Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Redemption ❯ Beneath the Stars ( Chapter 10 )

Sunday turned out to be quite a nice day, and since none of the four friends were working, they decided to meet up in the afternoon. Though this time they headed over to Yugi's place. He was the one with the largest TV after all. Well, it was certainly the best place for a lazy afternoon watching DVDs as he also had the largest sofa. Ryou would have preferred to be outside, but trying to convince Malik and Joey into a healthy afternoon outside was a lost cause, so he didn't bother trying. So predictably something mildly amusing, but not really grabbing their attention was playing in the background while the friends laughed and joked together.

 

As the laughter died down from the latest joke, Yugi went to the kitchen to get a round of sodas. As the quiet fell Ryou lapsed into thoughtfulness. Joey and Malik looked at him quizzically.

 

“Hey Ry', what's on your mind?” Joey asked.

 

“More like who.” Malik muttered with a grin.

 

Ryou rolled his eyes. “Is that all you talk about?” He asked with exasperation. Recently every conversation seemed to turn to Bakura when Malik was around.

 

“Its as good a topic as any.” Malik shrugged. “And about the most interesting thing to talk about these days.”

 

“Well that's my point.” Ryou added. “A lot of things have happened lately, a lot of things that when you look at them as a whole, are… odd.” He mused.

 

“What? You saying that you finally hooking up with someone is odd?” Joey asked with a grin.

 

“Joey.” Ryou reproached gently. “But think about it, Bakura is alarmingly like me, then there is Marik and Yami. Does it not strike you as odd that three of us suddenly meet look-alikes at the same time, and in the same place?”

 

“Perhaps.” Malik replied. “But it has certainly made things more interesting.”

 

“I don't know.” Ryou looked down now. “I have to admit, I worry a little.”

 

“You worry too much.” Joey answered.

 

Ryou smiled softly. “Maybe I do.” He was thoughtful for a moment. “Perhaps it is because Duke has turned up again. He seems so determined.”

 

“Well that's it then.” Malik answered cheerfully. “I'd be worried if a prick like that was on my tail.”

 

“You aren't going to let him get to you are you.” Joey asked seriously.

 

“Of course not.” Ryou said firmly. “I never want to be treated like that again.” He said softly, remembering the hurt he had felt when he realised just how Duke had played him, how he had been nothing but another shrewd business move.

 

“Good.” Malik smiled. “Cause we never want to deal with your moping ass for months at a time again.”

 

Ryou laughed softly. “Was I that bad?”

 

“Until Bakura, yeah.” Joey answered with a soft smile.

 

“Oh dear.” Ryou's cheeks heated up in mild embarrassment. “I'm sorry.”

 

“Don't apologize, Ry' just don't let anyone walk all over you.”

 

“I won't, I promise.” He replied, smiling softly.

 

Malik smiled in satisfaction. “Good, Ra knows, we hate worrying about you.”

 

“You…, you worry about me?” Ryou asked shocked, it was the last thing that he wanted, and he felt a little bad about it to be honest.

 

“Of course we do.” Malik chuckled, seeing his friend's discomfort. “You are our friend, what else do you expect us to do, not care?”

 

“Well I just…”

 

“We know you would do the same for us, in fact I think we should be keeping half an eye on Yugi too.” Malik said softly so their friend wouldn't hear them from the kitchen.

 

“Why?” Ryou asked intensely, worry suddenly appearing in his soft chocolate eyes.

 

“There you go, worried already.” Malik snickered.

 

“Nah, no need.” Joey put in. “It's just it seems he's met that Yami again, and the two talked.”

 

“Really, when?” Ryou asked with such interest that Joey laughed, they certainly had his attention now.

 

“When you were on your date. We'd sent Yugi to keep an eye on you and…”

 

“Joey!” Malik suddenly snapped, shooting him a glare, knowing damn well that Ryou would not take kindly to that news, but it was already too late.

 

“What?” Ryou snapped, his tone low, dangerous, his eyes narrowed, the colour deepening with a flash of anger.

 

“We were just worried about you man, we figured if you needed a get out…”

 

“Will you shut up!” Malik snarled at Joey, aware that this was not a good situation right now.

 

“I see.” Ryou said with a dangerous amount of calm. “It all comes out now.”

 

A dangerous silence fell between the three, none of them registering the sounds that indicated Yugi's return. Joey swallowed hard under the intensity of Ryou's gaze, while a flustered Malik tried to work out how he might rescue this situation, his eyes darting between his two friends.

 

“We just… we…” He stammered, running his fingers through his hair nervously.

 

“Just what?” Ryou snapped.

 

It was at this moment that Yugi walked in carrying a tray of drinks to find Ryou glaring at Malik and Joey, while his other two friends were looking distinctly sheepish. It didn't take a genius to work out that something was very wrong with this picture.

 

“Uh, guys?” He asked nervously.

 

Ryou snapped his attention to Yugi, turning that narrow-eyed, angry gaze on him, Yugi quailing under the ferocity of it, quickly putting the tray down lest his hands start to shake. He had seen Ryou angry before and he knew that this was not going to go well.

 

“How could you?” Ryou hissed at Yugi. “All of you.”

 

“We were only looking out for you.” Malik said desperately.

 

“What am I, a child?” He snarled.

 

“No, we care about you is all.” Malik floundered.

 

“Do you really think that little of me, that I can't stand up for myself?”

 

Yugi winced, knowing that this was not only deserved, but that Ryou was only just getting started. What with Duke turning up and chasing after him, he knew that Ryou had been a little on edge of late, and there was probably some pent up aggression to vent.

 

“And you.” He turned on Yugi now. “I really did not expect this of you.” The anger in his eyes now tinged with disappointment that cut into Yugi like a knife.

 

“I'm sorry.” He whispered in reply, unable to look into Ryou's eyes.

 

“Don't be too hard on him.” Joey put in. “We did kinda force him into it.”

 

Ryou snorted in disgust. “And that's supposed to make it any better.” He rose sharply to his feet, unable to contain himself any longer. “I am actually capable of taking care of myself. As I recall when I found out exactly what Duke was up to behind my back, I moved out and then called you all telling you I had finished it.” His normally soft voice was now growling in a rising crescendo of anger. “I am more than capable of handling things if they get difficult, and if I can handle manipulative shits like Duke, I can handle a fucking first date!”

 

The three friends cringed under Ryou's tongue lashing. They understood just how upset they had made their slender friend, Ryou never swore. Ryou was breathing hard, his face twisted by his anger, marring his normally pretty features. It was not a pretty sight and nor one the group of friends ever wanted to see again. What was so painful was the disgust they saw in his eyes. Ryou laughed bitterly.

 

“I have been standing on my own two feet since I was fifteen, I've been on my own since my parents died. I think I could have handled it if we hadn't got on.” He snarled. “I'm not a baby and I don't need you three treating me like one!”

 

Ryou knew he had lost it and now he was going too far, but he couldn't help himself. He hated that he was sometimes seen as weak, something that had been there for a long time, but had become more intense since Duke. Duke had thought him weak, incapable of standing up for himself, which was why he had tried to walk all over him. It was also no doubt why he wasn't taking no for an answer of late. All these little things had built into one and his anger was now out of control and now at an unreasonable level. He knew that he needed to clear his head. Without a word he strode purposefully out of the lounge, grabbed his coat and stormed out of Yugi's apartment, slamming the door behind him.

 

The three friends cringed as the door rattled in its frame, Yugi particularly so, making to go after Ryou.

 

“Let him go.” Malik sighed. “He needs time to cool off and calm down.”

 

Yugi nodded swallowing hard. It was hard to see his best friend quite so upset, even more so because it was at him. He was just thankful that he was not the only one in the dog house right now. Joey let out a deep breath shaking his head.

 

“Well that could have gone better.” He said.

 

Malik turned to glare at him, folding his arms. “Really?” He sneered. “You don't say. It would have gone a whole lot better if you'd known when to shut that big mouth of yours. Next time why don't you put your foot in it before you say something stupid. At least it might make you stop and think for a minute.”

 

“Guys, don't argue please.” Yugi pleaded softly, stopping Joey's retaliatory comments before they left the blonde's lips. “It's bad enough we've upset Ryou. The last thing I need is you two fighting too.”

 

The two looked hard at each other before letting it go. Yugi was right and they only had themselves to blame.

 

“Jeez, I never thought I would ever see Ryou get so mad.” Joey muttered

 

“By Horus that was actually scary.” Malik got up and grabbed a soda from the table where Yugi had put the drinks down, and tossed one to Joey.

 

“Do you think he faced Duke down like that?”

 

“Who knows.” Yugi shrugged. “Like he said, he grabbed his stuff and had moved back to his apartment before calling us. All I know is when I got there he'd been crying for a while and was shaking.”

 

“Damn.” Joey breathed. “I guess we all behaved like idiots huh?”

 

Yugi laughed bitterly. “You got that right.”

 

Malik sighed. “We were only looking out for him. I guess we shouldn't have gone that far though.”

 

“Less of the we.” Joey snapped. “It was your idea.”

 

“And you backed him up!” Yugi barked with uncharacteristic force. “Now that's enough. For now we give Ryou some time and then we apologise, all of us.”

 

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

 

Ryou paid no attention as he walked, only vaguely aware that he had turned his cell phone off as he made his way randomly through Domino. How could they, how dare they intrude, treat him like a naïve kid? He was a grown man, not some porcelain doll that would break under the slightest force. He thought that he had proven that to them already but no. It seemed that his friends, like so many others, thought he couldn't handle things on his own. He knew that he shouldn't be quite so pissed, and that quite a lot of his anger was not really meant for them, but the fact they had gone behind his back hurt!

 

He slowed his pace as the anger slowly started to dissipate, giving way to a certain amount of guilt. He had really lost it in there; he'd even been a little petulant. Hardly his finest hour. He sighed softly, aware that he would have apologies of his own to make, but not now, he was not nearly calm enough for that. Anger was not a natural emotion for him and was not something he could hold on to, so it left him as quickly as it came. In its wake came other emotions, a certain hollowness along with the disappointment he felt. He tried to clear his head of these thoughts, now only just beginning to take in his surroundings.

 

He had wandered into the park quite unthinkingly, the tranquil space occupied by people, couples together, families with children playing, and others just out for a walk or some such motivation. This place was calm in its own way, the atmosphere in the air starting to calm him a little. It seemed a good place to be in his current state of mind. A stream ran through the centre of the park, and it was to the bridge over that stream that Ryou made his way. He wasn't paying much attention, and if he had, he might have found that he was being regarded by confused crimson eyes. Reaching the bridge he leant on the rail, hands one on top of the other, chin on his hands looking down into the water. He closed his eyes, not caring how childish he looked, he had other more important things to worry about.

 

So it was that he missed the fact that his reflection was joined by another, so similar it could have almost been his twin's, but he was too lost in his mixed up thoughts to notice. Bakura on the other hand just stood beside Ryou quietly. It was written all over his aura that he'd just had a flare of negative emotions, and understood right away why Ryou was here. While he was curious, and desperately wanted to do anything to stop Ryou from feeling sad, he knew the best thing he could do was have some patience. He had the urge to pet the boy's hair again, but considering the youth didn't know that he was here just yet, that was not a wise idea. However for an immortal that had been on earth quite so long, it seemed that mortal impatience had rubbed off on him, and he soon tired of waiting.

 

“It seems that I am not the only one who comes here to think.” He mused out loud, to no one in particular.

 

Ryou's snapped open at the familiar voice, suddenly straightening up to see Bakura smiling at him gently.

 

“Bakura! I… that is… you see…”

 

Bakura laughed to see Ryou quite so flustered. “I think you'd best slow down. You might hurt yourself carrying on like that.”

 

Ryou's mouth opened and closed a few times as he tried to say something, but no words seemed to come. In their absence he gave up entirely and just smiled sheepishly taking a deep breath. Fortunately this was all he needed for his brain to wake up and smell the coffee as it were, and the link between thought and mouth were restored.

 

“So, um… what brings you here?” He asked as he tried to collect himself, he was a little shocked to see Bakura here.

 

Bakura merely shrugged. “I like to walk, it gives me time to think then to my surprise I saw you crossing the park, looking utterly miserable, and I just had to come see you. Though you seemed quite content to fall asleep right here by the looks of things.” He teased gently.

 

Ryou chuckled, well aware that he was still handling his emotions and it was obvious. He sighed. “I kinda had an argument with my friends.” He offered softly.

 

Bakura raised an eyebrow in surprise. In their last conversation it seemed that such an event would be unlikely for the group.

 

“Must have been pretty major for you to be out here on your own.”

 

“Well, I sort of lost my temper.” He admitted. “I seem to be doing that more often than I would like at the moment.”

 

Bakura regarded Ryou intently for a moment. The youth was in some level of distress, and for once couldn't turn to his friends since they were the cause. Well he was no agony aunt, but it was clear Ryou needed to talk it out with someone. He glanced at his watch quickly, seeing 18:00 blink back at him.

 

“Do you like sushi?” He asked suddenly, Ryou looking startled at the unexpected question.

 

“Well yes, but…”

“Good.” Bakura grinned and abruptly started walking. Ryou stood completely confused by the sudden random change in his crush's behaviour. Okay, so he had just admitted to himself he had a crush on Bakura, though crush was perhaps not the right word…

 

“You coming?”

 

Ryou blinked to see Bakura looking back at him amused, and comprehension suddenly dawned on him. Still a little confused, but also glad to have something to take previous events off his mind for the moment, he walked to Bakura's side. He was a little nervous, he hadn't expected to meet the other like this.

 

“Well I guess this beats us walking into each other I suppose.”

 

Bakura sniggered. “I was actually able to be in the same place with you unexpectedly without nearly crashing into each other. Someone must have decided we don't need to do that anymore.”

 

Ryou giggled despite himself and fell in step with Bakura as he headed to a sushi restaurant that he liked. “So what exactly are we doing?” Ryou asked curiously.

 

“Your guess is as good as mine. I'm making this up as I go along. I'm hungry, you need to get away from things for a while… so sushi.”

 

Ryou blinked, then shrugged. “I guess I could use something to eat.” He smiled softly.

 

“Good, you can tell me all about it then, though I don't guarantee I will be listening, I really like sushi.”

 

Ryou laughed, much to Bakura's delight. He had been hoping to distract Ryou for the moment, though he knew the youth would need to talk, but that came later. Now he needed to calm him, and laughter was always the best medicine in this kind of situation. That and he loved Ryou's smile. There was still a far away look in Ryou's eyes, but he suspected that was only a temporary situation. He now found himself wondering at himself. He would never normally bother about someone else like this, yes the two had this attraction and… okay he was going to quit trying to explain this, especially after that conversation with Marik in the wee small hours of Saturday. He was going to accept there was something between them and see where the Hell it was going to lead.

 

Feeling strangely satisfied with the decision he found that they had actually reached their destination. He ushered Ryou inside and they were soon sat at a table in the corner. Ryou had laughed when Bakura ordered without even laying eyes on the menu. He smiled at Bakura as the waiter left.

 

“You weren't kidding.”

 

“What can I say. I've been around and I know what I like.” He flashed a smile from across the table. “So.” He said getting serious. “What happened between you and those friends of yours?”

 

Ryou sighed heavily, the worry coming back into his eyes. He wasn't sure he wanted to share the specifics, particularly because they involved Bakura, but bit the bullet.

 

“I found out that two of them got another to follow me and watch us on our date.” He said softly.

 

Bakura's eyes widened, a flash of annoyance crossing the crimson orbs, but he forced it down knowing that he had to listen, after all he had asked the boy to talk. Ryou on the other hand did notice the look and inwardly groaned.

 

“I just lost my temper after that. I… well after Duke…” he stopped himself and collected his thought and thought he had better explain. “Duke did what he did with me because it was good for his corporate image.” He began, knowing Bakura would follow after their previous conversations. Bakura raised an eyebrow thinking that this was an odd turn in his tale but decided to wait it out.

 

Ryou was fiddling with a lock of hair nervously. “He went behind my back because he hadn't the patience to let me get comfortable enough before… letting things progress in the bedroom.” He admitted shyly. He swallowed hard realising what he had just said, but that done he might as well carry on now. “I'm no fool. I wasn't going to put out in such a high-pressure relationship till I was ready. But mainly he went behind my back because he didn't think I would have enough backbone to stand up to him and walk away. He thought I was weak.”

 

Bakura had already mellowed by this point, quietly impressed by Ryou's admission. He was surprised to find out that others thought of the youth as weak. Everything he had seen pointed to the exact opposite. Yes he was quiet, bookish even, but weak…never.

 

“Anyway.” Ryou sighed. “Ever since then I have had an aversion to people trying to baby me too much. I know why they did it. I was heartbroken by Duke's behaviour. It really did hurt me, but I walked away and got on with life. Though apparently I have been taking my time about it.” He smiled wryly. “I know they just didn't want to see me hurt again. They know I was so flattered by Duke in the beginning and I was sucked in before I realised what was happening. They just wanted to protect me.”

 

Ryou paused as the waiter returned with their drinks order. Ryou looked down and into the depths of his green tea, stirring it absentmindedly for a few moments Bakura giving him the space he needed. He knew that this ran deeper, that Ryou was getting something profound off his chest. He also knew that the attraction between them was making this harder for the youth. Soon enough Ryou seemed to come to a decision and looked him in the eyes.

 

“It was the same when my parents passed away. Everyone went around after the accident treating me like I was made of glass, like I would break if they said the wrong thing. I know I was grieving, but they went overboard. Yes I was young, but I had been raised to be independent and stand on my own two feet. I guess I cam sick of being babied, mollycoddled. I've come to hate it. I find it such a negative thing. I know that it means my friends care but… I have been tense of late, what with Duke trying to force himself back into my life, I just snapped. That guy has the uncanny ability to make me angry.”

 

“I had noticed.” Bakura took a sip of his tea.

 

Ryou turned away. “I'm sorry. You run into me and this is what you get. Not exactly what you need on a Sunday evening.”

 

Bakura shook his head, smiling softly. “Don't apologise. It's obvious that you needed this. Maybe I wasn't your first choice of confidant, but after a spat with your friends…” He shrugged. “Will I do?” He asked cheekily.

 

Ryou smiled for the first time since he had started to relate his thoughts. “Bakura I…”

 

“I'm only teasing. You wouldn't have told me if you weren't comfortable.”

 

“Thanks for this.” Ryou said softly.

 

“For what?”

 

“For bringing me here, for listening, getting me to talk about it.”

 

“Oh don't thank me yet.” Bakura smirked. “For all you know it might be some devilish ploy to get you to spend time with me so I can take you home and ravage you tonight.”

 

Ryou almost choked on his tea, his eyes wide as Bakura sniggered. He saw the look in Bakura's crimson eyes and knew instantly he was joking, and couldn't help but laugh at being caught in such a simple trap. He wasn't going to let that go quite so easily.

 

“Oh, and who says that you will be doing the ravaging. Who says that I can't be dominating behind closed doors?” He purred, looking at Bakura lasciviously over his tea.

 

Bakura's eyes widened as he was suddenly assaulted by the image of Ryou being aggressive and dominant in the bedroom. He swallowed hard as he felt blood rush south. Hell no, don't think about that or you are going to have one hell of a problem! He quickly took a drink of his tea, trying to picture turn his thoughts elsewhere. Pink elephants, pink elephants, pink elephants, he chanted mentally, mercifully saved by the waiter returning with their food. Ryou however did not miss the way Bakura had reacted and sat back with a smirk worthy of gracing Marik's features. Well if he had doubted Bakura's attraction to him he certainly didn't now.

 

When Bakura looked back to Ryou the youth had returned to his normal self, which he was thankful for. Hell, that look combined with that purr had nearly been his undoing. He knew he was attracted to Ryou, but in one moment the youth had gone from adorable to hot. It was now taking all of his concentration not to think about how good Ryou would look laying in bed, wearing nothing but a sheet, said sheet hovering dangerously low over his hips, looking up at him with want in his eyes. He suppressed the shudder the image brought lest it be noticed and decided to change the subject before his mind ran away without him. It had obviously been too long since he'd last gotten laid.

 

“So let me guess.” He said with mock thoughtfulness. “Considering I met your friends for all of five minutes I might be being a touch judgemental but, my guess is that it was Malik's idea, Joey backed him up and Yugi was the poor stooge.” He said with a grin.

 

Ryou smiled shyly as he nodded, tucking into his food. “Well you're right on the money, and no I don't think you are being judgemental.” He looked up at Bakura cautiously. “You're not mad are you?”

 

Bakura merely shrugged. “They're your friends Ryou, I can't say I like the idea that we were being watched but it does neither of us any harm so why worry?” He neglected to mention that he didn't have a leg to stand on when it came to the subject. He knew full well that he at least was being watched over, which meant that some of the time he and Ryou were being watched by Akeifa at the very least. “It's not that important.”

 

Ryou smiled at him warmly. “Thanks for understanding.”

 

“You're welcome.” He too began to tuck into his food. “You have some interesting friends though.”

 

Ryou chuckled wryly. “I think we all owe each other apologies, but they are my friends. We'll work it out, we always do.”

 

“True friends will stick by you no matter what. They are hard to come by and worth treasuring.”

 

“I know, but it doesn't mean they can't be annoying sometimes.”

 

“Tell me about it.” Bakura sniggered, the two thinking of two remarkably similar platinum blondes. He looked up at Ryou now. “So what now?”

 

“Hmm?” Asked, his mouth full so would not have been polite to say much else.

 

“Well do you have any plans for the evening?” He grinned as he saw Ryou blush. Ah so that moment earlier was just tease, but damn if it didn't have him out of control for a moment. No matter, but he was now sorely tempted to discover what Ryou would be like in the bedroom.

 

“I guess I had better go see my friends, apologise and… well, you know.”

 

“Hah, leave it a couple of hours, let them stew. The longer you leave it the less likely they are to make a mistake like that again. Besides, I was kinda hoping we could turn this into a `date'.”

 

Ryou looked at him wide eyed. “R-really?”

 

Bakura chuckled. “I was serious about spending more time around you, and circumstances happen to be favourable so… what do you say?”

 

Ryou looked away for a moment, his bangs falling into his face, veiling his eyes for a moment while Ryou brushed hair behind his ear. Though those chocolate eyes soon engaged his once more.

 

“Alright.”

 

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

 

The two spent the rest of the meal laughing and joking, Ryou's earlier worries put to one side for now. They talked about everything and nothing, and that was just fine with them. When the time had come Ryou had managed to get Bakura to split the bill with him, though with some difficulty. Now the two were walking again, Bakura unconsciously leading him back to the park. The two had wandered side by side in companionable silence as they entered the park, coming back to stop at the bridge they had met up at earlier. Ryou looked down at the reflection of light in the water now that darkness had fallen, while Bakura turned his eyes to the skies. Ryou noticed and smiled.

 

“So you like the stars.” He said softly.

 

Bakura looked back to Ryou, warmth in his eyes. “They are amongst some of the most beautiful things in all of creation.”

 

Ryou smiled at Bakura warmly, turning and leaning back on the rail so that he could look up, Bakura following suit behind him.

 

“I used to look up at the stars when I went camping with my parents. My mother was teaching me the constellations. My father wanted me to learn the proper names for the stars, but I was too young, I was only nine I think.” He said wistfully. “They were good times.”

 

Bakura smiled, sighing softly with contentment. “They are a sight I will never tire of. I don't know why, but there is something about them that draws me. On a really clear night you can see nebulae and planets, I love it.”

 

Ryou watched Bakura for a moment, seeing a serene calmness on his features now. In this half-light, soft street lamps lighting patches of the darkness, the object of his affections seemed truly beautiful, as if this kind of lighting were made for him. It simply drew Ryou to him. Before he knew it he had moved closer, pressing his left side into Bakura's right before settling so they stood this way side by side. Bakura looked to him suddenly only to be greeted by Ryou's warm smile. He smiled back and allowed the slightly smaller youth to settle into him, both enjoying this gentle intimacy for the moment.

 

The two looked up at the stars together for a while, just letting time go by, aware of others crossing the park around them, but paying them no heed. They were merely content to be there together and at peace. Ryou sighed softly. He had never felt comfortable just be in someone else's presence like this before. Bakura on the other hand knew the feeling well, but had not experienced it in millennia. Ryou leaned against him now, resting his head on Bakura's shoulder, Bakura closing his eyes as the scent of Jasmine rose up from Ryou's hair. He knew he was forever going to associate that scent with him now.

 

Quite of its own accord his hand had made it into that silken hair, fingers winding in and out, stroking it softly. Ryou purred softly at the gesture, getting lost in the moment, his eyes closing. Bakura drew Ryou closer, nuzzling into his hair, inhaling deeply. This brought Ryou to turn and face him, looking up ever so slightly into crimson orbs, now soft and welcoming. With a gentle smile and no hesitation at all closed the remaining gap between them. Bakura blinked at the feel of two hands pressed gently against his chest, looking down at them only to find his one of them move to raise his chin so their eyes met once more.

 

Ryou's heart was pounding as he closed that final gap, pressing his lips to Bakura's, the two's eyes sliding closed, succumbing to the moment. Bakura sighed softly as the youth kissed him, gentle fingers resting at his throat, silken lips against his. His hands slid to the small of Ryou's back, holding him close as Ryou pressed into him. He parted his lips against Ryou's, his tongue lapping gently at Ryou's bottom lip, gently requesting entrance. Ryou sighed in reply, granting the request, moaning softly as Bakura's tongue brushed his oh so gently. When was the last time he had been kissed like this? He wanted more of the same, but Bakura didn't want to rush things too much. All too soon for his liking, Bakura was pulling away, the delicious moment at an end.

 

The two regarded each other for a moment through hazy eyes, smiling softly. So much wanted to be said and yet no words were needed. Bakura gently brushed hair from Ryou's face, Ryou feeling a happiness he had not felt in a long time at the gentle gesture. Smiling with genuine warmth Bakura seemed to have a glow about him Ryou had never seen before. Bakura chuckled softly.

 

“Come on, I'll walk you home.”

 

Ryou nodded, pleasantly surprised when Bakura wrapped his arm round his shoulders. He smiled, leaning into Bakura as they walked, enjoying the closeness.

 

“So then, does this mean that you and I are together.” He asked with a smile.

 

“We are technically dating, this is our second date so, we are whatever that makes us.” Bakura replied simply.

 

Ryou chuckled. “Whatever you say. But I guess we should see each other again if we are dating.” He teased.

 

Bakura smirked. “Oh yes, can't actually date without seeing each other now can we?”

 

“So, do you ever have time off work?”

 

Bakura mentally went through his working week. “I get Sunday and Tuesday nights off.”

 

Ryou nodded working it through. “Me too, I have the late shift Wednesdays so staying out on a Tuesday shouldn't be a problem hmm, oh and a late shift Monday too, so Sunday's actually pretty good for me too.”

 

“Sounds good. “ Bakura smiled. “Though this time I expect you to call me. No random meetings in the park after a fight with your friends. I thought we had decided to stop meeting like that.”

 

“Oh like we have been planning it.” Ryou laughed.

 

“I don't know you could have been stalking me.”

 

“Don't flatter yourself.” Ryou teased. “You're not that hot.”

 

“Excuse me, who initiated that little moment back there. You came on to me not the other way round. In fact you have been the one chasing me from the start.”

 

“And that means what precisely.”

 

“That I am hot enough for you to chase, and therefore hot enough for you to stalk.”

 

Ryou rolled his eyes. “Oh ego much?”

 

“Well when you've got it.”

 

Ryou laughed and swatted him lightly on the arm well aware that his apartment block was in sight, and they were once again outside the main doors. Now it came to it he didn't want the evening to end.

 

“Do you want to…” He asked shyly.

 

Bakura laughed. “Easy Ryou. I think it's a bit soon for `coffee'.” He teased, watching Ryou blush. “Though I don't think it would be too forward of me on a second date, to ask for a goodnight kiss.” He murmured suggestively.

 

Ryou smiled, suddenly feeling butterflies in anticipation as Bakura pulled him close, an arm around Ryou's waist. He sensed strength in Bakura's hold, but it was not frightening, but comforting. He slid his own hands to Bakura's shoulders, looking into those deep red eyes, the colour no longer scary, for they could show such warmth. Right now he saw amusement tinged with desire, his stomach leaping at that little glimmer. As Bakura's free hand cradled the back of his neck he closed his eyes, leaning into the kiss.

 

It started out soft as before, both delighting in the feel of the other's lips against their own. When Bakura sought gentle entry Ryou willingly gave. Though this time the touch was stronger, Bakura entwining his tongue with his own in a deep lingering kiss. Ryou moaned softly, wrapping his arms around Bakura's neck as Bakura explored his taste, savouring it. He withdrew from his exploration with teasing strokes of his tongue, encouraging Ryou to return the favour. He sighed in satisfaction as Ryou's tongue traced his lips before taking up the invitation, kissing Bakura back in the same manner. Then gently he encouraged Ryou away, ending the moment with a chaste kiss to his lips.

 

“Hmm, now that's a goodnight kiss.” He purred.

 

Ryou on the other hand smiled contentedly, loosening his grip on Bakura. “Well then, we had best do this again so you can have more.” He murmured with a smile.

 

“Hmm, I believe the saying is that it is the quiet ones you have to watch out for. I think they meant you.”

 

Ryou pushed himself out of Bakura's hold laughing. “Really, oh you'll just have to wait and see about that then.” He smirked, folding his arms across his chest. “Go on then, be off with you, I'm going up.” He feigned annoyance. He made his way towards the door grinning, knowing full well they would see each other again.

 

“Call me.” Bakura replied simply before walking away.

 

Ryou watched with a smile as Bakura had the confidence or sheer will power to not look back before going inside. He made his way up to his apartment, and had anyone seen him, they would have said he had a sort of glow surrounding him today. As he entered he took a moment to look at the pad where he had written Bakura's number a few days before. Oh he'd call him alright. After all, they had more goodnight kisses to share.

 

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AN:

Okay, fluff, fluff and more fluff. And someone finally told Malik what an ass he can be. Go Ryou. I've had it said to me that this needs to be done and I have been agreeing, though I finally found a place to do it. Humble pie eating for Malik and the guys methinks. Anyways, you know the drill. R&R people.