Yasha: *comes out with a shield, an umbrella, and a pointy stick" Okay,
before you all decide to kill me...I apologize that this chapter was soooo
late! *sigh* It's like, geez! Ya get off the computer for one stinking day
and you've lost the heart to write! The mood CAN be lost, ya know!
*growls* I've been loaded down with work and stuff and then there's the
part about me being banned from the computer. I've also had a case of a
certain...creative hinderment.
Anrui: Ohhhh, you mean Writer's Bl- *is cut off by Yasha's hand*
Yasha: SHHHH! We do not speak it's name! *eyes dart around in a paranoid sort of way* It is an evil that flies on swift wings to rob such artists of their heart to create! Speaking it's name will only summon it back to feed once again!
Anrui: -_-;; I'm sorry, Hikari, but... *snaps fingers-men in white coats come and grab Yasha*
Yasha: *fuming-fights off men* I am NOT mentally ill!!! I'm crazy and a bit psychotic...but, not mentally sick!
Anrui: *sceptic look*
Yasha: ...Okay, maybe I am a little bit...
Anrui: Good girl, admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery. Now...*snaps fingers again*
Yasha: WAIT! I still have to thank the reviewers!
Anrui: Tch, who cares?
Yasha: AND I have to do the disclaimer!
Anrui: Big whoop, I could do it for you!
Yasha: It wouldn't be the same, you're not writing the story.
Anrui: I'm half of the person who's writing the story!
Yasha: *shakes head* Only in body, Yami.
Anrui: *growls* Fine...let her go.
Yasha: YAY! I'M FREE! I'M FREE!! I'M FREE!!!
Anrui: -_-
Yasha: Thankies to all of the following: still name-searching: Arigatou for your support, I'll try to keep a faster pace from now on. ^_^;;
Jadej.j: *laughs* I'm not telling you anything! You'll have to wait and find out.
Gohan-Fan: It's alright, thank you for reviewing this time! I'm glad that you think so highly of it, you peoples are awesome! *huggles*
Zypher Dragon a.k.a. Diamond: ^_^
ExBobble06: Yugi's cute all of the time, though that line does make him sound especially kawaii! Yay! Yami and Seto...now I just need to bring in everyone else! *sigh* A writer's work is NEVER done.
Chibizoo: Thankies! I'll see if I can enter, I need to think of plot. Can it be a songfic? Just wondering.
Ly the werewolf: *laughs* Ly! *huggles* That scene was great fun to write, and I bet it was even better to read! Keep reviewing!
Ryan-Ookami: Aww, but I like my ego exploded. *laughs* I'm sorry that I haven't got to reading your stories yet, I've been busy with exam-prep and stuff (I know, that's a crappy excuse). I promise that I will read it soon! Question: I saw that you started a new story in the 'Fierce' series...is 'Fierce Child' completed or are you still going?
Wolfspeaker: ^_^ You liked the pentagrams, huh? Sweet! They took a bunch of time to think up (believe it or not)...I'm a slow thinker, and an even slower writer *laughs*.
MMW: ^_~
Harathina: I will, arigatou!
Silver Dragon: I'm TRYING to update as fast as I can! *faints from...writing exhaustion* *laughs* Thankies!
Dee Jay: HAHAHA! Thought you could fool us, ne? Yep, gotta LOVE the teasing! ^_~
Queen of Eternal Darkness: Sweet name! Yeppers, arigatou to you, too!
Bunnychan: O_o My, my you two are violent! *laughs* If your Yami keeps bothering you, I can always lend a fireball! I LOVE roast Yami! *grins evilly at Anrui who tries to sneak away* Anrui: Hey, I've been slightly civil here! Yasha: What about that asylum-stunt that you just pulled? Anrui: *shrugs* I said slightly.
rox: ^_^ Arigatou! Kami Anya: I ain't telling you nothing! Wait...that's a double negative. I'm still not saying anything! Mmmm, yaoi...
Yasha: Arigatou and huggles to everyone that reviewed and read! Your reviews have made me so incredibly happy! Thankies for all of your support and I hope that you'll keep giving it to me! Two questions: #1) Still name- searching... Is that you eponrod, or is that someone else? I'm sorry if it isn't...my mistake. #2) Does anyone know how exactly you pronounce 'yaoi'? I don't know and I NEED to know how to say it! It would help me out a lot if you could tell me.
Yasha's Tip of the Day: ALWAYS PROOF-READ YOUR STUFF BEFORE YOU PUT IT ON!!! I'm not saying this to anyone in particular, but I was editing come of my old chappies on my computer and I saw SO many typos that I missed. Very embarrassing. So, please...do it for the sake of the story and the children! *falls to knees* Do it for the children!
Ahem...*gets up* Once again, I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!, Kazuki Takahashi does, the lucky dog. He gets to be an awesome artist AND he owns so many awesome bishis! I own the story, though. Anyone who copies or uses my ideas without my permission will suffer a most painful death. (If you absolutely have to use an idea [yes, that includes the pentagrams] I ask that you ask me first. Please tell me who you are, what the story is [so I can review too!] and what your possible intentions are. You can contact me if you cant any advice or help, I'd be happy to!) Arigatou again and on with the fic!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The first day of the new school year ended as every first day did, heavy. Students were literally dragging their bags home and those who had cars felt they would break it with all of the extra weight. The lists and notes from the classes weren't so bad, it was the mounds of textbooks that needed to be carted home to be covered. While the human students hopelessly dragged their overflowing bags to catch the buses, the five werewolves were able to carry theirs to their convertible with incredible ease, without even bursting the seams.
Jou was still in a huff over his seating and everyone was still in wonderment over the crimson-eyed boy; Yugi, more so than the others. It had, at first, been the likeness between them that had astounded him; then, it was the gracefulness in his step, the fire in his scarlet orbs, and a lingering sense of danger in his aura. Yugi was in a conflict between the dueling ends of his mind, one told him to stay away from the danger that this boy possessed, the other was saying that he should find out the mystery that enshrouded this figure. Unfortunately, Yugi couldn't figure out which voice was his better judgement or, whether or not he should obey it.
"YUGI!" a deafening scream came to Yugi's ear, causing give a high yelp and jump about three feet into the air. "Sorry, Yug," Jou apologized, "you were jus' zonin' out."
The pale skin on Yugi's soft cheeks gained a light hue of pink. "Sorry, just...thinking." he replied sheepishly. What he really focusing that hard on the enigma of this boy?
"Well, ya can think as much as ya want as soon as we get home. C'mon!" the blond called back to the straying smaller boy.
Yugi broke into a quick run to catch up with his retreating friends. "W- wait up, guys!" he yelled to them, forgetting his thoughts in his effort to catch up.
*****
And so, the school year had begun. The hours turned into days, which changed into weeks, that added into the next month. September had passed quickly and it was now the middle of October. The teachers had spent a good portion of the first month trying to get the students back into the familiar rhythm of the educational system, and now the students were being more and more loaded down with homework.
"I hate Math!" Jounouchi growled, slamming his textbook shut. His body reclined on the carpeted floor of the living room, his hands behind his head while the rest of his body lay flat. A deep sigh came from his mouth, "What's da point? Do they think dat I'm actually gonna use this...," he looked at his homework, "c..al...cu...lus? What da hell is dat?" he screamed.
"Maybe if you had read the chapter you would know!" Anzu said, irritated with the tawny-haired wolf's laziness.
Jou shrugged the she-wolf's complaint off and picked his book off of the floor, returning to his work. Two hours later, dinner was served and the blond had just finished the remainder of his homework. He bounded into the dining room and took a seat with the rest of the pack members.
Sugoroku turned his attention to the teens as they loaded their plates with potroast, potatoes, corn, and gravy from the warm dishes that were set on the cloth-covered table. "Now," he said to the youths, "I imagine that you now have a good idea of your classes, why not tell me about them?" The elder wolf didn't like to base opinions of the teens's teachers on first impressions so, he would always ask them when they had a better chance to get acquainted. "How are your teachers?"
"Their okay," Yugi said.
"Science is kinda hard, I can't understand what Sensei Saiensu is talking about." Anzu shrugged her shoulders.
"I keep wanting to fall asleep in History," Ryou told the elder.
"Yeah, me too. Sensai Gotaku could put a java-hyped, pothead, chock-fulla- steroids robin to sleep," Honda smiled as he saw the others laughing at his joke.
"I wish that Sensei Keisuu would explain dis math stuff betta, it makes no sense ta me," Jounouchi grumbled. Sugoroku chuckled at the distressed young wolf, "All will come in time, Jounouchi. For now, you should ask for help and try your hardest. What about your classmates?" he asked, addressing all of the wolves again.
The sound of grinding teeth could be heard from the blond wolf, his eyes dark and his fists clenching.
"Jou's not too happy about a certain someone in our class," Yugi explained to his confused Grandpa.
"I see. Well, best to at least try to get along and, if that doesn't work, just ignore them." The elder always had a simple solution for everything.
"It may not be dat simple," the blond sighed under his breath, "he's not exactly one for friendliness; not from what I've experienced."
"Are we doing The Run this Halloween, Grandpa?" Seeing how everything had become so quiet, Anzu decided to rekindle the conversation with a new subject.
"If the weather is good, then yes." The old wolf smiled at the joy on the she-wolf's pale face.
"Will other packs be coming?" Honda inquired.
"I'm not sure. I haven't heard any word from any of the other packs, I don't think so." Sugoruko answered. "We will have to see."
*****
History class lagged on at a horribly sluggish pace the next day. Rain speckled the windows, adding more dreariness to the gray sky. The gentle tapping of the heavy shower beat a steady lullaby and Yugi felt as though he would soon drift off to sleep. A faint snoring came from behind him. Turning, he saw a tawny head resting on the desk, golden bangs fluttering with each breath. Nonchalantly, Yugi slowly turned and gave the slumbering Jou a firm kick in his leg. A startled yelp came from Jou, but was blocked by Yugi's small hand. Yugi nodded to the teacher and Jou calmed down, just realizing that he was still in class. Shifting in his desk, Jou let out a soft groan of aggravation as it dawned on him that this was only the first class of the day.
BRING! The bell rang. There was a rush to get out of the room and on to the next class. Sensei Gotaku's voice followed the students, reminding of their assignments for the next day.
"I have to stay after today, Jou." Yugi told the blond beside him as they filed out of the classroom. "I asked Sensei Keisuu to help me understand the new unit we're doing, so I won't be coming home with you guys."
"How will ya get home?" Jou asked. "I'll take the late bus, or maybe I'll walk. It's not that far."
"Aight, if you're sure."
"Thanks. Could you tell the rest of the gang? I know that you have classes with some of them today."
"Will do, Yug." Jou assured the smaller wolf, winking and giving a small two-fingered salute. "I'll see ya at lunch."
"Okay, catch ya later!" The two wolves parted, Jou went up the stairs to his next class and Yugi went to make a stop at his locker. A small flush crept up his pale cheeks when he saw what was in front of his locker. The couple that he had recognized from the first day of school was caught in another face-sucking tournament...in front of his locker. "Ahem," he said weakly, the pair didn't move. "AHEM!" It came out louder this time. The two turned to look at him. The girl muttered a breathy apology and the boy simply glared before gently pulling the girl off to the side and commencing their make out session. After dumping his books in the relatively orderly locker, Yugi shut the metal door with a slam. He took one last look at the couple before turning to leave. Yugi's arm collided sharply with something as he rounded. Clutching his arm, he spun to see what had hit him. The cabalistic Yami stood behind him, his ruby eyes transfixed on the petite boy.
"I'm sorry," Yami said, "I didn't hurt you, did I?" Scarlet orbs expressed definite concern for his look-alike as a hand settled on the thin arm that he was grasping.
"I-I'm fine, t-thank y-you." Embarrassment screamed in Yugi's veins, heating the blood and made it rise to his face. "It was m-my fault," he stuttered, though less than before. "I guess I was..." he looked back at the still-kissing duo, "...distracted."
Yami's silken lips curled into a smile as he regarded the two. "I can see how anyone could be distracted with that by their locker," he chuckled. He removed his hand from Yugi's shoulder, he thought he could see a slight pang of disappointment in the boy's violet eyes as he did so. "May I ask you name?"
His melodic voice caressed Yugi's ears, it's low tone reverberating in his heart, provoking it to beat faster. "Yugi, Yugi Mutou." he managed to squeak out.
Yami smiled again. "I'll see you later, Yugi."
An immense feeling of awe froze Yugi on the spot as he watched the figure disappear into the throng of passing students. He may have been frozen, but his mind wasn't. His brain seemed to go into overdrive as it stressed to sort and memorize all that had just occurred; his deep voice, the warm glow of his eyes, the kindness of his words, the wonderful feeling of his firm hand on Yugi's arm, even the experience of being hit by his strong, muscular limb was quickly being processed into his memory. Never before had the young wolf felt such an emotional rush, it was exhilarating.
'What's happening to me?' he thought. 'Could I be...? Am I...? No. I'm just impressed by his likeness to me, nothing more.' The sound of the kissing couple drew Yugi's attention back, yet again. They were still kissing and groping each other, though the actions bordered between sensible and too-heated-for-school. An involuntary image flashed in Yugi's mind, one of he and Yami in the same position, their tongues fondling as Yami wrapped his powerful arms around Yugi's waist, their breath becoming labored as they were engulfed by the horribly fiery urge to...
Yugi's head shook violently in his effort to get rid of the image, all too aware of the redness that once again plagued his features. His head hung low, he quickly made for his next class, careful to avoid being seen be any of his friends.
*****
"Thanks Sensei Keisuu. I'll see you tomorrow." Yugi ran out of his Math teacher's classroom and started down the staircase, rushing to get to the late bus before it left. His bookbag beat furiously on his back, pausing only when Yugi opened the main doors to the school, just as the bus left. "Damn it," he growled, "I'll have to walk." Unfortunately, it was still raining. Yugi groaned and plopped himself on the ground. He tried to think of a way to get home, with no success; he had no money to call his friends to pick him up and he didn't have an umbrella. "Damn," he muttered to himself.
"Yugi?" A low voice came from behind him, causing him to turn.
"Yami!" he gasped. "What are you doing here?"
"I had to stay after for Gotaku, I needed help on the assignment." The tall male held out a uniform jacket. "I was just leaving her classroom when Keisuu gave me this. He apparently thought I was you. I guess we'll have to get used to that, huh?" he chuckled.
"Guess so," Yugi giggled nervously as he reached for the coat and put it on. "Thank you."
"Why are you still here?" Yami asked, placing himself beside the smallish boy. "Didn't the bus leave already?"
"Yeah, I just missed it." A heavy sigh came from Yugi's twin petal lips. "I don't know how I'm going to get home. I could walk, but I really don't want to walk in the rain without an umbrella." The faint sound of a zipper reached Yugi's ears; he turned his head.
Yami was opening his black bookbag. Reaching his hand in, he produced a small, black umbrella. "I always carry one. I once had a horrible experience with rain and this hair," he pointed to his tri-colored spikes. "Do you want me to walk you home?" he queried as he stood.
"Um...I don't want to be in your way." he shyly mumbled, he could feel the infamous blush returning.
"It's alright, it's on the way." One of his tanned hands reached out to Yugi, beckoning the smaller boy to take it.
"O-okay," he stammered as his small hand grasped the contrasting larger one. The innocent touch sparked every one of his tense nerves, shocking the petite male's face into another wave of rouge.
*****
The rain maintained a steady pace, beating a pattering beat on the fabric of the umbrella as the two walked down the road. The sidewalk was damp and decorated with drowning worms, so they chose to walk in the street. They conversed about school, favorite bands, books, and even a bit about the weather (though it was quickly dropped). Yugi had become more comfortable as the two talked, but his cheeks still held a unusually dark hue of pink.
"I know!" Yami laughed, "Saiensu can be so anal. Like that time that Chameru-kun put that huge wad of chewed gum on his desk chair. His expression was priceless!"
"Ugh, I thought that I was either going to puke or die laughing!" Yugi joined the other boy in a lengthy fit of hearty laughter. Wiping a tear from his amethyst eyes, he looked down the street and noticed his house drawing nearer. "I live right up there," he pointed to his destination, "It's the big one with the black car in the driveway."
"Damn, that's a big house!" Yami exclaimed. "How many people live in there?"
"Jou, Honda, Anzu, Ryou, my Grandpa, and I all live there."
"Ah," the ruby-eyed male mused, "so that's why you five are so close."
"Yeah, we've known each other for forever. I couldn't ask for a better family." A sincere grin graced Yugi's lips as he spoke these words.
Yami turned to him, "You aren't all related, are you?"
"Oh no!" Yugi hastily assured him, "We all just live together." His expression now became obviously sullen. "We're all either orphans or our parents can't take care of us; my Grandpa does that."
"I'm sorry, Yugi." Yami felt ashamed and placed a hand on Yugi's shoulder.
"It's alright, you didn't know." Yugi began to sniffle, partly because of the rain, partly because of the subject.
Both remained quiet for the rest of the cold walk to Yugi's home. They strolled up the glossy blacktop driveway, passed the water-spotted car, to the dry porch.
"I suppose that this is where I leave you, Yugi" Yami told his shorter schoolmate. "I'll see you at school tomorrow." Rounding on the boy, he began to leave when a hand on his arm stopped him.
"Yami..." Yugi tried to keep eye contact with the boy while his face began to redden. "Does this mean that we're friends now?"
Stunned, Yami pondered the question for a brief moment before his mouth curled into a small smile. "Yes, I suppose it does." Crimson met amethyst in a brief moment of assurance and truth.
Yugi's pale face widened with his grin, he could hardly contain his happiness that came with the promise of this new friend. "Thank you," was all he was able to answer. "I'll see you tomorrow Yami!" The bantam boy retreated into the house, grinning once more at his mirror image.
"Yeah, see ya!" Yami called to the boy as he closed the door. Umbrella in hand, he stepped once again into the downpour. Upon reaching the end of the driveway, he took a last look at the seismic house. Werewolf aura radiated from it, Yami could smell it, feel it, smell it, and recognize it for what it was. 'Excellent, I have now found means to the very heart of one of the greatest pack that has ever existed. Five young wolves and the famous Sugoruko too,' Yami grinned darkly, 'I couldn't ask for a more worthy prey. Maybe now I will find the origin of my quest.' He absorbed the delicious lycanthrope energy into his skin, savoring it like a predator relishes the scent of a promising quarry: calm and serene, never sensing the danger until it's trapped and helpless. "Yes, Yugi. I'll see you again." His pace resumed as he continued down the damp roadway towards his own home.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Yasha: Short chappie, grr. Crappy one too *sigh*. Don't worry, I'll make the next one better, I promise! (Note: This has nothing to do with the story but, Ly told me about a movie that's coming out on September 19th [5 days before my birthday!]. It's called 'Underworld' and it's sooo sweet- looking! [I love the music on the trailer!] It's about a war between the Vampires and the Lycons [wolfies]. It's like a mix of The Matrix and Romeo and Juliet, check it out!)
Anrui: *impatiently taps his foot* Now?
Yasha: *sighs* Yeah, yeah, go ahead.
Anrui: *snaps fingers* Go on, guys. *men in white coats take her arms and strap her up, Hannibal Lectar-style and push her away*
Yasha: Read and review, onegai! WHEEEE! *is carted away*
Anrui: Ohhhh, you mean Writer's Bl- *is cut off by Yasha's hand*
Yasha: SHHHH! We do not speak it's name! *eyes dart around in a paranoid sort of way* It is an evil that flies on swift wings to rob such artists of their heart to create! Speaking it's name will only summon it back to feed once again!
Anrui: -_-;; I'm sorry, Hikari, but... *snaps fingers-men in white coats come and grab Yasha*
Yasha: *fuming-fights off men* I am NOT mentally ill!!! I'm crazy and a bit psychotic...but, not mentally sick!
Anrui: *sceptic look*
Yasha: ...Okay, maybe I am a little bit...
Anrui: Good girl, admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery. Now...*snaps fingers again*
Yasha: WAIT! I still have to thank the reviewers!
Anrui: Tch, who cares?
Yasha: AND I have to do the disclaimer!
Anrui: Big whoop, I could do it for you!
Yasha: It wouldn't be the same, you're not writing the story.
Anrui: I'm half of the person who's writing the story!
Yasha: *shakes head* Only in body, Yami.
Anrui: *growls* Fine...let her go.
Yasha: YAY! I'M FREE! I'M FREE!! I'M FREE!!!
Anrui: -_-
Yasha: Thankies to all of the following: still name-searching: Arigatou for your support, I'll try to keep a faster pace from now on. ^_^;;
Jadej.j: *laughs* I'm not telling you anything! You'll have to wait and find out.
Gohan-Fan: It's alright, thank you for reviewing this time! I'm glad that you think so highly of it, you peoples are awesome! *huggles*
Zypher Dragon a.k.a. Diamond: ^_^
ExBobble06: Yugi's cute all of the time, though that line does make him sound especially kawaii! Yay! Yami and Seto...now I just need to bring in everyone else! *sigh* A writer's work is NEVER done.
Chibizoo: Thankies! I'll see if I can enter, I need to think of plot. Can it be a songfic? Just wondering.
Ly the werewolf: *laughs* Ly! *huggles* That scene was great fun to write, and I bet it was even better to read! Keep reviewing!
Ryan-Ookami: Aww, but I like my ego exploded. *laughs* I'm sorry that I haven't got to reading your stories yet, I've been busy with exam-prep and stuff (I know, that's a crappy excuse). I promise that I will read it soon! Question: I saw that you started a new story in the 'Fierce' series...is 'Fierce Child' completed or are you still going?
Wolfspeaker: ^_^ You liked the pentagrams, huh? Sweet! They took a bunch of time to think up (believe it or not)...I'm a slow thinker, and an even slower writer *laughs*.
MMW: ^_~
Harathina: I will, arigatou!
Silver Dragon: I'm TRYING to update as fast as I can! *faints from...writing exhaustion* *laughs* Thankies!
Dee Jay: HAHAHA! Thought you could fool us, ne? Yep, gotta LOVE the teasing! ^_~
Queen of Eternal Darkness: Sweet name! Yeppers, arigatou to you, too!
Bunnychan: O_o My, my you two are violent! *laughs* If your Yami keeps bothering you, I can always lend a fireball! I LOVE roast Yami! *grins evilly at Anrui who tries to sneak away* Anrui: Hey, I've been slightly civil here! Yasha: What about that asylum-stunt that you just pulled? Anrui: *shrugs* I said slightly.
rox: ^_^ Arigatou! Kami Anya: I ain't telling you nothing! Wait...that's a double negative. I'm still not saying anything! Mmmm, yaoi...
Yasha: Arigatou and huggles to everyone that reviewed and read! Your reviews have made me so incredibly happy! Thankies for all of your support and I hope that you'll keep giving it to me! Two questions: #1) Still name- searching... Is that you eponrod, or is that someone else? I'm sorry if it isn't...my mistake. #2) Does anyone know how exactly you pronounce 'yaoi'? I don't know and I NEED to know how to say it! It would help me out a lot if you could tell me.
Yasha's Tip of the Day: ALWAYS PROOF-READ YOUR STUFF BEFORE YOU PUT IT ON!!! I'm not saying this to anyone in particular, but I was editing come of my old chappies on my computer and I saw SO many typos that I missed. Very embarrassing. So, please...do it for the sake of the story and the children! *falls to knees* Do it for the children!
Ahem...*gets up* Once again, I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!, Kazuki Takahashi does, the lucky dog. He gets to be an awesome artist AND he owns so many awesome bishis! I own the story, though. Anyone who copies or uses my ideas without my permission will suffer a most painful death. (If you absolutely have to use an idea [yes, that includes the pentagrams] I ask that you ask me first. Please tell me who you are, what the story is [so I can review too!] and what your possible intentions are. You can contact me if you cant any advice or help, I'd be happy to!) Arigatou again and on with the fic!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The first day of the new school year ended as every first day did, heavy. Students were literally dragging their bags home and those who had cars felt they would break it with all of the extra weight. The lists and notes from the classes weren't so bad, it was the mounds of textbooks that needed to be carted home to be covered. While the human students hopelessly dragged their overflowing bags to catch the buses, the five werewolves were able to carry theirs to their convertible with incredible ease, without even bursting the seams.
Jou was still in a huff over his seating and everyone was still in wonderment over the crimson-eyed boy; Yugi, more so than the others. It had, at first, been the likeness between them that had astounded him; then, it was the gracefulness in his step, the fire in his scarlet orbs, and a lingering sense of danger in his aura. Yugi was in a conflict between the dueling ends of his mind, one told him to stay away from the danger that this boy possessed, the other was saying that he should find out the mystery that enshrouded this figure. Unfortunately, Yugi couldn't figure out which voice was his better judgement or, whether or not he should obey it.
"YUGI!" a deafening scream came to Yugi's ear, causing give a high yelp and jump about three feet into the air. "Sorry, Yug," Jou apologized, "you were jus' zonin' out."
The pale skin on Yugi's soft cheeks gained a light hue of pink. "Sorry, just...thinking." he replied sheepishly. What he really focusing that hard on the enigma of this boy?
"Well, ya can think as much as ya want as soon as we get home. C'mon!" the blond called back to the straying smaller boy.
Yugi broke into a quick run to catch up with his retreating friends. "W- wait up, guys!" he yelled to them, forgetting his thoughts in his effort to catch up.
*****
And so, the school year had begun. The hours turned into days, which changed into weeks, that added into the next month. September had passed quickly and it was now the middle of October. The teachers had spent a good portion of the first month trying to get the students back into the familiar rhythm of the educational system, and now the students were being more and more loaded down with homework.
"I hate Math!" Jounouchi growled, slamming his textbook shut. His body reclined on the carpeted floor of the living room, his hands behind his head while the rest of his body lay flat. A deep sigh came from his mouth, "What's da point? Do they think dat I'm actually gonna use this...," he looked at his homework, "c..al...cu...lus? What da hell is dat?" he screamed.
"Maybe if you had read the chapter you would know!" Anzu said, irritated with the tawny-haired wolf's laziness.
Jou shrugged the she-wolf's complaint off and picked his book off of the floor, returning to his work. Two hours later, dinner was served and the blond had just finished the remainder of his homework. He bounded into the dining room and took a seat with the rest of the pack members.
Sugoroku turned his attention to the teens as they loaded their plates with potroast, potatoes, corn, and gravy from the warm dishes that were set on the cloth-covered table. "Now," he said to the youths, "I imagine that you now have a good idea of your classes, why not tell me about them?" The elder wolf didn't like to base opinions of the teens's teachers on first impressions so, he would always ask them when they had a better chance to get acquainted. "How are your teachers?"
"Their okay," Yugi said.
"Science is kinda hard, I can't understand what Sensei Saiensu is talking about." Anzu shrugged her shoulders.
"I keep wanting to fall asleep in History," Ryou told the elder.
"Yeah, me too. Sensai Gotaku could put a java-hyped, pothead, chock-fulla- steroids robin to sleep," Honda smiled as he saw the others laughing at his joke.
"I wish that Sensei Keisuu would explain dis math stuff betta, it makes no sense ta me," Jounouchi grumbled. Sugoroku chuckled at the distressed young wolf, "All will come in time, Jounouchi. For now, you should ask for help and try your hardest. What about your classmates?" he asked, addressing all of the wolves again.
The sound of grinding teeth could be heard from the blond wolf, his eyes dark and his fists clenching.
"Jou's not too happy about a certain someone in our class," Yugi explained to his confused Grandpa.
"I see. Well, best to at least try to get along and, if that doesn't work, just ignore them." The elder always had a simple solution for everything.
"It may not be dat simple," the blond sighed under his breath, "he's not exactly one for friendliness; not from what I've experienced."
"Are we doing The Run this Halloween, Grandpa?" Seeing how everything had become so quiet, Anzu decided to rekindle the conversation with a new subject.
"If the weather is good, then yes." The old wolf smiled at the joy on the she-wolf's pale face.
"Will other packs be coming?" Honda inquired.
"I'm not sure. I haven't heard any word from any of the other packs, I don't think so." Sugoruko answered. "We will have to see."
*****
History class lagged on at a horribly sluggish pace the next day. Rain speckled the windows, adding more dreariness to the gray sky. The gentle tapping of the heavy shower beat a steady lullaby and Yugi felt as though he would soon drift off to sleep. A faint snoring came from behind him. Turning, he saw a tawny head resting on the desk, golden bangs fluttering with each breath. Nonchalantly, Yugi slowly turned and gave the slumbering Jou a firm kick in his leg. A startled yelp came from Jou, but was blocked by Yugi's small hand. Yugi nodded to the teacher and Jou calmed down, just realizing that he was still in class. Shifting in his desk, Jou let out a soft groan of aggravation as it dawned on him that this was only the first class of the day.
BRING! The bell rang. There was a rush to get out of the room and on to the next class. Sensei Gotaku's voice followed the students, reminding of their assignments for the next day.
"I have to stay after today, Jou." Yugi told the blond beside him as they filed out of the classroom. "I asked Sensei Keisuu to help me understand the new unit we're doing, so I won't be coming home with you guys."
"How will ya get home?" Jou asked. "I'll take the late bus, or maybe I'll walk. It's not that far."
"Aight, if you're sure."
"Thanks. Could you tell the rest of the gang? I know that you have classes with some of them today."
"Will do, Yug." Jou assured the smaller wolf, winking and giving a small two-fingered salute. "I'll see ya at lunch."
"Okay, catch ya later!" The two wolves parted, Jou went up the stairs to his next class and Yugi went to make a stop at his locker. A small flush crept up his pale cheeks when he saw what was in front of his locker. The couple that he had recognized from the first day of school was caught in another face-sucking tournament...in front of his locker. "Ahem," he said weakly, the pair didn't move. "AHEM!" It came out louder this time. The two turned to look at him. The girl muttered a breathy apology and the boy simply glared before gently pulling the girl off to the side and commencing their make out session. After dumping his books in the relatively orderly locker, Yugi shut the metal door with a slam. He took one last look at the couple before turning to leave. Yugi's arm collided sharply with something as he rounded. Clutching his arm, he spun to see what had hit him. The cabalistic Yami stood behind him, his ruby eyes transfixed on the petite boy.
"I'm sorry," Yami said, "I didn't hurt you, did I?" Scarlet orbs expressed definite concern for his look-alike as a hand settled on the thin arm that he was grasping.
"I-I'm fine, t-thank y-you." Embarrassment screamed in Yugi's veins, heating the blood and made it rise to his face. "It was m-my fault," he stuttered, though less than before. "I guess I was..." he looked back at the still-kissing duo, "...distracted."
Yami's silken lips curled into a smile as he regarded the two. "I can see how anyone could be distracted with that by their locker," he chuckled. He removed his hand from Yugi's shoulder, he thought he could see a slight pang of disappointment in the boy's violet eyes as he did so. "May I ask you name?"
His melodic voice caressed Yugi's ears, it's low tone reverberating in his heart, provoking it to beat faster. "Yugi, Yugi Mutou." he managed to squeak out.
Yami smiled again. "I'll see you later, Yugi."
An immense feeling of awe froze Yugi on the spot as he watched the figure disappear into the throng of passing students. He may have been frozen, but his mind wasn't. His brain seemed to go into overdrive as it stressed to sort and memorize all that had just occurred; his deep voice, the warm glow of his eyes, the kindness of his words, the wonderful feeling of his firm hand on Yugi's arm, even the experience of being hit by his strong, muscular limb was quickly being processed into his memory. Never before had the young wolf felt such an emotional rush, it was exhilarating.
'What's happening to me?' he thought. 'Could I be...? Am I...? No. I'm just impressed by his likeness to me, nothing more.' The sound of the kissing couple drew Yugi's attention back, yet again. They were still kissing and groping each other, though the actions bordered between sensible and too-heated-for-school. An involuntary image flashed in Yugi's mind, one of he and Yami in the same position, their tongues fondling as Yami wrapped his powerful arms around Yugi's waist, their breath becoming labored as they were engulfed by the horribly fiery urge to...
Yugi's head shook violently in his effort to get rid of the image, all too aware of the redness that once again plagued his features. His head hung low, he quickly made for his next class, careful to avoid being seen be any of his friends.
*****
"Thanks Sensei Keisuu. I'll see you tomorrow." Yugi ran out of his Math teacher's classroom and started down the staircase, rushing to get to the late bus before it left. His bookbag beat furiously on his back, pausing only when Yugi opened the main doors to the school, just as the bus left. "Damn it," he growled, "I'll have to walk." Unfortunately, it was still raining. Yugi groaned and plopped himself on the ground. He tried to think of a way to get home, with no success; he had no money to call his friends to pick him up and he didn't have an umbrella. "Damn," he muttered to himself.
"Yugi?" A low voice came from behind him, causing him to turn.
"Yami!" he gasped. "What are you doing here?"
"I had to stay after for Gotaku, I needed help on the assignment." The tall male held out a uniform jacket. "I was just leaving her classroom when Keisuu gave me this. He apparently thought I was you. I guess we'll have to get used to that, huh?" he chuckled.
"Guess so," Yugi giggled nervously as he reached for the coat and put it on. "Thank you."
"Why are you still here?" Yami asked, placing himself beside the smallish boy. "Didn't the bus leave already?"
"Yeah, I just missed it." A heavy sigh came from Yugi's twin petal lips. "I don't know how I'm going to get home. I could walk, but I really don't want to walk in the rain without an umbrella." The faint sound of a zipper reached Yugi's ears; he turned his head.
Yami was opening his black bookbag. Reaching his hand in, he produced a small, black umbrella. "I always carry one. I once had a horrible experience with rain and this hair," he pointed to his tri-colored spikes. "Do you want me to walk you home?" he queried as he stood.
"Um...I don't want to be in your way." he shyly mumbled, he could feel the infamous blush returning.
"It's alright, it's on the way." One of his tanned hands reached out to Yugi, beckoning the smaller boy to take it.
"O-okay," he stammered as his small hand grasped the contrasting larger one. The innocent touch sparked every one of his tense nerves, shocking the petite male's face into another wave of rouge.
*****
The rain maintained a steady pace, beating a pattering beat on the fabric of the umbrella as the two walked down the road. The sidewalk was damp and decorated with drowning worms, so they chose to walk in the street. They conversed about school, favorite bands, books, and even a bit about the weather (though it was quickly dropped). Yugi had become more comfortable as the two talked, but his cheeks still held a unusually dark hue of pink.
"I know!" Yami laughed, "Saiensu can be so anal. Like that time that Chameru-kun put that huge wad of chewed gum on his desk chair. His expression was priceless!"
"Ugh, I thought that I was either going to puke or die laughing!" Yugi joined the other boy in a lengthy fit of hearty laughter. Wiping a tear from his amethyst eyes, he looked down the street and noticed his house drawing nearer. "I live right up there," he pointed to his destination, "It's the big one with the black car in the driveway."
"Damn, that's a big house!" Yami exclaimed. "How many people live in there?"
"Jou, Honda, Anzu, Ryou, my Grandpa, and I all live there."
"Ah," the ruby-eyed male mused, "so that's why you five are so close."
"Yeah, we've known each other for forever. I couldn't ask for a better family." A sincere grin graced Yugi's lips as he spoke these words.
Yami turned to him, "You aren't all related, are you?"
"Oh no!" Yugi hastily assured him, "We all just live together." His expression now became obviously sullen. "We're all either orphans or our parents can't take care of us; my Grandpa does that."
"I'm sorry, Yugi." Yami felt ashamed and placed a hand on Yugi's shoulder.
"It's alright, you didn't know." Yugi began to sniffle, partly because of the rain, partly because of the subject.
Both remained quiet for the rest of the cold walk to Yugi's home. They strolled up the glossy blacktop driveway, passed the water-spotted car, to the dry porch.
"I suppose that this is where I leave you, Yugi" Yami told his shorter schoolmate. "I'll see you at school tomorrow." Rounding on the boy, he began to leave when a hand on his arm stopped him.
"Yami..." Yugi tried to keep eye contact with the boy while his face began to redden. "Does this mean that we're friends now?"
Stunned, Yami pondered the question for a brief moment before his mouth curled into a small smile. "Yes, I suppose it does." Crimson met amethyst in a brief moment of assurance and truth.
Yugi's pale face widened with his grin, he could hardly contain his happiness that came with the promise of this new friend. "Thank you," was all he was able to answer. "I'll see you tomorrow Yami!" The bantam boy retreated into the house, grinning once more at his mirror image.
"Yeah, see ya!" Yami called to the boy as he closed the door. Umbrella in hand, he stepped once again into the downpour. Upon reaching the end of the driveway, he took a last look at the seismic house. Werewolf aura radiated from it, Yami could smell it, feel it, smell it, and recognize it for what it was. 'Excellent, I have now found means to the very heart of one of the greatest pack that has ever existed. Five young wolves and the famous Sugoruko too,' Yami grinned darkly, 'I couldn't ask for a more worthy prey. Maybe now I will find the origin of my quest.' He absorbed the delicious lycanthrope energy into his skin, savoring it like a predator relishes the scent of a promising quarry: calm and serene, never sensing the danger until it's trapped and helpless. "Yes, Yugi. I'll see you again." His pace resumed as he continued down the damp roadway towards his own home.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Yasha: Short chappie, grr. Crappy one too *sigh*. Don't worry, I'll make the next one better, I promise! (Note: This has nothing to do with the story but, Ly told me about a movie that's coming out on September 19th [5 days before my birthday!]. It's called 'Underworld' and it's sooo sweet- looking! [I love the music on the trailer!] It's about a war between the Vampires and the Lycons [wolfies]. It's like a mix of The Matrix and Romeo and Juliet, check it out!)
Anrui: *impatiently taps his foot* Now?
Yasha: *sighs* Yeah, yeah, go ahead.
Anrui: *snaps fingers* Go on, guys. *men in white coats take her arms and strap her up, Hannibal Lectar-style and push her away*
Yasha: Read and review, onegai! WHEEEE! *is carted away*
