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Chapter 5
Bakura paced outside muttering a string of curses. Who did Jounouchi think he was anyway? Ordering him around like that and trying to lecture him on how to treat his own brother!
'Just a misunderstanding, my ass,' he thought, going over the situation. 'Ryou's going to get himself hurt one of these days because he's such a klutz... and I know who'll be to blame...'
The lot was silent, except for a small bird's warble, but other than that, it was completely deserted. The cars were parked everywhere, and in every direction so Bakura had to shift around quite a bit while on his walk. Looking up, he could've sworn he saw a shadow by one of the vehicles, but when he looked closer, no one was in sight.
'Now I'm seeing things...'
Thinking over the current situation yet again, he came to the conclusion that yes, the situation did get slightly out of line but that didn't constitute for his own actions... not that he felt bad or anything. Just guilty.
Turning to go back into the club, a sudden movement to his left made him stop. He could hear quick footsteps that echoed throughout the lot, making them sound as though they were all around him. It also gave him a distorted guestimate as to how many people were actually there. When the steps stopped, Bakura shifted his glance around trying to catch even the slightest movement.
A clang behind him caught his ear, but it was too late. Faintly, he remembered being hit over the head with something and the echoing 'pang' noise it made as it contacted it.
A guy grabbed onto Bakura's shoulders as he slipped into unconsciousness. "What now?"
One of the guys from earlier stepped into the light shining overhead from the bright bulb. "Drag him over there." He smirked at the ivory-haired teen, "I told you this wasn't over..."
Inside, Yami sighed and focused a well-known look on Jounouchi.
"What!?" Jounouchi asked, "Don't even give me that look... the 'Why'd you have to open your big mouth' look... It wasn't my fault and you know it. Bakura's just hot-headed." He stuck his lower lip out in a fake pout.
Honda raised a brow, "Do that for long and it'll get stuck that way..."
Jounouchi was quick to suck it back in.
Yami shook his head, "Jou, I didn't say it, you did. But, while we're on the subject, why did you have to open your big mouth?"
Ryou's brow furrowed, "Really guys, it's all right... I didn't really mind-"
Jounouchi pointed to him, "Uh-huh! Didn't really mind, meaning you did to some extent. Right?"
"Well, uh-"
Yami shook his head and smiled, "All the fights seem to be between you two lately. Is there something I don't know about?"
Honda looked at Jounouchi with a raised brow, "Is there?"
"Of course not! I hate his guts! Well, maybe I don't hate them..."
Ryou blinked. This conversation was taking an interesting turn, a very interesting turn indeed. It needed to be stopped before things got weird and awkward.
Yami smirked, "Bakura did say he had his eye on a skinny blond-haired teen the other night..."
...Too late.
Jounouchi scoffed, "He was talking about Malik! Remember? Now that I think about it, he has been overly...interested, shall we say, in Malik. What do you guys think?"
Yami blinked. This conversation was taking an interesting turn, a very interesting turn indeed. It needed to be stopped before things got weird and awkward.
Yuugi chimed in with, "He has! They went out to eat and everything! Ryou even told me Malik saw him naked!"
...Too late.
Honda's eyes went wide, "Are you serious?"
Ryou was quick to intervene. "Yes, but only because they were about to take a shower-"
Yami cocked a brow, "Together?"
"NO! Oh god no. It was an accident. Afterwards, Bakura chased him everywhere and practically pinned him to the floor," he laughed, "You should have seen it." Looking up, he noticed everyone was giving each other suggestive looks.
Jounouchi's lips curled into a sneaky grin. "Did you just say he had him pinned to the floor...?"
Ryou slapped himself mentally. 'Why me...?'
Outside, Malik stood on the entrance steps leading into the club. 'Where could he have gone?' he thought, looking around. There was no one in sight and scarcely a sound could be heard.
He spotted his car, meaning he hadn't left, but he wasn't anywhere in plain sight.
On the contrary, he had been drug to a spot right beside the club in an alley-like area. His eyes cracked open and his gaze was met first with darkness, then as it adjusted, he could plainly see a figure before him.
"What the bloody hell did you bash into my head?" Bakura asked.
The person loomed over him, extending a hand which Bakura took and stood to his feet. But, just as soon as he had stood, the same hand that had helped him up balled into a fist and slammed into his jaw.
For a minute, Bakura felt like fluid was swimming around in his head. Standing up straight, the black clouds disappeared from his eyes and he could see clearly. "You?! The guy from earlier?"
The guy smirked, "Yep, me and my buddy here." The other guy steeped into view. "And for you info, it was this that I creamed you with..." He lifted in his hand the lid of a steel garbage can and tossed it, letting it slam to the ground with a large clank and roll until it lay still on the floor.
"No wonder it hurt like hell," Bakura mused, rubbing his scalp. "Don't you think it's a little cheap hitting something from behind? I can tell you two are a bunch of scared sissies..."
That earned him another punch.
Bakura held his bruised cheek and smirked. "That's one helluva right hook you got there."
The guy laughed. "Wow, a charmer 'till the end. Hold him back, Bailey."
Bailey, who had to have been the other guy, ran around and held Bakura's arms behind his back. He had an amazingly strong grip too, for Bakura couldn't even move them, let alone get free. Usually this would be a piece of cake for him, but after being socked twice and clunked in the head with the garbage can lid, he wasn't exactly top notch.
"You know, you're not that bad looking now that I can see you," the guy standing before him said.
Bakura glared, "Aw, how sweet of you to say that."
"Even cuter when you bare your fangs. By the way, I'm Kurt. And you are...?"
"Gonna kick your ass once I get free from this iron grip back here."
"Well," Kurt said, "Seeing as that's not going to happen, and your little friends aren't here to back you up, let's move on." Tracing a thin finger down Bakura's cheek, he watched with amusement as Bakura glared back at him with hatred. He gripped Bakura's chin in his palm and turned his face from side to side as if scrutinizing him for any flaws. Then, he lowered his face, his lips inches away from Bakura's and-
Bakura kicked him square in the crotch. "Take that, you ass."
Malik, who had heard the clank and roll and was wondering where it came from, clearly heard the shrill scream that echoed through the lot. Following the sound around to the side of the club structure, he found the guy holding Bakura back and the other doubled over on the ground.
'This definitely isn't good,' Malik thought.
Malik, being small and 'beanpolish', didn't stand a chance against the ogre who had Bakura's hands pinned behind him. Looking around for something to throw, anything, he found just the thing: a dislodged brick.
Bailey gaped at his fallen buddy. "What have you done? I'm gonna crush your face in!" Swinging Bakura around with one hand, but still keeping his death- like grip on one of his wrists, he raised his fist, ready to make contact with Bakura's face.
Malik ran and, praying that it would hit, launched the maroon brick into the air. It sailed but for a second and came plummeting down straight onto Bailey's head. He released Bakura and fell onto the ground, motionless.
Bakura blinked and looked up at the sky questioningly. "God?"
"Oh my gosh, did I kill him? Bakura! Are you all right?" Malik said running to his side. "Than goodness I found you. And he's breathing!"
Kurt groaned and Bakura kicked him, knocking him out cold. Suddenly it all registered. Malik had saved him. For a moment, he felt thanks, and then strangely, anger. A scowl spread across his face and he shoved past Malik.
Malik was slightly confused. He had expected something like...gratitude maybe? But, this was Bakura we were talking about. "Are you okay?" he asked running up to him. Noticing the black and blue on his cheekbone, he bit his lip. "Your cheek-"
"Is fine!" Bakura growled. "I'm fine. I would've been fine if it hadn't been for you. I don't need to be saved!" And with that said, he got in his car, slammed the door, and sped off.
Malik watched as the red lights on the rear of the car disappeared into the distance. The sounds of the others were suddenly audible and when he turned around, Ryou rushed up to him. "
"What's wrong, Malik? Where's Bakura?" he asked.
Malik shook his head, "No time to explain. Honda, can I see your car keys for a moment?"
Honda tossed them to him. "Sure, why?"
Malik rushed to their car, and before shutting the door yelled a quick "Thanks a lot", before turning the key and disappearing as well.
Everyone stood silent for a moment and then Jounouchi spoke.
"Uh, did he just speed off with your car, Honda?"
Honda blinked, "he did."
Ryou smiled, "No worries. We can just find Bakura and he'll drive us all home." He turned toward the parking lot and paused.
Yami shook his head. "Tell me he didn't..."
Ryou turned and sighed. "Does anyone have money for a cab?"
--
Malik played cat and mouse with Bakura all the way to wherever he was headed. It hadn't taken long for him to catch up to Bakura but staying caught up was the problem. Bakura didn't even know Malik was chasing him.
At one point, Bakura made a sharp turn and Malik didn't catch it but he decided to keep going straight just in case they caught up. After about ten minutes of not catching up, he decided to just head to the house. It was his last chance and guess.
Pulling up to the house, Malik was relieved to see Bakura's car parked hastily in the driveway; the driver door not even shut completely. He rushed up to the door finding it thankfully unlocked and walked in. The place was dark, except for a dim light that could be seen from upstairs in one of the bedrooms. Faintly, Malik could hear the strings of a guitar being plucked and creating a melodious song that almost sounded...sad.
Sitting the keys on the table, he made his way quietly up the steps and noticed easily that the song came from Bakura's room. Walking down the hall, the music suddenly stopped mid-note and all was silent. Malik wasn't sure whether or not Bakura had heard him or not, but he chanced continuing anyways.
Stepping into the doorway, Malik froze. Was Bakura? No... Were those just, they couldn't be... But wait... it is. He is...
Silent tears streaked down Bakura's cheeks but he made no crying sound. He didn't even look like he was crying. It just seemed as though his eyes were leaking water and he sat unbeknownst to them staring blankly at the floor.
Malik took a deep breath and took a step in, noticing idly that the guitar had been laid on the floor. Bakura looked up at him as he entered and remained quiet on the bed.
"You'd better etch this scene very well into your mind," Bakura said, "because it's one you'll never see again."
Malik frowned and came to sit beside of him. Surprisingly, Bakura made no protest or nasty comment. He just sat, eyes devoid of emotion as though he were detached from the scene. Finally, Malik questioned him asking, "Are you all right?"
Bakura ran a hand over his face and the tears seemed to disappear, as though they had never existed and it had never happened. Malik was already forgetting that it had. "Define...all right."
"Well, feeling better?"
Bakura raised a brow. "No."
"I don't know if I did anything wrong...but if I did...sorry." Malik didn't know what to say. He wasn't sure why Bakura was so upset.
Bakura smirked at the comment, but it was a bitter smirk; one filled with skepticism and disbelief. Standing up, he made his way over and looked for not more than a second at a photo of him and Ryou when they weren't more than 5 years old. Their father was standing behind them, a shoulder on each of theirs, and they were all smiling except for Bakura. He had a pout on his face and didn't look at all thrilled.
"Ever since I was little, I've had the responsibility of watching over Ryou. If Ryou ever got hurt, it was always my fault because I was supposed to watch over him. I was always the more serious, stern and stronger one, physically and emotionally, and so naturally whenever father went away, Ryou was my responsibility. Because father is rarely ever here, he's always my responsibility. Even though we're the same age, I have to be the older one. I'm always worrying over Ryou and taking the blame for him. Tonight I almost got beaten up because of it. I'm always the one who does the saving... that's why I couldn't believe it when you had...saved me in a way. I guess I was sort of mad because I felt like I wasn't good enough anymore."
Malik raised a brow, "I just didn't want you getting hurt. That guys fist would've probably broken your jaw." He went carefully over Bakura's words. "Is that why you're always so... defensive around him?"
Bakura smirked, "Yep. Weakness invites attack, so Ryou's a sitting duck. You leave him alone in the kitchen for one moment and he's already cut or burned himself, or both at the same time," he said, referring to earlier. "If anything ever happened to him, I'd never forgive or be able to live with myself. It's not like I hate him; he is my brother after all."
"Well, I know you may not like hearing it from me... but I think you're just the brother Ryou needs."
Bakura sighed. 'Why did I just spill all of that out to him. It's not he... well, maybe he does care. I suppose it's good to actually have someone that I can talk to... even if it is beanpole.' Smirking evilly, he turned toward Malik, "Do you know that one of the guys who attacked me earlier said I was cute?"
Malik shook his head, "He'd be wrong if he thought otherwise-"...'OH MY GOD! I just said that!' he thought, "-Because, well, you're a really intriguing person..."
Bakura raised a brow. "Intriguing?"
Malik stood quickly, "Yeah, now about that bruise. I'm gonna go get you some ice. It must really sting, see ya in a few!" He dashed out the door.
Bakura felt strangely flattered, and it was weird because he wasn't one to normally be flattered by anything...especially a beanpole that made him feel like an idiot, yet strangely appreciated at the same time. 'And did he just agree that I was cute?'
His thoughts were stopped short Malik running back into the room holding a bowl of ice water and a rag. Malik sat the bowl down and dampened the cloth, raising it to Bakura's cheek, but Bakura seized his wrist.
"I'll do it," he said taking the rag. "I don't need you babying me."
Malik raised a brow; "You missed the bruise by a mile."
Bakura glared, "My face isn't even a mile long, idiot."
"Oh, there we go with the charming vocabulary again-"
"If you're so smart, you put it on it."
Malik took the rag and guided it softly to the bluish part of his cheek, and almost immediately Bakura winced. "I told you you missed it..."
"It hurts like hell!"
"Well, do you have any suggestions to dull the pain?" he asked, jokingly.
Bakura smirked connivingly, "My mother used to kiss my cheek-"He had said that before thinking. It's not like Malik was going to-
It happened it an instant, and a moment later, it might not have ever happened at all. Malik leaned in quickly and left a feather-soft kiss on Bakura's cheek. "Feel better now?" he asked.
Bakura blinked unsure if it actually had happened. Malik acted like it wasn't a big deal. It was! You don't just kiss someone and expect them to be calm about it, or you at least didn't do it to Bakura.
The phone took an opportune time to ring making Bakura jump and Malik eyed him strangely as he picked up the phone.
"Hello?" Bakura asked into the phone.
"Bakura?" Ryou said. "Oh thank goodness you're home. I was really worried. Is Malik there?"
"Of course. Why, where are you?" Malik's eyes widened. "In a cab?! Why?"
Malik got up quickly, "I'll go out to meet them..."
Ryou sighed, "So that's when he chased after you and was gone." A smile spread across his face, "He was awfully worried about you..."
Bakura rolled his eyes, "Yeah right."
"Well, I just pulled in. Everyone else is home, and the others will be by tomorrow to pick the car up. I told them they could just hang out with us for a while as a sort of collateral."
Bakura glared, "Joy."
"I'll see you in a moment-"
"Ryou...what does it mean when someone tells you that you're intriguing?"
Ryou paused to think about it, then said simply, "It means they like you."
Bakura hung up the phone not too long after and thought for a moment. 'Well...' he smirked, 'this makes things very interesting...'
---TBC---
Another chapter complete. Sorry for the delay. I've not been home as of late. Vacation's where I wanna be, party on the beach where the money is free...
Yeah, ehem, so I'll have the next chapter up soon. Hope you summer goes well
Thanks for reading, and please review.
AmethystRoze
Chapter 5
Bakura paced outside muttering a string of curses. Who did Jounouchi think he was anyway? Ordering him around like that and trying to lecture him on how to treat his own brother!
'Just a misunderstanding, my ass,' he thought, going over the situation. 'Ryou's going to get himself hurt one of these days because he's such a klutz... and I know who'll be to blame...'
The lot was silent, except for a small bird's warble, but other than that, it was completely deserted. The cars were parked everywhere, and in every direction so Bakura had to shift around quite a bit while on his walk. Looking up, he could've sworn he saw a shadow by one of the vehicles, but when he looked closer, no one was in sight.
'Now I'm seeing things...'
Thinking over the current situation yet again, he came to the conclusion that yes, the situation did get slightly out of line but that didn't constitute for his own actions... not that he felt bad or anything. Just guilty.
Turning to go back into the club, a sudden movement to his left made him stop. He could hear quick footsteps that echoed throughout the lot, making them sound as though they were all around him. It also gave him a distorted guestimate as to how many people were actually there. When the steps stopped, Bakura shifted his glance around trying to catch even the slightest movement.
A clang behind him caught his ear, but it was too late. Faintly, he remembered being hit over the head with something and the echoing 'pang' noise it made as it contacted it.
A guy grabbed onto Bakura's shoulders as he slipped into unconsciousness. "What now?"
One of the guys from earlier stepped into the light shining overhead from the bright bulb. "Drag him over there." He smirked at the ivory-haired teen, "I told you this wasn't over..."
Inside, Yami sighed and focused a well-known look on Jounouchi.
"What!?" Jounouchi asked, "Don't even give me that look... the 'Why'd you have to open your big mouth' look... It wasn't my fault and you know it. Bakura's just hot-headed." He stuck his lower lip out in a fake pout.
Honda raised a brow, "Do that for long and it'll get stuck that way..."
Jounouchi was quick to suck it back in.
Yami shook his head, "Jou, I didn't say it, you did. But, while we're on the subject, why did you have to open your big mouth?"
Ryou's brow furrowed, "Really guys, it's all right... I didn't really mind-"
Jounouchi pointed to him, "Uh-huh! Didn't really mind, meaning you did to some extent. Right?"
"Well, uh-"
Yami shook his head and smiled, "All the fights seem to be between you two lately. Is there something I don't know about?"
Honda looked at Jounouchi with a raised brow, "Is there?"
"Of course not! I hate his guts! Well, maybe I don't hate them..."
Ryou blinked. This conversation was taking an interesting turn, a very interesting turn indeed. It needed to be stopped before things got weird and awkward.
Yami smirked, "Bakura did say he had his eye on a skinny blond-haired teen the other night..."
...Too late.
Jounouchi scoffed, "He was talking about Malik! Remember? Now that I think about it, he has been overly...interested, shall we say, in Malik. What do you guys think?"
Yami blinked. This conversation was taking an interesting turn, a very interesting turn indeed. It needed to be stopped before things got weird and awkward.
Yuugi chimed in with, "He has! They went out to eat and everything! Ryou even told me Malik saw him naked!"
...Too late.
Honda's eyes went wide, "Are you serious?"
Ryou was quick to intervene. "Yes, but only because they were about to take a shower-"
Yami cocked a brow, "Together?"
"NO! Oh god no. It was an accident. Afterwards, Bakura chased him everywhere and practically pinned him to the floor," he laughed, "You should have seen it." Looking up, he noticed everyone was giving each other suggestive looks.
Jounouchi's lips curled into a sneaky grin. "Did you just say he had him pinned to the floor...?"
Ryou slapped himself mentally. 'Why me...?'
Outside, Malik stood on the entrance steps leading into the club. 'Where could he have gone?' he thought, looking around. There was no one in sight and scarcely a sound could be heard.
He spotted his car, meaning he hadn't left, but he wasn't anywhere in plain sight.
On the contrary, he had been drug to a spot right beside the club in an alley-like area. His eyes cracked open and his gaze was met first with darkness, then as it adjusted, he could plainly see a figure before him.
"What the bloody hell did you bash into my head?" Bakura asked.
The person loomed over him, extending a hand which Bakura took and stood to his feet. But, just as soon as he had stood, the same hand that had helped him up balled into a fist and slammed into his jaw.
For a minute, Bakura felt like fluid was swimming around in his head. Standing up straight, the black clouds disappeared from his eyes and he could see clearly. "You?! The guy from earlier?"
The guy smirked, "Yep, me and my buddy here." The other guy steeped into view. "And for you info, it was this that I creamed you with..." He lifted in his hand the lid of a steel garbage can and tossed it, letting it slam to the ground with a large clank and roll until it lay still on the floor.
"No wonder it hurt like hell," Bakura mused, rubbing his scalp. "Don't you think it's a little cheap hitting something from behind? I can tell you two are a bunch of scared sissies..."
That earned him another punch.
Bakura held his bruised cheek and smirked. "That's one helluva right hook you got there."
The guy laughed. "Wow, a charmer 'till the end. Hold him back, Bailey."
Bailey, who had to have been the other guy, ran around and held Bakura's arms behind his back. He had an amazingly strong grip too, for Bakura couldn't even move them, let alone get free. Usually this would be a piece of cake for him, but after being socked twice and clunked in the head with the garbage can lid, he wasn't exactly top notch.
"You know, you're not that bad looking now that I can see you," the guy standing before him said.
Bakura glared, "Aw, how sweet of you to say that."
"Even cuter when you bare your fangs. By the way, I'm Kurt. And you are...?"
"Gonna kick your ass once I get free from this iron grip back here."
"Well," Kurt said, "Seeing as that's not going to happen, and your little friends aren't here to back you up, let's move on." Tracing a thin finger down Bakura's cheek, he watched with amusement as Bakura glared back at him with hatred. He gripped Bakura's chin in his palm and turned his face from side to side as if scrutinizing him for any flaws. Then, he lowered his face, his lips inches away from Bakura's and-
Bakura kicked him square in the crotch. "Take that, you ass."
Malik, who had heard the clank and roll and was wondering where it came from, clearly heard the shrill scream that echoed through the lot. Following the sound around to the side of the club structure, he found the guy holding Bakura back and the other doubled over on the ground.
'This definitely isn't good,' Malik thought.
Malik, being small and 'beanpolish', didn't stand a chance against the ogre who had Bakura's hands pinned behind him. Looking around for something to throw, anything, he found just the thing: a dislodged brick.
Bailey gaped at his fallen buddy. "What have you done? I'm gonna crush your face in!" Swinging Bakura around with one hand, but still keeping his death- like grip on one of his wrists, he raised his fist, ready to make contact with Bakura's face.
Malik ran and, praying that it would hit, launched the maroon brick into the air. It sailed but for a second and came plummeting down straight onto Bailey's head. He released Bakura and fell onto the ground, motionless.
Bakura blinked and looked up at the sky questioningly. "God?"
"Oh my gosh, did I kill him? Bakura! Are you all right?" Malik said running to his side. "Than goodness I found you. And he's breathing!"
Kurt groaned and Bakura kicked him, knocking him out cold. Suddenly it all registered. Malik had saved him. For a moment, he felt thanks, and then strangely, anger. A scowl spread across his face and he shoved past Malik.
Malik was slightly confused. He had expected something like...gratitude maybe? But, this was Bakura we were talking about. "Are you okay?" he asked running up to him. Noticing the black and blue on his cheekbone, he bit his lip. "Your cheek-"
"Is fine!" Bakura growled. "I'm fine. I would've been fine if it hadn't been for you. I don't need to be saved!" And with that said, he got in his car, slammed the door, and sped off.
Malik watched as the red lights on the rear of the car disappeared into the distance. The sounds of the others were suddenly audible and when he turned around, Ryou rushed up to him. "
"What's wrong, Malik? Where's Bakura?" he asked.
Malik shook his head, "No time to explain. Honda, can I see your car keys for a moment?"
Honda tossed them to him. "Sure, why?"
Malik rushed to their car, and before shutting the door yelled a quick "Thanks a lot", before turning the key and disappearing as well.
Everyone stood silent for a moment and then Jounouchi spoke.
"Uh, did he just speed off with your car, Honda?"
Honda blinked, "he did."
Ryou smiled, "No worries. We can just find Bakura and he'll drive us all home." He turned toward the parking lot and paused.
Yami shook his head. "Tell me he didn't..."
Ryou turned and sighed. "Does anyone have money for a cab?"
--
Malik played cat and mouse with Bakura all the way to wherever he was headed. It hadn't taken long for him to catch up to Bakura but staying caught up was the problem. Bakura didn't even know Malik was chasing him.
At one point, Bakura made a sharp turn and Malik didn't catch it but he decided to keep going straight just in case they caught up. After about ten minutes of not catching up, he decided to just head to the house. It was his last chance and guess.
Pulling up to the house, Malik was relieved to see Bakura's car parked hastily in the driveway; the driver door not even shut completely. He rushed up to the door finding it thankfully unlocked and walked in. The place was dark, except for a dim light that could be seen from upstairs in one of the bedrooms. Faintly, Malik could hear the strings of a guitar being plucked and creating a melodious song that almost sounded...sad.
Sitting the keys on the table, he made his way quietly up the steps and noticed easily that the song came from Bakura's room. Walking down the hall, the music suddenly stopped mid-note and all was silent. Malik wasn't sure whether or not Bakura had heard him or not, but he chanced continuing anyways.
Stepping into the doorway, Malik froze. Was Bakura? No... Were those just, they couldn't be... But wait... it is. He is...
Silent tears streaked down Bakura's cheeks but he made no crying sound. He didn't even look like he was crying. It just seemed as though his eyes were leaking water and he sat unbeknownst to them staring blankly at the floor.
Malik took a deep breath and took a step in, noticing idly that the guitar had been laid on the floor. Bakura looked up at him as he entered and remained quiet on the bed.
"You'd better etch this scene very well into your mind," Bakura said, "because it's one you'll never see again."
Malik frowned and came to sit beside of him. Surprisingly, Bakura made no protest or nasty comment. He just sat, eyes devoid of emotion as though he were detached from the scene. Finally, Malik questioned him asking, "Are you all right?"
Bakura ran a hand over his face and the tears seemed to disappear, as though they had never existed and it had never happened. Malik was already forgetting that it had. "Define...all right."
"Well, feeling better?"
Bakura raised a brow. "No."
"I don't know if I did anything wrong...but if I did...sorry." Malik didn't know what to say. He wasn't sure why Bakura was so upset.
Bakura smirked at the comment, but it was a bitter smirk; one filled with skepticism and disbelief. Standing up, he made his way over and looked for not more than a second at a photo of him and Ryou when they weren't more than 5 years old. Their father was standing behind them, a shoulder on each of theirs, and they were all smiling except for Bakura. He had a pout on his face and didn't look at all thrilled.
"Ever since I was little, I've had the responsibility of watching over Ryou. If Ryou ever got hurt, it was always my fault because I was supposed to watch over him. I was always the more serious, stern and stronger one, physically and emotionally, and so naturally whenever father went away, Ryou was my responsibility. Because father is rarely ever here, he's always my responsibility. Even though we're the same age, I have to be the older one. I'm always worrying over Ryou and taking the blame for him. Tonight I almost got beaten up because of it. I'm always the one who does the saving... that's why I couldn't believe it when you had...saved me in a way. I guess I was sort of mad because I felt like I wasn't good enough anymore."
Malik raised a brow, "I just didn't want you getting hurt. That guys fist would've probably broken your jaw." He went carefully over Bakura's words. "Is that why you're always so... defensive around him?"
Bakura smirked, "Yep. Weakness invites attack, so Ryou's a sitting duck. You leave him alone in the kitchen for one moment and he's already cut or burned himself, or both at the same time," he said, referring to earlier. "If anything ever happened to him, I'd never forgive or be able to live with myself. It's not like I hate him; he is my brother after all."
"Well, I know you may not like hearing it from me... but I think you're just the brother Ryou needs."
Bakura sighed. 'Why did I just spill all of that out to him. It's not he... well, maybe he does care. I suppose it's good to actually have someone that I can talk to... even if it is beanpole.' Smirking evilly, he turned toward Malik, "Do you know that one of the guys who attacked me earlier said I was cute?"
Malik shook his head, "He'd be wrong if he thought otherwise-"...'OH MY GOD! I just said that!' he thought, "-Because, well, you're a really intriguing person..."
Bakura raised a brow. "Intriguing?"
Malik stood quickly, "Yeah, now about that bruise. I'm gonna go get you some ice. It must really sting, see ya in a few!" He dashed out the door.
Bakura felt strangely flattered, and it was weird because he wasn't one to normally be flattered by anything...especially a beanpole that made him feel like an idiot, yet strangely appreciated at the same time. 'And did he just agree that I was cute?'
His thoughts were stopped short Malik running back into the room holding a bowl of ice water and a rag. Malik sat the bowl down and dampened the cloth, raising it to Bakura's cheek, but Bakura seized his wrist.
"I'll do it," he said taking the rag. "I don't need you babying me."
Malik raised a brow; "You missed the bruise by a mile."
Bakura glared, "My face isn't even a mile long, idiot."
"Oh, there we go with the charming vocabulary again-"
"If you're so smart, you put it on it."
Malik took the rag and guided it softly to the bluish part of his cheek, and almost immediately Bakura winced. "I told you you missed it..."
"It hurts like hell!"
"Well, do you have any suggestions to dull the pain?" he asked, jokingly.
Bakura smirked connivingly, "My mother used to kiss my cheek-"He had said that before thinking. It's not like Malik was going to-
It happened it an instant, and a moment later, it might not have ever happened at all. Malik leaned in quickly and left a feather-soft kiss on Bakura's cheek. "Feel better now?" he asked.
Bakura blinked unsure if it actually had happened. Malik acted like it wasn't a big deal. It was! You don't just kiss someone and expect them to be calm about it, or you at least didn't do it to Bakura.
The phone took an opportune time to ring making Bakura jump and Malik eyed him strangely as he picked up the phone.
"Hello?" Bakura asked into the phone.
"Bakura?" Ryou said. "Oh thank goodness you're home. I was really worried. Is Malik there?"
"Of course. Why, where are you?" Malik's eyes widened. "In a cab?! Why?"
Malik got up quickly, "I'll go out to meet them..."
Ryou sighed, "So that's when he chased after you and was gone." A smile spread across his face, "He was awfully worried about you..."
Bakura rolled his eyes, "Yeah right."
"Well, I just pulled in. Everyone else is home, and the others will be by tomorrow to pick the car up. I told them they could just hang out with us for a while as a sort of collateral."
Bakura glared, "Joy."
"I'll see you in a moment-"
"Ryou...what does it mean when someone tells you that you're intriguing?"
Ryou paused to think about it, then said simply, "It means they like you."
Bakura hung up the phone not too long after and thought for a moment. 'Well...' he smirked, 'this makes things very interesting...'
---TBC---
Another chapter complete. Sorry for the delay. I've not been home as of late. Vacation's where I wanna be, party on the beach where the money is free...
Yeah, ehem, so I'll have the next chapter up soon. Hope you summer goes well
Thanks for reading, and please review.
AmethystRoze