Author's Note: So for those wondering – yes. I am fan of Yu-Gi-Oh! Abridged. Just like 97% of the Yu-Gi-Oh! fan base. Surprise.

Disclaimer: You know. Don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! Rated T (but likely not for much longer…)

Bon appetite!

Bakura noticed more games popping up around the apartment following that Friday. Marik told Odion about the Pop-Up Pirate game that he and Bakura played and Odion took it upon himself to provide Marik with more games. In the midst of research, Bakura would be called to start playing some stupid game with Marik. Normally this would piss him off, but he even couldn't deny the fact that game time with Marik was arguably one of the least annoying times dealing with the brat.

Bakura spent Saturday morning researching at home, his twin relieved to have his brother back. However, this reprieve was brief when Bakura got a call on his work cell from the Devil's spawn, asking when he was coming over to research. And he couldn't exactly say he was on a family vacation to Marik. Ryou's reaction did spark a seed of worry in Bakura. Ryou, for as much as he teased Bakura on his new "boyfriend," knew that Marik was a work acquaintance. And any time Marik called, Bakura had to "get back to work." Despite reassuring Ryou that he wasn't doing anything dangerous, Ryou (of course) didn't believe him.

So when Bakura left on Saturday, he saw that Ryou avoided him. Normally he caught a glance of Ryou's angry or worried face. He would roll his eyes at his brother's needless concern. But not seeing his brother's reaction worried him. He wasn't entirely sure what to expect. But regardless of how his brother felt, work still needed to be done. So Bakura ended up trying to research the entire afternoon at Marik's apartment.

Bakura was thankful when Marik returned to classes on Monday. Though dealing with Marik got easier with each day, the weekends were very exhausting and trying for Bakura's patience. He sat in the living room, news on the TV as he took inventory of his supplies, debating what he might need to track down Weevil and Rex. He contemplated trying to set up cameras near the Black Clown game shop, but he would need to make sure it would wirelessly feed to his laptop and they wouldn't be disturbed. It would be tricky and would require careful planning.

Bakura ended up texting a list of items for Marik to pick up at the store so he could finish working on the cameras. If he was going to do this, he would need the appropriate equipment. He had been as detailed as possible, knowing Marik would find a way to fuck it up if he didn't tell him exactly what he needed. He knew it was a stretch to think Marik knew where to find some of these materials, but the kid said that he had cash to spare. Bakura wondered how that came to be, but wouldn't complain. If Marik was rich, then he didn't need the prize money at the end of this road. And that worked perfectly for Bakura.

As Bakura checked out his lens options on one of the cameras, he glanced up at the TV almost mindlessly. He did a double take as the newscaster was discussing events following Industrial Illusions and its CEO, Maximillion Pegasus. Bakura hadn't heard much news on the man, who had kept a relatively low profile since Marik's robbery. He put down the camera, listening for a moment as the anchorwoman continued her broadcast.

"…Croquet has since been acting as acting CEO and representative for Mr. Pegasus. Mr. Pegasus has not made a public appearance in the last week, an odd occurrence given the big business partnership that was supposed to take form between Industrial Illusions and Kaiba Corp. The announcement and signing of this business deal was originally scheduled for this Thursday, but Croquet has since requested to postpone. Critics wonder if this might be an indication of trouble or ill health in Mr. Pegasus's life. Croquet has made statements that his boss and CEO are both well, but has not provided any more details. We have journalist Miho Nasaka in Tokyo ready to report on the press conference being held…"

Bakura started to tune out the TV as he thought about the news. It was strange. He hadn't heard much on Pegasus, but he hadn't looked into it much. He didn't realize that Pegasus hadn't made a public appearance in over a week, which was especially odd since he came to Japan for this important business arrangement. The timing of this coincided with Marik's theft of the Millennium Eye. But Marik had said he never touched Pegasus. He just took the Eye and ran. He didn't hurt Pegasus.

So why is he hiding away from everyone? Is he really that torn up about losing the Eye? That sort of reaction did seem a bit ridiculous in Bakura's opinion. Sure, Pegasus was an odd bird, but to hide away from the public? Pegasus loved the limelight. Just because he lost a bit of bling wouldn't be enough to send a man into depression. Marik told him that Pegasus wasn't even awake during the time he stole the Eye. Marik kept to his word and hadn't disturbed. He may not be the brightest bulb, but Bakura suspected that Marik would have mentioned if something had been off about Pegasus when he did the job. Whatever was upsetting Pegasus likely happened after the Eye was stolen and not because of it.

Bakura turned off the TV and stood up to stretch. He glanced over at the clock and noticed that Marik was late. Not only was he late, he was about an hour late. Bakura narrowed his eyes. What the hell is taking him so long? Bakura internally debated whether it was worth calling Marik. Marik was most annoying when he was on the phone, since Marik couldn't see Bakura's growing anger or frustration. As a result, Marik didn't know when to drop an issue or leave things as they are.

Bakura stood silently in the living room, looking around. About fifteen minutes later, he heard the door open. Bakura didn't turn his head, but he had no question who it was. "You're late." He stated calmly, hearing Marik slow his movements to a halt, noticing the albino standing in his living room. "Uh, yeah. Sorry. I got a little sidetracked." Bakura rolled his eyes, before turning to face Marik. "Did you pick up the stuff I texted you?"

Marik's face turned red, as if embarrassed. That gave Bakura all the answer he needed. He glowered. "Well, if you didn't pick up the stuff, why the hell were you so late?" Marik just stood there silently, dropping his backpack to the ground, a light blush still burning across his face. Bakura narrowed his eyes, trying to figure it out what was the reason for him being late. And that's when he noticed it – the empty plastic cup in his hand.

There was a momentary pause as Marik's eyes flicked between Bakura and the cup in his hand. Finally, Bakura groaned, bringing a hand to drag down his face. "Seriously? You're late because you wanted a smoothie?" Marik's sheepish look quickly deteriorated as Marik grew defensive. "So what if I did? It's not a crime Bakura! I'm allowed to get myself a smoothie. I worked hard in my classes!" Bakura just snorted and rolled his eyes, before turning back to the cameras sitting on the table.

"It's true! You wouldn't know, but I've been working hard in my classes and staying up late to do homework because I'm always working with you during the day! And I just happen to enjoy my end of the day smoothie!" Marik continued his defense as he followed Bakura to the table to look at the collection of equipment assembled. He moved his hand to touch one of the cameras, to which Bakura immediately smacked it away without looking up. He ignored the angry glare Marik was giving him.

"I couldn't give a rat's ass about how hard your life is Marik. The reason I asked to work with you is because I thought you were serious about going into this field. But instead, you'd rather get yourself smoothies than do the hard work. I've been researching and working non-stop and you don't see me complaining or demanding to be rewarded for it." Bakura's voice was low and filled with venom. Bakura wasn't a sympathetic sort of person. Marik was barking up the wrong tree. When he was nineteen, there were many sleepless nights as he worked dangerous missions to take care of him and his brother. Marik could pull his own weight.

Bakura flicked his eyes up to see Marik watching him, almost studying him. It was those moments that worried Bakura. It reminded him that as idiotic and annoying Marik could be, this kid wasn't entirely as dense as you would think. He did listen and pay attention. Did Marik pick up on the subtext on his statement? Probably not, but when those lavender eyes bore into Bakura, the thief couldn't be sure.

A few more moments passed before Bakura broke the silence. "Go get the stuff I asked you to get hours ago. We have work to do." Bakura stared down at the table, waiting for Marik to move. When the teen didn't, Bakura growled. "What the hell are you waiting for? Get on with it." Marik shifted his weight back and forth to each side, looking away from Bakura. "Okay, but… where do I get this stuff?" Bakura just rolled his eyes. "Grocery store, tech shops, pawn shops – wherever the hell you can find it. I'm not picky."

Marik rolled his eyes at that. "I know that, but I don't know where those are in town." Bakura snorted. "What, do you know not know your way in Domino after a month?" He flicked his eyes as he watched Marik bite his lip. "No, it's just… Odion never let's we wander around town. He wasn't really okay with me going to campus by myself for a while. He's protective that way. So aside from the walk to and from campus, I don't really know where anything is."

Bakura turned to stare at Marik, who continued to avoid Bakura's eyes. "Somehow, I don't buy that. You can't honestly tell me you don't even know where the nearest grocery store is." Marik's face grew red again, still avoiding Bakura's face. You've got to be kidding me. "Seriously?" Marik took a breath, as if contemplating what to say before sighing. "Odion is very strict. He doesn't want me to get hurt. He told me that if he found out that I've been wandering around Domino by myself, we would leave."

Bakura studied the youth in front of him. He never thought about it, but anytime he had to go into town with Marik, he was always very excited and energized and never shut up. Was that because it was the first time seeing these places? He remembered when he met Odion, the tall man was suspicious, but after a weekend of studying with Marik, Odion decided to leave the two to their devices and trust Marik's judgment on the thief (poor decision, but whatever). Marik did act like a child frequently – was that the result of him being sheltered his entire life?

It still seemed a bit ridiculous to Bakura, but Odion was a rather odd and quiet person. Marik seemed to adore his older brother and the thought of disappointing him was one of the few things that made Marik stop and think. Odion had been hesitant when Bakura went into town with Marik the first time and had accompanied them. Bakura had hardly noticed the silent pillar that followed them, more concerned about getting work done than to worry about Marik's overly protective older brother. He had always taken that quiet and reserved nature for granted, the rare anomaly in his life now that he dealt with Marik.

And yet, here Bakura was trying to comprehend that Marik had never even been to the grocery store. That seemed like such a basic necessity. But then again, Bakura did recall that it was Odion who ran and did all the errands. It was like he didn't want Marik to do anything unnecessary (even though knowing how to shop was a basic skill). The juxtaposition of Odion's controversy baffled Bakura. The older brother was okay with Marik getting involved in the life of crime and attempt to steal priceless artifacts from dangerous locations, but didn't think Marik was capable of going to the grocery store? No – there was something the Ishtar brothers wasn't telling Bakura.

Well whatever it was, Bakura didn't have time to waste. He had shopping to do. He sighed loudly as he walked away from the table. "Grab your coat." Bakura didn't hear any movements behind him as he pulled his black jacket. "Are you deaf? Grab your coat. We have stuff to do." He zipped it up as he heard Marik quietly follow behind. "Okay… but where?" Bakura resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "To the fucking supermarket. Because someone's got to teach you how to be an adult."

Whatever Odion's gripe or irrational fear of leaving his brother alone was, Bakura didn't have time for this. They had only a couple of weeks before Rex and Weevil made a transaction if they were lucky, days if not. They needed to catch them before that. And Marik not being able to work independently or go around town by himself was be a huge dead weight to their work. He would deal with Odion later – right now, they needed to get supplies and teach Marik responsibility. When did I become a parent to this kid?

Marik, to Bakura's surprise, was relatively quiet on their walk down to the grocery store. His seemed to have spaced out and was walking almost numbly to their destination. Bakura didn't say anything but he did enjoy the quiet and the cold air around him. Silence and Marik were two rare anomalies that occurred at the same time. The Venn Diagram of time spent with Marik and time of silence was two separate, non-intersecting circles. It was a twenty minutes walk to the store – Bakura reveled in the silence.

So Bakura couldn't understand why after ten minutes of walking he felt antsy. Why the hell is Marik being so quiet? This was very unlike him. Bakura thought he'd enjoy the quiet with Marik. Instead, it made him nervous and anxious. He wasn't entirely sure what to do with the brooding youth. He glanced and saw that Marik still seemed dazed, almost lost in thought. His eyes were slightly focused, not quite narrowed, but intense. His lips pursed ever so slightly and Bakura felt his stomach lurch.

Break the goddamn silence. Bakura sighed loudly, not entirely sure what to say or do to complete the mental command he gave himself. "Don't give yourself a headache over there." He muttered rather gruffly. Okay, perhaps not his best attempt at a conversation, but it was something. Marik's eyes flicked up for a moment, confused, but he just shrugged. "Sorry. I was just thinking." There was a few moments of silence that followed. Well that was successful. So much for conversation.

Bakura, despite his own discomfort, tried to force the conversation further. "About?" Damn. I'm getting pretty good at pretending to give a shit. Bakura avoided mentioning that he actually did care. It was better not to get his own emotions confused in the matter. Marik, to Bakura's surprise, sighed. "Just stuff really. Today was really one hell of a long day. I don't even remember half the stuff that happened – it just went by so fast…" Marik stopped walking, and Bakura paused to look back. He saw the confused look cross of the kid's face.

"Why do you care?" Bakura froze, almost as if he was caught red-handed with his hand in the cookie jar. He felt his face turn involuntarily red. Damn this pale complexion of mine. "Who said I cared? I just wanted you to stop moping." Marik just stared at Bakura with those damn lavender eyes, blinking. Why does he do this to me? Marik just sighed as started walking, passing Bakura. "No need to be so defensive. You're so weird."

Bakura just gritted his teeth. He overanalyzed the situation again. He hated when he did that. Marik's question had been innocent in its intent. Bakura panicked and thought Marik was insinuating something that was obviously not true. And Marik walked away, bemused by Bakura's overreaction. Though Bakura often felt triumphant that he usually had the last word when dealing with Marik, these uncomfortable moments where Bakura got defensive always made him look worse in the end. Damn it all. Bakura decided to not try conversing with Marik anymore. It was better to just got their shopping done so that Bakura could get back to his work in peace.

Bakura decided to save the grocery store for last as that was where they would gather most of their stuff. After a couple of trips to several thrift stores, pawn shops, and technology centers, they now stood in the grocery store as Bakura prompted Marik what kind of fruits he wanted. Marik seemed to find his second wind while out and about, but it definitely seemed more tired today. Marik choosing the fruit he wanted for smoothies later was the most energized he had seen him on their outing. Bakura suspected it was because Marik was looking forward to making smoothies back in the apartment.

Bakura was entirely sure what compelled him to do this for Marik. He supposed it came down to his original theory – mopey Marik was not very fun. He had thought making this kid's life miserable would be one of the upsides to working with him. Ryou always told Bakura he had a sick streak. And he did. He enjoyed seeing Ishizu squirm and putting her on the spot. He enjoyed making her face up to her shortcomings and failures. He saw it as righteous justice.

Bakura saw the world as it was and not for what people want it to be. Ryou called him a pessimist for that. Bakura called Ryou an optimist for being too idealistic. The world doesn't function in that way. The world is shitty. People will betray you. Life is tough. If you aren't prepared for that, then you need to learn. Ishizu didn't get that memo. It was a joy to see her righteous attitude be torn down, her mask shatter as Bakura tore her down for what she truly was. Bakura came to terms with his own status long ago. Ishizu hadn't. Marik also hadn't learned based on his attitude today.

So why was when Marik felt down that Bakura felt inclined to cheer him up? It didn't make sense. A cold dose of reality is often what it takes to get people to mature. So as Marik dealt with an exhausting and somewhat embarrassing position of not being to shop on his own, Marik was facing his own shortcomings today. Bakura should have relished in his shortcomings. He called out Marik for expecting sympathy for having a very long day. He told him that he expected better of him. Marik didn't even seem humbled but rather resigned and defeated.

And Bakura hated it.

So Bakura found himself buying ingredients to make smoothies with Marik. He found himself in the odd position of wanting to get something boost Marik's spirits a little. Perhaps he had a bit harsh with the kid. He was only nineteen and although he was naïve and didn't know much, he was trying his best. Bakura never went to school after high school – he learned everything he needed on his own and took on missions to teach himself the skills needed. Sure his life had been hard, but he never felt it had been anything out of his capability. He always had a knack of the criminal life. Marik was trying to balance living a normal life, taking classes like a kid his age should, while also quick learn the craft and skills necessary as a thief.

Bakura grabbed some milk as he glanced over at Marik, who was looking at a display of international seasonings. He chuckled before glancing down at his list. He had gone with the bare basics that he knew were not at the apartment. He wasn't much of a cook – Ryou had always done the cooking for the two of them. He hadn't thought to ask his brother if he needed anything. But then again, he hadn't anticipated making a grocery run. He noticed that he was near the end of his list, just missing tea. He turned back to call for Marik, but noticed that he wasn't there.

He walked over towards the display to glance down the corridor, figuring Marik had wandered down the aisle. To Bakura's surprise, there was no sign of his Egyptian companion. He frowned slightly as he glanced around to spot Marik. There were other customers milling about but he saw no sign of golden flax hair or tan skin. He walked briskly looking between the aisles as he searched for Marik, seeing not a single hair of his younger counterpart. Bakura stopped and gave a frustrated sigh.

Of. Fucking. Course.

He lost Marik at the grocery store. He wasn't sure how he did it, but he somehow managed to lose Marik at a fucking grocery store. Great. Bakura started to understand why Odion never let Marik wander on his own. The kid was a danger to himself. Bakura started to rapidly make his way across, looking down aisles as he searched for his wandering companion. This was turning into a major headache. There was clearly no such thing as a normal outing with Marik. No. Things always had to be a giant pain in his ass when it came to Marik.

Bakura growled in frustration as he reached the end and started walking down every aisle. He went to the front, asking a store clerk if he had seen a young Egyptian man walk by, to which nobody could claim they did. This was now perplexing. Where the hell could Marik have gone? Did he really wander out of the store? Bakura pulled out his phone as he dialed Marik's personal cell. He had tried to avoid giving Marik his own number, insisting it would be safer. Eventually Marik did get his cell. And Bakura was regretting it every day since.

Nonetheless, Bakura needed to locate his missing partner. He dialed Marik's number, hearing the phone ring. He was surprised when he heard it go to voicemail though. Marik always had his phone on his and on ring – why was he ignoring his call? I'm going to kill that brat. This was exactly why he did not want to go on trips into town with Marik. Because they turned into a massive headaches for Bakura to fix. That's always how they turned out.

Bakura wasn't entirely sure what to do, but decided to buy his groceries and look outside the store for Marik. Maybe he went to wait outside? He sped through the self-checkout before running outside, searching the crowd for platinum blond hair. Bakura gritted his teeth. He was really considering killing Marik if the brat didn't show up soon. How the fuck do you lose a teenager in a grocery store? Damn it all to hell. He ran back into the store, asking everyone he saw if they had seen a young Egyptian wandering about.

Bakura lost track of time. He spent more time around the grocery store looking for Marik than they had anywhere else this afternoon. And Bakura was furious. He was plotting a thousand ways to murder Marik once he got his hands the bloody idiot. Bakura loathed the idea, but he was contemplating calling Odion. He imagined the older brother would be pissed as hell, but at this point, what choice did Bakura had? He exhausted every resource he could think to locate Marik and had no luck. It was better to suffer Odion's anger and fix the problem quickly.

Bakura glanced as the bags he held, getting tired of their weight. He glanced out the window as he headed out of the store. This afternoon had been a living nightmare. Why did he even try? He was getting gray hairs (well if he could get gray hairs) trying to deal with Marik. He never knew what to expect. As Bakura walked towards the entrance, he froze as he looked out the doors. He caught the back of a figure outside, his golden hair radiant in the afternoon sunlight. Bakura felt his breath hitch. That son of a bitch.

Bakura bolted out of the store and ran up to Marik, who was facing away looking out into the road. He ignored the people walking around them and made a beeline to his target. He remembered last minute what happened the last time he touched Marik before deciding to grab his upper arm, pulling back to force Marik to turn. Marik nearly jumped at the contact and turned around quickly, a shocked look across his face.

"Where the hell have you been?" Bakura was seething, barely able to keep his anger in check. Marik just gave Bakura a confused look. "I've been out here waiting for you to finish up." Bakura jerked his hand away roughly, Marik wincing at the moment. "That's bull shit! I've been searching for you for an hour. I've scoured this entire area. You were most definitely not out here. So where the hell have you been?"

Marik's confusion fade away as annoyance crossed over his face. "Bakura. I was right here. Sorry that I didn't stay by your side the whole time. I didn't think you'd throw a hissy fit." Bakura growled in anger. "You weren't fucking here! I looked outside the store and you were not here! So where the hell did you go?" Bakura yelled at Marik, hunching forward and glaring down the petulant youth. People jumped and stared at the odd couple. Bakura didn't care. He was too livid to even think about backing down.

Marik didn't even flinch but instead, shifted his weight to his left while crossing his arms. His annoyance at the fuming albino in front of him only seemed to increase. "Bakura. Why the hell would I lie to you? The fuck is your problem?" Marik snarled, his face now glowering as he matched Bakura's threatening pose. Bakura was furious. Marik, you little shit. He definitely had not been outside when he wasted an hour of his life trying to locate the damn brat. And now he had the gall to lie to him? What's he pulling?

Bakura sighed angrily. This was another battle between him and Marik. He would come out on top. But if he wanted to win, he needed to keep his cool. "Why the hell did you wander off? I had no idea where you were! I searched everywhere for you!" Bakura hissed, trying to lower his voice and get his emotions in check. Marik gave a pause before laughing out loud, suddenly amused. "Were you worried about me Bakura?" A large, silly grin broke Marik's annoyed composure as he smirked at his simmering companion.

Bakura gaped, suddenly at a loss of words, which prompted another fit of laughter from Marik. Okay. Screw battle of wills. I'm going to murder this kid. "Fuck off Marik. I don't give a rat's ass about what happens to you. That brother of yours, however, will kill me if I don't keep tabs on you. So don't fuck over my life with your own stupidity." Bakura snapped, his maroon eyes burning into Marik's skull. If looks could kill, Bakura would be a serial killer.

Bakura's comment seemed to get under Marik's skin as he stopped laughing and glared at the albino, frowning. "I didn't ask you to be my babysitter. I am an adult Bakura. It wouldn't hurt for you to show me a little decency or respect." Bakura blinked. Seriously? "You want me to treat you like an adult when you've never been a grocery store in your life? When you need big brother's permission to go anywhere? You can't handle a simple task without someone worrying over you. Give me break." Bakura just scoffed, turning away as he felt his eye twitch. He shoved his hands in his pocket to prevent them from rubbing his temple

Marik's face turned red, blushing madly at that comment. "That doesn't matter! It's called being a decent human being. It's called not being an asshole, you fucking asshole." Bakura just rolled his eyes. Gotta earn respect Marik. It isn't something given freely. He turned to face Marik, when he glanced over Marik's shoulder. Before he could talk, he did a double take, all thoughts regarding his argument with Marik disappearing. His anger and arrogance quickly fell away as he stared in shock over Marik's face.

"Hey! Dickhead! Are you there?" It was Marik's turn to be furious. Truth be told, it was the angriest that Bakura had ever seen him, the youth practically glowering at Bakura. And as unsettling as it was, Bakura didn't care. His argument with Marik was suddenly incredibly petty. His dark brown eyes lit up excitedly as he met angry lavender ones. "Marik. Five o' clock." Marik was about to snap back angrily, but paused at the intense, excited look on Bakura's face. He turned his eyes away for a moment, looking down, as if thinking whether to listen to Bakura.

Finally, Marik's curiosity won out. He turned his head right, glancing over his shoulder hesitantly. He narrowed his eyes and then suddenly whipped his head back. "That's…" Bakura smirked, a devilish grin playing across his face. "Looks like we found ourselves a dinosaur. Ready for your first mission?" Marik returned the smirk, an eager look on his face. All traces of their argument were quickly forgotten as they quickly zeroed in on their new target. "Hell yeah."

For as loud as they had argued, their voices hadn't caught the attention of a Rex Weevil across the road. The two partners in crime quickly fell into the crowd to get closer. Bakura felt his anger wash away as he quickly fell into step behind Marik, careful to stay hidden. Bakura was a well-known thief in their field and his white hair was already a rather distinctive feature – it would be better to hang back and let Marik lead. Marik seemed to quickly pick up on this, careful to stay ahead to cover Bakura. Like one mind, they moved. All their gripes and complaints and frustrations fell away as they began to trail the short scavenger. Bakura felt excitement course though. The hunt starts again…