Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!
For s2Teennovelist. Thank you for the detailed reviews, encouragement and advice. Happy 21st Birthday Teenie!
Chapter Fourteen: Remembrance
A brisk breeze slashed through the January air, confirming winter's claim on Japan. Sidewalks and houses were painted with a light dusting of freshly fallen snow, reaffirming winter's presence.
Yugi and Atemu strolled down the walkway that cut through Domino Park hand-in-hand, enduring all the signs of winter. Yugi admired the crystal white landscape as the massive amounts of tiny snowflakes shimmered in the sunlight.
Another shiver was sent through her hand. Amethyst irises shifted as to her companion's face. Atemu's face read freezing point.
"Atemu, how long have you lived in Japan?"
"I have been living here permanently for about seven years, right after I graduated high school." She swore she heard his teeth chatter with the response.
"And you're still cold in the winter?"
He stopped his forward motion and turned towards her. "I may have been here for seven years, but I lived in Egypt for eighteen years, where the average temperature during the winter is 15 degrees Celsius during the day. It is not so easy for me to get 'used' to the cold." Now he was trying his best not to appear cold.
"I guess not," Yugi commented before pausing. Today had been one of those frigid days in Domino where the temperature was below average. "Would you rather go inside somewhere?"
Atemu slightly huffed, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "You wanted to go for a walk."
Yugi copied his motion with her coat-covered arms. "Not if you're freezing."
The two stared at each other for a moment, heated from their little argument. Neither wanted to give in, keeping the other's comfort as their main goal.
Atemu chuckled, ending the silent staring contest. His laughter increased at Yugi's confusion. He broke his demanding stance, placing a leather gloved hand over his forehead as he tilted his head back.
Yugi blinked at the sight, but left her arms in position. "What?"
He ended his laughter and looked back at his girlfriend. "Do you realize we are so concerned for each other that we're fighting?"
Folded arms released, allowing Yugi to cover her mouth as she giggled. "Isn't that a good thing?"
The chilly Egyptian set his hands on his hips as he playfully raised a brow and gave a teasing smile. "The fighting or the concern?"
Yugi smiled as her slender hand took his chin.
"You know I was talking about the concern." Her feet arched as she went on tiptoe, placing a chaste, warm kiss on his cheek.
"Better?"
Atemu smiled as he wrapped an arm around her. "Not quite." He leaned down, bending his upper back ever so slightly, taking her chin in his free hand. Softly he placed his lips on hers, caressing them, closing his eyes in the process.
Yugi submitted to his advance, allowing her eyelids to slip down. The feeling of his lips always created a simple yet undeniable spark of emotion. This time was no different. She could feel heat rising in her body, the same ecstasy which made her heart race.
Both broke away, inhaling large swallows of cold air. Atemu tilted his head, forcing their noses to connect at the tip. He watched as Yugi's sparking gems revealed themselves from their hidden place.
"Now I'm better."
The airport had little activity. Shops and food stands had already closed for the night, signaling the late hour. A lone security guard was the only protection from any potential crimes, while all security gate check-ins were no longer operational.
Yugi yawned. The somber atmosphere of the airport did little to keep her awake. She shifted her weight to shake away the sleepiness. Why did he have to come in so late?
She quickly shook the thought from her head. It was not Honda's fault that something came up at the restaurant that postponed his flight. He could have just stayed home. He could have just left her to visit Jounouchi's grave alone.
Yugi closed her eyes, recalling the first time she visited his resting place on his birthday. Honda and Anzu had to literally drag her to the cemetery. The dreams she had fantasized about her future with him were still fresh in her mind. She fell to her knees once they reached the headstone. Large, hot tears fell from her amethyst eyes as the reality of his passing was staring her in the face.
Eyelids retracted to reveal shining amethyst irises, moist from the memory. No tears fell; Jounouchi may be gone, but not forgotten.
"Hey Yugi!"
The young woman turned her focus to the familiar voice. A taller man with brown hair and similar eyes waved widely at her, dragging a hunter green suitcase behind him.
"Hey Honda!" Yugi shouted as she walked towards him, keeping the nostalgic tone from her voice. She watched him released his luggage and open his arms. Accepting the invitation, Yugi stopped in front of him between his arms. Arms encircled her body, completing the hug.
"How was your flight?" Yugi said, following the hug.
He took his luggage once again. "Long, as usual. And the food was not the best."
"Honda, it's airplane food. Isn't it supposed to be bad?"
"I didn't say it was bad, just not the best."
"You and your culinary critique."
He chuckled. "Can I help that?"
"No Mr. Chef."
Yugi opened the door when they reached the car, allowing Honda to unload his bags.
"Anzu sends her regards."
Yugi smiled. "I know there was a chance she couldn't make it. I'll be fine."
The friends settled themselves in the car.
"Is Atemu coming?"
"No, he felt that it was too early for him to visit Katsuya just yet."
"I see."
"I told him it would be alright, but he did not want to intrude on us. He said next year he will come." Yugi explained. "He also has another report to complete in regards to the new branch of Massri-Wong in China."
"Is he the president of the company?"
"No."
"Then why…"
"Because his father wants him prepared," Yugi interrupted. "Personally I think it is a good idea, but I hope he doesn't push Atemu too hard."
Silent as the grave was the perfect description for the scene at the cemetery. A fresh blanket of snow had enveloped that land, burying the tombstones deeper in white flakes. The unusual frigid air kept the woodpeckers and pheasants from leaving their homes, locking away their songs. The moles and squirrels that resided there continued to sleep. Even the hares secluded themselves in their burrows.
One polished rock stood alone in a far corner of the memorial park. Oval in shape, the amber-colored stone was etched with bold lettering, just like his personality.
Yugi brushed her mitten-covered hand over the headstone, removing the stray flakes that covered the lettering, exposing the simple message: Jounouchi Katsuya 1982-2002
She stood next to Honda. Both sat silent for a moment, staring at the beautiful reminder of why they were at such a dismal place.
"Hey Jounouchi," Honda began, breaking the silence, "how's it been? Most likely you're enjoying an endless, all you can eat buffet, while sitting on a pillow with a comic." Yugi giggled by the comment, picturing the sight. "I have been working in America, running a restaurant named Ko-Meshi. You would have made a great food tester for me. You would have gotten free food every week."
"Anzu now works in America, dancing with a big company. She is amazing when she moves. Grace is the only word for it. You would be happy for her, seeing her accomplish her dream."
Honda bit his tongue, regretting his final comment. He turned to Yugi. A somber expression graced her face. Guilt consumed his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Yugi, I shouldn't have said…I didn't mean to…"
"Don't," Yugi said in a loving, calm tone, giving a small smile, "I know that Katsuya and I had plans, had dreams together, but his passing shouldn't stop us to accomplishing our individual dreams. I still want to help people, to become a great nurse." She paused, taking in a breath of air. "You're right, he would be happy for Anzu, just like I am happy for her, and for you."
Honda raised the corners of his lips, giving a sweet smile of his own.
"You should tell him about you and Anzu."
Honda blinked, surprised by the suggestion. Yugi only gave a nod in confirmation. The astonishment washed away from his face before speaking.
"Anzu and I are back together. We're actually living together. It brings back a lot of memories, happy, good memories."
Honda looked back at Yugi, whose smile continued after his confession. He patted her shoulder, signaling he had finished. She nodded before staring at the headstone.
"Happy Birthday Katsuya! To think you would have been 22 today. We would have had such a fun time because with you, there is never a dull moment." She pulled out a tiny box. "I got you a present. It is a bracelet made of yellow and green ribbon." she explained, removing the lid. Taking out the simple wrist ornament, she set it in front of the tombstone. "I want to let you know you will live in my heart forever and you have given me so much courage."
She stepped back, admiring the sight while avoiding Honda's moist eyes.
"Katsuya, your passing affected me so much." Eyelids slipped shut as she continued. "I missed you so much, crying on and off for a whole year. But I knew you would have wanted me to move on." She opened her eyes, smiling joyfully. "I want to tell you that someone has come into my life. He has brought me so much joy and happiness. He may not be as reckless or as child-like as you, but he is kind, caring and generous, sometimes too much." A chuckle escaped her lips. "But he really makes me happy. I just want you to know I have moved on, that I no longer focus on your death. I have moved on Katsuya, but I will never forget you. You made sure of that."
The two stood in silence for a minute. Both recalled Jounouchi's smile, his laughter, and his determination.
"We'll see you next year Katsuya, but we will think about you all year."
"In the folder you should see a guideline for how the company will be set up. The hierarchy of the management, the different departments, even how the pay is divided is all laid out in the documents."
Ahknemkhanen flipped through the stack of white papers, reading the titles of each one.
"The location as already been established and plans for its construction has been approved by the government. We should be able to start within the week."
"Thank you Wong for the update."
"Of course Massri, even if we have broken our normal partnership, I will still be civil when we complete business."
"I would expect nothing less from you Chen. I hope you so the same respect when Atemu takes over."
Silence took over the conversation for a moment. "I have faith in you to pick the right successor for the company. I will do my best to serve him as I worked with you."
Ahknemkhanen ended the digital conversation by pressing the end key on his cell. He looked back at his son, who had listened to the entire conversation.
"What do you think?"
"I don't think Wong wants me as president." The young man responded nonchalant.
"First of all, you know I asked you about the plan for the China branch. Second, he is only still sore about the way he earned this arrangement."
"Sorry," Atemu apologized. He took up the folder and ruffled through the many manuscripts. "Everything seemed to be in order. Wong is a seasoned businessman who knows how to set-up a company. Plus, he is in his native country, which gives him a homeland advantage. However I still would like to go over all the plans just to make sure."
The elder Massri smiled. A fine businessman indeed. "Good, you may review the plan in detail. We can discuss it in about a week."
Atemu nodded, gathered the materials about Massri-Wong China and stood. He walked out of the office and headed for his own, sighing. Once again I am giving an extra task. Lately Ahknemkhanen had given project after report to review, covering every aspect of the business. He paused for a moment. When does Dad plan on giving me the company?
That thought slightly scared him. He knew he was ready in the business-sense, he just was scared to mess his father's accomplishments. Ahknemkhanen build this company from the ground up. The last thing Atemu wanted was to let his father's legacy drop because of him. The longer his father waited the more time he had to get everything right.
"Welcome back Mr. Massri."
"Thank you Ms. Nuwa."
"You have a visitor."
Atemu scanned the lobby outside his office. The room was empty.
"She is already in your office."
He looked back at his secretary, who gave a smile with a wink.
He gave a quick blush. "Thank you."
Atemu entered the room. A woman sat in his chair, leaning on the desk with her elbows with a smile on her lips.
"Hello Atemu."
He strolled into the office, placing the folder on the desk. He walked callously towards the chair, circling the desk. He stopped next to his girlfriend and slouched proudly against the wooden surface.
All the while Yugi kept her eyes on him, removing her elbows when he turned the corner.
He gave a hidden smirk. "And what do I owe this visit?"
"I just wanted to see you." She pushed the chair from the desk, allowing herself room to stand. The woman wiggled her fingers between his before kissing his sweetly on the lips. Following the kiss she laid her face in the nape of his neck.
Atemu closed his eyes. At the moment, it was enough just for Yugi to be by his side. She made everything right in his life. Despite the all of the horrible things that have happened, she made it all worth it.
"How was your visit?" He asked, genuinely curious.
"It was the first time I left with dry eyes."
"You didn't cry?"
"No, normally I would cry because I would be so sad, because I missed him so much. I still miss him, his smile, his youthful charm and his antics, but now, I don't feel so bad or lost." She hugged him. "I have you to thank for that."
Atemu returned the gesture, grasping her tightly. He loved how she felt in his arms. Her subtle curves fit snug in his toned arms.
"Kiss me."
Atemu obliged the request without hesitation. Silky lips collided with plush ones. Passion and love exploded between their lips. In union, they squeezed each other's hand, their silent declaration of their devotion for each other.
For Atemu, it was perfect.
No, not yet. The thought of marriage ran through his head once again. It was becoming harder and harder to resist asking her every time he saw her. Yet he was waiting, waiting for the right time to say I love you to her, waiting for her to say I love you.
But how long was he willing to wait for her before he claims his love?
A/N: 15 degrees Celsius is 59 degrees Fahrenheit, while Japan is about 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler, depending on where you are in Japan. Also, green represents life/eternity while yellow means courage.
Let me explain the timeframe of the story, currently it is January 2005, which would make Jounouchi 23 (if he were alive). I really hate dated my stories, but it has to be done for this one.