---Another new Angst story from me! I was listening to one of my Linkin Park CD's one morning when I was out delivering papers. 4:30 a.m. and Linkin Park make for some interesting Plot Bunnies. Behold this story.
Disclaimers: I own not Yugioh, or Linkin Park
Warnings: (I don't want to give away the story right now so that means I'll give you the warnings for the chapter in the chapter, but if you've read my other angst stories, you'll know a few future warnings.) slight shonen-ai.
I dedicate this story to my sisters Windy-chan and Mikari because they are always there when I'm down, and are always there to help me back up. Love you both. Enjoy the fic. ---
Chapter One
By Myself
A light snow fell silently around Domino City. There was already a good couple of inches collected on the ground. Malik didn't know about it though, nor did he care as he snuggled deeper into the warm blanket around him.
It was the first day of Christmas Vacation. Malik was more then happy to spend the day off inside his warm house. He sat in front of his fireplace, lazily watching the golden flames dance inside the hearth.
It was nice to be alone for a bit. His sister, Isis and step-brother, Rishid were away in Egypt over the holiday. He wished that Bakura, the spirit of the Millennium Ring would leave Ryou and go away for the holiday. Malik thought it would be good for the white haired hikari to get some alone time also.
What Malik didn't know, however, was that Ryou was alone. Bakura had been distracted by the snow and Ryou had the prefect opportunity to sneak out of the house. The hikari had been wondering around the streets of Domino since then.
He eventually found his way to the park. It looked so beautiful; everything was frosted with a new layer of snow. Ryou walked quietly though the park, not wanting to disturb the peacefulness around.
The white haired teen made his way over to the swing set. Brushing away the soft snow, he sank into a swing. He could really feel the cold now. He pulled his coat tightly around his thin form, trying to prevent more heat from escaping his body.
Ryou didn't know how long he'd been out in the cold, but he was sure it was longer then he should have been. He didn't want to go home, for anything. He hated his home, with all the disappointing memories it held.
He hated sitting around waiting for his father to come home, knowing only that he would never again come home and that Ryou would never again see his father's smiling face.
But the thing he hated most of all was who would be waiting for him to get home. Bakura. The sadistic tomb robber who had murdered his family, destroyed his life, and stole his innocence. It wasn't very often Bakura used and abused Ryou, but when he did... Ryou shuddered at the thought.
Ryou stood up and shook some of the snowflakes from his long locks. He decided to head home. He probably would freeze to death if he stayed out any longer. He sighed and slowly made his way home.
It started to snow harder as the sun began to disappear behind the tall buildings of Domino. Ryou shivered as he trudged though the layers of snow that collected on the ground.
Ryou didn't mind. He loved to get away from his dark and he never got too often. There was a down side to being by himself though. It made him realize just how lonely he really was.
"Ryou?"
The white haired teen stopped dead in his tracks. Was he hearing things? Ryou looked up and noticed he was right in front of the Ishtar house. Malik was standing in the doorway with no coat or shoes.
"You look frozen." Malik titled his head to the other hikari.
"I-I'm f-f-fine." Ryou said, shivering visibly.
"Why don't you come inside and warm up." Malik offered, "I just made some hot coco."
"Thanks, but I need to be g-getting home."
"I won't take no for an answer." Malik said smiling, "Now get your scrawny ass over here."
Ryou sighed and followed the blond in. He sucked in his breath as the warm air hit his frigid skin. Malik closed the door behind Ryou. This was only Ryou's third time in the Ishtar house. They were friends, but only really talked during school.
Ryou stood there for an awkward second. Malik then came over and helped the other teen with his coat. Then the Egyptian showed Ryou to the living room. It was lit dimly by the fire that was slowly burning out.
Malik offered Ryou a seat and then disappeared into the other room. Ryou sat down on the couch, leaning back into its warm touch. He curled up in a small ball shivering, he was still very cold. Malik soon returned with two mugs of hot coco. He handed one to Ryou and sat down on the couch next to him, pulling a blanket over them.
"How long were you out there?" Malik asked feeling how cold the other teen's skin was.
"I lost track." Ryou said, politely sipping his coco. The two sat quietly drinking their coco. Malik finished his first and sat his empty mug on the coffee table in front of him. Ryou looked down at his mug that was still half full. "I shouldn't be here."
"Where else are you going to go?" Malik asked. Ryou looked up at the blond. "I know you won't go home, not with Bakura there."
"I-I don't know..." Ryou said taking a big gulp of coco trying to hide his tears behind his mug.
"So you'd rather freeze?"
Ryou sighed as he lowered his mug. Malik took it in his hands and sat it next to his on the coffee table. The blond wrapped his arm around his friend. Ryou leaned into him, letting his tears fall. Malik slowly stroked the others long locks.
"I don't want to be by myself." Ryou sniffed softly. "I hate being alone."
"Hush, tenshi." Malik cooed, "You never have to be alone, you are always welcome here."
"Thanks." Ryou looked up at his friend wiping away his tears. Malik placed a soft kiss on Ryou's forehead.
"Anytime."
Ryou snuggled closer to the blond. For the rest of the night the two just stayed there talking. Eventually the fire burned out completely and the two teens fell asleep on the couch in each other's arms.
---I don't like how short my chapters are (Sigh).
Pretty peaceful beginning. Don't get used to it. Things in my stories aren't always what they seem. ---