Author's Note: Thank you for the positive reviews! I hope this chapter won't let you down either- whoo- I hope you enjoy!

Edible kisses

"Okay. Let's get started, Jonouchi-kun." A thin figure walked over to Jou with a gentle smile on his face. His hair too, like the man named Bakura's, was pristine white- but had such an soft aura all around him, unlike the lazy, snobby atmosphere the other had. His smile was genuine and his fragile-like figure almost glided on the floor closer to Jou, finally handing him the packet of papers.

"The menu and types of cakes you should memorize."

"I have to study?" For a moment Jou stood dumbfounded.

"Tell me, Jonouchi-kun," The sweet smile was still on his face. "I'm allergic to almonds and my indecisive nature won't allow me to choose between a Kirsh Buchette and a Croquembouche. Which one do you recommend?"

"The Kirsch one?"

"Wrong. Neither, is the correct answer. The pastry we offer here are often foreign so you must remember each by heart."

Jou nodded blankly, trying to remember why on earth he wanted to work here. Then he did actually remember- but now wasn't the time to reminiscence of old, grand, happy times.

"Nice to meet you by the way," He lifted his hand. "My name's Ryou."

Jou met his hand for a handshake and smiled back.

"Here's your apron, Jonouchi-kun." Another new voice was heard, coming along the side of Ryou. Even a shorter figure entered petite and dearly- Jou thought of a duckling. He chuckled and received the black clothing with both hands.

"I'm Yugi- Ryou and I am your fellow waiters. I'm more at the cashier actually, and Yami over here is the manager- Bakura is Seto's apprentice and the man you happened to... bump into last night is our chef of pastry." Yugi grinned, pointing at whoever he mentioned each time. Jou nodded in understanding and followed as the baby faced figure led him through the store.

The windows were all placed in one side of the wall, they were immense and clean- allowing pure sunlight to soak the entire cafe. The main door was place alongside the windows and from there on, a hue of dark red carpet laid before the entrance. The carpet led the customers into the back of the cafe, passing through the small round tables and reaching the bakery section where daily made pastries and such were displayed fresh and delicious. From there the customers would order their choice of cakes and drinks- paying at the cashier at the end of the same wall. The customers would then take their seat and wait for their orders to arrive in which- mostly Ryou did all the serving.

Jou was satisfied that all he really had to do was to serve- not even to take orders from people.

"They can always order more from their seat, so don't think too simple,"

Yugi spoke then, as if to read Jou's mind. "But overall- it's a great experience, and I'm sure it'll be enjoyable for you Jonouchi-kun." Jou nodded in agreement, now putting his small apron on around his waist. He noticed that the servers wore white classic dress shirts and jeans underneath- so he figured he had to go get a nice shirt.

Yugi led him into the kitchen where he saw both Bakura and Seto leaning on the counters with their arm crossed- quiet. As soon as they entered, the aroma of coffee drenched the room in a peaceful fragrance. Jou ignored the glaring blue eyed man and focused on Yugi's directions. The eating utensils were in the low cabinet right as he entered, the napkins on the counter, the extra sugar in the following order of brown, solid, and powder in the right side- the whipped cream in the smaller white fridge, not the metallic silver one- the strawberry, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, hazelnut syrup remaining in room temperature on the left side, the cards, monopoly, blocks, uno deck all in the above cupboard- and finally Jou was saved by Bakura's loud yawn. When Yugi turned to see Bakura's now teary eyes, he giggled and sat on the counter allowing a casual talk.

"Jonouchi-kun probably wants to quit now." Yugi talked softly, half heartedly.

"Not even, Yugi- I can't wait to.. Actually start." Jou replied fast enough and was responded with a scoff from one and a sweet smile from the other. The remaining yawned once more.

"Well, Seto-kun, can you cut me a slice?"

Without hesitation or obligation- the brunet grabbed a knife nearby the sink and waited as Bakura reached over to get a yellowish pie. Jou's sensitive nose smelt the citrus, sour taste. Fearlessly, the man named Seto stabbed the pie right in the center and cut deftly the circle shape for a triangle. Without using any hands, with the single knife- he placed the new slice over the plate Yugi soon handed. Yugi also prepared two gigantic mugs of coffee on the counter and he now pointed at them- looking over Jou's smugly face.

"Take it to Ryou-kun and Yami-kun, please."

"N-now?"

Yugi nodded, never taking off the bubbly smile from his large eyes. As a finishing touch, Yugi placed the two cups and plate onto a platter, lifting it and handing it to Jou who in most obvious ways, looked a bit awkward. Jou managed to reach toward the kitchen's exit without tripping but Yugi's gentle voice stopped him.

"How would they eat without forks or spoons? Napkins?"

Jou gently cursed and by placing the platter down, he grabbed the things he needed- adventuring off again. Once Jou disappeared, Bakura chuckled softly.

"He literally took seven minutes just to leave the kitchen."

"I used to take ten, Bakura-kun, he's doing fine." Yugi assured, looking at Seto in the corner of his eyes.

"What do you think Seto-kun?"

"It's for yourself and Ryou. It depends on you."

"But your opinion of Jonouchi-kun is...?"

"He's too loud."

"Better than too quiet," Bakura responded. Then simultaneously, the three heard a loud glass clash from outside. Bakura chuckled once more and whispered, "and never mind."

"Ryou, are you alright?" A deep voice echoed from the restaurant, into the kitchen. Bakura lightly cursed and while wiping his hands with a damp towel-which he threw off to the side, he ran out of the kitchen quickly. Yugi followed as he smiled toward Seto, taking the same towel with him.

When Yugi arrived, he saw that only the pie was safe, and like silently predicted, the two hot coffee mugs were broken on the wooden floor. Ryou's left hand appeared red, steam still peeping out from his flesh of the fingers and Bakura had Ryou sit on his lap during the time of healing. Jou stood with a easy to read panicked face, Yami on the floor picking the broken glasses up. Yugi handed Jou the towel and spoke.

"At times like these, Jonouchi-kun," His soft voice rang. "Its best that you start moving." Jou stammered and took the towel in a hurry, kneeling onto the floor to wipe the hot, black coffee. As Yami stood up to get a broom, Seto arrived and threw an ice pack to Bakura- which he caught skillfully, placing it slowly on Bakura's thin hand.

"So what happened?" Bakura spoke, as he massaged Ryou's hand.

"Jou tipped the mug and it obviously fell on Ryou's hand." Yami replied, sweeping the floor.

"I'm-I'm really sorry, it was a lot heavier than I thought and-"

"It's fine, Jonouchi-kun," Ryou smiled back, feelings Bakura's head dug into his neck and shoulder from behind. "Now that your fellow waiter's hand is useless, you have to work extra harder." He pointed out and Jou nodded, still wiping the floor.

"That's enough." A cold voice interrupted, stepping on the towel's edge and immediately Jou's blond head went up. Without the courage to glare due to his guilt, he shyly pouted his lips. His honey eyes met the deep, chilly glare- watching the dark eyebrows go up.

"Are you giving me a puppy face?"

"Wha- what puppy face, y-you pri-" Jou paused, knowing better. "Person."

He finished in a spat, looking away from the blue eyes. Yugi giggled and walked over to Ryou simultaneously, holding his burnt hand. Yami rolled his eyes and took off toward the kitchen.

"Make us some breakfast, Seto." His low voice requested, and with that, Seto broke off from the rant and followed Yami. Jou then stood from his position and with a dearly guilty look on his face, he held Ryou's other hand and grasped it close to his heart.

"I'm truly-very sorry, Ryou."

"It's fine- It's really nothing, Jonouchi-kun-"

Ryou's apology acceptance speech was quickly cut off by Bakura's sudden embrace, twisting Ryou's fragile neck to face Bakura behind him- meeting his lips all too fast. Jou watched the couple kiss, inserting tongues and all- but Bakura never letting go of Ryou's injured hand. Jou still standing in front of the couple managed to gulp himself into reality as Yugi tapped Jou in the shoulder- alerting him to follow himself into the kitchen again, leaving the couple alone.

"It's not fine. You're in pain." Jou heard Bakura's lazy voice before he stepped into the back room.

As he entered, he smelled the strong scent of butter dancing along with the roasted coffee beans. Yami was at the sink washing some fruits it seemed and Seto for the first time didn't stare at the blond but rather focused to cook something through the fire.

"Take a seat, Jonouchi-kun." Yugi smiled and lifted his body to sit on the nearby counter. Yami displayed the strawberries and kiwis in a clean bowl, grabbing six mugs in two hands professionally. Yugi then grabbed the coffee from the brewer, pouring into all six jugs presently. He offered Jou a cup and raised a mug for Ryou to see as the couple entered hand in hand. Seto turned and straight from the pan, he poured off big pieces of French toast on to the plates. Bakura entered, opening the beeping oven with a towel, grabbing the pan of fresh croissants that were engraved with chocolate pieces. He served the bread on newer plates as Ryou gently poured fresh fruit juice into a clear pitcher.

In conclusion, the meal was ready to eat with different types of soup, bread and pastry, drinks, and fruits. For Jou, this was indeed heaven and he dug in to each dish.

"This is your brunch, so eat up." Yami spoke, sipping his black coffee.

The men ate in silence, but as soon as Jou dug into the croissant, he opened his mouth is awe of delight.

"Th-this is really delicious." He chewed, as the men looked at him with different types of smiles on their faces.

"How does it taste, Jonouchi-kun?" Ryou questioned, watching Jou take another bite.

"It's not too sweet and not too buttery. It's perfect- the chocolate essence developing a flaky crust with the soft pound cake like texture gives your mouth a seemingly melt in your mouth thing." Jou gulped, taking the coffee into his throat.

The five men looked toward the blond and kept quiet, Yugi wiping his mouth with a small napkin.

"Did we mention how glad we are to have you?"

Jou almost choked on the hot drink.

"We needed a new waiter, and we're so glad to have found the perfect person who understands Seto-kun's delicious pastry." Ryou finished, while he gently sucked on the chocolate off his finger.

Jou nodded, slightly flustering. "Why did you guys need a new employer so suddenly?"

"Ryou and Yugi were overworking themselves," Yami replied. "Besides, we needed a break to re-do the store."

It was then Jou remembered the beautiful paintings on the wall, the classical music, the antique tables and utensils, the flower garden outside- all magnificent garland matching its piece.

"Seto-kun decorated everything himself." Yugi announced, looking over to the brunet silently sipping his drink. Jou glanced back, still flustered from the pouring compliments toward his arrogant boss.

"I see." Jou murmured, munching on everything his hand reached.

Ryou finished first and insisted that Bakura let him go so he can wipe the tables. He pointed out that he indeed had two hands- and the other hand was perfectly usable. Yugi then stood from his seat, placing the plates in the dishwasher- Yami soon helped, cleansing whatever he can. Jou ate every crumb that was leftover and sighed in relief of satisfaction.

It was then Seto put his mug down, getting out of his seat and pulling out a folded paper from his left hand pocket.

"What's that?" Bakura questioned, watching the brunet unfold the document.

"It's a grocery list." Seto growled, agitated.

"Oh, do you need to go now Seto-kun?" Yugi asked while he turned his big, lavender eyes toward the sapphire pair. He simply nodded, folding the paper back and putting it into his pocket again.

"Why don't you follow, Jou?" Yami advised, ignoring the sudden gape the brunet gave him.

"M-Must I go?" Jou didn't want to sound rude, but he too had his mouth wide open in shock.

"Yes, as your manager- you must and you will."

"You're only doing this so I can take him out for a walk."

"I am not a dog." Jou snapped, glaring at his chef as he untied the apron back off.

"You need to learn what we get for the store, anyways." Bakura chimed in before he walked out of the kitchen, probably back to Ryou.

Jou sighed and leaned forward to whisper goodbyes to Yugi and Yami, the taller brunet walking out concurrently. Jou hurriedly followed after, out of the kitchen, out of the store.

"I hope they get along." Yugi giggled.

"I hope so too. Jou might be Seto's medicine for loneliness." Yami chuckled, thinking out loud.

"What made you so sure that you wanted to hire him, Yami-kun?"

"Well," Yami lightly closed his eyes, leaning onto the table to face Yugi. "He wanted the job to bring happiness for the customers. That must mean something, right?"

Yugi nodded, smiling widely.

"Besides, if we haven't received the generosity we actually did receive- we wouldn't be here right now," Yami spoke again, opening his eyes then. "You wouldn't be here with me now." He finished, pulling Yugi closer to his caress, chest against chest- placing his lips on his.

Jou whistled as he walked, the leading brunet walking way too fast with his long legs. In truth, Jou was having quite a hard time catching up to him but to somehow hide that, he whistled with all his might to signal the 'easy-going' connotation. The two blocks they walked in the sun was quiet and they reached the nearby market- petite as their store.

"Welcome Seto-sama!" The old man greeted, bowing toward the brunet. He responded with a gentle nudge and walked into the store not caring much. Jou raised his eyebrow in suspicion- curious why an old man would call this prick –sama, which didn't make sense since he didn't deserve such respect.

The market was an organic fruit and vegetable store, consisting the fruitiest and the sweetest fruits in the whole town. Jou found it ridiculously funny that through the six months he's lived here, he never realized such store before. It was almost a shame, but Jou knew very well not to blame himself. She would've loved it, though.

"Mutt- come here." The man finally broke the silence between them, calling the blond to his space. Jou did what he was told since after all, the prick was his boss.

"Pick out three peaches." He commanded, and Jou watched the mountain of similar fruits stay still in the incredibly same color. But with his stupid pride, he quickly picked out the three peaches on the top of the slope, handing them to his boss.

"No good, not good, bad." The chef examined each fruit deftly and with a statement on each, he placed the three fruits back into the pile.

"Wha- Why?"

"They're too hard. Just because they remain hard and has no bruises, it doesn't mean they're fresh or ripe," His voice was a bit warmer than before. "You can tell a peach is ripe from the core. Smell it here." Seto held up a peace into Jou's face, and Jou leaned over to sniff the small dent of the peach's bottom.

The sweet aroma was so strong that Jou wanted to take a bite from it right that moment. He looked up to Seto in awe once more and took a quiet note to himself.

"Pick out 30. I'll be back." Ignoring the awe-struck face, Seto walked away deeper into the store.

Jou did what he was told, sniffing peach bottoms and placing them in two, heavy plastic bags. By the time he was finished, the brunet walked over in six plastic bags it seemed, all filled with different kinds of fruit. He rolled his eyes and dropped the bags onto the floor as Jou inserted the last, delicious peach into the bag.

"Carry them."

"All of it? You're kidding!"

"I don't kid."

Seto walked away and Jou watched the ridiculous man walking out of the store, telling the old man to 'put it on his tab'. With a strong scoff and that damn pride again, Jou walked out from the store with four every bags on each hand- trying his hardest not to drag any.

The two silent block walk was the longest walk Jou ever took.

When he returned, Ryou and Yugi quickly helped him put the ripe fruits into the fridge. They commented on how they somehow had a feeling that Seto would've made Jou carry the groceries. Jou sat down and leaned his head onto the wall- realizing that Yami was gone.

"Where did Yami go?"

"He's visiting someone- with Seto-kun."

Jou scoffed just thinking of that man and dropped the subject. He figured that as Jou arrived, which was much later than Seto obviously since he was carrying all that heavy load- lagging his journey, Seto had already left. It was then Bakura suddenly took out a plate from the cupboard, placing a new pie slowly.

"It's Seto's new idea- try it." Jou's head immediately turn and found himself already memorized with where the forks were in the kitchen, quickly grabbing four.

"What is it? Smells like dark chocolate." He commented as he handed the forks to each member.

"Chocolate Satin." Bakura replied, placing his fork through it first- scooping a piece. In the matter of seconds, four forks dug into the whole, entire pie and the waiters smiled in utter sweet delight.

Jou smiled in satisfaction and in the corner of his eyes, he watched his co-workers in genuine ecstasy of chocolate and happiness. He felt relieved. He felt like he really belonged here, eating the delicious pie- talking to these open minded people, inside this bright café, finding the purpose in his once, stray life.

Jou for the first time in a long time-

Cried.

Author's Note: This fic has a lot deeper plot than picking fruits- so rest assured. Soon, I'm planning to reveal some layers of the characters and how the 'events' made them who they are and where they are. I guess Jou and Seto has a lot to go through for them to develop into.. the love-mode. WHEW that's going to be the biggest challenge- i think. Reviews make me happy, and happy writes update waaayyy faster. Thank you loves(: