I hope you guys are enjoying the fourth installment of this story. I had already had half of this typed but my computer went on a frenzy and deleted it. I loved what I had and will try my very best to write every word the same.

I noticed that in the last chapter, I had made the mistake of saying puzzle instead of ring. Please do not inform me of this, as I already know.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to YGO nor do I claim to. I also do not own any of te songs mentioned in this song based fanfiction.

Just to warn you, the story does a major turn around in this chapter. Also, thank you all for the wonderful reviews!

Bakura = Ryou

Yami Bakura = Bakura

This story contains Yaoi, don't like then don't read!

~Lyrics~

"Blah" Speaking

'Blah' Thoughts

*~*~~*~* Scene Change

**** Flashback or Dream

//Bakura to Ryou//

/Ryou to Bakura/

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Slowly Drifting Chapter Four: Faint

Time won't heal

This damage anymore - Faint - Linkin Park

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Ryou didn't do much for the next few days. He spent most of his time quietly wandering around the Kaiba mansion. The Kaiba brothers and Joey noticed that something was more than off key, but didn't say anything; believing it was about Ryou's father.

It was late on Thursday evening and Ryou was in his room alone. His thoughts were locked onto the previous days events. His mind was racing with memories and thoughts of shattered dreams. His rush of victory was long gone and all he could feel was pain. During his last encounter with Bakura, his very well hidded feelings resurfaced, unwillingly. He wasn't able to deal with things anymore. As the thoughts began to build up, so did the tears. He flopped on his bed, buried his head and cried. His sobs echoed off of the large room's walls. Soon, footsteps echoed off the walls as well. Ryou didn't have to look up to see who it was, it was Joey. Joey was the only person who would have been up and about the large house this late. Warm arms wrapped around his shoulders in a comforting manner. Ryou turned and sobbed onto Joey's shoulder.

"I can't take it anymore! This isn't just a game!"

"Of course it ain't. For Bakura it may be, but Ryou, you have heart. You feel things, unlike him. Your gonna tear yourself apart, Ryou. Stop doing this, stop trying to prove yourself to him."

"I thought I was strong!"

"You are! But nobody is so strong that in the end they forget how to feel. Ryou, you love him, but you can't just give up your feelings just to show it."

Ryou didn't reply. He finished his Thursday night by crying himself to sleep on Joey's shoulder, his words still echoing in his mind.

*~*~~*~*

Ryou awoke late in the afternoon Friday. He's eyes still burned from the tears shed the night before. He rolled over and stared at the open window. He watched the many birds that pecked at each other and the cement of the balcony. He smiled sadly and got up, placing himself in front of the mirror again. He picked up the brush and watched it as he ran it through his hair. He half expected to see Bakura standing behind his own image, but he did not. All he saw was his lonely face and pain filled eyes. Ryou gently placed the brush down and turned away from the sight of his face, never noticing the other image that appeared suddenly.

"What are you all depressed about?" The voice was mocking and irritated.

Ryou's own voice sounded tired and softer than normal. "Why would I be happy?"

"I believe you could have called it a victory in our little game."

"It's not a game anymore, Bakura. I can't take this anymore."

"What are you talking about?"

"I can't take this anymore Bakura. Just what I said. Do you remember what I told you the day I left? Do you?"

"Yea, yea. I don't know how that would affect this though."

Ryou didn't reply. He turned and faced the transparent form of his Yami. Sadly smiling, he took his Millenium Ring off of his desk. He then took the one from around Bakura's neck and placed the two next to each other. Using his own power, he melded the two into one, once again. He faced Bakura then and slipped the now one part of the Millenium puzzle around his neck. He lifted a hand and laid it onto Bakura's cheek.

"I can't make you understand Bakura. All I can do is show you what I feel. I'll explain in time what I'm doing, but right now, I want you to just go. I want you to forget we were ever bonded. You won't have to say your hikari is pitiful anymore. You'll be free of me." He placed a small kiss on Bakura's lips. "I know that quiting is weak and emotions are even worse. But if it means admitting that I truely care, than let me be the weakest person in the world. You win Bakura. I hope that you enjoy your freedom." Ryou placed another kiss on Bakura's now slightly open mouth.

Nothing could have prepared the yami for what happened next. His body became solid of it's own accord and Ryou wrapped him in a loose hug. He let go and leaned up to whisper in Bakura's ear,

"Goodbye, my love." With that, he turned and ran, leaving the ancient spirit to stare at his retreating form. When the front door slammed, Bakura was jolted out of his stupor.

*~*~~*~*

Ryou ran. He ran as far away from his broken heart and shattered dreams as fast as he could. He wanted to cry, but found that he couldn't. He did what was needed to be done. Now his heart wouldn't be trampled and crushed whenever he was forced into another round of their high staked game. Too much was at risk, but Ryou knew that letting Bakura win was the best thing he could do. He had no idea how long he ran but he finally felt the affects of it. He was starting to black out, but before he did, he sat against a tree in the park he found himself in. This time though, when the darkness claimed him, he welcomed it. It blocked out all the pain flowing into him from his mind, heart and body.

*~*~~*~*

Bakura stared. He stared at the golden ring lying on the coffee table in the living room. He hadn't thought that his victory would feel so bad. He thought that as soon as he showed Ryou who was right, he would be happy. But, he didn't think at all that his victory would have felt so......empty. He thought he would have been jumping for joy, and feeling so good he could almost sing. Not empty. Not alone. He had also figured that Ryou would move back in and things would have gotton back to normal. Ryou would have been the one cooking, cleaning and picking him up whenever he got himself drunk. Instead, Ryou had left, saying that he was free of his other half and that he hoped he enjoyed this freedom. Bakura's gaze shifted from the Ring to the picture of Ryou and his father that lie next to it.

Ryou and James were standing in front of their home. Ryou's eyes were closed and his mouth was open wide with laughter. James stood with his arm around Ryou's shoulders, smiling broadly, with his unruly blond hair tied in a loose ponitail. The other arm was making a peace sign at the camera. Bakura looked closer and read the words in the bottom corner. 'James and Ryou Bakura. June 17, 2002.' He then picked the frame up and noticed one minute detail; Ryou's arms were crossed over the Millenium Ring. But they didn't appear to be hiding it, only bringing it closer to him. Kinda Ryou's own way of putting Bakura into the picture. Bakura trailed his fingers over this area before laying the photo face down and grabbing a light jacket to go take a long walk.

*~*~~*~*

As Bakura walked down the streets, the lamps flickered to life. He had been walking for a while, not really paying attention to where his feet took him. He let himself go wherever hs feet pleased. His mind was off thinking somewhere, but part of a shout nearby broke through his thoughts.

"RYOU! GET BACK HERE!"

As a figure roughly pushed him to the side, he noted the unique blend of silver and black. Ryou was running from a much taller person, Seto Kaiba. Bakura watched as Ryou's small form dissapered behind the corner before following at a much slower pace, to keep from being seen.

As he rounded the corner, he saw that Seto had Ryou's arms pinned to his sides. Crystalline tears were streaming down Ryou's face as Seto asked him what had happened.

"Oh Seto! I gave it back! I told him to forget about me! I let him win....I lost!" Ryou's words were fast and not making much sense to the taller teen.

"Ryou, what are you talking about? What did you give back?"

"I gave Bakura the Ring...I told him to just live his life and forget about me. Seto, I gave up! I ran, God, I collapsed again as well! I don't wanna have to deal with this anymore! I'm only 17! I shouldn't be feeling so broken....." Ryou's words became softer and his body appeared to be sliding down the wall.

Ryou fell forward, and Seto caught him as he fell against his body. From where he stood, Bakura could see the look of pain engraved onto Ryou's face as he lie bridal style in Kaiba's arms. When Seto turned around, the two locked gazes. Seto's eyes burned with fury, while Bakura's shimmered with guilt. A new emotion for the yami. Something that he hadn't felt in a long while; an emotion. Seto, holding Ryou, walked briskly past Bakura. As he passed the Spirit, he growled,

"Follow me."

That was all that was said. Bakura nodded and followed behind Seto.

*~*~~*~*

The same docter that had taken care of Ryou, walked down the stairs slowly. Bakura was being glared at by every member of the room, Seto, Joey, Mokuba, Yami and Yugi. When the doctor stopped at the edge of the steps, Joey stood up.

"So, Dr. Myaka, how is he?"

Dr. Myaka took off her glasses and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "He's under alot of stress. I thought I told you to keep him resting. I will not let you allow him to leave the house for at least a week. He is sleeping now, and I want it to stay that way."

"How long until we can see him?" Seto stood up next to Joey.

"He's had quite a breakdown this time around. You can see him in the morning, but only for a few minutes. Try to eliminate all stress if possible. I do not want to see this house again for a while, now. If he collapses again, we're going to have to admit him into the hospital."

"Is he really that bad?" Yugi's voice was small and upset.

Dr. Myaka smiled sadly. "I'm afraid that something has upset him very badly. The first time he collapsed was bad, but he has gotten worse. Please try to keep things calm for him."

She gathered her things from the living room and left the house, but not before leaving Ryou a perscription. As soon as the door clicked shut, everyone was in Bakura's face. Seto had grabbed him by the collar and his fist was pulled back.

"What happened today? Why did Ryou collapse? I get the feeling it has to do with you and I swear your not going anywhere until I find out what."

"I don't know what happened." Bakura glared and crossed his arms. "If anything did happen, why should I tell you?"

A small noise was heard from somewhere above them all.

Bakura was dropped immediately and everyone looked up the stairs to Ryou's closed door. Well, it was closed. In the doorway, was a very tired looking Ryou. His eyes were locked onto those of Bakura, who now lay on the floor, flat on his rear. Ryou shakily moved to the railing and balanced himself on the dark wooden rail in front of him.

"Please," Ryou's voice was soft and barely audible. "Please don't hurt him. It wasn't his fault, I......I got myself worked up. Bakura had nothing to do with it." Ryou's eyes glimmered with unshed tears as he moved over to the first step leading down. "I'm fine really. No need to worry about me, Seto. I'll be just fine."

As Ryou walked towards the bottom of the steps, Bakura stood. He turned to leave, but a heavy hand on his shoulder stopped him. Glancing back, Bakura nearly jumped at the anger in Yami's eyes.

"You are a fool, Bakura. Can't you see that the boy lied for you? I believe that he has kept you from being hurt. Can't you at least stick around to see if he's really alright?"

Bakura shrugged Yami's hand off. "No. There's no need." He turned and left out the open door.

*~*~~*~*

Ryou lie in bed and stared at the ceiling, the day's events playing in his mind. He didn't want to give up, but like he said before, it needed to be done.

Ryou rolled over and watched his reflection in the mirror. His eyes reminded him of the look on Bakura's face when he cme out of his room. Bakura's face held an unknown emotion. It wasn't hate, Ryou had seen that look on the yami's face before. No, it defianately wasn't hate.

He seemed upset about something; more vunerable. Kinda the way Ryou looked now. Ryou sighed and once again, tried to sleep. He was so tired, but he just couldn't will himself to sleep. He also could not rid himself of the haunting vision of Bakura's eyes.

That night was one of the longest Ryou had had in a long while. [A/N That was not a typo.] That night was also when Ryou thought over his whole life and it's meaning. And whatever meaning it had was lost the very second the Ring left his possesion.

*~*~~*~*

Over the next month, everyone grew increasingly worried about Ryou. The hikari of the Ring hardly ever left his room. When he did, he appeared to be very tired and weak. Seto and Joey had to almost force him to eat. Joey kept insisting that Bakura was the cause, and that Bakura would know how they could help Ryou, even if he didn't want to.

"Seto! Bakura has to help! If anything happens to Ryou, Bakura will feel the affects too!"

"Joey, Bakura won't help. He could care less about Ryou. You've seen that! Ryou could die and he wouldn't even blink!" Seto punched the table to emphasize his point.

"We have to try! How would you feel is something does happen!? Ryou can't live like this anymore! I refuse to sit and watch as he withers away!"

Joey glared as Seto reached out to touch his arm. He violently pulled it back and turned away. Seto stared as Joey grabbed his jacket and left the house, slamming the door behind him. Seto sighed and looked to the top of the stairs. Ryou stood there, tears freely flowing down his cheeks.

"I'm so sorry, Seto. I don't want to be such a bother. I can't bear to see you two fight like that over me. "

"Oh, hush you. Are you feeling any better?"

"A little. Do you think we could go somewhere today?"

"Of course. Where do you wanna go?"

"Anywhere but here."

"Fine then. Go shower and we'll leave as soon as your ready."

*~*~~*~*

Joey knocked loudly on the door of Bakura and Ryou's home. It took a few moments, but soon Bakura's angry face was in the doorway.

"I don't have time to listen to your lectures. Go away."

Before Bakura could shut the door, Joey pushed his hand onto the door to keep it from being slammed in his face. "I'm not here to lecture you. We need your help."

"Woah! Somebody shoot me, I think I'm dreaming." Bakura's voice was sarcastic and mocking.

"I'm serious, Bakura. Ryou's sick and we need you to help us find out why."

"Why do you need me? Take him to a doctor! Not me!"

"We have! They say that he's perfectly healthy! They say the most that could be wrong with him is that he could be a bit tired. But it's so much more than that! He doesn't leave his room and--"

Bakura cut him off, "Shut up and stop the babbling! I'll come already! Just shut up!"

Joey grinned and led Bakura back to the Kaiba mansion.

*~*~~*~*

Seto smiled as Ryou yawned loudly in the backseat of the limo. This time, he was tired from being out all day and not just from being depressed. He seemed to enjoy the day. They had left and gone to the beach. Ryou sat on the sand and let the water rush over his body every time a small wave hit the shore. Seto sat and watched as his friend talked to him about his hopes and his fears, and Bakura.

During their visit to the ocean, Seto found out what Ryou found so good in the yami. Turns out, Ryou had fallen in love with him the same moment he put the Ring around his neck. Ryou said that he loved things that were hard to figure and a large challenge. Seto laughed when Ryou told him of Bakura's reaction to the modern world. He had freaked out, screaming about evil boxes and glowing rocks. TV's and lamps.

Ryou's head fell against Seto's shoulder and he laughed softly, Ryou looked just like a sleeping kitten. When the driver stopped, Seto scouped Ryou up and carried him, once again, bridal style into the house.

*~*~~*~*

Joey growled as he heard the front door gently shut. Glancing at the clock that read, 12:38 AM, he stomped to the living room doorway, ready to yell himself hoarse at Seto. He stopped, however, at the sight that greeted him. Ryou was lying peacefully asleep in Seto's arms. Seto walked past him and over to the stairway, and stopped himself when he saw Bakura, sitting with his arms crossed, on his couch. He narrowed his eyes at both Joey and Bakura and climbed the stairs.

Seto gently placed Ryou in his bed and pulled the covers up and around his shoulders. Ryou murmered a 'Thank You' before snuggling deeper into the warmth of the blankets. Seto decended the stairs, glaring at Joey.

"Explain yourself, now. I thought I told you, Bakura won't be able to help. He'll probably make things worse."

"I don't care, it's worth the try. And anyways, where have you two been all day?! We've been here since 2 o'clock!"

"I took Ryou out. He said he wanted to go somewhere so we did. Now, what can Bakura do that we haven't already tried?"

Bakura uncrossed his arms and stood. "Would you two be so kind and stop talking like I'm not even here? Let me talk to Ryou and then I'll leave. I've been here for way too long. I do have a life you know."

Seto spun around to stare at Bakura. "You want to talk to him now?! He needs to sleep!"

Bakura never heard that. He was upstairs and in Ryou's room before either of them could blink.

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End of Chapter four! Hope you enjoyed! Now please leave a nice little review and don't flame. Flames will be used to barbeque some chicken!

Not to sure what song will be used for next chappy. You'll just have to wait and see!

~*Fire of the Angel

5:37 pm 5-31-03*~