Title: The Art of Courting
Summary: Yami goes to school and meets flirty people, weird subjects, greasy cafeteria food, the Tomb Robber and his lover, and of course his rival. Himself—a deep, dark secret—must not be revealed. However, as events unfold, will he be able to limit that secret only to his friends, especially when someone is courting him—the weird way?
A.N.: Agh, did I update too... late? Erm, I just sort of drowned in Death Note and then I saw my un-updated fic lol; so yeah, this is the next part. Of the Prologue. Lol. XP.
"Why don't you let him tell?" Jou asked Yugi, who was still shaking. They didn't know why Yugi had been so nervous about. Sure, if Kaiba knew that he really wasn't the one who defeated him in their duels, would he be disgraced? He knew that Yami was the one who really defeated Seto and even Yugi acknowledged that.
Yugi shook his head. "If Kaiba-kun knew that he was a 3,000 year-old Pharaoh who resided in the Millennium Puzzle, he'd tell everyone!" Shaking, he wiped his tears away. "He'd blackmail Yami and Yami would be forced into hiding."
"Is that so?" Yami inquired, a disapproving look on his fine face. "I really don't think someone would go as low as that, aibou."
"Yes." Honda nodded affirmatively.
Jounouchi sputtered a few unknown words before he could collect himself. "Of course! Why didn't I think of it? That git would do anything to get Yami's title!" he punched his fist into the air. "We shouldn't let him know, Yami."
The Pharaoh shrugged. "All right, but if he doesn't stop frightening aibou then I'll use my shadow powers…"
"Shadow… powers?" Seto's voice was heard from behind the lean Pharaoh.
Yugi was terribly frightened now. Hastily Jou and Honda dragged him away, ignoring his friend's frustrated attempts to release himself from the duo's grip. "Yami can take care of everything. He's worried about you, so don't try to scream, it'll only make everything worse." Jou gritted his teeth.
Yami looked back and saw his hikari being carried away. Yes, he could manage everything. After all, he was a Pharaoh of the once prosperous ancient Egypt who was called to be a son of the gods, and it is easy to defeat this cold-blooded CEO by summoning his shadow powers and letting his Wadjet Eye appear on his forehead, and then mind crushing him to send his rival to the Shadow Realm—
"…Yugi."
Yami stared at the brunet's icy cold glare, the one that was famous for sending people to hospitals, medical and mental alike.
"What?" his rival's stare had no effect whatsoever on him, he wasn't going to be defeated.
Seto advanced, furrowing his brows. "I don't believe that you're his cousin."
"And so, if not?" Yami continued.
The taller man let out a smirk of satisfaction. "I am correct, then."
The Pharaoh wasn't going to let him win. "Who told you that?"
Angrily the CEO grabbed the smaller lad's collar and gritted his teeth. "Tell me who you are."
Yami answered smoothly. "I'm the one who always wins our duel."
"What?!"
"It's true, isn't it?" Yami continued the pace. He wasn't going to let him win. Never.
Seto finally managed to release his deathly grip on Yami's collar and the latter smoothened its creases. Then he noticed the Sennen Puzzle dangling from the lad's neck.
"Yugi doesn't have that one."
Yami laughed. "Of course, how could my Sennen Puzzle duplicate?"
Yes, the suspicious lad in front of him was spilling his own secrets one by one. Seto smirked to himself. He only needed some more facts and then he could solve the mystery and then use it on his rival. This was going to be easy.
The Pharaoh tried to hide his sheer mirth from looking at his rival's confused face. He may not be showing it but Yami could look into the eyes of his rival and he was glad to say that the CEO was confused, very much.
"Then Yugi doesn't have one." Seto replied as his brain processed all the facts he held now.
As the bell rang, signaling the students to come back to their rooms at once, they parted. Yami merely shrugged in casual indifference and walked away, leaving the tall lad grumbling because he didn't quite get it… yet.
"Yugi, don't worry, he'll be fine!" yelled a frustrated Jounouchi who was eyeing his shaken friend compassionately. Yugi was still anxious of the incident a while ago, and his friends' perturbed attempts to make him feel better were going down the drain.
The door slid open and the smirking Pharaoh smugly went inside the room, ignoring the admiring gazes from everybody else. His hikari looked up and looked positively hopeful.
"I didn't," the taller boy shrugged. Yugi smiled.
Jounouchi instinctively placed a warm arm around Yugi's neck. "I told ya!"
Just then the door opened itself again, and in stepped the obviously grumbling brunet CEO. And yet, one foolish girl (who was a member of his fan club) went up to him and asked what the matter was. Of course, the tall lad used his trademark glare and the poor girl ran off, crying. Sometimes one cannot help but be amazed at the powers the CEO holds.
As the unfortunate girl opened the door, she bumped into the white-haired exchange student and his friend, Malik, tagging along. Bakura widened his eyes and walked past the girl. The blond Egyptian followed.
Spotting Yami on his desk, he called out, "Pharaoh! How's it going?" some heads turned to see, curious why someone called the new hot student "Pharaoh".
Scarlet eyes narrowed at the Tomb Robber and glanced at Malik who was beside him.
The door swung open for the fourth time and the professor stepped in, ushering everyone to take their respective seats and to shut up. Everyone followed.
"We'll study advanced Chemistry for today. Topic discussion: Thermodynamics."
Yami shifted uneasily in his seat. What in Ra's name is Ther-mal-dy-na-mi-tes? He tilted his head as he tried to focus on what the professor was writing on the board. Universe… Change in…what? Surroundings, systems… this was very hard for him to understand.
The brunet darted his eyes to see what his disbelieving classmate doing. The clueless tri-colored haired teen was rubbing his chin as if to decipher what was written on the board in front of everyone. Seto rolled his eyes.
"Mr. Mutou, please share with someone's book for a while."
His rival's ears perked up and stuttering, inquired, "Whom shall I borrow?"
Suddenly, as if a wave came crashing onto the class, all of the girls raised their hands simultaneously. His rival blinked once, twice, and mumbled, "Uhh…?"
"Yes, we're willing!" The girl two desks in front of him winked which gave chills to the unfortunate object of affection.
"Of course!" a girl giggled while saying high-pitched screams.
The professor smiled warily. "Yes, you all are helpful… Of course, if someone is that pretty… You'd always offer your help. But if it were..."
Jou felt someone stare at him.
Sighing, the professor continued. "Let me see… I see everyone wants to help your new classmate… Oh, Mr. Kaiba, kindly lend your book." He nodded over the tall lad's direction.
The CEO's icy eyes narrowed at the teacher who gulped apprehensively. "Uh… well… If you don't like, then…"
Seto cussed inwardly. Then he shoved the book to his seatmate's hands. "There. I can understand the lesson anyway." And he gave Yami a sidelong glance, who seemed to be puzzled as he leafed through the pages.
He chuckled to himself. Yes, he was going to solve this in no time.
"I want my book back." Yami was surprised as he was still scanning the pages, utterly bewildered at the formulas and weird symbols in the thick book. Then he looked at the class. Yugi was listening intently; Jou was rubbing his nose behind the leather-bound book; Honda was snoring quietly behind the blond; Anzu was hissing everytime the girls looked at Yami with a lustful manner; and the professor was oblivious to all of this.
"Hn."
He was welcomed with an icy glare. Oh, it's not like he doesn't do it everyday. "I still need your book." He replied in a low tone, hoping not to distract everyone.
"It's mine."
"Yes, and you didn't argue when you lent me this." He held the book tightly, eyebrows twitching.
Rolling his eyes, the brunet dragged the chair so that they were sitting next to each other. No one can argue against him. Yes, he had a reputation to take care of, and there was no way that this weird student dare go against him.
"What are you doing?!?" his rival spoke angrily.
"Reading." Then he casually snatched the book from the Pharaoh's hands and opened it wide enough for the both of them to see. Noticing that the stubborn Pharaoh ignored him, he muttered low enough for him to hear, "If the professor sees you not reading then you'll be given extra assignments."
Of course, this was a fluke.
But his rival believed it.
"Fine." The 3,000 year-old classmate agreed grudgingly as he moved closer to the CEO.
Seto smirked as he felt the teen inch his way closer to him, feeling his warmth. Warmth?
Subconsciously, he gazed at his seatmate and scrutinized his features. The crimson-eyed lad beside him was furrowing his eyebrows in great thought, all but enlightened at the book he was reading. His cheek was glowing to a certain shade of pink, and his nose was scrounged up in a cute sort of way. He frowned, causing his lips to pucker and make him look childish.
The brunet bit his lip. Why was he being so perceptive of his rival?
Yami, meanwhile, was oblivious to the fact that he was being stared at by the brunet CEO. Instead, he raked his thoughts and wondered still what was he doing in Domino High. He unconsciously rubbed his nose and sneezed.
"Hn." His rival sneered. Yami was wondering why the lad wasn't still in Shadow Realm; he was a good candidate for that place.
Yami's retort was interrupted by the teacher. "That's it for now. Study for tomorrow's test." The ringing of the dismissal bell was, of course, a major relief for the ancient spirit.
Yugi immediately stepped between them. "Yami! Let's go." He offered his hand and it was instantly received with grace in return, but not before sending Seto an icy glare which could rival his.
Seto silently watched the friendship group hurry away outside, planning his strategy.
As they walked home, Yami noticed Yugi's anxiousness; Joe and Honda kept coughing. The pharaoh must've known about their ploy but decided to shut up. However, as they neared the Kame Game Shop, Yugi finally broke down. "How many times have I told you not to taunt Kaiba?" Yugi wailed at his dark, flailing aimlessly.
Yami scoffed. "Aibou, don't panic." Gently he squeezed Yugi's hand and shook it. "I'll behave, I promise."
Anzu took Yami's hand and clutched it tightly that Yami thought his blood stopped flowing at that instant. Wearily he looked over Jou and Honda, who seemed to be nonchalant, and then at Yugi, who just looked sadly (and quite jealously) at Yami.
Hastily the pharaoh withdrew his hand from the girl. "Y-yes, what was I talking about?" Nervously he tugged at his collar and stared dumbly at the door of Kame Game Shop.
Jou and Honda patted him on the back. "We feel for ya, Yami." They said pityingly in unison, low enough to be out of Anzu's earshot.
"W-what?" Yami coughed and wished that he had not heard what he just heard. Right.
The girl in front of him tiptoed and not-so-subtly leaned her body close to him. "I was just wondering if you'd like me to be your friend."
Ra, did you renounce me as your Pharaoh?
"Umm."
The girl inched closer and smiled sweetly at him, like a lion. Yes, his fangirls were lions reincarnated into human beings called women.
Yami had just spent his first day in school yesterday and guess what? He still received those wanton stares that could turn him into a puddle of gunk. It's all this clothes' damn fault, he muttered silently. For the sake of—Ra! Yugi was talking about leather, not something else! Leather!
Abruptly, the promiscuous teen was shoved by a tall lad who carried a metallic briefcase and had a black billowing trench coat. The scarlet-eyed pharaoh glanced up and saw his savior.
Alas, alas. Seto Kaiba looked back at him with that same scrutinizing intrigued countenance. Yami scrounged up his nose. Savior?
"Hn." The CEO glared at the girl and gave her an icy-cold stare. The girl immediately scooted away in dread.
Wiping his forehead with the back of his hand, Yami muttered, "Thanks Kaiba. I never thought I'd say it to you, but here I am." With that, he walked away but was interrupted by the brunet. Kaiba gripped his wrist tightly that it was impossible for any means of escape.
"What?" Yami screeched as he felt the strong grip on his wrist. "Kaiba, what do you want?"
Kaiba pointed over his shoulder, motioning him to follow.
"WHAT?" Yami screeched again as he was being dragged by the lad towards that direction.
"Where's Yami?" Yugi's violet eyes were suspiciously watery.
Jou coughed. "Erm, Yami is probably in the library."
Yugi pouted. "What would he do there?"
Honda patted Yugi on the back and gave a reassuring nod. "Read about Ancient Egypt of course." This statement earned him a slap on the back courtesy of Anzu as she growled and hit his back repeatedly.
"How many times does Yugi have to tell you that Yami does not wish to look back on his past after he's uncovered it?" She shrieked and flailed aimlessly, starting a lecture as the other try to make a run for it. They wouldn't want to get caught in one of Anzu's oration, whatever it may be.
"What now?" Yami gritted his teeth as he gently caressed his red wrist, care of Seto Kaiba. If this Kaiba git didn't behave, he'd be thrown headfirst outside Domino High for a case of murder. Of course, he'd be sad. Let's just pretend he would be.
The brunet locked eyes with him, brilliant and icy sapphire to blood-thirsty crimson, both with such intensity that one did not dare remove the gaze from the other. The heat was slowly rising to his cheeks, though he did not know why. All he knew was there was going to be a confrontation in that old broom shed they were currently locked up in.
Gazing at the smaller teen, the brunet whispered something that made Yami freeze and widen his eyes in shock.
Jou was drinking on his soda when Anzu shrieked. Drops of soda went flying from his nose and the others murmured 'gross' while looking at him. Yugi widened his eyes at Anzu and asked, "Why?"
"There's Yami!" Anzu squealed happily, waving her arms at the lad who was approaching them. Yugi stared at her with a deadpan expression.
Yami advanced, but with a hazy expression, they noticed. Lumbering, they noted that something was clouding his mind. There was a definite slump on his shoulders, contrary to his proud and erect position when he was walking. Moreover, they noticed that his ears were going pink.
"Yami, daijoubu?" Anzu immediately inquired worriedly.
Jou snorted matter-of-factly and then turned to face Anzu. "Mmmfcourse, Yami is fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinemmmhhm." Chewing on his doughnut, he imitated Anzu's frustrated stares and glares.
Honda wrapped an arm around him. "Jou! Can I have some?" He asked, prying his friend in the ribs, causing Jou to sputter all over the floor.
Yugi scrunched up his nose and let out a disgusting face. "Jou, you'd better clean that." Then he wheeled around to look for the mop.
Only to find that Yami was gone. Again.
"Kaiba."
The brunet huffed and resumed his steady pace.
"Kaiba…"
Quicker footsteps. Impatient silence, waiting for a response. Heavy breathing. Following, panting.
"Kaiba!" The voice was more persistent.
Seto raked his chestnut locks. Ah, well…
"What?"
The smaller and slender form came into view, all sweaty and panting. Seto had to give the other credit for his determination. No one before had the guts to talk to him like this, after all.
Scarlet orbs flashed before him. "What did you say a while ago?"
"Well, yes. Seeing that you followed me all the way here, I must insist that you accept. That's the case, and I must go now."
Instantly, Yami gripped his wrist tightly. "Wait!"
The CEO's looming form went above him. "If you'd change your mind, then I would have to…" He gave a sardonic smile and walked away.
Yami's fists clenched. He was going to fight back. He wasn't going to be defeated. Not now, nor never. Not now, they depended on him. They trust him.
I will not back down, Yami thought icily.
Never.
The Kame Game Shop was a small shop, but since Yugi—or Yami for that matter—resided there, it was packed of customers, especially during school days. Domino High students wanted a glimpse of the great dueler or at least 'hang out' with him.
The result: an incredibly terrified Yugi.
Yami could do nothing, however; despite his conscience tormenting him day and night, he couldn't afford to reveal himself and his 3000 yrs old pharaoh age to the world. People would surely flock around him like bees to honey.
And people would blackmail him and Yugi to get revenge.
Name: Seto Kaiba. With a big KaibaCorp CEO banner waving in front of your face, mind you.
Perhaps, the predicament they were both facing was better than that.
Yami sighed dismissively and brushed his hair. There were greater matters of importance, like what happened a while ago. He must go and confront the enemy, to end all this.
-Aibou.-
-Yami?-
-…I'm going out, okay? I think I'll be late; don't wait for me.-
Yami doubted if it will only last for some minutes; no, it was better if Yugi didn't worry.
-…Yami? Daijoubu? You seem to be worried over something.-
-Don't wait for me, ne?-
-Yami?-
-Yami?-
-Yami!-
Yugi hurried downstairs to find the door of the shop slowly closing, the bell tinkling in his ears as he felt that something odd was going to happen. Fretfully, he sat down and hoped that Yami would come back soon.
Slowly, the gates opened mechanically, letting the small figure feel the enveloping darkness. A loud whoosh came from the nearby forest, just beside the mansion. Darkness surrounded the only light from the moon, engulfing it. Shivers ran down his back as he thought of forgetting his jacket in school.
With a heavy but proud heart, he took three big strides forward.
And then he was welcomed by the tall lad, smirking.
"You've found your way."
Yami narrowed his eyes, burning with anger and hatred. Somehow, he would turn the tables and the next instant this person's going to beg for mercy. In which he wasn't going to give, not an ounce of mercy, at any rate.
"Seems like you've forgotten how to retort." The sapphire-eyed CEO commented blandly, letting his eyes stroll up and down on the form of his long-time rival.
Instantly Yami looked up and glared at him. "I heard you've got something to say?"
Seto widened his smirk even more. "Why don't you come inside?" he invited, waving his arm to reveal his grandiose mansion, welcoming the lad in front of him.
Finally, it was his turn tonight.
END OF PROLOGUE. XP
A.N.: LOL, Okay, I admit it; the first two parts (the latter one and this one) ::cough:: was the Prologue. Uh, I feel bad, I haven't done anything for Chapter One proper--and I ought to think of a nice title. Agh, please save me from insanity-a little review would be fine. Erm, no flames allowed. Period.