034: Garnet
Word Count: 359
Gently, he placed a vase of roses in the center of the table before glancing at the clock. It was six o'clock and that meant that Yuugi would be home any moment. He scanned the room, making sure everything was in its proper place. Tonight was their one-year anniversary and he wanted to everything to be just perfect.
Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a velvet box that held his present for his lover. Just as he was lifting the lid to take one last look, the front door swung open, signaling Yuugi's return. As quickly as he could Atemu snapped the lid shut, slid the ribbon back on, and shoved it into his pocket.
"Atemu," Yuugi called, entering the dining room. "I'm home."
The shorter man was greeted with a peck on the cheek. "Hello love. How was your day?"
"Oh, it was great." Before Yuugi could continue he caught site of the table and froze. His heart dropped to his stomach. Slowly, he turned back to Atemu. "I forgot."
With kind eyes Atemu held Yuugi's gaze. "It's all right, really. I know how busy you are with your new job." He gave Yuugi a smile and was rewarded with a small one in return. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the velvet box. "Here. I got you something."
"But-"
"I don't care whether or not you got me anything. Just open it." He shoved the box into Yuugi's hands.
"If you insist." Carefully he slid the golden ribbon off of the navy blue box and set it on the table. He opened the clam-like top, flitching at the creaking sound the box made. His breath caught in his throat and his heart stopped beating. Sitting nestled in the center of the box was a pair of garnet earrings. "Atemu…"
"Do you like them?" Atemu asked, unable to read the expression on Yuugi's face.
"I do, but…"
"But what?" Did he not like the stone? He thought it represented them just fine. The stone was purplish-red; a perfect combination of their eye colors.
"It's just that these are earrings and I don't have my ears pierced."