Okay, I swear that someday I will update the stories that I already started. But the zombie plot bunnies… they were eating me aliiiive…

It was happening again.

True, he had suffered much worse at his hands in the past. And sure enough, he was- although the very thought of it made him sick- becoming numb to the pain that was constantly inflicted upon him by his "boyfriend." Bakura.

Yes. A few bruises here, some cuts there… it was nowhere near as bad as the time he had pulled a knife on the boy, right? Surely he could put up with this.

When the taller male finally calmed enough to leave Ryou alone, he left him in the middle of the room, shaking and curled up in a ball. But he knew better than to show any signs of pain around Bakura; he would only be berated for being so pathetic.

Those feelings could wait for his next destination.

Wincing, he pushed himself to a standing position, and, as quietly as he possibly could, slipped out the door and into the cool, refreshing autumn air that almost made him feel better.

After about ten minutes of walking- or stumbling—enough of the pain had subsided that he could walk without getting quite as strange of looks. But he knew it wouldn't be enough to fool Marik, whose house he was finally approaching.

Ryou went up to the door and weakly rang the doorbell. He heard the sound of footsteps, then the click of the doorknob as Marik appeared in the doorway, smiling warmly. However, his smile quickly faded as soon as he saw Ryou, sporting a black eye, a small cut across his cheek, and probably more injuries he hadn't had the last time they had seen each other. Without a word, the Egyptian stepped aside to let his friend inside.

Ever since Bakura had started becoming so much more violent, Marik and Ryou had struck up what could only be described as an agreement between the two- any time that Ryou needed, he could go to Marik to take a break from it all- no matter how long or late- if thing just became too much for him. Marik didn't mind- he knew that if he didn't Ryou would probably end up completely broken. And besides, the two had been best friends for years before Bakura had come into the picture; Marik had only even met him once or twice.

But that made it that much easier to hate him. Especially considering the visits had become much more frequent (not that he minded seeing Ryou; he just hated the reason for it), with Ryou looking much worse each time- besides the obvious scars, Ryou's once- bright eyes had dulled considerably, not leaving even a trace of the innocent look that he had once sported. He obviously hadn't been eating very well, as he had lost quite a bit of weight, and he had admitted to almost never sleeping, which resulted in dark marks under his eyes.

Ryou was breaking right before his eyes, and all Marik could do was watch.

Once the two were sitting on the couch, Ryou buried his head into Marik's shoulder and finally let himself break down, telling about everything that had happened, how much he hated it; being so weak, never being able to stop him. Marik let him cry, listening to every word. He had figured out long ago that saying things like "It'll be okay," or "I understand," was not only completely useless but only served to make thing worse. Ryou would know he was lying straight away; they knew each other far too well.

The two sat together until they lost track of time, and a couple hours after that. Until Ryou looked at the time. Eyes quickly widening in terror, he bolted out of his seat.

"Damn it! I only have 5 minutes until I'm supposed to be home!" he cried, racing toward the door.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay here for the night?" Marik called after him. Ryou hesitated for a moment, but shook his head furiously.

"N-no, Bakura would get mad. Bye!" And with that, Ryou flew out the door.

Marik sat back and sighed. Please don't hurt him any more tonight, Bakura, he pleaded to himself. Please…

XXXXX

A lone silver-haired figure raced down the street as quickly as his thin legs could take him. His chest burned, and he longed to stop for even just a split second to catch his breath. No, he had to keep running; he was already so late…

The boy shivered at the realization. Bakura didn't like it when he wasn't home at exactly 10:00. He would hit him and accuse him of seeing someone behind his back, never, ever stopping the insults that flew from his mouth.

"No, no, I'm not cheating on you, I-I-I love you…" Ryou whimpered, oblivious to the fact that there was nobody around to hear him. But despite this distraction, something in his brain kept his legs moving until he made it to his front door. Panting, he fumbled with his key, slid it into the lock, and stumbled inside, his knees weak and shaking his entire body with terror.

Because right there, standing in the doorway, was Bakura, his arms crossed and a smirk covering his face.

"Do you know what time it is,Ryou?" he asked with a fake, mocking sweetness to his voice. Ryou reluctantly looked down at his watch and saw the terrifying numbers staring up at him.

10:01 PM.

"I-It's only one minute, right?" he sputtered. "I've been with Marik, is all-" Ryou's hands flew to his mouth,, trying desperately to take back the words he had just said.

Bakura's eyes grew colder, then he began to laugh.

"I knew it! You didn't think I wouldn't figure it out, did you? You're always gone for long periods of time, and when I ask where you've been you get all defensive." His eyes lit up. "And this means… not only are you a cheating little whore, but you're a liar too!"

"N-no! It's not like that!" Ryou wanted to yell, but fear paralyzed every part of his body. He braced himself, waiting for what was surely about to come. Which was why he was completely surprised when Bakura left without even touching him.

Ryou breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe… maybe, just for that one night, he was safe.

These feelings disappeared completely when Bakura returned, holding a knife.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Seira-g: I think I'll stop there~!

Ryou: Um, personally, I think waiting is even worse than what he's about to do to me…

Seira-g: Well, if the lovely reviewers do their job, There won't be as much! So please- for Ryou's sake!

Ryou: Is that supposed to make me feel better?