8D! Hey all! I hope everyone's Christmas Eve is-and was going well! Or, you know, the other holidays went well too. Once again it's been a herra long time since I've updated, unfortunately. School has been around making for a lack of time and the ongoing fact that for some reason, I just never write, though I always am filled to the brim with ideas! Either way, even know tonight and this entire break is managing to blow, I am super glad I actually -finished- a chapter!

…Amazingly, I even have two since the chapter I originally planned to write for this turned out to be so damn long; I decided to cut its length into two parts just so it'll be easier to read and not so overwhelming like the first chapter. 8O! So far, I am really digging how this story is working out. I can't wait to actually start being able to include Bakura and Ryou's friends and get to Malik. Pray tell, I actually -get- to that ever!

Either way, I hope you all enjoy!

-

Dialing a number…had never been so frustrating. Ryou gave out a fervent sigh as his hand clutched his white strands even rougher. He wanted to just give up and pick out those numbers so badly…

And why shouldn't he want to? Bakura -asked- him to call and he wanted to call! It was just… What if Bakura didn't really care? If he didn't care though, then why would he have asked for Ryou to call? Well, Ryou couldn't really explain that one but he was sure, with time, an answer would spring up. Besides, Bakura could've been busy at that very second. It was nearly 9 pm and maybe the male was working on something for school or…

What if he wasn't even home? Would Bakura get mad he didn't call earlier when he was there? Would they not ever go on their date if Ryou didn't get in contact with him tonight? All this thinking was making Ryou's head hurt, not to mention his stomach squirm. He wanted to hear his voice and recapture that feeling from the night before so badly.

Ryou gulped. He knew he had to but he was so unbearably nervous and for what reason, that was unknown. It wasn't like Bakura didn't already know more about him than most of his friends. They had talked for so many hours the day before not to mention how far their little session had gone… The thought made Ryou's head spin. It had felt so -natural- to him. Why hadn't he been weirded out that he was making out with a complete stranger?

…No…

Remembering the warm lips on his own, his mouth grew dry, wanting more. He wanted Bakura so badly, more than he could remember wanting anyone else. Did Bakura feel the same way? He had to -know- and to gain that knowledge, he had to call.

Throwing away his fear momentarily, Ryou dialed the number he was given, biting his lip. But what if he changed his mind about him completely and gave Ryou a fake number?! What if he never wanted and planned to never see Ryou again?!

Ryou's heart pitter-pattered in his chest.

Ring

Ring

Ri- "Dammit! Hello?"

A surprised gasp. Was Bakura -mad- Ryou called him? "U-Uhm, Ba…kura? Is this a bad time…?" Shuffling and the sound of running water were audible. What was Bakura doing?

"Oh-hey! Nah, not a bad time at all. Mm, just was having a little difficulty getting to the phone." Yet more movement, and the heavy sound of splattering water-what in the…? A smile sprung on Ryou's lips. "Bakura…are you in the bath tub?"

The person upon the opposite end of the phone sniggered. "Yeah, actually I am; just got in. Why? Does it turn you on?" If Ryou could've seen Bakura, he wouldn't have been surprised to have seen the mischievous smirk on the male's lips, adorned with wiggling eye brows. Laughing, Ryou shook his head to himself.

"Well, I…don't know that I'd say that exactly but…are you sure you don't want me to call back later? I mean isn't being in a bathtub kinda a bad place for a phone call?" Ryou would've thought so. In fact, he wasn't sure he'd ever even thought of people talking on the phone in the bathtub, but then he lived a very sheltered life by himself and didn't know a lot about what went on when one person lived with other people.

"Meh, it's easy enough. I don't plan on doing anything retarded while I'm in here. Why; do you think I'm too stupid to be careful with a telephone in the bathtub?" Ryou gasped, astounded Bakura would even ask, even if he was joking.

"No, not at all but…what if you drop your cell phone? Won't it be expensive to replace?" Ryou knew his would and that was one fact that would always keep him from ever being strange and taking it to the bathroom to talk on it in the tub. Ryou sunk deeper into the couch cushion, legs stretching out to curl up into a little ball, smile still on his face. Suddenly, he didn't feel nearly as nervous and was wondering why he had ever been scared to call in the first place. After all, Bakura seemed to be in a good mood and so far, it was fun and seemed to be as if Ryou had never left the other day.

A snort. "Chh, no! What do you think a warranty is for?!" Another laugh from Ryou.

"Well…are you sure that dropping the phone into a bathtub accidentally while talking to a b-a…friend is a valid excuse?" Crap; he had been about to say -boyfriend-. Now that he thought of it, since they were dating, did that automatically -make- Bakura his boyfriend or were they simply, as most friends with benefits liked to say, 'talking'? His stomach churned a little at the thought. He didn't really like the idea of hook ups while people weren't together and he honestly wasn't proud of himself for doing it the other day. Bakura had simply taken over him and all of his senses though and taken him by surprise. Now though, that they were going on dates…would he be Bakura's only one? He really hoped so. He didn't like the idea of having to share what he wanted-which, unlike most teenage boys, wasn't just Bakura's body or physical attraction…

What he was looking for was something a little deeper.

"Well…" Bakura paused in thought. "If I tell them it's because this certain 'friend' just happened to let it slip that he was dressed in nothing but a lacy bra and a g-string, they might see where the dilemma was." Ryou had to snort, a slight blush creeping to his cheeks. He wasn't sure that would necessarily pass for a great excuse but it would be interesting to see the clerk's face when a customer told them that.

"And why on earth would this friend be in only a g-string and a bra-especially a bra? I don't know if you noticed Bakura, but…I don't really have the items needed for a bra." A deep, amused chuckle sounded from the phone.

"Agreed but…still; maybe you were just curious as to what it was like to be a young, supple girl so vulnerable, about to give herself away for the first time."

"EW!" Bakura about died at the pandemonic yelp that sounded through the phone. He could just picture Ryou sitting there, pretty eyeballs popping from his head at the picture-and he would've been exactly right. He was sure Ryou was blushing too, face warm to the touch. Mm… shifting in the tub, he rested his head back against the tiled wall. If only he could've been there to see it himself. "Bakura, that is sick! Are you a pedo or something?" With a giggle, Ryou went on. "Should I just hang up now before a while down the road, the cops come knocking at my door asking about you?"

"Chh, I'm just kidding you. We'll drop the bra, -just- the g-string." Scoffing, Ryou rolled his eyes, grabbing a pillow to hug to himself as he grinned into the phone.

"If you think so…"

"No, I wish…but Ryou, what are you wearing, mm?" A saucy purr sounded through the receiver. Ryou shivered slightly at the voice, just imagining the day before, how it had felt to have that frisky voice lulling right in his very own ear… Suddenly, his hoodie seemed a little too hot.

"Nothing out of the ordinary, just a sweatshirt and pants like most people wear to bed?" Sighing, Bakura closed his eyes with a slight smile.

"Not good enough. Ryou, the whole fun of this is to turn me on. You're just too juvenile! You should always lie and say something like…'Oh, well…actually, I'm just walking around here in a long tee shirt and nothing else and…oh my gosh…it's sooooo hot; I think I'm going to take it off!'" Ryou had to laugh.

"That is ridiculous, you know? I'm not going to voicesex with you, Bakura!" Hearing Ryou even saying the word 'sex' turned Bakura on, just a little. He chuckled, eyes closing, sinking further into the tub.

"Mm…not even later on, when I have that pretty head of yours all figured out? But Ryouuu, that's one of my favorite things to dooo!" Ryou smiled at his boyfriend's whine. Even if it was slightly derogatory talk, he still had a serene, goofy feeling welling inside of him, one he couldn't remember feeling for quite some time.

"Well, I can't really predict the future but…a favorite activity? What…is that what Malik and you always did?" He couldn't deny, he had been thinking of Malik quite a bit. Bakura was fresh on the court; was Ryou only his rebound after breaking up with a longtime boyfriend? Most of all though, he wondered what Malik was like and why Diabound had wanted to hook them up so badly; was Malik really that unbearable that he'd go to extreme lengths to get him away and off his brother's mind?

Bakura groaned in an annoyed fashion. "Ugh, no, there was never any fun doing that with Malik. He's kind-of a sickass, it'd be much too easy to guess what he had on."

"Which…would've been?"

"Nothing and jacking off, likely." Even Ryou couldn't stifle a giggle.

"Sounds like a very…confident guy?"

A snort. "Confident is too nice; arrogant is more like it. He thought he was quite the shit, so to speak."

"Oh…" Trailing off, Ryou tried to picture the type of person he thought Bakura would likely date. What would Malik look like? He wanted to ask but he didn't want Bakura to think he was consumed with wondering about his ex because he knew that kind of thing always annoyed males and it wasn't really legitimate. "So…uhm…why exactly did you break up if you don't mind me asking?"

"The same reason I just told you. He's an idiot and was always telling me dumb crap, like about all the guys that wanted to hook up with him. He'd deny cheating when I'd heard he did it from his own friends. The reason we broke up was because I finally caught him and he couldn't make up another lame lie to cover himself up so he did the only thing he knows how to do; get pissed and defensive. He's a little too dramatic for my liking. Half the time we dated, I was drunk. I think the alcohol is the only reason we got along, ugh." Cringing at the thought, he turned onto his side. "Wish you wouldn't have even brought it up; now I have to think about his dumbass face and wish he was in here right now just so I could drown him."

So obviously, it had been quite the troublesome relationship. Was Bakura glad to have gotten out of it and to have found him? He wished something could tell him because it was a question he knew he'd never have the guts to ask. And about the alcohol; would it bother Bakura that he never drank? He hoped it didn't bring them apart and make them unable to share friends. He wanted to know and be able to be apart of every part of Bakura's life and visa-versa. He didn't want to be annoying and make it seem like he didn't like to have fun too… "Sounds like…its better that you're apart?" he replied a bit unknowingly. He didn't really know what to say since he knew nothing of them or what they were like together-at least not firsthand.

"M'hm…definitely. I don't think anything could make me go back to that train wreck. Besides…you're ten times cuter, more corruptible, and you don't even have to be nude for me to think nasty thoughts about you." Cackling, he peered up to the ceiling, knowing he probably had Ryou mortified. "I know you'd look hella foxy in plain old sweats and a sweater."

"Bakuraaa!" Ryou whined, rolling over to face plant into the cushion. He swore his face was about to burn the couch cushions. Why did Bakura have to keep saying things like that?!

"..What? You don't like that I think you're foxy? Would you have liked 'bossy' better?" Giggling, Ryou lifted his head to be able to talk into the phone.

"No, I think that's probably worse, but it's hard to say."

"Then…if you don't like those, what do you want me to think you are?" Eyes gazing downwards, Ryou's eyes wandered over the hunter green carpet in thought.

"Foxy…is fine. As long as you think good of me…I think I'm happy." A warm smile dawned Ryou's lips. Even if it was said in a joking manner, he still felt the adoration through the comment. If he made Bakura happy then…that was all he cared about.

"I don't know…if I could ever think badly of you. You're kinda a goody-two-shoes, not to mention you're fucking cute. There's not a bad bone in that sexy little frame of yours." Ryou laughed nervously, glad Bakura couldn't see him in his happy, yet embarrassed state.

"I don't know but…you never did tell me what you were wearing either Bakura!" He commented jokingly to get off the subject of him. If Bakura didn't stop the complements, his face might've been stuck red forever.

"The same thing I'll be wearing when I come pick you up tomorrow, babe. Absolutely -nothing-; stark ass naked." Laughing, Ryou covered his mouth, just imagining a nude Bakura standing outside of his house. Oh, he bet the neighbors would just -love- that!

"Please…just wear a robe while in the public eye? I don't want to have to go to jail on our first date."

"Why? Then we could have prisonsex." Grinning, Bakura gazed downwards to his hands, drumming the top of the water with his finger tips.

"I'd rather…have…some nice, safe homesex and not get into trouble?"

A surprised gasp; "Geez Ryou! You sure are fast aren't you? Sex on the first date? Well I never thought…!"

"Shut up! Not what I meant and you know it!" Snickering, Bakura nodded.

"Mm, I know. I'll wear clothes, so don't get your g-string in a bunch." Ryou had to roll mirthful eyes. "I hate to say it though, but I think I better get going. The water's almost overflowing and I haven't washed my hurr yet."

"Your…'hurr'?"

"Yes, 'hurr'. Now if you'll excuse me…" Giggling, Ryou moved to sit up on his couch.

"So, what about tomorrow before you go?"

"Can you text me your address and we'll stick to the same time as yesterday?"

"Yes! Can do!"

"Alright, night Ryou, try not to be sad I really won't show up at your house with no clothes on."

Laughing, Ryou nodded. "I'll try my hardest. See you, Bakura…"

"Night foxy."

And suddenly, there was a click. Ryou sighed heavily, falling back onto the couch with glazed, love-stricken eyes. Bakura was so unblessedly weird and yet, it only made him hotter. He was never going to be able to sleep tonight, because he was going to be stuck up on what would come tomorrow. His heart was hammering in his chest at the thought; he was already falling hard. Though he wouldn't dwell on it right this second because he was too ecstatic, he couldn't help but wonder deep within his mind if Bakura was really feeling the same way, too.

-

"Oh lady of the night!"

…Dammit. The one voice Bakura had been longing -not- to ever hear again; didn't it just figure when he was mellowed out and about to go to sleep, the most annoying creature on earth would buzz up and bother the fuck out of him?

"Piss off, queer." Laughing, the 'queer' in mention took this as a sign of entry and turned Bakura's doorknob to let himself it the extremely hazardous area. A tanned hand reached up to cover his mouth as he let out a yawn, eyes darting to his brother who was sitting on the bed, hair damp and sticking to his neck. Tired, irritated orbs met his, obviously amusing Diabound. Smirking dauntingly, he moved calmly closer to the bed, arms folding up over his tee shirt clad chest. "…Are you going to tell me why you're here yet, or are you just going to stare at me all night, you damn buzzard?" And there his creative little brother went off again, making up new curses!

"Oh, sorry! I was just too caught up wondering what the hell went wrong with your face at birth!" Waving a hand as if to brush the comment off, Diabound went on. "Anyway, so, do we need to take you to the hospital for flirting with yourself in the bathtub or was there a reason why you were talking in there?"

Rolling ember depths, Bakura scooted further onto his bed, brushing a shoe and old retainer case to the floor. "Not that it is any of your business but I was on the phone with Ryou, actually."

"Ahh…" Grinning, a hand fell to Diabound's side. "And he didn't hang up on you when eh found out you were strange enough to take calls in the bath?"

"No, stupid, of course he didn't. Unlike you, Ryou has a heart and a brain-not that taking a bath and being on the phone is really that embarrassing, shit. At least I don't go to tanning beds and shave my legs."

"Urgh," now it was Diabound's turn to roll his eyes. "Your -still- on this? How old is that now? 13 years old? I just don't grow heavy leg hair!"

"And what about the tanning beds…?"

"Bakura, you really are the dumbest boy on earth. I'm surprised our parents didn't ship you off to baby test labs, like I begged them to." Diabound chuckled when his brother flipped him off. He still deserved it, he thought, for all the times he used to scare Bakura with tales like that. He had been the cruelest, yet nicest, big brother all his life.

"Are you done yet? I would like to get to sleep instead of being continuously boggled by your nagging tone."

"Actually, I'm not done-yet, anyway. So, you still taking Ryou out tomorrow?"

"Of course I am! Why the hell wouldn't I be?" He stared blankly to his brother. He wasn't stupid; Ryou was wonderful not to mention beyond adorable. Why would he -not- take him on a date?

Diabound shrugged. "Just checking."

"Why?" Bakura raised an eyebrow. "Were you hoping I wouldn't so you could have him to yourself? Sorry Dia', but I doubt anyone as young and beautiful as Ryou would ever date someone as hideous and aged as you. Aren't you a little old to still be scamming on teens?" Bakura grinned.

"Yes, I suppose you're right Bakura, my wilting age of 23 is really a damper these days on who I can and cannot date, even know I wouldn't date Ryou anyway, even if I wanted to."

"Oh really and why is that? Are you saying he isn't good enough for your standards, ass?"

Shaking his head, Diabound yawned. "Nah, he's good enough. Too young though and plus, I'm not really looking for anyone to get into a relationship with, you know that. Ryou's sweet, I wouldn't want to be the dickhead to break his heart. Besides, I'm boring and old, right? He needs someone edgy and hip on the times, like you Bakura." Snickering, Diabound took a step forward to sit himself beside his brother.

Snorting, Bakura turned his head away from the male, eyeing his blank computer monitor. "And how would you know what Ryou needs, huh? Not to mention why the hell you always say the -same- thing! Don't most 23-year-olds want steady relationships and kids or something dumb like that?"

Sometimes, his brother could be so dense. Shaking his head, Diabound made eye contact with Bakura as his head turned back around. "Yes, we all want to be married and have a family by now. How fucking old do you think I am, 40? Jesus! And I'm just saying; I date, but I don't want to be with anyone I know who only is looking to commit. Ryou…I can just tell; he wouldn't be happy in a relaxed, open relationship the same way I don't know I'd be comfortable in a closed off one."

"So…even know I screw around -more- than you, you wouldn't be comfortable in a closed off relationship?"

Smirking, Diabound's eyes gleamed. "Just because I don't talk about my personal sex life like you doesn't mean I'm not getting any."

"Chh, right. I'll believe that when I see it. Noone in their right mind would date you-or sleep with you. Especially not Ryou."

"Oh? And what is this fascination with him, hmm?" Bakura's eyes widened. His brother was always so stupid! Nothing was -up- with it! Ryou was cute, he was fun for now, so effing what? Why did his brother always have to make things seem like they were a bigger deal than they were? It pissed Ryou off to no end!

…Then again, what didn't?

"Go the hell away. There's nothing there, quit digging."

"So you are saying, little bro', if I asked him out or introduced him to a better looking guy, you wouldn't be pissed?" Diabound raised an eyebrow.

Bakura seethed, glaring at his elder brother. "Of course I'd be fuckin' pissed, who wouldn't? Why do you always ask such idiotic questions?" He wanted him -out-! Bakura wanted him to just go away before he couldn't sleep because he'd be too boiled up over something so unbelievably stupid.

Chuckling, Diabound's hand reached out to pat his little brother on the back. "Cool down, I'm just kidding."

"I know but it is still annoying me!"

"Sorry, sorry!" Diabound waved a dismissing hand. "I forget its PMS week for you. I'm just wondering if I'm right about you two."

"Right…? Ugh, please don't tell me you're trying to make us into one of your dumb little psychology experiments."

"Maybe I am, but if things work out like I want, you'll be happy." Bakura's fist curled. He had the unbearable desire right then to just take out his brother's nose. If only noone cared for the idiot besides him…

"Just go away. I'm tired and overly done with you for today. I don't care about your stupid little experiment, it won't work! I like Ryou as much as I like anyone, is that good enough?" Diabound grinned, giving a nod.

"Enough…for tonight." Standing up, Bakura's head clapped, thanking whatever gods there were. Now, he could finally sleep! Beginning to walk out of the room, Bakura flipped onto the bed, crawling under his comforter.

"Don't forget my light." Diabound listened, doing as his brother requested. Stopping in the doorway, he turned to Bakura, eyes suddenly holding a hint of seriousness.

"Just…don't break his heart."

Even know Bakura couldn't see Diabound's eyes, he knew by the slight waver in cheeriness in his brother's voice. A sigh left Bakura and he turned onto his opposite side.

"Not that it's any of your damned business but…I wouldn't."

"Mm…and why's that."

Bakura shrugged to himself. "Because," he muttered quietly.

"Because why?"

"Because I just don't fucking feel like it, okay? Now go away!"

Smiling, Diabound understood wordlessly.

"Night Bakura."

"M'hm."

Closing the door, Diabound knew he had done a good deed. Even if Bakura didn't realize it yet, Diabound knew…what was to come would be difficult but would have the best payback the world could offer. Though it was hard to believe, it was something he knew his little brother deserved.

-

Ten minutes to nine and Bakura was already on his way to Ryou's house. He usually didn't leave early for such things or really care for his arrival but today was different. Bakura didn't know why though, it just was. He supposed it was just because their phone conversation last night had proved interesting enough. It was a good follow-up to their meet-up and Ryou was proving to still be intriguing. Then again with a physique like that, was there any way that wasn't at least the littlest bit enticing?

Even if Ryou had an ugly face, he had to admit, he would have wanted him-maybe only a night or two but the attraction would have still been there. After all, there was a quick fix for a less-than gorgeous face-a nice, dark room. Smirking though, he was glad he didn't even have to worry about anything. Ryou wasn't only blessed with a hot body but…

He had the prettiest face Bakura had ever witnessed-and with that said, he couldn't even think about it without emphasizing his pouty, sassy little lips that Bakura kept having this strange urge to kiss; it gave him so much sexual frustration, it was almost unbelievable. For some reason, just thinking about Ryou's chaste self getting the littlest bit frisky…

Ugh-he had to quit and give this up! He didn't know what his problem -was- but no matter what, he just couldn't get his damned mind out of Ryou's pants! He had to keep himself busy all day long to not think about violating him in some way. He felt like he was sixteen all over again, about to screw for the first time-in fact, it was almost -annoying- how badly he wanted to see Ryou. There were times he just wanted to tell his brain to 'shut the hell up' and bang his head against a wall. Finally, however, this need was going to come to an end because this evening, he'd finally have that minx all to himself.

Five minutes later, he found his gray Civic on Ryou's street, pulling up in front of a rather ordinary white apartment complex. Driving up into the apartment parking lots, he found where Ryou said his apartment should've been and parked. With an unbuckling f his seat belt, he quickly made his way to get out of his car. His legs were moving fast; god dammit! His body was just going out of control to get to this boy! Why was he in such a hurry all of a sudden?

When he had dated Malik…had he been this way too? That was so long ago and he had been so drunk… However, even when substances didn't control his mind, didn't he feel the same about Malik before? Probably. It was so long ago, it was likely he just couldn't remember correctly.

Ringing the doorbell, his hand fell back to his side, fingers sliding into his dark blue jeans pocket. Ugh; he shivered slightly. How he hated winter so much; it was much too cold to be alive this time of year; it was just one more thing to add to the list of things that completely irritated him! Fuck. If only he wasn't such a dumbass and wore something else besides just a tee shirt and his black North Face fleece. "So much for having to take a piss; I think the urine just froze over in my bladder," he muttered to himself, eyes rolling as another huge gust of icy wind rolled by.

The sound of footsteps echoed beyond the door and then there was a click and the door opened to reveal a very -warm- looking Ryou, dressed in a striped scarf, light hued jeans, and a tan fitted blazer with a black hoodie snug underneath. A weird feeling erupted throughout Bakura and suddenly, that jolt of irritation from the weather disappeared. Ryou was here and that was all his mind could comprehend.

"H-Hi…" Ryou started out awkwardly, looking nervous yet excited, unable to hide his smile. Before Bakura spoke a word, he leant in and, to Ryou's surprise, engulfed him into his arms, lips forcing their way onto the boy's. Even as Bakura went in for the kiss, it had been more of an instinct than an idea. His body -wanted- those lips and to feel his tongue collide with Ryou's, tasting his virginal flavor. Of course, within a second, Ryou was complying and kissing back just as passionately, mouth parting immediately for Bakura.

A soft moan escaped Ryou's mouth, only making Bakura cradle Ryou's body closer to his own. Ryou's arms clung to Bakura's shoulders, showing Bakura he was just as lost in this kiss as he was. Ryou didn't even have to do anything but give a sound; it was driving him mad. 'Sh..it…Screw this date, I want him -now-!' He knew he should pull away soon before it went any further to where he'd get himself into trouble. The longer they kissed, the more he wanted Ryou.

"Mmm…I missed that taste of yours," he purred against the boy's lips, making Ryou quiver. Glazed chocolate hues met his, so full of innocence and desire. The way Ryou was looking at him made him feel so dominant, as if he controlled Ryou's every move. He had never felt this overwhelming sense of power but…he liked it…quite a bit.

"I…missed you too…" And it was obvious by the way Ryou had been kissing him, he had. Ryou was practically -melting- right then and there, begging Bakura just to go one step further. Bakura wanted to too; he wanted to tug him in again and kiss him breathless, wanted to nibble along his neck and make him feel so vulnerable that his knees grew weak and he had to cling to Bakura just to be able to stand up. He wanted Ryou to plead for him and tell him how much he desired and wanted him…

And Bakura knew he probably could've.

Yet…

Something within him wrenched.

For the first time that he could remember…

He stopped himself.

-

END…for that chapter anyways! Next chapter is the date which should be out in a day or two, depending on my level of boredom and if I canhopefully find something to do besides be home by myself for another five days.

Bleck. Thanks to all those who reviewed again and I hope you enjoyed the chapter! If, for some reason, I do not get that chapter out when I say I willthough I should because I have like two more pages to write until it's completely finished I hope you all have a Happy New Year!

Much love and please review! 8D