The muffled sound of bass thumped from behind the doors of the night club. People waiting to enter whispered eagerly in anticipation as the throbbing music caused the ground beneath their feet to pulse. Friends were huddled close together for warmth as a light snowfall began. The frost slicked the pavement and flakes clung to the scarves of giggling girls, holding tight to the arms of their dates. Within the queue of the line, a different kind of excitement was building up.
"So this chick performing tonight is Kaiba's girlfriend right?"
"Joey, you'd believe any tabloid wouldn't you? That's obvious gossip. I can't imagine Kaiba having a real relationship with someone who didn't have their face printed on money." Tristan smirked at his little joke.
"Well, he's richer than God. I can imagine lots of girls trying to get his attention." Duke twisted a strand of his raven hair around a fingertip as he leaned his back against the wall.
Tea adjusted the purse on her shoulder and turned to the shorter boy behind her.
"They're always in someone else's business. It's not that big of a deal even if it was true. I mean, right, Yugi?"
"It's his life," was Yugi's only reply.
Tea shrugged and turned back around to face the opening of the club. It was normal these days for Yugi to brood and withdraw from conversation.
Partner? You seem distracted. Something wrong? A smaller presence made itself known to the one with whom he shared his body. This is a break for us. It's ok to relax now that the Battle City Finals are over.
But the Pharaoh only dipped his head in thought.
I know. I suppose I am just worried about this sudden peace. I am already expecting more trouble to arise as soon as I let my guard down even for a second. His eyes snapped back open to survey the people around them.
His other half looked through his eyes. Everybody around them looked happy, excited or a little impatient. Nothing seemed dangerous or threatening. It was a normal scene.
Pharaoh, maybe the dread you're feeling is just from waiting in line for so long? He smiled to reassure his friend. His yami smiled back.
Just one day off. I'll try to enjoy myself tonight, Yugi.
"Hey, you! Yeah, bouncer! When we gonna get dis party started, eh? We're all freezing out here!" Joey barked.
A gruff voice mumbled back, "Nobody gets in until the bands are set up." Then as an afterthought, he added, "Retard."
The blonde made a face at the man and sniffed,
"Ain't a good enough reason to make us stand out in the cold."
"I told you that you should have worn a jacket," Duke scolded.
"I didn't want to keep up with it in the club," Joey mumbled.
The sound of a car pulling up pulled their focus off of the weather.
"Is that—" Tristan began.
"Hi, Ishizu!" Tea smiled and waved at the woman getting out of the taxi.
"Hello, everyone. I hope we have not caught you at a bad time?"
" 'We?' " Joey echoed.
The opposite door of the taxi opened and Marik stepped up on the curb to join his sister.
"Hi." He said awkwardly. It felt so strange to speak with his own words once again.
The Pharaoh regarded the boy warmly, "Did you come out to say goodbye? Your sister had mentioned to me after that the tournament that you would be going home."
The boy shook his head, tousling his sandy hair.
"Ishizu and I both think I should try living in the city. There aren't many fond memories back home. I'm ready to start living like the rest of the world." His face beamed brightly. He looked so happy standing in the falling snow.
"Besides, I've never seen snow before. I'd like to stay here at least as long as this cold weather does." A snowflake hit the tip of his nose and he rubbed the feeling back with his hand, still grinning.
Ishizu rested a hand on her little brother's shoulder, "I did not want to leave you without once again thanking you for what you have done for us. All of you." Her eyes scanned each of the teens before her before approaching the Pharaoh.
"I am leaving tomorrow morning. Odion is waiting at the hotel. I came out originally to do an errand, but I thought my brother would like to begin his new life in the city tonight with all of you."
"Sounds like a plan. We'd be glad to have him." Duke winked at the older woman in his usual flirtatious fashion.
Yami extended his hand to her and she clasped it in both of hers, "I'll watch out for him Ishizu."
"Thank you again. Well I'll leave you to your evening, friends. Be safe. And good night." With a final wave goodbye, she closed the cab door and was whisked away in a flurry.
"How about coming in with us," Joey offered. He didn't want Marik to go back to Egypt either. That kid was in serious need of some actual fun. "There's gonna be live music tonight. This girl's gotten great reviews for her shows." He jerked his head to a poster on the wall.
"I've never been to a concert. There's so much I haven't done before." Marik suddenly felt very aware of his inexperience with everyday life. But being around people he trusted made him feel brave.
"I'd love to join you." He smiled.
"Awesome," Tea exulted. "Here, you can cut in front of me. Just make sure nobody sees you. It's kind of a pet peeve with concert goers. "
As if on cue, an angry voice from the back of the line shouted,
"Tell that chick no cuts, dammit!"
Joey growled back, "He's a dude, nimrod!"
Upon hearing his gender being confused, Marik immediately blushed and turtled into his new scarf. It was going to be a big change for him.