Sweet in Disguise

by OtakuChild

Chapter Seven is up! The secret is out, and has a nasty effect on all four involved. Malik x Bakura, Ryou x Marik. OOC, AU, Language, ShonenAi.

5. Chemistry

Sweet in Disguise
Written by OtakuChild
DISCLAIMER: Don't own, never did.

Chapter five...heeheee...hoohooo...yarg. Senior project is done and over with. YAHOOOOOO!!! does cartwheels
Now...to the present business...

CONTEST ALERT! CONTEST ALERT!

There is a hidden reference in this chapter from a non-anime source. The first person to get it right wins a fluffy fic of their fav shonen-ai couple! And perhaps, if I can manage it, a pic to go along with it. Answer in the review!

END CONTEST ALERT!
Kira-Kura: Ah, yes, the sneaking around of Ryou and Marik...their reasons for keeping their relationship a secret will be revealed as the story goes on. It will eventually involve Bakura and Malik as well, but not in a good way. That's all I can say without giving away the plot.

Anywho...it's second date time for our star couplet! Yay!

Chapter Five: Chemistry

Click. Click. Click.
Marik walked into the bathroom. The clicking noise was driving him a little batty.
"Malik! What the hell are you..." he trailed off and his eyes widened at what his hikari was doing. He had never, ever seen his hikari doing such a thing before in his life.
Malik was staring into the bathroom mirror, completely absorbed in plucking his eyebrows.
"Good god!" Marik said. "Doesn't that hurt?"
"Not really." Malik continued yanking out hair after hair. "You get used to it after awhile. It just feels like a pinprick."
Marik cringed. "Your eyebrows are fine, why are you tweezing?" he paused, then grinned. "Unless..."
"I have a date. With Bakura. At the art gallery. I have to look nice."
"So you are attracted to him."
"I didn't say that! It's the art gallery, I want to look nice. It's more formal than where we went on the first date. It has nothing to do with him." Malik set down the tweezers and set about lining his eyes.
"Oh, riiiiiiight," Marik drawled. "I'm so sure. You spend too much time preparing for this for it not to be serious."
"Oh, yes, Ra forbid I actually look nice."
"Hikari, you look nice all the time. You don't even have to try, and you know it. But you are trying, and that's what gives you away. I saw how you blushed when Bakura said you were beautiful. His jaw would have dropped to the floor if it wasn't fixed to his face."
Malik let out an exasperated sigh, and reached for the eyeshadow. "Can't I get ready in peace?"
"Fine, fine. But we both know I'm right." Marik walked into the living room, and grabbed a pen and notebook. He started writing a letter to Ryou.
Malik finished with his makeup, and looked at himself in the mirror.
"Yum," he said to his reflection. "If I weren't me I'd be all over you." He waggled his tongue at his reflection and walked into his room. Tonight's outfit consisted of a sleeveless, tight-fitting crimson shirt, with a black netted hoodie worn over it(1). He wore a pair of black leather pants to match, and black combat boots. His usual gold jewelry had been exchanged for a black chain-link choker with a small padlock charm. On his left arm he wore a silver bike chain bracelet, a spiked bracelet, a narrow studded bracelet, and several red and black jelly bracelets. His right arm sported a wider studded bracelet, a ball chain bracelet, several silver bangles, and a spiked and studded cuff. Silver hoop earrings adorned his ears, and he wore several assorted silver rings(2). His eyes were darkly lined, with silver shadow to match. He sauntered down the stairs to wait for Bakura, and noticed Marik writing.
"What'cha writing?" he asked.
"Grocery list," Marik lied.
"Okay." Malik headed for the freezer. "In that case, we need otter pops, and caramel ice cream, and more coke," he added. "Oh, and pasta and artichokes."
"Um, okay!" Marik hastily scribbled them down at the bottom of the paper to further cover his tracks, then hid the notebook.
Malik left the fridge and took to pacing the length of the living room. Marik started whistling the wedding march.
"OH SHUT UP!" Malik shrieked, and lunged at his darker half, who sidestepped, sending him into the couch. He rolled off the couch and started chasing Marik. Amidst the chaos the doorbell rang. Malik ran to get it, but was shoved out of the way by Marik.
"HEY! I'm going on the date! Lemme go!" Malik shoved against Marik.
"I want to get the door because I'm older and your guardian!" Marik pushed back.
"NO! I want to get the door!"
"No, I'm getting the door!"
"You need better locks for your windows, oh, and the electronic security system doesn't do a thing to protect your house unless it's on."
The two blondes turned their heads at the voice.
Bakura was standing in the dining room, by an open window, which had previously been shut.
"I'll keep that in mind..." Marik said. He shot a sideways glance at Malik, and smirked. Malik was silent, mouth open, looking for words that refused to come out of his mouth.
Bakura smiled, and walked over to Malik. "Hey pretty," he crooned. He swept Malik up in a hug.
Malik returned it happily. "....hey..." was all he could manage.

/Right.../ Marik said sarcastically. /It's so convincing how you're not attracted to him./
SHUT UP! I...um...we'll talk later.

Bakura gave Malik a feathery kiss on the forehead and took his hand. "We're going to the art gallery," he told Marik. "A friend of mine is exhibiting some of her paintings tonight. I'm not really sure what time we'll be back, but he'll be safe, don't worry."

"He better be," Marik said. "Have fun."
With that, Bakura whisked Malik out the front door, and to the sidewalk. He took Malik's hand and lead him to a black Volvo, loaded with various obnoxious bumper stickers and band stickers, and a Union Jack sticker on the left corner of the bumper.
"You have a car?" Malik asked.
"I do. The gallery is across town, it's too far to walk, silly." Bakura unlocked the passenger door, and opened it. "Your chariot awaits."
Malik started to giggle, and went to get in, but Bakura stopped him, not letting go of his hand. He pulled Malik close, and planted small, gentle kisses on Malik's hand. Malik stopped giggling. Bakura looked deep into Malik's eyes, and pulled him even closer. He gently ran a hand through is soft blonde hair, and brushed some stray strands out of his face. He trailed the hand down Malik's tanned cheek, and down his neck. Malik closed his eyes. It felt wonderful, he couldn't deny that. Bakura secured Malik around the waist with one arm, and moved the other down his back. Malik tried to stay calm.
He won't try anything...Marik will kill him...he won't try anything...
The hand whipped around and tickled Malik in the stomach.
"AAAAAAHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEEEEESTOPIT!" Malik burst into peals of giggles. He fell back and twisted forward to get away, but Bakura hooked the arm around his waist again, and tickled him harder, grinning devilishly.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!!" Malik's giggles turned into laughter. He lost his balance, but Bakura would not let him fall. He helped Malik back up, and hugged him close again.
"What was that for?" Malik asked, mock-offended.
"I missed your giggles." He gave Malik a chaste kiss on the lips and helped him into the car, then got in himself. He started the car, and let it idle for a few minutes. An uncomfortable silence passed over the car.
"Just warming it up a bit..." Bakura trailed off.
"Yeah..."
More silence. Bakura gave an awkward smile, which Malik returned, just as awkwardly. Bakura sat, wondering just what to do, when an idea struck him.
Catch him off guard, but in a good way!
"Well, the car seems to be warm no, so off we go!" Bakura threw the car in gear and took off into the street, peeling out along the way.
"Are you OUT OF YOUR MIND???" Malik shrieked(3). "Marik will KILL you! And this is a residential area! You're going, like, sixty in a fifteen zone! BAKURA!!!!"
Bakura just kept going, smirking all the while.
"YOU'LL GET A TICKET! I don't want to be in the car if you get pulled over! I've never even talked to a cop! BAKURA, SLOW DOWN! We're going to CRASH! YAAAAA!!!"
Bakura flew around a street corner, and Malik grabbed onto the nearest available object so he could hang on, which happened to be Bakura's right arm, conveniently. Bakura hooked it around Malik's waist.
"Hang on babe! We'll be there in no time flat!" Bakura hooked around an on-ramp and onto the freeway. Malik suddenly realized what he was clinging to, and pulled away, blushing. "Um...heehee..."
"Hey...it's okay, I won't get us killed." Bakura took Malik's hand and gave it a comforting squeeze.
"Do you drive like this all the time?" Malik asked. Bakura's hand was soft, and warm, and from the looks of it, not letting go anytime soon, so he squeezed back appreciatively.
"Sorta. I just wanted to see if you were going to do what I think you were going to do, which you just did."
"Huh?"
"Nothing. Anywho, my friend Devi was invited to display quite a few of her works at the gallery, she and her boyfriend Johnny will be there. After that I want to go someplace quiet, like the coffee shop or something, where we can just sit, and talk." The car approached the off-ramp, and they pulled into a city street. The lights were bright, and the street was filled with people of all kinds. Malik noticed that they started looking more eclectic and flamboyant as they neared the gallery. He noticed new shops and businesses he hadn't caught in awhile.
"Wow..." he murmured. "It's changed."
"They've remodeled a lot of the older, dilapidated buildings, and restored them, as well as adding a few things...when was the last time you were here, anyway?"
"Hella fucking months ago, I don't come down here much anymore."
"Well, we'll have to change that, ne? We should hit the town one of these nights. Look, there's the gallery."
Malik smiled. They pulled into the parking lot of the gallery. Much to Malik's relief, the gallery still looked the same, with its dark, brick-covered walls, and lights hanging in the windows and on the roof. Bakura shut off the car, and came round to Malik's side, and opened his door for him, taking his hand and leading him out. They linked arms and walked into the gallery. As they passed through the doorway Bakura slid his arm down, and took Malik's hand, interlacing their fingers. They made their way past the coffee shop and down a dark hallway, lit by small, overhead bulbs. Bakura lead the way, and Malik followed, figuring that Bakura knew his way around. They eventually came to a larger gallery, filled with abstract, dark paintings.
"Here we are," Bakura said.
They walked towards the first paining. Malik looked around at all the different, eclectic people who were looking at the paintings. Malik saw everything from Abercrombie to Lipservice(4) to Armani. He was amazed. He pulled a bit closer to Bakura and looked at the paining in front of him. He gasped.
It was beautiful. It was an abstract piece, yet it was very dark, and sad, with a whirlwind of crimson, black, blues, and purples. Malik stared at it, mesmerized.
"Isn't it wonderful?" Bakura said.
"Yeah...wow." Malik continued to study the painting.
"I knew you'd like these," Bakura said.
The walked around, studying each paining, sometimes talking, sometimes not, sometimes splitting up, but always finding each other. They eventually made their way back to the front of the gallery.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Bakura asked.
"Yeah! I love this! I'm surprised I haven't come by here sooner," Malik said.

"Hey! Bakura! I couldn't find you, ya crazy bastard!"
Both boys whirled around at the voice.
They were joined by a girl slightly taller than Malik, but shorter than Bakura. She wore a black spaghetti-strap top, a black skirt, and fishnets, with combat boots. She wore cross earrings and a silver chain. Her hair was short, stick-straight, and dyed turquoise.
"Devi! Gods, I haven't seen you in ages, where have you been?" Bakura asked, hugging his friend.
"Working on my own paintings, I quit the job at Nerve Publishing," she explained. They made their way to the back of the room.
"Devi, this is Malik, my date," Bakura introduced.
"So you're Malik!" Devi said, shaking Malik's hand. "I've looked forward to meeting you."
"You...have?" Malik was a little confused.
"Of course! I've heard all about you from Bakura. He talks about you nonstop." She shot Bakura a semi-malicious grin, which he returned with a mock-glare.
"Reeeeaaaallly?" Malik asked, waggling his eyebrows at Bakura, who blushed.
"So, where is he?" Bakura asked, changing the subject.
"Oh, Johnny? He's around here somewhere, with Todd(5). Todd wanted to see some of the other artwork."
"Ah," said Malik.
The three of them got to chatting, until a staff member of the gallery came to Devi and informed her someone wanted to buy a painting, so they said farewells and moved off. Bakura took Malik's hand again. "Let's go get some coffee."
"I'd like that."
They made their way back to the car, and Bakura opened the door for Malik, who was blushing wildly. They drove to a quiet coffee house on the main street, and got their coffee. Bakura found a small, quiet table in the back. They settled in.
"There's a small cafe connected to the gallery, why didn't we just go there?" Malik cradled his coffee mug.
"It was too noisy, and there are no places that are really all that private," Bakura replied. He took a small sip of his coffee. "I didn't want the entire art crowd of Domino City to hear our conversation."
"Yeah, I understand." It was Malik's turn to sip his coffee. "So...Devi said you talk about me?" He gave Bakura a goofy smirk.
"Well...sometimes...I kinda get carried away. I just....um..." Bakura stared down at his hands.
"You what?" Malik arched an eyebrow.
Bakura let out a sigh.
"I'm not going to lie. I like you a lot. I've had a lot of fun, hanging out with you, even though it's only been two dates. And the more I'm with you, the more I really like you."
"I...I like you too," Malik said. "You've been a perfect gentleman, and very sweet to me." He smiled. "I...wasn't really sure about you, and I'm still feeling reserved, and to tell you the truth, I'm confused." He let out a sigh. "I feel like, things are moving so fast, it's only been a couple of days, it's scaring me, because I feel so unsure. Bakura, I like you, but I think we need to take it easy. I need some time to sort things out. I mean, a few days ago, I hated you, because you hit on me, it made me so angry, and then you sobered up, and you've been wonderful. My head is spinning. I want to get to know you better, before we keep moving, you know?"
Malik took a deep breath. He was somewhat scared of what Bakura might say, or do. As much as he was attracted to Bakura, he was still somewhat suspicious.
"You have nothing to be afraid of, I promise," Bakura said. "If you want to take it slow, then that's exactly what we'll do."
Malik felt a wave of relief sweep over him.
"You want to know more about me? That's why we're here, so ask away, it's okay." Bakura leaned back and grinned.
"Okay...let's start with the usual crap," Malik said. "Where do you work?"
"At Kaiba Corp. I get paid to test video games all day. It pays nicely, I don't have to worry about expenses all that much."
"Hey! Marik does that too!" Malik stirred his coffee.
"Yes, he does. We're coworkers. I'm surprised he hasn't told you."
"Don't be, he probably figures I'd fly off the handle...it's a small issue I have." Marik stared into the ceramic mug.
"We all have our issues. Think about it. Marik only goes shopping at night, to avoid all the suburbanite moms and their odd hair-"
"He told you that?" Malik blurted out. "He would never tell me why!"
"He thinks you'd make fun of him." Bakura took another sip of coffee.
"I wouldn't make fun of him...heehee, what a nerd. Shopping at night." Malik started sniggering.
"Not nearly as bad as say...plucking your eyebrows." Bakura took another casual sip.
"HEY! Some of us are above walking around with a unibrow, or a scattered brow line." Malik glared.
"Yeah, yeah, now you're trying to justify it. Sad..." Bakura let out a sigh.
Malik squinted, sizing up Bakura. "Okay, Bakura...then explain to me how you keep your eyebrows shaped? That's not a natural curve."
"I...uh...I get them professionally done. I tried to tweeze them once, and botched it, and Ryou had to fix it, and I wound up with almost no eyebrows." Bakura stared at his lap. Malik started giggling.
"Oh man...hey, um...is Marik seeing anyone? Do you know?"
"Nooo...wouldn't he tell you that?" Bakura raised an eyebrow.
"Well I asked him, and he said that there is someone, but refuses to tell me. I think he's hiding something."
"He probably just made it up," Bakura crooned. "I mean, I dunno. The thought of him with one of the woman-species is just wrong. But then the thought of him bringing boys home doesn't really do much either. Who knows? Maybe he's asexual."
"He is not!" Malik screeched. "I mean...I don't think he...oh boy. I don't want to think about this anymore."
"Me neither."
His thoughts shifted from Marik to thoughts of where their third date might be. Then he remembered Joey and Tristan telling him things about the third date. Not-so-nice things. His insides squirmed.
"Is it bothering you that much?" Bakura asked, noting the discomfort on Malik's face.
"No!" Malik replied, a little too quickly. "I'm fine! Really!"
"No, you're not," Bakura said softly. "What's wrong? Tell me."
Malik suddenly felt awkward and embarrassed, two things he wasn't used to. He didn't like the feeling of losing control on situations. He knew Bakura wouldn't stop until he opened up, and he put his head down on the table, buried in the crook of his elbow.
"I...um...well...Joey and Tristan said that on the third date...you have to...um...you have to put out on the third date...like, you have to sleep with them, or screw them, or-"
"I know, I get the point," Bakura said, in a non-condescending tone; he'd cut in to save Malik from more embarrassment.
"It's said a lot, and I guess there are a fair few that feel that way, I don't," he said. "I've never felt that way, personally, I think the notion is dumb. I feel that you should only take it that far once you are ready to, and if you love the person deeply enough. It should never feel uncomfortable, or awkward." He leaned towards Malik again, and stroked the top of his head gently. "I would never do that, put you in that position, or expect that of you. It's too early to think along those lines. I don't want us to be like that."
He realized that even though Malik tended towards midriffs and tight pants, and cracked some pretty dirty jokes, he was quite uncomfortable discussing sexual matters, when it came down to the wire. He suppressed a wave of anger; Joey and Tristan, in his opinion, were stupid, immature gits who may have been trying to talk Malik into something, for all he knew. He knew that Malik wasn't so naive that he would let himself be talked into anything, but it had still gotten to Malik, and it dawned on Bakura that while Malik was definitely a nice, caring, good person, he did distance himself from others, often putting up an air of arrogance, and that perhaps Malik was more insecure about himself than he would ever let on. Bakura felt even more protective of Malik.
Malik lifted his head. "It's stupid," he spat. "I know better. I really do. And I would never let anybody talk me into that," he said, confirming Bakura's inner thoughts. "It shouldn't bug me..." he put his head back down.
"I'd worry if it didn't bug you," Bakura said. "But still, Tristan and Joey have a way of getting to people." He recalled one morning when, in the usual morning inspection of his car, he had found a potato stuck into the exhaust pipe. He went to find the culprit, and found the two of them sniggering in the backyard. The two were later discovered by Yugi, hanging from a large tree branch by their boxers. He carpooled with Marik for the next few days until a mechanic could check the gas tank, to make sure that no sugar had been poured into it.
"Don't worry about it," Bakura said. "I bet the only reason they told you that was because they weren't getting any or something, and that was their way of venting it off."
Malik burst into muffled giggles.
Ryou was sifting through a stack of mail on the counter, when he found an unaddressed envelope, simply titled "Ryou," with Marik's untidy scrawl. He smiled, and unfolded the letter that lay inside. He sat down on the couch, and began to read.

My dearest Ryou,

I miss you more that words can say right now. I hate that we have to sneak like this, and have to stay so quiet, because you're so close to me, but we're worlds apart when everybody else is around, and we can't even act like we have anything at all.
I long for the day when we can love each other openly, and we won't have to steal away on quiet nights just to see each other in peace.
I wish that I had been honest about things from day one, because maybe we wouldn't be in the mess that we are in now. It has gotten so convoluted, and complicated, that I feel it is taking its toll.
Ryou, I feel that I cannot take this anymore, and I wonder if you can as well. I feel that the time has come to come clean about us to Bakura, and Malik. I know you probably won't like the idea, for fear that Bakura will go ballistic. Even though we are coworkers, I know that he couldn't stand the thought of me taking your innocence. But I know, deep inside, that you never will lose that childlike innocence and whimsy you possess, it makes me love you that much more.
I know you fear what Bakura may say, and do, but also remember that no matter what happens, I will protect you, and keep you safe, because you are everything to me, my beloved. I will forever be with you, even into the afterlife.

Love,
Mariku

Ryou's eyes blurred with tears, and he hurriedly wiped them away, in case Bakura came through the door at that moment. Then he noticed some smaller writing on the corner of the page.
"Otter pops?" He read aloud. paper?"
He started giggling hysterically.
Hidden in the far corner of the backyard, Marik watched his beloved, smiling when he saw Ryou giggle.

Malik looked out the window of the car, watching the streetlights go by. Bakura drove one-handed, his right hand holding Malik's, running his thumb across it every so often. Malik didn't want the drive to end. The evening had been wonderful. He had gotten to see some awesome artwork, and have coffee. He and Bakura talked about countless things. Malik hadn't realized before how eloquent Bakura's choice of words were, and how he always had an educated response and opinion. They had fascinating, wonderful conversations at the coffee house, and when they finally made their way out to the car, Bakura swung Malik around and gave him a kiss. It was all he could do to keep from melting into a puddle of goo. Now they were just sitting in the car, in comfortable silence while Bakura drove him home. All too soon they were in front of Malik's front door. Bakura pulled to a stop in the driveway.
"So...we're here," he said, quietly.
"Yeah," Malik said, looking out the passenger side window. He suddenly felt nervous again. It was Bakura who got out first, and opened Malik's door, to help him out. Malik smiled, feeling a warm fluttery feeling in his stomach. Bakura took his hand and pulled him into a tight hug, grinning. The two just held each other for a few minutes. To Malik it felt much longer. But they finally broke the hug, and Bakura walked him to the door.
"Well, I don't know about you," Bakura said, "But I certainly had fun." He held Malik's hand in his own.
"I had fun too. I...I want to keep seeing you." Malik was unsure where that came from, but he realized, yes, it was true. He didn't want to stop seeing Bakura.
"Good." Bakura ran a hand down Malik's cheekbone. "Because I am going to kiss you like you've never been kissed before."
And with that said, he dove forward, and in one swift motion, yanked up Malik's shirt and planted small kisses on his stomach.
Malik let out a howl, and jumped away from Bakura.
"BAKURA!"
The former thief was busy laughing. Malik straightened his shirt again, and set about unlocking the door, for Marik had not come home yet.
"Okay, Bakura," Malik said. "First off, I have been kissed like that, by Yami, when he was really drunk, and second," he found the proper key and went to unlock the door. "You don't tell someone you're gonna kiss them, you sneak up and -"
Bakura had been tiptoeing up to Malik while he was talking, and he grabbed his shoulder and spun him so he could face the Egyptian. Without a word he swept Malik up in a deep, passionate kiss. Malik froze in shock, but then he kissed back, just as passionately. Bakura broke the kiss, and ran his tongue across Malik's lips, in a silent asking of permission. Malik granted it by kissing him again, and taking lead. They explored each other's mouths until they ran out of air, and Malik pulled away to catch his breath.
"I'm...sorry..." Bakura said.
"Don't apologize," said Malik. "Just promise you'll call me."
"Of course I will," said Bakura, pulling Malik close again. "Goodnight, Pretty."
"Goodnight, Bakura. Sweet dreams."
"Of course, they'll be there, wonderful sweet dreams of you."
Malik started to giggle. Bakura placed another quick kiss on Malik's lips before letting Malik go to unlock the door. Malik let himself in and shut the door, slowly sinking to the floor. He put a finger to his lips, still absorbing the fact that they'd shared such a fevered kiss.
"Oh man..." Malik said quietly. "I...wow. He...kissed...me...I..."
"Yeah, I know, I'm this fantastic kisser," Bakura's muffled voice came from outside the door.
Malik gasped, startled, and then ran to the living room and stuck his head out the window, giggling. "Go home, you wonderful handsome gentleman!" He said.
"Awww...okaaaaaay." Bakura made his way to the car, and started the engine, winking at Malik before he drove off.
"What was that all about?"
Malik turned to see Marik standing about three feet from him.
"YAAAACK! How do you do that?"
"Millennium power. Anywho, how was the date? Did you kiss him? Huh? Huh?"
"I don't kiss and tell," Malik said. "But...it was wonderful, so goodnight." He made his way upstairs to his room. Marik lazily strutted to the foot of the stairs.
"You're falling for him and you know it!" He yelled up to Malik.
He was greeted by a flying combat boot. Wheeeeee! It is DONE!
Yes, I borrowed the kissing scene from Will & Grace. Footnotes!
(1) I have a shirt exactly like this. I love it! It just screams "MALIK SHIRT!" so I stuck it in the fic.
(2) Yes, Malik looks yummy in his gold jewelry, but I think he looks just as good in silver.
(3) He shrieks alot, doesn't he?
(4) Lipservice is a punk brand of clothing found in Hot Topic and Torrid. I have a couple of shirts by them, and haven't seen the label anywhere else.
(5) Todd, also known as Squee. I placed him under Johnny's watch, because I hate his parents. I put Johnny and Devi as an item because I think they'd be perfect for each other, despite Johnny's homicidal tendencies.

Okay, I've practically given away the contest...so...first one to guess wins it!

So, read and review, pretty please, and I'm sorry it's taking so long!!!
-OtakuChild