A/N: Our boys are just so cute and hopeless.

Yugi

I arrived at Cup a Joy a little later than I probably should have. I shouldn't be too disappointed that I don't see Atem here yet, but I thought I'd be late. I haven't gotten any messages from him yet. I sent him a good morning text and we've agreed today is still going on, but I am nervous. I spent way too long deciding what to wear but even then I arrived before he did. But rather than look like a stood up loser I decide to stand nearby, pretending to wait for an order while checking my phone.

I've decided to go for a casual look today. Faded blue jeans, a lilac button up with my sleeves rolled to my elbows and the top few buttons undone. I'm not letting it show but I've put the rose broach Atem gave me in my jeans pocket. I want to keep it close but I'm sure he'd make fun of me if I wore it out in the open. I love it though. Its the first gift I've ever received from a date… it just, it means the world to me. So I want to keep it close. Maybe one day I'll wear it openly, but for now, just knowing its close is special.

Ryou mentioned he wanted to come along today. He and Marik both want to get to know the person who is making such an impression on me. I told them no though. As much as I want a boyfriend to know my friends, I want to actually get to that point first. A third date… I don't think I can even call him a boyfriend yet. Not yet. Not until I know that he won't fall for anyone else. Still though, they were stoked about him. I'm glad they approved from their brief meeting yesterday.

10:50… I hope he hasn't stood me up… I don't think he would, not after agreeing to today, and after being the one to say he wanted to spend more time. Today was his idea… unless he found love this morning. On his way here maybe?

"One cappuccino, 4 sugars for the sweetest man on earth." His baritone voice sings behind me and before me his gorgeously tanned arm holds a steaming cappuccino to go. I didn't know he was here! And he ordered it just the way I like it.

Gratefully I take it and turn to face his beaming smile.

God! I thought he was gorgeous in a suit, but look at him in smart casual gear! Light grey skinny jeans with frayed holes throughout, a silver chain loops down and around his thigh to the back from under a black Tee, and a black, studded, leather jacket makes him look like a bad boy, a street punk… but the hottest street punk on earth though! God! He's perfect! He's like… everything I look for! He's exactly my type! Wow! Here I was beginning to think dressing smart was his style, but street punk? God, take me now!

"I'm sorry I'm late." Atem is bashful saying this and it takes a great deal of concentration to register his words. I see he's wearing his shades again but his smile is gorgeous! "I took a bit longer than I'd hoped to find an outfit I liked. I hope you haven't been waiting long."

So he had wardrobe troubles too… well he came out a champion! It put me to shame, that's for sure. Here I was expecting he'd wear something just a tad less classy than his suit, so I thought I'd wear something in the smarter side…

"N-no. Not at all…"

His smile softens and he bites his bottom lip shyly as he lifts his shades to push back his bangs. "Do you approve?"

Do I approve? Is there a single word I can say that accurately depicts fuck yes let's go to my place right now so you can make a man out of me?!

"Mhmm… actually yes. A lot. Umm… yeah. You look fuc- hot, um! Great! Shit…" I shake myself, tearing my gaze from the stud before me and he chuckles.

He brushes my hair behind my ear and it makes me shiver, and then his finger curls under my chin to make me look at him again. "I think incoherent puddle is a good response. Can I just say that you look incredibly handsome today. I am very underdressed compared to you and I daresay everyone who is fortunate enough to spy us today will agree that I am punching above my weight standing next to you."

"Hajaaahhhh you… hah.. um." What the hell was that?! How can he reduce me to a liquid finer than water so easily!

He laughs and leans in to kiss my cheek softly, his petal lips brushing my quickly searing skin. "I'm sorry, I don't speak bottom." He murmurs quietly by my ear.

I'm gonna faint! I'm swooning so hard I swear I died and went to heaven.

"Yugi?"

"Hmm?"

He smiles and straightens himself up from me, a dangerous glint in his beautiful red eyes. "You are adorable."

That brings me back down to earth. I'm blushing terribly but that compliment alone is able to ground me from the spell he casts on me.

"I am not. Have you eaten?" I ask quickly.

"No. I thought I would wait for brunch. But lunch is soon, we could eat early?"

"Sounds good. Are you craving anything?" I ask happily.

A devilish grin takes him immediately and pure mischief shines in his eyes. "Besides you?"

"Stop it." I say boredly and he laughs.

"No, I'll happily eat anywhere… and that's not all I could eat anyw-"

"Stop it!" I say sharply, walking past him and into the store, his laughter trailing after me. I don't mind his flirting… actually I love it, but he was right: he is incorrigible.

I order us something simple. Just hot chips and salad to share and we sit in the same spot we did last time. He never took of his shades while we ate this time and when we were done he left our destination up to me. I decided to take him shopping. 1, because it gives me a chance to see what he's into, and 2 because there's a game coming out today I was going to pick up anyway. He quipped of course that on my day off I'm going back into work, but it honestly doesn't bother me. In fact it gives me a chance to show off a little.

He held my hand through the store today, staying very close. I noticed he seemed a little on the quiet side, often glancing around and moving out of people's way. I'll admit it's busier than I'm used to but it is a Saturday. Everyone's come out to play today.

"You said you were looking for a game recommendation right?" I ask him after collecting my copy of Dying Light 2 and stepping into a quiet area with him.

"I admit I mostly said that to flirt with you. I don't own a console to play games on." He says sheepishly.

"Oh! I own every one, maybe one day I could show you what they're like? If you're interested?" I ask shyly and he smiles, tucking my hair behind my ear again. I take a step from him and he follows me. I'm blushing like mad, mostly because if my colleagues see this I'll never hear the end of it!

"As long as I can spend more time with you then I would like that." He says smoothly. He never stops does he? I laugh shyly and side step away, looking at the shelves to try and distract myself.

I feel him close behind me, a hand gently hovering near my hip. It makes my heart pound but as soon as some other customers pass he gives me my space again. "Maybe we can come back when there are less people?" He asks me quietly by my ear.

He must be feeling anxious. He's been kinda nervous since we got here when he's not being overbearing with his attempts.

"Sure. Let me buy this and we'll head out." I say happily, taking his hand and leading him over to the counter where we stand in line.

"So tell me about this game?" He asks me, standing so close behind me I can feel his body against me. I lean into him and his hand holds my hip again and I just die inside! Deep breath Yugi. Play it cool.

"So this is a sequel to a zombie game I love. I've been looking forward to it ever since the first one ended. If its anything like the first its gonna be awesome."

"Zombie's huh?"

"Mhmm. There's a lot of parkour which is really fun and the first one had like terrifying zombies at night. The dialogue was great. Oh! I should show you it! If you wanna." I say excitedly.

"I'll happily watch you do anything." He says quietly, nodding for me to look forward. Oh we're next!

Duke is serving me. Terrific. Great! He's smirking as he stares at the hotness behind me and back to me.

"Yugi."

"Duke. Busy day?" I ask casually.

"Yeah it's been pretty crazy. Dying Light 2, oh you're a fan?!"

"Mhmm! I wanna get in and play before I get spoiled." I shrug casually and he nods in agreement.

"That's fair. There's a lot of hype for this. Don't tell me anything, I'll be paying for mine later. Staff card?"

I slip it out and he beckons me closer with a finger. He scans my card and looks over my shoulder.

"He your boyfriend?"

I shoot immediately back up so fast I couldn't be more subtle.

"No! We're just here together!" I snap, not too cool. My voice is high and he's laughing at me. I chance a glance at Atem who is smart not to voice whatever words he's holding behind that smirk. He definitely heard him though. Terrific.

Duke puts the order through, hands me back my game and receipt and I hurry Atem out of the store, pushing him through the crowd and only after we have left the store do I tug on his arm and away in the first direction I pick.

We leave the entire center before I slow down, but then he takes my hands and whisks me away with him. I'm confused and I need to jog a little but once we turn a corner he holds me against a wall in the shade, just on the inside of an alleyway. I'm confused, flustered and almost afraid but then I notice a bunch of people pass us by. They run together as if following something but I didn't see what though. Only when they're gone does he sigh in relief.

"What was-?"

"I'm sorry. I have an effect on people." He admits, letting me go and taking a good step from me.

I must admit I feel somewhat disappointed he stepped away. I'm getting so many mixed signals from him. One moment he's incorrigible, even teasing with how close he gets to me and the next he's giving me space. But being held against the wall like that… I kinda liked that.

"Did I hurt you?" He asks softly and I shake my head no. I kind of want him to step closer to me. I want him back here…but I don't know how to ask without committing to kissing him. Maybe I should… what if kissing him secures my place with him? Get in before anyone else can, strike while the iron is oh so hot…

"Are you okay?" He asks, taking that one glorious step closer. I feel my breath catch and before I know it my hand is on his chest, gripping his shirt to encourage him closer. My heart dancing so fast it's almost dizzying. I stare at his lips, wondering what they feel like and if they're as soft as they look. I wonder how he would kiss me. Would it be cautious like his behaviour has been today, or would it be ravenous like his flirting normally suggests. Would I be okay with one or the other? How would I kiss him? Tentatively or desperately? How would he like it? Would he like it at all?

"Yugi."

Oh say my name.

I feel his fingers brush my cheek, lifting my hair and his other rests on my hip. My body involuntarily leans into his and I feel his own hips momentarily against mine. It makes my entire body rattle with an excitement I'm not prepared for and the whimper that escapes me makes him falter.

"I told myself I wouldn't push you." He whispers softly. I can feel his grip loosen and the step he tries to take from me, so I tighten my hold and pull just enough to make him stop.

"Push me." I whisper, breathlessly. I hear his breath catch and his hesitation lasts only a second before he's leaning in close. My eyes flutter closed with the heat that's rushing through my body and flooding my cheeks. I'm so nervous I feel almost sick, like I'm about to faint but between him and the wall I don't have the room to. His breath brushes my lips and I shake slightly. This is it! This is my first -

"There he is!"

"King of Games!"

"Is that his boyfriend?!"

"He has a boyfriend?!"

"He's so hot!"

"I want their babies!"

The shrieks and screams of drooling fangirls separate us. Atem growls in utter frustration, takes my hand and runs down the alley. We're taking the backstreets, running as fast as we can from the hoard of screaming fans.

We run until we find a fairly empty bookstore. It's not the best place to hide I thought, until he brings me towards the back and behind several long isles of books. We hear the crowd pass the store and carefully he looks around the corner after the screaming dies down. Thats when he turns to me, we're still crouched low and he asks.

"King of Games?"

Sheepishly I smile and shrug. "I've been known to play in some competitions from time to time…might have earned myself a world title."

"A world title? Why is this only coming up now?" He asks. He sounds annoyed but that might actually be surprise I'm seeing. I don't know, it's hard to tell with his sunglasses still on.

"It hasn't come up? I'm sorry. That there was my fault. I should have been more careful."

He sighs softly, lifting his shades and gently stroking my cheek. I see sympathy there, kindness and patience. He's not mad at me then. That's good.

"Don't apologize. I had no idea I was dating such a star. I thought they were after me. It wouldn't be the first time I've been chased out of a crowded area."

"Because you make everyone around you horny?" I ask lightly, partially as a joke but also as a question. He laughs and nods.

"Something like that."

I hum happily; and then it hits me. "Did you say dating?"

A sly smile plays on his lips as he lifts us both to stand. "Noticed that huh?" He asks with a wink. He drags me out from behind the isle behind him and carefully we leave the store.

Dating… Does that mean he's my boyfriend? But we haven't discussed this. He hasn't asked me out, I haven't asked him out! I'm the frigid one between us, should I ask him out so he knows it's okay? What if we kissed back there, is that an automatic transition from date to boyfriend? We didn't actually, does that count? Am I his boyfriend? How do I ask…? Is it okay to ask? Should I know the answer already?

I pause my momentary insanity to cross the road with him over to the park. We're not exactly hidden from society here but it's quiet and I can feel him relax. This park is so pretty. It's lush green fields are parted by winding, neat paths and healthy trees create pockets of shade. In the center is a large and lovely fountain where a lot of people throw coins in to make a wish, or simply sit by to enjoy the music of it's flowing waters. Not a lot of children come here. It's mostly a lovely place for people to stroll through, relax with a picnic on the grass or enjoy a moment away from the city; not that you can look anywhere and avoid it's tall towers.

This place is calm and relaxing and we take a nice little seat by the fountain together. He strokes my hand and lazily moves the water around with his other hand.

"I always loved the feel of water." He mumbles quietly. I watch him play with it fondly with an air of longing about him. He's adopted his shades again so I can't see his eyes but his smile is content and relaxed.

"I think a lot of people do. It's soft and relaxing." I muse just as quietly. He hums in agreement.

"We don't get a lot of water where I came from. I never realised how soothing it could be until I came here."

"Where did you come from?" I ask curiously. He pauses, thinking and frozen, before he takes his hand from the water and turns to face me. Even with his shades on I can see he's staring at my own hands, or maybe he's just far off and reminiscing about home. He looks middle eastern, but which country I don't even want to begin speculating in case I'm rude or insensitive. He speaks my language well, that's for sure.

"I remember Egypt, but not like it is now. A lot of time has passed since I was there last." He says finally. But… he said he moved here 7 months ago, does that mean he moved out of Egypt as a kid to be somewhere else?

"So… I'm currently dating an Egyptian?" I ask coyly, trying my luck here and he smiles. "That's pretty exotic, if you don't mind me saying." I say with a little shrug and he chuckles lightly.

"You have no idea." He whispers. He's being very mysterious. I'm being drawn in I can tell. There is so much about him I don't know, and as much as he's talked he only gives me tiny little tidbits.

"Tell me about your life before you lived here?" I ask gently. I get the distinct feeling his life wasn't easy before now. It might be his choice in vocation, it might be the coy way he spreads information or the way he's constantly flirting with me, but I get this sense his past is troubled. If we're going to dance around the subject of dating then I'd like to know more about him.

"I want to -"

He's interrupted by someone approaching us. A tall man, black suit, black sunglasses. I know him as Roland though… which means Seto Kaiba mustn't be far.

"May we help you?" Atem asks him, rather defensively I note. I squeeze his hand and offer a reassuring smile.

"It's okay, I know him. Roland?" I ask, turning to him. He regards us both a moment before standing at attention.

"Apologies for the interruption, Mr. Moto but Seto Kaiba would like a private word with you." I follow his arm directing us to Kaiba's black limo parked illegally nearby, forcing onlookers to gawk and stare and traffic to move around him. Trust Kaiba to park anywhere as if he owns the city - then again that's exactly what he'd have us believe.

"Now?" I ask, irritated. Can't he see I'm busy?

"He was quite insistent."

I sigh heavily and drop my shoulders, turning to a no doubt confused Atem. I really don't want to bring Atem with me. If Kaiba sees him I could lose him. "This won't take long, I promise." I say softly and he nods.

"I won't be far."

I follow Roland over to Kaiba's wound down window and bend slightly to spy him. His normally cold demeanor is somewhat soft today as he stares past me at Atem sitting by the fountain. I don't like this so I stand in front of him. Kaiba can fall in love all he likes but not with my man.

"Kaiba."

"Yugi. Duel me."

"Now?" I ask incredulously. "I'm kinda busy."

"Make time. Duel me."

"Why?"

"Because I want to duel you. Who is your friend?"

It annoys me a little he called him my friend. Then again, he wouldn't know otherwise.

"He is my date. I am busy."

"Bring him." He says simply.

"No." I might have said that a little sharply because the cold, indignant look he gives me takes me by surprise. But I hold my ground. This one is mine. No curse is gonna say otherwise. Not this time.

"About the other night…" He begins and I shake my head.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have acted the way I did." I say quickly.

"No… I should have responded better. I want to make it up to you. Please reconsider?"

Well… I wasn't expecting that. But no. I don't want to. I want to spend all of my time with Atem. "I'm sorry. But I…"

"He says no. Sorry."

"Atem!" I squeal as he suddenly comes up behind me. What is he doing here? I didn't want him interacting with Kaiba.

"He's capable of speaking for himself." Seto says sternly.

"And he already said he's busy." Atem shrugs simply, like he isn't just speaking back to the CEO of Kaiba Corp. What is he doing?

"It's fine, I got this." I say quietly.

"Atem, your name is?" Seto asks, curiously… no. Atem has his shades down thank god but I know that look in Kaiba's eyes. Not now!

"Yes, and Yugi and I are leaving. Also, this isn't a valid park. I suggest you do the same." Atem says politely, spinning me around to walk away with him.

"What are you doing?!" I hiss quietly at him. His hand around my shoulder squeezes

"Yugi!" We both turn to Kaiba stepping out of the car and Atem holds me close to him, almost possessively. "Next weekend. You and me. Roland will pick you up."

"I'm not dueling you, Kaiba." I say sternly.

"You will. And I expect your date will be interested in the winner."

"I will be. Because the winner will be Yugi." Atem says proudly, as if goading him on. I smack his chest but he doesn't even flinch.

"What are you doing?" I ask him again but he ignores me this time. He's staring at Kaiba. I can see even with his shades on. Kaiba's staring at him too. I've never seen this kind of ferocity before though. It's almost like there's nothing else in the world but Atem, but I'm in his peripheral and he hates that … this has never happened before. Is it jealousy? If Kaiba's instantly fallen for Atem then maybe I'm in the way… I've never been in the way of anyone's love before. But I can't tell at all how Atem is feeling.

I'm scared. Either way, I don't know what's happening.

Atem is the first to move. He takes my hand gently, raises it to his lips and deliberately kisses the inside of my wrist before he motions me to leave with him.

"Don't look back." He whispers and I hold my breath as we walk away. I follow his lead, doing as he says despite the curiosity of what is happening behind me. Is Kaiba watching us leave? Is he leaving instead? What just happened? Did I do something wrong? Am I getting in the way of something I shouldn't or is he helping me make a stand for myself for once? I have so many questions.

Once we're a good block from the park he leads me to a small alley, but we don't go in far, just into the mouth of it. He breathes out nervously and I feel my entire body reeling. This is where he tells me he wants to go back. This is where he tells me found a challenge in Kaiba he can't ignore. This is where he -

"I'm sorry if I overstepped, but I sensed he wasn't going to let you go easily and frankly I didn't like the power he thinks he has over you." He… apologises?

What the fuck is happening?!

"Y-you… walked away from him?" I ask stupidly. Slowly my brain is going through the steps of every single date that has ever happened to me and compiling the steps nicely - but Atem is contradicting every example I have and I just can't comprehend this.

"Yes? Staring him down isn't how I want to spend my time with you."

With me?

"You…" I don't understand.

"What's wrong?" He asks cautiously.

"You walked away from the girl I pushed into you a few days ago. You asked me on a second date, you didn't fall in love with anyone we saw at the restaurant or the theater… you took me shopping and never walked away to some stranger in the area and there were a lot of people out today… and then you walked away from Seto Kaiba while his heart became yours."

"Mine?"

"You missed it?!" I ask him incredulously. How did he miss it?! He was practically wearing a heart over his head like a Sim!

"That wasn't love Yugi."

"I've seen love enough to know when it strikes." I say, crossing my arms and giving him a bored and incredulous look.

"That was lust, it happens all the time around me." He retorts.

"It was love, it happens all the time around me." I quip back.

"I haven't fallen in love yet and I've spent a lot of time with you over the last couple of days."

…

He's right. He hasn't fallen in love yet. With anyone… even me. I know a lot of people say it takes time, sometimes it's a seed that grows and needs to be nurtured. But that isn't how it happens around me. Never. He hasn't fallen for me, which means it's only a matter of time before someone in this city takes his fancy. Just like Ryou…

I cast my eyes from his and with a heavy heart move my legs. I just want to go home now. I want him to be mine and normally I'm happy enough to be the bridge between lovers, but not with him. He has a few days left and after that I won't even register for him.

"Where are you going?" He asks.

"I'm sorry. I can't do this." I say tiredly.

"Do what? Yugi?"

"This." I spin to face him and gesture between us. "Us. Whatever this is."

"What? Why? Is this because of that guy, Kaiba was it?"

"No. It has nothing to do with him." I shake my head no in frustration.

"Then?"

"Look." I sigh. "Everyone who dates me finds love sooner or later. You aren't an exception. The longer you spend with me won't change that. If you haven't found it yet then it's only a matter of time, and I can't let myself get carried away only to lose you to someone else."

He tries to stroke my cheek but this time I don't let him and move from his touch. He purses his lips together and lifts his shades now, revealing troubled, confused and concerned red eyes.

"I promise you I will not fall in love with anyone else. But I can't prove that to you if you walk away from us." He says. That almost works… almost, but he's missed the point.

"I don't want you to prove it to me, Atem."

"Then what do you want?" He asks and I shake my head, ignoring the ache in my chest and the sting in my eyes.

"I can't tell you that." I say with a small shrug and he looks about ready to get angry if he wasn't so confused. He'll figure it out soon though. It's inevitable.

I take his hand and stand on my toes to kiss his cheek, just beside his lips and bounce back down. "Thank you for giving me the time of my life and showing me what love can feel like." I say quietly before I let him go and walk away from the best thing that has ever happened to me.

I can't tell him outright that what I want is for him to fall

in love with me. If we were meant to be together he would have felt it already, the same pain I feel in my chest. He'd know it. But soon, soon he'll find it. He'll fall in love with someone and his mind will become clear. He'll figure out what I wanted and it will hurt him, he might even apologise for not returning my feelings but he'll have his new love on his arm and he'll thank me. And it will hurt so much… but this is the way of things. This is how they go around me. Cursed to be the beacon for others but never drawing the one in for me.