Rei sat in class waiting for Terry to arrive. She had spoken to Sakura and Hikaru about the issue at great length, unsure of what to do to help their new friend. They were able to give her some sound advice and she came to the conclusion that she should at least talk to her, more so get Terry to talk to her. She stood from her seat at the sound of Terry's voice, but stood frozen at the sight of the new classmate next to her. He was dressed in the school uniform but she had never seen him before in her life.

But damn, he's hot! Shit, looking that good should be illegal! She thought to herself as she ogled the tall, dark, and handsome mystery that was standing with Terry. Maybe he's with another class? Is he on the team? She noted how friendly Atem and Jonouchi were with the stranger. Damn, maybe I should join the team just to meet someone! She laughed at herself, it rare for her to be so smitten by someone for looks alone. She sat back down in her seat and waited for him to leave so she could grab Terry's attention.

He stayed until the teacher came and introduced himself to the class, leaving Rei a bit shocked and speechless still.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all, my name is Marik Ishtar. I'm the exchange student from Egypt. I'll be spending the remainder of the school year here with you all." He smiled at the class., glancing around to see where his seat would be, catching the eyes of Anzu and Kyohei who looked to one another. Anzu leaned forward, exposing some of her cleavage to him as she batted her lashes at him. I'm sure that's the chick bugging Terry. She's definitely as easy as I thought she would be. I don't know if I should be disgusted or concerned that she's taken an interest in me. He barely even gave her a second glace after a quick once over as he looked dead at Terry. You woman, are a magnet for trouble! He scowled at her a bit and she sheepishly shrugged her shoulders as he shook his head. Hopefully my seat isn't anywhere near her, sorry Terry but I rather not get jumped by the likes of her.

"Your seat will be next to Kitaoji Rei, please stand Kitaoji." The teacher spoke, Rei quickly standing at the call of her name. She glanced at the desk which was suddenly empty. Another student was there a few days ago, she had thought she was home sick or something. Her guess was clearly wrong. Marik looked towards the student who stood and smirked a little to himself.

Well damn, she's cute. Way better seat than I was expecting. I'm not complaining, better get moving before they think I want a different seat. He quickly started to walk towards Rei. He passed by Terry, exchanging a quick fist bump. "See you at lunch?" He spoke to her in Arabic to which she nodded her head. "You're insane for wanting to jump in the lion's den like you did! I don't envy you at all. I'm more than happy with my seat." He accidentally knocked his bag in to Kyohei who growled and tried to push Marik but it barely made him move.

"Yeah, yeah! You can lecture me later coward!" She spoke back in Arabic. "I'll see you at lunch. Rei's nice, you're in good hands."

"You love me." He chuckled and turned to Kyohei, the mirth gone as he coldly looked down at him before he resumed the rest of the distance, looking up at Rei to make sure he does not knock in to anyone.

Oh man, I'm going to be sitting next to him? Talk about luck! She mentally cheered though she kept a composed outward appearance as she smiled at Marik who flashed her a grin which sent her heart racing in an instant. He needs to be labeled a health hazard for being so damn good looking! She placed a hand against her chest as she took a deep breath to calm her heart. Taking her seat, she turned to him. "It's a pleasure to meet you, you can just call me Rei. Do you have the books for school yet or do you need to share with me?" She found herself pleading with the universe that he was without books for today at the least.

"I actually get them after school today and you can just call me Marik." He grinned, setting his bag to the side. "Should I move my desk next to yours?" He asked, not sure if that would be allowed or not.

"Oh yeah, that would be best I think." She nodded, dancing with glee inside as he moved closer and she set the book between them so they both could read. Her arm brushed his and she felt her heart start pounding again. Damn, he's solid! She glanced at the sleeve of his uniform that pulled taught around his bicep. They were so close, she could smell his cologne. It was nice, a little spicy with cinnamon but mostly earthy. I will never complain about school ever again! She pointed to where they were in class and clarified to him about what they were doing in the next few classes. "So, do you know Terry?" She whispered, recalling he had walked in with her.

"Terry? Yeah, she lived with me and my family in Egypt." He nodded his head. "I didn't tell her I was selected for the transfer program though so she didn't know until last night." He chuckled. "The look on her face was priceless! She's told me about you and the others. It's great to finally put the faces to the names and meet you all."

"Oh? I hope she's only said good things though." She joked with him. "I only recently started talking to her though, so I can't say much but she's a great friend." She nodded her head. "I hope we can become friends too."

"I hope so too." He smiled at her, his eyes flickering with something as he looked her over once again. Cute and nice? Thank you, Terry, for meeting someone normal! He turned his attention to the textbook they were sharing as the teacher began to start class after the greeting. I was nervous about the exchange, but not it doesn't seem so bad. I mean Terry was one big relief, but with those guys and now this stroke of luck I think I'll be fine.