A/N: I finally figured out the sequence for the next few chapters, so here we go! I loved writing this chapter. Yugi is so precious and Atem is just dreamy! As always, I adore reading your comments

Yugi

"I think the red one. Atem has red eyes right? It'll look like you've thought about him." Marik says, holding up a wine red tie to my neck.

"No, it clashes with the purple shirt. The white one. It's clean, classy and puuuure." Ryou smacks his boyfriend's hand away to hold up a white silk tie instead.

"He's going on a date, not getting married." Marik quips.

"I'm also not going to something so fancy that requires a tie." I say grumpily, taking both the ties from them and tossing them on the bed behind me.

Look at me. Fussing over how I look. Sure I dressed up for Seto's date yesterday but that was to the fanciest joint in the city. This is Aria's and a movie… with the hottest guy in the world!

"Is my hair okay? Should I do something with it?" I ask, pulling at the stubborn curl at the front. How does he get it to stand so tall?

"Nah, not more than you have." Marik says, leaning on one hip thoughtfully.

"I agree. You're gonna want it soft and smooth."

"Why?" I ask curiously.

They smirk together and Ryou snuggles close to Marik, nuzzling him under his neck while Marik's arm curls around his waist.

"Because you're gonna want something pleasant he can nuzzle into." Marik says as rests his cheek against Ryou's head, his hair nestling around his face like a silk pillow.

"What?!" I squeak though. If they expect me to do that … I mean… I kinda did that with Seto and look what happened: nothing!

"Yeah!" Ryou chirps happily. "Think about it."

He comes over and pulls me to the bed, sitting me on the edge while Marik jumps behind us and separates us with his arm. Meanwhile Ryou ignores him, making us sit beside one another and he out stretches his arm as if imagining a scene before him.

"It's dark, the movie is playing. It's just you and him after a romantic dinner. The movie is interesting and engaging and it makes you both want to settle in and allow yourselves to be captured by it. But this arm rest is kinda uncomfortable." He says, lifting Marik's arm and dramatically he rolls off the bed with a gentle thunk. "Now, you can curl in close." Marik pushes me into Ryou's side and Ryou drapes his arm around my neck and down shoulders. "He drapes his arm around you -"

"It's corny but it works." Marik snickers.

"And now your luscious hair becomes something he can nestle into and he'll smell your shampoo, your cologne and he'll find you irresistible." Ryou continues. This is so weird! And incredibly embarrassing!

"Then when the romantic scene comes up!" Marik jumps before us before he shrugs nonchalantly. "Which is a trope in just about every movie these days."

"He'll touch your chin, direct you to face him." Ryou narrates exactly what he does until we're face to face and I burning so hot I feel I could combust. But then he smirks and bumps his head to mine playfully. "He'll kiss you."

I stand straight up from him and back away, my heart racing with the naughty images he's put in my head. "No! No no. There won't be any kissing! This is my second date with him, I barely know him!"

"Oh come on! This might be your first chance to land a snogging and you're gonna decline for that?" Ryou whines.

"First of all, England called…" I say and Marik laughs, earning himself a scowl from his boyfriend. "Second of all, you know I've been wanting to do this right. If I wanted a quick fling there's a few numbers I could call."

He sighs but it looks like he's backing down now. "Alright fine. I know. But he sounds bold, so you know… be prepared." He shrugs.

He's right about that. Every conversation I've had with him has left me somewhat flustered to outright dangerous. I actually wouldn't put it passed him to try a move like that. If he does, what do I do? What if it feels right? Is it okay to kiss on the second date? All the things I've read or watched suggest the third is when that should happen. Does the phone call last night count? What if he doesn't try to kiss me? Will that mean he's not that interested or he's being respectful? Oh this is so hard. I've seen love born countless times and yet I don't know the first thing when it comes to real dating.

I shake my head and busy myself in the mirror. Idly I check my watch. I've still got half an hour before he should be here. Okay, check list.

Clothes are neat, washed and ironed. I've showered, dried and styled my hair. I've applied a thin line of eyeliner and mascara - not enough to look fake but enough to accentuate. Cologne, check. Clean nails. I've drunk nothing but water today so my lips are nice and smooth. Not that he'll be kissing them! I've brushed my teeth. I've got my wallet, keys and my phone is charged. My shoes are polished and scuff free. I look ready.

I feel so anxious.

"Don't worry. You'll do great." Marik says behind me, a gentle tanned hand on my shoulder.

"I was anxious last night and look what happened to that date." I say miserably. I can't believe I tried to climb the richest man in the country.

"Yeah but you also said he wasn't biting so like… not really your fault." Ryou shrugs.

He's right. Atem has shown interest. Acute interest. But this is the big one. A 10 minute coffee is hardly grounds for much and a … stimulating phone call doesn't help much other than to get my hopes up. But I will be spending the next several hours with him now. I might be at dinner for about 1-2 hours and the movie will take just over 2 hours… God knows what he wants to do after that.

I'll limit my drinking at dinner. One champagne and I won't skull it. I will not be doing anything that will make myself foolish in front of him tonight.

"Hey Ryou. Think we should tidy his bedroom while he's gone?" Marik asks behind me.

"Ooh yeah. We should probably spritz the place too with some Essence." Ryou agrees. They're plotting again…

"I was thinking cotton candy. It screams Yugi."

"Oohhh good idea!"

"Guys!" I snap at them and they snicker together.

"Just tryin to help." They say in unison and I sigh deeply, pinching the bridge of my nose. I know I asked for this but must they couple around me?

"If I'm not going to be kissing him, what makes you think I'm inviting him to my bed?" I ask and they blush, giving me that flirtatious and dangerous look because they know that we're all thinking it: it would be utterly amazing to share my bed for the first time with this guy.

"You know a lot of things can be done without kissing." Marik mumbles not so innocently at all.

"Get out!" I command them and they laugh all the way out of the house, joking and shooting back little lewd suggestions of what else he might want to do with me. I close the door on them and breathe slowly. I can still hear them snickering down the hall…

I have the best friends.

"Okay, Yugi. You got this. You've been on hundreds of dates before. You know the ropes. Just be yourself… but not too much. Play it cool.

My phone chirps and it startles me to the point that in my haste to grab it I almost drop it. Very cool.

Atem: I'm here early. You said 103 Park Avenue correct? Take your time, I'll wait as long as you need for perfection ;)

Ohhhhh my god, oh my god ohmygod!

Okay!

Wallet, keys, phone! Check. Umm… shoes! Cologne. Breath? It's been a while um…. I'll brush my teeth one more time. Oh first!

Me: Be right there, one minute." Do I put a cross or not. Is that too much? What about a smiley face. Too friendly? A wink? Too suggestive. Ummm…. Just send.

oOoOoOo

I race downstairs until I get to the last floor where I stop, catch my breath and pat myself down before I walk down the next flight casually. My palms are sweating already but I forget all about that when I see Atem outside talking happily with Ryou and Marik.

My first thought is why is fate so cruel?

My second thought reminds me that Ryou and Marik have been in love for years and my mysterious side effect shouldn't affect them anymore.

My third thought is polyamory exists and as much as I love them I want them away from him!

Okay. Deep breath.

I open the glass doors and they smile upon seeing me. My friends are practically in each others pockets and brimming to the edge with excitement and blushing happiness. They look between me and him, as if comparing our likenesses. I did tell them he looks kinda like me, so I guess they're really accepting that now.

Atem is gorgeous. His suit yesterday looked nice on him but the one he wears today is to die for. His hair is even glossier than before, his midnight suit is freshly pressed. He wears a deep, rich purple shirt underneath which oddly enough compliments the lavender colour I went for. He wears a white little handkerchief in his breast pocket and a red rose broach near his chest. He radiates elegance, but oddly enough the only thing out of place is the dark shades he wears over his eyes. Despite it being evening and he's clearly been in conversation. Curious. I wonder if he's okay.

"Yugi. You look beautiful." He purrs and I can only tell he's checking me out by the vertical tilt of his head and the way he chews his lip. Ryou and Marik are spoiling it with their silenced giggles though and I give them a look to make them stop.

"Shouldn't you two be on your way home?" I urge them, coming to stand with them all. They straighten up and nod eagerly.

"Yes we should. Now. Immediately. It was nice to meet you Atem. Have a great night Yugi." Ryou shoots me a wink and Marik pretends to tiger growl shortly before they both scamper out of here, hand in hand and in a surprising rush.

"Your friends are lovely." Atem says, stepping closer to me and removing his shades to fold into his pocket. I'm glad he's not hurt … and his eyes are magnificent. I missed those rubies.

"They're nosey too. You look absolutely stunning." I say breathlessly, taking his full majesty before me. I forgot he was a full head taller than me and how hot that is.

"Thank you. I got you something."

"A gift?" My voice is small and he smirks at me as he pulls from his pocket a matching rose broach. I let him fasten it to my jacket, admiring and trying desperately not to swoon from the cologne he's wearing, but also the gesture! He got me a matching broach!?

"Now people know you're mine tonight."

"Wow…" I breathe somehow… "Um… thank you." I say with a bit more fervour. I need to get my head in the game. Play it cool.

"You're welcome. Shall we?"

"Mhm!"

oOoOoOo

Aria's is a fine establishment. It used to be a Chinese restaurant but it started taking western orders so now it's just a fancy restaurant with an orient feel and specials on Chinese cuisine. I've always loved he red velvet walls, the even darker red carpet with the faintest hints of dragons in it's pattern. I love the dark wood tables and chinese design of the furniture and high pillars. The lanterns are a lovely touch as well. I've always wanted one in my house. It'd be awesome.

The place isn't normally booked out either. There's a few people, families mostly dining already, but there's plenty of choices for us, including my favourite booth over in the corner. I like it because it's out of the way but also because it's right next to the fish tank and they have beautiful Koi.

"Before we order, I suggest I take the bill this time and if that doesn't suit, why don't you pay for the movie?" He asks me. He's slipped his shades on again… indoors. Hmm. Maybe his eyes are sensitive? That sounds fine in theory but dinner will end up being more expensive.

"You pay for dinner. I'll pay for the movie and snacks." I say and he smirks.

"Done."

Perfect. That should even the price out if I order something simple.

We reach the counter and he confidently asks for a table for two, and a bottle of fine champagne. We're given a number, menus and asked to find a seat. Our champagne will be brought to us. He lets me go first and this time I take it, leading us over to the fishtank booth. The seats here are comfy and long it's darker in this corner too with the lanterns not directly above us. The fish tanks offers us some cool lighting though and I have to admit, I never thought of this, but the fish swimming gracefully creates a lovely and exotic view.

"This place is nice. I like it." Atem muses, removing his shades once again.

"Wait until you try the food." I say happily and he smiles at me.

"I promised myself I'd be on my best behaviour." He muses, raising his brows at me flirtatiously.

"Really? What does that mean?"

"It means…" He leans forward slightly to grin at me. "I'll try and keep the flirting tame, but I make no promises if you give me lines like that."

"Like what?" I ask and he smiles so cheekily I spy his fangs again. God they're amazing.

"Trying the food. If you'll permit me the food might not be the only thing I try tonight."

"Oh wow!" And like that I am as red as the wall behind him and he chuckles at me handsomely.

"You wouldn't be thinking anything perverted would you?" He asks playfully and I mock scowl at him. He knows exactly what he's done and it's barely been five minutes.

A well dressed waiter comes by and I notice how he turns to look at the fish while the waiter presents our choices. I choose the one closest to me and skillfully he opens the bottle to pour for us. Atem is smiling into his palm, a soft look gracing his eyes but I don't know why he's not watching the man. He's purposefully avoiding looking in his direction at all. I wonder if something is wrong but then I feel something touch my leg and I quickly realise it's his shoe, caressing me. He must be okay… His behavior is so curious. Everything he does is purposeful and calculated.

As soon as the waiter bows and I thank him, and he leaves, Atem returns his attention to the drinks before us, inspecting it with curiosity.

"Good choice." He muses, lifting his glass for us to clink together. His eyes are sparkling and there's something so deep in them it makes my heart ache… but it's a pleasant ache. Like a yearning.

We clink glasses and I take a ginger little sip. I'm not familiar with this blend but it's sweet. I like it.

"It's good."

"Have you not tried it before?" He asks curiously.

"No. I just chose the closest to me." I say and he laughs.

"Well you chose well." He hums pleasantly.

We sit in a comfortable silence for a moment, just enjoying the mood and it makes me feel so bubbly inside. This is the feeling I got on the phone with him. Being able to just feel comfortable being in one anothers presence. I love this. But I'm also not going to learn more about him by sitting here admiring him.

"So… the glasses." I throw out there and he looks at me curiously, a hand idly touching them. He smiles softly and nods.

"My eyes are only for you. I find that I can create a lot of problems looking people in the eye." He says and it honestly fascinates me.

"How do you mean?" I ask him, leaning forward in interest.

He shifts and takes a big breath, seemingly thinking for the right words to say.

"Do you remember I said last night that you're the first person to walk away from me?"

"Yes?"

"Well… and I'm not saying this to brag, but normally people can take one look at my eyes and their entire demeanor changes. They become somewhat drunk… not literally but it's like something switches. With you, you haven't displayed this and I'd like to if possible, avoid it happening with everyone else while we're together."

"That sounds like you put them under a spell. Which I wouldn't be surprised about because those eyes of yours are glorious. How do you know something hasn't switched in me from looking at them?" I ask coyly and he smirks, chewing his lip suggestively.

"If you had, you and I wouldn't be sitting at this booth."

"Where would we be?"

"In the back seat of my car or in your apartment. And that's tonight."

"Wow! So you're saying people take one look at you and fall head over heels in lust for you?" I ask playfully and he laughs, nods and takes a sip of his drink.

I don't believe it, but then again it rings a bell. Exchange lust for love and he just described me. It feels like that sometimes. Just everyone's love is for everyone else, not me.

"Is that why you looked away from the waitress yesterday?" I ask curiously.

"And the waiter just now."

"So are you saying that instead of everyone else getting into your pants, you want me in there instead?" I ask brazenly and he turns the most delightful shade of pink and adopts the most charming look of surprise I thought him possible. He looks impressed, challenged even and it fills me with confidence I didn't think I had.

"Are you offering?"

Oh boy. I see the grave I'm digging.

"Maybe… I think I'd like to hold someone's hand first before delving into their pants." I say sheepishly and hide how red my cheeks are with another drink. Maybe I can blame the blush on the alcohol.

"You mentioned being lonely before. No one's ever asked you to a second date before now. Forgive me if this is too personal, I promise to keep my questions light - I don't want a repeat of yesterday - but does what you said just now mean no one has ever held your hand before?"

Yesterday I was touchy. I admit that. After my failed date with Seto and my exciting conversation with Atem, not to mention the little guilty fun I got up to afterwards, I feel like today is better. Sharing this kind of conversation over dinner is much nicer than over a quick coffee. And he's polite about it. I can see he's testing the waters now instead of presuming like yesterday.

"Romantically yes. As kids sure and as friends yeah - but you'd be correct. No one's held my hand, played with my hair or until yesterday, asked me out to a second date before. You must think that's pretty pathetic. I'm 28 years old with the experience of a 14 year old." I roll my eyes at myself and sigh.

"I don't."

I look at him and see him smiling sadly at me. He listened to me, and he's not judging. I don't know what I expected but not this. I thought someone as cool as he is would think I'm a loser and second guess his decision to take me out.

"You don't?"

"I don't think it's pathetic. I think it's lonely, and I feel for you. To be touched is… primal. It's what we crave. What we all need. To feel that connection between us it's more than an emotional state, but it solidifies when touch is involved. It can be through a kiss, sex, a hug, even hand holding. To not know what that feels like is something I can't comprehend."

Wow. I didn't expect such an insightful thought. Maybe he does understand what it's like to be lonely. I mean, I'm lonely in every way, but he seems to understand. It sounds like he has no issues forming physical connections but emotional ones, that said he understands how important physical ones are too.

He holds his hand out for me, gently resting it on the table and offering me a kind smile. Instinctively I want to touch it and feel how soft his hand must be or how course it might be? It looks smooth but strong. Not calloused but well looked after. But I don't want him to pity me.

"You don't have to hold my hand to make me feel better. I don't want any pity." I say kindly and he smiles, keeping it there.

"I want you to feel what it feels like, but I also want to feel closer to you."

…Okay.

I hesitate, my fingers twitching over his and shaking slightly. It's not that I'm afraid to hold someones hand, but this feels like I'm in the spotlight. I want to touch him though… my heart is racing. Slowly the pads of my fingers brush his and I pull back slightly when his fingers twitch. Is he nervous too? I glance at him briefly to see he's smiling at me warmly and it makes my cheeks flush again. I take a settling breath and slide my fingers along his. His long, strong fingers curl around my slender pale ones and the warmth I feel from his touch takes my breath away. His skin is so smooth, like silk and they're very warm, hot even… So this is what holding someone's hand feels like? I never want to let him go.

"How does it feel?" He asks me softly and I breathe out slowly.

"A million times better than I imagined." I whisper. I feel like crying. I won't and I try to solidify this with another sip and a gentle squeeze of his hand, but I feel my eyes threatening me.

"You mesmerise me." He says and I almost take too large a sip from that.

"Why?" I ask in shocked confusion.

"Your eyes."

"Mine?" I ask and he nods. His thumb is stroking the back of my hand and it's soothing to say the least.

"You have so much knowledge and wisdom with love but no experience with it. You've seen it from a far every day of your life but somehow, and I don't know how, but somehow no one has ever touched you like this and I cannot help but wonder why."

"Oh believe me I've been asking myself the same question since I was 16." I say lightly and he nods.

"I on the other hand, have too much experience with physical connections but none with emotional ones. Until you. No one has ever taken my fancy before until I saw you and no one has ever consumed my mind quite like you have since." He says so smoothly I find it difficult to believe.

"For someone who claims to not have much experience with emotional connections, you talk like the gentlest river."

"I've had plenty of years in the art of seduction to know my way around words, but they are by no means less truthful." He admits. Seduction huh? I believe that.

"Does your years of seduction have anything to do with your self employment?" I ask coyly and he snickers, raising his glass to me with a wink.

"Maybe."

"Are you… some kind of host?" I ask playfully and he grins.

"Maybe."

"Playing hard ball huh? I don't judge."

"I don't mind if you did. I'm a bit of a freelancer. A mercenary without the shady business. Anything I can take to pay the bills."

"Including … hosting?"

He nods deeply, swallowing a mouthful bravely. "Yes, among other things."

"Hmm. Okay."

"That's okay?" He asks curiously and I nod and shrug simply.

"Yep. I trust you know what you're doing and who am I to judge? I go on more dates than a 5 minute dating cafe."

He laughs at this and the waiter returns to take our order. I don't want to but we haven't looked at our menu's yet, so we take our hands back and he loses himself in his flat book of food.

"I'll take a chicken schnitzel and veggie salad please. And could I ask for a jug of water as well?"

"You don't like the champagne?" Atem asks me quietly and amused.

"I do, but I don't want to get smashed tonight." I say cheekily and he nods in fairness.

"I will take the same. Thank you, but hold the gravy please." He says, politely handing his menu back to the waiter all the while swirling what is left of his champagne. He never looked at him. Huh. Maybe he's not joking about the insta lust thing.

"Certainly sirs. Your meal will not take long." The waiter bows and leaves and when we're clear Atem looks up at me again with a warm smile.

"Speaking of smashed. Do you mind if I ask how your date went last night?" He asks me curiously.

"I thought we discussed this." I say coyly.

"You said you said goodbye, does this mean he found love in the eyes of someone else?" He asks innocently enough.

"Alas, no. That would have been preferable to what happened. No, we didn't have much of a connection and I compensated by drinking a little too much champagne too quickly, and made a bit of a fool of myself in his car."

"Ohoo? Do tell!" He smiles that gorgeous toothy grin and I can't resist. I feel like I can tell him anything.

"I tried to climb him."

"While driving?"

"No no. He had a limo, and I was in the back of it with him. He would barely speak to me but he wasn't like… upset with me. I think he was nervous so I tried to loosen him up."

"By climbing on him? You know I've been around the block a few times, I can give you some pointers." He laughs and I shake my head.

"It was the alcohol. I've never been that brave before. Though I did waste the best pickup line I've ever thought of on him."

"And what was that?" He asks curiously. "Use it on me."

I don't know… he'll take me up on the offer. But okay. "He asked if I had anyone at home to take care of me, and I dutifully responded by asking him to look after me because I would need a strong man to help me out of my clothes."

He laughs loudly and it makes me feel a little proud of myself. "And he didn't take you up on that?"

"No, he just sort of sat there."

"Shame. I'd have jumped on that so fast we wouldn't have even left the car."

I… have no words. So I drink what's left of my champagne because that worked so well for me last time.

So his job of being a freelance host - whatever that is - explains perfectly why he's so good at flirting. He's so cool. He works at a casino, he meets lots of people… he lives in the sin of lust and greed but he's just so cool about it. It must be nice to be so open with yourself. His world is completely different to mine.

"So your friends I met earlier." He poses and I shake myself to give him my full attention. "They've known you for a while?"

"Yes." I smile. "Ryou, the british one, he's been my friend since we were kids. Marik, his boyfriend, we met actually on a date. Annnd Ryou didn't realise I was on a date when he saw me and came over. He realised very quickly of course and left but Marik was pretty obsessed with him and a little lost in thought. I'd gotten pretty used to this happening so I called Ryou to come back, telling him my date was over and instead I got them talking and just let them be." I explain simply and he cocks his head to the side in confusion.

"This didn't bother you though?"

"Not really. Marik's a great guy, we're good friends, but I'm happier knowing he and Ryou are in good hands with each other. Ryou was profusely apologetic but honestly I'd rather they be happy together than keeping themselves apart for my sake. Just because I'm lonely doesn't mean they have to be."

"Hmm. That's very noble of you." He says in thought, and perhaps approval.

"You think? One of these days I'm gonna have to learn to be a bit more aggressive I think. But, when they get that look in their eye - jealousy just isn't me."

"You could be aggressive with me, I think I'd like that."

"You don't stop do you?" I laugh.

"Do you want me to?" He asks smugly. I almost want to challenge him… but he's a gamer like me, which means he's inherently stubborn, and I don't have the patience for that.

"No. Never." I say quietly, assenting his win.

Our dinner arrives not too long after and we eat happily, sharing stories about fish because the Koi are a good conversation starter. Turns out he likes them too and just cause they're pretty but because of their peaceful and tranquil symbolism, which I learned is something he craves. He's a much deeper person than I gave him credit for.

After our delicious meal is eaten and our plates are cleaned up, we share one more glass of champagne; but we drink a little fast now so we can leave and catch the movie.

oOoOoOo

The movie we've selected is a horror movie. We picked it because the other options were either terribly dated or romance and honestly… I'd prefer not to risk Ryou's and Marik's interpretation of what they think will happen tonight. I mean, if it does great but like … I don't know. I feel this is less cliche or 'asking for it'.

Atem has adopted his shades again and scans the wall for any desired snacks while I pay for our tickets. We get a large soda to share but neither of us are hungry for anything. Dinner was very filling… and now I think about it that's probably why he agreed to this deal. Oh well.

We file into the cinema behind a small line of people and choose a couple of seats towards the back and in the center. The lights are dim but the movie isn't ready yet. We settle in happily, watching curiously as everyone chooses their seats. Casually I slide out my phone to turn it off and Atem notices and does the same. That's cute. I don't know why, everything he does is cute.

"I wonder what previews will show. I always enjoy watching those." I muse casually.

"What are previews?"

Is he serious? He's looking at me with interest, I see no joke there though. "Like movie trailers?"

"Trailer?"

"Are you serious?" I ask with a small chuckle. His smile falters but he's still listening and waiting. I think he's serious. "Have you ever been to the movies?"

"Actually no. This is my first time. I just suggested it because I know a lot of people go on dates here."

Wow. I … I have never known anyone who has never been to the movies before.

"Well, glad I could take a first for you." I say lightly and his grin turns into something devious as he leans heavily on the armrest between us. He's so close I lean back from him and he chews his lip devilishly with that sexy fang of his.

"If you're taking my firsts then allow me the same honor of being yours."

My entire body shivers and I feel my lower half stirring to life again. I'm at a loss for words though and my brain is stumbling and tumbling over itself. I try to come back with something witty but nothing comes out so I just give up and tear my eyes from his. My cheeks must be glowing, my ears are burning and I try to squirm as a subtle tap on the wrist to my own body for betraying me, but it just makes it worse.

He chuckles at me and gently strokes my cheek with a single finger and then curls a blonde bang behind my ear, trailing under my jaw. "You are adorable."

"I am not!" I squeak, a bit louder than I intended. Still though he laughs and sits back in his seat.

The lights dim and I notice him look around curiously. He really has never been to the movies.

"It's okay. This is normal."

"I'm not scared." He laughs, but I'm not convinced. I'm sure he's fine but it's so cute!

"I never said you were. But if you want I can hold your hand?" I say very bravely, casually leaving my hand on the armrest between us and looking away at the people. He doesn't take it at first but then a loud booming noise plays around us a preview suddenly begins and he's quick to take my wrist.

I stifle my laughter behind my other hand and a moment later I feel him relax. I glance over at him to see him glaring at me but then he smirks, lifts my hand and the arm rest and pulls me closer to him.

Just like Ryou and Marik said! I'm against his chest and his arms around my shoulders.

"Now you can calm me during any startling moments." He whispers close to me and I feel him nestle into my hair. Oh my God! I am internally squealing! This is the best!

I snuggle comfortably against him until we're both comfortable and my shoulder isn't awkwardly digging into him. His head rests upon mine, my hand rests on his thigh, and his hand strokes my shoulder through my jacket. This is so great! He's warm, comfortable and I feel so close to him! This is like a cuddle. This is a cuddle right? This counts as a cuddle right!?

At the end of the first preview he hums. "I see, it's in the name."

"Hmm?" I ask. I love how his voice sounds while I'm this close!

"The preview. It shows what's coming out soon."

"Yep. They're nicer to watch than trailers in my opinion. Trailers give away too much, but previews are the right amount of enticing." I say and he hums again.

"You must show me a trailer after this."

"Okay." I giggle lightly and snuggle in closer to him, loving how hot he feels under me.

When the movie starts the room gets darker as all the lights turn off. The curtains draw wider as the opening credits begin. It starts off bright and happy, set in the rich side of an American town. From what I know of this movie is that a group of college students are packing for a summer camp. Naturally they get hunted down but it's the drama and mystery of what's hunting them that we don't know.

We watch in silence, but my mind is anything but. I spend a great deal hyper aware of the stroking on my shoulder and the gentle rise and fall as he breathes. I try to listen to his heartbeat but with all these layers I can't quite find it. I guess Ryou overestimated that part.

"Taking bets on who dies first." He whispers to me once the entire cast has been introduced.

"If I know my horror, then it will be quiet nerdy one or the jock. But I think the gal is going to get the first scare." I whisper back to him, lifting my head so he can hear me.

"I think it will be Zack. He's attractive and cool, but sweet on Meg."

"Ooh the drama." We giggle together and watch patiently. So he thinks Zack is attractive? He's nothing like me… tall, curly hair, a bit of an accent. Toned too but not sport buff. Just… healthy college buff. He's got good eyes though I'll admit, and a cute smirk. I wonder what Atem thinks of me.

We're comfortable for a while the suspense is quick to build. Their first night they think they hear noises but the next day is calm. They do events, we spend time with the characters and then more and more it becomes apparent they're being stalked by something in the woods.

It looks like I'm the right one. John, the football jock, he's the first to die. He's investigating a power outage and like a dunce they split up. He goes outside to check the generator of the cabin and while he's there he hears something.

I'm normally pretty good with horror even if they actually frighten me, but not even I was expecting some horrid white creature to jump out at maul him. I jump so hard and almost scream, and I hide in Atems chest until I catch my breath. I'm giggling quietly at how ridiculous that was and I can feel him chuckling with me. He didn't jump but he is holding me close. I'm not the only one to have jumped though. A girl further down squealed so I'm glad I'm not alone.

"Are you okay?" He whispers to me and I nod, freeing myself from him, still snickering.

"Yeah I'm fine."

"Looks like you were right." He whispers.

"Hmm. What do I win?" I ask playfully.

"What do you desire?" He asks cheekily. I can feel his fingers walking up my shoulder towards my neck and it makes me involuntarily shiver. All I can think of is what Ryou and Marik were saying. He'll pull me up to look at him… He'll lean in to kiss me… and … I want him to. But no. No I won't ask for that.

I feel his finger brush along my neck and I breathe out deeply.

"Praise me?" I suggest stupidly but he chuckles and brushes my hair back to reveal my forehead to him. Instinctively I lift my head and he kisses my temple. It sends electricity through me that makes me hold my breath!

"You're so smart and your instincts are on point. I'm very impressed with your intuition, it shows you really know your horror. I'm proud of you."

Oh… okay… um… way more effective than I expected.

"Th-thank you." I whisper back and settle back into his chest.

"Adorable." He whispers and I lightly smack his chest, but he just snickers at me.

His hand returns to my shoulder thankfully and we're able to watch for a good long while in comfortable silence.

That is until the typical romance scene!

A sweet girl named Meg and Zack? Really? Okay. Zack is injured and dying and Meg is looking after him. But I can't concentrate because its this kind of scene where they're confessing for one another getting closer and closer, that I feel Atem's chest rise quicker.

I shift a little and he moves his hand closer to my neck, stroking up to my jaw slowly and rhythmically. It's distracting. Enticing. Exciting. I want more…. No.

Yes.

No!

They're so close now they're almost kissing. This is so on the nose! So cliche! But his fingers stroke along my jaw with the smallest amount of pressure, as if testing to see if this is okay. I feel my hands tensing and my breathing slow down. I'm blushing hard and without my full consent my body defies me, allowing him to pull my chin to him.

I can feel his chin on the bridge of my nose and slowly I'm lifting myself up to him. My cheek brushes his briefly; I feel his nose bump mine, I feel his breath on my lips… my heart is pounding so much it hurts.

I've never kissed anyone before. I'm scared though. I want to feel it. I want to know what it feels like. I want to know how he'll kiss me. How will it feel? How does he taste? But at the same time I can't help but wonder what happens after? What if he falls for someone else? What if I screw up? He's a host, he's experienced. I know nothing! What if I'm no good. What if he doesn't like it? What if he never wants to see me again after this? What if this doesn't last?

I can't do this. No. Not yet. No.

I pull back from him and he doesn't resist me or chase me. I chew my lip, hesitating but I just can't yet. I'm not ready for this. I want to be but what if I get that taste and then he breaks my heart?

No.

I can't do this yet. It's too soon. If he falls in love within the next few days then I'll have his kiss haunting me for the rest of my life. He already will chase my shadow as it is… I cannot let this get worse.

"I'm sorry." He whispers softly and I shake my head. He shouldn't be sorry. He did nothing wrong.

"No, I am." I whisper back and he holds me closer, squeezing my shoulder.

We're silent for the rest of the movie, but my mind is anything but. I keep remembering what his fingers felt like on my chin, how it felt to be so close to him. I keep wondering what he feels like, what kissing feels like. I keep wishing for the chance again but I also keep thinking about this curse.

I've been searching for love for years. This is by far the closest I have come to it and now that I am here I don't know what I'm doing. I know love when I see it - but how do I know what it feels like? Is this anxiety it? Should I be scared of it? When all of my other dates found love, is this what they felt? Or were they sure? I need to ask my friends later what they felt.

What if this is love though? Can I love him if he doesn't love me? How do I know if he does? I haven't seen the same recognition and glimmer in his eyes that everyone else has. But why would he want to kiss me if he doesn't? Then again, he is a host. He probably kisses people all the time, kissing me is probably nothing. He probably thinks this is what I want. I mean it is, but not if it's out of pity. What I want is for someone to love me.

What if this whole date is out of pity? It is possible for my dates to not fall in love with the first person they come across, it's just not common. However if they don't, they normally find it within days. He didn't find love yesterday with that waitress, which means he was capable of chasing after me, to ask me on a pity date, to prove a point he ultimately can't prove. He just doesn't know it yet.

I don't regret this date at all…but I am sad because I'll have to give this up soon. Tonight might be the last time I spend with him.

I should enjoy this while I can…

oOoOoOo

The movie ends and the credits roll. I sit up and stretch out my angry muscles, twisting my back until it's happy again. Meanwhile Atem hums happily.

"I enjoyed that."

"Yeah it was good." I quip back.

We take our things with us and file out of the cinema and politely I wait for him as he slips his shades back on. He does this a lot. He said earlier it was because his eyes were for me but I just thought he was being corny. I wonder what the real reason is because if it's for a cheesy pickup line he doesn't need to keep going with the charade anymore.

Well, anyway, we head on out, following the herd out of the building. We're all getting closer together as we near the exit and I feel my heart pound painfully when he slides his hand in mine. I look at him and he smiles at me, squeezing my hand tighter. I know this is fleeting but I will burn this feeling to my memory. I never want to let go of his hand!

"So are all horror movies the same?" He asks as we get away from the crowd outside.

"You really haven't seen many huh?" I ask with a soft giggle.

"No. Like I said earlier I've only seen a few romance movies, but that's really the extent." He shrugs, a small pout on his lips. He seems guarded about this.

"I'm not judging, but I am curious as to why? I guess the cinema wasn't really your thing growing up?" I ask gently and he smiles sadly.

"No. We don't have theaters where I came from."

"Hmm… so, did you move to Domino recently?" I ask innocently enough, admiring how his smirk picks up with intrigue.

A small park is actually not far from here. We passed through it on our way to the cinema and that is where we're headed now. This late at night there's no one else around and the moon is high tonight, basking the world in it's light blue glow. It's when we step onto the winding path that I notice he takes his glasses off and smiles down at me happily.

"I moved here about 7 months ago. There's been a lot of adjustments since moving, so there's actually much of the city I haven't experienced."

"Ooh!" 7 months huh. That's a decent amount of time.

"What about you?" He asks curiously.

"Me? Um, I've lived here for about 12-13 years. I finished school here. Before this I lived out in the rural towns. Rice fields and shrines as far as the eye can see."

"Why did you move? It sounds peaceful out there." He asks.

We stop by a fountain and he gently takes my other hand too. I'm facing him again and he's playing with my hands affectionately. It's making me feel incredible if I'm honest. My heart is dancing, my skin is vibrating and it's kind of hard to breathe. But I love this. I'm not scared at all, in fact I want more of this. Greedily so.

"It is peaceful out there. That's why I left though. I wanted what everyone else around me had and I was going to find it where I was. I thought if I moved to the city then the pool I would swim in would be that much larger, and my chances would improve."

"Love?" He asks.

"Yeah. It's been over 10 years and I'm still no closer… until now that is." I add sheepishly and he squeezes my hands again. "I'm really sorry for earlier. I chickened out …"

"It's okay if you aren't ready for that. As you said you'd never held someones hand before until tonight, I was foolish to push that boundary. I'm sorry for putting you in that position."

I shake my head no and he smiles, letting a hand go to tuck a gold bang around my ear sweetly.

"You are so peculiar Yugi."

"Peculiar?" As far as compliments go I'd say he's peculiar for saying that.

"Hmm." He nods. His eyes are brimming with something, intrigue maybe, pride? "You fascinate me. I've never met someone quite as puzzling as you are. You're a very special person. I hope you know that."

"If by special you mean romantically challenged." I laugh but he doesn't join me, he just smiles.

"I want to see you again. Are you working tomorrow?"

Tomorrow? He wants to see me again? Is… is his a third date!? I've seen enough romantic movies to know what happens on third dates. Kissing! Maybe more! Then again that could have happened tonight.

"Um… no I'm not working." I squeak and his eyes light up. It was just a moment I swear his eyes just glowed for a second. Maybe it was the light. I want to see it again. "Do you wanna do something?" I ask and he nods eagerly.

"I'd love to. Shall I stop by in the morning?"

"How does brunch sound? Around 10, 10:30?" I suggest and he nods deeply.

"It's a third date." He beams and I can't stop the choked squeal in my throat from escaping me. I can't wait! "You are so cute." He purrs. I know why he's saying that. Because I squeaked. But I almost don't care.

"I am not." I pout playfully and tug him along. He chuckles behind me, pulling me back to him so he can hug me from behind. He wraps his arms around me tightly and nuzzles my hair before he lets me go, and we continue walking together, hand in hand.