The comfortable silence stretched between them as they awaited the arrival of the change of hand escorts. Atem observed the various slight change of expressions of her face at each passing thought, amused by some and concerned with others. They were cute for the most part, but the darker ones made his chest constrict and a wave of protective nature wash over him. The sudden rouge on her cheeks was surprising though, it was different from the other emotions and it made him curious. His chest tightened in a different way as he wondered what she was thinking about.

Maybe...it's about earlier? He hoped. What if it's about the guy who kissed her? His heart beat against his ribs a bit as he considered the possibilities of why she was blushing. Chewing at his lower lip, he forced himself to look away. Why would she ever think of you? You're nothing but bad luck, a spineless whimp! She's probably hoping Kaiba kissed her but you stepped in and made shit all awkward. The annoying voice was back in his mind. His jaw tightened as he tried to ignore it, but it only seemed to make it sing louder in his mind, chanting the insults with glee at being heard once again after so long.

"Uh, Atem? Hey, Atem...everything ok? Do you need to head back? Did you forget something?" Terry's concerned voice quickly pulled him from the spiral he was about to slip down, making him jump a bit in shock.

"Huh?"

"Do you need to head home? You look like you just remembered something serious." She frowned. "You can head back if you need to, I'm sure they'll be here any minute now."

"Oh, no, it's nothing. I just, I was just...some annoying thoughts." He shook his head lightly and smiled at her. "I've got nothing to do, I'm waiting until they come." He firmly spoke, looking her in the eyes so she knew he meant it.

"Do you want to talk about what's on your mind though? I know something was bugging you at the least and I want you to know that I'm here for you. You can tell me anything and I won't ever judge you...promise." She smiled warmly at him, sitting up a bit so she should turn to face him on the bench. Atem stared at her for long moment.

What does she mean by that? Does she want something or want me to say something specific? Can I really just say what's on my mind? He searched her for some sort of clue of what she was asking and if this truly was a free range moment and if this free range was open always. "Really? Always?"

"Always," she nodded her head. "Without a doubt, whenever you need someone just let me know! I'll do my best to be available, but I'll always listen." She earnestly spoke, leaning towards him. Atem frowned a little at first, mulling over how ready he was to open up to her just yet. As comforting and trustworthy as she was, he was just not there yet.

"I," he started but then suddenly stopped before giving a big sigh. "I...know you'll listen to me but I...I'm just not there yet to say it." He hung his head lightly, unable to look at her and see if there would be some disappointment.

"That's ok, you tell me whenever you're ready." She cupped the side of his face, making him look back at her. "It's ok if you're not ready now, tomorrow, or three years from now. Once you're ready, I'll be here waiting to listen if and when you need someone." She smiled warmly, resting her forehead against his. "You're good, just take your time ok?"

"Y-yeah," he mumbled as calmly as he could. His heart hammered at his chest as she leaned in so close to him. Her breath was warm and she smelled of something floral, sweet, and lots of spicet, it was a subtle scent that he knew well by now: rose with some undertones of vanilla beyond all the spice that always surrounded her. It was something that grounded and excited him in ways nothing else ever had. Placing a hand over hers that held his face, he took in a shaky breath and closed his eyes for a moment before looking at her again. "There is something actually," he whispered as he tilted his head to the side and leaned in closer to her.

Terry's heart sped up as his voice dropped, her body shaking a little from the cold as well as the shiver brought on by the deep hushed tone of his voice. She tried to pull away from him, her cheeks turning red when he opened his eyes again, but the squeeze to her hand held her in place. The depth of his eyes beckoned her closer as her heart began to thump loudly against her chest. She swallowed what saliva she could, her mouth suddenly feeling a little too dry as he closed the gap between them. Squeezing her eyes shut, her body tensed a little. Something smooth and warm was pressed against hers. Her heart leapt in her throat as he pulls away only to bring his lips back to hers, fitting them a little better. Unsure of what to do, she gripped at his jacket with her free hand while the one cupping his cheek was held tight by his. It was nothing like the first kiss he had forced.

Pulling away once more, he looked her in the eyes, smirking at the cute confusion and red cheeks that he sees. She bites at her lower lip, unsure of what to do or say as he rests his forehead against hers once more.

"W-what was that for?!" She finally managed to get her voice working again.

"Hmm...I wonder, but where's the fun in just telling you?" He teased, stealing a quick kiss from her. "I like it though...don't you?" He asked, her face going redder still at his sudden confession and asking her.

"I, that's not the point right now! It can be misleading if you don't explain. I could take it anyway."

"So? Think what you want, I doubt you'll be wrong if that's your mindset." He chuckled lightly, the confidence stunning her silent. Feeling her cheeks redden more, she clears her throat a bit before shoving at his shoulders with no strength.

"What do you mean by that?! You can't just, ugh!" She scowled, shoving him away but he quickly caught her by the wrists. "You do realize this is all new to me?"

"Yeah, well just keep it in mind." He whispered softly, chuckling as he pulled her into a hug. "We can take our time and I'll show you everything slow and with excellent detail...just keep smiling that dowpy smile of yours." She was glad he was unable to see her face, knowing full well she was unable to hide her smile at the warmth he was showing her by letting her take the time she needed to reach him in her own pace.

"Well, well, well," a familiar voice called out from behind the bench. "What do we have here?"

Terry quickly pulled away from Atem to see Jonouchi and Marik walking up to them.

"Took you guys long enough to get here. You should've told me, I would've walked home! Atem's been sitting here with me this whole time!"

"Well, it sure doesn't look like he minded it at all." Marik hummed, noting the scowl on Atem's face. "Are we intruding on something good sir?" He teased, earning a glare.

"Screw you, you guys took your sweet ass time. I should've just walked her all the way home instead!" He flipped Marik off, trying to act like nothing had gone on between them but the boys were not about to let him off easy.

"Yeah, we figured you'd want some alone time." Jonouchi grinned from ear to ear, leaning in closer to Atem who let out a low growl.

"You guys took your time on purpose?" She frowned at this, crossing her arms. "You realize he has to walk back home too right? Did you even think about the fact he has to walk home alone? You're lucky it's not too cold out you know." Marik and Jonouchi look to one another as they get scolded by Terry, only to grin and step closer to her.

"You say this, but your face is so red." Jonouchi poked at her left cheek while Marik poked at her right.

"And so warm too! You're scolding us, but clearly us being late was a good thing more so than a bad thing." Marik snickered.

"You both are just seeing things!" She huffed, pushing their fingers away from her face only to be met by their other hand. "Hey, quit it! Seriously guys, you shouldn't have made him wait!" She tried to scold them but the two were not listening.

"Oi, leave her alone guys." Atem suddenly pulled her back on to his chest and away from them with his arm wrapped around her waist. "If you want to pick on someone, pick on me. Leave her alone. This is all new for her and you know it." The two look at one another again, both with similar shocked expressions before looking back to the pair before them. Terry was redder than before and Atem was standing tall with a slight puff in his chest.

"Our little girl is finally growing up!" Marik sniffled, Jonouchi fake sobbing into his hands as Terry and Atem both go red at this and scowl.

"Ok, seriously, quit it already!" They shout.