Hi Everyone! A small new story for this Christmas, but don't worry, Blind Date is not in any trouble and will still be updated. Warnings are in the story's summary, so I won't repeat them here. I just hope you'll like what I come up with and that I can surprise you all.
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!
Enjoy!
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White Picket Fence
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The slender four storey building was a little crooked and seemed to sway in the icy wind blowing through the streets. It stood a little off to the side, as if everyone had shunned it while building their own homes, yet, it was still there. Christmas lights and decorations were pinned to the rotting wood from either the surrounding fence or the building itself, creating a warm glow to surround the plot. The small lanterns illuminated a small path towards the entrance of the building, where warm light streamed to the outside world through large windows. A few small pine trees, just as crooked as everything else, were decorated with a few lights as well as glittering garlands in a kind attempt to cheer everyone up who walked towards the creaking wooden door.
Inside, however, people were chatting as they enjoyed a simple dinner of soup with bread, baked potatoes with vegetables or a nice chicken curry. The cosy atmosphere bloomed as the different bistro tables and chairs were occupied, the lights continuing to warm the inside décor as All I want for Christmas sounded through the radio's speakers softly. Inside, nobody noticed the ice-cold wind which had started as soon as the night had fallen while cutlery tapped against differently coloured plates.
"Yami, stop moping. It's only November, you still have to get through the month", a young woman said as she kindly elbowed the young male next to her. Long, auburn hair and stormy-grey eyes were her most noticeable features, together with her sweet smile as she tried to cheer her companion up a little. A slender black tail flicked in slight annoyance, black cat-ears folding back in tri-coloured hair as crimson eyes with slits for pupils turned her way. There was a pout on his lips, though he would never admit there was.
"Sorry, Shizuka", he merely murmured while filling his tray with ordered drinks. Beer, apple juice or soda, he gathered them all gently before walking back into the crowd. She pursed her lips as he walked away, watching over the cash-register like a hawk, yet her stormy-grey eyes followed him. He walked with a grace she couldn't, his slender tail balancing him as he moved, his baritone voice smooth and warm. The tri-coloured hair, black with a crimson trim and golden blond bangs, was one of his immediate features. The same bangs framed his face as well, a sharp face with high cheekbones carrying those glowing crimson eyes. Black cat-ears were next, giving away what he was: an oddity in the crowd. An uncommon sight to see. A Neko, with a tear in his right ear.
The young woman could see how he served the customers with a kind smile, seemingly cheery to others, but she knew better. It had taken her years, but Shizuka could read the flick of his tail and the folding of his ears. As he returned with his filled tray of empty glasses, she tilted her head slightly. "If you can't beat them, Yami, join them", she tried, though that received her a slightly dark glance. Not menacing, but enough to get his point across.
"Never", he hissed softly, baring his fangs at the idea ever so slightly, before walking into the kitchen to fill the washing machine with the glasses. His nose twitched slightly as it smelled nice inside, the warmth from the stove a little too much, but he could endure. At least in here, he couldn't hear the radio. In here, it was the sound of kitchen appliances roaring with live that filled his sensitive ears and Yami gave a small smile. Quickly he gathered the finished plates for another order, folding his ears so they hid in his hair again, before he walked from the kitchen back into the front area.
It was busy tonight with many people gathering as if the holiday spirit had struck with the sudden turn of October to November. This was good, but that didn't mean he had to like it. Let it snow sounded from the speakers softly and he wished it would snow. Until at least the second of January if possible, though he truly couldn't wish for it as Shizuka still needed the business to continue if they wanted to survive through another year. Yet, what he wouldn't give to hide underneath his covers and have everything pass him by for just this one time.
Returning to the cash-register, a brunette joined him to fill a particularly large order. Her blue eyes were shining and she was smiling brightly, while Shizuka gathered the required glasses. "It's rather busy tonight, isn't it?", the other woman asked, while she opened up a bottle of wine and poured a glass.
"Absolutely! Everyone saw us working on the Christmas lights, even Jonouchi's work has been noticed and we've got many compliments. The Swan Inn might even make some profit for the upcoming repairing which needs to be done", Shizuka answered, before she turned towards the cash register and helped a customer pay for their meal. The brunette smiled with excitement, following Yami through the eating crowd to serve the large table at the back. The men and women were nicely dressed for the evening, enjoying themselves as the evening wore on.
Helping at the cash-register, Yami watched Shizuka make small-talk with a few customers which she knew very well, laughing while "Jingle Bells" sounded through the speakers. The young male folded his ears again and swished his black tail in annoyance, yet a smile played on his lips as he bid the dining people a wonderful evening. Just because he was not very fond of the music-choice currently playing, he would never show it towards their customers as that was highly unprofessional. He also didn't want Shizuka to try and cheer him up again. She was a lovely young woman and he was glad to work for her, but he really wasn't in the mood to be cheered up so he continued to pretend and smile until he could turn the radio off at last. He helped the chef clean up the kitchen while the brunette and a few other waiters were cleaning out the front area. Shizuka was counting the register, smiling as she finished.
"You were right, Anzu, it was a wonderful evening", she said to the brunette next to her who was cleaning the bar. As she finished, her stormy-grey eyes turned towards everyone else, her smile possibly brightening. "Well done everyone, I'm really glad we could turn this evening in a very successful one. Halloween was amazing, but now that we are heading towards Christmas, I'm sure we'll be even more amazing. We have already begun decorating the Inn and we'll continue tomorrow afternoon. I'll see you all then, good night guys", were the young woman's words, before she waved everyone goodbye while they left.
Gently, Yami helped Shizuka set up the tables for tomorrow morning and he smiled as he gazed at a picture of The Swan Inn on top of the mantelpiece. Next to it was a large pot filled with coins, the label on it reading "Help us repair the Inn". The young Neko knew the building needed repairing, especially considering it was as crooked on the inside as well as the outside. The floor of the dining room was uneven and wobbly, the walls patched up as best as possible with decorations and other means. It was Shizuka's dream of rebuilding the Inn to a place where people could stay and eat at while enjoying themselves for a holiday in Domino City. Right now, however, it was more or less a rescue centre for people who didn't have a decent home to go back to at night and deep down, Yami knew the young woman would let the Inn continue to be just that as well.
The pale Neko also knew the building would keep its slightly crooked look because everyone knew the building by that particular feature. Those who needed help knew they could knock on the special side door, just like they knew not to be afraid of judgement. Shizuka would never give it, a trait Yami had come to appreciate over the years. She was kind to everyone and tried to help to the best of her ability, even if that meant the repairs would be delayed.
Flicking his ear towards the sound of knocking, Yami straightened from setting up the last of the small bistro tables. "There's someone at the door", he said to the auburn-haired woman and she straightened as well, before walking off. Yami finished his work and followed her in case she needed help. As he reached the kitchen, he could hear her talking to another woman.
"Are you hurt right now?", Shizuka asked softly and Yami gazed at the small blonde teenager sitting next to her. Green eyes watched Yami enter with his tablecloths, napkins and cutlery from behind rectangle glasses, before they turned towards Shizuka again. A small shake of her head was the answer.
"No, I'm not. I managed to get away before everything escalated. When I arrived in the city, people pointed me to the crooked building and said you might be able to help me for the night", the girl said, sniffing softly and wiping her eyes from small tears. Shizuka smiled and squeezed the girl's shoulder while giving a soft nod.
"We can, Rebecca. We have little to offer, but there is always a spare bed at The Swan Inn for those in need of one. Let me get you some leftovers first, you look starved", Shizuka said, raising up from her seat to rummage around the kitchen. Yami helped her reheat some chicken soup while cleaning away the tablecloths and napkins, before giving the blonde teenager a plate with leftover bread and cutlery. Shizuka set down some cheese, ham and marmalade on top of the table while sitting down herself again. Yami stayed silent as he presented Rebecca with the leftover soup, before moving back towards the sink to start on the few dishes that needed washing. For as long as Shizuka was awake and with the blonde girl, he would stay downstairs as well. He knew the grey-eyed woman could handle herself well enough with just a teenager, but it was always better to be with the two of them in the middle of the night.
"Thank you", Rebecca whispered, before tearing off a little bread so she could dip it into the soup. Yami's black ears moved towards the sound of her voice while he focused on the dishes and cleaning the counter. Rebecca wasn't the first to come through the side door, looking for a place to stay at with winter blowing through the streets. He himself had come here almost six years ago, perhaps not like Rebecca had done, but he too had needed help. So far, he hadn't left and the Inn had become his home. Crooked and cold sometimes, with insufficient plumbing and many repairs that needed doing, but it was a home of sorts.
Shizuka tried her best to make it into a warm and welcoming place after winning the building in a lottery. It had been for sale for a long time and people had really wanted to get rid of it. Cursed, had been whispered sometimes, but the young girl hadn't shied away from the challenge and had survived these past six years one way or the other. Yet, big repairs were coming up and they were having trouble saving up the required amount of money. They'd get there though, like they always did and as Shizuka saw Rebecca to an empty room, Yami followed up the creaking stairs towards his own.
The young girl hadn't been too free in telling what happened, which was common and Yami didn't mind. It was natural for those who needed help, to wish for it without having to explain everything. They were still fearful and unsure about the offered help, but that was fine. Shizuka never really asked, aside from the most important questions. If necessary, Rebecca could stay as long as she wanted, pretty much like Yami did considering he couldn't afford any other place. Yet, his room was his home, even if it only contained a single bed with a night stand, a wardrobe and a tiny bookcase next to a comfortable chair. He quickly closed the curtains so he didn't need to look at the Christmas lights illuminating his bedroom, before gathering a few of his supplies and a towel.
The bathrooms were shared amongst the residents, but at this hour, he was the only one using them. Purring softly as the warm water cascaded down his pale skin, he closed his eyes in bliss. It would be short-lived as the boiler only had warm water for so long, but he would enjoy it for as long as it would last. Shaking himself before grasping his towel, he squeezed the water from his tail gently so he wouldn't leave a trail back towards his bedroom. Curling up in his self-made nest, Yami was glad for the extra provided blankets as the wind howled against the building. Setting his alarm for tomorrow morning, as he had breakfast duty, Yami nuzzled his pillow afterwards and stared at the small photo on top of his night stand. His eyes glowed ever so slightly while a sad smile curled his pale lips.
"Goodnight, Atemu. Wherever you are", he whispered to the man whose eternal smile curled tanned lips. They looked eerily alike, aside from their skin tone as well as the colour of their eyes. Rose-red stared back at Yami's crimson and the Neko sighed softly, nuzzling his pillow some more as he tried to ignore the feelings blooming in his chest. He blamed it on the upcoming season and he firmly closed his eyes as he tried to ignore it all. He wished it would snow so he could hide underneath his sheets until January would come around. With that thought in mind, he fell asleep.
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A warmth ran down his face and he tried to wipe it away, but he couldn't. He couldn't move and he whimpered softly. It was uncomfortable, painful and he closed his eyes as the warmth continued. What was it? Why was it there? Where was he? Why couldn't he move? Soft laughter rang in his ears next and he could feel his panic rise.
"No stop!"
At the yell, Yami gasped loud and jolted in his bed, falling from it and he yelped as he hit the floor. Sitting up immediately, he touched his face as he could still feel the warmth upon his skin and he trembled as the nightmare haunted him. Turning the light on as his mind screamed for it, relieve washed over him as Yami found himself in his room. He was still trembling as he picked himself up from the floor and sat back down on his bed, cocooning himself in his sheets.
Slowly, his breathing evened out as he stared at the tanned man in the photo and nuzzled his pillow again. It had just been a nightmare, nothing to be scared about. He couldn't kill the feelings though. He couldn't, not even when he fell asleep again.
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Breakfast duty wasn't that exciting, yet it was a comfort to make sure those who were less fortunate as them had a nice meal in the morning. One they didn't have to pay for as the local government helped out. For every meal provided, Shizuka got a small allowance, which she solely used for those that came to her for help. In the beginning, Yami remembered how the young woman had tried to do everything herself and only after he had shown he could cook had things really changed.
"Morning Yami", a tall blond said as he entered the kitchen, his honey-brown eyes gleaming slightly as he eyed the breakfast table in the middle of the dining room. Freshly baked bread rolls were staring back at him, some covered in delicious chocolate or powered sugar, and the blond licked his lips at the sight of them. The pale Neko chuckled softly while he kept an eye on the oven, considering it had quite a temperament.
"Morning Jonouchi, did you sleep well?", Yami asked and the blond gave a shrug, before he walked towards the breakfast table and took two bread rolls. He waved at those greeting him, their tattered clothes patched up in different places. Most of them were men, either younger or older than him, though a few women had joined them at their tables as well. Some were wives, others as cast away as The Swan Inn for no apparent reason. Yami rolled his eyes as Jonouchi's first line of thinking was food before some idle chitchat and with the new batch of freshly baked bread rolls, he walked into the dining room as well. He gently filled the basket on top of the breakfast table just as a few new visitors entered. They went passed Shizuka who guarded the cash-register and a list of names telling her who was "allowed" to eat for free at the Inn.
The local bakery had been so kind to gift her with more bread rolls than they would possibly eat that morning, even though Yami knew he could keep them all in shape so they could also be used at either lunch or dinner. Luckily, breakfast had evolved from Shizuka doing everything to her accepting the self-service-way. Customers lined up gently next to the breakfast table where they could pick out bread rolls and toppings, all in decent margins, before taking a seat at one of the bistro tables. Yami was glad the younger woman had accepted this new idea from him shortly after he started to live at the Inn and it truly made her life a lot easier. A few customers paid for their meal, before they left to work, yet most of those eating at the Inn were jobless. Some worked where Jonouchi did, at the factory and Yami smiled slightly as he watched the blond chatting with several of his colleagues. They were laughing, before Jonouchi returned to the kitchen and rolled his shoulders.
"All right", he said and Yami rose his eyebrow in curiosity, "Thanks for the meal, Yami, but I gotta do some plumbing upstairs. Can you watch the dining room a little?" At the question, the pale Neko smiled and nodded.
"Of course I can Jou. I have duty until five and the other guys come over after twelve. It's a Sunday, so Shizuka will close the Inn after breakfast is done. We'll clean up, she'll do some paperwork and I'll get everything ready for tonight so the chef can make us some more dinner", Yami said and Jonouchi nodded as he rubbed his stomach.
"Yeah, Anzu really lucked out with winning that charity program. It has never been this busy before and he really keeps everything simple, just as it was. Don't get me wrong, I still prefer your cooking, but it's also nice to have someone else around once in a while", Jonouchi said and Yami could feel his cheeks warm up at the compliment. Flicking his tail slightly and folding his ears back, the young Neko tried his best to fight the blush dusting his pale cheeks.
"Thanks Jonouchi", he said, his lips curling in a warm smile. The blond patted his shoulder gently, before he left with a small wave. Gently, Yami washed the dishes, his tail flicking back and forth still as he tried to get the blush from his cheeks. He had never been good with compliments, especially as he had never really received them in his younger years. He was just doing his best, like everyone else at the Inn. The less fortunate of their customers were trying their best to sometimes pay for their meals, Jonouchi was trying his best to make sure the plumbing worked and Shizuka was trying her best to hold everything together. If he did not do his best, than it really was not worth it to be living here, now was it?
As he had predicted, after closing the Inn for a little while until lunch would start, Shizuka worked on the paperwork she had to fill out in order to receive the money from the local government so she could continue her work in helping other people who needed it. Yami cleaned the dining area and as he was setting everything up, Anzu came over as well. She helped him while they made small talk in the hopes of this evening being just as busy as last night. Rebecca came downstairs as well, having a conversation with Shizuka of what to do next. The latter promised her the young teen could stay as long as necessary, which was greatly appreciated.
Lunch had a few decent visitors which Anzu and their other colleague could handle just fine while Yami worked in the kitchen. He enjoyed working behind the stove and the oven, making sandwiches, grilled chicken with fries and mustard soup with bread rolls as well as a nice salad for the new customers. Some were on Shizuka's list while others happily paid for their meal while having a nice outing with friends. The wind had stopped howling and the sun was actually out, creating a beautiful scenery with the autumn colours.
The other good thing about standing in the kitchen, was the fact he couldn't hear the radio. Nor could he see the Christmas lights or the tiny decorated pine trees. His ears were sensitive to both touch and sound, but all the other noise was drowned out as he worked through the lunch rush. When the charity chef showed up, Yami gave him the space he needed, heading upstairs as his shift was finally over. He took a quick shower to get the kitchen smells off of him, before settling himself down in his comfortable chair. Listening to the sounds from downstairs, Yami smiled while reading his favourite book, snuggled up underneath his blankets and with the small light from his night stand creating a glow within his crimson eyes.
Another day had gone by, one wherein he had not been bothered so much by the Christmas carols from the radio or Shizuka's attempts at cheering him up. Anzu had tried a few times, which had eventually made him hiss and puff up his tail slightly because he just wanted to be left alone about it. They were allowed to like it, but that didn't mean he had to, right? Sighing softly, Yami turned the page of his book gently and curled up on his seat a little more. This was nice though, surrounded by a few whispers from downstairs with a good book to read. Nobody around, just him and his mind and Yami smiled as he continued to read, before heading to bed at last.
"Goodnight Atemu, wherever you are".
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That would conclude the first chapter. If you have the time, please leave a review! See you all in chapter 2!