Yay! I'm not studying today! Booya! (now I'll probably fail some of my first exams though) O.o...damn. I just can't win, can I?
So, I probably won't be able to update until Friday...I'm gonna be extremely busy until then. I've got a cool choir concert, exams, family stuff...I think I have a doctor's appointment to change my depression meds too. Everyone BEWARE. My emotions are going to be unpredictable for a while. Thou hast been forewarned.
Anyhoo, I'm working on chapter twenty-one. I'm on page five of it, as we speak. Oooh it's gonna get gruesome! Just had some non-explicit romance! (coughs) No really, I don't show anything. Don't get scared. (smiles happily)
xKokurox: (laughs) You're crazy, dear. I'm glad your wedding was awesome. (smirks) Sorry I missed it. So meanness isn't a word, eh? (sighs) I think it's a damn good word. It's MINE now! No, I don't want you to kiss my ass. No one kisses my ass. Buy me a nice bottle of sparkling white grape juice and we'll call it even. (smiles happily) I'm soooo addicted to that stuff. Love ya!
666TheWitch666: Yay! Another new reviewer to the story! (embraces tightly) HI!...I'm glad you're impressed. I'm not sure exactly what part you're impressed by...but I'm grateful nonetheless. (smiles happily) Please review again! Love ya!
KeraJeir: (cheers) Yay! I've drawn you in! (uses magical 'drawing in' wand) mwahahaha! You're trapped in my almighty snares!... um...now I've probably scared you. Sorry! (smiles happily) Please review again! (Hugs)
Freedom of Darkness: Me loves evilness too! Ow! Stop poking me! I'm updating! I'm updating!...haven't even started learning how to drive yet? O.o...might wanna get started with that, dearie. (hugs) Love ya! Review again!
Satra: (laughs) Have a bad feeling about the spells? (grins innocently) I don't know what you're talking about! (crosses fingers behind back) So my little blurble at the beginning of the last chappie made sense? Good. Thanks for telling me so. Everyone else didn't even bother to mention if what I said made sense or not. I bow to you. (Kowtows) Review again, dear! (Hugs)
dragonlady222: Yes, poor Ryou. He's so...forgotten. Teehee. And dead. (cackles) Sorry...I'm...hyper. What do you mean it should be getting more exciting now that Yami's got his own body? Do you mean it's not interesting right now? (sobs) I'm BORING you!...(snivels) review again, dear! Love ya!
blackalbino: Yes yes yes! It is a word now! I love it!...what you say is true. Marik is evil for a reason. Malik? He's just insane. Thanks for the compliments on my writing. Always love to hear it. Yay! Tomb robber's in denial! (prances about happily) Yes, Fowstie is gonna be okay. Yay! He sends you a nice musky cuddle! No I haven't read the stories of the person you speak of. I shall look into it though. I'm always eager for new stories to read!...and seeing as how you seem to have good taste...(flatters self waaay too much...o.O...) Anyhoo, review again! Love ya!
Bluegrass Elf: Please don't cry! (holds out lollipop) Be happy! Please! Review again, dear! Love ya! (gives big HAPPY hug)
Silver Mirror: Genius? (smirks) Wellll...oh now you've done it! You've fed my ego! (cheers) I'm queeeeeen! (prances around happily) Heh. My sister's chastising me. Lucky you, she's around. You're a Marik and Malik fan? (smirks) Me too. (hugs evil duo who are carrying pointy objects) OW!...review again! (Hugs)
Wishfull Thinker: (smirks) Honey, you're gonna have some probs if you don't toughen up with the kissing scenes just a tad bit. Seriously. (laughs) You're so cute!...um...no, the fic isn't rated M because yami appeared naked. It's not like I was describing anything! sheesh. -.0...Think Kura's in love with Yami? (smirks) Perhaps...perhaps...Ummm...yes, Malik is a pervert. Yes, that would probably be considered sexual harassment...-.-; what did you expect when I stated Malik was a pervert and that the fic is rated M because of him? (smiles) Well, it is. That was actually pretty tame for him. (Wishfull Thinker: O.O)...heh. Anyhoo, review again, dear! Love ya!
Freak in the Shadows: (smirk) I love YOU!...chick...Review again! (kowtows)
I'm dedicating this chappie to our two new reviewers who are going to continue reviewing: 666TheWitch666 and KeraJeir! YAY!
I actually wrote this slightly disturbing poem for this particular chappie. Enjoy! (...maybe...)
Drowning
My throat fills up with water
My eyes are blurry and pained
My ears are clogged and deafened
Can't hear even when I strain.
My lungs are flooded and useless
Bursting free of their fleshy seams
I open my mouth but release only bubbles
Floating up in a silent scream.
Chapter 12: Drowning
(Yugi's POV)
"Are you sure about this, Yami?" I ask uncertainly as we walk down the street together, late in the afternoon.
Yami's dressed all in leather, courtesy of the shopping spree we went on earlier today. Grandpa even let me skip school so I could tag along. That in itself is a miracle.
He sighs, glancing down at the cardboard box he's carrying. "I think it's for the best, aibou."
"Will he take it though? I mean, Kaiba doesn't really seem the type to…"
"He'll take it," Yami states, grinning. "I'll make sure of that. With luck, he'll shove it into a closet and won't ever touch it. He wouldn't throw something like this out, even if he didn't want it. Besides, he has more security than anyone else. No one will be able to steal it from him."
I nod. "I guess you're right."
We cross the street as the light changes, me glancing about warily. I can't help it; Marik's in town and Malik has his own body now. I'm not too afraid of Marik, now that he's powerless…but Malik is completely unpredictable. Plus, he's just insane. I shiver.
Yami looks at me questioningly. "Cold?"
I shake my head. "Thinking about Malik. What's he want anyway? There's got to be more to this. Why would he willingly hand over the spells, especially when he knew that was what we needed?"
Yami frowns. "I know. We'll just have to stay alert."
I look up at him. "And…what about Ryou?"
He glances down at me. "What about him?"
I feel myself blush. "Are you two…a couple now?"
He smiles. "I have no idea, to tell you the truth."
I look down at my feet. "I never did apologize for what I…"
"I'm sure he's forgiven you, aibou."
I shake my head. "I should still apologize. I was horrible to both of you."
"Yugi, I've already forgiven you. You and I both crossed the lines. Let's say we're even now and move on." He looks down at me, smiling warmly.
I feel a sense of relief flow over me. "All right."
(Bakura's POV)
I sit up sharply when I sense something; call it 'thief's intuition.' Someone's in the house.
I stand up and throw on a shirt, stealthily creeping down the hall to the top of the stairwell. Not sensing any movement, I slink down to the living room, glancing about. Nothing seems out of place. Scowling, I roam around the downstairs, not detecting anything more. Nothing is out of place, not even broken widow or an unlocked door...so what was I sensing?
I jolt as there's a pounding on the door. Composing myself, but making sure be cautious, I unlock the front door, opening it. Oh. It's them.
"Hi Ryou!" Yugi beams.
"Oh, hi guys," I mumble distractedly.
"Is something wrong?" Yami asks, immediately detecting the tone in my voice.
"I…thought someone was in the house…" I mutter turning and looking behind me.
He brushes past me into the house, tapping into the puzzle no doubt. The Millennium symbol illuminates on his forehead. I fold my arms, waiting next to Yugi who is glancing worriedly at his darker half. After a minute Yami shakes his head, the symbol dispersing.
"I don't sense anything, Ryou. Whatever it was, it's gone now."
I nod. I could have told him that. I just want to know what it was. Damn.
"Have you and Bakura…is he…?" Yugi stutters nervously, glancing at the outline of the ring under my tee-shirt.
"He's gone," I shrug, wandering back into the house.
"Did it go over well?" Yami asks with concern, following me into the kitchen, Yugi right behind him.
"As well as it could have," I say impassively, slumping down onto a kitchen chair and running a hand through my disheveled hair.
"That's a relief," Yugi smiles, eyes wandering the walls.
"So…you're alone now?" Yami asks, voice somewhat strained.
Yes, thank Ra. "Yes. My father's off in…Asia, I think."
Yugi and Yami exchange grins. Oh fuck no…
"Why don't you come stay with us?" Yami smiles. Damn.
"That's not necessary," I answer quickly.
Yugi puts his hands on his hips. "Oh but I think it is. You're here all by yourself with Marik and Malik wandering about. Plus you're getting paranoid; thinking someone's in the house…"
"That's because there was!" I argue, losing my temper. I don't want to go with them. I want some time to myself damn it!
"That's beside the point," Yami smirks, grabbing my arm. "Let's go pack your things." I'm not going to win this, am I?
(Mr. Mutou's POV)
I've brought some fresh blankets into the living room and even cleaned out one of the drawers in my dresser. Yami and Yugi told me they were stopping at Ryou's house after they complete an 'errand.' I've no doubt they'll come back lugging a resisting Ryou with them. I chuckle to myself. It really is for the best, with those two psychopaths running about.
The door opens, Ryou's protests now audible.
"Yami, I can carry my suitcase myself!" I smile, turning as they come into the living room.
"Why hello there, Ryou. What a surprise!" I exclaim.
"Somehow, I doubt that," he grumbles glancing over at the couch where I've already set up a place for him to sleep.
Yami, Yugi, and I exchange grins, amused at the boy's predicament.
"Well, dinner's ready. I've already set the kitchen table," I chuckle, leading the way.
Ryou sits down at his spot, pouting. "See, you already knew I was coming," he mutters, referring to the plate, silverware, and cup I've set out for him.
Yami leans over and squeezes his shoulder. "You never had a chance. Might as well just accept it already."
Ryou heaves a sigh, smiling now. "All right, all right. So…what's for dinner?"
(Yami's POV)
I can't believe how much has happened in just the past few days. I've become incredibly close to Ryou. I've got my own body now. I went on a huge shopping spree just like I always wanted to and bought a bunch of leather…
"You're going to have to move, Yami. That's my bed," Ryou grins as he enters the room.
I laugh, scooting over so he can sit down next to me on the couch. He's dressed for bed in black sweat pants and a grubby white tee-shirt. He leans back, closing his eyes.
"Stressed?" I ask.
He nods. "My neck's all achy…must've slept at a wrong angle." He gingerly rubs the back of his neck with his hand.
"Let me see," I say, scooting behind him, gently massaging his shoulders and neck.
"Mmm…that feels good," he sighs, head bowed slightly in relaxation.
I grin, loving the feeling of his skin under my hands. As my fingers move back and forth wisps of his silky hair brush against them. It feels like downy feathers almost. I close my eyes, completely in bliss.
"Yami, have you seen the…?" Yugi enters the room and stops like a deer caught in the headlights of a car.
Ryou looks up, a small smile on his face. I can't hold back a chuckle at Yugi's expression.
"It's fine, aibou. Have I seen the what?" I grin.
He blushes slightly. "Um…I can't remember now…" After a second of silence we all burst into a fit of laughter. I'm not even sure why.
"So how're you doing, Yugi, with no voice in your head all the time?" Ryou asks, relaxing again as I continue to knead his back.
Yugi grins. "It's different, that's for sure. I won't have anyone to talk to in class, though."
I laugh. "I'm sure you'll talk anyway, aibou."
Yugi pretends to pout. "All these assumptions."
Ryou and I snicker. Gods, it's good to see him laugh. I've been so worried about him lately.
"Boys, I hate to break up the gathering, but it's time for bed. You have school tomorrow," Mr. Mutou says, coming down the stairs in his pajamas.
"Yami doesn't!" Yugi protests.
"Not yet," Mr. Mutou smiles. "He'll be giving me a hand with the shop tomorrow, won't you Yami?"
I nod. "Of course, sir."
"So formal, ye gods!" Ryou snickers, earning a light smack on the top of the head from yours truly. "Hey!"
"G'night, Ryou," Yugi yawns, trudging up the stairs after Mr. Mutou.
I sigh, ending the massage. Ryou shuffles over so I'm not behind him anymore, looking at me with those large brown eyes.
He smirks. "I decided not to mention that I don't have school for the rest of the week either. I thought it might dampen his morale a bit."
I groan. "Momentarily, we're safe. Just wait until morning."
We sit in silence for a moment. Ryou suddenly turns back to me, a serious look on his face.
"Yami, what is our relationship now?"
I smile, sitting back. "I'm not sure. What do you think?"
He grins mischievously, quirking a slender eyebrow. What in Ra's name…?
"That you'd better go to bed before Mr. Mutou whips you," he says simply, pushing me off the couch.
"Hey!" I shout in protest as I land on my ass. "What the hell?"
"Yami! Don't make me say it again!" Mr. Mutou yells from his room.
Ryou snickers. I pout, striding for the stairs in mock anger. As I start climbing them Ryou speaks.
"You're a damn good kisser, you know."
I spin around, staring in disbelief. He's sitting on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, trying to look innocent. I can see right through that one though. I smirk, striding back over and locking lips with him for a brief moment. Mmm. He tastes like mint toothpaste. I back away, Ryou giving me a sideways grin. I float up the stairs in heavenly bliss.
"Yami, please listen to me!" Ryou begs as I rampage about his soul room.
I turn, glaring daggers at him. "Who's your fellow conspirator? Where are the memories of that note, host?"
"Stop calling me that! You promised to stop calling me that!" he cries, fists clenched.
I grin, sharp canines glinting. "I thought we'd moved beyond that point as well. You, however, have proved me wrong. I must applaud you for this incredible façade."
"It's not like that! I would never do anything like…!"
"Destroy me?" I hiss, my aura crackling like flames around me.
He goes silent. His eyes look hurt, hopeless.
"I thought we'd gone beyond that kind of thing too," I admit, sighing and sitting down, staring about his soul room. "This place…it reflects such purity…such trust..."
Ryou stares at me with wide eyes.
"Yami?"
I chuckle. "I'm sorry."
He looks at me hopefully. "For what, Bakura?"
"For deeming you transparent; you had me completely fooled."
"But…"
"I must admit, it will be strange not having this room across the hall," I whisper.
"What…do you mean, Bakura?" he asks nervously, backing away.
I grin wickedly. "Let's try out that spell of yours, host."
(Bakura's POV)
"NO!"
"Ryou!"
"NO!" I scream. He's dead. Stop calling him! He's DEAD!
"RYOU!"
My eyes shoot open, perspiration covering my body. I'm looking straight into two dark violet eyes…Yami? What's he doing here?
"Ryou," he whispers again. I feel myself shudder at the name.
I jump slightly as a hand travels through my hair. Someone's whimpering. I can hear someone whimpering…make them stop…I close my eyes tight. It's like being underwater…this feeling…I can't breathe…my entire body's trembling…it hurts…everything hurts...I'm drowning again…
(Yami's POV)
"Shhh…it's all right now," I whisper soothingly, rocking the boy gently in my arms.
Ra, he's shaking uncontrollably, entire body tensed. What on earth was he dreaming? He whimpers, as if trying to escape something.
"Ryou…" I whisper.
"He's dead…" he mumbles over and over. "He's dead….he's dead…."
"Ryou," I state more firmly, shaking him by the shoulders. "Ryou."
"STOP IT!" he screams, thrashing away from me, covering his ears and curling into a quivering ball. He's rocking back and forth, whimpering. "He's dead….he's dead…make it stop…"
I don't know what to do. What on earth should I do? He's reacting horribly. Does this have something to do with Bakura? I tentatively put a hand on his back, gently rubbing the tensed muscles. He shudders, whimpering.
"Yami, what's going on?" Mr. Mutou asks worriedly from the stairs, Yugi by his side.
"I don't know what to do!" I nearly sob, desperate. "Someone do something. Something's wrong."
They come over, watching the cowering form next to me. Mr. Mutou reaches over and places a hand on his shoulder.
"Ryou?"
"STOP IT!" Ryou shrieks, lashing out.
Mr. Mutou backs up, barely missing the fist. Ryou's on the floor now, curled up and back to murmuring.
"He's dead…he's dead…"
"Who's dead?" Yugi whispers, kneeling beside the hysterical boy.
I shake my head, gently lifting Ryou's head so he's leaning against my chest. He makes a strange, strained whine, burying his face in my robe.
"Shhh…" I whisper, rocking him gently.
After a half an hour or so he calms, sinking back into a more peaceful sleep. I sigh, looking over anxiously at Mr. Mutou and Yugi.
"He seems all right now," Mr. Mutou says softly to my look. "We'll talk about this in the morning."
I nod, looking down at the sleeping figure in my arms and realize there's still one place I can't protect him from Bakura.
Yay! Oh the drama! The passion! The angst!
Chella: This chapter is...cute, weird, sad, and...interesting...
Ferris: Rrrright. I suppose so.
Che: I'm reading chap 20! Mwahhahahaha! I soooo cool and cute!
Ferris: -.0
Che: You just jealous cuz I Be awesomer than you!
Ferris: New debate time! Is awesomer a word? (doesn't think so...)
Che: It is in Chellish!
Fer: O.O...ummm...chellish?
Che: Yup! You're just mad cuz you can't understand it!
Fer: ...indeed...anyway, review again, peoples!
Chella: Review for FU! Hey that rhymed!
fer: -.-;