Well, as per songficcyness, the songs used to inspire me to this chapter are as follows:
'Last Time Forever' - Squeeze
'Bright Eyes' - Art Garfunkel
'Time to say Goodbye' - Andrea Bochelli (thanks to Ash for that one *huggle*)
'Eventide' - Chris Michell and Stuart Gordon
In this chapter, I make reference to the Omachi virus, a virus of my own creation, as well as events from a previous fic. Those of you haven't should go and read 'Bright Eyes' before this chapter, it's very angsty and will make this chapter make a whole lot of sense. It's only a one-shot, so it won't take long! And if you don't like angst... you don't wanna read this one.
Now, on with the reviews! I noticed a few of you think Serenity's gonna come along and save Mokuba... just have a lil wait and see ^_^
To 'Azumi': *blinks* Thanks... methinx!
To 'Yuki KIKI': Yeah, but that's good writers... you've probably already got the whole fic sussed! ^_^
To 'tsunamiscurse': *hides*
To Nanashii no Miko: I'm so sorry...
To BakuraslittlediscipleofEvil: You liked it? Cool ^_^ *accepts Pixie sticks happily* Hope you like this one too! And say hi to Yugilina for me!
To silver-fox20: *blink* You'll see...
To Ranma Higurashi: Here's the update
To thornangel: *huggle* it's okay... just have some tissues nearby for this one, okay?
*sigh* Here's the ficcie... *wanders off somewhere to sob quietly*
*~*~*~*~*~*
The friends all sat in an isolated waiting room, an uncomfortable silence enveloping them. Seto was being held by Jou, his head buried in Jou's chest, crying silently as his love stroked his hair. Jou knew how much this was upsetting Seto - both from experience and because he'd seen first-hand how close Seto and Mokuba were. He knew there wasn't anything he could say that would help. All he could do was be there for him.
Yugi also looked ready to cry. He was the one who'd found Mokuba, who'd not done anything when Mokuba had complained about feeling unwell, who hadn't been able to do anything when Mokuba collapsed. What if he had done something? What if he'd listened to Mokuba? What if he'd found him sooner, instead of pausing to feel sorry for himself? Yugi knew it was irrational, but he somehow felt partly to blame for Mokuba's current condition. Yami, seeing how upset he was, held Yugi in a tight embrace. He was upset as well, but didn't want to let on for Yugi's sake, as well as Seto's and Jou's.
The other four sat on a row of chairs opposite Seto and Jou. They all looked upset to varying degrees, and spent most of the time staring at their hands, or the floor, or the walls. Anything to avoid eye contact with anyone else.
Eventually, Malik broke the silence. Standing up, he murmured, "I'm just going to the bathroom…" and began walking to the door. He heard clothes rustling behind him, and Bakura's voice, a faint whisper. "I'll go too…" he stated, before following Malik out the door.
A few moments after they left, a doctor walked in, a grim look on his face, and asked, "Which of you is Seto Kaiba?"
Seto slowly lifted his head and turned to face the doctor. "I am." His voice began to tremble. "W… what's wrong with my… my brother?"
The doctor looked at his clipboard. "Well, preliminary tests show that Mokuba has caught a variant strain of the Omachi virus. It -"
A sob was heard from Seto and Anzu, and a gasp from Yugi and Ryou. At the same time Jou pulled Seto in tighter, for both of them, as Yami interrupted the doctor. "We know about the Waiting virus. I had it."
The doctor cleared his throat uncomfortably, and continued. "The cold and wet has weakened Mokuba's immune system… we can't tell what his chances of survival are." When no-one said anything, he walked to the door and held it open. "If you'll follow me, I can show you to his room."
*~*~*~*~*~*
Seto sat by Mokuba's bed, holding his clammy hand gently. The tears his eyes held prevented him being able to see Mokuba properly, and he was grateful. He saw Mokuba's blurred outline, and could make out his thick black hair. He could also make out lots of tubes and wires attached to him. He didn't know how Yugi had been able to even look at Yami when he'd been in this situation, the heart-wrenching sight before him coupling with the fear of what might be to create an all-encompassing shroud of despair. Seto was only dimly aware of Jou holding his other hand, and certainly didn't know who else was in the room.
Yugi stood at the foot of the bed, Yami beside him with a hand on either of Yugi's shoulders. Tears also filled Yugi's eyes, both out of pity and heartache for Seto and because of the memories this brought back. Mokuba looked so much like Yami did - ashen-faced, unmoving, lifeless. But for the faint, hitched rise and fall of his chest, Mokuba could have already been dead. Yugi truly understood what Seto was going through, as did Jou, and either of them would have given anything to alleviate Seto's pain. But they couldn't - all they could do was wait and see if Mokuba would pull through.
Anzu was the only other person in the room, as Ryou had excused himself to go and find Malik and Bakura. He hadn't been able to face seeing Mokuba without having his yami and his koi by his side. Anzu stood at Mokuba's bedside, opposite Seto and Jou. She forcibly held back her tears as she looked down at the delicate figure before her, as pale and still as a porcelain doll. 'Mokuba…' Anzu closed her eyes, but the image still haunted her. 'This can't be happening to you… You're so young, so pure, so innocent… just like Serenity was…' Anzu felt another, stronger wave of emotion flow over her, and she swallowed and screwed her face up, forcibly preventing a sob that threatened. She was the only person not immediately affected by what was happening, and she had to be strong for the others.
'Mokuba… please get through this… We couldn't take losing another, not after Serenity… Nearly losing Yami was bad enough. You're the little brother Jou never had, and the only family Seto has left Mokuba… Please, pull through this for them, if not for us… please…'
'They need you…'
*~*~*~*~*~*
Ryou stood in the waiting room, not sure what to do. Bakura and Malik still hadn't returned, and they needed to know where to go. However much he wanted to be with the others to support them, he knew he couldn't do it without those two by his side. Deciding he'd be best to go and find them, so he at least felt like he was doing something positive, he began to make his way to the toilets. At least he knew where *they* were - after all, he and Yugi had been here with their yamis often enough.
As Ryou walked down the corridor, he heard Bakura's voice. "I know, but we never get time alone." Confused, Ryou slowed down, stopping by the corner to listen as Malik's reply came floating to his ears. "Bakura, Mokuba's ill. We need to be there for the others. Even if you won't listen to that, they'll be getting suspicious soon. We need to get back."
Ryou frowned and pursed his lips slightly. What were they talking about?
Bakura's hoarse whisper made Ryou stiffen slightly. "Alright… just one more." With that, Ryou heard a small thud, followed by a moaning sound.
'That sounds like Malik moaning…' Ryou's curiosity got the better of him, and he quietly walked round the corner. What he saw made him freeze on the spot.
Bakura and Malik were kissing. Malik was pressed against the wall, one arm around Bakura and the other hand in his hair. Bakura had a hand on either of Malik's hips and was driving into Malik with his full body, pinning him in place. Both boys were moaning softly, and Malik's hand began to slide under Bakura's shirt. Ryou took all this in in a second, and gasped loudly, pain evident in this simple inflection. The two broke the kiss hurriedly and turned to face Ryou, guilt and regret written all over their faces.
Ryou felt his eyes fill with tears, and made no effort to stop them. A single sob escaped him, tearing through his chest painfully, and he turned and ran, his heart torn asunder. He didn't hear Malik call his name, or notice Malik chasing. All he wanted was to get as far away as he could.
"Ryou!" Malik watched him turn and run round the corner before his legs started, and he began to give chase.
*~*~*Flashback*~*~*
Ryou slipped across the bed and wrapped his arms delicately round Malik, his cherished. Resting his head on Malik's shoulder, he sighed contentedly. "I love you Malik," he whispered, planting a kiss on Malik's cheek and shuffling slightly closer. "I couldn't live without you… I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost you."
Malik didn't reply, but simply kissed Ryou's forehead and pulled him closer still, hugging him tightly. He knew that that simple sentence was intended as a sign of adoration, but words couldn't express how the guilt ripped through him as it left Ryou's lips. Feeling Ryou falling asleep on him, he felt his eyes fill with tears as he realised what he was doing to his little angel.
*~*~*End Flashback*~*~*
It hit Malik as he rounded the corner. He loved Ryou. Only now, when it seemed he'd lost him forever, did he realise it. Far too late. He'd never wanted Bakura; he knew that now. It had only been a denial of feelings alien to him after all that Marik had put him through. A way of lying to himself so he could keep to what he knew.
'Like that matters now,' he thought bitterly as he ran, calling Ryou's name again, tears stinging his eyes. 'You really fucked this up Malik… big time.'
*~*~*~*~*~*
In Mokuba's ward, there came a collective faint gasp as Mokuba's eyes flickered slightly. Seto squeezed Mokuba's hand slightly tighter, and nearly cried with relief when he felt pressure applied back. "Mokuba… you're alive…" he whispered.
Mokuba moaned slightly, and his eyes slowly opened, his face still pale. He weakly rolled his head to face Seto and gave a small smile. "Ohayou, niisama…" he faintly murmured.
Seto felt his chest flutter as Mokuba spoke. He was going to be okay. "Hi Mokuba… you had us scared for a while there…"
Mokuba closed his eyes and squeezed them slightly, forcing a tear back. Effort was written all over his face as he did it, and his eyes opened even more slowly this time. "Seto… you and Jou… I just wanted to tell you…" Mokuba grimaced slightly, the effort of talking hurting him hugely. "I'm happy for you, niisamas…"
Jou spoke quietly, his eyes gazing on Mokuba adoringly. "Come on Mokuba, save your energy… you can tell us all this when we get you out of here."
Mokuba shook his head slightly, and stared at Seto, his eyes teary. "I have to say it now… in case… in case…"
Seto leaned over the bed and hugged his younger brother, alarmed at how cold he felt. "Shhh Mokuba… don't talk like that… don't speak like it's the end… you're gonna be fine now." He felt Mokuba's arms slip up round him, hugging him back. He spoke again, and Seto felt a cold chill at the fear in Mokuba's voice. It was as if he knew something they didn't. "Niisama…" He heard Mokuba sob faintly. "I don't want to go…"
Seto's eyes opened wider, and he held Mokuba as tightly as he dared. He felt a tear slide down his face, splashing on Mokuba's neck. "You're not going anywhere Mokuba… you're going to be fine. You just need to rest."
Mokuba shook his head faintly, and Seto felt Mokuba's grip weakening. "I…" Mokuba's voice was trembling, as was he, and Seto heard Mokuba stifle another sob. "I love you Seto… and Jou too…"
Seto felt Mokuba go limp in his arms, and looked at his face. Mokuba's eyes had gone distant, and his lips had a slight bluish tinge. "No…" He lifted his head as the heart machine started beeping erratically, and saw Yami rush off out the door. He stared at the monitor, and what he saw sent a chill through him. "Mokuba…"
Yami quickly returned, followed by a group of doctors who all began clamouring round Mokuba's bed as the machine went flatline, the monotone piercing through the room. As the medics surrounded the bed, Jou get pulled Seto - unresisting, unblinking - out of the way. Seto didn't see the medics, or feel Jou. He was only conscious of one thing - his brother lying in that bed, dying. He felt his world slowly cracking and falling apart, being scattered to the ends of the universe and locked away. He slowly sank to his knees, a feeling of nausea running through him as the horrible truth finally hit him.
He'd lost Mokuba.
*~*~*~*~*~*
*sniffle* I'm so sorry people!!!
'Last Time Forever' - Squeeze
'Bright Eyes' - Art Garfunkel
'Time to say Goodbye' - Andrea Bochelli (thanks to Ash for that one *huggle*)
'Eventide' - Chris Michell and Stuart Gordon
In this chapter, I make reference to the Omachi virus, a virus of my own creation, as well as events from a previous fic. Those of you haven't should go and read 'Bright Eyes' before this chapter, it's very angsty and will make this chapter make a whole lot of sense. It's only a one-shot, so it won't take long! And if you don't like angst... you don't wanna read this one.
Now, on with the reviews! I noticed a few of you think Serenity's gonna come along and save Mokuba... just have a lil wait and see ^_^
To 'Azumi': *blinks* Thanks... methinx!
To 'Yuki KIKI': Yeah, but that's good writers... you've probably already got the whole fic sussed! ^_^
To 'tsunamiscurse': *hides*
To Nanashii no Miko: I'm so sorry...
To BakuraslittlediscipleofEvil: You liked it? Cool ^_^ *accepts Pixie sticks happily* Hope you like this one too! And say hi to Yugilina for me!
To silver-fox20: *blink* You'll see...
To Ranma Higurashi: Here's the update
To thornangel: *huggle* it's okay... just have some tissues nearby for this one, okay?
*sigh* Here's the ficcie... *wanders off somewhere to sob quietly*
*~*~*~*~*~*
The friends all sat in an isolated waiting room, an uncomfortable silence enveloping them. Seto was being held by Jou, his head buried in Jou's chest, crying silently as his love stroked his hair. Jou knew how much this was upsetting Seto - both from experience and because he'd seen first-hand how close Seto and Mokuba were. He knew there wasn't anything he could say that would help. All he could do was be there for him.
Yugi also looked ready to cry. He was the one who'd found Mokuba, who'd not done anything when Mokuba had complained about feeling unwell, who hadn't been able to do anything when Mokuba collapsed. What if he had done something? What if he'd listened to Mokuba? What if he'd found him sooner, instead of pausing to feel sorry for himself? Yugi knew it was irrational, but he somehow felt partly to blame for Mokuba's current condition. Yami, seeing how upset he was, held Yugi in a tight embrace. He was upset as well, but didn't want to let on for Yugi's sake, as well as Seto's and Jou's.
The other four sat on a row of chairs opposite Seto and Jou. They all looked upset to varying degrees, and spent most of the time staring at their hands, or the floor, or the walls. Anything to avoid eye contact with anyone else.
Eventually, Malik broke the silence. Standing up, he murmured, "I'm just going to the bathroom…" and began walking to the door. He heard clothes rustling behind him, and Bakura's voice, a faint whisper. "I'll go too…" he stated, before following Malik out the door.
A few moments after they left, a doctor walked in, a grim look on his face, and asked, "Which of you is Seto Kaiba?"
Seto slowly lifted his head and turned to face the doctor. "I am." His voice began to tremble. "W… what's wrong with my… my brother?"
The doctor looked at his clipboard. "Well, preliminary tests show that Mokuba has caught a variant strain of the Omachi virus. It -"
A sob was heard from Seto and Anzu, and a gasp from Yugi and Ryou. At the same time Jou pulled Seto in tighter, for both of them, as Yami interrupted the doctor. "We know about the Waiting virus. I had it."
The doctor cleared his throat uncomfortably, and continued. "The cold and wet has weakened Mokuba's immune system… we can't tell what his chances of survival are." When no-one said anything, he walked to the door and held it open. "If you'll follow me, I can show you to his room."
*~*~*~*~*~*
Seto sat by Mokuba's bed, holding his clammy hand gently. The tears his eyes held prevented him being able to see Mokuba properly, and he was grateful. He saw Mokuba's blurred outline, and could make out his thick black hair. He could also make out lots of tubes and wires attached to him. He didn't know how Yugi had been able to even look at Yami when he'd been in this situation, the heart-wrenching sight before him coupling with the fear of what might be to create an all-encompassing shroud of despair. Seto was only dimly aware of Jou holding his other hand, and certainly didn't know who else was in the room.
Yugi stood at the foot of the bed, Yami beside him with a hand on either of Yugi's shoulders. Tears also filled Yugi's eyes, both out of pity and heartache for Seto and because of the memories this brought back. Mokuba looked so much like Yami did - ashen-faced, unmoving, lifeless. But for the faint, hitched rise and fall of his chest, Mokuba could have already been dead. Yugi truly understood what Seto was going through, as did Jou, and either of them would have given anything to alleviate Seto's pain. But they couldn't - all they could do was wait and see if Mokuba would pull through.
Anzu was the only other person in the room, as Ryou had excused himself to go and find Malik and Bakura. He hadn't been able to face seeing Mokuba without having his yami and his koi by his side. Anzu stood at Mokuba's bedside, opposite Seto and Jou. She forcibly held back her tears as she looked down at the delicate figure before her, as pale and still as a porcelain doll. 'Mokuba…' Anzu closed her eyes, but the image still haunted her. 'This can't be happening to you… You're so young, so pure, so innocent… just like Serenity was…' Anzu felt another, stronger wave of emotion flow over her, and she swallowed and screwed her face up, forcibly preventing a sob that threatened. She was the only person not immediately affected by what was happening, and she had to be strong for the others.
'Mokuba… please get through this… We couldn't take losing another, not after Serenity… Nearly losing Yami was bad enough. You're the little brother Jou never had, and the only family Seto has left Mokuba… Please, pull through this for them, if not for us… please…'
'They need you…'
*~*~*~*~*~*
Ryou stood in the waiting room, not sure what to do. Bakura and Malik still hadn't returned, and they needed to know where to go. However much he wanted to be with the others to support them, he knew he couldn't do it without those two by his side. Deciding he'd be best to go and find them, so he at least felt like he was doing something positive, he began to make his way to the toilets. At least he knew where *they* were - after all, he and Yugi had been here with their yamis often enough.
As Ryou walked down the corridor, he heard Bakura's voice. "I know, but we never get time alone." Confused, Ryou slowed down, stopping by the corner to listen as Malik's reply came floating to his ears. "Bakura, Mokuba's ill. We need to be there for the others. Even if you won't listen to that, they'll be getting suspicious soon. We need to get back."
Ryou frowned and pursed his lips slightly. What were they talking about?
Bakura's hoarse whisper made Ryou stiffen slightly. "Alright… just one more." With that, Ryou heard a small thud, followed by a moaning sound.
'That sounds like Malik moaning…' Ryou's curiosity got the better of him, and he quietly walked round the corner. What he saw made him freeze on the spot.
Bakura and Malik were kissing. Malik was pressed against the wall, one arm around Bakura and the other hand in his hair. Bakura had a hand on either of Malik's hips and was driving into Malik with his full body, pinning him in place. Both boys were moaning softly, and Malik's hand began to slide under Bakura's shirt. Ryou took all this in in a second, and gasped loudly, pain evident in this simple inflection. The two broke the kiss hurriedly and turned to face Ryou, guilt and regret written all over their faces.
Ryou felt his eyes fill with tears, and made no effort to stop them. A single sob escaped him, tearing through his chest painfully, and he turned and ran, his heart torn asunder. He didn't hear Malik call his name, or notice Malik chasing. All he wanted was to get as far away as he could.
"Ryou!" Malik watched him turn and run round the corner before his legs started, and he began to give chase.
*~*~*Flashback*~*~*
Ryou slipped across the bed and wrapped his arms delicately round Malik, his cherished. Resting his head on Malik's shoulder, he sighed contentedly. "I love you Malik," he whispered, planting a kiss on Malik's cheek and shuffling slightly closer. "I couldn't live without you… I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost you."
Malik didn't reply, but simply kissed Ryou's forehead and pulled him closer still, hugging him tightly. He knew that that simple sentence was intended as a sign of adoration, but words couldn't express how the guilt ripped through him as it left Ryou's lips. Feeling Ryou falling asleep on him, he felt his eyes fill with tears as he realised what he was doing to his little angel.
*~*~*End Flashback*~*~*
It hit Malik as he rounded the corner. He loved Ryou. Only now, when it seemed he'd lost him forever, did he realise it. Far too late. He'd never wanted Bakura; he knew that now. It had only been a denial of feelings alien to him after all that Marik had put him through. A way of lying to himself so he could keep to what he knew.
'Like that matters now,' he thought bitterly as he ran, calling Ryou's name again, tears stinging his eyes. 'You really fucked this up Malik… big time.'
*~*~*~*~*~*
In Mokuba's ward, there came a collective faint gasp as Mokuba's eyes flickered slightly. Seto squeezed Mokuba's hand slightly tighter, and nearly cried with relief when he felt pressure applied back. "Mokuba… you're alive…" he whispered.
Mokuba moaned slightly, and his eyes slowly opened, his face still pale. He weakly rolled his head to face Seto and gave a small smile. "Ohayou, niisama…" he faintly murmured.
Seto felt his chest flutter as Mokuba spoke. He was going to be okay. "Hi Mokuba… you had us scared for a while there…"
Mokuba closed his eyes and squeezed them slightly, forcing a tear back. Effort was written all over his face as he did it, and his eyes opened even more slowly this time. "Seto… you and Jou… I just wanted to tell you…" Mokuba grimaced slightly, the effort of talking hurting him hugely. "I'm happy for you, niisamas…"
Jou spoke quietly, his eyes gazing on Mokuba adoringly. "Come on Mokuba, save your energy… you can tell us all this when we get you out of here."
Mokuba shook his head slightly, and stared at Seto, his eyes teary. "I have to say it now… in case… in case…"
Seto leaned over the bed and hugged his younger brother, alarmed at how cold he felt. "Shhh Mokuba… don't talk like that… don't speak like it's the end… you're gonna be fine now." He felt Mokuba's arms slip up round him, hugging him back. He spoke again, and Seto felt a cold chill at the fear in Mokuba's voice. It was as if he knew something they didn't. "Niisama…" He heard Mokuba sob faintly. "I don't want to go…"
Seto's eyes opened wider, and he held Mokuba as tightly as he dared. He felt a tear slide down his face, splashing on Mokuba's neck. "You're not going anywhere Mokuba… you're going to be fine. You just need to rest."
Mokuba shook his head faintly, and Seto felt Mokuba's grip weakening. "I…" Mokuba's voice was trembling, as was he, and Seto heard Mokuba stifle another sob. "I love you Seto… and Jou too…"
Seto felt Mokuba go limp in his arms, and looked at his face. Mokuba's eyes had gone distant, and his lips had a slight bluish tinge. "No…" He lifted his head as the heart machine started beeping erratically, and saw Yami rush off out the door. He stared at the monitor, and what he saw sent a chill through him. "Mokuba…"
Yami quickly returned, followed by a group of doctors who all began clamouring round Mokuba's bed as the machine went flatline, the monotone piercing through the room. As the medics surrounded the bed, Jou get pulled Seto - unresisting, unblinking - out of the way. Seto didn't see the medics, or feel Jou. He was only conscious of one thing - his brother lying in that bed, dying. He felt his world slowly cracking and falling apart, being scattered to the ends of the universe and locked away. He slowly sank to his knees, a feeling of nausea running through him as the horrible truth finally hit him.
He'd lost Mokuba.
*~*~*~*~*~*
*sniffle* I'm so sorry people!!!
