all disclaimers apply as usual
Author's note: heheheh, an unexpected SEQUEL to my Aww, Craps fic! For those of you who don't know German, "scheiss" (pardon it's spelling...can't do the little German symbol thingys on this writing program) is commonly referenced in the German language as "shit" though it can also mean "damn" or "crap." I'm leaning towards the first slang word I mentioned when I titled this fic.
The gang couldn't resist. It was unbelievable! Yet another excuse to travel to the United States! This time, they would be accompanying Yugi's grandfather to Professor Hopkins' place and then to a ski resort where an archaeological convention was being held.
Anyway, it was the dead of winter in the United States. Naturally, Yami protested. While he couldn't recollect much, he knew he was Egyptian. Handling the desert heat of Las Vegas was natural for him, but cold, ice, and snow just didn't appeal to him whatsoever. But with some coaxing from Yugi and Tea, they brought out the warmer points of winter...warm fires, hot chocolate, snuggly blankets, tranquility, and even a little fun. The pharaoh agreed, though he had little choice, Yugi was bringing the Puzzle along with or without the ancient ruler's consent. The king was coming along whether he wanted to or not.
Since the pharaoh was tagging along, he made it a point for Yugi to invite Ryou this time too. If the pharaoh had to endure the cold, then the tomb robber certainly deserved it as well.
So once again, we find Yugi in his room packing.
"Yugi, we are staying in a heated building correct?"
"Yeah, a ski resort...nice hotel, great lodge with fireplaces and ski bunnies!"
"Ski bunnies?"
Yugi's face blushed. "Pretty girls skiing in tight outfits."
"But wouldn't they be cold?"
"Yeah, but it's a fashion statement. They usually can't ski well...they just hang around the lodges looking pretty."
"And I take it you can't ski either?"
"Skiing is a sport. You know I can't do sports. But, I may try a beginner hill or something. It can't be much harder than ice skating, I can at least stand on those. Perhaps you'd like to try it?"
"Two boards strapped onto one's feet. Then sent up a chair to the top of a snowy mountain only to careen back down it using said boards upon one's feet. I don't see the point."
"It's FUN Yami...FUN!"
"So why don't you like it then?"
"Cause I suck...at least I think I do."
"Then what makes you think I'd do any better?"
"You're my opposite. If I suck. You're probably a natural."
"Snow is cold."
Yugi found another approach. "Ryou can ski very well. That means Bakura will likely figure it out too."
"I will NOT allow the tomb robber to best me in anything!"
"I didn't think so. Well, I guess that solves that matter. I'll be sure to get a lift ticket like the rest of the gang then."
Yami muttered several curse words under his breath. He'd been suckered into yet another little ordeal thanks to his innocent, loving little partner.
"Aww, don't worry Yami. We have all sorts of warm stuff to wear. You won't even feel the cold if you dress properly. And, speaking of which...no...you can't pack sleeveless shirts this time." Yugi said as he removed Yami's favorite black tank and muscle shirts from the suitcases. "Here, we'll add a couple of these nice sweaters...black as usual since that seems to be your color these days. And let's see..hehehe, this...is warm...oh and that..."
The pharaoh rolled his eyes and said nothing. For once in a blue moon, he was out of control of the situation. All he could do was go along with it.
Elsewhere...
"I will NOT wear such idiotic things!" Bakura spat. Of recent, he, like the pharaoh, had learned to share the body of his vessel rather than completely dominate it. Bakura and Ryou rather struck a partnership of sorts...though it was always to Bakura's advantage.
"Too bad. My body." Ryou calmly replied back as he continued packing, thus ignoring the spirit of the tomb robber. Though, thanks to Yugi's speech on sharing, fairness, and suffering, Yami had to share with the tomb robber, the secret chant that he could use to assume his own form with aid of the Millenium Ring...just as Yami learned with use of the Puzzle and had revealed to all during their trip to Las Vegas.
But for now, Ryou was in control and spirit could do nothing more other than bitch and moan. "Why must we go anyway. Those pathetic dweebs are useless to me."
"Because they are my friends and I do enjoy skiing. What is it with you and the pharaoh? Yugi says he's having a similar bitchfest with Yami as well."
"We're Egyptians. Desert. Seering heat. Baking sand. Does any of that relate to where we are going?"
"Well...no...but..."
"Our bodies are adapted to heat and sun...not cold! That's why we have a nice permanent tan and are not sickly white like you. Make sense?"
"Sure, but, well, if you dress properly and not half naked like you usually do, then you'll have little worry about the cold."
Bakura growled. Sometimes his partner could really get on his already sensitive, easily annoyed nerves. "Do as you wish. I grow tired of this debate." he replied as he vanished back into the Ring, thus leaving Ryou to pack in peace.
Joey, Tristan, and Tea had no trouble at all preparing for the trip. Though Joey had to get into a little argument with Tristan over the phone. Tristan really wanted Serenity to come along and naturally Joey said no way!
When the time came, all met at the Game Shop and prepared for their departure to the airport.
Once at the airport, they had one ordeal after another. Ryou had allowed Bakura to assume his own form. Ryou had nasty motion sickness so it was best for Bakura to handle the flight. But, to counter Bakura's nastiness and troublesome ways, Yugi was forced to allow the pharoah to take over and assume his own form as well. Unfortunately for all of them, the pharaoh too, seemed to be in rare form. Neither king nor thief could get past the security gates without the things buzzing. Bakura grew impatient and when asked to remove yet another article of clothing, decided to make it easier for all. He removed everything and strolled naked through the security screening gate. Naturally Yugi's grandfather was forced to explain the young man's actions and luckily for all, the ordeal was allowed to slide. Now Yami was a bit more cooperative, but found it rather undignified to have to keep removing articles of clothing. His studded boots, belts, armbands, choker, and other adornments continued to set the things off. He was just about to do as Bakura did when Yugi interrupted him from his soul room and sternly reminded him not to stoop to such a lowly level. The ancient king complied and just sucked it up and tolerated the indignities of the body search. He also told Yugi that it would be Yugi going through these things on their return trip back.
While dressing once again and without anyone noticing, Bakura had grabbed a 'lost kid' sticker and modified it with a marker he'd found on the floor. It now read "lost king...if found, please return to the tombs ASAP!" Without Yami noticing, he peeled it from its backing and gently placed it on the back of Yami.
Once through the security gates and finally en route to the boarding gates, more trouble ensued. Joey smelled food. Naturally this set off Tristan as well. And the thief, liking food himself, especially things like the rotessierie chicken he saw spinning in the oven, joined them. The pharaoh licked his lips, but remained with Tea and Grandpa. Again, his manners and status prevented him from joining in such immature, ridiculous actions. But, oh how he really wanted a piece of that turning chicken too!
Ever watchful, Tea picked up on the pharaoh's subtle desire. She told Grandpa she'd go reign in the other three and bring some food over for the rest of them. Yami graciously thanked her. All Yugi had eaten before they left was a bowl of cereal and two pieces of toast. To the ancient king, it was but mere chickenfeed! No wonder his aibou didn't grow!
True to form, Tea managed to get Joey and Tristan under control. But the tomb robber was another story. He was busy eyeballing the numerous churning chickens and no doubt thinking up ways to steal them all. Tea quickly made a large purchase for all and gave the thief a separate sack with a whole bird just for himself. "There. Just go sit down now please."
With the smell of a chicken in the bag, Bakura obliged. He was anxious to tear into the succulent bird anyway.
Finding a table, Yami and Grandpa joined them.
"I want a leg!" Joey called.
"You can't handle a leg!" Tristan mocked.
Tea smacked them both on the backsides of their heads. Both boys calmed down and only then were served some food.
Bakura was off at his own table nearby ripping into his very own chicken.
"Hey, why does he get a whole chicken and we only get parts." Joey whined.
"If you want some of his, why not go ask him for some." Tea smirked.
"No way. He's worse than a rabid dog with a bone."
"Then shut up and eat what you're given." Tea replied.
Meanwhile, Yami was growing impatient. He had kindly and respectfully waited his turn for some food, but these little debates were making his wait longer. He shifted several times in his chair, constantly eyeing a whole chicken that had yet to be divided up.
Grandpa noticed the pharaoh's discomfort. "Heheh, that kingly attribute of being served first shows itself. You're fighting the urge to take what is rightfully yours eh?"
Yami, caught off guard, stopped stirring and resumed a more mature demeanor. "Perhaps. But Yugi ate next to nothing this morning. I'm famished and that smell is so enticing that my patience is wearing thin."
Grandpa grabbed the other chicken while Tea was busy dealing with the boys and passed it over to the pharaoh. "Help yourself then. All you need to do is simply ask." Grandpa replied. Though, for a once king, even without memories, asking for something was a bit of a feat. Kings usually automatically got what they wanted without a single utterance from them. The young pharaoh was no exception.
Eventually all ate and were satisfied and at peace for once. As they patiently sat and waited for the boarding call, Bakura pulled a magazine out from his cloak-like jacket.
"Where did you get that?" Tea asked.
"Magazine shop table." He replied, oblivious to the fact that he'd done something wrong.
"Let me guess...you didn't pay for that."
"Was I supposed to?" Bakura replied as innocently as he could, but failed completely.
Tea gruffed. Maybe she should've opted out of this particular trip this time! But turning away, Yami's dashing features caught her eye and gave her the real reason why she had said yes in the first place.
Grandpa continued to read a newspaper as Joey and Tristan eyed the occupants of the terminal. They were playing a little game of "guess her bra size." There was little help for them. But, as long as they stayed put in their seats, they were not causing any real trouble.
Yami seemed in a transfixed gaze. Tea left him alone. Either he was deep in his own thoughts or he was talking to Yugi within their soul rooms. It mattered not. With a sigh, Tea pulled a book from her purse and started her own reading. Little did she know that she'd only dealt with the tip of the iceberg. For once at Professor Hopkins' place, she'd have to deal with the annoying, obnoxious Rebecca Hopkins, who seemed to take a liking to Yugi as well.
And nobody had yet to notice Bakura's little trick played upon the pharaoh.
to be continued...