I apologize for the late update. I haven't been in the mood to write lately, but I finally got this awesome chappie up! I'm out of school for now, so we'll be getting more updates! Yay!

Endlessly:

I could love you endlessly, I could fall in love with you and we could keep a miracle alive. Every time I look in your eyes, I get lost inside of your soul. What are you doing to me? Don't you know that I hate you? Don't you want my blood on your hands? Don't you want me to scream? Don't you realize that it's too late to bring me back life? I'm already further than death. I'm drowning in my desire for you and my need to kill you. I want my hands covered in your blood, I want your skin underneath my fingertips I want you to reach out and touch me, I want you to burn me alive with your beautiful eyes. I want to hear your voice when I go to bed at night, I want to lie next to you and watch the world go by. I want to end you for good, I want to make you suffer, I want to see the look in your eyes when you look up at me when I hold the knife above your heart. I want you to know that any claims of hope you had of us is nothing but fantasy we'll never have. I want you to be the one that kills me, I want my blood on your hands.. I want you to end me I want to feel your passion. I want to feel your soul wrapping around mine. I I want to know if you feel this too. I want to know if I can kill you now. I want to feel you underneath me I want to feel something besides this loneliness I feel inside. I want to bring the demon out of you.

I want to know if it hurts when I cut you up inside. I want to know if you really hate me or if I really hate you. I want to make me scream, I want to feel the power within me grow. I want you to knock me out, I want you to defeat me. I want something so much more from you than I could ever get. I want you to bleed, I want you to scream. I need you to know you're driving me crazy. I need you to know my soul burns passionately for you every time you give me that look I think I'm going to lose my mind. I want you dead, I want your soul to scream, to earn itself to me. I need you to know this isn't a game anymore. And what would you think if I told you that loved you this whole time? What would you say if I told you I never wanted to hate you, that I never loved you at all? What if I was playing with your mind?

What if I was lying right now? What if I told it was too personal to tell you how I felt about you? What if I told you that everything you've done to me was nothing more than just a wicked fantasies you dreamt of? What if I can't take it back? What if I don't want to? What if everything I said wasn't a lie? What if I tried to bring you back? What if I really did love you? Would you love me back, even though you think of me as a fool? Am I fool to fall in love with you? What if I told you that loving you is so impossible, it's not reality. I couldn't take it anymore. You burn me alive, I'd give myself to you if I could.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh. If I did, then Yugioh would have ended with Bakura and Yami admitting their undying love for one another and Seto would have pulled Joey into a kiss to shut him up because Puppy and Darkshipping rock!

Warnings: My usual, y'all know what that means, but for those of you who happen to be new to my awesomeness, it means there's lemony goodness!

Summary:

Moments away from destroying Zorc, Yami hesitates, asking Horakhty if she can set Bakura free. She agrees, telling Yami that in order for him to pass into the afterlife, he must break his enemy of the darkness, and he only as a year to do so.

Chapter Thirteen: Fooled

[Ryou's POV]:

I can clearly see where I get my dueling skills from as I watch my yami and Kaiba's duel. My father taught me how to duel, but he always told me I was a natural, and it's clear as day to see why. Bakura is an incredible duelist. Is it any wonder that Kaiba is having such a difficult time countering his skills? Hell, even Yami, the 'King of Games' has a hard time when in the face of my yami.

For the past week and a half I've been back, I've watched Bakura and Yami's interaction with one another. Instead of that 'I hate your guts I want to slaughter you' type of vibe, I feel something stronger, something that will save Bakura from himself.

But does he want to be saved? When it comes to acting, Bakura is no match. This could all be one sick twisted game of his so he can lure Yami into giving him his heart. And we're falling right into the trap.

But when I look at my yami, I see something in him I have never seen before: happiness. There's no way he could be acting that out. He has to realize that Yami can save him, truly save him. Bakura's been through a lot, I should know. Having seen some of his memories when his defenses were down and waking up to nightmares that weren't my own, I know how hard Bakura's life has been and why he turned to the darkness for comfort. He believed in false hope to help him stop being miserable.

Something is wrong. I can sense it. I think Yami and Marik can too because both of their eyes are locked on Bakura. I can almost see the darkness radiating off of him. We may not share a mind link anymore due to the fact that the Millennium Items have been destroyed, but I can still feel how he's feeling.

"Make your move, Bakura!" Kaiba shouts.

"Hey guys, what's up with Diabound?" Tristan asks.

"It's evolving!" Yugi exclaims.

"This duel is in my hands now!" I hear my yami shout. His voice is different, there's a dark aura surrounding him. I glance over at Yami, his fists clench and unclench at his sides. We have to find a way to break Bakura free and fast.

XXXXXXXXX

[Yami's POV]:

"I think it's time that I combine some shadow creatures together, don't you?" Bakura cackles. "Let's go Diabound Kernel and Dark Necrofer!"

My eyes widened at the tone of Bakura's voice. It's the exact same tone he had when Zorc was possessing him. Zorc is destroyed so how could...

"No way! He's combining them!" Yugi exclaims.

My eyes widened when out of the giant light show of darkness there's a new monster. It looks much bigger than Bakura's Diabound Kernel. Instead of being white, this creature is jet black. There are metal bands around its arms much like Dark Necrofer has. Its wings have grown and the snake tail has formed into a cobra. It sways its tail back and forth hissing at Blue-eyes Ultimate Dragon.

"Destroy that Ultimate Dragon!" Bakura shouts.

This monster has no desire to attack apparently. Bakura's and my eyes meet. Although he is smirking in his usual evil way, I can see the helpless beneath this mask he's wearing. He's being controlled.

'What are you waiting for, I said attack you little bitch!" 'Bakura' shouts.

"Dark Diabound, attack Blue-eyes Ultimate Dragon and do it now!" he screams.

"Kaiba will lose the duel!" Anzu exclaims.

Dark Diabound finally attacks. My eyes widened. This could be the end of the duel….

"Is that all you've got? I play 'Ring of Destruction!" Kaiba shouts.

I should have know Kaiba would have a back up plan.

"A pathetic move like that won't aid you in this battle, I'm afraid." Bakura laughs.

And he should have known Bakura would have one.

"What's gotten into Bakura?" Serenity asks. "He seems…"

"You're next Pharaoh." Bakura says.

I have to snap him out of this.

"Attack!"

"NO!" Bakura screams. Time stands still at Bakura's outburst. He's shaking terribly trying with all of his might to be in control of his body, of his life. "Diabound stop, please!" Bakura pleads.

My heart pounds as I watch on helplessly one of my friends struggle with something he's worshiped for years. Yes, my friend. I no longer see Bakura as my enemy. I'm not sure what his plans are yet. I'm not sure whether or not his friendship is true or if this is just a sick game. But to me, it is not.

I knew before I went into this that I would have to deal with such things. Zorc may be gone, but his presence still lingers within my former enemy. I have to help him break through. I have to save him. Yugi was right, Bakura is our friend. What kind of person would I be if I did not help someone I care for? We have known each other for millennia, yet we're just getting to know one another.

'Is this a game Bakura? Are you playing with me to get back at me for what you believe my family did to yours? If so, why drag the others in? It's between you and I. Or is there something you're not telling me? What's going on with you?' I think to myself.

"Bakura why are you attacking Yami?!" Yugi shouts.

Looking into his eyes, I can see, no, I can feel the struggles he's having within himself as he desperately fights off the darkness inside of him. He's failing...

"Because the bastard hates him." Joey snarls. "I knew we shouldn't have trusted this asshole!"

"Bakura snap out of it!" Mokuba and Serenity shout.

"What's going on with Bakura?" Joey asks. As a black aura surrounds him. It's too strong, he can't do this alone. He needs me.

"The darkness is consuming him." Marik says.

"We have to break him free!" Anzu exclaims.

"Attack already!" Kaiba shouts.

"Destroy them all!" Bakura exclaims.

"Blue-eyes Ultimate Dragon attack!" Kaiba shouts.

"Dark Diabound attack!"

"Bakura snap out of it!" everyone continues to shout.

"Kaiba, stop the duel! I shout.

This can't go on. Maybe if they stop the duel the darkness inside Bakura can be controlled.

"I'm not stoppin-"

"Oh yes you will! Bakura's in danger!" Mokuba says.

'We're not stopping anything fools!"

"Release your control on Bakura!" I shout.

"How about 'no'?" Zorc laughs."he's mine! You might have destroyed me, but I'm still living inside Touzoku. As long as he hates you, I'll be the supreme being!"

"Then I'll just have to break him free, now won't I?" I say coming closer.

"No, please don't!" Bakura shouts desperately, begging for me not to step closer.

"Bakura?" I ask unsure if it's really him or if it's just one of Zorc's tricks.

"Stay away-"

"You only listen to me, pest!" I hear Zorc hiss. He must be talking to Bakura through their 'link' Gods, I couldn't imagine having that foul creature in my head.

"Let him go!" I shout.

"Why should I? He doesn't love you!" Zorc cackles.

"I know, but I-"

I'm cut off as Bakura starts to fall to the ground. Without thinking, I sprint forward, catching him in my arms. He shakes violently, his eyes roll in the back of his head. Sweat is covering his body. He coughs blood bubbling from his lips and rolling down the corners of his mouth and down his chin.

"Bakura," I say trying to snap him out of the state he's in. Zorc's trying to push his way through and take complete control of him. I won't let that happen.

Bakura lets out an ear piercing shriek, thrashing about in my arms.

"Shouldn't we do somethin'?" Joey asks.

"Let Yami handle it." Yugi says.

"Bakura, you have to snap out of it." I say, my grip on his shoulders tightening. My knees are aching due to the fact I've been in this one position for what seems like forever, but I fear if I move Zorc might take that chance to take complete control over Bakura, and I can't allow that.

"Shouldn't we take him to a hospital?" Anzu asks.

"A hospital won't help Bakura." Marik snaps. "Bakura has to beat Zorc."

"But I thought that…"

'Well, you thought wrong."

I block them out, I have to. I have to concentrate. I have to find a way to break Bakura out of this state. I know I can't destroy the darkness within him, only Bakura can do that...but wait! What if Bakura doesn't want my help? Then am I just wasting my time? What if this is just an act? No, it can't be. I could feel him fighting Zorc off. It has to be real, but why?

He's hated me for millennia. Did spending time with the others and me open him up or…

"A-Atem?" Bakura croaks.

"Yes, Bakura it's me." I say softly.

He stares up at me, his eyes full of sorrow and pain. I feel my chest tightening when I look into his eyes. He reaches his shaking hand up touching my face. I bend my arm so I can touch said hand. His skin is so smooth.

His spasms start up again. I hold him against me running my fingers through his hair.

"Bakura, fight it." I say into his ear. "I know you can hear me. I know you're in there. Don't let Zorc win. You're stronger than him."

Bakura goes lifeless in my arms. I stand up moving him so he's bridal style in my arms.

"Let's get back to the Game Shop. We need to think of a way to help Bakura fight Zorc off." I say.

XXXXXXXXXX

[Marik's POV]:

We're all sitting in the living room of the Game Shop-save for Yami, Bakura, and Kaiba-the formers are upstairs and Kaiba, of course, is at home. Mokuba, much to Kaiba's displeasure is here as well.

The duel got out of hand. Everything was fine until Bakura summoned Dark Diabound. I knew what was going on the minute I saw his eyes after summoning that beast. Bakura tried his best to fight Zorc off, but it ended in him collapsing Yami's arms.

"What are we going to do?" Tristan asks.

"There's not much we can do," I say.

"What exactly happened?" Duke asks.

I sigh heavily, looking away from everyone. "Zorc was trying to take control of him." I say at last.

"What do ya mean?" Joey asks. "I mean I thought dat Yams destroyed Zorc."

"And he did," I say looking at him. "But Bakura still has Zorc within him."

"I'm lost." Joey says.

"I'm not surprised," I mutter under my breath. "It's a simple concept if you think about it: Bakura wanted to be all powerful and what better way to do that than by joining forces with the Dark God himself?" I say.

"It makes sense," Duke muses. "Though, it doesn't explain why he seems to be having fits."

"He was trying to fight Zorc off." Yugi says. "He doesn't want to be controlled anymore."

"I figured that," Duke says rolling his eyes. "What I meant was why."

"Isn't it obvious?" Serenity whispers looking down at her hands resting on her bare thighs. "he's in love."

"He's always been in love with Yami." I say. "Even when he was with me."

"I still don't understand how you can hate someone so badly you want to kill them, but be in love with them at the same time." Joey says.

"I think it would be clear to you guys if you knew of Bakura's past." Ryou says softly.

XXXXXXXXX

[Bakura's POV]:

"I'm very disappointed in you, Touzoku." Zorc sneers waking around me.

We're in my 'soul' room. My unconscious mind. My body is dead to the world. All I feel is Atem's fingertips and his soft words begging me to wake up.

"How could you do such a thing?! You knew I was going to help you, idiot! Why did you stop me? Why did you fight me off?" he shouts.

Why had I? The whole plan was for me to break Atem by getting close to him and crushing him when he fell for me. Why then, during that duel, did I have a need to protect him? Why did I forget about my bond with Zorc? Why did I fight against the darkness instead of with it?

"I'm talking to you!" Zorc' booms stopping in front of me.

I look into his red eyes.

"I-"

What am I supposed to say? I dont' even know why I did it. Something just snapped within me. Did my time with the Pharaoh change my views on him? No, that can't be…

"I'm going to lock you in here for a while until you can stop thinking with your cock." Zorc sneers. "You obviously want him so badly that you forgot what he did to you!"

"I didn't forget, Zorc!" I shout.

"Then why did you stop me from destroying him? He's vulnerable! You don't have to be afraid of him, Touzoku. I'll protect you. He has no power!" Zorc shouts.

"I don't know, okay?!" I exclaim.

"Yes you do, you're just too pussy to admit it! You want him!"

"No I dont' Zorc! I just want to destroy him!" I yell. "And I was doing that until you showed up and tried to destroy him out right!"

Zorc's eyes widen the narrow. He's taken aback. "What do you mean?"

It's my turn to sneer. It's rare to see the Dark God with his defenses down. His sinister ways always give him the upper hand. Now, this time, I'm the one in control of things.

"We're trying to destroy him the wrong way." I say moving so I'm leaning against a wall.

"Explain."

"It's simple really, Zorc. The Pharaoh is too powerful for us to take down on head-on, but I found his weakness: his friends." I say.

Zorc's smirk nearly slices his face. "I like where this is going." he says.

"At first, I thought that I could destroy him through his friends, but then I decided it would be best if I destroy him through me." I say looking at him. "But then you had to ruin it for me! We were getting close, Zorc! He was falling in love with me! Why did you have to ruin it?!"

"Look, Touzoku, there's still a way to continue with your plan, but you seriously should have told me your plan. It would have saved you the trouble." Zorc says.

"I think not." I spit. "After all, you always seem to have such pathetic ideas."

"You're lucky I love you, you know that?" Zorc leers leaning down stroking my cheek with his claw.

I swat his hand away. "What did I tell you about touching me?!" I snarl.

"Why wouldn't you want me to touch you? I'm the only one that cares about you." Zorc says standing up straight.

"Umm how about I'm not into beastiality?" I snap.

Zorc throws his head back, his maniacal cackle fills the inner chambers of my mind bouncing off the walls. He finally calms. "You know I can have any form I choose. Would you like me to become the Pharaoh? I know how much you want to fuck him. Oh wait, I'm sorry, you're wanting to 'make love' with him." Zorc laughs.

"I have no desire to make love with anyone." I spit.

"So you don't have a problem with me using the Pharaoh's body to fuck you?" Zorc asks licking his lips.

"No." I say.

"Oh joy!" Zorc cries clapping his hands together. "We should get started. It's been ages since I felt your nice hot tight-"

"I don't mean 'no' as in I'm okay with it, I'm saying no as in, no you can't take control of him." I say.

"And why not?!" Zorc shouts.

"I don't like you!" I hiss. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll continue my quest on destroying my enemy."

Zorc lets me by. I walk to the door leading out of this room. I need to wake up so I can wake up and continue with my plans. Everything was going perfectly until Zorc showed up. Well, it's only a minor setback, nothing I can't fix. My hand turns the knob, I pull the door open I can almost see the light of the 'real' world.

"You'll fail." Zorc says.

I don't bother to turn around.

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"You can't destroy him as long as you're in love with him, so I suggest you snap out of that stupidity." he sneers and with that he disappears and I open my eyes.

XXXXXXXXX

[Yami's POV]:

I sit beside Bakura's unconscious form on the bed. His breaths are uneven and ragged. I hate how things have gotten so out of control. He was trying to protect me from himself. It's just as I said once before. There are two sides to Bakura: the scared little boy and the sadistic man.

I have only know one side of him, but I believe the other side is coming out now. It's trying to break free of its bindings. Bakura and Zorc probably locked that part of Bakura deep down in the back of his mind because they figured it was weakness.

Now that side is coming out. Bakura's changed a lot, but not enough. He needs help to get rid of his darker side and become who he was always met to, but as long as he worships the ground Zorc walks on, then it will be impossible for me to bring that side of him out.

I know Bakura is capable of emotions. He's shown that to be in many occasions. Even while under near complete control of Zorc while we were fighting in my memories, he showed them.

It's obvious that he cares about me to some extent because of his actions today, but will I ever see that side of him again? When he wakes up will I see him in a new light or will he be completely controlled by Zorc?

He moans and I run my fingers through his hair to calm him. Being near him, I feel something I've never felt before. I wonder if Bakura feels it too? It's frustrating when he's always on my mind. I understand that I have to save him, but when I saved everyone else, they never were in my thoughts, in my dreams. What's going on with me?

Bakura's eyes flutter open, my hand stills in his hair. His eyes are unfocused as he stares up at me.

"Bakura?" I say.

He blinks a few times.

"Are you okay?" I ask.

"You have pretty eyes." he says.

I'm taken aback by this remark. He seems like he's in a daze.

"Umm...thanks." I say, blushing.

Bakura laughs, reaching up to touch my face. Does he know it's me he's touching?

"I'm hungry." he says.

A smile breaks across my face as the tension between us dims down.

XXXXXXXX

[A few weeks later…]:

[Seto's POV]:

About two weeks have passed since Bakura had one of his 'episodes' and our duel had to be canceled. Of course something like that would happen. I'm beyond pissed that I couldn't continue that duel. Will we ever finish a duel?!

Mokuba said I probably would have lost because of Bakura's new creature. Ha, I dont' think so! Though, his creature was a formidable opponent. It's abilities sure came in handy. He should use it against Yami sometimes if he can stop that foolishness that he was going through during our duel.

I haven't seen him since that day and I don't want to. Mokuba goes over there a lot, he thinks he can help Yami save the thief. The only person who can truly 'save' him is himself, but Bakura being in love with Yami will help tremendously that is if he accepts that he's in love.

Of course, that's easier said than done. Mokuba constantly harps on me that I need to tell Joey how I feel. Whatever. I don't feel the need to tell that mutt that I love him because I don't. I'm not in denial, I have more important things to do than fall in love with an idiot.

They need to focus on Bakura and Yami, not the mutt and I.

XXXXXXXX

[Bakura's POV]:

"What?!" the Pharaoh exclaims.

"A date," I repeat. "I want to take you on a date."

"But why would you want to take me on a date?" he asks.

"Maybe because you're hot and I want to date you?" I snort.

He blushes ten shades of red looking away, he tries to hide his embarrassment.

"but I thought you...hated me." he whispers.

"Well, wasn't part of that deal for the loser to take their crush out?" I ask.

The Pharaoh looks at me. "Bakura, you know that that duel was never concluded."

"And who do you think would have won, Atem?" I ask leaning against the back of the couch.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asks.

"Well, I know you do since you can't get that day you saw me naked out of your mind." I smirk.

He blushes.

"Plus, I want to get some payback." I say.

His eyes widened.

I laugh. "Not now, silly." I say tapping him on his nose. "Later."

"I don't know…" he says.

"Think about it, okay?" I say standing up before he has time to protest, I head up the stairs.

'So how are things going?' Zorc asks me as I fall onto the bed on my back.

'I'm taking the Pharaoh out if all goes well.' I say.

'Excellent,' Zorc says. 'You gonna fuck him?'

'Not yet.' I say.

'Well, when you do, let me know.' he says.

'How about no, sick fuck!'I snarl.

Zorc just laughs.

I stare at the ceiling in silence. The room is dark save for the bit of moonlight flashing through the off-white curtains. Everything's going according to plan. I woke up to my weakness and have been that way ever since. The Pharaoh and his posse are none the wiser. I think they actually believe I'm their friend and care about them. Please, I'm only getting close to them so I can destroy them.

It's all just an act.

XXXXXXX

[Yami's POV]:

Bakura has returned to 'normal' after the incident two weeks ago. I'm keeping an eye on him, but he seems to be doing fine. We're sitting on the couch, everyone else had gone to bed.

"It's fun spending time with you," I say.

Bakura grabs the remote from beside of him and turns the TV off. He turns so he's facing me.

"Really?" he asks.

I nod.

"Do you want to go on a date with me?" he asks looking into my eyes.

Did he just ask me what I think he asked me? No, I must have heard him wrong…

"What?!" I exclaim.

"A date," he says. "I want to take you on a date."

"But why would you want to take me on a date?" I ask.

"Maybe because you're hot and I want to date you?" Bakura snorts.

Bakura thinks I'm hot? I blush, turning my head so he can't see my face.

"but I thought you...hated me." I whisper.

I know he does. He has to be messing with me….

"Well, wasn't part of that deal for the loser to take their crush out?" he asks.

I look back at my him. "Bakura, you know that that duel was never concluded." I point out.

"And who do you think would have won, Atem?" he asks leaning back against the couch.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" I ask.

"Well, I know you do since you can't get that day you saw me naked out of your mind." he smirks.

I blush. He just had to bring that up.

"Plus, I want to get some payback." he says.

My eyes widened. Does he really mean that? He wants to have sex with me? For some reason, I'm excited about this. Maybe it's because I hardly had the time for sex during my time as Pharaoh, or maybe there's something more.

No, I can't let something like that happen between us. He may have changed a bit, but he's not completely out of the woods. Until he is, I can't.

His laughter breaks me out of my thoughts. . "Not now, silly." he says tapping me on the nose. "Later."

"I don't know…" I say.

"Think about it, okay?" he says standing up and heading up the stairs.

What am I supposed to do? If I go on this date with him who's to say I won't start feeling weird things. I'm supposed to save him. I can't let something like this get in my way.

"I know he doesn't, but I-"

I never finished my sentence. If Bakura hadn't have passed out at the exact moment, what would have I said to him.

'You already know the answer to that.' my inner voice says. It kind of sounds like Yugi. Strange, we no longer have our mind link.

'What's that supposed to mean?' I ask.

The voice snorts. 'What do you think it means? You've known it all along. It's the reason you've saved him. It's the reason you can't get him out of your mind...'

'Wasn't that just because I saw him naked that day?' I argue hoping against hope it's not what I know it is.

'Partially, but as you can tell it's gotten worse.' the voice says.

I sigh heavily.

'Just admit it,' it says.

'Admit what?!' I snap irriated that this voice won't leave me to think in peace.

'That you're in love with him.'

No. It can't be. I can't be in love with him! I don't have time to fall in love with Bakura! All I wanted to do was save him!

'And how do you think you'll be able to do that? Date him, let him know how you feel. Show him. You're the only one that can save him.'

'He hates me.' I say.

'He does,' the voice says. 'but perhaps you can change that. He's already started opening up to you.'

'That's true,' I concur. 'Alright, I'll go on this date with him.'

XXXXXXX

So which one of y'all thought everything was going to be fine and that Bakura was falling in love with Yami and all that? Umm no. He IS falling in love with him..well, he already IS so he's slowly realizing it, but he doesn't want to, so he's using his 'master plan of seduction' to make Yami fall for him first. Let's just see how well things go. Their date will be lots of fun. I have no idea when I'll update next, I have lots and lots of house cleaning and whatnot to do. But I will try to update ASAP. Review lovelies!