Really, I expected more. I don't know...a parade, clapping, a cake...something. But, nope...nothing. I mean, it was monumental that Yami and I were back together...so why didn't everyone else see it? After the Bleacher Moment, as I called it, Yami and I left the school and went to a little café...for neutral ground...to talk. And talk we did. I spilled my guts to him, about Tea, about Jaden, but most of all about myself and what happened and how I was led to push him away.

Yami sat and listened quietly. He fidgeted with his wristbands...black leather ones with an intricate design in crimson embroidered on the leather. After I said my piece, he told me his. He told me about how I was the only one outside of Seto to fully accept him. He told me about his history, his family, and the only place he felt comfortable and at home at was with me. I'll never forget what he told me..."Yugi...you are my home."

We talked until closing time, catching each other up on everything, talking about what was happening. I told him about Zorc's threats. I even told him about Bakura, though I made him promise not to mention that to anyone else. Funny I'm more scared of Bakura, a friend, than Zorc, an enemy, huh? We also talked about where to pick up and where to go. We decided we would go back to boyfriend status, exclusive, but keep separate houses for right now...just to help us ease back into things...while it didn't make sense...it did.

So anyways...that was two days ago. I waited for some positive recognition of our relationship, but there wasn't any. There was negative recognition, and lots of it. When we went back to school, holding hands, many of Yami's admirers frowned. When I told Tea, she was disappointed. Our friends all acted "normal"...the only thing said about our relationship was from Seto...and that just happened at lunch. I happened to be the first one to sit down, aside from Seto, who was already sitting. I had brought my lunch but everyone else was either in line buying theirs or hadn't made it to lunch yet. I was looking around, still acting sort of tense, waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop. Seto, not looking up from his cell phone, said "People get back together all the time. Stop acting like this is earth shattering news. We all knew you two couldn't stay separated for long."

And that was it. The Great and Powerful Seto had spoken. Suddenly, an image of Seto dressed as the Wizard popped into my head and I just busted up laughing. About then, Yami sat down with a tray as I was laughing. I laughed so hard tears started to fall from eyes. Yami sat down, smiling. "What's so funny, Aibou?" The rest of GAS started sitting down with their food, looking at me in confusion.

I smiled, wiping my eyes. "It was just something Seto said."

Joey raised an eyebrow. "Dis guy? He don't say nuttin' funny." Seto gave him the stink eye out of the corner of his eye. As I calmed down, Yami smiled and started eating. Talk turned to the weekend and plans for it, since there was a teacher workday on Friday...and since this was Thursday, Thursday was the new Friday. We all decided we needed to blow off some steam, so we agreed to meet at Sins about ten. As the bell rang, I thought this felt nice to be back to normal.

()()()()()()()()()()()

Looking in the mirror, I sighed. I guess this was as good as it was going to get. Grabbing some kohl, I smudged it under my eyes just slightly. My black tank top fit snugly, as did my black leather pants and boots. I made sure that my hair was not frizzy, although it still stood up in its standard star formation. Checking my phone, I saw it was 9:30. About then, there was a knock on my door. Yami told me he'd pick me up around 9:30. I grinned. It would be good to be hanging out with the group without the worry of school. Besides, I missed Fi and Mae. I hoped I'd see them there.

Trotting down the steps, I grinned at seeing Yami at the door. Opening it, I smiled. "You have a key still. I forgot to get it back from you, and well...now it would be silly to ask for it back." I smiled. He grinned as I took in his appearance. He was wearing old, ripped blue jeans, a white tee shirt, and had black wristbands on. I guess that must be a thing in Hollywood. I didn't remember him wearing them that often before he left, but he wore them all the time now it seemed. I poked at the wristbands as I looked at him. "Those popular in Hollywood? You've worn them a lot since being back."

Yami winked. "Oh yea. I just kinda liked the look. Come on." He helped me over to his motorcycle, crawling on and handing me my helmet before he put his on. As I crawled on, I wrapped my arms around him. As he revved up his bike and we took off, I felt the wind fly by. I sighed happily...I liked this feeling. I definitely liked being back to normal.

()()()()()()()()()()()()

Walking into Hidden Sins, I saw Fi behind the counter. Smiling, I walked up to her. She smiled back. "Looks like you two are back to normal?"

I grinned, nodding. She handed me a bucket of beer and I walked over to the big booth that was starting to fill up. Sitting it down, Bakura grabbed one. "Thanks, Shrimp." I frowned playfully at him as Ryou leaned against Bakura, pulling out a book. Fi walked over, sitting down a tea cup in front of Ryou, who smiled gratefully. Leave it to Ryou to read at a bar and drink tea. Grinning, I sat down next to Yami.

"I told ya dat would happen." I overheard Joey say to Seto. Seto glared at Joey as I looked between the two. Yami took a drink of his beer and shrugged when I looked quizzically at him. I learned back, taking a drink myself. I wanted to know, but knew better than to ask.

About then, I felt my phone buzz. Looking down, I saw a text message from an unknown number. Frowning, I opened it.

I didn't forget that you didn't deliver.

Scrunching my eyebrows together, I put my phone up. Who knows what that meant...probably a wrong number. Looking back up, I quickly forgot the mistake as I enjoyed the company of my friends.

Suddenly, I saw Mae and Sienna walk in. Grinning, I called out for them, and we made room as the pair came over. Sienna smiled and hugged me. "It's about time." she whispered in my ear as Mae giggled and nodded in agreement. I grinned and silently agreed.

I felt my phone buzz again. Looking down, I saw that Tea had texted.

Make sure you protect yourself.

I shook my head, smiling. She was sweet, if a bit too motherly. Leaning over, I snuggled against Yami as he put his arm around me. I breathed in his scent...he was wearing Drakkar, which I adored on him. Smiling, I snuggled into him, talking with my friends and enjoying drinks and conversation long into the early hours of the morning. Yes, it was definitely good to be back to normal.