Standing In The Moonlight

By SMYGO4EVA

3:00 a.m. It was what the clock said that night. In his apartment, Ryou Bakura was sleeping in his bed peacefully, while Téa Gardener, in her own room, did the same…dreaming of what realities have in store for them or their minds conjuring images of their desires, fears, abstract feelings left unsaid.

Earlier, Téa had decided to sleep over at Ryou's place, whilst the voice inside her head told her to stay because she knew how much the Ceremonial battle affected them both. Téa wouldn't see Yami again ever and Ryou was free of the Millennium Ring that tortured his soul, and they both felt that something was missing. Deep inside themselves. They didn't know why, but they both felt that the Millennium Items had become a part of who they were and where they stood in the world.

Ryou had the Millennium Ring, which housed the combined soul of Zork The Dark One and Thief King Bakura, and suffered massive physical and emotional damage because of it. Even though the item was evil, he felt that it was a part of his identity somehow and when Yuugi vanquished Bakura, Ryou felt two things in his psyche: great relief and incredible guilt. Nonetheless, he managed to move on with his life, with Téa and the others by his side.

For the longest time, she was in love with Yami or, as he would like to be called, Atem and she also was smitten with Yuugi. That became confusing to her, since if she would've taken the opportunity to get to know Atem a little better, she was afraid that Yuugi's little heart would have been broken. Now that Atem was gone, she herself had felt a great loss.

She opened her eyes slowly, feeling restless somehow. Ryou…I'm glad you're safe…at last you're free of the anguish you had for so long…but…I want to be close to you…to feel your face…to see that cute smile you have when you're happy…to love you when you need it most…

She got out of her bed slowly, and walked to the room across the hallway. She peered in, only to see Ryou's sleeping form in his bed. She walked in gradually so she wouldn't disturb him in his slumber and hugged her shoulders.

She felt somewhat comfortable, lately developing the habit of sleeping in the nude, in her own skin. Ryou had seen her naked once before, and it didn't bother him. He was embarrassed, but not too much.

She sauntered steadily toward the bed and climbed in as she lifted the covers that kept the white haired boy she knew and loved with all her heart warm and out of harm's way.

She studied him and his features. He looked so cute when he was sleeping, his face peaceful, his mind relaxed and free of any siege that affected him so. His white hair matted his skin, creating a cute image of tranquility that made her want to touch his face.

Tightly winding the blankets around both her and Ryou like a little cocoon, which ensured warmth and affection. Finally, she felt relaxed and at ease, she could sleep.

Ryou felt a presence near him and opened his brown eyes, seeing Téa's form right next to him.

"Téa?"

The said girl stirred, opening her eyes to the pale haired boy, who was awake.

"I see. You're here and I am too." She stated calmly.

Ryou blinked a couple of times, befuddled at first, but then got the message. He smiled somewhat, feelings of happiness surging through him. "I'm glad, Téa…that you're here and all…I guess I didn't want to be alone anymore…"

Téa smiled as well before Ryou suddenly came forward and embraced her in a loving hug. She too embraced him…no words were needed to describe this kind of love…except for the fact that it was there.