Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Redemption ❯ Rivals ( Chapter 25 )

AN:

Holy hell I hate writer's block, but at last! This came to me in a huge rush today after four hours sleep and I am so grateful it did. I have finally got the laptop I wanted and it may be that which has finally given me the kick start that has resulted in me churning this chapter out at such a great rate of knots. So at last the long awaited confrontation, not quite as I had planned it but I am kinda used to that by now. Anyway, I hope this lives up to expectations.

 

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Bakura found himself in an oddly good mood in the wake of what had been an… interesting night out. That and the resultant heart to heart with Seto which had done a lot to ease the tension between the two. As well it might. Fuck, who would have guessed they were actually so alike? It certainly explained the attitude. Not that he was expecting that to let up in the presence of others, though he suspected Seto might be less guarded and more open around him when they were on their own. Oh that reminded him, he really ought to check up on Yami. But that could wait; let the bugger stew, he could tear himself out wondering what the fuck was going on, not that he would be telling him anyway, but at the very least he would allow Yami to have his personal rant. He was actually quite looking forward to the whole `I know something you don't know' part of things. He knew it was childish of him but hey, didn't mean he couldn't enjoy it.

 

The good mood stayed with him throughout the day, dealing with the boring chores and incidental tasks that came with everyday life. It also remained with him as he made his way through the streets of Domino that night to start his shift at Ikona. So buoyed up was he that he didn't notice the eyes on his back as he walked, the figure that was always a few yards behind him. As he arrived at the club he entered quickly by the side entrance and the dark figure shadowing him stopped to watch him for a moment before pulling out his mobile phone and dialling. After three rings his call was picked up.

 

“What?” Came the snappy greeting. “This had better be good.”

 

“He's started his shift. Do you want me to find out what time he finishes, sir?”

 

There was a thoughtful pause for a moment.

 

“No, I will be there soon enough. I want to get a good measure of him first.”

 

“As you wish, sir. Any further instructions?”

 

“Stay there until I arrive just in case he leaves. If he does I want to be notified immediately - do you understand?”

 

“Yes sir.”

 

The call was ended abruptly, not that he had expected anything else of his employer. All he could do now was wait for his dismissal. He had a feeling he didn't want to be around when whatever it was that was planned came to fruition. If he didn't see it he couldn't talk about it. It's called deniability. With a sigh he leant against the wall to wait.

 

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Wednesday nights were always busy at the club despite it being midweek. That might have something to do with it being student night, and all the drinks promotions that were on kept the place busy. It also meant that it was an aggravating night for Bakura at best. It was an hour into his shift and he was already irritated. Barely dressed girls trying to catch his eye, flirting and generally being annoying, the endless stream of people to serve… It was a feeling that only increased when he felt someone's eyes on him. It was an odd feeling considering the girls surrounding him, but he knew with absolute certainty that he was being stared at; he could feel their gaze boring into him. As the rush seemed to calm down a little he took the opportunity to slow down, his eyes scanning the clientele.

 

He was beginning to think he was just being paranoid and should give up having failed to identify who was watching him when suddenly his crimson eyes met a pair of green and locked. He could have been human and been fairly sure this was the culprit, but with his improved senses he knew it with his very fibre. He took a moment to take in what he could, but the owner had sunk into the shadow as soon as their gazes had locked. Oddly though they hadn't looked away, daring to hold his gaze and immediately making Bakura wonder who this was and what they were out to achieve. He couldn't tell if they were male or female; no they were so well hidden now, though he could feel those eyes on him still. He was forced to turn away to serve another customer, but the feeling remained. So whoever it was really had something for him, huh?

 

It was strange; it gave him a feeling of disquiet. Normally such a thing wouldn't bother him, but he got the vaguest hint of malicious intent from this one, though why he couldn't understand. Not that it bothered him, he could hold his own in any circumstance but he couldn't shake the feeling of unease. When he got the chance he looked back to his observer, still hidden, the eyes no longer visible, but he knew that they were there. This time he reached out with his other senses, bringing the auras of everyone around him into focus, instead of hovering on the edge of his vision. No shadow would hide the aura of his watcher, even if it would obscure the details some. He used his powers to tap in, to sense the other in the deepest possible way, perplexed by the malicious feelings coming off this one. Jealousy, anger, superiority, possessiveness… it struck him as familiar, when had he last felt that mix of emotions?

 

He turned away from his observations, turning back to his task on autopilot as he wracked his brains for it, stiffening slightly as his mind made the connection. Green eyes, those feelings… it was his first date with Ryou and the ugly little scene with his ex. So that was who was watching him? But why was the little shit here and what the fuck did he want? He was pretty sure this was not a social call and by the end of the night he would have his answers, however unpleasant they might be. He shot a quick, warning look at his observer, one that told him that he knew who he was and what he was up to. Well the latter was not strictly true but keep the bastard on his toes. Now all he could do was wait for him to make his move.

 

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Three hours later it was perfectly clear what was going on, the bastard was waiting for his shift to end. Great, so he could be expecting a little `chat' outside, possibly more. The bastard was a rich one and who knew what he had in mind. Great, just great. He could really be doing without this shit. And he already knew what said `chat' would be about. Ryou, that could be the only explanation. He wasn't aware that Duke had approached Ryou since the last incident but if the bastard was here practically stalking him and… wait just a minute. Hadn't Ryou complained of being watched? They had both brushed it off at the time, but now he was starting to think he was wrong. Suddenly the end of his shift couldn't come quick enough and the time seemed to drag. Throughout the whole of his shift Duke hardly moved, choosing to silently observe him.

 

Finally the time came and he was free, rushing out to the back to change his shirt and grab his coat. That done he marched brusquely outside, wondering how long it would take for Duke to accost him. He didn't have to wait very long for as soon as he stepped out of the side door he could see the unmistakable silhouette of the young man as he leant against the wall at the entrance to the alley, arms folded across his chest, an amused smirk on his features. Bakura glared back at him as he closed the distance. He already had the distinct urge to punch the arrogant little snot but he couldn't do it without reason - and even with it, he suspected that doing so would only land him in a world of trouble.

 

As he reached the other he quickly took control of the situation.

 

“What the hell do you want?” He snapped, still fighting with the desire to floor the young man before him.

 

Duke chuckled and smirked. Well it had been an interesting game so far. It had become clear early on that Bakura knew he was there and it hadn't taken him too long to recognise who he was, despite his hiding place. He had to give his rival credit for that. But now for the game to really begin.

 

“Well good evening… I apologise, morning … to you too.”

 

Bakura merely sneered in distaste, hating that the green eyed youth was drawing this out.

 

“Can we just get on with this?” He demanded sharply. “I'm not in the mood for bullshit.”

 

“Fine.” Duke replied evenly. “Why don't we take a walk?” He suggested.

 

Bakura was finding that he was rapidly exiting irritated and heading straight for pissed off at the superior and smarmy attitude the youth was giving him. It was clear he thought he had power and influence here and felt that he was in control of the situation. Just what this little situation was wasn't entirely clear at this point.

 

“Whatever.” Bakura snarled. “As long as you get to the point. I think you've been messing me about long enough watching me all damn night.”

 

Duke chuckled and Bakura didn't like the sound of it one bit. Fuck his back was up and they hadn't even really started to talk as yet. As they walked Duke was definitely getting the better of things. He was keeping his cool, though there was a smug smirk on his face that was getting to Bakura in a bad way. The silence between them seemed to stretch out forever. It nagged at him the longer that they walked. He wasn't stupid, he knew this was going to be a pointless and fucking annoying talk and he had no idea if he was going to maintain the patience to get through this. In fact he was rapidly running out of patience fast. Finally he couldn't stand it anymore.

 

“Okay, let's quit the fucking around and get straight to the point. What the fuck is this about?” Crimson eyes met jade. “Surprise me.” His tone dripped sarcasm.

 

Duke chuckled, enjoying every moment of his rival's consternation.

 

“Well if you hadn't already guessed I want to talk to you about Ryou.”

 

“Well that wasn't fucking predictable!” Bakura snapped.

 

Duke's smug and obnoxious attitude really grated on him at this moment, and that was only adding to his already quite deep seated dislike of the man before him. After everything Ryou had told him and that he had witnessed with his own eyes he really couldn't see anything good in the jade-eyed businessman.

 

“Patience.” Duke soothed. “I just want to talk business.”

 

Oh now that just about did it for Bakura.

 

“Business!” He snapped dangerously. “Ryou is a person, not a commodity.”

 

Duke wasn't stupid, while he was enjoying seeing his rival for Ryou's affections so wound up he knew that if he carried on in this vein he was going to lose any chance he had of making a deal with Bakura if he didn't handle this right. His reaction told him a lot about Bakura, and told him that this was not going to be easy. Still, he liked a challenge or he would not be bothering to attempt to get Ryou back at all. As much as he disliked Bakura, he had to work with him, not against him if he wanted to get what he wanted.

 

“Alright, I apologise.” He said gently, showing all the signs of backing down. “I admit I haven't been handling this the best that I could. Perhaps watching you during your shift was not the best way to open this discussion.”

 

“Is that what you call it? You were fucking stalking me, and I am pretty sure that you have been doing the same to Ryou too.”

 

Duke almost swore as he realised that the man he'd hired to track their movements had been noticed. Shit, he'd be taking it out of his fucking hide later. Duke being the consummate businessman he was showed no outward sign of the sudden anger and annoyance he felt at this knowledge, but he hadn't banked on Bakura being anything other than human. What he could hide outwardly with all of his skill he could not suppress in his aura, and Bakura noticed the sudden flare. Bakura realised in that moment that he would need to keep a close eye on Duke's aura to actually be sure of what Duke was thinking, or at least have a good indication if the bastard was lying or up to no good. Seeing the sudden spike put Bakura on guard and made his simmering anger only increase as it confirmed what he had only suspected a short while ago.

 

“Once again, not the way I should have handled it, but now we are here perhaps we can talk reasonably.” Duke said smoothly to try and calm Bakura and gain him some control in the conversation again.

 

“Perhaps.” Bakura conceded gruffly.

 

Duke felt a little spike of triumph that he hid flawlessly, though his aura betrayed him again and Bakura felt that enough was enough.

 

“Right, let's get down to business. You want Ryou back, I am in your way and you are here to either warn or buy me off - am I right?”

 

The surprise actually did show in Duke's deep green eyes, but only for the merest instant before it was covered up again.

 

“I would not have put it quite so bluntly.” He started but got no further as Bakura was on him in an instant.

 

“No shit you wouldn't have, you'd have dressed it up in an attempt to hide it all in something that seems reasonable. I think it's time you and me get a few things straight right here, right now.”

 

Bakura narrowed his eyes at the young businessman, who met and matched his gaze, refusing to back down, but Bakura could be as scary as any daemon if he so chose and stepped up to Duke in slow, menacing steps.

 

“Listen shit for brains, you hurt Ryou and you hurt him bad. Fuck, he's the forgiving type and yet he cannot forgive you, that's how bad you fucked him over. As a result he hates your fucking guts and I can't say I blame him after what you did. He ain't ever coming back to you no matter what - you got that?”

 

Duke knew that figuratively his back was up against the wall, though if Bakura kept up this slow advance it would be literally too. But he was not about to give up; so Bakura was playing hardball, he could handle this.

 

“Look, what happened between me and Ryou is our affair, and my problem to handle. I just need a chance to earn his forgiveness is all, he still has feelings for me I am sure. Only if I am to get anywhere with Ryou I need a clean shot at him. You're right, you are in my way.”

 

Okay, that was incredibly blunt but Bakura had been the one to have started that, and he got the feeling that being honest like this was going to serve him better in the long run.

 

“So what is it then, trying to buy me off, or threatening to run me out of town are we now?”

 

Bakura knew that it was one of the two, both situations annoying the fuck out of him, his simmering anger now so close to boiling over it would not take much for him to lose his temper completely. Duke was likewise getting annoyed with the way Bakura didn't seem to be backing down.

 

“Alright.” He said softly. “What is it going to take for you to break it off with Ryou and give me my shot?” He asked.

 

Bakura smiled at him all of a sudden, and while on first appearances the expression was a friendly one, anyone who was truly observant would notice the subtle undercurrent running underneath the flawless expression and be immediately on guard.

 

“So, what kind of deal is this, money... favours?”

 

Duke inwardly grinned as Bakura's tone turned soft, reasonable, something that he could handle. It seemed that he was coming around. He felt a stab of triumph; he knew that everyone had their price.

 

“Anything, if it is within my powers to provide then it is yours in return for breaking up with Ryou.”

 

Bakura appeared to ponder for a minute, thinking over the proposal that Duke had given him. Even as Bakura's gaze met his, Duke did not notice the dangerous glint in Bakura's crimson eyes, the colour deepening to the hue of blood.

 

“I know, how about this?” Bakura said with a smile. “How about you cut off your dick and eat it so then you can truly be dickless, that should do it I think?”

 

It took a moment for what Bakura had said to actually hit him, because the way Bakura had delivered the insult had been so matter of fact that his brain failed to register it all at once. He felt the heat rising to his face as he realised he was being toyed with, now feeling angry with his rival.

 

“What did you just say?” He growled.

 

Duke might have wanted to start a confrontation but Bakura was way ahead of him and was grabbing him by the front of his shirt before he could even blink. He grunted as Bakura shoved him against the wall.

 

“Take your damn hands off me or you are going to regret it.” He snarled.

 

“Listen here you shitty little asshole and listen good. I hope to God that you don't seriously take me for such a fool as to actually seriously consider that revolting offer of yours. Do you really think I care so little for Ryou that I would just throw away his feelings because you want me to?”

 

Duke opened his mouth to say something in reply, but it was a bad move and only resulted in Bakura shoving him against the wall roughly, the earthbound angel's anger now starting to show.

 

“You arrogant shit, you don't give a damn who you trample on do you? You insult Ryou by suggesting that he would fall back into your arms if the way was clear for you, assuming that you are really that worth forgiving, you insult me by suggesting that I care nothing for Ryou and would sell up. Well let me enlighten you to a few things. Firstly that not all of us are emotionally retarded little pissants like you, and are not so shallow as to think feelings don't matter. I also happen to love Ryou, but then again someone who has the emotional range of dog shit might not understand the concept.”

 

Bakura was ranting and he knew it, but Duke had him angry. He wasn't much more than a spoiled little brat who wanted everything his own way and would do anything to make sure he got what he wanted, but he hadn't any idea of who or what he was dealing with. It was about time someone took the obnoxious prick down a peg or two and by all the Heaven's Bakura was in the mood to do just that.

 

“Ryou is never coming back to you whether I am in the picture or not, you screwed that up a very long time ago. So I suggest you just get over him and your own ego and just swallow it. Oh, and if you ever come near him again, I don't care how rich or powerful you are, I will rip your fucking head off!”

 

With a last shove that sent Duke's head into the wall behind him Bakura finally stepped back. He was about to walk away, but then again he wasn't the only one here who was pissed off.

 

“Well good luck with the little rat.” Duke hissed at Bakura as he rubbed the back of his head, losing his composure at last.

 

Bakura froze even as he had been walking away, a shadow falling over his face as the bastard insulted Ryou.

 

“I hope you have more luck than I did getting the frigid little bastard into bed, it's a shame that someone so pretty has the sexual instincts of a sloth.”

 

Bakura didn't see red, that had happened ages ago. Duke didn't see Bakura move. One moment he was standing yelling insults at the white haired man's back, and the next he was on the concrete, his face a mass of pain, with the taste of blood in his mouth and sticky, wet warmth on his face. Bakura had punched Duke so hard he had actually dislodged a tooth, split his lip and, as would be discovered later when cleaning up the blood that was pouring from his nose, actually broken his nose too. Angry didn't cover it, it had been pure rage behind that punch. Duke put his hand to his face, staring at the crimson fluid on his fingertips in dumb disbelief. That was a mistake because it meant that he didn't see the booted foot coming his way in time to avoid it, and it connected to his ribs, causing him to cry out in indignant and pained shock. As he lay on the ground, clutching at his wounds, he looked up at Bakura and felt a stab of fear, the angel looked anything but angelic, dangerous and feral.

 

“That's for Ryou.” Came the quiet and dangerous growl, which promised more pain if Duke even so much as twitched in a way he didn't like. “That's for making him think that his lover's pleasure comes before his own. And you will never understand how precious what you lost is. If I ever hear you insult Ryou like that again, you will be contemplating the idiocy of your actions from a hospital bed while eating your meals through a straw. If I ever lay eyes on you again I won't be so gentle.”

 

Bakura walked away leaving Duke a mess on the concrete. He had to, he had to walk away right then or risk tearing him apart with his bare hands he was so fucking angry. He knew Ryou would be angry with him when he found out about this, and find out he would no doubt, he had just smashed the face of Domino's most well known and influential businessman, but the bastard had deserved it. He didn't like the rage which was bubbling and coursing through him right now, nor did he like the feeling of satisfaction that he got from hurting Duke, for doing what he supposed no-one else had the guts to. As he struggled with his emotions, trying to calm down as he walked he idly wondered if anyone had ever had the temerity to say no to Duke before.

 

Duke on the other hand was picking himself up off the floor. Bakura had only delivered two blows, but that had been with a force that had first left him gasping and left him almost trembling in pain. He stared after Bakura as he walked away with hate and jealousy burning in his eyes, the green eyed monster of envy personified. His anger matched Bakura's in strength and ferocity, and while Duke did not know what he was dealing with in Bakura, Bakura likewise did not realise how dangerous his actions were. As Duke tried to staunch his bleeding nose round the pain it caused him he swore to make Bakura pay for what he had just done. Who did he think he was? No-one did this to Duke Devlin and got away with it.

 

He pulled his phone from his pocket and called his staff to come and pick him up, snapping nastily as some damn fool asked him if he was alright when he plainly wasn't. It wasn't long before the car arrived and he was inside, brooding darkly on all that had just happened. Plans and scenarios started to run through his mind. What he lacked in social skills and empathy Duke made up for in intelligence and as such he was running through his options. True emotions were clouding his judgement as he did so, he had a deep seated need for revenge after Bakura pulled that little stunt on him. That need only grew as his personal physician checked him over, pronounced on his injuries and told him off like a child for getting into a fight at all. His nose had to be reset then and there if he didn't want his profile to be mangled forever.

 

It had been a painful process, even with the best pain medication money could buy cushioning him through it. He had sent everyone away and was sat in his study in the dark alone with his anger and the throbbing pain. He was bruised and would be stiff and sore for days as a result of Bakura's ire. He couldn't believe that two blows had banged him up this much. He sure as hell couldn't be seen by the media for days, dark circles were settling under his eyes as bruising formed as a by product from the injury to his nose. It also meant he was going to have to cancel several meetings as he could not afford to be seen like this. One thing was for sure, Bakura had merely been the thorn in his side, now he was the focus of every negative emotion the green-eyed man had. All of a sudden Bakura was responsible for every negative thing that was happening to him at the moment, like the spider in the web that surrounded him, keeping him from his desires and humiliating him in the process. This was a situation that could not be allowed to go on. Bakura had to pay for what he had done, for being such a bastard and not bending to his will, for daring to lay his hands on him like he had. Bakura had to go.

 

He opened the desk drawer beside him, pressing the button to open the secret compartment below the false bottom. He looked at the object that lay there for a moment before reaching in and taking it into his hands. Its weight was a comfort, seemed to offer him the answers he was seeking and calmed the rage in his soul. He smiled softly to himself and sat back, seeing in his mind's eye how things would go. He would take Bakura out and then deal with Ryou, charm him and bring him back to his side. Yes, with Bakura out of his way all would be well. All he had to do was wait for the right opportunity. He closed his eyes smiling, pondering on the future that he was going to carve out for himself, the weight of the gun resting in his lap like the presence of a dear friend.

 

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AN:

So there we are, we have an angry villain wanting vengeance and apparently willing to go to the extremes to get it too. What will happen? Who only knows, well actually I do, and you will all have to wait and see. Hopefully you won't have to wait as long for the next instalment and this writing bug will stick. Who knows, I can but try. Read and review perhaps?