Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Promiscuous Love ❯ The Clocks Run Lives ( Chapter 1 )

Author's Notes: Yep, another YGO yaoi story with a pair I never really thought much about. But, beyond that, the reason I am writing this story is because the idea struck me and the way the idea struck me resembled my friendship with Jessie, my Yami (AKA, Raist). For the past few months I had to deal with some rather horrible times dealing with my former partner and it didn't go over too well— any of it. I ended up losing a relationship I thought would last forever and, recently, I threw myself into the darkest hole I could find. (Though I was the one to break it off)

 

Of course, around those horrible times, I had Jessie on my MSN list and she tried her hardest to keep me alright even though she had her own problems with going to doctor visits and speaking to her counselor about battling the `Voice' she had gained after going through anorexia for three years running. There were times I would break down on the computer and cry to myself and she could tell something was wrong by how I was typing and ask what the matter was. She even let me call her up at 4:30 AM her time to keep my mind from wondering back on what I had lost and it worked for the 5 or so hours we stayed on. If it wasn't for her, I would probably be lying out on my foldout and sleeping all day and not eating anything. But, with her, I know I have a reason to get up and she is it and, though I am still drastically losing weight, I would probably be shot below 99 pounds if it weren't for her. (I weigh 104 and stand at 5'5)

 

The reason I am writing this story is because of her. I know I would have thrown myself into the gutter if she weren't there telling me several times in many different ways that everything will be okay and that she cares. And that is all I could ask from her. And so, on with the show.

 

Description: When Malik threatens to throw his life away by doing drugs and being promiscuous, Ryou has to try and break through the boy's wild ways to save someone he loves...(Yaoi) (RyouXMalik) (Dedication to my Yami)

 

Musical Inspiration: “Could It Be” = Christy Carlson Ramon

 

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Ryou walked home alone, as usual, with his bag held in front of him. Head lowered, his albino white hair masked his face as he locked himself in thought wondering if Malik would be awake when he got home. Sighing heavily to himself, he eventually turned the corner that would lead to the one story house that he and Malik shared together. Getting to the doorstep, Ryou pulled out his keys from his pocket and opened the door with his right hand that was soon free from keeping his bag into place. Stepping into the small house they shared, the teen boy kicked off his shoes and guided them together and to the side of the door with his soon bare feet before heading further into the house.

 

Since he had no homework to do to his knowledge, he tossed his bag upon the stand that was in the hallway, careful of the picture frame there which was next to the lamp and the phone. Leaning upon the edge of the same stand, Ryou's russet eyes worked their way about the currently quiet house before landing directly at the picture frame he was quite careful of. Twisting his nose a bit to the left as he bit the corner of his mouth, he continued to study the picture frame before bothering to pick it up. It was a picture taken months ago with him attempting to support Malik who was trying to jump on his back it seemed. They were at a party and having a good time. The only good time they had managed to have before the incident that destroyed Malik. Running his fingers over the glass covering, he couldn't help but managed a soft smile before it faded since he knew it would be some time before those times were to happen again.

 

Once Ryou felt he had reminisced enough, he looked up at the clock hanging on the wall over his shoulder noticing it was almost three o'clock. Soon he would have to leave for work but he wasn't going to without knowing Malik was at least awake. Putting the picture back down where he found it, Ryou headed further down the hall and went to the last door on the left finding it closed and no lights on. “Malik?” Ryou called taking off his top blue shirt before bothering to knock on the door with his knuckles. “Are you awake?” When there was no response, Ryou figured he was still asleep making him open the door and step inside. Getting within the dark room, he found that the Egyptian was still asleep making him walk over to the bed to shake him awake. “Malik,” The fair skinned Ryou called several times, “get up, please.”

 

Malik moaned miserably every time his partner shook him and called his name repeatedly. “Ryou,” He groaned turning to his opposite side so that his sketched back was facing Ryou.

 

“Malik, it is a little past three,” Ryou remarked throwing the black covers off of his body. “You have to get up.” Watching the stubborn boy grab back onto the covers that were tossed off, Ryou huffed irritably before throwing them off again and picking up the fragile boy. Regardless of how many times Malik whined Ryou headed to the bathroom, placing him down on the toilet seat cover. Plopping down upon the rough surface, the dusty blond, messy hair covered a bit of Malik's ivory features as he snorted, looking off to the side. His jeans were opened just a bit and, from what Ryou could see, he neglected to put his boxers back on for some odd reason. “Get dressed,” He ordered sternly yet calmly before turning his back to the weary Malik. “I will fix you something to eat.”

 

Heading back out into the hallway, Ryou walked down to the kitchen which was also on the left side of the hallway coming into the house. Opening the refrigerator, he searched around for the salad he had stashed away when Malik failed to show up for dinner last night. His hand coming upon it, he pulled it out just in time as Malik eventually showed up with at least his hair brushed, a decent shirt, though untucked, with his leather jacket flung over his right shoulder, and sporting another pair of jeans. “Ah, I see you rushed through getting ready,” Ryou remarked merely trying to be playful though Malik was normally never in the mood for it.

 

Watching his partner sit down at the dinner table prompted Ryou to come over and place the salad before him before putting his hand on his hip like he was ready to lecture him. Of course, Malik knew he was. “What?” He asked irritably knowing it was going to be another long afternoon.

 

“I didn't see you at dinner…again,” Ryou answered biting at his lower lip once more. Malik seemed to ignore Ryou's sight as he took the plastic lid off of the salad bowel his lunch was in. Not getting a response from that forced Ryou to continue, “Malik, you have been doing this for awhile now and I want it to stop. I know Seto has you working overtime mostly but—.”

 

“Ryou, it's my job and I work the night shift,” Malik finally spoke up after he took a bite out of his salad. “I'm sorry if that bugs you…”

 

There were a lot of things about Malik lately that disturbed Ryou and he questioned it constantly to himself knowing if he did it out loud, it would annoy him. Malik got fired from his old after school job from not staying focused and so he tried out for Kaiba Corp. next since Kaiba needed somebody to boss around at work and afterwards at his mansion. It started off as a cruel joke but then became Malik taking it seriously and Seto turning to actually thinking about it since the former tomb keeper seemed to be desperate for the money. The innocent boy tried on several accounts to find out what Malik did for him besides wait on the `corporate monster' hand and foot, but Malik always seemed to change the subject or rush off somewhere.

 

Finding that it was all pointless to even bother with, Ryou turned his back on his friend once again, sighing heavily as he worked on fixing himself something to eat before getting ready to work at one of the nearby diners as a cook since that was what he did mostly: cook. Shifting his gaze from the small salad he had to Ryou, Malik eventually glanced at the watch on his right wrist to spot the time. Eating off the last bit of what was offered to him, Malik got to his bare feet, grabbing his leather jacket he placed on the back of the chair he was currently sitting at before addressing Ryou that he was now leaving. “I have to go now. Kaiba will get mad at me if I am late.”

 

Ryou Looked at the clock on the microwave from where he was squatting in front of the lower cabinets in the kitchen to pull out what he needed for the lunch he had in mind. Noticing it was only 3:30, he cocked his white brow at the timer before moving it to the grungy looking Egyptian. “Malik, Seto expects you in by at least 7:00…why are you taking off now so early?”

 

“I have other things I need to do before I get there,” Malik was quick to answer though he was hiding his nervousness very well with his neutral tone. “I promise I will be fine.”

 

There was nothing Ryou could say and or do without causing Malik to get huffy about it. Reaching over into the bowel on the kitchen counter that had a few things within it that were eatable, he tossed a banana at Malik. “At least take something with you to snack on. I will see you when you get home which I hope is by dinner time as it used to be.” After saying that, all he heard was the door shut and Ryou figured he walked out again with not wanting to listen to him. “Figures…he never wants to listen to me anymore…”

 

Hearing the phone ring prompted Ryou to stop making the egg sandwich he planned on making as he headed over to the one just outside of the kitchen doorway that sat upon the nightstand he had previously stood by to take a trip down memory lane. Grabbing it quickly, he answered with his soft, timid voice, “Hello?”

 

“Ryou?” The young boy questioned from the other line, “It's me, Yugi.”

 

Ryou's weary frown seemed to brighten up into a soft smile eventually. Closing his eyes for a moment, he released a sigh through his nostrils letting his hand rest upon the stand while the other held the phone. “Yugi…it's so nice to hear from you.” Ryou did enjoy the occasional call from Yugi though they were not as close as the young duel master deluded himself into believing. “Is there something you need? It's not normal for you to call me.”

 

It was rather a cold way to put it but it was truthful and it did hurt Yugi to hear it but he said nothing dealing with it. “Did Malik leave already? I plan on seeing him today dealing with his reappearing dark personality.”

 

Ryou was quite aware that Malik went to Yugi's on occasion when it dealt with Mariku resurfacing. It seemed the two were close in everyway and possibly going out. Whether they were or not, the two kept it secretive and forced Ryou to sit at work and let his mind wonder upon that being either fact or rumor. “Yes, he did leave—whether he is headed there or not, I cannot say, Yugi.” Having to think about the two together tore at the young boy and he found his nails digging into the wood that made the stand. Closing his eyes sadly, he pushed himself off of said stand and leaned against the wall with his left foot propped upon it. “He never says much to me lately…as you know.” Saying this caused him to look back upon the photo that was right within his view.

 

“I see,” Yugi said apologetically it seemed. “I will let you know when he arrives and when he leaves. I—I know how much he means to you.”

 

The way he fell over himself made Ryou sigh through his nostrils again as he crossed his other arm over his chest. Opening his eyes and blinking a few times to get used to the light or to fight back tears, he managed a fake smile, looking down at the phone. “Thanks Yugi. That means a lot to me. Bye…” Not wanting to hear the rest of it or even hear Yugi say `goodbye' in return, Ryou hung up the phone before heading back to what he was doing so he could get ready for his job.

 

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Malik came out of the alleyway later on in the afternoon before bothering to look at his watch again, noticing it was at least a little after five. Just enough time, he thought before heading down the street to find Yugi's place which was just a 20 minute walk from where he was currently. Seeing the card shop not too far off in the distance, Malik stopped just a bit off as he heard the bell ring to indicate somebody was leaving. Seeing that it was Anzu, he tried to stay hidden the few feet away he was standing though he knew he would quite possibly be seen. And indeed he was for Anzu soon stopped in her tracks as her cerulean eyes landed upon his lilac. “Oh, hay Malik,” She replied in a soft tone, heading towards him.

 

Dammit, He hissed mentally knowing what he was in for when it came to her. Trying to force on a smile for her, he waved briefly. “Hello, Anzu.”

 

“What brings you here?” She asked trying not to be obvious about that green-eyed monster that loved to lurk inside of her.

 

“I come here ever so often since Yugi and Atemu help me cope with the incident and all,” Malik answered looking beyond her shoulder to see the card shop just out of reach. “What about yourself?” He asked not wanting her to respond to that last comment.

 

“I thought I would drop by and spend time with the two as well,” She remarked with a prideful smile.

 

Everyone knew she had her heart more or less set upon Atemu but Atemu didn't seem too interested in what Anzu had to offer him or he was clueless that the girl was hitting on him to begin with. This fact that continued to roll into Malik's mind made him laugh internally knowing she was just wasting her time if she didn't come out and say anything to the guy instead of leaving him to second guess her actions. “Well, that is wonderful,” He managed to get out though it was hard to lie around her. “I am glad you had a great time with them. Now, if you'll excuse me,” with this Malik sidestepped her and walked towards the card shop, “I promised Yugi and Atemu I would show up today. Good day, Anzu.”

 

Anzu watched Malik turn his back to her, forcing her to make an ugly face at him before replying to his remark in return, “See you some other time.” Making her leave of the scene, she quickly made her way to her house since it was nearing time for dinner.

 

Malik entered the door to find Yugi was there sure enough in the card portion of the building looking at some of the duel monsters that were in stock before turning his attention to the `customer' about to tell them they were closed but held back seeing who it was. “I am glad to see you made it today, Malik.” Pocketing his deck, he walked towards him taking his ivory hands within his own as he guided Malik to his bedroom so they could speak among other things.

 

As usual, Malik was quite distant and seemed to fidget though the two were closer than others would guess. The way he was acting, it was as though the two were strangers and it forced Yugi to try and think of something as his spirit guide urged him onward. “Ummm,” Yugi hummed softly picking up the newspaper he had stashed away since he was looking through the movie guide not too long ago, “Hay, Malik, would you like to go see a movie? It would help take your mind off of a few things.”

 

Malik's eyes stopped wondering about the room from where he sat upon Yugi's bed. “That sounds nice but I can't, Yugi. I have to work for Seto today, remember? I apologize for getting up late—if I had gotten up sooner, maybe we could have seen one…”

 

Hearing him starting to blame himself, Yugi was quick to react as he shook his hand at him from side to side. “No, no! It's not your fault! We can find something else to do then?” Putting the paper down on his nightstand, he grabbed onto his Millennium Puzzle, rubbing his thumb over the eye as he conversed with Atemu for a bit on this matter. “Have you eaten anything? Would you like to go out and eat something real quick before you go to work?”

 

“I ate a salad that Ryou made for me—I am not hungry,” He answered lying down upon the bed covers so he could stare at the ceiling with his arms crossed behind his head.

 

Sighing sadly, Yugi kept his gaze on the depressed Egyptian wondering what else there was he could do. Digging back into his pocket, he pulled back out his deck wondering if he would like to duel. “Would you like to duel for a few minutes?”

 

“No thank you…but thank you,” He answered swinging his right foot ideally from side to side.

 

Yugi put his deck away once more before heading over to Malik's side, looking into his eyes whether he wanted him to or not. “Do you want me to let you sleep and wake you up when it's time for you to go? Or do you have something in mind that you are not telling me?”

 

“Yugi,” Malik began softly as he tried to stare through the boy, “can I speak with Atemu for a moment or two?”

 

“Are you sure that is what you want right now?” Yugi asked knowing what the `talking' with Atemu would lead into eventually. “Are you sure you don't want to talk to me?”

 

Malik nodded to him slowly knowing this was what he wanted and needed at the moment. “Yes…May I speak to him…?”

 

His voice was starting to crack and Yugi became worried before he used his Puzzle to hand it over to his elder, wiser side. Opening his eyes to the surrounding soon enough, Atemu looked down upon Malik to find him turning his back to him so he could hide the tears he heard falling. Reaching towards his tear stained cheek, Atemu managed to help Malik sit upright. “There we go,” He replied in his deep voice keeping his narrow eyes upon the shaky, sobbing Malik. Feeling how horribly thin the poor thing was underneath the baggy, lose clothing he wore made the Egyptian spirit frown with worry.

 

That frown soon vanished once Malik gripped onto his school uniform, crying heavily upon his white undershirt. Hesitant to embrace him at first, the kind Pharaoh cupped the back of Malik's dusty blond hair massaging his scalp to try and relax him so he wouldn't go to work in a mess. “I'm sorry,” Malik managed to get out as his hands started shaking miserably. “It seems no matter what I do lately, it won't go away…!”

 

Atemu's chest rose and fell drastically as he sighed a bit, wishing that the months of torment that Malik was putting himself through would end so he could be happy once more. “Malik, it's obviously going to take a lot longer than anybody expected for this to go away. I apologize. I wish I could make it go away but it never will no matter how hard I try.”

 

Malik tried to concentrate on the rising and falling of his chest every time he breathed knowing that would get him every time. It did relax him a little bit with the added feel of Atemu's fingers rolling through his tresses. But the scent that carried on Atemu forced Malik to become intoxicated again as his hands slipped into his top shirt to push it off or encourage it to be so.

 

Feeling what his sobbing friend was doing, Atemu was quick to grab onto his shoulders tightly to make him stop for a second. “Are you sure you want to do this now?” He questioned looking at the clock in his room. “You have to be at Kaiba's by 7 and it's an hour's way from here—!”

 

“Please?” Malik begged quietly as his body jerked every time he sobbed. He stopped his previous actions just in case Atemu was using the time as an excuse not to continue. “If you don't want to, it's okay…I just…need to…”

 

Feeling his heart lurch at Malik's reply, Atemu grabbed onto his shoulders gently, guiding him down to the bed once more with himself situated to be on top. Pressing his lips to Malik's, he made attempts in the soft kissing to settle the rattled teen before working on getting his blue school shirt off and on the floor. “It's okay,” Atemu assured, cupping his wet cheeks within his hands. “I promise it will be okay, Malik…”