Hmn, yep. Some lemon here, but not explicit. I decided that if I did have explicit lemon here, someone would report me...so I shall go with kasbaka's advice...those who do wish for explicit lemon in this chapter may e-mail me that they do, or drop a line in their reviews, and I shall send you an explicit lemon copy of this very same chapter!

Messagers to (wonderful) reviewers (that I have time to reply to XD):

kasbaka: You've been such a wonderful reviewer since I got this story up!! (hugs) You're very insightful and I love reading your long reviews!! Thanks so much!

PainfulRemebrance: Oh..hehheh, thanks for telling me that. I thought I had accepted annonymous reviews..XD Thanks!

Misoka: (beams) You are very insightful. I'm so glad I got you into this pairing! I love this pairing so much, as you can see. XD AH yes...about Y, Bakura killing Marik killing Malik? Hmn, we shall see, shall we? I don't know, our wonderful white haired yami seems to be very flexible when it comes to destroying someone. So I guess he'll find a way to kill Marik without Malik.

A lot of you guys hope that this will end happily. As for that, I shall not say anything. XD okay, lemon chapter nine!


Chapter Nine

Marik woke first, a small smile across his lips. Morning dawned through the window, and for the first time, Marik was thankful for the golden rays, for they casted heavenly shades across Ryou's porcelain face, bathing them in a angelic halo that only made his beauty flourish. Marik's heart swelled again. The Light in his arms was sleeping against his lap, pure white snowy locks fanned across his torso. Ryou's breathing was regular, if not happy, since the smile he wore on his face looked wisty and cheerful. Absently, Marik began to run his fingers through Ryou's soft locks, causing the smaller boy to mewl slightly in pleasure and squirm in happiness.

Marik's smile widened slightly, forming somewhat into a devious smirk. He knew Ryou had been feeling very down lately, extremely stressed, and constantly tired, and it had only been recently had Ryou recovered. Marik felt guilty that he had made Ryou upset, and taking care of him didn't seem to ease the Darkness's conscience very much. Therefore...he had a plan.

He had been longing to do it since he had laid eyes on Ryou's lithe form, though he had told Ryou he wouldn't on the very first day he met him. But...Marik wanted to make Ryou happy, wanted to show Ryou he cared, and lust was the only way Marik seemed to feel comfortable with, the only way Marik felt was right.

Of course, it also depended that Ryou had to sleep for most of the morning, so that Marik could set everything up. Everything was going to be perfect...perfect, just for Ryou. Perfect, just like Ryou. Cocking his head in slight thought, Marik wondered idly how he was going to have Ryou stay in his room for the amount of time he needed to set up...also, he wanted to give Ryou the element of surprise.

Looking down again, Marik had noticed that Ryou had not stirred again, though his face was relaxed and peaceful. Sighing slightly to himself, Marik gently eased Ryou's tight grip from around his waist away.

However, as he did so, he heard Ryou give out a discontent sound, much like a whimper, and Ryou's grip tightened on him. Chuckling slightly to himself, Marik planted a small kiss against Ryou's cheek, distracting the sleepy boy, and swifly eased Ryou's arms away. As he got up, he noticed that Ryou had whimpered again, and was fumbling around with his previously occupied hands, placing them where Marik's face would've been. Ryou gave out a far higher, upset whimper when he seemed to realize Marik was not next to him, and clutched at the bedsheets, as though through his subconciousness he would hope that the bedsheet was the Darkness.

Smiling to himself at the adorable scene that was playing, Marik gently kneeled down, holding Ryou's hand, in assurance that he was still there. Ryou gave out a small, slightly contented whimper, but his free hand was still searching for Marik's waist. Marik deftly grabbed the other hand too, and placed both into his left hand, his right searching in his back pocket for a scrap of paper. Slipping the piece of paper into Ryou's hand, Marik gave Ryou a kiss on the cheek, causing the Light to smile again and squirm in pleasure. From the nearby drawer, Marik extracted out a single rose. He stared at it in disgust at first, wondering why in the seven hells he was doing this, but the smile on Ryou's face was all worth it.

He clenched the rose for a moment, debating with himself.

Ra dammit, why are you doing this?! It's just Ryou, it's just Ryou, you don't...you can't go all sappy for him!

But another voice in his head sighed sadly.

But that's the reason. It's Ryou. The one who got all sappy with you.

Marik growled slightly in annoyance. He was NOT sappy!

Come on, just give it to Ryou, it's not a big deal. He doesn't even have to know you gave it to him.

Another voice popped into his head, abrupt and ludicrous.

Where in the seven hells did you get your hands on a ROSE?!

Sighing and rolling his eyes, Marik gave in. He hesitantly slipped the stem against Ryou's porcelain fingers, and was about to change his mind, about to draw away, when Ryou gave out a small squeal in his sleep and clenched the rose tight in his hand. Marik raised an eyebrow, blinking. Ryou was so strange sometimes. What was Ryou dreaming about anyways, that made him so happy?

Smiling, Marik shrugged, and stood up, ready to leave. His question about Ryou's dream was almost answered when the young boy began to murmur happily in his sleep:

"....Marik..."

Blinking, Marik turned around, only to see Ryou beaming in his sleep, clutching the pillow and burying his face within its depths happily.

"...Marik..."

It took all of Marik's self control not to wake Ryou up then and there to kiss him. He longed to grab Ryou by the shoulders, shake him awake, and crush his lips against the smaller boy's. But no..he had to wait.

Before Ryou could make another subconcious move, Marik slipped out of the room, making sure it was locked. He didn't want Ryou following him.


Blearily, when Ryou awoke, it was about afternoon. Blinking the debris of the night away from his eyes, he turned around...

...and saw there was no other occupant.

Ryou bolted up instantly, his heart racing. Where was Marik? Did Bakura come and kill him already? Why did Marik go? He promised to stay...he promised!

It was only after Ryou had his moment of hyperventaling did he realize in his hand he was clutching...

...a rose?

Blinking confusedly, Ryou examined it. It was a pretty rose, a thornless rose, just awaiting to bud, a few single petals blossoming at the bud's base.

In his other hand, was a note. He hastily read it.

Ryou.

I'm sorry I had to leave earlier, but don't worry, I'll come back. I've locked the door so you can't come out and look for me, but I promise I will come back. I have other business to attend to.

I will come back roughly around five in the afternoon. Do not try to leave you room, and get some sleep. You'll need it.

I've also enclosed a rose for you... (this part was written and re-written several times, each sentence crossed out in messy ink)...if you can't sleep, then just pass the time with it. If you're awake, then do whatever you want. Change, shower, whatever, but make sure you get some sleep before five. I promise I'll be back.

-Marik.

Ryou blinked at the small note. Marik...Marik left a note for him? And a rose? Ryou shook his head gingerly, hoping that it wasn't a dream. When he opened his eyes, the note was still there, in his hand. Ryou couldn't help it. A smile lit up his face, his heart swelling and rapidly thumping like mad against his ribcage. Did Marik...did Marik really care? Ryou glanced at the rose in his hand. Marik..really gave that to him? Grinning happily, Ryou took a deep breath, and flung himself back, landing happily against the mattress.

Marik cared. Didn't he? Ryou couldn't believe it. But why else, Marik of all people, would leave a rose for him, and a note so he wouldn't worry?

Ryou couldn't sleep. Excited and happy, he got out from his bed and ran into the showers. He couldn't help it. Even though it was a small thing, a very small thing, Ryou couldn't help but hope that it was a sign that Marik cared for him. Ryou didn't even care if Marik loved him or not. The Light knew what Marik was like and didn't quite believe Marik could love, but, just Marik caring...that seemed to be a big deal to Ryou.

Quickly, he took a shower and changed, since his old striped T-shirt and jeans were already quite worn from wearing them for so long. He chose his turqoise shirt with buttons, and a new pair of demin, since the air was stiffling inside his room. Sighing, he flung himself back on the bed, smiling.

It was already quite late in the afternoon. He turned onto his side, dreaming of when Marik would come back. Ryou didn't know why but...Marik could be charming when he wanted to. Ryou loved how he talked. Sarcastic humor, dry witty remarks, blunt opinions. A funny way to see the darker side of things to make the circumstances seem brighter. Of course, Ryou was sure that wasn't Marik's intention, but it still brought a smile to Ryou's face all the same.

He didn't know what Marik would do when he came back. Heck, Ryou didn't even know what he'd do when Marik came back. Oh how he longed to run up to Marik, to hug him, to kiss him, and huggle him tight and whisper, "I love you" in his ears. His heart sank slightly at the thought of his confession. Marik would hate him for saying "I love you". Ryou knew. Marik didn't care for love, thought love was for weaklings, and that's why he left had Ryou for those three terrible days.

Oh how Ryou wished he coud just admit it, say it, confess it. But it would make Marik angry, and scare him off again, and Ryou didn't want Marik to leave. For one, Bakura could get him, and two, Ryou knew he couldn't live without Marik by his side.

Sighing happily to himself again, Ryou brought the rose to his nose, and sniffed.

It was a beautiful scent, as a rose would have, but through the glamour of it all, Ryou immediately began to feel sleepy. He struggled to stay awake, but one whiff from the rose was like a lungful of a field of poppies. Murmuring quietly, Ryou slowly closed his eyes, and fell asleep.


When Ryou did awake again, his head felt slightly foggy, but it didn't last long. It was dark outside...a little too dark.

Blinking, Ryou tentatively reached up his fingers to feel his eyes; a cloth was in the way, shielding his eyelids. A blindfold.

Panicking slightly, Ryou reached up to take the blindfold off, when a strong hand deftly snatched them away. Whimpering, Ryou tried to struggle from his attacker's grip, but no sooner had he stood to get a better balance, his captor had swirled him into his arms, and a hand was clamped on his mouth. He yelped, his voice muffled from the strong hand that covered his nose and his mouth, while he tried his best to squirm away from his captor.

"Shh..." whispered a voice in his ear. Momentarily, Ryou stopped squirming, his heart beating loudly in his ears as he recognized the voice. "Come with me."

The hand was removed from his mouth, and was now grasping his wrist. Gasping slightly as the shadow gripped his wrist tightly and jerked him forwards in the darkness, Ryou cocked his head to the side quizzically.

"Ma---Marik?"

"Shh," said the voice again. "Don't take the blindfold off, Ryou. Just follow me."

Tentatively, Ryou took a step, but was almost overbalanced instantly. A strong figure grabbed him just below the shoulders, heaving him back up. Arms encircled around his shoulders and led him in a far more peaceful and careful manner.

"Ma...Marik? What are you doing?"

"Shh," said Marik again, softly. "I said I'd come back, didn't I? Now stop asking questions and follow my lead."

Swallowing, Ryou nodded, and allowed Marik to lead him through the darkness. He heard the door slid open and shut, and felt Marik firmly hold his shoulders in place as the two of them walked down one hallway, and then another.

"Where are you taking me?" Ryou asked again, trying to find Marik through his blindfold. He heard Marik tsk beside him.

"Still so inquistive," he heard Marik laugh. Ryou blinked, smiling unsurely. There was a different note to Marik's tone, as though he was trying to maintain his cold attitude, but was actually masking some sort of...excitement?

Taking another deep breath, Ryou bit his lip, and followed Marik's lead. He whimpered when he heard another door slide open and shut. He was swiftly turned around, and almost immediately felt Marik's lips upon his own. He closed his eyes despite the blindfold and returned the kiss, not even noticing he was being pushed back until he fell onto his back on something soft.

He felt Marik pull him up on the cushy...thing...and felt the Darkness sit behind him, arms wrapped around him protectively. He gasped silently when he felt Marik's lips brush past his ear, hot breath sweeping across his cheeks.

"Surprise."

Swiftly the blindfold was taken off, and Ryou blinked, before his mouth dropped in awe at his surroundings. Dark tapestries, ranging from dark, rich colours of royal purple to crimson to red red wine, were strung throughout the ceiling of the room. Cushions were perched decoratively across the floor, and a few bowls of fruit and wine were set upon a nearby table. The room itself was dimmed in some sort of heavenly darkness, suggestive and soothing. Looking around, Ryou realized he was sitting on a very soft bed, with many rolls of matching blankets and robes next to it on the floor. Marik was sitting behind him, his legs on each side of Ryou, his arms intwined around Ryou's chest.

"Marik..." breathed Ryou in awe. "What is all this?"

He felt Marik's lips trail down towards the base of his neck, and jumped slightly when the familiar, intrusive tongue was brought across it. Ryou swallowed, his lungs seemingly smaller. Why did everything feel so hot?

"Well," Marik said softly, and Ryou could hear the smirk well within his tone, "what do you think?"

"But...why?"

Ryou gasped when he felt those same arms around his torso swiftly turned him over and flat onto the bed. Marik instantly came into view, wearing his Ghouls robe. That was strange to Ryou. Marik never wore his robe unless it was draped around his shoulders like a cape. However, Ryou didn't have enough time to contemplate such an oddity, as his breath was caught in his throat when he saw and felt Marik slide across his waist, saddling him.

Leaning in, Marik ran the sides of his fingers down Ryou's cheek, drinking in his wondrous beauty.

"Well...you seemed upset lately," smirked Marik fondly. "And I wanted to make it up to you."

"M-make it up to me?" repeated Ryou, eyes wide. "What did you want to make up with me for?"

"You got that wrong," smirked Marik teasingly, leaning in, his weight evenly pressured as his lips brushed against Ryou's. "I wanted to make it up to you...by making out with you."

"Make..what?" stuttered Ryou. Oh gods, those eyes, those enchanting eyes! He could concentrate on nothing else. Beautiful amethyst with highlights of wondrous lavender and gittering mauve....

Smirking still, Marik brought his tongue trailing across Ryou's bottom lip. The younger one breathed in sharply, his back arching. Grinning, Marik then thrusted his tongue into the gap between, commencing a duel of tongues. Moaning, Ryou returned the kiss with ambiguity, smiling as he felt Marik massage his jaw open, their lips crushed against each other's.

Vaugely, through the ardor, Ryou felt Marik's fingers slip underneath his shirt, exploring him to the tiniest detail. He shivered in pleasure as he felt Marik's hands run up and down his side, massaging his chest, dancing across his torso. Smirking at the shivering form beneath him, Marik nipped against Ryou's lip, drawing a whimper and some blood. He instantly licked the blood and began undoing the buttons on Ryou's shirt.

Ryou gasped when the kiss was broken, his chest heaving for air. He blinked and gasped even louder when he realized that his chest was bare, out in the open, and Marik was smirking down on him.

"Liked it so far?"

"Marik, I ---"

But his breathless sentence was cut short when Marik arched his back, his chest skimming across Ryou's, his lips placing hot, wet kisses from the edge of Ryou's lips to his throat. Ryou tried his best to bite back a moan of pleasure when he felt Marik fix his lips on the crook of his neck, nibbling and suckling lightly.

Before Ryou could prevent anything from happening, that is, if he had wanted to, Marik had discarded all of the Light's garments onto the floor, his head cocked to the side, eyebrow raised seductively, tongue licking his lips suggestively. Ryou shivered. He wasn't exactly sure what he was feeling right now...nervous, yes, but...something about Marik's touch seemed to make everything alright, everything okay, despite how wrong Ryou might've thought before.

The Darkness above him pulled the covers over them, just enough. He ran his fingers down Ryou's face, carressing his features. Ryou returned him with a small smile. Marik's wet lips immediately formed into a devious grin, before he promptly raced his hands across Ryou's frail frame. Breathing sharply, Ryou pulled back, shuddering in pleasure as Marik's fingers explored one more time, this time winding their way downwards. The Darkness stopped short when he reached the end of Ryou's torso, and looked at him with a glint in his eyes.

"Want more?" he asked, smirking as he hovered above Ryou on all fours. Trailing his tongue across Ryou's throat, the Darkness slowly slipped out of his robes while Ryou was distracted. Ryou gasped silently to himself as he watched Marik ease out of his purple robes, revealing his body for all to see. Ryou breathed quietly in amazement at Marik's finely tuned, dark chest, his strong, firm abs, his firm, tense muscles. Breathing with awe, Ryou stared wide-eyed at the masterpiece that was sitting on top of him. Fingers trembling, Ryou reached his hands towards Marik...he had to feel those features, he had to, they were so beautiful...

Gently, almost subconciously, Ryou began carressing Marik's face, tracing over his firm skin, his dark kohl marks. Fingers shivering, Ryou brought them from Marik's face to his chest, carressing those lovingly, before dropping towards Marik's abs, where he stroaked and massaged lightly. He heard Marik give a deep, throaty murmur in his throat of pleasure, before the Darkness deftly snatched Ryou's fingers away, and raised them above Ryou's head.

"This is for you," smirked Marik. "Not for me."

"But Marik," smiled Ryou. "You don't have to..."

"Less talking," said Marik, laying a finger on Ryou's lips, silencing him. "More loving."

Ryou blinked at the comment, but he had barely enough time to think when Marik crushed their lips together once again. Tongues twisted and danced, hands ran and kneaded, skin soothed and slipped. Ryou's moans echoed throughout the room, his body warm and content with Marik on top. This didn't feel so bad...through all the zeal, Ryou realized that Marik was doing this for him....why not let himself go, and enjoy it?

Marik was planning just that. He smirked, his lips trailing once again towards the crook of Ryou's neck. After preparing it with sweet butterfly kisses that made Ryou giggle and wirthe beneathe him, he promptly sank his teeth into the tender flesh, hearing Ryou gasp sharply beside him, before moaning in pleasure when Marik began to lap up the blood, sucking on the wound. Smirking still, Marik slipped his hands from Ryou's chest, massaging his sides, winding their way down to Ryou's thighs. He heard Ryou give a small whimper as he allowed his fingers to dance up and down the sides of Ryou's lithe little thighes, from the outside, to the inside.

Oh how sweet did Ryou feel against him. A heavenly small body beneath him, wirthing in pleasure, biting back melodic laughs. Chuckling, Marik slipped his hands back upwards, toying wtih Ryou's sensitive spots on his chest with his fingers, causing the Light to squeak and breathe deeply. He felt Ryou bury his hands into his hair, his back arching, his throat bared.

"Marrriiikk....!"

"More, little Ryou?" teased Marik. "Fine then."

Ryou suddenly felt Marik's hands winding back upwards, running deep, firm circles across Ryou's chest, before they wound their way downwards. Ryou gasped and cried out in surprise as he felt Marik's fingers suddenly grasp his length, before the same naughty fingers began dancing upon them. Ryou shuddered uncontrollably, his body shivering in an unstoppable pleasurable frenzy.

"Marrrriiikkk...!!"

Smirking, Marik's lips engulfed Ryou's own again, fingers still dancing up and down Ryou's length, causing the paler boy to deepen the kiss occasionally with his moans and whimpers. Everything seemed to be so vague, so hazy...!

Ryou decide to abandon all logical thoughts. This was one of the times when he had to let himself go, had to let his instincts guide him. Giggling and gasping, he trailed his hands from Marik's hair and down to his neck and shoulders, where he began to knead deeply and rapidly. He felt Marik squirm delightfully at the touch, a small moan escaping the Keeper's lips as Ryou increased the pressure, since Marik was increasing the intensity of the kiss. Ryou felt Marik's hands roam across his upper body, and he instinctively arched his back, bucking lightly beneath the Keeper.

Both of them hissed simutaneously at the contact met. Length slipped past length, skin rubbed skin. Ryou was already covered in a thin layer of sweat, his heart ramming in his ribcage, his hair fanned out on the bed. Marik was still on top of him, and trapped Ryou's face in his hands. He kissed Ryou forcefully on the lips, at which Ryou, though gasping for breath, instantly allowed, and was engulfed in another lip lock. However, as he felt Marik's tongue swiftly soothe across the curves of his lips, he also felt the Darkness slowly push him upwards, until Marik had settled between his legs. He instantly broke the kiss and looked down, his heart rather uncertain.

"Ma---Marik..." He collapsed against the pillows, glad something soft had broken his fall. "Marik..."

"Yes?" asked Marik, arching an eyebrow. Gently he slipped his fingers past Ryou's length again, causing the younger one to shudder. "Do you want to, Ryou?"

Ryou swallowed, unsure of his answer. His head felt so thick again, but this time it was full of...not stress, not worry, but relief, pleasure, and slight bewilderment. His mind was spinning in a whirlwind of passion and love that he could not understand. He felt Marik run his fingers through Ryou's hair comfortingly, as though he knew what was going on in Ryou's mind. He felt those cool fingers brush against his face, softly caressing Ryou's cheeks in ease him.

Marik...

Oh how Ryou wanted to be Marik's. He knew he loved Marik with all his heart, he knew he would do anything to be Marik's. If this was as far as he could to become his...

"Ryou?" asked Marik, breaking his thoughts. Ryou looked up, and saw that Marik's lavender eyes were deeply concerned, glittering with worry. "Ryou?"

Taking a deep breath, closed his eyes, and opened them again. Marik...how Ryou wished to be his, how he longed to be a part of Marik's life...

...slowly, he nodded.

Marik gave him a deep, inquiring look. "You sure?"

Ryou nodded again, smiling. "Yes."

Marik smirked. He kissed Ryou again, this time lightly and simply, on his bruised lips. Pulling back, he eased Ryou onto his back, and watched him for a moment, before applying protection on his arousal, smirking.

"Then prepare Ryou," he said softly, positioning himself, smirking still, "to surrender yourself to me."

Suddenly, Marik came at him, a deep, heavy but swift thrust, and then there was a flaming pain. Ryou bit back a scream, clutching onto the sheets to bear the pain. Suddenly, he felt warm lips instantly meet his own, a tongue soothing his own, distracting him of the pain. When the pain had ceased, Marik broke away, his lavender eyes worried as Ryou gasped for breath.

"Are you alright?"

Ryou swallowed, chest heaving for breath. He nodded his head, looking up weakly and burying himself in Marik's chest.

"Yes..I'm fine..."

He felt Marik stroak his back, before Marik pulled away again. This time, Ryou braced himself, and Marik thrusted into him again. Ryou collapsed onto the sheets, clutching at them to ignore the pain, his chest heaving for breath as he bit back his cries.

Marik's heart wrenched when he saw how much pain Ryou was in. He almost pulled out, almost told Ryou to forget about it, but he shook his head and entered Ryou again and again, until they had set a rhythm in the backround. Ryou's cries of pain were choked as Marik determinedly entered him again and again, trying his best to keep it even and steady.

Finally, Marik delivered one final thrust, and Ryou's moans instantly were filled with passion instead of pain. He felt an overwhelming pleasure sinking within his depths, refreshening him, calming him. He arched his back, moaning again in pleasure, squirming and wirthing. He felt Marik shudder above him, before the Egyptian came down onto his thin frame. Breathing heavily, Ryou closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around Marik's chest, running his fingers up and down Marik's spine. He arched again, his neck bared, and Marik proceeded to trail his tongue across the graceful throat again, causing Ryou to shudder.

"Are you alright?" asked Marik softly, as he lifted himself up, his face an inch from Ryou's. Ryou blinked, smiling weakly. Marik's eyes were clouded with concern, worry. Ryou smiled, more confidently this time.

"Yes..."

"I'm sorry," whispered Marik softly as he pressed a gentle kiss on the Light's lips. "It must've hurt a lot for you." He rolled over, engulfing Ryou into his arms, licking away his tears. Ryou sighed wistfully, snuggling deep into Marik's chest.

"No...it's okay, Marik," smiled Ryou as he closed his eyes. "It felt wonderful...thank you ...."

Marik was silent, slightly unsure to respond. Smirking, he leaned into Ryou's ear, "My pleasure."

Ryou giggled, burying his face deeper into Marik's chest. "Marik...why did you do all this?"

Marik smirked still, and he gently coaxed Ryou's face upwards, so that they could see each other's eyes.

"Well...you seemed upset lately," Marik said, his voice mischevious. "Especially after our little fight...I just wanted to make it up to you."

"You...you really cared?" asked Ryou, eyes wide. Smiling, Marik kissed him again.

"Yes."

The answer was simple, broad, with no details. Yet Ryou's heart swelled again, and he couldn't help but beam up at the Egyptian.

The Egyptian had rather a smug look on his face. "Pleasurable, Ryou?" he purred, his voice low and rich, as he traced his fingers down from Ryou's chest to his abs. Ryou giggled again and nodded as he felt the Darkness find his way towards his length again, stroaking it absently, sending shivers up and down Ryou's spine.

"Yes," the Light smiled. "Where is this room...anyways? I've never seen it before."

Marik's face faltered, falling back into his usual emotional-less wall. "I used the Shadow Realm as a backround...quite frankly, the Shadow Realm can look nice if you wanted it to...if one can manipulate it, of course. Ingenious, isn't it?"

Ryou blinked. The Shadow Realm...? Oh no! Bakura...!

But Marik had slipped an arm around Ryou's torso protectively; easing him of his worries. He felt Marik's nose nuzzle against his cheek, calming him, soothing him. Idly, Ryou played with the hair that fell onto Marik's shoulders, his fingers brushing across the Egyptian's face once in a while. Smiling contently, Ryou snuggled closer into Marik, and was pleased when he felt Marik tighten his grip. In Marik's arms, Ryou felt safe, felt secure, as though nothing could go wrong as long as Marik was with there with him.

"Marik...?" whispered Ryou, sleepily. Marik opened his eyes and gave him a regarding look.

"Yes?"

"Thank you...for tonight. It meant a lot to me."

Marik smirked. "My pleasure."

Marik's heart seemed to be supressed just beneath his throat. How did Ryou's smile do this to him?! And oh, how warm, sweet, loving did Ryou felt against his chest, slim frail body against Marik's chest snugly. He felt Ryou doze sleepily, happily, his smile never faltering as he nuzzled deep into Marik's chest.

"Marik..." Ryou's voice sounded so sweet when it was sleepy. Marik pulled the covers over them, covering their quite exhausted bodies.

"Yes?" he whispered softly, coaxing the smaller boy into sleep.

Smiling, Ryou looked up, a half-lidded gaze upon Marik's own.

"I love you."

Closing his eyes, Ryou gently leaned his head against Marik's chest. Blinking dazedly, Marik absently stroaked against Ryou's cheeks, causing happy purrs from the smaller boy. Breathless, Marik pulled Ryou tighter into his arms, closing his eyes also. Oh, Ryou, so sweet, so tender...

Oh Ryou.

"I love you too."


(beams) Lemony time! I was wondering if that was good lemon at all...I mean, I can write anything ranging in lemon, but all the same, (cocks head) what did you all think?

Remember, read and review!!