Chapter 4
Yugi POV
I lost. Plain and simple. I should have known I was hardly going to stand a chance. She's a great duelist. Thank you for this experience. It was an honor to duel you. Lindsey.
Yami POV
Lindsey had arrived at the Muto household late in the night. She was on her way out of Domino City and back to New York, but she had one last order of business. Yugi. She had promised herself she would duel, and defeat him. Not Yami, Yugi. She had succeeded. After dueling hard for almost an hour, she came out victorious, the last blow dealt by her most prized card, the Magician of Black Chaos. It was now around 1 o'clock. Lindsey was on her way out.
Yugi, we should switch places again.
"Switch? Why?"
Just trust me.
Without needing anymore convincing, Yugi and Yami switched, and Yami took over.
I know she broke our trust, but I can't help but feel that there is more to her. I feel as if the Lindsey in the cafeteria wasn't the real Lindsey. She was blinded by rage. Regardless of everything that's happened, I can sense Yugi doesn't want her to go. Even after I filled him in on the previous events, he was still willing to forgive. I'm willing to forgive…
"Lindsey."
"What Yugi?" She turned to face him. "Oh. Yami…"
"What happens now? You got what you wanted. You beat the king of games, you can get your rank back. So go ahead. Tell the world, but first, do you feel satisfied, or proud. Do you really feel like you accomplished anything?"
"Of course." Lindsey scoffed. "Everything can go back to normal now. All is how it should be."
"All is how it should be?" Lindsey nodded. "What about Kaiba?" Lindsey froze. "Is all how it should be with him? Did he forgive you for the scene you caused in the cafeteria?"
"Uh-"
"I can see in your eyes he didn't. And you're really just going to leave?
"I-"
"Go on. Go. Tell the world you defeated Yugi. Get your rank back and go on back home to you perfect life in New York. I hope all you went through was worth it." Yami turned and started to walk away towards his bedroom.
"It wasn't worth it." Yami froze and slowly turned back around to see Lindsey with tears forming in her emerald green eyes. "Nothing was worth it. You were right. I was blinded with rage! I let it take me over! I was beginning to really like it here, and because of my own selfish desires, not only did I lose my best friend, I lost a group of friends that accepted me for me. Not because of the fame… I fucked up…" Lindsey put her back to the nearest wall and slid down it to sit. She rested her chin on her knees and hugged herself.
"New York was awful. I had no real friends. Not even my family likes me." She couldn't choke back her sobs any longer. "I'm sorry! I'm so so sorry Yami!"
Yami rushed to her and knelt by her side. He wasn't sure how it happened, but he had his arms around her, cradling her head to his chest as she heavily cried. " Please don't cry Lindsey.."
It worked. I knew the real Lindsey was in there. I knew forcing her to face reality would make her present. She's scared. She doesn't know what to do now… she needs…. Comfort.
He started stroking her hair while cradling her. He couldn't explain it, but to him, it felt, right. He never wanted to let her go. If he could stay in this moment for the rest of eternity, he would.
"Yami?"
"Yes?"
She broke into another sob and said through thick tears, "Seto doesn't want me to come back. I have no where to go…" She buried her face into his chest and continued to cry.
"Don't worry. You can stay here tonight."
"Um… Yami? I don't really think grandpa would approve of that…"
Yugi? What are you doing here? What happened to privacy?
"And miss the night where you finally stop denying your feelings for Lindsey? Pshh think again Yami!"
How-
"I see everything about you just like you see all about me. And yes I have grown fond of Lindsey. But, not in a loving way. I only have eyes for Dana…"
Who the fuck is Dana?...
"But….. I guess just for you she can stay here, but only tonight"
Thank you Yugi.
"Do you really mean that I can stay here?" Lindsey asked, her voice muffled in Yami's chest.
"Yes." Yami smiled
Lindsey POV
Lindsey awoke with a start. It's 7:15 on a Friday, and Lindsey was on Yugi's couch.
"Hey! You're awake! Good morning!"
"Huh? Oh, Yugi. Um, thank you for letting me crash here. I should get going though." She got up and started to leave.
"You're not going to come to school?" Yugi looked sad.
"No. I can't show my face there." A flash of light illuminated the air, and standing in Yugi's place was Yami.
"You can and you will. Come on. I'll be by your side the entire time."
This made Lindsey feel a little more brave. She did want to spend time with Yami. "Well, alright… but what about my uniform?"
"Yugi called Tea and asked her to bring an extra."
"Okay then… lets go to school…"
What the hell! I thought my uniform was bad! Tea's is even worse! It's like she purposely orders a size smaller. My ass is literally hanging out! Well I guess it will make a good side conversation… Lindsey Walsh, from top duelist, to most hated girl at Domino High bares all to the sophomore class… heh.
The walk to the high school took no more than ten minutes. The closer they got to the entrance, the more nervous Lindsey got. Eventually they reached the front doors to the school, and pushed through. Tea immediately ditched Yugi and Lindsey making it obvious she wanted nothing to do with Lindsey.
I should be offended, but she has every right to treat me like shit…
"Don't worry about her. She'll come around." Yami assured.
"What if she doesn't Yami? What if none of them do? What if Seto never speaks to me again? I don't want to lose anyone but I fucked up."
"Stop. If I have the will to forgive I'm sure the others will to. Start with Joey and Tristan in first period. I'll see you in history and then we'll face everyone during lunch hour together. Okay?"
"Fine. Wait; what happened to you'll be by my side the entire time? "
"I can't randomly show up in all your classes Lindsey."
Lindsey groaned. "You're right. But I wish you could."
"As do I." Lindsey smiled. "I've got to get going. Yugi's Algebra class is starting soon. I'll see you later." A scared expression formed on Lindsey's face. Yami rubbed her arm and said, "Don't worry. You'll be fine." And with that he walked away towards the North Wing.
Great. I'm alone. Biology here I come..
After a brief visit to her locker, she entered Mr. Carvine's room. She walked back to her usual seat next to Joey and Tristan.
"Hey guys." Neither replied. They just kept talking as if she wasn't there. "Um, Guys?" Nothing. "Look, I know you're mad at me but I just wanted to say that I'm sorry if I offended you in any way... Guys?" Still, no reply.
Great. So much for the others forgiving me.
Lindsey sat at her desk in silence. Mr. Carvine had started the lesson about Meiosis putting nearly everyone to sleep. Occasionally, Lindsey would glance over at Joey and Tristan. They never even bat an eye towards her. After what seemed like forever, the bell signaling second period rang. Lindsey watched as Tristan darted out of the room. As she collected her stuff to leave, she heard someone say her name. It was Joey.
"Heya Lindsey?" She turned to face him. "About yesterday, did ya really mean what ya said to Yugi?"
Lindsey sighed. "No Joey I didn't mean it. I was upset about the whole thing with Seto and I was bitter about him knocking down my rank, but that doesn't even matter anymore. I apologized last night and he forgave me. I can understand why the rest of you are mad at me. Insulting Yugi is like insulting all of you. I'm truly sorry."
"So it's true da only reason you came here was to 'take down' Yugi?"
"Yes." Lindsey looked down feeling ashamed.
"Why don't ya just duel him already then?"
"I alrea-" What am I doing? I can't tell anyone I dueled and beat Yugi. It's not going to prove anything, and it might make things worse. I just got to remember this isn't about me anymore. It's about them.
Joey raised an eyebrow. "Lindsey?"
"Um. I guess I didn't expect him to be so friendly and accepting of me. Truth be told, I don't think beating him in a duel would satisfy me like I think it would. Sure, I would have my rank back, but,I would lose all the people who cared for me." If only I could tell him I know this from personal experience… sorry Joey."
"I guess dat makes sense. Humph. You're really not all dat bad Linds."
Lindsey's eyes widened and she gave a small gasp with a slight smile. "You called me Linds!"
"Well, we are friends. Right?" Her grin spread.
"Absolutely." Together they exited the room and set off for their next class.
"Have fun in English Linds. Smell ya later!" She smiled and waved goodbye.
Wow. Joey really is great. I can see why Yugi is friends with him. Talk about loyal. Maybe today wont be a complete bust after all…
World History had ended and it was now time for lunch. Yami still took over in Yugi's place. Lindsey couldn't help but laugh thinking about the Pharaoh doing Algebra. They entered the cafeteria and the first thing she saw was Seto sitting alone with his laptop, at his usual table.
"Hey Yami, you go on ahead. I'll meet you in a minute." When Yami saw Lindsey looking at Seto, he asked, "Are you sure?"
"Yea, I'll be fine." He nodded and went to sit at their usual table, and Lindsey slowly walked towards Seto. She walked up to the table and cleared her throat.
Seto looked up with a slightly shocked look on his face when he saw Lindsey. He went back to typing "What are you still doing here?"
"I apologized to Yugi and he convinced me to come back to school. I stayed with him last night." This got his attention.
He stopped typing and slammed his fists on the table. "You did WHAT!?" Several people looked in their direction.
Oh god. Seto please. Don't cause a scene. That the last thing I need.
"You kicked me out with no where to go. What choice did I have?"
His rage seemed to grow. "Oh, I don't know. Were in a huge city full of hotels and it didn't cross your mind to check into a room?"
Why didn't I think of that? Come to think of it, I could even get an apartment, I have years worth of tournament prize money saved up.
Apologetically she replied, "I guess I could have done that. Wait, why do you even care Seto?"
"Kaiba."
"What?"
"The only person who calls me Seto is Mokuba."
"And me." Lindsey stressed.
"Not anymore. Get out of my face, I have work." Seto began typing on his computer again.
What the hell is he so pissed about? I can't call my best friend by his real name all because I spent the night with Yu-….
Lindsey's face immediately dropped.
"Did I stutter when I said leave?" Seto said Dryly.
"Okay, Okay. I'm going. Sorry." As she turned to leave she said over her shoulder, "I Love you Seki." Seto literally froze without moving. The bell signaling the end of lunch rang.
Seto POV
Lindsey and Seto gripped hands. "Wow! Great duel." Lindsey had a grin on her face and she was laughing.
"Great duel yourself, Lissey!" Seto was smiling and laughing.
"Well, congrats! You're the youngest duelist to ever win a world tournament! Bet it's a slap in the face for every other duelist in the world to pale in comparison to a 10 year old!"
"Ha! That's pretty funny!" They both laughed together.
"Here." She handed him a slip of paper.
Questioningly he asked, "What's this?"
Lindsey blushed. "Um. My number. But just so we can keep in touch!"
"Great! I promise to call at least once a week!" Lindsey launched herself at Seto and bear hugged him.
Through tears Lindsey said, "I'll see you soon! Love you Seki!" And with that she ran off.
"Love you to, Lissey."
Lindsey hasn't called me Seki since that tournament five years ago. What the hell was that about? Is this her feeble attempt to earn my forgiveness? Good luck.
Seto, Lindsey, Yugi and the whole gang were in their leadership class. Though they didn't get to talk at lunch, Lindsey apologized and explained herself during class and the gang had forgiven her. Everyone, except for Tea. She had a smug look on her face as she noticed Lindsey and Yugi sitting a lot closer than usual.
Humph. Wonder if she knows Lindsey spent the night at Yugi's. That might just piss her off almost as much as it does me.
Though she thinks it is, it's no secret that Tea has an undying love for Yugi who in no way feels the same. Seto breathed a sigh of relief when the class finally ended and he could leave. He still had his advanced English class left, but he was utterly done with today. He called Roland and left for Kaiba Corp.
Lindsey POV
School had concluded and the gang congregated outside as usual. They discussed their plans fore the rest of the day and began to go their separate ways. Lindsey and Yami were left alone.
"Hey Yami?"
"Yes Lindsey?'
"Since school is out, I was wondering if you wanted to come apartment shopping with me?"
"Uh, yea sure. What are you getting an apartment for?" Lindsey said nothing, but Yami immediately understood when he saw her face drop. "Kaiba?" She nodded, silently. "Hey don't worry. I'm sure he'll come….around…." She responded by giving him a dead faced look. "Or not…" She nodded. "Anyway, apartment shopping sounds great!"
"Cool! I saw an ad for this place not to far from yours actually. It comes fully furnished with Internet access, cable TV, washer/dryer unit, and free maintenance! Lets start there!"
"I. Love. It!" Lindsey squealed after viewing the apartment. It was a quite spacy two bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, with its own kitchen, living room, washer/dryer room, and personal balcony! It was perfect. As the ad said, it was fully furnished. The living room consisted of warm colors like red, brown, and orange. It reminded Lindsey of her favorite season, fall. The kitchen was very modern and looked like any kitchen would. Both bathrooms were decorated in blacks, whites, and reds. The bedrooms were the only things not decorated, but included a bed and dresser.
"Rent is $1,076 per month and you have to sign a twelve month lease." The landlord exclaimed.
Only $1,076?! What a steal!"
"Done!" Lindsey signed on the dotted line, and now had a home of her own. The landlord handed her the keys, and excited the room! While squealing, Lindsey threw her arms around Yami. "I'm so excited!" She exclaimed.
"Glad to hear that. I guess you're officially sticking around." He said. She let him go showing off a beautiful smile. "Sorry to leave you so soon, but I must get home. I'm sure Yugi's grandpa is wondering where he is."
Lindsey slightly frowned. "Aww. I wanted to celebrate my new home. OMG! Tomorrows Saturday! I'll just throw a house warming party! You'll definitely be there right?"
"Wouldn't miss it." She smiled.
"Good."
They walked towards the front door. They opened it and stepped out into the hallway together. "So, uh, I'll text you with the details and then you can just tell everybody else yeah?"
"Yes, of course."
"Great!" They stood there in awkward silence after this, not sure what to do when the door across from Lindsey's new apartment opened.
"Yugi? Lindsey? I knew I heard your voices!"
"Mai? You live here?" Lindsey said with a shocked look.
"Of course. These are some of the best luxury apartments in Domino. A girl like me only expects the best! What are you two doing here?"
"Lindsey just moved in here." Yugi said. Mai beamed with glee!
"You're my new neighbor!? Oh my gosh! We are going to have such a great time! We must go shopping to get things for your apartment! Or, better yet, that party I overheard you talking about, which I better be invited to!"
"Of course you're invited Mai!
"Perfect. Now Yugi, leave! Lindsey and I have girl stuff to attend to!"
"Uh, okay." Lindsey smiled apologetically. "See you tomorrow then." Lindsey nodded. Mai looked at Lindsey with a smirk.
"What Mai?"
"Oh nothing! Come on! It's only 5 o'clock and Domino Mall is calling our name!