A/N : Hi folks ! (dodges weapons and rotten fruits thrown at her) Eep ! I know, I'm so sorry for the lateness ! I realize I haven't updated in forever ! I deeply apologize ! If you're any interested to know the reasons for this late update, go to my profile, it's all written there. If you don't give a damn, that's fine with me too ! I won't bore you with it if you don't want to know, that's why I haven't written it here.

Raiu : Would you look at that, she actually had a smart idea for once.

You, don't start ! No one's here to listen to your pestering !

Raiu : You sure of that ?

Just get lost Raiu. Anyway folks, here's an extra long Chapter 6 for your enjoyment ! I made it long to make up a little for the lateness... And I added some Seto/Yami romance to make it even better !

Raiu : Pfff... Bribes. Go figure.

Won't you just stop ! ...Alright, let's just get on with the fic, shall we ?

Akari : (settled with popcorn and soda) I'm already started ! ...Aw, I can't believe Seto just said that ! How sweet !

Shhhh ! You're gonna spoil the surprise !

Raiu : Just read on, will you ?

.: Look at me with your eyes closed :.

by cherry fantasy

(Mokuba's POV)

My brother has been acting totally out of character tonight, but for some reason I couldn't bring myself to question him. It won't last though. I'll catch up tomorrow. For now, I have only two speculations on what could be the cause of Seto's demeanor :

1) We've all entered the twilight zone and nobody told me, or...

2) ...there's a pretty boy behind this.

Since the first option isn't likely to happen (duh...), it leaves us with the latter.

Oh my God, someone mark this day in your calendar and alert the media, because the miracle has finally happened :

I think my brother is in love...

Chapter six : In the eye of the storm, I was waiting for you

Normal POV

" Yami ! Are you even listening to me ! "

Yami jumped and turned his attention back to Yugi, who (he realized a bit sheepishly) he had been ignoring for a good ten minutes now. His brother was standing before him with a frown and his hands on his hips, tapping the floor impatiently with his foot. In all honesty he didn't look that imposing, but Yami knew better... Yugi could be quite scary when he wanted to...

" Sorry " he apologized. " I was just... daydreaming "

" Daydreaming huh ? " Yugi said with a little grin. " I think your kind of daydreaming is called Seto-dreaming, brother dear "

Yami blushed to the root of his hair, but didn't try to deny Yugi's statement. What would it serve, since they'd both know he would be lying ?

Yugi had found out about his infatuation with Seto just a few days prior, when he'd accidentally walked in on his older brother doodling Seto's name all over the pages of his scrapbook. And if the little hearts scattered everywhere on the sheet weren't already a dead give away, the very visible «Atemu loves Seto» in the center surely was.

At first, Yugi had been a bit offended that Yami hadn't told him anything (after all, they used to share all their secrets). But then Yami had explained that if he hadn't spoken about it, it was because he himself thought it was silly to even hope for his feelings to ever be returned.

That evening he'd told Yugi everything, and it had felt so good to finally confide to someone and get it off his chest. By the end of his speech he was almost into tears and Yugi had long since forgiven him (he'd probably did during the first 5 seconds... Yugi was just kind that way). His little brother had offered him all the support he needed and Yami berated himself for not telling him sooner. It sure would've been the smart thing to do. Anyhow, he'd asked Yugi not to tell Tristan and Joey just yet ; he'd tell them himself when he'd be ready. Luckily, Yugi had accepted.

It had been one week since then, and it had also been one week since his appearance as Yami at Domino High (Yugi had started to call him Yami on a regular basis, so it would become more natural). And it was also one week ago that he'd had his first real conversation with Seto Kaiba, in Mrs.Yarimoto's class.

Sadly he hadn't seen much of Seto in the last week. The young CEO truly was a busy man : school, Kaiba Corp. and his little brother were taking most of his time. But the few times they'd seen each other (mainly in class ; they had several of them in common), Seto had been very cordial with him. Yami would even go as far as to say that he'd been... nice. Well, amiable at least. Now, Yami didn't know Seto that much personally (to his great regret), but he knew that the CEO's behavior toward him was a rare occurrence. He was flattered (ok, overjoyed was more like it), that much was obvious, but he still didn't think he had any chances of ending up in a romantic relationship with Kaiba. The CEO probably just thought of him as a friend... if even that.

A light slap behind his head brought him out of his musings. He turned to frown at his brother, then blushed and looked down sheepishly when he realized he'd been ignoring him again.

" Don't tell me " Yugi said in good humor, obviously not mad. " You were Seto-dreaming again "

Yami laughed softly and nodded.

" Sorry " he repeated a second time. " What were you saying ? "

" I was saying, you should ask him out "

" Who ? "

" Kaiba, who else ? " Yugi answered while rolling his eyes.

" ARE YOU CRAZY ! " Yami exclaimed.

A few heads turned toward them in puzzlement, probably wondering what the commotion was about. Yami and Yugi were presently strolling around in the schoolyard ; they both happened, like some other students, to have a free period, and they'd decided to come outside to enjoy it since it was such a beautiful day.

" I'm not crazy " Yugi stated after Yami's outburst, " but people might start thinking you are if you keep shouting around like this "

The little devil had a grin on his face, and it was obvious he was forcing himself not to laugh. Yami snorted indignantly, even though he was feeling a bit embarrassed himself... Then he remembered exactly why he'd exploded like this, and he quickly pursued in a lower tone :

" You can't be serious Yugi ! Me, asking Seto Kaiba on a date ? You must be delusional ! "

" Really ? And why's that ? "

" Because ! "

Yugi merely raised a brow at him and waited for him to elaborate. The famous, definitive this-is-the-end-of-the-conversation "because" never worked with him.

" Because..." Yami continued reluctantly, " I just can't, Yugi. He'd refuse, I'm sure, and then he'd probably never speak to me again. I just... don't want to risk it. I'm already lucky he seems to think of me as a friend. I mean, he's Seto Kaiba, for God's sake ! Gorgeous, smart, rich, I-can-have-anyone-I-want Seto Kaiba ! Why would he ever be interested in me, of all people ? "

" Probably for the same reasons that have half the school currently wondering about how and when to ask your hand in marriage " Yugi answered sarcastically. Then he added more forcefully : " Come on, Yami, open your eyes ! You have just as much people at your feet right now, so why are you interested solely in Seto Kaiba ? "

" I don't know... I just am. I've been since the first time I saw him "

" My point exactly ! "

Yami stopped walking and glanced at him confusedly. Yugi stopped as well and pursued more gently :

" That's not a crush you have Yami, that's not even an infatuation. It's love. And from what I know so far, it looks like Love with a capital «L» "

Yami stood speechless, not knowing what to answer to that. He'd known, deep down... But hearing it aloud had a lot more weight.

" So you see " Yugi continued, " this is the kind of situation where you have to take risks, Yami. Because if you don't, you'll regret it your whole life. And what makes you so sure he'd say no, anyway ? Kaiba seems interested to me. It's not a secret for anyone he's into boys, and you're the only one in this whole school he's ever spoken to in a civilized manner ! Add to that, you should see the way he looks at you when you're not paying attention ! "

" The way he looks at me ? " Yami echoed.

Yugi nodded with a smile and said :

" Only when you are not looking his way, of course. I caught him doing it a few times. If you want my opinion, I think he likes you more than he lets on "

Yami was trying to suppress the hope growing in his heart, with very little success. Seto liked him ? Could it be ? Could Life be so kind as to grant him his greatest wish ? From what Yugi was saying, it appeared so... Could he take the risk ? Was it worth it...?

He thought about Seto, about his incredible blue eyes, his handsome face... Seto's arms, around him, holding him... Seto's lips, brushing against his own... How wonderful it would be. Finally someone to protect him, to love him...

Wait.

If, and only if Seto loved anyone, it was Yami. Yami, not Atemu. He probably didn't even know who Atemu was. 'Cause if he did... well, there's no way he would be paying attention to Yami right now. What if Seto only liked him because he was good-looking ?

'No ! I won't go there !' Yami told himself angrily. 'I accepted this transformation willingly. It was a great opportunity and I took it. Then it was ME who decided to become Yami and stop being Atemu ! It was MY choice, and it was probably a mistake but it's too late to think of that now... But I won't let it stop me from being happy !'

Feeling a bit better, he took a deep breath and turned back toward Yugi, then he told him with a smile :

" You're right, Yugi. I guess I should take the chance while it presents itself, ne ? "

" Definitely " his brother answered with a matching smile.

" Alright. But... what if he does say no ? "

" You'll never know unless you ask " Yugi retorted, then he added with a reassuring tone : " Don't worry Yami, it's all gonna be fine "

Yami nodded silently. As they resumed their march though, he wished he could be as sure as Yugi seemed to be.

o0o

Mokuba's POV

" Mark ? " I tried again.

No answer.

" Nathan ? "

Still nothing.

" Martin ? Karl ? Hitoshi ? Leon ? Whitney ? Eiji ? Hiro ? Sam ? Ren ? Yasuki ? Paul ? "

My brother didn't even look up at me and simply continued typing away on his laptop, refusing obstinately to acknowledge my presence.

" Come on, Seto ! " I whined. " Would it kill you to be a little more cooperative ? I'm trying to play matchmaker over here ! "

He raised an eyebrow at my last comment, but had no other reaction. Don't get me wrong, I love my big brother, but he can be so thickheaded sometimes that it makes me want to scream !

We were presently at the Kaiba Corporation building, in my brother's office. It was career day at my school and so I had followed Seto to work. I didn't mind, in fact I thought it was great to escape school ; not that I didn't like it, but I always knew more about the subjects we studied than the teachers, and they refused to let me jump to a higher grade. Anyway... I always loved to come to work with Seto, which I often did as soon as I had a chance. After all, I was the co-owner of Kaiba Corp., despite my young age.

Today I had been even more eager to pass the day with Seto, as it gave me the perfect opportunity to pester him about his obvious (although he claimed it to be non-existent) «secret crush». But, and I'm sure you could guess, it's damn hard to get information out of my brother when he doesn't want to give it to you. It's been one week and I still got nothing... except the fact that I'm now certain there IS a pretty boy behind all this, because Seto practically clams up like an oyster as soon as I broach the subject. Typical Seto-reaction. I bet he thinks I'll give up and leave him alone if he just ignores me the better he can.

Really, I thought he knew me better than that. Seto can be very persistent... but so can I !

" A name, Seto, that's all I'm asking ! " I continued with an exasperated tone. " And don't you dare tell me there is no name to give, 'cause it's awfully obvious you'd be lying ! "

Still no visible reaction other than a twitching brow. I almost punched him right then and there ; instead I settled with frowning at him darkly. I know I was probably being annoying, but I couldn't help it. I just knew my brother was in love, and I wanted him to accept it. I wanted him to go find that someone he secretly thought about day and night, and I wanted him to tell them how he felt. I wanted him to start a relationship and go on a date. I wanted him to have someone whom he could trust and confide to, someone he could lean on when things got too hard, someone he could speak to and who would listen. Someone he could love and who would love him in return ; for himself, not for his looks or for his money. I knew he needed it badly, more than he was letting on.

In short, I just wanted him to be happy. Was that so bad ?

I know Seto has never been truly genuinely happy, even if sometimes he pretends to for my sake. I know he's been searching desperately, although probably unconsciously, for someone who would finally be able to make him feel good about himself, about all he has accomplished. A person who would make him feel proud of his achievements in life. A person who'd give a meaning and a goal to his existence, other than me. Someone who would understand him, and whom he could hold at night and kiss in the morning while having every rights to do so.

Sappy ? Maybe a little... Corny ? Definitely. But it's what he wanted to have, and that's what I wanted him to find. God knows he deserved it. But for so long it had all seemed like a meaningless search, like if we were looking for the impossible. Every last men and women who ever pinned after Seto had ulterior motives ; they were in love with his money and reputation really, not with him. They made him even more distrustful about feelings than he already was, even more reticent about getting close to someone. I saw with my own eyes the way his small hope to ever find a person who could love him for himself slowly seeped away into nothing, and it nearly broke my heart. I know he was about to give up, and to be perfectly honest, so was I.

Until one week ago.

I know Seto would not fall in love with just anyone. The reasons for that are all listed above. No, it has to be someone special. I don't even know them and already I want to kiss them, for making that little sparkle of life reappear in my brother's eyes. The problem is, Seto has become so wary of relationships... I don't think he'll be able to engage himself into one without a little push from my side.

Even though, this is getting ridiculous !

" Seto..." I practically growled out (yes I can be scary when I want to... I think it runs in the family). " I'm gonna ask you again, and this time you better answer or you'll be sorry ! What - is - his - name ? "

He finally looked up at me, probably getting the hint that I wasn't joking anymore. It's a mutual thing between us : I know when not to push him, and he knows when not to push me. Now is one of those times.

He sighed and leaned back in his leather chair. For a moment he stayed silent, and I thought he wouldn't answer me, when suddenly he spoke :

" Yami "

That's all he said. One word, one name. Yami. But just from that, I could tell how much he cared already.

It's the way that name escaped his lips, slowly and softly like a sacred prayer. And all the same, it was said proudly and clearly, as if to make sure I would speak it correctly when I said it myself.

Darn, he was into it deep. Up to the neck, I'm sure. And over his head soon, judging by the look on his face.

On my part, I was just about to go join a choir and sing Alleluia! to thank God for this new development. But I figured Seto would probably need therapy if I did that, so I settled for a huge grin.

" Well Seto " I started seriously, taking a seat in front of his desk. " I think we need to have a little talk "

He gave me a suspicious glance, but I just kept grinning.

By the end of this week Seto would have this Yami as a boyfriend or my name wasn't Mokuba Kaiba.

o0o

Seto's POV

Tuesday. I hate Tuesdays. In fact, I hate every day of the week, but Tuesdays are the worst. Why ? Because I have Business and Management class at school. You must be wondering what I'm doing in there, when I myself am the youngest CEO to ever manage a multinational company like Kaiba Corp., which by the way is worth several millions. It's rather obvious I know what management is and that I mastered it a long time ago. I know more about its twists and turns than any teacher in Domino High, and probably in all Japan. So what in the world am I doing in Business and Management class ?

Well, in the beginning I took it because I thought it would be interesting. Surely it would be a piece of cake for me to obtain perfect scores in that course. Which was (and still is) true, but what I hadn't foreseen was that our teacher would be such a moron. He understood nothing about management, and half of what he taught was wrong. If I had relied on his teachings to run Kaiba Corp., I'd be living on the streets begging for food right now. What an idiot. Sadly I couldn't just drop the course, since it would count as a failure, and Seto Kaiba does not fail. At least, it had never been so easy for me to get a collection of A.

So here I was, walking through the school hallways and heading for "The Course of Ultimate Boredom" as I had myself dubbed it. I had finally been able to escape all the fools that usually followed me around (why they did it was beyond me), and I was quite happy with it, when suddenly something much worse intercepted me : girls. Now, I have nothing against girls in general, but those girls are harpies in human disguise. Particularly the one standing at the front of their little group : Tea Gardner.

" Seto " she said sweetly (I inwardly shuddered in disgust). " How pleasant to see you ! Where were you going in such a hurry ? "

" To class " I answered as coldly as I could. " And don't call me Seto "

" But how should I call you then ? " she asked while blinking cutely. Her friends giggled behind her.

Please, someone shoot me now.

We'd had this conversation hundreds of times already, but this stupid bimbo still couldn't seem to get the message. No one was allowed to call me by my first name, except Mokuba. It was one of the main rules if someone wanted to speak to me without getting hurt.

" Call me Kaiba " I told Tea icily, resisting the urge to snarl at her.

" But Seto, I want us to be friends ! " she started with a sultry voice. " Friends do not talk to each other using family names. And who knows, you and me could become so much more... It would be so great, don't you think ? "

That's it, I was going to punch her.

I was honestly about to do just that when suddenly, I heard another voice coming from behind me. That voice was just as annoying as Tea's and did nothing to sooth my nerves, but the name it spoke got my complete attention in less than a second...

" But Yami ! "

I turned around, setting my gaze on the small group of four who stood in front of the lockers. The one who had spoken was Joey Wheeler, or the mutt, as I liked to call him. Behind him stood his tall brown-haired friend whose name I'd never bothered to learn, and beside him was Yugi Mutou. But what really caught my gaze was the lean figure presently grabbing a book from the open locker : Yami.

It truly amazed me how each time I looked at him he seemed to become even more beautiful, even more ethereal. It literally took my breath away.

Damn, Mokuba was right. I had fallen, and I'd fallen hard.

I still couldn't believe the talk he gave me yesterday. According to him, it was imperative that I asked Yami out as soon as possible. He gave me all the pros and the cons, insisting that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and that I'd better grab it while I could. I still wasn't convinced, but then he pointed out that if I didn't act soon, chances were pretty good that someone else would ask Yami to be their boyfriend.

I remember I had to fight the urge to snap at him for mentioning such a thing. I'm not sure what I felt at that moment, but I know I didn't like it. A mix of anger, sadness and - strangely - desperation. It was so strong, it made me want to run to Yami and grab him before anyone else could even think of touching him that way. Luckily for my dignity I was able to bring my emotions back into control, but that didn't stop them from slowly torturing me from the inside. Mokuba (that little runt was enjoying himself way too much... I should've grounded him) was helpful enough - not - to name the feeling for me : jealousy.

Me, jealous ? Pfff... Although, looking at Yami now, I'm seriously starting to consider the possibility...

" Come on Joey, it's not so bad " he was saying right now (damn I love his voice...). " It's just that I took it already, and I don't really feel like redoing it all a second time. I hadn't noticed when they first gave me my schedule "

" But it was great to have you in the same English class as me ! Now I'll be all alone ! "

What a stupid baka.

" Now now, don't be like that " Yami answered with a smile. " Besides, I think you just liked to have me there because then you could copy my homework "

" That's not true, man ! Well, maybe a little tiny bit... But I was serious when I said you're the only friend I have in that class ! "

" Why don't you work with Duke ? Oh, and I think Bakura was in that class too "

" Duke Devlin and Ryou Bakura ? Are you crazy ? Those two stuck-up jerks ? "

" Well, they seemed quite nice to me..."

" That's 'cause they're flirting with you, Yami " the nameless guy retorted. " Of course they'd act nice around you "

" Oh..." Yami said softly. He seemed disappointed.

On my side, I was practically seething. Devlin and Bakura, flirting with my Yami ? They were so dead.

Wait, 'my' Yami ? Where did that come from ?

Boy, I AM jealous ! Mokuba will never let me hear the end of this...

" So, what other course did you take instead, Yami ? " Yugi asked, bringing my attention back to them.

" Business and Management "

My eyes widened. Damn, this is too good to be true... Now we have all of our classes but one together.

" Ew, that course is dead boring ! I feel for you, pal " the mutt exclaimed.

" It can't be that bad " Yami said. " I'm not so sure where the class is though... I've never had courses in that part of the school "

Oh, this is rich. A little voice sounding suspiciously like Mokuba's started to yell at me in my head, telling me to stop staring like an idiot and go offer my help to Yami. I told it to shut up. My feet had other ideas though, and suddenly I was walking toward Yami, leaving behind Tea and her friends who were still trying to get my attention (harpies, I'm telling you). I wonder if she realizes Yami saved her (even if it was without his knowledge) from getting punched in the nose.

Then I was in front of him. His friends looked at me in confusion (the mutt with annoyed anger), probably wondering why I of all people would come speak to them. Well, they can keep wondering, 'cause I'm not here for them.

" Hello Yami " I heard myself say. Good, my voice was firm and calm, reflecting nothing of my inner turmoil.

" Kaiba " he greeted me back, a shy smile on his lips.

I almost melted right then and there. Does he not realize what he's doing to me ?

Probably not.

" I heard you didn't know where to find the Business and Management class " I pursued. " I can take you there if you want "

" Oh, yes... that would be great. Are you in that class too ? "

Is that a little hopeful tone in his voice, or is it my lovesick mind playing tricks on me ?

" Yes, as a matter of fact I am " I answered, always as calmly.

" Oh, well, that's... that's good. I was afraid there wouldn't be anyone I knew in that course "

He was smiling at me and, to tell the truth, I had to struggle very hard not to smile back. God forbid I did that here, in the school halls where everybody could see me. My reputation would be ruined. It was bad enough that the mutt and the other two were presently staring between Yami and me with a look of total bewilderment on their faces. It was quite amusing, in fact...

" So, shall we be going ? " I asked Yami.

He nodded and closed his locker.

" Bye guys ! " he told his unresponsive friends before coming to stand beside me.

I took the lead and we marched toward our next class.

o0o

Normal POV

Tea glared as she watched Kaiba and Yami walk away together. Seto had totally ignored her to go speak with that little Egyptian slut !

'This is not over Yami. You'll pay for taking what is mine, mark my words !'

She whirled around and stalked off, leaving her friends stumbling to catch up with her.

o0o

For the first time since he'd taken this course, Kaiba was quite enjoying his Business and Management class. All he had to do was totally ignore the teacher (as usual) and focus his attention on Yami, who was sitting in the desk just beside his. From his point of vue, the spiky-haired beauty was a much more interesting subject to study.

After a while, Yami started to feel someone's gaze on him. Deciding to test Yugi's theory, he turned toward Seto, and was quite surprised to see the taller boy blink and look away quickly as if he hadn't just been caught staring. Yami blushed and turned his eyes back toward the front of the class. He couldn't believe it. Yugi had been right !

'Oh my God... Oh my God... What do I do now ? Ok, calm down... Yugi said I should ask him out... and I agreed... and Seto does seem to be interested... But what if I'm wrong ? What if I ask him and he just laughs at me ? Or worse, hates me ? Oh God... I can't do it... I don't want him to hate me. I don't think I could stand it... Not from him... God, what do I do...?'

Kaiba looked back at Yami with concern ; the boy seemed to be lost in his thoughts, and not very good ones judging by his worried expression. 'Is it because of me ? Because he caught me staring at him ?' Seto surely hoped not. He didn't mean to make Yami uncomfortable, nor did he mean to frighten him. He was wondering about a way to ask Yami what was wrong without the teacher noticing them, when suddenly the bell ringed, announcing the end of the course.

The students escaped happily, the teacher right behind them. It was now lunch time and no one wanted to miss it.

Seto waited for Yami to gather his things, then he approached him, noticing he still had that worried expression on his face. Softly, he asked :

" Yami, are you alright ? "

Yami actually jumped, as if he'd forgotten Kaiba was there, then he answered without looking up at him :

" Yes, I'm fine. Why do you ask ? "

He sounded nervous and unsure, his voice trembling the slightest bit.

" I don't know..." Seto told him. " You seem... upset, for some reason "

" I..." Yami started, his eyes darting everywhere but toward the other teen. That's when he noticed they were now alone in the classroom.

" Yami, look at me " he heard Kaiba say, gently but firmly.

Reluctantly, he slowly raised his eyes toward Seto's own blue ones. He swore he could drown in those eyes...

" Are you sure you're alright ? " Seto asked him again, sounding concerned.

The tone of his voice calmed Yami a little. It was obvious Kaiba cared about him, if even just a bit, so maybe he wouldn't get too mad if Yami asked him out... Maybe he would even forgive him. All that of course assuming Seto didn't like him in return, 'cause if he did, well there would be no such problems.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Yami gathered his courage and started hesitantly :

" Seto... I mean Kaiba..."

" You can call me Seto " the young CEO interrupted, surprising even himself. But he liked how his name sounded when Yami was saying it.

Yami gave him a grateful smile and started up again :

" Seto, I... I would like to ask you... I mean, I've been wondering if you... hum, maybe, if you'd like..." 'God I sound pathetic !' Yami thought, stopping his babbling before he could further humiliate himself.

By now he was so nervous he was almost trembling, his heart racing in his chest like a frightened animal. Unable to withstand Seto's gaze any longer, he turned away, fidgeting with his hands. He'd never be able to do this...

Suddenly there was another pair of hands holding his, and he turned back to Seto with surprise only to meet this amazing set of cerulean blues eyes watching him patiently, waiting for him to continue. Seriously, he'd never get enough of those eyes... And right now they were doing a wonderful job to calm him, just looking at him curiously without urging him on. Even though, Yami knew he'd never be able to speak what he wanted to say aloud, so instead he decided to show it, praying to God that Seto's reaction wouldn't be too bad...

He gulped and whispered :

" Please don't hate me..."

Kaiba frowned in puzzlement. Why would he hate Yami ? How could he ? He didn't think it was possible anywhere in this plain of existence...

Yami just gulped louder and moved before he could lose the guts to do so... He raised on his tiptoes (Seto was so tall) and softly brushed his lips against Kaiba's.

The CEO was so stunned he could barely register what was happening. Then he felt Yami's lips on his, warm and hesitant, and it was the most incredible feeling in the world. Never did he want it to end... Sadly it did, much too soon, and he was left wondering if it had just been a dream, an illusion of his greatest desire. The thought almost crushed him.

Then he saw Yami, still standing before him and his beautiful ruby eyes full of tears (although none were shed yet), and Seto wondered what he'd done to cause such a heartbreaking reaction.

Then it hit him.

It wasn't what he'd done, it was what he didn't do.

He hadn't kissed back.

He'd been so stunned and awed, it just hadn't occurred to him right away. It certainly wasn't because he didn't want to. But he knew how his reaction - or lack of it - must have looked to Yami, which explained the tears. He had to correct that mistake right now.

" I'm sorry..." he heard Yami say with a very little voice. " I... I thought... I... just wanted you to kn-know that..."

A tear finally escaped, rolling down his smooth cheek, and Kaiba cursed himself to Hell and back for being the cause of it. Slowly, he raised his hand and put one finger over Yami's lips, silencing him. The boy swallowed and met his gaze cautiously, sniffling a little. Seto cupped Yami's cheek with his other hand, gently wiping the tear away with his thumb. Then he bent his head and with all the care in the world, locked his mouth with Yami's once more.

This time he made sure to participate actively, while in the back of his mind he was cheering and practically whooping with joy for finally being able to kiss Yami. It was even better than everything he'd imagined (and he'd imagined quite a lot) ; he ran his lips over the soft ones under his, savoring their taste. He licked them with his tongue a little, coaxing them to open for him. He didn't recall ever being so gentle while kissing. Usually he was quick and passionate. But not this time. No, this time was special. The one he was kissing was special. Seto wanted to make it last as long as possible.

He felt Yami beginning to respond, shyly at first, then with a bit more assurance. The smaller youth raised his arms and passed them around Seto's neck, after what he finally opened his mouth and allowed the CEO to slip his tongue into it. But Kaiba still didn't quicken his pace, taking his time to explore this hot cavern he'd been invited in, mapping it in his mind and storing it with his best memories. He sneaked his own arms around Yami's thin waist and deepened the kiss, growling in pleasure when he felt the other's tongue battling with his own. He was soaring, floating on Cloud Nine and he didn't ever want to leave.

Sadly every human being needs to breathe eventually, and so after what seemed like an eternity Seto and Yami parted, their face flushed and their eyes shining. They didn't let go of each other and they had no desire to do so. Yami rested his head on Kaiba's chest, a huge smile dancing on his face. If this was a dream, he didn't ever want to wake up...

Seto rested his chin over Yami's head and just held him for a while, his thoughts swirling and his mind still trying to process exactly what had just happened. Soon he was thinking clearly again, and he felt like a changed man ; his heart was beating fast, he was smiling lightly and there was a warmth inside him that had never been there before. It was the best feeling ever, and he knew he had Yami to thank for that.

He loosened his hold and brought a hand under Yami's chin ; he grabbed it gently and raised the other's face toward his, locking their gazes together. The twinkle he saw in those ruby orbs made him want to kiss Yami again right then and there. Instead he just said :

" Yami, would you consider becoming my boyfriend ? "

Yami smiled at him brightly and answered :

" I already considered it. I just... I didn't think someone like you would be interested in someone like me... I mean, it's obvious you can have anyone you want..."

He sounded unsure now, and Kaiba wouldn't have that.

" You think so little of yourself " he said softly.

Yami ducked his head in shame... or he tried, since Seto was still holding his chin. He settled for biting his bottom lip, regarding Kaiba uncertainly. This one merely grinned and put their foreheads together. He released Yami's chin and passed his thumb over his bottom lip, forcing Yami to remove his teeth. Then he told him :

" Well, if I can have anyone I want, as you said, does it mean I can have you ? "

" I... I would like that very much " Yami answered.

" Good " Seto retorted. " Because you're the only one I want "

Yami smiled and hugged him even tighter. Seto simply reveled in the new feeling ; at the moment he was the happiest man on Earth, and he still couldn't fully believe his luck. He couldn't wait to tell Mokuba. He knew his brother would be overjoyed, and that he would like Yami right away.

How Seto was going to stop him from doing something like planning his and Yami's honeymoon, that was the real problem !

Raiu : Nothing YOU write will ever be worth that much.

Humph... Well thanks for the boost of confidence !

Raiu : My pleasure.

I was being sarcastic, Raiu !

Raiu : Oh, too bad.

Grrrrr... Well, could you please review, everyone ? I'd really like to know what you thought of this chapter !

Akari : (somewhere far off in Yaoi-Romance Land) I thought it was absolutely dreamy !

Raiu : (gags) Someone, just kill me now.

With pleasure ! (takes out a handgun) Any last words ?

Raiu : (takes a step back) I was being sarcastic !

Oh, too bad. (starts chasing after Raiu)

Akari : Please send reviews !