Author's Note: Remember – the night is long, but it is darkest right before the dawn.
Disclaimer: Blegh.
I hope you enjoy! I update weekly!
Bon appetite!
Before Bakura knew it, he found himself waking the following morning. He hadn't realized he fell asleep as he blinked groggily. He slowly sat up, staring at the clock. 8:24 am… Well damn. Bakura did the math, realizing he had slept for over 14 hours. He sat at the edge of the bed, debating whether to go back to sleep and avoid confronting reality or face the day.
Eventually, Bakura decided he wasn't really tired and got out of the bed. He walked out into the living room, surprised to see Ryou folding up blankets. He looked around, realizing that the couch was used as a bed. "Ishizu slept out here?" Bakura asked, somewhat confused by this. Ryou shook his head, his hair a tangled mess. "No, I did. I let Ishizu use my room to sleep over. I'm getting ready to do a load of laundry so if you want to throw any in, do it now."
Bakura nodded numbly, his mind distracted by other thoughts. That's odd – Ishizu actually slept over? Why on earth would she do that? She just met Ryou. That's… really weird. "Is she still here?" Ryou shook his head, sitting down on the couch as he pulled the laundry basket towards himself. "No, she left maybe a half hour ago. I guess she needs to speak the lawyer about what comes next." Bakura nodded, sinking down in the armchair, his usual gloom returning at the mention of lawyer. He didn't need to ask what that was about.
"… Is there a reason why she slept over?" Bakura didn't want to be rude, but his curiosity got the better of him. Ryou bit his lip, sighing as he avoided his brother's gaze. "I… invited her to stay. She was worried about trying to sleep last night." Bakura furrowed his brow, cocking his head to the side in confusion. He didn't say anything, letting the silence speak his question for him. Ryou seemed to debate telling Bakura more, as Bakura suspected Ishizu told him in confidence. However, after a few moments, Ryou complied.
"… Ishizu gets night terrors. She's had them for years, ever since she was a teenager. For awhile, it got to the point where she couldn't even sleep at night. When her brothers moved to Japan, Odion told her that if she had a nightmare, she could call him and he would come over. That helped and eventually she grew into the habit of turning to Odion to help her get through the night. But now with Odion gone…" Ryou let his sentence trail off, letting Bakura fill in the blanks.
… Without Odion, she doesn't have anyone to talk when she wakes. Bakura remembered that Marik sometimes had trouble sleeping but admitted that it had gotten better over time. Bakura would wake up randomly throughout the time with Marik texting him. It didn't take much to calm Marik down, a quick text or call to let him know he would be okay. It sounded like Ishizu had a more severe case, though she would never admit it.
Bakura suddenly noted what Ryou said – that she has had night terrors since she was a teenager. Then that likely means it's something relating to her childhood. If what Odion and Marik had indicated was true, Ishizu still bore the scars from the years spent living with their abusive father. Bakura wasn't sure how much he should pry on the issue. He glanced up at Ryou, somewhat confused that Ishizu would confess to him her fears.
"Why you?" Bakura asked, seeing the same confusion play across his twin's face. Ryou shrugged, staring down at his lap. "I'm not sure. We stayed up pretty late talking. Surprisingly, we had quite a bit in common. Particularly the bit about our siblings making reckless life decisions and wanting what was best for them." Bakura glanced away, feeling an odd blush come up. He shouldn't feel guilty, but the way Ryou said it made him feel like a child being scolded by his parent.
Ryou leaned back into the couch, still staring at his lap. "She's been through a lot. She and her brothers. I imagine you probably know since you know… you're dating Marik." Bakura nodded his head numbly, staring at the floor. He heard Ryou sigh, his voice taking a rather solemn tone. "They're strong people. For them to come out as well as they did, with the scars their father left… I don't know if I could do the same."
Bakura didn't say anything, thinking about Marik's scars and how even to this day, Marik struggled to be intimate. For him to smile and laugh as he did… But will he be able to now? Bakura shook away the thought, not ready for the gloom that would soon beset him. A long silence stretched between the two brothers before Ryou gave a dry, humorless laugh. "Forgive my language, but their father was a serious asshole."
Bakura snorted, nodding his head in agreement. There was no questioning that. He understood why Odion tried to become Marik's legal guardian while their father had been alive. Bakura would have done the same for Ryou if their situation had been different. Ryou shook his head, almost still fighting his disbelief and frustration over the situation. "How can… how can a parent physically and sexually abuse his kids and nothing be done about it? I don't understand. I just… I'm sorry, I just can't even comprehend…"
Bakura blinked, not saying anything as he thought over what Ryou just said. He could hear his brother's frustration and sadness, but he was caught up on Ryou's words. Marik and Odion never mentioned anything about sexual abuse, though they both have admitted that there had been physical abuse in their lives. Bakura knew they were telling the truth. So that means… Ishizu was…
Bakura closed his eyes, a sudden wave of guilt flooding him. When he thought about it, it made sense. He was aware that Ishizu ran away from home before she was a legal adult. She got caught up in a gang. Bakura bashed her and shamed her for her poor life decisions, blaming her for her estranged relationship with her brothers. He knew she had to have been exposed to some terrible shit with their father. But it was almost unthinkable. He understood why she would rather take her chances in a terrorist organization than stay another minute with her father…
Bakura glanced up, a weary expression on his face. He saw Ryou, his frustration evident. "I know what you mean. Their old man was a fucking asshole. He fucked up their lives pretty bad. It's not fair." Bakura spoke softly, Ryou nodding his agreement as they both lamented that horrible lot that was the Ishtar family. It seemed extraordinarily cruel for the three siblings to suffer as they did, but there was little Ryou and Bakura could do to fix that. It was what it was, and the whole situation was tragic.
Bakura felt a buzz as his phone broke him away from his dour thoughts. He reached down into his pockets, pulling out his cell phone. Bakura was vaguely aware that he was still in his clothes from yesterday, his jeans cutting into his skin rather uncomfortably. He opened up his phone to find a text message from an unknown number. He raised an eyebrow as he opened the text to read the brief instructions.
"Kaibaland. Friday, 2 pm. Duel exchange center. Dress formally. –JW"
It took Bakura a moment of study to decipher the initials. He sighed loudly as he leaned back into the chair, glancing up at Ryou. His younger brother watched him with a raised eyebrow, looking rather identical to his brother from moments earlier. The sooner this damn mission is over, the better. Bakura stood up, stretching momentarily as he walked back to his room. "Let me grab you my laundry. Then, I'm going to have to start building my report."
Ryou followed with a basket, watching as Bakura started to collect clothes. The thief just growled as he dug up his shirt from yesterday, glancing down at it. He tossed it towards the trash bin, knowing that it was probably too late to try getting all that blood out. "Report?" Bakura heard his brother enquire from behind. He smirked as he rolled his eyes, allowing his frustration to show. He was starting to feel like his old self without even realizing it.
"Yeah, Yami's going to want to complete follow-up on this shitstorm of a case. That means I have to do my goddamn homework before meeting him on Friday."
Bakura nervously tugged at the tie he wore as he walked through Kaibaland. Families and teens ran around the place in jeans and jackets. Bakura felt like he stood out like a sore thumb in the suit he currently wore. And I wonder where Mai gets her theatrics from. Several people stared at him as he walked through the park in formal wear. Leave it to Yami to ask to hold a professional meeting in the most kid-friendly place in Domino City.
Despite his suit, Bakura slung a duffle bag over his shoulder, the gray and blue gym bag contrasting sharply to the rest of his attire. In the duffel bag were seven ancient Egyptian artifacts that were worth more than Bakura was alive. And that was saying something since Bakura had a couple of bounties out for him from the Orichalcos. This was it. He was finally finishing the mission and handing off the Items. He would finally be done with the hardest mission he's ever been on.
Bakura spotted the Duel Exchange center, which was just a fancy name for strangers to go and duel each other. Bakura wasn't sure the game focus was, but since he was in Kaibaland, he figured he had to be some sort of game made by the company. This guy has millions of dollars and spends it on games and dragon-themed amusement parks? To each his own, I suppose. He wasn't sure where to look for Yami, but he said this building so that was as good of a place to start.
Bakura slid past a group of teens trading cards as he slipped into the building. His eyes took a moment to adjust to the interior, resisting the urge to roll his eyes as the dragon architecture. He glanced around to see what sorts of games were being played. It took him a moment before Bakura suddenly recognized the game. They're playing Duel Monster? Sure enough, many of the youngsters hanging around here were playing the same retro card game Bakura had given Marik for his birthday. He supposed Kaiba was trying to bring back the game and what better place to do it than at his own amusement park?
Bakura meandered through the building, looking around. Most of the teens and kids were playing duel monsters, but he spotted some individuals playing different games outside of the card game craze. Why Yami wanted to meet in such a busy and public place was beyond Bakura. He felt himself growing increasingly frustrated by the crowd and his lack of success in finding his client. I swear he does this just to annoy me.
Bakura finally spotted the black and magenta pointy hair that stuck out of the crowd, despite his client's height. Bakura shoved his way past a group of tourists as he made his way off towards Yami. He finally got through the throng of people as he saw Yami sitting at a table with Jounouchi, the two deeply engrossed in a chess game going on. Bakura studied his client, Yami's face a careful mask as he watched Jounouchi make his move.
Bakura stood off to the side, arms crossed as he glared at the two men. Yami flicked his amethyst eyes in Bakura's direction before returning his attention to the game. That wasn't what pissed Bakura off. What really got his goat was the fact that Yami and Jounouchi were wearing casual clothes, more befitting to the environment they were in. Jounouchi had specifically requested that Bakura dress formally to meet with his client, but Bakura assumed meant a professional meeting. He now realized they were just fucking with him.
God, they are such assholes.
"Yami." Bakura growled out the shorter man's name. Yami ignored Bakura as he moved his knight. "Check." Jounouchi swore as he leaned back, glaring at the chessboard in frustration. "Damn it." Jounouchi reached tentatively for his bishop, his hand resting on it as he thought. "I wouldn't do that." Yami asked, his expression unchanging as he stared at the board. Jounouchi hesitated, moving his hand to the rook next to his piece.
"No." Yami leaned back, his eyes not leaving the chess board, though Bakura could have sworn Yami's eyes flicked his direction momentarily. Seeing Yami like this reminded Bakura why he hated the prick so much. He was so arrogant and collected, like a chess master manipulating everyone. Nothing ever seemed to faze him and even when the odds were stacked against him, he always had a plan to get himself out of trouble. He enjoyed putting people on the spot and see how they fare given the circumstances.
Arrogant son of a bitch.
Jounouchi finally moved his queen, looking up nervously at Yami who gave him a small smile. He exhaled shakily as he took his finger off the queen before leaning back, his turn finally ending. Yami glanced at the board for a moment before moving his bishop to take Jounouchi's queen. "And that should be checkmate." Jounouchi leaned back, swearing under breath. "Goddamn it Yami, couldn't you have gone easy on me for once?"
Yami just shrugged, cleaning up the pieces to set up the next game. "If I did, then you wouldn't get better. What's the fun in winning if you knew I didn't give it my all?" Jounouchi pouted for a moment before shrugging, his loss quickly brushed off. "Whatever. At least it was a fun match." Bakura wryly wondered if this was why Yami enjoyed Jounouchi's company – because the blond idiot would keep challenging him despite how many times he lost.
Yami continued to talk to Jounouchi so Bakura finally decided to break this ice, coughing loudly. "If you're done ignoring me Yami, I think we have some business to discuss." Yami leaned back, his arms crossed as he glanced up at the miffed albino. He gave a cocky grin to Bakura. "Hello, Bakura, it's been awhile. How have you been? I trust you and your brother have been getting along well?" Bakura growled, glowering at the snarky son of a bitch. He didn't waste any time reminding him what was at stake.
"Fuck you." Bakura muttered, not caring about being polite. Yami just snorted as he looked back at the chessboard. "Care to play a game, Bakura? I'm always eager to have new opponents." Bakura glared down at Yami, who faced the board but kept his crimson eyes locked on the albino. He knew he should decline. Playing a game with Yami goes nowhere. You're just competing to see how quickly you would lose. Yami only asked because he wanted to humiliate the thief.
But Bakura never backed down from a challenge. Damn my competitiveness.
"Move." He growled to Jounouchi, who stood up and stretched, standing back to watch the game. Bakura dumped his duffle bag next to him, pausing a moment before reaching into the bag. He pulled out a folder, thick with papers. "Here." Bakura muttered as he held it out for Yami. His client just raised an eyebrow before taking the report, flipping it open as he casually started reading. "White makes the first move, Bakura."
Bakura snorted, glancing down at the board before moving one of his pawns forward. Bakura looked up to glare at Yami, waiting for his turn. Yami didn't even look at the board as he moved a pawn to mirror Bakura's action. That alone pissed off Bakura. It was like Yami wasn't even concerned. Bakura studied the board, now set on beating his client's pompous ass. Several long minutes of silent gaming continued as Bakura devoted himself to beating Yami while his client studied the file.
Bakura was looking for a way to get his knight from danger when a question finally broke the silence. "You've had quite the hectic run trying to get these Items. From what you've written, it appears this Marik Ishtar is responsible for obtaining half the Items. Makes me wonder if I should dock your pay for having someone else do the work for you." Bakura flicked his eyes to glare at Yami. He knew he (probably) wasn't serious on the threat, but he didn't need to be. He just wanted to bait Bakura. Unfortunately for Yami, Bakura would not so easily be tricked.
"So how long have you been dating Marik? Or are you still dating? It's hard to say what your relationship status is now that he's getting ready for trial."
Bakura's hand slipped as he knocked over his queen, snapping his head up to glare at Yami. How the fuck did he know about that? Bakura, for all information and purposes, never revealed that he had been dating his coworker. He just referred to Marik as his partner-in-crime but made it clear it was strictly professional. Where the hell did he get that information? Yami finally flicked his eyes up to meet Bakura, a small smile on his face. "I'm sorry, Bakura. Did I hit a nerve?"
Bakura growled, moving his queen to take Yami's rook with more force than necessary. "It's your fucking turn, asshole." Yami nodded, smile gone as his stone mask returned. He studied the board for a couple of seconds before moving his knight in range to attack Bakura's queen. Bakura narrowed his eyes, but said nothing. The fact that Yami had turned his attention to the game for as long as he did indicated that he was doing better than Yami anticipated.
"… Where'd you hear that little rumor?" Bakura asked, as he leaned back, staring at the chess board. He flicked his eyes at Jounouchi, who sat back watching the game with mild interest. Bakura knew Jounouchi was there for Yami's protection – he had learned firsthand that the blonde could hold his own in a fight. Not that Bakura had any intention of pissing off the man who held his paycheck. Yami smirked lightly as he flipped a page, still reading the report. "Mai told me. It was a hunch, but her instincts are rarely off. And based on your reaction, I dare say she was right on the money."
Bakura didn't say anything, studying the Yami as he read through his file. Somehow, this didn't shock him. Mai had suspected that Bakura was seeing someone and the sudden appearance of a work partner at the same time was too much to be a coincidence. "Oh yeah? What other hunches did she have?" Bakura asked, moving his rook forward to defend his corner of the field better, eyes never leaving Yami's face. He figured he would rather have all the cards on the table if possible.
Yami flicked his eyes up to study the albino, thinking for a moment. He then returned his gaze to the file. "Mai also mentioned that Marik Ishtar was likely the son of Aknadin Ishtar, a man who I previously had business dealings with. Specifically, the reparations of my family homelands." Bakura blinked, a question on his tongue but unsure what that question was. He initially thought Yami misspoke when he said "his family homelands", but something else caught Bakura's attention. It took a few moments before Bakura finally realized, leaning his head back to stare at the ceiling. Of course… why didn't I see it?
"You're a descendant of the Pharaoh." It wasn't even a question. As soon as Bakura said the words out loud, a lot of pieces suddenly fit into place. Why Yami wanted the Ishtar family land so bad. Why the government was willing to back Yami's claim. Why Yami had such an intense interest in the Millennium Items. They were all his birthright. Yami just nodded, taking Bakura's knight before leaning back in his seat. "Yep. My grandfather was the one who was able to finally trace back our lineage through an ancient Tome. Since then, my father and then myself have dedicated our lives to gathering the pieces of our family history."
Bakura snorted, glaring at the chessboard as he studied his options. Bakura had always figured that Yami just had a personal interest in Egyptian history and cultural, hence why he put out the job to gather the Millennium Items. He never even thought to question why Yami had an interest in the Ishtar burial grounds. He just assumed he was after the Pharaoh's treasure kept there. He hadn't realized that Yami had a personal vested interest in the matter, one relating to family.
"So that's the whole reason why you did all this? To get your family riches? Seems like a lot of effort and resources for all that you've done." Bakura stated testily, his maroon eyes gleaming crimson. Bakura understood what it meant to be greedy – he was a thief after all. But did the monetary value outweigh the lives lost in the struggle for these damn Items? Yami met Bakura's eyes, a cool and distant look on his face showing that he was unperturbed by the thief's jab.
"This was never about the money. My family is the richest family in Egypt – why would I need seven pieces of gold to be rich? Especially considering how much I'm paying you for having collected them for me." Bakura swore under his breath as Yami took his queen, realizing that he was being cornered. "Oh yeah? Then what was this all about? What was so important that people died for your goddamn quest for your family inheritance?" Yami pinched his lips, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Bakura noticed Jounouchi moving slightly, the first time he had since he sat down to watch their game. Bakura flicked his eyes over and saw the two men exchange a look, one that Bakura didn't quite get. Bakura wasn't sure what the two were hiding, but it only raised his suspicion. Yami studied Bakura, almost as if debating whether to tell the truth of not. Not that Bakura would be able to tell if Yami was lying – the man had a poker face that was unmatched.
Finally Yami sighed, looking away to stare out at the crowd. "It's complicated, but I want to more accurately relay what happened during the time of my ancestors. For that, I needed all of these pieces so that I can figure what exactly happened there." Bakura blinked, eyes narrowed as Yami dodged the question with his cryptic speak. "Where's there?" Yami blinked, almost as if surprised he had said that last word, but then the moment was gone. Bakura watched as Yami returned his gaze to the board, a distant look in his eyes.
"… Kul Elna." Bakura furrowed his brow, not recognizing the name of the town. He had never heard of that place. Before Bakura could ask, he was broken from his thoughts as Yami moved his king, Bakura blinking in surprise. "Your move." Yami stated as he returned his attention to the file. Bakura growled, annoyed at being dismissed, but nonetheless studied the chessboard to see if he could still salvage this game. Bakura's frustration was still not spent, however.
"So taking the Ishtar family land, driving a father to commit suicide in front of his two kids, and the countless others who have died trying to get these damn Millennium Items somehow justifies your actions?" Bakura snarled, his hands shaking. What a pompous fucktard. Bakura knew he shouldn't bite the hand that was feeding him, but he couldn't say nothing. Yami met Bakura's gaze, before closing the file. Bakura wasn't sure, but the intense look Yami gave him made him nervous.
"First, the Ishtar family land was not their land – it was my family's land. Their role to our family was to be stewards and guardians of the land until the Pharaoh's heir returned. That would be me. So when Aknadin refused to recognize my heritage – which was confirmed by multiple historians – I took legal action to get back what was mine. I hardly consider that out of line.
"Second – Aknadin didn't commit suicide. I trusted you could have figured out that one, what with your relationship with Marik. Aknadin, while his situation was tragic, was something he brought upon himself. The man was a danger to himself and others. Can you honestly tell me that if he hadn't died that the Ishtar siblings would have been happier?
"Thirdly – I knew there were risks involved in try to achieve my goals. I was aware that I would have to get my hands dirty. I knew that people would die on this mission and their blood would be on my hands. And I accepted that – if I have to drag my name through the blood so that I can give others the justice they deserve, then my name can suffer. It's been through much worse. I was aware of the terrible things I would have to do to achieve my goals. Were you not aware of what you might have to do to get your paycheck?"
Bakura bristled at the lecture that Yami ratted off, almost as if prepared for this moment. His expression and composure were completely detached, as if he were reading a menu than confronting Bakura. Bakura gripped the side of the table, his hands shaking. He wanted to snap back and yell at Yami for being an insensitive asshole. But Yami had been right in his analysis and calling him an insensitive prick would do nothing but affirm his point. Yami knew what he had been getting into and accepted the consequences of his actions.
… Did I know what I was getting myself into? Bakura had taken the mission initially because of the challenge and the reward money. He knew it would be a difficult mission. But he hadn't expected for the shitstorm that followed. From teaming up with Marik to fiasco with the Ring to Pegasus's injury to a mental disorder to his falling out with Ryou to falling in love – none of this was supposed to happen. And now here he was, getting his paycheck. He should have known that he was probably getting himself into a hellstorm of a mission. But he didn't care then – all he cared about his reputation and money.
Fat lot of good that does me now. Bakura finally noticed something on the board he had missed, moving his pawn one space closer to the other end of the field. Yami said nothing but spent a few moments studying the board. He passed the file over to Jounouchi, who grabbed it and started to glance through it himself. Bakura wondered if Jounouchi was even allowed to do that, but Yami seemed to have a soft spot for the blond idiot. "Well, your mission certainly sounded exciting. Colored me impressed, Bakura. Now, the Items?"
Bakura shook his head, breaking himself away from his train of thought as he reached for the duffel bag, dragging it towards Yami. Jounouchi glanced down, snapping the folder shut as he zipped open the bag for him and Yami to look. Bakura crossed arms, studying his nails as he waited for the two to finish. When the two were done, Yami sat up, nodding to his companion. Jounouchi reached into his pocket and pulled out what looked like a receipt. Bakura raised an eyebrow as he took the piece of paper.
"I took the liberty of transferring the negotiated amount into your bank account this morning. But I figured you'd want a receipt to confirm. Will this be to your liking?" Bakura blinked, rolling his eyes in frustration. Of course Yami knows my bank account information. How this man avoided being arrested all these years was beyond him. Bakura shoved the receipt into his pocket, moving his pawn to the end of the board as he switched out his piece for a queen.
"You could at least reimburse me for having to pay 9000 yen just to get into this damn amusement park." Bakura muttered, still feeling rather salty towards Yami. To his surprise, his client smirked as he moved his rook. "Didn't realize you were that desperate for money." Bakura snapped his head up at that mark, telling Yami to piss off as he slammed down his bishop harder than necessary into position. Yami just smirked, moving his knight into position.
"Checkmate." He stated softly, Bakura staring in confusion at the board that had suddenly turned against him. He swore again, getting a chuckle out of Jounouchi. "Don't feel too bad. I've never seen Yami lose a game in his life." Jounouchi stated as he stood up to stretch, a grin plastered on his face. Yami nodded as he started putting the game pieces away. "I'm just an avid gamer. In all fairness, you were one of my tougher opponents I've had, Bakura. So I thank you for that. If you keep at it, maybe you'll beat me someday."
Bakura snorted, rolling his eyes as he crossed his arms, letting Yami finish putting his game away. Like hell he would ever beat Yami. He wasn't nearly into games as Marik or Ryou was, and they were probably better at chess than Bakura was. Yami snapped his chess set closed, his crimson violet eyes meeting maroon ones. "I'm serious. You just need to keep at it. Just because you lost one game doesn't mean you've lost the tournament. If you play cards right, you can still come out on top."
Bakura blinked, cocking his head to the side at that analogy. If he didn't know any better, he could have sworn that Yami was trying to tell him something. Bakura shook off that thought. He and Yami were business associates. Yami gave him a commission; Bakura completed it and was just picking up his paycheck. That was all there ever would be between the two and Bakura preferred it that way. "Right. Well, if that's all, I'm out of here."
Yami nodded, standing up as he straightened his jacket. "Fair enough. I suppose I should meet with Kaiba." Bakura paused a moment as he fixed his suit, still pissed at Yami about that. "You have business with Kaiba?" Yami said nothing, but Jounouchi started laughing. Bakura stared at the blond before flicking his eyes over to Yami for an explanation. Yami just sighed, a small amused smile on his face. "No. Kaiba and I meet up to play games every once in a while. I guess he's upset that he hasn't beaten me yet. Especially since he's a world famous game designer."
Bakura snorted, realizing what Yami was getting at. Apparently the egos of these two men were through the roof. He suddenly understood Jounouchi's amusement. What I wouldn't give to see Kaiba humbled in a game. Hell, what I wouldn't give to see the same for Yami. Bakura paused a moment, thinking of his brother before turning back. "If you're looking for a challenge, maybe check out some of the smaller shops in Domino. You'd be surprised by how good some of the gamers are down there."
Yami smirked, a more relaxed look growing on his face. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind." The three men walked out of the duel center, Yami checking his phone as he did. Bakura shoved his hands into his pocket as he glanced around at the teens and kids running about them. They stood out as the only adults in the area. He noticed how relaxed the two seem, though he suspected they were just as on guard as Bakura was. They stepped out of the building, Jounouchi shifting the bag to a more comfortable position. "Ready to roll, Yami?"
The shorter man nodded as he held out his hand to shake Bakura's. "Yes, let's. Good talking Bakura. Give your little brother my regards." Bakura just clicked his tongue in annoyance, ignoring the proffered hand. "You get off on this shit, don't you? You love having all the cards in your hand." Yami just smiled, still holding his hand out. "What can I say? I like staying one step ahead of my opponents." Bakura smirked, though quickly disguised the expression into a scowl. Now that the mission was over, he wouldn't have to deal with Yami and they could continue blissfully hating each other.
Still, Bakura wasn't the King of Thieves for nothing. He gave an uncharacteristically large smile, taking Yami's hand as they shook. "I understand that feeling. I guess I'll see you around… Atem." Bakura smirked as he felt the shorter man stiffen and Jounouchi gape at him. He almost reveled in the shock expression that grew on Yami's, or rather Atem's face. He quickly disguised his surprise, though Jounouchi was slower to compose himself. "How did you…" Jounouchi started to ask before his question trailed off.
Bakura let go of Atem's hand, shrugging as he stepped back. "What can I say? I like to stay one step ahead of my opponents." He snickered at the angry look that grew on Atem's face. It was completely worth revealing that he knew the man's real name, one that Atem had hidden for many years. He turned away, walking away from the two as he raised a hand. "Later fuckers." Bakura called out, glad to finally leave these two.
It's finally over.
Bakura sighed as he walked away, his mind rushing. It was really over. Months of research, extractions, conflicts, and smoothies finally hit the albino as the weight of it all sunk in. He had completed the mission of a lifetime. His last great feat as the Thief King. The slip of paper that laid crumpled in his pocket was the only evidence he carried with him. He finally handed off the Sennen Items and got this fucking commission over. He was done.
Bakura paused as he stepped outside of the park entrance, craning his head back to stare at the blue sky. A warm breeze picked up, the promise of spring tempting Bakura. He was glad that February would soon be over and that March would be right around the corner. Yet despite this promise of new birth, Bakura felt rather… empty. He was glad the mission was over and that he got his reward, but the money and the reputation hardly seemed to appeal to him now.
… Marik. Bakura shook his head, quickly clearing his thoughts. He refused to let himself think of his closest companion. Every time he did, it would hurt more. There was nothing Bakura could do. He ruined everything. Marik would go to court in the next couple of weeks. If he was lucky, Marik would only spend months in jail with good behavior. But even then, Bakura knew he didn't have a shot. He ruined it when he killed Odion. There's no way Ishizu would hide what Bakura did from Marik – she had been right and Marik deserved to know all that he had done.
Bakura sighed as he took a few steps, frustrated by his own quandary. He couldn't enjoy his success, but thinking about Marik was too painful. Honestly, Bakura had no idea what he should do. He hadn't known for months what he was going to do after this mission was completed. He had made tentative plans but they were all thrown out the window that night at the museum. Now, he was left wondering what was there for him to do. Bakura sighed, letting his feet wander the streets with no direction in mind.
… Now what?