Bakura: Must we continue this?

Tsuki: Hai, hai we must.

Bakura: Screw you, I'll get you for this.

Tsuki: Yeah, yeah, yeah, blah, blah, blah.

Stuff to know:

-Udjai: ancient Egyptian for greetings/hello

Bakura shifted in his cot, bumping into a rather close something, then his brain clicked awake. Not a something, but a someone, and not just anyone. He opened his eyes to find himself but centimeters away from Aré, who was facing him by the way. Bakura jerked up, in the process falling out of the cot to the floor and waking Aré all at the same time.

Questions raced through the young thief's mind. Things like, what happened last night? And, how far did I go? Exactly what did I do? But Aré's innocent sleepy gaze reassured him that he had done nothing. However he did remember the kiss they had shared the previous day.

"Are you alright Bakura?"

"I'm uhhh, I'm fine. How are you doing?"

"I am fine, just sleepy I guess." She flopped back down and stretched out then realized she was in Bakura's space. She bolted up and fell out of the cot, landing right on top of Bakura.

Bakura looked into her eyes, he wanted to kiss her so bad but he realized that that was not right. She stiffened, she recognized that look in a man's eyes, she knew what was coming. Instead of kissing her, Bakura put his hands on her waist and lightly shifted her off of him. "Are you okay?"

She blinked, confused at his reaction. Bakura stood up and offered his hand to her. He helped her up and she stood close to him with her head tilted down. He tilted her head up and again she feared the situation. But he asked again, "Are you okay? Did you get hurt?"

"N-no, I am fine. But-"

"But what?"

"Well, I am confused."

"About what?"

"I can see in your eyes that you want to kiss me, but despite the situation you do not."

"What I said outside was true. Yes, I want to kiss you, I care for you, but I don't want to hurt you, so I won't force anything upon you." Ra she was the only person he had ever felt this way about. He was a little confused himself.

"Lord Djal was wrong about you."

"What do you mean?"

She smiled up at him. "Oh, nothing. Come I will make us something to eat." She took a hold of his hand, leading him from the room and down the halls. Aré smiled to herself. The things she felt when she was around Bakura were indescribable. She absentmindedly leaned against the thief as they walked. She was tempted to kiss him again. It had been different from when Djal did it. Bakura's kiss was gentle and undemanding, no hint of force in the action. Djal's was always forceful. Bakura made her feel like she was actually cared about and not just used. He had not once tried to touch her when they shared a cot at night, had not forced himself on her the countless times that they had been standing around only mere inches from one another. When he looked at her, his eyes always sparkled with an emotion Aré could not identify or merely could not believe.

Bakura noticed her shift in position and smiled at her. His hand tightened on hers a little and he bit his lip to keep his thoughts straight. What he felt for this girl had only grown stronger with that kiss, and he was restraining himself from forcing anything on her. Bakura had never been so tempted in his life. The grand treasures of long dead Pharaohs paled in comparison to her. After all, even jewels lost their sparkle, and gold eventually lost its luster, and in the end they were only just tangible items that were spent from the pocket just as fast as they had been put in. But the sparkle in this girl's captivating eyes never seemed to fade. And the sad fact was that Aré did not even realize how beautiful she was, especially to him.

Rudiju walked briskly up the temple steps and entered. He had earlier received a letter from Djal, requesting that he stop by and check up on Arétut from time to time. The reason stated in the letter for the visits was that a young man named Nakht was staying at the temple. Djal did not want him to get too close to Arétut and he wanted Arétut to stay as far away as possible from Nakht. And well since Rudiju now had a break in his busy schedule, he decided to make that visit.

Rudiju chuckled to himself. Djal was showing jealously over a mere girl he had bought and intended to make his whore. Truly this Nakht fellow posed no threat. After all, when Rudiju had sold Arétut to Djal she was quite a naïve girl, and he doubted she had the confidence to take interest in someone else.

He walked down the halls and rounded a corner. The sight he was greeted with made him stop in his tracks. Coming down the hallway was Arétut, hand in hand with a young man that Rudiju assumed to be Nakht. Not only that but she was leaning against him.

Bakura also stopped in his tracks, causing Aré to stop as well and lift her head, taking notice of Rudiju. She instantly released Bakura's hand and stepped away from him.

Rudiju put a smug smile on and approached them. "Well udjai little Arétut."

"Udjai Lord Rudiju…"

He turned his gaze to Bakura. "And who is this?"

"I'm Ba-" Bakura cut himself off and cleared his throat, remembering his alias. "I'm Nakht."

"Well I see our little Arétut has been a naughty, naughty girl."

"I-I do not know what mean."

"Come now little Arétut, you were caught red handed."

Nakht stepped a bit in front of Aré in a protective gesture. "She's only acting on what she's been taught." So that was not a very good excuse, it made her look bad but it was all Nakht could come up with at that second.

Rudiju shook his head, chuckling a bit. "So Nakht, you care for this little whore? She is merely an object that is to be used, fixed up and sold again. I know it, Djal knows it and she knows it. You seem to be the only one who does not get it."

Nakht narrowed his eyes at Rudiju. "How dare you speak of her that way."

Rudiju smirked and stepped up to Nakht. Djal's letter had been especially specific when it mentioned Nakht…and every single one of his injuries. Rudiju raised his hand, shoving it harshly into Nakht's left shoulder, throwing him off balance and away from Arétut and causing the boy to hiss in pain and clutch his shoulder.

Aré made a move to go to Nakht's aid but Rudiju grabbed her arm, throwing her into the nearby wall. He approached her, gripping her shoulder, holding her against the wall.

"Bad girl. Just wait till Djal hears about this."

Arétut's eyes widened in horror and she struggled a bit against Rudiju's grip. "No! Please! Do not tell Lord Djal! I will do anything you ask, just please do not tell him!"

Rudiju smiled and lifted his hand, tracing Aré's jaw line. "Anything little Arétut?"

Nakht finally recovered a little and looked at the objects that surrounded him. His eyes came to rest on one of the sacred guardian statues that were often found in temples. And they were always holding a blade.

Aré held back a sob. Rudiju held that look in his eyes that Djal often held when he looked at her. She knew exactly what he wanted. "A-any-thing."

Rudiju smiled wickedly then froze as he felt a sharp point pressing into his back.
"She will not be forced to do anything. Now step away from her or you'll be the one begging for mercy."

Rudiju looked over his shoulder and the sight that greeted him made fear clear in his eyes. Nakht was standing there, a dagger in hand that was poised with deadly aim and being pressured into Rudiju's back.

Rudiju's voice shook a little as he spoke. "These affairs are none of your concern."

Nakht stated harshly through clenched teeth, "Let Aré go."

"This threat you impose upon me will ruin your life."

"My life's fucked up enough; what's one more blemish on my reputation?" Nakht pressed on the blade harder and Rudiju released Aré. Nakht reached out and pulled Aré to him, his arm around her shoulders protectively.

"Poor move boy, Djal will-"
"Go on, take your message to Djal. It is past time for this matter to be confronted, but when you do come…bring an army, for that is all that will stop me. Neither of you will ever lay your hands on her again."

He pressured the blade a bit more, but stopped when he felt Aré squeeze his arm. He glanced sideways at her and was immediately effected by her pleading eyes.

"Do not do this…" That was her soft plea.

Nakht faltered and let up the pressure. Rudiju stepped away from Nakht's blade, and turned to glare at the boy who was threatening.

"Seems you have a weakness boy."

Nakht ripped his eyes from Aré's and turned an icy glare on Rudiju. He brought the dagger to Rudiju's neck. "Go, and don't forget to bring your army when you come back with that freak Djal."

Rudiju promptly turned again and stalked from the temple.

Aré pulled away from Bakura, looking at him with absolute fear dancing across her features. "What did you think you were doing?"

Bakura casually tossed the blade aside, looking back to Aré. "I was protecting you."

"You have only put yourself in danger!" She did not dare mention how much worse things would get for her, she was concerned for Bakura right now.

"You have to leave, you have to leave now."

"Aré…"

" Lord Djal will come. You are not strong enough to face him and live."

"Aré, please, listen."

"Y-you can leave now and you will be safe. Yes. You need to go somewhere far away a-and never come back so Lord Dj-"

Bakura's gentle grip on her shoulders stopped her hysterics and she looked up to meet his gaze. He brushed a piece of hair from her face, placing a hand on her cheek. " Arétut, stop this. If I leave, who will be here to protect you? I'm not going anywhere, Djal doesn't scare me, neither does Rudiju."

Aré was shaking by this point, and she had begun to cry softly. She was afraid for herself, afraid for Bakura and afraid of what she was feeling. All she wanted at the moment was to be in Bakura's arms again…she felt safe there. But why? In any other man's arms she felt helpless and alone. In his…

Bakura just stared at her as she seemed to be lost in thought. He approached her, arms effortlessly gliding around her, pulling her close to him and also out of her thoughts.

"Why? Why would you risk your life to protect me? I do not understand…"

"Some things need no explanation Aré." Inclining his head, Bakura gently pressed his lips to hers. Whether it was a gesture of comfort or of wanting, neither seemed to care. Aré simply let him, letting herself ponder the differences between Bakura and Djal.

Bakura pulled away from her, analyzing her expression. He saw neither pleasure nor dissatisfaction. Only confusion seemed to be in her gaze. "I'm sorry…I shouldn't of done that."

"No, do not be. I am not afraid of you…and I do not understand that."

"What do you feel when I kiss you?"

Aré thought for a moment, only one word came to her mind. "Safe."

Two weeks later…

The Great Thief Bakura…was in love. That was the only word he could use to describe what he felt for Aré. Love. He lay in the cot they shared, and watched her as she slept, taking in the image of her with the moonlight lighting up her face. He glanced out the window, noticing the full moon.

Bakura was playing a dangerous game. Not only had he been lying to her from the beginning about who he really was but he had also made two of the worst enemies he may ever have. The thought that Djal and Rudiju would come to kill him seemed to upset Aré so badly, and Bakura hated seeing her upset.

Speaking of Aré, she had been restless for the past two weeks. Often she would not sleep well at night and during the day she was on edge. Bakura knew what she was constantly looking out for; the two freaks.

Strangely enough, neither of them had shown up. Either Rudiju did not rat them out to Djal, meaning Bakura's threat was successful…or they were both scheming something.

Bakura sighed, and slipped his arms around Aré's waist, drawing her up against himself. He smiled when she snuggled closer to him, resting her head against his chest. She mumbled his name into his tunic, one of her hands gripping at the material. She was dreaming again.

"Aré…Aré darling wak-" Bakura stopped, his eye involuntarily twitched. What the? Did he just really call her that? He shook his head to clear his thoughts. Instead of trying to wake her again he untangled himself from her and stood. He stretched then effortlessly picked up Aré, cradling her to his chest, being careful not to wake her.

Bakura walked silently through the temple halls until he reached the doors to the courtyard. With all the skill of a well seasoned thief he unbolted the doors and kicked them open.

He adjusted Aré in his arms a bit then proceeded outside. She should not miss this, if what she said was true then she had never truly seen a full moon. She may be a little angry at him for bringing her out without consulting her first , but it would help; she needed to get her mind off of Djal and Rudiju.

"Aré wake up, you have see this." He tousled her gently in his arms and she scrunched up her face, making a groan of annoyance and displeasure.

Bakura chuckled "Come now. If you don't wake up and open your eyes I'll drop you."

Aré giggled slightly and opened her eyes to look up at young thief. Then she froze, realizing where she was.

"Hey it's okay, I won't let you go." He set her on the ground but never once let go of her. "I know you don't want to be out here, but you need to be, besides look." Bakura pointed to the moon hanging above.

Aré looked in the direction his finger indicated and smiled. She leaned into Bakura, wrapping one arm around his waist. Aré rested her head in the crook of his neck.

He began to softly stroke the small of her back, which made her lean into him.

She sighed, nuzzling his neck slightly. "You know, I do not know why I was ever afraid of out here. Of course Lord Djal's tales frightened me, but they should not have scared me that much. It is actually very beautiful, especially with the moon…is it not?"

What moon? Bakura had long abandoned that sight for the new one he was entranced by; Aré, her eyes reflecting the moonlight. "Yeah…beautiful."

Aré lifted her head and turned tranquil teal orbs to meet Bakura's russet ones.

(Fluff Alert) In that moment, she knew she had to try something. She had to prove to something to herself. Are swallowed nervously and brought one hand up, and placed it on the back of Bakura's neck. It seemed almost like he was in a trance, not fully aware or all too of what was going on. Aré brought her face closer to his and their eyes closed as their lips met. Although Aré had initiated the kiss she was timid about it. Bakura had no qualms about it and was thoroughly enjoying the chaste action. When she began to shy away slightly, he pulled her closer and deepened the kiss. Aré responded to him and although he seemed demanding, she did no feel as if he was forcing her to do this. More importantly she did not feel afraid. No fear at all, just being in his arms made that fear go away. Bakura circled his arms around her and firmly pushed her body against his. She subconsciously brought her hands up and ran her fingers through his hair. Their lips finally parted and they were both short on breath. Aré pulled back a little and covered her cheeks with her hands, trying to hide her blush.

"I…I never though, I would be one to do that."

"Well…I'm glad you did."

Bakura regarded her silently. Inside his mind and body were waging a war. Mind said no, you do not want to force yourself on her and scare her. Body on the other hand said fuck morals, she started it now you finish it. He shifted uncomfortably.

Aré was fighting a similar battle with herself. All of her common sense was screaming for her to run before anything more happened. But her heart told her to stay put. And she wanted to, she wanted to be with Bakura like this. But was he not like every other man in the world? Why did she feel different about him.

"What is happening Bakura?"

"What?"

"Why does part of me want to run and the other part want to stay? I should not want to stay, I should be telling myself that you are just like Lord Djal."

Bakura frowned and his heart sank a little. How could she say that? If he really was like that freak he would of long ago bedded her. He dropped his gaze to the ground, and silently chastised himself. He was getting soft, and he had let himself fall in love. Bakura had forgotten the possibility that she might reject his affections.

Aré caught the hurt in his eyes a he turned from her. She mentally kicked herself. She walked back to him, circling around to his front. Aré tilted his head up so he was no longer looking at the ground but at her.

"But…I know better. And I am going to listen to my heart this time, not my head."

Bakura laced his arms around her again, resting his forehead against hers.

"How long have I been here Aré?"

"About two and a half months, maybe three. Why?"

"I was just wondering how long I've been lying to you." Had it only been that short of a time. Bakura had always thought falling in love took forever, apparently though he was wrong.

"Lying to me?"

"Yes. Let's go back inside, I need to tell you about the real me, and I have something very important to tell you also."

Bakura: Icky, I'm all cute and stuff

Tsuki: Hush, you got to say fuck

Bakura: Hey I did didn't' I?

Tsuki: Yeah…R&R guys and oh yeah, you guys get to choose something about the story in another chapter or so.