A/N
Well... That took longer than expected.
I'm testing the waters of an alternative writing method that may shorten the time span between uploads, I want to upload monthly, but I think we all know it doesn't guarantee anything with me. I iz flake. :/
Please please please enjoy the chapter, I certainly do.
Yu-Gi-Oh! and its characters do not belong to me. The original story was created by Kazuki Takahashi and I am merely "borrowing" his characters for use in my own fanfiction. So enjoy them as I manipulate their entire universe...
SIX
Caution
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"Again."
"I've done it enough already."
"Not until I say you have."
"Fine..." she mumbled, clearly aggravated, "Can I go now?"
"Again."
"This is ridiculous!"
Anzu grumbled under her breath, turning the ignition on once more and pressing down on the clutch. "If all I'm doing is starting the car, why do I have to keep the helmet on?"
Yami rolled his eyes in exasperation, "It's a safety precaution. Considering how susceptible you are to accidents or other dramatic occasions, it could potentially save your life. Plus it has the added benefit of concealing the wielder, allowing me a small comfort to pretend you are someone I can tolerate."
Anzu lifted the tinted visor. Even with her frustrations, she could not help but smile at his behavior, "The visor doesn't protect you from everything. Considering how long you've been teaching I'd say you care a little."
His remained stoic and turned to look out the window.
Their one on one car lessons had occurred for almost two weeks- already longer than she expected. Unfortunately the stress of the lessons on top of her schoolwork and dance classes were beginning to take their toll, but she refused to give up; she would carry the weight of a mountain before considering otherwise. At first it seemed completely unbearable as Anzu quickly noticed casual tardiness and stubborn induced bickering helped persuade Yami that she was unworthy of his time and effort- there was plenty of reprimanding to reminisce on. However, mainly in the past four days, criticisms were kept to a minimum and their conversations turned from venomous sarcasm to idle chatter, thankfully. A few days ago she didn't quite understand why that made her happy. And then one recent afternoon, when she managed to bring the barest hint of a smile to his lips, Anzu became aware of a potential connection, and now confidently believed in the growth of a true and meaningful friendship.
"Well, the car is running and we're not dead. What's next?"
"Consider that today's accomplishment." He pulled on the door handle and lifted himself out of the car. Anzu couldn't help but watch the tight jeans he wore stretch to the toned and built muscle underneath, it was heavenly. She swallowed and quickly turned to face forward as the passenger door shut.
Don't even THINK about becoming attracted to him. He's a big jerk. You hate him. You hate him. You hate-
"Are you coming?"
On the opposite side of the glass came his muffled voice, she turned to see Yami leaning on her door, hands holding the roof with arms stretched before him. His hunched figure exaggerated the seductive line trailing from jawbone to pelvis, a beautiful trail of velvet sun-kissed skin molded by hard and toned muscle underneath, that was unfortunately hidden under a tight black tee. He looked down to her, and the shadows darkened upon his features, enhancing the vividness of his enigmatic crimson gaze. She could not stop gawking at his posture, especially with the closeness of two parted lips in direct line of her vision, as he patiently waited for a response.
"Um, yeah, just a sec," was what she meant to say, but when the random gargles of tongue-twisted, love-stricken words hit her ears her face flared up in embarrassment; whatever noise escaped her mouth was definitely incoherent.
"...What...?" His enunciated reply regarding the spastic gargles she emitted cemented her embarrassment; he was indeed confused... and possibly concerned.
She quickly took off the helmet and welcomed the refreshing air, "Y-Yes, I'm coming." Undoing her seat belt she turned to place the helmet on the passenger seat upon hearing a click of the door behind her. Anzu looked over her shoulder to see Yami holding the door open for her, awaiting her exit. Gracefully sliding out of the driver's seat she came across his outstretched hand, his long and labor stressed fingers looked strong and welcoming, and she warmly grasped them before being pulled to her feet.
They walked together, with the echoes of their footsteps filling the silence, as they came upon a small diner. Anzu appreciated the emptiness of the lot, evidence of the lateness in the night, or earliness in the morning depending on perspective. However most of her attention was drawn to the gentle squeeze on her left hand- Yami had not let go.
*6*
The diner's interior was dim and yellow-lit with dark cushioned seats and glass dividers between booths. The place was empty besides a man at the counter, drinking what seemed to be coffee, and a couple in a booth next to the entrance. Yami looked towards the back and gestured to a waitress before leading Anzu to a booth in the furthest corner.
"Do you come here often?" Anzu questioned from his casual entrance.
He sat back and gently gazed upon her, "I used to."
Before she could continue a short, portly woman with dark and loosely tied hair approached their table, "Good evening Yami, it's been awhile. The usual?" She smiled happily and the cheerfulness of her mood didn't reflect the hour. "Yes it has, and please." He gestured to Anzu and the waitress looked at her delightfully, "Well isn't this exciting. Yami hasn't come in here with someone for years, nice to meet you..."
"Anzu."
"...Anzu. What can I get for you?"
The brunette regarded Yami curiously. Hasn't come in here with someone for years? What does that mean? "I'll have what he's having," she smiled back at the waitress, "and some water please."
"Certainly, Anzu." She jotted her notes on a pad and quickly left giving the pair some privacy.
A smirk entranced her from across the table, "Are you sure?"
She regarded him playfully, "Is that a hint?"
"You could be disappointed."
"I don't believe you're the disappointing type."
His gaze darkened slightly. Anzu managed to catch the subtle change and became aware she stepped into personal territory. The look vanished once their waitress returned with two glasses of water, which Anzu hastily grabbed one to drink, before she parted and allowed silence to fall upon them once again. The cool water glided down her throat and coated her insides like a calm wave, it helped to relax her anxious core, bringing with it a peaceful frame of mind and revived patience.
I have to be so careful with him. It was unfair, why did she have to be so patient when it would never bother her if he wanted to pry? Then again, she had nothing to hide. No tragic upbringing, no near death experiences, no heartbreaks... Her eyes widened in realization. She stared at Yami, who was currently occupied with the scene beyond their window, as the pieces fell into place.
"Alright you two, enough of the smiles, enjoy." Anzu couldn't help but smile at her playful stab to their dull presence along with the two milkshakes she placed neatly between them.
The brunette lit up, "Oh yum." She peered up to her handsome company, "This is a pleasant surprise, and seems completely uncharacteristic."
His eyes flickered with coy-like playfulness that caused a heated rush to sink deep into her core, it was alarmingly distracting, "You have a lot to learn about my character, Anzu." Her name slipped from his tongue like silk garments sliding from her body, a delicious warmth rushed through her veins and with it a tingling sensation. It was nearly impossible for her to focus. Aroused thoughts floated across her mind, and she tried to concentrate on something, anything, to gain solid ground. Her eyes landed on his glass when she heard the clinking of a metal spoon against the rim of the vessel. His casual approach to the drink before him brought her back to reality, 'He seems so... content. You would never think he held such bitterness in his heart.' A faded thought resurfaced, 'I've never seen anyone so angry. His rage, it made my heart hurt for him...' The vivid memory of his vehement and unyielding anger which he thrust upon her in the office those weeks ago made her pause, 'What caused you that pain Atem? What is behind your name that hurts you that much?'
Should she dare? They were having a wonderful time, in comparison to the handful of shared moments prior, and now seemed like the greatest opportunity. His comment still hung in the air, drifting further away in time, baiting her to make a move as the last grains of sand fell into the bottom of their hourglass.
She looked directly at Yami, lured by the promise of a history buried deep beneath the sands of time, and let the words escape her lips, "I know. So why don't we start with your name?" He instantly met her eyes with a sharp and blazing glare; it was a warning.
"Your real name."
.
End
Yes, unfortunately shorter, but I hope the added suspense and slight drama make up for it. The next chapter will definitely answer some important questions and kinda solidify our protagonists relationship. I hope everyone looks forward to it! Thanks for reading and definitely for waiting... *hangs head in shame*
- peachi