"New Year's Kiss"

'News of Doom'

Footsteps. Loud footsteps. Loud footsteps mean excitement. Excitement is not good when you're trying to sleep.

Dammit! He's getting closer, what do I do? Groaning I turned over, rolling on to my stomach and grabbing a pillow in sleepy haste. Pulling it over my head his travels had become muted to my ears. I hoped he wouldn't be able to see me, then I might have a little more peace in the morning. Not like I didn't want to see my hikari or anything, but I had a bad feeling about whatever he wanted to tell me. Also, it was freakin' six in the morning, even he has to wait until noon to get my better side.

Cautiously i lift the pillow, just a few inches, just enough to hear the sounds of the day. I listened, straining my ears, but i heard no more loud stomps of the boy. That was an excellent sign, that meant the excitement was viewed onto something else. I frowned, something was more exciting than me? Hmph, whatever. I rolled over once again, nudging the pillow under my skull as i shifted, keeping the woolen blankets to myself.

"Bakura..." Came the hushed whisper.

It was odd, I thought Ryou was somewhere else in the house, but I could swear that was his voice just now. My brow furrowed, showing my confusion as I nuzzled deeper into the mattress and pillow. Maybe I was drifting back into a dream? That was a good explanation. And if so, why do i still feel awake? Gah, I don't need such conflicting thoughts so early. I just want to go to sleep, pleasant dream or not.

"'Kura..." Came the soft voice again, and i could have sworn I felt something touch my head just now.

I didn't want to face reality, or the cold room, but apparently I didn't have much of a choice. Slowly I opened my eyes, getting used to the dim winter light that poured through the windows. And, the moment my eyes opened i was met with bright forest green. Blinking I stared back, dipping my head away just slightly to see the full scene in front of me. Ryou had a giant grin plastered to his face and his eyes were shimmering, and his face itself was inches from mine. I narrowed my eyes, trying to look menacing, hoping to push him away with the look. I didn't need such temptation so early, my hikari would surely not appreciate it if i gave in. "What?" I spat, my voice still gruff from sleep.

My look didn't seem to affect him too much, he just kneeled back a little more, causing one more inch to come between us. His eyes misted with an apologetic hue and he finally spoke, "Sorry for waking you. But, we need to go soon."

"Go?" I questioned, lifting a hand and rubbing my eyes, trying my best to banish sleep.

"Um...well." He began, clearly getting nervous now as his fingers twisted a strand of pearly hair.

Slowly i sat up, stretching and letting the blanket fall to pool around my waist. The cold didn't affect my bare skin, which was odd. I was expecting it to be freezing, assuming we didn't have a heater. My dark eyes rested back on my hikari, noticing as his eyes quickly looked away from me and his cheeks were a dusted pink. I was going to ask why it was so warm now, but watching him become so nervous on my account changed my thinking and I smirked. I didn't understand why I affected him like this, but I liked it. Casually I laid out, propping my head up with a hand, watching as he continued to look away from me. "Hikari." I spoke sharply.

"Y-Yes Bakura?" He asked, his voice soft as he continued to avoid me.

"Look at me when you're speaking. And, what is it you wanted to tell me?" I murmured simply, letting my tone hold it's usual harsh authority. Though, this time I wasn't upset at my light, I just liked to see his reaction. It was almost addicting to get a rouse from him.

"Well, Marik and Malik called earlier and-"

"Look at me." I said again, quirking a brow as he had been bold enough to disobey me. That was a rare occasion, and had my mentality not changed since before I might have done something about it. But, I had a better thought in mind. No matter how curious I was as to why the psychos called our house, I willed it down, knowing I would know soon anyway. I lifted my free hand, reaching out and cupping my hikari's chin, forcing his head upwards. His bright eyes looked to me, trying to focus solely upon my face apparently because the moment he looked elsewhere his cheeks would turn darker and he'd turn back to my face again. "Now. What did they say?" I asked simply, keeping my cool tone as I watched him fidget more than normal.

"T-They..." He tried to concentrate solely on my face again, and I knew I was making it hard. I smirked, such reactions were amusing. "They...um..they invited us t-to their party."

I narrowed my eyes, my amused smirk almost falling as I brought Ryou a bit closer to me. He had to strain to rest comfortably at the side of the bed now, he was half upon it. "You declined. Didn't you?" I asked, watching him as he tried to look away. I made sure I kept his face towards mine and eventually he was forced to look up as he spoke.

"Actually, it seemed like a fun idea." He began, a bit of courage lighting his eyes a moment before it disappeared and his small smile faded as well. "I-I said we could make it. It's...a new year's party. A-And everyone's going." He murmured his voice trailing as i felt him tense. "I...thought it would be fun. Like, last time."

Apparently he expected me to yell or hurt him by now. After all, it was my nature previous. Though, he looked so dejected, for some reason something in my chest clenched to that look and I slowly released my hold on his chin, resting back more tiredly into my mattress. "It wasn't fun." I growled into the comforter, not raising my head to look to my light, knowing he would still look fearful. And apparently, my body didn't like that look.

"It was!" He protested, and I rose my head to that, watching him a long moment as he clamped his own hands over his mouth.

I rose an eyebrow in question to his mild outburst, normally my light never went against me. Perhaps he was growing a spine. I grinned slightly, but not enough to be noticeable by him. I actually liked that he was becoming bolder, it was better than the timid little light he normally was.

"S-Sorry." He mumbled quickly, his hands dropped to fist in his lap, his eyes peering downward as he scooted away from the bed.

I sighed, well, he was courageous for a second. "Whatever." I shrugged, not wanting to say it was fine, but not wanting to yell at him for it either. I didn't know what to think, but apparently we'd be going to another party.

"Bakura." He said softly, his bright eyes turning up to me again and catching my attention. "You don't have to go if you don't want to. I can go alone. I'll be fine."

"Ryou." I rolled my eyes. "You can't even kill a bug without being upset. How will you defend yourself against everyone else?"

"They're my friends." He said softly, but loud enough to be heard.

"You're friends that what...attempted to kill us how many times?" I snorted. "You need better friends."

"I'll be fine." He stated simply, slowly rising to his feet and I knew he was going to leave soon.

I didn't want him to leave, now that I was up, I might as well be in someone's company. And I could stand him more than anyone else. What would I do if he left me here alone? I rolled on my stomach once more, watching as he paced towards the door, resting against it, apparently waiting for a response from me. "You won't be fine." I stated simply, wanting him to ask me to come so I didn't appear desperate for attention or being out of my normal personality.

"I will." He said simply, looking to the floor as he spoke.

Damn. Will i actually have to say I’m going? I mentally sighed, I knew no matter what I would follow him anyway. I would not trust my hikari in the home of the two crazy blondes who had an obvious crush on him. My hands fisted in the blankets just at the disgusting thought, like hell they'd get Ryou. "You won't." I spat, knowing this might continue on for sometime. Until I thought of a different plan of action anyway.

"If you don't think so..." He paused, glancing up to me. "Then come along. It'll be better if...you're there." He said softly, his cheeks coloring just slightly from his statement.

I smirked slightly, as I wouldn't have to result in following him or telling him I would go now even against his wishes. Apparently he wanted me there, so who am I to deny my hikari? "Fine. I'll go." I replied, as I was were reluctant, watching as he gave me a wary nod. "When does this start anyway?"

"In about a half hour. We have to start walking soon, there home is a little further than Yugi's was." He explained to me.

I mentally groaned, walking in the cold and waking up at a Ra damned time. My day so far is going well... "Fine." I snorted, spreading out on the bed again and burying my head in the comforter I had bound into a ball some time ago. I didn't feel like moving, but now I had little choice. I wanted to go with Ryou after all, and maybe it wouldn't be so bad. Hmph, since when did i become optimistic? Of course it'll be bad, it's at freakin' Marik and Malik's house!

"Meet you downstairs then?" He questioned softly.

"Yeah, yeah." I waved him off, bringing my head out of the blankets just in time to see his retreating back and the door shut. Sighing I rolled to the edge of the mattress, trying to muster up enough strength to become un-lazy and actually get ready for this party thing. Sleepily I reached down to the floor, feeling around the carpet for a shirt. Finding one I lazily tugged it over my head, glad to feel the breathable fabric against my skin instead of that clingy leather I had to endure a few days before.

Slowly I sat back up, swinging my legs over the side of the bed and stepping upon the floor. Drifting towards the dresser I pulled out a pair of black pants, letting my sleeping bottoms fall and soon tugging those on. I trailed my way to the mirror sitting the in corner of the room, taking in my own sleepy appearance and roughly wrinkled shirt. I was never one for vanity, as long as it covered me and wasn't torn in any places it was good enough for me.

Satisfied with my appearance my paced out of the room, down the hall and finally down the stairs, one at a time since I was still attempting to wake up fully. I don't see how Ryou can wake up this early and still be his cheery self. Finally I stepped upon the living room carpet, glancing around but seeing no hikari. Groaning I continued to move, rubbing sleep from my eyes as I turned into the kitchen. I caught sight of my light, darting around the kitchen, stuffing things in an overnight bag. "What's all that for?" I asked gruffly, and he turned, emerald eyes trained on me a moment before he continued stuffing things into the sack.

"Marik and Malik asked me to bring some things." He replied simply, zipping up the bag as he hefted it over his shoulder.

"Like what?" Now i was skeptical, what could they possible ask for?

"Just...games, and some food." He stated, once again avoiding the subject. I hated when he did that, especially and six in the damn morning.

"What kinds of games and food?" I tried again, narrowing my eyes as he paced over to me, eyes studying me. As he didn't answer, instead kept watching me I shifted onto my other foot, "What?" I nearly growled out, unsure what he was looking at me for.

"You're a mess..." He frowned slightly, glancing to his bag then back up to me.

"No I’m not." I protested. I was, but i didn't really care, it wasn't like I was trying to impress anyone at Marik and Malik's house.

"Here." He said simply, handing me the giant bag as he dug into a side pocket.

I rolled my eyes, holding the bag over my shoulder as i attempted to smooth out the wrinkles in my shirt, hoping that then he'd shut up about how i looked. I knew my eyes still had black around the rims, I was truly used to sleeping in quite late. "What are you doing?" I finally managed out, as he still was sifting through the knapsack.

"Here it is." He smiled, pulling out a brush and looking up to me.

I offered him a wary glare, knowing that Ryou and brushes didn't mix well. He always tugged and never seemed to get it right, if anything it would turn out worse. "My hair's fine." I said sternly, keeping a wary eye on the toothed brush, not liking how he was getting so close.

"No it isn't, it's all knotted and wild." He protested, watching me still with those bright eyes, but a bit of uncertainly lingered in them. He was still afraid of me of course, but that didn't stop him from being bold once in a while. I just wanted him to be bold in a different sense, not with trying to run a brush through my hair.

"It's always wild, and no one cares if it's knotted." I growled out, hoping to intimidate him more so I didn't have to suffer through his brushing.

"Just come here. It'll be quick then we can go." He said again, offering a smile this time. Ha. Like I’d fall to that little smile of his.

"No." I protested once again, stepping back as he approached me.

"Bakura, you're acting like a little kid. Just stay still, I’ll brush it then we can go." He said again, brows furrowing as he contemplated a plan to get me I’m sure.

Why did my hikari care so much? He was just being his normal perfectionist self I guess. "Are you listening Ryou? I said no." I kept my tone frigid, still trying to ward him off with intimidation.

It seemed to work for a moment, as he fidgeted with the hem of his shirt, eyes looking from me to the brush then back to me. "Bakura..." He muttered softly, his tone having a hint of pleading.

Damn him and his tone and looks! I gritted my teeth, trying to block out those bright pleading eyes and how he twirled the brush in his hand, all the while looking so dejected. I wasn't going to fall to him. No. No. NO. NO! I stepped back again, nearly bumping into the counter, but he just kept his watery eyes trained on me and my whole demeanor cracked. Sighing heavily I slumped the bag at my side and turned my back to him, folding my arms stiffly. "Whatever." I growled, hearing his footsteps as he approached me from behind.

He fisted a hand in my hair, grabbing locks as he pulled the brush through. I winced, his grip was never tight enough to stop the tugging on my scalp, but I muffled a hiss of discomfort. He always tried anyway, but this was the main reason I didn’t like him brushing my hair. I clenched my eyes shut, as he continued for what seemed like hours, running the thing ruthlessly through my hair, the teeth of it digging into my scalp.

After what seemed like ages the ministrations smoothed out, and the brush combed through easily, his hand finally leaving the locks. “There.” He said cheerily, reaching for the bag as he rested the brush back inside and hefted the thing over his shoulder.

I regained composure, trying not to look so stiff as my head still hurt from his brushing. I swear, I wonder how my light does his own hair. I might have to teach him sometime, he really cannot brush hair. I narrowed my eyes, focusing on the front door as we neared it. “Now. What games and food did you bring?” I asked again, and once more he looked away, locking the door behind us as we went down the snowy drive.

“Did you like the warmth this morning?” He asked. “I went out and bought a heater yesterday when you were sleeping and set it up.”

Well, I was wondering why it was warm. At least my previous mental question was answered, but that wasn’t what I was asking right now. I eyed him from the corner of my eye as we continued down the snowy walk now. “What. Did. You. Bring?” Perhaps saying it slower will get me a response I want.

“Stuff…” He trailed again, green eyes watching the horizon as homes popped into view and cars began to rush past us on the street.

“Ryou.” I growled, knowing he knew when I resorted to just spitting out his name he needed to answer.

“Candy, hot chocolate, soup, and Twister.” He said simply, in a mouthful as he continued to watch ahead of him, avoiding my eyes.

I turned my skull to him, looking to his flushed cheeks and avoiding gaze. Sugar for the lunatics? Perfect! And…when did we get candy? Why didn’t I know? Snarling I looked away towards the homes we were passing, I didn’t know where they lived but Ryou did, so there wasn’t a point in me looking out for a house. “What’s Twister?” I could have sworn I heard it mentioned before, or I’ve seen it played but I couldn’t quite place my finger on what it was right now.

He seemed to relax in relief, offering a smile to me. “Just a fun game, you’ll see.” He said cheerily, apparently hoping I would drop it.

“Explain.” I narrowed my eyes, knowing whenever he avoided something it wasn’t good.

“Look, we’re here!” He exclaimed, quickening his pace to walk up the drive to the blonde’s home.

He might’ve weaseled his way out of this one, but I’d find out before we play. I narrowed my eyes, folding my arms defiantly as I stomped up the drive, not in the least bit happy about this party. This was definitely going to be a long few days…

A/N:

It took forever for me to get this out, I’m so sorry! But, I’m working on so many other things right now, I just really wanted to get this out here. I’ve been in a bouncy mood lately, so this chapter came out easy for me, I just hope it had enough beginning humor for you to leave me a nice review on it.

Also, welcome all the people who were kind and read and reviewed CK and now are doing it for this story. I know it’s no where near New Year’s now, but I don’t care. Unless someone wants to complain and I’ll happily take this off and wait to post? . Hehe. Anyway, please review and I thank you for reading!