"Arise from Darkness"
By Heikou and Janime
Chapter Eight
Multi-Happiness
"Brace yourself," Ryou said as he opened the door.
"Yeah, I know how Bakura can be," said Devlin.
"And how would I be?" the thief asked as he walked out of the kitchen, eating an apple.
Despite the warnings he received, Devlin still jumped when he saw Ryou's darker half.
"Hi Bakura," Yugi said for politeness' sake as he and the others piled in, leaving their school bags along the wall. "Where's Yami and Malik?"
"Around." He took another bite.
Ryou looked at him then around the kitchen. "Bakura what did you do?"
He leveled a glare at them. "I didn't do anything."
"So where are they?" Marik asked before leaving the kitchen in search of the missing people.
"It's not like I hid them in the closet!" the former thief yelled.
"No, you're the one who's known for hiding," Yami said as he walked down the stairs.
"Where's Malik?" Marik asked.
"In the basement, playing the Dead or Alive Volleyball videogame."
Keriam walked into the kitchen and opened the door to the basement. "Malik, could you come up here please?"
Moments later, the sound of footsteps ascended the stairs and Malik entered the kitchen with a cookie between his teeth and the Oreo package in his hands. He finished the cookie before speaking. "Hi, Duke."
Devlin's jaw dropped. "Malik?!"
"Surprise!" The young boy held out the bag. "Oreo?"
"Um no thanks. Damn... this is..."
"Weird?"
"Yeah that's it." He turned to the pharaoh and nodded. "So you're Yami then? No wonder people couldn't tell you and Yugi apart."
"Especially now that Yugi grew taller," Tea smiled as she kissed his cheek.
"So kid, how ya doing in the game?" Bakura asked as he threw the apple core away.
"Good." He popped another cookie in his mouth.
"Keriam, Tea, can I talk to you two for a minute?" Cheri asked softly. "In private?"
"Sure," Tea said and the Sisters walked upstairs. "What's wrong?"
"A lot of things," Cheri almost whispered as she touched her engagement ring.
Keriam looked at her best friend. "Cheri, you better not be considering what I think you are."
"I am…"
"Why?" Tea asked.
"Because I can't give him a family," Cheri faced her Sisters with tears forming in her eyes. "I'm never going to know what that's like."
"But he loves you!"
"And I love him, that's why I can't marry him."
Tea sighed as she went up to her and gently shook her by the shoulders. "Listen to yourself, Cheri! Seto loves you a lot; do you know what this will do to him?"
"He risked his own life just to save yours," Keriam added. "You two are made for each other. You shouldn't let this get you down."
"I can't help it... I failed him..."
"How did you fail him? You had that infection during junior high, long before you knew of Seto Kaiba. And the medication effect was a one in twenty."
"Cheri, you can't reproduce eggs," said Tea. "That doesn't mean you can never have children. Your mom told me that as long as you still have your 'friend' visit, you're still able to have a baby. You just need some outside help."
Keriam placed her hand on her shoulder. "As far as you know, Seto's okay?" Cheri nodded and Keriam went on. "There's his half. All you need is the one piece you're missing and good timing."
"In-vitro fertilization?" Cheri sighed. "I don't know..."
"I'm pretty sure that Seto has looked into other alternatives. Just talk to him when you two are alone, okay?"
"O-Okay." Sniffing she rubbed at her eyes before hugging them tightly. "Gods I just feel like I'm not worth it."
"You are worth it and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It's alright, you'll see just don't worry about it," Keriam smiled as she hugged her tightly. "Hey, if you do get pregnant you'll be blaming all the pain on Seto."
"Funny."
"Hey you're smiling," Tea smiled and hugged her as well. "Think you can go greet the others?"
"I'll try. I guess, tonight I'll talk to him." She looked at the ring and sighed deeply. I just wish, even if it was a one time thing, I could give him what he wants.
~
Joey sighed happily as he patted his full stomach. "Well that should tide me over until dinner," he smiled.
"You're a pig Wheeler, pure and simple," Bakura insulted as he tried to balance his chair on two legs.
Joey narrowed his eyes at the thief before pushing the other's chair, causing him to yelp as he fell backwards and land on the floor. Everyone watched as Bakura slowly rose to his feet, casting a deadly look on the sitting honey-blonde. Joey flew out of his chair and bolted from the kitchen.
Marik immediately took off after them, not to help Bakura but to prevent the thief from doing any damage to Joey for Keriam's sake. Marik caught up with and tackled Bakura to the floor, which allowed Joey to escape.
"Get off!" Bakura yelled.
"Only if you promise not to hurt him."
"Since when did you care if he stayed in one piece? Ow!"
Marik twisted the other's arm behind his back. "Promise?"
"Yes! Alright!" Bakura sighed when his arm was released. "You're just trying to make yourself look good in front of Keriam."
"What is going on?" Keriam asked as she walked into the living. She stared at the two on the floor, a grin broke out on her face and she was barely able to hold back her laughter.
Marik and Bakura looked at each other, and then an old memory surfaced in both their minds, making them quickly scramble away.
"You're sick, Keriam," Bakura hissed.
"The funny thing is that I was just thinking about that pic this morning," she laughed and quickly headed for the kitchen.
Marik shuddered as he thought about it. "Ugh! Now I'm gonna have nightmares about it!" he exclaimed.
"You were the one that tackled me!" Bakura yelled at him.
"You shouldn't have insulted Joey."
"He pushed me!"
"And two wrongs make a right?"
"They do in algebra!"
"… Forget it, you're giving me a headache," the tanned blonde sighed as he stood, rubbing his temples. Going into the kitchen he turned to Ryou. "Do you have any aspirin?"
"Yes just a moment." Looking through the drawers and cabinets he located the small white bottle and handed it to him along with a glass of water. "What was the yelling about?"
"Bakura's being a bigger pain that usual." Popping two pills into his mouth he drank the water down fast.
Tea and Cheri came in, joining the group sitting at the table. "Why's Bakura mumbling something in another language?" Tea asked.
"Probably cursing Marik in Egyptian," Yami said with a quirk of the lips as he leaned against the counter.
"No wonder he retreated into the living room," Cheri sighed as she reached for her portfolio. "Seto. I know it's past your birthday and I'm sorry that this is late but, this is for you." Reaching in she pulled out a canvas, handed to him and kissed him softly. "Happy Belated Birthday."
The painting was of him wearing armor that looked like a blue eyes white dragon with a flowing cape. He wore a duel disk on his left arm while holding a white rose in his right hand but in the background was a castle which looked almost like a lighter version of the Castle of Dark Illusion, settled in a lush and almost medieval setting. In the corner was her signature and on the back with the date it was completed.
"I think this should go into the Genus Book of World Records," said Devlin. "A picture of Seto without a scowl."
"Very funny," the CEO muttered; Seto had to admit that Cheri had done an excellent job painting. He couldn't believe how well she managed to capture his "good" side--the side he only showed to her and Mokuba.
Joey had to whistle. "Pretty sweet, Cheri. You should do commissions upon requests."
"I tried to get her to do that a convention we went to a few years ago," said Keriam.
"Thank you, Cheri," Seto reached out, pulling her close to him and kissed her. "It's wonderful."
She smiled and looked at her friends. "Painting takes a lot of time but... what with school almost done I can do one for each of you."
"Hey you can make a lot of money with this talent," Duke commented.
"My mom tells me that all the time but no, listen you guys are friends and I'll do one for nothing. Think of them as gifts."
Yugi smiled. "Either way Cheri you certainly have talent."
Joey blinked as his stomach gurgled. "Um..."
"Don't tell me; Joey you just ate!" Tristen exclaimed.
"Um okay I won't but hey I can't control my body!"
"At one point you lost total control," Bakura said with a smirk as he entered the kitchen.
Everyone in the room glared at the thief.
"I'm just pointing out the truth! Yeesh!"
"Bad timing, Bakura," said Malik. "Always bad timing."
~
"Nah-na-na-nah! Nah-na-na-nah! Hey, hey, hey! Goodbye! Nah-na-na-nah! Nah-na-na-nah! Hey, hey, hey! Goodbye!"
"Domino High!" Joey turned around and faced the school devised by cruel engineers, his blue graduation gown swishing open, showing the shirt, slacks, and now loosened tie. "SAYANORA!"
"Agreed!" Ryou grinned and tossed his cap into the air then caught it when it fell back.
"Joey! Tristen!"
Both boys turned. "Serenity!" they yelled as she ran to the group. The young girl hugged her older brother.
"Joey! You made it!" Serenity cried happily. "I knew you would!"
"Thanks, sis," he grinned as he released her, and then she hugged Tristen.
"Hello, Joseph."
Joey turned and looked at his stepmother. "Hi..."
Elizabeth smiled at him. "I'm very proud of you."
"I couldn't have done it without everyone." He wasn't sure how to react but when she walked towards him, opening her arms he stepped into them and hugged her.
Serenity smiled, even as tears of joy slowly rolled down her cheeks. Tristen wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly. Everyone was happy even as cameras went off.
"No more papers! No more books! No more teachers' dirty looks!" Cheri yelled as she threw her hands in the air.
Marik laughed at the little song. "And I thought Joey's song was bad," he grinned.
Rose made her way to her daughter, happy to see her happy. "Cheri!"
"Mom! You made it!" she beamed happily.
"Now why would I miss your graduation?" She beamed as she embraced her daughter even as Mokuba ran to his brother.
"Seto!!" You could see how happy the younger Kaiba was for his older brother.
The CEO lifted Mokuba up, receiving a large hug from his little brother. He smiled at Nan as the elder woman walked up to them and gave Seto a large hug, which he returned. Through his growing up, the only person's opinion that really mattered to him was Nan's. Gozaburou had always forced Seto to be the best, finding faults despite his accomplishments. But Nan was the maternal figure to him and Mokuba, always proud of them and defending them against their stepfather.
"Very good, kids," said Zack.
Terry hugged her niece. "I'm very proud of you, honey." She then hugged Cheri and Joey. "You all made it."
"Why wouldn't they?" Mr. Mutou asked with a smile.
Ishizu smiled as both she and Rashid congratulated Marik. "I couldn't be more proud of you at this moment," she said and hugged him tightly. "Both of you," she whispered. Marik smiled and he could feel Malik's joy through the link.
"We're lucky to have family like you and Rashid," he answered back.
"How about we all go out to eat to celebrate?" Mr. Gardner asked.
"Oh that sounds great! Where should we go?" Tea asked.
"Somewhere where they can seat a dozen people," Yugi said.
"How about the mansion?" Mokuba suggested.
"Later," said Seto. "I know a fairly decent and reasonably priced restaurant. Cheri and her mother can come with us and the rest can follow."
"That's sounds lovely," Terry smiled. "Thank you."
"Of course, no pets allowed."
Joey narrowed his eyes.
"Guys, please," Keriam looked at them. "No fighting tonight."
~No fair,~ Bakura grumbled. ~You get to go out to eat and I'm stuck here with the pharaoh and the half-pint.~
~I'll bring you home a doggie bag,~ said Ryou.
~I'm not the dog of this group!~ the thief yelled causing his light to flinch.
~Bakura, it's a figure of speech! It's used when taking home leftovers! Yeesh!~
"Are you okay, Ryou?" Mrs. Gardner asked.
"I'm fine," he smiled, "my ear was ringing."
"Well, I guess someone must've been talking about you."
The others in the group laughed slightly.
~Anything you want me to bring home for you, Malik?~
~No thanks,~ the hikari answered. ~Oh, wait! If they have Italian wedding soup, get a pint of that for me?~
Marik grinned. ~Sure thing.~
~Yami? Do you want anything? Yugi asked his old dark half.
~Anything you get will be fine by me,~ He smiled. ~Oh I better go, Bakura's threatening Malik.~ The young duelist had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing.
"What are we waiting for?" Walking as a group they headed to the parking lot where all the cars were located. At the limo, Paul opened the door as Cheri, Rose, and Nan entered followed by Mokuba and Seto. Marik would be riding with Keriam with Terry and Zack. Joey would ride with Elizabeth and Serenity. Ryou went with Tristen and his parents. Mr. Mutou and Yugi would be riding with Tea and her parents. Ishizu and Rashid followed behind everyone else in a rented car. Once they all got in the cars they headed to the restaurant.
The restaurant looked classy but almost had an air of elegance around it. As everyone parked they made their out but left their graduation gowns, caps, and diplomas in the cars. Heading inside Seto asked for a table just for themselves so they could all sit together. Seeing such a large group the headwaiter led them near a back corner. Handing them each a menu he said that a waiter would be there to take their orders soon and let them be.
"Wow look at all this food!" Joey exclaimed softly as he looked over the menu.
"Try not to drool too much, Wheeler," said Seto. "It may not be the higher scale restaurants, but you still have to behave properly."
Before Joey could come back with a remark, the waiter approached the table. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Ushiro, and I'll be taking care of your orders. Would you like to start with a drink?"
"Sparkling apple cider for my brother," Seto motioned to Mokuba, "and a bottle of sangria."
"I'll have a fruit punch margarita," said Marik.
~Drinking alcohol is bad for your liver,~ Malik's voice filtered into his mind.
~I'm not driving, and the others will stop me from drinking too much.~
"I'll have a watermelon margarita," said Keriam.
"Make that two," said Joey.
"I'll have a strawberry margarita," Cheri said.
"I'll have a pina colada," Rose smiled.
"We'll have a glass of sherry," Mr. Gardner said.
"I'll have the same," Elizabeth said.
Tea looked at the menu before looking up. "I'll try a pineapple margarita."
"And I'll have a tropical blast," Yugi added.
"I'll have a beer," Mr. Motou said.
"We'll have sangria as well," Rashid ordered for himself and Ishizu.
"Alright are you ready to order now or would you like some more time?" Ushiro asked as he wrote the drinks down.
Everyone placed their order, starting with the appetizers and then the main course. Ushiro jotted down every choice and quickly went to the kitchen.
Ryou looked around the restaurant. He had to admit that it was a very nice place, not too fancy and definitely not anywhere near Burger World. His eyes landed on a table where four people sat, eating salads. "Look, Devlin and Mina are here with her parents."
Everyone turned their gazes where the platinum hair boy was looking. Devlin glanced over, catching everyone's stares. He smiled and waved. Mina turned around and also waved before pushing her long turquoise hair over her shoulder.
The gang waved back and they talked with the parents. This was fun and at times just seemed perfect. Soon the drinks came followed by the appetizers. The young adults were happy that high school was finally over but now there was the big choice about college. But they had the summer to think about it. The adults talked and swapped stories, each saying how happy and proud they were about their children.
"So Seto, when are you and my daughter going to get married?" Rose asked with a smile as she sipped at her drink.
"Mom!" Cheri flushed lightly, looking at her wide eyed.
Seto cleared his throat, blushing slightly. "Actually, with all that's been occurring we haven't had a chance to sit down and decide on a specific date."
"Can't say that I blame you," said Zack.
Terry smiled. "Hopefully there will be two dates to keep open."
"Auntie," Keriam said through her teeth, and Joey shifted in his seat.
Marik said nothing but frowned inwardly at the comment. He lifted his glass up and swallowed quite a bit of the margarita. Ryou watched the Egyptian from the corner of his eye, feeling sympathy for the other.
Rose smiled as she held her glass up. "I propose a toast, to our children and friends for surviving high school," she said.
"A toast."
"May they all live happy, healthy lives," Mr. Motou smiled. The glasses gently clicked together.
As the meal progressed they continued to talk and relax that before they knew it, their meal had come and gone. Ushiro brought them the check as well as plates where the leftovers were in and a pint of Italian Wedding soup Marik ordered. The adults chipped in together, saying that this was a treat for them. Leaving their waiter a tip the bill was paid and they headed to the cars. Talking before they left the gang would head over to Kaiba mansion for a party as the adults headed home to rest and wait for them. They could sleep in tomorrow since school was over for them.
Back at Ryou's house, Yami had his hands full trying to keep Bakura from doing any harm to Malik. Apparently, the now ten-year-old lighter half was having way too much fun nettling the thief by using his small stature as an advantage since it was almost second nature to some people to protect children.
Ishizu and Rashid had taken the Italian Wedding Soup and dropped it off to Malik, and the young boy eagerly devoured the soup, resisting the temptation to fling one of the pieces of chicken at Bakura.
As for the three in the Kaiba mansion, they couldn't help snickering at the scenes entering their heads, telling the others in the room what was happening.
Mokuba then disappeared, and entered the living room pushing a large object covered with a gray tarp.
"What are you doing?" Seto asked his brother.
Mokuba only grinned as he set the object near the wall and then removed the tarp, revealing the karaoke machine.
"Get that out of here," Seto growled.
"Oh, come on," Mokuba said as he plugged the cord into the outlet. "You got me this for my birthday and I finally have an excuse to use it."
"Don't tell me the great Kaiba can't sing?" Joey teased.
"So who's going first?" Cheri asked before they could fight.
"Well since it's Mokuba's, why don't you start us off?" Tristen asked with a grin.
Smiling, the younger Kaiba went through the music file and selected one of his favorite songs. When he finished, everyone clapped.
"Who's next?" Yugi asked.
"Not me," Joey said.
"Good," said Seto. "The last thing Domino City needs is every dogs howling along."
"Then let's see you stand up to the mike."
"No fighting," Keriam covered his mouth. "You promised."
"Keriam, why don't you sing?" Tea suggested.
"No," the Daughter of Ra shook her head.
"But you have a great voice," said Cheri.
"Please?" Joey begged, wrapping his arms around her and giving her a puppy dog look--it worked on her all the time.
Keriam fell to the charm and agreed. "Forgive me if my voice cracks," she said as she went through the list. "Three margaritas will do that to me." Keriam went through the music list, surprised then smiled as she came across one of her favorite songs. Hitting the play button, Keriam took the mike in hand and closed her eyes.
The sound of a keyboard accompanied by an electric guitar filtered through the speaker, till just eh guitar played; after seventeen seconds, violins joined the haunting melody. With her eyes still closed, Keriam began to sing.
Oh no, here it is again
I need to know when I will fall in decay
Something wrong with every plan of my life
I didn't really notice that you've been here
Dolefully desired
Destiny of a lie
Keriam opened her eyes.
Set me free
Your heaven's a lie
Set me free with your love
Set me free
Set me free
Your heaven's a lie
Set me free with your love
Set me free
She walked around the karaoke machine and sat on the footstool that had been pushed near the wall.
Oh no, here it is again
I need to know why did I choose to betray you
Something wrong with all the plans of my life
I didn't realize that you've been here
Dolefully desired
Destiny of a lie
Set me free
Your heaven's a lie
Set me free with your love
Set me free
Set me free
Your heaven's a lie
Set me free with your love
Set me free
Keriam rose from the footstool and walked back to the center of the room.
Dolefully desired
Keriam looked directly at Joey and Marik.
Set me free
Your heaven's a lie
Set me free with your love
Set me free
Set me free
Your heaven's a lie
Set me free with your love
Set me free
Set me free
Your heaven's a lie
Set me free with your love
Set me free
The music ended as it had begun. Joey and Marik were the first ones to start clapping and the others joined.
"Thank you," Keriam set the mike down and returned to her seat next to Joey.
"You were great," Joey kissed her.
"I haven't that song before," said Yugi. "What was it?"
"'Heaven's A Lie' by Lacuna Coil," Keriam replied. "It's one of my favorites."
"That was really beautiful," Tea commented. "Maybe you should think about being a singer."
"I totally agree! You could be the next teen idol," Cheri added.
Keriam smiled and blushed ever so lightly. "I wouldn't go that far," she said.
"I would." Joey smiled and kissed her softly.
"Next singer!" Mokuba grinned and handed the microphone to Cheri. She blinked at him in surprise.
"Me? Mokuba I can't sing; I can barely dance!" she protested.
"C'mon, you dance pretty good!"
"Yeah on DDR." She tried to keep saying no but one look at his face and she gave in. "You're good at getting your way."
"Tell me about it," Seto remarked, ruffling his brother's hair affectionately.
"I'll sing but not right now." Seeing the disappointed look on his face she leaned forward and softly kissed his cheek. "I promise later."
"Okay but I won't forget!"
As the night went on nearly everyone got up to sing. Yugi got up and sang 'I Knew I Loved You' by Savage Garden. Tea was nearly in tears at the end of the song. Marik proved to have a good singing voice as he sang to Evanescence's 'Taking Over Me'. Tea sang 'Waiting For Tonight' by Aaliyah in which Tristen and Joey teased the young duelist about the hidden meaning behind it. Seto refused to sing which nearly resulted in a fight between him and Wheeler but Ryou sang 'Jesse's Girl', thanks to Bakura telling him over and over to sing that song, that now it was Cheri's turn. Not wanting to break the promise she made to the young Kaiba she agreed but went to grab a CD from her room. Returning she placed it in.
"Okay the words won't appear and I haven't sung this song in a long time so just bear with me," she explained as she took a deep breathe. Closing her eyes she listened for her cue and softly, began to sing.
Demons come from every side
(In the darkness is the light)
Pulling me on a downward slide
(In the darkness is the light)
Getting hot the deeper I go
(In the darkness is the light)
Into the darkness down below
(In the darkness is the light)
I live my life in one straight line,
The future ahead and the past behind.
Don't wanna go back to yesterday,
But I don't know how long I can run this way.
Gentle hunger tangled vines
(In the darkness is the light)
I'm tangled up in my own lies
(In the darkness is the light)
A creature there in darkness' lies
(In the darkness is the light)
Why is it that he has my eyes?
(In the darkness is the light)
I live my life in one straight line,
The future ahead and the past behind.
Now I've heard all that I never knew,
And the only way out is through the end.
They say the truth will set me free, yeah
(In the darkness is the light)
Sitting down here on my knees, yeah
(In the darkness is the light)
And just when I thought I lost my sight
(In the darkness is the light)
I catch a glimpse of that beautiful light
(In the darkness is the light)
In the darkness is the light,
Surrender we'll win the fight.
This girl's walked in fire and ice,
But I've come out on the other side of paradise.
Oh yeah, paradise! Yeah yeah!
My paradise!
It's here with you;
It's here with you, baby
Paradise
Paradise
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah;
Paradise…
Letting the words trail off she slowly lowered the mike and looked up at everyone. She was nervous because she hated singing in front of people. Last time she sang the song she had chosen was screwed up and she had stage fright.
"Cheri," Keriam spoke, "I'll be the next teen idol if you are too."
"You were great," said Ryou.
"Thanks," Cheri smiled as she set down the mike and walked back to Seto.
He pulled her into his lap and kissed her. "You were magnificent."
She smiled and curled up against him. "How come you don't sing?" she asked.
"People like me don't sing," he said simple.
"But you dance."
"That's different."
Joey looked ready to make a smart remark but decided to keep his mouth shut.
"So what should we do now?" Tea asked. "With no more school we can stay up as late as we want."
Everyone was quiet for a moment until Ryou groaned, shook his head and grumbled.
"What did he say?" asked Cheri.
"He said that we should play the Drinking Game."
"How many times did he play that game five thousand years ago, and robbed the people that fell asleep drunk off their bums?" Keriam asked.
"He says that was his way of life and some other choice words I would rather not repeat."
"I'm game," Tristen grinned.
"Me too but I got an idea, why don't we combine with Truth or Dare?" Joey had an evil gleam in his eyes. "You pick truth, dare, or take a shot. If you don't answer the question or do the dare you take a drink but the person who picked you pours the drink and you can't know what it is."
"That sounds like a good game," Marik smiled. "I bet Bakura is wishing he was here."
Ryou nodded as he rubbed his head. "He'll yelling at me to come get him and leave the pharaoh to baby-sit the brat."
Yugi smiled some. "And Yami is keeping him from trying to kill Malik for calling him a has-been amateur thief."
Mokuba yawned.
"It's time for you to get to bed," said Seto.
"No, it's not."
"It's almost eleven. Go to bed, Mokuba."
"Alright," Mokuba yawned again and stood up. He gave his brother and Cheri a quick hug and went upstairs.
"See you tomorrow," Cheri called out. "I like him, he's a sweetheart."
"Looks like your brother is trying to take your fiancée," Marik teased but Seto chose to ignore him.
"You know, maybe we should invite the others," Tea spoke up. "I mean, it's just us so who's to worry?"
"You have a point. Seto, is it alright if we borrow a car?" Yugi asked.
He seemed ready to object but Cheri whispered something in his ear. Reaching into his pocket he removed a set of keys. "First, who's driving?"
"I'll go," Tristen said as he stood. "Need me to get anything while I'm out?"
"Restraints for Bakura," said Marik.
Ryou couldn't help laughing. "I'll go with him to make sure Malik's safe."
"Thank you."
Joey made gasping noises, and the Egyptian narrowed his eyes at him.
"Sorry," Joey took a deep breath, "I've never, ever heard you say those two words."
"Funny, real funny." Marik snorted as Ryou, and Tristen headed out to pick up Yami, Bakura, and Malik. As they left the three couples plus one decided to get everything ready.
The karaoke machine was pushed back against the wall along with the coffee table so they could have room and hopefully, not run into something and break it. Seto took out several bottles, setting them up before heading to the kitchen to get some glasses. The girls went to the kitchen to get some fruits and other tid-bits. But they could also talk.
"So Cheri, did you talk to Seto?" Keriam asked as she took a bowl of fruit from the fridge.
"Yeah I did. You were right, he does love me its just…" she paused before pulling a knife from the drawer. "Have you ever felt like, something so good happens to you it's just too good to be true? Like a dream you never want to wake up from?"
The other two girls smiled. "Everyday."
"That's how it feels like. I'll be honest, I never thought I would ever have a boyfriend much less get married yet here I am. I just don't want to screw it up." She looked at her engagement ring, watching the light glitter on the diamond.
"Nothing is going to happen," Tea smiled as her as she located a bowl and pulled it down so they could cut some of the fruit. "Did you talk to the doctor?"
"Mom is gonna get us a list of options and we're gonna decide. But you know, I am thankful for one thing: the media has no idea that I'm defective."
"Pray that the next story they run about you guys is when the baby's due," said Keriam as she placed the chips into a large bowl and carried out to the living room.
Roughly twenty minutes later, the front door opened, which was followed by a string of curses and the sound of two sets of running feet.
"Get back here, you little twerp!" Bakura's voice roared.
Malik sprinted into the living room with the master thief in hot pursuit. Just as Malik made a quick turn, in which Bakura followed, the taller of the runners skidded to a halt as Marik blocked the tomb robber's path, amethyst eyes glaring. Malik peeked out from behind his darker half, giving Marik an innocent look when he looked down at his hikari.
"Bakura," Marik said calmly, "what is going on?"
Keriam couldn't help smirking. When Marik had temporarily shared her body, Keriam felt his emotions and learned a few interesting things about the darker half. The major one was that Marik was very protective of Malik.
Bakura growled audible, glaring at the child blonde before looking up and snorted. "Nothing," he said tensely.
Ryou sighed as he came into the room. "Good, you didn't catch him."
"Remind me next time not to offer to drive those two anywhere," Tristen said as he tossed the keys to Seto. Soon he was followed by Yami.
"Now that everyone's here let's get the party started!" Tea said with a grin.
"I brought soda!" Cheri smiled happily. "What, you expect us to drink nothing but alcohol all evening? I need some sugar in my system."
"Me too," Malik said; he started to walk over to the table but Marik grabbed him and swung the boy over his right shoulder. "Hey! Put me down!" Malik squirmed and started to kick.
Marik clamped his left arm on Malik's short legs. "Would Mokuba mind a roommate for tonight?" Marik asked. "Just so that we know where he is."
Seto smirked. "I don't see why not."
"Good night, Malik!" Bakura said in a mock sweet tone as Marik carried the boy out of the living room; Malik swearing to Ra that if Marik didn't release him, the hikari would give the yami a wedgie.
Bakura laughed and poured himself a glass of wine, drinking it all in one sitting. "Don't get me wrong, Malik's alright," said the thief, "but I believe he's taking being a child to a great advantage on his part."
"Oh, let him have some fun," said Tea. "I wouldn't mind being ten again just for a day."
"Careful, Tea, you know what they say," Cheri winked. "Be careful what you wish for."
Marik returned a few minutes later and sat on the couch.
"Did Malik make good on his threat?" Tristen couldn't help asking.
"Nope," was the reply.
"Threaten to break his arms?" Bakura asked.
Marik grabbed a few chips. "I do believe the term is 'commando'."
"Poor Malik," said Joey. "I'm guessing he found out the hard way."
"So, should we play truth or dare first or what?" Cheri asked as she settled next to Seto, peeling a banana.
Tristen looked around before spotting a coke bottle and set it on the floor. "Okay I'll go first." He gave it a hard spin and tried to keep it from rolling under anything. When it stopped it was pointing at Joey. "Okay pal, Truth or Dare."
"Too early for a Truth so I'll pick Dare," he smiled.
"Lemme think... I dare you to bark like a dog every time someone calls your name until everyone has had at least one turn."
"You are no longer my best friend," the honey-blonde glared at Tristen.
"And to those who shall remain anonymous," Keriam spoke, "please say his name at least once or I will be forced to cause you physical harm."
"I guess those wings really don't make you an angel then," said Marik.
"More like a fallen angel," said Bakura.
"My turn," Joey spun the bottle and it pointed to Yami. "Truth of Dare?"
"Truth," answered the pharaoh.
"You have secretly watched Yugi and Tea..." Joey cleared his throat.
Tea narrowed her eyes. "You're such a pig, Joey."
The blonde barked once. "You're answer, Yami?" Joey grinned.
Yami kept silent and reached over for a wine filled glass and drank it all then set the glass down on the table again. He reached for the spin bottle and spun it.
"Tristen," Yami smiled when the bottle stopped. "Truth or Dare?"
"Can't I just drink the wine and get it over with?" the taller boy pleaded.
"Chicken," Bakura coughed behind his hand.
"I am not a chicken!" the brunette yelled.
"Fine you don't have to answer but next time you may not be as lucky," he warned.
Tristen nodded as he poured himself a glass and spun the bottle. It landed on Bakura.
The thief frowned at him. "Make me say or do anything embarrassing and you'll regret it," he warned.
"Truth or Dare?"
"Dare."
"I dare you to say something nice about Ryou," said Tristen.
Everyone turned their eyes on Bakura. He could practically feel them wanting to know what he would say--especially Ryou. Bakura closed his eyes and sighed. "He's intelligent and knows how to take care of himself." ~And me.~
Ryou smiled. ~Thanks, Bakura.~
~Don't ever expect me to say that out loud,~ said Bakura as he reached for the bottle.
~It'll be our secret,~ Ryou said.
The bottle spun and it landed on Seto. He smirked. "This is gonna be good."
"Before you ask I pick Truth," he answered. He didn't trust him with Dare just yet.
"Fine then. What's your biggest fantasy?"
The blue-eyed man looked at him before filling his glass with wine and drank it all down. "You are the last person I would tell that too." He spun the bottle and sure enough it landed on Cheri.
"Hmm?" she looked up where she was chewing on her banana slowly.
"Truth or Dare, love?"
"Truth."
"You want to go to someplace exotic for our honeymoon."
"Oh yes, indeed," Cheri grinned at him. She spun the bottle and it landed on Keriam.
"Truth or Dare?"
"Truth."
"You wish that a certain doujinshi was true right now and you were in it."
Keriam picked up a glass of wine and drank it. "Don't talk about my doujinshi," Keriam said. "Look at the ones you had."
Cheri giggled and Keriam spun the bottle. It landed on Yugi.
"Why me?" the tri-colored haired boy couldn't help asking.
"Truth or Dare?" Keriam asked.
"Um... either one please don't let it be too embarrassing?" he asked.
"Okay not too much. Truth or Dare?"
"Dare."
"I Dare you to do the Little Teapot song and dance."
Yugi was blushing lightly but rather than drink the wine he sighed and stood. Singing the song he did the dance as everyone watched but thankfully, no one was laughing. Looking up he noticed that Yami was glaring silently at Marik and Bakura who looked ready to bust a gut. Tea smiled as she kissed him softly.
"That was for being brave."
Yugi spun the bottle and it landed on Joey once more. "Okay Joey," he smiled weakly when he barked, "Truth or Dare?"
The blonde barked before answering. "Truth. By the way, Tristen, I'm going to kick your butt tomorrow."
As the night went on, Truth or Dare continued, as did Joey barking until everyone had said his name at least once. Bakura had been the one to hold out as the last person to say the blonde's name. Until Keriam gave him a dark look that told Bakura the Daughter of Ra would make do on her nicely stated threat from earlier.
Some answered Truth or did the Dare. But as the game progressed, everyone mostly opted for the wine. It was after two in the morning, and everyone had reached their limit. Marik and Bakura had drunk most of the wine, and now the two were sleeping like rocks with Bakura snoring a little.
Keriam was tipsy herself and occasionally blurted out whatever came into her mind. "Oh, lookies, they's asleep," giggled Keriam, and she sat in Marik's lap, poking his right cheek and frowned when she didn't get a response.
"We should put them to bed," said Yami, lightly shaking his head trying to clear it but all that did was make the pharaoh's mind fuzzier.
"How about in the same bed?" Tea smirked and laughed.
Cheri giggled as she tied off the last ribbon in Bakura's hair. "Can I take a piccy?" she asked. She giggled at the bright pink bows in the thief's snow white hair.
Ryou kept giggling at every little thing or just for no reason at all. Joey looked extremely thoughtful but every time he opened his mouth he either fell to the floor or belched loudly. Tristen was trying very hard not to go to sleep but was failing miserably. Seto seemed to be the only one who didn't look drunk off his ass.
"Yeah! Let's do it!" Yugi said loudly, his face flushed.
Cheri giggled as she played an invisible game of hop scotch. "Marik and Bakura sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby yami in the baby carriage!" she sang before tripping over something and fell on her back. She blinked and giggled.
Yami laughed then covered his mouth. "Let's get them in bed then." He stood a bit shakily and hauled Bakura up. "Kaiba. I need some help here."
"Right..." the CEO rose carefully from the couch. Even though, he did drink quite a bit of wine, Seto's alcohol tolerance was admirable. He walked over to Yami and Bakura, taking the thief's other arm and slipped it around his shoulders. Seto couldn't help chuckling at the pink bows. "They really do accent his hair, don't they?" he grinned.
"Move, Keriam," Tristen finally managed to stand. "Marik's gotta go to bed."
"But he's so comfy," Keriam wrapped her arms around the sleeping boy's neck. "I don't wanna leave my Egyptian prince."
"He's your prince," Joey stumbled over, "but I am your king."
"Okay..." Keriam let Joey pull her from Marik's lap and kissed her.
"Help, please," Tristen said, and with a grumble, Joey reluctantly let go of Keriam and helped Tristen grab Marik and haul him off the couch. They followed Yami and Seto as the two dragged Bakura's unresponsive form up the stairs.
Ryou, Tea and Yugi stayed in the living room as Keriam and Cheri decided to go after the boys. They watched, doing their best not to laugh as the four drunken boys carried/dragged their burdens into an empty guest room and dumped the two unconscious boys on the large bed.
"Okay," Joey said and snickered. "They're in bed..."
"Good night," Tristen laughed and they stumbled out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind them.
"Let's go back to the living room," said Yami as he put his hand against the wall for support.
"We'll be down in a sex--second," Keriam giggled. "I have to use the potty."
"Me too," Cheri smiled.
"Don't fall in," said Seto and the four boys walked down the stairs.
As soon as they were out of the two girls' sight, Keriam and Cheri quickly went back into the guest room, eyes trying to focus on the two bodies upon the king-size mattress.
"You didn't have to go, did you?" Cheri asked.
"Neither did you," Keriam grinned; she ran to the bed and bounce on the mattress beside Marik but he remained still. "You know, Marik, you shouldn't sleep so deep." Keriam moved and straddled his legs. "You never know what might happen."
Cheri walked over to the bed. "What are you doing?" she whispered, eyes widening in shock as Keriam unbuttoned Marik's shirt.
"He goes commando?" Keriam grinned. "Strip Bakura."
"What?!"
"Do it."
"You're very drunk, Keri, did you know that?" Cheri asked but she walked over to the unconscious thief.
"Come on," the other girl smiled widely. "Imagine the looks on their faces when they wake and see that not only they in bed together... but naked as well."
Cheri put her hand over her mouth as she laughed. She climbed on top of Bakura and unbuttoned his shirt, still grinning.
Once the two were stripped to their skivvies, Keriam and Cheri pulled the blanket out from under them and covered the two.
"Man, they's gonna kill us's in the mornin'," Cheri laughed as she fixed one of the bows in Bakura's hair.
"Be worth it," Keriam grinned; leaning over, she kissed Marik's forehead. "Good night, sweet prince. I must go rejoin my king."
"And I, my dragon," Cheri kissed Bakura's cheek. "Pleasant dreams."
Giggling uncontrollably, the two left the room.
Author's Note:
Heikou: Okay the song Cheri sang is from a TV show called 'So Weird and it's sung by M. Phillips. It's called 'In the Darkness' and I happen to like very much.
Janime: The song Keriam sang is 'Heaven's A Lie' by Lacuna Coil. Very good band--they're from Italy and they're touring in Ozzfest this year. I'm going to see them. Yay!
Heikou: I hope nobody thinks we've lost it from what you wrote at the end.
Janime: (looking at doujinshi) Now why would they do that? (flips page, eyes widen) Oooooh...
Heikou: Lemme see!
Janime: MINE! (runs off with doujinshi) MINE! MINE! MINE!
Heikou: Hey share!! (chases after Janime)
