Chapter 3: Only a Week
The following day found Yuugi sitting on his windowsill. Lately, this had become a habit for the teenager. He would wake up around five o'clock in the morning and watch the sunrise until his alarm clock went off. It was really a lovely sight to see: the sun ascending into the sky as it spread its warm rays all over the place, giving life and announcing the birth of a new day. That was one of Yuugi's favourite moments. The other was dawn, when the heavenly yellow body would give way to the white moon and the bright stars. Yes… he loved them both, because it was at those moments when he could see the twilight.
The twilight… that faint clarity in the sky when the sun is just below the horizon. There were two twilights each day: one at sunrise and one at dawn. It was the exact time in which night and day became one, when they would be equal as they melded together and painted the sky with shades of every colour. For a few seconds light and darkness balanced each other… just as Yuugi and Yami did long ago. The twilight was, indeed, another way to remember his darker half.
Yuugi was so lost in his thoughts that he almost fell from the windowsill when he heard the shrilling alarm, announcing it was time to prepare for school. Standing on shaky legs, the teen made a beeline to the bathroom in order to take a shower. Everything else was routine: he'd stay under the pouring water, letting the drops damp his hair and soak his skin until it was all wrinkled. Afterwards he'd dry the now wild mane, dress in his usual school uniform, and fix breakfast for his grandfather and him. All in less than thirty minutes. Unfortunately, no matter what his efforts were, Yuugi always found himself running late for school. And that day was no exception.
Grabbing an apple from the fruit dish, Yuugi dashed through the door mumbling - or rather grumbling - a quick goodbye. He arrived to the school yard just when the bell started ringing. He quickly made it to his classroom and plopped himself down on his chair, accidentally banging his head on the desk and sighing in relief. Good…the teacher hasn't arrived yet…
"Late again? Take it easy Yug' or the teacher will blame you for damaging the school material. Didn't I tell you to wear a bathin' cap so that you won't waste time dryin' your hair?" a voice chuckled.
Raising his head, Yuugi glared at the owner of such particular accent. Not that he expected anyone else. Jou was half sitting on his desk, his blond hair slightly tousled and his uniform a complete mess of wrinkles. As usual, he was eating breakfast – a turkey sandwich that, to Yuugi, didn't look too healthy.
"Well, at least I don't have to hide myself from the teacher when I eat breakfast. No wonder he complains about munching sounds", he replied playfully.
Some peals of laughter were heard from behind and Yuugi turned around to find Honda and Otogi clutching their sides. He heard but didn't see Malik until he looked down, where said boy was rolling and pounding on the floor. Just when Jou was going to smack some heads, the teacher entered the classroom and everyone took their seats. After greeting the students, the professor began the lesson, writing 'who-knows-what' on the blackboard while talking to himself; totally oblivious to the whispered conversations taking place behind him.
"So… did you ask your grandfather about the convention?" a white haired boy on Yuugi's right asked.
Yuugi gazed at Ryou, and in turn watch as Malik - who was sitting behind the albino - dragged his desk forward so he could hear better. A loud screeching sound reverberated through the classroom as both, the chair and the table, scraped against the tiled floor. When the teacher turned to "shush" at the noisy Egyptian, Malik gave him a toothy grin and then nodded at Yuugi, letting him know that he had his full attention. The three of them had grown very close since their darker halves went away. It was like some kind of unspoken bond joined the three lights. And even more, the amethyst-eyed boy had a slight suspicion that, just like him, the former owners of the Millennium Ring and the Millennium Rod were suffering from the same feeling of loneliness.
"Yes, I talked to him last night, and fortunately he let me go"
"Oh man! That's really wonderful." Otogi whispered, "Coming to think about it, I wonder if Duel Dice Monsters is considered an 'artistic wonder'"
"Well I wonder if you left your brain at home and I don't say anything about it", Honda snapped.
"I prefer leaving my brain behind than not having anything at all..."
"Hey, knock it off guys!", Malik said, joining the conversation.
"You know, Mr. Egypt here's right…,"
"Of course I'm right blond twerp! I'm the only one allowed to make snide comments".
Yuugi snickered. Things were always like this. Otogi and Honda would start the day by throwing nasty comments at each other and then, Jou and Malik would end it at each other throats, all the while being watched by a sheepish Ryou, who tried to hide his smile between the pages of a thick book. Feeling someone watching them, Yuugi glanced at the furthest corner of the classroom to meet a pair of cold, blue eyes that immediately turned away as they got caught. Seto Kaiba had been staring their way… well, not exactly… in fact, he had been staring at the blond object of his affections… or should I say lover? (whose arms 'happened' to be squeezing the air out of an Egyptian teen)
A month after the Ceremonial Battle, Jou confessed his love for the CEO and to everyone's surprise, Kaiba admitted that he returned those feelings. The news about the new couple spread through the school faster than gunpowder, and two weeks later both lovebirds could be seen walking hand by hand in the cafeteria. This relationship let Jou discover a soft and caring Kaiba he had never expected to exist. The taller boy had even softened his attitude when it came to Yuugi and the gang. At the same time, Jou had gained such self-confidence that no comments would bring him down like they did before. The blond teen had developed quite a Kaiba-backbone. They truly complemented each other, and due to this, had bowed to spend the rest of their lives together.
Yuugi couldn't help but feel a bit jealous.
"Mr Katsuya! I suggest you let go of Mr. Ishtar's throat if you don't want to get a week of detention", the sudden voice of the professor boomed through the classroom.
With an exasperated sigh, Jou sat back down on his chair. Taking out his cell phone, he sent a message to Kaiba. When the CEO read it, he smirked; looking at Jou as the blond one give a wink in return.
Startled by the sudden outburst, Yuugi stared ahead; only two find another pair of blue eyes. Blue eyes that glared at him with something between resentment and hurt. Blue eyes that belong to none other than Anzu. Yuugi glared back and pointedly turned his head towards the window. He didn't need to start thinking about that girl, not after what happened…
Yuugi's pencil snapped in two.
Meanwhile, Ryou and Malik had been watching Yuugi. Their glances met and they give each other a tiny nod. They would talk to Yuugi later. After everything the lights had gone through, they couldn't help but feel protective and worried about their fellow light. In fact, Ryou didn't approve the idea of Yuugi staying alone for a week on another country, but he hadn't told anything in fear of upsetting the shorter teen. Malik, feeling the same way and looking for advice, had decided to talk to his sister Ishizu, but the woman said that maybe they were worrying too much. After all, Yuugi had to face the world on his own. After all, it was only going to be a week.
But that afternoon, when school was over, Yuugi ditched Ryou and Malik, saying he needed to prepare everything for the trip.
Over the next three days, the short boy avoided any kind of questions. He would arrive home from school and prepare his suitcase, ignoring the phone calls from Ryou and Malik and the watchful eyes of his grandfather. Three days that came and went too slowly for Yuugi, but too fast for the rest.
By the time Friday arrived, everyone felt a little bit anxious. On Yuugi's case, guilt was eating him up inside. First of all, Malik and Ryou had been analyzing every single movement he made; and to make matter worse, everyone had gathered at the airport to say goodbye. Not even the occasional bickering between Kaiba and Jou was able to get him in a better mood.
Yuugi sighed and turned around to look at his guardian, who was watching him with a thoughtful expression.
"Are you sure you've got everything you need? Passport, ticket, toothbrush? My number? Jou's number? Ryou's number? Honda's number, Otog-..."
Yuugi laughed, and hugged him. "Of course Gramps, I've got everything. You don't have to worry."
The older Mutou gave a tiny nod in response, but his voice was somewhat quivery. "I can't help it Yuugi, it's rare to see you go on your own. You didn't even let someone accompany you".
"Come on, it's not that bad. Anyway, I bet you'd die out of boredom"
Jou butted in. "Nahh, Yug' is right. We'll survive without you for a week. Give us a call on Saturday will you? To know the hour your plane arrives…"
"Passengers of flight 3603, to Switzerland, please proceed to board the plane on gate 12-A. We repeat: Passengers of flight …. "
"That's my flight. W-well, I guess this is the goodbye".
Everyone nodded. Tristan and Otogi ruffled Yuugi's hair affectionately, while Jou and Ryou hugged him tightly. After shaking hands with Kaiba and promising Malik tons of chocolates, Yuugi grabbed his handbag and headed for the boarding gate. He heard everyone biding farewell, but didn't glance back. Had he, the others would have seen the tears that trailed quietly down their friend's cheeks.
Twenty minutes later, flight 3603 to Switzerland took off from Domino City.
-()-()-()-
"…put your seats in an up straight position and fasten your seatbelts"
The annoying voice repeated the speech three more times in three different languages. This was enough to wake up Yuugi from his light slumber. Groaning, he tried to stretch his legs as far as the seat in front allowed him to. His entire body was numb and his neck felt funny from sleeping in a bad position. As blood rushed down his dozed limbs, Yuugi dared to look out of the window. Bright rays greeted his vision and he blinked at the sudden light. The Alps could be seen far away, as if scratching the fluffy and white clouds painted against the cerulean sky.
Yuugi felt like flying through heaven.
A sensation that was soon replaced by anxiety, as the plane started his manoeuvres to land on Zurich Airport. No, he didn't like the feeling of having a hole in his stomach.
When Yuugi arrived at the terminal, there was a taxi waiting to take him to the hotel. The prize really meant it when it said everything was included. As the taxi sped through the quiet streets, Yuugi took his first insight into Zurich. It was truly a beautiful city. Houses resembling those on the fairy tales, with neat front porches and snow covered lawn. Tranquillity and peace could be smelled in the early morning wind. Though winter still lingered in the air, it wasn't as cold as in Domino. And this, sweetened Yuugi's bitter mood.
Once in the hotel, Yuugi decided to take a shower, since he had some time left before the convention opened its doors to public. As water ran down his body, dampening his hair and skin, and washing away all the tensions of the day, realization hit him. For the first time in eighteen years he was totally alone; on his own. There was no one on the other side of the door, waiting for him, following his every step. Yuugi shivered. He couldn't decide if he liked that feeling or not. After all, there had always been someone to watch over him.
He guessed he would have to grow accustomed to it.
After refreshing, Yuugi put on a pair of navy blue jeans, a white T-shirt, and a black turtle-neck sweater. Grabbing his sketch pad and entrance ticket, he headed towards the convention, which was held in a colonial-styled building only ten minutes away from the hotel. As expected, there was already a five street long queue, but thanks to his invitation he got into the building inmmediately.
Yuugi's jaw hung open. Whoa! This is amazing! He was surrounded by hundreds if not thousands of art pieces. Some plain and simple, but others utterly amazing. Sculptures, paintings, city models…he could grow tired from naming them all. With a slight smile playing on his lips, Yuugi began his 'wonder-tour', taking small notes every now and then. His Grandfather, his friends, and his other half, already forgotten.
For the next two days, the teen would wake up early and visit the convention, returning to the hotel late at night after touring around the city. By Saturday, he began to prepare everything for his flight.
-()-()-()-
Meanwhile, in Domino, the week passed without notice. The only important facts involved Jou moving into the Kaiba mansion, much to the CEO's delight; and the explosion of the science laboratory, thanks to Malik and his mixing abilities. Other than that life was normal in the city.
On Saturday, all the gang, including Seto Kaiba, met at the Game Shop. They had decided to ride to the airport in one of Kaiba's limos and surprise Yuugi. Ryou and Malik were pretty curious about how the trip turned out to be, while Otogi wanted to know if there were any new games at the convention. Kaiba, Ryou and Honda remained silent, and Jou was pacing the living room rather nervously. It had only been a week, but they already missed their friend too much. Maybe… just maybe… they could hang out together that night. Everything was ready; they only had to wait for Yuugi's phone call telling them the hour at which his plane arrived.
"Jou! You're giving me a headache. Stop pacing around like a father expecting the birth of his first child", Sugoroku begged, his eyes a little dizzy from watching the blond boy walking up and down.
"Sorry Grandpa. It's just that I'm anxious…"
"Father? Anxious? Kaiba's expecting a child? How come you never said a word about it?" Honda teased.
"WHAT?" Seto bellowed.
Sugoroku decided this was the best time to offer his guests some drinks, so he went to the kitchen in search of the beverages. Oh, scratch that… In fact he didn't want to be there when Kaiba murdered Honda.
"Oh, I can imagine the baby…," Malik chirped, ignoring the nasty look in Jou's eyes, "he will have blond hair, blue eyes, and an arrogant and dumb personality just like his parents".
"You've just signed your sentence of death?" Jou snapped, clenching and un-clenching his fists as he approached Malik.
"Huh? I don't remember writing one, but if you touch me I promise you will", the Egyptian hissed.
"….and Shizuka and I will have three babies as beautiful as…"
Everyone fell silent. A loud crash was heard and when Mr. Mutou returned to the living room, he found Jou grabbing Otogi's hair and grumbling something that sounded like "Not with my sister…not while I live".
Sugoroku cleared his throat. "Here boys, I brought you a drink. Maybe it will cool you down".
Everybody settled down and grabbed their drinks. But peace wasn't going too last.
"A Kaiba-Jou baby, uhh, I'm shivering", Malik snorted. A second later, the Egyptian teen found himself in a headlock.
"Malik, you're …"
The telephone rang.
"It's Yuugi! I'll get it!" Jou rushed to the hall and picked up the phone.
Silence fell over the living room once again. Everyone strained their ears trying to hear some of the conversation. But they couldn't make out a single word.
Seto was getting impatient. He had a very bad feeling which only turned worse as he heard Jou stutter. The blue-eyed glanced at the hall just in time to see his lover walk in; hands still holding the cordless phone. Suddenly, Jou swayed on his feet and would have fall down on the floor if Seto had not come for his aid.
"Jou! What is it? What's wrong?" Ryou asked, kneeling beside his friends and placing a hand over the blond's shoulder.
"Yu-Yuugi"
"What happened? Is he alright?"
"Yes, he is…"
"What's wrong?" Honda interrupted, fearing the worst, "At what time does his plane arrive?"
"T-that's the problem…" Jou said, looking up at his friend with tears falling from his brown eyes, "…h-he said he is not comin' back…ever again".
...ever again...
(evil cackle) We've discovered Yuugi's little secret. Now it only gets better...right?.
Any comments, suggestions, and/or critics will be welcomed.
(Flames will be used to do flame dance)
Review Reponses:
crsg: Yes! A little mystery does well to our souls.
KNT: Thank you very much -! Well I wanted to place the fic in Europe, so the idea just popped in my head (ouch!)
Sailor Centauri: Thanks!
Master Elora Danna: Yes, I kept telling Yuugi the same thing, but the boy completely ignored me! Who knows what was going through his mind! I didn't mention the pairings, because I'd give some part of the story away. As I said it's a not surprising surprise. But I can tell you Jou and Seto are going to be together. (wink)