Desired Effects
By:
Stealthe-Chan
Date:
Monday, 2nd October 3:48pm – Tuesday, 3rd October 4:32pm -- After many excruciatingly long detours including food, reading Fanfiction, sleeping, shopping, paying bills, getting phone calls, hunting for my unfindable wallet and writing up Breathless.
Series:
YuGiOh Genex
Genre:
Dark Romance I suppose
Character/s:
Ryo Murufuji/Zane Truesdale
x
Fubuki Tenjoin/Atticus Rhodes
Summary:
After quitting the GX Tournament, Finding childhood friend Fubuki at his doorstep and being expected to let him stay for a week let alone a day was definitely not what Hell Kaiser Ryo had on his priorities list. RyoxFubuki Shonen-Ai
Disclaimer:
Don't own anything to do with YuGiOh Genex. But I own the plot line XD
A/N:
Yay! Two Review, Three Faves and Two Alerts Wootness Thanks Guys! X33 After all, it was those that made me motivated to finish off this chapter ;D Since I'm somewhat drifting to EdoxRyo. Because I'm dying to write a love/hate relationship but I'm trying to get the 'premises' right. Hmm…
Also to Beauty Heart, I have a feeling you'll be reading this, so I'd just like to say an extra big thank you for dropping a review for 'Breathless'. Hope you guys enjoy. And if you feel kind enough to motivate me, drop a review xD

Day Two:

Hell Kaiser Ryo's eyes opened slowly, a pretty indigo-blue, focusing on the beige ceiling above him. Thin sheets were tangled around his body as he lay with his head slightly tilted on a very squishy pillow. Sluggishly sliding himself out of bed, he headed towards the bathroom, with every intention on carrying through the day in the fashion that he always had; however, as soon as he entered the nicely tiled bathroom, he noticed a few things were different. There were a set of indistinguishable clothes lying messily on top of the laundry basket, a new toothbrush and towel, and a strange, new, but still somewhat familiar scent in the air.

Groaning slightly, he immediately was hit by a wave of memories as to what had happened last night. Not that anything interesting had happened of course. He distinctly remembered silently walking with Fubuki back to the Living Room and asking, no, telling him that he would have to sleep there until Ryo organized something. Then, he had tossed a set of spare clothes at the brunette, telling him that he disliked having his furniture ruined by such filthy clothes –though really it was because he hated being reminded of Obelisk Blue- and then handed him a new toothbrush and a spare towel before firmly locking himself in his bedroom.

Ryo's house was fairly small, having two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and a living room. However, Ryo had managed to convert the second bedroom into a sort of 'study' which he would use to store all of the miscellaneous items he owned. As for the 'dining' room, other than the fact that the Hell Kaiser usually ate out, he would sometimes eat in his bedroom or the Living Room.

Anyway, once again immersing himself to the sheer tranquility of a shower, Ryo went through his schedule for the day. He had quite a large amount of duels lined up for the day; which, he supposed was a good thing. Then, drying himself and dressing in his trademark Hell Kaiser Outfit, he headed towards the kitchen aiming to make a cup of coffee. He had always found coffee a bit too bitter. But it was a bitterness that sometimes made Ryo feel quite exhilarated and alive.

Silently –or what he thought was silently- he stepped through the Living Room, the soft carpet underneath his bare feet muffling any sound he was bound to make. There, lying on the couch, sprawled under a relateively thin sheet, lay Tenjoin Fubuki. His face a picture of calm and his chocolate brown hair sprawled messily around his head.

Quickly, and as quietly as possible, Murufuji Ryo made a mug of coffee, grabbed a pen and a piece of paper, scrawled a note, picked up his trademark Trench Coat and headed outside. Careful to lock the door and then hailed a taxi before heading towards another Duel Arena.

"I wonder how my Dear Brother is doing…" Sho's uncertain voice piercing through my thoughts; ironically, I was thinking of the same person. But it's not like I, Tenjoin Fubuki rarely think about Sho's Brother. No, in fact, I think about Kaiser Murufuji Ryo quite a lot. Almost all the time. To the point that it scares me

"I'm sure he's doing fine" Yuki Judai's over confident and boisterous voice answers. But we know he's lying. Only saying it so little Sho will feel slightly better. At least, I know. And that, I suppose should be good enough.

"He's still on his winning streak…" Tenjoin Asuka, my little sis comments rhetorically. But we all know why he's winning. He's losing his respect for everything, and anything. I doubt he even knows how to respect himself anymore.

"He's a good dueler, no doubt. But without Respect, dueling becomes nothing" Phoenix Edo adds in, voicing everyone's thoughts. No-one could believe how he had acted during his duel between little Sho and himself, it was positively scary.

I can still remember that vague look in his eyes. They were blank. But I could see something in them, when we locked eyes under the lighthouse before we dueled. I could see him there. But… he was there, in his… not it's eyes. But then when his heart spoke to me, I realized something. He truly wasn't taken over by Darkness. He couldn't be taken over, because it was him, himself who made darkness take over him.

My friend… had lost everything. Not even Sho meant anything to him anymore.

"Is it even possible to change him back?" Manjoume Jun pitches in. Ah, the lovely cynic of our little group. Can't you see how worried we are about you?

"He has to do it on his own, I suppose" Tyranno Kenzan says and sighs. Why won't you let us- no me help?

"He hasn't forgotten respect… yet" I suddenly say. I'm defending you, my friend. Why won't you let me do more than just that? Let me help you when I am near you. Not when you're merely talked about when you aren't here

"Still, unless someone does something about it, he'll forget it soon" Edo Phoenix again. I know it's his fault for your change. His entire fault. If it weren't for him, you might still be the same. I stand from the verandah, surprising our group and head towards Principal Samejima's office. I only think of one thing. Hell Kaiser Ryo… I won't stand by being a mere observer as you let the Darkness win. No, I'll fight with you, wherever you are. And if you can't be saved, my friend, then I'll go with you… To the Darkness once again

Tenjoin Fubuki woke up with a start, an ache stabbing at his back and neck as he attempted to roll to the right, but instead rolled into a very sturdy, leather 'wall'. Cursing in his mind and pushing himself up, the Blizzard Prince immediately tensed as he realized where he was.

"Ryo…" He muttered softly and got up, looking around at the gloomy room, his clothes- no, Ryo's clothes very disheveled. He had noticed, that they smelt very much like the blunette, and that was something that somewhat made Fubuki happier. To a degree at any rate.

Looking at the kitchen counter and lying on top of yet another spare set of clothes and next to a set of keys, a neat note caught Fubuki's eye; immediately attracted to it, Fubuki was delighted to see that it was directed at him. Well at least he's considerate enough, I mean, after all, it's not like I was expecting much since he's gone all evil now… Fubuki thought with a slight smile.

Fubuki,

I will be out all day. Try not to kill yourself.

Ryo

Souring at the last sentence, Fubuki made a face so much for consideration… he thought to himself and sighed exasperatedly. Not that he really expected Hell Kaiser Ryo to spend some time with him. Nuh-uh. Not at all. Frowning, the brunette did the most logical thing he could think of; and headed towards the bath room.

The mirror still had residue fog lingering on it's surface and a soft haze of steam hovered near the ceiling; indicating that Ryo hadn't been gone for long. Brushing his teeth and washing his face, before taking a quick rinse, Then, after drying and dressing; the Blizzard Prince headed back to the kitchen, snatched at the keys and quickly headed out.

Making sure to lock the door, Tenjoin Fubuki winced slightly as the sun's glare slammed into him forcefully, temporarily making him go blind with colourful dots dancing across chocolate-coloured eyes. He smiled somewhat dazedly and headed into the city. Domino City… he could vaguely recall coming here for a short while with Duel Academy for a 'Field Trip'. As predicted, it had ended up rather chaotically for Judai, Sho, Tyranno and Edo Phoenix. Not that he cared much about their dilemmas at that time. He, on the other hand, was too busy dealing with those stupid Association of Light people! They had corrupted his sister!

Ha. Thankfully Judai helped her get out of the white ice phase… He thought dazedly and set off walking towards the centre of the bustling city with every intention of letting himself get lost in the dazzling lights consistently on display. There was a large gothic-style shop that caught his eye, containing many of the stereo-typical gothic Lolita dresses which made him smile and vow to come back and buy one for Asuka as some kind of feeble attempt at getting her agree to his goal of stardom.

'That's like telling you that being famous is a stupid goal in life and that you'll never achieve it' He could still hear Kaiser's icy voice saying that to him. He's wrong Fubuki thought and renewed his vow to 'save' Kaiser. Whether Kaiser likes it or not…

With this new resolve, Fubuki continued to wander through the fairly busy streets of Domino City; passing a variety of stores and occasionally a card shop. But at the moment, his mind was on other things. I wonder what he's doing now… He thought rather tiredly as he walked into a News Agency; several Duelling Magazines catching his eye as he noticed whom graced the covers of them all. I didn't know you were on good terms with the Paparazzi or any form of media for that matter he thought, arcing a brow as he picked one of them up. The front picture being of Kaiser in his usual outfit with a smirk on his face, Probably took the photo during a duel of some sort… Fubuki figured and smiled a bit. But in doing so they only managed to make you look oh so much more seductive, Kaiser.

Placing the magazine down again and nodding curtly at the shop keeper and heading back to the streets in an effort to waste a large amount of time. And hopefully succeeding.

"Hmm… Ryo said he'd be out all day. So when does that mean he'll come back?" Fubuki mused out loud as he passed a supermarket. Immediately he had an idea and rushed into the store; flashing sleazy smiles at all of the checkout ladies and quickly pulling off multiple items off of the shelves.

This whole ordeal in the supermarket took quite a bit longer than he had originally intended; by the time he had gotten out of there –arms laden with carrying multiple bags- it was around midday.

Cursing himself silently, he headed rather slowly towards Ryo's house; intending on taking a quick, afternoon nap and then creating a surprise for a particular Kaiser; wondering if Ryo would ever trust him in his kitchen.

"Cyber Dark Horn! Directly attack the player!" Hell Kaiser Ryo's voice thundered through the Arena as his opponent visibly flinched as the force of the blast hit him square on. The annoying clicky sounds made by his life point metre as it zoned down to zero resounding in the air; immediately followed by a roar from the crowd.

"Great job, Kaiser!" His agent said with a creepy looking grin as he moved to greet the duellist as he stepped down from the duelling field(?). He was a fairly tall young man with a sly grin and an awfully sleazy air about him; but Ryo didn't mind. He was easy to be manipulated.

Behind him, stood a young lady whom looked only slightly older than him but had an air of command about her. With obviously dyed, bright, cherry-red hair pulled loosely into a rather casual bun at the back of her head and a pair of black 'emo' glasses resting on her nose; she appeared to be someone with great authority. Authority I have no time nor dealings with Ryo thought icily and easily waved off his Agent.

"Mayumi-San here, is your new publisher! She has a few events planned to boost your popularity and fan base!" The male continued, gesturing to the lady with that annoying smile still plastered on his features. 'Mayumi' smiled slightly and moved forward, extending a hand in greeting.

"Nice to meet you, Murufuji Ryo" She purred, her contacted, green eyes looking at him rather foxishly which only made him even more annoyed. Just who gave Atsushi permissions to assign me a publisher? Ryo thought angrily as he ignored Mayumi.

"Now, now. Mayumi, Ryo's just a little bit tired after his duel," Atsushi said with a nervous smile as Ryo sent him a nasty glare and walked off. Mayumi only looked rather impatient, tapping a healed shoe annoyingly on the floor before Atsushi grabbed her and pulled herself and him towards Ryo; barely able to keep up with Ryo's pace.

"Ryo; Come now, Mayumi is an excellent publisher! She's been in charge of many of the top duellists in the world! Making them all household names! Surely you've heard of a few of them? Mai Kujaku?" Atsushi continued. Mai Kujaku? How can one not know her? But who cares. Even if Mayumi is as good a publisher as she says she is; I don't need a publisher Ryo thought angrily and only quickened his pace even more.

"Atsushi. Am I to understand that your little Kaiser is unwilling to let me be his Publisher? If you haven't noticed already, Atsushi, I have a very busy schedule and I'm sure there are others whom are trying to bribe my secretaries into opening some space in it!" Mayumi's imperious voice suddenly cut through Atsushi's rambling about how Mayumi was an 'opportunity of a lifetime' and whatnot. The greasy male paused and looked nervously at the Publisher; shaking his head with a false smile placed on his face that Mayumi could see right through.

"N-No! Of course not, Mayumi-San. Kaiser is just stressed. After all, he did have three duels in a row" Atsushi said feebly which just caused a sneer to grow on Ryo's face. Was it three duels? I could have sworn it was four Ryo thought to himself, Stupid Atsushi, it's Four Victories. Not three

"Oh. Well," Mayumi seemed to be out of words for a moment, "How about we discuss things during dinner then"

Ryo immediately stopped walking as Atsushi tugged on his arm –eliciting a growl from Ryo- and with a surprising amount of strength, spun him around to face Mayumi; horrid grin still dancing on his face.

"After all; We have to discuss what kind of things Kaiser would agree to do and would not do," She sighed rather comically and looked at Ryo again, "It's so hard working with someone who doesn't co-operate. But then again… I have my methods…"

Ryo immediately recognised the tone she was using on him. It was a threat. She knew he wasn't interested. But like any person with a sign of sanity in them; she knew that having him, Hell Kaiser Ryo as one of her employers would definitely boost her career and she was reluctant to let him go.

"Oh yes, yes! Kaiser, you rarely have anything on your schedule, you'll come to dinner to organise a few media events won't you" Atsushi said hastily which immediately reminded Ryo that actually, for once, he did have something to consider. And this time, he wouldn't be escaping the wrath of Atsushi's rants when he made excuses as to why he couldn't attend some function of a sort. But, escaping Mayumi might be harder.

"Actually…" Ryo started; remembering Fubuki, "I do have something planned this evening"

"Oh? Do you mind enlightening us on what?" Mayumi inquired, eying him icily as Atsushi looked ready to chuck a fit. Definitely harder to get by… Ryo thought and sighed.

"Like dealing with a certain person?"

"A lady friend?" Mayumi suddenly asked; eager fan girl-ness shining in her eyes as she planned on using this information for some sort of media conference. Hell Kaiser Ryo shot her an icy glare. The thought of Fubuki being a 'lady friend' being only too disturbing. At least, that's what he thought the random annoying nag at the back of his head was.

"Is it any of your business?"

Mayumi was speechless; still glaring back at Ryo, she approached the duellist with a cell phone in hand.

"You'll have to put them off if that's the case then" She said coldly, ignoring Atsushi's whimper at her boldness. Ryo sneered at her, snatching the cell phone with every intention of crushing it under the heel of his shoe; that is, before she continued her statement, "If they're not that important. After all, think of it this way; if they aren't that important, then obviously you wouldn't give a damn about them being in your supposedly 'full' schedule"

Beside Mayumi, Atsushi was nodding rather idiotically. His oversized brown eyes reminding Ryo of ping pong balls which only added the creepy effect to him.

"Hn" Was all Ryo said as he dialled his home number; somewhat praying that Fubuki wouldn't pick up so that Mayumi wouldn't have anything to blackmail him with, But then again… if Fubuki doesn't pick up I'll have to go to this dinner which I don't want to do Ryo then thought and immediately began to silently plead that Fubuki would pick up the phone.

After the second ring Ryo had a faint suspicion that Fubuki was deliberately not picking up the phone. After the third ring, he began to panic a little, I don't want to go to the party! He told himself the reason was. After the fourth ring, Hell Kaiser Ryo was about to give up when suddenly he heard a very annoyed voice picking up the phone.

As intended, Tenjoin Fubuki had indeed gotten back to Ryo's house with relative ease, and then he had taken the time to take a quick nap; except this time he chose to sleep on Kaiser's bed as he loathed the harshness of the couch –that and he figured he'd actually get away with sleeping on Ryo's bed-. He had slept soundly and comfortably, snuggled under Ryo's bed sheets and inhaling Ryo's scent as he slept face down and spread-eagled on the bed; sleeping off the afternoon. After all; it's not like he had anything else to do.

Waking up as the sun slowly sunk completely, Fubuki stretched and headed towards the kitchen; still wearing a set of Kaiser's clothes and immediately began to peel a bunch of carrots and potato; his goal to cook a meal that he hoped wouldn't turn into a disaster; Since he wasn't looking forward to Ryo yelling at him if he burnt the house down.

Eventually, he had managed to cook the main dishes (fish, soup and vegetables) and had just lit the fire for the gas stove in order to cook rice –Stupid Ryo not having a bloody Rice Cooker- when the phone rung. Loudly. Clearly. And annoyingly.

Glaring, Fubuki hoped so badly that it was merely a salesperson; even though by some gut instinct of his he knew it wasn't. After the third ring he was struggling to resist the urge to pick up the phone. But by the forth ring, he couldn't resist it anymore. Damn phones he cursed angrily and stalked towards it and answering it.

"Hello?" He growled into the phone and expecting some happy-go-lucky voice to answer it and tell him that he was the 'lucky one-millionth person to do so and so and therefore he had one some trip to some unknown country in the world of the living dead'. What he did not expect was Ryo's voice asking him if he minded that Ryo was busy.

"Fubuki?" Ryo asked as a habit; after all, who knew what insane idiot his 'friend' could have dragged over without him to supervise. Near him, Mayumi's face split into a wide grin as she noticed that 'Fubuki' was a boy's name

"Eh?" Was the Brunette's answer as he headed towards the kitchen again, holding the cordless phone between his ear and shoulder; tilting his head in a very uncomfortable angle. The brunette was very confused as to why Ryo would be calling him. Let alone who he knew that he'd be at his home.

"I have to work late. Well no, I have a meeting with my Publisher and Agent so uh…" Ryo attempted feebly to sound as though he knew what he was talking about. But it was kind of hard pretending that he really wanted to have dinner with Atsushi and Mayumi and at the same time praying that Fubuki would act like a possessive idiot and not 'let' him have dinner with them. Wait a second. Possessive? Where the hell did that come from?

"Uhm. Does it really matter? You have work. I'm just idly dropping by…" Fubuki tried to sound as though he didn't really care; but he couldn't erase all traces of the hurt he felt. After all, he had put a lot of energy into making dinner for the both of them. He was almost willing to bet his deck that Ryo was still hopeless in the kitchen and therefore hadn't eaten a good, home cooked meal since the last time he visited his parents which was indeed a long time ago.

Ryo was fairly silent for a while. He had heard something in Fubuki's voice. But he couldn't put a finger on it. Just what exactly was wrong with Fubuki?

"No. Seriously. Do you mind?" Ryo then tried, wanting to give Mayumi and Atsushi that his 'appointment' with Fubuki was very 'important'. Mayumi smiled icily as she began leafing through her binder that had miraculously appeared out of no where.

Fubuki pretended to be thoughtful for a moment as he carelessly began to shove china plates back into their respective cupboards and then look at the rice. To cook or not to cook He thought with a wry grin. Shakespeare never failed to amuse him for some odd reason.

"Heh? Nah…" Fubuki finally answered as he lent down to adjust the fire which was placed on low, "Hey. Hold on a sec, I need to put this plate back"

Placing the phone down and grumbling rather loudly under his breath about idiots who were unnaturally tall and happened to only have space left in their kitchens in the top cupboards; Fubuki sighed and looked at the flame yet again. His mother had always taught him that when cooking you must always keep an eye on the flame but at the same time stand back.

Ryo sighed patiently, attempting to decipher Fubuki's ramblings and immediately paling as he finally understood what he was saying. 'The stupid idiot who places his stupid plates on the top row of the stupid cupboards really is stupid! How the hell can anyone not his height expect to be able to cook efficiently like this?' Paling visibly, What on Earth is Fubuki doing? Tell me he isn't cooking! If there is a god… smite Fubuki now

"Back. Sorry about that. Ryo it really isn't fair that you're plates are-" Fubuki started but was immediately attacked by Ryo.

"Are you cooking!" He literally screeched –but maybe not so loud-, Mayumi and Atsushi giving him strange looks, probably wondering what insane idiot would ever cook for Hell Kaiser Ryo in their right mind.

"Err… yeah? But you go to your dinner any-"

"What. With fire?"

"Well duh with fire. What else can you expect to cook with? A dead tree?"

"Just. Stay there. Don't wreck anything. I'll be there in a sec" Ryo then finished and hung up the cell phone, tossing it carelessly at Mayumi who gasped; but he ignored it. He had better things to worry over. Like the fact that the psychotic maniac is probably going to burn down my house. And I haven't even gotten insurance yet!

"Kaiser?" Atsushi asked nervously as Ryo literally began to run towards the exit of the Arena. Knowing Fubuki it'd taste like complete rubbish anyway- not that I can talk- but seriously. Him? Cooking? Definitely not.

"What?" He growled as an answer, glaring at the pair of them. Though inside he was somewhat glad this had happened; it gave him an excuse to escape Atsushi's annoying creepiness and Mayumi's intimidating ness.

"I've got to get going. Fubuki's probably going to burn the house down" He said roughly and headed out of the Arena, walking rather fast towards his home; which thankfully was fairly close. Not that Fubuki had burnt anything… yet.

Left behind, Mayumi silently seethed. She had been inches away from securing a good deal with the biggest potential career-booster she had come across yet. And she had let him slip away. Slip through her fingers. Just like that. Glaring at Atsushi who still looked rather surprised.

"I'll be expecting a pay rise after this, Atsushi-San" She said icily and made her own way out leaving the Agent to wallow in his self-pity.

Footsteps echoing hauntingly along the pavement as a rather obscured figure dashed through the streets, coat tails flying in the wind as he continued his somewhat desperate journey back towards his home and at the same time cursing a certain brunette in his mind. Stupid Fubuki… first he decides to crash at my place when I'm positive I made it clear last time that we weren't exactly good 'friends'. Then, he decides to stay over? And now he's trying to burn down my house? He thought, a frown plastered on his pale features, what on earth is his problem?

Dashing into the main street that lead to several other streets, Hell Kaiser Ryo quickly turned into the very familiar avenue where his house was situated. Mild panic ensuing in his mind as he hurriedly produced a set of keys; fumbling with the lock then pushing the door open. Only to be greeted by a rather intoxicating smell of… Unburnt food? Ryo thought alarmed as he careened into a humming Tenjoin Fubuki.

Barely able to sustain his balance, the blunette instinctively grabbed out at the closest, most stable thing near him –though later he'd probably be wondering why he thought it was stable anyway- which just happened to be a very surprised Fubuki.

"What happened to your dinner with your publisher and agent?" Fubuki inquired rather amused as Ryo blushed faintly and dropped his arm. Why's he here? It's not like he has a reason to be Fubuki thought to himself and decided it was best not to voice this opinion to his 'lovely Landlord'.

"You were cooking?" Ryo then countered curtly choosing to ignore Fubuki's question and looked at the romantic rather coldly. Taking off his coat and tossing it carelessly on the couch; he noticed that the house wasn't completely wrecked. Yet Ryo thought darkly and sighed as he turned his stern gaze back on Fubuki.

"Does it matter?" Fubuki responded, rolling his chocolate-brown eyes and sighing before heading back to the kitchen with Ryo following.

The sight in the kitchen was rather surprising to Ryo; after all, he had expected a total battle field. Probably consisting of flour and icing sugar splayed across counters, irremovable sauce dripping on the walls, noodles flung across the implements and scalding hot water spilt all over the floor. Instead, he was greeted with a relatively clean kitchen with several plates consisting of fish and vegetables, a large bowl of soup –complete with a ladle- and a pot of rice. What the- was the only comprehendible thought floating through Ryo's dark abyss that he preferred to call a 'head'.

"Hmm… Do you think I cooked too much?" Fubuki was muttering under his breath, looking rather nervously at the plates and bowls. I mean, I did originally plan to cook for the both of us. But then again, isn't he meant to be eating dinner with his work people? He's probably just here to pick up a few things Fubuki reasoned in his mind; Oblivious to Ryo's slight spasm at the glorious sight of an actual home-cooked meal.

"Anyway. Before you came barging in acting all high and mighty, I was going to start eating. Because I, unlike you, actually need food to survive. You can join me if you want" Fubuki then said, throwing a massive hint at the Kaiser's way. It was obvious that Fubuki would not be any more direct than that.

"Is it even edible?" Ryo asked somewhat mockingly which only elicited a sad laugh from the brunette as he took out a typical rice bowl and spooned some food into it. Then, taking a pair of chopsticks and expertly picking up a piece of fish; he turned to glare rather icily at Ryo.

"Why don't you find out for yourself?" He asked irritably and immediately stuffed the chopsticks into Ryo's slightly open mouth; almost literally 'shoving it down his throat' before dragging them out and tossing them carelessly in the sink. Ryo, in the meantime, was fairly surprised; he had never seen that coming. Slowly and 'thoughtfully' he began to chew on the piece of fish –salmon- and immediately felt a tinge of nostalgia biting at him. How long has it been since I've eaten something like this? He thought with the answer springing to mind immediately, too long.

"I heard from Sho that you used to like fish" Fubuki continued as he wiped down another counter -though he really didn't need to- and emphasised the word 'used'. Actually, that was a lie. Sho had never said anything of a sort. Fubuki could vaguely remember his and Ryo's little 'fish fight' once during dinner when they were both relatively 'normal'. It basically consisted of Fubuki about to grab the last piece of fish just to torment Ryo whom had stupidly proclaimed that 'that's my favourite fish!' in the previous ten minutes; and then Ryo chucking a mental spazz just as the brunette was about to eat it. But in the end he got it anyway Fubuki thought as he remembered that moment with a smile. I will turn you back to normal, Ryo. I just know it.

"Sho would know. Wouldn't he? He hates fish" Ryo then remarked much to Fubuki's surprise.

"I'm surprised you even remember Sho" Was all Fubuki said as he then pulled out another rice bowl -assuming that Ryo wouldn't be leaving anytime soon- and handed it towards the blunette with cold curtesy.

A frown gracing Hell Kaiser's features as he noted the implications that Fubuki was pressing; how could anyone forget Sho? That pathetic lump. Pathetic lump or no, he's still my brother… albeit a shame to me. Taking the bowl and following Fubuki's suit, Ryo sighed as he remembered his brother. The last time he had seen Sho was during their duel at the Genex Tournament; where he had left his brother broken and in intense pain. He's a fool. He wouldn't understand was Ryo's only reasoning at that time; but now? He only hoped that Sho would forgive him when 'it' was over.

"How was your day?" the brunette then ventured to inquire.

"The usual"

"Oh yeah, and I would happen to know what 'the usual' is?" Fubuki retorted sarcastically and rolling his eyes.

"Nothing of significance then"

"Mmhm. I'm sure"

"Well, other than my stupid agent employing a stupid publisher who I swear is out to get me; absolutely nothing is of unusual interest"

Fubuki pursed his lips and sighed again before taking a seat at small table in the middle of the kitchen –conveniently there- and waiting for Ryo to join him.

The first ten minutes or so were spent in complete silence; each of the table's occupants sinking into their own thoughts and eating mechanically. The Blizzard Prince taking the time to elongate the silence and 'planning' his next 'step' with his whole 'conversion' plan' and the Kaiser merely thinking back on the days duels.

"You know, everyone misses you" Fubuki suddenly said and looked up. The blunette was silent for another moment, taking his time to chew on some more of the addictive fish.

"Does it matter?"

"Well I can't see why not"

"Why, then?"

"Because; even though you've been ignoring them they still care about you. They don't want to see you lose yourself" Came the simple answer. And me? I don't want to see it either Fubuki added on silently; brown eyes focused on the pro-league duellist.

"Hn" Was the only reply as they brought about another silence.

"How's Sho?" Ryo unexpectedly asked and startled the brunette. At least let me know if he's okay I suppose was his justification. But of course Hell Kaiser Ryo would never willingly admit that he still gave a damn about his younger brother.

"He's been a lot better. At least he has Kenzan and Edo looking after him and making sure he doesn't kill himself" Fubuki said and decided to carelessly throw Edo Phoenix's name into the sentence to see what kind of reaction he would receive.

" Edo Phoenix? What's he got to do with Sho?"

"Substitute big brother"

Ryo twitched in anger at this answer as he continued to condemn Edo Phoenix to the depths of hell in his mind. Stupid brat needs to learn his place… and not replace mine he thought icily and growled slightly which only elicited a sharp twinkle of laughter from the table's other occupant.

"Jealous. Much?" Came the question.

"Should I be?"

"Well, I would be. After all, Ed-Chan is much better than you at everything he does" Leaving a heavy emphasis on 'Ed' and the suffix 'Chan' –indicating that he and Edo were on good terms with one another- Fubuki averted his eyes and continued to chew slowly on a piece of carrot. The blunette frowned at the implication; struggling to stay calm and not throttle the Blizzard Prince on the spot. Edo Phoenix… how I loathe you was his only thought.

"Ed-Chan?" Ryo asked mockingly and raised a brow before smirking, "Smitten. Much?"

"Even if I was why would it matter?"

The rest of the evening was spent on both duellists occasionally bantering with one another over those that still remained in Duel Academy with Fubuki occasionally jabbing at all of Ryo's 'sore spots' when it came to matter with those whom were left behind. The topics ranged from 'Asuka and Judai's Relationship' all the way to 'Principal Samejima trying to keep the Genex Tournament under control' and the topic even managed to land on 'Misawa and Junko's Relationship' –which Ryo found a tad bit surprising-. Before long, the food was devoured and the pair of them were both excruciatingly full.

"I'll do the dishes" Fubuki offered and stood up to immediately begin piling up the dishes near the sink only to have Ryo stop him and offer to do it himself. What the-

"I'll do it. You cooked. I'll clean. Fair's fair" Was all he said and lightly pushed the brunette out of the kitchen and out into the hallway. Sighing, Fubuki couldn't help but feel just a little bit grateful for the Kaiser's help as he settled down on the couch back in the living room and stared blankly at absolutely nothing. That is, until he remembered a promise he had made to Asuka. Crap. I said I'd call! He thought and immediately lunged for the phone, dialling in a very familiar number and waiting for it to ring a couple of times. He was not surprised when Judai picked up the phone.

"Hello?" Judai asked sounding rather frustrated and in the background the annoying sound of their 'group' laughing at him coming through the phone.

"Yo! Judai! It's me, Fubuki"

"Fubuki!" Judai literally screeched and switched the phone on loudspeaker without informing the Obelisk Blue. As soon as Judai shouted 'Fubuki', the whole room quietened down as they most likely crowded around the very convenient speakers.

"Nii-San!" Asuka immediately screeched after moments of silence, forcing Fubuki to hold the phone at arms length away from his poor, burning ears.

"Asu-Asuka. Hello" Fubuki answered rather weakly as the blonde began a tirade of 'Why didn't you call earlier?'

"I was occupied?"

"Did you get there safely? Fubuki?" Manjoume asked over Asuka's screeching voice. Fubuki could distinctly hear Edo and Sho laughing about something stupid as they usually did in the background which just caused a smile to dance over his face.

"Yeah. Y'know Manjoume San-Da, it actually isn't a perilous life-threatening journey to get on a boat and tell the pilot to steer it into Domino City's harbour.."

"I know that. Of course I know that" Manjoume defended himself with an indignant squawk which only succeeded in making Sho and Edo laugh even more.

"Dude, you have got to learn how to travel properly Manjoume. After all, you've only ever gone places on an aeroplane right?" Edo's usual obnoxious voice taunting the Obelisk-gone-Slifer.

"Hey. That ain't true!"

"Manjoume-" Fubuki started to say when he was ever so rudely cut off by the third Manjoume brother.

"Sanda!"

"It is true and you know it" Fubuki finished and smirked even though he knew Manjoume wouldn't be able to see it. Edo and Sho continued laughing their heads off at Manjoume's stupidity as Judai was suspiciously silent. Though I have my suspicions…

" Edo, are my sister and Judai making out again?" Fubuki suddenly asked which immediately caused the whole group to laugh, protest huffily or… cackle rudely.

"Yeah. It really is funny" Edo answered followed by a loud smacking sound and his cry of anguish as Asuka most likely whacked him over the head.

"You're one to talk!" Asuka hissed angrily.

The conversation continued for a while, each member of the 'group' spending a good couple of minutes talking to Fubuki about some dilemma of a sort (With Misawa asking what he should get Junko for her birthday) until Asuka finally managed to escape and talk to Fubuki in private.

"Nii-San… how's Kaiser?" She finally asked, though Fubuki knew she had been itching to ask him that ever since he called. After all, Fubuki had only told her why he was going to Domino City for a while and what Principal Samejima had said about him needing to try his best.

"He's… cold…." Was the only answer Fubuki gave.

"Nii-san. I miss you. We all do. When are you coming back?"

"I… don't know"

"Come back soon! Please? Nii-san!"

"I'll see… It's just that, I know it'll work. It has to"

"Nii-San. It's like Samejima-sensei said, it might not work. And I don't want to see you get hurt, Nii-san!"

"I won't though. Don't worry about your Nii-San, Asuka. I'm fine. And I just know it'll work"

"But Samejima said-"

"Who cares what he said? I know it will work. And isn't that good enough?" Fubuki then asked irritably. Asuka sighed and then decided to ask Fubuki what Kaiser's reaction had been last night. Laughing slightly, Fubuki only said 'he wasn't pleased to see me'. But I don't think I expected otherwise.

"Nii-San… just… come back" Asuka then said, much to her brother's dismay. He would not go back to Duel Academy until he was done. Shouldn't Asuka know that by now?

"Sorry Asuka…" Fubuki answered and clicked the phone shut; ignoring Asuka's protest and placing it back on its stand just in time to see Ryo walk into the Living Room. Well, at least Asuka knows I'm not dead yet Fubuki thought wryly and stared rather vaguely at the window as Ryo silently moved to sit next to him.

"Asuka?" Ryo muttered as a question and looked firmly at the surfer, a question dancing in his pretty, indigo eyes.

"Yeah" Fubuki replied with a slight nod of his head.

The rest of the evening flew by quite quickly, consisting of Kaiser flipping on the television to catch up with the news and Fubuki eventually drifting off into a fairly light sleep. The brunette was curled up like a foetus –due to Ryo occupying the other section of the couch and the fact that they had mutually decided not to stick together- with a blanket failing it's job at covering him properly.

After the news, the blunette stood with a slight yawn and looked down at his 'friend'. Musing as to whether Fubuki would freeze to death or not, Ryo decided to pull the blanket properly over his house's 'crasher' and head off to the bathroom, brushing his teeth, washing his face and whatnot before heading towards his bedroom.

Yanking the sheets towards him –and stupidly not noticing that they weren't the way they were that morning-, he lay on his back, facing upwards and began to muse. Fubuki had informed him on many things, and as far as Fubuki was concerned, it looked like he, Hell Kaiser Ryo didn't really give a damn. But I do he thought and continued to tug at the sheets until they rested gently over his whole body excluding his head.

Turning onto his side, Ryo finally noticed that something was wrong.

Huh? He thought and paused as he breathed in an out slowly. Inhale… Exhale…

A strange, exotic smell filled his senses as he lay there calmly on his side, strange but rather alluring none the less. It… smells like him he suddenly realised and began to mentally envision a certain brunette whom looked so bloody peaceful when he slept. Just… like him… was his last conscious thought as he drifted off into a deep sleep; his exhaustion taking a hold of him and a certain person's face coming to haunt whatever dream he was bound to have. Fubuki…

A/N: Why do I have a hunch that Fubuki was just a tad bit OOC during the cooking scene? Guess what! I finished off the chapter D: And because I didn't want it to say 'Day Two Part Two' next to the number '3', I decided to do the good old fashioned editing xD So ha Right about now Chapter Three should be up… Hmm…

Stealthe