PART II:

Several weeks had passed, and Marik was starting to view things in a new way. He felt more like his own person, rather than a tag-along.

With Malik-hon- no, Malik; Marik had always been the underling. Malik knew more about the modern world, and was far more confident in his ability to glide through it.

When the gods had brought the yami's back, Marik was the one who was most affected. Having been created by a child, and filled with hate and rage, the Egyptian deities decreed that he could not come back as he had been before. Instead, the gods had re-sculpted his psyche; carefully re-molding his mindset into something (closer to) normal.

However, there were consequences to this meddling. His knowledge of the modern world and languages had been affected, and he still had trouble speaking Japanese.

And Malik never bothered to 'educate' his other half. He just assumed that whatever he did was enough for his yami's education. But Ryou wasn't like that. He wasn't a selfish, unchecked 'prima donna'.

Marik still had a lot to learn about the modern world. But whenever Malik knew something that Marik didn't, the hikari would briefly explain and then rush off. But when Marik asked Ryou a question, Ryou would show him.

When he asked about the bus stop sign, Ryou bought a ticket the next day and took him on a private 'tour' of Domino. When Marik asked about using the radio, Ryou showed him and then put sticky notes on the dials (an 'ear' meant the volume control, a 'music note' meant the type of music station, etc.) so Marik wouldn't forget. Ryou still wouldn't let Marik work the stove or the microwave, but he had (very reluctantly) shown Marik how to use the toaster.

Coincidentally, he was soon also able to teach Marik how to use the fire extinguisher.

Ryou wasn't pushy, or loud, or brash. Honestly, Marik found him a little boring at times (Malik never actually wanted to do his home-works) but Ryou found different ways to keep the tanned yami busy. And not just the usual TV or radio- nope, Ryou bought him inexpensive art kits (such as balsa wood airplanes and paint-by-numbers sets), borrowed assorted comic books for him to read (usually from Yugi or Honda- anyone butJounouchi), and rented different films (often horror films or documentaries, which Marik and Ryou both enjoyed). Sometimes Ryou even got Yami to drop by. Although they would never be 'best friends,' the former Pharaoh and the tomb keeper did have a lot in common- language, culture, make-up... and they were usually able to strike up a few short, civil conversations.

Yami still wouldn't let Yugi come over with him; the overprotective ex-spirit was still very fond of his hikari. Ryou suspected there was more to it than 'friendly sheltering,' but didn't want to pry.

In general, the two roommates were quite quiet when it came to their duplicitous 'other halves,' opting to not even give them the dignity of their ire. But Ryou was furious when he realized that Malik had never bothered trying to teach Marik proper Japanese. He could certainly understand why Ishizu and Odion hadn't hired a tutor- aside from the monetary costs, there was also the challenge of finding an Arabic-fluent Japanese teacher who wouldn't be terrified by the blonde.

But Malik certainly could have instructed his yami; and yet he'd never tried to do anything to help Marik's speech. The white-haired hikari felt furious every time he thought about this. So Ryou decided to see what Marik could do- he borrowed plenty of text and workbooks from the local library, and offered to go over them with Marik every evening. At first Marik was a little reluctant (this 'language' stuff sounded suspiciously like 'homeworks') but he agreed to try it.

Not surprisingly, the cunning yami took to the lessons like a fish to the Nile. Over the course of several weeks, Ryou guided Marik through the fundamentals of the Japanese tongue. His speech still wasn't perfect, but he had a greater understanding of plurals and tenses. He also managed to lose a bit of his accent, which had made it very hard for some of Domino's shopkeepers to understand his questions on finding odd things like 'wooden fingers' (hair combs) and 'tan-non-animal pants' (khakis).

Being able to speak more fluently also gave Marik a better sense of self-confidence. This was particularly appreciated, as he had lost quite a bit when he returned. No longer did he have the shadows at his beck and call, nor were most mortals terrified of him; but at least now he didn't need to cling onto Malik for help.

The unusual duo had settled into a comfortable routine, and were starting to enjoy their new life as friendly roommates. But unbeknownst to either of the two duelists, their new arrangement was about to get a harsh check from reality...

It had been four months since the big breakup, and the afternoon skies of Domino city were sunny and pleasant. The front door of the Bakura household slowly opened, revealing a pale hikari. His gentle voice called through the two-story home.

"Marik? I'm back- and I bought something for you."

Ryou smiled to himself- he knew Marik would love the latest surprise he'd gotten him. Marik saw an ad on the television yesterday for 'bubble bath' and was entranced, so Ryou bought him a bottle. It was a little tricky, as most of the products smelled like fruits or candy (strawberry, cotton candy, bubble gum) and he didn't want Marik to drink it.

Ryou sighed in equal parts amusement and irritation. Marik had quite the record of impulsive curiosity. Many subtleties of the modern world still baffled him... and commercial gimmicks were particularly challenging. Having been created by a pre-teenaged tomb dweller, surrounded by nothing but rocks and sand, well; Marik couldn't fathom how something could look and/or smell like delectable food... and yet not be food.

It was also the reason Ryou no longer bought apricot-scented shampoo.

There was a set of unusual sounds coming from the living room. Ryou was confused.

'That'd odd- who is Marik talking to? The television?'

But then Ryou heard a voice he hadn't expected to ever hear in his house again.

"I just missed you- I'm so sorry; I can't even think how wrong I was."

It was Malik.

Malik was sitting on Ryou's couch, practically clinging to Marik.

Ryou's eyes narrowed in ill-concealed disgust. He hadn't spoken to the shorter blonde since that day...

Most of Ryou's friends had taken Ryou's (and, by extension, Marik's) side in the whole ordeal. Malik and Bakura were no longer welcomed by most of the group- only Yugi and Shizuka would even greet them if they crossed paths. Kaiba didn't care, and Mokuba wasn't old enough to get the gist of everything- but all the other duelists were disgusted by the way Ryou (and subsequently, Marik) had been betrayed.

Ryou gave a sharp stage cough and cleared his throat.

"Eh-hem."

The darker hikari turned around and faced his former friend. Malik looked horrible- his face was puffy and his eyes were painfully red. His makeup had run in black rivulets down his copper-colored cheeks, evidence that he had just been crying.

Ryou gave a pointed glare, said a very terse, "hello," and walked into the kitchen. His icy demeanor barely masked his inner struggle to start screaming and cursing out the adulterer. The peeved homeowner could hear the platinum-haired philanderer quite clearly through the kitchen door. Apparently, Malik had broken up with Bakura after making a bitter revelation.

"He's been living with Otogi- Ishizu and Odion wouldn't let him in the house. And then I found out that he and Otogi have been sleeping together!"

Malik continued to rant and cry on Marik's shoulder for nearly an hour. Ryou was still furious that the treacherous lech had the audacity to complain about being 'cheated on' in hishome. But the soft-spoken hikari decided to ignore the cad and let him finish raving about his (rather karma-tic) situation.

The news about Bakura, however, wasn't that surprising. Ryou had ruminated on their relationship countless times since that awful day, and he concluded that it was a toxic connection right from the get-go.

The annoyed hikari waited for his former friend to wrap everything up. His patience was starting to wear thin, and he stood up to go through the kitchen door. His pale hand wrapped around the cool handle and quietly turned the knob. He was just about to step back into the living room when he heard the three words he never thought Malik would say to his yami.

"Please... come back."

Two hickory-toned eyes widened in disbelief. He waited for another moment as the larger blonde mumbled something unintelligible. Silence soon fell again, and Ryou opened the door before stepping into his living room.

The two blondes were still seated on the same couch, but now Malik was draped over his yami like an overly-tanned animal skin. Repulsed, Ryou held back a noise of disgust as he made his way up towards his bedroom. He really didn't feel like saying anything further to the tomb keeper. Instead, he went to his room and started to mindlessly sort the books on his bookshelf. He could hear the heavy footsteps of the darker duelist as he made his way up the stairs.

"Ryou-hikari?" A deep voice sounded from just outside his door frame.

Ryou turned around and tried to not look like he had been eavesdropping (as though there was any need, what with how loudly Malik had been whining). The polite youth forced himself to respond. "Yes, Marik?"

"Malik-hikari wants me to go back with him... to go back home..."

Although his heart clenched at the word 'home,' Ryou kept his face blank. "Is that what you truly want? You know you're more than welcome to come back here any time, should you like."

Marik blinked in stunned appreciation. He still wasn't used to being treated as a wanted guest. He gave a grateful grin before nodding. "I'm going back to Malik's house- um, thank you for your kind?"

Despite the situation, Ryou allowed himself a soft smile. "Kindness, Marik. When someone is nice, they are 'kind.' But when you are given something nice, that is a 'kindness.'"

"Oh, ok. Thank you for your kindness."

Ryou managed a partially-pleased expression. "You're very welcome- and if you ever need anything, you can always call me, ok?"

"Ok, thank-"

"Maaarik! Are you coming or what?!" Malik's grating voice sounded loudly from the front entryway. Ryou felt his shoulders rising from his overly-tested tolerance. The white-haired teen decided he couldn't stand it a moment longer, and he pointedly turned back to his bookshelf.

"Take care, Marik."

"You too, Ryou-hikari."

The footsteps faded down the hall. Ryou listened as the front door was soon opened and shut. He kept his eyes on the titles in front of him, but for some reason the letters were growing blurry.

'Happy.' Ryou closed his eyes for a moment, ignoring the tears building in his eyes. 'He deserves to be happy. Even if he's only happy with that cheating, scummy b******- he's happy...' Two chestnut-colored orbs blinked at the now illegible words swimming in front of him.

'Happy... he's happy...'

Ryou closed his eyes again as he pictured Marik, finally back with his hikari.

And he cried.

Later that same afternoon, the Domino Mall was as crowded as always. Marik felt himself growing slightly overwhelmed by the masses jostling against his sides.

"Malik-hikari-?" He called out uncertainly. He knew he wasn't supposed to shove strangers away, but he could barely even keep his other half within sight.

Malik continued to run ahead, paying no mind to the troubled yami.

Marik watched his hikari bounce from place to place, commenting on everything; never listening, only talking. The entire trip had been very normal for a day out with Malik.

It felt familiar. It felt typical.

...It felt wrong.

For some reason, the yami couldn't help but comment out loud. "This isn't right."

But Malik didn't hear him. Or, if he did, he just ignored Marik (as he often did). Instead, the former tomb keeper dragged his reluctant yami into yet another clothing store, and began grabbing everything in his size.

As the uncomfortable yami waited in the overly-crowded store, Marik found himself picturing someone very different- a quiet, composed boy with fair hair and pale skin. Their last mall visit together had been during the middle of the week ("when it's less crowded" Ryou had helpfully planned). Marik could still picture the slender guide, walking alongside him with a soft smile. Soft brown eyes, twinkling up at him in amusement as they discussed something new together. Two youths walking at an easy, casual pace; without the constant urgency and turbulence of excessive want.

Marik felt his jaw nearly grow slack with realization. He wasn't expected to always agree with Ryou, or just sit back and act like a shadow. He wasn't a shadow; a 'yami,' to him.

He was Marik. He had a voice, and a name. He had opinions, and worth. Two lavender orbs narrowed as he realized the elation and freedom he was missing.

Marik frowned and spoke again, more loudly. "This isn't right."

"Eh? What do you mean? You don't think this would look good on me?" Malik was holding up a knit lavender hoodie with golden eyelets.

"No, I mean this." Marik made a grand gesture with his arms.

"The... the mall?" Malik started to pout. "Fine; we can leave if you want, but I'm going to try these on first," he pointed to a pile of outfits.

Marik felt his frustration building. Ryou rarely had to 'guess' what he was referring to- he almost always understood (although this savvy was probably helped by their many Japanese lessons).

Marik's face turned solemn and he lowered his voice as he spoke directly to the other Egyptian. "This. Us. It's just... not right, anymore."

Malik's eyes crinkled in suspicion. "What do you mean? You're mine; I made you!

"I'm going back to Ryou's house." The no-longer conflicted yami stated. "I know what's best for me now, and it's not you."

He could tell Malik was preparing to make a scene (as he often did when things weren't going his way).

Sure enough, the shorter blonde straightened up before positively yelling across the crowded store: "I can't believe you would just leave me when I need you the most!"

Marik paused, glanced back, and then replied firmly in perfect Japanese: "Payback's a b*tch, isn't it?"

Malik's jaw gaped open as he watched his ex-lover walk proudly out of the store, without hesitation or regrets.

Less than an hour later, the liberated yami found himself outside the same front door that had welcomed him in his greatest need.

Marik swallowed, some uncertainty building in his throat. He still had no idea if Ryou saw him as... well, something. He knocked on the closed door, deciding it was more polite than just using his spare key.

"Just a minute!" Ryou's voice echoed down the front hall a few moments before the door opened. "Hmm? Oh, hello Marik!" He immediately noticed the odd look on the yami's face. "What's going on? Is everything alright?"

"No." He looked downwards in uncertainty. "Ryou... I went to the mall with Malik."

Ryou's face turned slightly sour, but he held his tongue. "Shopping?"

"Yes... and it felt... like it always felt."

The pale hikari blinked in confusion. "Is- isn't that good?"

Marik shook his golden head. "No- I don't wanna be that one anymore. I'm not me when I'm with him."

Ryou tilted his head, still not fully understanding. "You're... not 'you?'"

The blonde duelist nodded. "I want to be how I am when I'm with you. I want... to stay with you." The former spirit slowly admitted his deepest aspirations. "You... you don't treat me like a shadow. You treat me like people; like friends." Having admitted his inner uncertainties, the anxious yami opened his arms before asking, "can I... be with you?

Ryou let out a light chuckle as he embraced the nervous yami. "Marik, I told you: you're always welcome here."

Marik's face rested just beneath Ryou's ear, his warm breath faintly ghosting over the pale skin.

Ryou's head was turned, so his face was pressed sideways against Marik's chest. He felt the calming heat, and soft rising and falling of Marik's chest. Was there any greater proof that the bereft Egyptian was a living soul, capable of being hurt and frightened? Eventually, Ryou couldn't take it anymore.

The slender hikari started crying.

Marik panicked. Ryou wasn't that prone to tears- what just happened?!

"Ryou?! Ryou, why are you crying?" He loosened his hold on the other. "Are you hurt?!"

"No," the pale teen sniffled, "I'm just so lost and overwhelmed. I'm very happy that you're happy with me, but I'm also very sad that you can't be with Malik..."

"You're... sad?"

Ryou nodded into the dark fabric. "I know what it's like to lose someone you thought you could depend on; someone you wanted to live for." Two gentle, tawny-brown eyes looked up into a pair of vivid violet orbs. "I don't want you to have to feel that way. That pain..."

"...I don't want you to feel that, either." Marik murmured sadly and he let go of the smaller duelist. "Ryou... you turned me from darkness to alive."

The white-haired boy grinned, not bothering to correct the taller duelist. "I'm so glad..." The shy youth's face was growing flushed- they were still standing quite close to one another, but Ryou didn't want to move. He knew he was probably crossing some line, but at the moment he just couldn't bring himself to care.

But Marik didn't seem like he wanted to move or run away. If anything, Ryou thought he saw the dark duelist leaning in a little closer...

A pair of porcelain hands gently moved their way up, wrapping around the Egyptian's shoulders.

Marik's eyes slowly fell to a half-lidded state, and he let out a faint purr of approval as his own arms moved to embrace the gentle treasure in front of him. "Ryou..."

Two soft, pale lips embraced a richly bronzed pair; and the duo swayed as they melded into the warm blissfulness of each other. All air and sounds between them seemed to vanish. Nothing else seemed to matter; the world was reduced to the shared comfort so badly needed by the two grieving souls.

After finally breaking apart to breathe, it was Ryou's turn to tremulously voice his uncertainties. "Please, stay with me?"

Marik's eyes widened- he had scarcely dared to hope that those four words would ever leave Ryou's lips. Suddenly, his chest felt lighter than he thought possible, and Marik noticed every sweet breath bringing him life.

Ryou felt a golden wave of soft strands flit across his skin as Marik nodded his head. His flushed face was covered by an enormous grin. The bronzed Egyptian whispered sincerely as he knelt for another kiss:

"I will."

(A/N: ~Sorry I couldn't make this a longer story; I just didn't feel enough emotion towards the pairing to push it forward... anyway, hope you enjoyed the two chapters I did get finished!)