Hey guys! Very sorry for the wait for the next chapter - a lot has happened since I was last here.

I originally took a break because there was a sudden death in my family, unfortunately I lost the will to write for a long time after that. Following that I had some mental-health issues and I've recently been diagnosed with ADD.

Now that I'm medicated I'm doing a LOT better productivity-wise, thank you all for your patience and please enjoy this chapter in apology. It's a little longer than usual. Hope that you're all doing well!

Much love - Cam x

Chapter 5:

The city of Domino was teeming with life that Saturday night. People streamed down the main streets, some stumbling drunkenly already, though the night was still extremely young. Yami didn't really pay attention to them that closely, it was taking all his concentration to drive and not wreck.

His brain was pickled from a potent combination of nerves and excitement. He just about drove Bakura into an insane asylum with his ramblings all week. In fact, Yami was pleasantly surprised that his partner hadn't had the good grace to physically knock some sense into him. Although Yami knew why.

A faint smile graced his face as he remembered the wreck Bakura had been when Ryou had first began working in their station as a receptionist. He followed the young British man around for two months before he had the stones to ask him out. Yami knew in his gut that his patience throughout that time in Bakura's life was the only reason his partner hadn't snapped, Yami had been there for him the whole step of the way.

Malik though, was another beast entirely.

"Jesus Christ Atemu, if I take one more look at your love-sick mug, I'm going to get some cyanide to put myself out of my own misery."

Yami shook his head as he glided to a stop at a red light, his golden bangs swished lightly with the motion. The platinum blonde meant well but he was not patient at all, in some ways Yami couldn't believe he chose the profession that he did with that trait. Yami's thoughts then circled back to Yugi, his stomach knotted with anticipation once more.

What was the Little One like? From what Yami observed, he was kind – almost angelic. He remembered the way his friends clamoured to embrace him and the fond way his staff laughed and joked with him. He was obviously well-liked and respected. Yami couldn't wait to get to know him more.

Yami was violently brought out of his reverie by the driver behind him beeping his horn. He jumped slightly; he hadn't even noticed the lights had turned green. Yami wasted no time in speeding off, holding his one hand out the open window in apology to the driver behind him.

The rest of his trip went by in a blur of the city lights and before Yami knew it, he was pulling into a space close to Millenium. Yami sat in the car for a few minutes, taking a few deep breaths to steel himself before exiting the vehicle.

"Come on Yamir, it's a date. You've been on plenty of dates, you can do this."

As he did a couple of nights prior, he walked past the line of eager patrons to approach Honda, who was stood diligently at his post once more. Once Honda caught sight of him, he waved enthusiastically.

"Hey! Yami, right?" Honda beamed, grasping the young detective's hand within his own. "Good to see you again."

"Nice to see you too, Honda." A genuine smile spread across Yami's face. "How are things?"

Honda shrugged, "Can't complain, boss-man pays us all well and we don't get too much trouble here. Thankfully Yugi doesn't take any shit so we don't get too many assholes coming through. Only time I turf people out is if they drink too much. Plus, I get to see Anzu more."

Yami blinked before he remembered the tall brunette with the striking blue eyes that worked behind the bar, he vaguely remembered Yugi called her Anzu the other night. "Oh! Are you together?"

Honda beamed with pride, his hazel eyes twinkling. "My wife. Been married about two years. As soon as I saw her in high school, I knew she was the one."

"Congratulations, I bet it was a beautiful wedding."

"Best day of my life," Honda smiled wistfully as he remembered the day before he shook his head slightly. "The boss said you were stopping by." He waggled his eyebrows as Yami shuffled on his feet. "Go to the bar, Jou will let you over – he's the blonde guy. The side entrance to the second floor will be padlocked at this time of night so you'll have to go up through the staff door."

"Thanks Honda, have a good shift." Yami said, Honda clapped his shoulder with another smile as Yami made his way past the tall man.

Yami took a deep breath through his nose as he entered Millenium. The stage was set up once more so Yami assumed that they were having live music again. Yami absently wondered if Mana would be performing again tonight. She hadn't texted him anything but her usual ramblings over the last couple of days, but it would be like her to not say anything. His cousin was a little too modest sometimes for her own good.

Millenium was full again, there was not a free table or booth in sight. Patrons were gathered around the bar, waiting to be served. In fact, there were so many people clamoured around the bar that Yami couldn't really see the bartenders.

Yami caught a flash of golden hair. Remembering that Honda said that Jou was blonde, Yami began to pick his way through the gaggle of patrons. For once in his life, Yami was glad that he was on the shorter side, it allowed him to weave his way through the crowd with little resistance until he hit the bar. What Yami saw left him extremely impressed.

There were four members of staff darting around behind the bar. Yami recognised Anzu who noticed him straightaway, she gave him a little wave as she shook a silver cocktail shaker over her shoulder. There were two other girls flanking Anzu, one young redhead whose hair was in one long plait to keep it out of her face. The other girl had lavender hair gathered in a neat ponytail and decorated with a cute yellow bow. Jou had just finished serving another customer before he turned to the three girls and started talking lowly to them. Yami couldn't hear what he was saying over the noise in Millenium but Yami could tell a good manager when he saw one, Yugi was right to leave him in charge.

Jou went to turn and walk away but Anzu grabbed him by the shoulder and whispered in his ear, a slight smile on her face. She nodded in Yami's direction and Jou's head whipped around so fast that Yami was surprised that young blonde didn't break his neck. Jou's face split into a wide smile as he approached Yami in two long strides.

"Yami, right?" Jou's accent was thick, Yami found that he had to lean over the bar towards him slightly to make out what he was saying over the noise. "Nice to meet 'cha! I'm Jou, Yug's assistant manager." Jou extended a hand to Yami, who shook it happily.

"Nice to meet you too," Yami smiled – He liked the blonde man already, he exuded positivity and energy that Yami immediately respected. "Honda said that I can get upstairs from here."

"Yeah, Yug told me to look out for you, come on through." Jou reached under the bar and lifted a hatch to let Yami through. "Go through the staff door, first door on your left will lead 'cha up to Yugi's flat."

Yami nodded gratefully. As he moved to step past the blonde, Jou lightly grabbed Yami's shoulder. "Look Yams, Yugi hasn't gone on a date in a long time. Hot-shot detective or not, if you hurt my best buddy I'm huntin' you down – capiche?"

Yami blinked and nodded. "I have no intention of hurting him, I promise."

"Good. Because if you were only after a one-nighter then I'd have to kill ya."

Anzu appeared out of nowhere behind the blonde, her blue eyes filled with rage. She smacked Jou soundly on the top of his head. The blonde yelped, letting go of Yami's shoulder to grab his head.

"Anzu! Why the heck did you Donkey-Kong punch me? That freakin' hurt!" Jou looked incredulously at the barmaid behind him.

"Stop threatening Yugi's date Jounouchi, he's going to think we're all nuts." Anzu snapped. Anzu suddenly turned and smiled at Yami. "He's upstairs sweetie, ignore him and go through."

"Fuckin' Jekyll and Hyde." Jou muttered under his breath, his mouth snapped shut when Anzu turned to glare at him fiercely. "Nevermind, see ya later Yams!" Jou scurried off.

Anzu shook her head "I'm surrounded by morons," she lamented before she started taking another customer's order.

Taking that as his cue, Yami backed up through the staff door, a slight smile on his face. Yugi had good friends, indeed. If anything, it only made Yami more interested in the young bar-owner. They clearly all loved him a lot.

Following Jou's directions, Yami ascended the stairs to the second floor and was met with a short corridor. To the left was a heavy door to what Yami assumed was Yugi's flat. Yami could see that the other end of the corridor tapered off to another set of stairs, most likely the set that led to the side door in the alley that Honda mentioned was padlocked. Yami took another deep breath to steel himself and strode towards the door, he wrapped his knuckles on the door in quick succession – his nerves getting the better of him.

The door flung open suddenly, so fast that Yami briefly wondered if Yugi was waiting for him right behind it. Yami thought to make a joke of it before he took in the object of his recent obsession in all his glory. Yugi was just as enchanting as he was the other night.

Yami's eyes trailed over Yugi, starting from the bottom. Heavy leather boots encased his feet, reaching to just below his knee. He wore black leather trousers that clung to his slim legs beautifully, the material shimmered slightly in the dim lights of the corridor. Yugi wore a pure white ribbed jumper that was tucked snugly into his leather trousers which showed off a silver studded belt. The jumper was tight as well, once again showing off his fabulous figure. Yami took note that Yugi was once again wearing his rings, his fingernails painted black once more. Yami finally landed on Yugi's face, his eyes were just as magnetic as he remembered. Yami felt a bubble of happiness burst in his chest as he noticed that Yugi's vivid amethyst eyes were just as riveted on Yami as Yami's was on him. Yami took note of, and appreciated, the man's use of black liquid eyeliner and long silver earrings that dangled and glinted in the light. Yes, his date looked very nice indeed.

Yugi broke the silence first, "Hi Yami." He cast a quick glance at his phone before he stowed it into his back pocket. "You're just on time."

Yami laughed as he leaned slightly on the doorframe. "Well, I try to be on time for my dates, Little One."

Yugi's face went beet red at the nickname, "Little One?"

"Just a nickname, does it bother you?"

Yugi shook his head harshly, his hands held up in surrender. "No not at all! I find it quite endearing."

Yami laughed, "I'm glad you think so. You look wonderful, by the way."

Yugi beamed up at the detective, "Thank you! So do you."

"Thank you. Shall we get going?"

Yugi nodded eagerly. Yami stepped back as Yugi stepped outside and turned to lock the door behind him before stowing the keys into his other back pocket. "Was everyone okay letting you up? Sorry that you had to go through the club. Someone got in through the back door when we first opened so I padlock it just before we open for the night now."

"Everyone was fine, you have a lot of good friends." Yami smiled as they began to walk down the corridor together.

Yugi looked at him dubiously, "Jou threatened you, didn't he?"

Yami laughed heartily, "Yes but Anzu put a stop to it pretty fast."

"I'll kill him," Yugi muttered under his breath.

"No need Little One, he was just looking out for you."

Yugi sighed as they began to descend the stairs, "I suppose so. Maybe I won't kill him today then."

As they hit the ground floor, Yami deftly offered Yugi the crook of his elbow. Yugi smiled broadly and happily looped his arm through Yami's.

The crowd that had been gathered around the bar had thinned out since Yami went upstairs, Yugi's team worked swiftly to serve the patrons who were now happily enjoying their drinks. Yami was glad, that meant that he wouldn't have to let go of Yugi's arm to snake through the crowd once more. Yugi waved to Jou and Anzu as they exited Millenium. Yugi and Honda said brief goodbyes as they began to make their way down the street.

This September night was perfect, in Yami's opinion. It was warm but had a cool breeze. Yugi reached up to tuck a blonde bang behind his ear that the wind was blowing into his face. Yami was so focussed on Yugi that he almost walked past his car. He unlocked the vehicle and reached over to open the door for his date, slightly lamenting the fact that he'll need to let go of the other man's arm to allow him to climb into the passenger seat.

"Well, what a gentleman." Yugi said as he dislodged his arm from Yami.

"I do my best to be a good escort." Yami said as he playfully bowed, causing Yugi to giggle slightly behind his hand.

"Definitely a charmer." Yugi said with a grin as he hopped into the car.

Yami closed the door and walked around to get behind the wheel. Both men were silent as he started the car and pulled away from the curb, joining traffic with little trouble.

"So," Yugi said, breaking the silence. "Where are we going?"

"Well, I got us a reservation for dinner at Dice." Yami smiled slightly as Yugi gasped in surprise.

"Yami, you didn't have to go to that trouble. Dice is an expensive restaurant."

Yami looked at Yugi out of the corner of his eye, still paying attention to the road. "Fear not, Little One. My good friend Duke owns Dice so please don't worry about anything and order whatever you like."

"If you're sure," Yugi still looked uncertain. "Shit I'm sorry that makes it sound like I'm ungrateful, I'm super grateful! I just don't want to put you out."

Yami took his hand briefly off the gearstick to give Yugi's hand a quick squeeze, loving how soft and warm the other man's hand was in his own. "No, I think you're sweet. Whatever the cost I think you're worth it." Yami looked at Yugi and winked as they glided to a stop at a traffic light, loving the blush that dusted Yugi's nose. "Plus, you can't put an outfit like that to waste, hm?"

Yugi laughed; the sound rung in the car like the twinkling of bells. Yami decided right then and there that he loved his laugh. "Touché!"

The two made small talk about each other's week and before long they arrived outside Dice. It was a small boutique restaurant that sported a harlequin-esque theme. It was very exclusive restaurant that usually, you'd have to wait weeks for a reservation. Thankfully, Yami's friend Duke was all too happy to squeeze him in. As they approached the restaurant door, Yami once again held it open for Yugi who smiled gratefully up at him as he made his way past.

The restaurant was decorated throughout with red, white, and black. There were many pieces of art hung on the walls of poker, casinos, and different games. Soft music played out of hidden speakers, low enough to allow easy conversation. The smell of food made Yami's stomach rumble, he discreetly placed a hand on it, hoping that his little date hadn't heard.

"Yami!" a voice called.

It was none other than the owner, Duke Devlin. He was leaning on the host-stand, a lecherous smile on his face as he took in Yugi who was stood behind him. Duke was a tall man with slightly tanned skin, his long black hair tied up in a high ponytail. He sported one earring that dangled just above his shoulder that had a heavy dice on the end. His piercing green eyes raked up and down Yugi as they approached the stand. Yami swallowed the rage that crept up his throat, Duke had better not plan on flirting with Yugi – friend or no friend.

"Duke, thanks for getting us a table." Yami said as he shook his friend's hand.

"Anytime for a good friend like you," Duke said cheerfully. "Especially when you bring such a cute date like . . . "Duke trailed off.

"Yugi." Yugi answered, shaking Duke's hand as well.

He nodded, ". . . Like Yugi."

Yami rolled his eyes "Back off Duke."

He held up his hands in surrender, "Only being friendly!" Duke winked at Yami before he swept up two menus into his hands. "Let's get you sat down then."

Duke swiftly left them after showing them to their table. Yami took in Yugi as the young man looked over his menu. His lips were slightly parted as he read over all the options. Yami stared at Yugi's slightly damp lips, only being broken out of his reverie by Yugi talking.

"So," Yugi started as he set his menu aside, his elbows on the table as he cupped his chin with both hands. "Tell me a little more about yourself – your name isn't Japanese."

Yami blinked before he smiled. "Correct. I was born in Egypt. I moved here when I was seven years old."

Yugi laughed. "How ironic! My grandfather was an archaeologist with a speciality in Egyptology. He would've loved that I was dating an Egyptian."

Yami playfully wagged a finger back and forth. "My, how presumptuous, Yugi. We're dating before we've even finished our first dinner?"

Yugi's face went bright red. "I-I mean . . . You know what I meant!" he stammered.

Yami laughed, "Easy there Little One, I was only joking."

Yugi took a sip of his water as he playfully glared at his date. The waiter came and took their order before disappearing once more.

"So, why come to Japan anyways?" Yugi asked as he watched the waiter leave before his eyes returned to Yami's face. "Out of everywhere, I mean. Did your parents get a new job or something?"

"Well, my parents both died in a car accident. I had no family left in Egypt but my Aunt and Uncle, Mana's parents, agreed to take me in. They lived in Domino already so I moved here and they really took care of me. Mana's more like my sister than a cousin because of it. I missed my parents but I had a good childhood."

Yugi looked a little sad, "I'm sorry Yami. I'm glad that you had a good childhood but I'm sorry about your parents. I didn't mean to bring it up."

"Don't worry, it's okay. I was a kid when they passed so it doesn't hurt like it used to." Yami smiled and reached across to cover one of Yugi's hands with his own. "Plus, I want you to get to know me, warts and all, I also want to get to know you."

Yugi smiled and flipped his hand that was under Yami's, he curled his slim fingers up so he was holding Yami's hand back, much to Yami's pleasure. "What do you want to know?" Yugi said.

"Tell me a little about your family?" Yami asked.

"Well, my father was never in the picture so my mother and I lived with my grandfather. My mother died when I was fifteen so it was just me and Grandpa for a while. Like I said earlier, he was an archaeologist so he was out of the country a lot."

"I'm sorry Yugi," Yami said.

"It's okay, like you – I had a great childhood! Grandpa always came back with cool artifacts and gifts for me. We were close." Yugi's eyes glazed over as if he was remembering something, he shook his head, bringing himself back into the present. "I always wanted to open my own business so when Grandpa passed, I met with a good investor and got the backing to open Millenium."

"I must say that I'm amazed Yugi."

Yami and Yugi separated as their food arrived. Both men were silent for a few minutes as they began to eat. Yugi looked up at Yami through his lashes, Yami noticed he seemed to be carefully considering his words as he slowly chewed.

"Okay I don't think there's any way I can ask this without it sounding direct." Yugi nodded to himself. "How many people have you dated? What's your story?"

Yami looked away from Yugi before forcing his eyes back to the young man's face, he cleared his throat. "Well, I will admit that I have dated a lot of people. I'm bisexual so there has been a mix of men and women. The reasons varied between not finding someone that held my interest romantically and those that did, ended things themselves because of my job."

Yugi frowned as he swallowed another bite. "Why your job?"

"Different reasons. Some thought that it was dangerous and they didn't want the stress of their partner perhaps getting hurt or worse in the line of duty. Others didn't like the long hours. I tend to throw myself into big cases and I find it hard to leave my work at the station so some said I wasn't giving them enough attention." Yami looked at Yugi sincerely. "Does that bother you?"

Yugi thought for a minute before nodding to himself once again. "No, although I will admit that I am monogamous. If we decided to date more, I would insist that you not see other people."

"I couldn't agree more." Yami flashed Yugi a winning smile. "I only like seeing one person at a time, you have my word."

"Thank you," Yugi smiled back at him.

"What about you?"

Yugi finished his plate and set aside his cutlery as he looked at Yami once more. "Well, I'm gay so I've only ever dated men. I've had a similar issue to you regarding my job. I've always worked in bars and the guys I've been seeing have been quite jealous of the time I spend working. I haven't been on a date in a long time, the last guy I went out with before I opened Millenium had to be removed by the bouncers because he tried to hit a guy who was coming onto me over the bar." Yugi shook his head. "It's silly really, but I haven't been with many people. I only ever really go out with someone who interests me."

"So, I interest you, do I?" Yami smiled as he leaned forward, loving the light blush that dusted Yugi's nose.

"W-Well of course! You're very charming, and good-looking." Yugi's blush deepened with his words.

"My looks? I'm hurt Yugi! I'm not just a hot piece of ass." Yami laughed as Yugi reached over the table and playfully swatted his arm. "Ow!"

"You deserved that, you nasty man." Yugi giggled behind his hand as the waiter swept in and removed the plates, he returned shortly with the bill and placed it on the table between them.

Yami gave the waiter his card to pay as Yugi began to protest "You don't have to do that Yami, I'm happy to split it."

"I asked you out so I'll foot the bill, don't worry it's my treat."

Yugi still looked uncertain. "As long as you're sure."

"Of course, you can get the next one."

A slow smile spread across Yugi's face as he leaned forward. "So, you're saying there's going to be a next one?"

"Well, I'd love to see you again – if that's what you want."

"Yes!" Yugi blurted out before he slapped a hand across his mouth. Yami laughed a little as they both stood to leave. "Sorry."

Yami offered Yugi his arm once again as they began to make their way out of the restaurant and back to Yami's car. "Fear not, Little One. I found it adorable."

Yugi pouted slightly as he climbed back into the car. The journey back to Millenium was too quick for Yami's taste. Both had just started to loosen up a little and Yami was enjoying the bar-owner's company immensely. Once they had arrived, Yami insisted on walking Yugi back to his flat, he offered his arm once more and walked Yugi through the bar, deftly avoiding drunken patrons. Yugi threw a wave at Anzu as they walked past and up the stairs. Before Yami knew it they were in front of Yugi's door once again, Yami forced down the ball of sadness in his stomach that they were about to part ways.

"So, here we are." Yugi looked up at Yami after he had just unlocked the door, he awkwardly jangled his keys between his hands as he licked his lips slightly.

Yami couldn't resist the temptation any longer, the sight of Yugi's slightly damp lips was about to drive him insane. He leaned down, simultaneously grabbing Yugi's waist with both hands and kissed him deeply. It was everything that Yami had dreamed that it would be, Yugi's lips were soft and warm and Yami could happily say that he would never get enough of kissing Yugi. Yami was extremely happy when Yugi dropped his keys to the ground to wrap his arms around Yami's neck. Yami almost collapsed to the ground when he felt Yugi's tongue wantonly lick his bottom lip. Yami wasted no time sweeping his tongue into the smaller man's mouth, he had to stop himself from moaning as Yugi's hands fell from Yami's neck to his shoulders to rest on his chest. They both reluctantly broke the kiss, panting slightly from the lack of air. Yami reached up to gently cup Yugi's face with his right hand, his thumb resting on Yugi's bottom lip.

"Please tell me your free next week?" Yami breathed, falling into Yugi's eyes once more. "Although I don't think I can wait until next week."

"For you?" Yugi nuzzled his face slightly into Yami's palm, sending shivers down the young detective's spine. "I'll make myself free." Yugi planted a kiss onto Yami's palm as he turned the handle to his front door. He bent down and picked up his keys as he backed into his flat. "You had better call me Yamir Atemu." He breathed before he closed the door.

Yami couldn't believe it, he barely stopped himself from whooping for joy. But nothing could stop the giant goofy grin that split his face in two. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and turned to leave, he couldn't wait until next week.