Shit, I almost posted the chappie after this one! I had all these answers to reviews typed up and ready to go when I realized it wasn't the right one. (breathes sigh of relief) That would've been one hell of a mess. Yeesh. -.-;
smirk) Oh once again I'm so quickly gracing you all with my divine presence. (Readers: o.O) Anyhoo, I'm doing all right. Working on chapter 26 at the moment. It's...difficult. I have to be in the right mind-set. Depending on my attitude at a particular time choses which story I work on.
Freedom of Darkness: O.O...You want to...kidnap me? (places knife under pillow) Oookay then...you really should think about cutting back on that sugar, dear. Review again! Love ya!
KeraJeir: Yes, our dear Malik is extremely sadistic. See Bakura in a new light, eh? It'll only go downhill for many of our dear characters. (cackles) I'm so evil!...skipping your work in order to read the story?...O.o...uhh...just don't get caught, dear! Love ya!
Satra: (laughs) Trust Yami, do you? (pats Satra on head) You do that, dear. You're correct. He will try to keep his promises...as you'll see in this chappie. Don't worry about missing the last chappie. I was concerned about you though. Glad to know you're just forgetful (Like me!) Review! Love ya!
DreamingChild: Think Kura could tell Yami the truth without getting fried to a crisp?...I'm a bit skeptical of that one, dear. (smiles) Plus I've already written past that part so it doesn't really matter. STOP SQUEEZING HIM! I NEED HIM ALIVE FOR THE FIC! -.-; Yeesh...over-adoring fans...(cackles) I don't even try to understand Japanese logic. They're so awesome and crazy! Review again, love!
Red Phoniex: Umm...I'm not sure if I should e-mail you again...Please tell me if I need to continue to do so when I update...I'll do it once more just in case! (smiles happily) Anyhoo, I'm glad you approve of how I, as you put it, "got deep under the characters." Bravo! Yay me! Keep it upand I'll be one of your favorites? (blink) I'm not...your favorite yet? (sobs) So much for compliments and charm. jk. Review again, dearie! Love ya!
dragonlady222: Yes our Egyptian duo are psychos. Think Ryou's innocent in all this, eh? (smirks) Perhaps...perhaps not...I'm not telling! (cackles) Oh I love the suspense! What will our dear tomb robber get our pharaoh for Christmas...(smiles) Review again, dearie! (Kowtows)
Freak in the Shadows: Should I start referring to you guys as Freaks in the shadows? I'm not trying to be insulting!...it's just...there's two of you...(shrugs) Review again, dearies! Love ya!
StormySkys: (smirks) Well, well, well...look who's come back to us. Shameful, dearie. Just shameful. (shakes head sadly)...(perks up) But you've come back to us! Yay! (embraces tightly) Yes, Kura wants Yami to love him for him yet he won't tell Yami who he is. Very complicated. Poor guy's all messed up. We already knew that though...Believed Yami, did you? (smirks) Wellll...don't. Don't like Marik the lapdog, eh? (sighs) He kind of is...I've grown to like him now...later on in the story...he gets a pretty significant part. (coughs) Heh. Anyhoo, Review again! Love ya!
Bluegrass Elf: (picks up Blue) What is it with you people and falling down at the end of each chapter? It seems to be spreading and becoming a chronic condition. Hmm...I think I've discovered something...(cackles) Hehe! I can make people fall over! (everyone: -.-;)
Silver Mirror: Cried, did you? o.O...I didn't know I was capable of making people do so...Yay! I'm influential! (not sure this is what my teachers had in mind when they told me to make an impression on people though...) I'm still in a rut for the story thing. I'll have plenty of time to mull over it this weekend. If I think up something I'll e-mail you. (smiles)
Wish-full Thinker: I know what you mean. I have a hard time bailing out on a story where I don't like a particular part of the plot...Yes yes, there's going to be plenty of violence later on. Fear not! (holds up big bloody knife) Ooops! (hides knife behind back) You weren't supposed to see that yet...You won't find out what Malik wants revenge for. Don't bother worrying about such yet. To answer your question about Jonouchi...I always mess it up when I type it. It's a pain in the ass. That simple. (shrugs) I'm working on a new fic right now. Won't be posting it until I finish typing this one, me thinks. Yes, it'll have romance...but plenty of angst and violence. It's actually getting dark rather fast. (smirks) Review again, darling!
blackalbino: Okay okay, stop smacking Yami! I need him for the story! (Yami: x x) Oh dear. Now look what you've done! Sheesh! I'm already trying to resuscitate Kura...Dreaming Child got a bit too...enthusiastic...All right, all of you people need to get it in your heads that RYOU ISN'T COMING BACK!...Otherwise the later chappies will be more painful than they have to be.(coughs) That's all. Review again! Love ya!
KeraJeir is getting this chappie. They were putting themself in peril at work in order to read and review! Dedication, peoples! Onward!
Serenity
Sometimes at night I lie awake
It's not that I can't sleep.
It's just so peaceful, so reposed
A moment to treasure and keep.
I cannot see the stars from here,
The drapes are closed and tied.
The windows are sealed to keep out the cold,
But I close my eyes and view the sky.
The moon is emitting a misty glow,
The stars are sapphires in a velvet case.
There are thin, opaque wisps of cloud
That envelope the gems like lace.
Below this shining spectacle
Is a mystical wonderland.
The moonlight shimmers on the snow
Like shards of crystal sand.
There is a soft, murmuring wind
Whispering a soothing lullaby.
If this you ever wish to experience
All you need do is close your eyes.
Chapter 16: Trust
(Bakura's POV)
I quietly look over at the yami and hikari snuggled next to me on the couch. We dozed off here after Jou left, exhausted from the fight. I sigh, carefully getting off the couch and wandering to the kitchen and out the side door. The temperature's dropped quite a bit. I fold my arms tight against my frame, standing on the steps in the night.
Everything's silent. That's the one thing I love about winter. It's all…so peaceful. The birds turn in so much earlier. The people go home. The darkness sets in sooner. The lights all reflect off the snow, making it a bit easier to see as well.
I just want to forget what happened earlier today. Not only was it's heartbreaking for me…Yami almost managed to take the ring. If that'd happened I'd lose control of the body, making it plainly obvious that I'm not Ryou. I shudder, more from that thought than the cold. That would have been it. No more of…anything. He would have destroyed me on the spot.
My life's been taking so many interesting turns lately. I never thought I'd fall in love…and I didn't only fall in love; I fell in love with the pharaoh! Strange…
"Ryou?" I turn to see Yami standing in the doorway groggily. "What are you doing? Are you all right?" He comes over and puts his arms around my waist.
I lay my head on his shoulder, still staring out into the quiet.
"Just thinking," I murmur.
"You should have at least brought a coat," he chuckles, vibrating against me.
I smile. "You didn't bring one either."
"Fair enough."
We stand there silently for a long time, just embracing. There's nothing that needs to be said right now. I think we can sense the other's thoughts. There's no need for words. We stare out at the stars…the snow...life's just right now. I want it to stay just like it is this very moment, just to freeze. Speaking of freezing…
"Perhaps we should go inside now," I mumble, smirking slightly.
Yami chuckles, taking my hand and with the other grabbing the doorknob. We stand there for a moment.
"Um…are we going to go in or not?" I smile, tugging on his sleeve.
He turns to me, face slightly pink. "It's locked."
I roll my eyes. "Nice."
He sighs. "Sorry. I guess we'll have to wake Yugi and Mr. Mutou up." He raises his hand to knock.
"What are you talking about?" I ask in exasperation, reaching into my pocket and fumbling about.
"What?"
I victoriously pull out a little piece of wire, putting it in the lock and begin moving it about expertly. It's not like trying to get into somewhere locked is unusual to me.
Yami sighs beside me. "That's going to take forever…" His eyes bulge as I open the door, a triumphant grin on my face.
I mock bow. "After you," giving him a shove.
He laughs. "How did you do that?"
I smirk. "Oh come on. I had the King of Thieves for a yami. You don't think I wouldn't learn a few tricks?"
Yami's face holds a slightly dazed look as I lead him back to the couch where we find Yugi sitting up with a smug look on his face.
"Making out under the moonlight?"
"Yugi!" Yami exclaims. I snicker.
"Couldn't pull the wool over your eyes." I laugh. Yugi and I exchange a wink, a flustered Yami looking back and forth between the two of us.
"Oh enough you two," he mutters, fluffing a pillow.
I leer closer. "Why dear pharaoh, I do believe you're blushing." Yugi bursts into a fit of laughter.
"Ryou!" Yami whines, pouting.
I plant a quick kiss on his forehead before turning and lounging across the couch. Yugi hops up next to me, cuddling against my side. I grin, ruffling his hair. Yami just stares at the two of us blankly. He sighs.
"All right, scoot over," he growls, jumping on top of us.
"Oof!" I groan. "Yami!"
After about a ten minute pillow fight we calm down, snuggling against one another. I smile as I feel them both cuddled against me. I don't think I could be happier.
(Malik's POV)
I stand in the snow across the street watching the interaction between the two of them on the porch. Well well, it appears the thief has become smitten with the pharaoh. I feel a smirk form on my face. This couldn't become any more perfect.
"What are we going to do now?" Marik whispers from beside me.
I scowl. "We wait."
He frowns. "Forgive me, yami, but that seems to be your answer to everything lately."
I whip around and smack him across the face. He cries out, falling to the ground in a cowering heap. He looks up with wary eyes.
I smirk. "You're forgiven now."
He rises up slowly, holding a hand up to his nose where a trail of blood is flowing.
"S-sorry…"
I turn and glare. "What did I just say?"
He quiets. I smirk, turning and looking over at the house where the pharaoh and thief are going inside.
"Is the note ready?" I whisper, eyes looming over the silent house across the street.
Marik nods. "Whenever you want me to, I'll…"
"Did I ask you to?" I snarl. He shakes his head. "Exactly. They're having a wonderful party on Christmas Eve with their little friends…" I sneer, turning and giving Marik a meaningful look as I emphasize the two words.
He grins, blood still trickling down his face over the curves of his lips and down his chin. I move forward and lap the liquid up, enjoying the metallic taste. Marik doesn't respond, knowing better than to react to something when he hasn't been invited to. I finish, Marik's eyes intense and eager. He's been waiting for this scheme to take hold for a long time…but not as long as I. Not even close. I feel myself grin at the very thought that it's finally going to happen. I'll finally crush him.
I turn and look over my shoulder at the house. "It won't be long now."
(Marik's POV)
I watch my yami wander off down the road, cape flowing behind him like some shadowy phantom. I shiver, wrapping the fabric of my own cape tighter around my torso. The weather is one of the few things I miss of Egypt. I stand there silently letting the minutes pass. I raise my hand to my nose where the blood flow is slowing. It's time.
I noiselessly move across the road and creep up to a window, peering in a corner where the drape is scrunched up a bit. I can just make out a blurry heap on the couch. I feel myself bristle as I imagine Bakura pressed up against the pharaoh…holding him…kissing him…I'll make that pompous monarch regret ever touching the thief.
I hunch down under the window ledge when I detect some movement within the house. Looks like Yami's awake. Deciding it's best to leave for now, I scowl, sneaking away from the house.
"I'll make you regret this, Pharaoh," I whisper venomously.
(Bakura's POV)
I open my eyes with a start when something violently tugs on my spirit. I let forth a scream as something forces me back into the ring. Good Ra, what was that? I sit up painfully from where I was thrown on my soul room's floor, a sense of dread forming in the pit of my stomach. There's only one way this could have happened…someone has the ring.
I fight the panic and the urge to peer out of the ring. If I do that Yami will sense it without a doubt. Yami…I feel the suffocating feeling fill me. I'm trapped. There's absolutely no way to get the ring back on Ryou's body. I kneel on the floor, trembling. This is it. I thought he said he'd leave it alone! I claw at my hair with my hands. No. Perhaps it was…an accident?...no, that's not possible. Malik?...no, Yami or I would have sensed him coming, I'm sure of it…that means…
I bury my face in my hands and scream, the sound piercing the hazy darkness of my soul room. The atmosphere tightens about me, making it difficult to breathe. My mind's swimming…it's happening again…Yami...someone…help me…
(Yami's POV)
I sit up quickly, sensing some dark presence with the puzzle. I anxiously glance down at Ryou's sleeping form next to me, eyeing the ring's outline under his shirt. I carefully grasp the rope that's attached to the ring, slowly pulling it over his head. He doesn't move. I sigh, staring at the item in my trembling hands. I don't detect whatever I was feeling only moments ago. Another presence? Is it Bakura? I'm starting to doubt that now.
I look back down at Ryou's sleeping form. He doesn't stir, apparently in an extremely deep slumber. I gently let one of my hands glide through his hair. No response. I feel my brow furrow. He always reacts to that. I repeat the motion. Still nothing.
"I thought we'd gone beyond this…I can't believe you if you won't even believe me."
I pull my hand back from his hair. No. I can't believe I just did this. I bite my lip, gently sliding the rope of the ring over Ryou's head again. This is about trust. I can't be doubting him.
Still worried about his lack of movement, I let my fingers glide through his hair again. He whimpers a long pained cry.
"Ryou," I whisper urgently, cradling him against me. "Ryou, wake up."
His eyes shoot open, fear appearing in them when he looks at me. He scrambles off the couch and across the room, huddling in a corner and mumbling. I get up quickly, making sure not to wake Yugi, making my way over to him.
"Ryou?" I whisper. His breathing is uneven.
I kneel down in front of him and realize he's crying.
"Don't do it," he sobs. "Please don't kill me." I stare at him in shock.
"Ryou, what are you talking about?" He cringes when I try to touch him, cowering back. "Ryou, look at me." I gently place a hand on the side of his face.
He stares up at me with wide, terrified eyes. Tears are streaming down his wan face; entire form trembling.
"What…did you say?" he whispers hoarsely.
"Ryou, what are you talking about?" I ask with rising concern, hand caressing his cheek.
He blinks, as if having a hard time processing something. Then he says something that shocks me to the core.
"You…took the ring."
I stare at him in astonishment. How on earth…?
"I…yes, I did," I admit. "I sensed a dark presence and wanted to make sure it wasn't…I instantly regretted it…for not trusting you…" He looks at me in wonder, tears slowing. "Can you…forgive me?" I whisper, looking at him imploringly.
I'm not prepared when he lunges at me, knocking me over as he hugs me tightly. I'm beyond bewildered by this point, coming out of my daze enough to hug him back.
"You baka," he sobs, burying his face against my chest. "Damn you!"
I stare at him, holding him against me. "I'm sorry."
(Bakura's POV)
I can't believe it. He didn't realize…He gave the ring back. I sob into his shirt, hardly able to consider it all.
Neither one of us feels like we could go back to sleep tonight. That experience was beyond terrifying. I shudder, snuggling as close as possible to him. I almost lost him just then. I almost lost everything.
"Ryou, who did you think I was when you woke up?" Yami whispers in my ear.
I don't answer. I can't. I knew exactly who he was…and I thought he'd found out who I am. That scared the shit out of me. I was sure that was the end of me.
"Ryou?" No, Yami. Not Ryou. You have no idea how much I wish you knew that and could accept it. But I know you never will. I'll always be someone else to you.
I sigh, listening to his heartbeat; a steady and comforting rhythm. They say a baby animal can be soothed by the sound of its mother's heartbeat. I imagine that's true. No, I'm not trying to compare myself to an infant, don't even start thinking that.
Yami seems to have given up convincing me to talk, laying his head back on the floor. Too bad we don't have a blanket. I snuggle closer, if that's even possible, trying to relax amidst the frightening events of this evening.
Poor wittle Kura. Huggles are permitted peoples. Just don't overdo it. I need these two to survive to be in the story.
Yami: x x
Kura: x x
Ooooh dear...
Review again!