Hello guys! Long time no see! Well, today I decided it was taking hell of a long time for me to update this story so yeah let's do this, shall we?

Thanks for all the reviews and for waiting all these years.

Chapter 15

"Words That Weren't Said."

Couple of months passed since the breakup and Atem went back home with Kerai and his son. Grandpa was so thrilled to see that Kerai was alive and that he has a grand grandchild now. He was feeling bitter about Tea's heart break, but Tim made any ill feeling wash away for him. Same happened with Yugi who was an uncle now and was enjoying this to the last extent.

Kerai decided not to live with the Moto's now as she had other things to worry about at the moment. She would spend the whole day at their mansion and go home at night. Her parents weren't living with her which made Atem a little confused but he sensed that Kerai wasn't ready yet to talk about that so he decided to let it go at the mean time.

Tea on the other hand was down in the damps. She still couldn't move on no matter how much she tried. Although Sofee and Robert Macinz were acting like parents to her and did their best to cheer her up along with Miho and Bakura her friends who came to visit and realized what has happened with their friend and how she had an accident and lost her memories, etc..

One day she was curled up on her bed like a kitten, not feeling the slightest will to move when Sofee came in. Noticing the lifeless look Tea had on her face, she sighed inwardly and went to sit next to her. Tea didn't make the least move as she remained quiet feeling Sofee's hand smoothing her hair. Is this how it felt to have a mother in a break up? If her mother was alive what would she tell her to do? How will she react and how will she help her forget and move on? She bitterly remembered her mother's last words before she died. How she told her to find her true love. She also remembered how happy her mother was when she told her about the guy that saved her and bought her medication.

"What do you think my mother was going to advice me?" Tea asked lowly, feeling Sofee's hand on her head tremble.

"The same things I've been telling you, I guess." She responded without much thought. Tea nodded and rested her head on Sofee's lap letting her smooth her messy hair.

"You know what hurts me the most?" Tea started with a weak voice, "...the fact that he forgot all about me when he saw her. It's like I never even existed." She swallowed hard, trying to keep a steady tone. "He never loved me from the start. I was just filling her space, so when she came back there was no need for me anymore. I was like a spare tire to him." Tea pushed her lip between her teeth feeling the urge to scream at the top of her lungs. She felt so ashamed.

"I can't lie and say that I know how you feel. The only thing I know is that you shouldn't feel down or regret anything that happened. He lost you not the other way around. You did nothing wrong to feel ashamed so keep your chin up, my dear. And remember, it's true I didn't have children, but to me, you're the daughter I never had and I'll never let anyone hurt you again." Tea's tears rose to her eyes and she wrapped her arms around Sofee hugging her tightly.

"I love you." She mumbled, sobbing in her lap. Sofee smiled and patted her back gently to ease her sobs.

"You are the strongest girl I've ever seen and I'm sure you'll overcome this just like you did with every other bad thing that happened with you," she assured her, "go back to your dancing school. I already signed up your name and took care of the expenses. You could consider it an early birthday present." Tea gasped in surprise. Her heart was flattered with happiness. She was lucky enough to have neighbors like them in her life.

"Thank you." Tea repeated over and over again making the lady laugh.

"You can thank me by getting up on your feet again. Bakura called and said he asked the manager if you could work with him and Miho in that fancy restaurant. He said he'll try you for a couple of weeks and if he liked your work he'll hire you."

"Really?" Sofee nodded in response, wiping Tea's tears away. "Promise me you'll be strong as always. Time heals all the wounds, dear. But you have to be strong."

Tea nodded, hugging the lady once more. I'm not alone, Mom. I have another family here with me. People I can depend on just like I depended on you, she thought happily.

XXX

It was 9 am and Tea was already standing in front of the restaurant. She was aware of how fancy this place was by the first glance she had at the port, and she swallowed hard.

"Hey Tea.." Bakura greeted friendly and after they exchanged a quick hug, he led her towards the manager's office. After negotiating on her shifts and hours and giving her instructions here and there about the place and how he wouldn't allow anything that would mess with his restaurant's reputation, Tea was given her uniform which consisted of a black mini skirt, a white shirt and a black neat formal jacket. Bakura swore that Tea looked like an angel with the uniform and Miho started teasing him about his red face while Tea laughed nervously.

The first week rolled on in a rather good way, and the manager was contented about Tea's work and her flawless moves. She really moved like a dancer, he had to admit. Bakura brought a good girl this time, and an attractive one may he add. She was sure to bring many customers. Tea couldn't complain about the job either, and the fact that she was working alongside her friends made it even better. Now if she could only stop thinking about Atem and her life would be the happiest one.

XXX

Grandpa was holding Tim happily in his arms as he tried to teach him how to say 'grandpa'. Atem was watching with a smile. He hadn't seen his grandpa as happy for a long time. He was happy too, he told himself that many times in the past couple of months, still he couldn't buy the lie. He knew deep down that he wasn't. He was still thinking about her. Whenever he looked around the house he remembered her. Whenever he looked into Kerai's eyes, he'd remember her. Whenever he kissed Kerai or made love to her, the burning pain inside his heart would remind him of her. She probably is sad, curled up in her bed alone and crying. How could he hurt someone as innocent as her, he couldn't tell. And whenever he thought of the last words he said to her he'd feel like spitting on himself with shame. Such cruel and dirty words he uttered..

"Honey," Kerai called him and he woke up from his spacing, "I made you this hot chocolate. You looked troubled."

Taking the cup from her he mumbled a thank you, smiling halfheartedly. There she was again reminding him of her. His mind went back to the day he took Tea in his yacht and made her some hot chocolate, and then they wished upon the stars to stay together. His hand around the cup trembled and he had to use all his power to keep his tear behind. Kerai and Grandpa noticed his distant look. They both had an inkling on what he was dwelling on and it seemed to add a pressure on both their hearts. Kerai's pain was doubled however, and jealous was burning her heart.

"You know," Kerai started cheerfully, trying to lit up the mood, "how about we go have lunch together somewhere? It's been a long time since we went out for lunch."

"I totally agree with that." Grandpa encouraged, wanting his grandchild to lighten up. "As for me, I'll stay here and take care of Tim, so you two go have fun and don't worry about him. I'll take him somewhere fun." Tim squealed happily at that idea making Grandpa chuckle.

"Thank you, grandpa. You're the best." Kerai said with a smile. "So, Atem..?"

Atem nodded, thinking that maybe he'll ease his mind with this outing. It was true that they didn't have an outing alone since a very long time and he needed to make up for that. So dressing up, he ordered Arnold to start the car.

"Where are we going, sir?" Arnold asked.

"To 'Le restau'.." Kerai told him, "it's been a long time since we went there and I missed their dishes."

Atem smiled remembering the times they would go have dinner there after his work. It was a fancy french restaurant in downtown and they loved hanging out there. That place had so many memories for the two of them. Maybe that's what he needed; replacing Tea's memories with ones for him and Kerai. Maybe then he'll stop thinking about her.

XXX

Atem and Kerai were scamming their menus to decide what to order just as the waitress Miho came to their side and told them she was the one responsible for their table. The way this girl was gawking at him made him flinch as Kerai stifled her giggle. The waitress wasn't the only one, the whole restaurant was looking at them. He knew they would cause a scene. The manager himself came to welcome them when they entered and started asking about how he was doing and why he didn't come here for a long time. It made him feel unease and he had to force a smile and ignore the curious stares from the customers while Kerai as usual was unaffected and remained smiling. Well, being famous was tough, he had to admit.

Looking up, Atem was about to order when his eyes fell on another waitress that was holding a tray of chocolate parfait and ice cream. When their eyes met, the waitress froze in her spot and didn't realize the customer that was pushing his chair back. It was too late to make a move and the whole tray landed from her hands straight on the customer's suit.

"Tea!" Miho choked and cast a quick glance to the manager's room seeing him coming towards them with a furious look on his face.

"I'm so sorry!" Tea cried as she hopelessly tried to wipe the ice cream and wiped cream off the man's suit only to stain it and make it look worse. The man's face was red with furry and he pushed her away and started to shout.

"What the hell have you done? Do you realize how much I paid for this suit you stupid woman? Just more than you can ever hope to earn in a whole year with your pathetic job!"

"I'm so sorry-" Tea tried to express her deepest apologies but the man cut her off and held her up the floor with one hand, making her face his outraged glare. Tears were gathered on the corner of her eyes as she felt stares burning her back. Never in her life had she felt so humiliated. What the hell is Atem doing here? He was the reason all this happened. Was he going to watch her be humiliated and just stay quiet? Does he not care about her at all anymore?

"You're going to pay dearly for this! This was my long awaited anniversary with my girlfriend and I wanted it to be special. Someone like you shouldn't be working in a fancy restaurant like this!"

Tea's heart was pounding heavily as she watched the man's girlfriend eyeing her with disgust, while the man was grabbing her hands tightly making her moan silently in pain. Suddenly, she felt someone grabbing her gently away from the man and into his arm. Her breath stopped when she heard Atem's voice. Kerai's breath stopped too at the scene.

"How much does this suit cost?" Atem was gawking at him taking him aback. The man's eyes wandered between the familiar glaring young man and the surprised waitress.

"You are-"

"I asked you how much it costs?" Atem cut him off again, realizing the stares on them. He wanted to get this over with quick. "Ten thousand dollars? Maybe twenty or thirty?" he let go of Tea to get his checkbook out of his jacket as he wrote a number and then gave the check to the man. "Do you think a hundred thousand is enough to redeem this night with your woman? What do you say Madam?" he flashed a smile to the woman who was literally wonder-struck from both the situation and the handsome man.

The man hesitantly took the check, finally realizing who the young man was. "Thank you." He mumbled, returning to his table. The crowd that was watching with interest erupted with cheers and applauses for the famous businessman and the way he handled the situation. The manager who was watching as well, came to face Tea with a disappointed look as she hung her head down and mumbled sorry. He was about to rebuke her when Atem put his arm to defend her.

"Sir, this waitress is doing her best here. This whole incident was because of me. So can we just turn the page and forget what happened today. The man was generous enough to let it go, and I hope you'll be as generous."

The manager nodded impassively earning a smile from Atem. "Thank you for choosing this place Mr. Moto, I couldn't be more overjoyed. You can go back to your work now, Tea." He ordered her before he left to his room. Atem sighed in relief as he looked back at Tea and smiled lovingly. She looks so beautiful in her work clothes. God, he missed her so much. He wanted to hold her in his arms and tell her how much he's been thinking about her since the breakup. However, he was hurt to see her staring back at him with everything but gratitude or love, as she walked away from him without uttering a single word, leaving the crowd speechless and him heartbroken.

XXX

When their meals arrived, the couple started to eat silently as Kerai would glance every now and then at the impassive Atem and his nearly untouched meal. He looked so troubled what made an uneasy feeling twist in her stomach. He was thinking about her for sure. It felt like a knife was severing the pieces of her heart.

"Did you not like the food, honey?" Atem looked up. Reading the worry within her eyes, he swallowed hard.

"Not at all. It's good." He sipped from his drink taking a quick look at the kitchen. She still didn't come out, he thought.

"Why don't you go talk to her?" She suggested. Atem's hand on the knife shook. Was he so obvious? Then again, Kerai always read him like an open book. It was pointless to hide this.

"I don't think she wants to see me anymore." He admitted sadly, making Kerai's bit her lip. It pained her to see him sad like this and at the same time jealousy was eating the inside of her.

"Maybe she didn't want to talk in front of all these people. Maybe she wanted you to follow her and talk alone."

"You think so?" His face lit up, much to her dismay. However, her eyes softened, despite the pain she felt, she was happy that he lightened up a bit. Nodding to him, she smiled encouragingly.

"Go to her. I know you don't want things to end like this. After all, she didn't hurt you since you met her. It's only fair to leave a good memory for yourself in her mind. Go explain everything to her and make her feel better."

Atem put the knife and fork down, contemplating on what she said. Kerai was always understanding just like Tea is. They both knew how to cheer him up and how to put his mind at ease. He needed to talk to Tea, even if this meant hurting Kerai but he has to do this.

"I won't be late." He told her as he strolled his way to the kitchen. Kerai just sighed, feeling that she lost her appetite.

XXX

Tea's cries were loud in the kitchen, much to her dismay. She certainly wasn't looking forward to getting another reproof from the manager had he heard her voice, but, as she sobbed in her friend's arms, she couldn't hold back the moans of great humiliation she felt.

Miho's eyebrows were knitted in concern as she hugged her friend and patted her head gently, while Bakura was pacing back and forth in the kitchen, shoving his hands in his hair in clear distress.

"It's alright, Tea." Miho assured softly. "Atem talked to the manager and settled everything. Please don't cry anymore."

"…It's still my first week. I bet the manager will never hire me permanently. I can't believe this thing happened with me!" Remembering the situation again, the curious and somewhat repulsive looks of the customers, and the way the man scolded her made a wave of grief wash over her, and she started to weep again.

"Speaking of which, why would that businessman trouble himself with all that? He paid that bastard a huge amount of money."

As Tea flinched from the mentioning of her ex, Miho had hearts in her eyes. "Because he's such a gentleman. He couldn't watch Tea being scolded like that by that stupid man without interfering."

The mentioning of the man insulting Tea made Bakura scowl. He couldn't imagine that he was in the kitchen and wasn't able to help his beloved Tea. He wanted to punch the lights out of that man, but he had to ignore that at the moment. Instead, he went to Tea and placed a hand on her smooth hair making her look up at him. He wiped the tears on the corner of her eyes and caressed her cheek idly.

"I'll pour some hot drink on him if that would make you feel better." He suggested with a mischief smile making her giggle at last. Miho smiled at her friends and just as she was about to say something, her eyes were about to pop out when she noticed the man leaning on the door of the kitchen. Since when was he standing here, she was unsure. However, the icy glare he was casting upon Bakura made her gulp.

"Excuse me." Atem said, making his presence known, at least for Tea and Bakura. Bakura looked over his shoulder, realizing the rich boy that was looking –or glaring at him per-say. His hand withdrew from Tea's face slowly, not before he picked up on the way the female's face was colored with shock. "I want to speak to Tea alone please." He added, ignoring the baffled looks from Tea's companions. They were probably surprised at how he knew her name, he guessed, or at the reason someone like him came down the kitchen to speak to a waitress. He shrugged it off anyway fixing his stare on the shocked Tea.

Bakura was about to protest but the fact that Tea held his hand and smiled reassuringly to him made him stop. He gestured for Miho to come with him and they walked out the kitchen silently. Atem kept the glare on his face and was answered with a glare from Bakura as well. When he was sure they exited, he turned to face Tea who was now standing on her feet, giving him a blank look.

"I see Bakura working here with you." He announced unnecessarily, remembering the first time he saw his picture with Tea and how he didn't like him at all back then. His unlikeness now has turned into hate thanks to the little incident he witnessed earlier.

"Is that what you came all the way to say?" Atem's eyes flew to her icy blue ones. He could see the deep hurt lingering in her features and he couldn't help but feel responsible for that. After all, it was his doings that broke her heart and he was the only one to blame. It seemed that ever since he met her, he constantly broke her heart one time after the other. It wasn't intentionally from his side he could swear to whatever god above on that. Still, this wouldn't change the fact that he hurt her way too much.

He stood there for a minute, looking down at his feet, before he walked towards her and drew her to his arms. She winced at the sudden interaction but then slowly relaxed. She remembered his hugs, the friendly ones he used to give her when they first met and were warming up to each other, and the affectionate ones he gave her when they started dating. She closed his eyes and stayed there, nestled against his strong body. This wasn't the friendly type of hug, it was the other one. Her body shamelessly warmed to him and her heart throbbed upon thinking of this, reminding her of what she felt for him. However, the reality of the situation seemed to return to her at the pain she felt in her chest; the breakup, his choice to stay with Kerai, his neglect of their whole relationship and everything they went through at the sight of his dead girlfriend, his child; it all came to her like a bucket of ice water.

Slowly and unwillingly, she disengaged herself from Atem, keeping her gaze on their feet. She could feel his confusion. This was the first time she ever drew from his embrace.

"Tea, I'm sorry," His voice was sheepish, "hurting you was the last thing I intended to do. I know my decision was too cruel on you but-"

"It's all over now." She interrupted him, not slightly ready to talk about that thing again. "I apologize for my behavior out there. You helped me and I walked on you without the slightest will to thank you."

Atem waved his hand dismissively. "You helped me so much since I first saw you. I should be the one thanking you for being there for me through my hard times." He finished gloomily.

"No problem. We're even now." She replied steadily, giving him a look he couldn't translate. Feeling that he did what he wanted to do and judging by the resentment in her face he knew he wasn't welcomed much more and decided to take a leave.

"I think seeing me today was the last thing you hoped for, Tea. I assure you that I'll try my best not to cross your path anymore." Tea wasn't looking forward to hearing this from him. She felt a needle stab her heart as she watched him exit the kitchen with a troubled walk. Gripping her shirt next to her heart, she prayed the pain would stop.

XXX

The ride was silent as Atem was staring idly at the passing-by cars and thinking of what happened with Tea. He wasn't sure why but he felt guilty and reproval for not telling her what he really wanted to say. Kerai observed his passive features with sadness recalling how lifeless he appeared when he came from the kitchen and how he remained silent until he paid the check and left. She didn't know what happened between the two but from the face of her boyfriend she could guess that Tea told him off harshly.

Well, it was expected she'd act that way towards the one who broke her heart. She would've acted the same if she was in her shoes. Still, for some damn reason, she couldn't help but feel guilty as well for this outcome. She was the reason Tea was hurt like this. Why was she feeling like this over her adversary? Only God knows..

When they reached the mansion, Atem went ahead totally ignoring Kerai's presence only making her sigh.

Going inside he was welcomed with his friends that were in the living room chatting. They welcomed him and Kerai with a smile. They could tell from the couple's looks that their outing didn't turn out too well but they decided not to ask about it.

Kerai made her way upstairs to check on Tim while Atem sat on the couch and sighed tiredly.

"What happened, Atem?" Joey started. Atem didn't respond at first, still dwelling on the earlier events. But then he decided to tell his friends what was going on. By the time he finished, the boys had a sad expression. It was a complicated matter and none of them knew how to cheer their friend up.

"I didn't tell her what I had wanted so badly to say for the last couple of months," he pressed the palms of his hands to his forehead, closing his eyes tight, "I acted like an idiot and broke her heart even more."

The three boys exchanged some looks before Yugi said, "maybe this is better. Maybe if you said what you wanted to say things would've gotten more complicated."

"Still, it was only fair for her to know what I've been thinking about her." He added as an afterthought.

"If your thoughts are going to fix the situation then you should tell them to her." The three were surprised at Tristan's conclusion. He shrugged as a response to their surprised stares. "As he said, she is the only one who deserves to hear those words because they are for her and her alone. Atem wouldn't be reassured until he spit them out and the sooner the better." He suggested, knowing what will most likely happen afterwards.

"I'll go to her!" Atem exclaimed, checking the clock and seeing it was past 10 pm. It's a little bit late to go to her now, he thought. He couldn't believe time flew that fast. Kerai still hadn't come down so she probably was asleep or playing with Tim. She shouldn't know I went to Tea or else she'd be hurt.

"It's late." Yugi reminded him.

"She probably doesn't wanna see you." Joey added bitterly, seeing how his friend's shoulder stiffed.

"She might not let you in." Tristan's words only made it worse for Atem. Could she slap the door in my face? He winced at the thought. He felt the courage that was built up diminishing and he was about to sit down and let the idea drop.

"No!" he shouted as if he was trying to regain his confidence. "I'm going to see her and what happens happens.." making up his mind, he took his jacket and marched his way to the door ignoring his friends' calls.

"Man, he went after all!" Yugi sighed in frustration.

"Well, I think what he wanted to say to her really matters." Tristan said.

"Her?" The three turned around seeing Kerai holding the sleeping Tim in her arms with a hostile look in her eyes, "did he go to see Tea?" She demanded though the way they nervously averted her gaze gave her a good answer to her question.

XXX

The doorbell sounded, surprising Tea. She had just returned from work and took a shower. As she finished dressing into her pajamas quickly and went to answer the door, she couldn't think of who it could be. Her friends had just left her a while ago, so it couldn't be them. Sofee and her husband slept early and it was nearing 11 pm so it sure wasn't them.

Tea opened the door with her usual smile, only for it to drop at seeing Atem standing there. She felt a mix of emotions as she gaped at his usual handsome face. "Tea.." he called her with a silky voice making her heart slam crazily against her chest.

He didn't give her much time to respond for he already took her hands in his startling her. "I couldn't wait until tomorrow, and I certainly couldn't stop myself from coming to see you," he admitted bashfully. "I had many scenarios in my head, one of them was you slamming the door in my face. Well, that was the nicest one of them." He laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head, feeling silly for some reason. Tea's silence wasn't helping much. Was she going to gawk at him like this forever? That's a scenario he forgot to add up.

His body relaxed at last, when Tea pulled her hand away and stepped aside to let him in, a soft gasp escaping his lips before he smiled and went in. she wasn't given the time to shut the door as Atem quickly pulled her to his chest, resting his head in her exposed neck and his breath drifted through her hair and over her skin like gentle breeze. Tea was motionless at first, closing her eyes against the tears that welled up behind her lids. She didn't know why they rose in her eyes, but she was sure she didn't want Atem to see them. She was fully aware this time that this wasn't a friendly hug, not even the affectionate one he gave her in the restaurant earlier. This was a new type of hugs, a strong, loving and scared one, kind of like he was afraid he'd lose her if he let go.

"There is so much I wanted to tell you today. There is so much that I've let build up against my chest but was too coward to let out." He said into his hair, his moist lips making her heart tremble.

"Hmm.." she answered dim-wittedly. But he cared the less.

"I never stopped thinking about you in the past couple of months, not even for a minute. Your voice, your face, your words, your hands, your lips were hunting me each second. Everything Kerai said reminded me of you," he felt her stiff at the mentioning of Kerai and he bit his lip at his stupidity, "I wanted to see you and I tried couple of times but I would always stop myself and think that I might end up widening your wounds." Tea remained silent and motionless inside his arms and he was beginning to worry. "I can't ignore the truth any longer. I never stopped loving you, Tea."

This time, Tea did react. Her eyes shot up to meet his and he realized that she was crying. The tears that were on her face made his heart go up to his throat. Was she happy or sad at his confession, he couldn't tell. He was too afraid to do or say anything more.

Tea felt like she was in a dream. Everything around her seemed to stop moving. She didn't know how to stop her throbbing heart that was too loud they almost heard it, nor how to react to this. Only one thing was sure; she wasn't about to react the same way she did in the restaurant. This time, she wrapped her arms around him and enveloped him securely, hearing his surprised gasp before he relaxed in her arms like a small child, tightening the embrace even more –if possible.

Well, the chap is finished. Hope I made up for the very long absence. No more of that, rest assured.

~POS