-walks in- Ello! xD New chappeh! Yes, it alot shorter, so shoot meh... >>'

I have nothing to say... so disclaimer ahoy! xD

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Bwahahhahahahaaaa!

Bakura loved to sleep in on Sundays. Well, really, the pale demon loved to sleep in on any day of the week, but Sunday was his favourite. Partly because it seemed to be the universal day of the week (unless one was a Seventh-Day-Adventist,) that one would sleep in, and partly because Sunday was when Ryou would cook up a big breakfast in the kitchen. A 'Good hearty old English breakfast.' He called it, and it was. Compiled of eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, hash browns, French toast, and a big, steamy mug of coffee. Ryou always spent at least an hour cooking everything up, and as a result, the dining table always groaned under the weight, but somehow, he and Bakura were always able to eat it. Must have been hollow legs, or something.

The pale demon groaned, rolling over in bed as his mind gently began to shake itself from the heavy tendrils of sleep. Bakura rubbed at his eyes for a moment, blinking slightly as he struggled to focus on the scenery of Ryou's bedroom, until his eyes settled on the alarm clock, the red numbers showing 10:42. Ugh.

"Hey woman!" Bakura used his... 'Nice' nickname for the young light, rubbing at his eyes as he stumbled into the bathroom. "You better have my breakfast ready..." The snowy-haired yami frowned as he stood at the doorway of the conjoined kitchen/Lounge, a deep frown on his face.

It was empty. The kitchen lay gleaming from Ryou's Saturday cleaning routine, untouched by any egg white or bacon fat, the food still packed away tidily in the pantry, or fridge, and there was a small note left on the kitchen counter. Bakura snarled, anger evident in his face as he snatched the small piece of paper with bony white fingers, eyes narrowing at Ryou's neat, small writing.

Bakura-sama,

Um, I'm really, really sorry about me not being here, I went out to Yugi's for the day to catch up on my homework and study for our joint History project. I've been putting it off all week, because I knew you would be mad, but it really has to be done now, it's due tomorrow. I'll be back around five, maybe later. If you get hungry, there's some leftovers from last night in the fridge.

-Ryou

The small note crumpled in Bakura's slim hand, eyes narrowing as he gazed off into some unknown dimension, seething about Ryou's second act of defiance towards him. It was as though the fear and power he held over Ryou accounted for nothing! Why was he doing this, why was he shoving Bakura's authority back in his face like this? When Ryou was getting home, he was going to pay for this. The beating he received on Friday would be nothing compared to the pain Bakura was going to inflict on him this time. Honestly! First, leaving without his permission, an unbreakable law, and then having the gall to tell his master, his superior, that he should eat leftovers instead of the delicious Sunday breakfast Bakura had been looking forward to for days? He had half a mind to go and drag the stupid mortal home right now, for defying him like this, but unfortunately the arrogant, stick-up-his-arse Pharaoh would probably get pissed off at that.

And he had had enough of the shadow realm for now, thankyou very much.

I never knew my heart could beat so fast and hard. Ryou mused bitterly as he stood at the front apartment door, his slim fingers resting on the handle. I cannot believe I actually did this... Oh Jesus... I'm going to be in so much trouble for this, I'm going to be too hurt to go to school tomorrow, Hell I might not even be alive... Oh God... Struggling to control his breathing, the almost hyperventilating Ryou continued to stand at the door. What was wrong with him? One minute, he actually felt brave, able to stand up to Bakura, show that he was not a pathetic nothing like his yami thought. All he wanted to do was just get accepted by Bakura, just wanted him to know that he was strong.

He wanted to be loved.

But, always, always, Ryou's nerve failed him, and he would crumble under Bakura's hold, unable to fight back, not psychically, not like the yami did to him.

It was at least ten minutes until the young light had managed to work up enough nerve and courage to gently, tentatively open the door that lead into his humble apartment he shared with his darker half. Ryou squeaked, shaking as he gazed deep into crimson eyes glittering with anger and vehemence at the small light, who took a step back, a harsh cry tearing from his throat as Bakura, his slim hands quicker than a striking cobra, seized the front of Ryou's shirt, dragging the terrified light inside.

"What is wrong with you?" Bakura hissed furiously, his eyes set in mahogany slits shot with ruby. Ryou whimpered as the spirits stale breath washed over him, his breath quickening in fear. "How dare you defy me, you useless brat, how dare you have the audacity to leave this house without my permission! And to go to the house of the Pharaoh and his bitch? I commanded you to stay away from him!" The young light trembled, his chin quivering as his chocolate orbs darted from side to side, looking for an escape.

"I-I was doing schoolwork." Ryou stammered hoarsely, the pulse in the base of his throat thudding in fear. "Yugi and I were assigned to do a project togeth-" Ryou screamed as the yami punched him hard in the stomach with his free hand, sending Ryou coughing and spluttering as he sank to the floor, slumped on his knees.

"Do you think I care for your pathetic excuses?" Bakura hissed, squatting next to Ryou so the pair were eye-level. "You broke a very important rule of mine, pathetic landlord of mine, and you know what the consequences are." The whitenette whimpered, clenching his eyes tightly shut as he shook his head in fear, still gasping for breath, his hands held over his stomach.

"I-I'm sorry..." Ryou apologized, coughing for breath and forcing the urge to retch. "I know it was wrong, but-"

"No buts." Bakura snarled, one hand grabbing a fistful of the silky strands of hair that grew from Ryou's head, forcing the light to look him in the eye. "You are never going to learn, are you?" The spirit stood up, mercilessly pulling Ryou to his feet as well, despite the lights soft cries of pain, slamming him with a dull thud against the wall.

"No..." Ryou whispered softly, his knees feeling weak as the struggled to support his trembling slender flame. "Please no." but the light knew it was useless. Carnage was in his eyes, and in this bloodthirsty, animalistic state, Ryou knew it was no hope. He had really done it this time. Bakura growled, a low noise deep in the back of his throat, slim, clawed hands wrapping easily around the lights slim neck. Ryou gasped, which turned into a choked cry as Bakura tightened his fingers, cutting off his air supply. The demon smirked, as the younger of the pair scrabbled desperately at his throat, fear and desperation in his eyes.

"I should kill you for this slew of disobedience." Bakura hissed, maniacal glint in his crimson eyes as he tightened his clawed grasp on the teenagers neck. The younger boy whimpered, his chocolate orbs beginning to cloud over, hazed and unfocused. "How dare you cross me like this you pathetic mortal child. I have had enough of this insubordination. You are nothing. I am better than you, you are dirt, you are a slave." Ryou screwed his eyes tightly, trying to cease the painful thudding in his head as his body screamed for oxygen. He mouthed wordlessly to the demon, his lungs burning for air. The spirit only laughed, watching the lights struggle for life with sadistic enjoyment.

Please don't do this, Ryou mentally pleaded, his knees growing weak. I'm too young to die, don't do this, please Bakura-sama, I'm sorry, I will not defy your order again... The demonic glint in Bakura's eyes grew, and his smile widened, Ryou growing limp under his grasp.

"You know," He leaned over to breathe in the terrified boy's ear. "They say, that just before you die, you can see you life flashing before your eyes. What do you see? Is it pathetic; is it nothing more than a crushing world of loss and misery, governed by my superiority I hold over you? Can you see your family? Can you them all die, leaving you in nothing but a tormenting hell?" Ryou swallowed, his adams apple pressing hard against Bakura's palm. "Don't worry." Bakura hissed, his nose in Ryou's soft pearly hair. "I won't let you die yet." With a smirk, the demon let him go, Ryou falling to his knees, coughing and choking, massaging his bruised neck and crushed adams apple. Dry sobs tore from his throat, but his eyes remained dry. Ryou gasped for air, feeling lightheaded as the life-giving oxygen filled his lungs once again. Bakura said nothing as he squatted next to the choking teen, one hand reaching out to cup Ryou's soft rounded jawbone, turning his face up to meet his eyes. The young lights face was flushed bright red, his eyes wide in shock and fear.

"I-I'm so sorry." Ryou breathed, his breath still harsh in his throat as he massaged his sore neck. "P-Please Bakura-sama..." Ryou was so frightened, he had nearly died, he felt dizzy and sick, and he felt like he was going to pass out.

"Do you think this is over?" Bakura snarled, his hold on Ryou's chin tightening. "You deliberately went against my orders, you little worm, and I am going to make sure you never make the same mistake again." The young light gasped, his heart freezing in his throat as the painfully familiar feel of Bakura's sharp silver blade pressed against the side of his neck.

"I-I'm sorry." Ryou breathed, his fingernails digging painfully in his palm. "Please, don't do this..." He whimpered, noticing how the blade bit further into his neck whenever he tried to breathe deeply.

"You shouldn't have disobeyed me." Bakura muttered coldly, slicing the knife into Ryou's collarbone. The light screamed, arching his back in agony as scarlet blood spilled across the milky white skin. The demon raised the blade to his mouth for a moment, groaning softly at the coppery sweet taste of the crimson drops that fell on his lips, Ryou gasping as he writhed beneath the older boy in pain, whispering weakly for release.

The beer tasted flat on Bakura's tongue. Stale, not as addictive and intoxicating as the crimson liquid he had dined on a short while ago. Sour. He made a face, tipping the remainder of the amber liquid into the aluminum sink, tossing the empty can into the trash. Before he headed into the lounge, Bakura cast a derisive glance to the small huddled figure on the ground, and snorted, before settling himself onto the plush couch.

Ryou trembled, curling tighter into himself as he tightened his fingers in his blood-streaked hair. It hurt, so much, like a white hot fire shooting through his limbs. Yet, The light didn't regret what he did, he just wished his punishment wasn't so harsh. I was a long time before Ryou managed to work up enough nerve to pull himself into a standing position, wincing at the protesting twinges of pain that ran through his slender frame. His knees felt weak, shaky, the light leaning heavily on the kitchen counter for balance. Ryou whimpered as he struggled, stumbling and tripping as he slowly made his way towards the bathroom.

Bakura smirked slightly, reclining further into the plush chair as he scratched at the back of his head. Idly flipping through the channels, the spirit yawned, kicking his feet up onto the coffee table. Oh he couldn't wait until he had broken Ryou completely, until all the light had left was a broken, unresponsive shell, a perfect slave, a toy for Bakura to bend to his will.

The young Briton winced in pain as the hot water pounded onto his torn slim form, staring numbly in a sick fascination as the clear water turned red, slowly pulled down the drain. It was so strange that, once upon a time, he hated the very sight of blood, the crimson liquid made him feel nauseous, but now, it seemed to be like a regular part of his day-to-day life. He was used to it. One would have to be, living with Bakura. Ryou didn't know exactly what it was that drew the demon to him, that made him feel squicky inside whenever they were in a close proximity with each other and Bakura was in a good mood. It must have been insanity. Why else would he fall for the one person he feared most? Ryou sighed, reaching for the bottle of shampoo that resided on the shower caddy beside him, the viscous white liquid pooling into the palm of his left hand. It was going to take a lot to try and wash out the dried blood caked into his hair.

Bakura had been sprawled out across the couch for over an hour now, lazily flicking channels as he gazed blearily at the T.V. The rainy sound of the running shower had ceased over an hour ago, and Ryou still hadn't come into the lounge, leaving Bakura to presume that the light was in his room, probably crying his eyes out, he was so pathetic like that. Okay, so the demon had never ever seen Ryou cry about any of the pain and trauma he inflicted on him, (The last time he cried was months ago on Amane's birthday) he had to have broken Ryou down by now, he had to! No one could take a beating like that without crying...

His attention fully off the T.V program, now, The white-haired spirit gently eased himself off of the white velvet sofa, stretching slightly and arching his back. His face resembled mild interest as he ambled slowly into his room, but the slightly bored expression soon changed abruptly into one of anger and irritation as he passed the threshold, his eyes narrowing at Ryou, who had curled into a small ball in the center of his bed, fast asleep. Bakura took two angry strides towards the sleeping light, hitting him hard across the cheek, and rolling him off of the bed. The young Briton cried out as he hit the ground with a thud, soft chocolate eyes snapping open in shock.

"What are you doing on my bed?" Bakura leered over Ryou angrily, a snarl on his lips. The soft whitenette whimpered, shrinking away from the demon as he held a hand over his mouth, fear evident in his eyes.

"I-I was t-tired..." Ryou stuttered, backing further away from the furious demon. "I'm s-so sorry, B-Bakura-sama, I-I won't do it again, I-I swear..." He trembled, holding his hands over his face. Please don't hurt me. The light mentally pleaded, his breath shallow in his throat. Please, I didn't mean to, I was so exhausted, please, yami-sama, please...

"Get up." The pale demon spat, kicking at Ryou hard in the side. "And get to bed. I'm not having you missing school tomorrow." The young light kept his eyes downcast, letting out a soft cry at Bakura's words.

"I-I have to go to school t-tomorrow?" Ryou whispered, raising his eyes to meet Bakura. "B-But I can barely walk..." He cried out as another swift kick was delivered to his ribcage, and said nothing, clutching at his side as he struggled to his feet.

"I'm not having you hang around the house tomorrow." Bakura snarled, glaring as Ryou stumbled slightly, leaning on the bed. "I see enough of you as it is." Looking downcast, Ryou was silent as he sank down on his small nest of blankets and cushions in the corner, a blanket wrapped tightly around his slender form. The cuts Bakura inflicted on him had stopped bleeding a short while ago, but they still stung painfully whenever he flexed them- meaning basically any movement on Ryou's part caused a sharp burst of pain. The light shivered, cold late-night air seeping through the window his darker half always left open. Another blanket seemed to ease the chill, and when Ryou was finally settled, he shifted his gaze to Bakura. The yami was sprawled across the bed on one side, the blankets around his waist. The breeze from the diminutive window beside his bed ruffled his hair ever so gently, snowy tendrils snaking across his face. Ryou sighed softly, a small, wistful smile on his face as he watched the yami gently fading to sleep. He looked so sensual, so lithe and sleek, laid out across the bed. Propping his head up with one hand, the young light continued to stare at Bakura, studying the smooth contours of his body. Thin and slender, but strong and muscular at the same time. Ryou lost count of the amount of times he would stay awake, staring at the yami for hours. Oh, how he wished that he could sleep in the bed with Bakura, snuggling gently into his arms, feel Bakura's heart beat beneath him...

Ryou rolled over onto his back, gazing at the ceiling, and the glowing orange colours shifting in a pattern from the street below. His eyes gently lowered shut, the lights vision giving way to the pictures in his mind, his desperate, wistful fantasies of him and Bakura, acting, not like foes, not like darkness and light, but like lovers, like two people who cares endlessly for each other, who's flaming passion had no boundaries. Although Ryou knew it could never happen, that his darkness was too harsh, too cold, to ever express love and compassion, he still didn't stop hoping, still didn't stop wishing, that he could one way be Bakura's lover. And in the highly likely event that it would never happen, well...

At least Ryou had his dreams.

Bleh. -yawns- I'm sleepeh...

R&R!