Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Promiscuous Love ❯ More of a Push ( Chapter 7 )

Massaging his cold hands, Ryou eventually parted from the three, body length windows to get back to work on breakfast with Bakura still there lurking around. Watching his better half walk off and go back to business, Bakura could only grumble a bit since he knew Ryou was trying to avoid speaking with Malik. “Could you at least speak with him today before Yugi takes over? It may do some good.”

 

“I fear his reaction,” Ryou replied softly. “I enjoy Malik's friendship but if I tell him that I love him…he may turn from me or do something drastic.”

 

“You'll never truly know unless you say something about,” Bakura urged, staying by his confused light's side. “Think about it, Ryou—it could be the thing that saves him...” Believing that was all he could say for the moment, Bakura disappeared back inside of the body he was apart of, hoping things wouldn't go awry.

 

The words that Bakura left him with dwelled within Ryou's mind as he continued to fix breakfast for him and Malik praying this time that Malik would eat something. Placing what he had on the tray that he would bring to his friend's bedchambers, Ryou headed down the hallway towards his partner's room with worry consuming his face. Part of him just wanted to come right out and say it while the other wanted to throw down the tray in his hands and run back to his room. Standing before the door for some time, debating on what to do since both feelings were as strong as ever and threatening to explode within him, Ryou eventually opened the door to let himself back inside.

 

Malik moaned slightly from the light that was pouring into his bedroom once more and stirred for a moment. Ryou was relieved to see Malik was still planted where he last was as he came further into the room with the meal Ryou hoped his hurting friend would take it.

 

Sitting down at the chair closest to the bed, Ryou placed the tray down on the nightstand so he could wake Malik up with a slight shake. “Malik, wake up. I brought you breakfast to eat and I want you to eat it.”

 

Turning over to his other side to face Ryou, Malik moaned yet again to show his displeasure in being awoken at the given hour but managed to open his weary eyes to his friend. He didn't say a word since the events of last night continued to rewind in the back of his mind. Sighing to himself, Malik sat upright in bed to take the food that was made for him before apologizing, “I am sorry…”

 

“Sorry?” Ryou asked confused, taking his own oatmeal and toast, he cocked his brow at Malik confusingly. “What do you have to be sorry for?”

 

Huffing for a moment at himself as he poked away at his oatmeal, Malik frowned at the stupid mistakes dwelling in the back of his mind, “For a lot of things, but most of all for what I did last night.”

 

Given the situation, Ryou couldn't help but smile since he wasn't used to getting an apology of any kind from Malik after the incident. He was used to all of the anger and `it's your fault, not mine' trips and it never made things easier for the both of them. Figuring that dwelling on the incident wouldn't help things, Ryou shifted his attention over at the nearest picture frame that held a picture of Malik and Ryou just goofing off in the house they were in. Malik had captured Ryou from behind and was holding him up by the waist best he could when Isis snapped the picture just for giggles.

 

Taking the picture into his hands, he managed a brief, brighter smile, “Do you remember when you used to come over and you wouldn't even bother knocking, you would just let yourself right on in?”

 

Malik couldn't help but laugh for once at remembering that, “Yeah, you would nearly fall out of your bed whenever I jumped in it.”

 

“And I guess giving you that spare key never helped my situation,” Ryou joked lightly. “I remember one time you just ran into my room and picked me up and I nearly slapped you in the face because it was completely unexpected.”

 

“Yeah,” Malik said with a bit of a grin for a moment, drinking his orange juice. “But over time you got used to it and tried to scare me in return whenever I came racing in there as quietly as can be so you got even with me.”

 

The both of them laughed for a moment or two till it died down into complete silence again, making them both a bit uncomfortable for the time being since they knew what the other was thinking but too scared to say. Keeping the picture close to him for a moment longer, Ryou couldn't help but be honest with him, “I miss those times—you know?”

 

Reaching for the picture that Ryou held, Malik took it to remember the times they shared a bit more clearly. Swallowing hard, the former tomb keeper shrugged for a moment, “Once again, I am sorry. I know you miss who I once was but it is hard to go back to those times…”

 

Taking back the picture that Malik was giving back to him, Ryou held it close to his chest with fear written on his face. “Malik, you need help. I have tried to help you get better but I cannot do this alone anymore.”

 

“So you plan on dumping me in one of those mental wards?” Malik asked quietly, trying to eat what he could though his stomach wanted to disagree with it.

 

“Malik, if you don't cheer up or get better soon I am going to have to do something,” Ryou sighed forlornly. “Maybe a councilor or what have you but I cannot try and make you feel better if you won't let me.”

 

Seeing the slight anger and annoyance convey Malik's expression, Ryou feared an outburst about to ensue so he prepared himself and got ready for the impact only to receive something slightly different. “How long did it take you to get over the death of your mother and sister?” Malik quietly asked.

 

Trying to think back on it, Ryou shrugged slightly since it had been awhile ago, “I don't know. Six, maybe eight months to finally feel okay again?”

 

“I wish it were so easy for me,” Malik retorted almost to himself though he tried to eat, not yet giving up on his food for once.

 

Leaning forward slightly to place his hand upon the ivory shoulder closest to him, Ryou cantered his head to the side, “Malik, is there something you want me to do? I am tired of seeing you suffering day by day.”

 

As soon as those words surfaced from the young light's mouth, Bakura and Tozokuoh separated from Ryou's body in their spirit forms where only the barer of the Ring could see them. They were both intrigued on the situation and felt Ryou would eventually say or do something that might make the waters turn. Merely exchanging glances at one another from where the dark sides stood in the room, they seemed to glare at one another before looking back at their host they had both been hiding within.

 

Nobody really ever bothered saying anything such as that to Malik before and he couldn't help but wonder what to say. Seto was assertive and never really cared to ask if there was anything he could do to make Malik's pain go away—he just went ahead and did it without Malik's consent feeling whatever he did would be best for the hurting boy. Yugi and Atemu seemed to watch him closely and if he ever did something wrong that could damage his body, they would jump on his back like how his parents might have scolded him when he was growing up. Ryou was the first one to actually ask if there was anything he could do and it made him feel stumped for once.

 

Looking back at Ryou, Malik could only sigh knowing that what he wanted Ryou could not give. “That—that is really sweet of you but I am afraid there is nothing you can do that could make me feel any better. This pain inside of me just grows and I cannot get it to subside so…I am sorry for being this way.”

 

“Stop apologizing,” Ryou insisted with a sorrowful expression. “Malik, I care bout you a lot…”

 

“Stop pussyfooting around!” Bakura grumbled in the back of the room where only Tozokuoh and Ryou could see him as well as hear his remarks. “Tell him how much you care!”

 

“I doubt he will do it,” Tozokuoh seemed to chuckle with his arms crossed over his broad chest. “Don't waste your breath on him. Justgive up on him.You don't love him!”

 

Ryou tried to ignore the two best he could, wishing they would go back into the Ring where they came from since they were not helping his situation at the moment. “And if it isn't too much trouble and if you want me to, I will try and help settle you best I can and make you feel better.” Hesitantly, Ryou reached for Malik's nearest hand to hold within his own to let the Egyptian know he meant business. “I don't want you to go to Seto or Yugi anymore as selfish as that sounds…”

 

Malik cocked his brow at Ryou's sudden selfishness wondering why he felt this way all of a sudden, “Why?”

 

“It's because…well…,” Ryou stammered for a moment. Those three little words could change everything and it made him wonder if he should just clam up and head back to the kitchen or place them all out there for Malik to hear. The eyes of his other halves were attacking him and seeming to be the other boost to do one or the other but Ryou eventually caved in and did what he felt was best, “Because I love you!” After saying such words, Ryou couldn't bear to look up at this moment fearing the expression on Malik's face and the answer that would surface from his mouth.

 

Tozokuoh and Bakura remained silent though the king of thieves was none too happy with the way things ended up though he prayed that Malik would say something to break the young boy's heart.

 

Malik was stunned just like the other souls in the room that he could not see. He cared for Ryou a lot and maybe the feelings he had for the boy were love but he never really dug deeply into it. His hand hung loosely within the barer of the Millennium Ring's not sure what to say to all of this. He had hurt Ryou so much and blamed a good bit of everything on him and yet he was saying this to him? Though the words frightened him, they gave him a bit of relief at the same time prompting him to tighten his hand within Ryou's for a moment. “Are you sure—did you not just say that out of impulse?”

 

“I said them because I do care about you a lot,” Ryou admitted once more though keeping his head lowered as if to avoid an attack. Eventually finding the courage to look upward, the Hikari did so to show that he meant what he said and was not trying to hide from embarrassment though tears were caressing his cheeks for some unknown reason.

 

“Why do you cry?” Malik asked, sounding a bit concerned.

 

“I cry because I mean it but I don't know what you think about it and I fear what you may say…” Ryou answered honestly trying to wipe the crystalline tears from his pale complexion.

 

“Nobody's…ever said that to me before,” Malik confessed not sure what to say afterwards for a moment. “I—I guess it wouldn't hurt to see where it goes…?” In all honesty, he'd never been in a relationship of any kind before or ever thought about it though he slept around to make himself feel better. And while he did want to have someone to be with, he never thought that someone would be Ryou.

 

“Do you mean that…really?” Ryou asked, cantering his head to the side. “You're not just saying that to spare my feelings as a friend, are you?”

 

Malik was quiet for a moment, dwelling on the three words given to him hinting that he might change his mind to those listening in the room. “I have hurt you a lot as is when Isis died…why would I have a reason to change now?” He hated to admit it, but Malik knew he was horrible to Ryou and was an added shock as to why his friend would admit this to him. “Are you sure you mean those words and you're not just saying them to make me feel better?”

 

Before Ryou could answer that, the doorbell rang and it forced him to halt in his response. Looking at Malik for a moment apologizing for the interruption with his expression, he got to his feet and headed towards the hallway. “Wait right here, it'll be just a minute, Malik.”

 

Seeing their host leaving, both Bakura and Tozokuoh dove back into the Ring to hide in there for a moment once more since they couldn't be far from their counterpart.

 

Getting to the front door that was just at the end of the hallway, Ryou opened it to find Seto standing there without Mokuba in sight. “Kaiba…? What do you want?” He asked, only opening it just a bit since what was going on was a personal affair.

 

“I came here to talk to you about Malik,” Seto answered with the same business expression he always carried.

 

“What about him?” Ryou almost seemed to snap, Bakura threatening to break through and do something to the business man if he wasn't careful.

 

“Just step aside, pipsqueak,” Seto ordered, narrowing his cobalt eyes at the younger male.

 

Ryou fought back Bakura knowing he would give Seto a reason to leave before nodding and stepping aside so Seto could enter into his house to talk about Malik, wondering why he seemed so concerned of all people. “Make yourself comfortable,” Ryou forced himself to say with an irritated smile before heading down the hallway back to Malik's room. “I will be back in a minute since you—interrupted me when talking to Malik.”

 

Seto said nothing but grunt as he walked over to the sofa to pick a spot to sit upon while waiting for Ryou to return.

 

 

Ryou eventually came back to sit adjacent to Seto so he could find out why he was there to speak about Malik. It made little sense unless he was missing his personal maid. Putting down his soda he was drinking for the moment, Ryou eyed Seto from where he sat through the wild hair that caressed his cheeks. “So…Seto…what do you want to tell me about Malik besides what I already know?” Realizing that Bakura was threatening to get through again, Ryou shook his head and placed his palm on his forehead to attempt to suppress the eager Bakura.

 

Cocking a russet brow at Ryou's comment and actions, he said nothing about them as he crossed his legs before resting his hands within his lap. “You know what Malik did that time he was at my place, don't you?” Seto asked, hoping not to remind Ryou since he was pretty clear the day the two were screaming at one another about what was best for Malik and the condition he was in.

 

“I remember,” Ryou answered quietly, wishing to not think about it.

 

“Ryou, your friend is a drug junky,” Seto retorted bluntly. “You have to do something to that kid unless you want him to drug himself into hell.”

 

“And the other things he does,” Ryou began almost angrily, “it doesn't bother you in the least? I know that drug overdose is a main thing but what about the sleeping around and Mariku festering inside of his body, threatening to take control again and destroy him from the inside out?”

 

“That is why you need to haul the boy's ass to the nearest psycho ward,” Seto insisted in an eerie tone before leaning forward. The sofa creaked with his movements, causing Ryou to look into his eyes for a moment before shifting them back to the coke can within his hands. “Ryou, if you refuse to take the first step towards getting him some help then you are considered abusing this kid.”

 

Malik eventually got out of his bed and headed to the doorway of his bedroom to listen in on the conversation from the dark room since he was curious as to why Seto would be there. Maybe Seto did care in his own twisted way but there were times Malik felt that too many people cared and it drove him insane.

 

“I am trying to help, Malik,” Ryou insisted quietly so as not to alert Malik though he was unaware that the boy was listening in. “Just give me a bit more time. Not everyone can heal over night when it comes to witnessing a loved one's death.”

 

“It's been months,” Seto corrected.

 

“I know that!” Ryou barked quietly shifting his body to face Seto's. “But it takes awhile for someone to get over the loss of someone they really cared for!”

 

“It doesn't take months.”

 

“Seto,” the fair skinned boy sighed, “please just let me work a little more with Malik. I don't want to send him off to a place that will only make him feel worse. They cannot help him and give him what he needs neither can you or Yugi or—.”

 

“—or you,” the Kaiba Corp leader interrupted arrogantly. “Just because you have one more personality than Malik does, doesn't mean that you can necessarily help him. Just because you have suffered through the same ordeal as Malik doesn't mean you can magically make him better if given time. Ryou, you are stuck and you might as well face it. Malik belongs in a facility that can make him feel better since that is what they are paid to do.”

 

Continuing to listen in on this, Malik couldn't help but shake his head at every word that surfaced from Seto's mouth, and before he knew it, the anger that built up forced him to slam the door shut, crawling back into his bedroom.

 

Hearing the slam caused both of them to jump slightly for a moment, turning to look at the hallway that neighbored the sofa where they sat. Eyeing one another at the sound they heard, they both could guess what had happened but only Ryou seemed to fear what would become of this now.

 

Getting to his feet, Seto pulled out a card with a number on it, “I am giving you a week then. If within a week he is not better or he takes a turn for the worse, you call that place and have them drag his ass there or I will do it for you.”

 

Ryou took the card reluctantly, lowering his head at what he feared Malik would say or do now that he overheard the two talking. Watching Seto get his coat back on, Ryou headed to the door to open it for Kaiba so he could leave. “One week then…thanks for giving me that much if anything.”

 

“I will be back next Saturday,” Seto assured Ryou before taking the exit's front doorknob within his own hand so he could let himself out. “He better be there when I return unless some miracle occurred by then.” The corporation leader said no goodbyes as he finally left, shutting the door behind him.

 

Tapping the thin card against his index finger, Ryou turned to face back at the hallway he stood in, eyeing the door that rested in the far back. “Malik…,” was all he could seem to say, closing his eyes to stop tears from pouring from them as he knew this would take a heated discussion to make his partner understand.