Now, yes, I do know that Egypt really doesn't have a King, but it was an
unimportant fact (because hardly anyone would have known.) that just goes
with the story - it is something somewhat important in future chapters.
Please be aware that I do research my information and please also take note
that if I say it and it isn't true - it's important to the story. Fiction
and all that.
Comments to reviews at the end of chapter.
- - -
Tis The Season
Warnings: Christmas angst. AU. No character death. Can't I even make a character sick without everyone thinking I'm gonna off him in the next chapter? Then again, Baku's still sick. Maybe I will off him just to please so many of you. ^_^
Pairings: You'll just have to wait and see.
/ thoughts /
*italics*
- - -
Chapter Three
Large chocolate brown eyes stared out the frosted window at the front walk outside. The being belonging to the beautifully innocent eyes ignored the laughter and merriment happening from all the children playing behind him. Not even two minutes ago, he'd been contently sitting in his only friend's older brother's lap while Yami read the two small boys 'The Night Before Christmas'. But not even two minutes ago a boy named Duke had come to see Yami and Yugi because he'd adopted them for Christmas this year. Duke had been coming for five days now and Christmas was fastly approaching.
Ryou - for that was the name of the boy the lovely eyes belonged to - had learned that after the 'adoption' files had been handed out, if nobody had come by the third day, nobody was coming at all. But he still hoped, he had to. Deep down, he knew nobody was going to come - nobody ever did. When people came in looking for a child to adopt they seemed to overlook both him and his brother, why did he always think that someone would 'adopt' them for Christmas? He continued to hope though, so he wouldn't worry his older brother.
Sighing to himself, and finally giving up for the day, Ryou slid off the ledge of the window he'd been sitting on. Like usual, he was ignored as he walked passed all the other kids playing within the playroom and once out of the large noisy room, he made his way up the stairs to the room he shared with his brother. He passed by Yugi's room, where inside Yugi, Yami and Duke were playing with three other kids and their 'adopted' family. Ryou knew Seto, Mokuba and Noah's names, though he'd never actually talked to them and he was pretty sure he'd heard Yami call their adopted brother 'Joey'.
He entered his own quiet room and shut the door.
"Ry?" The voice of his older brother made him turn around and Bakura could easily read the familiar sadness within his little one's eyes. Bakura, who was in bed doing his homework, pushed away all the books and motioned for the smaller boy to come to him. Ryou easily obeyed and climbed on the bed, falling into the warm arms. "Why aren't you playing with Yugi?" Bakura wondered gently as he ran his fingers through Ryou's soft snow-white hair.
Ryou looked up at him and forced a smile, "Duke camed to pway with Yugi again." He answered simply, then rested his head against Bakura's chest.
"You could have probably played with them." Bakura pointed out softly as he leaned against the headboard. He hated not being able to protect Ryou from everything - especially the loneliness that seemed to eat at both of them. But how was he supposed to help Ryou when he couldn't even make himself smile?
Ryou shrugged, "Duke adopted Yugi and Yami, not me and you." He pulled away and sat back, so he was leaning against Bakura's bent knees.
Bakura sighed, "How about if we don't sign up to be adopted next Christmas." He suggested, even though he knew how excited Ryou got over the prospect of it. His brother would never agree, but he figured he'd at least let Ryou know the options.
To Bakura's surprise Ryou nodded, "Otay." The small boy leaned forward and rested his head against Bakura's chest again. "Do you think someone will eva' want us?" He asked softly, relaxing as his older brother held him. He'd always liked being held, and it seemed as though Bakura was the only one ever willing to. That was okay though, Ryou felt safe - and most importantly loved - when Bakura held him.
Bakura smiled as he rested his chin on Ryou's head. "If not, I turn eighteen in two years. That means I'm legally an adult." He explained as he gently rocked the child.
"Would you eva' want me, Kuwa?" Ryou wondered softly, his little hand gently playing with the sleeve of Bakura's T-shirt. He didn't like the idea of being separated from his brother, and the thought of Bakura leaving him scared him. But even at five he knew it would be hard for Bakura to take care of him if they were living on their own. Ryou never wanted to trouble the already burdened teen.
Bakura gently tilted Ryou's head away from his chest and he stared down into the boy's eyes. There had been a time, long ago, when those eyes had held a dancing light within them. Even when he was younger and unable to understand, Bakura had always been drawn to Ryou's eyes. Now all that those eyes conveyed was sadness and no matter what Bakura did or said, that sadness seemed to remain. "I'll always want you. Never forget that."
Ryou smiled softly, "Otay." He yawned quietly, rubbing at one of his eyes.
"Did you take your nap this afternoon?" Bakura wondered as he placed Ryou on the bed so the boy was lying on the pillow. Sheepishly Ryou shook his head as Bakura covered him with the quilt already covering the older boy. "And why not?"
Ryou sighed, "I knew Duke was coming an' I wanted to pway wit' Yugi fo' a wittle afta' he got home fwom schoow." He explained, "I'm sowwy."
Bakura felt sorry for his little brother. Ryou had only made one friend during their entire stay at the orphanage, and that was coming close to three years. But that one friend would be gone soon and then Ryou would be back to having nobody. Tucking the child in gently Bakura shook his head, his snow-white hair falling in his eyes, the longest strands tickling Ryou's nose. The boy giggled and tickled his nose, causing Bakura to smile. "You don't have to be sorry. You should spend all the time you can with Yugi." The sixteen-year old yawned himself as he settled down beside Ryou, ignoring the extra weight by his feet that his text books provided.
They were silent for a few moments but neither had fallen asleep.
"I'ww miss them." Ryou murmured quietly, breaking the silence the room had been blanketed in.
"I know you will." Bakura wrapped an arm around the little body and hugged him close. "Get some sleep now. Duke will be gone after supper and you can play with Yugi then. I think I need a nap too." He couldn't stop the yawn that escaped his own lips, causing Ryou to giggle quietly.
"Love you Kuwa."
"Love you too Ryou."
Though he was tired, he'd been sleeping off and on the entire day. Bakura found that he couldn't sleep, so he relaxed by just watching Ryou sleep. The little boy was his world and Bakura wished that he could save him from their lives. It felt like the five-year old was his own son - and their caretakers had commented on such often.
Their comments were teasing, but Bakura took his role in Ryou's life to heart. Ryou had only just turned two when they'd been brought to the orphanage. They'd had nothing with them except for the clothes they wore and each other. Both of them had been young and unable to understand where their parents had gone to and Christmas had been really rough that first year.
Being shy to begin with, Bakura had been scared and had only allowed Ryou close to him - everyone else got pushed away. As they grew older, Bakura continued pushing people away from him until everyone just stopped trying to get to know him. Ryou was young and cute so he had no problems with getting the adults around them to fall in love with him - but the other kids, especially the ones his own age didn't really like him. Bakura was never sure why, but he had his suspicions. Everyone was probably scared of him, therefore scared to know Ryou.
"Once I turn eighteen I'll take you away from here." Bakura whispered to the slumbering body. "We'll find a place where we're happy and safe." He promised as he hugged the body only slightly tighter.
Bakura let himself doze off, he continued to be slightly aware of everything around him so when someone entered the room, he opened his eyes. Carefully he sat up and looked at the door. He was surprised to find Yugi standing there when it wasn't even an hour to supper yet. Duke usually stayed until then.
The small boy grinned, "Hi Bakura! Duke brought someone you and Ryou should meet." He explained as he moved out of the way so Duke, Yami and someone else entered. Bakura could not help but stare at this stranger. A boy, maybe a little older than he was stood proudly, yet reluctantly beside Duke. He was pretty to look at, but Bakura had long ago found out that a pretty face usually hid what was underneath.
He found the boy staring at him, somewhat openly, as if not believing what he was seeing. Amusement twitched at Bakura's lips, but he hid the smile. This richly dressed boy, what with the gold earrings and a few gold rings on his fingers, had probably never seen an orphan before.
Bakura studied the new person back, wondering why on earth they should've met him. The boy almost looked comical with white blonde hair and a dark tan - but it suited him very nicely, even though Bakura would never admit that out loud. His eyes were a unique shade of lavender and his pants were tight, but not too tight, khakis Bakura supposed and. . .he was wearing purple.
Snorting to himself, Bakura smirked and shook his head. "Nice shirt. Purple suits you." He muttered, wanting to go back to sleep. Ryou stirred from beside him and opened his eyes, noticing that half the warmth was gone.
The new boy glared, "It's lavender." He snapped, putting a hand on his hip as if to emphasize his point, the bag hanging from his shoulder gently hitting the side of his other hip.
Bakura shrugged, "Looks purple to me." He let Ryou crawl up onto his lap. The small boy looked about as confused as Bakura felt, though Bakura supposed he should probably give Yugi the chance to explain before ordering everyone out of the room.
That's when he noticed it.
This new boy was holding a familiar looking folder in one of his hands. It was their adoption folder. Bakura only knew this because each orphanage, shelter or other such place had been 'assigned' colours. Their orphanage had been given the colour of dark blue. There would be no other reason for him to meet this snob.
Duke shoved the new boy forward and it was clear to Bakura that this kid did not want to be there.
Lavender, as Bakura decided to call him, seemed to pout at his friend before sighing, "I got your folder with your information in it for the 'Adopt A Family' thing." He muttered and Bakura wanted to hit him. Truly wanted to hit him. It was as if this 'Adopt a Family' thing was nothing but inconvenient. Bakura wished to show him pain - just like what Ryou had felt when nobody ever showed up to see him. He held his anger to himself, for the sake of the small child in his lap, he would continue to do so.
"Wow." Bakura yawned, unimpressed, but he knew Ryou would be excited.
The small boy continued to sit in his lap, almost unwilling to believe. "Weawwy?" He wondered, looking up at Bakura, then back to Lavender. It was obvious to Bakura that Ryou had been disappointed one too many times, his child wasn't about to take another chance just yet. He hoped that Lavender could see it as well so maybe he wouldn't hurt the boy too.
Lavender opened the folder so they could see their information. Nobody said anything for a long uncomfortable moment. Bakura could tell that Lavender did not want to be there, Duke was obviously making him since one visit was required. But the pale haired teen kept his insults to himself; this bastard had finally shown up, he wasn't about to take away Ryou's happiness.
"I'm Wyou." The small boy spoke up, shattering the suffocating silence. "He's my big bwotha', Batuwa." Ryou explained, pointing to Bakura.
Lavender looked behind him and gave Duke a look. Duke only grinned, "We'll give you guys a few minutes before we leave." The black haired teen ushered a grinning Yugi and Yami out of the room.
"I'm Malik." Lavender finally replied, turning to face the two orphans. He seemed more relaxed now that the audience had gotten smaller. "I was delayed in coming here.things were happening at home." He stated and Bakura couldn't tell if it was just an excuse.
"It's otay." Ryou promised, always quick to forgive anyone.
Malik - though Bakura had grown quite fond of 'Lavender' - smiled softly at Ryou as he sat on the edge of the bed. Without permission, Bakura noted. "That's nice of you Ryou. Here, I. . .have something for you." Malik opened the shoulder bag he had been carrying and pulled out a rectangular box wrapped in festive paper. He handed it to Ryou but the boy looked unsure.
"Gifts weren't necessary." Bakura mumbled, though he knew this would probably be the only gift Ryou got this year. With being sick, Bakura hadn't had the time to work for presents.
Malik only shrugged, "Doesn't mean they can't be given." He replied shortly.
Ryou looked at Bakura, asking if it was okay. Silently, Bakura nodded and Ryou began to open the present, being careful not to rip the paper. When the box was exposed Ryou gasped, then giggled as he held up his new paint set. "Wook Batuwa!" He stated as he shoved the box under Bakura's nose.
"That's great Ry." Bakura nodded.
Ryou grinned, then looked at Malik and his smile turned shy though the excitement shined brightly from his eyes. "Tanks Mawik." He hugged the paints to his chest as if they were precious.
Malik cursed himself for ever showing up. /I will not get attached./ He inwardly repeated. Once Ryou smiled at him, however, the mantra stopped and Malik found himself smiling back. And to the Egyptian's own surprise, it was a real smile. /When was the last time I really smiled?/He thought to himself. "You're welcome." He said at last, "You said that you had spilt all your paints on the floor. I wasn't sure if you were still grounded, but you need them when you aren't grounded anymore." He shrugged, uncomfortable for some reason. /People tell me I'm cute and stuff all the time. . .why do I feel so flattered when this kid smiles at me?/
"That's nice of you." Bakura spoke, not sure what to think of this strange boy. "Ryou probably wouldn't have gotten anything else for Christmas." He confessed as he gently ran his fingers through Ryou's hair.
Malik found himself growing envious at the attention Bakura was giving Ryou. /Marik used to touch me like that./ He sighed inwardly. /He didn't even shake my hand when I left last March.he's too sophisticated for his little brother now/. Shaking himself out of his thoughts, Malik looked at Bakura. "I got something for you too." He said, reaching into his bag.
Bakura tensed suddenly, "Ryou, why don't you show Yugi your new paints." The pale haired boy suggested lightly, and Malik wondered what he had done wrong.
"Otay!" Ryou grinned as he stood up. Before Malik could register any action, his arms were full and Ryou was hugging him, "Tanks Mawik" He giggled as he jumped off the bed, running from the room.
"Buying us off isn't the idea behind this stupid 'Adopt A Family' thing. Though I do thank you for making Ryou happy." Bakura's snarl made Malik look at him in confusion. "Last year Ryou was so excited about the idea of being adopted for Christmas that it was all he talked about." The deep brown eyes softened and Bakura turned away, "Christmas came and Christmas went and if someone had gotten our information folder they never showed up. I had to listen to him cry at night. You may have shown up, but he'll expect you to visit again and you won't. I know your kind - you're too important to waste time on those less fortunate, Daddy's probably buying you a country for Christmas and you're only here because you have to show up once." The boy growled as he crossed his arms.
/And Duke says I'm defensive./ Malik snorted, "I admit, I didn't want to come here, and I could care less about the one visit requirement. The fact is, Duke talked me into it and I'm here. I'm not trying to buy you off, I thought the gifts would be an ice breaker but obviously I was wrong." Malik could feel himself growing angrier as he spoke, "Maybe I should get my limo to drive me to my private jet, fly back to the country *Daddy* bought me and forget I ever met you!" The Egyptian spat, angry at nobody in particular. He couldn't be mad at Bakura - Malik knew all the signs of a defensive reaction and Bakura's signs were easy to read. Malik would always play his role as 'pharaoh' and would order whoever was around him to take the prisoner, or the person causing him to go on the defensive, away.
"Maybe you should." Bakura grunted, truly not understanding why he was becoming so defensive so quickly. /He made Ryou happy. . .why do I want him to leave?/
Malik stood up from the bed, "Maybe I wi-"
The door opened, "Are you two ready yet?" Duke wondered as he stepped into the room. Yami, Yugi, Joey and the three boys he'd adopted stood there waiting.
Ryou ran into the room and jumped up onto the bed, throwing his arms around Bakura's neck, "We'we goin' out fo' suppa' Batuwa!" He giggled excitedly. "We can go, can't we?" He wondered, pulling away enough so he could look up into Bakura's eyes.
Bakura sighed, knowing that he couldn't say no - not when Ryou looked so happy, but the teen only had so much money. It would either be supper or a cheap little present for Ryou. "Of course we can go Ry. I need to get dressed first and find my wallet." He explained, realizing for the first time that he was only wearing a T-shirt and boxers. Not that he cared or anything, though a little warning of visitors would have been nice.
"No need for a wallet." Duke explained, "We've got it covered." He promised.
Bakura didn't like the sound of that. "I don't like owing favours."
Duke only grinned, purposely looking down at Ryou, then back up at Bakura. "Think of it as a Christmas present."
Bakura clenched his teeth, knowing how much Ryou wanted to go. "Alright, just give me a few minutes."
"Otay!" Ryou nodded and he left the room with everyone else.
Bakura sighed. /I hate Christmas./
- - -
COMMENTS: Kaira-chan - thanks for pointing out that mistake - it was a pretty big mistake considering Amane's really a girl. Ahem, it's not fixed on the site yet, but I'll fix it later. Thank you again. *gives Kaira a Yami Plushie*
Comments to reviews at the end of chapter.
- - -
Tis The Season
Warnings: Christmas angst. AU. No character death. Can't I even make a character sick without everyone thinking I'm gonna off him in the next chapter? Then again, Baku's still sick. Maybe I will off him just to please so many of you. ^_^
Pairings: You'll just have to wait and see.
/ thoughts /
*italics*
- - -
Chapter Three
Large chocolate brown eyes stared out the frosted window at the front walk outside. The being belonging to the beautifully innocent eyes ignored the laughter and merriment happening from all the children playing behind him. Not even two minutes ago, he'd been contently sitting in his only friend's older brother's lap while Yami read the two small boys 'The Night Before Christmas'. But not even two minutes ago a boy named Duke had come to see Yami and Yugi because he'd adopted them for Christmas this year. Duke had been coming for five days now and Christmas was fastly approaching.
Ryou - for that was the name of the boy the lovely eyes belonged to - had learned that after the 'adoption' files had been handed out, if nobody had come by the third day, nobody was coming at all. But he still hoped, he had to. Deep down, he knew nobody was going to come - nobody ever did. When people came in looking for a child to adopt they seemed to overlook both him and his brother, why did he always think that someone would 'adopt' them for Christmas? He continued to hope though, so he wouldn't worry his older brother.
Sighing to himself, and finally giving up for the day, Ryou slid off the ledge of the window he'd been sitting on. Like usual, he was ignored as he walked passed all the other kids playing within the playroom and once out of the large noisy room, he made his way up the stairs to the room he shared with his brother. He passed by Yugi's room, where inside Yugi, Yami and Duke were playing with three other kids and their 'adopted' family. Ryou knew Seto, Mokuba and Noah's names, though he'd never actually talked to them and he was pretty sure he'd heard Yami call their adopted brother 'Joey'.
He entered his own quiet room and shut the door.
"Ry?" The voice of his older brother made him turn around and Bakura could easily read the familiar sadness within his little one's eyes. Bakura, who was in bed doing his homework, pushed away all the books and motioned for the smaller boy to come to him. Ryou easily obeyed and climbed on the bed, falling into the warm arms. "Why aren't you playing with Yugi?" Bakura wondered gently as he ran his fingers through Ryou's soft snow-white hair.
Ryou looked up at him and forced a smile, "Duke camed to pway with Yugi again." He answered simply, then rested his head against Bakura's chest.
"You could have probably played with them." Bakura pointed out softly as he leaned against the headboard. He hated not being able to protect Ryou from everything - especially the loneliness that seemed to eat at both of them. But how was he supposed to help Ryou when he couldn't even make himself smile?
Ryou shrugged, "Duke adopted Yugi and Yami, not me and you." He pulled away and sat back, so he was leaning against Bakura's bent knees.
Bakura sighed, "How about if we don't sign up to be adopted next Christmas." He suggested, even though he knew how excited Ryou got over the prospect of it. His brother would never agree, but he figured he'd at least let Ryou know the options.
To Bakura's surprise Ryou nodded, "Otay." The small boy leaned forward and rested his head against Bakura's chest again. "Do you think someone will eva' want us?" He asked softly, relaxing as his older brother held him. He'd always liked being held, and it seemed as though Bakura was the only one ever willing to. That was okay though, Ryou felt safe - and most importantly loved - when Bakura held him.
Bakura smiled as he rested his chin on Ryou's head. "If not, I turn eighteen in two years. That means I'm legally an adult." He explained as he gently rocked the child.
"Would you eva' want me, Kuwa?" Ryou wondered softly, his little hand gently playing with the sleeve of Bakura's T-shirt. He didn't like the idea of being separated from his brother, and the thought of Bakura leaving him scared him. But even at five he knew it would be hard for Bakura to take care of him if they were living on their own. Ryou never wanted to trouble the already burdened teen.
Bakura gently tilted Ryou's head away from his chest and he stared down into the boy's eyes. There had been a time, long ago, when those eyes had held a dancing light within them. Even when he was younger and unable to understand, Bakura had always been drawn to Ryou's eyes. Now all that those eyes conveyed was sadness and no matter what Bakura did or said, that sadness seemed to remain. "I'll always want you. Never forget that."
Ryou smiled softly, "Otay." He yawned quietly, rubbing at one of his eyes.
"Did you take your nap this afternoon?" Bakura wondered as he placed Ryou on the bed so the boy was lying on the pillow. Sheepishly Ryou shook his head as Bakura covered him with the quilt already covering the older boy. "And why not?"
Ryou sighed, "I knew Duke was coming an' I wanted to pway wit' Yugi fo' a wittle afta' he got home fwom schoow." He explained, "I'm sowwy."
Bakura felt sorry for his little brother. Ryou had only made one friend during their entire stay at the orphanage, and that was coming close to three years. But that one friend would be gone soon and then Ryou would be back to having nobody. Tucking the child in gently Bakura shook his head, his snow-white hair falling in his eyes, the longest strands tickling Ryou's nose. The boy giggled and tickled his nose, causing Bakura to smile. "You don't have to be sorry. You should spend all the time you can with Yugi." The sixteen-year old yawned himself as he settled down beside Ryou, ignoring the extra weight by his feet that his text books provided.
They were silent for a few moments but neither had fallen asleep.
"I'ww miss them." Ryou murmured quietly, breaking the silence the room had been blanketed in.
"I know you will." Bakura wrapped an arm around the little body and hugged him close. "Get some sleep now. Duke will be gone after supper and you can play with Yugi then. I think I need a nap too." He couldn't stop the yawn that escaped his own lips, causing Ryou to giggle quietly.
"Love you Kuwa."
"Love you too Ryou."
Though he was tired, he'd been sleeping off and on the entire day. Bakura found that he couldn't sleep, so he relaxed by just watching Ryou sleep. The little boy was his world and Bakura wished that he could save him from their lives. It felt like the five-year old was his own son - and their caretakers had commented on such often.
Their comments were teasing, but Bakura took his role in Ryou's life to heart. Ryou had only just turned two when they'd been brought to the orphanage. They'd had nothing with them except for the clothes they wore and each other. Both of them had been young and unable to understand where their parents had gone to and Christmas had been really rough that first year.
Being shy to begin with, Bakura had been scared and had only allowed Ryou close to him - everyone else got pushed away. As they grew older, Bakura continued pushing people away from him until everyone just stopped trying to get to know him. Ryou was young and cute so he had no problems with getting the adults around them to fall in love with him - but the other kids, especially the ones his own age didn't really like him. Bakura was never sure why, but he had his suspicions. Everyone was probably scared of him, therefore scared to know Ryou.
"Once I turn eighteen I'll take you away from here." Bakura whispered to the slumbering body. "We'll find a place where we're happy and safe." He promised as he hugged the body only slightly tighter.
Bakura let himself doze off, he continued to be slightly aware of everything around him so when someone entered the room, he opened his eyes. Carefully he sat up and looked at the door. He was surprised to find Yugi standing there when it wasn't even an hour to supper yet. Duke usually stayed until then.
The small boy grinned, "Hi Bakura! Duke brought someone you and Ryou should meet." He explained as he moved out of the way so Duke, Yami and someone else entered. Bakura could not help but stare at this stranger. A boy, maybe a little older than he was stood proudly, yet reluctantly beside Duke. He was pretty to look at, but Bakura had long ago found out that a pretty face usually hid what was underneath.
He found the boy staring at him, somewhat openly, as if not believing what he was seeing. Amusement twitched at Bakura's lips, but he hid the smile. This richly dressed boy, what with the gold earrings and a few gold rings on his fingers, had probably never seen an orphan before.
Bakura studied the new person back, wondering why on earth they should've met him. The boy almost looked comical with white blonde hair and a dark tan - but it suited him very nicely, even though Bakura would never admit that out loud. His eyes were a unique shade of lavender and his pants were tight, but not too tight, khakis Bakura supposed and. . .he was wearing purple.
Snorting to himself, Bakura smirked and shook his head. "Nice shirt. Purple suits you." He muttered, wanting to go back to sleep. Ryou stirred from beside him and opened his eyes, noticing that half the warmth was gone.
The new boy glared, "It's lavender." He snapped, putting a hand on his hip as if to emphasize his point, the bag hanging from his shoulder gently hitting the side of his other hip.
Bakura shrugged, "Looks purple to me." He let Ryou crawl up onto his lap. The small boy looked about as confused as Bakura felt, though Bakura supposed he should probably give Yugi the chance to explain before ordering everyone out of the room.
That's when he noticed it.
This new boy was holding a familiar looking folder in one of his hands. It was their adoption folder. Bakura only knew this because each orphanage, shelter or other such place had been 'assigned' colours. Their orphanage had been given the colour of dark blue. There would be no other reason for him to meet this snob.
Duke shoved the new boy forward and it was clear to Bakura that this kid did not want to be there.
Lavender, as Bakura decided to call him, seemed to pout at his friend before sighing, "I got your folder with your information in it for the 'Adopt A Family' thing." He muttered and Bakura wanted to hit him. Truly wanted to hit him. It was as if this 'Adopt a Family' thing was nothing but inconvenient. Bakura wished to show him pain - just like what Ryou had felt when nobody ever showed up to see him. He held his anger to himself, for the sake of the small child in his lap, he would continue to do so.
"Wow." Bakura yawned, unimpressed, but he knew Ryou would be excited.
The small boy continued to sit in his lap, almost unwilling to believe. "Weawwy?" He wondered, looking up at Bakura, then back to Lavender. It was obvious to Bakura that Ryou had been disappointed one too many times, his child wasn't about to take another chance just yet. He hoped that Lavender could see it as well so maybe he wouldn't hurt the boy too.
Lavender opened the folder so they could see their information. Nobody said anything for a long uncomfortable moment. Bakura could tell that Lavender did not want to be there, Duke was obviously making him since one visit was required. But the pale haired teen kept his insults to himself; this bastard had finally shown up, he wasn't about to take away Ryou's happiness.
"I'm Wyou." The small boy spoke up, shattering the suffocating silence. "He's my big bwotha', Batuwa." Ryou explained, pointing to Bakura.
Lavender looked behind him and gave Duke a look. Duke only grinned, "We'll give you guys a few minutes before we leave." The black haired teen ushered a grinning Yugi and Yami out of the room.
"I'm Malik." Lavender finally replied, turning to face the two orphans. He seemed more relaxed now that the audience had gotten smaller. "I was delayed in coming here.things were happening at home." He stated and Bakura couldn't tell if it was just an excuse.
"It's otay." Ryou promised, always quick to forgive anyone.
Malik - though Bakura had grown quite fond of 'Lavender' - smiled softly at Ryou as he sat on the edge of the bed. Without permission, Bakura noted. "That's nice of you Ryou. Here, I. . .have something for you." Malik opened the shoulder bag he had been carrying and pulled out a rectangular box wrapped in festive paper. He handed it to Ryou but the boy looked unsure.
"Gifts weren't necessary." Bakura mumbled, though he knew this would probably be the only gift Ryou got this year. With being sick, Bakura hadn't had the time to work for presents.
Malik only shrugged, "Doesn't mean they can't be given." He replied shortly.
Ryou looked at Bakura, asking if it was okay. Silently, Bakura nodded and Ryou began to open the present, being careful not to rip the paper. When the box was exposed Ryou gasped, then giggled as he held up his new paint set. "Wook Batuwa!" He stated as he shoved the box under Bakura's nose.
"That's great Ry." Bakura nodded.
Ryou grinned, then looked at Malik and his smile turned shy though the excitement shined brightly from his eyes. "Tanks Mawik." He hugged the paints to his chest as if they were precious.
Malik cursed himself for ever showing up. /I will not get attached./ He inwardly repeated. Once Ryou smiled at him, however, the mantra stopped and Malik found himself smiling back. And to the Egyptian's own surprise, it was a real smile. /When was the last time I really smiled?/He thought to himself. "You're welcome." He said at last, "You said that you had spilt all your paints on the floor. I wasn't sure if you were still grounded, but you need them when you aren't grounded anymore." He shrugged, uncomfortable for some reason. /People tell me I'm cute and stuff all the time. . .why do I feel so flattered when this kid smiles at me?/
"That's nice of you." Bakura spoke, not sure what to think of this strange boy. "Ryou probably wouldn't have gotten anything else for Christmas." He confessed as he gently ran his fingers through Ryou's hair.
Malik found himself growing envious at the attention Bakura was giving Ryou. /Marik used to touch me like that./ He sighed inwardly. /He didn't even shake my hand when I left last March.he's too sophisticated for his little brother now/. Shaking himself out of his thoughts, Malik looked at Bakura. "I got something for you too." He said, reaching into his bag.
Bakura tensed suddenly, "Ryou, why don't you show Yugi your new paints." The pale haired boy suggested lightly, and Malik wondered what he had done wrong.
"Otay!" Ryou grinned as he stood up. Before Malik could register any action, his arms were full and Ryou was hugging him, "Tanks Mawik" He giggled as he jumped off the bed, running from the room.
"Buying us off isn't the idea behind this stupid 'Adopt A Family' thing. Though I do thank you for making Ryou happy." Bakura's snarl made Malik look at him in confusion. "Last year Ryou was so excited about the idea of being adopted for Christmas that it was all he talked about." The deep brown eyes softened and Bakura turned away, "Christmas came and Christmas went and if someone had gotten our information folder they never showed up. I had to listen to him cry at night. You may have shown up, but he'll expect you to visit again and you won't. I know your kind - you're too important to waste time on those less fortunate, Daddy's probably buying you a country for Christmas and you're only here because you have to show up once." The boy growled as he crossed his arms.
/And Duke says I'm defensive./ Malik snorted, "I admit, I didn't want to come here, and I could care less about the one visit requirement. The fact is, Duke talked me into it and I'm here. I'm not trying to buy you off, I thought the gifts would be an ice breaker but obviously I was wrong." Malik could feel himself growing angrier as he spoke, "Maybe I should get my limo to drive me to my private jet, fly back to the country *Daddy* bought me and forget I ever met you!" The Egyptian spat, angry at nobody in particular. He couldn't be mad at Bakura - Malik knew all the signs of a defensive reaction and Bakura's signs were easy to read. Malik would always play his role as 'pharaoh' and would order whoever was around him to take the prisoner, or the person causing him to go on the defensive, away.
"Maybe you should." Bakura grunted, truly not understanding why he was becoming so defensive so quickly. /He made Ryou happy. . .why do I want him to leave?/
Malik stood up from the bed, "Maybe I wi-"
The door opened, "Are you two ready yet?" Duke wondered as he stepped into the room. Yami, Yugi, Joey and the three boys he'd adopted stood there waiting.
Ryou ran into the room and jumped up onto the bed, throwing his arms around Bakura's neck, "We'we goin' out fo' suppa' Batuwa!" He giggled excitedly. "We can go, can't we?" He wondered, pulling away enough so he could look up into Bakura's eyes.
Bakura sighed, knowing that he couldn't say no - not when Ryou looked so happy, but the teen only had so much money. It would either be supper or a cheap little present for Ryou. "Of course we can go Ry. I need to get dressed first and find my wallet." He explained, realizing for the first time that he was only wearing a T-shirt and boxers. Not that he cared or anything, though a little warning of visitors would have been nice.
"No need for a wallet." Duke explained, "We've got it covered." He promised.
Bakura didn't like the sound of that. "I don't like owing favours."
Duke only grinned, purposely looking down at Ryou, then back up at Bakura. "Think of it as a Christmas present."
Bakura clenched his teeth, knowing how much Ryou wanted to go. "Alright, just give me a few minutes."
"Otay!" Ryou nodded and he left the room with everyone else.
Bakura sighed. /I hate Christmas./
- - -
COMMENTS: Kaira-chan - thanks for pointing out that mistake - it was a pretty big mistake considering Amane's really a girl. Ahem, it's not fixed on the site yet, but I'll fix it later. Thank you again. *gives Kaira a Yami Plushie*