Sacrifice

Sacrifice

Mally-chan and hatochiisai

YAOI WARNING

COMEDY WARNING: This fic was not ORIGINALLY meant to be serious… but things changed...

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Chapter 4

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Ryou yawned as he opened his front door, a flock of bunnies darting outside to enjoy the early morning... the sun was just rising, and Ryou's rooster (the one that woke Mikado every morning) was crowing. The animals were starting to awaken, and the garden beckoned Ryou to come care for it.

Ryou stretched stepping out onto the porch and sitting in the rockingchair, beginning to put on his boots. He never wore those muddy things in the house. He grinned and eagerly went to work. He fed the chickens, slopped the pigs, milked the cows and once all his animals were tended, he began working in his beautiful garden.

But then, as they had the day before, all the rabbits suddenly stood up and sniffed, ears perked. And there, trotting awkwardly down the road was Marik... dripping wet and buck naked, covering himself with his hands, eyes wide.

Ryou whined loudly and buried his face in his hands. He scrambled up and stumbled back towards his house darting inside (despite the boots) and toppling over, kicking the door shut,

"Ryouuuu!!!" Marik was heard, calling. "Ryou!!! Please, I need your help!!!" And soon, he was pounding on the door.

"You're NAKED!" Ryou howled out. "Why on EARTH are you naked?!"

"I was taking a bath in the river, but when I got out my clothes were gone!!!" He wailed.

"Well what happened?!" Ryou whined sounding near tears. "There's a naked man on my porch..." he was heard whimpering.

"I don't KNOW!!! I have to get new clothes!!! But I can't go into town naked!!! That and I have no money!!! Mikado owes me money for working for him the other day, but I haven't collected yet!!!"

Ryou whimpered. "Why ME?!"

"Because you're the closest!! And you're NICE!!!" Marik whined.

Ryou whimpered coming out moments later, eyes shut tight and holding a large blanket. "Here..."

Marik snatched it and wrapped it around himself. "Thanks... Thank you, Ryou." Marik sighed, releived.

Ryou was pouting. "Are you decent?"

"Um... as decent as I can be..." Marik mumbled.

Ryou opened his eyes relieved. "You shouldn't leave your clothes so close to the river...and investing in a bathtub isn't a bad idea either."

"I can't afford a tub!!!" Marik yelped, eyes wide. Then, he squeaked and jumped, looking down. "Hey!!! Stop that!!!" He whined at the bunnies, nibbling his toes.

Ryou shook his head. "Well...I guess if you stay and watch my rabbits without harming them...that I'll go get your money." Ryou said after a moment. "And some clothes."

Marik blinked, then grinned. "Oh, that would be great." He said. "This is so embarrassin..."

Ryou shook his head. "For who? You or me?"

Marik blinked several times, then grinned. "Uh... both..." He mumbled.

Ryou sighed and picked up Tuc. "If he acts like he's gonna mess up my garden, or hurt your babies...you get him good." Ryou said softly, patting his head. "I'll go then...be good."

Marik raised an eyebrow. "Uh... right..." He mumbled, watching Ryou and the rabbit.

Ryou put Tuc down and began his LONG walk to town.

But only about fifteen minutes in, he heard hoofbeats behind him.

Ryou blinked and turned curiously. "Huh?"

Ahmose reined his horse to a halt, looking down at Ryou.

"Good morning." He said with a small smile.

Ryou grinned. "Ahmose! Oh can I have a ride to town? There's a naked bumpkin at my house...who you owe money to, who wants it to buy new clothes." Ryou said wrinkling his nose.

Ahmose blinked. "... What? I owe money-- oh! Marik?!"

Ryou nodded. "Uh huh...he was taking a bath finally, and somehow lost his clothes."

Ahmose chuckled. "Really now...?" He asked, offering Ryou a hand and pulling him up onto the horse behind him.

Ryou nodded. "Uh huh." Ryou smiled. "Thank you so much...it's a long walk."

"You're most welcome." The doctor said. "If you ever need to go into town, just be out here about an hour and a half or so after sun up, and I'll take you."

Ryou hugged Ahmose and nodded. "Oh thank you so much!"

Ahmose chuckled. "You're more than welcome... Oh... and you need to come in to my office soon. I'd like to give everyone in town a check up... just to make sure everyone is in good health."

Ryou frowned. "I um...cant."

"Why not? It doesn't have to be now..." Ahmose said.

"I um...dont like doctor offices." Ryou said softly.

Ahmose blinked. "Why?"

"Frightening?" Ryou said sheepishly.

Ahmose chuckled. "We don't HAVE to do it in my office if you don't want to." He said, glancing back at the boy.

"...you promise?" Ryou said after a moment, in a shy voice.

"Yes." Ahmose said with a smile.

"Ok." Ryou said nodding. "I can do that..."

"Maybe you can do something ELSE for me..." Ahmose said slowly.

"Oh?" Ryou said confused. "What?"

"Bring that... heh... "bumpkin" in to see me. He refused the other day... but I'll be YOU could get him to come in and behave for a check up." Ahmose said.

"Why do you say that?" Ryou said blinking.

"Well... because he likes you, of course." Ahmose said, as if this were common knowledge.

"Huh? Marik? Dont be silly." Ryou snorted. "He's hardly a friend...he's smelly and loud and inconsiderate! I try to avoid him when I Can..."

"Oh, he likes you all right..." Ahmose said, amused. "When he was working with me, he wouldn't shut UP about you!"

Ryou's cheeks grew pink. "He...was talking about me?"

"OH yeah." Ahmose said firmly. "You and your cute little bunnies... it was a bit wierd actually... a guy like him prattling on about the cute farmer and his cute bunnies and how the cute farmer was cute like the bunnies..."

"Huh?!" Ryou gasped. "What now?!"

"Marik thinks you're cute like a bunny." Ahmose said calmly.

"Me...? Cute?" Ryou shook his head. "He's drunk."

"Not when he was with me, he wasn't." Ahmose laughed. "And... he's got a point."

"Huh? What point?" Ryou said confused.

"You're cute like a bunny..." Ahmose snickered.

Ryou whined softly. "I'm not cute like a bunny! I dont even resemble a bunny~"

"Yes you do..." Ahmose snickered.

"How so?" Ryou said making a face.

"You're white and fluffy and little." Ahmose said.

Ryou blinked and pouted. " I'm not little! Yugi's little!"

"Yugi is freakishly small. You're little." Ahmose corrected.

Ryou gave Ahmose a sad look. "I'm not small..."

Ahmose grinned. "Yes you are."

"am not!" Ryou argued as they rode into town. "I'm big!"

"No. MARIK is big." Ahmose pointed out.

Ryou pouted more and crossed his arms huffing. "Speaking of short...how are you and Yami getting along?"

Ahmose scowled. “Shut up. For two days in a row I’ve spent from noon to sundown in JAIL.”

Ryou squeaked in surprise and bit his lip. "Sorry..."

"Since when is arresting someone you have a crush on a smart way to win their affections?" Ahmose grumbled.

"Maybe he doesn't know any other way." Ryou said after a moment.

"Then he's an idiot." Ahmose said. "General store, or the tailor? General store would be cheaper..."

"General store." Ryou said smiling. "I'm sure Marik doesn't want to spend his every penny on clothes."

Ahmose snickered. "Right..." He said, and took Ryou to Yugi's store, where the boy was sitting outside munching an apple.

Yugi blinked and waved when he saw the two approaching. "Oh hi Ahmose! Hi Ryou!"

Ahmose nodded. "Morning Yugi." He said, then looked around. "Where's your brother and when is he planning on arresting me today?"

"Today's his day off." Yugi said calmly. "He's packin up his horse and heading out of town again."

Ahmose blinked. "Oh? Where's he going?"

"I dunno." Yugi giggled. "He always goes off somewhere and comes back the next day with new ideas, or what have you"

"... what kind of new ideas?" Ahmose asked in a worried tone, helping Ryou off of the horse.

Ryou smiled and thanked Ahmose.

"food, inventions...stuff he likes to do." Yugi grinned. "Sometimes he even invests. Last time he came back with a wagon FULL of books! They flew off the shelves. I'd never had better buisiness. We lack entertainment in this town."

Ahmose chuckled. "I see. Well, maybe today I'll finally get my office put together." He said, turning his horse. "And I think I'll start dishing out the money and keep my horse in the stable down the street during the day so he won't... mysteriously come untied..."

"Yeah...you pissed Yami off with that one." Yugi said wrinkling his nose. "Accusing him of untying your horse." Yugi snorted in distaste. "mighty unfriendly."

"I had tied my horse up. He walks in DELIGHTED to arrest me for my horse NOT being tied." Ahmose said.

Yugi shook his head. "miiiighty unfriendly."

Ahmose snorted. "The guy is locking me up for stupid reasons. Why should I be friendly?"

Yugi merely shrugged. "I s'pose it dont much matter to me." Yugi said tossing the applecore into a pot of dirt and burying it. "You clearly aint interested, and no offense, but there's better fish in the sea."

"Why would I be interested in the lunatic who keeps arresting me on ridiculous charges?" Ahmose asked. "Look, Yugi... your brother seems like a nice guy. He does. But if he wants to win MY affections, he's going about it the wrong way. I gotta go. Stop by for a checkup whenever you can. And... tell your brother the same..."

Yugi rolled his eyes. "I'm a general store owner, not the pony express. Tell him yerself. I dont mediate lover-spats."

Ahmose blinked, then laughed. "No no! I mean tell him to come in when he can for a check up!!!" He said, and smiled at Yugi. "Oh!!! You don't happen to have any iodine do you? Several of my bottles broke."

Yugi blinked. "I'm afraid not...Ishizu bartered my last two yesterday. You'll have to ask Yami to pick some up for you before he goes."

Ahmose blinked. "... Oh. Okay then..." He mumbled, not looking happy. "Where is he then?"

"Out back." Yugi said pointing over his shoulder with his thumb.

Ahmose nodded. "Thank you." He said, and rode around to the back of the place.

In the back, Yami was calmly packing the saddle bags on his reddish Mustang. The horse was looking eager to run, prancing in place and snorting. "Hush you," Yami said giving the horse a slight pat to the rump. "I'm not done. You can run all you want here in a bit. This aint no rodeo." He went back to packing up the horse.

The horse turned and glared at Yami, snorting. 'one of these days...I'm going to buck you clean offa my back for takin so damn long' it seemed to express.

Ahmose chuckled. "Seems to me that your horse could use a bit of training." He said, sliding off of his own stallion and walking over. He stroked the rust colored neck of Yami's mount, speaking softly to him. The horse calmed, turning his ears towards Ahmose, listening. Yami blinked, surprised at how easily and quickly Ahmose quieted the animal.

"Dont train him too much." Yami said continuing to pack. "I dont like taking the wild from him. It's as much his trip as mine."

"Hm." Ahmose said calmly. He looked at Yami. "Would you do me a favor?"

Yami gave Ahmose a look. "After you accused me of untying your horse, then acted like an ass when I went out of my way to ask Ishizu to come all the way out here to see you?" he said snorting. "I dont see why I should."

"Consider it a professional favor." Ahmose said. "I've lost alot of bottles of iodine. Casualties of my move. And that's bad. I need the iodine. It's one of the most important things I have. Can you pick some up for me?" He held out several paper dollars. "It's very important that I have enough iodine on hand."

Yami gave Ahmose a glare and snatched the money out of his hand grumbling the same thing Yugi had just complained about. Not being the Pony Express.

"Thank you." Ahmose said, stepping away. "Whenever you're free, take the time to come into my office so I can give you a check up." He said calmly.

Yami finished his packing. "I already have a doctor." Yami said after a moment. "A right good doctor, and I dont really intend to stop seeing one in favor of another."

Ahmose blinked. Another doctor? Yami must be seeing one in another town, as Ahmose was now the only doctor here...

"Very well." Ahmose said. "I'll see you later." And he took his horse's reins and led the animal away to the stable.

Yami mounted his horse and pat his head. "Dont bother. Leave your horse where ever. I dont care. You can deal with whatever trouble is caused by it." he flicked the reigns and dug his heels slightly in the horse's side and they were off like a shot, heading east.

Ahmose watched Yami go, then snorted and took Nakhti to the stables anyway, before heading to his office.

Ryou met Ahmose out front looking a bit upset. "Ahmose? What...size clothes do you think Marik wears?"

Ahmose blinked. "Uhhh..." He turned and looked at Yugi.

Yugi blinked. "Dont ask me. I've no clue."

Ahmose sighed. "Okay... lemme see the sizes you DO have..." He said, tying his horse up and walking into the store.

Yugi walked over to the merchandise, beginning to shuffle through it. He pulled out several cotten overalls. "Here..." he gave a sheepish grin. "This time of year we're a bit low on clothing types."

Ahmose looked over them for a bit. "That one." He said, finally.

Yugi put the others away. "Alright then. That's a dollar twenty five." He said calmly.

"What about a shirt?" Ahmose asked.

Ryou blinked and shook his head. "Marik never wears shirts..."

"Oh. Okay then." Ahmose said, then turned and left.

Ryou thanked Yugi and took the clothes hurrying out after Ahmose. "Ahmose? Thanks.." he said softly.

Ahmose smiled at Ryou and nodded. "You're welcome. Do... do you want me to take you home?"

"I thought you had work to do in the office...?" Ryou said blinking.

"I do." Ahmsoe said. "But with Yami gone for the day, I won't be arrested again, so I can spare the time."

Ryou shook his head. "I'm glad I'm younger than you...and further out of town. Your problems seem so much bigger than mine."

Ahmose smiled and helped Ryou onto the horse. "Oh?" He asked, kicking the black stallion into a smooth canter.

Ryou nodded. "Yeah...dealing with love seems tough..."

"Hmph. I'm not in love." Ahmose said. "So you and I are in the same boat. We both have some lunatic with a crush on us."

Ryou shook his head. "No...we're not." Ryou said firmly. "Even if that bumpkin likes me...I wont be cruel to him." Ryou whispered. "It's not fair to him to hurt him like that. I'll just tell him he's not my type...instead of letting him hope.'

Ahmose frowned. "I have TOLD Yami that all he's doing is pissing me off!!!"

Ryou shook his head. "If you have no ill conscience over it then neither will I."

Ahmose sighed, but said nothing, and soon they were at Ryou's home. Marik was outside, wrapped in the blanket like a toga, and was weeding Ryou's garden, the bunnies hopping around him. Ahmose blinked.

"Is... that a rabbit on his head?" He asked. And sure enough... little Angel was curled up in Marik's hair.

Ryou giggled. "That's just Angel." Ryou said as Ahmose helped him off the horse. "Marik!" he called running over. "I got your clothes!"

Marik looked up, and grinned. "Oh, thank you!!!" He exclaimed, and took them. "Perfect. Thanks... I uh... I did some weeding... to try and return the favor you have just done for me." He smiled at Ryou.

Ryou handed Marik the remainder of his payment for work at Ahmose's house. "It's alright,..next time just dont lose your clothes please." Ryou said picking up Tuc and rubbing noses with him. "He been good?"

Tuc licked Ryou's nose happily. Marik trotted off behind the house and returned a moment later, folding the blanket and now dressed in the overalls, only one of the straps fastened, though... "I uh... I have another little problem."

Ryou blinked. "Hmm?"

Marik pointed to the little white bunny on his head. "She won't come down... she keeps biting me."

Ryou blinked but smiled. "Then that means she wants to go home with you." he said softly. "So you gotta take good care of her, and keep her nice and clean." Ryou explained. "She's the softest prettiest bunny, and she'll get real mad if you let her get dirty."

Marik's eyes widened. "What? Take her home with me?! But... she's your friend... and she's just a baby... she still needs her mama."

"She can eat solids." Ryou said shaking his head. "And she chose you." he giggled when Angel clicked at Marik when he tried to remove her once more. "And you cant argue with a lady."

Marik blinked. "I can't walk around with a baby rabbit on my head!!!" He yelped. "I'll never live it down!!!"

Ryou laughed. "I'm not gonna take her down, she'll bite me."

Marik whined, then tipped his head forwards, hoping that she would tumble off into his waiting hands.

Angel merely backed up, maintaining perfect balance.

"Hey!!!" Marik whined, shaking his head.

Angel however sustained her balance, chittering angrily.

"God, she's like a freakin squirrel or something!!!" Marik howled. "Why the hell does she like me that much?!"

"I dont know." Ryou giggled more. "But you'd better stop fighting with her, she's got a nasty nip."

"I know that!!! How do I get her off?!" Marik wailed.

"I dunno." Ryou said shrugging. "Guess you're stuck with her."

"Crap..." Marik muttered, scowling.

Once Angel was sure Marik was done moving around, she curled back up contently, beginning to groom his hair.

Marik gave Ryou a look. "SURELY you can do SOMETHING!!!"

Ryou shook his head. "I'm not about to get bitten on your behalf." Ryou made kissy noises, and headed toward his house. "inside for lunch!" he called. The other bunnies stampeded into the house behind him. Leaving Marik,and Angel.

Marik whined. "Oh, come ON!!! Go get lunch!!!" He cried to Angel.

The little bunny sat stubbornly in Marik's hair, grooming him.'

"Shit..." Marik snorted, and tried to shake her off again.

She once again maintained balance, squeaking angrily. 'knock it off!'

"Aw, come on, girl!!! Go find your mama!!!" Marik cried, reaching up to pluck her down.

Angel shrieked furiously and bit down on Marik's fingers.

"OUCH!!!" Marik yelped, jerking his hand down. "Damn!"

Angel let out a cute little snort of indignity, curling right back up.

"Shit..." Marik said again, then turned and stalked off, a baby bunny curled up on his head.

Angel squeaked in approval and nuzzled into Marik's hair, beginning to nap.

When Mikado returned home that night, he was exhausted. It had been a long day, working around the house, fixing things up, and then heading to the saloon where he had to deal some out of town drunks making passes at Mai and Malik both. When he got home, he stripped and pulled on his pajama pants, but when he couldn't find his shirt right away he said screw it and fell into bed.

However that night Mikado's dreams of the handsome stranger were quite different. He was missing! Mikado was alone in his dream-room. No lusty kisses, kind words...loving gaze. Instead, he heard the mooing of cattle outside.

"... fuckin cows..." he groaned, burying his head under his pillow.

But after a few moments...voices were heard. Bakura was outside...and...was that Malik?

Mikado grumbled and dragged himself out of the bed and over to the window.

Outside, Bakura was sitting on a horse, Malik in his lap facing him. They were laughing as cattle walked calmly by heading north. Bakura pulled Malik close and their lips crushed together passionately. A scene that was quite unexpected. The pair were slowly beginning to make out.

Mikado raised an eyebrow. "... Riiiight... loves me, huh? Oh well..." He turned and stumbled back to bed, collapsing.

"I told you that Mikado was no good for you." Malik's voice was heard laughing. "He's just a spoiled brat."

Bakura snickered and pulled Malik closer. "Spoiled is right...what an obnoxious whiner."

"Not a risk-taking bone in his spineless body." Malik added proudly. "Now you're all mine."

Mikado snorted, yawning and heading to the window again. "If you're gonna do that, can you please do it OFF of this obnoxious whiner's property?!" He shouted down. "And Malik!!! I know perfectly well what you do when you're not working for me, but that doesn't mean I want to see it!!"

Both laughed and continued as if they hadn't heard Mikado. Within minutes Mikado could CLEARLY hear the sounds of sex.

Mikado blinked, then groaned and slammed the window shut, returning to bed and hiding his head under the pillows again.

The sounds of sex continued the entire night...as well as the mooing. Until the crowing of a rooster woke Mikado...along with the mooing of cattle.

Mikado groaned. "Great... now I'm dreaming that I'm waking up!!!"

However...this was no dream. Out in the yard was three dairy cows.

Mikado blinked at them from his window. "... What the hell?"

A moment later, the door opened and Ahmose poked his head in. "Mikado? Where did those cows come from?" He asked. Mikado looked at his brother.

"I dunno." He said with a shrug.

"Well... I'll see if I can find anything out when I go into town." Ahmose said. And half an hour later, he was heading into town.

Yami was outside the general store, unloading his horse, who looked happy, though exhausted. Behind it was a small cart.

"Good morning." Ahmose said, sliding off of his horse and walking over.

"If you dont want arrested for cattle rustling, back off." Yami snorted as he worked. "I saw those cattle infront of your house when I rode by. They're NOT yours."

Ahmose blinked. "Uh... yeah. I know. That's why I wanna talk to you... do you know where thy came from? I got up this morning and they were just... THERE."

Yami merely shoved the box of iodine bottles into Ahmose's hands. "Why dont you tell me? It's mighty suspicious..."

"I have no clue!!!" Ahmose insisted. "Oh and... thanks. If there's anything I can do for you in return..." He nodded to the iodine.

Yami shook his head. "It's fine." Yami mumbled sighing and going back to unpacking his horse. "You dont need to do anything for me."

Ahmose blinked, then sighed. "Look, I... I'm sorry..." He finally said. "I... I do appreciate what you did... I'm glad to have met Ishizu... and... I did enjoy that dinner you made the other night..."

Yami turned a harsh glare on Ahmose. "Dont you DARE give me a pity apology. I got it alright. You dont like me." he turned those fiery crimson eyes back to his horse. "I wont bother you anymore. Sorry to TROUBLE you."

Ahmose blinked. "No, no! I... it's not that I don't LIKE you... I mean... well... maybe if I... got to know you better we could be... friends..." He stammered. "I just... well... being arrested doesn't exactly put someone in a good receptive mood, ya know?"

"I dont want a friend." Yami grumbled as he worked. "I've got friends."

Ahmose blinked, then sighed and shook his head. "Fine. Whatever. Don't know why I even bothered." He snorted, then turned and walked away. "Please get those damn cows off of my property."

"Then you may as well march your ass into my cell." Yami grumbled over his shoulder. "Because if I have to move them, then you're under arrest for theft."

Ahmose turned. "What?! But I didn't steal them!!! I just want them GONE!!!"

"Not my problem now is it?" Yami snorted. "Now get yer ass in the cell."

Ahmose stared at Yami, eyes wide, but then he sighed in defeat. "... Fine." He grumbled. "Just... let me get this case of iodine to my office and put my horse in the damn stables..."

Yami nodded as he finished. "I'll be in to file the paperwork when I get the cattle. You know where the cell is."

Ahmose rolled his eyes. "Yes, I do." He said, and headed to his office.

Yami retrieved the cattle within an hour, and they were tied outside his office calmly drinking from a watering trough. Yami had filled out the paperwork, and once again locked Ahmose up. He was now calmly tossing cards into the same hat he'd been doing that with for years.

Ahmose was reclining in his cell, flipping through a couple of books he had brought from his office.

Yami's game continued for five complete decks of cards. "You're not supposed to be entertained while in jail." Yami mumbled.

"I'm studying." Ahmose said calmly.

"Dont care." Yami said tossing another card. "Stop it."

Ahmose gave Yami a look, before putting his book down on the floor.

"You wanna pay me back for the iodine?" Yami said after a moment, tossing another card.

Ahmose blinked. "I gave you money yesterday."

"Yes, but you didn't pay me for going all the way out there to get it, or bring it back" Yami said giving Ahmose a look. "Mighty big favor."

Ahmose sighed and rolled his eyes, and tossed Yami a couple of bucks.

"I dont want your money." he said raising an eyebrow. "I want a favor."

Ahmose blinked at Yami. "... Oh? You mean like I offered earlier but you turned me down?"

Yami smirked. "No. This isn't a favor for labor." he said giving Ahmose a look. "I want you to go on a date with me."

Ahmose froze, eyes wide. "... What?!"

"You heard me. I want a date." Yami said giving Ahmose a look. "You said you'd repay me. So Will you go out with me?"

Ahmose just stared. ".... Go OUT with you?!"

Yami nodded. "Yes. On a date."

"... THIS from the guy who just ARRESTED ME!!!" Ahmose howled, throwing his hands up in disbeleif.

"Well?"

Ahmose sputtered, getting up and pacing in frustration.

"I'm not hearing a no." Yami grinned.

Ahmose glared at Yami, then flopped down onto the cot again. "I know I'm going to regret this but... fine..."

Yami grinned broadly and let out a cheer. "Great!" he said eagerly. "We'll make a whole day out of it. We'll take our horses out of town, and we'll go do fun things, then spend the night under the stars and come back in the morning!"

"Spend the NIGHT?! Whoah! Wait!!! A date is maybe DINNER!" Ahmose exclaimed, alarmed.

"No, that's not a date." Yami said smirking. "I said a date with me. That means a date by MY standards. and you ALREADY agreed."

Ahmose stared at Yami in dismay, before dropping his head down onto the cot and staring at the cieling.

"Be glad Sex isn't in my date description, or I'd have gotten your virginity too." Yami snickered.

Ahmose sat up and glared. "THAT you will NOT be getting..." He snapped.

"Dont bet on it." Yami said smirking.

Ahmose glared. "You WON'T have me in that way. EVER."

"I bet you a dollar I will." Yami said proudly.

"Deal." Ahmose snorted.

"Dates however DO include kisses." Yami said slyly. "And dont think you're gonna short change me."

"Oh, they do NOT." Ahmose said firmly.

"Oh yes they do." Yami said grinning. "And if you dont agree, then I'll just hold you hostage in that cell until you do. And sooner or later you're gonna want either a piss or a bath."

Ahmose blinked, then glared. "That's BLACKMAIL!!!"

Yami shrugged. "I'm the sheriff, I can blackmail you if I want sexy. You're GONNA date me and kiss me." Yami said proudly. "Or I'll just keep you here and stare at you every day like a beautiful caged bird."

Ahmose's mouth opened and closed. "You... You're nuts!!!"

"About you." Yami purred.

Ahmose made a frustrated noise. "FINE!!! But don't you DARE take it too far."

Yami stood and walked into the cell calmly. "Fine. I wont take it too far...But lets practice kissing!" he said eagerly.

Ahmose leapt up off of the cot and flung himself back against the wall, panicked. "WHAT?!"

"Kissing!" Yami said eagerly, giving Ahmose that familiar lovestruck look. "C'mon! It'll be fun!"

"NO!!! Get away from me!!!" Ahmose yelped, plastering himself to the wall.

Yami sighed and shook his head. "Why do you act like that?" he said pouting. "You act like I'd bite."

Ahmose just stared at Yami, eyes wide. "I hardly know you and you're trying to KISS me!!!"

"And who's to say you wouldn't like it?" Yami said crossing his arms. "You wont even give me a chance!"

"You're already getting a kiss on a date!" Ahmose whined.

"So?" Yami gave Ahmose a look. "Do you hate me or what? Is it that I'm ugly? Or because I'm short?" Yami glared slightly. "Just because I'm not 'traditional' in my means of getting your attention doesn't mean I'm a bad person. It just means I'm more original than others."

Ahmose blinked. "No it's just that... well... I... I don't even know you and..." He flushed and looked down. "... I'veneverbeenkissedbefore..."

Yami grinned broadly and within an instant had pinned Ahmose to the wall though not in a way he couldn't escape if he wanted to. "So?" he breathed. "I'm a good kisser..."

Ahmose completely froze. He stared at Yami, eyes wide, and his entire body was tense and rigid.

Yami's eyes twinkled with mischief. "So...whaddya say we practice a bit hmm? " he purred. "You wont regret it I promise. I'll make your first kiss one to remember."

A strangled whimper came from Ahmose's throat, as his eyes grew impossibly wider. He squirmed slightly.

Yami pressed his lips to Ahmose's in a very calm, though emotionally deep kiss. It was full of passion, but also of self control. Ahmose could feel the love and lust in the kiss...but also the desire to please.

Ahmose squeaked and tried to jerk away, startled, but that only resulted in him slamming his own head into the stone wall, and knocking himself senseless, which ended up with him slumping against Yami for a moment.

Yami had to stop mid-kiss to laugh at that. "My god what the hell was that?" he laughed. "You're so scared of kissing me that you're trying to knock yourself out?"

"Owww..." Ahmose groaned, rubbing the back of his head and grimacing at the pain. "Shut up..."

Yami laughed more and kissed Ahmose again, assured he wouldn't be doing THAT again...but it'd be funny if he did too.

Ahmose didn't slam his skull into the wall this time, but he sure pressed himself into the wall, as if trying to sink through it. "Nnnmmm..." He whined, eyes tight shut.

But once again the kiss was gentle and loving. Yami gave Ahmose every oppertunity available to end it, not exactly 'forcing' him to kiss.

But Ahmose, though obviously having a bit of a freak out, didn't end it... of course... he may have been to petrified to do so...

Yami pulled away and gave Ahmose a sad look. He shook his head and sighed. "Nevermind." he mumbled trotting back out to his hat and cards, leaving the cell wide open. "Go on...Get."

Ahmose stared at Yami for a while, flushed, then gathered up his books and left quickly, clutching them tightly to his chest and staring at the floor as he all but ran.

Yami sighed sadly as Ahmose left. Why did he always have such rotten luck...? He laid his head on the desk and closed his eyes. Maybe that whole 'someone for everyone' line was really just wishful thinking.

That evening, when Mikado opened the saloon, one of the first people to walk in was Marik. He plopped himself down, gave Mikado a surly look and said "Give me the strongest stuff you have."

"Uh, yeah... sure... will this be-- What's that on your head?"

"JUST GIVE ME THE DAMN DRINK!!!" Marik roared.

Angel was sitting contently on Marik's head. She suddenly hopped off and began nibbling at the peanuts in the bowl near Marik.

Marik's eyes widened. "... She's off..." He breathed, and began to slowly inch away.

Angel picked up a peanut from the bowl and began nosing it over to Marik squeaking in pride. She was sharing with her beloved 'daddy'.

"Uh... that's a... fluffy white baby bunny." Mikado said, as if confirming this to himself. Marik stared at the bunny and the peanut.

Angel stopped infront of Marik, standing on her little hind legs, peanut in her mouth, offering it to him as best she could.

Marik blinked. "Ummmm..."

"I think she wants you to take it." Mikado said. Marik slowly reached out and took the peanut.

Angel squeaked in glee, then ran back over to get Marik another peanut. A girl had to eat, but so did 'daddy'!

Mikado blinked, then started to snigger behind his hand. Marik glared.

"Oh shut up!"

Once Angel was done feeding Marik, she hopped onto his arm, and back onto his head once more, curling up and beginning to nap.

Marik blinked, then scowled. Mikado burst out laughing.

Bakura trotted in a few moments later yawning. "Nice rat Marik." he said sitting down and slamming down some money. "Kid, booze me."

Mikado froze on sight of Bakura, eyes wide. Marik blinked and watched as Mikado turned red.

Bakura however gave Mikado a look. "You deaf? I said booze me. Make with the liquor and stop yer damn blushing."

Mikado gulped, then quickly whirled and got Bakura a whiskey, setting it before him and then quickly backing away, eyeing him nervously. Marik watched all of this, curiously.

Bakura gave Mikado another look and rolled his eyes beginning to drink his whiskey. "Aint as good as Tequila...fuckin 'mericans.." he snorted. "You waterin down your booze?" he smirked when he caught sight of Malik. "Hey Malik! I got you somethin'!"

Mikado scowled. "No, I am NOT watering down the booze..." He grumbled. Malik turned and sauntered over, smirking.

"What do you want Bakura? Marik? What's that on your--"

"Shut up." Marik growled.

Bakura snickered and pulled Malik into a hug. "I was thinkin of you again." he purred, producing a beautiful golden brooch. "I got you a little something for all your pretty little dresses." he pressed a kiss to Malik's cheek. "It's all the rage up north. All the fancy ladies got 'em."

"Oooooh..." Malik giggled, taking the thing. "VERY nice... So... you and me gonna... make a night of it then?"

"Malik..." Mikado said warningly. "I don't want to hear those things."

"Sorry, boss." Malik said, smiling sheepishly.

Bakura winked. "The usual place." Bakura purred kissing Malik again. "Dont piss off tightass here. You gotta work, otherwise other people cant be jealous of my little lovebird." Bakura chuckled quite proudly.

Mikado rolled his eyes, and Malik giggled and scurried off. Marik snorted and finished his drink.]

Bakura went back to his drink looking bored. "Hey kid, got any refills? Maybe something a bit less watered down?"

Mikado turned and glared. "It is NOT watered DOWN you ungrateful bastard!!!" He snapped.

Bakura eyed Mikado for a moment before smirking. He suddenly burst into laughter and stood. "You know what..." he laughed. "You can keep your water." he wiped his eyes walking towards the door. "Knowing that I got under you skin this much is more than enough reward." He pushed open the door and looked back grinning ferally. "By the way..." he snickered. "You could use 'nother spankin. Obviously you aint got any manners." and he walked out

Mikado froze at that and he stared at Bakura, eyes wide in shock, confusion, and even a bit of fear. "W-What?" He gasped.

But Bakura had already walked out the door, laughing.

Marik blinked, looking after Bakura, then looking at Mikado. "... What was that all about?" He asked.

After closing up for the night, Mikado spurred his horse into a gallop, heading home as fast as he could. He had been nervous all night, thanks to Bakura, and now he just wanted to get home as soon as possible...

When Mikado reached home and changed, he began to relax. Once in bed he fell asleep quickly.

Mikado yelped when suddenly he was yanked up and slung over a knee. Someone was SPANKING HIM!

"OW!!! What the hell?!" He yelped, thrashing and squirming around, trying to see who it was.

"You aint got a lick wiser have you?" Bakura laughed continuing to spank Mikado, sneaking in gropes. "I thought I told you to come see me, and instead you act like a pussy."

"You?! Stop it!!! What are you doing to me?! How are you doing this?!" Mikado cried.

Bakura merely laughed again and swatted Mikado once more, before pausing to grope him calmly, hand rubbing the tender area pleasantly. "Doing what?" he snickered.

"G-Getting... into my dreams!!!" Mikado gasped, trying to wiggle out of Bakura's lap.

Bakura held fast however, continuing his groping. "I have NO clue what you're talking about." Bakura said, mischief in his eyes. "You're just dreaming."

"But why am I dreaming about YOU?! And why can't I wake up?!" Mikado howled.

Bakura snickered slipping Mikado's shirt off. "Wouldn't YOU like to know?"

Mikado let out a yip and thrashed. "Stop!!! What are you doing?!"

Bakura continued, tossing the shirt aside. "What's it look like? I'm going to ravage you."

Mikado's eyes widened. "WHAT?! No!!! No no no no NOOOO!!!" He wailed, struggling desperately. "AHMOSE!!!"

Bakura hummed calmly. "He cant heeeeaaaar you." Bakura sang. "In your sleep...no one can hear you scream."

Mikado whimpered at that. "Let me GO!!!"

Bakura gave him a harsh slap on the behind. "Shut up." he barked. "Another thing you cant do in dreams is hide your feelings. You like me. And you ALSO like being dominated." he hissed.

Mikado's eyes widened and he squeaked. "W-What? I do NOT!!!"

"Oh yes you do." Bakura said calmly, smirking. "Your most erotic desires involve domination...and masochism." he ripped Mikado's pants away as if they were nothing. Ahh, the power of dreams. "Allow me to prove it..." he hissed tossing Mikado onto the bed and quickly tying his wrists to the headboard.

Mikado gasped and he stared at Bakura with wide eyes, drawing his knees up in an attempt to hide behind them. "N-No, that's okay... you don't have to prove it..." Mikado whimpered.

Bakura laughed darkly. "Oh, I want to prove it..." he hissed pulling a candle from Mikado's drawer and lighting it calmly, watching the flame. After a few moments he put it down to burn, tying Mikado's legs apart to the footposts of the bed. "And you'll be moaning.'

Mikado whined as he found himself spread wide open, completely exposed. He was distressed, not only at his current situation, but also at the realization that he was shivering in an odd delight, and his heart was pounding in fear AND excitement.

Bakura's eyes grazed over Mikado's body slowly. He wasn't even HIDING the fact that he was looking over the youth like a vulture watching dying prey. "Mmm...nice." he said giving Mikado a smirk. "Every time I see your body, it just gets hotter..."

Mikado's eyes widened and he flushed horribly, the pink spreading over his face and chest. He squirmed under Bakura's lustful gaze.

Bakura chuckled darkly, picking up the candle. "You know...candles are so useful. Lighting at night...warming the hands while writing..." he walked over to Mikado. "Lighting fires..."

Mikado's eyes widened. "WHAT?! Lighting FIRES?! PUT THAT OUT!!!"

Bakura rolled his eyes, suddenly tipping the candle, allowing the hot wax to drip down onto Mikado's chest. "Shut your mouth loveslave. You're not in charge."

"AHH!" Mikado yelepd, throwing his head back and writhing, then hissing at the delicious burning pain.

Bakura smirked, dribbling the wax slowly across Mikado's chest, then pausing to coat a sensitive nipple. "What's this? You look like you're enjoying this...could it be I was right?"

Mikado jerked, grimacing and moaning as the wax cooled on his nipple. He was already flushed, sweaty and panting, and the heat began to gather between his legs, his lax member stirring slightly, beginning to show signs of awakening.

Bakura laughed, repeating the process with the other nipple. "How do you feel? hmmm?"

"A-AH!!" Mikado yelped, craning his neck and arching his back, squirming.

Bakura stopped dripping wax over Mikado, brushing cold fingers over the youth's chest, a sharp contrast to the heated wax. "Well? How do you feel?"

Mikado gasped, closing his eyes and whimpering, goose bumps rising on his skin as he chewed his lip.

"Answer me!" Bakura barked. "HOW do you feel?" his hand trailed slowly southward

Mikado yipped at that, and wriggled under Bakura's hand, moaning. He refused to speak.

Bakura gave Mikado a look, taking his length in his hand and pumping. "Answer me..." he hissed. "Or I'll have to...punish...you."

At those words, Mikado shivered and moaned again, eyelids fluttering as he rocked his hips slightly with the actions of Bakura's hand.

Bakura slid his hand slowly up Mikado's shaft, thumb teasing over the slit slowly. "What do you want?"

"Ahh!!" Mikado cried, throwing his head back and bucking his hips. He whimpered again, squirming, and remained silent... mostly because... he really didn't know how to answer THIS question...

Bakura let go of Mikado's member, hands slowly trailing up to Mikado's face, cupping his cheek in one hand, the other threading into Mikado's hair. "Dont lie to me anymore. Dont be silent. How do you feel Mikado? What do you want from me? Do you want more?"

Mikado gasped, turning and focusing cloudy eyes onto Bakura's face. He gasped for breath, and marvelling at how nice Bakura's cool hands felt on his hot face. "Y-Yes..." He breathed, nodding slightly and looking frightened at his own answer.

Bakura smiled and stooped, kissing Mikado strongly. ~Good...because I dont want to leave you.~ Bakura purred in Mikado's mind. ~You're MY lover...and I intend to keep you...~

Mikado let out a whimpering moan, closing his eyes and parting his lips, flicking his tongue over Bakura's lips in a silent invitation.

Bakura took the invitation eagerly, dominating the kiss and exploring Mikado's mouth lustfully. ~Mmm...gods you taste so sweet...~

Mikado moaned, arching into Bakura and licking at Bakura's tongue hesitantly.

Bakura smirked into the kiss, tongue inviting Mikado to a duel. His hands trailed from Mikado's hair, slowly beginning to untie the youth's wrists.

Mikado curled his tongue around Bakura's frowning slightly as his hands were released... he had mixed feelings about it really... He wanted to hold tightly to the body that hung over his own, but at the same time it was a rush to be bound and helpless beneath the outlaw...

Bakura pulled away kissing Mikado chastely. "You love me..." he purred. "Say it. Admit it...I have stolen your heart."

Mikado whined at that... Oh, he had been enjoying what Bakura was doing... and he wanted more... but he wasn't sure if that was something he could admit to yet...

Bakura gave Mikado a calm look, before pulling the familiar knife from his side and twirling it in his fingers. "Hmm...I should carve my name into you..." he hissed. "Mark you as mine and mine alone..."

"WHAT?!" Mikado yelped, jerking and shoving Bakura away. "NO!!!"

Bakura chuckled. "Ahh shut up whelp." he said dragging the blade lightly over Mikado's chest. "You'll enjoy it..."

Mikado jerked and hissed at the pain, but moaned and shivered too.

Bakura continued, carving a mystical looking symbol into Mikado's chest, before laughing and pouring the hot wax of the candle over the tender flesh. "Say it Mikado..say you love me...We both know you do...I can feel it."

Mikado threw his head back as the hot wax seeped into the open wounds. "AHH!!! Nnnnnn... Nnnnmmm... ahhhh..." He groaned, writhing and lifting his hips, erection straining.

Bakura laughed, hand trailing back to Mikado's length, beginning to pump him. "Say it...admit it right now..." Bakura hissed in Mikado's ear, his free hand still dripping wax slowly southward over Mikado's torso. "Say with your lips...what your body is already screaming."

"P-Please..." Mikado panted, rolling his head from side to side, his hair sticking to his sweaty face. "Oh, please..."

"Please what?" Bakura whispered, slowing his actions. "Say it."

Mikado groaned in frustration. "Please... More..." he begged.

"I'll only reward you for being a good love slave." Bakura said giving Mikado a gentle squeeze. "Say what I want to hear..admit that you love me. You love me without even needing to know more than you do now."

Mikado whined. "I... I don't... love you..." He breathed, and whimpered when Bakura's hand stopped. "I... want you..." He gasped.

Bakura snorted at Mikado. "I'm no whore Mikado..." he said standing. "You can only have me...if you can love me."

And then the damn rooster crowed.

Mikado jerked away and groaned. He was sweaty and panting and tangled in his sheets, and he was desperate to releive the ache between his legs. He gasped as he took matters into his... right hand.

It wasn't until Mikado dressed, that he noticed the interesting phenomena on his chest....It appeared as though he'd been lightly scarred...but in a rather familiar shape.

He stared in the mirror, slowly running a hand over his chest, frowning in confusion and alarm.

When his fingers ran over the shape, he felt a warmth spread over him...as if he were in a warm embrace...and the mark slowly disappeared.

Mikado shivered, then frowned and dressed fully... He had to learn what he could about this... Bakura... before he had ANOTHER dream like that...