Schemes with Love

Chapter One: Running its Course

Warning: Contains yaoi and minor mature content

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Marik brushes the bangs away from Bakura's eyes with his Millenium rod. Their eyes are locked on one another. Not even the glare of dusk's light streaming through the window breaks their gaze. Marik runs his finger along Bakura's cheek to his chin, feeling the boy's delicate skin with his finger's cold touch. The white-haired boy responds to nothing; only his locked gaze tells Marik he's paying attention.

"I'm not going to hurt you," Marik says, tapping his rod playfully on Bakura's other cheek.

"Funny you say that when you have me tied to a bedpost," Bakura remarks, wriggling at the ropes binding his wrists and ankles.

Marik chuckles as he swings himself around so that he was sitting beside Bakura rather than on top of him.

"I recall someone trying to kill me the last time he wasn't chained."

"Likewise. I don't suppose you'll be handing my millennium item back anytime soon?"

"What, this?" Marik reaches into his shirt and draws out Baruka's necklace. This sparks a reaction from him.

"You son of a-"

"Now, now," Marik purrs, tucking the necklace back underneath his shirt. He stands and steps away from the bed just as Bakura violently tugs at his restraints, but to no avail. "You'll get it back when you cooperate."

"We have the same objectives you bastard, what more do you want from me?" Bakura hisses, flinching as the ropes cut into his skin.

"I want everything done my way. And don't worry," Marik adds, climbing on top of Bakura, "as long as you're close to me, you'll still have most of your powers." Marik presses himself close to Bakura, enough so that they can both feel the Millenium ring against their chests. For a moment, Marik can feel their unified beating hearts. He pushes away from Bakura.

"Whatever. Just untie me already. These ropes are making me bleed."

Marik leans towards Bakura's wrist and licks the wound, tasting iron on the tip of his tongue. Bakura gives an involuntary shiver. Marik stares down hard at Bakura, but he now refuses to return the gaze. This gives reason for Marik to smirk as he continues to lick the wound clean.

"Stop," Bakura mutters, with less conviction than his previous demands.

"Mmmmm." Marik lowers himself so that he's face to face with Bakura. They lock eyes once more, both unblinking.

Finally, Marik unties the ropes. Bakura breathes a sigh of relief, rubbing his wrists gingerly. Marik sits comfortably on top of Bakura, using his dominant position to pin Bakura down once more.

"What is it now?" Bakura asks.

"We have a very messed up relationship Bakura," Marik remarks, pushing Bakura's hands into the pillow. It's Bakura's turn to smirk as he suddenly pushes Marik off and pins him down on the bed. They're now in reversed positions, Bakura's face is right up close to Marik's.

"What else is new Marik," is the last thing Bakura says before the two embrace.

Sunlight dies down, revealing diamonds gleaming in the navy blue sky. There are no outside noises to mask the groan of the bed or the sudden gasp of breath. Darkness paints the room. There is no exchange of conversations. Suddenly,

"Ow. Don't use my rod on me you sick bastard."

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Yami wakes up, dazed. The stars and moon dimly light his room with a translucent glow. He was dreaming about something he can't remember anymore. The vibration from his cel phone that woke him starts to vibrate again. He checks his texts, squinting at the concentrated light emitting from the screen. Both texts are from Seto, the first saying:

Are you awake.

And the second:

Call me.

Yami blows out a sigh, rubbing the drowsiness from his eyes as he presses Seto's speed dial. The phone rings twice before he's greeted by Seto's voice.

"What took so long?"

"Seto," Yami moaned, "It's three in the morning. What's wrong?"

"I've finished the 3.01 version of the dual disks and I need to test them out."

Yami restrains himself from hanging up.

"And this couldn't wait until morning because..?"

"Don't be stupid Yami. I'm presenting the final product tomorrow morning. I've sent a driver. He should be arriving at your door in ten minutes."

"Right," Yami mutters, shutting his phone. He rolls to his side, letting out another sigh.

Seto wouldn't admit it, but Yami can tell he was excited and wanted to share his happiness with someone. That someone is Yami. Pity that someone couldn't have been Mokuba. That would have given Yami another five hours of sleep.

He slips into his leather pants, enjoying the coolness on his skin. His clock beeps to 3:20am. Kaiba owed him for this. Big time.

The black car idles at the side of the road by the time Yami steps out into the warm night. He slides in and the driver immediately turns out of the street and onto the main road. Despite the late hour, people still roam the streets, coming out of nightclubs or 24-hour coffee bars. Nightlife isn't extremely exciting in Domino City, but it's still present nonetheless. Yami's tempted to stop the driver to grab a cup of coffee, but resists, remembering Kaiba's impatient tone of voice.

Yami's awoken by the car's sudden halt. He'd dozed off for five minutes, and felt like he could for another 20. He thanks the driver as he climbs out, slamming the door behind him. The front entrance automatically unlocks with the sound of Yami's voice activation code. Just as he closes the door behind him, he is greeted by footsteps. It's one of Kaiba's butlers.

"Follow me sir. Master Kaiba awaits your presence in the tea room," the man says, beckoning Yami down the end of the hall.

The man leads Yami towards the very last door and waits for Yami to step in before closing the door silently. Kaiba sits in an overstuffed lounge chair, staring out the high wall window. He makes no acknowledgement of Yami as he takes the seat across from Kaiba. Yami watches him expectantly, taking note that there are no duel discs in sight.

"Well? What are we waiting for?" Yami asks.

"I think this relationship has run its course."

Yami quirks his eyebrow. Kaiba continues to stare out at the distant city lights, making Yami wonder whether Kaiba had said anything at all.

"Excuse me?"

"Don't make me repeat myself Yami," Kaiba responds. He closes his eyes as if it were a chore. The chair squeaks as Kaiba stands, heading for the door.

"Now wait a minute here," Yami says, standing up as well, "what are you talking about Seto?"

"Don't call me by my first name Yami. The driver should be waiting to take you home. Now leave." Kaiba's hand is on the doorknob, but he makes no attempt to exit the room.

"This definitely could have waited until the morning," Yami snaps, stomping across the room towards Kaiba. He grabs the hand on the doorknob and turns Kaiba so that they are face to face. "Now explain yourself before I-"

"Like I said," Seto retorts, shaking Yami's grip off, "the relationship has run its course. You have nothing more for me and I have nothing more to give. Now," Kaiba opens the door and motions for Yami to exit.

Yami stares at Kaiba's extended arm pointing out the door, out of Kaiba's life. He then turns his gaze to Kaiba, whose eyes are unrelenting. Even with his powers, he can't penetrate the man's heavily guarded mind. Without another word, Yami leaves.

The air outside doesn't feel so warm anymore. Yami resisted the urge to curl up in his seat. Just as the driver turns back onto the main road, Yami motions for his attention with the wave of his hand.

"What is it sir?" The driver asks, slowing the car down and pulling over to the side of the road.

"Take me to the 24/7 Duel Dungeon."

"Are you sure sir? That area of town isn't safe at this hour."

"It's fine," Yami reassures, "I don't think I'm that safe right now either."

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Seto closes the door to his bedroom, throwing his long overcoat down on the dressing room chair before plopping himself on his double king-sized bed. Even on his feather mattress, he still feels a heavy weight pushing at his chest. He turns to his side, only to be greeted by Mokuba's pudgy face and fat hair.

"Jesus tap dancing Christ Mokuba," Kaiba yells, jumping out of bed.

"Sorry bro," Mokuba says half-heartedly, propping himself on his elbows. He rests his chin in his hands and kicks his legs up and down on the mattress.

"What? What is it?" Kaiba asks, sitting himself down a good foot away from his younger brother.

"What did he say?"

"Nothing, now go back to your room. It's late."

Mokuba frowns, rolling himself towards Kaiba. He stares hard at his brother, but it does nothing to break his icy gaze. Kaiba's eyebrows furrow and Mokuba knows its time to leave. He hops off the bed and scampers out the door, leaving it open. Kaiba gets up and gently closes the door, noting Mokuba skipping down the stairs, which is the opposite direction to his room. Whatever. The kid can think for himself.

Ending their relationship at 3 in the morning is probably on the assier side, but Kaiba isn't known for kind antics. He wanted it that way. Catching Yami off guard so that he could say nothing.

Kaiba tucks himself into bed, but he doesn't sleep. He stares at the high ceiling, waiting for sleep to come. He never knew how big his bed was until now. He can still feel Mokuba's body imprint on the mattress underneath his feet. His hands stretch out and he feels the dents of Yami's body along his fingers. He quickly pounds at the feathers then smoothes it down so that there are no remnants of the past. The sun peeks through the satin curtains and Kaiba's still staring at the ceiling.

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Next chapter: Love's a witch (minus the 'w' and add a 'b')

Thank you for reading! Please review! I feed on constructive criticism and lovely comments =)