Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Redemption ❯ The First Moves ( Chapter 6 )

Disclaimer:

I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!, the characters are merely borrowed for the purpose of entertaining myself, I make no money from this yadda yadda yadda etc etc.

 

AN:

 

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Ryou was looking up at the clock, noting it was already 3:30pm. Thursdays were early closing so he had half an hour to finish things up here. He had been enjoying a peaceful day so far, the patrons being mainly students, the reference section here was quite in depth since they had Domino museum just up the street. He was putting books back on the shelves with a particular satisfaction. The bruise on his back had now gone and it no longer hurt to reach higher shelves. Hmm, he had been thinking about Bakura on and off since that night. Well with Malik on his case, how could he not? Talking about Malik, as he approached the main desk again he saw a welcome face.

 

“Ishizu, what a pleasant surprise.” He smiled warmly.

 

“Good afternoon Ryou.” The raven-haired woman replied with affection.

 

“What can I do for you?”

 

Ishizu handed him the rather large pile of books she planned to check out.

 

“Doing research again?” He asked as he began to check the books for her.

 

“Yes, I am putting together some material for a new exhibit we have coming in.”

 

“How are things at the museum? I trust Malik hasn't destroyed anything as yet.”

 

Ishizu giggled fetchingly. “Hmm, not yet. I know it is only part time but I do have to keep a strict eye on him.”

 

“I can imagine.” The image of Malik dropping something priceless came all too easily to mind.

 

“You know my brother, but things are well, and his help is welcome, we are quite busy right now.”

 

“Well, here we go.” Ryou handed the books back. “I can only loan them out for two days, but I'm sure you already knew that. Give me a call if you need me to check them out for longer for you.”

 

“I will. By the way Malik has been talking about you a lot in the last week or so. Something about a night out and a double?” She asked with a cheeky smile.

 

“Hmm, I might have known. Yes, when we went out I met someone who looks very like me. And you know Malik, I think he likes the idea of us together, says it would make a cute photograph, and then started mumbling about how our children would look. Thankfully Joey managed to stop him there. If Malik had his way he'd have me paired off with someone in a heartbeat.”

 

Ishizu shook her head gracefully. “That brother of mine. I swear he does it to divert attention away from himself.”

 

Ryou laughed gently at that. Yes Malik was a little insecure, though he would rather die than admit it. He hid it well behind his bubbly nature, and his enthusiasm for life was infectious, rubbing off on all those around him.

 

“Talking about that I should be doubly glad to see you. He mentioned something about making you pay after the subject of his own love life came up, apparently you have been leaking information to Joey.” He smiled slyly.

 

To her credit Ishizu merely smiled gently. “Well someone has to keep my brother's feet on the ground, since he can't stay there himself. After all, what are sisters for? And besides, he had his tantrum but then had an argument with his washing machine again, so I was suddenly his beloved sister once more.”

 

Ryou couldn't help but laugh. Whatever else Malik maybe, he was no good at the daily chores of life. He and electrical appliances had never got on, and his lack of cooking skills may or may not have something to do with his lean physique, considering the amount of junk food and take out he seemed to consume. Ishizu smiled at her friend's laughter, she loved to see the young man laugh, it seemed to make him shine with an unseen glow.

 

“Well, I must go, I know that you need to be closing up.” She indicated the clock which now sat at 3:55pm. “But before I go, Malik will make my life a misery if I don't pass on the message that he hopes to meet you, Joey and Yugi tomorrow night for whatever it is you guys do. With Malik being a part of your group I am sometimes afraid to ask.”

 

Ryou rolled his eyes at the thought. He knew that his friends were determined for him to start having a social life again. “And you can tell him that I am only coming if it is a quiet evening. Emphasis on the quiet.”

 

Ishisu laughed. “You and I both know that you'll be lucky, but I will work on him for you.”

 

Ryou nodded gratefully. “Thanks. What about you, does he ever bother you like he does me?”

 

“Sometimes, but I shall be going out for an evening with the girls, I've had my arm twisted.”

 

“You too?” Ryou chucked sympathetically.

 

“Well Serenity will be coming into town tomorrow, and Mai and Tea fell that we should take her out now she is old enough, and you know those two when they get going.”

 

“As bad as Malik.”

 

The two quiet souls nodded in agreement. It would always be their lot to be railroaded into noisy nights out when a quiet night in would be just as enjoyable. That was why the two got on quite so well.

 

“Well I shall see you soon no doubt.” Ryou stated as he began to log off the library computers. “But now I must close up.”

 

She nodded, scooping the pile of books into her arms, grateful that she did not have far to go. “You take care Ryou.” She called as she left the building.

 

Ryou nodded and turned to the task of shutting up the building. He turned off all the computers and lights, before grabbing his bag and picking up the keys to lock up. He armed the alarm system first before shooting all the bolts and finally locking the main door.

 

“Hello Ryou.”

 

He jumped at the unexpected greeting from behind him, dropping his keys in shock. He knew that voice too well, and his heart sank. This was the last thing he needed right now.

 

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Bakura glared at the empty shelves in the cupboard as if they were conspiring against him. Okay, so he really needed some supplies. Shopping was not his favourite activity; he swore Marik had done something to make sure that shop assistants as a breed were unnaturally chirpy and got on his nerves. Okay, perhaps that was exaggerating, but that was what it felt like. He also had not seen said Fallen in a few days, which made him glad and antsy in equal measure. He had a pretty strong feeling that he would be seeing a lot of him in the coming days, and was not sure how his temper could stand such an onslaught. Resigned to having to keep his temper in the face of unnatural cheerfulness he grabbed his coat and keys and headed out to face the day.

 

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“Duke.” Ryou bent down to pick up his keys, and fought to keep his tone even. “What a surprise.”

As he stood he turned to face his green eyed ex.

 

Duke smiled, not noticing how tense Ryou was. “Well I was in the area and thought I would come and see how you've been.”

 

“I'm fine, thank you for asking.” He replied politely.

 

“Good. That's good.” While he smiled, Duke's eyes gave away the fact that he wasn't really listening.

 

Ryou sighed, he really did not want to be doing this. “Why are you here Duke?” Though he didn't really want an answer, it was probably the quickest way to get out of this. He knew Duke would not leave until he had said his peace.

 

“What, can I not come by and check up on you? I know we aren't together anymore, but I still think about you, worry about you.” While Duke spoke softly Ryou knew not to be seduced by its tone. Reading between the lines it meant that Duke wanted something.

 

“Well as you can see I'm fine, and I do have things to do so…”

 

He moved to walk past Duke, when he felt the other's fingers wrap round his arm.

 

“Hey, what's the rush?” Duke asked smoothly. His grip was soft, but Ryou suddenly tensed and froze.

 

Duke was too very different people. As owner of a successful gaming empire, he was quite an influential man in Domino. They had met when he had made a donation of funds to the museum and had wandered into the library for a bit of peace from the media attention. Ryou had been flattered when Duke had taken an interest in him, and from that moment courted him. He had tentatively accepted the advances and the two began to date. While things were well enough in the beginning, Duke was attentive and kind to a fault, Ryou was soon to learn that there were two sides to the man he was dating.

 

Duke had a very public life. In the face of the public he was the smiling man, generous to a fault, a media darling. And the media had loved the white haired youth on his arm. Ryou's unique looks were part of the draw for Duke, and he had known that from the beginning, however, he had no idea that Duke's decision to court him had been quite so calculating. In private Ryou began to see the other side of Duke, the behind the scenes businessman who made decisions in walks of his life to benefit his business. That included his personal life.

 

It was clear that Duke was no where near as carefree as he made out to be. In fact he was quite stern and could be quite ruthless. Whenever Duke's business life brushed against his time with Ryou, he would glimpse a much colder side of the other. Over time, while Duke obviously held genuine affection for the boy, it became clear that Ryou was there as he was a pretty face, both pleasing to Duke and the media. The attention from the latter had been very hard on Ryou, and it had been when he had struggled with this, that he had discovered something that the media never saw. Duke had a temper. He had never hurt Ryou, but at times he could get scary, and he wouldn't put it past Duke to get violent. He was not a man who liked being told no.

 

He looked back at Duke, easing himself softly out of his grip. Duke had a look that he'd seen before. A soft smile on the outside, but in his eyes shone a deep determination. He'd seen Duke use that look in business, and knew how dangerous it could be. He knew that he should tread carefully.

 

“I'll ask again.” He said softly. “Why are you here.”

 

Duke sighed. “Look Ry', I miss you. I want you to come home.”

 

Home, yes Ryou had stayed with Duke for a while, and he was thankful he did. That was how he discovered the man no one else saw. He knew he had to stand firm, he was not going back to feeling like a trophy. His face twisted with an uncharacteristic bitter smile at what Duke's `admission' meant.

 

“Oh Duke.” He said with fake sympathy. “I'm touched. I guess that mean's Noa's seen through you too.”

 

Ryou felt a grim satisfaction at the way Duke's eyes narrowed in annoyance. Ah yes, Noa. Duke must have thought him just a pretty face, as he seemed to think that Ryou would be stupid enough not to find out about his secret lover. “Or do you think I won't notice you sneaking out to see him again?” Okay, that was mean, but it was a statement of intent.

 

He saw Duke battle against the anger that this statement brought, control was something that was very familiar to him. “Now Ryou, I know I shouldn't have done that to you. And I'm sorry.” Ryou noted that the apology never reached his eyes. “I've put him out of my life. I want to start over, a clean slate, treat you how you deserve.”

 

Ryou folded his arms across his chest and narrowed his eyes at Duke, smiling grimly. “He's left you then.” Seeing the anger flash in Duke's eyes brought a feeling of intense satisfaction. Seeing Duke out of control of any situation was a real treat.

 

“That was uncalled for.” Duke growled.

 

“Really, what kind of fool do you take me for? Did you think that I was one of your simpering fans who would fall at your feet just because you looked my way? This is precisely why I ended it between us, what of us there was. I've seen who you really are. If you want to keep someone, then I suggest you start giving them the credit that they deserve.”

 

Okay, so this little tirade was out of character for Ryou, but the way Duke had played him for a fool really upset him, and was the reason he was avoiding attachments at the moment. He had no intention of being treated like an idiot again.

 

“It seems like you've grown a pair in my absence.” Duke replied snidely. “You were never this cocky.”

 

“And he still isn't.” A brassy female voice interrupted.

 

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Bakura had barely left the house when he felt the presence for the first time. He was being tailed and he didn't like it. What annoyed him most was that he knew full well who it was, and was powerless to do anything about it. Add to the fact that his stalker was choosing to keep himself hidden was doing nothing to improve his mood. Finally he had had enough.

 

“By Heaven's gates will you fucking cut that out!” He snarled at he suddenly turned round. Sure enough Marik was stood there, arms folded nonchalantly across his chest.

 

“Why, when its so much fun?” He taunted playfully.

 

“I'm beginning to wish that God had gone for the whole goat when he punished you!” He snarled. “It might have been a prettier sight.”

 

Marik's eyes widened for a moment in shock before bursting into laughter. Bakura stood there simmering gently as the ruler of Hell struggled to control himself. The insult was so random, and the smart response was so typical of Bakura.

 

“Ah, my dear Bakura, you have such a way with words.” He said, still stifling the urge to laugh. “Such animosity, I wonder was it something I said?”

 

“It might have something to do with you suddenly bugging me on a regular basis. The sudden appearance thing is getting old fast.”

 

“Shame, it works for the humans.”

 

“Speaking of humans.” Bakura began, approaching Marik. “I find it an incredible coincidence that you turn up to bug me at work and suddenly, just an hour or two later, a rather interesting individual and I happen to meet.”

 

“Well isn't that interesting.” Marik said sarcastically. “Really Bakura, insults, now random comments about some human. I wonder what could have you so worked up.” He asked feigning innocence and hiding the smirk that so desperately wanted to take over his face.

 

Bakura couldn't stand to look at the Fallen angel trying to hide his laughter so turned his gaze away in disgust. “I refuse to believe that it was entirely coincidence.”

 

“What?” Marik stopped trying to hide the smirk. “So I gave things a nudge…” He stated as if it was nothing.

 

Bakura on the other hand whirled round livid. If he had been mortal he would have grabbed him by the front of his blood red shirt and shoved him against the wall. Instead he clenched and unclenched his fists in anger. “What the fuck did you do! You know damn well that…”

 

“Oh yes I know.” Marik interrupted him. “I know the rules very well.” He narrowed his eyes, his lavender eyes deepening in hue momentarily in annoyance, the moment passing as quickly as it came. “That's why all I did was suggest to one of his friends to visit your workplace. Nothing more.”

 

Bakura snorted in disbelief. “Oh, and I am expected to believe that crashing into my double was a fucking accident.” He snarled, his crimson eyes narrowed at the other.

 

Marik chuckled darkly. “Oh well, that was priceless, but unfortunately I cannot take credit. And if I had been responsible for that singular piece of art, you can bet you would damn well know about it. Seto would have taken it out of my hide and you know it.” He regarded Bakura through his platinum bangs for a moment. “I am afraid the two of you did that all by yourselves.”

 

“You are a sneaky shit you know that.” Bakura growled.

 

“They don't call me Devil for nothing. But my dear Bakura, you were complaining that your fairy godmother wasn't doing her job. Don't tell me you don't like it when she does.”

 

“Damn you to Hell!” Bakura was fast losing his temper.

 

“Too late!” Marik sniggered.

 

Bakura let out a snarl, spun on his heel and stormed off. Marik stood and watched quite happily. He had just headed exactly where he had wanted him to.

 

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Ryou's heart leapt in gratitude at the familiar voice, this being an altogether more welcome one.

 

“Mai.”

 

“Sorry I'm late hun, traffic was simply awful.” The blonde shot Ryou a look that said he should play along.

 

“It doesn't matter, I'd day you arrived at just the right time.” He shot a pointed look at Duke.

 

“You know her?” Duke asked with an irritated glare at the blond, Ryou smiling and nodding. “What is she to you?”

 

“None of your damn business.” Mai barked. “Ryou sweetheart, we'd best get going, we don't want to be late.”

 

Ryou nodded and left Duke standing there flabbergasted as Mai linked her arm with Ryou's and the two walked away. As soon as the two were out of Duke's line of sight they looked at each other and burst out laughing. It took them a few moments to get the laughter under control. He smiled warmly at his friend.

 

“Thanks for the save Mai. You got me out of a tight spot there.”

 

“No worries hun, I know what a bitch a clingy ex can be.”

 

“So what are you doing in my part of town anyway?” Ryou asked as they began to walk side by side.

 

“Oh I was on my way to the museum to see Ishizu to discuss plans for tomorrow night.”

 

“Ah she said, Serenity will be in town am I right?”

 

“Yeah, its been too long since her last visit. At least now she's old enough she doesn't have her mother deciding when she can and can't visit.”

 

“I know, Joey's so happy. It's amazing to see how much he misses her. Its good to see him smile so much.”

 

“Like he ever stops smiling or goofing around.”

 

Ryou laughed gently. “I know, but when he's with Serenity, I don't know, he's different.”

 

“I see it too hun, and he never looks cuter.”

 

Ryou's eyes widened a little. Joey and Mai often flirted, but no-one was actually sure if it was anything more than playful banter. Mai noticed Ryou's reaction and smiled with amusement and chose to ignore it.

 

“Look hun, I do need to meet Ishizu but we'll catch up soon right.” Ryou nodded, happily. “And don't worry about the prick. He's just a sad lonely lose who is much worse off without you.”

 

Without waiting for a reply she left him standing there, Ryou feeling the slight shock that was customary for Mai's sudden entrances and exits. You'd think that since he had known since his mid teens he would be used to it by now, but obviously not. He watched her walk away for a moment shaking his head. With a soft sigh he shifted the strap of his bag further onto his shoulder. He turned, gasping when his vision was filled with another figure before him.

 

The two stopped dead as surprised chocolate orbs met angry crimson, recognition spiking through the two Ryou swallowing hard at the dangerous fire he saw in the crimson depths.

 

“Oh!” He squeaked, wait a minute, did he just squeak? He wanted to slap himself of the forehead. “Uhm, hello… I, uh…” He stammered.

 

Bakura saw the fear his appearance had suddenly sparked in Ryou, aware that the anger radiating off him probably was mainly responsible. He struggled to reign it in and find some semblance of calm.

 

“Marik!” He spat.

 

Ryou jumped at the snarl. “Umm, I'll…”

 

Bakura sighed and turned to Ryou his eyes softening. “Sorry kid, someone I know is getting on my nerves a lot.”

 

Ryou smiled inwardly, outwardly relaxing. “Its okay, I just had a run in with someone I didn't want to see either.”

 

Bakura found himself calming very quickly, Ryou's strong aura washing over him in waves. He could feel that the other had been angry himself a short time ago and it made him smile. Marik was seriously going to get some payback for this, but there was nothing he could do right now, so he allowed the other to unconsciously soothe him.

 

“You know, Ryou isn't it?” Ryou nodded, flushing gently in pleasure that the other remembered, making Bakura smile slightly. “We have to stop meeting like this.”

 

“I know, it's starting to verge on the weird.”

 

“Hmm.” Bakura agreed, narrowing his eyes and looking back at the street he had come from.

 

Ryou was in a bit of a spin, the sudden visit from Duke had put him in a strange mood, the sudden appearance of Bakura. His emotions battled for attention and he suddenly decided to be a little bold.

 

“Well, since we do keep running into each other so to speak.” He began, not exactly knowing where this was going, the words seemed to be spoken before his brain had been consulted.

 

“Well we haven't yet, but at this rate I wouldn't tempt fate.” Bakura smiled. Damn just being round this youth calmed him, made him feel more centred than he had in years.

 

“Perhaps we should actually go do something together, you know coffee or something?” Ryou asked. Well Malik was right, he had been hiding away a bit since Duke, and perhaps this was a good way to put the past in the past.

 

Bakura's eyes widened. This was unexpected and he suddenly found himself at a loss. As he looked at Ryou he saw so many things. An echo of his past love, a human of excellent qualities, and the quiet force that existed inside of him. Part of him ached to be round this singular being, he longed to connect with someone, he had been alone for so long. Their aura's had merged twice before, quite without intention, and now in all innocence Ryou's aura was snaking into his again. This youth had no idea how much of an affect in others he had. He could see why others would be drawn to him, damn it he could feel it.

 

Ryou found himself under close scrutiny, unaware of the multitude of thoughts and feelings that were running riot through Bakura. The boldness that had taken him started to waver and he suddenly wondered what had possessed him to ask. But he was caught off guard as Bakura smiled wistfully, and he realised the other was lost in thoughts that he could only guess. He knew then why he had asked. Bakura had been on his mind ever since they had met, and no matter how much he told himself it was his bruised back, he knew he was fooling himself. He felt drawn to the other, and the secret sadness in those crimson eyes. He wanted to ease that pain, unaware that his feelings were radiating into his aura, radiating into the figure before him.

 

Bakura on the other hand felt himself giving in. Part of himself that was rational told him to keep away from Ryou, if Marik wanted them to interact then there was a chance this beautiful mortal could get caught in the middle of something much bigger than he realised. He didn't want anyone to be hurt because of him. But he longed to deepen this connection, to feel this calm he felt round the youth. Either way he knew Marik was going to be on his case. In all his years he hadn't done anything for himself other than to serve his body's needs, wasn't it about time that changed?

 

Ryou blinked suddenly as something seemed to change, the awkwardness of the moment gone, looking up at Bakura, who seemed to be coming back from his thoughts. “Well?” He asked with a shy smile. “Think you could stand my company. You never know, if we actually spend time together perhaps we could stop meeting randomly in the street.”

 

Bakura smiled warmly, the expression bringing light to his eyes, softening them. “Alright, but not right now. I have things to do.” He started to walk past Ryou, who stood shocked.

 

“Hang on, when, and where?”

 

“I'll leave that to you.” Bakura smirked, thinking he liked the way Ryou looked when he was shocked, and continued to walk.

 

Ryou shook his head in disbelief as he stared at Bakura's back. “How do I contact you?” He called laughing at the absurdity of the situation.

 

Not stopping, not turning back, but giving his answer. “You know where I work.”

 

Ryou stood confused, but strangely pleased by that very brief interlude. Well, at least it wasn't white rabbits and looking glasses. With that thought he headed home, musing over the strange conversation, all thoughts of Duke suddenly long gone.

 

Bakura walked away feeling equally pleased, though he did not know why. Why was it this boy and his aura seemed to affect him so? Was it really the physical similarities to him and Akeifa, or was it that fire that hid beneath the surface, the capacity to love without question? Ryou seemed out of place, a touch of the angelic born in human form, and yet with all the mortal attributes. Yes, he could almost be his opposite number. He stopped and looked up through the clouds to the blue sky above him, smiling for a moment. It was only as he shook himself from his thoughts that he realised he had walked straight past the mall.

 

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AN:

Okay so that morphed a few times in the writing. Playing with some interesting ideas. While I understand the ending and how we will get there, a lot of the detail is still not clear to me. Even I don't know where this is going but I am sure enjoying the ride!!