Chapter 1: Life Goes On

He shook his white hair as he walked in from the rain. The pale boy was now even paler from the walk home. He hadn't expected a downpour at all that day; when he left home there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

Ryou glanced around his apartment; he had a bit of cleaning to do before he could call it a night.

"I suppose I should just get it over with," Ryou sighed scratching his head. He removed his food covered work shirt before heading to the kitchen to do the dishes.

Ryou took his time; he washed each dish carefully to make sure it was ready for the next meal. He was excited this would be the only time for dishes tonight he had eaten at work so it wouldn't be necessary to wash dinner dishes tonight.

Ryou sneezed as some bubbles from the dish soap floated past his nose.

"Oh dear," Ryou grabbed a napkin from the counter. He wiped off his nose.

Suddenly feeling tired Ryou quickly finished his dishes and headed upstairs to sleep. Before laying down he looked under his pillow for the Millennium Ring, it was just where he left it. He smiled as he changed into his sea green pajamas and lay down. His memories were full of moments with his Yami. Though many of them were painful and dark, there were moments of brief tenderness that only he saw. Ryou faded to sleep in his memories, wondering why he remembered these tender moments above all else.

"Why are you doing all of this Bakura-sama?"

"I can't let you die. Without your body I can't avenge my city."

"My arm hurts…" Ryou winced gripping his left arm.

Bakura gently took Ryou's arm and bandaged it. He briefly kissed it and rubbed his arm as he vanished into the Ring.

"I'm sorry."

His memories then turned to his Yami's spirit returning to his homeland of Egypt.

He stood in front of the stone tablet, a tear running down his face.

"What's wrong Bakura-kun?" Yugi asked tenderly.

"Nothing. It's fine. I guess I'm just glad all the pressure from the spirit is finally off my shoulders," Ryou lied, faking a smile. Why did he want the spirit back?

Ryou woke up to hear his cell phone ringing. It was his manager at the restaurant.

"Hello?" Ryou answered groggily.

"Ryou, I'm sorry to call you on your day off, but the other shift manager can't make it in today and I need you to work the 12-8 shift today." The man on the line sounded apologetic.

"All right." Ryou rubbed his eyes. "I'll be there."

He ended the call.

Ryou glanced at the clock. It was only nine. He got up and showered. His lavender scented shampoo filling the bathroom. He signed at the relaxation the scent made him feel. His angelic eyes closed as he continued to breathe the scent. He was disappointed that his relaxation had to come to an end.

He shut off the water and wrapped a towel around his waist while he blow-dried his hair. He ran his brush through it gently as the followed up with the dryer. His hair became silkier with each passing stroke. Ryou loved spending time grooming in the bathroom. It put him at peace and gave him time to think. Something he missed doing.

He passed time aimlessly before starting the walk to work. He decided that he would stop and pick up some cream puffs and a sandwich from his favorite family café on his way.

Ryou smiled. At least it was a beautiful day outside. Hopefully, it wouldn't rain on him again tonight. He almost became lost in his thoughts as he walked into the café.

"Hello, Ryou. How are you today?" An old lady at the counter stopped stocking and smiled at him. She dusted off her apron.

"I'm doing wonderful Mrs. Hinoto. Just stopping in to pick up some lunch for myself. I got called into work," Ryou smiled back.

"Working on your day off? That must not be too much fun." She began pulling out Ryou's usual purchase.

He laughed. "I like my job so it's not a huge burden. My rent is going up anyway so I need the extra hours."

"They're raising your rent again, child? Aren't you paying enough already."

"I suppose. I'm paying $600 a month now." He pondered a moment. "You're right though, if it goes up anymore I'll be cutting some things from my budget."

"Perhaps, it's time to start looking for a roommate?" She suggested as she handed Ryou his bag.

"I'm not sure. All of my friends already have permanent places and I'd hate to be a burden." He handed Mrs. Hinoto money.

"Don't worry about it today, Ryou. It's on me. And I know how you are with people, but sometimes opening up to others can really help, especially if you're going to be in a financial crisis.

He smiled. "Thanks ma'am. I'll look into it soon. Promise."

"Have a good day," she waved as he headed out the door cream puff already heading for his mouth.

"Good day."

She was right. Ever since he arrived back from Egypt, Ryou had never been the same with people. He didn't socialize. The only friends he had were Yugi and the others, but he only ever saw them at school for the most part.

"Hello, Ritsu," Ryou said as he walked into his office at work.

"Hey Ryou. Sorry about you having to come in to day. Taka is sick."

"It's alright. It's a Wednesday shift. Besides, my rent is going up again," Ryou put a worried smile on his face.

"I'm sorry bro. Sorry I can't do anything for ya." Ritsu scratched his head.

"It's not a big deal. I'll just have to cut some stuff out of my budget."

Ryou turned and walked to the dining room. He knew today was going to be rather uneventful. Wednesdays were always uneventful. He sighed and leaned against the counter, as he adjusted his white button up shirt. He started thinking about Bakura again.

"Dammit all. Why do I have a headache?" He put his hands to his temples.

It was dark. He looked over to see an Egyptian tablet on the wall.

"I know this place. How did I…"

He paused. How did he get back into the modern world?

The white haired man stood and fixed his black trench coat as he looked around confused. His other half was nowhere in sight. He didn't know how he got back or how he had his own body, but he knew the money in his pocket would get him home. He had this urge to find him, his hikari. Ryou.

He didn't understand why he didn't question his actions. He just knew he had to find his Ryou.