Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Redemption ❯ An Angel's Issues ( Chapter 16 )

AN:

Okay peoples, I have good news. I finally finished the Marik and Malik encounter that was abridged in chapter 12 and it is available as side story here: http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/view_ch.php?cid=495976& ;submit=View+Chapter&id=143469

So for all of you that have been waiting on it, go and enjoy!

 

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Unlike Bakura, Ryou spent his Wednesday quite quietly. He had worked his shift at the library, but since it was quiet he had got to thinking on Bakura's predicament with his houseguest. So it was that he had stood at the front desk and reasoned it over in his mind. He and Yugi both had one bedroom apartments so that was a no go, plus if he took Seto on then things would just be as bad for the two of them as they were now. Malik and Ishizu did have a spare room, but it wasn't fair to foist another guy on Ishizu, especially one who could little round the house. She had enough on her plate with her brother. While Mai probably had room Serenity was currently staying there and he didn't think that Bakura could wait that long. He had chuckled when he thought of Bakura exploding with the stress. Then there was Tea, the bubbly girl and Seto would probably clash horribly and that was bound to end in disaster. So that left Joey.

 

So he had called Joey on his break and agreed to meet up with him at the end of his shift. He had consequently met him outside after locking up and the two headed over to Joey's house, his two bedroom house. Somehow Joey managed to keep up with the bills for such a large place. It had been his father's and Joey had grown up there, but his father had decided to move to America. There were many things he had done in Japan that he regretted and so decided to wipe the slate clean for both him and his son. By the time that he left Joey had got his job at the repair shop. While Joey was not the sharpest tool in the shed academically, he was good with his hands and excellent at fixing things. As a result he had landed the job easily, and being good at it he was highly valued and paid well. Hence he had managed to keep the house he had grown up in.

 

Joey had invited him in, got him a cold beer and sat him down smiling. “So what's all this about?”

 

“Am I that transparent?” Ryou had chuckled.

 

“Nah, just a good guess. I know you Ry'”

 

“I just wanted to run something by you was all.”

 

Joey smirked. “Why do I get the feeling that this has something to do with Bakura?”

 

“Well it does in some way.” He admitted. “He's got a problem and I was wondering if you could help.”

 

Joey eyed his friend quizzically. “Okay you got me curious. What can I possibly do for your boyfriend that you cant?”

 

“Joey!” Ryou whined at the suggestive tone his friend had used, now a little embarrassed.

 

“Ah Ry', you know I am only kidding with you. But seriously, what can I do for you?”

 

“Well I'm not actually expecting you to do it, but if you could at least consider it I'd be grateful, so would `Kura and…”

 

“Wait.” Joey interrupted. “So it's `Kura now?” He asked with a grin. “I'm guessing you two have been getting closer. What you been up to that we don't know about?”

 

Oh was nothing sacred, did he really have to tell his friends every detail of his love life? He groaned inwardly, rolling his eyes at the question.

 

“We had a nice date last night yes.” He replied, hoping not to be pressed for details. He wanted his private life to remain a little private at least.

 

“Ry' you are a sly one.” He chuckled. “So quiet and yet you are a dark horse aren't you?”

 

“Knock it off Joey.” Ryou complained.

 

“Sorry I can't help it, you amuse me.”

 

“Okay, you've had your fun, are you ready to listen yet?” he asked with a little exasperation in his tone now.

 

“Easy Ryou, okay I'll be serious, but can you blame me?” He smiled at his friend seeing him instantly calm. All part of the Joey charm. “Now what were you saying before I got carried away?”

 

“Well you remember when I met `Kura back at that club he works at?”

 

“Ikona, how could I forget? It was a hell of a couple of nights, look at you, you are now with Bakura. Though I am kinda hoping that you haven't leapt into bed with him at the same speed as Malik did with… Marik I think the guys name was.” He couldn't help but chuckle as Ryou shot him a look that said `what kind of guy do you take me for?' “I mean, even Yugi has met up with that Yami guy, though I think it wasn't intentional. And how could I forget the clumsy ass beanpole who managed to bump into me on both times we were there?”

 

“Well actually, if you recall said clumsy ass was named Seto and its him I want to talk to you about.” He said honestly.

 

Joey's eyes widened. “Okay, now you got me interested.” He chuckled.”

 

“Well it seems that he's arrived in Domino to stay for a while, and having no other place to go has kind of landed on `Kura. His is a one bed place after all…” He spotted Joey's smirk. “And no I have not been round there to find that out so you can wipe that smirk off your face, honestly! Anyway, The two don't really get on that well in closed quarters and to be honest `Kura is getting more than a little stressed. If it carries on much longer I think they are going to wind up killing each other.”

 

Joey chuckled. “Pretty hard to bed the guy when he's stress out like that huh?” He smirked.

 

“Joey! I swear you have been spending way too much time round Malik. While the two of you may only think about one thing, some of us don't! I asked him why he seemed so stressed, he told me and I said I would ask around so here I am.” He huffed.

 

“Okay Ry'” He chuckled at his friend's rant. “Take it easy I was only teasing.” He took a long swig of his beer starting to think on the matter. “I don't know, it seems to me that this Seto guy is a pain in the ass. Well okay I don't know him but Bakura seems nice enough and they don't get on? Well I don't know how they know each other or nothin' but it doesn't fill me with confidence.”

 

“I know.” Ryou sighed. “I didn't expect you to just say yes.”

 

“Wait a minute, I never said I wouldn't, but give me some time to think about it okay?”

 

“Of course, and thanks.”

 

“Oh don't thank me yet, I haven't said yes.”

 

“I know, but even considering taking him in, I'm grateful in any case.”

 

Joey sat thoughtfully for a moment. “I have to admit, the place is a little quiet sometimes. Why do you think I have Malik around so often?”

 

Oh yes, their friend could energise any space he went into. Malik was always the life and soul of the party.

 

“Has he by any chance been regaling you with tales of him and Marik?” Ryou asked with a grin.

 

“Oh yes, though fortunately I managed to stop him from going into too much detail, for now at least.”

 

“Somehow I get the feeling that it has been a pretty difficult task.”

 

“You don't know the half of it.”

 

Ryou chuckled at hearing the same thing said twice in twenty-four hours. Well he'd asked Joey, all he could do now was wait and see.

 

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Bakura had managed to get through the rest of the day following the fight with surprising ease. Seto had been quiet and thoughtful ever since the confrontation and the subsequent dressing down from Gabriel. It was a pleasant change, that much was certain, and for the rest of the day the two barely exchanged a word and there was a peace… of sorts. In fact Seto had said nothing when he headed out to work and when he got back from his shift he had found Seto quite comfortably asleep under a pile of blankets on the sofa. That particularly had him scratching his head but he had not been about to look a gift horse in the mouth. He guessed that it must have been the scolding from Gabriel that had fashioned this sudden change.

 

Now that it was morning, Bakura was sat watching Seto eat and was pondering. It was now painfully obvious that there was something on Seto's mind. Under the circumstances he had decided to tactfully avoid the subject. He was however carefully going over the events of the previous day trying to work out what could possibly have the Avenger worked up like this. Oh well it seemed that the big bad Seto had a weak point, but just what was it?

 

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Ryou was killing time. Thursday, early closing once more but today had been particularly quiet thus far. He had done everything he could think that possibly needed done, and also those things that could be classed as `nice to have done', and still he was bored. He hated days like this, but they only happened about once a month so he really shouldn't complain. One had to take the rough with the smooth. He was therefore happy when the phone rang.

 

“Domino library, good afternoon how can I help?” He answered cheerfully.

 

“Hey Ryou.”

 

Ryou chuckled, there was no mistaking that broad Brooklyn accent. “What can I do for you Joey?”

 

“well, I have been thinking on things ever since you left last night. To tell the truth I've come to the conclusion that I have nothing to lose.”

 

“You'll do it?” Ryou asked with a happy smile.

 

“Yeah I'll do it. Why don't you call Bakura and get him to meet me at the shop before I finish at six. I have the shop to myself for a couple hours since Mr Nakimora has other things he's gotta do. We can make all the arrangements then.”

 

“Joey, you can be a saint on occasion.”

 

“Nah! But when Bakura expresses his undying gratitude remember who you owe.” Oh he had to be grinning, Ryou could practically hear it.

 

“Just what am I going to do with you?” He teased.

 

“Its what you are going to do with that boyfriend of yours that interest me.”

 

Ryou rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress his gentle laugh. “Right, I am stopping this conversation right there, and I shall see you later.” He might be being firm but he was actually amused. “But thanks Joey, I mean it.”

 

“No worries. Later Ry'.”

 

With that Joey hung up. Well that was pleasant surprise and it meant he got to see Bakura into the bargain. Perhaps today wasn't such a washout after all.

 

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Bakura was angry, mostly at himself. Why the hell had he felt the need to go and open his big mouth? Well partly because he was bored and partly because a moping Seto had been freaking him out. It was like that scab that you have that itches. You know that you shouldn't pick at it because it is only going to make it worse, but you always did it anyway. The result had gone something like this:

 

“Right, that's it.” He said throwing the dishtowel down after he had finished washing up from breakfast.

 

“I don't know what you are talking about.” Was Seto's tart reply.

 

“Don't fuck me around Seto.” Bakura snapped. “In all the years I have known you in Heaven you have never moped like this, and your actions in the last couple of days tell me that this little sulky spell is a very new development for you. For fuck's sake I caught you pouting a few minutes ago. You are seriously freaking me out here.”

 

Well the look that he was getting in response to that little rant was comforting at least. True he was being looked at like he had suddenly transformed into primordial ooze and was about to try and eat the table, but at least this was the Seto that he was used to.

 

“I was not…. Pouting.” Seto's eyes were narrowed, his tone venomous.

 

Okay that had not been a wise thing to say.

 

“Look, you are not yourself, that's for sure.” He started offhandedly, trying to relax Seto a little. “Considering who you are, you have me worried.”

 

Seto eyed him carefully before sighing. “Its nothing for you to be concerned about.” He conceded with some difficulty.

 

“So you admit that there is something on your mind at least.”

 

Seto glared at Bakura for a moment, but realised that fighting with him was pointless. “So what if there is.”

 

“Well there is some stupid human belief that it does you good to talk about it.” He thought back to his talk with Ryou a couple of days ago. No matter how vague he had been it had been cathartic. “There is some truth in it.” He admitted with a soft smile.

 

Seto eyed Bakura warily. But he did wonder, could he really do such a thing? His thoughts began to crystallize and came into sharp focus. “My position is not an easy one.” Those seven words hinted at so many things, his private worries, but that was as far as he was willing to divulge.

 

“Is this about the secret Marik spoke of?” he asked unthinkingly.

 

“I have said enough already.” Seto replied sharply.

 

His tone should have warned Bakura off. But Bakura knew he was on to something and like a dog with a rag he was not about to let go.

 

“It is isn't it? Come on Seto, what could possibly be so bad that…”

 

“ENOUGH!” Seto roared, his aura flaring suddenly, causing Bakura to quail under the force of the emotions that were now radiating off the angel. “I have said more than enough already and I will speak no more of it!” He was shouting now, irrationally angry, and with that he had stormed out of the kitchen and indeed even out of the apartment.

 

Well that had been two hours ago and he was going out of his mind. At the time he had decided to give Seto some space, after all he had been damn fool enough to set him off. He had pressed him too hard he realised that now. Oh hindsight was such a wonderful thing, fucking useless though. The problem was that Seto had yet to return and he was practically tearing his hair out now. He didn't dare go out looking for him in case he came back as Seto had no key, and probably little notion of how to use one either. Just sat here waiting and not knowing was driving him mad. He had left the door unlocked just in case and almost fell out of his seat when he finally heard it open. He was in the hall like a shot, overwhelmed with relief when he saw Seto.

 

“Thank fuck for that, I was going crazy!”

 

The words died in his throat as he finally saw Seto's face. Neither of them would ever speak of it, the look that passed between them made sure of that. It had been deeply disturbing to see that Seto had been crying, the track marks on his face. Fuck, had he really pushed Seto to that? He stepped aside and allowed Seto to pass him without another word. He had then gone to the kitchen to make Seto a cup of tea before taking it to him in the lounge, handing it to the Avenger while watching him very carefully.

 

“I was an ass.” He stated in apology.

 

“It doesn't matter.” Seto said sincerely, though his tone held a hint of bitterness.

 

It shook Bakura up to see Seto like this. Where was the cold slave of duty they all knew? He was known for the emotionless expression, his single minded ruthlessness. The angel he saw before him seemed so sad, so forlorn in a way, a stark contrast to the unshakable clenched fist of the Lord. He realised that he had badly misjudged Seto, as had they all in all probability.

 

“It was a bad idea to come to you. I didn't have to and yet I did.” He said breaking the silence that had fallen between them.

 

“Not that bad, it's just after everything you and I were never going to be the best of companions.” He replied.

 

He was carefully skirting around the fact that Seto's sudden admission probably had a lot to do with the fact that in all likelihood he was the only one to ever see Seto's careful mask stripped away, even if it was only for a short while.

 

“I am still working on finding you somewhere else to stay, this place is too cramped and it would take too long to find a place to accommodate us both. That and I don't think you really want to live with me. Truth be told you are not ready to look after yourself, you need someone else around. You haven't come far enough to be able to cook.”

 

Seto curled his lip in distaste at the memory of his brush with the microwave. “I may be the Lord's preferred warrior, but even I feel that I was a poor choice for this task.”

 

Okay, now would not be a good time to tell him that God thought he needed to get out of Heaven for a while. But nevertheless he chuckled.

 

“Now you know what I went through, and I had no one else to help me.” He kept his tone light, good natured. “Be glad that you were spared some of the hardships that I went through.” He smiled at Seto gently. He didn't miss the look in Seto's eyes, no matter how fleeting it had been. It had been of respect. “I promise I will do my utmost to get us out of this mess, but you will have to stay with a human. Unless you would prefer to live with Yami?” Seto snorted at that. “I thought not.”

 

Preferably Ryou would be able to come through and Seto could be placed with one of Ryou's group of friends as this situation could then be more easily contained. While living together was fast becoming an impossibility he still wanted to keep an eye on Seto.

 

It seemed therefore that it was divine providence that made his cell phone ring. He even lifted his eyes to the Heaven's in silent question. Sure enough the number was Ryou's. He grinned as he answered the call.

 

“Twice in two days, Why Ryou are you missing me that much already? I'm flattered.” He joked, though his jovial tone lacked a little of its usual warmth, still feeling a little jaded by event.

 

“Oh but it will be worth your while.” Ryou said with warmth. I called in regards to your houseguest problem.”

 

Bakura's eyes went immediately to Seto, who did not miss the sudden shift in Bakura's attention.

 

“Oh yes?” He asked with genuine interest now.

 

“Look I don't have time to talk, but meet me outside the library at four when I finish. We'll go over things then.”

 

“Sure thing.” He was a little surprised but he was not about to complain.

 

“See you later.” Ryou said brightly before hanging up.

 

Seto looked at him questioningly.

 

Bakura smirked. “It looks like the problem has just been solved. I suggest you start looking forward to someone else's company.”

 

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Bakura made sure that he arrived early and therefore watched with a kind of nervous anticipation as Ryou locked up before turning to him smiling. The smile faded a little as he saw his boyfriend's face.

 

“'Kura, you look tired. “ He said with worry, stroking Bakura's cheek gently.

 

Bakura chuckled before taking Ryou's hand from his face gently. “It's just been a trying couple of days. If your news is as good as it sounds then it will be easily mended.”

 

“Seto been difficult?”

 

Bakura sighed. “Its not as simple as that unfortunately and it would take a very long time to explain.” He replied with a smile.

 

After all how did one explain away seemingly depressed angels, different planes of existence and daemons on the warpath?

 

“I'll take that as and `I don't want to talk about it' kind of situation.” Ryou chuckled.

 

“That's one of the things that I love about you, you are always so perceptive, though it can be a touch spooky on occasion.”

 

“What can I say, it's a gift.” Ryou joked. “Now come on, we need to sort things with Seto's new landlord.

 

“Gladly!”

 

With a smile Ryou took his hand, almost shyly entwining his fingers with the other. Bakura could only smile softly at the gesture, squeezing Ryou's had softly in return. Whether it was calculated or not it distracted him from trying to work out that he was being led somewhere, he didn't know where, to meet someone, he didn't know who, Bakura simply forgetting to ask. He had never done this with anyone, not even Akeifa, and this simple gesture enthralled him. It was what was running through his head when he finally caught on that they had been walking for quite a while, but that coincidently was when they arrived outside a repair shop. He looked at Ryou quizzically as he was led inside, the bell on the door ringing as they entered.

 

“Ryou, what is going on?” He asked perplexed.

 

“We're here to sort out alternate living arrangements for Seto of course.” Ryou chuckled at him

 

Bakura looked at Ryou hard, trying desperately to work out if Ryou was up to something, but he could see no deception on the youth's face or in his aura. Still he had this feeling he couldn't describe.

 

“Why do I have a strange feeling about this?”

 

Ryou laughed. “I have no idea; perhaps you have a touch of ESP or something.”

 

Bakura snorted in reply. Okay the truth would probably be stranger than fiction for Ryou, but damn, this kid hit close to the mark so often.

 

“Hey Ry', is that you?” A voice with a strong Brooklyn accent called.

 

He raised an eyebrow in question, vaguely remembering that he had heard that voice before. Hang on wasn't it…?

 

Sure enough Joey appeared from somewhere in the back wiping grease off his hand, though he seemed oblivious to the big smear of the stuff on his cheek.

 

“hey, good to see you Bakura, I hear you've been having issues with the `pious git' who has a talent for walking into me.”

 

Bakura laughed. “And then some.” He agreed.

 

“Well since you are such a good influence on Ryou here, and truth be told a little help with the bills would never go amiss, I wanna help out my buddy.” He sniggered as Ryou blushed. “Well I have a spare room after all and if it helps.” He shrugged.

 

Silence fell and Bakura didn't move, didn't react. Ryou and Joey looked at each other worriedly at his lack of reaction. Ryou was on the verge of reaching out to him when Bakura suddenly started laughing. Oh this was perfect, too perfect. Oh it seemed Seto was the butt of some great cosmic joke. Ryou and Joey chuckled nervously, well Bakura's reaction was partly a relief, and yet the nature of his reaction was a touch scary too. Suddenly Bakura lunged forward taking Joey's head in his hands before kissing him firmly on the forehead before releasing him with a grin. Here was his deliverance and not only that, Seto was about to live with the only human who had ever had an effect on him. Oh he had an urge to summon Yami in the spot so he could share his amusement with him.

 

Ryou had burst into laughter as Joey looked distinctly bemused, the look on Joey's face as absolutely priceless. Joey looked the two like they had crazy. What the hell had just happened? Bakura was grinning like a lunatics, Ryou was sniggered helplessly and he was still utterly clueless.

 

“Does one of you two mad men wanna clue me in to the big joke?”

 

Ryou struggled to get himself under control. “Oh Joey your face was… oh my word that was so funny!”

 

Bakura chuckled at Ryou realising just how bewildered he had just made the blonde. “Joey I am just that immensely grateful that you would be willing to help me. Please forgive the strong reaction but it has been a very trying couple of days and while Ryou has been trying his best I find that it is you that is my knight in shining armour.” He said grandly.

 

“Never figured you as a damsel in distress.” Ryou sniggered, still not yet having been able to stop.

 

Bakura sent him a mock glare, but he was enjoying seeing Ryou quite so amused. Hell it was even cuter than when he blushed.

 

He turned back to Joey, “Please pardon my sniggered little dove.” He said grinning through clenched teeth for comic effect. “But yes, I am incredibly grateful for this. Though I don't know how much Ryou has told you about Seto, but he isn't exactly housetrained.” He said cautiously.

 

Joey was the one laughing now. “He's said nothing specific, why, has he never taken care of himself?”

 

“Sadly he has not, though I am trying my best with him it would be best if you don't let him near your kitchen. You may be able to repair your appliances but he has a…” He tried to choose his words with care. “…gift for destruction.”

 

Oh that was an understatement. If Yami had not needed to transform back into a human form, he would have been walking around with scorch marks to his wings and tail for days.

 

“Okay I get it, keep him away from the electrical appliances if I value my home, simple enough and I guess it means I am cooking for two now.”

 

“You got it.” Bakura nodded. “Though of course since he won't be taking care of it himself, I will be helping you out with bills and such, you only have to ask.”

 

Joey shrugged. “Its no biggie, though for some reason I feel that I have left myself open to a world full of trouble.”

 

Bakura smiled. “Well he's not the most personable of individuals, but he is trying, and he's making progress.” Yes today had been particularly revealing in that regard. “I suggest that you take it very slowly with him, don't expect him to open up, he's not that kind of guy. Perhaps keep out of his way until you start to get used to each other if you get my meaning.”

 

“Ah, but he's never come up against the patented Joey charm. I'm sure he'll loosen up in no time.” Joey grinned.

 

Bakura couldn't help but grin with him. Oh this one really did not know just how accurate he was. Seto was going to be changing alright, but in what way was yet to be determined. Oh he so wished that Yami and Marik could be here to see this, but he could hardly summon them here in front of these two, that would be a little too difficult to explain. He was just going to have to sit on the knowledge for a while. Until he was on his way home from here that is.

 

“I think we should leave things a couple of days, how about we bring him and his stuff over to yours at the weekend. It'll give me a couple of days to housetrain him some.”

 

Joey laughed at that comment, but Ryou just couldn't resist adding his thoughts.

 

“So it's a crash course at the Bakura finishing school is it?”

 

Bakura blinked before laughing being assailed by and image that was too funny for words. Joey looked at Ryou bemused, while Ryou rolled his eyes at his ignorance.

 

“Finishing school is where young ladies of good breeding go to learn how to behave and impress in polite society.”

 

Bakura had started out laughing gently but was now lost in a sniggering fit. It was due to the image of Seto in a knee length plaid skirt, knee high white socks, sensible black patent shoes, standing ramrod straight with a book balanced on his head. That and the strict old lady of a school mistress in this vision bore a disturbing resemblance to Yami for some reason. And Yami would whack Seto on the behind with a stick if the book fell as he walked, or the walk wasn't ladylike enough. And the look on Seto's face as he was whacked was one of incensed indignity. Damn! He knew Ryou could make him laugh but the unintentional image he had planted in his brain was a piece of art, and by Hell's Gates it was so funny. He eventually calmed down.

 

“Sorry.” He apologised. “Just a random image I got in my head. Please don't make me explain it or I will never stop laughing.”

 

The two friends grinned at him, Ryou smirking.

 

“I do wonder what things run through your head sometimes `Kura.”

 

Bakura suddenly sobered as Ryou managed to snap him back to the images of his dream. Oh there was no way he was ever going to be able to share that little scenario. Oh boy, how the hell had Ryou got him thinking about that again? Okay he seriously needed to get back on track here. Right serious face time.

 

“Okay, so how does Saturday afternoon sound to you?”

 

“Sounds cool to me.” Joey shrugged. “It gives me time to sort out things my end.”

 

My end too, Bakura thought, though another thought crossed his mind, better to get that over and done with sooner rather than later. “And since he is going to be around for a while and therefore in your social circle, you might as well bring your friends along. It might be tempting fate, but one set of introductions is easier than several, and is probably easiest as you guys are probably going to be seeing a fair bit of him.” That and it gave him the perfect opportunity to corner Malik and get the gossip now he knew what was going on there.

 

Joey looked to Ryou. “He's got a point, might as well get him involved if he is going to be around.”

 

Bakura nodded. “And I should get hold of Yami at some point. He's also in town and where ever Seto is, well he won't be far behind. Plus I have some serious catching up to do with the guy.”

 

“Yami… oh the guy who looks like Yugi?” Ryou asked.

 

“One and the same. Seems quite a few of my old acquaintances have been dropping by as of late.” He chuckled wryly.

 

“Funny how things like that happen.” Joey shrugged.”

 

“You should also find Yami easier to get on with than Seto, but I seriously advise keeping the two apart. The two are… rivals as such.” He wasn't sure how else to describe their odd dynamic.

 

“Don't get on?” Joey asked with a smile.

 

“You could say that.”

 

“Well Yugi will be glad to see Yami again I'm sure.”

 

Bakura eyed Joey curiously.

 

“What? I think the little guy likes him.”

 

Ryou chuckled. “Don't let him catch you calling him a little guy, you know he hates that.”

 

“Look, he's a good four inches shorter than the rest of us.”

 

“And a good four inches closer to your groin too.” Bakura observed.

 

“Yugi would never…”

 

“Ahem, you guys managed to make me lose my temper.” Ryou pointed out.

 

“Fair point.” Joey conceded.

 

Bakura smiled. “Look, I'm going to have to head off. I need to feed Seto before he tries to feed himself and destroys my kitchen. I am already minus the microwave.” He chuckled.

 

“I guess we had best leave you to it, though it might help things if you gave him your address Joey.” Ryou put in.

 

“No probs.” Joey agreed. He quickly wrote it down on a pad, ripping off the page. “Till Saturday then.” He said to Bakura but turned to Ryou. “You gonna call Malik and Yugi or shall I?”

 

“I'll do it don't worry, and Joey, thanks for this.”

 

“Yes, thank you, I am in your debt.” Bakura added sincerely.

 

“Nah, you are doing me a favour too I guess. Just treat Ryou right and I will be happy enough.”

 

Bakura chuckled as Ryou blushed. He took Ryou's hand in his much as the youth had done to him earlier and winked at his benefactor.

 

“Saturday, we'll see you then.”

 

He led Ryou out of the shop before Joey could embarrass him any further. He put his arm round Ryou's shoulders as they walked, but there was still one question on his mind.

 

“I'm curious, just whose idea was this, yours or Joey's?”

 

“Mine, why?”

 

Bakura sniggered. “Oh Ryou you have made me a very happy man today.”

 

Ryou looked at him bemused. “I'm glad.” He said with a gentle laugh.

 

Bakura of course being the gentleman he was walked Ryou home, and when it came to a parting of the ways he stole a deep kiss from him.

 

“Till Saturday.” He murmured as Ryou tried to recover from practically melting into a puddle of goo. “And perhaps Sunday I can return the favour regarding dinner, though if you want a move after you'll have to bring it with you.” He chuckled.

 

Ryou smiled. “Till Saturday.” He agreed.

 

With that they parted. Bakura deliberately waited until he was a fair distance from Ryou's before darting into a side alley. He was pretty sure that no matter how human Yami looked, him suddenly appearing out of nowhere in the middle of the street would not go down too well with the general populace. Now to find out if he was still capable of a summoning. In principle it required no powers at all, just knowledge of who you were trying to summon as well as their name - the two are not necessarily one and the same - and an intense desire to see them. So fair enough. He cleared his mind and concentrated.

 

“Yami.” He called out.

 

Across Domino the daemon heard the call. In a flash he appeared in the alleyway beside Bakura.

 

“Why in all of Hell are you summoning me?” He asked a little peeved, he had been in the middle of planning his next move against Seto. “This had better be good.”

 

Bakura shrugged. “Oh well, if you don't want the good news I'll be off then.” He said starting to walk away.

 

“Good news?” Yami asked suspicious all of a sudden.

 

Bakura smirked. “Well knowing how you and Marik have a thing for watching Seto squirm, I thought you might like to know something.”

 

Yami started to smile. “Well go on.”

 

Bakura was smirking now. “Do recall a human that Seto seemed to be affected by?”

 

“The blonde, yeah I remember.” Yami had joined him in smirking now.

 

“Now my dear, sweet and innocent Ryou has, completely without any influence, just arranged for our Avenger to move in with him.”

 

Yami's eyes widened before the two started laughing together. Oh this was just perfect, and it promised to be so much fun!

 

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AN:

Well I have mixed feelings regarding this chapter. Some parts of it I love, others… well I don't think they are that strong. Either way I have enjoyed myself and I hope you do too. Okay warning time:

 

Next week's chapter will probably be your last for about three weeks or so as I am away on holiday in Cyprus for a fortnight.

 

Did you get that? I will be writing by hand when I am out there and hopefully will have a few chapters in hand by the time I am done. I know some of you may have withdrawal but you will just have to cope as I need a break now and again too. So till next week later peeps.

 

Review please!