Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Heartfelt Apologies ❯ Chapter 2 ( Chapter 2 )

Heartfelt Apologies

Chibi B: Hiya! Sorry for the long wait, chapter two is finally here! .………*crickets chirp* ^^;;;

Thank you for your patience Reviewers! I love you all!

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! OR Resident Evil. I forgot to add Resident Evil in my last disclaimer. >_<

Warnings: Rape, Yaoi, OOCness…I think that's all.

Translations:

Onegai - Please

Yameru - Stop

Gomen nasai - I'm sorry

Hai - Yes

Iie - No

Daijoubu desu ka - Are you all right?

Daijoubu - It's all right.

Arigatou - Thank you

Baka - Idiot/Moron/Fool/etc.

Kowappa - Brat

Konbanwa - Good evening

Oyasumi nasai - Good night

Kawaii - Cute

Honto - Really

Urusei - Shut up

Sugoi - Exclaim of surprise... I guess...^^;;;

Nani - What

Nan desu ka - What

Konnichiwa - Hello

Ohayo gozaimasu - Good morning

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~

Chapter 2

Marik stumbled into one of the guest rooms, plopping facedown on the bed. He was both frustrated and upset. What Bakura told him about Ryou was running through his head over and over. He didn't want to end up doing that to Malik. Giving a muffled shout of aggravation into the mattress, he flipped over onto his back, staring at the ceiling.

"Are you thinking about what I said?"

Marik glanced at the doorway, seeing Bakura leaning against the frame and staring at him blankly.

"Yeah." Marik mumbled, focusing his attention back on the ceiling.

"You love him." It wasn't a question, but a statement. Marik sat up and openly gaped at him. Love? The runt? Nooooo. But, as much as he wanted to say that, he couldn't find himself denying it inside his heart. He warred mentally with himself, before closing his mouth and nodding at Bakura.

"You love Ryou too, ne?" He asked, turning the tables.

"Hai. I think I always have." Bakura said thoughtfully, staring off into space. There was a moment of silence before Marik spoke up again.

"You know they don't trust us." He informed. Bakura nodded at him.

"I know. But I'm hoping some day I'll be able to someday gain that trust."

"Hn. When did we become so soft?" Marik grumbled, while Bakura gave a halfhearted chuckle and didn't answer.

"Well, I'm heading off to bed. See you later." Bakura then trudged off to his own room, planning on getting a good nights rest, and leaving Marik to his thoughts. Marik sat up for hours thinking about nothing, when he suddenly heard a mental scream. Bolting upright, he rushed downstairs to find out what was wrong. He found that Ryou was still sleeping soundly while Malik was sitting up and staring wide-eyed ahead of him, breathing heavily from a nightmare.

"Malik?" He prodded, using the boy's name for the first time in a long time. Malik glimpsed up at him and flinched, hugging his knees to his chest. "Daijoubu desu ka?" Marik asked, cursing himself for being so kind and concerned. He raised an eyebrow when Malik let out a dry laugh.

"Why would you care?" He rasped out. "You have no right to ask me such a thing when you bring me so much unbearable pain and horrific nightmares." He peeked his eyes over his knees, staring at Marik through his platinum blond hair angrily. "You beat me, abuse me, what are you going to do next, huh? Rape me like Bakura did to Ryou? I wouldn't put it past you!" Malik's voice was thick with unshed tears as he ranted at Marik. "Well go ahead. I don't care anymore." He unraveled himself and spread his arms open, glaring at Marik distastefully, tears falling out of his dead violet eyes. "Go on. Do it! Nothing's stopping you!"

Marik looked at Malik, shocked. Did he go too far? Did his light really thin that he would rape him? Was it too late to even think about asking for forgiveness? Looking at his now more compliant and broken light, he felt a great sadness swell up in him. He pulled Malik into a hug, startling himself and the other boy greatly.

"Gomen." He muttered sorrowfully. "I truly am. I won't ever hurt you in any way again. I swear it."

"It's a little too late now." Malik sniffed. "I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive or believe what you say." Marik pulled away and stared at Malik, straight into the other's eyes.

"I don't deserve it anyways. But I will try to make it up to you. Just like Bakura is to Ryou."

"We don't trust either of you."

"I know, but maybe in time you will." Marik was in awe with himself, wondering when he became so softhearted and caring towards his light. He crushed the teen into another hug. This was why. It felt right holding the hikari in his arms. Kissing Malik's head tenderly, he sat down on the cushiony chair and pulled Malik onto his lap.

"What are you doing?" Malik whimpered out fearfully. Marik never remembered Malik ever sounding so small and fragile before. Was this what Malik was really like? Deep down inside, was he just a small helpless kid in need of love? That thought made him want to protect the boy even more.

"I'm going to lie down with you." Marik stated calmly. "Now, try to fall asleep." Malik stayed tense in Marik's arms, before gradually relaxing, his eyes drooping shut. Within minutes, he was fast asleep, breathing softly against Marik's chest. Marik continued to watch the other's passive face, before falling into a peaceful slumber as well, his chin resting on Malik's soft locks of hair.

Bakura, who had watched the whole scene from the doorway, smirked, and climbed back upstairs to rest, happy that Marik had finally admitted his feelings to himself.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~

Malik mumbled as light shined through his closed eyelids, snuggling deeper into the warmth that surrounded him. The thing wrapped around him shifted and Malik's eyes shot open in shock. He jumped upright, knocking his head into Marik's chin, causing both to cry out in pain.

"Gomen." Malik mumbled, looking at Marik with a tense and wary expression.

"Daijoubu." Marik said, wincing while rubbing his throbbing chin. Seeing Malik staring at him apprehensively, he dejectedly frowned.

"What's going on?" A voice muttered sleepily. Both blond-haired teens turned, and looked at Ryou yawning up at them, his hair slightly mussed from sleeping. Once Ryou saw Marik, he bowed his head immediately. "Ohayo gozaimasu Marik-sama."

"Just Marik is fine Ryou." Ryou looked at him wordlessly. Did Marik somehow change too? Just then Bakura walked into the room, clad in only his boxers, while reading the morning paper. Ryou mentally drooled at the image before shaking his head, blushing embarrassedly for even thinking of something like that.

"It says here there's a carnival in town." Bakura noted, sitting down next to Ryou on the sofa and tossing the newspaper next to him. "Do you want to go?"

"A carnival?" Ryou squealed brightly, practically bouncing in excitement, momentarily forgetting his fear of his yami. Bakura smiled, seeing Ryou so delighted.

"Hai. I take it you want to go." Ryou nodded his head, then groaned as a wave of dizziness overwhelmed him. "Daijoubu ka?" Bakura's brow furrowed, noticing Ryou sway slightly and shake his head.

"Daijoubu." Ryou smiled. "Can Malik-kun come too?" Bakura shrugged and looked over at the two platinum haired teens. Both stared at him expressionlessly.

"What's a carnival?" Marik finally asked, Malik listening for an answer as well.

"Well, a carnival is, uh, it's a …" Bakura stuttered before rubbing the back of his head sheepishly and looking at his hikari. "Ryou? What IS a carnival?"

"Ano, well, it's sort of hard to explain." Ryou frowned. "There's games, and rides, and food, and it's just a place to have fun really." Bakura shrugged, excepting the reply, and asked Marik if he and Malik wanted to come with them.

"Sure. Might as well, we don't have anything better to do, do we?" He looked at Malik who shrugged and stared at the ground.

"Sugoi!" Ryou squealed, standing up to get dressed, since he was still in his pajamas. He hissed through clenched teeth as pain wracked throughout his still sore body. Bakura reached out a hand to steady him, concern plastered on his face.

"Maybe we shouldn't go today. You need more than one day's rest." He glanced at Malik. "And Malik could use some healing time as well. Besides, the carnival will be here for a week." Ryou sighed, slightly depressed, and nodded obediently. He sent an apologetic look at Malik who just shrugged and smiled, not in the least bit upset.

"Why don't you just focus your pain back to the ring?" Marik questioned, slightly peeved that the trip was cancelled without thought. He was curious about this so-called carnival.

"Nani?" Ryou blinked confusedly.

"That's right!" Bakura shouted triumphantly, smacking a hand to his forehead. "I'm such a baka!" He turned around to face Ryou. "Okay Ryou, all you have to do is concentrate. Try to push back all your pain into the ring, and it will heal you."

"Demo, won't that waste your energy?" Ryou asked, not understanding why his yami wanted him to do such a thing.

"Hai, it will, but not too much. I'll be fine." Bakura assured, ushering Ryou to do as he told him. Ryou closed his eyes and concentrated, focusing on using the ring to lessen his pain. He let out a gasp as a warm feeling tingled throughout his body, healing him. He blinked his eyes open and looked down at his wrists, unwrapping the bandages. They were healed! He let out another breath of shock, and shifted experimentally. The pain was gone! He didn't hurt anymore!

"Arigatou gozaimasu Bakura-sama!" Ryou beamed, smiling up at him brightly. His smile faded down to a frown of worry when he saw Bakura panting slightly and looking rather tired.

"Daijoubu." Bakura guaranteed, seeing the frown on Ryou's face. "Just a little drained." Ryou accepted his answer and turned towards Malik, whom he found out was also focusing on pushing his pain down into his Millenium Rod. Malik opened his eyes in awe and rotated his arm, amazed when it didn't hurt. He turned towards Marik.

"Arigatou."

"No problem. Now, let's get ready to see what this carnival is all about." A smile quickly found it's way to Ryou's face again, and he grabbed Malik's hand, towing the other up the stairs to find some comfortable clothes to wear. Bakura turned to Marik, a small smile gracing his features.

"They seem to be less tense around us. Though I do wish Ryou would stop adding the sama at the end of my name."

"He's still afraid, they both are. But, you're right, they do seem at least a little more relaxed with us. You think this carnival thing is a good idea?" Bakura shrugged nonchalantly.

"I have no idea."

The two waited patiently for their respective lights to return downstairs. Within a few minutes, Ryou came hopping down dressed in a casual pair of blue jeans with a light beige colored long sleeved shirt for the top. Malik followed Ryou from behind, wearing almost the exact same thing as Ryou, except his shirt was a light lilac color.

"Ready?" Bakura asked, opening the front door. He was answered by an enthusiastic nod from Ryou and two casual shrugs from the Ishtars.

"Ano, Bakura-sama?" Ryou suddenly asked. "Where exactly is the carnival being held at?"

"I think your school."

"Okay, good. Does this mean we'll walk?" He asked hopefully.

"Sure, if you want to. We could just use mine and Marik's motorcycle though." He looked at Ryou quizzically, wondering why the boy would want to walk.

"Ryou-kun's afraid of motorcycles." Malik spoke up, grinning as Ryou blushed shamefully. "Kawaii!" He cooed again, making Ryou blush even harder.

"Oh, then we'll walk." Bakura blinked, never knowing that Ryou had a fear of the motorized bikes. He was also thinking about how adorable Ryou was when he was red in the face. Marik grumbled, muttering to himself about how he had to walk all the way to Domino High. Ryou once again flushed, ashamed, and stared at the sidewalk they were now walking on.

Soon enough they arrived at the carnival. They were hit with the fresh aroma of cooked hot dogs and hot pretzels. Ryou smiled cheerfully seeing all the bright balloons and rides to go on. He searched through the crown and finally found what he was looking for.

"Bakura-sama?" He asked, failing to keep the excitement out of his voice. "May we go on that?" He pointed to the gigantic Ferris Wheel, one of Ryou's most favorite rides. Bakura's eyes opened wide as he stared at the giant contraption.

"S-Sure." He stuttered, eyeing the machine warily. "Come on you two." He called back to Marik and Malik who were staring around, awed at the site before them. They snapped out of their daze and jogged up to Bakura and Ryou who had started out ahead of them.

"Ryou-kun! I don't want to go on that, that, thing!" Malik whined, staring up at the Ferris Wheel suspiciously. Ryou giggled at Malik.

"Don't worry, it's not so bad. It's like riding an elevator!" (Uhh, so I've been told. ^^; You see, I've never been on a Ferris Wheel before. In fact, I've never even been to a carnival! *is a deprived child* So, sorry if I describe this thing wrong….)

"I think Marik and I will wait for you guys." Bakura said, standing back next to Marik.

"Chicken." Marik mocked, poking Bakura in the side. "I'm not standing out here with you, I'm going." He pulled Malik up towards the line, and waited for them to be called to board the ride. Malik blinked up at his yami curiously, he thought he was going with Ryou! Well, he guessed his yami had other plans. Sighing, he shot a remorseful look at Ryou and shrugged. Ryou shook his head, signaling he was okay. Though inside, he was disappointed because he didn't want to ride it alone.

Bakura saw Ryou's disheartened expression and sighed heavily. He tugged at Ryou's arm and nudged him towards the line, standing behind Malik and Marik. He was still looking at the ride cautiously when he felt someone hesitantly grab his hand. Looking next to him, Ryou gave him a small smile of reassurance, though he looked a bit frightened at the courageous move he made. Bakura squeezed Ryou's hand back gently and sent him a thankful and pleased look.

"Next!" The conductor guy (*cough*… ????) shouted. And Marik and Malik stepped up, loading into the cart. They strapped themselves in with the man's help, and the ride started to move, making Malik squeak and grab onto Marik's arm unconsciously. Marik looked rather wide-eyed as well, and had clutched Malik close to him instinctively, seeking comfort from the teen.

Soon after Malik and Marik boarded, the conductor guy (^^; forever known as "Conductor Guy"…) called them up next. Ryou smiled widely and dragged Bakura into the seat, helping in strapping the other down.

"Are you sure this is safe?" Bakura mumbled, still doubtful of the so-called Ferris Wheel.

"Hai Bakura-sama! We'll be fine."

They started to move suddenly, causing Bakura to tighten his grip on Ryou's hand. Ryou paid no attention to it, and was currently staring out excitedly at the carnival as they began moving up higher. Ryou gasped and pointed to a person standing down below them out in the crowd.

"I see Yugi-kun!" He laughed, then stopped abruptly, staring at Bakura cautiously, knowing how the other always got upset at mentioning the Pharaoh or his hikari. Bakura though, just nodded and continued to stare out among all the different people and rides.

"Ryou, what's that?" He asked, avoiding talking about Yugi and Yami anymore. Ryou blinked and followed to where his finger was pointing.

"Ano, I think that's the game area."

"Games?" Bakura perked up, interested.

"Hai. You play carnival games, and win prizes like stuffed toys or sometimes even money or duel monster cards. Do you want to head there next?" Ryou asked, seeing how Bakura quickly became intrigued at hearing there was games to play.

"Sure." Bakura grinned. He continued to ask Ryou what particular things were below them, and Ryou was glad to answer. The ride soon came to an end, and they hopped off, heading to where Marik and Malik were waiting.

"Did you like it?" Ryou asked Malik, smiling widely. Malik shrugged, looking a little green.

"It was okay, but let's not go on it anymore." Ryou nodded, not really caring.

"Alright. Bakura-sama wants to go over to the game section, is that okay?"

"Games?" Marik asked quickly, a smirk already forming on his lips. "Of course it's okay! Let's go!" Ryou led the way to where he remembered the games being at, Malik, Marik, and Bakura following him.

"Wow." Malik breathed, seeing all the prizes and game booths set up. "Doesn't this cost any money?"

"Hai, but it's no trouble." Ryou pulled out his wallet and gave each of them some money to spend. "If you need anymore, just ask." He smiled.

"Ryou! Is that you?" A voice asked from behind him. He turned around and was face to face with Yugi and the others. The others being Yami, Honda, Otogi, Jounouchi, and Seto.

"Yugi-kun! Minna-san!" Ryou shouted happily. He stiffened when he heard Bakura growl menacingly behind him. Turning around fearfully, he saw both Bakura and Marik snarling at Yami, their lips curled back, showing their sharp canines. Ryou let out a soft whimper, thinking his yami was going to hurt him again. Malik had slowly edged away from the group without them noticing, and dashed away.

Bakura looked down at Ryou, hearing the small whine, and saw Ryou shaking slightly and looking up at him, frightened. Bakura's growl immediately died down, and his face softened apologetically. Ryou gave him a shaky smile, and turned back to the group in front of him.

"Jou-kun! Seto-kun!" He cried out, launching into Jou's arms. "I missed you guys!"

"We missed you too Ryou-chan!" Jou laughed, messing up Ryou's hair. "How've you been?"

"Fine!" Ryou smiled.

Yami was looking at Ryou's yami suspiciously. One minute, Bakura was barely controlling his rage, and the next he was calm as ever. He shifted his gaze to Ryou, who looked a little shaken up, but otherwise had a small smile on his face and was now hugging the life out of the blue-eyed CEO. Glancing at Marik, he noticed that the other had not stopped snarling threateningly at him. Rolling his eyes, Yami looked for Malik, and found that they boy wasn't there.

"Wasn't there four of you?" He questioned curiously, raising a regal eyebrow. (Taski: Yes! The regalness of Yami's eyebrows! All hail! Chibi B: *whacks him with frying pan* Ignore him … ^_^)

"Nani? Of course their four of us- Wait! Where's Malik?" Ryou asked, panicking. "He was right here a minute ago!" That seemed to snap Marik out of his trance with Yami.

"Malik? What do you mean he's not here?" He looked around frantically. "Malik!?!"

"Try your mind link, baka!" Bakura commanded, looking around for the lost light as well.

"What's the big deal? He's a big boy, he can take care of himself. He WAS the one who tried to take over the world with you, remember?" Honda sneered, annoyed. "He'll be fine." Marik ignored him, trying to contact Malik with his link.

"Honda!" Ryou scolded, shocked at his friend's behavior. "You know as well as I do how easily it is to get kidnapped at a carnival!"

"Ryou's right Honda, you shouldn't act like that." Yugi chastised gently. "What if Otogi went missing?" Honda winced and looked at his boyfriend.

"Your right. Gomen."

"Damn it Marik! Haven't you talked to him yet?"

"Urusei Bakura!" Marik yelled furiously. "I'm trying to talk to him right now!"

//Malik?//

/ …. /

//Daijoubu desu ka? Are you hurt anywhere?//

/Iie./

//Did someone take you?//

/Iie./

//Then where the hell did you go?!// Marik asked, sounding pissed. //You scared the shit out of us!//

/Gomen./

//Daijoubu, now where are you?// No answer. //Malik?// Malik mentally sighed.

/I'm by the food stand./

//Why did you run off?// More silence.

/You, you were scaring me. And Yugi-tachi doesn't like me very much, I didn't want to trouble them./

//Gomen Malik…// Marik apologized guiltily for frightening his hikari again. //And of course they like you, they just don't like me and Bakura.//

/Iie, they hate me. I, I don't want to hang around them./

//But they were looking for you-//

/Onegai?/ Malik begged, hoping Marik would show some mercy. Marik sighed heavily.

//Fine. I'll tell Ryou and Bakura, you stay there and wait.//

/Arigatou./

"So? Where is he?" Bakura asked once Marik was focused back on reality. He was met with a worried Ryou who was staring at him while chewing on his lip nervously.

"He's fine, he just needed some time alone." Marik lied. Ryou sighed in relief and wiped the sweat off his brow. Marik pulled Bakura over and whispered something in the dark's ear. Bakura nodded understandingly and relayed the message to Ryou. Ryou blinked and immediately looked upset. He turned around to the others.

"It was nice seeing you again, but I think it's time for us to leave."

"Are you sure? We just met up though." Jou frowned, disappointed that his friend had to leave so soon.

"Hai. Maybe we'll get together some other day, ne?" Ryou waved goodbye, and ran ahead to catch up with Bakura and Marik who had already started before of him. He turned tearful and shameful eyes to Marik.

"Is he really alright Marik-sama?"

"Yeah, he's fine Ryou." Marik answered awkwardly. "He said he's up by the food stand." Ryou nodded, his eyes still moist, and walked with the two yamis towards the stand. Seeing Malik, Ryou immediately smiled, and ran forwards, launching into Malik's arms.

"Gomen nasai Malik-kun! I shouldn't have been so selfish, I should have thought about your feelings first." Ryou sniffled, burying his head into Malik's shoulder. Malik hugged the boy back gently.

"You have no reason to be sorry, I just needed some time to think." Ryou pulled back from Malik, guilt still seeping out of his eyes. "Come on Ryou, enough of that. Now, we missed breakfast, so why don't we grab a bite to eat while we're here?" Ryou sniffled and nodded his head, turning to face Marik and Bakura.

"May we get something to eat Bakura-sama?" Bakura sighed, and put his hands on his hips.

"Are you hungry?" He asked.

"Hai ..." Ryou answered quietly.

"Then go ahead. You don't need my permission Ryou." Ryou nodded his head once again.

"Do you want something too?" He asked, blinking up at them expectantly. Both darks shrugged and looked at the menu on the food stand along with Malik and Ryou.

"What's a corndog?" Malik asked quizzically.

"It's just like a hot dog, except it's on a stick." Ryou answered. "Do you want to try one?"

"Sure."

"Us too." Bakura replied for himself and Marik.

"Four corndogs please!" Ryou asked politely, smiling up at the man widely. The man smirked back, and grabbed the corndogs, passing them out to the boys one by one. When he came to Ryou, he smiled lecherously at him.

"Yours is on the house sweetie." He purred, licking his lips while looking the white haired teen up and down. Ryou blinked up at him, confused, and just nodded his head. Bakura had growled warningly at the guy, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

"Arigatou gozaimasu." Ryou said, handing him the money for the three corndogs. The cashier brushed his hand over Ryou's casually while taking the cash, and winked at him. Ryou eyes once again clouded in confusion, and he pulled his hand back. Bakura stepped in front of him suddenly, and glared at the guy darkly.

"He's taken." Bakura snarled, eyes flashing with anger. The man gulped and backed away immediately.

"S-Sure man, whatever you say."

Bakura grabbed Ryou's hand and pulled him away from the stand, Malik and Marik following.

"N-Nan desu ka Bakura-sama?" Ryou questioned once Bakura let go of his hand.

"The guy was hitting on you Ryou! Couldn't you notice?" Malik exclaimed exasperatedly, slapping his forehead with his hand. Ryou only stared at them, before turning bright red as realization seeped through.

"Oh." He squeaked, humiliated that he hadn't recognized it sooner. Then he blinked, recalling that Bakura had said that he was already taken. He glanced at Bakura quizzically, but the other took no notice.

"What the hell?!" Marik suddenly shouted. They turned to him abruptly, and saw Marik staring at his food with wide eyes. Malik and Bakura both blinked and also looked at their corndogs.

"These." Malik started out slowly, breaking the sudden silence. "Are. So. Wrong."

"What do you mean Malik? You haven't even tried it yet!" Ryou giggled, taking a bite out of his. "Mmmm!" He hummed appreciatively. "Delicious!" He was once again the center of attention as Bakura, Malik, and Marik gaped at him. "What?" He blinked.

Suddenly, Malik couldn't take it anymore and burst out laughing, Marik soon joining him. Bakura cackled wildly as well, while Ryou just stood there, puzzled.

"R-Ryou!" Malik snickered, tears of mirth pouring down his face. "Look a-at that, and t-tell me what you first th-think of!" Ryou looked at his hot dog on a stick blankly for a minute, thinking. Suddenly he shrieked and flushed hotly, glaring at his best friend.

"Malik Ishtar! I can't believe you!" He was met with louder laughter from all three teens, and just stood there, mortified. Finally, the giggling subsided.

"Don't tell me you've never thought of that before." Marik asked, wiping his eyes. He hadn't laughed that hard for centuries. Ryou just looked at the ground, still red with embarrassment.

"Iie." He mumbled. "Maybe we should get something else to eat."

"No way!" Malik exclaimed, taking a bit bite out of his corndog. "I'm going to enjoy eating this!" He marched away back to the game area. Marik shrugged, and bit his as well, liking the way it tasted. He then followed Malik, Bakura and Ryou behind him.

By the time they arrived back to where they were before they met up with Yugi and the others, all of them had finished their corndogs. (Marik and Bakura had a hard time watching their lights eat the, descriptive snack ...) They then parted, each going separate ways to play the games they wanted. Ryou though, had decided to follow Malik since he wasn't very good at these kinds of games. He watched as Malik went from game to game, winning some duel monsters cards and balloon animals. Malik was looking rather happy, running from booth to booth to see how well he could do. Ryou giggled silently at the childish look on his friends face as the other threw darts at balloons to try to win some more cards.

He suddenly stopped, and gasped, staring at one of the prizes for a game. It was a Change of Heart plushie. Ryou looked at what kind of game it was, and his face fell, realizing it was one he was never good at. Sighing wistfully at the stuffed toy, he turned to go find Malik again, only to come face to face with Bakura. He jumped back, startled, before smiling up at the other.

"Do you need more money Bakura-sama?"

"Iie." Bakura shook his head. "Why don't you play that game Ryou? I can tell you want the prize." Ryou smiled sadly at Bakura.

"Ano, I've never been good at carnival games, especially this one, so I know it would only be a waste of money."

"Fine, I'll play it then." Bakura grinned, slapping his money down on the booth to try to take a shot at the game. Within minutes he was holding a Change of Heart toy. Ryou smiled up at him in awe.

"Wow! That was amazing Bakura-sama!" Bakura smiled down at Ryou softly, and held the plushie out to Ryou.

"It's for you." Ryou took the toy from Bakura, and gently cradled it to his chest, his hair hiding his eyes from the other. When Bakura heard a small sniffle, he became concerned and lifted Ryou's chin up. His heart broke seeing Ryou's chocolate brown eyes filled with tears. "Ryou, don't cry." He whispered, wiping a lone tear that fell from Ryou's face. Then, all of a sudden, Ryou threw his arms around Bakura's neck, one hand still holding the plushie, and buried his head in his dark's shoulder.

"Arigatou." He whimpered quietly. "You have no idea how much this means to me." Bakura hugged Ryou close to him, inhaling the other boy's sweet scent and enjoying the feeling of having his light so close to him. Ryou pulled his head away from Bakura's shirt, and stared up at him with eyes still filled with unshed tears, but a smile on his face.

Bakura stared down at the softer teen's plush lips below him, finding himself drawing closer towards the boy. Just once, just once he needed to taste his white haired hikari, and feel the other against him. He leaned down further. Close, so close...

"Ryou-kun? Where'd you go?"

Ryou pulled back abruptly, flushed and studying the pavement intently.

"Malik-kun must be looking for me..." He mumbled.

"Hai. Go on now, have some fun." Bakura pushed Ryou along gently, smiling. Ryou took one last glace at him, smiled as well, and waved before taking off to find Malik.

"There you are!" Malik gasped, running up next to Ryou. He blinked at the Change of Heart toy Ryou was holding to his chest. "Did you win that?"

"Iie. Ryou shook his head, beaming up at Malik. He clutched at the plushie fondly. "Bakura-sama won it for me."

"Honto ne?" Malik looked surprised. "Wow. Neat." He opened his mouth to say something else but froze when someone grabbed him from behind and slipped something over his head and around his neck. Malik spun around sharply, ready to strike, but was met with the sight of Marik's grinning face.

"It fits you perfectly." He mused, staring at Malik intently. "And it brings out your eyes." Malik grasped at the object now hanging off his throat, and studied it. He gasped when he saw what the item was and how beautiful it looked.

"Wh-What's this?" He asked, his voice slightly hoarse.

"It's a necklace baka, what else would it be?" Marik glanced at him expectantly. "I won it for you. Do you like it?" There was a short pause as Malik stared at the gift.

"Hai. I, I love it." Malik breathed, staring back at the charm with wonder. "Arigatou." Marik shrugged, still smirking.

"I'm glad you like it, and you're welcome. Well, I'm off to play more games, come find me if you need me." He wandered off, hands in his pockets, leaving his stunned hikari behind.

"Sugoi Malik! It's absolutely stunning!" Ryou cheered, now studying the piece of jewelry. It was a bright violet gemstone, hanging off of a beautiful golden chain. (*doesn't know how to describe it* @_@)

"I, I know." He wet his lips and stared at Ryou hesitantly. "Do you think, they've really changed?"

"Hai. I think so." Ryou smiled happily. "I truly believe they have." He gazed at Malik, his eyes shining with renewed hope and joy. "And I think we should give them a second chance, don't you?" Malik fingered his new necklace thoughtfully, before nodding his head determinedly.

"Yeah. I think they do deserve another chance. But Ryou," He turned to look at his friend. "I don't understand how you could forgive Bakura for what he did to you. I mean, he took your innocence for Ra's sake!"

Ryou was silent, studying the ground below him and clutching his plushie. He looked at Malik with a sad smile.

"Demo, he was drunk Malik-kun. So, it wasn't really his fault."

Malik nodded his head, still not understanding how his friend could be so forgiving. Then, he locked arms with Ryou, snickering.

"Shall we head off Sir Ryou-chan?" He joked. Ryou laughed lightly.

"Why after you Sir Malik-kun!" Then they both headed off into the swarm of people, determined to have some fun while they were there.

The four teens continued to enjoy themselves at the carnival for a few more hours before meeting up to eat. Then, after that, they went on a few more rides before gathering with the rest of the people to view the fireworks that were about to set off.

"Sugoi! This is going to be so cool!" Ryou squealed excitedly. Malik was bouncing eagerly as well.

"What are these fireworks again?" Bakura questioned curiously.

"You'll see!" Both hikaris chirped at the same time before turning their attention to the night sky. Bakura mentally grinned. It had seemed that both boys had begun to trust the yamis more, and they didn't seem as afraid.

"Maybe we should go try to find a better viewing point?" Malik suggested. "Besides, I'm tired of standing! Let's go find someplace to sit down." Ryou agreed, a bit tired as well.

"Oh! I know a spot! Let's go up on the school hill!" Ryou exclaimed.

"Perfect!" Malik shouted triumphantly as he hurriedly ran to the suggested place. They plopped down on the hill. Bakura was on the end, Ryou next to him, followed by Malik and Marik. They listened as the countdown commenced, five, four, three, two, and one! The first firework lit off, shooting off into the sky and exploding into a multitude of different colors.

"Holy Ra!" Marik yelped. "The sky is exploding!" Both Ryou and Malik giggled at Marik's outburst.

"Iie, the sky isn't exploding. Those are fireworks."

"Oh." Marik muttered, looking a bit embarrassed. Bakura laughed at the look on his dark friend's face before another firework flew up with a loud `bang', making Bakura jump up in fright. The yami glared as Marik snickered back at him, and huffed angrily.

The fireworks continued to go off, and Ryou and Malik were mesmerized by the show, staring at the sky with wide eyes and open mouths. Soon enough though, they began to grow wearier. Ryou's eyes kept closing for a minute, before Ryou snapped awake again, only to do the same thing a few moments later.

Bakura, instead of watching the display in the sky, watched Ryou as the other tried his hardest to stay awake. He leaned over and wrapped his arms around the light, pulling the other closer to him and having Ryou's head rest on his shoulder. To his immense relief and satisfaction, Ryou didn't tense, but relaxed and leaned back into Bakura's side. Bakura shot a glance at Marik, and found that the yami had done the same thing with his own hikari, and that the small platinum haired teen had already dozed off in his yami's arms. Bakura listened as Ryou's breaths began to slow, signaling he was asleep.

Bakura wrapped Ryou's arms around his shoulders, and stood up, balancing the boy on his back as he tried to give him a piggyback on the way home. Marik followed his example, carrying Malik on his back as well.

"I suppose we'll have to stay the night again." Marik muttered quietly, so as not to awake the sleeping form he was carrying.

"I'm sure Ryou won't care." Bakura whispered back. "Let's just get these two into bed."

Upon arriving back at Ryou's house, Bakura took Ryou upstairs into his room, and laid him down on his satin colored sheets. Marik walked into the room after laying his hikari down in the guest bed, and stared at Bakura curiously.

"Why don't you let him sleep in his own room?" He questioned. Bakura covered Ryou with the blankets, his back facing Marik.

"Because, I don't know how he will react if he wakes up in his own bed. It was there that I-..." He broke off and stared down at the sleeping angel below him. "Aishiteru Ryou-chan." He sighed kissing the boy's forehead lovingly.

Marik stood at the doorway and watched the display of emotions with an expressionless face. Bakura stood up from Ryou's sleeping form and walked out past Marik and into Ryou's room, shutting the door softly behind him. Marik watched Ryou sleep for a few moments, before heading back into the guest room that held his own hikari. He quickly stripped himself down into his boxers before climbing in the bed next to Malik. He brushed a stray strand of hair away from Malik's eyes, the other sighing softly in his sleep. Marik placed a gentle kiss on Malik's cheek, wrapped his arms around the light, and fell into a deep slumber.

In the next room, Ryou was sound asleep, until he hastily awoke from a nightmare. Ryou had dreamt that everyone he cared about had left him, first Malik, then Yugi-tachi, and then Bakura. He rubbed at his watery eyes and sniffled before looking around him, finding out he was in Bakura's room. He stood up, and shed out of his clothes that Bakura had left him in, keeping on his boxers. Cautiously, he quietly tiptoed down into his own room and saw Bakura sleeping in his bed. He silently opened his dresser door and pulled out some comfortable pajamas before climbing into bed next to his yami. He let out another small sniffle before snuggling into the other's side.

"Aishiteru Bakura-sama. Please don't ever leave me." Ryou whispered meekly. Bakura, still asleep, unconsciously wrapped his arm around Ryou, pulling the other closer to him. The yami mumbled a bit, before falling silent once again, burying his head into Ryou's silvery mane. Ryou smiled happily and closed his eyes, content. He would always stay by Bakura's side, and love him forever, even if the other didn't return his feelings. "Aishiteru."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~

Chibi B: Well, there's chapter two. R&R! ^_^