Important A/N: Due to more guest reviews coming in either needlessly bashing, or just being downright stupid and neglectful (which were deleted, gotta clean up junk after all), I have turned on moderation to keep them from coming in. It's down to the last straw for me guys. If you have a problem with the way I write MY story, then at least have the decency (and grow a pair) to confront me in a way that I can properly respond to you. Not making an account to talk, or being too lazy to login is just playing chicken to me. And for the last time, Keira and Ami are OC's with minor screen-time but have major influence on the plot work of this story. If you don't like great storytelling, then get the heck out of here. Check again where I answered lots of questions on the Q&A chapter before acting like a child.
Most importantly, I'm just generally DONE with this site. The only reason why I still upload here is for nostalgia and because there are some fans still reading this judging by my view count (but certainly not by review count). I'm convinced the Yugioh community here is rather dead, which is sad because it's what drew me in in the first place. If you're looking for a more lively community, come on over to Wattpad where we now have a YGO-Magazine (that's the username, btw). Keira and Ami talking for the A/N has been put away now since apparently people don't know what 'fun' is around here... Or literally are very stupid and think they are actual people that are reader-inserts of some sorts, I don't know how foolish people think really.
Without further ado~
This is officially the fluff chapter before the storm. I hope you all enjoy it. Happy times before scarring times, yep.
[Disclaimer] I do not own these YGO characters, but in my heart their personalities are mine.
Text 24: Good Tidings
It was now a little less hectic, with us getting a break after exams... Although when we go back in, seniors have more tests - especially those trying to get into colleges. I was surprised that a lot of my classmates chose to not pursue college, choosing instead to take a break or continue working in whatever jobs they had.
I felt caught in the middle. I really liked where I worked at, and it paid good and even paid better once you moved up. I was in such a stable spot that college honestly made me... nervous, to think about. I was already good when it came to computers and I was already starting to learn more on making games through the RPG Maker kit I downloaded... There was a lot I've learned on my own and I just kept wondering if I even needed to go to college. Sure, through college I could learn even more and may even get a job at a company as big as Nintendo or Sony, but there were also the cons...
The expenses. On top of that, the stress that I hear so much about. The time apart from family and friends. The worry of not even getting a job after going years and years to get a degree.
So, I decided to pray, and not for the first time in my life. Pray that I would be given a sign on what to do best with my life here on out. Because I really had no clue.
It was with a heavy sigh that I continued cleaning and stocking the store. It was a pretty slow day, it being just Monday and the most mundane day of all for business - unless it was at the first of the month.
I missed hanging out at the Game Shop, but here lately Yami has been going and helping Grandpa with it - learning the ropes, and Grandpa seemed to really take a liking to him. It wasn't hard to get on the old man's good side, but he really appreciated a hard worker more.
"Hey, short stuff!"
I looked instantly to the sound of Ami's voice and was just in time to catch the duster she threw my way.
"I'm going on break, so stay at the counter. You can clean up there while I'm gone." She instructed, and I smiled and nodded. There were two other guys working the floors but Ami seemed to really like me at the register since I was the nicest when it came to it.
"Okay, have a nice break!" I told her, and went to the front where the glass counter was. I started dusting off the register then peeked around for the glass cleaner. The boss and Ami liked to keep the store clean and tidy, and it shows when compared to the other stores near us.
"Excuse me, hello?" A sudden voice alerted me to a customer and I stood up from where I was bent down looking at the bottom shelf.
"Yes, hello!" I quickly said while wearing a smile at the lady, accidentally making her jump by my sudden appearance and my smile grew sheepish. "Sorry, I had been looking under there so I was pretty hidden, hehe..."
She collected herself, and I noticed for the first time that she was actually remarkably pretty - long natural blonde hair and with eyes similar to mine... Her creamy skin looked so smooth and flawless that I was kind of jealous - and of course, on top of that was an hourglass figure and clothes to really show it off. I was actually feeling intimidated by the confident aura that seemed to spill around her like rich perfume. It was something that told me she knew how to get exactly what she wanted.
The woman smiled politely though, and waved me off. "Keeping it clean here, sugar? You must be the little newbie I keep hearing about." She winked as her smile grew.
My face instantly flushed at her tone (she had a really nice voice too!) and I ducked my head down, eyeing a small flick of dust I missed. "W-Well I started a little while ago, yes."
"Well aren't you a doll," I heard her say and then suddenly my face was lifted up by a finger under my chin. I stared with wide eyes at her as she looked me over. "Huh, you really do remind me of him..."
"What?" I blinked, catching on to that, and she leaned back and I was able to breathe right.
"Nothing to note, I came here to chat with Ami for a bit before I headed south." She changed the subject, and I sighed mentally. If she's good friends with Ami, and then that remark before, then she must know Yami...
"Sorry, she just went on break." I told her apologetically, but she didn't look defeated, already walking past the front checkout.
"No worries, I have my way of getting people's attention." She looked back at me and winked before continuing on, "The name's Mai Valentine, just so you know. We should hang out sometime!" And she waved as she went to the back of the store.
Huh, well that just happened.
I continued to clean up and stock whatever I could up front before we got slammed with a rush hour. Fortunately, Ami came back from break - looking a little disgruntled about something - and took over the back-up register so no one had to wait too long.
When things calmed down, Ami sent me on my small break.
"Hey, there's some pizza in the office if you want some of that instead of going to the food court today." She told me after I timed out for my break.
I smiled at her, my stomach rumbling. "Sure, thanks!" That meant I got to save some more money too...
I texted Yami as I went toward the office.
Do you know a Mai Valentine?
I went in and grabbed the water bottle I brought from home before sitting down at where the pizza was. It was all cheese, and I smiled as I dug in to a few slices.
Ding!
Yes... I take it you two have been introduced?
Well, kind of. She seemed to know me and introduced herself. She came in wanting to talk to Ami.
I chewed on my pizza crust as I scrolled through emails, looking at the notifications for Millennium World. None of us have really been active on the site but that one new member... ToonBoy was his name he went by now? He's actually been leveling up and clearing his way through dungeons, and even offers advice on areas of improvement or any bugs he finds. He's a really great guy, I just wish I had more time to go online and play.
For now I just went through answering what I could until it was time to get back to work.
. * . * . * .
So I learned that Mai was actually a supervisor at a shop in the mall that sold fragrances and beauty products (it was pretty popular from what I hear) and somehow Ami and Mai were good friends. And Mai had been going to the college near where Yami used to go to school in Renka, so they saw each other quite a lot. She seemed nice and highly influential, so it paid to be on her good side.
Which was where I wanted to stay.
I ended up buying an old game to play with Yami later; one of our classic favorites that I was sure he would get a thrill at my finding it. After that, Ami took me home as per usual and we may have snuck and got some ice cream to eat before dinner. (Yes, I can be naughty).
Once home, I took care of household chores before settling for the night with my most favorite game: Millennium World.
Fortunately, all of us had planned for this night to be one of the group nights: the one night for everyone to be on. I was one of the late ones, but I spoke into my headset once I was logged on.
"Hey guys, sorry I'm late!" I quickly said so they would know I'm here.
"Yugi!"
"Hey man, what's up?"
"So the shrimp has finally made it - what in the name of buggary are you doing, Pharaoh? That's my foot!"
My character and screen just loaded in for me to see Yami almost crushing Bakura's foot with a boulder? Where did he get that...?
"Oh, my apologies. I didn't realize you were there..." Yami spoke nonchalantly, not sounding at all apologetic.
"'Apologies my ass!"
"Oh, relax 'Kura. It wouldn't cause significant damage." Ryou chided and I smiled as Yami came over to me - still carrying the boulder.
"Why are you carrying that?" I asked him, truly curious.
"Oh, this? Well, I-"
"Yami-kins is going to plug up the big gap he made out in the Plains!" Marik answered for Yami, sounding really giddy and I forced myself not to think why. Marik was just always naturally like that.
"Big gap?" I asked Yami, and he grew quiet.
"Um... Yugi?" Ryou spoke out tentatively and I was forced to focus on him as he and Tristan reached the group with... ToonBoy following behind?
"ToonBoy here wants to join us, is that okay?" Tristan asked me and I looked at the new character. The newest member has really been grinding to catch up with us, and he's almost there; his design was a sleek toy-looking model with long platinum hair that looked more like a funny-looking monster with large claws.
Marik and Malik laughed at his design, which was no surprise there.
"He fights pretty good, he came and helped me and Serenity out when we encountered a horde." Joey said, and I smiled.
"Yes, ToonBoy, you can join us. Do you have a headset? You can get in group chat with us." I told him and watched as he replied down in the chat.
ToonBoy: I'm sorry, I don't have a headset with me right now. Is that okay?
"Sure, that's fine! I'll set it to where your text pops up so everyone will know when you're saying something." I told him as I quickly went into settings to switch that preference over. I had it turned off because the psychos like to spam it.
Once that was taken care of, we all started heading out for the Plains - where it was exp galore as of right now. I had been installing events to start happening periodically from now on; events like special monster summon, exp famine, etc. Events that could trigger randomly, or via a special event caused by another event. I was still making up new ones, but right now I had a set few installed. One of which was Exp Boost, which caused double the amount of exp you would normally get from slaying Shadow Monsters. The event was combined with Monster Night, which had an extra amount of monsters spawning in game.
It was the perfect time for leveling up before our next boss fight.
When we made it to the next region, the skies were dark and ominous, the grass plains stretched out before us with a... river running through...?
"Yami... what did you do?" I had to ask him, because the river most certainly was not suppose to be there!
"Aibou, please don't be mad. I was training and the ground gave way and-"
"And Yams broke the game and spawned a river in." Marik laughed outright.
Yami snapped at him, "Would you please stop interrupting me?"
"Why are you saying 'please' a lot?" Bakura wondered.
"It's called trying to be nice, Thief." Yami answered and I couldn't help but smile.
"Okay, so how are you going to fix this again...?"I asked, trying to hide my amusement.
Yami sounded too excited. "With this!" And then he jumped with the boulder, nailing it with a force that shook us, stopping the stray river from running through. The shockwave healed whatever fracture that was the water's source.
I blinked as I surveyed it. Well. Guess that takes care of that.
He arrived beside me, sounding smug. "See? It's already been taken care of."
I couldn't help but laugh. "I see that." Just then, we heard the tell-tale sound of monsters and I summoned a barrier around the two of us to stop the incoming surprise attack. Monsters were bound to be relentless during this event. I was only worried for ToonBoy...
"Hey, some of you make sure to partner with ToonBoy!" I called out as Yami went on the offense.
"Okay, I'll be healing from the sky!" Anzu announced, but then she yelped and I turned to see that sky-enabled monsters (those were new) were attacking her.
"Anzu!" I called out, powering up an anti-gravity spell. Just as I was about to send it, a large claw went out to destroy the monsters around her. I stopped and turned to see that ToonBoy was the one to get rid of them.
I then noticed that he wrote in chat that his claws were able to stretch out and attack sky-enabled monsters. Huh, well that was useful. I swear that guy always makes the most out of my updates...
"Yugi!" Yami shouted as he defended me from a crucial blow and I grew more alert. He sent the monster back with a powerful sweep of his sleek wings.
I smiled and changed spells, adapting to the type match-ups. "Thanks, sorry about that."
He dished out a burning attack and his character stayed close to mine. "No problem, I have your back, aibou."
That made me smile more, and I quickly went on the offensive - first strengthening our allies' attack strength. I noticed Ryou had already placed a defensive boost on everyone and Serenity placed a healing enchantment - she was safe from the fight, standing within a mystical force-field that could protect any of us that were injured.
I quickly issued for me and Yami to work our way back to the main group (mostly so Ryou and I could do combo magic). Thankfully, I had thought ahead to quieten the psychos' mics so their maniacal laughter wouldn't make everyone's ears bleed.
Malik raced around like a speed demon, dishing out lightning fast moves while attracting attention back to Marik and Bakura - where they both had a field day destroying the monsters. Gee, they're getting mega EXP... Joey and Tristan were grouped up the closest to Serenity and ToonBoy, all of them working together to take down the plant-based monsters that came out to attack them. I was actually surprised by how well ToonBoy was doing - wracking up EXP to level up constantly. He really has the hang of this game, it made me glad.
Suddenly, I received an alert that the magic spell I had installed was ready and I grinned, beaming though no one could see it.
"Ryou, it's ready!" I announced excitedly.
The White Mage backed up closer to me to where we were back-to-back. "Wha-? Oh! Do you mean that...?"
"Yep!" I couldn't help but chirp, so giddy with excitement.
"You have me curious, aibou..." Yami muttered as he focused on his own fight with a group of water-based monsters (those left over from the river escapade).
"Yeah, what's all the excitement about?" Tristan asked, and I started activating it. Entering in the right buttons to share it with my fellow magician, which he was receiving now based on his gasp of delight.
"Oh, Yugi, this is..." Ryou was marveling, and I felt really happy.
"Uh-huh. Something two magicians have to perform!" I spoke proudly, I had the jitters, it made me feel lighter and so restless.
"I can't believe you have this finished!"
"What the hell are you nerds talking about?" Bakura asked, sounding fed up but also curious.
"Please tell me~!" Malik squealed as he went past us in a rush on the screen. Really glad I lowered that volume now.
"Ready, Ryou?" I asked him, ignoring everyone else as the excited jitters threatened to explode out of me. When he agreed, I couldn't help but announce the ultimate combo magic spell even as it displayed on the screen as our characters glowed. "Kyuubi Burning Flame!"
Our scepters pointed up, the orbs around them touching and combining to form a large white ball of light energy that grew to a large mass, looming over the battlefield. It then formed fire around it and took shape, a fire force-field forming around me and Ryou to protect us as the spell took shape and form. From the fire formed a large fox-like creature, nine burning tails forming around it as its red eyes peered at its enemies.
Letting out a cry, the tails swept the battlefield of enemies, the intense burning energy melting all foes as allies were spared. The Kyuubi spell lasted until all enemies were destroyed and then the flames dispersed; the fox becoming white light and its red eyes changed to a cool blue. With another cry, the mighty beast slowly dispersed into snow that fell on us. The white flakes healed us all to full health and Ryou and I crumbled to our knees from the exertion - our magic all worn out.
The snow soon ended, and everyone seemed to stop gaping.
"Yug', Ryou, that was... wow." Joey uttered, still in total awe.
"That was so beautiful!" Anzu said and I smiled.
"Thanks, it's been a work-in-progress for a few months now. Our first Ultimate Magic spell." I explained. All that hard work paid off...
"It really shows, that was amazing." Ryou spoke, sounding breathless from the experience.
"Indeed, that was... breathtaking to behold." Yami tried to summarize, and I smiled more, feeling my face burn a little.
"I cannot believe you two hid this from me!" Malik sounded sassy, but not really upset. "What happened to our three-hikari-thing we had going on?!"
I blinked, but then laughed. Oh, yeah, right...
"What?!" Bakura asked, sounding fed up.
"Oh shush, Florence. Let them have their talk." Marik told him offhandedly.
"Stop calling me that!" Bakura snapped back while Ryou calmly responded.
"Yugi and I had been throwing around ideas for more combo magic since last year, and this was the product of that. We are the only magicians here." Well said, Ryou.
"Man... Is it too late to switch to a magi?" Tristan laughed a little and I grinned. I've always felt more magic-oriented when it comes to fighting - Yami was the closest to me and Ryou when it came to using magic, besides Serenity and Anzu. It may be possible for him to learn combo magic, but I would have to do some tweaking.
With the monsters destroyed for now, we hung around for the next mass to emerge, but by the time the cool down went off, the event stopped. Ryou and I had gotten the most EXP, so we were set in the lead of levels along with Yami - who had worked to level up before we were all online.
We ended up logging off and just going to hang out in chat and in the forums. I was finally able to respond to Rp's and I kept moving from forum to forum to keep up with comments and new posts. The chat stayed to the side where the gang talked.
tombkeeper: Isn't there somewhere else we can all hang out besides the arcade?
Blackskull: Hmm... No, not really.
Red-Eyes: Domino kinda sucks at that department. Unless you want to hang around the supermarket lol
tombkeeper: Ew, no thanks.
tombkeeper: I want someplace exciting :P
tombkeeper: Like... a mall?
Psycho-Psycho: Ooooo, like in Renka?
DarkMagician: Please, no.
CrimsonPharaoh: What aibou said.
tombkeeper: Awww, but come ON! :'( It'll be fun!
DarkMagician: Yeah, but I WORK there!
tombkeeper: So? We don't have to go by the game store! There's more exciting stores out there!
WhiteMage: This is true. I've been meaning to go to the book store in there.
ThiefKing: So I guess that means we're all going, huh?
Of course, I just now remembered that Bakura had changed his username to something, quote-on-quote, "more fitting."
DarkMagician: Can't we do something else?
Blackskull: Like what?
FairyDance: Hey I got that new movie we all wanted to see ;)
Red-Eyes: WHAT?! HOW
FairyDance: My dad knows a guy and managed to get a copy before its release.
Red-Eyes: DUDE, MOVIE NIGHT!
tombkeeper: Ugh, fine. But only because I'm a sucker for that cute main actor
ThiefKing: His ass is fine
WhiteMage: ...
White Mage: What?
Psycho-Psycho: OH SHI-
CrimsonPharaoh: You've done it now, congratulations.
ThiefKing: I dIDN'T MEAN
ThiefKing: i WAS JUST MAKING A COMMENT
WhiteMage: ...
ThiefKing: RYOU PLEASE - I DIDNT MEAN IT
WhiteMage has signed off
ThiefKing: COME BACK
tombkeeper: Baby come back~!
Red-Eyes: Man you've done it now
Blackskull: Tough
Psycho-Psycho: You can blame it all on me~
tombkeeper: I love you.
Psycho-Psycho: !
Psycho-Psycho: Is this... a confession?
CrimsonPharaoh: Oh for the love of Ra
Psycho-Psycho: NO! This love is for me
Psycho-Psycho: All mine
ThiefKing: What the actual f*** Ryou, don't leave me alone with these people!
ThiefKing has signed off
tombkeeper: Marik~ 3
tombkeeper has signed off
Psycho-Psycho: ?
Psycho-Psycho: oh
Psycho-Psycho: OH
Psycho-Psycho: I'M COMING MALIK-PRETTY~!
Psycho-Psycho has signed off
CrimsonPharaoh: Well now that all of the madness is over with, what would you like to do Yugi?
DarkMagician: Why are you asking me?
CrimsonPharaoh: Because you don't want to go to Renka
Yami... He always had my best interests in mind...
FairyDance: It's okay, we all understand
Red-Eyes: Yeah, what do ya want to do buddy?
DarkMagician: I kinda... want a movie night.
Blackskull: Awesome! I'm really looking forward to it
CrimsonPharaoh: When is everyone available?
So then we started going through everyone's schedules and Ryou came back on to help us get organized. I gave my work schedule to them so he could work it out, and he said he was going to wait and get with the others.
We spent a little more time online before calling it a night and turning in. It was only after a while of sleeping that I realized we had all been on the public chat, which means that ToonBoy could see our conversation.
I freaked out a little, but looking back on it, I guess it was okay... We didn't give anything important out, and I felt like I could trust our newest member.
I was able to relax, and slip into sleep - Kuriboh curling up against my face.
So before the group movie night, Yami and I was able to hang out with just us - claiming to be helping each other on schoolwork; which was partly true... But mostly we just wanted to hang out with each other.
Grandpa didn't mind, and in fact seemed cheery about it - I think it was because he genuinely liked Yami and most likely found him to be a good influence on me. Someone I needed in my life.
"Yugi," Yami spoke up as he put down his Nintendo 3DS. We had been trading Pokemon and battling for half an hour now. Yes, the nerd life.
"Hm?" I asked him as I stretched out, Kuriboh meowed in disdain on my lap at the movement.
He was quiet for a moment before speaking up, "Would you... would you like to go on a date? With me?"
I stopped mid-stretch, my eyes going wide as I looked at him. I felt Kuriboh playfully bite my outstretched arm as I noticed Yami's hesitance.
Well, this was bound to happen wasn't it? We're a... couple now. So we gotta go on dates and do couple-y things...
I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant with it to appease him. "Sure, I would love to." I mentally cringed. "Where to?"
He smiled a little, "Well, there is the new restaurant across town that opened not too long ago that we haven't tried... so, um, would you like a dinner date?"
Oh wow, Yami's actually a little flustered! "It sounds great!" I responded cheerily, and he smiled even more.
"I'm honored! Um, so how about Saturday, and what time would be good for you...?" He pulled at his collar a little, was it hot in here to him? It felt just right to me... the window was even cracked a bit.
"Hmm... Well, if we want to beat the dinner crowd, how about at five?" When he nodded, I continued. "Are you feeling hot? I can turn on the AC..."
His red eyes went wide and he stuttered again, his face going red a little and I was starting to get worried when he stood up abruptly.
"Excuse me, aibou, I'll just get something to drink." And then he went out before I could say anything more.
Huh, that was weird.
Well, Yami seemed better when he returned and we started a game of Duel Monsters, trying out new cards.
The topic of the date didn't come up again, and Yami ended up spending the night. We stayed up late goofing off throughout the house and Game Shop, and I had this happy fluttery feeling in my chest the whole while. It felt good.
We ended up going to our separate rooms as zombies, conking out as soon as we made it to bed.
Since it was our day off, we slept in and had a late breakfast before getting ready for the group's movie night. We were having it at Ryou's (naturally, he did have a large living room and big-screen tv with surround sound) and were told to pick up the pizza that they ordered on our way over.
"The pizza is too tempting," I said, smelling it and eyeing it where it sat on leather seats in the back.
Yami chuckled as he drove, "We're almost there, aibou."
I pouted a bit. "Can't I try a slice? For safety measures?" I pleaded with him, my stomach grumbled.
He cut a look to me, wearing a wry smile, and then turned his eyes back to the road. "...I never saw anything."
"Yay! You're the best, Yami!" I cheered as I jumped to kiss his cheek and then strain through my seat belt to open a box and get a hot slice.
It was delicious, and satisfying. But like a really good cookie, it's hard to eat just one.
When we arrived, we were still waiting on a few others to get here so we started chowing on the pizza with Ryou, Malik, and Tristan.
"Guess who got his motorcycle license~!" Malik proudly boasted and I heard Tristan sigh.
I raised a brow as I looked at the smug Egyptian. "How did you manage that?" Was Malik even old enough-er, mature enough for something like that?
He just grinned and winked. "Oh, I have my connections~"
"You are not driving a motorcycle." Ryou stated in a tone that left no 'and's' or 'but's' about it.
"Ryouuu whyy?" Malik pleaded, grasping his shirt as he leaned down, giving him trademark puppy dog eyes.
I watched as Ryou's doe eyes narrowed. "Because those machines are dangerous and you aren't fit to drive one."
"What? I am too! You can't stop me this time, Ry!" Malik crossed his arms as he "hmphed."
Ryou let out a heavy sigh. "Fine, then no more staying over here. Clearly you're too independent to listen to me anymore."
And then Ryou kinda just went out to tend to things and Malik was left sulking in the corner... Huh, it was always weird when they had their fights. It was just really... odd, because they got along great and seemed to rely on each other a lot.
Now the air was kind of awkward, but we tried for small talk in an effort for better conversation. The atmosphere wasn't really saved (because by this time Ryou had returned to the kitchen) until the others arrived.
"Hey! We here!" Joey's voice broke the awkward conversation we were having.
"Hey Joey!" I greeted him with a big smile, grateful for his timing; I greeted the others as they came in.
"Heya Yug'!" And then Joey did the worst thing a friend could do - give a "friendly" noogie.
After lots of complaining, he let me go and I huffed as Anzu started fixing my hair before I could.
"Where's the booze?" Bakura called out and I could just feel Ryou's immediate glare at him.
"'Kura, you know very well there will be no drinking here."
Bakura seemed taken aback by the level of no BS Ryou today. "Okay, okay. Sheesh, why are you in such a bloody bad mood?"
Ryou just glowered, yet his face was calm - only his lips twitched. He turned to start prepping sodas for everyone, calmly - too calmly - while writing everyone's names on their own cup.
"That would be my fault!" Malik piped up and I mentally cringed. This was so not what I had in mind for a group movie night...
Bakura growled at him, but before he could start yelling at Malik, Ryou stopped him with a stern look to help him out.
It was strange to see Bakura bite his tongue against a retort of some kind, instead obliging and helping his lover out.
To avoid the awkward tension, everyone kind of dispersed - most heading to the living room to set up the movie and lighting.
I just took a seat with Yami at one of the loveseats, and we spent our time watching videos on YouTube until it was time for everyone to join us to watch the new movie.
Thankfully, the tension seemed cleared enough so we could all enjoy the movie together - with popcorn, pizza, candy, and sodas galore! It was a real home theatre treat, and I really enjoyed it.
It was an experience that I knew I could look back on fondly. Minus the semi-argument between Ryou and Malik, of course...
. * . * . * .
Hair and clothes fixed? Check.
Teeth brushed? Check.
Emotions in control? Working on it.
I have to admit, I was pretty nervous and excited for this date. I wonder if Yami was feeling the same way? What if he was completely cool and calm like a cucumber? Meanwhile I was a jittery and sweaty mess!
I sighed out and tried to relax just as I heard the curt knock at my front door. I jumped, stirring Kuriboh, and I hastily apologized to the kitty before getting up and heading toward the door, tugging on my shirt nervously. I breathed in deeply and then opened the door, almost choking on the breath when I saw Yami.
He was standing... how do I describe this? Attractively? Very, very attractive. He was wearing dark leather pants and a black tank-top with a long loose grey vest over it. Oh, I think I might have drooled a little... This was so his style!
He looked at me then and his crimson eyes lit up. "Hello, you look nice this evening."
I gulped, trying to look like I wasn't just gawking. "H-Hey! Yeah, you look really good too!" Gosh darn you handsome stud you...
He smiled, and held out his hand and I took it instantly.
Praying silently that my palms weren't sweaty.
The car ride was okay... Yami didn't seem as awkward as before when asking me so we were able to make pleasant conversation.
It was a good thing we were already so comfortable around each other or I may have not been able to say anything at all. With Yami, it was like we never ran out of conversation topics; it always flowed smoothly too.
I was surprised by the rustic-look the restaurant had to it, and that it was really large - even larger it seemed on the inside. It wasn't packed out, but still a bit crowded when we went in.
"A booth for two, please." Yami told the hostess and I smiled. We both preferred sitting at booths... It always felt more cozy and less open so I've always liked them more.
She sat us down next to a window and we had passed a large open floor where it looked like a live band was getting ready to sing on stage.
"They do dances here?" I asked as I looked over the wall slightly.
"It appears so... It's a nice touch, something everyone can enjoy. This place is sure to stay popular for that unique feature." Yami spoke, and I couldn't help but listen closely to his silky voice.
"Yeah... If the food's good and cheap enough, maybe we can bring the gang here one day." I murmured as the waiter came over then and gave us menus and took note of our drinks.
I looked eagerly at the colorful layout of the menu, noting the good prices and wide arrange of foods, especially appetizers (Joey loves those).
"Do you want to try an appetizer?" Yami asked me, obviously knowing what I was looking at the most. They were just so hard to ignore! It was like they purposefully put all of the really good-sounding food in the appetizer category!
I bit my lip and nodded, and he chuckled. We decided on one together and ordered it when we got our drinks. After that we kind of stared off at the restaurant and made light conversation until the appetizer arrived.
I'm not going to lie, the food was really good. And for an appetizer, it was actually pretty large - which is something I'm sure the gang will enjoy.
It was while waiting for our main meal that Yami suddenly got up when conversation grew quiet. Down below, I could hear the band starting to play and my eyes were on Yami's smiling face.
"Would you like to dance, aibou?" Yami asked me while holding out his hand.
I know my eyes must have looked larger than normal then, and I grew nervous again. "Uh, sure." And I took his hand.
He pulled me up and gave me a reassuring smile. "It's okay, there is nothing to fear. I've got you."
That made my heart beat faster than what it already was. We went down to where some couples and groups were already dancing and Yami kept holding my hand until we reached a clear spot.
The soft acoustic music from the guitar filled my ears and Yami didn't let go of my hands. Instead he started guiding me as we danced, and I blushed so bad my ears were burning. "Y-Yami!"
"What?" he asked, wearing a soft smile and there was a light in his eyes.
"We-We're actually going to dance?!" I whispered in a ludicrous manner, looking around a bit before looking at him in an effort to contain my nervous jitters.
He chuckled and gripped me tighter. "Yes, love. We are; do not be afraid, I will guide you."
So my heart picked up and I went straight to mush at the "love" bit, but I nodded and carefully followed him. I felt so sweaty, and hoped Yami didn't mind. He seemed to take my mistakes in stride, and helped me overcome my uncomfortable-ness.
It took a few minutes, while on a new song, for me to actually start enjoying myself. I stopped sweating as the nervous jitters ebbed away and I smiled at him.
His smile back was so warm that I melted inside, and it wasn't long before we were notified that our food was ready.
"We can dance after dessert, too." Yami told me on our way back to our booth.
I looked at him in delight. "Dessert? Really?"
He just grinned and shrugged, "What's a date without dessert?"
I couldn't help but cheer at that. "You're an amazing boyfriend to have!" I stopped mid-cheer, just realizing what I said. It was the first time... I ever said something like that. It felt weird on my tongue, but... I liked it.
Yami's answering grin and laugh really spoke volumes, he was genuinely happy by what I said, and I couldn't help but laugh and grin with him.
The night was filled with yummy food and dancing to slow songs. It was everything like the dates Anzu would tell me about growing up, the experience and the warm, fuzzy feelings.
Yami even walked me to my door, and kissed me softly before leaving. My lips and hands tingled all night long, with my heart buzzing pleasantly in afterglow.
So this is what true love feels like, huh? There seemed to be different forms of love... love for friends, for family, for hobbies, for enjoyment, for lovers...
I was really grateful, to have Yami and everyone in my life.
. * . * . * .
It was a semi-busy Thursday, and I was a back-up worker since they had new hires in training on the main floor. I mostly cleaned and tidied up the place; changing displays and stocking just to get rid of more cases in the stockroom.
It was all going easy, getting to do what I liked to, even helping a few customers here and there.
I soon heard loud talking though, and went to see what all the hubbub was about.
"Is that him?"
"No, are you sure? It can't be... why would he be here?"
Customers were even talking and I raised a brow, drawing closer to see who everyone was looking at.
My eyes widened when I noticed the unmistakable man standing there in a pristine red suit.
"It's Maximillion Pegasus!" A fan cheered, and I felt my jaw slack open.
Why was one of the most popular and richest men in the country here of all places?!
The silver-haired man looked around in delight, talking to one of the managers and a few fans.
Before I could do or say anything, I suddenly felt myself yanked harshly to the side behind an aisle by Ami.
"Shorty, why does Mr. Fabulous over there want to speak with you?" she asked harshly, looking shocked and suspicious.
I blinked rapidly at that news, do what exactly...? "Wait, what? Where did you hear that?"
"I overheard them talking and he asked if Yugi Motou was working here. How the hell does he know you? Do you know him? He's attracting too much attention that it's getting crowded!" She started getting irritated by the end as she looked around to see more of a crowd around the front of the store.
I blinked wide eyes, feeling stupefied as I looked to the front again, ducking when the powerful man caught my stare. It didn't help that Ami was suspicious. "I-I don't know why he's here!"
Her heavy gaze relaxed a little, "Do you want me to ask him to leave?"
I wrung my hands out in nervousness and shook my head. "No, let me at least get to talk to him..." He was someone I looked up to - he was THE creator of my favorite game of all time! Maybe I can even get an autograph or two... Yami would have a fit when he found out.
"Okay," I heard Ami sigh and looked back at the dark-haired girl as she rose up. She started yelling and calling security to manage the crowd while throwing me a look and pointing to the back of the store.
I hastily went between the aisles to get to the break room, which was just right at the back where the stock room and single bathroom was. I anxiously waited, still hearing loud chatter out in the store.
There was a knock, and I looked up to see the taller man standing at the entrance, still looking well put-together and wearing a nice smile.
"Sorry for intruding like this... But, ah, you must be Yugi, right?" Even his voice was rich, and spewing confidence.
"Uh, y-yes!" I answered with an embarrassing squeak.
He chuckled, and sat down at one of the tables. "Please, have a seat. There's no need for you to feel nervous around me." He swept out a hand over the table. "After all, us brilliant minds have much to talk about." And then he winked and I stood up straight in response.
"Y-Yes sir!" How was I suppose to react around this guy...?
I sat down in front of him, gazing at the white table and then him and back again.
"I'm sure you're confused by this, do you know who I am?"
I nodded, gazing at him briefly. "You're Maximillion Pegasus, the creator of Duel Monsters." And you're sitting before me ohhh-hold in the squeals and fanboying, Yugi.
"Yes I am." He smiled wide at this, leaning on his elbows. "Now that you know who I am, I'm sure you're wondering why I'm here and how I know you, hm?"
I could only nod, and he continued. It felt like I was having an out-of-body experience...
"Well..." He looked so eager for the next part, and I felt a nervous excitement. "Let's just say I have become fascinated with a little website, and even more so the game called Millennium World."
I shot my head up so fast I thought I heard a crack somewhere. "What?"
He grinned, revealing pearly whites as he swept long silver hair back. "Oh yes, I do believe you're DarkMagician and I am ToonBoy." With my jaw slackened, he held out his hand. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Yugi boy."
I dumbly shook his hand, still in disbelief. This is a dream. I'm dreaming, right?
"Ever since finding your little gem of a site, I've become quite enthralled. The gameplay and style left a nostalgic feeling in my heart of when I first created Duel Monsters. I fell in love and couldn't stop playing it." He sighed heartily as he gazed off. "I even liked how I stayed anonymous, but after the recent updates, I wanted to know the skillful master behind the game. It was by luck that I saw your friends talking about you in detail, and, well, it only took a little digging around to find out who you were and here I am!" He displayed himself with a proud grin.
I was flabbergasted. I know he was telling me all this, and I should understand it clearly, but I was too shocked - my brain just couldn't load in everything he was saying. Like it was stuck at 55% or something.
He must have noticed, because he calmed down a little. "I understand this has come as a shock to you, but I'm genuinely honored to meet you. You helped inspire me when, if I'm being honest, I was becoming rather bored in my lifestyle. Colors were becoming dull and worn out. But the world you created brought back those colors, and sunshine so warm that it filled me up inside." He was back to doing wild hand-motions - all while looking pristine and proper.
He leaned in again, wearing a charming smile. "I'm getting too carried away, aren't I? Forgive me, I'm just excited." He chuckled and then reached into his coat pocket and brought out a small sleek card. "Here's my card, where you can reach me anytime. You see, I see a bright future ahead of you. I would like to partner with you in making Millennium World bigger and brighter - so the whole world can enjoy it!"
My heart leaped into my throat and then hit rock bottom into my stomach. I think I'm going to be sick. There were chills all over my body.
"Well," Pegasus then clamped a big hand on my shoulder, looking at me kindly. "I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me via phone or email."
I didn't even get to really say anything before he was walking away, and I reached out, my voice catching before I managed to find it before he completely left. "Wait!" He stopped, turning his head to look at me. "This... this is all real, right?" It was the only thing I needed to know in the moment.
He smiled, genuinely for the first time. "Yes, it is. And I will make you the king of games if you give me the chance to." And then he left for real that time, and I sunk back, feeling boneless from the intense chills that drained me.
What a story I have to tell the others...
Getting to meet THE Pegasus, and now being his partner in making Millennium World bigger...
Yeah, I still can't believe it either.
. * . * . * .
[Extra 04] /After Group Movie Night: Making Up/
"Ryouu~~!" Malik whined out as he beat on Ryou's bedroom window at four o' clock in the morning.
The sound made the ever light sleeper jolt awake and he groaned, rubbing his eyes as he tried to make sense of what was happening.
When he kept hearing whiny shouting, the sleepy whitenette trudged to his window. He pulled back the curtain to see a sobbing and pleading Malik, his hands pressed against the glass.
When the teen saw Ryou he called for him again and Ryou sighed, choosing to open the window - that thankfully didn't have a screen for such occasions as this - all the way up so the blond Egyptian could climb in.
"Forgive me, Ryou! I'm so sorry!" Malik cried out, clinging to him as he sobbed onto his pajama sleeve.
Ryou remained motionless, feeling so beyond tired and convincing himself to stay awake. Malik looked at him with big, watery lilac eyes and it made Ryou sigh again.
He wrapped his arms around him and pat his back, trying to soothe him. "There, there. I'm not mad, I forgive you."
His answer only made Malik cry more, (snot and all) and the sleepy youths gradually found the bed where they fell on it.
Ryou started rubbing his back and wiping his face with tissues, slowly falling asleep while consoling the sniveling maniac.
His heart felt lighter then, and a smile graced his pale face as he slept more soundly - the two fallen asleep in each other's warmth.
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed reading this pretty fluffy pie Text! =D Next Text may not be so fluffy and nice xD I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday~! Be sure to let me know your thoughts through reviews, and so I know if I should still be posting here at all~! =D -.-
The extra was just some bffl fluff, but I swear in another world I would have shipped them together in this fic... Thanks for reading! See you in the new year~