Author's Notes: Thanks for the reviews. I'll have a new chapter for Yami no Yume up this weekend. The disk with the chapters on it was given to my uncle and he keeps forgetting to return it. Sorry about that. Well, here's the next chapter. Slightly angst but I needed to describe the characters before the shopping madness began. (That will be chapter 3 and it'll be crazy!) And I know Ryou is Bakura's first name in Japanese, but in English in this story it's his last name, so don't point that out. I know what I'm doing, thank you. Enjoy!
Chapter 3:
Bakura's Idea
The white haired boy awoke to a strange muffled sound coming from the couch downstairs. Bakura heard a voice and it sounded like they were in pain. He rushed down the stairs and found Yami Bakura sleeping on the couch, having a very restless dream. His hair was damp with sweat and clinging to his forehead. His eyes were shut tightly and his fingers were wrapped around the blanket covering his body in a claw like grip. Bakura wasn't sure what to do. He read somewhere that if a person is having a nightmare, it's a good idea to wake them up. Deciding to be brave, he reached over and placed his hand gently on Yami Bakura's shoulder and began to shake it.
Yami Bakura's eyes shot open and before Bakura could blink he was trying to pry off a hand clasped tightly around his neck. "Don't you EVER touch me again!" He hissed as he threw the boy against the coffee table.
Bakura cringed as his body hit the side of the table. "I'm … sorry, …" He moaned as he tried to stand up. He gasped and grabbed his side in pain. "I was … worried about you."
Yami Bakura's eyes bore deep into Bakura's. "It's none of your business. Just keep your nose out of my life and we'll get along just fine!" He threw the blanket off his body, throwing it on top Bakura's head.
Bakura cursed mildly under his breath as he tore the sheet off of his head and placed it back on the couch, neatly folded. So this is what's its like living with psychotic former thief and evil spirit. Bakura thought bitterly. Pain and humiliation ... Why do I even care about him? He glanced down at his watch and sighed. They had an hour before that shopping date. Already this day was beginning to look like hell. "We should get dressed. I slept in and we won't have time for breakfast."
Yami Bakura shrugged. "I wasn't hungry anyways. I'd rather get this day over with before I even try to remotely enjoy myself in this pathetic place you call 'home'. He watched as Bakura walked passed him and up the stairs to his bedroom. Still … anything is better then … At least when I was in his body … I wasn't able to dream. He clenched his hand into a tight fist and shook it. "Damn Pharaoh!"
Bakura popped his head out from behind the door. "Did you say something?" He asked, tilting his head to the side.
Yami Bakura looked up at him with utmost hate. "Mind your own business!"
"What did I say?" Bakura asked himself as he walked over to his dresser and picked up the clothing he had chosen the night before. "That guy…if only there was someone who could…" In an uncharacteristic move, Bakura rubbed his hands together and began to laugh evilly. "It's perfect! Now I just need to call Yugi!"
Yami Bakura slowly climbed the stairs as his mind wandered off to that dream again. He couldn't remember seeing anything. Just darkness. Which he loved, but one thing bothered him. There were voices coming in all directions. Taunting him, reminding him of his sins and then … his mother. She looked at him with a sadness he could not comprehend. Her voice lacked in everything but disappointment. She was ashamed to call him her son. And in reality her last words before she died would never leave his memory … ever …
"You are a good boy and I have faith that you will one day become the man I always wanted to you to be. I only wish I could be around to see it." She reached out for his hand and clasped it tightly in hers. A single tear rolled down her porcelain cheek. "Make me proud my son …"
Yami Bakura was completely lost in thought and didn't notice the last step. He tripped and just caught the rail before he fell flat on his face. Mumbling a few swear words, he reached Bakura's room and placed his hand on the doorknob. Bakura's voice could be heard through the crack of the doorway.
"Yes. That's exactly what I was thinking. So, do you think she'll mind? I can't think of anyone better suited for it. Mai is definitely out of the question and Joey would kill me if I asked his little sister. Yes? Ok, then. I'll ask her. Thanks, Yugi! You're a pal!"
Yami Bakura raised an eyebrow questionably. "What is that idiot up to now?" He turned the knob and swung the door open. "Hey, you fool! Are you ready to go or what?" He asked as he entered the room. It was a small room. It was light blue with matching curtains, a desk with a computer on it, a shelf with tons of books and a one-person bed against the wall and underneath the window.
Bakura quickly hung the phone up. "Yes. Almost. We still have a half hour." He tossed Yami Bakura the clothing he had chosen for him. "Here you go. You can dress in my room." Bakura was already dressed and looking a bit too cheerful for Yami Bakura's taste. Something was definitely up. Bakura left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
Yami Bakura looked down in disgust at the clothing hanging loosely in his hand. "Have the people of this world lost all taste in clothing?"
Bakura sighed and wiped his brow. "I thought he heard everything." He picked up the phone and began to dial a number. Nervously he ran a hand through his bushy white mane. "Well the worst she could do is kill me …"
***
Téa hummed happily as she made her breakfast. The phone ringing caught her attention and she left to answer it. "Hello? Yes, this is Téa! Hey, Bakura! What's up?"
***
"Téa, I wonder if you could help me. Am I good for a favour?" He asked, his voice shaking slightly. If there was one thing he knew about his friend, was that she had one dangerous temper and to cross it was suicide.
***
Téa looked at the phone with a puzzled look on her face. "Of course. Just ask. You know I'd do anything for you." She smiled. Her bright smiled soon faded to a frown and her eyes grew more slanted until they were tiny slits. "WHAT?" She shouted into the phone. Her hands were clenching and unclenching. "Bakura … I …" She sighed and leaned against the wall by the phone. Her elbow rested on her cupped hand. "Really? I didn't know that. Poor guy. I guess even evil minded people can have feelings." She said in a slightly bitter tone. "Yeah. Sure. I'll try. You owe me, Bakura Ryou!"
***
Bakura gulped. "Of course. Anything you wish. Thank you. This means a lot to me. You really are a true friend. I'll see you soon. Bye, Téa!" Bakura clicked the off button on the phone and slumped against the wall. As he slid down it into a sitting position, he mumbled quietly to his self. "Well … that went much better then I expected."
***
Téa hung the phone up and let out a long sigh. "True friend or just plain stupid." She frowned. "I know I was able to help Yami, but he's hardly the type of person that would slit your throat if he lost his temper. Did I just commit suicide?" A light smoky scent tickled her nose. "Oh no! My breakfast!" She dashed off to the kitchen, flustered and angry.
***
Yami noticed Yugi's expression after he got off the phone with Bakura a few minutes ago. "What's wrong?'
Yugi shook his head. "Nothing. I just hope I didn't just commit Téa's murder."
Yami's eyes went wide. "MURDER?"
Yugi jumped and held up his hands defensibly. "No, I meant figuratively. I hope that is." He laughed nervously.
"What are you talking about?"
Yugi backed away form his slightly enraged friend. "Um, Bakura needed some help with a problem and I told him Téa would be more then helpful."
Yami looked at his partner suspiciously. "What might that be?" He asked, he voice in a low threatening tone. He picked up some of Yugi's discarded clothing and began to place it neatly in the drawer. His partner was such a messy kid. He reached for a white shirt and began to place it in the drawer.
"Um … trying to get Bakura's other to open up?" He squeaked, contemplating making a mad dash for the door.
Yami smiled. "Oh, that's nice. She's such a good friend I – He stopped mid sentence, the garment slipping slowly through his fingers until it hit the ground. His head turned a little and his eyes centred on Yugi's. He approached Yugi, his hands twitching. He reached out and placed his hands gently on Yugi's shoulders. He took a deep breath and gripped the collar on Yugi's shirt. "WHAT DID YOU SAY?" He shouted, hoisting him up to his face, a slightly deranged look forming in his eyes.
Yugi sweat-dropped. "Hehehe … "
***
The clock chimed eleven times. Domino Square was bustling with activity. Four sour faced looking teens were sitting around the fountain centred in the square. Yami was still angry at Bakura's plan and wanted to kill Yami Bakura on the spot. Yugi told him to give him a chance, to which he agreed but only because Yugi pleaded with him.
"Where is she?" Yugi wondered as he heard the clock chiming. "It's not like her to be late. She's always punctual." He paced the floor nervously.
Yami and Yami Bakura remained silent. They were leaning against the lip of the fountain and staring at the running waters.
Bakura was attempting to try and calm Yugi down. "Well, she was in the middle of something when I called her, she might have been detained."
"You bet I was!"
The four boys turned to the sound of the voice and found a fuming Téa with her arms crossed and tapping her foot. She had her hair up in a high ponytail with a blue scrunchy holding it in place. She was wearing a denim miniskirt with a stripped pink and blue top. On her feet was a pair of light blue platform shoes and she had on semi-long white socks. She was also wearing a light red lip-gloss, which accented her entire face. Her face however wasn't bright and happy looking like it usually was. She was frowning and narrowing her eyes dangerously at Bakura.
Bakura rubbed his neck and approached the fuming girl. "Um, was that my fault by any chance?"
Téa's eyes softened a bit as she sighed. Her angry seemed to be diminished by the boy's apologetic looking face. "Well, after I hung up the phone, I had completely forgotten about my lunch and … it burned." She said darkly.
Bakura backed away. "Sorry, I didn't know."
Téa rolled her eyes. "Forget about it. Just remember, you owe me lunch. I didn't get a chance to eat at all and you know how I get without any food!"
Yugi and Bakura seemed to shudder when she reminded them of that.
Bakura forced a smile. "Sure thing." Ouch. This was going to set him back a bit. But, it was his fault after all. He shrugged it off.
"Well, we might as well get some proper introductions out of the way before we get going." Yugi stated, pushing Yami toward Téa and Bakura. "You all remember Yami, right?" He elbowed Yami, who reached out to shake their hands.
Bakura smiled, shaking his hand. "Of course. It's always a pleasure."
Téa blushed a little and reached out to take his hand sheepishly. "S … Same here." Téa smiled, feeling her face growing hot.
Yami smiled down at her. "It's nice to finally meet you, Téa. Though I had met you before, it's nice to finally meet you for real."
Téa's eyes brightened. "You remembered our dates?"
Yami laughed. "Of course. Just because I shared bodies with Yugi, didn't mean I couldn't remember them after I left him."
Téa looked away, a little embarrassed. His face was so perfect. She could swear he was just an illusion. He had such a gorgeous dark tan. His eyes were sparkling between violet and amethyst. His dark skin made his tri-colored hair really stand out. He was wearing a tight pair of blue jeans and a white tank top, similar to Yami Bakura's. And lastly, the look he was giving her was making her shiver involuntarily. He had such warmth and tenderness. Téa felt silly that she was about to swoon over her childhood friends' ancestor. If that was what he was.
Yugi cleared his throat and Yami let go of her hand and returned to Yugi's side. "And of course, we can't forget uh … what is your name?"
Yami Bakura glared at Yugi. "I'd rather not say. It'll be too confusing."
Bakura looked over at him. "Why?"
"Because it's your name, you idiot!" He shouted.
Bakura blushed. "My name? Your name is Bakura? I was named after my 5000 year old … uh … ancestor?"
Yami Bakura shrugged.
Bakura frowned. "Oh, dear. I see what you mean. Well, just call me Ryou then. It is my last name, but it still sounds like a first name anyways."
Téa giggled. "I like it. It suits your gentleness."
Bakura laughed and rubbed his head. His face was slightly red and he was looking at his shoes. "Well … anyways, this is Bakura. And you all know him too … obviously."
Yugi walked stiffly over and looked up at the towering Egyptian boy. "Of course. It's … uh, nice to meet you." He held out his hand, which was shaking.
Yami Bakura looked at it and then up at Bakura. Bakura was nodding. Yami Bakura reached for Yugi's hand and shook it quickly and firmly.
Yugi winced at the tightness of his grip, but smiled through gritted teeth.
Bakura then motioned for Téa to come forward. She kept shaking her head at him. Yami Bakura looked over at her. He almost laughed at her frightened expression. "You afraid that I'll bite? You're probably right, actually."
Téa face-faulted. With a deep breath, she approached him and held out her hand, which was shaking even more then Yugi's. "I'm … T … Téa." She stuttered.
Yami Bakura took her hand in his. Not squeezing it hard though. This girl was already close to breaking. He feared that if he showed any aggression, she would crumble to dust. She was so tiny and fragile looking, but her eyes shone with fiery determination and unmatched strength.
Téa gulped as she felt his hand enclose over hers. It was warm and she noticed lots of tiny scars. Her heart ached slightly. He must have had it rough back in Egypt. She decided that it was now or never to get a good look at this almost stranger to her. He had white hair, spiky like Bakura's, but much shorter. He was rough, no doubt about it. His eyes were almost black and barely shone with life. In fact, if he wasn't shaking her hand and she wasn't able to hear his breathing she would have sworn he was a statue. He had a very tanned complexion, slightly darker then Yami's and he had a very noticeable scar on his right cheek. Forming criss-crosses just starting near his eye. She didn't even try to think about how he got it, but she felt very sorry for him. She had to admit, he was hardly perfect looking like Yami, but he did have an attraction … somehow. She let go of his hand and faced Yugi. "Are we ready?"
Yugi smiled and nodded. "Yep!"
As the group began their walk, Bakura motions for Téa to come over and they walked silently behind the others.
"Are you ok? After that introduction, you haven't seemed to gain any colour back in your face. Did he hurt you?"
"No, Bakur … uh, I mean Ryou. It's just strange seeing him here after everything we went through. I won't deny I'm a little scared, but I'll try to help. He looks so lost."
Bakura nodded sadly. "I know. He thinks he shouldn't be here. I'm worried he'll do something drastic. He's very unstable."
Téa felt sweat forming on her neck and forehead. "How … unstable?"
Bakura laughed. "I doubt he would hurt you or Yugi, but he might hurt Yami or … himself."
Téa's eyes widened. "Himself? Why?"
Bakura crossed his arms and placed his hand on his chin. "I don't know. But he seems to be blaming himself for something. I had to wake him from a nightmare and he almost killed me cause I asked if he was ok. He's hiding something. And I was hoping that maybe you could help him see that life isn't that bad. I could have asked Yugi or any of the guys, but I doubt he would hurt a girl, so I asked you. And you know very well that Mai and Serenity wouldn't be good choices.
Téa laughed. "Do I ever! Well, I'll try. Really." She noticed how sad Bakura looked and put her arm around him, giving him a tiny hug.
Bakura smiled up at her then he put his head down and stared at the pavement as they walked. He looked up and saw Yami Bakura glancing over his shoulder and looking at them questionably. Bakura's face went red. This probably didn't look too good from his point of view. He felt relieved when Téa released him and ran to catch up to Yugi and Yami. He smiled. She was so loyal to those two. Never gave up on them even when things looked bleak. He wondered if they knew how lucky they were to have her? He only hoped that her warmth could reach the cold and empty spot of darkness that used to be Yami Bakura's heart.
To be continued…
