Setting: It's a few days after the duel in the park and the gang is just finishing another day of school.

***Note- Mr. Sakura is the homeroom teacher for the gang, and he also teaches Science and Math!

<Mr. Sakura> Now, pass in your homework for that advanced algebra problem.
<Everyone> *groans*
<Setsuna> *bright smile* This problem was so easy…
<Ari> *plops her head on her desk and cries* *moans* I'm gonna fail… I'm gonna fail…
<Seto> *raises an eyebrow at the two girls* You two are best friends, and yet completely different?
<Setsuna> *nods* Got a problem with that?
<Mr. Sakura> No talking!!
<Bakura> *snickers*
<Ari> *sticks her tongue out at him* Jerk…
<Bakura> =_=' *whines* No one likes me…
<Yugi> *sighs* It's okay, Bakura…
<Jou> Yeah, no one likes me either, so we're in da same group!
<Honda> =_=' Dude, you just totally dissed yourself.
<Jou> *blinks* Oh. ><'
<Seto> *sighs* Imbecile…
<Mr. Sakura> Is there a problem, Mr. Kaiba?
<Seto> *blinks* Other then Wheeler's stupidity, no.
<Mr. Sakura> =_='' Stop the chit-chat.
<Ari> *turns and looks out the window* *sigh* *thinks: This is sooo boring. ><' I wish Marik were in school…*
<Setsuna> *picking up her thoughts: Ari… so love sick…*
<Ari> *glares*
<Setsuna> *giggles*
*Finally the final bell rings*
<Jou> Finally!!! *gets up and stretches out* Only, what, another month until Christmas Vacation!
<Crystal> *pops into the classroom* Hey guys!
<Setsuna> Crystal! *runs over and starts gabbing*
<Ari> *follows*
<Bakura> *looks at the girls* Girls… why do they talk so much?
<Seto> *shrugs* Because… they're girls. They just… talk.
<Jou> *nods* Well said.
<Honda> *falls over*
<Seto> *glares* Don't you dare agree with me!
<Jou> But…! @_@' *blink*
<Setsuna> *looks over at the guys* They need to get out more… seriously.
<Ari> Speaking of which, I vote we go to the mall after school! ^-^'
<Crystal> Oh, yes! We could hit the arcade!
<Setsuna> *grins* I'll kick everyone's bootay!
<Seto> *wraps his arms around her waist suddenly* Are we forgetting who has all the records in the arcade?
<Setsuna> *sweatdrop* Eh-heh…
<Jou> Blah blah blah… you're just good because you cheat.
<Seto> *glare* I do not cheat.
<Yugi> *sigh*
<Crystal> Well, we going or what?! *grabs her schoolbag and walks out the door*
<Yugi> *follows, putting his hand in hers* Hurry up guys!!
<Honda> *blinks* Wow… I still can't believe Yugi's got a girlfriend now.
<Bakura> =_=' Lucky guy.
<Seto> *grabs Setsuna's hand* C'mon… we'll beat everyone there.
<Setsuna> ><' It's not a race, you silly!
<Jou> *races past* Now it is!! NYAAAH!!
<Seto> *anger mark* That's it! *picks Setsuna up and races after Jou*
<Ari> *blinks* Ooookay… well, you wanna come, Honda?
<Honda> Nah, I've got a date with Shizuka to keep. *laughs* Jou still doesn't know… mwah ha…
<Ari> *sweatdrops as he walks off* Uh… great. That's… evil.
<Bakura> *picks up his bag* Yea… evil… *doesn't look her in the eyes*
<Ari> *looks at Bakura* Bakura… Has, uh… Has Ryou told you anything?
<Bakura> *blink* What?
<Ari> *blushes profusely* Guess not. *runs out of the room*
<Bakura> *dumbfounded* What on earth is Ryou getting me into this time? *thinks to Ryou: Does this by chance have anything to do with why my face hurt a few nights ago?*
<*Ryou*> Just keep walking out that door and I won't kill you.
<Bakura> =_=' You can't kill me, we already know that. *walks out the door*
<*Ryou*> Smart ass…
*later, at the mall*
<Jou> *is breathing hard* Wow… I can't believe I made the bus in time! *grins* I beat everyone!
<Seto> *walks up behind him* Beat who? *laughs*
<Setsuna> *walks up as well, carrying a shopping bag* We've been here for twenty minutes already.
<Jou> *gapes* What?!
<Setsuna> Well, everyone else should be getting here soon… we said we'd meet at the arcade.
<Seto> How's Yugi and Crystal getting here?
<Jou> I think he drove.
<Seto> @_@' Shorty can drive?!
<Jou> =_=' He's taller den he used ta be.
<Setsuna> *blink* Come on, let's go… *walks towards the arcade*
*at the arcade*
<Crystal> *is at the coin exchange, getting more coins*
<Yugi> Let's try air hockey next! *smiles*
<Crystal> *grins* Sure… but I'm warning you, I'm fast!
<Yugi> Oh ho ho… I'm not scared!
<Ari> *stands over Yugi* Well, you should be… because if you ever go up against me, you're getting smashed! *makes a pose* I can beat anyone!
<Marik> *comes up behind her and pokes her in the side* Eheh… right.
<Ari> @_2' *freaks out* How'd you get here so fast? I called you just as we got out of school!
<Marik> Oh… you know… speed demon… motorcycle… And I had motivation: you! *kisses her neck* Heh…
<Ari> You are such a cutey. *laughs*
<Yugi> Right. Well, if you ever want to prove you can beat my brains out, come to the back of the arcade… *walks off with Crystal*
<Setsuna> *comes up to Ari* So, what do you want to try first?
<Ari> *looks around* Hmmm… well, I suck at DDR… so not that.
<Seto> Though… Setsuna keeps bragging about how good at it she is. *strokes chin* Maybe we should put her to the test?
<Ari> Yeah! *smiles* Setsuna, show 'em!
<Setsuna> But who am I gonna go up against?!
<Ryou> *walks up behind her* I'm game.
<Everyone> *turn around* @_2' YOU?!
<Ryou> What?! Never heard of agility?!
<Marik> =_=' You couldn't beat her… you'd fall over.
<Ryou> You, Marik, of all people should know how agile I can be. And I'm fast…
<Marik> *mutters* Damn right you perv…
<Ryou> WHAT?! *grabs Marik's shirt by the collar*
<Ari> @_@' Stop fighting!
<Setsuna> Yea, come on Ryou, put your feet where your mouth is *grins, heading for the DDR*
<Ryou> Fine! *stomps off*
<Seto> This should be interesting... *goes to watch*
<Setsuna> *gets up on the DDR* Lets see... what song to choose... *picks one of the harder ones* This should be a piece of cake for someone like you.
<Ryou> *folds his arms* Just start it all ready.
<Setsuna> *nods* You know I will ^^ *starts the song, executing the moves perfectly*
<Ryou> *stumbles at first, but gets it pretty well*
<Ari> Show him, Setsuna...
<Marik> *watches with interest* Heh... I don't know who I want to root for less...
<Seto> What do you mean "who to root for less"? If Setsuna's as good as she says she is, then she has this game won already.
<Setsuna> *anger mark* Whaddya mean, "if"??? I AM the best at this game!
<Ryou> Right. *mutters* Braggart. Just shut your mouth and dance, will you?! *anger mark*
<Setsuna> *glares* Fine. Let's see you get the next part at all. *the song suddenly speeds up, and the moves become insanely complicated* Ha! *is keeping up perfectly, only missing a few steps*
<Ryou> Hmph! Fine! *speeds up and seems to suddenly get more agility out of nowhere* Heh... *winds up flipping to slam a square with his hands once in a while to keep up*
<Setsuna> *grins, thinking: He doesn't know that this song has a stop.. he'll totally mess up when it does...* *keeps up with Ryou easily, not needing to use her hands*
<Jou> Woah... Ryou looks way cool wit all dose flips...
<Ari> But he's losing... =_='
<Seto> *is watching, impressed* Setsuna really is good...
<Setsuna> *thinks: Here it comes!* *performs the stop perfectly*
<Ryou> *gasps as he sees the stop and manages to make it just in time, but starts falling backwards* Aaahhh! *reverts back to Bakura in the confusion of the moment*
<Setsuna> *gets the ending of the song perfect* Woot!
<Bakura> *has since fallen on his butt* Ow!! What on earth am I doing??
<Everyone else> *is laughing their heads off*
<Bakura> *looks around* What the heck am I doing up here?!
<Ari> *smiles weakly, trying to hide laughter* Come on, Bakura, get down from there... *holds out a hand*
<Setsuna> *jumps down* That was fun! ^^
<Seto> *nods* Interesting to watch, as well.
<Marik> *watches as Ari helps Bakura down* *thinks: Ok... first Kibira gets mad at me... and now Ari is helping Bakura... What the hell is going on?*
<Bakura> Thanks Ari. *smiles, blushing*
<Ari> No problem... *smiles back, innocently*
<Marik> Hmmm... *thinks: Well, maybe she's just friends.... I mean, they do go to the same school...*
<Jou> Where did Yug' get off to?
<Ari> Oh, he and Crystal went to go play air hockey.
<Setsuna> Let's go find them! ^^
<Marik> *goes over to Ari and takes her hand in his*
<Ari> *leans into his shoulder* ^=^' That was fun to watch!
<Marik> *smiles* *thinks: Well... I guess there's nothing to worry about.*
<Crystal> *when everyone comes over* Hey! I actually beat Yugi! ^^
<Yugi> Aw… I let you win...
<Seto> *rolls eyes* Give me a break...
<Crystal> *looks at Ari with Marik* *blinks* Ari, can I talk to you for a sec?
<Ari> Uh... ok... *follows Crystal to a different spot in the room*
<Setsuna> *blinks* Wha??
<Ari> What is it, Crystal?
<Crystal> I… uhm… I didn't want to say anything in front of anyone... But, I thought you were going out with Bakura? Why were you with Marik?
<Ari> *blinks, and blushes a bit* What?? Marik is my boyfriend! What gave you the idea I was going with Bakura?
<Crystal> I saw it... with my Pendant. My Item lets me see people's dreams. I saw your dreams about him.
<Ari> Waah... dreams? *thinks to Kibira: What dreams?!*
<*Kibira*> *panics* Ari, let me take over real quick!
<*Ari*> All right... but you have explaining to do...
<Kibira> Crystal, please, you can't tell anyone what you saw!
<Crystal> *surprised to see Kibira* Why not? What's going on?
<Kibira> Its a very, very long story… just please... don't worry about it, and don't tell anyone!
<Crystal> But... I... *thinks to Nawra: Should I tell her about Ryou's dream too?*
<*Nawra*> I don't know... Maybe it'd be best not to... she might not know.
<Crystal> All right.... I just wasn't sure... I'm sorry if I worried you.
<Kibira> *sighs* It's okay... just... now I've got a lot more thinking to do...
<Setsuna> *calls over* Ari, Crystal! Come on, we're gonna go check out some other games!
<Kibira> *smiles weakly at Crystal* Thanks for letting me know... I guess I have to let Ari in on this now, but I think I should have told her anyway... uh... thank for not telling anyone as well. *reverts back to Ari*
<Ari> Uhhh... *looks slightly perturbed* What is GOING ON?!
<Crystal> *starts walking to catch up with the group* Kibira will tell you later! Come on, lets go! *smiles* ^^
<Ari> *sigh* Alright... *walks over to Marik* Sorry 'bout that. *grins weakly*
<Marik> *puts an arm around her waist* It's okay. *smiles*
<Ryou> *takes over again* Well, now what should we do?
<Setsuna> *surprised to see him out again* Maybe I should kick your arse again.
<Ryou> =_=' No thanks.
<Seto> *spots a shooter game* Why don't we try that one out?
<Setsuna> *looks over* Another opportunity to kill records! *laughs* No pun intended. *smiles at everyone* Who wants to take me on?
<Seto> *grins* This time, I'm winning.
<Setsuna> I'll believe it when I see it! *picks up the first-player gun*
<Ryou> *walks up next to Ari and Marik, speaking only loud enough that she can hear* This should be interesting…
<Ari> *blinks, and looks at him oddly* Why wouldn't it be interesting?
<Ryou> Well, other then the fact that Setsuna always wins… *grins evilly, knowing the comment will drive Kibira out*
<Kibira> *pokes out* Yea… she does, doesn't she…
<Marik> *finally notices their conversation* She does what?
<Kibira> *panics, not wanting Marik to know what she's talking about with Ryou* Oh, uh… I was just agreeing with Ryou that Setsuna is a very good gamer. *sweatdrop*
<Marik> *smiles* I'm sure you could take her on and win.
<Kibira> *smiles weakly* Yea… sure…
<Ryou> *smirks to himself*
<Kibira> *notices Ryou's smirk* *thinks: What is he smirking about??*
<Setsuna> *is ready to fire at the screen, and starts shooting when the game starts* Ha!!
<Seto> *is the silent gamer type, just standing and shooting as the badguys come up*
<Crystal> Go Setsuna! ^^
<Jou> *thinks for a second* The girls seem ta be winnin' all da games… I neva' thought I'd say dis… but, go Kaiber!
<Marik> @_@' you're rooting for him?!
<Seto> *can't help but laugh at Jou's comment and misses one of his shots, getting shot a few times in the game* Damn!!
<Setsuna> *laughs wickedly, taking out every guy to pop up on the screen* I've got this in the bag!!
<Kibira> Yay… *sighs*
<Marik> *turns to her* You feeling okay? You seem a little distant all of a sudden…
<Kibira> *blushes* I'm fine… I guess I'm just a little tired…
<Marik> *wraps his arms around her and kisses her softly* You should make sure to get extra sleep tonight.
<Kibira> *forgets about Ryou for a moment and rests her head against Marik's chest, enjoying being in his arms*
<Ryou> *anger mark* *coughs* Get a room, you two.
<Marik> *sticks his tongue out at Ryou*
<Setsuna> *without even looking over her shoulder* For once, I agree with the muffin: too many PDA's going on here.
<Kibira> *bursts out laughing*
<Jou> "PDA"?
<Crystal> *explaining* Public Display of Affection.
<Ryou> Muffin? *blink*
<Setsuna> That's right, an English Muffin.
<Ryou> *opens his mouth to say something, but closes it, realizing that the nickname is actually funny* Ha ha… *sweatdrop*
<Seto> *suddenly bursts out* NO!!! DAMNIT HE GOT ME AGAIN!!!
<Setsuna> Yes!! I'm gonna win!!!
<Yugi> *laughs* This is amusing.
<Crystal> *turns to Yugi* So, I think I have this now: Setsuna and Seto are going out, Jou and Mai are a couple, and Ari is going with Marik?
<Yugi> *nods* And I have you. *takes her hand* *smiles*
<Crystal> *blushes* *smiles back*
<Seto> RAGH!!! *throws the gun back in the holder* I LOST!!!
<Setsuna> *laughs* Hahaha! I'm unstoppable today!
<Kibira> *thinks to herself: I'm not like that at all… I'm weak. Maybe… I should accept Ryou's offer…* *glances at Ryou before turning back into Ari*
<Marik> *looks at her* There you are *smiles* I was wondering why Kibira was out.
<Ari> *shrugs* She never tells me anything.
<Jou> *suddenly makes an awkward movement, half jumping, half twitching* Yii! My phone's vibratin'! *pulls a cell phone from his pocket, and answers it* Hello? Oh… *looks at Yugi* It's Mai. *talking into the phone* You're where? …Now? …Alright. I'll see ya in a few. *closes the phone* I've gotta go. *waves as he walks away* See ya'll at da park tomorra'!
<Yugi> *major sweatdrop* That was random… I wonder what she wanted Jou for? *looks at his watch* Hey, Crystal, that movie is starting soon.
<Crystal> Oh yea! ^-^' *turns to the others* We were going to see a movie together today. I guess we'll have to see you tomorrow as well.
<Yugi> *offers Crystal his arm and walks off with her when she takes it calling over his shoulder* See you all tomorrow!
<Setsuna> *blows up at her bangs* Everyone's going off… Well, there's still the five of us at least.
<Marik> *looks at his watch* Actually… four. I've got to get going too… I've got work in half an hour!
<Seto> *raises an eyebrow* You… work?
<Marik> =_=' Well, some of us do. Not all of us were handed a multi-billion dollar franchise on a silver platter you know.
<Seto> *anger mark* It wasn't that easy…
<Ari> *sigh* Oh whatever. *kisses Marik on the cheek* I understand. I'll call you as soon as I get home, okay?
<Marik> Alright. *kisses her goodbye* I'll wait for your call!
<Ari> *waves to him as he runs off*
<Seto> *grumbles* Silver platter… hmph! Where does he work anyway?!
<Ari> He repairs motorcycles… he's pretty good with those kinds of things.
<Setsuna> Heh… well, you'll never have to worry about your car breaking down ever again. You'll have a handyman on demand any time you want him! *nudges Ari in the side*
<Ari> *giggles* You're right.
<Ryou> *crosses his arms and looks away* *thinks: Hmph. It sounds as if Setsuna expects Ari and Marik to get married or something!*
<Seto> *walks over to Setsuna and circles around to her back, slipping his arms around her waist* Well, maybe we should finish our shopping, eh?
<Setsuna> Oh, that's right! ^-^' Seto's buying me some new clothes. *whispers sideways to Ari* I think he just wants an excuse to be over at my house, watching me show off myself. ><'
<Ari> *laughs* You sly dog. *punches Seto in the arm playfully*
<Seto> *grins evilly* That's me… *laughs, dragging Setsuna off*
<Setsuna> *waves to Ari and Ryou* I'll see you two at the park tomorrow! Ari, I'll probably see you online tonight!
<Ari> Right! I'll be on!
<Ryou> *side-glances over at Ari* *thinks: Well, now that we're alone I might catch a word with Kibira…*
<Kibira> *almost as if on cue, appears out of nowhere, turning to Ryou* So… you certainly looked strained today. Couldn't wait for me to appear, eh? *glares*
<Ryou> *turns around, an anger mark on his forehead* Don't get smart with me! Of course I wanted to talk to you: you've only been making me wait for your damn answer for over a week now!
<Kibira> Well, I'm not the one making moves, which only make me hesitate more! If you want an answer, stop attacking me!
<Ryou> *sly grin* Oh, like this? *walks up to her and moves in to kiss her, but stops just short of her lips*
<Kibira> *eyes widen* *whispers* Why you little sleaze-
<Ryou> Now, now, no names please… *pulls back, smirking* What I'm wondering is, if you knew how much I wanted to speak with you, why did you come out so quickly, rather than avoid me?
<Kibira> Well, that is… I… er…*steams*
<Ryou> So, have you even thought about an answer yet?!
<Kibira> *rages* Of course I have!! You're just being so difficult!! *thinks to herself: Geez, how am I going to tell him if he's going to be like this?! Maybe I shouldn't accept his offer!!*
<Ryou> *smirks, turning his back to her* Well, difficult is what I'm known for…
<Kibira> *rolls eyes* I know! *grits her teeth, turning and beginning to walk away*
<Ryou> *looks behind him, hearing her footsteps* Hey! What-?! *chases after her* Where are you going now?!
<Kibira> Anywhere but here! Obviously you're too cocky to hear me out right now! *swerves into a clothing store* *walks towards the back, looking around at various shirts and jeans* Hmmm…
<Ryou> *turns a bit red at having to follow her into a girl's store* Well, I'd say now you're the one being difficult! *moves around the displays, trying not to bump into anyone else* *growls to himself when she picks up a shirt and looks at it, completely ignoring him* Why you… *walks over to her, putting a hand under her chin, forcing her to look at him* Would you just stop for a minute?!
<Kibira> *glares at him, jolting her head out of his grip* I'm trying to shop.
<Ryou> And I'm trying to talk to you!! *throws his hands up in the air* What am I supposed to do?! Wait for you to try on everything in the store before you'll say a word to me?!
<Kibira> *narrows her eyes* Well, it might work.
<Ryou> Agh! Fine! *storms over to the waiting area near the changing rooms* Stupid women…
<Kibira> I heard that. *walks past him with an outfit in her arms, and goes into the changing rooms*
<Ryou> *mutters* Heh… "shopping" my arse. *yells to Kibira* Are you sure you're actually shopping? Or is this all a plan to aggravate me?!
<Kibira> *calls out* I was actually going to shop, so shut up!
<Ryou> *sneers at the door, crossing his arms* *waits for a few moments, then Kibira comes out*
<Kibira> *is wearing form-fitting black jeans, a black leather belt with silver stars on it, and a red, low-cut v-neck shirt with ruffled short sleeves* Hmmmm… *looks in the mirror, turning around* I don't know…
<Ryou> *blinks for a moment* *whispers* Woah…
<Kibira> *looks over, glaring* What?!
<Ryou> *smirks, leaning forward, his arms resting on his knees* Oh, nothing… just thinking about how absolutely… hot… you look in that… *licks his lips*
<Kibira> *eyes widen* Don't talk to me like that! I've got a boyfriend, remember?!
<Ryou> *rolls eyes* I'm well aware…
<Kibira> *smirks* Heh… well, I think I'll get it.
<Ryou> *blinks, wondering why she'd buy an outfit he had complimented*
<Kibira> *goes back in the changing room and returns a few minutes later* *walks up to the check-out counter, and sets the clothes down*
<Cashier> That'll be $53.50 please…
<Kibira> *opens her wallet, but Ryou comes up behind her and puts sixty dollars on the counter*
<Ryou> *tells the cashier* I'll pay.
<Cashier> *blinks* Alright… *rings it all up*
<Kibira> *turns to Ryou, flustered* What are you doing?!
<Ryou> Paying for that outfit.
<Kibira> *glares* I see that, but why?
<Ryou> Because… I want to. *takes the bag and the change from the cashier and walks out of the store*
<Kibira> *jogs to catch up to him* Hey! What are you going to do, take those home and wear them yourself?!
<Ryou> No, I'm keeping them until you tell me what you were going to earlier.
<Kibira> *stops short* What do you mean?! I wasn't going to tell you-
<Ryou> *stops, turning around* And I quote, "Obviously you're too cocky to hear me out right now."
<Kibira> *scrunches up her eyes* Damn it…
<Ryou> Aha! So I was right!
<Kibira> *clenches her teeth and turns to walk away*
<Ryou> Ah, no you don't! *runs up to her and grabs her arm, turning her around* *glares at her* Now you've got me mad. What is your answer?!
<Kibira> *looks past Ryou's shoulder and sees Setsuna and Seto walking this way* Oh shit! *grabs Ryou's arm and runs for it*
<Ryou> What the hell are you-?! *looks behind him, and realizes* *looks around and sees an alcove where there's an escalator* This way! *pulls her into the alcove, running behind the escalator* *quickly turns to her, about to ask her what's going on* Why-?
<Kibira> *claps a hand over his mouth, looking out from behind the escalator, seeing Seto and Setsuna walk by* *sighs heavily* *turns back to Ryou, taking her hand off of his mouth* Look. I've been thinking about your proposition… and… I'm willing to accept. *looks at him hard, waiting for his reaction*
<Ryou> *blinks* You… you're serious?!
<Kibira> *glares* Of course I am! I wouldn't be saying it if I wasn't! *crosses arms* Geez, you are so dense sometimes.
<Ryou> *grins evilly* *sets the shopping bag down, and grabs Kibira's wrists, pulling her close* Well, if you're serious about the lessons, then I've got another question for you…
<Kibira> *glares harder* I still don't like you, Ryou, if that's any part of your question.
<Ryou> *his face falls and he lets her go, sighing*
<Kibira> *bites her lip, feeling a bit bad* I'm still with Marik, Ryou. All I want is to learn how to use the Seidan better. I want to become stronger, and that's all.
<Ryou> *turns away, not saying anything… but remembers that dream he had a while ago* *thinks: If … she knew about my dream, would it change her mind?*
<Kibira> *seeing he's not answering her, sighs and grabs her shopping bag* Look, thank you for paying for this outfit. You really didn't need to, but thanks anyway. *turns to walk away, but is suddenly grabbed around the waist by Ryou, his lips meeting hers* *panics for a moment, but gradually leans into the kiss, placing a hand on Ryou's chest*
<Ryou> *brings the kiss deeper, nipping at her lower lip for a moment before breaking away, looking into her eyes* I don't think you're telling me the truth, Kibira. There's more to your acceptance of my offer than just the power I'm offering… I just think you don't know that yet.
<Kibira> *pulls back* We'll see… *narrows her eyes and walks away*
<Ryou> *walks out from behind the escalator and calls to her* I'll tell you where and when to meet me at the park when we're meeting with Rift!!
<Kibira> *turns around and replies with a smile* Alright, Ryou! *turns around and jogs off*
<Ryou> *watches her run away* *sighs heavily* Hmph… well, this should get interesting…