Chapter 2: Continued Adoration (3,335 Words)

Yuugi woke when his alarm clock blared its dreadful beeps at six-o'clock the next morning. He groaned as he clumsily felt around for the offending noise-maker. Once he had silenced the thing, he sat up groggily to find his phone buzzing. He picked it up and heard Ryou's cheery voice on the other end.

"Good morning, Yuugi~!"

He yawned before replying, "Good morning, Ryou." He was used to the Brit's early morning wake up calls, but he silently wished that he could've slept in some more seeing how tired he was.

"I heard about how you helped Joey with that project and was wondering if you could help me too? Melvin and Bakura don't have the patience, or the smarts really, to help, and Marik is… living under a rock so to speak."

"Sure, Ryou, but you have to promise to stop calling me at ungodly hours of the morning okay? My alarm literally just went off not a minute ago." Yuugi smiled when he heard his friend laugh from the other end.

"Sure thing, Yuugi." There was some background noise, and Yuugi knew Bakura had finally gotten up based on the numerous curse words that filtered through the phone. "Okay, I gotta go. Bakura is yelling at Melvin again, and his coffee isn't done yet. Bye~!" The call ended abruptly, but Yuugi paid no mind to it. Every morning was like this: Ryou would always call to make sure he was awake before having to get off the phone to separate Bakura and Melvin from fighting. He honestly didn't know how the snowy-haired boy did it all.

Yuugi sighed contently before flopping back onto his bed. His cheek brushed against something soft. His eyebrows narrowed in confusion. His pillow hadn't become silky overnight had it? He reached up to grab the cloth only to stare at it with wide eyes. How could he so easily forget about the previous night's events? The black silk shined in the sunlight that came through the window. The silver and gold threads glistened beautifully. Vampires exist, he thought. I wonder if there are other mythical creatures out there?

Tossing the thought back and forth within his head, he carefully moved from his bed to grab the school uniform that hung behind his door. Minding his still wrapped ankle, he dressed quickly and went to the bathroom to brush his teeth. He never bothered with his hair anymore. It wouldn't obey the laws of hairspray and/or gel even if he did mess with it. After years of letting it grow out, it just maintained the constant shape and style everyone was used to. So, he left it alone.

Yuugi took the stairs one at a time as he descended them. The smell of bacon and pancakes filled the air as he approached the kitchen. He could hear his Grandpa humming an old tune as he fixed breakfast for the both of them.

"Morning, Grandpa," Yuugi greeted the old man cheerfully as he slid into a chair at the dining table.

"Ah! Good morning, Yuugi, m'boy. How'd you sleep?" Grandpa asked just as cheerfully.

"I slept well enough. I did have some trouble falling asleep, though." Yuugi felt bad for having to lie to his Grandpa last night. He had wanted to tell the man the truth, but he knew Grandpa wouldn't take it well. He promised himself then and there that he would never lie to his Grandpa again.

"Oh? Well, the wind was blowing rather harshly last night. I bet that old tree didn't help either."

"It sure didn't," Yuugi replied as he raised the handkerchief to his nose for what seemed like the thousandth time. He inhaled the calming scent.

"What's that you got there, Yuugi?" Grandpa asked suddenly. Curiosity shined in his old eyes. "It looks rather expensive. You don't have a secret admirer, do you m'boy?" An all-knowing smile came upon the old man's cracked lips.

"N-No, Grandpa." Yuugi shook his head no, but he couldn't stop the blush that flushed across his cheeks as he thought of him and Yami going out. "A friend gave it to me yesterday." At least it wasn't a lie, Yuugi thought gratefully.

Yuugi's Grandpa hummed as he contemplated his grandson's answer before shrugging and going back to making breakfast. "You're up early today. Did Ryou call you again for something?"

Glad for the distraction, Yuugi replied eagerly, "Yeah, he wants me to help him with his project. It's the same one I was helping Joey with yesterday."

Grandpa laughed softly. "Those friends of yours are hopeless," he jabbed in good humor.

"Funny you should say that Grandpa," Yuugi replied with a smile as a plate filled with bacon and pancakes was served to him from his spot at the table. "I thought the exact same thing yesterday." The two shared a laugh before chowing down.

Laughs and chatter carried on the air as Yuugi and Ryou walked into the school courtyard. Bakura and Melvin were glaring at each other from where they walked behind the two youngsters. Marik had already run ahead to greet his many friends that his flamboyant attitude seemed to draw in.

Joey, Tristan, and Téa were all waiting by one of the trees that grew in the courtyard. They waved and called out their greetings as the group approached them. Joey wrapped an arm around Yuugi's head and gave him a friendly noogie. Yuugi laughed heartily and swatted the hand away.

"Thanks for the help last night, Yug," Joey said. His voice was lightly accented with a Brooklyn accent. "My Chemistry teacha' would've hit me ova' the head before assigning me a detention for not turnin' in that paper."

"It's no problem, Joey," Yuugi replied. "I'm glad I could help. I'm just about to help Ryou with his project."

"That so? Mind if I help ya out, Snowy?" Joey asked Ryou who giggled.

"Not at all! The more the merrier!"

"Sweet!" Joey exclaimed. He was only ever excited about homework if he didn't have to do it. "Well, me and Tristan are off to the cafeteria for some food. Smell ya later!" Tristan and Joey then proceeded to race towards the cafeteria. Their laughter and jibes at each other could be heard throughout the entire school.

The remaining group laughed at their beloved friend's antics before resuming normal conversation. Téa was the first one to speak. "Hey, Yuugi, what's that in your breast pocket?"

Yuugi blinked before looking down at the pocket. The black handkerchief Yami had slipped into his back pocket last night was neatly folded and tucked into the pocket. He had forgotten that he had placed the hankie there before leaving the game shop. A small blush flushed across his cheeks.

"Oh, it's just a new handkerchief that I got from a friend," Yuugi replied honestly.

Téa's eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't pry any further. "It looks nice, Yuugi," Ryou said with a smile. Bakura threw his arm around Ryou's shoulder lazily.

"Thanks, Ryou."

"Where'd Marik go?" Melvin suddenly asked. Being the protective older brother that he was, he always had one eye on Marik and the other on Bakura. He wasn't happy about Bakura and Marik's relationship, but he left it alone since he had his own relationship with Ryou, Bakura's little brother.

Bakura perked up at the question and glanced around for himself. A growl escaped his throat as he immediately thought of the worst. "If those bullies hurt him again, I swear to Ra that nothing will stop me from killing them!" He then bolted into the school building with Melvin swearing in Ancient Egyptian at his heels.

Ryou sighed wearily. "The only time they get along is when they are concerned for Marik's and my own well being." He wiped a fake tear from his eye. "It makes me so happy sometimes!"

Yuugi and Téa sweatdropped at Ryou's dramatics. "Speaking of being happy, I better go get some food before Joey and Tristan eat it all. Later guys!" Téa waved before leaving for the cafeteria.

Yuugi and Ryou stood underneath the tree for a few minutes more as they simply enjoyed the calm, that was their friendship, before the storm, that was the school day. "Like Joey," Ryou began softly but suddenly, "My project isn't due till tomorrow, so we can work on it tonight if you want, Yuugi. It'll be more peaceful that way too because Joey would've gone home already."

Yuugi chuckled. "Yeah, it would be easier to concentrate when Joey's not breathing down our necks for food every few minutes." They both laughed. The bell that started classes would ring in a few minutes.

"See you later, Yuugi," Ryou called and waved before walking away.

Yuugi smiled and waved back. He stuffed his hands into his pant pockets before glancing around the almost deserted courtyard. His thoughts drifted back to the hankie that laid innocently in his uniform's breast pocket. He wished he could see Yami again. The vampire had been nice to him after what had happened with Gilfred and Griffin. He was still surprised that he hadn't irritated Yami with his behavior and that he had bothered with Yuugi at all. What would it have taken for Yami not to come to his rescue? Would Yuugi be lying dead in that alley right now? With all his friends and family worrying?

I owe you a lot, Yami, Yuugi thought as he watched the clouds float by against the blue background that was the sky. He heard dark chuckling, and his attention snapped back from his thoughts. He tensed as he remembered Gilfred's similar laughter from the night before. It was the voice that made Yuugi tense even more.

"Lookie what we got here, boys," Ushio said gruffly and with a sadistic grin. His cronies all had the same grin. Yuugi thought that they might be taking lessons from Melvin and Bakura, but then he thought better of it. Melvin and Bakura would kill Ushio before the man could utter a single word for what he's done to Ryou and Marik. "Lil' Yuugi is all alone."

Yuugi involuntarily shivered. This reminded him too much of the night before with the vampire's attack. "W-What do you want?" He mentally slapped himself for stuttering yet again. "I don't have any money." He took a step back when Ushio stepped forward. Yuugi didn't have Tristan's knife with him since he was on school grounds, and he hadn't refilled his pepper spray yet. The empty can was currently lying helplessly on Yuugi's bedroom floor, and he doubted that he was strong enough to use the self-defense moves Duke taught him on Ushio's big frame.

Ushio laughed and his cronies copied him shortly after. "I know you don't carry money anymore, Yuugi, so I'm simply here to beat your ass." He took another menacing step forward, and Yuugi took another jerky step back. His foot was beginning to bother him, and he knew he wasn't going to be able to run on it. He walked with a small limp already.

"What happened two years ago is over, Ushio," Yuugi tried being diplomatic. He hated violence, not with the passion that he used to have against it, but the dislike was still there.

"It may be over, but I'll always hate you for it. When I'm done with you, ol' Joey and Tristan won't stand a chance."

Yuugi's eyes narrowed at the obvious threat towards his friends. The pride and arrogance he usually kept hidden for them created an edge in his voice. "Who says you'll get passed me?" He barely survived a vampire attack the night before, his back stung, and his foot was hurting like Hell, but he was not about to let a bully they'd beaten in the past make a comeback. However, the key word there was 'they'd', and at that moment, Yuugi was standing alone.

"I could squash you with my foot, Lil' Yuugi," Ushio growled.

Yuugi managed the best glare he could despite being nearly backed up to the tree and fired it at Ushio. "You're on," Yuugi replied. His outside facade seemed cool and nonchalant, but on the inside, he was freaking out. How am I going to beat this guy? Yuugi thought frantically. I'm going to be beaten within an inch of my life!

"Get 'em, boys," Ushio commanded to his six cronies before walking away. "Meet me in the exploratory wing when you're done!" he called over his shoulder. The boys nodded to each other, and their grins seemed to get wider.

Two of the boys Yuugi knew he could handle, for they were of the same stature as Duke. The other four were experienced American football players. Yuugi gulped when he thought of taking them on. Well, Yuugi mused silently, I could always kick them where it hurts like I did that vampire. Not that it did much to him…

"Don't worry, kid," one of the six spoke with a cruel laugh that made Yuugi cringe. "We'll be sure to make this quick." Yuugi gulped but stared them down defiantly. The other five laughed, but then they all froze in their tracks. Their gazes were drawn to something behind Yuugi. His eyebrows narrowed in confusion before raising in surprise at the welcomingly familiar voice that sounded out behind him.

"Oh, it'll be over quickly indeed," Yami's smooth voice came from behind Yuugi, and it sounded angrier than it did last night. He felt the vampire's presence then. The dark light wrapped itself around Yuugi in a protective embrace, and this time, he didn't panic when it consumed him. He gladly welcomed the comfort the cold and warmth brought him.

Yami's arm wrapped around Yuugi's chest as the smaller of the two was pulled back against the larger. "Y-Yami," Yuugi whispered softly, and he tilted his head back to get a look at the Other Him. They indeed looked very much alike.

Yami's face was more angular, and his usually dark violet eyes were blazing a bloody red. His hair was slightly more spiky than Yuugi's, was edged in dark red instead of purple, and his lightning-like bangs shot up into his hair. He wore a skin-tight black t-shirt with a black leather jacket over top. His legs were clad in black skinny jeans that were held up at his slim waist by a pair of silver studded belts. The calf-high combat boots were menacing by themselves, and they only added to his "I'm a badass" look.

He gave Yuugi a quick, softened glance and a small smirk before returning his piercing gaze to the six bullies. The hardness and anger that had disappeared upon looking at Yuugi were back in his red eyes, and Yuugi swore that the six of them stiffened beneath his gaze. He felt Yami's arm tighten around him in a gesture that Yuugi could only call possessive.

One of the bullies spoke up, "Come on guys. What can one boy do to six men?" The other five nodded and grunted their agreement, and they continued their advancement yet again.

Yuugi felt a rumble in Yami's chest and realized that the vampire was growling. "You'll regret threatening something that belongs to me," Yami snarled. The dark light that surrounded them both suddenly burst towards the six students. It hovered around them, not quite touching them like the light would do with Yuugi, in a threatening display.

Yami's sweetly undead breath ghosted across his cheek as he whispered into Yuugi's ear. A shiver shot down his spine at the strange feeling. "Close your eyes, little one." Yuugi didn't hesitate to do so and clenched his eyes tightly shut. He felt Yami move his hands to cover his ears, and he heard nothing for several seconds. He pressed himself closer to the vampire to assure himself that Yami was still there. Yuugi didn't know what was happening or about to happen, but he was pretty sure he didn't want to know.

As soon as everything happened, it was over. Yami removed his hands from Yuugi's ears, and Yuugi felt brave enough to open his eyes. They widened when he didn't see any trace of the six bullies. He turned in Yami's now gentle grip to stare up at the vampire. His eyes had returned to their dark violet color, and the anger that had been there before was gone. Yuugi could only see amusement mixed with a hint of concern in the violet pools.

Yuugi suddenly didn't feel right asking about where the six bullies had gone, so he settled for, "Thanks, Yami."

Yami simply smirked. "It's not a problem, little one," he replied just as gently. "You should be more careful, though. If I hadn't gotten here in time…"

"But you did," Yuugi replied softly and wrapped his arms around Yami's waist. Yami blinked, bewildered by the action, and he curiously returned the hug. He buried his nose into Yuugi's hair and inhaled the lingering scent of strawberries that he assumed was from the boy's shampoo. He couldn't withhold the smirk that appeared on his lips when he heard Yuugi taking long whiffs of Yami's shirt. He decided then that he liked hugging Yuugi. "I can never thank you enough, Yami," Yuugi finally whispered. The bell that started the classes had rung a few minutes ago, but at that moment, Yuugi could care less.

"For what?" Yami's voice easily reflected how bemused the vampire was. He felt Yami run a hand over his chest, but Yuugi ignored it.

"For saving me twice now," Yuugi answered truthfully. His hands tightened their grip on Yami's t-shirt, and he inhaled another draft of the intoxicating scent of smoky cinnamon. "I don't know how I'm ever going to repay you," Yuugi voiced his earlier thoughts with concern.

Yami chuckled and the vibrations rumbled calmly through Yuugi's body. Yami held him a little tighter as he spoke, "You owe me nothing, Yuugi." The use of his name sent another shiver down Yuugi's spine. "You'll never owe me anything but-"

Yami was cut off as Yuugi's name was called from within the school building. It sounded like Joey. Yuugi then remembered that he was now extremely late for class. "Oh! I'm sorry, Yami, but I really have to get to class," Yuugi said with a nervous glance towards the school doors.

The vampire chuckled again and a smirk found its way to Yami's lips. He nodded and released Yuugi from his embrace. Yuugi half-raced half-limped off but hesitated at the doors. He turned back and waved with a grin before disappearing inside the building. The door clicked firmly behind him.

"You'll never owe me anything but your continued adoration, my little Yuugi," Yami finished as he looked down at the cloth he now held in his hand. The black silk gleamed against the morning sunlight, and the gold and silver thread sparkled slightly.

Well, I did it. Two chapters in one day. Holy Ra… So, I'm really tired right now lmao. I think I already have an idea for chapter three. I don't think I'll write anything more for today. Good night my readers~!