DISCLAIMER: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh or any of its characters! Also I don't own the soda brand Mountain Dew! That credit goes to the original owners and creators. Of course we all know that Mountain Dew is the nectar of the gods! LOL! :D Also, I don't own any songs that are used in this fan fiction ownership goes to the original.
WARNING: This fan fiction may contain some character bashing, as well as random cameo appearances from different characters.
NOTE: I'm going to finally start incorporating different shipping's into my stories. I apologize if they're not very good. But they'll get better as I go.
Chapter 2 – Moving Out
In Yugi's opinion, the morning had come too soon. For the dread and depression he had felt the night before began to creep slowly back into the front of his mind till it had completely consumed his heart and soul, making him unwilling to move. Thoughts of being the new kid, the beacon of attention, the center of gossip; enticed a small groan from the young teen as he rolled to the left, pulling the covers up over his head. All of these natural things had happened to him so often that he no longer cared to be noticed. In fact, he hoped that everyone at his new school would just go on as if having a new student from the big city arrive at their school was nothing to fuss over. But even he knew that was asking a lot, especially for small town's folk like those who lived in Domino.
He groaned again as he thought about this, the air that escaped his lips caused it to become hot and stuffy under the blankets, making it rather uncomfortable to try and hide from the world. Slowly, he removed the covers from his face and blinked rapidly as the bright light that came through the only window, filled the room. He watched as the ray of sun light moved across the wall as the Sun rose higher and higher into the clear blue sky. His amethyst gaze continued to watch as it crawled up from the end of the bed, over his feet, legs and chest; until the warmth of its rays gently touched his face.
Letting out a soft sigh, Yugi blinked as he sat up, groaning and wincing as he felt a twinge in his neck. Grasping it and massaging the soreness away tenderly, he looked around the now barren room. Its white, vacant walls nicked and chipped in random places where shelves and posters had once been. But doing so only strengthened the sadness and grief in his heart. 'Well, at least the sun's out that means it'll be decent weather out for most of the day. Then again...I don't know how the weather is in Domino.' He thought as he kicked his legs out of the sleeping bag.
**BANG**
Yugi jumped, startled as he heard the loud sound of glass shattering against tile floor come up from down stairs. "What the...? What was that?" He asked as concern and worry began to well up inside him.
Quickly, Yugi stood and ran across the room, grasping the door handle and yanking it open, then practically flew through the hallway. Reaching the stairs, he thundered down them, nearly tripping on the middle stair, almost causing him to fall, but he easily regained his balance and continued on his way till he arrived at the bottom of the stairs. "GRANDPA?! Are you alright?!" Yugi huffed, his bright eyes wide in alarm.
Solomon was crouched on his hands and knees near a pile of broken glass, gingerly picking up the pieces. Perking up when he heard his grandson's voice, he turned his aged face to him, his own deep blue eyes widening in concern as he held up a cautionary hand. "Be careful Yugi! I dropped one of my Egyptian crystal vases when I was trying to get it wrapped in bubble wrap and newspaper so it would be safe from thumps and bumps on the way to Domino. Now..." he let out a soft, depressed sigh as he turned to the various scattered pieces, grasping one between his thumb and forefinger, then slowly and shakily brought it up to his face as he slumped back resting on his legs, "...now it's just a broken relic of the time that I had spent in Cairo, Egypt."
The worried expression on Yugi's face softened and changed to one of sympathy and understanding. Letting out a relieved huff of air, Yugi carefully navigated through the mine field of sharp, jagged crystal. Tip-toeing gingerly across the floor to his grandfather. Standing beside the man now, Yugi knelt down and began to help clean them up.
After a while, the two had gathered every piece and placed them delicately in the hammock of Solomon's shirt that he made by holding it out and away from his body by the hem. Standing fully, Yugi helped his grandpa to his feet, careful not to bump him so that none of the crystal would end up back on the floor. Once Solomon was able to stand, he turned slightly and smiled, "Thank you Yugi. That was kind of you to help me with this." He said as he turned away and bustled off to the kitchen.
Yugi followed close behind him and stopped just as they reached the table. "Which one was it grandpa?" He asked as he grasped the top of the back of one of chairs surrounding it. For he knew how much Solomon loved each of his Egyptian relics and artifacts that he had collected over the years as both an explorer, historian and archeologist. Everything that Yugi knew about the ancient world of Egypt; a land that had once been ruled by many great and legendary Pharaoh's; had come from his grandfather.
Sighing with a heavy heart as he threw the shards into the trash, Solomon turned to his grandson, the expression on that he wore on his face was that of a fake smile, "Oh just the Anubis crystal that I had received from an elderly peddler in Cairo, it's nothing special." He lied with a non-chalant wave as he wattled slowly over to the fridge that stood to Yugi's left. The last thing Solomon wanted to do was bore his grandson with another of his many stories.
But unfortunately for Solomon, Yugi could see right through his mask. He could see the hidden pain in his grandfathers aged eyes, the secret tell-tell signs that gave away to the fact that he was lying. Though it was true that he didn't need to hear the story for he had heard it once his grandpa returned from that archeological dig in the sands of the outer regions of Anubian Desert, located due south from the Valley of the Kings. He remembered how Solomon had described the heat of the sand and stone beneath your feet, and the intensity of the Suns searing rays, beating down on your shoulders. Threatening to burn any skin that you dare allowed to be exposed in order to keep cool. But, to only fail at trying.
Yugi began to recall how his grandfather had described the atmosphere and emotion of the market where he and his colleague, Professor Arthur Hawkins, had decided to shop for their morning meal. People, of many different sizes, shapes, and races clogged the markets streets. Many either on their way to work or out to do their daily shopping.
~FLASHBACK~
Solomon and Hawkins were about to head on their way when a commotion kicked up not too far from where they were standing by a small food cart. Solomon turned to see what was going on, nearly dropping his food once his eyes caught the most disturbing site.
An elderly peddler, who had been sporting his wares, was under attack by a large thief. His fists were as large as melons, his arms as big around as palm trees. He had struck the peddler, causing the small, fragile man to fall to the ground, hard. His head cracking against a rock that was slightly protruding from the sand.
The peddler yelped and grasped the back of his head protectively, hoping to guard it from another blow. Curling into the fetal position as the thief towered over him, laughing maniacally, the petite man called out "HELP! SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME!"
Reacting instinctively, Solomon shoved his food into Arthur's arms and ran directly at the monster of a man, attempting to tackle him. But once his body made contact with the others stone hardened core, Solomon found himself on the ground beside the peddler and a fire beginning to burn on his cheek. Gingerly, he placed a hand over the cut as he returned, shakily, to his feet. He then stood protectively, his arms straight out on both sides, in front of the stunned elder. Attempting to shield him from any further advance of attack.
The thief bore a menacing, rotten toothy grin as he stared down his nose at Solomon, folding his arms across his chest. "Well now little man. I suggest you step out of the way, otherwise you're going to get yourself hurt and I'll be more than happy to oblige."
But Solomon just glared at the man and didn't move, standing firmly "I will not allow you to harm this man any further!" He bellowed, "Bullies like you deserve to be stood up to!"
The thief's eye brow twitched at the degrading but true term. "How dare you insult me you insignificant little worm? I will crack you like an egg!" His malicious grin turned into a menacing scowl.
Solomon only glared back and didn't say a word. This irritated the thief even more, his massive hands clenching into fists at his sides. "You continue to mock me you microscopic little insect? I'll show you for making a fool out of me!" The large man snarled as he took a step towards Solomon.
~FLASHBACK END~
Yugi blinked rapidly as he was brought back out of his day dream by his grandfather's voice saying his name. Shaking his head violently, Yugi locked eyes with Solomons, a hint of concern in them. Smiling sheepishly, Yugi reached up with his left hand and rubbed the back of his head, giggling nervously "Sorry grandpa. I was lost in thought."
Staring for a brief moment, Solomon chuckled and nodded in understanding "It's alright Yugi. But don't worry about the Anubis crystal. I can always pick up another one if I ever travel back to Cairo." He said with a small smile.
Disbelieving his grandfather's words, Yugi only nodded and smiled back, a moment of awkward silence falling over them. After what seemed like an eternity, Solomon glanced at the clock on the wall behind Yugi's head. His tired eyes widened in shock, "Oh my good gracious look at the time. It's nearly 8 am. We'll have to be heading out pretty soon. Let me get some breakfast started." He said as he turned to the fridge again and yanked the door open. Sticking his head inside, the cool air that was trapped inside felt good. He fumbled around, grasping a carton of eggs, a gallon of milk, a tub of butter, and different flavored syrups from the door. Carefully stacking all of these things in his arms, he shut the door behind with his left foot and turned then waddled over to the counter by the stove.
Once he reached it, he semi-placed slash threw everything onto the surface and turned to his grandson, "Do pancakes, bacon and eggs sound good?" He asked, tilting his head slightly.
Yugi blinked at the question then smiled and nodded, "Sounds great to me grandpa." He said as he took a couple steps towards the doorway, "I'm gonna go take a shower and get ready while you're cooking."
"Alright Yugi. I'll holler when it's ready." Solomon called after his grandson, who was already half way up the stairs, thudding as he went.
Turning back to his work, Solomon chuckled as he cracked a couple of eggs into a hug bowl that he had retrieved from a nearby cabinet. Discarding the shells into the trash can, which stood between the start of the counter and the fridge, he opened the middle drawer on his way back up and grasped a metal whisk then shut the drawer again. Beating the eggs, his thoughts remained on that of his grandson. He knew that this move was going to be hard, but at the same time, he was at peace with his decision because he knew that now that he was going to make Domino their permanent home, Yugi would be able to have regular teenage life. For his grandson was quickly approaching his 16th birthday and he wanted him to experience it the way any regular teen would.
Once the eggs and milk had been smoothly combined, Solomon crossed the kitchen to a cabinet that was located diagonally from where he stood. Retrieving a pan from behind its door, he shut it gently and returned to his work, placing the pan on the stove, humming a merry tune.
~MEANWHILE~
Reaching the top of the stairs, Yugi entered his room and sorted through the boxes, trying to find the one labeled "CLOTHING". It didn't take long till he found it and ripped off the masking tape from the top. Picking out a matching onyx black t-shirt and jacket; light-wash jeans, black socks, and his black, studded leather boots along with two of his studded belts; he resealed the box quickly then turned and walked across the hall to the bathroom.
Entering the small yet spacious room, Yugi noticed two towels that had already been placed on the vanity counter. Getting choked up slightly, he knew that his grandpa must have placed them out last night, knowing that he would want to shower in the morning; as was his usual routine.
Shutting the door behind him, he placed his clothes beside the towels and his boots on the floor, making sure that they were all out of reach of possible splatter. Letting out a heavy sigh, he sat on the edge of the classic white, cast-iron tub and turned the faucet till the handle hovered over the red marker. Placing his free hand under the stream to test the temperature, he turned the knob till the water was comfortable before standing fully and undressing. He carefully stepped into the bath and drew the curtain back then pulled the pin that diverted the water to the shower head.
A shiver rippled down his spine as the hot water cascaded down his body, releasing every tense muscle in his neck, shoulders, and back; humming in content as Yugi he allowed his over-anxious mind to go blank.
After about twenty-five minutes, Yugi pushed the pin down and turned to knob off then pulled the curtain back and stepped out. Grabbing one of the towels, Yugi ran it over his spiky, tri-colored hair briefly before he shook it out and felt it spring back into place. He wrapped that same towel around his waist, folding the corner in towards his body and turned it under the cloth. He then grabbed the hand towel that was hanging from a metallic, metal ring that was attached to the wall; and reached up then wiped the perspiration off of the glass.
Finished, he placed the towel back on the rack and turned his attention to the mirror. He sighed heavily and leaned in closer, examining his features closely - checking from pimples or black heads. Convinced that none were threatening to start up any time soon, he leaned back and examined his physical form, another heavy, depressed sigh escaped his lips as he did so; 'Look at me' he thought to himself. 'It's no wonder I can't even score a date. I'm so average and pale in complexion. Not to mention my small frame and meager amount of muscle, or the lack thereof in comparison to most boys my age.'
He let out another sad sigh as he began to pull on his jeans, "YUGI! Breakfast is ready! Why don't you come downstairs and we'll eat before we finish packing and load up the car?" Solomon's voice called from behind the door.
"Be right there grandpa!" Yugi hollered back, quickly pulling on his shirt and boots.
Giving himself a final once over, he flicked the switch as he jerked the door open and flew down the hall, thundering down the stairs again. Once he reached the bottom...the warm, sweet smell of hot buttermilk pancakes with rich maple syrup accompanied by small hints of savory sausage; engulfed him. He wandered into the kitchen then crossed the room to the table and pulled out one of the chairs. As he sat down, Solomon placed a plate loaded with food in front of him before shuffling over to the fridge and pulled the milk out again. He returned to the table as he spun off the cap and grasped Yugi's glass, filling it to the brim with the ice cold liquid. "Now eat up Yugi." He said as he placed the glass back, close to his grandson's plate. "We've got a long day ahead of us."
Yugi nodded rapidly, smiling from ear to ear "Yeah! It's gonna be awesome! I can't wait!"
His grandfather laughed, "Well the sooner you get done eating the sooner we can finish packing and hit the road." He said as he replaced the lid on the milk jug, crossing the room as he did so, returning it to the fridge and grabbing the Florida Orange juice carton in its place.
If there was any way for the smile on his grandson's face to grow bigger than it already had then there was a new revelation in their lives. Solomon only chuckled as he returned to the table and unscrewed the cap from the carton and poured the bright orange liquid in his glass. Spinning the lid back on, he placed the white box on the table beside his own plate and began eating with Yugi.
They discussed many things, such as: how big of a place they were going to need, what type of amenities that were going to need to be located by the building that will be turned into the game shop, and where they should be located so that business would do well. Because they wanted to make sure that it would feel like as much of a home as possible, while maintaining the goal of the store in mind as well.
After about twenty minutes, the two men finished their meals and cleaned up the kitchen thoroughly so that when their current realtor came in to inspect the place, Solomon would be able to get his cleaning deposit back in the next week or two.
They did the same over the rest of the house, cleaning every nook and cranny they could find, moving from the kitchen to the living room, then upstairs to the bathroom, leaving the bedrooms for last; checking every spot that they could till they were positive it would pass the white glove test, packing as they went.
Finishing up, Yugi looked around his now completely vacant bedroom, standing in the doorway with his hand grasping the door knob. He couldn't believe it. They were finally going to find a place that they could make new memories. A place to have parties and get together. A place where he and his friends could hang out without him getting bombarded with questions of why there were still so many unpacked boxes in a single corner of the room A place...they could, finally, call home.
Taking a deep breath in, holding it for a moment as he closed his amethyst eyes, he cast out any and all negative feelings he had or, at least, tried to. Letting it out slowly, he opened them as a smile slowly graced his features as he stepped out into the hall and pulled on the handle, closing the door behind him and walked down the corridor then descended the stairs for the final time.
Reaching the bottom, he saw his grandfather standing at the front door; he too was smiling from ear to ear with excitement of the growing possibilities of what this new life would hold for them. "Ready to go?" He asked as he extended an aged hand out to his grandson.
Nodding rapidly, smiling wide, Yugi ran across the room and grasped his grandfather's extended hand and both men stepped out the door, closing it behind them...ending yet another chapter in the story of their lives.