Gah, I'm sorry this took so long! I've been focusing a lot on my other chaptered fic. And I've been ill. I am so sorry! But it's here now. However, don't get your hopes up too high because it's mostly filler :S But it's necessary for the next chapter! Which I PROMISE I will have up in under a week! Also, I'm pretty sure there are some geographical impossibilities in this chapter - I don't know much about how water works in a desert. So just...go with it? Anyway, I hope you enjoy! - Jem

Ishizu sat up that whole night to wait for her little brother.

Her fingers danced around the Necklace, half-imagined flashes and visions of possible futures searing her eyes at random intervals, most making no sense, some with occasional glimpses of faces, some strangers, some painfully close to her. And one face that continued to appear was Marik. He haunted her visions.

She always paid a little more attention to those.

At first there were just familiar images – his face splitting into that childish grin, a flash of blonde hair as he turned his back, that gleam in his violet eyes that meant he was thinking on his feet. But then there were the others – his face twisted in a snarl, expression more furious than she had ever seen. Hands raised in front of him, roar marring his mouth. Or that smirk...that dangerous smirk that played about his lips as he stood, one hand on hip, regarding a stranger with white hair...

That white-haired stranger appeared more and more often now in connection to her third brother. His cold purple eyes would flick over Marik's form, his dark hands in Marik's golden hair...Ishizu tried to push the images away but the Necklace would have none of that. It forced her to see, forced her to accept something she could never agree with, something she could never believe...

Marik with his arms around this stranger, hair falling across tanned skin as their lips met messily...

She turned away with a gasp, not wanting to see this reality, not wanting to choose it. But still Marik didn't come home.

She sat long hours in the entrance chamber, perched anxiously on the edge of her straw seat. One sibling or the other would often appear – Kek to ask about the Necklace, Namu after some food, Odion questioning her wellbeing. At least he seemed to care about her a little. On his third visit her adopted brother sat beside her, regarding her with calm beetle-black eyes. "Marik again?"

She sighed heavily. "Odion, I can't make sense of these visions. It's like I'm seeing someone I don't know...someone I've never met before. Only he wears Marik's face."

"We all keep secrets, sister," Odion's brow remained creased though.

She closed her eyes only for another vision of the white-haired thief to flash before her eyes. "Yes brother, but most secrets do not endanger the clan."

Odion sent her a quizzical look at that. "Is Marik in danger?"

"...Not exactly." She bowed her head, fingertips once more at the Item secured around her throat. "At least, not immediately. Not as far as I can tell."

"But..."

"But," she smiled slightly, catching Odion's confused look. "His...activities...aren't exactly what you'd call usual."

"Well it's fairly obvious he's been hiding something," Odion responded with a nod. "When he comes home we'll question him about it. Could be that there's a very simple explanation."

She nodded once, fingers still at her throat. "Yes, I suppose. If he ever does come home."

"Oh, don't doubt that – the food's here remember," Odion grinned wickedly. "He'll turn up soon enough, you'll see."

She sent him a small grateful smile as he wandered back to his chamber, resolving to remain in her chair until her third brother was once more safely back in her arms.

At that precise moment Marik lay with the white-haired thief, wrapped up securely in his arms with his cheek pressed against his chest. Neither of them was clothed, but the blankets on the bed were wrapped securely around them to keep the chill of the night away. Bakura's eyes were shut, although Marik doubted he was truly asleep – the thief seemed always on the alert, always with one hand inches away from a blade. Marik didn't think anything would ever catch him by surprise.

Marik, on the other hand, was nothing but surprised. Of all the situations to find himself in, he had not expected to wake up once more encased in Bakura's arms. And I'm an idiot for being here, he berated himself. My clan will be furious. And worried. I can't keep fobbing them off with lies...what the hell am I going to tell them in the morning? If I even go back...For a moment, the idea of remaining with Bakura floated through his head, and he couldn't hold back a grin. No, get a grip, come on that's the dumbest thing you've thought in ages. If nothing else, you have to return to your clan for the other Items. Add to that you've only known this thief five minutes. You can't exactly entrust your whole life to him, daft idiot.

Something in Marik wanted to do just that though.

Ok, so I like being with him, Marik eventually admitted. He understands my family's situation better than anyone. He even shares a goal with me – we both want the Items destroyed. That's why we're working together. And this...physical stuff is an added bonus. But that's as far as it goes. I don't actually feel anything for him, and I don't want to stay with him.

Maybe if he kept telling himself that, it would start to feel more true.

Bakura stirred slightly, taking in a breath. Without opening his eyes he said "Will you settle down. I'm trying to sleep."

Marik huffed. "I'm saying nothing. I'm not moving. And you didn't have to invite me into your bed, you know."

"As I recall," Bakura opened one eye to regard him with amusement. "It didn't take much persuading to get you here."

Marik scowled at the truth in those words. "Whatever. I'm still not disturbing you."

"You are, actually." Bakura yawned, shifting again so that Marik lay a little more comfortably against his chest. "Your heart rate keeps going up and down."

Marik lifted a brow at that. "You were listening to my heart?"

Bakura looked rather pointedly at the lack of space between them and Marik snorted. Bakura grinned back, yawning again before speaking. "So what are you worrying about?"

Marik sighed. "Who says I'm worrying about anything?"

"Come now, you don't have to argue with me over everything."

Marik smiled slightly, tracing a small figure-of-eight into the older man's chest. "I'm just...thinking about what the hell to tell my clan when I finally make it home."

"If you do."

Marik looked up in amazement. "You'd seriously be ok with me staying here?"

Bakura shrugged, looking away. "It would make everything easier from a planning perspective. Amongst other things." The thief lifted a leg to brush against Marik's inner thigh, making him gasp before grinning. Bakura smirked in reply. "However, we need the Rod and the Necklace first."

Marik stiffened slightly, grimacing at that. "Don't remind me."

"You know why we need them."

"Yes, but that doesn't change the fact that I have to steal from my family."

"It's necessary."

"I know," Marik responded irritably. "And I'll do it. I just don't particularly relish the idea."

"If there was another way I'd take it," Bakura admitted after a pause. "But there isn't."

"I know." Marik stayed stiff for a moment before sighing and relaxing back into Bakura's chest. "You know I'd do it for you." He felt heat rise to his cheeks and hastened to add "For your village, I mean. The innocents that died."

Bakura chuckled darkly. "Yeah, sure, that's what you meant."

Marik chose to remain wisely silent.

Bakura chuckled again, arms wrapping tighter around his back, pulling him further onto his chest. "I'd do it for you too."

"Hmm?" Marik propped his chin on Bakura's hard skin, meeting his eyes with a quizzical expression. "What?"

"You heard me." Bakura looked back calmly, arms still tight around him.

"...Yes," Marik tilted his head, smiling slightly. "Wanted to make sure I didn't misunderstand."

"Well I sure as hell am not saying it again."

Marik laughed, impulsively leaning forwards and placing a small kiss on Bakura's lips. Bakura grinned and shifted slightly, rolling his hips upwards a little. A small gasp escaped Marik's mouth, and his smile grew. "Are you trying to tell me something, thief?"

"Perhaps." Bakura repeated the gesture and Marik moaned softly, leaning forwards and pressing his face into his shoulder. That low cool voice chuckled, and Marik heard a whisper in his ear. "Ready to go again?"

"Thought you'd never ask."

The small hours of the morning passed, and Ishizu was still seated on the straw, waiting patiently.

Marik will come, she assured herself. He will come, and he will have an explanation. He will not abandon his family. He will return for us. I trust my brother.

The Necklace sparked warningly against her skin, and her tired fingertips travelled upwards once more to brush the cool metal lightly. The searing visions continued thrashing through her skull, too many and too numerous to count, too confused to truly make sense of. She gave up eventually, curling into her seat, lifting her feet up off the dusty floor and wrapping her arms around her knees, long black hair falling around her; a protective curtain against the world.

Marik will come, Marik will come, Marik will come.

Dawn broke onto a silent chamber as Kek stepped out of his room, yawning widely and stretching, Millennium Rod firmly in his grasp. He slipped it nonchalantly into his belt before flinging a cloak around his shoulders and striding out to the food area, passing Ishizu's curled up figure. Barely sparing her a glance he made straight for their supply until a quiet voice spoke into the shadows. "He didn't come, did he?"

"Huh?" Kek turned with his mouth full to see his sister watching him calmly. Her ice-blue eyes were sad, long white dress spilling around her as she pulled herself upright.

"Marik." The name dropped from her lips like a single drop of water, sending ripples through the air. "He didn't come home, did he?"

Kek sent her a quizzical look. "He should be in his room."

Ishizu shook her head, expression blank as her fingers brushed the Necklace. "He didn't come home."

Kek regarded her silently for a moment before striding to Marik's room and roughly pushing aside the door. A scowl burned his features as he looked back at his sister, eventually turning on his other clan members' rooms, quickly throwing open their chambers to reveal a surprised-looking Odion and a sleepy Namu. "M-Kek?" The latter yawned. "What's up?"

"What's up," he growled. "Is that good-for-nothing boy Marik. Where the hell is he?"

Namu blinked blearily. "Oh, he's probably with the Thief King."

"Namu, by all the Gods above do not start that again!"

"I'm serious!" Namu glared at him angrily. "Marik was talking to him yesterday at the Meet! They arranged to meet at sundown so I guess they're not finished with whatever they were doing yet..." he trailed off with a frown. "I wasn't supposed to tell anyone though...you won't tell on me Kek, will you?"

Odion came to stand next to his youngest brother, a crease in his forehead. "What are you talking about Namu? Did Marik talk to someone yesterday?"

Namu chewed his lip. "I said I wouldn't tell!"

Kek spoke, voice dangerously quiet. "There was someone. He was talking to someone – when I went to fetch him, at the Meet. He told me it was just a stall holder..."

Ishizu gasped, fingers once more at her Necklace. "This man...did he...did he have white hair?"

Namu grinned triumphantly. "Yep! And purple eyes, it was really weird when you looked at how dark his skin was...oh, I probably shouldn't have said that..."

Ishizu's eyes were wide as her fingers danced around the metal at her throat. Odion shot her a worried glance, touching her shoulder. "Ishizu?"

Kek pulled the Rod out from under his cloak, gripping it tightly as it began to hum. The Necklace responded in kind, humming brilliantly and emitting a bright spat of burning red light. The Rod, in its turn, flashed out purple, lighting up the hues in Kek's eyes as he looked coolly into his sister's ice-blue gaze.

She drew in a shuddering breath, arms falling limply by her side. Namu skittered behind his eldest brother, hiding in the folds of his cloak as Odion grasped Ishizu's shoulder roughly, looking between his two older siblings with worry written into every feature. Ishizu finally spoke, words dropping like stones onto the dusty Egyptian floor.

"Marik is in danger."

Splash.

The cool water fell through Marik's vision as he straightened up again, droplets flying from his blonde locks as he shook his head rapidly, running his fingers through the strands to loosen any knots that were forming. Reaching back into the pail of water he quickly scrubbed at his lightly tanned skin, revelling in the feeling of finally getting clean. Satisfied, he pulled his robe on before once more attacking his hair, roughly pushing down the stubborn strands into some semblance of normality.

"You know, you sort of look like a cat when you do that."

Marik whirled to face the white haired thief, meeting that cool purple gaze with a smirk of his own. "A cat? Really?"

Bakura nodded slowly. "Something about the way you tilt your head, I think."

"Nice to know you're watching me so closely," he snorted, but the sound was gentle. He tried once more to tame his hair before giving up and turning back to Bakura. "Aren't you going to put some proper clothes on?"

Bakura grinned, gesturing to the lone piece of cloth wrapped around his waist. "Am I making you uncomfortable, Ishtar?"

"Far from it," Marik placed his hands on his hips. "But if you go out looking like that it's going to raise a few eyebrows."

"Especially if you're walking with me looking as bare as you do right now," Bakura countered with a smirk.

Marik rolled his eyes. "That's cos I just washed, idiot. You should as well, you know – you're starting to smell."

"You're one to talk."

"At least I'm clean now." Marik gestured towards the water. "Go on."

Bakura turned his nose up, inspecting it with disdain. "You've made it all dirty."

Marik laughed. "Don't be such a baby. In my clan we have to share a pail between five – this is nothing, trust me."

"No wonder you smell so much then," he sniffed haughtily before turning his back.

Marik glared, glint in his eye turning mischievous. He moved quickly, knowing it was difficult to take Bakura by surprise, gripping the pail firmly in one hand and turning it upside down, pouring its contents all over the tall white-haired thief.

Bakura yelped in surprise as the cold water hit him almost painfully, dripping in front of his eyes in a sheet of icy spikes before landing with a wet splosh on the ground. He shook his head, hair spiking madly as he whirled to face Marik, danger in his eyes.

Marik missed this completely, doubled over with laughter as he was, clutching his stomach as he let out peal after peal of raucous hilarity, mouth stretched wide. Despite himself Bakura felt a smile tickling the corner of his lips, though he kept his expression stern and his eyes dangerous as he stalked forwards, dropping into a crouch.

Marik finally seemed to take in his situation, drawing in loud gasping breaths as he straightened up. "Gods Bakura...your face...I never thought I'd see you so surprised..."

Bakura made no reply, circling Marik in a low crouch with his eyes glinting and hands clawed before him. Marik watched him, still grinning, as he stalked around the chamber. "If you're trying to be intimidating it isn't really working."

Oh, he would pay for that.

Bakura gave it another three seconds before pouncing, aiming not for Marik's face but his legs, sending them both toppling to the ground. Marik let out a surprised oof as the unexpected weight fell on top of him, back jarring as he hit the ground. All thoughts soon escaped his head however as Bakura attacked him, fingers, lips, even teeth playing with every piece of exposed skin they could find. Unfortunately for Marik, due to their undressed state there was rather a lot for Bakura to work with. The younger Egyptian soon found himself submitting completely to his touches, wriggling in part-discomfort and part-ecstasy as Bakura continued his assault.

Eventually the older thief let up, climbing to his feet with a self-satisfied grin ruined somewhat by the droplets still falling from his shock of white hair. Marik lay still and concentrated on his breathing for a moment before getting awkwardly to his feet, fixing Bakura with a death glare. "...I suppose that makes us even."

"Naturally," Bakura responded coolly. "And you ever try and pull a stunt like that again, you'll have more than just a few bruises to worry about."

They regarded each other before breaking into identical grins.

Marik held out his hand, chuckling slightly. "Truce then?"

Bakura shook it firmly, smirking. "Truce. Now come on, let's get out of here – I need to dry off."

Marik allowed himself to be pulled out of the Chamber, scurrying quickly and keeping to the shadows in case anyone should question their rather undressed state. "Um, Bakura...where are we going?"

"Somewhere," was the cryptic response. Marik rolled his eyes and allowed himself to be led through the passages.

It took maybe half an hour for Bakura to finally slow, leading Marik uphill through a long, quiet passage. They were deep in the East Corner now – Marik had absolutely no idea how to get back to his clan, let alone Bakura's room or his Chamber of Treasures. Bakura seemed to pick up on this, shooting Marik a sidelong glance. "You don't have a clue where you are, do you?"

"Nope." Marik was a little out of breath from their quick pace, so he kept his answers short as they continued climbing through the passage.

Bakura lifted a brow, hand still firm in Marik's. "Doesn't that bother you?"

"No," Marik shrugged. "You're here, after all, and you seem to know where you're going."

"And you trust me?"

"For now, yeah."

Bakura blinked before a slow smirk spread across his face. "That isn't necessarily a good idea."

"So you keep saying." Marik couldn't hold back a small sigh of relief when he caught a glimpse of sunlight at the end of their tunnel, and he pushed forwards gladly, looking forward to being out in the air above ground again. Bakura allowed him to take the lead, smiling at the blissful expression on his young face as they emerged into the sunlight.

"So, you like being outside then?"

"Hm?" Marik barely heard him, enjoying the warm rays on his face as he closed his eyes.

"You must like it – anyone would think you had never seen the sun before."

Marik opened his eyes and turned to glare at the thief. "Lived underground my whole life, remember? I only ever come up here to get water."

Bakura grinned. "Speaking of water..." he led Marik out further into the desert, and as Marik looked around he realised that they were headed away from the Oasis that all the thieves in the underground network used.

"Um, Bakura," he eventually spoke up as he was tugged ever-further from the water. "...I hate to break this to you, but we're going the wrong way."

"Who said I was going to the Oasis?"

"You mentioned water..."

Bakura just tossed him a sly wink before continuing. Marik rolled his eyes slightly. Well, I've come this far...I suppose I may as well see what he's being so secretive about.

They continued on a few more paces, getting steadily further and further from the underground network until the sand began to rise in a steep dune. Marik lifted a brow but Bakura continued tugging him forwards, stopping just before they reached the top. He turned with a grin, gesturing expansively to the desert surrounding them. "Just have a look at where we live, Marik."

Marik looked, and gasped.

From their new vantage point the desert sprawled out below them, sand glistening in the morning sunlight. The tunnels of the thieves were completely and artfully hidden; the only obvious signs of life were the Oasis and, a little further on, the huge open site of the Pharaoh's excavation. A little beyond that lay the broken and decrepit ruins of the village once known as Kul Elna; Bakura's eyes hardened a little when they settled there. The horizon stretched out far in the distance, blazing sun climbing steadily in the sky as the day rolled on.

The pair stood in silence for a few moments until Marik eventually blinked out of his daze. His throat was feeling more than a little parched. "So, Bakura...about that water..."

The thief chuckled despite himself. "Very subtle Marik. Turn around."

Marik lifted an eyebrow. "Why...?"

"Just do it."

The younger Egyptian sighed audibly but complied anyway, turning and climbing the last few metres to the top of the dune. He let out another rush of air at the sight that met his eyes.

Water bubbled up from a source deep in the centre of the desert, flowing out in small rivulets and ripples to enter a wide, shallow oasis hidden by reeds that waved softly in the early morning air. Marik took a step forward eagerly, almost suspicious that the whole thing was the product of some sort of mirage...but no, the reeds brushed softly against his arms, and the water was cool and soothing to his feet as he slipped off his sandals and dipped his toes in...

"Thought you might like it," came the cool voice from behind him. Marik turned to face him, and his grin said it all. Bakura smiled back and stepped into the water next to him, slipping off his sandals. "This is a much better way of getting clean, isn't it?"

"...I can't deny that," Marik said softly, looking around again. Now that they were in the water they were completely hidden, by reeds on three sides and the sand dune behind them. Even if anyone strayed this far away from the underground complex, they would have to climb right up to the top of that dune to spot them, and in this searing heat that was unlikely. Marik turned to his partner with shining eyes. "It's perfect. How did you find it?"

"I used to play here with my sister," he muttered, dropping his gaze.

Marik blinked. "When you lived above ground?"

Bakura didn't say anything, just nodded.

Marik watched him silently for a moment before reaching out and taking his hand. "Thank you for sharing it with me."

Bakura sent him a small smile which quickly turned devilish. "Well," he breathed smoothly. "I still think I owe you for pouring that water on me earlier...so..." he used his grip on Marik's hand to pull the Egyptian towards him, catching Marik by surprise until he was suddenly released and pushed backwards, landing heavily on his backside right in the centre of the oasis. He spluttered, thankful that the water was shallow enough for him to land and keep his head above the surface. He eyed Bakura's grinning form with a glare. "I thought we were even?"

"Well then you thought wrong."

Marik continued glaring. "Well, you'll just have to come in here with me."

"Not happening," Bakura backed away, sitting happily on the sandy bank. "I think I'll just watch."

"Idiot," Marik muttered, dragging himself out and shaking his hair for the second time that day, pulling off his heavy robe and setting it to dry on the bank. He was now merely clad in a simple loincloth around his waist, and he grinned when he sensed Bakura's eyes roving around his body. He turned with a smirk. "Was this just a ploy to get me to take my clothes off?"

"...Maybe."

Marik's smirk widened and he strode over to the white-haired thief, pulling him upright and holding him close. "Well," he purred. "Looks like you'll just have to come in with me."

And he fell sideways, causing them both to hit the water with an almighty splash.

Kek glared at Ishizu as her words hung heavily in the chamber of the Ishtar clan. He growled, lifting the still-glowing Rod to hold it firmly in front of him. "Of course he's in danger! I'm going to kill him when he gets home!"

"Kek, not helping." Odion breathed, turning back to Ishizu. "Just what do you see?"

She blinked, fingers still urgently clutching at the Necklace. "I-I'm not sure...it's all just confused flashes..."

Odion grasped her arm. "Focus. Where is he? Do we need to get him?"

She drew in a shuddering breath. "No, it's...it's that white-haired thief...the Thief King. He's with the Thief King..."

Kek roared. "The Thief King doesn't exist, Ishizu!"

"I thought so too Kek," she ground out. "But I can assure you he does...and he's got Marik...Marik's with him, but he's..."

"Right," Odion suddenly started moving. "We've got to get him back."

Kek was already at the door, Namu following with wide eyes.

"NO!"

Ishizu's desperate cry halted them all in their tracks. She reached out, fingers clinging tightly onto Odion's robe as she met his black gaze.

"Marik...Marik wants to be with him."

Kek advanced towards her threateningly. "What are you saying here, sister?"

She gasped, closing her eyes at the vision that once more flashed before her eyes. Her brother and the white-haired stranger, locked together in an intimate embrace, eyes gleaming as their lips met...the look of utter bliss on her brother's face when he was with him...

"Ishizu!"

She came back to herself to meet three pairs of worried eyes. She raised a hand, managing a weak laugh. "I'm sorry, I'm fine, it's just...these visions, they're rather...disturbing..."

"Disturbing?" Kek frowned at her. "About Marik and the so-called Thief King? What do you see?"

She drew in a breath. "They look...happy...but they..." She swallowed. "They're being...rather intimate, shall we say."

Odion's brows shot up. "Are you suggesting what I think you are?"

"Yes, brother. Yes I am."

Silence rung through the chamber until Namu's small voice piped up. "What does intimate mean?"

Ishizu laughed, almost hysterical. "I'm not having this conversation with you now, Namu. Why don't you go back to your room?"

"But I'm always left out! It's not fair..."

"Namu," Odion spoke quietly. "If you go to your room now I'll let you have extra bread at dinner. Alright?"

He narrowed his eyes. "With spices?"

"Of course with spices. But you have to go to your room now and stay there the rest of the day, alright? No matter what you hear."

Namu sighed huffily, but turned to leave the chamber anyway.

Kek didn't once break eye contact with Ishizu as Namu walked out of earshot. "I'm assuming this Thief King is a male?"

"Yes."

Kek cursed loudly. "That idiot! What the hell does Marik think he's doing? He knows the punishment for that sort of thing..."

Odion chewed his lip. "What do we do about this, sister? We can't bring him up before the Council, he's still our brother..."

"No we cannot!" Kek was still shouting as he paced angrily. "We'll have to deal with this ourselves. What's Marik doing, getting involved with something like this? Doesn't he realise he's endangering the reputation of our entire clan? And we're so close to finally getting the other Items!"

"Calm down," Odion laid a placating hand on his shoulder. "And remember, he may yet have an innocent explanation for all of this. I suggest we hear his side of the story before jumping to any conclusions. Agreed?"

Ishizu quickly assented, turning her head to the oldest member of the Ishtar clan.

Kek drew in an angry breath, but nodded reluctantly. "I swear to the Gods though, if he has done anything to risk our plans I will personally skin him alive."

Marik and Bakura lay side by side under the shade of the reeds, hands outstretched but not quite touching as they dried off in the still-warm glare of the setting sun. Marik sighed contently, turning on his side to realise that those cold purple eyes – warmed slightly in the desert sun – were regarding him calmly. Marik lifted a brow. "Is there any particular reason you're staring at me?"

"Nothing in particular," Bakura quirked his mouth upwards.

Marik grinned. "Sure. Nice to know you like looking at me."

"Don't get full of yourself, Ishtar."

"Not to worry," Marik smiled at him, a dazzling grin that showed off his white teeth, contrasted so well with his lightly tanned skin. "You've got 'arrogant' covered."

Bakura scoffed lightly. "As if you'd have me any other way."

"Right now I'd have you any way," Marik mumbled, words out before he realised what he'd said. He cursed softly. "Damn. Can you pretend you didn't hear that?"

"Nope, sorry Ishtar." Bakura grinned, reaching over and pulling him closer, sending the younger Egyptian's head crashing into his shoulder. "I'm going to remember that for a very long time."

"Fabulous," Marik muttered into his skin, turning on his side to be better able to curl against Bakura.

The older thief pressed him close, holding him securely against his chest. They lay quietly for a few more minutes, the sun drawing ever closer to the horizon above them. The first stars began to dot the sky. Bakura shut his eyes for a moment, listening to Marik's slow breathing before bringing his lips to the younger one's ears. "It was your hair," he whispered.

"Hm?" Marik had started to doze in the quiet, but now he tried to lift his head.

Bakura pressed him firmly back against his chest. "Why I was staring at you. The sun was shining off your hair; it made it glow. Like fire. You were burning for me there, Marik."

The younger Egyptian lay still, stunned into silence for a moment. Eventually he made to tilt his head upwards again, and this time Bakura allowed it, moving his hand into Marik's golden hair.

Violet eyes met light purple.

Marik spoke, voice soft. "If I burn then you are the water that keeps me safe. If..." he stopped, thinking through his words carefully, trying to work out how to express what he felt. "Bakura, it's like this. If I could stay out here under the desert sun, and go to sleep every evening in your arms, knowing that you would still be there when I awake...Bakura, I'd never ask for anything else."

The thief regarded him silently before leaning forwards and planting a soft kiss on his forehead. "Marik," he said against his skin. "When the Items are gone – when my people are finally free – there's nothing I'd like more than to live in the desert with you."

Marik smiled despite himself, and Bakura, hesitantly, returned the expression. Marik once again buried his face into Bakura's chest, holding himself as close as possible, secure within the thief's arms wrapped carefully around him. They lay there as the sun set, casting ever-lengthening shadows across the endless sands of the desert. If you looked, very carefully, you could just about see two shadows standing, one slightly taller, the other slightly leaner. They moved slowly, collecting bits and pieces of their belongings, before turning to leave the Oasis, heading back to the tunnels.

They shared one last kiss before heading their separate ways – one to a night of loneliness and depression, the other to the fury and anger of his clan.

That's it for now XD A very fluffy chapter I know, but all hell breaks loose next update. You can imagine Marik's clan aren't best pleased...Anyway, I shall update as soon as I possibly can. I hope it will be before a week goes by. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed! - Jem