Oh dear! I have so much to say! It's been soooooo long.
First of all I'M SO SORRY I HAVEN'T BEEN WRITING, I had the unfortunate experience of being the hospital for awhile then not aloud out of bed... grr... stupid doctors. But I'm back now!!!
Everyone wondering about Bakura and Yami: hehehe, yes Yami did leave a message at Kuru Eruna for Bakura and in a chapter or two I'll let the whole story come out. Hehehe I feel so evil, but I just sorta like the YB/YY pairing...
For All The Witches and Inquires About Yule: Wow, I'm still so impressed everyone likes the way I set up the idea of magick in this. Any ritual you guys see in here and want to try, feel free. All the spells and the Yule ceremony can be used as rituals if you want to give them a shot. I also want to say the Yule ceremony I used in this is based of a ritual written by a priestess of Egyptian magick named Nut-Seckmet (I think, I'll have to check on that later) though there are many ways to celebrate and SAKI, sorry I haven't emailed you back yet!!!!!!!!!!!! I didn't get it till after I was out of the hospital and I wasn't aloud on the computer till after yule, grrr.....
Bakuratsu Hunters fans: I love him too! *glomps Marron*
Thank you Everyone for your support and wonderful reviews through this whole story!! They have really made me day SOOOO many times and if it weren't for all you guys encouraging me chances are I wouldn't have gotten this story this far so thanks SO much for making this story so special to me!
YamiB: ... ... ... that was so corny
LYB: Hey you! I meant that!
YamiB: blah, blah, blah...
LYB: Somedays I wish I had it in me to hurt you.
Cyris: I can do it mistress ^^
LYB: Sit down Cyris!
Cyris: *pout*
Marron: There, there...
Cyris: ^__^
Malik: -_- U... why is he still here?
LYB: Because I like him around to keep you guys in line ^_^
Marron: Umm... okay then.
Malik: Can we get on with the story? I want to see if I'm dead or alive.
LYB: Oh your alive, very much alive. BTW: I'm sorry this chapter sucks :P
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Changes of Heart
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Malik's POV:
I gave a slight cry of protest as my back cracked painfully against the wall of the house, further chilled by the fact we stood outside now. Bakura and I have had it out a few times but first of all, we were drunk and second I usual know why he's railing on me. Chances are I made a smart comment I shouldn't have or I screwed up one of our ingenious plans (Of course it was ALWAYS really HIS fault). Of course, I knew how much Yami had upset him maybe that could make up for the lack of alcohol. I didn't know WHY he was going to start a fight but I did expect him to clock me. But no punches came. Bakura had a hold of my collar in both hands holding me firmly to the wall. I figured, 'hell, he's ready to kill me now. May as well make it worth it and find out what the fuck is wrong.'
I gave him my best mildly annoyed look I could manage and since my hands were free took one of my last cigarettes out of my pocket and lit it, just to add insult to injury. I was going to let him know he couldn't fucking intimidate me. Besides for some reason when Bakura is in this mood, you just have to deal with him on his own level, which I will grant is a lot more sophisticated then mine. "What's your problem now, Bakura?" I said, sounding bored. "And why the hell are you even here? Where's my sister?" I added on, blowing the smoke from my first draw right into his face.
He snorted and answered curtly, "She'll be here shortly." His grip tightened ever so slightly so I sighed, sounding bored and took another drag. "Why are you taking up for MY Ryou?" he hissed, sounding beyond pissed off. I think a part of me faltered completely, so that was it... Bakura had been or was with Ryou. I knew he had a serious hang up on Yami, I knew from many nights talking and drinking with him he had a serious hang up on Yami, but Ryou? Well, actually, it didn't surprise me, but– I don't know why. It hurt.
"YOUR Ryou?" I snapped, forgetting to keep my cool with him. "I should have known you'd have him in bed."
"Oh fuck you, blondey!" he came back just as sharply, obviously offended, okay maybe I was wrong. "I've never slept with him! But he is still MY light and I will look out for him." The words somehow ring a bit of a bell and I would have laughed but didn't given the situation. The irony wasn't lost on me. It was like an instant replay of Morrigan defending Lug's temple in my dream. I had to fight it hard though.
"You could have spared him the trouble of seeing that nice little interplay with Pharaoh Boy. Don't you have any common sense? You could have at least had enough regard for Ryou to save it till he wasn't around."
"This coming from the guy who wanted to let Osiris kill him?!"
My mind froze. I couldn't help it. My whole being screamed protest at this but I couldn't think of anything to say. "I..." my words stammered and I was never more glad to have that cigarette lit in my hands and I quickly took a long, deep draw cause fuck I never needed a cigarette in my life worst then that moment. I couldn't deny it was true, but at the same time it wasn't. "He wouldn't have died; I wouldn't have let him die." What I said was true enough. I knew Yami would never harm any of his friends, but for some reason I didn't believe my own words. I swallowed and turned my head, taking another drag, unable to face those sharp eyes, reminding me of the pact we made, how we both played Ryou like a doll. I could hear my own words echo in my head: 'Bakura, this is for our promise.' I could hear Ryou sob; the pained look on his face when his arm first bled and he tumbled into my arms, blood falling all over the ground.
"What's wrong with you?" Bakura asked again, his voice much more worried then chastising. "You've never worried about anyone but yourself before, well maybe your family and the world in general but never another PERSON. What the hell is up with you? It's not like you at all." I couldn't answer, I didn't THINK I was any different. "Look at me!" he demanded and I turned my head, glaring at him. "You who has never regretted a thing, you who fears nothing, why are you shying away from me now?" He scanned my eyes as if he were looking for something. That's the one thing that creeps me out about Bakura, how he can just look at you and know something. "You've changed."
I snorted my disgust at the comment.
"How come when I mention Ryou your eyes flicker– your eyes..." he trailed off.
"What about them?" I snapped.
He let his grip slacken a bit, gazing as if amazed. "Your eyes are clear. They don't look so violent..."
"Clear eyes?" I repeated dumbly. He made a noise of frustration with my lack of understanding and much to my surprise, hauled me to nearest window and turned my head to look at my own vague reflection. I blinked a few times, he was right. It was odd, but there was something different about my eyes. Just like my sister said they had once been, clear and serene.
"I don't understand it." He said more to himself then me, "Why aren't they icy?" He paused. I put my hands to the reflection, no... There had to bee a mistake! What had changed in me so much? "Oh Ra..." he murmured, letting go of me and stepping back a bit. "You're in love." I blinked, perplexed and involuntarily my hand shook and I dropped my cigarette. His face dropped into that of shock. "You're in love with my hikari!" He practically screamed.
If there ever was a moment in my life I wanted to run away and hide it was then. No, I couldn't be in love with Ryou, I can't, I forbid myself! I just couldn't...
"No, I don't love Ryou." I said, but it sounded so soft and uneasy I could have screamed with frustration. I couldn't look at the image staring back at me, it was like proof that what he said was true when it just can't be and I had to lean against the wall instead. "I just care about him is all..."
Once more Bakura approached me, holding me firmly against the wall with only his close presence. "You care about him? So that's why you slept beside him last night, hmm? And set him in the bathtub and washed him down? And why you stole that kiss from him yesterday? Because you care?"
I could feel my heart pounding; he looked ready to kill me. I nodded because my voice had fled somewhere around the word 'slept' and didn't seem keen on returning. He laughed suddenly, looking thoroughly amused. "So you don't love him?"
I shook my head no.
"Oh we'll just see, Ishtar." he grinned, "We'll just see."
I heard a car crunch on the snow and we both looked up, watching the white car pull up the drive way that was basically its own winding road. I felt a light feeling, I knew that car. "Isis!" I called before she had even stepped out of the car and Bakura allowed me to go over to her. I stood in front of her as she stepped out, hands in my pocket. "I know it's redundant because I only talked to you four days ago, but how was the trip?"
An odd look crossed her face before she smiled "It was wonderful."
I allowed her to hug me and I half returned the sentiment with one arm. I'm not much for affection, but I humor Isis... sometimes... well, at rare times. I'll let people hug me, yeah, but they probably won't get a response. I need a damn good reason to hold anyone– with the exception of Bakura who just needs to be held and crooned when he's upset with anyone but me... wait that's a good reason isn't it? Oh well... you get the point. Yet another reason Ryou perplexes me. I wanted to comfort him when he was sick... I wanted to hold him. When he lies on my chest, I put my arms around him. I don't have a *reason* to do it, I just do.
"So how has your time here been?" Isis asked, gathering her bags, she plunked them at my feet and I rolled my eyes, picking them up.
"Good," I acknowledged, "Save for the fact Ryou got sick on us."
"Is he okay?" She asked with motherly concern.
"He's fine." Bakura and I answered at the same time, then we looked at each other and I could tell he was trying not to laugh at God-only-knows-what so I glared in return.
@~8~ @~8~ @~8~
Ryou's POV
For a long time I sat and just watched the door, daring to speculate which one of them would turn up bloody or not come back at all. I suppose I fret too much, but I didn't want Malik hurt, and I didn't want my darker hurt either. I just kept mentally kicking myself, hoping that it would make the anxiety go away, though it didn't help.
Finally Yugi sat down beside me and I diverted my attention after a few seconds delay of hoping they would return. Yugi just smiled, noticing my pause and seemed to gather his thoughts for a second. "A bit afraid for them huh?" he said in his soft friendly tone and I offered a melancholy smile and nodded. "It's okay, I'm sure they've argued over worst things."
"Oh, probably." I agreed, thankful Yugi had decided to come and talk with me, just to divert my attention for awhile.
"Are they..." he paused and glanced at the door, "together? Or not?" he flushed and continued quickly "Cause if they were together it seems odd that Malik didn't kill Other-Me for what he did and on the other hand it seems weird Bakura would let Malik hold him like that if they weren't."
"It's okay, Yugi." I chuckle, laying a hand gently on his shoulder, "You don't have to justify the question. It's not like it's anything to me either way." okay, so maybe that was a lie, but... he didn't need to know otherwise, not when I didn't even know myself.
"Oh." he replied, but seemed a bit confused. "So they are together?"
"Not that I'm aware of, now or in the past." I answered honestly "Of course they could have both been drunk and totally forgotten about it." I added with a smirk and Yugi laughed, having to clamp his hand over his mouth to stop which made me laugh too. "Besides Bakura undoubtedly would tell me about something like if he was seeing someone wither I wanted to hear it or not. Maybe not about his one night stands but definitely if he was seeing someone."
"I suppose that means you don't know what all that was about either."
"I have my ideas, but none of them would probably even come close to the truth." I admitted and he nodded with a sigh indicating a similar disposition. "All I can really say is that Malik must have understood what was going on because he knew just what to do to calm Bakura down. When Yami kissed my darker this weird look crossed Malik's face like he knew exactly how Bakura would react. I thought for a second it was jealousy, but you're right, if it were jealousy Malik probably would have pounded him into the ground. I know this sounds weird but I think Malik stepped in to prevent my yami from hurting yours because I couldn't. "
"Yeah." Yugi said in an affirming tone "It would have been kinda stupid for you to try; at least Malik has practice in stopping Bakura's anger fits. I wish he were around for them more often."
"So do I." I replied with a smile, inadvertently falling into my own thoughts. I wished he were around more often, period. I don't know what I'll do when this week is over and he's not around to watch over me and care about me anymore. And I don't want to seem like a burden by being around him all the time... this crush of mine has got to end. The sad thing is, I don't want it to end. I want it to work out... wishful thinking aren't I?
"I suppose what I really wanted to ask is," Yugi started then paused, folding his hands in his lap like the question was hard to think of at the moment. "What's going on between you and Malik?"
I blinked and looked him up and down before bluntly spitting out "Are you for real?" before I could stop myself. He just laughed nervously like he does when he's embarrassed.
"I kinda thought you were seeing each other and you never had the nerve to tell me. But this whole little mess with Bakura dragging him out the door has got me a bit confused."
I scratched the back of my neck in a pensively thoughtful way, mulling the statement over- deciding it may be better to ask my own questions before answering his. "What makes you think we were together?"
He smiled slightly, "Because, he said you spent yesterday sick in bed, but I know you better. You're to mature to be out playing in the snow if you have a cold." I felt myself blush wildly. Oh Lady forbid, he didn't see us out there yesterday morning! Have mercy on me!
"Yugi!" I cried, "Please tell me you didn't see what I think you did! And please tell me you did say anything!"
He put his arms around me laughing, amused by my panic. "Oh calm down Ryou-kun! It was nothing bad. I just watched you having your snowball fight for awhile because I thought it was cute but decided maybe I should get breakfast ready instead when he kissed you."
"Oh... that." I felt the blush get worst. Great... how do I even start to explain what happened? We were goofing around and he was just being a smart-ass? No, it was more then that! To me it was more then that...
"And dancing in the kitchen?" He added, feigning shock, then chuckled "You can't even dance when you're in perfect health."
I pretended to glare and poked him but I knew he was only teasing me. "We were just playing." I started, trying to hide that fact that the day had meant a lot to me. "He wanted to distract me so he could hit me with a snowball. And he just likes music..."
"That's so dumb." Yugi sighed crossing his wrists on my shoulder and propping his head up on them, looking up at me with a your-such-an-idiot expression. "You really think he was teasing you? Even Joey wouldn't be clueless enough to fall for that." I giggled at that, getting an odd bubbling sensation in my chest making me feel giddy.
"I'm serious, Yug." I said though I couldn't help but smile, for some reason I find delight in his words. "We're not together."
"Well, maybe you should be." he smiled and I kinda felt myself become light headed. "He obviously likes you and it's redundant to say, considering your blushing, that you like him."
"Yeah, but Malik is a flirt anyway and he changes his mind so fast. Do you even think I have a shot?" I gave a sigh and ran a hand through my hair, feeling myself become slightly depressed. "He doesn't exactly have a nature partial to commitment."
"Neither do you." he replied tactfully and I blinked. I suppose that is true... I have very few close friends, and only really talk sincerely with Bakura, sometimes Yugi and now Malik. That's probably why it will sting so much if he ever turned me away. "Look Ryou," he says letting go of me and looking at me with friendly concern, "I'm only telling you what I see is happening and I think for what ever reason you two have formed a confusingly strange bond but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I mean, Malik did come over here the other day looking for cough medicine for you and saying he was going to stay and take care of you for the day. Now are you a complete baka and it never dawned on you that Malik is about as compassionate for most other human beings as a falcon is to a dove? That's not like him at all. I think he really does care about you."
Falcons and doves, I fight the urge to laugh. Hadn't the god in my dream compared us to just that? A falcon and a dove? "I really care about you too Yugi, but it doesn't mean I'm going to date you." I point out.
"Yeah but it's also in your character to be caring and not so much in his. It's just a bit odd is all." he shrugged and smiled. "I do think you would be good together."
I turn that over in my head a minute. "You know, my yami said the same thing." I told him, "Just last night. Only he doesn't think Malik will ever settle down enough to make me happy." I didn't add in the part about me making him depressed either, I don't think Yugi could really get his head around that, although he might understand, I didn't think it was his business anyway.
"Cross bridges when you come to them." he shrugs, "What else can you do? Gamble it or spend the rest of your life wondering what might have happened. Malik never was the easiest person to figure out he may just surprise us all with the secrets he has." Now that does make me think and Yugi notices, looking pleased with himself. Malik does have secrets, secrets he hid from even my darker that I now know. The ever fiery and karma tempting egotist has a treasured gift and blessing of healing. The one who so readily loved to tempt fate's reality believes that there is magick in the world. Malik Ishtar is an ancient witch. I doubt even Bakura knows that. And if Bakura doesn't know that, what else doesn't he know and failed to take into account? It makes me wonder... still Bakura did seem to acknowledge something had changed in Malik with the odd look he gave him before dragging him off. I hate it when people know things I don't when I wish I knew them.
It was then that Isis walked in the door followed by Malik and Bakura who promptly dumped a pile of baggage at her feet and collectively glared at her, presumably for making them carry it. I had to smile though, no doubt Malik was happy to have her around again. It doesn't take much to see that although they don't always get along like typical brothers and sisters, the do love each other. It was even good for me to see Isis again, she was greatly missed by all I think because everyone gave a collective remark of welcome and in typical fashion everyone wanted a hug. I don't know why that irritated me at the moment, I'm normally very delighted when I haven't seen someone I know for awhile, especially after they've been on such a long trip AND had to put up with such an annoyance like my yami (let's face it, not everyone on Earth can handle Bakura like Malik and I do). But right now, this friendship thing is mildly irritating, I think it's mostly resulting from the fact that I want to just spend more time with Malik. Does that sound really possessive? I don't mean it to be, it just… I dunno-- that crush like thing where you just want to spend time with that person without anyone interrupting. Just so you can say you have something more then friendship, even if it's not love… or even if it's just one sided love.
Please tell me I did not just think that. That I'm in love with him… what if I am? I think I am… Oh dear Goddess! I looked over at him as he had somehow made his way over to stand beside me, watching everything going on with as much patience as he could muster- and since were talking about Malik that wasn't much. His beautiful eternally tanned arms folded neatly on his chest making me notice just how shapely it was and how effeminate in his stance he seemed with his hips slightly tipped. I guess he noticed I was staring at him because he glanced at me out of the corner of his eye then turned his head toward me, catching my eyes before I could look away and flashing a sweet smile that reflected in his shining violet eyes looking out at me from under pale silken hair. His eyes seem so bright, their still that amazing sunset color but they look so vivid and enlightened instead of violent and stormy. Do I dare think it? Those are the eyes Bakura wanted to see, that Isis misses so badly, clear liquid violet eyes that could make an angel fall from grace just to drown in. I can't help but smile back and he seems content in my acknowledgment, turning back.
I'm falling in love with him! Everything about him! His arrogance, his bitterness, his cockiness, his smart mouth, his elegant movements, his rich and mysterious heart. His very being, flawed as it is, it's just him, it's always been him. The things that make him who he is. Wild and oblivious. I wouldn't change him, not even the fact he likes to always be on the move. No... I'm to far gone to want that... I really am falling in love with him.
"So," Mai chimed, unintentionally turning my attention "I know you guys want to go skiing, and us ladies are going shopping... that is if Isis wants to go with us too,"
Isis gave a nod "I'm not partial to snow." She confessed "But I am to a new dress." Malik rolled his eyes.
"Anyway," Mai continued, "We have plans for today and Christmas Eve, but what about tomorrow?"
"Yeah," Joey agreed "We have to do somethin' the 23rd."
Isis' face brightened and she looked at her brother with a charming smile, he glared at her as if to challenge her to say anything. "Yes, what do you think we should do, Malik? After all..."
"Don't say it Isis." He warned with a nasty tone making me tilt my head in interest over what Isis couldn't say.
"Say what?" I inquired, no longer afraid of Malik's so called wrath. My yami chuckled and looked at me from his spot leaning against the wall.
"That tomorrow's his birthday." he replied for Isis smartly and Malik slapped his hand over his forehead, cursing in his odd Arabic. Everyone's eyes, even mine, turned to Malik in surprise.
"Thanks a LOT 'Kura." he groaned, glaring from between his fingers at him. My yami bowed mockingly.
"Always at your service to make your life miserable." he grinned almost evilly.
Malik dropped his hands and twisted up his face in a look of childish contempt. "I hate you." he said blandly.
"I know." Bakura replied with a smart smile and shrug. Those two get me, their oddly alike and completely different. I wonder at times how they survive each other and then how they live without each other. But it's something to ponder another time. There was something else to ponder at the moment.
"It's really your birthday?" Yugi asked, his voice welled with excitement. Malik gave a resigned sigh and nodded which temporally sent Yugi into a fit of laughter. "Then we should do something! You will be 19 won't you? You were 18 when we met you."
"Big deal." Malik sighed "I can drink legally now."
I laughed, taking a step closer to him and slipping my arm into his, offering him a sweet smile and he looked at me as if everything I just did was completely unexpected. "You might not think it's so great," I said gently enough to move him but not enough to give anyone the wrong idea, "After all it's only one more year tagged on to a life you think is to long already. Maybe it's time to change your view, not look at is another a year coming, but as a celebration a year has pasted and you made it through alive."
He paused, turning this over in his mind, I watch his face shift so slightly as it took root in his mind and the idea started to grow. He nodded hesitantly, "Okay then."
I smiled. "Great!"
"You're to optimistic for your own good you know." he sighed. I just laughed a bit.
"I'm actually a pessimist, but you just bring out the better part of me cause both of us can't be broody." I smiled teasingly and I was reward by making a faint blush come into his cheeks. That's a rare sight, the great Malik Ishtar blushing. He looked toward Yugi.
"What should we do?" he asked, "I'm not the best at social plans."
Yugi looked thoughtful, casting me a smile as he noticed I still held on to Malik's arm. "I don't know, what do you guys think?" he asked glancing over at Joey, Honda, Otogi and Kaiba. "Seto-kun? Is there anything to do down in town?" I assumed Yugi was talking about the fairly large town just down the mountain about 20 minutes. I'm fairly sure all it's income came from the ski slope and it's shopping mall, though I have to admit, the town was pretty big.
Kaiba shrugged "There's enough to do."
"That's so helpful Kaiba." Joey hissed under his breath, glaring at him and Kaiba turned his head light to fix him in a cold stair.
"Was I trying to help YOU, puppy?"
"HEY!"
I raised a brow and didn't bother to regard the rest of the argument, just turned back to Yugi who was watching them, lips quirked and shoulders slumped as if resigned to the fact they were both blatant idiots when put against each other. I nearly laughed as the thought crossed me that if he were an anime character he would be painted with one of those (if not several) massive sweatdrops. Where do I get these thoughts from? Sometimes I think my life is like an amine for some reason... maybe it's the whole Egypt, spirit, cards and magick thing... I wonder why? I should mention it to Malik someday. I wonder who the hero of the story would be? I'm getting off track again, I should stop that.
Yugi gave a tired laugh then looked over toward the rest of us, "Well, what do you like to do when you want to have a good time, Malik?" he asked.
I watched his face and he seemed to ponder a minute, as if trying to find a version of "good-time" that didn't involve some form of mass hysteria. He looked at me and shrugged then opened his mouth as if to say I-don't-know, when I heard my yami speak up "We go dancing." he said simply and I looked at him curiously, he was watching Malik with one of his expressions that indicated there was more to idea then Malik could see. I gave him a funny look but my yami only smiled back as if to say trust-me in his own unique way "We go dancing, at someplace where it's lively but you can still sit down and have dinner."
"Like a club, instead of a dance hall." Mai elaborated, the idea seemed to appeal to her too. Bakura shrugged.
"Whatever you call it."
Malik looked at him suspiciously "But you hate big crowds of people going with us dancing." Bakura just cast a glance at him then fixed his eyes of Yugi in a cool, collected glare, crossing him arms.
"I wouldn't mind it if we ALL went." he said in a low tone, a slight edge of cold amusement to his voice, making Yugi almost step back under his gaze. "Dancing brings me back to Egypt."
I noticed the puzzle about Yugi's neck flash a bit and Yugi looked down in surprise for a moment, then he looked at Bakura, puzzled, before turning to Malik. "Does that sound okay?"
Malik smiled and even let himself laugh a bit "Actually going clubbing sounds great to me." He leaned over a bit to whisper in my ear "Even if Bakura is plotting something." I giggled.
"Good then." Yugi beamed. "Hey Seto-kun," he called, turning to where currently Otogi and Honda where fighting with Joey to haul him back from a taunting Kaiba. Kaiba blinked and looked at his love as if to inquire what he wanted. "Do you know any clubs in town with good dance floors?"
He gave a shrug. "There's a fairly high class place in the downtown, you have to reserve to get in. It's mostly for out-of-towners with a lot of money and looking for a party."
Yugi flashed him a sweet smile, "Well I guess that fits your description Seto-kun. Can you get us in?"
He sighed and rolled his eyes. "Only for you wound I take insults and orders. Fine, I'll cut them something to get us in."
"Even the under-age-rs?" Yugi added, blinking cutely.
Seto let his shoulders slump and smiled a bit "I suppose I could find it in my bank account to get everyone in."
"Thank you Seto-kun!" Yugi cried, running into his arms. Yeah, Seto was completely whipped I thought smiling to myself.
"Looks like we get to go girl hunting." Otogi said, flicking back his black hair, flashing a smile at Serenity who giggled.
"We'll just see, Ryouji." Honda hissed at him and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Malik?" Isis called gently and Malik smiled at me briefly before slipping away to walk over to her.
"What?" He said bluntly, shoving his hand into his pocket to show annoyance.
"Are you going skiing too?"
Malik snorted, and shrugged "No, I like snow but I'm not that much of a fan yet. I don't like it enough to slide down a mountain of two 3 inch pieces of board. Why?"
Isis suddenly seemed agitated and wrung her hands together "Would you come to town with me? I mean... I do want... to talk to you about something."
Malik looked at her questioningly before shrugging off the strange behavior. "Sure, I'll go and carry your bags if THAT'S what you want." Isis smiled and nodded at this.
"Okay then, little brother!"
I then moved to sit down on the couch again, leaving them to their own conversation in the bustle the lodge had now become trying to get ready for skiing and shopping, as much as Isis confused me. I wasn't going skiing either, not with my cold, besides I didn't care for the sport. I suddenly felt a strong hand on my arms, pulling me out the door. "Hey! Yami? Where are we going?"
Bakura just grinned almost evilly hauling me out into the snow and to our car, opening the passenger side, pushing my in then slamming the door. I didn't protest much considering I did trust Bakura and I also wasn't about to interfere in on of his ideas. He got into the drivers seat and slammed the door then started up the car, I guess he had found my keys lying around. He really can drive, I taught him sometime ago, and he does drive well. Mainly I think because he likens cars to chariots so he appreciates not wanting to die in one.
"Where are we going?" I repeated again as he spun the car around, making the tires spin a bit on the snow.
"Shopping." he replied with a smirk, and he waved smartly to Malik who was standing with Isis as they got into their own car with the other girls. Malik glared back and stuck his tongue out as we went by.
"Shopping for what?" I asked, sitting finally into my seat from my backwards glancing.
"My lovely hikari," he smiled, as we slowed before we pulled out onto the main road, "My beautiful, lovely hikari. We're all going out for Malik's birthday tomorrow, yes? I know you and your closet, you have nothing descent to wear if we're going dancing. Especially nothing that's up his alley."
I looked at him confused, didn't he say yesterday I shouldn't worry about Malik? What inspired this change? "Your point?"
He laughs and he reaches out, putting his fingers under my chin and turning my head to look at him as he glances from the road briefly at me then smiles. "Hikari, We're going to make you irresistible." I blink in surprise, then a smile comes across my lips and I nod with a delighted laugh and he does to as he lets his hand drop. I suddenly feel giddy and I don't know why! Who am I to argue? "Yes," he says with one of the only genuinely sincere smiles I've ever seen him offer, "He won't be able to look away from you."
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Well another chapter down and Bakura suddenly seem to have new ideas!
Malik: What are you up to Bakura!!??
YamiB: *grinz* You'll see soon enough...
Malik: That gives me *soooooo* much comfort.
Ryou: ^_^ It's okay Malik, you'll be happy with it, I promise
LYB: *laughs evilly*
Malik: Why does that sound warn me I won't?
LYB: I suppose you'll just have to wait and see ^^
Malik: ...
Marron: Is he alright?
Cyris: Ignore him Marron, he has this anger problem...
LYB: Why don't you do the closing for a change Marron-chan
Marron: Well, okay. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, R&R! .......
First of all I'M SO SORRY I HAVEN'T BEEN WRITING, I had the unfortunate experience of being the hospital for awhile then not aloud out of bed... grr... stupid doctors. But I'm back now!!!
Everyone wondering about Bakura and Yami: hehehe, yes Yami did leave a message at Kuru Eruna for Bakura and in a chapter or two I'll let the whole story come out. Hehehe I feel so evil, but I just sorta like the YB/YY pairing...
For All The Witches and Inquires About Yule: Wow, I'm still so impressed everyone likes the way I set up the idea of magick in this. Any ritual you guys see in here and want to try, feel free. All the spells and the Yule ceremony can be used as rituals if you want to give them a shot. I also want to say the Yule ceremony I used in this is based of a ritual written by a priestess of Egyptian magick named Nut-Seckmet (I think, I'll have to check on that later) though there are many ways to celebrate and SAKI, sorry I haven't emailed you back yet!!!!!!!!!!!! I didn't get it till after I was out of the hospital and I wasn't aloud on the computer till after yule, grrr.....
Bakuratsu Hunters fans: I love him too! *glomps Marron*
Thank you Everyone for your support and wonderful reviews through this whole story!! They have really made me day SOOOO many times and if it weren't for all you guys encouraging me chances are I wouldn't have gotten this story this far so thanks SO much for making this story so special to me!
YamiB: ... ... ... that was so corny
LYB: Hey you! I meant that!
YamiB: blah, blah, blah...
LYB: Somedays I wish I had it in me to hurt you.
Cyris: I can do it mistress ^^
LYB: Sit down Cyris!
Cyris: *pout*
Marron: There, there...
Cyris: ^__^
Malik: -_- U... why is he still here?
LYB: Because I like him around to keep you guys in line ^_^
Marron: Umm... okay then.
Malik: Can we get on with the story? I want to see if I'm dead or alive.
LYB: Oh your alive, very much alive. BTW: I'm sorry this chapter sucks :P
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Changes of Heart
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Malik's POV:
I gave a slight cry of protest as my back cracked painfully against the wall of the house, further chilled by the fact we stood outside now. Bakura and I have had it out a few times but first of all, we were drunk and second I usual know why he's railing on me. Chances are I made a smart comment I shouldn't have or I screwed up one of our ingenious plans (Of course it was ALWAYS really HIS fault). Of course, I knew how much Yami had upset him maybe that could make up for the lack of alcohol. I didn't know WHY he was going to start a fight but I did expect him to clock me. But no punches came. Bakura had a hold of my collar in both hands holding me firmly to the wall. I figured, 'hell, he's ready to kill me now. May as well make it worth it and find out what the fuck is wrong.'
I gave him my best mildly annoyed look I could manage and since my hands were free took one of my last cigarettes out of my pocket and lit it, just to add insult to injury. I was going to let him know he couldn't fucking intimidate me. Besides for some reason when Bakura is in this mood, you just have to deal with him on his own level, which I will grant is a lot more sophisticated then mine. "What's your problem now, Bakura?" I said, sounding bored. "And why the hell are you even here? Where's my sister?" I added on, blowing the smoke from my first draw right into his face.
He snorted and answered curtly, "She'll be here shortly." His grip tightened ever so slightly so I sighed, sounding bored and took another drag. "Why are you taking up for MY Ryou?" he hissed, sounding beyond pissed off. I think a part of me faltered completely, so that was it... Bakura had been or was with Ryou. I knew he had a serious hang up on Yami, I knew from many nights talking and drinking with him he had a serious hang up on Yami, but Ryou? Well, actually, it didn't surprise me, but– I don't know why. It hurt.
"YOUR Ryou?" I snapped, forgetting to keep my cool with him. "I should have known you'd have him in bed."
"Oh fuck you, blondey!" he came back just as sharply, obviously offended, okay maybe I was wrong. "I've never slept with him! But he is still MY light and I will look out for him." The words somehow ring a bit of a bell and I would have laughed but didn't given the situation. The irony wasn't lost on me. It was like an instant replay of Morrigan defending Lug's temple in my dream. I had to fight it hard though.
"You could have spared him the trouble of seeing that nice little interplay with Pharaoh Boy. Don't you have any common sense? You could have at least had enough regard for Ryou to save it till he wasn't around."
"This coming from the guy who wanted to let Osiris kill him?!"
My mind froze. I couldn't help it. My whole being screamed protest at this but I couldn't think of anything to say. "I..." my words stammered and I was never more glad to have that cigarette lit in my hands and I quickly took a long, deep draw cause fuck I never needed a cigarette in my life worst then that moment. I couldn't deny it was true, but at the same time it wasn't. "He wouldn't have died; I wouldn't have let him die." What I said was true enough. I knew Yami would never harm any of his friends, but for some reason I didn't believe my own words. I swallowed and turned my head, taking another drag, unable to face those sharp eyes, reminding me of the pact we made, how we both played Ryou like a doll. I could hear my own words echo in my head: 'Bakura, this is for our promise.' I could hear Ryou sob; the pained look on his face when his arm first bled and he tumbled into my arms, blood falling all over the ground.
"What's wrong with you?" Bakura asked again, his voice much more worried then chastising. "You've never worried about anyone but yourself before, well maybe your family and the world in general but never another PERSON. What the hell is up with you? It's not like you at all." I couldn't answer, I didn't THINK I was any different. "Look at me!" he demanded and I turned my head, glaring at him. "You who has never regretted a thing, you who fears nothing, why are you shying away from me now?" He scanned my eyes as if he were looking for something. That's the one thing that creeps me out about Bakura, how he can just look at you and know something. "You've changed."
I snorted my disgust at the comment.
"How come when I mention Ryou your eyes flicker– your eyes..." he trailed off.
"What about them?" I snapped.
He let his grip slacken a bit, gazing as if amazed. "Your eyes are clear. They don't look so violent..."
"Clear eyes?" I repeated dumbly. He made a noise of frustration with my lack of understanding and much to my surprise, hauled me to nearest window and turned my head to look at my own vague reflection. I blinked a few times, he was right. It was odd, but there was something different about my eyes. Just like my sister said they had once been, clear and serene.
"I don't understand it." He said more to himself then me, "Why aren't they icy?" He paused. I put my hands to the reflection, no... There had to bee a mistake! What had changed in me so much? "Oh Ra..." he murmured, letting go of me and stepping back a bit. "You're in love." I blinked, perplexed and involuntarily my hand shook and I dropped my cigarette. His face dropped into that of shock. "You're in love with my hikari!" He practically screamed.
If there ever was a moment in my life I wanted to run away and hide it was then. No, I couldn't be in love with Ryou, I can't, I forbid myself! I just couldn't...
"No, I don't love Ryou." I said, but it sounded so soft and uneasy I could have screamed with frustration. I couldn't look at the image staring back at me, it was like proof that what he said was true when it just can't be and I had to lean against the wall instead. "I just care about him is all..."
Once more Bakura approached me, holding me firmly against the wall with only his close presence. "You care about him? So that's why you slept beside him last night, hmm? And set him in the bathtub and washed him down? And why you stole that kiss from him yesterday? Because you care?"
I could feel my heart pounding; he looked ready to kill me. I nodded because my voice had fled somewhere around the word 'slept' and didn't seem keen on returning. He laughed suddenly, looking thoroughly amused. "So you don't love him?"
I shook my head no.
"Oh we'll just see, Ishtar." he grinned, "We'll just see."
I heard a car crunch on the snow and we both looked up, watching the white car pull up the drive way that was basically its own winding road. I felt a light feeling, I knew that car. "Isis!" I called before she had even stepped out of the car and Bakura allowed me to go over to her. I stood in front of her as she stepped out, hands in my pocket. "I know it's redundant because I only talked to you four days ago, but how was the trip?"
An odd look crossed her face before she smiled "It was wonderful."
I allowed her to hug me and I half returned the sentiment with one arm. I'm not much for affection, but I humor Isis... sometimes... well, at rare times. I'll let people hug me, yeah, but they probably won't get a response. I need a damn good reason to hold anyone– with the exception of Bakura who just needs to be held and crooned when he's upset with anyone but me... wait that's a good reason isn't it? Oh well... you get the point. Yet another reason Ryou perplexes me. I wanted to comfort him when he was sick... I wanted to hold him. When he lies on my chest, I put my arms around him. I don't have a *reason* to do it, I just do.
"So how has your time here been?" Isis asked, gathering her bags, she plunked them at my feet and I rolled my eyes, picking them up.
"Good," I acknowledged, "Save for the fact Ryou got sick on us."
"Is he okay?" She asked with motherly concern.
"He's fine." Bakura and I answered at the same time, then we looked at each other and I could tell he was trying not to laugh at God-only-knows-what so I glared in return.
@~8~ @~8~ @~8~
Ryou's POV
For a long time I sat and just watched the door, daring to speculate which one of them would turn up bloody or not come back at all. I suppose I fret too much, but I didn't want Malik hurt, and I didn't want my darker hurt either. I just kept mentally kicking myself, hoping that it would make the anxiety go away, though it didn't help.
Finally Yugi sat down beside me and I diverted my attention after a few seconds delay of hoping they would return. Yugi just smiled, noticing my pause and seemed to gather his thoughts for a second. "A bit afraid for them huh?" he said in his soft friendly tone and I offered a melancholy smile and nodded. "It's okay, I'm sure they've argued over worst things."
"Oh, probably." I agreed, thankful Yugi had decided to come and talk with me, just to divert my attention for awhile.
"Are they..." he paused and glanced at the door, "together? Or not?" he flushed and continued quickly "Cause if they were together it seems odd that Malik didn't kill Other-Me for what he did and on the other hand it seems weird Bakura would let Malik hold him like that if they weren't."
"It's okay, Yugi." I chuckle, laying a hand gently on his shoulder, "You don't have to justify the question. It's not like it's anything to me either way." okay, so maybe that was a lie, but... he didn't need to know otherwise, not when I didn't even know myself.
"Oh." he replied, but seemed a bit confused. "So they are together?"
"Not that I'm aware of, now or in the past." I answered honestly "Of course they could have both been drunk and totally forgotten about it." I added with a smirk and Yugi laughed, having to clamp his hand over his mouth to stop which made me laugh too. "Besides Bakura undoubtedly would tell me about something like if he was seeing someone wither I wanted to hear it or not. Maybe not about his one night stands but definitely if he was seeing someone."
"I suppose that means you don't know what all that was about either."
"I have my ideas, but none of them would probably even come close to the truth." I admitted and he nodded with a sigh indicating a similar disposition. "All I can really say is that Malik must have understood what was going on because he knew just what to do to calm Bakura down. When Yami kissed my darker this weird look crossed Malik's face like he knew exactly how Bakura would react. I thought for a second it was jealousy, but you're right, if it were jealousy Malik probably would have pounded him into the ground. I know this sounds weird but I think Malik stepped in to prevent my yami from hurting yours because I couldn't. "
"Yeah." Yugi said in an affirming tone "It would have been kinda stupid for you to try; at least Malik has practice in stopping Bakura's anger fits. I wish he were around for them more often."
"So do I." I replied with a smile, inadvertently falling into my own thoughts. I wished he were around more often, period. I don't know what I'll do when this week is over and he's not around to watch over me and care about me anymore. And I don't want to seem like a burden by being around him all the time... this crush of mine has got to end. The sad thing is, I don't want it to end. I want it to work out... wishful thinking aren't I?
"I suppose what I really wanted to ask is," Yugi started then paused, folding his hands in his lap like the question was hard to think of at the moment. "What's going on between you and Malik?"
I blinked and looked him up and down before bluntly spitting out "Are you for real?" before I could stop myself. He just laughed nervously like he does when he's embarrassed.
"I kinda thought you were seeing each other and you never had the nerve to tell me. But this whole little mess with Bakura dragging him out the door has got me a bit confused."
I scratched the back of my neck in a pensively thoughtful way, mulling the statement over- deciding it may be better to ask my own questions before answering his. "What makes you think we were together?"
He smiled slightly, "Because, he said you spent yesterday sick in bed, but I know you better. You're to mature to be out playing in the snow if you have a cold." I felt myself blush wildly. Oh Lady forbid, he didn't see us out there yesterday morning! Have mercy on me!
"Yugi!" I cried, "Please tell me you didn't see what I think you did! And please tell me you did say anything!"
He put his arms around me laughing, amused by my panic. "Oh calm down Ryou-kun! It was nothing bad. I just watched you having your snowball fight for awhile because I thought it was cute but decided maybe I should get breakfast ready instead when he kissed you."
"Oh... that." I felt the blush get worst. Great... how do I even start to explain what happened? We were goofing around and he was just being a smart-ass? No, it was more then that! To me it was more then that...
"And dancing in the kitchen?" He added, feigning shock, then chuckled "You can't even dance when you're in perfect health."
I pretended to glare and poked him but I knew he was only teasing me. "We were just playing." I started, trying to hide that fact that the day had meant a lot to me. "He wanted to distract me so he could hit me with a snowball. And he just likes music..."
"That's so dumb." Yugi sighed crossing his wrists on my shoulder and propping his head up on them, looking up at me with a your-such-an-idiot expression. "You really think he was teasing you? Even Joey wouldn't be clueless enough to fall for that." I giggled at that, getting an odd bubbling sensation in my chest making me feel giddy.
"I'm serious, Yug." I said though I couldn't help but smile, for some reason I find delight in his words. "We're not together."
"Well, maybe you should be." he smiled and I kinda felt myself become light headed. "He obviously likes you and it's redundant to say, considering your blushing, that you like him."
"Yeah, but Malik is a flirt anyway and he changes his mind so fast. Do you even think I have a shot?" I gave a sigh and ran a hand through my hair, feeling myself become slightly depressed. "He doesn't exactly have a nature partial to commitment."
"Neither do you." he replied tactfully and I blinked. I suppose that is true... I have very few close friends, and only really talk sincerely with Bakura, sometimes Yugi and now Malik. That's probably why it will sting so much if he ever turned me away. "Look Ryou," he says letting go of me and looking at me with friendly concern, "I'm only telling you what I see is happening and I think for what ever reason you two have formed a confusingly strange bond but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I mean, Malik did come over here the other day looking for cough medicine for you and saying he was going to stay and take care of you for the day. Now are you a complete baka and it never dawned on you that Malik is about as compassionate for most other human beings as a falcon is to a dove? That's not like him at all. I think he really does care about you."
Falcons and doves, I fight the urge to laugh. Hadn't the god in my dream compared us to just that? A falcon and a dove? "I really care about you too Yugi, but it doesn't mean I'm going to date you." I point out.
"Yeah but it's also in your character to be caring and not so much in his. It's just a bit odd is all." he shrugged and smiled. "I do think you would be good together."
I turn that over in my head a minute. "You know, my yami said the same thing." I told him, "Just last night. Only he doesn't think Malik will ever settle down enough to make me happy." I didn't add in the part about me making him depressed either, I don't think Yugi could really get his head around that, although he might understand, I didn't think it was his business anyway.
"Cross bridges when you come to them." he shrugs, "What else can you do? Gamble it or spend the rest of your life wondering what might have happened. Malik never was the easiest person to figure out he may just surprise us all with the secrets he has." Now that does make me think and Yugi notices, looking pleased with himself. Malik does have secrets, secrets he hid from even my darker that I now know. The ever fiery and karma tempting egotist has a treasured gift and blessing of healing. The one who so readily loved to tempt fate's reality believes that there is magick in the world. Malik Ishtar is an ancient witch. I doubt even Bakura knows that. And if Bakura doesn't know that, what else doesn't he know and failed to take into account? It makes me wonder... still Bakura did seem to acknowledge something had changed in Malik with the odd look he gave him before dragging him off. I hate it when people know things I don't when I wish I knew them.
It was then that Isis walked in the door followed by Malik and Bakura who promptly dumped a pile of baggage at her feet and collectively glared at her, presumably for making them carry it. I had to smile though, no doubt Malik was happy to have her around again. It doesn't take much to see that although they don't always get along like typical brothers and sisters, the do love each other. It was even good for me to see Isis again, she was greatly missed by all I think because everyone gave a collective remark of welcome and in typical fashion everyone wanted a hug. I don't know why that irritated me at the moment, I'm normally very delighted when I haven't seen someone I know for awhile, especially after they've been on such a long trip AND had to put up with such an annoyance like my yami (let's face it, not everyone on Earth can handle Bakura like Malik and I do). But right now, this friendship thing is mildly irritating, I think it's mostly resulting from the fact that I want to just spend more time with Malik. Does that sound really possessive? I don't mean it to be, it just… I dunno-- that crush like thing where you just want to spend time with that person without anyone interrupting. Just so you can say you have something more then friendship, even if it's not love… or even if it's just one sided love.
Please tell me I did not just think that. That I'm in love with him… what if I am? I think I am… Oh dear Goddess! I looked over at him as he had somehow made his way over to stand beside me, watching everything going on with as much patience as he could muster- and since were talking about Malik that wasn't much. His beautiful eternally tanned arms folded neatly on his chest making me notice just how shapely it was and how effeminate in his stance he seemed with his hips slightly tipped. I guess he noticed I was staring at him because he glanced at me out of the corner of his eye then turned his head toward me, catching my eyes before I could look away and flashing a sweet smile that reflected in his shining violet eyes looking out at me from under pale silken hair. His eyes seem so bright, their still that amazing sunset color but they look so vivid and enlightened instead of violent and stormy. Do I dare think it? Those are the eyes Bakura wanted to see, that Isis misses so badly, clear liquid violet eyes that could make an angel fall from grace just to drown in. I can't help but smile back and he seems content in my acknowledgment, turning back.
I'm falling in love with him! Everything about him! His arrogance, his bitterness, his cockiness, his smart mouth, his elegant movements, his rich and mysterious heart. His very being, flawed as it is, it's just him, it's always been him. The things that make him who he is. Wild and oblivious. I wouldn't change him, not even the fact he likes to always be on the move. No... I'm to far gone to want that... I really am falling in love with him.
"So," Mai chimed, unintentionally turning my attention "I know you guys want to go skiing, and us ladies are going shopping... that is if Isis wants to go with us too,"
Isis gave a nod "I'm not partial to snow." She confessed "But I am to a new dress." Malik rolled his eyes.
"Anyway," Mai continued, "We have plans for today and Christmas Eve, but what about tomorrow?"
"Yeah," Joey agreed "We have to do somethin' the 23rd."
Isis' face brightened and she looked at her brother with a charming smile, he glared at her as if to challenge her to say anything. "Yes, what do you think we should do, Malik? After all..."
"Don't say it Isis." He warned with a nasty tone making me tilt my head in interest over what Isis couldn't say.
"Say what?" I inquired, no longer afraid of Malik's so called wrath. My yami chuckled and looked at me from his spot leaning against the wall.
"That tomorrow's his birthday." he replied for Isis smartly and Malik slapped his hand over his forehead, cursing in his odd Arabic. Everyone's eyes, even mine, turned to Malik in surprise.
"Thanks a LOT 'Kura." he groaned, glaring from between his fingers at him. My yami bowed mockingly.
"Always at your service to make your life miserable." he grinned almost evilly.
Malik dropped his hands and twisted up his face in a look of childish contempt. "I hate you." he said blandly.
"I know." Bakura replied with a smart smile and shrug. Those two get me, their oddly alike and completely different. I wonder at times how they survive each other and then how they live without each other. But it's something to ponder another time. There was something else to ponder at the moment.
"It's really your birthday?" Yugi asked, his voice welled with excitement. Malik gave a resigned sigh and nodded which temporally sent Yugi into a fit of laughter. "Then we should do something! You will be 19 won't you? You were 18 when we met you."
"Big deal." Malik sighed "I can drink legally now."
I laughed, taking a step closer to him and slipping my arm into his, offering him a sweet smile and he looked at me as if everything I just did was completely unexpected. "You might not think it's so great," I said gently enough to move him but not enough to give anyone the wrong idea, "After all it's only one more year tagged on to a life you think is to long already. Maybe it's time to change your view, not look at is another a year coming, but as a celebration a year has pasted and you made it through alive."
He paused, turning this over in his mind, I watch his face shift so slightly as it took root in his mind and the idea started to grow. He nodded hesitantly, "Okay then."
I smiled. "Great!"
"You're to optimistic for your own good you know." he sighed. I just laughed a bit.
"I'm actually a pessimist, but you just bring out the better part of me cause both of us can't be broody." I smiled teasingly and I was reward by making a faint blush come into his cheeks. That's a rare sight, the great Malik Ishtar blushing. He looked toward Yugi.
"What should we do?" he asked, "I'm not the best at social plans."
Yugi looked thoughtful, casting me a smile as he noticed I still held on to Malik's arm. "I don't know, what do you guys think?" he asked glancing over at Joey, Honda, Otogi and Kaiba. "Seto-kun? Is there anything to do down in town?" I assumed Yugi was talking about the fairly large town just down the mountain about 20 minutes. I'm fairly sure all it's income came from the ski slope and it's shopping mall, though I have to admit, the town was pretty big.
Kaiba shrugged "There's enough to do."
"That's so helpful Kaiba." Joey hissed under his breath, glaring at him and Kaiba turned his head light to fix him in a cold stair.
"Was I trying to help YOU, puppy?"
"HEY!"
I raised a brow and didn't bother to regard the rest of the argument, just turned back to Yugi who was watching them, lips quirked and shoulders slumped as if resigned to the fact they were both blatant idiots when put against each other. I nearly laughed as the thought crossed me that if he were an anime character he would be painted with one of those (if not several) massive sweatdrops. Where do I get these thoughts from? Sometimes I think my life is like an amine for some reason... maybe it's the whole Egypt, spirit, cards and magick thing... I wonder why? I should mention it to Malik someday. I wonder who the hero of the story would be? I'm getting off track again, I should stop that.
Yugi gave a tired laugh then looked over toward the rest of us, "Well, what do you like to do when you want to have a good time, Malik?" he asked.
I watched his face and he seemed to ponder a minute, as if trying to find a version of "good-time" that didn't involve some form of mass hysteria. He looked at me and shrugged then opened his mouth as if to say I-don't-know, when I heard my yami speak up "We go dancing." he said simply and I looked at him curiously, he was watching Malik with one of his expressions that indicated there was more to idea then Malik could see. I gave him a funny look but my yami only smiled back as if to say trust-me in his own unique way "We go dancing, at someplace where it's lively but you can still sit down and have dinner."
"Like a club, instead of a dance hall." Mai elaborated, the idea seemed to appeal to her too. Bakura shrugged.
"Whatever you call it."
Malik looked at him suspiciously "But you hate big crowds of people going with us dancing." Bakura just cast a glance at him then fixed his eyes of Yugi in a cool, collected glare, crossing him arms.
"I wouldn't mind it if we ALL went." he said in a low tone, a slight edge of cold amusement to his voice, making Yugi almost step back under his gaze. "Dancing brings me back to Egypt."
I noticed the puzzle about Yugi's neck flash a bit and Yugi looked down in surprise for a moment, then he looked at Bakura, puzzled, before turning to Malik. "Does that sound okay?"
Malik smiled and even let himself laugh a bit "Actually going clubbing sounds great to me." He leaned over a bit to whisper in my ear "Even if Bakura is plotting something." I giggled.
"Good then." Yugi beamed. "Hey Seto-kun," he called, turning to where currently Otogi and Honda where fighting with Joey to haul him back from a taunting Kaiba. Kaiba blinked and looked at his love as if to inquire what he wanted. "Do you know any clubs in town with good dance floors?"
He gave a shrug. "There's a fairly high class place in the downtown, you have to reserve to get in. It's mostly for out-of-towners with a lot of money and looking for a party."
Yugi flashed him a sweet smile, "Well I guess that fits your description Seto-kun. Can you get us in?"
He sighed and rolled his eyes. "Only for you wound I take insults and orders. Fine, I'll cut them something to get us in."
"Even the under-age-rs?" Yugi added, blinking cutely.
Seto let his shoulders slump and smiled a bit "I suppose I could find it in my bank account to get everyone in."
"Thank you Seto-kun!" Yugi cried, running into his arms. Yeah, Seto was completely whipped I thought smiling to myself.
"Looks like we get to go girl hunting." Otogi said, flicking back his black hair, flashing a smile at Serenity who giggled.
"We'll just see, Ryouji." Honda hissed at him and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Malik?" Isis called gently and Malik smiled at me briefly before slipping away to walk over to her.
"What?" He said bluntly, shoving his hand into his pocket to show annoyance.
"Are you going skiing too?"
Malik snorted, and shrugged "No, I like snow but I'm not that much of a fan yet. I don't like it enough to slide down a mountain of two 3 inch pieces of board. Why?"
Isis suddenly seemed agitated and wrung her hands together "Would you come to town with me? I mean... I do want... to talk to you about something."
Malik looked at her questioningly before shrugging off the strange behavior. "Sure, I'll go and carry your bags if THAT'S what you want." Isis smiled and nodded at this.
"Okay then, little brother!"
I then moved to sit down on the couch again, leaving them to their own conversation in the bustle the lodge had now become trying to get ready for skiing and shopping, as much as Isis confused me. I wasn't going skiing either, not with my cold, besides I didn't care for the sport. I suddenly felt a strong hand on my arms, pulling me out the door. "Hey! Yami? Where are we going?"
Bakura just grinned almost evilly hauling me out into the snow and to our car, opening the passenger side, pushing my in then slamming the door. I didn't protest much considering I did trust Bakura and I also wasn't about to interfere in on of his ideas. He got into the drivers seat and slammed the door then started up the car, I guess he had found my keys lying around. He really can drive, I taught him sometime ago, and he does drive well. Mainly I think because he likens cars to chariots so he appreciates not wanting to die in one.
"Where are we going?" I repeated again as he spun the car around, making the tires spin a bit on the snow.
"Shopping." he replied with a smirk, and he waved smartly to Malik who was standing with Isis as they got into their own car with the other girls. Malik glared back and stuck his tongue out as we went by.
"Shopping for what?" I asked, sitting finally into my seat from my backwards glancing.
"My lovely hikari," he smiled, as we slowed before we pulled out onto the main road, "My beautiful, lovely hikari. We're all going out for Malik's birthday tomorrow, yes? I know you and your closet, you have nothing descent to wear if we're going dancing. Especially nothing that's up his alley."
I looked at him confused, didn't he say yesterday I shouldn't worry about Malik? What inspired this change? "Your point?"
He laughs and he reaches out, putting his fingers under my chin and turning my head to look at him as he glances from the road briefly at me then smiles. "Hikari, We're going to make you irresistible." I blink in surprise, then a smile comes across my lips and I nod with a delighted laugh and he does to as he lets his hand drop. I suddenly feel giddy and I don't know why! Who am I to argue? "Yes," he says with one of the only genuinely sincere smiles I've ever seen him offer, "He won't be able to look away from you."
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Well another chapter down and Bakura suddenly seem to have new ideas!
Malik: What are you up to Bakura!!??
YamiB: *grinz* You'll see soon enough...
Malik: That gives me *soooooo* much comfort.
Ryou: ^_^ It's okay Malik, you'll be happy with it, I promise
LYB: *laughs evilly*
Malik: Why does that sound warn me I won't?
LYB: I suppose you'll just have to wait and see ^^
Malik: ...
Marron: Is he alright?
Cyris: Ignore him Marron, he has this anger problem...
LYB: Why don't you do the closing for a change Marron-chan
Marron: Well, okay. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, R&R! .......