A/N: Hey! Look an update!
Yugi
Alright. Looks like that's the last of what I needed. I pocket my phone and hitch my paper bag of groceries on my hip for a better grip. God it'll be good to get home. After such a long and boring day I honestly just want to slink back and escape into a game. I didn't even want these groceries but Ryou makes good on his threats and I really don't want him and Marik moving in temporarily just to make sure I'm eating.
Of course this wouldn't be an issue if the first boyfriend I ever had didn't abandon me on day one…
Something is behind me.
I spin on my heel to look but I don't see anything out of the ordinary. People are welcome to walk the streets at this time of day, cars drive passed me swiftly. Everything is normal.
I hesitate but eventually keep going. That was weird. I felt cold. Like it was a split second but it felt like someone breathed a frigid wind towards my back and they were staring daggers right into my spine. It's not the first time I've felt watched these past few days, but every time there's nothing there. At first I thought it might be Atem, but it's been a week since I've seen him and I'm unlikely to see him any time soon.
Last time he disappeared for a month, then he came back for less than a day before he fucked off again. He says he needs space… and I really don't want to believe he's abandoned me for good… but what do I know? I mean really, what do I know?
Atem is an incubus who claims he loves me. I gave him my body. I fed him. I was willing to give him everything so freely. But then he left me. Just like that.
Maybe Tea is right. He's a demon after all and I'm an angel. Even if he does intend to come back, can we be happy together? Maybe he'll hate me the more this mark weakens and I become the thing he hates.
And what if he does come back? What if he just leaves again? He comes back for a feed and then disappears for a while. I'm not an all he can eat take away buffet that he can just come and go as he pleases.
I'm gonna tell him that. The next time I see him. He's gonna be told. I might be very naive when it comes to this world, but I'm not a doormat. I -
…
I freeze and stare before me at the demon himself standing by the door of my apartment building. His arms are crossed over his chest, he's dressed casually in steel Gray faded jeans, a black top and a gorgeous leather jacket. Chains hang from his hips and dark shades protect his eyes… or rather they protect everyone else from him. Why is he here?
He looks at me as I approach slowly and kicks off the wall to greet me with what looks like a friendly smile on his face.
"Yugi." His deep smooth voice is like a sweet lullaby I had almost forgotten and longed to hear…
But no. Not this time. I frown at him and declare strongly, "I'm not a fast food restaurant for your convenience."
He pauses and his smile fades, his hand frozen mid wave. I feel… weird. I really should hear him out before I say something irreparable.
"You've every right to be upset with me." He says sadly and I pass him, frowning still and keeping my eyes off him. I do have every right, don't I? I want him to apologise. I want him to know what his constant disappearances does to me. If we're to date for real, then I need him to stay by me. Ryou says that's perfectly reasonable, so I'm sticking to my guns.
"Please hear me out." He follows me inside and I stop in the lobby and turn to him. He looks sincere if his body language is anything to go by. I can't see his eyes through those shades and I wish he'd take them off.
"Fine. Go on." I say crankily, shoving my grocery bag into his arms and leading the way up the stairs. If he wants to try and make this up to me he can start by carrying my things. Least this way I can worm out my keys.
"I'm sorry for keeping my distance. I swear I never intended to, but Tea had brought up something sensitive and I needed some time to sort through it."
"Don't blame Tea for something you haven't dealt with." I retort.
"You're right." He sighs solemnly. "5000 years and I've dragged my feet on this."
"5000 years and its taken you what, a week to get over it? Time must be really different for you." I say sharply. Maybe I'm being unfair but he hurt me. He needs to know that.
"I'm sorry. This isn't easy -"
"No, do you know what isn't easy?" I spin to face him on the next landing, standing above him now. He looks hurt and I feel really bad but I'm here now. I can't stand down. I'm not a doormat.
"Not knowing if the first relationship you have ever been in has failed because of you. You call me up and tell me that you need some space to think about things and this would be fine had it not been the very first day. Last time you disappeared you left for a month and there was a real chance you weren't coming back. I haven't actually known you for long, what did I have to reassure myself that you were coming back this time?"
There. I said it. Now I feel awful and I kind of want to take it all back but I shouldn't. Right? I don't know what I'm doing. What if I'm ruining this? Maybe he'll think I'm too angry with him and I don't want anything to do with him. God relationships are so damn confusing. Why did I ever want one?
He looks at me, completely serious and sighs gently. "You're right. The truth is, I've never been brave. I've always run away from things that are tough. That's exactly what I did back there. Rather than be the bigger man I fled. Again. And you suffered for it. I should have given you something to ease your mind. I should have stayed and handled this like a man. I should have at least responded to you. But I'm back now and I really want to make it up to you, that is… if you can give me another chance."
Hmmm… he sounds convincing. I've not known him long but I feel compelled to trust his words.
I continue on. My apartment is on the next floor and I can hear him following me quietly. I don't know what to do. I want to drag him inside and forget this whole thing happened… but his departure hurts me more than I care to admit. I can't believe I'm so clingy. You'd think a whole life of not being in a relationship at all I'd be fine with him buggering off. But I really don't like it and I don't know if that's my own toxic trait or something else. Tea says that cupids love fiercely and this is why I've been so down about it. She's tried to cheer me up in spite of that but … now that Atem is here it seems like his presence is the only thing that's made me feel somewhat happy - even if he's pissed me off.
We've reached my apartment and after unlocking the door I take my groceries from him and examine him. He looks earnest… as far as I can tell, and hopeful. Let's get rid of those glasses.
I lift them from his eyes and he tenses but let's me. I smile sympathetically when I see his beautiful red eyes are as dark as a fine red wine. He's hungry. I had a feeling that'd be the case. It's been a week and I assume he's not even snacked. That might also be why he's back now… if he's hungry. But I still see earnesty in those eyes. Hunger is but one reason why he's here.
And the fact is that he is here. He didn't just run off. He knows I'm an angel, he knows my abilities will awaken at some point and still he came back. Again. Twice he's returned to me knowing the danger he puts himself in by being here.
And I suppose he might not have been in a relationship either. He told me that he found it difficult to form connections too… he's a demon, he's not perfect. We're all capable of making mistakes.
"Fine. You can make it up to me." I say and he deeply sighs in relief.
"Thank yo-"
I interrupt him before he can cross the threshold, a cheeky smile on my lips.
"Tomorrow morning. 9am at Cup a Joy. You're taking me on a date. You can show me the time of my life."
He looks deliciously confused and surprised, and it takes a great deal of effort not to pull him inside with me and instead close the door on him with a gentle click.
I lean back on the door, a smile tugging at my lips that I can't, or don't want to stop. I'm still mad at him so for the time being I'm going to make this very difficult. If he wants to be with me he's gonna have to show his work. At least for tomorrow. I'm allowed some fun, right?
In the meantime though, I can bask in the pride that I stood up for myself. I told him how I felt, how he made me feel and I stood my ground. I set the bar and if he's serious then I'll see him tomorrow morning.
Now I feel glad I went shopping. My appetite is returning. I'm going to have a good dinner tonight, shower and tidy up. Yeah! I feel good.
"I want you to keep your distance today. Go find Ryou or something and catch up. Today I want no distractions or disturbances." I say firmly, holding up a red shirt against me and swapping it with a black one. I can't decide…
Tea shrugs lazily by the door, leaning against it with her arms crossed. She's always dressed so fashionably. I wish mens clothes were as nice as women's… Or I had the same fashion sense as Atem. I know what I like I just don't like it on me… hmph.
"Fine. I still think this is a bad idea though." She sighs.
"I know you do. Can you help me decide please?" I ask her impatiently.
"Neither."
"Tea." I grumble and she smirks at me.
"They're not casual enough. The colours are fine but it's a nice day. Dress down a little. Wear the black singlet with the grey vest."
Oh. Okay. I do as she says and check myself out. I'm impressed. This does look nice. I normally wear the vest in winter to spruce up my long sleeves but showing off my arms a little is kinda nice. Hmmm but not complete.
Ah my black cuffs will do nicely and I have a pair of faded jeans. I'll be his little goth boyfriend. I wonder if he'll dress similarly to yesterday. We can be goths together, that'd be cute.
"You know he probably just wants a feed." Tea threw out nonchalantly. I had thought of that but I really don't think that is the only thing he wants. I also don't think he thinks he deserves it. I felt his sincerity yesterday and I know he loves me. He's not just using me, but in either case:
"I'll make him work for it. He doesn't get to just come and go as he pleases and I'll make sure he knows that."
"Hmmph. You've got some balls to think you can tame a beast like that."
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that." I said drolly and she flashes me a cheeky but toxic smile. Whatever. I turn to her and showcase my outfit. She grins at me and eventually gives me an approving nod.
"So what are you going to do today?" I ask her as I start to gather my things.
"I'm going to find Ryou or something and catch up." She said, simply repeating what I suggested. "Don't worry. You have my word I won't interrupt your date. I might not like him but he's clearly one of those demons that keep their prey alive. I'm sure he'll protect you enough…"
I don't like that. It makes me feel bitter. I'm not his prey, I'm his boyfriend. But whatever. I'm not currently seeking her approval.
"Do you know where you're going?" She asks me as we leave. My house is locked, I have my phone, wallet, keys… I'm all set.
"Nope. I'm meeting him at Cup a Joy but apart from that it's up to him to impress me." I say happily.
"I see."
We get outside and now I kinda wish I had brought a jacket. It's supposed to be pretty nice today, but I forgot how cool it gets in the mornings. It's 8 am, of course it's cold.
"Should have brought a jacket?" She laughs at me and I glare at her. "Relax. Hey, maybe your demon will give you his? If he still has blood to warm it."
"Shut up. I'll talk to you later. Thank you for coming over this morning."
"Sure thing." She smiles at me and disappears before my eyes. I hate when she does that. It's so trippy and quiet. Oh well. I'm glad she can be herself around me though.
I start walking, crossing the road just so I can be in the morning sun on my way.
I arrive at Cup a Joy just as I planned. 8:30… perfect. Atem isn't here yet. I didn't think he would and I was right. I'm not entirely sure how easy or hard I should make this for him, but I do intend to have some fun today. I've seen him nervous, shy and angry, I miss his suave confidence though. I wanna see if I can bring that back out of him but first I wanna see him sweat.
I don't wait long before I'm interrupted by his shy voice greeting me.
"You're late." I say, sounding unimpressed as I regard him. How dare he dress so hotly while I'm supposed to be mad at him? Also it's 8:45 so he's actually early, but watching him guiltily flounder for a response is priceless.
"S-sorry, I… I thought I'd be early. I hope I didn't keep you waiting."
Hmm… he needs to relax. Maybe I'm being too mean. "It's fine." I smile at him and he smiles back but there's something wrong. He looks sad and unsure. It's nice he's taken his shades off though. I can see his dark red eyes clearly but they're more like a sad puppy dog than the stalking predator I know he can be.
"Are you alright?" I ask him.
He shrugs a little and shyly averts his gaze. "I'm really sorry. For yesterday and the past week -"
I cut him off there with a finger to his lips. I don't want his apology right now. I know he's sorry and I'm sure he's got a great tale to tell - but right now I just want to go on a date with him.
"Tell me later. For now, let's enjoy ourselves. I want you to show me a good time today. We can talk about all this later." I say softly. He blinks at me and then smiles happily. His smooth slender fingers lace between mine and it makes my heart flutter.
"Have you eaten? Because I'm starving." His voice is so smooth and overflowing with that cheeky, flirty confidence that drew me in that first day. There it is. That excitement, that exhilaration of being swept off my feet. This is what I want.
"Me too." I say happily. He drags me inside and sits me down in the same spot we sat in the first time we came here. After that he left me to order and I admired him.
He's dressed casually … or rather casually in comparison to the suits I've seen him in. Leather jacket, dark jeans, a deep red shirt and chains. God he's hot. He dresses like a street punk, he's smoking in a suit, he's as smooth as the finest honey and as shamelessly forward as a man with nothing left to lose; but he's also impossibly sensitive, annoyingly observant and so magnetic. How can I honestly stay mad at him?
I can't. That's the truth of it. I really can't. He's just as hopeless as I am under that cool exterior.
"Here we go. One cappuccino, 3 sugars and I've asked them to bring over bacon and eggs. Is that okay?" He asks me pleasantly. I smile at him and nod and he happily sits across from me, his own drink steaming before him.
"Perfect. Thank you. So where are you taking me today?" I ask him excitedly.
"Anywhere you want. Is there anything in particular you want to do today?" He asks. I hear his exasperation leaking through, but I'll ignore it. He seems really nervous. Maybe something fun and exciting will take his mind off things.
"Have you ever been to the amusement Park in town?" I ask conversationally.
"Umm no. I haven't no. Would you like to go there?"
"Mhm. There's heaps of rides there and it's a nice day. I think we'd have fun." I say happily. His eyes light up, sparkling brightly. He seems a lot more enthused than I expected. Great!
"Then we'll go there. Today is for you, Yugi. Anywhere you want to go, anything you want to do, I'll make it happen." He says this like a vow and it makes my entire body seize happily.
I set out this morning intending to make today's date difficult for him. I wanted him to impress me. To take me somewhere he thinks I would like. But honestly now I'm here, I just want us both to have fun.
"This will be great. They have loads of games there, and rides for us to enjoy. I haven't been in a long while now." I say happily, stirring my cup languidly.
"Why is that?" He asks curiously and I shrug.
"Busy I guess? I used to go with my friends once a year but we've all just been busy at odd times."
"That's unfortunate." I muses sadly.
"That's adult life. But you and I are going to have heaps of fun. I've always thought amusement parks were very romantic." I sigh happily, breathing on my cup before taking that first glorious sip.
"Really?"
"Mhm." I lick my lips and set the cup back down, smiling at the fond childlike wonder I've always had regarding them. "The tunnel of love for example speaks for itself. Winning prizes for date. Enjoying easy food together like ice cream and fast food. The Ferris wheel is very romantic. Sitting beside your love while it slowly ascends to the heavens out of view but above everyone else. Riding the rollercoasters together and experiencing that fright. The house of horror that forces your love in your arms… what is not romantic about the amusement Park." I sigh happily. Ah! I can't wait!
He chuckles sweetly. "I never thought of them that way. I always thought them popular with the kids and people in summer, but I never considered they could be romantic."
"Well you've never been. But that'll change. We'll have heaps of fun." I say excitedly. "Actually how have you not been? At least once even just to watch? You're 5000 years old."
"Yes but I've only been living on Earth for 2 years." He points out. 2 years?
"Only 2 years?" I ask curiously. His smile fades and his gaze falls upon his cup as he stirs it slowly.
"I lived in Hell before that. Fled to Earth 2 years ago and have been living in this city for 8 months now." He explains softly. Right… I forgot he lived in Hell… as far as I was concerned he always lived on Earth. It completely escaped my attention that he fled hell.
"What have you been doing while on Earth? Like for fun?" I ask lightly. He smiles at me kindly and straightens up, rolling his shoulders a little.
"I enjoy flying, sun bathing in the open. I like exploring new, untouched areas. Or, before you, I very much enjoyed hanging out in less reputable areas where the lust runs like rivers. I've taken up a few hobbies that help me feed from the desires of humans."
"Like what?" I ask curiously, my heart beating faster trying to imagine what he means. It's so cool to hear him talk like this. I never knew he lead such an interesting and peaceful life.
"Dancing for starters."
"You dance?!" I ask enthusiastically. I can't imagine it. I want to but how does this bad boy dance?
"Yes." He laughs.
"What kind of dancing? Can you show me some time?"
His grin is so striking and the spark in his eyes is mischievous. What have I done?
"I can but not here or we might be thrown out."
Ohhh. That kind of dancing? I suppose I should have expected that. What kind of Incubus is gonna draw in the pervs with ballet?
"I think I've thought of one more thing you can do to make it up to me." I say smoothly with a cheeky little wink.
"Gladly." He hums pleasantly.
"So… can I ask exactly what it is you do for work? You've been rather vague about it. I know you work in a casino sometimes and you work as a host but now I find out you dance too but you say you're self employed." I list off and he nods.
"All of the above. Working at a casino is the most legitimate job I have, that I have primarily because of fun. I enjoy those games of chance and you'd be surprised how much there is to eat at a casino. Otherwise, I work in my own time at my own pace, simply for food or anything else I need. I don't need money to keep up rent or buy groceries or pay bills… so all of what I do is simply for food. I work at a burlesque house I found when I moved here. I dance on stage, offer private shows and feed off the lust humans feel for me and my dancers. For a very special fee which I divy out to my dancers I'll offer the full course, which is as you guessed it actual sex - but I haven't done this in over a month. You're the only one I want touching my body now."
I see… I didn't expect such a refined job. I didn't know what to expect honestly. Working at a brothel perhaps, maybe an online sex worker, but to work at such a refined place…no… to own it? So that's why he says he's self employed. If it's his business then he is, isn't he? And he doesn't need money? For bills or rent?
"So, how don't you need money? What do you pay your bills with? Where does all your money go if you don't need it?"
"I pay the bills and rent for my house of sin and pay my employees a hefty sum, but my own personal use isn't used much. I use it for dates specifically, like this one - but most of the time I can get by simply with a little coercion. My studio is rent free, I don't need food myself." He shrugs nonchalantly.
"Coercion?" I ask drolly, raising my brows in amusement.
"A wink here or there is usually fine."
"Oh my God." I laugh. He is absurd. I can't believe he basically cheats his way through life. That's so unfair and so like a demon. Why live an honest life if you don't need to? "What else do you get away with?" I ask.
"I'm not too sure? Usually if something comes up it doesn't take much effort at all to shimmy out of trouble. Like a need for ID for example."
"You don't have an ID?"
"I'm 5000 years old, we didn't have birth certificates back then." He laughs and I simply shake my head.
"I had no idea my boyfriend was such a rebel." I sigh happily and he winks at me, smirking that glorious fanged grin.
So… he's so much cooler than I thought he was! "I'd love to see you work one day -or night even."
"Really? I didn't think you'd be into that."
"Why is that?" I ask curiously.
He looks away though outside the window and a short moment later a waitress is setting down our food. I thank her and when she leaves he looks back. Just like before. I kind of want to see his power at work if it's that powerful. Maybe the amusement Park won't be such a good idea though… I mean I don't want to die on a roller-coaster because the attendant is beyond redemption.
"I thought perhaps with your sights set firmly on finding a partner you might not be interested in such debauchery." He answers me. Right, the question.
"Just because I've been single up till now doesn't mean I haven't dabbled in a few sinful acts of my own." I say slyly.
"Oh?" He's very interested now, even leaning on his hands to look purely at me.
"Impress me today and maybe I'll tell you." I say slyly, digging into my delicious meal. He makes some sort of playful growl and sits back to inspect his own meal.
"I haven't been back there in quite a while. I took that month off and then this week. I should go back and check on them, but today and tonight is yours. Perhaps tomorrow night, if you're still interested…"
Tomorrow night? That's so soon! "Okay! Yes, I'd love to!" I say excitedly. My heart is pounding though. I didn't expect to go to somewhere like this so soon. I'm actually anxiously excited for this. I feel like jumping for joy! Ohh what do I wear? Will he dance for me? Ah!
Calm down. Caaaalm down. Keep your cool.
"So cute." He mumbles and I pout at him.
After breakfast we take a tram over to the amusement Park. On the way I told him fun stories of other times I've been there. I have so many memories, like that time me, Ryou, Joey and Duke and their partners all came here one summer. It was so much fun, I'm pretty sure we went on every ride. I've been on a few dates here too but obviously none of them ended in my favour. Good for them though.
"So tell me more about how this dating thing works? How do you know that it's love they find and not just a riveting conversation?" He asks me after we get off the tram. For 10am the park is already bustling. It's nice to see. I don't think I'd like to get here super early. It'd feel weird.
"It's usually a look in their eyes. A certain sparkle or the slightest upturn in their lips, a hitch of their breath. It's in their body language. My dads quite the gamer and he taught me a lot about reading a person. That and years of experience, I kinda just know now, you know?" I explain easily.
"You didn't see this with me?" He asks as his warm hands slide into mine. My heart skips and I almost choke. It's not like I'm not used to being touched but out in the open is still a new experience for me. I love when he holds my hand!
"I … no I guess not. I thought for sure you didn't love me." I admit coyly.
"Hmm." He hums and I'm not sure what that means but that does remind me.
"By the way, I won." I say matter of factly.
"Won?"
"Mhm. You were so sure it was lust Kaiba felt for you."
"No…" He says, sounding worried, which is cute.
"Mhm. I was right. He fell in love with you. So hah!"
"How can he love me? I'm a demon and he doesn't know me." He whines.
"Love at first sight isn't an exaggeration when it comes to a cupid. And why wouldn't he fall for you, you're a God."
He laughs then and it's beautiful. "I am not a God."
"You are to me. And you were to him." I say solemnly. I know what I did was right. It feels weird taking away someone's love for another, but it was what was best for him.
"So what happened to him?" He asks carefully.
"Tea taught me how to see the connections between us. She took me into his heart and I saw him in a new light. I saw the thread connecting you both and the unrequited love he felt. It was tearing him apart so she taught me how to take that pain unto myself and heal the wound it was causing him. He's better now. He's made several appearances now and we're talking again like we used to."
"I see. Like you used to?" He asks curiously and hint of a bite to his tone I didn't expect.
"Yeah? We used to talk a lot before we went on that date." I say carefully, measuring his expressions. He's jealous. My demon boyfriend is actually jealous. "It's okay. We're just friends, of course. He's not romantically interested in me at all."
"But are you? I mean you went on a date with him so you must like him a little."
"No. I'm not interested in him either. Honestly… I've been dating for so long that I've just been accepting dates that aren't looking for a quick fuck. I stopped caring about whether I'm attracted to people a long time ago. That said… I haven't felt so turned on by someone like I feel when I look at you. Ever. Like… you're gorgeous, I hardly compare to you. You're so hot and it's crazy that you even want to be seen with me. I feel like I should be worshipping you and showing you off to every single person here that you're mine and no one elses. I've never felt so possessive of someone in my entire life, I've never been a jealous person, I've always been the type to sacrifice my own happiness for the sake of others, but for you? I'll fight the world to keep you to myself."
I might have been way too open about all that. I just couldn't stop myself from rambling and he didn't stop me. I feel so embarrassed and I could keep going with ease but I hold my tongue because I feel so ridiculous after saying all that.
He smiles at me and we've stopped now. He stands before me, a look of pure wonder and endearment that makes my heart spasm. God he's gorgeous!
"I had no idea you felt that strongly." He purrs, his fingers tracing my jawline and pulling me slowly up to meet him.
Kiss me. Kiss me. Oh my God kiss me.
I feel his breath, my heart is pounding! If I give in we won't be going inside and I honestly don't care. Kiss me -
I look sharply in the direction of the eyes but I see nothing beyond the random masses, kids hanging off their parents and teenage groups excitedly travelling. No one there is suspicious. I swear I felt something. With razor precision like the light of a sniper rifle on my back. My spine tingled as if there was someone definitely there. But out of all the people around us, there's no one even looking in our direction.
"Are you okay?" Atem asks me gently.
I swear there was someone.
"Y-yeah. Sorry, I thought someone was there." I say quietly. That's so weird. The same thing happened yesterday and the day before. I thought maybe it was Atem, then I saw him yesterday and was certain it must have been… but I'm not so sure now. Tea? But she promised me she'd keep her distance today.
"Lets go inside." I say, forcing a smile and dragging him along behind me.
My entire life I have walked among couples lost in their own world among worlds. They held hands, they shared sweet nothings and everything paled compared to the company they kept.
Today, for the first time, I can proudly say that I am among them! For the first time in my life I can walk among hundreds of people, hand in hand with my own partner. Sure mine isn't exactly human, and neither of us can exactly risk bumping into others, but we are here together and there is nothing more important to me than this right now. This entire day is mine and I'm going to make the best of it!
"Alright. You and I are going on every ride! Starting with that one!" I say enthusiastically, pointing to a very impressive roller coaster. I've always loved it but I rarely got to ride it because the lines are usually long. But since we're reasonably early and I'm sure Atem won't object, that's where we are headed!
"Alright." He says happily, not that he can argue as I'm already dragging him along behind me.
This will be so exciting!
As we're standing in line I point out various other rides, explaining some of them and telling him what else we can find here. He seemed very intrigued by the game market where we can compete for prizes and he sounded extremely confident with all the rides involving heights. I've never been a massive fan of heights but they are fun. I definitely want to know what's stronger: his composure or his fear. He flies so I don't expect he's afraid of heights, but the speed though? We'll see how strong his stomach is.
I'm practically buzzing as we take our seats and the bars come down over us. Atem thinks I'm cute. He laughs at me in amusement but we'll see who's laughing at the end. We start off slow as we slowly rise towards the top. The entire park can be seen from up here and its so incredible to look at its splendor. The mass of people, the complicated structures, the city beyond… all of it is just amazing!
"This doesn't seem so baaAAAAAAAAHHHHHHDDDDD!" Atem screams as we're suddenly dropped down a massive hill. I scream too but for joy of the terror, the weightlessness, the surreal feeling that gravity might swallow us whole!
Ah! I love this! The fall, the fear, the exhilaration and most of all I'm so happy to hear him scream with us! This is so much fun!
When the ride comes to an end we both stumble off it and he races to the nearest wall, panting and clutching at his chest. He's okay, just very shaky.
"Are you okay?" I ask, laughing happily.
He catches his breath and looks at me with concern. "Please tell me we are not riding that thing again." His voice is hoarse and he seems desperate to remain on the ground.
"No. But there are a few others similar to it." I say and he groans. Is… did he not like it at all? "We don't have to ride them…" I suggest and he stands up straight with a soft sigh.
"No. We will ride them. Today is for you and I want to know everything you enjoy."
"Yeah but…" I trail off because I'm not so sure anymore. I want to have fun but not at his expense. Not like this.
"It's alright." He puts a hand on my shoulder but I'm not convinced. "I just wasn't prepared. But I'm not about to let a human contraption like this get the better of me, especially if I stand to impress you."
Hmmm… "If you're sure?"
"Yes. Take me to the next one." He said strongly and determinedly. Fine.
He did really well on every thrill ride after that. We went on the Rotor, the tower of Doom and so many others that threatened to take our breakfast from us. Each time he screamed and stumbled out, looking pale and flustered but every time he would pick himself up and demand the next one.
The last one though might have been too far. It was called the Pendulum and it swung us high from one end to the other. When the ride was over he was shaking, sat upon the brick concrete and determined not to move, his fingers turning white with how hard he gripped the ground.
Crouching down beside him I gently rub circles on his back. He might not be feeling well after that one but at least that was the last one. I feel awful for putting him through all that but he was very determined. I didn't know he was that stubborn.
"You okay?" I ask softly.
He nods slowly, licking his lips. "Is … is there more?"
"No. That was the last of them."
I give him a moment, silently regretting not seeing it sooner. I thought for sure he'd be okay with those kinds of rides but I guess I was wrong. It's kind of sweet in a way though. That he would go through that just to impress me?
"I'm sorry." I say quietly. "I should have seen that these rides were too much, especially since they were your first time on something so extreme. Do you need anything, like water or something? We could find a bench…?"
"No, but can I take you somewhere?" He asks me, his voice much calmer now. He still looks kind of flustered but he seems to be regaining himself. That's good. Now… where would he want to take me?
"In the park?"
He smiles and shakes his head. "No, but we can easily come back if you desire. I'd like to show you something."
Okay… I'm curious. "Sure."
I help him stand up and then he takes my hand and brings me along with him. Swiftly we walk through the crowds until he finds a secluded area in the shade between buildings. I'm not sure we're supposed to be here actually. This looks like a staff area for cleaners or something. Why are we here?
"Atem?"
"Close your eyes." He says as he brings me close to him. My body is pressed flush against his, his hand squeezes at the small of my back and I feel how toned his pecs are under his shirt. This would be hot if I knew what we were doing. Is he going to take me here? I don't know if I'm ready for public sex, this seems way too extreme!
Wait! Was he okay this whole time? Were those rides a turn on for him? Can… can we do this here? Now?
"Open them."
I didn't feel him do anything but still, hesitantly I do so and my breath is completely taken away.
We're not in the park anymore. We're not anywhere I know anymore. The sun blazes down upon us but the air is cool and refreshing. The lush green fields spands as far as I can see. There are pale blue mountains in the distance and a vague tree line indicates a healthy forest to the right of us… but there's no cities, no farm houses, no sign of people anywhere.
"Where are we?" I whisper in complete awe at the beauty around us. I didn't know places like this existed!
"I never looked at a map to know but we're somewhere in America." He says softly behind me.
"It's beautiful."
I can't believe he brought us here. I never knew somewhere so absent of human life could be so gorgeous. It's so quiet. I hear birds echoing in the forest and the soft rustle of grass as it waves in the breeze. The flowers dotting the fields like stars come in so many colours of purple and yellow and white. The mountains in the distanced is capped with snow. It's just so… peaceful.
"Why did you bring us here?" I ask quietly. I don't want to disturb the peace with my own voice.
"To show you something. Those rides… they were fine enough, but what terrified me wasn't the height or the speed."
I look at him and he smiles at me sheepishly, his cheeks a brighter hue of copper than usual. "I fly all the time. It makes no difference to me how high we can get. What I fear though is the fall."
"The fall?"
He takes a deep breath and as he does his beautiful feathered wings unfurl from the black smoke behind him. The sun catches them, making them appear a dark navy blue or a beautiful brown. I almost forgot how gorgeous they are. In the sunlight they are magnificent.
"Stay here." He kisses my cheek and in the next second I need to shield myself from the sudden burst of wind around me. He's gone and the sun is so bright I can't see him. The grass lifts off the ground around me from his kick off the world and I feel… so uncomfortable alone now.
Where is…
I see him. A black figure flying above me, circling like a transcendent eagle. It's hard to imagine that's actually him up there! His wings flap slowly as he languidly glides around. He laps around in large circles and then he becomes thinner. He falls fast towards the ground like a torpedo or a missile.
Why isn't he stopping? Did he… is he hurt? Atem!
I run to him as fast as I can but I have no idea where he's going to land or what I can even do to stop it. If he collides from that height and that speed I don't think there's anything I can do!
"ATEM!" I scream, desperate for him to hear me.
But then. As if in response… his wings spread like a parachute and he narrowly avoids colliding with the ground. He races across the grass towards me and I fear he's gonna crash into me. But he doesn't. Expertly he grabs my hand and I'm swept into his arms at an alarming speed. I cry and yelp and grab onto him, burying my face wherever we can.
The wind is harsh against my skin and my heart is racing. We're so fast! Does he have control?
I feel his hands tight around me and I sense the ground isn't where it should be but I don't chance looking.
"ATEM?!" I scream over the sound of rushing wind and I hear him chuckle, feel it rumble in his chest.
"I've got you." He purrs. I feel the world around me spinning and the air is so cold I think I'm shivering. Shivering or shaking, maybe both?
But then the wind stops and I feel my body become heavier. I clutch onto him tighter and I feel his arms safely snug against me.
"Look around you." He whispers softly against my ear. I don't want to. I'm scared. "Trust me."
Slowly. Very slowly I crack my eyes open. I see nothing but his shirt at first but then as I turn my head I see the entire world.
The sky, the curve of the earth, the mountains and forests and valleys and the ocean… wow.
It's … it's so big. It's so beautiful I want to cry. I've never seen anything like this before in my life. Movies and documentaries and games do not do the world justice. This is… this is real.
Beneath us I see the lush grassy fields but they're so far below us now I can only barely make out the wave of the wind. We're so high…
Too high.
I adjusts his hold on me as I tighten my grip around him and he kisses my temple. "I have you. You're safe with me." His voice is so calming and reassuring that I almost feel better.
"I-Ive n-never been this h-high before." I stutter. Whether out of the cold or fear I don't know but … the world is so beautiful.
"I wanted to show you it. Being in those rides, falling that fast, swinging around… it all reminded me of real flight. But being plunged like that without the safety of my wings to reassure me… that was a truly terrifying experience. It took a lot of concentration to resist the instinct to summon them. But I had to; one because in such a closed space I could have broken them, but also it wouldn't have gone down well to have a demon show himself at such a crowded place." He explains kindly.
I understand now. He was afraid but its so much deeper than a fear of heights. He's not afraid of heights or speed… he's afraid of falling. That makes sense. I didn't think of that. I didn't know.
"I'm sorry I made you go on all of them. I should have asked if it was okay instead of assuming." I say gently, hugging him close.
"It's alright. You didn't know, and neither did I. I've never been in such a ride before, not even I could have known what to expect. But I wanted to show you how much a difference it is. For you, you are safely strapped into that harness knowing full well you are in capable hands. For me I am perfectly safe so long as I can rely on these wings. They have never let me down and can take me to places like this, where the world falls away and while you're up here, you can forget who you are and why you're here."
"It really puts things into perspective, huh?" I laugh weakly.
"It does."
We're silent for a while, but it's a nice silence. He holds me and I hold him and every now and then his wings move to keep us afloat.
My life has changed drastically in just over a month. I've been depressed, I've been excited, I've been scared and I found love. I have toppled over milestones and embraced truths that were thrust upon me and all of that had been starting to take its toll.
But this… this helps me see how big the world is and how small I am. How small people are. How small our problems are. How big our achievements are. How precious the moments we spend on the surface are. Every conversation is meaningless in the grand scheme of things but without them we are hollow and that makes them so important.
When we get home, I'm going to call mum and dad. No. I'm going to ask Atem to take me to them. I want to see them. I want to see my home town. When I get home I'm going to call all of my friends, just to catch up. The next time I go into work I'm going to cheer the fuck up because God knows I've been so down lately all because of my own petty issues.
Atem is here with me. I have great friends, a pretty awesome life. It might not be the easiest but it's mine.
"Thank you for bringing me here." I whisper, looking up at him adoringly.
He smiles at me and gently nuzzle my nose with a soft little giggle. "You won't be thanking me soon."
"Why's thaaaAAAT?!"
FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK!
I hate my boyfriend! So much! Why would he do this to me?!
He's leaned back and now we're falling and spinning and he's laughing and even though his wings are shielding me as we roll I am so fucking scared! "NONONONO NO ATEM LET ME DOWN, LET ME DOWN! PLEASE DON'T CRASH OH MY GOD!"
We land with a heavy enough thud and I fall immediately to the grass, shaking like a fucking leaf and practically crying. I bury my face into the grass, flattening down to feel as much of the earths surface as possible but I still feel so weightless. I hated that. So much!
He laughs near me and after a while I look up at him, unamused that he thought that was funny. Oh he's gonna pay for that!
His eyes are closed as he laughs, which gives me the perfect opportunity to pounce on him. We roll together, laughing and squealing as we wrestle in the grass. I manage to top him but only briefly because in the next moment he tickles my ribs and topples me over, pinning me to the ground by my arms so I can't push against him.
We're cracking up though. I don't remember the last time I wrestled anyone. It might have been short lived but playing like this is so nice.
"Look at that. I have an angel pinned beneath me. That's an achievement I'll boast about til the end of my days." He sings smoothly. I'd push him if I could but he is so strong.
"What are you going to do with your prize?" I flirt back confidently. I'm not normally so brash so I'm very pleased with his look of surprise. It doesn't last long though. I recognise that flash of desire in his eyes. I'm playing with fire here. He's already starving without me encouraging his libido.
"What would my prize like me to do?" He asks, matching my tone. His grip loosens as he leans in to nuzzle my jaw, breathing softly down my neck. Then I feel something press between my legs. Something hard and thick… his knee perhaps. God! This is hot. In broad daylight? On the grass? This is so romantic and hot at the same time!
My breath catches when I feel his tongue run along my neck. I moan when he ghosts his fangs over my flesh and my hips buck against his leg.
But wait… if I give in to him now? Here? I want him to but maybe not here. Not yet… I want to make him wait a little longer. Once he feeds… what if he leaves again… until he needs… another… feast…
"T-Tem…" I breathe out and he hums as he kisses my neck gently. "N-not … yet. Not here."
"No one's watching." His voice is so low and so soft I barely hear it. It's a soothing purr that I don't want to resist.
"Mmm not… important…"
I hear the softest sigh and he kisses my cheek twice before he lifts himself up. His dark eyes are almost black but his smile is kind and patient. Good. I was almost afraid he'd be upset.
"You're right. I still haven't shown you the time of your life yet, have I?"
That's not fair. Truthfully he's already achieved that. I mean going to the amusement Park for me had already ticked that box but then taking me here, letting me see the world the way he does, and then rolling in the grass? All of this has been perfect.
"I can take you anywhere you want. I can take you to the frigid cold of Alaska. I can take you to the harsh heat of Egypt. I could take you to the most exotic islands or the most majestic reefs. I could take you to the top of the world or any city you desire. I could take you -"
He trails off but I don't know why. He looks thoughtful and I can literally see the gears turning in his mind. Slyly he smirks at me, and like that he's decided for us, and I'm so excited to know where we are going next.
"Have you ever been to Paris?" He asks.
"Umm… no?" I say nervously. He's not… I don't have a passport!
He smiles brightly and excitedly pulls me up to my feet. "Hold me and close your eyes." He instructs. I don't believe this.
First some random amazingly beautiful place in America and now Paris? This is the best date I've ever been on!