Author's Note: I had a heart attack starting this because my computer decided to pull a HAL 9000 and try to up and murder to electronic life. Thankfully (and hopefully), I fixed it.
Disclaimer: Still don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! Rated T. That will change probably next chapter or the chapter following (just a btws…)
Thank you so much for reading. If you like what you see, please review/fav.
I update weekly!
Bon appetite!
"Okay he's just passed the flower shop and he's crossing the street."
"Across from the flower shop? That would be the Harlem Dance Studio of Modern Dance?"
"That's the one."
"Alright. Once he crosses, we go."
Marik nodded his consent as he watched a short man with brown, shaggy hair capped with a red beanie walk across the street. Bakura leaned back against the building, careful to stay back as he let Marik do the scouting. He reached into his pocket for a cigarette not really out of necessity as much as habit. To his disappointment, his pocket was still cigarette-less. I should've picked up a pack today. He let arms fall to his sides as he stared pointedly at the ground.
A quick tap to his arm told him it was time to move. He glanced over to the left as he saw Marik nod to him before turning the corner. Bakura pushed off the wall and followed, staying calm and relaxed as he let Marik take the lead on this. There were two reasons for that. The first was to give Marik experience. Bakura agreed to work with Marik. And Bakura also agreed to train the teen. Experience was the best teacher. This would be excellent opportunity for Marik to practice tracking and trailing a target. Spying is a key skill to being a thief. It would be hard to screw this up with Bakura guiding him along the way.
The second reason was largely profile. Bakura, while careful, could not hide the fact that he was a well-known and widely recognized thief in his field. Anyone who was familiar with this line of work was familiar with Bakura and who he was, especially in Japan. Although he kept a low profile, he had a rather recognizable face, and having white hair certainly didn't help his case. And for as much as he loved his bizarre, snowy locks, it certainly didn't help him hunt down Rex. Not since Rex knew who he was and would recognize him in a heartbeat if he caught a glimpse of silvery set of hair.
And so Bakura let Marik take the lead on this task. Marik wasn't from Japan. He had mentioned that he was from small town in Egypt, but Bakura couldn't bother to remember the name. All that mattered was that Marik was a new face in town that no one would recognize. Rex, Weevil, Mai, Yami – anyone who was involved in illegal activities in Japan had no idea who this new thief was. In some ways, this was actually perfect. It was like a secret weapon that only Bakura knew how to use. Sure, he could be annoying and a handful, but Marik was definitely coming through where it counts. Now, let's make sure he doesn't fuck this up.
Bakura kept close to Marik, always a few feet behind trailing as he shadowed his partner. He couldn't see Rex from where he was, but that was part of the strategy. He had to trust Marik to be his eyes and ears. A week ago, Bakura would have loathed the idea of having to trust Marik with actual spy work. But that was then. This was now. It didn't matter how inexperienced Marik was – what mattered was whether he could pull through. He stared at the back of Marik's head, his gold, flaxen hair, willing Marik to not fail.
Marik started to slow as he reached the end of the street, glancing into the dance studio before slowing to a halt. Bakura looked into the dance shop, pretending to be occupied with whatever dance was being performed inside. "Left or right?" He asked, not looking at Marik standing at the corner. Marik, who had his cell phone pulled out, wasn't looking down but instead looking up as he observed the little man as he traveled further down the road. "Right. But…" Marik seemed to pause, as if to contemplate what to say.
Bakura finally hazard a side-glance at Marik, the young man pursing his lips as he thought. "But what?" Bakura shoved his hands into his pocket, still turned away from Marik. His eyes continued to watch Marik as Marik seemed to think. Marik inhaled slightly before turning his eyes to his phone. "He's stopped. He's outside of that game shop." Bakura paused for a moment and turned his eyes back to the glass.
"Well. It seems Otogi was telling the truth." Bakura murmured more to himself than Marik. He kept his eyes trained ahead of him, lost in thought. Marik turned slightly to face him, his phone still in his hands as Marik glanced at him from the corner of his eyes. "What do you want to do from here?" Bakura bit his lower lip. This was tricky. They could only observe so much from their current vantage point. But Bakura didn't want to risk getting any closer. Rex knew who he was – the moment he spotted him, Rex would instantly know that Bakura was on the hunt. He was too suspicious.
Well damn. We got this close and now we're stuck. What the hell are we suppose to do? Bakura growled softly. "I guess we watch from here. We can't get any closer without Rex recognizing me." Bakura closed his eyes and sighed in frustration. This was annoying. If only we could get close enough to listen in. They were at a bad enough angle to watch as it was. There was no guarantee they would be able to see who Rex was meeting with. And if they couldn't hear what they were talking about, it would be difficult to keep tracking him.
A soft cough broke Bakura's thoughts. He opened his eyes and turned his head to see Marik leaning against the window watching Bakura. "Is that really our only option?" There was a smile on Marik's face. No, a smirk. Bakura instantly felt his guard come up. What the hell is this brat thinking? "Whatever it is your planning, it's not going to work. We need to sit back and not be seen."
Marik stared for a moment before snorting. "You know, for a professional acquisition specialist, you can be very oblivious." Bakura wrinkled his face, annoyed by the slight. He finally turned his body to face Marik. "And what am I so oblivious to?" The smile on Marik's face grew, the youth looking rather devious. I guess he's learning from me after all.
"They can't recognize us? Bakura, you're the only one we have to worry about recognizing. I'm a nobody, remember?" There was a pause between the two before Bakura's eyes widened. That's just… no. Absolutely no. "Marik, you are not going in alone. You're not ready. You're not equip-"
"We don't have time to worry about it. Rex is right there. If we don't take this opportunity now, we might lose our chance. We've got to take the risk." Marik rushed to persuade Bakura, a determined look crossing his face as he pushed off against the wall to properly speak with his mentor.
Bakura felt the internal battle within him. One side urging him to let the brat go – if he gets hurt, sucks to be him. If he succeeds, then it'd be worth it. The other side warned him that Marik would fuck things up and make things worse. That when Marik was caught, Bakura had Marik's protective and dangerous older brother to deal with. There's no winning when it comes to dealing with Marik. "Marik. It's too dangerous. You're not doing this."
"Bakura – I can do this. Just give me a goddamn chance." Bakura lifted his eyes to Marik's face, hearing a new desperation growing in Marik's voice. He furrowed his brow as he saw the stubbornness and pleading look in those lavender eyes. He had been caught off guard by Marik's determination. Why the sudden need to do this? Typically, Marik just did as he was told. He took orders and so long as he didn't screw up, Bakura was satisfied. It was a bit unusual for Marik to put his foot forward and volunteer.
Suddenly, something clicked in Bakura's brain. Back when he was yelling at Marik for getting himself lost. Bakura told Marik that he didn't deserve respect. He couldn't even go to the grocery store without a babysitter. Was that why Marik suddenly wants to do this? Was he trying to earn respect in Bakura's eyes? Bakura felt himself growing annoyed. Now's not the time to try proving yourself. We can't fuck this up now. Marik's quest to prove himself could wait until another time. There were things more important than his self-validation. Just as Bakura was about to decline Bakura's request, Marik spoke up again. "Bakura." Marik didn't sound as determined and aggressive. He spoke his name softly, almost pleading.
Bakura paused as he met Marik's eyes, his own dark brown eyes filling with confusion. Part of him knew it was risky and dangerous. He knew that Marik was still too inexperienced and that he needed more knowledge and skill before taking on this mission alone. He didn't have the equipment. If he got caught, Marik could be tortured but more likely killed. He wouldn't be able to protect Marik. Marik would have to go in alone. Bakura knew he should tell him no and end the conversation.
And yet, as he looked at Marik in his eyes, seeing the trust and determination lying within, Bakura found himself unable to say the words. Bakura felt a strange feeling inside of him when Marik spoke softly to the albino. Like a softness growing in him. He normally loathed such weakness, but this sensation filled him with a sense with warmth. He wasn't used to it, but it was a feeling that he wanted to hold onto. Marik watched him with patience, looking on in earnest.
Bakura groaned. I'm going to regret this later. "Go in the shop. Observe and take pictures if you can. Do not get caught. I can't bail you out. Don't take any unnecessary risks. Do you understand?" Bakura asked, keeping his voice gruff. Like hell he was going to let Marik know that he had a quickly growing soft spot for the kid. Marik's face lit up with delight, his hands clenching up into fists.
"I understand. I won't fail. I promise!" Marik quickly dug around in his pocket to grab his phone. "Should I use my phone then?" Bakura nodded. He wasn't particularly thrilled with Marik using his personal cell on the job, but Bakura didn't have time to use their newly acquired equipment to build the necessary camera tools. Marik would have to improvise and be smart. "Alright. Go. We'll rendezvous at your apartment. Give me a call once you're there and I'll come over." Bakura didn't want to go back to Marik's place and wait. He felt uneasy about that idea.
Marik nodded, quickly putting his phone on silent as he zipped up his jacket as if preparing for a mission. He turned away to walk to the shop when he suddenly froze. He turned around to face Bakura, grabbing him by the shoulder before Bakura could leave. Bakura could only stare at the hand on his shoulder, bewildered by the contact. "Thank you, Bakura. I won't let you down." Before Bakura could respond, the hand was gone from his shoulder and Marik was walking determinately towards Rex, ready for his first real mission task since he started working with Bakura.
Bakura just stood there at the corner, a small smile growing on his face. He chuckled as he turned the opposite direction from Marik, heading back home. The feeling quickly disappeared as Bakura felt worry fill him. What if Marik failed? What then? I can't worry about this now. I need to work and get ready. Marik will be fine. Bakura quickly crossed the road as he made his way back to his own apartment. There was no point in thinking about Marik at the moment. He couldn't contact him at the moment. He would have to trust him. In the meantime, Bakura would get to work.
"Isn't it a bit early for a second beer, big brother?" Ryou's voice yelled from the living room as Bakura grabbed his second beer from the kitchen. The thief just flipped his brother the bird as he returned to the couch, twisting off the cap. Ryou just rolled his eyes in exasperation. Bakura didn't care. He felt too nervous and antsy. He knew that it was risky sending Marik alone on the job. But now that he was waiting to get a call from Marik, only now was he realizing how incredibly stupid this idea was.
This was a terrible idea. I should go down and fetch him. What if he got caught? What if Rex noticed and decides to Marik's a risk not worth having around? What if Odion learns that I left Marik by himself to handle this? This is suicide. What the hell was I thinking? Bakura was quickly consumed with worry by the time he got back home. Ryou sat patiently as his brother ran around like a nervous hen. Bakura was vaguely aware of his brother working through paperwork of some kind. He didn't care at the moment. His very line of work now rested on Marik's success. Bakura had much bigger problems.
Bakura had no idea why he decided to listen to Marik and take him up on his suggestion. Why was he so lenient with this kid? Things were simpler when Bakura worked alone. Back then, it came down to Bakura to get things done. If he found himself in a corner, he had to figure out how to solve the problem and get himself out. That's how it had been for years. To trust other people was a huge risk. Outside of Ryou, Bakura relied on no one except himself.
In the end, it came down to what made the most rational sense. He was working in a dangerous line of work. Aside from the occasional acquaintance that he made, he never allowed anyone to get involved with his job. Humans were highly unpredictable creatures – Bakura couldn't afford such a wild and variable factor to ruin his careful planning and preparations. He was well aware of his own limitations and what he was capable. He never liked to leave things to chance.
So the fact that Bakura not only entrusted someone else with work that his future success hinged upon, but the fact that he trusted Marik of all people, stressed Bakura the fuck out. Why had he willingly agreed to allow Marik go and spy on Rex on his own? Had Bakura gone completely mental? It certainly felt that way. Bakura had spent the first hour pacing back in the apartment. It was almost nighttime and Bakura felt uneasy as he waited for Marik's call. He wasn't sure if there was anything else he could do. He could wait at Marik's apartment, but that would likely make him more anxious and worried than help him relax.
"Bakura?" A soft voice broke his thoughts as Bakura stopped his musings to turn towards his brother. Ryou was watching him, an almost patronizing look on his face. God I hate when he gives me that look. "Why don't you sit down? You seem a little tense." Bakura blinked before heeding his brother's advice. He nodded mindlessly. "Yeah. Sure. Okay." He had been standing in the center of the room just drinking his beer, lost in thought. He sat down next to his twin, beer still in hand. He leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees, staring blankly ahead.
"Better?" He heard Ryou ask rather wryly. He turned his head to look at Ryou, starting to feel annoyed by Ryou's condescending attitude. "Yes. Why wouldn't I be?" Ryou just shrugged as he turned back to the files in front of him. "Oh, no reason. Is it wrong of me to be concerned for my older brother?" Bakura just grabbed his beer and flipped the bird at Ryou for a second time that evening. Ryou chuckled, shaking his head at his brother.
Bakura leaned forward, staring at the table in front of him, beer still in his hand. Bakura didn't really know what to do with himself. Perhaps he could research more? He could read up on the Puzzle. He flicked his eyes over to his backpack, debating whether to pull out his laptop. It's no good. I can't concentrate like this. He wasn't going to be able to get any work done until he knew that Marik was safe. It was strange how his new companion was affecting him so. Bakura bit his lip, wondering if he should try calling Marik…
He heard his name again as he snapped back to attention. "What, Ryou?" Bakura snapped as he turned to his brother. Ryou was giving him a legitimately concerned look. This time, he didn't seem nearly as patronizing. "I've been trying to get your attention for the last few minutes. What's eating you? I've never seen you so out of it." Ryou placed his file of paper down on the table in front of him as he closed the file. He pulled his hair back behind his shoulder as he turned to face Bakura. Bakura guessed from his brother's body language that Ryou wanted to talk and find out what's bugging him. I suppose it can't hurt to tell Ryou a little…
"It's work stuff. I let Marik take the wheel on some stuff and now I'm starting to regret it because he might fuck things up." Bakura sighed as he shook his head. "It's moments like these that remind me why I've always worked solo." Ryou didn't say anything but nodded quietly. Bakura was grateful that Ryou decided to not make any snide comments about him and Marik (as Ryou often delighted in doing). The two brothers sat in silence, each to their own thoughts. "Sometimes, it helps to let people take the reins on a project though. It can be a load off to let someone else do the work. I don't think you need to beat yourself up over this. Marik should be okay."
Bakura thought over Ryou's words. His reassurance felt quite empty since Ryou had no idea what he had entrusted Marik with. "Or he could screw things up. Which will destroy everything I've worked on in the Millennium case." Bakura took a swig. "I don't know why I'm doing this. I should do what I'm best at and work by myself. It'll be a lot less stressful." Bakura leaned back to stare at the ceiling. He heard Ryou cough. "Working by yourself can be lonely, though." Ryou suggested softly.
Bakura just sniggered. "I hardly consider that a problem. I'm not a puppy who needs attention after all. I don't need people." Was that why Ryou was worried about him? He was worried that Bakura was lonely? If that was all he was concerned about, then Bakura could quickly put that concern away. Bakura leaned back and took another sip of his beer. There was another moment of silence before he heard his brother sigh. "I wish I didn't."
Bakura nearly missed the comment as Ryou murmured it so softly. He paused momentarily as he put his drink down. The silence between the two of them grew, but this time Bakura felt his stomach turn uneasily. Him and Ryou had been on rocky ground for a little while, but never had it felt more apparent until this moment. Bakura always dismissed their arguments as Ryou worrying needlessly over him. He always seemed to nag and bug him about his work and demanding that he stop being so reckless. And as always, Bakura just brushed it off. Someone had to take care of them. Bakura's work paid the bills. Ryou could keep bitching all he wanted – Bakura would get them the reward of a lifetime with the Millennium case. Then, Ryou and him would never have to worry again in their lives.
This entire time, Bakura assumed the root of their arguments had always been about Bakura's dangerous life choices. He figured Ryou was upset that Bakura would endanger his own life in such a way. But that quiet and sad comment from his brother made Bakura give a pause. Bakura always knew he made a lot of sacrifices for the work he chose. He was willing to make those sacrifices. But perhaps he hadn't really thought of the consequences it would have on the only other person he had in his life. He figured his life choice as a thief would really only affect him, and that Ryou could live normally if he were willing to take the fall. Was that not the case?
Bakura decided he finally do what he had been avoiding for the last couple of weeks – discuss the issue with Ryou. His initial presumption of why Ryou was upset with him appeared to be wrong. Bakura wanted to know what was really going on. Besides, he owed Ryou at least a conversation on the matter. "Ryou. I-" Bakura didn't get to finish his thought as he felt his pocket buzz. Bakura froze as he quickly dug into his pant pocket and pulled out his cell. Ryou waited patiently as Bakura opened his phone as read a brief text. "I'm back. Meet me back at my place."
Bakura shoved his phone back in his pocket as he jumped up from the couch. Marik was okay. He made it back. Bakura felt like an enormous weight was lifted from his chest. He ran to grab his coat from the closet. "Bakura!" He heard his twin call his name yet again that evening. He debated ignoring it for the moment but stopped in front of the door. "What do you want, Ryou?" He asked, gruffer than he intended. He didn't turn around to face his brother – he just wanted to go and find out what Marik found out.
"Don't. Please don't." Bakura furrowed his brow in confusion. Don't? He turned his upper torso slightly to glance at Ryou from the corner of his eye. Ryou was leaning against the hallway wall, avoiding Bakura's eyes. Bakura just watched for a moment, not replying to his brother's request. Ryou finally sighed. "Please. You don't need to do this. Just stop. For once in your life, actually think about what you're doing and do the smart thing." The anger in Ryou's voice finally grew as Ryou's desperation came through. Bakura finally felt the odd request suddenly click in his head, his expression darkening.
"Ryou, I've already thought about it. I'm doing this so just lay off. I'll be back late tonight." Bakura turned back down the hallway, ending the conversation. Ryou yelled out, trying to stop his brother. "Bakura, wait!" Bakura just growled under his breath as he slammed the door behind him. He knew Ryou was angry with him. He was angry with Ryou as well. But Bakura would have to handle that issue later. Marik hopefully had something to show for his work this afternoon, and Bakura couldn't afford to miss it.
Bakura was climbing up the stairs to Marik's apartment complex, the elevator too slow for his liking. He cursed every god he could think of that Marik lived on the twelfth floor. He couldn't move fast enough up the stairs, practically gasping for breath by the time he reached the ninth floor. He ran down the hallway, running to room 12-23 before banging on the door. Bakura considered breaking into the apartment, but exhaustion made it difficult for him to think. Besides, Marik was hypothetically in that apartment. Oh god, what if it's not him? What if someone stole his phone and is leading me to a trap? In his field, Bakura couldn't be too paranoid.
Bakura reached behind him, feeling his sheathed knife he kept next to his belt line. One could never be too prepared. Bakura placed a hand on the doorframe as he struggled to catch his breath. When the door was flung open, Bakura froze, tense and ready to strike. Maroon eyes met lavender ones as Marik gave Bakura bewildered look. "Bakura? What the hell happened to you? You look like you just ran a marathon."
Bakura, despite his desperation need for oxygen, chuckled. "Elevator was too slow." He pushed himself off the doorframe as he moved to walk into the apartment. After a step, he quickly grabbed his side as he felt a stitch stinging him. He involuntarily winced at the sudden pain. He tried to ignore it when he felt Marik's hand go to support his shoulder. He glanced up as he saw Marik roll his eyes. "You're hopeless, you know that?"
Bakura laughed. "I just wanted to hear how things went." He let Marik help him stand before walking into the apartment himself. Marik walked into the kitchen. "I wasn't going to go anywhere. I was just going to wait here until you showed up. You're such an idiot." Bakura sat down on the couch as he relaxed, a smirk growing on his face. Perhaps he had overreacted a bit. He closed his eyes and leaned back, catching his breath. Next time, I won't take the stairs. That wasn't one of my smartest ideas.
"Here." Bakura opened one eye as he saw Marik hold out a glass of water for him. Bakura grunted his thanks as he took the cup. Marik sat down next to him, pulling his phone out of his pocket as he leaned back. Bakura took a sip before he sat back up. Down to business. "All right. Shoot. What did you find out?" Bakura turned to Marik as he continued to look down at his phone. Marik nodded for a moment before placing his phone in front of Bakura. Bakura blinked in confusion before he heard noise coming from a phone, an audio recording.
"-Schroeder was camping out in Tokyo. I guess he was supposed to meet with a correspondent. Weevil and I put two and two together and in the end, Schroeder saw an early grave."
Bakura whipped his head up to Marik. He got an audio recording? How the flying fuck did he manage that? Marik sensed Bakura's question and smirked. "Once I got into the shop, I pretended to look at games to keep an on Rex. A guy with dark red hair came up and started talking to him and they moved to the alley. So I slipped into the store bathroom and exited out the back. I got as close as I could and used my phone to record what I could get." Marik tilted his head to the side. "Not bad for an amateur, eh?"
Bakura just stared before a begrudging smile grew on his face. Not bad. "You weren't seen?" Marik shook his head. "I was around the corner and out of sight. They never knew I was there." Bakura grunted. He suspected that their luck had to run out at some point, that it was too good to be true that Marik wasn't caught. But at the same time, Marik was probably telling the truth. If they had suspected someone was listening in, Marik wouldn't have walked away from the situation unscathed. Bakura turned his attention back to the soft audio.
"Do you have it with you?"
"No – I know how you people operate. I'm no idiot."
"Why should we make the exchange if I can't guarantee that this is the real artifact to my employer?"
"And how do I know you aren't going to try robbing me? I've been waiting out on site for the past two weeks and you guys have taken your damn sweet time getting to us. What's taken you so fucking long, Alister?"
"I don't think it's a crime to be cautious, last I checked."
"No, just everything else you do is…"
"Regardless, how do you plan on proving the legitimacy of the article?"
"I already planned for that. I brought the photos. Hopefully, this will suffice."
Bakura heard a silence follow for several seconds. He glanced up at Marik who just shrugged. "From what I gathered, the red-headed guy was just looking at the photos. I didn't want to risk peeking out and being spotted." Bakura nodded. It would have been nice to get visual confirmation, but he would have preferred Marik to be cautious than do anything risky. Bakura sat tensely as he waited for the audio recording to continue.
"Alright. I'll take these pictures to my boss. We'll touch basis with you in a couple of days via phone, but I think it's safe to say that Dartz is interested in cutting a deal with you two. If he does decide on making the transaction, Valon will be the one to set that up, so be on the look out for that call."
Bakura sat up instantly upon hearing the first name, his eyes widening. Marik tensed up, a worried look growing on the younger's face. "What's wrong?" Bakura let out the breath he didn't realize he was holding, hissing as he exhaled. Dartz is involved? Shit. This isn't good. "They're selling the Ring to the Orichalcos." Marik just blinked. "The who?" He paused the audio recording. "The Orichalcos, a crime syndicate that should really be known as a terrorist organization. They lost their holding Japan a few years back, but they are still around, fucking shit up like they always do."
Bakura leaned back, his brow furrowed. Shit, this is really bad. If the Orichalcos was involved, that meant they were trying to regain power in Japan. If they got their hands on the Ring, Bakura didn't have a chance in hell of getting it back. They had to get the Item from Rex and Weevil before they made the transaction. How the fuck are we going to do that when they don't keep the Ring with them in town? We have to figure out where they are staying. But we only have a few days to figure that out before they make the trade. Shit.
Bakura turned his attention back to Marik. "Do they say when they will make the trade?" Marik shook his head. "No, they just talk about fees and money for the rest of the conversation. I just sat tight until it was done. I waited until they both left before I decided to venture back into the store. I didn't want them to think I had been following either." Bakura grunted and nodded, still feeling frustrated. Things were going to get very messy quickly. This could ruin everything…
Bakura narrowed his eyes. No. There had to be something there he could work with. He had gotten too damn far for a broken and humiliated band of washed-out has-beens to screw up everything he had toiled towards. Bakura was missing something. There was something that he had overlooked. Think, damn it. What are you missing? He was vaguely aware of Marik trying to get his attention. "What the hell do you want, Marik?" Bakura snapped, annoyed at Marik's pestering.
Marik hesitated, a guarded look on his face as he watched the angry albino. "I was- It's just- Never mind." Marik sighed and leaned back against the couch, his face crumpling. Bakura watched for a moment before sighing. "Play the audio again. Perhaps there was something we missed that we can work with." Marik nodded and played the recording again. Bakura closed his eyes, concentrating on the dialogue. He resisted the urge to growl as he heard the silence fall between Rex and Alister. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary…
"I'm sorry." Bakura looked up, confused by Marik's apology. "Why?" Marik squirmed in his seat a little bit, still holding his phone. He looked away towards the kitchen. "I didn't get what you needed. I tried to get everything I could to work with, but I guess I screwed up. Sorry." Marik seemed more embarrassed than anything else. He flinched when Bakura chuckled softly. "It's hardly your fault. I'm not pissed at you. I'm pissed because things aren't working out like I want." Marik swiveled his head, a confused look on his face. "Really? I just assumed you're always angry with me. You never seem happy ever."
Bakura felt his eye twitch. "Well, I'm not a very cheerful person. So sorry. I'll be sure to keep a stiff upper lip and all that palaver." Bakura exaggerated his accent as Marik giggled, rolling his eyes. "Oh shut up, Fluffy." Bakura laughed out loud, feeling his stress dissipate slightly as he teased Marik. He listened to the last part of the conversation, almost numbly when he heard the names again. This time, something clicked in his mind. He recognized Dartz's name before, but he suddenly realized he had heard the other name as well.
Bakura turned to smile at Marik. "It looks like our luck hasn't run out just yet." Marik blinked and tentatively returned the smile. "You know how we can get the Ring?" Bakura stood up, stretching for a moment. "No, but I know someone who can help us." Marik tilted his head, waiting for Bakura to explain. Bakura just reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He dug through his contacts. He found a number he hadn't called yet. It was an emergency contact, one that he had taken awhile. Bakura stood up and walked to the window, glancing over at Marik before turning his attention back to his phone.
He dialed the number as held the phone up, glancing out the window. After a few rings, Bakura heard the phone pick up. There was a bit of static before it quickly disappears. "Hello?" A voice rang through. Bakura smirked. "Hey. It's me." There was a pause on the phone before Bakura heard a giggle. Bakura just rolled his eyes before returning his gaze towards Marik, who still looked puzzled but waited patiently for Bakura to make his call. His smirk grew as he heard the laughter die down on the other end.
"Oh? Missed me, babe?"