Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Fly Away Home ❯ The Falcon's Console ( Chapter 5 )

Disclaimer: Plain and simple. I do not own Yugioh.

I can't tell you who the song lyric is by. It just popped into my head when I sat down to write the chapter. You'd think as often as I listen to the radio I would be able to name the band and the title of the song. I'm thinking the Goo Goo Dolls, but I wouldn't place money on it. So I give credit to whoever wrote the song.

A/N: Howdy all! This chapter was a lot of fun to write. I decided that the story was getting a little long, `little' being relative, so I've decided to speed things up a bit. I hope you approve of the decision. I tried a couple of different things in this chapter, I hope they work out and make it more enjoyable for you to read. That's enough of my yapping, on to my responses.

cerridwen: I'm glad you like the detail. I'm also glad I caught your interest. Thanks for taking the time to review!

Dark_Wind: Happy to hear you like my story. Thank you for reading it! And thanks for reviewing!

Rei-Rei: I drew you in? Good! Makes me happy. Don't worry, Yuugi will have a period of happiness. Can't let the little guy be unhappy for too long! Thanks for the review and the awesome ratings!

Phoenix: You flatter me! Thank you! I'm glad you think this story is original, that is what I was going for. Thank you for reviewing!

Fly Away Home

By Ocean

Chapter Five: The Falcon's Console

`The tick-tock of the clock is painful, all sane and logical. I'd love to tear it of the wall.'

Yuugi's sentiment exactly.

The lyrics stumbled around in his head, slowly, teasingly, interrupting any and all possibility of other thoughts. He shot a glare at the grandfather clock on the opposite side of the room. It chimed loudly, alerting the inhabitants of the small area that the time was now nine o'clock in the evening and yes, you have been sitting on that couch for the past three hours.

Hn. Well, he might not be able to tear the clock of the wall, but Yuugi was all for pushing it over and smashing it into little pieces. Anything to stop that incessant noise the old contraption insisted on making.

Sugoroku had set Yuugi down on the small love seat in the living room after the two had left Yami to sleep off the sedative. Wrapping his distressed grandson in the thickest blanket they owned he then placed himself in his old, rickety recliner. Yuugi had spoken barely a word since the two settled into the room. He spent his time nervously watching the hallway, trying to keep his actions from his grandfather.

"He's not going anywhere," Sugoroku offered, trying to soothe his grandson. Yuugi sighed as he lowered his eyes, fingering the edge of the blanket. He knew his grandfather was right. He was so focused on his room he was certain he would be able to hear Yami open his eyes the moment he woke. But he didn't like being away from his stranger. He could be taken away as suddenly as he had entered Yuugi's life. Yuugi didn't want that. Not at all.

"I'll be right back," he muttered as he rose from his seat. Sugoroku began to protest but stopped abruptly as Yuugi rolled his eyes. "Give me a little credit, Ji-chan." And then, more quietly, "I have to go to the bathroom."

Starring wide eyed for a moment, Sugoroku allowed himself a small chuckle as Yuugi scampered down the hall. Perhaps he was overreacting. Yuugi was a smart boy... he simply worried about the welfare of another. It was one of his most identifiable and endearing traits. He had an undying devotion to the well being of his fellow man.

Sugoroku was still worried however. Yuugi had started to mention something odd that had happened at the hospital. Something to do with his stranger... this Yami. But he hesitated, either unable or unwilling to tell his grandfather the exact details. Sugoroku did not like it when Yuugi kept secrets from him. The occasions were rare and usually included information pertinent to Yuugi's health.

Fatigue made itself known as Sugoroku found it increasingly difficult to keep his eyes open. Conceding the battle he stood from his chair and stretched, deciding that he and Yuugi could continue their lack of discussion in the morning. Gathering and folding the blanket Yuugi had left on the couch, Sugoroku yawned as he approached the hallway.

Where he stopped suddenly in his tracks.

Large red eyes peered at him from the entrance of the hallway. They didn't blink, they didn't look away... they didn't even look surprised. Sugoroku took an involuntary step backwards as he swallowed the lump in his throat. Yami took an equal step forward, maintaining the distance between himself and Sugoroku.

Yami had woken to find himself in an unlit and foreign room, a cumbersome weight pushing him down into a mattress. He had hastily thrown the covers from himself and stood, surprised to find his legs relatively sturdy beneath him. Though he did notice that the room he was in was different than the one he had first awoken to, he held little interest in the fact and quickly exited the confining space. He paused only momentarily when the door handle turned easily in his hand, puzzled that it had not been locked.

Wanting his presence to remain unknown Yami stalked through the hallway, wading through the shadows as a boat parts the water. His thoughts were more fluid now and as a result, so too were his movements. His head didn't twitch nearly as much as it had before. More confident with his prowess, Yami was intent on exploring his newfound surroundings.

He walked towards the bright light at the end of the hallway, the irony of the action not lost on him. Nor was it amusing. Yami had not seen the light in a very long time and he had no desire of seeking it out now. But he did sense a presence in the other room. Yami hid his shock well as he came face to face with the older man. His powers had obviously not fully regenerated. And that meant -

The thought fled his mind as his head snapped to the side, confusion wrapping itself lovingly around his being like an old friend's embrace. His few moments of clarity were gone. Only emptiness remained. Empty and cold and cramped and alone and hunted and watched and hungry. He tilted his head to the side, spreading his thin senses outward through the fog of his consciousness. A single eye opened and starred out across the room, unseeing.

Sugoroku remained perfectly still as he watched Yami's restless movements, unease creeping over him as he witnessed the sudden change in his behavior. The hard and confident stare that had greeted him was now replaced with an unpredictable and questioning blankness. He was certain that any sudden movement on his part would result in a violent reaction from Yami. He pursed his lips. This could not be the man that had caught his grandson's attention.

A small sigh escaped Sugoroku before he had a chance to stop its departure. Unfortunately, the other occupant in the room heard the expulsion of air, slowly turning his head toward the noise. Yami narrowed his eyes as he observed the uneasy stance of Sugoroku. The hunger within him exploded into a ravenous need to do... something. He tried to think, to reason out what it was his body craved. But the stronger his efforts the sharper the pain in his head. Unwilling to endure any unnecessary pain - as all pain felt by him was senseless - Yami resigned himself to the crazed musings in his head. At least they appeared to know what they were doing.

Sugoroku felt a weight on his chest, slowly driving the air out of his lungs as apprehension consumed him. He dropped the blanket in his arms on the floor as he took a step back, trying to add to the distance between Yami and himself. He did not enjoy the fact that he was now the object of Yami's full and undivided attention.

Yami raised his arm, his fingers reaching for Sugoroku as he glided forward. Sugoroku inadvertently noticed the fluidity of Yami's movement, sardonically realizing that though Yami looked like a human, presumably talked like a human, so by all accounts was a human - he certainly did not move like a human.

Warmth enveloped Sugoroku's neck as slender fingers circled and clenched around their objective. The vacant eyes that bore into his own dull orbs froze his feet to the floor. He didn't fight back as many others would have, fearing that any resistance on his part would invoke an unfavorable reaction from Yami. It was odd, though, how Yami's grip around his throat was not tight. Nor was it lax. Or uncomfortable. His hand was just... there.

"Yami!"

Yami lurched to the side as something barreled into his arm, flinging his hand from the old man's throat. The force of the impact spun his body away from the man, twisting him so that he was now facing the hallway. Growling deep in his throat Yami turned to meet his attacker, only to stop mid way through his attack.

"Yami," Yuugi repeated breathlessly, the adrenaline coursing through his veins stealing any energy he had to breathe. "It's okay... alright? You're okay Yami."

Yuugi had been elated to see that Yami was awake, though that elation soon turned to fear as he noticed that Yami had his grandfather in a strangle hold. He had panicked and thrust himself forward into Yami's arm, disengaging his hold and freeing Sugoroku from the imposing grip.

Yami was beyond annoyed. Not at anything in particular, just at everything in his sight and in his mind. No one could ever fault him for being prejudice - he hated everything equally at the moment. Yami did recognize the man with the large violet eyes from the hospital. He still held that same watchful and expectant gaze. Just what in the blazes did he want from him? Yami glared at the man for a moment before turning around.

"Ink nyd з hnqt," he grumbled as he pointedly left the room.

Two pairs of eyes watched the retreating form as Yami made his way to the kitchen. Yuugi's posture relaxed now that his grandfather was no longer in immediate danger. He himself was feeling immensely frustrated with the situation. His world had become completely disheveled since the discovery of his stranger as he found himself in a near constant state of confusion.

"Ah, Ji-chan?" Yuugi asked as he watched Yami examine the kitchen, opening drawers and slamming them shut when he did not find whatever it was he was seeking. "You okay?"

"I'm fine, Yuugi." Sugoroku winced as the musical sound of glass splintering on tile reached his ears. He hoped that wasn't the swan song of the fine crystal he was hearing.

"Good," Yuugi said as he continued to observe Yami's irritated exploration. Currently, Yami was giving his best impersonation of a Roman statue as he stood motionless, both of his hands entangled in his hair. Frustration was clearly evident on his features as his crimson eyes continued to search for the elusive object.

A harsh "ii зn" filtered it's way to the two occupants of the living room.

"Don't ask," Sugoroku said as he anticipated Yuugi's next question. "I don't know what he is saying."

"Or what he is looking for..." Yuugi left the thought unfinished as Yami appeared to spot the item he sought.

A triumphant glint highlighted Yami's eyes as he deftly made his way over to the locked cabinet resting against the far wall of the kitchen. Contemplating how best to overcome the lock that kept him from his prize, his impatience took over and he punched his fist through the glass in the door. Grabbing one of the bottles within, Yami retracted his hand and his prize, wisps of black smoke evaporating into the air. A quick flick of his thumb removed the cap off the bottle and he proceeded to drink the liquid inside.

Yuugi had to restrain his grandfather from pouncing on Yami as he destroyed the crafted glass of Sugoroku's antique liquor cabinet. Glass could always be replaced. Sugoroku could not. Yuugi pointedly looked at his grandfather, silently ordering him to calm himself. After Sugoroku took a deep breath and complied, Yuugi quietly walked over to the key hanging on the wall beside the cabinet.

Yami continued to guzzle the alcohol as it burned its way down his throat. Finally needing to breathe, he lowered the bottle and watched as Yuugi calmly placed the key in the lock on the door. With a small `click' the lock was disengaged and Yuugi gently opened the door that no longer resembled its partner. Turning to Yami he rose a single eyebrow, his lips twitching in amusement.

Yami snorted at the gesture and downed the rest of his drink.

Though alcohol was not foreign to Yami's body, it had been many many years since his system had had to cope with the influential substance. His stomach eagerly absorbed the warm liquid, distributing the heat throughout his veins. A dull buzz caressed his troubled mind, soothing some of the chaotic thoughts shuffling within.

Shoving the empty bottle into Yuugi's hands, Yami took a deep breath and released it slowly, relishing in the calm sensation the alcohol inflicted on him. He scarcely noticed that the old man had entered the room and was now standing behind the man from the hospital. Turning his back on him, declaring his disinterest and Sugoroku's unimportance, his eyes caught sight of a very familiar and disturbing object.

Yuugi's smile faded when Yami's body stiffened unexpectedly next to him. He cast a worried look at his grandfather. The puzzle hadn't even registered on Yuugi's radar since Yami's sudden arrival, the exquisite man having stolen his complete attention. He was greatly unnerved by Yami's reaction to it, the expression on his face turning cold and distant.

Yami slowly made his way over to the table, each step agile and hushed. The golden pieces of the puzzle glistened dimly from the low wattage light that hung close to the table's surface. It shouldn't have surprised him... shouldn't have bothered him... he was walking evidence of its existence. But Yami hated the puzzle with a passion unrivaled.

He could hear the hum, feel the power the puzzle radiated. Its hypnotic purring dulling his senses to the point that the puzzle was all he knew. With his eyes half lidded in trance, Yami reached his hand forward, brushing his fingers against the softly resonating pieces.

Yuugi came and stood next to Yami, leaning over in front of him in an attempt to gain his attention. He didn't realize just how close he was until his chest brushed against Yami's arm, the contact sending pulses of warmth and surprise over his skin. There was a hitch in his breath as a slight blush traced its way across his cheeks. He raised shy eyes to Yami, not sure what reaction to expect. Yuugi's forehead crinkled as he realized that Yami had not registered the contact at all.

Yami continued reaching towards the puzzle, oblivious to the fact that Yuugi was nearly standing on top of him. The moment his skin came in contact with the pieces Yami recoiled from the table, pushing Yuugi to the side and falling to the floor. A strangled cry escaped him as he crashed against the cabinets that lined the kitchen. Yami folded his arms over his chest, each hand gripping his shoulders tightly. His entire form was shaking as he rocked himself.

By the gods did it hurt. Like one of Homer's sirens, the puzzle had lured him over and upon touching its surface had sent a tremendous jolt of electricity through him, overloading his system. It was a punishment, Yami knew. Retribution for a decision long ago made and not highly accepted. The inherent power residing in the puzzle was incapable of forgiveness, unwilling to make amends with the child that had abused its power and negated its essence.

Sugoroku jumped at Yami's sudden and violent action, avoiding the falling man as he ran to his grandson. Yuugi had managed to grab onto the table as he fell, saving himself from a rather nasty bruise. His eyes fixed on Yami as he watched him collapse on the floor. He started to make his way over to the prone figure when he felt a strong grip on his arm.

"No!" Sugoroku said sternly. "Don't go near him, Yuugi. He's unpredictable." To emphasize his point he nodded at the man in question, who was now muttering to himself along with his rocking.

"He needs help, Ji-chan," Yuugi argued as he was able to drag himself forward by a single step. His grandfather was far stronger than he realized. "He won't hurt me!" Yuugi looked at Sugoroku, the hardness of his gaze causing his grandfather to loosen his hold.

Seizing the opportunity Yuugi pulled himself out of Sugoroku's grasp and hastily knelt beside Yami. His position reminded him greatly of their first encounter in the hospital, the difference being that Yuugi now had some expectation of what Yami could do. Prepared with this knowledge, Yuugi extended his hand and cupped Yami's cheek. He tried to ignore the pleasant sensation of the contact and keep his fingers still, reminding himself that Yami needed to be comforted. He could deal with his emotions later.

Yami's rocking stilled as he felt a warmth envelope the side of his face. He furrowed his brows as he also felt a soft, moist breath on his neck. The feeling was drastically different from the pain that flowed hot as molten fire through his veins. He focused his scattered thoughts on this new heat, slowing his breathing and bringing himself back under control. His grip on his shoulders loosened, though he made no attempt to move his hands.

Even though it was his intent to comfort Yami and help him relax, Yuugi was taken aback at how easily he had done so. By placing his hand on Yami's face he had sought nothing more than to gain his attention, from which point he could offer further solace. But it appeared as though this simple touch was all that Yami required. In fact, he was leaning into the caress.

Yuugi restrained the gasp that welled in his throat as he felt the familiar sensation of his energy being drained. He tensed for a moment, expecting the immediate feeling of discomfort and sleepiness he had experienced the first time this had happened. However, a gentle tug through his fingertips was all he felt. It tingled, like a static shock one receives after shuffling along a carpet and touching anything or anyone. Yuugi relaxed at the feeling, no longer nervous or apprehensive.

Because the donor was willing and the recipient not forcing, the experience of the energy transfer was not traumatic for either participant. Yami's mind slowly pulled itself together with the added sustenance, clarity reestablishing itself in smooth and soothing waves. A small sigh escaped his lips, a release of the anxiety of his troubled mind. "Sзt srf..." he breathed, turning his face into the hand on his cheek. His lips brushed whisper soft against Yuugi's palm, again sending pleasant tingles through Yuugi's skin.

Yuugi was enjoying the moment immensely. He was completely immersed in his stranger. He was close enough to feel his body heat, smell his scent, notice the fine craftsmanship of his body. It was as though he were observing a rare piece of art. Yuugi exerted a great deal of self-control when Yami's lips brushed his palm, a small indiscernible sound escaping him rather than a loud and embarrassing moan.

Yami opened his eyes and looked at Yuugi casually. This man was a fountain of confusion for him. He had no idea who he was, why he was interested in him, or why he cared so much. He had been there since the moment he woke and if fate continued its course would be involved with the remainder of his life. Yami considered this last thought, deciding that perhaps it wouldn't be a horrible experience to know this man.

Circling his fingers around Yuugi's hand, Yami pressed his lips into the palm before standing. Yuugi numbly followed suite, his head a swirl of color at the knowledge that his beautiful stranger had kissed his palm and was still holding his hand. He watched wide eyed as Yami lead him back over to the table, pulling out a chair and motioning for Yuugi to take a seat. Yuugi did as he was told, anticipation swelling in him as he waited for further instruction.

Yami guided Yuugi's hand to the puzzle, gently resting it on top of the completed portion before releasing his hold. He nodded once at Yuugi's questioning gaze before walking out of the kitchen and back to Yuugi's bedroom.

Yuugi sat with his hand on the puzzle for several minutes, a silly grin spreading across his face. He felt warm all over, from his head to his fingers to his toes. This was the acknowledgment he had longed for. To be recognized by the object of his... affection? The thought that he was reacting like a schoolgirl with her crush flashed through his mind, but it was unable to suppress the soft sound that bubbled through him. Wait a minute.

Did he just giggle?

"You staying up?" Sugoroku asked tersely. He did not like his grandson's reaction to Yami. At all. His infatuation with the handsome man was obvious. And considering he had only meet him yesterday and had broken up with his girlfriend a sparse four days before... Sugoroku was suspicious of the entire situation. Especially of Yami.

Yuugi cringed at his grandfather's harsh tone. He hadn't realized the extent of Sugoroku's disapproval until this moment. Replaying the events of the evening in his mind, Yuugi thought he understood. He had chosen Yami over his grandfather twice; once over the liquor cabinet, and again when Yami collapsed to the floor. The realization was difficult for Yuugi to swallow. He had never chosen anyone over his grandfather before, not even Anzu. That fact had been one of the main instigators of their break up.

"Yeah... for a little while," Yuugi answered, his voice distant as he continued to mull over his latest revelation. "I don't think I could sleep right now."

"Hn." Sugoroku walked over to his grandson, gripping his shoulder firmly before walking out of the kitchen. "Better grab an extra blanket. There's a bit of a chill tonight."

Yuugi looked at his grandfather, tilting his head at the appeared randomness of the comment. He groaned as comprehension dawned on him. Since Yami had taken residence in his room, he had been moved to the living room. He had to sleep on the couch so long as Yami stayed with them.

Yuugi would have frowned at his grandfather had he not already gone to bed.

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"Cloudy day."

"Mmhmm."

"Shures been overcast a lot lately, like the sun can' poke through or somethin'."

"Yep."

"Your popsicle's meltin'."

Yuugi looked at his hand to witness the orange rivulets trailing over his skin. He hastily licked the sugary water, scowling at his laughing friend sitting across the table. "I fail to see the humor Jou," he grumbled.

"I jus' dun see how you can eat that popsicle and work on tha' puzzle at the same time without getting it all sticky."

"Talent," Yuugi said with a smirk, winking at the blonde.

Jounochi Katsuya restrained his chuckles as his immaculate friend continued lapping at his hand, the napkin by his arm forgotten in his haste to save his treat. He brushed his fingers through his shag of dirty blonde hair, pulling it from his amber eyes and allowing it to fall as it pleased.

He and Yuugi had been best friends since their freshman year of high school after a rather unusual encounter that included a water gun, bubble gum, and one very pissed off bully. Their relationship flourished after the meeting and rapidly the two came to regard each other as brothers.

Jou had accompanied Yuugi and Anzu on one of their many visits to New York. On one such visit Jou had meet the very attractive and highly assertive Mai Valentine, an upcoming record producer who was destined for greatness. At first Jou was more enraptured with her voluptuous beauty than with her posh personality, but after a persistent and bumpy road had been able to win over the woman's heart. She made him pay for it dearly ever since.

Jou had remained in New York, encouraging Mai to follow her dream of owning a record studio. Jou had even gone so far as to invite his mother and sister to move to America with him. His sister had happily agreed, eager to be with her older brother again after their parents' separation that tore them apart.

Jou's sister and Anzu were good friends and diligently kept in contact with each other. It was through this manner that Jou heard about the break up between Anzu and Yuugi. It had been seven days since the event, and Jou was a bit irritated that Yuugi had not called him to tell him the news. Not that such a thing needed to be talked about, but he was a best friend and therefor it was his duty to help his buddy out whenever he needed him. Of course, he couldn't do that if no one told him he was needed.

Women. They talked about everything except the important stuff.

Mai had finally put Jou on the plane yesterday, complaining that his moping was ruining her carefully crafted image. A snide remark from Jou on the subject was the reason for the headache he had for the duration of his flight. Mai might be a girl, be she certainly didn't punch like one.

Yuugi happily welcomed his long time friend into his home, delighted to see him again after their many months of separation. Jou had approached his and Anzu's break up lightly, offering his support in the typical Jou manner. He offered to take Yuugi out for a night of pizza and beer. The Katsuya Cure All. Yuugi politely declined.

But he did take a rain check.

"So... where is he?" Jou asked, leaning his chair back and glancing around the corner into the living room.

"Ji-chan had to go down to the distributor's office today. Some mix up in the shipping order," Yuugi said as he took a small bite of his popsicle. He didn't much care for the orange flavor, but it was the only one left in the variety pack and the only form of sugar Sugoroku would allow in the house.

"Naw, not him. Yami, or wha'ever his name is," Jou pestered. His curiosity held no bounds, and it was an attribute that often led him into trouble. The fact that Yuugi had described his mystery stranger as, quote, `a man who held the beauty and power of the sun in the palm of his hands,' did nothing to discourage the incorrigible Jou.

"Aren't you already involved, Jou?" Yuugi asked as he snickered at his friend. Jou had never been particular when it came to his romantic interests. Physical appearance was what first attracted Jou to any interest, and there were many attractive men and women to be pursued. This didn't mean that Jou was shallow, just that his libido had a slightly larger say than his brain when it came to first impressions.

"Hey, jus' `cause a guy owns a beautiful car dun mean he goes `round wit' his eyes closed," Jou explained.

"Since when did you own a car?" Yuugi laughed as Jou stuck his tongue out at him. "He's probably in my room, and stop that." Jou's insane grin diminished, but not by much. "He spends most of his time sitting under my skylight."

Jou's eyebrows rose to his hairline in genuine surprise. "You let him sit d'ere?"

"Well, what else am I supposed to do? I can't just walk up to him and say `You can't sit there. It's off limits.' There is a language barrier here, Jou," Yuugi said. Though this was a valid reason, the truth of the matter was he didn't mind Yami sitting under his skylight. The light cascading down from the ceiling made him look ethereal at all times of day and night.

"I tell ya what ya do. When he's in your spot you walk over, take his hand, slap it, say `No! Bad Yami!' He'll get the message," Jou said matter-of-factly.

"He's not a dog, Jou," Yuugi groaned. "I'm not going to train him." Jou shrugged his shoulders.

The object of discussion chose this moment to stroll into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes with one hand as he braced his weight against the wall. Jou's mouth fell open as his honey-kissed eyes drunk in the form of the man. He was beginning to believe Yuugi's otherworldly description. Yami's clothes hung from his frame like loosely flowing drapes, obvious hand-me-downs that were not intended for their current owner. But the laxity of the material did nothing to hide the finely toned and bronzed skin that lay beneath as the gray sweater jacket hung open to reveal Yami's chest.

He was dreaming. Yup, that had to be what it was. Ol' Jou was dreaming after having one too many pizzas. He shot a quick glance at Yuugi, not wanting to take his eyes of the vision in the room for too long. Yuugi was in a similar state of awe, though he was more accustomed to hiding his admiration as he tried to focus his eyes on the puzzle in front of him. His mouth was only slightly ajar as he drew in a shuddering breath.

Yami started to make his way over to the refrigerator, the contraption that seemed to continuously house cold items to drink. Groggily he reached the table, only then noticing that there were two men sitting at the table. During the past couple of days Yami had realized he had the uncanny ability to know where the man with the large violet eyes was at all times. He attributed this new found talent to the fact that the man was the one solving his puzzle, and so the two had a similar feel to them being in such close proximity during the better part of the day.

This new person, however, felt entirely different. Fixing the blonde with his intent stare, Yami came and stood impossibly close next to him. He sniffed once before circling Jou slowly, not stopping until he was on the other side of Jou and between him and Yuugi.

Jou's eyes doubled in size at the advert gesture made by Yami. He nearly melted at the intensity of the gaze Yami fixed on him, finding himself unable to look away from those ruby eyes. A soft tingle fluttered its way across his neck as Jou felt Yami's warm breath brush over his skin for the duration of his predacious circle around him. Jou felt the sudden need to shift in his seat, his imagination beginning to run in unfavorable directions.

Finishing his perusal, Yami lightly snorted in dismissal and turned his back on Jou. He walked over to Yuugi, minutely cocking his head to the side. Yuugi, sensing Yami's piercing gaze, slowly lifted his eyes from the puzzle. He shyly looked at Yami from beneath his lashes, the sensation of butterflies strengthening in his stomach. He didn't understand why Yami had such an affect on him. It was strong, immediate, and had the annoying ability to shut down Yuugi's brain with a single glance. They had never spoken, hardly ever interacted beyond being in the same room. And yet Yuugi felt more comfortable around his stranger than around anyone he had ever met.

Yami's thoughts, on the other hand, did not travel nearly as deep as Yuugi's. His attention was focused on the object in Yuugi's hand. It was orange, and appeared to be edible as evidence of teeth marks could be seen on its malleable surface. The entire reason for Yami's venture from the haven of Yuugi's bedroom had been his stomach. He found the food of this dwelling to be highly intriguing, and he never shied away from sampling a new delicacy. So long as Yuugi tried it first.

Yami reached forward and wrapped his long fingers around Yuugi's wrist, guiding his hand towards his mouth as he leaned forward. He maneuvered his lips around the remaining piece of popsicle, tickling Yuugi's fingers in the process. Yami circled his tongue around the cold confection, considering its sweetness and tendency to melt in his mouth.

Yuugi was valiantly fighting the urge to faint. Yami was actually eating from his hand! A whole list of possibilities arose at the thought and Yuugi immediately squashed them back into his secrete box of ideas best left unexplored. His breathing quickened as he gripped the tabletop with his free hand hard enough to turn his knuckles white. But even this precaution did not prepare him for Yami's next action.

Deciding that he liked the flavor of the watery substance, Yami had leaned forward and begun to trail his tongue along Yuugi's hand, following the path the melted portion of the popsicle had forged. Cleaning the hand of the sugary flavor with long and slow strokes, Yami then moved on to Yuugi's finger, deftly taking the first one into his mouth.

All coherent thought left Yuugi's mind as his finger was enveloped in a warm, moist heat, Yami's soft tongue entwining itself around the digit. A small endearing noise escaped Yuugi's lips as he jerked involuntarily at the sensation, his hand held still by Yami's firm grip. He watched spellbound as Yami thoroughly cleaned his finger, pulling his head back slowly and letting the digit slip from his lips before moving on to the next one.

Yuugi looked like a deer caught in headlights as Yami continued his assault, methodically swirling his tongue over every inch of Yuugi's hand. Jou was surprised Yuugi hadn't broken off a piece of the table by now. His friend was wound as tightly as a ball of twine; a redness spreading over his cheeks as he starred wide eyed at the sensual man who was bathing his hand in pleasurable sensations.

Allowing the last finger to slide from lips, adding a final nip for good measure, Yami released Yuugi's hand and opened the refrigerator door. As nice as his distraction had been he was still thirsty. His lips twitched in a smirk as he grabbed a now familiar bottle, closing the door and walking out of the kitchen. A silence followed his departure.

"Fuck me," Jou breathed.

"... Not my job," Yuugi distantly replied, his focus on his suddenly cold and tingling hand. By Kami he was never going to wash that hand again.

"Is he... is he always like that?" Jou asked around the lump in his throat. He was never going to be able to get that image out of his head. It had been one of the most sensual things he had ever seen. And yet Yami had been so casual about it, as though sucking on someone else's hand was something he did as a hobby.

"Uh, well," Yuugi gulped a mouthful of air, trying to calm himself. "He's not modest, if that's what you mean. Does just about anything he wants to."

"If that's the result, then le' him." Jou took a deep breath, straightening himself in his chair. He cleared his throat, a thought occurring to him. "Was tha' wha' I thought it was?" At Yuugi's nod he continued. "Since when does your grandpa keep beer in the refrigerator?"

"Since Yami broke into the liquor cabinet. Ji-chan figured it would be cheaper if he just kept the bottles within easy reach. I certainly know never to go near them." Yuugi shook his head softly, clearing his thoughts as the puzzle caught his attention. "Oh hey, look, I'm almost done."

"Yeah. Way to go Yug," Jou congratulated as he took position to watch Yuugi complete the captivating puzzle.

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For those of you who are interested, yes, that was ancient Egyptian that Yami was speaking. I've always been fascinated by the culture, at one point seriously considering becoming an Egyptologist, so I thought adding in a little of the lingo would be fun. I'm pretty certain my translations are correct, though I'm not sure. They are educated guesses, really. Literal translations as I possess no understaning of Egyptian grammer. I'll post the websites I used on my bio in case anyone has any interest in the subject. They were a pain in the butt to find, I tell you.

"Ink nyd e hnqt." - I need a beer.

"Ii en" - Come on

"Sзt srf..." - Such warmth