The Whip

Yuugi groaned as sunlight filtered through a crack in the dark curtains and fell upon his eyes. He rolled over, trying to get away, and found himself burrowing into the soft, firm figure beside him. Nice and dark, warm... much better.

“Nn?” Came the firm warm thing’s questioning voice, but Yuugi had already fallen asleep again by the time Jounouchi’s warm toffee eyes opened, hazy with sleep. He peered down curiously at the figure curled beside them, and couldn’t hold back an affectionate smile. Really, Yuugi was just too irresistibly cute sometimes...

Jounouchi gently reached forward, running a hand through Yuugi’s hair. For all that it looked a tangled mess, the strands were silky and gave no resistance to the blond’s absent caress. ‘Heheh... he’s sleeping past me. I’m not gonna let him live this down...’ Mischief glittered behind his eyes, before he frowned, another thought hitting him. ‘Man, he must’ve had a long night... He was late... I bet ‘e got requested...’ Jounouchi felt a brief flash of anger, and pulled his friend closer, until a soft sigh from the boy caused him to relax. He stared down at Yuugi, eyes gentle and protective. ‘You deserve so much better...’

Jounouchi found himself thinking that far to often. The beautiful creature curled next to him seemed like a tiny god with his jaw-dropping beauty, but what Jounouchi loved was his heart. Jounouchi had never known anyone as kind or open... He still had trouble understanding how Yuugi seemed to resist every attempt the world threw at him to batter him down, to turn him cold and callous like the rest of the polluted world...

...and all in vain. Because even after the death of his parents, even after his grandfather fell ill, even after having to sell his body (or at least the site of it) his bright eyes and warm laughter still could drive away all thoughts of wrong in the world, if only for a little while...

Perhaps that was one of the reasons Jounouchi swore long ago to do anything to protect his best friends happiness. Here was this one drop of purity in the world that he was blessed to hold and care for and be cared for in return...

“You know Yug,” Jounouchi smiled to the figure. “I may not have much in the way of cash, but I’m probably the luckiest guy in da world.”

“Why’zsat?” Mumbled Yuugi’s questioning voice, though he remained firmly buried, despite the fact that the light in the room was minuscule. Jounouchi turned bright red, not realizing Yuugi was awake.

“Uh...” Suddenly, he grinned evilly and yanked off the covers, earning a surprised yelp. “Cuz you’re making me breakfast!” ‘Whew! Nice save!’ He congratulated himself.

Yuugi cried out in protest, before giving Jounouchi a look that was a mix of tired, confused, pathetic and angry... and thus failing to be fully any of the three. “Oh am I?”

Jounouchi took one look at those full pouting lips and the sleepy, accusing eyes that rested under furrowed brows and felt his heart melt. “Ya know, you’re really cute when your all tired an mad like that.” He grinned with playful teasing.

Yuugi blushed, then tried to look stern to get his point across... and only succeeded in emphasizing his proclaimed cuteness. Suddenly, a thought hit him. “Wait... you’re... up before me?”

Jounouchi sniggered. “Yeah, aint that funny?” He turned his head up, tapping his lips in contemplation. “Lesse... so if I used to be the affectionately labeled lazy bum... Ooh, I wonder what your gramps is gonna t’ink when I tell ‘im you beat my record...”

“If you get a chance!” Yuugi declared, now very awake as laughing, he threw a pillow at Jounouchi.

Jounouchi laughed maniacally himself, dodging and pinning Yuugi down, tickling him relentlessly until Yuugi, faced flush and tears of mirth in eyes. Was begging for mercy. “Only one thing can stop me from spreadin your dirty little secret, Yug!” Jounouchi said with an evil grin.

“I surrender! What is it, Jounouchi?” Yuugi asked, still giggling a bit still from the vicious tickle attack from earlier.

Jounouchi waited a moment for dramatic affect, staring down through golden bangs with a mysterious, evil smile, before... “Waffles... wit whipped cream, strawberries, an sometin nice ta drink. And plenty of em!”

Yuugi feigned horror. “Ah! However will I comply with such a request?”

“Then its back to the torture chambers for you!” Jounouchi announced, cackling maniacally as he began to tickle Yuugi once more.

“Ahh! No!” Yuugi cried through his laughter. “I shall meet your terrible demands, but no more!”

“That’s what I thought!” Said Jounouchi with a smirk, folding his arms and staring down at his friend. Yuugi’s eyes were glittering with happiness, cheeks rosy from laughter and a lazy smile on his face as he peered up through his bangs at his equally gorgeous friend.

“Little do you know,” Yuugi said with a slight smirk. “Once I return to the kitchen, I will become the Ladle Master once more!”

“Not if I get to it before you can!” Jounouchi declared. Immediately both were off and running laughingly out the door. Jounouchi was faster and had longer legs, but Yuugi made time by sliding down the banister.

As he bounded around the couch, however, Jounouchi hurdled over it, reaching the kitchen before him, scooping the ladle from the drying rack and holding it up triumphantly, just as Yuugi skidded into the kitchen.

“Haha!” The blond declared, “Now I have the Ladle’s formidable power!” He grinned down at Yuugi. “Now, make me the waffles or I’ll use it against you!”

Yuugi stared up, then smiled, slowly walking up to him. “But you aren’t the Ladle Master, you don’t know its secrets...” He opened a drawer, and whipped out his own. “Like the spare!”

“En gaurde!” Jounouchi exclaimed, grinning, and they clashed the ladles together like swords, Jounouchi going easy on Yuugi... until the ladle was knocked out of his hand, clanging against the stove. “It seems I’ve under estimated you, oh Ladle Master...”

Yuugi smiled, before relaxing and looking around. “Ah, I should get breakfast started...” He glanced at the clock. “I don’t have to go to work for a couple hours...” Large, luminous eyes turned on Jounouchi and the blond found himself trapped in their mesmerizing gaze. “After this, wanna play a game?”

“Sure!” Jounouchi said immediately- he’d say yes to anything Yuugi asked when he looked at him like that. “Though dose puppy eyes of yours should be declared an illegal weapon. Completely unfair.” He complained grinning.

“You mean you don’t want to play with me?” Yuugi asked, eyes widening, looking so sad and hurt and disbelieving, lips quivering... He was playing, of course, but the effects nonetheless made Jounouchi’s heart skip a beat.

“Ah! Your horrible!” The blond laughed, bringing the little one into a tight hug. “‘Course I wanna play with you... but yknow Yug, if the devil has half your talent, I bet heaven’s completely empty.”

Yuugi blushed, laughing. “I think your exaggerating just a little,” He said, sticking his tongue out, before pulling away. “Anyway, I’m gonna get started on breakfast so we have plenty of time to play!” Humming happily to himself, Yuugi started pulling out dishes and ingredients.

Stepping out of the kitchen and Yuugi’s way, Jounouchi slumped on one of the chairs, lazily watching Yuugi. “Believe me, Yug,” He murmured quietly to himself. “I’m not...”


Seto Kaiba watched the sunset from a window of his large, comfortable office. Well, office probably wasn’t the best word- taking up almost an entire story, the spacious, luxurious and comfortable private wing Seto performed his business took up almost the entire first floor, and required card keys and fingerprints to even get into, and even then could be overrided by the computer system used by voice analyses, which could only be activated by either of the Kaiba brothers.

This meant that it was private enough for Seto to be able to nap on one of the nice leather couches, and it even had a shower in the bathroom and some spare suits in case they were needed. Right now Seto was preparing a coorporate party that would be held at his mansion. Though this really was a job for his personal assistants and the party was a month away, Seto liked to look over the bigger things himself, personally... especially after the near-disaster with the meeting earlier that day.

However, it seemed everything was over, and once again the frosty beauties thoughts wandered to the slums, to Yuugi...

It was strange how impossible it seemed for Seto to forget the beautiful stripper... All day images ran through his head... the pale, supple skin... soft, gentle touch, the sway of those perfect hips, perfect little rear... the tossled, exotic hair, delicate hands, button nose, and full, enticing lips... Even his scent Seto remembered- faintly flowery, nectar and honey, with an undertone of vanilla, sweet and seductive. But most of all, he remembered those haunting eyes...

Seto groaned softly, almost inaudibly, closing his eyes to remember them. He could live forever, never see Yuugi again and still he’d remember those eyes... And for all his body and beauty was delicate, there was a strength in them... How could there not be? It would take strength to remain so... untainted. There was something intensely hypnotizing in the deep purple eyes, something warm...

Smirking a bit, Seto’s hand reached down, absently unbuckling his pants as he toyed with that mental image of those unfiltered emotions reflecting lust, desire, pleasure... that body trembling, naked, waiting for Seto... soft voice moaning, needy...

He imagined his hands running down that perfect skin, soaked with sweat, and his soft voice cry out Seto’s name...

“Master Kaiba.” Seto was jolted out of his fantasy, eyes snapping open at the sound. It wasn’t the voice of the object of his new obsession, but rather his secretary, who’s voice seemed grating on his ears in comparison.

His hand smacked down on the intercom button. “What is it?” He growled through clenched teeth, displeasure evident in his voice.

“You’re appointment arrived early, sir... would you like to see him now?”

Seto’s eyes glinted coldly. “No. Have them wait as they should. I have things to do.”

“Of course, Master Kaiba.”

Sighing, Seto released the button and ran a hand through his hair. Well, there went that... ‘After work... I’ll see him again then... ‘ Until then... Seto stood, and made his way to the bathroom. He needed a cold shower... then paused, contemplating. He wanted Yuugi, yes... and as more then a private show. But for that, he’d need to get some information...

Seto strode back to his desk, picking up the phone and dialing The Whip. “This is Kaiba. I would like to reserve a private session... two.”


“I win!” Yuugi declared happily... again. Jounouchi shook his head, wondering why he bothered, but smiling nonetheless. Gaming was Yuugi’s passion, and he was damn good at it.

“Have you ever lost?” He asked laughing a bit. “At anyt’ing?”

Yuugi blinked up at him with wide eyes. “Of course I have,” he said, then smiled brightly. “That’s how I get better! And...” He opened his eyes again, staring up at Jounouchi. “I don’t think you’ve noticed, but you’ve gotten a lot better too.”

“R, really?” Jounouchi asked eagerly brightening.

“Um!” Yuugi nodded. “You grow with each game, Jounouchi, even if you don’t notice...”

“Yeah! Just wait Yug, I’ll beat you soon!” Jounouchi announced with renewed enthusiasm, posing.

Yuugi laughed at his friend’s antics, before glancing at the clock and frowning. “It’ll have to wait... I should start heading over to work.”

Jounouchi blinked at him, then nodded and smiled. “Right, I’ll go with you.” He volunteered, I’ll get a bite to eat at Devil’s Pawn until nightfall. None of the rich guys go dere till then anyway.”

“You don’t have to,” Yuugi said, “If you want, you can rest here a while...”

“Nah, I’d rather spend some time with my best bud.” Jounouchi said happily, wrapping an arm around Yuugi, who smiled in return. “Sides, I need ta make sure your safe.”

“Thanks Jounouchi,” Yuugi said, a soft smile on his features.

“Anytime. Anyway, lets get this packed away and head over.”

“Right.”


Jounouchi watched Yuugi as he checked in at the employers area in back and, satisfied he’d be safe, headed himself over to the pub known as the Devil’s Pawn. It was a shady pub, with stairs leading down into the main area and a red sign that hung a bit crookedly, proclaiming the name and displaying the image of a well endowed she-devil, smirking invitingly.

Jounouchi stretched, muscles flexing under his tight leather shirt, before he headed down the stairs and into the smokey lounge that was the main room of the place, heading to the bar. The Devil’s Pawn was a hangout for thieves and on top of a drink and a meal, Jounouchi planned on catching up with the current buzz on the street.

“Hey Jounouchi! Haven’t seen you in a couple days, where you been?” Greeted the bartender and owner with a friendly grin. He was a brunette with fierce hazel eyes and a long time friend of Jounouchi’s.

“Honda! Well, I’ve been busy, ya know.” Jounouchi said, grinning and sliding into a stool as Honda poured him a beer.

“Uh huh...” The brunette raised an eyebrow. “Lemme guess- spending day and night with Yuugi.”

Jounouchi turned a bit red. “Well, I think thats exxageratin a bit...” He started defensively, before turning a bit more serious. “‘Sides, I’m worried for him. You know as well as I do what’d happ’n if some of the bastards that walk the street got ahold of him. He needs to be protected...”

“True enough,” Honda stated, recalling the stares their diminutive friend got whenever he came in to visit, “but there’s more to it then that, isn’t there?”

“I have no idea what your talking about.” Jounouchi said, snatching the beer and downing it.

“Riiight.” Honda gave him a look, then remembered something. “Hey, while you’ve been busy with that, there’s a rumor going around... they say Bakura’s coming to town.”

Jounouchi choked on his water, staring up with enourmous eyes. “Bakura? The Bakura?”

“Who else would I be talking about?” Honda asked. Bakura had never been caught, few if any even saw his face... and he always got whatever it was he came for. He was legendary among thieves... but also known to be absolutely viscous. “Either way, people are jumpy, be extra careful. Especially about Yuugi.”

Jounouchi nodded. “Yeah... I will. Ey, can I get some food?”

Honda rolled his eyes. “Do you think of anything else?”

“O’course! My pals like you and Yug... hanging out... eating... I should take Yug out for burgers later.” He added almost as an afterthought. “You wanna come? He’ll be happy to see you, the three of us haven’t done anything for a while...”

Honda rubbed the back of his head. “I dunno... I mean, it’ll be a bit late before the good places open... and I do have to open up early tomorrow...”

“Aw, c’mon Honda... you can get someone else to work it. It’d be fun, just like old times.” He smirked. “Or do I have ta beat some sense into you?”

“Ha! You wish, like you could win a brawl against me!” Honda grinned, before smiling. “But... I think I could use a nice break... I’ll go.”

“Great! I’ll come by with him when he gets off tonight. Now, how bout a chile dog?”

“Yeah, yeah, hold your horses you big pig,” Honda said, smiling amusedly. “Barely any of the staff is here, these are the early hours.”

“Don’t that mean I should be gettin it faster?” Jounouchi grinned. “An your just a big a pig as me, an you know it!”

“Hey, its not like you’re even paying...” Honda said, amused. He never charged his friends, despite Jounouchi’s voracious appetite. “So quit complaining. And watch the register for me,” He added as he went back to talk to his cooks.

“Will do!” Jounouchi said, salluting, then looking to the newest customer to walk in. “Don’t worry, its open. E’ll be back in a sec.”

“I heard.” Drawled the stranger, taking a seat a few seats down from the blond.

“Er, right.” Jounouchi blinked, before gulping some more beer. ‘Jerk.’

He looked out the light filtering down the stairs, and sighed. He had a while to wait. ‘Well,’ he thought, ‘at least I’m gettin some food.’


Yuugi ended up a bit early and had cleaned up and put on the many oils that were mandatory to wear at The Whip with an hour to spare before opening. (At least he wasn’t required to wear make up like the girls word.)

With nothing to do, he headed over to the employee lounge, and immediately spotted two of his co-workers he considered friends. “Malik! Mai!” He smiled, waving, and their heads turned.

“Yuugi!” Mai exclaimed, smiling brightly as he came over and squeazing him against her impressive bosom, causing him to blush. “How’ve you been, sweety?” She asked, smiling down at him. Mai had long, wavy blond hair and gorgeous features, and like Yuugi, strange purple eyes, though they didn’t have the same brightness or allure of Yuugi’s. She looked at Yuugi something like an adorable little brother, to be pampered, spoiled and, of course, teased relentlessly.

“Hey Yuugi. Did you hear about the new guy,” said Malik. He had hazy lilac eyes and platinum blond hair and richly tanned skin. Kohl lined his peircing eyes and he was wearing his usual seductive smirk. “He’s supposed to be incredible. You might have some competition.”

Yuugi laughed, smiling. “That wouldn’t bother me at all...”

“Aw, Yuugi... your no fun...” Malik sighed mournfully. “You get all the attention without trying, but then you just act so cute and friendly you make it impossible to hate you.” When Yuugi had first come to the club, Malik had been far from kind to him- Yuugi quickly became popular and Malik saw the boy as dangerous competition. After all, people weren’t nice to each other, they didn’t care.

Yet despite his nastiness, even some trickery and little attempts at sabotaging, Yuugi remained friendly. After all else had failed, Malik gave up, unable to resist any longer, and gave Yuugi a chance... and never regretted it. Yuugi really did genuinely care for his friends... it was strange and foreign, but wonderfully refreshing.

“Oh yeah! I almost forgot,” His attention turned back to now and he looked over to Yuugi. “The Boss wanted to see you.”

“M, me?” Yuugi asked, jumping a bit and looking a bit worriedly. “Wh, why...?”

“How should I know? But you should head up there before you start.”

“Don’t worry, hun, I’m everything’s fine.” Mai said smiling, giving Yuugi an encouraging pat.

Yuugi swallowed. The whip had several managers, which was who the employees usually talked to and who usually did the hiring. The Boss, however, owned and ran the Whip. For an employee to be called to him was unusual, to say the least, and Yuugi couldn’t help but worry that something was wrong.

He headed up quickly, the two watching him go.

After a moment, Mai asked “You think everything’s ok?”

Malik rolled his eyes. “Mai, I think Yuugi can handle anything... or anyone, for that matter.”

“But what if he’s going to try to forcce him to... take on other duties? His manager’s been trying practically since he started...” Mai pouted a bit, folding her arms. Maybe it was his small stature, maybe his large eyes, but she had trouble seeing Yuugi as something other then a sweet little kid. Part of her felt he didn’t belong here at all...

“I wouldn’t sweat it.” Malik said with a shrug, closing his eyes and leaned back. “Revenues have gone up tremendously since Yuugi started working here. If he’s smart, he’s not going to risk loosing that.”

“Mm...” Mai didn’t seem convinced.

“Anyway, I gotta get ready.” Malik said, standing up. He smirked. “I have a private session with mister Kaiba himself.”

“Kaiba?” Mai blinked in surprise. “Didn’t he already...!”

“Looks like he came back for another round,” Malik said, smirking and winking. “Lucky me- I love the pretty ones...” Chuckling darkly, he strode off to wait in Seto’s private room.

“Hm.” May said, before running a hand through her hair. “Hum. Now I’ll be bored until my first show... Malik, you jerk.”


When Seto came into his private room, Malik was already waiting, sprawled luxuriously on the bed, body positioned perfectly to suggest invitation and raw sexual energy. Seto snorted inwardly, striding calmly over. There was a very good reason he picked the beautiful egyptian... and it had nothing to do with him.

Malik and Yuugi shared the same manager; therefore, they would know eachother. And that was exactly what Seto wanted...

“Kaiba,” purred Malik, staring up at him. “I didn’t expect to see you again...”

“Wise of you,” Seto stated, sitting on the bed as Malik crawled onto his lap eagerly. “I have a job for you, and it doesn’t involve me fucking you,” Malik pouted, “But I will reward you richly for it.” Seto idly pulled out a pack of hundreds, slipping some into Malik’s pants.

“I’m listening...” Malik said eagerly, leaning against the touch.

“I want Yuugi.” Seto said firmly. “You will help me make him mine. You will find out and tell me all you can about him, about how to do this.”

Malik chuckled darkly. “You’ve set your sights high, Kaiba,” He murmured, wrapping his arms around him, straddling him and speaking seductively into his ear. “Even for you. You aren’t going to be able to get him with this,” Malik took one of the bills and, as Seto did not protest, tucked it away. “Or this,” he groped Seto’s pants. “There’s only one thing Yuugi will listen to, and that’s this.” He placed a hand on Seto’s chest, over his heart. “From what I hear, that’s not something your used to.”

“I’ll do what I need to to make him mine.” Seto replied evenly, watching carefully. “Keep talking, and gather information for me. If I succeed, I wont be the only one to reap the rewards.”

Malik purred at the thought, staring up at Kaiba. “You have competition... and I don’t mean the regulars here. Yuugi doesn’t like them... and that’s something else you’ll have to work past. I mean someone he cares for, someone close to him... close enough, perhaps, to take him for himself if you don’t act fast. And, I think, probably willing to do so.”

Seto’s eyes darkened with a jealous rage and in a flash his hand was clasping Malik’s jaw painfully. “Who!” He demanded.

Malik winced, but kept smirking despite it, staring down at him. “His best friend,” he answered innocently. “A pickpocket, blond, named Jounouchi. He’s quite the catch himself...”

Seto’s gaze was steely. ‘I’ll have to do something about him...’

Malik carefully uncurled Seto’s hand from his jaw, rubbing it, but he didn’t loose his seductive purr. “Your not going to get him by force...” He said easily, “if you want him, you have to do so other ways. Play by his greatest weakness...”

“And what would that be?” Seto intoned, voice still steely.

“He cares too much. Make him care about you.” Malik replied. Seto snorted disbelievingly, but Malik continued “It wont be as hard as you may think... Just make him happy... make him like you... He likes games, I think it’d take him by surprise if he came in here and that’s what was waiting for him. Oh, and don’t make it seem like you want him for sex. Don’t even mention it. If you want him,” Malik put a finger over Seto’s lips, “That’s the worst thing you could do...”

Seto closed his eyes, pushing Malik off, then handing him ten more hundreds, which Malik eagerly grabbed. “I’ll expect more soon. Now go.”

“Of course, Kaiba.” Malik purred, walking out with a sway of the hips. “I’ll see you tomorrow...”

Seto watched him go, before leaning back and thinking over what he said. Some of it sounded near ridiculous... ‘I suppose it depends on how gullible Yuugi is,’ Seto mused. He certainly looked innocent enough... and that usually meant easily tricked. Still, something bothered him. ‘It can’t be that easy... but...’ His eyes narrowed. ‘This competition he spoke of... that will have to be addressed...’

Contemplating, Seto sat up, thinking his next move. ‘Games, huh?’ He slowly smirked. ‘Well, that’s a good place to start... I might even enjoy this...’


Yuugi was contemplative as he walked to the Boss’ office. He could only remember coming there once in his entire time here, and that had been brief. The Boss was a serious man, dark, brooding eyes, bushy eyebrows and thinning black hair. He was burly, contemplative, calculating... He had approved of Yuugi then, one look telling him that the boy’s exotic beauty would be a huge success. But that had been when Yuugi had first gotten there, and was simply a final step in him being hired. Why was he being called back...?

He looked up as he reached the door. Two ominous men were standing guard, though they nodding at Yuugi as he approached, opening the door for him.

Swallowing and mustering his courage, Yuugi stepped inside.

The place wasn’t enormous, but it was definitely spacious, and rather tidy. There were two other doors to the back rooms, (Yuugi had not been back there and didn’t know where they led,) and several bookshelves. At the center of the room sat the boss, his large desk cluttered with various official looking papers and documents, some pens and pencils, a computer, a lamp, and a telephone. It was probably the messiest part of the whole room.

The Boss looked up, nodding approvingly. “Yuugi, I’m sure your wondering why I called you here. As of next week, your going to be working with a partner.”

Yuugi blanked, caught completely off guard. “A... partner?” ‘What’s he talking about...? He must know, he must not expect...’

The Boss nodded. “I brought you here to meet him.” He pressed a button on his phone, and spoke. “He’s here. You can come out now.”

Yuugi heard footsteps, and one of the doors to the back rooms opened... And in strode what could only be described as the living incarnation of sex. Rich, coppery skin, a perfect face and pointed features, elegant, catlike movement and a shocking crown of hair similar to Yuugi’s own. And the eyes... beautifully feirce and wild... there was a fire and a power behind those eyes... they were half closed, and he looked almost bored... until his eyes met Yuugi’s, then they lit up immediately, scanning the boy approvingly as a smirk slowly began to crawl across his features. He was dark, seductive, graceful, powerful... and utterly beautiful.

“Yuugi, meet Atemu.”

Yuugi could only stare.