Hi everyone! So I'm Ghost and this is my first fanfic. Since I love Thiefshipping so much, and because I haven't seen anyone write it recently (sad face), I thought I'd give it a whirl and start writing a collection of oneshots! I hope you enjoy!

I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! / Yuugiou. It belongs to Kazuki Takahashi.

"Bakura?"

Bakura looked up from his knives to see Marik standing before him, shirtless, with an uncharacteristically shy look on his face. He was holding bandages in one hand, and some kind of bottle - ointment? - in the other.

"Hmm?" The thief replied, eyeing the supplies curiously. "What's all that for?"

Marik winced slightly. "Yeah, um, about that. Can you... help me with something?"

Bakura grinned. "The great Marik Ishtar is asking for help?"

The other sighed, a mix of exasperation and desperation.

"Please, Bakura."

The soft, pleading nature to Marik's voice was so uncharacteristic Bakura almost choked. Who was this and what had he done with Marik?

"Er, alright?"

Marik smiled happily, but there was something... sadness? Regret?... in his eyes that planted disbelief in Bakura. "Thanks, 'Kura."

The blonde sat next to his lover and handed him the bandages and ointment, flipping his long blonde hair over his shoulder. He scooted a little closer to Bakura, so he was positioned in front of him, giving the thief a full view of his back.

His back.

His scars.

It was then Bakura realized what Marik needed help with.

"So, um," Marik's voice, once again uncharacteristically shy of the bold boy, interrupted Bakura's thoughts. "All you have to do is put ointment on them, and then wrap the bandages around."

Bakura frowned, nodding. "Alright. But first, I need to know something." He uncapped the ointment bottle, studying it briefly before squirting some onto his hand. "If they're scars, why do they -"

"Still hurt." Marik finished quietly. He couldn't see Bakura's face, but he knew he looked surprised. "When I received my initiation, Father cut too deep, damaging my nerves."

Bakura's eyes narrowed.

"So, every week, I have to put this special ointment on them to help with the pain." The former tombkeeper sighed as he felt soft, gentle hands on his back. "Usually Ishizu helps me, but she's out of town with Odion, so..."

"It's alright. I don't mind."

Marik blinked in surprise and looked over his shoulder. Bakura was smiling. Not a huge, cheerful grin, but a small, loving smile.

And Marik smiled back.

"Thank you, Bakura."

"...you're welcome, Marik. You're welcome."

...*slowly comes out of hiding*

So I hope that wasn't too bad for my first fic? Oh, and if you're confused about the nerve thing, quick explanation: if you severely injure an area, it's very easy for the nerves in said area to get damaged. I have CRPS so I feel Marik's pain. But at least he has Bakura helping him, right? :D Oh, and sorry if you thought Bakura was too... nice at the end, but I just thought I'd make a cute ending?

Anyways let me know if you liked this, please! I don't want to write more if people think it stinks... so thank you for reading, hope to see you soon! :D (And don't forget to review!)