Over the next couple of days, it became apparent that Sabrina had taken an interest in Ryou. Despite being new, she had grown attached in only a few days. So attached, in fact, that Yugi grew worried. He saw how uncomfortable Ryou was when Sabrina was around. Even though it was obvious that he had growing feelings for Sabrina as well, he was well aware of the danger. Yami had also noticed Sabrina's and Ryou's growing closeness and once again stated his worry to Yugi.

I think that we should warn Sabrina, Yugi. She doesn't know what happens to Ryou when someone gets too close.

Yugi was still hesitant. /Maybe Bakura hasn't noticed yet./

Yami didn't buy it for a second. Yugi, trust me, if I have noticed how close they have gotten you can guarantee that Bakura has noticed as well.

Yugi grew sad. /You're right, Yami. It's just too bad for Ryou. He finally found someone who likes him, and we have to go and spoil it for him. Sabrina might be too scared to even talk to Ryou after we tell her, let alone be his friend anymore./

But if we don't warn her, Bakura could hurt her and then that will be on our hands.

Yugi nodded in solemn agreement. /Alright. We'll tell her tonight-after school./

that afternoon

Sabrina sat watching the clock slowly tick the seconds away. She was so anxious that her foot tapped quietly on the floor. '3...2...1,' she thought just as the bell for the end of the day rang. Quickly, she stood from her chair, flicked her straight bangless black hair over her shoulder, and scooped her books into her arms. Taking a deep breath, she turned to Ryou. "Hey," she said. Ryou stopped gathering up his supplies and looked up at Sabrina. She smiled sweetly. "Would you like to walk me home?" Ryou blinked in surprise. "My mom and dad are working late tonight and I don't really wanna be there alone until they get home," she quickly explained. Ryou got uncomfortable again. He'd been doing that a lot lately, even though he remained as friendly as ever.

"Uh...sure. I guess I can, but I can't stay." Disappointment flickered across Sabrina's features, but was quickly covered up with a smile.

"Alright. That's okay. I understand. Your dad probably wants you home because he'll be going on another business trip, right?" He wasn't able to bring himself to lie to her so he simply nodded. Sure it wasn't much better, but if he opened his mouth he was afraid that he would have spilled the truth: that he was afraid to stay at her house alone with her because he didn't know what his dark side might do. "Okay. I'll meet you outside." With that, she gave a little wave and exited the room.(A/N: For those of you who don't know, Ryou lives alone despite the fact that his father is alive. Sabrina knows that his dad travels a lot, but doesn't know that Ryou has an apartment by himself) Ryou picked up his books to leave when Bakura spoke.

Enough games, Ryou. It is apparent by your reluctance to be with her for long that you're trying to protect her from me, so you must care for her as more than 'just some girl'. Who is she? He sounded impatient and Ryou shuddered.

/She's just a friend./ Not a lie, but not necessarily the whole truth.

Then why do you hide her name from me? You never tried so hard to protect little Yugi. Bakura had a point, but Ryou didn't answer. He was less than three feet from the door. If he could get to the hallway he knew that Bakura would leave him alone, at least until he was alone again, but he didn't get that far. Bakura suddenly materialized in front of him. Ryou stopped dead in his tracks, as did his heart, upon seeing his yami. Bakura had a scowl on his face. That look sent Ryou's heart beating again, faster than it had ever pounded in his life. His yami, thankfully, wasn't corporeal...yet, but he was still a terrifying sight to Ryou. (A/N: Corporeal means solid, as in real. Bakura isn't like that though, he's in ghost form. I figured I'd better put the meaning of the word corporeal here cause I've been asked a lot what it means. sweatdrop Don't people know how to use a dictionary?) You know I don't like to be ignored, Ryou, Bakura said in his sinister voice. Ryou swallowed heavily and Bakura smiled in satisfaction. You're afraid of me. That's good. At least you know that I'm still far superior in power to you. Again Ryou didn't answer. His fear had frozen his vocal cords. Bakura took a step toward his host. Now, you listen to me, Ryou. You WILL stay with that girl tonight until her parents get home and I WILL find out her name before you leave. The glint in his eyes sent a chill down Ryou's spine. He couldn't risk Sabrina getting hurt. He wouldn't risk it.

Bakura saw the defiance in Ryou's eyes, beneath the fear, and he smirked. Unless of course you prefer I lock you in the soul room and keep company with her myself. That thought made Ryou sick. He knew very well that Bakura could force him inside the soul room at any time he pleased, but he was offering Ryou the chance to keep control as long as he did what he was told. Making up his mind, he shook his head and shoved past Bakura and out into the hallway.

"No!" He stated as he passed and practically fell as he stopped in the hall. No one was there. Everyone had left for the day, and Ryou spun back around to face the classroom. Bakura was gone, nowhere to be seen, and Ryou panted a little from the relief that flooded him. Sweat dripped down the side of his face, and he held his books to his chest as he sighed. Taking a calming breath, he turned toward the exit to the school, where he saw Sabrina waiting.