A/N: Written by Akiko Kuro Ookami and CapicornKitty1975. Edited by myself. I have permission to upload to FFN on behalf of the Authors.
Chapter 2
The next day, things were about to change within Domino; especially for certain individuals. Getting up around five or five-thirty in the morning, Atem left, leaving a note for his little brother to let him know that he'd be out on his new job during the day and wouldn't be back until sometime at night. What Atem hoped would be to eventually have some personal time with Akefia if the opportunity presented itself.
After getting to the offices, he was led into a room with a large table. Place cards were set with names on them. Atem's was about half way down the table. A script was at each seat, along with highlighters, pencils, and ink pens. A craft table sat behind them with all kinds of food.
Atem went to his assigned seat, sitting down. He looked at his script, wondering what to expect out of this. He made his own notes while skimming through the contents of what he had been given.
Eventually the room filled up, some people grabbing food, all sitting down. The last in was Akefia. Sitting at the head of the table, he nodded at everyone. "Welcome, let's get started. We have a tight budget and even tighter timeline,"
Atem nodded, glancing over at the director. He tried not to get distracted of course even though it's easier said than done considering its Akefia.
At the read through, Akefia explained he wouldn't interfere, just listen. After the first read through, he made some suggestions. It was a spy thriller with Atem playing a double agent
Atem thought the part he's playing seemed ironic to him. He didn't show it, but definitely found it amusing. He thought it wouldn't be too hard considering the training he's undergone before prepared him for any scenario he may be in.
There was a love scene between him and the female lead. She seemed very excited about it, her brown, shoulder length hair bouncing as she read through the lines, batting her blue eyes at him.
Atem remained indifferent. He gave a small smirk at her attempt of flirting. He guessed she did look appealing, but definitely not his type. He read through his lines again before he felt ready. Stepping a little closer to the brunette, he waited for her to start it off.
Pleased that he had stood up with her to do the scene, Anzu started again. She was a very well-known up and coming actress. Akefia watched the scene with a keen and knowing eye. He especially watched the kissing and foreplay part, before he yelled cut, as there was no nudity in this film.
"That's a wrap for read throughs, today. See you all tomorrow." People headed out, taking their scripts.
Atem grabbed his script and bag after exiting the set, jogging after Anzu when he spotted her, "Hey, um I think maybe I could use some extra practice with you on the scene we're working on. Do you want to leave here, go out for a bit?"
Anzu smiled brightly. "Sure! Let me get my purse." Akefia looked up as Anzu left the room.
"I might warn you, the casting couch isn't the only thing to worry about in the movies. Be wary of affairs with coworkers. There is nothing prohibiting it, but it can prove...difficult." His face impassive.
Akefia pushed off from the wall he had been leaning against, after hearing Atem talk and Anzu's obvious intentions. He had no claim on this man, but this man was so... pure, so untainted by the movies, he felt the need to warn him.
"Thanks, sounds like you're talking from experience," muttered Atem, waiting for when the woman would return. "Besides, it's nothing serious with her if you're so concerned."
Akefia shrugged. "Like I said, there is nothing prohibiting it...it just always ends up messy. It's why I remain single." Walking off, he nodded at Anzu as she passed him. Smiling, she met Atem. "Ready."
"Good, let's go," he said, taking Akefia's words into consideration even though all he really wanted is to explore what he liked or disliked due to not really having the time due to his job, offering his arm to Anzu before they headed out.
Anzu was very bubbly and energetic, and obviously interested in him. She answered questions and responded appropriately, touching him enough to show her interest without being too clingy.
He didn't really mind it much. They walked amongst the streets for a few moments until he found a bar to hang out at. Stepping inside, he pulled out a chair for her.
She smiled and took it, thanking him. About then, Bakura walked in. He looked at Atem, then the woman, and just bust out laughing.
Chortling, he went to a table in the back, pulling a spiky blonde male with him.
Atem sighed, sitting across from Anzu, "Sorry, that was my roommate. He can be an ass sometimes."
Marik gave Bakura a look, "What's so funny?"
"He's so fucking gay he shits rainbows, but he's on a date with a girl." Bakura wiped his eyes he was laughing so hard.
"I shit rainbows too, but I'm with you," pouted Marik. "Maybe he's trying to make someone jealous."
Bakura chuckled at Marik. "Yea, maybe." He ordered a beer. "I drink. A lot. But don't get shit faced drunk. You?"
"Sometimes, depends if I'm with the right person," he replied, ordering a drink for himself.
Meanwhile, Anzu chatted with Atem, trying desperately to be interesting.
Atem conversed with her, thinking she seemed to be trying too hard. He ordered a bottle of whisky, drinking it a little bit at a time. He wondered why he had decided to do this in the first place.
Akefia walked in a bit after that. Sitting in a corner, he ordered a sake. He hadn't noticed Atem; this was just his favorite bar to come to. It had been a long day, especially with the handsome newbie to avoid watching. He was single for a reason, damnit.
The owner of the bar walked over when seeing Akefia. The two are old friends. He has spiky blonde hair like Marik, but it's more untamed. He has maroon colored eyes, casting a concerned look at him. Malik wears a pair of dark purple slacks with a sleeveless shirt and blazer. Although the jacket is just something new he decided to use.
"That's on the house for tonight," Malik told him. "It's been a while since I've seen you around, 'Kefia. Is everything alright?"
Akefia smiled up at his old friend. "No, not really, but it will be. How are you doing Mal'?"
"Business is doing well like usual," he grinned, sitting down at the table since no one else was with Akefia. "Aside from that, in the same boat as you."
Akefia smiled at his friend. "Well, if you don't mind me saying so, this boat is shitty."
"We haven't sunk yet," pointed out Malik. "So, it's not too shitty."
Akefia nodded, and then frowned. "Fuck." He looked down in his sake.
"What's wrong?" asked Malik, confused of why Akefia's mood changed.
"That guy over there with the girl. He's hot, and in my new movie, and going to get sucked in by Anzu. Poor guy. He seems nice."
"Heh, listen up, 'Kefia. This is where one psycho gives advice to you," smirked Malik after taking a look over at the guy, recognizing him because he never forgets a face that steps into his bar. "He's trying to make you jealous. It's not hard to see that if you know the signs."
Akefia huffed. "Whatever. Thanks Mal, I'm gonna go home." Akefia got up and headed out.
"You should try taking a chance for once, you know," muttered Malik, sighing as he had thought he would try helping him out, feeling a little hurt that he may have failed or offended him although he covered it well. "See ya next time you stop by."
"Sounds good. Come by the studio some time. We have all kinds of burly men." Winking, he headed out.
Malik blushed at hearing that, thinking he might take him up on his offer. He just hoped Akefia would be happy at some point. He did worry about him in his own way.
()()()()()()()()()()
Yugi got up, showering and getting dressed. Heading out to the kitchen, he read the note his brother gave him, grabbing another apple. Looking for the package and directions left to him, Yugi slid the package in his pants and headed out to make the trade.
The client would be waiting in the usual spot. This time it would be someone different.
Yugi walked up, carefully looking around.
The person waiting there had been Yami. He sighed, knowing he had to pick this up for Seth. He hadn't seen Marik in a while, but suspected he's probably off with a new boyfriend or on patrol.
Yugi walked up. Seeing who it was, he stopped, raising an eyebrow. Immediately, he kept walking past Yami, like he had something to do in the alley
"Hey, look I'm not here to arrest you or anything. I'm not here for that. My cousin Seth told me to pick up his stuff. His name should be on it or your employer told you," said Yami when he saw Yugi pass by at noticing his alarm at seeing him.
"I don't know what you are talking about, cop." Yugi said smoothly, keeping walking.
"Yeah, I'm a cop. It doesn't mean I'm on duty now," bristled Yami, pulling out the envelope he had been given.
Yugi stopped, turning around. He frowned. He knew that Bakura would be pissed if he didn't have the money, but more pissed if he was arrested. "How the hell do I know you aren't trying to arrest me?"
"I didn't say I was a good cop," he admitted with a smirk. "Besides, if I were going to I would've done it by now."
"You don't have any evidence. I haven't sold anything, haven't stolen anything, you have nothing to arrest me on."
Yugi crossed his arm, sticking out his lower lip adorably and unknowingly
"You're cute," he admitted. "I know you deliver packages...of drugs. I have my sources for how I know."
"Look, if you are so sure of that, then you know what you have to do if I would sell them to you..."
Yami handed him the envelope of money he had been given, "There, happy?"
Yugi opened the package, showing six syringes. "Before I take the money, you have to shoot up. Then I know you can't rat me out, cause you're doing something illegal too." He held out a syringe.
One of Yami's twitched, a hint of worry in his eyes. He used to be an addict before joining the force. He worried about relapsing which is always the issue. Inwardly sighing, he guessed it would be the only proof to show he isn't lying. Taking the syringe, he injected it into his arm. He pulled it out after it's empty.
Yugi nodded, handing the package and taking the money. "No refunds." He turned to leave, and then stopped. He hadn't seen track marks on Yami's arm. "You gonna be ok?"
Yami pulled down his sleeve quickly, not wanting anything to be seen as he gave a quick smile to Yugi, "Yeah, I think so."
"Okay. You can pick up Seth's stuff if Seth can't. It's cool with me." Yugi smiled and trotted off. He thought Yami was cute, but he wasn't into druggies.
That made things easier. He didn't have to worry about falling for a cop.
Yami nodded, watching him go before stowing the package away on his person. He trotted off as well for home to give Seth his stuff. He could try not to relapse, right? That's what he chose to believe for now.
()()()()()()()()()()
Bakura woke up the next morning, rolling over. Yawning, he smirked at the blonde.
Marik stirred when feeling movement beside him. Opening his eyes, he noticed Bakura staring at him, causing him to blush a little.
"Morning," he greeted.
"Mornin'. Ya know...I don't think Psycho really fits ya, even though your hair is psychotic. I think I'm gonna call ya my lil tomb keeper." Bakura smiled crazily and crawled up, kissing on Marik's neck. "I think the marks are sexy." Bakura whispered.
Bakura was psychotic, possessive, and he lived fast and hard. What was his was his...and he had decided he liked this blonde, so ... Marik was his.
"Are you sure I'm not the psycho here?" he teased, shivering at the contact of Bakura's lips against his flesh. "Heh, that name works better for me, but you're still Fluffy."
Bakura smirked. "Are you hungry? I know a great bar around here that serves killer food."
"Sure, same one as last night?" he asked. "Or is it a different one?"
"Different one." He smirked, pulling Marik up. "Let's get cleaned up." He dragged Marik into the shower, pinning him face first against the wall and started sudsing up Marik's back.
Marik stiffened, not really liking others touching his back, but it was only water. He relaxed, letting Bakura do as he pleased. It felt nice. He didn't really know if this is just a fling or a more permanent arrangement, but he'd enjoy it while it lasts.
After sudsing Marik up and hosing him down, Bakura grabbed Marik by the hips, sliding himself into Marik. "Round two." Bakura whispered psychotically, chuckling, and kissing Marik's neck.
"Fuck yes," he moaned, arching his back, thinking he could get used to this.
Bakura smirked, shoving himself in deeper, faster, and harder. "You're not gonna be able to walk straight." Bakura whispered, a maniacal gleam to his eye as he left a dark mark on his shoulder.
It was just a hickey, but Bakura wanted to bite him...but thought that might be too soon.
"Good," breathed out Marik, moaning at how great it felt, flinching at the bite as it reminded him of the snakes in the tomb he grew up in.
It didn't take long before Bakura came, moaning low in Marik's ear.
Marik moaned as well, enjoying the sound Bakura made. He hoped he'd hear it often. Panting lightly, he sweat dropped at noticing they just made another mess.
"Guess we should clean up again," suggested Marik.
Bakura grinned and grabbed the washcloth. After finishing up, he got out, slipping on jeans and a tee shirt. He threw a tee shirt at Marik.
"Thanks," Marik caught it, slipping it on then grabbing his boxers, pants, etc. to put on before he felt ready to go out. "Ok, let's go."
Bakura took Marik into the bar and saw Atem.
He looked at Atem, then the woman, and just bust out laughing.
"What's so funny?" asked Marik, following him.
"He's so fucking gay he shits rainbows, but he's on a date with a girl." Bakura wiped his eyes he was laughing so hard.
"I shit rainbows too, but I'm with you," pouted Marik. "Maybe he's trying to make someone jealous."
Bakura chuckled at Marik. "Yea, maybe." He ordered a beer. "I drink. A lot. But don't get shit faced drunk. You?"
"Sometimes, depends if I'm with the right person," he replied, ordering a drink for himself.
Bakura nodded, sipping his beer. "So, what do ya do?"
"I'm an artist," he replied, thinking something up on the spot even though it's not really a lie due to him doing some painting in his spare time as well as owning a pottery shop. "What about you?"
"Odds and ends. Now, why don't ya tell me what ya really do? You don't lie well." Bakura raised an eyebrow.
Marik put his head in his hands, uncertain if he could tell him, hesitantly peeking up at him he replied, "But it's not really a lie... Oh screw it; I'm a cop, ok?"
He looked down after straightening up in his seat. He glanced over at Malik, the guy that owns the bar. The two shared a look. Shrugging, he turned back to Bakura. He gnawed on his lower lip, unsure if Bakura would hate him or not knowing what he does.
Bakura just looked at Marik. This complicates things, Bakura thought. Sighing, he looked down. "Well, this complicates things. Fuck." He stared at Marik. "You don't have a fuckin' clue who I am or you wouldn't have told me you're a cop."
"Um, sort of," gulped Marik who then sighed as well. "Look, I really like you and all, but the guy I work with on the force are assigned to bring whoever's in charge of the rise in heroin addicts. To me, you seem like the type who don't let go of what he claims as his. Maybe we could make things work? I mean I could quit the force or something. I don't know, but I guess I kind of messed things up."
Bakura frowned, sighing. Fuck, he had an addictive personality, and he knew it. He liked this fuckin' blonde. Looking at Marik, he took a swig of beer. "We can be together, you don't have to quit. But, you'd have to look the other way." Bakura raised an eyebrow, staring at Marik, taking another pull off his beer.
"Ok," nodded Marik, not thinking twice about it because he definitely wanted to be with Bakura and he had never felt this drawn to anyone before.
Bakura nodded. A reason why he never did drugs, he knew he'd get addicted. Grabbing Marik by the neck, he pulled him over, kissing him deeply.
Marik pressed back, not denying him. They parted when both needed to breathe. Panting, Marik stared at him. He had never done drugs at all in his life, but he's definitely starting to become addicted to Bakura.
Bakura smirked, leaning back. After eating, he smacked Marik's ass. "I got some business to do. See you tonight?"
"Do you really need to ask?" grinned Marik in response. "I'll see you then, 'Kura. I should probably go too."
Bakura smirked. He left, heading back to the house to check on his running. After confirming with Yugi that all deliveries had been made, he gave him his cut and went about his business.
()()()()()()()()()()
At 9pm promptly, there was a knock on Ryou's door.
Ryou heard it. He made sure to take a hit beforehand to make sure he'd be in check. He grabbed his messenger bag after combing through his white locks which he pulled into a loose ponytail. He had changed into a pair of denim jeans and a nice shirt along with his hoodie and the Ring tucked under his shirt. When he deemed himself presentable by checking in the mirror, he went over to open the door.
The chauffeur was there. "Ready, Master Ryou?"
"Y-Yes, but you don't need to call me that. Just Ryou is fine," he assured, locking up before going to the limousine, the chauffer opened the door for him before Ryou slipped inside for the door to shut once he's securely inside.
The limousine was empty. "Master Kaiba's meeting ran long. He will meet you at the restaurant."
"Oh, um should I get out to walk?" asked Ryou, feeling a little uncomfortable being here alone.
"No, Master Kaiba asked I drive you." Closing the window, the car drive off.
Ryou nodded, staring down at his hands. He wondered if this had been the best decision he's made. Well, then again due to his health he guessed anything could be better. He felt mellowed out which made him feel not as nervous as usual.
After about 15 minutes, the car stopped and the door opened. "Right inside, Ryou."
"Thanks," smiled Ryou, appreciating Kaiba's driver heeded to his simple request of just being called by his name, heading into the restaurant, wondering what to expect.
Inside the restaurant, there were many booths shrouded in private curtains. Ryou was led to one. Seto was inside. Standing, he bowed to Ryou.
Ryou returned the gesture before straightening up, "Hi."
"Hi." Seto gestured for Ryou to sit.
Ryou sat down across from the brunette, "How was your meeting?"
"Long. Tedious." There was strain on his face. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "How was your first day on the new job?"
"It was interesting," he shrugged. "Tedious as well, but I like it."
Seto nodded as the waitress came in. "I took the liberty of ordering a variety." The waitress sat plates down and trays, along with tea for Ryou and sake for Seto.
"Thanks," said Ryou, appreciating the tea he had been given. "I'm sure it will be lovely with whatever you picked out."
Seto actually blushed slightly, nodding. Clearing his throat, he looked down. "So, tell me about yourself."
"What do you want to know?" replied the brit, tilting his head to the side to glance up at Seto through his lashes, thinking Seto looked better when he doesn't have his stoic mask on.
"Where did you grow up, what do you like, etc?"
"Um, well I told you where I grew up during our last meeting," explained Ryou, taking a sip of his tea before he continued. "My likes? Reading, playing the flute, tea, creampuffs, keeping busy and other stuff. I like ancient objects due to my father being an archeologist."
Seto nodded intently. "What are your vices? You have to have some, as you seem too perfect to be real."
"What do you mean by my vices, Seto? Oh, am I allowed to call you by name? I mean since you're not my employer anymore," blushed Ryou, but then pouted. "Of course I'm real, but I'm not perfect."
"Yes, of course you can call me by my real name." Seto blew bangs out of his eyes.
"Thanks," Ryou smiled softly, figuring most people weren't allow such a privilege from the brunette. "By vices, do you mean anything that holds me down?"
"Your negative points."
"Is that something wise to discuss here?" asked Ryou carefully. "Would you be turned away if I told you?"
"I am fully prepared to discuss my positive and negative points. I am interested in you. However, I do not like to waste time."
Seto studied Ryou. "I also cannot answer your question without knowing your answer."
He sighed, guessing he'd have to take a chance as he replied quietly as he's not proud to admit it, "I'm a heroin addict."
Seto's face was impassive. "I see. Are you interested in me?"
"Yes," he replied honestly.
"Well." Seto crossed his hands, looking Ryou in the face. "I have done a background check on you, since I have determined that I am interested in you. I know much about you. As far as I am concerned, my pros are that I am loyal, honest, generous, and wealthy, with an attractive credit score. My cons are that I work a great deal, do not do drama, don't waste time and do not stand for incompetence. Still interested?" Seto never took his eyes off of Ryou.
Ryou gave it some thought before nodding once, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm still interested, but your wealth and credit score isn't something I really needed to know. I just care about what type of person someone is no matter their assets."
"Then I suggest we start dating. Assuming we are still serious after a month, we will have to address the heroin addiction." Seto popped a piece of sushi in his mouth, looking at Ryou.
Ryou bit his lip, nodding as he guessed he would give it a try. He grabbed a piece of sushi, placing it in his own mouth, liking the taste. Although it's only been a few years living in Japan, he's still getting used to the cuisine.
Seto smiled again. "So, which ancient time is your favorite?"
"Egypt, but I also like others too," replied Ryou. "Do you have any interest in them?"
"I do enjoy Egyptian history. There is an exhibit at the Museum. Would you like to go with me?" Seto pulled out his cell phone.
"Sure, I'd love to," agreed Ryou, recalling he had heard about it although he had never been able to go see it.
Seto looked at his calendar, quickly texting something. After a couple more rounds of texting, Seto looked up. "Thursday at 7pm?"
"Sounds good," smiled Ryou, hoping things would go well after this between them.
The rest of the night went by pleasantly, with Seto talking quite a bit. At the end of the evening, Seto helped Ryou into the limousine. At Ryou's address, the driver, whom Ryou found out's name was Reginald, opened the door for both. Seto walked Ryou to his door
"Thanks for the lovely time tonight," said Ryou softly. "I'd let you in, but I don't know if you need to be off for a meeting or something."
"Sadly, I do." Seto smiled softly, leaning over to give a gentle peck to Ryou's lips. "Good night."
"Next time then," smiled Ryou sadly, returning the peck. "Night, Seto."
Seto smiled, making sure Ryou got in the house before turning and leaving.