The Quirks of Love

Part Nine: Where Second Chances Might Lead…

One month later…

Class was starting. She was gone. Yugi groaned and tried to get back to his usual routine. College was no walk in the park. The classes were harder, faster paced, and he'd nearly killed himself getting out of bed, getting ready, and eating breakfast this morning only to find that Yami had gotten him up a half hour early. He was getting to be annoying with these little 'at least now you won't be late' jokes of his.

History was one subject that Yugi had found he did pretty well in despite the advanced level. Naturally he was into Egyptian history most of all, Yami could always be helpful with that. And the semester was starting off with the Egyptian unit, luckily.

The teacher, however, was as boring as he could be, droning on in a monotone voice about ancient ruins and the methods for documenting artifacts…

He's talking about MY people and I'M getting put to sleep! Yami complained from inside Yugi's mind.

Yugi stifled a snicker. I know, but we'll probably be quizzed on this boring lecture later so I have to try and pay attention.

Good luck. Yami grunted, Wake me when it's over.

Try as he might Yugi just couldn't stay focused on the dreary lecture and soon found himself daydreaming. It was a pleasant daydream like any other but this time he wasn't in the middle of some Egyptian desert or exploring the decaying walls of an ancient pyramid. This time he was sitting on the edge of a pier gazing at Rebecca Hawkins as a ruby red sun set beneath the calm rippling sea.

"I'm glad you decided to come back this summer…" Yugi was saying as he watched the gentle breeze blow strands of her hair about her soft pale skin.

Two shimmering emerald eyes studied him from behind golden bangs, "You missed me did you? It's only been a year."

"It feels like forever." Yugi answered gently caressing her cheek.

"Oh Yugi-" Rebecca laughed.

Yugi stirred in his sleep.

"Yugi-"

"YUGI!"

"What?!" Yugi awoke startled and nearly tumbled out of his seat.

"Mr. Mutou, I'd appreciate it if you'd kindly leave your delusions at the door when you enter my classroom." the teacher spoke in a less subtle tone, "This is no dueling arena, fantasy and reality are quite different you know?! In reality your fantasies can cause you to fail this class!"

"Sorry Professor Hiuyushi." Yugi apologized, "It won't happen again."

Not even winter yet and you're already dreaming about next summer? Yami teased.

What, were you doing eavesdropping on my dreams?! Yugi demanded, I thought you'd already been bored to sleep.

I had, Yami stated, but your dream was more interesting.

Just then there was a knock at the door.

"Come in." Professor Hiuyushi called.

The door swung open to reveal none other than…

"Ah, Miss Rebecca Hawkins, so nice of you to join us."

"Sorry Professor, but enrollment took forever." she searched the room over and met Yugi's gaze giving him a wide 'surprise!' grin.

"Class, this is Rebecca Hawkins. She's one of the more advanced students who's moved on to college after completing her required high school courses with marvelous alacrity. Rebecca, I believe you'll find an empty seat open near Mr. Yugi Mutou by the window." Professor Hiuyushi directed.

"Rebecca?" Yugi gasped. "How??"

"Hey, you knew I was smart Yugi." Rebecca laughed, "I had some exams to take before starting a college in London but after all that happened on my visit…I figured I'd better stay here and keep you out of trouble."

Yugi laughed, "So now it's ME who's always getting into trouble?"

The teacher's glare silenced them both until class was over.

As the students filed out into the bustling hallway Yugi took the opportunity to chat with Rebecca some more.

"I can't tell you how happy I am to see you again." he blushed.

Fine then, Yami was teasing, I'll tell her for you!

You missed her too! Yugi reminded the spirit.

You missed her more.

"Yugi," Rebecca passed a hand over his eyes, "come back to Earth now. I was asking you where you were planning to leave from."

"Oh, out the back way by the lounge." Yugi answered, "Why?"

"Thought I'd catch a ride back with you."

"Really? Sure. Where are you and your grandpa staying?"

A smirk suddenly spread over her face, "Oh my grandpa had to go ahead to London and finish with his travels. I wasn't going to force him to change all his plans because of me."

"What?" Yugi cocked an eyebrow, "Then who…where are you---?"

"An old friend of my grandfather's offered to let me stay with him and his grandson…" Rebecca replied giving Yugi a quick peck on the cheek and dashing off into the crowded hall before he could react.

Gra-grandpa said WHAT?! Yugi gulped.

Looks like things are going to be a lot more interesting from now on…Yami concluded catching one last glimpse of the angelic creature fleeing away down a side hall. An unexpected feeling washed over him as he watched Rebecca disappear, it was the same strange feeling that had crept up upon him when she announced her visit was to be all too short. Eyes widening Yami realized what was happening, as impossible as it seemed, he too was spellbound by Rebecca.

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*Yay! I'm finished! ^_^ Wow, it only took 9 chapters. Please review and thank you all so much for reading my first Yu-Gi-Oh fic. Be sure to keep an eye out for the sequel, "For the Love of Past and Present"!*