Author's Note: I hope you enjoy this next chapter. I'm trying to get these out each week, but I already know that I will not be able to make my deadline next week because I'm going to a wedding. But I promise to get it out soon. Also – I really enjoyed writing this chapter. A lot. I hope you guys enjoy it.
Also thanks for the follows, favorites, and reviews! I really appreciate it!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! It is the property of Kazuki Takahashi. I wish it were my property though. One of these days. If you haven't already, read the warning.
Enjoy!
Bakura didn't live too far from 5th avenue, so he decided to walk. It was October so he may as well the warm weather before it vanishes for the winter. Since his date didn't specify the name of the restaurant, Bakura figured there was only one Italian restaurant on this road. He enjoyed the walk, seeing the last bits of sunlight fade into dusk. Soon it would be dark. There was something comforting and relaxing about the night air.
It was a few minutes after 6 when Bakura spotted the restaurant. There was a line of people waiting outside dressed to the nines. Women in elegant dresses and men wearing tuxedos stood patiently, acting as if they couldn't have a care in the world. That this place was worth waiting for, obviously. Of course she would choose this place, Bakura grimaced. And knowing her, I'm going to have to pay for her food too. Damn her. Bakura looked over his suit. Sure, he looked fine, but he was starting to wonder if he should have grabbed a tie. He was starting to feel underdressed.
Since when do I care? Bakura snorted and he shoved his hands into his pockets and walked towards the entrance of the restaurant He had an angry scowl on his face, his shoulders hunched forward and as he sped forward, not caring if he bumped or pushed any of the people standing in line. The other patrons saw him approaching, clearing a path and staring at him with disgust and bewilderment. Bakura just glared back, his eyes narrowed and almost crimson in the dusk lighting. He walked through the entrance, eyes adjusting to the light in the stylishly decorated interior.
Bakura didn't even look at the hostess as he searched the tables. She said at 6 o'clock sharp, so he knew that she would be waiting for him. The restaurant was packed as couples enjoyed a romantic Italian dinner. The tables were clad in white linen, candles were lit, and the meals cooked to unequal perfection. The customers in attendance were also dressed exquisitely for the occasion. The men and women looked like almost perfect Barbie and Ken dolls, suits and dresses of the most expensive fabric, hair and make-up done.
And that's when Bakura spotted his date. Even in the midst of such elegance and beauty, she stood out as even more beautiful than the rest. Her long, black silk dress hung flattering on her figure. Her golden, voluminous, curly lock flowed down her back. Her lips were apple red and her violent eyes sparkled in the candlelight. Bakura could see a beautiful silver necklace that formed an upward-facing crescent, hanging just above her (well-endowed) breasts. Her skin has an alabaster glow. This was a woman of tremendous beauty and class. Bakura walked towards her table, taking a breath as he approached.
"Ms. Valentine." He greeted softly, his voice almost a deep growl as he took his seat across from her. Her eyes flicked up to him, but she didn't move her head where it rested on her arm, giving him a rather sultry look. Bakura was sure she must have practiced this before. "Oh just call me Mai, love. I was beginning to worry that you wouldn't come," she smiled at him as he unbuttoned his coat to let it fall naturally. "And leave a woman of your stature unattended? What sort of gentleman would I be?" Bakura stated dryly. And the game begins. He knew the motions he had to go through with this woman.
Mai continued to smile at him, almost studying him. "It's been awhile since our last date. What have you been up to that's kept you so busy sweetie?" She leaned back from the table, finally grabbing the menu in front of her as if to read it. Bakura picked up his menu before reply. "Mostly researching and working. The two true loves of my life, if you will." Mai gave a soft chuckle. "Oh, you jest love. Surely you got enough time for another love in your life?" She raised an eyebrow as she leaned a bit forward, angling her body so that the light accentuated her curves. I swear she has this down to a science. Bakura resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "If you make it worth my time, then perhaps," he dismissed as he continued to read the menu, unfazed by Mai's blatant attempt at flirting.
Bakura knew Mai well enough to know any friendly advances towards him was all for her work. There was a reason his client asked for her skills and services in this department after all. Mai would work as a correspondent between her boss and the few contractors hired for the Millennium case. He had met with Mai several times before even being offered the current job he was working on. He quickly got a read on the woman – he may not be the most personable guy, but he could smell deception a mile away.
"Well I certainly hope I haven't been wasting your time on these dates. Last time I checked, you had quite the happy ending on our last date," she smiled knowingly at Bakura, teasing him. Bakura glanced up for a moment before returning to his menu, not replying. These dates were more for the benefit of Mai's work than it was for Bakura. Their last date had turned out rather fortuitous in that Mai was actually able to give Bakura a tip to help him in his work. She managed to prove that these dates weren't entirely useless to him after all.
"Good evening ma'am and sir. May I start you off with a drink?" A balding waiter with a thick mustache stood waiting for them. He smiled fondly at Mai as she continued to stare at Bakura, reading him. "Oh I think we're ready to order now. I'll have a glass of Merlot and the chicken piccata with the house salad. French vinaigrette. Hold the cucumbers," Mai rattled off without a pause, startling the waiter as he quickly jotted down her order. She gave the waiter a seductive smile before turning her eyes to Bakura. "What about you, love? What will you be having tonight?" She held out the menu for the waiter to take as she leaned her body forward on the table, causing the waiter to stumble as he reached forward for the menu. Bakura hadn't even looked up, knowing that she was just flaunting her sexuality to get a raise out of the people around her – especially him.
"I'll have whatever beer you got here. And the lasagna," Bakura closed his eyes and held out his menu to the waiter, who had finally regained his composure after spending nearly 15 seconds staring at Mai's bodice. This was going to be a long night if Mai kept this up. The waiter grabbed the menu and practically sprinted to the kitchen. Once he was out of earshot, Mai started laughing, leaning her head back as she giggled. "Was that really necessary?" Bakura demanded, eyes still shut as he rubbed his temple. His eyes flitted open as he heard her laughing cease. She just smirked at him. "People are going to stare at me anyway. Might as well have some fun. If you got it, flaunt it babe."
"You could at least be more tasteful and less obvious about it all," Bakura complained, sipping the water that he assumed was his glass due to the lack of lipstick on the side. "Oh yes, I'll try to be more subtle next time. Because I'm such a subtle person," she stated sarcastically, still smirking from across the table. She leaned forward towards Bakura, her face becoming serious for a moment. "Has it ever occurred to you that this is just the kind of person I am, Mr. Bakura?" Bakura finally smirked. "And has it ever occurred to you that I don't care for those kind of people, Ms. Valentine?"
Mai just laughed at that comment. "So I'm guessing curvy, sexy women just aren't your type? Shame. You must break the hearts of so many women." Bakura just shrugged. The dating scene was just an aspect of his life that was absent. Well, aside from his dates with Mai. But those weren't dates. These were work related after all. Speaking of work…
"So let's talk Bakura. It's been awhile, sweetie. What have you been up to since our last date?" Mai asked casually, as if chatting about the weather. Her body was relaxed and comfortable, but her violet eyes were intensely focused on Bakura. So we are finally cutting to business. Good. Bakura hated having to humor Mai in her little game. He would rather just cut to the chase.
"Well, I followed up on your suggestion and it definitely proved useful. Ms. Ishtar was rather cooperative and she was able to aid me in my research. She also let it slip that one of the items was being transferred under her supervision," Bakura rambled. It was nice not having to be so vague, but he was still careful about talking about business in such a public place. He glanced around briefly to notice that the table they were sitting at was a bit away from the other table, almost secluded in the corner. He hadn't noticed it entering the restaurant. This couldn't have been an accident. Mai was smarter than that – she asked for this table to give them the privacy they needed.
Mai's eyes narrowed slightly as she pursed her lips. "That's odd. She told you about the delivery? I thought Ishizu would have been more careful than that." It was Bakura's turn to smile, though he felt reminiscent. He shook the thought as he grinned and narrowed his eyes. "Oh, she didn't say anything of the sort. But when I was asking for a digital copy on her research notes on Egyptian metalwork throughout history, she foolishly let me come into her office and logged onto her computer in front of me." He smiled, showing his teeth, pleased as he saw Mai make the connection. "You hacked her computer. Of course. Did she ever figure it out?"
"Oh she figured it out. But I also found information that connected her with the Rare Hunters syndicate. It would be a shame for such a prominent historian and professor to face such a scandal as being tied to a criminal organization, now wouldn't it?" Bakura smirked, finally laughing out loud, his deep voice ringing out and starting a table not too far off. Mai flashed a look at him, warning him to quiet down. He couldn't help it. After the shitty day he had so far, he wanted to relish in the good work he had accomplished. Ms. Ishtar had made it too easy. It was the perfect set up.
Mai leaned back and she thought for a moment, frowning in concentration. "Well if there's something I learned about you, Bakura, it's that I never want to get on your bad side. Lord forbid you try blackmailing me." She locked eyes with Bakura, exchanging a knowing look. "Blackmail only works if you have dirt that you don't want the world to know. Ms. Ishtar was in trying to get out of that world of crime in which you and I have stooped so low. We aren't looking for an out – we're seeing it to hell and back. Right, Mai?" Bakura murmured, the faint etches of a smile still on his face. She stared at him before the corners of her mouth rose slightly into a small smile. "Of course, babe. To hell and back." She closed her eyes thinking almost reminiscing.
Bakura thought for a moment when he first met Mai a few years back. Before she starting working for her current boss, she worked for the Orichalcos, a mafia with a cruel reputation even among the underworld. She had been so disillusioned in her life and furious when she joined. However, once she joined, she realized how dangerous joining the mafia as failure meant her death. Bakura was among a few specialists who were active opposition to the mafia and after a series of homicides and burglaries that raged across Japan, the Orichalcos lost its holding in the country. They still exist elsewhere across the world, but their influence had weakened significantly.
Bakura and Mai had met a couple times during this war against the mafia and although Bakura didn't get close to people, he felt reassured knowing that disposing of the mafia in Japan had at least improved the lives of some people. Mai was the proof of that. She may not be able to live life normally as she had before she got involved in criminal activity, but she finally found a way to get control in her life and use her skills to her advantage. It was still risky business, but Mai continued to choose this path of her own volition, not out of fear. I suppose that makes life worth living then. Bakura mused. What a messed up pair we are.
Bakura was broken from his thoughts as Mai looked up, her face studying him. "Okay then. So you located one of the items, thanks to Ishizu. When are you planning on retrieving? Or is that already done?" Bakura grimaced, though his mind seemed to drift for a moment. Something that what Mai said nettled in his brain. Bakura shook his head. "Already happened… and aborted. Things went sour. Fast." Bakura spat out the words like them were venom.
Mai narrowed her eyes, but didn't say anything. She waited, knowing that an answer would come given time. Bakura turned his head away to glare at the wall. "I broke into the facility. Everything was going smoothly until some brat and his posse caused a ruckus and started shooting down guards and blowing up shit. He fucked everything up and now he's got the Millennium Rod. Bloody hell." Bakura murmured, clearly disgruntled.
Mai continued to watch, leaning back as the waiter returned with a glass of wine. She took a sip, keeping her face neutral. "Well that is a problem. And a bit of a disappointment. Of all the operatives on this task, you showed the most promise. But it looks like I'll have to expand my horizons. Perhaps we should start seeing other people, eh Bakura?" She raised an eyebrow teasing, but Bakura knew she wasn't doing anything but. Mai's role was to act a correspondent between her client and the contractors, and although she didn't talk about her interactions with the other specialists, Bakura knew that she had kept a particular interest in him. He was a well-known expert and was a league ahead of the others. Hence why they were at dinner again. Hence why she also gave him the Domino Museum lead. Which is why is sucked more that he botched this.
He glared at her. "And who would you be left with? I've already gotten 3 of the artifacts. I'm still your best bet." Mai snorted. "And what about this newbie who just completely stole the show there?" Bakura pursed his lips momentarily. "Actually, that's what I wanted to ask. Thing is, I think this kid was not one of the contractors employed. I usually know of the others in my field and I've never met this character before. Are you familiar with the name Marik?" Mai gave him a puzzled look, answering his question. "Never heard of him. The name doesn't ring a bell. I'm guessing that's your fellow thief from the other night?"
Bakura grunted as he saw their waiter return with their food. As he looked at his lasagna, he thought vaguely back to the soup his brother had made tonight. He put the thought out of mind. "I figured as much. I get the sense this kid is very new to this business. Perhaps the name Odion rings a bell?" Mai started to cut into her dinner as she thought. She took longer time thinking. "I know I've heard that name before, but not in our business. But I can't remember where. I can do some research to find out though." Bakura smirked as Mai flipped from discarding him to suddenly aiding him again. She was funny like that.
He took a bite of lasagna. "It doesn't matter. I have to background check the competition and keep an eye on the others anyway. I can do my own research, thanks." Bakura stabbed at his food with a bit more force than necessary. Mai watched him. "Very well. You at least know where the other items you need to locate are?" Bakura nodded his head. "I have confirmation on the Eye and the Ring. The Puzzle remains unknown though. You got any tips on that or has that lead been coming up dead as well?" It was Mai's turn to nod. "That line has been dead for awhile unfortunately. I was hoping you would have figured out more. Nobody seems to know where that Puzzle went. It's frustrating." Mai wrinkled her nose as she took a bite of her salad.
Bakura chuckled. Talking about work while he ate had never been an enjoyable experience for Bakura. Mai always to take some joy in seeing him squirm amidst high-society. Seeing her get miffed by something not relating to his work failures was always a pleasure. "It'll show up. I'll find it. I always get what I want after all." Bakura smirked. Mai just rolled her eyes. "Of course you will. Well, if I hear anything, I suppose you'll still be the first to inform. Though truthfully, I don't know who else outside of Ishizu could have helped on this case. I'll ask around though to see what I can find."
Bakura had just lifted his fork when he froze. There it was. That feeling that he was missing something obvious. The answer… it's right there. What am I missing? He placed his fork down as he closed his eyes. He heard Mai say his name, trying to get his attention but he had zoned out. He thought about Mai had just said. The case. Millennium Rod. The Domino Museum. Marik. Odion. Puzzle…
Then it hit him. "Ishizu," Bakura blurted out without any preamble. Mai raised an eyebrow. "What about Ishizu?" Mai asked, taking the bait. "Marik. He mentioned that he knew about the Millennium Rod thanks to her. I didn't piece it together. I always referred to her by her title, not her first name." Bakura was now smiling. "She told him about the Rod." Mai opened her mouth but then closed it, pursing her rose-colored lips. "Why would she do that?"
Bakura shrugged. "I don't know. But it looks like I'll find out soon. I'll have to pay Ms. Ishtar a visit again." He finished his lasagna quickly, feeling satisfied. Finally! A clue I can work with. The two finished their dinner as Mai requested the check. Bakura mentally was thinking through his schedule. Ishizu would likely be busy covering damages and the press from the recent robbery at the warehouse. Monday wouldn't be ideal. That's fine – he could do some research before speaking to her. But he would talk to her this week. No question about it.
He paid the bill and the odd pair walked out of the restaurant. Bakura didn't bother holding the door open for Mai – He wasn't a polite person. Mai could handle herself. He smirked when he saw her scowl at him. Once outside with the other clienteles, she quickly composed herself. "Thank you for the dinner Bakura. I certainly felt this was well worth my time," she stated coolly. Right. Back to appearances. "Of course Ms. Valentine. Much obliged. I was hesitant about tonight, but I think we can agree that this night was full of pleasant surprises." He gave her a sidelong glance, meeting her eyes. "I'll call you about our next rendez-vous," Mai said, starting to turn away. She paused and turned back around, smiling flirtatiously. "Who knows? Maybe I can drop by your place for dinner next time? And perhaps stick around, hmm? Hee hee!" Yep. The act was definitely back on.
Bakura rolled his eyes. "Right. We'll see about that. Good evening Ms. Valentine." He started to walk down the road back to his apartment. "Don't call me babe! I'll call you!" She hollered down to him before turning down another road. Bakura didn't yell back, but raised his hand to indicate he got her message. He was surprised by how productive this evening turned out to be. He was loath to say it, but he was thankful he had dinner with Mai. He would have wasted valuable time trying to find a link to his mystery Marik. This was the exact piece of information he needed. Bakura smirked. His work could pick right back up where he left off. Back on the hunt again.