A/N: Hello all. I'm a bit bummed tbh. I didn't get the job. They didn't even interview me. I just feel like no one will give me a chance to prove I can work in that field. I may not have direct experience in that field but I have a whole lot of other experience that can be used in that field. Also, I don't understand how I could get experience in the field when even the "entry level" positions require you to have 2-3 years of experience IN that field. Are you kidding? Then how in the world do you get experience when the entry level positions require experience! *Seethes and fights back tears at the same time*
Anyway, moving along. Thank you all for reading and for your continued support. I appreciate it more than you know.
Jofisk: Oh yes. Atemu was very reckless and Yugi isn't going to tolerate that. You'll find out in this chapter.
Guest1: Thank you very much. Glad to hear you love the story that much. It didn't go well. I didn't even get an interview. But thank you for your well wishes. I appreciate it. I just have to keep trying.
Guest2: I have an idea or two floating around in there. Just gotta wait and see where the story leads.
I really hope you guys like the chapter. Please leave reviews. They make me happy and I could use a happy right now. *Sniffs*
Enjoy *hugs and cookies all around*
Our flight to Malaysia was a red eye flight because our brilliant manager for some reason decided we all had to be in Malaysia five minutes ago. Dick. So the band had to pile into the jet... in the middle of the night... in our pajamas... and Bakura in his pink bunny slippers. No... No... I'm kidding. He would murder me if he knew I was picturing him in bunny slippers. But you know, if anyone could make bunny slippers look deadly, it would be him.
My bloodshot exhausted eyes glance around the room to see what everyone was up to. Yugi was quietly tuning his guitar and watching Arahas bat at his fingers; attempting to get his undivided attention. If the kitten isn't the object of Yugi's or Ryou's undivided attention, he gets butt-hurt. I guess you can say we've spoiled him. Just a little bit.
Ryou's chair was reclined slightly and his overhead light shone dimly over his open book. His doe brown eyes glided over the pages with speed and grace. I'm surprised he could read with that dim little overhead light. The smallest albino paid zero attention to Bakura softly snoring away in his lap. Our base guitarist was laying sideways; his ass was in his seat and his head in Ryou's lap. I suddenly get an overwhelming urge to order those pink bunny slippers or send Joey out to get them in Malaysia so that next time Bakura sleeps on a flight, we can put the bunny slippers on him and then take a picture. Good plan... if I don't want to make it to the end of the tour.
Moving on, Marik was snoring loudly and Malik had a glare on his face that said, 'Keep snoring and I will suffocate you with my travel pillow.' I'm surprised anyone could sleep with our drummer snoring like a congested walrus.
My eyes traveled over to Joey. The blonde was sound asleep and also snoring. His and Seto's seats were reclined back for optimum sleeping comfort. As Seto was not currently in his seat, Joey nuzzled his pillow and buried his nose deep into the downy softness that contained our manager's scent. Speaking of our manager, where the hell is he anyway? I stood and looked around the cabin for the tall brunet and was unable to locate him.
"What are you doing?" Yugi whispered.
"Looking for Seto. Have you seen him?" I asked; my eyebrows furrowed together and tugged at my brow.
Yugi nodded and pointed to the back of the plane, "He went to the galley."
"Thanks," I whispered and made my way to the back. I heard hushed conversation coming from the galley on the other side of the little wall. Who is he talking to? I moved closer to the wall and stood just on the other side of it remaining out of sight.
"You are unbelievable. When are you going to grow up?" Seto growled. Silence followed for several minutes. "You know I may just not bail you out," Seto's voice was pure ice, "At least you may learn a lesson in there."
"Like don't drop the soap?" I rounded the corner and before Seto could pick his jaw up off the floor, I removed the phone from his hand.
"What are you doing? This is none of your business," Seto snapped at me; the cold cerulean eyes pinning me with his most bone chilling glare.
"Considering the time of night it is and your tone, my guess is you are talking to Mokuba. Also, it sounds like he got into some trouble and you if you are angry enough with him to threaten to not bail him out, you might not be the best person for him to talk to. Mokuba is like a brother to me too. So... this is my business," I turned my back on our seething manager and rose the phone to my ear.
"Mokie, what the fuck happened? Why are you in prison?" I asked.
"Oh you know. Thought I would drop by, say 'hi' to a few inmates. I heard orange is the new black and the view behind the metal bars is very nice this time of year. So I thought I would find out for myself," the youngest Kaiba prattled on sarcastically.
"Watch your tone or I will be forced to hand the phone back to Seto and you can deal with him," I commented in serious tone, removing all traces of frivolity.
"Sorry, Atemu," Mokuba muttered.
"So you want to tell me what happened?" I arched an eyebrow and waited for him to respond.
"I...got involved with the wrong girl. When the cops showed up, she dumped all of her stash on me and ran off. I'm here for 'possession with the intent to sell..." Mokuba grumbled.
"Fuck, Mokie!" I swore; my hand finding its way to clutch at my bangs, "You are too smart to be doing that kind of shit."
"I'm 19. I can do what I want," Mokuba snapped back at me; his defenses setting off to protect him.
"Mokuba! There are laws that you must abide by. Not even a Kaiba is above the law," I sighed and leaned against the wall. I felt Seto's unwavering gaze on me, "If I have Seto post your bail, you are coming on tour with us until you get your life straightened out. This will also give our lawyers enough time to work on your case."
"But, Atemuuuu," Mokuba wined.
"I seriously don't give a flying fuck what you are about to say, Mokuba. You are either going to come on tour with us and stay out of trouble or I you can sit there in jail. And bitch. By yourself. On the other hand, you may meet a new girlfriend. I can just see it. Mokie and his girlfriend Spike," I glance up to see not only Seto watching me but the rest of the band members. Did I really get that loud? I bit my lip and gave the curious group an apologetic smile.
"Fine," Mokuba agreed, "just get me out of here."
"Done," I hand the phone back to Seto, "post his bail and make arrangements for his ass to be on the next plane to Malaysia. "
Seto nodded and accepted the phone from me, "Hey, Mokie."
I ushered and 'shoo'ed' the other band members back into the cabin, "Alright everyone, Seto doesn't need an audience for this. Go sit down and go back to sleep."
"But it's fun watching Rich Boy squirm," Joey smirked.
"Not this time, Joey," I shook my head, "trust me."
"Alright, Pal," Joey shrugged and returned to his position of cuddling with Seto's pillow.
\/\/\/
After the stressful jet ride and the lack of sleep we each received on the way here, we all crashed in our hotel rooms for a good portion of the morning. The afternoon brought bright warm sunshine that kissed the morning fog farewell. The weather was beautiful. Not too hot but not cold either with only a few clouds drifting lazily overhead.
With the weather being this nice, Malik and Marik insisted on going outside for a picnic. We all figured... why not? How long has it been since we were outside on a fun leisurely trip. Something not work related. It's been too long. We each changed into something comfortable before heading out.
Ryou and Malik set up the large lavender blanket on grassy area in the park. I know what your thinking. What about the fans? Heh. What fans? This place is secluded. We are the only ones here. The concierge at the desk was very helpful in providing the details about this beautiful secluded park. Green grass dappled with trees varying in size spread as far as the eyes can see.
The moment the blanket was set up, Seto set up his laptop and got to work. Joey signed in frustration and lay back; his honey brown eyes squinted into the bright sunlight before sliding closed for a small nap. Ryou leaned against Bakura's chest and buried his nose deep in his book. Bakura propped his hands on the blanket behind him to support his and Ryou's weight. Marik and Malik were chasing each other until they tired out. Both removed their shirts and lay on the blanket to sunbathe. Yugi and Arahas were playing with a strand of long crimson string. Yugi would move it slowly at first and then would whip it somewhere else. Arahas would take the opportunity to pounce on the string any chance it paused in one place for even a microsecond. What am I doing? Nothing. And it feels great.
"Anyone want to go for a jog?" Ryou asked around his yawn as he stood and stretched.
"A...jog?" Malik groaned, "No thanks. I'll pass."
"I'll go," Joey climbed to his feet.
"Me too. It's been a while since I got any exercise," Yugi giggled, "I think I may have put on a few pounds."
"Shut up, Yug. You haven't gained an ounce," Joey slugged our petite guitarist.
A sly smirk traveled across my lips. He's right. Yugi hasn't gained anything. With how...active we have been since we made up... it would be impossible for him to gain anything.
"I guess I'll go too," I shrugged.
"Seriously, we should all go," Ryou urged the others who remained seated.
With endless grumbles from Seto, tickle threats from Marik, and death threats from Bakura we eventually got them all to agree. We were going to go on a jog together. How fun right? Right. Arahas was placed in the protective custody of our limousine driver for the time being.
We kept a brisk pace that held our heat-rates at an increased level; but nothing too strenuous. We jogged along a dirt trail that wrapped around the hill and ended at the summit. The view from the top was breathtaking. So much green under the crystal blue sky. The breeze felt amazing against my sweat dampened skin. I wiped the sweat from my brow and performed a few stretches on my loose pliable muscles.
A startled squeak interrupted our lighthearted chatter on the way down. It took my brain a few seconds to process what just happened. One minute Ryou and Bakura were jogging in front of Yugi and myself... the next minute Ryou was gone and Yugi hand run directly into Bakura knocking them both over. It was a domino effect after that. After Bakura and Yugi went down, Malik, Marik, Seto, and Joey all collided. I jumped out of the way in the nick of time. I glanced over my shoulder and realized Ryou had just tumbled off the trail and down the steep ledge. Oh...fuck. My eyes widened as I sprinted off the trail towards the sounds of Ryou falling.
The minute I took my eyes off of the ground and stopped paying attention where I placed my foot, was when I lost my balance. My heart fluttered in my chest as my heart rate increased and adrenaline rushed through my veins. My world spun in rapid circles as I tumbled down the steep hill. Rocks and tree branches bruised ripped my skin. I honestly am not feeling any pain. It has to be the adrenaline from the fall and my worry for Ryou's safety.
My eyes locked on a tree root coming up fast on my rapid decent. I reached my arm out and locked my fingers around the wooden root. My body weight tugged mercilessly at my arm when I first came to a stop. My breath came in short gasps. When I looked up the hill I had just fallen from, it was covered with rocks, trees, and fallen branches. I'll be surprised if I come out of this without a concussion.
When I looked down, I discovered I am only 2 feet from a cliff. A..cliff..
"Ryou!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. My voice came out gritty and sounding like I swallowed gravel on the way down.
While grasping the ground around me, I released my grip on the tree root and slowly made my way to the cliff.
"Ryou!" I called, peering my head over the edge.
"Atemu," Ryou's voice was strained. The albino was clinging for his life to another tree root jutting out of the edge of the cliff. He looked up at me; fear prominate in his milk chocolate eyes. Dirt, bruises, and blood covered his creamy pale skin. Blood seeped from his lip and down the side of his face matting his silver hair to his skin and dying it crimson.
"Hang on," I locked him in my determined gaze, "I'm coming for you."
I lay flat on my stomach and inched my way forward, my hand reached out for his. I can't reach him! I scooted further off the cliff and leaned as far over as I could. I still can't reach him and I can't lean any further over the cliff or we will both go over.
"Ryou, you have to let go of the root and try to reach for my hand," I grunted.
"I can't! I can't let go! I won't be able to reach you," he cried, tears streaming down those beautiful angelic doe eyes and making streaks on his dirt and blood stained cheeks.
"Yes! You can! Now REACH RYOU!" my voice booms in the surrounding wilderness.
"Atemu!" voices behind me call out to me. I shut them out and focus on the terrified albino dangling over the edge.
Ryou grunted and stretched his hand up to me. Our fingertips brushed. So close. So Ra damned close! Sweat poured down my brow and stung my eyes. We can't lose him. I feel the panic well up within me and fight relentlessly to cloud my mind and overwhelm me. I focused on those pleading and terrified large doe eyes.
"I can't reach," he whimpered. I could see the mental battle written all over his face.
"Don't you dare let go! Don't you dare give up! Fucking reach! You can do it!" I pivot my hips and lower myself even further down the cliff to reach him.
The albino cried out and used the root to push himself up towards me. My fingers locked around his wrist and his fingers locked around my forearm. I grabbed hold of his arm with my other hand to further secure his position.
"I can't pull you up... not from this position. Try to climb up my arm to reach the side of the cliff," my eyes darted over my shoulder at the ledge. I swallowed hard. I could feel his additional weight inching my body downwards.
The albino swung his other arm upward and grabbed my bicep. I winced from his tight grip, but my grip on him didn't falter. I won't let it. I won't drop him.
"When are you going to learn not to hang over the edge of things?" I heard Marik's voice right behind me just before an additional weight lowered onto my lower back. Marik leaned over the edge to look at Ryou.
"You can lecture me later. Help Ryou up," I snarled.
"Ryou, you okay?" Marik asked concern lacing his voice.
Both Ryou's and my hands were sweaty. I could feel him slipping. I tightened my grip on the albino, "Get him up NOW!"
The Egyptian drummer reached over me and grabbed onto Ryou. An instant wave of relief washed over me. I remained laying on my stomach even after Marik had pulled Ryou over the cliff.
"Can you walk?" Marik asked Ryou giving him a once over to try and gauge his injuries.
Ryou shook his head; his sweat, blood, and dirt matted hair remained flattened around his head, "No. My leg hurts..pretty badly."
With Ryou pulled to safety, my bodily injuries began to make themselves known. A quick glance over myself revealed the bruising and cuts that littered my skin. My muscles ached and my ankle is beginning to swell, pushing uncomfortably against my tennis shoes.
My attention was drawn over to Ryou when he spoke. "Wh...ere's Bak...ur...a?" Ryou stuttered, his lithe body shaking like a leaf.
"Atemu, I think he may be going into shock or having a type of panic attack," fear danced behind Marik's dark lilac eyes.
"It wouldn't surprise me after what he just went through," I comment quietly, wracking my brain for how I could help him. "Ryou, I need you to look around. Tell me five things you can see."
His milk chocolate eyes drifted around us, "Trees...rocks...clouds..."
"Good Ryou. Keep going. Two more," I caress his arms trying to get him to calm down.
"Dirt..." his eyes drifted upwards, "blue bird."
"You are doing great," his body continued to tremble in my hands, but not as bad as it had been. "Now list four things you can touch."
His hands clutched the ground under him, "Grass." His hand moved up my forearm to my bicep, "skin and muscle." His eyes narrowed, focusing on what he was touching, "cotton."
"It's working," I could hear the smile in Marik's voice without even looking at him.
"Excellent. Ryou, now name three things you can hear," I instructed him. His breathing slowed to a more normal pace and his eyes slid closed.
"The wind, the bird, and distant talking," Ryou described before his large innocent eyes opened to focus on me.
"Now two things you can smell?" I asked.
"There's really only one thing I can smell," Ryou's forehead crinkled and his nose scrunched up.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Marik," Ryou arched a silver eyebrow at the Egyptian, "He really stinks."
"Good to see you're feeling better," Marik hugged him surrounding the little albino in his masculine aroma.
"Where is Bakura?" Ryou asked while Marik shifted his position to support the injured keyboardist. The two started making their way up the hill.
"He was practically going crazy trying to get to you when you fell. He would have killed himself and the rest of us had he come down here. Malik, Joey, and Yugi are sitting on him to prevent him from moving. He's not happy," Marik chuckled maniacally.
I slowly go to my feet and took a step. Sharp blinding pain shot from my right ankle up my leg. I winced and leaned against one of the millions of trees surrounding me.
After several long seconds fighting the urge to vomit from the pain, Marik's voice boomed down the hill at me, "You okay, Atemu?"
How did he get up there so fast? How did he make it to the top of the hill while supporting Ryou's weight? I rolled my eyes at myself. Man up Atemu! It's just a little twisted ankle. My little pep-talk to myself did little to distract me from the pain.
"I'm fine," I grunted and pushed away from the tree. The climb up the hill was a slow and painful en-devour. I can't wait to get back to the hotel and put my ankle up.
"Ra! Are you okay?" Yugi nearly knocked me back down the hill when his petite body collided with mine.
I smiled at him and kissed his cheek, "I'm fine, Aibou." In all honesty, my ankle hurts like crazy, but he doesn't need to worry about that. Its just an added stress that the band doesn't need.