This chapter is mostly about Yugi and Jounouchi's past relationship. It is a way to get Jounouchi into the story. Yugi is calling Jounouchi by his first name since they were closer than friends.

Warnings: Character death, Jounouchi and Yugi romance, domestic violence (minimal)

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-OH!

Chapter 13: Past Love

"Jounouchi Katsuya, my old boyfriend."

Atemu knew about her past boyfriend. It was when he had asked for advice about Vivian. Yugi talked so highly of him. He knew by the way she talked about him she still had feelings for him. It may have even been love. Knowing Yugi had feelings for another man hurt, but Atemu wouldn't do anything to stop Yugi if Jounouchi ever came back. As long as she was happy, he would survive. But it didn't stop his curiosity.

"What happened with Jounouchi?"

"Katsuya and I decided in your senior year that we would take our separate paths. I wanted to become a nurse and he, well, he wanted to make use of his talents."

Atemu raised an eyebrow in question.

"Katsuya was a bully before we were friends. He was always getting into fights."

"You fell for a bully?" He asked, surprised.

"Anzu couldn't believe it either, but it happened. Our friendship began after I defended him, despite all the pranks he had pulled on me."

"He was a bully to you?"

"Yeah. He was always picking on me." Yugi left out a small chuckle. "It's kind of silly looking back on it."

Atemu was still in disbelief that Yugi's past boyfriend was a bully, and what's worse, to her. Yet she spoke sweetly, kindly about him. That is Yugi for you, always looking for the good in people.

"Anyway he became my friend soon after that."

"What did you defend him from?"

"Well…"

~Flashback~

Yugi gripped tightly onto her backpack. Her first days of high school had become a repeat of junior high school. Due to her size, she was very timid, and a target. Girls and boys would tease her and taunt her. She mostly kept to herself. Luckily, her childhood friend, Anzu, always had her back, expect when she had dance class. Today was one of those days.

The tiny freshman exited the school, breathing in the humid summer air. She smiled, knowing that it would soon be summer vacation. Summer vacation meant no school and more time playing games. Her thought were disturbed by grunts. She followed the source of the noise. Yugi was horrified at the sight. Jounouchi and Honda, two of the classroom bullies, were leaning against the school, covered in bruises and scratches. Ushio, one of the school's student rule enforcer, was standing over the beaten freshmen.

The two fallen men shifted their eyes from Ushio to Yugi. Ushio noticed the action and copied the movement. He smirked at the girl.

"Mutou, I did you a favor and told these two to leave you alone." The officer thumbed to the beaten students.

Jounouchi and Honda perked up at the comment. Each boy glared at Yugi.

"I never asked you to…"

"Would you like to take a chance at a hit while they're down?"

She didn't like the sound of that. Yugi ran over, placing herself in the middle of the group. She stared at Ushio with pleading eyes, arms wide open.

"Stop hurting them. They are my friends."

Ushio chuckled. "And what do you plan on doing?"

"I never asked you to hurt them. I never approached you. You don't need to hurt them. Please stop hurting them."

Jounouchi and Honda listened to the exchanging of words.

Ushio huffed and then smirked as he extended his hand. "My services will cost 200,000 yen."

Yugi's eyes opened wide. "Wha-what?"

"200,000 yen," Ushio repeated, "now pay up."

"I don't have that kind of money."

"Then you will have to pay a different way."

Ushio grabbed her wrists. Yugi squeaked as he shoved her to the ground. She tried to stand and run, but her arms were restrained by his hands. Ushio lifted her body and pressed her against the school wall with her feet hanging inches above the ground. Yugi shut her eyes, unwilling to see what was coming next. Yet, it didn't help that her mind was providing several suggestions.

Jounouchi and Honda were becoming upset. Having Ushio beat up boys was one thing, but pushing around a girl was uncalled for. The two managed the strength to stand. Jounouchi clenched his fists before speaking.

"How low can you be Ushio, attacking an innocent girl?"

He turned his head, keeping his grip on Yugi.

"Yugi has a debt to pay," Ushio stated matter-of-factly.

"You shouldn't be hitting a girl. It's not right." Honda reaffirmed.

The officer smiled slyly. "Who said I was going to hit her?"

That struck Jounouchi's heart, hard.

The blonde boy sprinted at Ushio, letting his fist fly through the air. His knuckles slammed into Ushio's cheek. The big man stumbled backwards, releasing Yugi in the process. She fell to her hands and knees, unable to move in fear. Ushio recovered and stared at the brown-eyed man who stood only to his shoulders. Jounouchi kicked Ushio in the stomach, forcing him to stumble again. Honda now joined his pal, ready to enter the fight. The two reared their fists forward, crashing straight onto Ushio's face. The man fell down, knocked out from the blow.

Satisfied, Jounouchi turned and went over to Yugi, with Honda following behind. She had stayed in her position, but the shock of what could have happened had worn off. The blonde bent down, reaching the shaken girl's level. Honda stood by them, keeping an eye on Ushio where he laid unconscious.

"Yugi, you okay?"

She nodded before speaking. "I'm sorry that you and Honda-kun got hurt. I never asked him to defend me and I never wanted either of you to get hurt." She refused to look at them, not sure if they would believe her.

"I should have known. You have always been so kind. Plus, he confirmed his intensions when he asked for payment." Jounouchi replied.

"Despite being a school rule enforcer, he is always causing trouble," Honda added.

Yugi built the courage to look at them. Both were smiling with eyes of comfort. It put her at ease.

"Thanks, Jounouchi-kun, Honda-kun." She gave them her signature smile.

Jounouchi helped her to her feet. He scanned her body hastily for injuries, hoping she wouldn't get the wrong idea. He thought about what could have happened to her. For some reason, it made him think about everything he did to her. The spiders, the taunts, helping spread rumors and the ideas discussed with Honda now made him feel guilty.

"Yugi, I…" Jounouchi stopped, unsure how to apologize.

Yugi could see the tension in her friend. She knew that, although she considered them friends, it may have never dawned on him. Due to the sound of his voice, she figured he was trying to apologize. She smiled sweetly to him.

"Jounouchi-kun, we're friends. You don't need to apologize for anything."

That surprised Jounouchi. She was so quick to forgive. He nodded in response.

"You have nothing to apologize for either Honda-kun." Honda nodded at the comment.

"Can we walk you home?"

Yugi nodded in enthusiasm, spreading her smile wider. The three headed towards the game shop.

~End Flashback~

"Somehow Yugi, I am not surprised that you would react that way."

She laughed. "Well they were, but I'm glad they accepted me as a friend. Once Anzu warmed up to them, the four of us were inseparable. It did become different when Jounouchi and I started dating."

"Your friendship ended?"

"No, but Anzu and Honda were freaked out, until they started dating. Then we did lots of couple stuff, like double dates."

"What types of dates did you have with him?"

"I remember this one time…"

~Flashback~

"Let's go Yugi."

"Katsuya, where are you taking me?"

A smile spread across his face. "You'll see."

He pulled her into a bakery.

"A bakery?"

All Jounouchi did was grin as he dragged her inside. He slipped into the kitchen with a confused and embarrassed Yugi behind him. The two stopped, now standing in front of one of the counters.

"Katsuya, I don't think we should be back here. We don't…"

"Jounouchi!" a loud voice called from across the room. Jounouchi turned to the voice, letting go of his girlfriend's hand. He walked towards a man with short black hair and grey eyes who stood a good six inches taller than Jounouchi. The two men hook hands, before the taller gentleman pulled the blonde into a hug.

"It is about time you came to visit."

"Thanks Mr. Keno."

"So what made you decide to come back?"

The teenager leaned into the older gentlemen's ear. Yugi watched in curiosity and puzzlement. The older man pulled away and laughed nervously. Yugi watched him give her a wink. She blushed.

"Alright, let me get everything you need." Mr. Keno left the room.

Yugi looked at Jounouchi who had returned to her side.

"Can you tell me what is going on?"

Jounouchi laughed. "But that would spoil the surprise."

Mr. Keno returned, holding a bin with several different ingredients.

"This should be enough Jounouchi. I will be in the office if you need anything."

The couple watched him leave. Yugi looked at the bin. Eggs, flour, sugar, baking powder, cocoa, salt, and milk were only a few of the thing she saw.

"Are we baking something?"

Jounouchi grinned again. "We are going to make a cake from scratch."

"You know how to bake?"

"I learned a few things while I worked here as a cleaning boy. Mr. Keno taught me."

"Really?"

"You know Yugi, baking is like solving a puzzle, you have to find the right amount of ingredients in order to create a great cake."

Yugi nodded, and then became excited.

"This is going to be fun."

After several hours and attempts, the two made a one-layer chocolate cake with cherry frosting. Yugi and Jounouchi were covered in flour, cocoa, and sugar after the baking was complete. They had been laughing all day and enjoying each other's company. Jounouchi cut the cake and gave the first piece to Yugi, despite his normal behavior.

"Katsuya, I'm impressed."

"Why?"

She laughed. "You're giving me the first piece."

"You deserve it."

Not allowing Yugi time to think, he shoved the wedge of cake into her mouth. Frosting and crumbs covered her mouth. She heard Jounouchi laughing; she could only imagine it was due to the look on her face.

He was laughing so hard he had shut his eyes. Yugi smirked at the opportunity.

She grabbed his face and kissed his lips and cheeks, covering them with cherry frosting and chocolate cake. She pulled away, taking in a good look at the speckled mess Jounouchi's face had become.

"Hey!" Jounouchi shouted.

Yugi chuckled. "I got you back."

Jounouchi smiled before giving his girlfriend a quick loving kiss.

"I must admit, your kisses taste a little sweeter today."

~End Flashback~

"He would be romantic in his way. We would take me to baseball games and wrestling, dinner was usually out of the question."

"And why would that be?"

"He would eat for the more than double what we would eat, and he couldn't afford that."

"That bad?"

She looked at him square in the face. "He would never turn down an eating challenge, and he usually won."

"Sounds like he had a healthy appetite."

"Yeah," Yugi smiled "but we mostly just hung out at my house since he didn't like his home."

"Why?"

"His father."

~Flashback~

"You're going to his house Yugi?"

She nodded as she packed her bag. "Katsuya needs his homework for the day. I figured I would give it to him since he has been sick."

Honda became tense. "Just be careful Yugi."

"I know," she replied in a low voice.

Anzu gave a small frown. "Do you want us to come?"

"No, I don't want to inconvenience either of you. Besides, I shouldn't be there long."

The two friends glanced at each other, sighing.

"Okay Yugi, we trust you."

"I'll be fine, guys. I will see you tomorrow."

Yugi waved to them as she left the school. Once out of sight she picked up her pace. She knew Katsuya hated being at home, especially since his father was always there.

Yugi stopped at the entrance to a small apartment to the other side of town. The building was plain, nothing special, something Jounouchi's father was known for. She had only been here once before, and she wasn't thrilled to be back.

She knocked on the door, hoping Jounouchi's father was asleep. She could her cursing and yelling coming from the other side of the door. The deep voice made her wince. She was going to face trouble, or so she thought.

The door opened, revealing a tired and rather ragged looking blonde. His eyes and nose were red for his cold. A loose T-shirt and sweatpants covered his body. He gave a weak smile before horror captured his face.

"Yugi-chan, what are you doing here?" Jounouchi whispered in a desperate tone.

"I came to bring your homework. You might not like school, but I don't want you to fall behind."

"Thanks, but I can get it later at your house. It would be…" His words ceased as he began a couching fit.

"I am already here, so I think you should let me in to help you Katsuya." Yugi stated soundly as she placed her hand on her hips.

"But," He began.

"You need to love and tenderness," Yugi lectured, ducking underneath his arm which was propping the door, "and I am going to help you with that."

She could here Jounouchi groan, but didn't mind. She knew why. The fact that she heard yelling earlier gave the reason. The one person Jounouchi hated the most was his own father.

The door shut, which made the older man shout. "Who was at the door?"

"My friend, Dad." Jounouchi didn't want to tell him who Yugi really was.

"What does he want?" He called without leaving the television. He figured the guest was male.

"Bringing my homework."

"What for?"

"I was sick today, so I missed school."

Jounouchi knew his father never paid attention to anything, so it was no shock that he didn't know about Jounouchi missing school or being sick.

Yugi kept quiet during the conversation. The last thing she wanted was to be the cause of any trouble.

"Come on Yugi, we can go to my room."

She nodded, allowing his father to believe she was a boy. The two ran to Jounouchi's room, escaping the lazy drunk.

Jounouchi shut the door once they entered his room. He sighed in relief, the first part was over.

"We dodged the first bullet." Yugi smiled, settling herself on the bed.

"But you still have to leave." Jounouchi pointed out.

She shrugged. "I will deal with it when it comes."

Jounouchi joined her on the bed. Yugi reached her hand to his forehead, resting the back of it against his skin.

"I don't feel a fever," Yugi said.

"I don't feel hot, Yug."

She smirked. "You look hot to me."

He chuckled, before placing a hand on his head. "Don't make me laugh. I have a headache." He became serious, "Besides, you know what those kinds of comments will lead and I don't want you to get sick."

Yugi laughed. "I know, but I miss kissing you." She gave him a kiss on the forehead where her hand had been.

Jounouchi's body relaxed at the contact. He loved it when Yugi touched him. It put him at ease, telling him everything will be alright, despite living with a sham of a father.

A loud knock echoed through the room, causing Yugi to end the kiss. Jounouchi tensed again, knowing exactly who it was.

"Katsuya! I want to come down and make dinner! I am starving!" A loud, obnoxious voice carried the words through the wooden door.

Yugi watched Jounouchi frown with angry eyes. She knew he wanted nothing more than to leave this man for good, but the law prevented that, and Jounouchi had nowhere else to go.

"In a minute, I have a friend over."

"Do not talk to me like that boy! You had better come out now and get dinner ready!"

"I will in a minute Dad, I just have to…"

The drunk had reached his end. He banged on the door, hard. The continuing motion began to loosen the hinges on the door, which had been bent from previous forced entries. Yugi stood behind her boyfriend, unsure of what would happen. Jounouchi readied himself, in case his father went after Yugi.

The door swung open the wrong way, exposing an angered man. His bloodshot eyes glared at his son.

"You will do as I say since you are my son!"

"I told you I would make dinner as soon as my friend left."

He didn't want to hear it. He grabbed Jounouchi and threw him at the wall.

His father then looked at Yugi. The irate expression in his eyes made Yugi shudder.

"What are you doing here? Are you screwing with him, preventing him from taking care of me?"

"Yugi run!"

She obeyed without hesitation. She bolted to the door past the father, slipping slightly as she walked down the stairs.

~End Flashback~

"That's terrible."

"The next day, he had a few bruises. I felt terrible leaving him, but I knew I was no match for Katsuya's father."

"He must have been with you a lot, seeing his home life was so bad."

"Yeah, he had a horrible home life. But he had his sister. Thankfully she lived with her mother. But he was always there for her. It was so sweet."

"What happened after high school?"

"Remember how I said he wanted to make good use of his talents? Well, he thought he would be good in the army."

"I see," Atemu noted, knowing the army was not the greatest place for most people.

"Even though we had stopped dating at the time, I was still upset when I heard it."

~Flashback~

"I'm going into the army."

Yugi was taken aback by his words.

"What?"

"I have decided to go into the army after high school."

Yugi's shock expression changed into anger.

"What do you mean you're going into the army?"

"Look Yugi, the army is the best place for me."He spoke while shifted though his bedroom.

"The army is not the best place for anyone."Even she didn't believe herself.

"I know what I am doing. I wish you would be supportive of me."

"Katsuya, you should go to college and get a degree. You should stay home. The army is not the answer." She tried her best to convince him without her voice breaking.

Jounouchi looked at his former girlfriend. He could see the hurt in her eyes, a hurt he never wanted to witness.

"Look Yugi, I didn't do so great in my studies. I don't want to end up like my dad."

Her anger and frustration ebbed away at his words. She walked to him, wrapping her arms around him in a loving embrace.

"You will never be like him. You're too good."

"I know," he began, returning the hug, "but I don't want to end up at a dead end job because of my education, or lack thereof. At least with the army, I can make money and then attend college."

"But you will be deployed to who knows where. You may not see anyone for a long time."

Yugi felt him squeeze tighter.

"I know you're scared. I will miss you more than anyone, but I have to do this, for my future."

He pulled her away, seeing the tears forming in her eyes.

"Yugi, we decided to end our romantic relationship in order to follow our dreams. I want to become successful and right now, going into the army is the best way to do that."

She nodded in understanding. It didn't change the fact on how she felt.

"Yugi, I want you to write every day. I can't imagine losing contact with you for so long."

She nodded again.

He lifted her chin with his finger. She was obedient and followed the request of his hand. He leaned into her face, kissing her lips. She returned the gesture as tears fell from her amethyst eyes. Katsuya broke the kiss.

"I promise Yugi, when I have enough money and am secure, I will come back to you and we will be together again."

"I was hoping the same thing."

The two stood in silence, savoring the moment of being in each other's arms. It felt so right. Neither wanted to let go, but he knew better.

He released her, knowing the continuing touch will only increase the pain. He turned towards the door.

Yugi held her breathe. She didn't want to see him go. Even if his convoy didn't leave for another two weeks, seeing him head towards her front door pulled at her heart. The tears fell steadily over her cheeks. She kept her eyes on him until he exited the house, her heart breaking.

~End Flashback~

"I really didn't want him to go, but I supported his decision. In my heart, I prayed for the day his service would be over."

The ending of the tale made Atemu depressed. Yugi really cared about Jounouchi that she was hoping to get back together. Then why aren't they together now? He decided to ask, afraid of the answer.

"When does Jounouchi finish his service?"

Yugi grew quiet at the question. Atemu became concerned for the taciturn girl. He could see the sorrow within her amethyst jewels. Her voice only emphasized the emotion emitting from her eyes.

"About two years after he joined the army, there was an accident. Katsuya wasn't initially part of it, but a couple of his soldier buddies were caught in it. Katsuya didn't hesitate and jumped in to help his friends." Yugi paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. "Then there was a second explosion." Her voice became a little shaky.

Atemu placed a hand on his friend's knee. "Yugi, I am so sorry." Atemu frowned in sadness. He could tell the outcome of this story by the sound of her voice.

"It's okay Atemu. It has been nearly three years since he died. But I will tell you that I was devastated when I was first told about his death."

~Flashback~

The door bell rang at the Mutou residence. Yugi was busy completing homework and ignored the sound. She had to get this chemistry homework done. It was her final general education course.

"Yugi, someone is here for you." Her mother shouted from the bottom of the stairs.

Yugi sighed. Why now? Closing her textbook, she went downstairs. Entering the living room, she saw Shizuka slumped on the couch.

"Shizuka?"

The girl lifted her head slowly at the sound of her voice. Shizuka's puffy red eyes and dried tears on her cheeks was the first thing she noticed, giving Yugi an uneasy feeling.

"Oh Yugi." Shizuka had raced off the couch and slammed into Yugi. Stunned, Yugi just stood frozen. She heard Shizuka crying. As if by instinct she wrapped her arms around the sobbing teen, giving a comforting hug.

"Shizuka, what's wrong?" Yugi managed to say after the initial surprise attack had faded, but wasn't sure if she wanted the answer.

"Katsuya…Katsuya is…"Shizuka couldn't finish the sentence as loud sobs had taken over her voice.

Yugi didn't need to hear the rest. She could read the signs. Tears began to slowly trickle from her own eyes. No…no… he was supposed to…we were supposed to… The thoughts brought more tears.

The sound of Shizuka's tears only aggravated her own. It made her think about the pain of his lost. The tears turned to sobs.

She couldn't take it anymore. Yugi's knees gave out, causing her to fall to the floor. Shizuka followed her, being locked in her embrace.

The two girls sobbed; no longer conscious enough to try to comfort the other.

~End Flashback~

"He was twenty when he died. I was so heartbroken back then because I thought we would get back together after we had our careers established."

Atemu listened to her solemn words. How could I complete with this guy? Yugi seemed so attached to him. Do I have the right to ask her now? His thoughts did nothing to comfort his heart. He wanted to ask Yugi so badly to go on a date, but with her mind on Jounouchi, it would be better to wait. A sad sigh quietly escaped his mouth. His visit had become just another get-together, rather than a chance to tell Yugi how he felt.