Ah, I've returned! yay! I'm doing well enough. Finally getting a chance to look further into a religion I'm seriously considering joining. Am getting support from parents too! (always a bonus) Some relatives won't be to pleased but they can go to hell for all I care. Onward!
dragonlady222: Yesssss. Someone does indeed know. Marik you say? (smirk) Me no telling. Mwahahaha! Like poor Kura's struggle? Yes he's getting soft. Poor guy's had it rough. I'm glad you enjoyed the chappie. Reviewa again, dear! Love ya!
KilaInverse: Yay! You liked the chappie! Excellent. Listening to "freckles" eh? Good song. (esp. for listening to while reading that particular chappie full of fluff!) Why not? I'm a weirdo myself, and proud of it. Booya! Review again, love! (kowtows)
Red Phoniex: (smiles happily) You're so CUTE! (embraces tightly) I shall e-mail you as soon as I post this. Yay! A Yami/Bakura fan? Yay! Me too! I've got sooo many different preferences in couples but that's one of my all time favs! I'm dedicating this chappie to you for your enthusiastic and flattering review! Review again! Love ya!
Silver Mirror: (laughs) Awww, you wanted the violence? That's what alot of people were asking about. That last chappie actually got a few less reviews than usual...probably because of that very fact. -.o...whatever...I'm still thinking for your ficcie. I'm sorry, been very busy. Just took up a weight-lifting class. (soooo sore...-.-;;) Plus I'm in the process of starting a new fic in my boring classes...I'm so horrible. I should be working on SOS's sequel instead...Bad me! Bad! (slaps self) OW! Fuck ow!...heh. Sorry, anyhoo, I'll continue to scheme and you continue to dream and we'll come up with something fantastico! yay! Love ya!
blackalbino: (cackles) That's so awesome! "melts into a pile of adorableness-induced goo and drools Violence and gore also make me melt, of course, since I'm a creepy otaku." (snerk) Just damn cool, dear. I love violence too...wait, that sounded strange...I just am not sure how I can say it without it making me sound like some psycho (which many would consider to be true anyway -.o...) Review again, dear! Love ya!
DreamingChild: (laughs) You're so cute, dear. I just thought I'd tell you that. (huggles) Yes, the disasters are coming. Review again, dear! Love ya!
Freak in the Shadows: Hello dearies! (Tozuku and Aki) (laughs) You two are a riot! I love you both...so entertaining! I'm glad you're enjoying the fic so much! Enjoy! Love ya!
Bluegrass Elf: (laughs) hehe! You don't like Kura's new personality? Hmm...(smiles sinisterly) The tension is mounting. Malik is scheming...mwahahaha! The gore is drawing nearer...Da da DA! Review again! Love ya!
Wish-full Thinker: (Smirks) Honey, look at the categories I put this story under. One of them is ROMANCE. (Wish: > ) You'll be all right, love. Heh. Yes, Ryou's gone, honey. Really. He's not coming back. Understand? (dodges Whish's punches) Aieeeeee! Help! Angry fan alert!...anyhoo, no you did not offend me. I understand where you're coming from. I'm not into romance much myself. Strange, eh? In movies I prefer violence, action, and gorey deaths. (cackles) oooooh yessss precioussssss...sorry. LOTR's fan-ness leaking into my response. Review again! Love ya!
Freedom of Darkness: Don't you hate it when your ego gets bruised? (sighs) Thanks for your charm and gratitude! yay! Onward! (marches off down the page with finger nail polish in hand)
I'm dedicating this chappie to Red Phoniex! Yay! There is a kick-butt awesome scene (at least I think so) between Yugi and Kura in this chappie. Yay!
Dried Roses
A dying rose's scent turns bitter
No more sweet, fragrant delight.
Silken, smooth petals dry and crease,
No longer a pleasant sight.
Leaves crinkle and drop on by one,
Shivering and brittle like coal.
What do not crumble are the sharp, black thorns,
All that remains of an irate soul.
Chapter 15: A Kind of Hate
(Seto Kaiba's POV)
I sigh heavily, rubbing my eyes tiredly. I'm almost done with my work, then I can turn in for the night…er…morning…It's actually 2 a.m. The usual…
I scowl as I go through a large stack of paper on the top of my desk. This is the curse of owning such a large company. It's also the reason for my success. I don't deter from my responsibilities, making my corporation as powerful as possible.
I stop when my hand brushes against something hard at the bottom of the pile. Unearthing a cardboard box, I glance carelessly at the label. Yami Mutou. Ah, so whats-her-name sent it up without my permission. I shrug it off. I would probably have completely forgotten about it otherwise. The thing is completely covered in tape; Yugi's doing, no doubt. The kid's always overenthusiastic.
Taking out my extremely expensive pocket knife I slice through the layers of tape. Good god the tape's about as thick as the box! I feel a frown form on my face. I hate it when people waste things. It's so unproductive.
Opening the flaps of the box, I reach in and find a bundle of packing material. What on earth? Someone had waaay too much time on their hands wrapping this thing…I take my knife and deftly slice through the material.
"WHAT THE FUCK!"
(Malik's POV)
I smirk, settling back in the booth of the bar. I watch as two thugs beat the shit out of each other with broken bottles. It's getting extremely bloody. The best kind of fight there possibly can be. I sigh somewhat wistfully. If only there were screaming…
"Here it is, yami," Marik pants, hurrying over to me holding out a tattered piece of paper.
I look up. "Let me see it." I snatch it from him, eyes roaming over the text. "Just what I suspected."
"Where'd he get it?" Marik asked in a confused voice. "Ryou's really gone then, huh?"
I nod. "Indeed, light. And there's no way he can come back."
Marik's brow furrows. "So where's his spirit now?"
I chuckle. This is such an extreme action from the thief. I find the whole situation utterly delightful.
"It's been decimated," I grin, running my fingers over the creases on the paper. "Excellent work, light."
He shrugs modestly. "It wasn't difficult, seeing as how he's staying at the Mutou's. It was just laying there on the bedroom floor."
I smirk. "So careless…not at all what one would expect of him…oh well…You have everything ready?"
Marik nods eagerly, eyes wide with excitement. I chuckle ominously, my mood only mounting as one of the participants in the brawl lets out a blood-curdling scream. I vigilantly fold the piece of paper and put it in my pocket. My silly light couldn't even begin to comprehend what I'm scheming. He's just intent on getting the thief in his arms. Me? I have a much crueler plan.
I motion to Marik that it's time to depart, rising and striding to the bar's exit. Only a few days now and then there will be such pain. I feel a shiver of pleasure at the very thought.
Finally, I shall have my revenge.
(Bakura's POV)
"We're done, right? Please tell me we're done," I beg, already struggling to carry a large assortment of boxes and shopping bags.
Yugi giggles. "We still have one more person to buy for."
I moan. "Who?"
He laughs. "Yami!" Oh yeah…
"Well let's hurry up then," I mutter.
He puts his hands on his hips. "Now now, Ryou. You and Yami are a couple now. You can't just carelessly snatch up a gift for him. It has to be something deep…something…meaningful…" Oh Ra, I think I'm gonna puke.
"I'll get something later," I assure him. He looks at me skeptically before nodding.
"All right. Just tell me if you need any help."
"How about a hand with these presents?" I smirk.
He rolls his eyes. "Fine fine…"
We both hurry through the cold, bundled up. My arms are aching horribly. Stupid presents. Stupid holiday.
"So what do you think?" Yugi asks.
"About?" I reply.
He smiles. "About Yami." Ummm…
"What about him?" I question, trying to readjust my hold on a couple of bags.
"I dunno," Yugi laughs. "I guess I'm just curious about your relationship. It's odd—first of all—with him having his own body…" I look over quizzically when he suddenly stops talking.
"What's wrong?" I ask when I notice the somber look on his face.
He sighs heavily. "I…I never apologized to you…for what I did those months ago…near the park…" I blink, trying to figure out what the hell he's talking about. Then it hits me; oh yeah…
"Yugi, it's been months, like you said. Plus, it all worked out fine. I'd rather just forget about it."
He looks up with amazement and relief at me. "Really?"
I nod. "I know how it is: wanting to be in control of your own life but having someone else—unintentionally or not—get in the way. It's a harsh reality for yamis and hikaris. It was very difficult living my life a few months back when someone else had their own idea of who should call all the shots…"
"But Bakura's gone now," Yugi points out quietly.
I'm surprised for a moment. I'd just been talking about Ryou and I's 'relationship'. This has been happening a lot lately. I'm discovering I can be open with these people…be myself. It's actually an enormous relief. Is Bakura really gone? Or is this the real me that I've never been able to be? I mean, I'm still devious…there's no doubt about that. But I've found I can enjoy my existence without having to constantly cause someone else pain. It's a very intriguing discovery of mine…
"I'm sorry. If you don't want to talk about him…" Yugi begins, not realizing I zoned out.
"Huh? No it's fine," I shrug.
"What's he like?" Yugi asks tentatively.
I look over at him. Who would have thought this boy could be so open-minded? I remember back when I got in the fight at school and Yugi was glad I'd wiped the floor with those bastards—much to Yami's dismay, I might add.
"Angry," I whisper, staring straight ahead of us, snow floating down about us.
The street lamps are beginning to come on, illuminating the snow. The snowflakes almost look like falling stars, twinkling in the light. It's so…peaceful. I haven't felt this carefree in…ever…
"Very angry," I say softly. "Controlling…passionate…confident…self-serving…." My voice is quivering as I lay out my old personality. I don't want to go back to that. Ever. I've come too far to reduce myself to that again.
"…lonely…" I whisper. "He was very lonely."
"How could you tell?" Yugi says softly, waiting.
"His eyes," I reply soullessly. "They were so full of anger and rage…yet if you really looked you could catch a glimpse of the forgotten person from the past that was just…discarded…"
"Did you…ever confront him?" Yugi asks, eyes searching. "Did you ever ask him why he was so angry?"
I sigh heavily, my chest burning; a lump forming in my throat. This hurts. How could talking about myself hurt so much?
"He was run by hatred…afraid of…commitment…scornful of compassion."
Yugi turns away, staring at the street. I look down at the bags and boxes in my arms, unable to continue. It's too hard. Too soon.
"I hope he finds someone he can trust…can love," Yugi murmurs.
I turn and gaze at him in shock. He looks over at me, a small smile on his face. For a moment I'm terrified he's discovered the truth…that I'm not Ryou…but I feel myself melt when I realize he's sincere in these words, just wishing the best for the evil tomb robber that is Ra knows where in the world. How can someone be so forgiving? I've never found it to be an easy concept.
"I'm sure he will," I whisper, as we continue along together under the lamplight.
'He has.'
(Jou's POV)
"What do you think, Yami man? Should we call it quits?" I yawn, ready to go back to the game shop for dinner.
He smiles. "I suppose so. I wonder what Ryou's been doing to keep himself entertained."
I grin. "I'm sure Yug found something." Heh.
We leave the dueling arena where we spent the entire day. It was a blast, but I'm beat. It's time for food.
"It's funny," Yami chuckles. "how Malik and Marik were the ones who ended up making my life so…wonderful."
I scoff. "Don't you say that again. Malik and Marik just gave you a body. You, Yug, Ryou, Gramps…you all made your life wonderful. Don't give the psychopaths credit for what they don't deserve."
Yami laughs at that. "I like that idea much better."
I frown. "It's not some damn idea, Yami. It's the truth. Marik and Malik gave you something that ended up being useful in your hunt for happiness…but it wasn't like they gave you a hug and some flowers…"
"I just wish I knew why they gave me this…" Yami whispers, suddenly worried.
I scowl. "Whatever it is, we'll all stand by you when it comes."
He nods gratefully. "Thank you. It's just…I'm worried that it has something to do with Bakura…I think he's in on whatever their scheme is."
I feel myself shudder at this. Just what we need; a trio of psycho maniacs plotting against us. Brilliant.
"At least they don't have any items," I point out. "Ryou's still got the ring and you snatched the rod from Marik—which I never complimented you on."
He chuckles. "His face was priceless." We both continue laughing as we head down the sidewalk.
Personally, I couldn't be happier for them. Ryou's finally opening up to us. Yami has his own body and a boyfriend. Yug's great with the whole situation…there's just the three psychos now…Like I said though, they don't have Millennium items. I'm nothing short of shocked that Malik and Marik left without the rod…and even more worried by the fact that Bakura left the ring with Ryou…
"Yami," I say suddenly. "What if Bakura's still connected to the ring somehow…and he's planning on doing something to Ryou?"
He turns and stares at me at this sudden epiphany. "That's it! Oh Ra! We've got to find Ryou!" He bolts off down the street without another thought in his head, me right behind him.
(Yugi's POV)
After some deliberation Ryou and I decided to hide the presents under my bed. Yami won't ever notice. Heh. He knows the two of us are more devious than that…which makes it the perfect spot. Now we're sitting on the couch drinking tea; Grandpa says no hot chocolate for a while…o.O…I'm not sure what that's about, but all right.
"Well, here's our momentary relaxing time," I sigh, wiggling under a blanket.
Ryou looks over at me. "Momentarily?"
I grin. "Yeah, the party on Christmas Eve."
He frowns. "I forgot about that."
I giggle. "It's gonna be worth it, though. Otogi, Anzu, Honda, Jou, perhaps Mokuba and Kaiba…"
"You're kidding me, right? Kaiba?"
I smile. "We invite them every year…he just never comes. Sometimes Mokuba comes with one or two security people of Kaiba Corp. Kaiba himself never shows though."
Ryou grins. "It figures."
We both look up in shock when Yami and Jou burst into the living room, panting heavily.
"Ryou! Hurry and give me the ring!" Yami says urgently, rushing over and attempting to pull the string over Ryou's head.
Ryou struggles against him. "Yami, what the hell? Knock it off!"
Jou strides behind the couch and tries to grab Ryou's arms so Yami can get to the ring more easily.
"Guys, what are you doing?" I cry.
"Let go of me!" Ryou shouts angrily, lashing out and kicking Yami in the stomach. My darker half stumbles back, gasping violently for air.
I'm furious now. I stand up on the couch and jump on Jou's back who's still struggling with an infuriated Ryou.
"Yug!" Jou coughs as I grab his hair. "Get…off!"
"No! Not until you both cut it out!" I snarl, increasing my grip on his hair.
Jou complies, releasing Ryou from his grip; only then do I get off his back, crawling over to Ryou who looks about ready to commit murder.
"What the hell was that?" Ryou screams angrily, entire body trembling with rage.
"Ryou, please…take off the ring…" Yami pants, clutching his stomach still; apparently Ryou kicked him good. Jou nods, coming over and standing next to my darker half.
"No. Tell me what you were trying to do," Ryou growls, folding his arms.
"But…" Jou begins.
"I agree with Ryou," I nod curtly.
"Aibou!" Yami protests.
I glare at him, making him back down. He sighs heavily, looking over at Jou who shrugs helplessly.
"We think Bakura's still attached to the ring somehow," Yami states.
Ryou looks at him in surprise before his brown eyes go dark. Oh no.
"Um…and what would give you that notion?" I ask hastily before the other hikari can say anything.
"We have reason to believe he's teamed up with Malik and Marik," Jou says, warily watching Ryou who looks like he's on the verge of exploding…
"WHAT!" he screams. Oooh boy, now they've done it.
"Ryou…" Yami comes forward only to have Ryou spring to his feet, backing away.
"Don't touch me! Don't even come near me!" my friend hisses.
Yami stops, a hurt look on his face. "Ryou…"
"Jou," I say firmly. "Let's go in the kitchen."
"But…"
"Now," I scowl; I'm slightly amazed at my own harshness, yet I feel it's appropriate for the moment. He nods, following me out of the room.
(Bakura's POV)
Ra, I haven't been this angry since Malik hit on me. How dare Yami! How dare he do that to me! I fold my arms, glaring darkly at him.
"Ryou," he begins more quietly now that we're alone. "Please just take off the ring."
"You actually believe it, don't you?" I whisper, feeling my eyes sting.
He hates me. He'll never let it go. I'll have to listen to him rage about 'the tomb robber' for the rest of my life.
He looks at me mournfully. "Ryou, I know you care about him…just, please, if not for your sake then for mine…"
I shake my head, backing away toward the stairs. How can he do this to me now?
"I thought we'd gone beyond this," I hiss, feeling the tears leave my eyes. I'm crying and I don't care.
His shoulders slump. "Ryou, I…"
I continue to back away until my hand is on the banister. He doesn't love me. He loves 'Ryou.' He's never cared about me.
"Don't do this to me now," I whimper. "Not now…"
He stares at me, eyes pained. Slowly, so slowly, he starts forward. It takes all my willpower not to bolt up the stairs and throw myself from a window. My fingers dig against the banister, whitening from the tension. I can't breathe. It's happening again…I fight back the urge to push him away as he tentatively wraps his trembling arms around me. I let forth a sob, allowing him to hug me.
"Ryou, you've got to believe me…"
I shake my head that's lying against his shoulder. "I can't when you won't even believe me. He's not like that, Yami. He would rather die than team up with Marik or Malik ever again. Why can't you see that?"
I feel him tense slightly. This answer will tell me the truth…if this relationship ever has a chance.
"You don't know him," I whisper. "You never even tried…"
He pulls away, taking a step back. I stare at him mournfully. This is it. It's really ending.
"He didn't deserve a chance," Yami states quietly, eyes never leaving mine.
"And you did?" I hiss tears continuous now. He stares at me in complete shock.
"…what?"
"You heard me," I whisper fiercely, striding forward so we're almost nose to nose. "It's not like you're a saint either. I know more than you think." He opens his mouth, no words coming out. "The truth is you just assumed he's completely evil…that he's incapable of changing. Well you're wrong!" I scream, fists clenched.
We stand silently, staring at one another. His eyes are deep and majestic, holding a look of utter bewilderment. I hold my ground firmly, fighting the urge to kill myself. I can't go back to being alone…yet I can't stay with someone who doesn't love me for me.
"…You…you're right," Yami whispers hoarsely.
I stare in surprise before narrowing my eyes in suspicion. He sighs, defeated.
"I…I'm not some saintly person…your yami and I both did…regrettable things…just because I was given a chance and he wasn't as much…" He looks away.
"What are you saying?" I ask quietly, tears still brimming.
He sighs again, running a hand through his hair. "That I'll trust you on this. I won't go making assumptions like that again without first talking to you. If you say he won't work with Marik and Malik…I'll trust you…if you'll forgive me…"
I look deep into his eyes. He's sincere, I can tell. I feel a wave of relief wash over me. The next moment my arms are locked around him, and we're both trembling, holding one another close.
"I'll take it that it's safe to come back in now," Jou smirks from the kitchen doorway. Yugi's beside him, a concerned yet relieved look on his face.
"Are you two okay?" he asks nervously. Yami and I exchange looks.
"Yes. Now we are," Yami whispers, pulling me tighter against him.
Okay then, how many people trust Yami's promises here? (readers: -.-) Very good. Never trust a passionate, overprotective pharaoh.
I'm working on chapter 26 as I speak. It's gotten so damn dramatic and SAD! (sobs against Mladen my cannibal hermit crab) OW! Okay, next time I'll cuddle the rat...-.-;
Malik's plotting. Hmm...(strokes imaginary beard) Yesss...
Review!