Honda sat in class watching Bakura listen to an animated Yuugi exclaiming about the duels of the past week that the two of them had missed. Somehow he got the feeling that duels weren't all that he was missing, but he couldn't quite figure out what it was.
They had fun together. Honda taught Bakura how to play pool, and while the paler boy wasn't the best at it he kept playing, knowing how important it was to Honda. In return, Honda had allowed himself to be taught Magical Drop, finding it to be fun - but only when Bakura was here to play it with him. He spent as much time as he could at Bakura's, several times cooking for the other boy, and not always even doing much other than watching TV together.
It had been a nice, restful week, but he knew that there was something he should understand that he didn't.
He was brought out of his thoughts as an eraser hit him upside the head.
"Stop staring, you're gonna give Anzu ideas."
"What are you talking about?" Honda demanded.
"She's been blathering some crap about you and Bakura since you've started hanging out so much," Jounouchi said, flipping around a chair and sitting on it backwards, leaning on the back of it.
"Anzu thinks too much," Honda answered, glancing once more at Bakura before turning his attention to his friend.
"Yer giving her plenty to go on," Jounouchi pointed out. "We've barely seen ya this past week, yer always doing something with Bakura. You didn't even come see this weekends match!" he scowled slightly.
Honda shrugged. "So I'm not that interested in duel monsters. I've been watching you play for how long? I think I deserve a break."
"This was a MATCH, Honda! I got second place! What's so interesting about Bakura that yer ignoring the rest of us for, huh?" Jounouchi pressed, irritation showing.
Honda scowled. "He plays more than Duel Monsters, for starters."
"So does Yuugi," Jounouchi pointed out. "You're ignoring him as much as you are me."
Honda rolled his eyes. "Yuugi's all about dueling. And he has you and Anzu to follow him around. He doesn't need me."
"So, all right, he plays more games. Big deal. Never heard you complaining before," the blond scowled.
"You know, you never seemed to care if I was around before. Now that I've realized that I have a life, you can just go and get one of your own." Honda rose and stalked out of the room.
"Honda!" Jounouchi yelled, following. "The hell is up with you!" He grabbed his friends shoulder and pulled him back. "Where the hell do you get off thinking I don't give a shit, huh? You're my best friend! You've always been there to kick my ass when I start feeling sorry for myself! What the hell changed?"
"What changed? What changed is that you stopped giving a fuck about anything but dueling! There's more to life than a stupid card game!"
"I finally found something I can be good at and you're getting on my case for liking it!" Jounouchi shot back.
"Mou! Anata-tachi!" Anzu exclaimed, physically getting between the two. "Can't you do anything without yelling at each other?!"
"There used to be more to you than a game," Honda said before leaving.
"Honda-kun!" Bakura's voice called as he ran after his friend. "Honda-kun, matte yo!"
The dark haired boy paused to let him catch up.
Bakura stopped in front of the boy, looking up at him. "Please... I was talking with Yuugi-kun and he said that Jounouchi-kun was hurt because you weren't there this weekend," he said softly. "Please, don't stop being friends with him because of this..."
Honda's lips pressed together. "You know what, Jounouchi's hurt me with comments he's made in the course of dueling but I'm just supposed to let it go 'cause he's my friend." He shook his head. "He doesn't get it both ways, Bakura. His life may revolve around cards, but mine will not."
"It's all he has, Honda-kun.."
"He has his sister. He has his friends. We USED to do more than sit around watching him duel."
"Maybe you should have a duel free day with him then, to remind him of that."
"Like that's possible these days," Honda grumbled.
"If it's just you and him, he can't duel, right?" Bakura suggested, brightening slightly. "Yuugi-kun invited me over to see the new games he got this week, so maybe while I'm with Yuugi-kun you could hang out with Jounouchi-kun?"
"I'll try," Honda said, still frowning.
Bakura gave a smile.
Honda and Jounouchi went out to the arcade, playing some of the games they had played before Jounouchi got caught up in Duel Monsters. He was a bit out of practice, but it wasn't long before he had regained his old skill and they were shouting at each other as they played a fighting game.
It was fun, and reminded Honda of how they used to be before the new game had taken over everyone's minds, but somehow it just wasn't as fun as it had been then. Honda tried to figure out why, but it was only when he went toward the Magical Drop game and Jounouchi started laughing at him that he realized why.
With Bakura he could do whatever he wanted and the other boy didn't mind or make fun of him. Jounouchi had expectations. Jounouchi also didn't encourage him. There were no cries of "Sugoi yo, Honda-kun!" with the blond. With Jounouchi they ignored each other's wins and jeered at one another for the mistakes they made. It was much more peaceful to be with Bakura, he decided.
Bakura smiled happily as he walked towards the classroom. He and Yuugi had spent the day at the shop, mostly talking and looking at the new games that had come in. It was normally something he would have been incredibly happy about, but...
His smile grew slightly rueful. It was just as well, if anyone had found out he had had a crush on Yuugi, Anzu would have killed him, he reflected.
He was startled from his musing as he walked into someone. "Go--gomen!" he apologized, backing up from the irritated looking senior who towered a good foot over him. He gave a small exclamation as the taller boy grabbed him by the collar of his uniform and slammed him against the wall.
"What do you think you're doing?" Honda asked, standing behind the bully with his arms crossed. He hit a point on the bully's shoulder, making him drop his victim.
Seeing Bakura fall to the ground, Honda's eyes narrowed. He punched the bully in the nuts, making him double over in pain. "You didn't answer me," He said, glaring, down at the boy on the floor. "I'd better never have to ask that again." He kicked the boy into a locker, then went over to Bakura and helped him up. "You ok, Bakura?"
"Un," the pale haired boy nodded, looking up with a grateful, though slightly shaky smile. "Arigatou, Honda-kun."
Honda kicked at the bully again. "If he bothers you again, let me know."
"Un!" Bakura nodded happily.
"Hear that?" Honda demanded of the bully. "You let everyone know, 'cause if I have to waste my time on the likes of you I'll be really angry." He put an arm around Bakura and led him away, wondering why no one else ever looked that happy to have him come to the rescue.
The pale haired boy smiled happily, barely resisting the urge to lean against the taller boy as they walked. "Arigatou yo, Honda-kun. Everyone's been picking on me much less since you started protecting me. It's nice..."
"Heh," Honda said proudly. "They know better than to mess with me."
Honda doodled on the side of his notebook paper as he thought some more. After a moment he added another item under one of the headings at the top of the page. Thinking the way he was starting to, that made much more sense. He looked down at the page, then sighed. He was going to have to talk to Bakura.
Bakura looked over at his taller friend, growing slightly concerned as they walked to his apartment. "Honda-kun...? Is something wrong? You've been so quiet...."
"I've just been thinking about a lot of stuff." Honda paused. "Bakura... have you ever looked... at other guys?"
The pale haired boy blinked at his friend. "Looked at...?" he repeated, confused.
"Like you'd look at girls," Honda explained.
Bakura blinked a moment more before realizing what Honda meant. "I-- I don't really look at girls like that..." he admitted, embarrassed.
"So you only look at boys?"
Bakura looked down, uncomfortable and gave a small nod. "Not very often!" he protested, voice slightly worried.
Honda leaned back against a wall. "Anyone in particular?"
Bakura gave a small nod, face red.
"Who?"
The pale haired boy was quiet a long moment. "You..." he said softly, not looking up.
Honda nodded slowly and pushed away from the wall. "Then maybe you won't mind if I do this," he said softly, kissing the other boy.
Bakura's eyes went wide in surprise before he slowly melted into the kiss. "Honda-kun..." he said softly, looking up at the taller boy.
"Did you mind?" Honda asked softly, stroking Bakura's face.
Bakura shook his head slightly, smiling softly. "I-- I didn't know you--- that you---"
"Neither did I, really," Honda said, deciding that he wanted to kiss Bakura again. Finding that to be a good decision, he did so.
Bakura gave a soft blissful sigh as their lips parted.
Honda chuckled at him fondly, stroking his cheek again. "Maybe we should get off the street before we decide where we're going from here."
Bakura's face went red with embarrassment and he nodded swiftly. Almost hesitantly he reached out, lightly brushing his fingers against Honda's, eyes questioning.
Honda smiled and twined his fingers with Bakura's.
The boy smiled softly and the pair resumed walking.
When they reached the house, Honda kissed Bakura's fingers before releasing them so that he could get his key. After he unlocked his door, Honda held it open for him and ushered him inside.
Bakura gave a small laugh, smiling fondly at the taller boy as he removed his shoes. "Did you want something to drink or a snack?" he offered.
"Sure," Honda answered with a grin. "You know me."
"That's why I made sure to pick up more groceries then usual this week," Bakura teased lightly before disappearing into the kitchen.
Honda laughed and followed. "Well, I will admit that I eat more than usual over here. You're just too cute when you're cooking."
The pale haired boy blushed slightly, still smiling. "Really?"
"Incredibly."
Bakura's blush deepened and he busied himself preparing the tea. "Arigatou."
Honda walked up behind Bakura, and hugged him when he had put everything down.
The boy startled briefly, but melted against the taller boy with a blissful sigh. "Ne... Honda-kun...?" he asked softly.
"Hm?" Honda asked, resting his head on top of Bakura's.
"How did you know?" the smaller boy asked, relaxing fully against his friend.
"A lot of things," Honda answered, "But mostly how you reacted when I jumped on you."
Bakura gave a soft chuckle. "It was almost like torture when you did that, because I knew you didn't know what you were doing to me."
"Well, now you don't have to worry about that, 'cause if I knock you down I'll know precisely what I'm doing," Honda said softly against Bakura's ear.
The boy gave a slightly shuddery breath, eyelids fluttering as he near melted in Honda's hold. "Honda-kun..." he murmured happily.
"You should have told me," Honda said softly. "Think of the time we've wasted not being able to do this." He kissed Bakura's neck.
Bakura's lips parted slightly as his pulse sped up, eyes closing. "I was afraid of what you'd think..." he breathed.
"You don't ever have to be afraid of what I'll think of you," Honda said. "After everything, I'll never judge you."
Bakura melted against the taller boy completely. "Honda-kun..." he whispered, voice emotional as his eyes watered slightly as he hugged Honda's arms closer to him.
"Suki da," Honda whispered.
The pale haired boy gave a bliss filled smile. "Suki..." he echoed softly.
They had fun together. Honda taught Bakura how to play pool, and while the paler boy wasn't the best at it he kept playing, knowing how important it was to Honda. In return, Honda had allowed himself to be taught Magical Drop, finding it to be fun - but only when Bakura was here to play it with him. He spent as much time as he could at Bakura's, several times cooking for the other boy, and not always even doing much other than watching TV together.
It had been a nice, restful week, but he knew that there was something he should understand that he didn't.
He was brought out of his thoughts as an eraser hit him upside the head.
"Stop staring, you're gonna give Anzu ideas."
"What are you talking about?" Honda demanded.
"She's been blathering some crap about you and Bakura since you've started hanging out so much," Jounouchi said, flipping around a chair and sitting on it backwards, leaning on the back of it.
"Anzu thinks too much," Honda answered, glancing once more at Bakura before turning his attention to his friend.
"Yer giving her plenty to go on," Jounouchi pointed out. "We've barely seen ya this past week, yer always doing something with Bakura. You didn't even come see this weekends match!" he scowled slightly.
Honda shrugged. "So I'm not that interested in duel monsters. I've been watching you play for how long? I think I deserve a break."
"This was a MATCH, Honda! I got second place! What's so interesting about Bakura that yer ignoring the rest of us for, huh?" Jounouchi pressed, irritation showing.
Honda scowled. "He plays more than Duel Monsters, for starters."
"So does Yuugi," Jounouchi pointed out. "You're ignoring him as much as you are me."
Honda rolled his eyes. "Yuugi's all about dueling. And he has you and Anzu to follow him around. He doesn't need me."
"So, all right, he plays more games. Big deal. Never heard you complaining before," the blond scowled.
"You know, you never seemed to care if I was around before. Now that I've realized that I have a life, you can just go and get one of your own." Honda rose and stalked out of the room.
"Honda!" Jounouchi yelled, following. "The hell is up with you!" He grabbed his friends shoulder and pulled him back. "Where the hell do you get off thinking I don't give a shit, huh? You're my best friend! You've always been there to kick my ass when I start feeling sorry for myself! What the hell changed?"
"What changed? What changed is that you stopped giving a fuck about anything but dueling! There's more to life than a stupid card game!"
"I finally found something I can be good at and you're getting on my case for liking it!" Jounouchi shot back.
"Mou! Anata-tachi!" Anzu exclaimed, physically getting between the two. "Can't you do anything without yelling at each other?!"
"There used to be more to you than a game," Honda said before leaving.
"Honda-kun!" Bakura's voice called as he ran after his friend. "Honda-kun, matte yo!"
The dark haired boy paused to let him catch up.
Bakura stopped in front of the boy, looking up at him. "Please... I was talking with Yuugi-kun and he said that Jounouchi-kun was hurt because you weren't there this weekend," he said softly. "Please, don't stop being friends with him because of this..."
Honda's lips pressed together. "You know what, Jounouchi's hurt me with comments he's made in the course of dueling but I'm just supposed to let it go 'cause he's my friend." He shook his head. "He doesn't get it both ways, Bakura. His life may revolve around cards, but mine will not."
"It's all he has, Honda-kun.."
"He has his sister. He has his friends. We USED to do more than sit around watching him duel."
"Maybe you should have a duel free day with him then, to remind him of that."
"Like that's possible these days," Honda grumbled.
"If it's just you and him, he can't duel, right?" Bakura suggested, brightening slightly. "Yuugi-kun invited me over to see the new games he got this week, so maybe while I'm with Yuugi-kun you could hang out with Jounouchi-kun?"
"I'll try," Honda said, still frowning.
Bakura gave a smile.
Honda and Jounouchi went out to the arcade, playing some of the games they had played before Jounouchi got caught up in Duel Monsters. He was a bit out of practice, but it wasn't long before he had regained his old skill and they were shouting at each other as they played a fighting game.
It was fun, and reminded Honda of how they used to be before the new game had taken over everyone's minds, but somehow it just wasn't as fun as it had been then. Honda tried to figure out why, but it was only when he went toward the Magical Drop game and Jounouchi started laughing at him that he realized why.
With Bakura he could do whatever he wanted and the other boy didn't mind or make fun of him. Jounouchi had expectations. Jounouchi also didn't encourage him. There were no cries of "Sugoi yo, Honda-kun!" with the blond. With Jounouchi they ignored each other's wins and jeered at one another for the mistakes they made. It was much more peaceful to be with Bakura, he decided.
Bakura smiled happily as he walked towards the classroom. He and Yuugi had spent the day at the shop, mostly talking and looking at the new games that had come in. It was normally something he would have been incredibly happy about, but...
His smile grew slightly rueful. It was just as well, if anyone had found out he had had a crush on Yuugi, Anzu would have killed him, he reflected.
He was startled from his musing as he walked into someone. "Go--gomen!" he apologized, backing up from the irritated looking senior who towered a good foot over him. He gave a small exclamation as the taller boy grabbed him by the collar of his uniform and slammed him against the wall.
"What do you think you're doing?" Honda asked, standing behind the bully with his arms crossed. He hit a point on the bully's shoulder, making him drop his victim.
Seeing Bakura fall to the ground, Honda's eyes narrowed. He punched the bully in the nuts, making him double over in pain. "You didn't answer me," He said, glaring, down at the boy on the floor. "I'd better never have to ask that again." He kicked the boy into a locker, then went over to Bakura and helped him up. "You ok, Bakura?"
"Un," the pale haired boy nodded, looking up with a grateful, though slightly shaky smile. "Arigatou, Honda-kun."
Honda kicked at the bully again. "If he bothers you again, let me know."
"Un!" Bakura nodded happily.
"Hear that?" Honda demanded of the bully. "You let everyone know, 'cause if I have to waste my time on the likes of you I'll be really angry." He put an arm around Bakura and led him away, wondering why no one else ever looked that happy to have him come to the rescue.
The pale haired boy smiled happily, barely resisting the urge to lean against the taller boy as they walked. "Arigatou yo, Honda-kun. Everyone's been picking on me much less since you started protecting me. It's nice..."
"Heh," Honda said proudly. "They know better than to mess with me."
Honda doodled on the side of his notebook paper as he thought some more. After a moment he added another item under one of the headings at the top of the page. Thinking the way he was starting to, that made much more sense. He looked down at the page, then sighed. He was going to have to talk to Bakura.
Bakura looked over at his taller friend, growing slightly concerned as they walked to his apartment. "Honda-kun...? Is something wrong? You've been so quiet...."
"I've just been thinking about a lot of stuff." Honda paused. "Bakura... have you ever looked... at other guys?"
The pale haired boy blinked at his friend. "Looked at...?" he repeated, confused.
"Like you'd look at girls," Honda explained.
Bakura blinked a moment more before realizing what Honda meant. "I-- I don't really look at girls like that..." he admitted, embarrassed.
"So you only look at boys?"
Bakura looked down, uncomfortable and gave a small nod. "Not very often!" he protested, voice slightly worried.
Honda leaned back against a wall. "Anyone in particular?"
Bakura gave a small nod, face red.
"Who?"
The pale haired boy was quiet a long moment. "You..." he said softly, not looking up.
Honda nodded slowly and pushed away from the wall. "Then maybe you won't mind if I do this," he said softly, kissing the other boy.
Bakura's eyes went wide in surprise before he slowly melted into the kiss. "Honda-kun..." he said softly, looking up at the taller boy.
"Did you mind?" Honda asked softly, stroking Bakura's face.
Bakura shook his head slightly, smiling softly. "I-- I didn't know you--- that you---"
"Neither did I, really," Honda said, deciding that he wanted to kiss Bakura again. Finding that to be a good decision, he did so.
Bakura gave a soft blissful sigh as their lips parted.
Honda chuckled at him fondly, stroking his cheek again. "Maybe we should get off the street before we decide where we're going from here."
Bakura's face went red with embarrassment and he nodded swiftly. Almost hesitantly he reached out, lightly brushing his fingers against Honda's, eyes questioning.
Honda smiled and twined his fingers with Bakura's.
The boy smiled softly and the pair resumed walking.
When they reached the house, Honda kissed Bakura's fingers before releasing them so that he could get his key. After he unlocked his door, Honda held it open for him and ushered him inside.
Bakura gave a small laugh, smiling fondly at the taller boy as he removed his shoes. "Did you want something to drink or a snack?" he offered.
"Sure," Honda answered with a grin. "You know me."
"That's why I made sure to pick up more groceries then usual this week," Bakura teased lightly before disappearing into the kitchen.
Honda laughed and followed. "Well, I will admit that I eat more than usual over here. You're just too cute when you're cooking."
The pale haired boy blushed slightly, still smiling. "Really?"
"Incredibly."
Bakura's blush deepened and he busied himself preparing the tea. "Arigatou."
Honda walked up behind Bakura, and hugged him when he had put everything down.
The boy startled briefly, but melted against the taller boy with a blissful sigh. "Ne... Honda-kun...?" he asked softly.
"Hm?" Honda asked, resting his head on top of Bakura's.
"How did you know?" the smaller boy asked, relaxing fully against his friend.
"A lot of things," Honda answered, "But mostly how you reacted when I jumped on you."
Bakura gave a soft chuckle. "It was almost like torture when you did that, because I knew you didn't know what you were doing to me."
"Well, now you don't have to worry about that, 'cause if I knock you down I'll know precisely what I'm doing," Honda said softly against Bakura's ear.
The boy gave a slightly shuddery breath, eyelids fluttering as he near melted in Honda's hold. "Honda-kun..." he murmured happily.
"You should have told me," Honda said softly. "Think of the time we've wasted not being able to do this." He kissed Bakura's neck.
Bakura's lips parted slightly as his pulse sped up, eyes closing. "I was afraid of what you'd think..." he breathed.
"You don't ever have to be afraid of what I'll think of you," Honda said. "After everything, I'll never judge you."
Bakura melted against the taller boy completely. "Honda-kun..." he whispered, voice emotional as his eyes watered slightly as he hugged Honda's arms closer to him.
"Suki da," Honda whispered.
The pale haired boy gave a bliss filled smile. "Suki..." he echoed softly.