Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh.
The pairings introduced right now:
Anzu/Yami no Yuugi
Jounouchi/Mai
The crushes introduced right now:
Ryou/Seto
Ryou/Lobster
Thanks to MarmaladeGirl for beta reading and finally sending this back (sorry, but I was freaking out for a bit there).
Thanks to Relinquished for beta checking!
I wonder if anyone is reading fanfics this week? I mean, everyone I know is reading Harry Potter and What Ever the Title Is except for me (that is one long book). I feel like I'm missing out on something. I never really hopped on the HP bandwagon. I know some of you will be too busy with that to read my fanfic update. I almost wanted to wait a week for things to die down, but I figured some of you would have been in want of an update, so this chapter is long and pretty.
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Chapter de Tenth: The End
I'm dreaming way too much than is psychologically healthy these days, I know it. I hope they are inconsequential bouts of randomness that don't mean anything. But, if, for some outrageous reason I could never circumvent, the dreams are premonitions, I hope it is for the same granted affection from Kaiba each of them have conveyed.
I hope. I can no longer think because the stage is being set. I need to go live a false reality right now. Here goes.
For some cause pleading insanity, I picture myself in boots, a dress, and a cowboy hat. That's not right. Why?
Sorry, every time somebody mentions a stage my mind goes on Oklahoma for some odd, twisted reason.
Uh, yeah….
Ehem. Never mind. Back to my actual dream now.
I can't see the restaurant. All around is just candlelight from candles that don't seem to exist past the handsome figure before me. There is a floor, for which I'm thankful. I can slowly half drift, half propel myself to the other person. He nods at me formally and I smile with years of practiced manners.
Manners are swell.
From where in hell did that come?
Sorry. Why am I cursing so much anyways?
"I respect your showing up, Bakura."
"Yeah, I just felt we had to get over this someday. The sooner the better, I suppose."
I'm a bit sad at these words from my mouth, reciting the truth.
"But don't you see, I never want to get over this. I want you to arrive on time forever. I want everything to go my way, and that includes you with me."
I smile up at the figure and look into the face of Seto Kaiba.
"Really? If you're joking, I swear I'll do something."
He smirks at my threat. I admit a rubber ducky is a lot more intimidating than I could ever be, but I still try for no reason. I never expect people to take me seriously anymore.
"Do something like what, wake up?"
"No, I like this dream."
I sigh happily and rest my head on his shoulder. I know what it feels like now in my mind, I've done so before on accident, but now it is all fully acceptable. Kaiba holds me as well, but I can hardly notice because this has never really happened before. I can't dream about what I haven't truly experienced.
"Then wake up if you like it."
"I don't want to, Seto."
"You can't sleep forever, Ryou."
"Watch me."
Seto laughs at this. It is the last thing I hear before I'm overcome with a falling sensation. Shock rattles my entire form and I yelp as pain rushes in.
I glare around the bedroom from my new inhabitance on the floor. My alarm clock tells me it has been ringing devotedly for five hours. It's fairly after twelve in the afternoon. I can't believe it. (A) I groan at my impact with the ground. I suddenly see why some people prefer bed mats in their houses. Experiencing Newton's laws from over a foot in the air to solid ground is agonizing.
"Argh," I mutter, too sore to finish a short attempt at sitting up. I fall back and knock my head on the floor again. It hurts.
My arms shoot up painfully to check for injuries. My precious left hand hits the bedside table and causes things above to rattle and shift. One of these larger objects happens to be the phone. It also happens to be quite heavy and falling towards my face.
I can hardly defend myself from this attack. The malicious machine hits home on my head.
"Owie!" I whine and finally try to scoot away.
(Owie? What are you, five?)
"You awake, Ryou?"
I look up at the open door and glare at Otogi.
"Why the hell are you here? And why the hell didn't you grab the phone?"
(From owie to hell? There is something wrong with you.)
"Can't you see I'm reading?" Otogi asks and holds up a book.
"I hate you."
"I know," he shrugs, not caring.
"The phone just tried to kill me," I let him know.
"You don't say? Why exactly are you on the floor anyway?" he asks, studying my compromising position, tangled in a sheet and numbed by a blow to the head.
"I rolled out of bed."
"Sounds like an interesting dream."
"Yeah, it was; up until the part where I woke up."
"Funny. You're always funny, Ryou."
I glare at him, my lone soldier ant death look returning. This holds no terror in the heart of anything whatsoever. Otogi smirks at me again before walking out. I jump up and run after him.
"Why are you always here?" I yell as he enters the kitchen.
"I make sure you don't do anything terrible to yourself."
I glare at this slightly. What would I do to me? I can't even catch a cold when I want to.
"I'm not going to do anything. I'm not crazy."
"That's not what your letters told Yuugi and me." Otogi is not joking now. He looks serious. I guess this habit of mine that Yuugi and Otogi discovered rattled them more than I thought. I still can't help but feel a little angry with him.
"So what, are you two taking shifts over patrolling me?"
"Kinda. You have some serious issues, Ryou."
I frown at this name he has been calling me since I woke up.
"Stop calling me that!"
Otogi shakes his head at my order.
"See what I mean?"
"What? There's nothing wrong with that!" I announce, frustrated.
"Yeah, to you."
I grit my teeth in annoyance. He's proving to himself in some bizarre fashion that I'm insane with every word I say. He should try to cut me some slack, you know, since my mental state is so very fragile.
"So, how did your meeting with Kaiba go?"
I start at this question for no reason. Somehow, Otogi has moved from the counter to the table and is sitting in a chair. I wonder how he did that. Maybe I just wasn't paying attention.
"Canceled," I answer, finding a nice wall to lean against, refusing a silent gesture from Otogi for me to sit down.
"That's terrible. Really?"
"Yes, so it's been arranged for a different time. We have to get this all over with so things will return to normal just as soon as possible."
Otogi fixes me with a studious glare, as if he is busy trying to see inside me, probing my mind. Apparently it isn't working, as he is still asking questions.
"Aren't you hoping for a bit more? I thought you said you liked Kaiba."
I see Otogi's memory is in perfect order while his mind reading skills are a bit faulty.
"It's not my place to control what is happening. I'll just simply get over it if he doesn't care about me at all, Otogi."
"Like you 'got over' your father and the Sennen Ring spirit? I don't want to see you do that, Bakura. You can't accept anything that affects you emotionally and you know it. You fall apart every single time something upsets you, you just don't let any of us know. Now, because it has been drawn to my attention, I will make you tell me."
I relax my glare at Otogi. He really is concerned about me along with everyone else. He doesn't want to see me hurt. He can't see, though, that I don't care. Nothing he could say could make me want to do anything to improve. He is like an older brother I have never had. Otogi does care, and he wants to help, but I'm not letting him. I can't allow anyone to convince me I just need to change to make life better. As far as I care, it is all supposed to be this way, me dreaming and by myself with everyone else doing whatever they do without me. I stopped worrying about what Otogi thought a long time ago.
"What do you want me to do, write a note to Kaiba telling him I'd like a little notice and some attention? Well, then you have my personality pegged there, Otogi." I exclaim in a slight annoyance, still on the offensive.
"Bakura, be serious. Ignoring yourself and what you may need is pathetic. It shows just how low you've come now. You live in your head and you don't do anything about what you're thinking. You don't tell anyone your problems. Yuugi thinks it's his fault. He's give you no-one to tell. I just think you're a weird kid."
Otogi is now glaring at me. He isn't happy with how I've set everything up to fall back down like so many wooden letter blocks. He's trying to put two and two together but he keeps getting five. He doesn't know anything about my constant fear. I live in fear of everything.
"Otogi, I don't even want to talk about all of this."
Otogi nods at this plea, "Fine, Bakura. But maybe someday you will, and I just hope you see how wrong you are."
"Well, that isn't right now. Today I just have another meeting scheduled."
Otogi knows obviously with whom, but he asks anyway.
"Kaiba set everything for today I presume?"
"Yes," I answer, standing up and exiting the kitchen.
"Where are you going?" Otogi asks, following.
"I'm feeding the lobster. Do you want to help?"
Otogi pales and backs away from me as I near the bathroom.
"No thanks, I'm leaving now."
I look at him surprised.
"You're leaving? I thought you were supposed to watch me?"
"I have a franchise to manage, Bakura, I can't baby-sit you all day."
I shake my head at this, wondering if Yuugi will be taking a shift.
"Just do me a favor and don't tell Yuugi. He thinks I'm staying all day."
"You lied to him!"
"Awe, Mahout, You make it sound like a bad thing," he says in mock offence.
"Get out of my apartment," I order calmly, casually pointing to the door.
"Fine, if that's the way it's gonna be, I'm already gone." Otogi replies, trying not to point at me too and laugh. I can tell he's being sarcastic. The two of us can't really keep up serious attitudes once we start it up. He'll actually try to have an intelligent conversation sometimes, but it's always something about me. For that reason I have to end the talk before I have to think about myself.
"Goodbye." I wave as he leaves.
I turn around and head for the bathroom again. I open the door and look in. I want to scream.
The lobster is drying in the tub, surrounded by very little water. He isn't moving very much. The tub has almost entirely drained.
"Oh no!"
I run over and take the lobster out. He doesn't move at all. Quickly I remove him from the half dry the tub and carry him to the kitchen. I think his antenna just lifted, but I'm not too hopeful. Softly I set him in the sink as I fill it with warm water and the marine salt I purchased at the pet store. The lobster finally does move, barely though. I'm busy trying not to panic. I don't know if he'll live. I run back to the bathroom and get his filters and things and install them. I hope I haven't taken too long.
"Don't die, you idiot," I scold at it.
The lobster fails to respond in any way to relieve my anxiety. Instead, the phone rings. I pick it up distantly, not truly aware or worried about whom it might be.
"Bakura, be ready to leave by five."
I recite my mechanical answer to anything Kaiba asks about these days.
"Yes, this really must be finished soon. Everything should go back to normal, Kaiba."
Kaiba tries to say something but I continue.
"I'll be ready. Goodbye"
I hang up rudely before Kaiba can say three words. It looks like everything will return to order. This damaged lobster in front of me helped cause all of the mess I'm in now. It actually stands for this period in my life where everything will make me move away from Domino. Today the lobster will die, Kaiba will end all connections I have with him, and Yuugi-tachi will want to have a deep discussion about our feelings. Ugh. I've tried so hard to avoid all of the confrontations I'm going to receive soon. I'm going to ask my father to send me to some other city, a bigger place, far from all these people and all these problems. I can still start over somewhere else.
(You're not leaving all these Sennen Items behind.)
I glare at the voice as it comes. The spirit doesn't care about me at all.
"My lobster is dying. What do I do?"
There is no answer to this question. The lobster, though the most eminent of my fears, is not the greatest of my worries. What I am really asking is what am I suppose to do? Kaiba is so desirable, and I'm so damn obsessive. I'm not thinking straight. It's more than four hours till the businessman and my last collaboration. I can't say I'm looking forward to it, but I really wish I were staring back at it, that it was all over and I could leave.
"Lobster?" I ask nervously, lifting the animal up. He is moving a bit where his breathing slits are. He may just live. I put him down slowly and watch him. I'm happy he isn't dead.
Maybe this is a sign? Maybe this is a good sign? (B)
"Where are we going, Kaiba?" I ask curiously. He's sitting next to me in the back of his car, or one of them. I've noticed there are subtle differences in each one. I wonder which Kaiba prefers? I'm not going to ask that, though, because he seems a little angry at something.
"Kampai," he informs me in a second. I nod at this and continue staring out the window. The car hitting a bump jolts me out of my budding thoughts and my seat. Kaiba hasn't moved, but scowls. I pray we do not crash sans seatbelts.
We reach the restaurant without any more driving problems. Kaiba walks out quickly from the car and waits for me to hurry up. Apparently I'm slowing down his schedule. I'm barely more than halfway to him when Kaiba starts walking briskly towards the entrance. In the doorway while he checks our reservation, I am in awe.
The Kampai restaurant is extraordinarily large. I could never afford to even walk into a place like this. There are waiters with tables and large groups of people. I'm struck mute at the grandeur of it all.
No, really. I'm surprised someone hasn't rushed up to charge me for breathing rights; because I'll be pinched if I'm not inhaling flavored oxygen. The entire room has the scent of food cooling in beautiful perfumes and women marinated in delicious smelling oils. I mean women in lovely perfumes and foods with engaging odors that look too nice to consume. Something like that…. All the air around me is weighted down by the distracting myriad of aroma variety. It's strange and I'm feeling a bit dizzy and lazy. I want to fall asleep for some reason. I hope Essence of Failure isn't emanating from me too strongly or I'd be repelling the entire crowd once we enter the dinning rooms.
"This way, Bakura," Kaiba orders, unfazed by the aura of the luxurious eating palace. I quickly rouse myself to attention and try to ignore the rest of the place and the little things that keep catching my eye.
A tall waiter (well, taller than me) leads us to our own spot. I'm relieved this place is a Western styled restaurant. I generally don't enjoy kneeling for three hours of polite eating. We are handed menus and left alone. I open mine for something to do.
I notice the absence of prices inside the ordermenus. I shift nervously, not knowing what to get. All too soon the waiter is back.
"What will you two be having?"
"Beef filet with sauce." Kaiba orders casually. I bit my lip and continue to study the list nervously. It would really help if I knew what half these dishes were.
If we weren't at a formal restaurant, I'd order creampuffs. Don't ask; I just would. I see them at the bottom of the menu. They are all I recognize.
"And what will you be ordering, sir?"
The waiter, to his credit, is waiting for me to answer just as easily and confidently as Kaiba. I can't, all these words on the menu in front of me make zero sense right now. I'm looking for the "Leave Now, containing extra Trip to Hawaii on the side, smothered to perfection in your choice of Sudden Lethal Accident in Five Seconds or Instant Ass Saving by Well-Aimed Galactic Projectiles sauce".
Sadly, this combination seems to be either out of season or the high-class restaurant doesn't carry a Menu de Morons.
"He'll have the mild chicken rice dish, but with the sauce on the side," Kaiba breaks in before I make myself look little more of an idiot than I do on a daily basis. I don't know what I'm going to be eating, but I don't care. The patient waiter nods, bows, and exits. I turn to Kaiba. Mild is a term oft used in referring to dishes with spice. I wonder if knows how bad my mouth might burn?
"How far is the 'mild' in the mild chicken going?" I ask, a little uncertain.
"You'll barely taste it. Even Mokuba will eat the stuff," he informs me quickly; a bit annoyed that I bothered to ask.
I nod slowly at this and wait for our drinks, which Kaiba apparently ordered while I pointlessly deciphered my menu and failed. He's taken care of everything. I guess he really wants to get this over with sooner than later.
That's business. End everything officially before someone comes around to sue you for all you're worth.
Well, to sound cliché, that is.
"Kaiba-sama!" a voice exclaims in an I'm-So-Surprised-See-You-Here tone somewhere behind me, coming towards us. Kaiba actually brightens into his usual cold demeanor, not all that angry as he was coming in. I suppose sadly that he was dying for company that he understood better.
"Daikon-san," Kaiba nods at the man politely. If it wouldn't seem so terribly rude, I'd turn around to face this newcomer.
I am saved the embarrassment as the older man sits down with us. I find I actually recognize his face. He is the same old man from the theatre. I hope he has a terrible memory.
"Bakura-kun!"
No, his memory is totally fine, apparently.
"You two know each other?" Kaiba asks. The old man, Daikon, nods, smiling happily.
"Yes, but I was not aware he was your acquaintance, Kaiba. This is very nice to know."
I stay silent. I really do have nothing to say right now. Kaiba takes control of the conversation, asking the man about subjects concerning business. I do not understand this, am only half listening. The newcomer orders some food and we wait. Soon, the man has a paper out and is writing notes and drawing diagrams. I don't get any of this information that is currently flying over my head. Kaiba does though, and he looks very concentrated on the discussion. I eventually lapse into dormancy, not listening or acknowledging anything being said; just letting it flow over my head likes some foreign language. I hardly notice when the food comes.
"Are you eating, Bakura-kun?" the old man asked.
"He's waking up, Daikon."
I look up at Kaiba in surprise at this sarcasm. I wasn't aware he knew I was even here. To avoid any confusion or awkwardness, I grab my chopsticks and look to my dish. True to the name, the meal is chicken and rice with some ocean of sauce poured down next to it. I concentrate on appearing to be eating it while Daikon-san and Kaiba keep up their conversation.
"What do you think, Bakura?"
I look up in surprise at the old man's question. I really have no idea what he wants me to say.
"Excuse me?"
Kaiba shakes his head at this and turns to the business associate.
"Daikon, he obviously wasn't listening. He doesn't understand."
"Is he in school?" Daikon asks curiously.
"Yes, and average, like all the other students."
Something in this remark is offending. I mean it's common knowledge Kaiba is completely above normal teens in intelligence and financial status (well, except maybe Otogi, though that's just with money, haha), but this remark still stings. So? I know Kaiba is a lot better than me. Everyone has always been. All the things I am even remotely good at are nothing or forbidden by different forces. Yet, I don't know how Kaiba comparing me to others could be so annoying. Maybe it's his attitude, like he didn't want to be here till he could talk to Daikon and ignore me.
"How are your grades, Bakura-kun?"
"Fine, I guess…."
"Do you do things like sports or such?"
I want to collapse into laughter. Yeah, I play soccer. Can't he tell by my muscular form and trained grace?
"None, unless coach makes us."
I hate coach, everyone does. He's a tyrant.
"Nothing? You don't do anything?"
"Yeah…." I'm self-conscious now.
"Oh."
The man looks a bit disappointed. I wonder why. I guess it's because I'm not some genius like Kaiba and good at everything. I look at the CEO warily as he seems frustrated now. I don't happen to have an on and off clicker for my soul either. I don't know why I even dream about Seto and me together. Maybe I'm never perfect. I can never be right for him. I know this.
Or, I'm going to try and keep this in my mind for a while. Tell myself that I just like this face or something, like everyone else.
I quietly turn back to my food and start picking at it promisingly with the primary Western eating utensil, a fork. The forks and knives are next to chopsticks. I guess the managers want the best of both worlds here. But I don't care much about actually eating anything right now. I never noticed the drinks being delivered, but they are here now. I take mine and concentrate on the liquid inside; trying to guess what it is since I didn't order any of this meal.
"Excuse me."
A sharp pain fills my mind, administered somewhere into my back when someone at the next table puts his arm too far on the back rest. Someone calls out at this disruption as I tip forward with the momentum of whatever nudged into me. My drink betrays my will to not be a hassle and spills over. Unluckily for me, the liquid is dark and the table has a white cloth.
For some odd reason the word "DOOM" flashes before my eyes periodically. I can hardly see till I sense the disruption and, most of all, Kaiba's disgust and anger.
"I'm very sorry."
Apparently this isn't good enough as the headwaiter comes up, complaining.
"What happened here?" he asks, glaring at the stained cloth and my empty glass. Before I can even take the breath to answer, he is scowling and ordering new arrangements and a transfer to a new table. Kaiba is watching me indignantly as well and I want to fall away. I want to dissolve into the tile floor and slip between the cracks, never seen again. I want to drip into the sewers and live the life as hermit below the slaughterhouse of my last social encounter with humankind.
"I'm really, really sorry," I apologize as we sit in a new area, our meals delivered safely while our former residence is cleaned up like an oil spill occurred rather than the tipping over of a tall glass.
Kaiba just watches me coldly and Daikon looks a bit flustered. I know they are both embarrassed to be in my company. I might as well leave now or kill myself with a knife.
But wait. It may sink these two businessmen's status down lower when one of their guests spills a drink then commits suicide in front of an entire restaurant. I don't think I should do that.
"I was knocked in the back, I really, truly didn't mean to make that mess."
"It cannot be helped, little Bakura. Our food is okay and it was obviously an accident. We have nothing to be sore at you about."
I nod. I don't think Kaiba is of the same mind as the old man. He turns to his meal and starts cutting it. I watch my own with zero appetite. After a few minutes he's talking to Daikon and pretending I'm not here.
I waste my food. The entire evening I pick at it and move it into designs, alone while I sit with two others. To them I am a little child who knows how to stay silent and is enjoying myself by myself, so they have nothing to worry about it. What hurts most is Kaiba. A few days ago he was almost human. Now I feel like I've walked in on the wrong place and am not supposed to be here. Everything wants me to go, but I must be forced to wait out the evening. It is a torture I have earned. I watch Kaiba speak about what I can't understand. He might as well be speaking Polish for all the good it does me. I can just watch, curious but ignorant as these two gods discuss various technicalities of their workstations.
I'm feeling stupid, only recognizing a few phrases. I wonder when Kaiba plans on leaving. I'm too busy thinking to realize the two colleagues before me are rising and quickly shaking hands. The shoptalk is apparently over.
"Farewell, it's been a pleasure meeting you two," Daikon informs us. I truly believe the jubilance and enthusiasm in his handshake with me. He is happy to get away. He is soon walking to the door while Kaiba finishes paying for our hardly eaten, but interestingly rearranged meals. I notice he wasn't very hungry either.
"Come on, Bakura."
This impersonal statement is the first thing he's said to me without a question invoking it since we arrived here. I can't help but feel my heart begin softly sinking into its cage of disappointment and depression. I silently follow him, watching his feet and not the people we walk by to exit. I know they are looking at me, whispering to one another about the klutz who went and spilt his glass over the table where he sat with Seto Kaiba, most eligible bachelor in Domino and leader in financial worth.
We are soon in the car and Kaiba, to his credit, lets me sit as far away as possible without hanging out the window like a flag. As soon as we reach the apartment building, I decide I have something to say before leaving Kaiba forever.
"There, I no longer exist. You owe me nothing."
Kaiba blinks at this but nods, understanding.
"So you know, I will not expect you to acknowledge me anymore at school or anywhere else. You don't have to concern yourself with my pathetic ideas any longer."
Seto nods, still not saying anything. I want him to smirk at something, to attack this little speech of mine, but I also want him to ignore it. What he answers is terrifying: silence. He nods and accepts what I'm saying. I hate this, but it also seems the only justified reply.
"Goodbye, Kaiba," I farewell.
I step out of the car. Nothing happens, no "wait, Ryou" or anything. I don't know what I've expected, but stepping out with nothing happening just seems strange. Did I think some god would strike me down or some dramatic scene would ensue and end with my death? I'm not even pulling theatrics by crying or having my voice crack. Just as emotionless as the man in the car behind me, I rise up and out the car door, closing it like always behind me before the driver comes around to do this instead. I walk up the steps to my apartment without even waving.
It's the end. I have school tomorrow and no time to go upstairs and cry for five hours. I just need to sleep.
And this time, I know I will not dream.
Two days after later.
I'm not too depressed, but I'm not happy, either. I did not dream about Kaiba and he did not go to class yesterday morning. He was avoiding me most likely. Today he is back and I'm returning the favor.
I'm ignoring everything he does, every question he answers correctly. Yesterday the Miss-Teacher-Lady was disappointed that I did not want to divert my thoughts' attention to her constant inquisition. She told me she was disappointed in the fact that I understood what she taught but displayed it so poorly. I wasn't really listening. She gave me a paper to write about why I don't focus on my in-class work and performed vocal analysis so pathetically. It's due by the end of this week and I haven't bothered to throw anything together at all. The essay is something meant to be overly centered on morals and respect for teachers, and I want nothing to do with it.
I'm just distracted. Today Kaiba is in the classroom and I do not want to do anything noticeable. I want to become invisible. I can't, though. Yuugi-tachi is watching me, waiting to pounce in my way and start asking me if I'm feeling all right and inviting me to various excursions throughout Domino's entertainment district. They will want me to go to a duel, hang out in the arcade, or save passer-byes from the frivolous and very much annoying boasts of Jounouchi and his achievements near groups of moderately attractive girls. I don't care for this too much. Yesterday I just barely escaped all of them. I plan on doing the same today.
"Bakura," a voice hisses behind me. It's Otogi. I ignore him so I can continue not listening to the sensei. He prods my back immaturely with a pencil, but I still will not turn around.
"A note, Bakura," he informs me, fluttering the folded paper by my ear. I ignore this too. He sighs and gives up.
Ms. Teacher Lady is showing off a charming display of fractions and triangular angles. My lack of outward fascination is strangely noticed.
"Bakura, if I add all these distances, what will I get?"
I am too far-gone to even acknowledge the fact I'm being asked a question. I must look completely wired out, but I will not answer her. I cannot. My mind is screaming and throwing thoughts at me, trying to force my mouth to recite orderly the solution to the question which it has concocted now. My lips are still not moving and my eyes start to focus on the blackness of the board rather than the writing and numbers that I understand but can't portray the finale of. The woman scowls and repeats her statement of yesterday.
"Ryou Bakura, I am terribly disappointed with this. Will you answer the question?"
My brain screams once. I wince, not from her harsh works, but the violence of the mathematician in my mind that is so devastated. With the final outburst, he passes away to the great grey matter in the sky. I suddenly drop all my answers, forgetting them. I watch the board confused and try to remember how everything's supposed to work. I missed too much of the lesson to know what to do. When I get around to my schoolwork at home later my mind will have assembled yet another personality devoted to math to help me recall everything, but now it is trying to reboot from the current death in the department. This is the fifth time I've given up on a subject in the middle of class this week and this week started two days ago.
"I don't have the answer," I reply truthfully while the teacher glares angrily. She turns to ask someone else.
"For a second there I thought you were going to give her the solution, Bakura."
I furrow my brow at Otogi's jest. He notes the fact I just listened to him and smirks. I want to strangle him, but that would cause a scene. He is very lucky I'm trying to be invisible. He is so lucky I'm trying to be invisible.
"Bakura, the bell just rang. Why are you still here?"
I turn around to look at the speaker, not entirely petrified in fear. Seto Kaiba just spoke?
"Bakura!"
I turn to look at Ms. Teacher Lady. She has been waiting for me. She knows I wait till the class is gone to leave.
"Yes, ma'am?"
"You stay here. I have a conference planned for you today."
I watch Kaiba nervously since he hasn't moved from his desk. I wonder what he wants? Does this conference have to do with him as well? Why wasn't I told. Maybe I was, I just wasn't listening.
"I'm talking to your father about your school participation, young man."
"He's--he's out of town, ma'am," I stutter, still wondering why the hell Kaiba is still here.
"Not anymore. We thought you'd convince him not to come. We called ourselves as various attempts from you to reach him have been…unsuccessful."
I watch my feet. Kaiba rises to exit finally, meeting the waiting hordes of fan girls outside the classroom.
I still don't understand why he was waiting. I also hate the teacher's unfairness. I should be allowed to know of meetings before they pounce on me. I never have told my father about the teacher arranging conferences. I always put off calling and complaining later to the teachers he had been relocated or unreachable. They never believed it I guess, but until now they hadn't done anything about the inconvenience. I wonder what incriminating information they have given him? I hope it wasn't too much.
"Are you the educator?"
I look at the voice of the man who as just entered. That is not my father. It's Daikon.
"Yes, are you Bakura's father?"
"No, he couldn't make it. I'm Daikon Seig."
I watch, in shock. I can't believe it. I have a feeling something in this has to do with Kaiba.
"Well, it's better than the nothing we've seen in past conferences, Daikon-sama."
"You don't say?"
The teacher nods and walks to her desk, pulling out a file. It is very large and looks ready to spring open and swallow us all. I think Ms. Teacher Lady has stuffed a person in there.
"This is the boy's test record for…" she pauses and looks at me for apparently no reason, "…This year only."
Daikon smiles at them. "Ambitious little test taker, hm?"
The woman opens the folder to reveal not a poor captive soul, but several papers and documents, many in my own handwriting. I look at them in mild curiosity. Many of the pages make up stapled batches from essays to scrap math papers teachers always insist on keeping, but are generally useless for any substantial grading since nothing is ever in order.
"So what is the problem? Bakura seems intelligent enough to pass."
Ms. Teacher Lady sighs at this and leafs absentmindedly through the answered quizzes and examinations before fixing Daikon with a serious glare.
"There is nothing wrong with his intellectual skills, it's his behavior that must be discussed. I want to make sure you don't assume grades mean the student is good."
How come my behavior annoys everyone so much now? It wasn't bothering them before. But then, in the past I didn't stay in one place long enough to be so thoroughly evaluated by everyone with the brain energy to cause a flicker of light in a string of holiday lights.
"Does he act up and pass notes? Many children do that."
"No, he doesn't."
"Then what is the problem?" Daikon is watching me, a bit confused. I sigh and watch my feet.
"It's the fact that he doesn't; the extent to which he refuses to interact with anyone in the class. One of my pupils, Seto Kaiba, is of the mind to avoid other students, but Bakura commits to zero acknowledgements to everyone. I'm afraid there is something wrong with him."
I want to scream at her, that woman who has bothered to educate me since I joined this school year. Why should my social behavior bother her so much?
"How does he ignore them, how often?"
I don't even know why Daikon gives a damn. This is a bunch of nonsense. She's making me sound antisocial and suffering from a borderline personality disorder. I don't plan on breaking the law or hurting anyone. I'm not mutilating myself in my spare time. I'm keeping my other self from everyone.
"Well, not all the time, I don't want you to get the wrong idea here. He will cooperate with some. Yuugi Motou and his group have a friendship with Bakura. So does Ryuuji Otogi as well. In fact, the two of them disrupted the class earlier this year with some pointless joke about clowns. He's also been know to speak with Seto occasionally"
"Then what's the problem?"
Daikon looks bored, but the Teacher is suddenly over come with an excited, angry fervor. Her voice drops and she is suddenly very enthusiastic in what she's saying. Of course, this may be a wrong description. She looks insane.
"He ignores me. You can't understand to what bounds he does this!" she exclaims, "He will not answer questions, he will act like he has an IQ of 60 and no one will care. Then, his work is good, but if I ask him the same questions he answered so well on paper, he will become confused and look like an idiot."
"Maybe the other students, the pressure…."
"That isn't it!" she says. I think I did drive her insane, "He listened last week, last week he answered everything for me."
"Your point, ma'am?"
"I think Bakura should be excused first."
I naturally want to know what she has to say now, but she doesn't want me to.
"Bakura, will you go wait outside the door till I call you back?"
I watch her, not moving. If I stay will she act like I don't understand her and keep talking?
"I know you can hear me, please leave."
I feel sorry for the woman. My strangeness has stressed her. I decide to comply and exit. I close the door after myself and try not to listen to the conversation. It's very hard since the teacher is raising her voice slowly.
"He ignored everyone he knew after he started answering me and he left the classroom as soon as possible, before I even got out the door. Even his close friend Ryuuji was surprised. For the past three weeks he's missed two days of school, Otogi was also absent for both of these. (D)
"What are you saying?"
"I think there are some things terrible wrong with that child and I want to transfer him to another class, for children who are…different."
I almost scream at this. She thinks I'm crazy and being homosexual with Otogi. She's hasn't exactly pointed it out yet, but I can tell. This all isn't really any of the woman's business.
"Bakura?"
I spin around quickly and look at the other wall. I didn't notice Kaiba was leaning against the door to the science lab, watching me and probably listening.
"Yes?"
"Is she talking with Daikon?"
"Yes," I answer, still not sure why Kaiba even cares. He's supposed to hate me.
"Why is he even here?" I ask, curious.
"To help, I asked him to."
"How did you…?"
"I know these things, Bakura," he informs me. There is silence, strange and difficult, filling the expanse of hall between us. Kaiba is watching me and thinking about something. I don't know what. I can hear Ms. Teacher Lady talking still, complaining about how difficult I am.
"Bakura isn't for the classroom. He is one of the worst disturbances a teacher can deal with. The class laughs when he actually answers because they think it's funny. I think it is pathetic. He shouldn't have that type of influence. The only reason I think he ignores me it that it doesn't affect his grade if he does everything else. And, even if he were failing, the law will not allow him to be held back to make up a year. Most educators will let this slide because his tests are so thoroughly done, but as a human being, with morals and expectations, I will not let him continue. It isn't right."
I stay silent throughout this. I don't get it. What she's saying doesn't make sense at all. I don't want to be moved to another class. Why does she want me out? My only friends are in that class. I'm confused and I know it shows to the statue across the hall.
"Come on, Bakura, you don't need to listen. It will sort out. Daikon will make sure. He's trained in negotiations." he assures me, motioning for me to follow as he leaves.
I don't understand what Kaiba is doing, but I don't care. I'm still spazzing over what the teacher was saying. I follow for a few feet before stopping.
"Where are we going, Kaiba?"
"For a drive."
"The conference…."
"Forget it, Bakura. I told you."
I obey and follow. I do not doubt Kaiba would drag me along if I didn't comply. He appears determined to have me go wherever he is taking us. All I can do is follow suit and trail behind him on the stair, down to the lobby, and out the door.
"Get in," Kaiba orders, pointing quickly to the car. I do as I am told quietly, without any resistance.
Kaiba tells the driver where to go and enters the vehicle on the opposite side of myself. I watch him nervously as the driver closes the door and enters the front. We are soon rolling down the street in silence. Kaiba seems on the verge of saying something to me, but keeps stopping before the words come out. I wonder what he is trying to say? Maybe it is about Yuugi? I don't know and I don't like it. Finally Kaiba just nods to the driver, who turns to the apartment building where I live. I prepare to get out and walk to my rooms till I'm stopped.
"Bakura, I was talking with Otogi yesterday. He said some things."
I stop reaching to open the door and turn to Kaiba surprised, but also confused.
"What did he say?" All the worst things come to mind.
"Some things. He's an idiot. He helped me see and accept something about this whole problem with Yuugi."
"What was that?"
Oh god, I can't even guess the answer to that one. Otogi is insane and unstable. Who knows what was running through Kaiba's mind? I should ask if he read anything.
"My shift in interests. I saw in Yuugi what I didn't want and discovered exactly what I wanted somewhere else," Kaiba informs me. Sounds like Kaiba played this whole thing trial and error. Oh, he's very compassionate. Kaiba cares so much about other people. I mean look all that grossly accumulating sympathy and eagerness to help. It just so beautiful and great. Yeah.
Wipe away those nonexistent tears of joy now people, we don't want any floods in here. But, before you start crying, elated at such a wonderful Kaiba, pinch yourselves. Yep, you just might be dreaming.
Don't worry; I do it all the time.
"You did? Was it another robot? Your secretary seems quite robotic." I ask with a slight smile.
"No, actually," he sneers at my brave remark, "Niether's a robot."
"He or a she?" I ask since Kaiba has always dated girls in the past up until now when Mokuba finally announces his brother is gay. So you never know just what gender the billionaire's going for. You have to ask.
"A he," Kaiba answers.
"Oh no, you love Yami no Yuugi don't you?" I ask with mock seriousness. Actually, Yami no Yuugi and Anzu get along quite well. Hint, hint, hint x infinity….
"And why would I do that?" Kaiba sighs in annoyance.
"Well, Otogi?" I ask again, but almost burst out laughing. Oh yes, him and Seto Kaiba where made for each other. I can see it now in the papers after their first anniversary: 'Kaiba and Ryuuji, One Year Still No Homicides!'
"How did you know, Bakura?" Kaiba sighs again and rolls his eyes at me. I quite agree with the gesture.
"Oh God, not Jounouchi!" I exclaim quietly in awe and horror.
"Bakura, what is your problem?"
"So it is Jounouchi? Man, I didn't know you liked puppies, that's so sweet and…so…not…like…you…." I grin. Most likely it's some guy I don't even know. Maybe there's a fellow businessman I haven't seen yet? I'd say Daikon, but he's married.
"No," Kaiba snaps in frustration at my inability to guess his new obsession/love. Apparently he thinks that he's making it obvious. "It's not any of those people, so stop guessing and let me tell you," he orders, though I can see he wants to smile.
"Okay, Kaiba, tell me about your soul mate!" I exaggerate the last two words and lean back, preparing for a long stay.
"You can tell me more," Kaiba daunts. I shake my head at this.
"I'm not going to help you again, Kaiba. Sorry, but I'm not forcing other people to go out with Domino's most egotistical-ehem-eligible bachelor just because I'm an idiot." I promise him. I want him to make me disagree though. I want him to give me a chance to be semi useful again till he finally sees how pointless I am. He's looked down at me my entire stay in this city, booking my initials under Yuugi-tachi and forgetting I exist. Then he needs a tool to open Yuugi Motou up to him and guess which name he locates.
Ryou Bakura: The group's anti bosom buddy. Is a mindless loser who has yet to figure out no one cares if he's there or not.
Interesting Characteristics: His hair has gone from blue/purple to white. He also possesses a pretty little necklace with an evil spirit inside of it. He is cursed, his life sucks, and he should be avoided unless you need a mindless drone to lie for you and have everyone's trust.
"You're not an idiot, Bakura," Kaiba snaps.
"Prove it," I find I have to reply. How can Kaiba not see this stupidity in me? Doesn't the first thing he notices about people happen to be their flaws? I don't want to play the exception to his nature.
"I don't like idiots, Bakura. You're not totally stupid," Kaiba admonishes me lightly. I blink.
I guess Kaiba reads my thoughts just as well as Otogi does. Which means he can't.
"Do you even notice when the Ms. Teacher--uh--Gashi-sensei asks me questions? A wall responds better," I inform him with sarcasm and blunt truth.
"You're not unintelligent, you just don't choose to answer, Bakura." Kaiba replies right above me again in superiority. I was wrong; he can read my mind a hell of a lot better than Otogi.
"But if you were indeed a fool, it wouldn't really bother me. Everyone's too smart anyways. They think quiet people are geniuses."
Oh yeah, he's got me pegged there. I have the brainpower to move chairs across the room and plot the beginning of life and all the cosmos.
Kaiba groans at my disbelieving face and gets out of the car. I do likewise and walk up the stairs to my apartment. To my surprise, I turn around and Kaiba is still there. He still has something to add to what he's said.
"But, you're most likely just average and distracted. It makes you more interesting."
I'm interesting? I can just gap at Kaiba in a numb silence as he stands by the door, this mass of abilities I can only guess and hardly scratch the surface of. He is smart, reads minds, manipulates like Satan, and is only five feet away.
Damn, I have to get out of here before I decide I'm going to sell my soul.
Kaiba finds me interesting? He likes me?
Likes me, not loves me; but this is more thought than I believed he gave to my little world here. For me this is a genuine surprise. I think Kaiba is suffering from a longing to be a dull average teenager. He's going to get over it, sadly, and become grown up again. I'll wait this out with him till he moves on and forgets I am here.
Still, could this be a flaw? Kaiba is looking for something. I better write a name on a bit of paper for him to get in touch with and run away as fast as I can. I'm heavy though, I won't get far with this little chance of making him turn to me weighing my legs. I have to get out now before insane ideas of Kaiba and me being together take root and grow, blossoming into disastrous fantasies even worst than before.
Remember, he's already gotten someone chosen for this next adventure and I should deport myself from his association.
"So, the lucky guy?" I ask finally, "The one you're going to fall head over heels for? I didn't guess him."
Kaiba actually furrows his brow at this expression.
"Okay, since falling sounds ugly and disgraceful, who's the one you're becoming considerably more fond of in an immensely touchy-feely way?" I rephrased.
Kaiba smirks lightly at my mid shift in words. I wonder exactly what happens to be so funny. Oh wait, I'm interesting. I'm like a jester. I really know how to make Kaiba smirk like he means it. For that reason I'm worth keeping around. Everyone needs someone to laugh at.
"His name's Ryou, but he's violent if you call him that," he says to me with his tone that what is being said is the most obvious thing--like he usually answers me actually.
But I'm not sure I actually heard that right.
"What?" I ask a bit unfaithfully as little pictures of Kaiba and me together threaten to shape and intensify over their limits: overtake the borders and pesticides I've spread around them. I will not trust myself to take this seriously.
"Ryou Bakura. Otherwise known as you." he says, stepping a bit closer. I jump an twice as far back, if not more.
"Why?" I ask, a little more than sort of unsure. You know, because Kaiba has got to have a reason. There's totally a reason for liking someone to that extent. Mine is that I'm an idiot. I've accepted it.
I know, he's joking. This is a trick. Kaiba read my thoughts about him and wants to laugh at me by making me give in to his jest. He's obviously about as mature as a kindergartener to do this. Can he hurry and grow up before all my notions of his supposed superiority and intelligence are shattered?
"Because I've always been interested in you, Bakura?" he says. For once, he doesn't really know the answer. Who am I to ask why after such a confession, anyway. I'm being unfair, but everything has to make sense.
If Kaiba has always been interested in me, then it all makes even less sense.
"No. You're obsessed with Yuugi," I remind him from my point of view on his wants. Everything had a place when he liked Yuugi.
"I noticed you first, in class, acting like an idiot. I was waiting to get an excuse to ask you to do something for me, anything. I was only curious about you. I didn't mean anything. I was going to have you baby-sit Mokuba until I came up with something." Kaiba explains himself and confuses me.
"Mokuba said you like Yuugi." I inform him bluntly.
"He is a good liar, very intelligent. I liked Yuugi a little, but I didn't mean it. I thought I did sometimes, but not really. I found I didn't enjoy dating him and looked forward more to talking with you about it later."
"But you kissed Yuugi outside the theatre!" I squeak, still not sure how I feel. Which should I be: angry or happy, scared or confident and overjoyed at what I'm hearing? It all sounds diabolical and selfish, but that's the definition of Kaiba Seto.
Kaiba shrugs at this like it means absolutely nothing whatsoever.
"I felt like it. I did what you advised about the music. It was the moment."
I stare at him in complete disbelief.
"Why where you watching us anyway?" he asks, his smirk coming again. He takes a step closer again and I respond by backing in the exact same direction. Kaiba looks a little frustrated at this, but I'm not letting him near me. I'm a little terrified as I realise who Kaiba is, what he's saying, and what could happen to me if I don't get away. There's a fact that someone can be too intimidating. Kaiba is that always.
Yes, I know I'm an idiot.
"But you hate me. You didn't talk to me at Kampai. I'm nothing."
"No you aren't." he says irritably. "Stop saying that. Clearly you considered me some ignorant employer. I was mad at myself and threw it on you because I didn't want to admit I wanted you. I was being selfish."
"I…."
I have nothing to say. I watch Kaiba in shock and fear. He is confusing me but he's making sense. I don't know what to do anymore. I don't know how to prove him wrong.
"Is something the matter?" he asks finally.
(Run away, yadonushi, run as fast as you can.)
I blink at the warning. Kaiba is watching me curious and a little annoyed.
"Understand I want you," he says frankly. No-one's said they wanted me with a romantic sort of implication. I'm afraid when Kaiba says it.
I just don't pay much as much attention as I should while the voice in my head is telling me how to handle all this.
(Walk out, leave, just get away.)
"I really don't think you do. I'm not as interesting as you say, Kaiba." I apologize distantly as the voice gets even louder. "I'm a really boring person. Ask Ryuuji. You both seem to get along."
(Why are we still here, yadonushi?)
"It's not important life is devoted to periodic episodes of screaming. I want you and that's all that matters," Kaiba tells me stubbornly.
(He'll hurt you like everyone else, idiot. He's more dangerous than everyone else. Head for door. Get inside and lock it.)
I'm so distracted and torn between two voices; I haven't noticed Kaiba's approach. When I look up, he is right before me. I suddenly feel like I should run away. My foot steps back, just in case.
I want to think this isn't a joke, that Kaiba is being serious. In fact, he is near and I sense so little mocking authority in his expression for once. I almost believe he is telling the truth.
Almost, but the spirit of the Sennen Ring is not of the same opinion.
"Bakura?" he has to ask, as I'm pretty sure I look terrible. There must be an expression of pure terror across my face, as I don't know what to do. I'm not scared, just paranoid this is one of Kaiba's less hilarious outbursts and that I shouldn't respond.
Kaiba touches my face. It should be okay. Lots of people feel it in their minds it's time to brush their fingers over another eyes to blind them or rub a smear off their chin before a meeting with respectable others. But Kaiba is different. If I acknowledge what he's attempting, I'll nearly accept all of this. I want to. Maybe I just should and let whatever happens happen? What if I convince myself I don't care what happens?
Kaiba's hand detours and brushes some of my long hair away.
(Hit him, child, run.)
I can still hear the annoying voice. Why should I bother with it? Since when did my other self's information ever prove to be to my own benefit? He never really helps.
"Bakura--"
I turn around quickly, clearing my throat, and unlock the door, nervous. Kaiba doesn't seem to be lying to me that much and it's shocking in a way. He is still standing behind me. I know it and also that he may not leave unless I fight him off the welcome mat to my apartment. That would be kind of ironic, the mat says, "Welcome" on it and I'd be chasing him away. I watch the dark lettering almost under my feet and try to get the difficult door lock to behave and cooperate with me. The door finally opens after what seems an hour of trying to get the key in. I turn to say goodbye to Kaiba but I've forgot one thing. Kaiba doesn't understand 'no, go away, I'm terrified of you.' It's a concept no-one's ever really taught him.
I'm caught against him in seconds before I can speak. I don't even have the time to yelp in surprise as two alien lips press my own forcefully.
It's not a very enjoyable kiss, as I'm not fully committed. Kaiba's doing his best, but I refuse to cooperate. My mind acts like it just experienced dry ice and freezes dead for a few seconds before I realize the major point here: Kaiba is kissing me. This is slightly warming and a few thoughts are permitted formation. Instinctively my hands reach out rest on the front of his uniform, over his chest. I don't know if I'm responding to prepare to throw him off or if I'm going to pulling him towards me eagerly. The topic of to run or not is decided already, I see, as Kaiba has my shoulders in his possession and I can't get away.
(You're not doing what I think you're doing, baka.)
I don't care what that voice has to say right this second. Kaiba's attack was entirely uncalled for, but I'm stuck here now. His grip tightens and I try to get out of it. He takes this moment to invade my mouth smoothly and take things further under his control. My brain is currently on defrost and not planning much by means of retaliation. I can depend on myself for nothing.
(You are disgusting me, yadonushi.)
Suddenly a door opens. Seto breaks away and turns around fast, glaring at the poor soul who has entered his little moment.
"Sorry, I didn't see anything!"
Quickly the horrified tenet covers his eyes and hurries back into his apartment. I take the time from this distraction to open my door and halfway enter my apartment. My face is burning up. I'm surprised my hair hasn't burst into flames. I have obviously unfrozen myself.
Kaiba glares a bit longer at the neighbor's disappearing direction before turning back to me. I watch him, halfway in the front room with the door partly closed, trying to calm myself. This is wrong; I know it. Kaiba can't be in love with me. It's something he doesn't understand. If he knew the first thing about who I am he'd run faster than if I were the Sennen Ring Spirit.
"What's wrong, Bakura?" Kaiba asks, stepping towards me again. I threaten to close the door and he backs up a moderate amount. I'm trying to think rationally and I know I can't let him follow me into the apartment. It's Seto Kaiba, for crying out loud. He'd probably want to kiss me again. Maybe more. I'm not ready. I'm not even ready to hear him say he want's me like he does.
"Don't say you 'want' me," I order cautiously. Kaiba is startled at this and glares slightly. He can't realize he's being an idiot; he's only convinced himself he's in some kind of passion. In reality it just a temporary longing I don't want to fulfill. "You're smart. Please leave."
"Bakura, how could you request such a thing? I love you."
I shake my head at this. Maybe my brain is tarnished and suffering freezer burn because the next words I recite before even planning are evil.
"Like you loved Yuugi, right?"
Kaiba frowns. I've finally stated what bothers me. I saw how he felt about the Motou and I don't want to be with him if he'll fall away from me the same way.
"Bakura, I always wanted you all along. Can't you see? I'm not lying."
Kaiba is getting angry. I can't believe how immature he's acting.
"How do I know? Maybe you are telling the truth now, how do I really know?"
"Bakura, don't say that--"
I shake my head as reality makes its face clearer. Kaiba watches, the amazing expression that is confusion on his face. His lovely determined face. Who am I not to give in to him?
"There are reasons, Seto. For your own good, stay away."
I close the door and lock it. Kaiba stands on the other side in silence before walking away. I listen to him going down the steps and opening the door to his car. He barks at his driver and is soon gone. I sigh as I take my shoes off and cross the room.
I was so close. Haven't I wanted Kaiba all along? Why can't I let him have me?
I don't think I entirely believe him, still. It's terrible. I'm bringing myself down to nothing. I'm pushing everything I want away again.
(I admire your participation in my orders, yadonushi. Keep that person away from us.)
I nod glumly at this voice. I guess I did obey the commands. I'm pathetic. I can't think straight and the first idea I listen to happens to be that of the insane spirit in my mind. This is great. Everything is so wonderful now.
I don't know what I'm going to do tomorrow if Kaiba tries to talk to me like everyone else. I don't want anyone coming over here right now. I can hardly avoid them all during school. It's horrible. I wish none of this were happening. People are starting to notice me and I really don't feel in anyway comfortable and safe. Most others want to be seen, recognized by the world. I don't. I can convince myself I do, but I prefer the background shades when compared to the more colorful life. All I wanted was Kaiba, not all this attention.
I can't leave my apartment tomorrow. I better just stay here and arrange plans to move to a far away place. Maybe Russia? I could learn the language and immigrate. I'd be really invisible in a white coat and all that snow far, far north. Maybe I could ice fish or drive a dog team. I could go to Alaska in the United States. I like snow well enough. I could do that. Then my family couldn't find me, my 'friends' couldn't find me, Kaiba couldn't find me (though I doubt he'd want to after today) and maybe, just maybe, I couldn't fine me too.
(That plan has about a snowball's chance in hell.)
So? I need to think of something. My idea is better than nothing. I mean, it's not impossible, just highly unlikely.
(What do you know about ice fishing and sled dogs, you baka. Recite a bit of Russian.)
Okay, scratch that spurt of thought. I'll come up with something else. Anything else. It isn't important what.
Notes and Stuff:
A: I HAVE slept through and alarm for three hours. My friends had come over to wake me up; I was so out of it.
B: You should have seen me debate whether I was going to kill that lobster. I had two endings planned where he lives and where he dies.
C: Daikon-sama uses honorifics because he is one of those annoyingly polite people. I don't see why Ryou has to add the –kun and -san mentally to peoples names. I don't think of my teachers and authorities with Mrs. or Mr. Before their names. And, most importantly, this fic is mostly English and all those honorifics get a bit lame. I deleted all the -kun's, the -sama's, and the -san's I first had in this fic along with a majority of the Japanese. Simplicity is sacred and my plot is already getting confusing enough.
D: One day Ryou was sick and Otogi was there, one day Ryou was at the park and then went to Otogi's.