What the Hell?

Chapter 1 of 22.

By Yami Yuugi.

Summary: A shy and geeky gamer graduates high school and leaves home for college. With this newfound freedom, he wants to make new friends and find his place in life. Along the way, he discovers harbored feelings for the one he's known the longest. Can he come to terms with his sexuality, admit his love and overcome the odds against them?

Warnings: This is an Alternate Universe. It contains the following pairings: Puzzleshipping (YxY) Caste/Darkshipping (AxA) Puppyshipping (SxJ). Alcohol usage, language, etc. Domino City is set in the US in this fic.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! Or the song that this story is based off, "What the Hell?" Yu-Gi-Oh! Is owned by Kazuki Takahashi, and "What the hell?" is by Avril Lavigne.

Chapter 1 (Best Friends)

(***)

Growing up is never easy. Things were easier during elementary and even during those awkward years in middle school. Yet, high school held enough drama to last a lifetime. He had counted the days until graduation, excited to finally leave the world of drama and begin the journey into life. However, his freedom became limited with the immediate entry into advanced education. The summer months had passed quickly, leaving Yuugi at a standstill. It was time to leave home for college.

His bags were packed, stashed away in the trunk of his car. He held his keys, gazing back at his family's game shop. The yellow and green building had been his home for eighteen years. Letting go was hard enough. Sighing, the teen turned to his car, ready to leave.

"Yuugi! Wait!"

The teen turned at the sound of his name, amethyst eyes meeting those of aged plum. A short and heavyset man stepped forward, an orange bandana covering his spiky hair.

Yuugi looked at his relative with an expectant stare, feeling his stomach fill with butterflies.

"What's up, grandpa?"

The aged man smiled at his grandson, pulling him into a tight embrace. He pulled away, brushing Yuugi's bangs behind one ear.

"I wanted to see you one last time." The elder man said.

"It's not forever, grandpa. I will be back to visit for the holidays. I promise." He smiled at his grandfather, hugging him a final time.

"I've been with you everyday since your birth, Yuugi. This is not easy for me. Especially since your mother is out of town and your father is god knows where overseas. You are my grandson. I will miss and worry about you everyday."

Yuugi frowned and nodded, feeling guilty. "I'm sorry, grandpa. I promise I will keep in touch. It is hard for me too."

"I know, my boy. At least Yami will be there with you. You will be in good hands."

Yuugi rolled his eyes at the statement. Sugoroku had a soft spot for Yuugi's best friend, Yami. He considered him family.

Thunder rumbled through the area, dark clouds gathering around the small town. Raindrops began to descend from the sky.

A few raindrops fell on Yuugi, causing him to flinch. He did not enjoy rain. He scrunched up his face and waved off his grandfather.

"Grandpa, I'll call you as soon as I get to the apartment. I still have to pick up Yami."

The elder man nodded, bidding his grandson farewell. Yuugi got into his aged car, gazing out the rearview mirror with an unreadable expression, taking in the last sight of his grandfather's game shop.

He pulled out of the driveway, driving through the storm. All the way, he felt the ties of to his childhood home sever.

"Goodbye, game shop. Hello, college."

(***)

Yuugi stopped in front of a large house, honking the horn. The rain had died down to a steady drizzle leaving Yuugi pleasantly happy. A few moments later, the front door to the house opened, revealing a small teen with hair eerily similar to Yuugi's. Tight jeans clung greedily to the man's legs, and a black shirt hugged his torso. The man held exotic features from sun-kissed bronze skin to dazzling ruby eyes. The teen exited the house, gazing at his friend's car with a smirk. He walked towards Yuugi's car, confidence rolling off him in waves.

Yuugi got out of the car, groaning as the drizzling rain hit his tricolor hair. He greeted his friend with a wave. He opened the trunk, and motioned for the other to store his baggage there.

Yuugi smiled in relief once everything was in order. He got back into the car as his best friend took refuge in the passenger seat.

"Ready to get this over with?"

"I was born ready."

"Yami!"

"What? I was simply making a statement."

Yuugi rolled his eyes, pulling the car out of the driveway. "Maybe so, but stop with the sarcasm. It is only ten in the morning. Give me a break will you?"

"Fat chance, Aibou. You know I do not give anyone the benefit of the doubt."

"Not even your best and oldest friend in the world?"

"I'm older than you by two months, kiddo. I have the right to annoy you."

Yuugi groaned at his friend, shaking his head in annoyance. It was going to be a long car ride.

"So our stuff should be in the apartment by now right?" Yuugi asked, gazing at Yami.

The elder teen nodded, flipping through messages on his iPhone. He turned the smart phone off and sighed.

"Yes, all of our things were delivered yesterday. All we need to do is unpack the boxes and claim our bedrooms."

"Good."

Yuugi merged onto the highway leaving Domino City behind them. The duo had long ago decided to rent an apartment together near campus. Friends since childhood, Yuugi and Yami were inseparable. Their families always teased them, wondering when Yami would ask for Yuugi's hand in marriage. The teasing affected both teens in different ways. Yami would often smirk and wink at Yuugi during these moments, causing the other to blush and look away. Yami never spoke of the teasing. Yuugi on the other hand, often rolled his eyes and mumbled under his breath each time their families brought it up.

Yuugi never thought of anyone in that way. Even at the age of eighteen, his mind was far more childish than others his age. Obsessed with games, especially Duel Monsters and a fair number of video games, Yuugi had other things to think about. Yami on the other hand, was an entirely different story. The teen radiated sex appeal in his tight leather ensembles and gothic-style. He had gotten Yuugi into wearing belted chokers, studded belts, and chains. However, the leather fetish of his best friend had yet to strike the younger of the two. Yuugi cared little for leather, favoring jeans and sneakers over Yami's leather and boots.

Yuugi continued to drive through the light traffic, shaking his head as Yami fiddled with the dial on the radio. The elder had different tastes in music, often causing Yuugi to wonder where he had gained such a taste in music genres. Yami was known for his odd sense of style, his music and his favorite types of video games. At this thought, Yuugi raised a brow at his friend.

"Did you finally decide on a radio station?"

Yami looked up, shrugging. "Yeah, for now. I can't find anything to entertain me."

Yuugi sighed and tapped his left hand against the steering wheel. "As soon as we get into our new place, I'll set up the Playstation 3 and you can play some games. Will that satisfy your boredom?"

Yami frowned and shook his head. "No, because you will pull out that game of yours, and take over the game system like you always do, Aibou."

"What are you talking about? I haven't done that to you!"

"Yes you did, Yuugi. You know, with that one game, rain something…"

Yuugi's eyes widened, a blush crossing his face. "Oh, you mean Heavy Rain?"

"Yeah that one. You ignored me for a week when that game first came out."

Yuugi shook his head, laughing inwardly. Heavy Rain was his favorite video game on the Playstation 3. It was an addicting mystery game that ended depending on what decisions were made during the entire game play. He had pretty much ignored the world for a week when that game came out.

"Look, I will not play that game for a while, I promise. We can play one of your favorites for a while. After all, it is only fair. Isn't that right, roomie?"

"Alright, Aibou. You have yourself a deal." He ruffled Yuugi's hair affectionately, earning a growl from his friend. Teasing Yuugi was his favorite past time. He would continue with his teasing until they made it to their destination.

Yuugi would be in hell with Yami's antics for bit.

It started raining heavily again. Driving through this downpour was not easy. After two hours on the highway, Yuugi and Yami found solstice at their new abode. Yuugi groaned at the steady downpour. Even after the entire trip to their new chapter in life, the rain had not let up.

The duo got out of the car, dragging their bags out of the trunk and the backseat. Smiles graced their faces as they gazed upon their new apartment building. A quaint brick building of age stood in front of them, three flights of apartments spaced out with balconies. The apartments were older but had a homey feel. Neither teen said anything as they dragged their bags up to the second story of the building. Stopping in front of "1231." Yuugi unlocked the front door, welcoming them to their new home away from home.

Sorting out everything was easy. Setting up their Playstation 3 was easy. Yet, deciding who played which game was not. After thirty minutes of bickering, Yuugi gave up and started to unpack his bags.

However, his actions were halted by that of a steady knocking on their front door. Yuugi did not respond right away, unsure if Yami would answer it. But his curiosity was peaked, as the elder of the two had not answered the door. Once again, the knocking echoed through the small apartment.

Sighing, Yuugi abandoned his futile attempts of unpacking. He walked towards the door and shook his head at the sight of Yami playing their Playstation 3. The man was deaf to the world when that game system was on.

Yuugi opened the door, surprised at the person standing behind it. A lanky blond stood, brown eyes narrowed in annoyance. Yuugi looked up at the man, breathing shallowly. He peered around the door and cleared his throat, gaining the attention of the blond.

"Hello. Can I help you with something?"

The blond looked around in surprise for the voice. After a moment, he looked down, capturing Yuugi's attention. He smiled slightly and held out his hand in invitation.

"Hey there, kiddo. My name's Jou. I wanted to welcome ya to the building." He snickered and ruffled Yuugi's hair. "Is your mom or dad here?"

Yuugi rolled his eyes and shook his head. "No, but my roommate is here. Wanna come inside? I'm sure he could pull himself away from his video game long enough to say hello." Yuugi said, louder than intended hoping to gain his roommate's attention.

Jou raised a brow at this, confused by the teen's antics. He had honestly found this young man intriguing. He stepped into the apartment, surveying its empty form. He nodded to Yuugi and then noticed Yami sitting on the floor with the play station controller in hand.

"Are you two related?"

Yuugi shook his head and laughed. "No, we get that a lot. We're best friends though. Have been since childhood." He motioned towards himself and blushed. "My name is Yuugi Mutou and this is my best friend and roommate, Yami Millennia."

"Nice to meet ya both. I'm Jou Wheeler. I welcome ya both to the building." He laughed as Yami waved at him, attention solely on the television screen.

"Don't mind him, Jou. Its' nothing personal. He's just into his video game."

The blond shrugged his shoulders. "It's cool, Yug'. No harm done. I'd be doing the same if it were Pokemon or Heavy Rain."

At the mention of Heavy Rain, Yuugi's eyes became wide with excitement while Yami groaned, running a hand through his spiky hair.

"You like Heavy Rain? I have a feeling you and I will get along just fine!"

Jou smiled and ruffled Yuugi's hair. "I think you're right, Yug'. Well I better be going. You two gonna be attending Avalon University?"

Yuugi nodded, smiling widely. "Yup, Yami and I both are!"

Jou grinned and started out the front door. "That's great. I'll see ya around both here and campus. I live one flight up in apartment 1333. Visit me whenever!"

Yuugi waved off their neighbor, blushing. Jou was very nice and amusing. He felt himself attracted to the man.

All the while, Yami had turned off the Playstation 3, eyes narrowed. Jou did not settle well with him. He did not like the blond's antics. Touching Yuugi in that manner and talking to him like that… Yuugi was not a plaything. He was HIS best friend damn it. This Jou would have to tread cautiously with him.

"He seems really nice. I think we can all be great friends. Do you think so, Yami?"

The addressed nodded stiffly, walking over to his best friend. He smiled down at Yuugi and pulled the teen into a hug.

"Maybe, Aibou. But you're more than enough of a friend for me. I don't know if I should share you."

Yuugi blushed, and pulled away. "Jealous are we?"

"In your dreams, Aibou."

"Whatever floats your boat, Yami." The smaller of the two yawned, pulling away as he headed back to his room. "I'm going to take a nap. Why don't you unpack a little?"

Yami nodded. "Alright. Sleep well, princess."

"Shut it, pharaoh."

Their first day together as roommates was already beginning. Only time would tell how Yami would handle Yuugi's new "friend" in their lives.