Hello everyone and welcome to part 2 of Blind Date. I know I have let this one sit for way too long, but I do hope you will all forgive me and I hope everyone is well during their possible quarantine. I myself am still busy at work and living my life while writing other stories than Blind Date for the past few months.

Either way: here is the first chapter of the second part at last and I do sincerely hope you'll enjoy it.

/\/\/\/\/\

Blind Date – Part 61

/\/\/\/\/\

Just like previous times he had arrived back home, Atemu was glad to have the ground beneath his feet and to have Charles waiting for them at the Arrival Hall. True, he had to admit that the medication he had taken had worked wonders while having been cooped up in an aeroplane for these passed eight hours, but getting out of the cursed contraption nearly made him kiss the ground. Instead, he kissed his lover's hand prior to helping Yami in the black car now that he was actually feeling great while this time was the only one he could still allow for his lips to touch his beloved. The closer they'd get to Sennen Corporation, the more he had to protect his lover from prying eyes and he would do so vigilantly. Yami meant everything to him after all and Atemu would not allow for anyone else to speak bad of the man he loved. Even if that meant he had to put his feelings behind lock and key when they were out in public up until the moment they had both agreed to revealing their love for one another to everyone else.

Whilst being in the car, however, he gently pulled the pale man against his side, while they spoke with Charles about changes and happenings that had occurred while they had been away. Not that it helped much, as the older male had been given paid leave from the corporation and had not been at work during the hacking. It was why the chauffeur had little insight to give them, for which he apologised, although Charles had managed to misinform the press about when his boss and intern would return from their trip. It had helped them avoid the curious questions in regards to the corporation for now, although Monday morning would probably be a near all-out war. For three weeks the press hadn't heard much from the tanned man, as he had given a straight-forward answer, but the business world was not easy to be shot down and ever since stepping aboard their flight, Atemu had felt slight dread for having to meet the paparazzi at the airport. Especially because Yami didn't need to be assaulted like that and it was a relief to know others had thought ahead, which made the tanned man thank his driver for that aspect while they made their way back home.

Yet, arriving at the front door with their luggage, made Atemu halt just for a small moment. It was quite the same as last time he had arrived back from his trip and had been allowed to enter the apartment on his own. It already seemed like ages ago, but he was suddenly warmed by the thought of having a 'home' to go to after work. To share that with his lover, even without speaking of the feelings, made it extra special and he smiled while Yami opened the door for them. The apartment itself was obviously silent and a little dark as the sky outside was already turning to night. It was why the pale man turned a few lights on as he entered and Atemu followed gratefully with their suitcases as well as his briefcase. Doing so made him re-think about going abroad for a longer period of time, considering it was always a hassle to get everything back, but he had enjoyed his time away with the man he loved and it was definitely worth the extra amount of luggage.

"Welcome home", Yami whispered softly as his lover closed the door and rose-red eyes turned to him in surprise, before they gleamed warmly while tanned lips curled in a tender smile.

"Welcome home", Atemu repeated while he gently embraced the pale man and kissed his lips softly. "It is becoming one of my favourite things to do. Especially if I can kiss you", were his next words after breaking apart and Yami chuckled softly prior to pecking his lover's lips once more.

"Well, I say it's a good thing you and I will come home together every evening this week", the pale man replied and Atemu chuckled softly while Yami released him to address his shoes. His lover followed his example while watching how the younger male moved around the house to check if everything was in order. "Do you want to eat something Até?", was the question from within the kitchen while the tanned man dragged the first large suitcase into the livingroom.

"Not particularly... If I'll want to, I'll take a biscuit", Atemu answered, considering he was since long glad he wasn't feeling nauseas. Yet, he halted when he entered the kitchen with a frown on his brow. "Whose washings are those?", he asked softly while staring at the bed-covers in front of the closet that hid the washing machine from view. As he did, crimson eyes turned to him at the same time Yami was opening the different cabinets in his kitchen.

"Yugi's. He's stayed over a weekend with Jonouchi because of a tournament he wanted to see but couldn't enter", the pale man answered while scribbling down a list of groceries even though they had just returned home. If anything, Atemu's frown deepened in confusion.

"He couldn't enter? Why not?", was the question and Yami slowly straightened while mimicking the confused frown with a tilt of his head.

"Well, apparently because he is 'too good', but he still wanted to go so he could buy new cards and have a weekend away from grandpa. But, your confusion makes me want to ask something else. Has Yugi asked you about a new sponsorship yet?", the pale man asked while tapping his pen against the kitchen counter gently. In answer, his lover shook his head.

"Not to me. He would get the same one he once had obviously if he asked, but so far, he hasn't. Why?", Atemu returned and he frowned some more when his lover rose his eyes towards the ceiling with a dark mutter.

"Because he apparently wants to join in on a tournament in December, but he can't if he won't have a sponsor. He called me about this subject prior to your birthday and he promised me he would speak of it with grandpa and then call you. He can't wait until Thanksgiving with this, not if he wants to enter", Yami answered, but then he seemed to deflate with another dark mutter. "We can't force him to do so, however... I'll try to text him. He enjoys duelling so he should get to play", the pale man continued, before he started to open up the cabinets again to check their meagre inventory.

"Very well... Then I will promise to keep silent about it", Atemu said with a smile, which was returned gratefully prior to him collecting their other luggage so he could dive into them and sort everything out concerning their washings. True, Yami's suitcase held everything that was still clean or had been cleaned by the hotel prior to them leaving, but they still had dirty laundry and while his lover was rummaging around the house, he sorted everything by colour and by things that had to go to the dry-cleaners.

"Do you want to stay at home while I'll go get some of our groceries in order to survive the night and tomorrow morning?", Yami asked while Atemu was hanging some of their clothes away in the wardrobe and he smiled while his lover was fussing over where to put something. Rose-red eyes turned to him, however, while the tanned man pursed his lips slightly.

"You have to be tired, we can do the groceries tomorrow if you want", Atemu answered, before he glanced back at the wardrobe and pale lips continued to curl upwards prior to Yami leaning against his lover.

"Not really, although I have to hurry if I want to get some of the essentials prior to the stores closing. I can get the rest tomorrow", the pale man answered, but his lover his shook head in answer even before he was finished talking.

"That won't do as it would mean double work. Getting everything in one go is much easier and you know you are allowed to drive my car which is parked in a parking lot underneath this building. Then again, I'd love to come with you and the supermarket down 7th street is open until eleven tonight. We'll do it together, if you don't mind, after I put our clothes away", Atemu said while he tried to fit the suit he was holding up on the rack, only to sigh when Yami pecked his cheek softly.

"Very well... That will leave us with plenty of time to go shopping for a new wardrobe tomorrow", the pale man answered and expertly avoided the subject of driving his lover's car. It would surely be wrecked and he wasn't sure if driving in New York for the first time inside the vehicle he really liked was such a wise thing. Maybe next time... if ever, but Yami ignored his thoughts while Atemu frowned at him.

"There is no need for a new wardrobe", was the answer and the pale man couldn't help but laugh while he tilted his head in question.

"Really? Because... we are barely able to fit our clothes into this wardrobe and that means I'm not even counting our current washings. We need a new wardrobe", Yami replied while his lover closed the doors as he was finished unpacking their suitcases.

"You just bought this one... There's no need, I'll take some suits back to the office with me so that everything can fit", Atemu returned, before he felt pale fingers touch his lips softly. They were stroking the skin gently until Yami kissed them. Sighing in the kiss, the tanned man felt his resolve crumbling, because he really didn't want to move his clothes out of their home.

"Até, there is no need to worry about my wardrobe. Yes, it's quite new, but I'm sure I can sell it to someone who could use it. We need a bigger one and I'd like to go shopping for it with you. Your clothes have a right to be here as much as my own, so please? We don't have to go tomorrow either, because there is plenty to be done, but we do have to go soon", Yami said after he pulled away from his lover and Atemu sighed once more while cupping his lover's face gently.

"You're right, mon chéri, I'm sorry. I just didn't want you to feel as if you wasted your money on a piece of furniture, but I'd love to go with you. Maybe we can do some hunting on the internet tomorrow after I have sorted through my paperwork?", he asked and Yami smiled while nodding, before he gently grasped his lover's hands to take him back to the foyer. Or else he would never go shopping and Atemu returned the smile as he got the hint.

"We can definitely do some hunting after our chores are done, but first groceries or else we'll starve", Yami said and the tanned man laughed while they both got their shoes back on and his smile wouldn't leave as he enjoyed himself. Yes, he was tired, but somehow feeling better than any other time he had arrived back in New York. He still felt energised enough to go groceries shopping with his lover and some form of peace fell over his being as well while they strolled through the aisles which were not as crowded as he believed they would be. It was actually a refreshing change to calmly pick out their loafs of bread and buns while shopping for ingredients his lover would store in the fridge. Snacks were added to the cart as well prior to his lover turning to him with a questioning expression on his face.

"What do you want to eat tomorrow?", Yami asked, but there was silence while Atemu wrecked his brains for an answer. Crimson eyes were gleaming as they expected an answer, but the tanned man rose his shoulders slightly.

"It doesn't matter to me, although I'd prefer no Italian or curry for a few days", the tanned man answered and Yami smiled while placing a package of beef inside the cart.

"Mashed potatoes, peas and meatballs okay with you?", he asked and Atemu nodded solemnly prior to them moving along at the same time Yami was adding more things to their cart. "Also, Até, there is something I wished to discuss with you... While working out with Malik in Egypt, I noticed I wanted to continue doing so after getting back. Would you mind eating sandwiches or something simple twice a week? I am going to look for a gym that can help me out every Tuesday and Thursday", the pale man continued and he glanced at Atemu to see his lover's reaction.

"Not at all, mon chéri. To be fairly honest, I wouldn't mind eating at the company those evenings either to finish up my last bits of work, but I do hope you're not going to the gym because of Malik's reasons? Not that they were bad, but it's absolutely unnecessary because you haven't changed a bit", was the gentle answer and Yami smiled while shaking his head.

"No, I'm not doing it solely for Malik's reasons. You see, while we were in Berlin I went to the gym at the hotel sometimes as well, because it clears my head. That's why I want to continue now that I am back, although I do admit that making sure I stay the way I am is a minuscule part of me wanting to go as well. You know, you always look good and a part of me wants to make sure I stay good. No matter what you say", the pale man answered and Atemu sighed softly while nodding.

"I understand, mon chéri, although please now that I think you're beautiful no matter what. If I can find the time, and if you will allow me to, I might even join you. To try and see if it can clear my head as well", Atemu said to which Yami smiled excitedly. Yet, he blushed when the tanned man leaned towards his ear and he forced the trembles to go away while hot breath ghosted over his skin as his lover whispered: "Although I am sure seeing you working out won't clear my head at all".

Stunned, the pale man gazed at his lover, before he felt his lips curl up in a smirk. "Ditto", he replied confidently while letting his eyes roam over Atemu's frame approvingly and rose-red eyes stared back at him prior to an honest laugh escaping tanned lips. Yami joined in as they continued their way through the supermarket, yet, Atemu couldn't help but feel excitement boil underneath his skin. It accompanied the sense of peace quite nicely and the tanned man smiled happily while following his lover down the aisles and eventually out of the supermarket. Sitting down behind the wheel, Atemu breathed softly while waiting for his lover to return, as the latter had offered to bring the cart back and as he did, rose-red eyes watched Yami carefully.

His lover was simply stunning, no matter what other people would ever say and the tanned man continued to smile for he had enjoyed this. He was still living inside the same bubble as the last two weeks and he didn't want for it to burst. What he wished for... could that possibly happen? Apparently his expression gave him away, for as soon as Yami sat back down in the car, his crimson eyes were looking at him while pale hands stopped Atemu from starting the vehicle.

"Your face speaks of peace and worry at the same time... What's wrong, Até?", Yami asked gently while he stared into rose-red eyes which were fixated upon him in question. Slowly, the tanned man released another soft breath in answer, before he looked away slightly.

"If you'll allow for me to start the car so we can take the frozen products to our home, I'll try to speak of what is on my mind. Especially because I currently realise I'm living inside a bubble and I'm not too sure if talking about it will pop what I hold so dear", Atemu answered and Yami slowly sat back which allowed for his lover to get the engines running. Driving away from the parking lot, the tanned man nibbled his lip while keeping his eyes out for other drivers.

"It's just... I am at peace after getting back from travelling, which is fairly new to me and I'm not sure as to why that is. Is it because you're with me? Yes, quite possibly so and I don't want for that to end", the tanned man continued softly while Yami continued to stare at him slightly. Yet, it was with interest, as if his lover really wanted to know if something harmful was bothering him and Atemu smiled for he knew it was genuine. That thought stabbed him slightly, but he focused upon crimson eyes instead.

"Well... I'm not entirely sure of course, but as far as I know, you would normally get back to work straight away after arriving back home. We're not doing that right now aside from groceries. Once we'll get back, however, we'll get everything sorted in our own time and I'll make up the bed so that we can sleep peacefully through the night. I enjoy us resting", Yami said softly and Atemu smiled while arriving back home considering it was a really short drive between the supermarket and the apartment.

"Perhaps, but... I can't help and feel that I want to cling to this peaceful way. Plus, there is more to it than just us not working. I mean it, mon chéri, you give me peace of mind and I don't want to let go of that either. Especially not after showing to the surrounding world that you are my lover. Egypt constricted that feeling, but I felt like our love was allowed to bloom in both Berlin as well as London. I don't want to lose that, while I also realise there are more things at work here than just my feelings. I want to protect you from the paparazzi, no matter how small they can make this matter... But I also want to show off and let it be known how important you are to me and that's where peace and worry clash", Atemu explained softly while they both remained seated inside the car. He had long since turned it off after parking it gently, but he couldn't find the heart to exit the car and have this conversation out in the open. No matter the fact there were frozen goods in the car.

"We talked about this prior to leaving... Why don't we head up and sit down for it properly?", Yami asked with a small smile on his lips and he gently touched his lover's hand as he did. "Because I really want to speak of this, but not inside the car. I want to kiss you for your words, because they could have been my own. During these weeks abroad, I could be with you as both a lover and an intern... I don't want to let go of that, so please, can we go upstairs?", the pale man continued while rose-red eyes were fixated upon his own crimson ones and slowly, Atemu nodded his consent. He kissed the top of his lover's hand before they parted and got their bags out of the trunk, but inside the elevator, they were standing as close to one another as possible.

Only once the door had fallen in its lock behind them and with their shopping bags atop the kitchen table, did Atemu pull his lover against his frame at the same time pale hands cupped his face. "One kiss", he whispered in delight and Yami nodded with a smile while accepted the tender touch against his lips. A grateful feeling coursed through his veins as the warm languid kiss tried to convey his love for the other man prior to them both pulling apart. Gently and in sync, they took the groceries out of the bags and stored them where they needed to be.

"You're not afraid of the paparazzi?", Atemu asked while he stored their fruits inside the fridge and he smiled while Yami came over to his side with the yoghurt, milk and desserts they had bought.

"All I am afraid of is them shaming you, Até. Not myself or anyone else, because that doesn't make my love go away. It doesn't make me less as long as you will stay with me. Yes, there will be talk and gossip, but aren't we better than all of that? Yes, a part of me believes that we should wait with telling until after the press has been satisfied concerning the hacking. That way they won't trample us, but I want to arrive at work together with you whenever I am needed at the office. I'll be at the store for most of the time anyway, but when I am there, I want for us to be able to enjoy lunch as lovers when you're with me. Just like the first time we went there. It is perhaps selfish, but that's what I wish for", Yami answered while Atemu emptied his arms from everything he was carrying.

"Perhaps that would be a wise idea, mon chéri, but I want for us to arrive together as well. To walk through the hallways without having to be too cautious. Discreet, yes, but no more than that. As for shaming me, they have already done their worst and there is nothing about our love I am ashamed about, which is why they cannot talk me into some weird complex. You would never shame me, Yami, for you are a beautiful, smart man and I love you dearly. They cannot take that away from me", Atemu replied honestly and pale lips curled in a loving smile while tanned hands closed the fridge so they could pull their beloved close. The embrace was returned lovingly and Yami hummed softly in agreement while brushing his lips against Atemu's warm ones.

"As for what I wish... You, to be with me whenever you can. Discreet at the company and I'll be the loving gentleman while we are outside for a walk, but I want to be together. Our arms linked whenever possible, a soft kiss against your brow to reassure you and love you. To kiss your hand with good-luck-wishes... A simple, loving touch is what I wish for, so that our surrounding world knows what I feel for you", Atemu continued gently and Yami nodded at the same time his lover pulled him closer against the strong frame.

"That's what I wish or too, Até and I'm happy... no- Excited and I feel loved to know we have grown towards that point. We are growing", Yami replied proudly and the tanned man smiled warmly, before he pressed his lips against his lover's gently. Pale ones moved against his own in answer gently and he was happy too for having grown towards this mutual understanding. His bubble would continue to exist, no matter he had to wait only a few more days.

"When the press has been satisfied with my comments about the hacking, we will find a proper way to make sure the office knows what you mean to me. That way, we will take the gossip out as much as possible while we will be able to touch each other whenever possible. I promise", Atemu whispered as soon as they broke apart and Yami nodded, even though he couldn't wait. He was nervous, but it felt great to know their secrecy would be over. No matter it had been self-induced to protect one another, the prospect of lifting that barrier between them was exhilarating and he kissed his lover again to show Atemu how much this moment meant to him.

"I love you", he whispered and rose-red eyes gleamed warmly with tenderness.

"I love you, mon chéri. I love you", Atemu repeated affectionately and Yami smiled prior to taking his lover to their bedroom. Together they made up the bed and tenderly stroked each other's skin while lying underneath the sheets. Everything was perfect that moment and Atemu smiled in the kiss he shared with his beloved. His, and nobody else's to love, to cherish, to treasure and to hold while they slept peacefully through the night.

/\/\/\/\/\

Sunday had practically flown by with getting all the washings done while they sorted through the last pieces of paperwork so they would be prepared for their meetings on Monday. Yes, Jack had kept them both up-to-date in regards to the store, so them assembling at the office was more or less a formality, though Yami couldn't wait to see his second mentor and learn from his experiences once more. His lover would always be the best teacher, but the pale man also knew that other people could teach him different things which would make him a better manager in the end.

It was why he checked his back pack once more to see if he had packed everything he needed, prior to tying his shoes and making sure his tie was straight. He was looking forward to spending the day at the office and Yami grinned in excitement as he moved back into the kitchen where Atemu was checking his briefcase and necessary files. They had been able to organise everything, but much like himself, the tanned man was a perfectionist in these kind of situations and would always check things twice or more to see if everything was in order.

As his lover closed the briefcase with an approving nod, Yami smiled lovingly and gently kissed his lover's cheek which made rose-red eyes look at him almost curiously. "Just a small kiss to say goodbye for now. I'll be walking to the company while Charles will be waiting for you downstairs, but luckily, I'll get to see you again in our meeting with Jack", the pale man clarified with a warm smile and Atemu hummed in agreement prior to kissing his lover's lips gently.

"And when all of this stuff with the annoying press is over, you and I will arrive at the company together", the tanned man said with a warm voice and Yami smiled as he couldn't wait for that moment. They had discussed everything and were confident in showing the office they were a couple, but the pale man was still very happy with the outcome. He couldn't wait for his next walk to work with his lover at his side and he kissed the tanned lips again, before actually leaving. The morning air was still crisp, but it had a bright blue sky with a gentle sun shining through which made everything a little brighter too and Yami continued to smile as he was glad to being home again. Especially because Atemu and him had been hunting for a new wardrobe yesterday as well and he couldn't wait to do the actual shopping. After all, it would be the first piece of furniture he'd buy together with his lover in a house he was living in thanks to and with said wonderful man.

His thoughts came to an abrupt halt as he stopped in front of the traffic light and could see the crowd standing in front of the corporation. There were people trying to get through with their cars for the underground parking lot, but most colleagues were on foot like him and they had to get through the front door. Reciting what he was supposed to say if the press would speak to him, Yami walked across once the light turned green. He could do this, he would make his lover proud and the pale man straightened his back while he followed colleagues he had never seen before towards the flashing cameras and eager journalists.

Questions ranged from "What do you know about the hacking?", to "Has the corporation been saved?" as well as "Is it true this is the company's downfall?", but Yami tried to ignore them all. Until his path was blocked right as he was about to scan his ID.

"You, who is said to be mr. Sennen's brother, what do you know about the hacking? Has the CEO returned yet? Are you here to take the corporation from him? What is your reason for being here?", the woman questioned and Yami stared at her, before he tried to walk around her.

"Any questions regarding the hacking are not mine to answer and you will have to wait for mr. Sennen to arrive", was his answer while he scanned his ID again, but the doors didn't open. There was no green light and Yami frowned, prior to being pushed away from the door slightly.

"But are you mr. Sennen's brother?", was a man's question and he pressed the microphone underneath Yami's nose while another camera flashed brightly and blinded the crimson eyes.

"Please excuse me, I have to get to work", the pale man answered with irritation upon his voice and he reached for the door again to scan his badge. Yet, once more, the doors didn't open and he frowned as he scanned his ID again. What was going on? Why didn't it work? Yami froze while the camera flashed next to him at the same time another microphone was pushed towards his lips. There were a million questions from the people surrounding him while he had to step aside as another reporter came a little too close for comfort, but his thoughts were frozen upon one thing only while the creepy messages from the first hacking came to mind. Everyone else could enter... Was someone watching him? Trying to ruin him?

"What is going on here?", was the new question and Atemu's baritone voice cut through Yami's thoughts like a knife. Crimson eyes searched for the warm rose-red ones he was familiar with and he pushed himself through the crowd around him while showing his ID.

"Mr. Sennen, I'm very sorry to admit, but my card is not working and I can't enter the building", the pale man said as quickly as possible and he was just in time as the reporters had recovered from their stupor and bombarded his lover with their questions about their genetic resemblance instead of the hacking it had to be about. Atemu's frown only deepened, prior to him addressing the crowd.

"Pardon me, but my employees are not to be harassed by you or anyone else in regards to the hacking and I want you all to back off. I will speak with you in a moment after I have seen my intern to his desk", the tanned man said briskly, before making his way towards the sliding doors where Yami showed his lover he couldn't get in. Atemu tensed with a deep inhale, before he pressed his own ID against the reader which made the doors slide open immediately. There was an odd silence behind them, but both men ignored it while they walked towards the front desk.

"Mrs. Braun, I'd like for you to make Mr. Muto a temporary badge that will allow him access to his own office. His ID is currently not working, but that will have to wait as there is a stampede outside I have to calm first", Atemu said curtly and the woman behind the desk nodded as she set to work on her computer. Yami could only sigh as his supposedly good day was currently ruined and while he had to wait, he watched how Atemu guided the attention-seeking reporters away from the door so other employees could enter the building without any trouble.

His mind was completely focused on why he hadn't been able to enter, however, prior to the reporters questions leaking through. Did they really believe his lover and him were siblings? Yes, they looked alike, but nothing like that... Plus, he was an intern. He couldn't run an entire company by himself and no, it didn't matter his lover had been doing so ever since being eighteen. He couldn't, which made Yami realise the reporters were truly stupid. Luckily he had been too frozen to even respond to their silly questions and the pale man sighed softly prior to turning to mrs. Braun as she was finished in making an temporary ID.

"Thank you very much", he said and she smiled while handing him the card after he had signed a few pieces of necessary paperwork. Heading towards the elevators, Yami sighed for he couldn't help himself and try his own ID first. It didn't work and he chastised himself briefly while using the other card to make sure he could at least try and get near his desk in time. The whole briefing with the paparazzi downstairs had been calculated into this entire day, but he would still prefer it if he could at least make an attempt at being punctual.

"Morning Yami! Glad to see you back and not being afraid of this", Jack greeted him as soon as Yami entered the office and crimson eyes turned to the black-haired man in curiosity prior to them falling upon the large stack of files.

"Morning Jack and... that is a lot of paperwork. Is it everything you have gathered these past three weeks on the store?", Yami asked while he placed his own bag aside his desk after retrieving a file, his notebook and pencil from it. The older man grinned as he made his way towards his own desk and placed the large stack on top of it.

"Yes it is and it will be all yours after our meeting with mr. Sennen. There are some personal notes in here for you as well, considering you'll take over my spot once more. Let's just say that 'Ribbon' is awaiting you... She literally would not stop talking about you these passed three weeks and I do admit, it was a little scary", Jack said with a frown on his brow that easily said he had been freaked out by the girl. Yami merely sighed softly while leaning against his desk.

"No problem, I can handle that too", the pale man muttered while pinching the bridge of his nose, prior to getting away from his desk so he could head to Atemu's office. "If it's all right, shall we wait for mr. Sennen on his floor? Considering it's almost time?" he asked and Jack nodded while grasping the files a little tighter and he followed the intern out of their shared office towards the elevator. His brown eyes, however, watched how Yami fumbled with two cards, before choosing the blank one.

"Your card's not working?", Jack asked with a slight frown and crimson eyes turned to him while the pale man shook his head.

"No, unfortunately not. When I arrived at the front door this morning, I couldn't get in and was therefore swarmed by the reporters until mr. Sennen opened the door for me. After everything is over, we'll figure out why I couldn't get in, but it's just frustrating even though it's probably the hacking", the younger male answered as they stepped into the empty elevator to go up one floor. Jack, however, grinned a little while bumping his elbow against Yami's gently.

"Don't scare me like that, will you? First I think there are boyfriend troubles and then you make me believe mr. Sennen had fired you while the two of you were abroad. I was already into disaster-mode, mr. Doom", were the soft words and as the older man chuckled, Yami stared at his companion, before he laughed a little as well.

"Who is talking about doom now, mr. Duncan? You just summed up the end of my world, thank you very much. Please don't jinx it?", the pale man asked in jest while Yami bumped his elbow back against Jack's, but he was feeling lighter somehow.

"Glad my gloom and doom were able to rule out the worst-case scenarios. Especially because the hacking can be solved easily and we'll have you up and running in no-time", was the confident answer while the older man grinned with a chuckle and Yami happily followed his mentor in his mirth prior to pursing his lips in thought.

"Yes, though the running would probably be in a desperate attempt to flee from your stack of paperwork or Miho... which leaves me with no choice but to read through all of that", Yami teased while eyeing the large stack and Jack laughed while making spooky noises at the same time he made the files 'float' with his hands. It wasn't until they spotted rose-red eyes staring at them, both men straightened their backs with a cough, although crimson eyes gleamed when Yami could see his lover had to hold back his own laughter after being faced by their antics. Yet, he felt a lot better than a few minutes earlier and he confidently followed Atemu as well as Jack into the office where they would discuss the store Yami was working at as well as all the other ones the department had been overseeing while their CEO had been away. Afterwards, the other departments would follow, but the pale man wouldn't join in on those. This meeting, however, was important and Yami listened intently while making notes at the same time Jack continued to speak about his reports. While making his notes, he realised it felt wonderful to be back and after they had finished the meeting, the intern happily followed his second mentor out of the office for their somewhat private get-together.

As they stepped into the elevator, the black-haired man bumped his elbow against Yami's once more gently while grinning broadly. "Currently, I believe your notes are a bigger stack than the files I'm carrying. How much did you write down?", was the question while brown irises eyed the notebook the pale man was carrying and Yami chuckled softly as he followed the questioning gaze. It was true that most of the files had been left atop his lover's desk, for Jack was only carrying two leftovers and while gazing at his notebook, the younger male gave a slight shrug.

"There are notes on pretty much everything that was discussed and once I am home, I'll try to figure out what I can use for my essay and what I can use once I return back to the store. You see, the meeting wasn't just about how the stores were doing, but also about problems you encountered and the way you solved them. Yes, I know you spoke with mr. Sennen in regards to certain problems while he was abroad, but it's nice to know the details as well as what happened afterwards", Yami said and he smiled kindly at the same time he was glad he had avoided the subject of both him and Atemu being abroad while they were surrounded by their colleagues once more. He was also glad Jack seemed to catch on to his hint with a small wink prior to them sitting down at Yami's desk.

"As long as you don't swarm yourself with these notes, they'll be able to help you out. Just remember that you need to use instinct sometimes. Not everything you can do for a store or a managing floor is learned by books. Sometimes you need to think out of the box, okay?", Jack asked and Yami nodded in understanding while the older man handed him the first out of two files. "This one is an overview of how the store is currently doing. There are financial graphs inside, as well as how far the clean-up team has gotten together with my personal notes. I know all of this has just been spoken of upstairs, but these files are for you so you can read them in your own time", the black-haired man continued, as he was satisfied with the nod he had received in answer.

Again, Yami inclined his head while he accepted the file and he gently opened it so that Jack could point at things. "As you've just heard, the cleaning is finished. Every inch of the store has been taken from its current place, all the shelves are washed and the storage room has been taken care of as well. Right now, I am keeping track of products that need to be sold prior to the store closing in January as these are things that shouldn't even be inside the store anymore to begin with. The entire list is right over here and I hope you can keep it up-to-date for me", Jack explained and he watched how crimson eyes scanned the long, three-page list, prior to them focusing back on him.

"Is there a floor plan or a list which tells me what games we can keep?", Yami asked, even though he hadn't reached the end of this file just yet and the black-haired man smiled while turning to the last tab. Behind the divider were the current floor plans which the store should have hold themselves to at the start of the year, but Yami smiled as this would help him greatly.

"This will also be the floor plan used next year, although a few products may still disappear from the list or be added to them. That's what these papers are for", Jack said while handing him the second file. "In this one, I have tried to write down all the good and bad points of each employee as much as I could pinpoint them. Write down your own notes if necessary, considering you already knew these people before I suddenly stepped through their front door", the black-haired man continued with a chuckle and Yami joined him while he let Jack leaf through the pages until he stopped.

"These are instructions on how to use the program within the store. I have discussed it with mr. Sennen and he will help you out as much as possible, but we think you will be able to handle this just fine on your own. With this system, you can order products, create customer-orders, view the latest updates on the floor plan and you can view the financial graphs which are updated weekly on Sunday", the black-haired man explained while he showed Yami everything in the file as well as the graphs he was talking about from the previous folder. "This one is from early this morning and with it, you can see if you've made profit the previous week and you can even view in which group of products you're lacking. Currently, the financial graph doesn't mean as much as with a store that is properly running, but this will help you in managing the balance until the store closes this January. Keep track of it as much as possible, but don't treat it as a Bible, all right?", Jack warned and Yami nodded once more.

"I promise", he vowed gently and the black-haired man smiled as he accepted the answer. "But, being able to log in to the system... Does that mean I'll take some duties from Nadine?", Yami asked in honest interest, while he could feel slight worry bubble underneath his skin. Yes, he had ordered products for Mai's coffee house plenty of times, but games were a completely different aspect.

"Yes, you are. Nadine has been running on a nearly empty engine, which is why you're going to take over as much as possible. You'll take some of her duties so she can take time off as she has a lot of extra hours, but there is no need to worry as I'll show you how everything works. You can access the system within the office and if you wish to access it during the weekend, you can do so from behind your desk at home as well", Jack said, before he pointed at the computer. "Turn her on and I'll get you through it step-by-step", were his next few words and Yami did as he was told while opening the second file back to the system's manual.

"You can log into the system with these codes and please, don't change them. Every store has its own passwords and what-not, but they are very important and we are very lucky the hacking didn't harm any one of them", Jack said and crimson eyes gleamed in worry slightly at his soft words.

"Did you have a lot of trouble during the hacking? Were the reporters at the door every single day?", Yami asked gently, though Jack shook his head slightly.

"Not every single day, although I was also very lucky because these past three weeks I've been going to stores almost four days a week. Yet, after the statement from the corporation that mr. Sennen would speak with the reporters once he'd get back home from his work abroad around the twentieth, they sort of left the company. There were obviously a few lurkers with nothing better to do, but that was it. They returned full force this morning- Are you all right?", the black-haired man asked in return with a frown while Yami was solely focused upon his computer.

"Yes, I'm fine and I'm glad the reporters were mildly decent so everyone could enter the building without being harassed. It's just... I can't log into the computer. It doesn't recognise my codes", Yami answered with a soft mutter at the end while he tried to enter into the system once more. Yet, again, he was denied the access while Jack continued to glance at the screen with a frown.

"Let me try?", he asked and Yami rolled his chair to the side to give his mentor a little more space to work with. Eyebrows rose in surprise, however, when the black-haired man entered the system with his codes without any kind of trouble and brown eyes turned to the younger male in question.

"That's... odd... Then again, you also mentioned your ID wasn't working. As far as I know, no personnel files were attacked during the hacking, but seeing the fact you have stopped existing in the system... we might have missed something. Why don't we head downstairs so the front office can give you a new code and password? That would solve the whole case immediately and then we can have lunch", Jack offered while Yami seemed to deflate. As he did, his shoulder was squeezed gently by the older man who logged himself out of the system with ease.

"It will be all right, Yami. What I know from the current hacking is that it has been done by a completely different IP-address than the first one who left all the creepy messages. This time, all they did was shut everything down, as if they were testing new grounds, before leaving again. Your login codes were already damaged and maybe with the last hacking, they have been erased completely due to that. We'll fix you some new ones and I'll teach you how to use the store-system, all right?", the black-haired man offered and he smiled encouragingly when the intern nodded in agreement.

"It's just... I've lost everything. All the e-mails, all the work I had saved on the computer... It does make me realise I am very glad my essay is safely stored on my laptop", Yami muttered while getting up from his chair at the same time Jack did.

"So am I and even though I can't return your e-mails or the research you had already done, we'll be able to get most of everything sorted. Come on, the sooner we are downstairs, the sooner I can stuff your head with more information until it blows up", the older man teased and Yami couldn't help himself as he laughed, because that was quite possibly how it would feel like at the end of the day. It didn't matter though, as he was very glad someone was stuffing him full with everything they knew and it made him realise he had actually been a little bored while being abroad. It made him extra grateful to be back home and Yami smiled as he followed Jack down to the lobby.

"Good afternoon, mrs. Braun. I was hoping you'd be able to help us with a small problem", Jack said as soon as the woman behind the desk got off her phone and turned her attention upon them. As she did, her eyes moved towards Yami, who smiled kindly at her.

"How can I help?", she asked with a small curious, yet worried frown on her face and the pale man sighed softly while showing both of the ID cards he was currently holding onto.

"Earlier this morning you were able to make a new entrance card for me, but after my meeting with both mr. Sennen as well as mr. Duncan, there was a problem with me logging into the computer. My access has been denied and I am no longer able to log in. Would it be possible to check for my personnel files to see if I still exist in the computer or can you make a new code for me?", Yami asked gently while she took both ID cards from his hands and laid the temporary one atop the desk.

"That would be very odd... What was your name again?", the woman asked while she turned to her screen and touched the keyboard gently.

"Muto, Yami Muto", was the gentle answer and the young male watched as she typed everything into her search engine, but for a moment she didn't say anything while staring at the screen. Then, slowly, her brown eyes moved to him once more.

"Your personnel file still exist and I can see you've been given new login codes before, but there is also something peculiar... Everything you had access to, has been cancelled out. The file appears as if mr. Sennen has fired you and I'm glad he was with you earlier this morning. However, this does mean I need his clearance in order to re-instate your file, which might take a few days depending on his schedule. You can go around the company with the temporary pass, although you cannot use any of the computers. I'm very sorry", she said as she saw Yami's face fall while he sighed softly. Yet, he shook his head at the same time he worked up a small smile once more.

"No, it's all right. Thank you for your help and I'll wait for my new clearance to get through", Yami said and she nodded in understanding while handing the temporary pass back to him. When he turned back to his companion, the other man sighed as well while they walked towards the elevator. "This is not normal Jack", was his soft conclusion and he received an agreeing hum in return for it while they got on the elevator to head towards the cafeteria.

"It's too bad mr. Sennen is currently in a meeting", Jack answered in return while they were joined by other colleagues, but Yami merely smiled at the older man's words.

"Don't worry, it will be fine. Especially because I need my login codes for the store tomorrow, so I'm sure mr. Sennen will understand the hurry once he has been explained the situation", the pale man said softly and he could see Jack's brown eyes gleaming while a playful smirk curled chapped lips.

"Well played", was the whispered answer and Yami couldn't help but blush slightly prior to them all getting off at the same floor. With his temporary card, he was able to pay for his lunch and after sitting down at a table with other colleagues from his floor, the youngest male gently typed a message to his lover's phone for Atemu to read after the meeting was over. After all, he had specifically scheduled a break in between meetings for a proper lunch, even though he wouldn't be able to enjoy it with his lover currently. Not when he was asked a billion questions about where he had been and what he had learned while being away from the office. Luckily, he had practised the lie he would tell everyone whenever they would ask, considering they currently didn't need to know he had been abroad with their CEO. Not yet... which was why Yami told them about the made-up project he was supposed to have attended the passed three weeks.

Sticking to the lie wasn't as hard as he thought it would be, luckily, but he was rather glad when Jack was able to shift the conversation to something else. When his phone buzzed softly in his pocket, Yami took it out and smiled when it was a reply from his lover. "I'm really sorry, I have to take this one", he cut in through the conversation, prior to standing from the table to throw away all the gathered trash as they usually did prior to him leaving the country. As he stepped outside, however, he smiled when Atemu was waiting for him near the elevators.

"Ah, mr. Muto, good to see you. This way please, I'd like to get the paperwork arranged prior to my next meeting", was the curt greeting and Yami nodded while he joined the tanned man inside the full elevator.

"Thank you very much for helping me out, mr. Sennen, I really appreciate the gesture", the pale man replied as professionally as possible and rose-red eyes gleamed warmly as he apparently did it right.

"Obviously. As my intern you are expected to do your work as I ask you to. That is impossible without proper login codes so this requires my attention", Atemu answered and Yami nodded in understanding while he was long glad his lover was able to meet him up with him this fast. They left a few colleagues on the other floors while some stepped out inside the lobby as well to get their work done near the desk, but as soon as mrs. Braun spotted their CEO, she rose from the desk with a file in her hands.

"Thank you so much for responding to this inquiry as quickly as you did, sir, and all of the paperwork is arranged. Please, the both of you, sign here, here and here", the woman said and Yami smiled kindly while both his lover as well as himself signed the necessary pieces of paper. After that, mrs. Braun handed him a new ID-card and his new login codes prior to filing the signed paperwork as neatly as possible.

"Thank you very much, mrs. Braun for your time and work. Now, mr. Muto, if you'd please follow me. I'll drop you back off at mr. Duncan's office", Atemu said while he nodded at the woman behind the desk and she smiled gratefully prior to addressing the ringing phone. Yami followed his lover immediately with a nod, but as they stepped into the elevator with a few other rushing people, rose-red eyes turned to him slightly. "Although we'll stop at my office first, mr. Muto. There is something else I wish to speak to you about", the tanned man said and again, Yami nodded.

"Yes, mr. Sennen", he answered and he smiled when they were the only ones left in the elevator. He refrained from speaking, however, as he knew they would be faced with Vivian in a matter of seconds and Atemu sighed softly when the doors opened at the sound of the soft ding. Yet, Yami's smile brightened when he spotted the Asian woman seated at her desk while speaking on the phone and he gladly followed his lover inside the office that was already becoming quite familiar. The tinted glass doors of his lover's office luckily kept her voice out and while they moved closer towards the desk, it would be impossible for her to see their shapes. Still, Atemu motioned for his lover to move a little to the side as they would be completely invisible that way.

"Thank you, Até, for helping me out as quickly as you did", Yami said softly and he smiled while tanned lips curled up as well. Warm hands cupped his face tenderly prior to his brow receiving a fond kiss.

"Obviously, mon chéri. Not only is your internship very important to the both of us, it is ridiculous that your file had been tempered with. I will contact Seto on this matter, but first, I hope that mr. Duncan can explain everything to you which you need to know prior to tomorrow. Also, I'm not sure if he said this, but I have faith in you and your skills. The store is safe in your hands", the tanned man whispered lovingly and Yami could feel how he blushed once more while a thumb ran across his lips gently.

"I will do my best to live up to your expectations of me, Até, and I promise to call you when I'm stuck. No matter how much faith you have, I will still need your help", were the honest words and Atemu smiled while he nodded.

"And I'll be here, rooting for you while being one text away. Good luck with Jack and I'll see you tonight", the tanned man answered and Yami smiled while nodding.

"Yes, I will. Good luck with your meetings, Até", he replied kindly and his smile broadened when his lover leaned slightly forward to meet him half-way in a tender kiss. The secrecy made it exciting to kiss the man he loved while wishing him the best of luck, but Yami wished he could just do it because there were no restrictions. They would find a way so nobody would look bad upon them and he smiled again while leaning up for another loving kiss. "I love you", he whispered and he let his lips brush against tanned ones prior to them being captured again.

"I love you, mon chéri. See you at home", was the kind whisper in return and Yami smiled while he left his lover's side to walk out of the office. Vivian was staring rather oddly at him, something she had been doing every since he had arrived, but the pale man ignored her while he returned to his own floor with his new login codes. He would make his lover proud by learning everything there was to Sennen Corporation and that's why he was glad Jack was already back on the floor as well to teach him the necessary ins-and-outs. Everything, for Atemu and the company.

/\/\/\/\/\

Thank you all for reading this very lengthy chapter and if you have the time, please leave a review. Much is about to happen, if I can have it my way, so please stay tuned :)