Chapter Three- Project Begun
Atem sat in an unfamiliar seat as he sat in science class. Mr. Saxon had apparently felt that partners should sit together. A sign with the new seating chart was on the wall outside the room and it explained why this was so: The last ten or fifteen minutes of class would be devoted to the project. So, that meant he would sit up front next to Kaiba for five weeks. This is going to be torture, he thought glumly.
It turned out not to be the case. Kaiba didn't seem to care about the new seating arrangement or acknowledging Atem's presence which was how Kaiba tended to treat everyone. Atem was about to address Kaiba during the last ten minutes of class, but Kaiba spoke first.
"Atem, I feel we should schedule our meetings in order to get this done," he said, pulling out a business planner and opening it.
"All right. Let's start with the days we can't get together…which you've already done," he said, seeing days covered in board meetings and company project deadlines.
"I just need your days you can't get off."
"Well, I usually go swimming on Saturday or Sunday. Of course, I've got homework."
Kaiba flipped through the pages. "It turns out that Sundays and Wednesdays are free for me all five weeks so I'll mark Saturdays off for your swims."
"You seem to be free this Friday."
"So I am. Well as tomorrow is Wednesday, let's list some things about the ocean tonight and then research them in the library."
"Sounds like a plan. I'll let Grandpa know so I can drive Yugi and me to school tomorrow."
"You've got your license?"
"About a few months ago. I hope to get a job so I can save for my own car while going through college."
The bell rang and Kaiba stood. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Atem nodded and smiled a little. Kaiba had apparently thought the project over and decided to cooperate. No reason not to; we both need a good grade on this.
"So, had a good day?" Yugi asked as they sat on the bus.
"It was. Kaiba seems willing to accommodate my schedule so we can do the project. Kaiba's got Sundays and Wednesdays free for himself all five weeks and he's marked Saturdays off for my swims."
"So, you'll be staying after school tomorrow."
"Yeah and I'll need the car too." Atem stared out the window, thinking of the ocean and what to list. Hmm, what is beneficial to an ocean ecosystem? Well, most life is necessary to keep it in balance. Hmm, perhaps we could research coral; read about its life cycle and its role in the ocean. Atem pulled out a notebook and pen and began to write down this thoughts, Yugi smiling slightly. His science teacher hadn't been as innovative as Mr. Saxon. She had been a by the book type. He was a bit jealous of Atem getting a great teacher, but he was also supportive like a big brother should be. He simply watched Atem write his ideas down until their bus stop came up. Both saw the shop closed but they weren't concerned as Solomon had mentioned he was using the day for inventory. They went around to the house door, unlocked it, and opened it. "Hi, Grandpa!" Yugi called.
Solomon came out of the shop to greet them. "Hi, boys. Good day?"
"Much better," Atem said. "Kaiba and I worked out when we can work on the project. Every Wednesday and Sunday for a start."
"Oh. Will you need the car tomorrow?"
"Yes. We'll be doing research in the library."
"Well, it's good that you and Kaiba are making plans. It hints that you two will both be working on this project."
Atem agreed with this assessment and was pleased to see that it was holding up when Kaiba presented a list to compare to Atem's list the next day. "Coral, huh?" Kaiba said. "Yes, that's a good one."
"I like your idea of symbiont relationships like the sucker fish and the manta ray or whale."
"The algae would be a good one too," Kaiba said, tapping the word on Atem's list. "I didn't even consider that."
Atem beamed as the bell rang. His weekly swims had given him a lot to consider for research and Kaiba seemed to be as knowledgeable about the ocean. We're perfect matches for an ocean report.
Kaiba consulted their lists as they headed to the library. He was impressed with Atem's ideas and he had proven that he was no slouch when it came to the ocean. He briefly wondered if his merman side influenced him when he wrote the list, but dismissed it. He had used their textbook for ideas, nothing more.
"Let's check out books on the ocean in general and some of what's on our lists." Kaiba whispered as they entered the library.
Atem nodded as they headed to the appropriate shelves. The pair did not speak as they leafed through the books. Atem found a book on coral but only passages on algae in other books. Maybe the Internet has more information. I'll need to cite it, though. He looked through the coral book and, pretty as the pictures were, they didn't compare to the ones he had seen.
"Kaiba, do you have an underwater camera?" he asked once outside, a couple of books under an arm.
"I have the best one available. It can go all the way to the bottom of an ocean. Why?"
"Well, I've seen coral in our ocean that's prettier than the ones in this book." He nodded at the volume.
"Have you? Hmm, we could go out to the ocean Sunday with two cameras and take some pictures. A little more effort than copying pictures and citing them but it'll make ours stand out."
"It will. So, we're on for Sunday?"
"We're on. I'll pick you up after nine."
"All right. I'll see you in school tomorrow."
"Yes." Kaiba watched Atem head to an old car, get in, and drive away. The brunette found that he rather liked Atem's company. He was smart and respectful. He presented his ideas and accepted Kaiba's ideas as well. I never had a friend, but I may have one now. This project may do me some good than I had thought. The limo pulled up and Kaiba got in, thinking about striking up a friendship with Atem and wondered if Atem saw him as a potential friend.
"You're going to take pictures on Sunday?" Yugi asked.
Atem nodded with a smile. "It turns out Kaiba has two underwater cameras and both can go all the way to the bottom which is perfect. I'll change once Kaiba's out of sight and take pictures of the coral and anything else I think might be used in the project."
"Be careful not to get too close or Kaiba will be suspicious," Solomon warned.
"Of course. He said he'll pick me up after nine."
"Pictures on Sunday?" Mokuba asked.
"That's right. It'll make our report stand out."
"Maybe you could do it with your tail."
Kaiba's face hardened. "No. I will not use my tail. I will use scuba gear to take the pictures." "Kaiba couldn't believe Mokuba's insistence. He knew how much Kaiba hated and despised being a merman and that the brunette would avoid changing. I'll accept the forced change once a month, but I will never change willingly.