Thanks for all the wonderful and quick reviews! I didn't realize how many people would read my story in the first few hours after posting! Quick note, Jonouchi's name is spelled incorrectly in the first chapter. It should be Jounouchi.

purplepup17-I'm not sure how or if I'll be able to incorporate a jealous Yami. I'll try though :P

Bakura's Guardian Angel- I actually wasn't planning on dragging any romance stuff out for a few chapters. I'll add a little something this chapter for you though

Heh, I've never thought of myself as funny.

Chapter 2

POV Yugi

My alarm went off promptly at 4:30 AM, just as the pale rays of light began to appear in the sky. It was quite impossible to get a good night's sleep, seeing as I went to bed sometime around midnight. My rest wasn't even peaceful because I continuously woke up to check the time. Groaning, I rolled out of bed and lightly stood up. Not wanting to wake up Yami, I skipped my morning routine and just changed into a pair of black skinny jeans and tight leather sleeve-less top. The joker went into my pocket, and I climbed out of the skylight and hopped down to the pavement. Just as I hit the ground, I realized that Bakura hadn't told me where to meet. Deciding to wait for Bakura to come to me, I scoped out the neighborhood. It was funny how I never really noticed my surroundings.

The house right across from me was one example. It had shabby windows, peeling paint, and a general abandoned house feeling. Except for the fact that it had the highest tech security around the perimeter, it would have been an easy target. Wait, since when was there personal security in the neighborhood? Curious, and since Bakura had failed to show up, I stealthily sneaked over and hid in a nearby tree. Before I could even begin to get comfortable, a sleek, silver limo pulled up, and the passenger got out. It was Pegasus! What in Ra's name was he doing in my neighborhood? Oh please, Ra, don't let him move in! God, anyone? Please, please please please! My prayers were too late. The chauffeur popped open the trunk and pulled out massive suitcases. Pegasus himself, just held a wineglass half-filled with red wine. He had on a beautiful gold Rolex, and in the minute interlude when he was giving his chauffeur instructions, I decided to try and take it. After all, Bakura hadn't shown up and it was almost time to head off to school. Deciding how to approach this, I slithered down the tree and went over to Pegasus to "welcome him to the neighborhood". With false cheer and excitement, I exclaimed, "Wow, Pegasus. What a surprise! Welcome to the neighborhood! It's not everyday a millionaire businessman moves right across the street!"

"Dear Yugi-boy," he replied, "I had no idea you lived here. It is such a pleasant surprise to see you. Would you care to come in for a bit? You'll be the only one to see the initial and final state of my home! (I'm renovating this entire week)."

Yes! Just what I wanted to hear. "That'd be great, Pegasus-kun!" I exclaimed. Pegasus turned around to lead me in, and as I began to make my way forward, I "accidentally" tripped on the raised crosswalk and fell onto Pegasus. He had half-turned when he heard my scuffle, and the result of this caused his wine to splash all over both of our clothes. We both fell to the ground; Pegasus's back making a WOOMPH. While he was distracted with getting up and staring at his ruined clothes, I simply helped him stand up, also helping myself to the bling. "Oh my gosh, I'm soo sorry Pegasus-kun. Please forgive me for the incident and also the need to decline your invitation. It's time to head to school, and I need to change first! Maybe I could come after school?"

Waving away my apologies, he said, "Don't worry about it Yugi-boy. I'll see you after school then. Ta-ta!"

I had to sprint back home, break a record speed-dressing, then sprint all the way to school just as the first bell was ringing. Malik was waiting for me at the entrance and wanted to come with me to my locker, but I waved away their company, not wanting them to be late. I wonder why Ryou wasn't there? After protestations, he finally conceded and headed to homeroom. Dashing to my locker, I didn't even notice a presence until I ran into him full on. "Bakura! What are you doing here? Move! I need to get my stuff and get into homeroom before I'm late!"

"Hmph," he snorted. "Do you know how aggravating it is to get my ass all the way over to your little game shop and wait for TWO WHOLE FUCKING HOURS??! And while I was waiting, I just happened to see you mooching up to Pegasus across the street! Do you want to be my apprentice or not? If so, you'd better get your act together. At this rate, you won't learn anything!"

"Geez, Bakura. I was up and about in front of the shop promptly at 5, and you weren't even there," I countered.

"Maybe because you just weren't paying attention. Did you maybe think that was your first lesson? No? Didn't think so. You just flunked your apprenticeship in your first second."

"Oh…well….ummm is this enough compensation?" I asked, holding out the Rolex that was in my pocket.

Bakura was beginning to look a little flustered. "Where the hell did you get that?" he sputtered.

"Off of Pegasus, baka. You really think me low enough to actually genuinely and cordially have a chat with the guy who stole Grandpa's soul????"

"Well how was I supposed to know? It looked like you tackled Pegasus in a hug!" he exclaimed. "This will be perfect compensation, by the way. Looks like you've pretty much perfected your pick-pocketing skills. We're going to have to work on your nonexistent awareness skills first. I want you to go spy on random groups of students all during the day without being seen. No hiding in miniscule spots, either. You are only allowed to hide in the shadows. Nothing more. Got it?"

"Yes, master Bakura," I replied sarcastically. "Now may I please get to my locker? I'm already late for homeroom." The bell had rung during our argument, and it looked like passing period was coming up. Sighing, I exchanged my materials and trudged back to class. I cautiously peeked in the window to find a rowdy classroom with no teacher! Since the door was already open, I decided to see if I could walk in unnoticed by everyone. Somehow, I managed to squeeze my short stature down to the size of the door's shadow, and I silently glided in. My classmates must've been super distracted since I made it to my desk with no glances. I highly doubt my nonexistent (as Bakura would say) sneaking skills would have allowed me to enter otherwise. Right when I sat down, the teacher came in. He yelled at all of the other students for not doing the work written on the board and commended me for working, even though I just had a notebook open and a pencil on my desk.

When he brought up my presence, everyone swiveled their heads and gaped at me. Maybe they did notice my absence. Ryou and Malik especially, since they never saw me come in. Shrinking in my chair, I meekly asked, "What?" Ryou and Malik were knowledgeable enough to know to wait until lunch before asking, but Miho just announced that I had not been class for the last half hour. When asked, I lied, saying I had been dutifully doing the work, knowing that not being in class would result in a detention. The teacher came over to my desk to check my work, and I surprised everyone, including me, when I held out a completed worksheet. After the teacher turned to continue on with class, I just ignored him and stared blankly at the paper in front of me. Where had it come from, who had done it, and why? I had a sneaking suspicion that maybe one of my friends slipped me the completed problems, but who? I contemplated this quandary until the bell rang. After waiting for everyone to leave, I packed up my stuff and started heading to my next class. Right before I made it out of the classroom, I thought I felt hot breath whispering into my ear congratulating me, but when I turned around, the classroom was empty. Deciding my imagination was a little hyperactive today, I continued on my way to my next class. I decided to try the same technique to enter History, and even though I entered right before the bell rang, nobody noticed! This process repeated until lunchtime rolled around.

When I got back to my locker, I saw Malik waiting for me. There was also a group of preps gossiping next door. While I got my lunch and chattered with Malik, I eavesdropped on their conversation. It was nothing special, but I did glean the bit about my entrance. Apparently, someone had started a rumor that I was a stalker, and that was why I was able to move around unseen. That was a bizarre conclusion. A ghost or thief would have been more plausible.

We headed over to our usual lunch spot, chatting and eavesdropping all the while. After we settled down, I asked Malik where Ryou was. He replied, saying Bakura had forbidden Ryou's association with me. Bakura was going to get a good talking-to. There was no way he could forbid Ryou from hanging out with me. Now that we had some sort of understanding, he'd be seeing a lot more of me, so therefore Ryou ought to have the same chance.

"What took you so long to get back to class? And how the hell did you appear in your seat just as the teacher came in? I didn't even see you enter, and I'd been watching the door warily!" Malik said.

I opened my mouth to answer saying I had met up with Bakura, but I realized that he probably wouldn't approve. Yes, Malik's approval meant enough to me to make me lie. Instead, I simply said I couldn't get my locker open and needed to use the restroom. I widened my eyes to try and make myself look a little more innocent, and the effect was instantaneous. After hearing my lie, Malik had looked a bit suspicious, but right after my eyes widened, the acceptance was written all over his face. God, I'm even getting better at lying. We finish the rest of lunch period with lots of chatter about mundane things. As we split for afternoon classes, I thought I saw a tail of white hair flashing around a corner. The afternoon classes followed the same pattern as the morning classes. When the last bell finally rang, I waited the customary two minutes and raced outside. Malik was already there.

Mulling over Bakura, I distractedly asked Malik if he'd want to come with me to Pegasus's place.

"Sure!" he replied. "I'll make sure he doesn't try to molest you or anything. Why are you going over there anyway?"

"He just moved into the house across from mine," I replied. We had just arrived when a bloodcurdling scream erupted from inside. I dashed through the gates and pass the security guards, turning my head for a fraction of a second to make sure Malik was following. When I crossed the threshold, the sight stopped me in my tracks in seconds. Malik, not noticing that I had stopped, ran me over, and we both tumbled to the ground. Getting up and dusting myself off, I stared in awe at the foyer.

The ceiling was 13 feet high and domed at the top, and there was a huge glass chandelier with real candles. The windows that covered the right wall and "front" wall (the wall with the entrance door) allowed the rich sunlight to come in, hitting the glass chandelier and throwing rainbows all over the room. Dark mahogany paneling on the walls complemented the maple flooring. Candle sconces were placed evenly around the room. A full grand Blüthner piano sat in the left hand corner stage, the light color contrasting with the surroundings. The stage also had 3 stands set up in piano quartet style. Three paintings adorned the space above the stage: two slightly smaller paintings with a large painting in the middle. A huge, long, empty buffet table with polished white tablecloths hugged the right wall. In the center of the room were three couches, placed in a U fashion, mainly facing towards the stage. There were two doors that led out the room, one on the back wall and one on the left wall. The sight was absolutely breathtaking. Some of the dust sparkled in afternoon light, giving the sight a slightly surreal and mysterious look.

"Wow," I breathed. The scream was all but forgotten as I took in the sight. As I gaped like a fish, Malik nudged me in the ribs, trying to get my attention.

"C'mon," he said. "Let's go see who screamed. Once we find Pegasus, I'm sure he'll give you a grand tour and be delighted with your reaction."

That snapped me out of my daze. With renewed determination, I chose the door on the left. It led to an expansive kitchen with all the latest tech and appliances. What really caught our eyes was the scene on the floor. Pegasus was rolling around the floor on top of his chauffeur. It appeared to be a sparring session, and Pegasus was winning [1]. The real eye catcher was Pegasus's clothing. He wasn't in one of his customary suits. Instead, he was wearing a loose-fitting white kimono with redish pink sakura flowers and a red belt. Upon noticing us, Pegasus immediately froze. Trying to collect as much dignity as possible, he crawled off the chauffeur and picked himself up.

"Hello, Yugi-boy. I see you made it after all. And you've invited a friend. Might I inquire as to who this is?" he cordially said.

"This is Malik. Of course I came! I've never seen renovations happen so quickly and quietly. Just the foyer alone looks magnificent!" I exclaimed.

"The foyer? That's nothing, compared with what the rest of the house will look like upon completion. Come Yugi-boy, Malik, I'll give you the grand tour of the old house."

The rest of the house was just as shabby as the outside. Apparently, only the foyer and kitchen were completed during the school day. The workers were in the master bedroom, rushing to complete the room and bathroom so that they could go home. The house was surprisingly large, consisting of a kitchen, foyer, a bathroom and an office downstairs, a master bedroom and bath, two guest rooms with connecting bathrooms and a game room upstairs, and an attic. When the tour was finally complete, the sun was already beginning to set. I had to go home to do homework and eat dinner, so I said farewell to Malik and Pegasus and headed home.

Right as I was about to enter the game shop, I felt eyes looking at me from some nearby bushes. Remembering what Bakura said, I pretended to enter the game shop but instead quickly dashed around the corner out of the bush's line of sight. I made my way around the game shop to come up behind the bushes, and lo and behold, Bakura was sitting there! I snuck up to him and quietly said, "BOO," in his ear. He whipped around with very stunned expression. Unfortunately, my face was still right next to his, and his lips collided with mine. I froze, of course. Not much else I could have done, really. My eyes also widened considerably. After two seconds, I finally regained my senses and shoved him as hard as I could.

Bakura smirked, "Well that was a pleasant surprise. You enjoyed it all the same, didn't you."

"What?!" I yelped. "What the heck was that for? Although the look on your face was worth it." My smug reply must have shaken Bakura a bit because he didn't answer for a little bit. "So how'd I do? I snuck up on you, eavesdropped on groups, and snuck into class multiple times. I also managed to lie to Malik and get away with it!"

"You were fine," Bakura conceded. There's no way I'm going to tell him he's the best I've ever met and a natural, he thought. "I'll see you tomorrow morning at 5, got it?"

"Sure, sure, 'Kura. Oh, you'd better let me hang out with Ryou again. Later!" I finally headed into the game shop. When I chanced a glance at the clock, I was surprised to find it already 6 PM! Wow, I just made it in time for dinner. "Hey Gramps? I'll be right down. I just need to put some things up in my room. There's no need to wait for me to start dinner."

Grandpa didn't acknowledge me, but that was to be expected. After all, Yami was basically my replacement. I made my way up the stairs and to my room. "Yami?" I called. "Are you busy tomorrow?"

As he came to my door, he answered, "Aside from school, I'm going to watch Anzu dance. Why, aibou?"

At hearing that nickname, I barely suppressed a flinch. "I was wondering if you wanted come with me to the arcade tomorrow after school?"

"Sorry, but I won't get home until much later. Maybe next time. Let's go eat dinner," he said, turning around and heading downstairs.

I don't even know why I bother anymore. It's quite obvious that he doesn't have any time for me. He's always busy hanging out with his friends. Feeling a little depressed, I followed Yami down to the dining table. During dinner, Yami and Grandpa chattered while I distractedly ate. I mused about Bakura. He was truly a conundrum. I wonder if he has an ulterior motive, or if he is actually sincere about my training? He doesn't actually seem to be teaching me anything. More like just telling me to do something and giving me rules that I'm not allowed to break while figuring out how to accomplish the task. I continued examining the poser until Grandpa interrupted my train of thought. When I first hear him address me, I waved it off, thinking I was just hearing things. After all, he hadn't said a single word to me all day. He repeated my name. At this, I looked up.

[1]-imagine a scene similar to this one in an original pink panther movie

Sorry for the lateness! I was planning on updating a few days after the first chapter, but I couldn't get this chapter to move anywhere! This chapter was mainly background stuff, but it's so you'll know sort of a daily routine. Mmm I'm not actually sure where Pegasus came from. Any ideas? Umm do you guys want me to use more other character POVs? This was almost entirely Yugi.

Ahh bad chapter ending! What to do with Malik and Ryou?? Sorry for grammar and other such mistakes, but I'm too lazy to proofread it T___T Was this chapter too boring? I can make all the rest more forward, I suppose. R&R!

Bakura's Guardian Angel-was the little "accident" OK?