Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh. No one is making money off this. If you don't believe me, try to baby-sit four kids who hate each other for cash. ::lawyers cringe and back away, deciding to bother Ego next chapter::
Notes: I don't know how long Pharaoh's Memory World takes in reality, so Yuugi-tachi is still MIA.
Now for the pigeon scene that inspired this fic ::grin:: That idea just came to me when a bird hit my window.
Oh, and I spell Ryuuji like so because Ryouji would just be confusing with Bakura Ryou around. looks at yUUgi Don't ask, I've always spelt Yuugi with double u's. So, I refuse to spell Ryuuji as Ryuji.
Chapter Information: Pigeons attack Ryuuji. grin Need I say more? And as far as I care, Ryou favorite foods are cream puffs ::throws up pathetically: and dim sum ::drools hungrily:: All the Ryou/Bakura sites say cream puffs ::throws up:: and I have a thing for dim sum ::drools:: …with curry powder….
Thanks: R Amythest for Beta-reading. Also thanks to those still waiting for "Plans." I'm so sorry about the writer's block situation—it was doing so well!
(Sutaseiu: My computer's too ancient to be hit by most of the newer viruses. My internet service isn't too new either, but I don't care. I appreciate the lowering of the firewall though. Shows your wonderful commitment. ; You are so brave….) [Ashuri chan: I should update "Plans" someday….] (InSaNe KeYbLaDeR: Japanese wasn't an option up for study in my school anywhere I lived. Wish it were. I just find words, use them, and watch Yami no Matsuei or a friend for pronunciation. I tend pick up languages easily, though not extensively. - grin Yatte, I'm your favorite! That's awesome. I'm happy you think that.) [Equaral: The little tikes are odd, aren't they? I've discovered inspirational one shots in their innocent, optimistic logic. They're also creepy in their cleverness, like they know you don't expect too much from them. I find their antics and ideas fascinating in their uncompromising simplicity, but irking too, as the kids are strong believers in all they say. I probably shouldn't tell the mother what a study her children are, she might fire me for being odd…. I just find it amazing how those kids scream at one another, but once I send them to their rooms they come together to sneak out for food and stuff, even setting up distractions. - ::blink:: I need to get out more….] (R Amythest: Notice, my favorite food changed. I need to make up my mind, dang it!) [Kitty-Ichijouji: All my stories are great? Why thank you, that's so supportive. It's amazing people think so highly of all these fics…. - I've never heard of FLCL, but I guess I am fond of humor and anguish. - You've read "Plans?" Shame on you for not reviewing! - Please, draw Ryou and Hato. Me want to see a pic!] (Renee the Rabid Squirrel: Why thank you for the comment. I though the whole Seto/Ryuuji back lashing was kind of funny. I love writing arguments. People seem to become so much wittier when bickering. I can promise you much more Ryuuji/Seto spites and even some confusion spells {erm, not as in magic spells: me fantasy = "Sou naa!"}!) [MarmaladeGirl: Yeah, people have told me about poor Mei-san's name, so it's not just you. Mei's his last name though, so I didn't see a problem at first. I know a guy with that name and stole it for the fic. I'm glad you like his description.] (Elle-FaTe2x1: Yes, the Yami no Matsuei manga is beautiful… I just can't read it. I don't even think it's officially mine, but I don't plan on broadcasting that too much. I don't have any of the new manga, just some volumes.) [A.K.A. Talentless: I have headaches all the time. Aspirin will kill me though, but I take non-aspirins. I fell asleep trying to write "Plans" the other day. Ergo, Ryou's going through caffeine withdraw too. ::sleepy grin:: I need a nap. When school starts I'll be drinking coffee again. I only get about three to six hours of sleep ::winces:: I need around eight though.] (Sachi-chan: That's almost funny; you have trouble drawing anime boys. Vice versa; I couldn't draw females to save my life. I can draw all the monsters and guys, but not the girls. The best I got was Pegasus - Yes, do your best; draw Ryou and Hato!) [Windswift: Well, I answer all questions. I don't want to confuse the readers. - Yes, the wine thing was a hats off to good ole' Peggy. I was mocking the anime with it's whole Pegasus and Ryuuji contract thing. TEL knows all about it. - The pic idea is driving me up the wall.] (The Evil Laugh: Yes, it was a "hats off" to Peggy. I told you that. And where did "Lucky Ducky" come from? Oddness…. - I fixed the Mei-san thing. People just have to read it.) [Shetan: School ::winces and hides:: how dare you remind me! I had to hunt down my uniform and memorize assignments…. - Oh, the Seto/Ryou, Ryuuji/Seto will maybe surprise you. Surprised me…. ::grin:: I'm plotting… something…. {Ryuuji: She doesn't know what the Hell she's doing.} - The Evil Laugh told me to write a fic for Pikachumanic once, well, she told me to write a Ryuuji fic then spilled later it was for someone. The assigned fic was "Theatrics." I hate that fic, so boring to read, so boring to write, but it got me addicted to the idea of "Ryuuji." Everyone can thank TEL for that. ::blink:: Pikachumanic has lots of fics written for her, doesn't she? - Eee, PM {O.O never knew I could shorten it to that… ::freed::} and I should never get in touch. TEL worships her and I find her fics a bit boring and…long. Just ask Marmalade Girl, I can't truly read "Fairydust" to save my life. - ::wince:: School…. And I still need to write the "Plans" chapter!]
And a nice, big congratulations to Windswift-chan, who has drawn a Ryou and Hato pic for me! Hato's is soo kawaii! ::grins:: If anyone finishes one ::puppy eyes::, e-mail it or send me a link. As soon as I can get my hands on a power adaptor for the scanner, I will host my own work somewhere as I have finished mine. Still, I'd love to see more nice pics. Even TEL is working on one (and kicking my butt with her artistic talents, shimatta).
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Or Die Trying
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-Pigeons-
Ryuuji was glaring at the door to his apartment as he headed for it. Who the hell did Kaiba think he was? What was so wrong with that sadistic bastard's life that he had to take it out on the rest of the world? {A}
As far as Ryuuji cared, Kaiba Seto needed a good shrink.
…That or a well-intentioned kick in the ass.
"Kisama," he muttered, still a distance from the apartment.
Obviously, Ryou wasn't in the greatest mood. He had just been to Kaiba Corp to meet with Seto over his tournament—to discuss the many reasons the event shouldn't be held in Kaiba World. The difficult CEO hadn't allowed Ryuuji into his office, saying he was busy when the dice inventor knew damn well he wasn't. Seto was determined to carry out the proceedings just to infuriate Ryuuji. It was entirely hopeless.
"You look like you're having a great day," a voice commented at Ryuuji's left. He growled slightly, facing the speaker. It was an old man. Ryuuji could tell by his state of clothing that the guy wasn't financially successful.
"Listen, I don't have time for this!" he snapped angrily.
"Time for what?"
"Talking with you."
"But you are," the man mused. Ryuuji sighed, getting even more annoyed.
"Not anymore," he corrected, walking away.
"Boy, that isn't very polite, now is it? You should listen to people more. Maybe you'll realize how disrespectful you are."
"Well I'm not going to listen to you because I don't want to listen to you," Ryuuji snapped. The man just raised an eyebrow slightly.
"That isn't very polite. You should watch what you say."
Ryuuji rolled his eyes at this. "What are you going to do about it? Go ahead, Okina, curse me with your 'magic' street powers. Ack! May I request to be bombarded by pigeons till Kaiba kisses me full on the mouth? I have a severe dislike of both of them. Can't you do that for me?"
"You are very difficult," the man noted, "And your request is very strange."
"Well guess what, Okina. I'm also very gone," Ryuuji added, walking away. The old man shook his head as Ryuuji slammed the door.
"What the hell is wrong with the world?" Otogi asked the mirror reflecting his scowl from across the hall.
Needless to say, he wasn't answered.
Warily, Ryuuji crossed the room. He pressed the button on his answering machine and collapsed into a chair.
"Otogi-san, this is Suzi Tan. It was regretful you could not attend the remainder of last night's convention. We heard about your guest. Please receive our chief condolences on the incident."
Ryuuji smirked. Ryou didn't die.
"Otogi-san, this is Mei Tjiri. If you're there, pick up the phone. I'm waiting…." Ryuuji laughed softly to himself through the pause, "Okay then, Otogi-san, maybe you really aren't home. Listen, this Kaiba thing is going to—"
The machine had cut Mei off. Ryou grinned as another message came through.
"Hi, Otogi-kun. This is Bakura. I'm going to the library to finish some homework. Remember that thing called school? It's Wednesday, Emmi-sensei assigned some new workbook pages. I know you're forgiven with missing class and all, but really. I have your work with me; you can catch up with it all later, okay? Sayonara, Otogi-kun." {B}
Ryuuji smiled slightly thinking about Ryou. The message was two hours old. If he knew Ryou, he'd know Ryou'd still be at the library, finishing everything.
Ryuuji looked at his calendar out of the corner of his eye. Written under the Wednesday slot were a few notes hinting on what should have been done that day, but usually ended up never happening. It was funny, to reflect on the day before and laugh at what you did to evade everything planned. It was really more of a list on what to avoid accomplishing at the highest degree.
"Arrange D-D-D tournament, fire Mei, kill Kaiba," Ryuuji muttered with the notes.
Correction, another use was what Ryuuji would like to do but either couldn't get away with or didn't have the nerve to.
"Make Ryou fall for you."
Ryuuji shook his head at this, the last of the memoranda. That was pure fantasy almost. The white-haired boy never showed any signs of attraction. No matter how hard Ryuuji could try, Ryou just thought it was funny…damn hilarious, actually.
Slowly he crossed out every "to do" with a marker, circling the kill Seto angrily, adding lines and insane symbols to stress the point. He capped the utensil finally, looking around for something else to do.
"This is Bakura. I'm going to the library to finish some homework. I have your work with me; you can catch up with it all later, okay?"
Ryuuji smiled slightly. Sure, he'd catch up with Ryou.
-----
Reading the paper was something Ryuuji usually didn't do, but on the train he always felt entitled to it. There was just something about the atmosphere, so crowded and busy, which made Ryuuji want to join in, do something beneficial to blend. Sitting in one of the few empty seats, he could hear those around him jabbering to friends or cell phones. As well as complimenting the conditions, focusing on the paper kept this noise from annoying him.
"Young man, would you mind moving aside, please?"
Ryuuji didn't even look up at the person talking, "Yes."
"Baka," the speaker muttered. Ryuuji chose to not respond as he turned the page. The local weather was much more interesting than an argument.
Ryuuji spent the entire eight-minute trip not saying a word, but as the train reached the station he was forced to conform to the mass crowd exiting.
"I should have taken a cab," he muttered, looking out the window as the group inched slowly towards the door. Outside was a bothersome flock of birds, each pecking at the ground for crumbs some idiot had left behind.
"Look out!" someone warned, pointing at the window.
Ryuuji jumped back as a large, abused looking pigeon crashed into the glass.
"What the—"
"What was that?"
Ryuuji scowled at himself for startling. "Stupid bird," he muttered, exiting the train at last. He had severely misjudged the length of time it would take a taxi to reach the other half of downtown Domino. If he'd taken one, or even ventured to drive himself, Ryuuji would have arrived a good twenty minutes earlier.
There also would have been less people.
"Shimatta," he snapped, still not in the best mood. A woman frowned at this, her young daughter throwing bread at the pigeons. Ryuuji grinned at her cockily, before making his way to the street.
Outside and away from the birds Ryuuji felt much better. He quickly walked down the cement, making a beeline for the library. Ryou was sure to still be there (though Ryuuji didn't know precisely where) and his friend wanted to surprise him. On most days, just showing up would have been enough to receive Ryou's lasting praise, but Ryuuji didn't feel like that act carried much weight with the fact Ryou had called in advance. No, he had to show up with something he knew Ryou would like, something that would by no means disappoint.
Ryuuji knew what as he passed a grocery. Quickly he stopped and entered, looking around for what he wanted.
It was common knowledge that Bakura Ryou had a fondness for cream puffs. If you didn't know this, then you probably didn't know Ryou. {C} Obviously, Ryuuji was well aware of his crush's favorite food. Those cream injected rounds of baked dough never let him down in delighting his special someone. The white-haired boy was always overjoyed at the gift, making Ryuuji proud of what he did. Spending a bit of money on the treat seemed a stroke of genius after Ryou's reaction.
"Is that all?"
"Uh, yeah," Ryuuji muttered, paying the exact amount and grabbing the bag of cream puffs. He exited the store immediately, not even noting the clerk's 'have a good day.' Ryuuji had to get to library before the cream puffs became too warm. {D}
"Sir, you're spilling."
Ryuuji turned around to the man who'd spoken, "Just what do you think—"
But the man wasn't looking at him. He was watching the trail of food Ryuuji had left.
"Shimatta!" Ryuuji cried, watching a few birds begin pecking at the pastry. He looked down at the bag he was holding, which was considerably lighter than before. One of the street fowl, a dull grey pigeon, began jumping at the hole in the side.
"Hey, that's mine!" Ryou scolded the bird, kicking in its direction and lifting the cream puffs out of reach.
"OI!" he yelled, as the bird flew at the bag. He swung at it drunkenly, only spilling more of the dessert. The bird didn't seem to notice and continued going at the package, stabbing at Ryuuji's hand.
Ryuuji quickly shook it off, but another pigeon flew to take it predecessor's place.
"Itai!" Ryuuji yelped as the talons cut into the flesh. He dropped the bag and the bird, backing away.
The instant the bag touched ground, one of the various pigeon flocks nearby instantly (to put it simply) attacked. Ryuuji watched the voracious fiends peck greedily at the treat. He found he could do nothing as the birds ate and was reduced to glaring.
"Fine, take the lot, I hope it's pigeon poison!" he finally announced, defeated. {E}
Ryuuji continued to the library angrily, ignoring the throbbing sting of his bleeding hand.
So much for trying to be a nice guy….
"Otogi-kun, you okay?"
Ryuuji turned his head at the voice. Ryou looked worried.
"Oh Kami-sama, what happened to your hand?" the boy gasped, noticing the red blood which was still issuing from the scratches.
Ryuuji looked at this as well, muttering inaudibly and shrugging in frustration. Ryou was concerned.
"You need to get that washed," he stated.
"I guess so," Ryuuji consented, letting Ryou lead him to a nearby shop. He was soon inside the place's bathroom with Ryou who had purchase some bandage wrap.
"Che, careful!" he yelped as Ryou tried to put medicine on the small wounds.
"You baka, they're just cuts," Ryou sighed, grabbing Ryuuji's hand again. He held it tightly to keep his friend from jumping back again. Carefully he put the cream over each of the several incisions.
"What got you, a cat?"
"Pigeons," Ryuuji gritted, trying to ignore the searing pain of the medicine taking affect.
"As in more than one?" Ryou asked, confused. He released Ryuuji's hand, looking for the lid to the medicine. Ryuuji handed it to him, answering.
"Yeah, a whole flock."
"That's odd," Ryou remarked, opening the bandages. "Why just your hand though? I thought they'd got for the head, or the eyes. Something around there."
Ryuuji reflected on the cream puffs, but decided not to mention them. It seemed weird to tell Ryou that a flock of deranged city life had abducted his gift.
"Uh, I dunno," Ryuuji shrugged, allowing Ryou to start wrapping his hand.
"Were you feeding them? That might have been an incentive."
Ryuuji had to smirk at this, "Bakura, what makes you think I'd want to support those flying rats? They waddle around, too fat to fly, looking like hell, and people feed them for it. The better looking ones are the smart ones; don't mess with people, live longer."
"Hats off to them," Ryou muttered, shaking his head.
"Oi, not so tight, 'Kura," Ryuuji complained as Ryou kept casing the cuts.
"Gomen," the white haired boy apologized. Ryuuji nodded at this and waited silently for him to finish. He watched Ryou's motions as he continue wrapping the hand carefully. It was nice that Ryou took so much consideration for a friend. Unfortunately, Ryuuji's injury only went so far and Ryou was soon finished.
"There, Otogi-kun, all patched up," Ryou announced, letting go of the other's hand slowly. Ryuuji was trying to find something to say for this. Personally he didn't want Ryou to be leaving now that his hand was bandaged. He wanted Ryou to stay longer.
"Good! Arigatou," he thanked, "So, do you still have my homework, or did you get so bored you did it for me?"
Ryou shook his head at this, "You wish, Otogi-kun. It's still in my bag."
Ryuuji nodded, following Ryou out. They were soon on the sidewalk again with Ryou looking through his books.
"What time is it?" Ryuuji asked.
"Almost five, why?" Ryou asked, checking his watch.
"Well, I don't know about you, but I need to get something to eat." Ryuuji informed him.
Ryou sighed at this, shaking his head in amusement. He closed his book bag and stood up, "Fine, I'll go with you, Otogi-kun. You're worse than Jounouchi."
"Hey, a person must eat."
-----
"I should start going to school more often," Ryuuji noted, looking through his assignments, "I don't understand any of this."
"I quite agree," Ryou said while Ryuuji flipped through the papers, confusion becoming more and more eminent in his face.
"Don't worry, I wrote you some explanations, inserts from my class notes. Just study them," Ryou consoled him, pointing out certain tabbed sheets. Ryuuji looked over everything, taking in a basic understanding.
"Oh…" he muttered as realization dawned, progressing to the chemistry directions. Lucky for him, Ryou had most of the same classes.
"See, Otogi-kun, it's not as confusing as it may look."
Ryuuji nodded along with this as someone called out their meal number. "Food!" he cheered, attention diverted easily to the arrival of their order. Ryuuji shot up eagerly to claim the food while Ryou sighed.
"Otogi-kun, the hamburgers are coming, you can sit down now," Ryou groaned. Ryuuji obeyed, eyeing the tray as it approached. The waitress smiled politely at this, thinking his interest was in her. She was proved wrong, however, as the tray entered Ryuuji's arm length.
"Hungry much?" she asked as Ryuuji took his burger, opened the wrapping, and began inhaling the food…all in less than five seconds. He ignored her completely.
"Don't worry," Ryou reassured her, "I'm sure if he weren't so shamelessly shoving half a burger down his gullet, he'd be complementing your effort."
"Er, quite…"
The girl walked off, perplexed. Ryou shook his head and looked at Ryuuji hopelessly.
"You know, a thank you is customary when food has been delivered."
"You don't eat for ten hours and get attacked by pigeons, then tell me what's customary or not," Ryuuji finally answered.
"You don't have to be a jerk about it," Ryou defended, "It's not like the world decided to launch a flock of birds on you—or was keeping you from having lunch."
Ryuuji admitted he did see Ryou's point.
"Fine, I'll leave a tip," he caved. Ryou chose to settle with this, as Ryuuji hardly left tips unless he'd taken an eye to the server (exclusively females). The few times he did for any other reason were never fair anyway, but that was apparently too much to ask of the wealthy game inventor.
"Wow, you still have a quarter of the burger in your hands, Otogi-kun, I'm impressed," Ryou commented.
"I bend over backwards for you, and you're impressed by the remainder of my dinner? Apparently I try too hard."
Ryou blushed at this, tentatively lifting his burger. Ryuuji grinned, suddenly forgetting his own. It seemed the opportune time to ask Ryou out…again. {Ego: Everyone wince on cue, please—he's attempted this many times before.}
"Bakura," he began before admitting he had no idea what to say next if he was planning to follow through with his unexpected inspiration. Ryou looked up to him attentively and Ryuuji's mind went even further blank. For a few seconds he entertained the notion of writing a note instead, but now he had nothing better to do than plunge right in. Maybe if he treated the whole asking out idea seriously for once Ryou would agree. {F}
"I was wondering if maybe you an—"
CRASH!
"Eeee!" Ryou yelped with Ryuuji, both jumping back from the window. A fat gray pigeon had just slammed loudly into the glass near Ryuuji.
"Bakayaro!" Ryuuji screeched, looking at the bird outside. He was angry at the comatose fowl for interrupting him and ruining things again. "Really, what's wrong with these pigeons?" he growled.
"Oh Kami-sama, do you think it's okay?" Ryou asked. Unlike his friend, the white-haired boy was worried.
Ryuuji blinked at Ryou. Apparently he held no spite for the bird. Quickly Ryuuji calmed himself down to a level of disbelieving exasperation.
Why the pigeons? Why now? Couldn't they show some style and wait 'til after he asked Ryou on a date? This was going to get very frustrating very fast.
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Lettered Notes:
{A}: I don't know if Ryuuji really lives in a flat. He just will in this fic.
{B}: Emmi; the name of my mother's favorite horse. ::frowns and sticks tongue out:: The mare's Satan in equine from, I swear.
{C}: I dunno, every foggen 'Kura shrine I see has that, so I'm assuming none of you will object. Personally, I'm not a big fan of the dessert, but my mom is. ::glares at refrigerator:: I've considered sticking Ryou into the frig so I can have éclairs instead (can't move on to éclairs 'til the cream puffs are gone and there are maybe seven trays—I think Ryou could do it). We have forty servings of cream puffs and five people. That's like eight servings each… longer than a week! ::Ego dies::
{D}: Cream puffs are generally better cold. The stuff inside isn't too great warm. Same thing with éclairs. ::winces:: Boy have I made some mistakes…. (They taste great frozen though!)
{E}: Can pigeons eat that kind of stuff? The shell is probably okay, but I'm not so sure about the cream filling.
{F}: I hate notes for asking people out. Some are so pathetic; I feel sorry for the guys (yeah, more chicks read and write fanfics than guys [unless you're my bro ::cringes::], so I'm assuming you people can relate—to a level).
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Translations:
Note on Translations: Well, there were a few new words this chapter. That's not too bad.
Okina – Old man, venerable (sarcasm intended, but it isn't a very sarcastic word…oops)
Sensei - (lit?) Teacher
Oi - Hey
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Next Chapter: Seto, the antagonist! ::happy grin:: And a dove attacks! ::grin turns to a sadistic smirk:: I feel kind of sorry for Ryou later on, I mean, who wants Seto Kaiba hitting on them? ::grins at rabid fan girls and listens to a chorus of gleeful screams:: …Or wait….
Please review! I'm going insane!
::runs off to go find Yami no Malik-SAMA::
See? I came up with Seto/Yami no Malik and I almost wrote it.
::Seto runs opposite direction screaming:: Yeah, I told Kaiba-kun he would be uke, and he freaked. I just can't picture insane (insanely sexy) Yami no Malik under anyone. He's pure psychopathic seme material. And just picture him with Seto, how wonderful the mental image is.! ::is picturing Yami no Malik pinning Kaiba down on top of airship with zero shame—though Kaiba looks a bit tense:: See, wrote my thoughts so you'd have something to work with. All those drooling and not poking their eyes out, say "aye." ::looks to reviews::
Randomness: ::came to me whilst mowing the lawn:: We should have synchronized lawn mowing. No, listen, I told TEL, and I really think it might work. Think, wouldn't it be cool? This thing could be a sport. I was thinking riding law mowers, but push ones could maybe work too. I only need to find some who'll take the lot seriously, then it can really fly…or, mow. I'm trying to get TEL to come over and borrow the neighbor's mower to work on a routine.
The mental image is interesting; two riding lawn mowers doing figure eight and junk to "Iris" or "Dust In the Wind."
I dunno, after sitting in the hot sun for two hours cutting grass for the lawn from HELL, you begin to think things. In fact, I came up with a Kamui/Subaru last week (X/1999) while whipping around a few trees at speed five (::rolls eyes:: the highest, so fast…living dangerously over here, man), and today a Muraki/Tatsumi (Yami no Matsuei) while refueling. Neither has been written…yet.
::sadistic grin::
::glares at mower:: A routine for a shift-stick might prove difficult. I wish that hunk a' junk where more like a car. I want pedals! Lets go beyond the shift, baby!
-Ling no Yong-