Yu-Gi-Oh!
The Return of a King
Chapter 2:
Of Jobs and Plans
The next morning, Atem awoke early and, after a quick shower, he sat down, eating a quick breakfast as he planned his day. Sometime later, he sat down at the computer to search for jobs in the area, suddenly very glad that he had asked Yugi about the machine a few months earlier, wanting to learn how to use it.
He had thought that a co-curator of the Egyptian Antiquities division of the museum would be perfect, considering the extensive first-hand knowledge he had on the subject, but after finding that he would need to prove that knowledge with extensive university schooling, he decided that a more low-profile job would be better while he was taking care of that.
It was then that he noticed that the clothing store he'd visited earlier was hiring. Deciding it was worth a shot; he found the store's website and submitted his application online. "Technology these days…." He mused with a slight chuckle.
A few hours later, the phone rang. Picking it up, he answered it. "Motou residence."
He found that it was the manager of the store, wondering if they could set up an interview. Agreeing to meet in a few hours, Atem bid him farewell and hung up. After a quick shower, he sat on the couch, waiting until it was time to leave. A few minutes after he sat down, he saw the door open, smiling as Yugi walked in with Téa, Joey and Tristan.
Noticing the strangely familiar person, Yugi piped up. "Excuse me, but do I know you?"
Hearing this ironic question, Atem laughed softly. "It's good to see you again as well, Yugi."
Yugi's eyes lit up as he finally recognized the person in front of him. "Atem!" Atem fell back as his former host launched himself at him.
"It's so good to see you! But how did you- when did you…." Atem laughed as he motioned for Yugi to sit down, finding it strange that Téa sat down on Yugi's lap, but made a mental note to ask about it later.
For the next two hours or so, Atem filled them all in on his return and everything that happened after. From visiting Ishizu, which everyone except Joey smiled knowingly at, to his finding a job. "That's great, Atem. We really missed you."
Atem smiled softly. "I missed all of you, too." He gestured to Yugi and Téa's linked hands. "What's this?"
Téa smiled. "Well, you see, Atem, we're dating. Yugi finally got up the courage to ask, and I couldn't say no." At this, Téa leaned down, pressing a light kiss to Yugi's lips, which he eagerly responded to, his arms wrapping around her waist.
Seeing this, Atem smiled, glad for his former host's happiness. Looking at the clock, he noticed that he had a few minutes to leave for his interview. "Well, I really did enjoy seeing you again, guys. But I have to get to my interview."
Yugi nodded. "Okay, Atem. Good luck." He called out as Atem left the house, giving a thumbs-up in thanks.
He came up to the store twenty minutes later and walked inside. Walking up to the desk, he explained that he was here for an interview. A minute later, the manager walked up to him, extending his hand.
Grasping the proffered hand, Atem shook firmly as the manager introduced himself. "Hello, Atem, is it? I'm Daisuke. Nice to meet you."
Atem nodded, smiling. "Nice to meet you as well." Daisuke led him to the back and offered him a chair.
As Atem sat, Daisuke sat in front of him, beginning the interview and asking him various questions, ranging from why he chose to work here, to a few scenarios involving concerned customers. Thirty minutes later, Daisuke smiled, extending his hand again. "Well, Atem, let me be the first to welcome you to the team."
Atem smiled, shaking his hand. "Thank you, sir."
Daisuke chuckled. "Please, Atem, call me Daisuke. None of this 'sir' crap."
Atem chuckled. "As you wish, Daisuke." Bringing Atem back out front, he gave him a schedule outlining his work days and shift times. Bowing politely in thanks, Atem left the store, placing the schedule in his pocket and walking back toward the house.
As he walked into the house, he had no idea what to do with his time. Sitting down on the couch, the former Pharaoh began flipping through the channels on the TV to see if anything was on. Finding nothing, he lay back on the couch, closing his eyes.
A short time later, he woke up, climbing off of the couch. He then remembered that he still needed to inform Ishizu of his revelation. 'And', he thought, 'I know just the way to do it...'
Smiling, he picked up the phone, dialing the number for the most upper class restaurant in town. After a few rings, he smiled as the receptionist picked up. "Yes, i'd like to make a reservation. Yes, it'll be for two at 8:00pm. Thank you."
Hanging up the phone, he turned to the book listing all of the numbers in the city. Flipping through the pages, he quickly located the number for the museum. Dialing the number, he spoke as a receptionist picked up on the other end.
"Yes, I'd like to speak to Ishizu Ishtar, please?" He nodded as the receptionist asked him to hold. "Very well." He smiled to himself as that beautiful voice of hers sounded in his ears.
"Hello, Ishizu Ishtar speaking. May I help you?"
Smirking, he decided to try and surprise her, speaking in a language he knew that only she, Kaiba and a few others than himself would understand, given their connection to the past and to each other. "Good afternoon, Isis." Atem spoke in flawless Kemetic.
The reaction displayed on Ishizu's face betrayed her emotion and inner elation at hearing his voice again. "Good afternoon, Atem. Is there something I can do for you?" Ishizu answered in kind.
Nodding lightly at her question, Atem spoke. "Yes, there is, in fact. I have made an interesting revelation as to why I have returned. But, perhaps now would not be the best time to speak of this. Perhaps over dinner?"
Ishizu's eyes lit up at his proposition, her mouth dropping open as she scrambled for words. 'Is the Pharaoh asking me on a date?' "O-of course. I would love to." 'You have no idea how much...' She thought to herself.
"Very well. I'll pick you up at around 7:45?" Atem asked.
"That would be great." Ishizu answered, joy evident in her tone. "Alright, I'll see you then. Oh, and Isis?" Atem asked quickly, hoping to catch her before she hung up.
"Yes, my King?" Atem chuckled at her momentary usage of his title. 'Ever formal. But, Gods, do I love her for it...' "Wear something nice?"
Blushing at his suggestion, Ishizu nodded. "Very well... Atem. I'll see you soon."
Nodding, Atem smiled. "Until then." Hanging up the phone, he fought the urge to pump his fist into the air and shout for joy. Composing himself, he looked at the clock, noticing that it was already 6:30.
Walking to the bathroom, he took a quick shower. After finishing, he pulled a long sleeved button down shirt out of his drawers, followed by a pair of black jeans. Pulling them on and buttoning the shirt, rolling the sleeves up to the middle of his forearm. He then pulled his hair back into a low ponytail and walked out of his room.
Walking to the door, he grabbed his leather jacket and pulled it on, walking out to hidden garage in the back of the shop and to his custom built Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special motorcycle, a gift from the gang on his birthday the previous year after he'd decided to obtain his motorcycle operating permit.
Looking adoringly at the machine, Atem smiled as he spoke softly. "Oh, hello gorgeous." Climbing onto the machine, he laughed as the engines roared to life. Pulling out onto the street, he sped off toward the museum, reveling in the feel of the wind in his face once again.
A/N: Here's the second chapter, folks! I realize that Atem and Ishizu might be a little OOC, but I like to put my own spin on characters and, especially in these two, show a side of them that is not really shown in the anime. Atem in the show seems to be very reserved and, some might say, uptight concerning his emotions, so it's nice to see Atem being suave and confident, but not to the point of being cocky. Ishizu seems to present herself as somewhat distanced from her emotions, so I like to see moments where she break out of her shell, if only momentarily.