A/N: We're back with some good light hearted romance building! This came out of nowhere but I couldn't be happier with the development!
Yugi
As I come out of the store I check my list one last time. I think I just got everything I needed. Funny, I thought I'd be out longer. Oh well, time to head home.
The street today isn't too busy. The afternoon sun is low, allowing the buildings to cast their vast blue shadows on everything. The few pedestrians around are either talking among themselves, on phones or are minding their own business. Normally I'd be the same: headphones in and eyes glued to my screen but I just can't be bothered scrolling through social media right now. I've done too much of that lately.
Besides, the afternoon is too lovely to waste online.
It's the kind of afternoon I'd rather spend at the park, strumming away and finding a tune I can be at peace with.
Sharing that with company would be nice too - no. Sharing it with him would be nice. Atem…
He apologised to me yesterday and I did too for being an idiot. We should be okay now but I still feel … slighted by my own feelings I guess. I don't know. I want to talk to him and hang out with him I just - I don't know.
"Yugi."
I look up to the surprised squeak of my name and I'm stopped in my tracks when I see Atem standing a little before me. He appears to be dead in his tracks too, just as surprised to see me as I am him.
Well now… isn't fate kind?
"Atem." I say in relief, smiling happily. I was hesitant to contact him honestly, but now that he's here I can't deny the rush of hope and excitement coursing through me. I wish my body would pick a state and stick with it.
"Hey." He smiles and we come together.
We're super awkward, but I'm brimming with anticipation. Maybe he walk me home. Maybe he'll want to hang out. Maybe we can talk properly.
"Just doing some shopping?" He asks conversationally. I look down at the bag I'm holding and laugh. I'd almost forgotten.
"Yeah! Actually… what are you up to?" I ask, hoping he's not too busy right now.
"I was about to pick up Ankha's medication actually. Thought I'd take a walk today."
Ankha… "Y-your cat…right?"
He smiles happily, his deep red eyes twinkle and I love the way he stands on one hip, his head slightly tilted in perhaps amusement? It's very attractive.
"Yes. I'm glad you remember."
I smile sweetly, and I feel myself getting lost in his presence again. But he's got an errand to run… "Would you like company?" I ask quickly.
He laughs lightly and I follows his eyes to my bag.
"You look like you've got your hands full. But… if you like I am free tonight. I go back to work tomorrow - my last day of freedom. So if you wanna hang out a bit later? Maybe we could grab some dinner?"
Dinner? Tonight?! Is he asking me out!? But I thought… well he didn't say whether he was straight or not, just that he supports us… maybe… maybe there's still a chance!
"I'd love to!" I say quickly. Too quickly. But he laughs and I join him, anything to ease the awkwardness. "I mean… I'd love to catch up. Maybe, around 6? Is that okay with you?" I ask a lot more casually this time.
He smiles and nods and my heart is doing sommersalts. I cannot wait to get home! I need to shower, I need to pick out something to wear!
"Around 6. Perfect. Should I come around to yours?" He asks. Of course! I don't know where he lives… which means he'll pick me up. It'll be just like a real date!
"That would be great." I sigh happily and breathless. I'm being swooped away. I know it but I can't help it.
He nods and my heart seizes when I watch him bite his lip. "I'll see you tonight then." He said smoothly, stepping aside so we might pass one another.
He gives me a wave and I awkwardly wave back at him, then I watch him walk away…
What is my life?
I'm so happy I could squeal!
With a bounce in my step I spring forward, a light giggle leaves my lips but my chest is pounding. I could laugh like a maniac with how happy I feel right now.
A date. That came out of nowhere! Maybe this could still be. Maybe he's just as confused as I am. Maybe now he knows I'm into men he feels it's okay to ask me out. I mean if he knew I was gay before, when he was drunk, would he have been apologetic? What if he meant it all afterall… I don't know but I don't care. I'm going on a date with him!
I wonder where we'll go. Maybe it'll be a club. Somewhere casual and open, where friends can meet and it not be 'romantic'. Maybe we'll stop by a pop up joint like we did the first night we hung out together. Or maybe… maybe he'll actually take me somewhere. He's picking me up afterall, maybe we'll make it a thing.
What do I wear? If we're going to a pop up joint there's no point looking flashy. On the other hand if we're going somewhere fancy I can't be underdressed.
Maybe just some nice jeans and one of my button ups will be fine? Something smart casual? That's a safe bet right? I'd rather look too nice at a pop up joint than underdressed at a restaurant.
I let out a small excited bubble of giggles when I suddenly hear something small whimpering near by. Squeaks and whines that sound like a puppy. It's too close to be a dog belonging to anyone. I'm not near apartments and I don't see anyone with a pet. It's not uncommon to hear dogs but… it's very close.
It's coming from somewhere near me and their cries are more noticeable now that I'm listening for them.
I'm at the mouth of a dank alleyway. It goes through to the otherside of the block but there's no people inside and it's too narrow for a car. Old cardboard boxes and metal trash cans litter the edges of what is a shady place. I'm not scared to go down there but it's not the nicest place to be.
The whimpering doesn't stop, and I really don't think their owners care to help them. There's more than one, but I don't know how many.
I should leave them… they're not my responsibility and baby animals cry - but I can't. Too many strays or bad people neglect young animals around here.
I carefully step down the alley, listening intently for their cries. Maybe their mother is nearby and I don't have to worry, or maybe their owner is with them and simply ignoring them.
They're very close now but I see no sign of them. I could be on them with how loud they are now. I check inside the large dumpster but their voices aren't echoing off the walls. So I check around, carefully moving boxes and full plastic bags of rubbish until I find a small cardboard box that is taped closed and slightly moving.
Quickly I put down my shopping and pull the heavy box over to me. They're in here, I know it.
"Hush babies, it's okay." I say quickly, turning the box gently to find an opening. There's holes in it for them to breathe but it's taped completely shut. Who the fuck would do this?!
I bring out my keys to try and pry off the tape. It's hard but eventually I manage to get under it enough to rip the tape. One flap free and I'm able to open the box up enough to see them. At least they won't suffocate now.
"There you go, you're free!" I gasp happily.
Their little black noses poke out, sniffing the fresh air eagerly. They're still crying but at least they're safe now. One, two three… there's three puppies in here. They're so small! I don't even know what breed they are.
Anxiety is quickly setting in as I realise I now have three whole puppies in a box on my lap. No owner, no parents… what am I going to do with three puppies!?
I could take them to a vet… I don't know any vets around here. What if they put them down!? They wouldn't do that, they're a vet… I can't take them home. I don't have permission to have pets in my house…
What do I do?
Atem! He used to foster! He'd know what to do!
I gently put the box back down and quickly slip out my phone and dial his number. He's not too far, it won't take him long to get here.
While the phone rings I peak inside the box and let them sniff my fingers. One of them tries to suck on it and I can feel it's little gums. It's weird but very adorable. It must be hungry. They're so young.
"Hello? Yugi?"
!
"Atem!"
"Yes? Are you okay?" He asks and I sigh in relief.
"You used to foster animals, right?" I ask. My heart is racing. I hope he can help me.
"Yes?"
"Can you help me? Please?"
"Um… what with?"
Right of course. I need to explain myself. "I'm not that far from where we parted and I found these puppies… Atem I think they were abandoned. They were taped inside a box. They're young."
He's silent, and I feel uncertain now. Maybe he won't? Surely he will. He looks after a cat, he used to foster… he doesn't have to take these in but I need advice at least. "Atem?"
"Thank you. Um yes! Sorry I was just buying the medicine. Did you say puppies?"
"Yes! Can you help me? I … I can't just leave them here." I say earnestly. One of them bites my finger and it just… my heart!
"I'm on my way, where are you?"
I wait with the puppies patiently until I hear footsteps and sense someone nearing. I'm relieved Atem has found us and I quickly get up to meet him. I must look slightly dishevelled as he looks at me with great amusement. But I'm a bit stressed. I've never found anything like this before and I am SO out of my element.
"Hey! Thank you for coming!" I say gratefully.
He smiles at me and follows me as I take him over to the puppies. "No problem. What's this about puppies?"
"I just found them. I heard them crying and found them in a box. It was taped so I broke it. There's three of them and they're really small."
The puppies are right where I left them, whimpering and wriggling inside. Atem wastes no time opening the box further and peaking inside.
"Awww." He… coos! Focus Yugi.
His expression is soft and he carefully reaches in and pulls out a small puppy. It's tiny legs swim in the air and it's fat round belly is so cute! It's tiny tail is wagging and it's searching desperately for something. Something to eat? Warmth? Water? It's eyes are still closed, it's so small.
I still can't tell what breed it is, but its white with large brown patches on it and slightly squished face.
Atem examines it closely, turning it and holding it while he checks its ears and mouth. He seems to know what he's doing so I wait quietly.
"It's a baby boxer. Can you hold him?" He asks me and I freeze. Hold… him? What if I drop him?
"Uhh sure." I say nervously. He smiles and gently he helps me hold it correctly.
It's so small! It's not very strong but as Atem helps me coddle him he seems to settle a little bit. I'm holding him close to my chest and his tiny head nestles in my shirt. He's still crying and I feel compelled to rub his back and hush him gently.
He searches the box and brings out another puppy. A white and black one this time, same breed. He frowns at this one though. It's crying just like its brother but it looks unwell. The eyes look kinda dirty and crusty. Poor thing.
"This one needs medicine." He says quietly and more to himself. He checks the puppy thoroughly and then carefully swaps it for the last one. A white, brown and black one.
This one doesn't move as much as its siblings, but it's still making tiny little chirp noises. Atem doesn't look too impressed with this one either. He frowns and chews his lip as he looks inside its ears and opens its tiny mouth.
"This one seems healthy enough." He mutters but he doesn't too pleased though. Isn't that good?
"So… what do we do with them?" I ask carefully.
He smiles briefly at me before he lands upon the pup in my hands. "We could find a vet. I'm sure there would be one open."
I look down at the one in my hands and I feel so attached to it. I don't really wanna let it go, but a vet would at least be able to check them and make sure they're okay. More than we could anyway.
"The one in your hands is the healthiest. The other two are malnourished and the one in the box needs to be treated. All of them likely need to be checked for anything else." He says warmly.
He's right. They'll be better at a vet where they can monitor and feed them.
"Come on." He says gently, reaching over to touch my hand softly. "Let's get these babies some help."
His smile makes my insides squirm and sets all the butterflies in my stomach off. He's so kind and warm. I am so relieved he's here with me right now.
"Yeah!" I agree. I help him collect all the puppies back into the box and he carries it with him as we walk out of the alley together. "Thank you for helping. I honestly had no idea what to do when I found them, I just knew I couldn't leave them."
He chuckles lightly and it's so beautiful, so carefree. "I'm glad you thought of me. Though, there is a chance we might be taking them home with us tonight."
Keep calm! "Oh? I umm… I don't know anything about caring for a puppy so small…"
He laughs happily. "I can take them for a while, it's no problem. Though… we might not be able to go to dinner after all." He says.
I'm sad about that but honestly… it's actually pretty cool to be rescuing puppies. So, I'm okay with that.
"That's okay. There'll be plenty more chances I'm sure." I say happily and he shares my smile.
"Yes. Would you like to drop off your things first? It's still early, the vet won't close for another few hours yet." He offers. I suppose I didn't really take notice of where we were walking. I don't have anything urgent but I don't live far either.
"Sure. Will they be okay?"
"They'll be fine." He says happily.
Good. "In that case, it's not far."
On the way we talk about some of the animals he's fostered in the past. These puppies aren't the first ones, but they are among the youngest. He told me about how he's raised new puppies like this before. Needing to bottle feed them frequently and watch them all the time. It sounds like a full time job but he sounds so warm talking about it.
He told me that cats and dogs aren't the only animals he's taken in. He rescued an injured owl once, young squirrels he's found that had fallen from its nest, and even a small family of mice.
Of course they'd all been released or found forever homes, leaving only his cat Ankha now. He chose to adopt her though because of her medical requirements and the bond he formed with her. I look forward to meeting her one day and he hinted that perhaps I might get to. Tonight maybe, if the vet doesn't keep the puppies.
He told me that boxer puppies like these are rather expensive dogs. They're highly sought after and it's surprising they were abandoned. But he said it's likely that the owner couldn't handle the responsibility of nursing them, maybe the mother had rejected them. The reason isn't certain, but there was definitely better options available than just abandoning them like that. It makes me so mad to think someone in this city would do something like this.
We dropped off my things when we got to my place and I drove us to whichever vet Atem directed us to.
We went in together and as we waited I peaked inside the box upon his lap. They're so cute! I can't tell which one is trying to suck my finger but it makes my heart dance. I love them so much already!
"I can't believe you've never owned a pet before." He says quietly. I poke my tongue out at him and stroke the soft ears of whichever puppy is there.
"I've wanted to but my place doesn't allow animals. I've never lived at a place that does. But I've always had a soft spot for animals." I say kindly, sighing gently. I hope this won't be the last time I get to see them.
When we're called in I follow Atem. We're lead into a private room where the vet closes the door behind us and Atem can lay the puppies on the table.
I feel nervous but thankfully Atem seems right at home. He easily tells the veterinarian how they were found, that he's examined them and that he used to foster young animals too. Once he said that they seemed to converse in a language I couldn't keep up with. But it seemed to convince the vet that they're in good hands.
I watched the veterinarian check the puppies over one at a time, just as Atem did. He spent extra care on the black and white one, the one who looked sick. I wait patiently, nervously fiddling with my fingers while he checks them.
"They're too young for their first shots. They're about 4-7 days old based on their size. We'll check them for chips but I doubt they'll have that too. They're dehydrated and hungry but they don't seem to be in too much danger. We'll weigh them and I'll give them each an antibiotic. This one-" He gently strokes the black and white one "will need to take a full course for a week though and have his eyes cleaned twice a day."
"Do you have any room here or shall I take them home with me?" Atem asks the vet so calmly, like taking in newborn puppies isn't a big thing!
"We have room for emergencies, but I think you'll be fine with them. Are you able to provide them with the care they need?" The veterinarian asks him.
"They need formula every few hours yeah? I do go back to work tomorrow but I can find someone to help me." Atem looks at me with a wink and shyly smile at him. I have no issues helping, I found them after all, but what do I do?!
I look at them wiggling over the table aimlessly and my heart melts. I have to help them.
"Perfect. Alright, let's get them weighed." The vet gathers them one at a time and notes down each of their weights. Then he takes their temperature which I shyly look away from. I know it's natural but it still feels strange to watch.
After that he leaves the room and we gather around them. "If you're busy while I'm at work I can call Mahad or Manah. One of them will be free." Atem says quietly.
I'm glad but honestly, so long as he teaches me what to do. "I'll be okay to help them. But I will need you to teach me." I say happily.
"Of course. I'll have Manah come by the house too and check on you. Don't worry. She used to help me foster a lot too, so you'll be safe in her hands." He says happily.
That does make me feel better. If she knows what she's going then great.
"So… sorry but I guess you've got some more mouths to feed." I say apologetically. It's kinda my fault that Atem now needs to take care of them.
"As it happens I've come across some luck of late. I'll be okay." He says kindly. "Besides. They're helpless. They need us, Yugi."
My heart soars at those words. They need us… us. This is something we're going to do together…
"Yeah." I sigh quietly, happily.
The vet returns with a nurse we step back as each of the puppies are taken one by one.
Each has it's scruff taken and a needle pushed carefully into it's tiny body. They don't yelp though, but it looks painful. It makes me flinch but they seem fine.
After they each have been given their needles they then feed an entire syringe into their mouths. The black and white one has its eyes cleaned too.
"We've given them each some hydrolites. The black and brown one is more malnourished than the others so take extra care watching him. If he struggles through the night, call our emergency line. But he should be fine. They need two syringes of formula every few hours and make sure they're kept warm and safe. Tomorrow I suggest picking up some puppy formula and keep their beds warm, approximately 30C." The vet instructs Atem, handing him a bag which I assume is filled with their formula.
"No problem. They'll be fine." Atem says easily.
"You can bathe them in lukewarm water too." The nurse says kindly.
We gather the puppies back into the cardboard box safely. It smells a little bit but I'm sure they'll be fine once we get them home.
Oh! I guess this means I'll be going back to his place then. How exciting!
We say our goodbyes and then I carry the puppies while Atem pays the receptionist for the check up. I feel bad for making him pay such an expense but he seems okay with it. I thought he had money issues, but I guess it's fine.
After that we hop back into my car, but I don't start her up yet. I need to know where we're going.
"Alright. Well, if you don't mind I guess our night is decided for us?" Atem asks me shyly. As if I would actually back out now.
"Yep. So… we should get them back to your place right… unless, you wanna take them to mine? Um but -"
"Oh no, mine is fine. I have everything I'll need to look after them there." He says happily. "But uhh, would you like to get some drive through first? Might as well order something for us while we're out. Unless you aren't hungry yet?"
Ah! He still wants dinner with me? Yay! "Of course. Sounds good. What are you craving?"
So Atem lead us to his place. He lives in an apartment block and thankfully there is a free parking space not too far.
At least when he was drunk he got his house number right. 307, so he lives on the third floor.
We take the elevator and soon enough we're at his house. I'm a little nervous honestly. He's seen where I live and now I'm about to go inside his safe place. This is so awesome!
"So I'm sorry for state it's in. I uhh… well I don't have much after the divorce…
Divorce? He did say he's recently been separated but I didn't realise it was a divorce… that's rough. "Oh I'm sorry." I say quietly. I don't know what else to say.
He smiles at me and let's us in, stepping forward aside to let me in first.
"It's alright, it was for the best."
He wasn't kidding. The apartment itself is lovely but lacking a lot of character. He's got the basics, some large furniture but it looks as if he just moved in.
Not that I'm judging. I'm not unimpressed, but I am curious.
He closes the door behind us and takes the bag of food from the top of the puppy box. "I'll get us sorted. Can you go put the puppies down by the lounge?" He asks me happily.
I oblige and carefully move them to the lounge. I won't take them out yet. I'm not sure if he wants to set them up somewhere specific but I do open the lid so they can breathe easier.
Meanwhile I take in more of this place. The dining table isn't far and is holding a hefty pile of laundry. Much like mine which makes me smile. The TV is a great size but it looks like any sign of DVDS or anything else that used to be there is gone. The couch is standard with no cushions and he's been left a rug at least. There is a bookshelf but it's half empty. In the corner is a large cat palace that is half scratched up and a small box of toys. That must be for Ankha. Otherwise there's nothing else here. No plants, no photos. I wonder if he'll tell me more about what happened. I'm in his home, this is the perfect chance to learn more about him.
He comes over with some plates and the bag of food and places them on the coffee table before turning to inspect the puppies.
"I should get them settled first before I eat, but feel free to get started. I'll be right back." He says, leaving me with a smile.
I look through the bag and divide our meals. But I feel bad. His meal will get cold… oh!
I gather his meal onto his plate and quickly whisk into the kitchen. The microwave will keep it warm at least.
I don't linger as much as I wouldn't mind to.
I choose to wait for him to come back but the smell of food is too tempting to resist. I wasn't all that hungry before but now its here. I keep a constant eye on the puppies while I eat, looking around every now and then and wondering if I should go help him search.
But he comes back as I finish up carrying a large round dog bed filled with towels and blankets.
"The bed needs a wash but for tonight the towels and blankets should be fine." He says happily.
"I put your meal in the microwave for you." I say kindly, coming over to help him set everything up.
"Oh thank you!" He sighs in relief.
We work in tandem, making sure the puppies will have a nice comfortable and warm nest. He pushes down the center to make it a proper nest and once we're done he gathers the puppies and sets them inside.
"There we go. Right at home." He says dreamily. I can't get over how natural he is at this. An artist, a programmer and a natural fur parent… he's so cool.
"Ankha will come out soon to see what the fuss is about. Don't mind her if she's standoffish at first. She's a little shy but she'll warm up." He says kindly.
"No worries." I say softly.
He smiles at me and I feel so close to him. This feeling… just like last week… I'm drawn to him.
He laughs nervously and I force myself away. I shouldn't pursue anything yet. I don't know what this is.
"Your meals gonna get cold even in the microwave." I say quietly.
"Yeah… be right back." He says, lifting off and leaving me with the puppies.
They're so cute and small all nestled together like this. They cuddle and wiggle together, getting comfortable. They're not crying anymore thankfully. I hope that's a good sign. I hope they know they're safe.
When Atem returns he sits happily on the couch closest to us and smiles at them. "They're cute aren't they?"
"Yeah. I can't believe this happened. I never thought we'd ever rescue puppies."
"You rescued them. If you hadn't found them they'd still be in that alley." He says warmly and the praise makes my entire body grow warm.
"Well, I couldn't have done anything without you. I had no idea what to do." I laugh shyly, rubbing the heat from the back of my neck and lightly gliding my fingers over their backs. They're so cute I wanna squish them!
"Good timing I'd say. Perhaps we just got lucky." He says quietly.
We sit in silence for a while now while he eats. It's a nice silence though. I sit here watching them snooze and I feel pretty content here. Look at how cute they are!
Of all the things that could have happened tonight, rescuing puppies was not on my list. I can't wait to tell the guys. This is incredible. Puppies!
When Atem finishes he politely sits beside me, admiring them with me. Now he's finished eating too I don't feel bad about talking again.
"So when do we feed them?"
"They've been given something to drink, we should feed them soon. After that, it's a long night of making sure they're well fed every few hours."
Oh no! "But you've got work tomorrow!" I say quickly. His smile sweetens. His eyes are focused on the babies. It's like he doesn't even care he's got work tomorrow.
"Um… I could always stay if that's okay with you?" I suggest. He looks at me then and I feel my body tense. "I mean, if you show me how to feed them then at least you can get some sleep tonight, so you're not tired tomorrow."
Again, his smile is so warm and he sighs gently. "That is sweet. I'll admit it's unfortunate that this has come up now of all nights… we'll see. Wanna help me feed them?"
"Now?" My voice breaks a little but it makes him laugh.
"Yes. Then we can set a timer for three hours. It's easy." He says enthusiastically before he gets up.
He brings over the bag the vet gave us and sits back down beside us. He then takes one of the towels and gently takes the white and brown puppy. It barely squirms but it does make tiny chirp noises. Then he carefully wraps it up in the towel like a burrito and once that's done, and the pup is secure in the towel with only its little head and two front paws poking out, he gives it to me to hold.
"Hold it carefully and keep its body upright." He instructs and I am so vigilant and following his orders. I don't want to hurt it, I'm scared of doing this wrong. But he's confident and patient and I am extremely careful.
He prepares one of the syringes with some formula and moves closer to me. "Keep a slightly firm hand on his back." He says encouragingly.
Gently he moves the syringe to its mouth, pushing a tiny amount of formula out so it can taste food nearby. Eagerly the puppy starts to lick and search for its food. His tiny mouth finds the nozzle of the syringe and I hold my breath while Atem slowly pushes put more of the formula. He's very careful not to give him too much and the puppy laps at the stuff with great enthusiasm. For the entire time that the puppy is eating I don't let go of my breath. I'm too nervous to move him, too scared I'll squeeze him or let him go.
But when he's gone through both syringes and Atem takes him from me, I can finally breathe again. Atem laughs at me as he unwraps the puppy to replace him with his brother but I don't mind. That was scary!
"You did great. Now I want you to try and do the feeding. I'll hold this one." He says calmly but I do not feel calm. What if I choke him?!
I don't have time to argue though as he expertly adjusts the puppy and prepares his meal for me.
I swallow my nerves and try to wet my lips, taking a long steadying breath. My fingers are shaking and I can't get myself in a position that's comfortable. I'm gonna screw this up.
"Here." He says warmly and his warm, strong hands gently guide mine.
If I wasn't having a heart attack before… now he's holding my hand!
He moves my hand in position and helps me push the formula out slowly. The syringe is firm and controlling it isn't easy but as it moves, I'm getting a feel for this now.
Slowly we feed the puppy both syringes and when we're done I am so happy to scoot backwards and breathe.
"That was incredible!" I exclaim loudly and run my sweating hand through my hair.
He chuckles as he exchanges for the third pup. "You did great! You'll be a fantastic puppy dad for them before you know it."
I'm thankful he takes care of the third puppy on his own. It's lovely to watch him so delicately handle them. They're precious. The puppies…and him. Where on earth did he come from?
Once he's done with the third puppy he sets him down with his brothers and packs up the empty syringes.
"I need to find my heat mat. I think I know where it is. Make yourself at home though, feel free to turn on the TV or use the bathroom or whatever. I won't be long… I think." He laughs shyly before disappearing down the hall.
I slip out my phone and quickly take a photo of the puppies so I can send it to the guys. They'll be stoked about this. Especially Ryou when I tell him that I'm with Atem and its perfect! It's not too awkward at all!
I didn't think today would be anything like this. I honestly didn't expect to even see Atem today and now I'm on his living room floor looking after week old puppies! How crazy is that!
I see movement at the corner of my eye and I catch my breath when I see a beautiful white cat. She's as fluffy as a cloud with her long white coat and her piercing blue eyes are like she's captured eye sky in them. She looks at me, frozen in fright with wide, cautious eyes and her tail down. She sniffs the air in my direction and glances between me and the puppies.
She must be Ankha. Atem said she was beautiful but she is gorgeous.
"Hey pus." I say gently and slowly I present her my fingers as if holding a treat. If I can get her to sniff me maybe she'll let me pet her.
She stares at me though and slowly backs away back down the hall where she can free to safety.
Damn… oh well… if only I had Atem's animal magnetism.
"Ankha! Damn it." I hear Atem curse loudly and I bite my lips guiltily. I hope everything's okay.
Soon he comes back out holding a large square matt.
"Everything okay?" I ask him.
"Yeah she just ran between my legs." He says with a small laugh.
He runs the chord from a power point on the wall and sets some kind of dial. I help him lift the puppies onto the pad but I'm a bit weary. What if it catches on fire or gets too hot?
"They'll be okay?" I ask warily.
"Yep. That'll regulate their temperature. Next, the cage."
"Cage?" I blink in surprise. Where is he keeping this stuff?
He winks at me and to my surprise he slides out some metal cage walls from under the couch. I didn't know they were there but they're flimsy and collapsible and he easily unfolds them.
"Woah." I gasp once its spread out to resemble a cage.
"I knew it'd be better to keep this. Tea insisted I get rid of it but good thing I didn't. We can keep them in the dark with this and keep Ankha somewhat away from them." He says happily as he carefully places it over the puppies.
Their bed fits perfectly inside it and they don't even notice they've been caged. With that set up, I help him drape it in the remaining blankets.
"Perfect." He hums happily and I take pride in being able to help him. We've done so much already in rescuing these puppies.
"We can relax for a while now." He says and I happily join him on the couch.
But now we're sitting here and the puppies are cared for, we've eaten… what now? Do I comment on something? He mentioned he didn't have much because of the divorce but that doesn't sound like something I should just ask about.
"I'm sure you're curious about the state of things, huh?" He asks me quietly.
I laugh nervously, waving my hands in a frantic motion. "No! You're house is charming!" … but that's weak and we both know it. I sigh in defeat and relent. "I mean… a bit. You mentioned a divorce and well, I remember what you were saying while you were drunk… but I didn't think it was my place to ask."
He chuckles and sighs and I relax against the back rest, waiting patiently. It's up to him if he wants to tell me but it'd sure help me to get to know him.
"It's all very complicated, and quite the story if you're up for a long and grisly tale?"
I smile and make myself comfortable, tucking my foot under my leg and resting my head on my arm, waiting for him to begin. He laughs again and turns to mimic my pose.
"Where do I begin?"
The story he told me was wrought with angst and suspense. He told me of his older brother and troubles he's been apart of and dragged Atem into. He told me of Tea, a woman whom he married some years ago and whom he loved. She supported his duelling career and together they fostered many animals back to health and into happy homes. They seemed like a power couple… until his brothers meddling put some distance between them.
He told me that his desire to help his brother out of a harmful jam made her and made many of his friends leave him. He never sounded resentful, and he seems to believe that she made the right decision even if that meant his support network dwindled.
He told me that in the divorce she took any furniture that she bought, only what was fair, but that did leave him with hardly anything left. Only what was needed for him and his fostering duties. But he also told me that due to the financial burden he was under, he's been unable to find a good headspace to foster.
In fact, his mental health has been rapidly declining because of the financial strain his brother has forced onto him. Losing his wife, his friends and being on the receiving end of threats from his suppliers and his landlord, he's really not had it easy. It all makes sense now …
"But with Mahad's help I've managed to get ahead of everything and Akefia has randomly made good on his debt … so if everything goes smoothly and I keep my head down, everything should improve from here on out." He finishes, hopeful and warily optimistic.
"So that's my story." He says finally, laughing shyly. "Um… so if, you know… this is a bit much I understand. I mean… it's pretty irresponsible of me to try and make new friends knowing what I'd be dragging them into."
"No, this doesn't change my mind." I say, reaching for his hand. He blinks at me in surprise. I really want him to understand me, so he doesn't feel so reserved with me. "Look… what you've been through is a lot for any one to handle. And I do understand why some people have distanced themselves from you. But that just isn't me. You're my friend and I don't want you to feel alone or like you should be. Besides, you've not done anything wrong. It sounds like you could be a little more responsible with your money, but it also sounds like you were in an extremely hard situation and needed what you did just to get by. We all make mistakes, we all learn from them, and we all grow. You wanted to help your brother, I can't fault you for that. Whether that was a mistake or not, well that's not for me to decide."
The silence that follows is nothing bad. His lips tremble and his eyes are glistening with the tears that he refuses to allow to fall. He laughs lightly and looks sharply away, turning to face the sleeping puppies. I feel like this was good though. I think he needed to tell someone about everything that's going on, even if he does have Mahad and Manah, and I think he needed to hear that not everyone is going to turn on him for his kindness.
Because that's what he is. He's kind. Maybe this kindness has gotten him into more trouble than it's worth, but I am definitely not about to walk away from a friendship with him over that. Maybe what his ex wife and former friends did was best for them, but he suffered because of it and now his own view of himself is warped. I'd like to help him see differently if possible, and see the man I see in him.
"Atem." I scoot a little closer and gently touch his knee. He looks at my hand slowly, a small frown creasing his brow and his lips form a line as he tries his best to contain himself. "Thank you for telling me whats going on. You didn't need to, but you trusted me with so much and I want you to know that none of it changes how I feel. I want to be your friend."
He takes a sharp breath in and looks at me and my heart goes to him because he looks so fragile right now. Just like those puppies. How can I not fall for him?
"Thank you." He whispers. Then he laughs and wipes his tears. "I'm not good with this." His voice is lighter and clearly we've touched very sensitive nerves here but it's good. This will help him.
"You're doing great." I say kindly and he laughs again.
I open my mouth to say more but from the corner of the couch I spy a small white head pop out.
Ankha has come back and she's not looking at me, but she's looking at the puppies. I stay still so I don't startle her and Atem kisses his lips to grab her attention. Her ears flick but her attention is firmly on the puppies.
Atem reaches down and gently strokes her back and she steps forward, turning her rear towards him and her large fluffy tail curls around his arm, but still she's staring at the little intruders.
"You can go look baby." He says softly and almost as if the permission was all she needed, she began to sniff the air and slowly tread towards them.
"Will she be okay with them?" I ask curiously.
"Yeah. She'll likely adopt them." He says quietly.
"Adopt them?" I ask but he doesn't answer me. Instead, we watch as she slowly approaches the cage and sniffs everything.
She can't reach them with the cage there but she's checking it out as much as she can, even rubbing her nose against the corners, her tail flicking wildly.
"She's two. She won't produce any milk for them but she might cuddle with them when we remove the cage." He says quietly.
That is adorable actually, but if she's going to be okay with them then… "What's the cage for?"
"So they can sleep in the darkness and to trap the heat. It might take Ankha a few hours or a few days to get used to their scent and I'd like to bathe them first before I let her near them."
I nod. That makes perfect sense honestly. "You're so good at this." I whisper and scoot just a little closer. Our arms touch and I feel him press against me just a little. My heart is hammering again and I feel tempted to see how close I can get to him.
I know he was married, I know he supports my community - but I still don't know what I am or what I could be to him. But until he specifically says that he's not interested… I wonder whether or not I should keep testing how far I can go.
After all he almost kissed me at the beach, he said those things last week and there is definitely still a spark between us. I should be careful, but I just don't want to.
He's incredible and I want to try my luck with him more than anything.
She reaches her paw inside the little squares and he laughs. He gets up then and swoops her off the ground. "Come on. Your turn." He says lovingly into her fur as he takes her away back to the kitchen. I watch him until he disappears and then sigh quietly.
He's got so much love to give, how could anyone mistreat him for that?