Normally I write a big huge spin about stuff that's been going on and everything in between but I just want to get this up because all you guys have been SOOO great and SOO patient putting up with my insanely slowly posting. Anyway, The Grand Outfit gets revealed!!!

Malik: It's about Ra damn time, woman!

LYB: Hush you!

Congratulations to the winners!! Yami B gets one outfit and Ryou gets the other!! Soon enough I'll I have the final drawings posted!

YamiB: I have yet to see you succeed at this...

LYB: Hey, if I could do it for Gutterflower, I can do it for DDTM too.

YamiB: Whatever helps you sleep at night...

Marron: Maybe you should let it drop? Ne?

YamiB: grumbles and hisses but says no more

LYB: After I finish writing this I have to start posting the "grammar and content perfect" copy of DDTM.

Malik: Content perfect?

LYB: Well, now that the manga series is over in Japan all the pieces of the puzzle about what happened in Egypt and Ryou's whole story is out in the open, so I have to fix a few points.

Ryou: Such as?

LYB:

POINT'S TO FIX IN DRAWING DOWN THE MOON

(also called the Info Guide to Ryou and Bakura)

1. Ryou is actually estranged from his family and hasn't seen his father since he moved away. They forced him to move out on his own after his friends mysteriously started falling into comma's while playing "Monster World" with them.

2. Ryou's sister may not be dead in the manga series, it seems to me when I was reading the manga she is simply the only member of his family he keeps in contact with. Either that or she is dead and he writes to her asking about living members of the family. I may have to read a few later chapters where Amane is mentioned. She is declared as dead in the first season of the anime and that confuses me...

3. Both Ryou and Bakura are shown in the manga to have cast occult knowledge. Yami Bakura in the manga is actually shown as a Vudou (Commonly called Voodoo) priest, not a druid witch as I showed Ryou being. He uses magick through the use of poppets (dolls) and can channel power through the use of role playing, both of which are more characteristic of Cuban and Afro-Caribbean workings. He does this several times, first playing "Monster World" then later in Duelist Kingdom uses dolls to manipulate a few souls and even later in the Egypt Arch uses an entirely handmade model of Egypt to help channel his power into the Dark RPG. It's a very fascinating faith, I did a course on it last year, I recommend any person interested in magick to read up on it, I swear it's not like they show it in movies. I think I'll still leave Ryou as a Celtic Witch, just work in a bit of more Afro-Caribbean magick into his abilities.

4. Anyone who wants to know Ryou's REAL address according to the comic? Straight from the manga: It's Apartment 801 (8th floor, apartment 1), SkyRise Apartment Building, Domino City. He lives there alone. (See remark 1) Well, I suppose lives there with Yami B... in any case. It's a cozy little place for one person and it's rather pleasant on the inside, plus big enough to set a full "Monster World" dungeon (no easy feat) in the living room.

5. Bakura doesn't ever call Ryou hikari or abiou, (I feel like an idiot for never noticing this) He always calls him Master and Host. The weird thing is that Bakura does seem sincere when he says this. Hmm...

6. This is actually more or less a response but anyway, yes, Bakura gets his name from his village Kuru Eruna it really is a condensed form of "soul/savior of Kuru Eruna". As to his REAL name, not his self given title, the manga never does tell it.

Oh and guess what!!! Bakura and Ryou make their first appearance in the Yugioh Comic being run in Shonen Jump in the July issue! So when the next issue of Shonen Jump hits the news stands pick it up! It's the start of Monster World so everyone enjoy!

The stuff about the Egyptian arch I've learned I'm going to work it into this chapter and the coming ones.

Malik: You said you wouldn't make a grand spin!!! Stop rambling already and let ME talk!!

LYB: Geez, fine! Go for it!

Doves and Falcons
Malik's POV

It had been my turn to have the bed... Ryou thought I'd sleep better if I were more comfortable, at the very least I wouldn't be bored. At least that's what Bakura said, by the time I got home Ryou was already contently asleep on the couch covered in an infinite pile of quilts from the main lodge and looked more then happy in peaceful bliss. He looks so adorable when he sleeps. Bakura was sitting up in one of the chairs waiting for me, he said it was to tell me about the bedroom but he seemed to be in a thinking mood himself as he watched the fire they had in. I'm glad he was distracted because he has the uncanny ability to tell when something is wrong with me.

Nope, I can honestly say I wasn't bored – but I didn't sleep either. I didn't have a snowballs chance in hell of going to sleep after yesterday. It's wasn't that Bakura had me going and I had to find a way to get back at him, it wasn't shopping or even keeping this little fluff ball in the room with me, no it was my sister.

I stroke my little companion absently; I didn't want to leave him in a box all night, even if I did put my jacket in it back at the store so he would be comfortable. He's been listening to me talk all night and voicing his opinion with an inquisitive mew or comforting purr. He's a wonderful listener... mainly because I know he can't repeat anything I say.

I can't believe it. It's everything I've asked for. Home! A once in a lifetime shot at going home! Not only that, a shot at going home in only three days! The museum at Cairo wants my sister's exhibit and of course being an Ishtar I have rights to all that material. Plus in the last year I've been working for my sister with the exhibit. It's good money. It's my sister. It's a free ride back to Egypt with a PROMISE I will have a place to stay and a damn good continuous sum of money to do it. Ra! I'd be a fucking idiot to turn down Isis' offer!

Well, it wasn't as much an offer as it was a... pre-decided request. This basically means I have no choice in the matter because if I don't go, I'm out of a job, an apartment and forfit ever valuable item to my name because they all travel with the exhibit. Not much of a choice is it?

What do I mean CHOICE? There's no choice involved! It's basically do or die and for fuck sake it's Egypt! Its home... well... it was home...

The odd thing is... only a little while ago, hell even a few days ago, I would never have even looked back. I would have fucking raced Isis to get there! But now... now... I just don't know.

I mean what really keeps me here, sure this whole crowd I'm with now is great, they are good people, but I'm hardly attached to them. There's Bakura, but let's face it, Bakura is Bakura, I love the guy and I'll miss him but it's not like I'll never see him again. He tends to pop up whenever and wherever he feels like it. Then there's Ryou...

I suppose this is one of those moments where I'm supposed to contemplate the meaning of "when push comes to shove" but someone seriously enlighten me as to what I'm supposed to do! It's not like I've known him for all that long, and it's certainly not like I'm with him or anything, but... whenever I try to think of why I should go, the thought always brings me back to him.

I keep thinking about the way he's so tender to me. In a strange way, even though I've been nursing his cold, it's like he's been the one taking care of me. Helping me sleep, helping me see a different side of life, helping ease my mind. I like the way he talks to me, about magick and philosophy, dreams and the past. I couldn't really show that artistic side of me to anyone else. The way he let's me know he sees that part of me, like when he looked at me the other day and teased me by calling me "Hamlet" when I said I thought to much. I don't think I've ever told anyone but Isis about thinking of myself like Hamlet.

I don=t know... it=s new and relieving to have someone who takes me for me, a thinker, a roamer, a witch and a human who feels human things. He doesn't expect me to pretend, he doesn't expect me to change, he doesn't expect me to be anything but myself; no matter who I am. Even if I am my own worst enemy, he forgives me for that.

I try to push all the thoughts away and rest, but it feels awkward for him not to be here sleeping in my arms and I'm not sure why. After all, we've only shared a bed for two nights. I keep thinking of when I was rubbing his back how his hair fell from his neck over his shoulder to the pillows, shining like angel wings. I keeping thinking of his violets and milk skin, they he's just always warm and soft, even to the touch. The way he felt in my arms in our own circle where nothing could touch and nothing else mattered. I tug gently at the long thread of red yarn I have wrapped about my wrist twinning in and around my fingers... so strange...

A little while ago, I can remember asking the Goddess to lead me to someone who would stand beside me so I would never have to be alone again. I can't let myself believe that she's brought me to him... the thought that I actually did let Morrigan did lead me through the dark to him... no, not Ryou, he's too stunning, too tender for me. I remember not long ago asking the Goddess that if I couldn't have him... just to give me one night to have in my memory. One night to call him my own... and she's given me more then I could ever ask for. For all this time I've had with me, and he was my own. And I can't bare to think that now, after everything-- I belong to him just as much as he is mine, maybe more. That I think I've started to need him with me. And that scares me because what's going to happen now that I'll be gone? I can't even think about it right now!

Every time I try to, something that Bakura said comes back to and I refuse to admit it, I refuse to even think about the fact I could love him. I can't even dare to think if just maybe he feels anything for me because oh my Goddess I think it would destroy us both! All the love in the world couldn't change the fact that'll have to do just what I predicted I would, the very reason I dreaded so much forming any type of a relationship with him, I have to turn my back on him and walk away like he never existed – like he means nothing to me at all. 3 days... that's all I have left, what else can I do?

By now the sun had come up and was glaring in the window at me, warning me the day had officially started whether I wanted it to or not. It didn't really matter, I didn't feel tired at all though I had laid here and done nothing all night, such is the case with insomniacs. My little kitten friend had some time ago fallen asleep in my lap so I carefully picked him up and laid him in the warmth of my jacket in his little box. He yawned and blinked at my tiredly before curling up to sleep again and I couldn't help but smile at the cute sight.

I had just put my head back down in the pillows, hoping maybe, possibly, sleep might bless me with 20 minutes of mercy when I heard the door creak open. I ignored it out of habit, considering I knew Bakura was in the cabin somewhere and he has a thing for harassing me in the mornings, especially after nights where I've fought more then usual for sleep.

There was a soft giggle then fingers raked smoothly through my hair. "I know you're not asleep, I can see your eyelashes flutter."

"Ra damn it Ryou!" I growled, feigning annoyance, rolling on to my back to look up at him as he sat down beside me on the bed. Of course I had to smile when he laughed, white hair catching the morning sun so it looked like moon beams, I can't kid myself by denying he's beautiful. I reached up and twisted a lock of that silky hair around my fingers, tugging it playfully, the same way I had earlier tugged on the yarn I had wrapped around my wrist. "I missed your company last night." I admitted, "I was bored out of my mind with no one to talk to."

"Bakura could have kept you company." He said, contently flopping down on my chest like a lounging cat. I laughed as he laid his head on my chest, looking just as happy as if I were a pillow.

I continued playing with his hair, running my fingers through it to the ends then smoothing it down. "Yeah, but I had my fill of Bakura already yesterday and he seemed preoccupied today. Where did you guys go yesterday anyway?"

"We went shopping." He replied, shifting his head so he could look at me more easily.

I snickered. "Ah! You've had the glorious experience eh? Never let him drag you into a clothing store."

"Too late." He smiled, "But I did find you something."

I looked at him, a bit surprised, "Really?" He nodded in reply and pushed himself up, so I took the opportunity to pull myself up so I could sit against the headboard. He leaned over the bed to pick up a green bag from the floor and then sat comfortably beside me, laying the rather heavy bag for its size in my lap. I cast him another glance to make sure he wasn't just fooling around with me, though I certainly didn't take Ryou for the type to do something like that.

"It won't bite," he promised with a smirk. "Call it a Yule-Christmas-Coming of Age gift."

I just shook my head with a content smile and unfolded the top, pulling the contents up into my lap, slightly dumbfounded to find it was a rather large, thick, black hard cover book with no jacket, looking something like a smaller and thicker encyclopedia with gold trim and page edges. I turned it over to see exactly what it was a book of and for a moment I could do nothing but look at this treasure is totally disbelief. The wonder of it stunned me completely, I didn't need to see into the future to tell this was going to be, and already was, my most prized possession. The most beautiful collection of writing and poetry ever created sitting right there in my hands, the whole, real, complete works. After all this time, Ryou had placed it in my hands, finally, The Complete Works of Shakespeare... all the sonnets, poems and plays, including my beloved Hamlet.

"Ryou..." I breathed, but I couldn't think of anything else to say. This was probably the most amazing gift anyone had ever given me. It was more then just a book; this was set of writings I'd admired as a reflection of my inner being for so long, internally, emotionally, philosophically.

"Like it?" he smiled, as if he already knew what I would say.

"That's an understatement!" I replied, feeling the smile spread across my face and I opened the book cover, tenderly leafing through the table of contents on the thin pages. I laid it down in my lap to turn to him in pure reverence, marveling at the kindness and thoughtfulness he had shown me. "Ryou," I said in wonderment, "Where did you find this?"

He laughed lightly, looking over to the book and touching the pages with just as much care as I would have. "I met a girl who worked at a book store and she used the stores computer to track down a copy in an old classic book store that was a bit outside of the town." He explained.

"And you actually went to track it down?" He nodded and I smiled broadly, he had actually gone out of his way to find something so dear to me and give it to me. I impulsively (and I regret to say, childishly) threw my arms around him, hugging him tight enough to probably choke him. He laughed rather shyly and nuzzled his head against the crook of my neck, "This is great! You're amazing, Ryou."

"Thanks," he replied, slightly embarrassed, but not in a bad way. I suppose he wasn't expecting quite as big a reaction. But, I was thrilled, this book... I can't even describe it! I've wanted it for so long. Amid my delight a thought finally managed to form and I gave a small groan at my own forgetfulness. "How could I forget that?" I cursed aloud before looking down at him and quickly planting a chaste kiss on his forehead. I couldn't help it, I love the way his skin is so soft!

"Forget what?" he responded, curious.

"I have something for you too." I smirked, stroking his silken hair back from his face, tucking it behind his ear. He seemed amused by this as he leaned into my touch. The simple action seemed to make my heart seem to beat faster but I managed to fight back the feeling till I could function better once again, I've got to stop getting so carried away...

I let my arms about him fall so I could reach down to the floor and gather up my jacket, complete with it's current sleeper into my arms carefully so as to still have my fun with the element of surprise. "I came across this shopping the other day and I figured if anyone could give it a good home and love it absolutely, it would be you. After all you told me you always wanted one." I told him, settling back down to the spot I had once sat in. He gave me a funny look as if to question what I meant, leaning over to see what was so spectacular about my jacket. "Oh come on lazybones, I know you're awake." I smirked at the jacket when its resident made no move, "No need to be frightened, I promise, he has a habit of taking in lost souls." Ryou turn to stair at me as if I had lost my mind, then the little pink nose and pretty green eyes poked out from under the sleeve.

Ryou gave a small cry and his face lit up with the sweetest, most loving smile as he reached out to the little guy who examined his fingers a second, before batting them curiously and emerging from his hiding place into Ryou's waiting arms. Ryou had that fluff ball up in an instant, holding him to his chest, cooing over the creature that seemed more then happy to have the attention. "He's precious Malik!" he said, letting the little guy down onto his lap so he could play. He would flick his finger harmlessly at the puff's nose and then the adorable ball would chase his finger with the cute clumsiness only a kitten could get anyway with.

"I thought you'd like him," I smiled, gathering my new book into my lap, opening it up to the first page of Hamlet, just to assure my delight that it was really there.

"What's his name?" He asked, whole-heartedly caught up in a game of 'tickle the fluff ball's belly' "Is it a he?"

I laughed, "Yeah, the woman at the store told me that. But as for a name, I didn't think of one. He was sort of nameless and homeless." I had to smile at the little guy who mewled happily as if he knew exactly what I had said.

"Well I think you should have a dignified name." Ryou said affectionately, scratching the kitten behind the ears and around his neck, "How about you?" the little thing rolled happily on it's back and started purring insanely. "Why not give him a name from your play?" he suggested to me and I looked at the first page of Hamlet, displaying all the characters.

"A cat named Hamlet." I mused, "Now there's the rub... a depressed creature that not only sleeps all day but also looks at suicide and death as a bat the finger game."

Ryou poked me for my ridiculous puns but laughed none the less. "Fine we won't call him Hamlet. What else? Does Hamlet have a best friend or someone important? After all, you did find him for me, sweet prince." he teased.

"Cute." I said sarcastically, though my smile gave away that I was amused the name. I looked at the characters list. "Hamlet's most beloved friend," I said quietly, brushing my fingers against the name only separated from Hamlet in the list by one name. I thought that was ironic and wondered if Shakespeare had thrown that in there as a bit of a joke. That in the end the whole reason they were torn apart from each other was because of uncontrollable events all surrounding the character dividing there two names. "Well, it's not Ophelia or Laertes that's for sure." I told him, "Hamlet does string Ophelia along but resents her because she always betrays him to her father and Laertes cares about his sister to much to like Hamlet."

"Then Hamlet has no one at all he can trust?" Ryou looked almost sorrowful for a moment. I shook my head.

"Not exactly." I replied brushing my fingers against the yarn tied about my wrist, tugging at it again thoughtfully. "Remember that mug that I have?"

He nodded and glanced at me curiously, repeating the line, "'There are more things in heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in our philosophy?'" he laughed a bit "I see now why it's your favorite line, it's because you're a ritual witch! You use magick to be in touch with the universe." I offered a mysterious smile and touched my nose briefly, which cause him to laugh. "Is Horatio the one you're thinking of?"

I smiled and nodded. "Yes, Horatio. You remind me a lot of Horatio actually... you have the same tender, delicate, caring nature to you."

"So Horatio is Hamlet's friend?"

I tipped my head a bit, "Sure... you can say that..."

He leaned his head in his hands, "So their not enemies, their not exactly friends but Hamlet confides in him then what are..." he paused then turned to me with a surprised expression. "Lovers?"

I think I blushed slightly, but fixed my gaze unwaveringly from the book. "It doesn't really come out and say that their anymore then very good friends, but... I think their a couple."

Ryou looked at the pages curiously as I started turning through them. "Why do you say that?"

I paused a minute before a few words on the page caught my attention so I pointed them out. This was the passage that always made me believe and somehow always seemed to tug at the more romantic part of me that only seemed to exist when I saw this part of the play. "Here, Hamlet is preparing to set up the play to get a confession from his uncle and he's apparently in a hurry, but here he sees Horatio and calls out to him. Horatio is more then happy to come up to him and help him but Hamlet just tells Horatio 'thou art e'en as just a man As e'er my conversation cop'd withal.'"

"That makes no sense to me." Ryou said, shaking his head.

I smiled a bit, "Basically Hamlet is in a mad rush but everything stops simply so he can pull Horatio aside and simply talk to him and tell him in a nutshell, 'You are the better part of me'."

Ryou chuckled, looking at me with a sort of vivid amusement I couldn't place, "And you think this means their together?"

I shrugged, "I think its forbidden romance. After all he does try to love Ophelia as best he could but there's always something lacking, he just can't become attached to her as he should but he does attach himself to Horatio. When push comes to shove at the end, it's Horatio not Ophelia or his mother he writes to come and meet him. Besides, Horatio is a tender person and is obviously impressed with Hamlet's royal background. He always refers to himself as Hamlet's loving servant, he worries about Hamlet's sanity and wellbeing constantly and Hamlet adores it, always calling him his good friend and by his name, he calls no one else in the play by name unless he absolutely has too. Then of course there's the very end where first of all, Horatio offers to betray his morality that he holds so strongly so he can lie for Hamlet and save him, but Hamlet soothes him with more sweet words. When Hamlet lays dying Horatio gathers him into his arms and offers to die with him and in the end Hamlet makes Horatio promise to live for him then dies in his arms. It's bittersweet."

"So why do you think this passage you wanted me to look at means something?" he asked.

"Because," I replied letting a softened smile form on my lips, I can be horribly sentimental at times, though I rarely show it I can be such an emotional basket case, probably why I get angry so easily. Also probably why I like Shakespeare so much, I can put the emotions I feel into the words and don't have to show it myself. "This is basically where Hamlet confesses what he feels to Horatio." Ryou raised his head to look at me, marveling at me for a moment till I turned to him looking indigent at his scrutiny.

"Whaaaat?"

He laughed, and then cuddled up against me again, putting an arm about my waist using his free hand to still stroke his new friend for life. My heart jumped again and wondered if maybe I was going to have a heart attack or something with how it's been racing the last while. "I never pegged you as a romantic."

"I never pegged you as an emotionally strong person either. So we were both wrong I suppose." I responded, slipping my arm around he shoulder to hold him closer to me, running my thumb over the soft skin of his neck. I could swear he sighed when I did it... but I could be wrong, could just be my thoughts getting carried away again. I can't help if I love his company.

"Read it to me?" He asked softly, tucking his head into the crook of my neck. "The way Hamlet would say it?"

I closed my eyes, just enjoying the sense of peace that had come over me. It was like being still after moving for along time. I suppose... I have been moving for a long time haven't I? I never stayed in a town more then a few weeks till I came here looking for the pharaoh and ended up finding so much more. But even then I was always on the move, always out on the town, always going somewhere if only to get this feeling of longing out of my system. I like this. This feeling of stability. I wondered if Hamlet found the same thing with Horatio. If the reason he loved him so much was because Horatio was always with him to be his support and believe in him when no one else would. I opened my eyes and looked at the page, reading from it with the same sense of peaceful devotedness.

"Nay, do not think I flatter;

For what advancement may I hope from thee,

That no revenue hast, but thy good spirits,

To feed and cloth thee? Why should the poor be flatter'd?

No, let the candied tongue lick absurd pomp;

And crook the pregnant hinges of the knee

Where thrift may follow fawning. Dost thou hear?

Since my soul was mistress of her choice,

And could of men distinguish, her election

Hath seal'd thee for herself: for thou hast been

As one, in suffering all, that suffers nothing;

A man that Fortune buffets and rewards

Hast ta'en with equal thanks: and bless'd are those

Whose blood and judgment are so well commingled

That they are not a pipe for Fortune's finger

To sound what stop she please. Give me that man

That is not passion's slave, and I will wear him

In my heart's core, ay, in my heart of heart,

As I do thee."

I paused a moment looking over the passage, it was sweet in its own sincere way and I wondered it he understood what it meant. The honesty that was behind it, it just didn't seem finished to me. I suppose, I wanted him to see exactly what had passed between the two, and why the verse had moved me now. So I gently ran my hand along his neck and the curve of his shoulder and started over again, using my own words.

"No, don't think I'm saying this only to flatter you;

What would I ever hope to gain from you,

Who has no money or power, but your sweet nature,

To even feed and cloth yourself? Why should someone flatter someone poor?

No, let only those who are users and liars resort to dull flattery;

And worship and use sweet words

Only to gain something from it. Do you understand what I mean?

Since my soul, instead of me, was in control of it own choices,

And could tell every man apart, It chose

To keep you for itself: for you have been

Always composed, you've suffered all, and you show no suffering;

You're a man that fortune whips and rewards

And you take both the same amount of thanks: and blessed are those

Whose passion and logic are so well combined

Because they are not an instrument for Fortune

To play with and amuse her as she pleases. Give me that man

That is not a slave to any violent emotion, -"

I pulled him a bit closer to me, raising my hand to brush his wild bangs from his bright brown eyes as he looked up at me with a tender affection I had never seen with anyone else before but I loved none the less.

" – and I will hold him

In the center of my heart, yes, in very soul,

Like I do you."

I kissed his forehead and he raised his head a bit shyly to watch my eyes again. I like that he watches my eyes, I don't know why, maybe it's that he can look through them and see the clear violet that once was... or should I say, as Bakura pointed out, was there again. "That is sweet. You really are a romantic." He said gently, smiling beautifully.

"Only with you." I told him, lowering my hand to brush my finger tips against his cheek, "But hush, it's a secret." He laughed and I couldn't help but smile myself. I couldn't even think about Isis at that moment, he was everything...

"What are you up to Ishtar?" A sharp voice chuckled, "Wooing him with poetry now are we?"

I raised my eyes, glaring at the smirking figure in the doorway, "Oh can it Bakura." I growled "And shove that can down your throat and choke while you're at it."

I took my arms from around Ryou to lean forward on my elbows and glare at him. He laughed leaning on the door frame, "Watching your language too! I though you'd tell me to shove it up my –"

"Yami!" Ryou quickly cut him off with an overly thrilled smile, taking up his new best friend into his hands and laughing as the kitten mewed happily and batted at his bangs. "This is our new housemate! Malik found him and gave him to me!" He smiled at the kitten, "His name is Horatio after the Shakespeare's Hamlet." I blinked in surprise and had to stop myself from coughing because my breath seemed to vanish, then I just smile with a precarious thrill I couldn't place. The kitten mewed again happily. "Do you like that?" He started to purr and Ryou brought him to his chest. "Do you want to see him Bakura?"

Bakura's face scrunched up, glaring his eyebrows raised in something closely likened to fear. "It's...a... ... cat..."

I couldn't help but suddenly break out in a fit of uncontrolled laughter. "What's so funny?" Ryou asked, confused, looking at me then his darker who was taking a slow step backward.

"Bakura is an Egyptian spirit, a tomb robber to boot!" I laughed "I totally forgot what Bakura would think. He would believe cats are the tomb guardians and can steel a tomb robber's soul. He's afraid little Horatio is here to keep him in line!"

"I am not!!" Bakura retorted sharply, glaring at the kitten. Ryou started to smirk, surprisingly intimating his own yami very well.

"Then you should come see him and get to know him because he'll be with us a loooong time."

Bakura shook his head, "Nah, I'm going to get something to eat."

"Aww... Bakura..." I mocked, "It's just a little kitten." I offered Ryou a mockingly innocent smile, "You should bring Horatio over to Bakaura and let them become friends."

Ryou's devilish smirk broadened. "Damn you Ishtar..." My spirit friend hissed at me.

"Yaaaammmiiii..." Ryou beckoned, rising up from the bed with the fluff ball in his arms. I think the little ball of joy was just as amused as Ryou was.

"Keep away from me with thing." Bakura said sourly, with a threatening tone, taking another step back.

"It's just a kitten, yami" Ryou chuckled as he walked up to his darker and Bakura promptly turned on his heals, bolting toward the stairs.

"I'M TELLING YOU RYOU!! LEAVE ME ALONE!!!" he cried.

"Come on yami!! You're going to have to get used to him being around!"

"RYOU!!! RA DAMN IT MALIK THIS IS ONE OF THOSE TIMES YOU'RE ON MY DEATH LIST!!!!!!"

I laughed looking out the door and listening to the racket as Ryou chased Bakura around. "Revenge is sweet Bakura!" I called out in response, then smiling to myself as I looked down at the passage on the open page. We were even for his rude intrusion, I had my time alone with Ryou and I learned something that at least I found significant. He cares about me; he remembered what I told him about my secret passion for English poetry. Oh Ra I think I'm blushing... I just basically declared everything I felt for him and I don't feel the least bit ashamed.

Smiling is starting to feel natural to me and I look out the window, admiring the snow, then I see a spot of black and look a bit downward to see my sister looking through her car for something. Suddenly I don't feel as good and I run my hand through my hair. My eyes feel like there burning, that's weird, I wonder what that's supposed to mean... maybe I really am getting sick. My sister must have found whatever she wanted because she's walking back to the main lodge... I wanted to whisper 'Egypt' but instead I just start to unravel the red string from my wrist and sigh the word "Ryou..."

8 8 8

It's funny sometimes how a day can rush right by you. Maybe it was the fact that the three of us were together and believe it or not between Ryou and our games of singing, dancing and small magick spells and Bakura with his unique way of causing amusing havoc there wasn't a single dull moment. Time flew till three when Bakura grabbed Ryou by the wrist and without even consulting his hikari turned to me with an overly happy smile (which should be feared when on Bakura's face) and announced they were going to get ready for dinner at five. I know better then to question Bakura when he seems like he's about to do something he'll enjoy because that might mean I'll be an accomplice to some sort of 10 year crime. With that he and a very confused Ryou vanished from my sight and I have seen either of them since.

Well that's not really true. I saw Bakura briefly when after 10 minutes of demanding that I be let into the bedroom for my clothes so I could get ready myself he opened the door, shoved my whole bag into my arms then slammed it in my face. Whatever.

"Are you ready to go Malik?" a dark voice addresses me and I turn from my listening to the radio, placing my hand on my hip to look at Bakura who stood at the base of the stairs. He cracks a faint smile and looks me up and down making me feel a bit shy, and then he only laughs. "I guess you are." He grins a bit suggestively "You look good."

I blink and step back, twisting my lips "Don't look at me like that, you're scaring me."

He only chuckles in his typical way. "Bloody Rehorakhty, you know I don't mean it." He smirks, "But you do look good, I haven't seen you dressed to go out on the town for awhile. We usually don't bother getting dressed for it anymore."

I shrug and smirk myself "No we don't, considering we walk around half the time dressed for the night life anyway."

"No shit." He replies. I've known him long enough to know his sarcasm is actually a form of agreement and I don't talk it as being hostile. "I haven't seen you wear that in a long time."

"Wear what?" I look down at myself, noting everything I had on, black cargo pants over sleek combat boots, my violet silk sleeveless shirt that hung open as always with my black clinging tank top underneath.

"The shirt." He replies with a shrug. I run my fingers over the violet silk, watching it catch the light and change color to shaded purple in the folds and lavender white along the ridges, making it seem to ripple like smooth flowing water. It was Rishid who had found it just after Battle City when Isis insisted we should go to the mall as a small family. He said he thought it was the same shade as my eyes when I was young – I liked it because it was sleeveless and zipped up so I could wear it open just like I wore it now. Plus it did make my eyes stand out. Ra, I sound like a woman. "I haven't seen you wear it since the ritual of sealing the pharaoh."

I make a soft noise, looking down at the material. I have worn it since then by I nearly forgot about wearing it when everyone was in Egypt to place all the items in the tablet. That was something... like a new chapter of my life, everything was finally over and it seemed the Pharaoh had finally been put to rest. I thought Bakura had gone on as well and we all figured the Millennium Items were gone for good... how the Puzzle and Ring returned is something beyond me, Yugi did it. As for why, that's simple, because the spirits simply wanted to return. It's really nothing more complex then that. Neither one of them has the shadow power they used to have now that their purposes in finding the pharaoh's memories and name are done so it's not like they disrupt anything. They simply just wanted to be here instead of waiting for everyone they would miss to cross. No, I had barely worn this since then.

I don't know why. Maybe because the day felt too bittersweet to me and I didn't want to remember as the day my purpose really was over. As the day I had nothing to bind me anymore. Not even Bakura. I remember Ryou had been there, the lost look on his face after the door to the other side shut as if to cry out at them, 'but where do I go from here? Where do I go now that I'm on my own?' And I felt for him then because I knew that pain. I felt for him because he saved me when I nearly fell into it. I think I must have had that same expression. I crushed the liquid silk gently between my fingers; the two of us have come so far since then. And I wonder if either one of us has come far at all, Ryou and I – I think a part of us both had to leave that day and we've probably been looking for something to fill the hole ever since. Ryou has Bakura back, but his goal in living is not the same anymore. Neither is mine. Maybe we both have to find a new place in life now that our old one is gone. All this sentimentality over a shirt? Fuck I DO think too much! I only never wore it because Rishid must have disorganized the laundry (I know it had to be him because both Isis and I are far to picky to do such a thing) and for the last few months it's been in Isis' closet till she cleaned it out last weekend and gave it back to me.

I just shove me hands into my pockets smartly. "It doesn't matter." I state and laugh in a flirtation tone, approaching him to tug teasingly on the collar of his outer shirt. "I haven't seen any of this before."

"Don't look at me like that, you're scaring me." Bakura smirks.

"I steel your games and you steel mine is that how this friendship works?" I laugh.

"You fucking idiot!" He says sharply, "That's what this friendship was founded on!"

"Point taken." I reply, "You've been running up Ryou's credit card again haven't you, look at this." I step back to gesture up and down. He wore black jeans that were tight enough to give his legs shape but not tight enough to cling to him. They were simply cut nicely to his shape. He had a black tank top that did form to his chest from what I could see of the shoulders looked like the sleeves had been ripped off and I say this because it was over laid with a shirt that was nearly identical to the one he wore during battle city only a bold midnight black instead of turquoise. A perfect look for the perfect devil. He looked like nothing but himself and that made it probably the best I've ever seen him looking. That not all about him though, I can't put my finger on it, I blink and flick his eyelid quickly.

"Hey!!" he cries pulling back from my reach while I look at my finger then smirk displaying the heavy black streak on my finger to him.

"Kohl on your eyes?" I laugh in spite of myself, "Who knew you'd return to your Egyptian make-up habits? Are you lips stained with ochre too? What inspired this now? Is it the Pharaoh?"

He glares at me and smacks my hand away, hard, hard enough that I know it's bound to welt. I guess I just hit a sore spot. "No, I just found it in your bag from where you can't even function in the morning without painting your eyes and broke off a piece for myself."

I shake my head. "For shame 'Kura." He only chuckles darkly and brushes his finger against my eye like I had his but I don't feel the need to protest since I pretty well know what's coming.

"You're no better! Look at this," he turns his finger toward me showing the heavy black I always have along my eyes and a fine pale dust of lavender. "You've even resorted to using color."

I shrug, "It's not like you can see it." I reply "It just makes my eye color stand out."

"You're so Ra damn vain."

"You're going to be reborn as the ass end of a peacock!"

He pauses, "That's was pretty good."

"Thanks."

He looks up the stairs, an annoyed expression playing on his face. "What the hell is he doing?" he growls. "I doubt even the Pharaoh takes this long to finish getting ready."

I laugh a bit again, "You're hung up on him again," his face fell into that angry, melancholy darkness that comes over him when something upsets him. "What's started this whole thing again?" I ask, even for Bakura he seems overly agitated and that worries me, if only because he is my oldest friend. "I thought you told me you'd gotten over what he did already and you weren't going to bother with him anymore."

He snorts with disgust, "I would be – the fucking prick. I'll fill you in when we get to dinner, Ryou may come down in a minute and I don't want to get him on my case. He has better things to focus on at the moment." I raise an eyebrow at that statement but before I can ask, he continues, "I suppose I could turn the spot light on you and ask why you've taken to Ryou like a moth to a flame – but I already know why."

I growl under my breath in reply, "Yeah, you'd like to think so. Why is it if you're so smart oh high and mighty tomb robber?"

He casts me that snap look that makes you feel his gaze is cutting right through you. I sometimes hate that trait about him, how he always just figures out everything and seems to know everything you're trying to hide. "You never did stop loving him ever since you fluked into meeting him when you were looking for me, that's why." He concludes, taking out a pack of cigarettes and lighting one carelessly before returning the pack to his pocket. Something didn't seem right here...

"Why do I feel like I'm being set up?" I growl, furrowing my brow at him.

He gives me a suspiciously fake smile which comes off as looking evil, "I have no idea Malik." Before I can comment he turns to look up the stairs, blowing a string of smoke in complete annoyance. "Ryou! For the loving honor of Seckmet! Get your ass in gear and come on!"

There was a moment of silence before I heard the bedroom door click. "I don't know about this, yami." Came the uneasy reply and I shot a look at Bakura to silently say You-had-a-hand-in-this! But he ignored me, rolling his eyes before calling back.

"Oh give it up! You picked it out. Besides its just one night and you look fine."

I heard a sigh from the upper landing and I walked to the very foot of the stairs, looking up. "Come on Ryou," I call out as encouragingly as humanly possible for me, "Let's see what he's done to you."

There's a creek of floor boards as he steps toward the stairs, then entering into my vision, taking my breath away as if he had simply reached out and covered his lips with his hand. Standing still at the top of the stairs, sort of like an angel looking down from heaven at me as if as fascinated by me as I was him, then slowly step by step descended into my ruined world as if drawn by curiosity alone. He's beautiful, out of place against the laid back rough cut cabin backdrop, and that makes him all the more stunning to see. Deftly descending each step gracefully with only the barest brushing noise of his black jeans and with gentle ruffle of the completely unbuttoned white silk shirt that practically floats around him... with his hair finely brushed to a shine like this it almost gives him the impression of having translucent wings folded against his back, the only give away is how the silk wraps about his arms draping his shoulders and limbs. Yes he could pass off as heavens own if it weren't for that perfect smack of darkness the silk overlaid – that black leather tank top, catching the shadows to have a sheen of white wherever the light struck it, silver buckles up the front made sure the material clung to his skin showing the shape of his chest. There's not a bit of jewelry on him, or even a touch of make-up, and believe me I've looked at every inch of him to each detail – nothing, just him, radiant and pure, unaided beauty, a graceful angel with a brush of darkness – it's him completely. My heaven and my hell, my angel—coming down to me, he's gorgeous.

"Malik?" he says questioningly and I blink, realizing that I had been blatantly staring. I try desperately to find my voice but I'm caught completely speechless, I can't help it! What is it about him that renders me completely off guard? Bakura casts a glance at me in my stunned state that immediately registers that I was having the reaction that he had been hoping for while Ryou just looked like he couldn't figure out for the life of him what was wrong with me.

Bakura smiles and puts out his cigarette, reaching over the rail of the stairs and up toward Ryou who laughs a bit before putting his hand in Bakura's. The thief kisses the back of his lights hand affectionately, "See? You're stunning, Ryou." He laughs again, embarrassed, blushing enchantingly.

I let my lips fall into a lazy smile as he turns to look at me, "You do." I say in a soft, charming tone, reaching out to him, "You're a vision, Angel." Bakura lets go of his hand and Ryou offers me a touched smile and lays his hand in mine.

"You're a vision yourself, an Egyptian Prince." There are not fireworks or anything spectacular, no rush of electricity, just this odd warmth that spreads over me from his touch all the way across me from the crown of my head to the very tips of my toes... this feeling that this is what everything is supposed to be, this is what is real and what is right.

With one touch – I can't even begin to say – like that thin strain of yarn has somehow re-bound itself to my wrist and has wrapped about his as well, telling me that I should never let him go. He is the angel I've always looked for and I'm bound to him as surely as his fingers are locked around mine. Damn it why does he have to look so damn good right now? It's taking me right out of my mind, right out of every defense I've ever had against letting him into my world. But he's here now... down from heaven in my world with me and I never want to let him go. How come he's the one who could always find a way to get around every barrier? How come he's found him way past this last defense I had? And why, for once, am I not upset with myself for letting him in? Why don't I care like I should?

I smile gently as he steps down again to stand next to me, nearly chest to chest and I raise my hand to touch the shimmering silk along his shoulder then the silk that's disguised as strains of his hair. I twist a lock of it around my fingers and bring it to my lips, kissing the white tresses, making him smile sweetly again. "Then for this evening," I say to him taking his arm, "Can a Prince take an Angel out to dinner?"

He slides him arm more securely into mine, stepping next to me and looking up at me like he was always made to stand right there beside me. "How about if you just take me to dinner instead?" he offers with that sweet, boyish smile of his.

I nod and squeeze his arm gently, "I like that idea better." I tell him and then I gesture to the door. "Shall we?" I say.

"Yes, we shall." Bakura says curtly, smacking me firmly in the back as he marched to the door. I glare at him but he only smirks at us smartly as he opens the door, adding on "I told you it would work, hikari." before stepping outside. Normally I'd run after him and try to choke him, but Ryou laughs and tugs on my arm enthusiastically. I laugh and let him lead me out the door.