The few days that follow were a blur to Terry, the haziness a combination of fever and drug induced slumber to speed up the recovery. She hardly knew is she was waking to another day or the same day. The congestion doesn't help either. She thought sourly to herself as she huddled up in her blanket as a sudden chill took over once more. Almost like clockwork she would kick off the covers only to be wrapped up in them once more. There was no proper comfort for her, the only steady slumber due to the aid of medication. Her phone had rung a few times, or so she thinks, however she was too tired to answer. That, and the sound was far too shrill for her currently sensitive system. It felt as if it was ringing insider her head instead of from the night stand.
As she lay huddled once more, she thought back to the day Atem had walked her home. The memory instantly brought a smile to her face. It was certainly an unexpected turn of events, but fun. The little surprise that come with a day. She thought as she snuggled in to her pillow once more. Her heavy lids stay shut, begging her to let sleep take her once more. Unable to fight, her body slowly sank in to the comfort of her current position. She really had no clue what time it was, but it was best to sleep as much now so when her father and Jonouchi came back she would try to be more alert.
As her days were spent battling her fever and succumbing to medicinal slumber, Atem was an utter mess at school. He was attending all the classes and taking notes! He, the rowdy could not care less about the fake concern of the paid teachers, was a slowly rising star in their eyes. His classmates even tended to spend more time with him, laughing off his sharp remarks that once scared them away.
It's all because of her and she ain't even here to take the blame! He angrily munched on his lunch, forced to take it now that she was not around to bring her extra with her. Before her, he would easily skip lunch and just eat double the dinner at home. He would wander the school grounds or skip out over all without a care. He was a wild and free spirit that was untamable. Now here he was grumpy for the lack of food brought to him and the lack of annoying company that brought the food. Amidst his grumbling he recalled the kiss he had given her and his face instantly burned red. The fuck am I thinking of that for?! Not like she would know, I need to bleach my fucking brain! He growled audibly in distaste. It was not any help that Kyouhei and Anzu were more active and public about one another on top of the other changes.
They had taken her lack of appearance as a sign to get back their little friend. Of everyone who was concerned with Terry's absence, these two found it to be a blessing. A fated chance to rekindle the results of their failing plans. It was working. Each day it was obvious to see how their display grated at Atem, stabbing and twisting the knife in hopes to garner a reaction. And hurt it did. Atem was beside himself with confusion on what to do and there was no distraction from Terry who would step up and be concerned for him. He never asked for her help, yet she continued even after he told her to stop. It made no sense to him but he was not ungrateful, especially now that she was not around to help buffer it.
On the third day of her absence, a strange occurrence happened. It was between midday classes. Kyouhei and Anzu were all over each other and practically falling on to Atem's desk. Visibly shaking, he had grit his teeth as his fist clenched and unclenched repeatedly and mechanically when he snapped. Standing suddenly he knocked his chair back and off balance, his hands slapping the desk as he slammed them down. Seething, he was about to grab Kyouhei when someone else had. Blinking, they trio had turned to see Jonouchi. His cheeks were a little red from the heated display but his glare was firm.
"Don't think you're gonna get away with this shit cause Terry isn't here." He snapped. "I've had just about enough of you two leeches sucking face whenever you can! Just, dear lord, get some decency and stop! No one once to see it! We're in school too!" He shook his head in utter disappointment and disgust. "Do your shit where I and my buddy here don't have to see it. Now amscray!" He shoved the two out of the classroom and clapped his hands clean before he looked to Atem. Grinning ear to ear he gave a big thumbs up before he returned to his usually friends. The class, including Atem, was left speechless before they erupted in to applause and cheers for the blonde. Atem grumbled a quiet thanks under a cough as he passed him, needing air to clear his head.
Since then, the two of them had toned down a bit. It was still there and it still stabbed at Atem, however it was not as bad as before. Also, Jonouchi and he caught up on old times and sports. It was extremely awkward to say the least. The conversations had begun abrupt with both boys trying to come off better or stronger with halting conversation. The only really common ground they had at the moment was Terry's health and that was the very topic that aided in the transition to normal conversation.
It was a particularly quite afternoon as Atem lounged around on the roof. With his hands under his head he stared up at the sky. Seven days, seven fucking days. What's the matter with me? I mean seriously, so what if she's been out. Who fucking cares? It's got nothing to do with me and here I am counting every damn day like something I've always done! This shit is just getting to be too much. Even if I did like her by some off chance in hell, she isn't gonna jump for joy and agree. I gave her a hard time. I'm the worst person for her to date. She'd have to be seriously braindead to want to date me. Liking her or not, it doesn't matter…she's not in to me and she's better off without that added crap. Who knows what those two would do to her if they found out. His face had gone from serene ta o grimace of pain as he thought over the odd feelings in his chest. I'm just worried about her, I can't have feelings for her. She's just incapable of dealing with normal people. He shook the thoughts aside when he heard a loud shout from below.
Rolling on to his feet, he lazily walked over to the fence and leaned on it unceremoniously.
"Who the fuck is yelling like that so damn early in the fucking morning?" He grumbled as he searched for the source. The scream came again. His time less high pitched than the last. "Make that two, no three, no-oh what the shit people!" He huffed until he finally sound the group. His heart instantly lodged itself in his throat at the sight of a certain brunette out of uniform. Quickly jumping to attention, he grabbed at the fence wire and pressed his face against it as he leaned in to get a closer look. Rubbing his eyes and blinking a few times he stared at the person. She was back. He was happy. Ah fuck, I like her.
His feet were moving before he could conjure up an excuse to stay where he was, the sound of his shoes smacking the steps as he took them by twos and then down the slightly crowded halls, pushing students out of the way as he ran. All that mattered she was back and he just had to be in his seat when she entered class. There was no way he would ever let her see him rush around like this. His pride was at stake.
Terry laughed at the sudden excited greetings from her friends and classmates, assuring them she was fine and it was just a bad fever. Her father and Jonouchi insisted she stay home until fully better and so she had. Seeing the familiar faces and greeted with such energy, Terry was smiling all the way to the classroom. When she entered the room, she caught herself staring at the back of his head. Unsure of what to really say, she stood there for a moment.
I don't want to get him anger or embarrassed about what happened…but I do want to talk to him. She frowned. How though? Wait, what do I mean how? I'll just go up to him like usual. She lightly hit her at the sudden moment and headed straight to his desk. Knocking on it to grab his attention, she grinned broadly at him. "Hi, I'm back." He turned to look at her with the same indifference he always had, she used to it by now.
"So?" He asked with a raised brow. What the fuck do you mean 'so'?! Say something you dipshit! But keep your cool! He scolded himself, an utter mess on the inside. Sighing, he turned to face her properly.
"Wanna have lunch together like usual?" She asked, her smile unwavering at his lack luster response. It shocked him how unfazed she was by him and his behavior. It stung a bit, but it was more angering than anything else
Well what did you expect? It's her and all I said was so like some type of braindead idiot. "Sure, glad you're feeling better." He muttered under his breath, covering his mouth to hide his blush. He was not about to make this stupid mistake again during lunch.
"Great, I'll see you then. Oh, I'm glad you're coming to class." Leaving him with those words he just stared at her as se animatedly spoke with Jonouchi.