Chapter 8/9! OMGG, I AM STILL WRITING THIS! I AM AMAZED! ;D As I near the end of this story (Near is actually like…five chapters but whatever) I have questions for myself of what I am going to write next! So far, I can't quite work up everything. Some people might say I should work on the stories I started already but uhm…

Ehehehhe. Yeah. (coughcough). I could try though but I really want to write something new! (Don't I always?) Something where Bakura is actually a Yami and I quit making everything so AU. xD I swear, I really do suck when it actually comes to writing them as a real Yami/Hikari. Haha, but whateverrrr. I will figure it out!

Mostly, I feel up to writing oneshots, only I don't have any ideas for those either. xD;; PLEASE IDEAS, COME TO MEEE!

But anyways, I am done rambling and wish you all fun with this chapter!

-

"H-Hello…?" A sniffle erupted from the opposite end of the phone.

"Malik? What the hell? Are you…?"

"M-Mariku…please…it's nothing!"

"Malik, please, tell me what is wrong. I just read that stupid live journal entry you made. A whole bottle Crown? Seriously?!"

"I…just go away! You know you're fucking always…you'll just rub it in my face!"

""What are you even talking about? What happened?"

"I-It's nothing, okay?! Bye!" Click.

And ever since his phone call, Mariku just couldn't get the conversation out of his mind. After 30 minutes of debating whether he should or should not fight it, he finally decided to just go for it and was now sitting in the front seat of his car, on his way to Malik's house. In these kinds of situations, he liked to stay neutral so he didn't have to deal with dramatic bullshit, especially the kind Malik found himself swarming in lately but…

He knew it was stupid but he couldn't turn away from it. Malik was obviously upset and he knew Malik well enough to know he wasn't going to turn to anyone for help. Not that he really could; Mariku had a sneaking suspicion Malik's attitude was once again affected by something Bakura did and all Malik's friends had already told him to just stay -away- from the white-haired devil. Malik, however, had not listened to better judgment, and had pressed on and on and…

He kept paying for it, dearly. Mariku sighed, hand reaching for his volume dial to turn up his music. He mouthed along to the lyrics as his car slowly puttered down the icy Domino roads. Of course, Malik would pick the worst possible night to have a breakdown on. It was snowing heavily and it didn't seem the weather would decrease any time soon. In fact, in just a couple of hours, a good four inches had accumulated and it had yet to cease. Unfortunately, Mariku hadn't expected snow this early in the year so he still didn't have winter tires on, making the roads increasingly dangerous.

Seriously, why did love have to be so fucking ridiculous?! He'd never truly know and if he did, he'd wonder why he was even bothering with this stupid scheme of his. After all, Malik was fucking obsessed with Bakura and every little thing Bakura did. He was too blind and caught up in the male to even think about anyone else.

Mariku knew he was wasting his breath by thinking he had a chance, at least not right now. Mariku knew he was good looking but the problem was-Malik didn't really care. All Malik cared for was getting Bakura back and that, fortunately for Mariku, wasn't going so well-not that he didn't -exactly- fully wish Malik a horrible time. Mariku wanted things to work out like they should and he just didn't think Malik and Bakura had that much chemistry. Yes, Malik was oh-so mesmerized by his cold best friend but Bakura…the entire time, Bakura didn't give a shit, really. Yes, he had stuck around with Malik longer than anyone else but great sex doesn't always make great love. Bakura was no more in love with Malik than he was with Yami at any given day. Malik kept pushing and trying so hard to make Bakura change and Bakura just couldn't do that-not for him. Mariku didn't know Ryou well but…Bakura sure seemed to be affected more by him in a few weeks than by Malik in months.

Mariku wasn't bitter but he just -knew- somehow, Malik had no chance and would end up hurt. He tried to warn Malik away but Malik just grew short and would yell and fight Mariku-that there was still a chance. Everyone else saw the too, be it from Bakura's side, Malik's, or no one's at all-Malik was fighting a losing war. Bakura still didn't like Malik and was further than before from being his again. But lord, what had Bakura done this time to send Malik into such hysterics as to finish off a whole bottle of Crown Royal? Mariku knew he had somehow swiped it from his sister and she was going to freak when she found out, but Malik was probably too drunk by now to give that thought much of a care.

Still…life would've been a whole lot easier if Malik would just get over the whole 'Bakura' bullshit. Then maybe he'd actually see how fucking much Mariku actually cared about his selfish ass and that, no, he was whining for nothing because he was absolutely not alone. But life…never really worked out to one's advantage, or at least, not his.

Fuck. Why was it that he liked Malik so much anyways? He asked himself time and time again, even before Bakura and Malik had been together. The first time he had seen Malik, he just felt…different, like he had never seen anyone like the male before. Ever since then, Malik had been a constant thought on his mind. He had given up for a while and tried to ignore it but once Bakura actually broke up with Malik and the two started to hang out more and more…

Malik was nearly the only thought on Mariku's mind anymore. His car pulled up to the two story house and he parked up in the drive way. Isis was probably asleep and the door was likely locked. If he knocked or rang, he risked waking Isis up which was -not- be smart-to only would he have been yelled at for coming over to their house at midnight, but Malik would likely be spotted drinking and would get into trouble too. It was better to just avoid the hassle and try to knock at Malik's window. Besides, it was only at the side of the house anyways and it wouldn't be too hard to get his attention.

Mariku stepped out of his car, keys in his hands as he pushed them close up to his body in his black hoody. The snow fell atop him in swarms and it was making his hair damp. He wanted to run but didn't want to risk slipping and getting himself soaked. He settled for a brisk walk and soon his feet crunched into the yard of Malik and to the side of the house.

Malik's pale blinds were closed but he could see a light shining from beyond them. He knew Malik was awake and in there and he was going to get him to answer. He outstretched his arm and gave Malik's window a heavy tap. Gods; he shivered. It was fucking cold out here! "Come on Malik, open the damned window!"

There was no sound for a few moments so Mariku did it again. Within seconds, a wide-eyed, blotchy faced Malik opened up his blinds and jumped.

"Open the door so I can come in!" Malik nodded and turned away from the window to head out of bedroom towards the front door. Ugh; hopefully Malik was still coherent enough to make it there.

Mariku attempted to take the same way from the side of the house back to avoid soaking his jeans anymore. Unfortunately, it wasn't working as well as he would've liked but. He stood at the front door, shaking, awaiting the moment Malik would finally let him in.

He heard a bit of stumbling then finally the click of the door locks and finally he was met with Malik, half naked in boxers, eyes bloodshot from crying. He looked absolutely pitiful, pouting as his eyes attempted to glare at Mariku. "W-What do you want?"

Mariku gritted his teeth, stepping in and brushing past Malik's shoulder. "To see you of course, idiot. I call you and you're bawling and trying to lie about it and here I am and all you can do is attempt to glare at me?"

"I…" Malik went blank. He gave a pained look and then tried to remain unemotional but…

He threw himself at Mariku, arms clinging to the male, bringing his body close. "I-I…" He could feel the tears welling in his eye balls again. "B-Bakura…please don't say you're right, I-I can't handle…"

Mariku sighed, eyes closing as he hugged Malik close. He pet the crown of his head soothingly, nuzzling his nose into Malik's soft hair. "Now come on, take me to your bedroom and at least tell me what that prick did this time."

"Bu-t…it is just…! He is such a bastard!" Malik protested, clinging to Mariku tightly. He had hoped drinking would calm him down and cushion him from the pain of knowing he had been downright –fucked with-. However, he had been dead wrong about that, just like he had been about Bakura. He was ten times angrier and more heartbroken-Bakura was really…

He lifted his head to gaze up to Mariku morosely. Mariku was giving him that knowing look and… Malik's heart dropped. Mariku knew the entire time his attempts would fail and Malik would end up just like –this-, drinking himself stupid. Bakura wasn't his but Mariku was here, even know he didn't have faith in Malik's plans from the start.

Mariku was here…and he was going to bawl his eyeballs out and spill everything because…Mariku would be here, no matter how ridiculous Malik's ranting would get. Somehow, it felt better knowing that at the very least, he wasn't completely alone.

"Come on cry baby, before you wake your sister." Malik leant his head on Mariku's shoulder and nodded, letting himself be dragged off. Mariku rolled his eyes and lead a stumbling Malik back to his bedroom, arm around his waist.

-

"…I don't want to come."

"Oh come on Bakura, it will be great!"

"Jou, I am not -fucking-five years old! I don't want to join you in a snowball fight." Bakura sighed vehemently. There was no way on earth he was going to go out in the freezing fucking cold just to be miserable and probably get his nose broken once again! "You might as well hang up the damn phone right now because it is already a no!"

"Come on, you're no fun, I swear! It's that new boyfriend of yours, isn't it? Ever since you ended it with Malik you've been weird!" …Weird? Had Bakura truly been weird? After all, last time he remembered, he was hanging out with Katsuya drinking like usual. Then a couple of days later, he had seen him again and played video games with him and he hadn't been odd then, had he? It was the same as always; they had a beer, made fun of each other, talked about sex vaguely, and left.

Only…now that Bakura thought about it, he supposed he did clam up when Otogi had questioned him about his new boyfriend. He had been extremely snappy and hadn't revealed a thing. Could that have been what Jou was talking about? But still. He frowned, thinking back to only a few days past when he had hit Malik. Katsuya would've been too intoxicated to have noticed much difference in his actions. For god's sake; that night Katsuya could barely -stand-!

"I have not been fucking weird," he protested surely, slumping into his seat upon the sofa.

"Oh really? Then please explain giving up concert tickets mysteriously to Mariku and that little tiff you had with Malik? Last I heard you weren't exactly the type to stand up for anyone save yourself. Besides, Mariku told me you wouldn't lay a -hand- on Mana. Dude; she is hot as hell!" The hairs on the back of Bakura's neck stood. Was he really acting that odd? He supposed the last few weeks had been weird and he had felt nothing less -than- that but was he really…

Even his friends seemed to be able to sense Bakura's change in moods lately. He ran long fingers through his unkempt white locks as he sank deeper into his seat. He kept trying to avoid thinking about it but the questions seemed to keep arising. It seemed talk of Ryou -never- ceased or disappeared and he didn't know what to do about it or what to say.

His heart was beating a little faster in his chest as he thought of his boyfriend. He knew it was different somehow, hell, last night had proved that but still. He wasn't sure he was ready to fully admit that to himself or anyone. He didn't want to let himself be changed and why should he? After all, what was so wrong with the way he was and fuck! He was so tired of being told how he felt instead of saying it himself! He was so emotionally drained; he didn't want to think about it anymore. His whole week had been spent stressing over his current situation, wondering nonstop what was going on with him.

Right now, he wasn't sure what was wrong but he just couldn't fight it. He felt unusually drained from everything and simply settled for rolling his eyes to himself as he pressed the phone to his face. "Mm. Whatfuckingever," he muttered in a tired manner. He wasn't going to get upset about it for the moment. He had spent enough time being pissed over things dealing with Ryou.

"So, are you comin' or are you ditching us for your dearest love?" …Okay, so maybe he wasn't -that- tired. Even know he really loathed snow ball fights and snow in general, he was going to go fucking do this snow ball fight because…

Even if he couldn't argue the fact at the moment that nothing had changed, turning his friends down would definitely signify something was definitely up. "No, I'm not. I'll be there even know it's extremely homo and childish."

"Sweet!" Bakura knew Jou was grinning. "So we'll meet up in an hour at Bay View Park?"

"Yeah, whatever…hey, is Malik going?" Bakura's stomach churned at the very uttering of the name. There had never been a time when avoiding Malik was this important. If Malik saw him, a fight would definitely take wind and he knew Malik wouldn't feel any sort of sympathy for him. He'd tell Ryou and he didn't want to see the look on Ryou's face when he found out Bakura, who he adored, had practically cheated.

"No, don't think so. Not Mariku either. I don't really know but I guess Malik was really down over some shit. I guess Mai called him today to ask but he was really sad or something on the phone. Why do you ask?" Bakura, however relieved, did feel a small twinge of guilt.

"No reason. Yeah, I'll bring Ryou and we'll see you when we see you."

"Alright bud! See ya!" And Bakura snapped his RAZR shut. He groaned and threw himself onto the couch, unenthused about the day's events already. He really should've used the day to possibly do some house calls since school had been cancelled. But he had already promised Ryou he would spend the day with him-and he wasn't going to break that promise-not that he wanted to. In fact, if it were his choice, he felt like -only- seeing Ryou and avoiding everyone else. Somehow though, life didn't seem to go as planned and he ended up agreeing to yet another stupid outing with his friends. Hopefully Ryou wouldn't mind, but it wasn't likely. Ryou would probably agree and smile even if he hated Bakura's friends, which, Bakura was pretty sure, wasn't far from the truth.

Still…somehow Ryou always dealt with it. But he was no different, really. He handled Yami (though barely) and Yuugi. So he supposed they -were- even. And if Ryou asked, he would probably meet with his friends (save Yami) again. But…today, he felt displeased for some reason, knowing he couldn't just be with Ryou alone because with other people around, he was afraid he would start thinking again and blow up. If he only saw Ryou, then he could avoid unwanted questions and everything else.

But…at least Malik wouldn't be there.

"Bakura?" The melodic sound of Ryou's voice echoed from the hallway. Bakura murmured and sat up, palms setting at his sides as he watched him enter the living room. His hair was limp from the shower and he was dressed rather warmly, clad in a white turtleneck beneath his grey and white striped sweater. His socks were thick and wooly-somehow, Bakura was reminded a little of a grandpa, yet, still, Ryou imagined to look adorable.

"Almost ready?" Bakura asked, eyes meeting Ryou's as his boyfriend stopped at the arm of the couch. Ryou gave a soft smile and nodded lightly.

"Just about! I just have to blow dry my hair and get out a thicker coat and some gloves!"

"Ahh, I see. Mm, I guess I should've brought some gloves," he mused as he held his arms out for Ryou. Ryou beamed and was about to take the seat next to Bakura. Ryou, however, was surprised when he found himself tugged atop Bakura's lap. He let out a small yelp, laughing. "I held out my arms for -you- to come into, not to sit fucking next to me, dummy."

Ryou continued to laugh, shifting in Bakura's lap, a small blush rising to his cheeks. He wound his arms around Bakura's neck, heart fluttering as he leant his head beside Bakura's on the couch cushion. "I'm sorry. It's not often I get uhm…wanted in laps so."

"Yeah!" Bakura countered, "It better -not- be often or there would be a problem, right?" He grinned toothily and closed his eyes, kissing Ryou gently. Ryou smiled brightly and kissed right back.

"Mm, it isn't. Promise." Bakura nodded, letting his eyes wander over Ryou's face leisurely.

"So, up to going out for a stupid snowball fight? Katsuya and a couple of others want to meet up. I promise we don't have to stay too long if you don't want." He gazed to Ryou, looking for the slightest sign of disapproval. However, Ryou only seemed to be smiling excitingly, much to Bakura's distaste. He had –hoped- Ryou would give some sort of timid 'yesbutreallyiamthinkingotherwise' look, going along with it only to make Bakura happy. That way, Bakura would feel –less- crappy for just not showing up at all. Unfortunately, Ryou liked snow and probably had some stupid notion in his head that he –had- to get along with Bakura's friends so he actually –wanted- to go.

Fuck.

"It sounds really fun! Who is going besides Katsuya? Anyone else I met?" Secretly, Ryou wondered if a familiar 'M' name would turn up. A part of him truly hoped not since their last meeting was less-than friendly. Still, Ryou felt guilty about the whole situation. Had Malik ever told Bakura what he had said to Ryou? And if he had said so, had Bakura just disregarded it cruelly as if Malik's feelings didn't matter?

"I don't know, I imagine a few of the idiots you met will be there, yes-though, no Mariku." Which was actually quite alright with Bakura. He had a feeling Mariku was still holding the slightest grudge for what went on with Malik a few days previously. He was actually a little afraid to even ask about Mariku at this point, seeming as Malik and him were so close lately. It was only a matter of time before he found out what Bakura had done and got mad all over again. But really, why was Mariku caring so much about Malik anyway? Bakura didn't get it. After all, when he had first started seeing Malik, Mariku just dubbed him as Bakura's 'mattress'/useless ho no. 35433. Funny how things seemed to work out-Bakura would've been fine never seeing Malik again but all his friends only wanted more.

"Oh." But did that mean no Malik either? He didn't have time to debate it because Bakura was too busy getting right back to teasing him, kissing his warm earlobe.

"Mh'm. But it doesn't really matter. After all, the park has many hidden coverings where it will be plenty safe to do all sorts of naughty things to you, Ryou-bug. So don't feel that it will only be us two instead of three." Ryou's cheeks warmed and he gave Bakura's shoulder a playful swat. Where had Bakura ever gotten that idea that he wanted a threesome with Mariku?!

"Bakura! Why do you have to say things like that?!" Ryou groaned, glaring at the male who was currently chuckling into his ear.

"Because I know it bugs you and you're so cute when you're flustered, it makes me want to relive last night over again. Mm, don't you feel that way too?" Bakura purred, fingers scurrying beneath Ryou's sweater to brush against Ryou's pale stomach. Ryou quivered and gave a small murmur, pressing his body closer to Bakura's.

"Mm, still. It isn't fair-and why do you want me to sleep with your friends anyways? Isn't that kind-of twisted?" Ryou remarked, head tilting back as Bakura's nose nuzzled into his neck. His eyes closed and he relished in the feeling of Bakura's mouth pressing soft kisses on his freshly washed skin. Last night? Oh; last night had been a rush, something Ryou only fantasized about. He couldn't even contemplate…

And Bakura already mentioning doing it again A wave of pleasure surged through Ryou's body. Bakura; so near and –all- his…

He was so weak; he knew he would do it again in a heartbeat. Bakura snickered darkly, giving Ryou's Adam's apple a small nip. "Oh, I am plenty twisted-but I wouldn't let their nasty hands near you…" He ghosted his finger pads up Ryou's spine, Ryou's body arching into his sensitive touches.

"W-Why is that…?" Ryou was trying so hard to resist the urge to moan but oh! Bakura was being so flirtatious and sexy and attacking Ryou in places with his hot mouth where he knew Ryou couldn't resist-because truly, Bakura was evil

"Mm…because I am greedy. I've never been known to share well. Especially not something so delicious. Ryou, how did you ever get to taste so good?" Ryou suddenly couldn't speak. His hips pressed against Bakura's and he was mewling as Bakura breathed on his neck so heavily. He was torturing him, being so close and under his control. He was lapping under Ryou's chin, driving him wild-and Bakura knew it. But he couldn't do this too much longer! They had to go and he h-had… and it was snowing and he wanted to be out playing in it but Bakura was screwing it up with his seducing ways and he was making Ryou want to just…

But he felt a little bit nervous. Was it bad to let Bakura have him so fast? What if their relationship turned to straight sex and they never talked?! He murmured softly as Bakura's nibbling went on, a hand curling in Bakura's messy locks.

Bakura was grinning, loving immensely Ryou's racy behavior. Ryou was turning into puddy more and more by the second and it was turning Bakura on. He kissed his way up Ryou's chin until their lips met and he possessively pressed their mouths together, quickly overtaking his docile boyfriend. Ryou moaned and he couldn't help but give his own little growl, nibbling at Ryou's bottom lip. What the fuck-why did he want to go out when he could stay at home doing this all day? His head was spinning and his body's need for Ryou was increasing. Snow ball fights could go to hell-instead, he could just stay here with Ryou and do this until he couldn't any longer.

Yet somehow, fate took a sick twist and Ryou's eyes cracked open and he gave Bakura a small peck and nearly sprung from his lap. "We gotta go and get ready! We have to meet them soon, don't we?!" …Bakura nearly slapped himself. He had been getting way too into it and now the snow was smiting him for attempting to heed it. Goddammit.

"Yeah, fine. Let me borrow something warm to wear if you are gonna force me to go out there, instead of staying here where it is nice and warm." Ryou laughed and secretly admired the pout that formed on his boyfriend's lips. He knew Bakura didn't really want to go but it was more like his friends invited him so he felt like he –had- to go-and that was alright, because Ryou didn't mind. He was happy to tag along and be near Bakura.

"I'll go look! But you gotta get up and get clothes on, you know? You can't stay in your boxers forever," Ryou urged, folding his arms over his chest as he stood beside the couch, eyeing the male pointedly. Bakura grinned, hand running up his thigh to bring his boxer material up a little.

"Mm, why? Don't you think I have sexy legs, Ryou?" He cackled when Ryou rolled his eyes.

"Maybe but still!" Ryou blushed somewhat, tapping his socked foot on the carpet. "You need to get your lazy butt up and get ready! You promised me you would go out in the snow with me!"

"Ugh." Bakura rolled chocolate depths and stood hesitantly. He reached his arms overhead and stretched, getting out all the tension in his muscles. Ryou couldn't help but secretly let his eyes linger on the skin that dared to show when Bakura's shirt went up a little too much. Bakura had such a great body; Ryou couldn't help but get caught up in it from time to time. Bakura didn't seem to notice but god, sometimes Ryou couldn't help but think,' how beautiful' because in Ryou's mind, Bakura really was just…everything.

But ugh; if he thought about it, he would just get wound up in Bakura's spell all over again and be caught up in him and then he would never get to go out in the snow. No; today was meant to be out and about and there were people waiting! And besides, maybe, just maybe…

He'd get a chance to really ask Bakura all the things he had been wondering tonight because the last few days had truly brought up so many questions in Ryou's mind. Bakura's past seemed to be very shaky but Ryou was sure…

Even if Bakura hadn't been completely honest…

Bakura turned his head around and their eyes met. Ryou smiled softly, arms folded in front of him. Bakura grinned hazily, strutting over to stand in front of him. Somehow, it just seemed so right. Ryou really was…100 percent in love and he had no idea what to do. Hell, what had Diabound done? What could Ryou ever do to thank him? How did Diabound know that Bakura was so…

Different, and yet it was so flawless? "Mm, you say go get dressed but here you are, smiling up at me so cutely… How can I do shit when you look so irresistible?" Ryou laughed and kissed Bakura's neck, hugging him close suddenly. How long could he be so lucky? When would Bakura realize Ryou was just so…mundane and normal and move on and leave him all alone? It would happen; it would have to happen. How could someone like Bakura ever fall in love with Ryou?

"Shut up," Ryou mumbled softly, melting into the arms that held him tightly. Bakura chuckled, amused at Ryou's strange behavior as always.

"Why? Because you know I called you out, huh? You can't even bring yourself to get off of me, I bet." Bakura smiled down at the boy, who looked up at him back. Ryou smiled and nodded in agreement, laughing.

"Maybe…I can't. But I won't let you know for sure because I think it might make that cocky head of yours implode." Bakura snorted, kissing Ryou's forehead roughly.

"You're a little shit, you know it?" Ryou closed his eyes, feeling absolutely happy.

"I know. I just don't care. At least, not when I'm like this," he murmured gently, resting his head beneath Bakura's chin. Ugh; if Bakura's friends could see him so cuddly with Ryou right now, they'd probably puke-but was that fact more embarrassing or funny? He wanted to say he didn't agree and could just roll his eyes and push Ryou away for saying things that were too honest but…

Truthfully, he felt it too. For the moment, he didn't mind being able to hold Ryou so close and not feel one bit lame for liking the stupid, cheesy things Ryou told him. It made him feel…good, which was one feeling he seemed to lack lately, as their relationship kept getting more complex.

He wasn't going to get mushy or say anything of the like back but he wasn't going to push Ryou away for being able to admit his feelings. It was nice to be with someone who wasn't afraid of letting their heart bleed, no matter if it did damage or not. Right now, even if Bakura thought of something to say back to that, he knew he wouldn't let himself because that was just the way he was-it was so hard for him to admit anything which was the main reason he was having so much trouble with this in the first place.

He mumbled incoherently and gave Ryou another squeeze, making the boy laugh. It didn't matter for today, because he was determined to keep himself and Ryou happy. Ryou deserved that much and Bakura knew he could bare it and do the same.

"So, I guess I should start looking for something for you to wear, huh?"

"Mh'm. Just as long as it isn't those cool orange sweatpants, I'm fine."

Ryou didn't feel too sorry when he gave Bakura's head a good swat.

-

"I can't believe I am out here," Bakura griped, groaning as his head fell back to his shoulders. Ryou laughed, coat-buried arms wrapped around Bakura's waist. Bakura only protested louder, so much as to make the people in Bay View park stare at them rather oddly-but then again, they did look strange. Tall Bakura looked as if he were on the verge of passing out with only stick-thin Ryou to hold him up, absolutely hidden beneath layers of warm clothing and a thick jacket, a panda hat, and his thick white scarf. His hands were even enveloped in heavy gloves, making it look as if Ryou's hands were swollen.

Bakura, on the other hand, refused to look like a puff ball. He wore only a black hoody of Ryou's and Ryou's thin khaki jacket over it. Yes, of course he was smart enough to wear a long sleeved shirt beneath it, but fuck, he was still –cold- but that was much better than looking absolutely ridiculous, like Ryou. He felt like he was talking to a walking –plush- doll because layers upon layers hid Ryou's true skin from him. He sulked more, making his boyfriend laugh. Bakura –hated- this, to the point of wanting to maim himself. He could've been at home, snuggling Ryou's naked body, feeding him chocolate covered cherries and making him mewl in that sexy little minx way…

But no.

He was stuck out here; awaiting people he had no desire to see whatsoever. Wasn't that just his fucking luck?! And Ryou; ugh. Ryou looked so silly, with his panda hat-though, yes, he was still cute all bundled up with his frosty pink cheeks but STILL.

This was NOT Bakura's ideal snow day. "Well, you know you would've been less miserable if you would've listened to me, Bakura. I told you that you could borrow my dad's snowsuit so you could stay warm, but here you are, suffering in your holey jeans with thin sweats underneath!" Ryou sighed exasperatingly, rolling his eyes at his boyfriend. "I gave you options but no, you just wanted to look cool, so here you are freezing when you could be warm like me and-"

"Looking like a marshmallow? Is that what you were going to say next?" Ryou gasped, green eyes blinking wide in shock! That little…!

"Oh, you…!" That was –it-! Ryou had it with Bakura's whining and complaining. Oh Bakura was going to get it! Ryou glared at him playfully and grinned in a very unRyou-like way. But unfortunately, Bakura was too good at this and had already taken off running in the snowy hills of the park.

Ryou growled and made a snow ball as fast as he could, molding it in his hands. It was a little difficult through so much material, but no matter! He would do this and get that…that butthead back! "You are such a jerk!" He hollered as he took off after him. The 6 inches of snow definitely made it difficult to run but Ryou was feeling a little too vengeful to let that bring him down.

Bakura was too busy laughing to truly be trying too hard to get away from Ryou. It was quite a sight, watching Ryou, puffball Ryou, running after him. He couldn't take it! His side was starting to hurt from laughing too hard! He stopped, doubling over on his knees, laughing as enraged, cute-as-a-button Ryou looked at him with such maliciousness-or at least, it was plenty cute until that snow ball smacked Bakura right at the side of his cheek.

Yeah, so, cute little Ryou may have forgotten to mention he had played a little baseball at sometime in his life. …Oops. Ryou giggled and laughed to his heart's content, nearly falling over at the surprised look on Bakura's face. Bakura had definitely not expected Ryou's aim to be that precise. Oh, how Ryou –loved- to be underestimated.

Bakura held his throbbing face in bewilderment, eyes snapping open. That little… "Oh you're going to FUCKING get it Ryou-brat!"

"Ahhh!" Ryou screamed in between laughter as he darted off, watching Bakura behind him, grabbing a rather large portion of snow and rolling it in his hands as he ran. Unfortunately for Ryou, Bakura had chosen thinner gloves that gave his fingers more movement which meant better snow balls to catapult Ryou's cute face in.

But no matter, Ryou wouldn't let himself get caught! He laughed wholeheartedly, running as fast as his platinum moon boots would take him, and right now, he truly –hoped- that was the moon with how fast Bakura was gaining on him. 'Shit!' Bakura sure was –fast-! Before, he knew he had been lucky Bakura had been laughing or he may never have caught up with him!

But nevertheless, even know his heart was pounding in his chest and it was hurting to breathe because of the cold, he wasn't going to stop! He couldn't let Bakura get him back! Ryou was in so much of a craze, he stopped paying attention to –where- exactly he was running to.

"I almost got you, you little shit! Just you wait…!"

"Crap!" He yelped as he nearly head-butted into someone as he was dashing. He stopped himself just in time before he accidently took down the poor, innocent person who was actually Mai and holy..! He caught sight of a snow ball flying right at his head but his reflexes came in and the snowball that was –meant- for his head went straight into Mai's face and oh no!

She blinked in disbelief, brushing the icy clumps from her face. Her nostrils flared and her teeth gritted. She had her fighting face on and she looked absolutely livid. Ryou felt a little bit guilty now…oops. He laughed sheepishly; about to apologize but it was too late. Bakura even looked worried.

"U-Uh-"

"BAKURA YOU FUCKHEAD! I JUST TOOK AN HOUR DOING MY MAKEUP AND NOW IT IS SMEARED THANKS TO YOUR DUMBASS!" Ryou thought her shrieking could be heard all throughout the park now. People who had been minding their own business were now looking at the blonde haired woman curiously. It was then, Ryou did a double-take and realized the girl was no longer there anymore but had taken off like a cheetah for its prey, straight after Bakura.

But Ryou couldn't help but laugh alongside Katsuya and two other people he wasn't familiar with as Bakura took off hollering mindlessly, trying so hard to stay away from a furious Mai who was actually –quite- scary.

"RYOU THIS IS ALL YOUR FUCKING FAULT!" Ryou continued to laugh, covering his mouth with a gloved hand as Mai chased Bakura up and down a hill. She was so pissed, she began to just grab heaps of snow and start chucking them at him.

"Ahh, g-god! I forgot how Mai is when she's mad, ah-ahh fuck!" Katsuya was laughing, hand on his stomach. "Glad it's him and not me this time!"

"Yeah mate, for once in your life." The person on Katsuya's right snickered, arms folding over his chest proudly. He was an interesting character, or so it seemed. His coat was bright red with a white and black stripe and he wore black goggles atop his head, hair sticking up every which way, reminding him a little of Yuugi but –slightly- normaler. His hair was a rich brown and his eyes a stunning blue; he was handsome, Ryou couldn't deny it.

…Of course, not more so than Bakura but.

"Hey, at least I –have- a girlfriend, unlike –you- who is still single and always will be." Varon rolled his eyes carelessly, hand falling to slip into his coat pocket.

"As if I –want- a relationship. Sorry but if I was stuck like you, having my girl set out my underwear each day, I think I'd pass." Katsuya didn't seem too happy with his response. He glowered at the male, looking ready to pounce.

"Why you…!"

"Could you guys quit for a damn second?! Jesus…" Another brunette to Katsuya's left rolled his eyes in distaste. Ryou could've sworn he had seen this male before-had he been at that party? Ryou wracked his brain, attempting to remember. "Ugh, these guys are idiots, I swear." He smiled at Ryou in a friendly way, acknowledging his presence. "So, you're Ryou I take it?"

"Way to notice, dip! How it going Ryou? Hopefully better than last time, ehh?" Katsuya grinned widely, setting a hand on Ryou's shoulder roughly, though he meant it in the most civil manner.

"E-heh, yeah, I'm good! Much better than that day!" He admitted a little shyly, smiling to all three of them. "What about you?"

"Ahh yeah!" Katsuya stretched his arms above his head. "I'm good, real good! Had a couple of shots of whiskey on the way here and Mai isn't screaming my head off, so I'm fuckin' perfect!"

"Ryou, huh?" Ryou's head snapped to the male with the foreign accent. He nodded lightly, grinning timidly. "Yeah, that's me. I haven't gotten either of your two names though." He looked between the two nameless people politely, emphasizing his statement.

"Well, I'm Varon and I imagine your boyfriend is still not very happy with me." He gritted his teeth, eyes glancing from side-to-side in a humorous manner, making Ryou laugh softly.

"He isn't?" Ryou countered questionably.

"Fuck no!" Katsuya blurted out. "Not since he –slept- with Malik. Unless Bakura is over it, but Bakura never did get over things easily, did he?"

"O-Oh, I see!"

"Yeah, Varon was drunk but Bakura never gave him the chance to actually –say- that so." The other brunette shrugged, pulling his tan trench coat closer after. "But I'm Honda and it's nice to meet you." He smiled slightly. "I think I even saw you at Katsuya's before but I was probably a little too drunk to actually give you a good 'hello'!"

Ryou nodded, smiling brightly. "Oh, it's fine. But either way, it's nice to meet you!"

Honda nodded and Varon gave a strange grin to Ryou. "You as well, mate. AA-h…" Varon gazed out to Bakura and Mai, Bakura who was trying to proclaim he was sorry but Mai seemed to be having –none- of it. He kept trying to run but she was relentless, still trying to get the perfect shot at Bakura. "I feel a bit sorry for him. It isn't often Mai snaps but…" He shook his head. "It really is unfortunate."

"Yeah, no kidding. Heh. I better go save him or she'll never give it up! Here Jou comes to save the day!" He called out stupidly, grinning as he dashed over to join his violent girl.

"Idiot," Honda deadpanned, eyes swiveling once again. "It's only a matter of time before she takes both down. Bakura's not much for snowball fights and Jou is just a –plain- dumbass, so." Honda shrugged, letting out a sigh.

"True that. He doesn't know it but she is still pretty pissed about him breaking her cup holder in her car. She's not done terrorizing yet." Varon yawned, eyes drifting around the snowy park in a bored manner.

"So, Ryou, how did you get so 'fortunate' as to meet Bakura anyways?"

"Hey you guys," Honda interrupted. They both looked to him curiously. "I'll be back. Shizuka is supposed to be back from the car by now so I better go see what is taking her so long!" A look of pure puppy love crossed his face, and he gave a sigh before he took off, waving to them. Ryou looked to Varon confusedly and he grinned knowingly.

"Ehh, he's been after her for years; poor bloke. Doesn't realize she is absolutely –clueless- to it." Varon shook his head in shame.

"Oh? That isn't that good then," Ryou commented, thinking what it was like to crush someone hopelessly. In a way, it was like Bakura but better, because at least then you didn't have to worry about them breaking up with you. Plus, you could dream and dream… Reality with relationships always seemed to be a lot harsher for most people. With Bakura, it was like a dream but then, when it was bad, it really was…terrible because it hurt so much more than anything else.

He peered absently over to Bakura who was now laughing and hurdling snowballs at Katsuya with Mai. Bakura had said he hated snow, hadn't he? But he looked so happy out there with his friends, like he was having the time of his life. Briefly, Ryou wondered if Bakura just didn't –want- to be out in the snow with him. Maybe he was the reason Bakura thought coming out would be so miserable. They had slept together and it took no time for Bakura to voice how much he had enjoyed it. What if that became all Bakura wanted from Ryou anymore?

Suddenly, his worrying was coming right back to him. He looked to Varon, trying to smile and hide his doubtfulness. "Yeah, well, it isn't like Jou wouldn't kill him if he even tried anything with her. It's bad luck either way, he should really just let it go but-hey, you okay Ryou?" Varon asked, brow rising.

Ryou blinked surprisedly but beamed. "Oh yeah, just fine! What makes you ask?"

"Hmm." Varon shrugged, looking over to Bakura back to Ryou again. "Don't know, you just looked troubled all of a sudden is all. So, how long have you been at it with Bakura anyways?"

"A-At it?" He could feel his face heating up. Had Varon been referring to –sex- or just their relationship in general? Ryou truly hoped it was the latter.

"Yeah!" He countered, "With him, you know."

"Oh!" Ryou laughed, feeling a little bit stupid he had thought Varon would be so foreword. "A few weeks."

Varon nodded lightly, grinning. "I see, so where do you school then? With Bakura?"

"Oh no, we met through his brother. I go to Domino U…"

"Oh? You mean he's not scamming on high schoolers anymore?" Ryou's eyes widened. What was that supposed to mean?! Did Bakura usually date younger than his own age? He knew Malik was younger but what about the people before?

"Uhm…what?" He asked, anxiousness leaking through his tone. Varon chuckled, shaking his head.

"Ahh, it's nothing. Just is last two were in lower grades is all I met. But you're a University student, huh? I'm surprised he would date someone so smart. For a bastard, he sure is lucky, isn't he?" He gave Ryou a wink, making Ryou feel a little strange. He wasn't sure how to take Varon's compliment, so he simply smiled and nodded.

"H-Heh…" He felt a little awkward, having nothing to say back. But he wasn't about to agree with that! After all, he found Bakura to be wonderful and in –no- way a bastard! …At least not to him. But to other people, was Bakura really that cruel? He had a strange urge to ask Varon more but as he tried to think of a question, Bakura showed up, interrupting their conversation.

"Fucking dammit! Ryou, I still blame you! Here I am, freezing my ass off and soaked in snow and you're over here getting cozy with this fuckwad!" He hollered jokingly, glaring at his boyfriend. Ryou couldn't help but feel a little better all of a sudden. Bakura's hair was soaked from snow and little white flakes were all over his coat, and it was obvious the water was starting to sink in the material. He must have been cold…

Ryou did begin to feel a bit bad, noticing this. "I…I told you to wear warmer clothes," he reminded Bakura gently, smiling at the male. His problems seemed to ebb away and all he saw was Bakura in front of him, cheeks rosy from the cold, looking as handsome as ever. He felt an arm curve around him and he welcomed it happily, leaning against his boyfriend.

Bakura grinned, kissing Ryou's forehead. "I know you did but you don't need to rub it in my fucking face, you brat. Mm…" He gazed down at Ryou affectionately before turning to Varon, any sign of fondness fading. "I'm surprised you decided to show your face after I saw you last."

Varon chuckled freely, shrugging. "Well, you also never gave me much a chance to explain myself."

"Oh," Bakura commented amusedly. "I thought the sight of Malik underneath you was enough of an explanation and really." He shrugged, looking to Ryou who seemed a tad uncomfortable suddenly. "I don't give a shit anymore. Whatever you did with Malik, good for you."

Varon frowned, arms folding crossly. "But mate, that isn't fair. I really didn't even want to. I drank a little too much and he practically forced himself on me. Come on Bakura, you –know- how it is when you are drunk. Malik isn't even my type!" He wrinkled his nose at the thought.

Ryou looked up to Bakura to see his reply. Would that change his mind about Varon or would Varon still be disliked by Bakura? Bakura shrugged, looking down to Ryou. Ryou smiled, eyes meeting Bakura's warmly. "I really don't care…"

And maybe Bakura didn't realize it until he was right here, freezing in the snow, yet so warm next to Ryou, who was in his arm, smiling up at him. When he looked down at Ryou like this, deep into those chocolate depths…

He really didn't give a shit about anything. Ryou was happy and what more was there? Ryou made him forget all about his past grudges and petty fights. In fact, it made him wonder what they had ever even been about or over because Ryou made it feel like –nothing-. Anything comparing Malik to Ryou was…nothing. Ryou was Ryou and he liked that much better.

He couldn't help himself; he was too busy starring at Ryou to care that his friends could see. He leant in to kiss Ryou softly, brushing their noses together. Though Ryou didn't like public displays of affection much, he wasn't about to protest, either.

He laughed at how cold Bakura's nose was against his own and kissed the male again. He felt so dizzy, but in a good way. When they were like this… Everything else seemed to go away and that was just fine for Ryou. This was the feeling that made everything worthwhile.

"Ugh," Varon sounded in disgust. "You are too much, really. I'm going to go see what Jou is doing, hopefully something less puke-worthy." He rolled his eyes and stocked away, leaving Bakura and Ryou laughing.

Maybe because it was Varon and not Mariku-but Bakura didn't care. Ryou was here beside him and everything was just fine.

-

"Oh my fucking god, my face feels like it is going to fall the fuck off," Bakura hissed, leaning over the picnic table exhaustedly. Even know he had only spent a little over an hour out here, he was tired as hell. He was more than ready to go home, and so was Varon too after what had went on.

"Seriously. It was never this miserable back in Melbourne," Varon groaned, head leaning into his gloved, yet still cold hands. The snow was now getting to him too. At least Bakura and he had one thing in common.

"Mm…" Bakura smacked his head down on the table. He wished he felt wood instead of six inches of freezing white powder cushioning him. He was so –cold-! Nearly every inch of his body had gone into a state of fucking shock from all the snow that had seeped into his clothing. That was what he got for trying to participate in another damn snow ball fight and –failing-, miserably. At least he wasn't the only one this time.

His friends had gotten –rough- in their play, including Ryou. It had been Ryou, Katsuya, Honda, and Shizuka against himself, Varon, and Mai. For a long while, they were doing so good and keeping them all back. Then Ryou had hit Mai hard, so Mai headed after him, but Bakura didn't want Ryou to get hurt so he 'accidently' hit Mai which resulted in her getting pissed and basically everyone going against Varon and himself, mostly because Varon had taken Shizuka's hand and helped her up when she had fallen. Neither Katsuya nor Honda liked that much.

Needless to say, they had been singled out and –lost- horribly. Bakura was going to have the hugest bruise on his ass, he was –sure- of it. They had even gotten Varon's hand so bad, it was swelling beneath the gloves. But that wasn't even the worst-after they were defeated, it was decided they would just be pummeled and covered in snow and nothing was more horrid than that.

Now they sat here, soaked and irritated together, having to wait for everyone else to hurry up so they could just go. His head lifted and he let his eyes drift to Ryou, who was helping Shizuka roll up the middle part for their snowman. He was a little envious; he had to admit, though the reasoning was stupid. Ryou had wanted to make a snowman and had wanted –him- to help. But now, after some fucking powdered donut treatment, Bakura was too tired and cold to even get up. Really, he didn't like making snow man and he could've cared less if it were anyone else but it was –Ryou- and he was supposed to be at Ryou's side all day long. He knew it was childish and lame of him to even think that but…he still wished he could've been cold and miserable, but beside Ryou making that dumb snow man.

"Watching your Dearest Ryou?" Varon asked nonchalantly, gazing over to Bakura warily. Bakura snorted, eyes rolling as he leant back in his seat.

"Why does it matter?"

"Oh," Varon started, "It really doesn't. I just think it is funny how fuckin' much you watch him, I'm just sayin'. When it was Malik, I don't think I ever once saw you staring in his direction."

"Huh. And of course you would –know- because you were too busy watching him yourself," Bakura countered, grinning to the male. Varon sighed, rolling blue orbs.

"What fuckin' ever. But seriously. You really like this one, don't you?" Bakura's breath caught in his throat. He wasn't sure how to reply. His first response was to shout out cusswords and deny it horribly, but what if Ryou caught wind of that? What would Ryou think and most people? They would probably think it was beyond weird that Bakura had to go so far just to pretend he had no feelings when it was so –obvious- he did.

But if he started to actually admit it, it made it true, and that scared him just as much. He wanted Ryou to like him and he wanted Ryou to think he was the best. But then, there was this other side that wanted to just give him up because he didn't deserve Ryou, on some level. He wanted to say that Ryou was no different and it was completely physical like everything else. He was begging, pleading…

-Praying- it wasn't love. He was still wishing feelings he was sure of weren't true. He was still…so fucking in denial. Because if he was really –in love- with Ryou, everything would change. He couldn't do all the things he had done in the past and life wouldn't be about himself anymore. His main focus would be on Ryou and keeping him happy and doing anything in his ability to just fucking –avoid- his mind because it just couldn't come up with anything good for him to say.

Ryou…

"I…where do you people come up with these questions; fuckin' seriously! Sheesh." He rolled his eyes dramatically, hoping to push the point that he didn't wish to talk about it at all. Maybe Varon would just leave it at that so Bakura could keep to himself.

A chocolate brow raised as Varon's arms pulled tighter around his frame. "God, you're so damn touchy. It's just a simple question and the fact that you're so flustered over it signifies your answer, anyway." Varon snorted, resting his elbow upon the table to be able to lean his head into his gloved hand. "And anyways, like I really care what the answer is. I bet the only one who really gives a damn in Malik and he's probably at home crying into his pillow, isn't he?"

Bakura knitted his brows in annoyance, huffing into the cold fall air. Where did Varon get off being so…right? 'Stupid fucker,' he thought to himself as he continued to wallow in his misery-though why it was misery, he wasn't exactly sure. "Probably is," he replied gruffly, letting his eyes drift off into the horizon. It didn't take them long to find Ryou, a hand set upon his chin in deep thought. Cute fucking Ryou, probably worrying over where he should put in the stupid stick arms Shizuka and he had gathered for the snowman.

He could see Ryou talking to Shizuka, a cheerful smile on his lush little lips. God, he really was too nice to everyone-especially to Bakura. What made Ryou so…Ryouish? What made him be the sweet, down-to-earth person he was? Why couldn't Bakura stop himself from staring and feeling just a little thankful? Because Ryou was –his-, somehow, and he hadn't fucked it up yet. It was funny how he spent so much time arguing himself over such a petty thing. Didn't he want Ryou? He knew he did, so why was it so hard to just admit it?

If Ryou could hear them, would Bakura's answer make the boy smile or just fall further into doubt? Varon was rambling on about something but Bakura didn't care. If Ryou could hear him…

"I do like him. A lot." He turned to look at Varon, honesty showing in his dark eyes. Varon was a little confused at first by the spontaneous confession but didn't seem phased in the least. Rather, he chuckled and let a small yawn pass.

"I know you do, why the hell do you think I just said what I did?" Bakura snorted, grinding a foot down into the snow.

"Like I fuckin' care," he retorted plainly, body shifting again. The clouds were starting to cover the skies again. Just Bakura's luck; it was going to snow again, wasn't it?

"Heh." Varon swung his legs over the bench, standing up. He readjusted his thick coat and slid his hands into his pockets. "I guess I'll go see what Jou's doing. I'm about ready to fucking leave this park. I don't know about you mate, but my balls feel as if they're about to freeze off." Bakura peered to Varon and grinned.

"Mm, indeed. I was ready to go the moment Ryou's first snow ball hit me in the head." Varon laughed and nodded, giving Bakura a small wave before taking off into the snow. Bakura watched him go off before letting out a deep breath, curling into himself tighter. Hopefully they were almost done because he wasn't sure how much more of this snow crap he could take. Normally, he would've just gone to bug Ryou and steal him away to leave but…

Ryou looked like he was having so much fun and Bakura wasn't going to ruin that. As a rule, Bakura didn't let himself suffer for other people, but Ryou just happened to be that exception. Besides, Ryou looked terribly funny in his marshmallow suit and Bakura had always loved a good laugh.

-

"Ah! You should've seen his face, Ry! God, Bakura looked like he was about to die! It was the only time in his life I think I ever saw him scared!" Katsuya howled, laughing nostalgically. He lifted his mug to his lips and let the cocoa pour in, letting just a small amount into his mouth. It nearly burnt his tongue but that didn't stop him from having a second sip.

"Oh really?" Ryou chirped in disbelief, grinning, looking from Katsuya to Bakura next to him, who looked a little irritated. His lips were pouting and he had that arm fold going on, one that –told- Ryou he was being bugged. Ryou couldn't help it though. He adored his boyfriend and didn't like it when he was annoyed but this was just –too- good to listen to! His eyes widened in excitement, waiting for Katsuya to go on.

"Yeah," Bakura cut in, "But it was –still- fucked up as hell! I actually had to touch her!"

"Oh barely, your lips brushed on her cheek and then you looked as if you were about to puke!"

"You would've too if you were me!" Bakura exclaimed, a hand tightening on his soda can. "She stunk, I swear to you, I have still, to this day, never been around someone who smelled –that- bad! I swear; her butthole had to be leaking because she smelled like raw sewage!" Ryou couldn't help himself; he was giggling behind his shirt sleeve, hoping his boyfriend wouldn't hit him for finding his misfortune funny.

But still; Bakura had wished it upon himself! He had tried to set Miyu up with Mariku first and then Katsuya and Mariku got him back! "Yeah, but you still touched her, god!" Katsuya was nearly in tears, playing the scene over and over again in his head. "I just r-remember her c-coming up to you and…fuck!" He paused, in between sniggers. "Her big nose h-had a booger hanging in the corner and she had that Twinkie in her hand-"

"She always did! She was at least 100 pounds overweight!"

"Ahh! And those b-bright yellow overa-alls…"

"Don't forget about the fucking…fucking bright purple furry sweater she always wore beneath it!" Bakura was even beginning to laugh now, remembering the sight of the girl. Ryou felt really guilty finding this funny. After all, they were making fun of a poor girl who probably didn't even know she had body odor or wore funny clothing.

"Y-You guys! She probably just didn't know…"

"Oh hell no!" Katsuya protested, shaking his head wildly. "She –knew-. Ryou…she told the class straight up in her personal narrative project she found bathing daily, even weekly sometimes, to be –incredibly- unimportant. She told everyone she liked to go natural and loved all the t-terrif..." Katsuya couldn't speak, too busy being unable to breathe due to another fit of chuckles.

"Yeah! Sh-She said…" Bakura placed a hand over his eyes, laughing. "Said she loved the terrific smells her body made. Said she wished she had a way to jar them. Ry', she…she knew she was disgusting and she didn't care!"

Ryou joined them, laughing. Though, he still secretly felt a little bad. After all, maybe if someone would've just –tried- to explain it to her…

"But yeah. A-Anyways…She had a thing for Bakura for all of seventh grade. I remember you spent so much time trying to stay away from her."

"That is an –understatement-. We got paired together for a science project once. I randomly called the teacher a stupid bitch just –so- I would get suspended." He shook his head, sighing. Ryou looked at him is disbelief, unable to register that someone would go to that length just to avoid someone! "Oh, don't look at me like that. Don't fucking make me feel bad, if you knew her, you would've done the same. Especially when she started talking about how she liked man-on-man action and always asked any guy if they'd be willing to let her sketch them in poses so she could begin work on her first manga." Bakura shuddered inwardly-just the thought of her was almost too frightening to speak of.

"Still! I swear…that is so mean!" Ryou cried, though he couldn't help the smile that shown on his lips. No wonder why so many people thought Bakura was a jerk! Well, hopefully with age, he had grown a little more mature, at least.

"Ohhh I don't think so. We didn't make fun of her-much. And besides, she…ugh; Ryou, you just –had- to be there. But anyways, so Mariku heard and then got the idea to tell Miyu Bakura had been crushing her forever. He started leaving anonymous love letters in her locker and one day, told her to meet him outside at the school at 6 PM. Mean while," Katsuya paused, grinning deviously. "Bakura –thought- he was meeting this hot chick in a grade above him. Anyway. We hid behind the building, Mariku and I, waiting for him to show. He finally did, and he got all excited when he saw a blonde approaching. Little did he know it was just Miyu."

Bakura rolled his eyes, groaning as he sunk back into the sofa. "Ugh, yeah, I fucking remember. I was about to just cuss her out and tell her to go away but she was…crying!"

"Haha, I remember that! And you looked like you didn't know what to do!"

"I didn't!" Bakura countered. "That's why I learned to stay as fucking –far- from women as possible because even the craziest bitches can be good on the inside. She had all these reasons why she liked me and told me she had always dreamt of this moment! She even took a –shower- because she had heard from someone I had a problem with her hygiene. Ugh. Not that it helped too much but…" Ryou looked to him with interest, wanting to hear the rest of the story.

Katsuya took a sip of his cocoa, nodding. "She even looked almost normal for once. She actually –matched-."

"Yeah, she did..." Bakura frowned, eyes gazing down awkwardly to the soda in his hands. Ryou noticed that comment seemed to leave Bakura a little off. Ryou didn't understand; so she had changed her ways just for Bakura? Bakura knew it too by the way he was staring at his pop. Unlike Jou, Bakura didn't think that part was so funny. Really, neither did Ryou. Up until that point, it had been a good laugh but…

She really liked him and she was about to get her heart broken…

"So what did you tell her?" Ryou asked softly, eyes looking up to Bakura in a puzzled manner. He held onto Bakura's hand, secretly hoping the end result was something good.

"I…I told her…" Bakura paused, not really wanting to say. He still wasn't sure if he had made the right choice with the way he remembered those two fucking –laughing-. She had never noticed, but he could hear Mariku's obnoxious screeching laugh the entire time even know the male had tried so hard to be quiet. He sighed exasperatedly, ""I told her I felt the same but I wasn't looking for a girlfriend because my dog died and I just didn't have time because I was too heartbroken over it to have any sort of relationship. She believed me and wished me well but asked for one thing, just to remember me by…" He made a disgusted face, but Ryou smiled nonetheless-not because he found it funny but because Bakura had done something so kind without seeming like…

Bakura really was so much nicer than he let on. "G-God…I still can't believe you went through with it!" Bakura rolled his eyes, eyes slitting as he turned his head the opposite way. Of course Katsuya didn't understand; no one ever would, and that was why he didn't bother to explain his reasoning too deeply. It was also why he didn't –like- telling this story because he knew he actually did something nice and somehow, that was actually harder to listen to than another story of him being a ruthless bastard.

"Yep," Bakura said shortly, taking a long drink of his pop. Ryou looked at him with deep admiration but decided to keep that to himself, at least, until they were alone. There were so many things he wanted to say but he had a feeling saying them in front of Jounouchi would only make things worse. Ryou gave Bakura's hand a light squeeze, making the male gaze down to the boy. Ryou smiled up at him affectionately before turning back to Jou, who still just couldn't seem to get over the story.

"U-Ugh, I still…ahhh! But anyways, what time is it now? Fuck; I am so tired, we've been out all day!" Katsuya ranted, throwing himself back into the oversized recliner he had been sitting in.

"Mh'm! One second," Ryou said, fingers sneaking into his jeans pocket to snatch out his cell phone. He flipped it open, reading '8:37' across the screen. Crap; even Ryou hadn't realized it was that late! They had all been so busy all day long, Ryou hadn't thought to keep track of time. "Eight thirty-seven!"

"Ahh fuck! I still am supposed to go back to my dad's tonight to help Shizuka with her homework." Katsuya grumbled; blonde hair falling into his eyes as his head fell foreword. "I'm not even good with school work but I just can't tell her 'no' when she asks me. I probably make her grades slip further, if anything."

Bakura snorted, looking to Ryou. "Yeah. Well, that's okay, we should probably go anyways. I have to go to school tomorrow and already have two appointments set up after so." Ryou smiled at him and he gave a small smile in return.

"Mm, me too. Finals are coming up so I need to start cramming not to mention an eight hour shift tomorrow." Bakura moved to stand, Ryou following lead.

"Ugh, I can't believe you guys are still in school." Katsuya rolled his eyes. "What a waste. But yeah, see you guys sometime soon! It's been fun!"

"Yep!" Ryou chimed, giving him a friendly grin. "See you later!"

"Mh'm." Bakura gave a small wave, and then began to lead Ryou to Katsuya's front door. He opened the door and let Ryou step outside before shutting it behind himself. "Ugh, today has been –exhausting-." Bakura wrapped an arm possessively around Ryou's waist, letting his head rest against his as they made their way trudging through snow to his car.

"I agree. I almost fell asleep during the movie but then Katsuya screamed so loud, I nearly jumped out of my seat!" Ryou laughed softly, his own arm wrapping around Bakura, enjoying their closeness. Besides, Bakura was so warm compared to the freezing air outside and the fact that Ryou's huge coat and gloves were sitting inside the car.

"Yeah, he's a puss when it comes to scary movies. He looked even more scared than Shizuka." Bakura snorted, using his free hand to rummage through his coat pocket for his car keys.

"Yeah, it's actually a little sad but…he really did." Ryou smiled to himself, eyes closing for a moment. "So, where are we going now? Hmm? I do recall you promising me a walk outside, and a snowman with a large genitalia-unless my mind has played tricks on me." Bakura stopped in the middle of the street to glance down at Ryou. Ryou looked up, eyes meeting the male's warmly. "I mean, we don't have to but…"

Bakura was actually shocked; so Ryou did remember, did he? Even know he was tired and had an early class… For Ryou, he could manage just a little more time. "Mm." He smirked tiredly, leaning down to kiss the side of Ryou's mouth, making the boy murmur in mirth. "I do believe I promised a little white-haired brat that, didn't I?" Ryou giggled, nodding, making their noses nudge one another.

"You did. But what say you, my Dark Lord?" Bakura laughed, raising a brow in question.

"Dark lord? Where the hell did that come from?" Ryou laughed as well, shrugging nonchalantly.

"I really have no idea, but...you didn't answer my question, you know?" Ryou feigned a pout, eyeing his boyfriend pointedly.

Bakura sighed and nodded, eyes closing as he kissed Ryou softly. His exhausted bones wanted him to say 'hell no' and crumble in place but… There was something about those pouty lips and sparkling eyes that made Bakura unable. "For you, yes." He stuck his keys back into his pocket, both arms enveloping Ryou's tiny body. "So, I think there's a park a couple blocks from here. Would that satisfy my little bug's tastes, mm?"

Ryou nodded, arms wrapping around Bakura's neck. He let a few of his fingers drift into Bakura's silky locks, making Bakura purr. "Perfect! I don't think I could handle anymore than that, honestly."

"Well, good." He kissed Ryou again. "Then it is settled."

Ryou screwed up his face, wondering if he should ask or not. "You're looking at me weird," Bakura deadpanned, frowning slightly. "What's up?"

"Can…I get my coat? It is freezing out here!" Bakura nearly laughed. Ryou didn't seem to be able to handle the icy temperatures as well as he could but then, that should've been obvious. He swore his boyfriend didn't have an ounce of fat on his body.

"Of course you can, you dope!" Bakura kissed Ryou's forehead and let his hands fall from Ryou's body. Ryou immediately missed the warmth of Bakura's arms around him but knew he'd gain them back and it would be much better once he had his coat. Though, he kind-of felt bad wearing it since Bakura thought it looked funny. He tried not to care though.

Bakura fished for his keys and pressed his unlock button so Ryou could get into his car. And actually, his gloves were in there anyways and he had a feeling he would be miserable if he didn't grab them. He walked to the driver's side and opened up the door, grabbing his gloves. "So, my friends didn't bug the hell out of you like they do me?"

Ryou laughed, arm going into his coat sleeve. "No, I like them. They've all been really nice so far." Everyone except Malik, anyway; but he wasn't really a friend.

"Good. I was afraid you and your high society wouldn't be able to tolerate them."

Ryou snorted as his pale fingers grabbed at his zipper, enclosing himself in his jacket. "High society? I wasn't aware I was joined into one of those! The things that happen when I drink too much!" He joked, gazing to his boyfriend.

"Hah, indeed. But really, I wasn't sure if you'd like them since majority of them are pretty stupid." 'Mainly Katsuya.' He shut his door and walked to the side walk, standing beside Ryou.

"No, I liked them all, really!" he chimed, sliding on his gloves. His head turned to look at his boyfriend earnestly. "They were really nice and everything. Today has been a ton of fun, even Scrooge-you looked like you enjoyed yourself."

"Scrooge?! What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Bakura snapped playfully, grabbing Ryou from behind. Ryou laughed and placed his hands atop Bakura's, leaning back against him.

"Mr. I-Hate-Snow."

"Oh well you won't be saying that once we get to that park and I crush that pretty face of yours into the snow!" Ryou grinned widely, looking up to Bakura.

"You wouldn't do that, you know you wouldn't." Bakura sighed, nuzzling his cold nose into Ryou's ear.

"No, but I should since you keep being so –snarky-." He gave Ryou a small squeeze before letting him go, taking Ryou's hand into his own. "Now come on, staller, before the park turns into a snow globe."

Ryou laughed and followed after his boyfriend, carefully making his way in the snowy pavement. "Mm, but you want to know something?"

Bakura gazed down to Ryou warily, smirking. "What is that?"

"I think…you did a good thing," Ryou said softly. Bakura stared at him confusedly. What the hell was Ryou talking about?

"Err…what did I do, exactly?" Ryou sighed deeply, as if Bakura should've known.

"That girl…Miyu?" Bakura's eyes widened for a second. He tried not to let the surprise show on his face, but it seemed to be failing. Ryou actually understood that he had meant well with what he had told her? He had figured no one would ever understand; which was why he never tried to explain himself in detail.

"What about her?" He said nonchalantly, acting as if it was nothing.

Ryou opened his mouth and hesitated. If he told Bakura what he really thought, would he mind? He didn't want Bakura to get mad at him on such a beautiful night, after having spent such a great day together. "I just think…it was really nice what you did, you know? Going along with it. I think most sixth grade guys would've simply laughed in her face," he mused, averting Bakura's gaze.

Bakura murmured, taking in a deep breath. A wash of relief fell upon him. How long had it been since he had wished to hear those words? "Yeah." He shook his head, a small smile forming on his lips. "I really did try to be fucking nice after all she went through. She seemed so happy for the next couple of months she was even at our school. I didn't even have to avoid her like usual because she actually –left- me alone. In a way, I think she understood back then what I really had done." He sighed, pulling Ryou closer to wrap an arm around him, nose nuzzling into his milky locks.

Ryou welcomed the embrace, leaning against Bakura as they walked along. "Maybe she did. What do you mean two months? Did she move or something?"

"Yeah, to Osaka…" He wondered if he should tell Ryou the rest. It was a secret he had been holding in for such a long time and he wanted to get it out but…

What if Ryou just –laughed-? But when had Ryou ever laughed at him or thought he was plain dumb? "She actually…moved back a year or two ago. I saw her again about six months ago. I ran into her at work at some sandwich shop she worked at. She looked so different from back then. She was much prettier and everything; I think my buddies would've even given her a chance." He grinned softly, eyes closing for a moment. "And she said…'thank you' because…it let her feel like for one moment, she was mine and had everything she wanted. She told me she had actually heard it was all a joke beforehand, thanks to Mai's big mouth but…" He stopped, Ryou peering up to him now.

"Yeah?" He smiled warmly, arm weaving around Bakura.

"She was still so happy I was nice about it. She said it was what made her want to change."

"Really?" Ryou chimed. "That's great! See, I always knew you weren't the guy your friends say you are." He nudged against Bakura, grinning.

"Heh, if only that were true. One good deed doesn't save a man from 1000 horrible ones." Ryou blinked, noticing the bitter look upon Bakura's face. His heart hammered in his chest. Would Bakura finally reveal all that Ryou wanted to know?

"What do you mean?" Ryou asked, trying so hard to keep his curiousness down.

"I've done a lot of fucked up and stupid things is all." Bakura groaned softly, eyes falling to look upon the snowy streets ahead of them. "Too many, I wish I could forget many of them, sometimes."

"Well…like what? There's no way you're as bad as you say."

Bakura snorted, eyes rolling. "Oh there's a way. Ryou, didn't you hear Yami? I went to rehab. I've been in juvenile detention, I fucked up my whole high school life-and I didn't even realize it until graduation. And do you want to know the funniest part?"

"What?" Ryou countered, eyes shining with interest.

"I –didn't- even realize it until lately." He blinked, thinking back on everything that had happened. He almost couldn't believe the words coming out of his mouth. Really, he hadn't even come to his astonishing discovernment until…

Ryou. Whether he wanted to or not, his kindhearted boyfriend was the person who was making him discover and learn to hate all of his faults.

"Lately? You mean once you got into college?" Ryou asked, having no idea of the truth. Bakura knew he didn't even suspect it. He was too modest to think himself important for anything. Ryou was, inside and out, the nicest person Bakura had ever met, he was too sure.

"Something like that, yeah." Ryou watched at him in utter ignorance, eyes filled with the same esteem as always. Jesus, nothing could change how Ryou felt about him, could it? Even him telling Ryou he really –wasn't- that perfect or great of a person. He almost didn't want to tell Ryou anymore because he didn't want to see Ryou look at him in any other way. It was weird, how he used to go on not caring what other people thought of him. If Ryou ever looked on him with disappointment…

He didn't like the thought of it. He liked Ryou so much, being the happy brat he was.

"Well…uhm…" Ryou was holding something back. He raised a silvery brow, gazing down to him.

"What is it?"

"I don't want to pry but…how did you end up in rehab?" Ugh; the time was finally coming when he actually had to tell Ryou all of the stupid things he used to do. Was there any way to get out of this? Now would've been the perfect time for a damn earthquake…

"Well…" He really didn't want to say but Ryou looked so –cute- and he really wanted to know. If Ryou told him the same, wouldn't he have been curious as well? …Not that Ryou –ever- would; Ryou was much too innocent for any of the shit he had been involved in. It was what made Ryou such an astonishing person. "My parents used to let me drink when I was younger-of course, in their care and not very often. Maybe every other month or so, they would let me have bitch beer or something lame. Anyways, one day, Mariku told me his cousin was going to have this amazing party and we –all- had to go. There was going to be –real- alcohol there and kegs and tons of hot older girls. Well, anyways, we went, got smashed, and it was so much fun! Soon, we started going to hang out with him every time we could," he explained, pausing to make eye contact with Ryou. "And that wasn't so bad, really. My parents even knew and Dia' even came with sometimes but still, they weren't too worried about it, really. I was 13 and we made the parties seem –way- tamer than they really were. We told them a parent was watching us so we wouldn't get out of control. Plus, they only gave us one or two wine coolers anyway. Well…Diabound started to get worried and told me he thought I was going to those parties too much because I talked about wanting alcohol more and more. So, I stopped telling him and my parents where I was really going. I made excuses and lied, telling them I was somewhere else. And that was alright because it was –still- a weekend thing.

Well…" He frowned deeply. "Then this new kid came to school, some really scrappy kid named Keith. He had failed a couple of grades so he was in ours and hung out with us. He lived with his dad who was way irresponsible and neglected his kid way too much. So, Keith hung out with a shady crowd outside of school and found ways to get alcohol often. Ugh, and I can't forget this part." He sighed heavily, almost forgetting. "And back then, one of my best friends was Yami, who was 'straight edge' or whatever to the core. He did eventually end up going with us to a couple of parties and had fun but didn't want to go too much because he knew better than us. Anyways, since we could get alcohol because of Keith, we'd go over to his house on school nights and start drinking cheap vodka. My grades began to slip and I was always such a dumbass when I was young, ugh. I always had to be the bad little shit and shock people. We started going to school drunk, Ryou. Mariku, Katsuya, and I. Mind you, we didn't necessarily always drink way too much before class but…we did it a few times. A little after that, weed came into the picture and I loved how it felt, so I started using that pretty habitually too."

Ryou nodded, eyes wide, waiting for his boyfriend to go on. "And?"

"Well, my grades were complete –shit-. I was skipping classes to smoke and god, I can't even remember days of my life back then because I was so drunk or high. At first I was scared a bit so I didn't drink too much before school but soon, I started giving less of a damn. I was 14 then and Yami had almost completely stopped hanging out with us because he had joined our school's sports teams and those kids thought we were just 'dumb fuckin' rockers' or whatever. But yeah; he wouldn't talk to me anymore and that pissed me off! Anyway, one time, he saw me smoking cigarettes outside. It wasn't really his fault and he wasn't even the one who told-his friend did, but it just pissed me off because I –knew- he didn't even try to stop him and tell the teacher he was lying. So yeah, I was suspended and my parents were way angry. Fucking luck; three weeks later, I was at a huge party from kids at school that got busted and guess who fucking got caught?"

Ryou gasped, covering his mouth. "No way! You must've been in so much trouble!" Ryou almost pitied Bakura but then he remembered exactly what Bakura had been doing. Geez, that didn't sound like his Bakura at all…

"Fuck yeah, I was. My parents had me grounded for over a –month- and I lied and said it was the first party like that I had ever been to. Well, midterms came and my grades were practically all failing. I always had terrible grades, but not that bad. Diabound was suspecting me more and more and even confronted me leaving with people I never mentioned I was going to be with. Well, he only knew I was drinking, not that I was smoking. My brother was never into weed or any drugs and he really looked down upon people who did them because he thought it was so stupid." Bakura shook his head in shame, eyes trained on his creepers. He couldn't bear to look at Ryou, afraid of the face he'd find on the teen's pretty face. What if he looked at him just like Diabound had?"But…then, as a joke, Mariku sent a picture of me to Yami's phone only a few days later, of me smoking. Well, I told you what happened next, or you hear anyways. They fucking yanked me out of class and straight to the principal's. My school had a zero-tolerance take on that kind of shit so I was in deep trouble. Ryou, they wanted to expel me because they didn't want my kind at their school. I had to fight to get to stay; especially after a teacher told that she swore she'd smelt vodka on me before when I walked into the room and said she always saw me carrying around a strange little bottle of something. They told my parents they refused to take me back until they did something to me. Besides, it wasn't just the drugs-the fact that I had shitty grades and had been told to be quite an asshole, making fun of kids didn't help me any."

They were in the park now but it just didn't seem real. He felt as if he didn't know Bakura well at all. There was so much Bakura had hidden from him. A bolt of anger flared within him. Why hadn't Bakura told him any of this before? It almost-no…it –did- hurt to find out so much so late in their relationship. Didn't Bakura trust him at all? "I see…"

"I was so mad at everyone; I almost tried to run away. Everyone looked at me like I was the –only- one, like Mariku and Katsuya weren't there with me the whole time! I…I never told, I wouldn't –dare-. I do care about my friends, despite what I always fucking say. I didn't rat them out and it was alright because soon, they were in trouble too. Once it had been confirmed I was sent into rehab and had been drinking, the teacher said I was always with those two and a couple others and they were all talked to and under watch because of their behavior. Keith turned out to be a complete dickhead and because one time, Katsuya had supposedly "shorted him" on money, he told the teacher he had seen them drinking and they were suspended and in big trouble with their parents too. Ugh; ninth grade was complete shit all around."

"And…and what about rehab?"

Bakura shrugged, free hand coming to drum fingers along his chin. "It…it was good. I was so mad and I wouldn't take visitors the entire time. I refused to talk to everyone but…one night I did talk to my brother because I couldn't take how, sadly, lonely I was. I called him and he was so cool about it; he told me he wasn't mad anymore and couldn't wait until I came home because he was so bored with no one to mess with." Bakura smiled slightly at the memory. "And…he said he was scared for me because…I was his brother or some sappy shit like that." He chuckled low, arm on Ryou tightening. "Said he didn't want to see my ruin my life and I think…that is what really made us so close. If it weren't for him and hanging out with his friends after I got home, I don't think I –ever- would've changed at all. Fuck, the moment I got back, Katsuya and Mariku were already ready to go out partying. Tch; I would've too if it weren't for Dia'. I spent a lot of time with him and then slowly, once I thought I could take it, I hung out with Mariku and Katsuya. Unfortunately," he wrinkled his nose. "I did start drinking again, but with more moderation and not –nearly- as frequently. I promised Diabound I was okay and wasn't going to fuck up that bad and he said he wouldn't say anything as long as he could come with me to parties, so he did for a long time. And I stayed on track."

He shrugged, eyes gazing out to the many trees with their nearly bare branches. "But…I am glad I went. I completely forgot…what it was like to have fun without being fucked up." And really, he had been starting to forget again, of late. At least…until Ryou came along. "There's probably more but ugh; it's such a long story but that's pretty much what fucked me over the most."

Ryou nodded, stopping suddenly. Bakura blinked, head turning to meet Ryou's gaze. It was the first time he had looked at him for a while since he had begun his story. Ryou looked…angry? And a small pang was shooting in his stomach. He knew if Ryou found out, he would think differently. Everyone did. "I…"

Bakura sighed, arms weakening around the other male. "Well, why the hell do you think I didn't want to tell you?" He ground, tearing his eyes away from Ryou shamefully. It wasn't like it was a story he was proud of.

"Bakura! I still would've wanted to know!" Ryou hollered, glaring harshly.

"Why, so you could think I'm just shit like everyone else does?! So you could know how screwed up I really am and think I am a time bomb, just waiting for the next thing to fuck up?!"

"W-What? Bakura, no…!" Ryou cried angrily, grabbing a hold of his boyfriend's shoulders roughly. "That isn't even it at all! I just wanted to know!"

"Why? Why the hell was it so fucking important?!" Bakura hissed, dark orbs smoldering as he stared down Ryou.

"Because I just…I wanted to know everything about you, okay?! I hate feeling like I don't know you!" Ryou cried, arms flinging around Bakura. He buried his head in Bakura's neck, eyes snapping shut. "I just…I just wanted to know all about you s-so…I know how to make everything better. You're such an idiot sometimes, god! How could you think I am that shallow, Bakura? When did I ever give the impression I think any less of you than…Bakura, I!" Oh, Ryou wanted to say it. He wanted to shout it and scream it and have everyone know. He hated to pretend but he just couldn't let it out. What would Bakura do if he knew? "I just…nothing could ever change the way I look at you. I still feel like I-I do the first day I met you…" Ryou trailed off softly, calming down.

Bakura eyed the male hugging onto him strangely, heart beating so fast in his chest. How could that be true? How could someone like Ryou be –real- and possible? He was such a screw-up; oh, he knew he was a screw-up… How could Ryou simply brush it off as nothing and still like him just the same? Didn't he do so many things Ryou was against? "How can you even say that, huh? How are you even possible?" Bakura snapped, a little more crudely than he really meant it. But…-how- could someone like Ryou exist who just thought…he was the world?

Ryou looked up to him, biting his lip nervously. "I…I just…" And Ryou had called him an idiot and meant it! But it was so cute, the way he had said it; and that was worth a laugh in itself. Ryou really didn't know how to be mean, did he? Bakura and Ryou both looked at each other in shock as little white flakes began to fall upon their noses. They both had such serious looks on their faces and it was so strange.

Bakura felt like laughing…

"I love being with you and…just shut up!" Ryou cried, kissing Bakura rather harshly. Bakura could take that kind of abuse easily. He grinned, kissing Ryou back, arms finally enveloping around the male to hold him near. So Ryou really was a damn saint-it wasn't surprising. Bakura knew it all along because no one else could this be this –damn- sweet and taste so good.

When they pulled apart, they both stared into each other's eyes and Bakura saw… Everything. Everything he had ever wanted…

And he felt like running away but at the same time, staying here forever, because it was so hard to take yet… It was such a good, wholesome feeling, and that was –just- what he wasn't used to. Since when had relationships become so damn complex?! "I…I just can't believe you called me an idiot," he whispered softly, a grin crossing onto his lips.

Ryou blinked, eyes widening. He had completely forgotten he had let that slip! A small blush crept on his cheeks and he smiled sheepishly. "Oh, I didn't mean to, I was just so frustrated, I couldn't think of a better word and…"

"Oh no." Bakura grinned playfully. "You really do think I am dumb, don't you?" Ryou laughed, shaking his head.

"Only if you really think…simple mistakes you made in the past could affect how I feel about you now."

"Then I guess I was." Bakura sighed, frowning slightly. "It isn't often people just say, 'all well' to that kind of thing."

"That isn't what I think!" Ryou exclaimed, smiling gently. "I just…know you're better than that and you said it yourself, you knew you were doing stupid things. It isn't like you are like that now and even if you did ever have a problem… I'm right here and I hope you know that." He closed his eyes and kissed Bakura's icy chin, murmuring softly. "I'm always here…"

"Mm…" Bakura purred at the small kiss, eyes closing as he kept Ryou close. "You're too nice for your own good, you know that? It will be the death of you."

"Funny." Ryou grinned, eyes gazing into Bakura's scarf. "I thought the death of me would be my fast food intake."

"Well, second to that, then. You know, my mom would kill you if she heard what you eat. Lately, her and dad have been on this organic craze." Bakura snorted, eyes rolling.

"Heh, so I heard. Mm, I can't believe it's snowing again though," Ryou breathed, lifting his head to be able to see Bakura's face. His eyes looked so tired and his cheeks were tinted pink from being outside so long. He felt bad for making Bakura stay out here like this but it wasn't often he ever got to spend time in the snow and being out here with Bakura meant so much. But still, it made it looked like Bakura was –blushing- and that was just a little bit hot for Ryou.

"Ugh, why, so you can run me ragged again tomorrow after I get off work?" He rolled his eyes in humor at his boyfriend, making him laugh.

"No, dummy. You didn't even have to come out with me tonight but…I am glad you did." He gave Bakura that same heartfelt look that made Bakura's insides melt. Fuck; why was Ryou making him go so damn pathetic and weak?!

"I did. To keep you happy, of course," he replied, a yawn leaving his mouth. He rested his forehead against Ryou's, eyes closing. "I'm tired. Carry me back?"

"I wish I could, but you just have too much of an ass for that," Ryou joked, letting his own heavy lids close. It was so cold out but he loved it out here so much. He still wanted to make a snow man with Bakura but he was already so exhausted tonight and he wasn't going to let his boyfriend suffer in his clothing that wasn't even fit for snow. Bakura laughed warily, shrugging.

"So what about that snowman?"

"We can do it some other time. I am pleased with this as it is." Ryou smiled, eyes opening hazily. "Come on Bakura; let's get you home so you can get warm." Ryou pouted, gloved hand reaching up to touch Bakura's cheek. "I bet your face is freezing."

"Ugh, it isss. Save meee," Bakura whined, too tired to care that he sounded incredibly ten. "Mm, yeah, maybe I will stop by after work tomorrow night or something. Let's hurry up and get home so I can fondle that hot little ass of yours." Ryou gasped in bewilderment, nearly smacking Bakura upside the head with a snowball again.

"You're lucky I am too tired to fight you."

"Mm, or are you lucky I am just too tired to pounce you right here, marshmallow boy?" Ryou felt his cheeks warm and he hugged Bakura again, sighing.

"Why do I like you when you are so damn mean?"

"Haha, come on, you, let's get out of this hellhole." Ryou nodded and laughed, letting Bakura lead the way out of the park.

They were silent, Ryou simply resting his head against Bakura's shoulder as they walked, trying hard not to just become a zombie and sleep-walk the rest of the way back. He was almost dependant on Bakura for walking, leaning at least half his weight on the male. Bakura didn't seem to mind though. He had an armed snaked protectively around him and wasn't about to let him get to anywhere.

But then a question came to Ryou's mind. He had forgotten about it for most of the day but he couldn't help but be bothered by it yet again. "Did…you ever tell Malik about rehab?" he questioned softly, eyes opening half-liddedly to look out as they trekked back to the car.

"What is with you and him, really?" Bakura questioned, shaking his head. "Not really. Not that he would've fuckin' cared anyways. He was much too into himself to care about anything else."

Ryou felt a little horrible, suddenly. Was it really that Malik was self-absorbed or that he was just too afraid to say what he really felt? Now, more than ever, Ryou could understand why Malik had done what he did. After all, being in love with someone and being unsure of what they felt back did have its barriers. If Bakura found out what he truly felt, he'd surely run the other way. If their conversations even went towards lovey-dovey, Bakura got weird, Ryou was coming to realize. It had only been within the last couple of days Bakura had truly let Ryou talk about them together.

But really; what if Malik had cared but he just couldn't say? Malik had told Ryou he pretended just so Bakura would like him more. What if Malik had a redo and was himself? Would Bakura's opinions of him change? Ryou felt so insecure; what if Malik had really been the right one for Bakura and Bakura just didn't know it because Malik had spent so much time pretending to be something he wasn't?

"But…what if Malik was lying?"

"What do you mean?" Bakura countered confusedly.

"Well…if Malik was lying. What if he really did love you b-but just pretended to be something e-else so you would like him better? Hypothetically, of course." Ryou bit his lip in wonder, waiting for Bakura's reply.

"Well…" He started, gazing up to the sky, sticking out his tongue for a moment to catch snowflakes. Ryou caught him in action and couldn't help but laugh and join in.

"This doesn't answer my question."

"Chh, but you already know the answer if you really think about it," Bakura answered knowingly. Ugh; of course Ryou knew the answer. He had never –been- in love with Malik, so even if Malik had felt differently (Which, he hadn't, and Bakura was sure), it would've made no difference. Malik was most definitely not the person for him, not in any shape or form. Besides, he wasn't looking for –love- so if he truly had it, he'd run like hell away from it. Of course, then his mind brought up Ryou…

But he pushed it back. He wasn't going to ruin his evening with reality, not tonight. "No I don't, if I knew, I wouldn't ask 'Kura," Ryou mewled, sulking.

"You're so jealous, aren't you?" Bakura chuckled amusedly, kissing Ryou's forehead. "Number one; that is a pretty fucked up thing to do-pretend to be something you aren't. Number two; he was an insensitive slut and showed it once again when he tried to throw himself at me at Mariku's party, not to mention cheating regularly." His eyes swiveled round in their sockets. "Number three; even –if-, and that is a big if, Malik was a different person, he still pretended pretty fuckin' well that he was a douchebag so, therefore, he must really be one for even trying. And besides…"

He stopped Ryou, leaning in to kiss him rather aggressively. Ryou moaned softly, immediately giving in. Butterflies were in his stomach and oh! Bakura smelt just too good… Bakura's tongue stroked against his lower lip, Ryou complying and letting him slide right in. His tongue met Bakura's and they tangled in a passionate dance, leaving Ryou nearly breathless.

Now that Ryou thought about it, he was being rather stupid, wasn't he? Even if Malik wanted Bakura back… Could Ryou be so unselfish as to just let him go? Wasn't it partially Malik's fault for never telling Bakura the truth? Maybe Malik's time had passed and it was Ryou's. Maybe…sometime, no he definitely would! He wouldn't be afraid of losing Bakura like Malik was. When he was confident and felt like it was right, he'd tell Bakura and the rest would come after.

"Mm…you're mine and very little could change my mind about that." Ryou sighed happily. Maybe he was a sap but…he was cast under Bakura's spell yet again and god, he hoped when he did admit, Bakura felt the same.

-

Gosh, had it always been so cold in this store? Ryou rubbed his hands together as he stood, trying to stimulate the circulation in his freezing fingers. He rolled his eyes, knowing it wasn't going to help all that much. The heating in the store was probably on the fritz again, just as it had been in the summer. In the summer, they had simply done something cheap and easy to get it fixed momentarily but had left it that way into the fall because no problems had arisen-not until the coldest day of the year so far. The heating wasn't exactly broken but when it was a good 30 degrees outside and the temperature inside was a cool 60, well, it didn't help all that much.

Of course, Target wasn't cruel. It permitted its workers to wear any color outer wear if it was red. Ryou's problem? He hated red and tried so hard to avoid buying anything in that color. Besides, the only coat he had with his was his rather huge, puffy white one that, yes, though Ryou denied it to Bakura, resembled a marshmallow and even he didn't wish to face the humiliation of wearing it all day long inside of a store.

He groaned, bending over to pick up yet another Barbie to place on the shelf. It was nearing Christmas and all sorts of new toys were flying in to be stocked and Ryou unfortunately had been picked to spend this freezing evening doing just that. He was even getting a little irritated, really. It was late, nearing 12 am and he really just wanted to go home and sleep. After all, Ryou had been at work all day long working overtime because the worker meant to be here tonight had called in sick. Even Diabound was in the same boat. He had been called in to work because someone else had opted out as well.

Ryou frowned, straightening the boxes as best he could. All well, at least it was Diabound he got to work with and not someone he wasn't that well acquainted with. He should've been happier but, really, when he thought of all the things he could've been doing now like reading, studying, sleeping, spending time with Bakura…

He couldn't help but feel a little irked. Bakura had even called him on his lunch break just to ask what Ryou wanted to do. Ryou had wanted to just bang his head against a wall because, damn, Bakura was being so great and Ryou had to turn him down just because of work. He sulked wondering what would've happened if he would've done the unexpected and just said 'no'. Oh, but Ryou couldn't say no, not to anyone, and that was why he was stuck here instead of at home in Bakura's arms, able to kiss and touch his beyond attractive boyfriend as much as possible.

Besides, during the last couple of days, Bakura had been in such a great mood and didn't seem testy or anything. In fact, he almost seemed a little…drained? Maybe not to the average eye but Ryou swore he could feel it. Maybe Bakura was just getting sick or something? Hopefully not though because that was the last thing he wanted for his boyfriend-though… If Bakura was sick, then he had even more of a reason to spend as much time as possible with him and make him a delicious soup and-

Ryou smiled to himself, shaking his head as he picked up the next doll, placing it on the shelf. He was letting himself read way too far into Bakura and he knew it. There was probably nothing wrong at all and it was just his mind messing with him. But it was just…ever since they'd had sex…

Ryou bit his tongue. Ever since he had first laid eyes on Bakura naked and felt what it was like to be so close to someone; Ryou didn't want to be away from him at all. It was silly, yes, but… Bakura had said it himself. He was with Malik solely for sex; what if Ryou ended up not being any different? But they had shared so much and Bakura swore-well… Actually he had never really said it, had he? He just said Ryou was his and that was all there was to it. But…if he liked Ryou so much, there had to be more, didn't there? Bakura had shared so much with him the previous night but…

He still wanted to know how Bakura felt about him. Yes, it was obvious Bakura cared about him but what if that was only temporary? After all, sex could only keep a person with someone for so long. What if Bakura grew tired of him and just dumped him once he was bored? Would he not even bother to tell Ryou it wasn't the same as before?

Ugh, he really hoped it wasn't like that. Ryou wasn't sure he could stand it if it was like that. Surely, there had to be something more there? God, he hoped there was. He didn't want their relationship to be a disaster and didn't want to end up in Malik's position, just doing whatever to make Bakura stay with him. He wanted Bakura to like him for who he was…

But what if who he was wasn't good enough? What if Bakura really did get tired of him? Wasn't there anything Ryou could do to change? Ugh; it was such a headache. He stressed himself out thinking about it but he just fell so hard for Bakura so fast. His mind practically ran off whenever any mention or reminder of Bakura would stir up. He had never been in love before and it was still so strange and new…

But when he was with Bakura, life was just so good…

He couldn't remember ever feeling happier-and he knew it was such a cliché thing to say but… Times when Bakura was around were always the best. They didn't even have to be alone for Ryou to be having a blast. Just yesterday, when they had hung out with Bakura's friends; Ryou had so much fun! All Bakura's friends seemed to accept him happily and they were all so nice and easy to talk to. Usually, Ryou had a hard time getting along with others but they were actually really great people and a lot of fun to be around. Besides, it was a breath of fresh air hearing all their crazy stories. He had such a tame childhood and never did anything slightly daring. Almost –all- of Bakura's friends had an exciting story or two to tell. And he had heard them all, over lunch at some cheap diner they all liked, and at Katsuya's house.

Ryou knew it was stupid but he swore… He had never felt so happy with his life until now. Ever since college had started, some of his friends seemed to have drifted and now that he had Bakura in his life and all his friends as well…

Was it selfish to wish that things would only keep getting better? He loved Yuugi and all his old friends but… These people were cool too and he had always wished for a slight change. Hell, ever since he had gotten with Bakura, things certainly had been turned upside down. His life just didn't feel the same as before. It was so much better and all because of one person…

Bakura was just… Ryou couldn't even explain it. He made it feel like… No one could ever replace his parents or his sister but Bakura was the first person who ever really, truly… Made him feel at peace with everything. He had always pined, secretly, for a family and someone to be able to love and take care of. And he had found his cat, yes, but a cat could only go so far. He wanted –people-, a person, even just one person…

"Bakura," he whispered to himself, staring at the boxed doll in his hands. He didn't know how or why but somehow, Bakura was in his life and had brought so many good things along with it. He loved Bakura's family, his friends…

And most of all…

Bakura-impossible to understand, boozehound, bed hogging, grumpy, bitter, hilarious, sexy-as-hell, devious, bad cook, thoughtful…Bakura. Bakura…his heart seemed to just float in his chest. Bakura had bad habits and had done terrible things in his past. Bakura was so rough, absolutely every teenage parents' nightmare-but Ryou didn't care. He absolutely fucking loved…

Was it even possible to love someone this much? He would've done anything; absolutely anything for Bakura at all. He was stuck in place, unable to change. He –knew-, was so sure; Bakura was the one for him and he would fight to make that be true. Now, the only problem was hoping that Bakura felt that way too.

But really, what surefire way was there to know a person loved you without –asking-? Because Ryou wasn't an idiot. He –knew- asking would only cause harm. It was too soon and Bakura had never been in a serious relationship, not really. He was expecting so much of Bakura and way too fast. He wanted to slow down and give the male his needed space and not be too clingy but…

He –wanted- to cling. He wanted to glue himself to Bakura's arm so Bakura could never leave his side. It was so…selfish and unfair to Bakura but it made Ryou want to scream with frustration. If sex had proved anything, it was only the fact of how much Ryou really –did- care about Bakura. But had Bakura felt anything, anything at all? It –sounded- like Bakura had but…

Ryou blushed, trying to suppress a laugh. Who really knew by sound effects alone? After all, like Bakura has said last night, Ryou had practically cracked the windows with his little moans. It made Ryou so mortified but really; had Bakura realized how –good- it felt? Not only because it was sex but because…

It was with Bakura, the person he felt so many different things for and…hell. He just wanted to tell Bakura, let him know…

He sighed deeply, knowing he had to save these kinds of thoughts for home. He was slacking on his work. He still had a good four or more boxes to unpack before he could go home but he just couldn't get focused. He groaned miserably, letting himself fall to the ground. Leaning against the counter, he closed his eyes to let them rest. He just wanted to –go- home and to hear Bakura's voice. He wanted to kiss Bakura and just –know-, even if Bakura didn't. He wanted to feel Bakura's skin and give Bakura everything he wanted, be it sex or a soda because…

He just wanted to make Bakura happy. And right now, it sucked, because when he was here and not at home, doing that was a little hard. He folded his arms over himself, trying to keep warm. 'If Bakura were here, he could put his arms around me and I'd be instantly better', he thought sulkily to himself. Really, going home wouldn't even be that impressive. Bakura wasn't there and the only thing that awaited him was a hungry cat. It was such a lonely thought, really…

Had he ever realized just how depressing it was before Bakura? What would it be like, if there was nothing to look forward to except work and school? What would life be like if Bakura had never entered? Just thinking about it seemed to make the room that much colder. God, he hoped…somehow, a miracle would happen and that boy would change…

Maybe not for him but for some reason. He just hoped when Bakura looked at him, he didn't think of Ryou as just another lay. In Bakura's mind, he hoped…

that the memories of him couldn't be replaced.

"You know? If you were that fuckin' cold, you could've went and got your coat, dummy." Ryou's eyes cracked open and he stared to the shelf across from himself. Was he just going psychotic or could he hear Bakura talking? Had Bakura come to the store to see him?! He wasn't thinking rationally. If Ryou was, he would've questioned exactly –how- Bakura would've entered, seeming as the doors were locked and not many would've just let in an unknown stranger. Besides, why would Bakura randomly have deicided to drop by at this late of an hour?

He turned around with a wide grin on his lips. His heart was pitter-pattering in his chest and he was thinking about how he was going to just –pounce- the male, absolutely to the floor! He was going to kiss all over his face and mewl just like Bakura liked and do all sorts of things to him. After all, his manager wasn't in view and ugh; he had been at work all day long and was so –tired-! He just wanted Bakura and to –go- home! And for a second, he had himself fooled but then reality dawned on him. In a bright red name-tagged hoody and khaki slacks, with maroon eyes and stark shoulder length hair; that wasn't Bakura at all, but Diabound.

Was it cruel to wish he could've switched brothers, just for one minute? His smile fell a great deal and he felt absolutely ridiculous for letting himself get so wrapped up in his own little desires. "O-Oh hey, heh! Sorry, I just…"

Diabound raised a silvery eyebrow, watching the male peculiarly. "Gave me the biggest smile I've ever seen a person muster? Stared at me like an absolute maniac?" Diabound retorted, smirking familiarly. Ryou swore, so many things about the two brothers were so alike.

"H-Heh, sorry I was just u-uhm…"

"No need to explain, really." Diabound rolled his eyes and tossed an emerald green sweater on Ryou's knees. "And for goodness sake, quit looking so damned cold! You know you could've brought a coat in with you, Ryou. It's freezing and you were practically shivering. I've been watching you for the last couple of minutes," he admitted, slinking his hands deep inside of his sweatshirt's pocket.

"R-Really?" Ryou stuttered, a small blush forming on his cheeks. Oh god, at least he hadn't been talking to himself or he really would've looked stupid. He gazed down to the hoody on his knees and his eyes widened as they scanned over a price tag on a cuff. "Diabound, I can't wear this! It's store property…"

"Chh, yeah, so? So was this one this morning." He snorted, grinning as he eyed Ryou. "I took the took the tag off mine and made it my own."

"And no one saw you?" Ryou gasped. "What if it is on camera?!" Diabound rolled his eyes, padding closer to Ryou.

"Ryou, you very well –know- that the cameras aren't –that- intricate and even if they were, I told you before. I used to steal all the time from stores when I was younger. It isn't that difficult. Not to mention, someone would've said something already, -really-." He huffed, "It's their fault anyways for not fixing the heat like they should've. They won't miss one sweater, of even two. Now put it on and get to work so you can go home already, hmm?"

Ryou smiled up at him, though he still wasn't sure he believed Diabound fully. He was cold enough though; he decided to just try and avoid the manager like hell until he left in an hour-and he'd be extra careful with the sweatshirt and make sure to put it back exactly where it belonged when he was done. It was too freezing anyway; it wasn't like he could sweat on it. "Thanks Dia', really. I have been dying all day thanks to this store's stupid heating." He sighed, grabbing the sweatshirt and pulling it up over his head. "Are you already finished with your portion?"

Diabound nodded, letting out a loud yawn as he grabbed his flat belly. "Yep. All done for the night. I just came over to check if you were still at it and you are so I guess I will stay and help so you can get going faster."

Ryou stood up, shaking his head in disapproval. "Oh, but you can't! That isn't fair, I was supposed to do all this and it is my own fault I am stuck here," he exclaimed. "I can't let you stay and do some of my work!" Ryou eyed him worriedly, a hand fisting at his side. Diabound was always so giving and offering help and Ryou really didn't deserve it. He was always trying to think of ways to pay Diabound back but then Diabound went and had to come to Ryou's rescue again. Really, Ryou wasn't even sure he'd have kept this job as long if Diabound hadn't been at his side.

But still, he had always wondered something…

With a lot of their younger, less experienced co-workers, Diabound was always just a little snappy with them. But when it came to Ryou, he was unbelievably nice. Even a couple of the younger girls had asked Ryou about it before but Ryou didn't have an answer to why that was. Yes, Diabound wasn't necessarily –mean- to them but…

Still. Why was he always so giving when it came to Ryou? Maybe it was because he just thought of them as such good friends. "Really Ry', it's fine. With my muscles, it'll only take us another 20 or so minutes," he joked, grinning across at the shorter male. Ryou couldn't help but laugh, rolling his eyes.

"Diabound, really. You can go home. I'll get this done soon enough. I don't want to keep you any longer, it ju-" But Ryou found himself silenced by Diabound's hand upon his mouth. Ryou couldn't speak. His pulse seemed to increase and he felt his cheeks tingeing pink. Diabound was unbelievably close now, face-to-face with him. Diabound really did look so much like his little brother. He had the expressive, dark eyes and that same twisted smile…

He was incredibly handsome and his hair was still so messy and white. Ryou gulped, trying to keep from quivering. Diabound was so much like Bakura…

He could smell Diabound and ugh; the two even wore the same cologne. If he just closed his eyes a little, he wouldn't even know the difference.

"Shh," Diabound murmured low, eyes set on Ryou's intently. Ryou was still rendered speechless, even as Diabound's hand dropped. Diabound was still so near and he looked so domineering, staring down at Ryou so powerfully. If Ryou really just pretended…

"Just let me help you, mm? Why do you always have to argue it when you know you will lose?" Diabound seemed to slant even closer making Ryou that much more nervous. What was wrong with him suddenly?! Why was he feeling this way for Diabound? This was so unbelievably wrong!

"U-Uhm…" He couldn't turn away. Diabound looked so…so hot and he couldn't get that thought off of his mind. What in the hell had his senses gone?! Diabound was Diabound and he wasn't…

Bakura's hair was longer and his body was a little less built. His skin was pale as the moon and his eyes…

When he looked into Bakura's eyes, he felt like he could get lost because they were just so alluring and perplexing. But when he looked into Diabound's, he felt so unsure. It didn't feel quite right and it didn't make his heart stop in the same exact way. Diabound might have been handsome and just as great as his brother in many aspects but he definitely…

He wasn't Bakura and he wasn't the person Ryou was in love with. Ryou's eyes softened and he smiled gently up at Diabound, finally turning away. He had been so silly for a second. He had actually thought…

Well, no…

But he had… He had almost been able to think it could've been the same. But it was so ridiculous and self-centered. He just missed Bakura and was being desperate. Diabound wasn't Bakura and he didn't wish that the male was. Diabound was cool and a great friend but it wasn't anything more and Ryou didn't want it to be. Though…

His stomach dropped. For a minute, he really had felt like he had a crush on the older male. His cheeks were still stained pink and he tried to turn away to look to the boxes, not wanting Diabound to see. Suddenly, he didn't have the energy to fight off Diabound's help anymore. "You're right. It's fine. Just let me do most of it, okay?"

Diabound chuckled, whirling around as well to start to rip open the next box to start on, seemingly oblivious to Ryou's inner turmoil. "Done deal. Just promise not to smile at me like you did when I first found you, please? I can only stand so many fucking crazy looks in a day."

Ryou found himself laughing, head shaking as he began to put Barbie in her place. "Done deal. So what have you been up to with all the snow, anyway?" Ryou had been so stupid earlier, it was almost hilarious. Diabound could never replace Bakura and that was all there was to it.

-

"B-But Mariku I…"

Ugh. This was getting a little repetitive now. Seriously; who had ever told drunk people they should drink to numb their feelings? Most of the time, drinking only made it 1000 times –worse-which was why Mariku was sitting here right now on Malik's bedroom floor, holding him close, favorite Dir en Grey tee shirt absolutely drenched in snot. What a pleasant way to end a snow day, no?

It had already been an hour and Malik –still- hadn't chilled out. Seriously; what could he do to just make Malik stop bawling?! "I know, Bakura is a douche bag, you already knew that when you started your relationship with him, Malik. Now quit crying already, really. Bakura will forever be a dickhead and you can't change that!"

"Then why can fucking Ryou?!" And once again, they were going into the same damn loopholes. Why could Ryou? Fucked if Mariku knew. All Mariku knew was his long-time best friend had been acting strange ever since he'd begun dating that hot little whitenette. As for –why-? God, how the hell was Mariku supposed to know! Mariku knew –alcohol-, not his fellow male counterparts or why they did the stupid shit they did. If he could understand them, then god, it would've saved him –years- of wondering what the hell was wrong with Seto and why they all even liked him as a friend. If he could've known that, his life would've been perfect, really.

But this was Malik and Malik was different. Malik didn't want jokes and his crude wiseass ways; he wanted support and to be told why exactly the universe worked. Well, Mariku didn't know and he still, after an hour, could think of little better to say then 'there, there' and Bakura was 'insert cussword here'.

Maybe he was just a selfish asshole and didn't understand. After all, he hadn't ever been in love, really. He had fallen hard once in the 10th grade but that was about as close to love as he had gotten. And even still, when he got dumped he didn't go out and get drunk and cry, fuck no. He got in a lot of fights and was the biggest dick head on earth for a good couple of days. He snapped at anyone who talked to him and didn't even go out on a Friday night. But…after that; Bakura came over with beer and some porn and suddenly, it didn't seem like such a big deal after all.

Whatever. Maybe Malik just needed a couple of days and he'd see it wasn't the end of the world, either. Or, maybe he'd at least stop –fucking- crying when the morning came. That would've been nice enough; just for the Crown Royal to wear the hell off.

"I really…don't know," he said honestly, sighing. Dammit, he was so tired or repeating the same thing over and over again. Maybe if he just finally said what he thought, Malik would just shut up and get pissed at him or something instead of crying.

Malik sniffled, nuzzling into Mariku's shoulder. He clutched onto his tee shirt fabric and started to sob again. Mariku rolled his eyes and wanted to flip off whatever higher power had made him fall so damned hard for someone so fucking difficult. "W-Why…why does it have to be Ryou?! What has he got that I don't?"

"Well, he probably doesn't go around drinking half a bottle of Crown Royal and crying half of it out on his his friend's shirt."

Malik's head snapped up. "WELL HE WOULD IF FUCKING BAKURA HAD TRICKED HIM AND THEN SLAMMED HIS ASS TO THE GROUND!" Mariku flinched. He forgot just how testy Malik was when he was drunk. Ugh; why was this so difficult? Why couldn't Malik just be settled with, 'This world sucks. Sleep with me?'

"Sorry…"

Malik sighed, setting his head back down. "No, it's fine, yo-you just…Ryou doesn't even…" Malik sniffled. "He doesn't even –drink-." God that sounded like a bore. "He doesn't do anything bad and is t-this…great student at Domino U-University! Anzu told me! God!" He sighed frustratedly. "He's this complete goody-goody who never does anything wrong and is j-just so perfect and cute and everyfuckingthing I want to be! FUCK!"

Mariku wanted to laugh, but he held it in and it was probably a good thing, too. Malik liked to punch when drunk and angry. But really, Mariku wasn't that amazed. So Ryou was some great student and was just as cute as Malik; so what? They weren't the same and Malik was acting very idiotic to even try to compare them. "So he's some 'A' student and is a straight-edge bitch, so what?"

"He isn't a bitch! He was really nice!" Mariku wanted to smack himself. For someone who swore to hate Ryou's guts, he sure was pretty snarky when it came to Mariku dissing on him.

"…O…kay. Well, uhh. Still, it isn't the end of the world. You're just as good Malik, really." Mariku rolled his eyes again, massaging Malik's shoulder. "So he's nice and all, whatever."

Malik groaned, slumping further down, arms hugging Mariku tighter. "It isn't just whatever, Mariku. It –hurt-, it really did… I just don't understand. How can someone d-do that just to fuck with them?" He asked a little too heartbrokenly for Mariku's taste. Even Mariku felt bad for him. He was holding back what he really wanted to say still but…

Ugh. If Malik was sober, he might have been able to take it but drunk… Mariku was sure he would just end up freaking out and then –throwing- Mariku out. Goddammit.

"I just…I swear…I loved him. Why c-couldn't I ever…why can't I just let him go, Mariku? I don't want to care about it anymore!" He closed his eyes, silent tears dripping down into Mariku's shirt. Mariku sighed deeply, eyes closing as he leant his head atop Malik's.

"I know but…" Should he really say it? "Malik, you know…even if Bakura is gone, it's like I said before. Why would you want to be with someone who was willing to do that to someone? Do you really want such a shitty boyfriend?" Malik blinked, eyes widening. It was true, that was a really horrible thing to do. Besides, did Ryou even know what Bakura had done? What Bakura had done was cheating and he had told Malik before, he hated that kind of thing because if you didn't want to be with someone, you shouldn't waste your time and just let them go. But there Bakura was, at his house, looking so sexy and purposely –trying- to seduce Malik. But Ryou; where had Ryou been for all of this? It could've been revenge that the two had thought up but Ryou had truly seemed so hurt when Malik had called him a liar at Otogi's. Maybe he had been honest the entire time, about everything.

Malik really was beginning to feel like he had gotten angry at the wrong person. After all, it wasn't Ryou's fault Bakura didn't like him and by the way it seemed, Ryou really hadn't known it was Bakura Malik had been talking about that one night. Ryou had been so shy but sweet…

He had seemed so sincere and had even gone in to fix the mess Bakura had made after Bakura had hit him. In fact, Ryou seemed amazed at what Bakura had done. How could he have thought that Ryou was the bad person in all of this? No; Bakura was the asshole! Bakura had treated him badly and had done the same to Ryou! What kind of boyfriend just…

Just went and did that to someone so sweet?! But still… Bakura had stopped before anything had really happened. "I-I don't even get why he was here in the first place…"

"Me either," Mariku admitted. It was just one more strange thing to add to the list of strange things Bakura had been up to lately. "But still, you'll get over this and it'll be alright."

"I-I know…I just…can't help but be sad, you know?" Malik murmured softly, reaching a hand back to wipe his eyes. "I just thought that Bakura and I would get so much further, you know? I didn't think I'd end up miserable for all the things I did to try and make things better."

"Yeah." Mariku nodded, chuckling low. "We all seem to get screwed some time or another. But still. You better hope school is closed tomorrow, you know? Or else you are going to have one hell of a hangover in English class. Ugh; I don't recommend that shit; nearly killed me in 9thgrade."

Malik couldn't help but laugh, nuzzling into Mariku some. "You're such an idiot. I still can't believe you guys did that stupid of things in High school. I'm glad I didn't know you idiots then."

"Haha, I wish I could say the same. Bakura was even more of a dick than he is now."

Malik laughed bitterly. "Hard to believe." His eyes closed, trying to keep himself from tearing up again. He just wanted to get over this and go to sleep. At least sleep would let him not think about any of what happened. Maybe something would go wrong and he could even forget about the entire day, too.

"Mm, it is but…" Mariku brushed his fingers through Malik's hair. "Change isn't always bad, you know? Just think about it like that." Malik nodded, murmuring softly at the fingers brushing through his blonde strands.

"M'hm…"

"And hopefully the next person you're with will hide the damned Crown bottle from you before you can even think of downing it yourself-or maybe, he'll have already drank it so there won't be one for you to get your little hands on." Malik laughed softly, shaking his head.

"Is that what you would do, Mariku? Leave me high and dry, with nothing to drink?" Mariku snorted, twirling blonde strands around a thin finger.

"No, I'd give you plenty of water and soda."

Malik grinned. "But no alcohol?"

"Not unless you promised not to soak my favorite shirt in snot." Malik couldn't help but chuckle, lifting his head up to eye his friend unbelievably.

"You're such a dick, you know it?" Mariku grinned back, leaning in to press their noses together. Malik was a bit surprised at first but welcomed it and was surprised to find being this close to Mariku actually wasn't so bad. He let his eyes close and murmured softly.

"Only because it is so cute to see you get so fired up." Malik laughed, defeated for the night. He rested his head on Mariku's shoulder, sighing dazedly.

"I wish I could just fall in love with you. At least when you pissed me off, you'd let me beat you up." Mariku couldn't help but roll his eyes at those words. So Malik just wanted him so Malik could have someone to punch around? Whatever; if Malik liked that, Mariku would've been fine. It wasn't like Malik's punches hurt, anyway.

"And when you pissed me off, I'd just go drink a bottle of Crown and cry." Malik hiccupped, too tired to get up and do anything to Mariku. But tomorrow, when he wasn't so tired and drunk and could put up a good fight, he'd kick that bastard right in the balls!

"You're lucky I am too drunk to even fucking walk." Mariku chuckled, nodding.

"Don't I know. Now come on, stand up so we can go lay on your bed. At least on the bed, I can fall asleep while you go on with the water works."

Malik gasped, punching Mariku sloppily in the arm. "You are –such- a prick…mm. I swear, I am just going to saw off your dick tomorrow when you're asleep and you're going to be –so- sorry…"

"I'm sure." Mariku grinned, arms enveloping around Malik to hoist him up. "Now come on, so we can both sleep and so you can forget all about this shitty day, huh?"

"Mm." Malik nodded, following Mariku to the bed to lay down. "Only if you promise to stay with me tomorrow night, too."

Like he wasn't going to already. Stupid Malik, thinking he actually had control of Mariku…

"Mm, whatever. As long as you let me have some of your Crown." Malik smiled, lying down upon his bed. He let Mariku go only so far as to turn the light out.

"Done." Mariku laid down, scrambling under the blankets. He couldn't help it though, he just –had- to get out of his now very nasty tee shirt. He brought it up over his arms and tossed it to the floor before truly being able to rest. Had Malik not been so drunk, he might've been a little interested in Mariku's muscled body. However, tonight was just not the night for that. He was too emotionally drained and practically falling asleep already.

"Then we have a deal." Malik nodded, scooting a little closer, just to be able to lie next to Mariku. He was so warm and smelt so nice…

Maybe it wasn't Bakura and maybe it wasn't love but…

Still, Malik was glad Mariku was here tonight, even if he was only just a friend. At least he wasn't alone.

-

Holy fuckkk. I swear, I felt like that was a Forever!chapter. xD Omggg, so longgg. BUT FINALLY! I am fucking done done done doooneee

AND AHHH! It feels like such a relief-well I can't lie, no it doesn't. Because I still have a billion pages to look over! 8DDD HOW FUN! Haha, but really, I am so glad to be done, I can't help but gloat!

….8DDDD

Somehow though, I feel like I rushed this chapter. (Though it is actually longer than every other one. Stupid much?) But I don't know; it's just getting harder to get this story exactly where I want it to go! BUT NEVER FEAR! I won't give up becauseee I suddenly feel so passionate and have so little else to do with my time. XD How sad. I really am pleased with Marik though, somehow. It amused me writing him!

Anyways.

September is so depressing. I am not looking forward to school uhm. I keep trying to write a Bakura/Malik story but can't seem to bring myself to actually do it. I guess 'cuz I always am so biased and think Bakura is only Ryou's. ;-;;; BUT I WILL FIND A WAY SOMEHOW!

Anyways, I hope you all liked the chapter. It wasn't all too eventful (though there was a lot of fluff!) but yeah! Every time I have to write about them being in snow, it makes me wish so much it was snowing here so I could make a snow man too. Uhm hmmm. I guess that is it for this chapter though!

I hope you're all having lovely months that are going much better than mine. XD Thanks for reading and please review…!

Much love everyone!

Next chapter:

More bathtubs, naked Ryou, more confusion, Diabound, and more questions to myself of what month they are in, exactly and how this all works out relevantly. xD;;

THANKS AGAIN BUDDIES!

HiH