Chapter 3

Yugi POV

Well, another day. I'm still feeling a little jumpy from yesterday's events… I hope Lindsey is okay. Wonder if she told anyone? I doubt she'd want me to go around telling people… hmmm…

"Something troubling you Yugi?"

"Huh? Oh hey Yami. I guess I'm just worried about Lindsey."

"She was fine when we parted ways yesterday. She's strong. She'll be fine."

"Yea. I guess you're right. Thanks." Yugi Smiled.

"Hey Yugi?" Yami asked.

"Yea?"

"Would you mind if maybe I took over for the day? I'd really like to… uh… get to know the gang…."

Get to know the gang? What is he up to…?

"Um.. I don't see why not. Sure! Sounds great!"

The millennium puzzle flashed and Yami had taken over.

Yami POV

I hope Yugi is not too suspicious. That wasn't exactly a great reason wanting to take over. I hate lying to him, but if Lindsey truly is hiding something, it may be the only way to protect him… 7:30. Better get to school…

Yami walked down the stairs, and made his way out of the game shop.

"Have a good day Yugi!" A plump old man with gray hair waved towards Yami.

Uh… what was that… oh right! Grandpa!

"Uh.. Thank you…Grandpa." Yami could see Grandpa had a confused look on his face.

I would be confused to if my grandson acted like he didn't know his own grandpa… but technically I'm not his grandson, and I don't know him…. Humph. Lindsey and Yugi are the only ones who know of me… this is going to be a long day….

He greeted Tea in front of the game shop and like they do everyday, they walked to school together. 15 minutes later they arrived at school.

My gods this girl can talk. Longest 15 minutes of my after-life…

Lindsey POV

Lindsey and Seto were in the back of the limo a couple blocks from school. It had been silent the entire ride until Lindsey broke the silence.

"So….. how's, uh, calculus going?" Is it sad this is all I can think of to break the silence?

"Humph. Too easy." He replied curtly.

"Oh. Well then, how's physics?"

"Waste of time."

"Cool…" Lindsey began to twiddle her thumbs as she looked out the window.

God. If you're so smart take a hint I'm trying to break the silence.

They sat in silence for the rest of the ride there. As soon as they arrived Roland opened the door and they stepped out, Lindsey being extra careful not to flash everyone.

Stupid, ugly, short school uniform skirts… this is absolutely ridiculous! Hmmm.. I wonder what's up with Seto. You would think he would be a little more talkative since we haven't seen each other in two years.

"Hey Seto." He turned to her. "Can I ask you something?" He silently nodded. "Do you want me to be here? You just don't seem like yourself lately and I'm wondering if it's because of me?"

Seto looked shocked at the accusation. "Lindsey, of course I want you here. I have a lot on my mind, and a lot of work to do. This weekend I'll try to make time for you, me, and Mokuba to hang out."

"Just like old times?" Her eyes lit up.

"Exactly."

Lindsey spread a huge grin, and threw her arms around Seto. He didn't exactly return the hug, making it brief and awkward.

Oops. I forgot Seto isn't much of hugger. At least, not in front of the public. I'll get him at home tonight!

Still grinning, Lindsey said, "See you at lunch!" She waved goodbye, and the new day started.

The school day had been going great. With the entertainment of Joey and Tristan, Biology had flown by, she aced her English quiz, and she had dominated the tennis courts in P.E. She only had one class before lunch. History. With Yugi.

Damn. I was having a great day until I realized I would have to endure 70 minutes with Yugi. Time to fake smile!

Lindsey entered the classroom and greeted her teacher. She scanned the room and spotted Yugi in the back with his head down.

Alright. I can do this. All I have to do, is not be a bitch. Though I've found this is much easier said than done. Especially when you hate the person's guts…

She sat down in the desk next to Yugi. "Boy am I excited for history! Aren't you Yu- AH!" The entire class turned to look at Lindsey, wondering why the sudden scream.

"Miss Walsh, are you alright?" The teacher asked.

"Yea. Fine." She replied nervously.

What the hell is Yami doing here? Where's Yugi? I suck at history. The last thing I need is a….. distraction.

"Yami?" Lindsey whispered "What the hell?"

"I convinced Yugi to let me take over. Sorry I startled you."

"Yea. Don't worry about it…"

"Anyway Yugi want's to know if you're okay from the event yesterday?"

Oh. I had almost forgot what happened. Too bad Yugi didn't forget either. Pest.

"I'm fine and I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone. Not exactly something I want documented."

"I'll pass on the message."

"Wait, he can't hear me?"

"He can, but out of respect, he's decided to give me privacy till we switch back."

"Oh."

Well, that's kind of sweet of Yugi to do that. Wait… what am I saying? Yugi isn't sweet. He's a persistent pest who needs to be taught a thing or two!

"Okay class open to page 264." The teacher ordered. Lindsey and Yami hadn't spoken another word to each other for the rest of class. Instead they exchanged awkward eye contact every now and then. Lindsey had never been more relieved to hear the sound of a school bell signaling lunch.

After briefly greeting Seto at his lonely lunch table, Lindsey was sitting with the gang at their usual table. Everyone was laughing and having a good time, until Mai interjected.

"So, Lindsey. How in the world did you and Kaiba become such good friends? He doesn't like anyone." All eyes fell on Lindsey.

"Heh. Um… I guess Seto respected me as a duelist. I mean we were the top two duelists in the entire world. We saw each other at every tournament, and it was always me against him in the final round. Seto always managed to beat me but, hey, he was good, and I'm not ashamed to admit he's better than me. Seto also thought of me as a worthy opponent. Yes, he won every time, but I made it a victory he fought hard for. He felt as if he finally found a duelist who could match up to his skill. That duelist was me. We basically exchanged numbers at the world tournament 5 years ago, and our friendship took off from there! Besides Mokuba, I'm the only person he can tolerate! It's quite the honor!"

"Wow you must be something else to catch the interest of Seto Kaiba," Mai said in awe.

"Yea I guess so!" Lindsey smiled.

"Wait a tick. We all know da reason Kaiba didn't duel in da duelist kingdom tournament, but, why weren't you dere?"

Well that's a random ass question…. And what do you mean you know the reason?

"Well, Seto and I had planned to enter the tournament together. We were gonna take down the competition and make it the finals together. We planned to be the final two to duel together, winner take on Pegasus. When I found out he wasn't going to enter the tournament, I dropped too."

"Are ya crazy?!"

"Yea I guess so. I mean the only way our ranks would be at stake is if someone defeated Pegasus. We figured no one would, so it doesn't really matter. Guess Yugi proved us wrong. Heh."

"No I mean, ya dropped out of da tournament just because one rich boy couldn't show his face after a miserable defeat?!"

"What? Joey what are you talking about?" Lindsey was confused.

"Kaiba dropped out of Duelist Kingdom because Yugi beat him in a duel!" Joey continued. This stunned Lindsey.

Lies. Impossible.

"Excuse me? Look I know Yugi beat Pegasus, but there is no way he defeated Seto!"

If only they knew Yugi actually didn't beat shit!

"Ask rich boy yaself if ya don't believe me. I don't know how ya didn't know. It was in da news everywhere! Yugi was considered number one even before Duelist Kingdom."

How did I not know about this. It can't be true. I would have known. Seto would have told me.

"I… I, uh…. NO! NO, NO, NO! He didn't beat Seto! There is no way some annoying ass, no name, fuckwad could ever beat Seto Kaiba!" The entire cafeteria went completely silent, all eyes on Lindsey. Seto even looked up from his computer to spectate on the scene. Lindsey stood up and noticed her classmates looking at her. She turned towards Seto. "Why didn't you tell me?" Seto simply grabbed his laptop and walked out of the cafeteria.

"Is that what you think of me?" It was Yami who spoke. He had an expressionless face but Lindsey could see hurt in his violet eyes.

Oh God no….

"No, Yam- I mean, Yugi I didn't mean that. I was upset I-"

"Humph." With a grim look on his face he got up and left.

"Yugi! Wait up!" Tea was the first to run after him. The rest of the group followed shortly after, but not without giving Lindsey a stank eye or two. She sat at the lunch table alone.

Oh great. In just two minutes I managed to embarrass Seto and lose all my friends. Way to lay low Lindsey. This was a mistake. I should have never came here. I should have just accepted my new rank. No matter how terrible it may be…

The rest of the school day went by really slowly. Lindsey hadn't uttered another word, and no one had spoken to her. When the final bell rang, she bolted out of the school faster than a bullet and ended up walking home to the Kaiba Mansion.

Hours had passed. Lindsey sat on the living room couch waiting for Seto to get home so should could say some sort of apology. He arrived home at ten on the dot.

She quickly stood up when the front door opened and made her way to him. "Seto. Do you have a minute?"

"No." He walked past her as if she didn't exist. Lindsey followed.

"Please talk to me." Silence. "Seto, I'm sorry! Look, I didn't mean to have such an outburst! It just took me by surprise! I still don't know if I even believe it…"

"Well believe it!" Seto turned around to face Lindsey. "And to answer your question from earlier, I didn't tell you because it's embarrassing. A complete amateur duelist beating someone like me? How would you feel if it was you he beat?"

"In a way he did beat me. He robbed me of my second ra-.."

"ENOUGH with the bullshit sob story about you losing your god damn rank!" Seto roared. Lindsey was shocked speechless. "You lost it by force! I lost mine to the very game that I have devoted my life to! Stop acting like you're so victimized! You want your rank back? Fine. Stop bitching about it and go challenge Yugi!"

"You told me to lay low!" Lindsey snapped.

"Well I was wrong! Challenge him, lose, and go back home!" He stalked down to his office. The slam of a door echoed through the house.

Have I really fucked up so bad that all my friends left me? Whatever. Who needs them! I'd rather be home anyway! But first I have one last thing to take care of…

Yami POV

How could I not have seen her intentions the moment she entered Domino. Lindsey had no desire to be Yugi's friend. She only wanted to defeat him. To get her own selfish revenge. I trusted her. We trusted her. Girls like that are just too good to be true…

The ring of a doorbell interrupted Yami's train of thought. Yugi hadn't taken back over due to the fact that Yami didn't want to explain to him the events that occurred at lunch. He walked downstairs to answer the door.

Yami opened the door only to discover Lindsey standing there. "We need to talk." She said emotionlessly.

"Then talk."

"No. Not you. I need to talk to Yugi."