God the Grand (e): Behold! We don't own the Yu-Gi-Ohness! Nope, nope!
Gandalf: But enjoy anyways!
..:..:..
I curled up into a ball, sighing into my pillow for the millionth time today. It's been a week since the fight between Marik and I; and the same amount of days since Ryou's said a word to me. I think back to that Sunday evening, when all hell broke loose.
.flashback.
I sighed, opening the door to the messy apartment, a strange air in the room as I shut the door, pondering exactly what was going on. Everything seemed so strange. All the lights were turned off, and things were quiet; too quiet. Something was definitely funny.
As I stepped into the living room, I screamed as something jumped me and I fell to the floor with a thud. A gasp emitted as I felt a cold fist against my cheek, and vicious lilac eyes glaring down at me.
"M, M, Marik?" I stuttered out, a hand unconsciously reaching for my abused cheek.
"Why the hell would you do something like that; why? You're supposed to be my best friend, you asshole!" He hollers, spit flying into my face. My bottom lip twitches. Why would I do something like I did? He hits me again; teeth clenching. I could taste the bitter blood dripping from my gums, swallowing. Actually, it wasn't all that bad...
"WHY!?!" He barks, insane eyes glaring.
"I, I don't know Marik!"
"Why the hell would you take the one thing I loved more than anything away? WHY?" He tries to hit me again, butt his time I'm smart enough to block it.
"And as if that wasn't bad enough, my fucking whore of a boyfriend tells you he's a hooker, but forgets somehow to mention it to me, yet he tells you, and you didn't say shit? You asshole, what kind of a friend are you?" His nails dug into my shoulders, causing delicate skin to break. I growled and pushed him off.
"He's not a hooker, he's a stripper and it wasn't my place to tell!" I shouted, trying to get up but finding my self once again pinned to the ground.
"Oh, big fucking difference! You still hid it from me even know you KNEW it was my boyfriend! You lied to me, your best friend of five years, just so you could make the boy you'd known what, a month, happy?! So fucking low..." He trails off in a low, threatening tone as he tries to strike me again. I punch him in the side and find away to wriggle out of his grasp.
"Much of a best friend you are, you're trying to fucking kill me right now, atop of all the other shit you've put me through!" I proclaim in defense, scrambling to my feet. He grabs a hold of my leg again, pulling me down.
"I would've fucking told you if your boyfriend was whoring behind your back! And then you try and steal Ryou away from me, just because you thought he'd be good in bed? And you FORCE poor Malik into your cruel plan too? Now you've stooped to Seto's level; blackmailing Malik to do your dirty work! You cocktease!" He hits me in the chest, and I give him a big ol' kick in the balls, causing him to screech as I push his body off of me.
"That little bitch Malik! He friggin lied! All this was his damn idea, not mine! He's the one who made the stupid plan! He WANTED to steal you away from Ryou, not me!!"
"Yeah, but that didn't stop you from doing it anyways now did it, Bakura?" He full on attacks me, arms punching, legs kicking, bodies squirming, me trying to get him the hell off. Your cursing and fighting went on for a couple of minutes until the next thing I knew, Yami and Yugi were pulling Marik off me, restraining him.
"Let me fucking go Yami, I gonna kill em'!" Marik barks, kicking and wriggling.
"Don't you dare friggin let him go, Yami! He fucking full-on attacked me!" I growled out, panting as a soft pair of amethyst eyes set on me, half worried, half angry.
"And he deserves it too! Did you hear what he planned? Did you know Ryou told him he was a stripper, but somehow forgot to tell me too?? He blackmailed Malik, too! Tried to get him to keep me busy while that asshole over there tried to steal Ryou away from me right under my own nose!"
"I DID NOT BLACKMAIL HIM, IT WAS HIDS OWN DAMN IDEA!"
"BUT THT DOESN'T MATTER, YOU STILL PLOTTED AGAINST ME AND TRIED TO STEAL MY BOYFRIEND ANYWAYS!"
"Shut up, both of you!" Yugi screams, wild orbs staring at us.
"I don't know what this is about, but you guys don't need to fight over it like this! Can't we just talk it out or something?" Yugi asks quietly, eyes flickering with compassion. Sigh. Poor naive Yugi...
"Yugi's right Marik, this is ridiculous!" Yami says with an angry sigh, sick of dealing with stupid shit like this.
"What the hell ever! Sure, just take his side Yami, you always do! Go with him, whatever! You are the worst fucking friends and I hate you both! TRAITORS!" Marik yells as he pushes the two of them off, jumps to his feet, and stomps out of the apartment into the rainy Sunday evening, slamming the door.
.end flashback.
After that I felt so horrible I haven't had the guts to face Marik, let alone say a word to him. Yami says he'll get over it but it doesn't really matter; because I don't think things will ever be the same. What I did was horrible, and so wrong... I was supposed to be his friend, but there I was trying to steal Ryou from him... and Ryou. Oh god, if I had a penny for every time his face has come to my mind. I feel horrid, and I don't expect he'll ever forgive me... I want to talk to him so much, but I know it's not possible, seeming as how he hates me now. I wish I could explain things to him, work this all out... I WANT to make this work, but know it never will. I feel so guilty, it makes me unable to eat, or do much of anything. Not to mention my body aches, and my face is bruised all to hell from being turned into a punching bag.
I can't talk to either of them anyways, Yami and Katsuya both say Marik is still extremely angry, slamming doors and not saying a word to anyone. As for Ryou, I can't do it just yet... As for Malik, the word KILL immediately flashes in my mind. He had the nerve to call a few days back and tell me I screwed everything up, when it was all HIS fault. After all, he's the one who told Mai, who just so HAPPENED to let it slip out to Shizuka, who 'accidentally' told Anzu who ratted to Marik.
I can't really blame all this on that broad though, the girl's never told a lie, and she's been known to be a horrible secret keeper. I still haven't a clue who told Ryou though, but I'm just guessing it was that it was Marik.
I groan hearing a soft padding at my door. This weekend has been nothing but a 'Let's Pity Bakura cause he's an idiot!' fest. Yugi and Yami won't leave Marik and me alone. They even tried to trick us into seeing a movie together, but I said hell no. They tried saying Marik wanted to be friends with me again, which I could hardly believe. Their plan backfired when said blonde walked through the door, took one angry look at me, and stormed back out.
Yami says he wonders how Marik and I have barely come in contact with each other this week since we live in the same apartment. It's quite simple really. I'm guilty, so I stay locked in my bedroom day in and out, only coming out for the bathroom, school, and late night snack trips. He's angry as hell. So he stays in his room, doing the same as me, but always making sure never to do it at the same time. I haven't even taken a shower in a week, and it's starting to show. The grease from my hair is like dripping on my pillow.
"Bakura?" A soft, feminine voice calls. I roll me eyes, Oh great. Yugi has called the 'Optimistic glass-is-always-half-full cheer up' crew; AKA Katsuya, Anzu, and perhaps the worst. Hiroto. Thankfully they sent Anzu to me. After all, they had to send the other two for Marik, that way if he murders one, there's backup.
"What is it Anzu?"
"Well, I heard you weren't doing too well, so Jou, Honda, and I decided to come and stop by for a while o see how you and Marik are doing," she says softly, making a small dent in my mattress as she sits down, slim legs crossed over the other.
"In other words, you guys came over to annoy the hell out of us until we get so agitated we HAVE to leave just to get away from you?" I retort, rolling onto my back so I can see all of her. Anzu looks down, seemingly hurt a bit by my comment.
"Anzu, Yugi needs you for something," Honda says, treading into my room.
"Okay, well, I'll be back Bakura," she says, lifting herself up and brushing imaginary dirt off her pleated light pink miniskirt.
"Really, it isn't necessary," I mumble, turning over to face the wall, a sudden urge to upchuck at the sight of Hiroto.
"Bakura, hey..." Honda says in an awkward tone, the tone you'd use to talk to someone you'd just been through a HUGE breakup with.
"Fuck. Hiroto, just get out," I grumble, pulling a pillow over my head as not to hear any of the crap that's going to fumble out of his mouth within a few second's time.
He sits at the edge of my bed, a small sigh escaping his lips. "Bakura, I heard what you did to Ryou. Bakura, does-does this have to do with me?" He asks, oak eyes staring curiously at me.
"What the hell do you think?" I snap, head coming out of its burrow to glare at him.
"I, I do think this has to do with us." I blink. How friggin stupid is he?!
"I think you're envious I've found happiness outside of you. You, you're still in love with me, aren't you Bakura?" Hiroto asks sadly, eyes still gazing mournfully at me.
"No! Honda, I barely like you, and our relationship only lasted a week, a week I wish I could take back! When will you get it through your thick skull I don't love you?"
"The day you start telling the truth Bakura! You're in love with me still, AREN'T YOU?!?"
"NO YOU IDIOT, JUST GET OUT, PLEASE!" I holler, finger pointing threateningly at the door.
"Bakura, don't get so angry. Its ok, I know breakups need time. Hey, I've been there before, I know!" He says comfortingly, smiling slightly at me.
"No, you don't know Hiroto, and don't think for a second you EVER will. Something this dumb has never happened to you! You didn't willingly throw yourself into a position you knew would end in nothing but problems and heartache!" He gasps and jumps onto me, hugging me tightly.
"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!"
"Bakura, I'm sorry our relationship hurt you that deeply! I'd take it all back if I could but... you know UI can't! I love Ryuuji now, don't you see? Bakura you need to stop trying to make me jealous because... I love Ryuuji with all my heart, you know? And he's sick of this ongoing competition with you over me. It isn't fair to any of us Bakura; it just isn't!" He wails, clinging to me tightly.
"Do you even listen to the words that come out of my mouth? Honda, we dated over two months ago and the minute you dumped me I was so relieved, because it meant I didn't have to get rid of you that same night like I was planning on! I didn't want you, I didn't love you, and I still don't! I want Ryou! I want him so much it hurts; I wanted to do whatever it took to get him to be mine and look! Now he's as far away from being mine as they come! At least when we were friends, I could still see him, but now everything is fucked up! And Marik won't talk to me either! They both loathe me Honda. But I guess I deserve it, right? It was my mistake and now I'm paying, even if Malik isn't. I deserve all this... don't I?" I snarl, pushing him away from me and diving back under the covers, away from eyes to view.
"Bakura, I...I can't do this anymore! I've gotta go!" He cries, making a dramatic leave as always. His feet stomp on the floor as he rushes out of my room, and I slightly smile, glad to be rid of that block head. I look around my room, groaning as I realize the door isn't shut. I sigh, stretching out, and rolling to the edge, getting to my feet. As I rise to go get the door, Seto walks in. Hm, he must need a babysitter.
"If you're going to ask for a sitter, the answe-"
"Shut it Bakura! I've no time for your crap today! I heard what went down between Ryou, Malik, Marik, and you. And all I have to say is you are all lame. Bakura, you've always been a 'seemingly' nice person, next thing I know you're blackmailing and breaking hearts just to get you're way... RIGHT ON!" Seto exclaims, a crazy grin crossing his lips.
"Seto, I didn't blackmail anyone, and throughout hurting people to get my way, I ended up with nothing in return, except for three people who are on the verge of forming a 'Let's Slice and Dice Bakura with our Miracle Blade' club," I say softly, glancing to Seto from my pillow. He sighs.
"So you fucked up this time... maybe next time you degrade people to get your way things will run smoother, I know they did for me! After all, look what I do now! My job is full of slenderizing, humiliating, and degrading people!" He says cheerfully, giving me his come-and-get-um smirk.
"But I didn't mean to hurt anyone I just-" Seto rolls suddenly agitated ice blue orbs.
"Bakura, what you did was bound and determined top piss someone off, I mean look what Shizuka did when she found out her brother and I were together! She beat the shit out of him," he says, grimacing.
"He was beat all to hell." I blink. Why would Shizuka openly kick her brother's ass? She used to adore the blonde headed idiot.
"That's great, but it still doesn't help me get Ryou or Marik to like me again," I say, pulling my comforter tightly around me. Seto sighs, a look of sympathy in his eyes as he peers at me.
"No it doesn't. All you can really do is apologize, and do it sincerely. Don't beg for forgiveness, ask for it. Begging is a sign of weakness, that's what dogs do to get food. You don't want to make Ryou thinks he owns you; you want to look dignified, and sharp. Kinda like me if I think of it," he says, eyes gazing dreamily up at the ceiling.
"Uh, anyway, just apologize, and if he doesn't accept, well, you're fucked and doomed to be heart broken forever then! Either way, I have a busy day today, so I must be off!" He says hopping up from my bed and striding out of the room, silver trench coat flailing behind him. I stare at the doorway dazedly. It almost seemed for a good few seconds; Seto was actually trying to help.
I sigh and turn over in my dim room, staring up at the ceiling. Maybe he's right, maybe I should apologize, and just try and get out of this. I glance to the door that was left open a jar, suddenly hearing screaming noises.
"GET THE FUCK OUT! I DON'T WANT TO FUCKING MAKE UP WITH BAKURA; I WANT HIM TO DIE, DIIIEEEE! JUST GET OUT BEFORE I TAKE OUT MY MACHETTE AND WIP ALL YA'LLS ASSES!" Suddenly I hear apologies, and the slam of the front door, and Marik's bedroom. Gulp. Maybe apologizing right now isn't a good idea.
I find myself slipping out of the conscious world, only thinking of Ryou's sweet face. For some reason, just the thought of him soothes me, even if he doesn't like me anymore. I smile slightly remembering when I got to hold him in my arms and sleep next to his gorgeous self, a small smile across his features as he slept so soundly only a week ago. I wonder how he's doing now, and if he got to keep his job. GAH! I need him so badly, I sigh one last time before falling into a light doze, hoping someday soon this will all work out.
..:..:..
God: Not the best, not the worst, but its one chapter closer!
Gandalf: To next chapter, which is the last!
God: Yesh, next chapter ends the 'Stripped' legacy! -sob, sniffle, sniffle-
Greebo the Dragon: What will we do after that?!?! -runs around in circles, finally running into a wall-
God: Eh, we'll see... anyways, reviews!
Interlude: The rhythm is a dancer! -nods- Malik's idea wasn't the brightest, but Bakura somehow ended up with the wrap. Malik's a sneaky blonde, oh yes! And yes you should always hear the other side of the story, because you never know, the truth is out there man, right on! Glad you liked, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter too!
December jewel: Marik told, but if you want, you can blame Anzu, because the majority tend not to like my poor Apricot girl...
Anzu: Eep! -goes into hiding-
Sorry things seem to be all tumbling down for Bakura, but I promise next chapter will make things sunny again!
Dark Magician Girl/ Hikaru: Ack, I feel sorry for poor Malik-chan, I think he's gonna end up dead now... him and his evil schemes! Mwar! I'm glad you liked the chapter though! Much love!
Nite Nite: Aw! -tackles- I'm glad you really like it buddy! Oi, why was Ry wearing a miniskirt? CROSSDRESSSER!
Bakura: You're just jealous cause he looks better in a skirt than you do. -snickers and returns to 'playing' with Ryou-
Ryou: -giggle- That tickles!
Oi! -sweatdrop- Anyways, glad you like!
Bakuras-Hell: Eh, you can blame it on Anzu and murder her for now, she has no more part sin this story... the real caller though was Marik... but I need him for next chapter! -crosses fingers- So stay back demons! -cough- Anyway, things will get better next chapter, promise! Thanks for the cookies and -hands a tissue- Don't worry, be happy!
Uoyr's Lover: I did it! It's out, it's out, it's out! -jumps up and down- One more chapter and this bag of bones is done! Then I can go work on the bazillion other stories I'm doing. -sweatdrop- Aw, and don't cry! I'd hope you wouldn't cry, the stuff you write is sadder than mine! ( and I mean sad in a good way like cry, cry sad, not sad as in bad sad -sweatdrop- just though I'd make that clear! ) Anyways, good luck to you too amigo and much love!
Ashuri chan: Heh, don't tire yourself out by running too long! I promise things will get better, just stick around for the final chapter! AKA the next one! Much love, and I'm glad you liked the last chapter home slice!
Carmen5-Nemrac: Marik told, but please don't be too mad at him... He's only an insane blonde after all! He didn't know any better! Heh, I hope you both have lovely days and of course I'll update soon!
Slave4kai: Aw, don't worry dearest, don't cry! Things will get better just wait for next chapter! -whisper, whisper- Ryou doesn't really hate Bakura, he just thinks he did. -sweatdrop- Anyways, glad you loved, and I love you too man!
O.o The Yu-Gi-Oh Freak o.: Muah, so how much money are we talking about the acre I wanna buy for 'love'? Gandalf says he'll put a down payment of a zillion cupcakes! Hehe, and of course I'm interested in some 'bunnies' especially some semi-automatic ones! Love ya kid, and have a great day!
Sailor InuYasha: Aw... well, I'm glad you like the fic though you don't like everyone's favorite turquoise-haired freak! Update soon of course I'll do, and much love darlin'!
Ragna01: Nope, it wasn't good for Bakura! Things'll get better though, you'll see!
Yugi-obsessed: -nods- Very weird things.. Like pants that have a hole in the back so you can show off your thong. -sweatdrop- Anyways, glad you liked the chapter!
Chrysler: Aw, I'm glad you think it rocked, you rock too, you know? -nods- That was the climax, and this is the slow resolving thing! Woot! One more chapter and this thing is taking the highway to the Yu-Gi-Oh fan fiction retirement center! Marik called Ryou, but if you want like I said, blame the Anzu-chan... she's of no use for this story anymore anyway! And of course I'll keep updating soon, a few more days and you'll have the last chapter for this, promise! Hopefully, it'll be the best chapter of them all, but first I need to write it. -sweatdrop- Anyways, have a grand little day!
Snow-shadow-wolf: Really, you like this story best of my fics? -shrug- I opt for 'Summer Lovin' more, I think I put just a tad more effort into it! Well, you had more people over than I had in a year! -sweatdrop- I really only have about four friends and three of them hate one so, it doesn't work out so well having them all together. -shrug- Anyways, hope you're having fun with your friends!
LYNNSTORYTELLER: Ugh, I keep forgetting to send you those links for the stories! -writes it down so she won't forget... again- Ryou's not so much confused, he's pissed! He has it out for Bakura...
Ryou: -hides under Bakura's bed with shotgun- When I get my hands on him he's gunna...
-sweatdrop- Anyway, have a great day!
Angel Reaper: WAH! -cry, cry, sniffle- Don't call me bad.. -sniff- I just did it for the plot! Hey, actually the cell phone call does seem like something Seto would do! Weird stuff! Anyways, things will get better soon, I promise! Much love!
citcat-chan: Aw, don't kill the Baku-plushie! -saves it- Things'll get better I promise darlin! Don't take it out on the toy! Heh, anyways, update soon I will do!
Dilandau's Best Slayer: Ack! -chokes, is being strangled- Heh, of course I'll update soon, and thanks for unstrangling me! Heh, have fun 'splodeing, and later days buddy! Glad you liked!
Hieilover2004: -nods- I agree, Ryou should've hit Bakura harder, he deserves a broken nose for what he did to the poor Sweetie-pie Ryou! Heh, and Seto wouldn't have called, he secretly likes Bakura too much to do something that mean! Marik called actually -shrug- I was thinking of having it be Mali though! Evil blonde cute kitten! Grreh! Anyways, have a lovely day buck-o!
Akiko-saulii: Ack! -hides- Please don't kill me, if you kill me, I can't end the story! -sweatdrop- Please don't kill Marik because he wanted to tell his ex-boyfriend of the horrible deeds Malik and he were planning! Marik called Ryou, but as I said blame Anzu, for she doesn't have to appear in the next chapter! Aw, and sorry, but that was impossible to update by Friday, I have like six other stories going at the same time/that I'm writing, so two updates in the same week for 'Stripped' are kinda unlikely! I'm glad you really like my stuff though... and I really like your stuff too, but you didn't update! -gasp- All well, I'll just bug you when you get back! Hope your having fun North Carolina (that was it right ; )!
Elle-Fate2x1-2: Marik called my dear, Seto's not quite mean enough for that; he actually semi-likes the Kuraness! Muah! Welcome, and have a great day!
Rach-Chan: Heh, it's ok, I forgive the non-reviewness! And as for sympathizing with Baku... you must be crazy, because it is sort of his fault! You should be on Ryou's side, I say he did the right think! He bitch slapped em'! Woot!
Enjeru: Hehe, Bakura is as soft as a body, he even wears bunny Pjs to bed!
Bakura: -snuggles with a white bunny plushie in his bunny footie pajamas-
Ryou: -hearts in eyes- SO CUTE!! -tackles Bakura-
Anyway, glad you liked the chapter and of course I'll update soon!
Kawaii Chibi Kitty Angel: Oi, I'm glad Tomas liked it! He's a swingin' cool cat, ne? Anyways, have a lovely day KCKA!
goddesskali: I'm glad you liked the chapter fluff bucket! Anyways, of course I'll update soon and have a fabulous day!
Shinigami: Nuuu! -shrieks- You can't kill Marik cause of the phone call, besides, then Malik will be sad! And he's too cute to make cry, even if he is a bit of an ass! Just... hold killing Marik until next chapter, then you can murder him all you want! Hehe, much love, and I need my Seto-muse back soon, I think they're going back to the country next chappie!
Kyrian: -huggles back- Ack, Bakura would make a horrible stripper, he's a sexy beast, but a little too intimidating for the job of a stripper; after all, would you really want him to give you a lap dance? -sweatdrop- Actually it may be better if you don't answer... Ryou's the sweeter type, he's cute, and more of a tease which equals a good stripper! Too bad he gets fired. Hm... it would kind of seem like something Noa would do, but nope! It's all Marik I'm afraid! I'm glad you like the story, and -cackles- no, I don't write 'Make Like a Banana', Ochodre does silly bean!
hAdOwCat: Update soon I'll do, and sorry that Marik ruined everything with his call! Glad you liked last chapter, an hope you feel the same about this one too!
Princess Hallie: Ack! I heart you too your royal highness! Marik called if you didn't figure it out, and no, Marik won't kill Bakura, if he did... then Ryou and he could never get back together, and that would be a horrid ending! Update soon I will do my friend, and have a great day!
Obscured Illusions: Kate the great! Heh, I don't think you could sleep IF I did update! The same reviewers huh? -will have to go read your reviews and read your story after this is finished and such- No! -hugs- And it will be resolved, next chapter of course! Hope your new mangas are great and have a bea-uuu-tiful day!
Saiyo's Dark Rainstorm: Aw, it's okay, things will get better, and I promise I'll update soon!
Yugi and Mai: Gah! Hola amigos! I do remember you, you used to review my one SolomonxPegasus story! I missed ya! Of course it's ok for not reviewing, I don't review some of the stories I read! (though I probably should) Well, since this story is AU (though it is not in the title!) Marik WOULD be the Yami, and Malik the Hikari! Bakura and Ry will get together next chapter of course, and I had already guessed your favorite couple was YamixYugi, though I think you've told me before! I'm glad you like the story and of course I'll update soon!
P.S. The Yu-Gi-Oh movie comes out where I am (in the US) the same day it does for you, the 13th! Much love!
SnowIce: -nods- Bakura and Ryou are just right for each other amigo/a! No worries, they'll get together, and I'm glad you like the chapter! Of course I'll update soon darlin', and have a great day!
Gandalf: Thanks everyone for the fabulous, fabulous reviews!
God: -nod- They're great and so are all of you!
Gandalf: Yessiirree micbob! Welp, see ya'll next chapter!
Gandalf: -nod, nod- And later days of course!
Greebo: Buh bye our little palm trees!
And of course a thanks to my beta, Obscured Illusions! You rock Kate, the great!