Bakura looked up as Honda sat down next to him with a sigh. "Daijoubu...?" he asked, concerned as he closed the book he was looking through.

"Eh, I don't know," Honda admitted. "Think I just fucked something up majorly."

"With Jounouchi-kun?"

Honda looked up sharply. "How'd you know?"

"He was just in here looking for Yuugi-kun. He was upset about something but didn't want to talk about it."

"How bad was he?"

"He was shaking a little like he just found out there was going to be a major test or something," Bakura nodded, reaching for another book in the large pile he had near him. "Or like when he found out he'd have to risk loosing his Red Eyes in Kaiba-kun's Battle City," the paler boy smiled. "Whatever it is, I'm sure he'll be fine. Jounouchi-kun is like that."

"Heh, yeah," Honda smiled fondly. "So what's with all the books?" he asked, changing the subject. "You doing an extra credit paper or something?"

Bakura gave a small embarrassed smile. "Not-- not exactly..."

Honda frowned slightly, picking up one of the books and reading the title. "'Top strategies of Chess Champions.' 'A Hundred and One Chess Matches' 'How to Win at Chess.'" He looked over at Bakura again, expression curious. "What's with all the Chess books?"

The paler boy looked down. "I took your advice," he said softly with a small smile.

Honda raised an eyebrow before reaching for another book. "The Chess Career of Kaiba Gozaboro'....?!" His eyes widened in realization. "Bakura, you didn't...."

"Not yet. I need to think up a strategy so I'll have a good chance of winning first."

"Bakura..." Honda nearly groaned. "You should have said...! I never would have told you that if I woulda known it was KAIBA! I though you were trying to get the attention of a girl or something!"

Bakura didn't look up, playing with his hands. "Gomen... I didn't want you to think...." he trailed off, uncomfortably.

"That you were insane for liking Kaiba?" Honda sighed, leaning back in his chair. "You'd have better luck with Yuugi."

Bakura blinked at the taller boy. "You don't think I'm a freak for liking boys...?" he asked in meek wonder.

Honda gave a snort of laughter. "Nah. You're in good company," he smiled, giving the paler boy a pat on the shoulder.

Bakura blinked again in confusion before his eyes went wide. "Aaa! You and Jounouchi-kun...!! So that's why...?"

Honda nodded with a sigh. "I kissed him and he freaked," he admitted.

Bakura nodded. "Jounouchi-kun doesn't seem the type to easy accept that things aren't as he sees them. You and Jounouchi-kun always seemed very close so maybe if you give him some time to get used to the idea...?" he suggested.

"Maybe," Honda mused.

"Or you could always just jump him."

Honda stared at his innocent smile of his friend a moment in shock before giving a laugh. "Tempting, but he'd probably beat the shit out of me for it," he grinned, shaking his head slightly. He gave a sigh, getting up. "If he comes through here again--" he paused, unsure what to say.

"I'll give him a sympathetic ear," Bakura smiled. "And try and convince him that it's okay."

Honda smiled. "Thanks."

--

Author's Note: For more on Bakura's side of this story, please read 'First Kiss'