Jeez, people review these things as soon as I put them up, but then no one else touches it. Oh well. I don't demand reviews, I just enjoy them. From the number of hits it seems like people read this and don't review. Thanks okay, but I still like feedback. Review thanks to UnknownDarkMystery, Anei Aikouka, and loner lover girl. Cool, you guys must like my stuff.

My view on Bakura's dad is that he wants to be home with his son, but can't get away from work. I'm such a romantic…XP

And the story…

Chapter 5 – Uncertainty and Disappointment

Yami Bakura sat quietly, staring at the flames.

His hikari was such a mystery to him. The boy had no reason whatsoever to like him after all he'd done. But Bakura had helped him instantly upon noticing the wound. The spirit had taken out his anger on him and how had Bakura repaid him? With kindness of all things. Even by his hikari's overly-nice standards he certainly didn't deserve such treatment.

Yami Bakura's stomach twisted. Was he starting to feel…guilty? Perhaps this season really did do things to people…

His hikari had always been this kind to him, but he'd never seen it as kindness before. Looking back, he remembered a warm, sort-of openness in Bakura's eyes. The warmth had always been there: in his words, his actions, his feelings. His host simply gave it freely, without condition.

Yet you never respect me.

Yami Bakura felt a sinking sensation in his gut. Bakura deserved more than he was giving. Much more. Perhaps even more than he could give. But…what could he do?

He stared into the flames. His hikari had spoken of giving gifts.

What did Bakura want most of all?

The next day was Christmas Eve, and Bakura's excitement was at its peak. He spent most of the day wrapping gifts, humming along with the radio and various holiday-themed CDs.

Despite the day before, Yami Bakura was starting to find his hikari's good mood contagious. He was much quieter than usual, but his host's sheer cheerfulness seeped across their bond and served to lift his unease. But as for what to do for the boy he was still at a loss, though something nagged at the back of his mind.

That evening he lounged on the couch in the living room, looking at the now-present-surrounded tree and contemplating. Bakura walked in to sit beside him, whistling quietly as he flipped through the day's mail. He started suddenly and held one envelope apart from the others. Excitedly, he tore it open and pulled out a letter. "It's from my father!" he exclaimed to no one in particular. The mortal boy's eyes skimmed the page eagerly, then, slowly, his face fell. "Oh…oh no…"

Quirked by curiosity, Yami Bakura rose to read over his shoulder.

Dear Bakura,

How are you doing, son? I hope everything is going well with school.

Unfortunately, the dig took longer than we expected it to. We still have to transport what we found to the research facility in America, and they want it there by Wednesday. I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I won't be able to be home for Christmas. I know you were looking forward to it, and believe me, I was too. But the earliest I think I can be home is the twenty-seventh. I'm sorry, son. Please don't let this dampen your spirit of the season.

Have a Merry Christmas, Bakura.

-Dad

Bakura stared numbly down at the letter. "He's not coming," he whispered, his voice barely audible. The spirit thought he caught the glimmer of a tear in the boy's eye.

"His being here was important to you." It was more of a statement than a question.

Bakura didn't look up. He sat very still, his eyes hidden by his hair. "It's just that…well…Christmas is a time for - for family. And my family's not coming…I'll be alone…" He trailed off, as if he didn't trust his voice.

Yami Bakura was quiet for a moment. "Read the last line of that," he told him. His host looked down.

Please don't let this dampen your spirit of the season.

There was silence for several seconds.

"He's right, of course," Bakura whispered. "He wouldn't want me to spend the whole week wishing he were here…I – I'd better go…" He stood up silently and walked out of the room.

His yami watched him as he left. He seemed truly heartbroken and some of the emotions were communicating themselves through their mental link. The spirit stood deep in thought for a few minutes before fading away himself.

It was some time before his hikari returned to the living room, carrying a gift wrapped in bright red paper. His face was sad, but in the soft way that had possessed his features so often before he'd known of Yami Bakura's existence. The spirit hadn't seen that look in a while.

"Was that for your father?" his yami asked, glancing impartially at the little package.

Bakura nodded. "Yes. I suppose – it's not the end of the world if he doesn't come. Only…" He stared down at the small box, then shook his head. "I-I'm sorry. I…just miss him so much."

He set the present down with the rest and sighed. "It's late," he whispered. "I'd better go to sleep." He looked up. "I'll see you in the morning, yami. Good night."

Slowly, Bakura made his way up to his room. Silently, Yami Bakura set something down on top of the pile of gifts, then disappeared into the Ring.

Even the worst things looked better in the morning.