Author's Note: I'm not going to lie – the chapter with Mai is one of my favorites so far, so I was looking for a way to bring her back. So I was super excited while writing this chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! Rated T. I will be updating it to M next chapter as I plan on tackling some more mature content (though don't count on any lemons if that's the case).

Thank you so much reading. I love you all. If you enjoy what you're seeing, please favorite, follow or leave a review. Any and all feedback is welcomed.

Bon appetite!

"It's been awhile, Ms. Valentine." Bakura chuckled softly at the sultry voice that teased him over the phone. Their relationship was typically a "don't call me, I'll call you" scenario where Mai held the cards in any of her interactions. But as Mai always pointed out, Bakura was the only one who seemed to be able to break that mold. She didn't seem upset that he somehow managed to find a way to contact her outside of their usual constraints. In fact, she seemed quite amused.

"So what has you ringing me up, love? Couldn't wait to see, huh?" Bakura just rolled his eyes before settling them on Marik, who leaned back on the couch, content to wait until Bakura was done with his call. Despite not having her on speakerphone, Bakura was sure that Marik would be able to hear most of their conversation. Mai didn't have a quiet voice. "Please. I'm calling in on a favor. If you don't mind digging through your skeletons, that is." He heard a pause on the other line before Mai laughed somewhat nervously.

"What kind of skeletons are you asking about?" Bakura leaned back on the windowsill, his amusement fading as he turned his mind back to business. "It's about the Orichalcos." He heard a long pause, one that weighed heavily on the conversation. Bakura could hear his own heart pounding, aware of what he was asking of Mai wasn't an easy thing to do. He heard shuffling on the other side of the line. "And why do you need to know about them? I thought you were occupied with other hobbies."

Bakura considered what to say, trying to figure out how information he should disclose. He decided Mai needed to know the bare bone basics. "I have five of the Items. We have visual on the Ring. But it's in the hands of some idiots who think selling it to Dartz is a good idea. I know your client does not want any other organizations involved, so I need help getting the Ring before the transaction goes down." The silence that followed was less awkward and more contemplative as Mai seemed to consider what went down.

"Well it appears we have some catching up to do, babe…" Though the tone was flirty, Bakura didn't miss the undercurrent. It looked like he would have to schedule another rendezvous with Mai soon. That was fair – a lot had happened since he last saw her. Bakura smiled. "On the top of my to-do list. So, can you help me or not?" He heard Mai give a heavy sigh, but he could already tell that she would help. "I suppose I don't really have a choice. What do you need from me?"

A faint smile ghosted Bakura's face. "Rex and Weevil are supposed to get in contact with Valon if Dartz decides to go with the transaction. I suspect that will happen. I need to know when they will meet. That's when they will make the switch and when they will have the Ring. Think you can help me out?" Mai hummed to herself, lost in thought as she thought about what Bakura was demanding. He knew it was a lot, but he also knew that Mai was his best chance of getting the Ring. And Mai wanted him to find that Ring. It was in both of their interests to make the most of this opportunity.

"All right. I think I got an idea. In fact, you might end up getting lucky. That is if you're good to me." Once again, Bakura smirked. He knew that Mai's playful attitude was masking a plan developing in her mind. And although Bakura didn't like trusting people with his work, he knew he could trust Mai. She had been working in the field for years. She was clever and manipulative. He could count on her to get results. "I'll hold my breath then. Think you can deliver on that in the next couple of days?"

Mai clicked her tongue. "Bakura, hon, what do you take me for? Some kind of amateur? Please – I'll have results by tomorrow. Just wait for my call, babe. I've got to get ready for our little date then." Bakura released his breath. He was grateful to have her as an ally at this moment. "I look forward to it. Hey, Mai." Bakura stopped Mai from hanging up the phone as she paused. "Something on your mind, love?" Bakura pursed his lips, debating whether to continue. He decided to go with his gut and just say it.

"It's- Thanks. I know you'd rather not dig up your past. So I appreciate you doing this." Bakura was surprised when he heard laughing on the other line. "The great and mighty Bakura thanking me? Who are you and what have you done with the supposed Thief King?" Bakura rolled his eyes, suppressing a growl. "Goodbye, Ms. Valentine." He heard her giggle a faint goodbye as he hung. He pinched the furrow of his brow, shaking his head. Mai was efficient, but her teasing and coy behavior could be exhausting.

He pocketed his phone before turning back to Marik. The Egyptian looked up, a strange look on his face. "So… who was that?" The question was harmless, but Bakura couldn't shake the feeling that Marik had an ulterior motive. "Mai. She's an old work acquaintance. Don't let her theatrics deceive you. She's damn good at her job. She might be manipulative, but you can count on her do her share. Though it'll probably cost me later." Bakura ran a hand through his hair as he sat down on the couch next to Marik.

"You two sound pretty close." Bakura closed his eyes and chuckled. "Yeah, well, we go way back." Bakura put his arms up and clasped his hands behind head, reclining as he closed his eyes. He reminisced on those times years ago, when they first met. Back when Domino City was a really shitter. As Bakura thought about it, he realized it was almost three years ago when they first met. He had already been working at his job for a few years at that point. It was strange to think how time had flown by…

A slight cough interrupted Bakura's thoughts. He opened one eye as he glanced over at Marik. He wasn't looking at Bakura, but instead staring ahead, seemingly a bit uncomfortable. "So you two… you guys are… well… you know…" Bakura opened both of his eyes as he continued to watch Marik, trying to figure out what he was implying. It suddenly hit him and Bakura had to resist the urge to laugh out loud. "No. It's not like that. We're not… We're just friends. That's all we'll ever be."

Marik inhaled and exhaled afterwards, nodding his head. Bakura just watched the cogs work their way through his brain. Bakura was now curious where this would go next. "So, she's not your type?" Marik asked rather lightly, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. He stared at the floor, blushing slightly under Bakura's gaze. The albino thief smirked. Well, what do you know? Marik is full of surprises. This could be… interesting.

"Not really. I wouldn't say I necessarily have a type. Just peculiar obsessions in life. Why do you ask? Are you jealous, Marik?" Bakura leaned forward to sit close to Marik, his face only inches from Marik's as he murmured the last part in Marik's ear. Marik jumped up from his seat, a blush burning across his face. Bakura just raised an eye and leaned back as Marik stood there in shock and embarrassment. "No… I just… it's… curious… I- I'm going to grab a snack from the kitchen now." Marik paused, almost as if he was trying to remember what he was planning on doing, before sprinting to the kitchen.

Bakura allowed a cocky grin to grow across his face, amused at this development. Usually it was him getting unintentionally tongue-tied around Marik. Sure, Marik wasn't bad to look at, but that was no excuse for Bakura's awkward behavior around the brat. Especially since Marik always seemed baffle by Bakura's odd reactions. But now, it seemed Marik fell into a similar trap. Well. This could be fun. Bakura stood up and to follow Marik into the kitchen, watching Marik run around the kitchen, grabbing fruit. Bakura realized he was making a smoothie.

He grinned as he crept up behind Marik silently while he sliced up some strawberries. He placed his hand on the counter, standing right behind Marik. He stood only inches away from Marik as he leaned his head close to his ear. "Need some help?" Marik jumped, flinging his hands up as he skipped around Bakura. The albino was glad for his quick reflexes or else Marik would have accidentally stabbed him with his cutting knife. Bakura laughed out loud, ignoring Marik as he flipped him off. Bakura walked back into the living room. Yes, this could be very fun indeed.

Bakura wasn't sure how quickly Mai could get results. She said the following day she would have something to show, but Bakura wasn't sure if she'd be able to pull it off. So he was pleased when he got a call the following afternoon telling him to meet her at the park in an hour. He wasn't sure what sort of stunt Mai pulled off, but he trusted her enough to not waste his time. He found himself sitting on a park bench, watching pedestrians walking with their families and loved ones. No one dared approach him as he glared menacingly towards anyone who came close.

Bakura spread his arms across the back of the bench, despite how cold he was. Damn. I hate cold weather. Autumn was quickly passing by and Bakura knew that winter would soon be approaching. Bakura reached for his pocket to grab a cigarette. He found his pockets were empty. Why do I keep forgetting to buy cigarettes? I need a good smoke with the last few weeks I've had with Marik. Bakura closed his eyes and leaned his head back to face the blue sky above. Truth be told, Marik wasn't as annoying, but he still was a handful. At least he was being useful.

"Room for one more over there?" Bakura opened his eyes to stare at the sky, smiling. He slowly rolled his head forward to see a beautiful woman with golden locks and violet eyes smiling down at him. She was black skinny jeans and a black leather jacket to match. She carried a large purse at her side, which Bakura suspected was some fancy brand name he didn't recognize. Bakura flicked his head over to the seat next to him, gesturing for her to sit down. "All yours."

Mai giggled. "Why, such a gentleman." Bakura just rolled his eyes. He noticed the hair that had fallen in his face and huffed a breath of air to fix it. "So, did you get it?" Bakura figured he could at least try cutting to the chase to get this over with. Mai, however, had other plans. "Oh no, I want some details, cutie. You gave me quite a few juicy tidbits back on the phone and now I just have to have a bite." Bakura felt her eyes trained on his, her amusement clear. Well, I suppose I should get this over. "Fine. What do you want to know?"

"How did you get two more Items since I saw you over a month ago?"

Bakura blinked. Mai had cut right to the point on that one. The question was, how much could he divulge? He didn't want to reveal he was working with Marik. At least, not yet. First, it would mean owning up to Mai that he had to resort to working with Marik, and after their last conversation, Bakura wasn't ready to sacrifice his pride. Second, that would draw attention to Marik, as Mai would inform her client and any others who she shared Intel with. Marik worked well as a dark horse – an annoying dark horse that never knew when to shut up or drop an argument, but a dark horse nonetheless.

So the question was how to answer her question. Bakura decided to go with half-truths. "It's a tale for another time, but long story short, I made an acquaintance. With his help, I was able to get the Rod and Eye. When we next officially meet, I'll fill you in on all the details. I don't have time to spare on that one today." He glanced over at Mai as she contemplated his words. It wasn't much, but he told her what Items he got and that he wasn't working solo anymore. That alone would give her enough information to report to her boss, especially given Bakura's reputation.

"All right. But we're going to meet soon. Capisce?" Bakura just nodded, leaning forward to stretch. He crossed his arms before he leaned back into his seat. Mai turned towards him as she propped her arm against the back of the bench. "Fine. Also – where did Rex and Weevil get the Ring from?" This was a question Bakura didn't mind answering – if anything, it might put more pieces of the puzzle together.

"Schroeder. From what I understand, he got in touch with a black market dealer from Egypt. I guess the Ring didn't travel too far from its homeland. But once he made his way back to Domino, he slipped up." Mai just grunted, unsurprised by this. "Well, that explains why he hasn't been returning my calls. Jounouchi was right – Schroeder didn't have what it takes." Bakura snorted. That was an understatement. He couldn't believe Yami would even considered that pompous idiot for employment. He makes Marik look like a professional thief.

"Is that it for questions?" Mai shook her head. "Nope, I got one more for you." Bakura watched a young man play Frisbee with his dog. "Alright, shoot." Bakura was confused when he saw Mai smile deviously. "So what's with this 'we' business you were talking about on the phone? This wouldn't be your new work acquaintance you spoke of? Don't tell me you got yourself a new girlfriend? Aren't I woman enough for you, babe?" Bakura knew that she was teasing, but that didn't stop the inevitable blush that grew on his face. He growled. "Let's get to business, goddamnit."

Mai's smile only grew. "Hell no. Who's the lucky girl?" Bakura snapped his head, wanting to end this conversation. "Oh piss off, Mai. I'm not the dating type."

"Oh? So you're the one-night stand type? I suppose that makes sense since you're not very romantic…"

"I'm not any type! Not all of us think about sex as much as you do."

"Oh, that was mean. You just hurt my feelings, sweetie. I might just even cry…"

"Bullshit you won't. You just like to piss me off, don't you? You just like to see me squirm."

"Damn right, I do. You make it so easy."

"Fuck, you're annoying."

"Language, Bakura! Do you kiss your girlfriend with that tongue?"

"Will you stop with the girlfriend talk?"

"At least tell me if she's cute!"

"We're not dating! He's just a work ac-"

"He? So there's the smoking gun. I always knew you're compass pointed a different direction, hon. I'm just so glad you found someone to share your life of crime with."

Bakura choked on his own spit as he swallowed, taken by surprise. He glared at Mai, who gave him a triumphant smile. He tried reading her to see what she was getting at, to see what sort of bullshit she was trying to pull. That's when it hit him that it wasn't business – it was Mai just trying to push his buttons. Trying to get him to admit his sexual preference. For no other reason than for her own amusement. This bitch.

"If you're going to sit here and just play with me, than I'm leaving." Bakura's words held no real threat to them. He needed Mai's information. He needed something from her, and so he had to accept being toyed with until he got what he wanted. He knew it and Mai knew it as well. Mai just laughed out loud. "No need to get your panties in a knot, love. I only tease. I've had quite the busy escapade since last night after all – let me have a little fun."

Bakura just snorted, turning his head away. He was still rather annoyed by her treatment. He heard her call his name, but he refused to look. So what if he was acting like a petulant child? She pissed him off. Mai seemed to sigh and Bakura suddenly felt something fall into his lap. He looked down and saw a folder. It wasn't thick, but instead held a small packet of papers.

"You probably already have some of this information, but they are meeting with Valon. Next Wednesday night. Off of 4th street. Behind the psychic reader shop. Warehouse district." Mai shifted slightly, her eyes furrowed as she stared at the ground. Bakura just watched her carefully, holding the folder in his hand. "The Orichalcos as a whole is dead, but a few survived. It appears Dartz made it out alive, but there are only a few from the original group."

Mai turned to look Bakura in the eye "Get the Ring. Don't fuck this up. Got it?" It wasn't a request – it was a demand. Bakura understood what Mai was implying. The time when the Orichalcos was in its prime was truly a dark time throughout Japan. Anyone who wasn't allied with them was a target. They were a homegrown terrorist group that made living in Domino hellish.

Bakura remembered those days – if the Orichalcos was interested in the Ring, they were up to something. Stealing an ancient artifact that is coveted by many would give the renown and resources needed to get back into the market. Like hell was Bakura going to let this happen. "Consider it done. They'll never get the Ring. I always get what I want, remember?" Mai chuckled lightly at that comment. "Of course. How could I forget?"

There was a moment of silence before Bakura decided to ask his next question. "So Valon is still keeping with his old boss, then?" He heard Mai inhale sharply before she sighed. "It appears so. He won't rat me out to Dartz, but I guess Valon still has some things he needs to do. And Dartz promised him what he needs for that." She shook her head as she looked back out at the pedestrians in the park. "I was hoping he would have gone clean after that shitstorm of a fiasco a few years back. But I guess not."

Bakura bit his lip, unsure what to say. He was never good at offering sympathy. "That sucks. Um… sorry." Mai shrugged, but Bakura saw the sadness flicker across her face for moment. "It is what it is. I did what I could." Bakura nodded. Working in their field was something of a high risk, high reward scenario. Bakura has had a lot of work over the years and it has paid off. But one drawback that Bakura recognized is that people typically don't stick around. It was one of the reasons Bakura particularly didn't care to get close to people. It wasn't worth the emotional baggage or the financial risk.

"Earth to Bakura? Anything else you need from me?" Bakura snapped out of his thoughts as he shook his head. He flipped open the folder, glancing down at the notes Mai provided. It gave more details of the exchange, including a map, topographic features, and who would likely be there that night, including profiles on each member. Mai hadn't disappointed him. "Don't think so. Thanks."

Mai stood up, stretching briefly. "Well, if that's all, I'll be taking my leave of you babe. We'll have to go on a date soon. My client will want to hear all about you've been up these past few weeks." Mai took a step before pausing, glancing back. "And I'll want to hear about how you and your new boyfriend have been getting along." Bakura growled, glaring at Mai. She giggled and winked at him before strutting away.

Bakura glanced down at the folder, surveying the notes she provided. He could read up on this tonight. They had several days before the exchange. This gave them time to prepare. God knows he will need it to teach Marik what to do. If this involved the Orichalcos, it wasn't going to be easy and was likely going to be dangerous. Back to business I suppose.

As Bakura flipped through the pages one last time, he suddenly caught sight of something on the last page. Curious, he flipped to it and then smirked. He caught the distinct lipstick mark from Mai on the last page. He saw her scribbling in the corner – "For old time sake." He sniggered under his breath. It certainly did feel like old times. Complete insanity and peril, but that's business as usual. Well, let's give 'em hell.

Bakura didn't go back to Marik's apartment until the following day. He told Marik via phone call that he had to meet up with Mai and would be researching. It was only when he promised Marik that he would return the next day did the youth lay off his case. If I didn't know better, Marik is developing attachment issues. Bakura didn't bother mentioning that he had actually missed hanging out with Marik. When did that change happen? Bakura didn't want to think about it.

It was Saturday morning. Odion usually worked early on Saturday and Marik didn't have classes. Normally, Bakura would have waited until the afternoon, but he felt encouraged by the information he was able to gather. He wanted to get an early start – it was best to start preparing Marik as soon as possible. He imagined Marik probably just slept in on Saturday morning anyway. Bakura didn't have any problems waking up his lazy ass.

Bakura got to Marik's apartment. He debated knocking, but figured he was beyond that point. He tested the door handle and found it was locked. Bakura sighed loudly. He contemplated being a good houseguest or not before finally digging into his pocket to pull out a lock pick. I think we're at this point in our friendship after all. A few seconds later, the door was unlocked and Bakura let himself into the apartment.

As he closed the door behind him, he paused as he realized he heard music coming from the apartment. He turned, confusion etched on his face. Was Marik already awake? He glanced down the hallway, which held the bedrooms. Bakura had never bothered going down there, but he knew the music was coming from one of the bedrooms. He pursed his lips as his curiosity now got the better of him.

On the left side of the apartment, he knew there were a bathroom and a closet. On the right side were two doors, which Bakura figured were Marik and Odion's rooms. The music was coming out of the one on his right as he stared between the two. He walked to the door and hesitated. He felt slightly nervous – it was like encroaching on forbidden territory. But he wanted to know what Marik was up to, as harmless or strange the activity might be.

Bakura knocked on the door, instantly regretting the action. He was fine with breaking into the apartment but apparently not okay with just opening an unlocked door to the bedroom? What the hell was he thinking? Too late now. He noticed that the music volume was lowered and the door was opened only a few inches. He saw Marik look at him, his expression quickly becoming one of shock and bewilderment.

"Bakura? How the frig did you get in my apartment?" Bakura tried not to look guilty as he shrugged. "I let myself in. Whatcha doing?" Bakura tried to keep his voice light as if he were just asking Marik about the weather. Apparently it didn't work. "Let yourself in? Bullshit! You broke into my apartment!" Bakura couldn't hold back the snigger and shrugged again. "Guilty as charged. Back to my original question. What're you doing up so early?"

The annoyance in Marik's face quickly disappeared as he blushed, looking away. "Oh… uh nothing really. Just listening to music. Give me a sec to get change and I'll be right out." Bakura grinned as he caught the door before it closed. Marik's face snapped back up to his, inches away as Marik grew more nervous. Bakura quickly looked over what he could see of Marik. He was in sweat pants and a loose black t-shirt. That was odd given Marik's affinity for clothing a size too small for himself.

"What are you hiding, Marik?" Bakura leered at the younger man, his voice hinting with amusement. The blush grew on Marik's face. "Nothing. Can I get dressed now?" Bakura chuckled softly as he leaned in closer. "Why don't I believe you? The face I'm looking at is one of a guilty man. What sort of awful things could you be up to in your bedroom, Marik?" Bakura gasped in mock horror.

Marik just rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Nothing, you perverted ass. Now can I have some privacy?" Bakura laughed as he nodded, pretending to relax his grip on the door. Just as the door was about to shut, Bakura suddenly pushed, knocking Marik to the floor as he let himself into the room. He heard Marik swear at him in anger. Bakura just stepped past him, curious as to what Marik was hiding. After a few steps, he paused, staring in confusion at the easel in front of him.

It took Bakura a moment before he realized there were other canvases lying around the room. The window shades were flung open as the morning sun flooded the room with natural light. Bakura spotted a sketchpad on the stand next to bed, a collection of pencils and erasers piled on top. He spotted the paint and brushes that lay on the floor rather neatly next to the easel. He raised an eyebrow as he realized Marik's "big" secret.

"You make art." It was less of a question and more of a statement. Marik stood up as he moved to put away his supplies, his cheeks still flushed. "So what if I do? I have other interests outside of criminal studies." Marik tried to sound angry, but he sounded soft and less sure of himself. Bakura watched as Marik picked up his stuff before turning his attention on the incomplete canvas sitting on the easel. It was clearly what Marik had been working on before Bakura interrupted him.

He studied the portrait as he tried to figure out what it was. There were so many various shades of red and orange and yellow that exploded from the page. It was the amount of color in the painting that Bakura was surprised by. He was by no means an expert in art. But he studied it carefully, trying to understand what Marik was trying to make, to understand what Marik had envisioned when he started this painting. It suddenly dawned on Bakura that Marik was painting a sunrise.

"Where is this set?" Bakura asked softly, still studying the vivid dawn on the canvas. Marik avoided looking at Bakura, but still answered. "Uh… it's supposed to be from Egypt. That's where I grew up." Bakura nodded, glancing over at Marik. The young man sat on his bed, his hands folded together as he looked at the ground. His bangs fell into his face, covering his eyes. Bakura spared another moment to look at Marik before returning his focus to the painting. He surveyed the blending the colors, which seemed to jump from the page. It didn't seem out of place, as if the vivid and splendid sunrise was truly vivid and spectacular.

"This is good." Bakura said softly, smiling at the art. Sure he didn't really have an eye for good art per say, but he knew it wasn't bad art. Marik had spent a lot of time practicing and working on it. And truth be told, Bakura liked it. He glanced over at Marik, who looked up at him in shock. "What?" Bakura snorted, turning his head away. "Your art doesn't suck. Okay?" There was a few seconds of silence. Bakura shoved his hands in his pockets, suddenly becoming preoccupied with a spot on the wall so he didn't have to look at Marik.

"You actually like it?" Bakura scowled before turning towards Marik, who now stood and watched Bakura as if he were about to burst into flames. "That's what I said, isn't it? Why are you so desperate to know?" Bakura grew defensive, embarrassed by the compliment he gave. He shouldn't have done that. He leaned against the wall and avoided eye contact with Marik, who still watched him.

He heard Marik start laughing. Bakura rolled his eyes as he turned his focus to Marik. "What now?" Might as well get over Marik's torment now. He was surprised when he saw Marik smiling, a soft look on his face. "It's just… You've never complimented me on anything. At least, not directly. You don't really ever give any kind of praise. So for you to say that you like my art… That means a lot. Thanks." Marik continued to smile at Bakura, beaming from the praise given to him.

Bakura felt his cheeks burn. God, he hated how his face turned a blotchy red every time he was with Marik. "Whatever." Bakura lowered his eyes before flicking them up. Marik was nodding, a small smile still on his face. Marik pushed his hair behind his ear and Bakura felt the sudden urge to run his fingers through Marik's golden hair. It looked so smooth and silky, a golden radiance. Like the sunrise that Marik was painting. Bakura felt his stomach squeeze. God, he's beautiful…

Bakura shook his head. What the hell was wrong with him? He was turning into a teenage schoolgirl. "Come on. Mai came through and now we've got to prepare. You ready?" Marik nodded. "Can I at least change? For the hundredth time today?" Bakura chuckled, more to alleviate his own nervousness and discomfort. Remember. Marik. Work partner. That's it. He walked towards the door of the bedroom. "Hurry up. We've got a lot to do before our date."

Bakura said the words before he could filter what he was saying. He paused as he grabbed the handle of the door, mentally kicking himself over his last comment. He had been hanging out with Mai for too long and now he wanted to slam his head into the door in front of him. He was glad he was facing away from Marik so he couldn't see his mortified expression. He heard Marik cough. "Uh right. We're gonna steal the Ring?" Bakura felt a momentarily relief as well as a strange pang as Marik glossed over his choice of words. "Yeah. You ready?" He heard Marik chirp out his confirmation as Bakura walked out of the room. Lord forbid he say anything else embarrassing in front of Marik.

As he closed the door behind him, he leaned his head silently against the wall, a smile playing across his face. He closed his eyes, his head spinning with thoughts. This was all becoming a bit too much. Stick with work. As complicated as it is, it's still the simpler of these two animals I'm facing. He stood up straight and walked into the apartment. He would have to debrief Marik in a bit and get their gear set up. Soon, Wednesday night would be upon them.