Chapter Text
It had been one week since Ryou had returned to Domino with Yugi and the gang. One week since he was separated from the Spirit of the Millennium Ring. One would think with all that he would be happy being able to take his life back into his own hands. Finally able to make his own choices. However, with the Spirit gone the lapses in Ryou's memories began slowly working their way into the light of his mind. It would seem that with his dark side gone, so to were the barriers placed in Ryou's mind.
It was through one of these regained memories that Ryou found himself walking through Domino City in the rain. Tears pouring from lifeless cognac eyes. Though he lived through his own horrors while unable to control his body, he couldn't help but feel responsible for the unlimited amount of lives he had destroyed. His own father being one of them.
Ryou wasn't quite certain how he got there, but when he became aware of his surroundings, he found himself at the Domino City Bridge. Pale hands wrapped around the cool metal of the walker's railing as he looked out onto the dark waters below.
This would all just stop if I weren't around. Ryou though as fresh tears slipped from his eyes. I wouldn't have to hurt or be hurt anymore if it ended.
Lifting a leg, Ryou climbed over the railing. Hands still wrapped around it as he stared into the waters below. I'm so sorry, everyone. I just can't do this anymore. Ryou thought, hands slipping as he made to let go.
“Ryou? Ryou, is that you?” A voice called out, causing the young man to regain his grip and whip his head around.
Through drenched white hair, he saw you standing there, clear dome umbrella in hand, and (y/e/c) eyes wide in confusion and stress.
“(Y/n), leave me alone.” Ryou started as he looked back at the water below him. “I can't do this anymore.”
Your eyes widened at Ryou's words. Your heart skipping a beat in fear as you hurried to stand beside him.
“Ryou, talk to me please. Tell me about what's bothering you.” You replied.
“Talking isn't going to fix anything. (Y/n), I messed up. I let hi-im do t-t-errible things a-and i-it w-w-would be better if I w-ern't here to h-hurt people a-nymore.” Ryou choked out.
“Ryou that's not true.” You spoke softly, tears welling in your eyes. “You know that no one blames you for what that Spirit did. Nor, does anyone have any ill will toward you Ryou. You matter so much, Ryou. I would be heartbroken if you left.”
Ryou glanced at you again, brown meeting (y/e/c). His broken, though he couldn't make out the vast emotions swirling through your orbs.
“It... it just hurts, (Y/n).” Ryou whispered.
“I know it does Ryou.” You began, as you extended your hand to him. “But you don't have to go through this alone Ryou. Please, let me help you.”
“Why?”
“Because Ryou, you're my friend. That's what friends do.” You said, offering a smile to the young man.
Ryou looked to your hand before looking back at the water. He could go through with this. Take all this pain away. You might survive it though. The fall. And then you'll still have to deal with the pain.
The thought passed his head, filling him with a small urge not to jump. He knew he couldn't live for himself right now. It was too much to live for his own needs. Maybe, he could do it for you though.
Carefully, Ryou turned around and climbed back over the rail. He took your hand in his, squeezing it as he needed to feel anchored to something. A sigh escaped your lips from feeling Ryou's wet hand in yours.
Dropping your umbrella, you pulled Ryou into you wrapping your arms tightly around the man. “I'm so glad you're here Ryou. Thank you for trusting me.” You whispered softly in his ear.
Surprise filled Ryou as he felt the solidity of you. Openly the man began sobbing, as he returned your hug, essentially crushing you to him. He kept repeating gratitude and apologies in your ear. The two stayed like that for a while. You were content on letting Ryou feel his emotions wholly.
“Ryou, would you like to come over to my place?” You asked softly so as not to startle him. “I'm going to make some food and we can get out of the rain.”
A sniff left Ryou, as he leaned back to look down at you. His eyes shifted over your face, looking for anything that might lead him to believe you were trying to trick him. However, he only found compassion there, as well as a hope that he would accept.
“I-i would like that. Yes.” Ryou responded sheepishly.
A smile lit up your face as you wrapped your arm around Ryou's. “Great! I just got some new movies today, or we can play games when we get there-” you rambled as you pulled Ryou along with you and to your apartment.
It was going to take some time you knew, but for tonight at least Ryou was safe.