Adult-FanFiction.org : Yu-Gi-OH

Someone That You're With	By : IvoryIllusions Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1898 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh and make no money from it. :}

Chapter List
- 1-Some That You're With
- 2-2
- 1
- 2
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Not two days later, Marik found himself in quite the predicament--it felt like forever since he�d seen Malik last. Less than 48 hours ago, Malik had come to him in search of eggs. At first, Mariku had been angry, hearing of Malik�s boyfriend. However, that news only bothered him for a mere second because when he thought about it, he was damn good competition and would just have to treat this more like a game where Malik was the tempting prize he just had to win over. Because of his arrogance in himself, Mariku had recovered and managed to stall Malik for a good 20 minutes with flirtatious banter--Malik gave him the eye and he knew what that meant; Malik was definitely interested but just needed a little more convincing.
�Hence why today, Mariku had thought of an ingenious plan. �It�ll never work,� Ryou muttered as he sat hunched over at the bar in their apartment, typing away at his laptop. Mariku hesitated, biting at the inside of his lip. Save the annoying clatter of the keyboard, the apartment was silent. �It�s pointless and immature; just quit while Malik will still speak with you.� Mariku raised an eyebrow, quite surprised by Ryou�s blunt speech.
�What the fuck is with you, anyways?� Because ever since Ryou had come in two days ago, he had been in one of the foulest moods ever; Ryou was usually very even-tempered, so it was always a shock when Ryou got snappy like this. Something had definitely happened because kind-hearted Ryou didn�t just go about shattering dreams every day.
Ryou kept to himself, shoulders tensing as he typed. Mariku stared incredulously, trying his hardest to uncover the missing piece to Ryou�s bitchiness. It definitely wasn�t work and as far as he knew, none of their bandmates had been any more annoying than usual. It could�ve been something he�d done personally but when he thought about it, Ryou and he hadn�t seen each other much since he had been in the studio for the past couple of days pretty much nonstop. But what else could it be�? �If it�s the lack of sex, I know a lot of people who�d be willing to fix that for you for no charge at all.�
Ryou gritted his teeth, turning to glare at Mariku. �What did you just say to me?� Ryou hissed out in the darkest manner he�d ever heard come out of those lips. The hairs on the back of Mariku�s neck stood--he wasn�t scared, per say, but more worried.
�I said you need to get laid because ever since a couple of days ago, you�ve been acting bat shit crazy, Ryou,� Mariku said sympathetically, eyeing the male. Ryou�s lips pursed, eyes glancing from his own legs to Mariku�s lilac depths. He gazed up at Mariku guiltily, as if just noticing how off he was acting.
�I�m�sorry, I just am a little stressed out,� Ryou answered, though Mariku and he both knew it was a lie. Ryou fidgeted, going back to his work. He sighed heavily, slumping over in his stool. �But�I still think you�re fighting a losing battle. What if Malik comes over and sees you aren�t baking anything at all?�
�Oh,� Mariku waved a hand dismissively, grinning. �Well that is why I�m going to tell him you are the one making stuff!� He answered cheerily, heading for the door. He didn�t see Ryou roll his eyes.
�Do the words �he has a boyfriend� mean anything to you Mariku?� Mariku blinked, wondering how many times Ryou had told him that now.
�That is just a minor problem. Besides, he�s probably just some old, ugly fuck.� Ryou zoned out, fingers halting as he stared at his computer screen lifelessly. Cheerfully, Mariku grinned and opened up the door, heading out. �He doesn�t have anything on me!�
�Yeah, nothing,� Ryou whispered to himself dejectedly, running fingers through his messy locks. �Except looks, money, style, personality, and his tongue��
x

Mariku knocked soundly on Malik�s door, humming to himself as he waited for the male to answer. �One moment!� Malik called out cheerfully. Mariku pressed his ear against the door, hearing Malik clambering around from within. Mariku stepped away and within seconds, Malik was turning the door handle, opening up. His eyes lit up, a friendly smile crossing his lips the moment he saw Mariku. �Oh, hey!� He said cheerfully, eyes scanning Mariku curiously.
�Hey you,� Mariku purred, watching the way Malik�s eyes showered over his body--Mariku decided that for his mission to be most effective, he should wear as little as possible; hence why he only had on jeans that slung dangerously low on his hips and nothing else. He noticed the way Malik�s cheeks seemed to heat up. Perfect.
�S-So�how are you Mariku? Err, did you want to come in?� Malik offered, stepping aside to allow the male entrance. Mariku chuckled, making his way in and surveying Malik�s apartment. It came to no surprise that Malik�s place was way neater than Mariku�s--it also had ten times as much furniture since the band was lazy and had yet to really �decorate�. Like Mariku�s apartment, the front door led to the living room, though it was definitely smaller than his own. The seating was fine, lavish suede with dark cherry wood end tables and a matching coffee table placed in front of the plush couch. There was no entertainment center, mainly because Malik had perhaps the hugest fucking plasma flat screen mounted on his wall that Mariku had ever seen; fuck, what did Malik do for a living to be able to afford this stuff? Upon the floor, there were many different game consoles and controllers, along with a digital cable box and remote.
Eyes leaving the TV, he glanced to the dining room, finding that it didn�t really exist because instead of a dining table, there was a pool table and a CD jukebox. �Whoa,� He breathed, head snapping back to Malik. �How do you afford this stuff?!�
Malik laughed, shrugging his shoulders. �Mm, mostly I don�t,� He answered honestly, closing the door behind Mariku as Mariku left to survey the pool table. Malik pressed his back against the door, smiling as he watched his next door neighbor gawk. �It�s all my boyfriend�s stuff--I am merely a bartender.�
Mariku placed his hands on the pool table�s ledge, glancing back to Malik. �A bartender?� He raised his eyebrow curiously. Malik nodded. �Where at?�
�Uhm�7 Car Pile-up, a rock club downtown.� Malik slowly stalked over to join Mariku, lacing his fingers behind his back. �Don�t get me wrong, I get paid okay but by okay, I mean that I can afford the rent on my own and food, and not a whole fuck of a lot more.� Mariku snorted, knowing that feeling all too well. He had yet to have a job where he could do more than that; even now that they were signed to a record label, they still were slumming it hardcore; they had a better budget now but not by a whole lot.
�So then�� Mariku tried to hide his enviousness. �What does this boyfriend of yours do?� His eyes flickered to the kitchen, finding all brand new stainless steel appliances--those definitely didn�t come with the apartment because Ryou and Mariku had looked at a couple of different vacant ones and they all had the same boring off-white and slightly outdated appliances. And perhaps most eye-catching of all was the liquor cabinet beside the bar, stalked full of expensive spirits.
Malik noticed where Mariku�s eyes went immediately. �Bakura�s most prized possessions,� He commented, mustering a laugh. �And he works as a creative director for a big-time advertising company downtown. One that doesn�t mind his foul mouth or question the fact that he carries a water bottle with him all day long that most definitely does not contain water.�
�Sounds like the shit I used to do in high school,� He mused, turning around to lean against the pool table. He folded his arms over his bare chest, eyes setting themselves on the deliciousness that was Malik--who he just noticed, looked like he had just awoken since he was in a rather large T-shirt that said �I heart New York� and a pair of basketball shorts. Somehow, that still turned Mariku on. �So basically this Bakura is a rich alcoholic asshole?� He looked at Malik, expecting to get a much different reaction than the one he received.
Malik simply laughed wholeheartedly. �You got him right on the spot! He�s a complete dickhead, addicted to flirting, and a neat freak. We really don�t have much in common so I don�t know how we�ve made it a whole 2 years now!� 2 years? Mariku�s eyes widened--that was a lot harder to break up, especially when Malik was practically gushing as he talked about this moron. Malik cleared his throat. �But anyways, what brings you over?�
Mariku smiled slyly. �Well, I actually need to borrow a cup of sugar.� He tilted his head to the side, taking a step closer to Malik. �That is�� He lowered his voice, looking at the teen hungrily. �If you have any.�
�Oh?� Malik looked a little skeptical. �You bake? I can�t see you as much of a baker��
�No, Ryou does--he just loves to bake.� Not true at all; Ryou was a terrible cook and all his food either came out charcoal-color or tasted akin to rubber.
�Really?� Malik asked, wide eyed. �I love to bake too!� Only more indications that Malik really was a queer. �I guess I didn�t expect Ryou to like to do that; he just seems so thin.� Mariku snorted, agreeing completely. Ryou was much too thin and that was because he was an awful cook--and so was the rest of the band; hell, Ryou was not even skilled at making Top Ramen. Without Mariku there to at least make him that and macaroni & cheese and sandwiches, he was certain Ryou would be a skeleton.
�Well�he exercises a lot.� Another fib; Ryou had never exercised a day in his life. �But enough about him; what I want to know about is you.� Mariku placed a hand on his hips, gazing into the male�s eyes. Malik smiled shyly, quickly fluttering away to the kitchen to go and presumably find the sugar.
�About me?� Malik laughed nervously. �There isn�t much to tell. Uhh, I�ve lived in this apartment for about a year alone--I�m 21, but I worked at that bar illegally for a year before this one.� He rummaged through his cupboards as Marik neared, watching his long, slender arm reach for the bag of sugar. �Before that I went to Domino U, where I met Bakura. I fucking hated college so I dropped out after 2 years of struggling with it and here I am, pretty much.�
�Oh? So you lived in Domino all your life?�
Malik shook his head. �No�I moved from Egypt when I was about 14. What about you?� Egypt? Mariku�s eyes bulged for a moment--he was also from Egypt, though he�d come to Japan when he was only a baby so he didn�t really know shit about his heritage, save a little bit of Arabic from when he was a child and his crazy mother used to scream her head off and throw stuff at him.
�Me?� Mariku pressed his lower back against a kitchen counter. �About the same really; nothing too interesting.� Mostly because he didn�t really like talking about his past with people he didn�t know; too much bad shit and he loathed when people felt sorry for him. �Minus the college part; I think I�d slit my throat before I ever went there.� He made a disgusted face that made Malik laugh.
�Ohhh, I know the feeling, believe you me.� Malik sat the sugar bag down on the counter, Mariku watching intently as the boy got down on his hands and knees and began searching through a lower cupboard. �So what about high school?�
�Fucking only passed because Ryou let me copy everything or just did my work for me. Believe me though, graduating was really not in my plans.� He probably shouldn�t have told the other that because most people did not look up to wannabe high school drop outs; however, he didn�t find it humiliating in the least; after all, he only hated high school because he knew it wouldn�t help him with the one thing he wanted--a band. �My band is my life and it always has been since we met up when I was sixteen--six years now, we�ve been together and it has been a long journey.�
�Oh, I don�t doubt it,� Malik said, grabbing a glass measuring cup. He picked himself off the ground, oblivious to Mariku staring at his backside the entire time. �So how did you get into music anyways?� He began to pour sugar in the cup, eyeing the sugar as it came out.
�Got a guitar when I was a kid and never got enough of it; it was my first �toy�, so to speak.� And his only one--and the only reason he even had that was because his mother had stolen it from an ex who had cheated on her.
�Oh yeah?� Malik smiled, setting the sugar package back down as he turned around to look at Mariku. �What about your parents? They must be so impressed they have a star on their hands! I�m so excited to live next door to you--I�ve kind of been bragging to my friends,� He gushed, giving Mariku a smile of admiration. Mariku�s thought he was having heart palpitations, the smile got to him so bad.
�Well feel free to brag about me all you want,� He offered, grinning. �I don�t mind people talking about me!�
Malik laughed. �I bet you don�t! But really,� He paused, canting his head to the side. �What about your parents?� Mariku�s smile fell a little, trying to think of something clever to say about the subject.
�They�� Almost killed him more than once? Better to leave that out. �Don�t really speak to me much; I think they�re still a bit pissed I didn�t go to college like Ryou,� He lied, shrugging his shoulders carelessly. �But it�s okay, I�m sure things will patch themselves up when the dough rolls in.� Because he knew his drug addict mother would surely try to manipulate her way in to his life if she thought her son had money. Who knew? Maybe even his biological father would make his first appearance into Mariku�s life--he had yet to meet the asshole but word around was that he went to jail for murder or something right before Mariku was born. He honestly didn�t know; his mother never cared to tell him and he figured being abandoned was pretty much a hint his real father didn�t really give a shit.
�That�s kind-of sad,� Malik mused, frowning slightly. Mariku felt a little awkward at the sympathy, eyes averting Malik�s. �I would think they�d be proud since you�re doing something you obviously love and making money at it!�
�Heh, well they were real, uhh, business oriented parents or whatever,� He answered, seeming unfazed. Malik eyed him warily, nodding.
�Well, hopefully they�ll change their minds later,� Malik offered, though the kind words didn�t quite meet his eyes, Mariku noticed as he looked up.
�It�s really no hair off of my ass if they don�t,� He smirked as Malik laughed, thinking of something to change the subject. �So what about work~? I used to bartend before too for a while--do you work at a nice club or a real dive?�
�Oh no!� Malik clasped his hands together in front of him, smiling brightly. �It�s a really cool place, always have really sweet club nights and awesome bands--you�ll definitely have to stop by sometime.�
�I will,� Mariku agreed, quite pleased with the invite. �When do you work?�
�Six nights a week, 8 PM-close.� Malik grinned, pointing to his clothes. �Hence why I just got up not too long ago.�
Mariku scoped Malik up and down once more. �I still feel like you look kind-of hot.� Malik laughed, his cheeks flushing though when he saw Mariku looking quite serious.
�O-Oh, well�� Malik wasn�t quite as shy as Mariku might have thought. He glanced from Mariku�s face to his washboard abs, eyes going a little glassy. �I�d say you look pretty nice too, err, just so you know.� Mariku hooked his thumbs into his pockets, sauntering over Malik�s way. Malik pressed his lips together, standing quite still as Mariku neared him, only a few inches away now.
�Oh do you?� Mariku grinned seductively, glancing deep into Malik�s eyes. Malik smirked, nodding.
�I do--you obviously hit the gym in between writing emotional songs and doing Coke lines.� Mariku had to chuckle--mostly because it was so true.
�Mm, you�d be right on all accounts.� Save maybe the whole song-writing--Ryou wrote more songs for them than he ever had; he just sang and played them like a good little puppet.
�Oh, would I?� Malik looked intrigued. �Well then�� He glanced off to the side, blushing again. �Maybe you should share with me--on both accounts.� Mariku lowered his head, bringing their mouths a little closer together. The two were quite caught up in each other; too caught up to notice when the door swung open.

�I would and gladly--as long as I can do lines off your sexy ass.�
�Well.� Bakura cleared his throat, making the both of them jump. �No one is doing any kind of lines without pouring me a drink first.� Mariku glanced over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of Bakura for the first time. Fuck. This was definitely going to be harder than he thought.
x
Ryou rolled his eyes, smacking his elbow onto the counter as he listened to Mariku greet Malik at his door since Mariku had been so kind as to leave the door open. He heard the door beside theirs shut and breathed a sigh of relief; as much as he loved to listen to his best friend flirt with unavailable men who would never be available�
Ryou groaned, shoving his laptop back enough to smack his head against the bar�s granite counter. Owe. But he deserved it, he felt, for still not being able to get Malik�s boyfriend out of his mind. Two days and their kiss was all his mind could fathom. He didn�t get it; yes, the kiss was amazing and sadly the best Ryou had ever experienced but come on! Bakura wasn�t available, so why couldn�t his brain understand that? And besides, even if Bakura was single, it wasn�t like Ryou was really his type.
He squinted his eyes shut, trying to ignore the throbbing in his head now from his self-injury. Not work, not even his favorite novels could erase the man�s face from his mind; he felt like he was dying to see him and knowing that just made him all the more angry and lonely. He knew Mariku was right when he told Ryou he was acting funny; for some reason, Ryou couldn�t help it. Ryou was just so enamored with Bakura for absolutely no reason and he hated that fact so much that it made him lash out at other people.
God, he wanted to kill the dirty liar who had given humans the false hope that feelings of love brought happiness and fulfillment. If anything, it was the complete opposite; anytime Ryou had ever felt the stirrings of love, it was always a complete nightmare. If having �crushes� or whatever was supposed to make people so joyful, than why had he felt nothing but resentment and frustration since the moment he�d first set eyes on Bakura?
He began to hum the tune he had stuck in his head since the day before--some random melody he�d made up while in the shower. Randomly, he began to break into song about his overly pathetic situation. �I reside in 209, you�re at 208...� He started humming again, trying to think of words that could go with. His eyes lit up, laughing as he thought of something excellent. �And I borrow things that I don�t need for conversation�s sake.� Because Ryou had a feeling Mariku�s desperate attempt at interaction with Malik would continue to be, well, desperate like that. �Because somewhere the one I want to be with is with somebody else�� More Mariku in mind then himself; after all, he didn�t want to be with Bakura.
He just� Ryou felt his cheeks heated up. Wanted him. Somehow that worked out in his head--or maybe it really didn�t but he just tried to steer clear of emphasizing.
�SO SO WHAT!� Ryou blinked, eyebrow raising at the strange noise bellowing from the hall--was someone fighting out there? He picked up his head, glancing to the door. Maybe he should shut it after all� �I�M STILL A ROCKSTAR!� And then it occurred to Ryou�
He knew that voice and it was singing. �I GOT MY ROCK MOVES, AND I DON�T NEED YOUUUU!� And none too prettily either; besides that fact that the man was screaming practically, his voice was just pitch-y and awful; though maybe that was on purpose to annoy the entire complex.

�AND I DON�T NEED YOUUUU TONIGHT!� Ryou froze in his seat, wondering if he should go �compliment� Bakura on his beautiful voice. His heart longed to go out there and make fun of him but his head knew it would be better if he never saw the male and stayed hidden and desolate with his laptop. Choices, choices�
A dull knock on the open door made Ryou nearly stumble from his seat. He gasped, clutching his heart anxiously as he glanced to his left to find Bakura standing there in, no doubt, a pricy Italian grey designer suit, looking as powerful and tantalizing as ever. Bakura began to laugh at Ryou, leaning up against the door frame with his arms crossed. �And just what naughty thing were you doing to have to jump so hard at my presence? One would think, Mr. Suzuki, that if you cared so much, you�d have simply kept your door closed.�
The way he uttered Ryou�s name made Ryou�s fingers go numb--suddenly, he was so agitated at the thought of Bakura. He stared at the male icily, frowning. �You knocked and yet, I never said you could enter.� Because it totally would�ve mattered with an open door. Still, Ryou tried to seem intimidating--not that it was working.
�Oh my!� Bakura gasped, feigning surprise and stepping back to be out in the hall. �I didn�t know I was crossing lines--or is this simply my payback for being in your mouth the other day?� Ryou�s eyes nearly popped out of his head. Why would Bakura say that when his boyfriend was just next door? The walls weren�t that thin but there was still the possibility of Malik hearing him. It only succeeded in enraging Ryou more.
�How can you say that?� He hissed low, glancing beyond Bakura to see if anyone else was out in the hall. Bakura seemed to notice his stare and proceeded in entering for real this time, closing the door behind himself.
�Because I have no shame?� He answered back, smirking arrogantly at the boy. Ryou folded his arms crossly, glaring at Bakura.
�Your boyfriend is right next door, need I remind you?� Bakura chuckled coolly, looking completely stoic about the whole ordeal.
�Because he can totally hear me either way.� Ryou felt his face flushing. He ran his hand through his hair nervously. A shiver ran down his spine as Bakura got closer, slipping into the seat beside him at the bar.
�I still didn�t say I wanted you in here.� Ryou�s eyes burned into Bakura�s, though Bakura seemed rather complacent. He simply stared back, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He placed his elbow on the countertop, leaning his cheek into it.
�You didn�t need to.� Ryou nearly choked.
�And just what is that supposed to mean?� Bakura glanced to the ceiling for a moment, then looked back to Ryou cockily.
�That you like me--or at least, that you�d like to fuck me.� Ryou nearly slapped Bakura again; that was quite uncalled for!
�No and definitely no,� He responded frostily, leaning away from the male. He pulled his laptop closer to him, staring at the screen. �And I have work to do so you can feel free to let yourself out.�
�But Mr. Suzuki,� Bakura chided, smirking. �I wanted to see you.� Ryou�s shoulders tensed at that. �No you idiot, don�t believe him. He�s just fucking with you again.�
Ryou snorted, refusing to believe that. �No you didn�t.� He began to pay attention to his computer again, clicking on his toolbar for his Internet Explorer window to pop back up. He decided to check his Facebook since he obviously wasn�t going to get any work done with Bakura next to him. Bakura kept eyeing Ryou for a long second before he turned his attention to the computer, leaning towards it to snoop on Ryou. He recognized the site as Facebook immediately.
His eyes instantly snapped to Ryou�s profile picture, grinning at the sight of a Ryou, looking a little too cool and unlike himself, wearing a hooded black skull zip-up hoodie sans his glasses with a layer of blue beneath his bangs. Bakura gave Ryou a once-over, never guessing the boy would be even slightly edgy. He gazed back to the picture, finding two other people in it--a muscled bleached blonde man with his hair practically jumping off of his head, tatted and pierced up and a woman beside him with tits nearly the size of beach balls (okay so maybe he was exaggerating that) and flowing blonde waves that went all the way down to her curvaceous sides. But back to the tits! She had her cleavage pierced three times and was wearing a very low, revealing white and pink satin corset. He�d have to remember to get her number sometime.
Ryou�s eyes snapped to the side, immediately appalled because he knew just where Bakura�s eyes went. �Feel free to stop ogling my friend�s cleavage, thanks.� Bakura laughed, looking from the woman to Ryou, who was still glaring at him like he wanted to murder Bakura--obviously his behavior the other day was not forgiven.
�Oh, she�s cute but it wasn�t her I was eyeing, babe.� He leant Ryou�s way. �And I think you should add me, sometimes I Facebook at work when I�m in between clients and drinks.� Ryou didn�t dare ask if Bakura was serious about the drink part; god, he hoped not.
�No thanks,� Ryou spat, closing Facebook completely.
�No matter,� Bakura shrugged, eyeing Ryou cleverly. �I know your full name; somehow I am sure I�ll manage to find you and get you to friend me.�
�Be my guest cuz I sure won�t be looking for you.� Ryou glanced to his hands on the keyboard. �Now don�t you have something better to do?�
Bakura grinned. �Then sit here with you? No chance.� Ryou was starting to feel awkward about their closeness, eyes flitting to the hand Bakura had set right next to the laptop. The wedding ring was still there, making Ryou inwardly cringe. What a stupid, stupid idea. �And by the way, you never told me what you did.�
Ryou looked up, sighing exhaustedly. �And neither did you.� Ryou didn�t know why, but he decided to tell Bakura; besides, maybe if he just answered Bakura�s questions and was polite, the male would leave soon. �I�m a manager for a band.� Bakura burst out laughing.
�Y-You�re kidding me right? How is that even a real job?� Bakura laughed crudely, shaking his head. Ryou didn�t comment--mostly because he, ashamedly, used to think the same thing unless of course you were a manager who had a degree and worked for an actual record company.
�Because I am a real manager,� He said meekly, glancing back to his hands that felt as if were shaking suddenly. Out of shyness, he removed them from the keyboard and placed them in his lap, pressing them roughly against his thigh. �I work for Sony but I didn�t always. Uhm,� He paused, licking his lips--for some reason, it was always hard to talk about his accomplishments, mostly because he hated to brag. Bakura placed his head back in his hand, awaiting Ryou�s story. �The friends I live with�I was friends with them before we got signed a-and I�m way more responsible and career-oriented than they are, so I handled their career and finances and managed to somehow get us onto Sony--I also went to school and got my Bachelor�s, though mostly online because we�ve been on the road for the last couple of years.�
�Well,� Bakura answered, actually quite impressed. �I guess I do see you in a little brighter light now--it�s still dim, but,� He answered playfully, smirking at the other. Ryou glanced to Bakura and smiled, feeling a little appreciative at that much, at least.
�It was really hard--I also have quite different views than the band but I think it�s a good thing,� He told the other, �I�m the one who keeps us all glued together at the pieces so we can do this.�
�We?� Bakura answered, raising an eyebrow inquiringly. �How is it �we� if you aren�t in the band?� Ryou looked away from him, glancing toward the ceiling in though.
�Because�maybe I�m not in the band but I�ve known them for years and watched them grow as people--I�ve been there every step of the way, even if I�m not musically inclined.� Which was very true; Ryou�s voice was so soft and melodic when he spoke--and yet, when he tried to sing, it took on a completely different nature, something akin to a pre-pubescent boy attempting to serenade--pitchy, squeaky tone and all.
Ryou looked back to Bakura, who just looked aloof to his explanation. �Gee, how enchanting,� He droned, rolling his eyes. �So where are these �wonderful� musicians you speak of right now?� Bakura snorted. �I�m sure they�re not out snorting lines off prostitutes or out getting drunk right?� Ryou didn�t look amused. �Since, I mean, you�ve watched them grow and all, I�m sure they�re highly responsible and over that stage, right?�
Ryou frowned and turned back to his laptop. ��You should probably go.� His finger roamed upon the mouse pad, roaming down below to the taskbar to bring up an Excell document--a chart of the Mariku�s finances. He pretended to look over the numbers, hoping if he looked busy, his nosy neighbor would get bored and go home.
Bakura simply leant forward as he surveyed Ryou, sweater vest and all. �I think you�re just mad I struck the correct note and your friends are more of losers than you give them credit for.� Ryou held his breath in. Maybe his friends weren�t perfect but Bakura certainly didn�t have the authority to judge him.
�So what are you then? Mr. Perfect?� Ryou snapped, eyes never leaving the screen. March 21. 31.26 dollars at Castle Superstore. Porn. Ryou sighed. March 21. 80.00 at Domino City Liquor Store. Booze. March 23. 60.00 at Domino Liqour Store. More booze. Ryou closed his eyes tightly. What did Marik not get about spending less than one hundred a week there?

�Well, everyone has their flaws, at least I�m honest about mine.� Bakura craned his neck in order to see the screen. His eyes surveyed the screen, landing precisely where Ryou�s had. �Seems like someone has an alcohol problem--funny, I didn�t take you to be the type,� Bakura laughed, �I think we have more in common than you realize.�
Ryou gasped, snapping his screen shut. �Could you mind your own business?� Ryou turned his head to glare at the male. �And for your information�� Because Ryou wouldn�t dare let Bakura think of him as someone with such a horrible habit. �It�s my friend�s finances, I just watch over it for him.�
�So I guess asking you for a drink would be out of the question then.� Bakura yawned, �I�m tired and need something to keep my buzz going since obviously you�re just in a bitchy mood tonight. I think I liked you better when my tongue was in your mouth.�
Ryou had the urge to smack Bakura on the forehead for that. The image of himself in the elevator with Bakura came back full force. His stomach churned in an oddly pleasant, fiery way, hairs starting to raise upon his arms. His voice began to crack. �I-It�s best if you just forgot about that; it was a lapse of judgment on my part, and it won�t happen again.�
�That�s too bad now,� Bakura purred, eyes washing over Ryou�s handsome face. �I�ve been thinking about you.� Ryou�s throat ran dry. He cleared his throat, biting down on his tongue for a moment. �Choose your words wisely, Ryou�.

�Uhh, shouldn�t you be going to Malik now�or something?� Ryou shifted in his chair uncomfortably, eyes meeting Bakura�s. Bakura�s gaze was so intense, it made Ryou feel self conscious. He looked away, beginning to straighten out his shirt, feeling as if it were clinging too tightly.
�Malik can wait, I�m here to get to know you, Mr. Suzuki,� Bakura glanced from Ryou to the living room before them. It was in disarray, everything still in boxes and the TV set up immaturely upon huge moving boxes. It reminded him of places he�d lived in when he had been in school. Not much to look at, save all the guitars. �Hopefully you�re more interesting than your choice in furniture--were you ever planning to unpack or is this as good as it gets?�
Ryou had to smile, easing back a little. �I know,� he said sheepishly, letting out a deep breath. �We�ve just had so little time, everyone has been in the studio recording for the album, and we�ve had nonstop shows.� Not to mention the bandmates were lazy and unlike Ryou, really did not give a damn what the place looked like. Pretty much, they were only disappointed with it right now because there was no room to drink here and play poker since the dinner table was being occupied by boxes containing all their dishes and silverware.
�Well, you were just on Facebook--while I know Facebook is a major steeple in a young person�s life, I�m sure you could find some time to clear out some of this shit.�
�Nah,� Ryou laughed, �I�d rather make everyone else feel guilty about it. My stuff is actually all unpacked in my room, it�s just everyone else�s stuff at this point. Besides,� Ryou mused, �Not that it�s any of your business but�I have a feeling we won�t be here long. Or at least, they won�t. Their music video is soon to debut on MTV and one of their songs is actually hitting some of the minor radio stations here.�
�Oh?� Bakura sounded mildly interested. �Your room, hmm?� Ryou almost had hope for Bakura for a moment, and then it died at just how suggestively he had uttered the room part. �Do I get a tour?�
Ryou snorted at that. �Fat chance,� he muttered, grinning. �Why all this misplaced interest in me? Wouldn�t your boyfriend be worried if he knew you were so preoccupied with me?� Ryou couldn�t help the way his voice sort-of snarled when it came to the �boyfriend� part--after all, it wasn�t like he was jealous of Malik; he was not interested in someone as untrustworthy and rude as Bakura.
�Malik and I�have an interesting relationship,� Bakura refused to explain any further, rather uninterested in divulging much about his personal life. �I really am thirsty though; your roommate spent over 120 on alcohol this week, surely you must have something left.� Ryou contemplated getting Bakura a drink. He didn�t necessarily want Bakura to stay--it was obvious Bakura was just going to be a nuisance. Then again, Bakura seemed to be quite hardheaded and was definitely not making any attempts to leave, nor was he disturbed at all by Ryou�s constant demands for him to go.
And Marik�
Was over with Malik? Ryou�s stomach dropped. �Shoot, what should I do?� He didn�t want to necessarily help Marik in such a pointless endeavor, then again, he also didn�t want to send Bakura home--or at least, he didn�t want Marik to know he had, since Marik would be pissed that Ryou had ruined his �chance�. Why was he such a good friend?
Ryou placed his socked feet upon the carpet, sliding his hands in his pockets as he looked questionably at Bakura. �Fine, but just one--I need to get things done tonight,� He shook his head, turning around to walk around the bar to the kitchen. Unbeknownst to him, Bakura�s watched him hungrily the entire time.
�Sure, sure, I know it must be hard for a nerd like you to be away from Facebook so long.�
�Mmm, more like I have so many phone calls to make, paperwork to fill out�and I was also hoping to get in a little Halo time before bed.� Ryou went to the freezer, Bakura eyeing him still from the space between the cupboards and the bar�s countertop.
�I understand,� Bakura yawned again. �I prefer playing before I have sex though, it�s get me really pissed off and horny for some reason.�
Ryou had to laugh. �Why, do you suck that bad?�
�No, actually I fucking rock at it--I get too into it though, scream and scare the little kids on it.� He opened the freezer, glancing inside to see what was left. His nose wrinkled at what was on the inside. A bag of frozen vegetables, frozen pizzas, cookie dough ice cream, some concentrate juice cans, Hot Pockets, vodka bottle with barely a shot left and finally, half a bottle of Jagermeister. Ryou was almost impressed--usually that was the first to go. He picked up the hunter green glass bottle, turning to Bakura. He shook the bottle in his hand.
�Is this okay? It�s all that�s left.� Bakura eyes practically lit up at the bottle.
�Not the expensive cognac I was hoping for, but it will do, yes.� Ryou set the bottle on the counter, closing the freezer door. He then went into the fridge, grabbing the last of the Rockstars.
�Sorry, we�re not that rich yet--we�re lucky to even be able to afford middle quality vodka now--Marik used to have to scrounge up the last of the change just to be able to buy 40�s from the gas station.� Ryou went to the cupboards, grabbing out a tall plastic blue cup. �Do�you like your drinks strong?�
�Yes, the opposite of how I like my men.� Ryou wasn�t sure if he should feel insulted. He shrugged, pouring the cup about 1/3 of the way with Jager, and another third with Rockstar. He set the remaining Rockstar on the counter, then handed the glass off to Bakura.
�Charming, really,� Ryou answered dryly. �So�do you get off work every night at�� He chanced a peek to the clock on the oven. �Sevenish?�
Bakura took the glass, offering an appreciative nod before he began chugging. Ryou thought he would stop, but instead, Bakura continued to drink until the glass was gone. It made Ryou want to puke just thinking about the taste of Jagermeister; he�d never understood how people could drink that, nor anything so fast, as if alcohol had no flavor. It took him a good ten minutes to even prepare himself for one shot, then probably another five to drink it. He had to get down half, then chug some orange juice, cringe and throw up a little in his mouth, take a minute break, then down the rest. It had always been like that--now he tended to simply stick to Rieslings and tasty Merlots--those were at least palatable.
�Depends on the night, and when I feel like coming home.� Bakura shrugged, giving Ryou a mischievous glance. �I have a lot of things to do.�
�And what exactly -do- you do?� Ryou raised an eyebrow. He knew Bakura obviously made good money by the way he dressed, though he really couldn�t imagine what it was someone like Bakura would do. As far as Ryou knew, there was no job market for professional assholes--except maybe reality TV.
�Nothing important, but it pays well.� Bakura set the cup on the counter, moving to stand. Ryou frowned at the answer, watching Bakura as he moved closer into the kitchen where Ryou stood. It almost seemed as if Bakura was willing to tell Ryou nothing at -all- about himself; just one more reason Ryou was glad he was no longer interested. He must�ve been catching a contact drunk from Marik on the second floor the night he�d been in the elevator, it was the only good explanation for his behavior; he never acted like that, it was so out-of-character for him.
�So�are you a male prostitute?� Ryou joked, taking a step back unconsciously now that Bakura was only a good couple of feet away.
�No, if I was though, I could probably double what I do make. I know plenty of women who�d pay to take me.� Bakura surveyed the white counter tops that were similar to his own; not very interesting. He turned his attention back to Ryou, hooking his thumbs in his slacks pockets. �So�have I earned a tour yet?� His eyes scanned Ryou�s face. Ryou frowned, wondering if it was really a good idea. �But what about Marik?�
�Fine,� He answered defeatedly. �But only for a second, then I need to get back to work.� He began to feel funny again, ears growing hot and feeling unbelievably nervous as he turned around to begin the short trek to his bedroom. Why did he feel so uncomfortable? Yes, this was an awkward situation but it wasn�t -that- bizarre; so far, Bakura was being tolerable and hadn�t made any truly rash moves, and Ryou certainly didn�t expect that the male would.
�Fine, fine, I just want to see for a second.� Bakura�s eyes watched Ryou�s narrow hips as the male sauntered towards the room. Bakura really wasn�t watching where they were headed. Two doors down the unlit hall, he heard Ryou turn a door knob.
Ryou took a deep breath, opening the door. He stepped within, switching on the light. Suddenly the room was lit, revealing the rather mundane inside. Bakura leant against the doorway, looking around. There was a black sleigh-style queen bed, neatly made--bedding all cotton and all black, nothing out-of-the-ordinary. A large black desk sat in the corner with a flat screen computer and files neatly sorted in the file holders, along with a cup holder full of pens and pencils; many notebooks lined the holders atop the desk, along with a picture frame of Ryou and one of the same people from his Facebook profile, and a couple of others Bakura didn�t know.
�Are you happy now?� Bakura walked in further, taking everything in. From the desk, Bakura glanced to the entertainment center (also black) that contained a silver 32 inch TV and a few different game consoles, notably a Wii and an Xbox 360. All the controllers were set in their places neatly, and upon closer look, Bakura noticed the games were organized alphabetically, and the DVDs as well. There was an Ipod player upon one of the shelves, containing what looked like an Ipod touch. A glance to the left and Bakura found a shoe rack, an acoustic guitar on a stand, and a closet with two sliding glass doors, both closed. That was about it, save the bedstand with a lamp and yet another picture of strangers.
�Mmm�� Bakura nodded, turning around to find Ryou now pressed against the doorframe. �I am satisfied�mostly.� He neared Ryou, making Ryou stand a little taller, looking anxious.
�I�m not that interesting, sorry to disappoint.� Ryou glanced to his TV, praying for Bakura to leave so he could go back to feeling comfortable and play some Xbox. Bakura eyed Ryou, gaze setting upon the boy�s soft-looking lips.
�Oh, you�re of plenty of interest, I think.� Ryou felt warm again, feeling Bakura�s eyes boring into him. He tried his best not to look up. His heart began to race when Bakura�s Prada shoes came into view; he was so close.
�Yeah, well�� Ryou�s hand lifted, dainty fingers pushing at his glasses. �You�ve seen it all and had a drink so�� Ryou hoped Bakura was getting the point. Bakura was less than a foot away and made no signs of stepping back.
�I did, yes,� Bakura grinned, showing off perfect white teeth. His eyes went from Ryou�s lips to the thick square glasses the man wore. Ryou�s eyes shifted from the floor to Bakura�s face, cheeks flooding with color when he realized Bakura was staring at him in that mystifying way yet again.
�Yeah�� Ryou trailed off, licking his lips unconsciously. �I�should probably g-� He stopped midsentence, watching in shock as Bakura�s hand lifted, a finger delicately coming to stroke the side of his glasses. �W-What a-are you��
�I bet you look better without those.� Ryou found himself speechless, body beginning to quiver. His mouth dropped, unable to move. Bakura�s hand began to remove his glasses; all Ryou could do was stare doe-eyed at Bakura, watching the man�s hand as he set the glasses on the bed table beside them. Ryou�s vision was quite blurry now, though he could still make out Bakura pretty well since he was near-sighted. He felt a lump rise in his throat, pressing his back roughly against the wall as Bakura arched closer, leaving only a couple of inches between their faces. �Yes, much better.�
Ryou was still shell-shocked, palms pressing roughly into the wall. He wanted to push Bakura away and flee from the apartment but was unable to really think of a way to put his plan into action. His mind felt hazy--his thoughts seemed to race, making him all the dizzier. Bakura�s nose pressed itself against Ryou�s, making the male�s eyes close. Ryou tried to turn away, but found himself unable to when Bakura pressed his body against Ryou�s, pinning Ryou to the wall now. Bakura�s strong, muscled arms held Ryou in place, hands setting themselves upon Ryou�s.
To Ryou, Bakura�s hands were ice cold, almost burning. Ryou�s breath hitched, wanting to ask what the hell was going on but finding himself unable. Bakura�s tongue slid out, grazing across Ryou�s bottom lip. Ryou tried to keep his mouth closed, teeth clenched. When Bakura wasn�t granted entrance, he rubbed himself against Ryou, making the boy gasp. Bakura crushed his lips against Ryou�s, making the male mewl. At this point, Ryou had stopped thinking completely. He gave in, lips parting way, going as far as to bite Bakura�s lower lip.
Bakura gave a low growl, tongue coming back out to slip into Ryou�s mouth. Bakura�s hands left Ryou�s to grab the boy�s bony hips, and Ryou�s hands leaving the wall within seconds to grasp hold of Bakura�s biceps.
It was too good� Ryou didn�t know how to stop it--he was suddenly breathing fast, head tilting to the side as Bakura invaded his mouth. This was someone else�s boyfriend, his neighbor�s boyfriend--this wasn�t moral; this was a stupid decision in the making. What would Malik do if he found out?
And yet, Bakura tasted so good, despite the lingering Jagermeister-Red Bull mix; it was empowering, overwhelming, and so delectable--crap. Why was he falling for this? He was doing something terrible.

Bakura attempted to pull away but Ryou couldn�t stop, he moaned in detest, managing to sneak a kiss in to the corner of Bakura�s wet, plush lip before the male could get away. Ryou�s eyes fluttered open, the room seeming to spin. He pressed his head against the wall, staring at Bakura pleadingly, as if the male would know what move to make next because Ryou certainly was intoxicated by this point. Bakura chuckled low, hands falling from Ryou�s hips back to his own sides. Ryou felt him pull back--he wanted to protest, to tell Bakura flat out that he couldn�t go, not yet. Ryou�s hands fell to the wall in defeat, eye blurry as he watched Bakura slip past him.
Ryou was still at a loss of what to say, turning his head to the side as Bakura walked out of the door way. Ryou stumbled, holding onto the door frame to keep his balance as he stared at the tall, unbelievably attractive man heading towards the exit. �The drink tasted good, Ryou.� Hearing the man say his name just made something inside of Ryou burn. Bakura�s hand reached for the door knob; the door creaking as it opened.
�Wait!� Ryou exclaimed, suddenly rushing out into the hall. His body ran on autopilot as he hurried out, nearly running to catch up to Bakura before the man could set a single foot out into the hall. Bakura stood still for a moment, amused as Ryou ran forward, an ivory hand reaching out to take hold of Bakura�s right sleeve. Ryou�s mind drew a blank, unsure of why he had just leapt forward like this. �You�� He tried to find the right words. �Never told me�what you d--mmm�� His words were hushed when Bakura turned, head canting to press his lips against Ryou�s once more roughly. The kiss lasted only a second before Bakura pulled back.
�Ad agency.� Ryou�s hands fell, eyes wide as Bakura finally stepped out into the hall. The man smirked devilishly, giving Ryou a hungry glance. �Now you can get some work done, hmm?� Bakura laughed darkly, turning away. �Night, Mr. Suzuki.�

Ryou stood there dumbfounded once again, watching in anticipation and slight horror as Bakura finally left, shutting the door behind himself. Instantly, Ryou�s hands lifted to grab chunks of his hair, yanking at them.
�What the f-was I just doing?� There was no talking himself out of it now; he was hooked.
x
�Bakura!� Malik gasped, immediately darting toward the male. He grinned widely, eyes hazing over as he looked upon the male. �I didn�t think you�d be home so early!� Marik seemed to be completely forgotten about the moment Malik saw his boyfriend enter through the door. Bakura�s eyes flickered from the stranger in his apartment to Malik. He snorted, slipping his hands into his blazer�s pockets.
�Consider it a surprise.� Malik flung his arms around the male�s waist; Bakura made no attempt to return the affection. He still continued to stare at Marik, who, likewise, was staring right back--the man made no attempt to hide his envious glare. �And who, praytell, are you?�
�That�s our new neighbor!� Malik chimed, pressing his lips against Bakura�s chin. Bakura nudged Malik aside, a smirk crossing the male�s lips. Suddenly, Bakura seemed immensely more interested.
�Oh, I see--well,� Bakura chortled, turning away from the angry blond to his boyfriend. He gave Malik a small peck at the corner of his eye. Malik seemed pleased by the affection, though Bakura gently pushed him away right after. �Welcome to the neighborhood then--�
�Mariku,� the blonde interjected, eyelids lowering as he sized Bakura�s tall frame up and down--definitely not what Mariku had expected. Bakura wore a sleek charcoal suit, the male�s silk royal blue tie dangling around the neck of his pressed white blouse. �My name is Mariku.� Malik dressed so trendy--he�d never imagined his significant other would be some square business-man type.
�Charming, really.� Malik peered at Bakura questionably as the man brushed right past him, heading toward the kitchen. Malik frowned slightly, unsurprised when his boyfriend headed straight for his precious liquor cabinet. A clang and Bakura was already grabbing for the Absolut--Citron. Bakura closed the door and set the bottle on the counter, thumb stroking the glass bottle�s side. �Malik, why don�t you use your magical bartending skills and make�� He turned his head toward the shirtless blonde. �Our new friend and I~ a drink?�
Malik opened his mouth to protest, turning from his boyfriend to their new neighbor. Knowing his boyfriend�s ways, Malik was quick to think of an excuse. �Actually, all Marik wanted was some sugar.� He laughed sheepishly, �Unless of course, you want to�?�
Shit, sugar? Marik had completely forgotten about his initial plan for coming here. He smirked, glancing to the bottle in Bakura�s hand. �Yeah,� Marik replied flatly, pressing his backside against the pool table. Malik uncomfortably made his way past Marik into the kitchen, Bakura stepping aside to let him make their drinks.
�Sugar?� Bakura raised his eyebrows as he eyed Marik. �Is cooking shirtless a hobby for you--or is it simply something your girlfriend likes to watch?�
�I don�t have a girlfriend,� Marik replied bitterly. He didn�t know what it was but there was something about the way Bakura uttered his words that made Marik instantaneously hate him--he didn�t need anyone to tell him Bakura had promptly judged him and he had no doubt that the only reason Bakura had asked him to stay was to attempt to get a laugh at his expense.
�Yeah, shut up Bakura--Marik and his roommate just likes to cook, there�s nothing weird about it.� Malik shook his head, grabbing out two crystal glasses. He went to the fridge, filling each with a few ice cubes. Setting them on the counter, he opened the door to grab out lemonade and sweet and sour mix for his drinks. Bakura watched him, making a sour face at Malik�s choice of mixers.
�Just vodka for me.�
�Gee,� Malik deadpanned, pouring in the vodka first. �I couldn�t have guessed you�d say that--at least Marik has other hobbies that delve beyond the daily trip to the liquor store and strip clubs.�
Bakura watched as Malik poured, a look of displeasure creeping on his face when Malik filled one glass a third--Marik�s--and his own only about a half of the way full of vodka. �Oh,� He grinned, looking to Marik amusedly--he already knew a lot more than Malik thought he did, that was certain. �I don�t know, I�ve always been a pretty good judge of character.� That, and he�d seen Marik�s finances already and the way he spent money at the liquor store. �And besides,� Which he added tauntingly, �Without my love of booze, we�d have never met.�
�Nor stayed together,� Malik retorted, pushing the drink toward Bakura. He frowned, finishing Marik�s drink off with the lemonade and sweet and sour. �And yes, Marik is a whole lot more interesting than you!� Malik grinned teasingly, picking up Marik�s drink to go and hand it to the male. �He�s in a band! Which is a lot cooler than most of the things your lousy ass has done.�
�Thanks,� Marik took the drink, taking a small sip. It was pretty good though honestly, he�d have rather just had the vodka straight as well.
Since Malik was out of the way, Bakura didn�t hesitate in filling his glass to the brim with vodka. �Really Bakura? You just got home!� Malik cried, exasperated.
�That�s the point.� Bakura didn�t flinch as he chugged a good third of the glass down. He closed his eyes as the vodka went down, giving his throat that burn he lusted after. One more drink, then he set the glass down, already half finished. �So, you�re in a band, hmm?�
Marik took another sip at his glass awkwardly. �Yeah, just got signed a couple of weeks ago and moved here with some bandmates--and our manager.�
�Your manager?� Malik noticed the way Bakura�s voice seemed to rise an octave. It was pretty uncharacteristic for Bakura to give a shit about anyone save himself, let alone a next-door-neighbor. Malik had thought Bakura would be mildly impressed with the news that Marik�s band was actually successful--he really didn�t foresee that Bakura would find any interest in Marik�s manager.
�Yeah, his manager.� Malik looked at his boyfriend suspiciously. �His name is Ryou.�
�I see�� Bakura drawled out, grinning. �So you must be excited with the success of your band, yeah?�
�I am. We�re actually throwing a show here this Saturday.� Malik�s eyes lit up.
�Are you really?� Malik asked excitedly, smiling. �Shit, are tickets sold out? I�d love to go and hear!� Mariku felt slightly more confident again hearing Malik practically gush over their show. He nodded, finishing more of his drink.
�Yeah, at Studio D--you guys should come.� Malik gasped, nodding wildly--obviously, he had been thinking the same thing. Bakura, on the other hand, look quite unperturbed. He simply leant back against the counter, shooting back his drink. He wasted no time in making a second while Malik�s attention was currently tied up.
�I�d love to!� Malik yelped, �I think it�d be amazing to finally hear your sound! I doubt Bakura would want to go though--� Malik grinned, shrugging his shoulders. �Don�t take it personally though, Bakura isn�t interested in anything that doesn�t involve vodka and hookers.�
�Partially true,� Bakura replied, not bothered at all by yet another accusation of alcoholism--nor the slight accusations of infidelity. �Well,� Marik smirked slightly, gazing between the two. His mood picked up, perhaps because of the high possibility of Bakura not going. �There is a bar, and I could even put you two on the guest list�if you�re interested.�
�Oh yes! Definitiely!� Malik smiled, clasping his hands together. �What time does it start! I�ll probably have to beg work to let me off, but I don�t even care! This is just too cool to miss!� Marik�s pride was being stroked so hard, he thought he might get off. As for Bakura, he was completely aloof--he didn�t understand his boyfriend�s enthusiasm for the blonde and his band. To Bakura, the whole situation was a little underwhelming; tons of bands got signed to record deals and never went anywhere--when Mariku�s rather average face ended up on a magazine cover, then Bakura would be mildly impressed.
�Starts at 9 PM; we don�t play til about 10 though but the earlier you get there, the better--if you make it early enough�I wouldn�t mind buying you a round and letting you watch us practice.� Mariku leered at Malik, absolutely thrilled at the idea of having Malik at his show, watching him with those huge, admiring lavender depths.
�Well, that sounds tempting at least,� Bakura mused, making an exit from the kitchen to head towards the living room. Now that he had enough drinks to make himself content, he threw his expensive suit jacket to the floor, Malik wincing as he did so, and flopped himself down on the sofa. �Maybe�I�ll stop by.�
Malik frowned, arms folding over his chest defiantly as he turned to glare at the back of Bakura�s head. �You know, you could at least hang up your jacket, you dick. And unless you want to go to actually see Marik play, I won�t let him be used by you just so you can go and get plastered on someone else�s dime.�
�Why not?� Bakura snorted, snatching up the remote to turn on the TV. �It�s no different than when you bribe me to go out with you because everything is on you.� Malik pouted, having the strongest urge to head over to the couch and punch Bakura right in his well-defined jaw.
�It�s really okay,� Mariku lied, putting on a false smile. �I don�t mind if you only come for drinks.� �Fuuu-uuck you, you ass; please don�t show.�

Malik looked to Mariku sympathetically. �It�s really okay, I already know Bakura has no intention of showing up--and even if he does, you don�t need to buy him a single drink.� He smiled sweetly, but then whirled his head around to glower at Bakura in silence, as if Bakura could somehow feel the pissed-off vibes Malik was currently sending him.
Bakura seemed to be completely unattached, quite focused on a Dexter re-run he found while searching through his On Demand TV show list.
�Well, either way--I really do hope you come, Malik. I think you�ll like it.� Marik walked to the kitchen to set his glass upon the counter.
Malik turned away from Bakura, nodding. �Oh, I know I will! I haven�t been to a concert in so long; I think it�ll be so fun!�
�Then�� Marik met Malik�s eyes, making the boy smile. �I�ll see you there, ne? I should probably get going--I�m sure Ryou�s lonely without me there to nag at.�
Ryou.
�Is this�Ryou going to go?� Bakura asked, making both Marik and Malik look at each other in surprise.
�Yeah, he will be. Why do you ask?� Mariku raised an eyebrow, wondering what this odd interest in his manager was about.
Bakura shrugged, smirking to himself. �Just�trying to make conversation, I suppose.� Malik and Marik both shrugged it off as nothing, continuing on a completely uninteresting conversation about music for a good ten minutes before Marik finally left--sans the sugar.
Bakura laced his hands behind his head, staring blankly at the screen as he thought about the upcoming weekend. Despite that Bakura absolutely hated shows and pretty much all places that were infested by annoying teenagers, he just couldn�t let himself miss this one.
X
The cuff of Ryou�s blouse sleeve was starting to irritate his nose from rubbing the material against it so roughly. He couldn�t help it though--the Studio D held the stench of Clove cigarettes from day�s past--when smoking inside was actually legal. He suppressed a cough--it always surprised him just how long the putrid smell of cigarettes could last. People stumbled around him, making him almost spin in the crowd. He frowned, rolling his eyes--he understood the club was crowded but people just had NO manners these days. �Could�ve at least said excuse me,� He muttered under his breath, the sound of his own voice barely even audible to him as the music thudded against the walls.
The opening band had just taken the stage a meer twenty minutes ago. Ryou held his nose as he tried his hardest to veer towards the bar to hopefully steal an open bar stool--he wasn�t overly optimistic about it since the club was nearing capacity already. Eyes scanning the dimly lit room (thank goodness he was rather tall), he smiled to himself when he scoped out the prize--a single seat at the edge. Just perfect--sitting at the end of the bar was always Ryou�s favorite, it gave him a better chance of being left alone. Being at the end meant only one drunk person could bother him at a time instead of the obnoxious two--unless, of course, there was a crowd behind the person sitting next to Ryou but hopefully, that wouldn�t happen. Besides, Ryou was practically undetectable in a place like this. He�d come here from his office, dressed in his usual work attire--the aforementioned blouse, another one of his endless supply of sweater vests (checkered red and black today--Anzu�s pick), and a pair of well-fitted khakis.
Marik, of course, had already ranked on Ryou for this, asking him if he was thirty. Sometimes in places like this, Ryou really felt like he was. Dark circles were hidden beneath his glasses from another long day of meetings, phone calls, and studio time with the band. It was days like this when he wished Mariku could understand just how hard he worked; that was why he never attempted to really dress down (in Ryou�s opinion) for these things. Besides, unlike Mariku, he was not always on the look out for flings--Ryou seriously doubted anyone in this club could even hold up to his unreasonably high standards (He could hear Mariku in his head yet again, �Another reason WHY you will always be single�).
Better single than stuck making all the wrong decisions every weekend with a different person every week. Letting out a deep and relieved breath, Ryou claimed a seat. He gazed to the bartender curiously, eyeing the person up and down. A girl with shock-blonde hair in her late twenties, looking about as tired and unhappy as Ryou. She wore a black and white striped tube top, cleavage pouring out. He smirked to himself, feeling sorry for the poor woman--he could feel her pain, having to deal with all of these irritating 20-somethings all night--and even worse, the night had only begun.
He waited patiently for her to look his way so he could attempt to flag her down. A few minutes passed as she was flagged down left and right--he hid a laugh as her face seemed to puff up as people shouted out requests at her. Finally, she glanced Ryou�s way. He removed his hand from his nose, giving her a shy wave. She stared at him, walking his way.
�Hey,� he replied curtly, giving her a friendly smile. She didn�t look too amused.
�What can I get started for you?� She barked out, making no attempt at kindness. Ryou was slightly irked by that but he supposed he understood her reasoning behind her attitude.
�Just�� Ryou trailed off. What should he order? An actual drink? He really wasn�t into alcohol--however, he really did have such a long day and a couple of drinks would at least make the atmosphere more tolerable. �A Bud Light please, with a squeeze of lime?� And being the responsible square Ryou was, �And an ice water also.�
�Kay,� She replied, turning away to go and get his order. He contemplated if tipping her was necessary since she was so sour to him. He dipped his fingers into his pants pocket, grabbing out a bland black leather wallet. He set it on the table, awaiting her return.
She came back a minute later, setting the bottle down alongside a glass of water in front of him. �Four dollars.�
�What?� Ryou gasped, �That much, really?� He shook his head, opening up his wallet. He didn�t see her roll her eyes at his comment. He fingered out four dollars, stomach dropping. To tip her or not to? Ryou really hated to splurge on such mediocre service--however, if he didn�t at least give her an extra dollar, he could probably kiss getting another drink goodbye. He sighed, forking over a five dollar bills.
�Keep the change,� He said unenthusiastically.
�Thanks,� She said, finally offering an empty smile. She whirled around and was back to helping out the other people within seconds. Ryou sat there alone and began to sip his beer, contemplating the taste of it. Not completely awful but not good either--yet somehow, drinkable. At least, tonight anyways. He sat there another ten minutes, enjoying his own company as he drowned out the sound of everyone around him, downing a good three-fourths of the bottle.
�RYOU!� A high-pitched voice called out--Ryou didn�t notice, too busy ignoring the world around him. It was the hand on his back that made him finally jump. He wasn�t used to being touched--and of course, always expected the worst in a place like this. He put his guard up, head snapping around.
Eyes lowering, a smile replaced his disgruntled expression. Oh, just Anzu. �Hey you! I was calling your name! Didn�t you hear?� The girl asked, exasperated. Ryou laughed sheepishly, shaking his head.
�I didn�t! It�s so loud in here that it�s absurd!� The girl had to practically press herself to his side for lack of space--he didn�t mind though, since it was only Anzu--besides, she smelt good unlike most of the people here. Curious, Britney Spears--he knew it only because she had told him before.
�It really is!� She grinned, flipping a hand through her crimped shoulder-length brown locks. His eyes traveled up, surveying the headband she had on--black with a bow on the right side. �So what do you think? Do you like my outfit?!�
He had to laugh, gazing downwards. She wore black leggings underneath a plaid purple and pink halter dress, along with a ton of colorful costume jewelry and white platform heels. �I think I might be the wrong person to ask, you know everyone says I have no taste in clothing.� He paused, taking a sip of his beer. �I mean, you look okay to me, I guess. Like a girl, so I think you�re alright?�
�Ugh,� Anzu sighed, shaking her head. �Why do I always hang out with boys? All you had to say was yes,� She muttered, frowning for a moment. It went away within seconds--she was too excited (and too nice of a person) to be agitated with anyone for long.
�I told you when I met, didn�t I?� Ryou chuckled, �If you hang out with those guys, you obviously are no good judge of character.�
�Oh, like you�re one to talk, you�re the one who introduced me to these idiots in the first place!�
�I know,� He shook his head, eyes traveling to the ground as he smirked. �And I regret it every day. You and I could�ve gone far if you�d never got caught up with those morons,� He joked--something of an inside joke between them. When he had first met her years before, he developed an inkling of a crush on her when he�d met her in chess club--then he found out she sucked at chess and his feelings swiftly faded. He had admitted it to her one drunk night many moons before. She was a lighthearted person though, so she simply laughed and told him he had never had a chance--which was very true, because she had ALWAYS secretly (well, not so secretly, save to everyone but him) admired the same guy.
�I know, they took me to the dark side of piercings and really bad outdated, teased hair. I regret my life every day.� She smiled, brushing the topic off. �Anyways! Why are you out here?! Come to the back with me, I�m so nervous, I almost want to throw up!�
�Well, that would be very unlady-like,� Ryou answered, giving her a scowl. She laughed, smacking him playfully on the shoulder.
�Shut up! But really, why are you out here, you loner? We need you, Ryou, you know we�re--well, they--are no good without you around for emotional support. The usual shoulder to cry on.�
�More like the target to make fun of,� He corrected her, grinning. �Nah, I�m just tired tonight--and besides, Mariku is soooo, soooo wound-up tonight, Malik and all.� Malik--Ryou practically snarled out the name. Thankfully, Anzu and the rest of the world were still oblivious to Ryou�s secret loathing of the actually pretty nice male.
�Oh I know, he�s been extra nice to me lately--which is weird--keeps telling me how he met this Malik and how I just have to meet him, how he�s better looking than anyone I could possibly get.�
�Funny, he�s told me the same!� Ryou snickered, �Fortunately, I do not mind because I am -very- not interested and besides, I don�t think my dad would be very pleased with me when I announced that for Christmas, I was bringing home a guy.� His mind immediately brought up an image of Bakura. He shivered. �You know, he actually called me last week for the first time in two months and asked me if I was engaged yet?� Anzu laughed. �I was like, �really dad, how old do you think I am?� Do you really think I should be married off, Anzu?� Ryou placed his hand in his palm, eyeing the girl. �I mean, no one I know my age is married, why should I be?�
�Oh I know, right? You know, my parents just asked about you last week too, keep asking me when I am just going to settle down with a nice man like Ryou!� Her voice went low as she attempted to mimick her mother�s voice. Ryou chuckled, nodding.
�Well she is right you know? You are getting old now.�
She stuck her tongue out at him. �And so are you!�
�I know, it�s really a drag--because I was really so much better looking a year ago.� He took another drink. �So, is she still bitter about you dropping out of dance school to do this for real?�
�Yes!� She groaned, �She STILL reminds me and I am just like, we have a record deal, doesn�t that mean anything to you?! But parents will be parents, right?�
Ryou nodded heavily in agreement. �And nothing could be truer than that.� It was then that he remembered his manners. He went silent for a moment, watching Anzu. Her head scanned the room, petite hands shaking at her sides. �Oh! Did you want anything to drink? I�ll buy, you look so nervous Anzu!�
�I am!� She cried, �Painfully. So excited though! Our first huge show in an actual BIG club in this city! I don�t think half the people here have actually heard of us but-�
�Oh shush, I know you guys will blow the roof off here, you guys are awesome!� He reminded her, smiling enthusiastically.
�I know! BUT STILL!� She grimaced, �You really should see Varon--he�s drunk back there and still quivering--he was so nervous, he broke a string already!�
�Why do they never listen, I TOLD them not to drink--I don�t want them to mess this up!� Not that they would, but Ryou was the worrier of the group--thank god they at least had one. �But really, did you want anything?�
�Maybe later?� She smiled brightly at him. �I honestly think I would puke if I tried--anyways, I should go! But you owe me that drink after our set! I am holding you to it, just like our marriage on July 12, 2011!�
Ryou grinned, �Wouldn�t miss it for the world. Go! Go practice, or something. Punch Mariku for me, I am sure he has or will do something tonight to deserve it.�
�I will!� She looked at Ryou sympathetically. �Try to enjoy yourself though, okay? Don�t be a hermit over here all night, Shizuka and Honda are coming out tonight, and I am sure Yuugi is too! Make them buy you drinks! You�re going to need them, the boys already plan to get trashed as soon as we�re done!�
Ryou rolled his eyes, �I�d expect nothing less. See you in a little while!� She swooped in to hug him, and he gave her a tight squeeze.
�Good luck, not that you need it!� He smiled as she let go, disappearing back into the crowd. Letting out another sigh, he turned back around, finishing off his drink. Well, if Mariku was planning to party tonight--Ryou knew there was nothing he could do to stop it. If you can�t beat them, join the club.
He knew he would probably regret this in a few hours but�
He flagged down the unenthusiastic bartender, ready for a stronger drink this time.
x
The first set was a blur--Ryou didn�t exactly enjoy the band in particular; the singer�s voice was just too pitchy. By now, his second drink was almost gone--he was feeling a little tipsy at this point. He didn�t usually go all out and order expensive mixed drinks but AMFs were so delicious every now and again--and he supposed the band deserved a drunk Ryou for tonight, in their honor. For some reason, they just adored him drunk.
He wrinkled his nose, still unable to comprehend why that was exactly. To Ryou, drunk people were just stupid--unless, of course, he was drunk. Wasn�t that how it always worked though? Another ten minutes and they would finally take the stage--he was so happy for them, he still had such a hard time grasping how far they�d come along in their journey. Certainly, they weren�t five-star hotel status yet but at least now they could afford Best Westerns instead of Motel 6�s--though, those were the band�s favorite. Save Anzu.
He imagined by now, Katsuya had already downed an entire pizza--he was a bit of an emotional eater. How he wasn�t obese, Ryou would never understand. He laughed to himself, finally able to forget the ten dollars he had just spent on his drink for a moment. Ten dollars? Really? That seemed so ridiculous to him--that was the price of an entire meal AND a drink. At least, to him anyways, since he was a bit of a cheap skate.
For ten dollars, this should�ve been the best AMF in the world--instead, it was entirely too strong and alcohol-y. To Ryou, this was a bad drink--to everyone else, this was probably awesome because it meant you were actually getting your money�s worth. Ryou never did get the concept of why strong meant good--how could people do this on a weekly basis?
He bobbed his head to the filler music, sucking through his straw gingerly. At least he had avoided -that-.
That, of course, being that blonde chump Mariku referred to as Malik. He�d seen the boy pass by with some bald guy minutes before--weird though. Ryou figured Malik would undoubtedly come here stuck at the hip to Bakura. He was rather bipolar on the entire subject of Bakura--he half wanted Malik to bring him and half did not. He had felt the slight stirrings of disappointment when he�d seen the blonde without Bakura in tow. It absolutely made no sense though--Ryou had already decided he wasn�t going to pursue him a couple of nights before.
Bakura obviously meant no good news and Ryou wanted no part in that in the least. Ryou stirred the remnants of his drink around with the straw, staring down into the blue liquid blankly. If he wasn�t seeking out Bakura, why did he still feel such distain toward Malik? There was guilt too--an inkling, at least. Whatever though, if Malik was stupid enough to not notice what Bakura did, that was his own fault. After all, Ryou didn�t ask for any of it. It just happened.
Ryou tried to comfort himself and pretend that it was okay, though he knew it was far from the truth. It wasn�t like it was full-on cheating though, after all, it was only a couple of stupid kisses and the guys in the band never seemed to bat an eyelash when they or their significant others went around kissing other people. To Ryou, however, that always just meant it was because they weren�t really in love--because if you were, why would you want to kiss someone else?
Another one of Ryou�s grotesque traits (in his friend�s eyes--save the girls, of course)--he was a closet hopeless romantic. Probably because he had never really been in love and therefore, didn�t know that fairy tale romances were all too rare and unrealistic.
More time passed and he heard Mariku�s voice bellow out from the speakers.
�HELLO MOTHER FUCKERS! HOW ARE YOU ALL TONIGHT?!�
They were starting. Anxiously, he grabbed his drink and turned around to stare down from the bar which was on a platform up across the room from the stage. His eyes glistened as he stared at his friends, who all looked so enthusiastic and ready to go. Katsuya thudded on his drum set and the first song started up-- his heart thudded in his chest.
x
The smell of this dump made Bakura�s mouth water. �Cloves�--he thought to himself as he slipped inside the building, managing to get in without paying a dime of the entrance fee. Bakura was lucky like that--the one thing he had been thankful of his parents for. Besides being a smooth talker, Bakura was a great panhandler and always seemed to be able to sneak into any place undetected. He was a good reader of people--he could tell when he was being watched and when he was not.
The bouncer turned his eyes for only a second and Bakura got the intuitive queue to just walk in. It was so simple--be discreet, look like you know what you�re doing. Don�t pause, keep going--look aloof. Things Bakura had down to an art. He praised himself for a job well done, slinking his hands into his jeans pockets.
He scanned around the packed room boredly. The music was subpar, as expected. He glanced to the stage warily, catching a glance of the person he had met a few nights ago. Couldn�t remember the name, not important. He supposed the man�s voice was alright--then again, Bakura had never been much of a rock music junkee. When he was sixteen, sure, but he wasn�t sixteen and an idiot anymore.
The people around him were tasteless, as predicted. He saw a few girls watching him out of the corner of his eye--he paid them little mind. They could look if they wanted--they always did. He wasn�t shy about his looks--whatever he had in terrible personality traits, he made up for in his ruggish good looks. Tonight, he had set aside his usual work wear and settled on a white Hollister tee and a zip up Hollister brown sports coat. Important to fit in, of course--and also to avoid someone in particular.
He�d even put in his eyebrow ring that he�d had pierced years ago--he didn�t wear it often anymore, yet for some reason, it seemed to never close up fully. Not that he would have minded if he did; it was too childish for his liking, a sign of a man-child, which he certainly discounted himself from. The man-child look worked a lot better for his boyfriend who was probably here, yet he doubted Malik would even notice him like this. Bakura was odd like that--he never let Malik see him dressed down like this. In fact, he�d only bought these clothes for tonight--or his assistant had, rather.
Looking around, he tried to ignore the overwhelming urge to smoke. �Later�, he told himself, brushing through the crowd. Right now, he was on a mission of sorts--Ryou. But where would a person like that be at a place like this? Ryou and this place didn�t connect in his mind; at least, not the Ryou he�d seen so far. Ryou seemed much more refined than everyone else here--but he could be wrong. He never was though, of course.
But where to look? Close to the stage? He didn�t see Ryou as a mosher and really couldn�t picture the boy screaming out to the band and singing along to their songs with the crowd. He could, however, see him standing upon the edges somewhere in the background, backed into a corner, watching the band silently. He could also see him standing shyly behind the stage, out of sight of the crowd.
He turned his eyes to the bar. Well, he would find him somehow--but first, a nice stiff drink. Unlike Ryou who shifted uneasily through the crowded stairway, Bakura simply pushed his shoulders past people, careless to the disgruntled mutters about him as he passed by. He was just about to head to where the bartender was at the middle of the bar when something caught his eye. Flecks of white hair at the furthest seat to the right. At first, he was a little suspicious--he couldn�t really see Ryou sitting up here alone quietly, drinking.
Bakura shrugged, making his way over. As he got closer, realization dawned on him--it definitely -was- Ryou. He could feel it--it also helped that he could see the arms of Ryou�s shirt (neatly pressed) and a sweater vest. There was just no way there were two people in the same building with that odd color of hair and attire of dress. Bakura had to get past a few more people, staring at the back of Ryou�s head. He�d never understood why people never seemed to notice that--Bakura could always feel when eyes were on him intently.
He neared the oblivious male, approaching slowly. He stood behind Ryou, smirking and letting out a deep breath as he contemplated how to make his impression.
-
Ryou stared out mindlessly, smiling to himself as he enjoyed the set. It was a few songs in now and the band was rocking it. The crowd was pumped, there were people crowd surfing--it was everything the band had dreamt tonight would be. Ryou was so pleased--he could feel the butterflies in his stomach, silently singing along in his head to the songs. He set his drink down on the bar, still unaware of his unwelcome admirer.
The crowd cheered as the song ended, Ryou holding back a holler, much too self-conscious to actually holler for them yet. He was a little buzzed but certainly not -that- drunk yet. He looked to his drink, then looked away, barely missing as an ivory hand reached out, picking up the plastic cup. Bakura stood behind Ryou, daring to take a drink. He regretted it the moment he had--much too sweet. What the hell was Ryou drinking?
�Why do you drink such womanly shit?� Ryou didn�t respond for a moment, unaware he was being conversed with. He then chanced a look to the bar to eye his own drink, which was suddenly missing. Immediately, he began to grow annoyed--had the bartender slipped past and taken his drink? He really couldn�t see her doing that--last he checked, she was stuck at the other side of the bar.
Had that comment been for�? He turned around skeptically, eyes as wide as saucers when he realized who was standing there, holding his drink in a slim, bony hand, expensive golden band on their ring finger. His stomach dropped, cheeks beginning to flush. He tried to ignore the weird spinning feeling in his head, irritation taking over.
�Wh-Why are you here and why do you think it is okay to just take my drink?!� Ryou reached out to snatch his drink back but Bakura simply lifted the cup into the air and out of Ryou�s reach, only further perturbing the boy.
�Why not, we�re friends, aren�t we?� Ryou didn�t like the way Bakura purred the friends part. He gulped, trying to heed his sweating palms as he folded his arms over his chest. �You�re really bothersome to me and actually, no, we are definitely anything -but- friends.� His eyelids lowered, unamused. �Now may I please have my drink back and go back to enjoying my evening without your presence?�
Bakura held back a laugh. �What, you can�t even muster a real curse at me? He set the drink on the bar, behind himself and still out of Ryou�s reach. He set a hand on the bar and leant into the male who was currently glaring at him, grinning lopsidedly, showing off sharp canines. �And if we aren�t friends, what are we?�
�Unfortunate acquaintances.� Ryou moved swiftly, grabbing his drink back. He smiled ruefully at the man, lifting up his brows. �And now that I have my drink back, could you please go back to wherever it is you came from?�
�You�re being rather feisty tonight, aren�t you?� Ryou scoffed at that, taking a sip from his straw.
He frowned, remembering that Bakura had just drank from that. Ryou wasn�t a fan of drink-sharing--too many germs. His nose wrinkled, free hand coming up to press his glasses up atop the bridge of his nose. �I don�t even know why I just drank that now that you�ve completely ruined it by getting your saliva all over my straw.� Ryou set the drink down on the counter, pushing it out of the way in disgust.
Bakura grinned, finding Ryou�s words to be rather ironic. �Hmm, you didn�t seem to mind when I was tasting you, now did you?� Ryou�s mouth dropped, lost for words. Thankfully the room was so dark, Bakura couldn�t see him turn cherry red.
�I think�I am done here.� Ryou moved to stand, but Bakura forced him back down.
�No,� Bakura commanded simply, hands curved around Ryou�s bony shoulders. �Not until I buy you a -real- drink. I didn�t mean to disturb yours, I wasn�t aware that you were a germaphobe.�
Ryou bit his tongue for a moment. �I am -not- a germaphobe.� He totally was a germaphobe. He cleaned his bed sheets twice a week and washed his hands at least twenty times a day--double that if he was ever near a child or an animal.
�You are too--who else would be scared of drinking off of someone they�ve already swapped spit with?� Ryou�s hands went sweaty at that--Bakura seemed to have a way with making him very uncomfortable.
Bakura didn�t remove his hands from Ryou�s shoulders, making Ryou that much more nervous. He caught Bakura�s eyes, staring into them. �I brushed my teeth for about five minutes after every time.� Ryou didn�t know why he just told Bakura that.
Bakura looked a little taken aback. �You really are fucking neurotic, aren�t you?� Silently, Ryou questioned if he really was.
�No?� He answered back as more of a question than a stone cold statement. �A-Anyways�� Ryou forced himself to look away. He looked to Bakura�s hand at his left for a moment, trying to feel less awkward.
�You are.� Bakura watched him, smirking smugly to himself. He removed his hands, glancing over his shoulder as the person that sat beside Ryou finally left. He took a seat beside Ryou, leaning toward the boy. �And I�m buying you a drink, you have no choice.�
�I really�don�t need one,� He protested, eyeing the man for a second. �And anyways, where is Malik?� Not that he was beginning to be okay with sitting here alone with Bakura.
Bakura shrugged nonchalantly. �Do I look like I care? I didn�t come with him.� Ryou didn�t hold back his surprise as his eyes widened.
�You didn�t�? I mean, I saw him but--if you didn�t come with him, why would you be here? You didn�t seem very intrigued by the idea of the band when I told you about them.� Ryou looked at the man questionably, crossing his arms again.
�Because your friend invited me of course.� Ryou looked suspiciously at the man.
�I sincerely doubt any friend of mine would invite -you-, or even talk to you.� Ryou snorted, pressing at his glasses again. �You�re no their type.�
�And yet�how else would I know where to come?� Bakura stared at Ryou inquisitively.
�Then who invited you?�
Bakura grinned. �The weird looking blonde one you live with.� Ryou tried to grasp that--he knew that Mariku knew Bakura was Malik�s boyfriend--why would he invite him?!
��I still don�t see you two being friends.�
�We�re not. Really, are you that daft?� Bakura chortled, daring a laugh. �Why do you really think I came?� Ryou stilled, not knowing how to answer that--he didn�t know if he could handle the answer. The possibilities already had his stomach twisting itself into a pretzel. He looked at Bakura, who was looking at him. Gulping down a lump in his throat, he knew he had lost for the moment.
�Fine,� He sighed fervently. �One drink. Then you leave.�
�Alright,� Bakura said, licking his lips. �One drink, and I will go.� Ryou knew he was lying.
�Then, if you�re buying, an appletini.� Bakura stared at Ryou, not able to believe the male�s words.
�You�re fucking kidding me, right?� Bakura laughed crudely, reaching for the drink he knew Ryou wasn�t going to finish now. He didn�t bother to use the straw this time as he threw it back in one gulp. Ryou raised an eyebrow.
�Kidding about what, exactly?�
�You�re choice in drinks. They�re awful.� Bakura paused for a moment, turning to the bartender. He unzipped his coat pocket, producing out a wallet. Ryou took a glance at the contents of Bakura�s wallet--a lot of credit cards, an ID, and at least six or seven hundred dollar bills and four twenties. Hell, what did this guy do for a living?!
�HEY!� Bakura waved a hundred at the waitress who made no pause in heading his way.
Unlike when she had served Ryou, the waitress approached rather seductively, smiling in a rather flirtatious manner that made Ryou maybe a -little- irked. �What can I get you~?�
He glanced at Ryou, surveying the boy�s youthful face. �Four Jagerbombs, a Jack and Coke and--�
Ryou cut in, �An appletini. Actually, that and a hurricane,� He snapped, eyeing the waitress. Might as well have two since Bakura was buying and all.
�And�that will do it.� He handed the waitress the bill. �And you can keep the rest,� He lulled, giving her a playful grin.
�Thanks, be right back with that!� She greedily took the bill, leaving Bakura and Ryou alone once again. Bakura turned his head to Ryou, raising an eyebrow.
�I thought you said one drink?� Bakura leant himself toward Ryou, grinning.
�Yeah, well, I imagine you are trying to give two of those disgusting shots to me and since you are,� Because Ryou was clever enough to know that much, �I need something to chase it with. Besides, who says I didn�t just have you order the other drink for someone else?�
Bakura laughed amusedly, placing an elbow atop the bar, head resting in his hand. �Mmm, apparently you�re smarter than I gave you credit for.�
�Thanks,� Ryou paused, wrinkling his nose. �I think.� He smiled slightly, turning away from Bakura to stare at the assortment of liquor. �I�m surprised�you ordered Jagerbombs.�
�I figured it was something you could take without puking all over yourself the moment the alcohol hit your mouth. You don�t seem like the real shot type.� Ryou shook his head, grinning to himself.
�Am I really so easy to read?� He asked, looking back to Bakura. It was then that he noticed the eyebrow piercing--Ryou hadn�t noticed it before. It didn�t seem like something Bakura would have--it looked good though, Ryou had to admit.
�Very easy. Like right now, I can tell�� Bakura trailed off, removing his head from his face. His hand fell to Ryou�s, which was set atop Ryou�s leg. He lightly grazed his thumb over the back of Ryou�s hand, making Ryou jump. �You�re nervous--you try to seem irritated with me, but you�re not.� Spot on--Ryou didn�t like it.
Despite the warm touch that made Ryou�s skin hot, Ryou snatched his hand away. He snorted, trying to play it cool. �Not true at all. I don�t like you like that, hate to break it to you.� Ryou stared at Bakura with a serious expression, refusing to let the male believe otherwise.
�Oh, really?� Bakura replied, eyeing Ryou mischievously. �So it doesn�t bother you at all then�that I want you?� Ryou bit his lip, turning away shyly. He turned around in his seat to watch Mariku, pretending to have not heard that. He didn�t want to hear that--hearing that only affirmed Ryou�s own desires and he wanted so badly to ignore them. Wanting Bakura wouldn�t do him any good--after all, Ryou didn�t dare to believe Bakura really liked him romantically--not that he was into Bakura like that either. Bakura wasn�t trustworthy, Ryou could see that plain and clear.
Bakura surveyed Ryou�s actions, turning his head to the band as well. He smirked, knowing full-well what Ryou felt--it was obvious. He listened to the lyrics, finding them rather cliché. �Do you really like this type of music?�
Ryou sat up for a moment, pausing before he answered. �Of course I do--why would I have come all this way with them if I didn�t?� Ryou continued to watch, folding his hands in his lap.
�Again,� Bakura murmured, �I just don�t think it�s a fit.� Ryou rolled his eyes.
�You don�t know a thing about me,� Ryou scoffed, �You�ve talked to me all of two times.�
�You�re right, I don�t. Just a feeling I have, is all.� The bartender was back now, bringing out their drinks.
�And what kind of music do you listen to?� Ryou questioned, turning around to find an Appletini in front of him. He smiled, taking the martini glass in his hand. Looking to Bakura, he gave a curt nod. �Thank you, by the way.�
Bakura grinned, �No problem, I love to buy drinks for people who sit there and berate me. And whatever sounds good.� Ryou had to laugh a little at that, finally easing up a sliver. He took a sip of his drink, grimacing. Bakura watched, snickering.
�Too strong, noob?� Ryou nodded, setting the glass down and shaking his head.
�Much, yuck!� Bakura pondered if Ryou was secretly a woman while he snatched up his Jack and Coke, slurping half of it down within seconds. Ryou was amazed, unable to understand how someone could just drink something like that as if it was water. �I think it�s because you bought it for me.�
�Well, I did slip GHB in it while you had your head turned. I hear that has a strong taste.� Ryou grinned, looking to the floor bashfully.
�I�imagined as much.� He gazed to the shots, deciding to forget about everything for the moment. Screw Malik and screw his stupid morals--Bakura was here and maybe it wasn�t okay, but he was going to let it be; at least for tonight.
�Shot time then?� Bakura asked, picking up the thin crystal shot glass to pour it into the cup of Red Bull. Ryou hesitantly did the same.
�Yes, the faster we drink, the faster I can get away from you.�
x
Thirty minutes, half a martini and two shots later, Ryou still hadn�t gotten away from Bakura�s clutches, but he was most certainly getting drunk by now. Even Bakura knew it--but Bakura found it rather hilarious. Obviously when Ryou got drunk, he was an open book. �You seriously play Magic the Gathering still? Isn�t that sort-of sad?�
�Shut up!� Ryou exclaimed, slapping Bakura on the knee. �It�s not that bad, there are tons of people my age who still play!� Bakura stared at Ryou disorientedly.
�I know none--what is wrong with you? Besides your obvious phobia of germs, dogs, and ocean-creatures?�
�I am not that bad!� He sulked, lips forming a pout. �I don�t want to get sick, big dogs can be mean and who isn�t afraid of poisonous animals in the ocean? I mean, would you really want to die because of a jelly fish?�
�It�s called watching where you swim--just wondering, but do you ever have fun? Obviously, you don�t like going to the beach, you don�t like to drink, you don�t like going outside--�
�Not true!� Ryou interrupted, reaching for the hurricane this time--technically he had ordered it for Anzu but she wasn�t here--which he was, ashamedly, kind of glad for. He was -enjoying- himself which was weird, because he hardly ever had this much fun sitting at their shows alone like this. Yeah, he usually had an okay time but it was never -this- fun. He didn�t even notice how much time had passed, nor did he realize their set had ended a good fifteen minutes ago. �I do too like going outside, I just don�t like going out late alone, could get robbed!�
�Well, maybe if you learned how to kick someone�s ass, you wouldn�t be so scared.� Ryou lowered his eyelids.
�I am not scared, I�m cautious. There is a difference.�
Bakura drank the last of his third Jack and Coke now, finally getting a good buzz going. �At what age did you first develop an anxiety disorder?�
�Ugh!� Ryou threw his head back in defeat. �I do NOT have an anxiety disorder, I am just -careful-.�
�I bet you were one of those people that wore a surgical mask during the SARS scare, weren�t you?� Ryou laughed sheepishly.
�Maybe�?� He scratched at the back of his head. �I mean, o-only when I was out in really big crowds, not like at home o-or anything.�
�You wore them to school didn�t you.� Ryou looked at Bakura as if he were crazy.
�Of course! You don�t know where all those kids have been! I�m -not- stupid!�
�Just�insane,� Bakura shrugged nonchalantly. �Like I said.�
�And yet, you�re still talking to me,� Ryou reminded him, smiling coyly. Bakura raised an eyebrow with interest.
�I am, aren�t I?� Bakura stood up, unable to take the temptation to smoke any longer. �Let�s go outside, the smell in here is killing me.� Ryou�s eyes lit up.
�Oh really?! You can smell the Cloves too?�
Bakura nodded, laughing at Ryou�s response. �I can, yes. Can�t take it anymore.� He knew it was for a different reason than Ryou though; he could -tell- Ryou didn�t smoke. Reaching over, he grabbed Ryou�s hand. Unlike last time, Ryou didn�t pull away. He let Bakura lace his fingers with his own, smiling awkwardly at their entwined hands.
�I shouldn�t though, I mean, you bought those drinks and I didn�t even finish--� At that, Bakura grabbed for the appletini, the better of the two (because in Bakura�s mind, both were close to awful) and chugged it down. Ryou got the queue and grabbed the hurricane, taking one long sip before he couldn�t go on anymore.
�I am so going to regret this later--I am going to be so gone in a minute. I haven�t even thought about my friends in like�� Ryou�s eyes widened in horror. How long had it been? He used his free hand to search in his pocket for his phone. Almost 11 already? It was then he realized the next band had already started playing--his friends would be looking for him any minute, which meant Malik.
�Yeah well, I am sure they will get on fine without you for a minute.� Bakura tugged at Ryou�s hand, leaning his head in towards the boy. �Now come on, I have to go outside, can�t wait any longer.�
Ryou, looking suddenly worried, attempted to pull his hand away. He looked into Bakura�s eyes, which were now mere inches from his. �I�I really shouldn�t, uhm, I should probably go find them. I mean, I am sure you want to look for Malik anyways, right?� Ryou asked, disappointment leaking into his voice.
�What is it with you and Malik? Get it out of your head, kid.� He gave Ryou�s hand a squeeze and before Ryou could do anything, leaned in to snatch a chaste kiss. Ryou froze, lips parting in shock. What was Bakura doing? Malik could have just seen them!
�B-But��
�No buts.� Bakura leant in, making goosebumps raise on Ryou�s arms. He nudged his nose against Ryou�s ear, moving hair out of the way. �Let�s go outside, Ryou�� He purred in Ryou�s ear, making Ryou murmur in his throat. �Please? For me?� Ryou couldn�t say no.
�O-okay. For a minute�� Bakura helped Ryou up and lead him easily through the crowd, toward the door. The entire time, Ryou tried to duck behind Bakura, keeping his head low. He stared at the ground, trying his hardest to not be noticed so no one could ruin this night for him. �Please, please don�t find me�.
x
Once outside, Ryou made sure to drag Bakura a good few buildings away. It felt so nice to finally be outside--so much cooler and it didn�t have that awful cherry-smoke scent. It was a little cold, yes, but to drunk Ryou, it was quite nice. Besides, it was such a clear night--the stars were so bright, though they were a little hard to see with all the tall buildings and blaring lights in downtown Domino. �You do realize we have white hair--if your friends come outside, they are going to see us no matter what.�
�Well, they won�t come outside, they will go out back!�
�Then�� Bakura glared at Ryou. �Why walk out so far in the first place?� He pressed his back against the brick building, letting Ryou�s hand go gently so he could search in his coat pockets.
�Precautions, of course! Aren�t you worried�?�
Bakura snorted, �About getting you a therapy appointment, yes.� He pulled out a pack of Camel cigarettes and pulled one out, plucking it into his mouth.
Ryou ignored that comment, gasping as he saw Bakura yank out a cigarette. �What, you smoke?! I thought you meant you hated the smell!� Bakura lit his cigarette, tossing his lighter and pack back into his pocket. He took a deep inhale, letting it out with a relaxed sigh.
�Are you kidding me?� Bakura chuckled, �I fucking love it, that�s the problem. I used to always smoke Cloves.� He gazed to Ryou, watching as a gust of icy wind blew the boy�s soft locks about. Ryou noticed Bakura�s eyes, meeting the male�s gaze. His heart raced again. �Come closer--unless of course, you have a fear of second hand smoke, too.� Ryou lifted a finger to push at his glasses timidly, contemplating.
�Regulars aren�t as bad as Cloves, no�� Rou frowned heavily, glaring at Bakura. �But I still don�t like it--why would you do something that just kills you at an accelerated rate?�
�Says the kid who has probably never done anything risky in his life. Now come, it�s cold. You look warm.� Ryou rolled his eyes, coming to stand beside Bakura. He pressed his back against the wall, shivering at the next gust of wind.
�Better?� Ryou snapped playfully, smiling up at the male. Bakura took another drag, turning to glance at Ryou.
�No.� He grabbed hold of Ryou�s arm and coaxed him closer until he was near enough to wrap his arm around Ryou from behind and press the frail boy up against him. Ryou flushed, turning his head away from Bakura and the hand with the cigarette. Shyly, he let one of his hands come to settle atop Bakura�s, beginning to lightly stroke it with his thumb. �But now it is.�
Bakura took another puff, Ryou catching a whiff this time. He sputtered, lifting his opposite hand to cough into.
�Oh, you�re such a wuss--fine, I�ll put it out.� Bakura rolled his eyes, rotating his shoulder to rub the lit end along the wall until the cherry was crushed.
�Thanks�� Ryou muttered, shivering as he pressed himself into Bakura, glad for the extra warmth. Bakura enveloped his other arm around the boy too, leaning his head into the crook of Ryou�s neck. Ryou stilled at first but easily relaxed, closing his eyes and leaning his head into Bakura. �Do�you smoke a lot?� Ryou asked, trying to keep his mind off of Bakura�s hot breath on the back of his neck.
�Only when I want to.� Ryou opened his eyes for a moment, smiling. He turned his head around, making Bakura lift his chin.
�You really don�t like to talk about yourself, do you?� Ryou looked into Bakura�s eyes, grinning. Bakura smirked, kissing at the corner of Ryou�s mouth. This time, Ryou wasn�t so bashful--despite his loathing of cigarettes, he kissed Bakura back this time. Bakura lulled in his throat, giving Ryou�s plush lower lip a small nip.
�You just ask too many questions.� Ryou sighed, murmuring when his lip was licked this time. Eyes closing, he parted his lips, letting Bakura�s tongue inside. He moaned as their tongues met, scraping against each other--though Bakura tasted a little like ashes and Jack Daniels, somehow, it wasn�t so unpleasant. Ryou pulled away slightly, eyelashes fluttering as his eyes opened.
�And you don�t answer any of them.� Bakura grinned, closing his eyes as he worked his nose back down to Ryou�s neck. He nudged hair out of the way enough to be able to press a couple of wet, hot kisses along the crook of Ryou�s neck. �Mmm�not�fair.�
�Well�� Bakura whispered, giving Ryou�s neck a playful bite. Ryou pressed himself into Bakura, finger nails beginning to dig slightly into Bakura�s knuckles--it felt so nice, Ryou wasn�t used to it. �If you come with me tonight, I will tell you whatever you like.�
Ryou�s eyes widened, opening his mouth to reply. He was unable to though when Bakura bit again, sending a wave of pleasure throughout him. �S-stop�� Ryou mewled, arching his head into Bakura. His nails lightly caressed Bakura�s hand. �Can�t say �no� when you�re doing these things.�
�Well�� Bakura continued to work his charm. His nose trailed up until his mouth came in contact with Ryou�s ear. He gave the inside of Ryou�s ear a lap, making Ryou go quite loud this time as the boy let out a moan. �I�ll keep doing them.�
�But we can�t--where would we go�? Going home would just be weird. Everyone will be back eventually. We shouldn�t�� Ryou attempted to turn around, unable to take anymore of that kind of assault. Bakura let his hold on Ryou soften, allowing the boy to turn around to face him. Bakura slunk his hands into the pockets of Ryou�s khaki�s, giving Ryou�s behind a playful grab.
�And we won�t because� we�re going to go stay at a Four Seasons suite a few blocks down.� Ryou canted his head to the side, eyeing Bakura curiously.
�Isn�t that really expensive though�? And I mean, we don�t live all that far�� Going to a hotel, wasn�t that kind-of�odd? He supposed it made more sense than going to their own apartments but it seemed so unnecessary--it would be nice though and was still a good ten minutes closer than where they lived from here.
�Well.� Bakura looked up to the stars. �I can�t make you go, but you know I want to spend tonight with you.� He looked back down to Ryou, whose eyes were glazed over with lust. That was enough for him, for now. Ryou couldn�t hold himself back anymore; this was what he wanted. He wrapped his arms around Bakura�s neck and gave the male a harsh kiss, making the man part his lips so he could slip his tongue inside, exploring and tasting as he pleased.
Bakura squeezed harder, biting Ryou�s tongue roughly, making the male groan. Ryou pulled back, smiling hazily. �I want�to spend it with you too. So I guess�I have no other choice.�
x
Was going to continue on but I figured it was long enough. ;] Not sure how much I like the interaction between Marik, Malik, and Bakura at the apartment but that will do it for meow
Are you guys as interested in Marik and Malik�s relationship, or do you just care more for Bakura and Ryou�s? Just trying to get feedback on what everyone would rather read!
Do any of you play Maple Story? Cuz you should so play with me! Lol. Hope you�re having lovely summers! I adore you guysss! 8D
Review replies:

Psycho Candy: Awe thank you so much. :D I am really happy you like it! I was semi-worried Marik would seem too nice. Lol.
Lil miss drAMa QUUEN: That�s so sweet of you to say! Thank you. :D I�m really glad you like the way everyone is turning out!
Ani: I am a total tendershipper too. I have never been able to love any characters as much as I love them, and especially together. :P And no, Ryou lives with Yami Marik and hikari Malik lives with Bakura, his �enchanting� boyfriend. Hope that cleared that up for you! Thank you for reading and reviewing, I�m glad you like it!
DoubleWe: Lol! I wouldn�t lie about it being Bakura/Ryou. ;P Awe, I am glad you liked it so much! And though Bakura is with someone, I can promise it will be interesting at the least. XD Thank you so much and I will try my hardest to actually finish. :P
Thank you all and I hope you liked! 8D Plz reviewww!
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