A Slave for Who?

 

Guuuuuuuuys! Ok, so here's the deal. My comp took a shit but I got an iPad for Christmas and somehow managed to salvage most of my documents. It'll be slow starting again at best but I haz not abandoned you!!

That said, thanks for the continued support via reviews and fav alerts :3 I love you peoples~!

P.S. The following chapter will probably make NO sense because my ass is draggin xD but it will get the ball rolling in the direction I want it to...maybe...if the damn thing doesn't bounce back and smack me in the face.

---

Chapter Eleven

Tired eyes scanned the aristocrats. It was the candlelight, the drugs pulsing in his blood, always, always Kaiba. He swore he saw her waltzing through the shadows a few times, his sister who could see and laugh...who was still alive.

His grip on sentience was already slipping. He wanted to sleep, to hump like a wild beast, to cry, to scream, to brawl, to hug Mokuba. But he could do none of those things. His body was helpless and limp like a doll.

 

Jonouchi's insides grew cold as he turned his head and watched Yugi being dragged away.

 

_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_

 

"No Kura!"

 

The older twin growled into his brother's neck. "Don't fight me."

 

"K-kura!" Ryou covered his face with a sloppy hand and whimpered when Bakura gnawed on his neck. He'd pinned him against the wall of a crumbling building and even though it was the middle of the night, Ryou felt mortified that someone might see their lascivious display. That someone might see how nothing else mattered when his brother's lips singed his skin.

 

"Nn...oh g--"

 

"You'll stay here."

 

"I...w...nn...I will not."

 

"You will so, or..." Bakura bared his teeth against Ryou's fluttering pulse. "I'll fuck you raw until you split." He smirked as a sweet gasp tickled his ear. "Hear me?"

 

"Kura...pl-please don't go."

 

His brother slipped away, quicker than a shadow fleeing from light. It left Ryou aching and cold inside, but then, he figured, this needed to be done and Ryou knew he'd just get them caught. They needed money.

 

They only had the clothes on their backs and Bakura said he was tired of sleeping on concrete. Luckily it wasn't cold. The rain had stopped a week ago and Ryou was feeling stronger than ever. If only he could shake that lingering dread that came with being a fugitive.

 

It hadn't seemed so bad at Yugi's house--under the blankets, with four walls surrounding them--but vulnerable here on the streets, with their faces in every window tv on the news...it was frightening.

 

They were bound for Italy but there was no such thing as a free ride. Why couldn't he be more like Bakura?

 

Ryou slid down and hugged his knees, hiding his face in them.

 

"Son? Son, are you alright?"

 

The whitnette jerked and sat up, wincing as the streetlight above momentarily blinded him. He couldn't see the person's face, but the badge gleaming on the man's chest was enough.

 

"F-fine..." He scrambled to his feet and shuffled a few steps back. Still dazzled by the light, Ryou couldn't see the flash of recognition on the cop's face.

 

"Now just calm down", the other man put his hands up in a placating gesture as he reached over to take Ryou's elbow. "Why don't you come with me now and we can--"

 

"No!" Ryou tore himself out of the cop's grip and backpedaled.

 

"Come back here brat!"

 

Twisting his body, Ryou ran, his worn shoes slapping against the pavement drowned by the beating of his heart. Luck was on his side. Ryou ducked down a side-street after he'd run a little ahead. He dove under a pile of trash as his pursuer lumbered past, hollering and reaching for his radio to call for backup.

 

After a few moments of silence, Ryou crawled gingerly from the putrid rubbish and curled up against the crumbling asphalt, tucked away in the shadows. He squeezed his eyes shut and smacked his head against the wall a couple of times.

 

Now he was lost. Now, Bakura wouldn't be able to find him. What if he got caught because of Ryou's carelessness?

 

It was the worst wait of his life.

 

It might have been ten minutes or ten hours.

 

The boy swallowed a sob and hauled himself up. Now wasn't the time to feel sorry for himself and he couldn't just stay where he was. He shuffled to the alley's entrance and peeked around the corner. If Bakura was out there, dodging all manner of danger then Ryou would follow. He wouldn't sit back, safe, while his brother risked it all for them...No, he'd--

 

"Where you goin?"

 

Ryou's gasp was muffled by the palm of a hand that simultaneously silenced him and dragged him back into the hard planes of another body. He moaned when teeth clamped down on his shoulder and sucked. Bakura's familiar scent was tinged by something vaguely metallic but it was enough to soothe him.

 

"You did good kid."

 

That low rumble made his stomach clench. Ryou turned and rose to his tiptoes, slinging his arms around Bakura's neck. He ignored the fresh zing from Bakura's bite, the damp spot that was shocking in the cold. "How did you find me?"

 

"I always know where you are little one."

 

Bakura licked his cheek then stepped back to show him their haul. Ryou stamped down his nausea. The bills he held were wadded up and stained dark with something bearing a disturbing resemblance to blood.

 

There was no backing out now.

 

"Let's find you a bed to sleep in tonight. Tomorrow we'll get some more."

 

The younger twin wanted to bow his head and whimper. But as was the necessity these days, he balled his hands into fists and met Bakura's determined expression with one of his own.

 

_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_

 

Yugi's feet slipped on the slick marble. He flailed with a small squeak but Atem braced his arm before he could fall. 

 

"I've got you aibou. Are you alright?"

 

"Y-yes." He straightened again, heart pounding. The voices of the two Egyptians seemed so much louder now. He wanted to cringe away from the conflict but...that wasn't allowed.

 

The prince of Egypt kept Yugi’s hand tucked into his elbow as they walked. The smaller trinette glanced behind them, meeting Jou’s gaze while he was being led away.

 

“Stop your whining.”

 

The boy turned back and his eyes stung at the sight. The one who’d been slapped was still struggling, his caramel chest heaving with panic, wild eyes darting around, hair disheveled and lips drawn back in mutiny. With a snarl, the one who Atem had called Marik drew back his hand for another slap.

 

This time though, Malik didn’t bother to cry as his head snapped to the side.

 

“Marik”, Atem barked.

 

With the sickening air of privilege, the Egyptian turned. His eyes sparkled with madness, the hard glint momentarily softened by the recognition of family. He let his purchase go to clasp arms with Atem and pull him into a rough hug.

“Cousin”, he chuckled into Atem’s ear. “It’s great to see you.”

 

Atem inclined his head and nudged Yugi. The other boy took the subtle hint and scooted towards the shivering mess on the floor.

 

Marik turned to watch him and waved his hand. “That thing bores me. Come”, he snagged Atem’s wrist. “Let us share a drink with your father.”

 

The prince grimaced but allowed himself to be pulled along. He shot a glance over his shoulder but Yugi paid him no mind as he guided the gasping Egyptian back over by Jou, who had his arms open and ready...

 

_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_

 

His heart was like a hammer against his ribs, though it’s pace was nowhere near as frantic as it had been. He rose on wobbly legs and hooked the other blonde’s elbow when Yugi got closer. “That’s rough”, Jou grunted. “What’s your name?”

 

“M-Malik.”

 

Yugi handed him a glass of water and dabbed at the angry red mark blooming on his cheek with a warm towelette he’d plucked from one of the passing trays.

 

“Here now, it’s alright”, the trinette crooned.

 

“It’s not alright”, Malik growled, snatching the cloth and swiping his eyes with more force than was necessary. “Fucking bastards. Fucking—” He was trembling so violently now that his jewelry tinkled. Yugi gave him a sad smile and touched his arm.

 

“I know. I can’t say it ever gets better…” He traced the golden collar that Malik sported.

 

“Yugi, my boy.” The trinette looked up and his eye twitched when he saw who it was. Pegasus loomed above all three of them, Dartz on his arm looking like some catty prize. “How are you”, the sterling tressed merchant ventured. His tone was jovial but there was a hard glint in his eye.

 

“F-fine.”

 

“Atem is treating you well, I trust?”

 

Yugi glanced at Malik and swallowed. He turned back to Pegasus with a weak nod. “Yeah.”

 

When Pegasus grinned, it looked more like a grimace. “I was meaning to ask you child, you were a friend of Ryou’s, were you not?”

 

The trinette’s heart thumped, he stuttered, “Y-yeah. Why?”

 

Dartz’s sneer took a nasty turn.

 

“Because”, Pegasus said, “He’s escaped.”

 

An explosion erupted in Yugi’s belly, snaking outward towards his fingers and toes. He knows…oh my god, he knows—

 

“And I just wanted to let you know. You realize he is quite sickly and we want him found as soon as possible, for his own good. His brother is a brutish thing. He might very well die out there without proper care.” Pegasus raked him with a long look and patted his own cheek with a pristine gloved hand. "Otaki, dear that he is, has been worried something fierce too." His lips pursed. "Do let me know if you find out something, wont you?"

 

It felt like Yugi’s blood was running backwards. "S-sure..."

 

Pegasus nodded then simpered at Jou who was panting quite shamelessly, not bothering to hide his condition, or his potent distaste for the merchant of flesh.

 

"I don't need to ask after you, I trust?"

 

The blonde spat at his old master's feet.

 

Ever the host, Pegasus stepped back with an indulgent chuckle. "You'd do well to school that temper. You wouldn't want your behavior to reflect badly on Kaiba-boy would you?"

 

The blonde narrowed his eyes, his whole body taut with hatred. "One day Pegasus. One day..."

 

Waving a hand in front of his face, Pegasus tittered. "Enough with cliches. Really, you're killing me."

 

Dartz peeled himself from his master's side and sized up the other male as he crossed his arms. "Deep down you don't mind your situation, do you?" The androgyn flipped his teal hair to one side and his lips curled, eyelashes lowering. "If we really wanted out, we'd fight." His mismatched eyes flicked to Yugi. "You for instance. You are surrounded by places to run if you wish, friends that would shelter your pathetic person if such a need arose." The trinette winced. "Oh yes, I know you, little Yugi. So why do you still stay with your prince?"

 

He turned his cancerous smirk on Jou and his eyes flared a little. "And you.You're within the lap of luxury, also in Domino are you not? Yet you're nothing more than a filthy street hound that needs to bemoan his situation in order to keep himself from biting his own ass. You like that cage, its far better than any place you've had the pleasure to curl up in before. Rags to riches as it were." His lips twisted bitterly. "Good for you."

 

The two other males looked at each other, then back at their attacker.

 

Dartz uncrossed his arms and shrugged. "Ours isn't to question why. Ours is to do, or to di--"

 

He gasped and backpedaled but not in time to catch himself, suddenly confronted with a face full of angry blonde. They fell to the ground and Malik got one good hit in for his trouble. "What about me huh, smartass? It doesn't matter how hard we fight!"

 

"Get off me", Dartz screeched, clawing at Malik's hands around his throat.

 

The two rolled and when they crashed to a stop next to one of the tables Dartz came out on top. "It does matter you bastard! You can still remember what it's like on the outside. You--"

 

"That's quite enough."

 

He was hauled off Malik by the scruff of his neck. He swung out but Pegasus's guards were holding him at arm's length. Dartz's hair fell into his eyes as they then dragged him to Pegasus. Malik scrambled away.

 

The merchant sighed, brushing the boy's hair out of his face. His hand trailed down and cupped Dartz's jaw in a tender gesture as he led the boy's face back up. 

 

Shivering, the androgyn averted his eyes.

 

Pegasus's brows drew together. "Look at me", he murmured. "You know what you've done."

 

"But he--!"

 

"I don't care about him. He is no longer mine to worry about. You, however, are. Now look at me."

 

By this time a hush had fallen around them. Jou stopped raging, Kaiba back by his side. Atem had found his way back to Yugi and placed his hand on the boy's elbow. Malik's sniffles quieted, his master was standing over by Atem's father.

But all attention was on these two.

 

"Dartz, look at me."

 

Drawing in a shuddering breath, he complied. Pegasus smiled and tucked a blue lock behind his favorite's ear.

 

"You know what I must do to those who defy me, don't you?"

 

Dartz was sobbing quietly by this time, but he didn't dare let his distress rise above the low timbre of his sovereign. He could feel them all leaning a little closer to hear as well. Eyes teary, he tilted his chin up and the look of disappointment on Pegasus's face lacerated his heart.

 

He began to shiver when the guards wrenched his shirt off, the sound of fabric tearing ugly in his ears. His arms were stretched on either side of him.

 

"No, no. Don't look away. I will not have you shame me in public twice." The riding crop--chunks of metal and glass woven into it's strands--creaked as Pegasus twisted it in his hands. "Hold him." 

 

The grip on Dartz's arms tightened.

 

"I'm....sorry."

 

It was cold, that smile. "I forgive you." Pegasus sighed through his nose as he stroked a finger down the curve of his favorite's cheek. Dartz squeezed his mismatched eyes shut and pressed a kiss into the warm covered palm. Tears leaked down his face.

 

Without realizing it, Yugi drew closer to Atem. Jonouchi sucked in a sharp breathe. Malik shivered when he caught his master's eye from across the room. Marik licked his lips and smirked at his slave then turned his hungry gaze back on the two.

 

I don't want to do this. Pegasus stepped forward and gripped Dartz's jaw, leaning in to whisper, "Clench your teeth."

 

A broken sob hitched in Dartz's throat. The words were simple and from anyone else they would've meant less than nothing. From Pegasus...

 

The whistle of the crop sounded playful before but there was no respite in these blows. It was a message. He was a merchant. He was a man who demanded obedience, and not even his favorites could escape this iron-clad decree. Dartz had disobeyed. He must be punished.

 

Glee bled from those surrounding them, nothing but leering smiles on shadowed faces in the slave's blurred vision. Dartz threw back his head with a gasp, thrashing too and fro as his body tried to escape. No!

 

The singular command thundered through every muscle and he forced himself to remain lax in the hands of the sentries. Again and again that hateful lash fell, ripping the flesh from Dartz's back and hoarse cries from his throat. The crowd lost count and the boy gave into oblivion long before it was all over.

 

Pegasus flicked his wrist a final time, shaking blood from the drenched laces that splattered on the glistening marble. "Get him out of my sight."

 

One of the guards nodded at the look his boss shot him. Take him to my chambers. Tend to him.

 

Pegasus dropped the rider's crop with another heavy sigh. A servant shuffled forward to collect it and wipe up the mess while one of the waiters offered up a fresh pair of gloves, which the man slipped on with a forced smile. It was immediate, the bodies that clustered around him, a movie that'd just been unpaused. 

_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_

 

Atem extended a hand and tapped Yugi's opposite shoulder, making him turn around. Confused, Yugi doubled back and peered up at him in silent question. Atem hid a smile. "Come with me now. Father wants to meet you."

 

Yugi gulped and his master nodded. "Don't worry. I'm right here." He slipped his hand into Yugi's and gave a little squeeze.

 

Shaken from the scene just now, Yugi let himself be led like a dazed lamb to the slaughter.

 

_o_o_o_o_o_o_

 

"Let's go."

 

Jou's head rolled to the side as he glanced up at the CEO. "Not yet", he slurred. "Things are just gettin' good." The blonde's skin was flushed, his golden hair damp. The effect was devastating, his eyes standing out like amber garnets made him appear like some heathen treasure.

 

He was lounging against the wall again. The boy raised his arms and spread his legs in a lewd stretch that made his joints pop and a small moan escape him. His head fell back and his eyes fluttered closed, a drunken smile on his lips as his back arched. "Whazza rush anyway?" He reached for Kaiba like a petulant toddler who wanted up. "Why dun you ever hit me?"

 

Kaiba scowled and looked down. "It's uncouth."

 

Jonouchi snorted. "Lucky me." He went back to humming to himself, leaving Kaiba to his thoughts.

 

The display just now rattled the elite, though he'd never admit to it. He wanted to get Jou out of here, whisk his family home before he was forced to do something similar if not worse to preserve his reputation. He would loathe every second of it, however he was still a business man. And Jonouchi was bound to act out in some way. He was hard wired to.

 

This, perhaps, might be the one way their worlds could ever truly relate; it boiled down to deals settled and roles played to break even at the end of the day.

 

Kaiba ran a hand down his face and turned back to Jonouchi, determined not to take no for an answer this time but the blonde was gone.

 

_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_

 

Atem cringed as his cousin and father hooked arms and bent their heads back to roar with laughter.

 

"What a bratty thing!"

 

"Oh, I know", Marik snickered, waving his free hand in front of his face. "I'm going to enjoy him. By the time I'm done he'll be writhing and begging like the cheeky bitch he is." He snatched a champagne flute off a tray floating by and downed it in one gulp before crushing it in his grip. Atem cringed again when all he did was shake his hand free of shattered glass and hoot with more obnoxious laughter.

 

"Ah my boy", Aknamkanon sighed. "You are always good for entertainment."

 

The younger male smirked at him before jerking his chin at Atem. "Cousin, where's yours?"

 

Blinking owlishly, Atem tried to keep his tone pleasant. "Come again?"

 

"Where's yours", he asked slowly this time. "I bet mine's bigger." Marik's eyebrows wiggled in a rakish way. "He was that cute little imp that looked like you wasn't he?"

 

Atem flailed mentally. "Well...you see, I--"

 

"Bring him over boy."

 

He stiffened, squeezed his eyes shut. “Father I don’t think—”

 

“It wasn’t a question. I want to meet him. Call him.” The Pharoah's eyes weren't quite sober and they had a hungry glitter to them that made Atem's stomach turn.

 

"Yes sir..."

 

It wasn't long before he returned, Yugi in tow. The smaller trinette was shaking like a leaf. He shied away when Aknamkanon made a grab for his collar.

 

"Come forward child. I want to see you."

 

Marik snuck behind the boy and shoved him forward.

 

"Aibou", Atem reached for his echo but his father broke the boy's fall instead, placing caramel hands on Yugi's shoulders and holding him at arm's length. His gaze was so critical as it roved over the taut frame that it made Yugi blush, the hands kneading.

 

"Don't hurt him...."

 

The hands roved over Yugi's naked chest, making him gasp and squirm and choke on his protests. He pressed his lips together, face squinching like he wanted to cry. They drifted further downward and stroked his flank as if he was some choice steed.

 

Atem looked away, powerless to step in. His fists clenched at his sides. 

 

"Lovely...", the eldest murmured, eyebrows knitting. He tugged Yugi closer and copped a feel at his crotch.

 

Crying out, the slave struck before he could stop himself. Aknamkanon shoved him back. Yugi's skull cracked as he fell.

 

Atem was on him in an instant. "Aibou, are you alright?" His hands roved over the rest of Yugi's body before cupping his face then centering in on his head.

 

The smaller trinette whimpered and shied away from him, trembling with shame and pain now that he could no longer hold back the flood of tears. "S-s-s-sorry. I didn't ....m-mean to...I'm s-sorr--"

 

"Hush...hush now, I've got you. It's alright." He crouched and gathered Yugi close, craning his neck to glare openly at his father and sneering cousin.

 

"I am disappointed in you, my son." The Pharaoh made a grab for the slave again. "You've had him for a year now haven't you? What is the meaning of this outlandish behavior? I allowed you to have him to show you how a man must be broken, body and soul. How you must mold someone to your every whim."

 

"No, father. He doesn't need to be broken!"

 

"Atem!" Yugi buried his face in the prince's chest and clutched his shirt. "D-don't..."

 

"You are too soft", Aknamkanon growled. He bent and hauled his son up by the ear, using his other hand to toss Yugi at Marik. "Where have I gone wrong with you", he shook his son, his face contorting with anger. "If you cannot hold dominion over a single person, how can I expect you to inherit our nation? The son of Horus is not allowed to be weak. You know this!"

 

Atem twisted out of his father's grip and snatched his slave back, drawing the boy into the shelter of his arms. Those around them didn't pay as much mind to this spectacle as they had with their host, though a few pairs of eyes strayed in their direction.

 

For once, Yugi didn't fight. He was frightened of this king and his cruelty.

 

"I didn't want to do this in the first place!" Atem felt Yugi flinch against him and tightened his hold as he coaxed the boy to his feet, crimson eyes blazing.

 

"Lower your voice", the elder hissed. "We are in public and I am your father. Who do you think you are!"

 

"I thought I was your son", Atem spat.

 

“You're right. And we'll fix you yet. I have word from Ishtar."

 

Atem turned to his cousin, suspicion tightening his features. "I thought we discussed this", he accused. "I do not wish to marry your sister."

 

Marik shrugged. "She is a but a woman. She has no say in the matter. It'll be good for the family."

 

"Yes", Aknamkanon rumbled, "Isis shall make a man of you yet. It’ll strengthen our ties in the political spectrum as well.”

 

Atem's hold around his waist slackened which made Yugi cling to him more. Pain lacerated his chest at the thought of Atem marrying for some reason. He pressed his teary face into Atem's neck and made little sounds of distress.

 

"Give him to me."

 

"No father."

 

"You will obey me Atem."

 

"P-people", Yugi choked. "People should marry for lov—”

 

Atem cried out and covered Yugi’s face but it was already too late. Aknamkanon drew back his hand and slapped the boy.

 

“You are just a slave. You have no voice in this matter.” The great king turned to his child. “This is what I speak of. You must learn to tell the difference between your subordinates and equals. To make difficult decisions if you are to shoulder this country’s needs as your own.” He sighed through his nose, rubbed his chin. His eyes suddenly lit up with a plan. Crossing large arms over his chest, the God-King said, "I have a proposition for you."

 

Atem froze. Never once, in all his years, had his father offered him anything less than ultimatums. But then, it was a first for him to stand up to this man too. He'd never had a reason though. Atem placed himself in front of Yugi, a shiver chasing through him when the boy buried his teary face into the prince's shoulder blade. He focused on his father. "I'm listening..."

 

"Don't be dramatic boy." He stepped back to give the two room. "You show me you can hold court over this one soul", he pointed at Yugi, "in the proper way by the time you return home, and I will give my permission to annul your marriage."

 

Yugi sagged against him and his shivers started up with renewed vigor. Atem led him back around so he could drag his fingertips up the boy's pale spine to soothe them both.

 

"There are conditions of course; you are not allowed to fall in love. You must break him completely, and", the man paused for dramatics, "I will have Marik go along with you to send weekly reports back to me. I expect you home by the end of the year."

 

Astonished, Atem found the good grace to bow his head. A sudden thought occurred to him. “Father, do—”

 

Quicker than a cobra, the Pharoah struck again. "Do not test the limits of my kindness."

 

Head forced to the side, Atem was too stunned to move for a solid minute. Yugi, quietly weeping, scooted himself closer and covered the mark that matched his own with a shaking hand.

 

Aknamkanon was speaking again. “Just because you came from my loins do not expect leniency. I don’t make requests, I make demands. And you will obey me until you're fit take my place.”

 

The blow pulsed on both their cheeks. He'd never been stricken before. Atem closed his eyes and buried his face in Yugi's hair, took a deep breath. Tonight was a night for many firsts, it seemed.

 

After a moment he opened his eyes again and stood straight, removing Yugi's hand from his face. He stepped away despite his boy's alarm. "I understand father."

 

The Pharaoh nodded. "Leave me." He turned to a gleeful Marik to discuss the arrangements, details of their pact.

 

_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_

 

"That damn hair."

 

"The money and arrogance!"

 

"At least yours doesn't look like some deranged copy."

 

Jonouchi snorted.

 

"What will you do if he ever hits you", Malik murmured, nibbling on a cracker and hugging himself. He cut a furtive glare up at the sentry Marik posted to keep an eye on him.

 

The violins were started up again. Diamonds glittered in the soft golden light, heels clicking as royal figures danced in time like quietly laughing puppets. The air smelt like perfume, sweat, sex, and wax.Things were sedate now, the rush of excitement from beatings and public shame wearing off. The event was getting ready to wind down. Some boys were lounging in their corner, still damp with unidentified juices from where their masters paraded them around like they were in some twisted dog show.

 

The other male was quiet for a time before answering. He huffed through his nose. Kaiba hadn't touched him the entire time and he wasn't sure whether this was more of a disturbance or relief. "Honestly? I don't know." Jonouchi rolled his shoulders in a shrug then crossed his arms as if just becoming aware of his half-naked ensemble. The chains on his hips tinkled as he drew his knees to his chest and swallowed. "He's all I have left to tell the truth." A fact he could no longer deny and his self-hatred festered thrice-fold. The battle of wills was over. He was giving up.

 

Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. He'd always be a mongrel, but even filth tired of being kicked. It was time for peace.

 

Malik shook his head. "You're very lucky."

 

Mokuba's laugh, Olga's strong arms floated in his mind's eye. "Yeah", he murmured. "Lucky."

 

"There you are", Kaiba growled.

 

With a lazy grin, the blonde glanced up. "Speak of the devil."

 

The CEO pulled him to his feet. "We're leaving. Now."

 

"I won't stop fighting", Malik called after him.

 

When Jou tossed a look over his shoulder, the other blonde appeared defiant indeed. His grin widened.

 

"Move it." Kaiba gave a harsh yank to his collar and dragged him bodily from the ballroom. Jonouchi rolled his eyes and wrapped his arms around himself. His skin itched, but it was the good kind; like he was hot and dirty from sweating in the sun. His stomach clenched at what awaited them when they got back to the hotel, and Kaiba had no clue.

 

The CEO was all he had left, he was lucky. Yes, very very lucky. He didn't need to beat himself up anymore, he realized. Kaiba could've been like Pegasus, or that Marik asshole. Kaiba could've been a lot of things that he wasn't. Cold, maybe. Arrogant, sure. But if those were the worst sins he was to be guilty of, well. Lucky didn't even begin to cover it. "Wait..."

 

He turned and Kaiba let him go. A dark brow arched in amusement when the teen shamelessly nabbed a few pastries from the lush assortment along one wall then trotted back. Tonight was time for a change. He snorted at Kaiba as he passed him, refusing to smile until he'd walked a little ahead so the brunette wouldn't see it.

 

Malik watched them both go and stiffened when the guard gripped his elbow, bruising it as he dragged the Egyptian to his feet, towards his new life. Yugi passed by on the way out too, a hesitant smile on his lips. He was clinging to Atem's coattail.

---

 

 

*shakes fist* Damn you Atem! Grow a pair would ya?! ....*ahem*

 

Progress is sweeter than candy, seriously. 

 

Now I can finally hash out some more things that were tweaky with this fic because of this section. If it dragged, sorry. If it dragged too much, sorry again. If it dragged so much you want to kill me...Well, please don't. Or I won't be able to finish this!!

 

Lol (?) Will come for typos later OwO;;

 

Reviews are appreciated (they're just a little sweeter than progress!), reads and views and alerts are good too!