Bleh... But yes! Here I am! I woke up early enough! *beams*
Bakura: It's a miracle...
~_~() Will you leave me alone already? Anyway! Here I am my adoring fans! *laughes* Yeah right...
Again... Bakura's slowly becoming more OOC due to his slowly growing more and more fond of Isis. I apologize to anyone out there who thinks that Bakura should remain his cold, bad-arse (in the words of one of my friends), but it's essential to my plot.
Disclaimer: I don't own YuGi Oh, alright? So sue me! NO WAIT! PLEASE DON'T!! I'm broke as it is!!! ~_~() I don't own it... Heck... I don't even own the name to the nightclub... Jade Tanuki was thought up by my good friend. (The afore mentioned one actually, who I got the 'bad-arse' comment from, because that's how he described my picture of Bakura that I did for this fic. ^_^() heh...)
Enjoy!
~*~*~*~
Chapter 11: Good Night Phantom of Music
Bakura ignored the manager again as the nervous man cleared the table of their dishes, leaving the wineglasses of course. Bakura watched Isis as she thanked the man and then sipped the last bit of wine from her glass.
The nervous manager hesitated a moment and Bakura looked up at him. Catching the yami's annoyed look, the man quickly moved away. Bakura drank the last bit of his third glass of wine as he watched the man walk away. Then he turned back to Isis, raising an eyebrow as he saw her refilling her wineglass...
For the sixth time.
"This is very good wine." She stated, smiling absently, seemingly to herself.
"Apparently so." Bakura mused. "That will be your seventh glass..."
"Will it really?" She asked, her voice and smile turning teasing as she leaned forward, cupping her chin in her hand.
Bakura raised his eyebrow again, studying her carefully. "Don't you think, perhaps... that you've had enough?"
Isis scowled suddenly and straightened her posture. "Listen here you macho, chauvinistic, pathetic excuse for a man!" She growled loudly. "I would think that I know better than you whether I have had enough, Ra damn it!" She slammed her fist down on the table. Hard.
Bakura blinked as the wineglasses shuddered from the impact. He suddenly felt very self-conscious. Very aware of the many pairs of eyes staring at them, most full of fear. No doubt they expected him to fly into a rampage at being spoken to in this manner. Truth be told, he was too startled to react at all at first.
"I was just-" he began.
"You're the typical man!" Isis was practically shouting now. "Think you can tell a woman what to do. Where to go. When she's had enough. I won't take that from someone I'm not even dating! I get enough of that controlling, self-absorbed, macho crap in my relationship!"
Bakura began to frown, filing that comment away for later evaluation. He didn't appreciate being spoken to like this... Even it if was from a very attractive woman. He quickly dismissed that last thought as he took a deep breath.
"Look..." he began in a forced-calm voice. "Don't you think you're overreacting a little? Let's be reasonable here. I-"
"Overreacting, huh? So I'm being unreasonable am I?" Her brow furrowed, her eyebrows practically meeting as she scowled. Bakura was surprised at just how mean and evil she could look when angry...
"So! Being sick and tired of always being told what to do and how to act makes me unreasonable? I'm fed up with being told that I'm overreacting! You sound just like Mariku! I'm always just overreacting all of the time. Malik comes home drunk. I'm being unreasonable! Mariku's out all night. I'm overreacting!"
Bakura blinked. His anger faded suddenly as he saw tears forming in her eyes.
"And by all means! It's unreasonable to be upset when someone tries to tell me what to do. Or when I find out that my brother and his yami are frequent customers at a strip joint! I'm just overreacting, am I!?"
Isis seemed to have finally wound down and sat silently, glaring daggers at Bakura. The white haired yami just sat staring back at her, feeling an odd mixture of sympathy, guilt, pain, and anger. But not anger towards Isis anymore. Anger towards Malik, Mariku... and himself.
*So that's why she's so upset...* he thought to himself.
Finally he just lowered his eyes. "I'm sorry, Isis. I didn't mean anything by it at all... I really didn't..."
Isis blinked, watching him silently, before sighing. She lowered her eyes and, in doing so, noticed his empty wineglass. "Here," she took up the wine bottle and refilled his glass. "I'm sorry, too. I shouldn't have snapped like that."
Bakura nodded, unable to look at her. He could still feel the eyes of the other people in the restaurant. They were staring out of shock now, instead of fear. It annoyed Bakura. A part of him- the part that was himself before he started falling for Isis- felt that he was showing weakness. To think that a woman would dare speak to him like that and he wouldn't respond with anything more than an apology.
He felt himself scowling down at the table in front of him. His mood had changed. He was sulking now. In a fowl mood, while at the same time feeling guilt and sympathy for what Isis was going through. Without thinking about it, he took several gulps of his wine, draining the newly filled glass.
Isis sat silently, sipping her wine. Neither of the two spoke for a long time. Bakura poured himself another glass of wine, draining the last of the bottle.
"Erm... Here's your check, Bakura-sama. Unless, of course, you'd like something else!" The nervous manager held the bill out to Bakura, quickly adding the last part in hopes not to insult Bakura by making it seem he wanted him to leave.
Bakura finished his wine and took the bill. Without even glancing at it, he looked at Isis. "Do you want anything else?"
She shook her head even as she finished the last of her wine.
Bakura turned back to the man and stood, handing him the bill after glancing at the price. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out the wad of money he had taken from Seto. After counting out the right amount, he gave it to the man and watched him scurry away. Then he turned to Isis again, seeing that she was standing as well.
"Shall we go then?" she asked quietly.
Bakura nodded and stepped back, motioning silently for her to go before him. She smiled and began walking, Bakura falling into step behind her. Just before they reached the door, the manager appeared and pulled the door open for them.
"Thank you." Isis smiled at the man as she stepped out into the cool evening air.
Bakura gave the man a simple nod of departure, more than he'd ever allowed before. *Ryou and Isis are both rubbing off on him now...* he realized in annoyance.
Isis and Bakura walked down the street in silence for a while. Bakura didn't like the silence. He felt awkward and guilty. So he finally cleared his throat and asked the first thing that he thought of.
"So... Where are Malik and Mariku?"
Isis sighed, lowering her eyes. "I'm not entirely certain..." she muttered. "Out having a good time no doubt."
Bakura frowned, trying to think of something else to say or do. At the same time he need to keep his mind from brewing over the fact that what she said suggested that she wasn't having fun. "I'm... Well, I'm sorry that you're having trouble with Mariku..."
Looking over at him, Isis smiled slightly. "I should have known better anyway." She looked away again, sighing. "He's crude and mean and untrustworthy. He is a yami after all."
Bakura suddenly slowed to a stop and stood staring down at the ground. Why did it hurt? He knew why. But even as he had finally begun to believe it, he still refused to accept it...
"He is a yami after all..."
Those words compared Bakura to Mariku in a way that made it certain that Isis would probably never want to risk a relationship with him now...
"He is a yami..."
"Bakura?"
He blinked and looked up at Isis, who had stopped several paces ahead of him and had turned to face him. When he didn't say anything in response, she furrowed her brow and tilted her head to one side.
"What are you up to?" She asked suspiciously.
*Ouch...* Bakura almost had to look away. *No 'is something wrong' for me... I am a yami after all.* He thought bitterly. But he didn't want to say anything to upset Isis further, so he quickly formed a little fib.
"Nothing!" He said with a forced, but surprisingly authentic looking grin. In fact, not a bit of his expression would show that he was anything but cheerful and mischievous. "I was just thinking... Perhaps you just need to go out and have fun too. I mean think about it. When was the last time you went out dancing or something like that?"
Isis rubbed the back of her neck absently. "Dancing? Well, if you mean, like, going to a club, I've only been once. Mariku took me to a club a few months ago. It was a rather sleazy place, though. So if that's what you have in mind, you can forget it."
Bakura chuckled and started walking again. "Not all clubs are sleazy." He stated. Then, as he took her arm gently and turned her to walk along beside him, he added. "Come on. I know of a slightly upscale place. That is, if you aren't afraid to try something new."
Isis pulled her arm away and glared at him playfully as they walked. "Alright. Let's go then. I'm not afraid to try something different."
Bakura grinned and led the way to the Jade Tanuki, a classy nightclub that sells mixed drinks. First they went to the bar and sat and drank. Not really saying anything, just enjoying the music and each other's company. Then Isis went to dance. Of course, she didn't leave Bakura without getting his word that he would join her shortly on the dance floor.
*She's really had way too much to drink...* Bakura thought with a sigh and took a drink. *Then again, I've had almost as much as she has now... Good thing I can hold the alcohol well... Even if I will have one Shadow Realm of a headache tomorrow. Isis seems to get rather outgoing when she's had a lot to drink...*
Bakura smiled despite himself. He'd had a lot of fun so far tonight...
Someone walked over and leaned against the bar next to Bakura, elbows propped up on the smooth wooden surface. Bakura barely noticed, ignoring whomever this person was. That is... Until he spoke.
"So..." drawled a familiar voice. "That's why you wanted money, is it?"
Bakura's eyes widened in surprise, even as he turned to face the tall, lean young man standing next to him. "Seto Kaiba!?"
Seto Kaiba stood there and said nothing. He was leaning against the bar in such a casual manner that he appeared to be taunting Bakura, while at the same time, he seemed to have no interest at all in the white haired yami. He was smirking, though, and not looking at Bakura.
"What do you want?" Bakura growled.
Seto didn't answer. His smirk just gained in slyness as his dark, sparkling blue eyes stared out over the dance floor.
Bakura followed his gaze and spotted Isis out in the crowd. His eyes flashed dangerously in rage as he snapped his gaze back to Seto. The young millionaire laughed and finally turned to look at Bakura. He raised an eyebrow and regarded Bakura with curious amusement.
"What are you doing here?" Bakura demanded.
Seto shrugged. "I come here for a drink or two every now and then. I never would have expected to see the likes of you around this place, though." He chuckled. "Then again, it seems you're just catering to the class of the woman you're with."
"This isn't what you think." Bakura growled wrathfully.
Seto raised his eyebrow once again. "What I think? I wasn't suggesting or thinking anything. Though it's been my experience that the more ready one is to deny something, the more likely it is to be true."
Bakura just glared at him, knowing that he'd been beaten. Seto apparently saw this defeat and laughed. "I was thinking of leaving when I saw the two of you come in. I just had to stick around and see what was going on. I must say that the two of you make an interesting couple."
In a flash of speed that even Seto Kaiba couldn't have expected, Bakura had the young CEO by the collar of his nice shirt. Seto blinked, startled, as he was jerked down so that Bakura could stare him straight in the face.
Rage was burning in Bakura's eyes as he glared at Seto. His voice came out in a wrathful growl. "I'll kill you... I swear I will kill you... You'd better watch your back, because as Ra is my witness-"
"Woah now..." Seto smirked again and raised his hands in a sign of surrender. "Calm down... I'm not going to tell anyone that you're sweet on her."
"I'm not-"
Seto laughed. "Oh please! I've been watching the two of you talking since you got here. If she weren't so drunk, she'd probably see it too... Not that she seems too bright on the subject, though. So maybe she wouldn't..."
Bakura tightened his grip on Seto's shirt collar and pulled him closer. His voice quavered with barely contained rage. "Take that back..." his eyes narrowed and he growled. "Then. Shut up and go away..."
Seto nodded. "Very well. Forget I said anything." He grabbed Bakura's hands and somehow managed to pry his fingers from his shirt collar. "Be careful you don't wrinkle the fabric... This is a very expensive shirt..." he muttered absently as he brushed his fingers over the places where Bakura had held the silky fabric as though afraid that Bakura had left dirt or filth where he'd touched it.
Standing straight, Seto regarded the white haired yami who was still glaring at him. Then he just laughed and shook his head. "I'd never have seen this one coming. Do you actually think you have a chance with her? I mean seriously, she's way out of your league..."
Bakura's fists clenched tightly as his eyes narrowed. Then, he froze, catching the sideways glance that Seto was giving Isis out of the corner of his eyes. Bakura swallowed and turned to watch Isis. His voice had lost its edge as he said, very softly, "Yeah... Out of my league... But in yours, right?"
Seto just smirked again and turned away from him. Looking back over his shoulder at Bakura, he chuckled. "Have fun tonight..." And with that, he strode away through the crowd.
Bakura glared after him. He turned back to the bar and grabbed his drink. Downing the last of it, he turned back to the dance floor. He was already furious, so what he saw when he turned around was unforgivable.
~~~
"I still can't believe he was stupid enough to actually hit you!" Isis laughed as she and Bakura helped each other into the Ishtar residence.
Bakura just kind of shrugged and led her into the living room. "Drunk anyway... maybe not stupid so much..." he licked his lower lip, absently tasting the swelling skin and fresh blood from where it was split. He grinned. "Either way... he certainly came out of it worse than me, huh?" He laughed as he moved away from her and sat down on the couch.
Isis nodded. "You really didn't have to start anything with him, though... I could have handled it."
Bakura leaned forward, propping his elbows on his legs and allowing his head to hang down as he laughed. It was a way of trying to hide his feeling of slight sickness and exhaustion from having drunk so much. "I don't doubt that you could. But scum like that are undeserving even to be in the presence of a woman such as yourself, let alone be allowed to hit on you." He sighed as his mind wandered back to what Kaiba had said.
There was a long silence as Isis watched him. Then she stretched absently. "Take your shirt off." She said.
Bakura blinked and his head snapped up to stare at her with eyes wide from surprise. "Come again?"
Isis shrugged. "Take your shirt off." When Bakura continued to just stare at her, she put her hands on her hips. "Give me your shirt."
Hesitantly, Bakura straightened and pulled his shirt off over his head. He didn't know what she was up to, and he didn't like being uncertain. He also didn't like the fact that he was having to fight a blush.
(((You can imagine how well a blush would show up on his beautifully pale skin... ^_^() heh...)))
As he removed his shirt, Isis raised an eyebrow. "Nice..." she commented with a sly smile as she reached out and took his shirt away from him.
Now Bakura did blush, his entire face turning crimson as he quickly looked away from her. But she wasn't paying attention to him anymore. She was studying the splash of blood that was drying on the front of his light blue shirt. "I'll go soak this... Hopefully it won't stain..."
Bakura looked back at her and shrugged. "You don't have to do that."
She looked at him and smiled. "Perhaps... But you were trying to help when you were hit. It's the least I could do for my dashing and caring rescuer." She chuckled as she left the room.
Bakura sighed and leaned back against the back of the couch. "She's still practical even when she's drunk..." he mused aloud to himself. "Though she does loose all of her tact..." Chuckling absently, he stood and wandered about the room. Stopping by the chair, he picked up a bundle of dark purple-grey material. Lifting it and holding it spread out in front of him, he realized it was one of Mariku's capes.
He grinned, gripping the corners that fasten around the neck. Whipping it out and around over his head, he fastened it in place and then, with a great flourish, he drew in one of the lower corners.
"I am the Phantom of the Opera!" he declared loudly.
"Than sing something for me." Came Isis' voice from behind him.
Bakura blanched and turned to see her leaning in the doorway, smiling teasingly. He shook his head. "I'm sorry! I was just-"
She laughed again. "Don't apologize... But I do want to hear you sing."
Bakura shook his head again, more enthusiastically. "You don't want to hear me sing... I don't sing."
~You do too.~ came a giggle from Ryou.
Ryou! Bakura was shocked and realized that he'd dropped the mental wall between them. Get out of my head! He growled mentally as he rebuilt the barrier.
Blinking, Bakura noticed that Isis was crossing the room. *Ra is she graceful even when she's drunk...* That's when he noticed the bottle and glasses in her hands. *Does she ever stop!?* He sighed, shaking his head as he walked over to join her by the little table she was setting the glasses down on. All the same... He couldn't help but find it amusing that she would drink this much...
As he stopped beside her, she handed him a glass of white wine. He looked down at it. "Don't you think we've drank enough by now?"
Isis smiled mischievously and waved her own glass of wine in front of his face. "What's the matter?" She jeered tauntingly. "Had enough? Can't take much, can you?"
Bakura's eyes narrowed and stared straight into hers. "I can take it." He growled, before lifting the glass and downing its contents in a single gulp.
Isis laughed and poured him another glass before turning to the stereo. She turned on some upbeat music and turned back to Bakura. "Fine... I'll let the Phantom get out of singing... for now. But... He has to dance with me." She took a sip of her wine and then put the glass down.
"Oh, hey..." Bakura shook his head. "I don't dance."
Isis took the wineglass from his hand and set it down by hers. "You promised to dance with me at the club, but we missed that chance." She grabbed his hands and pulled him out towards the middle of the room.
"No, I-"
"Yes!" Isis laughed as she yanked on his arms again.
It took a few minutes, but she finally managed to get him to dance. And they did dance. For several long minutes they danced. Then the music changed to a slow song. Bakura stepped back quickly, raising his hands in the air.
"No."
Isis frowned. "I won't kill you." She sighed and extended her hand towards him. "Come on... Please?"
Bakura shook his head again. "I can't..." he mumbled.
"Sure you can. It's not like anyone will find out."
"No... I mean, I can't... I've never slow danced before..." Bakura said, dropping his arms to his side, his eyes turned down.
"Oh..." Isis shook her head. "I... I'm sorry. I didn't realize."
Bakura just shrugged, keeping his eyes down. He cursed himself mentally for killing the mood. He had, despite himself, been having a good time dancing with Isis after all. So he stood there dismally, staring at the ground and listening to the soft music that was playing.
Suddenly, Isis slipped her hands into his. He blinked and raised his eyes. Isis was smiling at him. "Come on..." She released his hands and reached up to undo the cape. "It'll probably be easier to learn without this in the way." She said as she turned and took the cape to the couch, draping it over one of the arms.
~~~
(((Jumping into 1st Person Bakura))) (And yes... I have lots of problems with not staying in the same tense during this section, but this is just how it felt right, even though it's incorrect. Usually I'm really good about it... But for some reason this section wouldn't work with me! )
When she turned back, I swear her eyes were dancing. Here I am without a shirt and wearing tight black jeans, and she's seriously giving me the once over... Thrice over, even. Oh Ra... I wish she hadn't gotten so drunk...
Which makes me wonder, as she starts back over here, how much of this is just due to that? Is any of this really her feelings? Ra... I wish I were drunker...
She stood in front of me for a moment before taking my hands and putting them around her waist. I swallow, my mouth suddenly feeling very dry. Isis then placed her hands on my shoulders. Thank you Ra... You're good to me...
I swallow again and take a deep breath in an attempt to steady my fast beating heart. "So... What now?"
Isis chuckled. "First off, you calm down. You look completely terrified. Learning to dance won't kill you."
I nod, just grateful that she didn't know the real reason I was so nervous.
And so she taught me how to slow dance. It was nice... But then again, I was holding her in my arms and she had hers around my neck. The longer we danced, the closer she came to me, until it got to the point where I was holding her against me...
Ra... You sick bastard... I grin as I hold my arms around Isis' waist.
Then Isis bends her head down to rest it against my shoulder. I wasn't expecting that and my heart began racing even more. I can tell that she's getting tired, though whether it was due to the late hour or how much she'd drank was a mystery.
Isis gave a soft sigh of contentment and rubbed her hands along my back. Oh Ra...
I closed my eyes...
Then I tripped over my own two feet and stumbled backwards. Isis lifted her head as I accidentally pulled her along with me. Instinctively, I held her tighter, not wanting to risk her falling and getting hurt. I crashed down onto the couch, slightly reclined against the arm of the couch. As my back slammed against the arm, I clenched my eyes shut, gritted my teeth, and uttered a few very ungentlemanly words.
I feel Isis struggling to push herself up and so I let go of her, keeping my eyes clenched shut. After a few moments, the movement stopped. Then, I felt a cool touch as fingers stroked my forehead. I blink my eyes open to see Isis on her hands and knees over top of me, leaning her face down towards mine. Concern was shining in her eyes as she brushed some of my bangs from my face.
My eyes strayed down... I can't help it! I'm a guy! ... Yeah... The top of her dress is as loose as it looks...
"Are you alright?" She asks softly.
My eyes snap back up to her face and I nod. "Yeah... I'll be okay..."
She smiles and lowers herself down to lay on top of me, her eyes closing, her head resting on my chest. "Thank you... For a wonderful night..."
I had thought early that I had never felt so self-conscious about not having a shirt on... Oh yeah... This tops that easily... "Um... You're welcome."
"Will you sing for me now?" she asked softly. She seemed to be already half-asleep. "My Phantom?"
I hesitate, then smile. "Alright..." I said as I brushed her hair out of her face. Then I tilted my head back, closed my eyes, and began to sing.
"Nighttime sharpens, heightens each sensation Darkness stirs and wakes imagination Silently the senses abandon their defenses
Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendor Grasp it; sense it, tremulous and tender Turn your face away from the garish light of day Turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light And listen to the music of the night
Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams Purge your thoughts of the life you knew before Close your eyes; let your spirit start to soar And you'll live as you've never lived before.
Softly, deftly music shall caress you Hear it, feel it secretly possess you Open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind In this darkness which you know you can not fight The darkness of the music of the night
Let your mind start a journey though a strange new world Leave all thoughts of the life you knew before Let your soul take you where you long to be Only then can you belong to me
Floating, falling sweet intoxication Touch me, trust me, savor each sensation Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in To the power of the mus-"
Isis stirred, which caused me to stop singing and look back down at her. She was smiling to herself, her fingers twitching slightly to rub my chest.
I smile. "Good night, Isis..."
"Good night..." she mumbles back, clearly just seconds from sleep. "My Phantom of Music..."
I watched her sleep for a moment before leaning my head forward, bringing my lips close to hers. But then I hesitated and raised my head again. I stared down at her for a moment, then, trying my best not to disturb her, I shifted my position to get Mariku's cap out from behind my back. Lifting it up, I throw it over Isis like a cover, tucking the fabric around her shoulders.
"So what is this?" I asked aloud, addressing nothing and no one in particular. "We're drunk... Does none of this mean anything?"
*Ra...* I closed my eyes, which had begun to water, filling with tears. *You are so cruel...*
Then I drifted off to sleep, holding Isis tightly to my bare chest... It was a very nice feeling to be with her like this...
~*~*~*~
And yes... This is where Angst comes drastically into play... *sigh* My poor albino... And after this it all just gets worse... Oh yes... Definitely worse... I tell you, the next chapter is just terrible for him...
Hmmm... If I recall correctly, this is the longest chapter... But I could be wrong. At any rate. I hope you liked and I hope that I succeeded in at least almost making you feel the slightest bit like you need to just cry and cuddle Bakura.
Bakura: I don't wanna be cuddled!
... Why have you been so bad lately!? You've never butted in like this before!
Bakura: Well look what you're putting me through! Don't I have a right to put a word in?
*sigh* Yeah, okay... Anyway! And now some words from Bakura to our reviewers!
Bakura: This'll be fun...
... Just don't send any of them to the Shadow Realm... Okay?
Reviewers!!
Flamedancer33: *smirks* That's right, only Bakura. 'Cause I'm clever like that. Bow down to my almighty power and cleverness you pathetic mortals! Mwa ha ha haaaa! *Silverscreamer thwaps him upside the head* Okay! That's enough! *grumbles* I'll finish this thank you...
Umeko: Hee hee... Sorry you're grounded, but I'm glad you were able to sneak on the computer! (((Bakura grumbles about how he'd have gotten fussed at for supporting bad behavior.))) *giggles insanely* Yes! The ice cubes are great, aren't they!? Me and my best friend made constant comments to each other about that. You know... If it weren't for the fact that neither of us like ice in our drinks, we'd probably spin our ice just because of Malik. And yes... HE CUT THE MEAT!!!! *gasp*
Nemesis: Glad you like it! You know, I feel that it really says something when someone says they don't like a character but still think it's a great story... *shrugs and smiles* I am really glad you like it! I hope you continue reading to the end.
Lily of the Shadow: *giggles* Yeap. The Jell-O was priceless. I'm surprised I didn't get more comments on it. That was one of the things I was most proud of myself for. ^_^() Hee hee. Oh well.
Reign of Isis4559: *laughes* Whoo buddy, did you ever call the fact that they get drunk!!! *snickers maniacally* As for what Mariku says... You'll see next chapter. But I will tell you this much... Lots of Owieness...
Anime*2000: *chuckles* Obviously they didn't show up while they were eating. *grins* But I'm sure that woulda been better than coming home to find Isis sleeping on top of Bakura on the couch, neh? *snickers* I'm so evil. (((Bakura nods in agreement. "She got that from me." Ryou shakes his head. "She's always been evil, yami...")))
KurianGirl: No! I don't give spoilers to my stories! ^_^() Not big ones anyway... I mean, the big owieness thing is fairly obvious, no?
And yes. I will update it again tonight too! *bounces away to finish getting ready for school*
Bakura: It's a miracle...
~_~() Will you leave me alone already? Anyway! Here I am my adoring fans! *laughes* Yeah right...
Again... Bakura's slowly becoming more OOC due to his slowly growing more and more fond of Isis. I apologize to anyone out there who thinks that Bakura should remain his cold, bad-arse (in the words of one of my friends), but it's essential to my plot.
Disclaimer: I don't own YuGi Oh, alright? So sue me! NO WAIT! PLEASE DON'T!! I'm broke as it is!!! ~_~() I don't own it... Heck... I don't even own the name to the nightclub... Jade Tanuki was thought up by my good friend. (The afore mentioned one actually, who I got the 'bad-arse' comment from, because that's how he described my picture of Bakura that I did for this fic. ^_^() heh...)
Enjoy!
~*~*~*~
Chapter 11: Good Night Phantom of Music
Bakura ignored the manager again as the nervous man cleared the table of their dishes, leaving the wineglasses of course. Bakura watched Isis as she thanked the man and then sipped the last bit of wine from her glass.
The nervous manager hesitated a moment and Bakura looked up at him. Catching the yami's annoyed look, the man quickly moved away. Bakura drank the last bit of his third glass of wine as he watched the man walk away. Then he turned back to Isis, raising an eyebrow as he saw her refilling her wineglass...
For the sixth time.
"This is very good wine." She stated, smiling absently, seemingly to herself.
"Apparently so." Bakura mused. "That will be your seventh glass..."
"Will it really?" She asked, her voice and smile turning teasing as she leaned forward, cupping her chin in her hand.
Bakura raised his eyebrow again, studying her carefully. "Don't you think, perhaps... that you've had enough?"
Isis scowled suddenly and straightened her posture. "Listen here you macho, chauvinistic, pathetic excuse for a man!" She growled loudly. "I would think that I know better than you whether I have had enough, Ra damn it!" She slammed her fist down on the table. Hard.
Bakura blinked as the wineglasses shuddered from the impact. He suddenly felt very self-conscious. Very aware of the many pairs of eyes staring at them, most full of fear. No doubt they expected him to fly into a rampage at being spoken to in this manner. Truth be told, he was too startled to react at all at first.
"I was just-" he began.
"You're the typical man!" Isis was practically shouting now. "Think you can tell a woman what to do. Where to go. When she's had enough. I won't take that from someone I'm not even dating! I get enough of that controlling, self-absorbed, macho crap in my relationship!"
Bakura began to frown, filing that comment away for later evaluation. He didn't appreciate being spoken to like this... Even it if was from a very attractive woman. He quickly dismissed that last thought as he took a deep breath.
"Look..." he began in a forced-calm voice. "Don't you think you're overreacting a little? Let's be reasonable here. I-"
"Overreacting, huh? So I'm being unreasonable am I?" Her brow furrowed, her eyebrows practically meeting as she scowled. Bakura was surprised at just how mean and evil she could look when angry...
"So! Being sick and tired of always being told what to do and how to act makes me unreasonable? I'm fed up with being told that I'm overreacting! You sound just like Mariku! I'm always just overreacting all of the time. Malik comes home drunk. I'm being unreasonable! Mariku's out all night. I'm overreacting!"
Bakura blinked. His anger faded suddenly as he saw tears forming in her eyes.
"And by all means! It's unreasonable to be upset when someone tries to tell me what to do. Or when I find out that my brother and his yami are frequent customers at a strip joint! I'm just overreacting, am I!?"
Isis seemed to have finally wound down and sat silently, glaring daggers at Bakura. The white haired yami just sat staring back at her, feeling an odd mixture of sympathy, guilt, pain, and anger. But not anger towards Isis anymore. Anger towards Malik, Mariku... and himself.
*So that's why she's so upset...* he thought to himself.
Finally he just lowered his eyes. "I'm sorry, Isis. I didn't mean anything by it at all... I really didn't..."
Isis blinked, watching him silently, before sighing. She lowered her eyes and, in doing so, noticed his empty wineglass. "Here," she took up the wine bottle and refilled his glass. "I'm sorry, too. I shouldn't have snapped like that."
Bakura nodded, unable to look at her. He could still feel the eyes of the other people in the restaurant. They were staring out of shock now, instead of fear. It annoyed Bakura. A part of him- the part that was himself before he started falling for Isis- felt that he was showing weakness. To think that a woman would dare speak to him like that and he wouldn't respond with anything more than an apology.
He felt himself scowling down at the table in front of him. His mood had changed. He was sulking now. In a fowl mood, while at the same time feeling guilt and sympathy for what Isis was going through. Without thinking about it, he took several gulps of his wine, draining the newly filled glass.
Isis sat silently, sipping her wine. Neither of the two spoke for a long time. Bakura poured himself another glass of wine, draining the last of the bottle.
"Erm... Here's your check, Bakura-sama. Unless, of course, you'd like something else!" The nervous manager held the bill out to Bakura, quickly adding the last part in hopes not to insult Bakura by making it seem he wanted him to leave.
Bakura finished his wine and took the bill. Without even glancing at it, he looked at Isis. "Do you want anything else?"
She shook her head even as she finished the last of her wine.
Bakura turned back to the man and stood, handing him the bill after glancing at the price. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out the wad of money he had taken from Seto. After counting out the right amount, he gave it to the man and watched him scurry away. Then he turned to Isis again, seeing that she was standing as well.
"Shall we go then?" she asked quietly.
Bakura nodded and stepped back, motioning silently for her to go before him. She smiled and began walking, Bakura falling into step behind her. Just before they reached the door, the manager appeared and pulled the door open for them.
"Thank you." Isis smiled at the man as she stepped out into the cool evening air.
Bakura gave the man a simple nod of departure, more than he'd ever allowed before. *Ryou and Isis are both rubbing off on him now...* he realized in annoyance.
Isis and Bakura walked down the street in silence for a while. Bakura didn't like the silence. He felt awkward and guilty. So he finally cleared his throat and asked the first thing that he thought of.
"So... Where are Malik and Mariku?"
Isis sighed, lowering her eyes. "I'm not entirely certain..." she muttered. "Out having a good time no doubt."
Bakura frowned, trying to think of something else to say or do. At the same time he need to keep his mind from brewing over the fact that what she said suggested that she wasn't having fun. "I'm... Well, I'm sorry that you're having trouble with Mariku..."
Looking over at him, Isis smiled slightly. "I should have known better anyway." She looked away again, sighing. "He's crude and mean and untrustworthy. He is a yami after all."
Bakura suddenly slowed to a stop and stood staring down at the ground. Why did it hurt? He knew why. But even as he had finally begun to believe it, he still refused to accept it...
"He is a yami after all..."
Those words compared Bakura to Mariku in a way that made it certain that Isis would probably never want to risk a relationship with him now...
"He is a yami..."
"Bakura?"
He blinked and looked up at Isis, who had stopped several paces ahead of him and had turned to face him. When he didn't say anything in response, she furrowed her brow and tilted her head to one side.
"What are you up to?" She asked suspiciously.
*Ouch...* Bakura almost had to look away. *No 'is something wrong' for me... I am a yami after all.* He thought bitterly. But he didn't want to say anything to upset Isis further, so he quickly formed a little fib.
"Nothing!" He said with a forced, but surprisingly authentic looking grin. In fact, not a bit of his expression would show that he was anything but cheerful and mischievous. "I was just thinking... Perhaps you just need to go out and have fun too. I mean think about it. When was the last time you went out dancing or something like that?"
Isis rubbed the back of her neck absently. "Dancing? Well, if you mean, like, going to a club, I've only been once. Mariku took me to a club a few months ago. It was a rather sleazy place, though. So if that's what you have in mind, you can forget it."
Bakura chuckled and started walking again. "Not all clubs are sleazy." He stated. Then, as he took her arm gently and turned her to walk along beside him, he added. "Come on. I know of a slightly upscale place. That is, if you aren't afraid to try something new."
Isis pulled her arm away and glared at him playfully as they walked. "Alright. Let's go then. I'm not afraid to try something different."
Bakura grinned and led the way to the Jade Tanuki, a classy nightclub that sells mixed drinks. First they went to the bar and sat and drank. Not really saying anything, just enjoying the music and each other's company. Then Isis went to dance. Of course, she didn't leave Bakura without getting his word that he would join her shortly on the dance floor.
*She's really had way too much to drink...* Bakura thought with a sigh and took a drink. *Then again, I've had almost as much as she has now... Good thing I can hold the alcohol well... Even if I will have one Shadow Realm of a headache tomorrow. Isis seems to get rather outgoing when she's had a lot to drink...*
Bakura smiled despite himself. He'd had a lot of fun so far tonight...
Someone walked over and leaned against the bar next to Bakura, elbows propped up on the smooth wooden surface. Bakura barely noticed, ignoring whomever this person was. That is... Until he spoke.
"So..." drawled a familiar voice. "That's why you wanted money, is it?"
Bakura's eyes widened in surprise, even as he turned to face the tall, lean young man standing next to him. "Seto Kaiba!?"
Seto Kaiba stood there and said nothing. He was leaning against the bar in such a casual manner that he appeared to be taunting Bakura, while at the same time, he seemed to have no interest at all in the white haired yami. He was smirking, though, and not looking at Bakura.
"What do you want?" Bakura growled.
Seto didn't answer. His smirk just gained in slyness as his dark, sparkling blue eyes stared out over the dance floor.
Bakura followed his gaze and spotted Isis out in the crowd. His eyes flashed dangerously in rage as he snapped his gaze back to Seto. The young millionaire laughed and finally turned to look at Bakura. He raised an eyebrow and regarded Bakura with curious amusement.
"What are you doing here?" Bakura demanded.
Seto shrugged. "I come here for a drink or two every now and then. I never would have expected to see the likes of you around this place, though." He chuckled. "Then again, it seems you're just catering to the class of the woman you're with."
"This isn't what you think." Bakura growled wrathfully.
Seto raised his eyebrow once again. "What I think? I wasn't suggesting or thinking anything. Though it's been my experience that the more ready one is to deny something, the more likely it is to be true."
Bakura just glared at him, knowing that he'd been beaten. Seto apparently saw this defeat and laughed. "I was thinking of leaving when I saw the two of you come in. I just had to stick around and see what was going on. I must say that the two of you make an interesting couple."
In a flash of speed that even Seto Kaiba couldn't have expected, Bakura had the young CEO by the collar of his nice shirt. Seto blinked, startled, as he was jerked down so that Bakura could stare him straight in the face.
Rage was burning in Bakura's eyes as he glared at Seto. His voice came out in a wrathful growl. "I'll kill you... I swear I will kill you... You'd better watch your back, because as Ra is my witness-"
"Woah now..." Seto smirked again and raised his hands in a sign of surrender. "Calm down... I'm not going to tell anyone that you're sweet on her."
"I'm not-"
Seto laughed. "Oh please! I've been watching the two of you talking since you got here. If she weren't so drunk, she'd probably see it too... Not that she seems too bright on the subject, though. So maybe she wouldn't..."
Bakura tightened his grip on Seto's shirt collar and pulled him closer. His voice quavered with barely contained rage. "Take that back..." his eyes narrowed and he growled. "Then. Shut up and go away..."
Seto nodded. "Very well. Forget I said anything." He grabbed Bakura's hands and somehow managed to pry his fingers from his shirt collar. "Be careful you don't wrinkle the fabric... This is a very expensive shirt..." he muttered absently as he brushed his fingers over the places where Bakura had held the silky fabric as though afraid that Bakura had left dirt or filth where he'd touched it.
Standing straight, Seto regarded the white haired yami who was still glaring at him. Then he just laughed and shook his head. "I'd never have seen this one coming. Do you actually think you have a chance with her? I mean seriously, she's way out of your league..."
Bakura's fists clenched tightly as his eyes narrowed. Then, he froze, catching the sideways glance that Seto was giving Isis out of the corner of his eyes. Bakura swallowed and turned to watch Isis. His voice had lost its edge as he said, very softly, "Yeah... Out of my league... But in yours, right?"
Seto just smirked again and turned away from him. Looking back over his shoulder at Bakura, he chuckled. "Have fun tonight..." And with that, he strode away through the crowd.
Bakura glared after him. He turned back to the bar and grabbed his drink. Downing the last of it, he turned back to the dance floor. He was already furious, so what he saw when he turned around was unforgivable.
~~~
"I still can't believe he was stupid enough to actually hit you!" Isis laughed as she and Bakura helped each other into the Ishtar residence.
Bakura just kind of shrugged and led her into the living room. "Drunk anyway... maybe not stupid so much..." he licked his lower lip, absently tasting the swelling skin and fresh blood from where it was split. He grinned. "Either way... he certainly came out of it worse than me, huh?" He laughed as he moved away from her and sat down on the couch.
Isis nodded. "You really didn't have to start anything with him, though... I could have handled it."
Bakura leaned forward, propping his elbows on his legs and allowing his head to hang down as he laughed. It was a way of trying to hide his feeling of slight sickness and exhaustion from having drunk so much. "I don't doubt that you could. But scum like that are undeserving even to be in the presence of a woman such as yourself, let alone be allowed to hit on you." He sighed as his mind wandered back to what Kaiba had said.
There was a long silence as Isis watched him. Then she stretched absently. "Take your shirt off." She said.
Bakura blinked and his head snapped up to stare at her with eyes wide from surprise. "Come again?"
Isis shrugged. "Take your shirt off." When Bakura continued to just stare at her, she put her hands on her hips. "Give me your shirt."
Hesitantly, Bakura straightened and pulled his shirt off over his head. He didn't know what she was up to, and he didn't like being uncertain. He also didn't like the fact that he was having to fight a blush.
(((You can imagine how well a blush would show up on his beautifully pale skin... ^_^() heh...)))
As he removed his shirt, Isis raised an eyebrow. "Nice..." she commented with a sly smile as she reached out and took his shirt away from him.
Now Bakura did blush, his entire face turning crimson as he quickly looked away from her. But she wasn't paying attention to him anymore. She was studying the splash of blood that was drying on the front of his light blue shirt. "I'll go soak this... Hopefully it won't stain..."
Bakura looked back at her and shrugged. "You don't have to do that."
She looked at him and smiled. "Perhaps... But you were trying to help when you were hit. It's the least I could do for my dashing and caring rescuer." She chuckled as she left the room.
Bakura sighed and leaned back against the back of the couch. "She's still practical even when she's drunk..." he mused aloud to himself. "Though she does loose all of her tact..." Chuckling absently, he stood and wandered about the room. Stopping by the chair, he picked up a bundle of dark purple-grey material. Lifting it and holding it spread out in front of him, he realized it was one of Mariku's capes.
He grinned, gripping the corners that fasten around the neck. Whipping it out and around over his head, he fastened it in place and then, with a great flourish, he drew in one of the lower corners.
"I am the Phantom of the Opera!" he declared loudly.
"Than sing something for me." Came Isis' voice from behind him.
Bakura blanched and turned to see her leaning in the doorway, smiling teasingly. He shook his head. "I'm sorry! I was just-"
She laughed again. "Don't apologize... But I do want to hear you sing."
Bakura shook his head again, more enthusiastically. "You don't want to hear me sing... I don't sing."
~You do too.~ came a giggle from Ryou.
Ryou! Bakura was shocked and realized that he'd dropped the mental wall between them. Get out of my head! He growled mentally as he rebuilt the barrier.
Blinking, Bakura noticed that Isis was crossing the room. *Ra is she graceful even when she's drunk...* That's when he noticed the bottle and glasses in her hands. *Does she ever stop!?* He sighed, shaking his head as he walked over to join her by the little table she was setting the glasses down on. All the same... He couldn't help but find it amusing that she would drink this much...
As he stopped beside her, she handed him a glass of white wine. He looked down at it. "Don't you think we've drank enough by now?"
Isis smiled mischievously and waved her own glass of wine in front of his face. "What's the matter?" She jeered tauntingly. "Had enough? Can't take much, can you?"
Bakura's eyes narrowed and stared straight into hers. "I can take it." He growled, before lifting the glass and downing its contents in a single gulp.
Isis laughed and poured him another glass before turning to the stereo. She turned on some upbeat music and turned back to Bakura. "Fine... I'll let the Phantom get out of singing... for now. But... He has to dance with me." She took a sip of her wine and then put the glass down.
"Oh, hey..." Bakura shook his head. "I don't dance."
Isis took the wineglass from his hand and set it down by hers. "You promised to dance with me at the club, but we missed that chance." She grabbed his hands and pulled him out towards the middle of the room.
"No, I-"
"Yes!" Isis laughed as she yanked on his arms again.
It took a few minutes, but she finally managed to get him to dance. And they did dance. For several long minutes they danced. Then the music changed to a slow song. Bakura stepped back quickly, raising his hands in the air.
"No."
Isis frowned. "I won't kill you." She sighed and extended her hand towards him. "Come on... Please?"
Bakura shook his head again. "I can't..." he mumbled.
"Sure you can. It's not like anyone will find out."
"No... I mean, I can't... I've never slow danced before..." Bakura said, dropping his arms to his side, his eyes turned down.
"Oh..." Isis shook her head. "I... I'm sorry. I didn't realize."
Bakura just shrugged, keeping his eyes down. He cursed himself mentally for killing the mood. He had, despite himself, been having a good time dancing with Isis after all. So he stood there dismally, staring at the ground and listening to the soft music that was playing.
Suddenly, Isis slipped her hands into his. He blinked and raised his eyes. Isis was smiling at him. "Come on..." She released his hands and reached up to undo the cape. "It'll probably be easier to learn without this in the way." She said as she turned and took the cape to the couch, draping it over one of the arms.
~~~
(((Jumping into 1st Person Bakura))) (And yes... I have lots of problems with not staying in the same tense during this section, but this is just how it felt right, even though it's incorrect. Usually I'm really good about it... But for some reason this section wouldn't work with me! )
When she turned back, I swear her eyes were dancing. Here I am without a shirt and wearing tight black jeans, and she's seriously giving me the once over... Thrice over, even. Oh Ra... I wish she hadn't gotten so drunk...
Which makes me wonder, as she starts back over here, how much of this is just due to that? Is any of this really her feelings? Ra... I wish I were drunker...
She stood in front of me for a moment before taking my hands and putting them around her waist. I swallow, my mouth suddenly feeling very dry. Isis then placed her hands on my shoulders. Thank you Ra... You're good to me...
I swallow again and take a deep breath in an attempt to steady my fast beating heart. "So... What now?"
Isis chuckled. "First off, you calm down. You look completely terrified. Learning to dance won't kill you."
I nod, just grateful that she didn't know the real reason I was so nervous.
And so she taught me how to slow dance. It was nice... But then again, I was holding her in my arms and she had hers around my neck. The longer we danced, the closer she came to me, until it got to the point where I was holding her against me...
Ra... You sick bastard... I grin as I hold my arms around Isis' waist.
Then Isis bends her head down to rest it against my shoulder. I wasn't expecting that and my heart began racing even more. I can tell that she's getting tired, though whether it was due to the late hour or how much she'd drank was a mystery.
Isis gave a soft sigh of contentment and rubbed her hands along my back. Oh Ra...
I closed my eyes...
Then I tripped over my own two feet and stumbled backwards. Isis lifted her head as I accidentally pulled her along with me. Instinctively, I held her tighter, not wanting to risk her falling and getting hurt. I crashed down onto the couch, slightly reclined against the arm of the couch. As my back slammed against the arm, I clenched my eyes shut, gritted my teeth, and uttered a few very ungentlemanly words.
I feel Isis struggling to push herself up and so I let go of her, keeping my eyes clenched shut. After a few moments, the movement stopped. Then, I felt a cool touch as fingers stroked my forehead. I blink my eyes open to see Isis on her hands and knees over top of me, leaning her face down towards mine. Concern was shining in her eyes as she brushed some of my bangs from my face.
My eyes strayed down... I can't help it! I'm a guy! ... Yeah... The top of her dress is as loose as it looks...
"Are you alright?" She asks softly.
My eyes snap back up to her face and I nod. "Yeah... I'll be okay..."
She smiles and lowers herself down to lay on top of me, her eyes closing, her head resting on my chest. "Thank you... For a wonderful night..."
I had thought early that I had never felt so self-conscious about not having a shirt on... Oh yeah... This tops that easily... "Um... You're welcome."
"Will you sing for me now?" she asked softly. She seemed to be already half-asleep. "My Phantom?"
I hesitate, then smile. "Alright..." I said as I brushed her hair out of her face. Then I tilted my head back, closed my eyes, and began to sing.
"Nighttime sharpens, heightens each sensation Darkness stirs and wakes imagination Silently the senses abandon their defenses
Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendor Grasp it; sense it, tremulous and tender Turn your face away from the garish light of day Turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light And listen to the music of the night
Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams Purge your thoughts of the life you knew before Close your eyes; let your spirit start to soar And you'll live as you've never lived before.
Softly, deftly music shall caress you Hear it, feel it secretly possess you Open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind In this darkness which you know you can not fight The darkness of the music of the night
Let your mind start a journey though a strange new world Leave all thoughts of the life you knew before Let your soul take you where you long to be Only then can you belong to me
Floating, falling sweet intoxication Touch me, trust me, savor each sensation Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in To the power of the mus-"
Isis stirred, which caused me to stop singing and look back down at her. She was smiling to herself, her fingers twitching slightly to rub my chest.
I smile. "Good night, Isis..."
"Good night..." she mumbles back, clearly just seconds from sleep. "My Phantom of Music..."
I watched her sleep for a moment before leaning my head forward, bringing my lips close to hers. But then I hesitated and raised my head again. I stared down at her for a moment, then, trying my best not to disturb her, I shifted my position to get Mariku's cap out from behind my back. Lifting it up, I throw it over Isis like a cover, tucking the fabric around her shoulders.
"So what is this?" I asked aloud, addressing nothing and no one in particular. "We're drunk... Does none of this mean anything?"
*Ra...* I closed my eyes, which had begun to water, filling with tears. *You are so cruel...*
Then I drifted off to sleep, holding Isis tightly to my bare chest... It was a very nice feeling to be with her like this...
~*~*~*~
And yes... This is where Angst comes drastically into play... *sigh* My poor albino... And after this it all just gets worse... Oh yes... Definitely worse... I tell you, the next chapter is just terrible for him...
Hmmm... If I recall correctly, this is the longest chapter... But I could be wrong. At any rate. I hope you liked and I hope that I succeeded in at least almost making you feel the slightest bit like you need to just cry and cuddle Bakura.
Bakura: I don't wanna be cuddled!
... Why have you been so bad lately!? You've never butted in like this before!
Bakura: Well look what you're putting me through! Don't I have a right to put a word in?
*sigh* Yeah, okay... Anyway! And now some words from Bakura to our reviewers!
Bakura: This'll be fun...
... Just don't send any of them to the Shadow Realm... Okay?
Reviewers!!
Flamedancer33: *smirks* That's right, only Bakura. 'Cause I'm clever like that. Bow down to my almighty power and cleverness you pathetic mortals! Mwa ha ha haaaa! *Silverscreamer thwaps him upside the head* Okay! That's enough! *grumbles* I'll finish this thank you...
Umeko: Hee hee... Sorry you're grounded, but I'm glad you were able to sneak on the computer! (((Bakura grumbles about how he'd have gotten fussed at for supporting bad behavior.))) *giggles insanely* Yes! The ice cubes are great, aren't they!? Me and my best friend made constant comments to each other about that. You know... If it weren't for the fact that neither of us like ice in our drinks, we'd probably spin our ice just because of Malik. And yes... HE CUT THE MEAT!!!! *gasp*
Nemesis: Glad you like it! You know, I feel that it really says something when someone says they don't like a character but still think it's a great story... *shrugs and smiles* I am really glad you like it! I hope you continue reading to the end.
Lily of the Shadow: *giggles* Yeap. The Jell-O was priceless. I'm surprised I didn't get more comments on it. That was one of the things I was most proud of myself for. ^_^() Hee hee. Oh well.
Reign of Isis4559: *laughes* Whoo buddy, did you ever call the fact that they get drunk!!! *snickers maniacally* As for what Mariku says... You'll see next chapter. But I will tell you this much... Lots of Owieness...
Anime*2000: *chuckles* Obviously they didn't show up while they were eating. *grins* But I'm sure that woulda been better than coming home to find Isis sleeping on top of Bakura on the couch, neh? *snickers* I'm so evil. (((Bakura nods in agreement. "She got that from me." Ryou shakes his head. "She's always been evil, yami...")))
KurianGirl: No! I don't give spoilers to my stories! ^_^() Not big ones anyway... I mean, the big owieness thing is fairly obvious, no?
And yes. I will update it again tonight too! *bounces away to finish getting ready for school*