Woohoo! Time for a new chapter!
I made some revisions to the previous chapter, but there are only really two key things that I need to point out for those of you who read it before the changes were made:
1. The store is now called 'Kingdom Korner' and not 'Kame Korner'. The Kame Game Shop still exists! It was just a dumb error on my part ^^;
2. The nametag that Yugi's wearing says 'Jounouchi' instead of 'Katsuya'. I made the classic oops of mixing up the name order which is the opposite in Japan (last name, first name). I also constantly forget that 'Jounouchi' is his last name and not his first.
Author's Note(s): Every time you see sentences in italics, it's Yugi's inner monologue in the moment rather than past tense. I used it a little bit in the last chapter, but there's a ton of it in this one… maybe too much hehe. Also, holy hell sassy Yugi I didn't mean for this to happen I swear!
I'm going to try to update this puppy every week (probably Tuesdays). However, I can't guarantee that 100% because my work schedule fluctuates a lot.
Btw the cover art is also by me! C:
Anyway, on with the chapter!
WARNING: Depiction of past violence and offensive slurs/ language! It's not very long but be aware that it's in here! (and here I thought this was supposed to be a comedy hurhur)
Chapter 2: Clocking Out
If there was one thing about me that I had to choose as a positive trait, it would be my intuition. It wasn't as if I had some magical abilities or anything. I was just able to fuse common sense with pattern recognition. Growing up with a gaming fanatic like my Grandpa had allowed me to harness and perfect the skill on a daily basis. Most of the time, it was helpful.
Hmm... My art history professor hasn't had a quiz in weeks? Better study because that means that he'll probably have one soon.
Ding! Had a test the next day and got 100%.
Playing duel monsters and my opponent is going about the game defensively with 2 facedown cards? Must be a trap card that's going to wipe out my monsters if I attack. Better play Harpie's Feather Duster.
Ding! Right again! A Mirror Force and Spell Spinding Circle destroyed!
But then there were occasions such as that morning that my "all-knowing" gift got on my last nerve.
Within an hour of my shift, Kingdom Korner blew up to max capacity. Anzu and I worked briskly behind the registers and did our best to accommodate each customer. Well, at least I tried my best to. Anzu on the other hand was just naturally amazing at customer service.
Bags are full of heavy items? It'll be doubled bagged. Did we have some sort of promotion going on for an item a customer was buying and they weren't previously aware of it? They'd instantly get the discount added to their order. Plus, she practically knew where every item was located in the store. From the most popular brands of chips to some unheard of type of gum, if you asked her, she'd know in and instant if we carried it or not.
Me, I just tried to get through every customer and quickly as I could. Despite it being only a little over an hour into the shift, I was already down to an almost mechanical process: say 'hello', scan, bag, take cash, give change, "have a nice day". Pegasus had written down a list of the tasks that he required me to do and while I had a few of them done already, it felt around 50 pounds as it sat in my front pocket. I was not good at dealing with strangers and could be overwhelmed easily so it took all of my self-control to not leap over the counter and sprint into the backroom for a moment of peace. At one point, I had dropped the cash a customer had handed me, all in coins, and I fumbled and they scattered all behind the registers.
"Ah! Oh crap, I'm so sorry! Just give me a second, please! I'll get it!"
As I bent down to retrieve them while sputtering more apologizes, I could sense Anzu's look of concern along my back. My eyes were wide and I could feel my face increase in temperature. She excused herself from the customer she was helping and bent down next to me, handing me a few that had fallen next to her feet.
"Here, Yugi," She whispered gently, titling her hand and letting the money fall gently into my outward palm as if it were made of glass.
I looked down at the money in my hand and did some mental calculation about how much more I needed to find. "Thanks, Anzu."
She smiled slightly before bracing one hand on the counter to lift herself back up.
"Are you going to be okay today?"
I nodded hesitantly, finding the rest of the money needed and began to stand as well. I felt my legs wobble slightly and her hand went across my back, preventing me from falling backwards. She sighed.
"No, you're not."
I knew she was right, but I ignored her as I finished helping the customer. I gave them a final apologetic smile but they just blew it off with a huff of annoyance and turned while mumbling something about 'kids these days'.
I bowed my head in embarrassment but quickly lifted it with a yelp of surprise when I was yanked backwards by my arm. I turned to see my manager looking down at me. Pegasus released my arm and maneuvered around me to my original place at the counter. He was shaking his head.
"Again, Yugi-boy?"
My face flushed even more and I turned, refusing to look him in the eye. I heard his body shift to address Anzu. "Can you handle yourself for a moment, Mazaki-chan?"
"Of-of course, sir," she answered.
He then leaned his face close to mine to prevent the customers waiting in line from eavesdropping, but it didn't help ease my embarrassment in the slightest. I was still clearly an employee being scolded by their boss.
"You have no troubles talking to Mazaki-chan or Jounouchi-kun, but as soon as you see an unfamiliar face, you freeze up with your tail between your legs. This is third incident this week and it's only Tuesday."
I peeked up at him through my eyelashes and saw the disappointment plain as day on his face. He was right, I was comfortable with them, but that had taken a whole year of working with them to get to the point that we were at. I groaned before responding to his statement. "I know, I know. I'm sorry."
He brought his hands up to his temple and rubbed them in annoyance. "Look, you're a sweet kid and all, but this social anxiety crap has to stop. I hired you partially because I owe your grandpa a debt, but I've kept you because I know you that you're a productive worker. I could go outside right now and hire 5 high school and college students on the spot, but I won't because I know that you can work 10 times as hard as all of them. I've given you plenty of time to adjust to all of this and I need you to step up."
I shook my head to clear it a little and wiped at a tear that threated to fall down my cheek.
He noticed.
"Look, just… go grab a cub and get something to drink. My treat. I'll help Mazaki-chan with the front for a while."
I lifted my head up completely at that. "But-"
The look he gave me sent a clear message: 'Are you fucking serious? Shut up and do what I say before your dumb ass is fired.'
"Okay. Thanks," I replied as I stepped away from him and maneuvered around the counter.
"Go outside for a bit too," he suggested with his attention now towards the line of people, a grin planted on his now relaxed face, "I can help the next person, please!"
"Sure thing, Boss," I muttered under my breath as I headed to our drink fountain.
With a small, cherry slushy in hand, I leaned my back against a rickety bench I was sitting on near the ourside of the store and breathed deeply. The heat did nothing to soothe the redness of my face so the attempt was in vain, but it was much quieter out near the street than it was inside. And that was saying something. It wasn't one of the main drags, but it was one of the easiest routes to the beaches. Through the humidity of the air, I could vaguely smell the sea salt if I concentrated hard enough. The thought of rolling waves relaxed me slightly, not completely, but it was enough to slow my breathing back to normal. I closed my eyes and couldn't help but reprimand myself in my head.
Why am I like this?! Seriously, there's no point to it whatsoever! No one's going to bite me in there!
Truth be told, I had a pretty good idea of why I had social issues. A lot of my anxiety most likely stemmed from my school days when I was bullied. The one defining moment though was the one instance when I was beaten up in high school. I could still feel their fists against my face, the gurgles of pain in my throat as I was choked, the look in their eyes which held no sympathy for what they were doing to me.
Words laced with poison, "WHY WON'T YOU DIE?!"
A pain along my scalp as my hair was pulled every which way. BANG! Head on concrete, dampness of blood through my locks. A ringing in my ears that was cruelly soft enough to hear their words above it.
"DIE, YOU FUCKING FAGGOT!"
*WHAM*
I opened my eyes wide when I recognized that the last sound was real and I darted my head left and right, seeking its origin. Parked next to curb not too far from me there was now a police car that hadn't been there previously. It was the standard colors, black and white, with red and blue sirens on the roof, but it also had an insignia that read 'POLICE Domino City' on the side of the doors.
Yes, because no one could've ever guessed that it was a squad car without that decal.
The tension in my body that I had been holding was released after realizing that I wasn't in any danger. The driver must've slammed the door after exiting the car. I couldn't quite see them clearly as the vehicle was blocking them from my vision, but I could see part of their body through the windows and saw that they were making their way around and towards Kingdom Korner. And they would most definitely be passing me along the way.
I realized that some tears had escaped unknowingly through my puffy eyes and I rubbed at them vigorously with the back of my hands, staring down at the slushy that was sat between my thighs like it was the most intriguing thing in the world.
Nothing to see here, officer. Just a grown man crying like a wimp in front of the establishment that he works at.
I was hoping that if they did notice me, they'd assume that I had been fired or something along those lines, hence the tears.
I heard footsteps clack against the pavement, getting louder as the cop walked closer. They did, however, stop and I looked up enough to see some black boots facing in my direction.
Please, please don't be one of those cops that has to be involved in everyone's business.
"Excuse me, sir, but are you alright?"
Dammit.
The voice was smooth and deep, definitely a man, but also laced with concern. Figuring that I had no choice in the matter, I chanced a glance up, words of reassurance that I was okay ready to fall from my lips.
They were stopped dead in their tracks when our eyes met.
Let me say outright that I am bisexual. I've always known that; boobs are great, dicks are great, so with that in mind…
Is anyone else aware that this man has found a way to embed rubies where his eyes should be?
They were the deepest crimson I had ever seen, outlined by dark eyebrows and thin eyeliner that flared at the sides. It was subtle enough that you wouldn't notice the makeup without a second glance, but it completed the look like a bow on a Christmas present. His skin was a deep caramel, a color that wasn't achieved just by a pure outdoor lifestyle and it contrasted his blonde bangs perfectly. Come to think of it, his hair was almost identical to mine; an ebony star shape outlined with burgundy ends and golden bangs that stuck out every which way. The only difference between our fringes was that he had more strands of gold amongst the jet back and lacked a small curl in the front. The burgundy was also a little frizzier along the sides as if a gust of wind had disrupted the spikes, but the disheveled look did nothing but enhance his attractiveness.
His uniform was an ashy grey button up shirt with a black tie and various badges and patches adorning his shoulders and chest. The sleeves were just short enough that I could see some well-toned biceps peek out; not too thick but not paper thin either. His pants were just as black as his tie and were held up by a belt with various pouches and a gun holster, shirt tucked underneath it. My eyes were drawn back up to his clearly well-built chest when I heard a broken voice shout through his walkie-talkie on his shoulder. Underneath that was a name tag.
Officer Sennen.
Okay, if his last name is that sexy, I need to know how his first name compares.
Not that I could begin to ask as my mouth was still as dry as Death Valley.
The officer seemed to be looking me over as well, though clearly not in the lusty way I was. His lips morphed into a crooked smile when the silence continued to grow longer and he cleared his throat and if he was doing it for me. I followed suit, but before I could work up the courage to finally say something, I heard a 'pop' down below.
Apparently I squeezed my thighs tight enough together that the pressure had popped off the cover of my drink and allowed the slushy mix to flow up and over the rim. I squeaked and pushed the cup away before the red liquid could dribble onto my pants… and right onto the officer's shoes.
Oops.
"Waah! Oh shit-I mean, I'm so sorry, officer!" I cried as I abruptly shot up, my chest almost up against his. "Hang on, I'll go inside and get some paper towels!"
As I tried to rush past him and avoid the slush on the pavement, he grabbed my wrist, his long fingers encircling my pale-by-comparison skin. A jolt of something akin to electrical shock burst through my arm and I gasped. When I turned towards him, the look on his face was calm and gentle.
"There is no need. They will not stain and in this heat they should dry momentarily."
The way he spoke was very formal Japanese, the type usually attributed to very old men or foreigners. He was clearly not the former; he couldn't have been more than 5 years older than me, but I wasn't sure about the latter due to his last name. It would explain the skin color at least.
"If… if you're sure, sir," I stammered. My voice was slightly higher pitched than normal and I groaned internally when I rapidly comprehended the reason why. I'd had enough experience in bed and lonely nights in my comfy apartment to hear that tone before.
No, Little Yugi- bad! Not now!
"I am," the officer reassured, the man completely unaware the internal battle that was occurring because of his presence and warmth against my skin. Somehow, his body temperature was scorching my wrist in a way that the sun couldn't accomplish and it gave me goose bumps.
With both of us standing so close, I noticed that he was a little bit taller than me with the top of my head landing at the underside of his thin chin. His jaw was tight as if he had a lot to say but didn't out of fear that I might bolt. At that moment, I figured that if I didn't get him to talk, he'd just continue to stand there paralyzed.
"Um… would you mind.. uhh."
His jaw unhinged at that. "You were crying," he stated bluntly.
Anger flared in my gut at that. Whether it was actually due to his words or the memories that had produced the aforementioned tears I wasn't sure.
Why in the FUCK does it matter to you?! It was just tears, what's the big deal?
"Don't you have some old lady the help across the street?"
The harshness of my own tone surprised me and I shuddered at it. I hadn't meant to voice my thoughts like I had, especially at an officer.
After all, he may very well be sincerely concerned, although it's misplaced. He clearly doesn't have down the concept of personal space.
If he was angered by my words, he didn't look it. If anything, his expression looked even more compassionate as if he understood that my outburst was not entirely directed towards him. He did release my wrist though, placing the same hand along his thin waist instead. His movement prompted me to shift as well so I turned away from his line of sight.
"Crap, I-look…" I sighed, rubbing my temple before starting again, "My boss is probably wondering what's taking me so long out here. I appreciate you concern, really I do, but I'm alright." If he had at all come to the false conclusion that I was indeed fired, my words trounced that theory instantly.
There was a long pause that followed which I interpreted as a sign that he wasn't going to respond. As I moved for the entrance again, I heard him chuckle lightly behind me. It stopped me dead in my tracks.
"Only if you are sure," I heard him jest lightly.
The urge to turn towards him was too great and I looked at him against my better judgment. A warm, reassuring smile was plastered on the cop's face. No resentment. It was completely sincere.
I couldn't resist returning him the same, "I am."
The officer's smile grew; he was practically beaming at that point, and maneuvered around me to brace the door with his forearm, pushing it open. His free hand was palm up and gesturing indoors.
"Then after you," he encouraged.
Well, clearly chivalry isn't dead. It's very much alive. And damn sexy apparently.
"Uh… thanks," I offered dumbly.
His smile didn't falter as he followed in after me.
Once inside, I made my way back towards my station while the cop went to peruse around the store.
Poor guy. I'm sure he wasn't expecting to deal with someone like me so early in the morning.
Both Anzu and Pegasus watched me carefully as I came closer. Once I was stood in front of my manager, I placed a hand over the top of the monitor and drummed my fingers on it lightly.
"I'm ready to take over, Pegasus," I offered.
He seemed surprised at my eagerness, though it definitely wasn't 100%, but he slid away from his place and strode into the back room. Anzu tilted her head at me as if to ask what had happened, but I just gave her a look that said 'I'll tell you later'. It seemed to sate her curiosity for the time being and we both turned our attention to the shoppers.
The store had slowed down some by that point. Most people had rushed in and out before their own jobs and only a few stragglers remained. This of course gave me ample opportunity to study a certain cop who was mixing sugar into the coffee that he poured. He bent down to retrieve a cover under the counter and he was at just the right angle for me to view his… assets.
"Alright, spill," I heard a whisper in my ear.
I flinched even knowing that it was Anzu and turned towards her.
"What do you mean? I've already done enough spilling for one day."
Of course she didn't understand what I was talking about but I nodded over to the coffee bar before she could question me further.
"See that cop over there?"
She grinned. "You mean the one with the great ass? Or course I did."
Well, at least she wasn't blind.
With a stray bang in my hand, I twirled it around my index finger nervously.
"Well I uh… I might've, just possibly, splattered some cherry slushy all over his shoes."
She gaped at me and grabbed my shoulders, shaking me in disbelief. "You did NOT!"
An embarrassed laugh escaped my lips. "I did," I confirmed.
She removed her hands and proceeded to busy herself with the cigarettes above us. "You know, there are better ways at flirting with a man than getting him all sticky on the first meeting."
"ANZU!" I gasped.
She merely shrugged her shoulders as is her previous statement was completely innocent in nature. "Well, you're the one who did it."
"It wasn't on purpose!" I protested, but it fell on deaf ears as her attention was back on the man. Not that I blamed her. Anyone with eyes would it difficult not to stare. Even if I was straight, I still would've noticed him.
"So, what did you say?"
"Nothing really," I replied honestly, "I just sorta got pissey with him. As is my way."
"Smooth."
I groaned. "Why must you always assume that I'm trying to get in bed with every hot person that I've ever come in contact with?"
"Have you SEEN him?! Of course you want him. I know I do. Preferably handcuffed to my bed."
"Thanks for the insight into the hidden fantasies of your mind, Anzu."
"Anytime. Besides, I figure he's got a few extra pair."
I leaned my elbows on the counter and stared off deliberately into other areas of the store as she finished organizing.
"But seriously, Yugi, do you?"
"I've yelled at him, spilt shit on his shoes, and have known him all of 30 minutes. What do you think?"
She pondered that for a moment as if it was a serious query. "Well, judging by how you're avoiding eye contact with him, I'd say yes."
"'Eye contact?'" I repeated, turning back towards her.
"Yeah. You must've gotten his attention because he keeps looking back over here."
Every portion of my body besides my brain screamed at me to look up and confirm what Anzu had said for myself, but I was able to keep my place on the counter with only a slight twinge of surprise. "WHA?!"
She rolled her eyes at me and placed her hands on her hips. "Just be nice to him. Tell him that his coffee's on us. I've never seen him here before, so he's probably not aware that he can get his coffee for free by being on duty."
My face met the counter with a soft 'bam' and I grumbled into it. "You do it then. I don't think I can."
"Yes you can," she encouraged, patting me on the back, "Just be yourself. Smile. Complete the transaction like a normal, overly-excited-about-their-job employee."
I turned my head enough that my check was bracing my head. "Wait, what transaction?"
"The one you're about to have right now. I'll be right back!"
And with that, I heard her race behind me to somewhere amongst the shelves where I couldn't see her.
Oh hell no, she's not actually-
"Is this register open?" questioned a familiar, baritone voice.
She is.
I bolted upright and braced the edge of the countertop for support. The fire under my skin returned with a vengeance while the officer waited patiently for me to say something. Instead of being secluded to my face, the heat made its way throughout my whole body like a flare across a fuse and on its way to dynamite. All I needed to do was just treat him like any other customer, like the whole altercation outside had no effect on me in any way, shape or form. Considering how easily he seemed to read me before, I was pretty sure that I didn't have a prayer.
If any higher power can hear me, please help.
"Ho-how are you this morning, officer?"
Good, good. A little shaky on the execution, but overall a normal way to start.
"I'm doing just fine, thank you. And yourself?"
Okay, so he's not going to bring it up. Phew. Cool. I can work with that, no problem. Just gotta do what Anzu said and he'll be out of here.
…
Did I really want that?
"I'm… good thanks. So… is it just the coffee today then?"
That'll work. Keep it up!
"Yes. That is all for me today."
Almost there…
It was at this point that I leaned onto the counter and traced my fingers over his cup lightly. My gaze was set on him as looked up and my mouth drew cheekily at the corners.
Self…
I don't know what unearthly force compelled me to open my mouth after that. Judging by the man's reaction, I had the sinking feeling that I was about to be arrested. Not that I would've completely minded the handcuffs, though I'm sure we had different ideas on that front.
Wait- no, oh PLEASE no!
"Then you're all set. It's on me today. Unless there's something else that I could do for you…?"
And BOOM goes the dynamite!
There was no way in hell that what I said could be interpreted as an accidental innuendo. The offer had sounded so sexual, so eager, more so than I had ever heard come from myself before. I froze in shock, I couldn't breathe, couldn't hear; the world was lost to me. The only thing holding me down and preventing me from running was, ironically, him. In that moment, his reaction was everything to me. I could've sworn that I saw a twinge of a red beneath the tan, but besides the split second that I saw his eyes widen, he didn't seem very responsive either. We just continued to stare at each other like lost souls trying to find an anchor amongst the other without much success. I watched as his lips finally parted after what seemed like an eternity and-
"Um, excuse me? There are people in this store that have places to be and jobs to actually do!"
His jaw clamped shut and he glanced down at my hand which was still on his coffee, as if his gaze could produce some spell to pry it away. I shot my hand back and drew up enough courage to finish the checklist in my head.
"W-well thank you for shopping with us, sir! Please come again!" I practically shouted at him.
Yeah right.
With a curt nod of understanding, he retrieved his probably cold-by-then coffee and briskly trekked out the door. As soon as it closed with his retreat, Anzu whirled back around the counter at lightning speed to help me out. I had never seen her go through customers so quickly and without her meticulous service. Of course I could gander a guess as to why that was. She's practically had a front row seat to the altercation and I was absolutely positive that she was going to berate me for what I did. My movements slowed with each customer, hoping to avoid the pending conversation as long as possible. All too soon, the morning workers all dispersed with their coffees and donuts and I was left alone with my coworker. After wishing my last customer a farewell, I didn't dare move. I was practically a deer in the headlights and she was heading right for me. I heard her inhale sharply and I braced for the impact.
"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DID THAT!" she shrieked.
I shuddered at her tone. "Yeah, I know that I fuc-"
"YOU WERE SOOOO CUTE!"
With that, I turned to her in disbelief. She was grinning like a proud parent whose child was the top of their class.
"Wait, what?" I questioned, completely dumbfounded.
She laughed lightly at that. "Sure, it was incredibly awkward, but that's part of your charm."
I groaned and waved my hands frantically in the air. "But it sounded like I was asking if he wanted me to… suggesting sexual services is not something normally approved of, Anzu!"
"Oh, but the look in your eyes when you said it…" she drifted off while batting her eyelashes dramatically, "I'm sure you just made his heart melt!"
I couldn't help but wander my gaze elsewhere and rubbed the back of my neck. I realized that she was trying to help me feel better, but she was giving me WAY to much credit. What I had said was a complete slip of the tongue, absolutely. I would never say anything like that to anyone I didn't know and hadn't established that kind of relationship with beforehand. Anzu knew that. But he didn't. He was probably grossed out beyond belief. There he was, trying to help a young adult feel better when he was so clearly down and the boy just threw that all back into his face. I felt vile just thinking about it. Had I been in his shoes, I surely would've come up with some bullshit reason to arrest me.
'You're under arrest for ruining my boots! Anything you say can and will be held against you…'
Self-belittling aside, I decided to play into Anzu's hand, if only to get her off my back. "Yeah, well, apparently I didn't do the greatest job. He didn't sweep me off my feet and carry me out the door."
"Pfft, silly, that last part only comes after you're married." she reminded me with a wink, "Just remember, I look fabulous in red."
If she thinks for one second that I'd be the bride…
"Sure, Anzu," I retorted with an eye roll, "In your dreams."
"Oh, I'm sure I have enough material to keep me satisfied until he comes in again."
It was my turn to laugh for once. "After all of that?! I'm sure the last person to find whatever that was attractive is a cop."
"You saw the way he reacted, right? I believe we were watching the same person."
Vile…
"Yeah, and it looked like he'd sooner put his gun in my mouth than anything suggestive that you're thinking of."
She huffed when she seemed to realize that she wasn't going to get any further with me. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Yugi."
Yeah… sleep. That was DEFIANATELY what I had planned once I got home. Top priority. First on the check list. Yup.
…
…
…I wonder how much lotion I have left next to my bed.
…
…!?
WAIT! NO, LITTLE YUGI! VILE, REMEMBER?!
Phew… so that was over twice the length of the first chapter! I tried to give Anzu a little more character than what she canonly does, so I hope she's enjoyable. Also, I can already tell that writing for Atem is going to be WAY too much fun. Review please! It helps to trounce the writer's block!
*In Response to a Review for this Chapter Regarding Yugi's 'Flirting'* As being someone who suffers from anxiety disorder and has a hard time talking with people, sometimes your thoughts get jumbled in your head and you say things that you don't mean to (such as what Yugi does), especially in situations of extreme stress. Of course, what he says is clearly on the extreme end, but it's meant to be. All for the sake of comedy. I apologize that it's not 100% clear what my intentions were. ^^; I'm just posting this here in case anyone else is wondering.
