Hi Everyone! Many thanks to my reviewers: Pharaohs Girl18, Koobre and my Guest! Your reviews made my day and I am so grateful to you for reading this story. Really glad you like the last chapter and hopefully you will do so again with this one.

Enjoy!

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Chapter 8

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Sighing softly, Atemu idly stroked the bare skin of Yami's body. The pale Neko was fast asleep, but the tanned man couldn't any longer as he was far more content in watching the other while stroking his skin. Wrapped in his blankets, Atemu sat up against his pillows and stared down upon Yami who curled up against him some more, nuzzling his stomach every so often as he dreamed. Atemu smiled as he saw the black ears twitch slightly, before his lover moaned in content and continued to sleep. As his Neko returned to purring softly, the tanned man realised he had missed this the most. Being awake to look at his lover who would always purr in content softly.

It was raining outside and he knew he had to wake Yami soon or else the latter would be too late for work, but Atemu wanted to stroke his skin and think on them a little longer. After the first time of reconnecting, they had grown more confident, because their self-shame had been overruled by love. Just being with his Neko did that to him, which made rose-red eyes gleam warmly while his hand stroked over a long scar upon Yami's back. He had continued to kiss them, in hopes of taking his lover's pain away. He had thought his uncle had been cruel with him, but the young Neko had suffered far more than him and for that, he felt shame settle in his being.

Atemu was still angry at himself for allowing Akunadin deceive him so. He had been a puppet in his uncle's hands, the monster had reigned him in and had clouded his mind with sorrow. The court, which had tried to make Akunadin pay for using his nephew's trust fund as his own, had believed the lie of Atemu being suicidal because he hadn't talked about it at all. His silence had been his downfall, but back then, he was still holding on to the little piece of Yami's ear as if it was a lifeline. It had been the last thing he had had of the Neko, before photos had been slipped into his mail. There had been those of bloodied pale skin, a bleeding black ear and just of Yami laying on the ground in his own blood. The photos had made Atemu sick for weeks while he tried to deny his lover was truly gone. He had nothing to say against his uncle, his mind swallowed up by self-hate and misery.

Looking at Yami now, made him realise he had been a coward. He should have been stronger, he should have fought back, yet... he never did. Until he found out his Neko was still alive, his kitten, his beloved and it had set him free. Atemu had felt as if waking up from some horrible dream, but that had been all he had needed. Now, he had his kitten back where he belonged most, even though Atemu wasn't so sure it would be that easy still. They had enjoyed the sight of each other, had touched and kissed to complete the torn bond between them, but it still needed more repairs. They were living in the past still, a little in the present sometimes and that had to be turned around.

Yet, all what was from the past was still so familiar. The soft purring, his kitten pressed up against him while being asleep, him watching his lover, the pale legs wrapped around his own. A new warm smile curled Atemu's lips as that was a part of their past he was allowed to treasure, while finding it again in the present. Some things would never change after all and maybe if he allowed to see that first, he could start living in the now instead of what had been and could have been.

Feeling Yami shift slightly and nuzzling his chest, Atemu blinked his thoughts away, before chuckling softly as his lover still purred softly. "You're tense", were the pale man's words however and crimson eyes glanced up at Atemu questioningly. The tanned man gave a slight smile, still idly stroking Yami's back because it brought him comfort.

"Just thinking, trying to let go", Atemu murmured honestly and Yami scooted up a little higher to nuzzle him underneath his chin.

"Letting go of what, Até?", Yami asked, however, and the tanned man tilted his head slightly. A pale hand stroked up the tanned chest to cup Atemu's face slightly while he pulled his Neko a little closer.

"The past. At least, I try to let go of some of it, while others are still the same. I try to stop comparing what was and what is, but it's a little harder than I thought at first", Atemu said and Yami sighed softly as he nuzzled his lover again, licking his skin slightly in comfort. The tanned man chuckled softly as he did, kissing Yami fondly on top of his head in return.

"I realised that too, but we need the past, Até. Without it, we are no one, even though some parts are better left forgotten", the pale man replied and the tanned man hummed softly in agreement.

"What I wish I could forget is my cowardice these past six years. Not once did I fight my uncle after he told me you were gone. I believed him instantly and I shouldn't have", Atemu said. "I was caught up in my own head, thinking of you and I should have used that to go look for you". Yami continued to stroke his cheek softly, before he gave a small smile.

"We all mourn differently, Até... All I did was work, work, work until I couldn't go on any longer and Shizuka had to nurse me back to health. That was set on repeat for months, before I finally slept through the night without a nightmare. I didn't want to feel, so I stopped doing so altogether. That's how I survived and you had your way. Neither one is heroic, but it was our way of coping. We are together again right now, however, and that is what I wish to celebrate with you", the pale man said and Atemu looked down upon his kitten, before he smiled and nuzzled him in return.

"You are not hurt or have second thoughts about last night?", he whispered, his uncertainty filling him again while being with Yami that way had filled him with pride and confidence. His Neko only purred loudly while licking his neck again.

"Never, Até. It happened, spontaneously, but I am glad it did. I feel like I'm healing and being with you has always done that. It does so again for which I am very grateful. It also made me realise how much I really missed you, your voice, your touch, your kisses or waking up with you at my side. I hid all of that away, but to have it back, to have you back... No, Até. Absolutely no regrets", Yami said and Atemu pulled him in another tight embrace which made him laugh.

"No regrets, Kitten. No regrets", Atemu replied confidently, his fear of being rejected gone that instant. Yami was with him and they were together. It needed developing, but it felt good. They would survive.

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Still tingling all over, Yami nibbled his lips as they curled in a loving smile while he waved goodbye to Atemu's leaving car. They were together, sort of, getting there, but they were together. It was a mantra playing itself in Yami's head, creating a happy smile while he hurried towards The Swan Inn to get dressed in a different attire. He had showered at Atemu's apartment, the best shower in six years time because Atemu had been there with him, though it had also been very pleasant considering the constant stream of warm water. Yami felt like he was still riding on the bliss Atemu had brought him, before he entered the kitchen through the side door and was stared at by several people.

"Yami! I was so worried, you never got home", Shizuka said and the Neko was reminded of the fact he never called to see he'd stay out. It hadn't been his intention, making partial love with Atemu had been spontaneous. Biting his lip, he folded his ears back while others quickly set to work. Stormy-grey eyes continued to look at him though and Yami gave a slight smile.

"It had been my intention to be home last night, Shizuka, but the evening was very lovely and it got so late that staying over was the best option. I already showered, but will need to change my attire. I'll be right back", Yami replied to offer her some comfort and he walked towards the door that led towards the crooked staircase.

"I thought he had hurt you", she whispered as he tried to leave and Yami froze, turning to her slowly with disbelieve swirling in his crimson eyes.

"Atemu will never hurt me, Shizuka", he whispered in return, before walking back to her. Gently, Yami touched her shoulder so she would look at him and he gave a small smile. "I know I don't elaborate very often, but... You need not worry about Atemu, he's a man from my past. A man I have loved very much and still do. We were tricked, but found out the truth last week when he came over to visit for lunch. Yes, it had hurt to see him at the time, because I couldn't believe my eyes. Since then, Atemu and I have been talking and sort of seeing each other again. We went out for dinner last night and couldn't stop talking. Our conversations are very lovely, we understand each other, but we also want to hear how the other fared these past six years. I'm sorry I didn't call, but I sincerely forgot", Yami continued and she sighed softly at his explanation. Then she nodded slowly.

"Thank you for sharing", she said and he nodded.

"When I will see Atemu again, it might be I stay over at his place again as well. He has many stories to tell", Yami replied and Shizuka smiled at him, before patting his shoulder softly.

"I see, well, I'll keep it in mind. See you when you are dressed", Shizuka said and she giggled as he chuckled softly, before he went through the door. Truthfully, that was the happiest she had ever heard him and, as she turned back to peeling the potatoes for lunch, Shizuka wondered if Yami could be happy again. He had been with Jonouchi and her from the start, yet had never spoken about his past. She wouldn't force him to do so now, even though she had been worried, but it was a relieve he was doing so well. His smile seemed sincere as were his chuckles, far more than they had ever been, to be honest.

Shizuka smiled as Yami re-entered the kitchen, this time in the attire he wore for work, before joining her at the counter to start on making lunch. It was busy at the Inn that afternoon, Anzu walking back and forth from the kitchen towards the tables as Rebecca was still trying to get the hang of balancing a tray. Yami was glad it was busy, as it was able to get his mind of Atemu's perfect body while warm water cascaded down the tanned skin. They had been open and sharing, but what Yami felt most above all was as if a weight was lifted from his shoulders.

He remembered telling Atemu he would share the man's guilt and he would, but he felt light as he worked through the lunch rush, baking eggs and bacon while making sure Shizuka didn't burn her hand while tending to the oven. As much as his lover had two left hands concerning assembling anything, aside from a lovely sexual encounter, Shizuka couldn't cook to safe her own life. She was an excellent nurse, was kind and had an eye for those who were in pain, but she'd be able to either hurt herself or poison people with her food if she was left to do the cooking. With another band-aid adorning her fingers, Shizuka decided to give up and tend to the cash-register while Yami shook his head slightly and continued to do his work. He folded his ears back slightly at the loud Christmas carol coming in, together with Jonouchi who tried to sing it as he came into the kitchen.

"... And a happy New Year!", was the finished song, Yami's tail curling as it was completely off-key. Shuddering as he hoped his ears would recover soon, Jonouchi merely laughed as he marched through the kitchen and sat down at the table. "So, Yams, where have ya been hanging out?", the blond asked as he tore a bread roll and munched on it happily. Yami smiled slightly.

"No need to scold me, Jou, Shizuka gave me a fair beating already. I was with Atemu and forgot to call. Aside from that, it was very late when I realised the time, so calling wouldn't have made any sense either. You wouldn't have heard it", the Neko answered and Jonouchi laughed at the tease. It was well known the blond could snore very loud and always slept like a rock because he had never once heard Yami scream in the middle of the night. It had always been Shizuka who had woken the Neko from his nightmares, which the pale man was still very grateful of.

Jonouchi held up his hands however, grinning slightly. "No need to apologise, a man has his needs, right?", he said though that received him a slightly dark glare and the blond chuckled guiltily. "Sorry, Yams, but I'm just happy ya're sort of getting out of the house. Ya have always been cooped up in here and it's good to see ya going out and having fun. I'm happy for ya", were Jonouchi's next words and Yami smiled at the words, nodding in understanding.

"I'm happy too, Jou", he said, to which the blond rose from his seat and picked his hammer from his belt.

"And if he hurts you, I will use this", Jonouchi threatened and Yami laughed, before shaking his head.

"No need to, Jou. Atemu and I love each other and he would never hurt me. Last night he defended me, so you don't need to worry about him. But thanks for offering", Yami said and Jonouchi nodded firmly, before wriggling his eyebrows.

"Love?", he questioned, considering as far as he knew, the Neko had only recently met the other man. Yami nodded in answer, still smiling while he stirred through the beginnings of his chicken soup.

"Yes, Jou, love. Atemu and I share a history and we are trying to see if we can grow back together", was the only explanation he offered for now, considering he didn't want Jonouchi to spill all of his secrets to the rest of the world. The blond couldn't keep one to himself after all, but Yami didn't mind telling the other man he was in love. This time, the world was allowed to know it.

"As long as ya're happy, Yams. As long as ya're happy", Jonouchi said, before he took another bread roll and left the kitchen to waltz into the dining room and probably speak with his sister about the repairs he had just done. Yami stared after him and watched the double doors close, his mind turning back to stirring his soup as he thought back on Jonouchi's words. He was happy and Jonouchi believed he was allowed to be. That set off a giddy feeling in Yami's chest and he smiled brightly as he realised he could really be happy again. The idea filled him with excitement, as well as warmth, and he wished it was possible to share that with Atemu again. Blushing brightly as he hadn't felt like this in years, Yami continued to make warm meals for people who wanted them as they entered the Inn to escape the cold air from outside.

Later that evening, the charity chef took over and Yami got ready to serve as many people as possible. Rebecca was still trying to get the hang of it, often getting lost though she was quick while calculating the costs of certain meals. Yami had only ever heard someone do that before and he had just made some form of love with him that morning underneath a shower. Reminding himself of the lovely encounter was a bad idea, though he was able to fight the blush and continue his work without anyone noticing his skin was tingling and he actually wanted to be somewhere else.

As he laid in bed when the night had fallen and everyone had either gone home or to bed like him, Yami cocooned himself in his blankets and sighed softly. Having been with Atemu had set of feelings that were suddenly hard to control, that were suddenly overwhelming while they had always been behind lock and key and deep down, Yami was a little worried. He loved the feelings as much as he loved Atemu, but there was more to the tanned man than just physical attraction and Yami smiled as he remembered the tanned man defending him at the restaurant. Such power, such authority... Warm feelings spread underneath pale skin as the Neko enjoyed his memories. Certain things had changed for the better too and he hoped to have some more spare time soon so he would be able to see his lover again and take a stroll through the park. To hear his voice and his laugh, to know of his stories and if he had truly moved into his new home.

He wished to stand in the kitchen with Atemu again as well, like they had done when they had been teens. Chicken curry, pasta, baked potatoes, cakes, pies, anything. They had tackled different recipes and had worked together like a team. Yami wished they could do so again and writing said wish down upon a small piece of paper, the Neko hoped he would see Atemu soon so that he could ask. Soon, he promised himself and with a smile curling his lips, Yami purred as he fell asleep.

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Unfortunately, however, Anzu was away that week to visit her sick mother in hospital a few cities away from Domino, which meant Yami had to work a little more than he had done in months. There had been many occasions where he had worked from dawn till dusk and even longer, but with Anzu around, that had changed considerably. He had never minded however, especially because normal weekdays were never busy and just like this Friday, there weren't many people around.

The lunch rush had just finished, with most meals having gone for free, but Yami didn't mind as he was planning what to make for dinner that evening. He had received a small message from Atemu on Tuesday, a card with his new address on it as well as a quick kiss because the tanned man had been needed at Mahado's school. Atemu had promised to help his friend with extra training for his students concerning mathematics which Yami only thought was fitting, considering Atemu had often helped him out with the same class, as well as algebra. Cooking luckily didn't require having a lot of mathematical skills, which the Neko was very glad for.

Atemu would come and see him this evening again though, which made him smile and whistle to a small tune in order to drown out the Christmas carols on the radio. He still denied Shizuka the chance to place a second radio in the kitchen as he wanted some rest and peace. All he heard where the same carols over and over again, without new ones added into the loop. At least they had stopped decorating, even though there was a massive green garland in the kitchen as well with its lights shining brightly. Yami had made it his second life mission to ignore it as much as possible for the upcoming month.

Which set his mind to Shizuka's worries earlier this week and he frowned slightly as he cleaned the frying pan in order for him to make fresh French fries that evening. He wondered what the worries had been about, but he hadn't had the chance to ask her just yet, which didn't sit well with him and Yami sighed as he turned towards the blonde girl in the kitchen. Rebecca was helping him with the tomato sauce for his lasagne while she was softly muttering to herself. She was also writing down notes, but didn't share any with anyone. As soon as she had written something down, she'd tear the piece off and stick it in the back pocket of her jeans.

The blonde had shared she had ran away from her family, living in Aylana, because they had been abusing her. She had been given some time to recuperate by an elderly lady in Domino, who had then pointed her to The Swan Inn as Shizuka might know a place where she could stay and work. So far, she had stayed at the Inn because she could help out here and Shizuka had let her stay. The muttering was a little odd, sometimes, but Yami was glad Rebecca had found a place she might start to trust even though she was only at the Inn for barely two weeks.

Smiling slightly, Yami was reminded of Atemu also showing up two weeks ago, as if the start of November had been something to celebrate and he chuckled softly as he hoped the tanned man had something to celebrate when they'd see each other again. Hopefully his talks with contractors had gone well, hopefully he was happy in his apartment and Yami hoped the other man thought of him sometimes. After last Sunday he had been able to calm his mind and himself some more, which was to his own great relieve, but that didn't mean he couldn't wait to see the tanned man again. To hold hands, to go for a stroll. After this weekend, he'd have the Monday off as well as Tuesday morning and if Atemu would agree, Yami would love to spend the day with him.

Slightly interrupted at Rebecca's soft muttering, Yami looked up from his musings when Shizuka entered. The first batch of lasagne was in the oven, browning slightly as dinner time arrived. The auburn-haired girl smiled as she took Yami's arm gently, giggling at his surprised expression. "He's here", she merely said and Yami smiled, his tail flicking back and forth as he followed her into the dining room where guests were already settling down. It were a lot for the Friday evening and he glanced around a little surprised. Normally, only the Saturday and Sunday evenings were really crowded and yes, an occasional Friday, but it still surprised him pleasantly. Yet, as his crimson eyes went towards Atemu waiting for him next to the bar, he smiled brightly and forgot about the dining room altogether.

"Kitten", the tanned man whispered in his ear and Yami purred as he embraced the other man and nuzzled him softly. "It's busy tonight. Do you even have time for me?", Atemu asked and Yami pulled away from him with a small pout.

"I always have time for you, Até. I'll be standing in the kitchen tonight, but maybe Shizuka will allow for you to help me? Then Rebecca can help out in the front together with Timothy, who is also helping out tonight. Jonouchi will be here too because, surprisingly enough, he's an awesome waiter", Yami said and he chuckled as Atemu did. They turned to look at Shizuka however who smiled at the two man laughing. She could see Yami was happy, more so than he had ever been in these past six years and he almost seemed to glow as the other man had finally arrived.

"So, basically two men can cook better than I probably will for the rest of my entire life?", she asked with a snort, her lips still curled in a smile and Atemu gave a slight shrug. His mother had taught him everything she'd known until she had died. His father had always pushed him to follow whatever he was good at, cooking and mathematics, which had only developed his abilities.

Shizuka seemed to purse her lips for a moment, however. "This is a charity though, I won't be able to pay you for your services", she said and Atemu shook his head at that.

"That doesn't matter, but I would love to spend the evening with Yami. There is much to tell him", the tanned man replied and Shizuka stretched his hand out towards him.

"All that is left is welcome . I hope this will be a splendid evening for you. My name is Shizuka Katsuya, that is my brother Jonouchi and together with Yami we kind of run The Swan Inn", she explained and Atemu's smile warmed at her words.

"My pleasure. The name is Atemu Sennen", he said back and Shizuka nodded, before she shooed both men into the kitchen as the door opened up again and new people entered to ask for a table. Jonouchi grabbed an apron from the hook and a tray, before picking up a small notepad to write down the orders. Menus were already on the table, as people could pick from two entrées, three main courses and two desserts and it would save them a lot of time while walking around on the floor. Rebecca entered the front while Atemu picked up an apron himself and joined Yami at the stove.

"All right, the entrées are baked bread with garlic butter or tomato soup with bread sticks. For the main course people can choose lasagne, baked potatoes with ground beef and vegetables or paella with chicken", Yami said, pointing at the counter and different pans. There were numerous ovens which were already pre-heating and Atemu rolled up his sleeve with an excited grin. His kitten and him had often done charity work by cooking for the orphanage or other instances who had needed help and he was thrilled to do so again with the man he loved.

Setting to work while Yami's ears swivelled at the sound of glasses behind the doors, the orders started to come in and Atemu grinned as he checked the oven and had Yami next to him doing the same while they stuffed the baked potatoes and made sure all the guests were filled to the brim with everything The Swan Inn had to offer. Atemu was surprised it was even that much considering they were a charity and as they had a momentary break, he glanced out the doors to see the people enjoying themselves.

"We often get food offered to us by local supermarkets, but we also buy a lot of fresh ingredients from the profit we make during the weekends. It's not always simple, but it works", Yami explained as he stood beside Atemu and smiled as he saw the same view. People eating their cooked food, talking and drinking and because no one was looking, the tanned man kissed Yami's brow softly. A blush dusted pale cheeks and Yami quickly moved back into the kitchen to check on desserts. Atemu lingered for a moment longer, his rose-red eyes gazing through the dining room where Shizuka was talking with some people she knew and Rebecca was behind the cash register.

"Até, ice-cream!", Yami called out and the tanned man chuckled before he moved back to Yami's side and kissed the pale neck softly.

"When are you free again?", Atemu asked and Yami smiled as he pecked the tanned cheek in return.

"Monday and Tuesday morning. I was about to ask if you wanted to do something nice with me? I could show you a new park which was build in the area. It's very beautiful", Yami said and rose-red eyes glanced at him as the first orders of dessert came in.

"I'd love to, kitten. I missed you these past few days, seeing you on Tuesday only was really not enough. Shall I pick you up Sunday evening or Monday morning?", Atemu asked while he artistically made up the required dessert plate. Yami pursed his lips as he did the same, agreeing with his lover whole heartedly about them not spending enough time together. He'd love to already be with Atemu on Sunday, but would the man mind picking him up so late from the Inn?

"I won't be finished on Sunday until late in the evening Até, I'm not sure if I can give you an exact time", he answered because he didn't want to burden his lover either. The tanned man merely smiled as he finished another plate.

"Well... I could always help you out like I do now", he said, but Yami shook his head at that, before tilting his head.

"You could, but then as a waiter? We have a chef cooking for us on Sunday, so the kitchen is his at that time, but we could always use an extra waiter", Yami said and Atemu tilted as he thought about it.

"Deal. If Shizuka accepts", Atemu promised, very glad the owner of The Swan Inn eventually agreed to Yami's proposal. He had enjoyed himself and did so again that upcoming Sunday evening. It was busy, a whole lot busier than Friday and deep down Atemu wondered how the chef could keep up with the equipment he had. True, it were simple dishes and Yami had already done some pre-work on them, but the tanned man was still impressed.

He smiled as Yami came up to him at the bar and requested a few more drinks, which the tanned man happily helped him out with. Filling up the glasses as well as the tray, Atemu had another good look around the Inn and smiled as he watched Yami swerve through the differently coloured bistro tables. Deep down he could feel a memory resurfacing, one where they had discussed a tea room. Yami had shown him how he balanced a tray, they had played their part of waiter and customer, before his kitten had turned daring and bold.

Chuckling to himself softly, Atemu filled up a few glasses with soda as Jonouchi came around the corner. Yami had been right however, there didn't seem to be a true end to this evening, though he was glad when everyone had gone home. The silence was a little overwhelming, but as Yami came to stand next to him, he pulled him close with an arm around the slender waist. He could feel his Neko tremble pleasantly, before snuggling up to him as they hung their aprons away.

"You will not count the cash-register?", Atemu asked softly and Shizuka looked at him as she returned from her small office, before shaking her head.

"No, I'll do it tomorrow. Nobody can reach it, so you don't need to worry", was her answer and Atemu refrained from frowning. It was odd not to count the till after work, yet, it could happen. What was even more odd and something she shouldn't have done, was tell him about her schedule. The tanned man smiled nonetheless while he wondered if everyone knew about it, before he allowed for Yami to go upstairs and gather his things so he could stay the night at his place. Putting his own coat back on and checking to see if he still had his phone and car keys, Atemu smiled at the soft purr reaching his ears. Crimson eyes were dark and he could feel Yami trembling as they laced their fingers while holding hands.

"See you Tuesday, Yami!", Shizuka called out and Yami looked back with a smile, ready to celebrate his day off with Atemu while his skin burned. His eyes caught Jonouchi winking at him and he blushed rather darkly, before leaning some more against his lover. A whole two nights and day with Atemu. Now that was a gift.

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Thanks for reading and if you have the time, please leave a review. Not sure if this chapter feels rushed or not, but I actually enjoyed writing it this way. See you guys back in chapter 9! Byebye!