Full Moon

Full Moon

By Mally-chan and hatochiisai

Disclaimer: We do NOT own Yugioh. All original characters DO belong to us, such as Mikado, Ahmose and Takeru, who are hato’s.

YAOI WARNING

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Chapter 1

Wolf Moon

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The next day passed slowly. Ryou had been right. There had been a test, which Yugi AND Joey had been unprepared for. After school he went home, as he said he would. By nine, he'd finished studying, and had gone to the kitchen to look for something to cook. After rummaging, he'd determined he needed to go shopping.

He wrinkled his nose and grabbed his jacket. He'd have to go out, night or not to get food.

The walk to the store was uneventful, though Ryou did hear barks and howls in the distance. The walk HOME, however, was something entirely. Ryou was halfway home when he saw a flash of movement. He turned to see what it was, and in the darkness, saw a pair of glowing blue eyes, and a moment later, he heard a deep growling. The eyes came closer...

Ryou squeaked, clutching his bag tightly and backing away a bit, slowly. He may have been wrong about japanese dogs, but if he backed away slowly then perhaps it would go back to it's business.

The creature just growled louder and drew closer. As it stepped into the light, Ryou couldn't beleive his eyes! The thing looked like a huge black WOLF!!! But to Ryou's knowledge, there were no wolves in Japan!!!

Ryou's eyes widened considerably. "Ok...” he squeaked. "A... um... a wolf...” he backed up more. "In Japan... I've lost my mind... it's just a dream." He whimpered more. "Wolves... a-aren't indigenous to Japan... let alone big… black wolves...”

Suddenly, a car pulled around the corner and the wolf froze. The car sped up quickly and the wolf turned and fled from the headlights and disappeared. The limo stopped and the back door was flung open.

"Get in! Quick!!!" Came a worried voice.

Ryou squeaked in alarm, but listened and climbed in, still clutching his little grocery bag. "Th-thank you...” he breathed looking around dazedly for the one who'd offered the help.

To his surprise, he knew the face of the man sitting there in the limo. He was in the news quite often. After a moment, a name came to Ryou's mind; Seto Kaiba.

"Are you okay?" Seto asked. "What are you thinking, walking around alone at night?!"

Ryou stared, shocked. "I... I got hungry." he said softly. "So I had to go grocery shopping." he said looking at his groceries.

"You should have waited for daylight!!!" Seto snapped. "Do you WANT to get torn apart?"

"Th... that was a wolf wasn't it?" Ryou said looking stunned. "Wolves a-aren't supposed to be in Japan! Where did it come from?!"

"No one knows." Seto said. He eyed Ryou. "Are you new in town or something?"

Ryou nodded. "Yes I am... Why is everyone so... worried about night?"

"You NEVER go out after dark alone." Seto said.

Ryou nodded. "Well... I can’t help it... I live alone...” Ryou said looking down. "I was hungry...”

"Where do you live?" Seto asked, so he could tell his driver where to take the kid.

"413 maple berry...” Ryou said softly. "I'm sorry... you didn't have to save me. I suppose I had it coming...”

"Didn't anyone warn you?!" Seto asked.

"About what?" Ryou asked confusedly.

"Not to go out at night alone!!!" Seto cried.

"Why?" Ryou squeaked backing up a bit and looking down.

"You managed to figure that out on your own." Seto grunted. "You're lucky you didn't become the NEXT mutilated corpse to be found at dawn."

Ryou nodded. "Thank you... wh-what are YOU doing out?"

"Heading home from my office." The man said, then blinked. "Oh, I'm sorry. Seto Kaiba." He said, offering Ryou his hand.

Ryou smiled and took Seto's hand. "Hello... My name's Ryou...” he said softly.

Seto smiled back and nodded. "A pleasure. So... you moved here recently? From England, I'm guessing...”

Ryou blushed. "H-how can you tell?" he asked sheepishly.

"Your accent." Seto said.

Ryou blushed more. "Oh my...” he covered his burning cheeks in his hands. "How observant...”

Seto chuckled. "I have business partners in England." He said.

Ryou peered out between his fingers. "I'm so sorry to trouble you...”

"I wasn't about to let you get KILLED out there!" Seto said as the car pulled up in front of Ryou's house.

Ryou picked up his small bag. "Thank you so much...” he said softly once more. "I... I appreciate you rescuing me."

Seto smiled and nodded, getting out of the car with Ryou to walk him to the door.

Once there Ryou bowed courteously to Seto. "Thank you... would... you like to come in?"

Seto blinked. "Um... sure." He said, shrugging and waving at his driver.

Ryou smiled warmly and opened the door for Seto. "I... well I'd like to thank you for saving me." He said softly. "Have... you eaten dinner?" he asked. "I... I could cook something for you." he set his groceries on the table. "I'm an excellent cook."

Seto blinked. "Ummm...” He flushed slightly. "You don't have to do that...”

"I want to." Ryou said smiling brightly. "Please! If it wasn't for you, I'd be like you said, the next mutilated corpse!" Ryou giggled softly. "Besides, I can tell you're a busy man, I bet you haven't eaten since your own breakfast, if even then."

Seto blinked, then smiled and chuckled. "Alright then...” He said, nodding. "Dinner would be nice...”

Ryou beamed and nodded. "I'll make some tea." he said softly. "You can um... watch tv, or whatever you wish. I promise to cook quickly!" Ryou squeaked beginning to gather his cooking supplies.

Seto chuckled and shook his head. "Where's the bathroom?" He asked.

"Upstairs, second door on the left." Ryou called back

Seto turned and walked upstairs, glancing at the pictures on the wall as he went.

The wall had few pictures, and most contained Ryou, with his father. Near the bathroom, was the one solitary picture of a woman holding the pale haired baby. Ryou's late mother.

Seto blinked and peered closer, curious and intrigued, but after a bit he continued on to the bathroom.

By the time Seto had returned, the house was beginning to fill with the mouthwatering aroma of a well cooked meal. Ryou was making spicy rice curry, egg rolls and a small rotisserie chicken to split between the two of them.

Seto walked into the kitchen. "That smells excellent!!!"

Ryou grinned. "I'm an excellent cook." Ryou said once more. "Please, sit. The tea's ready." he said proudly. He opened the cabinet and got two cups out and set them down on the table, pouring the hot green tea. "The food's almost ready... I'm sorry it took so long!"

"Not at all." Seto said, sipping the tea and relaxing. "So... is it just you here? I didn't see or hear anyone else home."

Ryou nodded. "My... father is busy with his excavations...” he said softly. "I live alone."

"Excavations?" Seto asked.

Ryou nodded. "He's an archeologist... his work leads him far from home... it's why we moved. He's worried something may happen... and well... my legal guardians are here, incase that happens."

Seto blinked. "Your legal guardians?"

Ryou nodded. "In... the event of an accident, they become my guardians yes." Ryou said getting up to fetch the food which was finished cooking. He handed Seto a bowl of the curry, setting the pot on the table for seconds, a plate of egg rolls and the rotisserie chicken. "Here." Ryou said grinning, fixing his own bowl and picking three of the egg rolls for the small side-plate he'd set out for himself.

Seto smiled. "It looks great! Smells great, too!!!" He said, and tried it. "Oh... wow... it IS great... you planning on going to culinary school?"

Ryou blushed. "Oh heavens no. I just enjoy cooking." He said softly. "Thank you for the lovely compliment though... I tried my best to make you a wonderful dinner as my thank you."

"It's wonderful!!! I'm tempted to hire you on as head of my kitchen staff!" Seto said, grinning.

Ryou squeaked. "Surely I'm not as good as all that!" he said blushing darkly. "I'm just a common high school student...”

"A common high school student who is a genius in the kitchen." Seto said, poking more rice into his mouth.

Ryou blushed more, but looked absolutely ecstatic. "I'm so flattered!" He said excitedly. "I-if you want, I could cook for you. I don’t mind at all! Good food is always better with good company."

Seto smiled and nodded. "That it is. Although, with food this good, it might be tough to remember that you HAVE company!"

Ryou giggled. "Now I know you're just trying to embarrass me." he said grinning. "You'll spoil me with all the compliments!"

Seto chuckled, enjoying Ryou's company very much. "How old are you, Ryou?"

"Seventeen." He said smiling. "And you?"

"Twenty-one." Seto said. "So you're a High School Sophomore? Or a Junior?"

"Sophomore." Ryou said softly. "I would have been a junior, but Japan has a higher learning standard." He giggled. "At least I'm not learning the same things over again." he added. "I hear so much about you over the television and radio... you're the talk of the town. I even saw you in a magazine. 'Domino's most eligible bachelor'." Ryou laughed.

Seto choked on his tea, then rolled his eyes. "Oh God... I could have cared LESS when I was given THAT title...” He said.

Ryou giggled. "Well isn't it society's ever-present title for you? You haven't gotten married yet." he said shaking his head. "Women will beat down your door til you do."

Seto rolled his eyes. "Unfortunately...” He grumbled. "It's an absolute nightmare...” He said.

"Really? how so?" Ryou asked as he ate. "Most men would love a horde of girls."

"I'm trying to run a company AND raise my younger brother. It's not easy. I don't have TIME for romance. Maybe when my brother gets older, but...” He sighed and shrugged.

Ryou nodded. "You say it like romance is a hard endevor." Ryou giggled. "It's not very time consuming at all if you are truly in love."

Seto chuckled. "What's time consuming is finding and MEETING someone I can actually stand." He said, finishing his tea.

Ryou laughed at that. "That's not even hard either." He offered Seto more tea.

"Oh yes it is!!" Seto insisted, accepting more tea.

Ryou rolled his eyes. "But you meet people each and every day! Surely someone was moderately attractive and polite." Ryou giggled.

"Mostly they're just rich snobs who are looking to marry my name and assets." Seto said.

"Everyone? What about workers? Surely you've met them as well. You don’t have to marry someone who's rich. Money can’t buy happiness." Ryou said shaking his head.

"The people of... forgive me for this, I hate this term, lower classes... tend to avoid me... They find me intimidating." Seto said.

Ryou blinked. "Really? Other than being quite tall, you're not very intimidating at all to me... but perhaps that's because I'm new to Japan...” Ryou said thoughtfully.

Seto smiled. "Well... usually I have my business face on...” He said.

"And that looks much different than your normal face?" Ryou grinned. "I'm sure."

Seto's face suddenly hardened. The smile faded and the light in his eyes went out. Ryou suddenly found himself staring at a tall man with hard eyes, cold as ice, and no emotion in his face. The man looked down on him as though he were worthless and insignificant.

"I'm quite sure...” Came the equally hard, cold, emotionless voice. Ryou was startled. This man was a completely different person.

Ryou blinked slightly but laughed. "You remind me of my father!" he said shaking his head. "He would do that when he was scolding me, but you can see the smile in his eyes, even then!" Ryou giggled more. "and I can see the smile in your eyes too, despite how you try to hide it."

Seto blinked, and the warm friendly Seto came back. "That side of me never comes out around people I don't WANT to intimidate, really... I don't think I could show you the me that people are scared of."

"Maybe not... After all you'd just be picking on a sophmore." Ryou teased.

"Right. There's no POINT in intimidating you." Seto said. "Especially after such a GREAT dinner!"

Ryou blushed. "Well... thank you. It's a pleasure to have a bit of company." Ryou said softly. "I get lonesome sometimes... What with father gone all the time...”

Seto blinked, then smiled wider. "I know what you mean...” He said. "Hey... maybe... maybe we could go out for coffee sometime...” Seto said. "You're British... you could... help me with my English. I REALLY need help with it...”

Ryou smiled softly. "Certainly, I don’t mind helping you at all... I could go... see you at the college tomorrow after school if you wanted... classes get out early enough." Ryou offered.

Seto blinked, then smiled and nodded. "That would be nice." He said. "I get out at noon." He said. "What about you? Four?"

"One thirty." Ryou said smiling. "I'll be at the college by two thirty. Is that alright?"

Seto blinked, then smiled and nodded. "Sure." He said. "At the little cafe outside of the library?"

Ryou smiled. "Perhaps in one of the courtyards. I like the trees." Ryou offered. "I love trees."

Seto blinked. "Ummm... okay... there's a little area NEAR the cafe by the library...”

Ryou looked ecstatic. "Sounds wonderful!" he said eagerly. "I'll be there!"

Seto smiled. "Okay then." He said, polishing off his second cup of tea. "Well then, on that note, I really should be getting home." He said. "My brother is probably wondering where I am."

Ryou nodded. "Thank you for rescuing me again!" Ryou said eagerly, walking Seto to the door and opening it for him.

Seto nodded. "Sure thing. And remember... don't go out at night alone!" He said, shaking his finger at Ryou.

Ryou blushed. "I won’t!" he giggled closing the door once Seto was safely in his limo.

The next day after school Ryou hurried home and began cooking. By the time he'd finished he'd packed his surprise meal for Seto in a bento box. Rice with steak on top, with shrimp and crab legs, egg rolls and two kinds of dipping sauces were in each of the compartments.

He smiled brightly and carried his 'precious' cargo with him as he walked to the college, proud to have a gift for Seto.

As he made his way through the campus however, a door to a building suddenly opened, and out came Ahmose. He blinked and looked at the white haired boy.

"... Ryou, right?" He asked, walking over.

Ryou blinked and nodded slowly. "Y-yes... I'm looking for Seto." he said softly. "He's supposed to meet me...”

Ahmose blinked, then frowned. "Seto? Not Seto... KAIBA?!"

"You called...?" Came a sudden growl. Ryou turned and found himself staring at the man that Seto said people usually saw... and Ryou found him to be VERY intimidating indeed, and almost frightening. But he found Ahmose looking the EXACT same way. Ahmose and Seto were GLARING at each other with intense hatred.

Ryou blinked. "Um... What's going on?" Ryou squeaked, looking a bit surprised. "Are you two... not friendly towards each other?"

"Far from...” Ahmose growled through clenched teeth.

"What the hell are YOU doing here, Inarus?" Seto snarled.

"I DO attend this University, Kaiba...” Ahmose hissed. "Just got out of class." The doors behind Ahmose opened and Yami came out, stopping once he saw the pair glaring at each other.

"Hey... Seto." Yami said warily.

Ryou tugged Seto's arm. "C'mon...” he cooed. "Let’s get going... I brought you something." Ryou said offering a weak smile.

Yami nodded. "Come on Ahmose... there's better things to do."

Seto and Ahmose both narrowed their eyes and looked as though they were going to lunge at each other's throats, but they finally allowed themselves to be pulled away. Yami was quite alarmed when he found Ahmose's teeth to be sharp again, along with his fingernails.

Yami pulled Ahmose away and gave him a worried look once they were out of earshot. "What was with that...?" he asked softly.

Walking in the opposite direction, Ryou was asking Seto the same thing.

"Ahmose and Yami and I grew up together. Were always in the same class. We always competed. We NEVER got along... Yami at least made it seem like a more FRIENDLY rivalry. But Inarus and myself never pretended to like each other...” Seto explained.

Ryou nodded slowly. "I... I brought you this." He cooed, once Seto had picked a fine tree to sit under. He presented the blue eyed CEO with his precious bento boxed lunch. "I... thought you might be hungry."

Seto blinked and took it, surprised. "I, uh... wow... Thanks...” He mumbled, then opened it, and his eyes widened. "Oh... wow...” He breathed, looking up at Ryou and smiling. "Thank you... this looks great!" He looked quite thrilled at the little gift. "You didn't have to do this...”

Ryou grinned. "I wanted to. You complimented my cooking so much, I couldn't help it." he said softly. "I enjoy compliments...”

Seto blinked, then chuckled and put the thing into Ryou's hands. "Wait here." He said. "I'll get us something to drink." He stood and headed for the little cafe near the library, turning and calling back, "What do you want?"

Ryou blinked cutely. "Whatever you give me I'll take!" he said smiling contently.

Seto nodded and continued on his way to the cafe, returning soon with some lemonade and plopping down with Ryou again.

Ryou grinned and eagerly took a sip of his lemonade. "Mmm... thank you it's delicious." he said offering Seto a sincere smile. "So... how can I help?" he added after a moment. "Where to start?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

As Yami and Ahmose walked through the parking lot towards there car, Yami tried to smooth Ahmose's ruffled feathers. Yami and Seto WERE rivals, but there was just bad blood between Seto and Ahmose.

"Hey!" Both turned and looked at Marik, sitting on the hood of Ahmose's car. "What's up? Ahmose, your dad called me last night asking where you were... he sounded pretty pissed...” He blinked and Ahmose, then cocked his head. "Hey... what got YOUR hackles raised?"

"We ran across Seto." Yami explained. "Well, first we ran into Ryou, who was looking for Seto... THEN we ran into Seto. Ahmose all but growled at the guy." Yami rubbed Ahmose's shoulders. "They're over that way, sitting in the shade." Yami said looking over his shoulder, hands busied on Ahmose's tense shoulders.

Marik blinked and peered over Yami and Ahmose's heads, staring at Ryou and Seto. He frowned. "Since when does Ryou know the Rich Boy?" He asked.

Yami shrugged. "Heck if I know... he was just there when I found Seto and Ahmose about to have a showdown in the middle of campus. Ryou lured him away saying he'd brought him something." Yami said rolling his eyes. "He’s lucky Seto went willingly… I had to drag Ahmose away...”

"Hmmm...” Marik said, looking deep in thought. Then he turned to Ahmose. "Why is it that the majority of the times you almost loose control and change in public are centered around Seto?" Ahmose just turned and glared at Marik, and snarled. Marik raised his eyebrows, and his hands at the sight of the other boy's sharp canines.

"Whoa... easy Inarus! It's just a question!!! Now come here and let me sniff you over so I can tell you if you're safe to go home to daddy." He said. Ahmose snorted, but walked over and Marik gave him a thorough sniffing.

"Well... I don't THINK I smelled your... fun with Yami. But you may wanna put on some aftershave or something... just in case." Marik said, and Ahmose nodded, sighing and leaning against the car.

"Gods... I do NOT want to go home...” He mumbled.

Yami smiled. "You gotta. You can’t hang around me forever Ahmose... Your father may send someone to kill me if you hang around me too long, THEN who would you talk to?" He said grinning. "Besides, who else would fuck you as good as I do?"

Ahmose blushed at that, and his eyes widened. "Uhhhh...” Marik snickered. Ahmose shook his head, then looked at Yami. "I'm more concerned about my brother." He said. "If I'm not there, dad turns his anger onto Mikado. That's the only fuckin' reason I haven't moved out. I'm not my brother's guardian, so I can't take him with me. And as long as I'm in the house I can make sure that if dad has to hit someone, it's me and not Mikado."

Yami smiled. "See? We have classes together." Yami added. "We can share lunch tomorrow or something. You've got a brother to look after." Yami said nodding affirmatively. "So go home."

Ahmose sighed and nodded. "Yeah...” He mumbled. "I should. Dad's probably not happy that I took off and was gone for two days... again...” He turned and unlocked his car. "You two need a ride anywhere?"

Yami shook his head. "Sure, drop me off at my place?" he asked as Ahmose opened the door. "Thanks."

Ahmose nodded, glancing as Marik hopped into the back seat. "Work." The blonde said, and Ahmose nodded, turning on the ignition and pulling out of the college parking lot.

Ahmose pulled up in front of the butcher where Marik worked, and froze, eyes wide.

"Shit...” He gasped, and Marik froze as well.

"Oh damn...” He muttered, staring inside of the butcher. Yami blinked and looked in. He saw Marik's boss talking with a man who looked... a lot like Ahmose, only older.

Yami blinked. "What's wrong?" he asked confusedly.

"That's Ahmose's bastard father!!!" Marik hissed, and got out of the car. "GO!" And he slammed the door. Ahmose slammed on the gas and shot off before his father could turn around.

Yami yelped slightly at the sudden motion of the car. "That's your father?! He hardly looks older than you!"

Ahmose snorted and frowned, turning around the corner.

"He was fifteen when I was born. Nineteen when Mikado was born." Ahmose said. "He's thirty five now."

"He looks incredibly young...” Yami said shaking his head. "What was he doing there?"

Ahmose frowned. "Well... he COULD have been buying meat... but more likely, he was looking for Marik to see if he knows where I --SHIT!!!" Ahmose slammed on the breaks as his father suddenly emerged from an alley and walked right into the middle of the street and glared at the black SUV he was standing in front of.

Yami coughed slightly. "Busted." he said softly, though it was easy to tell he was just as nervous as Ahmose was.

Ahmose gulped as his father slowly approached the car, walking around to the driver's window. Ahmose closed his eyes briefly, trying to calm himself, then rolled down the window and looked his father in the eye. Takeru glared at his son, then turned his glare onto Yami. He narrowed his eyes and STARED at the human boy, and Ahmose gulped slightly as he noticed his father's nostrils quivering as he inhaled the scents wafting out of the car.

Yami frowned softly, but gave the man a calm and quite submissive look. "Good afternoon." he said softly. If there was one thing Ahmose had told him, it was to never act dominant around a wolf who didn't know you...

Ahmose was silently praying that Takeru could pick up nothing of his... love life with Yami. But a moment later, Takeru turned back to Ahmose.

"Where the fuck have you been, pup?!" He snarled, and Ahmose glared back.

"... Around." He ground out between clenched teeth.

Yami frowned slightly. "We've been hitting the books pretty hard lately." Yami said softly. "Midterms are coming up soon, and Ahmose wanted to study."

Takeru's eyes flashed and darted over to Yami.

"Did I ask you, boy?!" He growled.

"Yami...” Ahmose said, warningly. "He's a classmate, dad. We have a project together and we're study partners." He said. Takeru glared at his son again.

Yami bit his lip to silence himself. Already he could tell he didn't like Ahmose's father. He had to wonder how anyone like Ahmose could have ever come from the bastard.

"Oh, you're busy studying, huh? But not too busy to take your brother to a college frat party?!" Takeru shouted. "Get rid of him and get your ass home!!!" Ahmose winced under his father's glare and looked down with a slight nod.

"Yessir...” He mumbled, and Takeru turned and walked away. Ahmose rolled up the window and headed for Yami's house. "... Sorry about that...” He mumbled.

"You're related to him?" Yami blurted. "You're hardly anything alike! He's a complete ass hat!"

….ass hat?

Yes. Ass hat.

………. Um… ooookay…

Just post

Ahmose sighed and nodded. "I dunno how I'm related to him either, really... I dunno how he even got my mother into bed with him...” He snorted. "And he DOES look younger than he is. And he uses that to his advantage with women." He pulled up in front of Yami's house. "Here you go... I'd better get home before he comes looking for me again...”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

By the time Ryou was finished teaching Seto, it was nearing evening, but as the sun was still out, he opted to walk home. He had some shopping to do, and there was a fine butcher shop, and bakery on the way home from the college.

Said butcher shop HAPPENED to be the one that Marik was working at. Marik was preparing to close and thinking of brining Bakura his favorite treat; a nice, red and bloody steak.

That's when the little pale Ryou came in, the door jingling. "Oh hello." he said recognizing Marik. "I didn't realize this is where you worked."

Marik blinked and looked at Ryou. "Oh. Hey. Ry, Ryou. Right?"

Ryou nodded smiling brightly. "Yeah, I'm surprised you remembered my name...” he said shaking his head. "We hardly met."

"We had dinner." Marik pointed out. "What can I get you?" He asked.

"I was hoping to buy some sirloin steak, some porkloin, and some chicken breasts boneless, if you have that." he cooed. "The best possible quality too."

Marik grinned. "How many of each?" He asked, pulling on his gloves and getting the packing paper ready.

Ryou looked thoughtful. "Four of the steaks, three of the pork, and six of the chicken breasts please."

Marik smiled and nodded, getting them all out, trimming fat from the steaks, weighing them, pricing them, packaging them and piling them all up. "Okay...” He said, going to the register. "That will be... forty four eighty six." He said, winking. "With discount."

Ryou giggled and dug into his wallet and gave Marik his credit card. "Do you take these? I have cash if you don’t." He said softly.

Marik smiled. "We take 'em." He said, swiping Ryou's car and returning it.

Ryou put his credit card back and bowed gratefully. "Thank you. Sorry I came so late, I'm sure you were just closing. But I was out of meat, and I can’t cook any delicious food, without some meat."

Marik smiled. "No problem." He said, cleaning up. "So... you're friends with Seto Kaiba, hm? Heard you kept him and Ahmose from gouging out each other's eyes this afternoon...” He chuckled.

"Oh that's only because I brought him lunch." Ryou giggled. "I invited him to dinner the other night. He saved me."

Marik blinked. "Saved you?" He asked. "From what?"

"A wolf!" Ryou said blinking. "Can you believe that? Wolves in Japan. That's crazy! Wolves don’t belong here!"

Marik froze, and his eyes widened. "You... you were out at night?! ALONE?!?" Marik all but shouted.

"It's not like I had a choice!" Ryou pouted. "It was either run to the grocery store and buy something to eat, or starve! Besides, I'm still alive aren't I?"

"Only because you got RESCUED!!!" Marik cried, removing his apron and beginning to close up.

"I know." Ryou said smiling brightly. "Thank goodness huh? Seto's so nice too. I'm going to cook him lunch again tomorrow."

"So...” Marik said, shutting off the lights. "You like him?"

"Who? Seto?" Ryou said confusedly. "He's alright... why?"

"Well... it sounds like you two are dating." Marik said.

Ryou blushed darkly. "Dating? Me? Oh I don’t think so... he said he doesn't have time for romance, and besides I'm not exactly dating material...”

"Why not?" Marik asked, smiling. "I think you are."

Ryou turned a dark shade of red and fixed an embarrassed look on Marik. "Me? Oh heavens no... Dating is for beautiful people."

Marik blinked, and HIS eyes widened and HE blushed, when he realized what he had just said. But he smiled and shook his head, chuckling. "No, dating is for ANYONE who wants to date." He said, flipping the Open sign to Closed.

Ryou giggled softly. "Well... I'm sure he wouldn't want to date me just the same. I'm so odd looking... I'm rather homely in my opinion. Rich people deserve beautiful lovers."

Marik blinked. "Really? I think you're very pretty. Elegant." He said, opening the door for Ryou with a smile.

Ryou blushed. "Really?" Ryou stepped out looking ecstatic. "I've... never been attractive before... I've been made fun of because of how pale I am...”

Marik blinked. "That's a shame." He said, locking up the store. "Come on. It's getting dark. I'll walk you home." He said.

"Thank you." he said softly, clutching his bag from the bakery and butcher. "You... think I'm really... attractive?" Ryou asked after a moment of silence.

Marik smiled, flushing a bit. "Um... yeah." He said, taking the bags from Ryou and carrying them for him. "Yeah, I do... I think you're really pretty...”

Ryou blushed more. "Th-thank you...” he said softly. "I... I think you're pretty handsome...” he added after a moment.

Marik blinked, then smiled and blushed. "Ummm... thanks...” He said, walking a bit closer to Ryou.

Ryou fidgeted slightly. "Why are there wolves in Japan? Did they get loose from the zoo?" he asked after a moment. "That wolf was so aggressive... I guess I was terribly lucky Seto happened across me...” he said softly. "That horrid black beast would have eaten me for sure otherwise...”

Marik's eyes widened. "Wait... black? A black wolf?"

Ryou nodded. "Yes, it was a black wolf."

Marik frowned. "Wow... hmmm...” He mumbled to himself, looking deeply worried and deep in thought.

"What's wrong?" Ryou asked after a moment. "You look so worried...”

Marik blinked. "Huh?! Oh... no, I'm fine... just... NOW do you beleive me? Please tell me you won't go out at night alone again...”

Ryou nodded. "I try not to. That wolf was so frightening! I'll never forget those cold blue eyes! He looked ready to kill!"

Marik paused with a frown, and muttered "I thought so...” But then he turned and smiled at Ryou. "Well... I'm glad you're okay." He said.

Ryou nodded. "Me too... w-would you like to... stay over?" Ryou asked after a moment. "I've been a bit uneasy at night since the wolf...” he looked down. "It's so silly I know... wolves don’t have cognitive thought to hold hatred towards someone, but I felt lately, like I've been watched...”

Marik suddenly looked very worried. "You... have?" He asked.

Ryou nodded and looked down. "Silly huh?" he kicked a pebble. "I'm sure the wolf's long gone, wolves don’t stake out a person and follow them around...”

Marik sighed. "Actually, Ryou...” He said softly. "These wolves... sometimes do...”

Ryou blinked. "Why on earth would they do that?! And why ME?"

"They aren't... normal wolves." Marik said as they arrived at Ryou's house.

Ryou opened the door and stepped in, waiting for Marik to enter as well before closing and locking the door. "What do you mean?"

Marik sighed. "You wouldn't beleive me if I told you the truth." He said.

Ryou blinked looking confused. "The truth? Please tell."

"You would NEVER beleive it." Marik said again.

"So? Try me, I'm gullible." Ryou said giggling. "Would you like some dinner?"

Marik sighed. "Ryou, they aren't wolves, they're werewolves."

"Werewolves? Those are just fairytale!" Ryou said blinking. "Besides, there've been no werewolf sightings in ages!"

Marik sighed. "We've gotten more careful." He said with a shrug.

"We? As in... you're a werewolf?" Ryou laughed. "You certainly don’t look very wolfish."

Marik's eyes widened. "Oh fuck... did I say 'we'?!"

Ryou giggled. "Yes you did. Apparently not careful enough, if you ARE a werewolf."

Marik sighed and plopped down onto the sofa, throwing up his hands. "Yes. I'm a werewolf." He said calmly. "And if the black wolf you saw had blueish eyes, then that was our Alpha. And... he's ruthless...”

Ryou giggled softly. "Are you into gangs?" he asked. "This all sounds so silly!"

Marik sighed. "Told you that you wouldn't beleive me." He said.

"Well it is a bit farfetched don’t you think?" Ryou asked after a moment. "I mean... come now...”

Marik shrugged. "It's not strange to me. I was born a werewolf." He said. "Lycanthropy is my life." And he gave Ryou a timid smile.

Ryou giggled again. "How does steak, mashed potatoes and gravy and hot buttered rolls sound?" he asked. "Since you're staying over. I feel much better having you here, even if you are a bit off...”

Marik frowned. "I am NOT a bit... well, yeah, maybe a bit, but I AM a werewolf!!!"

"I don’t believe that. That's just silly! You aren't a wolf!" Ryou giggled more. "Far too handsome for that."

Marik smiled. "You flatter me." He said. "Where's the bathroom?"

"Upstairs, second door on the right.” Ryou called beginning to cook once more.

Marik nodded and walked out of the kitchen. Two minutes later, Ryou heard something behind him, what sounded like the panting of a dog and the clicking of claws on tiles. Turning, Ryou found himself staring at a golden canine in the middle of his kitchen, staring at him with piercing lilac eyes. After a moment, he realized that this was a short haired wolf.

Ryou blinked and backed up, holding his little wooden spoon threateningly. He whimpered. "Attack me and I'll smash your face in I swear it!" he threatened feebly, absolutely terrified.

The wolf cocked his head, and sat down, rolling his tongue out with a noise of amusement and a tail wag. Suddenly, Ryou recognized golden earrings dangling from the animal's ears.

Ryou slowly calmed down. "Oh my goodness...” he squeaked staring and looking very shocked to say the least. "I-is... is that YOU Marik?" he stammered backing up a bit more.

The dog scooted forwards and gave a few yaps, tail wagging harder.

"O-oh my goodness! No wonder you eat like a complete slob! You're a wolf!" he bumped back into the wall, and slowly slid down it, staring shocked.

Marik cocked his head, then stood. Ryou watched in shock as the wolf began to change, legs lengthening and becoming human legs and arms with paws, and taking on a more human body, but the face remained more wolf. The creature stood on its hind legs and slowly walked over to Ryou, then knelt.

"I won't hurt you...” Marik's gentle smooth tone came from the beast's mouth. "Now do you beleive me?"

Ryou whimpered softly, wide eyed, but swallowed hard and nodded. "A-a-alright...” he stammered nodding slowly.

Marik smiled. "You can't tell ANYONE this, Ryou... for one, not many would beleive you... but... if the Alpha ever found out that I revealed what I am to a human... well...” He sighed. "The penalty would probably be... death...”

Ryou nodded once more. "I w-wont tell...” he stammered. "Y-you're really... REAL aren't you?" he said raising a shaking hand to touch Marik. The small hand gently touched Marik's snout, and pet him slightly. "Y-You ARE... you're REAL... a real... w-werewolf!"

Marik smiled and closed his eyes slightly. "That feels nice...” He sighed.

Ryou slowly calmed down and continued petting Marik. "Y-you... were born this way?" he asked softly, moving to scratch behind Marik's ears.

Marik nodded and sat down next to Ryou. "Yeah. My sister and brother are werewolves, too."

Ryou nodded. "You're so furry... I bet you get fleas!" he giggled.

"I do NOT!!! Marik snorted. "The whole pack takes Canine Advantix to keep away fleas and ticks… And heartworm pills."

Ryou giggled at that. "Do you chase cats too?" he giggled and tackled Marik into an amused hug.

Marik laughed and let Ryou hug him, his tail thumping on the floor eagerly. "Not anymore."

Ryou giggled more and began rubbing Marik's belly. "Oh this is fun!" he giggled. "You're so furry and funny!" he giggled more. "How'd you do this? Is it a full moon?" At that he jumped up to look outside.

Marik flopped over to enjoy the belly rub. "No. On the full moon, we're FORCED to change to a full wolf." He said. "But otherwise, we control our changes."

"Full wolf, as in like you were a moment ago, or full wolf as in what you are now?" Ryou asked looking at Marik and grinning.

"What I was a moment ago." Marik said, his leg starting to kick.

Ryou giggled and tackled Marik into more scratchings. "They're all wolves aren't they? Bakura, and Ahmose and them."

Marik nodded. "Oooohh... Y-Yeah... Malik, and Bakura, and Mikado and Ahmose... oh, and Otogi."

"That's so neat...” Ryou said softly. "Alright... up you get. I'll leave your steak rare." he cooed. "Sound nice?"

"Yeah!!!" Marik exclaimed. "I'm gonna go get dressed!" And he walked out of the room, taller than his human form.

Ryou laughed softly and finished his cooking while Marik was gone. When he returned he was met with hot potatoes and gravy, a juicy rare steak (that he himself had just cut earlier) and two hot buttered rolls. "Dig in!" Ryou giggled. "Try not to eat TOO fast though... so I know you're enjoying it."

Marik smiled and nodded, sitting down at the table furless and fully dressed. "Thank you very much." He said. "It looks WONDERFUL."

Ryou nodded. "I rubbed your steak with some herbs and spices... I bet it'll taste fantastic!" he cooed, sitting and beginning to eat.

Marik tried it. "Mmmmmm... oh, it IS!!" He groaned, slowly savoring the flavor and the meat's juices.

"Seto reacted much the same way, then showered me with compliments." Ryou said blushing. "I never felt more special."

Marik frowned slightly. "I see. Well... you deserve the compliments." He said, feeling a slight twinge of jealously rising in him, which surprised him.

Ryou blushed more. "Thank you...” he cooed offering a soft smile. "I rarely get them... but when I do I absolutely adore them. I'm... sure you've noticed by now... I live alone." Ryou looked down. "It's rather lonesome...”

Marik smiled. "I can imagine... Bakura lives alone, too." He said. "But you seem to get along okay. You certainly don't STARVE!!! This is better than the restaurants!!!"

Ryou blushed more, but looked simply enthralled. "Oh you flatter me!" he said proudly. "w-would you like to stay the night? I can prepare a bed for you. I wouldn't mind... the company." he said sheepishly. "I've got movies to watch, and I make the best s’mores ever."

Marik blinked, then smiled. "I'd like that very much." He said. "I may not live alone, but... I guess... I'm lonely, too...”

Ryou clapped slightly in his glee. "It's settled! You can stay the night!" he looked thrilled. "I'll give you the best linens and the softest pillows!" he added. "And we can watch movies and eat s’mores!" The pale youth finished his dinner and once Marik was done, he scurried to the linen closet and got the silk sheets and the warm feather comforter and two large feather pillows and hurried up the stairs, dressing a bed for Marik.

Marik chuckled, shaking his head and watching Ryou. "Come on, now... You don't have to do all of this. I would be perfectly comfortable on the floor!"

Ryou shook his head as he worked. "Heavens no! The floors are cold and dirty and hardly comfortable!" he said as he worked. "You're a guest in my home, and I intend to treat you like a prince until you leave. It's only proper!" Ryou finished fitting the bed, and put the pillows into their cases, before flipping on the top sheet, and the comforter. "There!" he said proudly. "The softest bed you'll ever sleep in!"

Marik smiled and shook his head in amusement. "I don't doubt it." He said. "It looks heavenly.”

Ryou grinned. "Care to try it out?" he asked stepping aside. "Go ahead, lay down. You'll sink right in!"

"If I do, I won't get out." Marik chuckled, shaking his head.

"I take it you're not used to hospitality?" he said then frowned when howling was heard. "Ahh...” he shuddered. "That frightens me, especially now that I know it's werewolves and that one's out to get me...”

Marik frowned and turned, cocking his head. "Hmmm... not to worry. It's just one of the girls calling for company."

"Do... do you really think that black wolf is still after me?" Ryou asked looking a bit frightened. "Knowing... what I do now, I feel terrible living alone! What if he got so mad he just decided to break in and maul me?!"

Marik sighed. "Well... as I said, that wolf was probably our Alpha. We COULD convince him to leave you alone. He doesn't want us to be found out. If he knows you're a friend of ours, he'll probably leave you alone. Not because we like you, but because if you got killed and mutilated, police would eventually want to talk to your friends, and Takeru doesn't want a police investigation anywhere NEAR the pack."

Ryou smiled. "I'd like that... he frightened me so badly!" Ryou grinned broadly. "What movie would you like to watch?"

Marik blinked. "No werewolf movies. They suck." He said.

"Well why don’t you pick? I'll watch anything you want!" Ryou said eager to please his guest.

Marik smiled and shrugged. "Okay... what do you have?" He asked.

"Everything!" Ryou said taking Marik's hand and pulling him from the room to the den. "I've got action and romance and horror and comedy and - -" He went down the list eagerly.

Marik raised his eyebrows. "Ummm... oooookay...” He said as he was led to a closet FULL of movies. "Oh... wow... uh, hmmmm...”

Ryou looked at Marik eagerly. "Father spoils me." He said blushing slightly. "He lets me buy movies to keep from getting too terribly bored while hes away...”

"I can see...” Marik mumbled. "Ummm... we need to narrow the choices down. Why don't you pick some of your favorites that YOU want to watch, and I'll pick from them." He said with a smile.

Ryou nodded and plucked a few movies from the shelves in the closet. "I picked one from each group. RV for comedy, the exorcist for horror, the princess bride for romance, and Indianna jones for action!" Ryou said presenting the movies to Marik.

"INDIANA JONES!!!" Marik howled immediately, and before Ryou knew it, Marik's clothes were piled on the floor and the golden wolf was running across the room with the movie case in his mouth, tail swinging about wildly as he made eager little puppy-like noises.

Ryou giggled putting the other movies away and picking up Marik's clothes. "Alright alright!" he said shaking his head and laughing. "Indy it is!" he wrestled the box from Marik and put the dvd into the player. "Alright alright now go change back, no wolves on the furniture!"

Marik whined from where he had made himself comfortable on the sofa, but slunk off of it and took his clothes in his mouth, heading off to the nearest other room to change back and get dressed.

When Marik returned, Ryou pat the seat on the sofa next to him. "I fixed us some drinks and s’mores and popcorn while you were changing." he cooed, motioning to the platter filled with said snacks.

"Oh wow...” Marik said. "That was fast." And he plopped down and popped open a soda. "Ya know... I've never really done this before... sit down with a friend to have snacks and watch a movie...”

Ryou blinked. "Why on earth not?"

"Well... we're werewovles." He said. "When we get together, we go for a run... or practice fight... hunt...”

"Where do you live? In a home... or in the woods?" Ryou asked after a moment.

Marik chuckled. "A house." He said. "With my big sister and little brother."

"And you don’t watch movies?" Ryou shook his head. "How weird!"

"Never together... usually when we're alone for some reason for another... so, I guess it's just... ME who watches movies alone. Malik has Bakura, Mikado has Otogi... and now Ahmose has Yami...” He grinned and chuckled. "Or maybe it's Yami who has Ahmose...”

"What about you?" Ryo asked, confused. "Don’t you have someone?"

Marik sighed and shook his head. "Nope." He mumbled, watching the beginning of the movie and stuffing a S'more into his mouth.

Ryou shook his head but smiled. As the movie progressed, and the hours got later into the night, he'd scooted closer to Marik. By the end of the movie, the poor pale youth had fallen asleep, nuzzled into Marik's arm.

Marik had his arm wrapped around Ryou with a smile, his own eyes drooping. When the movie ended, Marik clicked off the TV and picked Ryou up, taking him into the boy's bedroom. He stripped him to his boxers and tucked him into bed, and when Ryou woke up in the morning, he found a golden wolf curled up by his bed, sleeping quietly.

Ryou smiled and scratched Marik's ears. "Why didn't you sleep in your own bed?" he giggled "How would you like some breakfast?"

Marik blinked and slowly uncurled, lifting his head and sniffing Ryou's hand, then licked it and wagged his tail, before getting up and stretching.

"Come now... do you want a hot shower while I make breakfast?" Ryou asked blushing when he noticed he was only wearing his boxers. "Oh... well after I get dressed of course...”

Marik yawned and shook himself, then sat down and scratched his ear with a hind foot, then sat and stared at Ryou, tail wagging.

Ryou stared back, his cheeks slowly growing darker and darker. "W-why are you staring at me?"

Marik blinked and cocked an ear, then gave a sneeze.

Ryou made a face. "cover your mouth when you sneeze!" he scolded softly

the wolf blinked and lifted a paw, staring at it, then gave Ryou a look.

Ryou giggled. "Go take your bath. I'll have a nice hot breakfast for you when you're done." he cooed. "Go on now, I need to get dressed."

Marik blinked, then trotted out of the room and into the bathroom, carrying his clothes in his teeth.

Ryou hurriedly got dressed and went downstairs to cook. By the time Marik's shower was over the house smelled delicious. Bacon and eggs, and hot crispy waffles.

"That smells GREAT!!!" Marik said as he walked into the room, buttoning his pants.

Ryou blushed. "Thanks." he said filling a plate for Marik. "good morning."

"Good morning to you too." He said with a smile. "Can I help you with anything?

"I'm alright. Just relax and enjoy the meal." Ryou said handing Marik his plate. "What will you do...?"

Marik blinked and accepted the plate. "Do?" He asked.

Ryou nodded. "After you leave...”

Marik blinked again. "Oh. Go home, probably... and I'll need to talk to the Alpha about you...”

Ryou nodded slowly. "Oh...”

Marik cocked his head. "Why?"

"Just curious... I suppose." Ryou said poking his breakfast lightly.

Marik cocked his head. "Why?" He asked.

"I... I dunno." Ryou looked rather sad at that point. "I guess I was just curious." He didnt want Marik to leave.

Marik sighed. "Well... would you like to go do something?"

Ryou perked up a little, but then looked ashamed of himself. "I couldn't ask you to do that... you're a busy man."

Marik laughed. "No I'm not!!!"

Ryou perked slightly. "Y-you're... not?"

"No. All I have is work." He said, shrugging. "And that's not til noon today.

Ryou smiled. "W-what could we do?"

Marik shrugged. "I dunno. What would you like to do? Other than skipping school, which you're doing already."

Ryou blushed more at that. "I have good grades... one sick day couldn't... hurt...”

Marik chuckled. "Okay... so we're skipping school...”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ryou wasn't the only one skipping school that day. Yami and Yugi had been ready and waiting at 7:30 for Ahmose to come pick them up, as they did every morning. But today, eight o'clock rolled around, and Ahmose and Mikado hadn't shown up yet, nor had there been a phone call from the half brothers.

Yami frowned. "I hope Ahmose is ok...” he said looking upset. "He never does this unless something bad happened... his father must have torn into him...” he mumbled beginning to pace.

Yugi sighed and slumped down. "Maybe... maybe we could... go to their house and see if everything is okay?" He asked; Yugi did not know of the existence of werewolves, much less that his brother was dating one.

Yami shook his head. "No... His father would tear US up then... we'll just have to wait to hear from them...” Yami said sighing softly. "Don’t worry, I'm sure they're fine." Yugi didn't need to worry over them. Ahmose would be ok, and he'd make sure Mikado was alright.

Yugi frowned. "But... Yami... if their dad HURT them... shouldn't we call someone?"

"If Ahmose asks us to. Not until." Yami said softly. "If we call when he doesn't want help, we could separate him and his brother forever."

Yugi frowned. "But... Ahmose pretty much RAISED Mikado... how could they be separated?!"

"Any number of things." Yami said softly. "Look, I'll take care of it ok Yugi. Lets just get you to class."

Yugi frowned and pouted. "Okay...” He mumbled, and followed his brother...

*~*~*~*~*~*

Noon was slowly drawing near, as Marik and Ryou began walking to the butcher shop. "Thank you... for staying the night." Ryou said softly bowing. "It was fun."

Marik smiled. "I enjoyed it. Thank you for having me." He said. "You're a great cook, too."

Ryou blushed and nodded. "Thank you too...” he cooed. "I... I should hurry to the college... I'm supposed to meet Seto...”

Marik blinked. "Oh... you are?" He asked softly.

Ryou nodded. "Yes... he asked me to."

"I see...” Marik said. "Well... you'd better hurry then." He said, smiling slightly as they reached the butcher.

Ryou slowly let go of Marik's hand and waved, backing up. "S-see you again... sometime." he said softly, before turning and hurrying towards the college.

Marik sighed and watched Ryou go, drooping a bit, then turned and walked into his work.

Inside, Bakura was already waiting for him, leaning on the counter and smirking. "You like him." he teased.

Marik froze, eyes widened. "Whuh?!"

Bakura's smirk broadened. "I can see it in your eyes. You're like a love struck pup! Your tail was practically wagging clear off your ass."

Marik glared. "In case you didn't notice, I'm not wearing a tail right now." He snapped, shoving Bakura aside and getting his apron down.

Bakura laughed. "You dont need to wear it, for me to see it." he said teasingly. "admit it, you're getting attached to that human."

Marik turned and growled at Bakura, warningly.

Bakura laughed. "And what if I decided to tell our Alpha?" he said smirking wickedly. "He'd tear your little boy-toy into ribbons."

Marik froze, then whirled, eyes wide. "You wouldn't dare!!!" He gasped.

"Oh really?" Bakura said crossing his arms. "I told you once, seeing that little whelp die wouldn't be any fur off my nose. He looks too much like me."

Marik turned and glared at Bakura. "Some friend YOU are." He snarled, stalking off to the back room to clock in.

"When the Alpha hears, he's going to gut you. You're covered in that kid's scent." He said laughing. "Right after he rips little white-hair's intestines out, and drags them along the pavement...”

Marik growled and suddenly emerged from the back room with a... very large, sharp object. He pointed it at Bakura.

"I swear to Ra...” He hissed. "If you tell Takeru about this, I will chop off your dick and shove it so far down your throat that you'll be shitting it out... do you hear me?!"

Bakura smirked ferally. "Admit it. You like the boy."

Marik glared. "And what if I do?"

"Then I'll leave him alone. If you're not attached, then you won’t mind me gutting him." Bakura said heading for the door.

Marik frowned and glared at Bakura. "Fine." He said. "I like him."

"You realize once Takeru finds out, he WILL kill him." Bakura said looking back. "You're putting that boy in danger."

Marik sighed and looked down. "He's already in danger...” He mumbled. "Takeru's already tried to kill him once, but got scared away...”

Bakura nodded. "If I were you Marik, I'd get over the kid... Takeru will smell him on you, and I doubt he'll let the kid live much longer."

Marik snorted. "If Ahmose can hide Yami, I can hide Ryou." He said. "Ahmose LIVES with Takeru, for Ra's sake... Takeru KNOWS we have to fit in with the humans. He knows we have human friends. Things will only get bad if he finds out we're... ya know... dating humans. That's what Ahmose is trying to keep a secret and that's what I am NOT doing with Ryou! I like him, but I'm not WITH him!"

"That's for the best... Seto has eyes for him." Bakura chuckled. "And a shaggy mutt cant compete with a human, for a human." Bakura laughed.

Marik blinked, then frowned and looked down, sighing. "I... I guess...” He mumbled.

Bakura smirked. "Dont get your hopes up. There's pleanty of good bitches in the pack. Pick one of those." he said shaking his head. "One friend to the other... dont get involved with the human."

Marik sighed and leaned against the wall. "The bitches in the pack don't... interest me... neither do the bucks. But this boy...”

"What's he got that they do not?" Bakura said leaning against the door and crossing his arms.

"I don't know...” Marik said with a shrug, a slight laugh in his tone. "What does my brother have that the others in the pack don't?" He asked Bakura. "What does Yami have?"

"Malik has a nice ass and Yami has a bad attitude. What does your little human have?" Bakura countered laughing

"A soothing presence and kind soul." Marik said softly.

Bakura laughed. "How boring." Bakura said laughing. "You could have picked a more attractive human, or one that's at least useful for the sex."

Marik smirked. "He's also the best cook I've ever met. His steaks are better than the ones in the restaurants!!!"

"Really now?" Bakura said perking up. "I dont believe that."

Marik smiled and nodded. "Best steak I ever had." He said.

Bakura raised an eyebrow. "Prove it. Bring ME one of those steaks." he said looking quite eager. "You're pleased with just about any old crap."

Marik gave Bakura a look. "Get the fuck out of here before I take the meat mallet to your HEAD!!!"

Bakura laughed. "Sure thing, while you work, I'll go watch your little friend fall in love with a human." he teased back, leaving.

Marik growled loudly, and Bakura watched Marik's claws and fangs begin to show, and his ears grew a bit pointed at the tips.

Bakura smirked again. "See ya lover boy." he called hurrying away before Marik had the chance to change more. God, teasing Marik never got old…

Marik glared at Bakura's back, then sunk back onto a bench behind the counter, anxious and depressed.

Ryou hurried along the sidewalk to the college. "Oh I hope I'm not late!" he pouted as he walked. "The last thing I want to do is be late!"

Suddenly, a black wolf emerged from the bushes in front of him and froze, eyes wide and fixed on Ryou.

Ryou yelped and froze. "A-aAH!" Ryou squeaked, backing away. "Leave me alone! This is DAY TIME!" he looked near tears of fright.

The wolf blinked, and then Ryou noticed... this wolf had green eyes, not blue. And this wolf had white markings on his face and chest, as well as paws and the tip of his tail. The wolf also had what looked like a... chemistry book in its mouth.

Ryou stared and swallowed hard. "G-go away! You scat!"

The wolf blinked again, then turned and darted away quickly, looking back at Ryou over his shoulder.

Ryou hurried into the campus and away from the wolf and textbook. "Seto!" he called, still shaking quite a bit from he scare.

Seto looked up from where he was sitting under their tree. "Ryou?" He asked, standing quickly. "Are you okay?!"

Ryou whimpered and sniffled, shaking like a leaf. "There was another one! It's not NIGHT! Another black wolf!" he wailed absolutely terrified.

Seto frowned. "Was it the same one, do you think?" He asked.

Ryou shook his head sniffling. "This one had green eyes... and white patches...”

"Hmmm...” Seto mused. "Did it try to hurt you?"

Ryou sniffled once more, still quite shaken. "It ran off with a book... b-but otherwise it left me alone...”

Seto blinked. "... It did what?"

"It ran off with a book." Ryou said slowly calming down, though still shaken.

"How bizaar...” Seto said, sitting down.

Ryou sniffled softly and sat as well forcing himself to calm down.

Seto smiled and put an arm around him, hugging him. "It's okay...” He said softly.

Ryou whimpered softly and nodded, blushing softly as Seto hugged him. "Th-thank you...” he said softly after a moment. "I-it's ok... it didn't hurt me...” he sniffled once more, his shaking finally dying down.

"But it DID scare you...” Seto said softly. "It's okay... shhh...”

Ryou nodded, letting his head rest on Seto's shoulder as he took slow deep breaths. "Th-thank you...” he mumbled relaxing slowly. "I... I think I'm ok now...” he said softly.

"Maybe I should just come pick you up after class from now on...” He said, rubbing Ryou's back.

Ryou shook his head. "It's alright... I dont want to be a burden." Ryou said blushing darkly, giving Seto a shocked look. "I couldnt ask anyone to go that far out of their way for me.'"

"Well, aren't you going out of your way to come here and see me?" Seto asked with a sly smile.

"not really." Ryou said blushing. "Besides, you asked me to help you, and I said I would. That's not out of my way at all."

Seto smiled. "Well... maybe we could hang out at my house some time." He said. "And my chef can cook for YOU."

Ryou blushed more. "I... I dont know how to get to your house." he said sheepishly. "I imagine it's a lot farther to walk to as well...”

Seto chuckled. "I would pick you up after classes and take you there in my limo."

Ryou pouted cutely "But I just said I couldn't possibly ask you to go out of your way for me!" Ryou argued pouting more

"Actually." Seto said. "Your house isn't that far off of my route home."

Ryou bit his lip. "I dunno...” he said softly. "I'd still feel like a burden... I dont want to trouble you...”

Seto frowned. "I would rather be troubled than risk you getting killed by a wolf on your way to see me." He said seriously.

Ryou blushed more. "A-alright... i-if you insist." Ryou cooed.

Seto smiled. "I do." He said, then looked up and blinked. "Huh... that's odd...” He watched Yami walking down the sidewalk. "Where's Inarus? Those two are inseperable...”

Ryou frowned softly. "As bad as you glared at each other, I would think you wouldn't care." Ryou said softly.

"It's just wierd." Seto said with a shrug. "I can't remember a time I saw one without the other."

Ryou nodded softly. "Perhaps Ahmose wasn't feeling well." Ryou offered. "People get sick sometimes."

"Hm." Seto grunted. "Well, whatever." And he turned his smiling attention onto Ryou.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*