Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Inconsolable ❯ Chapter Two ( Chapter 3 )

Chapter Two -

Anzu walked home from school next to Yugi, their hands adjoined and slowly swinging back and forth. Yugi always insisted on holding her hand. He said it made them look close. And they were close. That was true. But Anzu didn't feel it was necessary to flaunt to the whole world that they were best friends.

But still, she didn't want to upset the boy, so she held his hand and allowed him to caress her fingers with his thumb. It was the least she could do to repay him for being his first real friend.

There was a difference between holding hands and openly snuggling, though. That's right, snuggling. Yugi constantly cuddled against Anzu, not caring who was watching. Actually, he probably preferred people watching him shower the girl with affection.

So it wasn't a surprise to the young singer when the spiky haired teen latched onto her arm and stood as close as possible to her when she stopped to stare into a boutique window. Sure, it made her very uncomfortable, but she wasn't surprised by the action. He did this all the time. Whenever she would pause to take a break from walking, or stop to talk to another friend, Yugi would come up and wrap an arm around her, keeping them close together.

And even though he did it regularly, Anzu was still very uneasy when he would touch her that way. She just didn't understand. They weren't a couple. In no way were they together in that sense. They were best friends and were happy that way. She knew the shorter teen wanted something more than her friendship; and she knew that he knew he wouldn't get what he wanted from her. But still, being the ever-so-persistent boy that he was, Yugi kept trying to get closer to her. Too close to her.

Anzu began walking again. She needed to get home and away from the affectionate touches and caresses. She loved Yugi very much. Like a sister would a brother. But, just not as a boyfriend. Yugi needed to understand that, but he just didn't want to. She needed to just be alone for a while. To think. Perhaps write a song. Yes, that would calm her down.

The two teens reached the Kame game shop. Yugi's grandfather owned the shop and their apartment was attached to the back of it. Anzu immediately pulled away from the other. "Um...you should probably go. Your grandpa usually makes you run the shop after school."

The shorter teen nodded his head, not releasing her hand. "You could keep me company?" he suggested hopefully.

"I don't want to be a bother," the brunette laughed, scratching her head and turning to leave. "I'll call you later though, okay?"

The amethyst eyed boy sighed. "Alright," he replied dejectedly. He stopped his retreat into the shop suddenly. "Wait a second!"

The girl turned back to him, cocking her head to the side. "Yes?"

"I just remembered that my mom wanted me to pick up her medicine. She has the flu. Do you think you can watch the shop while I go get it?"

"Yugi, I don't know how to run a game store," Anzu replied.

The tri haired boy rolled his eyes. "It isn't that difficult. There most likely won't be any customers anyways. If there are, I'm pretty sure you can figure out how to use the cash register." He smiled. "Don't worry; I'll only be a few minutes. Ten minutes tops. The pharmacy is right down the road." He ran down the driveway and waved back to her. "Thanks a bunch, Anzu!"

The brunette sighed and walked into the shop, taking a place behind the counter.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Yami was standing by a lamppost, staring intently at the quaint little game shop across the street. His black uniform jacket billowed behind him in the light breeze. Crimson orbs watched the two teenagers part by the door of the shop. He instantly recognized them. They were in that café. The Coffee Bean. The singer and her popular friend. How could he forget?

He watched the boy run down the sidewalk. The girl went into the shop. Yami raised an eyebrow. He pondered whether to go into the shop or not. He didn't want to talk to anyone, especially not that girl from yesterday. However, he did see a particular display that had captured his interest.

Once the spiky haired teen was out of sight, Yami slowly made his way across the street, ignoring the 'don't walk' sign blinking on the other end of the street. The road was deserted. And really, who would care if he got hit anyways?

The door jingled as it opened. A pair of azure eyes looked up to see who walked inside. A slight frown appeared on the girl's face. Yami walked further into the shop, gazing at all the games and puzzles on display. He stepped up to the counter and stared intently at the pack of Magic and Wizards cards.

Anzu looked down at the packs the teen was staring at. Her glare disappeared. "You like Magic and Wizards? My best friend Yugi is state champion."

Yami didn't answer. Instead, he pulled himself up to his full height, which really wasn't that tall, and jabbed a finger at the cards.

The brunette frowned at not receiving an answer. She leaned down and opened a drawer, taking out a box of the cards. "Is that all for you today?"

Yami nodded and tapped his foot impatiently on the floor.

Anzu growled softly and shut the case. Why wouldn't this guy just speak?! He obviously wasn't a mute. He had spoken the other day. "That will be thirteen dollars."

The scarlet eyed boy handed over the money and took the package from her. He then turned and left the shop. After a few minutes he returned and stared at the teen behind the counter. His eyes softened and he held up the card box. "Um..." he cleared his throat and continued, "thanks." And with that said, he left.

Anzu looked out the door where the other had left. A small smile appeared on her face. "You're very welcome," she whispered in reply.

She went back to staring into space. Yami had been kind to her. Maybe he wasn't the cold hearted jerk she first thought he was. Maybe...maybe there was more to him than she first figured.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

It was night. A lone bedroom light was turned on in the Mazaki house. In her room, Anzu lay in her twin sized, yellow sheeted bed. An arm was placed dramatically over her forehead while the other rested on her stomach. Her eyes were closed. She was thinking.

There were many things to think about, that was certain. School. Her Geometry grade was slipping. Her mother wasn't very pleased. Yugi. He had been more touchy-feely with her lately. What was the cause of that? Yami...Hmm, Yami...Certainly a strange one. Anzu had many questions about the quiet teen.

Where did he come from? Why had he been so rude at first? Why did his eyes shine with hurt and sadness? Why didn't he speak to anyone? Did he not like people? Why had he come back into the shop to thank her?

The youth bit her lip. So many unanswered questions. Yami was so...confusing. And Anzu didn't know why she cared. The two had just met. They hadn't even actually met. She couldn't explain it, but she just felt...drawn...towards the boy. She didn't understand why. It wasn't any sort of romantic feeling. At least, she didn't think it was. It was just, well, a feeling. She felt the needed to help him. Again, she didn't know why, but she really, really wanted to see Yami smile.

There was a soft knock on the door.

Interrupted from her brooding, Anzu sat up. Her eyes fluttered open. The hand on her forehead fell onto the soft mattress.

"Oh, Anzu, glad to see you're still awake."

It was Ariana Mazaki, Anzu's mother. She was a young woman with rich chocolate brown hair like her daughter and compassionate green eyes. A single mother, since Mr. Mazaki passed away four years ago.

"What is it, mom?" Anzu asked.

Mrs. Mazaki held up a letter, a smile forming on her lips. "This came in the mail for you." She gave it to her daughter.

The girl tore the envelope open and read the paper inside. Her eyes widened. "An invitation for me to go to Jikiro High?! For what?!" she asked excitedly.

"Keep reading!" Mrs. Mazaki urged.

Sapphire orbs traveled further down the paper, anticipation growing in them as their owner read. "They find my grades high enough to become a tutor at their school!" She jumped up out of the bed. "Oh my god I can't believe it! They have a student for me to tutor all picked already. They said they want me to educate him more on World History, since he's failing that-poor guy- Mother, can you believe it?!"

"That's excellent news, Anzu!" The woman said, patting her daughter on the back. "When do they want you to start?"

Anzu checked the letter. "Friday after school gets out. I'm supposed to go to the office and they'll tell me what to do from there! Oh, I can't wait!"

Ariana nodded. "Well, you better get a good night's sleep then. I'll make you a special breakfast in the morning to celebrate."

The teen cheered and hopped back into the bed, excitement filling her mind and making it impossible for her to concentrate on falling asleep.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Friday afternoon, Anzu walked down the street towards Jikiro High. Yugi was clutching her more ferociously than usual. Though, since he was a little guy, the grip didn't hurt much at all. But it sure was uncomfortable to have him practically smashed against the side of her body. Why was he fondling her so much? Ever since she told him she had to tutor someone he became permanently attached to her hip.

"Um..." Anzu pulled away, seeing the school in the distance. "D-don't you have band practice?" she asked.

The spiky haired boy cursed quietly. "I forgot about that!" He hugged the girl tightly. "Thanks for reminding me! Tak would kill me if I missed practice!" He hugged her again before running down the opposite side of the street.

Anzu rolled her eyes and adjusted her backpack, walking into the school. She stepped into the office and approached the front desk.

The secretary was an old woman with bright red lipstick. Her eyes were narrowed. Small square glasses were perched on the tip of her nose. Her salt-and- pepper hair was pulled back into a tight bun. She wore an ugly moss colored suit. The nametag placed on the lapel of the suit read Casilda.

"You must be Anzu Mazaki."

The brunette nodded.

"From," she paused and checked the papers, "Domino High?"

Again, the Anzu nodded.

Casilda smiled and stood up, extending a hand. The younger shook it. "It's a pleasure to have you here. Now, about the tutoring. You'll be educating a boy named Yami Mutou on World History. He seems to really be struggling in that course."

Anzu's eyes widened at the name. Yami Mutou...could it be him? The lonely stranger? The one that bought the Magic and Wizards card box?

Casilda was babbling on. She told Anzu where to go and gave her a text book as well as some of Yami's papers. She then shoved her out of the office, whispering "good luck, you'll need it," under her breath and shut the door.

Anzu blinked and looked down the long hallway. "Room 404...Room 404..."

A flight of stairs was climbed. A hallway was entered. Soft music was heard coming from one of the doors. Cerulean eyes cracked the door to room 404 open and peered inside. It was empty. The music came from the room attached to it. Piano music. Soft, melodic. Slightly dark and eerie. It chilled her bones.

The door connecting room 404 and 403 together was slightly ajar. Anzu poked her head inside and saw a familiar tri haired boy sitting on an oak piano bench, eyes closed. Fingers moved swiftly across the piano keys to keep the sound going. When the door shut loudly, crimson eyes didn't open. The music continued. Anzu could only watch him.

When the song finished, Yami stood and dusted off his black jacket, finally turning to acknowledge the new presence in the room. His audience. His eyes widened. It was her. Why did she keep showing up? The taller leaned heavily against the piano, his hand slipping and falling on the keys. A clash of high pitched music notes.

Large eyes shot up, startled. Ruby met sapphire. Two pairs of eyes locked. Breaths were sucked in and unconsciously held.

Time, once more, seemed to stop. And neither could look away. Captivated. As if both were placed in some sort of trance.

Blinking rapidly, Anzu averted her gaze finally to the textbook in her arms. She could still feel those glaring crimson orbs o her. She closed her eyes, but she could still see those eyes. She coughed and cleared her throat. "Um...hi?" she started lamely. Yami snorted as a response. But other than that, he didn't make any move to greet the girl. "I-I'm Anzu Mazaki...we met earlier in the week. Remember, you bought those Magic and Wizards cards?" she tried again.

Yami shifted his feet, putting weight on his left leg now. He looked to the History book and a knowing look filled his eyes. So, Anzu was going to be his tutor? What was the point? If he didn't want to learn it, he didn't want to learn it. So let him fail. It wasn't as though his mother cared. It wasn't as though he was going to college after graduating. Heck, he may not even graduate. It wasn't as though he had a future...

So why, Yami wondered, was this girl, who obviously had a bright future to look forward to, helping him? A nobody? A loner? A loser? One of the most hated students in Jikiro High? One of the most disliked people in the whole town of Domino?! He was worthless! Of absolutely no value! But still, this girl seemed to care. She had offered him a jacket when it was cold. She had sold him game cards. And now, now she was going to try and improve his grades.

And what had Yami done for her?! What incentive had he given to her so that she'd help him? Nothing! Why would someone like this Anzu girl even want to help someone like him, anyhow?

Yami's spirits lifted slightly. Maybe, possibly, Anzu was more than just a good person. Maybe she did care for him. Maybe she was that person Yami had been searching for all his life. Maybe...just maybe, Anzu was that one person in the world that could care for him always.

A scowl appeared on the crimson eyed youth's face. Yeah right. Nobody would ever truly care for him. His own mother didn't even care! Nobody would ever love him. He shouldn't even be thinking that way! Love. What a joke.

The taller's thoughts were broken as the brunette shuffled forward, a grin on her face. "I understand you're having trouble with World History. So-"

"Listen," Yami began his voice icy. Anzu shuddered at the tone. "I don't need your help. So just leave me alone, and stop showing up wherever I am!" He blinked, surprised by the sudden outburst. His voice sounded strong, though. That was a pretty good thing. He didn't even stutter.

The other's brows knitted together. "Look, I'm just trying to help you. You're struggling in this subject and I was assigned to help you bring your grade up." She turned and walked towards the exit. "If you don't want my help then fine. I'm just wasting my time here. I'll find a student who is willing to learn."

She stopped, about to open the door. "You know, Yami... I bet it isn't your brain that's off beam. I'm betting you're a very smart person. It's your attitude that's messed up." She whirled around, glaring at him through angry cobalt orbs. "I don't know what problems you may have at home or wherever, but you need to get over it. Everyone has problems, but that doesn't mean you should take them out on other people. People who have never done anything to you."

Yami opened his mouth to retaliate but Anzu was quicker. "I never did anything to you besides offer help. And now, now I'm sorry for even doing that!" With that said, she stormed out of the room. Her knuckles were white from clutching the textbook so hard.

She was wrong. So very wrong by thinking that maybe this boy did have more in him than she first thought. That maybe his blood wasn't so cold. She was right with her first impression of the taller teen. She should have known right from the start. Right when he threw her jacket in that mud puddle. Yami was nothing more than a jerk. A cold hearted jerk.

The brunette exited the school. What a waste of her time.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Inside the classroom 403, Yami stood speechless. His attitude? Was he really that bad? Did he hurt that many people? He just though that...if he kept to himself and not associated with anyone then he wouldn't get hurt. He didn't think anyone would be harmed with that plan. What was Anzu talking about? How had he hurt her?! He'd never done anything but keep quiet. That girl was just crazy.

Yami sighed. He picked up his backpack and left the room in search of the brunette. Maybe he'd be able to catch up and...apologize...for being rude. He hadn't really meant to be rude in the first place. He just didn't want pity. He didn't need anyone feeling bad for him.

He had just exited the school gates, seeing the short brown hair belonging to Anzu in the distance, when someone grabbed him by the collar of the shirt.

"Hey loner-boy. I think you owe me some money, remember?"

Crimson eyes widened. Their owner gulped. Oh no. Not him. Not Ushio.