He Among Us Without Sin

He Among Us Without Sin

Mally-chan & hatochiisai

YAOI WARNING

Disclaimer: We do not own Yugioh. Hato does own Mikado and Ahmose, though.

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Chapter 7

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Yami snickered and went about his 'preparations' for mischief. He never went to bed that night. Ahmose slept with his brother instead.

Bakura watched Yami in curiosity however, curious about what he was, and what he was up to.

Just as the night was beginning to end, did Yami yawn and begin his walk back to his room. He was pleased with his preparations.

Bakura snorted and went back to his drink; scotch and wolf's blood. Whatever... he'd find out what the demon was up to eventually.

Just as Yami decided to go to bed, Ryou was waking. He yawned softly, and slowly exited his room, wandering downstairs and outside to begin his morning meditation. But not before having a hot cup of tea and a scone.

The sun wasn't up yet, so Bakura walked across the square as Ryou headed off to meditate. He blinked at the priest, but nodded politely as they passed one another.

Ryou blinked as well, quite stunned at the resemblance they shared. "Good morning." he cooed politely.

"Morning..." Bakura said, heading into the stable to see Malik; Marik had told him what had happened. It had been a while since he had seen Malik, and he was a bit worried.

"Malik?" He called, entering the second to last stall.

Malik looked up, seething, but seemingly fatigued. He growled.

"Malik." Bakura said, walking over. "... You look like hell."

"Fuck you...." he growled glaring. The curse was slowly wearing off, and he was very tired from the whole process.

Bakura knelt and smirked. "You really in the mood?" He asked, a fang glinting from behind his smiling lips.

Malik lunged forward. "Shut your fucking face!"

Bakura narrowed his eyes and snarled, then slapped the elf across the face. "YOU shut your face! And snap out of it!"

Malik bit Bakura's hand the instant it'd come in reach (though after the slap sadly...) and glared, holding the hand captive.

Bakura snorted. "You know better than this Malik." He said, jerking his hand from Malik's teeth and watching in mild interest as his hand healed itself.

Malik glared harshly at Bakura. "Fuck off."

Bakura snorted and stood. "I'll come see you this evening and see if you're in better spirits then." He said, turning and leaving the stall, closing and locking it behind him.

Malik growled after Bakura and once again he was alone.

Outside, Ryou was contently sitting under a tree, the first rays of the sun barely peeking above the horizon.

Bakura hurried back to the basement of the inn to sleep. A few minutes later, Marik emerged, yawning and stretching. He headed for the stable, oatmeal, bread and fruit in his hands. He came back outside a few minutes later, stretching. He smiled at Ryou.

Ryou peeked open an eye and smiled, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks.

Marik trotted back inside the tavern and came out again with another plate and bowl. He headed over to Ryou. "Here... oatmeal, bread and bacon." He said, plopping down and giving Ryou the bowl.

Ryou smiled and ate some. "I already had a bit of breakfast...oh but this is good too." he cooed eating daintily.

Marik smiled and ate bacon. "Mm Hmm... one of the two cooks is a bitch." He said.

"You shouldn't say things like that." Ryou said as he ate. "She might spit in your food."

Marik blinked, but then laughed. "No no no!!! I mean she's a female werewolf! So she makes EXCELLENT bacon!!!"

Ryou blinked and shook his head, going back to his oatmeal. "Oh."

Marik chuckled, shaking his head in amusement and tearing off a chunk of the warm fresh bread.

Ryou sighed softly, finishing his food and closing his eyes. He couldn't focus on his meditation today...his mind kept drifting away to dreamier things...that set his heart aflutter.

Marik munched away on his bread and bacon, wagging his tail happily. He kept glancing up at Ryou from time to time.

Though his eyes were closed, the faint blush on his cheeks darkened every time Marik glanced his way. Something inside him was longing for the werewolf...he wanted to inch closer...curl up in the elder male's arms...sigh and...

Ryou sighed softly tried to focus on anything but the fuzzy feeling he felt whenever he thought of Marik.

"Want some bacon?" Marik asked, holding the plate out. "You're obviously not getting any meditation done."

Ryou squeaked and opened his eyes, cheeks darkening further. "Y-you can...tell?"

Marik nodded. "Yeah. You aren't able to concentrate at all."

Ryou looked away. "I'm...I'm sorry." he squeaked again embarrassed that Marik had noticed.

"For what?" Marik asked, cocking his head.

Ryou bit his lip. "for not meditating?"

Marik blinked. "And... this requires you giving me an apology why?"

"Um...because you pointed it out?" Ryou said closing his eyes once more and trying to focus. But instead of blessed profound meditation, his mind was filled with the fluffy image of what it might be like...to share a kiss.

Marik sighed and leaned back against the tree, closing his eyes and enjoying the crisp cold morning as the sun rose.

Ryou opened an eye and peered at Marik, blushing. Oh he was perfect...he was amazing, kind, sweet, handsome...everything he'd ever dreamed of in love...stong and brave. He longed to crawl over and nuzzle into the wolf's arms...but no. No...priests didn't do that...they didn't profess love to the same gender.

He looked away and pouted slightly, closing his eyes once more, the daydream of that beautiful breathtaking first kiss taunting him and making his heart ache.

"Something is bothering you." Marik said suddenly, eyes still closed. "What is it?"

"Hmmm...nothing." Ryou said softly. "why?"

"You huffed." Marik said, flicking one of those damnable ears.

"I did?" Ryou said blinking open his eyes and looking confused. Had he?

"Mmm-hmm..." Marik said.

"Oh..." Ryou said confused. "Sorry…"

"There you go again with the sorry thing!" Marik cried.

Ryou squeaked and looked away quickly. "sorry..." he whispered.

"STOP APOLOGIZING!!!" Marik howled, laughing.

Ryou blushed and pouted softly. He had a strong urge to apologize again, but bit his lip.

Marik chuckled and ruffled Ryou's hair. "Come on... what's on your mind?"

Ryou's blush once more darkened. "N-nothnig."

"You're lyyyyyyinnnnggg..." Marik sang with a grin.

Ryou whined softly and covered his ears. "Stooooop!"

Marik laughed. "Awww..." He ate the last strip of bacon.

Ryou shook his head slightly and sighed softly. Did Marik feel that way for him? Maybe he hadn't gotten enough sleep...

Marik finally got up. "Scuse me..." He said, scratching his head. "Gotta go mark a tree."

"Huh?" Ryou said confusedly.

"Gotta take a piss." Marik clarified.

Ryou blinked and nodded. "Oh." he wrinkled his nose.

Marik chuckled and trotted off into the woods.

Ryou sighed and once again (for the tenth time it seemed) tried to meditate.

But in minutes, Marik was back to distract him. "So. What are we going to do today?"

Ryou pouted. "Attempt to not sin."

Marik raised an eyebrow. "Uh... okayyyy..."

Ryou shook his head, more sweet lovestruck images in his head. What was WRONG with him. He whined loudly. "Oh for heaven's sake!"

"What?" Marik asked, a bit taken aback.

Ryou turned a dark red, eyes snapping open. "I...I just had the most irresponsible and naughty image pass through my mind!" he wailed hurriedly getting up, nearly tripping over himself. "I need to be berated!" and he darted back into the inn.

Marik blinked, watching Ryou go. "... What the hell? Berated?"

At that moment, Ryou thundered into Mikado and Ahmose's room. "Mikadoooooo" he whined loudly.

Mikado and Ahmose both jumped and sat straight up in bed, yelping in unison. "Ahh! Ahh! What?! I'm up, I'm up!!!" They blinked and looked at each other, confused by their identical actions.

Yami, snickered from his place, reclining on the floor. "Oh lookie, the priest is in peril." he said, his tail curling in contentment.

"Mikado scold me!" Ryou whined loudly. "I've sinned and I cant scold myself!"
Mikado and Ahmose both blinked, Mikado at Ryou, Ahmose at Yami.

"What did you do?" The younger brother asked.

"Why are you on the floor?" Asked the elder.

"I didn't want to disturb your sleep." Yami yawned stretching. "And since wings take up a lot of room on the bed, I opted for the floor so you two could be comfortable." Yami said calmly.

Ryou whined louder. "Sinning! SINNING SINNING SINNING!" he wailed tugging his own hair. "Horrible naughty bad sinning images in my mind!"

Ahmose turned to listen to Ryou spazzing out. Mikado sighed and shook his head. "Sit down Ryou. Tell me all about it."

Yami said nothing, but looked pleased as a fat cat.

Ryou sat down by the bed and looked utterly mortified. "It's Marik!" He whined. "In my mind!"

Mikado blinked, but Ahmose quickly turned and glared at Yami.

"What do you mean, Ryou?" Mikado asked.

"Naughty sinful images in my mind of horrible sinful THINGS!" Ryou pouted. "Bad sinning acts!"

Yami burst out laughing at that. "Oh COME on! It can’t be that bad!"

Ahmose glared. "YAMI!!! WHAT DID YOU DO!?"

"I just gave him the love potion!" Yami said throwing his hands up. "He's totally lying! Siren love potions are as tame as they come!" he said laughing.

"YAMI!!! I told you not to do that!!!" Ahmose cried, angrilly. Mikado was glaring at Yami.

"You gave Ryou WHAT?!"

Yami snickered. "Just a siren love potion! It's nothing! It's not even naughty!" Yami said defensively.

Ryou whined loudly. "I DONT WANT A LOVE POTION!"

"Yami..." Ahmose growled, then turned and pat Ryou's shoulder. "Don't worry. It will wear off soon."

"Actually..." Yami trailed off and laughed louder. "ahhh yeah, just listen to Ahmose kid...his story's better."

Ahmose turned, eyes wide. "What the hell was THAT supposed to mean?! YAMI!!!"

Yami laughed and flopped back onto the floor. "Nothing! Nothing nothing!"

Ahmose growled. "Yami. Talk. Or you'll soon find yourself going hungry..."

Yami shrugged. "There's not much to say. Siren love potion is incurable. Because it's not something that does anything but enhancing your OWN desires. In other words...it'll never wear off."

Mikado and Ahmose's eyes widened. "YOU DAMNED DEMON!!!" Mikado howled, diving at Yami. Ahmose caught his brother and held him, but glared at Yami.

"You had better get the hell out of here before I decide to let my brother go and JOIN him in beating the shit out of you..." He growled, looking furious.

Yami laughed more. "That'll teach you to go back on your word." he said flicking his tail and disappearing in a puff of smoke.

Ryou whined louder. "incurable?!"

Ahmose growled and let Mikado go.

"HOW can you LOVE that demon?!" He shouted at Ahmose.

"He's never done anything THIS assinine before!!!" Ahmose cried in his defense.

Ryou pouted. "I CAME here for you to scold ME not your brother!" Ryou whined louder. "I am SINNING!"

"It's not your fault, Ryou!" Mikado cried. "It's what that God forsaken DEMON gave you!"

Ryou sniffled. "It's not fair! How can I be holy with things like THAT in my head?!" Ryou pulled his hair. "Oh I'm a disgrace!"

Mikado rolled his eyes. "Not even the Pope himself has perfectly innocent thoughts all the time, Ryou. We're only human. We're flawed."

"I should NOT have homosexual images of MARIK in MY head!" Ryou whined.

"Well, they're there. Deal with it." Mikado said. Just calm down."

Ryou wasn't calming down. "M-Marik a-and he was kissing me!" Ryou whined.

Mikado giggled. "Told you that you liked him."

"I don't think that's helping, Mikado." Ahmose drawled, and moved to sit by Ryou. "It's okay... everyone imagines things like that." He said, patting Ryou's shoulder. "If you feel guilty about it, then whenever to you next come upon another priest, confess."

Ryou sniffled. "That's even worse!" he sniffled and scampered from the room to hide in his own room until the images went away.

"Oh come on. Siren love potions are so chaste it's sickening..." Yami's voice was heard. "Big baby."

Ahmose growled. "Yami... if you EVER do this again, so help me, I will castrate you MYSELF!!!"

Yami snickered. "Oh come on, it's cute. He's so flustered and it's over daydreams of kisses, or hugs or something silly like that. It's not even hardcore ass-humping man sex."

Mikado frowned. "He's a PRIEST!!! He's a sixteen year old boy who was raised in a CHURCH!!! He probably doesn't even know what sex IS!!!"

"It wouldn't matter if he did. Siren love potions are for pubescent little girls and boys who have crushes. They just cause mild swooning." Yami chuckled. "It's one of those 'happily ever after' type potions...it's not like it's killing him."

Ahmose rolled his eyes. "Yami. I told you NOT to do it." He snapped. "I'm REALLY pissed at you right now. Ryou is REALLY upset. I doubt he's EVER thought of things like this before!"

"Ehh, he'll get over it. You will too. Man's gotta work, Demon's gotta work. I cant be nice all the time." Yami said offhandishly. "It's either mild mischief like this or I start massive orgies and sack a village."

Ahmose snorted. "This mischeif has devastated a priest, Yami."

"He was already thinking those things or the potion wouldn't have worked!" Yami said annoyed. "Devastated shmevastated. Humans are such dramaqueens."

Ahmose snorted. "Yami... you're such an ass sometimes." He said, getting up and dressing. Mikado sighed and did the same.

"I admit it. I'm an ass. But I've been such a 'good' demon for a year! I'm entitled to have a LITTLE fun." he pouted. "Gods forbid I ever do anything less than saintly."

Ahmose snorted, fastening his belt and securing his weapons, watching his brother secrete numerous weapons all over his person. Ahmose raised his eyebrows.

"... think you have enough stuff in your clothes?" He asked.

"Got stuff everywhere but in his pants." Yami snickered. "Just cant top the big brother I guess." he chuckled.

Mikado snorted. "I'm not gonna say anything... I don't know what you mean by that but..."

"It means you're not as well...designed as your brother." Yami snickered. "OR, in simple terms. 'nice dick'"

Ahmose let out a disgusted sigh and let his head fall into his hand, flushing. Mikado blushed too, eyes wide. Then he scowled. "You may be my brother's lover, but please don't show it off." He grumbled.

"I'm not. You don’t see him naked do you? Nope. I could fix that....a little magic..." he cooed snickering.

Ahmose scowled, looking around for the invisible demon. "Don't you dare, Yami. I'm already pissed off with you, do NOT push your luck." Mikado snorted and put on his sword belt, then pulled his cross out of his shirt

"Blame your brother for stabbing me. Whenever I go home I come back with the urge to piss people off, and cause trouble. Maybe next time he wont be stabbing things before he takes time to realize I was harmless!" Yami snorted. "Harmless fun, Harmless mischief and I was HARMLESS on my ass after being thrown from the damn horse! He'd better thank whatever God he worships that I'm harmless because I could have killed you both ten times over in your sleep with a simple spell. I wouldn't have even needed to dirty my hands." Yami growled slightly.

"But because he's your brother, because you love him and because I'm not a total jackass I'm dealing with the fact that now there's...ugh...a Vatican Agent near me and I doubt he's going away anytime soon."

Mikado scowled and crossed his arms, turning and looking at Ahmose. “You never answered my question. WHY do you love this guy?” Ahmose rolled his eyes.

”He’s not usually in such a bad mood. Normally he’s quite pleasant to be around.”

”What, when he’s trying to get into your pants?” Mikado asked, throwing his hands up into the air. Ahmose blinked and slowly grinned in amusement. Mikado gave him a look. “Never mind. Don’t answer that. I’m getting something to eat.” And he headed for the door. Ahmose chuckled.

”I’ll be down in a minute.” He said, and Mikado shut the door behind him. “Yami, come out.”

"Why? So you can berate me?" Yami grumbled, huffing softly.

Ahmose chuckled and sat down on the bed, patting it, trying to get Yami to sit next to him.

Yami sighed and appeared sitting next to Ahmose, looking irritated.

Ahmose wrapped an arm around Yami. "Yes. I'm going to berate you." He said, kissing Yami. "I'm going to berate you horribly." He kissed him again. "Give you the berating of your life..." Another kiss, as he ran his hand up and down the demon's side.

Yami chuckled and curled his tail around Ahmose's wrist. "Horny mmm?"

"No, not particularly." Ahmose said, cocking his head a bit. "I just know you're feeling a bit... neglected. I love my brother, Yami. But never forget that I love you too... And besides..." He smiled. "Since you and I are together, by human laws, that makes Mikado your Brother In Law by default."

Yami bristled and growled slightly. "I don’t care for him."

"And he doesn't care for you." He hugged Yami. "Please, Yami..." He ran his hand up and down Yami's back.

Yami growled again. "Sometimes you're more trouble than a meal should EVER be worth." he grumbled. "If this keeps up, I'll just take the priest. He's stupid, naive and virgin."

"Yami!!! If you ever even DARE to touch him!!!" Ahmose shouted, pulling away and glaring at Yami in anger. He shook his head. "If you EVER dare to do something like that, even I won't be able defend you from the Agents that will surely come for you..." He sighed and shook his head. "I'm not sure if I would even TRY to..." He stood and headed to the door, frowning. He didn't like this new side that Yami was showing. Not at all...

Yami growled. "You wont because brother dear is one." he huffed. "Now I have to be all nice and perfect and strictly adhere to good behavior or I'll get maimed! I'd rather peel off my skin and crawl through salt and broken glass. I'm a Demon Ahmose, and even though I'm good natured I cant be good all the time. I'm no angel. I'm not an angel, and I'm not going to pretend to be one. If I cant have my fun sometimes then I wont be me. And I'm not willing to put up a silly act for anyone." he stood and turned away, tail lashing. "Not even you."

Ahmose turned and looked at Yami. "I'm not asking you to put on an act or be someone you're not. But Yami... You're already acting like someone you're not! You just threatened to rape a sixteen year old priest!!!" He closed the door again and walked over to Yami. "That's not like you. Ever since my brother showed up, you've been acting... different. Bitter and vengeful... I don't like it. You're like a different person. Your playful little tricks have a sinister feel to them they've never had before... And it worries me..."

Yami growled again. "I DONT like Vatican Agents. It doesn't matter who it is or who they're related to. I can...endure his presence Ahmose, but I'll never like him. People like him are the reason why Demons like me had to build OUR civilization in a completly different realm." He turned burning eyes at Ahmose and glared. "And although I wouldn't trade my home, or that peace of mind for anything...the fact is that he supports things that disrupt the natural balance. Where are all YOUR dragons? Oh that's right. They're EVIL and were all killed by the Vatican. How about Harpies? Oh DAMN they're evil too!" Yami turned away.

"How long do you think I'll last Ahmose? How long until either he does me in, or one of his superiors? You already said you cant protect me from the agents, and with one as your brother I dont think you'd even try."

Ahmose frowned. "That's not true. As long as I beleive that you have done nothing to deserve bringing down their wrath, I will protect you." He said, laying his hands on Yami's shoulders. "Even from my brother. I love you." He said, gently kissing Yami. "Please... don't do anything that would attract the attention of the Vatican. Mikado has promised me that he will not tell them about you. So don't do something that could get you killed... please..." He hugged Yami tightly.

Yami snorted. "Being alive will get me killed." he grumbled.

"Why are you acting like this? Why are you acting so vengeful?" Ahmose asked.

Yami growled. "Why do you think it was so hard for me to get home when I was trapped here? A Vatican Agent attacked me. I barely got away with my life...and was so weakened from lack of food and the spells he put on me that I couldn't even get home. The bastard was sure he'd sentanced me to death, and didn't even bother chasing me! If it hadn't been for you, I would have died in this damned realm." Yami growled louder. "And I was once again, just minding my own. How would you feel if you were just minding your own business and someone just STABBED you?! Or cursed you?"

Yami snorted. "As far as I'm concerned I should kill Agents now that I'm not weakened..."

Ahmose raised his eyebrows. "How about the time I was innocently riding through the woods and got pounced by an incubus, hmm? Just minding my own business, and got attacked." He smiled and poked Yami. "True... he did let me go, but..." He kissed Yami's cheek.

"I didn't injure you." Yami snorted. "I didn't stab or curse or maim you in any way."

"No, but it really hurt when you tackled me off of my horse." Ahmose chuckled. "I had the biggest bruise on my back..." He kissed the tip of Yami's nose. "Come on now, Yami... Let's go downstairs for breakfast."

Yami snickered slightly.

Ahmose's eyes widened and he blushed. "YAMI!!!"

Yami snickered even more. "Yes that would be nice... but even funnier… your brother just ate some of that potion too."

Ahmose froze, eyes wide. "WHAT?!?" He shouted, leaping to his feet. "YAMI! WHAT DID YOU PUT IT IN?!?"

Yami burst into laughter. "Oh gods this is rich! I've gotten like....ten people so far!" he leaned on the window laughing. "The priest, your brother, several random people, and the wolf too! Oh I'm on a roll!"

"WHAT?!" He turned and ran from the room, looking down into the dining area.

Downstairs, Mikado and Marik were both enjoying different meals. Marik was having a second helping of breakfast sausages and bacon, eggs and a side of hashbrowns. Mikado was having oatmeal and fruit. The only similarity was their drinks...both were having the hot tea. (Though Marik only took it because they were out of his favorite drink.)

Ahmose's eyes widened. "You put it in the tea?!

Yami snickered. "Yup." he said proudly. "Now we'll be surrounded by fluffy little balls of love-fluff." he chuckled. "All swooning for that special someone they wish for."

Ahmose swallowed and slowly turned, eyes wide. "Yami... WHEN did you put it in the tea?" He asked, glancing across the room. Yami blinked and turned, staring at an empty cup on the small table by the bed.

Yami blinked and grinned at Ahmose. "You took it too!" he laughed louder. "Oh that's beautiful!"

"YAMI!!!" Ahmose howled. "GOD, what is WRONG with you?!" He turned and ran out of the room, dashing down the stairs and going into the kitchen, shouting.

Yami chuckled flicking his tail. "Aww he's gonna be daydreaming about me...." he cooed sitting down and looking proud. "I dont see why he's panicking. Siren love potions dont really do anything but make you daydream and they stop working when you end up with the one you 'love'." he said rolling his eyes.

"Such a lame potion... it's just 'I like to daydream about you because you're the one I love..."

Downstairs, people could be heard shouting as Ahmose got rid of the tea, and then when Ahmose told Mikado that he had just been drinking some of the siren potion the boy absolutely flipped, but Ahmose calmed him down.

Yami smiled. "I feel better..." he cooed, disappearing once more as invariably Ahmose and Mikado would come up to beat him into nothingness.

Meanwhile, Ryou walked downstairs blinking in wonder. "W-what's going on?"

Ahmose looked up and sighed. "Yami put the siren stuff into the tea. About a dozen more people have ingested it. Including myself and Mikado." He said.

Ryou blinked then smiled broadly. "Oh yay! It's not just me!" he said delightedly. "Now I dont have to feel so horrible!"

Mikado raised an eyebrow. "Yeah... great..." He mumbled. Marik blinked.

"What's going on now? What are you saying I've drunk?" He asked.

Ryou giggled. "A 'siren love potion'." he said softly. "Yami put it in the tea."

Marik's eyes widened and he slowly looked down at his drained cup. "WHAT?!"

"Oh this is almost as fun as that time I put blackbirds in the king's pie." Yami's voice was heard, following by laughter. "You're all going to be swooning and daydreaming...it'll be just like a day at the spa! So much fluffy aura. I'll just be drowning in sweet sugary munchies! I bet I'm gonna gain twenty pounds!"

Ahmose groaned. "Yami... one of these days you're going to get your come uppance..."

Ahmose could just FEEL Yami's smirk at that. "I get my 'come uppance' every day...or should I say yours?" he snickered. "And when you're daydreaming about me, I'm going to sweep you off your sorcerer feet." he cooed.

Ahmose growled. "Yami, you're an ass." He said, sitting down and grabbing an apple. Mikado sat down again, glaring at the tea.

"So..." The Agent said. "What's the plan?"

"What do you mean?" Ahmose asked.

"Well... I have to get Ryou to the Vatican." Mikado replied.

"Hm..." Ahmose mused, thinking. "... I'll come with you." Mikado looked at him and smiled.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"And... I suppose that Yami will come with you?" Mikado asked.

"... Yes." Ahmose said. Mikado studied his brother for a moment, then nodded.

"Alright. I'll see what I can do. For Yami AND Marik... they certainly can't stay IN the Vatican... Honestly, you can't either... you practice the... heh... the 'Black Arts'." Ahmose snorted at that. "I know of an inn outside of Vatican City, in Rome... they will rent you, and Marik and Yami rooms." Mikado said.

"Does it have a heating stove? I hate being cold." Yami's voice was heard.

Ryou sat down at the table too and looked down. "Marik...a-are you sure you want to come?" he asked softly, that blush creeping up his pale cheeks once more. "It...could be dangerous...even though you're baptized.."

Marik nodded, moving over to their table. "Of course I wanna come." He said.

Ryou smiled and lowered his eyes. "Even though you could be killed?" he asked biting his lip. There were those fluffy kissy daydreams again...Such SIN!

Marik nodded. "Yes." Ahmose sighed and looked around.

"You coming too, Yami? Rome is a beautiful city..." He said in a tempting tone, and Mikado snickered.

"It's a ROMANTIC city you mean..." He teased, and Ahmose slapped him lightly.

"Hush."

Yami snickered. "It is...the fountains are beautiful, and there are many beautiful ancient buildings...However, Rome may be 'romantic', but not near as 'romantic' as vienna." he purred, and Ahmose felt an invisible tail curl around his waist, followed by strong arms.

"I suppose I could spare some time to sneak in and have a candle-lit meal with Ahmose...if he wanted."

Ahmose jumped and he slapped at the invisible tail. "HEY!!! Stop that!"

But the tail remained curled around Ahmose's waist, and he felt wings settle over him. Yami was...'cuddling' him. "No dinner? Alright."

Ahmose sighed and shook his head, smiling. "Yami, cut out the invisible thing..."

"Naah...I like it. Cause then I can be sneaky." And that was the end of the 'cuddling' and the beginning of the 'groping'

Ahmose yelped and jumped, knocking the table and toppling out of his chair backwards. Marik and Mikado burst out laughing.

Yami snickered and grinned, continuing his little 'groping assault'. "See? Sneaky. Of course you sputtering and knocking things over makes you look like a lunatic."

Ryou shook his head softly, and sighed. "Honestly..."

"Get off!!!" Ahmose cried, slapping at Yami. "Stop stop stop!!!"

Yami laughed. "Fine fine...but you STILL owe me a feast...you're so cruel...beckoning me down here for breakfast and then not delivering." He cooed and the groping stopped.

"Maybe I can tempt a barmaiden from next door..."

Ahmose rolled his eyes. "Yeah yeah... you'll get your feast when you've earned it."

"Brat." Yami grumbled.

Ahmose smirked. "Took the word right out of my mouth."

"Watch it or I'll take the penis right out of your pants." Yami warned. "Right on the breakfast table."

Ryou turned dark red.

"Yami... that's not how you earn your meal, dear." Ahmose said, rolling his eyes and returning to the table.

"Jerk." Yami grumbled

Ryou sighed once more. "I...is it a good idea to bring him? He did just give us all love potion..."

"He WON'T do it again, if he ever wants to eat again." Ahmose said, firmly.

"You say that like there aren't a million other humans in the world." Yami snorted.

Ahmose grunted and finished his breakfast. "So... when are we leaving?" He asked.

"I dunno." Marik said, standing with some food. "I'm gonna go check on Malik."

Ryou blinked. "The one who looks like me said he was going to check on him later...he just checked him not long ago..." he said softly. "It sounded like it didn't go well..."

Marik blinked. "Oh. Bakura?" Mikado looked up, flushing slightly.

"Bakura is still here?" He asked.

"Is that his name?" Ryou said blinking. "Yes, I saw him just before dawn...He came back inside when the sun came up though...."

"Of course he would." Mikado said. "He's a vampire."

Ryou wrinkled his nose. "I'm going to gather some herbs..." he said standing. "I used most of my spell components on Marik."

Mikado sighed and stood. "I'll come with you." He said as Marik headed to the stable.

Ryou smiled and nodded, picking up his satchel, which he'd brought from upstairs and walked outside.

He didn't get far. He paused outside the inn and sighed dreamily when his eyes caught sight of Marik.

Mikado giggled. "Come on, Ryou..." He said, wrapping an arm around the boy and guiding him to the woods. "I don't know what you wanna find out here... it's winter..."

Ryou blinked a bit. "O-oh...yes..." he said blushing. "Right..." he walked with Mikado into the forest calmly. Every so often he would stoop to pick the drying mosses, or a nut or berry.

Mikado sighed and looked around, then up at the sky. "It's going to snow soon..."

Ryou nodded. "Snow is pretty..."

Mikado smiled. "Yes it is."

Ryou sighed softly. "I wonder...if Marik has me on his mind..." he said after a moment. "Ever since that potion...I cant get him out of my mind..."

Mikado grinned. "Oh, I'm sure he's thinking about you..." He said.

And Marik was. He entered the stable and made a kissey noise, attracting the attention of Bakura's large stallion. "Hey, Strigoi..." He cooed, offering the horse an apple.

The horse snorted but accepted the apple, chewing calmly.

Marik smiled. "Good boy..." He cooed, petting the horse's nose. "It's been a while, hm?"

The horse chewed the treat and bowed it's head in agreeance. Bakura didn't often travel, despite the majestic horse. He usually stayed on his own.

Marik chuckled and pat the horse's neck then moved on to see Malik. "Malik?"

Malik was sleeping soundly, looking absolutely worn out. But there was a good sign...he was smiling in his sleep.

Marik smiled and set some bread down beside him, then slipped out of the stable, petting Strigoi on his way.

The first flakes of snow were visable as night fell, and Ryou huddled in his robe, carrying his precious herbs and spell components. "Brr..." he shivered smiling. Despite the cold, he was happy to see the snow so close.

Mikado smiled at Ryou. They had returned to the village for the afternoon, but gone out again in the evening when an elven woman told Ryou where to find some of the herbs he was looking for. When they returned to the village, Bakura was walking around the square with Strigoi, letting him get out of his stall for a bit. Mikado swallowed and stared at the vampire.

"You're staring..." Ryou whispered softly, nudging Mikado. "Is something wrong?"

Mikado shook his head and looked down, flushing. "Blasted Siren potion thingie..." He mumbled as they started across the square. "Um... good evening, Bakura."

Bakura snorted. "Good evening." he said watching his horse calmly. "What are you doing out so late?"

Mikado smiled and bowed slightly. "Getting some herbs from the woods that Ryou needed." He said, watching as Strigoi turned and sniffed at Ryou, smelling said herbs on the boy.

Bakura nodded slowly. "I see." he snorted. "Priests..."

Mikado raised an eyebrow. "What was that for?"

"Eh...they're getting younger and girlier every time I see them." Bakura said calmly. "Soon they'll be genderless completly."

Mikado frowned. "Bakura, that's not nice."

"According to Christianity the truth is always best right?" Bakura countered.

Mikado rolled his eyes. "Bakura, be nice." He said, then looked at Ryou. "Don't worry... some people tell me I look like a girl." He smirked and winked at the priest. "I've also hear people saying that Bakura here looks like a girl."

Bakura rolled his eyes. "You hear lies."

Mikado giggled. "Awww... but you're so pretty..."

Bakura groaned and grabbed Mikado, staring him straight in the eyes. "Look at my eyes...I want you to go into the inn...and proceed to shut up...until dawn." he said in the serious voice, working Vampire hypnosis on Mikado.

Mikado's eyes widened, but he suddenly snapped them closed and began reciting the prayer to his Guardian Angel. "Angele Dei, qui custos es mei, me tibi commissum pietate. Superna hodie, illumina, custodi, rege et guberna. Amen." He looked up at Bakura, scowling. "You think Master Pegasus never taught me how to ward off that trick?!" He asked. "It only works on those of weak mind and spirit, Bakura."

Bakura sighed. "Damn church." he grumbled.

Mikado smiled up at Bakura. It wasn't cocky or snide; it was a geniuine smile. "Um... Thanks for the other night, Bakura. I... think this is yours..." He took the silver dagger from his belt and offered it to the vampire.

Bakura nodded. "Keep it. I don’t slay things for a living, you'll need it again one day."

Mikado blinked, then smiled and nodded, blushing slightly. "Thank you... I'm sure it will come in handy..." He said, chuckling when Strigoi snorted and pulled on the lead rope. Mikado pet the horse's neck, and Strigoi calmed down. "... Will you be coming with us, Bakura?"

"With you to...?" Bakura asked staring Ryou down, causing the youth to shrink back fearfully.

"... To Rome." Mikado said. "Marik is coming. Malik probably will... Ahmose and Yami are..."

"Yami...would that be the incubus that put the potion in the tea?" Bakura asked smirking.

Mikado scowled. "Yes." He grunted, looking annoyed.

"Ahh...Judging from the look on your face, and the blushing, I'd say you drank it then." Bakura chuckled.

"Shut up." Mikado grumbled, folding his arms and glaring at the falling snow.

"So...love potion?" Bakura chuckled. "How are you handling it?"

Mikado gave a deep sigh. "So far so good." He said. "I was raised to be strong and to resist such supernatural things." He said, petting Strigoi again.

"You know Mikado...Incubi are demons, but they are signs of good fortune." Bakura said after a moment.

Mikado blinked several times before finally saying, "What?"

Bakura chuckled. "They're signs of good luck. For every 20 succubi born, maybe one incubus is born into creation." Bakura explained smirking. "They're rarities. Succubi are interested only in sex. Incubi are...playful. I heard a story once...a few hundred years ago. It was an older man...he said that seeing an incubus was a sign that misfortune would follow...but that you would survive, unscathed."

Mikado blinked. "But you just said that they were a sign of GOOD fortune..."

Bakura nodded. "I wasn't done yet!" he said rolling his eyes. "The story continues that whenever someone with a truly pure heart leaves THIS realm of existance...they are reborn into his world. The soul lives on." Bakura said calmly. "Some even think that it's possible that the incubi are saints, reborn to counterbalance the scales of good and evil. I've never seen a truly evil Incubi. I've seen them pull mildly annoying tricks..but have you EVER heard of incubi raping, killing or the like? No...it's the succubi."

Mikado blinked. "No, I've heard of incubi raping... succubi don't rape... they seduce..."

Bakura chuckled. "I highly doubt the story is credible. It's really rare to see an incubus, let alone one that rapes. They're too lazy. More like pets or children. Really obnoxious children."

Mikado blinked, then chuckled in return. "Yeah, he SURE acts like an obnoxious child."

Bakura smirked. "Regardless of the situation...it's widely believed incubi are pure spirits. So...try not to kill it." he said smirking.

Mikado blinked, then snorted and folded his arms, grumbling.

"Besides...he gave you a blessing in disguise...if it's the same love potion I am lead to believe it is...then you'll have...a happily ever after." Bakura snickered. "As cornball as that is."

Mikado blinked again. "What?"

"Siren love potions have no real effect. They just bring two destined lovers closer." Bakura said calmly. "Instant happily ever after."

"... Really?" Mikado asked, cocking his head.

Bakura nodded. "Yes. Really." Bakura chuckled.

"Hmmm..." Mikado mused, looking up at the sky, thoughtfully.

Bakura smirked. "And..." he motioned to Ryou, who had snuck back towards the inn. "That wolf and him will be very happy..."

Mikado sighed. "I hope so..." He mumbled. "You didn't answer my question. Will you come to Rome with us?"

"I'll think on it." Bakura replied after a moment. "I'm not very into travel...we'll see."

"You could ride in the carriage during the day..." Mikado said with a smile. “And your home is only a day’s ride away on Strigoi.”

"I'll think on it." Bakura said once more. "For now, you should go in. You'll get ill staying out in the chill."

Mikado snorted. "I'm an Agent. Sometimes I have to ride through blizzards for days."

Bakura grabbed him again and this time held his eyes open. "Go inside...."

Mikado yelped and smacked at Bakura. "Stop thaaaaat!!!"

Bakura however held his gaze into Mikado's eyes. "Inside...go INSIDE..." he hissed.

"God! I will! It's not like there's anything entertaining out here!!!"

Bakura shoved him smirking. "Good, then get your ass inside." he said tugging his horse back to the stables.

Mikado snorted. "Jerk." He muttered, just loud enough for Bakura to hear.

"Teenager." Bakura snorted back, at equal volume.

Mikado grinned. "Too true!" He called over his shoulder.

Bakura rolled his eyes. "Humans."

"Hmph... Blood suckers." Mikado shot back from across the yard.

"Girlieboys." Bakura called back, laughing before entering the barn.

"Smelly OLD guy!!!" Mikado shouted after Bakura.

Ryou blinked from inside the inn. "Mikado...what on earth are you doing?" he blurted confused.

"Huh? Oh, exchanging insults with Bakura." He said, grinning and closing the door behind him and removing his cloak.

"Bakura? Who's that?" Ahmose asked from where he was sitting by the fire with Yami, arm around the incubus' shoulder. Mikado smiled and walked over, sitting near them.

"A vampire. He says that Yami amuses him." The Agent said.

Yami flicked his tail. "Glad someone around here has a sense of humor other than me." he snorted wrapping a wing around Ahmose and nuzzling him contently.

Mikado smiled. "He says that you're not evil and you don't mean any harm. That you're just a trouble maker by nature." He said. Ahmose chuckled.

"That's a good description." The sorcerer said, poking Yami in a ticklish spot.

Yami yelped and growled, snapping at Ahmose's finger. "Stop that!" he whined.

Ryou giggled softly. "Where is Marik?" he asked looking around smiling. "Everyone's here...but Marik."

"He's probably with Malik." Mikado said.

Ryou nodded and bit his lip. "Is...it alright if I..." he paused and looked upset.

"Go see him? Sure. You can also tell how Malik is doing, Marik would appreciate that." Mikado said, smiling at Ryou. "Go ahead."

Ryou blushed and nodded before scurrying out. He peered into the stable. "Marik..?"

"Yeah!?" Marik called from Malik's stall. Bakura was there, grooming Strigoi. He looked at Ryou and grunted, going back to brushing his stallion's mane.

Ryou blushed. "A-are you ok?" he asked, shyly stepping in. "How's...Malik doing?"

Ryou glanced over at the horse in the stall that he and Mikado were kept in. It was Mikado's mare; she was probably there to keep her away from the stallions, who were easily excited by the female in heat.

"Oh… they found her..." he said smiling. "That's good..." he stepped closer and blushed. "Your stallion is well behaved..." he said softly to Bakura, who's horse seemed uninterested.

Bakura grunted. "THAT horse..." He pointed at Nakhti, "made it clear that the mare is his. That and I breed my horse regularly. His is an excellent stud."

"He's pretty..." Ryou said smiling.

Bakura nodded. "He's one of the finest of the breed. It took me over a hundred years to breed him."

Ryou smiled. "Well...he's gorgeous." Ryou said once more. "So regal..."

Bakura nodded his thanks, continuing to groom the horse.

"Ryou, what do you think?" Marik asked. "About Malik..."

Ryou blinked and looked at Malik. "He looks awful..." he said softly. "But...I think he's getting better..."

Marik blinked and looked at Malik.

There were dishes in the stall that were empty...he'd been eating.

Ryou smiled. "He should be ok in a day or two..." he cooed blushing at Marik. "Back to normal."

Marik smiled. "Good... I miss him."

Ryou nodded slowly. "Ahh...oh." he looked down. Did he like Malik...was that it? He pouted slightly. How unfair...

Marik sighed and stood. "He's my best friend... I miss makin trouble with him. I'll be you miss him too, eh Bakura?" He called in a teasing manner.

Bakura snorted, continuing to brush his stallion. "Like a hernia."

Marik laughed. "Awww... you know you love him..." The werewolf sang, teasingly. "You KNOW he wants you to fuck him..."

Bakura rolled his eyes. "Whatever Marik. Why don’t you practice what you preach, and look there. A preacher to practice on."

Both Marik and Ryou had the same reactions. Wide eyes, a look of horror, and suddenly looking like they were VERY sunburned.

Ryou gasped and shook his head. "I...I should go." he stammered.

Marik glared at Bakura. "NOT funny, Bakura."

Bakura smirked. "Oh yes it is. You two are red as blood." he purred as Ryou snuck out. "You really like him...don’t you?" Bakura said after a moment.

Marik laid his ears back when Ryou left. "... Yes... I haven't been able to stop thinking about him... ESPECIALLY after that damn love potion stunt that the incubus pulled."

Bakura chuckled. "Make a move." he said after a moment. "The priest had that love potion too...and he's been staring at you."

Marik scowled. "He... he's a PRIEST!!!"

"And?" Bakura asked calmly. "So? He's a just a person, a kid at heart. Are you going to deny him love just because of his occupation?"

"No... but I respect him." Marik said.

"You can respect a person...and still make a move on them. You respect his answer, if he says no." Bakura gave Marik a look. "He likes you."

Marik sighed. "Yeah... I kinda figured..." He said softly, looking down at Malik and covering him with a blanket.

"Marik...you both had that potion...I strongly advise you tell him how you feel. The worst that will happen is he'll say no. He's a priest, he'd never hate you."

Marik sighed again and stood. "Yeah... you're right. By the way... I think you should know, if you don't already... that Agent has a crush on you."

Bakura chuckled. "I know he does. But I know better. He isn't cut out for me..." Bakura rolled his eyes. "Vampires try to avoid the church."

Marik chuckled. "It's a good thing he likes another Agent..."

"Really." Bakura smiled. "But it's good to know I'm still desireable. I've been feeling old lately."

Marik laughed. "You ARE old!"

"Shh I dont like to think about how old I am." Bakura grumbled.

Marik just grinned. "And... HOW old are you? Five, six hundred? Older?"

Bakura gave Marik a look. "Go profess love to your preacher or I'll tell him to hate you." he warned.

Marik laughed. "Yeah, yeah..." He snickered, leaving the stable.

"Hit on him!" Bakura called out. "For god's sake!"

"Sure thing oh wise ancient!!!" Marik shouted back.

"FUCK YOU!" was all Marik heard after that.

Marik laughed all the way back to the inn. He walked in on the end of Mikado telling a story about Ahmose when they were young. Ahmose was bright red and rubbing his forehead, and Yami was laughing at him.

Ryou was carrying a small tray up to his room, which contained some food and hot chocolate. Perfect for a frosty night alone...

Marik sighed and thought a minute, then screwed up his courage and went up stairs too, Yami's laughter and Mikado's voice following him up the stairs. "So, you can imagine dad's reaction to seeing Ahmose in a dress. He marched him right through the village and straight to the church to see the priest, howling that Ahmose was possessed by demon or something like--" Marik tuned Mikado out and knocked on Ryou's door.

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

Drago: Well… you’re half right about Seto bein a bad guy… you’ll just have to wait and see. Thanks!!!

Tasha: Yes, Wicca is a real religion. A lot of people see is as a pagan religion focused around witch craft, but this is not true. I am NO expert on the Wiccan religion, but from what little I DO know, it is basically focused around worship of nature and Mother Earth. All in all, a peaceful, benevolent way of beliefs, in my opinion (which surprises people sometimes as I am of the Christian faith). Look up the Wiccan religion some time, it’s really very interesting.

Meijimistress: *hug* Don’t worry. I’m not killing anyone. >.> Yet…

Chibigeemu: Yes!!! They all met!!! And Yami’s a pain in the ass!!! XD

Blackdragon: Nope! He’s alive!!! And yeah, Yami is sneaky.

Raeheart: I think that the reason I haven’t been getting many reviews is because of the new policies installed by aff.net, such as no anonymous reviewers… I have updated my profile to accept anonymous reviews, but then there is also the new Legal Age Confirmation Contract thingie they have… face it, a lot of readers ARE under age, and should NOT be on this site. Now they have been… blocked, basically, until they turn 18 or 21. I miss their reviews, but I believe in the law, and when they are of legal age, I will happily welcome them back, but for now, I will accept the Legal Age Limit laws, as they ARE there for a reason. Glad Yami and Ahmose amuse you, they ARE funny… just wait til later… XD!!!

Lokivsanubis: Yay!!! Glad you’re enjoying it!!! And here’s more!!!