Note: Very short chapter, because I have to go carve pumpkins. Yeah, really.
Dread and the Fugitive Mind 12
The rest of the day was spent together, taking things slow and easy and getting used to being able to act 'coupley' with each other. They ate breakfast and talked through most of a movie, then decided to go out somewhere they definitely wouldn't run into anyone from the campsite. Seto called a taxi and the three of them deserted for a while to walk around the nearest little town on the outskirts of Domino, buying tacky souvenirs for Mokuba and stopping for lunch in a tiny café that Marik decided he liked.
Afterwards, as the afternoon wore on into evening, they headed back to the campsite and managed to avoid running into anyone as they made it back to their cabin.
Both Marik and Seto noticed that Bakura seemed less worried about coming across Yami now that they were with him. Knowing he wasn't alone had helped him a lot, so when an hour after they got back Seto answered the door to the pharaoh, Bakura didn't immediately bolt for his room. The thief just discreetly stepped closer to Marik, who stood protectively behind him as Yami entered the cabin.
"Where were you all day? We couldn't find you." The game king said, giving Bakura a searching look and sensing a change amongst the three.
"We spent the day shopping," Marik supplied, trying to sound easy but able to feel the tension coming from Bakura, who was watching every movement of Yami's hands like a hawk. Seto left the cabin door ajar for Yami to leave by and moved to take his place next to Bakura, who relaxed slightly. He could feel the strong presence of Marik behind him and Seto beside him, telling him he was safe.
"Shopping?" Yami seemed puzzled, not seeing why they'd need to shop on a camping trip.
"We wanted to spend the day together without your friendship club harassing us." Bakura finally spoke, sounding almost back to his old cocky, arrogant self. Marik sent Seto a relieved smile and Yami caught it, understanding what had changed.
"You three are… together, now?" He asked, looking like it was a hard idea for him to cope with but he was doing his best.
"Yes, is that a problem?" The thief narrowed his eyes, feeling Marik laugh softly behind him.
"No," Yami gave a weak smile and took in the three pairs of eyes watching him – one blood red and defensive; one vivid purple and protective; and one deep blue and proud. "I… wish you luck, I'm sure you'll be happy together." The pharaoh said, contemplating apologising to Bakura for whatever he'd done that made the thief run away from him. He had no idea what it was, though, so instead he decided that leaving them alone would be wiser, and quickly bid them goodnight, leaving through the door Seto had left open.
The moment Yami had gone and Seto had locked the door behind him, Bakura turned and all but collapsed into Marik's arms with a shudder.
"I hope that gets easier." The former grave robber whispered, feeling Seto's arms wrap around him and Marik holding them both.
"The look on his face was priceless." Marik smiled.
"He looked quite worried, perhaps he thinks the three of us together might be too much for him to handle." Seto smirked. They wouldn't cause much trouble, it was just nice to know they had the king of games worried.
"Let's go to bed," Bakura murmured, "there are things it's time I told you."
Marik looked down at the thief and ran a hand gently through soft white hair.
"Are you sure, 'Kura?" The Egyptian asked, not wanting to make Bakura relive anything he wasn't ready for.
"Yes. The sooner I do it, the sooner I can get over it." He decided, wincing at the thought. His death hadn't been clean, quick or painless but he knew Marik and Seto would be at his side as he recounted it. He needed to face up to it anyway.
"Alright, if it's time for a few bedtime stories I'll tell you how I got my pretty tattoos." Marik said, not wanting Bakura to be alone. Seto nodded and smiled slightly.
"And I'll tell you about Gozaburo, as long as you don't tell Mokuba the worst bits." The blue eyes CEO offered, leading the way to the bedroom they were sharing.
"This is going to be a night to remember." Bakura smirked bitterly, following Seto into their room as Marik turned out the lights.
TBC
There's one chapter left of the actual fic, then a kind of bonus chapter thingy becauseI wasn't satisfied with the ending. I'll post the next chapter next time I update Brave New World. Happy Halloween!