The Thornless Rose

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh, or anything else.

This is for BED's Contest, 4th round, Fragileshipping.

My first attempt at angst/drama, please vote! Thanks! It's 2007 in the fic k?

P.S. Marik good Marik, MALIK Yami Mark.

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It all started with a single red rose. You were stuck in an abusive relationship with that Tomb robber, Bakura, and were sobbing under a tree at the park. Yugi was on a date with Joey, and I had some free time, so I was walking through the park and saw you. I didn't need to ask, I already knew. The whole group knew. We knew that he would beat you, rape you, then go off with Marik and leave you alone and broken.

I wanted to help you somehow. Ra knows how much I've wanted to hold you, kiss you, and protect you. I look over to my left and saw a rose bush, not too big, didn't have any super special roses, just perfect. I reached for one but the thorns pricked me, so I took out my pocket knife and cut it the best I could without getting it all bloody. Then I cut one that didn't have that many thorns, and approached you.

I sat down next to you, and you looked up at me in surprise and quickly wiped away your tears. I held out the thorn covered rose in my right hand and the other one in my left.

"Every rose has its thorns," I said gesturing to my right hand, "some have more than others and some have less than others." You started at them for a while then nodded.

"You, Bakura." You said as you pointed to my left then right hands. I started to feel my cheeks heat up, but you took the 'Yami' rose and smiled.

"I choose the better." And you kissed my cheek. I set the 'Bakura' rose down and kissed you back. Oh, how I've waited for your lips! We broke apart and smiled. This was going to be the new begging.

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As I stand here, thinking back of those days so long ago, I can't help but think how fitting the weather is. A cold windy rainy day, just like all those fairytales we used to read. I take a deep breath to try to keep myself from crying, but it doesn't work. I look down at your grave and let the tears start to flow.

Ryou Bakura

Born Feb 16, 1986

Died Jan 2, 2005

Beloved son, friend, boyfriend, and lover

Two years ago Bakura found out about us, and let you have it full blast when I wasn't around. I can't help but blame myself for not being there when you took your life, maybe to stop you, or join you, I don't know which. As I set down our flower I can't help but cry more thinking that they forgot one thing on your grave: "Husband" I look at the red rose with no thorns, and sadly smile at the engagement ring that's there with it. And before I walk away I say those words that you've longed to hear, and have only heard from me:

"I love You, Ryou."