YA: So I'm finally able to update. Homework is out of the way and I have just a little bit more free time! Yay! I don't have much to say, other than thank you all for reviewing! You've been my motivation, my inspiration—

Ryou: Puh-lease! Can we get on with the fic before you bore me to death!

YA: Fine. You're much nicer in my fic.

Ryou: Says you.

YA: You little--! First some shout outs before we go on.

Zoe Moto: Well, I'll put it this way: This story is not like the other Ryou/Bakura fics when it comes to the beating. Bakura pretty much has a reason why he does it and he loves Ryou so much he doesn't do it too often. Blast it! Did I just spoil it for you? =/

Bronze Eagle: Yes I got your review!! And it's cool to like the angst, me likes angst too! But I'm trying to fit more humor and romance in here. Just…can't…get…there!!!

Harmonious Descant: I really should lay off those Cliffhangers. But I couldn't think of a better way to end that chapter. Hey, lay off that sugar before you hurt yourself. LOL

Aiko: Heh heh, sorry that I misunderstood you. A lot of requests came in telling me not to let Ryou get beat. Not that I mind, maybe it's time for a change. ^__^ Plus, I'm mentally challenged so I probably misunderstand everybody. LOL

Yami Tsuki Tenshi: *bangs head on wall* Must get out of this angst! I don't want this story to be drama!!! But I'm glad you like it. I'm very happy!

Firedraygon97: Eeps…my updating is pretty late. So sorry, hope a long chapter makes up for it! ^__^

RyouBakurarulezall: Glad you like the story! Um…I'm wondering when Bakura will start liking Ryou too. *grins* Okay, he starts in this chapter.

Yui Sakurazuka: *glomps* You feed my ego! My head must be as big as the moon! Thanks for the compliment! I'm too happy!!!

Snowfire: Aaaaiiiyyyyaaahhhh! You finished another chappie to Crossed Paths. How sexy was that??? You are a genius!!! I hope I can write a sexy chapter too!! *wishes and hopes* You are talented! Thanks for reviewing!!

Yami Krissy: Actually that didn't sound mean at all. He has to get hurt at least once in this fic and that was a sissy slap. Bakura can do better than that and he will. Chill out folks, it won't be too bad…I hope.

LilyKitsune: Aiya, thanks for the compliment! Please don't go insane, here's a new chappie! ^_^

Sandira-Black: Naw, Bakura's not turning evil…um…wait…you'll have to read to find out actually. And yes, this will be Ryou/Bakura fic. Just need a little more time to get them closer. I'll be sure to join your group ASAP!

Ryou: Noooooo!

YA: Hush.

Fate: Ryou's not going anywhere!!! *cackles evily*

YA: Okay folks, this is going to be an extra long chapter because I'm concentrating on getting these two closer. Onward!!

*~*~*~* Feed the Fire *~*~*~*~*~*

"Over 3,000 years ago, the Shadow Games was a dangerous competition to master. The Pharaoh the only one so far who was able to master the game, not to mention survive it, and remain it's eternal champion. It all changed when a force, naming myself and another tried to overrule the Pharaoh with more power. Much to our dismay, we lost and as punishment, my soul was sealed into the Ring. It is now that the ring has chosen your son as its rightful owner to posses the power it wields. So now your son and I share one soul, how we don't share a body is still unknown to me."

"Why again are you trying to find these six other items?" Professor asked still keeping a tight grip on Bakura's now shaking shoulders. Bakura brought a shaky fist to his face as if gripping his main goal inside of his hand, refusing to let it go.

"To take what's rightfully mine! The world and the power that it has to offer!" Bakura answered while pointing outside directly to Ryou. "And that boy gets me one step closer to my goal!" Bakura could feel himself getting unsteady the more he stood up. He's knees were beginning to give out from under him. "So stop stalling and let me go!"

"Wait." Professor started. He noticed the bleeding of Bakura's wound was getting worse, seeing that there was blood dripping down his face. "What does this have to do with Ryou?"

"I told you already!" Bakura said through clenched teeth. With every stress point that coursed through his body it seemed to weaken him and make him bleed more. "It is Ryou that releases me from the ring. Because we are part of the ring we are a part of each other. I am his darkness and he is my light! Two halves to make a whole!" Bakura grabbed Professor's shoulders in a threatening manner at first, but leaned on him for support. He groaned from pain and weakness.

"Enough of this, Bakura. You need to rest." In one swift move he scooped Bakura in his arms (a/n: Aiya, how sweet!!!) and carried him upstairs into Ryou's room. Carefully, he placed Bakura on the bed and pulled the blankets over him. "I don't understand how dangerous you really are Bakura. But one thing is sure…" Professor lifted a hand and stroked Bakura's bangs from his moist brow. "I won't let anything happen to my son…or you. No matter where you're from."

Am I forgetting who I am? Or am I just confused of who I'm supposed to be? I wonder why I feel as if my mind is spinning around in space. I feel as if I'm in a high that I cannot get out of and it's bewildering me, causing me to take certain actions that I would never do. Or should I do them? Go back to the way I was before, or take the lessons that I received here…Like the kindness that Ryou showed to me when I was ill and bed stricken.

Bakura opened his eyes, letting his vision clear only to be surprised to see Ryou sitting on the edge of the bed watching over him carefully. His face held a slight panicked look to it. His usually happy russet eyes were glazed with worry, blinking slowly as if watching Bakura breathing. Once he saw Bakura's eyes open, he let out a breath of relief.

"I was scared for a minute there." He spoke softly, like a woman. Bakura cursed Ryou for having such a beautiful voice. It fell with the beauty of his soft features. To a girl, he would be cute but to a man hungry for lust, his looks are just plain intoxicating. "Dad said you fainted." He continued. Bakura scoffed at the choice of words.

"Fainting is for girls. Something you would do." Ryou rolled his eyes and ignored the last comment.

"Pass out, keel over, go out like a light. Do I need to bring out my thesaurus?" Ryou caught Bakura's eyes narrow and laughed inwardly. "Anyway, you collapsed. But I'm glad to know that you're alright." From behind him, Ryou handed Bakura a plate. While Bakura's eyes continue to focus, he could already smell the sweet scent that was on the plate. He gave a very small, noticeable smile. "Your favorite, pleasurable Sugar Dots." Ryou motioned for Bakura to take it but Bakura remained still. Ryou continued to wait, wondering if this staring contest would go on all night. His head dropped to the side in frustration. "Do you expect me to feed it to you?" Bakura didn't answer; instead his face remained expressionless once again. Ryou shrugged and took a sugar dot in his hand. "Open your mouth then." Bakura continued to leave his face expressionless but parted his lips.

"Wider…" Ryou instructed. Bakura did so but only by little. "A little wider…" The same results. "Wider please." Finally Bakura got his mouth wide enough for Ryou to slip his fingers though and feed him the sticky dessert. Before Ryou could pull his fingers out Bakura shut his mouth locking them inside. Ryou giggled playfully, tugging a little bit to remove his fingers. He cursed himself when his face grew hot when Bakura sucked gently on his fingers. Bakura wasn't unaware of the effects he was bringing upon Ryou; in fact he was hoping he would get a chance like this. Thoughts of how Ryou tasted good elsewhere passed through his head until he was interrupted by Professor's voice downstairs.

"Ryou! Anaku's here to pick you up." Ryou grimaced at Bakura tugging a little bit more.

"Bakura, I have to go. We can play another time." Upon hearing the girl's name, Bakura was sure he would lash out in pure jealously. It couldn't be dealt with now, he had a plan to fulfill this night and with Ryou out of the house and Professor locked up in his study no one would be able to stop him. Regretful, he let Ryou's slip out of his mouth. "Get some rest and don't do anything stupid while I'm gone."

Stupid?? Who does he think he's talking to? I bet I have more smarts than him. At least I know how to fight another boy!

Bakura clutched the plate of desert in front of him while watching Ryou pick up a red coat from the chair and stand in front of the mirror to check himself. Bakura thought he looked more like a boy with the red suit on (a/n: he looks like Peggggasus! *cackles*), it seemed something more appropriate to wear than those bright and ugly sweaters he normally wears. Here, the suit brought out his handsome shape, but hid the vulnerable, easily bruised body inside. The suit even made Ryou move a different way. And they say that clothes don't make the man? Bakura thought differently and thought how it could affect others once he goes to the dance.

"How do I look?" Ryou asked, doing a short spin to show Bakura all of his angles. Bakura nodded an approval while stuffing another sugar dot in his mouth, savoring every taste it brought. "Excellent! I'll see you in a few hours."

A few hours are all I need…But…I need my guiding ring! Where did he put that ring??

//Ryou, do you think the Ring is a little too much for such a fancy suit?// Ryou paused and looked down at the ring.

/I suppose you're right. Why don't you keep it for me?/

If only you knew…ha…but you don't…

//Good idea. I'll take special care of it.// Bakura personally knows he has no real fashion sense but anything to get the ring from Ryou and making his plans for the night fall into place. Ryou skipped down the stairs in excitement, meeting Anaku by the door and excusing his father so he wouldn't have to take embarrassing pictures. In his eyes, Anaku also looked different when dressed up. He usually sees her in school uniform and for the first time she was made up and appealing to the eye. Her long black hair was tied up with a few curls falling down her face. The blue dress matched perfectly with her eyes, it even brought them out more, the way they sparkled and glimmered however she moved. It was tight in the middle of her to bring out her small shape but the wide skirt hid all what most would like to see. It was an enchanting dress fit for a princess but Anaku was an exception. As fast as they could, Ryou and Anaku escaped the house before Professor could bring out a camera for a photo op.

Arm in arm, Anaku and Ryou walked into the full school auditorium. The decorations hung all over the walls in their sparkly beauty, bringing a nice mellow blue tone in the room. Students were scattered across the floor with nice pressed suits and beautiful enchanting gowns, it seemed to fit well with the serene look of the room. Scattered lights hung on the ceilings, creating small spotlights and glitzy designs across the floor. For anyone that arrived angry should be calmed by the colors, especially Sho who was standing in one of the corners with his friends and date. Ryou cringed and grimaced at the damage that was done to his face by Bakura. His nose was broken, his face bruised and his hand was in a cast from being broken as well. 'Boy, Bakura sure has done a number on Sho. I actually feel sorry for him.' Ryou thought to himself. Anaku gives Ryou a concerned look but Ryou quickly returns a bold gaze back. When walking further across the dance floor, the students' looks stuck onto the pair. Some faces looked surprised; some where in awe but most of them gave a shocking glare. Jounouchi and Yugi were the first to reach them and give them a few welcomes.

"You look nice, Ryou!" Yugi said cheerfully.

"I never knew you had it in ya? And to have a nice looking lady to accompany you." Jou nudged Ryou in the side making him giggle. Music blared from the front of the room delighting Anaku because it was one of her favorites; she bounced a little whilst hanging on to Ryou's arm. Anzu ran up to Anaku from the other side of the room dragging Honda with her.

"Anaku it's our song! Grab your boy and let's go!" Before Ryou could protest Anaku grabbed his arm and pulled him in the middle of the room almost being squished by the other students. She took his hands into his and started the dance, once in a while being pressed onto him by the other students. Mistaken Ryou's glowing face for being heated, she didn't recognize he was actually uncomfortable for all the closeness that was around him. Ryou brushed away the thought of being closed in and closed his eyes, while trying hard to enjoy himself. As much as he tried, he knew he couldn't win over the constant and there was only one thing that was to be done. Another song came as quickly as the previous had ended. Ryou gripped Anaku's left hand while releasing her other one, swinging her wildly. It wasn't planned but much to his delight, the other kids moved just to see what he was doing.

'If I think big and make my moves large, they should stay out of the way.' Ryou thought to himself. Now that his mind was clear he was able to focus more on his dancing. With each minute, the music went faster allowing Ryou to concentrate on moving faster more than anything else. He continued to swing Anaku around and pull her close so their dancing was in sync. Anaku was an experience dancer from the lessons of Anzu, so she compliment him on his dancing, gently covering every mistake that he did. The crowd widen out, leaving them the only ones of the dance floor. Ryou opened his eyes viewing the free space. At this point he felt much better and more playful when hearing Anaku laugh with joy. He released her hand and started prancing around her joyfully. Murmurs of giggles were heard around them, encouraging Ryou's playfulness.

The music picked up once again and Anaku took Ryou's hands to spin him around, both prancing in a playful manner and singing along with the music. Jounouchi stomp his foot and clapped to the music once in a while shouting, "He's definitely coming to my New Years Party!" To the eyes of the watchful teachers, it looked as if Ryou was at play. They never seen such a quiet student come out like this but they were happy to find that he was as content as the other students. Anaku and Ryou ended the dance by giving each other respectful bows and a high five.

"That was great!" laughed Ryou although he was out of breath. "I don't ever remember having so much fun!"

"I don't remember having so much energy lost!" Anaku said holding her chest. "I need to sit down." Ryou offered his hand which was taken by Anaku willfully as he escorted her to a seat. More watchful eyes were upon Ryou, ones full of hatred and spite.

"Would you like anything to drink, Anaku?" Ryou asked.

"That would be nice, Ryou." She gasped still taking in breaths. Ryou met Yugi and Jou standing by the punch bowl; it puzzled him that there were no girls around them. Did they come with dates?

"Where are your dates?" Ryou asked while pouring punch into the plastic up. Yugi sipped at the cup happily and Jou looked away in embarrassment.

"We don't have dates." He muttered although loud enough for Ryou to hear. "We came with each other." Yugi finished the drink and crushed the cup he was holding in his hand.

"I would be with Anzu but Honda asked her first!" he ripped the edges little by little to conceal his anger. "I almost had her!" Jou placed a hand on his shoulder and shook him gently.

"Get a hold of yourself Yugi. You'll have your time soon." The three boys burst out in laughter, being interrupted by Sho's banging on the table. As if the world as at Sho's command, everybody stopped what they were doing and stared at Sho. Anaku rose from her seat alarmed, hoping the Sho wouldn't start another fight. She felt guilty for what happened last time, and couldn't spot 'Ryou's Twin' anywhere that was rumored to have helped him during the last fight.

"Ryou…Ryou…did you not heed my last warning about Anaku?" Sho looked around him cautiously, just in case another one of Ryou's doubles was no where in sight. "She's my woman!" Ryou cocked his head to the side, obviously trying not to hide his confusion.

"Your woman? How come you came here with Myoko?" Sho let out a laugh and motioned for his friends to join in. Their laughers chimed into one, malicious group of cackles.

"Because I can!" Sho said moving closer to Ryou. Ryou began to panic inside, backing away with every step that Sho took. 'I gotta get through this.' Ryou thought. 'But how can I do with without getting embarrassed by the other students?' Sho stopped by the punch bowl a foot away from where Ryou was standing. Sho's face twisted into a wicked smile when he eyed Ryou's red suit.

"Nice clothes." He said. Ryou remained silent, trying to put up his best front and keep himself from shaking. "Too bad it's gonna get spoiled." Before Ryou could react Sho flipped the punch bowl and launched it directly at Ryou. Yugi acted quickly and shoved Ryou out of the way taking the punishment for himself. The bowl landed on his head, its juices soaking and staining his little white suit and his hair (a/n: awww, poor Yugi!!!). Yugi threw off the bowl, shaking with a mixture of anger and the cold from the new moisture. Ryou removed himself from the floor and rushed to Yugi, immense guilt washed over him.

"You didn't have to do that, Yugi!" Ryou felt his voice waver and felt tears threatning to fall. "Look at you…spoiled…cause I wouldn't fight him back…" Yugi looked down and tried to remove the mask of disappointment on his face. He being silent towards Ryou seemed to make everything worse. Ryou thought for sure that Yugi was angry at him. Jou took Yugi's hand.

"I'll take him into the bathroom to get cleaned up." Moving closer to his ear so no one else would hear, he finally whispered, "Get out of here while you can!" Ryou nodded and beckoned Anaku to follow him out the door. A threatening move was made from Sho, startling Ryou and making him run out of the door leaving Anaku behind. Sho and his friends trailed him closely until Ryou ran into an alley that had no way out. It was as if their plans had fallen into place, they knew that Ryou couldn't go far without having to run all the way home.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Bakura waited for Ryou to leave and Professor to lock himself in the study before he made his move. He slipped out of the bed and looked around the room distastefully. The pain from his wound began throbbing painfully; he fell back on the bed in pain.

Why did I ever get hit by the stupid car that night? There must be a way to heal this wound before…it…drives…me…mad…The Ring of course!

Bakura forgot that he has his memories regained as well as his power. He wasn't really a magic user most of the time he relayed on his physical strength to get him out of dangerous situations. But this proved to be quite a situation; if he allowed his wound to remain he wouldn't get anything done. He lifted his hand to where the wound was and muttered a small chant. Quickly, the wound closed up and heal completely; even the blood that stuck in his hair vanished. Bakura smiled satisfyingly while clutching the Ring that was around his neck.

Alright my beautiful treasure…lead me to the next Sennen Item that is nearest to me.

The spires pointed out the window into the depths of the cluttered city. Bakura smiled widely as he opened the window and leapt out without thinking. A jolt of fear rose inside of him as the ground came closer to claming his life. He concentrated hard, allowing himself to bring out a little energy, just enough to slow his fall and allow him to hover just inches above the ground (a/n: O_O So Bakura can fly now?).

"Too close!" he growled. "Happiness can kill you." His feet landed firmly on the ground. He welcomed the darkness of the night and slipped into the darkness towards the city.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ryou met with a sharp shove against the brick wall of the building. The pain he got from the previous shove in the lockers was starting to return. Sho broke through the other boys and stood in front of Ryou.

"Let me do this boys. I want to take the pleasure of hitting him in the face with my new weapon." He lifted his cast hand triumphantly. "I should break his nose, just has his 'brother' has done for me. Or better yet…" Ryou coward against the wall, eyes widening in more fear as the boys began to corner him in closeness. He lost focus on his persecutor and felt his insides turn by the closing in of the tall looming bodies ahead. Without warning, Sho's cast fist slammed into the bridge of his nose and between his eyes breaking his vision. Ryou tightened his lips so a scream wouldn't escape, only in his mind would he release his feeling of agony.

/OH HAVE MERCY!! Someone find me! I can't see!/ Ryou felt his eyes swell and had diffulculty opening them. /My eyes! I can't see anything!/

"Oh good move!" one of the boys crowed. "Hit him again! Hit him again!" Sho grinned and prepared himself for another attack, this time aiming for Ryou's gut. A sharp thrust was felt and Ryou lunged forward with a hoarse groan. Blood seeped through his lips from biting his tongue to suppress another scream that was crawling out. A harsh uppercut was followed, knocking him back against the wall. Ryou lowered his head in exhaustion hoping that the boys had their fun and wanted to leave. With his free hand, Sho grasped Ryou's neck and shook him until he stopped gasping.

"Where's your brother now?" he shouted. He threw Ryou behind him to advance in the beating. Ryou tried his best to keep his balance but his weight wouldn't allow it and his vision made it worse. Ryou stretched out his hands to break his fall and save his face from the gravel. Pain shot through his fingers, ripping off the skin allowing them to bleed. His knees skidded across the ground, ripping his suit and scraping his knees against the gravel.

"Get up you fool! I ain't through with you yet!" A harsh kick in the ribs was followed.

/I give up! I don't want to do this anymore! Can someone please find me!! PLEASE!!!/ Ryou blinked repeatedly trying to find his vision but it continued to fail him. A foot was felt on his back and pushed him into the ground, followed by rough stomping on his back.

"I'll be sure you feel my pain a hundred times more!"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

If anyone was in the same location or at least a mile from where Bakura was, all could hear his loud laughing of victory. He jumped from one building roof to the next with a pillow case in his hands full of treasure.

Ha! I got one! I finally got one of the items I was searching for! And it's a powerful one it is, which leads me one step closer to getting what's mine! I have waited so many years for this but I never imagined that this victory would feel so good!!

Although Bakura felt the need to celebrate by stealing jewels in a nearby Jewelry Store, his senses began the flash as well as his copper eyes. They changed colors and his mood changed from joy to battle mode. One thing never failed to leave him as long as he was alive in this era. The sense to know that Ryou was in danger once again. Stopping on top of a building, Bakura tuned into Ryou's thoughts.

/Please have mercy on me. Someone find me! I give up! Oh god, I can't see anything!!!/ Bakura inhaled and exhaled slowly. Once again, Ryou was in a fight and couldn't get himself out of it. He pondered over how to get Ryou out of the fight this time. He could easily do one of two things: He could teleport himself where Ryou was and beat the stuffing out of them or He could take over Ryou's body, so at least they think that they are actually fighting Ryou and will become intimidated by him they next time they come around him. Bakura thought it was best to go with the second plan. With another sigh, this time with disappointment, he concentrated on Ryou's location and teleported.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ryou continued to allow the kicking in his chest, until once again he felt himself fall into deep darkness. Instead of being afraid when stuck in the dark corridors, he was relieved as he rushed into his Soul Room. He knew that Bakura had come to rescue him once again.

The next foot that came in contact with Ryou's chest was stopped by a grasping hand. Sho gasped in shock, as he was flipped to the side by Bakura. Bakura rose from the lying position but winced at the pain that Ryou has gotten. No matter, it shouldn't weaken him too much…should it?

"Get me up you fools! Take him out! Beat him! DO SOMETHING!!!" Bakura's face wrinkled in disgust.

"I'm going to shut you up permenatly. Your voice annoys me greatly." Bakura took Sho by the collar kicking the others who tried to stop him out of the way. His steely gaze met those of the fearful Sho's.

"But—b—but…"

"But nothing! Shut up!" With his other hand Bakura took out a small blade and pressed it against Sho's throat.

/Bakura don't!/

//Why shouldn't I? If I don't do it now then he'll come back for sure.//

/Don't kill him, Bakura! I'll never be able to live with myself!/

//It's tempting Ryou. You're only causing this to feed my fire to kill him!//

/Don't do this…my…yami…/ Bakura dropped Sho in shock without realizing it.

His Yami? Where did that come from? Does he know that I'm his darkness? What I'm set out to do? How much does he know? Could he possibly know…know how I feel about him???

Bakura had previously forgotten about the other boys that were with Sho. They all jumped on his simultaneously to hold him down. Bakura still lost in his void of questions was getting annoyed that they weren't being answered, and most of all having a bunch of monkeys on his back was making him angry. With Ryou's body wounded, he was having a hard time throwing them off. Another flash of red replaced his normal vision and his energy gathered from within him. With a blaze of fury, Bakura's power outmatched their strength combined and threw them all off against the surrounding walls of the alley. He stood up, panting from near exhaustion, making his way home.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Bakura opened the door quietly so not to disturb Professor who was studying in the other room. Moishi jumped off the couch and greeted him with a loud purr. He scooped up the cat and walked back upstairs into Ryou's room leaving the cat outside. Placing the pillow case of hidden treasures under his bed, he stood in front of the bed and waited for Ryou to part with him. In front of him, Ryou materialized, still shaking from the beating. Ryou could sense the disappointment in Bakura's eyes along with a blaze of anger. Had he anger him by being defenseless?

"What an embarrassment. I had to save you twice." Bakura's words were cold and hard just like his gaze upon Ryou. "I didn't know you could get any weaker. Why didn't you fight back?" Ryou remained silent, bowing his head in defeat. "Answer me boy!" Still no answer came from the frail boy. "Do I need to force you for an answer?" Bakura pushed Ryou lightly, but still the boy stumbled nearly falling on the floor. Another shove was made and another. "You're going to let me get away with this?"

"I don't want to fight you, Bakura!" Ryou cried. He shielded his face, fearing he would get another slap from him or something worse.

"Why not? If I'm assaulting you, then you need to fight back!" Bakura gave him another shove until he was cornered against the wall. Waves of Ryou's panic coursed through Bakura's body the more he pressed up against him. Ryou's hands began to tremble violently from fright. "What's the matter?"

"You're too close! Get away!" Ryou screamed. Bakura faltered from threatening, a little hurt by Ryou's words. "I need space! Get away from me! You're too close!"

"What are you trying to tell me?" Bakura asked still confused, pressing in towards Ryou more.

"I SAID MOVE!!!" Ryou's shaky hands pressed onto Bakura and pushed him away, and to his surprise, knocked him over the bed. Ryou stood there shocked, looking over Bakura to see if he was alright. "I'm—I'm sorry—B—Bakura…" Bakura continued to stare at Ryou in disbelief. Once again, Ryou felt defeated and sore. He peeled off his suit piece by piece, allowing them to drop behind him in a smile trail while making his way towards the bathroom across the hall. He didn't bother to close the door behind him; he was concentrating too much on his vision which still failed him. His hands trembled across the knobs of the opened shower. His fingers were sensitive from the scraping and he found it difficult to turn the knobs. He cried from both pain and aggravation.

Bakura walked into the large white bathroom to assist Ryou. There was a large bathtub against the wall and right beside it, a clean tiled floor for the shower. There were no curtains or anything separating the two, it was all opened. Bakura too, removed his clothing and turned the knobs for the shower. Ryou didn't refuse the help, glad for once that his vision wasn't working too well so he wouldn't see Bakura's body. The warm water stung against Ryou's flesh, he curled up on the floor in pain. Bakura placed two hands on Ryou and sat him up so the water flowed from his head and washed the blood from his body. He reached over to the tub's knobs and filled the tub with water. The tub was small and squared shaped but could fit two people, not easily though. When Ryou was rinsed, Bakura led him into the tub, letting Ryou sit inside first and Bakura got in second. It was uncomfortable at first, it took about three tries until they were able to find a comfortable position of Bakura sitting against the wall of the tub with his legs gaped opened and Ryou sitting between them (a/n: OO Whoop…).

From beside him, Bakura lathered a washcloth and gently scrubbed Ryou's sore body. The cloth kept sticking on his wounds and peeling off loose skin making him bleed more. Bakura cringed in disgust and gave up healing him the normal way. He still had enough energy to heal him another way, which he did without Ryou noticing. Had Ryou's eyes been opened, he would have realized that his vision returned, but all he could feel was intense warming and the pain leaving.

"Are you awake?" Bakura asked leaning back weakly against the wall of the tub.

"Mm-hmm." Ryou answered. Ryou leaned back to lie on Bakura's chest, resting his hands into his own. Bakura's face heated and turned a bright red. "Thank you for helping me again."

"It was nothing!" Bakura said hastily. He held Ryou closer, resting his cheek on his moist hair slowly falling into a deep restful slumber…

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Professor closed the book he was reading and checked the clock. It was 10:00 already! And he hasn't fed Bakura dinner yet. Professor grimaced and hoped Bakura was already asleep but to be on the safe side, he walked upstairs, passed the bathroom and peeked into Ryou's room. Bakura wasn't in his bed (a/n: I gave them separate beds…for now. ^_~) and clothes were scattered all over the room. A path of clothing led into the bathroom. The door was opened, and steam escaped from the room.

"Bakura?" Professor asked softly. "Are you hung—GAH!!" He clasped his hands over his mouth so not to wake the boys. But never in his life did he imagine the picture he saw in the bathroom. Many thoughts passed through his head, possible explanations about why they were taking a bath together. There just HAD to be a good reason. Shaking it off, he traveled back down stairs to prepare a late dinner for the boys…if they ever returned from the dream they found themselves in.

TBC

YA: It's finally done!!

Ryou: I can't believe you did it.

YA: And that's only the beginning. We still have a long way to go! And I hope you all don't mind that I let Ryou be claustrophobic. It just seems to fit and you'll know how he got that way soon.

Ryou: That was actually kinda nice…

Bakura: I'll say! *purrs*

YA: ^^;; Cool. So please, tell me what you think. And what's up with Anaku? She's not a good friend, this is the second time she let Ryou get beat without doing anything about it.

Ryou: Yeah, what's up with that?

YA: Which leads me to ask: Should Bakura kill her or not? Because his jealousy's on the rise and his hatred for Sho continues to grow.

Ryou: Give us a review about what you think! Submit Review and press that adorable button that says, "GO."

Bakura: That button isn't as near as adorable as your little nose, Ryou.

YA: Oh please…6_6