Schemes with Love

Chapter Seven: Seto's Peace of Mind (part I)

Warning: This is a yaoi fic.

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He remembers the first time he met Yami. It wasn't the duel, no. They were only mere strangers in the dueling arena. Kaiba only knew him as a duelist back then. He didn't know him as his lover until they put their cards aside and saw each other for who they were.

That time came weeks after Pegasus's tournament. Heavy rainfall flooded the streets of Domino City. Kaiba was inside the comfort of his limo, barely feeling the affects of the inconvenient weather. His driver drove down the street with steady care and Kaiba for once didn't feel burdened by the snail pace. He was early for his afternoon presentation and could spare a few extra minutes for traffic safety.

The windows were distorted with rainfall, but despite that, the unmistakable tri-coloured hair stuck out like fireworks. Normally, Kaiba didn't give a rat's ass about any of the midget's predicaments. He almost enjoyed seeing the shrimp in misery rather than up in his duelist pedestal. The car stopped at a red light and Kaiba watched as the lanky panda passed the black car. Rain ran down his face and beat his school uniform against his skin.

The sight of Yugi's misfortune in the raging rain would have given him inner pleasure, but it wasn't Yugi he was staring at. It was Yami. He could tell by the sharp eyes staring out ahead. The mighty duelist didn't even flinch or cower at the storm before him. He only continued to walk on to his unknown direction.

The light switched to green. Just as the driver was about to accelerate, Kaiba called out for him to stop. He ambled out of the car and stood under the rain for a moment, taking in the surprising warmth each drop brought on his skin. Despite his unpreparedness for the weather, Yami seemed collected and strong.

Seto didn't know what he was doing. He had only encountered the man a handful of times and never had a conversation outside the realm of cards. He heard himself call out Yami's name. The voice he heard was filled with uncertainty, almost fear. Yami continued his walk, not aware that he was being beckoned. Seto tried again, this time louder, but his voice had even lesser conviction.

Yami stopped, pausing a moment before turning around. They were standing twenty feet away from each other. Even with the distance, his eyes still penetrated Kaiba. He felt so exposed, so naked under Yami's gaze.

Kaiba opened the door wider and motioned for Yami to get in. Yami stared at the black car, then at Seto. He quirked his eyebrow at Kaiba and a slight frown formed on his thin lips.

Stop wasting my time and get in.

Still Yami hesitated and he took his time to walk towards the car. He nodded his head at Kaiba in gratitude as he ducked his head and slid in. Kaiba took the seat next to him and motioned for the driver to continue to their destination. He tilted his head towards Yami.

Where to?

Game shop.

You were going to walk all the way home? That's ten miles from here.

Yami shrugged, keeping his eyes glued out the window. His hand cupped his mouth as he rested his elbow on the side ledge along the car door. Droplets of rainwater dripped from the points of his hair onto his already soaked pants. He was making a notable rain puddle on Seto's leather seats.

Yami's eyes closed and his shoulders began to slump. The boy leaned forward, causing his elbow to accidently touch the window button. The glass slowly slid down, letting the storm into the car.

A startled Yami jumped from his seat, blinking furiously at the pounding rain. Sighing, Seto reached out and pressed the button to close the window. His hand briefly brushed Yami's. It was surprising how much warmer Seto was compared to him. He glanced over at Yami and froze. Their faces were fingertips apart.

The car hit a bumpy road and Seto felt his body slowly lurch towards Yami. Their cheeks grazed each other, but he pulled away immediately, toppling back to his seat.

Get away from me disgusting freak.

Yami only stared wide-eyed at the man, still confused with the situation. Kaiba rubbed his cheek, frowning. Yami touched his own, but said nothing. He continued to look out the window, this time more awake.

After dropping Yami off, he went directly to his presentation. It was difficult to concentrate for that two-hour period. The only thing he could focus on was his rapid heartbeat and how it stung and suffocated him the moment the Pharaoh's cheek met his.

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His heart still bursts every time he encounters the boy. The impulsive emotions irritate him for the very fact that he has no control over them. They were like consistent tides, coming at Yami's arrival and subsiding the moment he leaves. How he longs to see Yami once more rather than his annoying other half, Yugi.

Kaiba doesn't like the midget fellow. Indeed they share the same body and essentially the same morals, but their minds are divided. Yami's is diamond while Yugi's is crystal. Both are similar and to the simple minded, the same; but to the experienced, it is obvious who comes out the victor in quality. Kaiba sees that extra quality in Yami. He saw it the moment the bastard mind blasted him on their first duel together.

Despite being humiliated by an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh, the thought that someone can be his very equal excites him. Finally someone he can give his respect and approval. He may have finally found someone he could love other than Mokuba.

Those thoughts have shattered and remain broken. He is not at all surprised, but now his heart bursts in a way that only makes him want to gag.

It happened on the day when he drove over to the game shop to see Yami only to find Yugi awaiting him.

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Part II of this chapter will be up next weekend! =) Excited to learn why Seto broke up with Yami? Keep your anticipations high! It'll be awesomeness.