Disclaimer: Don't own any of the rights to the fantastic writings of Yugioh!

Recap: Bakura heard the click of a distance door latch first and the loud voice of someone he didn't want to see just yet. Time had run out for the lovers, in the breaking of dawn, and hell was about to be let lose, he only had a few moments to make this right.

Oooooooo

Chapter 16: Thorns

"Ryou, what the hell is going on," Seto burst into the boy's room without asking permission, after all it was his house. "I left specific instructions for someone to stay by your side, since you can't seem to take care of yourself, you're such a child. Seto move closer to the bed and Ryou hugged the covers close to his chest. His grip was so tight his knuckles turned white. The smell of his love making still scented the air. Ryou started to shake with fear.

"Well, what's that I smell?" Seto couldn't help taunting the boy.

"Damn it Seto, can't you knock first? Maybe it's your bottom lip you smell." Ryou covered his bruised body as best he could. He wouldn't let anyone trample on the joy he felt last night. "I'm alright, as I told you on the phone I was so excited about school that I fainted from lack of breakfast."

"But didn't you eat lunch," Seto eyed the boy. Ryou wasn't a very good liar. He could sense the presence of another man or something. 'What is he hiding from me, foolish boy,' thought Seto.

"Am I your prisoner?" Ryou turned over on his side. He couldn't look the dominating boy in the eyes; Seto had been his weakness for years.

Without warning two others burst into the room. Little Taki ran pass Seto and settle next to his brother protectively. "Ryou are you ok, we arrived as quickly as we could."

"Yes, I'm here son," his mother spoke gently covering his white knuckles with her tiny hands.

"Mother, you mustn't worry, I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself." He turned his glare at Seto. "Just get him out of my room." He whispered.

"Kaiba-sama I believe a little privacy is in order, I'll see to the needs of my son." She bowed deeply.

"Mom . . . Kaiba-sama is only concerned, but he does look ok," added Taki. "Kaiba-sama I do have some documents I would like to go over with you."

Kaiba grunted, "Come on boy I don't have all day. I do have a business to run. Didn't I tell you to call me Seto? Can't you get something so basic correct. " Kaiba left the room, suspicion on his mind. Taki followed.

"Ok, my precious, we're alone, why are you so nervous?" Mom spoke, pulling the covers away from her son's shoulders.

Ryou didn't see the need to hide his feelings and blurted out, his eyes wide with concern." Where is he?" He leaped from his bed and peeped behind the dressing screens and also inside his wardrobe closet. In his haste he almost fell and forgot his ass was butt naked.

"Ryou, your body" alarmed his mother rushed to the boy's side. "Is this what you were trying to hide from Kaiba?"

Ryou blushed horribly, "Mom please don't tell him. It's not his business." Ryou disappeared behind a screen and dressed quickly. "Mom I'm happy so don't worry."

"So you weren't alone last night, "she looked around. "Yet I don't sense any dangerous spirits, but someone you are eternally bound to. I will keep your secret, even if it means I will lose you in the end."

"Mother, you can feel him," Ryou kneeled down at his mother's feet. "He's real it's not a dream."

"Talk to me son, you're not alone," She beckons her troubled son to finally release the burdens he held captive in his heart.

For the first time in months, Ryou shared his innermost feelings with his mom and gained strength in the telling. "His name is Bakura and as a prisoner of that psycho for so long he came to me in a dream and calmed my spirit. I fell in love with a dream. Now he appeared at my school and I'm no longer my own self. Mom I love him so completely it hurts." Ryou reached up and touched the bruise on his neck; he wasn't ashamed. "Last night Bakura came to me and asked if I would spend my life with him. But he's gone again. I don't know where he is; but I've got to find him, he's everything to me."

"Calm down, my dear," she chided him. "I promise he'll return. Now finish getting dressed and are you able to go to school? Can you walk?"

"Mom. . . . Just keep Seto away from me." He walked away a bit slowly, but with a light step. This wasn't a subject you discussed so openly with a parent, but nothing had been normal in his life. Only one thought occupied his mind. 'Bakura where are you?'

The sound of barking dogs and security alarms filled the air. "Some fool has had the nerve to invade my property. He's being held at the front gate." Seto stormed out of his office and headed for the source of trouble, he was armed with a gun at his side.

"Taki go and check on your brother," Seto knew something was going on and Ryou was at the root of it.

"Ryou, Mom is you ok? Someone has entered Kaiba-sama's gates, but I don't think they will make it out alive," Taki glowed with excitement. He was a rabid fan of Kaiba's.

Ryou with the aid of his mother and brother took a transport to the borders of Kaiba's estate and watched as the stranger was bound with ropes and thrown into the back of a jeep. He would be taken to a remote site on Kaiba's estate for questioning. Ryou never spoke a word because Bakura asked him with silence not to speak, yet Kaiba witness the brief eye contact and he was pissed.

"Wow, I wonder who that is and why Kaiba let him live?" Taki wondered. Kaiba wouldn't let them follow the jeep, but insisted they eat breakfast and go to school.

"Taki, he's not a god. Come on I don't want to stay here any longer. Let's go I'm tired of Kaiba and all his rules." Ryou peeped out of the window praying for a miracle. He didn't trust the CEO.

Seto joined the boys in the limo and eyed Ryou with lust. "Taki why don't you sit in front, I'd like to have a few moments along with your brother." Seto winked at the young boy and gave him a knowing look.

Taki laughed, "I get it." He scrambled out and joined Roland in front.

Seto didn't waste any time with his plans. Boldly he caressed Ryou's cheek with a slender finger sliding it down towards the first button that rested high around his neck.

"Stop it Kaiba," Ryou swatted the unwanted advance away.

"Why, I think it's time you paid your debt." Seto smirked as he watched Ryou's eyes widen in terror.

"What, you can't be serious. It's been months and you haven't approached me. Why now? "Although his body trembled he tried to pretend bravery.

Seto continued to let his fingers rove over Ryou's neck and popped open the first button that covered the bruises along his collarbone. "Damn you," he pinched the tender flesh which caused Ryou to cry out in pain.

The limo came to a haut and Taki was let out. Ryou tried to follow but Seto blocked his escape.

"Where in the hell do you think you are going . . . I'm not through with you yet. Why we have only just begun." Seto smirked and pull the boy back inside. He laughed as the limo turned around and headed back to the mansion. He ripped Ryou's shirt off his body and growled like a wild animal as he glared at the love bits that covered Ryou's chest.

Oooooooo

Yeah!!! It's not over yet for this gentle boy…

R/r