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

Such wonderful people, those beta's. Thanks to R Amythest for beta-reading.

Sorry, this chapter was being difficult. I'd be damned to say it was funny at all. I guess you guys have to just bear through it then. Some of you might like it.

Chapter de Fourteenth: Bakatare

If you are "cheesing" someone off, you are basically aggravating him or her. Have you ever bothered to use the term "cheese off?" Have you ever heard the expression? I find it comical. Things that are annoying or cliché tend to be referred to as "cheesy."

Well, I feel very "cheesed off" at the moment.

I also feel like the biggest dunce in the history of the human race right now, but it's all right. I'm used to that.

I can't believe what Otogi did. I'm so mortified. Why? I remember how I felt when Seto actually bothered to respond; I was shocked, afraid, and nervous. My face was so red I think my hair almost began to smolder.

Note to self: You hate Otogi.

Do you know what that idiot did? No, you don't. I'm almost too embarrassed to repeat it myself. It was appalling. I thought Otogi could have shown a bit more tact than that. He could have at least waited till the entire class was gone. I mean, half the room was still filing out and then he asked so loudly.

Otogi is too rude. I want to break all ties, disassociate with him in every way possible.

I guess you want to know what happened, right? Okay, here it is.

At the end of class earlier, Otogi did the most dreadful thing ever imagined in the history of the world. He walked up to Kaiba right when the bell finished ringing and asked him a little too loudly if he, (I'm going to personally kill Otogi) asked him if he still liked me. Or as he put it: Baka Bakura.

I was halfway out of the classroom as he said this. I cruelly pushed some of my fellow students past as I bolted. I think Yuugi turned to go scold Otogi. I didn't see Kaiba's reaction, but I left slow enough to pick up the word "I."

Now that could have been an "I do, yes," an "I don't, no," an "I never!" or (with any luck) an "I will kill you now, Dice Freak!"

I have no idea. I was gone by then.

And now I'm in my apartment making tea. The lobster is watching me from the bathroom down the hall like I'm some kind of deserter. I'm ignoring him well enough. I've called an aquarium. I'm going to drop him of in a few days. He can't stay here.

The lobster sounds a bit stunned, too, and for some reason I'm proud about it.

I don't think the lobster recognizes why I'm home so early on a Wednesday. Usually Yuugi-tachi drags me to the arcade or the mall at this time. Not today. I have to hide away for a bit till someone comes and tells me it's safe to leave.

Till then, I'm pouring myself some warm tea and sitting down with a paperback. I don't know what the book is, but I'm determined to read it. I'm at the table fully decent in jeans and a shirt and I'm not leaving anywhere. I'm just going to absorb some more caffeine like a sponge and be up all night. It's a disgrace. I haven't had tea or coffee in so long, I almost kicked the addiction. That's too bad; just blame Otogi.

"Awe, you look so lonesome," a voice croons from the doorway. I stare defiantly up at Ryuuji Otogi who has been brave (or stupid) enough to show his face.

"Have a nice chat with Kaiba?" I ask unpleasantly, looking into the opening page of my book.

"Did you hear that?"

My eyes fix on Otogi again. I am not wearing a happy expression as I answer, "Yeah, me and half the period."

"Oh, I guess you hate me again, do you?" Otogi groans falsely, like this behavior of mine is getting overly exhausting and routine.

I gaze back up at him. I don't say a word to this. Nor do I bat an eyelid or make a sort of movement till Otogi decides to yield. This is not so. I end up going once more to my book and taking another mouthful of tea.

"Is that a caffeine-including beverage I smell?" Otogi questions accusingly.

"Yep," I answer, offhandedly placing the mug back down. Otogi frowns at this and shakes his head.

"You're not supposed to drink that, Ryou. Remember what we said about your little problem?"

I shrug, "So?"

"You promised to stop," he reminds me. I roll my eyes and grab the mug again.

"You promised not to talk to Kaiba and today is the second time you've blown that word of honor out of the water," I retort, taking another sip. Otogi shakes his head again and lowers his eyes. I quickly down some obscenely large gulps. I know he's going to end up taking the mug away from me so I have to get the most of it now.

"But what you're doing isn't good for you," he says, looking up again and watching me lower the drink. It is now three fourths drained.

"So?"

I admit I have no better comeback than that. I know I'm an idiot; you really don't have to say anything.

(I wasn't going to.)

For some reason this is funny and I smirk. The Spirit is being sarcastic. He hardly says much anymore. I think he gave up on me.

"What's funny?"

I realize Otogi doesn't know why I'm slightly grinning. I know something he doesn't. I almost don't want to enlighten him, just keep it to myself.

(Don't worry, you can crow about your better self however much you want.)

I grin at this too.

"My other self," I answer Otogi. He blinks slightly and seizes the tea pitcher.

"I think you need to take a lie-down or something," he informs me. I grimace as he dumps the container's contents into the sink.

"I just got out of school, it is not time to sleep," I say stubbornly.

Otogi walks up to me and looks into my face. He doesn't seem too delighted or entertained. He looks like he's been thinking. It's fascinating. I didn't know Ryuuji could think.

Okay, that's just mean. Of course he thinks. He's a lot smarter than I am.

"You aren't going to find Kaiba in tea cup, Mahout. Or get away from him in one either," he warns, "Staying up and about all night long isn't going to help you. No one's going to feel sorry for your insomnia if you make it yourself."

I (for once) do not nod.

"Please move," I direct, attempting to stand. Otogi steps out of the way.

I stare up into Otogi's face since he's taller than I am. I frown at this and stand on a peach crate behind me that has been turned overturned. I bow till we are both eye to eye.

"Who cares about the caffeine? Really? It's your fault, that's the only reason it happens to trouble you, Ryuuji," I tell him softly.

Otogi's eyebrows crease in confusion, "Why did you just call me—"

"Shut up," I order impassively, "Just shut up, Ryuuji, please."

Otogi's face goes blank. He knows I'm insulting him, even if I'm not yelling profanities. I happen to know that things out of the norm tend to freak Otogi out, and he seems a bit nervous right now. I don't know how, but by standing on this peach crate, I am somehow coming off very intimidating. Maybe he's having flashbacks of my other self? Did they ever meet?

Otogi's expression forms a slightly livid aspect at last. He gives me an irate look before turning around and walking out.

"I don't care, I'm sick of apologizing anyway," he snaps, not watching me as he slams the exit behind him.

I hear Otogi slam the front room door on his way out as well. I'm jumping down from my crate and keep descending till I'm sitting on top, my arms folded over my knees as I try to think.

I've downed three cups of tea and have just purchased coffee from an all-night café down the street where corporate nobodys run to at all hours when writing business reports. My mind keeps jumping to the strangest topics. Did you know right in the middle of town, all roads leading in, the heart of Domino, the soul and life of the local economy, is Kaiba Corporation Headquarters?

Ever hear the expression, "All roads lead to Rome?" Well, all roads in this city lead to one massive building I've had the "treat" of entering. On the top floor of this place you can see almost everything. There are even super huge windows to accommodate the views. It's absolutely amazing. Every time you see a picture of Domino City on a postcard or a tour pamphlet, you see one tall building. This large structure, almost like a lucky four-leaf clover from the top perspective, is the main reason of existence for all of Domino past the fishing industry and gaming media.

Like I said, Kaiba Corp. It's very magisterial and almost frightening when you think about it, how one technology company has gone so far. Even harder for me to believe personally is I was on speaking terms with the CEO, and that the Kaiba heir kissed me. His authority, his name itself, makes you think you have to live up to some kind of expectation in their presence.

I'm really quite surprised no one was knocking on my door asking my name, telling me they're from the news, and having some questions about Kaiba and me as an "item." Either it was a very lucky twist of fate no one saw Kaiba and me together or someone's following me right now. Then, if I keep this avoidance of Kaiba up a future clipping in the paper will be "Seto Kaiba's Not-So-Secret Relationship in Troubled Waters."

Or, they will just assume I'm not important enough for a story. What am I to them if not with Seto Kaiba?

I'm really surprised this never came to me before. I was too busy paying attention to myself I guess.

That or my state of mind has been altered by right now.

See, currently I'm walking around Domino. No, really walking around. Before I kept very close to the park. Through the trees it was hard to see Kaiba Corp.

Now I'm not. Now I'm probably going to get myself lost.

I don't care. The city at night doesn't look so pretend and lifeless. I can see why the most impressive pictures of buildings are in the dark. During the day they are just so boring, each one a separate cell devoted to a different organization and business. At night you can't really see this. No, at night they are boundless pillars of light in the sky. You can see into the windows and the people there. You know there's life in the giant, emotionless buildings. In the dim they are more relaxed, willing to let some woman at her desk up there drop off and sleep for a few minutes before letting out a mute yelp and sitting back straight.

I find I love the artificial lights. At night you don't see the clouds of pollution or the ugliness of the large trucks puffing by. You just see the little hopes of brightness through a small square on the fifth floor of some low rent apartment. All those glass-covered openings, like stars with people inside them. It inspires one a little, even if the occupants of the heavens look as thought they rather be asleep, not trying to finish deadlines too long delayed, even if it was their own fault anyway.

Through my sudden interest with the spying on people, I notice some windows are easier to see than others. Some are tinted or covered in a blind, do not trust everything outside. I smile at these because I understand the feeling. I can hear them almost, telling me, "Go to the circus if you want a light show. I have things to conceal and you shouldn't mess with what isn't of your concern."

I laugh at them and nod my head in respect, letting them know I'm not interested in prying that much. No, I'm just glad to stand next to them and pat their walls, reassuring each no one's going to make them show anything they don't want to, that I see their logic. I tell them the only way to their great secret is to shatter their glass, but no one wants to hurt them like that. No, those people learn eventually that there is a such a thing as a front door and an invitation. If permitted, they're welcome to come in and see a few rooms, even if some of the hinges are a bit rusty. In fact, if they are willing to pay enough, they can take up residence and earn themselves a spot, a room, as pat of the entire setup.

I think that no matter how beautiful those lights are, I feel a personal attachment to the darker city gods, the ones covered over and dark. They are something I can relate to. You only notice them because they can never be truly invisible, but are easy to overlook. They want to be overlooked anyway. They don't want everyone staring at them, critiquing their residents.

Ha, I'm starting to wonder how silly, perhaps crazy, I have become.

I don't pay too much attention to people on the street as I walk around, buy my coffee, and keep going. I don't need to. I know a few are looking at me as I slowly walk past. They see I'm holding a warm Styrofoam coffee cup, soaking with my coat sleeve the lava-like spurt from the hole on top. Yeah, I just squeezed too hard. Again. That spot in the lid (apparently to cool the beverage or something) is not too different from a volcano or maybe a geyser. I find it to be a slight annoyance till it dispenses enough liquid to not squirt any longer. Until then, I have to use my coat because, being a regular Sherlock Holmes, I forgot to grab napkins. I always do, it's one of those strange qualities I happen to possess, a tendency to overlook obvious details.

Finally, I sit down at a bus stop and look around. In the store window nearby a clock is glowing. It's almost one in the morning. I see this, I acknowledge the time, but I'm still not tired enough to want to go home. There's nothing back in my apartment, no interesting views. Well, no views I haven't already seen a million times from my windows.

No, I'm just here, at one of the many bus stops that no bus or taxi will be visiting till dawn when the inhabitants of the nearby apartment buildings have to get to their jobs early. I know there won't be many Kaiba Corp employees. The building is too close a walking distance to waste on bus fare. Nearby (okay, down a few blocks and out of my vision) is the train station. I suppose Kaiba Corp employees would get off there if they really aren't in this part of town. Preferably, people travel by train to places around here (the hospital and the airport for example) if they don't have a car or anything to take the roads. Yuugi-tachi seems to take things on foot rather nicely, though, since they don't travel too far. But, Honda always has that motorbike and Mai drives a car. Heck, Jounouchi has his delivery bike, too.

Funny all the directions my thoughts can go while sitting on an enclose bench with posters of current events and entertainments decorating the walls behind me. People are walking past, talking to their company, (or themselves, good thing I'm not that crazy). No one's come up to me and asked why I'm not at home; sleeping so I can wake up bright and early for school tomorrow. Like I said, the police here don't take curfew seriously and it's not like I'm acting very suspicious. Most people my age are easy to spot. They have Yuugi's hair or a bad attitude. I have none of these things. I am invisible.

No, I'm only counting cars as they drive by. I stand up and take another sip of warm coffee to bring the area around me back into focus. My head is getting heavier and my eyes are of a want to close. I knock back the last of the drink and now all that's left is a few mouthfuls that are too cold to bother with. I look around for a trashcan but don't see one. I would like to just drop my cup in the gutter and walk away, but littering isn't very good. I won't let myself do that. No. If I go, the cup comes with me.

I begin to walk aimlessly again. I dare myself which direction to go once I reach an intersection. I could cross the street to the left and continue towards where the arcade is located or cross the street in front and walk…somewhere. I could always go right too. To the right is Kaiba Corp.

A mean, sadistic part of my mind dares me to go to Kaiba Corp. I'm nervous at this before caving. I slowly walk to the right. In a few minutes I can see one of the four entrances to the building. I don't know what's so frightening as I stalk insignificantly beneath the tallest skyscraper in the city. Seto Kaiba has to be home by now. He would have gone to his mansion a long time ago as I discovered watching Mokuba. There's nothing to worry about. It's not like he's going to just appear, confidentially strolling from one of the doors only to see me and call security to lock me up in jail for the rest of the night for spying on him. I guess that would interest the reporters probably trailing me.

I sit down on the curb across the street, invisible besides a line of newspaper dispensers, and look up the building's sleek sides, reflecting the city lights. You can see into these windows after the tenth story or so where lights are on randomly. You can't see them during the day, but at night it's clear. Still, I almost have to lie down to see the roof, the top office.

I freeze, as there is a light coming from it. I can't see any people (come on, that has to be hundreds of feet up!) but it's glowing. I hope it's a janitor or something.

I sigh uncertainly. To relive my anxiety, I turn to a nearby street lamp. There are a few moths fluttering around.

"Good evening," I greet one politely as it comes nearer. It keeps flying about pointlessly, infatuated with the light.

"So, how are you?"

It still ignores me.

"Fine, hm?"

It flutters up to the light.

"Uh, I wouldn't do that if I were--never mind"

The moth just died. I grimace at this and look for something else to consider. Something less perishable.

"So, you're a beetle, how's that working out for you?"

The bug crawls into a crack and vanishes. I frown at it and how rude such an exit was.

"I think he's going to find Ringo and John," a voice comments. I jump and turn around quickly, looking at the person.

Seto Kaiba watches me back, smirking. His blue eyes, half veiled by the shadows, are noting my antics with interest. I blush and watch my feet, guilt trying to resurface.

"Sorry, Kaiba. I didn't know you were, uh, up so late…" I apologize hesitantly. Kaiba shrugs and continues to buy himself a paper, which is likely what he came down for. Or, it's his excused in case I do something stupid. I always do something stupid. He's learned how to maintain himself around it.

"Same here," he agrees, "What are you doing 'up so late,' Bakura?"

"Oh," I try to shrug, "I'm just roaming around for no reason whatsoever. You could call it a hobby."

Kaiba frowns slightly at this. "It isn't safe outside at night."

"That's what Otogi tells me…" I tell him. "But then, he's just a paranoid idiot. I'm mad at him."

Kaiba smirks again, "I guess it takes one to know one."

I smile a little at this.

"Hey, I didn't dare myself to come down here to have you make fun of me, too," I complain with mock offense.

"Why did you come anyway? Looking for me?" Kaiba asks, kidding. For some reason I blush and I barely manage another shrug.

"I don't know, I've never been here late before."

Kaiba shakes his head. "Disappointed?"

I blink in confusion, "Huh?"

"It isn't much, is it?" he asks, motioning towards the building. For some reason I notice his briefcase. It's metal and shiny, guarding its papers in itself with titanium enforced resolution. I don't know whether I should say something to his question. Some people ask things like that and want you to agree. Others want you to not agree and talk the subject down.

"Just a little bit," I reply quietly.

I'm happy as this causes Kaiba to smirk. I don't know why though. Here I am, talking with Kaiba like almost two weeks ago, before anything happened: After I started watching Mokuba and before Seto took Yugi to the theatre, in that happy time when I didn't really have that much of a crush on the businessman to really matter. I wish it were back to then so I could make sure none of these painful terrible things happened.

"Good answer," he compliments, sounding a bit rude like always.

"Heh, yeah…" I mutter.

I'm taken aback right now, a little offended, so forgive my lack of relaxation. It's just that so many people have told me Kaiba is suffering some kind of breakdown or what have you and it doesn't seem so. He appears so normal, so healthy and fine, and doing so very well.

Of course, maybe I made the mistake of thinking that he was anything like me. When I am having a breakdown, everyone knows. When Kaiba is, I dunno how anyone can even tell.

"Bakura, are you tired?" he asks quickly for what I think no reason at all.

"No."

"Come on," he motions, motioning to the entrance to the building's parking garaged that happens to be on this side of the street.

Kaiba doesn't believe me, and I don't know why. It is decided he has to drive me home in his car. I am more than willing to consent, and I don't know why about that, either. I admit that driving home with Kaiba is better than walking back through the "dangerous city." Otogi would be proud.

The tenseness from Kaiba's unexpected presence is starting to wear off as I get into the back of the car and Kaiba tells the driver where to go. I look out the window as the lights speed by so much faster than I could have walked. I wonder what a reporter following me would be writing. Maybe something like "Seto Kaiba's Secret Lover Revealed to be Male," or "Seto Kaiba and Koibito Drive Off into Domino Night Together," both with large pictures on the front page of me and Kaiba talking. Every article afterwards would begin in Seto Kaiba. Otherwise, no one would see it. They may not even bother to print my name, of if they do, it will be something like "Bakura Ryou--whoever that is--a student at Domino High…etc…etc…blah blah blah".

I smirk at this slightly. I imagine people reading such a thing, hearing about it on the news. I can imagine devastated girls and young women; all shocked their idol is homosexual. I can also picture Kaiba being ridiculed, made a fool out of in the smallest things. I can believe people not wanting to work for him.

And I'm not supposed to worry about these things, am I? I don't think I should but it seems wrong not to.

I want to sigh. I'm not looking out the window anymore. I'm looking into blackness now. There are some red lights glowing and moving past. I can't make out what I'm seeing, though. Still, I'm not alarmed because the view is familiar. I can hear voices in my mind. They are calling me by Bakura.

Now it's one voice getting closer. With a "Ryou?" and a tap on the shoulder, I realize what I'm looking into, that the red light has stopped moving. I'm looking into my eyelids. My eyes are closed. I open them and look up at Kaiba who has been trying to wake me up.

"Sorry," I apologize before lifting my hand to stifle a yawn. Kaiba smirks and leans back, releasing my shoulder.

"I told you, you were tired," he says, triumphant.

I blush and open the door, stepping out silently.

"Thanks, I don't know how I could've walked," I say politely.

"Neither do I," he agrees, laughing a little. My mind is going to overlook the strangeness of that.

"G'night." I say and wave with my fingers quickly before closing the door and heading for the stairs.

I hike up to my apartment as Kaiba's car drives away. I'm somewhat happier and sleepier than usual. I didn't know Kaiba had this kind of affect on me. I can see how I've had so much to beat myself up about. Kaiba makes me feel good.

(I'm not going to say anything except you're an idiot.)

I grin at this. The Sennen Ring Spirit is silly now.

(You are insane if you think I'm kidding.)

Otogi is ignoring me. I noticed it this morning as I dragged myself into class five seconds before the bell rang. He wouldn't look at me or say anything. I didn't like it. I don't like it.

I'm afraid I lost Otogi just as I'm starting to get Seto back on a casual basis. I wish everything were returned to normal like before. As I said: after I started watching Mokuba and before the whole theatre scene. Sure, I was a little depressed then, but I knew Kaiba, Otogi, and me where still talking. I realize only now that back then was great; that I shouldn't have been so drowned in myself as I had a goal. I was existing to help Kaiba get Yuugi and to talk to Otogi when I was bored or considerably blue.

I think I want to go to then. I don't want to be obsessing slightly with Kaiba and worrying about Otogi. I wasn't being too kind to him yesterday. Now I'm terribly sorry. I want to apologize, but Otogi is very good at blowing people off. Better than me, even. This morning I could hardly see him. He had an entire flock of girls around and acted like he couldn't see me, or feel when I tapped him on the shoulder.

He won't even let me say sorry. He won't even give me a single chance.

And now I'm watching him crossly from my bench under a tree. No one's sitting with me. Otogi is now talking with Yuugi-tachi and I've decided I'm not going over there. I know if I do he'll find some excuse to leave and that makes me tick.

(Ha, so you'd rather sit alone? Nice choice.)

I pull up a few blades of grass almost violently at this. I throw them down and turn to my book bag. I open it and remove some math homework. I hate math, all those numbers, but I need to concentrate on something. I know where Kaiba is, probably typing away on his laptop. He always is during break. He has the right idea: 'Do something productive.'

Yep, something productive. I can do that.

Sorry, doing something productive. Did you say something? Maybe it started with "ba?" Wait a sec, does the world "baka" mean anything?

You people are so rude. I'm trying to do my math here. You know, I don't have to narrate my thoughts for you so nicely.

Fine, you win. I'll stop talking to my audience.

Let's continue….

I'm busy erasing an entire equation as Kaiba comes up. What happened to productiveness? What happened to distance and sanity? Kaiba knows he's not supposed to approach me when people are watching. Everyone will start thinking things and I'll have to clear it up.

Still, maybe he's going past me. Maybe there's something in the tree he has to see or die?

Negative; he's stopped.

"Are you going to run away or can I sit down?" he asks. I blush at this and nod. Kaiba settles on the bench next to me, putting his briefcase by his feet.

"What are you doing?" he asks, looking at the paper, interested. Frankly, I don't care if he peeks at my homework--just not now while I'm considering his intentions and find them all the be bad omens.

"Homework," I answer, looking down at it, "I have maybe five different assignments."

"And the day isn't even over yet!" he exclaims in mock anguish (well, the best he can come up with--I try not to wince). In my perch up in the sky watching this situation, I discover what Kaiba just said is unbearably annoying. And then, too busy trying to get all the numbers and problems out of my head, I'm obviously not paying much attention as I frown and flick my stubby excuse for a pencil into his hair.

"You're attacking me?" he inquires with a smirk, pulling my pencil from where it's got caught above his bangs. I'm trying not to doubt the logic behind finding it perfectly acceptable to throw something at him.

"Shouldn't you be on your computer tracking business investments or something?" I ask grinning. "Or has solitaire gotten boring?"

Kaiba chuckles in a small, nearly imperceptible way. Okay, maybe "chuckle" is too primitive a word, but he isn't really laughing. He's amused. The guy got to maintain appearances at school.

"You know me well," he says back, "And I thought no one knew. Are you going to blackmail me now?"

I blush and look back down at my work, sans a pencil. I run my finger over the edge of the book, feeling the memorized pattern of bumps in the cheap manufactured binding. I'm regretting everything I've said so far. Every word out of my mouth is embarrassing. I should stop talking.

I've considered taking a vow of silence. I wonder how that would work out?

"Are you planning on throwing that book at me next?" Kaiba asks, launching the pencil in the air and watching it land in the gutter of the text. I grab it and blush again.

"No." I shake my head as well. Kaiba is almost smiling at this embarrassment of mine. I strive for something else to say that I won't feel like a idiot fir. My eyes catch on the infamous briefcase again.

"So you actually play solitaire?"

Kaiba smirks at this. "No, taipei."

I blink at this, confused.

"And that's…?"

Kaiba looks at me disbelieving. So, I don't know, shoot me. I should be entitled to ask, right?

"It's like one person Mah Jongg, same matches with tiles, just without the gambling," he says slowly, waiting for my to chime in at any time and admit that, yes, I do know what he's talking about. He probably thinking I'm lying to him or just forgot.

I've heard of Mah Jongg. That's good. I don't really know what it is, but I've heard of it.

"Really? What's it played with?"

Kaiba looks at me in a slight awe, "You've never seen Mah Jongg tiles?"

I blush at this and observe my pencil, nodding. Past the name I know nothing. This is somehow shameful for me. Kaiba sighs at this and turns towards me.

"Well, it's a game with the same tiles as Mah Jongg. See, you match the different faces to their se--"

The bell rings and cuts Kaiba off. He glares at the school building annoyed, like this will make it fall down and apologize. Other students as one rise and start leaving to get to class. I mechanically begin packing my math away. I stand up, one of the last going. I turn in surprise to see Kaiba still there next to me. It's Thursday and today I have Ms. Teacher Lady for the final two hours with most of Yuugi-tachi and co. Seto has some kind of extra computer class I swear he teaches.

"I'll explain it tomorrow," he consoles, heading for his other class. I follow Yuugi and everyone to Ms. Teacher Lady's room. The Motou smiles slightly at me and I blush. That was probably the title discussion today: "Hey look, Bakura's talking to Kaiba!"

I can imagine so.

I wonder what they think?

No, on second thought, I don't want to know what they think.

I have to learn more about Taipei and Mah Jongg.

I've discovered (much to my horror) in my game room I have no tiles that have to do with anything Mah Jongg. I thought I did since I have so much of a variety in there.

For this reason I am on my way to Motou-sama's game shop. He has pretty much everything there, and it's in walking distance.

I leave. I reach the shop. I enter. I don't expect anything.

And all the sudden my thinking stops. Something just happened.

"Hey!" I yelp, walking in. I look at the ground to see what just hit me in the forehead.

It's a die.

I look up at Otogi in the corner next to an M&G display. He doesn't look too happy and has more dice where the first came from. I watch him mutely. For some reason there is something imposing about a spiky-haired guy armed with little plastic dice. I don't get it. I guess he hits you just right you be stunned, but really. What are the odds of that in most defensive situations?

Of course, I was blacked out after a hit. Still don't know how the thing got past my bangs.

I decide I'm going to ignore Otogi. Calmly I walk into the shop further and begin my tile search.

"Good thing you're so worrisome and polite, Mahout, or I'd be in trouble. Looks like the infamous dice have no affect on you. …But then, maybe it's that thick skull, hm?" Otogi jokes coldly with an exaggerate grin and laugh. I'm not amused.

"A least it encompasses a decently size brain. Your head is mostly filled with ego," I reply in a similar tone. Of course, I should say it's milder.

Otogi laughs. There's an almost grim note to it.

"Not as big as Kaiba's," he smirks annoyingly. I frown as I locate the tiles for Mah Jongg. Why must Otogi be so difficult? If he's going to act like a jerk, I'd rather he'd just ignore me again like at school.

"You play Mah Jongg?" he sneers.

"No," I answer quietly. Otogi smirks again as I walk up to the counter and ring the bell for service. I try to ignore him as I wait, but he doesn't want to make it easy for me at all.

"Yuugi saw you talking with Kaiba today. I do believe they all found it quite interesting."

I don't respond to this. I wonder what's taking the cashier so long? Is Motou-sama all right?

"I believe lots of people found it interesting actually."

I sigh and turn to Otogi at last, "You know what, I thought you wanted to help me. It doesn't sound like that's so. You can leave me alone now if you're going to be so negative."

"Oh, I'm not being negative. I'm just stating the truth for my quiet, conceited friend."

"I am not conceited," I argue, "how can you say that?"

"Fine," Otogi gives, "then you're self-oriented. All your thoughts and everything you do now are for Ryou Bakura. You didn't even congratulate Honda for getting a date with Shizuka yesterday."

I blink at him confused, "Shizuka agreed to go out with Honda? Well, good for him then."

Otogi smirks sadly at me and shakes his head, "See, you have no idea what everyone else is doing. I have to tell you so you don't make an idiot of yourself. Jounouchi doesn't even like me near Yuugi-tachi most of the time, and I know more than you do."

"What do you know I don't?" I ask stubbornly.

"I know the only day Honda's going to get a date with Shizuka is when hell hosts the Winter Olympics. I lied, Mahout."

It takes me a few seconds to realize what was just said. I begin to turn red from the indignity of the trick. Who does Otogi think he is, lying to me like that?

"Otogi, I--"

"Have an attitude problem?"

I scowl slightly, "I do not have an attitude problem."

"Figures," Otogi mutters. Before I can say a word in rebuttal, he walks across the room and exits the shop. I watch him go, still terribly confused. I want to say something, but I'm not used to this sort of a situation.

"Gomen, Bakura-san, I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long," Yuugi's grandfather apologizes, appearing behind the counter again.

"Uh, no, not at all," I assure him with a lie, placing the Mah Jongg set on the table. I'm still curious about Otogi. I know he's very angry with me but I'm not sure why. It can't be that whole crate thing. That was random. I got over it.

Either me being artificially taller than him was Otogi's worst nightmare, or there's something I'm missing here.

"Uh, is Yuugi home, Motou-sama?"

Yuugi is nodding. He has just heard about the entire mess with Otogi I'm having. I was afraid he'd side with the D-D-D inventor till he rolled his eyes at my recount of his behavior.

"Does Otogi usually just blow up like that, Bakura?" Yuugi asks

"Not that I can remember. I mean he gets annoyed, but it's never really too bad. He swore at a guy in the market once for knocking his basket over and had to be taken outside, but he was stressed that day."

Yuugi arches a curious brow at this, probably trying to imagine a fuming Otogi in a grocery store being taken to the parking lot before he caused a bigger scene.

"Maybe he's just tired of having to take care of you?"

I shake my head at this before I realize Yuugi's right. Otogi does seem to keep trying to look after me, like an annoying brother or something. I also see what Yuugi said can't be true.

I find this amazing too.

"No, he never really gets tired of that. Well, not until now…."

Yuugi grins slightly as a thought crosses his mind, "I think I know what's gotten Otogi so riled up."

"What?"

Yuugi smiles again, which I find irking.

"Are you forgetting Otogi? Are you ignoring him?"

I shake my head, "No, if anything, that's what he's been doing."

"Well, I think Otogi's mad at you then. He thinks you're forgetting him."

This makes no sense whatsoever to me. I'm not "forgetting" anyone, in fact, I'm worried.

"He's just protective, Bakura. He doesn't want to be overlooked," Yuugi almost laughs. I blink in disbelief.

"I had no idea Otogi was so selfish."

Yuugi nod in agreement, "I suppose selfish is the word. He probably thinks Seto's going to turn you against him or something."

The complete absurdity of what Yuugi suggests makes me want to laugh as well.

"Yuugi, that doesn't make any sense!" I sputter out in exasperation.

"Bakura, I think you need to talk to Otogi. You'll see."

I frown as Yuugi gestures to the door for me to leave. He looks relatively pleased about something.

"Trust me, it's Otogi's problem."

I shrug uncertainly as I head out. I just think Otogi's being difficult to pay me back for the whole standing-on-a-peach-crate event. The strangest things bother him. It's better to say that than to admit I have no idea what's wrong.

I'm sitting on the before mentioned peach crate, waiting for Otogi to come over. He should be arriving any second. I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to say to him.

"Bakura? Where are you? You alright?"

I admit, I did lie; I must have exaggerated my anxiety or something. It doesn't matter, Otogi came over as soon as he could, didn't he?

"In the kitchen, Otogi."

I hear footsteps hurrying across the apartment. Otogi is here in less than a minute, looking around with an anxious expression. This, of course, drops as he sees me sitting down.

Let me tell you one thing, amusement is not the next expression down from anxiety.

"Just what the Hell are you planning, Mahout?"

Now, there are three circumstances under which Otogi calls me an Indian elephant driver. These are: a, when he's joking; b, when he's preventing himself from calling me Ryou (a distance thing); and c, when he's extremely disappointed or angry. When on c, Mahout is an insult.

Of course, he usually puts a Baka Bakura there instead.

"I can leave," he suggests, watching me impatiently. Man, he looks 'cheesed off'.

"Don't," I order, standing up off the crate. Otogi watches silently as I walk over to him and drag him towards it instead.

"Go ahead, stand on it," I tell him. Otogi looks at me like I've gone insane.

"Why?"

"Please just do it?" I insist. Finally Otogi relents with a sigh and steps up. His hair is nearly brushing the ceiling he's so tall.

"Now tell me what's wrong," I order, sitting a distance away on the counter next to the sink. Otogi looks at me again like I've lost my mind.

"This is weird," he mutters, looking round the room.

"Well, that's a unique start, but I'm okay with it."

Otogi looks at me with a slight grin at my annoyingness (is that a word?).

"You're a baka," he smirks. I nod slowly, contemplating the remark.

Sorry, Otogi, I already knew that one. I tell it to he mirror every morning.

"You have a super large self-obsession, a pathetic addiction to caffeine, and you foolishly believe you don't need any help because, again, that ego."

"Do I?"

"Yes, you have Seto to take care of things now."

The statement surprises me. I can only blink back inanely at Otogi, which must seem annoying. Only one word crosses my mind after this.

Huh?

"Otogi, I'm still not with Kaiba. I don't think I ever will be."

I'm pretty sure Otogi is going through the same "huh?" thing as myself as his face goes slightly blank. Slowly he begins to smirk. In seconds he's smiling, which leads to laughter as he jumps off the crate.

Uh, is he laughing at himself or me?

"We're both idiots," he announces. I shake my head at his ridiculousness.

"What, did you think I'd abandon everything for Seto Kaiba?" I ask accusingly. Otogi's grin flickers slightly and I know the answer.

Yes, he did. He thought I was that insecure and desperate. I'll just fly from person who takes care of me to the other. I don't care who, I just need someone to hold my hair when I throw up and tell me when I'm being an idiot. Anyone can do that, can't they?

I admit, it's disappointing, but he's been corrected.

"I just don't want anything to happen to you, Baka Bakura," he says, "Your thick skull can't save you from everything, you know."

I scowl slightly as he ruffles my hair, reminding me of the time he attacked when Kaiba visited. That was embarrassing.

I assure you, my appreciation for this act of camaraderie hasn't grown since then.

"I understand, but believe me, Otogi, you have nothing to worry about. You know I'll never have Kaiba"

"Awe, not with that attitude you won't. Never fear, I'll have him for you in no time."

I frown at this offer and how it references to Kaiba as not really being a human being. He's just that 'thing' I want right now and that Otogi will go fetch for me.

"Ryuuji, Seto Kaiba's not a pet. You don't understand. He'll think I'm crazy, a complete idiot."

"So, all you have to do is sweep a few things under the rug and—"

I cut him off, slightly appalled at his easiness. "Otogi, relationships aren't based on secrets and the avoidance of very important details."

"Many lasting ones are." Otogi remarks, shrugging and picking keenly at a hangnail. I sigh loud enough to cause him to look up.

"Otogi, that's only because those people are paranoid in the first place. You don't see. I need you to understand that I don't want Kaiba because I want Kaiba. He's not a puppy. I just think about him constantly because for some reason I can't help it. You I know he's not a magic cure that will make my life perfect; and he's far from it. I'm still going to need idiots like you to remind me I'm being an idiot."

Otogi grins deviously like this was exactly what he wanted to hear. I wouldn't be surprised if he faked being angry at me and everything just to get me to the place where I would tell him anything. Now, with a sarcastically shrewd manner, he leans forward, looking me in the eye.

"Then why do you care, Mahout? About Kaiba?"

I admit, it's a bit nerve raking. Otogi is balancing jest and sincerity in his demeanor. I don't know whether to take him seriously or kick him and laugh. I don't want to answer his question. I don't think I have an answer. Still, it's Otogi, and he's got to trust me again. I've got to say something. After some thinking and soul searching and everything I think will help, I give up.

"I don't know why. I guess it's just him, something about Kaiba has gotten to me."

If possible, Otogi's grin widens. It's almost kind of scary.

"I think you need to tell him that then."

I shake my head, dismayed, "How? It's an awkward thing to say."

"I can arrange something?" he suggests again.

"Otogi…"

For the second time I've heard, Otogi sighs like I'm amusingly hopeless, a demanding hassle he has to deal with, "Mahout, I'm not going to just throw him into your arms, as it obviously doesn't work. I've tried. I can just make sure you get to really talk to him, so even if you're scared out of your mind you can't run."

I'm slightly interested at this. Force myself to talk with Kaiba? Oh god, it sounds like hell.

"Well, what is it?" I ask, giving up. I slump over in resignation and wait.

Notes:
A: Not in chapter One more chapter left!

Translations:
Bakatare – (adj?) Fool; stupid. Kind of like, "You idiot, what an idiot (baka)." Baka is a fool; bakatare is telling a person they're a fool. It describes all the "geniuses" in this chapter. There's also a coarser term for the same word; bakayaro, but I didn't think that was really necessary.

Yes, Ryou tries to hide it, but we know he still has issues. No amount of city walking is going to cover those up.

In other news, I haven't finished Harry Potter yet.

I most likely will not update next week. See, everyone's going on vacation and I figured I should too.