This chapter is meant to shine a light on Ryou and Malik and how their friendship works.
Just Background info and stuff... with slight RyouxMalik.
The first portion of the chapter is pretty important, the rest just...is.
Plot will continue next chapter.


Chapter 7

"London Frog, please."

"Sure thing!" The barista sauntered over to the different syrups and flavors used to make the different types of coffees. Ryou ordered her favorite tea. It was a cold gloomy morning. The gray skies made it impossible for Ryou to get up out of bed. She had decided to head over to her favorite cafe, taking her sketchbook with her.

"One London Frog, I added extra honey just for you!" The barista had a contagious smile and Ryou couldn't help but smile right back at her.

"Thank you," Ryou handed the barista a bill.
"...and keep the change." Ryou winked at the barista as she took her tea and walked over to the table in the back.

A strange man walked in, a dark aura surrounded him. He walked over to the barista behind the counter and narrowed his eyes.
"Tea. Make it black. Take it to the table where that young lady sits." He pointed to Ryou's table, However she was too concentrated in her sketch to notice the man or hear his request.
"I'll be there shortly." he gave the barista the money for the tea and watched Ryou from a distance. The millennium ring hung loosely around her neck and dangled slightly as she leaned forward to get a better glimpse at the sketchbook in front of her. It was glowing dimly, reacting to his presence.

'I think it's time to formally introduce ourselves, little one.' he thought as the corners of his lips curled up in a twisted smile.

Ryou found herself drawing a messy portrait of Bakura. She couldn't deny herself that in some strange way, she was drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Surely each time she saw him, she crashed and burned, but deep inside she felt for him. Ever since she started learning more about her millennium item, she learned more about him, and she concluded to herself that he wasn't so bad. He was just filled with rage, and as much as she hated to admit it. It was a justified rage, or so she thought.
A s Ryou loosely scribbled lines for her subject's hair, she felt a dark force hovering over her, like someone had been watching her. Her millennium glowed dimly but did not point in any specific direction. Ryou noticed this and quickly looked up and around the coffee shop. She sensed a strange presence, but didn't see anyone that look particularly strange. She didn't even know if what her ring picked up, was even human at all.

A small cup of black tea was set down in the empty space in front of Ryou. The sudden presence of the barista caught Ryou off guard and she jumped slightly surprised. The barista gave her an apologetic look as she placed an extra set of napkins between Ryou's cut of tea and the black cup of tea. For a moment, Ryou thought the barista herself was going to sit down and talk to her.

"It's for the gentleman.." She explained. Ryou was puzzled, she didn't recall agreeing to meet anyone here. Or it could be Bakura making his grand entrance like he always did. But she knew when he was near. She could feel him and whatever it is that she sensed, it wasn't him. She looked down at her cell phone and wondered if she had a missed call of message from Malik, but there was none.
"But I wasn't expecting any-"

"Little Bakura, my dear how are you?" Came the man's twisted voice. He gave the barista a small tip and she quickly sauntered back to her work area.

Ryou looked up at the man standing in front of her. He was tall like Bakura and had wild platinum blond hair that looked impossible to tame. It pointed in all kinds of directions. His tanned skinned complemented his violet eyes that had that familiar black lining around them. He looked so much like Malik, only a lot more masculine. He reminded her so much of her best friend, but he also had a very dark aura about him. Malik was beautiful, and since they had similar features, the man was very handsome himself.

"I-I'm sorry," Ryou shock her head to stop herself from staring (and drooling.)
"But have we met before?" The man pulled out the chair across from Ryou and sat down.
He laughed darkly, his shoulders shaking as he did so.

"No, Little Bakura I don't believe we have, but I believe we might have," he licked his lips causing Ryou to shiver in her seat
"-mutual friends.." His eyes studied her face for a long moment.

Ryou's millennium ring reacted violently and shook, causing the five pointed spikes to scratch her stomach. Ryou bit her bottom lip at the sudden pain and tucked her necklace in an inside pocket of her jacket. She looked up at the stranger in front of her. His lavender eyes were so breathtakingly beautiful, Ryou found herself in a loss for words just staring into them.

"I never imagined his light would be so... attractive." Ryou blushed lightly and suddenly felt self conscious and shrunk in her seat. She processed his words for a second.

'His light? He must know my yami..' She thought.

"You're referring to Bakura." His name brushed against her lips and she found herself smiling slightly upon remembering his face.

"Perhaps." He simply stated and took a sip from his black tea.

Ryou continued to stare. He looked so familiar.
'Malik..' She then had an idea in mind but was unsure of whether or not it could possibly be true. What were the chances? Malik would've told her, wouldn't she? Ryou never mentioned Bakura to her at all and maybe Malik has kept this a secret from her as well. Still the chances of Malik having a yami were very slim, but something told her it was best to confirm her theory.

"Malik. You're Malik's darker half aren't you? But...how?"
The man furrowed his brows at her, surprised at Ryou's knowledge.

"You're a lot smarter than you look, little Bakura. Looks like your little friend has secrets of her own." So Ryou's suspicions were true. However, if this man was truly her yami, there's no telling what he would do to her. Concern suddenly swept over her as she thought about her best friend. Bakura hadn't been the nicest to her, and he often really hurt her. She did not want Malik to go through the same thing, nor would she forgive herself for not doing anything to stop it.

"Please," Ryou gulped as she grabbed the strangers hands in her own to emphasize the importance of what she was about to say.
"don't hurt Malik. She means so much to me and I love her very much. At least don't hurt her like..."

The words faded. She didn't dare complete the statement.

"Like your Yami?" He laughed out loud at the thought. "I'm pretty sure I'm treating her far better than Akefia is treating you, my dear." Ryou looked incredulously at him. Her umber eyes were wide open.
'He knows?"

"Listen..." Ryou's voice trailed off. She didn't catch his name. He hadn't told her.
"Marik." He smirked darkly.

"Marik... Akefia doesn't mistreat me. I can assure you." Yet again she defended him as if trying to convince both herself and Marik. But it was all in vain. She looked down at her hands and noticed they still held on to him. She quickly leg go and put them on her lap, looking slightly embarrassed.

"Oh?" He looked amused and decided to test his theory.

"Then why do you flinch at a man's touch, my dear?" He reached over and held her chin. Just as he predicted, she flinched but he held her in place.

"Take me to your yami, little Bakura."

"How do you know him and how do I know I can trust you?" She said shakily. Her mouth was slightly agape.

"You could say we're old friends. Now, were is he?"

"I don't know where he is, Marik. He always leaves me for long periods of time." It was true. Ryou hadn't seen Akefia since he took her to the shadow realm, and that had happened days ago. However she still wasn't sure whether it was all one big nightmare of if it actually happened in the flesh.

Marik knew she was telling the truth he was one to put up with Akefia's foul mood at one point as well. He was surprised at how well Ryou looked physically. Akefia always inflicted physical damage to his hosts in past lives. However, this was the first lifetime they had both been "blessed" with a female light. It was a totally new experience for both yami's. Marik had already taken advantage of this.

"That damned Thief he's always so hard to find.. Little Bakura, my dear, when he comes back to you, please let Malik know. It's very important."
Ryou nodded as he got up from his chair and turned to leave the small cafe.

"Wait!" Ryou called out to him getting up from her chair.
"Malik is okay, right?"

Marik arched an eyebrow and smirked at her. It wasn't an evil looking smirk and it somehow made Ryou feel at ease. He walked out without saying another word.
'So Malik has a dark side too..' Ryou sighed suddenly missing her dear friend immensely. She felt so alone.

She took her cell phone out and decided to give her a call. The phone rang for a few seconds until a light cheery voice was heard from the other line. Ryou smiled upon hearing her voice.

"Hey babe! We finally get to talk after such busy weeks, huh!?" Malik didn't have to ask who it was, she had a ringtone specifically set for Ryou.

"Yes, I know.. It's been quite hectic. But Malik, listen, want to hang out or something? We've got serious catching up to do and i miss you so much."

"Mmm I was thinking the same thing.. You just cant live without me Ryou, can you?" Malik giggled on the other line before proposing an activity.
"Italian lemonade. One hour. Be there!" Malik had a habit of just hanging up the phone without warning. Unlike Malik, Ryou preferred warm drinks and and quiet shops that smelled of coffee. Malik's favorite lemonade shop wasn't exactly what Ryou had in mind, but if it made her best friend happy, then she would accept it.

She walked into the shop and saw the familiar platinum blond hair she loved so much. Ryou quickly sprinted over to her booth.

"Malik!"
The beautiful Egyptian stood up and squealed with excitement. She wrapped her arms around Ryou and gave her a big smooch on the lips.

"Ry! I've missed you baby! We've finally got graduation out of the way. Thank Ra!"
Ryou blushed as she hugged her friend back. Now that they made it out of school, they had plenty of time off to do whatever it is that they pleased.

"Must you be so forward, Malik?" She giggled.

"Oh hush, you love my kisses." Malik purred in her ear.
Malik and Ryou had a peculiar friendship. They were best friends but occasionally had their moments. However, there was an innocence to their doings and it never went farther than a few kisses. No one ever questioned their closeness.

They sat down each placing their lemonade glasses on the table. They talked about their recent doings but both danced around the subject of the Yamis.

"Malik..." Ryou felt the need to finally address the Yamis and carelessly stirred her lemonade with her blue straw.

"Hmm?" Malik looked at her while she slurped her drink.

"Well it's just that..."

"On with it Ry" Malik knew her well and knew Ryou debated whether she should ask the question or not.

"You know the last time we met, I talked to you about the strange things that would happen to me. It turned out someone was looking for me..." Malik was silent as Ryou brought up the factors that would lead to the main question.

"...and it turns out I had a Yami, and I met yours a few days ago."

Malik stopped slurping her drink and sighed. She knew this was coming. She couldn't keep the secret anymore.

"Look, Ry I didn't tell you about Marik because I didn't want to believe it myself. I thought I was going crazy! It was all so surreal.." She sighed and grabbed Ryou's hand.

"Once I confirmed that I wasn't crazy, It was only a matter of time until I told you. I honestly thought Marik was created by my own imagination." Malik smiled apologetically.
"It's good to know I'm not fucking crazy."

"You had a millennium item all this time?" Ryou asked.

"Yes. I never really bring it anywhere but many years ago before passing away, my grandfather left me this golden rod as a gift. It stays in my home very well preserved."

They remained silent for a moment and Malik was sure that Ryou was upset with her for lying to her.

"Well, what's he like?" Ryou asked excitedly. She would never be irritated with Malik for too long.

Malik blushed and the grin on her face grew wider.
"Oh Ry..." She sighed
"Marik is unlike any guy I've ever met. A first, I admit he acted very strange and often frightened me, but once we spent more time together and talked more..." She blushed harder and giggled.

"He's just great, really. He always protects me and treats me like his queen. He appears cold and mean but behind closed doors, well... That's a different story." Malik winked seductively at Ryou. Her grin never left her face.
Ryou gasped and placed a hand over her mouth.

"Malik! You didn't! Did you?!"

Malik hid her violet eyes under her platinum hair and just laughed. She sighed and looked up at Ryou, her beautiful eyes had a spark in them.

"Yes. Yes we did and let me tell you..."
Malik held her hands in the air she smirked at Ryou as she looked down at the space between them.

"Malik!" Ryou laughed out loud as she quickly slapped her hands down.

"It's true Ry! I took it like a champ!" She smiled confidently.
"Don't worry, babe I'm still yours. No need to get jealous." She winked at the white haired girl across from her.

Of all the years of knowing each other, Malik was the more experienced of the two. Ryou was too shy to try anything new while Malik was very outspoken and daring. She had a certain charm about her and was even the one to give Ryou her first real kiss.

"Oh Ra, Malik! What am I going to do with you?" Ryou laughed as she shook her head at her beautiful Egyptian friend.
However Malik hadn't forgotten what Ryou had said earlier.

"So, Ry..." She smirked devilishly at Ryou.
"What's your Yami like?" Ryou's face fell at the question. She didn't know what to say.
'Bakura..'
"Bakura is-"

"He has your name?" Malik blinked in confusion.

"Yeah, I know it's a strange thing. Who knows, he's probably had the name before I even existed, it just goes to show you how little I know about him. Bakura is... and interesting guy. I guess."

Malik stared at her still confused. Compared to hers, Ryou's situation didn't sound too exciting. She would've guessed that the white haired girl would talk about interesting stories with a certain spark of joy in her eyes. After all, Malik though that one's Yami was supposed to make you feel complete and content. They were supposed to share certain qualities that the other didn't have and together become even better. Marik's intelligence has certainly rubbed off on Malik to the point where she found her self wanting to learn more about ancient Egypt and the duty of her ancestors as grave keepers.

Ryou didn't look at all content with her yami and it broke Malik's heart. She cared for her friend and wanted to at least see her smile.

Malik got out of the booth and grabbed Ryou's hand, pulling her out of the booth as well.

"Come on, babe. You're spending the day with me!"

"Come on! I heard there was a sale in the little black dresses today!"
Malik piped up as she held Ryou's hand and led her into a luxurious boutique. The girls had spent most of their time out shopping in the mall. Ryou felt genuinely happy to be with Malik. She made all of her worries go away.
Malik had promised Ryou a girl's night out and that's exactly what she did. The two beautiful girls looked through various dresses. They would occasionally ask for each other's opinions on certain clothing items. Malik would stick her tongue out in disapproval or Ryou would give a big thumbs up.
When they each settled on three dresses to try on they headed to the dressing rooms.

"When do you think we'll get to wear these beauties, Malik?" Ryou asked while looking at Malik's picks.

"Don't know, but I've chosen one just for Marik." She winked, obviously talking about the red one.

"I should've known," Ryou giggled.

Malik took one of Ryou's dresses and tossed it at her, urging her to try it on.
"This ones the one! I can feel it!" She said as Ryou began to undress. Ryou was completely oblivious to the fact that she still had crescent shaped cuts all over her wrist and when she took her jacket off, Malik got a clear glimpse of them.

"Ryou, what happened, babe?" She asked genuinely concerned. Her tone went from happy and cheery to soft and worried.

Ryou didn't want to tell her what happened, she promised herself she would never speak of it again.

"It's nothing, Malik. I just..." how the hell would she explain crescent shaped marks? It was pretty obvious.

"Ry you''re not doing this to yourself are you?" Malik slowly ran her fingers on the cuts causing Ryou to flinch slightly.

"Of course not, Malik. I would never." It was true. Ryou did not like pain at all and wouldn't try this on herself.

"Did he do this to you?"

"No!" Ryou shot out defensively. The response came in very quickly and Malik wasn't easily fooled.

Malik furrowed her brows but her face softened moments later. She placed a hand on Ryou's cheek and sighed.

"I hope you're not lying to me Ry. I just don't want to see you getting hurt. You're much too important to me." Malik's eyes softened as she carefully looked at Ryou's beautiful facial features up close.

"I know, Malik. I'd be doing the same I something happened to you." Ryou smiled warmly at Malik. Her Egyptian friend's concern made her heart beat faster and Ryou felt guilty for saddening such a pretty face. She wrapped her arms around Malik's neck and brought her in for a soft, gentle kiss. Malik returned the kiss as the two light haired girls tasted each other's fruit flavored lips.

~*~
Ryou and Malik had been friends since they were little girls. Ryou suddenly remembered the first time her and Malik had shared such a kiss. It was two years ago when they stayed alone together for detention. Ryou had slapped a boy for looking under her skirt and Malik ran after him to get another two slaps. Malik talked to Ryou about her new boyfriend and how she absolutely abhorred his kissing skills. Ryou blushed and confessed that she had never kissed anyone despite having a lot of admirers. Ryou was just too shy.

Malik couldn't believe how such a pretty girl like Ryou had never been kissed. She calmly asked Ryou is she ever wanted to be kissed. Ryou naturally said yes and without warning, Malik pressed her lips on Ryou's and urged her on. Ryou felt strange at first but ultimately liked the sensation and followed Malik's lead.
Their kiss felt like it lasted an eternity but when they finally broke it off, they both laughed out loud.

"...and now you know how to kiss, babe!" Malik winked at her as she walked out of the classroom smiling at the fact that she had stolen Ryou's first kiss

Others might think that their friendship was strange but in reality, only they knew how it worked. Ryou would never do the things she did with another girl, nor would Malik. It was exclusive. They both considered each other to be completely straight, but when it came to each other, they were free to express how much they genuinely cared for one another. Which is why Ryou was never jealous when Malik dated other people. The two girls didn't date each other. They just had a connection that was impossible to explain. It was an innocent thing.

The girls finally separated from each other. Malik was stunned yet looked a hundred times better.

"Ry, I can't remember the last time you were the one to kiss me first!" She laughed as she hugged Ryou tightly.

"Couldn't stand seeing that sad face! Now come on let's try these on so we can head home."
Ryou said as she slipped on the short black dress.

"Alright!" Malik grabbed her dresses and began to try them on as well.

It was the only way to distract Malik and deep inside Ryou felt a hint of guilt.