Author's Note: My roommates and I are starting a Youtube channel. How do I still have time to write?
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! This is rated M. And not because of lemons. Deal with it.
And as always, thank you so much for reading. If you like what you read, please consider favorite-ing or following this story, or if you feel compelled, leave a review! I appreciate all kinds of feedback.
For those wondering – I update weekly!
Bon appetite!
Bakura wasn't entirely sure how to proceed with his interactions with Marik. Ishizu's warning burned in his mind and his confusing feelings for Marik only complicated matters. To his surprise, he found he didn't need to worry. Their mutual goal of finding the Millennium Puzzle ensured they would spend time together. That strangely relieved Bakura, though now he had to suffer the consequences of showing Marik movies.
As fun as it was to catch Marik up on the last century of movies, it came out of necessity. And that necessity was keeping Bakura's sanity intact. After three days of listening to him hum "If I Only Had a Brain," Bakura finally snapped, telling Marik to stop it with the damn tune. A short argument later about films and music, Bakura rolled his eyes as he sat back to observe Marik as he started watching Star Wars for the first time.
And so an unusual pattern started. Bakura and Marik would research together until they got fed up or bored. They would then watch a movie or play a game or Bakura would watch Marik draw. There was something relaxing and therapeutic about watching the teen sketch. That's when Marik seemed the most relaxed and completely in his element. Occasionally Marik would talk and answer Bakura's questions, but he mostly drew in silence. Bakura liked those times, just listening to the soft touches of pencil meeting paper.
It was also during this time that Marik seemed most open and honest. Marik would ramble on about random things he did as a kid. It mostly centered around him and Odion, but occasionally, he would mention his sister. Every time, Bakura noticed that his parents were absent in every one of these stories. He figured Marik didn't mention his mother because he didn't have any memories of her.
But it was still strange about his father. All Bakura could figure out was that Marik's old man was strict and that Marik wasn't comfortable talking about him. He also knew from the letter he snatched that Odion became Marik's legal guardian while their father was alive. Bakura figured this meant their relationship hadn't been a healthy one, but to what degree, Bakura had no clue.
It was one of those topics Bakura wanted to know more about but didn't dare push Marik on the topic. This seemed like a very sensitive subject – Marik would tell him when he felt comfortable doing so. That is, if he ever felt comfortable enough to tell Bakura. If he did tell anyone, it would be Bakura. Or at least, that's what the albino figured.
He wasn't sure how this happened, but Bakura had gradually grown protective of his spot as Marik's best friend. It made him very glad when he heard Marik tell Ishizu that he was his best friend. If Bakura thought about, he supposed Marik would be his best friend. He was also Bakura's only friend, but that was a minor detail. He felt a warm sensation at the thought of being Marik's closest friend.
Best friend seemed like a good title for the other. After all, Bakura certainly didn't have feelings extending beyond that. Marik was just a really good friend. That's why he felt happy and calm whenever the Egyptian hung around. That's why he felt relaxed even when Marik was annoying him. That's why he spent all his free time over in Marik's apartment, even when he didn't feel like researching anymore. That's why he felt rush every time Marik's hand grazed over his skin when they accidentally both reached for the remote.
Yeah. That was why.
Denial was Bakura's coping mechanism for the moment. If anything, his relationship with Marik was the best it had ever been. Which was good because their research on the last Millennium Item was at a low point. The problem with searching with the Millennium Puzzle was that the Item was… well… a puzzle. It was difficult enough tracking down recognizable artifacts. The Eye, Necklace, Ring… All of the Items were distinct and clear in their description. Archaeologists were able to go into detail describing the Item. A visual for what they were searching for was always good groundwork to start with.
Which was why it was eternally frustrating when Bakura couldn't find any record of what the Millennium Puzzle looked like. The Item was not originally a Puzzle and had a completely different design. But no archaeologists were able to guess at the original shape or form of the Puzzle. Apparently, the Puzzle had never been completed and was unconsidered unsolvable. So there was a random Puzzle box with golden Puzzle pieces floating around the world with no way to track it down. Bakura was ready to smash his head into the keyboard in frustration.
"Why does finding this puzzle have to be so damned hard?" Bakura grumbled. He was laying down, taking up the entire couch as he stared at the packet of paper he held above his head. His eyes were blurry and he struggled to focus on the words above. Of all the rotten luck in the world. They were so close to getting all the Items. Bakura could practically taste the money it was so close. And it would all mean nothing if Bakura didn't start getting results on the Puzzle soon.
It'll also mean nothing if Ryou leaves.
Bakura groaned as he let the papers fall from his hand, landing on his face. He was no closer to resolving things with Ryou and his home life was in complete shambles. Whenever Bakura went home, Ryou wouldn't talk to him. Bakura found he didn't know what to say and despite trying to talk to his twin, he knew it was a pointless battle. He eventually gave up and settled for the uncomfortable silence that was now normal between them. He knew he had to do something. Ryou offered his solution to the table – it was now Bakura's turn to figure out his rebuttal offer.
Marik's voice brought back from his thoughts. "You know, Fluffy, for a world famous thief, you sure do whine a lot." Bakura didn't lift the papers from his face but instead stuck his middle finger out in Marik's direction. He heard the teen chuckle as Bakura slowly sat up. He rubbed his neck as he glared down at the fallen paper on his lap as if it were the source of his growing migraine. "Hanging in there?" The teen piped up from his spot on the ground.
Bakura ran a hand over his face, pausing for a moment as he glanced down at Marik, who was sitting on the ground with a laptop on his legs. "I'll survive. It's just this damned Puzzle is getting on my nerves." Bakura turned his head away, resting it on his hand as he leaned forward. He felt Marik's hand pat his knee. "We'll find it. It'll just take a little more time, antsy-pants." Bakura snorted but didn't say anything. He knew if they kept at it, something would show up. There had to be some record indicating what the Puzzle originally looked like.
Bakura leaned back as he glared at the wall. He studied the different pictures. Most of them were recent. He noticed a picture of Ishizu at the museum and another one looked like a selfie taken by Marik of him and his brother. He smirked at the sight before turning his attention to the calendar. He stared at the cross days before he realized it was already the second week of December. When did that happen? He had been hanging out with Marik for over two months now. It felt like he had only met the teen. It was strange how well he felt like he now knew the youth.
And yet, it feels like I know so little about him. Bakura couldn't help shake the desire to know Marik better. He thought about what Ishizu told him about not trusting Marik. He knew better than trust people in general, but Marik had strangely enough been the exception. Bakura honestly figured that Marik had business with Yami that he wanted to discuss. That's why he needed to speak with him in person. But truth be told, Bakura had no idea what Marik really wanted from gathering the Items. He would spend countless hours researching and preparing and working with him just to talk to Yami? No reward money? Something was off.
Bakura opened his mouth to ask Marik his question when he heard a squeal. He snapped his head around, bewildered by the loud noise that Marik just emitted. "What the hell?" He glanced down at the floor to see that it was noticeably lacking a teenage Egyptian. Instead, Marik was now pressed up against the window of the apartment, staring outside. "BAKURA! It's snowing!" Marik turned his head back, his face filled with delight and excitement. Bakura blinked for a moment before glancing out the window. "And that's why you screamed? Marik, you need to calm the fuck down. Its just snow."
Bakura raised a hand to rub his temple, but he still walked over to the window to stand next to Marik. He watched the snow float gently outside, leaving a light dusting on the streets outside. "I will not be calm, Bakura. This is my first time seeing snow!" Bakura lifted his head, realizing that Egypt wasn't exactly plentiful in wintry weather. He shoved his hands in his pockets. "Well. This is snow. Is everything you ever hoped it would be?" Bakura rolled his eyes, sarcasm dripping in his words.
"Yes!" Bakura glanced over at Marik beaming at him, his lavender eyes bright with excitement. He felt his breath catch before he quickly turned his head to stare outside. It had been a long time since Bakura got excited by snowfall. The last he did was when he was a child. He dragged Ryou outside into the mountain of snow that had covered their yard then. That was back when they lived in the suburbs in a house. Much to their parents annoyance, Bakura and Ryou had taken off their hats and played hide and seek in the snow, their own hair helping them to blend in.
Bakura felt the small smile grow on his face as he thought back fondly on that. He stood at the window next to Marik, his childish delight reminding him of a simpler time when things weren't so complicated with his remaining family. Back then, things were tough, yet simple. Ever since their parents' unexpected death back in high school, the brothers always had to rely on each other. For Bakura, it wasn't a difficult decision to make. Nothing mattered more than keeping him and Ryou together. They had already lost their parents – he couldn't bear the thought of losing his twin as well.
Bakura supposed that was the day that he grew up. Ryou and him couldn't be kids anymore. Sixteen was hardly an age to become an adult, but the two did what they had to. Ryou was always worried, but Bakura always knew his limits. He never took on dangerous jobs – just ones that would pay the bills. Petty theft and burglaries that promised a substantial enough reward got them through. So long as the bills were paid and they had a roof over their head, they could get by. That's how it always had been. Through Bakura's hard work, Ryou not only graduated high school, but was able to go to the local university and get a degree.
He wasn't sure when things started to go downhill. He supposed the underlying discontent of his occupational choices had always been there. Perhaps it started all the way back when the Orichalcos was a prominent threat in Japan. Bakura had always made it a point to keep a low profile, but that also drew attention. He gained a reputation of being a master of stealth and always efficient. He was careful not to leave tracks or make mistakes.
Once he heard the nickname of "Thief King" whispered around, he took to the title, pleased with how reputable and well respected he had become in the underground. With a title like that, Bakura started to seek bigger challenges, to truly live up to the name. The pressure of such expectations pushed him to become the best in his craft. With it, Bakura began to truly enjoy the thrill and excitement that came from such dangerous and risky activities. Bakura went from just trying to get by, trying to survive, to truly feeling alive.
However, with the attention also came bounties. The first threat to their livelihood was the Orichalcos. Bakura had known better than to sell his soul to the devil. He knew that Dartz and the Orichalcos were dangerous and only sought to benefit themselves. He refused to work with them, not willing to compromise his own position nor endanger Ryou. His goal had always been to keep him and his brother well and safe. The Orichalcos would be a much riskier operation. His refusal to cooperate with them, however, made him a threat to their organization and thereby a target.
That was the first time Ryou saw him get hurt because of his work.
Bakura did his best to make Ryou not worry. He didn't want Ryou to get involved, as he often wanted to. That was the first time they fought, actually argued over Bakura's life decisions. Once the fight was over, they continued about their lives, but it wasn't the same after that. Their relationship started to fall apart as Ryou refused to let the issue go. He refused to let Bakura needlessly risk his life for the both of them. What began as discussions turned into fights. Bakura allowed his annoyance to win over his concern, becoming indifferent to Ryou's nagging.
And here he was, at the edge of it all, watching as he waited for their glass to shatter beyond repair. He wanted to believe Ryou wouldn't be driven so far as to leave, but he knew better than that. He had driven Ryou to this point – if Ryou truly felt like he had no other choice, then he would leave and not come back. Bakura had to find a solution – he had to change something about their lives to make this work. He knew the obvious answer would be to quit, but he couldn't do that. What else could he do?
Bakura sighed, one hand coming out of his pocket to rest at his hip. His thumb brushed past the bullet wound he received a few weeks back, now healing quickly. He kept telling himself that he couldn't leave, that there was nothing else. But what else did he have? He nearly died over a ring. He only got out of the scenario because Marik saved his ass. Why should he stick around and keep risking his life? This was fallback plan, yes, but that didn't mean this was the end of the line. Bakura's gotten himself out of sticky situations before – surely he could handle the job market?
Bakura glanced over at Marik, who was leaning on the windowsill watching it snow. He smiled softly, feeling completely at ease here. The criminal life was exciting and always full of adventure. Bakura had thought that there was nothing better than the thrill of the chase, the danger always giving you a rush. And yet, Bakura found he wanted to do nothing but stand next to Marik and watch it snow. The complete calm and ease he felt was nothing short of bliss. Bakura was a well-known grump, but he couldn't help feeling happy and relaxed. This feeling of tranquility was new, but Bakura found he desired it more and more.
Bakura looked over at Marik, waiting for the youth to notice his gaze. "What are you thinking, Bakura?" Bakura considered his words, before turning back to the window. "Just thinking about life, I guess. A lot has changed. I find I miss some things of old." Marik crossed his arms, a smile on his face as he looked out the window. "Oh yeah? Like what – an old lover?" Bakura rolled his eyes, resisting the urge to glare at Marik. He kept his face emotionless as he felt Marik watching him.
"You caught me. I'm thinking of the long lost love of my life. Farewell Lord Stabbington – you were always my favorite knife." Marik laughed out loud, an exasperated look on his face. "You and your knives. God, you're such a sociopath. Don't you think you have enough? It seems like overkill." Bakura sniggered, a devious smile growing on his face. "Yes, that's exactly the word I would use for it." The albino leaned against the edge of the window, noticing how the snow was falling more heavily now. Marik shook his head, muttering under his breath as he turned his attention back to the snow.
Bakura chuckled at Marik's annoyance, a warm feeling filling his chest even though he stood next to the cold window. "Hey Bakura, can we go play in the snow?" Bakura didn't turn to face Marik, but flicked his eyes towards Marik. Marik wasn't look at the thief, but instead watching the snowfall with rapt wonder. I can't tell if he's mature or childish sometimes. He brushed his fingers through his bangs, still watching the snow. "Unfortunately, I don't think there's enough snow on the ground. Give it a few more hours to stick." Marik sighed, pouting at the notion of not being able to experience his first winter quite yet.
Bakura chuckled. "Give it tonight. Speaking of which, I think I'm going to head back home now, before it really starts to come down." Marik turned his head, cocking it to the side as confusion flooded his face. "You're not spending the night?" Bakura snorted as he turned away to walk towards the closet. "No. Why would I?" Marik shrugged, shoving his hands in his pockets as he followed Bakura as he went to fetch his coat. "I don't know. How else are we going to go out into the snow tomorrow?"
Bakura paused a moment as he put on his coat, shaking his head. "Just give me a call. You have my number." He zipped his jacket before turning to stare at the sulking youth. Marik crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. "Well so much for a sleepover. You're such a buzzkill." Bakura rolled his eyes, putting on his scarf last as he bundled up for the snowy weather outside. Once he was satisfied, he walked pass Marik, taking a moment to poke him in his forehead. "You'll survive. Get some rest. We're still going to research after our snow day, got it?"
Marik smacked the finger away, looking less depressed and more annoyed. "Yeah, yeah. God, you're such a pain in my ass, you know that?" Bakura sniggered, a wicked smile on his face. "So relieved to know I haven't lost my touch then." He waved farewell to Marik as he stepped out of the apartment. He shoved his hands in his pockets as he started the slow descent down, preparing for the cold wind that waited to greet him.
When Bakura arrived at home that night, the apartment was silent. He had grown use to the uneasy quiet that dominated their home. He took off his coat and scarf, hanging them up in the closet. He kicked off his shoes and peaked around the corner. He saw Ryou sitting in the living room, working on a figurine for Monster World. Bakura sighed as he entered the room. Ryou's eyes flicked up for a moment to look at his twin before returning back to his craft.
Bakura dropped his backpack to the ground as he sat on the chair across from the couch where Ryou was sitting. The two brothers ignoring each other had become the norm. Bakura gave up trying to talk to Ryou a few weeks back after their fight when it was clear that Ryou wanted his space. It was pointless trying to start a conversation. Their apartment was silent most days even when both of them were home.
Bakura hated it. He crossed his arms, leaning back in the chair as he glared at his brother. He understood his brother was trying to make a point, but he didn't realize how much it would piss him off. He didn't realize it would hurt to be cut off from his twin, to be so close and yet so distant. After a few moments of glaring, he sighed, unable to really stay angry with Ryou. He just wished he would talk to him, damn it. God, family can be such a pain in the ass.
Bakura glanced over towards the windows, night finally fallen and the street lamps lighting up the roads below. In the darkness, the snow could still be seen in the city lights. Bakura snorted, staring outside for a moment before a soft smile grew on his face. "It's snowing." He didn't speak loudly, but it was obvious that he was speaking to Ryou. His twin raised his head to look at Bakura, his eyes narrowed as if in thought. Ryou turned his head to look out the window, a look of surprise growing on his face.
"Yeah, I guess it is." Bakura resisted the urge to look at his brother and instead focused on the snow falling outside. He hadn't expected Ryou to actually talk back to him. Part of him was excited to have his twin speak to him, but another part was cautious, afraid that any visible sign of relief he showed would quickly result in him being shut out. The two brothers sat in silence, staring out the window as they sat across from each other. Bakura felt relaxed, a feeling of contentment similar to one he felt earlier when he watched the snow fall with Marik filling him.
Bakura chuckled softly. "Remember that massive snowstorm back when we were ten? The one they ended up cancelling school for?" Bakura flicked his eyes to see Ryou smiling and nodding. "Yeah. You decided we should have a massive snowball fight with all the neighborhood kids. But you forgot how many kids didn't like you." Bakura snorted at the memory, allowing an annoyed look to cross his face. "It's not my fault. They were dumb idiots." Ryou rolled his eyes, the small smile on his face revealing his amusement. "Yeah, they were dumb idiots who kicked our asses that day. We looked like snowmen by the time we were done."
Bakura shrugged, closing his eyes. "At least they never figured out why my snowballs hurt more than everyone else. Idiots should have figured out to put rocks in them." Ryou laughed out loud, the noise cutting through the silence. "And that's why the neighborhood kids never liked us." Bakura held back a laugh, settling for a smirk as he turned his head to look directly at Ryou. His eyes were trained on the window, soft and relaxed. His smile revealed the sadness and fear that he had been experiencing for the past few weeks. Bakura felt his smirk fall away, his expression blank as he watched his twin. He could tell by his brother's posture that Ryou knew he was watching him.
Bakura wanted to say something, to tell Ryou that he understood his fear and concern. He wanted to explain that that all he ever did was for their benefit, and that always would be his top priority. He wanted to reassure him that he knew the pain he was causing both of them and he would do something to fix that. He wanted to apologize for causing Ryou so much worry and pain over the years and for not taking his thoughts and concerns seriously. He wanted to tell him how things would soon be different, how things would change.
And yet, Bakura couldn't find the words to say.
Bakura sat in silence, annoyed at himself for being unable to speak. Ryou sighed, the sad smile still on his face, as he murmured a soft good night before leaving the room. Bakura didn't acknowledge him but instead sat frozen in his seat, listening to his footsteps as Ryou retired for the night. When he heard the door closed, Bakura rolled his head back to stare at the ceiling. A cynical smile grew as he processed his own annoyance and frustration in life. I love what I do, but if I keep doing this, I'm going to hurt those I care about. Because care about them, I can't get out yet – I have nothing else I can do. I'm still a target. That doesn't change.
Bakura sighed. What was he thinking? He knew the answer was obvious. He couldn't keep living his life like this – something had to change. He groaned as he dragged a hand down his face, snorting for a moment. Well what do I have to lose at this point? He took his hand from his face to roll it through his bangs, pushing the hair out of his face. He dropped his hand to his side as he sat up straight, glancing down into his lap, contemplating whether or not to commit.
… Fuck it. Bakura grabbed his backpack and plopped it onto his lap. He unzipped the bag and pulled out his laptop. Tossing the bag aside, he opened up his laptop and pulled up the internet. He tapped the keys lightly, thinking for a moment before typing. Goddamn brats in my life are making me go soft. Oh well. I suppose it could be worse. The white loading screen from the Firefox tab reminded him of the snow falling outside. Bakura closed his eyes as he thought of the soft, sad smile of Ryou as he reflected on happier times and the delighted look of Marik as he experienced winter for the first time.
Bakura cracked his neck as he turned his focus to the tab that had Google pulled up. He wrote in the text box, waiting for the website to pull up. Once opened, Bakura typed in a few key words. Bakura settled back to begin studying the list of job openings on the career search engine.