Disclaimer: No, I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh. If I did, Anzu would get all the bishounen!! ;P
WHY DOES LOVE HURT
" Mokuba. Mokuba, wake up,"
With a stirred flutter of eyelashes, the boy sat with a start, bumping heads with Anzu who'd been towered above him in worry; he'd slept in till noon.
With a groan, Anzu rubbed her forehead where her and Mokuba's heads had collided.
Well that hurt.
" Sorry, Anzu," Mokuba murmured, massaging his own temples with his free hand while the other propped him into a sitting position.
A laugh fell off her lips, lightening the silence that had spread between them. " It's alright. My fault, really,"
He looked away, eyes settling on the digital clock. " Is it really one?"
Anzu nodded, a weak smile lifting her lips. " You must have been tired,"
" Yeah," With fisted hands he rubbed his eyes, clearing his vision with a haggard puff of air followed after. " Where are the others?"
" You mean Marik and Bakura?" She stood from her slouched stance on the floor, grabbing both his hands in the process and lifting him with her.
Mokuba nodded, scanning the bedroom after lifting his feet out from under the futon disheveled on the floor in a heap of blankets and pillows.
She answered with a shake of her head. " Seems I'm the only early-riser in this house,"
Absently she ruffled his hair, earning a grim frown from the eleven year old leaning against her side as she guided him out of the room.
" Sorry," She smiled. " Bad habit,"
Stalking carefully down the stairs with him nestled in her side, she felt a sense of protection over the boy, gripping his shoulders and steadying him down the steps to the first floor.
" Don't rush, your still weak from sleep," She warned, supporting his weight as they both entered the family room.
" Can I watch some T.V?" He asked, plopping on the couch as they separated and she headed into the kitchen to begin breakfast.
" Of course you can!" She laughed, shaking her head. " And to think he's related to Kaiba of all people,"
Conceited, know-it-all Kaiba. She added in thought, but her smile warded the harshness of her thoughts.
" So, what'll it be?" Anzu shouted over the noise of the television. Mokuba risked a glance in her direction.
" Uhm….eggs and bacon, please!" Purple eyes zoomed back to the screen.
Anzu set the pan out on the counter, moving it over the stove burner where she set the temperature to medium- high.
" Hey! My favorite show!" Mokuba cheered, steering closer to the television and raising the volume with several flicks of buttons on the remote.
" Yu-Gi-Oh?" Anzu suggested; it was quite famous among young boys.
He nodded, a shake of black hair fluttering around his young face.
" Yeah! How'd you know?" His eyes remained sealed on the animated show.
" Oh, call it instinct," She replied more to herself than him; he seemed too involved in the animé show to hear or care what her response was.
Boys' will be boys'. She thought, secretly laughing. It oddly made her think of the two slumbering males upstairs in her room.
She opened the refrigerator with a mellow yank on the handle, welcoming the chilly air sealed inside to keep the foods and drinks fresh.
Bending toward the neat stacks aligned horizontally inside, she collected the eggs and bacon while managing to steer the door open with her free hand gripped tight on the handle-bar.
Humming silently, she cradled the cool packaged items in her arms, steering away from the fridge and closing the door with a jut of her hip.
" Let's see now," She murmured, eyeing the eggs and bacon silently with an index finger sealed on her lips with absent taps.
She flipped open the carton of eggs.
" How many eggs, kiddo?" She asked, looking over to Mokuba who was lying comfortably on his belly, legs drawn up on the left armrest while his head rested on the right.
" Two!" He shouted, eyes hooked on the t.v set.
Anzu pulled out two eggs, cracking the sides into the pans oval edges with a tap-tap. " You got it!"
She tipped the cracked eggs over the pan, letting the yolk dribble out and into the pan where it sizzled with small bubbles scattering across the surface.
" Mm, smells good," Mokuba commented.
Anzu smiled. " I am known for my great cooking!"
" I'd have to disagree," A gruff voice added.
Anzu tensed, lowering her eyes to the arms laced around her waist, before she looked back to Marik lazily lowering his head to rest on her shoulder.
Anzu smiled cheekily. " Still tired?" She managed to stir the eggs with him leant against her back, his musky sandalwood scent overpowering the frying eggs.
" Making the brat food?" He murmured, purple eyes settling on the pan in front of them. She nodded.
" Yes. And that brat happens to be more appreciative than a certain someone," She turned around to jab at his cheek with the whisk.
He moved back, barely avoiding the egg coated spoon extended in his face. He grumbled a curse.
" I don't suppose you mean me," He muttered, easing his arms off her and leaning casually against the counter with his eyes lingering on the wall.
Anzu quickly pecked him on the lips. " All better?" She asked, hopeful; the last of her worries was to have an angered Ishtar.
" I prefer large servings," He whispered huskily, drawing her against him and lowering his eyes to stare down at her smaller height of five four.
She flushed. " O-oh?" She mentally kicked herself for sounding so foolish in his presence.
The designs aligning his sharp purple eyes added a murky tint to their beautiful, angular shape.
She fidgeted when his pink tongue flicked out to swipe across her lips, before he released her with a smirk.
She shook her head, barely registering his words that reached her deaf ears in hollow syllables. " W-what?"
" Your eggs," He murmured. " They're burning,"
Anzu screeched. " No! Those were the last ones!" She cried, shutting off the burner and staring into the pot with a deflated posture; the eggs were burnt to crisps.
" Anzu?" A meek voice asked. " What's going on?"
Anzu turned sharply to stare into large chocolate eyes. " R-Ryou?"
He gave her a blank expression, before nodding weakly from the bottom step, left hand gripped on the handle to support him.
" How did I get here?" He asked, a lost look settling on his face, making him appear more vulnerable and childlike.
Anzu nervously eyed Marik, who smirked and stalked off. Anzu laughed uneasily, edging toward Ryou.
" Uhm, why don't you take a seat first? You look tired,"
He nodded, sleepily following her into the living room to talk in private.
" So you don't remember how you got here?" She asked after pushing herself into the couch, helping him to sit in front of her.
He shook his head. " Am I supposed to?"
She frowned. " I suppose not. Bakura--I mean……."
" Bakura!?" Ryou shrilled, before Anzu proceeded to clamp her hands over his mouth with a shushing sound.
" Not so loud," She instructed softly.
Ryou flushed in embarrassment, then nodded when she pulled her hands away.
" Sorry," He shifted uncomfortably, before staring up at her.
" W-what happened? I can't remember anything since the past few days,"
Anzu nodded, absently extending her hand to brush her fingers through his snowy white hair.
" It's not your fault. Let's just say Bakura was a bit selfish," She assured jokingly, a smile creeping into her face.
He lowered his eyes to his hands cupped in his lap, barely conscious of her slender fingers combing through his hair.
" You mean he's been in control for that many days?" He asked, staring back at her with a tinge of pink straining his cheeks when he registered her hands tender treatment. It was almost a motherly touch. One he'd missed greatly.
She nodded, removing her hand from his silky hair. " Mm. A lot has happened. But I think you're better off not knowing," She murmured with a nervous expression.
" Why's that?" He asked, blinking his large eyes at her in curiosity.
" Telling you might shock you."
He smiled. " It can't be that bad!"
" Well…..alright….." She scooted closer to him. " But don't forget…..I warned you,"
" Damn it!" Marik cursed, wringing his hand when he spilled the hot beverage he'd been drinking moments prior.
" What the hells that idiot screaming about?" He muttered, stalking toward the living room where the shrill cry had come from.
Mokuba followed after leaping off the couch, hiding behind Marik incase some psychotic murderer had broken in.
Who am I kidding!? I'm hiding behind one! Mokuba thought with a blanched expression.
Ryou was hyperventilating on the couch while Anzu seemed to be trying to calm him by speaking to him in soft undertones and light strokes of her hands down his face.
" T-This has to be a nightmare," Ryou breathed out, eyes wide in shock.
" Oh trust me, at first I thought it was a nightmare myself," Anzu added dryly.
Marik scoffed, arms crossing when he studied the situation with mild amusement.
" Just trying to lighten the mood," Anzu sputtered in the Egyptian's direction, laughing with a fearful tint. The glint in his eyes was a rather unpleasant sight.
Mokuba exchanged looks between the three, before eyeing Ryou. " Is he going to be alright?"
Ryou let out another cry, his hands flying over his hands.
" Please tell me this is all a joke?" He pleaded, not bothering to lower his hands.
Anzu sighed. " Afraid it's all true."
" Why didn't you tell me?" Ryou whispered, removing his hands and staring at her.
Uh-oh. Anzu thought. I recognize that look from anywhere: the guilt trip.
. Anzu thought. ." I know. I meant to tell you. I wanted to tell you. But I was afraid of how you'd react,"
" H-How long?" Ryou shakily asked.
" Uhm…..a while,"
Marik smirked, a sinister glow settling in his eyes. " Did she mention the hours of---" The rest was whispered in the white-haired teen's ear, but it was frighteningly obvious what he'd said.
Ryou gasped, a pink color dwelling around his cheeks. " All three of you…….?"
Anzu glared at Marik. " What did you tell him?"
Marik shrugged casually. " Oh, nothing too detailed,"
Anzu quickly looked to Ryou. " Don't listen to him." She squeezed his shoulder lightly. " You're not mad are you?"
Ryou shook his head quickly. " Mad? At you? Never,"
He blushed, but he hid it well with the simple task of bowing his head.
Marik tensed visibly. Pathetic. It's no surprise Bakura chose him of all people to inhabit.
Anzu threw her arms around her friend with a joyful sound.
" I'm so glad. I thought you'd hate me when you found out,"
Ryou smiled, weakly returning the fierce hug. " You're my friend. I couldn't hate you," He assured, voice soft and delicate with the British accent audible in his pronunciation.
Marik glared. " Enough. This isn't some damn get-together," The two ignored him.
" I was just…surprised," Ryou murmured in her hair scented fondly of apricots.
She smiled in turn. " Really? You promise?"
He nodded, the bright smile on his face easing her foreboding dread of the outcome. " Thanks Ryou. It means a lot to me,"
" But if he ever hurts you, I want to be the first to know," Ryou whispered in her ear, tightening his arms around her waist.
She nodded. " Definitely."
Marik laughed lowly, the sound almost bitter. " Trust me, if anything, she likes it rough,"
Mokuba slapped his hands over his ears. " Didn't want to hear that!"
" MARIK!" Anzu scolded, standing and preparing to smack him lightly across the head.
He caught on to her intentions and grabbed at her wrist, pulling her flush against him where he began stroking her hips while nuzzling his head in the crook of her neck.
" Don't deny it, little-Anzu," He purred, nipping her neck.
Anzu flushed in embarrassment, glad Mokuba had fled after Marik's prior words.
" Marik," She pleaded, risking a glance in Ryou's direction.
Ryou stood, effortlessly prying Anzu out of Marik's venturing hands and lips. " Leave her alone!"
" So the pathetic wimp has a backbone does he?" Marik chortled, eyes narrowing.
" I won't let you harm her!" Ryou fumed, standing boldly in front of Anzu.
Marik smirked, the boy's fear was practically shooting off him in waves.
" And how do you intend to stop me?" Marik murmured calmly, advancing on the white haired boy.
Before Ryou could answer, Anzu had stepped between the two with flared arms.
" Enough, Marik! Leave him alone. He didn't do anything to you,"
Marik scoffed. " Protecting him, Anzu?"
" No. I just don't want either of you hurting yourselves," She replied, warily lowering her arms to her sides.
Marik laughed in a conceited fashion. " Him?" His eyes fell on Ryou. " Hurt me? He's afraid of his own shadow for Ra sake,"
Ryou huffed indignantly. He was not afraid of his own shadow!
" That's a bloody lie!" He cried out, trying his hardest to glare, but the attempt resulted in him looking fatigued and dreary.
Anzu turned her back to Marik, consulting Ryou. " Just forget him, Ryou. He's in a bad mood,"
" Bad mood!?" Marik roared, enraged by her presumptions.
Ryou nodded, following her out of the living room. " Now why don't I make you some hot chocolate?" She offered, leading him into the family room by the hand.
She's treating him like some damn child! Marik stiffly stalked behind them, making sure to glare at the slightly shorter boy.
Ryou uncomfortably shifted in front of him, eyeing him sideways.
" What?" Marik snapped. " Like something you see?"
Anzu frowned at Marik. " Please, Marik. He's not bothering you,"
And why not? Marik thought angrily. Too perfect for little-Ryou to 'bother' someone? Ra forbid he lower himself to that.
Marik thought angrily.Ryou reluctantly took a seat on the couch beside Mokuba who was drawn into the horror movie that had just started.
Marik walked behind Anzu, slipping his arms around her and pulling her back into his chest, his eyes sealed on Ryou who watched in discomfort.
Reluctantly Anzu abided to Marik's selfish actions and kissed him lightly on the cheek after pouring Ryou a cup of hot chocolate.
" Promise not to start any problems?"
Marik stiffened. " I don't promise anything. Especially when it comes to him," His eyes briefly fell on Ryou who looked away quickly.
" Fine. Then be like that." Anzu moved out of his arms, carrying two mugs of chocolate. One for Mokuba, the other for Ryou.
Marik cursed, grabbing her by her forearms and preventing her from continuing onward.
" Wait," He began, through gritted teeth albeit.
" I'll try, but I won't promise anything. So don't expect anything extravagant," he snapped, releasing her arms.
Anzu smiled appreciatively, before leaning up and kissing him swiftly on the lips. " Thanks, Marik. I appreciate it,"
" Don't push it," He muttered. " I'll be expecting something in return,"
Anzu flushed. " That's only if you keep your word," With that she whisked off to Mokuba and Ryou, handing them each separately the steaming cups of chocolate.
" Mm, hot chocolate," Mokuba thankfully took the cup, gulping it with thirsty swigs, while Ryou drank the delicious beverage with a more refined mannerism.
Anzu took a seat beside Mokuba. " So, when will your brother be back?" She ran her hand through the boy's wild mane he'd lacked to comb in the morning.
Mokuba shrugged, lowering the cup from his lips. " Sometime tomorrow, I think,"
" So soon?" Anzu breathed. Has the weekend gone by that fast?
Mokuba nodded. " Yep! I can't wait to see him,"
" Neither can I," Marik muttered, before grunting when Anzu jabbed him in his side.
" What?" He mouthed, eyes slanted.
" Behave. Please," She mouthed in turn.
" Anzu?" Ryou called. She quickly looked to him. " Hmm?"
" Do you mind if I stay here…….for awhile?"
Anzu smiled. " Of course! You know you're always welcomed,"
Ryou smiled. " Thank you,"
" So. Do you want to go hang out at the arcade today, Mokuba?" Anzu asked.
Mokuba grinned. " Yeah! Seto hasn't taken me there since forever!"
Anzu stood from the couch where the three of them sat, absently smoothing out her pajamas. " Well then, lets get dressed so we can get there early,"
Ryou blinked. He knew Yuugi and the others were always hanging out there, but he always enjoyed the quiet surroundings of the indoors, or maybe even a park in the early morning.
" You two coming?" Anzu eyed Ryou and Marik with hopeful eyes.
Marik shrugged carelessly. " I don't care. As long as that brat doesn't bother me,"
Mokuba frowned. " I heard that!"
Anzu burst out laughing when Mokuba proceeded to kick Marik in the shin, then make a run for it upstairs to her bedroom.
Marik growled. " Damn pest!" Marik chased the boy upstairs with ease, catching up to him and tackling the boy.
Mokuba wailed from the top of the stairs. " Anzu! Help! He's going to take over my mind!"
Anzu quickly went upstairs with Ryou following quietly behind.
" Marik! Leave him alone!"
" But the brat kicked me!"
" Marik, please. Can't you be nice for one day?"
Marik snorted. " No," But nonetheless he got off the boy, letting Ryou and Anzu help the young Kaiba up from the floor.
" You alright?" Anzu asked worriedly, dusting off his clothes in a motherly fashion.
Mokuba nodded, sheepishly grinning at the brunette towering above him. " Yeah, I'm alright. He's not as strong as he looks,"
Anzu giggled. " Yeah. But that's Marik for you,"
" I'm right here," Marik gritted out, glaring fiercely at them.
Anzu hugged his side. " You know I'm joking,"
Her open portrayal of affection toward him unnerved him, especially in Ryou and Mokuba's presence.
With a snort he shifted back and out of her arms.
Anzu frowned. Is he embarrassed to hug me in front of them?
Well he sure enjoyed doing it with Bakura around. Must be some jealous-guy-thing.
She found herself smiling. Then maybe he trusts me around Ryou? Wait…..then that'd mean he didn't trust me around Bakura!
" Well I'm going to get dressed. You two," She pointed to Ryou and Marik. " Can change and take a shower in my parents' room,"
Ryou stiffened uneasily. The thought of being in the same room alone with Marik frightened him.
" I-I'll wait," Ryou murmured.
" Well alright," Anzu ushered Mokuba into her room. " You can change in my room while I shower,"
" What!?" Marik shouted, his left eye twitching.
Anzu smiled cheekily at Marik. " Unlike 'someone', he wont spy on me. Besides," She patted a blushing Mokuba on the head.
" He's just a kid,"
Like that makes it any better. Marik thought foully.
Ryou smiled. " I can't seem to remember the last time I bathed!"
Anzu giggled. " Well take one anyway. It's always good to freshen up,"
Ryou flushed in obvious embarrassment. " Can I wait in your room?" He asked.
Anzu eyed him curiously.
" If-If you don't mind of course," The white-haired teen sputtered out quickly.
Anzu smiled. " Sure, you can wait inside with Mokuba. Marik, you can start showering in my parents' bathroom. Okay?"
The Egyptian huffed irritably. " I'm not a child. I don't need to be told twice,"
Anzu grinned shyly. " Well alright." She guided Ryou and Mokuba inside her room.
" If I see any peeking, you're all staying outdoors tonight!" Anzu threatened jokingly from inside.
Mokuba giggled. " I'm not Bakura! He kept spying on you that last time you changed!"
But the light-hearted confession from the boy was not good on Anzu's behalf.
" What!?"
Ryou squealed from inside. " It was my yami! Not me! I-I swear Anzu!"
Marik smirked from the opposite side of the closed door. About time that pathetic fool got what he deserved.
His smirk ceased to fade, even when he heard the painful cries coming from Ryou.
" Well tell Bakura he'd better not try that again!" Anzu's voice was heard, followed by a series of crashes and stomps of feet.
" Onegai, Anzu!" The boy pleaded. " It wasn't me!"
Marik, happy with the scenario taking place inside, strode with a new aura about him to Anzu's parents' room to shower himself and freshen up for the day's events.
Ah, life was good, indeed.
A/N: Yes well nothing interesting happened, but I felt I had to update, and also bring a vote in!!
You all know this is a Bakura/ Anzu/ Marik fic. But now that Ryou knows about it, should he be in this mess of a triangle? Or should Bakura get his own body and all's well that ends well?
Tell me your thoughts and opinions! I'm open to all ideas!
And remember…….READ AND REVIEW!!
It's good for the soul :D
