Chapter 32

Anticipation

Silence and more silence…

I sighed readjusting my fingers on the steering wheel as I drove down the darkened city boulevard. It's once damp and gloomy look was now gone considering 4 weeks had past. I played with the peppermint in my mouth reminding myself of the night out Keket and I shared only minutes ago.

It was suppose to cheer both of us up and it did…momentarily.

Keket sat at my side quiet as ever and possibly thinking the same thing I was.Marik's verdict. We hadn't heard any news from him or on T.V.

As I glanced at her, I noticed the sort of hope, or was it pride, that she held to her face. She wasn't crying and frankly I didn't think that she wanted to. I could see she was finally taking on Marik's demeanor.

I smiled softly amused.Marik and Keket had such an amusing friendship, if I could call it that. One minute their yelling at the top of their lungs and before you can say "Kaiba's Dead" their comforting and kissing each other. Once again I must say, very…amusing.

We pulled up into the drive-way of my apartment which I must say has been looking rather rundown lately. Not the outside of course but inside. Due to the parties, outings, and Tea, which I will get into later, I haven't found the proper time to actually clean up!

I offered to open Keket's car door, an action she didn't seem to mind. She smiled tenderly as if reassured that everything was going to be aright. I liked her attitude.

She rested a hand on my shoulder grabbing my already full attention and without warning…she kissed me.

Now it was a mere kiss on the cheek, perhaps her way of saying "thank you", but afterwards I began to feel that dead affection for her come back to life.

Don't get me wrong! I refuse to go after my best friend's girlfriend; if that's what she was. Furthermore, even if she wasn't I still had to decline.

We walked up to the front door with my arm resting gently on her shoulder. I looked up at my apartment as it seemed to radiate memories of us…and Tea playing matchmaker.

I opened the door for her, apologizing for the mess. She laughed sympathetically.

"Wow.Bakura? What exactly have you've been doing these past few days?"

I rubbed the back of my head feeling my cheeks warm slightly.

"Oh you know." I trailed off. Keket gave me a look of playful mistrust and approached me.

"Oh really?"

The way she advanced towards me caused my stomach to churn. The more steps she took forward, the more I moved back. So far back that I ran into the door causing it to close.

Keket stood before me gazing deeply into my eyes drowning me in her green pools. I could feel her warm breath tickle my throat. She bit her lip and cocked her head to the side.

Silence, nothing but silence.

So this is what it's like?

I kill Japan's sweetheart and this is where it gets me? Jail. A small insignificant cell.

I sat on the stone floor thinking. About what? I don't know. Most random things, food, that funny smell coming from the wall, my fate.

The session was surprisingly simple and quick. The verdict?Guilty,which was not surprising considering I did do it and the entire jury was filled with 40-year old women who obviously lusted after Seto Kaiba at one point or another in their feeble lives.

Now I know what you're thinking, what about her? Nope. I refuse to say the K word. The last thing the security guards need is an emotional outcry. But seriously, I do miss her.Damnit! See what she does to me!

But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.

The cold stone floor echoed as I slid my feet across it as I pulled myself up to stand and lean against the gray bricked walls. I was alone in my cell, cold and angry. My anger was mostly directed towards myself.

Why me? Why the hell did I have to go and do something so stupid! I wasn't thinking…again. And now look where my stubbornness got me!

"Marik Ishtar." A rusty voice called my name. I lifted my gaze keeping my back to the voice.

"Yeah?"

"Someone's here to see you."

My eyes widened. Did she came back to visit me? Or maybe it was some news reporter trying to get the last news.Hn.I can see it now. "Evil brother of the great Ishizu Ishtar kills her fiancée, more at 11." Stupid media and their needs. They should just all-

I turned my head hoping and praying…

Only to become face to face with a warm blobby liquid. It was thick and slid down my face before stretching and plopping onto the cement floor.

I wiped my face in spite grinding my teeth at the sound of laughter. Laughter that belonged to the overweight foolhardy cop before me.Bastard.I knew he enjoyed my suffering. I knew he wanted to do anything and everything he possibly could to destroy my disposition.

I approached him in a sentient manner as his mucous-filled laugh echoed in my ears. I have to admit, I was trying to go for that good-boy image.Hey! Get this; the jailers said if I was good, I'll be released in 5 years, so might as well grin and bare it.

The cop finally calmed down wiping his eyes. "Ah, and to think this is only the beginning. We are going to have a wonderful time together, Martin."

I tensed. "It's Marik." You imbecile.

I turned my back to the man and sighed in aggravation remembering my bail was at a total of 12 million dollars and I knew for a fact that Ishizu, or anyone else for that matter, didn't have that kind of money.

I looked at the floor again feeling a sudden chill wash over me. I know it sounds girly but I actually starting holding myself; mimicking the way Keket would hold me. I miss her. I really do and I know, I just know that somewhere she just has to me thinking of me, missing me and hopefully wanting me back.

I continued my self-embrace as I slid down to the floor softly bumping my head against the stone bed.

So this is what it's like?

"I wish you were here, Keket."

Too close, too close.

Keket was getting to close. Her face had softened, her eyes fluttering, see was going to kiss me if I didn't do anything soon.

"How about I help you clean this up, Bakura?" Keket eased back a little and grinned comically.

I sighed in relief dropping my shoulders. "Sure."

Too close…too close.