Disclaimer: I don't own Yuugiou… sadly y,y

Ryu: Yay, I got reviews. I'm so happy that people like my story (though I still think I suck as a writer). Anyway, let's get right to it!

GreyLiliy: Looking back I think I did have Ryou go off too quick but what's done is done. It'll make a little more sense though as we take a look at Ryou when there's not so many people around and he's able to take off his mask.

Lady-Silverkiss: My first double reviewer! I'm happy you like the story and my writing. I'll try not to be so hard on myself and try to keep you all happy with my work.

Ryu: I'm so fired up I had to make that short! On with the story!

Chapter 6: Silence

Malik sat miserably on the stairs of Ryou's front porch. Shizuka was on the swing that hung from the porch's ceiling next to her brother who was leaning against the railing. Mariku was sitting away from them, over on the hood of Rishid's car. They'd all stayed after Ryou had kicked them out, all of them hoping Ryou might change his mind and apologize; except, maybe, for Mariku.

"That's it," the older Egyptian said, jumping down from the car after what seemed like an eternity of silence. "He was obviously serious about not wanting us here and I'm becoming bored." He walked to the car door and opened it, then paused and looked at his brother. "Coming Malik-kun?"

"But Ryou-kun…" the other started.

"Ryou-kun wants us to leave," Mariku spat. He waited only a moment longer before shrugging his shoulders and climbing into the car.

"Joke's on him," Jou said as the car started. "He can't get out, I'm blocking him in."

Mariku casually got out of his car as Jou began to laugh and walked over to Jou's car. Opening the door, he reached inside and easily put the car into neutral. Once back in his own car he slowly backed out of the driveway, pushing Jou's limp vehicle out into the street, out of his way.

"Hey, my car," Jou yelled, jumping up and running after him.

When Jou's car was out of the way Mariku switched into drive and sped off down the street.

"I'll get you, you bastard," Jou called, getting into his car. He wasted little time in starting the engine and speeding off after the Egyptian.

"Onii-chan," Shizuka called after him.

"He'll come back eventually," Malik assured her.

"I know," Shizuka sighed, turning to face the Egyptian. "So what do we do until he does?" she asked brightly.

"Well… actually, Shizuka-chan… there's something I needed… to ask you," Malik said timidly.

"What's that?"

Malik's eyes shifted nervously to the ground. "Well, I was wondering… Shizuka-chan… what are your feelings for… Ryou-kun?" He knew he was failing to hide the blush across his face.

"Well, I just met him, but I think he could be a really good friend," she said innocently. "Why do you ask?"

Malik sighed in relief. 'Good, she's just as naïve as I'd hoped,' he thought to himself.

"Malik-san?"

"Oh, I was just wondering," Malik lied.

Shizuka only shrugged it off before going back to staring down the street after her brother, her cheeks slightly pinker than before.

/INSIDE THE HOUSE/

Ryou sat in his bed, amazed he'd had the strength to drag, what he thought was, his worthless self into the room. His head was in his arms and they were resting on his knees. At his feet was his bottle of anti-depressant/stabilizing medication. He'd taken the amount he was supposed to when he got like this but it didn't seem to help. He hadn't been able to stop crying since he'd thrown his friends out; since he'd taken off the friendly mask that they'd thought was Ryou Bakura.

Bakura himself was still unconscious on the couch, the ice slowly melting in its towel and dampening his forehead.

'Why did I do that?' Ryou wondered in his misery. 'I sent away the only people around here that actually care about me. I told them not to get involved but they kept pushing. But I gave in so it's all my fault!'

His sobs, loud and hard as they were, were interrupted at the sound of a loud groan from the next room. He was looking up toward the door by the time his name drifted in and entered his ear.

"Otou-san," he whispered, pulling himself up from thebed and wipingthe tears from his puffy eyes. He dragged his misery-wracked form from the room and trudged into the den where his father was now sitting up on the couch, holding his head with a damp towel and the remains of the ice.

"Ryou-kun…" Bakura groaned, "What happened?"

Ryou heaved a heavy sigh, then began to explain everything to his father, from the phone call he'd gotten earlier that day to throwing his friends out of the house moments ago.

"Gomen nasai," he said when the story finally ended. "I know you didn't want me to say anything, I didn't want to either. I didn't want to get my friends involved. But I guess I messed that up…" Ryou hiccupped once on a sob, "Just like I do… everything else…" He began to cry again, this time in softer, slower sobs.

Bakura didn't look at his son, couldn't look at his son. Instead he got up from the couch and started for the door, stopping just behind Ryou and saying, without looking at him, "Gomen nasai… Ryou-kun," and that was all before he left.

He didn't wait to hear a reply from his son; he figured there was just no point. So instead he left the house, leaving Ryou standing alone in the living room, tears falling even faster from his eyes as the sound of Bakura's car starting and driving away was heard.

When he was sure his father had gone Ryou collapsed onto the couch, his tears taking little time to soak the pillow underneath him. He didn't even hear the front door opening again or the sound of soft footsteps entering the room.

A gentle hand reached out and touched Ryou's arm warmly, a gentle whisper of, "Ryou-san…" entering his mind.

The sobbing boy turned his head at the touch and his name to see a pair of smoky-brown orbs smiling sadly at him. Behind Shizuka stood a very nervous Malik, chewing one of his fingernails down to nothing.

"Shizuka-chan… Malik-kun…" he hiccupped, "What'll I d…do now?"

"It's okay Ryou-san," Shizuka said, stroking his silky hair.

"But I promised otou-san I wouldn't tell… And I didn't want to burden any of you… And then I was so cruel to you all… And I feel like I've just messed everything completely up," he cried.

"Everything will be all right Ryou-san," she said softly.

"That's right," Malik reinforced, kneeling down next to the other two.

Ryou heaved a small sigh, his tears slowing, becoming a soft trickle. He closed his eyes and nuzzled into Shizuka's hand a bit before drifting off to sleep. Shizuka couldn't help herself and had to cover her mouth to stifle a giggle.

"What's funny?" Malik asked curiously.

"Gomen nasai," she said, "But he's so kawaii, I couldn't help it."

"You… you think he's…" Malik stuttered, a small flush touching his cheeks.

'Oh no, she thinks he's cute,' he thought nervously.

"I mean," Shizuka went on, "you pet him long enough and he falls asleep; just like a little kitten."

"I… I guess so," Malik said, blushing deeper as an image of with a cat's ears and tail formed in his mind's eye. "S…so," Malik said, trying not to get turned on by the image, "What are we gonna do?"

"Ryou-san doesn't want help, no matter how much he needs it," she pointed out, still stroking Ryou's hair. "So we need to help him without his knowing."

"But if he found out it would only upset him," Malik said.

"Then we don't let him find out," Shizuka countered as she pulled her cell phone from her jacket pocket and skimming through her phonebook.

"Who are you calling?" Malik questioned.

"Who else…" the line connected. "Moshi moshi, Kaiba-san…"

"Seto-kun?" Malik exclaimed. He quickly lowered his voice, so as not to disturb the sleeping kitten, before saying anything more. "There's no way Ryou-kun will let Seto-kun get into this, not with an entire corporation behind him. That could attract a lot of attention."

Shizuka just put a finger up to her lips, telling the Egyptian to 'shh' before going back to her phone conversation.

"Hai, Kaiba-san. We have a bit of a problem. You see…"

For the third time that day Malik sat and listened to the tragic story of Ryou and his father, a few tears passing his eyes as the tale shattered his heart. The thought of his true love in so much pain hurt Malik more than anything else ever could.

"Hai, arigatou, Kaiba-san," Shizuka said, finally pressing end.

"Well?" Malik asked, still uncomfortable with the whole idea.

"Kaiba-san's going to research it a bit before getting involved physically," Shizuka said warmly. "So that means Ryou-kun doesn't have to worry, for now at least."

"I'm just not sure we should be doing this," Malik said.

Shizuka smiled warmly at him and placed her hand on top of his. "It's okay, Malik-kun. It's going to be all right, I promise."

She stared deep into those lavender orbs before leaning in and pressing her lips to Malik's in a soft kiss. Malik's eyes only widened and he pulled away almost instantly.

"What are you doing?" he asked, blushing redder than when he'd been caught the night before by his brother.

"Gomen nasai, Malik-kun," Shizuka said, pulling away and looking off in shame, her own cheeks going red as well. "It's just… The truth is, Malik-san, that I've liked you for a long time. I should've told you, I shouldn't have just done that without asking… But I really couldn't think of anything else to do. "Gomen… gomen nasai…"

"It's okay, Shizuka-chan…" Malik managed to say, though he didn't look at her. "But, the thing is, I really value our friendship as it is. Plus, there's someone else I like. So I just don't think we could be together. Besides, there's someone else who likes you too."

"It's okay," Shizuka said, downtrodden. "You're the only person I like in that way though, I don't think any replacement would work."

"Hai, I know what you mean."

They were both silent for a bit.

"So… who is it?" Shizuka finally asked.

"Who?"

"The person that likes me."

"I… I thought a replacement wouldn't work for you."

"It wouldn't," she said carelessly. "I'm just curious is all. So who is it?"

"Well… um…"

Malik tried to think of a lie but was saved by Jounouchi bursting threw the front door.

"Shizuka-chan!" he called, running into the room and falling to his knees, bowing in apology to his sister. "Gomen, gomen, gomen, gomen…"

"Onii-chan…" Shizuka said, embarrassed at her brother, a drop of sweat forming on her head.

"Hey, what happened to Ryou-kun?" Jou asked, noticing the sleeping boy. "And where'd his old man get to?"

Malik sighed and told Jounouchi what had happened since he'd left, chasing after Mariku. He was, however, careful to leave out the kiss.

"Oh, I see," Jou said sadly as Malik finished. "Poor, poor Ryou-kun."

"It's not fair," Malik blurted abruptly. "What did Ryou-kun do to deserve this?"

"It can't be helped Malik-kun," Jou said.

"Hai," Shizuka agreed, " Ryou-kun didn't do anything. No one's punishing him. This just… just happened."

"It's still not fair," Malik argued, a few tears coming to his eyes. "Ryou-kun is so sweet and innocent and beautiful. This shouldn't be happening to him."

"And that's exactly why we're going to help," Jou stated.

"Hai," Shizuka nodded. "Kaiba-san will figure something out."

"That's right," Jou agreed. "If anyone can do it that egotistical bastard can."

"But what happens when Ryou-kun finds out we interfered?" Malik asked.

"We'll worry about that when it happens," Jou said. "For now we'll just keep it a secret."

Both Shizuka and the reluctant Malik nodded. He wanted to help, but didn't want to hurt Ryou.

"What about your brother Malik-san?" Shizuka asked.

"I'll talk to him," Malik said. "We can't let this get out to anyone, for Ryou-kun's sake."

"Then you'd better be able to pay up," came a voice from the door.

The three conscious teens in the room turned to the doorway where a smirking Mariku was standing, leaning against the doorframe, his arms folded over his chest.

"You already owe me big three times over little brother," he finished.

"Come back to fight huh?" Jou said, rising to his feet and ready to pounce.

"I wouldn't waste my time with you Jounouchi," Mariku sneered. "This was in the car," he said, indicating the overnight bag at his feet. "Rishid made me bring it back and promise not to come back without you Malik, so let's go, I'm not waiting here all day."

"I can't Mariku-san," Malik said calmly, his eyes locked on Ryou. "Not until Ryou-kun wakes up and we know he's all right."

"Wrong answer," Mariku said, crossing the room threateningly.

"Gomen," Jou said, stepping into Mariku's path, "But you'll have to go through me first."

"If you insist," Mariku growled, balling his fist.

"Onii-chan!" Malik and Shizuka both yelled.

"Give him a good shot," came a deep voice. "Just keep it down, I've got a headache."

Everyone stopped and turned to the doorway again to see a taller, rougher looking version of Ryou standing there. Bakura had finally returned from his trip from the house, a pizza box in one hand and a grocery bag in the other.

"And someone get all those damned cars out of my driveway," he growled before turning and starting for the kitchen.

"Wait, Bakura-san," Malik said, jumping up and running to grab the older man's shoulder.

Bakura looked over his shoulder at the boy, surprised and a little angry, a low growl escaping his throat.

"Please," Malik said, looking at the other man with pleading eyes, trying not to be intimidated. "Please… please for Ryou-kun's sake… please, you need to get help. Your… your condition is hurting Ryou-kun more than you know. You need to get some help; for you and for your son."

"You should mind your own business," Bakura barked, pushing Malik away with a rough shove. He continued heading for the kitchen only to be stopped by another voice.

"Hey asshole…"

Bakura turned once again, this time seeing the angry blonde shaking in fury.

"How can you be so cold?" Jou yelled. "You would let your own son suffer just because you don't want anyone to know you've got some mental problems? Even after he volunteered to live with you? Are you really that selfish?"

"Even I'll agreed that your behavior is unacceptable," Mariku sneered, his fist unclenching and falling to his sides. "You need to get it together and get some fucking help."

"Just shut up!" Bakura exclaimed. "This is none of your business!"

"It is so!" Shizuka argued, rising to her feet. "Ryou-san is our friend, so his problem is our problem! That means right now you're our problem!"

"Everyone just shut up!"

Everyone, even Bakura, jumped in surprise before turning to look at the couch; where the shout had come from. They were met with the sight of a very angry Ryou, sitting upright now, tears streaming down his face.

"Everyone… just shut up…" Ryou sobbed.

"Ryou-san…" Shizuka breathed, trying to move to the boy.

Ryou jumped away from the girl's gentle touch; jumped from the couch all together, causing the girl to stumble back into the arms of none other than her love, Malik.

Shizuka looked up, saw the Egyptian boy holding her, and clung to her savior immediately. "Malik-san…"

Ryou's eyes widened and his heart sank as he stared at the two in disbelief. "Malik… Shizuka… you two…" he couldn't string together a single coherent sentence, or thought. All he could do was stare at them as his tears began to fall faster.

"Ryou-kun wait… it's not… I…" Malik tried but failed to think of a way to explain the girl's actions. "We're not… she just…"

"I don't want to hear it!" Ryou yelled. "You lied to me…" he said quietly.

"No I… I didn't…"

"I said I don't want to hear it!" Ryou cut in, his hand going to his ears to block out the voices. "I can't believe you lied to me…" the volume of his voice kept jumping from one high to one low. "Why do you hate me so much that you'd lie about something like that?"

"But I… I don't hate you," Malik said, practically tossing Shizuka aside and running to Ryou, taking him by the shoulders. "I love you Ryou-kun, I really love you!"

"I just don't want to hear it!" Ryou repeated, not letting Malik get in a defensive word as he shoved the dark boy off of him so hard that he lost balance and fell back.

"Malik-kun!" Jou and Shizuka called, running to the boy.

"I don't want to hear you lies… I don't want to hear anything… anymore… nothing… nothing… nothing…" He kept shaking his head as he sat, not wanting to go on. Then he saw it. An object that would set him free caught his eye.

"Looks like I don't have to hear anything anymore," he said happily, smiling through his tears.

"What do you mean Ryou-kun?" Jou asked, trying to help Malik up.

"I can finally have silence…" Ryou whispered, holding up the object he'd found. It was a box cutter, one that was left lying in the living room on top of a box that'd never been unpacked.

He smiled as he raised the blade to his wrist, ready to cut and spill his crimson life, but frowned when a dark hand struck his. Malik had jumped from Jou and Shizuka and had managed to hit the blade out of Ryou's hand.

Ryou looked up at the boy only to see tears falling from his lavender eyes onto his own pale white skin. For a moment he thought he did see love in Malik's eyes. But then he remembered that the boy had lied and shook his head once.

"Why…"

"Ryou-kun…" Malik said at the boy's word.

Ryou smiled at him, his tears never ceasing. "Why won't you just let me be free?"

Malik tried to think of something, anything; he could say to calm the boy. His mind was racing as a complete jumble before it blanked all together, the only thing remaining being his beloved's actions playing over and over.

Getting no response from the boy, Ryou pushed passed him as he got to his feet and ran for the door.

"Ryou-kun!" Jounouchi, Malik, and Shizuka called. They'd all tried to catch him and had failed.

Looking after him they saw that he'd stopped just behind his father, their backs facing each other.

"You won't stop me… otou-san?" Ryou asked through his tears.

Bakura just shook his head. "If you want to kill yourself then far be it for me to stop you," he said coldly.

Ryou didn't think his heart was even there anymore, didn't think anything could be broken so many times.

"I hate you, otou-san…" he whispered before running from the room, darting from the house all together.

"Ryou-kun!" Malik called, jumping to chase after the pale boy.

Shizuka stared after the two, as did everyone else. She was so confused; couldn't figure out what had happened between the two the boys; couldn't think of what could push Ryou that far.

'Malik loves Ryou? Does Ryou love Malik back? Does he want to kill himself because of me? Or is it his father?' Shizuka just couldn't piece anything together, couldn't figure it out. But she did know whom she'd blame for it.

"It's your fault," she whispered darkly. She turned and looked at Bakura with hateful eyes. "You drove Ryou-san, your own son, to kill himself! He wants to die because of you! It's all your fault!" she accused.

Bakura looked like nothing had happened but the truth was he was in complete shock. He knew his son had some problems of his own but he never thought Ryou would want to die. He never knew he'd driven Ryou to that extreme. And he couldn't believe that he could just stand there, holding pizza, and tell his son that he could go die if he wanted.

"Get out…" he whispered after such a long pause. "Just get out of my house."

Shizuka opened her mouth to argue but stopped at a gentle but strong hand clasping her shoulder.

"C'mon Shizuka-chan," Jou said. "Let's go look for Ryou-kun."

Shizuka wanted to stay and attack Bakura more, but knew that finding Ryou had to come first. So instead she nodded, wiped her tears, and followed her brother out of the house, leaving Bakura alone.

"Nice parenting back there," Mariku said, causing Bakura to jump. He wasn't quite alone after all. "Know this, if Ryou-kun has to come back to this you then I'll make sure he'll never have to come back to any you," he threatened. He waited a moment, giving the older man a chance to respond to the threat.

Receiving only silence he shrugged; walked passed the Ryou look-a-like and exited the dwelling, closing the door softly behind him.

Once he was really alone, Bakura broke down at last. He fell to the floor and let the warm liquid crystals that were his tears pour silently over the things he'd dropped, forgetting he was even holding them. He knew he should feel awful, knew he should feel like nothing, but he just couldn't remember why.

Ryu: That ending makes me cry. He knows he did something he should feel remorseful for but his condition won't let him remember. I think that's sad. Anyway, I hope you all liked this chapter. And I hope you understand why Ryou lost his cool so quick. If not then I'll just come out and say it next time since it's not that big a thing in the story. Anyway, I hope you all like it and I'll try to get another chappy up soon. R&R please

Ja ne