Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Redemption ❯ Settling In ( Chapter 17 )

AN:

Hey!!! Well guys I am back, I have not died, I am back from holiday and I have been writing while out there. I got back to my house on Monday afternoon and I have been frantically trying to type up this chapter while getting my life back in order. So what needs to be said?

 

Firstly a huge apology for not giving you this chapter before I went on holiday, I promised you this one but writers block struck, fortunately the break was all I needed to shift it and I now have the next two chapters after this written and just need typing up, so hopefully no more delays.

 

Secondly I am returning to the weekly updates unless something comes and smashes my schedule you will all be glad to know. Right, I think that is enough waffling, back to the story…

 

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Saturday was such a dichotomy to Bakura, while it couldn't come quick enough, he found that he didn't have nearly enough time to go through all that he wanted to Seto. A crash course was an understatement. Topics included basic hygiene, normal day to day living, basic technology (an absolute must and by some miracle Bakura had lost no appliances during this), being in the company of humans and being civil, controlling his temper and his tongue… Hell they had gotten through quite a lot, Seto was a quick study when he applied himself, though somehow the art of smiling never managed to make it to the list, polite conversation and generally learning to be civil to other beings had taken priority. And yes, Seto had been trying hard to learn, but he had also been trying Bakura's patience who with the tight deadline and the volatile angel on his plate was now about at his wits end.

 

Right now was Saturday morning and he and Seto had packed all of Seto's belongings - oh yes, they had gone shopping again, though this time Seto had diplomatically kept his mouth shut. Funny, Bakura hadn't thought that Seto actually knew the meaning of diplomacy. But that fact alone told him a lot more about Seto than he had ever known about him. Bakura realised to his shame that he had severely misjudged him. Ever since the confrontation and Gabriel's dressing down Seto was a different angel. He was starting to think that there was a lot more to God's Avenger than met the eye, and wondered if anyone truly knew him. He had realised how truly isolated Seto was, something that he could easily identify with. Actually they had a lot more in common than he was willing to admit.

 

Now that Seto was ready and packed he turned to him, both worried that it was too soon, and his weary mind arguing that this hadn't come round soon enough. No matter how much he had joked with Yami on Thursday he was now feeling very apprehensive.

 

“Ready?” He asked the blue eyed angel.

 

Seto hesitated to answer. He was torn between `as I'll ever be' and a sharp comment along the lines of `of course I am you half wit!' As it was he settled for a noncommittal shrug. He too shared Bakura's doubts and the intense need to get away.

 

“Oh! One last thing before we go.” Bakura stated suddenly.

 

He turned and was out of the room like a shot, leaving a slightly bewildered Seto in his wake as he headed for his room. Seto waited impatiently until Bakura returned carrying a box.

 

“Here.” He handed it to Seto. “It's a cell phone. I've already programmed my number into it. I thought if there was an emergency, you have questions or you needed someone to talk to…” he trailed off as Seto eyed him like he'd gone crazy, and he chuckled at him. “Whatever, I'm just a quick call away.”

 

Indeed, phones - cell and otherwise, had been part of basic human technology 101. What had possessed him to buy Seto a phone he didn't know, but he had a feeling that the lifeline would be needed at some point, and it also meant that he could ask Bakura the damn fool questions rather than look like a complete spoon in front of Joey and risk blowing his cover. Seto was actually rather touched by the gesture, though why he couldn't actually say, and he would rather die than admit such feelings.

 

“Thank you.” He said reluctantly, knowing that a response of some kind was required at this point.

 

Bakura smiled and shrugged. “Come on, its time we got you to your new land lord's and introduce you to Ryou's friends, I think you'll be seeing quite a bit of them one way or another, so best behaviour please.”

 

Seto growled at the patronising tone, and Bakura smirked but shut up. He had gone to the trouble of making the resemblance of Yugi and Malik to Yami and Marik, despite Seto's protestations that he had seen them across a dark nightclub dance floor. He did not want Seto gawking stupidly at them, though for some reason Seto and gawking didn't seem like a possible combination.

 

“Right, we'd best get a move on.”

 

Seto merely nodded, picking up his bag and following Bakura out of the door. Joey's was relatively easy enough to find and was only a ten minute walk away. They walked in silence, though more and more often these silences had become companionable rather that stony. Fuck, if he thought he'd even be thinking anything remotely like that a couple of weeks ago he would have gone to have his head examined. As they approached the end of their short journey Bakura wondered just what they would find waiting for them. The group could already be gathered and he wasn't sure that would be a good thing. So it was with a little trepidation that he rang the doorbell. Joey was quick to answer the door with a smile on his face.

 

“Hey Bakura, right on time.” He drawled with a smile and looked up at Seto, everyone had to look up at Seto. “Hi, I'm Joey. Come on in, we'll get you settled, and I'll give you the grand tour before the others arrive.”

 

Bakura breathed a sigh of relief. “They're not here yet?” He asked - okay bloody obvious question, but it would lead to useful answers.

 

“They'll be here in about half an hour or so, I thought you might want to get settled in first Seto. It could be a bit much with the introductions at the same time and all. Especially with Malik, he can come on a little strong at times.” He chuckled.

 

“I'm grateful, thank you.” Seto said simply.

 

“No sweat, now lets go dump your baggage in your room and I'll give you the tour. Bakura, why don't you make yourself comfortable on the sofa?” He jerked a thumb in the general direction of the living room.

 

Bakura nodded and with a smile headed off as directed while Joey led Seto down the hall and up the stairs. He opened the door to reveal a simple room, cream walls, dark wood furniture, nothing spectacular but pleasant and airy all the same. The bed was a double and looked very comfortable in Seto's opinion, but then again he had been sleeping cramped up on Bakura's couch. With his tall frame it had taken quite a few attempts to find of position in which his limbs could be made to fit on the couch, and he was comfortable enough to sleep in. It had sufficed.

 

Seto walked into the room nodding in approval. The space had a nice feel to it and he knew he could be comfortable here.

 

“Its not much.” Joey shrugged from behind him. “But it's a space of your own at least.”

 

“Its… nice.” Okay, small talk and pleasantries had only been covered on a very basic level due to time issues, but this response should suffice shouldn't it?”

 

Joey just chuckled, he'd been warned that Seto could be closed off so it was nice to see him trying. “Dump that bag and I'll show you round.”

 

Seto did as he was bidden with a nod. It didn't take long for Joey to show him around. His bedroom was opposite Seto's, the bathroom positioned at the top of the stairs. The kitchen diner was at the back of the property, a small toilet downstairs in the hall and the living room at the front. And that brought them back to Bakura.

 

“It's no mansion, but I've lived here since I was born.” Joey explained as they rejoined Bakura, both opting to sit in chairs.

 

“This place holds a lot of memories for you.” Bakura observed.

 

“And then some, the tales I could tell you of Yugi, Ryou and me when we were kids, Malik too once he and Ishizu moved to Domino. We were not quiet teenagers.”

 

“You mean you weren't.” Seto observed dryly.

 

Bakura shot him a glare but all Joey did was laugh. “Man! You've been here five minutes and already you have the measure of me. Am I that obvious?”

 

Seto was about to reply in his usual snappish fashion, but tempered his response at Bakura's sharp look. “You have been talking since we arrived. It stands to reason.” He shrugged.

 

“I can well imagine. While I know Ryou is quite something when angered, she is normally quite shy and quiet, something that I doubt is a recent development. I think I am going to have to side with Seto on this one.” Bakura chuckled, glad that Seto had the sense to take it easy.

 

“Okay you got me. Me and Malik together though… man our teachers used to hate it, they were forever trying to find ways to split us up. We got into no end of trouble, and sometimes poor Yugi and Ryou ended up along for the ride.”

 

“Figures.” Seto put in.

 

Joey chuckled at his new housemate. Okay, so he was dry and there was an arrogant streak a mile wide, but he was trying. He was sure that he and Seto could coexist well enough and given time, he'd get that hard exterior to crack and see who he really was underneath. Hell Malik had been one closed down asshole when they had met, but Joey had risen to the challenge and chipped away at him until the walls came down. Look at them now, thick as thieves and twice as dangerous. Though it had rankled a little when Malik had actually become closer to Ryou than anyone, but he understood that it was because Ryou was so good with Malik's insecurities. When their friend had started to tear himself apart with doubt Ryou had been there to pick up the pieces and soothe him, he had a gift for that kind of thing. On a day to day level though they two of them were a duo to be reckoned with and enjoyed each other's company immensely. They had the same idea of fun and sense of humour. Theirs was a strong bond of friendship that was bound to last.

 

Seto watched as Joey and Bakura talked, not yet comfortable to join in and they were happy enough to leave him to his own devices; and besides, the banter was inane at best. What he found himself doing was aura watching. Much like humans sometimes people watched, Seto watched angels' auras in Heaven, their auras, much like their human counterparts, are windows into their souls. Bakura's as expected was a complex many layered construct. Silver in hue it had both the simple clarity of his angelic nature and yet that intertwined with the core of emotions that his humanity had given him. He thought to sneer at this but checked himself as he was the one that gave him that humanity. As it was he saw into Bakura's core; there he saw bitterness at his existence, though that seemed to be lessening, as too was the loneliness he saw. In their place hope ran through his aura in fine tendrils of silver light, threading through the soft glow of the earthbound angel's aura, weaving a tapestry through it. In short, the strange mix was beautiful. Though if Bakura's was a sight to behold what about Joey's.

 

His breath caught as he saw it, such a complex thing he had never seen. Okay, he had glimpsed Joey's aura across the room in Ikona and had seen the strongest parts of his aura, but close up and in detail it was stunning! It rose around the youth in an amber glow, the colour matching the youth's eyes. It was shot through with a medley of highlights and lowlights in a many layered pattern of shifting weave that swirled and shifted, much like colour ripples across two colour cross woven silk. In that complex tapestry he saw so much in the youth. He had initially though him brash and loud, but now he saw the pains that he had suffered along with the joys in his heart. He saw the hard working nature at the core of his soul, that fierce loyalty and devotion to those that he loved, the very thing which had caught his eye when he had first seen him. He also saw the great capacity to love that this one had, and the patience which tempered his heart. Odd, because in nothing else in this youth could he see patience, quite the opposite. All that aside, if he had though Bakura's aura was beautiful, then Joeys was sublime. Did all humans have auras like this? The sound of the doorbell shocked him out of his reverie and promised to answer his question.

 

Bakura smiled, knowing that even if it wasn't Ryou just yet, it soon would be. Today he gained his freedom back, freedom to be with Ryou as he pleased without having something in the back of his mind. If the other night was anything to go by he would be needing his privacy with the youth soon enough. The thought had him smirking to himself; the young one was so quiet and shy, but steadily becoming bolder around him. Back to reality Joey was up out of his seat quickly and to the front door. Bakura quickly took the opportunity to look to Seto.

 

“Well?” He asked.

 

“He seems pleasant enough.” Seto shrugged. “If a little fond of the sound of his own voice.”

 

Bakura raised an eyebrow in surprise. Coming from the Avenger that was high praise indeed. Back at the front door Joey grinned.

 

“You're early Ry', let me guess, you want to say hi to Bakura before Malik starts making comment.” He grinned cheekily.

 

“Ryou chuckled. “Okay, you got me. They are here right?”

 

Joey nodded. “Yep, already gave Seto the tour. He's a bit quiet and stiff like, but he'll come round in time. Come on, they're in the living room, though I'd best check the fridge if the others will be here soon.”

 

With that he left Ryou to make his own way, he'd been here plenty of times before. As Ryou entered Bakura smiled broadly, getting to his feet to greet him. Ryou returned the smile, before shocking Bakura by firmly pulling him in for a deep kiss, the angel suddenly melting at the fierceness of Ryou's affection. Ryou turned from the slightly dazed Bakura to Seto who was observing the pair with a raised eyebrow. He was about to speak and introduce himself but Seto beat him to it.

 

“You must be Ryou.”

 

Bakura blinked hard, was that amusement he saw on Seto's face? Well okay Ryou did almost turn him into a puddle of goo and no he wasn't sure how the snowy haired youth had done it but really, amusement?

 

Ryou smiled warmly at Seto. “It's a pleasure at last, after all Bakura has told me so much about you.”

 

Seto looked at Bakura sternly. “I wonder just how much of it has been complimentary.” He said dryly.

 

Ryou merely chuckled. “Over exaggerations I am sure. I know Joey will take good care of you, but if you need anything feel free to give me a call.” He said sincerely.

 

“I'll bear that in mind.” Seto nodded in gratitude.

 

He suppressed a smiled as Ryou sat on the sofa pulling Bakura down after him. After being at loggerheads with the earthbound angel for days, seeing how this one human softened and put him off balance was interesting indeed. Ryou so had him wrapped round his little finger, even if the two didn't know it. He could now begin to understand why this growing relationship pleased the Lord. Joey was just entering the room again as the door bell rang again. He chuckled and went back the way he came. Predictably it was Malik, but Yugi was also with him.

 

“Great, we are all here, come on in guys.”

 

As the three entered the room Seto could see now why Bakura had given him the warnings as to their appearance. While he had seen them from afar, it was nothing compared to seeing the similarities up close. He suspected if Bakura had not spent the time (annoying) preparing him his shock at seeing what appeared to be his two most firm adversaries would have been instantly visible for he would have been out of his seat and confronting them in an instant. As it was he forced himself to stay put and look twice. Yes, now he recognised them, the differences he and Yami had seen on that first night in Ikona were so much more marked close to, and now that he saw them like this he knew that it was a mistake that he would never make again. He deliberately committed the differences to memory, as it would not do to mistakenly challenge these two in his enemies' place. He rose from his seat as it only seemed to polite to greet them.

 

“Whoa!” Malik grinned. “Man you really are tall.”

 

Indeed, while he had to look up a good six inches to meet Seto's eyes, Yugi really had to crane his head back to do the same. Bakura chuckled as Seto looked disconcerted at Yugi's wide amethyst eyes that appeared as if they might pop out from the effort.

 

“Now do you believe me when I say you are too tall.” He sniggered.

 

Seto promptly sat down with a huff. Malik chuckled.

 

“The issue of height aside, I'm Malik and my short…” He winced as Yugi elbowed him. “My friend here is Yugi. Don't mention his height, it hurts. OW!” Yugi had promptly stomped on Malik's foot.

 

This time Seto could not completely hide the smile, it showing just at the corner of his mouth. The others were too busy laughing at Malik and Yugi to notice, but Bakura caught it, though he said nothing. Well wasn't that interesting? It seemed that all his hard work had been useful for something at least, and perhaps around the group Seto could learn to lose some of that attitude of his, particularly around Joey. Though Seto would rather cut out his own tongue than admit it, he had a begrudging respect for the blonde, and Bakura could only guess at the qualities that had led to that. Well this was going to be interesting at least.

 

Joey was the first to get his laughter under control. “Right guys, what do you all want to drink? I've got beer, tea coffee, soda, juice, milk…” he trailed off as his friends looked at him stunned. “What?”

 

“Juice, milk?” Yugi chuckled. “Are you sure you're feeling alright Joey?”

 

“Yeah, who the Hell has been doing your shopping?” Malik sniggered.

 

“What?” Joey demanded, flushing a little under the scrutiny. “I had no idea what Seto lived so I got a little of everything.” He muttered.

 

Across the room cerulean eyes softened, Seto surprised to find himself touched by the gesture, hmm that was the second time today. That and the way the blonde flushed and rubbed the back of his neck suddenly had him wanting to ease his discomfiture. To this end he rose, crossing to Joey's side.

 

“If they are going to be so unhelpful, then perhaps we should chose for them.” He said evenly.

 

Bakura's eyebrows shot up in surprise, was Seto offering his help?

 

Joey grinned. “Damn right, come on Seto, we can do a little mixing up I think.” He sniggered.

 

“Oh no you don't!” Malik exclaimed. “The last time you did that I ended up with something green and alcoholic that made me throw up for four hour straight.”

 

Ryou sniggered, the incident had been hilarious.

 

“Well you were being an ass.” Joey chuckled.”

 

“Was not!” Malik retaliated.

 

“What on earth was in it?” Yugi asked.

 

“Trade secret, but nothing poisonous I assure you.”

 

“Yeah right!” Malik snorted it. “Hard to believe after drinking the shit.”

 

“Well if was so suspicious why did you drink it at all?” Seto asked bewildered, it seemed he still had a lot to learn about humans.

 

“Well for one, Malik cannot resist a challenge, well when it comes to alcohol at least.” Ryou put in.

 

“It tasted good I'll give you that much. It just wasn't so good on the rebound.”

 

“Malik!” Yugi groaned in distaste.

 

Bakura was sniggering, Joey was grinning, Yugi was throwing a cushion at the offending egyptian and Seto rolled his eyes at the group. With a chuckle Ryou decided that someone should bring some sense into the proceedings.

 

“I'll have a soda thanks Joey.” He said gratefully.

 

“Me too.” Bakura seconded.

 

“Me three.” Yugi added.

 

Joey nodded. “And whatever I can mix up for Malik.” He teased.

 

“You dare and I swear to Ra I will be ramming it down your throat Wheeler, see how you like it!”

 

“Then just what do you want?” Joey snickered.

 

“I'll have a cold one with you as usual you freak.”

 

Joey smirked at the insult. “Whatever you say desert boy.”

 

Seto raised an eyebrow at the banter, well he was starting to see what Joey meant. The two of them together made an… interesting combination and he was beginning to wonder what he had let himself in for. Still somehow he was the one that was leading the way to the kitchen.

 

“What about you?” Joey asked as he raided the fridge for the requested beverages.

 

“Tea.” Seto replied firmly. “I like tea.”

 

Joey shook his head at his new housemate's behaviour. Something about him was odd, but not in a bad way, just… odd.

 

“Well all the stuff is in the cupboard behind you, milk is in the fridge.” He turned to take the others their sodas but suddenly remembered Bakura's warning about Seto and appliances. Seto was quick on the uptake.

 

“Whatever Bakura may have said, I am able to make a cup of tea without destroying the house.” He said dryly.

 

“No offence meant.” Joey offered with a smile.

 

“None taken.” Seto replied gently, after all a couple of days ago it might have been true.

 

With a nod Joey turned back to his task, while Seto made his tea and helped him get the drinks together. It wasn't long before they headed back to the living room carrying drinks between them. The three friends were talking animatedly while Bakura sat back, his arm slung gently round Ryou's waist. In return Ryou leaned into Bakura as he talked. Bakura nodded at Seto with a genuine smile as Seto retook his seat. Joey joined the conversation while Seto joined Bakura in observing. Bakura was too relatively new to the group and preferred to take a back seat for a while.

 

Seto settled back into aura watching, his eye immediately drawn to Ryou's. It was pale gold in colour, intermingling and entwining with Bakura's silver as they leaned against each other. While complex it was much simpler than Joeys, it was also as pure and strong as the angel's next to him. It declared his pure heart, his calm and gentle nature, and easily explained why this one was such a soothing presence to others. His aura was so strong it could envelop others and ease their feelings, and yet the youth was distinctly unaware of this, motivated purely by a desire to help. Such a selfless being was rare.

 

His eyes slid to Malik's aura next. The egyptian was bathed in a red glow. In this one he saw conflict, and behind the outward confidence lay a sea of insecurities and doubts, adding more layers to the complexity of the construct, even more so than that of Joey's. He could see how he used the outgoing and fun loving parts of his personality to mask other aspects. But like the others, his bond to his friends was strong, particularly Ryou it seemed. But it seemed that those doubts were lessening slightly, there was a hope, a hope that seemed tied to Marik. He knew in that moment that Marik had not let him go as instructed. Oh by all of the Heaven's that was a disaster waiting to happen. He sighed, only time would tell in regards to that pair.

 

Lastly there was Yugi. In contrast to his companions' his aura was a light olive green. The little one's aura like Ryou's was a more simple thing, yet still more complexly layered than the white hair youth's. In this one he saw a strength of heart that more than made up for his physical stature, but along side that came a need to prove himself, a nagging doubt about his strength and worth. Seto nearly snorted at that. How anyone could miss the fact that this one was a fierce friends and a force to be reckoned with was an idiot. Wait a minute, just when had he become so bothered by humans and their opinions? The question troubled him as the afternoon wore on, the gathering finally breaking up as Bakura had things he needed to get done before work.

 

“Right.” He said rising from the sofa. “I need to make tracks, but it was good seeing you all again.” He nodded to Malik and Yugi in particular. It had been a diverting and entertaining afternoon.

 

Ryou looked at his watch. “Is that really the time?” He asked shocked. “Where does the time go? It runs away without me I swear.” He muttered as he too got to his feet.

 

Bakura chuckled and ruffled his hair, earning him a sulky pout in return. “Come on then, you can walk me home.”

 

“What?” Ryou asked confused.

 

“Well you'll want to know where you are going tomorrow.” Bakura said matter-of-factly.

 

“Tomorrow? Now you've really lost me.” Ryou shook his head thoroughly bewildered, especially as Bakura was smirking.

 

Bakura leaned into his ear. “And there I was hoping that I might return the favour from Tuesday. I was looking forward to feeling you squirm in my lap again.” He purred so the others couldn't hear.

 

“Kura!” Ryou exclaimed in mock shock before talking his boyfriend by the hand and grinning. “Fine, I'll walk you home. See you later guys, it was good to meet you Seto.”

 

“Likewise.” Seto nodded at him.

 

Bakura took a moment to nod to Seto, Seto returning it. While the two were not exactly friends, there was a begrudging respect between them, and Seto was grateful for all his help, no matter how difficult living together had been. On Bakura's side he was seeing Seto in a new light and couldn't wait to see how much more would be revealed from behind the mask.

 

“Thanks again Joey.” He managed to get out before Ryou yanked him away impatiently.

 

Malik chuckled. “Damn Ryou can get pushy when he wants something.” As the white haired pair left.

 

Yugi nodded. “Oh you must remember what he was like when you met him. He'd been saving up for some rare book or another and was so impatient waiting for it to arrive.”

 

“Yeah, there isn't much in this world he wants for, but when he wants it he goes for it that's for sure.” Joey grinned.

 

Yugi got up and stretched. “Well Joey, its been a pleasure as always, and I hope we get to see more of you Seto.” And hear more from you, he thought. Seto had remained pretty quiet throughout the gathering.

 

“Yeah, I'd best get going too.” Malik agreed. “Ishizu will probably murder me if I am late for dinner three nights in a row.” He chuckled.

 

Joey took a moment to see his friends out before returning to his housemate. “Well that was the gang. I hope that Malik didn't put you off us too much.” He teased.

 

Seto smirked slightly. “He's a little brash but he's harmless.” He observed, and not unlike his new landlord.

 

Joey laughed. “That he is, though I don't think that he'd thank you for saying that. They're good guys, I wouldn't be without them.”

 

Seto nodded. “They seem like good companions.” He agreed.

 

Joey was about to answer when his stomach growled loudly. He chuckled at Seto's raised eyebrow.

 

“You'll get used to that, but I'd say that its time for dinner.”

 

With that the two headed into the kitchen to deal with the day to day business of cooking. Across Domino the friends headed to their various tasks. Currently Bakura was stealing a rather passionate kiss from a very willing Ryou. Yugi had made it home and was looking through his own cupboards for food. Malik on the other had had the furthest to go and was slightly startled as his cell phone began to ring. He frowned at the unfamiliar number.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Hello lover.”

 

Malik grinned.

 

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AN:

Okay okay it was short, and probably not very interesting but it was necessary. I promise the next one will be a bit more interesting. It will explain exactly why there was no way in any dimension of the universe that Yami and Seto could not be put together in a living environment. A nice little bit of back history. So without further ado I shall skip merrily away to type it up!