Fear not! I have returned! (smiles cheerfully) It's thanksgiving evening. I think I'll post this tonight…or perhaps I'll prolong your torture. Mwahaha! I had my first of a number of thanksgiving celebrations today. Sparkling white grape juice! (drools) My family's part Serbian and likes to drink Sleevavitz. (plum brandy) Bleh. It's nasty stuff, but it was rather amusing to watch my aunts and uncles down shot after shot. (heh)
Yay! The reviewing has begun! Welcome my first two fans: StormySkys and Dragonlady222!
StormySkys has an excellent story titled "Childish". This is a must read, peoples. It's hilarious. Thanks for the review, darling! (keep doing so and writing kick-butt awesome fics!)
Dragonlady222, you are the first person to review both of my stories. (kowtows in gratitude) I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please continue to do so. (hugs)
Heh, I'm really starting to enjoy this story. Unlike SOS, I do not write it much at school. Yes, I am focusing more on SOS. (It's farther along and has more reviewers) Which is practical since I only just started this fic.
I'm considering upping the rating fromteento mature. It's going to have some graphic violence,I do believe. No sex scenes, though. Sorry you pervs. Sexuality but no, you are not going to pry into the characters' sexual lives.
(sobs) I don't own Yugioh.
Finally, I'd like to remind you there is homosexuality in this fic. No like, no read.
No Tolerance
Dagger plunges down the throat
To silence what you don't want to hear.
Cut off the tongue to stop the words
And wedge sticks down your ears.
Chapter 2: Weakness
(Yami's POV)
I glance out through Yugi's eyes as he wanders about school with Honda and Anzu. Ryou hasn't arrived yet. That in itself is worrying me. He's usually early. Where could he be?
(Yami, I told you to stop worrying. He'll be here soon) Yugi says reassuringly.
((I know I know…)) I sigh, closing my link to rest.
I can feel Yugi press questioningly against the shield I put up. I send a calm signal through to assure him that I'm fine. He gives in, going back to his conversation with his friends.
I really wish I had my own body, able to walk about school next to my hikari and the others. It gets dull in here very quickly. I sigh, leaning my head against a brick wall. It's my destiny to be trapped in here, obscured from the world. I shall remain enveloped in a cloak, unable to be seen. Sure I can take spirited form outside the puzzle for a short period of time, but no one but Yugi can see or hear me. It takes up a lot of energy to do so too.
(Ryou's here.)
I sit up, peering through my hikari's vision. Ryou is here. He looks normal enough. I can't help but feel that something's amiss, though.
(Yami?)
((I see him, abiou)) I reply, still watching the other hikari.
How could Bakura be so cruel to him? He's one of the most caring individuals I've ever met. Innocent, always placing others before himself. That's probably why…
(Yami?)
((What?))
(Did you want to talk to him?)
((No, it's fine. You'd better get to class, Yugi)) I reply lightly.
(Bakura's POV)
I wander nonchalantly into the school. Most of the teens don't even spare me a glance. It's actually a relief Ryou wasn't very social. No annoying crowds to deal with. I know where his locker and classes are. I used to watch him from the shadows of the ring when I had nothing better to do; now it's all paying off.
I notice little Yugi and a few of his friends. How quaint. I can almost feel the pharaoh eyeing me from the puzzle. I know he is. Sitting back in his little chamber, wishing he could rip me out of the ring and skin me alive. I smile as I observe them from a distance. Yes, that's what he'd do…or try to do.
"Hi Ryou!" Oh joy. It's the blond.
"Hi Jou!" I say softly, 'shy'.
"What do ya think of that history test we're havin' today? Think you're ready?"
History test? Oh great. Ryou's supposed to be good at school too…this could pose as a slight set back.
"Perhaps."
"Say, where were you yesterday?" Jou continues, quirking an eyebrow.
"I didn't feel so well…." I mumble taking a book from the locker.
"It wasn't that ass, was it?" he growls slightly.
"Oh look, the mutt's already awake." Ah, Seto's here.
"Shut it, Kaiba!" Jou puts his fists up. Wow. He really doesn't know anything about fighting. Pathetic.
"You never know when to get off," Seto smirks, eyes turning to study me.
I feel myself bristle slightly as his penetrating blue eyes burn intensely into mine. He hasn't changed much since Egypt really. I don't actually have anything against him. He was the pharaoh's nemesis back in the old days, after all…and now he harasses the Yugi clan to no end. It's all rather amusing.
"Well?" he asks indifferently.
"Well what?" I ask before I can stop myself. I cover this with a look of utter confusion.
"Face me you bastard!" Jou was continuing to rant.
Seto doesn't reply, eyes narrowing slightly. Without any explanation he wanders away.
"Hey! Oh, I see! Running away, are ya?" Jou continues futilely.
"Give it up, idiot," I mutter under my breath, leaving him yelling down the hallway after the brunette.
Seto's arcane actions trouble me slightly. It was hopefully nothing. Perhaps Ryou usually greets him a certain way. Oh well, it concerns me not.
"Hey Ryou." Oh great. Yugi.
"Hi Yugi." I smile.
"We're all set up for the party, if you can call it that…so anyway, Anzu says she can come. Jou has no problem with it and says he's expecting lots of food, you know Jou. Honda is…" Ra, does he ever take a breath? I try to pay attention because zoning out will only be a potential for questions.
The bell rings, announcing that we have a minute to get to our first class.
"Op! I'm going to have to tell you the rest later!" he grins apologetically.
"Don't worry, that's fine," I nod, praising the mechanical device that has delivered me from my torment.
"Why do teachers give so much homework on the weekends?" Jou grumbles sourly as we sit at a lunch table.
The fan club has pulled me over. I really don't know if Ryou usually sat with them. They do appear to be making quite an effort to include me. It most likely has something to do with getting rid of the evil tomb robber.
"There isn't that much to do," Anzu chided him.
"Says you."
I try to ignore their childish bickering. Yugi's giggling about some joke Otogi played on Honda. How on earth could the pharaoh side with this load of…?
"Hey Ryou?"
"Hm?" I say glancing up.
"Are you gonna eat dat?" the blond presses eagerly.
"Help yourself," I shrug, pushing my tray of untouched to over to him.
"Aren't you going to eat anything?" Yugi asks in slight concern.
"I'm not hungry," I reply.
"But…"
"I have to go," I say tiredly.
"Where?" Yugi blinked, looking hurt.
I shrug again. "Just don't feel like sitting around, I guess."
I stalked off before he could say another word, ignoring Anzu and Honda's protests. How the hell am I going to do this?
I keep strolling through the empty halls until I reach the library. Hardly anyone is in here. I the librarian doesn't even spare me a glance. I silently cross to the back. Thankfully, the shelves are around seven feet high, so I'm out of sight.
My stomach is rumbling, empty. I can't manage to keep any food down though. I don't recall Ryou ever having this problem. Every time I manage to consume something I end up puking it up again. I slouch down in the back corner, body quivering slightly. Eyes closed, I try to shut everything out.
"Ryou?"
I look up to see Yugi staring down at me.
"Are you all right?" he continues.
I nod, just wanting to be left alone. My whole body is aching. Every time I move too fast I get nauseous. I close my eyes again, trying to make the room stop spinning.
I jolt slightly as a hand is gently laid on my forehead. I open my eyes to meet intense, royal purple eyes full of concern. Yami's taken over.
"You're burning up. Why on earth did you come to school today?" he says softly, kneeling in front of me.
Why's his voice echoing? I wince involuntarily. Why can't he leave me alone? I just want to rest…
(Yami's POV)
I move forward swiftly to catch Ryou as he passes out. No wonder he's been so out of it lately. He shouldn't be here.
(Is he all right?) Yugi asks anxiously.
((He's very ill, abiou.)) I reply, uncertain of what to do.
(We should take him home.)
((There's no one there to take care of him)) I argue.
(….well…we could take him to our house.)
I nod, tenderly lifting his limp body, cradling him against my chest. I can feel his burning breath slightly against my neck. Looking about, I try to blend in, striding confidently toward the exit to the library. The librarian is working at the front desk. I'm sweating heavily, wondering how she'll react to the sight of a student carrying a classmate's motionless form around the school. To Yugi and my relief, she doesn't even look up as I stride by, Ryou clasped in my arms.
(Yami, we should probably tell someone we're leaving.)
((And what am I supposed to do? Prance into the office or the lunchroom with him like this?)) I reply, glancing down at the immobile hikari.
(Fine fine, let's go.)
I struggle to open the door to the game shop without dropping the white-haired boy. Thank goodness he's light. I walk through the shop into the living room. Ryou whimpers, struggling slightly.
I slump down in the couch, still clutching him to me. I tentatively let my fingers glide through the pure white locks. His hair's incredibly soft! It feels like strands of silk. He calms under the contact, snuggling against me. I feel a smile form on my face as I watch him. He's so angelic.
(What?)
"Huh?" I ask, coming out of my daze.
(You were thinking something…)
"Yugi, what are you doing home already?" Mr. Mutou asks upon entering the room. He quickly realizes his error. "Oh, hello Yami."
"Ryou's sick. I didn't want to take him to his home. No one's there to take care of him," I explain quickly.
Mr. Mutou is eyeing me strangely and I realize I'm still stroking the boy's hair. I instantly stop, blushing slightly. Yugi can feel my discomfort, nudging me questioningly through our link.
"Well, you should have called me. I could have come and gotten him," Mr. Mutou sighs, running a hand through his gray hair.
"Um…" I'm at a loss for words now.
Thankfully, he continues. "Well, you should probably be getting back to school. Don't worry, I'll take care of him."
(SCHOOL!) Yugi yowls from his soul room.
I nod. "Yes, that's probably the best thing to do."
I benignly lay the unconscious boy on the couch, standing up to leave. Mr. Mutou's already examining the hikari. I sigh as I head for the door, knowing Ryou's in good hands.
"Thank you, Mr. Mutou," I say as I leave, Yugi still pacing and screeching venomously about having to go back to school.
(Bakura's POV)
'Oooohhh my head…'
I reluctantly open my eyes to narrow slits. This does not look like the school. Shit.
I sit up quickly. Too quickly. Bile rises in my throat; I choke as I attempt to swallow it again. Noticing a large, metal bowl on a small table next to me, I grab it and hurl the acidy contents into it. My whole body lurches painfully, wrenching my stomach till it feels like it will implode on itself.
"It's all right. Just relax, it'll be over in a minute," a voice says soothingly.
I suddenly realize there's a hand resting on my back, gently massaging the sore muscles comfortingly. I try to turn to see who it is, but my body spasms agonizingly again, more sour liquid dispensing from my mouth. I cough a few more times, spitting the excess fluid out; it feels like the lining of my throat has been ripped apart. I breathe heavily, my breath making a hissing sound. The hand is still rubbing my back consolingly.
"There, now that's over with." Firm, yet gentle hands push me back down onto the couch.
To my own surprise, I give in. I'm too weak. I hate being so frail! Yet, I know there's not much I can do right now. The person seems to be taking care of me, not posing any threat. Realizing my lack of options, I close my eyes, allowing sleep consume me once again.
(Yami POV)
((Yugi, you need to pay attention))
(I can't believe he made us come back! How could he?) my light continues to rant, not paying the slightest bit of attention to what I'm saying.
I sigh, taking over. Might as well avoid a detention so we can get out of here quickly in an attempt to save the remains of my hikari's sanity. I have to smile; he's really quite a plucky child.
"Hey Yug…er, Yami," Honda whispers when the teacher turns her back to us. "Where were you and Ryou at lunch? Heck, where is he now?"
"He's sick. We took him to the game shop," I reply, warily watching the teacher.
I don't like to talk in class. I hate it when all the attention is focused on me. Yugi isn't too fond of such things himself. Even when dueling, I'd prefer not to have a huge crowd watching. I've never been one for great multitudes flocking to watch me duel; especially when it's a battle against Kaiba. Ra, he can make such a spectacle…
"Mr. Mutou!" Oops. So much for not getting singled out.
"Yes'm?" I ask nervously.
"Please refrain from daydreaming. I know it's almost the weekend, but until then you must remain focused. If not, there are some dirty halls that could use some mopping after school…"
"Point taken, mam," I reply quickly, vowing not to let my mind wander again.
(Bakura's POV)
I groan as I slowly regain consciousness. Gods, I'm achy. Well, at least I don't have anything left to throw up. This time I take my time sitting up. No need to feel queasy again. Glancing around, letting my eyes adjust, my stomach churns as I recognize the room.
"Ah, you're awake. How're you feeling?" the old man asks, emerging from a door at the other end of the room.
"A bit better," I admit, rubbing my eyes with my fist.
"Do you think you can keep anything down yet? Perhaps we should start off with some liquids. I'll go get you something," he leaves, not giving me a chance to get a word in edgewise.
So much for that. I sigh, laying my head back on the pillow. How'd I get here? The last thing I remember is….I scowl at the thought of the pharaoh carrying me, although I'm sure that's exactly what happened. Damn it! I hate being at the mercy of my enemy! Of course…he doesn't know I'm the enemy, which gives me the upper hand…
"How are you feeling, Ryou?" a deep voice questions. Speak of the pharaoh.
"Uhh…better," I say softly, playing with the fringe on the edge of the blanket that's tucked around me.
He smiles uncomfortably, looking slightly embarrassed. I study him, looking for a reason for him to be acting so out of character. Not discovering anything, I realize he's looking straight at me.
"Did you want to ask me something?" I question inquiringly.
"No!" he says a bit too quickly. Calming, he says more composed, "No, it's nothing, Ryou."
All right, now I'm extremely curious. What on earth is he acting so strangely for? Have I blown my cover already and he's just waiting to spring? I'll have to watch my back. No more passing out. Ugh, I can't believe I actually did that. Talk about putting yourself in a vulnerable position. Stupid, feeble mortal body.
"Well, if you're sure…"
"Yes, I'm sure. Are you feeling well enough to eat something?" he quickly changes subjects.
"Mr. Mutou's says I should drink something first," I answer composedly, enjoying watching him so jumpy.
"Oh. Right. Well, I get you something then," he mutters more to himself than me, striding quickly for the kitchen.
I take this opportunity alone to take in my surroundings. Quite a shabby little place. Of course, the shop holds a vast amount of duel monster cards. I can feel myself grin at this thought. Perhaps being here will be to my benefit after all.
"What the…! Ack!" A crash at the door way signals my attention.
I barely am able to fight down a cackle. By the looks of it, the pharaoh has had a run-in with the old man who happened to be carrying a drink for me. They're both toppled over on the floor, the geezer drenched with whatever liquid he was bringing me. Heh.
"Yami, what on earth? Running about like the world is coming to an end!" Mr. Mutou says tersely, picking up the empty glass from the floor.
"Mr. Mutou, I'm so sorry! I don't…here, let me help…!" the pharaoh gibbers, pulling the old man to his feet.
Mr. Mutou, who's entire front is soaked, holds up a hand for silence. "No no. Don't worry. Just slow down. Now, I'm going to go change out of these clothes, seeing as how they're sopping wet; be of assistance and get Ryou a drink." He leaves the room briskly.
Yami hurriedly rushes from the room; I grab the pillow from behind me and bury my face in it, laughing hysterically. Sure it hurts, my throat raw, but that was uproarious. Who knew the dolt could be such a clutz!
Quickly composing myself again, I sit back awaiting my drink. Wait, if he already knows it's me, he'll poison it…no, he'd think Ryou still exists so he wouldn't do anything that could harm the body. I can't help but grin at that thought.
"Sorry about all that…" Yami says fretfully as he scuttles back into the room, glass full of…something...
He holds out the unknown liquid, hands shaking. What the devil's the matter with him? I reach out to take the cup only to find that he won't let go.
"Uh…Yami? Could I have the drink?" I ask casually, tugging lightly on the cup to stress my point.
He jumps slightly at the movement, cheeks reddening. "Oh sorry! Of course, of course!"
I take the cup, staring at its contents. Lots of…bubbles. What in the hells? I suspiciously put a finger in, swirling it about in the fluid before lifting the digit to my mouth. Ra, the stuff's fizzing! Is this acid or something? Perhaps the stomach juice I barfed a while ago?
Yami apparently has noticed my apprehension. "Do you not like soda?"
Soda, eh?
"Um…no, it's fine. I just don't usually drink it, is all," I smile cheerfully, taking a sip.
A coughing fit starts before I can stop it. Gods, the stuff's choking me! He quickly takes the cup from me, setting it on the coffee table next to the sofa.
"Are you all right?" he questions me urgently.
I nod, clearing my throat. Disgusting. Utterly repulsive. How can they drink this crap? I settle back against the pillow he's propped up behind me, catching my breath. Heh. How do you like that? He's serving me for a change. Not that I ever served him. Never. He might have ruled the country, but hell, rules are made to be broken; kings overthrown. He's staring at me now; guess I should say something to assure him 'Ryou's' fine.
"Thanks."
His brow furrows. "For what?"
"All this," I motion around the room. "For…" okay this is hurting my pride badly, "…helping me at school." Damn it, that was hard.
He smiles in relief that I haven't made fun of him or something. Don't get me wrong, I'd relish in mocking his sorry face. However, that's not something Ryou would have ever done. Weakling had no spine…or sense of humor, for that matter. I internally scowl at the thought of him. The little back-stabbing son of a bitch!
Yami seems to have caught an angry vibe from me because he suddenly tenses. "What is it, Ryou? Is it Bakura?" Talk about jumping to conclusions.
I shake my head, glaring at the cup on the table. I don't want to talk to him anymore. I don't even want to watch him tumble over the old man and humiliate himself. If he doesn't leave soon, he will regret it.
"Ah, got Ryou a drink, did you?" Mr. Mutou observes, re-entering the room. "Yami, tell Yugi I'm sorry, but we shouldn't have your other friends over this weekend. Don't want to spread the flu to them as well."
Yami nods slowly, disappearing into the puzzle. Joy, now I have to put up with the little ray of sunshine. Yugi, to my surprise, doesn't look disenchanted at all; if anything, he looks thrilled.
"Oh that's what I was just thinking too, grandpa!" he smiles, glancing over at me curiously.
Wait….does that mean…
"Ryou, you'll be spending the weekend with us, I hope? There's really no point in you going back to your home, especially since you'd be by yourself," Mr. Mutou states, leaving the room before I can argue. Shit.
(Yami's POV)
Damn it! How could I be so Stupid! I was a complete mess out there! What's gotten into me?
(Yami, are you all right? You're acting very strangely.)
I sigh. ((It's nothing, abiou.))
I can sense him frown. (No it's not nothing. You've been acting odd since we brought Ryou here.)
I feel myself sweat. ((I don't know, all right? I'm just…I don't know.) I repeat, closing our link.
I sigh, slumping on the bottom step in my soul room. My hands are trembling. My chest is pounding. I've never been so out of control before; so clumsy…What's happening to me?
Heh. Poor Yami. It's all so amusing. (leans back, satisfied) Don't worry. This'll be getting darker again fairly quickly. I just love adding some humor. Can't be too dreary. Especially cause later there really won't be any comedy. Now there's a depressing note, for you.
Anyway, please review! Happy thanksgiving...and so on and so forth...