Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Everywhere and nowhere ❯ Around and about ( Chapter 3 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Chapter three: Around and about    

As Ryou's arms wrapped around his neck Seto Kaiba thought he may die right there and then, struck down by lightning, hit by a meteor, spontaneously combust and set fire to the drapes, that being how unlikely he thought this exact situation would ever come to be. His common sense completely overthrown by the taste and feeling of the albinos lips against his own he pressed down harder, letting his right arm collapse so his weight was resting upon his forearm, rather than his hand, growling softly in the back of his throat.    

Now pinned more firmly beneath his hard, heavy body, the timid albino began to panic. Sure, it was a nice way to wake up at first, the kiss being sweet and tender and sending delicious tingles radiating outwards from his lips, but now the fierce demand behind the other's mouth was enough to break the sensual haze and frighten the shy kitten back into the realm of sensibility...    

Seto winced, the fingers in his hair no longer threaded through it affectionately but pulling, certainly not hard, but enough to get his attention. That along with the small whimper released into his mouth from the body beneath him were enough for him to get the message the albino was sending loud and clear.    

God, but he didn't want to stop...Ryou was warm and soft beneath him, his lips tasting like honey to the CEO when he flicked the very tip of his tongue against the crease between them. He smelled fresh and creamy, a sight minty tang, he assumed, coming from his shampoo and his heady scent filling the brunettes senses to overload. He'd dreamed off this, every night as he gazed up at one of the albinos posters tacked to the wall in his room and fulfilled his need on his own, ending up saited but far from satisfied.    

God, he should never had done this, should have put the boy to bed and left, should never have-    

The CEO's thoughts were broken when slim hands pushed insistently at his shoulders and he tore his mouth away from the youngers, gazing into wide brown eyes that looked black in the dim light. The brunette watched as the albino's Adam's apple quivered slightly, the boy swallowing twice before he spoke. He didn't look afraid, a small part of the CEO's mind that wasn't dealing with the all consuming panic of being caught considered. The flush to his cheeks suggested embarrassment, lowered lashes veiling his eyes as he peeked up through them hinted at shyness, but there was no thining of the lips, no flaring of the nostrils or dilating of the jet black pupils that showed fear, or even anger. “S-Seto...?”    

Kaiba swallowed against the tightness in his own throat and felt himself nodding stupidly to confirm his identity. The albino beneath him frowned slightly, a thin line forming between his silvery brows as they drew together and his right hand moved from the CEO's shoulder to his mouth, a slender digit tracing his own lower lip. When some sort of realisation seemed to hit him Seto watched with quiet fascination as a rich blush darkened his satiny skin, the model fish mouthing as he tried to find something to say.    

Prepared for rejection the brunette sighed, filled to the core with self loathing over his actions and lowered his head slightly in a sense of defeat, shifting his weight to pull away from the pale beauty he still loomed over. His blue eyes opened in shock, though, as slim arms re-wrapped themselves around his neck to hold him in place, the albino stammering out his words in a confused whisper, obviously trying to work out what was going on. “Seto...You...You were asleep, in your office...I saw your computer on and...Oh, goodness, I feel asleep with you! And then...Then you, we...Goodness...” Even with the dim light of the moon filtering through the heavy curtains being the only light source, the CEO could tell when Ryou's blush went darker, the boy peeking at him shyly through his lashes and repeating “Goodness” In an awed whisper.    

Despite the situation the young CEO found himself taking the opportunity of their closeness to take in the sight of the world famous model before him. Seto drank in every detail like rare wine, his mind etching Ryou's perfect features deep within his memory, comparing them to what he'd seen on screens and posters for the past two months. If possible, the boy was more enchanting in real life. Camera's, the brunette decided, simply couldn't capture the important things, such as how his sweeping lashes cast fluttering shadows upon his cheeks, the way his lips parted ever so slightly at the centre when he breathed, the smooth rise and fall of his chest...    

Camera's couldn't capture his sweetness either, the playfulness that hid expertly behind the shy, timid exterior. Ryou was like...Like some rare desert flower. The bud was beautiful in it's own right, nestled between the harsh sands living tightly closed from the rest of the world, concealing all but what it chose. And then, be it the right kind of moonlight or the way the breezed rose from the west the bud would open, and a bloom more beautiful then any would emerge.    

Ryou was just the same. The albino was beautiful to look at, but the coy glances, sweet blushes and mischievous smiles hinted that hidden beneath this beauty there was something more. Ryou needed the right kind of touch, rather than moonlight or a certain breeze, a gentle caress and loving words to coax him out into the open. And when you did, well, Seto had already caught a glimpse of what lay inside, and he would swear upon his fortune that a mere desert bloom could never compare. No one else, after all, would ever have the stoic CEO comparing them to flowers.    

Despite himself, despite the fear he'd had a moment before and despite the way his blood still thrummed through his ears after the anxiety of his discovery, Seto felt his lips quirking upwards at the corners.    

“...Um...Seto..?”    

Oh God damnit, he'd done it again! Just like in the dining room, and then the computer room not two hours ago, he'd lost himself just...Just bloody gazing at the boy before him, mooning like some love sick teen.    

Ah, thought a part of him, but what a thing to gaze upon!    

Oh dear, Ryou was still looking at him expectantly. The teen kept sneaking quick peeks up through his lashes at him and then looking back down at an, apparently, rather interesting piece of comforter. Seto didn't know if the albino himself realised what he was doing, but if he didn't stop tugging at that lock of hair at the very nape of his neck with his fingers the CEO was going to kiss him...Again..And this time he might not stop.    

“Ryou, I...” Oh shit, I what, exactly? I fell...On your bed...On you...That is, on your mouth. Oh yes, now there was the winning explanation alright!    

Where was that lightning bolt when you needed it, anyway...?    

“I'm sorry Ryou, I shouldn't have taken advantage like that but I...I...” Oh no Seto Kaiba, don't you dare! Don't say a word! Do you want to scare him away forever?!    

The brunette smiled tenderly, brushing back a snowy bang that resting gently against the albino's cheek, feeling the warmth of his blush beneath his finger tips as they grazed the soft skin. “I think your truly beautiful, Ryou, I have done since the moment I saw your first advertisement and meeting you, it's just convinced me even more. I always knew you were beautiful outside, Ryou, but now I know beauty isn't only skin deep...”    

You know that little voice in your head is there for a reason, right...?    

Ryou ducked his head and hid as best he could behind his hair. Seto, frowning slightly at not being able to judge the teen's reaction by his expression cupped his cheek gently with the palm of his hand, applying gentle but insistent pressure to turn his face upwards. The CEO's breath caught as saw, although the boys expressive dark eyes were closed, his pink bow mouth was curved upwards ever so slightly at the corners shyly. Tenderly he ran his thumb over long silver lashes, coaxing the albino's eyes to flutter open slowly, peach coloured lips darkened slightly from their brief kiss working a moment before he found the words he needed.    

“Seto, I'm flattered but I...We...Goodness, we don't know each other very well at all...” Kaiba's heart constricted painfully within his chest at what sounded too close to an out and out rejection for his comfort, some of which must have shown in his expression, since Ryou rushed to reassure him. “I just think perhaps we should take things slowly, spend some more time together, not rush into anything, if you really want to, I mean, because I certainly wouldn't mind, we could go on dates and...and...”    

Ryou, by now, was rambling. Seto blinked, a smirk kicking his lips up at the corners as a realisation hit him, so obvious he kicked himself for not seeing it sooner. Ryou was old fashioned at heart, and, even though he wasn't a woman there were proper ways for a man to do things when approaching someone. He was brought up in England, for goodness sake, the land of propriety! Also, no doubt, with such a love of the classics he had a passion for classical ways as well. It was all handsome princes and blushing maidens, glass slippers and special gifts. Ryou wasn't to be rushed, he was to be romanced!    

“You want to be wooed.” He stated bluntly, chuckling as the albino turned an interesting shade of scarlet and bobbed his head up and down a small fraction in timid agreement. “Very well then Ryou, I shall attempt a proper wooing, if that's what you want. But I warn you now I can't write poetry. The closest I know to prose begins with 'There once was a lass named May'.” The CEO was delighted when that sparked an, albeit nervous, velvety giggle...    

“Oh, Seto you don't have to do anything like that!” The whitenette reassured him hastily. “I don't want to put you to any trouble! You don't need to do anything special, just for me! I like you every much already, in fact I think you're very handsome and charming and- Oh!” Seto laughed outright as Ryou clapped his hand over his mouth, apparently having blurted out a few more things then he would have liked. Between the gaps of his fingers the CEO could see a red stain taking hold of his pale skin once more, and shook his head amusidly at the blushing albino.    

“You're worth anything I could do, Ryou. And trust me, your no trouble...” Smirking as Ryou's eyes widened he placed a kiss upon the tip of his nose, an errant strand of snowy white tickling his cheek. Finally pushing himself up off of the bed he watched the albino pull the comforter up to his chin, even though he was fully clothed in pale blue cotton pajamas. Standing in the door way, illuminated by the light he'd switched on in the hall the CEO smirked, throwing a wink to his pale companion. “Let the wooing begin.”    

Switching off the light, plunging the manor once again into darkness the brunette closed the door to Ryou's room, leaning against the doorway and his mouth splitting into a wide grin as he heard a muffled set of silky giggles passing through the door.    

Oh yes, let the wooing begin...      

[Scene change: Kaiba Limousine, two days later]      

The next couple of days passed in a blur for Seto Kaiba, richest and, and at least lately, busiest man in the world. After their little discussion in Ryou's bedroom, the next morning Kaiba took Ryou home in his limo. He'd have much rathered keep Ryou with him, of course, but after having a little chat with the albino model's manager Bakura (or Mr Bakura, as he seemed to prefer) he quickly changed his mind. The last thing he needed was an over protective sibling getting in the way of his plans, and Bakura seemed more protective than most. He certainly had a colourful book of threats, as well. Kaiba wasn't even sure if it were physically possible to squeeze someone so hard their hair bled, but that was something he was faced with if he upset the little albino while the bigger one were around.    

As if he'd ever upset the boy in the first place!    

Ryou's home turned out to be a small, old farmstead in the middle of no where. Perfect for isolation and anonymity, the CEO reflected, since they hadn't seen a house for at least a mile until they came across it. Built in western style the house was certainly picturesque and well maintained, a white picket fence around a plush green lawn, the house itself painted eggshell blue with white washed, timber frame windows. The house had two floors from what the brunette could make out from the outside, certainly not large but comfortable none the less.    

Bakura had greeted them outside, ushering Ryou indoors after a brief, and slightly forced, thank you to Kaiba for bringing him home and taking care of him. A little peeved at the brush off, something he certainly wasn't accustomed to, Seto had stalked back to the limo. Just about to get inside he caught a flash of white in one of the upper windows, and turning to look he had grinned from ear to ear when he spotted Ryou hanging out of the window's waving to him. Returning the gesture with a mock salute the albino's tumbling laughter had carried right across the lawn, and, once back in the limo, the CEO started scheming...    

Two days later and Kaiba found himself parked a mile up the road from Ryou's house, pulled over and watching a monitor mounted into the back of the seat in front. The entirety of Ryou's living room was covered in white roses, every available surface decked with bunches of the pale flower or scattered with the plants petals. A single balloon bobbed up and down in the middle of the room, a light blue colour with a white ribbon attached to a table leg to stop it floating away. Taped to the balloon was a small card, the dark blue letters SK embossed onto the front. Seto Kaiba was as easily obsessed with getting Ryou to be his partner as he had been to get him to be his business partner, and the CEO knew damned well which one he'd opt for if push came to shove.    

The camera feeding to the screen Seto was currently watching was hidden in a bunch of roses up on the fire mantel, giving him a view of the entire room. The CEO couldn't quite get over the fact that this was, technically, spying, but his need to know how Ryou reacted to his surprise outweighed any moral qualms he might have. It's not like he'd placed the camera in his bedroom, anyway. Although, there was a delicious thought...    

It had taken Kaiba an entire day to track down this many roses, and finding out when Ryou was next going to be away from his little blue house wasn't a piece of cake either. Of course, it helped now he knew Ryou and his manager, and after a brief phone chat with Bakura he'd managed to find out the albinos would be in the city filming until this afternoon.    

Well, the afternoon was here, the surprise was in place, Seto Kaiba's pocket change had a small dent in it and the CEO was growing restless.    

Just as he was beginning to think that the albino pair would be spending the night back in the city after all, the lighting in the room changed subtly, signalling the main door had opened. Seto scooted to the end of the brown leather seats, peering at the small screen intently.    

“Oh my!” Ryou's smooth velvet vocals were slightly cracked over the hidden microphone, but there was no mistaking the surprise and utter shock in his tone. The albino walked into the line of the camera, through some stroke of luck facing directly into the hidden camera. His hair bound beneath deep blue beret, just like the black one he'd hidden the silvery locks under the first time they met, the teen lowered his petite hand from where it had been covering his mouth.    

Seto's breath caught. He'd expected the albino to smile, of course, but he was aiming for an 'Oh God I'm so happy' smile. Ryou's smile...Ryou's smile was sad at best...    

The pale teen made his way over to the balloon, one hand holding on to the back to keep it steady and peeling the card off the front, mouthing the words 'Oh Seto' quite clearly and bowing his head, clutching the monogrammed card to his breast. Picking up a small bunch of the roses from the table top near by he brought them tentatively to his face, inhaling their scent. Seto watched with an odd sense of dread as his nose wrinkled and the roses were dropped back to the table, a small 'achoo' sounding over the speakers.    

Ryou shook his head, eyes lowered sadly. “I knew no one would understand...” Understand what?! The CEO thought franticly, but before the albino could give him any more clues he disappeared from screen. “Bakura! Can you come and help me clean up please?”    

“Why?! What have you do-”    

Seto couldn't listen to any more and leaned forwards to switch off the monitor, his failure a tanged thing nestled heavily in the pit of his stomach. He was so sure...    

“Driver?”    

“Yes, Mr Kaiba?”    

“Back to the manor. Now.”        

[Scene change: Kaiba Manor, Seto's office]      

Seto just didn't understand! Confused beyond belief the CEO threaded strong fingers through his chestnut locks, pulling at the short strands before releasing them and flinging himself back in the leather computer chair with a frustrated growl. He almost screamed at the injustice of it all when he had to push himself back to his desk, the motion having thrown his chair, along with him, halfway across the room. It just really wasn't his day...    

Damnit, though, where had he gone wrong?!    

Kaiba had had to pull every string he could think of to pull off that stunt with the roses, he'd even hired a bloody locksmith to get him inside Ryou's living room without doing any damage to anything!    

Why, he asked himself again, why didn't Ryou like them?!    

Feeling a heavy sense of defeat pressing at his shoulders, weighing him down, the CEO slumped back into the computer chair, head tilted back against the headrest and a hand thrown across his eyes, blocking out the light that still filtered through his lids when closed.    

A single scene played over and over in the brunettes mind, himself, stood at the back of the Plaza Conference room, Ryou's flickering image upon the projector scene, eyes shining mischievously, hand cupped to the side of his face as he whispered that four worded secret. 'I like White Roses'. That was it, those were the words exactly! Damnit all, then, if Ryou chose to tell the world he liked white roses, why in hells name had he looked so sad when his living room was filled with them! Surely...Surely that should make him happy?! And he sneezed, the CEO recalled, was he allergic to his favourite flower?!    

Seto allowed a heavy sigh to escape his lips, his hands scrubbing at his face before finding their way to his hair once more, running his finger's through the tousled strands. Too many questions... The CEO thought, And not an answer in sight...    

And he'd tried so hard, the brunette reflected sadly, to woo Ryou the way he wanted, the way he deserved...    

Defeat still looming over him like an oppressive cloud Kaiba pushed his feet against the floor and scooted back across the carpet in his chair, too exhausted, albeit mentally, to stand and switch on the radio that way. Depressing the on switch the CEO winced as some punk rock band filled the room, but already being halfway back to his desk he simply gave up, silently cursing Mokuba for fiddling with the radio stations again, but not finding the motivation or energy to change it back.    

Wheeling himself back to his desk he slotted his legs into the hollow underneath, pushing the computer keyboard out of the way and lying his head upon his folded arms, glaring accusingly at the opposite wall as the sounds of the radio washed over him.    

”Now that was Bowling For Soup with 1985 and up next on Eye on Domino we've got some new talent for you. These boy's haven't actually signed a record deal yet but they've been making music right here in Domino for the past two years, all four of them home grown boys. Ladies and gentlemen keep your ears open for these guys in the future, this is White Roses with their song Affirmation...    

Seto knew he loved his brother for a reason...      

[Scene change: Outside Ryou's house, two nights later]      

The way Seto Kaiba watched the upstairs window of the small, eggshell blue house, anyone would think it was about to get up and walk away. A frown settling between his brows the CEO scoured the plush lawn, smirking as he found another small pebble and launched it at the window, the stone rattling on the pane just as the previous three had before plummeting back to earth. Ryou had better be home, the brunette prayed, otherwise he was going to have some explaining to do...    

“Seto?!” Just as the CEO cocked his arm to let loose another stone projectile the window was pushed upwards by two pale hands, the beautiful albino model he'd been trying to get the attention of for the past ten minutes pushing his head out through the gap. Seto smiled to himself and took a moment admire the way Ryou's hair caught the light as it hung in a heavy silver river over his shoulder, errant strands fluttering against his cheeks in the small, warm breeze. His cheeks were flushed pink from embarrassment, pale skin cast in a wintry glow as it reflected the silvery moonlight.    

“Letting down your hair for me already, Repunzel? My, aren't we eager! Aren't I supposed to try and climb the vines first or something?”    

The brunette grinned as Ryou's giggles filled the air, the albino gathering up the mass of silver and tossing his head to throw it back over his shoulder, smiling at the CEO impishly. A lover of fairy tales, Seto mused, at least I was right about one thing. His smile grew wider.    

“What on earth are you doing here Seto, it's the middle of the night?!”    

“Yes I did realise that when it got dark about three hours ago. I've brought you White Roses!”    

The albino's smile faltered and Seto could see him gripping the window ledge, shaking his head and his deep chocolate coloured eyes lowering guiltily, shielded by his lashes. “Oh, Seto, the flower's were lovely they really were but-”    

“Who said anything about flowers?”    

Ryou blinked, and Seto smirked. Raising his hand in the air the CEO clicked his fingers once and, right on cue, the entirety of Ryou's front lawn was illuminated by three spot lights high up on stands, cables running from the bases to where, from his lofty position, the albino model could see Seto's limo parked outside the gates, that obviously being the power source for this little stunt.    

Shielding his eyes from the glare with the back of his hand tears collected in the corners from the sudden harsh light, but blinking them away he soon became accustomed and lowered his hand once more, looking back down at the lawn.    

And nearly falling out of the window in shock.    

Where before Ryou could have sworn there was only one, now five people stood upon the springy grass of his lawn, four grouped just to the right of the CEO and ready with their instruments. The albino recognised them immediately. A long haired brunette with a guitar stood foremost, a blonde with his hair braided down his back stood just behind and to his left with a keyboard set up in front of him. Behind them stood another brunette, this one with his short hair hidden beneath a bandana and holding another guitar, and next to him a red head sat behind a large, heavy looking drumkit. The skins of each drum were black, and Ryou could just about make out the white silhouette of a flower upon each. White roses.    

The CEO smirked. “A little birdy in a projector screen told me you liked White Roses.”    

“But...The flowers-”    

“Were just a token. This is my real gift to you. I'm not sure if hiring a band counts as romance, but I figured it was worth a shot. It turns out your not the only one whose a fan of someone, either...” Seto's smirk grew as the blonde at the keyboard grinned, rolling up his shirt sleeve to reveal a tattoo, the image being unmistakable as that of Ryou's face. The albino spluttered and nearly fell out of the window again, everyone down on the lawn laughing heartily at his furiously blushing features.    

“Well, are we just going to stand here all night or are we going to play?!” Demanded the red headed drummer once the laughter had died down, twirling one of the drum sticks between his fingers in dizzying figure of eights. Kaiba grinned and nodded his head, the drummer returning the flash of white teeth before counting out a beat with his sticks.    

When the music began the CEO turned his attention back to the window, only to frown in confusion when he saw Ryou no longer looking out of it. The brunette barely had time to brace himself when a flash of white came launching at his chest, thin pale arms wrapping themselves around his neck and hugging fiercely.    

“I knew you'd understand, I just knew it!” Declared the albino happily, and Seto smiled as he looped his arms around his waist, his arms encircling the boys petite form easily, the warmth of his body seeping into the CEO's own.    

“Of course. I knew there had to be something more to your secret when you didn't like the flowers. I'm just sorry I hadn't heard of these four sooner...”    

“No! I mean, I never thought anyone would realise what I was talking about, but I didn't think people would take it so seriously! The Plaza put all those petals everywhere, and then you brought all of those roses and I just felt so guilty I-”    

“Shh, Ryou...” Chuckled the CEO, pressing his index finger to the albino's lips gently to stop his rambling, jerking his hand away a moment later with wide eyes as though he'd been bitten in shock. Ryou had licked his finger!    

Hiding behind his lashes Seto watched amazed as the boy's dark eyes danced with mischief, the same pink tongue peeking out from behind his peach coloured lips only enough to press the tip to the lower one. “You were very naughty buying all of those, you know Seto...” Murmured the albino, one hand slipping from around his neck to trace absent circles upon his shirt, just right of his breast bone with his finger in apparent shyness. “I told you not to go to any trouble just for me...”    

Recovering quickly from his shock Seto smirked, cupping Ryou's chin in his hand and tilting his face up towards him, watching at the teen kept his lashes lowered demurely but his lips quirked with a timid smile. “Your no trouble, Ryou, and I really think you should listen to the song their playing. I went through every one they'd written before I found this one...” Lowering his own face and keeping hold of Ryou's chin in a gentle grasp Seto claimed those plush lips he'd dreamed about with his own once more, pressing down upon them sweetly.    

Chuckling softly into the kiss the CEO moved his arms back around the albinos waist as he seemed to melt against him, elation crashing through him like a heavy wave as he flicked his tongue against the crease only to feel the albino's lips part

beneath his own in a gasp, an opportunity he quickly took advantage of. His hands tangling in the weighty silk of Ryou's hair he held him close as they kissed tenderly, the music of the band washing over the pair as they listened past the pounding of blood within their ears.      

“Maybe it's intuition But some things you just don't question Like in your eyes I see my future in an instant and there it goes I think I've found my best friend.”   “I know that it might sound more than a little crazy but I believe I knew I loved you before I met you I think I dreamed you into life I knew I loved you before I met you I have been waiting all my life.”   “There's just no rhyme or reason only this sense of completion and in your eyes I see the missing pieces I'm searching for I think I found my way home.”   “I know that it might sound more than a little crazy but I believe I knew I loved you before I met you I think I dreamed you into life I knew I loved you before I met you I have been waiting all my life...”   “A thousand angels dance around you I am complete now that I found you...”                   ;                     &nb sp;                     & nbsp;