Baby Steps

Author's Note: This is actually my first attempt at a YGO story... I'm really really nervous... and self conscious about it. I really hope I do Yugi justice. 

DISCLAIMER NOTE: I DO NOT OWN YU-GI-OH! I OWN MY CHARACTER RIN AND THAT IS PRETTY MUCH IT! I WROTE THIS PURELY FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES! PLEASE DO NOT SUE ME! 

Emerald green orbs peeked at the group from over the top of a book. Rin was pretty sure that if anyone noticed her staring, they would think she was creepy. She wasn't trying to be a creep though. Okay, fine. She had watched and admired the young Yugi Muto from afar for about a year now. She adored him. She was head over heels for him. Did anyone know that? Nope... of course not. Nobody bothered to associate with her. The entire student body had their own little cliques... except her. Her parents didn't really raise her per se, due to them constantly being away on business or vacation. The nanny raised her, kept her in a bubble and sheltered her from the outside world, so she grew up incredibly shy and with a pretty heavy case of social anxiety. This resulted in her not really knowing how to talk to people, so she was alone for most of her days, even after she finally began attending a public high school.

Rin shook off her thoughts and right on time to catch Yugi's gaze. Her cheeks blazed uncontrollably and she quickly looked back at her book, pretending to be enthralled by it. Her heart was hammering loudly in her chest, she was sure everyone else would be able to hear it. After several moments of calming herself down, the dismissal bell finally rang. She stayed put, until Yugi and his group of friends left. Sighing heavily, the small girl set her book down and ran a hand through her long dark hair. She had decided weeks ago that she would try and make friends with him and his gang and the whole thing was nerve wrecking.

After packing her school bag, she heaves it over her shoulder and makes a beeline for the main exit. She had a bit of a long walk ahead of her. Upon seeing Yugi and his friends walking away, she pauses in her tracks. This was her chance! Maybe she could walk home with them? Maybe she could finally break the ice? Um... no. Instead she decided to creep along behind them, hiding behind poles and trees and fences to avoid being discovered. Eventually she found herself outside the city Game Shop. She had heard that Yugi's Grandpa owned a gaming store and she assumed that this was the place. Rin bites her lip nervously as her fingers subconsciously fumble and tangle with each other. Could she do it? Could she walk in knowing the inevitable risk of encountering Yugi, his friends, or his Grandpa? This was it! She takes a slow, calming breath and slips into the shop without being noticed. A part of her was thrilled to pieces about that, but the other part was disappointed. When would she stop being invisible? She takes refuge behind a game display, seemingly browsing while listening to the group chatter.

"Grandpa, I'm home!" called Yugi as he leads the way up to the counter. "And I brought you another student!"

"Welcome home, Yugi." Grandpa responded with a kind smile at his grandson, before his gaze drifted to the taller blonde teenager. "A new student huh?"

"Yeah! I want you to be my mentor and teach me all you know about Duel Monsters!" Joey said enthusiastically.

"Hm..." Grandpa hummed, looking a bit unsure. "I don't know if you have what it takes, Joseph..."

"Come on, Gramps!" begged Joey. "I'll work really hard! I swear! Please?!"