仮初の世に囚われ

Eyes closed as a short laugh escaped her lips. Who would have thought they’d have anything in common. Though, she could see she this. Knowing he had made himself enemies over the years, his wealth would surely bring those who would try to use him for it. Lust, wencing at the mere thought. That she was all too familiar with.

“ Its always something, isn’t it? Is it too much to ask to just enjoy peace in another without any sort of expectation?” A feeling deep down she longed for.

Figuring as much with how far away he sat. “ I gather that. Thank you, it is comforting to hear it.” Pausing, turning towards him “ The feeling is mutual.” Knowing full well she could give off the wrong impression most of the time. As of late however, she seemed to be less flirtatious and more drawn back. Still she wanted to let him know.

Mulling over his offer. “ You had me at no bar”

“Perfect.     My bike is just around the corner.” 

Seto never had a habit of hanging around females. Honestly, he found them to be intimidating, but that didn’t seem to be the case with Mai. It made him wonder if they would have been friendly sooner if the pharaoh had never been involved. Chances were that wouldn’t have been the case. Maybe that was why they were meeting now of all times.

He led Mai to the bike silently. Even if he had company, he hated small talk. Though, something told him Mai was comfortable with the small bout of silence. They really did seem to have more things in common than he’d imagined. He handed her the matte black helmet before settling on the motorcycle. 

      Mukuro couldn’t contain the smile on her lips as Cohen tookk a hold of her finger with such a firm grip。 She hummed softly, acknowledging Seto’s question but not answering at first。  Mukuro had such a hard time looking away from Cohen, she was enamored by the baby, she could feel her motherly instincts begin to kick in。

    「I haven’t really been hiding out that much,」 she speaks softly, 「but I have a feeling you might already know that？」 Mukuro glances over at Seto with a small smile。 She was a smart woman, and she could feel as though there were moments where she was being observed or watched. It could have been her paranoia acting up with that。

     「Thank you,」 Mukuro whispers, 「I really missed you, you know？」 She glances over at Seto again, a more of a sad smile on her face, she was glad to have come across him again, but the thought of him leaving her in the dark and absconding for a few years stil stung a little。

“Ah, so I wasn’t as sneaky as I thought.”

Seto cleared his throat, feeling a bit of embarrassment. While it wasn’t him doing the snooping, he was definitely the one who had sent his staff to do it. Cohen wiggled in discontent. Seto found himself thankful for the well timed distraction. 

“He wants you to hold him closer to your chest.      He’s very fussy when he doesn’t get enough affection.”

The air between them feels strange. Seto’s mind told him the distance was only natural, but he still felt a pang in his chest. As much as it was in his nature to retreat without notice, it was not something he enjoyed doing. There’s an overwhelming sense of wanting to comfort Mukuro, hold her just as Cohen was demanding. However, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. 

Stuck within the fog deep inside her mind. Staring blankly off into the night, idly running her thumb over the cigarette butt, occasionally taking a long drag.

Exhausted mentally, sleep deprivation fueling a physical strain, one that showed itself more and more each day.

Stress eating away whatever happiness dwelled within. Struggling to recall even the simplest of things that occurred within her day. Forgetting to eat regularly, if at all. Finding joy in anything was a labored task. Feeling only fear if anything at all. Yet on this night, now crossing paths with Kaiba, her thoughts grew curious. Why would he waste any time on her? Just to be nice? They way he speculated a shared reasoning for them being out at whatever hour it was.

“Obviously” Monotone in her reply. Once she would have had some smart aleck comment perhaps, or at the least not have sounded so careless. That spark flickered no more in recent days. At least of all people who could happen upon Mai this night it was him. What care would he have anyway as to what brought her here. With his next comment almost bringing a half smile to her hollow expression.

“ That’s fair. I wouln’t expect you too. Nobody ever does.” A hint of resentment in her tone as she extinguishes the cigarette. “ People only want one thing from me, and when it doesn’t happen they just go away.” Mai scoffed as her thoughts remained clouded in the fog.

Her words were hollow, defeat laden and fatigued. It was a feeling he knew all too well and suddenly he felt like he might be in good company. Long digits deftly flicked the ash of his cigarette as he contemplated his next move. Blue eyes flicked over in her direction, eyeing her expression for any trace of a facade. 

“You’re not the only one who feels that way.      People only look at me with greed, lust, or wrath.”

He chuckles sardonically into his cigarette before putting it out and popping another into his mouth. The lack of sycophantic praise that surrounded him endlessly was as refreshing as the cool night air. Once his cigarette was lit, he stuffed his hands into his pockets and continued his spiel. 

“If it brings you any sort of comfort      I don’t want a single thing from you.”

Seto was never one to lie, and this was no exception. Keeping himself at such a long distance from everyone was exhausting. For once he felt at ease to just enjoy his company’s presence. It was a rare occasion, albeit a very somber one. 

Wakening upon the floor, clammy skin, body trembling. Throat dry from screaming from the nightmare. Haunted by the voice deep within her mind she had to clear her head. Paying no attention to the hour as Mai slipped into jeans and hoodie. Hoping a walk would calm her nerves.

Shaking still as she made way to a park round the corner. Sitting on a bench, zoning out as the moon shone bright over head. Making out a tall figure heading towards her. Realizing who it was, confused as to what would have him out here.

A cigarette was offered, Mai was not one to smoke, yet in her desperation to calm down she accepted it. With it between her lips, slender hands lit the end for her. Taking a deep drag holding in momentarily. Releasing smoke from her lungs along with some of the stress within.

Breaking the silence “ Thanks.” Pausing as her gaze shifted from the floor to Kaiba “ But what brings you out here?”

Quiet time was a luxury Seto often could not afford. With the fast pace of the city constantly demanding his attention, it all seemed to fade away under the dark blanket of night. It was the only time he felt he could take the time to even attempt to relax. However, that came with its own slew of stipulations. 

He wasn’t exactly sure where he’d ended up after the aimless ride on his motorcycle, but the familiar face was no surprise. It seemed no matter where he went the faces of his past seemed to follow. Perhaps that was his own special brand of karma for all the wrong doings he’d accrued in his life. 

“Something tells me it might be     the same thing that brought you.”

Seto took in a deep inhale, letting the smoke burn his lungs. It was cathartic in its own right as he exhaled the large puff of smoke. At this point even involuntarily inhaling carcinogens sounded much more welcoming than sleep. He finally took a seat, making sure he was still a good distance from her. Even the people that were familiar were treated like strangers. It was the hedgehog's dilemma to a tee. 

      「I only know as much as you tell me, dear。」 Mukuro only shot him an annoyed glance and an eye roll at that remark before focusing her attention back on the baby。 Her smile mimicked Cohen’s as he smiled up at her, she continued to coo at him。

     「Cohen〜」 she repeated the name softly, holding her finger out for him to grab「such a cute name〜 Ahh, is that right？ Guess I’m one of the lucky ones then, hm〜？」 Her smile fading for a flash when Seto mentioned where Cohen was from, a small smile pulled on her lips。 「Ahh, so that’s where you’ve been？」she whispers, 「that’s pretty amazing, actually。」 

Cohen could not contain his laughter as Mukuro spoke his name. He reached out to grab for Mukuro’s finger with a strong grip. Seto found himself having trouble containing his joy for the moment, his own grip strong on the coffee cup as if to brace himself for the overload of cuteness. 

“What about you?      Where have you been hiding?”

The question was pointless small talk. Of course Seto had known precisely where she had been, sending people out periodically to check on her. Even if he was absent in her life, she hadn’t stayed absent in his. For awhile he told himself that was the only role he could assume. 

The notion had long since faded as he found it not able to suffice. Seeing her from afar paled in comparison to even just this quick meeting. He breathed in a sigh as he found himself lost in those thoughts for a second, and he found himself in a rare moment of emotional weakness. 

VALENTINES DAY ASKS

@2etokaiba· There’s a small black velvet box left at the door. It’s wrapped with a meticulously neat purple bow and a small tag. The tag simply reads ‘from: a secret admirer’. Inside it holds a gold bracelet in the shape of an ouroboros. The snake’s eyes glimmer, a tell tale sign of an exorbitant present.

There is sublime curiosity as he looks upon the small parcel. Adorned digits reach for it plucking the gift up before looking around to the left and right. How curious. Most of his admirers would stammer in the café like fools. Of course, he’d turn them down. They didn’t need some old man to fall for, even if he was just brushing twenty-two now. Minus about five thousand.

Slender digits cup the gift before the door closes behind him. With a flop upon his suede couch legs crossed does the former king let his royal mask fall ever so slightly. Eyes alighting as he pulled the ribbon and the top of the box is plucked free. Glaring eyes is the first sight to greet him, ah he knows this sigil. A symbol for eternity and everlasting. Well then, someone was being very obvious as to whom they were, weren’t they? 

A smile creeps into the vast corners of a growing simper upon his face. Bold move Kaiba. He’d have to return the favor now wouldn’t he? Phone is fished from the side table as leg bounces in tandem with his mood. 

[BLUE EYES: 💋 You make this game all to easy.][BLUE EYES: Your place, 20mins, dress appropriate.]

While he hadn’t exactly been thorough in covering his tracks, he finds himself in surprise when he receives the message. Of course it had been merely a ruse, or so he assures himself. Seto glowers at the screen before he finally decides to message back a simple word, ‘Fine.’, and the address of his current high rise hideaway. He knows there’s no way to refute the fact that he was the sender. 

The order to ‘dress appropriate’ only rubs salt in the wound. While he had no intention of doing anything else, knowing it was the Pharaoh that commanded him to do so was infuriating. His anger only grows as he ties his black silk tie in the mirror. 

There’s a tinge of nervousness as he waits for his guest to arrive. There’s a chance he was simply coming to thank him for the gift, but there was an even bigger chance that Atem was here to tease him on the matter. Suddenly, he regrets sending anything in the first place. While he’d always had a very obvious inclination towards the pharaoh, this had been much too bold for him. 

Once he hears the apparent knock at the door, he straightens himself out before answering the door. He makes sure to don his trademark scowl as he answers the door. If Atem was unaware of his sour mood, there was no mistaking it now as he let him into the apparent with the least amount of enthusiasm.

a certain thief is just going to empty a hoard of priceless jewels atop seto’s desk quite casually. ‘happy valentine’s day, habibi~.’

Seto’s attention normally came at a high cost, his work much more of a priority than who usually came through the door. However, blue eyes fell upon the grandiose display that grew on his desk. Confusion quickly contorted into a smirk as he looked Bakura over with a curious stare. 

“I didn’t realize you would be the     type to celebrate a silly holiday.” 

Of course this raised the concern of where all these precious items came from, but he knew better than to spoil the moment (well, in that way). Instead, he rose, moving to perch himself on the closes corner of the desk with a mischievous grin. 

Currently at starbucks studying for physics i’ll be doing replies/asks periodically while i’m here Making a list so I don’t forget what I owe: Masruq - ask Mutaheir - reply Mcmcntomorii - reply Omaiwhathavewedone - continuation of ask

      Mukuro felt her face flare-up in embarrassment when he clarified, once his voice was raised, Mukuro was also quick to glance around to make sure that unwanted attention got directed their way。 Seto wasn’t wrong, she should know him better than to do that。

      「Well, I also figured you weren’t the type to just cut contact with me for three years。」 She quipped, 「I am sorry I assumed what else am I suppose to think？」 The stirring from the crib drew her attention away from Seto and to the baby。 The previous upset expression her face held melted away once the baby woke up and stared up at her, her gaze softening considerably when small arms were outstretched towards her。

      「Of course I am, hold this,」 handing her coffee cup to him, Mukuro positioned herself to properly and carefully lift the baby from the stroller。 「What’s his name？」 She coos as she delicately holds the baby, sitting next to Seto, 「he’s so adorable。」

“You must not know me that well, then.”

There was a bit of wistfulness in his tone, but he kept any negativity at bay once she was handling Cohen. He took the coffee cup begrudgingly. It would have been the perfect opportunity for a picture, Cohen’s goofy smile in full force as he stared at Mukuro. 7 months and already a ladies man...

“His name is Cohen.      I don’t think I’ve seen him take to someone so quickly.”

The corners of his own mouth drew up slightly as he watched the scene unfold. Had it been a couple years prior he would have never imagined he’d grow to be this soft. It struck him as strange, but very ironic. He supposed that was growth. Seto hesitated for a moment, though they’d been close, Seto always tried to remain a private person. However, that was a lonely way to be. 

. ———— χαℓℓєт

      ♫. —— She was really good at landing herself in little self-inflicted mine fields that someone with half a wit ( and Kaiba had plenty ) could easily exploit, her dark sneaky compatriot was no exception - Then again it was always like that. The banter he’d offer was what was honestly what made all.. This.. Normal.

     ❝ And here I wouldn’t have ever thought being coy is something you’d give two thoughts over. ❞ A little part of her wondered how much he might not mind it from her if she did, but she knew he was no stranger to women playing that kind of game with his title and looks. ..Yet, she was also dangerously tied to him in this strange agreement they’d come under and she hated he would no doubt here the awkward flustered stutter of her heart at the last of his words. She inwardly cursed herself.

      ❝ ..But yes, as ready as I’ll ever be. ❞ She says with feigned braveness although her eyes only lingered on his own for a moment before shifting to the side as if to mimic his previous glance around, for though she trusted him ( he’d done a small share of saving her in his time of grumpy pasts ) having him so close really did create an effect over her that she would always forcibly rationalise is just due to the bizarreness and closeness that this situation created.

The whole situation was strange. Asking help from anyone was something his pride would not allow, but he made an exception. Anzu seemed to be the only one trustworthy enough to keep this under wraps. --Or so he told himself. 

“Alright.” 

Gently, he reached out, fingers wrapped loosely around the side of her neck. He tried not to focus on the beckoning warmth of her skin as he used his thumb to tilt her head and grant him leverage. If his heart could have beat, it would have done so intensely. No matter how many times they’d made the exchange it didn’t seem to feel any less foreign. He stopped himself, blue eyes staring intense at her. His brow was knit with concern. Seto slipped his hand from her and offered it out to her instead.

“Pinch me if you think it’s too much.     I’m still not very good at gauging when to stop.”

      Mukuro’s lips pulled into a frown once she heard his it’s complicated excuse, fighting to roll her eyes, Mukuro opted in taking a sip of her drink and to let him continue, when Seto gestured to the stroller, Mukuro’s gaze immediately flicked over to it before going back to Seto and did a double-take。 She was a little surprised that she didn’t notice it before taking a seat next to him, but she pegged it as she was too focused on finally seeing Seto again。 「Complicated？ What could be so compli—」 Her sentence ceased once she saw what was in the stroller。 All anger subsided for a moment as her attention switched to the sleeping baby。

      「Oh！ Awww, a baby〜」 As she happily looked down at the infant, leaning in a little to get a better view and softly cooing at the sight。 As she smiled down at the sleeping baby, something clicked in her mind and brought back the upset she felt prior to the introduction of the baby, straightening her posture before she spoke up again, 「wait。。。」 her voice remained soft as to not only attract attention to who she was talking to but also not to wake the baby, 「is this your child？」 The voice she used did have an edge of hurt to it, purely hoping that what her question was nothing but just a wrong assumption。 But that’s the only reason she could see with him dropping contact with her and then appear with a child, and that thought caused some hurt to hit her heart。

Mukuro’s reaction warmed his heart for the briefest of moments. Despite wanting to show off his child, he restricted everything to the smallest of circles. It was for Cohen’s own good, but sometimes it felt a bit lonely. The air of gloating didn’t last as Mukuro’s face twisted into something akin to anger. The fluster burned at his ears and he found himself fighting for composure.

“No!--” 

Seto had raised his voice, quickly stopping himself, eyes darting around to make sure the attention had not been raised. His shoulders relaxed under the overly tight fabric of his shirt, the rise and fall of his chest apparent as he took in a deep breath. 

“He’s adopted.      You should know me better than that.” 

Cohen had stirred from Seto’s short outburst, though not terribly upset over it. He stared at the unfamiliar face, small arms reaching towards his father’s pink haired companion. Seto lowered his glasses, shooting the baby a glance before looking at Mukuro with an nearly impressed grin. 

      There wasn’t anything out of the ordinary about this day, as far as Mukuro knew, that is, so when she decided to cut through a park on her way from a coffee shop and to a boutique that was on the other side, she didn’t think twice about the people she passed by。 That was, of course, until her gaze landed on someone who, from a distance, looked familiar。 The posture the man held was similar to her but at this distance, she couldn’t tell the facial features of the man in question。

      Only when she got closer, she realized that he was wearing a black face mask and sunglasses, which set off some red flags in her。 It wasn’t until she basically stood in front of him when she realized who exactly was sitting there。 Instead of walking on, Mukuro fluidly sat on the bench next to him。

     「If you’re going to tell me that you’ve been in Domino this whole time, I’m going to punch you。」 Mukuro said softly as to not be overheard by any passersby, glancing at the man out of the corner of her eye, 「Seto, you better have a good reason to ghost me for about three years now。」 There was a small glare narrowed on her eyes and a small pout formed on her lips, she was happy to see him again of course, but that didn’t stop how upset she was that he just sort of up and left without so much as a warning。

  【 @2etokaiba· 】

It had been a pretty standard day for Seto and Cohen. Once he’d had enough of staring into the never ending  abyss of office work, he’d decided to take a small break. He’d donned his ‘disguise’ that he’d been assured made him quite indistinguishable by his staff, a pair of black sunglasses and the black face mask he normally wore when travelling. Tucking, Cohen into the stroller, he set off for the park.

It had almost gone according to plan, Cohen’s soft snores barely heard over the bustle of the city as he perched himself on a bench with the stroller to his side. For a moment, he let his blue eyes slide shut to take in the moment of peace, but it seemed Mukuro had other plans. 

His body tensed as the weight of another body joined the bench. His eyes flew open and widened from behind the dark shades as he was softly scolded by Mukuro. A pang of guilt held his heart for a moment as he felt her anger. He’d never been a good friend, let alone a good boyfriend. His lips formed a scowled that was more aimed at himself that anything. 

“It’s complicated.” was all that he could muster in the moment. He let out a deep sigh. While he definitely deserved to be accosted, he wasn’t in the mood for it. “It’s not anything personal. I had my own things to take care of.” Pale hands gestured to the stroller as he gently rolled it over and in front of this lap.