Chapter 11, woo! Thanks again to everyone reading and reviewing, I really appreciate it XD So this chapter is basically another bucketload of thiefshipping, so I hope you enjoy! - Jem

That night, Ryou was the only one who got anything close to a decent night's sleep.

Marik lay on his front on the sofa, trying to ignore his still burning back and definitely not thinking about a certain white-haired Brit with an attitude problem. He could not get that kiss out of his mind. It had felt so good...But there's no point even thinking about pursuing this, he reminded himself with a small sigh. I can't be gay, remember. And even if maybe possibly there was the tiniest thought that I might be, Bakura would never feel the same way. He's just been messing with me so far, trying to get me out of the closet...it almost worked too. Idiotic jerk.

As the clock ticked ever closer to eight Marik eventually gave up, jumping in the shower quickly and pulling on his favourite hoody, jeans and jacket combo, sliding on his jewellery and, of course, applying his eyeliner. He spent a long while tugging at his blonde hair, stubbornly trying to make it lie flat while it just as stubbornly stuck straight up in the air. He eventually tamed it into something akin to normality and admired his reflection a moment. Huh, now I look pretty good...I wonder if Bakura would agree. No, no, I did NOT just think that. Urgh. I couldn't care less what Bakura thinks. I don't even want to think about him. Urgh, I seriously need to sort my head out...

Ryou called him from the living room. "Are you ready to go, Marik? We're going to be late..."

"Of course, just coming!" He quickly replied as he left the bathroom, and they headed out of the flat, Ryou calling a quick goodbye to his brother before closing the door.

Bakura ignored them, tossing over in his mountain of sheets as he stubbornly closed his eyes, refusing to let that effeminate Egyptian ruin any more of his sleep. He'd been kept awake almost the whole night thinking about him, and whenever he started to drift off a memory of that kiss would come tearing right back; even when he was awake it was always lurking in the background. Why the hell did I even do it? He berated himself. Marik's a lost cause, he's so deep in that closet he doesn't even realise it's there! It doesn't matter how cute he may look, it will never happen. And I don't care, because I don't care about him. At all. Not one jot.

Even inside his own head, the words didn't ring true.

Bakura groaned and rolled out of bed, landing with a crash on the floor. Bloody effeminate teen. The sooner he's out of my life, the better. But even thinking that caused something to twist in his gut, so Bakura pushed all thoughts of him away, instead forcing himself to his feet and getting ready for work. The job that Marik helped me get...ok, seriously, I need to get a grip. I'm acting like a bloody lovesick girl.

Much to Ryou's chagrin, the rest of the week passed with Marik and Bakura barely acknowledging each other, and certainly not allowing themselves to be alone with each other. He tried talking to them both separately about it – Marik just fobbed him off with the whole "I am definitely not gay" argument, and Bakura constantly told him "He's a bloody idiot. Why would I be interested in him?" Ryou could just see, though, that whenever either of them loudly declared how much they hated the other, there was hurt deep inside. It was all just so stupid! They were both too proud to admit that they could actually be happy together!

As Saturday rolled around and the morning was spent in awkward glances and heavy silences, Ryou eventually decided to take matters into his own hands. I need to get them to talk to each other. But how...He smiled wickedly as an idea came to him. Who said he couldn't be cunning?

Innocently, he wandered into the living room, where Bakura was frowning as he tapped away at the keys on his laptop. "Hey, 'Kura?"

"Yes?" The older teen didn't look away from the screen as he answered.

"Um..." Ryou worried his bottom lip slightly. "I sort of could use a favour..."

Bakura sighed loudly. "Spit it out, Ry, and quickly cos I'm in the middle of a game."

"Well, could you...I mean, I'm trying to find mum's favourite picture. You know, the one of you, me and Amane at that water park..."

"I know the one," Bakura said shortly. "Thought it was on the mantelpiece?"

Ryou shook his head. "I looked. I've looked everywhere apart from your room, I mean...so could you check..."

He waved him away. "Sure, after this game."

"No, Bakura." Ryou's voice was firm, making his brother look up in surprise. "I mean, please, I just really want to look at it...I haven't seen mum in so long..."

Bakura's eyes softened slightly, but he huffed as he stood up. "Oh bloody hell. Fine, if it's that important to you." He paused his game and headed to his bedroom.

Ryou grinned as he saw him enter, closing the door behind him. Way to go, emotional blackmail. Now, Marik...He headed into the kitchen where Marik was washing the dishes from their lunch, a faint scowl on his face. "Hey Marik,"

"Hey, Ry," the Egyptian responded a little distantly, clearly deep in thought.

"Um, listen, would you mind going into Bakura's room for a sec?"

Marik sent him a stare. "...Why?"

Ryou chewed his lip, managing to look worried. "Well, he was acting really strange earlier, and he's just gone out to the shops. I'm sure he's hiding something, but he hates me going in his room so I can't search for myself..."

Marik lifted a brow. "And you think he'll be any happier if he finds me in his room?"

Ryou laughed a little nervously. "Well, he hasn't expressly told you that you can't go in there, so I thought it would be better that way..."

Marik sighed a little, stepping away from the sink. "What am I looking for?"

Ryou hid a smile. "Um, his notebook, if you can find it, he writes everything in there..."

Marik's brows shot up. "Your brother keeps a diary?"

"Yeah..." Well he used to. I have no idea if he still does, but you don't need to know that.

"Huh." Marik snorted. "I never had him down as the type. Anyway, he's definitely out, yes?"

"Yes." Ryou was pleased that he didn't even stutter.

"I guess it's alright then." Marik opened the door to Bakura's room and entered, and Ryou quickly pulled it closed behind him and turned the key in the lock.

Marik whirled around. "Ryou...Ryou did you just lock the door?" He twisted the handle and pushed. Nothing happened. "Ryou, what the hell?"

"...What exactly are you doing in my room?"

Marik jumped three feet in the air, spinning around and whacking his back painfully against the door. Bakura regarded him, one eyebrow raised and amusement making his eyes twinkle.

Marik just stared before spinning back around and crashing his fists against the door. "Ryou! Open this door right now!"

There was muffled laughter from the other side of the wood. Bakura's eyes widened in understanding and he strode over, shoving Marik out of the way. "Ryou, open it."

"S-sorry 'Kura, but no c-can do." Ryou was still breathless with laughter. "You guys need to sort this out. I'm going to the shops, I'll let you out when I get home, alright?" Footsteps crossed the flat before the door opened and swung shut with a sense of definite finality.

Bakura slammed into the door. "Dammit Ryou, what the hell do you think you're doing!"

Marik just backed away, eyes wide. I'm trapped. In Bakura's bedroom. With Bakura. I'm trapped. In his bedroom...Oh Gods, now what...

Bakura eventually turned to face him. They both flushed slightly as they made eye contact.

They said it together, perfectly in sync. "Ryou. Is. Dead."

Both teens sat on Bakura's bed, Marik perched nervously on the edge, Bakura sprawled out, leaning back on his elbows. He chuckled slightly. "I can't believe Ryou manipulated us so well. How'd he get you to come in here anyway?"

Marik couldn't hold back a giggle. "He told me to find your diary. Which I might still do, you know."

Bakura rolled his eyes. "I don't keep a diary. And if I did, why would you want to read it?"

Marik smirked slightly. "Why else? I'd want to read all about how you have a hopeless crush on me, obviously."

The older teen snorted. "Well, hopeless crushes are your speciality, kid."

"Oh for the love of the Gods, I am not a kid!" Marik sent him a death glare.

Bakura just chuckled. "Sure you aren't, kid."

Marik glowered before changing the subject. "How'd he get you to come in here, anyway?"

"Told me he wanted to find an old family photo," Bakura responded. "He's always been good at emotional blackmail. I should have known he was up to something."

Marik tilted his head slightly. "Huh. I never had Ryou down as being so manipulative."

"Oh, don't let him fool you. He's no more innocent than I am."

Marik snorted. "He can't be as bad as you."

Bakura shrugged. "He's just better at hiding it."

"Whereas you make no effort to hide it at all," Marik commented with a grin. Bakura rolled his eyes. Marik looked down, biting his lip. "Why...why do you suppose he locked us in a room together?"

Bakura scoffed. "I couldn't hazard a guess," he said sarcastically. "We've been pissing him off no end with all the awkwardness since that kiss."

Marik's face blanched slightly. "We haven't been awkward..." Catching Bakura's disbelieving look he sighed. "No, fine, you're right, it's been awkward. Why have you been avoiding me, anyway?"

Bakura lifted a brow. "Why have you been avoiding me?"

Marik chewed his lip, looking down. Bakura just laughed. "If you're not interested, just say. It was rather cruel of you to kiss back like that, though."

Marik's eyes widened and he met Bakura's gaze with a jolt. "No! That isn't it...I mean, I'm not not interested..."

Bakura sat up slightly. "Go on. Explain."

Marik looked back to the floor, nibbling his lower lip. Bakura's eyes were drawn there. He didn't notice though, looking steadfastly at the floor and coughing slightly. "I'm not gay."

Bakura just rolled his eyes. "That old chestnut? You do realise that everyone knows you are apart from you, right?"

To the older teen's surprise, Marik smiled slightly. "That's exactly what Tristan and Joey said..." Seeing Bakura's confused expression he chuckled. "Two kids at school. They heard Ryou quizzing me about this and thought they'd jump on the 'get Marik out of the closet' bandwagon that you seem to have started."

Bakura chuckled lowly. "Idiots. But Ryou's been quizzing you?"

Marik looked away. "Hasn't he been quizzing you too?"

"...Yes." Bakura frowned. "God, I hate when he plays matchmaker."

"He's done this before?"

"...Never this successfully. I've not been even remotely interested in any of the others."

Marik's eyebrows shot up. "But you are remotely interested in me?"

Bakura grinned mischievously. "Doesn't matter. You're not gay, right?"

Marik blinked. "...Right..."

They sat in silence for a moment until Bakura had an idea. With a dangerous glint in his eyes that Marik didn't much like, he deliberately shuffled further up the bed, sitting right next to Marik.

The Egyptian leaned away slightly, eyes narrowed. "What are you...?"

Bakura just smiled innocently. "Oh, nothing. Just, if you're not gay, this shouldn't bother you, right?"

Marik's eyes hardened. "Right. I'm not bothered at all."

Wrong answer, Marik. "Goodo. So if I do this," he suddenly grabbed Marik's wrists and forced him backwards, leaning over him as he fell back onto the bed. "You shouldn't be feeling anything at all, right?"

There was a dark tinge to his cheeks but he met Bakura's eyes defiantly. "Absolutely."

Second mistake, Marik. Bakura pressed himself flush against the Egyptian, bringing their foreheads together as he breathed "So why are you blushing?"

Marik froze, staring into Bakura's crimson eyes and finding himself completely incapable of looking away. "Um...would you believe me if I said I was just hot?"

Bakura chuckled lowly, and Marik shivered at the seductive sound. "No Marik, no I wouldn't. Though, admittedly, you are very hot."

Marik's eyes widened, then narrowed as he glared at the older teen. "Is this all just an elaborate scheme to get me out of the closet?"

Bakura hummed thoughtfully. "Yes and no. Your denial is frankly ridiculous, but then..."

Marik quirked an eyebrow as he trailed off. "You'd better finish that sentence, asshole."

Bakura just grinned. "I suppose you could say I have my own personal interest in getting you out of the closet, Marik."

Marik felt more heat rush to his face at the implication of those words. Bakura watched him quizzically, apparently waiting for some sort of response. Marik drew in a shaky breath. "Well, I still don't think I'm gay. But, then...you're the only one I've ever felt anything like this for...oh Gods Bakura, why couldn't you just be a woman?"

Bakura laughed, breath ghosting across Marik's face as he leaned closer. "I don't think you'd like me anywhere near as much if I was a woman."

"It would make things much easier." Marik looked away as much as was possible, given their rather close proximity.

Bakura sighed as he looked down. "And why is that, Marik? What's your problem with gay people?"

"I don't have a problem with it," he responded, screwing his eyes shut so he would be free of that burning red gaze. "I just...I can't be gay! My family will kill me..."

Bakura's gaze darkened. "I doubt it. I would be very much surprised if they didn't already know."

Marik's eyes flew open as he shot him a quizzical look. "Bakura, I don't even know. How in the hell would they know before me?"

Bakura shrugged, eyes sparkling. "Frankly Marik, you're the gayest person I've ever seen. No way in hell are you straight."

Marik's glare hardened. "I am totally straight!"

"Yeah, sure, that's why you're quite happily lying underneath another man on his bed right now."

Marik's cheeks burned, and he wriggled. "Yeah, about that, get the hell off me!"

"Bit late now, Marik." Bakura just settled down, ignoring his struggling. "I'm far too comfortable to move."

Marik sighed resignedly. "It doesn't even matter if I'm gay or not, you know – it's not like it would change anything."

Bakura lifted a brow. "Excuse me?"

"Well, you would still think I'm just an ignorant kid, Ryou kinda already suspects it, and no one else in school would give a damn. But it would hurt my siblings, so what's the point of coming out?" Marik screwed his eyes shut again; Bakura's gaze really burned.

Damn it all, Bakura grumbled to himself. I'm going to have to confess first. Bloody effeminate teen! Bakura sat up suddenly, though he stayed straddling Marik, not allowing the younger teen to sit up; like hell was he giving up control. "Listen carefully Marik, because I'm only going to say this once. You being gay would change everything. Now, you may not have noticed because I'm fairly certain that pretty little head of yours is mostly full of air, but I have kissed you. Twice. Now, why exactly do you think I'd have done that, hm?"

Marik opened his eyes hesitantly. "To get me out of the closet...?"

Bakura sighed loudly. "Marik, why the hell do you think I'm interested in you being in the closet? I don't care about humanity. So why would I be bothered about you."

Marik frowned, eyes clouding over before they shot wide open in sudden understanding. "What exactly are you saying here, Bakura?"

The older teen rolled his eyes. "Are you really going to make me say it?"

Marik grinned wickedly. "Yup."

Bakura's brows lowered. "You say it first."

Marik blinked. "Um...say what exactly..."

"Oh no, you don't." Bakura leaned right back down, faces mere inches apart. "You first, you bloody idiot."

Marik chewed on his lower lip. "I swear, if this is all some kind of practical joke..."

"It isn't," Bakura said impatiently. "Hurry up."

Marik just glared. "You are going to pay for making me say it first. But, Bakura..." he screwed his eyes shut. "I...um, I...urgh..."

There was a gentle touch on his cheek, and he opened his eyes to find himself looking straight into Bakura's crimson gaze. He read hope, fear, nervousness, hesitancy...basically everything Marik was feeling too. But there was something else, lurking deep in the depths of him...something very close to caring...?

Marik swallowed, and pushed himself up off the bed slightly. Their noses brushed. "Bakura, I think I'm falling in love with you," he breathed before finally closing the gap and brushing their lips together.

Bakura's heart soared, and he pressed Marik back into the bed as they deepened the kiss. His hands found Marik's blonde locks, and he couldn't hold back a chuckle when he felt the tan teen's hands scrabble desperately at his back. He was very surprised, though, when Marik suddenly pulled away and flipped himself upright, rolling them over so that Bakura found himself on his back, with the Egyptian leaning down over him, smirking dangerously. "Your turn," he all but purred.

Bakura glared up at him. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Well," Marik responded, sitting up so he straddled the older teen, pinning his arms down with his knees. "I figured you'd be reluctant to return the sentiment. So I thought you could use some encouragement. Besides, who said you're the dominant one here?"

Bakura scoffed. "Oh please. You could never be the dominant one in this relationship."

Marik shivered happily at the word. "...Relationship?"

Bakura rolled his eyes. "That's quite obviously where all this is headed."

Marik hid his grin behind a pout. "So go on then. Your turn."

"If you think I'm going to say it, you're very much mistaken."

Marik leaned closer with a smirk. "You're not leaving until you do."

"Oh? And you really think you can stop me?"

"That, and the door's locked. I'm pretty sure if I yelled to Ryou that you haven't confessed yet he'd keep us trapped in here until you do."

Bakura frowned. "That is...probably true." He smirked arrogantly. "I'm still not saying it though."

Marik glared down at him. "Yes you are."

"No, I'm not."

"Are."

"Not."

"Are."

Bakura just laughed. "You are a petulant child, you know that?"

Marik glared, leaning closer still, their foreheads touching. "You're in no position to talk."

"But I will be."

Before Marik could question that statement Bakura had moved, rolling them once more so he hovered on top. Marik wasn't having any of that, though, so he lunged upwards and knocked Bakura backwards, both of them tumbling off the bed and onto the floor. Bakura caught Marik with a laugh, wrapping his arms around him securely to keep him in place. Marik writhed a little before giving up, falling into Bakura's chest and burying his face in his shoulder.

Bakura chuckled darkly in his ear. "You were saying?"

Marik just pressed closer. "I'd still be happier if you said it. I just came out of the closet for you, you know."

"Hah. About bloody time." Bakura pressed the Egyptian closer, breathing in his scented blonde hair. God, the guy is practically a girl. But I can't deny the truth any longer...I'd better just get this over with. I am never going to live this down. Wrapping his arms tighter so that Marik couldn't move, he breathed into his ear, whispering words he never thought he'd say to anyone. Least of all Marik, of all people. "I love you, you bloody effeminate teen."

A grin split Marik's face in two, and he leaned up slightly, meeting Bakura's crimson gaze. "About bloody time to you too."

Bakura just laughed and rolled again, lowering Marik carefully onto his injured back and bending down to claim his lips once more.

Ryou entered the flat sheepishly, shopping bags clutched against his chest. Well, I can't hear anything yet, so either they've already killed each other or they've actually sorted this mess out. If he was completely honest with himself, Ryou wasn't even sure which one he would prefer.

He shut the door behind him and headed into the kitchen, dumping the shopping bags before heading hesitantly towards his brother's bedroom door. There was still no sound from the other side. Oh God, I bet they've killed each other. I'm going to be responsible for two deaths...He sucked in a breath before knocking loudly. "Bakura? Marik? Are you alright?"

There was silence for a moment before both voices said together "You are dead, Ryou."

He laughed a little nervously. "Um, so...did you guys have a chat? Because frankly I'm not sure I could put up with you moping after each other for much longer..."

There was another pause before Bakura's voice came through the wood, sounding slightly muffled. "Just open the door and you'll see."

"Ok, but you'd better not jump on me or something..." Ryou chewed his lip as he turned the key in the lock, pulling the door open a little nervously. He couldn't help breaking into a smile at what he saw though.

Bakura was laid on his back on the bed, arms encircling a tanned back as Marik cuddled up to his side, face pressed into his chest. They both looked over as Ryou entered, and he was relieved to find happiness in both sets of eyes. "Oh, thank God for that," Ryou laughed. "It's about time, you know."

The pair looked at each other sheepishly. Bakura spoke first. "Well, if this one hadn't taken so bloody long to get out of the closet..."

Marik raised a brow. "And if your brother hadn't had so many issues with revealing his feelings..."

Bakura growled lowly. "Watch it, Ishtar."

"Make me."

"Alright, if you insist..."

Ryou covered his eyes quickly. "I don't want to see this!"

Bakura sat up, chuckling as he pulled Marik with him. "This is your fault, Ry. You have to live with the consequences."

"Be nice, 'Kura," Marik remonstrated. "We can save that for later. We should help Ryou with the shopping; he did just get us together after all."

Bakura rolled his eyes. "Fine. But it better be bloody good later to make up for this."

Marik flushed darkly and Ryou put his hands over his ears. "Shut up! I'm happy for you both, but please, I do not want to hear that sort of thing! You're still my brother and my best friend, alright?"

Marik laughed sheepishly. "Sorry, Ry. Come on 'Kura, let's go unpack the shopping."

Bakura allowed himself to be pulled out of the room, shooting Ryou one rare grateful smile before settling his features back into their usual smirk. Ryou looked after them, hearing the usual sounds of bickering and laughing from the two teens, and he smiled to himself.

Congratulations, Ryou. That was a job well done.

So, yeah, finally lol :P I know there are a few other fics where Bakura and Marik are locked up in a room, but I didn't mean to steal the idea so I hope no one minds, it just sort of seemed like the only way to get them to actually have an adult conversation XD So anyway, see you next chapter! There is still a hell of a lot of story to tell. Thanks a bundle for reading! - Jem