Fallen Angels - Chapter Two
by Lady Armandina
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these wonderful Yu-gi-oh characters. Celesta and Adele are original characters of mine, and Raya belongs to the wonderful authoress, Anya (go read her Yugi fanfics!).
Author's Note: I realize that in the Japanese version, Bakura is the yami and Ryou is the aibou. However, I am only familiar with the American version and have grown a liking to calling Bakura the aibou, as that is what his name is in America. I appreciate those who have written to me to let me know of my 'mistake', but I assure you that it was not accidental, but was my choice to call Ryou the yami. I apologize for those of you who are confused by this, but it's just how I feel comfortable writing. I hope it doesn't discourage anyone from enjoying the story. Please let me know what all of you think! I love feedback! And thank you to those who have already reviewed!
~
**CLANK**
"Owwwww!"
"Joey? What's wrong?" Yugi yelled, rushing to the front door of his house when he heard his friend's yelp of pain. "I heard you knock, but I was on my way down the stairs when-"
He stopped upon seeing Joey, unable to control the laughter that had begun to form in his throat. There, laying on the front porch, was Joey, dressed in a knight costume that was clearly too heavy for him to try walking in. He was currently attempting to stand back up, but the weight of the armor kept causing him to fall back down again. Not one who is easily discouraged, Joey kept trying, but to no avail. When he noticed his best friend standing above him laughing hysterically, Joey began to get frustrated.
"Hey, Yug, you think you can give me a hand instead of just making fun of me?"
"Ha ha ha! I'm sorry, Joey! It's just so funny! You look like you got attacked by tinfoil in that thing!"
Joey's face turned red with embarrassment, though Yugi could not see because of the helmet Joey wore as part of the costume. He quickly threw his fake sword to the ground next to him and took Yugi's outstretched hands to help him stand up again.
"Thanks." He said, picking up his sword again. "So you don't like the costume?"
"Oh, no, Joey. I like the costume. I just never expected to see you as a knight."
"And why not?" Joey said, standing up straight and pretending to swing his sword. "Knights are noble, handsome, and are definite ladie's men! I'm perfect to be a knight!"
"Um, yes, of course you are, Joey! Ha ha ha!"
"Hey, look, it's Tea and Raya. Wow, check out the costumes!"
Tea and her close friend, Raya, were on the other side of the street waiting to cross. Raya's golden brown hair was brushed out long and straight and her costume seemed to be one of an Egyptian queen. She wore a long white tunic with a golden sash and thick gold earrings with a matching necklace, decorated with mysterious hieroglyphics. A golden snake armlet glittered from her left arm and several large scarab rings glistened from her gold-painted fingernails. Tea stood next to her in full ballerina costume, wearing an elegant pale blue leotard with long, thick strips of silk that hung from her waistline, down to her knees. Her hair was put up into a perfect bun and tiny rhinestones glittered brilliantly in her hair. Both girls were strikingly beautiful.
"Wow, they look great. Too bad Grandpa can't be here to see!"
"What? Your grandpa's not around?"
"No, he had some important meeting to go to."
"Hey guys!" called Raya as the girls were crossing the street.
"Hey, Raya. Hi, Tea."
"Hey, Yugi, you ever notice that their names rhyme?"
"What does that have to do with anything, Joey Wheeler?" scolded Tea.
"Nothing. I just thought it was funny. Ya know, Raya and Tea. Ha ha."
"Give him credit, Tea. At least he was intelligent to figure out that our names rhyme!" joked Raya.
"Hey! That's not fair!"
"You know I'm joking, Joey. We all love you!"
"Yeah, yeah. I've heard that one before. So, what's with the cat, anyway?"
"This is Tea's cat, Snowball. I'm borrowing him for the night to make my costume complete. You know, the Egyptians worshipped cats."
"Yeah, Cleopatra, I know that. So, did you and Yugi here plan your costumes together or something? He's an Egyptian pharaoh and you're the queen. Too weird."
Yugi and Raya smiled at each other, laughing. "No, Joey, strangely, we didn't. It's a coincidence."
"That's really strange, you guys. So, hey, where are Tristan and Bakura?"
"We're right behind you."
"Ah! Tristan! Don't sneak up on me like that!"
**CLANK**
"Owwwwww!" Joey fell over again. Much to his dismay, everyone was laughing hysterically at him.
"Come on, Joey" Yugi said, helping his friend up again. "Let's get going before you really hurt yourself. You know, you really better practice your walking skills before we get to the party. You don't want to fall over right in front of her!"
~~
A half hour later, Yugi and his friends arrived at the annual Domino City Halloween party. There were so many people there, many of which they all knew from school. Joey, however, was searching for one girl in particular.
"Joey Wheeler, is that you underneath all that tin?"
Joey turned around to see none other than Mai Valentine, or should we say, 'Madonna', standing behind him, hands on hips, a confident grin across her red lips. Joey looked up at her, noticing how much taller than him she was because of the high-heeled black leather boots she was wearing. He suddenly wished that he had not come at all, she looked so gorgeous! How could he think she ever would find him attractive, even dressed as a 'knight in shining armor'?
"Hey, Mai. Yeah, it's me all right. You look, uh, really nice."
Mai smiled and flipped her hair over her shoulder, batting her thick eyelashes at him and laughing. "Thank you, Joey. You look very uncomfortable."
Joey's heart sank. Uncomfortable? That didn't exactly sound like a compliment. What was he thinking? There she stood, in a tiny black mini- skirt, classic Mai-style, wearing a glittery sequined top and a black sequined cowboy hat. She was standing so close that he could smell her perfume, which smelled somewhat like cinnamon.
"But you know what? You should keep this lifted." She said, lifting the faceplate on his helmet. "It's easier for people to see your eyes that way."
"Uh, thanks, Mai." He stammered. "Hey, you think maybe-"
"Mai! Hey, over here!" a girl called from the other side of the room. Mai smiled at Joey and winked at him. He could hardly believe his eyes.
"See you later, Joey. I've gotta catch up with my friend."
And away she walked. Joey's heart was racing. What in the world was that all about? Why would she be concerned about people being able to see his eyes? Was it she that wanted to see his eyes? And why did she wink? And why did he not make his move while he had a chance?
'This is too stressful' he thought. 'I need some candy.'
"Hey, Joey, you want some punch?"
"Thanks, Tristan." Joey walked over to where Tristan was standing and held out his metal-gloved hand to reach for the cup. "There's no way I can hold the cup with this thing on." He tried yanking the glove off, but it was stuck! He pulled harder and harder until it came flying off and smashed to the ground with a loud **SMASH**.
"Oh no, Joey, you scared Snowball!" Raya yelled, as the kitten jumped out of her arms and ran across the floor amongst all the costumed people, nearly running over Bakura in the process. Tea screamed.
"Snowball! Oh no, somebody catch him!"
"I'm on it!" Bakura replied. He had no idea where to begin looking, but Joey certainly couldn't move around very well in his costume and Tristan was holding the drinks. Besides, he was the closest to where the kitten ran to so it was easiest for him to go.
Bakura ran through the crowd of people trying to catch up with the kitten, who was racing about, obviously terrified to be away from his 'Mommy'. Finally, the kitten slowed down as he ran toward a girl standing by herself in the corner of the room. She was dressed in a green medieval gown and wore a small golden crown, her long auburn hair flowing down the length of her back. As Bakura approached the girl, he noticed that she looked very sad and confused, and he wondered why it was the girl was here by herself. Who would come to a party alone? He walked up to her and quite suddenly felt a complete absence of courage as he noticed how kind her smile was.
"Hello," she said quietly, smiling cheerfully at him. There was something about her that was almost familiar, that struck something deep inside him as his eyes met the round green emeralds of hers. He felt speechless, bewildered, unsure of whether this sensation was pleasant or not. What exactly was it?
"Um, hello," Bakura started, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the look in her eyes. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I think that cat behind you belongs to a friend of mine."
She looked behind her and laughed, her long silky hair falling over her shoulders as she bent down to pick up the kitten. When she stood back up, she was smiling joyfully and petting the small animal with much affection. Bakura couldn't help but notice that the color of her eyes matched the deep green of the velvet gown she wore.
"She's beautiful," the girl commented. "What's her name?"
"Who? Oh, uh, the kitten, you mean? It's a boy, his name is Snowball."
"Well, I think Snowball here misses you, Mr.?"
"Oh, uh, Bakura! I mean, Bakura is my first name, that is."
"Well, Bakura, my name is Adele. It's nice to meet you. Take good care of this little guy." She said, handing him the kitten. "Ya know, he sorta looks like you. All fluffy-like."
"Excuse me?"
"Oh," she giggled. "Nevermind. Well, I guess you need to get back to your friends, huh?"
"Yes, yes, I do. It was nice meeting you, Adele."
"As it was you, Bakura."
Bakura turned around walked slowly back to where his friends were standing, watching him attentively. Yugi, Joey, and Tristan all smiled at him knowingly as Raya reached out quickly for her lost pet.
"Snowball! I'm glad you are all right! Thank you, Bakura." She said, turning to Bakura.
"Yeah, Raya, but I doubt Bakura minded the trip." Smirked Joey.
"What do you mean, Joey?"
"What I mean, man, is that you were seriously staring at that girl over there! Come on, buddy! You don't have to hide it from us!"
"Oh my, was it that noticeable?"
"Don't be shy, Bakura, why didn't you ask her to come over with us? It looks like she is here alone."
"Yeah," remarked Yugi. "It's always nice to make new friends. Besides, how much fun could she be having all by herself?"
"No, you don't understand." Bakura said. "It wasn't like that. There was something odd about her, I can't quite place it. It's almost as if I already know her from somewhere."
"Wow, that's totally weird, Bakura. But it looks like you're too late for explanations. Tristan is on his way over there already!"
"Tristan, no! Wait!" shouted Bakura. But Tristan only turned around, smiling, and gave him a thumbs-up.
'Oh, how embarrassing.'
Bakura did his best to act casual and not to blush as Tristan and Adele walked back over to the group. Adele was smiling brightly and immediately introduced herself to the others, thanking them for inviting her along. Bakura glanced at Tristan who was raising his eyebrows and smiling, obviously thinking he had done Bakura some great favor.
"Didn't you come with anybody?" asked Yugi.
"Oh, I did, but they already left. I was just about to leave also, even though I didn't really want to. But now that I have someone to keep me company, I am glad to stay."
"Well, that's great." Remarked Tea. "We're glad you joined us! And so is Snowball!"
Joey rolled his eyes. "Sheesh, Tea, it's just a cat! He can't really talk, ya know!"
"Of course I know that!" Tea snapped at him. "How stupid do you think I am?"
"Do you really want me to answer that?"
"Oooh! Will you just shut up already!"
The others laughed at Joey's mischief as Adele looked over at Bakura, smiling as usual.
"Your friends were very kind to invite me along. I'm happy to get to talk to you again. I wanted to ask you something."
"Ask me something? What is it?"
"Where did you get your costume? It's so original! I especially like the necklace, it looks like it's actually real gold!"
"My necklace? Oh, this." Bakura remembered he was wearing his Millenium Ring. "I found it in an antique shop. Thought it would go well with the costume."
"Well, it really does. You are a very convincing Sorcerer!"
Bakura smiled at the compliment. "Thank you. I like your costume as well. What made you decide to go as a princess?"
Adele laughed. "I don't know, maybe the hope that I would find a prince here?"
Joey, overhearing the comment, jumped at this opportunity to help out his buddy. "Well, ya see, Adele, that's perfect! Cuz Bakura here just happens to think-"
"What are you doing, Joey?!" Bakura cut in, clamping his hand over Joey's mouth.
"Aw, come on! I was just trying to-"
"Come on, Joey!" Tea said, grabbing Joey's arm and saving Bakura from further embarrassment. "I need you for something."
"What do you need?"
"Here. Babysit Snowball. Raya and I are going for some punch."
"Agh! NO! You want me to hold this fur ball? Be serious, Tea!"
"Shhhhh!"
Bakura laughed nervously, fiddling with his Millenium Ring. He appreciated his friends trying to help him talk to a girl, but they simply didn't understand. They didn't know what it was like to live with what he knew about himself. Bakura couldn't, wouldn't get close to anybody. Never again. Not after what happened.
"Bakura? Is everything all right?"
"Oh, yes, yes, I'm fine. I apologize, I'm a little distracted."
"That's okay." She said, pausing a moment before continuing. "Hey, I noticed from your accent that you are not from here. Could you be from England as well?"
"Why, yes I am, actually. That's where you are from?"
"Yes, I am from Worcester, in fact. Do you know of it?"
"Yes! I used to live in that same area! What a small world!"
"Yes, a small world indeed."
"So what brings you to Domino City?"
"Well, I guess you could say I have some research to do and Domino City is the only place in the world that can give me access to what I need. I've finished high school early back home so that I could move here for awhile and get everything done that I need."
"Wow, you finished early?"
"Yes, it was intense for awhile and I had no summer breaks, but I was able to finish a year early. I really just wanted to get started on my research."
"Sounds important! I guess you never had much time for fun, then?"
"Not really. Not until recently, that is. I have made a few friends since I moved here and it's great to be able to spend time on something other than schoolwork again!"
"I guess so! Hey, why don't we go and try some of the contests over there?"
"Sounds great!"
"Come on, everyone! Let's go see who can win the most games!"
The remainder of the party was spent between the group of friends with laughter, candy, and lots of bobbing for apples. Joey was convinced that if he couldn't be the Duel Master Champion, then apple-bobbing was his true calling in life. He could be the Apple Bobbing Champion!
"Hey, guys! Check it out! THREE apples, I got! Try to beat that!"
Bakura lifted his head from the tub of water he had his face in. "Good job, Joey, but I've already got my third as well!"
"What?! No way! Well, I'm not finished yet, ya know. I'm going for a fourth!"
Everyone laughed as Joey plunged his head back into the tub, desperately attempting to retrieve another apple. Bakura hadn't noticed as Adele came up next to him, pushing aside the snowy white wet hair that had been sticking to the side of his face.
"Oh, Adele, ha ha, thank you." He smiled.
Adele only looked at him with a curious expression upon her face, a tiny smile curling on her pink lips. There was something about her eyes.it almost seemed as if she were searching for something in his face. Could he just be imagining things? Her cheeks had become a rosy pink from the cold water of the apple-tub, and she had taken off her tiny golden crown, making her eyes stand out even more so than before.
"Bakura," she started, handing him a towel from a nearby table so that he could dry his face. "I've had a very nice time with you and your friends. I want to thank you again for inviting me along."
"Oh really, we are glad you came. Besides, Tristan is the one you should be thanking for the invite."
Adele smiled. "Well, all of you have been very kind. However, I must be getting home."
"That's fine, I understand. Do you need someone to walk you home? It's quite dark out."
"No, thank you. I don't live far at all. But I want to ask you and your friends something before I go."
"Sure, Adele, what is it?"
"Well, I'm having a few friends over my house tomorrow night and I'd like to invite you all to come as well."
"Sounds great! I'll tell the others."
"Wonderful! Here is my phone number. Call me tomorrow so I can tell you how to get to my house."
"All right."
"Leaving so soon?" said Tristan, cutting in.
"Yes, Tristan. I'm afraid I have some stuff to work on tonight before I can get to bed. But I have just told Bakura that you all should come over my house tomorrow night. I'm having some friends over and I'd love for you all to meet!"
"Sounds like fun. We'll be there."
"Great! Bakura has the details. I will see you all tomorrow then!"
She waved to the others as they called their goodbyes to her and Bakura watched as she turned around and walked away, her long auburn hair blowing softly in the late October breeze as she opened the door to leave. Tristan walked up behind Bakura and jokingly slapped him on the back.
"Don't worry, buddy. You'll get to see her again tomorrow."
"No, Tristan. It's not like that, really. There is something strange about her, I can't quite place it."
"Sure, there is." He said, winking. "We'll just see about that, won't we?"
"Yeah, I guess so, Tristan." Bakura answered, not really meaning what he said. Something made him uneasy about this girl. Something that made him fear her yet want to know her more all at the same time. He guessed Tristan was right, they would just have to see.
"Hey, guys, look!" remarked Joey. "It's Kaiba!"
"Wow, who would have thought he would show up at a party?"
"Yeah, I know, Tea. And he's not in costume, either."
"Yeah, Tristan, but you think he would have at least dressed up as a sea- horse! I mean, after all, that is what his name means!"
Everyone laughed at Joey's antics. It was simply impossible not to love the guy!
"Come on, Joey, I think it's time we go back home."
"Good call, Yug. Let's call it a night, shall we?" ~
That's it so far! Please review! --LA
by Lady Armandina
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these wonderful Yu-gi-oh characters. Celesta and Adele are original characters of mine, and Raya belongs to the wonderful authoress, Anya (go read her Yugi fanfics!).
Author's Note: I realize that in the Japanese version, Bakura is the yami and Ryou is the aibou. However, I am only familiar with the American version and have grown a liking to calling Bakura the aibou, as that is what his name is in America. I appreciate those who have written to me to let me know of my 'mistake', but I assure you that it was not accidental, but was my choice to call Ryou the yami. I apologize for those of you who are confused by this, but it's just how I feel comfortable writing. I hope it doesn't discourage anyone from enjoying the story. Please let me know what all of you think! I love feedback! And thank you to those who have already reviewed!
~
**CLANK**
"Owwwww!"
"Joey? What's wrong?" Yugi yelled, rushing to the front door of his house when he heard his friend's yelp of pain. "I heard you knock, but I was on my way down the stairs when-"
He stopped upon seeing Joey, unable to control the laughter that had begun to form in his throat. There, laying on the front porch, was Joey, dressed in a knight costume that was clearly too heavy for him to try walking in. He was currently attempting to stand back up, but the weight of the armor kept causing him to fall back down again. Not one who is easily discouraged, Joey kept trying, but to no avail. When he noticed his best friend standing above him laughing hysterically, Joey began to get frustrated.
"Hey, Yug, you think you can give me a hand instead of just making fun of me?"
"Ha ha ha! I'm sorry, Joey! It's just so funny! You look like you got attacked by tinfoil in that thing!"
Joey's face turned red with embarrassment, though Yugi could not see because of the helmet Joey wore as part of the costume. He quickly threw his fake sword to the ground next to him and took Yugi's outstretched hands to help him stand up again.
"Thanks." He said, picking up his sword again. "So you don't like the costume?"
"Oh, no, Joey. I like the costume. I just never expected to see you as a knight."
"And why not?" Joey said, standing up straight and pretending to swing his sword. "Knights are noble, handsome, and are definite ladie's men! I'm perfect to be a knight!"
"Um, yes, of course you are, Joey! Ha ha ha!"
"Hey, look, it's Tea and Raya. Wow, check out the costumes!"
Tea and her close friend, Raya, were on the other side of the street waiting to cross. Raya's golden brown hair was brushed out long and straight and her costume seemed to be one of an Egyptian queen. She wore a long white tunic with a golden sash and thick gold earrings with a matching necklace, decorated with mysterious hieroglyphics. A golden snake armlet glittered from her left arm and several large scarab rings glistened from her gold-painted fingernails. Tea stood next to her in full ballerina costume, wearing an elegant pale blue leotard with long, thick strips of silk that hung from her waistline, down to her knees. Her hair was put up into a perfect bun and tiny rhinestones glittered brilliantly in her hair. Both girls were strikingly beautiful.
"Wow, they look great. Too bad Grandpa can't be here to see!"
"What? Your grandpa's not around?"
"No, he had some important meeting to go to."
"Hey guys!" called Raya as the girls were crossing the street.
"Hey, Raya. Hi, Tea."
"Hey, Yugi, you ever notice that their names rhyme?"
"What does that have to do with anything, Joey Wheeler?" scolded Tea.
"Nothing. I just thought it was funny. Ya know, Raya and Tea. Ha ha."
"Give him credit, Tea. At least he was intelligent to figure out that our names rhyme!" joked Raya.
"Hey! That's not fair!"
"You know I'm joking, Joey. We all love you!"
"Yeah, yeah. I've heard that one before. So, what's with the cat, anyway?"
"This is Tea's cat, Snowball. I'm borrowing him for the night to make my costume complete. You know, the Egyptians worshipped cats."
"Yeah, Cleopatra, I know that. So, did you and Yugi here plan your costumes together or something? He's an Egyptian pharaoh and you're the queen. Too weird."
Yugi and Raya smiled at each other, laughing. "No, Joey, strangely, we didn't. It's a coincidence."
"That's really strange, you guys. So, hey, where are Tristan and Bakura?"
"We're right behind you."
"Ah! Tristan! Don't sneak up on me like that!"
**CLANK**
"Owwwwww!" Joey fell over again. Much to his dismay, everyone was laughing hysterically at him.
"Come on, Joey" Yugi said, helping his friend up again. "Let's get going before you really hurt yourself. You know, you really better practice your walking skills before we get to the party. You don't want to fall over right in front of her!"
~~
A half hour later, Yugi and his friends arrived at the annual Domino City Halloween party. There were so many people there, many of which they all knew from school. Joey, however, was searching for one girl in particular.
"Joey Wheeler, is that you underneath all that tin?"
Joey turned around to see none other than Mai Valentine, or should we say, 'Madonna', standing behind him, hands on hips, a confident grin across her red lips. Joey looked up at her, noticing how much taller than him she was because of the high-heeled black leather boots she was wearing. He suddenly wished that he had not come at all, she looked so gorgeous! How could he think she ever would find him attractive, even dressed as a 'knight in shining armor'?
"Hey, Mai. Yeah, it's me all right. You look, uh, really nice."
Mai smiled and flipped her hair over her shoulder, batting her thick eyelashes at him and laughing. "Thank you, Joey. You look very uncomfortable."
Joey's heart sank. Uncomfortable? That didn't exactly sound like a compliment. What was he thinking? There she stood, in a tiny black mini- skirt, classic Mai-style, wearing a glittery sequined top and a black sequined cowboy hat. She was standing so close that he could smell her perfume, which smelled somewhat like cinnamon.
"But you know what? You should keep this lifted." She said, lifting the faceplate on his helmet. "It's easier for people to see your eyes that way."
"Uh, thanks, Mai." He stammered. "Hey, you think maybe-"
"Mai! Hey, over here!" a girl called from the other side of the room. Mai smiled at Joey and winked at him. He could hardly believe his eyes.
"See you later, Joey. I've gotta catch up with my friend."
And away she walked. Joey's heart was racing. What in the world was that all about? Why would she be concerned about people being able to see his eyes? Was it she that wanted to see his eyes? And why did she wink? And why did he not make his move while he had a chance?
'This is too stressful' he thought. 'I need some candy.'
"Hey, Joey, you want some punch?"
"Thanks, Tristan." Joey walked over to where Tristan was standing and held out his metal-gloved hand to reach for the cup. "There's no way I can hold the cup with this thing on." He tried yanking the glove off, but it was stuck! He pulled harder and harder until it came flying off and smashed to the ground with a loud **SMASH**.
"Oh no, Joey, you scared Snowball!" Raya yelled, as the kitten jumped out of her arms and ran across the floor amongst all the costumed people, nearly running over Bakura in the process. Tea screamed.
"Snowball! Oh no, somebody catch him!"
"I'm on it!" Bakura replied. He had no idea where to begin looking, but Joey certainly couldn't move around very well in his costume and Tristan was holding the drinks. Besides, he was the closest to where the kitten ran to so it was easiest for him to go.
Bakura ran through the crowd of people trying to catch up with the kitten, who was racing about, obviously terrified to be away from his 'Mommy'. Finally, the kitten slowed down as he ran toward a girl standing by herself in the corner of the room. She was dressed in a green medieval gown and wore a small golden crown, her long auburn hair flowing down the length of her back. As Bakura approached the girl, he noticed that she looked very sad and confused, and he wondered why it was the girl was here by herself. Who would come to a party alone? He walked up to her and quite suddenly felt a complete absence of courage as he noticed how kind her smile was.
"Hello," she said quietly, smiling cheerfully at him. There was something about her that was almost familiar, that struck something deep inside him as his eyes met the round green emeralds of hers. He felt speechless, bewildered, unsure of whether this sensation was pleasant or not. What exactly was it?
"Um, hello," Bakura started, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the look in her eyes. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I think that cat behind you belongs to a friend of mine."
She looked behind her and laughed, her long silky hair falling over her shoulders as she bent down to pick up the kitten. When she stood back up, she was smiling joyfully and petting the small animal with much affection. Bakura couldn't help but notice that the color of her eyes matched the deep green of the velvet gown she wore.
"She's beautiful," the girl commented. "What's her name?"
"Who? Oh, uh, the kitten, you mean? It's a boy, his name is Snowball."
"Well, I think Snowball here misses you, Mr.?"
"Oh, uh, Bakura! I mean, Bakura is my first name, that is."
"Well, Bakura, my name is Adele. It's nice to meet you. Take good care of this little guy." She said, handing him the kitten. "Ya know, he sorta looks like you. All fluffy-like."
"Excuse me?"
"Oh," she giggled. "Nevermind. Well, I guess you need to get back to your friends, huh?"
"Yes, yes, I do. It was nice meeting you, Adele."
"As it was you, Bakura."
Bakura turned around walked slowly back to where his friends were standing, watching him attentively. Yugi, Joey, and Tristan all smiled at him knowingly as Raya reached out quickly for her lost pet.
"Snowball! I'm glad you are all right! Thank you, Bakura." She said, turning to Bakura.
"Yeah, Raya, but I doubt Bakura minded the trip." Smirked Joey.
"What do you mean, Joey?"
"What I mean, man, is that you were seriously staring at that girl over there! Come on, buddy! You don't have to hide it from us!"
"Oh my, was it that noticeable?"
"Don't be shy, Bakura, why didn't you ask her to come over with us? It looks like she is here alone."
"Yeah," remarked Yugi. "It's always nice to make new friends. Besides, how much fun could she be having all by herself?"
"No, you don't understand." Bakura said. "It wasn't like that. There was something odd about her, I can't quite place it. It's almost as if I already know her from somewhere."
"Wow, that's totally weird, Bakura. But it looks like you're too late for explanations. Tristan is on his way over there already!"
"Tristan, no! Wait!" shouted Bakura. But Tristan only turned around, smiling, and gave him a thumbs-up.
'Oh, how embarrassing.'
Bakura did his best to act casual and not to blush as Tristan and Adele walked back over to the group. Adele was smiling brightly and immediately introduced herself to the others, thanking them for inviting her along. Bakura glanced at Tristan who was raising his eyebrows and smiling, obviously thinking he had done Bakura some great favor.
"Didn't you come with anybody?" asked Yugi.
"Oh, I did, but they already left. I was just about to leave also, even though I didn't really want to. But now that I have someone to keep me company, I am glad to stay."
"Well, that's great." Remarked Tea. "We're glad you joined us! And so is Snowball!"
Joey rolled his eyes. "Sheesh, Tea, it's just a cat! He can't really talk, ya know!"
"Of course I know that!" Tea snapped at him. "How stupid do you think I am?"
"Do you really want me to answer that?"
"Oooh! Will you just shut up already!"
The others laughed at Joey's mischief as Adele looked over at Bakura, smiling as usual.
"Your friends were very kind to invite me along. I'm happy to get to talk to you again. I wanted to ask you something."
"Ask me something? What is it?"
"Where did you get your costume? It's so original! I especially like the necklace, it looks like it's actually real gold!"
"My necklace? Oh, this." Bakura remembered he was wearing his Millenium Ring. "I found it in an antique shop. Thought it would go well with the costume."
"Well, it really does. You are a very convincing Sorcerer!"
Bakura smiled at the compliment. "Thank you. I like your costume as well. What made you decide to go as a princess?"
Adele laughed. "I don't know, maybe the hope that I would find a prince here?"
Joey, overhearing the comment, jumped at this opportunity to help out his buddy. "Well, ya see, Adele, that's perfect! Cuz Bakura here just happens to think-"
"What are you doing, Joey?!" Bakura cut in, clamping his hand over Joey's mouth.
"Aw, come on! I was just trying to-"
"Come on, Joey!" Tea said, grabbing Joey's arm and saving Bakura from further embarrassment. "I need you for something."
"What do you need?"
"Here. Babysit Snowball. Raya and I are going for some punch."
"Agh! NO! You want me to hold this fur ball? Be serious, Tea!"
"Shhhhh!"
Bakura laughed nervously, fiddling with his Millenium Ring. He appreciated his friends trying to help him talk to a girl, but they simply didn't understand. They didn't know what it was like to live with what he knew about himself. Bakura couldn't, wouldn't get close to anybody. Never again. Not after what happened.
"Bakura? Is everything all right?"
"Oh, yes, yes, I'm fine. I apologize, I'm a little distracted."
"That's okay." She said, pausing a moment before continuing. "Hey, I noticed from your accent that you are not from here. Could you be from England as well?"
"Why, yes I am, actually. That's where you are from?"
"Yes, I am from Worcester, in fact. Do you know of it?"
"Yes! I used to live in that same area! What a small world!"
"Yes, a small world indeed."
"So what brings you to Domino City?"
"Well, I guess you could say I have some research to do and Domino City is the only place in the world that can give me access to what I need. I've finished high school early back home so that I could move here for awhile and get everything done that I need."
"Wow, you finished early?"
"Yes, it was intense for awhile and I had no summer breaks, but I was able to finish a year early. I really just wanted to get started on my research."
"Sounds important! I guess you never had much time for fun, then?"
"Not really. Not until recently, that is. I have made a few friends since I moved here and it's great to be able to spend time on something other than schoolwork again!"
"I guess so! Hey, why don't we go and try some of the contests over there?"
"Sounds great!"
"Come on, everyone! Let's go see who can win the most games!"
The remainder of the party was spent between the group of friends with laughter, candy, and lots of bobbing for apples. Joey was convinced that if he couldn't be the Duel Master Champion, then apple-bobbing was his true calling in life. He could be the Apple Bobbing Champion!
"Hey, guys! Check it out! THREE apples, I got! Try to beat that!"
Bakura lifted his head from the tub of water he had his face in. "Good job, Joey, but I've already got my third as well!"
"What?! No way! Well, I'm not finished yet, ya know. I'm going for a fourth!"
Everyone laughed as Joey plunged his head back into the tub, desperately attempting to retrieve another apple. Bakura hadn't noticed as Adele came up next to him, pushing aside the snowy white wet hair that had been sticking to the side of his face.
"Oh, Adele, ha ha, thank you." He smiled.
Adele only looked at him with a curious expression upon her face, a tiny smile curling on her pink lips. There was something about her eyes.it almost seemed as if she were searching for something in his face. Could he just be imagining things? Her cheeks had become a rosy pink from the cold water of the apple-tub, and she had taken off her tiny golden crown, making her eyes stand out even more so than before.
"Bakura," she started, handing him a towel from a nearby table so that he could dry his face. "I've had a very nice time with you and your friends. I want to thank you again for inviting me along."
"Oh really, we are glad you came. Besides, Tristan is the one you should be thanking for the invite."
Adele smiled. "Well, all of you have been very kind. However, I must be getting home."
"That's fine, I understand. Do you need someone to walk you home? It's quite dark out."
"No, thank you. I don't live far at all. But I want to ask you and your friends something before I go."
"Sure, Adele, what is it?"
"Well, I'm having a few friends over my house tomorrow night and I'd like to invite you all to come as well."
"Sounds great! I'll tell the others."
"Wonderful! Here is my phone number. Call me tomorrow so I can tell you how to get to my house."
"All right."
"Leaving so soon?" said Tristan, cutting in.
"Yes, Tristan. I'm afraid I have some stuff to work on tonight before I can get to bed. But I have just told Bakura that you all should come over my house tomorrow night. I'm having some friends over and I'd love for you all to meet!"
"Sounds like fun. We'll be there."
"Great! Bakura has the details. I will see you all tomorrow then!"
She waved to the others as they called their goodbyes to her and Bakura watched as she turned around and walked away, her long auburn hair blowing softly in the late October breeze as she opened the door to leave. Tristan walked up behind Bakura and jokingly slapped him on the back.
"Don't worry, buddy. You'll get to see her again tomorrow."
"No, Tristan. It's not like that, really. There is something strange about her, I can't quite place it."
"Sure, there is." He said, winking. "We'll just see about that, won't we?"
"Yeah, I guess so, Tristan." Bakura answered, not really meaning what he said. Something made him uneasy about this girl. Something that made him fear her yet want to know her more all at the same time. He guessed Tristan was right, they would just have to see.
"Hey, guys, look!" remarked Joey. "It's Kaiba!"
"Wow, who would have thought he would show up at a party?"
"Yeah, I know, Tea. And he's not in costume, either."
"Yeah, Tristan, but you think he would have at least dressed up as a sea- horse! I mean, after all, that is what his name means!"
Everyone laughed at Joey's antics. It was simply impossible not to love the guy!
"Come on, Joey, I think it's time we go back home."
"Good call, Yug. Let's call it a night, shall we?" ~
That's it so far! Please review! --LA