A/N: Oh man! I am so mean to Bakura! Okay, I'm mean to Ryou as well. But still. I didn't expect to make that last one so… so… angsty. I like angst at times, but I wanted my first fan fic to make people laugh. –Sigh- Then again, Romance and Angst go hand in hand.

Warning: Shounen ai. Yaoi. Slash. Boy on Boy. Get it?

Disclaimer: What? You expect me to own Yu-gi-oh? Please! If I did… well, it would have to be rated NC17 for… um, adult situations mainly between the male gender.

Summary: You thought the last chappie was sad? Sorry, brake out the tissues yaoi fanatics! But have no fear, fluff is also here! Tons of stuff happens but this time you have got to read to find out what! The longest edition so far!

Remember:

"Blah" speech.

Blah thoughts

/Blah/ mind link (Yami)

\Blah\ mind link (Hikari)

Chapter Seven

Echo. The word is Grecian. It derives from the Greek myth of Narcissus and Echo, the nymph, who was cursed to remain invisible and speak only what another spoke before her and the man-boy who fell in love with his own reflection. Narcissus died of starvation and the nymph lived on to dwell in the caves of Greece.

The reason I have given you this word and the story behind it is so you can understand. This word perfectly describes both Bakura and Ryou.

Echo. It gives back ours words. Words empty, words full. Words hurtful, words loving. The story gives back self love bringing self destruction. The story gives back unconditional love bringing unconditional destruction.

No matter how this word is used. Its context remains the same. Sorrow and self appreciating. How does this effect both Ryou and Bakura?

This is for the reason that it poses a simple reflection of both boys. Bakura, narcissist and arrogant, did not believe in love. Ryou, speaking only when spoken too, did not reveal his feelings until Bakura almost did.

So when I say;

"Ryou's words echoed through Bakura's desolate mind as he did nothing but watch the lovely boy who looked like him run away… and he couldn't ignore the feeling brewing at the base of his spine. The run-away also had a difficult time ignoring his echo."

You will understand in crystal clear perfection exactly how they felt.

Now that the English lesson is over let's be getting on with our tale, shall we?

Ryou's words echoed through Bakura's desolate mind as he did nothing but watch the lovely boy who looked like him run away… and he couldn't ignore the feeling brewing at the base of his spine. The run-away also had a difficult timing ignoring his echo.

Ryou weaved, in frightening perfection, between the mall swimmers. It didn't take him very long to find a fire escape. He pushed out and surprising the door sent off no alarm. It slipped into a dirty ally. He tore from the handle out into the scrummed streets.

There was no way in the nine hells would Ryou go back Bakura. Nor hide somewhere in a stuffy restroom stall. The boy bit his lip and pumped his legs up and down, churning his arms to get a better level of breathing. He fell into other allies, stumbled through the open gates, and ran as fast as his feet carried him about the curves of Domino's sidewalks.

Keeping his concentration solely on getting as far away as possible from his darker half, he forgot to keep track of where exactly he was heading. All he knew was that he had to keep going. Eventually though, his breathe became ragged, burning his lungs with great gasps of air. Muscles seethed and limbs grew too heavy, as did eyelids.

Ryou felt himself drained, emotionally, physically, and mentally. By now, he wasn't running so much as lurching across some area. It was big, and green. Grass was the word that registered. What else? There were big, brown plants that loomed over him. They were trees, which was another thing in nature. Where was he? A park, he was in a park.

Faintly, the Hikari noticed the threatening gray blobs on the horizon. His arm hair prickled. The feeling traveled through him, down to his heart, broken and bleeding. His lurch became a limp, struggling to maintain a quicker speed. His now sluggish green eyes scanned and scanned. Then, he saw it. A tree. A shelter from the harsher cold to come.

Ryou sucked in his breath and hobbled with a frenzied pace. Left foot sloshed forward. Right foot threw up and slammed down which threw him another three feet further. Left foot again. Then right. Another shaky breath in ward. He knew he could make. His left was in front of him again, pulling the weight farther toward the big tree.

His right came up and down. It snagged a knurled root and his knee gave. An out cry of pain and shock fell from his lips. He hit the ground with his chest. All breathing cut off. Eyes watering, nostrils filled with damp grass and soon to be mud. Thoughts came for an instant, but flew away as he defied laws of gravity and moved up wards.

Springing toward the shelter, Ryou kicked off the moist earth. With grace like foolishness, the boy let his arm arch him forward. He was tree-ward bound and bounced across the clearing in a frog like manner. Giving up both human and animal instincts, the light rolled through the grass. Finally coming to a sleepy halt at the base of the trunk, he found his thoughts and wits scattered in his mind.

His chest felt constricted and as it was on fire. First deep, even breaths. He brought what ever strength he had into finding as much oxygen as he could. Hold for three complete seconds. He counted as slowly as possible. He let out all the air he had, plus some more. Now do it again, Ryou.

He lost a sense of time way back when. It seemed ages that he spoke to Bakura. But it was really what? Only an hour or so? Yet it still hurts worse than running so far away. So when Ryou finally regained most of his normal breathing the sky grew darker than it was when he showed up.

Its looks like rain. Heh, 'Kura hates water… that was his last coherent thought before falling into a deep slumber filled with blood red rain and silver kisses…

………………………………………………………………………………………………

In the Mall:

There he stood. Just staring. Ryou was getting away from him. He wouldn't do anything. But he couldn't move. He was so… so… so bloody stupid it was impossible to describe it! But it was so mind boggling.

Ryou loved him. Ryou. Loved. Him. HIM. Bakura! The selfish, stupid dumb ass, prick Bakura! He felt so giddy! He completely misread the younger teen! How could he call him self a master thief of the world when the obvious was so obviously missed!

Ryou loved him… He loved him… It felt weird to know. And he loved Ryou back. Err…hold the phone. Ryou was running away though. Oh then that means…

RYOU DOESN'T KNOW BAKURA LOVES HIM BACK!

"$#!" Bakura grabbed a fist full of hair and paced back and forth. "I just froze! I just fucking froze! I can't believe it… I was so stupid I didn't- But I was! GAH! He must hate me now!"

Malik, Marik, Yugi, and Yami just stared for a while. "That took him twenty minutes to figure out." Malik said incredulously. Marik nodded, grinning from ear to ear. "Bet you it takes him another ten minutes to actually realize he isn't chasing after Ryou."

Yami fished out a five dollar bill. "Alright you're on!"

"Oooooh! The Almighty Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt betting? I think we're rubbing off on you." Marik licked his lips and jacked the five from Yami. "Aright then, I'm game."

Yugi had one of those anime sweat drops on him. "Um, don't you think we should…? I don't know… help the poor guy?" he asked. Yami just laughed and put his arm around his shoulder. "Relax, Abiou! We'll help. But he got himself in to this whole mess, so we just have to wait until he realizes it."

"And I get my money!" Malik groaned at the Dark Spirits attempts to gamble off each other. Yugi just sighed. Even though both Marik and Yami were currently turned to the darker side of the force, they were essentially right. Essentially.

Bakura did need to figure out how much of a stupid-dumb-ass-selfish-prick he was. Which would thankfully happen in…

3…

2…

1…

"DAMMIT! I'M NOT RUNNING AFTER HIM!" Bakura spun in circles many times beating himself over the head with his fists.

"Cough up the money Marik."

"Awe! C'mon! That was, like, nine minutes and fifty-nine seconds! That should count!"

"Nope! You said ten minutes exactly."

"Awe man…"

"That's a good boy, Marik."

"Great… now how am I going to get that Play Boy Bunny costume?"

"I don't know. Use your imagination."

"Awe! But that's too hard! First you bash my skills and take my money, now you're telling me to think! You are so insensitive you crazy bastard!"

"Um, sorry to interrupt but fellows…?"

"Yeah, Malik?"

"Bakura has been watching you guys."

"………"

"……..."

"Is now a good time to beg for mercy?"

"Right after you, dear Marik."

"No, no- Royalty first."

"I got a fabulous idea. Why don't all four of you guys explain this? Oh and don't spare any details. I want ALL the juiciness."

……………………………………………………………………………………………...

At the Game Shop:

After all was said and done, Malik, Marik, and Yami were beaten to a pulp. Yugi was deemed innocent enough and so far hadn't done anything to piss Bakura off yet. So he just kicked Yami twice for good measure.

"You guys are major assholes! I can't believe you even butted in our affairs with such a horrible idea as Malik on a sugar high!"(SAI: Hey! It took me a while to figure out who to even write about let alone what the frigging plot was…. But now I got plot bunnies galore!)

"Well, you know, we would have stayed out. But if we did, would you have even got this close to Ryou?" Yugi posed the question. Bakura opened his mouth but no immediate answer came. So he just snarled. "Frigging busy bodies…"

Yugi gave a satisfactory smile. "Just what I thought." The thief gave no response. In fact the man was quite rigid. Who wouldn't be though, we just jumped in to the only the thing that can hurt a guy like Bakura. And that only thing is Love. (SAI: See? Yugi is not stupid… just kind naïve ')

Bakura's cogs wheeled around in his head. He wanted to ask Yugi a question. How could he ask some thing so personal from this midget? But he did sound like he knew what he was talking about. Bakura sighed and balled his fists up. He broke the static silence, "So… what do I do now?"

Yugi blinked at the direct question. His face broke into a small smile, carefully hidden behind his obvious tone of voice. "You find him and tell him you love him." Bakura's gazed snapped to Yugi. "What?" he asked on an automatic reflex.

Yugi rubbed his tired eyes. Ra damn it. No one has time for self doubts or pity anymore. "Do you want a relationship with Ryou or not?" he asked. Bakura snorted. "Of course I do." Although he really DIDN'T know what he wanted.

All he did know was that he loved Ryou and Ryou loved him back. That was a start, right? He sighed. No, it's really not. I have to pull my head out of my ass now. Ryou's my other half. I'm his other half. Right now… I love him more than all the gold in Egypt. Bakura cringed at that thought.

Where did this mushy love stuff come from? Ah screw it all. Step one is finding Ryou and telling him I'm an idiot and that I love him too. Then we'll talk about a relationship. Bakura finally turned on his heel. He would have to move fast. It looked like rain.

Rain… Ryou's scent.

He shook his head clear. "Hey, munchkin!" he half turned to Yugi. Yugi looked up from where he was resting. "Yes?" Bakura gave his arrogant smirk. "You know, for having a tiny body, your mind seems to be bigger than average."

Yugi brows came down for a second. He then chuckled. "For being such an amazing robber, you seem to miss a lot of important details." Bakura gave a cough of indignation. "Hey now, I was trying to be grateful. Don't let it swell to your already huge noggin."

Yugi shooed him away as if a fly. "Alright I got it! Be off with you! You have a Hikari to find." Bakura pulled his coat a bit closer and sprinted through the door calling, "The reason I'm such an Awesome Thief is because I learn from my mistakes! I'll find him!" He gave a slight wave and was off faster than lightening.

Yugi waved him off mumbling under his breath. "Yeah, yeah. Whose head is swelling now dumb ass?" But his look of irritation faded away to worry. I just hope that the swelling doesn't get in the way of you and Ryou…He quickly turned back and went to go look for a first aid kit to go help the three occupants up in his room. Morons…

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Bakura began to jog around town. He wondered intently on his hikari. Trying to remember all the things he knew about Ryou. Well… Ryou loves books. Perhaps the boy went to the library? He sighed at the thought.

Alright, let's approach this sensibly… Err… I actually don't have a fucking clue. Bakura slapped his forehead and slowed to a stop. C'mon man! Think! Think! Ah! Brain blast! THE MIND LINK!

/Ryou/

\... \

/Ryou! Answer me! I know the connections open! ANSWER DAMMIT/

Silence… And then...

\... Ryou's not here a the moment please leave a message… \

Bakura gave out a nervous laugh. Thank the gods! He thought Ryou was seriously hurt for a moment! Actually, the silver haired teen was just extremely sleepy. Must have exhausted himself running away. So frigging lazy…

/Hikari! Wake up/

\But I don't wanna go to school today! \

Bakura sighed audibly.

/I don't want to do this but… If you wake up I'll give you… VANILLA/

\YAY! VANILLA! I'M UP! GIMME VANILLA! \

/….. /

\... Err... \

Bakura gulped in the link. Ryou heard it but wisely chose to ignore it.

\Hey 'Ku- I mean Bakura. Um… \

/Where are you/

Bakura voice came out so desperate and quick it frightened him more than Ryou.

\Huh? Oh… I… I think I'm in lower Domino's Park. \

Lower Domino's Park? Bakura knew where that was. That was where that old lady caught him pick pocketing and whacked him over the head with her cane.

/I'll be there. Don't move/

Bakura flew off to the Park. Ryou blinked.

The mind link went out after that.

……………………………………………………………………………………………...

Ryou lied down again. He sighed and rubbed his freezing arms. Should have got a jacket… Oh well. I'll just wait for Bakura.

That's when Ryou mind tripped. OH SHI- BAKURA!

I forgot that I was trying to run away from him! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Ryou beat himself over the head again and again. Maybe I could run away before he catches me? He looked around. I know he's fast but if I keep moving- Ryou went to get up but stopped when a needle hammered itself into his foot.

He winced and grabbed the foot. Looks like I sprained it when I fell. Shoot! I AM going to have to wait for Bakura… Damn. Ryou's luck couldn't get any worse. Or so he thought.

Out of no where a thunder clash went off above him and it began to sprinkle. Then the sprinkles turned into a shower. And then it rained. Not the normal rain. Pouring rain. The boy sighed.

Bakura would be there soon anyways…

…

…

…

God dammit Bakura hurry up! I'm cold AND wet! It's been what? Ten minutes already? I can't be that far from you! Ryou quickly shook his head. He had best look on the positives. A better attitude is more beneficial to him than his impatience.

"Look on the bright side. At least this nice tree keeps you some what dry." Ryou gave a sneeze. He groaned and hit his head against the tree. "But not warm…"

"Don't worry, I can think of a way to keep you nice and warm."

Ryou's eyes widened at the unfamiliar voice. That doesn't sound good…

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Bakura cut throw some poor kids back yard. He yelled a quick apology to the poor tyke he sent running to his mother after the scary white guy raced over his fence and crushed his sand castle. This was the fastest route to Ryou.

He had to move fast. If Ryou was in the Lower Domino parts he was easily Michael Jackson bait. (SAI: O.O Poor Baby!)

That part of the city was famous for its tramps and pips. Not to mention gangs and rapists. He knew this well because being a thief and all. But Jou also grew up there before he moved in with Kaiba. So trust me, he knows what goes down in Lower Town. (SAI: Scary Rhyme.)

With Ryou's prettier than average looks, he was bound to get some attention, especially if he fell asleep lost in the parks which were notorious hang outs for not-so nice people.

Bakura made a beeline for the opposite street despite the mild traffic. People honked out profanities at the offending hero. Being oh-so polite, he just gave them the birdie and continued his quest.

The closer he got to the park, the better he felt their link get. He dashed a curve and nearly slipped in the puddle collecting in the uneven surface of concrete. As soon as he caught balance he launched through a few more yards, cutting his arrival time shorter.

As soon as he glimpsed the Park Sign he felt red flags go up. Not good! Dread welled up in his chest, pumping his legs faster. He skirted around trees and probed Ryou's link. He tried to open it, but Ryou's mind was too… what was the word?

He didn't know, but it was not settled as always, things were pushing around and rapidly moving. Strange, almost horrifying feeling flooded the boy's teen mind. Bakura unknowingly began to grow feverish.

Then he spotted some thing that made his blood run cold and boil at the same time.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Ryou turned around so fast he might have gotten whiplash. His eyes settled upon a man, standing smugly, and a bit in an intimidating way Ryou thought, just above him. The one on the dirt gulped loudly.

"Um, can I help you?" he asked timidly. The man's eyes flashed for a moment. Ryou decided to look somewhere else because his stomach felt squeezed all of a sudden. "Maybe, but it looks as if I can help you a bit more."

The unknown man crouched down and grabbed Ryou's ankle quickly. He gave muffled shout at the sudden painful touch. It sent weird vibes through him the way this guy just started to turn, inspecting his injured foot.

He pinched and Ryou had to stop from another out burst of pain. The man's smile spread like a wildfire. It was dangerous and dark, almost sensuous. The light felt a gag well up at the base of his throat.

"Did that hurt?" he asked. Ryou noted the drop in decimals of his voice. He wondered if he should lie… Deciding that honesty could do little harm he nodded tenitvely. Something seemed really off and false hood might worsen the feeling.

"Then I believe it's sprained. But you never know. You might want to stay off it. You know, lie down." Ryou bit his lips as the image of just lying down with this guy right here sent some alarms going off.

"Um, Th-thank you. But I think I can manage." Ryou tried to get to a standing position. A swift yank brought Ryou to the ground. This time he yelled out as he hit the slick grass. The guy brought him way too close for comfort, lying just right under the creepy guy. "Don't be stubborn now. I won't bite… hard."

Instincts say:

NOT A GOOD GUY! REPEAT! NO GOOD!

"Let go! I'm fine!" Ryou squeaked out trying to wrench the grip this mysterious man had on his foot. This was a mistake as his ankle was gripped tighter making Ryou gasp. The man saw his advantage and swiftly pinned Ryou underneath him.

Ryou couldn't breathe, whether it was the body on him or the mouth covering his, he wasn't sure. But he couldn't think. His mind went blank. Nothing was registering to the boy. His loud heart, quick and getting quicker, filled the void.

Then crashed information together and the man above WAS NOT some one he knew nor had feelings for. Who? What? Where? When? All these questions echoed in a jumbled mess. Reigning the loudest and most terrible was how? How to escape!

Something slimy forcefully pushed past his swollen and bleeding lips. Bleeding? Did the man bite Ryou? He didn't know. He couldn't be sure, and that rose the panic's river in the boys mind. Ryou's eyes widened as realized the slimy thing was a tongue. His minded screamed protest and he did the first thing he could do. Bite hard on the intruder.

The man pulled back and spat out blood, loosening his grip on the frightened boy. Ryou frantically propelled away on his elbows. He would have gotten farther if the man didn't find his attempt to resist so… so… arousing. "No you don't you little fucker!" He crawled forward and grabbed Ryou's shirt, ripping it in an attempt to get a good hold.

"No! Let me go!" he screamed. He kicked at the man's front, but his hurt foot collided with solid muscle and a piercing hot poker went up to his spine. A convulsion visibly traveled up the leg. The man saw the weakness and managed to drag Ryou back by his injury. The boy clawed at the assailant but was pinned again.

"If you don't let go I'm gonna scream!" Ryou tried, but his voice was so broken the man laughed at him. "Good! Then I'll cut out your tasty little tongue as a souvenir!" his eyes flashed over Ryou's partially revealing chest and drained lips.

He attacked again, prying open Ryou's mouth with his tongue. The boy shut his eyes tight, trying to fight back or get away. But to no avail, tears glistened at the edges of his eyes. The man left Ryou's mouth his neck, slowly sliding towards his chest.

Ryou's mind panicked. Racked itself for any solution that came up. Nothing.

Nothing.

Nothing.

NOTHING!

He was going to lose.

Not one thing stopped his mind.

A buzzing sound went off some where.

He was to be raped.

Possibly killed. Murdered!

All because he was so stupid!

More salt water rained from Ryou's eyes and tears fell from the black iridescent sky.

More slime coated Ryou's skin from the dangerous mouth above him.

It was hopeless.

No way to escape.

All I wanted… was just Bakura and now…

Bakura!

Ryou was so sorry.

He didn't know why!

He was so scared!

Hands burnt his pale body, even though no fire was present save for in the mad man's eyes.

Can't get away!

No hope…

Bakura…

A voice, a chilling as the wind but no where near as musical, banged his brained.

It told him, "It was only a matter of time before you were to give in… they all do."

It sent Ryou off the edge.

Anger? Fear? Diffidence? Perhaps hope?

His mind jumped started.

Bakura was coming!

He will help!

He will…

Don't give up! Scream!

Scream!

Scream!

SCREAM!

Screams came from somewhere in side him.

The rapist was too strong, too quick, and too painful.

Ryou was too weak, too injured, and too scared.

Ryou then gave his last strength and all he had into his final yell as the molester found the waist band of his pants.

"HELP ME PLEASE! PLEASE STOP HIM! BAKURAAAA!"

He felt it all the while, flashing eyes, gleaming smile, and slimy tongue- and then, in an instant, nothing.

Ryou trembled and his eyes snapped open at a familiar threatening voice.

"Don't you EVER touch what's not yours! Understand me you slime?"

Bakura had his hand wrapped around the offender's throat, pinning him a few feet off the ground and onto the tree.

All of a sudden, Ryou was terrified.

His mind dimmed.

Never had he seen his darker half so venomous and deadly. One wrong move and the unknown man would be nothing but an empty carcass. That worried him more than anything else. There were no other words to describe his horror or the murderous intent Bakura had swirling around him.

The man was released and he fled so fast Ryou blinked and missed him. Bakura turned his heated gaze on Ryou. Ryou found he couldn't breathe. He had to move again.

Get away!

Do some thing!

Anything!

He made to spring but pain racked him. Bakura ran to him and dropped to catch him. Ryou whimpered and tried to move away. He was shaking so badly. So, so badly. Nothing like the leaves in the wind. That was swaying compared to this.

"Ryou…" Bakura's voice was softer now. Ryou stopped his shaking, finally aware of many things. It was raining. He was almost raped. Bakura saved him. Bakura was holding him. Bakura was worried. Ryou was scared. So, so scared.

Ryou grabbed hold of Bakura's shirt. He buried himself into the depths of his yami. He couldn't open his mouth. He wasn't too aware of why; he just knew he was afraid. Bakura kindly gave him his coat and helped him home, all the while quiet.

Ryou entered their house and Bakura walked him straight to the bathroom. Ryou had regained most control by then, but he was still flinching now and then. Bakura filled the tub with some warm water. He poured in some bubble bath scents.

He turned to Ryou, who was having trouble trying to unbutton his tattered shirt. Bakura calmly grasped his hands. Ryou paused. The elder pulled away the hands. He undid the buttons in a smooth motion. Ryou leaned against the wall for support of his weakening legs and sprained ankle.

Bakura's hand rested on his slim waist as he pulled away the cloth. It dropped carelessly on the floor. Bakura continued to remain collected as he undid Ryou's clothing. Before Ryou lifted his next finger, he was already in his boxers.

The pale boy blushed and pushed away the other. He hobbled over to the edge of the tub and maneuvered to sit on the tub. Bakura respectfully looked away as Ryou took off his boxers and entered the bath. He heard the soft splash of water as the light glided into the bath.

Bakura went to picking up the clothes that were lying around haphazardly. Ryou seemed made of tough stuff. 'Kura winced as a memory of Ryou's floated into his head. It was one of his late sister. It was fuzzy, but it was of the accident.

Bakura was never positive what exactly happened to her. He asked once, but Ryou never gave an answer. All he knew was that the Millennium Ring was given to him a year or two after her death.

Ryou's memories invaded Bakura's mind. He realized that he must have kept the link open with Ryou on accident. Although nothing was clear, he still knew of who was in these dreadful thoughts.

Ryou's mother, who died shortly after giving birth to his younger sister, Ryou's father, who left Ryou and buried his pain in work, this left little Ryou to watch over his sister. Once his sister died, he bought and paid for this house Ryou was in.

Ryou was alone at crucial ages. He rarely befriended anyone. Maybe that is why Yugi and his little gang were special in a way. Maybe…

Bakura sighed and walked out of the bathroom to find some warm clothes for Ryou to wear. Bakura's past was very similar to Ryou's own. He too was left to fend for himself at a young age. He watched as his family was murdered in front of him and then the Pharaoh laughed.

His parents were slaves. They started an uprising. They would have succeeded if Bakura had stayed at home like he was told. But no. He had to help. He was captured. His parents gave up their lives so he would be set free and not into slavery. He blamed himself for their deaths.

But worse off, he blamed the pharaoh for stealing their lives. So he decided to steal some thing equally precious. His gold. Bakura was always a good pick pocket. So he honed his skills through the years and quickly became one of the greatest thieves ever known.

Bakura sighed again and conked his head against Ryou's dresser. No more angst! Think of Ryou! Not yourself. He grabbed a nice pair of pajamas. He turned and walked back to Ryou.

When he got back to Ryou, he laid the clothes on the counter for him. He thought of turning back, but was afraid. What if Ryou tried to commit suicide? Instantly as the thought came, if was laughed off.

Many people may believe Ryou to be suicidal or even masochistic. But that wasn't even slightly true. The boy had faced many depressing and cruel fates growing up. Including Bakura himself. Boy was I a dick…The only thing people did get right was, yes, Bakura on many occasions, did try to kill him.

But Ryou never gave in or gave up. Not once. He wavered but always regained himself. Eventually, Ryou basically told Bakura to go fuck himself. He wasn't going to take this crap anymore. Bakura was utterly shocked. Not once did some one tell him off in such away.

It excited him. It thrilled him. He enjoyed it. So, he stuck around. Just to see what else the boy would do. Infact, the boy did quite a lot. He never let him steal, or tried to. Bakura hadn't once since taken a life. Well, except for the Shadow Realm. But hey, the kid wasn't perfect. Not by a long shot.

He was shy. He was pretty oblivious. And he had the worst of luck.

After a while, Bakura got a body. As did Yami and Marik. All the hikari's and yami's knew each other. Even if Ryou was a little clueless, it eventually clicked. Thus lead Bakura back to the very present. Where he stood and watched Ryou in the bath with an unreadable expression on his face.

Bakura bit his tongue. He wanted to ask Ryou many questions. Was he alright? Did he want help? What happened? Just once, may I kiss you again? Bakura gave a slight shake of the head. He pivoted and reached for the door knob.

Ryou, who had been so immersed in his memories, finally shook his head clear. Okay. I was almost raped. Basically molested. But… I was really lucky Bakura saved me. Ryou opened his eyes and slid down the tub a bit. It fascinated him how fast he got over it. Then he realized Bakura's presence

The silver hair one looked up and noticed Bakura heading for the door. He felt some thing clench at his stomach once more. It brought a bit of panic back to him. He realized that he really, really, REALLY didn't want Bakura to leave him. Alone or not. He just wanted Bakura near him.

"Please," he rasped before common sense could stop his voice. Bakura's head came up from the door. He looked back at Ryou for a second. But Ryou was looking down at his hands. "Don't leave me."

Bakura almost flinched. The request seemed to tare him up in side. He nodded and let go of the knob. He walked back over to Ryou and sat on the floor by the tub. He turned from Ryou and looked at the opposite wall so Ryou could have some privacy.

Ryou felt the urge to wipe at his eyes. He couldn't stop the warm relief from spreading down to his stomach and hold his heart for a moment. Bakura also felt some thing tug at him. Some thing that was also glad he could stay and help some small way.

Ryou let resistance fly out the window for the second time that night. With out any true knowledge of what he was doing he let his arms encircle Bakura's neck. Bakura gasped, but not the water running down his shirt, but at the pair of arms that held on to him.

"Thank you… Thank you…" Ryou whispered against the thief's neck. Ryou went to let go. Bakura went to open his mouth. No, Ryou, I love you! Say it! Say it fool! But his voice caught up with his heart in his throat. Not one word came.

So Bakura did the next best thing. He brought his hands up and held fast to Ryou's own hands. Ryou let in an intake of breathe and held it. "Ryou… I… I'm… S-Sorry. I can't say the words. It was my fault that…"

Ryou let out a small breathe. He clutched to Bakura and laid his hand on Bakura's neck. "Don't think about. Nothing happened. I'm safe because you were there." Ryou let out small puffs of air on the back of Bakura's neck. It made his hands clammy and knees wobble.

Silence fell upon them. Ryou may not have understood what Bakura was really trying to say. Bakura also wondered if he still had a chance with his young love. He felt Ryou relaxed on him. By his heart rate and breathing, he was close to sleep.

Bakura sighed as the lights dimmed in and out when the lightening struck some where outside. "Come on. Let's go to bed before we lose power." Ryou nodded. Bakura let the water drained, and Ryou stood. Bakura quickly gave him a towel and looked away, a small tinge of red rested on his cheeks.

Ryou dried off and slipped on some boxers. He let Bakura help him put on some pajamas. Bakura tried to focus on the cloth instead of Ryou's partially naked and slick, wet body up against his own. Then Bakura put Ryou on his bed. He sat him down and took a look at Ryou's ankle.

"Is it sprained?" Ryou asked nervously. Bakura gently prodded and felt it. He gave a sigh of relief. "Nah. It was just swollen and sore. The warm water helped it. See?" Ryou looked. He moved his foot a bit. It did feel a lot better now. Ryou also gave a sigh.

Bakura still tucked Ryou in. He went to leave. He got to the door and turned off the lights. But he hesitated in the door way. Finally Bakura gave up. He walked back over to Ryou, who stared at him curiously. Bakura leaned down and gave him a chaste kiss.

Ryou's face lit up a full red when Bakura pulled back. "What I meant to say is, I also fell in love with you." Bakura stood back up. He turned once more. For the another second that night Ryou held on to him.

The tomb raider stalled. "Stay with me tonight?" Ryou asked quietly. Bakura couldn't keep his smirk from his face. "Sure." He climbed in to Ryou's bed and next to his love.

At that moment Yugi looked out his window in the direction of Ryou's house.

"About damn time."

TBC

A/N: OMG! Wow! I like this once… err, minus the whole molester dude. Now, all I have to figure out is if I should put in a lemon. Looks like the next chapter is going to be the last one. –Sniff- They grow up so fast! So- Thanks all my reviews! Luvs to you!