Hello everyone. The next chapter has arrived, I hope it's all liked, we're getting onto more interesting stuff, but I'm sorry to say that the real 'kick off' will be in the next chapters, I'm looking forwards to that because that'll be part of the turning point for our boys, not saying anything else :)
Important notice
The baby names - Taiyo and Tsuki have been the most popular so far, but I'm also very partial to Jūki and Kiseki too because of links to Mai's difficulties conceiving. However I'll make the final decisions when it comes around, thanks for all your opinions!
The phone calls - well there is mixed opinions: Atem or the Ex, but it's up to you and time will tell who's behind it.
Julian - he's an OC pet I've been sneaking into a few stories, named after Julian from the famous five books by Enid Blyton. Famous five was the first book I read as a child 'by myself' completely and has been with me ever since. So there's the reason behind the name choice. But other than that, he's just the lovable dog character we need in some stories to make us smile.
Reviews! My top Five (see I'm restricting myself now) fav's for the last chapter are:
s2Teennovelist - Once again my top fav, see? You're at the top of the list. And Yugi's strategy in making food is to make dishes that are yummy if some elements are separated, but cause pains in the gut later, you got it right on the nail. I'm glad you can agree with the bi, and of course every girl who watches Yugioh wants to glomp him on sight, so that has to be given a reference. I'm glad you liked Julian, he's the idea companion for Atem, intelligent and strong and someone to both look after and be looked after by, and I understand a dog lover's perspective, I have two boxers who are so fun and complete darlings, and of course they are overly friendly and loveable. I'm glad you liked Yugi's dishes, I just researched the most bizarre things I could that could be eaten and found recipes for them. Atem's more sexually driven because (it's probably been a while lol) and it seems more likely than love at first sight, attraction and lust are easier to feel, I have a lovely gay couple next door and they told me that it was 'lust at first sight' before they fell in love, so I'm following a realistic pattern. Glad you liked Ryou's appearance, and that you think Yugi's move to start over is a good choice, Yugi should listen to his instincts on this one, I would, but he doesn't believe it's serious. Please review again, and thanks for the support!
Hikari Amarina - Well madam 'silent', because you reviewed you gained second place on my favourite review list, well done! Your right, I've given them problems and complications right off the bat! Glad you like Yugi's ways of getting even, it's been a weird experience for me too since I've had to look up all the strangest dishes I can find, some sound so strange I'm sure someone made them up just to make people go green. I'm glad you think that Yugi's realistic, I think he would be wary of all people coming onto him, I'm sure he doesn't feel ready to be in a relationship so soon, and Atem's just pushing his luck. I'm happy you think the 'game is amusing, I find it funny sometimes, but I don't get to laugh too much when I write - distractions you know? Everyone loves Julian, he's an OC pet I've been sneaking into a few stories, named after Julian from the famous five as a reference to those stories and glad you found it funny that Yugi likes the dog more than the human. John is a jerk, hopefully he'll fall of the face of the planet sometime in the immediate future, let's all keep hoping, and thank you for your support Miss Silent. That's your name now.
Animesaki - I also like those names you came up with, but they're not as popular with everyone else, however they're my favs so I'll try and win people around a bit more. You're third in my fav list! Well done! Julian has been a character that I put in my 100 theme challenge and then into the Case-Closed crossover, your right. Ha ha! You think Atem speaking French is sexy? I guess that was the effect I wanted, so it's working, and Yugi's definitely going to be struggling to keep himself in check if he steps up the seduction anymore. So hold your goo together a little longer, there's a fanfic to read! Atem may have issues but maybe not, we'll just have to see, and don't worry about Yugi, I'm sure he'll come around- *cough cough* who am I kidding? As satisfying as it would be to have Bakura murder John, he's on the right side of the law with Ryou around, sorry, but Ryou will get upset if Bakura goes to jail. The idea of Atem throwing someone off any porch is hilarious, we'll just have to see what plays out.
Aida - fourth place my dear Aida, you made it into the top five, well done! I hope that Yugi keeps surprising you, and surely you don't want our boys to be separated so soon? It's just getting interesting! Tensions will rise to high they'll rival the sky scrapers! I'm glad you like that Yugi has a few interests and skills, he can't be all gamer, as I think, so I've put in other things I think he'd be good at, and of course they add something to the story one way or another. Glad Julian won you over, and I'm so happy that you think Atem's not out of character for having him, just the pet he needs I believe. Review again!
Kaoru-Yuki - the final favourite, best til last as they say ;) Yugi's efforts are amusing and Atem is not stupid enough to go for two nights of indigestion, but I'm sure that, once Yugi's won over, Atem will be hooked on his cooking for life. Glad to see you can understand Yugi's stubbornness, and of course Ryou got a mention, I would imagine I'd call a friend in need if they took off with angry partners raging in the dust. I also packaged a little Heartshipping into the story, in the past of course, but it is an adorable shipping even if I don't write it. Glad you love Julian, I'm so happy he's been such a hit with the fans! The phone calls are doing their job if they're making everyone suspicious, and perhaps the breathing is so Yugi can't message in 'abusive phone call' or to hide the identity of the caller ... read to find out soon! Review again!
Thanks to everyone who's send me a review, they're all treasured and I do really rely on your feedback, so thank you so much for helping me write this story by supporting it, please read on an enjoy!
As a stray ray of sunshine landed on Yugi's eyelid he felt sleep recede. Like a snail retreating into his shell, Yugi opened an eye reluctantly and rolled over to look at the time. Six in the morning, he smiled a little, feeling happy he'd woken without a disturbance again. He didn't count the warm sun as a disturbance, though it technically was, only his neighbour could annoy him in the mornings.
Yugi sat up and quickly got his clothes on, he didn't want to hear another morning of hammers or saws or whatever else Atem was due to use in his repairs. He wasn't prepared to sour his mood to that man again, since he seemed to like seven o'clock as his starting time, Yugi decided he'd be out for that hour. A run along the beach, a swim in the ocean, then a trip to town, he decided. He still needed to replace one of Valon's coffee mugs, and there were a few more ingredients he could browse around for, and some work. Papers didn't include everything.
Yugi hummed as he pulled on some swimming trunks, a pair of running shoes he'd thankfully packed, and a light hoodie to cover his chest. It warmed quickly in the mornings along the coast, and running would only make that happen faster. But he had a cool ocean to look forwards to, his content smile stayed with him as he left the house, locking the back door quickly and leaving through the side gate.
The beach stretched before him as he left the little wood walk that lead to the sands. The view silently enticing him to cover the cove end to end, easily persuading Yugi since it was such an appealing route. He set off at a leisurely jog, quickly building up steam as his footprint trail grew behind him. The air was crisp and fresh, open air away from cities and pollution always seemed to sweep through his lungs and clean them out, making him inhale deeper just to appreciate the natural beauty of clean skies. The sands sank beneath his feet slightly, since it was so fine where the ocean didn't touch, so running was a little difficult, however it wasn't impossible, and the lengthening strides only proved it. If anything it made it more challenging, and Yugi liked challenges. The ocean's constant hushing, partly drowned by sea birds and the rustling whisper of wind through the trees on his left, was music to his ears; it made him feel so peaceful. Like the ocean was a comforting presence hushing away his worries for another time.
Since Yugi was lost in his own body, feeling the flow of his muscles and the satisfying view of land disappearing under his feet as he made progress, he didn't realise that he was running towards someone. When he did look up his skidded to a halt in shock.
Quickly followed by a silent groan.
Ahead was none other than the man he had been trying to avoid for his own peace of mind, at his side Julian casually loped along with Atem's fast running pace. Yugi knew he couldn't change direction now; he'd been seen, and his sudden stop and stare made it impossible for Atem to not know he noticed him. Yugi crossed his arms slightly and sighed, blowing his bangs out of his face in irritation, do the gods hate me? He wondered as his neighbour closed the distance.
When Atem came level with him his pace slowed until they were stood at a casual distance. Yugi waited for the man's greeting, but Atem didn't say a word, he leaned over, resting his hands on his knees and panted, facing the ground as he tried to regain his breath.
Yugi blinked and then tilted his head, so Atem was a runner? That was interesting, he didn't seem the type since running, for many, could get quite boring. He seemed the type who was into something a little more … competitive, and or challenging.
Julian trotted up to Yugi and wagged his tail madly, his tongue lolling out of his mouth to cool off from his morning run. Yugi smiled at him and petted his back and neck, maybe Atem's running was for Julian, Yugi knew German Shepard's had a lot of energy so would likely need a lot of exercise. He took his eyes off of the friendly canine to examine his owner.
Atem's breathing was normalizing now, but his hands and knees shook in weakness, he'd clearly pushed himself. His bronze skin was damp in area's with sweat, it was gathered at his temple and across his forehead, his neck also held hints of perspiration. His clothes today were designed to battle heat and sweat, he wore gym shorts, they only reached mid-thigh, and they did nothing to hide how nicely muscled those legs were. Not bulky or bulging, but packed under the tan skin in such a way that they not only gave his body a great shape, but easily showed off that they were rock hard with liquid strength. Although now they seemed to be battling lactic acid build up, hence the shaking. He wore a vest as a top, black and cotton if Yugi's eyes were ay judge, very sporty, but they bared his arms and a lot of shoulder as well as some of Atem's chest; all of the above were highly attractive because of their perfect blend of strength and a predators grace, like all his body apparently. He looked like a model advertising sportswear, especially in this breath taking environment.
Atem glanced up at Yugi, still breathing hard, and smiled a little breathlessly, half flapping a hand as he recovered enough to speak.
Yugi raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at his mouth "I think I prefer you when you can't talk," he teased, though it was the truth as well.
Atem snorted and reached for his deep pockets, pulling out a small water bottle and taking a swig before attempting an answer. "If I was mute how would I tell you how lovely you look this morning?" he teased back, scratching Julian's back when he circled him impatiently. "Give me a break Julian, I've ran the past half hour," he complained with a grin, not meaning a word of it. He simply wanted a break to chat.
Yugi's face went into neutral "If you didn't speak I wouldn't have to worry about those kinds of comments either," he flatly stated, annoyed that the barely disguised flirt had been the first thing Atem had said to him.
Atem chuckled, but didn't look in the least sorry, "I'm sorry you feel that way, it's a shame you're so modest about yourself," he commented absently.
Yugi sighed, not even able to give a half-hearted answer in response to that. He'd not been called 'lovely' or beautiful, or cute in what felt like forever. All he'd heard was arguing, his arguments with his ex-boyfriend hadn't involved his appearance at all, he'd never been called ugly by John as far as he could remember, but the absence of sweet nothings and stress and near constant anger or upset towards John … all summed up Yugi had pushed all thoughts of his appearance out of his mind for weeks. Atem's flirting was flattery, and yet, as nice as it could be, it seemed as if –to Yugi at least – a bad actor had messed up a flattering line whenever Atem advanced on his appearance.
Yugi breathed again and then turned to the beach again "Well, go to keep the heart rate up, bye," he bluntly excused himself, but a warm hand caught his shoulder, Yugi hadn't even heard his approach!
Atem smiled at Yugi "We could run together," he offered.
Company, such a nice thought normally, someone to encourage you on with a look, challenge you with a pace, sympathise with you and slow down to let you catch your breath or ease a cramp. If it had been anyone other than Atem.
Yugi shook his head "You run to train, I run for fun. I'd hate to have you adjust your pace for my sake," he rejected as evenly as he could before taking off at a light sprint, just to put some distance between them. He slowed to a jog when he heard, thankfully, that he wasn't being followed. However his mood was worse than before, he felt oddly guilty, a bit more depressed than earlier.
Atem rolled his eyes at Yugi's back and turned and continued his pace back home.
Yugi pulled off his sweaty and ocean wet clothes and put them in the wash basket, ready to be but in laundry later. He sighed, now wearing loose jeans and a button down top of white, and moved to make breakfast. Yugi just finished his breakfast of poached eggs and toast when he noticed his mobile phone flashing from its innocent place on the kitchen table. Yugi tilted his head as he flipped it open: two missed calls, and one voicemail.
Someone had called him while he was out? But that was early, maybe it was Joey, Joey on a hangover never got times right. Yugi smiled as he dialled his voicemail and listened.
He was greeted with the sound of heavy breathing for ten seconds before the caller hung up. Yugi held the phone at arms-length and quickly turned it off, for fear of more calls like that. The fifth time! And on his mobile now!
Yugi felt an anxious grip squeeze around his chest. Who would do this? He looked at the numbers of the callers, hesitantly turning it on again, and glared when he saw private number scrawled across his screen.
Yugi felt himself trembling. He slowly lowered himself into a chair and put his hands to his temple.
Is this what they mean by breaking point? He wondered distantly, feeling so many weeks of stress – angry, sad, work, relationship, and fear related – press on him, like there had been someone putting weights on his shoulders over these trails, just to see what it would take to make him crumble. How much would it take until he screamed and kicked and just gave up? Yugi wanted to scream, he wanted to cry, but no tears would come and no voice would sound.
Finally, once the shakes had receded, Yugi dragged himself to the car and turned on the engine. He'd missed Atem's working hours, spending much of that time swimming and sunbathing, and now he had to restock his fridge of ingredients for Atem's dinners, simple fruit and veg not adequate in this game, and he also had to find a replacement mug for Valon.
Yugi wandered through all the shops, looking for bargains and comparing prices, finding comfort in the familiar routine. The people in the small town were very friendly, Yugi found that Mai and Valon had a lot of friends, or a lot of friendly strangers, who were worried about her and the children. Yugi assured the pleasantly plump baker, her face lined with dignified wrinkles, each with a story behind them; that Mai was fine and the twins were yet to be born. She was the latest in a growing list of worriers.
She let out a breath of relief "That's a blessing," she smiled "We don't get a lot of newcomers, and I knew you were her relative by the eyes, you have the same eye colour she does," she chuckled, packaging up the few baguettes and freshly baked loaves Yugi wanted.
Yugi laughed, remembering all the comments from friends about their eyes, "We get them from our Grandfather," he replied, the bakery smelt so nice, the scent of bread and ovens was so delicious, and the shop was warm yet dimly lit because of small windows. The shop was old, too old to be given any new windows without ruining it, however the absence of light made the place a little more special, like it was lit with an imaginary fireplace, or was a secret magical room separate from the outside town and streets.
The baker-woman laughed too and handed over the purchases "Here you are dear, please come again," she fondly bid goodbye, like an aunt or slightly distant family member you hadn't seen in years.
Yugi picked up his other bags and waved goodbye from the bakery door. He was carrying a total of five bags, each filled with food and one carried a replacement mug. The encounter with the baker had lifted Yugi's spirits, like he'd absorbed some of the oven's warmth and now glowed with it. He felt better about the day, he broke off an end of one of the baguettes, his eyes lighting up when he was it was steaming slightly, it was so freshly baked he was sure it was only minutes out of the oven. He chewed on the bread as he walked back towards his car park, savouring the chewy yet deliciously savoury morsel and the crackly crust. A content smile passed over his features as he ate, what a lovely day he sighed mentally; all worries seemed to be as far away as night-time.
"Hey dude, what's in the bag?"
Yugi jumped as a voice sounded from close by. He looked around the sunny alleyway and saw at once the ratty looking individual. He was clean shaven, though his skin hung from his skull alarmingly, however he seemed to be quite young too. He had jeans that looked in dire need of a wash, the hems and seems frayed and the light fabric dusty. The man also had a plain white T-shirt on, but a baggy leather jacket with twice as many pockets as normal, and looked so out of place in the hot summer day.
Yugi knew at once that this man meant trouble, but steeled his nerve "Food, bread, the normal stuff," he answered briefly, and as neutrally as possible, trying to keep the frown off his face too. As he moved to walk on the man stepped in front of him and blocked his path. Yugi breathed through his nose "You're in my way," he indicated with a glance of his eyes.
The man smirked "Is that a problem?" he asked, with all the cocky attitude of youth, so despite his appearance he was younger than he looked.
Yugi tensed up, ready for whatever he was going to try "It might be," he said, sounding a little more hostile now.
The man leered at him "What ya going to do? Scream?" he sneered.
"How's your pain level?" Yugi replied just as fast.
The man barely batted an eyelash, not that Yugi expected him to; he looked too innocent and young to make anyone think twice about messing with him. However, even kittens have claws and teeth.
The second the man lunged for him Yugi was already moving, he discarded the bags on his stronger arm and felt his back foot slide back to strengthen his stance, and he punched, very precisely and hard into the man's solar plexus; one of the weakest points on the human body. And all that happened in merely a second.
Yugi side stepped the man as he staggered forwards clutching at his chest with wide eyes, Yugi turned and smirked slightly, that had been strangely satisfying, clearly he was taking more than self-defence out on this man. Yugi shook his head and moved to pick up his bags "If that's all, I'm leaving now," he pleasantly said to the gasping man. Yugi was silently amazed that he wasn't on the floor by now, a hit to the solar plexus was very painful and often left the victim unconscious or, in extreme cases, even injured.
The man looked over his shoulder at Yugi and wheezed "Wait right there!" and pulled out a penknife.
But before Yugi could react to this new development a hand looped under his and removed two of his bags from him, another wound around his waist "Désolé mon amour. Avez-vous attendu longtemps?" a deep voice said by his ear, a pair of lips brushing his cheek.
Yugi turned his head and came face to face with a pair of wine coloured eyes, dilated and a mixture of angry and concerned. Yugi silently marvelled at the emotion in them, normally he was so closed off; he must have realised that dealing with the threat came first and concerns would have to wait until later, so he just asked with his eyes.
Yugi nodded very slightly and replied "Atem, non, pas longtemps," before glancing back at the ratty man.
Atem smirked a little. A split second to think, so not fluent, the accent was nearly perfect save for a slight pitch on some vowels, and didn't sound as smooth as one fluent in French. Perfect, he would understand him when they became one.
His intense eyes shifted to the delinquent and his expression hardened, his aura, that Yugi had only briefly seen appear threatening, now radiated an alpha's confidence and controlled aggression. It would ward off anyone with enough sense. Yugi knew that only a fool would ignore the muscles and confidence Atem owned, and he could see the hesitation in his attacker's eyes. He nearly felt sorry for the delinquent, nearly.
"Who is your friend Chérie?" Atem stretched out a hand with a glint in his eye that simply dared this man to try something "Sennen," he introduced himself with a steel strong threat under pleasant words "And you are?"
"Go to hell," spat the man, pocketing his knife and skulking past the pair with the aura of a male wolf defeated and disgraced.
Atem chuckled darkly "What a shame my friend, we're not going there," his voice hinting on a growl though it's pleasant drawl. The delinquent left the sunny alley and Yugi turned his face, one eyebrow raised, to his defender.
"A pity his statement isn't possible," he sarcastically commented, as a way to break the ice and the serious face Atem had on his face.
Atem chuckled at once, humour lightening his features form intimidating to handsomely casual "He intended to relieve you of your money for his next fix," he explained with a hint of seriousness, but humour once again played through his features "However he did not expect an angel to bare more than beauty," he murmured, his voice dropping an octave, reminding Yugi of dark melted chocolate again.
Yugi snorted, brushing the flattery aside as he rummaged in one of his plastic bags, "It was funny to see him that shocked, it's been a while since I've been in a fight," he commented as he finally found the mug he had bought. He worriedly examined it, only to sigh in relief as no damage could be seen, also the food inside the bag's he'd had to throw away to defend himself didn't seem bruised either.
Atem laughed again "Reassuring, to know you can take care of yourself," he smiled, not making any move to loosen his arm around Yugi or return his bags "I'm curious, what would you have done against a knife?" he asked.
Yugi frowned slightly as he thought it out "Probably … if he came at me, I'd grab his arm or wrist and kick him where it hurts," he summarized, also thinking that, if he was that serious, he would have surrendered his wallet anyway. There wasn't much inside it because of his shopping trip, but money wasn't worth his life.
Atem's laughter came again, his white teeth showing through a wide grin "Sensible," he agreed "And no doubt satisfying," he thought aloud, imagining the attacker groaning in pain on the floor, in revenge for attacking his neighbour.
Yugi laughed as well, unable to help the few laughs that escaped his lips, it sounded like a triumphant sight too. Then he looked up at his neighbour and asked "And you? What would you have done? What's your method?" he pressed.
Atem smirked a little, over his travels he had learnt boxing, wrestling on land and in water, he had participated in many martial arts dojo's and, in stark contrast, had also fought in places no civilised man should ever show their face. But instead of bursting into a long list of achievements he decided a more simple answer would be best "Sahas-alis Sandata," he commented.
Yugi's eyes widened fractionally "What is that?" he asked.
Atem smirked "Snake bite strike," he explained, he tapped Yugi's upper arm "I strong hit there and he'll drop that knife," he informed.
Yugi mentally winced, a strong hit there by you would break bone, he thought before turning to Atem for his bags, he reached for them but Atem moved them out of reach. Yugi glared "There's no more attacker, can I have my things back?" he partly demanded.
Atem pursed his lips a little, as if thinking about it, he then brought them a little closer and asked "Is there anything in here that'll spoil over the next hour?"
Yugi shook his head in a negative, though he did so extremely hesitantly.
Atem smiled "You can join me for lunch, I know an excellent place," his smile was so charming.
Yugi blinked in shock then frowned "It's polite to ask," he pointed out, arms folded since it was clear Atem wasn't going to return his things. He'd gone from likable to irritating in less than three minutes, was he bi-polar in some way? On the other hand, Atem had been the same level of charming nearly throughout the entire conversation, maybe it was just Yugi drawing a line or realising he'd been doing that too much.
Atem smirked, his lips curving in an almost provocative way "I insist. It's the least I can do in return for the gastronomic feasts you've prepared for me over these past few days," he smoothly explained, like plaster covering cracks and showing only his pure motives to anyone who didn't know about the cracks beforehand. Unfortunately for him Yugi did know, and it took a gentle press of Atem's hand against his lower back to encourage him to move towards his offer.
Yugi sighed and decided it would just be simpler to go along with it.
Gastronomic? Well indeed that was the word for a lot of Yugi's efforts, and feasts was also a correct description, yet surely he was feeling indigestion too? So why thank him for that? Yugi pondered over his ulterior motives as Atem led him through the town again, there had been that gleam in his red eyes that Yugi didn't feel he could trust, so barriers raised, he agreed to his unwanted treat.
There were many fine restaurants and café's that looked fancy and appealing, and a few more that appeared homely and comforting. But Atem bypassed both business and family looking places and approached a modern looking pub that looked pleasant and the perfect blend of professional and welcoming.
Atem glanced at Yugi "I hope you don't object to a counter lunch?" he suddenly put forward.
Yugi shook his head "It's been a while since I've had fish and chips," he said with a small smile.
Atem chuckled as he took Yugi to a seat, clearly he visited here often enough to know that you picked your own place and then ordered "I think you'll find they offer something a little less basic here," he indicated to the menu, not looking at his own. Perhaps he already had a favourite dish.
Yugi found, to his delight, that they did have something less basic. The freshly caught and grilled schnapper was perfectly done and the salad was superb, it was obvious that this pub took produce from the local bakery and from the local market supplier, Yugi recognised a lot of the salad from items he'd seen on the market. Atem had ordered exactly the same thing Yugi had and both were eating in companionable silence, listening to the pleasing hum of people's conversation throughout the wood lined building.
The pub had a farmhouse feel to it, wide rooms with lots of tables, yet odd little tuck-aways with more private spots, there were dark wooden beams on both walls and ceilings, and thicker ones surrounding doors and windows. The walls were lightly painted in contrast to dark wood and reddish carpet. There was a large fireplace with a fake fire roaring, making the place seem cosy despite its large rooms. The staff were always smiling and the welcoming atmosphere made Yugi sink against his seat a little as the tension of life temporarily eased.
Atem saw his posture relax and smiled, glad to have made that happen. He observed how Yugi ate, saw how his hands moved, his healthy appetite, the almost teasing way he'd lick his lips after something particularly tasty, almost as if to taste it for that little bit longer. He also admire his face, the absent smile, and the healthy glow the sun had blessed him with this morning, it gave a different dimension to the phrase 'caught a bit of sun'. Poetry in motion, or a painting come to life, he summarised as he continued to pick out little movements, little fleeting expressions, admiring this new side of his neighbour.
Yugi glanced up and saw Atem watching him intently, and froze up for a split second in surprise. His eating pattern faltered a bit and he worriedly lowered his cutlery "What's so interesting?" he asked, a little uncomfortable with Atem's gaze.
The half Egyptian smiled a little, a soothing smile, and said "I'm curious, where did you learn to cook?" Atem thought that a safer option of conversation was wiser than his true thoughts at that moment, and since they were together why not get to know his gorgeous interest a little better?
Yugi relaxed at once and let out a laugh, clearly there was a fond or funny memory behind his talent. He put down his cutlery for a moment and folded his hands under his chin, elbows on the table as he briefly thought over where he should begin. He met Atem's eyes, they were filled with interest, and began to speak "When I left high school, and went to university, I moved into a small apartment in Tokyo. My next door neighbours were amateur cooks, a brother and sister, who had come to Japan from the states to learn about our traditional delicacies, but they didn't speak Japanese very well at all. I got talking to them, in English at first, and we ended up having a small arrangement, I'd teach them Japanese and how to get by, and they taught me how to cook," he smiled slightly "And they've been my friends ever since, Joey and Serenity Wheeler," he finished, reliving all their antics. Serenity's kindness, Joey's rash and funny nature, both could be slightly clueless about things, but each was equally brilliant at what they did.
Atem nodded as he took in the story "And they specialised in delicacies?" he asked, thinking of the strange yet devilishly delicious meals he'd been served.
Yugi shook his head "Serenity specialised in mostly baking, traditional meals, Italian and seafood. Joey was a little everywhere, but he did like all kinds of meat and fish, and wines," he laughed a little, thinking of his drunk nights, he could go all evening if he was up for it. "But they both tried lots of things, I think they had an entire apartment wall dedicated to books on various dishes," he absently thought aloud, remembering the huge novels and how both siblings would somehow know which one to pull out for his particular evening lesson at their place. Entire lessons would be in Japanese to prompt them to use it in everyday life, and after a few unsteady weeks they had enough vocabulary to be passable as Japanese.
Atem chuckled at the thought of that personal library "It sounds like they were enthusiastic," he agreed. Conversation lapsed again as they ate, then Atem asked "Was Joey your boyfriend? You speak fondly of him," he pointed out, taking another bite while he waited for his answer.
Yugi felt the shift. Atem had moved the conversation, so slightly, towards more romantic and intimate topics that Yugi had no interest in even thinking about, much less get conversing. Whatever his motive, Yugi was now uncomfortable with the conversation and decided it was time to leave, he put down his knife and fork, his plate so very nearly empty. "No, he was not my boyfriend, more like my best friend," he corrected, sounding defensive as he began to get up.
Atem raised his eyebrows a little, he had offended him. He wondered what nerve was so raw, he'd have to analyse their conversation when he got home, to try and find the point where it turned sour and make a guess over why it'd done so. Yugi left, leaving a tip for the waiters and made for the door.
In the sunshine again Yugi sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose, his frustration creeping up into his being like ivy around a tree trunk.
"You forgot these," a baritone voice sounded nearby. Yugi cursed himself for being so aware of it.
The younger man looked over his shoulder and scowled at the sight of Atem carrying his forgotten bags, he made a frustrated noise and reached out a hand for them "I'll take them," he sighed with a hint of a groan in his voice.
However Atem walked right past him and towards the car park Yugi's car was stationed. Yugi glared openly "Don't," he growled lowly "think that just because we're in a public place you're safe," he threatened, his hands tingling with the horrible urge to hit something, and it was most likely going to be Atem.
Atem glanced at Yugi but made no move to give up Yugi's things.
Yugi wished he could scream at him, or intimidate him into stopping whatever it was that was irking him. But he was too meek and too much of an innocent face to make anyone do more than laugh at him.
Atem paused at the car park entrance "Where's your car?" he asked.
Yugi crossed his arms "There's no need to play the gentleman, I can do it myself," he snapped, making a grab for one of the bags. Atem let go of the one he tugged but kept the others and moved towards Yugi's vehicle.
Yugi finally resigned himself to putting up with his strange insistences. He opened the passenger door and let Atem place his bags into the car, Yugi put his own and shut the door locking it the moment it shut just encase he tried to get in or something else equally drastic, like pretend to drop his wallet so he could come over and annoy him with his presence further.
Atem seemed amused by his efforts to keep him away. Yugi sent him a flat look and pointed away "You can leave now," he hinted, overly so.
Atem's face lost his smile for a moment, one bronze hand lifted and gently brushed over Yugi's cheek and along his jaw. Yugi glared the entire time, the gentle touch sending shivers down his spine, and made him tremble slightly. He hated it. Atem leaned down, Yugi read the intent in his eyes and turned his face away, eyes closed, afraid that now he'd be forced into a kiss like the last time. His body was tense and his fists clenched and close to his body as if expecting a hit, Atem's eyes were sad though Yugi couldn't see it. Had he really gotten so low into Yugi's graces he thought he'd be hurt if he refused him?
Yugi let out a silent whimper when he felt a hand on his chin, but, instead of being forced into a kiss against his will, all he felt was a light kiss to his cheek, lips lingering slightly. Then he was gone. Yugi looked at the bronze man and felt both relieved and confused. Atem had his hands in his pockets and a charming smile on his face "Drive safely, see you later," he bid his farewell and left Yugi feeling rather hollow for some reason. Like his unneeded scare had shaken all emotion out of him.
He slid into his car and drove home in a small daze, when he had packed things home he started right away on cooking, his mind dulled and the feeling of the calm before a storm in his every action. Agave-Glazed Pork with Grilled Pineapple came together without any trouble, and he'd managed to send about three emails to friends in-between the grilling and got some form of inner awareness back. But he wasn't sure how he'd be able to face Atem in a few minutes.
Julian met Yugi again on the porch, his expressive eyes and lighting fast tail wagging, his presence was comforting for Yugi. A dog didn't have hidden motives, they were loveable companions that cuddled up to you when you were sad and made you laugh on long walks or with new toys. He put a hand on his ears and fondled their soft texture, making Julian let out low wolfing noises in pleasure.
Atem chuckled at Julian's eagerness, appearing in the doorway a few seconds after his dog had nosed the door open "You're going to follow him home one day aren't you?" he playfully scolded his canine friend. The dog's tail wagging that little bit more enthusiastically as if to agree with him.
Yugi smiled for a second, just a quirk of his lips in humour, before handing over the dinner he had made "Enjoy," Yugi said, sounding tired, cut off and dulled inside.
Atem looked at the dish and quickly thought up what he could do to the stake in the freezer, picking what was none-stomach-churning off of the plate. Maybe Julian would like the meat as a treat. It would make the canine love him that much more.
The half Egyptian never got a word in because Yugi just turned and left, head down and movements weary. Atem frowned after him, wondering if he had been that upset by his action earlier. He looked at Julian and said "I think I have to make up for something," he whispered to him, making Julian whine curiously with a tilt of his head.
Atem sighed deeply, taking his things inside.
Atem pulled out the steak to defrost and put his meal into the oven to keep warm while he prepared-
Crash!
The noise came from the villa next door, followed quickly by a distressed cry from the only occupant.
Atem's heart leapt into his throat.
The next instant Atem was bounding across to Yugi's villa, Julian barking at his side, and pounded on his door "Yugi! Yugi!"
Translations & notes:
Désolé mon amour. Avez-vous attendu longtemps? – Sorry my love. Did you wait long? (French)
Atem, non, pas longtemps. – Atem, no, not for long. (French)
Chérie - darling/honey (French)
solar plexus - located just under the breast bone, and can do some serious damage, so do NOT try it at home on another person because it seriously is a weak point and can kill someone if the attack is bad enough, be warned.
Sahas-alis Sandata - Filipino style martial art move, but there are similar moves in every self defence practice, however this seemed most appropriate since it gives a hint that Atem has travelled a lot. The move itself is basically a punch to the bicep of the weapon arm and is so painful that any weapon (knife, club, stick) is dropped instantly.
Nice to see them getting along for a moment, yes?
Stay turned for the next chapter, sorry for leaving you on a cliff-hanger, and be prepared for some drama in chapter five!