Title: Steps of a Mouse

Author: Fenikkusu Ai

Rating: T

Fandom: Yu-Gi-Oh Arc V

Pairing: Yuri/Yuzu

Words: 898

Genre: Suspense/Hurt/Comfort

Summary: One thing Yuzu would learn that it wasn't polite to be rude to one's host. Meanwhile, Yuri gently persuades Yuzu to use the Fusion style.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh Arc V.

Everything was dark and still at the end of the her castle. Yuzu wished there was a TV. However, there was just a laptop humming nearby and nothing of use was on it as this dimension wasn't her own.

Yuzu breathed in loudly-too loudly. She was by herself and it was both a blessing and a curse. At least she didn't have to look at him. The way Yuri watched her made her uncomfortable.

The flames of the candles burned on their wicks, and she wasn't ready to blow them out though the others hated when she wasted them. Duel Academia was more traditional in spite of all the technology they possessed.

At the edge of her bed, she was still in her clothes, and she had she had little desire to go to sleep. Instead, all she could do was stare at the ceiling while the vacuum of her life tore around her ears. There were so many things that she wasn't doing and seeing instead of being trapped in this room and this school.

Yuya...

Suddenly, a thought was implanted in her head. It never hurt to try. Everyone should be asleep, right?

Yuzu eased herself out off the double mattress. Her dessert from dinner was still untouched. The pudding was melted and spoiled in its dish. if she remained idle she would end up the same way.

Well. It was now or never.

The door had actually been left unlocked. It opened smoothly with no squeaking or resistance. For a moment, Yuzu stared at it.

Cautiously, she began to move. She could see with her own eyes that no one was watching her. In spite of that, she wondered if there were any camcorders watching her. Doubt froze her muscles and she stopped. Her eyes swept the door. All she had to do was scurry back inside and could be safe...

Her heartbeat was stuck in her throat and hundreds of goosebumps stood at attention. Maybe if she remained motionless, no one would see her. Time stood still. It was an eternity in a moment.

Regaining her composure, Yuzu resolutely placed one foot then another. She was pleased at her accomplishment. It was easier than what she had imagined. She followed the red corridor like a footpath to the grand staircase.

Her shoes created soft pads of noise as she navigated every step. She held her breath so long that she almost passed out.

There. She had reached the final step. Freedom was closer than ever before.

Was it possible? Could she just walk out? Without any consequences?

"Trying to escape?" a familiar voice mused while an arm clamped down on her shoulder and drew her back.

Yuri. She hadn't even heard him behind her.

So. Yuri had never left. It had all been just a game. The door had been left open on purpose so that he could hunt her if she stepped beyond the boundary.

"Bubblegum, bubblegum," Yuri tsked. She could hear the disappointment in his voice. "What did I tell you about roaming the halls?"

Yuzu shivered. It reminded her of an old school yard rhyme

Bubblegum, bubblegum in a dish, how many do you wish?

But Yuzu knew that he would never be satisfied with pieces of her. He wanted all of her.

Yuzu at last found her voice. "Let me go!"

Her legs kicked out as Yuri stood firm. She couldn't tell if he was more bored or amused.

In answer, he merely clenched her wrist.

"There's very little chance of that happening," Yuri's voice was practiced as if he had said it to scores of victims before.

Yuzu knew that stood no chance. He knew that he would throw her to the floor in a headlock without hesitation. Yuri was capable of anything.

"Please...

"Please," Yuri mocked. "You're trying to run away and you're here begging for mercy."

His glare was lethal and she could tell that he was immensely enjoying squeezing her wrists tighter and tighter. He was daring her to struggle just so he could hurt her further.

And she did. Kicking and fighting against Yuri's grasp.

"Guards!" Yuri barked. "This one is trying to escape. Correct this behavior."

Yuzu watched in terror as the guards poured around the corner. With no other weapon at her disposal, she screamed.

"Why scream ,Yuzu-chan? No one will help you." His lips twisted sadistically.

Yuto, Yuya, anyone? she silently begged them.

However, Yuya and Yuto were miles and miles away and no one could hear her.

"Now, will you come quietly, Miss Hiragi?"

Yuzu forced herself to nod shakily. It killed her to be this meek.

Yuzu was immediately taken back to her room by more guards than she presumed what was necessary. She watched as Yuri moved himself to the front.

"No breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In the meantime, a guard will be posted at your door. For you safety of course." Yuri's smile reminded of blood on snow.

She wasn't a child, but she was a prisoner. Yuzu was beginning to realize that there wasn't much difference between the two.

"I'll meet you in detention."

Yuri's sneer was the last thing she saw before he closed and locked the door.

Yuzu knew that he wouldn't hurt discipline her too severely. He needed her.

When she was finally alone, the tears at last came spilling down.

She had failed.