Living together in crime

Chapter XXI: Coming home

"Contract update, uh I love those words."

"Erm, yes."

"Soo, what it is Marik?"

"Uh..."

"Come on tell me, don't just stare at me."

"Um, yes."

"What yes? Say it! What are you waiting for?"

"You..."

"What could it be? Am I allowed to touch your naked back anytime? Or to kiss you...? Okay okay I'll stop with hat kiss, I'm nagging on your nerves with that, hm. But what is it? Tell me already!" Bakura was grinning like a child who just got told that it would get a big surprise to its birthday.

His grin was catching, Marik was laughing too. You really are excited about this, hmm Kura? Alright, I won't keep you in suspense any longer then. "I want us to sleep together!", Marik blurted out, only to realize in the next second what he had said. He stared at Bakura's puzzled face, blinking. "I-I mean like in the same bed!", Marik added quickly, feeling a blush rising.

"Either way, it can be arranged.", Bakura grinned. The Egyptian just sighed at Bakura's comment.
He was still laying next to Bakura, his head on Bakura's arm, one leg over Bakura's leg. The Brit felt electrified. He would get the joy to sleep with Marik in the same bed from now on? Would have him close, hear his light snoring, hear him mumble words and feel his warm body? Bakura felt thrilled. He knew that it was a huge sign of confidence from Marik allowing Bakura being so close to him while being in such a vulnerable state like sleeping. Bakura mustn't take advantage of it. He felt weightless, good luck that Marik's head was heavy enough to remind him that he was still on earth.

"You can stop grinning now.", Marik laughed, poking Bakura's cheek.
As expected he had made Bakura happy with the new passage of their contract. Though it wasn't just a favour for Bakura. No, Marik insecurity had slowly turned into dependence. Sleeping next to Bakura was so much better than sleeping alone! Now that he had gotten a taste of it, he didn't want to miss it again. He felt protected with Bakura next to him, happy that he could fully trust him, happy that he would please Bakura with his presence.

"I'm sorry, I can't.", Bakura replied. "You have no right to complain, you made me grin like that."

Marik poked him again. "Alright, listen." He was still smiling too, but the glee in his voice dropped.

"I'm listening.", Bakura whispered, hearing that Marik was getting serious.

"I'm gonna sleep with you in your bed from now on," said Marik, rolling eyes as Bakura's grin extended an inch at his words, "but you're not allowed to touch me unless I say it." Bakura nodded. "I-I know, it must be hard for you," Marik blushed at the ambiguousness, "but um, there's no other way."

"It's alright, Marik.", Bakura said.

"No wait, listen!" Marik sat up, leaving Bakura's warmth. "I think I have to explain this to you."

Bakura raised his body as well, leaning his back against the bed frame. "I'm listening."

Marik drew a blank. Bakura was paying him attention like he always did. He would always listen to Marik, even if the Egyptian would conceive some new useless scheme to destroy their most hated enemy, the Pharaoh. But now it was serious and Marik got nervous. He frowned and scratched his head, wondering how he could explain it. "I have kinda troubles with showing emotions.", he stated. But that doesn't mean that they aren't there. "The thing is I can learn to open myself and we have made some progress huh, b-but sometimes you attack me, try to kiss me and stuff..."
Looking up, Marik saw that Bakura was still watching him attentively. He closed his eyes and sighed. "That may sound weird but I can't explain it better than this: It's like a board game and we are the tokens. I'm only throwing ones and twos and you are throwing fives and sixes. And when you attack me, I'm going back to start. You are still on field twenty or so and wait for me but you give me no chance to reach you because you're attacking me again and I'm on start again." He opened his eyes again, looking down. "I don't want to blame you, I just want to explain it to you. I-I understand that you want more, but..." Marik broke off and looked at the boy before him again.

"I figured that out.", Bakura whispered. "It's alright. Don't stress yourself."

"Bakura.", Marik sighed.

"I apologize for rushing things.", Bakura said. "I understand now. And I agree." He was grinning again. "You are having full control over our relationship."

"Oh Kura, I know I'm very selfish...", Marik mumbled.

Bakura interrupted him. "No, it's fine. You are updating our contract swiftly, so I'm very happy and excited about every single step." He sighed. "And yeah you are goddamn selfish but you wouldn't be Marik if you wouldn't be selfish." Bakura glided back into his previous laying position.

Marik smiled and placed himself next to the other boy again, his head on Bakura's arm. "You always make me feel special, Bakura."

"Because you are.", Bakura smirked.

"Now that was pretty gay!", laughed Marik and turned around, laying on his side.

"Maybe because I am pretty gay! And you Marik, you are pretty gay too. Now that you're mine, huh? And sleep with me in one bed, huh? Do you admit now that you are gay?" Bakura winked at the boy next to him.

Marik sighed. "Yeah, I'm kinda gay...", he said slowly. "But I'm only gay for you, Kura! Only for you!" His index finger was pointing up, the look on his face was serious and making Bakura chuckle.

"Thanks.", said Bakura silently, locking eyes with Marik. He didn't know himself why exactly he was thanking Marik, he just felt relaxed and peaceful at the moment. His boy was beside him, trying his best to make him happy. No one had ever done that for Bakura before. When someone else would be nice to Bakura, the thief would push him or her off, feeling distracted, irritated, angry. But with Marik the situation was different. Everything was different with Marik. Special. Warm.

Marik cleared his throat. "You know what, Fluffy. Actually I have another new paragraph to our contract.", he said silently, placing his hand on Bakura's chest. Now that he had explained his feelings to Bakura, he felt being closer to the other boy like never before. Bakura had understood. He would wait. Marik felt like a big burden fell from his chest.

Paragraph... Bakura chuckled. "What is it." He had noticed the nicknames Marik would give him, but he got used to them and wasn't complaining anymore. His heart was beating a tad faster, wondering what new improvement Marik had to offer. He looked into the eyes of his boy, admired the luminosity of them. Their bodies were touching barely, yet Bakura believed to feel warmer by having Marik close. Marik's hand was on his chest. He grabbed it and squeezed it, not breaking their gaze.

"Umm, since it's difficult for you to hold back your feelings I thought, maybe you just tell me what you're feeling.", Marik said, feeling suddenly tensed. It was a pleasant tension though, it felt intimate. He felt Bakura's breath being near. Bakura's grip around his hand was firmly and possessive. Marik smiled. He knew that he got Bakura's attention and his love. He could see in Bakura's eyes that the other one was thankful for having him. And there was more in Bakura's eyes; longing, lust, pain. The white-haired thief was holding himself back as always. It was only a glance on Marik's lips that showed which one wish was still tantalizing Bakura.

Bakura frowned. "Tell you what I feel?", he repeated. "I thought I already do that, Marik.", he said quietly, releasing Marik's hand to touch his hair, putting one strand of hair in order. His eyes lost focus and he sighed, leaving his hand on Marik's head, stroking it gently.

"No, not that. I mean," Marik grinned, proud that he had seen through Bakura, "you obviously wanna kiss me right now, right? So..."

"I always want to kiss you.", Bakura interjected quietly, putting his hand back on Marik's.

Bakura's confidence irritated Marik and he blushed. "So! So just tell me so!" He gulped. "Tell me that you want to kiss me. Or touch me." He smiled but it was an insecure smile. "I will mostly say no. But I might say yes. And if I say no maybe I can offer you something equal or so..."

Goddamnit. Stop being so cute, Bakura thought and closed his eyes, sighing again. "Isn't that the same like before? I thought I was already allowed to tell you what I think."

"Yes, but no!", Marik said loudly. "It's different! Tell me specifically what you want to do with me! And maybe I'll agree."

Bakura wasn't sure if he had understand it right, but he smiled and opened his eyes again. "That's one awesome idea, Marik.", he said silently.
If he would be honest, he would say that he was tired of this whole contract idea. He had never been a fan of rules and constraints. Marik loved to be in control, Bakura knew this. He understood also that Marik had issues with his own sexuality and that their 'contract' would help him to accept it. He had endured a lot of pain in his life while being only twenty-one years old. He had lived a different life than other kids. Under the earth. Almost like being buried alive. Marik wanted freedom, he needed it, he was yearning for it. People always seek for the things they missed in childhood. But maybe this freedom was too much for Marik too handle, maybe he was scared of it. Marik still needed some restriction is his life. Bakura understood Marik, but at the same time he wished that Marik would finally overcome his fears and doubts. But who was he to say that aloud? He himself couldn't overcome his past, he would never. He was his past, he was Touzoku Bakura.
Homosexuality in ancient egypt had only been dangerous in public, other than that it had never been something bad. Nor in the old Rome empire. The old Greeks were boylovers too. Only the modern time would still stick to the old believes from the middle age. Technology was at its peak but society was a bitch, making Bakura's boy feeling insecure and bad about himself and Bakura hated them for it.

"Yeah?", Marik whispered, locking his eyes with Bakura's, as they found Marik's again. "You can just tell me. Everything."

"Yeah.", Bakura answered, stroking Marik's hand with his thumb.

Marik frowned. Bakura wasn't getting it. "...um, so. D-Do you want to kiss me? ...now?", he stuttered, blushing. It wasn't like Marik would kiss Bakura, he just wanted to hear him say it. To make sure that Bakura had understood the new 'paragraph'.

"I thought you already had worked that out." Bakura grinned at Marik, knowing that he was getting on his nerves.

"Um, yes...", Marik sighed, giving up. Stupid Bakura!

"And? May I?", Bakura asked. He tried to suppress his hopes, but he couldn't and catched himself observing every little motion of Marik.

The Egyptian smiled. "No.", he said slowly, feeling like he had betrayed Bakura. I insist on having him say it and now I just say no? Uh I'm mean, aren't I? He looked up. "B-But what about this...", he whispered and leaned closer to Bakura, gulping. He parted his lips and placed a kiss on Bakura's cheek, feeling Bakura's heart speeding up under his hand.

When he pulled back, he saw Bakura smiling. "That's awesome enough.", the Brit whispered, squeezing Marik's hand.
We sure are making progress, hmm Marik, Bakura thought. But why am I feeling strangely sad about it? I should be happy.

"You understand now?", Marik asked, blushing again. "Just tell me what you want! Alright?"

Bakura grinned and raised both eyebrows up, sighing. "Yep, Marik." He chuckled. "This contract is getting longer and longer, huh. Its pretty complicated."
Maybe it's because for the first time I feel like I can reach you. I can see the goal in the distance. And this reminds me of the inevitable end. Why can't I just forget about that?

"No way backing out of it, you know!", Marik said, pouting a little.

"I know.", said Bakura silently, stroking Marik's head again. Why can't I forget about it? It's no help to think about it!

"It's a contract for a life time!", Marik continued. When he realized what he said, he looked at Bakura, who had stopped his movements. "...if you dare to bear with me for so long.", he added.

Bakura nodded and continued stroking Marik. "We're forever together.", he said.

Marik smiled. He didn't notice that Bakura was only faking his smile.

Bakura got another two weeks paid vacation. Annie had told them that Bakura was now free to go, he could leave the hospital or stay, he should just stay in his bed when he decided to return home and rest. Bakura chose home, glad that he could leave the white room with its medical smell and annoying nurses. "Oh yeah, I will cook for you! ~", was Marik's reaction to Bakura's decision.

Marik picked up their car and drove Bakura home, humming the melody that Bakura had heard before. When they got out of the car Bakura almost dropped his bag when he realized that it was the same melody Melvin had hummed. That one night.

Bakura stood behind Marik who was fiddling with the keys, having troubles opening the door, because he was moving his body, attempting to dance. "What is this that you are humming...", Bakura asked silently.

"Huh?" Marik turned around to face Bakura, stopping his movements. He took a deep breath, feeling full of energy. He had his partner in crime back, the world was bright and shiny again.

"What is this melody you are always humming?", Bakura repeated louder.

"Oh, I made it up. I don't know where I have it from." Marik shrugged his shoulders and turned to the door again, opening it.

Bakura followed him into the house and up the stairs.
They would sum the same melody... What was this bloody melody? How could Melvin knew it too? Maybe it wasn't important at all, but it showed that Marik and Melvin did share in fact the same mind, as they both liked to hum a random melody. Or maybe Melvin had heard it somewhere and had memorized it in his brain. That would explain why Marik wouldn't know where he got it from. It's not a big deal, or is it, Bakura wondered. Melvin knows about everything that Marik does. Marik usually doesn't remember anything what Melvin did. But what if some of Melvin's traits are starting to leak through him to Marik? But what does that mean? Will Marik lose his mind some day? Bakura shook those thoughts off. No. He's fine. I'm just being paranoid.

Christmas was over as was Marik's birthday but when Bakura entered the living room he found a small plastic christmas tree standing on the table. Right next to it there was a present; red gift paper lousy wrapped around something that resembled a small bottle, a green ribbon around it. What are you giving me Marik, alcohol? Bakura smiled and sat down on the couch. His side was itching. It felt weird to wear trousers again after such a long time.

"Hey, Fluffy!" Marik had followed him. "What are you doing here? Come to the kitchen, I'm making food!" He grabbed Bakura's hand and pulled him up. He noticed Bakura's tired eyes. "Are you alright?"

Bakura nodded. "Yeah.", he lied. No. Damn, I can't forget about Melvin. I still owe you a confession.

Marik raised one eyebrow. "I don't believe you."

"I have no present for you, Marik.", Bakura said, acting like that was the reason for his worry. In fact he had never cared about holidays and gifts, why would he. For him they were just ordinary days. Now that he got to learn Marik better, he understood that holidays were never meant to be spent alone. Still, they didn't mean a lot him. He had to create pleasant memories of those days yet.

Marik shrugged his shoulders. "Don't worry about it. I mean you were sick and in the hospital. How would you find a present for me?" He smiled. "You may open yours, by the way."

Bakura was actually surprised at Marik's reaction. He had expected him to lament about his non-existing gifts. "Mmh, but still. I need to find you something. I guess I need two presents, huh? One for christmas and one for your birthday. I will open mine when I have something to give in return." Bakura sighed. What the bloody hell shall I give you? I have no idea.

Marik smiled. They knew each other for four years, but it was the first time that they would actually give each other presents for christmas. Or gifts at all, for that matter. "It's alright, Kura." Marik grabbed Bakura's hand again. "Come." They went to the kitchen, sitting down.

Marik dished up a simple meal: Mashed potatoes and fish fingers. He had made a salat, too. "I'm sorry I have no steak for you, we need to go shopping, the fridge is frigging empty.", he explained. "Enjoy your meal, Florence! ~"

As they began to eat, Bakura grinned at Marik, who was grinning back. They were at home again, they were together, enjoying their meal, just like always, just like it should be. Bakura didn't cared that he had not gotten his favourite food, he enjoyed Marik's presence and listened to his ramblings and muses.

"...,you know, Bakura!"

"I know, Marik. Pretty mean of her, hm."

"Yeah! Didn't she know that I needed the ketchup more than she did? What a stupid girl! She could just go to another super market, but I couldn't because I had no frigging time! She was lucky that her name wasn't Steve, though."

Bakura chuckled to himself. I can't wait to go to sleep, he thought. Seriously, I can't wait. I want to hug you, so badly. He blinked. "Hey, Marik.", he said silently.

"Yeah?" Marik picked a tomato from the salad and put it in his mouth, let it crack between his teeth.

Bakura smirked. "I want to hug you."

Marik's pace of chewing slowed down. He smiled. "Yes! That's exactly what I meant! Just tell me what you want!", he exclaimed happily.

"Well, Marik. I want to hug you.", Bakura repeated, smiling. "But let's finish eating first, hm?"

Marik stood up, after he had found another tomato in the salad. He let it crack again, as he hastened over to Bakura. "Baku...", he purred, leaning forward, embracing the other boy.

Bakura wrapped his arms around Marik as well, squeezing him, blushing. I can't wait. "I... You..." Bakura was trying to find the right words for his feelings. "I want you close.", he whispered.

"And you call me gay!", Marik grinned, leaving Bakura, returning to his place. Continuing munching his salad, he said: "We will be close tonight. Be patient, Fluffy."

Bakura growled. "No good movie on TV tonight...?", he asked.

"Hum, good question, actually." Marik blinked. "We'll see." He shrugged his shoulders.

There was no good movie on TV, but a quiz show Marik wanted to see so they sat down on the couch, touching bodies, chatting, laughing. The refrigerator was pretty empty as was the pantry, so all Marik could nosh at this evening were his own hairs. He was sticking them in his mouth and nibbling at them.

"Marik, stop eating your hair!" Bakura pulled the blonde strands out of Marik's mouth.

"Oh Kura, you don't understand! I just need to eat something when we're watching TV!", Marik yelled.

"But we just ate!", Bakura responded. He still couldn't believe how Marik would manage to stay slim while eating such tons of food.

Crossing his arms, Marik glared at Bakura, who pulled him into a hug. "Bakura."

"Why didn't go to the supermarket while I was gone?"

"Mh. We always go together. I just didn't realize that I had to."

Bakura chuckled. "I'm tired.", he whispered, burying his face in Marik's hair.

Marik smirked. "You are lying, aren't you?" He could feel that Bakura was tensed for some reason and he though he knew why. It was the way he would speak, a word less or a word more he would use, it was in his eyes, a seconds longer glance, a blink more. Marik could still drive Bakura crazy and the Egyptian was proud of it. "Hm. But actually I'm getting tired too."

"Let's go to bed.", Bakura replied fastly. Of course he was excited to spend the night together with Marik, even though it wouldn't be the first time. But this time it had been Marik's idea and it would be at home, their home. Also he wanted this day to be over fast, he wanted to forget about Melvin and the melody.

"Soon. When the show's over."

"Mmm." Bakura pulled Marik closer, making him grin.

"Don't forget: Touching is not allowed in bed." The show on TV was reaching its peak with the quiz show host presenting the one million question. Marik put some of his hair strands into his mouth. "So there is no reason for you to rush."

"Yeah", Bakura mumbled, "I know." He lifted his head and looked at Marik, who didn't look back. He got an annoyed growl from Marik as he slapped the hand with the hair strands. "You said, we will sleep in my bed, right? Why mine?"

"Shh!" Marik leaned forward, excited about what was happening on TV.

"Marik!"

"Oh shut up, Fluffy! It's important right now!"

"I hate this bloody TV.", Bakura hissed. "Why do we always have to watch those stupid shows?"

"Shh!" Marik held Bakura's mouth shut as the contestant chose his answer. Bakura poked him, Marik giggled.

"Why my bed?", Bakura asked again while he changed into his nightgown which was basically just an undershirt and his grey joggers.

Marik stood beside him, watching him. "Erm, c-cause..." Embarrassment was written on his face, his eyes moved back and forth, glancing over Bakura's naked legs and away again. "Because when my sister will come to visit us she should stay in my room, shouldn't she? Why should we start sleeping in my bed and then switch over to yours?"

"Good point.", Bakura replied, smirking. "You know, you may go to your room and change into your pajamas as well. I'm here, waiting for you." He laid down, hands behind his head.

Marik hasted out of the room into his, blushing. "Stupid Fluffy.", he muttered. He had never seen Bakura's naked body, apart from the upper part, when his pale friend would occasionally walk out of the shower only dressed in pants. It was normal for guys to walk around with exposed chest. Was it normal to change in front of other guys as well? I guess he just wanted to tease me, Marik thought. He knows that I'm uncomfortable with such stuff.

When he creeped back into Bakura's room, the other had already turned off the lights. Only flashes from passing cars would light parts of the room now and then. "Hey.", Bakura's voice murmured.

"Hey.", Marik answered and tiptoed to the bed fastly, hiding himself under the covers. He didn't like the darkness but he could bear it with Bakura besides him.

"Missed me?", Bakura snickered, pulling the blankets around Marik, wanting him to be warm. The Egyptian looked younger without his make-up and his eyes seemed to be softer. Suddenly Bakura felt a strong urge. He wanted to hug and kiss Marik. To hear him moan. To touch his trained body. Feel his legs around his waist...

"Sure.", Marik whispered, smiling. Bakura's voice was low and his breath was steady. Marik felt secured. His partner was back home, everything was alright again.

They looked at each other, both unsure what to say.

"Uuum, Bakura..."

"Yes, Marik."

"Can we..."

"Anything."

Marik smiled. "Can we go to the park tomorrow? Or wait, no! Let's go ice-skating! It's been so long that we've done that, Bakura!"

"Ugh."

"Come on, Fluffy! You just said 'anything'!"

"Yeah.", Bakura sighed. "Sure. We'll go, Marik." The Brit couldn't stand sport or sporty free time activities, especially not such embarrassing ones. He barely could skate even though he had had three thousand years to learn it. He would fall every five yards only to have Marik laughing at him. When he'd had enough of being laughed at he would place himself somewhere at the edge of the skate field and watch Marik having his fun. The Egyptian was good at skating.
First, he had fallen too. It must have looked pretty ridiculous the first time they've tried it, clung to each other, cursing, barely moving. Marik had laughed every time they would fall, but he would always stand up and continue. It was then when Bakura found himself to be extremely annoyed by Marik but at the same time also strangely attracted to him. After they had parted Bakura was confused, as he had expected that the reason for meeting Marik at that strange place had been so that they could plot some new scheme to kill the Pharaoh. It took him three days and three pointless activities more to realize that his partner in crime seemed to regard him as something like a friend he could spend time with.

"Remember last year?", Marik giggled. "When I fell on you and you got a red face and grabbed me? Hah! That was funny!"

Bakura chuckled at the memory. "Funny? It was bloody embarrassing Marik, but nevermind."
Like the year before that Marik had improved his skating skills in the last winter, showing them off. While he had tried to incite his partner to make more attempts by pulling his arms and calling him names, Bakura had lost his temper and had pulled back, making them fall. He found himself laying on the ice, looking into the bright eyes of Marik and suddenly his heart started to beat like crazy. Suddenly Marik's voice wasn't annoying any more, but cute and dazzling. Suddenly Bakura understood why he had been that flustered and nervous around Marik. He grabbed Marik's cheeks for a second and released them in the next. He pushed the other boy away and stood up, managed to get to the edge of the field and stood there for the rest of the time, with a blushing face which he tried to hide under his hairs.

"I think that was your very first attack, Bakura!", Marik grinned, his body was shaking with laughter, Bakura could feel it through the mattress.

"Yes, I agree.", he smirked. Marik was always like this. Full of laughter, full of joy. It had attract Bakura to him like the two opposite sides of a magnet would attract each other. It hadn't taken Bakura long to figure out that he was falling in love with Marik after the accident on the ice.

"I'm so glad you stopped doing that!"

"Yes.", Bakura sighed.

"I'm the master of this relationship! Mwahahaha!"

"Yes.", Bakura repeated.

"And you do as I say cause I am the master!"

Suddenly Bakura realized that they would spend the next two weeks every hour together. Twenty-four hours with Marik? Shall I be happy or shall I cry? The mattress was shaking again as Marik laughed and Bakura smiled. I should be happy.

"I am in control over you! ~"

"Yeah. Great." Bakura rubbed his forehead with the back of his hand. "Now shut up. Good night." He was used to fall asleep fast and Marik was wearying him out already.

"You are being mean, Fluffy!", came the protest.

"I'm not mean, you are. I am still ill, Marik. I need rest." Bakura knew this would work but he had to suppress a smile to make it work.

"Oh, right.", Marik whispered, moving closer to Bakura. "I'm sorry. Good night." He turned his body to lay sideways and wrapped his arms around Bakura's, his skin brushed against Bakura's. "Rest, Fluffy. I'm here. I'm protecting you. If you feel pain I get you the medicine Annie gave us."
Their bed was tight as it was made for only one person to sleep in it. Marik's breath tickled Bakura's arm.

"Good night.", Bakura answered, biting his lip. His eyes were still open while Marik's were closed. His boyfriend - by the way: Was he allowed to call him that now? Bakura didn't know. Marik had said that he was 'his' now and he was using the word relationship to describe their status, but he had never actually stated being his boyfriend. Whatever; Marik was close to Bakura like no one ever had been. Not physically though but in all the other ways.
Marik had known that he was lying when he said that he was alright. Bakura couldn't recall a change of his tone or some other suspicious clues. How had Marik known? Bakura was impressed. You know me so well, Marik. You say that you don't understand why somebody would love you but I don't understand why you would love me. Seriously, I'm a bloody old ghost, filled with bitterness. I have no body or sense in my so called life. The only thing I have is our love. And even that will be only temporary.

Marik moved in his sleep, or wasn't he sleeping? He squeezed Bakura's arm and moved his lips to a smile. His skin felt warm on Bakura's, his fingers stroked Bakura's arm for a moment. A low sigh left Marik's mouth.

Sometimes, when the nights would be cold and Bakura wouldn't be stressed out enough from work to feel tired enough to fall asleep fast, he would lay awake in his bed thinking about his life, which was consisting of his work and Marik. - No, maybe that wasn't quite true, because the only reason he would wake up early at bloody six o'clock and struggle through the day was only for Marik. In the end everything was because of Marik. - Sometimes, he would get home and in the few left hours Marik would only argue with Bakura and hiding in his room, pouting. At such days Bakura would question if it was really worth it, if Marik would ever let him come closer, if he would ever tell him that he cared for Bakura like Bakura cared for him. He wouldn't think about that for long, actually it wasn't a real thought, it was just an stray feeling, just a shadow creeping inside his head. Just a small doubt, being destroyed in the next second simply by a memory of Marik and the certainty that he would get him.
That was alright, it wasn't what was making Bakura's restless nights a hell. The real issue was that by starting to think about all that Bakura would automatically think of the time after Marik, the time when he wouldn't be there anymore and the only thing left of him would be a cold gravestone sticking in the ground above a coffin where the bones and flesh of his once living man would lie. And Bakura's heart would become tight, painfully tight and he would ask himself whether it was worth to go through all this pain once Marik was gone. In the end Marik would die, wouldn't he?
Everybody was dying, still they would get together and marry, have children and spend their days together. Why would they if they knew that they would die anyways? Why?
Bakura had never understood this, now he did. If everything has an end you have to make the best of what you get. You only have this one life so you must fill it with happiness. The problem here was that the rules didn't apply to Bakura and that he would never die, because he was already dead and only inhabiting the body of a young, british boy.
He would never find his peace. He would love and care for Marik, only to watch him die. Marik told him about being 'forever together' but in the end it would be a lie. Bakura's pain would become weaker, some day it would vanish, leaving him numb. Maybe Bakura shouldn't fall in love with Marik then? But it was too late, it was way too late.
No, Bakura was thankful for Marik because he had showed him that he, Touzoku Bakura wasn't only a monster or a beast, he was still human. Marik had woken up feelings in Bakura that the thief had believed to be long gone.

"Are you sleeping?", Bakura whispered.

"Not yet.", answered Marik, his eyes still closed.

"We have some free time now. We have to use it."

"Oh yes. We need to go swimming!"

"Swimming?" Bakura frowned. "In the winter?"

"Yes! Because you know, Florence, it's good for the health and also I want to feel the coldness of the winter afterwards, you know that's what makes home so nice, cause it's warm in there in contrast to the outside!" Marik opened his eyes and saw Bakura smirking. "What?"

"I want to hug you, to hold you close."

Marik blushed. "Sorry, no." He paused for a while. "We shouldn't go ice skating tomorrow. Or swimming. If you fall..."

"Oh I will fall, Marik."

"Yeah, it's dangerous for your wound."

"Let's just stay in bed tomorrow."

"The whole day?"

"The whole day."

Marik looked Bakura into the eyes, when he placed one of his legs over Bakura's, pushing his body closer to the other's. Bakura twitched. "Your feet are cold, Marik!", he hissed, making Marik laugh. "That's not funny.", he murmured, yet he was smirking.

"Bakura.", Marik whispered.

"Marik." Bakura sighed.

"Good night." Marik closed his eyes again, snuggling his face against Bakura's arm, rubbing his cheek against it.

"Good night." Bakura bit on his lip again and shut his eyes as well.

After some minutes he opened them again. "Marik."

"Mhh."

"Don't call me Florence."

"What. Huh." Marik needed a second before he understood what Bakura was talking about. "Why not?"

Bakura wondered if he should really broach that topic. It was late and he could ruin their sleep with it. But he had to say it. "Because he does."

"What?" Marik opened his eyes.

"Melvin. He uses to call me that."

Maybe it was a bad idea to talk about Melvin. It was frightening Marik to talk about him, Bakura knew that. But maybe it was also not healthy not to talk about him. Bakura felt that Marik could overcome his dark personality or at least have more confidence against him if they would talk about him. Maybe it would work like a therapy for Marik.

Bakura heard a gulp and felt Marik's fingertips digging into his flesh. "Really?", the Egyptian whispered.

"Yes."

The strength in Marik voice lessened. "How can he call you that.", he said, shivering.

"Hm?"

"Did you told him that your parents wanted to call you Flo..."

Bakura sighed. "Marik. For one thing: They didn't want to call me that for real. It was a joke.", he spat. "And second: No, I surely didn't tell him that!" He didn't want to get angry, but hearing Marik getting weak because he mentioned his other personality caused feelings of guilt in his chest.

"Then how does he know.", Marik whispered.

"He also calles me Fluffy.", Bakura said.

"Oh gods." Marik pushed his face against Bakura's arm.

"It's alright.", Bakura whispered. "Don't worry about it. I think he", Bakura gulped, "can kinda read your mind. But don't worry. As long as we don't fight, he won't come out, right?" he smiled to give his voice a more cheerful tone. "He just mostly calls me Florence and when you call me that it reminds me of him. So please don't do that, okay? That's all."

"Yes. Okay.", Marik said, looking up. His grasp around Bakura's arm tightened, yet it was a delicate grip. His breath was unstable and his eyes seemed frail.

"I want to kiss your head.", Bakura whispered.

Marik's voice got louder. "Do it.", he said.

Bakura didn't had to move much to reach Marik's head. "I hope I haven't ruined your sleep now.", he muttered before kissing Marik.

"No. It's fine. You had to tell me about this." Marik closed his eyes. He smiled. "I don't know why this is scaring me so much.", he laughed helplessly.

"Maybe you are afraid that you can't control him.", Bakura said. There's something else I need to tell you about. He gulped. Shall I do it now?

"Yeah. He knows too much. I don't want him to know so much." Marik stroked Bakura's arm with his fingertips.

"Yes. But", Bakura sighed, "I'm here, alright? He won't show up if we don't fight, right?" Yeah, Bakura thought. I can't tell him. If I tell him he will get sad and angry and Mel will show up again. I can't risk that.

"Mh. Yes." Marik breathed out and closed his eyes.

"Are you feeling better?" Bakura smiled.

Marik nodded. "But kiss me again, please."

"Sure." Bakura leaned closer to Marik again and placed another kiss on the head of his partner.

"Thank you."

Marik seemed to be tensed so Bakura wanted to change the topic to take Marik's mind of Melvin. "By the way what did your sister do exactly? It sounded like she took care of the homicides of Mel, right?"

"Hm? Oh yeah, she just talked to Kaiba.", Marik said. "I mean that guy has connections!"

Bakura frowned. "Kaiba? Seto Kaiba?"

"Yeah."

"She has contact to him?"

"Yeah, sure. He's a big business man." Marik shrugged and Bakura wondered whether Marik meant that he was powerful or that he was tall. Marik didn't like guys who were big, maybe because he wanted to be the biggest one. He had never shown having problems with Bakura being taller than him though. "I never want to spend christmas without you again.", Marik suddenly added.

"I don't want that either." Bakura smiled. "Good night, Marik."

"Good night, Bakura."