Title: Strawberries and Black Pepper

Author: Broken Music Box

Rating: PG

Summery: Ryou's thoughts as he is neglected by everyone.

A/N: Okay, I know this one is a little weird. Any reviews welcome.

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Watch as Malik puts blankets and a pillow on the couch for you. Grin a small, happy grin. As soon as the fact that you didn't want to go home had come up, Malik had tilted his head and then declared you could stay with him for as long as you wanted. Jump a little as Isis pokes her head into the room and smiles at you.

"Is Ryou staying the night?"

Observe the glower that Malik throws at his older sister. Be surprised as he nods and speaks really quietly. You had thought that if Malik glared like that, he wasn't going to answer.

"Yes. Bakura, Yami and Yugi haven't been treating him as well as they should."

Flinch a little at the tone the Egyptian uses. Watch as Isis's eyes widen a little and she nods. Wince. Why did Malik's sister look like that when Malik mentioned Yami and Bakura? Perhaps she thought that they would come looking for you. She's wrong. If they were looking for you, they would have found you. Think for a moment, then take off the Ring and put it on the table. And if they were looking, no sense in helping. Avoid Malik's curious look. Glance towards that kitchen as Isis announces dinner is ready.

"Hungry, Ryou?"

Nod silently to Malik's question. Follow Malik into the kitchen docilely, and go to sit in the seat he indicates. Catch Rishid regarding you calmly. Peek shyly up at him. Startle as Rishid offers a hand, speaking soothingly.

"Hello, Master Ryou."

Shake his hand tentatively, and suddenly twist and skitter behind Rishid as you hear Bakura yelling loudly. Sneak a glance from behind Rishid, and see Yami stalk into the kitchen and glare at Malik, who is standing with his arms crossed defiantly. Your heart leaps in fright as Bakura appears as well, with the Ring. Cringe.

"Ryou, come here."

Hesitate long enough for Bakura to snap another word.

"Now."

Feel your heart drop down to your toes as Yami places a hand on your shoulder and Bakura drops the Ring around your neck, making it clear who owns you. Fight not to cry as Yami explains patiently to Isis and Rishid how you are as of now out of bounds to Malik.

Don't look up the whole way home, so they don't see the tears that ghost down your face.