I had quite the day today. Got a nice little chappie for y'all. Ryou returns! I think y'all will like his POV. I sure did! Anyways, I'm going to do some homework tomorrow, so I'm not going to make any promises I'll be updating. It all depends on how I feel afterwards. Enjoy!

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 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 Twenty-four: Jagged

[Mai's POV]:

"Say what?!" Joey cries.

Serenity giggles at her brother's reaction to the statement she's made. He's gawking like the huggable buffoon he is. I have to mess with him. I smirk to myself, walking over casually to my best friend. My hips sway as I make my way over to him. I lazingly wrap an arm around his shoulders.

"Now Joey, you shouldn't be surprised. I heard your sister kicked an old man's ass while I was in the Shadow Realm." I say.

"I know, but I mean you're…."

"Oh hun, I know I'm a great duelist, but shouldn't you believe in your little sister a bit more than that?" I say. "After all, she believed in you when you faced Odion even though it was plainly obvious that you were going to lose."

"Hey!" Joey cries jerking away from me. "If you recall I did win!"

"True," I concur. "So if you can win, what makes you think Serenity can't?"

"I never said that!" he exclaims.

"Then what are you saying?" I ask stepping closer to him.

"It's just that…"

"Yes?" I purr leaning in close to him. Even after all this time I still have a hold on Joey. He may be in love with Kaiba and I may be married, but he can't deny our mutual attraction to one another. No, I'd never cheat on Richard and Joey would never cheat on Kaiba, but still. I have beauty, why not have some fun with it?

"It's not dat I don't think Serenity can win...it's just dat she's inexperienced and you're an experienced duelist Mai." Joey says, his face is completely flustered. I think he fears my wrath. He knows I won't take such petty accusations from him.

"You should believe in your sister, Joey." I snap, turning around to face his sister who is wringing her hands nervously. She doesn't know what to do. Her brother and idol are in a disagreement. I know what Joey is trying to say as far as Serenity goes, but Serenity needs to realize that she has to fight her own battles sometimes. I want to see if she's really serious about this duel, regardless if Joey's okay with it or not.

"I do!" he exclaims.

"Then prove it by keeping that big yap shut of yours and letting her duel me." I say looking over my shoulder. "Besides," I say turning to face the redheaded girl. "It's just for fun, right Serenity?"

"Fun?!" Marik laughs. "Hardly."

I whirl around, my blond hair flying in the breeze. Marik's leaning against the metal post holding the shelter's top up with his arms crossed over his chest. Still wearing that skimpy little slutty outfit I see. I sneer. I can't stand him. He knows this too. I guess it's incorrect for me to say I hate him. After all it was his yami who shoved me in the Shadow Realm and almost made me forget who I was. But still, it was Marik who created the bastard. Unlike Yugi and Ryou, whose 'other halves' are totally different people, Mariku was a part of Marik-created from his anger.

"And just what are you saying, Marik?" I spit glaring at him.

He shrugs indifferently. He's never taken anything seriously. He believes everyone wants him and he's the petal on a rose fallen from the heavens. I guess I think the same way. Of course, I know it's true for me. I'm the thorns and all.

"What do you think I'm saying? Serenity isn't wanting a friendly duel." Marik says.

"Marik, stop it." Bakura says.

"Why?" Marik asks looking around me at his best friend who's sitting at the table with the rest of them. Serenity's trembling and Joey's holding her protectively. When did this get so fucked up? "I'm just telling her the truth."

"Serenity," I say walking towards her. I pull her away from Joey, who reluctantly lets go, pulling her into an embrace. She trembles in my hold. The girl has gotten stronger, yes, but she still is shy and timid. The complete opposite of me. "Is what Marik is saying is true?" I ask.

She pulls away from me, tears ready to spill from those innocent hazel eyes. I wipe them away carefully with my thumbs, cupping her face delicately. She's a fragile child that needs my protection against the stupidity of the world.

"It's true." she whispers, eyes downcast. I force her to look at me by lifting her chin with two fingers.

"You could have told me, silly." I say.

"I didn't want you to get mad…" she says trying to pull away from my hold.

"Well, if you wanted to prove your worth…"

"No, no!" she exclaims backing away. This time I let her go. "It's Marik he…"

"Oh hun you don't need to defend me against him." I say. "I can handle my own."

"I know," Serenity says. "It's just…"

"Hun," I say wrapping my arm around her waist. "You let me take care of him, hmmm? Now, do you still want to duel?"

"Do you think I'll be any good?" she asks.

I turn to the others. "Will Serenity be any good against me?" I ask.

"Yes!" is the echoed reply between the mast of friends.

I turn to the girl. "Then why don't we get to an arena and duel?" I say.

"An arena?" she squeaks.

"Of course, we have to make this good, don't we?" I wink, linking our arms. "Let's go you dummies." I snap my fingers indicating them to follow me.

XXXXXXXXX

[Serenity's POV]:

I'm trembling uncontrollably as I make my way onto the arena. Mai's standing on the opposite side. People are gathering around. I know how to duel. After I dueled Nisbitt when we were trapped in Noah's sick game in virtual world, I bought my own deck and dueled against some of my friends increasing my skills. I know I can't beat Mai. That's not what this is about. It's about proving that Mai uses talent to win her duels, not her body.

I know Joey's worried, but he needs to learn I can handle myself. Still, I am terrified. It's not so much of the fear of losing, I already know I'll lose. It's all these people. I've never liked a lot of people around me. They think this is a real duel and it's exciting them. I mean the great Mai Valentine, or I should say Mai Heartlings as she informed me she was married to an English businessman. I'm happy that she's found happiness. Though, I know she still goes by her maiden name. She's famous for her name, her beauty, and her talent. I'm here to prove she's talented.

Crowds gathered around us in chairs. My friends sit at the front. Joey cheers for me loudly. I smile to him. I love how he's always there for me.

"Are you ready to go hun?" Mai asks setting her duel disk up. I do the same. I don't carry one around, but Joey let me borrow his. I'm just glad I brought my deck with me. I pull it out, going through my cards. I believe that a person's deck tells so much about them. About their past, about their very being. I think the cards pick us, not the other way around. They call to us. The cards in my deck certainly did.

Cheers erupt as we start. Even though I know I'll lose, I want to give Mai a good duel. I'll prove to Marik once and for all Mai has talent beyond his understanding!

XXXXXXXXX

[Joey's POV]:

I sit with the others watching Mai and Serenity duel. They've been at it for what seems like hours. I'm soaking up every move they use. Both of them certainly have gotten better since the last time I've seen them duel.

I wished Mai wouldn't have reacted the way she did. She's a bit overprotective of my sister. Not that I could blame her, but she should know that I do believe in Serenity. She's all I have as far as family goes. I just don't want her to get hurt. Besides, she never informed me her dueling skills improved.

A lot has changed in my life since I've met Yugi. Some good, some bad. But I suppose that's how life is. Even while sitting here enjoying this duel before me and being surrounded by the people that mean the world to me, I still long to be near Seto. I hate that he has to work so much. I need to talk to Mokuba about this. Maybe together we can figure out a way to get the CEO to take breaks every once and a while. We have five days til we have to go back to school. I'm dreading that.

"Oh Serenity got Mai good!" Yugi exclaims from beside of me.

"Go sis!" I yell jumping up. She smiles at me with her usual shy smile. I don't think she's trying to win. I think she's trying to prove herself and Mai. And she's doing a fine job.

XXXXXXXX

[Marik's POV]:

Why Serenity went off the deep end and challenged Mai is beyond me. The girl is doing well, I'll give her that, but she needs to realize that Mai doesn't have talent. I mean she does, but not enough. If she didn't look the way she did, do you honestly think she'd have what she does? Especially that husband of hers. I bet he throws cash at her while she dances under the glory of his accomplishments. Women do that all that time. Thinking they're so amazing and they have us wrapped around their finger. I'm glad Ishizu isn't like that.

Speaking of my sister, I haven't talked to her in a while. I miss her, but my place is here with Bakura. I can't let something bad happened to him, now can I? Besides, Ishizu and I had a long talk before she departed for Egypt. She believes I can help Yami get where he needs to be. This means Bakura too, though she didn't say such. She can't stand him. Not that I blame her. Those who don't understand Bakura always fear him or are hostile to him. Ishizu isn't one to outright attack someone. She holds invisible powers over us all because of her knowledge and who she was in the past.

Overall, today has been a great day. I spent time by myself enjoying my life. I never thought I'd get to this point. I always believed I'd be trapped in that stupid tomb the rest of my life. Then Ishizu took me outside and I had to have more of that wonderful life. The anger within me grew and created another personality. When I saw Odion getting beaten, I snapped. I hated the way he was treated by my father. In a way, I"m glad that Mariku killed him. No, Mariku didn't kill him...I did. Mariku was only a name my anger gave himself. He nearly destroyed me.

Bakura once said that I was the one that got rid of Mariku, not Yami. I suppose he's right. But Yami ultimately banished my dark half. Sometimes I wonder, since he had become his own person, if he could have been saved like Bakura is being right now. I suppose I'll never know.

I look back up at the duel. Screams and shouts are echoing around me. I hate the noise, but it's better than the eery silence of the tombs. Serenity and Mai are neck and neck. I already know who's going to win. We all do, but Serenity just had to prove things to someone who doesn't even give a damn.

But by the way she's dueling, I don't think she's trying to prove anything about Mai at all.

XXXXXXXX

[Tristan's POV]:

The duel between Serenity and Mai today was absolutely incredible. I couldn't stop watching them. Serenity has definitely grown as a duelist since we dueled Nisbitt. She's definitely changed too. She's more mature and independent yet she still has that shyness to her that I love about her. It makes her absolutely adorable.

I have always liked Serenity. I don't like girls that are overpowering and overconfident like Mai. Mai is a great duelist, but I feel she tries to hard. I want to be able to protect my woman, not run away from her wrath. I'm glad Serenity is back with us...for now.

Why is she back? I know it has something to do with Joey, but neither one of them has breathed a word. I know for a fact that Joey and his mother don't get along. Serenity is only allowed to visit during the summers, so how did she get past her mom to get here? Hmm. Must have been Kaiba's doing. Then again, Kaiba isn't one for charity. There has to be something I'm not seeing. I think it has to do with Joey.

I know that Joey's home life with his dad isn't that great. I don't know for sure what's happening, but I have a feeling it's terrible. Joey hasn't been home in quite some time. I don't want to bother my friend on the issue. Talking about his family is something he has trouble doing. He talks the world of his sister though. I can't blame him. She's a great girl.

That's why I can't let Duke get his grubby paws on her! I know he's a good person, but Duke, like Marik and Mai, believes everyone wants him. During Battle City and in dealing with Noah's bullshit, he tried every tactic to get Serenity in his arms. He almost succeeded. I don't think Serenity would be that stupid to go out with him, but then again she is a bit dense. Another reason she should be in my arms. I can protect her from herself.

XXXXXXX

[Bakura's POV]:

There is nothing like a good catfight between a gay man who thinks he's the most beautiful thing on this planet and a shy girl who isn't as stupid as she seems to be. Serenity and Marik have been at each other's throats for what seems like all day. I'm just glad I'm not caught in this mess. I have more important things to worry about. Like getting Zorc out of me once and for all.

Serenity and Mai dueled. I must admit, Serenity does have some skills. Marik is wrong is saying Mai has no talent. You can clearly see she does, but he does have a point when he mentioned that Mai uses her beauty to win. I suppose she does, but then again, I've never dueled her before. Marik has. Still, she has to have some talent.

Yami and I walk hand in hand through Kaibaland. I love being near him. It's amazing how much my life has changed. I don't deserve to be with Yami. He's much too good for me, but he's with me and I am thankful for that.

"Let's go ride some rides!" Joey shouts running towards the rides.

"Bakura, do you want to?" Yami asks as we make our way towards the rest of them who are standing in a long line to get to a rollercoaster.

I look up at the thing. People are screaming in excitement as the adrenaline of fear takes them to new heights. I clench my fists at my sides, the hand holding Yami's squeezes his.

"Bakura, are you alright?" Yami asks worryingly.

I don't answer. I continue to stare at the ride. Everyone in line is begging to get on. There's little kids with their parents giggling and cheering at the ride. How is it that kids have no fear? It has to be because they live in a world of lies. I wished I had that. I wished I had been able to experience what these children are. Protected from the cruelty of the world by their parents. I'm sure they fear the rides around them, but with their parents by their side, they don't fear a thing.

The line moves. I don't. There's no reason for me to. I'm standing off to the side with Yami. I can feel him staring at me. Everyone is chatting about with one another. Serenity and Joey seem the most excited about the ride. Duke and Tristan are arguing about something. No doubt about Serenity. I almost wished Mai were here. I could use her advice on this stupid fear. She understands me a whole lot.

Anzu breaks away from the line to come over to us.

"Anzu?" Yami asks.

"Your fear is engulfing." Anzu says.

I blink. Shit, she knows I'm scared? Well, I shouldn't be surprised really. Anzu has always been observant of things.

"Shouldn't you be in the line, you're wanting to ride the ride, no?"

"You should ride it too." she says. 'Right Yami?"

"You should conquer your fears, Bakura." Yami says. "But I don't think this is the way to do it, Anzu."

"Dont' be like Johnny Steps who was scared to make a mistake. No one here will hurt you. Remember that." she says. She touches my arm, causing me to flinch. Yami and Anzu both catch on. Anzu steps closer to me staring into my eyes. It's weird how she's looking at me.

"You're not fearing that rollercoaster at all are you?" she asks.

XXXXXXXXX

[Anzu's POV]:

Today has been a very exciting day for me. We needed to get out and get some fresh air. I think going to Kaibaland helped us to achieve that. I definitely was entertained with the duel between Mai and Serenity. Both of them are very impressive. Marik claims that Mai has no talent. I know better. Mai could have easily won against me in Duelist Kingdom. She gave me the match because she knew Yugi needed those star chips. Mai isn't a bad person. She's just a loner and, therefore, doesn't act the way she's supposed to in a crowd. She uses her beauty to her advantage, but she has talent and brains to back up that beauty too.

Serenity idolizes her, so when Marik started talking shit, I knew right then and there Serenity wasn't going to put up with his nonsense. She wanted to prove Mai's talents and her own. She did that.

I got out of the line to ride the rollercoaster to talk to Bakura. I can tell he's fearful from the way he's eyeing the rollercoaster, but getting a closer look at him there's much more to this than a mere ride. He fears his control. He wants to be in control of the situation he's in-both with these rides and with Yami. He thinks he's alone still. He should know better than that.

I'll admit, he still scares me, but I'd never do anything to harm him. I want Yami to be happy and he is with Bakura. Regardless what happened in the past between them they're together now. They're working out their problems.

Bakura and Yami both have a past in Egypt. Both of them have secrets that they keep away under lock and key. We-Yugi, Tristan, Joey and I-may have been able to travel through the former Pharaoh's memories when Bakura was trying to destroy the world with Zorc, but we never saw into his inner mind. His secrets, wants, desires. They're all kept from us. As they should be.

Bakura is another one that's keeping secrets. There's so much about him we don't understand. He's changed a lot. I never thought the thief could laugh and smile the way he's been doing these past few months being around us. At first, I hated that Yami wanted to save Bakura. It wasn't fair to us or even Yami. Bakura didn't care about anyone but himself. I hated that he made his way back into our lives.

Now that I know more about him, about his past I can see beyond those things. Looking at Bakura, I can see so much pain in his eyes. I wished he'd let it all go. I know that he's still holding onto something from his past. Mai, Yami, and Marik have been a big help. I want Bakura to know that he has me as well.

"You're not fearing the rollercoaster at all are you?" I ask.

Bakura's eyes widened at my observation. He shouldn't be surprised I can catch onto things so easily. Unlike most people, I take in things much easier. My friends mean everything to me. Living in a family as an only child my friends became my family. Bakura is my friend, therefore he is my family.

Yami squeezes Bakura's hand, staring at his lover. Bakura's turned facing the rollercoaster. He doesn't want to admit that he's fearful of himself, fearful of this relationship between him and Yami.

"You have all of us." I say touching his shoulder. He jumps. I hate that he does that. I know he can't help it, but I wished he'd trust me because I trust him.

"Fine, you want me to ride the fucking rollercoaster than I will!" Bakura shouts storming over to the line, shoving people out of the way. Some want to protest, but don't. Even with all of the changes Bakura has endured when getting his own body he still can scare the piss out of anyone who dares cross him. I bet it's nice being able to hold such power over all of us.

XXXXXXXX

[Yami's POV]:

Bakura's fear is engulfing me. It's painful to see him in such a state, staring at the rollercoaster. Anzu came over wanting to help Bakura. She should know Bakura isn't one to open up to such things. Though, she has observed that the fear Bakura is showing isn't for the rollercoaster at all. It's about his and my relationship.

It's hasn't even been two days and he's already fearful? I hate to see him like this. It makes me upset. I lay on his chest in our room. I moved into the other guest bedroom. Yugi has his own room. Marik stays in the other room and the rest of them, they either sleep downstairs or at their own houses. Only Ryou is here tonight. Everyone else has gone home.

"I can't believe those fools kicked me out!" Bakura hisses mostly to himself.

I chuckle, lacing our fingers together. Our hands rest on his bare abdomen.

"You can't just cut in a line like that, love." I say.

"I just wanted to prove myself."

"To who?"

Bakura doesn't answer. I shift so I can look at him. He's staring off into space. I know this is beyond a simple ride. I think he's trying to prove his worth to me by not being scared. The thing is I want him to be scared. Not because it'd be funny to harass him, but because it'd show he's a human. Bakura has never believed he was a human. He was either beneath us or above us. Never an equal.

Bakura wants that. He wants approval and now that he's getting it he doesn't know how to react to it. He thinks that he has to conquer all of his fears and mistakes in a single day. He's not upset because he didn't get to ride the rollercoaster, he's upset because he didnt' get to prove to himself what Zorc's been trying to tell him all along.

"Zorc is wrong, Bakura." I say.

Bakura's eyes snap to me. So much pain is in those beautiful red eye so of his. I hate that look he's giving me. It only last a moment, but it's enough to unnerve me. The look turns into a scowl. My lover sits up and I do as well.

"What are you going on about, Atem?" Bakura asks.

"Put the walls down, Bakura. You're with me now." I say.

"And that's supposed to make it all better? Now that the great Pharaoh is in my presence?" Bakura spits.

"Why won't you just talk to me?" I ask.

"There's nothing to talk about." he snaps.

I sigh heavily. He's been doing so well and now he's fearing things he shouldn't be.

"You know I love you, right?" I say reaching out to brush the hair out of his face. He leans into my touch unlike when Anzu touched him and he flinched, he craves my touch. I let my hand do as it pleases touching every inch of those flawless face. I bring my other hand up, cupping his face in my palms.

"Yes." he replies staring into my eyes.

"Then why are you trying to hide?" I ask.

Bakura closes his eyes for a moment. He grabs my wrists gently, pulling my hands away from my face.

"I'm going to sleep downstairs." Bakura says.

"If that's what you want to do." I say.

"It's not you Atem…"

"Then what is it?!" I exclaim.

Bakura pulls me towards him, kissing me. I respond quickly. Bakura has always shown how he feels through action, not words. Still, sometimes words are needed and in this case, they are.

We pull away, panting heavily. Bakura strokes my face with his forefinger, sliding it across my mouth. I automatically smile. He response with his own. He cups my face in his hands, kissing my lips tenderly.

"I love you." he says.

"I love you too."

Bakura kisses my forehead before getting up to leave. I want to follow, but I don't. Instead I curl into the sheets, staring at the clock ticking beside of me on the dresser.

XXXXXXXX

[Ryou's POV]:

Bakura and Yami are finally together. How long that will be is remain to be seen. Bakura still hasn't conquered the darkness in his heart and Yami still hasn't conquered his own fears either. The time at Kaibaland today just proved that both of them fear themselves and each other. No one picked up on Yami's fear though seeing as how Bakura's was rather engulfing. It's hard for Bakura to hide things now. I think it has something to do with what occurred between him and Yami the other day. He needed that. He needed to release that pent up anger and frustration. It made him realize that he's in love with Yami.

But, it also made him more fearful of himself. Now that he knows Yami is his soul mate, he's upset with himself that he's hurt him. I'm sure Zorc is still riding his ass about killing Yami, but Bakura is strong. He's not going to let Zorc win no matter what. I see a shadow move across the living room, heading towards the kitchen. I get up, walking towards the kitchen. The room is pit black save for the stove light. Bakura's back is facing me. One hand on the faucet of the sink, another holding a glass. He shuts the water off, turning to face me.

We don't say anything to one another. We haven't talked since he and Yami got together. He had left for nearly two days prior to that. During that time, he became friends with Mai. I have wanted to talk with him about his issues, but it's hard for me to talk to Bakura. Not only because I am a shy person as it is, but because of what we've been through together.

Even though I'm not begging for Yami to kill my yami, sometimes I wished he'd get out of my life. Looking at him causes me great pain. Not only because of the shit he's pulled with me, but because the pain he has is overwhelming. The bond we share is strong, yet we don't have one at all.

"You've been awful quiet, Hikari." Bakura says after he takes a sip of his water. "Care to share why?"

How to do tell him how I feel without him going off the deep end? He's already fearful of his new relationship and losing control. Why add to this mess? Though, I do need to get things off my chest. Maybe telling Bakura how I feel will help him.

"You know how I am, Bakura." I say.

"Hmm." he grunts.

We stand in silence.

"So are you going to spill the beans or are we going to play these games, Hikari?" Bakura asks drumming his fingers on the sink behind him in boredom.

He wants me to tell him how I feel. But is he ready? Am I?

I walk towards the table and my yami follows. We sit across from each other. Bakura grips the glass loosely in his hand staring at me, waiting for me to start this conversation I shouldn't even have to have.

"I'm happy for you."

"That's not what you want to talk about, so save it."

Dammit. I thought I could lead into this conversation that way. I guess I'll do a direct approach.

"You hurt me." I say staring into his eyes.

Bakura snorts, rolling his eyes.

Why does he act this way towards me and no one else? What is it about me that he wants to hurt? No, he doesn't want to hurt me. I am the light half of his soul. He still has darkness within him. He doesn't know how to react to me.

"If I hurt you so much, why are you still here?" he asks.

"I want to see you happy." I reply.

"You know as well as I do that's impossible. You know the reality of the situation." Bakura says.

"Does Yami?" I ask.

"Not completely." Bakura replies.

"You should really open up to him. He loves you." I say.

"I know he does, but love isn't enough sometimes." my yami says.

"It would have been with our relationship." I say. "But you were too busy with revenge to care about what you were doing to me."

Bakura doesn't say anything. He doesn't apologize, look away, or anything. He just looks at me.

"I hate the way you treat me, Bakura." I say. "It hurts that you used me and forced your pain on me."

"What are you talking about?" Bakura asks.

I laugh humourlessly. "You don't know?!" I exclaim. "Oh, of course, you wouldn't! You were too busy trying to destroy Yami to realize what you were doing to me!"

"Ryou, would you calm down?" Bakura snaps.

"I am calm!" I shout slamming my fists on the table. Bakura's glass jerks, spilling some of the contents on the table. I get up, grabbing some paper towels sliding them over to Bakura. He lets the three droplets of water that spilt sit on the table.

"Obviously not if you're having a hissy fit." Bakura says taking a sip of water.

"Are you going to clean that up?"

"Are you going to stop beating around the bush and tell me what's wrong?"

"I don't feel like repeating myself, Bakura." I snap.

"Apparently you do since you repeated things to me I already know. The only knew news you've given me is that you felt what I was feeling." Bakura says. "How is anyone supposed to get close to you if you keep shutting down and shoving them aside?"

"Oh like you're one to talk!" I hiss.

"These people are your friends." Bakura says.

"And they're yours too!" I exclaim.

Bakura closes his eyes, shaking his head. "They think they are, but we all that…"

"That you're going to snap." I finish.

Bakura grips his glass tightly, nearly shattering it in his hand. He can't stand when I turn the tables on him. He knows I have that power over him.

"We're not here to discuss me." he hisses. "It's you were talking about."

"I've already said what I needed to say." I say.

"What a liar you are." Bakura sneers. "Being a part of me, I'd expect you to have some of my talents, but you can't do anything I can do!"

"You wouldn't know seeing as how you don't even speak to me!" I yell.

"You won't speak to me either, Hikari. Don't put the blame all on me or on yourself. It's pathetic. It's not all one person's fault for the fuck ups in this shitty world of ours." Bakura snaps.

"You still hate your life even after you realized you're in love with Yami?" I ask.

Bakura's and my eyes meet. Even without the mind link, I know what he's thinking and he knows what I'm thinking too. The pain he has is unbearable. Tears sting my eyes and I angrily blink them away. I hate how he has this hold on me. I hate that I can't stay mad at him. I hate that I can't leave him alone to deal with his bullshit.

I hate that I love him.