((A/N: Kinda sappy chapter. =/ Lots of point of view switching too. x_e;
Not much happens either. That's for later chapters. P))
****Yugi's POV****
I couldn't take it. Leaving the temple as soon as I could, I tried to ignore the cheers that Seto was soaking up. I was the Pharaoh. I wasn't supposed to lose. My fists clenched at my side.
If I couldn't create the ultimate monster… then I'd steal it.
That night, I returned to the temple. As planned, it was empty.
I snuck silently along the passageways to the soul room, where the glass bottles were kept that contained the monsters' spirits. Holding my torch up, it provided me with enough light to distinguish which monster was which.
There, near the middle of the row, lay the bottle of Blue Eyes; it's white smoke constantly moving. Taking the bottle from its perch, I slipped it into my cloak. I'd make sure Seto never dueled again.
****Seto's POV****
When I returned to the temple the next day, I received more strange glances from the people I passed. Ugh… what were they gaping about this time?
I would soon find out.
Inside the room of souls, I noticed my post was empty. Rushing over to it, I looked around the sides and behind my post. I couldn't believe it… Blue Eyes was gone!
Panicking, I ran from the temple. I knew exactly who was responsible for this.
Kicking the doors to the throne room open, I stomped in, my eyes full of rage.
"Yugi!"
Yugi sat upon this throne, casually talking to Anzu, who sat on the ground below him. Realizing I was now in the room, he tried to act like he didn't know what was going on. But the look in his eyes gave it away. He knew exactly why I was there.
"Yes, Seto?"
Stepping over Anzu, I grabbed Yugi by his robes, pulling him to my face. Oh how I wanted to strangle him… He had taken my pride and soul.
"Why so angry, Seto?"
His voice hinted that he was guilty.
"Ra damn it! You know very well why I'm angry! Where the hell is Blue Eyes?"
"Heh, I didn't take your stupid Blue Eyes-"
I opened my mouth to curse at him, but he cut me off before I could say more.
"Black Magician did."
My brow twitched. Did he really expect me to believe that his monster took Blue Eyes? Spirits don't have the power to do such things. Fine Yugi, have it your way. But I'll get Blue Eyes back, one way or another. Shoving Yugi back into his throne, I heard him let out a cry of pain as if I hurt him. Stupid weak Pharaoh.
Stepping over Anzu as I left, she gave me a strange look, wondering what the commotion was all about. I didn't bother to answer. Slamming the doors behind me, I began to figure out where he had hidden Blue Eyes.
* * *
After a few hours of contemplation, I finally narrowed down the possibilities to his room. Probably in some obvious place at that. It was still daytime, so I decided to give Yugi the pleasure of possessing Blue Eyes until nightfall.
Bakura noticed the pondering look on my face, arching a brow.
"Is something bothering you?"
I shook my head. It was probably better that I not tell Bakura about my plans. As much as he may try to help, I didn't want to take the risk of getting him caught.
And so, that night, I climbed up to Yugi's balcony from the outside, crawling soundlessly over the railing. Yugi was dead asleep, snoring as loud as ever. Creeping in through the drapes, I spotted Blue Eyes' bottle beside the Black Magician's. Just as I thought, in an obvious place.
I crept to the small glass table beside Yugi's bed, sliding Blue Eyes' bottle from its spot. This was too easy… There had to be some sort of catch.
To my surprise, there wasn't. I slid over the balcony just as quickly as I had come. No one suspected a thing.
****Bakura's POV****
It was late. Really late. I began to wonder where that stupid priest was. Probably in bed with that damn Pharaoh. As I thought this, something seemed to pierce my heart with jealousy. What was this? I wasn't supposed to care about Seto's whereabouts… or Seto for that matter.
But the suspicion was eating me alive. I had to know where Seto was… and if he was with Yugi. Slipping from Seto's room, I began to scout the area, Yugi's room in particular. Pressing my ear against the door, I didn't hear any noise, except for Yugi's loud snoring.
Wandering out into the courtyard, I decided to check the outside of the palace as well. Ra knows why he would be back there, but it's still better to check.
My eyes studied the palace walls for a moment. Nothing unusual… Until I saw a figure move out of the shadows of one of the second story balconies and slide over the railing. It was the balcony of Yugi's room! Heh, I bet he was robbed. The figure was now descending down a rope that was tied to the balcony's banister, just long enough to brush the grassy ground below.
As I examined the shadow, I realized it was no ordinary thief. It was Seto! For a moment, I just stood there in shock, trying to come up with an explanation of why he was in Yugi's room. Unfortunately, I couldn't come up with one.
Running back to the courtyard, I slid behind a pillar, just in time to see him run past my hiding place. He was heading for the dimly lit street.
Deciding to follow him, I departed from my hiding place, making sure to stay in the shadows. I tracked him all the way to the Duel Spirit Temple, which was currently empty. Why the hell was he here?
I knew exactly where I was. I went straight to where the spirits were kept, which is precisely where I found him. Kaiba was kneeled down in front of the Blue Eyes White Dragon shrine, the elegant fire burning in front of the spirit's glass bottle. Seto's eyes were closed, and apparently his mind was concentrated more on his prayers than what was going on around him, so he didn't hear me enter. I now leaned up against the stone wall, waiting for him to awake from his trance. He was probably praying for mercy because he made love to that damn Pharaoh again.
I felt sick at the thought. My nails drove into my bare arms as I began to feel hatred… or was it, jealousy? I couldn't tell. I just wanted everyone to stop touching my Seto.
****Seto's POV****
I had been praying to Blue Eyes that all our troubles would come to an end. An annoyed sigh caught my attention. Looking over my shoulder, I wondered who had followed me to the temple… Bakura.
Bakura didn't look happy. Could it be that… Oh Ra, did he see me leave Yugi's room?
Rising from my knees, I stood to face him. There was a look of rage in his narrow brown eyes. Those unblinking eyes that glared mercilessly at me. A growl rose from him, bearing his teeth as if he planned to bite me. I couldn't help but be frightened…
"Tell me priest… why were you in the Pharaoh's room?"
"I was simply retrieving Blue Eyes-"
"You're lying!"
Bakura's voice seemed to roar as his arm whipped out in front of him, grabbing me by the collar of my robes, forcing my body toward him. Now face-to-face, his quickened breath telling me that he planned something horrible for my punishment.
Looking into his eyes, I saw that a look of jealousy and hurt had replaced the rage. His lower lip quivered before he spoke.
"You're in love with that damned Pharaoh, aren't you?!"
"No! I'd never-"
My lungs refused to take in any more air. Ice seemed to lap up all my blood, leaving me frozen inside. He had seen me. Why didn't he believe me? He was apparently too angry to listen… Before I could explain, his hand released my robes, only to have his other slap me across the face. It happened so fast… all I had seen was a blur before I flew back and hit the ground.
Once my vision cleared, Bakura approached me, just as angry. He leaned over me, his silver hair tumbling over his shoulders.
"Why? How could you fall for that idiot Pharaoh?! I swear to Ra, I'll kill him!"
As much as I wished he would, I don't think I could manage breaking him out of the dungeon again, if the guards hadn't killed him first.
Bakura was shaking so much that he looked as if he were going to collapse. His fists were clenching to tight it looked like they were going to explode, his teeth biting down on his lower lip so hard they could bleed.
"Bakura…"
From his tightly shut eyes seeped small tear droplets that slid down his face, landing on my shoulder. I reached up to brush the other tear away, but he tossed his head back, refusing to allow me to stroke him.
"Bakura, I'm not in love with Yugi… I swear, I was only trying to get Blue Eyes back. He stole Blue Eyes from me after he lost to the duel yesterday…"
Bakura slowly turned his face back to me, tears still running down his cheeks. I reached towards his face once again, but this time he didn't pull away. Wiping the tears from his soft cheeks, his eyes seemed to lose their rage, closing at my touch. His lip quivered as he took in a deep breath, speaking up.
"…I don't see why you stand working for that damned Pharaoh. All he does is whine, cry, and make love to people."
"I know… but it would be useless to change now. He'll end up killing himself sooner or later anyway, seeing all his whores are dropping dead."
I chuckled. Bakura seemed less upset now as he sat down beside me. We were silent for a moment, listening to the crackle of the fire that still burned before Blue Eyes. Lifting his head, Bakura looked almost like a sulking kitten, his cat ears drooping to the length of his hair.
"Seto, I'm sorry I assumed things… And that I hurt you-"
I smiled. He seemed so much different than when we first met.
I rubbed the place where he had slapped me, which still stung.
"Pfft, I'll be fine."
At least he didn't kill me like I thought he planned to. It would be horrible to die at the hands of the one you lo-
I looked at Bakura, who still sulked beside of me. A few days ago, I had come to pray to Blue Eyes to help sort out my feelings. I've been asking too much of Blue Eyes lately. She needs a break.
But that day I came to her to pray, I realized something. I loved Blue Eyes… but not that kind of love. I just knew I cared for her a lot. But I also cared about Bakura a lot…
Needless to say, I came to a conclusion. And I had to let him know…
I leaned forward, gripping his shoulders and pulling him close to me. Of course the pouting look turned into a confused expression. Struggling to escape my grasp, I only wanted to hold him tighter. Leaning down, I whispered into his ear.
"I love you, Bakura."
****Bakura's POV****
I swallowed hard. Did I just hear what I think I heard? Nah… Too much sand in my ears again.
Lifting my head, I tried to search for an explanation in Seto's eyes. He had his eyes closed, go figure. Laying my head against his warm chest, I could hear his heat beat. Thu-bump… Thu-bump… Was it just me, or was his heart beating fast?
Maybe I really had heard those words. But just to make sure, I had to hear them again. Getting my innocent act together, my hand touched his chin, tilting his face toward mine.
"Wh-What did you say?"
"I…" Seto hesitated before he finished. His cheeks looked so red, even in this dim light. It amused me in a way to see him stumble over his words like this.
"I love you…"
Oh Ra… I had heard him right. My whole body went numb, my mind feeling as if it were stuck by lightning from the shock. He… He loved me? But how? Why? There's nothing to love!
Apparently he expected me to reject him. Closing his eyes again, he held me close to him as if it were the last time. Of course, it wasn't. My arms slid around his chest, my fingertips gently brushing his bare back. It was then I realized what I was doing. Since when did I become a fan of this lovey dovey crap?
My conscience told me to push him away. But I couldn't… I just couldn't do it…
His arms had somehow managed to drag me into a hug, his hand now stroking my hair in the back. Now I really couldn't pull away. Just a few moments ago, I had been so angry that he had left me for that damned Pharaoh. But now, Yugi was probably clawing at his walls, wishing he could be me.
No one had ever said they loved me. Ever. I had heard lovers say it to each other casually on the streets, but did they really mean it? I never thought they did. I didn't think the phrase had any deeper meaning than a simple "Hello". Until now.
Without warning, my mouth opened, whispering into the High Priest's chest.
"Seto…"
"Hm?"
"I… I love you too…"
Something seemed to gush from my heart, filling my body with an unknown emotion. It was like an overflowing well… If this feeling didn't go away soon I was probably going to puke or drown in its depth.
And once again, we held each other in a pleasant embrace the whole night, waking up just in time to watch the sun's golden rays seep over the great pyramids. I love you Seto… And I will until the gods try to separate up with death. And even then, I'll stay by your side, and sleep on your grave, until I join you.
((Short, yes, but more will be up soon. =D Please review!))
Not much happens either. That's for later chapters. P))
****Yugi's POV****
I couldn't take it. Leaving the temple as soon as I could, I tried to ignore the cheers that Seto was soaking up. I was the Pharaoh. I wasn't supposed to lose. My fists clenched at my side.
If I couldn't create the ultimate monster… then I'd steal it.
That night, I returned to the temple. As planned, it was empty.
I snuck silently along the passageways to the soul room, where the glass bottles were kept that contained the monsters' spirits. Holding my torch up, it provided me with enough light to distinguish which monster was which.
There, near the middle of the row, lay the bottle of Blue Eyes; it's white smoke constantly moving. Taking the bottle from its perch, I slipped it into my cloak. I'd make sure Seto never dueled again.
****Seto's POV****
When I returned to the temple the next day, I received more strange glances from the people I passed. Ugh… what were they gaping about this time?
I would soon find out.
Inside the room of souls, I noticed my post was empty. Rushing over to it, I looked around the sides and behind my post. I couldn't believe it… Blue Eyes was gone!
Panicking, I ran from the temple. I knew exactly who was responsible for this.
Kicking the doors to the throne room open, I stomped in, my eyes full of rage.
"Yugi!"
Yugi sat upon this throne, casually talking to Anzu, who sat on the ground below him. Realizing I was now in the room, he tried to act like he didn't know what was going on. But the look in his eyes gave it away. He knew exactly why I was there.
"Yes, Seto?"
Stepping over Anzu, I grabbed Yugi by his robes, pulling him to my face. Oh how I wanted to strangle him… He had taken my pride and soul.
"Why so angry, Seto?"
His voice hinted that he was guilty.
"Ra damn it! You know very well why I'm angry! Where the hell is Blue Eyes?"
"Heh, I didn't take your stupid Blue Eyes-"
I opened my mouth to curse at him, but he cut me off before I could say more.
"Black Magician did."
My brow twitched. Did he really expect me to believe that his monster took Blue Eyes? Spirits don't have the power to do such things. Fine Yugi, have it your way. But I'll get Blue Eyes back, one way or another. Shoving Yugi back into his throne, I heard him let out a cry of pain as if I hurt him. Stupid weak Pharaoh.
Stepping over Anzu as I left, she gave me a strange look, wondering what the commotion was all about. I didn't bother to answer. Slamming the doors behind me, I began to figure out where he had hidden Blue Eyes.
* * *
After a few hours of contemplation, I finally narrowed down the possibilities to his room. Probably in some obvious place at that. It was still daytime, so I decided to give Yugi the pleasure of possessing Blue Eyes until nightfall.
Bakura noticed the pondering look on my face, arching a brow.
"Is something bothering you?"
I shook my head. It was probably better that I not tell Bakura about my plans. As much as he may try to help, I didn't want to take the risk of getting him caught.
And so, that night, I climbed up to Yugi's balcony from the outside, crawling soundlessly over the railing. Yugi was dead asleep, snoring as loud as ever. Creeping in through the drapes, I spotted Blue Eyes' bottle beside the Black Magician's. Just as I thought, in an obvious place.
I crept to the small glass table beside Yugi's bed, sliding Blue Eyes' bottle from its spot. This was too easy… There had to be some sort of catch.
To my surprise, there wasn't. I slid over the balcony just as quickly as I had come. No one suspected a thing.
****Bakura's POV****
It was late. Really late. I began to wonder where that stupid priest was. Probably in bed with that damn Pharaoh. As I thought this, something seemed to pierce my heart with jealousy. What was this? I wasn't supposed to care about Seto's whereabouts… or Seto for that matter.
But the suspicion was eating me alive. I had to know where Seto was… and if he was with Yugi. Slipping from Seto's room, I began to scout the area, Yugi's room in particular. Pressing my ear against the door, I didn't hear any noise, except for Yugi's loud snoring.
Wandering out into the courtyard, I decided to check the outside of the palace as well. Ra knows why he would be back there, but it's still better to check.
My eyes studied the palace walls for a moment. Nothing unusual… Until I saw a figure move out of the shadows of one of the second story balconies and slide over the railing. It was the balcony of Yugi's room! Heh, I bet he was robbed. The figure was now descending down a rope that was tied to the balcony's banister, just long enough to brush the grassy ground below.
As I examined the shadow, I realized it was no ordinary thief. It was Seto! For a moment, I just stood there in shock, trying to come up with an explanation of why he was in Yugi's room. Unfortunately, I couldn't come up with one.
Running back to the courtyard, I slid behind a pillar, just in time to see him run past my hiding place. He was heading for the dimly lit street.
Deciding to follow him, I departed from my hiding place, making sure to stay in the shadows. I tracked him all the way to the Duel Spirit Temple, which was currently empty. Why the hell was he here?
I knew exactly where I was. I went straight to where the spirits were kept, which is precisely where I found him. Kaiba was kneeled down in front of the Blue Eyes White Dragon shrine, the elegant fire burning in front of the spirit's glass bottle. Seto's eyes were closed, and apparently his mind was concentrated more on his prayers than what was going on around him, so he didn't hear me enter. I now leaned up against the stone wall, waiting for him to awake from his trance. He was probably praying for mercy because he made love to that damn Pharaoh again.
I felt sick at the thought. My nails drove into my bare arms as I began to feel hatred… or was it, jealousy? I couldn't tell. I just wanted everyone to stop touching my Seto.
****Seto's POV****
I had been praying to Blue Eyes that all our troubles would come to an end. An annoyed sigh caught my attention. Looking over my shoulder, I wondered who had followed me to the temple… Bakura.
Bakura didn't look happy. Could it be that… Oh Ra, did he see me leave Yugi's room?
Rising from my knees, I stood to face him. There was a look of rage in his narrow brown eyes. Those unblinking eyes that glared mercilessly at me. A growl rose from him, bearing his teeth as if he planned to bite me. I couldn't help but be frightened…
"Tell me priest… why were you in the Pharaoh's room?"
"I was simply retrieving Blue Eyes-"
"You're lying!"
Bakura's voice seemed to roar as his arm whipped out in front of him, grabbing me by the collar of my robes, forcing my body toward him. Now face-to-face, his quickened breath telling me that he planned something horrible for my punishment.
Looking into his eyes, I saw that a look of jealousy and hurt had replaced the rage. His lower lip quivered before he spoke.
"You're in love with that damned Pharaoh, aren't you?!"
"No! I'd never-"
My lungs refused to take in any more air. Ice seemed to lap up all my blood, leaving me frozen inside. He had seen me. Why didn't he believe me? He was apparently too angry to listen… Before I could explain, his hand released my robes, only to have his other slap me across the face. It happened so fast… all I had seen was a blur before I flew back and hit the ground.
Once my vision cleared, Bakura approached me, just as angry. He leaned over me, his silver hair tumbling over his shoulders.
"Why? How could you fall for that idiot Pharaoh?! I swear to Ra, I'll kill him!"
As much as I wished he would, I don't think I could manage breaking him out of the dungeon again, if the guards hadn't killed him first.
Bakura was shaking so much that he looked as if he were going to collapse. His fists were clenching to tight it looked like they were going to explode, his teeth biting down on his lower lip so hard they could bleed.
"Bakura…"
From his tightly shut eyes seeped small tear droplets that slid down his face, landing on my shoulder. I reached up to brush the other tear away, but he tossed his head back, refusing to allow me to stroke him.
"Bakura, I'm not in love with Yugi… I swear, I was only trying to get Blue Eyes back. He stole Blue Eyes from me after he lost to the duel yesterday…"
Bakura slowly turned his face back to me, tears still running down his cheeks. I reached towards his face once again, but this time he didn't pull away. Wiping the tears from his soft cheeks, his eyes seemed to lose their rage, closing at my touch. His lip quivered as he took in a deep breath, speaking up.
"…I don't see why you stand working for that damned Pharaoh. All he does is whine, cry, and make love to people."
"I know… but it would be useless to change now. He'll end up killing himself sooner or later anyway, seeing all his whores are dropping dead."
I chuckled. Bakura seemed less upset now as he sat down beside me. We were silent for a moment, listening to the crackle of the fire that still burned before Blue Eyes. Lifting his head, Bakura looked almost like a sulking kitten, his cat ears drooping to the length of his hair.
"Seto, I'm sorry I assumed things… And that I hurt you-"
I smiled. He seemed so much different than when we first met.
I rubbed the place where he had slapped me, which still stung.
"Pfft, I'll be fine."
At least he didn't kill me like I thought he planned to. It would be horrible to die at the hands of the one you lo-
I looked at Bakura, who still sulked beside of me. A few days ago, I had come to pray to Blue Eyes to help sort out my feelings. I've been asking too much of Blue Eyes lately. She needs a break.
But that day I came to her to pray, I realized something. I loved Blue Eyes… but not that kind of love. I just knew I cared for her a lot. But I also cared about Bakura a lot…
Needless to say, I came to a conclusion. And I had to let him know…
I leaned forward, gripping his shoulders and pulling him close to me. Of course the pouting look turned into a confused expression. Struggling to escape my grasp, I only wanted to hold him tighter. Leaning down, I whispered into his ear.
"I love you, Bakura."
****Bakura's POV****
I swallowed hard. Did I just hear what I think I heard? Nah… Too much sand in my ears again.
Lifting my head, I tried to search for an explanation in Seto's eyes. He had his eyes closed, go figure. Laying my head against his warm chest, I could hear his heat beat. Thu-bump… Thu-bump… Was it just me, or was his heart beating fast?
Maybe I really had heard those words. But just to make sure, I had to hear them again. Getting my innocent act together, my hand touched his chin, tilting his face toward mine.
"Wh-What did you say?"
"I…" Seto hesitated before he finished. His cheeks looked so red, even in this dim light. It amused me in a way to see him stumble over his words like this.
"I love you…"
Oh Ra… I had heard him right. My whole body went numb, my mind feeling as if it were stuck by lightning from the shock. He… He loved me? But how? Why? There's nothing to love!
Apparently he expected me to reject him. Closing his eyes again, he held me close to him as if it were the last time. Of course, it wasn't. My arms slid around his chest, my fingertips gently brushing his bare back. It was then I realized what I was doing. Since when did I become a fan of this lovey dovey crap?
My conscience told me to push him away. But I couldn't… I just couldn't do it…
His arms had somehow managed to drag me into a hug, his hand now stroking my hair in the back. Now I really couldn't pull away. Just a few moments ago, I had been so angry that he had left me for that damned Pharaoh. But now, Yugi was probably clawing at his walls, wishing he could be me.
No one had ever said they loved me. Ever. I had heard lovers say it to each other casually on the streets, but did they really mean it? I never thought they did. I didn't think the phrase had any deeper meaning than a simple "Hello". Until now.
Without warning, my mouth opened, whispering into the High Priest's chest.
"Seto…"
"Hm?"
"I… I love you too…"
Something seemed to gush from my heart, filling my body with an unknown emotion. It was like an overflowing well… If this feeling didn't go away soon I was probably going to puke or drown in its depth.
And once again, we held each other in a pleasant embrace the whole night, waking up just in time to watch the sun's golden rays seep over the great pyramids. I love you Seto… And I will until the gods try to separate up with death. And even then, I'll stay by your side, and sleep on your grave, until I join you.
((Short, yes, but more will be up soon. =D Please review!))