Fanfiction Stumblings 2-Fragileshipping
Aug. 28th, 2011 05:59 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
not_krysA collection of my fragileshipping drabbles on my laptop that I am sharing for no real purpose other than... to share them. >>;
A/N: The first one was my idea of a continuation (slightly) of a dead fic but I never completed it (it's a running theme for me, apparently.) The fic I wasripping off taking inspiration from is Carry the Infinite by Strike the Dirge. Read that first to see where I'm ripping off taking the plot points from. Also, this was from the 125 themes challege I started, but... that ship sunk pretty quickly.
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82. Ryou and Atem-In My Own Little World
He hadn't meant for it to happen. He wasn't even sure it was supposed to happen. The Pharaoh was supposed to be gone. Gone for good. Not to come back into this life again…
The afterlife sure seemed short-lived.
Ryou stared up into the crimson eyes, those intense eyes that could be caring and gentle, or smoldering and dangerous in the matter of a blink. But at the moment, they seemed pleased.
"So, we meet at last." He looked rather smug with his arms crossed and shifting his weight to one side. Why did he stand that way, anyway? Was it to make himself look more relaxed in his power? Ryou couldn't even fathom an answer.
"Yami…" Ryou began, finally standing up from his place on the floor. Or was it the ceiling? It was hard to tell in this god-forsaken maze of a place. He dusted the invisible dirt from his pants as Atem tilted his head to one side, blond bangs and gold earrings following in suit. Even back in the Puzzle, he dressed and looked like he belonged back in Ancient Egypt. Where he was supposed to be right now…
"…Me?" The pharaoh questioned. He didn't know if the boy before him was referring to him. The boy sighed.
"Yes, you. Or rather… Pharaoh Atem. Your real name."
Atem's eyes widen for a moment, full of surprise. A moment later, however, they narrowed sharply, intensely suspicious.
"My real name was hidden. Hidden for centuries so that…"
"So that Zorc can never be resurrected again. I know, I know."
Atem's eyes got darker. "Do not take such matters lightly, Keeper. If some evil force got wind of this…"
"It's too late, Atem." Ryou replied flatly, "You already defeated Bakura and Zorc in the Memory World RPG- wait, hold on, Keeper!?"
"Yes," Atem replied simply though his face was confused when he mentioned the name Bakura, "You are the Keeper of the Millennium Puzz-"
"No, no, no, stop!" Ryou could barely form the words. "I can't be- I'm not-!"
"You put the Puzzle together, you spoke to me as if you knew I was there… You wouldn't be here if you weren't the-"
"I only took pieces out the Puzzle to clean them!" And quite literally did he clean it piece by gold piece and stuck it back where he found it. If the Puzzle took someone like Yuugi eight years to complete, he hated to know how long it would have taken someone like him, not that great with puzzles to begin with, from scratch. "The sand was starting to corrode the gold and I couldn't-"
"You troubled yourself enough to clean it with care, then." The tanned face smirked.
"I-It doesn't matter!" Ryou was flustered. He didn't want to be here; he wanted to be home, his normal, bland, and spirit-free home. "I'm not the Keeper! That's Yuugi-kun! Yuugi-kun is your Keeper, not me!"
"Yuugi-kun?" He tried, looking genuinely confused.
"Yuugi-kun! He put the Puzzle together! He found your true name! Hell, he was the one that defeated you so that you could go to the afterlife, WHERE YOU SHOULD BE!" He panted, his chest hurt, but that he didn't think he could be anymore clear.
Atem waited a few moments for Ryou to catch his breath. His Keeper seemed to be disturbed greatly about becoming… well, a Keeper. Well, he needed reassurance at least…
"Then why are you here and not this… Yuugi-kun person? I can assure you that coming to this place is no easy matter." He looked around at the never-ending corridors that lead nowhere and yet possibly somewhere.
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A/N 2:The first of my 125 Theme Challenge. And Ryou is a girl. For shits and giggles. And marrying Seto. Because I'm a blatant Euroshipper XD
1. Happiness (Yu-Gi-Oh! AU)
Atem and Ryou-Domino City, A Church
During my time in this modern era, I have seen a great many things. Magic, miracles, suffering, loss, pain, and a host of other mysteries have haunted me in this current time. But the biggest mystery that I’ve encountered would have to be Bakura Ryou. A young man-excuse me, young lady- who has probably seen much, much more than I have. And, considering I have been alive for the past three thousand years, that’s saying something.
The young woman standing before me in a long white dress, ceremonial dress for this time I’m told, checked her appearance one more time before standing to her full height. She should stand tall and proud. It’s supposed to be happiest day of her life, and she deserves more than her fair share of happiness. She deserves the world. I wish her continued happiness in her new life.
She held the flowers in her hands tightly, varying the position in proportion to her body. I smile, knowing instinctively what she was trying to do. Even though the flowers were beautiful, they could never hide what the white-haired bride was trying to conceal.
“I can always ask Yuugi to walk on your other side, if it will ease your nerves.”
Blushing pink seemed to fit her glowing appearance as she looked away, embarrassed. She bit her lip before speaking. “N-no, it’s okay. Yuugi-kun is already outside with Seto. I-I can’t call him back now…”
It was easy to tell Ryou was nervous. It was always easy to tell when she was nervous. Offering a warm smile, I took her hand and looked her in the eye. “He loves you,” I reassured her, “Your appearance matters little when it comes to love.” And considering who the groom is, her appearance mattered even less than that. “Besides, you can barely see it…The seamstress did a wonderful job.”
“From the front,” She corrected, turning to the side to prove her point. “A-Atem-san… I don’t think I can…”
Gently shushing her, I turned her to face me and placed a finger on her lips.
“None of that, now. You love him, right?”
She nodded softly after a brief pause.
“And he loves you, yes?”
Again, she nodded.
“Then why should you doubt him? If anything, he loves you now more than ever. It’s the start of a new life for both of you. Why should one moment be a life or death situation?”
She pondered this thought for a moment. But she didn’t have much time as the music wafted through the doors. I lightly touched her side before taking her arm in mine.
“You’re still beautiful, Ryou. And I believe that your happiness should stem from yourself, not from others.” And that fact was proven further from walking down the aisle, to the future, to a new life, to happiness for all of them. And I do mean -all- of them.
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A/N 3: The porn I was challenged to do to hone my pronz skillz, but I didn't get very far because I'm a huge chicken that prefers plot over porn, but I did try? XD
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~Fragileshipping~
More Than Alike
Characters: Atem and Ryou. Possibly mentions of others.
Plot? What Plot?: Basic drabble I had about Fragileshipping.
It wasn’t often they saw each other. Their other selves were usually in control, and when they did see each other, it was because of their other halves. Almost like being trapped behind glass. They could see, but not speak; they could feel, but they could not touch. Such is the life of Pharaoh Atem and Ryou Bakura, seeing but not seeing, feeling but not touching.
They’ve tried a few times, when Yuugi or the Spirit was in control, to leave the items they were in, but it felt like a heavy chain was gripping them, preventing them from going very far. And Yuugi and Bakura usually avoided each other, especially when the Spirit hadn’t planned anything for snatching the items.
The only times they could see each other was when the other was in control. Yuugi was usually out when Ryou was around, and Atem was usually out whenever the Spirit was up to his tricks. It made them wish that they could be in control once in awhile without their other selves intervening.
It was then that they decided to plan something, without even being aware of it.
The Spirit slept during the day, when Ryou was in classes, as did Atem for Yuugi. This time, however, the Pharaoh wasn’t going to miss the white-haired boy again. Atem then asked his Aibou if it was all right to invite Ryou over. Yuugi, always happy to have friends over, said all right. When he asked if should invite the others, the Spirit declined. Just Ryou today, he replied. Yuugi nodded, leaned over, and asked Ryou if he would like to come over. Atem smiled. At least his Aibou was prompt…
Ryou looked up at hearing Yuugi’s voice directed towards him. Bakura was still asleep, so he felt safer in speaking with the Pharaoh’s other half. The boy smiled shyly. He liked going over to Yuugi’s house, since he lived in a game shop. And as an avid gamer, he was always ready to play against the shorter duelist. Plus, there was always a chance to catch a glimpse of Yuugi’s other self, the one he dreams about sometimes. Strong, confident, and wise beyond his years.
After classes ended, Yuugi and Ryou walked towards the game shop, fully anticipating an afternoon of games and fun. But that wasn’t what Atem had in mind. He waited patiently in his soul room, waiting for an opportune moment to have what he wanted. Yuugi led Ryou inside, telling the other boy that his grandpa and mom was on a trip somewhere and wouldn’t be back for a few days, so Yuugi pretty much had the entire house and game shop to himself, which was the way Atem wanted it. The tri-haired boy led Ryou upstairs to his bedroom where numerous games littered the floor.
Atem waited patiently for an hour before he asked Yuugi if he could take over. Yuugi wondered why, since they weren’t dueling, and the Spirit hadn’t reared his head yet. Atem brushed it off, saying that he wanted to play games with Ryou as well. He hardly ever got to play games for the sheer pleasure of just playing. The tri-haired boy looked sorry, only using the spirit for life or death duels. He hadn’t thought that the Pharaoh wanted to have fun, too. Atem smiled to say that it was all right, that he understood.
Yuugi explained the situation to Ryou, who looked surprised to say the least. He held a secret smile back from his friend, now knowing what had been going on behind the scenes in Yuugi’s soul. He nodded and smiled, saying that he didn’t mind playing with the Pharaoh. It’d certainly be an honor to play against the King of Games. Yuugi grinned and slowly stepped into his soul room, and Atem stepped forward to take control. While passing, he asked his Aibou if he could stay in his soul room for a while, to give the two some privacy. Yuugi said okay, since they both weren’t needed to play a friendly game or two. Plus, he felt kind of glad the Pharaoh was making friends of his own. He always felt Mou Hitori no Boku was too shy sometimes…
Ryou smiled when he saw Yuugi’s hair spiking more than usual and he grew a few more inches. This was the one he had been waiting for.
“H-hello, Pharaoh.”
“Hello to you as well, Ryou.” He slowly raised a hand to the boy’s face, to not frighten him. His hand inched closer, fingers barely brushing Ryou’s cheek. Ryou’s eyes closed automatically, reveling in the soft touch. It wasn’t often he experienced this, so he wanted to savor every moment. Atem stared at Ryou for a minute. Something seemed a bit off from whenever he saw the boy through Yuugi’s eyes. Of course, Yuugi wouldn’t get this close and intimate with Ryou, but Atem still felt he should have noticed something…
“Has the Spirit been treating you well?” he asked, stern caring in his voice. He knew of Bakura’s treatment of his ‘landlord,’ but there wasn’t much the Pharaoh could do about it.
Ryou looked surprised that he would notice. Barely anyone notices him, and the only reason anyone ever does is usually the Spirit’s fault. “As well as can be expected. Why do you ask?”
Atem frowned. It was easy to tell when Ryou was lying, even the blind and the deaf could tell. It didn’t mean he liked it any better.
“Please don’t lie to me, Ryou.” His hand brushed Ryou’s cheek again. “Tell me what he has done, and I will do what I can within my power to help you.” He meant those words. Ryou meant more to the Pharaoh than most believed. The boy was a soul, like Yuugi’s, that Atem wanted to nurture and strengthen, to make into a powerful and independent person.
Ryou looked down, feeling a bit ashamed. He was like a battered housewife that stayed with her abusive husband out of obligation instead of love. It wasn’t a fate Ryou could easily escape from, no matter how many times he tried.
However, he didn’t want Atem worrying over him. He had other things to think about, surely, so Ryou s felt he was more or less off of his radar.
“H-he hasn’t done much of anything out of the usual…”
“That’s what worries me.” Atem frowned, then leaned forward and kissed Ryou’s temple, “ ’The Usual’ involves you being put in a slightly worse state than you were to begin with.” He looked the boy over, “he may not physically harm you, but there are other ways to destroy a body.” He took both of Ryou’s hands into his own and spread them apart. The boy obliged with a look of sadness on his face.
“How long are the periods of control between the two of you?”
Ryou couldn’t remember. He had grown used to long periods inside of his soul room whenever Bakura took over. “A few days, maybe more… it depends on his mood…”
“His ‘mood’?” Atem brought the hands down onto the table, his own on top of the pale pair. “Ryou, he’s taking advantage of you. Stand up to him. Or at least tell him your body, your human, mortal body needs respite and nourishment for it to function properly.” He didn’t like for the young one to be at the mercy of that… that fiend… controlling an innocent like Ryou.
Ryou looked away, his hands clenched beneath the Pharaoh’s. He tried to tell the Spirit this, but Ryou never really asserted his authority onto Bakura. It may have been his body, but the boy was hardly in control. From past experience, Bakura was used to going long periods with little to no food, but his host wasn’t.
“I’ve learned to live with it…” Atem released Ryou’s hands in anger and slammed them against the table. “You should have to live with it! You deserve more than that snake!”
Ryou jumped in fright in Atem’s fury. He naturally shied away when a person showed anger towards him. Except the Pharaoh’s wrath wasn’t directed at Ryou, never at Ryou. It was more directed at the specter within Ryou, and all that he stood for: pain, anger, deceit, and suffering. He also felt a bit of anger towards himself because he could do little to ease Ryou’s agony.
“You deserve more, young one.” Atem leaned forward, his expression softer, “So, so much more.” He continued moving forward, his voice becoming softer and softer as he came closer. Ryou was frozen in awe, briefly wondering what he was doing…
Atem’s hand reached up and cupped Ryou’s face, holding him in place. As if the boy -could- move. The Pharaoh closed the small distance between them and lightly brushed his lips against Ryou’s.
It was different from when Bakura had his way with him. He was never gentle or caring. So the tenderness Atem was presenting was a stark contrast to what the boy was used to experiencing. He reveled in the softness and responded in kind.
It wasn’t what he was expecting, but Atem wasn’t about to complain. He had what he had wanted for a long while and he wasn’t about to turn it down.
He moved his thumb along Ryou’s cheek and jaw, taking pleasure in the feel of the boy’s soft skin. Was a boy supposed to have this soft of skin? His hand descended down Ryou’s neck, fingers lightly dancing. Meanwhile, Ryou reached out a tentative hand and placed it on Atem’s shoulder, touching the bare skin as he was wearing his black tank top.
The barest tap was enough to send Atem into a frenzy. He embraced the boy, tilting his own head to have better access on Ryou’s mouth. Ryou stood up with the shorter Atem and backed up towards Yuugi’s bed.
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A/N: The first one was my idea of a continuation (slightly) of a dead fic but I never completed it (it's a running theme for me, apparently.) The fic I was
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82. Ryou and Atem-In My Own Little World
He hadn't meant for it to happen. He wasn't even sure it was supposed to happen. The Pharaoh was supposed to be gone. Gone for good. Not to come back into this life again…
The afterlife sure seemed short-lived.
Ryou stared up into the crimson eyes, those intense eyes that could be caring and gentle, or smoldering and dangerous in the matter of a blink. But at the moment, they seemed pleased.
"So, we meet at last." He looked rather smug with his arms crossed and shifting his weight to one side. Why did he stand that way, anyway? Was it to make himself look more relaxed in his power? Ryou couldn't even fathom an answer.
"Yami…" Ryou began, finally standing up from his place on the floor. Or was it the ceiling? It was hard to tell in this god-forsaken maze of a place. He dusted the invisible dirt from his pants as Atem tilted his head to one side, blond bangs and gold earrings following in suit. Even back in the Puzzle, he dressed and looked like he belonged back in Ancient Egypt. Where he was supposed to be right now…
"…Me?" The pharaoh questioned. He didn't know if the boy before him was referring to him. The boy sighed.
"Yes, you. Or rather… Pharaoh Atem. Your real name."
Atem's eyes widen for a moment, full of surprise. A moment later, however, they narrowed sharply, intensely suspicious.
"My real name was hidden. Hidden for centuries so that…"
"So that Zorc can never be resurrected again. I know, I know."
Atem's eyes got darker. "Do not take such matters lightly, Keeper. If some evil force got wind of this…"
"It's too late, Atem." Ryou replied flatly, "You already defeated Bakura and Zorc in the Memory World RPG- wait, hold on, Keeper!?"
"Yes," Atem replied simply though his face was confused when he mentioned the name Bakura, "You are the Keeper of the Millennium Puzz-"
"No, no, no, stop!" Ryou could barely form the words. "I can't be- I'm not-!"
"You put the Puzzle together, you spoke to me as if you knew I was there… You wouldn't be here if you weren't the-"
"I only took pieces out the Puzzle to clean them!" And quite literally did he clean it piece by gold piece and stuck it back where he found it. If the Puzzle took someone like Yuugi eight years to complete, he hated to know how long it would have taken someone like him, not that great with puzzles to begin with, from scratch. "The sand was starting to corrode the gold and I couldn't-"
"You troubled yourself enough to clean it with care, then." The tanned face smirked.
"I-It doesn't matter!" Ryou was flustered. He didn't want to be here; he wanted to be home, his normal, bland, and spirit-free home. "I'm not the Keeper! That's Yuugi-kun! Yuugi-kun is your Keeper, not me!"
"Yuugi-kun?" He tried, looking genuinely confused.
"Yuugi-kun! He put the Puzzle together! He found your true name! Hell, he was the one that defeated you so that you could go to the afterlife, WHERE YOU SHOULD BE!" He panted, his chest hurt, but that he didn't think he could be anymore clear.
Atem waited a few moments for Ryou to catch his breath. His Keeper seemed to be disturbed greatly about becoming… well, a Keeper. Well, he needed reassurance at least…
"Then why are you here and not this… Yuugi-kun person? I can assure you that coming to this place is no easy matter." He looked around at the never-ending corridors that lead nowhere and yet possibly somewhere.
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A/N 2:The first of my 125 Theme Challenge. And Ryou is a girl. For shits and giggles. And marrying Seto. Because I'm a blatant Euroshipper XD
1. Happiness (Yu-Gi-Oh! AU)
Atem and Ryou-Domino City, A Church
During my time in this modern era, I have seen a great many things. Magic, miracles, suffering, loss, pain, and a host of other mysteries have haunted me in this current time. But the biggest mystery that I’ve encountered would have to be Bakura Ryou. A young man-excuse me, young lady- who has probably seen much, much more than I have. And, considering I have been alive for the past three thousand years, that’s saying something.
The young woman standing before me in a long white dress, ceremonial dress for this time I’m told, checked her appearance one more time before standing to her full height. She should stand tall and proud. It’s supposed to be happiest day of her life, and she deserves more than her fair share of happiness. She deserves the world. I wish her continued happiness in her new life.
She held the flowers in her hands tightly, varying the position in proportion to her body. I smile, knowing instinctively what she was trying to do. Even though the flowers were beautiful, they could never hide what the white-haired bride was trying to conceal.
“I can always ask Yuugi to walk on your other side, if it will ease your nerves.”
Blushing pink seemed to fit her glowing appearance as she looked away, embarrassed. She bit her lip before speaking. “N-no, it’s okay. Yuugi-kun is already outside with Seto. I-I can’t call him back now…”
It was easy to tell Ryou was nervous. It was always easy to tell when she was nervous. Offering a warm smile, I took her hand and looked her in the eye. “He loves you,” I reassured her, “Your appearance matters little when it comes to love.” And considering who the groom is, her appearance mattered even less than that. “Besides, you can barely see it…The seamstress did a wonderful job.”
“From the front,” She corrected, turning to the side to prove her point. “A-Atem-san… I don’t think I can…”
Gently shushing her, I turned her to face me and placed a finger on her lips.
“None of that, now. You love him, right?”
She nodded softly after a brief pause.
“And he loves you, yes?”
Again, she nodded.
“Then why should you doubt him? If anything, he loves you now more than ever. It’s the start of a new life for both of you. Why should one moment be a life or death situation?”
She pondered this thought for a moment. But she didn’t have much time as the music wafted through the doors. I lightly touched her side before taking her arm in mine.
“You’re still beautiful, Ryou. And I believe that your happiness should stem from yourself, not from others.” And that fact was proven further from walking down the aisle, to the future, to a new life, to happiness for all of them. And I do mean -all- of them.
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A/N 3: The porn I was challenged to do to hone my pronz skillz, but I didn't get very far because I'm a huge chicken that prefers plot over porn, but I did try? XD
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~Fragileshipping~
More Than Alike
Characters: Atem and Ryou. Possibly mentions of others.
Plot? What Plot?: Basic drabble I had about Fragileshipping.
It wasn’t often they saw each other. Their other selves were usually in control, and when they did see each other, it was because of their other halves. Almost like being trapped behind glass. They could see, but not speak; they could feel, but they could not touch. Such is the life of Pharaoh Atem and Ryou Bakura, seeing but not seeing, feeling but not touching.
They’ve tried a few times, when Yuugi or the Spirit was in control, to leave the items they were in, but it felt like a heavy chain was gripping them, preventing them from going very far. And Yuugi and Bakura usually avoided each other, especially when the Spirit hadn’t planned anything for snatching the items.
The only times they could see each other was when the other was in control. Yuugi was usually out when Ryou was around, and Atem was usually out whenever the Spirit was up to his tricks. It made them wish that they could be in control once in awhile without their other selves intervening.
It was then that they decided to plan something, without even being aware of it.
The Spirit slept during the day, when Ryou was in classes, as did Atem for Yuugi. This time, however, the Pharaoh wasn’t going to miss the white-haired boy again. Atem then asked his Aibou if it was all right to invite Ryou over. Yuugi, always happy to have friends over, said all right. When he asked if should invite the others, the Spirit declined. Just Ryou today, he replied. Yuugi nodded, leaned over, and asked Ryou if he would like to come over. Atem smiled. At least his Aibou was prompt…
Ryou looked up at hearing Yuugi’s voice directed towards him. Bakura was still asleep, so he felt safer in speaking with the Pharaoh’s other half. The boy smiled shyly. He liked going over to Yuugi’s house, since he lived in a game shop. And as an avid gamer, he was always ready to play against the shorter duelist. Plus, there was always a chance to catch a glimpse of Yuugi’s other self, the one he dreams about sometimes. Strong, confident, and wise beyond his years.
After classes ended, Yuugi and Ryou walked towards the game shop, fully anticipating an afternoon of games and fun. But that wasn’t what Atem had in mind. He waited patiently in his soul room, waiting for an opportune moment to have what he wanted. Yuugi led Ryou inside, telling the other boy that his grandpa and mom was on a trip somewhere and wouldn’t be back for a few days, so Yuugi pretty much had the entire house and game shop to himself, which was the way Atem wanted it. The tri-haired boy led Ryou upstairs to his bedroom where numerous games littered the floor.
Atem waited patiently for an hour before he asked Yuugi if he could take over. Yuugi wondered why, since they weren’t dueling, and the Spirit hadn’t reared his head yet. Atem brushed it off, saying that he wanted to play games with Ryou as well. He hardly ever got to play games for the sheer pleasure of just playing. The tri-haired boy looked sorry, only using the spirit for life or death duels. He hadn’t thought that the Pharaoh wanted to have fun, too. Atem smiled to say that it was all right, that he understood.
Yuugi explained the situation to Ryou, who looked surprised to say the least. He held a secret smile back from his friend, now knowing what had been going on behind the scenes in Yuugi’s soul. He nodded and smiled, saying that he didn’t mind playing with the Pharaoh. It’d certainly be an honor to play against the King of Games. Yuugi grinned and slowly stepped into his soul room, and Atem stepped forward to take control. While passing, he asked his Aibou if he could stay in his soul room for a while, to give the two some privacy. Yuugi said okay, since they both weren’t needed to play a friendly game or two. Plus, he felt kind of glad the Pharaoh was making friends of his own. He always felt Mou Hitori no Boku was too shy sometimes…
Ryou smiled when he saw Yuugi’s hair spiking more than usual and he grew a few more inches. This was the one he had been waiting for.
“H-hello, Pharaoh.”
“Hello to you as well, Ryou.” He slowly raised a hand to the boy’s face, to not frighten him. His hand inched closer, fingers barely brushing Ryou’s cheek. Ryou’s eyes closed automatically, reveling in the soft touch. It wasn’t often he experienced this, so he wanted to savor every moment. Atem stared at Ryou for a minute. Something seemed a bit off from whenever he saw the boy through Yuugi’s eyes. Of course, Yuugi wouldn’t get this close and intimate with Ryou, but Atem still felt he should have noticed something…
“Has the Spirit been treating you well?” he asked, stern caring in his voice. He knew of Bakura’s treatment of his ‘landlord,’ but there wasn’t much the Pharaoh could do about it.
Ryou looked surprised that he would notice. Barely anyone notices him, and the only reason anyone ever does is usually the Spirit’s fault. “As well as can be expected. Why do you ask?”
Atem frowned. It was easy to tell when Ryou was lying, even the blind and the deaf could tell. It didn’t mean he liked it any better.
“Please don’t lie to me, Ryou.” His hand brushed Ryou’s cheek again. “Tell me what he has done, and I will do what I can within my power to help you.” He meant those words. Ryou meant more to the Pharaoh than most believed. The boy was a soul, like Yuugi’s, that Atem wanted to nurture and strengthen, to make into a powerful and independent person.
Ryou looked down, feeling a bit ashamed. He was like a battered housewife that stayed with her abusive husband out of obligation instead of love. It wasn’t a fate Ryou could easily escape from, no matter how many times he tried.
However, he didn’t want Atem worrying over him. He had other things to think about, surely, so Ryou s felt he was more or less off of his radar.
“H-he hasn’t done much of anything out of the usual…”
“That’s what worries me.” Atem frowned, then leaned forward and kissed Ryou’s temple, “ ’The Usual’ involves you being put in a slightly worse state than you were to begin with.” He looked the boy over, “he may not physically harm you, but there are other ways to destroy a body.” He took both of Ryou’s hands into his own and spread them apart. The boy obliged with a look of sadness on his face.
“How long are the periods of control between the two of you?”
Ryou couldn’t remember. He had grown used to long periods inside of his soul room whenever Bakura took over. “A few days, maybe more… it depends on his mood…”
“His ‘mood’?” Atem brought the hands down onto the table, his own on top of the pale pair. “Ryou, he’s taking advantage of you. Stand up to him. Or at least tell him your body, your human, mortal body needs respite and nourishment for it to function properly.” He didn’t like for the young one to be at the mercy of that… that fiend… controlling an innocent like Ryou.
Ryou looked away, his hands clenched beneath the Pharaoh’s. He tried to tell the Spirit this, but Ryou never really asserted his authority onto Bakura. It may have been his body, but the boy was hardly in control. From past experience, Bakura was used to going long periods with little to no food, but his host wasn’t.
“I’ve learned to live with it…” Atem released Ryou’s hands in anger and slammed them against the table. “You should have to live with it! You deserve more than that snake!”
Ryou jumped in fright in Atem’s fury. He naturally shied away when a person showed anger towards him. Except the Pharaoh’s wrath wasn’t directed at Ryou, never at Ryou. It was more directed at the specter within Ryou, and all that he stood for: pain, anger, deceit, and suffering. He also felt a bit of anger towards himself because he could do little to ease Ryou’s agony.
“You deserve more, young one.” Atem leaned forward, his expression softer, “So, so much more.” He continued moving forward, his voice becoming softer and softer as he came closer. Ryou was frozen in awe, briefly wondering what he was doing…
Atem’s hand reached up and cupped Ryou’s face, holding him in place. As if the boy -could- move. The Pharaoh closed the small distance between them and lightly brushed his lips against Ryou’s.
It was different from when Bakura had his way with him. He was never gentle or caring. So the tenderness Atem was presenting was a stark contrast to what the boy was used to experiencing. He reveled in the softness and responded in kind.
It wasn’t what he was expecting, but Atem wasn’t about to complain. He had what he had wanted for a long while and he wasn’t about to turn it down.
He moved his thumb along Ryou’s cheek and jaw, taking pleasure in the feel of the boy’s soft skin. Was a boy supposed to have this soft of skin? His hand descended down Ryou’s neck, fingers lightly dancing. Meanwhile, Ryou reached out a tentative hand and placed it on Atem’s shoulder, touching the bare skin as he was wearing his black tank top.
The barest tap was enough to send Atem into a frenzy. He embraced the boy, tilting his own head to have better access on Ryou’s mouth. Ryou stood up with the shorter Atem and backed up towards Yuugi’s bed.
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