Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Redemption ❯ The Morning After ( Chapter 20 )

AN:

Okay okay, this is later than planned. Due to having a work life, I am actually finding getting these out weekly is getting so hard. I will endeavour to continue to do so, but I don't think I can realistically promise it.

 

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

 

As per the game plan Bakura woke up early. Well it was easy when you didn't need to sleep much to function. He was instantly aware of the scent of jasmine and the press of a body against him. Smiling to himself he extricated his nose from Ryou's soft hair while shifting so he could wrap his arms around Ryou better. Ryou sighed contentedly in his sleep, nuzzling against Bakura's bare chest. Now this was something he could get used to. But not for long today, there had been no intention originally to have Ryou stay over though he was not complaining. This must have been the only night he'd enjoyed sleeping on the sofa. But at the moment, Ryou remained resolutely unaware and probably had plans for the morning.

 

He looked at his watch; 8:22. Well plenty of morning left. He stroked Ryou's hair gently for a moment before shaking his lover's shoulders. Ryou snuffled serving only to make Bakura chuckle.

 

“Rise and shine sweet one or you'll miss the day.”

 

Ryou stirred reluctantly. “What time is it?” He asked sleepily round a yawn.

 

“Almost half past eight.”

 

“Oh but its early yet.” Ryou frowned, promptly snuggling back into Bakura.

 

“Eight-thirty Monday morning.” He clarified.

 

You was suddenly awake and bolt upright staring at him in shock. A quick look out of the window confirmed the morning hour.

 

“Oh Heavens! I'm so sorry.” He blurted out quickly.

 

Laughing Bakura pulled Ryou back into his arms. “What ever for?” He teased. “For being too cute? It should be me I think saying sorry. Forgive me, I didn't have the heart to wake you, you felt so good in my arms.” He murmured softly as he stroked Ryou's cheek with the backs of his fingers.

 

Ryou couldn't help but relax under the gentle affection, and now he thought about it, there was no reason to worry. His shift at the library didn't start for a couple of hours and he felt refreshed. He smiled shyly as Bakura regarded him soft eyes, full of care for him, and he dared to hope, perhaps even love. Bakura pushed the blanket back and sat up beside his lover.

 

“Now why don't you leap into the shower while I make us some breakfast. Then at least you won't have to work on an empty stomach.”

 

“Sounds good.”

 

Bakura showed him the way before heading to the kitchen. He stopped briefly by his room to get a hair tie, and tie his wild locks out of the way. As he worked on a breakfast of pancakes for the both of them he contemplated the events of the night before. To say that things had gone better than expected was an understatement. Not only had they come to trust each other, and as a couple deepen their bond, but he felt that the evening had done wonders for Ryou too. He knew that he had made the right decisions, no matter how willing Ryou had been, stopping had been an important step, that much had been made clear by Ryou's reaction to the decision.

 

Oh by God he'd wanted Ryou at that moment. He'd looked so utterly fuckable it was unreal, but to have taken that step would have been to risk utter ruin. Oh yes, he wanted Ryou, just hearing the shower run had him thinking about that lithe body, pale skin glistening in the spray, which in turn intermingled with images from his rather intense dream, and… of for fuck's sake stop torturing yourself! All in good time and you are a lot fucking closer to that now. Just play your cards right and all will be well.

 

The sound of Ryou coming back into the kitchen brought him from his thoughts. Ryou eyed Bakura curiously as he took in the messy ponytail.

 

“What?”

 

“Nothing, but it's a good look on you `Kura.”

 

Well it was, clad only in those sinfully tights black jeans that hung deliciously low on his slim hips, the smooth alabaster expanse of his chest and back were a glory to see. The wild hair barely tamed by the hair band could have made him look feminine, but did anything but, if anything it made him look roguish and dangerous. But there was one other thing that it did, it exposed two faint but strange scars just beneath his shoulder blades. They were well healed, but large and odd. What could have possibly caused them? Curiosity overcame Ryou and he stepped up behind Bakura as he worked, fingers brushing gently over the odd marks. Bakura tensed slightly all too aware of what Ryou was seeing and doing, and didn't wait for the inevitable question.

 

“It's a long story.” He said, startling Ryou slightly as he turned to face him. “Very long, and hard for me.”

 

If it had been anyone else Bakura would have snapped at them telling them that it was none of their business, but this was Ryou. While he couldn't give him the full explanation, he felt that giving him such a brush off was useless. Ryou could see how hard it was to say the little he had, his heart clenching as he saw the sadness and bitterness in those crimson depths.

 

“I understand. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.” He could well believe that the experience had been horrific to be left with such scars.

 

Bakura smiled softly, taking Ryou's face in one hand. “One day perhaps.” He said absently, shrugging the subject aside before leaning in and kissing Ryou's forehead. “Sit, your pancakes are ready.” He urged gently.

 

Ryou got the message, for the foreseeable future that part of Bakura's life would remain secret. Well he shouldn't be surprised, everyone has baggage, Hell he did. While he had given Bakura a brief outline of it there was a lot more that was unsaid, and some things he too may never share. He understood and was content to leave the matter be. His only concern was that he had unconsciously hurt Bakura. He slid his arms around Bakura from behind, holding him tight and kissing his shoulder in silent apology. The slightly amused murmur he got in return was all he needed and he settled down at the table as instructed, Bakura shooing him with a grin as he served them both breakfast and took his place opposite Ryou.

 

“Well last night didn't go exactly as planned.” Bakura chuckled, brushing past the uncomfortable moment with ease.

 

“How so?” Ryou was pretty sure he was being set up but played along anyway.

 

“Hmm.” Bakura affirmed. “The plan was to seduce you into my bed, not a cramped and uncomfortably sofa.” He sniggered.

 

Ryou rolled his eyes. “Oh so breakfast for two was always in the grand plan then?”

 

Bakura chuckled. “Of course it wasn't, but you looked so peaceful, we were comfortable, so I didn't see any harm in it. And it gave me more time to feel up that gorgeous body of yours.” He smirked.

 

Oh Bakura was being so… lecherous, deliberately irritating and he knew it. Ryou refused point blank to rise to the bait. Instead he turned to his food, thinking of all that he had to do today. Though to be fair he was finding that a difficult task. Where his mind wanted to be was firmly in last night, back with burning kisses and branding touches. He smiled to himself, how could he not? Bakura had made him feel so wonderful, so special, so… loved. His breath caught in his throat and he looked up sharply at his lover. Had they really crossed that line? Bakura saw the sudden movement and looked up curiously as Ryou's sudden wide eyed stare.

 

“What?”

 

Ryou shook himself mentally and smiled at him. “Nothing `Kura, just thinking.”

 

“You think too much… librarian.” He grinned wickedly.

 

“Oh don't start that again!”

 

With matching grins the two of them fell into teasing one another once more, simply glad for the other's company. Though time passed quickly as it always does when you don't want it to, when you are having fun, when you are with someone you love. Yes the answer to their mutual question is yes. Somewhere along the line they had come to love each other, though they weren't ready to admit it to themselves just yet, let along each other. As it was saying goodbye was hard at best, neither wanting to part, the connection they had now so strong that it drew them to each other. After stolen kisses and playful teases Ryou finally managed to turn away and head for home, completely unaware that he was being watched by a pair of green eyes.

 

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

 

By the time they had finally managed to part, Ryou had gotten home and done all that he had needed to he found that he was running late. He'd stayed longer than he should but he had been enjoying himself far too much. As it was he ended up running to work and made it with only a couple of minutes before his shift. On arrival he was flustered, his colleague on the early morning shift laughing at him.

 

“Late night last night?” She chuckled, looking at him over her glasses.

 

Ryou grinned sheepishly. “Something like that.”

 

The blonde pushed her glasses up her nose and grinned. “Good to see you've sorted your love life out.”

 

“Rebecca!” He moaned.

 

Oh for pity's sake, was there anyone who didn't find his romantic life a source of amusement and/or gossip? It was bad enough being teased, but even more so by someone five years younger than him.

 

“Oh Ryou, you're so funny sometimes.” She giggled.

 

Ryou rolled his eyes and sighed, hanging up his coat. “So how's things?” He asked her, hoping to distract her from an interrogation.

 

“Oh you know, Grandpa is helping Ishizu with the new exhibit, they got some new artefacts arrive first thing this morning. And you know what he's like when he's got new thing to study.” She smiled at him brightly.

 

Ryou couldn't help but return the smile. Indeed, Professor Hawkins could wax lyrical on ancient artefacts if one were to listen.

 

“Oh and Ryou, we got the new books in that you ordered on the same delivery. I've started the cataloguing, but I've got a class in half an hour.”

 

Ryou chuckled. “You don't have to get everything done by yourself you know.” He teased. “Go on, I'll be fine, it will keep me nice and busy.”

 

Rebecca smiled at him as she picked up her coat. “Well I'll see you later.”

 

“Say hi to your Grandfather for me.”

 

“I will!”

 

With a wave and a last bright smile she was gone. Ryou shook his head. Despite being so young Rebecca was somewhat of a prodigy. As a result she was taking University classes at sixteen and working shifts in the library for funds like any other teen did. He on the other hand worked at the library full time, though his shift pattern wasn't exactly usual, certainly not your average nine to five, Monday to Friday. But that was what he liked about his job, that and the peace, and the books of course. Talking about books, he had some work to do. He headed out to the front desk to see the pile Rebecca had started, and a couple of boxes still to do. Well this should keep him occupied at least.

 

So he buried his head in his work. There were a few people in, mainly students using the computers and the large reference section. Even so he wasn't distracted from his task by those wanting to check out books more than twice on that first hour or so. So distracted he was that he nearly leapt out of his skin as someone slapped both hands down hard on the desk. He had at the time been bending down, picking up a pile of books, sorting and stacking them and about to stand.

 

“And where the hell have you been!” Came the roar that reverberated around the library, drawing looks from all the library patrons.

 

Ryou shot upright so fast that the books in his arms slipped and with a scramble me managed to catch all but one and not fall over.

 

“Impressive!”

 

Almost growling Ryou rounded on the owner of the voice.

 

“Malik! For Heaven's sake, why do you find it necessary to scare me like that?” he snapped. “Not to mention disturbing the whole library!”

 

Malik grinned. “Because scaring the shit out of you is funny for one, and because a certain someone didn't go home last night now did he?” He leered at his best friend, the grin turning wolfish.

 

Ryou sighed and put the books down, they were starting to get heavy. “How do you know that pray tell?” He asked, almost dreading the answer.

 

Malik chuckled as he saw the look on Ryou's face. “Well you know Ishizu has this new exhibit, typically she drafted me in to help with a delivery this morning. I thought since we were going in the same direction I'd drop by and we could walk in together.”

 

“Therefore allowing you to grill me about last night on the way into work.” Ryou surmised, arms folded across his chest.

 

“Okay, caught, but that little plan just happened to be foiled now wasn't it, because someone wasn't home.” He smirked. “Want to talk about it?”

 

“Oh leave off Malik!” Ryou sighed.

 

He turned back to his pile of books, but in the scramble to catch them the top button of his shirt had come undone. As he bent down to pick up the book that he's been unable to catch with even his most impressive juggling, the collar of his shirt slipped, only expose a rather livid mark. Eagle eyed when it came to such matters Malik's grin spread wide across his face.

 

“Ryou, is that what I think it is?” He asked the very leading question.

 

Ryou stood up, book in hand looking bemused by what appeared to be a very random query. “What?”

 

Smirking, Malik suddenly leant over the desk and pulled at his friend's collar. Actually seeing it properly he whistled appreciatively.

 

“Man, now that is what I call marking your territory! Bakura's given you one hell of a mark my friend.”

 

Ryou slapped Malik's hand away, feeling a blush stain his cheeks. “Oh for goodness sakes, you don't know when to stop do you?” He muttered hotly, quickly doing up the errant button to hide the mark from prying eyes.

 

Malik laughed. “I'll stop when you spill.”

 

“And what makes you think that I'm going to tell you anything?” Ryou glared at his friend as he realised the two of them were being watched with interest by a pair of female students.

 

“Aww come on now, you know me, and therefore you know how annoying I can get if I don't get my way.”

 

Malik chuckled as Ryou rolled his eyes knowing what was coming next. Any moment now Ryou would start to try and find ways to shake him off, but it was not going to work, not this time my friend. After seeing Ryou on his own and so painfully shy, the fact that he was out all night and sporting such a lovely love bite so soon after meeting Bakura, something was definitely up. Now that he had that bet running with Joey he was anxious to see if what seemed to have occurred really had. He had 1000Yen riding on this after all.

 

“Didn't you say that Ishizu needed you at the museum or something.” Ryou muttered hotly.

 

Ah yes, now it starts.

 

“Nah, she and the Professor are closeted in a dark room somewhere with a statue of Bastet and sent me on lunch. They'll call me if they need me.”

 

Ryou groaned inwardly. He knew Malik well enough to know that he was not going to be able to shake him off once he set his mind to it. He sighed.

 

“What's it going to take? You know I am not going to go into lurid detail like you do. Some of us just do not delight in it like you do. Pervert!” He added that last shot out of sheer petulance.

 

Malik sniggered knowing he'd won.

 

“For starters I already know you stayed over his place, unless you really are a dark horse and have another lover hidden away somewhere.” He chuckled at Ryou's scathing look. “I thought not. So how come? Its not like you to do something like that, you've not known him long enough.” He teased.

 

“Well just because some of us prefer to take a bit more care about leaping into bed with people doesn't mean anything.” He retorted. “I fell asleep on the couch while we were watching a film okay. Sorry to disappoint.” He muttered as he turned to labelling the book he was holding.

 

“Oh so the couch was it?” Malik replied airily. “Well that does not account for that hickey Ry'. Considering where it is, and knowing that in all probability you were wearing a t-shirt yesterday if I know you at all…” The slight groan from Ryou when he realised where this was headed was all the confirmation he needed. “The only way he could have marked you there, is if he got your shirt off and we both know it.” He grinned as Ryou blushed heavily. “Come on, give it up. What happened between you two?”

 

Ryou started to get peeved with Malik, why the Hell couldn't he leave his private life private? In a fit of annoyance he slammed the book he was holding against the desk hard.

 

“Malik, I did not sleep with him okay!” He hissed. “We just… fooled around a little.” He trailed off to a mumble not knowing how else to say it without revealing way too much information.

 

Malik laughed at his friend, grinning since the best was still on. “Chill out, Ra, keep on like that and you'll bust a blood vessel or something, honestly.”

 

“Well stop being an ass already, I have work to do!”

 

“Aww, come on, you know you love me.” Malik crooned.

 

“Why are we friends again? I seem to have forgotten.” Ryou replied acidly.

 

Malik grinned and refused to bite. “Anyway, you had a good time right?” He asked, his tone turning more serious.

 

Ryou noticed the shift and looked up to see Malik watching his reaction closely. His annoyance drained away when he saw how Malik wanted to make sure things were alright for him. He smiled softly.

 

“I wouldn't worry, Bakura's great.” His smile turned fond as he thought of his lover. “He's funny, considerate, and so sweet… even if he can be a bit vulgar.” He chuckled.

 

Malik laughed. “Now that you should be used to.”

 

“With you around I suppose I should be.”

 

“He does you good Ry' we've all noticed it you know.” He stated seriously.

 

“Well I could say the same thing about you. While I would never have leapt into bed with Bakura the way you did with Marik, its still obvious that you are happier with him than I've seen you for a long time.”

 

Now it was Malik's turn to blush slightly. He smiled at Ryou sheepishly.

 

“Well I don't know, he makes me feel secure, like he wants to be with me for me if you know what I mean, not just the way I look.” He said softly.

 

Ryou nodded, understanding all too well what his friend was talking about. It was a felling he'd known intimately in Duke's wake. Oh all the times they had talked on such things, both being used by the men in their lives, feelings bruised and crushed by those they wanted to be with.

 

“That's good.” He said softly with a broad smile. “That's really good Malik, and I'm glad for you. Its about time someone treated you right.”

 

Malik chuckled. “I know, I'm not expecting this to last forever, but the fact that it is lasting at all is just… Ra be praised.” He added softly.

 

Ryou couldn't help bit smile warmly at his friend, glad to see one of his rare, genuine smiles. Well they were rare, but he got the feeling that he would be seeing more of them as time wore on if Marik stuck around. Malik on the other hand was contemplating Ryou once more.

 

“What about you Ryou, how does Bakura make you feel?”

 

Ryou smiled shyly. “The same I guess. Despite his roughness and his attitude he makes me feel so at ease. God the things I've done with him already that I never would have with anyone else, and definitely not so soon and…” He stopped suddenly as he saw Malik smirking at him. “What?”

 

“Fooling around huh?”

 

Ryou groaned.

 

“Sounds like you two have been getting pretty hot and heavy together, that mark of yours seems to be telling the same story.” Ryou blushed again and he grinned. “Its okay, I believe you, you didn't leap into his bed, but I'd be willing to bet that you came pretty close huh? And no, I won't ask for the gory details.”

 

Ryou sighed. “How is it that I like you so much when you are such a pain?”

 

Malik shrugged. “Part of my unique charm I'm sure.”

 

Ryou chuckled. “Hey, have you heard anything from Joey yet? I'm wondering just how things are going for him so far.”

 

Malik shook his head. “Nothing so far, why?”

 

“Oh I don't know, I worry I guess.”

 

“Worried it won't work out and lover boy has to take Seto back in?” He teased.

 

“No!” Ryou retaliated hotly. “I just want them getting on okay, after all, they are living together and they don't really know each other.”

 

Malik nodded. “And not to mention that it would cramp your time with Bakura if Seto had to move back in.”

 

“Malik!” Ryou snarled. “Oh you are insufferable.”

 

Malik laughed. “What's wrong Ry' did I hit a nerve?”

 

“Right, I've had just about enough of you, I've got work to do and you are distracting me big time. Now shoo and let me get on with this.”

 

“Oh well I can't help it if you are in denial.”

 

“Out!”

 

“See you later Ryou!” The sniggering egyptian called as he made for a quick exit.

 

He'd gotten what he'd came for and now would only be risking injury if he tested Ryou's temper further.

 

Ryou watched him go and took a deep, calming breath. Yes Malik was one of his best friend, but at times… With a sigh he turned back to his work. With any luck today would be quiet enough for him to get all the cataloguing done by the end of his shift. Sure he could leave some for Rebecca to finish tomorrow, but he'd like to think that he could get the job done by himself. Ironic considering what he'd said to her earlier. As he started on the top of the stack he didn't notice that he was being watched, and that he had been for quite some time.

 

Between the stacks and shelves , hidden by shadow, Duke watched his ex-lover, and had been throughout the entire conversation with the irritating blond. Green eyes flashed with jealousy as they talked over his relationship with his new… boyfriend, and how happy this… Bakura apparently made him. Who the fuck was this Bakura anyway? Just some nobody who worked in a nightclub. Huh, by the way Ryou talked you would think he was some wonderful star or something. His only consolation right now was that Ryou seemed as frigid as ever.

 

Not that having Ryou be so frigid in the first place had been an issue anyway. He'd been seeing Noa on the quiet for quite some time before he met Ryou. The minute he's laid eyes on the shy, white haired lovely he spotted the potential to boost his image. The delicious little morsel was just a pleasing add on to his life that the media had predictably snapped up. Nevertheless, there had been some pretty tense moments in the bedroom when Ryou had shied away from his touch, and the thought of him bedding another burned him. No matter. This… Bakura or whatever his name was may have won that battle, but in the end, he would win the war. Ryou belonged to him, he just refused to admit it.

 

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

AN:

Okay first things first there is more artwork available for this story once more…

 

Akeifa: http://x-cybergoth-x.deviantart.com/art/Fallen-Angel-Colour ed-64169188

 

Bakura: http://x-cybergoth-x.deviantart.com/art/Bakura-64169495

This wonderful Bakura picture was sent as a gift to my dearest Paniwi! You are one lucky girl hon.