AN: It's my birthday, so here's a chapter! Thank you to Counting Sinful Stars, SerenePanic, James Birdsong, Cherry, YuGiOhRox, and lemerly for reviewing the last chapter, and I am again sorry for the wait.

Chapter 6: A Change

Bakura groaned when he awoke in his own bed, blinking blearily at his curtains. How unfair was it that he was so tired even though he had went to bed earlier… and even Marik had went to bed earlier! He should be feeling quite rested!

Sitting up, he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, though his vision was still a bit blurred from weariness. His mind flashed through distant images of Marik's day. With her ponytails, and talking to Jake, and teasing Ryou about Kilam (oh, he'd have fun talking to him today), and… well, hating Bakura like always.

He sighed, getting out of bed and digging through his drawers for something to wear. Why had he experienced another day in Marik's life? And why with feelings this time? Hadn't he already learned his lesson - that he was a real jerk to her and she's still upset about it? Hadn't he already said that he'd try and change? Why was he put through that borderline torture (at times) again? What else was he supposed to get out of this? And would it happen again? Would he experience another day in Marik's perspective tomorrow night? Or was this it? Two nights and that's it? Well, no, usually the number was three… like the three ghosts of Christmas. He probably would go through a third night, then…

Bakura groaned, slipping his shirt off and just standing in his room, staring at his wall. He didn't get any of this. Why was this even happening to him in the first place? Friendships got broken up and torn apart and forgotten all the time! Who was trying to get them back together? And why! What was so special about them! Nothing!

… Or was there?

Maybe the reason this was happening was because Bakura really did have a chance at repairing their relationship… Maybe whoever was watching them from up there knew that they could be at least friends again and was just trying to help. That could be it, right? It wouldn't make sense otherwise. And yet, even that logic didn't make him feel better about it. This all felt so impossible! Marik absolutely hated him! Even when he tried to talk to her, she just thought he was trying to be cruel and got upset! And then started crying because she wanted their old friendship, and could probably still remember it… Like he could.

Oh, how great, right? Well, at least he was himself again. What day was it even? Wednesday? Was it only Wednesday? It felt like a week had already gone by. He didn't know if he could take much more of this… Especially if he had to deal with any more Jake talk.

Bakura froze, as a certain memory hit him. Jake's plan - his plan for tutoring - that was today! They were going to study in the library during homeroom, and who knew what else that bastard had in store! Oh, he could not have that! He had to break it up somehow, but how? He couldn't confront Marik because she wouldn't listen to him… Ugh, looks like he'd have to have a talk with Jake then… But why would he even listen? Like he'd take his threats seriously anyway? And he couldn't just beat the guy up either because Marik would think he was trying to ruin her love life on top of everything else, and…

Bakura started pulling at his hair. Why is this so hard!? It was like he couldn't do anything! But he couldn't just let Marik get used, either! He had to do something! Even if it was just spying on them in the library and shoving books on the jerk's head!

… Okay, well, at least it was something, right?

Bakura arrived to school early again, after a… calm morning with his mother. Even with last night's emotion-filled "reunion," it seemed they didn't really know how to get on from there. They hadn't acted like "mother and son" for a little over ten years… It wasn't like they knew how to act around each other yet, aside from trying to be more polite and kind to each other (on Bakura's end). Not to mention he was having a little trouble remembering what he had went through with his own life - Marik's own experiences of yesterday were fresh on his mind and making him forget whatever he had learned in school that day. He hoped he didn't have any tests coming up, because he'd be screwed.

Still, things were getting better with his mother, and he was… kind of grateful for it. He felt that if he and his mom could try and patch things up, then he and Marik could have a better chance at it, too.

But she has to decide to give you that chance, first, Bakura reminded himself with a sigh. Just like he had to decide to give his mother a second chance… It was all up to the abused, not the abuser. The latter could only hope for the best.

"Hey."

Bakura jumped when he heard Kilam sneak up behind him. "Oi, why are you here so early?"

"I should be asking you that." Kilam chuckled, crossing his arms as he revealed, "I'm usually here this early. You, however, are not."

"Well, I just wanted to get out of the house," Bakura lied quickly, sighing a little and holding a hand up to his forehead. "Look, we need to talk."

"About what?" Kilam blinked at him, obviously confused as to what in the world they would need to discuss.

Bakura grinned and exclaimed, "I want to know how your date went yesterday."

He took it as a personal victory when a bit of redness attached itself to the tips of Kilam's ears. "What?" his voice was uncharacteristically quiet.

"I saw Ryou on the back of your motorcycle after school," Bakura covered with a bigger grin. "Now spill - what'd you do? Go to the back of a movie theatre and make out?"

"No!" Kilam looked almost offended at the suggestion, placing his hands on his hips and glaring. "We went to the gym. And it wasn't technically a date because Marik was there, too! But…" Kilam trailed off, his ears turning red again.

"But~?" Bakura nudged him playfully with his elbow, laughing when Kilam pushed him away.

"I might have kissed her… briefly."

"Oh!" Bakura held a hand to his heart, the back of his other hand placed on his forehead dramatically. "How romantic! Do we have ourselves a new Casanova?"

"Shut up," Kilam pushed him again, rolling his eyes. He started pulling at one of his earrings, which Bakura took as a sign of nervousness.

"At least those meds don't stop you from feeling embarrassed," Bakura joked, expecting the third push from his friend that day.

"Kilam~!" a very familiar voice called from down the hall, accompanied by light, fast footsteps. Said boy had just enough time to turn around before catching the flying rocket that was his pale sweetheart. "Hey~"

"Uh, hi…" Kilam smiled at her, tightening his hold around her waist just as she tightened her hold around his neck. Bakura felt like laughing though, since her feet were dangling above the ground due to Kilam's height. He wondered if either of them even noticed with that lovey dovey look they were giving each other.

"If you go to the nurse I'm sure you could get out of school for lovesickness," another familiar voice called from behind the two.

Ryou blushed and kicked her legs a little, telling Kilam to let her down. "Marik! We're not… I mean… We're not ill!"

"Funny how that sentence carries about as much weight as you did yesterday," Marik teased, chuckling and patting her on the back. Today she wore a simple black shirt with a jean skirt, her hair down, thankfully. Even more thankfully, she hadn't seemed to notice Bakura yet.

"Oh hush!" Ryou huffed and crossed her arms, turning away from both of them, and now facing Bakura's direction which made her eyes widen. "Oh, um… hi. Didn't see you there."

"It's okay." He glanced over her head at Marik, but as soon as they made eye contact she started walking away. "Wait!" he called before he really knew what to say. "You don't have to go. Uh, I'll go. Bye." He did a small wave before turning on his heels and walking away, sighing. This is probably the only thing I can do that won't make her cry.

"I'll get going, too," he heard Kilam say.

"Awww!" Ryou whined, but ultimately he heard Kilam's footsteps follow after him.

"I'll see you later, okay?"

"Okay!"

Bakura waited until Kilam caught up with him to say anything. "You didn't have to come with me."

"I feel like we still have some stuff to talk about," Kilam responded, shrugging.

"Like what?" Bakura smirked. "How soft her lips felt -"

"Like how things are going with Marik," Kilam interrupted, frowning in annoyance at him. "Have you thought of a plan of action for today?"

Bakura pursed his lips and stared forward. "Yeah, it's called "leaving her alone.""

Kilam sighed. "I know yesterday didn't go over so well, but you have to keep trying -"

"If I try to apologize she'll just cry again."

"So keep apologizing until she doesn't cry," Kilam advised, becoming quite frustrated with his friend. "And you don't know that she'll cry -"

"I kind of do," Bakura spat bitterly, thinking about how Marik had felt yesterday. And then he remembered Jake. "Oh, and listen to this!" Bakura exhaled in a loud, fake laugh as he rolled his eyes. "This guy she has a crush on, Jake, is just using her to pass his fucking algebra test. And who knows what else he's planning to do!"

"How do you know that?" Kilam asked, very interested.

"I overheard him talk about his plan yesterday," Bakura told him the bare minimum. "He mentioned how he was probably going to fail algebra so that Marik would offer to tutor him, and they're going to meet today in the library during homeroom for a study date. And then," Bakura shivered as he remembered, "he said he "wondered what a girl like that'll taste like." Can you fucking believe that?!"

"Can you not swear so much?"

"Sorry. I'm just pissed."

"I understand." Kilam looked uncomfortable and rubbed the back of his neck. "Are you going to do anything about it?"

"What can I do?" Bakura groaned. "I can't just tell Marik because she won't believe me, confronting Jake probably won't work because one, I'm only one guy, and two, if Marik finds out I talked to him she'll blame me for trying to ruin her love life. The only thing I've got is to spy on them in the library and throw things at him if he tries to make a move, and that won't do jack."

"Why don't you tell Ryou?"

"Like she'd believe me?!"

"She actually likes you," Kilam said, glancing away. "Well, who you were, anyway, from what Marik's told her."

"She does?" Bakura turned to stare at Kilam.

"Yeah." He nodded. "Tell her what you overheard. Even if she doesn't believe it, she'll still watch out for anything funny from him."

"... That's… actually a good idea." Bakura felt relieved. This was a much better plan than anything he thought of. "Thanks. I've just gotta find her when she's alone from Marik then."

"I can go get her." Kilam smiled sheepishly. "I'm sure Marik would understand if I asked to talk with her… privately."

Bakura couldn't help it - he started oohing and laughing. "Kilam, you bad boy -"

"Oh my God, just stay here." Without another word he ran back towards where Marik and Ryou were last standing. Bakura just stared after him, still chuckling and feeling very relieved and content that at least something would be done. This was a smart plan - best friends look out for each other. And if Ryou liked him, at least a little, then that meant she might take him seriously.

He grinned when he saw Kilam returning with Ryou, holding her bridal style as she laid her head on his shoulder and he stared straight ahead, the tips of his ears turning red. If Bakura could do a wolf whistle, he definitely would have.

When they got closer, Ryou lifted her head, her eyes widening when she saw Bakura. "... Put me down, Kilam."

He nodded and set her down, a serious expression on his face. She looked so nimble as she hopped out of his arms, placed her hands behind her back, and gave Bakura a small smile.

"Hello. Can I help you?"

"Yeah, uh…" Bakura suddenly felt a small chill go through him. Even though she was being very polite, her eyes felt like they were cutting right through him. He glanced at Kilam, and when he nodded encouragingly it made him feel a little better. "Yes, it's... about Marik."

"What about her?" she tilted her head, and even though she was smiling so kindly it still looked intimidating. As if she was ready to cut him with a knife if he had ill intentions. She really cared about Marik, didn't she… He supposed that was good, but still.

"Well," Bakura took a moment to swallow and shuffle his feet. "She has a sort of date with Jake today -"

"How do you know that?" she raised a curious brow.

"I heard him talking about it." Granted it was through Marik's body, but it was still technically the truth.

Ryou pursed her lips, as if deciding to believe him or not, and then nodded. "Okay, proceed."

"Anyway," Bakura took a deep breath. "She's tutoring Jake in math today, but I overheard him say that he's just using her for a grade so he can play a basketball game… and… uh…" How could he word this next part? "Might be interested in just the more physical aspects of a relationship." Yeah, that made sense, right?

Ryou's small smile turned into a frown, and she took her hands out from behind her to rest them at her sides. She looked up at Kilam, as if for confirmation, and he nodded his head. "... Really? Oh, man, I encouraged her to go for it, too…"

"You couldn't have known," Bakura tried to comfort, feeling incredibly awkward. He hadn't been a comforter in over three years; was his tone okay? "I just thought I'd tell you so you could, ah, warn Marik?"

"Yeah." Ryou sighed and crossed her arms, looking down at the ground. Kilam placed a hand on her shoulder, and when she looked up he offered her a small smile, which she reciprocated. They looked… really cute together, Bakura had to admit. "Okay." She turned back to smiling at him, this time warmly. "Thanks for telling me. I'll warn her without mentioning your name."

"Thank you." Bakura felt so relieved. That went a lot better than he thought it would! She actually believed him right away! Although Kilam probably helped with that.

"And Bakura?" she added, chuckling a little. "I've noticed you changing, so… I'm kind of rooting for you, all right?"

Bakura just stared at her, surprised. She noticed him changing? Kilam was telling the truth then; she did kind of like him? That… was nice. But what was she rooting for, exactly? Him to just be a better person, or for him and Marik to become friends again? The way she worded it, maybe it was the former. Then she added,

"Don't screw it up this time."

He laughed, thinking that maybe she meant the latter instead, but immediately thinking that was ridiculous. No best friend would want their friend to give a jerk a second chance, right? He truly believed the best thing for Marik was for him to just leave her alone.

After his little talk with Ryou, Bakura felt just a little better as he sat through his classes and actually paid attention. It was a weird feeling, actually paying attention, since his mind hadn't been on school lately. Well, to be honest, his mind hadn't been on school even before this whole supernatural thing with Marik happened, but now he was suddenly gaining a new appreciation for the education system. Perhaps this was part of his changing, too - actually trying in school.

Though he couldn't help but still feel worried; what if Marik didn't listen to Ryou's warnings? What if she assumed the best of Jake and decided to still trust him? What if she felt heartbroken hearing Jake's true intentions? He didn't want her to get hurt, but he supposed she'd be hurt any way she found out the truth. Still... She'd been through enough the past few years, she didn't need another jerk in her life.

The point was, he was still worried enough to where he went to spy on them in the library. Nothing too obvious, just checking out some books in a strategic aisle where he could hear what they were saying but they couldn't see each other. Totally not stalking or creeping at all!

"So, x equals… eight?"

"Yeah!" he heard Marik laugh quietly. "Good job. Try and do the next one yourself."

"Okay, got it."

Minutes passed by. Bakura was very aware of his own heartbeat, wondering if anyone nearby could hear it.

"Is that right?" Jake asked.

"Mmhm! See, you're okay with algebra."

"I think it's just how you're explaining it."

"Oh, stop~" He heard Marik laugh, and it took all of Bakura's willpower not to knock his head repeatedly against the bookshelf in frustration. She wasn't being careful around him at all, she was still being all dreamy. Looks like he had been right to worry about her not believing Ryou's warning.

"Hey, um…" The guarded tone in Marik's voice caught his attention. Maybe he spoke too soon. "When's your test again?"

"Friday. Not looking forward to it."

"I can imagine. Uh, would you want to hang out after school that day, then? A distraction after a difficult test is always a good idea."

"I kind of have practice on Fridays." Ouch.

"Saturday, then?"

"I'll have to check my schedule." Double ouch.

"Oh, okay."

"It should be fine though."

"Sure." Marik sounded much less enthused now, which was to be expected after his lackadaisical responses. Maybe she'd see that he wasn't a great guy now! This was great! … Right?

"Are you okay?" Jake asked.

"It's just…" Marik paused, and Bakura waited with baited breath to hear her dump this jerk right now. "I'm going to be honest here, okay? I kind of like you, and I think you kind of like me, but I'm looking for a relationship, not... anything else. What are you looking for?"

"... Uh…" Jake was at a loss for words. Ha, that was the thing about these guys - they don't know how to respond to honesty like that. "I mean, we just started talking this week, it's too early to think about a relationship, you know?"

"I don't think so," Marik replied. "I only start something with someone if I think it will go somewhere." … That comment really got to Bakura. She really had liked him a lot then, hadn't she… Not that he could say anything, because he had really liked her, too.

"We haven't even gone on a date yet -"

"So, you're not looking for a relationship, right?"

"Okay, fine. I guess I'm not."

"That's all I needed to know."

"Are you going to stop tutoring me then?"

"I'll help you study for your test Friday, but then you should find someone different."

"Are you serious?!" Jake sounded pissed now. "Fine. That's all I wanted anyway."

"... Wow." The sound of chair legs sliding against the carpet resounded in the library. "Bye."

"What?! You can't just leave now! Stop!"

"I hope you fail your fucking test."

"Get back here!"

Marik didn't say anything as she just walked out, leaving Jake alone in the library. He groaned and slammed a hand on the table, which only resulted in him getting shushed by the librarian.

Bakura couldn't have been any prouder of Marik. She really was a mature person, trying to talk and act calmly until he proved unreasonable. She sounded more angry than sad, so maybe she wouldn't cry over him? He hoped so; he wanted her to never cry again. Either way, he also hoped Jake failed his test.

"You seem in a good mood," Kilam commented as they ate their lunch together.

"Yeah." Bakura grinned and shoved a plastic forkful of spaghetti in his mouth. For once, he was actually hungry during lunchtime. "I spied on Marik and Jake, and the jerk was exposed and promptly ditched."

"Ouch." Kilam glanced over at Marik's table, frowning softly. "Is she okay though? Break-ups are hard, even if nothing really got started."

"I hope she'll be okay," Bakura didn't want to risk glancing back at her, so he just focused on his food. "Ryou will probably help with the pain. That's what friends are for."

"... So you're not going to try and talk to her, then?"

"Don't you think seeing me would just remind her of our "break up"?"

"Touché, I guess." Kilam sighed and shook his head. "I still think you should try and befriend her."

"And I still think I'm the last person she wants to see," Bakura snapped, narrowing his eyes at him. "So let it go."

Kilam rolled his eyes. "Fine. What do you want to talk about then?"

"I don't know." Bakura sighed again. "You know, we never hang out. Are you free this weekend?"

"I'm free Friday night."

"What about Saturday?"

"..."

Bakura grinned again, looking up at him as he crooned, "Don't tell me you have a date with Ryou already~"

"Shut up." Kilam stabbed his fork into his spaghetti, but he was smiling the slightest bit. "I'm just taking her to see a movie, and then we'll grab a bite to eat."

"That's, like, the definition of a date."

"Is it? I hadn't noticed."

"Easy on the sarcasm. Are you going to finally make out -"

"Oh my God!" Kilam slapped a hand to his face, but Bakura was happy to hear him laugh a little. "Would you shut up about that? I think you're the one that's craving a make-out session."

"I'm pretty sure Ryou's craving one, too -"

"Shush!" Kilam rolled his eyes. "We can hang out Friday night. Do you want to come over and play video games?"

"Sure." Bakura chuckled, but after taking another bite of spaghetti, he remembered something. "Wait, what games do you have anyway? I imagine you don't have any violent ones."

"Correct." Kilam sighed slightly, not looking into his eyes. "I really only have the classic Mario games and a few others. I can't even have Sims because you can kill people in it."

"Dang." Bakura frowned. "That really sucks."

"Tell me about it." It looked like he would have said more, but his eyes traveled above Bakura's head before widening, so of course Bakura had to look around. Needless to say, he was surprised to see Marik approaching him.

"Hey," she greeted. She was frowning, and didn't seem particularly pleased to be there, but… she was there. That was amazing enough for Bakura.

"Hey…" Bakura ended up just staring at her, probably looking like a wide-eyed, spacey idiot. "Um, did you… want to talk to me about something?"

Marik frowned when he asked that and looked away. Her fists clenched before she looked back at him and said, "Ryou said you told her about Jake, and she said I should thank you, so… thanks. I guess."

"Oh." Bakura was too amazed to really think of anything to say. "Um… don't sweat it. I'm sorry he wasn't… that… things didn't work out." Dear God, where was his quick wit when he needed it? Was he even making sense?

"Yeah." Marik crossed her arms, frowning at the ground. She hadn't looked him in the eyes once. "That's all I wanted to say." She didn't even say goodbye before she turned around and walked back to her table.

Bakura and Kilam were silent for a long time after that. Eventually, though, Kilam had to speak up:

"Still think you're the last person she wants to see?"

"... Kind of." Bakura turned back to his food again, creasing his eyebrows together. "All she did was thank me. It wasn't like she said she wanted to hang out again."

"But she did approach you," Kilam pointed out. "So maybe she sees that you're trying to change?"

"Maybe." Bakura swirled more noodles around his fork, but the twisting in his gut meant that he had once again lost his appetite. "Hopefully."

"You need to show her that you really are trying to change," Kilam insisted.

"And how do I do that?"

"Ditch those guys you call "friends."" Kilam pointed over to TV's table, where him, Duke, and Glen were just eating and talking, looking normal, but when they laughed Bakura could only assume they were making fun of someone or something. He used to do that, too, and have fun with them doing it… until he saw, through Marik of course, how much of a jerk they all were, and how much of a jerk he himself was.

"I know," Bakura finally replied, sighing as he continued to watch them. "Easier said than done, though…"

In his next class, Bakura wondered even more if he would wind up in Marik's body again tonight. He kind of hoped so, if only to see what led to her actually thanking him… and to see how he looked to her now. Did he still look like a complete ass, or did she really see someone trying to change? Did she cry after her meeting with Jake, or was she not that attached yet and just feels kind of down about it? She was really excited about him before… that kind of nervous excitement you always get with a crush. He used to love that feeling, but he also didn't mind when he got more confident about it all.

Come to think of it, he never really had a girlfriend in high school… he just had flings. Because that's what his "friends" had - dates with random girls, not wanting to be "tied down" by anyone or anything. At first he had thought that was stupid; what was the point in dating if you didn't want to pursue something more? Like with Marik, however, he let his friends influence him and just went along with what they said.

"It's awesome!"
"You get all of the fun without the responsibility."
"Come on, loosen up!"

Maybe they needed to grow up instead.

So, when after school came, and he found these same "friends" of his waiting by his locker, he had to wonder just how badly this next conversation was going to go. And if he would be strong enough to say what he needed to say, and not just go along with them again.

"We've barely seen you this week, Bakura," TV started off, slinging his arm around Bakura's shoulder while he started twisting his padlock.

"Yeah."

"What's the big deal, sittin' with psycho all the time?"

"His name is Kilam."

"Whatever. You're supposed to sit with us."

Bakura didn't respond as he took off his padlock to open his locker.

"We're just worried about you. You haven't been acting like yourself lately."

"Actually," Bakura turned to face him finally. He wanted his voice to stay calm and collected, but anger seeped through his tone anyway. "I've been acting more like myself lately than I ever have with you jerks."

"Woah, Bakura," TV narrows his eyes, taking his arm off of his shoulder so he could cross his arms instead, trying to look threatening. It might have worked, if he didn't have huge bags under his eyes from watching all of that late-night television. "Take it easy, we're your friends -"

"Not anymore," Bakura interrupted, hastily grabbing books from his locker and shoving them in his backpack. He wanted to be out of here as fast as possible. "I regret ever meeting you guys."

They were silent for a bit, exchanging looks between themselves, but when Bakura closed his locker they blocked him so he couldn't escape.

"You don't really mean that," TV said, though it sounded as if he was trying to order him. "You're just like us, Bakura. What'd you call us? Jerks? Yeah, you're that, too."

"I'm trying to change."

"So you're going to hang with psycho now? Wow, what a great image change."

"You hang out with Kilam, too."

"We just let him walk with us. That's not the same thing."

"Whatever. At least he doesn't drag people down."

"Oh, like you?"

Bakura clenched his teeth. "I told you, I'm trying to change -"

"Get real, Bakura!" TV rolled his eyes and shook his head. "People don't just change. That's not how life works. What's this really about? Just Monday you were joining in on the fun and now -"

"Making fun of people is not fun!" Bakura accidentally yelled. He quieted his voice, his eyes glancing around to try and find a weak point to escape from. Glen and Duke were standing just a bit too far apart.

"Of course it is!" TV insisted, scowling. "We've been doing it all through high school, you can't just ditch us now. What, you're gonna be an outcast for senior year?"

"Oh please, like I'd ever talk to you again in college? I'd have to make new friends soon enough anyway, might as well start now."

"You're being ridiculous," TV rolled his eyes. "Is it your time of the month or something?"

"That's really sexist -"

"Look," TV interrupted with an eyeroll. "I'll forget this conversation ever happened, but tomorrow you better sit with us at lunch."

They stared at each other for a long time, and Bakura didn't feel like responding. Without another word he barreled between Glen and Duke and tried to fastwalk out of the situation. Unfortunately, one of these jerks tripped him, sending his backpack skidding across the floor as he fell onto his stomach. He scrambled to stand back up, but before he could, Glen placed his foot onto his back to keep him down. Bakura knew that no one would come help him, even if the hallway was still crowded with people; they'd all be too afraid to help. Great. Now his mom was going to wonder why he had bruises and probably a black eye when he got home.

"I really didn't want it to come to this, Bakura," TV drawled, walking in front of his face and bending down so they could glare at each other. "I'll give you one more chance if you apologize now."

Bakura clenched his teeth. He would have spit in his face, but he didn't want this to get any worse. "Just beat me up already."

"You asked for it."

Bakura closed his eyes, but right after the first kick to his side, the weight on his back was gone. He opened his eyes and turned, spotting Glen with his butt on the floor and Kilam grasping TV's arm, drawing something on him with a red sharpie.

"What the fuck are you doing?!" TV yelled, but he was too frightened to pull his arm away.

"My psychiatrist said that if I feel like burning something to just color it red instead," Kilam replied monotonously, sounding dead and lifeless again. Even Bakura shivered in fear, and it was TV he was making eye contact with. "But I don't feel the desire going away… oh well." He dropped the red sharpie to the floor. His hand went into his pocket and pulled out a lighter.

TV screamed so loud, Bakura thought his ears were going to bleed. The jerk wrenched his arm free and ran out of there, Glen and Duke not far behind. The hallway was silent, but soon enough everyone started moving along again, trying to forget anything happened.

"Kilam," Bakura's voice was hoarse as his friend pulled him up by the armpits. "Where did you get a lighter?"

"Ryou."

"Why does she have a lighter!?"

"In case of situations like these." He turned his head as Ryou approached him, and he dropped the lighter back into her outstretched palm before she handed him Bakura's backpack. She was frowning in concern, though Bakura wasn't sure who it was for.

"Are you okay?" Kilam asked, frowning. His eyes weren't lifeless anymore, which was a relief.

"Yeah," Bakura replied, but then winced when he felt a stabbing pain in his side. Yep, there was definitely going to be a bruise there. "Could have been a lot worse, anyway."

"Mm." Kilam nodded, then he gave Ryou a look. She nodded and walked away, leaving Bakura very curious.

"I didn't know you two could communicate with just looks already."

"Let's take you home."

"I can walk."

"My motorcycle is faster and you're in pain."

"I never said I was in pain."

"Bakura." Kilam gave a little smile. "Unlike those guys, I am your friend. Let me help you."

He didn't respond. He just clenched his teeth and started walking with him.

Note to self, never ride another motorcycle again.

This is what Bakura told himself as he was latching onto Kilam's middle, wearing his only bike helmet, and closing his eyes tight as he tried to keep his head far back enough so that when they stopped he wouldn't ram the back of Kilam's head with this stupid helmet. He hated it when they turned; he felt like they were going to fall down and scrape off all of their skin. Not to mention his side was really starting to throb from where he was kicked earlier, and his backpack straps were digging painfully into his shoulders.

He was grateful when the ride was over. Once Kilam killed the gas, Bakura hopped off of that thing and struggled with the damn helmet. He couldn't even put it on; Kilam had to do that for him.

"Allow me." Said man was chuckling as he effortlessly undid the straps around Bakura's chin and put the helmet into his small side bag. "You didn't really like that, did you?"

"I'm never getting on another motorcycle again."

"Not even if Marik gets one?"

"Especially not then."

Kilam laughed and shook his head, but he didn't say anymore as he looked up at Bakura's house. "Nice place."

"Thanks." Bakura looked up at his house, and then felt incredibly awkward. Soon he realized why. "Um, do you… want to come in?" Yes, that was the polite response to someone driving you home. Right?

"Don't mind if I do." Kilam began walking ahead of him, so Bakura followed after him, still feeling awkward. Kilam had just saved him from three jerks and then drove him home… obviously they were going to have a lot to talk about in Bakura's room.

"Welcome home, Bakura!" his mom greeted with a smile, but when she saw Kilam she froze and stared at him. "Marik?"

Kilam chuckles and held out his hand for her to shake. "Kilam Rathsi. No relation to Marik."

"Really?" his mom was astounded. "But you look so much like her!"

"I get that a lot," Kilam shrugged and walked right on in, much to Mrs. Touzouko's astonishment.

When Bakura walked in though, his mom stopped him, whispering, "Bakura, is… is that your boyfriend?"

"What?" Bakura flushed. "No! He's just a friend, mom."

"Oh… because you know I wouldn't care if -"

"Just a friend."

"Okay… um, still leave your door open when you're in your room -"

"Mom!"

"Okay, okay!" His mother surrendered and walked back to the kitchen. "Have fun, you two! But not too much!"

Bakura groaned, while Kilam just wore an amused grin. "What's wrong, Kura-cakes?"

"Shut up."

"Don't be like that, sweetheart."

"I swear to God."

"But lovemuffin -"

"You have a girlfriend!"

Thankfully that shut him up for a second. "... I don't have girlfriend yet."

"Whatever." Bakura laughed and shook his head. He happily dumped his backpack onto the floor of his room as they waltzed in. "Should we actually do homework, or do you want to talk, or?"

"Let's talk." Kilam went over to sit on Bakura's bed, patting the space next to him. Oh boy, this was going to be a great conversation, wasn't it.

Bakura sighed as he sat next to him, staring at his open door and wondering what his mom would even do if he closed it.

"So," Kilam started, leaning back onto his bed. "You ditched your old friends, huh?"

Bakura grumbled, turning away from him and hoping that this conversation would end as quickly as possible. "Yep."

"You know they're probably going to target you for awhile now."

"Yep."

"I'll probably have to be your bodyguard."

"If you would, please." Hey, Bakura wasn't stupid. Even if he did fight three guys at once he'd still get beat pretty bad. Plus, they would probably never even attempt to fight "the psycho," even if it was to get to a traitor.

"How do you feel about all of that?"

"I don't know. Good, I guess." Bakura looked away, frowning. "It's weird. I did used to like them; they were the first friends I made in high school. They were fun kids..."

"They just turned into rotten people," Kilam assumed. Bakura nodded. "And that's not your fault. Hey, maybe you leaving them will help them to reevaluate their own choices."

"Pfft." Bakura rolled his eyes. "Considering all it's taken for me to try turning around, I highly doubt that."

He was grateful when Kilam didn't ask what did convince him to change. Instead he just patted him on the back and shrugged. "We can always hope."

"Right." Bakura sighed and looked down at the floor, using his feet to play with the edge of his pants. "I suppose now you want to talk about Marik?"

"That'd be nice."

Bakura sighed, not even sure where to start on this subject. He meant what he had said earlier, about just leaving her alone. It would be the best thing for her; she cries almost every time she sees him still, how could she ever stand to be around him again? Even if he had changed?

… Changed. Has he really, though? All he's done was stop teasing her and ditch his old friends, which he supposed was some type of change. He wasn't certain if that was enough, though. Maybe if he didn't wind up in Marik's body again tonight he'd believe it was enough, but as for right now he had no idea.

He remembered what he thought this morning, about how maybe this was all happening to him because there was a chance that he and Marik could be friends again. That was a fair assumption, right? Why else would he be experiencing Marik's life firsthand? Unless the universe just wanted him to be a better person in general and knew this was the best way to do that. But if this was happening because he was getting a second chance… did he even deserve that chance? What if he fucked up again? He made Marik feel like shit for so many years… What right did he have to get back into her life? Just because he had been good to her in the past didn't mean she owed him another chance. He almost didn't want her to give him a second chance, because he wasn't sure if he trusted himself enough not to mess up again… But at the same time, that selfish part of him desperately wanted to be back into her life.

After a few moments of silence, Bakura finally took a deep breath and looked at Kilam. "Yeah, okay. I'd like to be friends again, but it's not really up to me."

"That's why you just have to keep trying," Kilam insisted, frowning. "You're right, it's up to Marik if you become friends again, but that's definitely not going to happen if you just give up."

Bakura just made a groaning sound and looked away, not wanting to follow this line of conversation anymore. Honestly, he just wanted to go to sleep and see if he'd have a third out-of-body experience. "I know, I know. Can we drop it?"

Kilam did not seem pleased with Bakura's response at all and just stared at him with an annoyed frown.

"I'll think about it!" Bakura insisted, crossing his arms like he was a little child being scolded by his mother. "Okay? After a good night's sleep I'll tell you for certain if I'm going to try harder to befriend her. But right now I don't want to think about it - I almost got beaten up today!"

Kilam sighed and seemed satisfied with this. "Fine. Tomorrow. But no backing out of giving me an answer."

"And what if I decide not to try and rekindle our relationship?"

"Then I expect a twelve page essay on why you would make such a stupid decision."

Bakura snorted, finding his reply a little funny. Yet it still bothered him, because he immediately thought about how he could probably fill up half of that essay just by going into detail about how deeply he's damaged her emotionally. Why did Kilam want him to try so hard, anyway? Bakura had told him everything that's happened - well, everything he could - and he still seemed to think they could be friends again. Just what train of thought was running along inside that guy's head? Was he just being supportive because they were friends? Did Kilam believe that the best thing for him was to befriend Marik again, even though Bakura still strongly believed the best thing for her would be for him to leave her alone?

He would have asked, but just then Kilam stood up and stretched. "Well, I've got to get home. It's my turn to cook tonight."

"Oh." Bakura was struck again with the fact that he really didn't know much about Kilam at all. "What's for dinner?"

"Whatever's on sale at the store."

"I see." Bakura nodded, wondering if there were some implications to be made from that monotonous statement. "I'll walk you out."

Bakura didn't feel hungry that night, even though the grilled chicken and sauted veggies his mom had made were delicious. She noticed, and asked what was wrong, but he simply said he didn't want to talk about it. He hated the look on her face after he said that, as if she felt she was failing as a mother again, but… he really didn't even know how to start. First he'd have to explain how much of a jerk he'd been to Marik to even get to the current problem of trying to make it up to her… And he really didn't feel like vocally detailing his mistakes. He hoped the hug he gave his mom after dinner was enough to make her feel better about her quiet son.

He relished in taking a long, hot shower, being sure to use plenty of soap. Might as well develop better hygiene habits as long as he was changing, right? It felt nice anyway, and by the end of it he felt a little refreshed and plopped onto his bed. He started thinking about this ghost thing again, wondering if he'd come again tonight and, if he did, when? Would it happen right before he was going to fall asleep, or at a certain time? Like ten o'clock?

When his lights went out, he had a feeling the time was now. Nine oh two, according to the alarm clock on his desk - catchy. He turned onto his back and got under his covers for the magic spell, finding it oddly comforting when he was tucked in, the foggy ghost appearing and creating a light breeze as he flew around the room.

"Great job, human!
Your remorse is deep,
Your image reborn,
Less anger you now keep."

"But there is always more to see
To really bring the message home!
This night will help you see a path,
So you won't aimlessly roam."

"Your mending soul,
Your mending heart,
And your rewritten goals
Need just a bit more direction,
Not more introspection."

"From a monster and a liar
To a well-meaning man.
I'm proud, and she will be, too,
Once you do all that you can."

"You've seen her vulnerable,
And now you've dropped your guise.
Now see the day with some of her thoughts,
To see clearly through her eyes!"

He didn't feel any pain that night as he blacked out. Guess the ghost really was proud of him.

AN: Hi everybody! I know it's been a long time (2 years, 8 months, 4 days), and for that I apologize. Life gets in the way of the creative process (not to mention I have so many other stories to write and finish), as I'm sure all of you are aware! And I know some of you thought that I wasn't going to continue this, but I really do love this story and want to finish it! There's not much more to go anyway; perhaps three or four more chapters depending on which path I go.

That being said I kind of want to finish writing the rest of the story out before I publish anymore, so that probably means a long wait again. But that also means when I do post the next chapter, I'll be able to post another one really soon after! Doesn't that sound exciting? :D

Thank you to anyone who's stuck with me, and, as always, please leave your comments! They really do mean a lot to me, and I love hearing from you guys. To everyone who reviewed last chapter I'll reply to you really soon! For now, I'll reply to the anonymous reviewers below.

James Birdsong: Yeah, there were five chapters, and now there's a sixth one! :3 I hope you enjoyed it!

Cherry: Here's "moar"! XD Haha, sorry it took so long ^^" I really hope you liked it though!