A/N: This story is SO much fun to write! I feel way more comfortable with 1st person XD This story though! Ughh! I feel so passionate about it! Thank you guys for your comments! Yes Yugi is the cupid, I cannot spoil Atem though ;)

Yugi

This is. Without a doubt. The most. AWKWARD date. I have ever been on.

Don't get me wrong. The venue is the loveliest place I've ever been. Never on my pay could I ever dream of attending such a regal place. I've dressed in my finest and I still feel underdressed.

The roofs are so high another floor and a half could fit above me. They're gilded and painted and I don't even know how they would have gotten up there to do that. The large windows open to the city below, making the sky and the city appear as one almost, with the lights as stars and moving fireflies. The red carpeted floors stretch across the entire floor and atop them are hundreds of ornate tables, each with pure white table clothes and golden decor. Most are set for couples, many are set for groups of four, and few are reserved for much larger groups. Each table has a unique flower setting and in the center of the room is a large rounded wall, but it isn't a wall - it is a massive aquarium with fish I've never seen before.

And the guests? Every man wore a tux, accented with charming colours, bow ties, normal ties, suspenders, you name it. Some wore white, other's black or midnight blue, some maroon. Others wore three piece suits, full on penguin suits or even the odd eccentric count getup. I am simply wearing a three piece suit on loan but even then I somehow can't compare. And the women? Their dresses came in every shape and size and colour and shine I don't even want to begin describing them.

As for my date though. He wore a white suit, a blue undershirt and icy blue tie to match his ice cold stare. This guy wasn't joking at all when he said he was Seto freaking Kaiba. I've seen his image before loads of times, even been in his presence on occasion at competitions, but to actually be sitting across from him at a table for two - needless to say I am intimidated.

He hasn't said much all evening no matter how much I try to strike a conversation. He seems completely disinterested if I'm honest but nothing else has caught his attention but me. He stares at me, or rather glares at me, and I don't even know if he's asked me out because he likes me or if he hates me.

This is a very weird situation to be in. For once, I am actually looking forward for this date to end. I don't even think I can call it a date. This feels like an interrogation without the interrogating.

We eat our meals in silence. I kept it simple: a lamb casserole and veg with bread as a side. Kaiba ordered a lobster and salad and we shared a bottle of something way too expensive.

I honestly appreciate him paying for me to eat here, but I feel like this isn't worth either of our times. Maybe I can still try to get him to say something. Now that we have food before us.

"This is delicious. Much better than anything you can find at other restaurants." I say happily behind a napkin. He grunts his response, continuing to eat. At least he's boring into his meal and not me now.

"Do you come here often?" I ask, quite aware of the cheesiest pick up line in humanity.

"No."

"Really? Too expensive?" I ask curiously and he scowls at me for a second.

"Nothing is too expensive."

It is for some… I think silently.

"Why not then?" I ask curiously and he looks at me blankly. "Come here often. Why not?"

He returns to his food and takes a large sip of his champagne. "I rather solitude."

"That's fair. I'm not normally one for large crowds either." I admit shyly. At least we're talking now.

"Considering you are the King of Games?" He quips, raising an eyebrow at me in amusement. Ok here we go. Slow start but that's fine.

"Well… I really just like the game, I've never been in it for the title." I admit modestly.

"That explains why you work at a 3rd rate gamestore."

I don't like that. I love my job. "Our store's doing pretty good actually."

"You'd be doing a lot better if you worked for me." He says quickly and it gives me pause. Is he offering me a job? Is that why he asked me here?

"Maybe… but I like my job. I like the people I work with and my customers."

"I suppose. You'd have a better salary, better rewards."

"I appreciate the musing but again, I like my job. I like where I am." I say in a kind way that makes my point very clear. He simply shrugs and continues to eat his meal.

This is disappointing. For once I go on a

date that turns out not to be a date but rather a job proposal. Not that I felt much connection with him anyway. What is weird is that I felt like we talked more over the phone than we have in person.

"Have you beaten that chapter you were up to?" I ask him casually. Perhaps a lighter topic would loosen him up.

"I haven't had the time. But after this, perhaps we could play it together?" He asks me. His voice is cold and stiff… but there's a hope there. Maybe he's just really shy? Not that he has anything to be shy about. He's the most powerful man in the room.

"That might be nice." I agree happily. If anything this counts as an invitation to come back to his place. That's a first.

He seems to relax after this. He talks about his day at the office at Kaiba Corp and even though they are short sentences, more like cliff notes and tabs on his opinion of such, it's still something. I ask him questions like 'how is Mokuba doing, are you planning any tournaments soon, what is he looking forward to' and these are successful but I just feel like I'm constantly hitting a wall.

oOoOoOo

Anyway. An hour later the two of us are leaving and waiting for the chaperone to come by with Seto's limousine. After another two glasses of champagne I'm feeling quite buzzed and he seems to be smiling more with a glint in his eyes. I've agreed to go home with him because honestly he made it through the whole date without falling in love with someone. This isn't the first time this has happened. Sometimes it takes some days for them to meet their true love. But this is the first time I've been invited back to their place. That said… I'm not actually sure I want to. Am I being picky now? I've waited my whole life to find someone interested in me and now I have I'm not sure about it? But then, of all the dates I've been on there's been at least a little chemistry. I just don't feel it with Seto. But I feel kind of bad for him though because I can sense that behind that cold exterior he's quite lonely. Maybe he finds it difficult to connect to people, like I do.

Our ride arrives not a moment too soon. A long black limousine with a silver blue eyes hood ornament and the KC logo deeply engraved on the hub caps. The inside is deep blue with light blue lights. It looks spacious and fancy. I've never been in a limo before.

Seto offers for me to get in first and my heart is pounding. I'm not sure if I'm nervous, anxious or anticipated though. I actually don't feel this is right. But I could just be nervous. I'm well out of my comfort zone. How do I know if this is fine or not?

I can't turn back now though. If I do, I'll never stop wondering.

The car smells nice. It Is florally and clean and the aircon is lovely. It's pretty strange not having a seatbelt though and the leather couch curls around the sides. The lights dim once we start driving but it's a pleasant mood light. The car is gliding over the road too. I could sleep to this.

Seto offers me a new glass of champagne and happily we clink glasses and he clicks his fingers for music to play softly in the background. This is romantic.

He sits beside me, stiff and rigid. I wonder if I should try to get closer to him. He's much too tall for me to casually drape my arm over his shoulder… I could lean against his arm? I don't know. I feel like he should be making a move given this is his car. I'm his guest. But he's so nervous. If I can break his defences perhaps he'll show me the side of him that is attracted to me.

Gently I lean my head against his arm and slyly rest my hand on his thigh, pretending not to notice as I swirl the champagne around. My heart is screaming though. I'm being so brazen! I've never done this. Never. Never had the chance. I've never even held someone's hand let alone lean on someone I'm 'dating'. He doesn't move. He doesn't even react really. Hmm… am I doing this wrong?

"I love your limo." I lead lightly, hoping he'll relax.

"Thank you."

Hmmm… okay. "So… should I pick up anything from home first before we make it back to yours…?" I ask and I feel him tense more if that's possible.

"I … do you want to?" He's nervous. Like, completely nervous. Okay Yugi, you got this. You've never been in this position but your date is clearly not functioning. Just remember every romance flick you've ever seen.

"I mean, I might not need anything if we play our cards right?" I say slyly, tracing a circle upon his thigh for good measure.

This is wrong.

"What does our cards have to do with it?" He asks innocently.

Yep. This is wrong. I don't know what it is. But I can't force this. Not even for his benefit. Surely he feels this too.

"Nothing. Actually I have remembered…" I sit back up and skull the rest of my champagne. I'm going to regret that but the vibration through my body has given me the confidence boost I need. "I'll be working tomorrow though and I probably shouldn't be staying up too late. If we're gonna be playing games and drinking and God knows what else that is."

"We can drop you home, no problem." He offers. Thank God!

"That would be lovely. But I had a great time at dinner. It was so kind of you to shout me. Is there anything I can do to repay you?" I ask. Okahhy. I feel dizzy. My eyes are getting heavy…

"Duel with me sometime. When you aren't working." He says stiffly.

Duel him huh?

"Shure… I like duelling."

That… th-that hit me hard. I should not have um… drank all that so fast.

"That's some strong champion. Wh-what ish it?"

"Cuvee. All the way from France."

I laugh at the name and he holds me against him. Oh I can feel his muscles under that coat. He's packing.

"Hmm, curvy. Like your muscles. You are so… strong."

"You're drunk." He says but why does he sound disappointed?

"It's your alcohol that's drunk. Don't blame me for being so tasty."

He smiles and shakes his head before leaning me against him snugly. "Take us to the Moto residence, please."

"I would but I don't drive limos. My car just some little four door. Not any of the fancy ones you drive." I say and he snickers. He snickers at me! Rude!

"What?! I like to see you drive my car."

"That won't be happening." He says fondly. Oh now he's friendly. Now I'm going home and the world is dancy he's friendly. Of course! "You too good ta drive me… car. My. My car?"

"I have an image to maintain."

Oh that is SO rude!

"So why're you wiv me? I'm a nobody in comparishon to you, rich boy."

"You don't give yourself enough credit."

"Why would I? Hah! I've been dating for ash long as I can…. Umm… word… remember! I've been dating for as long as I can remember and not ONE of my dates has left with me."

"I have."

I smack his chest playfully, smiling and leaning on him again. He's comfy I'll give him that. "Yeah but into me you're not. I can tell these things. When you're a block like me…"

"A block?"

I laugh at him, hysterically because he's so funny! "I'm not a block! I'm Yugi!"

"Okay. Listen, do you live with anyone? Can someone take care of you?"

I regain myself quickly… and then c4ack up laughing because that must have looked so funny to him. But I try. I try to stop long enough to answer him with the most seductive voice I can manage.

"Why don't you look after me? I'm your date after all, and I need a strong man to help me out of my clothes tonight."

Oh my god that was fucking smooth! Hes turned beet red and stiff as fuck, but he doesn't look impressed. God damn it. The one time I give the best line possible and he's not even biting.

"Roland will help you inside."

"Inside you?" I wink at him, leaning closer to almost climb on his lap. He holds my arms so I can't crawl further and then I notice the door open and it startles me off him and onto the floor.

"Roland, assist Mr. Moto inside please. Ensure he has water and is safely in his bed before you leave." Seto commands his butler or servant or assistant or whatever Roland is to him. He salutes and helps me out of the car. I like the fresh breeze but I can't believe I just failed at seducing. What was the point of this date?! He didn't find love, I'm no closer to hand holding … now I'm drink and hot and lonely. Fucktastic!

"Goodnight Yugi." Seto says fondly by the door.

"Yeah. Gnight. Thanks for dinner!" I call back anyway. I might be alcohol but I'm not rude!

My apartment is soooooo high!

Roland carries me on his back but he's like twice my height so I'm a sky scraper now. I could touch the roof if he wasn't holding my wrists down. He's comfy too. Why are they comfy?

I slip out my keys for him and quick as time we are inside. I can walk here now. I like my apartment.

"Do you like my apartment? It has um games and stuff. Do you want to play?" I ask him. I'm nothing if not hospital. Hoplight? I feel light.

"I cannot sir. Allow me to get you some water before I leave."

"Ah your no fun. I'm fine. Tell ya boss I'm fine. Go on. Shoo!" I say, pushing him out of the door and leaning on it heavily.

The house is quiet.

The world is still swaying.

The floor wants to suck me up… and I'm half tempted to let it. I'm a 28 year old loser who can't get even a sympathy hand to hold. At this rate I'm gonna be lonely until I'm too old to date!

oOoOoOo

I'm sobering now and I don't know when I slid to the cold ground or how long I've been crying but my phone chirping brings me back enough to notice these things.

It's a text from Ryou. What time is it? 10:30? It's so much earlier than I thought it'd be.

I decide to call him, mostly cause I'm too tired to type and I can rest my phone lazily on my face.

"Hey! I didn't think you'd be home."

I love his voice. His accent and soft tones have always brought me peace.

"Mhmm. It didn't go well."

"Damn it, do I owe you that $20 then?"

Oh right, the bet.

"Nah he didn't find love."

"Oh, what happened?"

I sigh and move to roll on my back, but my phone slides off my face to hit the floor loudly. I swipe it up quickly but the damage is done.

"Sorry, sorry. My phone was on my face."

"Are you okay?"

"Not really. I made a complete ass of myself getting drunk on champagne." I sigh sadly and I hear him groan.

"Oh dear. Do you need someone to come over?"

I don't know. I'll probably be asleep by the time he gets here. "Nah. I'll be fine. What's wrong with me Ryou? He was easy enough to talk to on the app but tonight he was tighter than a nun. I tried to loosen him up. I tried talking, making jokes, complimenting him. He relaxed somewhat when I felt the buzz in the car but then I fucked by coming on way too strong. I'm doomed to spend the rest of my life finding romance for everyone else but me."

"That isn't true, you just need the right person. There's 7 billion out there, remember?"

"Yeah and that's 7 billion disappointments. Or less than really but fuck counting."

"Don't lose hope, Yugi. You've had a bad night."

"Ryou not one of my dates recently has lead to…"

Wait… Atem. I'm forgetting him. He asked me out on a second date. He completely ignored the girl I pushed into him and came after me. I mean that means he wasn't meant to be for her but its something.

"Yugi?"

And Seto was willing to take me home… I just was trying so hard for something neither of us wanted because I'm getting desperate.

"Yugi?"

Oh! "Sorry I remembered something."

"That being you're worth it?"

I chuckle at him and shake my head no. "I met someone curious today. He asked me out to coffee out of nowhere and I decided to take your advice and go for it. He was… a bit too observant but asked me on a second date even after coming into contact with a waitress."

"A second date? That's awesome! See? That's never happened before!"

I smile at the memory. I can't believe I forgot. "Yeah. He wants to take me to dinner and a movie."

"Haha, classic! So what's he like?"

Hmm… how to describe godly. "Well,he kinda looks like me. He's tall, dark and mysterious. He works at a casino casually as a game master. He's very flirty. Like smooth as silk, Ryou. I've never been hit on like that before."

"And he's safe?"

Good question. I just trusted he was. "I don't know. I feel like yes. I was going to walk away but he surprised me when he came after me. No one has ever chased me down in the presence of a prospective partner before."

"You're meeting him tomorrow, you said?"

"Yup."

"What's his name?"

"Atem. I have his number. I'm meant to send him a text to let him know where to pick me up."

"Mmmkay. Just be careful. You don't know this guy, he could be a predator."

He's right… I don't get that feeling from him. At least not a dangerous one. He might be after sex but at this point I might as well swallow my morals. Maybe losing my virginity will make me calmer around my dates…

"I will. I might freshen up and give him a call, see if we can't hammer out where we'll go to eat."

"Somewhere public. And tell me where, okay?"

"Yes sir." I salute him, never mind that he can't see me.

"Alright. Gnight Yugi. Be careful."

"Gnight, Ryou."

The phone falls silent and I let out a long sigh before I drag myself off the ground. I search through for Atem's number and send him a quick text, asking if he's available to chat before I glide over to my bathroom.

I pat my face with cool water and brush my teeth lazily, staring at myself in the mirror blankly.

I can't believe I ruined my date. It's not the first time but honestly, I'm better than this. First I try to walk away from Atem too early then I get drunk with Seto? I still feel buzzed but honestly that cry really sobered me up. Tomorrow, when I see Atem, I should give him more patience. He actually chased after me and asked for a second date. Technically I feel like this would officially be the first but, fuck it no. This is as close to a second date I've ever gotten, so second date it is. Just the thought of it makes me feel giddy. I haven't been this excited for a date in ages. Maybe all the others recently I've just been going through the motions.

My phone chirps and I rinse my mouth out, dry myself and smile seeing Atem's name popped up. He says yes and asks me how my date is, so I respond asking him if I can call him. I just get out of the bathroom when he responds with a yes and a winky face.

I giggle, chewing my lips as I excitedly press the call button and breathe deeply. I wonder what he sounds like over the phone. I can't believe I'm so nervous.

"Hey." Ughhhh his voice is glorious!

"Hi, how are you?" I try to sound cool, and smooth… but I'm afraid the smile I'm wearing is just making me sound girly.

"I'm doing better after hearing your voice. How was your date?"

"Said goodbye to number 13 about an hour ago." I shrug and he hums, but I'm not sure what that means.

"Shame. I guess that means you and I are set for that date tomorrow?"

Hold the squeal. Hold it. "Mhm. I look forward to it."

"You're still gonna need to tell me your address, or I won't be able to pick you up."

"Hmm. Park Avenue. It's the apartment complex at 103. I'll meet you outside."

"Park Avenue. Perfect. Now, don't break my heart and tell me you just called me to talk addresses."

Don't giggle. You're not in school anymore!

"No. I just wanted to chat as well. Are you working tonight?"

"Mm. Actually I'm on my break."

"Oh! I shouldn't keep you too long then." I say quickly, chewing my lips.

"It's fine. Like I said I'm self employed. I'm not at the casino tonight."

"Oh! So… you're somewhere else?"

"Mhm. Tell me, what's your ideal dinner date?"

I have to laugh at this though. He used a similar tactic today for coffee. "I don't like them too fancy. I like to feel like I can actually afford the food I'm eating."

"Okay. So on your paygrade what do you like?"

I think about this and flop back onto my couch, hanging my leg lazily off the edge. "A quiet scene, few people, tables are spaced. I like the food to be tasty rather than presentable. Not any of the fine cuisine stuff where you get more plate than food. Dim lighting, calm music, deep colours."

"Ooh that's quite the description. I expected a name for such a place, is there one in this city?" He asks curiously.

"Mmhm. It's called Aria. I've been there on a few special occasions but I've never taken a date there."

"Why not?"

… Good question. "I think, maybe I just wanted to keep it for something special."

"Am I something special?" I can hear the smirk from here and it makes me wants to punch his arm. Instead I just giggle and revel in the heat blossoming across my cheeks.

"Maybe. You did surprise me today. Twice."

"Good. And I intend to keep surprising you."

"Do you?" I ask, ignoring the way my heart is palpitating.

"If you let me. Are there any movies you want to see?"

"Hmm… we're already going to eat somewhere I want to eat, why don't we see a movie you want to see?" I suggest. I feel like the exchange in information is very one sided here. I know barely anything about him and he already knows I like gaming, what hot beverage I like, where my ideal restaurant is and that I date a lot. I know a grand total of he works casual at a casino and is otherwise self employed doing god knows what.

"The only thing I want to watch is you."

"Oh come on! Are you getting these lines from a soap opera?" I ask, laughing at how ridiculous his pickup lines are. Oh my God.

"No, my lines are better."

I laugh heartily at that. I love his confidence. He's so funny. And still he talks but says nothing.

"I want to know you better. What kind of movies do you like?" I ask him kindly. I hear him hum in thought and I think he relaxes.

"I haven't seen many. I've seen some romance films but they felt disingenuous to me. Foreign. I don't fall in love often to know how accurate those films are."

"Normally people fall in love only a few times in their lives but thats because love isn't fleeting."

"Really?" He sounds genuinely curious. Like he really thought it was.

"Really. Liking someone, finding them attractive, crushes - these are fleeting. They can either grow and become love, or they wilt and pass on. Lust is the same. They're all fleeting. But love though - that remains. Love is powerful. It's sneaky. Love is … so much stronger and usually you don't get a say in when it will take you."

He's quiet for a short while and I look at my phone to see we are still on… I wonder if I said the wrong thing. "Atem?"

"Sorry. I was just thinking about what you said. You sound like an expert in it."

"Which is funny because I've never felt it."

"Then how …?"

"Do you remember when I said I always say goodbye? Because every date I go on they find happiness in someone else?"

"Yes?"

"I've seen love bloom more times than I can count. I've never felt it's warmth, but it's glow is so easy to see."

"That sounds lonely."

…"It is…" I agree sadly.

"If it helps, I know how you feel."

"Really?" I ask, amused. "A god like you knows how it feels to be lonely?"

"A god?" He laughs.

"Have you seen you? You're hot as fuck!"

"...R-really?"

"I fail to believe you didn't know this." I say incredulously.

"No, I had that idea, but I never expected you to say this." He laughs.

"Shut up. I've been drinking. I get a bit more confident with several glasses of fancy champagne in my system."

"Ohhh so you drink!"

"You are having way too much fun!" I say and we laugh together.

"No, it's good to know. I'll make sure Aria has some champagne."

"You want me drunk?"

"Maybe. Might be fun."

I roll my eyes but honestly, I don't mind. Tomorrow I think will be fun.

"So anyway. You were saying about know how it feels?" I ask to get us back on track.

"Yes. I think. Maybe not to the same extent though. I mean that I find it hard to find someone who really connects with me too. I think maybe that's what draws me in about you."

"You can kind of sense we're like minded spirits?" I ask as a little joke and he chuckles beautifully.

"Maybe. You're the first person I've ever met that can actually walk away from me."

"Wow! That doesn't sound arrogant at all." I laugh and he laughs with me.

"I'm serious. I know how that sounds but you'd be surprised."

"Hmm… well, you're the first person I've met that has actually ran after me. Maybe you're right and we're not so different after all."

"Mmm."

We fall silent, but honestly it's a pleasant, soothing silence. I feel comfortable just having him on the other end. I wonder if he feels the same. "I like talking with you." I say quietly.

"I like talking with you too. It'd be better if I were there, then we could cuddle and just be together."

Wow. My heart feels like it's going to jump out of my chest and I have to hold my breath and bite my finger just to stop from squealing. This is the kind of stuff couples say. I barely know him. This is like the third conversation I've ever had with him and he has me wanting nothing more than to be with him right now.

"Yugi?"

"Mhm! Sorry, I was just… um… uh…"

He chuckles again and it makes me feel so silly. "You're adorable."

"Sh-shut up! I am not."

"Oh no. You are."

"Shut up! I'm hanging up now. Goodnight."

"No don't. Come back!"

I should hang up. I should. It'd be funny. But no, I put him back to my ear and sigh.

"I want to tell you to sleep well, drink some water and dream of me."

"You are such a romantic, aren't you?" I ask as if I'm unimpressed but on the inside I am screaming!

"Goodnight, Yugi." He purrs and it's like a spell that has me chasing after him.

"Goodnight, Atem."

"Hmm… so beautiful."

"What is?"

"My name, rolling off your tongue…"

I hear the little beep that tells me the call has ended and after confirming such I let out the hottest, drawing out sigh that has ever passed my lips. The way he says tongue… the way he breathes and purrs. The flirting… God what has he done to me?

I've never felt this hot for someone before. The last time I felt this flustered I was just discovering how amazing my body could feel imagining other people, but since my quest for love started lust has all but been forgotten until now.

Oh wow… what he does to me…

What he could do to me. That voice, those eyes, his predatory body … he could make me doing anything. All the while I'll moan his name just to hear him purr.

I feel my body reacting faster than I can contain it and honestly, I don't know if it's the drug that is his voice or the alcohol but the urge to close my eyes, to palm my crotch in thought of him is too hard to resist. He is too hard to resist…

My hips buck into my hands eagerly as my crotch wakens from it's long slumber. The need to be relieved, to be shown attention, to be pleased is too high to ignore. I half want to call him again just to listen to his voice, to have him walk me through the motions and that thought alone has my hand desperately undoing my buckle to set myself free.

My cock is sensitive. It's been too long since I paid it much attention but now, just thinking about how he would guide me. He'd be gentle with me, playing with me like a cat plays with his mouse. I'd be his pray, his plaything. I'd squirm under his confident, warm, firm hand and I'd be jelly under those hot ruby eyes. He'd kiss me gently, lick me slowly, tease me relentlessly and I'd be pushing myself towards him, up into the hole of his hand so his fingers would curl over my head.

He'd take me into his hot wet mouth slowly, taunting me until I beg for him to please me. Only then would he devour me whole and his throat…

"Nyahhh!" I moan loudly, but he wouldn't want me to just moan as I cum for him though. No he wouldn't. "Atem…" I moan as hot milk spurts from me and coats my hand.

My cheeks are on fire, my ears are burning, my stomach is so hot and my hand is warm and sticky, but my cock feels so incredible. The euphoria coursing through my body is sublime. I push slowly into my hand, gently squeezing the last remains of me out until I am too sensitive to touch…

I can't believe what he does to me. I only met him today and already he has me pining for him. I just came for him … and he'll never know.

He cannot be allowed to fall for anyone else. I have to make sure that whatever curse I have, does not turn him from me. Not yet. Not yet.