#tendergem

I just really liked the sh2 quote and thought about doppelgangers

🌻 this is probably my top favorite doujin ever. its bakura reminiscing in his final moments + ryou introspection. ryous characterization here is if you mixed all of his canon characterization in balanced quantities (monster world + duelist kingdom + battle city).

showcases the turbulent relationship between the bakus and how despite it all, ryou wishes to understand bakura/bakura develops a soft spot for ryou. very melancholy.

bonus: ryou's name 了 is discussed, its brought up how/why bakura knows japanese, accidental bonding, and bakura calls ryou an accomplice (because he is 😌).

also look at the gorgeous front and back covers! I adore the art style very much.

🌻 this next ones a classic. the very first ygo doujin (and bkbk doujin) I read back when zelas.net was still online. its also the oldest bkbk doujin I own. published 2001!

its duelist kingdom (tweet #21 here)/early battle city ryou characterization, meaning he marches to the beat of his own drum and listens to nobody (also dsod compliant). theres a budding plot that unfortunately ends on a cliffhanger/has no resolution. it never got a part two that I know of. bonus for bakuras awkward attempt at... affection, I guess 🤭

also, again, very cute cover. theyre touching! clingy bakura. ryou is squishy-looking. very official-looking art style!

🌻 heres another classic! this artist's works are mostly, if not all, gags unfortunately, but this one isnt as over the top as the sequels. the comedy was actually enjoyable. ryous a little shit here (as he is generally in this series of doujins). bullies bakura lovingly...? and thats always fun.

ps. not a fan of malik's characterization in any of this artist's works at all.

🌻 going to gemship territory now. this ones very heartwarming (with some comedy). horakhty gives tkb a second chance: he has a week to make amends with ryou. its a 'closure' kind of story for the both of them. reading this was like watching an old, grainy movie with a friend.

ryou, again, marches to the beat of his own drum here. his interest in the occult is highlighted (his denpa is showing).

🌻 speaking of closure, heres a different kind! its about ryous story still continuing until he finds his own happy end. time seemingly rewinds (due to bakuras hourglass), the future changes, and hes headed down a different path than canon. it has a hopeful ending. tkb gets a second chance!

I like seeing ryou happy with his head held high, so this was such a refreshing read.

(cute gemship panels here)

🌻 collection is not complete without a brothers au.

or a boing boing I mean sisters au.

(heres the back cover btw 😳)

thats all Im gonna say abt that.

🌻 now this! this brings amane into the plot and how she contrasts with ryou. this artist does tremendous characterization not just for ryou, but also for tkb and bakura. monster world is a big part of ryou's introduction in canon, so I immensely enjoy it when its incorporated into stories.

🌻 now to this absolute monster of a book. its 262 pages of bakura venturing into ryous soulroom, which is a monster world × duel monsters mix, to save him. bakura is essentially an adventurer/player character.

despite really liking this book, I do have some qualms. the ending was pretty lackluster. tkb gets shafted in favor of bakura (as he is in most of this artist's works), which is ok? I guess? this is a tender book rather than a gem book after all. fine, I'll allow it.

Im mostly unsatisfied with ryous characterization by this artist in general: ryou always has oatmeal for brains. hes too soft lmao! its as if his entire character is reduced to that one instance post-battle city when he goes to steal the ring back from yugi's room. thats it. his whole personality is sweatdrops and the tilde symbol ~ (if you know what I mean. if not, thats fine. its abt the jp ygo manga).

to compensate for his softness, theres a darker twist to his past and is gloomy on the inside (manifesting as a "GM persona"). best I can describe it.

anyway, its a unique story, so I still really like it. I could not put this book down.

this book came with a case, so heres the front and back.

there you have it! some of my fave reads. I honestly need to just sit for a month and read the rest of my books, but among those Ive read, these stand out and are dear to my heart.

(this is the most tumblr will allow. click for the full version and the +ring version!)

Ryou sneaks out of the birthday party thrown in his honor when an innocent question unexpectedly strikes him hard: Why do you always hide what you want?

When he arrives home, Bakhura (the King of Thieves) is surprised to see him back early, and Bakura (the Spirit) points out how he looks unsettled more than usual, "What's wrong with you?" Tonight's events ignited a fire in Ryou's veins, and with his personal conviction as fuel, he purposefully strides over to the two and pulls Bakhura into a fervent kiss. An incredulous Bakura asks what the hell he thinks he's doing. Reluctantly, Ryou extracts himself from a speechless but, nevertheless, receptive Bakhura and turns to the other.

"Taking what I want... Don't you always say I should be more honest?" His voice is low, breathy, desire wrapped around every word. Invitingly, Ryou tugs at Bakura, who goes willingly and reciprocates the kiss with the same intensity. "So have me. Both of you. Right here..."

---

Ryou is the first to pass out, and following some aftercare, the two tuck him into bed. After a long and passionate night, Bakhura's brain is swimming in a pool of happy chemicals, and he doesn't resist the call of the many pillows for his bone-tired body. He slots himself beside Ryou but pauses upon noticing his pale counterpart merely sitting at the edge of the bed, unmoving like a statue and staring at Ryou's sleeping face. A fleeting thought crosses Bakhura's mind that makes him chuckle. As he slides under the covers, Bakura asks what's so funny. "You're still here, is all. Didn't think you were the type to stay the night."

Bakura huffs indignantly, displeased with being profiled but concedes. "You're not wrong." He goes back to watching Ryou and, contrary to his bold words, decides to shuffle under the blanket after an endless minute.

Another chuckle, unmistakably mocking this time. "You just can't keep away, can you?"