Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Gi Oh

Author's notes: None of you have guessed what the present is. But you will find out very soon. Can't be bothered to leave a worthwhile note this time so I'll get on with the fic.

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Unrequited Love

Chapter 31: Surprise Return

Anuket ate her breakfast in silence as she drifted in and out of her own little dream world. She wasn't looking forward to school today. She knew that she was going to end up in trouble again. She wasn't feeling very hungry either so she decided to skip breakfast and walk to school on her own.

She tidied up and reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. She sent a text message to Tea telling her that she would be leaving early and that she would see her at school. After which Anuket grabbed her bag and headed out.

It was getting much warmer now. Summer was well on its way and flowers were blooming everywhere. The sky was clear blue and there wasn't a cloud to be seen anywhere. The suns warmth reminded Anuket of home. She missed Egypt very much.

She slowly made her way through the town until she reached school. She went inside the double doors and put her things inside her locker. She checked her timetable to see what she had first.

"Urgh! Maths…" she groaned.

Anuket walked along until she came to the classroom. She poked her head around the door to see if there was anyone in yet. She heard tapping in the corner. Kaiba was there working on his laptop as he always did. She slid into the room silently and sat herself down in her seat by the window. She took out her books and began to revise the work from the last lesson.

Soon after, students began to pile into the classroom. Tea dumped her bag under the desk next to Anuket who was far away in dreamland.

"Wakey wakey! The lesson is about to start. You don't want detention again do you?" said Tea.

"Oh Ra no. he made me clean the place up all by myself. Then he walked in later with dirty shoes and I had to do the floor again!"

"I hate him" muttered Tea.

"I hate him more. I swear he must be picking on me"

"Maybe he has a crush on you" said Tea with a concealed grin.

"Argghhh no! That's disgusting. Tea you are sick! You are a sick sick girl! You are a horrible, disgusting, nasty…!"

"I was joking!" laughed Tea. "But it was worth it to see the look on your face"

"You do realise that I will need some serious therapy after that. Look at my eye twitching!" Anuket began to blink one of her eyes rapidly to prove her point.

88888888888888888888 lunch time

Because it was such a beautiful day, everyone decided to eat outside. Joey and Tristan were currently inside queuing up at the cafeteria to stock up on treats to eat in class. Yugi was laying down under a tree resting his eyes. Tea and Anuket sat a little way from him playing duel monsters. Neither of them was an expert at it so they were evenly matched. However, because Tea had watched many more games being played then Anuket, she had the advantage.

"Kiss your life point goodbye Benu" smirked Tea as she declared an attack on Anuket's monster.

"Damn… I should have seen that coming" she muttered. "Why is it that I never win?" she asked no one in particular.

"Maybe it's because you're too impatient. You attack before you think of a strategy" laughed Yugi. One of his eyes was half open.

"Just go back to sleep Mr Motou" ordered Anuket.

"Ok then" said Yugi closing his eye once more.

Anuket grinned at Tea and motioned for her to take a walk. When they were far enough away for anyone to hear them Anuket turned Tea around and asked her right out.

"Are you going to ask Yugi out or what?"

"Excuse me!" exclaimed Tea.

"Do you want me to do it for you?" pressed Anuket.

"I don't know what you're talking about" Tea replied, her face turning scarlet.

"Oh come on! You have a crush on Yugi. It is so obvious. I can tell you now that nothing will happen unless you do something about it. Ask yourself this, do you want something to happen?"

"No I do not. He's my friend and even if I did like him, he probably wouldn't like me…"

"We could always find out…" said Anuket slyly. "Come on Tea. You know about Marik don't you? I told you all about him. You could at least tell me secret stuff about yourself. Pleeeeeaaase?"

Tea was a few shades brighter than scarlet now. "Alright" she whispered. "I do like Yugi but I don't want him to find out. Promise me you won't tell anyone ok? Especially Yugi"

Anuket nodded her head, grinning in triumph. "I promise"

"And I don't want to talk about it any more ok?"

"If that's what you want" said Anuket. "Well at least I got her to admit it. That's a start"

"Good. Now seeing as you don't mind sharing, what's going on with you and Marik?" asked Tea in curiosity.

"Oh… well he called me last night. He says he's going to be a few more weeks" said Anuket sadly.

"I don't know why you put up with him Anu. If he really loved you then he would have stayed here" fumed Tea slightly.

"He has his reasons Tea" defended Anuket. "he wants to find the remaining rarehunters and put them behind bars"

"Yeah, but still…"

Joey and Tristan arrived soon after, their hands full of snacks. They dumped them on the grass and called the girls over.

"You want anythin Anu?" asked Joey. Even after all this time he was still smitten with her.

"No thankyou Joey. I've been putting on weight recently" she said.

Tea snorted. "Yeah right!"

"So you doin anything later" he asked between mouthfuls. "I thought maybe we could all go to the movies"

"Yeah, sounds like fun" said Tristan. "We can watch a scary movie this time!"

Anuket grimaced. She didn't like scary films that much. She saw jeepers creepers once because the title made it sound like a comedy horror. She was dead wrong. She kept imagining a creature waiting for her in the dark coming to eat her liver or something. She shook her head to get rid of those memories.

"Can we see something else? Something that won't keep me up at night?" she asked.

"Anythin you want" said Joey. "So long as it aint a chick flick"

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"Five seconds to go…" thought Anuket as she stared at the clock on the wall.

The bell rang and everyone got to their feet. Anuket stuffed her belongings in her bag and ran outside to meet her friends. They decided to go and see a comedy. That way everyone would enjoy themselves. Anuket bumped into Bakura in the hallway.

"Hi Bakura" she greeted. "Are you going to come with us to see a movie?"

"I don't see why not. I've been working too hard recently. I'll come" he replied in his cheerful tone.

"Good. Come on, everyone should be waiting outside for us" said Anuket.

She grabbed Bakura by his wrist and pulled him along through the double doors. She squinted because of the sun in her eyes. They said that they would meet at the big tree outside. They weren't there yet. Anuket pulled Bakura along to the meeting point where they watched students pouring out in large numbers. They stood talking for about five minutes until their friends made an appearance.

"Sorry we're late" apologized Tristan. "Monkey boy here got into a fight with Kaiba and got held back. It's a miracle he didn't get detention"

"The only reason he didn't get detention is because Kaiba said nothing happened" said Tea. "Kaiba would have been on trouble too otherwise"

Joey fumed. "Are you sayin I should be thankful ta Kaiba! It was his fault!"

"No Joey. It wasn't your fault. It was Kaiba's fault as it always is. You're right, he's wrong. He was the one who threw the first punch, not you" groaned Yugi sarcastically. Those two had been arguing more and more recently. It was getting tiresome.

"Glad you agree!" said Joey cheerfully missing the sarcastic tone in Yugi's voice. He gave his friend a hard pat on the back, sending him to the ground.

Yugi groaned in pain as he rubbed his sore rear. Tristan lifted him up off the ground and onto his feet. "Thanks Tristan" said Yugi.

"No problem pal" he replied glaring at the retreating form of Joey in the distance.

Everyone broke into a fast jog to catch up with the blonde. Anuket's bag was so heavy with books and various other objects that it kept banging against her back. She winced as the corner of one book in particular poked into her ribs. She had to stop running for a second to rearrange the straps so it fit more comfortably around her shoulder. Anuket knelt down at the side of the pavement. She squinted at her friends in the distance.

"They didn't even wait for me. Nice!" she thought to herself.

Anuket squealed and jumped with fright as she felt two hands close over her eyes. She grabbed them and tried to prise them away from her. She froze as she felt the person behind her breath on her neck. It was definitely a man. She was about to scream for help when a familiar voice stopped her.

"You know, you look even more beautiful each time I see you"

Anuket took in a sharp breath and twisted around to face the man behind her.

"Marik?" she asked, not quite believing what she was seeing.

"Miss me?" he asked while planting kisses on her eyelids.

Anuket threw her arms around Marik's torso and buried her face in his chest. He closed his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. He had waited for over three months to be with her like this and it was finally happening. He bent down to inhale her scent that he loved so much when suddenly out of the blue she slapped him across the cheek. He blinked at her in shock.

"That is for lying to me!" said Anuket pointing her finger at him. She grabbed his shirt and pulled him in for a deep kiss. "And that is for coming back" she finished running her fingers through his hair, smiling gently.

"Im sorry for that" apologized Marik resting his hands on her waist. "I thought that I'd surprise you"

"Well you succeeded. Well done" she replied.

"What's my prize?" asked Marik flirtatiously.

"Hmmmmm…let me see. What can I give you…?" said Anuket pulling him down for another sweet kiss.

They were interrupted by Yugi and co running up to them. They had realised after a few minutes that someone was missing and had to backtrack to pick her up. They were met with a shock as they turned the corner to see the young couple sharing a loving kiss together.

"Oops! Sorry! Didn't realise you two were busy. We'll just leave you to it" said Tristan averting his eyes a little.

"Hey sorry for leaving you behind Anu" said Joey running up behind before eyeing Marik with a slight glare. "Oh great! He's back" thought Joey numbly. He nodded at Marik in greeting. He should at least be polite to him.

Yugi followed soon after. "Hey Marik! How've ya been?" he smiled.

"I'm fine. We finally caught all of the stray rarehunters. You won't have to worry about them any more. They're finished. How are you all?" said Marik.

"Cant complain" said Tea. "But what happened? Anu said that you weren't coming back for at least another three weeks"

Marik smirked. "I lied to her"

Everyone laughed except for Joey. He had to plaster a fake grin over his face.

"So I guess you won't be joining us at the movies" said Yugi knowingly.

Anuket shook her head with a smile. "Not today. Marik and I have some catching up to do" she said grasping her boyfriends arm and pulling him away. "I'll see you all tomorrow?"

"Kay! Bye Anu" they all said together.

"Have fun you two" said Tea suggestively before breaking out into a fit of giggles and running off with the boys into town.

Marik looked down at Anuket with a raised eyebrow. "Im sure we will"

Anuket began to pull him down the street. "Come on. I want you to come to my house and meet Ipet. From what I heard you didn't exactly leave a good first impression"

Marik put his hand behind his head guiltily. "I think I had better apologize to her for that" he said thinking back to when he intruded their home.

Anuket smiled warmly and fiddled with one of Marik's earrings. "Don't worry. Im sure she'll forgive you once she sees how much you've changed"

8888888888888888888888888 Anuket's house.

They pulled up to their destination fifteen minutes later on Marik's bike. Anuket was kind of sorry it was over. The bike ride gave her the chance to feel Marik's abs. Something she hadn't dared do last time she rode with him.

He parked it just outside the garage and pulled the keys out of the ignition locking it as he did. Marik stuffed the keys inside his pocket and allowed Anuket to lead him through the side entrance to the house. He was feeling a little nervous. He had been here before but his was different. This time he was her boyfriend and was about to meet a member of Anuket's family. Well Sort of. She was only posing as Anuket's grandmother he had learned on the way over.

Marik wondered what kind of welcome he would receive from Ipet. He didn't like to bet on it but he knew it wasn't going to be a very warm one.

"I'm home!" called Anuket into and empty kitchen.

A few seconds later Ipet was heard shuffling her way towards them through the doorway. "I thoughts you were supposed to be down town with you frie…" she stopped in her tracks when she saw the man standing next to Anuket.

"Marik's back early" she said excitedly. "I brought him around so that you two could make a fresh start and possibly forget what happened in the past… please?"

Ipet frowned slightly. A fresh start? Was that girl serious? Ipet wanted nothing more then to beat Marik senseless for the way he treated her, but despite her current feeling towards him, Anuket was still unknowingly the one in charge. She was the daughter of her former master and essentially this was her house. She just wanted to see Anuket happy and she was. Ipet couldn't remember ever seeing her as cheerful as this before.

"I would be lying if I said it was nice to meet you Mr Ishtar. I honestly can't understand what Anuket sees in you" said Ipet.

"You're not the only one…" replied Marik quietly.

"Anuket insists that you have changed. I find that hard to believe right now but that doesn't mean I won't give you the benefit of the doubt"

Marik simply stared back at Ipet. He decided to just let her get everything off her chest so they could move on from this awkward conversation.

"I want you to swear to me that you will never do anything to hurt her" Ipet stared right into Marik's violet orbs.

Marik looked away from Ipet's stare and down at the girl whose fingers were still intertwined with his own. He smiled fondly at her beautiful emerald eyes before facing Ipet again.

"I swear on my life that I will never hurt her. I also swear on my family's honour. I will love and protect her until the day I die" said Marik sincerely.

Ipet searched his face, trying to find any sign that he didn't mean it. There was none. She turned to face Anuket with a sigh. "I just want to see you happy, and if this boy iswhat makes you feel that way then I don't mind"

Anuket jumped towards Ipet and hugged her. "Thankyou for making an effort. I really appreciate it" she whispered in her ear.

8888888888888888888888 later on

The three Egyptians had been talking for hours in the living room. Ipet had insisted that she learn more about Marik and hear his side of the story. She was actually very impressed that he didn't try and defend himself for how he treated Anuket nine years ago. Instead he showed signs of remorse for his treatment of her. She was beginning to change her mind about this young man. Maybe he was a different person after all.

Marik and Anuket sat in one of the chairs together, all cuddled up and comfortable. Marik had his arms wrapped protectively around her all the time they talked. The conversation began to shift from their childhood to their future, much to Marik's delight. He was finally beginning to feel accepted. He knew there needed to be some work done on his part, but if it meant making Anuket happy it would all be worth it in the end.

Anuket grinned happily as she listened to Marik and Ipet converse in informal discussion. She was certain that soon Ipet would understand why she loved him so much. He was funny when he wanted to be, protective, and wise on the rare occasion. It was getting late now.

"Marik? It's late now. Do you have anywhere to stay?" asked Anuket.

"Yes. It's on the other side of town. I have a nice flat near the museum. Ishizu said that it would do me some good if I got my own place. It's a bit of a mess right now though. I decided to come and see you before I started unpacking. There are a few chunks of wood in there that is 'supposed' to be a bed" said Marik thoughtfully.

"Well you can't put it together now" said Anuket. "It'll be morning by the time you finish. You will stay here tonight" she ordered.

Marik looked a little put out by her assumption that he would take forever assembling the furniture.

"And where is he supposed to stay?" asked Ipet. "We don't have a spare bedroom" she reminded.

"He can share my room" she said.

Ipet nearly choked on her tea and Marik was mentally screaming in joy. He did an exceptional job in keeping his face neutral though. When Ipet recovered she turned to face the two teens.

"I don't think so young lady! I don't trust either of you. Marik, you can sleep down here on the sofa so I know where you are"

"Thankyou Ipet" he said gratefully. At least he didn't have to sit up all night piecing together a bed that probably had foreign instructions and more then likely was missing a few important components anyway.

"The sofa isn't comfortable enough to sleep on" muttered Anuket.

"Well we'll make it comfortable then. You are not sharing a room with each other you hear me?"

Ipet's tone of voice was final. Anuket stood up from Marik's lap and headed upstairs to get some blankets for him. Ipet followed. Anuket came down a few minutes later and placed them on his bed for the night. Marik came over and tested it out.

"Is it alright?" asked Anuket. "Do you want some more blankets?"

"No thankyou. This is actually very comfortable" he said removing his shirt and placing it on the back of the sofa.

He turned his back away from Anuket slightly, inadvertently showing her a glimpse of his tattoo. She gasped in shock.

"I didn't know that the pharaoh's memory covered your whole back… I thought it was just a small one… its no wonder you acted the way you did…"

Marik turned around again to face her. "That is no excuse for the way I treated you. I would have it done again if it were possible to show you how sorry I am for putting you through that"

"It doesn't matter" said Anuket softly touching his face. "I wouldn't ever want you to go through that again. I know it's not on the same scale as yours, but my father did the same to me when I was eight. I know how it feels…"

Marik looked stunned. "You had to go through that pain too?"

Anuket nodded. She turned her back to him and lifted her shirt slightly so Marik could see her mark. He simply stared at the pattern on Anuket's hip. It was his family's crest combined with her own. The phoenix and the ankh. He reached out to touch the branded skin.

"I had no idea…" he whispered.

She pulled her shirt down again and turned to face Marik. "I told you not to worry about it. Get some sleep okay? I'll see you in the morning"

She leant over to Marik and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips.

"Ahem!" coughed Ipet in the doorway. She raised a disapproving eyebrow.

"Goodnight Marik" waved Anuket, smiling at him.

"Goodnight" he replied before settling down to a peaceful slumber.

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To those of you who don't read these notes, the story is not over. There are going to be at least ten to fifteen chapters of this to go. Maybe even more. I'm only guessing right now. There is plenty of the story left to go.