A/N: Boo! Did you poor people think I'd abandoned you? Nope, I just got a little bit addicted to a different fic, it kinda took over. But I'm here now. I'm forcing them fic to wait until I've written some other stuff. So, this chapter, Chris and Kaito bonding and Thomas turning up to find a cute little excitable Akina ready to pounce. So, thanks for the reviews, keep them coming and enjoy.


"Chris…"

Chris looked up from his book and Kaito glanced away. Ryoga was sleeping again, his breathing mask replaced and the tension all but gone from his body. It had been a tough day for him, Kaito knew that. He held onto Kaito's hand in his sleep, Shark Drake pressed between their palms. Kaito still wasn't entirely sure how Shark Drake had appeared in his extra deck when he needed it but he was glad he had it back. Shark Drake relaxed Ryoga more than anything, Kaito knew that. And if Shark Drake was offering support to them as a couple, he was grateful. But still, something was bothering him.

"Is it normal for me to be so possessive over Ryoga?" Kaito said quietly.

"Perfectly." Kaito frowned and Chris smiled slightly. "Is this about Thomas?"

"No… not entirely."

Chris smiled. "But a little."

"It's Yuma too. And Ken, I mean, if he ever actually turns out to be a good person and was just controlled by a dark power and-" He paused and frowned. "He never had any interest until…

"Come on, let's go get a coffee or something, we can talk about it."

Kaito nodded and got up slowly, tucking Ryoga in and shutting the door quietly behind him. Ryoga was going to be ok soon. Another day or two and they'd let him out of hospital, and then when his mother let him out of bed, they'd go and hunt down all the hunters and especially Honour, and made them pay for everything you've done.

"I never imagined you to be so insecure," Chris said quietly. Kaito frowned and pushed his hands into his pockets. "Were you always like this? Even when we were together?"

"No," Kaito said, folding his arms. "I was confused, but I wasn't insecure really."

"I see." They went down to the hospital café and Chris got drinks while Kaito sat patiently. "You learnt some interesting information today, Katio. How are you handling it?"

Kaito frowned. "I think he's incredibly strong to have come out of all that the way he has."

"And you suffered through a lot as well, Kaito." Kaito nodded slightly and Chris patted his hand. "But since this is you, you're going to need to vent about it, aren't you?"

"No…"

Kaito frowned and tapped his fingers against his cup absently before shaking his head and Chris smiled. "What would you like to talk about first? Thomas or Ryoga's family?"

"He hit him, Chris," Kaito said, shaking his head again. He just couldn't understand it. He didn't understand why anyone would do that. Or for something so small. He couldn't make sense of it. Ryoga had only ever wanted to please his father, he tried so hard for him, and he was repaid with aggression and criticism. "And he talks about it like it's his fault, like he's not good enough."

"Kaito, you're a tough kid, but even you know that parents are the biggest influence on your life," Chris replied. "Ryoga has been raised to believe he's not good enough. Think about the mixed messages of his father insisting he's weak and, while Ami is supporting Ryoga, she's allowing him to continue demeaning him."

"It's not fair," he said, shaking his head.

"Of course it's not, but there are aspects of all our lives that are unfair."

"People think the lives of rich kids are so easy. I want to hurt him, Chris. For what he's done to him. The way Ryoga looked when he was talking about it… I want to rip out his soul and make him pay for doing this to Ryoga."

Chris smiled sadly. "Everyone feels like that when the people they love are in pain."

"And what if it wasn't just the once. What if he's abused Ryoga other times… in other ways…?"

"Kaito, you mustn't let your worry get the better of you-"

"But what if it's true? What if Ryoga is still in danger? What if he's hurt and I'm just making it worse? What if his father is just going to hate him more because of me?"

"Stop it," Chris snapped. Kaito frowned but fell silent, gazing down at his drink. "Just calm down, alright. I know you're worried, but you have to trust Ryoga. You care about him and it's making you worry, probably irrationally but it's natural. Most people fear the worst when they hear something like this. I doubt Ryoga would let you interfere on your own accord anyway. If he's lied and it wasn't just the once, you have to wait until he's comfortable enough to tell you that. And if he was telling the truth, you have to believe him."

Kaito nodded. He wanted to protect Ryoga. He wanted to keep him safe from harm. How could anyone hurt Ryoga? He sighed and closed his eyes and Chris squeezed his hand. He began to wonder if Ryoga's father would have been so cruel if Ryoga had picked a girl. He didn't want to drive more of a wedge between Ryoga and his father.

"Stop thinking like that," Chris said firmly. Kaito frowned and glance up. "I know how your mind works. Stop it. There is nothing you can do to change who Ryoga's parents are or what's been done in the past. Just look after him and let him know you love him."

"You keep using that word."

"Love?"

"Yes," he said, shaking his head. "Stop talking about love."

"Why?" Chris teased. "You're blushing."

"I'm not," Kaito hissed, lowering his head. "Shut up, Chris."

Chris chuckled softly and Kaito tilted his away. "You're worried about Thomas?"

"Is it that surprising?" Kaito muttered.

"Not really," Chris replied. He had to stop smiling like that or Kaito wasn't going to be able to keep any secrets at all. Like a proud older brother wanting to know everything about how his younger sibling was growing up. He imagined Chris was used to sitting and gossiping with Thomas though. "So, what part of their relationship is it that makes you worry?"

"If you know me so well, why don't you tell me?"

Chris sighed and Kaito glanced away. Thomas…. In all honesty the relationship between Chris' younger brother and Ryoga bugged Kaito. It had for a while. It had always bugged him, even before his feelings for Ryoga became clear. His mind kept replaying that scene Ryoga had described. Little Ryoga pinned beneath Thomas, moaning and whining at his touch and completely his. He frowned and glared down at his drink. The thought of Ryoga being so enchanted by Thomas that he would accept being pinned down and practically molested and still lean up to kiss him, even knowing his father's opinion on it and what would happen if they were caught. And now knowing that Thomas had been in his life long before that as well, giving him the courage to go on duelling and believe in himself. It had always been obvious there was more between them. Even when they were just friends, he'd wondered if Ryoga's bitterness towards Thomas was more than just a rivalry.

It wasn't that Kaito was particularly insecure. Ryoga's affections hadn't been manipulated. He genuinely cared for him. And a part of Kaito wanted to tell Ryoga everything had had in the dream but he didn't know exactly what Ryoga's feelings for him really were just yet and how serious the younger boy wanted this to be. It all just seemed very complicated. And part of him remembered how passionate Ryoga became whenever Thomas was bought up. Kaito couldn't help wondering if Ryoga just wanted some affection and attention and whether he would still be so enchanted by Thomas.

"You think I'm being silly?" Kaito said.

"I think it's young love," Chris replied. "And Thomas and Ryoga had a lot of history. I think when two people have such history, it's natural to be a little insecure." He smiled softly. "Do you think perhaps Ryoga feels the same about you and me?"

Kaito was about to tell him he was being ridiculous but he paused. He actually hadn't considered how Ryoga might feel about him and Chris. He'd assumed everyone knew he and Chris were over but… Thomas and Ryoga had barely touched each other and he was getting possessive.

"I hadn't thought about that."

"No. I didn't think you had."

"I don't know what to do right now, Chris." He sighed and sipped his drink slowly. "It was really easy with you, Chris. I knew you would look after me and I knew you wouldn't lead me astray. But Ryoga..." He sipped his drink again, trying to ignore Chris' piercing gaze. "It's new and… scary…"

Chris nodded. "I understand. You're scared and nervous. You two are still feeling things out. You need to work things out and start to work each other out too."

"I don't know what to do about it, Chris." Kaito frowned and Chris offered a small smile. "I'm not sure what to do. It's like suddenly I'm the mature one and I have to look after him and be responsible and teach him. It was so natural with you. We were friends and then things evolved because I truest you implicitly."

"Don't you trust Ryoga?"

"I do. And we were friends and things… have evolved, but it was kind of forced."

"That's alright," Chris said, nodding slightly. "I was your first relationship and… I won't deny I probably caused some problems in how you viewed your relationships, we didn't exactly part well. Are you afraid it'll end up like it did with me?"

"You mean with me on the ground in the rain and him walking away like I never meant anything to him?"

Chris sighed. "I am sorry. I did care about you."

"I know that, but that was how it felt." He sighed and shook his head. "I don't want to lose him, Chris." Chris nodded. "And all these rules and restraints they've put on us, they don't make it easy."

"Kaito… Earlier this morning you were willing to never see him against because you thought it was wrong to feel this for him," Chris said quietly. "You can hardly be upset now because you can't bed him for six months."

"That's not what I meant," Kaito snapped. Chris frowned and Kaito leant his chin on his palm. "It's just… it should be natural, right? It should just flow and one day it should just feel right for the both of us and just happen."

"That's very romantic, if a little naïve."

"That's how it should be, Chris." Chris chuckled slightly but nodded. "I'm not saying I want to rush things with him or that I want to take him to bed any time soon but I want to be able to when it's right. So, what am I supposed to do when it feels right and we both want it but these stupid rules stop things going any further? Things will be awkward and difficult and… I just don't see why they can't trust us. It's like they're trying to make things awkward. I wouldn't be surprised at Ryoga's father, but Father and Dr Ami?"

Chris smiled softly. "I see why you're concerned then. I assure you they're not trying to ruin your relationship- mostly- but I think you're being a little bit ridged in your thinking."

"I am?"

"You are." He smirked and got up, beckoning Kaito to follow. He got up quickly and hurried after Chris, following silently. "There are ways you and Ryoga can enjoy yourselves a little more intimately without breaking any rules."

"There are?" Chris smirked and Kaito glared up at him. "Are you going to tell me or not?"

"Somewhere I little more private, I think."

Kaito scowled but followed Chris through the halls to one of the empty rooms, making sure no one saw them entering together. Kaito was certain if Kaito's father saw them he would immediately get to work twisting it to upset Ryoga and if he knew what they were going to be talking about it would only get worse. His father would make it sound like he was pushing Ryoga and he'd be dead set against letting him anywhere near him again. And he was actually rather curious about what Chris had to teach him still. Chris was his first, and pretty much only, relationship before Ryoga. Kaito didn't think for a moment he knew it all, he supposed asking his mentor for advice was only natural.


Thomas wasn't exactly pleased to be in the hospital but Michael and his father had been bugging him to go and visit Rio and Ryoga and told him he could stay with Chris so there would be no trouble. He hadn't realised part of getting his father back would mean having yet another person constantly teasing him. He kept his head down as he hurried through the hospital. He'd purposefully left his ornate cream outfit behind. It was what most people were used to seeing him in so he attracted far less attention in simple casual clothes. Most people didn't notice.

Until someone tackled him.

He stumbled slightly, but he'd got used to being tackled by his fans. He glanced down and found a little blue haired girl gazing up at him. He smiled slightly and she stepped back bouncing up and down.

"You're IV!" she cheered.

"Yes, but you have to be quiet about it," Thomas replied. "I don't want crowds." She nodded quickly and Thomas smiled. "Want an autograph, kid?"

"Yeah!"

"Alright, but quickly, then I have to find someone."

She nodded quickly and Thomas knelt down. She reached into her bag and held out a little sketch book, opening it up to the first page. There were several other autographs there and Thomas was a little annoyed about not getting his own page, but quickly had to remind himself being a big star wasn't the most important thing in his life anymore. What rattled him more was that one of the other signatures was from his brother. And looking over them slowly, he caught sight a quick scrawl from Ryoga and Kaito and Yuma too.

"You've got a lot of names here, kid," he said quietly, taking the pen she offered.

"I'm a big fan of lots of people," she replied. "I like watching people do their best and duel with passion and doing what the love for the people they love."

"And me?"

"You love your fans."

Thomas laughed softly, taking her little hand and kissing the back of it. "I do, little princess. And it gives me great pleasure to see little ladies like you smile."

"You're so cool," she giggled, blushing slightly. "I- I've always been a huge fan. And you- you're monsters are like the coolest thing ever. And I- I just- I really, really-"

"Alright, little princess," Thomas laughed.

She flushed bright red and wrung her hands in the fabric of her skirt. Thomas was finding his public persona merging with his normal self more and more. The more Thomas spent time with his fans and his family and friends the more he found he was softening up and becoming more like the person he presented in public. He supposed his natural personality was something in the middle of the two extremes he'd fallen into. He liked making his fans smile and he liked giving them hope. And sometimes he liked being a little rough with them.

"It's always good to meet a fan as dedicated as you," he said, signing her little book. "What's your name, sweetheart?"

"Akina."

"Akina… that's pretty," he murmured. "What are you doing here, little princess?"

"Visiting Shark!"

Shark? He laughed and shook his head and Akina flushed. "You know where my number one fan is?"

"Shark's not your number one fan!" Akina huffed. "I am!"

"Really?" he chuckled. "Come on." He laughed and swept her up into his arms. "You can direct me to him."

"Ok." He smiled and she flicked through her sketch book, tugging on his sleeve and showing it to him. "Do you like it?"

Thomas glanced down and smiled. "That's my Heaven's Strings." She nodded quickly. "It's really good. You're a great little artist, aren't you, princess? What else have you got in there?"

Akina smiled and flicked through her sketch book as they walked through the halls, showing him all the drawings she'd done. There were various monsters and more recently, pictures of Ryoga and his friends. Thomas couldn't help smiling. The way she spoke about Ryoga, it was obvious she adored him.

"Hey, aren't you the kid that was with Haruto the other day?" Akina smiled and nodded quickly. "You protected him, right?"

"Yeah," Akina said, nodding quickly. "Haruto's my first proper friend my own age. So I won't let anyone hurt him."

"That's a good attitude to have, princess," Thomas said gently. "You don't want to be the princess in the tower, do you? Fight for what you love and what you have to protect. Don't let anyone snatch it away from you."

Akina nodded and pointed to a room. Thomas nodded and stepped up to the door, glancing warily inside. Ryoga was lying on his bed, a mask over his face, breathing softly and apparently asleep. Akina smiled and leant against his shoulder. He'd spoken to Ryoga the night he'd been taken into hospital. Upon hearing that he was in a coma, Thomas had been stunned. He'd worried, of course, much as he tried not to show it.

"I just can't get rid of you, can I, Ryoga?" Thomas muttered, standing next to the bed.

"Yours is hardly a face I wanted to wake up to," Ryoga grumbled, cracking an eye open. "What are you doing here, Thomas?"

"I found something that belongs to you," he replied, setting Akina on the bed. Akina smiled as Ryoga sat up to remove his breathing mask and she quickly snuggled against him. "She the beauty to your beast, Ryoga?"

"Shut up," he grumbled. Thomas smiled slightly as Ryoga wrapped his arms gently around the young girl, holding her close. "Why are you here really?"

Thomas frowned and sat on the bed. "I was kind of worried about you, I guess."

"IV is so cool, Shark!" Akina cried.

"Is he?" Ryoga muttered, stroking her hair.

"Yeah!"

"You know I am, Ryoga," Thomas teased, leaning over and bringing them nose to nose. Pushing Ryoga's buttons was always so fun, and the blush on his cheeks was so satisfying. "I remember how close we used to be."

"You want to date my sister, you stop flirting with me," Ryoga hissed.

"Never," he laughed softly. "It's so much fun."

"Where's Kaito?"

"I'm hurt, Ryoga," he said, pouting slightly. "I'm right here and you're pining over him? Don't worry, I can make you forget about him."

"Will you knock it off?" Ryoga snapped, pushing his face away.

Akina giggled and they glanced down. "You two are so cute."

"I thought you wanted me with Kaito?" Ryoga said.

"I do," she laughed. "But IV is really cool and you two are really fun to watch."

Thomas laughed slightly and Ryoga scowled. Akina was watching them silently as Thomas caught Ryoga's chin, bringing their faces close and touching their noses together. They sat there in silence for a moment and Thomas was reminded of the first time he'd nearly kissed Ryoga. He smiled slightly. If Ryoga's father hadn't interrupted… He hadn't wanted to do it but perhaps if he had… Perhaps if things hadn't been twisted by Tron… There were a lot of maybes, but he supposed that didn't matter anymore. Ryoga was fun, but he wasn't the one he had his sights on. This was just a game and nothing more.

"So… while Kaito's off, probably learning from Chris, why don't I show you my true fanservice?" Thomas purred.

"Fanservice huh?" Ryoga murmured.

Thomas smirked and suddenly there was a tiny had against his back, giving him a surprisingly strong push forward. Their lips were crushed together and Ryoga gave a small, surprised yelp. Akina giggled as they both jerked back.

"Akina," Ryoga snapped.

She giggled and hid behind Thomas, peaking out at Ryoga with a small smile. "It was unfinished business, right? And you can tell Kaito you two have kissed and you're not interested and he can stop being jealous and possessive."

"Kaito's been jealous and possessive?" Thomas said, glancing back at her. "Because of me?"

"Can you blame him?" he hissed. "The way you act?"

"Aww," he laughed, leaning over again. "You want more attention, little Shark?"

"Thomas," came Rio's voice. Thomas drew back and turned to find Rio standing in the doorway, arms folded. "What are you doing?"

"Just having a bit of fun," Thomas replied with a shrug.

"Well do it with someone else. He's sick and needs rest," Rio snapped. Thomas smiled and Ryoga rolled his eyes. "What?"

"We should talk, Rio," he replied, getting off the bed and guiding her away.


In the Next Chapter: Ryoga is released from hospital into his family's care and Kaito clashes with Mr Kamishiro once more.

Sins of Our Fathers