday. You didn't ignore his needs, he just couldn't hold off his need to release any longer. He must have reacted to seeing you in so much pleasure and felt like he was going to burst. So last night was very good for him, you shouldn't worry at all. Do you understand?"
Yuugi was wearing a strange look on his face. It was half relief and surprised shock. Did he, had he affected Atemu that much? Wow, Yuugi never thought he was capable. So he hadn't done anything wrong, rather he had done something very good. He smiled to himself, unaware that Ryou was still watching him. When he finally did notice, he blushed and began to apologize.
"Sorry, I spaced out there for a sec, I'm just surprised." Ryou had begun giggling and he placed an arm around Yuugi's shoulder.
"Welcome to the world of pleasure, my friend. It only gets better from here on out." He started laughing again and Yuugi could only fathom his meaning. What could possibly feel better than what he had felt last night? Surely that was impossible, wasn't it?
Atemu strapped the seatbelt across his chest after making himself comfortable in the passenger seat. He was still a little surprised that Bakura had offered to take him, but at the same time, he could understand. Bakura closed his door, made himself comfortable and started the engine. They set off slowly leaving the game shop behind.
The first five minutes passed in relative silence. Atemu gazed out the windows as they left the familiar streets of Domino and got closer to the motorway. He opened the window for air, knowing how stuffy it could get if he didn't. His actions aroused Bakura's attention, who glanced at him quickly before turning his eyes back to the road ahead. He spoke casually in his normal gruff tones.
"You're so quiet; I almost forgot you were here." Atemu looked at him. "You know what we need? Some music; I hope you like Trivium." He added with a laugh. He reached into the small compartment and found some CD's. After selecting one, he put it into the CD player and the second it started, Atemu cringed.
"Bakura, what in Ra's name is that? Surely you don't expect me to listen to that all day?" His affronted tones, only served to amuse the white-haired male, who flashed an evil grin at him.
"Driver's privileges. Get used to it, princess."
Atemu snarled in fury. How dare that damned idiot speak to him like that! He snorted and turned away, as if it didn't even matter. He muttered something quickly about an iPod. He began searching his pockets as Bakura snatched glances when he could; watching with interest at the entertaining actions Atemu was displaying.
After a few minutes, Atemu concluded that he in fact didn't have his iPod with him and that he would be forced to listen to Bakura's music, much to his dismay. Bakura couldn't stop his laughter at Atemu misfortune, watching Atemu cross his arms across his chest in annoyance, tears of laughter in his eyes. Yep, Atemu was one of his favourite sources of entertainment; he was just so easy to goad. Meanwhile Atemu was seething in anger. That insufferable man! How did Ryou control him? It was beyond his comprehension.
Some time passed in which Atemu's control slipped more and more by the second. He had remained quiet and did his best to block out the angry guitars and screaming vocals. After some praying on his part, the noise that Bakura called music eventually died away. Atemu allowed a sigh of relief to escape him and Bakura just laughed. Atemu looked at him with horror as he opened the compartment again. Atemu knew those disks would only promise anger and a bad headache, so he decided to do something.
"Bakura, wait. Please, I've listened to one album and that was more than enough. Can we listen to something else please?" He spoke quickly and hoped Bakura would do as he requested. Bakura said nothing. His fingers however, flicked through the disks as he continued to watch the road.
"Too bad; the only other music I have is Caliban. Trivium is tame in comparison." He wiggled an eyebrow at Atemu, who let his head fall back against the seat in utter defeat. He sighed and bit his lip with his usual serious look on his face.
"In that case, I would prefer to hear nothing." He knew deep down his request would most likely fall on deaf ears, and was utterly shocked when Bakura decided to be nice.
"Don't think I'm being soft; if Ryou finds out, I'll be skewered." He closed his eyes in fear as he spoke before once again concentrating on the road. Speaking of the lights...
"Hmm, I meant to ask earlier; what did Yuugi mean at the table this morning? What did you mean?" Crimson eyes trained on Bakura, narrowed in suspicion. Bakura's brow furrowed in confusion.
"What do you mean? We said a lot of things." His eyes remained on the road ahead and he couldn't see Atemu's face.
"You said Yuugi took you up on your advice. What advice? And why was he defensive about it?" Atemu's tone remained suspicious and tight. It was obvious that Bakura's answer was important to him since it was about his light. Bakura gave a shrug in response.
"First of all, you have to relax. It's not a big deal and you know I'd never seriously mess with any of the lights." Atemu conceded that much to him; it was true.
"Alright," Atemu leaned back in his seat comfortably. "What did happen then?" Bakura kept his eyes on the road as he recalled the previous evening.
"Mm, I was with Ryou and the kittens when he came in. He was going on about how happy he was and how you surprised him with your skating skills or something, I don't know. Then the lights were talking about something stupid, his makeover or something like that and your midget said he was glad he got through it and that the night was over. Then Ryou said, it shouldn't be and that he should thank you by making you something warm to drink since you got all wet. I scoffed and said he should just go get laid, cut the crap you know."
Atemu had been listening attentively and pinched the bridge of his nose. He turned to Bakura with a blank expression on his face.
"You told Yuugi to what? With me? Just to say thank you! Are you out of your mind?" He covered his eyes with his hand and groaned. Bakura rolled his eyes and sighed.
"You see? I knew you'd react like this! I told you I meant nothing by it and I wasn't being serious. I just said it as a passing comment and Ryou gave shit to me because of it. On top of that Yuugi didn't do what I said and that proves he's every bit the innocent, goody-two-shoes you're familiar with no matter what I say or do. So relax! It's old news now."
Atemu had remained quite during Bakura's rant and had to admit, grudgingly that Bakura was right. Instead of replying, he simply gazed out the window and said nothing. Bakura snuck a glance and shrugged internally. Sometimes people could be so touchy, especially about the people they loved and that he could at least understand and respect even. He was the same with Ryou; if anyone got between them, he would be the first to defend him. And he agreed, that's the way it should be. He turned to Atemu and spoke in a quiet, sincere tone that was in no way different to the way he normally sounded, and told his long time friend what he was thinking.
"Look Atemu. I know it wasn't the best thing to do and I know how much he means to you. I wouldn't ever do anything to hurt what you two have because if it was the other way around and you said or did something to Ryou, I'd have a lot to say as well. So what I'm saying is, I'm sorry and I'll try to make sure nothing like it happens again." Their eyes met.
"So do you forgive me oh high and mighty Pharaoh?" He asked with a comedic smirk. Atemu's eyebrow rose and a smile crept onto his face as much as he tried to fight it. Then he donned a snooty expression as though he was deciding Bakura's fate. Then he spoke in a haughty voice that matched his expression and said.
"I'll have to think about it. But if you're serious, it'll mean picking up after me for at least a month." Bakura gave him a look before rummaging through the glove-compartment. Atemu thought he was going to punish him for his words by forcing him to listen to Trivium again and started apologising immediately. Bakura just laughed, his fingers selecting a CD.
"I knew I had some Metallica in here. Relax Pharaoh; it's the greatest music you'll ever hear."
He visibly calmed before they both started laughing.
Narita International Airport Tokyo was one of the busiest airports Atemu had ever been to. The vast lobbies and escalators were teeming with travellers from all over the globe. Some looked haggard from jetlag, others ecstatic about being in a new country and reuniting with friends and family. Others were eating, or reading. Some looked completely lost and wandered from place to place with suitcases of all sizes and colours. People played music, babies cried and others remained indifferent.
Occasionally an announcement concerning an incoming or boarding flight would be heard over the entire din, echoing throughout the lobbies, escalators, shops and restaurants. Atemu and Bakura made their way through the throngs, ignoring the many diverse languages and sounds. They made their way to the small clearing about fifteen meters away from a coffee shop. There, on the expensive leather chairs, were Marik and Malik. Malik lay back against Marik's strong chest with his head buried in the crook of his lover's neck, trying the ease some of his tiredness. Marik sat with one arm around his lover and his eyes tiredly on a crossword. It was obvious how tired they were; Malik was practically asleep. Marik looked like he could sleep, but couldn't as he had to stand guard. Their suitcases were aligned neatly beside the chair and their phones lay on the little table, beside the long empty cups of coffee.
Bakura's expression softened as he took in the withered appearances of his friends. It must have been one hell of a weekend for his energetic friends to look like that. He could only recall one other time when they looked like that, and that had been after drinking for two days straight. But still, whatever Bakura had been feeling had disappeared when he saw the tired dishevelled pair and he knew his and the Pharaoh's hikari would have tears in their eyes. A nudge from said pharaoh knocked him out of his train of thoughts and he turned to see a grim look, filled with pity, that mirrored his own face. Though Bakura would never admit it, now was the time to act like a good friend.
He and Atemu made their way slowly towards the two blondes. They didn't even acknowledge their presence which worried Bakura. He responded the only way he knew how.
"Hey fuck-face! Happy to see me?" This was followed by an arched eyebrow, crossed arms over his chest and his trademark smug and menacing grin. Marik looked like he was witnessing a mirage and shot a delighted tired grin Bakura's way, when Atemu spoke.
"For Ra's sake Bakura. Are you always so insensitive?" He watched as Bakura shrugged and Marik began to rouse Malik, who had begun dozing on his shoulder.
"Come on, wake up baby. We can leave now; Bakura and Atemu are here." His voice was soft and tender towards Malik, true evidence that he truly had no energy left. Atemu helped them to their feet and then he and Bakura took two large suitcases each and began leaving the airport. The blondes shuffled tiredly behind them, arm in arm.
Atemu truly felt sorry for both of them, but knowing them, he wondered how long the feeling could possibly last. The cold hit them as they got outside and the sky had gotten darker. Atemu glanced once at his watch. It was already six I the evening which meant they would be back in Domino I the early hours of the morning at the earliest. He opened the boot of the car and began loading in the cases, Bakura as well. The blondes were comfortable in the back seat when Atemu slid into the driver's seat. He opened the boxes of food and passed them around; they had another six and a half hours ahead of them and food was fuel. He silently thanked Ryou's amazing cooking as he sunk his teeth into the delicious morsel of food, the paler hikari had prepared. There was nothing like it and Atemu needed all the energy he could get, to get everyone back to Domino safely. He glanced into the mirror and saw the two blondes dozing on the back seat. He smiled.
At a quarter to one in the morning, Atemu pulled up outside the game shop in Bakura's car. He had to be dropped off first since everyone else in the car was headed to Bakura's house, where Ryou would presumably have soft cushy beds and hot tea and biscuits waiting. But Atemu was tired now and wanted nothing more than to sleep. He got out of the car and allowed Bakura to take the driver's seat. The albino yami muttered a gruff thanks for his help and watched the former pharaoh let himself into the game shop before heading home himself. It had been a long day for all of them.
Atemu shut the front door quietly behind him and turned on a light. The house and shop was completely silent and dim. He knew everyone was sleeping and he padded as silently as he could to the bathroom. Afterwards, he gave a quick check up on the kittens, who he found were safe, warm and sleeping soundly. He gave a fond smile before kicking off his shoes and laid down on the futon, too tired to go all the way upstairs when the futon was free.
He closed his crimson eyes, utterly exhausted and surrendered to the peaceful darkness, his last thought of his beautiful light.