Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Redemption ❯ Quiet Time ( Chapter 14 )

Completely unaware of the background politics that snaked insidiously through his current predicament, Bakura came home from work tired but calm. Still as he reached his door he dreaded entering the apartment, firstly because he had no idea if it would still be intact, and secondly because he wasn't sure he had the patience for dealing with his houseguest , truce or not. Still he was only stalled off the inevitable so he unlocked the door and crept in cautiously. To his relief he was met with the sound of the television which at least meant Seto hadn't destroyed that, though whether the remote had survived the night was yet to be discovered. The air smelled clean, no smells of anything having been burnt which boded well for the state of the kitchen. Well he had expressly forbidden Seto to attempt to cook, having shown him all the food that was safe to be eaten raw.

 

Stepping forward quietly he checked the aforementioned room, and while it appeared Seto had been working on his likes and dislikes, the kitchen was whole, if a little messy. It seemed that the angel liked snack foods. Well the wrappers and slight mess was easily dealt with so he started to relax. Now he made his way cautiously to the living room, where he expected Seto would be waiting for him. Well it was the most likely. What surprised him was that Seto had not already greeted him. He had been quiet yes, but Seto's hearing should have flagged his presence to the angel. The lights were off, were they on or off when he left? He wasn't sure, and so he entered the space lit only by the flickering images on the television. What he saw before him stopped him in his tracks.

 

Sat at one end of the sofa, Seto was leaning his cheek against one hand, his elbow jammed into the arm holding him upright, but undeniably, asleep. Bakura crept forward with a smirk. Well this was a turn-up for the books, and a pleasant surprise, not having to try and convince the angel to rest. He knelt before the seated figure for a moment, taking his time to look at Seto properly. In sleep his features softened, and the angel looked completely at peace. His bangs had fallen into his eyes and Bakura had to fight the urge to sweep them out of the way. Right now the Left Hand of God looked more of an angel than he ever had. Bakura smirked, it seemed that humanity suited the Avenger, whether he liked it or not.

 

He stood up realising that this solved a few issues, like keeping his bed for himself for tonight at least, but knew that sleeping like that Seto was bound to wake up with a crick in his neck and therefore bound to be crankier than usual. A situation he could do with not having to face. Moving quickly but quietly so as to not disturb the slumbering angel he found a couple of blankets and pillows. Gingerly he moved Seto, finding that surprisingly he was a very heavy sleeper. Well someone that pious and without sin hardly had anything to keep him up at night he supposed. Soon he had him laid lengthways on the sofa, pillows cushioning his head, blankets covering him up. To look at him now you would never guess that come morning those features would be schooled into an emotionless mask, hiding his true beauty away.

 

Oh God what was he thinking. He was turning into a fucking sap. Come morning he would be reminded exactly why today… okay scratch that, yesterday had been so difficult. Time to get some sleep of his own before seeing what the day would bring. In moving Seto he had found the remote and to his relief it was in one piece. So he quickly turned off the TV, before heading to bed, thinking that no matter how difficult the past 24 hours had been, things had actually gone quite well, and a lot of progress had been made. At this rate it would only be a few days until he could be rid of Seto, the problem would be where would he get rid of him to?

 

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Ryou woke up slowly, the sun streaming in through the window. Man he loved Tuesdays. No work so no alarm clock; he could just wake up when he was rested. He stretched out lazily, before rolling onto his side with a smile. A quick look at the clock told him it was 10:13. Hmm a nice lazy morning, one of life's little pleasures. He laid back looking out of the window thinking about the day. Malik would be helping Ishizu at the museum this morning, before his afternoon shift at the bike shop, Jou would be working all day, and Yugi would have his afternoon shift at the casino. It was one of those strange facts that the friends had all memorised each other's working patterns, and all knew exactly where the others should be at any given time. Well that left the day entirely to himself, now just to decide what to do with it.

 

For a while he dozed lightly, just enjoying the peace, letting his thoughts drift. He wasn't entirely surprised when they settled on Bakura. He took a moment to let his thoughts focus. Somehow the man had landed in his life, and in a short time he had developed a crush on him, by some strange coincidence started dating him discovering just how bold he could be. It was also becoming clear that this wasn't just a crush; he was developing feelings for him. It wasn't love, not yet, but in time it could be. There was more to them than attraction. On the occasions he had talked with Bakura he had connected with him in some way. And Bakura seemed happy enough to take things slow, though he had the feeling that this was new to him too. Though he was pretty certain Bakura was much more experienced than he was. He didn't know why he felt that, but it was just a feeling he got about Bakura.

 

He looked over at the clock, realising he couldn't lie around in bed all day. While it was his day off and his to have fun in, it also equated to getting jobs done. He had laundry to wash, shopping to do and any immediate housework needed to be done before he could settle into really relaxing for the day. The sooner he got it done, the sooner he had the time to do what he wanted. He got up quickly, spending the next hour on breakfast, getting the laundry on to wash and some simple housework. It wasn't a large apartment, but he was house-proud. His mother had always kept an immaculate house when he was a child and it was habit he had picked up from her he guessed. It had been her will when he was a child for him to have his hair long, and as such he kept it that way in her memory.

 

He looked up to the photograph on the wall, it happened to be one of them camping, probably the same trip he had told Bakura about a couple of days ago. He took the picture down off the wall, smiling softly as he held it in his hands, leaning against the arm of the sofa. He ran his fingers over the glass remembering his mother's soft voice, his father's kind eyes. He missed them so much, but he would never regret a single moment of their lives. He wondered how they would see their son now, would they be proud? He chuckled at the thought knowing there was very little wrong he could do in their eyes, particularly his mother's. His fingertips ran over her image one last time before he put the picture back in its place.

 

Back to the matter in hand he went into his kitchen to find that he was low on several things. Well that was easily remedied. Time for the weekly shopping trip it seemed. He grabbed his jacket, chuckling to himself when his hand automatically selected the leather one that Joey had given him, it fast becoming his favourite coat. Why he wasn't sure, but maybe it was a reflection of the confidence he was feeling these days. As he went to pick up his keys his eyes landed on the pad that rested beside the phone. Staring back at him was Bakura's number. Ryou smiled, thinking about calling him. Well he did say Tuesday was his night off too, perhaps after the jobs were done, he might actually make that call.

 

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Bakura knew it couldn't last, after the peace of coming home to find his apartment still whole and Seto asleep, today had started out just as badly as the one before. Seto once more had woken him roughly, though this time had actually decided to drag his ass out of bed. Bakura had initially started to protest sounding like a whiney child that didn't want to go to school before shutting his mouth before he embarrassed himself. Growling at Seto he had made his way off the floor while the bastard started to rant about how one minute he was watching the infernal machine called the TV and the next minute he found he was lying on the sofa under blankets and it was light outside, and he was missing a few hours of memory. He then went on to essay that this was somehow Bakura's fault, that he was plotting with Marik and that he had used some spell on him.

 

“Its called sleep you fucking moron!” He had snarled in return. “Firstly, I wasn't here to do anything to you, though right now I am wishing I fucking did. Secondly and I don't know how many times I have to say it, I am not involved with Marik in any way, shape, or form, and right now I want to kick his ass too for landing me in this shit! And thirdly I can't have done anything to you because you made sure of that when you stripped me of my powers you overbearing ass wipe!”

 

Bakura realised too late that he had been ranting and that he had actually been shouting by the end, his look softening when he realised that this was a bloody awful start to the day. Seto on the other hand opened his mouth to retaliate when the words sunk in and suddenly made sense, his mouth shutting quickly with an audible click. At that point he swept out of the room and left Bakura alone. The earthbound angel was left feeling distinctly confused but quite happy to have made it though that little encounter firstly in one piece, and secondly that it had not come at the expense of his jaw this time.

 

“Perhaps the stuck up prick is getting the idea after all.” He muttered to himself before heading to the bathroom.

 

He took his time, making sure that he had hold of his temper before he went out to greet his houseguest. He found Seto brooding sat at the table in the kitchen. Bakura took a deep breath to remain calm before entering.

 

“You might want to shower before breakfast, the human body sweats.” He said bluntly. Seto wrinkled his nose in distaste, but did not argue. “Last on the left, you will find towels in there.” Bakura instructed, his back now to Seto as he set about the business of feeding the two.

 

Without a word Seto rose and headed for the bathroom. Bakura smirked, wondering if Seto could work out the appliance for himself or whether he would have to come and ask for help. Bakura snorted at the thought. With Seto's gift for logic he should be able to work out just about anything, emphasis on the `should'. He sighed immersing himself in his task, it was a good thing, gave him time to be calm. He was about ready to serve when Seto emerged rubbing his hair with a towel. Bakura raised an eyebrow at what were obviously fresh clothes and were obviously not his. He shrugged, knowing that Seto had his powers intact and there was a Hell of a lot of things he could do with them. Dealing with that issue was one of them. Though he would have to discuss the issue of owning clothing later.

 

He served out breakfast and sat opposite Seto without a word, wondering if there would be any fallout from his little `wake up' call. To Bakura's surprise it was Seto that broke the silence between them

 

“I jumped to conclusions.” He said flatly. It was a statement of fact nothing more.

 

“Too fucking right.” Bakura muttered. “I would have thought that with all your logic I wouldn't have needed to point that out.”

 

Seto narrowed his eyes, but let the jibe slide. A small concession in light of his own behaviour. “This is good.” He stated indicating the food, changing the subject tactically. “What is it?”

 

“Bacon and eggs.” Bakura smirked. “After all that it seems that eating food agrees with you.”

 

“It's not disagreeable.” He replied dryly.

 

Bakura rolled his eyes. Even when things were quiet between the two the angel still had to be argumentative, had to have the last word. Still, he wouldn't bite, the aim of Seto's attitude was not to fight but rather establish superiority. Yes that rankled, but he would just have to live with that, it was no use fighting it. He eyed Seto with a barely disguised glare, the small act of rebellion making him feel better. Seto just ignored it but decided that sitting here in silence ignoring each other was hardly productive.

 

“So what do you have planned today?” He asked, hoping to move this whole experience forward. As much as he hated it he needed to get the hang of this before he went out into the world to keep tabs on Marik.

 

Bakura smirked. “Perhaps we can teach you to actually smile.”

 

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A couple of hours later Bakura was ready to tear his hair out in frustration. He had been attempting to work on Seto's attitude, attempting had been the word. The way the angel carried himself was bound to attract too much attention of the wrong sort and the issue needed to be addressed, but no matter what he did the angel just could not shake off the superiority complex he carried everywhere with him. The truce had fallen apart, the two resorting to screaming at one another, and the insults that had been flying had been…creative in the least. The worst part was that the longer this went on, the longer it seemed he would have to put up with his irritating houseguest, and he was not sure how much more he could stand.

 

He jumped as his cell phone rang from in his pocket, frowning, wondering who could be calling him. Hopefully work asking him if he could pull an extra shift and get him out of the apartment for a while. Right now he'd give a hell of a lot for a couple of hours away from the Avenger.

 

“Hello?” He barked, his general irritation bleeding through into even this.

 

“Umm… Bakura?” Came the nervous question.

 

His eyes widened at the familiar voice.

 

“Ryou?” He asked, completely shocked to hear the youth.

 

“Oh… if this is a bad time…” Came the slightly disappointed voice at the other end of the phone

 

Bakura quickly realised how badly he had come across and groaned inwardly.

 

“No!” He exclaimed. “No, you could not have called at a better time. Things have been a little… irritating for me is all. It's actually a relief to hear your voice.” He admitted, smiling for the first time that day.

 

On the other end of the line Ryou smiled, blushing a little to hear the other compliment him so. “I just thought I'd actually get round to calling you. I don't have work today and if I recall correctly neither do you.” He said with a smile.

 

Bakura closed his eyes and quietly thanked the Heavens for this youth. He really was an angel in human form, and could certainly teach Seto a thing or two. “Ryou, you have no idea how wonderful it would be to spend some time with you right now.” He grinned. Oh to be around that calming, soothing presence would be a welcome relief after the past day or so. That and the two were gradually becoming closer, something else he was grateful for.

 

“Something really must be bothering you then.” Ryou chuckled softly. “This is the keenest I have heard you since we met. Aren't I supposed to be a stalker or something?” He joked, feeling more comfortable now he heard Bakura relax.

 

“Hmm, yes, how could I forget, my own little stalker. Everyone should have one, it's the latest fashion accessory I am sure.” Bakura sniggered.

 

“Oh is that all I am to you now?” Ryou teased.

 

Bakura smiled. “You are far too nice to stalk anyone, even if I might want you to.” He added the last to see how Ryou would react.

 

“Oh I see, what dark little fantasies do you harbour in that head of yours I wonder?”

 

Bakura forced the slight choke into a cough at the sudden recall of the dream he'd had two nights ago. Oh boy, he wasn't sure that was something he was ever going to be able to admit to. He didn't think Ryou was that type, unless he was really good at hiding himself behind a mask. Now was a very good time to change the subject.

 

“So, to today. What did you have in mind?” Okay so that was not a subtle change of direction, and Ryou noticed.

 

“What's the matter? Don't want to share?” He teased, relishing having Bakura on the back foot for the moment. But now to let him off the hook. “Well… I thought perhaps you could come round to mine this afternoon, I can cook for us and watch a movie, something like that.” Ryou put forward casually.

 

Bakura smiled softly, the idea of quiet time was more attractive than he could express. “Sounds great, what time should I get there?”

 

“I don't know, how about four, would that be okay?”

 

“It will be just fine.” He said warmly, and something told him that Ryou would be smiling at the other end of the phone.

 

“Great, when you get to the main doors, you need number 6.” Ryou said happily, sounding thoroughly pleased at how this conversation was going.

 

Bakura chuckled to hear the enjoyment in the other's voice.

 

“Fine, I will see you then.” He said hanging up as Ryou said goodbye.

 

Well that was a turn up for the books and welcome one at that. The best kind of distraction from his current troubles that was for sure. He was smiling softly to himself, well that was until he turned round to see Seto scowling at him.

 

“What was that about?” Seto demanded icily.

 

“None of your fucking business.” He snapped. He wasn't in the mood for sharing, not after the particularly trying morning he had gone through so far. No matter, another couple of hours and he would be across town, thinking about anything but Seto, the Heavens be praised.

 

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Ryou's heart was pounding as he hung up the phone; he'd actually done it. Okay, he'd technically asked Bakura on a date before, but ever since their shared kisses, the thought of being around him made him wonderfully nervous. Odd wasn't it. He had never felt like this before. No, he'd been nervous about dates before, but he had never felt this delicious anticipation. Well that was enough dwelling on things. Bakura would be there in a couple of hours and he had chores to finish. That and he had a meal to plan. If there was one thing he was good at it was cooking, something he had learnt from his mother. It had been her opinion that regardless of gender it was a skill that everyone should learn.

 

He spent the next hour or so dealing with the chores before settling to the issue of dinner. He sorted through the shopping he had bought and decided on some chicken, but it would be better with a spice rub. It was when he had his hands covered in the spice mix that the intercom for the main door downstairs rang. Was it that time already? His hands sticky he fumbled with the handset, smiling as he saw Bakura on the small screen.

 

“Come on up.” He said over the intercom, not waiting for Bakura to speak. Currently he was holding the handset to his ear with his shoulder. “Come straight in, the door's unlocked.”

 

Bakura chuckled at the sound of fumbling over the intercom; Ryou obviously had his hands full. He pushed at the main door as the buzz indicated it was not unlocked, making his way inside quickly. It only took a few moments to find that Ryou lived on the first floor. As he found apartment six he opened the door softly to locate his host. He smiled as he heard a melodic humming and followed the sound. He found the object of his growing affections busy in his kitchen, a somewhat larger one than his own. Oblivious to his presence as yet since Bakura had been so quiet, Ryou was absorbed in his task. Bakura smirked, deciding to exploit this distraction. Silently he crept up behind the youth, leaning into his ear from behind.

 

“Well isn't this a homey scene?” He purred softly into Ryou's ear, his hand gently caressing the curve of the youth's backside.

 

Ryou squeaked despite himself, jumping at the sudden closeness of the voice and the soft contact. Bakura couldn't help but snigger at the cute reaction. Ryou tried to admonish him, but his throat had tightened in his shock.

 

“…Kura!” He finally exclaimed, only able to get out part of the name.

 

Bakura smirked. “Hmm, interesting nickname, I think I like it.” He grinned.

 

Ryou by now had recovered enough composure to head over to the sink, washing the spices off his hands. He glared softly at Bakura for frightening him so, though his cheeks were tinged with a soft blush at the sensations the illicit caress had sparked. All in all the effect was very becoming.

 

“Don't ever do that again!” He scolded as he dried his hands. “You almost gave me a heart attack!” Though they both knew that most of his annoyance was embarrassment at the childish squeak he had emitted.

 

Grinning, Bakura chuckled at Ryou. “Sorry, it was just too good an opportunity to miss.”

 

Ryou huffed at him momentarily, but was too pleased to see Bakura to be angry at him, breaking out into a soft smile himself.

 

“Well something sure smells good.” Bakura said looking in the direction of what was to be dinner later, appreciating the scent of the spices.

 

“It's just some chicken in a rub, but it tastes better if it has had a while to absorb the flavour.”

 

“I look forward to it.”

 

As Ryou stood admiring the floor length leather coat his eyes suddenly widened in shock. “I'm so sorry, can I take your coat?” He asked mortified that he had forgotten his manners.

 

Bakura laughed at his horrified look. “Thanks.” He said as he shrugged out of the garment. “Though don't apologise, I think we can safely say I was distracting you.” He winked at him.

 

Ryou smiled broadly, taking the coat, running his fingers over the soft leather as he headed out to the hall to hang it up. That done he headed to the kitchen and his guest, making them both a hot drink.

 

“So.” Ryou began. “What had you so stressed earlier?”

 

Bakura blinked for a moment, having forgotten about his irritations the moment he had spotted Ryou's ass undefended and unprotected. He drifted into thought, wondering just how much he could afford to tell Ryou. Considering Seto was probably going to end up being around Ryou and his friends at some point whether he liked it or not, he figured it wouldn't hurt to give the youth a heads up.

 

“Do you remember the guy your blonde friend was asking about?”

 

“Yeah, why?”

 

“Well… lets just say that he's come to town and has forcibly decided to crash at my place since he has nowhere else to go. My one bed place.” He stated with a little bitterness.

 

“Is this the same guy you described as having a `stick shoved so far up his ass' that he should walk funny?”

 

Bakura sniggered as he found Ryou quoting him. “Yeah, that's Seto alright.”

 

“I can see why that would be stressful.”

 

“You don't know the half of it.” He remarked truthfully.

 

After all, he could not tell Ryou who, or what Seto really was, or explain their past. His time on earth would be relatively fleeting, and such an explanation would serve no purpose save to alarm the youth and possibly result in him being committed to an asylum, truth or not. Which also led him to think about himself, and his own immortal, unchanging nature. How could he tell this young one of that? No he could not tell Ryou about this, but neither would he lie. As he looked at the smiling figure before him he knew there would come a time where they would have to part, for both their sakes he would have to leave Ryou behind. But he did not want to think of that now. For now he would enjoy his company and the singular connection he shared with him. For now he would be happy.

 

He sighed. “Now I am stuck with the pious ingrate, and the two of us… well to say there is a personality clash is putting it rather mildly.”

 

Ryou chuckled. “Why ever would that be? You are such a pussycat.”

 

Bakura blinked, shocked, then laughed. “Oh I have been called many things in my life, but not that.”

 

Ryou sipped at his tea, pleased that he had lifted Bakura's mood. “So why don't you do something about it?” He asked.

 

“Huh.” Bakura shrugged. “No matter how irritating he may be, he has nowhere else to go. He also cannot cook or do anything for himself. You would think him a pampered princeling. No, I will not throw him out. I need to find somewhere for him to stay, though how I will manage that I don't know.”

 

Ryou smiled sympathetically. “I'll ask around, perhaps one of the guys can spare a room for a while.”

 

Bakura nodded gratefully. “I would appreciate that.”

 

“Come on.” Ryou smiled putting his mug on the counter. “We need to choose what we are going to watch after dinner, I have no idea about your tastes in films. So forget him, I was hoping that I might get some of your attention this evening.” He teased his eyes shining with mirth.

 

“Really now?” Bakura smirked.

 

But that was the last they spoke about Seto and his current predicament. They talked about matters of no consequence, laughing and joking. After a while Ryou set to cooking for them both, preparing potatoes and vegetables to go along with the prepared chicken. As the youth worked the aromatic smell of the spices washed over him, teasing his senses with their inviting scent. But Bakura did not know which was more mouth watering, the food, or watching Ryou move. The young man was completely at home in this domain, moving with a gentle grace that made him wonder if Ryou was not a lost angel, for surely his radiance did not belong bound to this plane.

 

Ryou on the other hand chatted happily as he worked, unaware of Bakura's intense gaze, or the soft look of amazement that graced the earthbound angel's features. Bakura smiled wistfully, it was almost like watching a dancer, moving throughout his task with practised ease. Bakura laughed inwardly as he realised that he was watching with increasing fascination, much as he and Akeifa had watched humans in time gone by. It didn't take too long though before Ryou was handing him a bottle of chilled white wine and a corkscrew.

 

“Here, make yourself useful.”

 

Bakura chuckled, setting to his task as Ryou served up the food for them and brought it to the table. As the two sat opposite each other Bakura raised his glass, offering his host a nod of thanks before taking a drink and beginning to eat. At the wonderful flavours he closed his eyes and purred in appreciation.

 

“This is so good.” He enthused.

 

“Thank you.” Ryou flushed a little at the compliment.

 

“I think I should be thanking you.” He smiled at the youth warmly. “This is a rare treat I assure you. I am so used to taking care of myself.”

 

“Ah the life of a singleton. Such is the way until we are rescued by a partner in life.” Ryou joked.

 

“Hmm, you'll make a wonderful wife one day.” He put forward cheekily.

 

“Hah! Who says I will be the wife?” Ryou shot back. “Maybe I will find myself a toy-boy to look after me in a couple of years.” He teased.

 

“You're not the type.” Bakura sniggered.

 

Ryou rolled his eyes. “I could be.” He muttered sulkily.

 

Their gentle banter continued throughout their meal, but the thoughtfulness that had settled over Bakura earlier did not leave him. A fact that Ryou noted, but chose to leave unmentioned for now. Though he couldn't help but wonder what was on Bakura's mind. In all their meetings, whatever else he may have been, Bakura had been confident. Tonight he just seemed a little withdrawn. It was of no consequence, the two were enjoying themselves regardless. For Bakura the evening was a welcome break with someone he was growing to care for. For Ryou this was a chance to get closer to the man he had feelings for on his own terms. He was grateful for that fact, the whole Duke affair had been too rushed and a mess. It felt good to be in control of the pace of things. He refused to make the same mistake twice.

 

Dinner done, and thoroughly enjoyed, they moved to the living room. Bakura settled at one end of the sofa as Ryou worked with the DVD player. He mused for a while, wondering how things were turning out. As he watched the youth he realised that he wanted more than just quiet companionship, but he refused to rush him. After all that Ryou had confided in him he had resolved to leave the pace to Ryou. But that did not stop him from encouraging the youth. As Ryou turned back to him, he laid his arm out across the back of the sofa invitingly. Smiling Ryou raised an eyebrow, but nevertheless took up the place next to Bakura, leaning into the proffered shoulder.

 

They sat in silence for a while, both enjoying this gentle intimacy. Though it was not long until Ryou snuggled closer, putting his feet up, curling into Bakura while the elder ran his fingers through Ryou's hair. Bakura sighed softly, remembering times with Akeifa, when gazing at the stars they had shared moments such as this. The memory made the moment poignant, and once again brought a certain amount of guilt to his heart. But Ryou was not Akeifa, and the way he felt about the two was not the same, he had to remember that. Strangely enough he was closer now and more emotionally linked to this human than he had ever been with his angelic companion. His change of mood, however subtle, did not go unnoticed.

 

Ryou looked up to see Bakura lost in thought and pensive. “What is it?” He asked softly, concerned for Bakura's feelings.

 

Bakura blinked, started out of his thoughts by the soft question. “It's nothing.” He replied with a warm smile.

 

“Really?”

 

Bakura sighed. “Just thoughts of the past.” He conceded.

 

Ryou nodded. “About your friend?” He asked, remembering the conversation they had shared on their first date.

 

Bakura looked hard at the youth nestled into him. He was going to have to get used to how perceptive he was. He nodded, breathing out heavily. There was going to come a time if they continued to get close where he would have to tell him. There was no time like the present he supposed. “His name is Akeifa.”

 

Ryou smiled sympathetically. Well Bakura had been there and listened when he had need of it, it was time to return the favour. “Tell me.” He urged softly.

 

Bakura didn't reply for a while, the sound from the TV forgotten, but the only thing that kept the room from lapsing into silence. Ryou wondered for a moment if he had been too forward, but Bakura had merely been taking his time to compose himself and gather his thoughts.

 

“We were close, and had been ever since we were young. We were practically inseparable.” He remembered with a soft smile. “We explored the world around us together; we both had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. In some ways you are a lot like him. You both share a quiet, calm temperament, a strength that hides under the surface. But you are definitely not him.” He said firmly to make his point, running his fingers through Ryou's hair. “You are not nearly as impulsive as he, more temperate and thoughtful, and you have a soft grace I have never seen anywhere else.” He complimented the youth, admitting what he really thought of him. “But I do think of him often.”

 

“You love him.” Ryou said quietly, unable to avoid the disappointment he felt seeping into his tone.

 

Bakura turned to him sharply. That tone of disappointment brought him mixed feelings of pleasure, because it revealed that the youth shared his feelings, and pain because he had unwittingly hurt him. “I do.” He admitted. “But not in the way you are thinking.” He stated firmly, drawing Ryou in closer, holding him tight to comfort both him and himself. “Yes we love each other, but we are not lovers and we never have been.” He sighed feeling the guilt rise again. “And we never will be.” He murmured with sadness. “I will always care for him Ryou, but make no mistake, my heart is my own to give to whom I wish. Akeifa does not have that hold over me. But I cannot deny that I miss him and his company.”

 

“Then why did you part?” Ryou asked, not wanting to upset Bakura, but was genuinely confused.

 

He sighed heavily. “Akeifa got hurt because of a choice I made. It is not a case of forgiveness, but distance was put between us at the time out of necessity.” He carefully glossed over the facts. “I hope that one day I will see him again.”

 

Ryou squeezed Bakura's hand sympathetically. Bakura smiled, allowing his eyes to close, and simply enjoy being with the young one. It felt good to talk about it, even though he was limited in what he could divulge. In all the years he had spent on earth he had never had anyone to talk to about his pain, his feelings… well apart form Marik that one occasion but that was about furthering his own desires and didn't count. He opened his eyes as he felt Ryou slide his arms round him, and chuckling he softly kissed the top of his head.

 

“I'm sorry, you invite me round for the evening and you end up playing agony aunt. That can't have been in your date plans.”

 

Ryou looked up into crimson eyes, which were now softened by emotion. “You've done it for me, so we are even.” He lifted a hand to softly brush his thumb over Bakura's cheek. “I've known from the moment I laid eyes on you that there is sadness in your heart, and I've wanted to do something about it ever since then.” He admitted softly.

 

Bakura's throat tightened in a sudden rush of emotion. He wasn't sure what had done it, the realisation of how much this young one felt for him, or the earnest look of care in those soft eyes. Either way he found himself robbed of words. Without hesitation pulled Ryou into his lap and drew him in for a soft kiss, putting all that he wanted to say into that chaste caress holding Ryou close and wanting to never let him go. When they did part he held Ryou close, their foreheads resting against one another's, both with their eyes closed.

 

“Thank you.” He breathed as soon as his throat had loosened enough, looking up into soft chocolate eyes he wished he could drown in.

 

Ryou chuckled softly, running his fingers through Bakura's bangs. “You're welcome.” He replied warmly, his face flushed with pleasure from the kiss. He raised an eyebrow as his fingers snagged, coming up against some of the many knots in Bakura's thick mane of hair. “Do you ever brush this?” He teased softly, all too aware he was sat in the other's lap.

 

“On occasion.” He replied amused.

 

“Really, you can't tell.”

 

“Oh, getting cheeky now are we?” Bakura chuckled.

 

“What can I say, you must be rubbing off on me.” Ryou joked.

 

“No I'm not.” Bakura snorted, but his crimson eyes sparkled with mischief. “But I could be.” He purred softly, rolling his hips up into the youth seated in his lap.

 

“Bakura!” Ryou exclaimed laughing.

 

“No!” He shook his head firmly. “Call me `Kura, I like the way it sounds when you say it.”

 

“Hmm, pet names and shameless innuendo.” Ryou mused, shifting position so he was straddling the other. “I think we are turning a corner.” Bakura was shocked to see a wicked gleam in Ryou's eye. Maybe he really was rubbing off on Ryou. Ryou leaned forward, wrapping his arms round Bakura's neck. “And two can play at that game.” He murmured, gently grinding into him.

 

“Ryou!” Bakura breathed, holding back a moan at the sudden and sinful sensations that bolted straight to his groin at the not so innocent tease. Damn he was definitely a bad influence, but in all the right ways!

 

“See.” Ryou murmured, suppressing a snigger.

 

Unable to hide his hunger, which was now entirely Ryou's fault, he tangled his fingers in Ryou's hair and pulled him in for a hungry kiss. Ryou parted his lips eagerly, inviting the other in, the two engaging in a deep exploration of each other's taste and mouth. Bakura's hands slid down Ryou's back, before creeping under his t-shirt to caress soft skin. Ryou on the other hand had wrapped his arms round Bakura's shoulders in a tight grip. The film was by now a forgotten afterthought as the two made out eagerly, pressing closer to each other, hands exploring, caressing. The two gasped for air between steamy kisses, the passion building between them. The two simply let go and gave into their desires to feel and taste each other, drinking down the experience with a will. It was so delicious, but the squirming body in his lap was becoming too much for Bakura who broke the two apart, the two breathing hard.

 

“If you have any intention of taking things slowly for a while, we are going to have to stop.” He ground out huskily.

 

“Afraid you won't be able to stop?” Ryou teased.

 

“Yes.” He replied truthfully, brushing hair out of Ryou's face with the backs of his fingers.

 

Chuckling Ryou pressed his lips to Bakura's in a quick chaste kiss before climbing out of his lap. Wordlessly he encouraged Bakura to curl up on the sofa with him, nestling into the elder's chest and allowing them to hold each other close as they turned their attention once more to the forgotten film. Bakura closed his eyes, silently thanking Marik for in his own way bringing the two together. Ryou really was a gift. No more was said throughout what was left of the film, but they weren't really watching anyway. They were merely content to be holding each other close. Though when the film finally did draw to an end Bakura thought it best to head home. After all he would have Seto waiting for him.

 

At Ryou's door they shared a tender embrace.

 

“Thank you for today.” He murmured into Ryou's ear softly. “As soon as I have my place to myself again I will have to return the favour.”

 

“You can cook?” Ryou teased, but silenced Bakura's retort with a finger on his lips. “I'd like that.” He smiled.

 

Bakura took Ryou's face into his hands and drew him into a searing kiss, determined to finish the evening on a high. Ryou melted into the hold willingly, revelling in the other's touch and desire. It was with some effort that Bakura forced himself to pull away.

 

“Do you have any idea what you do to me?” He asked with a grin.

 

“I think I am getting a pretty good idea, yes.” Ryou chuckled. “If your guest strains your sanity too much call me.”

 

“You can count on it.”

 

Ryou watched Bakura leave, leaning against the doorframe with a content smile on his face. Yes the two were falling for each other and fast. But then again, neither of them was complaining.

 

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AN:

*brushes random bits of fluff off the desk* Well there we are, I got more fluff in. More action in the next chapter, but I really want these two to connect, and I think the issue of Akeifa had to be raised. Otherwise it is going to be an unspoken tension in the background which is not needed. So there we are. Until next time my lovelies. Please review people!!!