Right then~! Firstly, this is part one to this, hopefully, two-part chapter. Due to its lengthy contents, I thought it was wiser if I split it into two; I apologise if I spoilt anyone's enjoyment because of my decision.
Secondly, there will be several scenes enacted from the anime, "Broken Bonds". The script/scenes will be illustrated in italics. I hope it will not cause confusion amongst the readers, anyone with anything they don't understand, just holler, okay?
So without further ado, please enjoy...
Warning: Any typos and errors will be corrected when I can face this humungous chapter again~.
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!
O-o-O-o-O
Yami sat fidgeting in his chair, his eyes fixed on the heavy script he was absently rolling and unrolling in his hands. The thought of having co-workers who were the best in the industry was daunting and it provided little solace for a newbie like him. The preoccupied action revealed his anxiety.
A message had been sent to Mai-san yesterday, informing him of a dubbing session scheduled for the trailer of "Broken Bonds" today, it was going to be unveiled at the press conference. With five days to go before the launch, the memo sounded more like an order than a request; the cast would have had to drop everything to attend. Not that it bothered Yami—he wasn't exactly booked solid with work to mind the short notice.
Initially, the thought of dubbing Osiris to the actual animation excited Yami, he was so hyped up about it that he didn't feel the fatigue that he should have felt after pulling a night shift at the convenience store. The shower he took before setting out had invigorated him, he felt wide-awake and refreshed. Unfortunately, as he neared the studio, his excitement began to wane and his eagerness was gradually replaced with doubts on his ability to perform. The enthusiasm in his step had slowed to a reluctant dawdle until, once again, he stood outside the building, staring at the doorway as if it were the Gates of Hell.
"Oi, move it," a voice behind him demanded gruffly, it was followed with a jab in the back. The action prompted Yami to spin around on his heels and scowl at the culprit.
A mischievous grin met his glare.
"Jou-san!" Yami exclaimed in surprise. He thought for a moment it might have been Marik pulling a prank on him, it didn't even occur to him that it couldn't have been the pervert without his signature touchy-feely harassment.
He sighed with relief.
"It's JOU," Jonouchi reminded him, "And what's up with you, standing here and gaping at the building?"
Yami looked a little embarrassed, he didn't want to appear green in front of his senior and admit he was frightened.
"Scared?" Jonouchi's straightforward approach left Yami a little dumbstruck, but he readily affirmed it with a brisk nod of his head. The former chuckled and clapped him on the back. "Don't worry, you'll find it's all good when you get started. I always get the jitters at the beginning, but once you get into the flow of things, you'll forget everything else. Your focus will be solely on the character you are voicing."
Another nod of the tricolour head showed the listener had acknowledged the wisdom imparted to him. It impelled the cheery blond to ruffle the spiky locks affectionately, cooing as he did so.
"Besides, Ota-san is a fine director, he may look scary, but he's pretty easy-going and motivating. As long as you deliver the lines and play the part, he's not a hard taskmaster. In fact, if anyone's demanding, it's that big jerk, Kaiba. He's such a damn stickler for perfection, it's enough to drive anyone in insane."
Yami pulled a crooked smile and remained silent.
"But, I have to admit," Jonouchi continued thoughtfully, a hand rubbing his chin, "he does make others around him up their game, everyone tends to try that much harder when they are voicing beside him. I am not sure if it's from fear, pressure or just wanting to please. I have noticed how he sets the pace and the others follows. I guess it's the only advantage of working alongside him unless you're a masochist like that green-haired freak!"
Yami thought about the two times he had voiced opposite Kaiba; each time he felt as he were being pulled along—as if he was influenced by the other in some way. It was through the haughty man's guidance, he was able to immerse comfortably into his character and respond back.
Grudgingly, Yami voiced his agreement, "True, I suppose he does."
Jonouchi looked at him and then laughed. "That's right! I heard you did a part with Kaiba in one of the auditions! Is that how you got the role?" A bob the head confirmed an answer and Jonouchi responded with another pat on Yami's back. "Well good for you, I am so glad you succeeded! Now, all you have to do is go in there and blow them away with your talent! Got that?"
Unexpectedly, Yami burst out laughing. Jou-san's—no, Jou's zealous attitude was contagious. Perhaps, it won't be so bad after all, he thought enthusiastically. With a determined nod of his head, he tilted his chin up slightly and eyed the door with renewed resoluteness. The next thing he knew, a hand grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into the building.
The sound of exuberant laughter resonated through the corridors as the pair disappeared inside.
O-o-O-o-O
Straightening up from his slump, Yami glanced around him; it was still Jou, Honda and himself in the room. His companion had gone to greet Honda the moment he spied him, leaving Yami on his own. It was just as well; it gave him time to deliberate on how he was going to play Osiris. After borrowing Anzu's collection of "Broken Bonds", Yami fell in love with Osiris. The character was loyal, compassionate and intelligent. His tsundere persona and dry sense of humour made him popular and his mastermind brilliance in politics and warfare drew admiration. Out of the three males leads, he was the most complex. Yami wondered how much of himself was reflected in Osiris; at times the contrast seemed so vast, he doubted his ability to pull it off. Ironically, the same could be said about the other two. He was curious to see how Marik and Kaiba would play characters that were contrary to what they appeared in real-life...
Especially Kaiba.
Obelisk was a playful, cheerful and confident character. Just as Anzu said, it wasn't hard to fall in love with the likeable man. His love for Kisara was, to the point of stubbornness, strong; he loved her for being the person she was and not for the power she would eventually yield. Captured by the illustrations in the manga, Yami found Obelisk openly demonstrative through his actions, expressions and his words. Yami couldn't help but wonder how Kaiba was going to convey those emotions through his voice; the printed text in the pictures did not satisfy his curiosity. In short, he was eager to hear Kaiba as Obelisk again; he longed to hear the rich, velvety voice caress his senses. He hadn't forgotten their trial; he hadn't forgotten the way he spoke to him, as opposed to speaking of him.
Yami grimaced at the constant snubs; he needed to work hard if he was to be on par with his leading co-stars, but he won't lose! He vowed he would work hard to bring Osiris to life. He will show Kaiba what this "nobody" is capable of! He will do his best.
Hyped up over the challenge, Yami's attention turned to Ra. Marik, also, seemed like a miscast. It was going to be interesting to see how the erratic, immature and frisky man would play the serious, arrogant and egoistical antagonist. Yami was confident the hentai could pull it off; he had seen and heard enough of Marik's villains to know how capable he was personifying evil. Intrigued, Yami was eager to see Marik serious and absorbed in his role, he wondered what kind of expressions the latter would make.
Yami inwardly snorted at the irony of it all, to think Kaiba and Marik were playing a rough reversal of their personalities! It was going to be a show he wouldn't want to miss for the world; he counted himself lucky to be working alongside such talented performers.
As excitement began to surface inside him again, his anxiety subsided. He was looking forward to getting started. Funnily enough, as if his wish was answered, the cast began to slowly trickle in.
First, Shizuka-san appeared, smiling kindly as she approached him. "Pleased to see you, Yami-kun," she greeted warmly, helping herself to a seat next to him. "How are you feeling today? Are you ready to get started?"
Yami smiled back. "The pleasure's all mine, Shizuka-san," he replied sincerely, "To be honest, I am a little nervous, but at the same time, I can't wait to begin."
Shizuka laughed, the sound had a musical quality to it and was pleasant to the ear. "I am sure you will do fine," she assured him. "Kaiba-san speaks highly of you so I am certain you are worth his praise. The others have been fortunate and had a preview of your Osiris; I look forward to hearing it today."
Yami was stunned to the extent he could not respond. Kaiba spoke highly of him? No, that must have been a misunderstanding somewhere; it was hard to imagine the cold man praising anyone, let alone him? Gnawing over the news, the subject came strolling in with Noa trailing after him. Yami coolly raked the tall male with his eyes noting, with envy, how his effortless grace complemented his handsome appearance. Dressed casually in a tailored jacket, a tight plain tee and, undoubtedly, designer jeans, Kaiba Seto looked as if he had stepped off a catwalk and into this dingy studio.
Sensing his distraction, Shizuka looked towards the door and noticed her mentor approaching. "Well, good luck, Yami-kun," she whispered, grinning as she got up. "And do your best!"
"Thank you, Shizuka-san," Yami returned amiably.
With a slight nod of the head, Shizuka made her way to Kaiba. Yami watched with interest as they briefly exchanged words; he noticed the how at ease the latter was in the girl's presence. It was a side, the observer had not seen before. After the tête-à-tête, Shizuka sat down with the over-grown schoolboys leaving Yami with the brunt of the blue stare.
With so few occupants in the room, acknowledgement was unavoidable; Yami gave the pair a courteous nod of the head and was ignored by the runt. The former shrugged and looked back down at his script again, trying hard to ignore the fact that Kaiba had sat down next to him despite there where plenty of empty chairs elsewhere. Noa protested but was, in turn, ignored. The situation felt a little awkward and uncomfortable to say the least, the tension hung densely between them.
"Yami!" a familiar voice bought Yami's head up and he turned to greet the bubbly blonde.
"Rebecca-san," he replied with a bright smile and a wave.
After a quick word with Shizuka, Rebecca made her way towards him, giving her regards to Kaiba-senpai before sitting down on the vacant chair to the other side of Yami.
"Sorry, I couldn't catch-up with you after the shopping spree," she said remorsefully to her companion, "I lost track of time."
"It's fine," replied Yami airily, not wanting to dwell on the subject longer than needed. "I hope your visit was a success."
"Oh, yes thanks to you," Rebecca gushed happily, "it went down a treat! So, how was yours then?"
A slight snort could be heard from his left and Yami resisted the urge to turn and glower at the offensive man. "It went as well as can be," he replied abstractedly, evading the need to divulge the mortifying details.
Another snort was heard, causing Yami to twist his body around to glare at the offender. Kaiba sat with his back straight and his arms folded over his chest, his eyes stared straight ahead, his attention was seemingly focused elsewhere as opposed to eavesdropping. The attitude irked Yami.
Unaffected by Yami's hostile response, the Ice Prince remained silent; whatever he found amusing, he chose not share with the others. Yami returned his eyes back to his script, relieved for the other's reticence. Rebecca, sensing something was amiss, was about to say something, but the arrival of Marik with Pegasus caused the room to go silent—it was rare for the latter to be present at a recording unless it was absolute necessary. Snickers could be heard from the Jou camp and a glare from Pegasus silenced them.
Observing the pair, Yami noticed the Egyptian looking mournfully at him, but a nudge from his companion's elbow immediately drew his eyes away, a sulky scowl replaced the previous expression.
Yami's brows shot up in surprise.
"Looks like Pegasus-san is babysitting today," Rebecca remarked dryly, staring shamelessly as actor and manager sat down a little distant away from them. "I wonder what Marik-san's done again?"
Kaiba snorted again, and all three kouhai turned to him. The two teens looked on with interest, and Yami with dread. Luckily, Ota-san materialised and the tensed moment lapsed without further complications as all eyes and ears focused on the director.
"Thank you very much for showing up," the Ota-san said with enthusiasm. "Now let us get started, there's so much to do with so little time to do it in. Let's work hard together!"
A few half-hearted cheers were voiced, as the session got under way.
O-o-O-o-O
"Right then let us begin, starting with scene 5. Kaiba-sensei, Marik-sensei, Yami-kun, Nao-kun and Shizuka-san, please take your places. We will, first, observe the clip for you to get a feel for it, then we can do a practice run, okay?"
The requested cast members got up and took their places in front of the microphones. Silence enveloped the room as the soundless clip was played. It showed Obelisk, Ra, Kisara, Osiris and Duo when they were children, the latter two being a lot younger than the former three. To Yami, it looked as though they were having a friendly banter between the main four until Duo joined later. As the film played, Yami was captivated. He had seen the still images in the manga, but nothing had prepared him for the vivid, coloured and moving images in front of him. His eyes were fixed to the screen.
When the clip finished, Ota-san spoke. "Yami-kun and Noa-kun, both of you are ten years old and the others thirteen. Please act accordingly. Yami-kun, since it your first time working with us, I would like to hear you voice your lines so I can determine whether you require a replacement for the child Osiris or not. Please start from the beginning and continue onwards."
Yami nodded and briefly thought for a moment before clearing his throat. A high, childlike voice spoke out causing a stir amongst the audience. Yami smiled, it was exactly how he remembered it...Yuugi aged ten years old! A faint murmur was heard, but Yami disregarded it. Immersed into playing the child Osiris, he was oblivious to the whispers of approval that rippled around him. Finally, Ota-san signalled for him to stop and Yami looked anxiously at him, uncertain on how he fared with the performance.
He held his breath.
The sombre man broke into a smile and gave him the thumbs-up. Exhaling loudly, the actor broke into a grin; he was relieved. The cast behind sounded their delight on their colleague's achievement; it wasn't easy to please the voice director when it came to specifics in voicing characters. He was renowned for his judgment in selecting an actor to a character—he never miscasts.
Clapping his hands together he regained the group's attention. "Okay then, lets have a few trials with it and go on from there. Do your best, everyone." With that said, he disappeared into the sound room with the technicians and continued his observation from there. After a several takes, the cast was finally able to start recording...
Long stems of grass stirred gently in the breeze causing the blades to ripple like a sea of green waves across the luscious fields.
"Hey, wait up!" a small boy called out, running fast as his stumpy legs could carry him, a pout jutting from his face in an exaggerated manner. His white-silver hair, so much like his sister's, was tousled from the wind and his garnet eyes were intently focused on the trio; a hand outstretched as if it were trying to catch the departing figures. Fear of being left behind forced him to speed up despite his struggle on the grassy plains. "Don't you dare run away without me!" he protested.
On hearing the high-pitched commanding voice, the three teens stopped, the female instantly spun around and ran back to her brother. The other two, with immense disinclination and groaning loudly, was forced to follow. Obelisk had a rueful grin on his face and Ra was wearing a murderous scowl.
"Aren't you suppose to be in class right now, brat?" the irate one growled, his voice still held a hint of shrillness, which was particularly noticeable due to his agitated state. "If so, don't assume we are running away from you!"
Panting breathlessly and swallowing air in large gulps, Osiris sent the speaker a scalding glare. Then, without a word, he turned his face away; his attitude spoke his dismissal of the youth with the gold hair and eyes the colour of sunset.
"Tsk," was the response from the ignored male.
"It is my duty to protect Nee-sama* as well," the child stated rather matter-of-factly to his older sibling, "so you are not permitted to go anywhere without me!"
A hearty laugh was heard behind and the scowl that was aimed at one teen only moments ago darted to the other. "Obelisk!" the prince seethed through clenched teeth, his icy countenance contradicted the fiery glare he threw at the aforementioned.
Obelisk shamelessly ignored the younger's attempt to intimidate him, instead he laughed again, patting a chubby cheek with fond affection. "Your Royal Chibiness," he teased, the words mingled with the residue of merriment, "your tutor will be cross with you for playing truant and skipping lessons again."
The angry gaze intensified and the chin tilted a fraction higher. "For your information, I am NOT playing truant, I am a protector for the princess just like you are! As for 'skipping lessons', there is nothing he can teach me that I don't already know," Osiris replied haughtily. "I sit through his mediocre lessons for the sake of appearance and to please my father. What I learn from a few hours in the library by myself is more stimulating and productive than enduring a week's of his pointless babble. He cannot hold me against my will if I do not wish it."
Ra rolled his eyes at the child's conceited retort and mumbled, "Big-headed brat," under his breath.
Osiris heard him.
"Why, you—" the boy spluttered, his gaze burned with hostility at the speaker, his small fists scrunched tightly by his side.
Obelisk hooted with laughter, "You are so much fun to tease, Osiris!" he said. "I wish we could have you around just for the amusement factor! Ra here, despite his namesake to the Sun God of Ancient Egyptian mythology, is anything but sunny!"
"And I wish you were nothing, but a stone pillar like your namesake, Obelisk!" Ra snapped back.
"Obelisk! Ra! Stop quarrelling with each other and stop teasing Osiris!" Kisara chided. Turning to her brother she gave him a breath-taking smile. "Don't mind them," she soothed, "I am honoured to have you as my protector, however you are also the Crown Prince of Metahtes so your duties requires you to protect our kingdom as well. In order to do that, you must study and work hard to be clever and strong. That way you can protect Metahtes and protect me, do you understand, Osiris?"
Osiris answered with a determined nod of the head. "I promise, Nee-sama," said the child, holding out his little finger in a small crook. "I promise I will work hard to surpass those two and be the one, Metahtes and you can depend on."
One of the youths snorted in a way of sarcasm, but the siblings chose to ignore it.
Kisara curled her small finger around her brother's and clasped it; the childish act appeased the tempestuous boy and he smiled happily. "I know you will," Kisara assured Osiris when she let go. "Now, it is time for you to go back to your lesson and set a good example to others. It will please father to see you fulfil what is expected of you, so make him proud."
"Yes, Nee-sama," Osiris replied compliantly, his voice edged with determination. "I will do my best from now on."
"Good!" Kisara chuckled indulgently, then steering him around, she pointed to the approaching figure. "Now, look who's come to fetch you?"
All eyes watched the figure charging towards them; it was a boy around the prince's age.
"Your Highness, Princess Kisara," the newcomer addressed in short gasps, bowing respectfully to the prince and princess, and giving a polite nod to the flanking teens.
"Duo," Kisara replied sweetly, "you've come for Osiris?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Duo affirmed, then turning to the escapee he said gravely, "Prince Osiris, His Majesty has instructed me to fetch you. Please return with me to the Palace immediately, your tutor is waiting for you."
A pout appeared on Osiris's face and the observers held their breath, wondering if he was going to wilfully object. However, much to their surprise, he nodded and left with his escort.
All three watched the retreating figures, two were vaguely amused and one wasn't. The disapproving one broke the silence. "You spoil him too much, Kisara," Ra grumbled, "All this pampering and cosseting will not make a man out of him!"
The teen with the black hair and mirthful sapphire eyes grinned wickedly. "Looks like someone is jealous of the attention Osiris is getting," Obelisk snickered. "Mind you, it's enough to make me envious too! Would you spoil me too if I promise to be good?" He held out his little finger and wiggled it.
Kisara laughed and shook her head. "Well, I see it as encouragement rather than spoiling, for I believe he has a making of a great politician and a just King; one, who will rival the both of you in intellect," she looked at Ra, then to Obelisk, "...and strength. He needs a little persuasions at times, that's all."
Silence ensued as the two males contemplated on Kisara's predictions. Surprisingly, it was Ra who found it amusing, his hearty laughter echoed loudly around the vast green space around them, "Well, I certainly look forward to the day when he will be a commendable ally...or a worthy opponent," he declared.
The clip of animation finished there and silence filled the room, all eyes and ears on the director as they awaited his judgement.
"That was excellent," his voice boomed through the loudspeaker. "Now, I'd like to move on to scene 32, which comprises of Kisara and Obelisk. Please pay attention."
The actors who were not required for the scene returned to their seats and silence descended upon the room once more.
The sound of music floated through the concealed glade, echoing around the happy couple. Kisara was sitting on the grass, a small flute held to her lips as nimble fingers applied the instrument; her playing enchanted even the creatures of forest for, other than the sweet melody, no other sound was heard.
Obelisk was lying on his back, his tall frame stretched out on the grass with his arms behind his head. His eyes were closed, but the smile that was impressed on his handsome face spoke of his attentiveness and his contentment. He was appreciative of the tranquillity and the privacy the seclusion had to offer; he seldom had a chance to be alone with Kisara.
When the song finished, the player let out a soft sigh; it prompted her companion to open his eyes and peer questioningly at her. She looked at him and blushed. Both being seventeen meant they were on the verge of adulthood, soon it would be inappropriate for them to be spending time alone in each other's company; etiquette was a contributing factor, but there was something else too...
Of the late, the pair has been acutely aware of each other's presence.
"Is there something troubling you, Kisara?" Obelisk asked quietly, his sapphire gaze scanning for signs of distress or anxiety.
Kisara shook her head and gave a weak smile. "No, there isn't, Obelisk," she replied sadly, "but I can't help feel that we will not be able to enjoy such carefree moments much longer. You, being a full-fledged Overseer of the Council like Ra and Osiris, will be busy, whilst I will be occupied with sifting through potential suitors for my hand in marriage."
Obelisk, immediately turned over, a look of panic expressed openly on his face at the mention of "suitors". "Surely you will not be forced to marry someone against your will?" he asked. " His majesty has allowed you the freedom to decide for yourself, has he not?"
The princess gave him a sorrowful smile. "Unfortunately, I cannot be selfish and cower behind his protection forever," she argued. "Being the 'Gift Bearer' it will only cause grief and conflict for the people of this kingdom if I remain here indefinitely. Besides, as a member of the Royal Family, I cannot be expected to remain unwed; I have a duty to marry. Let's hope the person I choose, will be acceptable to everyone." She laughed nervously.
Sitting up, Obelisk looked long and hard at Kisara, the intensity of the gaze caused the latter to blush furiously. Maybe, he was noticing the shy beauty for the first time, or maybe it was the knowledge that she might be snatched away for good; the thought unsettled him and made him worried. Dread pulsed violently through him, shaking him from his cluelessness—he realised he didn't want to lose her.
"I will protect you!" he declared, causing Kisara to blush more. "I will protect you for eternity, so please choose me, Kisara."
The silver-white head shook stubbornly and the engaging face set in a frown. "Obelisk, I cannot ask you to safeguard me for the sake of our acquaintance, it could provoke opposition and it would be unfair for you."
"I don't care!" the persistent male declared without hesitation, grasping Kisara's slender hands tightly. "Let them oppose! I will not change my mind for I do not want you to belong to another."
The confession caused the princess to gasp in surprise. "Obelisk, you shouldn't take this matter lightly, I—"
Obelisk pressed a kiss onto the hands he held; a faint "chuu" was heard as the ruby lips connected with the pale porcelain skin. Kisara stared wide-eyed at her self-declared lover, her delight exhibited in her flushed cheeks and her sudden timid demeanour. She looked away hastily.
Obelisk chortled, then plucking a small flower from the many scattered about him, he handed it to Kisara. "Let this be the proof of our betrothal," he stated confidently, unable to contain the smile that bared his happiness.
Kisara took the flower from him and nodded, her happiness enhancing her beauty to ethereal-like. Obelisk beamed happily in response.
Amidst the shadows of the imposing trees, a lonely figure stood stock-still and fuming. Amber eyes glared at the hateful scene, a clawed hand dug into the bark of the tree that effectively hid him.
Silently, the onlooker lingered for a few heartbeats and then stealthily slinked away. The couple he spied on was oblivious to his prying eyes and his growing rage.
As expected, the two leads acted the scene wonderfully. Yami was in awe to the skill and impeccable timing the two was able to voice their lines. The scene was acted out flawlessly, Obelisk's confusion, his gentleness and his confession was expressed immaculately, it harmonised with Kisara's surprise, her misgivings, her acceptance and her happiness. They complemented each other and it made Yami a little envious of the relationship they had with one another on and off screen.
Listening to Obelisk's confession, it was no wonder to the Ice Prince had an enormous fan-base. If the frigid man confessed like that to him, even he would willingly accept his advances...
Yami inwardly snickered at the droll thought; his silliness was getting the better of him, allowing such absurd notions to distract him from the next scene. It was Kisara and Obelisk again. Grinning widely, Yami knew he was going to be in for another treat.
"Kisara!" Obelisk's voice rang out as he hurried towards the young female. The male's long strides, usually graceful, seemed rushed and desperate. He was still travel-stained from his recent mission.
On hearing Obelisk's voice, Kisara turned and ran towards him, her cheeks wet with fresh tears. She threw herself into his arms and buried her face into his chest; finding comfort in his presence, it triggered tears anew.
Obelisk held her tightly as she wept.
"Kisara," the name was spoken again, only this time, tenderness replaced the urgency that was evident in the previous appeal. "I have just got back and I heard the news! Ra has put forward his proposal for your hand in marriage to the Council and they have approved it. They have permitted him to approach you with it."
The distraught Kisara clung on to Obelisk, her voice trembling as she spoke, "Osiris has secretly informed me of Ra's request, I am required to meet him late noon today so he may propose. I wish it were not so, for it breaks my heart to refuse him."
Obelisk tightened his hold on the slender form, afraid she would disappear if he slackened his embrace; his eyes narrowed with displeasure at Ra's ploy to rid of him. He had been recommended to lead the latest counter strike on a distant rival kingdom. It didn't require a genius to determine who the advocator was.
"How dare he take advantage of my absence and employ such underhanded tactics to approach you!" he spat. "He knew about our love, yet he insists on interfering. I will not forgive him!"
Hearing the bitterness in Obelisk's voice, Kisara looked up at him, "How did our friendship become so complicated, Obelisk?" she cried. "It is you who I love with my heart, but I care for Ra as a friend. I dread to think how he will react to the rejection. His pride will suffer greatly and I fear to hurt him!"
Wiping away the tears with a gentle finger, Obelisk looked fondly at his love. "Do not fret over it, Kisara," he murmured soothingly, "We cannot help the feelings we have for one another, just as he cannot help his. Ra should have accepted that instead of trying to come between us; if he insist on continuing with this foolishness, it is inevitable he will get hurt. He will have no one else, but himself to blame for the subsequent pain."
"Nevertheless, will Ra give up his decision so easily? Would he be contented to wish us happiness and not pursue the matter?" Kisara was becoming fearful with anxiety. Torn between her love for Obelisk and her affection for Ra, the guilt added to her grief and pulled at her heart.
"Hush, my dearest," whispered Obelisk, stroking the silvery mane to calm the fraught female. "No matter what he says or what he threatens to do, I will be here for you—I will protect you always—so never fear, my sweet love. Trust in me and I will ensure you will never regret it."
Yami sat motionless and speechless. His eyes still glued on the screen. Unconsciously, he had a hand raised to his chest and it clutched to where his heart was beating frantically. He felt the raw, vibrant passion in Obelisk's final declaration and it overwhelmed him. The words manifested his determination and resolve, had branded itself into his thoughts, but it was the way it was expressed that had him mesmerised.
Each word Kaiba uttered touched his heart. The tenderness as he tried to allay his lover's fears melted him to the very core; the velvety voice with a hint of huskiness embraced his senses like none ever did. Even when the voice changed to a firmer tone as he pledged his devotion to his one and only, Yami could detect the gentleness colouring the endearment, as if the mere mention of his lover softened his timbre, informing the listeners that he was, indeed, a man in love. However, what really got Yami's heart racing were the lines:
"I will be here for you—I will protect you always—so never fear, my sweet love. Trust in me and I will ensure you will never regret it."
The words still reverberated loudly in his mind; the impression it left was powerful, the effects were dramatic. The absoluteness in the promise left no room for his lover to refute his sincerity, yet there was a slight quiver in his expressing of them, as if the weight of those words had emotionally moved the speaker. The tremor in the voice ensnared Yami; he felt the Obelisk's fear beneath his resolve, and with it, he felt his vulnerability under that strong façade.
Closing his eyes, Yami took a deep breath, wishing fervently he could hear those lines spoken again. He wondered how Kaiba, the cold and detached man, could produce such wealth of emotions. Yami pulled on his own experiences and applied them to a role, situation or a character; whatever he could not relate to, like in yaoi, he improvised.
With a sigh, he opened his eyes to see curious blue staring at him.
Yami flushed red and looked away quickly, feeling a little guilty for adoring Kaiba's voice and embarrassed for being caught unawares for it; he felt he had exposed his inner thoughts for the reserved male to see. Trying to act nonchalant, Yami casually scanned the room...and caught the stares of another pair eyes. Marik looked at him and then at Kaiba, he had seen the exchange between the two. Yami coloured deeper, triggering a smirk from his observer.
"Right then, attention everybody," the director announced. "We will take a hour and a half break for lunch and the resume after that. Please ensure you are back here by two. Good work, everyone!"
Excited chatter broke out as the cast debated and argued on where they were going to eat. Jonouchi and Honda had already disappeared as soon as they were dismissed; the room seemed a little emptier without their boisterousness.
"Yami-chan!" a voice called out. Marik approached him cautiously, under the watchful eyes of his manager. "Have lunch with me."
"No! Yami is going to have lunch with us!" Rebecca declared, threading an arm through Yami's and motioning for Shizuka to join them, all the while she glared at the presumptuous male.
"Us?" Noa contested angrily, "Who said you could join me and Seto-nii for lunch?"
"Well, I am sure Kaiba-senpai wouldn't mind 'us' joining so you can get lost if you don't like the arrangement!" Rebecca retorted angrily.
"Seto-nii?" Noa looked at Kaiba imploringly, hoping he would support him.
Seto shrugged his shoulders in a non-committal way. "If you all wish to waste your lunch break on quarrelling, then by all means do so. However, I'm not going to waste mine on listening to it," he began to make his way to the exit, but paused on the threshold. Looking back, his eyes rested on Yami briefly before skimming over the others. "Whoever wants to come had better make a move now. Ota-san is not fond of tardy actors!"
"Yami—" Rebecca began, but was cut short by a raised hand.
"I have a bento so you needn't worry about me, Rebecca-san," informed Yami, politely. "You had better go now if you don't wish to be late back."
"Then I'll stay too!" Marik announced, only to be hauled away by Pegasus.
"No, you won't!" his agent intervened. "You caused enough trouble with the last stunt you pulled—like I'll let you out of my sight today! Need I remind you, you have a photo shoot this evening? You won't be escaping today! Now let's get some lunch!"
Marik's pitiful protests grew fainter and fainter until it was no longer audible; instead, Rebecca snickering into her hand replaced the silence. "I wonder what he did this time?" the curious girl asked. "What 'stunt' was Pegasus-san referring to, I wonder?"
Yami looked away and remained silent. He wasn't about to volunteer that bit of information.
Kaiba cleared his throat and turned to go, leaving the others no choice, but to hastily run after him. Yami was grateful for Kaiba's timely departure.
Picking up his bag, Yami made his way out; there was a small park located near the studio that was perfect to sit and have his lunch. The solitude would provide him the opportunity to reflect on what he saw and heard today too.
Humming with excitement, Yami discovered he was no longer nervous. The feeling of apprehension that plagued him at the beginning of the session had receded, leaving a confident and eager actor in its place. Drunk from the visual and audial overload he had been exposed to, thus far, it made him giddy and happy. A wide grin spread across Yami's face to the warm feeling it evoked. He couldn't wait for lunch to be over so they could begin work again...
~TBC~
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A/N: Right then...did everyone follow the "Broken Bonds" scene? There was more detail these scenes, as it wasn't just dialogue like the scene Kaiba and Yami first acted out. I hope it provided you with a taste of the story and its characters. Actaully, I found it was rather hard to stick to a het plot for "Broken Bonds", with bishies galore and my guttered mind having, "What if..." thoughts, you can imagine my inner struggle, LOL! As this chapter contained a story within a story, it required a lot of planning and was much harder to write, hence the tardy update. I hope it was worth the wait.
Also, did anyone notice the name of the kingdom "Broken Bonds" is set in? Cyber-cookies for those who guess correctly!
On a separate note, I will be in America from 3rd April – 13th April, so please forgive me if I am not very responsive or active between those dates. I promise I will work extra hard on my return. Meanwhile, your thoughts are much loved and appreciated, so please keep them coming, it really does make my day to know readers appreciate my work~.
Thanks for reading.
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*Nee-sama – Older Sister.