Yes, it's me! I'm back with a new peachshipping fic. Some parts of this story were written a while ago for other stories but not used. But after seeing DSOD, way back int 2016!, I started re-writing them to make into a new story. The idea for this actually came to me after seeing the fantastic picture Kaz drew and placed on his Instagram account, showing Yugi and Kaiba collaborating to demonstrate Yugi's game from the Kaiba Space Station. I estimate the characters are now 21/22
Warnings: Rating is T for now but may well go up due to adult themes and violence. There will also be the odd profanity - but only when I feel it is appropriate for the situation.
Disclaimers: Unfortunately, I do not own Yugioh or any of the characters. But I feel honoured to be able to be able to write my own stories based on my interpretation of canon.
With all that said, I hope you will read and enjoy.
Against the Odds.
Dreaming of Success.
Gazing through the window of his small office on the nineteenth floor of the Kaiba Corporation building, Yugi really did feel like the King of all he surveyed.
He would never allow himself to become complacent or arrogant, but he did secretly enjoy looking down on all those people below. It was amusing how small they all looked, scurrying about their daily business, unaware they were being watched from above.
Of course, Seto Kaiba had ensured that his building was the tallest in Japan. Thanks to its revolving duel tower and the recent addition of an enormous radio mast, which beamed and received data from the KC satellites orbiting high above the earth, it was now even taller than the Skytree in Tokyo.
Even though there were several floors above his own office location, Yugi was still high enough that he could still see right across the city; from the Dock yard and shipping terminal at one end of the bay, to the yachting marina on the opposite side. To the north-west, he could see the vast wooded forest of Domino Park, and to the south-west, he could even make out the Kame Game shop, standing proudly on its own little plot of land.
Being one of the older, more individually styled buildings, Kame Game had escaped being bulldozed for redevelopment after the Black Crown had burnt down, taking the neighbouring building with it. Its rustic tiled roof stood like a breath of fresh air next to the boring light beige of the new four storey apartment block, that had been built above the new retail stores replacing the Black Crown and its old neighbours.
He smiled reflectively as he recalled how he had been prepared to give his life trying to reassemble the Puzzle, after Mister Otogi Senior had fled in terror, leaving him alone in the burning room.
Putting morbid thoughts of death to the back of his mind, he focused on his bright future.
With his new game being officially on sale to the Japanese public tomorrow, Yugi was looking forward to enjoying the rewards associated with its success. He just wished that Atem could still be here to play his new game with him and share in its success.
The demonstration of his game on board Kaiba's space station last night, had been met with much interest. All the major gaming magazines and pundits were coming to the press conference organised for tomorrow, and were already hailing it as the most exciting development in virtual gaming since duel disks and the invention of solid vision holograms had meant that Duel Monsters could be played anywhere.
If pre-orders were anything to go by, the game would be flying off the shelves and he would turn a good profit, which in turn, would justify Kaiba's investment in him.
He was keen to ring Anzu and tell her the news and was hopeful that it might help him patch things up between them. Her decision to stay in New York after graduation had been the deciding factor in their latest break-up and he regretted the harsh words they had both used. But trying to keep their relationship going when they had only seen each other three times in the last four years, had been difficult. They had fallen out more times than he could count.
Neither of them had believed that a long distance relationship would be this difficult. But when you are busy studying and working to pay your way, taking time off to travel thousands of miles for a visit had not been as easy or practical as they had thought.
He just hoped that nothing would arise that might prevent him from attending her forthcoming graduation ceremony. Perhaps, while he was there, he could persuade her to accompany him to Cologne for Gamescom in August.
Should he book a double room in advance?
He mentally slapped himself for being presumptuous. What if she was annoyed with him for booking a double room? He could always pretend that it was a mix up over bookings – yeah, that might work.
Hearing his phone buzzing, from where it was sitting on his desk, he moved away from his panoramic view of Domino and sat back down in his executive office chair.
Swiping his phone up, he smiled when he saw that it was a message from his best friend, Jonouchi: Hey Yuge. Just seen the awesome response to last night's demonstration. Fancy meeting for a beer to celebrate?
Yugi fired back a message. How about after work, 6.30pm Otogi's bar? Ask Honda and Kura.
He received a reply almost immediately. Cool. Will do. C U then. The message ended with a smiley face and four beer emojis.
Smirking, Yugi spun his swivel chair around a few times. Just for the fun of it, he whooped, fist pumping the air. He then started chuckling at himself for being so childish.
The office door swung open and Kaiba walked in, catching him in the act. "Don't get ahead of yourself Yugi. There's still some way to go before you can buy yourself a luxury mansion and a sports car!"
Yugi stopped spinning the chair. "I already have a car and I don't need a mansion." he smirked.
"That pathetic little 'K' car you drive does not qualify as a car." Seto rolled his eyes in amusement.
Yugi shrugged. "It's fine around town. And if I want to drive a sports car I can always borrow your Lambo!"
Seto let out a guffaw. "Over my dead body!"
"Now there's an idea!" Yugi grinned cheekily, tapping his index finger against his chin in mock thought.
"Don't push your luck Muto," Seto smirked, raising his eyebrow smugly. "If it wasn't for my investment, your little game idea would have remained an idea." He still remembered events that lead to their first encounter back in high school: Yugi had approached him, mumbling and simpering in an apologetic little voice as he asked for his grandfather's card back. It seemed like another lifetime!
He would never admit it, but he had thoroughly enjoyed working with Yugi on this project. He was fast to learn, full of good ideas and was not afraid to push the limits of gaming technology.
Unlike many of his other employees, Yugi did not simper and fawn, while agreeing with everything Seto said. If Yugi thought Seto was wrong about something, he had the guts to say so.
Another thing he had noticed, was that everyone who worked with Yugi seemed to like him. Yugi had a unique management style – very different from his own! At first Seto had thought his relaxed, friendly style of management would encourage employees to walk all over him and slack off. But the opposite had happened.
It turned out that Yugi had very special leadership qualities; commanding his troops in a subtle way that made people like, respect and want to work for him.
Instead of coming in late, not doing much while they were here and then sneaking home early, the staff would go above and beyond what was asked of them without any complaining whatsoever!
And, they never said spiteful things behind Yugi's back, like Seto knew they did about him.
But bitter experience had taught Seto to always use intimidation and bullying. This had then become his recognised style and a habit he had been unable, or unwilling, to change.
He could not help but be a little envious of the way leadership and management seemed to come so naturally to Yugi.
The word 'like' was not a word Seto would ever use, but over the last three and a half years they had been working together on this project, Seto had grown to respect Yugi immensely. Dare he even admit he viewed Yugi as a friend? No... he would not go that far.
He heard Yugi clearing his throat and blinked to find Yugi staring at him expectantly.
"Was there something you wanted to discuss Kaiba?" After their initial conversation, Kaiba had spaced out! It was making Yugi nervous that all the pre-orders had fallen through or something.
Seto nodded his head. "I actually came to tell you that I am just going out. My secretary is typing up the details for tomorrow's press conference and will e-mail it to you. It contains the anticipated release dates around the world for your game, which we will officially announce tomorrow. I expect you here at eight thirty sharp." He turned on his heel and strode out of the office.
"Okay... See you tomorrow morning," Yugi replied cheerfully. Kaiba ignored him and marched towards the elevators with an air of superiority.
From his office, Yugi smirked and let out a snort of amusement. For some reason, the way Kaiba moved had suddenly made him think of red crowned cranes.
::::::::::::
A phone call from the real estate company regarding the house he was hoping to buy, meant that Yugi was late arriving at Otogi's Bar.
"What kept you dude?" Honda teased. "We were beginning to think you were bailing on us."
"Sorry guys," Yugi grinned sheepishly. Not wishing to tell them just yet, in case it fell through, he deflected them with a flippant response. "You know how it is when you're in constant demand."
"C'mon, Yuge! Spill! What really kept ya?" Jonouchi nudged him with a salacious grin. "Was she worth it?"
Yugi startled. "It was nothing like that!" He nearly shrieked. "B..busy with work!"
Jonouchi was disappointed that his friend had not found a pretty woman to distract him from Anzu, and instead interpreted it as Kaiba making sure that Yugi did not leave the office on time. "Man... that Kaiba's a jerk. Forcing ya to work long hours."
Shaking his head, Yugi could not help but chuckle. "Kaiba doesn't force me to work Jonouchi. I enjoy my work!"
Interrupting, Ryuji Otogi leaned across the bar. "Hey! Stop hassling him, dork! What are you having Yugi?"
"Oh! Just a coke please?"
"Coke?!" Jonouchi shrieked.
"Yeah, come on Yugi, surely you want something a bit stronger than coke?" Otogi pressed.
"Yeah, one drink won't hurt." Honda rolled his eyes. Yugi was well known for not being able to drink much, but even he could drink one beer without ending up inebriated.
Yugi huffed in annoyance. They were going to try and get him drunk; he just knew it! "Okay, just one beer. But I mean it when I say no more than one. I have to be up early to do an interview tomorrow and I don't want to be hung over and baggy eyed."
Jonouchi threw a sloppy arm over Yugi's shoulders. "Hey! That never even crossed our minds! You know you can trust us Yugi," he grinned.
"Yeah, sure I can," Yugi muttered, sarcastically rolling his eyes. He playfully pushed Jonouchi away from him. "Anyway, where's Bakura? Is he coming?"
"Nah," Jonouchi responded, with a disappointed sigh. "Made some excuse about not feeling well.
"I think his agoraphobia might be getting worse again," Honda added.
"Really? I thought he was doing much better!" Yugi frowned. "Now I feel bad for being too busy with work to keep an eye on him."
"It's not your fault he still suffers from what that necklace thing did to him, Yugi" said Otogi, placing a large glass of larger on the bar and sliding it towards Yugi. When Yugi went to pay, he put his hand up. "No! It's my treat." Yugi thanked him and took a sip.
He placed his glass back down. "Maybe we should all go and see Bakura later? We could take him his favourite pizza or something."
"Yeah, sounds good," Honda nodded his agreement. "He often skips meals and doesn't always eat properly. It will show him we care."
As soon as they had all finished their drinks, they made their way to the nearby pizza bar and purchased four large sized, takeaway pizzas.
It was around a fifteen minute walk to Bakura's apartment block, so they took a taxi to prevent the pizzas getting too cold.
Ryou answered the door, looking pale and tired, but pleased to see that they had taken the time and effort to visit him.
"We come bearing gifts!" Jonouchi grinned, holding up the four pizza boxes.
Ryou stepped aside and gestured for them to enter. "Thank you. I have been in bed with a migraine since yesterday evening."
The three men barrelled into his flat in high spirits from the beer they had consumed and made themselves at home. Jonouchi placed the boxes of pizza on the table and started opening them.
"Better hurry up and help yourselves you two," Honda laughed, looking over to where Yugi was asking Ryou if he was okay. "Before me and gannet here eat it all!"
The pair nodded and came over to the table.
"I'm fine, thank you Yugi," Ryou reassured. "You don't need to worry about me. I have just been studying too hard, that's all."
"Well, if you're sure?" Yugi picked up one of the boxes of pizza and suddenly realised how hungry he was. He quickly helped himself to a couple of slices before offering the box to Ryou.
Ryou licked his lips and took a slice. "I know you all worry that I am still suffering from nightmares and flashbacks. But they no longer bother me. I am about to qualify as a criminal psychologist and I am very excited about my future."
"Well, that's great to hear Bakura," Jonouchi mumbled with his mouth full.
"Yeah, that is good news," Honda added. "Got any beer in your fridge so we can celebrate?"
Ryou laughed. "No beer, sorry. But I do have a bottle of wine."
"That'll do!" Jonouchi grinned.
Ryou went to get four wine glasses while Jonouchi grabbed the wine and poured them each a glass.
Yugi was thankful that one bottle of wine between four did not go very far. But they did end up staying up into the early hours playing video games.
It was one in the morning when Yugi suddenly remembered he had missed the chance to call Anzu before she left her apartment to go to college. She would most likely be in class right now. He inadvertently let out a light groan, which immediately attracted the attention of his friends.
"What's up Yugi? Worried it's way past your bed time?" Jonouchi teased.
"No," he frowned, "well yes! I'm going to be worn out for the press conference. But I'm more annoyed with myself for forgetting to ring Anzu."
"Was she expecting you to call?" Ryou asked.
"No." Yugi shook his head. "I feel bad because I haven't called her for a couple of weeks. Not since she told me she was staying in New York."
"Hey! Don't go feeling all guilty Yugi. It ain't your fault she went off to New York and made a bunch of new friends and forgot all about her real friends back home," Jonouchi grumbled. He was a little miffed that she kept in touch with Shizuka but never messaged him.
"Yeah, but I haven't exactly made much effort either," Yugi responded.
"You try your best," said Honda, trying to make him feel less guilty. "But you've been working hard and juggling college. You can't just take time off to make a long flight every other week! The tickets are not cheap either!"
"You're right Honda; flights are not cheap," Yugi agreed "And to be fair, Anzu doesn't have much money left over for air fare. I paid for her ticket home last summer! She was not happy about it though..." he sighed. "She tried to make it sound like she was joking, but she told me she doesn't need a sugar daddy to pay or her because she wants to prove she can be financially independent. But she was so desperate to see everyone that..."
"Yeah," Jonouchi interrupted, "-and I didn't even get to see her! Fuck! It's like she can't even be bothered to keep in touch with us any more," he grumbled.
Honda play punched his pal's shoulder. "I seem to remember you didn't see her because you were busy chasing after Mai at some tournament in China. And have you bothered to keep in touch with her?"
In response, Jonouchi shoved him back. "Yeah... I do actually... Shizuka keeps in touch with her for me," he retorted smugly.
Honda rolled his eyes at Jonouchi for exaggerating. Shizuka kept in touch with Anzu because she wanted to, not because her knuckle headed brother wanted her to. "That's not the same as making the effort yourself, dummy!"
Ryou was sad that she had drifted away from them all. She had always been friendly and kind towards him, despite the spiteful things the Ring had made him do. "Why don't we call her up on video chat now?" He suggested, brightly.
"Yeah! That's a pretty cool idea Bakura," Honda grinned. He also felt a bit guilty for not making more effort to stay in touch with Anzu.
"Where's ya laptop?" Jonouchi started looking around for it. His three friends started laughing.
"Jonouchi! We can use my TV screen," Ryou stated, gently.
"Oh!" Jonouchi scowled and sat back down. "I knew that. I was just winding you all up!"
Anzu was just on her way to the college canteen to grab a bite to eat, when her phone vibrated in her pocket. She pulled it out to see that she had a video call from Ryou Bakura. This was the first time she had received a call from Ryou since moving here! What did he want? "Hey Bakura," she said, cautiously accepting the call.
"Hello Anzu! I have Yugi, Jonouchi and Honda here with me," he quickly told her.
Yugi and Honda leaned in beside their white/blonde haired friend, grinning and waving, but Jonouchi leapt in front of them and hogged the camera lens.
"Hey there Anzu!" He beamed, allowing her a close up view of his mouth and nose.
"Jonouchi! You're not supposed to get right up to the camera like that!" Said Yugi, exasperated.
"Huh! Oh right!" Jonouchi sat back looking embarrassed. "I was only trying to make Anzu laugh!" Anzu did indeed laugh.
"Yes, well I think you succeeded there Jonouchi!" She giggled. "But I'm not sure I wanted to see your nasal hair! Anyway, how are you guys? Must be late at night there?!"
"Yeah! One fifteen in the morning," Jonouchi bellowed into the microphone.
"You'll deafen the poor girl yelling like that, you jerk!" Honda shoved him aside. "Let Yugi talk to his girl!" Seeing Anzu's shocked expression, Honda grinned and waved. "Hey Anzu!"
"Hey Honda! It's good to speak to you all. But it's a bit awkward right now. I'm at college."
"Then we promise to make it quick!" He replied. "Yugi wants to know if you watched the live stream from the space station?" He pulled Yugi back into the frame.
Yugi cringed sightly with embarrassment. Last time they had spoken was when she had told him she was staying in New York. And as a result they had split up.
He gave her a a sheepish little wave. "Hi Anzu! My new game is being officially released in Japan tomorrow."
Blushing awkwardly, Anzu smiled. "That's fantastic news Yugi. And, yes! You bet I watched it. I thought it was amazing."
He blushed at the compliment. "Thanks! We have so many pre-orders that it's already predicted to top games charts around the world. There's a big press release tomorrow and we will be announcing the release dates around the world."
Anzu wondered what that might mean for them as a couple in the future. But with neither of them in a place where one could hold a private conversation, she did not broach the subject. She was also a little concerned that if he had a press conference tomorrow morning, he might not be getting enough sleep. "Then why are you up partying with your friends so late into the night? I hope they are not leading you astray, are they?" Despite her concern, she winked at him in an effort not to appear bossy.
He rubbed the side of his head. "They're not leading me astray. We had pizza and have been playing games. We're about to call it a night soon."
She gave him a warm, friendly smile. "I hope tomorrow goes really well. But promise me Yugi, as soon as we finish this call you will go home and get some sleep?"
"I promise," he grinned, sheepishly.
By the time Yugi got home and went to bed, it was gone three.
::::::::::::
"What the hell were you doing last night? You look dreadful!" Seto scowled at him when he stumbled into the building, using the rear entrance to avoid the media and crowds. He was fifteen minutes late. He pulled off his grandfather's trilby, that he had been wearing to disguise his hair, looking a bit dishevelled.
"I only had three hours sleep," he yawned. Even a cool shower this morning had done little to wake him up. "We were at Bakura's playing games and kind of lost track of the time. There sure are a lot of people out front."
Seto rolled his eyes at him. "Well, at least you don't smell like a brewery." He would have been furious with Yugi if he had turned up still drunk from last night. Yugi had a clean cut image and the media would have pounced on it as a potential scandal. "We can explain your appearance by saying that you have been working flat out. They will swallow that."
Yugi chuckled. "Playing games is kind of my job anyway."
After a mug of Seto's favourite brand of strong coffee, Yugi felt a bit better. The stylist made him tuck in his shirt and wear a tie, while the make-up artist touched up any imperfections and added a bit of colour so that he would not appear washed out on camera, and he was good to go.
He was nervous. There were gaming journalists from around the world attending and his interview would be translated into various different languages for publication worldwide. He did not want to stuff it up by saying something stupid.
He and Seto stepped into the elevator, that would take them downstairs to where the press conference had been set up in the old ground floor dueling arena of the Kaiba Corporation headquarters.
Yugi was about to rub his sweaty palms on his trousers, when Seto produced a packet of antibacterial wipes from his trench-coat pocket and offered him one. "Just relax Yugi."
Yugi could not help smirking as he took a wipe from the offered packet. "You carry antibacterial wipes?"
Seto shrugged nonchalantly. "I have to shake a lot of hands and people carry germs."
Yugi snorted as he tried to stifle a laugh. He knew Kaiba viewed people as germs and hated them touching him, but it was still funny to think that he carried wipes in his pocket. If Atem had known about it he would have laughed until his sides split!
"Don't you dare breathe a word to your friends," Seto hissed.
"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me," Yugi smiled, just as the lift stopped and the doors opened, to reveal an excited crowd of people.
Of course, they all interpreted Yugi's amused smile as one of greeting.
He stepped out of the elevator, with not a hint of the nerves he had been feeling just moments ago.
Anxious reporters, working for various gaming magazines, held their microphones out in eager anticipation as they shouted their questions.
Seto held his arms up, pushing his palms down in a shushing gesture, while ordering them to be quiet. His blue tooth microphone on his lapel picked up his voice and boomed it out over the loudspeakers. Being tall, he cut an imposing figure and everyone fell silent.
After making a short announcement, Seto marched towards a long table, which was set up on a platform under the watchful gaze of the beautifully crafted statue of his Blue Eyes White Dragon. Yugi hurried after him and once seated Seto told him to turn on his microphone.
Gulping, Yugi pressed the button. His hands were sweating again, but he did not falter from his memorised script. He had deliberately kept it short and soon opened up the questions and answers.
It went very well and the morning flew by.
Fuelled by the excitement of the occasion, Yugi forgot about his earlier tiredness and acquitted himself eloquently. The publicity was good and Seto Kaiba was more than satisfied by the extra business it was sure to bring.
::::::::::::
The following week, Yugi found himself the proud owner of his very own house.
As he went with Jonouchi to collect the keys from the real estate office, he could not stop reflecting on his success.
His game was already at the top of the charts in Japan. But he hoped that the reason people were buying it and raving about it, was because it was genuinely good and not just because of his fame as the King of Games. The true measure of how successful it would be in the long term would be the overseas sales. Because while he was known overseas among fans of Duel Monsters, he was not well known among non-duelists like he was here in Japan.
He decided not to dwell on it for the time being. There were still a few weeks to go before the European release, and in the meantime he was looking forward to going to New York for Anzu's graduation.
He also wanted to spend some time fitting out his new property.
The décor was a bit old fashioned and there was quite a lot of modernisation needed to make it how he would like. But he was not in any immediate hurry to move in, so he could take his time getting it right.
His main aim was to minimise costs by decorating the upstairs himself and get contractors in to fit out the new kitchen, bathroom and ground floor dance studio.
The previous owners, Mister and Mrs Nakajima, had run a business selling bicycles. And Mister Nakajima had specialised in restoring old and broken ones. Even though the area behind the shop had been cleared out, it was still in quite a mess from splashes of oil and grease, which had soaked into the linoleum tiled floor.
But that did not bother Yugi. He planned to rip it all out and have a good quality wooden dance floor put down for Anzu to use. She had once told him that it was her dream to one day have her own dance studio and he was elated to be able to gift this to her.
Jonouchi was astonished as Yugi proudly showed him round. "Wow! You kept this quiet! If I help decorate, can I move in? We can make an awesome games room!"
Yugi scratched his head rather awkwardly. "Well, I'm sure you can come over and visit. But I was kind of hoping that when Anzu comes home, we will get back together and she will move in with me. I want it to be our future home."
"Aww..." Jonouchi snickered. "I can just see little Yugi and Anzu babies running round this place, squawking."
Yugi's face was one of horror. He had not considered becoming a father that quickly! "Not for a few years!" He shrieked. "Besides, Anzu wants a career. I don't know if she even wants kids!"
Jonouchi chuckled at the look on Yugi's face and continued to tease him. "All women want kids Yuug. You wait! Soon as she gets settled in she will go all broody and she will expect you to do the business."
Yugi blushed at the thought. "Maybe," he shrugged. He then became reflective and looked a little sad. "I'm doing all this," he swept his hand in a gesture at the space he hoped would become Anzu's dance studio, "and we're not even together. I don't even know if she still likes me!"
"Hey!" Jonnouchi clamped him on the shoulder. "You two will work it out when you go to her graduation. I know you will."
Yugi shrugged. "Maybe... Hopefully."
"What did she say when you told her you were buying this place?" At Yugi's lack of reply, he frowned. "You have told her, haven't you?"
"Well... not exactly. We haven't really spoken about anything much."
"Geez Yugi! You would do all this for a girl? She's gotta say yes! She's crazy if she doesn't."
"That's kind of what I was thinking too," Yugi admitted.
::::::::::::
Hurrying down the isle of the local convenience store, Anzu gathered up the items she needed, before going to the checkout.
As always, there was a queue – Bob, the cashier, sure did like to chat with his customers. And the old lady at the front of the queue was flirting with him and seemed to be in no hurry!
Fidgeting impatiently, Anzu's eyes were drawn to the magazine stand. Maybe she could get something to read, to pass the time in this queue! She nearly let out an audible gasp of excitement when she spotted a gaming magazine with a picture of Yugi on the front cover.
She placed her basket on the floor and asked the guy behind her if he could keep her place for her and then darted over to the stand and grabbed the magazine.
Smiling demurely, she pushed her way back into her space in the queue. "My boyfriend," she proudly said to the people around her as she held up the magazine.
The man behind her snorted. She could not tell if it was because he was annoyed at her jumping back into the queue, or because he thought she was a crazy fan-girl. She stopped talking and placed the magazine in her basket.
It suddenly occurred to her that announcing Yugi as her boyfriend was a bit foolish, since they had already fallen at the hurdle of prolonged separation and were no longer dating.
But they were still friends and she certainly hoped they might get back together one day.
With her daydreaming about Yugi, she soon reached the checkout.
Placing her basket on the counter, she greeted Bob. She and Sally were regular shoppers here and knew the staff.
"G'day Miss Annie. It might be raining outside but you are always a ray of sunshine!"
Anzu smiled at the name Bob had given her. She had tried explaining her name was Anzu and that it was Japanese for Peach, but he still insisted on calling her Annie so she let it go. "Yes, it's not nice for the end of May. I hope it warms up for my graduation in two weeks."
"I hope so too." He picked up the magazine and scanned the bar code. "I didn't know you were into games! Ha!" He grinned at the photo of Yugi on the cover and tapped his finger on the picture. "My kids are big fans of his!"
"Really?!" Anzu's face lit up. "Yugi's a really close friend of mine. We grew up together. He's coming over for my graduation." At least, she hoped he would still be coming. Tickets were limited to two per student, but she had been lucky enough to have won an extra ticket in the ballot. Although... she had a feeling that it might not have been luck that had won her the ticket! When Mai had been here a couple of months ago for a pro-league tournament, she had told her that she had tickets for her parents but would have to enter the ballot in the hope of winning an extra ticket for Yugi.
She was pretty sure that Mai had told Mokuba, because quite a large donation had subsequently been made to the school's charitable foundation by Kaiba Corp. And her name was – surprise! Surprise! First out of the draw. She had kept very quiet about her connections.
But at least it meant that Yugi would be able to attend the commencement ceremony. And he was none the wiser about the strings that had been pulled to get him there.
She smiled at Bob. "I'm sure that Yugi will be happy to meet your children next time he visits." She knew that Yugi would not mind her offering on his behalf. He was always more than happy to meet his fans.
She paid for her groceries and hurried back to her apartment to read the interview with Yugi.
It was a really nice interview and the review for his game was good.
She remembered back to the day they had all sat on the roof during lunch break and shared their dreams for the future. Yugi had mentioned his dream of inventing a game and showing it at a games convention in Germany.
In just a couple of months, he would achieve that wish.
She felt a rush of happiness and warmth for him. If would be nice if she could go with him!
But she had not been invited.
Even if he did ask her, she could not really afford to take time off work. She was working four nights per week as a waitress in a local Japanese restaurant, to cover the rent and buy food. But money was still tight and didn't go far. Taking time off to go to Germany with Yugi, would mean losing a week's pay! And what if she missed out on the chance to go for an audition while she was away?
Why was everything always so complicated?
I hope that was a decent start?
Please leave a review/follow/favourite etc... It will give me an indication if there are still plenty of readers out there who love stories featuring Yugi and Anzu as a couple.