Ha, see, I lied to you. My favorite anime is actually Yu Yu Hakusho.

Disclaimer:

*Mokuba comes prowling around with a whistle*: I don't see a disclaimer on this chapter! *prepares to tweet*

RN: That's because you're doing it! *wrestles whistle from his grasp*

Mokuba: What?! You can't make me do the disclaimer! My brother's Seto Kaiba, which makes me the next in line to Kaibacorp and all of the Internet!

RN: True, but while you're still not head of the Internet, you're fair game for me to make you do whatever I want on this website.

Mokuba: *sigh* RobinNightingale doesn't own Yugioh or anything to do with it except this story...or anything that's worth anything for that matter...

RN:Hey!

Ch. 4: Cornered

For the first time in his life, Yugi found himself wishing he were anywhere but inside a classroom.

Before he had met his friends, the classroom was the only safe haven besides his own home. No one could bother him, at least not much, while the lessons were going on, and he enjoyed learning besides. After his adventures, he found himself able to enjoy the company of others with amazing and satisfying confidence. But the classroom was still a place of comfort and peace, at least socially.

But today, as he stared absentmindedly out the classroom window, Yugi wished he had called in sick and taken the day off. Certainly there was no way he'd be able to pay attention to any lessons. Company other than the Pharaoh seemed unappealing, and more than anything he wanted to find himself alone, undisturbed to sort through his whirlwind of thoughts.

Such a project, such a theory...The comprehension of such a possibility was nearly impossible. Far more so was his decision to comply. But there was still undeniably the fact that a small part of him, though infinitesimal, was in favor of giving it a chance. Thus arose the question: Should he allow that part to grow? Common sense told him to lock that thought away and never mention it again, but it pressed him, and as it did his grandfather's trust in Keichi arose with it, and he found himself unwilling to do so.

Something tapped close by, but Yugi paid as much attention to the sound as he would a gnat. It was not until the second paper ball struck him in the head that he jerked out of his stupor.

Irritated, Yugi put a hand to the spot and whirled around to catch the culprit, only to drop his anger entirely as he caught sight of Joey staring at him.

He was the one who had thrown the projectile, and his gaze flickered back between the teacher and his friend. Tristan and Tea had not turned themselves to Yugi, but they glanced at him every now and then, and their concern was as thick as that of the blond next to them.

Yugi made the mistake of catching Joey's eye. Eyebrows furrowed in worry, Joey gave a tiny upward flick of his head, and waited. The question was obvious in his movements. What's wrong?

Yugi suppressed a sigh. They were still trying to question him. That morning, before class began the blond teen had marched right up to Yugi's desk and demanded, in a rather frightening mood, why Yugi had failed to be present for his 'lessons' like he promised, and was only stopped from causing any real damage by Tea and Tristan's intervention (mostly Tea).

Then, during homeroom and lunch, Yugi had quietly slipped from the classroom and had managed to evade them for half the period before they tracked him down and tried, as gently as they could, to interrogate him. Despite his best efforts to convince them nothing was wrong, they stopped only when the lunch bell rang, and for the first time in a long time Yugi was glad when the period was over, though he did so with a heavy conscience. Never did he think he'd treat his friends as he did those who tormented him years ago.

Yugi now tried to act indifferent, and gave a cheery smile. He shook his head and shrugged. Nothing.

It took all of his strength to keep looking at Joey in the eye.

Joey tilted his head, and gave him a hard look. Don't lie to me, I know something's botherin' ya. His gaze softened, and a small pleading light shone in his eyes. Can't ya tell me what's goin' on?

"Mutou!"

The teacher's sharp voice suddenly snapped Yugi to attention. He realized with a start that the entire class was staring at him, waiting for him to answer the teacher's question, which had gone completely unheard during Yugi's silent conversation.

Feeling a blush warm his cheeks, Yugi gave an embarrassed smile. "Sorry, Eikou-Sensei. I wasn't paying attention…"

"Indeed you weren't," Professor Eikou said, his voice no less sharper. "I would advise that you start, considering how your exams are less than a month away."

"Yes, Eikou-Sensei."

"This is the third time this month. I want to see you after school this time." There were a couple of hushed giggles and oohs, which were silenced by the teacher's glare.

Yugi groaned inwardly, feeling his heart sink. "Yes, Sensei," he said, his voice smaller.

"Good. Now, is there anyone who can actually tell me the correct response? Miho, what about you?"

Yugi sighed, and just prevented himself from slumping forwards against his desk. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Joey stealing a guilty glance at him, as if he'd figured his stares had caused Yugi to drift away from the lecture.

Turning towards him, Yugi gave him a warm smile, showing that he didn't blame him. Joey returned it in thanks, though he still hunched forward in shame. He still held his question in his expression. Desperate, Yugi mouthed Later, and only with that promise did Joey finally give up and turn away. Shaking his head, Yugi turned to the lecture. No doubt they would try to talk to him once more after school.

*Yuuuu-gi-oh-oh-oh!*

Yugi sighed heavily as he made his way back to the Game Shop. Of all the luck…His grandfather was going to smother him with worried explanations when he got home. He had packed quickly and made a beeline straight for the teacher's office without even glancing once at his friends, and he could only imagine the looks they'd have been giving him. It really wasn't fair to them…But as his guilt would sharpen, the memories of his conversation with Keichi would resurface, and he would remember with increased vigor his reason for wanting to stay away.

He was glad, then, that none of them could stay after school and wait for him. It felt sickeningly selfish to want to avoid all of them like this, but he could not help himself. After all, what on Earth could he say…?

Aibou.

Yugi's train of thought broke suddenly as the Pharaoh's voice, a gentle murmur, spoke next to him. Yugi turned to see the dead king floating besides him, understanding in his eyes. Though his composure remained as strong as ever, there was the same conflict in his expression that had been plaguing Yugi for the past night and day.

We will have to tell them, Yugi, and most likely soon.

I realize that, Pharaoh. But…what can we tell them? Will they even try to consider it? I don't even know if I want to consider it.

This decision—that is, if we decide to go through with this—is one that will affect them just as much as you and I. Besides, they will most likely find out themselves one way or another, regardless.

That's true, unfortunately, Yugi grumbled.

The Pharaoh gave a wry smile. There's no need to keep it a secret from them any longer. Of all people, they'll understand.

I know, Pharaoh. It's just…

I know.

They both lingered there a moment, holding each other's gaze, the same concern passing between them as swiftly and strongly as a heartbeat. Then, just as quickly, a decision was reached, and Yugi continued onwards, a more determined stride in his step.

The store was once again dark when Yugi arrived. To his mild surprise and pleasure, the door had been left unlocked, and Yugi dragged his tired feet over the doorframe, removing his shoes and calling loudly to the house.

"Hey, Grandpa, I'm home. Sorry I'm late, I got held back by Eikou-sensei…"

"Hey, Yug."

The guilt hit him before the surprise did. Yugi froze at the voice, one shoe off and the other halfway off his foot, and looked up before he could stop himself. Part of him was happy, as always, to see Joey there. Yet it was marred by the weight of all he bore, and all that had resulted thus far from it. The emotions roiled uncomfortably in his stomach, and it took more effort than he thought to remain standing.

At first Yugi didn't respond, placing his shoes neatly by the door. He straightened, and though it was partly forced, gave a smile. When he finally spoke, he winced at the slight tremble in his throat. "Joey, hey! Um, what are you doing here?"

Joey didn't answer right away, and Yugi struggled to keep his composure. Joey's trademark smile was gone, and his blonde friend looked more serious than he had in a long time. Joey leaned against the wall next to the guest room, arms and legs crossed, his head tilted into his chest so that he stared at the floor.

In short, he looked intimidatingly similar to the bullies Yugi had grown up learning to avoid and fear.

Yugi shook himself. This was stupid, being afraid of his friends like this. He shoved down his unease and forced himself to stand steady.

There came a noise from the guest room, and suddenly Tristan and Tea's head popped from around the doorframe. "Yugi!" Tea said, her voice friendly.

"Tea! Tristan, you're all here? How come? Where's Grandpa?" Yugi set down his pack and took a few steps into the hallway.

"Gramps said he had ta buy some groceries," Joey answered. Yugi's smile faded. His friend had continued to speak in a low, quiet tone, but to Yugi it might as well have been a shout. There was something about Joey's manner that brought back that old itch, to run the opposite direction and not look back.

"Oh…I see." Yugi couldn't think of anything else to say. The awkward silence continued. Tea and Tristan stood there, fidgeting.

Joey leaned his head back so that he stared at the ceiling. "How come ya didn't show up, Yug?" he asked finally.

Again the feeling of guilt came, and again Yugi pushed it away. When he spoke, he spoke to all of them. "I'm sorry. I know I promised you, but something…something came up."

"Please don't try to hide anything from us, Yugi," Tea suddenly burst out. "We know something's been troubling you, and we know the first think you'd do with something like that would be to deal with it yourself. But, don't you get that you don't have to anymore?"

She sounded as if she'd been preparing that speech. Each word jabbed at Yugi's core, and he raised a hand before it got too unbearable. "Don't worry, Tea," he cut in before she could continue, and Tea fell silent, a little surprised. Yugi gave a kind smile. "I'm going to tell you."

Joey shifted, turning so that he fully faced Yugi, and uncrossed his arms. The serious look was still maintained, and Yugi had to suppress a remark of amazement. This was as serious as Yugi had ever seen him.

Yet at the same time there shone a pleading look in his eyes. All the familiar worry and care Yugi had ever come to recognize was in that stare, and in a strange way in comforted him.

A hum began to rise from the Puzzle, and Yugi sensed the Pharaoh responding to his unease, preparing to rise if needed. An inquiry was sent through their link. Yugi smiled inwardly, and gently refused. He could handle his friends himself.

He sensed the Pharaoh's acceptance as the Puzzle's hum faded, leaving him alone to face the others.

All three looked expectantly at him, waiting for his explanation.

Yugi swallowed nervously. He could hear the leaves blowing across the concrete outside in the silence. "Why…Why don't we all go sit in the room? I'll make some tea for all of us," he suggested, breaking the tension.

"Oh…Yeah, of course," Tea answered quickly, and ushered Tristan into the other room. Joey waited a little longer, still staring at Yugi as if unable to believe him.

Cracking a wry grin, Yugi walked past him to the kitchen and began to rummage through the cabinets, searching for his pot. Joey raised an eyebrow before following the other two into the guest room.

Soon they were all sitting around the guest room table, their tea served before them in four small, steaming cups. For a while they sat in silence, sipping their beverage. No one seemed to know how to begin.

"I'm sorry, all of you," Yugi finally said. The others jumped a little at the break of the silence. "I know I shouldn't have tried to lie to you like that. I just didn't want you to worry, but," he raised his voice slightly as Tristan opened his mouth in a retort, "I also didn't want to tell you at the time. I'm going to tell you now, but I…I just want to say I didn't want to right then."

"We understand, Yugi," Tea said gently.

"But…" Tristan looked troubled. "I think…what we don't understand is, what could be so big you avoided us like that earlier? I mean, you haven't done anything like that in years."

Yugi cast his eyes downwards, and when he began, he spoke at first to his tea. "When I got here after school, my Grandpa had a visitor, a friend from his archeological branch. He…he had something to tell me. And…and the Pharaoh."

Bakura: Ah, there you are, RobinNightingale. Shall you and I have a little chat?

RN: Good job on originality...

Bakura: Why bother with being original? I'll still get to slaughter you all the same... *raises knife*

RN: Wait, wait! If you kill me, you'll regret it!

Bakura: I really don't think I will...

RN: I'll make you!

Bakura:What could you possibly do to make me regret killing you?

RN: I'll post my death with my name as Mr. Tweetums and send this chapter to Melvin!

Bakura: *Takes horrified step backwards* You wouldn't!

RN: Count on it, Fluffy.

Bakura: Rrr, fine. But don't expect that to work forever, love. As soon as Littlekuriboh finishes the Battle City arc and Melvin is finished, I'll have nothing to hold me back...

You can save me by R&R-ing!

See Chapter 1 for my Littlekuriboh disclaimer, which I say now from here on out will hold for the rest of the chapters I write.