Sorry it took so long!! But I am here with another chapter for you! I hope you enjoy! Thank the weather, not much to do except stay inside and write, but that's okay I don't mind at all!
Reviewers: Have I mentioned how wonderful you people are? Thank you go out to Eve-Of-Misery (I'm glad you like this story as well! And thank you, I am feeling better today.), lola (here is your update, glad to see you came back!), joebobthecandyman (I am hoping from your review I am thanking the right name.), and Dark Magician Girl/ Hikaru (here you go though I think this chapter is more setting up plot)
Disclaimer: Alas I still don't own it.
The rest of the week passed in relative peace, the chemistry classes were moved to a regular room and all labs cancelled until the actual chemistry room was decontaminated, cleaned and refurbished. Nothing of real note befell the school. Bakura continued to watch Ryou secretly but everything he saw only seemed to cement in his mind that he could not be the mystery dancer. Ryou was so shy and quiet, almost what you call clumsy but he wasn't sure if it was the fact that he was clumsy or that he hardly ever looked up, most of the time having his nose in a book even when walking. On Thursday they had some free time in chemistry so Bakura finally broached the subject and they decided that Friday after school would be the best time for him to be tutored and obviously any night before a test.
Bakura's POV:
I dragged myself out of bed and looked at my clock. gee five minutes until school, guess I will be late.
Sure enough I managed to get myself to school about 3 minutes before homeroom was over, lucky me.
"Well Bakura, so good of you to join us today. I hope we aren't intruding on your social life."
"Some but I guess I will let it pass." Judging from his face I don't think that was the answer he wanted, too bad. I took my seat next to Marik.
"Wow Kura, your late often enough but this is a record even for you."
"Yeah I know, damn alarm clock didn't go off."
"Broke another one huh?"
"Most likely." I usually buy about two a month, I guess using my fist to shut them off isn't the best way.
"Malik wanted to go to the mall after school anyways so we can pick up a new one." I almost agree before I remembered. Damn. Its Friday.
"I can't."
"Why not? We usually go cause trouble on Fridays."
"Yeah well things change and I can't. I have that tutor for chemistry, remember." The light of dawning graces his face.
"Damn that sucks, why not just blow him off and do it another time?" Tempting, very tempting but this is too good a chance to pass up if I want to know for certain.
"No chance, I have my reasons." Marik looks doubtful. Great he is going to want an explanation. So far this week I have managed to keep from him the identity of my tutor.
"And those reasons would be? Come on Kura, I have known you since we were five! I know you don't care that much about your grade. So spill it, what is so important about going to study with this person?"
"Its Ryou." I really want to pound his face in just to get rid of that smirk.
"I see." I was about to set him straight when the bell rang. This conversation would have to wait until lunch.
The rest of my day was slow at best, I spent most of the time doodling and trying to zone out the teachers until finally the lunch bell rang. After some jostling and getting my lunch I took my usual chair and Malik dropped into my lap placing little kisses all over my cheeks until finally nibbling at my ear.
"I hear Kura-chan has a crush." Oh I am so going to maim Marik. I look over at him and growl at his proud smirk.
"I don't have a crush. The teacher assigned him to be my tutor and it gives me a good chance to make sure Marik is wrong about him."
"Yeah cause you know if it is him then it just gives Kura a perfect opportunity to jump his bones."
"Shut up Marik." Half my lunch is gone, again.
"Malik do you ever buy your own lunch?" He has the most hurt and lost look on his face.
"But Kura, I thought you liked me sharing with you!" I ruffle his hair.
"Whatever. I know you're the bottomless pit, but at least you're a cute bottomless pit." That earned a grin and a kiss with enough tongue to make anyone melt.
"Thank you Kura-chan!" He starts nuzzling my neck but I pick up a twinkie and toss it at Marik, sure enough he went bounding off after it and I could finish my food in relative peace.
The rest of my day was boring until I got to chemistry. Ryou looked nervous as hell, little wonder though when after school today he had to tutor me, most likely somewhere alone. Even I know some of the stories, amusing, some true some not but all scary for someone like Ryou. At least after school should be fun.
"Hello Bakura, are we still going to study today?" He looked like it took a lot of effort to even ask that. I nod.
"Thought we were, why you have something more important?"
"No, no. I was just making certain." His voice is so soft you almost find yourself leaning in to make sure you can hear him.
"Fine then, your house. How do you get home?"
"I usually walk." No way am I walking.
"Not today, meet me at my car."
"Okay." Class actually started then and he paid attention doing all the work assigned. Thankfully this class went quick and with Ryou there I didn't get to doodle much since he took it very seriously that he was to help me with my work. I briefly wonder how long until he gives up, but the kid has patience. After the bell rings I grab my books and stand up.
"Don't take long."
"I won't, I just have to switch out my books."
I watch him head to his locker and go by my own dropping off one book and grabbing another, I wonder briefly if Ryou would help me with my English as well. Ah hell, doesn't hurt to ask. I slammed my locker and head towards the exit. Rounding the next corner I see Ryou shoving a book into his already stuffed bag and closing his locker. I also see Ushio heading towards him from another direction, I don't have time for this so I pick up my pace and get to Ryou first. I smirk watching him lifting his bag and grimacing at the weight. I grab it out of his hand and throw it over my shoulder sending a smirk and a glare at Ushio who looks shocked but turns and heads another way. Thought so.
"Come on." Ryou just nods and follows.
I drive to his house, aside from directions he is completely silent. I start to wonder if anyone could be this quiet by nature or if something actually happened to him. Not my problem though, I just want to know if I am right or if Marik is, well that and get through chemistry in one piece.
We walk into his house and everything is perfect. I mean that, white carpet that is utterly white, no dust and not a thing out of place. Kind of creepy. He leads up to his room and getting there its more of the same except he has pale blue carpet, but still. His room consisted of a bed, a dresser and a desk. Not a thing out of place and not a spec of dust anywhere. He goes to his closet and dresser pulling out some clothes and walks to the bathroom. Moments later he is back having changed his clothes and hangs his uniform up. I drop our bags by the desk and just watch, I can't see how anyone could live like this, I look at his CDs, all of them classical. I hear a light thump and notice he is in his closet, coming back out he is holding another CD and actually puts this one in the player. Some techno dance beat. So this boy does have a hidden side, very well hidden. He gives me a soft smile.
"Shall we start?"
Few hours later Ryou suddenly jumps up running to the player, I was wondering why he kept looking out the window, now I know. He takes out the CD and replaces it with a classical one then returns it to his hiding spot in the closet with another soft thump. I'm thinking he altered the wall to make this spot, smart kid. Then I mentally smack myself, course he is, otherwise he wouldn't be tutoring me. Several minutes later I hear a guy shouting for Ryou to come down and judging by the grim look on Ryou's face he was expecting this. Never one to let my curiosity go I followed after. In the living room stood a man that looked absolutely nothing like Ryou, I saw a woman heading up the stairs and I wouldn't guess her to be related either. The man was looking at me with curiosity and barely veiled disgust. Ryou caught this.
"Sir, this is Bakura. My chemistry teacher asked if I would tutor him." I arched an eyebrow, sir?. now I really wanted to know what was going on.
"Speaking of chemistry Ryou, that is why I called you down. Your weekly report came in today and it seems you are now getting a B in chemistry." weekly report?! this guy kept that close of tabs on him?! That is just insane.
"I can explain Sir, we had a lab to do with a partner…"
"Ryou I don't care if your partner blew up the lab!" He stopped at that point looking at me since I couldn't hold in my laughter.
"Actually…I did!" I chuckled some more. "Ryou managed to warn everyone in time to get out." He arched an eyebrow at me and I smirked back. Oh yeah, this guy didn't like me but the feeling was mutual. Ryou looked like he just wanted to hide.
"I see, well excuses aside Ryou, you get that grade back up this week. Am I making myself clear?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Good, then get back to studying, dinner will be in one hour and I expect your, friend to leave by then."
"Yes, Sir." After that we headed back up. Suddenly so much made sense.
"Nice dad you have there Ry." He looks at me slightly confused.
"That isn't my father." He closes the door softly and takes his seat again.
"We should finish up, we are almost done." I sat back down but just wasn't going to give up yet.
"Okay, so not your dad. Then who?"
"My uncle on my father's side." I nod. That explains the lack of similarities.
Fifteen minutes later we were done, even with my English. He made it all seem so simple but not once talked down to me or acted like I was stupid. Maybe the teacher made a good choice picking him as a tutor. So I figured we had forty-five minutes until I get kicked out, I could leave early but why waste a perfectly good chance. I walk over to his bed and stretch out on it, its like a board. I love my bed, it's a queen size, not this tiny twin size and so soft its like laying on a cloud.
"So why aren't you living with your parents?" He looks a bit shocked at my bluntness and then I see sorrow and maybe anger in his eyes.
"They're dead." Ouch, talk about hitting a nerve.
"So your uncle adopted you then?" He shakes his head.
"No, he didn't want me so he refused to take that much responsibility. But he is my only living relative. Technically I'm in foster care so he gets money from them, as well as payments from my parent's trust fund for my care."
"Judging from your room I'm guessing you don't see a penny of it." He shakes his head no again but doesn't elaborate.
"Harsh. So why not see about going to a different set of foster care people?"
"I did, once. This is the better alternative."
"Wow, and I bitch just because my parents are never around. Sorry man, sounds like it sucks to be you." He only shrugs.
"It could be worse, it could always be worse. So I am thankful for what I do have." We spent the rest of the time talking about music and just whatever came up. Surprisingly once you got him to open up a bit he has a great sense of humor and had played pranks on his friends all the time before moving here. Some I even made a mental note to remember. We shared the same taste in music and movies but too soon, at least for my taste our time was up. I gave him my cell number telling him to call this weekend if he wanted to go do something.
After leaving his house I headed home to change clothes and eat something myself, maybe pizza tonight. Of course Marik and Malik were waiting outside my door.
"You lived I see. I'm surprised you didn't die of boredom." I snarl at Marik as Malik is suddenly on my back attacking my neck with kisses while I try to unlock the door.
"The mall just wasn't the same without you Kura-chan!! But looky!" He held up a plastic bag "we got you a surprise!"
"I can only hope this one doesn't bite or explode." He has the biggest grin, like a child that did something really great.
"Noppers! See!" He pulls out a giant chrome alarm clock, the type you have to wind up but the thing looks like you could do some serious harm to someone with it.
"Malik saw it and figured it would take you longer to kill that one. I have more faith in you though." I smirked at him as I started to remove my uniform.
"I need a shower. Call and order us a pizza."
"Oh Kura, can I scrub your back?" I just shrugged and he took it as a yes. If you hadn't figured it out Marik and Malik are officially a couple but the three of us have what you would call a very open friendship. So about forty-five minutes later Malik and I get out of the shower and throw some clothes on as Marik yells that the pizza is here. Another night of pizza and bad movies with Marik and Malik crashing at my place.
Saturday we killed by going to Marik's apartment building and swimming in the indoor pool. See Marik's parents were a lot like my own, wealthy and never around. Actually they lived somewhere else completely but paid the rent and sent him money for everything else. Malik is from a bad home, hard to believe given his bubbly personality but its true. Marik paid for the lawyer that helped him get emancipated so he lives with Marik, they have been together for a couple years now. They picked this complex just for the giant indoor pool, and it was great, heated and everything. Spent the day playing the usual games, diving, splashing, dunking and a couple rounds of 'toss Malik'. But then Marik had to get ready for work at his uncle's club so I headed home myself to get ready. I was kind of bummed Ryou didn't call today but not surprised, one good day doesn't make a person trust you. I put on a pair of black leather pants and blood red silk muscle shirt, admired myself a bit while fixing my hair and headed out, I would grab a bite to eat on my way.
A few hours later I was sitting at the bar talking to Malik and waiting. I knew his curiosity wouldn't let him stay away tonight. Marik kept our drinks full and free of alcohol, at least for now. He knew I wanted to have all my senses when this 'Angel' showed up. About the fifth time checking my watch in as many minutes Malik climbed onto my lap.
"Kura-chan you have to relax! You know what time he will get here so don't worry so much!" He then gave it his best shot to keep my mind and mouth occupied. And damn did he do a good job! Before I realized it I heard the beat change, I knew this song. I jumped up so quickly Malik almost fell to the floor if I hadn't caught him. The nut just busted up and pointed towards the door. Sure enough here he came. Those same graceful movements, looking as if he was in another world yet never looking up. I didn't wait this time, I started pushing my way through the crowd until I could see him. Some girl tried to dance with him but of course was ignored, as was the guy after her. I reached out to touch him but felt someone grab my arm. I growled up at the bouncer, of course the new guy.
"Strict orders, no one touches The Angel." I snarl again and show a fang.
"I know him."
"Course you do." I really want to wipe that smug look off his face, and I will, later though. The song is almost over and he is heading towards the door again, I have to think quick.
"RYOU!" I see him flinch, lose the beat and almost look up before he catches himself. Well I'll be damned, it is him. I continue heading towards the door but with everyone crowding it isn't easy and once again by the time I get there he is gone. So I head back inside to the bar, I'm not worried, I know where to find him now.
"So did you catch him this time?"
"Yeah Marik, I caught him, we had a nice long chat and he is waiting for me at my car. That is why I am back in this fucking club! Hell no I didn't catch him, but it is Ryou. Now give me a damn beer before I kill someone." He already has one ready for me.
"Are you sure?" I arch an eyebrow at him and smirk.
"Yeah, its definitely him."
"How do you know if you couldn't catch him?" Malik in the meantime was avidly watching our exchange.
"What is this a fucking game of twenty questions?! I yelled his name and he almost looked up, missed a few beats too."
"Well I'll be fucked and damned." Malik smirks over at him.
"After work love I will be more than happy to."
We killed the rest of the night, Marik working while Malik and I danced and joked with him. I knew what I would be doing tomorrow, just have to get up before noon.
The next day I woke up to a Malik bouncing on my chest and stomach. Why do I get tortured so?!
"Wakey-wakey Kura-chan! Come on! You said you wanted to be up before noon!"
"What time is it?" Marik chimes in now.
"Its eleven Bakura so get your lazy ass out of bed, unless you want me to find another use for it." Given any other day I might take that offer up, but I had plans for today so grumbling I shoved Malik off and stumbled towards the bathroom. A quick shower and clean-up later I emerged, even wearing clean clothes. Marik and Malik were waiting for me in the living room.
"Okay so if this guy is as bad as you say what is the plan to get Ryou for the day?"
"Simple, you guys wait for us at the mall, our usual spot. I go over there and say I'm picking Ryou up for a group project for chemistry since we can't do labs." Malik looked thoughtful.
"Ryou didn't call you yesterday and you did find out it was him at the club, so what makes you think he will jump at the chance to go who knows where with you without any warning?"
"I guess I take that risk and hope for the best."
So said Marik and Malik take off on Marik's motorcycle and I left in my car. Nervous as hell but I really had nothing to loose. Right? Then why was I nervous? Because I never stuck my neck out like this before. I knew that. Marik and I had been introduced by our parents when we were 5 and instantly became best friends. Marik found Malik and brought him in. Yeah I had my share of relationships but it was usually the other person who asked me and I used them until I was bored and threw them away. But now here I was putting my neck and reputation on the line for this kid and I couldn't even figure out exactly why, why him? Too soon I was there. Now or never, I got out of my car and looked myself over, black tight jeans, blue muscle shirt and black leather jacket, perfect. I walked to the door and it only now hit me, what if he wasn't even home? Too late, I rang the bell and heard someone say they were coming. The door opened to reveal the aunt.
"Hello, can I help you?" She obviously was forcing what smile graced her face. I smirked back.
"Yeah, is Ryou home?" She looked hesitant before finally calling for Ryou to come to the door and stepping back to invite me in. She immediately headed into the kitchen as Ryou came bounding down the steps and his uncle walked in from the living room.
"What is going on?" Now it was time to act since I was pretty sure Ryou couldn't lie worth anything.
"I guess Ryou forgot I was supposed to pick him up today." I smile reassuringly at Ryou. "Since we can't do labs in chemistry right now we have to do group projects and presentations. The teacher just assigned them yesterday but Ryou wanted to get it out of the way." I try for my best smile, hope I can still pull it off. His uncle looks over at him.
"Ryou? You didn't mention this." Ryou blushes and looks down.
"I'm sorry Sir, I did forget since it was so sudden. May I please join my group to work on the project?" He sighs as if we just asked for him to drive us across town and back again, I'm starting to worry but then Ryou pipes up, I'm surprised.
"Please Sir? I would hate for my grade and the grades of my group to suffer because I could not make it to help." That did it, I have to hand it to him, he knew the buttons to push.
"Fine, go get your things together." He then turned back to me, still looking none too pleased.
"Bakura, is it?"
"Yes"
"How long is this going to take?"
"Well most likely almost all day. What time is Ryou's curfew?" Damn curfews, not used to having to deal with them.
"He has to be in the house no later than nine on a school night."
"Okay then, I promise to have him back here already fed by nine. That work?" He looks hesitant but finally nods and walks off. Damn, for a bit there I thought it wasn't going to work.
Ryou comes bounding back down the steps looking nervous as hell and scans for his uncle. He changed clothes to a pair of slacks and a long sleeved shirt. Bet they make him dress like that. He has his bag slung over one shoulder for effect, good job, maybe he isn't so new to this after all. Well then again he has been sneaking out to the club for two and a half months now.
Once we get out to my car he gets in quickly with his bag on his lap, I wonder briefly why but don't ask. I pull out of the drive and start down the street when I notice Ryou is unbuttoning his shirt, mind you I'm not going to complain but I wasn't expecting it. Though I got a bit of a disappointment when I saw another shirt under it. I laughed.
"Damn kid, used to sneaking out I take it." He nods and finishes taking off the button-up shirt folding it and placing it in the back seat. Next he opens his bag containing his notebook, chemistry book (smart thinking) and a pair of jeans. I can't help it but gawk openly as he starts to remove his current pants.
"Ummm, Bakura, would you mind watching the road?" I blink, blush a bit and turn back to the road.
"Wasn't expecting that, sorry." He just smiles.
"Well I couldn't get away with jeans under these slacks so not much else to do about it, ne?" He folds the slacks up carefully and places them with the shirt before pulling on a pair of rather tight jeans. Now what a site we would make since he was dressed in tight black jeans as well and a form fitting red long sleeved shirt. No jacket though. I look over to him and smirk.
"No leather jacket?" He shakes his head.
"No way I could hide one and I'm sure you can imagine the fit they would have." I nod and smirk.
"Well we might have to fix that today."
And this is where I end this chapter! Yes more coming, such as the day at the mall, I will be starting it right now I just didn't want the chapter to get too long. Sorry this took so long to get out! But thank you to my loyal readers who have been waiting! Reviews and comments as always welcomed and appreciated!! So please R & R!!!!