:Introduction:
Hey everyone! I'm sorry about the extremely, embarrassing, horribly long delay, but here's the next chapter. I personally do not think it's my best, but I hope you all enjoy it otherwise and continue to read and review the story.

RATING
This Fan Fiction is rated R for...
- Violence
- Sexual Themes
- Language
- Use and/or reference of Drugs

- - - - - - - x x x x
TOOLS

" "– dialogue
' ' – thoughts
( ) – a/n, add ins
Italics – important facts, flashbacks, sayings, thoughts

- - - - - - - x x x x

Disclaimer :Yu-Gi-Oh and its characters do not, will not, never, etc... Belong to me, but i really wish. The original story was created by Kazuki Takahashi and I am merely "borrowing" his characters for use in my own fanfiction. Now I can make them do whatever I want! (evil laughter)

- x -
TWO
Turning the Key

.

.

"You still haven't gotten back to him yet?" Shizuka asked while changing into some shorts and a uniform t-shirt.

With a soft "Nope" Anzu pulled a t-shirt over her head before fixing her hair into a ponytail. "I feel so bad. Its been about two weeks and between college trips during weekends, studying, and preparing for finals, I honestly have had no time to go over and see him. Plus, being so far away from where I live doesn't help… And of course I'm not going without you." Shizuka giggled at her last remark, "You won't go without me huh?" she responded with a smile spreading across her face.

The brunette waited for her friend to finish changing into navy shorts, "No way, no how." She crossed her arms while leaning back against the lockers. "If you honestly think I would head over there by myself, you have another thing coming. I only know your brother first of all, Mai doesn't seem to like me too much, and I fainted in front of everyone! It'll be a complete embarrassment to go back alone! I vaguely remember how to get there…"

Laughter and gossip spread through the girls locker room in high volume as more students entered to change for gym class. "Well, if you say so." Shizuka finally responded with, "I mean, I go there all the time after school so you just name the date and I'll be set to lead the way." Also tying her hair up, Shizuka gave a cute smile with her equally cute hazel eyes.

"Well, if I remember my schedule correctly, I think I'm free… Thursday? Yeah, I have nothing to do this week besides studying, so Thursday sounds good. The sooner the better." Anzu smiled as they began to walk past other girls who were frantically changing, and headed towards the door leading to the gymnasium.

Turning to face her friend before they separated into their squads Shizuka questioned, "Do you think it's a good idea to even go back and thank him? He probably forgot by now."

"Of course, it would be extremely rude not to."

Shizuka looked away and pursed her lips, "Well, Yami portraying the whole "Silent but Deadly" persona makes me think he wouldn't care what you do."

Walking past Shizuka towards her class squad Anzu replied, "Well, if that's the case then he'll just say nothing and I'll leave."

((Scene Change))

"Well looky who it is!" Jonouchi stated while wiping some grease away from his face, "Shizuka, how's it goin? Haven't seen you in a few days… You not with that dickwad Kaiba are you?" He put the wrench he held down on a wheeled cart placed next to him, "Don't disappoint me Shizuka, you deserve better than him."

She sighed and leaned up against the black automobile behind her brother, "I didn't think you knew…"

He rolled his eyes and blew a few blonde locks from his eyes, "How could I not know? Seto practically overlooks everything that goes on here, he supports us. That makes me run into him… A lot… And I'm sure you could guess that he gives me some smartass remarks relating to you both just to piss me off."

There was small laughter that escaped Shizuka's throat, silencing herself quickly she smiled and turned to her brother, "Just to reassure you Jonouchi, he takes care of me… I know it's hard to believe, but he's been really good to me. Sure we haven't been dating that long, but so far so good ya know?"

Jonouchi grabbed his sister in a choke hold and began to give her a noogie, "So far so good huh? Ha ha, you little brat!" They began laughing while Shizuka tried to pry herself out of Jonouchi's grip, at last he released her while she whined about her hair being a mess.

"So anyways," the blonde turned back to the car he was inspecting, "you just here for some quality brother sis time? Or is there actually something important you need to tell me?"

Shizuka leaned on the car with her elbow on the roof to prop her head in one hand before speaking, "Well… Actually yea." A few moments passed while she heard clattering from under the car and some casual talking around the warehouse. "Anzu wants to come back and talk to Yami."

There was a loud bang as Jonouchi jumped from underneath the car, "FUCK!"

"Brother! Are you okay?!" Shizuka asked as she knelt down next to him, "that's gonna be a huge bump haha." Jonouchi pulled himself out from under the car while rubbing his head, "You've gotta be kiddin' me little wheel."

She shook her head while Jonouchi wiped his dirty hands on the tattered and stained jeans he wore. "She just feels like she needs to thank him… You know, for that incident two weeks ago."

"Well, I guess I can understand that from her perspective." He responded with, "However, that's not the type of guy Yami is, he doesn't want anything to do with her."

"He did what he did for some reason Jonouchi… We both know that."

Running a hand through his blonde shaggy hair, Jonouchi looked over towards a corner of the warehouse where Yami was currently working. "He hasn't spoken anything about her, just to let ya know." He turned back to his sister, "Shizuka, I honestly don't think it's a good idea to have her come here. I mean, Yami just doesn't like to be confronted by pretty much anyone who he doesn't know. If you want you can go tell him or something, he doesn't hate you… Far as I know." He added with a cheesy grin.

"Now, is that really a good idea? Or are you just trying to get me yelled at?" The red-head shot back evenly. "Ha ha, 'course I wouldn't want you to get yelled at sis, but naw, it's not a good idea I know." He stood up and yawned, "When's she commin'?"

Brushing her bottom off once she stood Shizuka replied, "Thursday."

"Awright, well… I'll ah, I'll make sure Yami isn't doing anything okay?"

She smiled and reluctantly hugged her brother, "Oh I'm so glad you love me too!" Shizuka giggled while letting go, "I'm sorry! You're just so filthy!" She laughed while walking away and overhearing her brother mutter profanity and remarks under his breath.

Yami turned his head and watched Shizuka walk out with her long auburn hair flowing behind her, he then faced Jonouchi who soon approached him.

"What was that all about?" Yami inquired while cleaning his hands with a rag.

Scratching his head, trying to seem nonchalant, "She just had to tell me something about plans she was making with her friend."

"You mean that girl who was here a few weeks ago?" The male turned back to the shelves he was currently restocking. Jonouchi followed Yami with his eyes, quite taken back, "Yeah, actually… How'd you figure?"

Yami shrugged while picking up a box, "Just thought about it, she's the most recent person to tag along with Shizuka…"

"Oh, yeah, yeah."

A moment of silence passed between the two, the sound of auto parts being worked on with the buzz and screeching of machinery cried in the distance. The hum of talking and male laughter sprouted every so often, but the silence remained between Yami and Jonouchi. Their usual silence was in no way awkward, it sometimes took part as their best conversations. Jonouchi cast a gaze towards his friend who was currently pouring liquid into a funnel, some dust and grime spotted the white wife beater he wore as he leaned against the metal table before him. "So what are you not telling me?" He asked.

Yami turned and faced Jonouchi after pouring out all of the contents into another container. "Well?" He questioned again.

Jonouchi cleared his throat before beginning, "Nothing dude, just thinking about what's going on later this week."

"Oh alright, why? Have plans too?"

"Naw, not really. What are you doing Thursday bud?" Okay, finally, topic approached. Jonouchi mentally cheered, but still hoped Yami would not figure out the connection between Shizuka and Thursday. 'Strange that he actually remembered Anzu, odd that he even questioned it.'

The taller male rubbed his head back and forth, mixing the exotic colors of his hair. "Uh, just hanging out at home I suppose. Kaiba hasn't heard any jobs coming up so I really can't do anything, no money. You know the deal."

"True," Now Jonouchi needed to think of a plan to get Yami to the warehouse. He couldn't believe he was somewhat playing Yami just for his sisters friend, "well I think I could use a hand actually on Thursday, if you don't mind coming in." He crossed his arms, waiting for a response while leaning against a table.

Yami opened his mouth to speak, but instead focused his attention upon another matter quickly approaching. It had unruly white hair and deep coffee orbs with daggers set on a tri-haired male.

"ATEM! You bastard, who the fuck do you think you are?!" In quick long strides Bakura walked right up to Yami, becoming quite personal. "It's about time I get my payback for what you did two weeks ago."

Noses almost touching, Yami simply rolled his eyes at the other raging male, "Call me by that name again Bakura, and I'll see to it that you're permanently disabled." Jonouchi was pushed aside as Bakura stomped over, he decided to relax against the parked car behind him, he knew his friend could take care of himself. "I was wondering what took so long." Came the next reply, a smirk addressed Yami's features as he began to turn back to some work.

Grabbing him roughly by the collar, Bakura took hold of Yami and slammed him down on the table, knocking dozens of objects and tools off leaving a great mess.

'That is one thing Bakura personally knows not to do… Oh great…' Jonouchi sighed as he too rolled his eyes and waited for the brawl that would soon come.

Yami's crimson orbs burned with fire after being rough handled, especially by an idiot who couldn't take one punch. "I suggest you let go."

'God, Yami's handling this really well.' Jonouchi thought while slightly bewildered by Yami's calm exterior.

Drawing his face close, so close Yami could feel the heat in Bakura's breath while his white strands delicately landed on Yami's forehead and cheeks, he began, "Saturday night. Two a.m. If you aren't at course seven thirty minutes prior, I'm going to have my way with Shizuka's little girlfriend." He let go and huffed while passing Jonouchi, "Consider this personal Atem. If you don't show, I'll take that girls life." He faced the two while walking backwards, arms gesturing his next sentence, "It shall be so exciting for me simply because I know you don't care. And the only one's suffering will be those closest too you and deep down I know that will rip at your heart." Snickering like the hyena he was, Bakura turned on his heal and stormed off, pushing a few co-workers out of the way.

Jonouchi turned back to his friend, "Those are empty threats Yami, listen I'll just go and warn Shizuka's friend just in case. I'm sure it'll be fine."

"No."

Startled, Jonouchi shook his head while bringing an ear closer to Yami who leaned heatedly over the table, staring holes into the metal surface. "Did I hear correctly? No?"

Yami turned to look at his best friend, "I'll do it Jonouchi. It's about time we put Bakura in his place anyway right?" He began picking up the tools amongst the cement floor. "Plus, I'll be able to get your car back, you were very proud of her." Jonouchi lent a hand in cleaning up the mess while responding, "At-Yami, it's okay bud. Don't worry about my car. You just do what you feel like doing, I understand that this is just some stupid mess you don't want to dirty your hands with and you certainly don't have to."

"I've been asking for it though… It's about time I remind everyone who exactly they're dealing with."

"You got a car?" The blonde questioned, he never saw one that belonged to Yami; he only fixed cars and drove an old 70's Chevy truck to work.

With a smirk Yami cast a self-assured glance at Jonouchi, who returned the look with a smile of his own.

((Scene Change))

Anzu sat on a bench near a residential train station; she patiently awaited Shizuka's arrival before setting off towards the warehouse. 'Where is she? The train's going to be here soon…' Looking down at her hands she suddenly felt a nervous sensation run through her, 'I hope I'm doing the right thing… Ah, whatever I guess. If he really doesn't want to be bothered he'll tell me to leave or just ignore me… But knowing me, I'll be as stubborn as possible to let him know my appreciation for saving me.' She held her head in both hands while looking down at her light jeans and converse. Real simple she decided before getting dressed to go out. After the last incident she didn't want any more attention besides Yami's acknowledgment of her gratitude.

"Hey my lover!" The squealing noise of Shizuka came from a slight distant away, Anzu smiled and rolled her eyes at her friend.

"Well look at you! So dressed down for once! Isn't it comfortable?" She twirled before putting her hands on her hips.

The brunette shrugged, "I'm plenty comfortable in heels and skirts. I just like wearing nicer clothes, that's all." Shizuka laughed as they both walked to the platform where the train soon arrived.

"So we just take this to the subway station and then switch over to a downtown line?" Anzu fiddled with her hair while she looked to her friend applying some lip gloss. "Yup, it'll probably take us a half hour to get there. You brought your subway card right?"

"Yeah, I got it."

"Alright just making sure, cuz I barely have any money on mine." Shizuka put the makeup back in her purse before sitting back in her seat. "Seriously? Come'on by now I figured Seto just paid for everything of yours." Anzu jokingly nudged her friend in the shoulder, "get him to pay for college!"

"Been there done that." The girl smiled wide at Anzu, "ARE YOU SERIOUS?" she gasped. "Of course not!" Shizuka responded with, they both laughed as the train jerked forward and headed towards Domino City.

"So… Do you like Yami?" Shizuka blurted as they waited on the subway platform, the train ride had been such a long twenty minutes to keep her mouth shut. She was dying to gossip with Anzu about her feelings for the young male.

Anzu faced her friend with a startled look, "Are you crazy? I barely remember the guy!"

"That is such a lie! I know you think he's hot!" Shizuka crossed her arms as she accused Anzu of her affections. "Haha, no, I don't think he's that attractive. I mean, to be honest his hair is kinda ridiculous."

"Ridiculously hot…" Shizuka sang.

Face-palm, "Shut up! Okay okay, yeah he was good looking. I'm not interested though and neither is he. I met him for all of thirty seconds and that was it! No feelings there." She circled her heart while shouting back at Shizuka who stood beaming.

They ran towards the opening doors of a subway car once it came to a halt near them, Anzu thought back on her experience with Yami when they took hold of metal hand rails. '"You alright?" He asked in such a deep and alluring voice that made her knees grow weak. "Y-yes… Thank you." She replied while looking into his eyes. The man had such remarkable eyes. A lustful thick flowing crimson formed into sphere's that had taken her soul and wrapped itself around.'

"Thinking about him?" Shizuka asked curiously while looking at Anzu.

Snapping out of her trance the blue-eyed girl responded, "No."

"Well he's single in case you're wondering." Oh jeez, here she goes trying to be the date doctor.

With a sigh Anzu turned away while her body rocked against will with the hectic movements of the subway. The loud screeching signaled their arrival in one of the downtown stations located only a few blocks from the auto warehouse.

((Scene Change))

"He's in the back." Jonouchi answered when Shizuka asked about Yami's whereabouts. The auburn-haired girl turned to Anzu, "Well, there ya go. Don't be nervous… Expect him to be a jerk." She said cutely.

"Hey, that's my friend you're talking about." The blonde said harshly.

Shizuka laughed, "Go on, don't be afraid."

Anzu frowned before leaving the two and heading off towards a door in the back of the warehouse. There were large tinted glass windows placed within the walls on each side of the main door. Heart pounding in her throat, Anzu took hold of the silver knob and twisted, having to push relatively hard in order to get it open.

The black door squeaked evenly as she opened it enough to allow her to slip through. The room inside was quiet, empty, and smelled strongly of musk and gasoline. She looked around, taking in the small coffee table and cushioned chairs to her left, the checkered floor and the front window before her. Walking up slowly Anzu rested her hands on the counter, leaning over to see if anyone sat in the office.

"Hello?" She asked curiously. The only response was a lingering hum from the ceiling fan above. Clearing her throat, Anzu stepped back and noticed another door connecting to the office. 'Well, can't go back now… I'm not going until I give him my thanks.' She went through the door and past a few chairs and desks in the office, finally stumbling upon another black door in the back.

'I'm shocked at how big this place is… Well, I guess this is it… There's no where else to go.'

With a loud gulp, Anzu tried swallowing her nerves and reached for the knob. 'Wait, I should knock first.' And so she did, very lightly and called out equally as soft, "Excuse me, may I come in?" she inquired.

No response. So, running a hand through her hair, she knocked slightly louder in hopes somebody would answer. When there was no response once again, she opened the door, but to her surprised, it was empty.

Anzu took a few steps into the room, setting her pocketbook down on the mahogany table placed in the middle of the room. It was only a lounge area. A refrigerator stood tall against the furthest wall with gray counters and cabinets built in next to it. The smell of burnt coffee lingered in the air while piles of magazines, random food packages, and some other garbage littered the room.

"What are you doing back here?" a deep voice questioned harshly.

With a slight jump Anzu quickly spun around to face the one person she, at the moment, realized she actually didn't want to see. The pounding of her heart seemed as if it would break free of her chest while blood rushed to her face, heating it up instantly.

"You deaf?" He asked.

The brunette finally found her voice to speak with, "I-I, sorry! I was just… I was looking for you actually. Jonouchi said you were back here. I didn't mean to intrude I just couldn't find you." She blushed like mad and avoided contact with his eyes as much as possible. She looked up once he spoke.

"Well, I'm here. What do you want?" He brushed past her and sat down in one of the cushioned sofas along the back wall. Anzu turned around to look at him; although sitting, he still gave off a severely intimidating presence.

Clearing her throat, Anzu tried to calm her self using the slight aggravation from his rude welcome. "Would you even like to know my name?" She questioned before crossing her arms.

Raising a brow, he crossed his jean clothed legs and smirked, "No, not really. What the hell do you want?"

She stared into his crimson eyes, resisting the urge to shout. "Well, you probably don't remember since you don't seem to care about anything. I just wanted to say thanks for the other day."

Yami tilted his head and continued to look at her with a stone face, "Why'd you bother coming back?"

The question took her slightly off guard, but she chose to lean against the wall behind her before responding, "That's just the kind of person I am. I say 'thank you' to those who help me." Although they were a good twenty feet apart, she felt such pressure within the room, it felt too small, too in closed, twenty feet was too close for her.

There was silence after she spoke. Anzu fixed her gaze on numerous things besides Yami, who simply looked directly at her, unfazed by the quietness between them.

Sighing, Anzu decided to just wrap it up and go before it became more awkward on her part, "Well, sorry to bother you Atem." She grabbed her purse and turned, just opening the door a few inches before someone slammed it shut.

Her face level with the arm that slammed the door shut, Anzu was spun around and thrown against the door. Yami brought his face down and close to hers, his eyes raging. "HOW did you get THAT NAME?" He half shouted. Anzu cringed at the harshness of his voice, it was hard to believe that he was suppressing his anger. After a moment of silence he asked again, with more severity in his voice, "WHO TOLD YOU?"

"I just overheard!" She shouted back on the verge of tears. There was no way she would let him know Mai told her… 'That bitch!' Anzu thought, 'She knew I'd say it to him and she knew he'd flip out on me!'

"LOOK AT ME!" He declared while pounding his hands against the door.

Eyes glossy, Anzu looked up fearfully at the man so close to her, his gold bangs defining his face sharply. "Don't you EVER say that name AGAIN! Of all people, you are the last I want to hear it from. Get the fuck out of here!" He screamed while throwing his hands up and moving away, Anzu ran out of the room hearing his last words before slamming the main door shut, "I'll let him have you next time!"

((Scene Change))

When night fell upon Domino City lights flickered on to illuminate streets and shops, traffic flowed evenly, and the sounds of cars made up the atmosphere. By the warehouse downtown mostly all was dark. A majority of workers had gone home and the only few left sat away munching on some food.

"Where's Yami?" Seto asked Jonouchi as he bit into a soft shell taco.

The blonde shrugged before biting into his own food, "Dunno." He replied mouth full. "Last I saw of him he was in the back talkin' to Anzu… That was around five or six though."

The male brunette leaned against the table while eating the take out food slowly. "You're sister has a nice body." Seto smirked as the blonde spit his food out. "Do you have to ruin every good meal!" He shouted while Kaiba simply laughed, "It relieves so much stress to see you angry. Now go eat your food, dog."

Jonouchi ignored his last comment and continued munching on his overstuffed taco. Right when he swallowed the door from the back of the warehouse flew open. Kaiba and Jonouchi were speechless and only stared as Yami heatedly strode across the warehouse, taking things back and forth, oblivious to his surroundings.

"Uh, Yami?" Jonouchi spoke to the male hauling boxes around the room. There was no response. "Jeez, he sure is pissed at something." Kaiba remarked. The blonde looked over to the 6'4" male who stood calmly in nice black pants and a tucked in, white collar shirt. His leather belt gleamed just as strong as the silver buckle, along with the polished black shoes and tie clip. "Do I want to ask why you're in such a pleasant mood? This food isn't poisoned is it?"

He turned his eyes to Jonouchi, a smirk on his lips, "You really want to know wheeler?"

'On second thought… No… 'Cause I have a feeling I already do… I need to talk with Shizuka.' Jonouchi just turned back to Yami who busily walked around the open area sending waves of anger across the room.

"What the hell is wrong Yami?" Seto spoke dryly while placing the Taco Bell bag down on the table.

"Who told her my name?" He yelled from across the room.

Jonouchi gulped before scratching his head, "Someone told Anzu your name?"

"Yes!" He shouted.

The two boys looked at each other, not having a clue as to who they could provide to satisfy Yami. "Jeez I'm sorry bud, maybe I should have told her not to say anything. I never mentioned it to her though." He watched sympathetically as Yami walked over to them, grabbing a burrito and biting into it harshly. "Is that why you were so cold to her after she went to see you?"

"Yeah."

Seto looked at both of them but refrained from speaking, he was preoccupied with his food. "I was wonderin' what was up. Anzu got real quiet after talking with you, and then you acted like she was invisible. I mean, I know how you normally are with people Yami, but something was just off before."

They watched Yami eat silently, the spiky haired male just stared into the wall before him; burning holes with his eyes. "I fucking hate her. Stupid bitch." Was all he said after a few minutes of silence.

"So does that mean the race is off on Saturday?" Jonouchi asked with slight apprehension.

Seto and Jonouchi followed Yami with their eyes as he got up and walked away. The lights fell over the walking figure as he strode under each series of lamps, he soon disappeared into darkness after replying evenly, "I don't know."

.

.

End

Closing- So no racing in this chapter, not that its a big deal. I hope everyone enjoyed it. I know a lot didn't happen, filler chappies, you know how they are. Thanks for sticking by!

- peachi