Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ I'll Be Home for Christmas ❯ Twelve Drummers Drumming ( Chapter 12 )

JG-chan: Oh my FREAKING RA!! It's been over a year since I started this fic and I still haven't finished it!

 

Nyoko: What a bad, baaaad authoress you are.

 

JG-chan: Yes, I know T_T But I've completed another chapter, but I'm afraid to say that it is NOT THE LAST ONE. Either I end it here and make a sequel or just carry on with the last chapters as epilogues… *sigh* I really didn't intend it on coming out like this, but what the hey.

 

Nyoko: What do you do?

 

JG-chan: We reply to our reviewers, that's what we do!!

 

Lori: It's been sooo long!! T____T Alas, here we are, at chapter number twelve… aren't you proud of me? ^___^; *gets a blank stare* ….yeah, ok, maybe not. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy this one XD

 

Nomalaz: Hey! You share my views on laziness too! It's a known fact that authors and authoresses have blank periods with their stories… and mine just happened to last for… *loses count of the months* -_____- Anyway… thanks for reviewing so much throughout this fic, I cannot thank you enough! ^___^ *hugs*

 

Velvetina: HEY!! I was wondering where you got to. I know what mm.org can be like with reviews and such… I used to have the same problem. If you delete your cookies and temporary internet files (go into internet options and then tools) then that can help with it too… if you ever want to email me my email is river_girl84@hotmail.com ^___^; Thanks for your reviews!!

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing.

 

Warning(s): Angst, cursing, Shounen-ai.

 

Twelve Drummers Drumming

 

**~***~**

 

 

 

Jounouchi, Malik, Marik and Rishid sat groggily around the kitchen table one Friday morning, watching in puzzlement as Isis pottered around the kitchen in an unusually good mood. Jou had never seen her like this before in his life - it seemed so out of character for her. He always thought she was the shy and silent type - her usual demeanor. This particular morning, however, he couldn't have been more mistaken.

 

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Malik asked, giving his sister a cock-eyed glance.

 

Rishid glared at him; Jou just laughed. Over the past fortnight that he had been staying with the Ishtars he had gotten used to their daily household mannerisms. Malik was a smart-arse to everyone; Rishid scolded him for it; Marik seriously needed to get out more and Isis was, well, the one who brought home the bacon, so to speak. Out of everyone, she was probably home the least, a complete workaholic.

 

“Today is the big day! I'm getting to meet the manager of Domino's branch of Japan on Air!” Isis exclaimed, bringing them their breakfast. “The future of the museum depends on this day… I hope it goes well, for my job's sake.”

 

It hadn't been a secret that the museum was about to go kaput. Hardly anyone ever visited it anymore due to the fact that the same old exhibitions hadn't changed in the past two years. Jou wondered where Isis was getting the money to organize a meeting with these people. She might have paid them out of her own money - she was really that dedicated to the museum. Malik constantly reminded her to get a life.

 

“Everything will go fine, Isis. Seriously, you're so paranoid sometimes.” Malik muttered with his mouth full. After swallowing, he added, “I'm sure Kaiba can pull a few strings with these assholes. You know what he's like. He's got the connections, you know.”

 

Jounouchi's breakfast nearly came back up to make a second appearance. “Kaiba…?”

 

Isis nodded. “He said he's agreed to pay for the costs of the advertising campaign, if Mr. Takenouchi will agree to go through with it…”

 

“You do realise he's just trying to get you into bed, right?” Malik stated bluntly.

 

The Egyptian woman glared at him and leant across to flick him in the ear. “Don't talk such trash. Kaiba-san isn't like that.”

 

I damn well hope not…Jou bit back. Why would he want to help Isis like that? He's never lifted a finger for anyone else… except Mokuba. I wonder what he's up to…

 

“Whatever.” Malik replied. “I'll beat his ass to a pulp if he touches you.”

 

“Count me in.” Rishid agreed with a playful, yet sarcastic smile.

 

Isis rolled her eyes heavenward. “Brothers.” She muttered before excusing herself from the table.

 

After breakfast and a shower, Jou thought about going to see Ryou and Bakura. He had talked to Ryou a couple of times on the phone since he had been living with Malik, but it was awkward. It was almost like they didn't know each other anymore, like how it was in Duelist Kingdom and the Battle City tournament. They were more like acquaintances now, and Jou couldn't help but take a rain check every time he summoned the courage to go over there. This morning, however, Malik decided to dig his heels in.

 

“You are going to go, you hear? Stop being such a fucking pussy, Jou! It's only Ryou. You have got to sort things out with him, for the sake of both our sanities.”

 

Jou laughed and finished toweling his hair dry. “I know, I know. But since when did you go insane?”

 

“Well, it's driving me crazy having you moping around here feeling sorry for yourself all the time; not to mention the fact that Marik wants to rape you every time he sees you walking around in less than is required.” Malik spat blatantly, crossing his arms.

 

Jou couldn't argue there. He had caught the spirit on several occasions eyeing him up if he was getting ready for a shower, or coming out from one. That was the only time he ever walked around in his boxers or a towel, for the sake of Isis' embarrassment. She blushed to the hairline just about every time she bumped into him coming out of the bathroom.

 

“Okay, I get your point.” Jou observed, pulling a comb through his hair. “But you know I'll make it up to you one day, Malik.”

 

“No matter.” He replied with a gesture of the hand. “You know I'll be there for you as long as you need me. Always.”

 

Jou stopped brushing his hair for a moment in feeling Malik's hand on his shoulder. “Thanks, Malik…”

 

Malik smiled at him, his lavender eyes burning into Jou's amber ones. “Its okay, Jou. I know you've got nowhere to go other than here, at the moment…” He said, pushing Jou's hair behind one ear.

 

Jou wondered why he was suddenly being so affectionate, wondered why his heart was racing. “You know I appreciate it.”

 

Without warning, Malik leant in and placed a light, sensual kiss on Jou's lips, as if a butterfly had landed on them and taken off just as quickly.

 

“Malik…?” Jou inquired slowly, trying to veil his surprise.

 

Malik smiled sheepishly and scratched the back of his neck. “For good luck, I guess?”

 

Jounouchi sighed and shook his head. “Thanks, I'll need it.” With that said, he threw on his jacket and left the premises.

 

**~***~**

 

Jou's hands were clammy. It was a frigidly cold day but somehow he was sweating alive inside his bomber jacket and other winter layers. He knew he had to do this at some point - he didn't know how long he might have. Besides, he couldn't rely on Malik to keep him under his wing forever. If he didn't reconcile with Ryou, then it was back to living with his father… Jou shuddered at the thought. I can't let that happen, he thought. I'd choose the streets over living with that bastard again…

 

Door 801 came into view, and Jounouchi couldn't have felt more on edge. He hadn't seen Ryou or Bakura for nearly three weeks, and wasn't particularly looking forward to `finding the middle ground', so to speak. He didn't know what was worse - feeling like a lost soul without them, or having to face them again while still on these horrible terms. It won't take long, Jou assured himself weakly. Half an hour, tops, and I'll finally know where I stand and can get the hell out of here.

 

Nervously, Jou rapped on the door. He was feeling queasy and lightheaded and almost had to reach for the doorframe, when the door opened. Ryou looked at him, blinked, and stepped back a bit, somewhat stunned. A hard, dry lump promptly leapt into Jou's throat. He remained rooted to the spot, the words there, but unable to come out.

 

“Jou…I wasn't expecting you.” Ryou seemed unsure of the situation. “Come in.”

 

Jou nodded stiffly and walked in. “Is Bakura here?” The words suddenly came in a rush.

 

“No, he's out… But that's probably a good thing, right?” Ryou said quietly with a little smile.

 

Jou flushed. “Yeah… So, how have you been lately? You know, I've been… missing you.”

 

Ryou looked down and fidgeted with his fingernails. “I've missed you too…I didn't really know what to do… I didn't know if you wanted to see me or not after what happened…”

 

Jou sat down on the couch, taking Ryou with him. “That's all I've ever wanted since I left…I didn't know how long it would take for Bakura to let his steam off, though.”

 

“I felt awful that day, Jou.” Ryou said, his eyes beginning to water. “I didn't know what to do, and I hated Bakura for what he did…I can never forgive him for it.”

 

“It's nothing I can't handle, Ryou, but that's not why I came over.” Jou said. “I just want to know where we stand… Do you want to try again or…just…?”

 

Ryou took a deep breath. “Jou…we can't be together…Not anymore…”

 

Jounouchi's heart froze and shattered to a thousand pieces. “What?” he croaked. “Why not?”

 

“Look around you, Jou! What do you see?”

 

Jou looked around desperately, and his heart stopped as his eyes fell upon a pile of packed boxes in the corner of the lounge and the kitchen. Books had been removed from the shelves, ornaments were missing and wall hangings had been taken down. He turned back to Ryou, horrified, and finally the tears overflowed.

 

“You're leaving?!” He cried in a high-pitched, panicked nature. “Where are you going?”

 

“Home,” Ryou replied humbly. “I've been accepted at Oxford, Jou. Not only that, I got a scholarship to do a major in science, there. Do you know what that means?”

 

“It means you're leaving.”

 

“It means that my degree and living costs get paid for!” Ryou was obviously ecstatic about this, Jou observed. “Jou…I might be leaving, but, with these expenses already paid for, I can come and see you… or you could come and stay… It doesn't have to be the end.”

 

“You know I could never come to England, Ry… You know it.” Jou mumbled, sliding his fingers through Ryou's delicate silvery locks.

 

“Where there's a will, there's a way…”

 

Ryou's sad, dark eyes were enough to make Jou cry alone, but finding out that boy he thought he was in love with was moving to the other side of the world was enough to push him over the edge. “I love you, Ryou…I never stopped. I thought you loved me too…”

 

“I do love you!” Ryou shrieked. “I never stopped loving you!”

 

Jou let out a loud sob, fully fledged with emotion and embraced the fragile boy who he had once been able to call his lover, his rock, his koi. “You're the only person I've ever loved, Ryou.” He mumbled into the boy's shoulder, his body still racking with sobs. “And you're the only person who's ever loved me. Like that, anyway…Why can't you stay? Can't you do the scholarship by correspondence? You can't go! You can't leave me here alone!”

 

“Jou! Hear me out, will you?” Ryou countered. “Once I've finished my degree… I can get a job wherever I want. A scientist can work worldwide, Jou. I can come back…”

 

Jou looked up. “Come back…? How long is your degree going to take?”

 

“About… three years*.”

 

Jou swallowed. “I can't live three years without you, Ryou…”

 

“If you think about it, it's really only temporarily…I can come to visit you on my break between semesters!” Ryou said, trying to reveal the bright side.

 

“You couldn't afford that, could you?” Jou sounded skeptical.

 

“Well, I -”

 

Ryou was cut short by a sound at the door. The lock turned and Bakura let himself inside, closed the door and began to take his jacket off. As he turned around, his eyes immediately flashed scarlet when he saw Jounouchi. A chill of apprehension ran down Jou's spine in seeing the fiend again.

 

“What is he doing here?” Bakura snarled, walking up to Ryou.

 

“I had better be going, anyway.” Jou muttered, getting up and heading for the door. “See ya, Ryou…”

 

“No, Jou! Wait! Don't go yet…” Ryou cried, getting up after him. “Stay just a little longer…”

 

Jou looked across at Bakura who was leaning against the couch, glaring rebelliously at him. “I know when I'm not wanted.” He said.

 

“Damn right.” Bakura retaliated.

 

“Yami!” Ryou shrieked. “Can't we sort this out? Please? I don't want to have to go back to fucking England with you two on bad terms!”

 

Bakura cocked his head to the side. “I'd rather not.” Then he sauntered off.

 

Jou looked back to Ryou. “I really should go, you know.”

 

“No! No… Bakura is just being stubborn, honestly! He will talk to you, he will!” Ryou cried desperately, knowing deep down it was fruitless. “Please, Jou… don't leave me again… I've waited and worried over you for the last couple of weeks and the last thing I want is for that to happen again…”

 

“You and Bakura need to talk…” Jou replied feebly.

 

Ryou bit his lip and embraced Jou with all his might. “I'm sorry… I'm so sorry! I didn't want it to turn out like this… I thought having you live with us was the right thing to do… But it just messed everything up!”

 

“You did do the right thing, Ryou.” Jou sobbed, putting his hands on either side of Ryou's face and kissing him. “I couldn't have asked for anything better.”

 

“I wish you could come with us, Jou… Where are you going to go, now?” Ryou asked quietly, gazing up at him with teary, bloodshot brown eyes.

 

Jou shrugged. “I'll figure something out, don't worry… Call me, okay? I'll be at Malik's.”

 

Ryou nodded and stood up on his toes to kiss Jou. The familiar feeling of kissing the blonde-haired youth was so different to Bakura. He missed it terribly… he wanted Jounouchi back in his life so badly it pained him like nothing else. It seemed he was torn between numerous aspects of his current life - loving or hating Bakura, staying in Japan or leaving for England, staying with or leaving Jounouchi, loving or hating his father… Loving or hating, staying or leaving…

 

“Aishiteru, Jou.” Ryou mumbled into the boy's shoulder.

 

Jou stroked his hair, cradling Ryou's head to his chest. “I love you too...”

 

As Jou walked out the door, Bakura called from the kitchen, “If you want to know when we're leaving, ask the Ishtars. I'm sure they'll be able to tell you.”

 

Jou just about threw up. Malik and Marik knew about this? How could they have kept something like this from him? “Arigatou… Bakura.”

 

And then he left.

 

**~***~**

 

It was late. Or perhaps it was early, depending on how you looked at it. Either way, it was five-thirty in the morning, and the bar that Jounouchi was currently residing in was about to close. Drowning himself in alcohol wasn't something Jounouchi had had in mind while feeling down. In fact, it was the first time he had turned to the bottle from being depressed. He hated himself for turning out this way, after vowing never to go down the same path his father had taken. Now here he was in some seedy, back-alley bar, almost comatose and feeling lower than ever before.

 

“Hey, pal?”

 

Jou looked up at the scrawny bar tender with unfocused eyes. “Yeah?”

 

“We're closing. Finish your drink and get outa here… Damned drunks.” He muttered, wiping down the bench.

 

Jou sat up and picked up his half-glass of vodka and tonic. He knew he didn't need it but drank it anyway, and got to his feet. A freezing cold wind mildly cleared his head until he somehow made it back to Malik's, succeeding in vomiting three times on the way. Jou felt something vibrate in his back pocket. He took out his cell phone and flipped it open. Five missed calls? He thought. All from Malik, too. What could that son of a bitch want? To Hell with him! I'm gonna ring his neck for not telling me sooner about Ryou!

 

Dawn was approaching quickly as the last stars faded into the purplish-blue sky. It was almost six o'clock by the time Jou stumbled into the Ishtar residence. Isis was up and Rishid looked like he had just walked in the door himself from working the graveyard shift. Things seemed to be happening in slow motion for Jou, until Isis got up and started abusing him. Now he faced her wrath.

 

“Jounouchi Katsuya! What in Ra's name are you doing home at this hour?!” She shrieked. “We've all been so worried about you! You didn't answer our calls - we were on the verge of calling the police! Is that alcohol I smell on you?”

 

Malik came thundering down the stairs a moment later. “Fucking hell, Jou! Where have you been?!” He cried, evidently angered.

 

“Why didn't you tell me, Malik?!” Jou retaliated. “You knew he was leaving! For good! You knew Ryou was leaving and you didn't tell me!”

 

Malik stopped at the bottom of the stairs. “I only found out the other day myself! I didn't want you to get hurt, Jou!”

 

“What the hell is going on down here?” Marik appeared a few minutes later rubbing a sleepy eye.

 

“I went around there today to try and make up with them! And what do I see? Boxes! Packed fucking boxes. Everywhere!” Jou screeched, his voice becoming hoarse, ignored tears streaming down his face.

 

“For the sake of Hathor's tits, you're drunk! You're fucking drunk!” Malik spat. “I can smell you from here to Tokyo!”

 

“Enough!” Isis interfered. “Malik, Marik, get back to bed. Rishid, get Jou up to the spare room…please.”

 

“It still stinks of paint in there.” Malik added before padding up the stairs behind Marik.

 

“He won't notice.” Isis mumbled quietly as she watched Rishid help Jounouchi up the stairs. She sighed and put the jug on. Today was going to be a long day.

 

*~***~*

+|+|+|+|+|+|+|+|+|+|+ ~TBC

 

*= It takes three years to do a general sciences degree over here anyway… I'm not sure about Oxford. *shrugs*

 

JG-chan: ^__^ nearly done, people! Bear with me!! Hope you enjoyed it this far… the grand finale is coming soon!