Chapter Eight- Love Confessions

Damn it, Bakura cursed as he slowed. The pain of his injuries was getting worse and it felt like a couple of his ribs were broken. They seriously thought I would betray them? I only thought of atonement, not betrayal. He winced as pain came from his chest. He needed to rest somewhere if he intended to reach the palace. He dropped the invisibility and had Diabound cradle him as it slithered toward the tomb Mahad had been overseeing for the last several days. I'll rest in the doorway before trying to get to the palace. He let out a long sigh as he slipped into unconsciousness.

Mahad's horse galloped across the sand as he headed to the tomb. He had thought on the ride out about Bakura and concluded that he did love the young man and decided to tell him when he saw him. He may not love me, but I have to tell him. Once I have, we will still be friends.

A figure in the tomb's doorway caught Mahad's eye as he drew closer. He smiled when he saw it was Bakura, but then his smile became a look of alarm as he dismounted and rushed over. He's been attacked! Mahad thought as his eyes took in the bruises and cuts over the face, body, and limbs. Bakura's brows twitched and his eyes opened and focused on the magician. "Hey, Mahad," he rasped.

"Bakura, who did this to you?"

"My men. I admitted that I intend to atone for my crimes and they did not want me to do that, believing I would assist you in capturing them. They probably would have killed me if Diabound hadn't saved me."

Mahad, now crouched, ran a hand over the injuries, closed his eyes, and chanted a spell that sounded like a song. He heard a sigh of content and relief from Bakura and knew it was working.

"I feel a lot better," Bakura said, his voice sounding normal again.

Mahad opened his eyes and smiled at him. "I'm glad. Bakura, you really intend to atone?"

"I do. Maybe even have Diabound extracted."

"Extraction won't be necessary."

"No? Well, all right. Mahad? I have something to tell you and it has to do with my desire to atone. I…I love you."

Mahad pulled back in surprise before he smiled down at Bakura again. "You love me. That's good as I love you too." He leaned down and captured Bakura's lips in their first kiss. They parted and, as Mahad was pulling away, Bakura seized his robes, pulled him down, and kissed him again.

They parted and Mahad couldn't help the dreamy smile that came to his face. "That was wonderful."

"Indeed and I'm glad I told you how I feel."

"So am I." He pulled Bakura to his feet. "I researched the laws on marriage and relationships and found that as long as two people love each other that's all that matters. I hypothetically asked the pharaoh's top advisor, Master Siamun, if a righteous person and a criminal could love one another and receive that love in return. He said it was possible, especially if the criminal is repenting."

"That is exactly what is happening," Bakura said. "I no longer steal or rob and would rather live my life with you."

"And you will. The pharaoh figured out I was in love with a criminal as he was present when I asked Master Siamun my question. He said he would support my choice. So, you know that by moving into my chambers that will make us married."

"Yes, I know and I would love to be married to you."

"Wonderful." Mahad led Bakura to his horse where both mounted and Mahad sent the horse galloping for the palace.

The ride was quick and Bakura's heart was pounding. He would live in the palace and be Mahad's husband. His presence would need to be explained and he already knew the pharaoh would accept them being in love. I should confess to Mahad my original plan. I will make it clear that the plan changed as our friendship grew and blossomed into love. Bakura composed his confession in his head as Mahad rode them through the palace gates, threw a robe over Bakura, and smuggled him into their room. Bakura looked around to see a neat and orderly room. Everything had its place. A desk and chair sat near the door, books and scrolls neatly stacked on it. A polished mirror hung above a table that had its accessories arranged on it. Even the bed was neatly made. The room defined Mahad's personality of order. And that's one thing that I love about him.

"It's not much but I'm sure we can and will change that," Mahad said.

"I have no doubt of that." Bakura shifted on his feet and, to Mahad, he seemed uncomfortable.

"Bakura, are you uncomfortable being here? I assure you, the pharaoh will accept our relationship."

"It's not that. Mahad, you know I love you and we shouldn't have secrets."

"What are you saying?" Mahad asked slowly.

"The real reason I robbed the tombs and befriended you was to steal your Item. Believe me, falling in love wasn't part of the plan."

Mahad smiled, a reaction Bakura hadn't expected. "I had my suspicions and doubts when we started becoming friends. Indeed, Isis had a vision of a shadowy figure stealing the Ring and, at one point, I was sure that was your intention. Nice to see that her vision was wrong."

Bakura smiled as Mahad embraced him. His confession had gone better than he thought it would. Mahad wasn't angry that Bakura had been trying to deceive him; indeed he had already been warned of the plot. However, true friendship had developed and Bakura lost interest in the Ring. Now, friendship had become love and he knew that his life was going to be better than he ever dreamed.

"It is getting late," Mahad said. "I will bring up some food and then we can sleep." He released Bakura and left the room to get food and drink for what would be a private marriage celebration. In the morning, he would boldly enter the Throne Room with his husband at his side. He would announce to all that the two of them were in love and that Bakura had already moved in, thereby making them husbands. Naturally, there would be doubts and explanations, but he was sure everything would work out.

Mahad was halfway to the kitchen when he saw Isis who seemed to be examining his eyes. She then smiled. "Bakura's been caught?" she asked.

"In a manner of speaking," he said, thinking that, in a way, it was true.

"Wonderful!" she said as she hugged him and then pulled him down and kissed him.

Mahad pulled away in mild surprise. "Isis," he said.

"Oh, Mahad. Surely, you've noticed how I behave around you. I've been wanting to tell you but I chose to wait until Bakura was captured. I love you, Mahad."

The priest slowly exhaled, knowing he would have to let her down gently. "Yes, I've noticed. I'm flattered by your affections but I'm afraid that I do not return them. I have found that I prefer men and have just fallen for another already."

Isis stared. "You're in love with another man? Who is he?"

"You will see in the morning. I plan to bring him before the pharaoh and the court."

"All right."

"I am sorry to disappoint you."

"I'll be all right. I'm actually happy for you."

"Well then I have more good news. Your vision concerning me was incorrect." He smiled at her as he walked away.

Isis smiled too. He made a friend who didn't deceive him and take the Ring. That is good news. I'm really, truly happy for him. He found a friend and a lover. Wait. He could have fallen for his friend and clearly the feeling is mutual. I look forward to tomorrow morning when Mahad will reveal his mystery lover.