Hn, just read through that last chapter & it was completely uneventful, as well as having numerous mistakes, guess I shouldn't write when I'm tired.

Thanks again to Todo & Shaami for reviewing.

I guess since you both seem to want Malik/Ryou, that I won't have to worry about not writing it, but if I do, there won't be much, this is 'Kura's story after all.

~-~

It's later in the day & Malik & I have been stuck doing one horrendously boring 'activity' after another. On the plus side however, we've managed to avoid the Yugi-tachi so far. It's been nice spending so much time with Malik, though Bakura keeps making rude comments, I really don't know why, but he seems to think Malik & I would make a good couple, I told him it was nonsense, since we're both 'straight', but he just ended up laughing, I mean, sure I think Male's good-looking, but that doesn't mean I 'like' him like that, right? Why did Bakura have to do this to me? I don't know anything anymore & it's entirely his fault.

Oh, Malik looks worried, guess I'd better explain. "Sorry Malik, just thinking. Did you say something?"

He shakes his head, grinning. "No, just curious as to why you were lost in thought."

Oh dear, I think I'm blushing. "Just something Bakura said, it's nothing, really.

He looks at me sceptically, but drops the issue regardless, much to my relief.

"Sure Ry', whatever. I won't pry." He winks, & I pick up the hidden meaning, the message was aimed at the Yugi-tachi, especially friendship bitch.

I try not to laugh, of all moments for them to come into the room. Oh no, they've spotted me, here comes the headache.

"Wow Bakura, you look more like your yami." Yugi says, in his usual 'innocent' voice.

"Well, we were supposed to look like our opposites. I suppose that means I did a good job." I manage to sound genuine, despite Malik snickering.

"I ain't too sure 'dats such a good thing." I suppress a shudder; I hate Joey's voice.

"Well, it is only for a day & dressing differently doesn't change the person you know." I manage to remain polite, despite wanting to wring his neck. Maybe Bakura was a bad influence after all.

"What about our outfits, do you two think we did a good job?" Tea asks in her annoying, 'friendship speech' voice.

"Very, I think a nun's attire is definitely the opposite of your normal." Malik says sweetly, though I know it's fake.

I have to stop myself from laughing at the hidden meaning the others have missed, I thought it was quite obvious he was 'politely' calling her a slut, but she seems thrilled with his response.

"What about the rest of us?" Tristan asks, why must they persist with these idiotic questions?

Bakura! Well, that was rude, true enough I'll grant, but still rather impolite. Oh, they're looking to me for a reply, lucky me.

"You all did very well at meeting the requirements." That's all that I can manage, this area is more suited to my yami, not me.

Speaking of yamis, I wonder what Yami & Bakura are doing. I doubt Yami has ever played, how did 'Kura describe it, 'war games', I think. I expect it's something like the game they've been playing for the last two days, so they should both enjoy it, bar the bruises they'll invariably end up with. Oops, I got lost thinking again, now the others look worried, which means questioning, joy.

"Everything okay Bakura?" Yugi sounds genuinely concerned, though I couldn't care less if I tried.

Malik seems to pick up on that, as he intervenes. "Ry-uh, Bakura's just fine. We'd better get going now, or we'll be late for our next task."

I smile gratefully after he practically drags me out of the room. I can hear the others muttering about how rude Malik is & how maybe I'm just tired. The idiots really have no idea that I can't stand them, am I really such a good act? How could they talk about Malik like that too? Don't they realise what a great person & friend he is? Oh, wait, they're stupid & naive & wouldn't know it if I told them straight to their faces. Perhaps Bakura was just right & not rude after all, stupid Yugi-tachi.

I sigh, before turning my attention back to Malik, I've been thinking too much today, maybe I should just relax instead, I'm tired of having to pretend to be someone else, I'll just be the real me & not care what anyone thinks, Malik already knows what I'm really like & his opinion & friendship is the only one that matters to me anyway.

"I've decided to be Ryou for the rest of the day, okay?" I should give him some warning at least.

He smiles warmly. "Fine with me Ry', saves me having to try & call you Bakura."

I laugh slightly at that. "Sorry Malik, I must be a real pain."

"No, it's okay, it isn't your fault they're brainless sheep." Malik reply, grinning.

I laugh again. "Funny you should say that, it's practically what 'Kura called them earlier."

"Heh, I guess he's rubbed off on both of us, ne?" Malik asks rhetorically.

I shrug. "I guess so. Oh, that reminds me. He & Yami have gone out together today, playing some sort of shooting or war type game."

"Not date out then? Ah well, if Yami trusts him enough with that, then 'Kura may have a chance." He sounded almost disappointed then, not what I expected.

I nod in agreement, and then we head off to our next activity. This is going to be a long day, but since I have Malik with me & I'm not going to pretend to be someone else, maybe it won't be so bad.

~

Yami & I have just returned from our 'outing', we're both exhausted, but we won easily, we had so many stupid mortals asking how we're so good & requesting tips or strategies. It was annoying but at the same time, it was exhilarating. Being the centre of everyone's attention, & being looked at as something good & special, was actually rather nice. I've only ever been scorned, I didn't realise what the other side of people's attention was like.

"That was an amazing day out Bakura, thanks a lot." Yami states suddenly.

"It was good, wasn't it? Maybe we'll have to do it another time?" I reply with questions, why, I don't know.

"That would be nice. It's still strange; that I can have so much fun with you, you really are an amazing person to be around Bakura & I'm glad I came over that first day. I think you must be the best friend I have." Yami replies sincerely.

I just sit stunned; I hadn't expected that at all, Pharaoh, calling me amazing & his best friend? I'm either dreaming, or he hasn't changed quite as much as I originally thought. Maybe Ryou's right, maybe I really do have a chance to get back what I lost. I had hoped that today would help him remember something, though I didn't really think it would, but it brought us closer together, so I got what I wanted anyway. Uh, I sound so sappy, how disgusting.

~-~

Once again, I could carry on, but I've decided to go to bed instead, I've had a hectic day & it's two am, so I deserve some sleep.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter anyway, maybe I'll actually write something decent at a reasonable hour one of these days, nah, I doubt it.

Anyway, please review & let me know what you think, while I get some rest. Luv you all lots, especially Todo & Shaami ^_^ Motto ato no!