I've been battling a recent computer ban so I'm sorry for not uploading faster! Freai; I'm sorry to you especially. I know you're going great lengths just to read. X.X; I had you on my mind this entire chapter. In my head: "Crap! You haven't worked on the chapter! Freai is waiting! Foof! Hurry!"

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Ryou, looking rather cheerful today, sat himself down in homeroom and sorted out his various folders and notebooks. He didn't worry that Malik wasn't present; he knew he was down at the principal's office and his punishment wouldn't be severe. Presently, Yugi walked up beside him with Tea at his side. Those two had been spending more and more time together which sparked Ryou's suspicion, "Good morning, Ryou!" Ryou lifted his head and smiled at Yugi, "Oh, hello. Yugi. Tea."

Tea looked a bit worried, "Have you seen Malik? I'm worried that he's still mad at us..." Ryou shook his head, "He's fine today. He just got sent to the office for not wearing his uniform. You see, he decided to let me borrow-"Ryou caught himself before he could say something embarrassing, "Uh... one of his CDs. And I woke him up late last night to return it. He must have been really tired when he woke up and forgot to put his uniform on, eh?" Tea and Yugi exchanged glances but then nodded.

Malik sulked, sitting in a rough fabric coated swivel chair. He watched principal Loewer type his name into his computer and pull up a school profile, "Mr. Ishtar. I'm sure you know why you're here?" Malik nodded gravely, "Yes, sir." "Malik; I'm aware that you're still shaken up over losing your brother, but that doesn't excuse showing up at school wearing barely anything at all," Loewer said while tapping a pen against his desktop.

Malik quickly scanned over his attire. It was the usual midriff shirt and cargo pants. Hm, yes, pretty revealing... Malik conjured up a puppy- eyed look, "I'm sorry, sir. It's just that he meant so much to me. I just haven't been able to cope well and I'm having trouble getting back into rhythm. I promise it won't happen again. Pushing his bangs out of his face with mock nervousness, he sighed dejectedly. Mr. Loewer shook his head, "Would you like to talk to a counselor? Mr. Peck can see you this afternoon if you'd like." Malik gave a firm shake of his head, "No, that's ok. I can manage. I'm really, really sorry, sir."

Mr. Loewer sat back in his chair and sighed, "Malik, I'm not going to punish you this time. But only because I know how emotionally stressing a death in the family can be. Unfortunately, I will be sending you home for the rest of the day. Do you have a mode of transportation?" Malik nodded, "Yes, sir." Ripping a release pass from a pad of them, Mr. Loewer scrawled out his signature and Malik's name, as well as other vital information. He handed the white pass to Malik, "I hope you feel better tomorrow, Mr. Ishtar. And don't forget to dress appropriately. Malik smiled a little and nodded, accepting the slip of paper. He then stood and exited the office, passing by the secretaries and entering the hall.

While walking down the hall, a devilish grin crossed his features, "I can't believe that worked. Heh..." He felt quite powerful with that pass in his hand. As a matter of fact, when he passed a hall monitor he simply flashed it in their direction and kept going rather than stopping and getting all worried. He had clearance! Oh that -did- feel good! He nearly did a little dance when he got to his locker and then smacked himself in the forehead for being so euphoric over a stupid bit of freedom. Once he'd gathered his things, he thought twice and tossed them back into the locker.

He exited the building and approached his motorcycle, feeling odd to be the only one able to leave the school right now. He thought less of it as he got out onto the road with the wind blowing in his hair. Ryou perked up in English class, glancing out the window at the sound of a motorbike. A half puzzled half happy expression crossed his face. He then resumed daydreaming while trying to appear as if he were reading.

For a moment, he got an idea... ~Bakura..?~ For a time there was silence, ~What do you want, mortal?~ Ryou smiled slightly. He had a response at least, ~I...I know I shouldn't be asking. But... Why did I wake up with Marik? In...In Marik's bed?~ Ryou heard Bakura muttering darkly in the depths of his soul room, ~Why don't you ask him, mortal?~ Ryou sulked, ~I did! He said you stayed overnight to make sure he was ok. B.S., Bakura.~ Ryou mostly wished he hadn't used those exact words, but he went with them, ~Tell me the real reason. This is my body!~

The tomb robber growled, ~I don't owe you any explanation, mortal! The second you get home; I'm going to...I'll...I don't need to tell you anything! And you are only a vessel. I don't give a damn whether it's your body or not.~ Ryou was confused at the level of defensive maneuvers Bakura was using, ~I didn't know you could take care of someone like you did with Marik, that's all...~ As Ryou prepared to shut their mind link, Bakura held it open, ~Don't think anything of it. But for now. What do you mean you didn't think I could take care of him? You don't think I'm capable? Perhaps I should just take over right now?~

Ryou idly took some notes, ~No! I mean. I'd really rather you didn't. I never meant to accuse you of being incapable. It's just that you're so...~ Bakura was demanding with his tone now, ~So what? What is it that I am?~ Ryou sighed mentally, ~You're so cold and ruthless. I didn't...think it was possible for you to give a damn about anyone. Now if you'll excuse me... I have a quiz to take. You can punish me when we get home...~ Bakura let Ryou shut their mind link. He huffed quietly, sitting in his own silence.

Now free to his thoughts, the tomb robber stood and left the small staircase he had been sitting upon. Turning sideways, he eased himself through a narrow channel within the ring. This brought him to the center of the ring where the spirit spent most of his time. Running a semi- transparent hand through his hair, Bakura frowned. Ryou had reminded him of Marik again and now his brain was at it again; thinking about him.

The scar on Marik's face only added to the attraction he already had for the Egyptian. That scar was eerily familiar. He himself had one just like it back when he owned a body himself. It was in the same place, on the same eye. Now that he thought a little bit about it, he almost felt bad for having lied about its existence to Marik. Oh well, the other would get over it. But as for last night; that was another thing altogether.

Bakura, though in a rather deep sleep, had woken up during some point of the night and noticed Marik holding him close. It was strange for one to be held like that at all, but it was more like Marik was clinging to him as if he couldn't possibly part with him. That was kind of cute, actually. Wait a minute, cute? Bakura smacked himself and let his hand drag itself down the length of his face, coming to rest over his mouth. He glanced side to side suspiciously as if someone might have heard his thoughts.

Realizing that he was alone calmed the spirit and he let his hand drop to his side, ~What in the world is wrong with me? I wonder if that psycho put a spell on me... No, the mortal is the one with magic, not him. But maybe he asked the mortal to conjure something up for him. Bah! I'll bet he did it while I slept! That sneaky little...~ Bakura realized how stupid this big idea sounded and just stopped, ~No, this isn't magic. It's...feelings.~

Bakura folded his arms, pacing around the room, ~How does he do it? I've seen better looking people. Haven't I? Wait; I don't like people enough to really look at them. Scratch that altogether.~ Bakura paused, looking at a wall for a moment before continuing, ~ Maybe it's not his looks. What then? I'm a shallow person what else would I care about? Let's see... I don't give a damn about his lifestyle. Voice? I like that... But no, that's not enough to get me saving his life like I did. His eyes! Aha! He must have magical eyes! Oh Ra that is the most imbecile thing I have ever come up with...~ Bakura gritted his teeth in frustration and moved to sit on a stone slab to sulk.

"Other me; I'm home. Just letting you know!" Malik called carelessly as he removed his shoes at the door. Marik winced from his seat in the living room, and not from his wounds either. Other me? That was what he called him now? Odion retreated back into the millenium rod which Marik held loosely in his right hand. Earlier, Odion had requested that Marik keep it nearby so that he wouldn't have to expel as much energy to project his astral form. Marik stood and went to greet his Hikari. He found him in the kitchen, unwrapping a pop tart since he had after all skipped breakfast, "Hikari, can I talk to you?"

He watched Malik rolls his eyes, "Yea, sure." Walking over to the kitchen table, he sat down and gnawed upon the pop tart, awaiting what Marik had to say with little interest. He hadn't even looked at him... Marik frowned and walked over to Malik, staggering a bit, not that Malik would notice. Lowering himself into a chair across from Malik, Marik folded his arms on the tabletop, "I know you could really care less about me or what I want to tell you, but if you'd just-" "So why bother talking to me?" Malik said coldly. Marik's frown deepened as he became angry, "Look at me when I'm talking to you, damn it!" Malik, shocked by the sudden command, lifted his gaze to shoot a fearful look toward his Yami. Noticing the deep scar set into Marik's face, he mentioned it, "Y...your face. What happened?"

Marik stood and moved around the table until he reached Malik's side, "What, you think this is funny?!" Malik shied away from Marik and quickly shook his head. "You were RIGHT there when this happened so how dare you ask 'what happened' to my face!" Marik barked. Malik shifted uneasily, trying to maintain a fairly confident expression, "Well sorry for asking..." He tried to look away from Marik and concentrate on the table top. Marik gave a dark growl as he unsheathed the millenium rod's dagger, "Don't you fucking turn away from me!!!" Malik's eyes widened at the glistening object in Marik's hand. He emitted a quiet whimper which he regretted with all of his heart.

Fear riddled his expression as all shields were drawn down. Marik's gaze flickered from the rod back to Malik and then he jammed the dagger back into its sheath, slamming it down on the table and walking away, "Just forget it." Malik sat there for a good minute or so before getting shakily to his feet and abandoning his food upon the table. Walking toward the room Marik had escaped into, Malik wondered what the outburst was for. Malik eased Marik's bedroom door open, poking his head inside. He noticed at once that Marik was standing in front of the mirror that hung on the wall. His back was turned and his arms were folded; or was he hugging himself? It was difficult to tell.

Malik entered fully and cautiously walked up to Marik, "What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?" Marik glanced over his shoulder and allowed his arms to drop to his sides as he turned to face Malik, "You know I didn't do what I did for no reason..." "So, you're here to try and defend yourself? You're telling me that you were right in doing what you did?" Malik prodded. Marik shook his head, "No. I should be tortured for what I've done. It's just that. How can I put this? I did it for you, Hikari. I don't...function properly. Kaiser told me that I had to do these things to keep you alive and well. But then I started having fun. But I didn't want to. I did anyway..."

Malik blinked slightly and tilted his head as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Marik continued, "If I could kill myself without you coming with me I would. I know how many times I've hurt you. I can't help it. I keep trying to change. Hell, I'd rather be more like you. However I can't do it by myself. I'm too stubborn to ask for anyone's help. And now that I'm ready; I'm sure as hell that you'll decline, even if I ask. It hurts me when you turn away from me. And so I get mad. I don't like being hurt. But I keep causing the hurt; to you and to myself. And I nearly caused you to lose Odion. And just a moment ago I was ready to kill you..." Marik looked rather broken by this point, yet he continued, "And I'm... I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to ruin everything. I really wasn't trying to be bad. I'm sorry... When Cadelle was killed, I -stopped- Ryou. I could have let him go and I could have done something to save Cadelle. I didn't. And now she's gone. I'm hurting more than just you and I. I penetrate, hurt, and eventually kill everything I come into contact with. I don't know how to convince you. But please. Stop hating me."

Malik's expression softened from the defensive mechanism he had constructed to the gentle Namu-like appearance, ~Just like a child.~ Marik seemed even more confused by the look on Malik's face, "Hikari..?" Malik sighed and approached Marik further so that the distance between them was mere inches, "You don't understand what you do, do you?" The lost look in Marik's eyes told Malik that he didn't. He sighed and took Marik's left hand into his right and led him toward the bed, "Come here and sit. I'll refresh your bandages for you since you can't do it yourself."

Marik allowed Malik to drag him around and he complied with Malik's request to sit, "You don't have to..." Malik released Marik's hand, "I want to. Not to mention your injuries will get infected if I don't." Marik frowned, "You shouldn't have to take care of me. That's role-reversal, Light." Malik shrugged, "Oh well. Stay here. I'll go get some things." Marik watched Malik exit the room and emitted a sigh, "I don't deserve you, Light. I don't..." In the meantime, Marik worked on getting his shirt off. He still had many injuries on his sides which made it difficult. Hell, his entire body was riddled with wounds. Well, save for some in tact items which will go unmentioned...

Malik came back within a few short minutes. He gave Marik one look before appearing overwhelmed, "Holy... He sure did a number on you." Marik smiled a little, "Mm-hm." Malik sat on the bed beside Marik and began to ease off the gauze covering his left side. He glanced up to Marik who was watching him stubbornly, "Don't look at me like that. Just accept my help and be done with it." Marik grunted, "Hmph." Malik realized just how independent his Yami liked to be as he noted the severity of some of the slashes in his side, ~Ra damn. I'd be crying by now. How can he just sit there?~ Malik shook his head and took to placing fresh gauze around Marik's torso.

Marik blinked, "What are you trying to do, mummify me?" Malik shrugged, "I'm not as good at this as Bakura is so just deal." Marik dealt and did so with a baffled look, "You have a weird way of healing, Hikari." Malik smiled and looked up at Marik again before quirking an eyebrow, "So do you... How did you manage that..?" Marik seemed just as confused as Malik, "Manage what?" Malik reached up and pointed out the scar on Marik's face, "That. You healed it." Marik lifted a hand to his face, surprised to find that the scar barely hurt at all and it seemed closed.

Malik peeled back a bit of the gauze he had applied, "All of your injuries are doing it! Marik?" Marik tilted his head, glancing down to see his slashes decrease in size, "As a Vampire I could heal very fast. Maybe a weaker version of that ability stayed with me." Malik rewrapped the gauze as the healing halted, leaving a bit of wounded tissue behind, "Well, just keep this on for good measure and we'll see how you are tomorrow." Marik smiled warmly and nodded, "Ok, Light." Malik made a face, "Stop trying to be cute with me." Marik smirked, "I'm being cute?" Malik nodded, "Yes, knock it off." Marik chuckled and looked aside, "Light thinks I'm cute. That's sweet... I should let Bakura know."

Malik looked distressed, "I said you were -being- cute! Never said you -were- cute. Or that I thought that." Marik looked highly amused, "Oh, so now I'm not cute. You don't like me, Hikari?" Malik frowned, "I hate it when you do that. Twisting my words..." Marik blinked, "Really? I'm sorry then. I'll stop." Malik fell backwards on the bed with an exasperated sigh, "You're crazy." Marik seemed pleased, "No; just happy." Malik faked drama as his threw his arm over his face, "Oh Ra. My Yami's in happy mode. Someone save me!" Moving his arm, Malik got serious, "I mean it. You switch from depression to euphoria just like that lately. I envy you." Lying sideways next to Malik, Marik gave a quiet whistle, "Perhaps I am crazy then."

Malik laughed, "Oye, what am I suppose to do with you? You're like... A big little kid. If that makes any sense." "It doesn't," Marik pointed out. "Beh!" Malik protested. "Beh?" Marik asked. "Beh? What is beh? You make me say crazy things..." Malik muttered. Marik smiled, "I like you this way, Hikari." Malik smiled faintly and looked at Marik, shocked by all of this change. Perhaps it would take some more time, but Marik could be trained to behave properly. "So, Light, you're not mad at me?" Marik asked coyly. Malik brushed his bangs out of his face, "No. I don't think I can be. After all, you did say you were sorry."

Those two spent most of the day together, catching up and talking about things they normally wouldn't have. Marik ended up in the living room again with Malik, watching television. Malik lay like a big lazy cat across his Yami's lap. Yes, a big lazy cat that took up the entire couch. Marik allowed himself to become trapped in the center of the couch for awhile until he caught a glimpse of the clock, "Hikari, I want to go somewhere." Malik made a passive sound, "Ok..?" Marik blinked, "That means you have to move." Malik put on his dramatic act again, "Can't move. Too powerless. Buh..."

Marik smirked and scooped Malik up into his arms while pushing himself up from the couch to stand, "So my powerless Hikari won't mind if I carry him into the back yard and dump him into the swimming pool?" Powerless Malik suddenly became less powerless, "No, that's ok! Dry is a good, good feeling!" He squirmed his way out of Marik's hold, causing the dark spirit to laugh, "Well, I'm off to see someone. I'll be back soon."

Malik blinked, "See who? Bakura? He is out of school now isn't he? It's him, eh? What are you two gonna' do?" Marik snorted, "It's not Bakura. Though that is a good idea." He started toward the door. Malik prodded, "Is it a female person?" Marik paused, "Yes, it's a female person." Malik grinned, "A female person with brown hair? A female person with brown hair named Serenity?" Marik rolled his eyes and went out the door. Malik sang from inside, "I knew it!" Marik pondered stealing Malik's motorcycle, but he'd have hell to pay later. Besides, a good walk couldn't hurt.

Serenity found herself stuck walking home. Did Joey really HAVE to get into fights all the time? Shaking her head, she looked bother ways before crossing the street. The sound of someone jogging behind her drew her attention, "Serenity!" Snapped out of her trance, Serenity paused and looked behind her, viewing Marik. Marik came to a stop near Serenity and caught his breath, "Hello." Serenity's expression contorted to a look of worry and before Marik knew what was going on, Serenity was hugging him, "I haven't seen you in weeks! I was so worried!"

Marik blinked a tad, "Worried; about me?" Serenity looked up at him from her embrace, slowly drawing back, "Is it true what everyone's saying about you? Are you a Vampire, Marik?" As she inspected Marik's features for any sign of the rumor being true, she noticed the scar on his face, "Oh. Who hurt you? Are you alright?" Marik made an exasperated face, "Serenity. I came to see you specifically so that you -wouldn't- worry. Yes, I was a Vampire. Not now however. My face requires some explanation. Can I walk with you?" Serenity didn't really have a choice as Marik continued down the street. She merely followed him.

"Serenity, I have no doubt that you've been watching the news lately..." Marik began. Serenity's eyes widened slightly as she listened. "You probably also know that all of those people didn't just go missing. And their bodies will never be found." Marik muttered gravely. "Oh my god. Marik, you didn't..." Serenity said as a hand flew to her mouth. Marik's gaze dropped to the sidewalk, "I wanted you to hear it from me rather than from those rumors that fly around your school. If you want me to leave you alone I understand. I just wanted to tell you the truth. I can't pretend I'm innocent."

Serenity walked beside a murderer, trying her best to keep her calm. But something in Marik's voice did that for her, "Well...Well why did you...Kill them..?" Marik sighed, "I thought I had to. Then things just got out of hand." Marik, by neglecting to mention Kaiser, was showing a lot of self-inflicted blame. Serenity stared, unsure of what to say. It wasn't until a car pulled into a driveway in front of herself and Marik that Serenity paid attention. Joey opened the driver's side door looking none too happy as he stepped out. "Joey, don't you have detention?" Serenity said confusedly.

She and Marik paused where they were. Joey sneered, slamming the car door shut, "I snuck out. Good thing too. Get away from her, ya' sick freak." Moving around the hood of the car, Joey locked his eyes on Marik like a feral cat. Marik narrowed his eyes at Joey. Serenity looked between the two, nearly feeling the electricity between them, "Joey, stop it! He wasn't doing anything." Joey huffed, "Yea, sure. I'll bet he was doin' nothin' when he bit Tea too. Ain't that right, Marik?" Marik growled, "Would you like to see me do something?" Serenity gave a frustrated grunt, "Both of you knock it off!!!" Marik and Joey both looked toward her.

"I'm tired of people fighting over me! Joey, leave him alone. I mean it. I don't need you to protect me! It's because of you that I can never talk to anybody; can't you see that?" Serenity scolded. Joey frowned and fell silent for a minute, "Get in the car, sis, I'm takin' you home." Serenity put her hands on her hips, "Joey, didn't you hear a thing I said?" "That's alright. Just go with him. I'll speak with you some other time," Marik said angrily. Joey sneered, "If I let er' maybe." "Serenity lowered her arms to her sides and pouted, "But, Marik..." Marik backed away from Serenity before turning and walking away.

Serenity looked defeated, "Joey! He really needs someone to talk to. How can you be so mean? Everyone else has forgiven him for Battle City, why not you?" Joey frowned, "Not everybody, Serenity. There's a lot o' us who still don't like the guy. And fer' good reason too. Come on, get in the car." Serenity sighed and moved to enter her brother's car, sitting shotgun next to him. Joey got in the car and shut his door, looking at his mirror before backing out of the driveway. Marik, who had by this point turned the corner, clenched his fists and cursed Joey under his breath, "You don't know how to treat her, do you Wheeler? You're a difficult friend to keep, Serenity..."

Serenity was the only person outside of his own family that Marik graced with the title of friend. It was a rare honor really. However, it seemed that anytime he got near her Joey would be hounding him to stay away. It wasn't like he was a bloodthirsty monster or anything... No, scratch that; he had his moments and fair shares of mood swings. Even then he wouldn't hurt Serenity. Not even during Battle City. But now he was mad. He needed to vent his anger on something. Someone maybe if he came across anyone. Hey, look, a tree. No; a target. Several broken branches and chunks of bark later, Marik spit out a twig, feeling a bit better.

Agitation lingered in his thoughts and he brushed a leaf or two out of his hair. Then it was off to see Bakura. It sounds like a child's faerie tale doesn't it? All of this walking around felt pretty good; it cleared his head. But that feeling dwindled as he rapped softly on Ryou's door. Marik heard footsteps from within and then someone fumbling with something. Within a few minutes, the door was eventually opened. Ryou peered out and then up at Marik, "Oh, hello." He stepped back and opened the door while pressing a white towel to his upper arm, "Please, come in." Marik entered the apartment, shutting the door behind himself, "Ryou, I have a question for you."

The white-haired teen found himself a seat on the couch, "Yes?" Marik folded his hands behind his back, moving away from the door, "The scar on my face. I shouldn't look like it does now. Look at it. It's healed." Ryou blinked and looked Marik's way, "Oh my. Well... Did you do something to help it along?" Marik shook his head and sat next to Ryou, "Do you think it's possible that killing Kaiser failed to help me?" Ryou seemed puzzled, "It should have worked. That's strange. Perhaps Bakura interfered somehow." Marik frowned, "With the ring..." Ryou screwed up his face in confusion, "Here, let me have a look at your pearly whites."

Marik stared. Ryou explained, "Your teeth I mean. Sorry for the expression." Though confused as to why Ryou would care about his dental condition, he opened his mouth and let him look. He was only greeted with further bafflement as Ryou stuck a thumb in his mouth and poked at one of his upper canine teeth. He withdrew his hand, "Hm." Marik blinked, "Hm what? What did you do that for?" He took to running his tongue over that particular tooth as if to clean it. Ryou tilted his head, "They're sharp, Marik. Not anywhere near like you had before, but sharp." Marik appeared worried, "I don't like where this is going."

"Now calm down. It's nothing serious. It's just that maybe some of the side effects didn't leave like they were supposed to. You're not still... Pardon my choice of words, but 'Kill kill bloodshed...roar...' are you?" Ryou asked shyly. Marik smiled a little; he liked that choice of words. They were amusing coming from Ryou, "No, I'm not. That's good I suppose." Ryou nodded, "Yes, it is. As long as you don't get those homicidal urges again then I think things are under control." Marik stirred slightly in his seat, "How's your arm?" Ryou shrugged, "Well it hurts a bunch, but I can complai- "Ryou froze, having been tricked, "I mean; it's nothing. Never mind."

Marik looked mad again, "Let me speak with Bakura..." Ryou shied away, "I'm telling you, really, it's nothing." Marik growled, "You don't need to defend him while I'm here." Ryou narrowed his eyes in confusion, "What?" "He likes to attack that particular arm doesn't he?" Marik said while gesturing to Ryou's injured limb, "Same one as back in Battle City. I wonder if it means something." Ryou looked at his arm, wondering the same thing, "I'd best get it cleaned up..." Marik sighed, "Then may I please talk to Bakura? Don't make me beg. Or complain. I perform the latter very efficiently." Ryou hesitated a moment, "Alright. You needn't wait for very long." With that he rose from his seat and scurried off to the bathroom to bandage himself.

Ryou held to his promise and soon Bakura waltzed out of the bathroom with his hands in his pockets. Marik sat where he was before only now he had his arms folded and a decisive expression on his face. "You disobeyed me." He said quietly, lifting his gaze to the white-haired spirit. Bakura rolled his eyes and said nothing as he paused off to Marik's left; refusing to sit for now. When Bakura saw that Marik wasn't going to speak further until he explained, he frowned, "What..?" Marik shifted his jaw, "That hurts you know; cutting him where you did." Bakura smirked, "Psh. I cut him there all the time as well as other areas. What does it matter?" "Never mind. It seems you'd rather not care about what I do and do not appreciate. I will only say that it is difficult to like you at times..." Marik stated, dropping his stern façade.

Bakura lifted an eyebrow, "Don't push your luck. You spent a night with me; that should be enough to ward off your complaining." Marik let Bakura's cold words strike him and he waited until he was finished, "You're not the person I would normally come to for this but my current 'therapist' is out of commission as it were." Bakura stopped him from continuing, "Therapist? You want sympathy or something? You won't find that here." Marik frowned and leaned back against the couch, "If you do not feel the way you proclaimed you did last night then just say so. I knew your words were empty anyway. I just hoped I was wrong again. If I'm just an item to you than please say that."

Bakura twitched in annoyance, "Why did you even come here? Just to bother me? You're doing a good job." Marik flinched, a heavy sorrowful feeling swarming in his throat, inhibiting speech. Once he choked down the feeling for the most part, he replied in a most dejected way, "I'm sorry to offend you with my presence; Bakura Sama. If you need to use me for anything I'll be in the same place I always am." He stood and unfolded his arms, fighting off a whimper as he tried to leave. Had he been a dog; his ears would be pinned and his tail would find a resting place between his legs. Bakura noticed just how damaging his comments were. He frowned, watching Marik walk off, ~Have I hurt him that badly..? Oh well. He deserves it. Coming to me of all people... He'll get over it.~