[Team one] take a ride

[alchemicink.livejournal.com]

Since Ansa helpfully added a YGO tag recently, I figured it was time to write some angstshipping again. Maybe one day I'll cobble all these snippets into a whole fic lmao


"You sure about this?" Ryou eyes the motorcycle as if it's a Duel Monster in disguise about to roar to life with a set of large pointy teeth.

Malik thrusts the helmet into the other's hands, grinning in an attempt to look reassuring because he desperately wants to do this. "I'm absolutely sure," he answers. "I'll drive safely."

"I've heard a few stories of your crashes from Rishid," Ryou replies, fiddling with the helmet straps instead of putting it on right away. "How do I know we won't do the same thing? I'm not keen on ending up a smudge on the highway."

Malik scoffs. "Those crashes were me driving without a passenger. I promise I'm much more careful when I've got someone else to worry about." A lot of that reckless driving had been when he was first adjusting to living above ground again, relishing too much in the freedom of feeling the wind rush around his body to pay much attention to anything else. He's learned to be more careful since then.

He's got a few new scars to serve as reminders.

Malik wonders if perhaps the hangup here is more about the lack of control than an actual fear of the motorcycle. Ryou's not wrong to worry about the danger even if Malik will drive safely. He's still putting his life in Malik's hands. And well, that hasn't always gone so well in the past.

"You can choose our route and destination," Malik offers. "I didn't really have anything in particular in mind. I just thought it'd be fun to ride together."

Ryou stares down at the helmet, contemplating the offer. His hands continue to tug at the straps absentmindedly, as if needing the touch to ground himself in the moment.

Perhaps Ryou just doesn't trust him enough yet. Malik wouldn't blame him for that.

He doesn't trust himself half the time either.

He can blaze down the road to recovery as fast as he wants on his motorcycle but that doesn't make the path to that destination any less shorter.

"The old district part of town," Ryou finally says, not looking up yet. "It's a nice place to visit if you haven't seen it yet." He does glance up then, looking a bit shy, as if he's already second guessing his suggestion to be something unfavorable.

"Perfect," Malik says, taking the helmet from Ryou's hands and setting it lightly on top of his head, leaving the other to adjust it accordingly. He climbs onto the motorcycle, sliding forward enough so Ryou will have room to settle behind him.

"You can take the road by the waterfront. It's the best route," Ryou continues. He stumbles momentarily as he swings a leg up. Malik stifles a laugh until there's suddenly a weight pressing against his back threatening to knock him down. "Sorry, lost my balance," Ryou apologizes sheepishly.

Malik doesn't mind actually. The warmth of Ryou's body pressed against his own isn't all that unpleasant. A flutter of nervousness tries to take hold at the thought, but Malik pushes it away. Now is not the time to indulge his stupid little crush. This is just two guys on a motorcycle, hanging out as friends and nothing more.

Malik's not going to ruin this.

"I, I think I'm ready," Ryou announces. He's clutching the sides of Malik's jacket as though he's got superglue on his hands. The front of the helmet bumps against Malik's neck.

"I promise this'll be much more fun if you look up and keep your eyes open," he chuckles, and waits a moment for Ryou to lift his head up.

Then he hits the ignition and the engine roars to life.


Your turn aleena_mokoia!