Disclaimer: Don't won YugiOh, wow, but I have fallen in love with a certain beauty, Ryou. Don't own Skillet: Whispers in the Dark, just used it for my story, great group.

Things are heating up for the shy teen. I only hope he can survive. Ryou is well loved and liked by his friends, but his home life is a nightmare. He finds peace in the darkness of his heart, but is it more? Will this dream surface and become a reality... Stay tune and ride this wave with me. Let me take you with Ryou, one chapter at a time , down, down, down.

Thanks to those that reviews and to all who are reading, remember it's all fun. Enjoy... Warning: abuse/violence

Whispers, A Dream of Erotica...

Chapter 3: A Kiss, A Touch, A Dance

'Three days of complete darkness,' thought Ryou. The boy laughed to himself because this time he was not alone in the dark. The secret lover of the darkness lived somewhere in his mind, heart and soul and the boy felt comfort. To endure Malik's cruelty had been his secret victory, and he felt alive. 'He can't hurt me in here anymore, I have strength,' thought the boy. ' I can't see or touch you, yet, but I know you are there, and I wait for you.'

The darkness became a place to share his most intimate desires with a friend, someone who loved him deeply. Would they ever be free? The very thought of meeting his secret lover made the boy shiver. 'Would anyone understand how happy I feel, yet I can't see him?' Ryou's mind drifted off to pleasant thoughts. 'Could a love like theirs really exist in the real world? Am I insane?'All of these questions flooded the jaded innocense of his mind and his desire grew for the whispers, to talk to him.

Ryou finished eating the dried bread crumbs and drunk the stale water, given to him by Malik. This time his stomach didn't cramp or throw the rotten food up. You see, when Malik discovered Ryou fear of the dark, the golden haired demon usually mixed a gruel for the boy to eat and passed the food and drink through a small hole he had carved out of the door months ago. If the plate was not emptied, Malik usually, prolonged the isolation or devised some other form of punishment to amuse his personal desires. Oh, the games' Malik played, would shock the devil he was so twisted and deadly in his treatment of the Ryou. Interestingly enough, it wasn't hate that drove the demon to act, or a personal desire to hurt Ryou, it just was his nature to be cruel. Take a cat, next put it in a bag, next drown the little guy. Yes, Malik first taste of pain was at the tender age of five years old and that included drowning small animals and watching their bodies bloat as they floated in the water.

Malik open the closet on the forth morning of Ryou's captivity, however what he found really pissed him off. Ryou was sleeping peacefully on the cold floor curled up in a little ball sucking his fingers. His body appeared to be relaxed and not the least bit tense from the cold or shaking in fear. "Bitch, get up," he bellowed and at the same time gave Ryou a nice kick to his head. Not waiting for a response Malik stormed out of the bedroom and returned five minutes later with an ice cold bucket of water. "Ya, this should take care of your lazy ass." Malik dumped the ice cold water, with ice cubes onto the boy's body. Ryou's screamed, "M.A.L.I.K!!!" and started to shiver, his naked body turning a hellish blue. He scrambled to his feet and immediately slipped, which caused him to fall on his butt in a puddle of ice cold water.

'Will it never end,' he though? Malik grabbed him by his leg and painfully drug Ryou kicking and screaming across the floor to the bathroom. There he tossed him in the shower and turned it on full blast and continued to torture the boy with the freezing water.

"Ha, Ha, . . . I haven't had this much fun in years," his malicious laughter taunting the boy as he danced in the cold water. Ryou's skin began to crawl, and he thought it was almost separating from the bone he was so cold. The sensation of falling, almost into a trance surrounded the desperate teen, and slowly he stopped fighting and started to sank to the bottom of the shower on his hands and knees, the water relentlessly pounding on his head and preyed Malik would turn the ice cold water off. Ryou started to lose consciousness, turning a ghostly blue and his pain became more unbearable as the last droplets stung his frozen neck and back. 'Ok, maybe I will just freeze to death, and my limbs will drop off. Yes,' he thought, as the darkness started to surround him. 'No more pain.'

Seeing the unresponsiveness from the boy, Malik turned the shower off. Malik grabbed his side, he was laughing so hard. "That should teach you, boy. How dare you sleep peaceful in my closet? I expect you to be alert and ready to service me."

Ryou, now fully awake remembered the nights in the dark he'd spent with his friend and lover. Malik found him not cringing in fear, but peaceful. 'How careless of me,' the boy thought.

"What were you doing in the closet anyway?" Malik's eyes dark and mysterious pierced right through Ryou's bleeding soul.

"I wasn't doing anything," whispered Ryou. He lowered his head, and appeared to cower in fear, but he smiled inwardly.

"If I find you were doing nastily things in the closet, you will regret it. Now, get dressed it's time for you to go to school. I don't want any police sneaking around my house. You'd better keep your mouth shut. Remember, I am the only one who can protect you and your family." Malik smiled wickedly and eyed the boy's reaction to the last words.

"Malik, please you promised me I could see my mama and brother soon. I promise to be good, please!" Ryou forgot about his moments of peace in the dark, as Malik brought him back to reality, with threats to his family. "Malik I'm sorry about going to the play, I promise to come straight home after school, please, I promise to be a good boy." Ryou ran straight to the man and knelled down at his feet.

Frantically, Ryou mind raced around thinking of ways to please his boyfriend. Where was the victory if he couldn't have his family by his side?

"That's better, you understand your place, my little bitch. It's not that I want to hurt you, but sometimes I have to. It's just to show you how much, I love you. Now, get out of my face! I want my dinner ready by five and my bath ready by six. If you are good, I have a new game we can play tonight." Malik ran his fingers through the boy's silver hair and walked away laughing.

A cold and heavy stench, like death passed over the room, its bitter sweet essence filled the air with hate. Sometimes the air was so heavy with Malik's aura the boy couldn't breathe. ' How I loathed the air he breathes and the touch of his hand makes me ill. If only it were night again, and I can dream. I'd listen to my secret lover and I would find a way to be with him. I want to hear the whispers, and smell the roses.' Tears of anguish filled Ryou's eyes as he thought about the nights and the things he wanted to do with his lover. 'Ah, maybe I will never see you, but I am yours to hold and love. Guide me and teach me to love and I will follow you in my heart. Don't ever go away from me, because without you to turn to my heart would break and it would start to bleed again? The only time I feel whole is when I think of you. Ryou dried his tears and finished preparing for school, the loneliness had returned.

Malik dropped the boy off about a mile away from the gym, which was his first class and laughed as he forced the boy to sprint all way to the gym, across the football field. Malik promised to beat him if he was late to class.

The doors swung open, just before the last bell rang signaling the start of class. "Wow, I made it," he exclaimed and placed his hands on both knees. Ryou stood up with cheeks flushed and breathing hard from his exertions and all the eyes in the class were glued to his presence.

"Wow," sighs could be heard from every corner of the room, the boy was simply breath-taking. Naturally shy, he was so embraced to be late that his skin glowed ever so brightly as he searched the room for Yugi and started to walk over to him while two sets of eyes stalked him: one blue, the other hazel.

'Damn, he's mind,' whispered Seto, 'Just a matter of time.'

'Oh, Ryou, you're so beautiful. I wish you understood how much I love you,' thought Joey.

"Ryou, over here, I saved you a place in line next to me," chirped Yugi, a wide smile from cheek to cheek and eyes sparkling with the love he felt for his sensitive friend. ' If only he had more confidence,' thought Yugi.

The boys were lined up in two long single filed rows. Today the instructor would begin teaching the uncoordinated youth the fundamentals of dancing with partners. Many of the boys had already paired up, just so they wouldn't have to suffer through the class with boys picked by the teacher. Besides this could be fun and silly all at the same time.

Seto walked toward Ryou confidence in his stride, with the intent to have him as his partner. Joey anticipating the CEO's move darted around the back of the room and sprinted pass Seto, thus grabbed Ryou from the back of his shirt and dragged him towards the back of the line on Yugi's side.

"What's this, let go of me," shouted Ryou? He had no idea who was pulling him across the room. The class laughed at the scene as Seto confidently reached his hand out to secure the boy, but he succeeded in finding thin air. Joey has snatched Ryou out of his reach. It was no secret Seto lusted after the shy teen. Nor was it a secret Ryou thought Seto was a bit scary. He was always running from him.

Ryou panicked, not realizing it was Joey who had grabbed him and he tried to twist out of his attacker's hand. He turned around and realized it was Joey and pushed away. "Joey let me go, I'm not a toy, you're hurting my arm." Joey quickly released the boy and Ryou hit the gym floor falling on his ass. Now he was on the floor with Seto walking with long strides to the scene, Joey had created. On one side- Seto glared at Joey and Joey on the other side - hoping Ryou was all right. Both teens leering at the beautiful white hair goddess on the floor.

"Oh shit, man I'm so sorry," Joey eyes grew wide with concern, as he leaned down to help Ryou up. Ryou pouted and turned away nursing his butt, pretending to be upset with Joey. Well, that was fine, until he realized Seto was on the other side and saw Seto's piercing blue eyes burning a hole in him. 'Oh no, not Seto, please. Let it be Joey who wins.'

"Step aside, you fool, that's what happens when dogs are let out of the kennel." Seto also reached for Ryou, but the boy closed his eyes tightly and preyed Joey would somehow reach him first. 'I know this is cowardly of me ' Oh, Ra of Yaoi,' but I'll die if Seto grabs me. He's just so bigggg..'

" Seto, not this time, arrogant shithead, he's mine." In one motion Joey tripped Seto and pulled Ryou up into his arms. The boys yelled, seeing Seto on the ground and Joey running off to the back of Yugi line, again with Ryou flying at his heels. This time he succeeded in his mission to capture his true love.

"Why you little street mutt, don't think this is the end. Your ass it mine, Wheeler." Seto had death in his eyes. Joey was the only boy in the entire school gutsy enough to stand up to him.

"Yeah, yeah!!! I'm shaking in my boots, Kaiba. Go to hell." Joey turned his attention to the blushing boy and helped him brush off his clothes, which were a little dusty from the fall and besides it gave him the opportunity to touch Ryou's cute little ass.

"Hey, I'm sorry Ryou, I just wanted you as my dance partner, but if you want Seto, well, its ok. I understand. He's way more handsome and everything. Hell, I'll step on all your toes, and make a complete idiot out of myself."

Ryou whispered, "No Joey, I really would love to dance with you, and I'm not that good, so I guess we'll learn together."

The music started to play and Joey took Ryou's small delicate hand and lay it on top of his own. So soft and warm Ryou's touch felt to Joey and he squeezed slightly, not wanted to ever let go. Neither boy stepped on the other's toe, because they were so perfectly matched and moved with a grace born of natural partners. Ryou leaded into Joey's embrace and allowed the blonde to guild him across the floor. To Joey, the boy was a precious jewel and he held him firmly leading him, guiding him across the floor.The music stopped, but the couple, lost in a world created from desire, continued to dance. The entire class snicked at the couple but Yugi just smiled to see his friends so in love.

Ryou laid his head down on Joey's chest and relished the comfort he found in his arms. "Oh Joey, I wish I could stay here with you, but I can't." Ryou not realizing he spoke out loud pulled away at Joey next words.

"Ryou, you can stay here forever, if that is what you want." Joey smiled down and looked intently at the boy.

The music stopped and Ryou flinched at the words forever. This was an impossible dream and he needed to stop fooling around. "Joey, thanks for the dance, bye." Ryou bolted over to Yugi and Yami and prayed the class would be over soon. Too many people had witnessed this display of affection and he didn't want it to get back to Malik. Joey meant too much to him, to see him hurt.

Joey, too shocked to speak just watched the retreating back of Ryou, as he ran across the room. 'Damn it is my soap or what. He's always running away. Gotta talk to Yugi. Run for now, my love, but I'm going to catch you, soon.' Now, Joey smiled at his own cleverness. As least he felt there was a chance. It all started with the one dance. I know he felt it too.' So for the rest of the day his heart was light.

Ryou's only thoughts leaving the last class concerned hazel eyes and the way Joey looked at him during the dance. He could hardly concentrate during class and Yugi teased him relentless all day. "Ry, got a boyfriend, boyfriend."

"Ok, ok, Yugi it's not like that." Blushing, Ryou chased Yugi around the luncheon tables.

" Ry, are you blind, Joey really likes you. And you like him. So what's the problem."

Ryou grew silent, there were a million reasons to drop these thoughts and Yugi, damn well knew it. " Don't Yugi, I know what you are thinking and I will not pull Joey into this mess, I won't. Lets not talk about it I'm to happy right now. Even if it is only a dream."

"It doesn't have to be like that. Just trust the boy. You know he would do anything for you. I know Joey, he's really loyal and very strong." Yugi tried to get Ry's attention but he avoided him deliberately and closed down all communication.

Ok, I won't say another word. Well, I'm meeting Yami at the library. That new book is in called 'Gorgeous Caret, YGO, Version,' by Sakura (aka L Sama No Miko). Yami read the story on fan fiction and he loved it so much he ordered the manga." Yami says it's a love story with guys and I would love to read it." Shifting from foot to foot Yugi blushed thinking about siting in his boyfriend lap drinking cocoa, while Yami read the story to him. Yami's deep and husky voice always made the little duelist itch between his legs and he enjoyed the pleasure it brought him. And lately Yami had been touching Yugi all the time in the most sensitive places, the young boy did not even know existed. Just the only day he pinched his nipples in the shower while they were playing and Yugi's legs started to shake. "See yeah later."

Ryou left Yugi and humming to the air and turned a corner leading out of the school study center, while a hand reached out and grabbed him around the waist. The attacker covered his mouth with his free hand and pulled the struggling boy into an empty room. He heard the lock click.

Just as he started to panic the hands released him and he screamed. "Joey, are you crazy. That's the second time today, you've felt the need to tackle me. Look, you scared me to death." Ryou was furious and so he turned away.

"Ryou, wait, don't be mad. It's just, I gotta talk to you, in private. You always running off and all, and I really gotta talk to you."

Inwardly, the silver hair beauty smiled, and blew his hair out of his eyes. He enjoyed being close to Joey, although it was madding and extremely sexy. He could smell the cool sea breeze cologne Joey always wore, and it comforted him tremendously.

"Look man, I don't mean to scare ya," Joey walked over to the door and open it. " I'm not goin' hurt you and you can leave any time ya want. Just let me say, what I gotta say."

"Ok, Joey, you got ten minutes."

"Ryou, that guy, Malik, is he, your old man? I wanta' know. Is he your... well, your boyfriend?"

Ryou didn't expect Joey to be so forward, and he really didn't want to answer. "Listen I think that is none of your business, Joey. I have to go. I have a lot of studying to do."

Joey was not going to let him get by that easily, so he blocked the door and continued to speak. "Listen Ryou, I know I ain't much and I ain't rich like Kaiba. Oh, and maybe you like your men older, well I ain't that either. I'm just me, but I really...

"Stop it, Joey, it's not that, I just don't want to get involved with you right now." Ryou hated the next words he had to say. God knows he didn't want to lie, but being trapped in his own prison, there was no other choice. "You have to understand this just won't work out. I can't do this. Please let me go and don't think about us." Ryou had pain written across his soft features and it tore at Joey's heart. Something was wrong and he was going to find out exactly what it was. First he had to make Ryou understand how he felt and that he would be there for him.

In two seconds flat, Joey pulled Ryou into his arms and covered his lips with his own. Just like dancing, Joey realized their bodies fit perfectly together and Ryou moaned as Joey explored his open mouth and tasted the sweetness of his kiss. "Damn," thought Joey. " I knew his taste would touch my soul and rob me of my senses.

Both boys pulled away shaking, unable to say a word, shocked that the feeling of touching each other would be so intense and intimate. Ryou recovered first and gently caressed the strong lines of Joey's cheek and ran his fingers across his mouth pushing two fingers between his lips. Joey, eyes closed, sucked the two fingers and Ryou watched the motion with lustful fascination. His imagination took flight, but he thought of his secret lover, not the flesh and blood boy in front of him. His mind wondered to the lustful sounds and touches he felt in the night. He remembered what his own hands had touched and the words whispered to him alone and blushed horribly. Slowly he pulled his fingers out of Joey's mouth and smiled. Joey's tongue curled around his fingers pulling them back into the warm cavity, but Ryou resisted the urge to continue this dangerous game.

" I have to go, Joey. Joey, I like you, but I can't see you. Just forget me, please It's only a dream." Ryou turned and ran away. He was already late and Malik would be waiting, wanting his dinner and bath to be ready.

'I can't think of Joey, he would only be hurt.' Little did Ryou know, hell, had no fury compared to Malik's. He didn't even hear the click as the camera went off or see the light of the flash. Not only thoughts of Joey and kisses followed Ryou, but hell trailed the boy walking on two legs.

OOOOooooooo

Mokuba: "Is that a real story , 'Gorgeous Caret YGO version.'

Sherabo: "Yes, and I don't think Seto would mind if you read it. It's really cool and a great adventure. Check it out. You can find it on fan fiction by a great author and friend, Sakura (akaL-sama no Miko)...T...Drama...Yuugi M /YamB."

Mokuba: "Who is Ryou's secret lover anyway, why can't he see him?"

Sherabo: "Mokuba, you'll just have to review and wait till I post...?"

Mokuba: "Ah man, so cruel."

Sherabo: Hey, I promise you all Sherabo action, coming up in Chapter 4, goodnight ...