A/N

Note: If anyone wants to know the song that I used as inspiration for the one in the story, it was "Pushing the Sky" from Cowboy Bebop. If you want it, you can find it on my website (Homepage link) under Divine Seraphim's Archives next to the puzzle. I'll leave it up until chapter nine, then. (Yay! Over 4000 words! They're getting longer and longer!)

Note2: Here ya go, I know you guys have been waiting for this. I hope this chapter earns this story's title. And, as always, please review!

DARK PASSIONS

Chapter 7: What You're Made Of

The overwhelming beat of the base sifting through his body and thrumming in his soul, Yuugi felt a complete sense of content wash over him. He was here, in his element. The dance was what he lived for, what drove him onwards: steps shifting into the next, complicated rhythms echoing through his body as it fought to stay afloat among the many sensations that sought to grasp it.

Oh yes- right here, in the middle of the press of bodies that looked otherworldy in the flashing light -was where he belonged. Yuugi let the feelings and thoughts that plagued him slide off as if they were raindrops in his skin and replaced it with the yearning, the desire, to dance. It called to him, pulling at his soulstrings and pulled at his chest until it almost hurt to breathe. In the darkness of this place, he could afford to let it out, could afford to show how dependant the dance made him.

A sudden flash of moment registered out of the corner of Yuugi's eye and he knew that Ryou was coming to, as well- feeling his own call of the wild, his own primal instincts stir. There was just no denying it, no holding it back.

Both boys stepped forward similtaneously, leaving the rest of the group behind in silence, their movements conveying their feelings. They'd done this many times; the feel of the other's body as familiar as his own.

At one point, they'd even been lovers. Convinced that the familiarity could work outside of these dark and inclosing walls, they'd moved the passions they felt towards each other to the bedroom. And for a time, it had worked; they'd let loose the bottled up desire of dancing with each other, returning everything that was given with a never-ending ferver.

But such things aren't meant to last; nothing can stand upright without a proper foundation and the fall through of their temporary relationship had been done diplomatically and with a mutual respect. And no regrets. After all, they still had their nights in the city, with only each other and the music. And that was enough.

Ryou took a step forward and curved his body towards Yuugi, and those that knew them signaled to the DJ, who nodded in acknowledgment. The night had finally started and the dance had begun.

An expectant silence filled the air as the last track was cut short, leaving only the hum of the people as they awaited the beginning of the next. This was how it was every time when Yuugi or Ryou- usually together -showed up, almost to the point of being ritualized. Choreographed to perfection, memories imprinted with the rhythm that haunted you until it was played again, those that felt the call of the dance had become as much the slaves to the music as Yuugi and Ryou.

Those two were the light, the symbol that every dancer strove to be. But lost in the passion that raced through their veins, they didn't know it. All Yuugi could feel was the power that could be captured just from a raking gaze, a twist in a particular direction, it was enough to drive him mad. Ryou could feel the nights void of the release he sought combining now within his body, almost anticipating when he'd start dancing.

Dance...So much more than it was made out to be, an expression that couldn't be conveyed in words and couldn't be told, only shown and felt. It had consumed them both after their first taste, so many years ago.

Against the wall, where Yami had leaned to watch from the shadows, he stirred. There was a faint whisper somewhere deep inside him, but he couldn't hear what it was saying. All he could do was watch as the seemingly frail Da'sara he'd met the other night moved with such fluidity and grace across the floor, confident that the crowd would part before them.

Against the opposite wall slouched Bakura, his piercing gaze locked on the two figures in the middle of the crowd. Nothing could have prepared him for this. Although Ryou had already told him of the past he shared with Yuugi, it didn't even come close to what he was seeing now. The familiarity with which those two moved, the way they knew just how to position themselves in accordance to the other, and the music had yet to start again. Bakura couldn't help a shiver in anticipation; something told him that he was going to enjoy this.

Seto had long ago disappeared, dissolving in what was the people who only came alive beneath the dim lights and pounding music. Something was pleading to him from the inside, the call bright and clear. But he refused to give in, refused to submit under the desires that plagued his body, stirring passions into existence that he'd rather stay dormant. For Seto, questioning Yami would have to wait until another time. With one last backward glance, he slipped back out into the night and impending darkness, blood lust coming awake.

Then. The opening cords of a guitar, at odds with the stilted silence and contorted rhythm, shattered off the walls and broke through the tension that had been building on the dancing floor. And suddenly, the entire floor was plunged into movement that was almost too fast for the eye to follow. Jerked movements flashed in and out of comprehension and vision of the vampire as Yami struggled to keep up.

Eventually, his eyes slowly focused, as did Bakura's, who was more accustomed to such things. And what their eyes beheld was enough to stop breath and forgot all save those dancing.

The other dancers shielded Ryou and Yuugi from full view, only allowing glimpses of a sudden spin or slide, only enough to get an idea of what was happening. A flow, strange and alien, yet comforting just the same, came from the music and into the dance, as if using it as a medium to speak to those watching. And the dancers revelled in being the instruments, throwing themselves whoe-heartedly into it.

The singer's voice brought the music to life then, turning volume and the power behind it up a notch. There was no going back now; the dance had truly begun. The crowd parted; there they were.

For a moment, it was hard to discern where one ended and the other began, so fast were Ryou and Yuugi spinning, skin meeting skin with no inhibition, no forethought. Just action, just the dance, just them. And the music came back, louder than before.

Then, it was the repeating melody , springing the dancers into another frenzy, fast and furious. And Ryou and Yuugi. With astonishing precision, they untangled and Ryou threw Yuugi away from him, at the last second pulled him back with one finger.

Fearless eyes flashed on Yami for a moment; a feeling he didn't know thrust itself through him and smoldered in his heart. The vampire shook his head and returned his gaze to the dance, not noticing how he had stood up from the wall and took a small step each time Yuugi traveled closer.

The chorus came around and made the walla vibrate, joining the rhythmic pounding that was the mark of the passage of time. Once out on the dance floor, Bakura knew that you were lost. Dragged into the swirling abiss of passion as dark as the night and as brilliant as the emotions that couldn't be held back, it was inevitable.

The notes twisted somehow, switching from a tone of beginning to one of eternity, longing and something unnameable. And the dancers were aware of this, as they'd been aware and alive under the music the entire time, and switched with it. Speeding up tempos and rotating the steps with which they moved, it was simple perfection.

Yuugi's hand came out and twirled itself through Ryou's hair, pulling him close until their foreheads touched. Ryou narrowed his gaze, suddenly becoming forceful as he dropped a hand to slid across Yuugi's waist, spinning him in one spot, halting Yuugi with his arms almost touching the ground behind him, as he was bent back over backwards.

A flash, an impression of vulnerability overcame the dancer's face, but then he felt Ryou's knee nudge that point of his back and he snapped back up, turning his head to face away from his partner, feeling Ryou's breath as he buried his face in Yuugi's hair for a split second.

No fear or worry shown in either of their faces as they flung themselves about the floor, catching each other at the last second, the last moment before the possibility became the reality. Almost too fast to see, the series of moves, kicks, and spins flashed as they tore through the air and across the floor, flying on swift and terrible wings. The power, the grace...It was almost too much to take in and watch dispassionately, too hard to pretend that it was easy to ignore.

Bakura's breath caught in his throat and he was torn between feeling consuming jealously and soul-wrenching wonder. He didn't know how to feel, how to react to the sight before him. This balance, this perfect combination of feeling, of passion, of the overwhelming power that he could feel eminating from the dancing couple. It was enough to make him want to scream.

Unconsciously, he took another step, but realized to late that this was his last one. Underneath his foot, the dance floor sounded with a hollow thud and before he knew what was happening, he was swept away by the others. The feeling he'd been trying to get rid of all night, the one that wouldn't give him peace, finally exploded outward.

And all he could do was give in, and dance.

The dancers parted once again, making way for the recognized one, greeting with joy the wildness that was Bakura. And all around them, the music could only intensify until it shook every fiber of their being.

Yet this warred with the space being made on the other side of the floor, dancers imploding as the former pharaoh also strode purposefully across the floor and into the thickness of the most dedicated dancers. Some faltered for a split second as they wondered who would try to break into their perfect combination, but it was not in their power to ask- all will given over to the movements that rocked ther bodies. Nor did they want to, this stranger in their midst had power as well, the familiar power that they all submitted to, that called them, although it was dimmed as if long disused.

A pause in the music, a switch of tempos, and Ryou and Yuugi twisted along with it; so passionate had they become, forgetting all that belonged outside their moving bodies. Tthey didn't even notice the presence of two others on opposite sides, waiting for something out of their control.

Control...Power. The words and feelings raced along each of their veins and through their blood until their vision narrowed down and it became impossible to see anything, only feel.

Only feel...Yami's eyes followed Yuugi as Ryou's hands traveled up his sides, tantilizingly close to some places they shouldn't be, then pulling away while Yuugi followed the movement, his body pleading for more.

Then, it was his turn; Yuugi found himself behind his partner and now his hands were what kept the other boy in an impossible position, one that hurt to try to make sense out of. A small, low moan rumbled up Yuugi's arms from Ryou's throat and he released his hold, flipping Ryou until they faced one another, bodies melding almost into one with the complete familiarity they shared in the dance. It was impossible to be able to do the things they did, otherwise.

Bakura couldn't tear his gaze away, and he couldn't help the slight gasp he made as his arms came up to grasp something invisible in front of him. Shivers raced down his arms and over his fingertips, his vision focused and unfocused, and his feet refused to stay still any longer. A howl, almost animal in its intensity, let loose as he surrendered to the impassioned spirit that called him.

Yami's eyes flashed on the other side of the dancing pair between them as his ears caught Bakura's call, and it shook something else free in his carefully erected defense upon emotions he didn't want to feel. A movement in the corner of his eye and something else snapped within him as he witnessed Yuugi, eyes closed, cradled against Ryou's back for a moment, the complete ecstasy Yuugi was feeling battling the emotionless mask in placeon his face.

And then the last crack in Yami's wall came, when they swept passed where he'd been standing; Yuugi's skin brushed against his and flames erupted where he'd been touched. They continued, spreading and spreading, until they consumed him from the inside out. The urge to free himself rang out in his inner most being, clinging to his muscles and bones until the only thing he could do was concede.

Drawing the knowledge, the power he didn't know he'd had, Yami took a step forward and stretched a hand out, reaching for the human that seemed to burn in his sight. He grasped something; it made the flames consuming his body flame hotter until he couldn't think anymore...Until he couldn't see anymore. Only feel.

Yuugi ran his hands down the other's sides; he couldn't even force his eyes open to see who he was dancing with. All that he knew at the moment was the supple leather under his fingers and the warmth eminating from the body pressed briefly against his before he was sent spinning outwards again.

Catching the other's hand at the last moment, Yami piveted around and found himself next to his partner once again. Drawing the strength and skill from somewhere long ago and long forgotten, Yami performed the steps almost like they were sacred. Everything had to have a balance, his mind told him. Each thrust needed an equal press, each contriction needed an equal flow.

Power echoed in Yami's body, bouncing off the walls and sending his body into rhythmic spasms the like of which he'd never felt. Somewhere deep within his consciousness he felt the stirrings of even deeper passions, ones he hadn't bothered to feel in over a millennia.

I've waited too long for this...

That was the last thought he could manage before the urge to dance rose up and swallowed whatever mind he had left.

Strangely familiar hands suddenly pinned Ryou's arms behind his back even as he continued to rock to the music, but they were not those of his dancing partner. He let out a small cry that was swept away by the music as he was spun around sharply.

Brilliant, white hair that almost looked like it was on fire under the shifting lights caught his attention; Ryou's eyes traveled across the pale skin until he reached the dark, captivating gaze of the other. Ryou's breath caught in his throat as he was roughly thrust forward and pressed against him, the other's arms running up his own and leaving phantom sensations in his wake.

Bakura...Ryou's eyes were wide as he tried to wrap his mind around what was happening. They'd danced a few times before, but always to a less intense song; it was almost like Bakura feared what might happen should they both unleash what they kept inside during the dance. He furrowed his brow as he realized that today had been the first time Bakura had seen him with Yuugi, the one who he usually danced with.

Something dangerous glinted in Bakura's eyes; it was a challenge, Ryou realized with a start. So, he wants to dance, does he? Ryou observed wryly within his own mind, a playful glint in his own eyes. With a smirk of his own, he lifted his chin and flashed his answer with his own gaze. Show me what you're made of.

As Bakura realized his challenge had been answered, his grip tightened on Ryou's arms and without warning, he flipped him sideways and behind him, not even sparring a glance to where the lighter dancer had landed.

But Ryou had been ready for the move, he wasn't expecting anything else; there were things to be proven after all, and he wasn't going to lose.

Snapping his neck around, Ryou piveted back towards his partner and placed an arm on both of Bakura's shoulders, lifting off the ground and wrapping his legs for a moment around the taller man's hips. But before he could respond, Ryou swung back and released his hold, satisfied with his work, leaving only a ghostly sensation as his leather passed over Bakura's.

Just as Ryou was about to spin out of the reach of the other, Bakura thrust out an arm with lightening speed and pulled Ryou back to him, bending his head until his warm breath tickled the smaller dancer.

"Enough..." His low rumble was enough to send shivers down Ryou's back, and chase away any thoughts to the contrary. Bakura's other arm snaked around his waist and pulled him closer against his chest, leaving Ryou wide-eyed and breathless.

"I understand, now." Bakura whispered and lifted his head to stare into Ryou's eyes, swirling with the passion he was feeling. Bakura's gaze slowly traveled lower, following the smooth, delicate skin until they settled on his trembling lips.

Without another word, Bakura descended on Ryou, his mouth successfully cutting off any protests as he glided off the dance floor, Ryou in his arms.

Yuugi was lost, spinning among the conflicting sensations that wanted him to fall under their spell. He was alive, truly alive. His body moved to a beat outside his own, following direction from somewhere beyond, dancing to please someone else.

Who that someone was, Yuugi didn't know, and he didn't have the power over his body to find out. Whoever it was, whatever they were doing...If they never stopped, Yuugi thought, it would be too soon. The things the other was producing in Yuugi, it left him gasping for more, coming back to seek the touch he craved.

Vaguely, he wondered of what had become of Ryou, but all thoughts save the dance were quickly being thrust out of his mind to make way for the power racing through his veins. There was a pressure slowly building in the forefront of his mind and becoming more prominant the further he succumbed to the will of his partner.

Yuugi didn't know if that was bad or good, but it was making dancing increasingly more difficult. He was having a harder time concentrating following the lead of the other, making his body respond the way it should. A voice was nagging at the back of his mind, trying to remind him of what he should be doing.

Abruptly, it broke through whatever barrier was stopping it. Yuugi paused for a moment as he realized what it was saying, his movements becoming stiff as he fought the paralysis that had taken hold of him.

Open your eyes...

Something was calling him, telling him that he needed to snap out of this euphoria before he was completely washed away. And Yuugi realized that it was not his own voice; it was the voice of another.

Yuugi...Open your eyes...

It was more of a command this time. Confusion warred with compliance, and a small part of him wanted to rebell and throw himself further into the dance, lose himself in the hypnotizing movement that wanted to claim him. And yet, the call of this voice within his mind...Yuugi couldn't help but comply.

A sudden strain was thrown on his eyes as he struggled to leave behind the last clinging traces of the dance, and return to the reality that awaited him. Slowly, the dull roar of voices in harmony returned to his ears, his hands found themselves clutching soft leather, and he noticed the first pangs of pain in his muscles.

And then...Yuugi's vision swam into focus, the bright, contrasting colors solidified into definite lines, and movement lessened in its sudden jerks. Abruptly, he froze as a pair of glowing, crimson eyes slowed to a stop in his line of vision. Yuugi's breathing sped up and his shoulders shuddered as he tried to slow his racing thoughts.

Yami...

Was this who he had been dancing with? Yuugi needed to only think for a moment before he confirmed it; the fire, still present in this vampire's eyes. was an echo of his own. There was no other possibility; the dominating force that had led him through the most captivating dance he'd ever experienced...Was this one vampire before him.

As around them the crowd continued to dance, Yuugi was suddenly made aware of the position of Yami's arms around his waist. He was pressed against the vampire as Yami's arms tightening around him, drawing him closer still, his eyes shifting color in the light.

Yuugi's breath faltered, getting caught somewhere in his chest as his heart jumped up into his throat. His eyes were opened wide and hypnotized by the powerful gaze of the other. And Yami seemed to be trapped in his own trance, their only movement that of their bodies in time to the music, a slow rock that carried them around in circles.

Someone, somewhere, must have opened a door at that moment, for a chill stole down Yuugi's back as he continued to fall into the endless depths of Yami's gaze; it pulled him always onward, and inward, and Yuugi felt all sense of reason and apprehension drop away to leave nothing but himself behind. For once, Yuugi had no callings, nothing to hide behind and blame for his actions; it was him alone, his thoughts that of his own.

And Yami was left vulnerable as well; never had he felt so open, so exposed. The last place he'd expected to feel this way was with a small, delicate Da'sara...Exactly like the one before him. And stranger still, Yami felt to regrets, no anxiety for being so open, so free of his boundaries.

He was leaning closer, and closer to the human. So close that he could count Yuugi's individual eyelashes, feel every shuddering breath as his chest rose and fell. He traced the faint blush working its way up the human's face as he too realized the decreasing space between the two.

So tantilizingly close, Yami teased him with his warm breath as it brushed Yuugi's skin and hightened his already highstrung senses. They teetered over the edge of an abiss that promised a dangerous fall to the bottom, a bottom that neither could see. Nothing existed beyond the moment flowing into the next, one moment flowing into the other as they moved ever nearer to an unseen goal.

But Yami hesistated, some distant thought speaking of forbidden fruits and barred fantasies, and trying to halt the strange feeling coursing under his skin. The last traces of sanity called him back, frantically pushing him back onto solid ground, where he needn't be afraid of falling into eternity. He pulled back from the human and watched as his eyes fluttered, trying to gain back some of his senses.

What was he doing? What was Yami doing? This was too much; he never should have let it get this far. A panic washed over Yuugi as he almost succumbed to the hynotic gaze of the other a second time. No, this would not do. He had to leave, to gather the last remnants of his wits and flee.

Without another thought, Yuugi tore himself from the vampire's hold and used his momentum to gracefully swing around, half-resembling the dance he'd performed earlier, using his partner's surprise to make good on his getaway. No more of this...This toying with his sanity.

No more...

Yuugi threw all the energy he had left into escaping, all thoughts narrowed down to this one goal. Nothing else mattered anymore except finding a sanctuary for his tired soul, a place where he could just let go and surrender to the beckoning darkness.

Special thankies to JK Fie'r for beta-ing this chapter