Time for celebrations! Let's pop open some bubbly! Yay! I've just completed chapter 24! No your eyes do not deceive you! 24, baby! This is especially a momentous occasion cause the first half of SOS was 23 chappies. I've hita new mark. Par-tay!
I decided to update for that reason as well as two others: First off, I'm bored. My family is off at church. I don't go anymore since I left the faith and everything...so yep. Secondly, nothing too significant happens in this chappie so I was like: "Might as well just give it to 'em" Seriously though, I love this chapter. It's more about Bakura and Yami's blooming relationship. It's got some great comedy too. Get ready, things'll start going down hill after this chappie!
Just as a note to all you Screams of Shadows fans: No. I'm not updating that story yet. Too soon. You're waaaay to close to the end for comfort. I'm still on chappie two of the sequel. I'll update it in a few days. (dodges fruit) Ooookay then...
Miyosuke: (smirk) I'm glad you liked the chappie so much. Poor Kura's having a rough time. He's got a lot less stress in this chappie. Acutally gets to enjoy himself for a while. Yay! Yes, Yugi's much more observant than we give him credit for. Poor kid. I hope you find this chappie just as adorable! Love ya! Review again, dear!
DreamingChild: (laughs) That review was AWESOME. I was laughing my head off. You win, this chapter's all for you! Review again. Love ya!
xKokurox: Oh dear. Chappie ten's not gonna be happy with you. I'm not getting involved. -.-; Umm...about you thinking Ryou didn't die...nevermind...you'll find out the hard way, I guess. (winces) Heh. anyhoo, can't decide if you like Marik and Malik? (smirks) I know you'll like one of them for sure later on. Trust me on this one. Review again, dammit! Love ya!
Freedom of Darkness: Your spelling's fine, dear. You know what irks me? People send in reviews telling me how I made a mistake in the story...meanwhile there's like thirty spelling errors in their review. Humph. Hypocrites! That's all I have to say to them: HYPOCRITES!...-.o...um...sorry, just had to get that out. (smiles) (picks Freedom off ground) You really shouldn't sit on the edge of your seat like that. You could break a toe or something. Tsk tsk...anyhoo, review again! Love ya!
Satra: Yesssss...Yami's reaction. We're all curious about that, aren't we?...wellll, I'm not, cause I already wrote it, but that's beside the point...o.O...Review again, love! (kowtows)
KeraJeir: o.o...Personally, I only like cuddles from animals. Cuddles over the computer are okay though. No physical contact. (beams) Anyhoo, you're all wondering about Yami's reaction when he finds out who he's really dating...(chuckles) I'm not telling! (readers: GLARE) Hmm...Yes, Seto's grumpy. (grins) Yeah, Kura's sad and it's kinda his own fault. Poor guy's all messed up. But we already knew that...Review again, love ya!
blackalbino: Used to dislike slash, eh? I guess I kinda did in a way too. (smiles) But we've been converted. Yay! I'm glad you liked Yami/Bakura in the last chappie. Much more to come in this one so get ready. (cackles) yes, our psycho duo like to turn up and...talk. You put it so well! (laughs again) Really though, they're more dangerous than they appear right now. Believe me. I just wrote a scene in the morgue in chapter 24...(smiles secretly) That's all I'll say on that for now...Review again, dear! Love ya!
Bluegrass Elf: I'm sure Bakura would like your tissues, however, he doesn't really need them...in this chapter anyways...(smirks) heh. I'm so devious. Like Kura torture, eh? (grins) Hook, line, and sinker. You're mine now. Mwahahahaha!
Freak in the Shadows: Yes adorable...as is this chappie. Yay!
dragonlady222: Yes, our dear little Yugi is on the right track. Let's all give him a gold star...o.-...ya...no, Marik and Malik didn't force Kura to kill off Ryou. He did that all on his own. (smiles) Yesssss...Seto with the Millennium rod? Just remember it. It'll come back later on. Review again, dear! Love ya!
Wish-full Thinker: You liked my portrayal of Kaiba? Good. I was unsure about writing it from his POV at first. I'm happy to say I've gotten the hang of it now. O.O...whoa...you REALLY don't like Yami. Yes, Marik and Malik knows about Kura and Yami. Malik's known for some time. Marik? Nah. You're not gonna like this chappie. (smirks) believe me. Review again, dear. Love ya!
fuzzypeach1025: Six projects? Yeesh. And I thought My teachers were bad. You have my sympathies. (laughs) Don't like sappy Kura, eh?...I'm afraid I can't answer your questions about him changing back. O.o...um...you want it to be Ryou/Bakura?...(crickets) Umm...Honey, we need to talk. I mean...nevermind, you'll see later, I guess. (Smirks) Believe me, nobody's gonna be dating Malik. He does get to have some 'fun' though. (shudders) I must agree with you. Seto's damn sexy. You'll be seeing him a lot more later. I'm sorry. There's no gore or violence in this chappie. But on a lighter note: I did update before the weekend was over! (gotta give me some credit there) Review again, dear! Love ya!
Silver Mirror: I've never had the experience of falling in love with someone I hate. It sounds...complicated. Want to know what our two psychos are up to? Later...(smirks) Review again, dear! Love ya!
I'm dedicating this chapter to DreamingChild for their amusing review. Yay!
This particular poem doesn't reflect the story as much as it does modern society (especially around the Christmas season…--;) If you can't tell, I'm basically dissing today's civilization in this poem…just in case someone doesn't understand sarcasm. (I've met such people. It's rather frightening…o.O)
Modern Thunderstorm
What to do now?
The power's out!
I cannot watch tv!
I can't surf on the internet
Or play a good cd!
What will I do?
The food will spoil!
How will I stay alive?
I can't see where I'm going!
How will I ever survive?
I'm gonna die!
There's nothing to do!
All I have are old board games,
And books, and puzzles, marbles, and cards…
Modern age: oh what a pain! -.-;
Chapter 14: Winter Break
(Bakura's POV)
The months are passing by like the leaves that fluttered from the trees. Autumn ceased and winter has begun. I hate this season. It's the absolute worst of them all. Far too cold for my tastes.
I scowl as Yami, Yugi, and I start walking through the ankle-deep snow from the school. It's finally winter break. Ra, I can see why Yugi loathes school so much. Heh. Yami, it seems, has finally seen the light as well, thoroughly relieved the week is over.
"I'm sorry I always scolded you about it," Yami is muttering as we struggle against the bitter wind.
Yugi grins. "Well, it's about time you see just how awful it is!" I snicker at the grumpy look on Yami's face.
"Now Yami, it's not so bad. You should have a lot of fun with that report of yours over break," I laugh, earning a shove from him.
"Do you want a snowball in the face?" Yami threatens with a mischievous grin.
I hold up my gloved hands in peace. "Fine fine." Yugi giggles beside me, winking when Yami's head is turned away.
I smirk. Yugi's been one of the hardest things to get used to, and I'm doing all right. I've met much more irritating individuals than him. He's actually quite devious. Heh.
"When are the others coming over?" Yugi continues, trying to catch snowflakes on his tongue.
I grin. "Monday."
"Ah…."
Yami shakes his head, a smile on his face. "Yugi, you have no idea how strange that looks." Yugi glances over at us, tongue still sticking out.
"You just don't appreciate winter," the hikari grins, running ahead a bit to make a snow angel in someone's yard.
"The weather hasn't dampened his spirits at all," I chuckle as Yami and I continue side by side.
"He's…hard to let down," Yami laughs, reaching over and grasping my hand with his. "How are you doing?"
"What? Am I acting strange or something?" I ask, quirking an eyebrow.
"No…just asking," he smiles, giving my hand a squeeze. We both become silent as we watch Yugi's limbs flail about in the snow. I can hear him giggle from here. Is this kid on happy pills or something?
"Yugi," Yami calls out cheerily. "Mr. Mutou will be wondering where we are!"
It's true. The old man promised us hot cocoa after school to start off our break. I smile. I've acquired a taste for the stuff. Mmm yesss…
"We'd better not keep him waiting," I grin, tightening my grip on Yami's hand and taking off down the sidewalk.
"Ryou, slow down!" He laughs as he attempts to keep up with me.
"Hey you guys!" Yugi calls racing after us.
"Last one there gets the least hot chocolate!" I yell.
"Oh is that how it is…" Yami launches ahead of me, ripping his hand from my grasp.
"Yami!"
"Guys wait up!" Yugi calls again.
I speed up so Yami and I are side by side on the shoveled sidewalk. He looks over at me with a grin plastered on his face. He never backs down from a challenge. However, in this competition I have the advantage. I'm the faster runner. I sprint ahead of him, feeling his hand reach out and grab the hood of my jacket.
"Ack!" I choke as we both hit a patch of ice, collapsing and sliding head first into a snow bank. Ugh.
"See you at home guys!" Yugi giggles as he trots by, setting off for the shop.
I groan as we struggle to sit up, snow covering my hair. I look over to see Yami with a face full of snow. I burst out laughing as he brushes it away, scowling.
"Don't look at me like that. You're the one who grabbed my hood," I point out, brushing my jacket off. "Ra, I think you bruised my ass…"
I'm caught off guard as he pounces on me, pushing my back flat against the snow-covered ground. He starts attack my lips with his, not giving me a chance to catch my breath. I battle against him aggressively, raking my gloved fingers through his hair. When we finally separate we're both panting. He gives me a cocky grin as he pulls me to my feet.
"What? Think you're all that now?" I ask passively, shaking my head to get the snow out of my hair.
"Oh come on, don't tell me you didn't like it," he smirks.
"My goodness you're confident," I roll my eyes. I feel his arm slink around my waist as we stroll towards the shop.
"I wouldn't call it overconfidence though," he whispers in my ear.
I turn and look at his face. His eyes are shining, entire face slightly pink from the cold. We're both covered in snow, as we open the door to the game shop.
"I'm already warm after all that," I grin mischievously.
He chuckles. "So much that you won't want hot chocolate?"
"Like hell!"
(Mr. Mutou's POV)
I'm having Ryou and Yami take turns in the shower since when they came in the house both were thoroughly soaked. Apparently they somehow ended up in a snow bank. O.o…right then.
I smile as Ryou and I sit back across from each other on the couch. He's all wrapped up in a fuzzy robe and sipping hot cocoa. Yami's still in the shower. I swear that since he's gotten his own body our water bill has tripled.
"Glad to be free from school for two weeks?" I smile.
Ryou looks up. "We only get two weeks?"
I laugh at the distressed look on his face. "I'm afraid so. Do you have much homework?"
He shakes his head, wet white locks swatting against his face. "No. Just a report. It won't take long though."
"That's good."
I sit back and try to figure out the puzzle in the newspaper, chewing on the tip of the eraser of my pencil as Ryou eagerly sips his drink. I insisted Ryou stay with us since he'd just be at home by himself anyway. I try to be strict about him and Yami not sleeping in the same room, but almost every morning come downstairs to find the two of them cuddling on the couch. Sometimes Yugi's curled up with them. So much for steadfastness on my part.
"So how's everything going?" I ask without realizing it before the words leave my mouth.
"Fine," he shrugs.
"How are you and Yami doing?" I grin, not looking up from my paper.
"Prying are we?" I hear him snicker.
I smile, looking over at him where he's downing the last of his drink.
"Just wondering."
He turns to me. "Really well, actually."
"That's nice," I nod. "What are you getting him for Christmas?"
His eyes change, a look of confusion settling in.
"What?"
"Christmas," I repeat. He still looks perplexed. Does he not know about gift-giving?
(Bakura's POV)
Ra, why have I never heard about any of this? Mr. Mutou lays out the details for me for this…holiday. I don't remember Ryou ever buying gifts for anyone…of course, he had no one to give gifts to…His father's never around, lucky for me; sends a ton of money though. Heh.
I sigh heavily, leaning my head back against the couch. A present eh? That shouldn't be very difficult. I mean, he's obsessed with duel monsters, leather, and any type of game or competition…that leaves me a lot of options.
"There you are." I look up to see Yami coming down the stairs, wrapped up in a fuzzy blue bathrobe, hair wilting slightly with water.
"Hi yourself," I grin, trailing my finger across the bottom of my cup to get the little blobs of chocolate resting there. Mmm! . Delightful!
"Where the rest of the hot cocoa?" Yami asks.
"On the counter, Yami," Mr. Mutou states. Uh oh.
"No it's not," Yami calls from the kitchen after a moment, appearing in the doorway.
"But there was still half a pot…" Mr. Mutou's voice trails off as he turns and gives me a questioning look.
"I thought Yami'd already had some…" I mumble.
"You drank half a pot of hot chocolate?" Mr. Mutou exclaims.
"It's sooo good!" I cheer happily. "Especially when you add the marshmallows!"
(Yami's POV)
Oh Ra…just how much sugar has he had?
"Ryou," I say calmly, clearing me throat. "I didn't get any."
He grins. "We'll just have to make some more then!" o.O…Ohhhh dear…
It took around two hours of bouncing off the walls and ceiling before Ryou's sugar-high wore off. I lean back, thoroughly exhausted. He's slumped on the couch next to me, his head against my shoulder. The television's on mute, some submarine adventure movie on.
"You relaxed?" I chuckle, noticing his closed eyes.
"Mmm…" he mumbles, snuggling closer.
"Ryou!" I laugh as his arms slink around my waist.
"Nnn!" he groans in protest as I grab his arm.
I'm about to give in when the telephone rings. I glance down where the device is laying on the floor next to the television. Sighing in aggravation, I struggle to get off the couch only to have Ryou's arms constrict tighter around my torso.
"Ryou, I have to get the phone!" I chuckle.
"Nnn!" he growls, fingers digging into my waist.
The phone's wrung at least five times now. I tense before lunging for the floor, hikari and all.
"Oomph!" he groans as we land.
"Hello? Hello?" I ask as I hold the device up to my ear.
"Hello? Laurence?" a woman's nasally voice asks.
"Um…I believe you have the wrong number, mam," I state, turning the phone off. Ryou groans from beside me.
"After all that…you should've just let it ring," he mutters groggily.
I chuckle, running my fingers through his white locks. A moan emits from the back of his throat.
"What? All tired out, are we?" I smirk, massaging his scalp.
"Mmm…shut up…" he mumbles burying his face against my neck.
"I say we turn in early," I smile.
"That's what I was trying to do," he grumbles, irritated.
(Bakura's POV)
"This place is insane!" Yugi grins as he and I struggle through the mall. Christmas Day is in three days. Ugh.
Ra, if this isn't insanity, I'd like to know what is. Yami had agreed to go with Jou to some local dueling…thingie. Heh. Actually, Yugi and I bribed the blonde to get Yami away for a few hours. Damn, that means we have to find something for Jou too!
"So who should we start with?" Yugi pipes up.
"What?" I ask.
"I've got a list right here. Who should we start with?" Yugi laughs.
I stare in absolute horror at the piece of paper in his hand. Ra, there must be ten…no, fifteen fucking names on that thing!
"Which…which ones have you bought something for already?" I ask nervously.
"None yet," he grins. O.o….
"But that means…" I groan, the sense of dread taking over me.
"You got it!" Yugi beams. "Shall we get started then? I even alphabetized it to make sure I didn't forget anyone!" -.-; Ra just kill me now.
(Third person POV)
A figure stands alone amongst the bustling shoppers, positioned on the second floor. He glances down coldly at the two figures attempting to maneuver their way along. The shorter one has spiky, tri-colored hair; the other is a lean, white-haired boy. The figure scowls as he watches them wander about.
"Let's see just how long you can keep up this facade of yours, thief," he murmurs darkly, turning and striding away into the crowds, cape flowing behind him.
Hehe. That was so cute.
I know I know. All of you who are like: where's the violence? where's the gore? I know. Give it time. Believe me when I say this, Marik and Malik aren't the only ones figuring this out. (smirks) Not at all. Some peoples might even have known before the psychos. Everyone: O.O
Basically I wanted to show Yami and Kura's relationship become closer before...everything goes downhill. xx...oh yesssss
Review again!