Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Redemption ❯ And It Just Gets Stranger ( Chapter 7 )

AN:

Okay, I am a little nervous about the opening to this chapter, but please bear with, some funny moments to be had later. A nice long chapter for you all.

 

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Marik made his way through the twisted passageways that made up his home. He was smiling to himself. Well, why not, after all things were going remarkably well. No matter how angry Bakura was anytime they met… okay he turned up to harass him, his aura showed the shift in him. He was becoming more open. This youth in a few short meetings had done what millennia could not. But then Ryou was special. His innocence and strength was unique in a way that meant his aura affected those around him, being a calming influence. He had quite rightly predicted that Bakura needed this, and would was willing to bet that he would soon be craving the youth's presence to calm his tortured soul.

 

And so it was with this in mind that he sought out the other individual with a vested interest in Bakura's welfare. Not that he watched in hope for himself. Akeifa was an angel in all ways despite his mutilated form, and wanted Bakura's redemption for Bakura's sake alone. As he turned the corner, Marik spied said Fallen at the watching pool. He knew as soon as he approached who Akeifa would be watching. Akeifa turned at his approach, smiling softly.

 

“My Lord Marik.” He greeted softly.

 

“For Heaven's sakes, how many times do I have to ask you not to call me that.” He scolded with a smile. “So old friend, how goes your watching?”

 

Akeifa smiled serenely. How he could keep so true to his angelic nature after all that had been done to him was beyond Marik's understanding. However, it meant Akeifa was a highly sought companion, the white haired Fallen never wanted for company.

 

“Well you know Bakura, but even he is coming to realise how he is beginning to change. He's not going to be able to deny it for much longer.”

 

“Hmm.” Marik agreed. “I have to admit I gave that first nudge as a bit of a gamble. I had no idea the boy and he would connect so well.” He chuckled softly. “But I'm not complaining, it seems I am an excellent judge of character.”

 

Akeifa chuckled, his steely grey eyes shining with amusement. “Well credit where credit is due.”

 

“Indeed. You should have seen Bakura's face when I told him you were the one meddling in his dreams.”

 

The two laughed heartily at the image, especially as Akeifa had been watching. But Akeifa turned away, his tail switching from side to side in agitation. He looked back at the image of his love in the pool.

 

“Do you think he will forgive me?”

 

Marik's eyes widened. Even now Akeifa sought his love's approval. He came along side his friend, placing a hand softly on his shoulder and drew a wing round him comfortingly. “Don't worry, Bakura may be a bastard, but where you are concerned, I know you don't need to worry.” He was glad to see Akeifa smile. “Speaking of which, I am going to keep an eye on things up there.”

 

Akeifa's eyes shone with delight. “Hmm, you are so trying to wind up half of the Host with your games.” He teased, delighting in the fact.

 

Marik sniggered. “Guilty as charged. Besides, Yami and I want to experiment. It promises to be interesting.”

 

Akeifa sighed and shook his head. Anything that those two got up to was usually very close to breaking rules. One day he was sure it would backfire on them.

 

“Fine, but please, don't wind him up more than you have to, Bakura is making progress.”

 

Marik smirked. “I can't help it, its so easy to get a rise out of him.” He sniggered at the mock glare Akeifa shot at him in reply. “Alright, actually I have no intention of speaking to him on this occasion. I have an experiment to perform after all.”

 

Akeifa narrowed his eyes at this. “Hmm, why do I suspect that this could get you into serious trouble.” He muttered to himself as Marik walked away. Turning back to the pool, he sat once more. All he could do now was watch and wait.

 

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Ryou made his way over to Malik's in deep contemplation. It should be no surprise to you that Bakura was the subject of his musings. Bakura… he made things… complicated. After getting the other's agreement to meet he wasn't going to let it go just because he had made contacting him difficult. He didn't want Bakura to get the wrong impression. And yet going to the club to see him… well it wasn't his favourite environment. He hated going to such places alone, but the other option was with his friends. That meant Malik over his shoulder mercilessly trying to match-make. He knew Malik meant well, but the two knew nothing about each other. Hardly a good basis for a romance.

 

However strange the situation to him though, he found himself strangely exhilarated. In the couple of relationships he had been in, he had always been the one chased. Now here he was making the moves, okay single move and it might not lead to anything, but it was satisfying. He had never felt such a mixture of being both in and out of control. It was a heady combination, and now he thought he was beginning to understand why Malik enjoyed being such a flirt. Speaking of Malik he could see the apartment he shared with his sister just ahead, and suddenly he felt nervous. He knew he was being stupid, but he knew what was going to happen when he related yesterday's events. With a deep breath he knocked on the door.

 

Since he wasn't paying attention he didn't see the figure that opened the door at first, and therefore was caught completely off guard when said figure threw themselves at him, wrapping their arms around him and almost squeezing the life out of him.

 

“Woah!” He took in the auburn hair and grinned. “It's good to see you too Serenity!” He laughed as he returned the hug a little more gently than it was given.

 

“Ryou! It's been too long!” She giggled releasing him. “You know how much I miss you guys.”

 

He laughed warmly at her delight. As he looked at her he realised she had changed. “You've grown.” He stated. “You are almost my height now, or are you wearing heels?”

 

Serenity laughed. “Not yet, but I will be, Mai, Tea and Ishizu and I will be leaving in about ten minutes. You're here to meet Malik right?”

 

“Yeah, so is Joey here already?” That would be a first, he was usually late, but with Serenity around he knew things would be different.

 

“Yes, he's upstairs in Mailk's room. I think being round four girls is a little overwhelming.”

 

Ryou laughed gently. “Only because you are all getting ready to go out.”

 

“Oh!” She suddenly squeaked. “How silly of me keeping you out here, come in.”

 

With a smile he followed her inside, shaking his head as she rushed off to the sound of Mai calling for her. He hung up his coat and headed into the living room, noting that was where most of the noise seemed to be coming from. He popped his head inside, said hello to them all, but seeing he got nothing other than a quick `hi' all round since the girls were all engrossed in getting ready, he then headed upstairs.

 

He found that Malik's bedroom door was open, Joey sat on the bed, drinking a beer and watching Malik's TV. The room's owner however was nowhere to be seen.

 

“Hi Joey.” He called as he walked in, the blonde looking up and grinning.

 

“Hey Ryou, want one?” He indicated the beer.

 

“No thanks, where's Malik?” He asked as he took a seat at the end of the bed.

 

“Shower.” He shrugged. Ryou was about to respond when a loud squeal, followed by a shocked cry interrupted them. He rolled his eyes and grinned. Joey laughed. “What's the betting my sister just leapt on Yugi?”

 

“What's all the noise?” An irritated voice muttered. Malik had just wandered in from the shower, dressed only in a pair of jeans and currently towel drying his wet hair.

 

“My sister is jumping on everyone as they come through the door.” Joey chuckled.

 

Malik laughed gently. “As much as I like Serenity, she can be a little excitable.”

 

At that moment Yugi turned up having managed to escape the clutches of the aforementioned teen. “Hi guys.” Joey tossed him a beer and he flopped down on the end of the bed.

 

“So.” Malik began brushing his hair out. “What's the plan guys?”

 

“You mean other than letting the girls get away first before even attempting to go anywhere?” Joey chuckled.

 

Ryou took a deep breath, knowing that he would have to take the plunge. “Well I was hoping we could go back to Ikona tonight.” He voiced softly. Predictably they all looked at him like he'd just turned purple and sprouted horns.

 

“Okay, where's the real Ryou and what have you done with him?” Joey asked.

 

“Guys, is it really so far fetched that I would want to go to a club?” He asked exasperated.

 

“Yes!” The three chorused.

 

Ryou pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation. Three, two, one…

 

“I know what this is about.” Yep, Malik had got there, and was grinning like a lunatic. “This has something to do with that guy.”

 

“Bakura.” Ryou put in.

 

“So, what's with you two?” Malik grinned.

 

“Nothing…, well… its complicated.” He shrugged.

 

“Well now you're gonna have to spill.” Joey grinned as Malik sat down next to Ryou.

 

Ryou sighed, better now than later. “Right, listen up I am only going through this once.” He looked round at the faces of his friends who all nodded. “Yesterday when I was locking up at the library, Duke came by, ah!” He forestalled their reactions. “But that doesn't matter. Anyways, I told him where to go, Mai came by and I left him standing there. I'm getting to it Malik.” He pre-empted his friend who was about to butt in. “So when Mai went off to talk to your sister I turned round and guess who almost walked into me.”

 

His friends all made noises of understanding. Malik predictably sniggering, so Ryou pressed on before Malik could start making any smart comments.

 

“So, well… it was odd. I said since we kept meeting that perhaps we should go for a coffee sometime.” He trailed off.

 

“So what did he say?” Yugi asked excitedly.

 

“Well, yes.” He shrugged.

 

“Oh that is great!” Yugi squeaked.

 

“Yeah, he's finally got a date.” Malik grinned.

 

“Well it's not like that, well not yet, but…oh stop confusing me!” He muttered, even though no one was.

 

“So when are you meeting him?” Malik asked grinning cheekily.

 

“I don't know yet. That's the thing, we need to arrange it.”

 

“So what's stopping you?”

 

“I have no way of contacting him. That's what was so odd. When I asked how to contact him all he said was `you know where I work'.”

 

“So that's it!” Malik laughed. “Well that's settled then. Ikona it is, after all, we wouldn't want to deny the love birds now do we?”

 

“Malik!” Ryou whined. “I don't even know anything about him yet!”

 

“So, we can get the details tonight can't we?” Ryou groaned inwardly. It was going to be a long night.

 

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Marik hid himself in a dark corner of the club, knowing full well that Ryou and his friends were on their way. Things were moving along nicely, but it was time to have some more fun. He smirked at the busy white haired figure at the bar, thinking about his earlier conversation with Akeifa. Oh but it was such a temptation to go over there and harass him some more. However a flash of white on the other side of the room caught his eye. He grinned happily as he saw the group of friends enter. Well, black to plan A it seemed.

 

Ryou sighed as he saw how busy the place was. This was not going to be easy. The four shrugged and started to weave through the busy throng until they managed to find a spot near the bar to congregate.

 

“Jeez, do they design these places so you can't be with your friends?” Joey grumbled.

 

“Lighten up Joey.” Malik grinned. “We are here to hep out a friend.”

 

Ryou groaned; he did not like the way Malik was looking at him, he felt like a cornered gazelle on the Serengeti plain. He looked at Yugi, his eyes pleading for some kind of sanctuary from whatever Malik was planning. “Please tell me you'll help keep him out of this as much as possible.” He begged.

 

Yugi giggled. “I'll do my best, but this is Malik we are talking about.”

 

“Right enough talking, we all need drinks.” Malik put in and was gone toward the bar before Ryou could say a word. Ryou put a hand to his head and groaned.

 

“I just hope he doesn't do anything stupid.” He turned to Yugi.

 

“You'd best pray then pal.” Joey laughed. It was all Ryou could do to sigh.

 

Marik on the other hand saw this as his chance, shifted into his non-corporeal state and followed his mortal double. When Malik finally got to the bar he was disappointed to see that Bakura was right down the other end, so was unlikely to be able to serve him. Well that little plan was out of the window. Marik smiled inwardly and chose his moment. Malik was leaning on the bar, one hand propping his chin up and pouting when he suddenly stiffened with a gasp, his eyes glazing over just as the barman came over.

 

“What can I get you pal?”

 

Malik had to shake himself out of the momentary daze and managed to stammer his order as he wondered what the hell had gotten into him. If he'd know the truth he would be seriously worried. As the barman returned with his order he had managed to sort himself out enough to be grinning.

 

“Hey.” He called as he paid for their drinks. “The white haired guy.” He nodded towards Bakura. “What time does he finish?”

 

“Him?” The barman shrugged. “Gets off at two, but if you are planning to ask him out, you are gonna need a lot of luck.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

Grinning Malik made his way back to his friends, while a happy Marik solidified in a dark corner. Part one of that plan down, now all he had to do was wait.

 

Ryou eyed Malik anxiously as he returned with their drinks. Malik laughed at the look Ryou was giving him and handed out the drinks. “What's that look for?” He chuckled.

 

“What did you say to him?” Ryou asked hurriedly, anxious that Malik had gotten him to something he wasn't ready to handle.

 

Malik laughed once more. “Relax Ry, I was nowhere near him. After all, you're the one that has to set up this date of yours.”

 

“It's not a date its… its…” He sighed in defeat. No matter how he looked at it, technically he was asking Bakura on a date, and in principle, Bakura had already agreed. Well that was one hurdle out of the way at least.

 

Yugi chuckled at his friend. “Don't worry, I'm gonna stick to him like glue from now on.”

 

Ryou nodded in thanks. If he was going to do this, he was going to do it this way.

 

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Across from them Marik smiled as he felt the presence next to him.

 

“Well, you are nothing if not quick.” He grinned.

 

“What in all of Hell are you up to Marik?” Came the cold response from his side.

 

Turning to his companion. “Why Seto, whatever makes you think I am up to something?” He knew his feigned innocence would only serve to wind up the Avenger.

 

“What are you trying to achieve with these suggestions of yours? You are trying the Lord's patience.” He looked at the Adversary with disdain.

 

“His or yours?” Marik smirked, knowing that if the Lord was angry he would have demanded his presence. Seto was merely here to keep an eye on things and they both knew it.

 

Seto snorted in reply refusing to acknowledge Marik's assessment of things. “Where is the point in all of this?” He asked, his tone almost dripping ice.

 

“Just doing my job. Tempting the living, helping the immortal soul into Heaven. You know that gig I was given a few millennia ago. Don't tell me you've forgotten.” He sniggered.

 

Seto shot him an annoyed glare that told the Adversary exactly what he thought of him, not that said Fallen was actually bothered by his opinion. Right now he spotted a certain blonde separating from the group of four that held his attention. Hmm, part two of the plan coming right up.

 

“Well now you've visited, why don't you run along like the good little guard dog you are and go back to your master and tell him you have nothing to report.” He sneered and waited for Seto to explode. It took him a good couple of seconds, and the angel actually managed to turn red in a fit of temper. “Now, now, we wouldn't want to cause a scene in front of the mortals now would we?”

 

Seto knew Marik was doing this to wind him up but the knowledge did not make it any easier to control his fury. Not able to stand the sight of Marik sniggering he took the only other option he had right that moment, turned on his heel, but in his anger had not seen the figure before him, crashing into a mortal as he made his way forward. Honey eyes met icy blue in a moment of shock that had Marik beaming. Perfect timing, damn he was good.

 

“You!” Seto looked down shocked at the shorter blond in a mixture of annoyance and confusion. “You did it again, what is it with you and walking into people pal?” Joey snapped.

 

But Seto could do nothing, as for the first time in all his life he had come into physical contact with a human. He had not been prepared for the fact the human's aura would wash over him, and was currently radiating over him in waves due to the worked up state of his emotions. Suddenly he found himself looking deeper into a human soul than he had ever done. His remit had only been angels, others dealing with humanity. His eyes were locked to the honey orbs, sensing the very core of the young blonde before him. There was that devotion, that loyalty he had sensed before, only it felt so much stronger now, and deep in the youth's core, a purity of heart that would never be seen in an angel, it could only be achieved by this complex mix of traits that made up the mortal before him.

 

Joey looked up at Seto his anger dissipating as the other looked at him with confused eyes, the coldness seeming to lessen. Man this guy seemed to be bugging out on him. “You okay man?” He asked softly, genuinely concerned by the stranger's behaviour.

 

Seto shook himself from his reverie, forcing the youth's aura away from him, the intimacy of this contact leaving him shaken. He was vaguely aware that the mortal had now placed a hand on his arm in concern. He looked down at it and removed it reverently. He looked back at those honey orbs once more. “I'm sorry.” He said shakily before turning away and leaving the club.

 

Joey stood there stunned, wondering what on earth had happened, while behind him Marik laughed to himself. Now the game got interesting.

 

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The three friends all turned as Joey returned. Yugi spotted his friends confused look and had to ask the obvious.

 

“Hey, what's up Joey?”

 

“Hmm, oh nothing Yug, this place seems to be the place for strange happenings is all.”

 

They all looked at him quizzically but knew they would probably get no more from him. Ryou on the other hand was holding a nearly empty bottle of beer, and was anxious to attempt to make contact with Bakura before Malik could intervene. He slugged the last of the liquid back, looking for some courage and looked to his friends.

 

“Well, its now or never.” He smiled nervously.

 

“No its now or Malik will do it for you.” Yugi chuckled.

 

“Badly.” Joey added.

 

“Hey!” Malik snorted indignantly, making Ryou smile and putting him at ease, but that ease was suddenly gone as he spotted the sly gleam in Malik's eyes. “But Ryou, we want to meet this `friend' of yours. Why don't we meet him at the end of his shift, he finishes at 2am.”

 

“Malik Ishtar!” Ryou whined. Oh boy, that one could never just leave anything be could he now? As he looked to Joey and Yugi he just knew that there would be no getting out of this one. “So you guys want to meet him too?” He asked resigned to his fate.

 

“Oh yeah.” Joey grinned, Yugi nodding in agreement. “We wanna find out just how like you this guy is.”

 

Ryou groaned to himself. “Alright, I'll ask him, but no promises.” He added sternly. Oh he was so screwed. Deciding that he'd best get this over with before it got any worse he looked over his shoulder at the bar to see where Bakura was. Sure enough he was at the far end and without another word he started to make his way through the throng before he lost his nerve. It took him a few minutes to get to the far side and into a position where he could actually see the other, and hopefully make contact. He swallowed hard just as a pair of crimson eyes turned to him.

 

“Well good evening.” Bakura smirked. Suddenly his night had improved; it seemed that this quiet youth had taken up his challenge. Ryou was looking distinctly nervous and somewhat out of place in this environment, but a very welcome distraction from his mundane tasks. “I was wondering if I would see you here, though I didn't expect it to be so soon. So to what do I owe this honour?” He teased.

 

Ryou felt himself blush, slightly, a fact picked up on by Bakura who chuckled to himself. “Well you did say to come and find you.” He smiled softly.

 

“That I did, so… I left it up to you.”He leant on the bar, getting closer to Ryou, knowing full well it made the other nervous. He was interested to see if Ryou really was willing to follow through on his actions yesterday. If he was, he would give this whole `date' idea a try. After all, it wouldn't kill him.

 

Ryou actually smiled at Bakura's playful attitude. He liked it, and found it calming for a reason he could quite explain. “Well, I was thinking that since Thursdays are early day closing for me, you could meet me after work.”

 

“So you were on your way home from work yesterday.” He mused, wondering what it was that the quiet youth did.

 

“Yeah, I work at the library, near the museum, you know it?”

 

Bakura nodded, and thought how suited to that role Ryou seemed to be. “Okay, Thursday it is then.” His eyes shone with amusement. He had just been asked out, something that he had not been expecting.

 

“Oi Bakura, less chatter over there.” The bar manager shouted, spotting the two of them.

 

Bakura narrowed his eyes in irritation. “Sorry.” He said handing Ryou a drink. “But the fucker's the one who pays me.”

 

Ryou nodded, catching Bakura's hand as he was about to move away. “Meet me outside after your shift.” He suddenly realised what he had done, and blushed at his sudden boldness.

 

Bakura stopped wide eyed as he felt the soft hand grasping his, the contact a shock. At the contact something crackled between the two, almost like electricity, same as it had before. He looked up into those earnest brown eyes, currently tinged with embarrassment at his own actions, and couldn't help but smile. “Alright, I get off at two.”

 

“I know.” With a smile Ryou let Bakura return to his work, who stood puzzled. Ryou knew? Hmm, it seemed that his `date' was full of surprises.

 

Ryou on the other hand made his way back to his friends smiling. The three stood waiting their expressions showing their interest.

 

“Well?” Malik asked after Ryou just smiled at his friends.

 

“I'm meeting him after work on Thursday.” He smiled, actually quite pleased with himself.

 

“Way to go Ryou.” Yugi beamed.

 

“Yeah, who'd have thunk, you do realise you are making all the moves here.” Joey snickered.

 

“Yeah, actually, I'm still not sure we have the real Ryou on our hands here.” Malik joked.

 

“Guys, leave him be.” Yugi scolded.

 

Ryou just shook his head. “Let them have their fun. They are going to tease so we might as well just let them.” He shrugged.

 

“So what about later?” Malik asked with a smile.

 

“Later?” Ryou looked at his friend puzzled.

 

“Yeah, is he meeting us after his shift or not?” Malik smirked.

 

Ryou smacked himself on the forehead. “Actually… well yeah I asked him to meet me, and yeah, he said okay but, I never said anything about you guys.” He looked up apologetically.

 

Malik just laughed. “Ah well, you'll just have to tell him when we meet him.”

 

Ryou groaned. “Look do you guys have to meet him tonight?” He just had a bad feeling about all of this, his friends, Malik in particular could come on a little strong. They'd only just met; he didn't want any talk of a relationship when they knew nothing about each other.

 

“Yes!” The three chorused in unison, grinning at his discomfort.

 

Oh, did he mention that this was going to be a long night?

 

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Marik grinned, so far his night had been perfect, he had engineered things so he could taunt Seto, and forced said angel into a meeting with the human that captured his interest. Hmm, now Yami had been right. The look on Seto's face had been priceless, and the reaction to the unanticipated contact had been very interesting indeed. This experiment was going to be worth following through. And to top that off it seemed that the white haired pair were getting on perfectly well on their own. So perhaps it was time to call it a night. As he turned to go he saw his look-alike leave the group. Well one last bit of harmless fun couldn't hurt, one for the road as they say.

 

He sneaked after Malik who had headed to the bar. He watched and waited, positioning himself between the human and his friends. He didn't have to wait too long before Malik started back, Marik smirking and deliberately turning his back on the approaching youth. He didn't want him seeing his face…yet. Watching out of the corner of his eye, her chose his moment, turning so that the human had to bump into his shoulder.

 

“Oh I…” Malik faltered as his lavender eyes met a pair a shade darker than his. As he took in the figure before him his eyes widened. “Ra be damned!” He breathed.

 

“You should really watch where you are going kid.” Marik smirked. Oh the awed look on Malik's face was simply priceless.

 

“What is it with this place?” Malik asked no one in particular, unaware of how much of an idiot he looked right now.

 

“You alright kid?” He made a show of being concerned.

 

“Huh, yeah it's just… oh I can't quite explain.” He ran his fingers through his hair absently.

 

Grinning, Marik decided to see just how much he could scare his human counterpart. In a sudden move he closed the gap between the two, taking Malik's chin in his hand. He took a moment to take in the aura of the mortal, who eyes were now threatening to pop out of his skull on stalks. On the outside Malik exuded confidence, and his aura showed that friendship was important to him, something he was also good at. But deep down in his core were his insecurities, and the deep desire to be loved. Moving so their faces were barely apart, Marik smiled and the mortal who was now near panic.

 

“You're cute kid.”

 

With that he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Malik opening and closing his mouth like a goldfish. He sniggered as he left. Yes, all in all tonight had been a good night.

 

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Ryou waited nervously outside Ikona, waiting for Bakura. Malik had joined them after his detour to the bar, ranting about meeting his look-alike, how he had invaded his personal space getting this close… So Joey was currently calming him down… still. Boy, when Malik got started he was like a dog with a bone and wouldn't let go. Yugi saw his friend's nervousness and smiled at him reassuringly.

 

“Don't worry, somehow we'll get Malik to be gentle.”

 

Looking back at his excitable friend he sighed. “We can only hope.” His comment causing Yugi to chuckle.

 

The two friends turned as they saw a shock of white hair leaving the club. Ryou stood frozen for a moment, not knowing how to proceed. “Go on.” Yugi urged softly. “Before Malik pounces.”

 

That last comment had Ryou moving, and sure enough as he approached Bakura, the crimson eyed angel spotted the approaching youth.

 

“Good morning.” He greeted with a smile, the smile suddenly putting Ryou at ease, though he couldn't put his finger on why. “So what was the hurry to meet?”

 

Ryou sighed heavily, earning himself a puzzled look. “Please forgive me.” He began, startling Bakura, that was the last thing he had expected to hear from him. “You see, my friends wanted to meet you.” He tucked some hair behind his ear nervously. “I know we don't know each other yet, but they can be so insistent and…”

 

“Woah, slow down Ryou.” He chuckled, smiling at Ryou's flustered state. So that was all it was, well, it was easily remedied. “I get it, I have someone who bugs me too. I'm not sure I'd call him a friend but… he's an okay guy really.” He struggled to explain, and was hoping that Marik wasn't listening at this point. He hardly wanted the Fallen angel to know that no matter how he bugged him, he kind of appreciated his company. It was a little tie to home, and Akeifa.

 

Ryou nodded relieved. “I should have told you earlier, but there wasn't the opportunity.”

 

Bakura smiled, Ryou was kind of cute when he was flustered, and it did interesting things to the youth's aura. Okay, so he didn't feel like being friendly, he hadn't for a very long time, but he'd learned to take the rough with the smooth. He did actually want to spend time with Ryou, it was either that or Marik on his back indefinitely, that and he liked the calming influence he had on him.

 

“It's okay, look, I'll say hi and goodnight, and we can leave it at that. After all, I'll be seeing you Thursday anyways.” He chuckled as Ryou blushed at the mention of their `date'. Now that really was cute. “Besides, perhaps I should socialise more.” It was hard being a loner for millennia at a time.

 

“Thanks for understanding.” He was now rubbing his arm absentmindedly. “I guess we had best get this over with. Oh and I apologise in advance if Malik is an ass. He seems to think it is his mission in life to pair us all off.”

 

Bakura laughed. “He's one of those. Insecure much?”

 

Ryou's eyes grew wide and he choked on a giggle. Bakura had just hit the nail on the head. “How did you guess?”

 

“I've been around, met a lot of people.” He glossed over the subject, aware that the subject of his past would be a difficult one. “You get to know why people behave in certain ways.” He shrugged but didn't look Ryou in the eye.

 

“He tries to hide it, but we all know really.” Ryou said softly as he led Bakura over to his friends. He couldn't help but smile to see Joey and Yugi laughing at a pouting Malik. His friend's had their backs to them and so Bakura was in for a shock.

 

“Hey guys.” Ryou called to get their attention.

 

As the three turned round the first one Bakura saw was Malik. His crimson eyes widened and it took him a couple of seconds to process the fact that while he looked like Marik, he was nothing like the Fallen angel in question, the aura made it very clear. He was shorter, slighter, and the hair was differently styled. Even so, for a moment he had been fooled by those lavender eyes. He knew he was staring, and the way the mortal before him was looking at him told him he had been spotted.

 

“Um, Bakura, this is Malik, Joey…” Bakura shifted his eyes to the taller blonde, grateful to have to turn his attention to something else, Joey smiling at him softly and nodding in greeting. “And this is Yugi.” Now his eyes threatened to pop out of his skull. His mind struggled to process the familiar mop of hair, the amethyst eyes, and yet again see the differences between this mortal and the Fallen that he knew. What in all of the Heaven's was going on here? Meeting his own double was one thing, but two more… something here was definitely odd.

 

“Bakura?” Ryou asked softly, worried at how Bakura was staring at his friends.

 

He looked at the youth, concern in those chocolate orbs and mentally slapped himself. “It's been a long night.” He sighed. “And to be frank, for a moment, I thought I knew these two.” He indicated Yugi and Malik. “There are some uncanny similarities.”

 

Malik eyes widened and he grinned. “You know my double!” He almost yelled.

 

“Woah easy Malik!” Joey scolded as the group winced at Mailk's overloud reaction.

 

“I did say that my friends had been meeting their doubles.” Ryou sighed, oh why could nothing involving Malik be easy?.

 

“Man this place is awesome!” Malik laughed. “First we get Ryou hooked up with his sexier version.”

 

“Malik!” Ryou shouted embarrassed turning bright red, Bakura couldn't help but laugh at that one… sexier hmm?

 

“Then Yugi and I find we have doubles too, and he knows them! This place is just a haven for weird shit. Sorry Joey, you seem to be a bit left out.”

 

“I know, every time I come here I just get bumped into by some blue eyed beanpole who can't look where he's going, either that or doesn't give a damn.”

 

Bakura turned at the description, and put two and two together. It was a shot in the dark, but with everything else strange happening, and what Marik had been up to what were the chances…?

 

“Describe him.” He said to Joey.

 

“Well… um.” Joey was caught off guard by the command. “I dunno, really tall, real skinny, brunette, and really, really blue eyes.”

 

“And a stick shoved up his ass?” Bakura ventured with a slight smirk.

 

Joey laughed. “Yeah, and he totally bugged out when I bumped into him. First time he walked away like a jerk, this time he actually said sorry.”

 

Bakura choked on a laugh, sniggering helplessly. He was aware that Ryou and the others were looking at him confused, but he couldn't help himself. The image of the Left Hand of God humbling himself before a human was just too funny. “Oh fuck! Seto apologising, wait until I tell Marik! This is priceless! Shit.” He struggled to control his laughter, finally managing to calm a bit and catch his breath. He looked to Joey with an amused grin, pushing his bangs back from where they had fallen into his face. “You have no idea how privileged you are to hear him say that. I didn't think that word was actually in his fucking vocabulary.” Oh one day he was going to taunt Seto mercilessly with that one. Payback is so much fun.

 

Joey laughed a little at Bakura's comment. “You know, looking at him that doesn't surprise me.”

 

Malik though was finding it hard to contain his curiosity. “So, you're friends with these guys right?” He questioned eagerly.

 

Finally managing to stop laughing he smirked at the thought. “I wouldn't say friends, but we know each other well yes.”

 

Yugi shook his head. “This is so weird, so what are they, we… you know, our doubles like?” He asked nervously.

 

“Well,” Bakura grinned, this was actually turning out to be fun. “Marik is very much like Malik from what I can tell.” He said with a nod to the egyptian youth.

 

“What loud and irritating?” Joey put in with a sly grin.

 

“Hey!” Malik pouted, folding his arms across his chest in annoyance. The pout only got worse when Bakura nodded sniggering. “You guys!”

 

“Oh but Malik, you know we love you.” Ryou soothed, going over to his friend, but was failing to hide his own amusement.

 

“Pigs the lot of you!” He snapped, though there was no malice in the comment.

 

Bakura smiled and turned to Yugi. “Now, you don't seem too much like Yami at all.” He said, carefully studying the youth's aura. “You're a lot more reserved than he is. Hell you look like a younger version in some ways.” He wasn't going to mention the wings and tail the latter sported day to day. “Or perhaps brothers. Yami's a good person who got on the wrong side of someone.” He added vaguely.

 

Yugi smiled at him, but seemed to shy to actually say anything. Ryou seemed to have calmed Malik down now who was no longer pouting, but still in a huffy mood never-the-less. Ryou smiled at him shyly, but was glad that things seemed to be going okay. Joey was eyeing him up curiously.

 

“So this Seto guy, what's he like?”

 

“Hmm?” Bakura smirked. “He's a pious git, and takes far too much fucking pleasure in his work if you ask me.” He snorted. “Could do with learning the meaning of the word fun. And with that stick shoved so far up his ass I'm surprised he doesn't walk funny, the stuck up shit.” Oh if Seto could hear him talking like this he was going to be in so much trouble.

 

“Just your average nice guy then.” Joey and Bakura sniggered. “I like this guy of yours Ry' he's funny.”

 

Ryou blushed furiously making Bakura smirk. Oh by Heaven the snowy haired youth was attractive when he was flustered. “Guys.” He whined softly. Oh damn that was even cuter. Without realising it he had settled into that soft genuine smile he thought he no longer had in him, and for a moment all sadness and pain left his eyes. Ryou saw it, suddenly forgetting his embarrassment and smiled contentedly, happy that he had somehow helped the other.

 

Malik spotted the two looking at each other and grinned slyly. These two were so going to be good together, even if they couldn't see it just yet.

 

“Okay boys, enough with the mooning at each other. Save it for your date.” He relished the way that Ryou blushed again at the mere mention of the word, and even Bakura chuckled.

 

Ryou sighed and approached Bakura. “I suppose we should call it a night. I'm sorry if this was a bit much.”

 

Bakura grinned at Ryou. “Hell it was worth meeting your friend's just to hear about Seto doing something so magnanimous as to apologise. That one is going to keep me entertained for a fucking long time.” He nodded quickly to the three youth's watching the pair. “Well, till Thursday then, what time do you finish?”

 

Ryou's eyes widened. He had totally forgotten to tell him what time to meet him. “Um, four.” He replied, blushing at the way Bakura was smiling at him.

 

“Okay, though I suspect you are going to turn up with a list of questions as long as your arm from your friends.”

 

“No doubt.” Ryou rolled his eyes. “Though I wish they wouldn't.”

 

Bakura chuckled darkly, gave Ryou a nod, turned and walked away. Ryou stood and let out a deep breath as he watched his `date' walk away. His friends gathered beside him, eyeing Ryou with amusement.

 

“That's some catch you have there Ry'.” Joey commented, leaning on the white haired youth's shoulder.

 

“Guys, leave it out.” Ryou sighed. “I don't even know if he likes me, or if I like him.”

 

“Aww come on.” Malik teased. “What's not to like, though the red eyed thing is creepy. Is he an albino or something?” Ryou swatted him gently round the back of the head for that. “See, you're defending him already, of course you like him. Hell I'd like him, and Yugi must, he clammed up.”

 

The three turned to look at Yugi who was now blushing furiously. “I did not!” He said hotly. “I just didn't know what to say was all.”

 

“Yeah, yeah Yug, or were you too busy thinking about your double, Yami or whatever Bakura said his name was.” Joey teased.

 

Yugi suddenly turned a deeper shade of red that made even Ryou chuckle. “Oh I think we have a winner.” Malik grinned. “One look at the guy and Yugi has the hots for him.”

 

“I do not!” Yugi snapped.

 

Malik and Joey laughed starting to walk home. “Riiight Yug, we believe ya.” Joey drawled.

 

Ryou watched as Yugi chased after them, hotly denying any kind of interest in his double he had spotted a couple of weeks before. Ryou sighed and smiled watching them bicker. Well tonight had been… interesting. But he had managed to go through with it. He suddenly realised that he actually had a date in less than a week when he hadn't considered dating in months.

 

“Come on Ryou!” Yugi called, still annoyed at his other two friends.

 

Shaking his head he started after them. Was he really ready for all this. Well one thing was for sure, he was going to be ready by Thursday, his friends would see to that. He groaned gently as he neared his companions who had stopped to wait for him. Just the thought of Malik's assistance had him wanting to run for cover.

 

“Hey, what's with ya?” Joey asked when he caught up with his friends.

 

“Nothing, I was just thinking.” He shrugged. “Don't look at me like that.” He snapped as Malik grinned at him.

 

“Don't worry about a thing, we'll have you ready for your date.” Malik smirked.

 

Oh dear, this was going to be a very long week.

 

***************************************************************** *************

 

AN:

I am tempted to entitle this the chapter that never wanted to end. Man that was a long one! But has some very fun moments in it for me. So anyways, things are starting to move along. Next chapter, the date. Though now I need to start planning some meetings for my side pairings, so things are gonna have to wander a little. Hmm, interesting. Till next time folks!