Iris

Disclaimer: I do not own YuGiOh and am making no profit from this story.

Chapter one
*****
Come on!" Malik shouted pulling Bakura by the arm down a crowded street, shamelessly shoving people out of his way.

Bakura dug his heels in. "Nah, it's okay! You go! Have fun!"

Malik stopped and turned to regard his friend. "What's up with you?"

Bakura glared at him. "Nothing! I just don't want to go. That's all."

"Why not?" Malik asked.

"Because I don't feel like it! Now let go!" Bakura snapped, wrenching his arm free.

Malik laughed at him. "Touchy! Fine then! Be a spoil sport and go home, but you're missing out!"

Yami Bakura raised a cynical eyebrow. "On what? Nightclubs are stupid."

"Just because you can't dance........." Malik's voice trailed off, and he grinned as Bakura bristled.

"What do you mean I can't dance? I can dance circles around you!"

"Then prove it!" Malik said calmly.

Bakura sighed deeply, hating how easy it was for Malik to back him into a corner. "Alright then. Let's go!"

"That's the spirit!" Malik crowed delightedly at his own joke, leading the way.

*****

Serenity Wheeler sat at a table sipping a drink she'd managed to procure for herself. She was front and center to the stage, and waiting anxiously for the band to start. Her friends had done nothing but rave about 'Meushi' (Footnote #1), and as soon as she'd heard them she'd become an instant fan. Their music wasn't her usual style. It was darker, more dangerous. A unique blend of the savage intensity of most heavy metal bands, and the softer melodies of not quite classical music. Joey and her mother hated them, but, even so, when she'd heard that they were playing in Tokyo, she knew that she just had to see them.

She and her friends Mia, and Sakura (footnote #2) had all planned to go even after they'd found out that the performance was to be at Club XS. They had decided that they would each say that they were staying at a different friend's house, dress up to look as old as they could, and meet in front of the club at ten o'clock. After the show they'd sneak back to Mia's house, and no one would be the wiser.

The only problem was that she'd been the only one to follow the plan. No one else had shown up, and finally at ten thirty she'd called to see what was happening. They were both at Sakura's and had chickened out on going. She'd found herself alone, dressed for clubbing, a long way from home. She could go back or try to get into the club on her own. Surprising herself, and shocking her friends, she'd opted to go for it.

To her relief the bouncer hadn't even blinked at her, and she hadn't been challenged. She'd been waiting ever since for the show to start, just sitting here listening to the DJ's music. The different lights were starting to make her sick.

Looking over to the dance floor, she noticed two people dancing. They were good, a girl with long blond hair, and her white haired boyfriend. They danced close together, but didn't touch. Serenity watched them for a while, and them gasped slightly when the blond said something to her partner, and was lightly shoved away. 'She' was a 'he'.

Serenity leaned back, and tried to look casual. As if it wasn't illegal for her to be there, and like she hung out in clubs like this all the time. She could do this, no problem.

Yeah right.

*****

Malik chose the first club that looked interesting, and they went inside. Thanks to Malik, or more accurately Malik's millenium item, they didn't have any problems at all.

"Well, what do you think?" Malik shouted at Bakura over the music.

Bakura shrugged. "It'll do!"

"What?" Malik yelled cupping his hand around his ear.

Bakura waved him off, and without waiting walked toward the dance floor. Malik grinned and followed. When Bakura decided to dance, he decided to dance.

As soon as Bakura began to move, Malik paused to admire the way Bakura danced, once the spirit really got going. Out there, in the middle of the floor surrounded by people just as interested in the flow of the movement as he was, just as lost in the music.

The spirit was twisting slowly, his arms over his head, and his eyes closed as he shifted stances and alternately curled his arms to graze past his own body. Even as Malik watched, one of the faster songs picked up, the beat cutting through to the middle of a person and pulling at him, and the throng switched gears with it. Bakura grinned, and twisted into a sharp curling stand-

-then pushing upwards with seeking arms, head coyly bent aside, eyes shut, moving as something that followed the pace of the music, Malik at last joining in.

Bakura rose up again, a hand through his hair and his head flung back, his eyes closed as the other arm twisted in a languid motion to the off beat. Then, as the music shifted into the quick-step, Bakura snapped his arms out, tilting to the left, then jerking back into a half bob, going lower until only his arms where seen above the crowd.

Malik caught one wrist on the way up, Bakura slowly raising his other arm and palm and putting them flat on a shirt-tight shoulder. Malik used his hold on Bakura's wrist to gently pull him backwards with him, shifting in similar patterns along the dance floor. Once the pattern was established Malik pulled back a little to glance at Bakura's face. Eyes closed his mouth open for the overheated air, he looked like he was about to be kissed or something close to it. Malik felt his heart flutter, Bakura was never so calm as he was dancing. He never looked so beautiful and unguarded. For a brief second Malik savored the moment, and then shook the feeling off. Bakura and he were friends. Nothing more.

And his friend had promised that he could dance circles around him.

Bakura's eyes flickered open, as Malik, grinning mischieviously, let go and pulled back entirely. Bakura raised an eyebrow in question, as Malik from half a step away resumed from where they had left off, grin still in place. Bakura shook his head at his friend, giving him an odd look, before again allowing himself to be swept up in the music.

Malik gave a sigh of relief, that was, oddly enough, a sigh of dissapointment also. Part of him was glad that Bakura didn't want to touch him any longer. That they're 'just friends' status wouldn't be altered. The other half of him had liked being close to Bakura, and was upset that he didn't feel the same way. That he hadn't even put up the slightest objection.

As soon as Bakura closed his eyes, Malik's grin faded. Absentmindedly he dropped into a measured sinking shimmy, working his way down Bakura's body and then back up it, realizing when he came fully up how close they were. Startled violet eyes met curious brown, and Malik fought the blush that was threatening to show itself.

Bakura again raised an eyebrow at Malik's odd behavior. He' d been acting more weird than ever, lately.

"What?" Bakura asked, as the blond continued to stare at him.

Malik shook his head once to clear it, and then flashed Bakura another grin. "I'm still waiting for you to show me how you're gonna dance circles around me? So far I'm not very impressed."

Bakura gave him a small smile, and lightly shoved him away.

"Baka". He said softly, the smile lingering on his face for a moment longer. Suddenly he realized how thirsty he was, and waved his hand a couple times in order to get Malik's attention. Once he had it, he pointed a finger in the direction of the bar. Malik nodded his head that he understood, and returned to dancing tossing his head once in a you-go-on motion. Bakura nodded and left the dance area, while Malik breathed a sigh of relief. He briefly cursed whatever gods had possesed him with the idea of asking Bakura to come here. He was just torturing himself, and he knew it.

*****

Serenity shifted uneasily in her seat, before forcing herself to remain still. The blond and the white haired boys had split up, and she'd nearly had a stroke when she'd recognised the white haired one heading in the general direction of the bar. What was Ryou Bakura doing here of all places? Especially dressed like *that*.

Sitting back, she casually observed his approach, noticing that quite a few of the other women in the club, and several of the men, were doing the same. She stifled a giggle, as 'Ryou' yelped and spun around indignatly as a brunette in a low cut bodysuit took the opportunity to pinch his butt on the way by. He sent a glare after her that could have melted lead, and continued on his way to the bar.

*****

Bakura casually leaned against the counter, sipping his water, and letting his eyes wander around the place. Nothing remarkable. He didn't know why Malik had been so determined to get him to go out tonight, when there really wasn't anything to see here. What could he be up to? He seemed to be thinking more lately, especially when he thought Bakura wasn't watching.........

Bakura scowled, but then relaxed. No, Malik didn't have enough of a death wish, lately, to double cross him for the ring. At least he was pretty sure, that that wasn't what this was about.....

Maybe he needed something, and was trying to summon the courage to ask about it? But what would Malik possibly want from him that badly. Maybe he wanted help killing someone? Someone that Bakura didn't want him to kill? Ryou? No, he didn't have any sort of grudge against his hikari, and he knew that Bakura would at least consider it or, at the very least, find the thought amusing, so that couldn't be what he wasn't mentioning. Stealing something? But then why wouldn't he just go for it himself? Malik had never been short on nerve before, and why would he need a partner? If it was for any of the millennium items, he already had Bakura's help. Unless it was the ring he wanted after all, which lead him back to Malik not having a death wish. Bakura sighed. His head was beginning to hurt even from just briefly trying to understand how Malik's mind worked.

Having a friend who was completely insane could be trying at times.

He glanced down on the dance floor to said friend, and felt a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Malik was dancing, oblivious to all his surroundings, including the large amount of admirers openly staring at him. Even as Bakura watched Malik shifted into his 'trademark' move, his sinking shimmy. He'd have to use it next time, just to piss him off.

Grinning deviously as a plan formed, Bakura finished gulping his water, and headed slowly toward the dance floor. Malik was so lost it wasn't likely he'd be spotted, but just to make sure he dodged behind people every so often, circling around behind his unwitting prey.

He was almost to the edge of the dance floor, when someone suddenly grabbed his shoulder. Bakura reacted automatically, whirling around and latching onto the wrist of the person that had a hold of him, twisting slightly in a well practiced move, which not only broke his assailant's grip, but simultaneously flipped them. Bakura glared down at the person that had dared touch. A girl with brown hair stared shakily up at him.

******

'Ryou' leaned against the counter, staring off into space and glaring at people. His thoughts didn't seem to be good, as he kept frowning. Suddenly he looked up, and Serenity blushed crimson thinking that she had been caught staring by her brother's friend. It was just so odd to see Ryou in a place like this. He'd always seemed more of the quiet 'rather be studying' type of person. Serenity laughed softly. But then again, up until today she'd have never thought that she'd do anything like this herself. Risking a quick peek up through the curtain of her hair, she saw him standing in the same spot, this time with a smirk on his face watching something, presumably the blond.

Although she'd always thought that he was cute, in this sort of setting and dressed as he was, he was, well..hot! He even seemed to have a different air around him. Sort of a dangerous 'mess with me and die' look about him that was reminiscent of Joey's look when he caught people checking her out.

Ryou suddenly began walking slowly toward her, and Serenity shut her eyes, as if not being able to see him would affect his ability to see her. Surely he had recognized her by now. He wouldn't tell Joey, would he?

Serenity nervously bit her lip, trying summoning enough nerve to look up again. She'd just have to try to talk him out of telling Joey. Ryou would listen to reason, would know how badly Joey would overreact. She wasn't really doing anything wrong, after all. Just sitting, listening to music.

In a nightclub illegally. On the opposite end of the city from where she lived, without the knowledge or permission of her mother. Alone...

No, Joey had no reason what so ever to freak out.

Serenity let her head fall into her hands briefly. If Ryou talked, she was dead. Plain and simple. She'd just have to explain that to him. Right. Serenity looked up- Ryou was no where to be found. She frowned, scanning the crowded room for him. He'd just disappeared. Rising to her feet, she walked off in search of him.

******

He was watching. Malik knew it as clearly as if he could see him. He always knew when his eyes were on him. It was as if his very gaze sent electricity through his being. Malik had to admit that he had it bad for the white haired psychotic thief. Grinning mischievously to himself with his back turned to Bakura, he decided to give him something to watch.
The music hard and pounding in his ears. Faint sultry voices and a slow heavy beat, and the boy began to dance, arms swaying upwards, elegant shadows. A hip cocked lazily, as the arms came back down, the hands moving against the shirt, as they slid slowly along the body. The boy dipped slowly, twisting and kneeling wantonly. The music thumped, and the boy danced, sex and rhythm and lust all wrapped up in leather pants. Shameless, Malik grinned, well aware of the image he was creating.

Now if only Bakura would just clue in, everything would be great. The whole evening was for him. It wasn't like he habitually dressed this way, but if what Bakura needed was a hint then that's what he'd get. Malik laughed. Hint indeed. The only thing he hadn't done was jump on Bakura with a cry of 'take me, I'm yours!'. He briefly wondered if that might not be more effective.

Still kneeling, he coyly turned his head, to check Bakura's reaction over his shoulder. With deliberate slow grace, he raised his face....

And promptly fell over.

Malik stared in disbelief at the sight of Bakura, *his* Bakura, standing with his hand on some girl's arm. Even as he watched, Bakura tilted his head back and laughed. He had missed Malik's entire performance, because he was talking to *her*. Malik's eyes narrowed, as he felt his disbelief giving way rapidly to anger. Who was she?

*******

"Who the hell are you?!" Bakura snarled down at the girl who looked up at him through her bangs. Bakura could feel her trembling ever so slightly, as she stared shakily up at him. He glowered back down at her, waiting.

"R.Ryou?" The girl at last managed to say hesitantly.

Bakura rolled his eyes. "Not quite."

"Is there a problem here?" A deep authoritive voice asked from just over Bakura's shoulder.

"No, just helping my friend up." Bakura said easily, proceeding to do just that. Serenity came easily to her feet, and just stood there rubbing her lower arm while Bakura turned to face the man, raising one pale eyebrow, as if to ask why he was still there.

The man glanced again at the girl, before inclining his head in a slight nod. "I'll be watching you." He said by way of parting, and walked away, talking briefly into his headset.

Bakura sneered at his retreating form, before turning back again and taking a closer look at, what he assumed, was one of his light's friends.

Bakura felt his eyebrows raise, and a smirk settle on his lips, as he calmly gave her a once over, that turned into a more appreciative twice over. His smirk widened when she looked away blushing furiously, and tried to tug her skirt down.

"So, um, you really look like Ryou." She said awkwardly in an attempt to break the uncomfortable silence, meeting his eyes again with more bravery than she felt.

Bakura's voice was indulgent and condescending, as if he was talking to a small child or someone more than a little slow, "Do I?"

Serenity crossed her arms, and raised her chin slightly, in a poor impression of Joey's 'I'm not scared of you' look. "Yes you do."

"Hmmmm," Bakura murmured absently, staring again, but this time keeping his gaze confined to her face.

"You know..." He began after another moment, locking eyes with her again, "Under all that make-up just might be Wheeler's little sister." Serenity sighed, and dropped her gaze, looking at a spot on the floor where the lights made particularly strange patterns. "You won't tell him, will you?" She asked worriedly.

Bakura stared at her in disbelief, before throwing back his head and laughing at the absurdity of him ever telling that fool, Joey Wheeler, anything. (For free anyway...) The girl was clearly an idiot also, if she would waste her time being afraid of that possibility, and doubly an idiot for trying to hide it from her brother to begin with. After all, what could he possibly do, besides rant for a while? It wasn't as if she was in any real danger from him, so who cared what he thought?

Still, for a fool, she wasn't that displeasing to look at, and this was more fun then just sitting around waiting until Malik finally got bored here and thought up some other half baked scheme to try to drag him into. It would be a refreshing change.

Serenity looked up startled, before a confused frown settled on her features, beginning to look indignant. "What's so funny?"

Bakura grinned, wondering if Joey's temper ran in the family and how far he'd have to push to find out. "You."

Serenity froze for an instant, before giving him a chilled polite smile, learned from her mother, (an expression that Joey hated). "It was nice to have met you." She said, starting past the Ryou look alike, toward her table.

She gave a shocked gasp, as the rude young man's hand shot out and latched onto her arm, effectively ruining her retreat. Serenity stared incredulously at him.

Bakura's self confident smirk never faltered, "Leaving so soon?"

"I was just about to go back to my seat.." Serenity began, but Bakura interrupted.

"Good! Let's go, it's always hard to find tables in here."

Serenity frowned again, but couldn't think of a way to tell him that he wasn't invited without being rude or mean. Sighing in defeat, she began to lead the way, Bakura calmly releasing her arm to follow.

"Um, it should be right over here, if someone hasn't taken it yet.."

Bakura gave her a mocking 'lead on' gesture, and waited.

Serenity took a few steps, then stopped and turned back to him. "If you're not Ryou, then who are you?"

"Bakura"

Serenity gave him a slightly confused look, but shrugged it off when he didn't offer an explanation. "Serenity. Nice to meet you."

They started off through the crowd, the short distance to the table. Serenity's shoulders sagged. Her perfect table, that she had come so early for, was taken. Before she could tell Bakura about it, the lone occupant of the table half turned in his chair, and Serenity found herself starting into cold violet eyes, highlighted by deeply tanned skin and long blond hair. The clothing he wore only served to enhance his exotic beauty. The shirt, gauzy and sheer, was a pale crimson color. Leather pants had gleaming silver studs along the front. Gloves on his arms reached just past the elbow, silken dark glowing black.

Up close, recognition of who he was came instantly. She had once heard Tea and Mai talking, and there was only one person that could fit the description that they had given, "Malik."

Malik seemed surprised for a moment, before giving her a smile so cold she couldn't help but shiver slightly. "Wheeler's sister", He sneered quietly.

"Bored with dancing already?" Bakura asked taking a seat across from Malik, seemingly oblivious to the evil glares Malik was sending at Serenity.

Malik glowered at her a moment longer, before breaking eye contact and turning his attention back to Bakura. Cold smile gone as quickly as if it had never been, replaced by the real thing. "Decided to take a break to go find you, it's no fun dancing alone."

Serenity stood for a moment, watching Malik's back warily, then eased around him to sit beside Bakura. Bakura shrugged. "You know Serenity?"

Malik glanced at her briefly, while Serenity gulped and tried to look anywhere but at him. Tea had said something about 'mood swings', but that didn't even begin to describe it. She wondered what she had done to offend him. Serenity made up her mind that first chance she got, she'd ask him and try to work this out. Having decided that, she felt much better.

"Place sure is full tonight. I wonder why?" Malik said, changing the subject away from Serenity.

"Meushi (Footnote #1) is playing here tonight!"

Bakura laughed.

Serenity huffed at him, "It's not funny! They're the best band ever!"

"Is that why you're here? To see Meushi?" Malik asked, raising one eyebrow, causing Bakura to laugh harder.

"You'll see." Serenity said, settling back in her seat. "They're great!"

Bakura settled back in his seat also, before turning to Malik and shrugging, "At least it'll be something new."

Malik smiled and nodded, just as the DJ music ended, and the stage lights came on. Malik stared down at the table, lost in his own thoughts. Why did they need 'something new'? Wasn't Bakura having fun before? Why did he have to bring *her* here? His company wasn't good enough?

Malik shot a quick glance at Bakura, who had his eyes on the stage completely enjoying the performance. Malik watched the different lights reflected off his friends pale hair from the corner of his eye longingly throughout the entire performance.

Flashing colors

and spinning flames

and writhing shadows

with a body

against his own.

Heat

on every part of him

dripping off him

glowing like the colors

like an aura

of his own.

Another one

bound within him

tied by a string

held by fate

twined forever

like kindred spirits

or just friends?

***********
Bakura sat watching the stage, the lights were mediocre, the music slightly better, but it was the lyrics that captured his interest. He’d expected that this Serenity person’s tastes would lean more toward A*teens than Atreyu. He stifled a smile, and glanced over to share the joke with Malik, only to discover said friend staring at him with an intensely wounded expression that rapidly morphed into rage. Malik abruptly stood up, and stalked off toward the street.

Bakura stared after him flabbergasted.

Serenity sent a concerned look at Malik’s rapidly retreating form, then a puzzled one at Bakura. “Where’s he going?”

“To throw pennies at hookers, how the fuck should I know?” Bakura snapped back at her.

Despite her best efforts her expression was reproving as she continued on as if Bakura hadn’t spoken. “Is he alright?”

Bakura settled back into his chair with a dismissive last look back. “He’ll be fine.” He then ignored her, staring at his water bottle, brooding. Whatever was up with that psyco, he needed to get over it fast. Bakura had never been known for his patience and Malik was seriously beginning to piss him off.


********

Malik stormed outside and punched the side of the building- hard. He yelped loudly, cradling his injured hand to his body. He glared daggers at the offending wall.

“Yabn El Wiskha! Omak Sharmoota!” He snarled, giving the wall a good kick for emphasis.

“You know, if you can’t say something nice you shouldn’t say anything at all.” A disembodied sardonic voice floated out from the shadows.

Malik whirled around hackles raised, then rolled his eyes. “Oh, it’s you. What do you want?”

Seto strolled into the light, a cigarette in his mouth and a lighter in his hand. “Nothing, just enjoying the floor show. So far I’d say that it’s wall- one, malik- zero.” He smirked flicking the lighter and inhaling deeply. “What’s the matter? Trouble in paradise?”

Malik snorted, and ignored him. It was too early to go home, but he really didn’t feel like hanging around either. Maybe he’d walk through the park and wait for a mugger, they were always fun to play with.

“Not enjoying Bakura’s new playmate? I didn’t like that little turn of events either. If it’s any consolation, I figured that he was doing you.” He shrugged. “Ah well, you know what they say about assuming.”

Ignoring the blood pounding in his temples and the urge to throttle him, Malik forced a laugh. “Yeah? You’re an idiot, and you’re wasting my time.” Malik said amiably, then sneered and started toward the park.

He hadn’t gone four steps when Seto replied, “I’d say that you were the idiot. You’re the one letting her win. But maybe you’re right to quit now. Save yourself some of the humiliation you’ll feel when Bakura finally decides you’re of no further use. He’s getting bored of you as a friend already and he appears to have found a new fuck buddy. A female fuck buddy.”

Malik had spun around before he could stop himself. “What do you know about anything?” He growled.

Seto shrugged, tossing the half smoke onto the ground, and headed toward the back of the building. “Nothing… yet.”

Malik glared after him. Stupid asshole. He turned and stalked into the night.

He was murderously angry, needed to relax, and could think of only one way that he would be able to unwind now.

*******
Ryou sat at his desk, frowning at his homework. Something was off about his essay but for the life of him he couldn’t figure out what. He was re-reading it for the fifth time when he heard the knock on the door. He peered blearily at the clock on his dresser. Ryou started for the hallway, curious as to why someone would be calling on him at one in the morning. He opened the blinds and stared blankly as Malik gave him a merry wave.

Ryou closed the blinds, and scratched his forehead wondering what to do. More likely than not Malik was drunk and looking for his yami, in which case it should be safe to open the door and talk to him. On the other hand, Malik wasn’t the sanest and even more unpredictable when intoxicated. In which case the best thing would be to go back to his room, and finish his homework.

He’d decided to do just that when Malik’s voice floated through the wooden barrier, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Now open the door and let me in…and if you say not by the hair of my chiny chin chin, murder is considered justifiable.”

Ryou froze. He’d forgotten Malik’s unnerving ability to read minds. He sounded safe enough anyway…if you ignored the murder comment. Ryou hesitated for a moment longer before undoing the various locks. He kept the chain on and opened the door wide enough to peer through. “Hello Malik. How are you tonight? My yami’s not in right now, but I’ll be sure to tell him that you stopped by, alright? Have a good night then!” He said as cheerfully as possible and tried to close the door again. Malik’s foot shot out and blocked it.

“I was actually hoping to talk to you for a minute.”

Ryou chewed at his lip worriedly, indecisive. Then slid the chain off. Malik pushed the door open, almost before Ryou managed to backpeddle out of it’s arch, stepped inside, and shut it behind him. He stared at Ryou thoughtfully.

“You wanted to talk to me?” Ryou uneasily prompted, after a few moments of uncomfortable silence.

Malik appeared lost in thought for a moment longer before suddenly launching himself at the more than a little shocked hikari. Ryou flinched before he was thrown back, narrowly missing the coat rack before hitting the wall with a resounding thud. He froze up, his short life flashing before his eyes, when he realized that Malik was hugging him.

Flabbergasted, he could do little more than stare disbelievingly at the deranged Egyptian. “…….um, Malik?” Ryou said slowly,

“What?” Came the muffled response. Malik has his head on Ryou’s shoulder and was nuzzling his hair.

“…….May I ask what you’re doing?” He replied completely unnerved.

Malik pulled back and their eyes locked, thoroughly confused brown meeting sad violet.
Malik stared intently, mesmerized. They really did look alike, Ryou and his Bakura. He could pretend for a while. Just long enough to calm down so that he could sleep. If he missed anymore school, his sister would be pissed. Slowly, his eyes slid down Ryou’s face, resting on his mouth.
Ryou’s pulse started to race, color creeping into his face. The whole situation was surreal, and Ryou couldn’t seem to figure out what to do, after a moment he brought his hands up and pushed him away. “Malik, what are you doing?” He tried to sound assertive and demanding, but instead just sounded squeaky and scared.

Malik moved slowly, and carefully put his thumb under Ryou’s chin gently pushing his head back. Cool fingers ran lightly over Ryou’s lips, while the thumb remained, holding his head in place.
“What are you doing?” Ryou asked again quietly.
It was amazing how two people who looked so similar could act so completely different. If this had been Bakura, Malik would have been disembowelled the second time Bakura had to ask him what he was doing. Ryou was so trusting. Imagine actually opening the door to a maniac like him, forget remaining calm after being pinned and sniffed. Then again, he lived with an evil spirit, maybe that made the situation more normal.
Malik’s mouth slowly curved up into the tiniest of smiles. “Never mind.”
Carefully, his hand slid up to rest gently cupping Ryou’s face. Against his will, Ryou’s eyes shut, and he relaxed marginally into the caress. Malik smiled and slowly stroke the hikari’s face. After a few minutes Malik stopped, and hooked stray tendrils of Ryou’s hair with his index finger, carefully smoothing them behind his ear.
Ryou’s eyes fluttered open. He stared at Malik, confusion rapidly crossing his face.
Malik smiled at him. He was calmer now, and ready to sleep. “I just wanted to say goodnight.” He said softly.
“Um…….goodnight?”
Malik smiled, turned, and left shutting the door softly behind him.
Ryou just stared at the door, bewilderedly. He shook his head slowly, carefully relocking the door. Malik needed some serious therapy, and fast. He wondered if he should mention it to Bakura when he got home. Maybe it was just a joke the two of them were playing on him. ‘Freak out the hikari’ to them would be a greatly fun game.
Ryou sighed. His homework would just have to be turned in as is. There was no way that his whirling thoughts would let him concentrate enough to finish it now.
Why couldn’t he have a normal life like everyone else? One where he didn’t have to worry about psychotic homicidal Egyptians bent on world domination through the use of shadow magic for once? One where it seemed odd to have your housemate’s friend show up at one in the morning to assault you so that he could say goodnight?
He carefully trudged up the stairs. He’d need more time to mull these strange events over.
******
Footnotes:
Footnote #1- means cow. The first word that I saw when I randomly opened the Japanese/English dictionary
Footnote#2- whatever. Thery’re not really in the story anyway.