EEEP! What a late update. I'm so so sorry... -cries- I am so late, I know... I'll be faster, I swears!

Disclaimer: I own nothing.


"It's hopeless…"

Malik's voice was small and lost as he curled up on the moulded plastic chairs. The small waiting bay was quiet and empty, save for Malik, Honda, Yugi, and Anzu. Jounouchi had been gone for about ten minutes, presumably to look for Ryou.

"No, it's not." Anzu tried her very hardest to be comforting, but it was hard, even for her. "Like the doctor said, thirty percent is pretty high… And you sounded really reassuring around Bakura-"

"That's because I have to!" Malik lifted his head, feeling tears push at the back of his eyes. "It's Ryou… He doesn't have anyone else, Anzu. Of course I'm going to lie to him to try and make him feel better."

"I wasn't lying." Anzu murmured, lowering her eyes. Malik only sighed, leaning against the chair. He stared at the ceiling, nibbling on his lower lip.

"Ba- The spirit's fucked." Malik leaned forward, placing his feet on the floor. "It's a freaking coma. I want to believe that he's going to wake up and be fine, and everything will be okay…" He swallowed. "But I know it's not…"

"What's not?" Malik froze, and lifted his head at the sound of Ryou's voice. He sighed, his shoulders slumping as he stared at Ryou. He's a total mess… "Malik? What's not?"

"…Nothing." Malik stood up, walking over to the teenager. He gently took Ryou's hand. "We should get going. Visiting hours are almost over, and you look terrible."

"Thanks." Ryou muttered, looking down at his shoes. "It's nice to know I look awful…" Malik sighed, and ran a hand through his hair.

"I don't mean it like that." He said softly, squeezing Ryou's hand gently. "You need to have a shower and a sleep." The whitenette lowered his eyes. "Okay?"

"But…" Ryou's eyes were wide. "When do we find out about Bakura's scan? I'm really worried…"

"I'll talk to a nurse." Malik sighed, squeezing Ryou's hand again. "Okay? They can call us as soon as they find out." Ryou nodded dumbly, staring at the floor. "Okay…" Malik turned to face the other four. "Guys? We're going to go back home now, if that's okay." Yugi nodded.

"Yeah… We should get going, too." All four of them stood up, staring at their shoes. "We're all really sorry, Ryou."

"Yeah." Malik sighed. "We'll… See you soon, sometime?" Yugi smiled weakly.

"Yeah." He murmured. "See ya." Malik started to walk down the hallway, still holding Ryou's hand. The whitenette trailed off behind him, clinging tightly to his wrist.


The teenager, after soaking in the bath for a long time, had sprawled out across the bed in utter exhaustion. Malik had tucked him underneath the sheets, and sat silently for over an hour next to Ryou, stroking his hair, and feeling sick with himself.

Because part of him was happy.

Malik felt like throwing up at the thought. Bakura, his best friend, was lying helplessly in that hospital room, and here Malik was, happy about it! And why? Because he was with Ryou. He felt like he was being so manipulative about it all… Once again, Ryou didn't realize how Malik was acting around him, even though he knew about his love for him. I'm such a terrible person. Malik pressed his lips together, but he didn't stop gently stroking Ryou's hair. But... Ryou needs someone to look after him at this time, he can't be alone. And I'm doing my best to make sure my feelings don't get in the way. Malik swallowed deeply, staring down at Ryou's angelic face. But I can't help the way I feel about him. I just want to lean down and kiss him, and...

What am I saying?

Ryou's heartbroken about losing Bakura this way. He's not going to want to enter another relationship, especially with me. It couldn't work out, not with all of the history we have. I mean sure, Ryou once had a crush on me, but that was ages ago

No way. Ryou loves Bakura way too much to even think about something like that. And I'm a backstabbing bastard for thinking about it myself. I can't do that to Ryou. I couldn't put him through that emotional turmoil... Not again. Bakura told me how emotionally fragile he was after we fell out. I can't screw things up with Ryou.

Malik sighed, still looking down at the teenager. He looked so fragile and innocent when he slept, it made the Egyptian almost want to cry. How can so much happen to one person? It just didn't seem fair in Malik's eyes. Slowly, he leaned down, and placed a gently kiss on Ryou's forehead. No matter what ever happens, Ryou, I'm going to be here for you. Always.

Malik jumped as the phone rang on the bedside table. He held a hand over his thudding chest for a moment, and looked down at Ryou. He felt like he'd just been caught doing something bad… But he wasn't, was he? It was just an affectionate gesture from a friend. It wasn't as though he kissed Ryou on the lips…

The Egyptian grabbed the receiver, and lifted it to his ear. He'd caught sight of Ryou as he leaned over him, and his eyes were gently fluttering open. CRAP. I hope he doesn't know I kissed him

"H-Hello?" Malik's hand was shaking as he answered the phone, knowing full well who it would be on the other hand.

"Hello. Is this Malik Ishtar?" The Egyptians heart sank at the cool female voice on the other end. She certainly didn't sound happy… That wasn't a good sign.

"Speaking." Ryou's eyes widened slightly, and he rolled over, staring at Malik. His heart was pounding in his chest in anticipation, and he licked his lips. Malik sighed absentmindedly, and placed a hand on Ryou's forehead. The teenager leaned into the touch, closing his eyes. "No, sorry, he's asleep… I really don't want to wake him, he's exhausted… Yeah… Um… Sort of…" Ryou sighed as Malik started brushing his hair from his face. "Yes… Yes…" The whitenette gasped as Malik froze, tightening his hands in his hair and pulling at the strands. "No." Ryou's eyes widened, and he whimpered. "Um… Y-Yeah. I-I can tell him… Th-thank you… Okay… Bye." Malik pressed the 'off' button on the phone, and dropped it to the bed. The Egyptian stared at the pattern on the navy duvet for a long time, not speaking.

"M-Malik?" Ryou finally managed to gasp, wincing as his scalp was yanked whenever he moved. "Malik… What's wrong." Malik blinked, snapping out of his daze.

"Oh…" He muttered, releasing his hold on Ryou's hair. The whitenette rubbed at his aching scalp, and then he gently start to pull himself into more of a sitting position. "Ryou…" Malik swallowed, and then looked over at Ryou. His lavender eyes were full of nothing but pain and heartbreak. "I'm sorry…"

"Wh-Why?" Ryou felt eyes glisten in the back of his eyes. "Malik… What's wrong?" Malik gently wrapped his arms around Ryou's shoulders, and the boy leaned into his chest. "M-Malik?" Ryou lifted his eyes up to look at the Egyptian. "What happened?"

"Th-They got the results for his Neurological scan…" Malik breathed softly. "And the swelling on his brain has gone down a lot." Ryou brightened slightly.

"Well… That's good, isn't it?" Ryou dared to let a smile flit across his features. "I-I mean, then they know what's wrong…" The smile on his face died. "Oh… Malik?"

"It was a lot of scientific jargon…" Malik sighed, chewing on his lower lip. "But… Basically, Ryou… Bakura's really badly brain damaged… The doctors… They said his chance of waking up dropped to fifteen percent… I'm so sorry." Ryou shook his head, and started to cry. "I'm so so sorry…" Ryou leaned into the embrace, sobbing softly.

"Th-This isn't fair…" Ryou wailed, burying his head in Malik's shoulder. "B-Bakura… He never did anything to deserve this…" The Egyptian only snorted. "W-Well… I-I…"

"That's what they think." Malik said gently, slowly rubbing circles in Ryou's back. "We know better." He lifted Ryou's chin to stare at him in the eye. "Don't we?" Ryou was silent for a long time, before he sniffed, and nodded. "It's going to be okay…" Malik gently placed Ryou back underneath the covers. He followed suit, gently wrapping his arms around the whitenette's waist. "Okay?"

"…Okay." Ryou finally mumbled. He buried his head in Malik's shoulder, and continued to cry. The Egyptian sighed deeply in sympathy, and tightened his embrace on the male he was in love with.


Weeks passed.

Gradually, with the consolation of Malik, Ryou was able to look past his own shock and grief. His cycle consisted of only visiting Bakura, and spending hours and hours curled up in bed. Sometime, he slept, sometimes he didn't. Ryou barely ate. It took a week since Bakura's accident before Malik managed to get him in the shower to bathe, and two before he managed to get the teenager eating three meals a day. The bond between Ryou and Malik grew stronger than ever. Every day, Malik continued to shower Ryou with the love and affection he needed. Ryou's affection in return grew, and as time passed, slowly, the feelings that Malik expressed to him were starting to slowly be returned. Ryou never realized it, but he was slowly starting to fall in love with Malik. He started to enjoy Malik's gentle hugs and touches more and more. He was completely amazed that someone would give up their family, their house, their whole life just to be with him and make sure he was okay. It made him feel wanted when his world seemed to be in disarray.

Malik was piecing his world back together.


"Ryou?" Malik called out as he shut the door behind him, his other hand carrying a bagful of groceries. "Ryou, you home?"

"In the bath." Ryou called out from the bathroom, his voice echoing around the small tiled chamber. "Did you bring some dinner?"

"Yeah." Malik set the groceries on the table before heading into the bathroom. He opened the door, blinking slightly at the misty steam that filled the room. "How long have you been in there?" Ryou shrugged, and properly sat up, not bothering to hide his nudity (It was nothing Malik hadn't seen before, drunk or sober).

"What's the time?" Ryou ran a hand through his hair, which was greasy from the conditioner he had applied. Malik's nose wrinkled slightly at the aroma, and he hid a smile. He loved the smell of Ryou's wildflower conditioner, but he'd never admit it.

"It's almost five." Malik cast a quick glance down to the watch in his hand. Ryou blinked, and chewed on his lip.

"Well… I got in here as soon as I got home from school, so that's…" He winced. "Close to two hours." The whitenette looked down at his hands. "Ew. My fingers have gone all pruney…" Malik chuckled. "You shush!"

"Okay then." Malik held his hands up in defeat. "I'm going to start dinner now. Did you wanna help me when you get out?" Ryou nodded, combing his hair with his fingers.

"If I want to be able to eat it tonight, then I'd better." Ryou teased, smiling. Malik only made a face.

"Yeah, okay then." Malik grinned. "See you in a few." Ryou smiled as the Egyptian closed the door behind him, and then leaned against the ceramic lip of the bath with a long sigh. He felt so confused… Ryou honestly didn't know what to do. He loved Bakura with all of his heart -nothing could ever change that- But he felt so guilty about the intimate moments he shared with Malik. He kept trying to tell himself he was only being friendly, and that he didn't have any attraction towards the blonde. Ryou closed his eyes, chewing on his lower lip. After a moment, he dunked his hair under the water, running his fingers through the ends to rinse the conditioner from his hair. He gasped for air as he emerged a minute later, blinking the water from his eyes.

Ryou sighed, and arched his back slightly as he sat up. He drew his legs to his chest, resting his chin on his knees. Being with Malik made him happy. He was able to forget about Bakura, for sometimes even a couple of hours. It wasn't cheating if Ryou did nothing about his feelings, was it? And anyway, Ryou loved Bakura much much more than he loved Malik…

Eventually, Ryou stood up. Water ran down his skinny frame in tiny rivulets, trickling into the bath. The teenager sighed, squeezing the excess water from his hair. He stepped over the side of the bath, and grabbed the plug from the sinkhole. The water gurgled and sloshed down the drain as Ryou reached for a towel, wrapping it around his hair. Ryou grabbed another towel to dry himself off, before donning his bathrobe and leaving the bathroom.

Malik looked up and smiled as Ryou walked into the kitchen. The whitenette grinned back, but it was weak and half-hearted as he tightened the cord, long damp hair straggling into his eyes. The Egyptian set down the wooden spoon, and wordlessly opened his arms. Ryou flung himself into the offered embrace, instantly burying his head in his shoulder. Malik rested his chin on Ryou's fluffy white head, staring blankly into space.

"I miss him." Ryou whispered, sniffing softly. Malik sighed, his arms wrapped around Ryou's chest and middle. "I-I really really miss him…"

"I know you do." Malik closed his eyes as Ryou wrapped his arms around his neck. The cold metal of Ryou's engagement band pressed against his skin. The Egyptian swallowed deeply.

Ryou had refused to take off the ring, not even to bathe. Malik knew it was because part of Ryou had a stupid hope that Bakura would miraculously wake up in time for the wedding, but he didn't like it. It was though Ryou was constantly reminding Malik that he was untouchable. Malik always got what he wanted, and his burning desire was to take the white-haired angel, to fully make him his one more. Malik let his hands slide down Ryou's waist and hips, drifting down the curve of his lower back, and the top of his rear. Ryou sniffed, his head buried in Malik's neck as the Egyptian dared to slide his hands even lower, until both of his hands cupped Ryou's rear, he gently, slightly squeezed the whitenette's cheeks, so softly that Ryou didn't even notice.

"Here." Malik finally broke away from Ryou. "Sit down." He gently guided Ryou to one of the chairs, and the whitenette sat down, looking down at his clenched hands. "I have to keep stirring this pasta…" Ryou continued to look down, chewing on his lower lip. He eventually raised his eyes up to Malik, and licked his lips.

"You might want to lower the element temperature." Ryou murmured softly, his eyes looking distant and vacant. Malik nodded softly, brushing a lock of hair out of his eyes. "You'll burn it otherwise."

"Thanks." Malik muttered, looking down at the pasta. "You're a really good cook, Ryou." The whitenette smiled weakly, before lowering his eyes again. "You okay Ryou?" Malik looked away from his precious pasta. "Something looks like it's really eating you up, and it's not Bakura." Malik set the wooden spoon down on the counter. "Is school okay?" Malik walked over to the whitenette, who sniffed, and shook his head.

"Yugi and the rest have stopped talking to me already." Ryou murmured softly. Malik sighed, gently rubbing Ryou's back. "At lunch, I sit next to Jou, but no one ever talks to me." Ryou sniffed, and raised his head. Malik sighted in sympathy, staring at Ryou's red rimmed eyes. "I-Is there something wrong with me, Malik? Is that why they don't like me?" Malik shook his head, crouching down on front of Ryou.

"Ryou." He said seriously, taking the whitenette's hands. "Why do you care about what they think?" Ryou sniffed.

"Th-They're my friends…" He whispered softly, unsure of himself. "I-I mean, they do try to include me, Malik. But… I… I just get… Forgotten…" Ryou wiped at his eyes. "It's okay Malik." He feigned a smile. "Really, it's fine." The Egyptian narrowed his eyes. He didn't buy it for a second.

"Ryou, I don't think-"

"Malik!" Ryou gasped, shifting his gaze from the Egyptian to the stove. "Malik, the pasta!"


Ryou sighed to himself as he shoved another spoonful of salad into his mouth. He'd started opting for the 'vegetarian' lunch the school was required to provide, and not only did it taste better, but Ryou was sure it was helping him achieve that weight goal of one hundred and ten pounds. Jounouchi sat beside him, like he always did, eating his food loudly and often stealing from the plates of the teenagers he sat between. (Ryou and Honda) However, even Jounouchi didn't want to eat Ryou's vegetarian meals.

"Anzu!" Ryou jumped slightly at Yugi's voice, and blinked. He looked up to see the brunette, who was proudly walking towards the table, her hands laden down with… "Is that a cake?"

"Yup!" Anzu set the cake down on the table with a large smile. "Can you believe it? It's a reward for me getting the highest results in that Chemistry test. I thought, 'what better way to enjoy than sharing it with my friends?', So I got it cut into equal pieces especially." Ryou winced, thinking of all the sugar and fat that piece of cake would contain. He wracked his mind for excuses to deny the piece of rich-looking chocolate cake. "Here Jou… And Honda, a piece for you… And Yugi, of course, and a piece for me!" Ryou blinked, feeling hurt. So what? I didn't get a piece of cake. What am I? Five? I never wanted a piece anyway. Still, the rejection hurt. That was why Ryou let his heart lift a little when Yugi spoke.

"Um, Anzu, I can't eat this, remember?" Yugi knitted his eyebrows together. "Unless it's sugar free, which I very highly doubt." Anzu smacked a hand to her forehead.

"Oh, right!" She sighed. "Yugi… I'm so sorry I forgot!" Yugi only shrugged, and waved it away. "Well… I'll have to give it to someone else then." Ryou blinked, setting down his fork. "Jounouchi, you wanna split it with Honda?"

"Do I?" Jounouchi had already demolished his own slice, and quickly started to attack the fourth quarter. Honda helped him eagerly; and Ryou sat silently at the table, his head bowed. His eyes burned with tears, and he failed to push them down. He placed his elbows on the table, and his forehead in his palms. The babble and laughter of the other four washed over Ryou, who sat silently, crying.

He wasn't angry at Anzu for forgetting about him. He was angry at himself for thinking she noticed his existence.


Ryou slammed the door behind him.

Malik, who was reading a book on the couch, jumped. The book tumbled to the floor, and he winced. The Egyptian stood up, and walked into the dining room, where he found Ryou on his knees, staring at the floor.

"Ryou!" Malik gasped, sinking to the tiles beside his friend. Ryou was shaking like a leaf, his hands over his face. "Ryou, what's wrong?" He placed a hand on Ryou's shoulder, but the whitenette made no motion that suggested he recognized Malik's touch. "Did you go to the hospital or something?" Ryou shook his head, still trembling. Malik frowned. "Then what-"

"Screw them." Ryou muttered savagely, his hands clenched into fists so hard, his nails drew blood. Malik blinked, resting back on the balls of his feet.

"Ryou, what's-"

"H-How could they do that, Malik?" Ryou raised his head, and Malik saw that his orbs were sparkling with tears. "I-I mean, I-I was right there, and they… They…" Ryou wrenched himself away from Malik's hand and shakily got to his feet. "H-How could they miss me? I…"

"Ryou." Malik stood up, firmly grasping the lights' slim shoulders. He turned Ryou so that the pair were forced to look at each other. "What the hell is going on?" He asked, sighing deeply. "Is this about Yugi and the others?" Ryou's chin trembled, and he buried his head in Maliks shoulder, sobbing. "Yes?" Ryou nodded, shaking harder than ever. "Oh, Ryou…" Malik sighed, gently embracing the teenager. "I'm so sorry…"

"I-I just want to know what I did wrong…" Ryou moaned, his voice muffled by Malik's shirt. "Wh-Why don't they like me…" Malik sighed, starting to stroke long white hair.

"You don't do anything wrong." Malik murmured softly. "Ryou, you have to realize something. They spend their weekends having sleepovers and hanging out at the arcade. You like to read books and do puzzles by yourself on a Friday night. They share everything about each other, and you like to keep your secrets hidden." He lifted Ryou's chin, looking him in the eye. "You're personality is nothing like theirs. It's a conflict. And personally…" Malik sighed, tightening his hold on Ryou. "I'm glad you are the way you are."

Despite his misery, Ryou smiled.


Ryou sighed deeply to himself as he closed the white door behind him. He stared down at his sneakers, which were grubby compared to the pure white tiles of the hospital floor. His sneakers thudded slightly as he crossed the room, walking over to Bakura's bedside.

"Hey, 'Kura." Ryou whispered, sitting down on the seat beside the gurney. There was no noise, apart from the steady beep of the heart monitors. Ryou's hands shook as he started stroking Bakura's long hair, smoothing out the wild tangles. Bakura was as silent as ever, still and unmoving. Originally, Ryou felt like a bit of an idiot, babbling away to someone in a deep coma, but the nurses told Ryou that quite a large proportion of people in a coma can hear people talking to them.

"It's been so quiet without you." Ryou murmured, still brushing his long white hair. "Yugi and the others… They don't talk to me any more." Ryou sniffed. "I… I decided not to sit with them today, and they never noticed. But it wasn't so bad. A couple of girls saw I was sitting alone and sat with me. They were really nice to me too. When they realized I didn't want to talk, they left me alone." Ryou sighed. "But they're not really friends. They're just a few girls who have a crush on me." The whitenette swallowed deeply. "I've really only got one true friend right now." Ryou smiled weakly. "Malik has been so nice to me, cooking and cleaning and stuff, but he's not you. He never will be you. I want you to wake up so badly… I pray for you Bakura, every night before I go to bed. I… I know you don't like it, but I don't know what else to do." Ryou brushed tears away from his eyes. "I've lost Mum, and Dad, and Amane… I can't lose you too." He whispered, leaning over. He placed a soft kiss on Bakura's lips. Ryou lifted his head away slightly, staring down at Bakura's pale, vacant face.

"I love you so much." Ryou sighed, placing a hand on Bakura's forehead. He softly smoothed back the bangs on the yami's face, smiling weakly. "There's no words in any language I know to tell you just how much." The whitenette rested his head on Bakura's chest for a long moment, listening to him breathe. His heartbeat was strong, sturdy, and filled Ryou with hope.

"Please, Bakura." Ryou begged softly, taking one of Bakura's hands. "You have to wake up. I know you can do it. Jounouchi was right, 'Kura. It's going to take more than a coma to keep you down. You have to wake up. I-I can't bear to have you like this. All I can think about is you lying here. It's so heartbreaking." Ryou looked down at Bakura, his vacant, closed expression, his shut, unmoving eyelids, the breathing tube down his throat, the artificial rise and fall of his chest…

Ryou rested his head on Bakura's chest, and sobbed weakly. This isn't happening... Bakura... I-I still don't want to believe this is happening… Ryou sniffed as he straightened his back, and looked down at the unconscious figure. He stared at the breathing tube, the needles and tubes, the wires that hooked him up to countless monitors. Ryou cried harder, burying his face in his hands as he finally realized the awful truth.

"You're…" Ryou sobbed, lowering his hands. "You're not going to wake up…" He cried, his voice soft and rasping. "Are you?"

Ryou's only answer was the blank, expressionless beep of the machines.


Ryou was crying when he came home.

Malik, who had been trying to make a salad, immediately dropped the tongs, and ran to the front door. Ryou had slumped against the doorway, and slowly sank to his knees. Malik gasped, and threw himself to the floor beside Ryou. Ryou was sobbing into his hands, his chest heaving as he gasped for air.

"Ryou!" Malik gently took Ryou's shoulders. "Ryou, what's wrong?" Ryou hiccupped, his eyes red-rimmed and swollen. "Ryou… Did you go see Bakura like you said you would?" Ryou finally nodded, gasping through his sobs. "Oh Ryou..." Malik sighed, embracing the teenager as he cried.

"He…" Ryou continued to sob. "He's not waking up, is he?" Ryou slowly lifted his head crying. Malik sighed, gently cradling the back of Ryou's head as he held the whitenette in his arms.

"Oh sweetie…" Malik murmured tenderly, gently rocking Ryou from side to side. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry…" Ryou buried his head in Malik's shirt as he sobbed. "I'm so so sorry…" Ryou buried himself in Malik's arms, crying softly.

"I-I'm so-so sc-scared…" He sniffed, pressing his lips together. "Wh-What if he… He…" The word dies hung in the air over them, like a bad omen. Malik sighed, and help Ryou closer. "I-I don't wanna be alone…" Ryou lifted his head, looking at Malik in the eye. "I-I can't be alone…"

"You wont." Malik whispered in Ryou's ear. "I'm going to be here with you for as long as you need me. I'm never going to leave you, Ryou…" Ryou smiled shakily, sniffing. "I'm not saying that I'll take the place of Bakura, no one can ever do that." He softly, daringly, kissed Ryou's forehead. "I just want to be here for you, Ryou. I'll be whatever you want me to be for you. A friend, or…" Malik's nose was inches from Ryou, who was trembling his eyes wide. "Something… Something… A little… More." They were much too close. Ryou's eyes were wider than ever, his mouth falling open slightly. They widened to an impossible size when he realized just what Malik meant, and he blinked. Ryou closed his eyes and leaned forwards a little more, closing the gap between their lips.

Malik suppressed a groan as he kissed the whitenette back, closing his eyes. Oh Gods... He'd almost forgotten how good it felt to kiss Ryou, to hold him in his arms. Malik tightened his hold on Ryou, slowly running his tongue along Ryou's lower lip. The whitenette gasped, and opened his mouth. Malik slowly slid his tongue inside Ryou's sweet cavern, groaning at the beautiful taste. Ryou was putty in Malik's hands as he was being kissed, and he loved it. Malik's warm hands dared to snake up underneath the shirt of his school uniform, softly massaging the silky skin. Ryou's eyes were closed as Malik continued to kiss him, leaning against the doorframe. Malik groaned as he continued to massage the mouth of the white-haired angel, feeling his slim body beneath him. Ryou's arms, which were limp, started to rise, and his fingers tangled in Malik's hair. He gently began to return the kiss with fervor, in his own meek, shy way. Malik's eyes widened at Ryou's reaction, and he stared at Ryou's closed eyes, who was clearly enjoying the passion Malik piled upon him. He was such a good kisser! Malik closed his lavender orbs again, amazed.

It was almost a minute before Ryou finally broke away from Malik, gasping for air. His chest heaved as he stared down at his knees, and the Egyptian bit his lip, yanking his hands out from underneath Ryou's shirt and placing them at his sides. Ryou continued to stare wide-eyed at the floor, his brain mulling over what had just happened.

"Ryou?" Malik dared to whisper, panting. The whitenette made no response. "Ryou… Are you okay?" Ryou started, and looked up. He locked eyes with Malik, chocolate staring into lavender, for almost a full minute.

Then his face crumpled, and Ryou started to cry.

Malik swore under his breath, and started to hug Ryou in an attempt to soothe away his tears, but the whitenette abruptly pushed him away, turning away from Malik.

"Don't." He whispered, wiping hurriedly at his mouth. Ryou stared at the floor, his hands shaking in fright. Oh no oh no, what have I done? I kissed Malik, I outright kissed him... He didn't even... I didn't...

"Ryou." Malik breathed, gently grabbing one of Ryou's shoulders and turning the whitenette so they looked at each other in the eye. "It's okay…." Ryou hiccupped, and shook his head, sobbing quietly. "Yes…" He breathed, wiping a tear from Ryou's face. "It is." Ryou shook his head again, crying silently. "Look." Malik muttered, cupping Ryou's face in his hands. "If it's the way you feel, and the way I feel, then what's wrong about it?" He breathed, resting his forehead against Ryou's. The teenager sniffed, and looked down.

"B-Bakura…" Ryou whispered softly, closing his eyes. "I… We're going to get married…" He sniffed. "I-I love him, Malik…" The Egyptian sighed, his frustration starting to get the better of him.

"Ryou," He whispered gently. "Bakura's not going to wake up." The whitenette sobbed, shaking his head. "Ryou." Malik gripped his chin harder. "Please. You said so yourself that Bakura wasn't going to wake up. You have to realize that…" Ryou shook his head again, opening his eyes and looking down at his engagement ring. "Please." Malik pleaded. "He's gone, Ryou."

"NO!" Ryou abruptly pushed Malik away, sobbing. "NO he's not!" Ryou's eyes glistened with tears as he stood up. "He's not! He-he's going to wake up, a-and everything's g-going to be how it was before the accident." Ryou looked down at Malik, who had his head in his hands. The whitenette sniffed, and wiped his nose. His insides burned with guilt, and he felt like he was betraying Bakura. Heck, he knew he was betraying Bakura.

What on earth have I done?


Haha... I feel so bad...

R&R!