A/N: Written by Akiko Kuro Ookami and CapicornKitty1975. Edited by myself. I have permission to upload to FFN on behalf of the Authors.
Chapter 10
The next weekend, Seto and Ryou waited for when their guests would arrive. Ryou, of course, is nervous about it. He hoped Akefia and Bakura would like Seto. He liked his brother's partners of course since he's run into them once or twice sometimes. He's at least familiar with them.
Seto looked at Ryou. "What's wrong?"
"Just nervous," admitted the brit.
"They will love me. There is nothing not love. I am loyal, free from disease, will take excellent care of you, have firm financial footing, and an impeccable credit score." Seto stated matter of factly.
Ryou giggled, "I know. It's just me being me I suppose."
Seto kissed him gently. "Calm, Ryou...calm."
Ryou pouted, hands on his hips, "I am calm, dragon."
Seto raised an eyebrow as there was a knock on the door. The butler led Akefia in, dressed in black dress pants, a blood red silk shirt, holding hands with Atem.
"Yay, 'Kefia," Ryou glomped his older brother, clearly on mood swings from his sudden change from being pouty to a burst of energy.
Akefia chuckled, holding Ryou tightly. "Little brother."
"Hehe, oh over there is my lover Seto," Ryou introduced after letting him go.
Akefia walked over, face stoic. "Akefia." He held out his hand to shake with Seto.
"Hi," greeted Atem, shaking Seto's hand as well as Ryou's. "I'm Akefia's lover."
"I know," Ryou smiled gently.
"Nice to meet you both." Seto stated.
"Indeed," agreed Atem.
Ryou frowned, "I hope Bakura and Marik managed to find a babysitter."
A little bit later, Marik and Bakura arrived. They managed to have Ishizu look after their kids while at Seto's mansion.
"Yay, Fluffy has come," giggled Ryou, glomping his other brother when he walked in the door.
Bakura gave a tight squeeze to his younger brother. "You're looking healthy." Bakura smiled.
Ryou pouted, "Why wouldn't I? Oh, this is my lover over there, Seto."
Bakura nodded grumpily. "You do this to him?" Bakura asked gruffly. Seto nodded. Bakura surprised everyone by quickly hugging Seto and letting go. Seto tensed, but nodded after it was determined it was a hug.
"Are you ok?" Marik asked his lover, surprised by Bakura's move.
Ryou frowned, unsure of what to make of it either.
Bakura grumbled, frowning at Marik. "Uh, I gotta fuckin go. C'mon." He grabbed Marik, heading out. Seto looked confused.
"Bakura, wait," called out Ryou, wanting him to know the news before he left. "I'm pregnant."
Bakura nodded, "congratulations." He mumbled, voice cracking.
Ryou went over to him, hugging him, "Will you be ok? I know you're sorry for what happened. I am too."
Bakura froze. Akefia nodded at Atem. Seto frowned. "Atem, Marik, please, let's leave them alone." Seto motioned to the dining room.
"Um, ok," nodded Marik, shooting Bakura a look to say don't mess things up before leaving with Seto and Atem to a separate room.
Bakura glared at Marik. Akefia looked between the two. "What in Hades is going on?"
"Um, before I meet Seto I was a heroin addict and suffering severe depression to the point I cut myself," Ryou hesitantly admitted to his brothers. "You two thought I was so perfect you didn't notice."
Bakura cut his eyes away as Akefia sat down in shock. "I fuckin' knew. I found out too late that I was the one who got you fuckin hooked." Bakura's voice cracked as tears fell.
Ryou held Bakura close, letting him cry on his shoulder, "I know, but things are ok now thanks to Seto. He helped me become better."
Bakura sobbed into Ryou's shoulder.
Ryou rubbed his back gently, moving them to sit on a sofa within the living room, asking the butler to fetch tea as he knew Bakura would need it after he finished his breakdown. He assured Bakura everything is alright now. He just held him, letting him cry on his shoulder or chest.
"It's ok now, 'Kura. You don't need to carry this on your shoulders anymore," murmured Ryou softly.
Akefia just sat, still in shock.
Ryou patted Bakura's hair, "Want some tea?"
Bakura said nothing, just nodded, eyes puffy.
Ryou had Bruce make them some tea that Ryou used to make for Bakura when he's upset.
Bakura sobbed harder as Akefia still said nothing.
"Akefia, come here instead of being silent," said Ryou, wanting some help.
Akefia stood, walked over, and slugged Bakura as hard as he could.
The table shattered as Bakura fell into it.
"Was that necessary?" sighed Ryou, hoping Seto wouldn't be cross with the broken table.
Bakura growled, getting up and spitting blood. "You're the fucking reason Amane died, so fuck you." He lunged, planting an uppercut to Akefia's jaw that sent him sprawling on his back as Seto ran in.
Ryou's eyes pricked with tears at being reminded of their deceased baby sister. He didn't want them to fight. He tried dragging Bakura off of Akefia to stop them from hurting each other.
Seto came in, picking up Ryou. "If they want to behave as animals, that is their choice. I won't allow you or our baby to be hurt."
"B-But I don't want them to fight," replied Ryou quietly, feeling sad at seeing his brothers squabble.
"They are adults, you cannot control them." Seto kissed Ryou's head as Akefia shrugged Bakura off and limped out the door
Ryou sighed, "I know, but still..."
Seto took Ryou into the dining room as Bakura came in, lip bleeding, and sat down next to Marik.
Marik draped an arm around him to show him some comfort. Ryou still sulked about the fighting. Atem walked in shortly after, sitting across from Bakura and Marik with Akefia.
Akefia said nothing, but he had straightened up, cleaned the blood off of him, wrapped his knuckle, and smoothed his hair. He took a drink of water, saying nothing, but squeezing Atem's hand almost painfully under the table.
Atem didn't mind it since he's used to Akefia's death grip of doom by now.
The butler came in, serving the soup. He turned on some light music to help the silence.
It did seem to help somewhat. Ryou cast the butler a grateful look, hoping things would turn out for the better.
Bakura said nothing...which he must have learned from his older brother, who also said nothing. Seto, always prepared for tough business meetings, looked at the room, analyzing. To Atem and Marik, "I hope you did not have any trouble finding the place." Seto's humor, if any, was deadpan.
"Um, no it was pretty easy to find," sweat dropped Marik.
"Indeed, it's not hard to locate your home," agreed Atem.
Seto nodded in acquiescence. "So, what are your hobbies?" Seto asked politely, running a hand over Ryou's hair lovingly but unconsciously before placing it back on the table.
"Working, taking care of mine and Bakura's kids, spending time with my siblings," listed off Marik.
"Working for me as well, but spending time with my younger brother," replied Atem.
Seto nodded politely at each. "Is the food to your liking?"
Akefia nodded. Bakura shrugged. Seto inwardly rolled his eyes at the atrocious behavior, but kept quiet out of his love for Ryou.
Ryou held one of Seto's hands, knowing he didn't like the unruly behavior. Marik and Atem nodded, enjoying the food and company.
After the dinner, which was fairly uneventful except for when Bakura flat refused to pass something to Akefia, dessert was brought out. A lovely baked Alaska...a small plate with a strawberry truffle and small scoop of ice cream was sat in front of Ryou.
"Thanks," smiled Ryou, pretty certain the rest of them would get drunk or something.
Akefia had only been drinking water. Bakura did accept a scotch. Seto was drinking club soda.
Atem was drinking club soda as well. Ryou didn't know how long it'd last until one of them did something stupid.
Seto nodded as Bakura still eyed Akefia angrily. Finally, Seto called Bruce in. Bruce leaned over, listening to the carefully worded whisper, nodding. A few minutes later he came in. "Master Kaiba, Master Ryou, Mister Atem and Mister Marik, please follow me. Misters Akefia and Bakura, please follow Reginald." The dark haired man appeared at another door.
Akefia shrugged and stood, not turning his back to Bakura as Bakura pushed from the table and walked over. "Ya throwin' me the fuck out twatnugget?" Bakura asked.
"I-I doubt that's what's going to happen," muttered Ryou, getting a headache from being stressed due to his brothers fighting, leaning on Seto as he didn't know what's going on either.
"Angel, I'm sending them to a different, soundproof room with Reginald as a buffer. Let them scream, yell, fight, whatever. Reginald will not let them physically touch each other. That will be explained to them." Seto kissed Ryou's forehead temple, gently massaging it. He had said this loudly enough so Marik and Atem could hear.
"Oh, that's good," Ryou said, still worried, holding onto him. "Akefia still blames him."
Seto looked at Ryou. "I'm sorry, Angel. I do too."
"Why?" blinked Ryou in surprise.
"If he didn't sling it, you probably wouldn't have gotten it. I know that he and Zorc were the first to have heroin here." Seto said. "But, I while I still blame him, I can still be civil and accommodating to him. That doesn't mean I like him. It means I love you."
"I know," he sighed. "Bakura can be a bum, but he does mean well in his own way. I love you too."
Seto said nothing, just steered Ryou into the other room to socialize with his brothers overs.
He did for a while, but still had a bit of a headache. He didn't mind the two, thinking his brothers chose right. He looked forward to meeting his niece and nephew. He had arranged with Marik to go visit next week.
After two hours, Reginald came in. "The brothers have come to an agreement, and both have went home." Reginald announced.
"Ok, hope they'll be alright," worried Ryou as the other two went as well to make sure Bakura and Akefia were alright.
Seto carried Ryou up to the bedroom, setting him gently down.
When Ryou's lying down he pulled Seto down to hold him in the bed
Seto laid, obligingly, holding his lover in his arms gently.
Ryou yawned, leaning against his lover's grasp.
Seto held Ryou as both fell into peaceful darkness.
()()()()()()()()()()
Two months later, Atem rushed Akefia to the hospital when he told him that he had been going into labor. Now, he waited outside since he wasn't allowed in during the process in case there were complications.
The doctor came out, three hours later. Pulling his mask down, he looked to Atem. "The baby girl is premature, but doing well in the NICU. Akefia has lost a great deal of blood. We are working on him. The next twenty four hours are crucial. You can go see your daughter." The doctor stated kindly.
"When can I see my husband?" asked Atem as they had become married the month before.
"I don't know. I will as soon as I do." A nurse was there to escort Atem to the NICU to see his daughter.
Sighing, he followed, wondering what they should name her.
The nurse led him to a beautiful, petite silver haired girl. She opened her eyes, and Atem's eyes stared back at him.
"Hi sweetie, I'm your dad," said Atem softly, staring back at the beautiful baby girl.
She smiled. Akefia told him it would be gas.
Atem hoped soon he'd be able to take her and Akefia home with him.
The doctor came then, telling him he could see Akefia for a few minutes. "It seems some trauma from early in the pregnancy may have caused the premature birth. We are doing everything we can." The doctor told him solemnly. "But, I warn you, he does not look well."
"Will he survive?" Atem asked worriedly, stepping in the direction of where Akefia is kept.
"He is touch and go. The next 24 hours will be touchy. Any kin of his should probably be called." The doctor said solemnly.
"I think one of his brothers will be coming in for an appointment," mused Atem, wondering if Ryou will be giving birth at the same time as Akefia had. "The other, well I'll see if I can get a hold of him."
The doctor nodded, opening the door. Wires were attached to Akefia, and he was much paler than normal with black rings around his eyes. An oxygen mask covered his nose.
Atem shed a few tears at seeing the sight. He hoped Akefia would pull through this.
Akefia opened an eye. "Hey baby." He whispered.
"Hey, how you doing?" asked Atem, settling down in the chair beside Akefia's bed. "I saw our daughter. She looks just like you, but has my eyes."
Akefia smiled weakly. "I'm glad she got your beautiful eyes."
"You'll be ok, love. Think about our baby girl, how it'll be to raise her, and keep fighting. I'll stay here as long as they'll allow me," he promised.
Akefia smiled weakly. "Can we call her Amane?"
"Yes, perhaps the middle name could be Mana," he suggested, thinking Amane is a beautiful name.
Akefia smiled weakly. "It was my fault, you know. I didn't protect her."
"No, you didn't," he assured softly. "She and you are in great care right now."
"I know I didn't." Tears fell from his eyes as his body wracked with sobs. "I will go take care of her, you stay here and take care of our girl." Akefia whispered. "I love you three so much."
"No, you stay put. You're not at peak health right now. You're not putting your life in danger. I'll look after Amane, but you stay here," said Atem sternly. "You're not dying, got it?"
Akefia sighed, eyes sliding closed.
"Rest, habbibi. You'll need it."
Meanwhile, Ryou had been rushed to the hospital too. Akefia's not the only one delivering today, but Ryou will be having fraternal twins. He had heard about his older brother's condition, hoping he'd be alright.
Seto came with and was allowed in the room, as who was going to say no to Seto Kaiba? He stayed right by Ryou. It was painful, long, but free from complications and two beautiful baby girls were born.
Ryou smiled softly when they were out, holding their baby son and daughter in his arms after they've been wiped and bundled in blankets.
"Aw, they're so cute," said the brit softly.
"Yes." Seto agreed, smiling at the whitenettes.
"They have your eyes," murmured Ryou, wondering what to name them. "I think the boy should be named Mokuba."
Seto's eyes pricked with tears at the mention of his dead brother. "And the girl should be Amane."
Ryou shook his head, "No, I'm pretty sure Akefia would use that name if he has a daughter. We could name ours Kisara."
Seto's eyes darkened. "I'd rather not." He stated stiffly. "What is your mother's name?"
"Oh, ok then," nodded Ryou, deciding not to question him about it. "Her name was Rebecca."
"Then how about Rebecca?" The smile returned.
"That would be lovely," tears pricked at Ryou's eyes as his mother had died too, but when he was very young.
Seto leaned over, kissing Ryou's head tenderly.
Ryou kissed his lips gently, "I think we'll be great parents. It'll just be fun having trouble telling these two apart. Hehe"
"Well, if this beautiful little girl keeps her hair long, it won't." Seto winked.
"Hehe, true," giggled Ryou. "But then she'll look like me if she grows it out long enough."
"Shit."
Ryou smirked, "Heh, people used to mistake me for a girl sometimes."
Seto smirked. "You are beautiful."
Ryou blushed, "You say the sweetest things."
Seto leaned down, kissing again.
Ryou kissed him back, pulling away when he needed to breathe, "I hope Akefia is ok."
"Want me to go check?" Seto asked as there was a knock on the door.
"Yes, please," replied Ryou, worried about Akefia.
Seto headed out. After he left, Bakura slipped in. "Hey baby brother."
"Hey, come to meet your new niece and nephew?" asked Ryou softly.
"Yea." Bakura said. "And to tell you...I quit selling. Got a job at Burger World, boosting cars on the side." He came up and gently hugged his baby brother. "I am sorry, Ry. For every fucking thing."
"I've told you before that you don't need to apologize. I forgave you a while ago," he said softly, smiling kindly. "I named my daughter after our mother."
"The boy's name is Mokuba who's named after Seto's dead brother."
Bakura smiled. "You are the fucking best of us three, ya bloody wanker."
"Huh? Why?" Ryou asked, confused.
"Akefia and I suck, and have failed miserably. You, while not perfect, are damn close brother."
Ryou scowled, "Well, I'd prefer you not compare you or Akefia to me."
Bakura rolled his eyes. "When the fuck do I listen to anyone?"
"You listen to me sometimes," huffed Ryou.
Rebecca started to whimper.
"It's ok, sweetie," Ryou murmured softly, rocking her and Mokuba in his arms, shooting Bakura a dirty look that showed he didn't appreciate foul language being used in front of his kids.
Bakura looked at Ryou. "You will have to fuckin gag me then. You know that." He winked and walked out.
Ryou sighed, knowing his brother would never change. He did worry about Akefia, hoping he'd be ok.
Seto came back. "Akefia is...okay. He could be better, but he could be worse. Amane is in NICU, but fine."
"At least he's ok. He had a baby girl? Aw," smiled Ryou, feeling relieved to have received some news.
Seto sat a tray down. "Now, eat." He had some fish, tea, peas, and a cup of strawberry ice cream.
"Thanks, love," he gave him a tender smile before eating his meal, letting Seto hold the kids since he knew the brunette wanted to.
Seto tried not to melt at the babies, but he didn't succeed.
"Remember how to hold them properly. Give support to their head and back," Ryou reminded him as he finished eating and now sipping his tea.
"I know." Grumbled Seto, smiling.
"Hehe, good. It looks like you're weak against cuteness," he teased.
"I fell for you, so yes." Seto admitted. "Ryou, please eat your ice cream."
"Aw, true," giggled Ryou lightly, setting his cup down to do as he was told.
Opening the ice cream, a beautiful diamond encrusted band lay on a wax sheet above the ice cream with the words, "marry me?" written in beautiful font.
Ryou grinned, "Of course I will, Seto. I love you and our beautiful twins."
Seto smiled, leaning over and kissing Ryou. This life was better than Seto could have dreamed.
()()()()()()()()()()
Yami currently is driving Yugi to the hospital. That morning, Yugi's water broke. He wanted to make sure they'd arrive on time in case there were any complications.
Yugi sat in the passenger seat, eating an ice cream cone. "It doesn't hurt." Yugi smiled.
"Are you sure?" he asked, a few minutes away from the hospital now.
"Yup." Yugi smiled again. Inwardly he felt like he was being shredded in two, but he wasn't going to let Yami know that.
"We're at the hospital now," Yami told him, parking to get Yugi out and into the hospital as they were now in the waiting room to await one of the nurses to help out Yugi.
Yugi finished the ice cream cone and waited in the wheelchair. "Go get scrubbed up and I will see you in a few!" Yugi grinned, waving at Yami as he was directed to scrub up. After he was out of sight, Yugi looked up at the nurse. "I hurt...really, really bad." Yugi whimpered.
"Right," agreed Yami, smiling softly although he couldn't help to worry, going into the other room to change into scrubs so he'd be allowed to go into Yugi's room when it's done.
However, as Yami was allowed in Yugi went into cardiac arrest and Yami was removed as they started working on Yugi.
Yami waited outside, wringing his hands nervously. He hoped Yugi would make it, but felt rather teary eyed at the idea that Yugi might not make it.
After an hour, the doctor came out. "You have a beautiful baby boy, and a very strong willed mate. Both are fine, you can see them." He smiled gently.
"Oh thank Ra they're both ok," Yami breathed a sigh of relief, casting the doctor a grateful look as he went into the room to see Yugi and their son.
"Hey, Yami." Yugi whispered, black bags under his eyes, his amethyst eyes dull, his face pale white. A beautiful smile lit up his face. "Can we call him Heba?"
"Of course," grinned Yami, sitting down in the chair beside Yugi's bed, holding Yugi's hand. "At least you're still here. That's what matters. He looks like you."
"Wait till he opens his eyes again." Yugi chuckled. About then, Heba did. Those beautiful amethyst pools had flecks of crimson in them.
"Aw, he's so cute," smiled Yami upon seeing Heba's eyes open.
Yugi kissed Heba's head, handing him to Daddy.
Yami held Heba, making sure he gave support to Heba's back and head, "He's so light."
Yugi was snoring.
Yami held their baby in his arms, feeling happier than he had ever had been in his life... He just hoped he'd be a good father.
()()()()()()()()()()
Akefia grew stronger daily. He was out of the woods. Five days later, as he was leaving the hospital, Joey was rushing Malik in.
Malik had been taken in. He looked rather pale. The doctors rushed him into the ER. Joey was told to wait outside.
Joey paced the halls, worried for his lover. He prayed to anyone that would listen that the baby and Malik would be safe
After a few hours, one of the doctors came out to give Joey some news, "Well, I have good and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?"
"Da bad." Joey said, head hanging.
"Malik went into cardiac arrest. We weren't able to resuscitate him," he said, giving a sad smile. "The good news is the baby survived."
Joey collapsed on the floor about the time Bakura came in with Marik.
"I'm really sorry for your loss. When you're ready you can go see your baby. It's a boy by the way," said the doctor.
Bakura headed over with Marik. "Shit." He mumbled under his breath.
Joey was sobbing quietly in the floor.
Marik joined Joey in sobbing at hearing the news. He couldn't believe his brother is gone. He held Joey to give him some comfort.
Bakura stood, uncomfortably texting his brothers the news.
The others received the news, sad about it as well. Marik released Joey when he felt ready. Marik had puffy red eyes at this point too due to the extent to their grieving. He and Joey exchanged numbers in case Joey needed help with anything. He then went over to Bakura, slumping against him.
Bakura picked him up and went over, holding him in his arms. He knew he'd want to see his nephew, but Joey should first.
Joey eventually got up and went to the nursery sadly.
The baby looked like a spitting image of Malik. The baby opened his eyes once, but the color is that of Jonouchi's which are honey brown.
As they brought the boy up to meet Joey, he smiled, sobbing quietly. "Hey, Malik. You are just as handsome as your daddy." He kissed the baby's forehead, tears still slipping from his eyes.
Bakura had directed Marik to the window, so, while they couldn't hear anything, they could see their nephew.
"He looks like Mal'," whispered Marik, a few tears slipping down his cheeks.
"Yea." Bakura choked out. "Makes you not wanna take anything for fuckin' granted." As he held his husband, looking in at his nephew, he sighed. Joey held his baby, praying for strength to raise the boy on his own.
As the sun set, a new life being born as another life was lost, the cycle of life continued. For every good thing that happened, something bad had to as well. That was the eternal balance that occurred in life. That was the price that had to be paid so that some could have the good life.